Pre-listening notes: Ok I got eager and looked at my new album at midnight and boy oh boy I let myself down hard. This album fucking OPENS with welcome to the jungle, one of my least fav songs of all time. However, I will give it the benefit of having Sweet child o mine, which is a really great song. I do not think I will enjoy this album tho. Guns N’ Roses is not for me lol. I have now made the vow to only look at my new album in the morning because I don't want to wake up dreading what I have to listen to lol. Post/during listening thoughts: I skipped Welcome to the jungle bc I just... cannot. That song will knock this album down a point alone. It's So Easy and Nightrain are like... good but yeah very Guns n' roses. I think that's how I'll feel about most of this album. Like is it objectively good? Yeah! Is it for me? No! Also let me say I HATE this album cover. Sorry, it's ugly. Mr Brownstone was pretty good, nice melody line. Ohhhh yup I know Paradise City lmao. It has a really nice start to it. I hate My Michelle. Jesus. Sweet Child O' Mine is a classic BUT only bc I think of Stepbrothers. Listen it may sound like I'm actively trying to dislike this album and that's not true. I'm trying so hard to LIKE it. I just cannot stand Axl Rose's voice. Tf is the moaning in Rocket Queen?! Yeah it's exactly what I expected. Gotta listen to some music I enjoy more to cleanse my palette. 3/10. Top Tracks: Mr Brownstone, Paradise City, Sweet Child O' Mine

Pre-listening thoughts: don’t wanna get my hopes too high but POP! 2018! Eek! Modern music and it’s POP!!! There is not enough pop on this list I am so happy I finally got a queer pop album YIPEE!!! Also let me just say the user reviews are generally negative which to me is a good sign 😭 they hate pop but…! Post/during listening thoughts: oh this is for ME. I am such a pop girly it’s not even funny. Chris is French so there are definitely moments where the accent makes words hard for me to understand but the melodies, production, and vocals are just all so punchy and exciting. It’s reallyyyy nice to have something modern on here. This is also something I don’t think I would’ve listened to on my own like I had no clue who Christine and the Queens was before this moment. Sort of like French Marina and the Diamonds or Tegan and Sara or HAIM… the list goes on, and that is why this is right up my alley. I can feel my soul healing over from the 70s rock excess 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: me personally yes. Like I’ve become a fan. I think more people should open themselves up to pop music as well and this is a great album to do so with Fav tracks: literally all of them. Not one skip on this album. The Walker is my personal favorite though Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: I have never heard of this album/group. I saw it was hip hop and I'm ngl I'm a little excited cause this era of hip hop is so fun and distinct. Post/during listening thoughts: While the actual rapping is not as impressive as contemporary rap and sometimes the flow is awkward to squeeze in a rhyme, I think overall this is a decent body of work. Sometimes the beats are lacking complexity but I honestly don't mind that cause it allows me to focus on the lyrics, arguably the most important part of hip hop/rap. The scatting in Feelin' Alright is making me laugh a little bit. I love the samples in this album - they're used so well without overtaking the song (cough cough Jack Harlow mumbling over Fergie's song). This is such good music to walk to and dance to. I really need to listen to more rap/hip hop especially from the 80s/90s. I know a lot of people don't like that era of hip hop but I have such a soft spot for it. I would however weed this album's song count down by 2-3 songs. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not necessarily but also I think everyone should hear some rap/hip hop songs from this era so this isn't a bad place to start Fav tracks: Feelin' Alright, What "U" Waitin "4"?, "U" Make Me Sweat, Tribe Vibes, Doin' Our Own Dang Least Fav tracks: none really

I LOVE STEELY DAN I CANT BELIEVE THIS WAS MY FIRST ALBUM LOL. Ok so this album is only 7 songs but still manages to clock in at 40 mins? These are pre-listening thoughts so I'm curious to see what song/songs are super long. I think I'm going in completely blind (except maybe Peg). Ok time for during the album thoughts. I have a soft spot for Steely Dan's harmonies and superrrrr smooth guitar playing. Something about their vocals is so classic and soothing. It's literally like listening to the feeling of putting your toes in the sand. -Black Cow: super groovy. Love the female backing vocals. It's also very rhythmically interesting, and the key changes/modulation add so much to the funk feeling they cultivate. OK KEYBOARD SOLO! 9/10. -Aja: the title track. Piano usage in this song is really nice. Realizing with this song and the lyric "dude ranch above the sea" that I really never understand their lyrics lol. This track is super mellow. They LOVE their extensive instrumental breaks - I think that is what lengthens the tracks so much. Modern artists take note - you don't need a bridge if you just write like Steely Dan! This track is like 8 mins oh my god! 7/10 -Deacon Blues: I love Steely Dan, but a lot of their tracks do kinda blend together in my mind. Maybe I just haven't spent enough time with them. I will give this album one thing: it's very cohesive sonically. This track also borders 8 mins. Sax is super smooth. Lyric "sue me if I play too long" is super funny lol. 7/10 -Peg: I think I've heard this one before. Incredibly groovy start. Also a normal song length - I think that's why it's one of the more popular tracks from this album. Realizing now they could be talking about a name shortening for Margaret and not... yeah. The little da da dada riff at about 2:19 behind the verses is ADDICTIVE. Love this track so so much. 10/10 -Home at Last: Piano in the beginning with the dissonant chords is giving MAJOR Billy Joel vibes. Then the brass comes in and you KNOW it's Steely Dan lol. Loving the tempo and tonal shakeup though - effectively breaks up the album. 9/10 -I Got the News: SUPER groovy start oh my god that piano and bassline is heaven. Still Steely Dan but definitely sonically different than the rest of the album (and their work overall). Not for the non-experimental crowd methinks - this is the Warm Blood of the album (but better bc Warm Blood isn't good!). 8/10 -Josie: The album closer! Brass is a super standout in this track. Really high energy closer, you never lose the sparkle of this album to a dull ballad (no shade to ballads, but sometimes they do suck the wind outta your sails). 7/10 Overall, I'd give this album an 8/10. Very classic Steely Dan but also just really great production and instrumentation. Vocals are also delightful to hear but not a highlight on most songs which is ok, I just kinda wanted more from them on that front. Very sonically cohesive, but almost too much so in the front half. The back half really shines once you get to Peg. Great album! Great first album to review. I'm really excited to start this project in general, I really hope I can keep up with it. I've been looking for ways to broaden my music taste. I love listening to older music, but because these bands and artists have had so much time to exist, I often just don't know where to start in terms of diving into their discography. My music taste has also been leaning incredibly pop-ish recently, so I'm hoping that this project can be a way to diversify that.

Pre-listening thoughts: I have only heard of the Pixies through "Where is my Mind". Which like, is an ok song (sorry to every fanboy out there), but it's not really for me. I'm curious to see if this is starkly different from their other work or not. I'm also not gonna put the effort that I did for Steely Dan - while these reviews are solely for me, I know the pressure to rate every track is gonna get tiring. So instead, I'll list a few I enjoyed along with my thoughts about the album, and if there were any standout horrible ones, those will make the cut too. Post listening thoughts: Lol this album clocks in at exactly 38:38 which is kinda neat. This is like... a little to heavy for me lol. Like it's not bad but I definitely won't be revisiting this. I'm just not a huge fan of songs where they don't sing (excluding rap/hip hop). Like there was a lot of just breathing and talking and yelling it was lowkey so awkward at times. Props if this is for you but I cannot relate. 3/10. Top Tracks: Here Comes Your Man, Monkey Gone to Heaven (what a fucking track name lol)

Pre-listening thoughts: I know very little about Van Halen (I know, sue me!). I know Eddie Van Halen is one of the most revered guitar players of all time, and for that alone, I am excited to dive into this record. Of course, I know Jump, but I also know that is an outlier in their sound/discography. I expect this to be pretty heavy rock, which can definitely be a hit or miss for me. We shall see! Post/during listening thoughts: This is the kind of music that just fills your ears in a good way. Very sonically balanced. I have definitely heard Runnin' with the Devil before (thanks dad rock radio stations). God damn ok NOW I understand why everyone kisses the ground that Eddie Van Halen walks on. This shit is crazy bro. Eruption is literally just him lol. THE TRANSITION INTO YOU REALLY GOT ME!! Oh I know this song too! The screaming is not overpowering (like it's not the whole song) so it's like an accent or a seasoning instead of the main course in their songs. LOVE the baba shoobedowa section in I'm the One. Giving very Tarzan animals at the camp. I think I understand Van Halen's general sound after this record. Love the change of sound for Ice Cream Man!! So cute and effectively breaks up the album. I did not dislike any songs on this album - really impressed overall! 8/10 EDDIE VAN HALEN DIED??!!! how did i miss that. my god rip to a legend. Top tracks: Eruption, You Really Got Me, I'm the One, Feel Your Love Tonight, Ice Cream Man

Pre-listening thoughts: BOWIE!!! Looking forward to this album immensely even though some have told me that David Bowie is better to listen to just jumping from song to song rather than diving into his full projects. I literally only know the title track from this album so I'm very excited to know more of Bowie's work. (also sorry for this but the cover looks like that pic of bat boy from that tabloid article SORRY SORRY) Post/during listening thoughts: This is pretty much exactly what I expected from knowing some of Bowie's other work - I really enjoy it. Very rock but also sort of campy pop? Synth driven but it's so cohesive and striking (the front half is). Heroes (the song) never gets old. It's cinematic and larger than life. The soundscapes are... interesting. They're sort of odd on an album like this. It's like somebody threw a wrench in the energy that was accumulating. Like I forgot what album I was listening to. They sound like the music my mom would play as a yoga teacher with random brass accents thrown in. God the end of Neukoln is... bad. Like really bad. Redemption definitely strikes with The Secret Life of Arabia. So so weird to have those two instrumental tracks in the middle of this album bc now the energy is back but the album is over?! Overall 6/10. Would def revisit the front half! Top Tracks: Beauty and the Beast, Heroes (duh sorry but it's so good), The Secret Life of Arabia Least favs: Moss Garden, Neukoln

Pre-listening thoughts: This is the first album/artist combo I've gotten where I have never heard of any of it. Like no concept of what genre this band makes, nothing. I did some research before diving in just so I wouldn't be caught too off guard - it seems like it's indie/alt rock (also British). I'm actually kind of excited! I took this 1001 challenge on to expand my taste, and getting artists I already knew wasn't going to expand it alone. Post/during listening thoughts: You can soooo tell the lead singer is British lmao. Not a bad thing, just kinda funny. Starlings is a really lush and chill opening track, not low energy, still full sound-wise. The Bones of You is a really great track 2, propelling the listener forward into the rest of the album with its unique syncopation and addictive guitar/percussion combo (and the layered vocals!!). Let it be known that I'm also VERY biased towards female singers but this guy has a really lovely voice. Holy shit the production on Mirrorball. UGH. I already want to listen to this album again and I'm on TRACK THREE. Grounds for Divorce is like if Imagine Dragons were cool. Weather to Fly's high vocals are weird because they don't quite line up with the backing track - not sure if this was on purpose, but it's not my fav artistic choice. The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver kinda sounds like something my brother would make (not in a bad way to either party, just the use of the bass (sax?) and the rhythm remind me of his work). The transitions on this album are phenomenal. It's also an incredibly cohesive body of work. ONE DAY LIKE THIS. My god. the strings. This should've been the album closer tbh. There is no better feeling than discovering good new music. 8.5/10. Favorite tracks: The Bones of You, Mirrorball, One Day Like This, Hotel Istanbul (even tho it's a non album track) *super unrelated but I realized if I keep this up, in 20 days I'll get an album on my birthday and I'm so worried it's gonna be shit*

Pre-listening thoughts: Ok so I obviously know Yes from Owner of a Lonely Heart, but really crazy thing is I know their song Roundabout from when it was a meme and people would freezeframe it. But I don't think I ever listened to the whole song because it's legitimately nine minutes long. It's one fifth of the whole album on its own haha! But I know what kind of music Yes makes so I think I'll enjoy this well enough. Post/during listening thoughts: I lied I've heard ALL of Roundabout. I must have had it on like a meme playlist or something but I know the entire song. It's a damn good song tho - that synth in the back and the guitar is entrancing. Cans and Brahms sounds like video game music but like the kind in the back of like a match 3 style game or like one of funkyland's escape rooms (niche reference). Despite its repetitiveness, I really love We Have Heaven. Yes seems to love SUPER long songs or really short ones - South Side of the Sky is like 8 mins. Good song, 8 mins is a wee bit long tho. And America is like over 10 mins.... my GOD but if I'm not mistaken in my hearing it's a cover of Simon and Garfunkel so that's kinda cool. This album kinda all blends together, none of it's necessarily bad, but it's all kind of mid tier. 6/10. Fav tracks: Roundabout, We Have Heaven

Pre-listening notes: Ok I got eager and looked at my new album at midnight and boy oh boy I let myself down hard. This album fucking OPENS with welcome to the jungle, one of my least fav songs of all time. However, I will give it the benefit of having Sweet child o mine, which is a really great song. I do not think I will enjoy this album tho. Guns N’ Roses is not for me lol. I have now made the vow to only look at my new album in the morning because I don't want to wake up dreading what I have to listen to lol. Post/during listening thoughts: I skipped Welcome to the jungle bc I just... cannot. That song will knock this album down a point alone. It's So Easy and Nightrain are like... good but yeah very Guns n' roses. I think that's how I'll feel about most of this album. Like is it objectively good? Yeah! Is it for me? No! Also let me say I HATE this album cover. Sorry, it's ugly. Mr Brownstone was pretty good, nice melody line. Ohhhh yup I know Paradise City lmao. It has a really nice start to it. I hate My Michelle. Jesus. Sweet Child O' Mine is a classic BUT only bc I think of Stepbrothers. Listen it may sound like I'm actively trying to dislike this album and that's not true. I'm trying so hard to LIKE it. I just cannot stand Axl Rose's voice. Tf is the moaning in Rocket Queen?! Yeah it's exactly what I expected. Gotta listen to some music I enjoy more to cleanse my palette. 3/10. Top Tracks: Mr Brownstone, Paradise City, Sweet Child O' Mine

Pre-listening thoughts: I know some U2 songs, I think they started as a Christian rock band? But that sound is certainly prevalent in their music. Kind of a turn off for me. They're certainly not bad tho - album of the day could have been MUCH worse. Post/during listening thoughts: I have definitely heard Beautiful Day but I don't think I've heard any other songs on this album. Beautiful Day is a good opener - a large track that sets a positive tone for the album, and Bono sounds good on this song. Stuck In a Moment You Can't Get Out Of is a really great track - love the message but also the melody is really catchy. Elevation has a really nice guitar line in the back of the chorus, and the shift to electric guitar really makes the song pop. Really love Walk On also. The upside of starting as a Christian rock band is that their songs are really positive and uplifting - puts energy back into the listener instead of sucking it out. Some of the more mellow tracks blend together on this album (Kite, Peace on Earth) - but it's also my first listen so idk maybe it's just that. In A Little While has a really cool beat behind it. Also Bono has a falsetto that's actually really nice to listen to - unlike mf axl rose SORRY I HATE his voice. New York is kinda boring imo. I was typing "for this close to the end of the album it needs a little more umph" and literally as I was typing umph the guitars and drums KICKED in. Sorry New York my apologies. Grace was a little boring but sweet. Overall, better than I was expecting! Nice job U2 - will probably revisit a lot of this. 7/10. Favorite Tracks: Stuck In a Moment, Walk On, Wild Honey

Pre-listening thoughts: Speedrunning this album before class because today is a really busy day!! But I've heard of the Zombies thru my friend who I studied abroad with, and I've heard She's Not There (not on this album). I feel like I'll enjoy this! Post/during listening thoughts: Ok so the Zombies are pretty similar sonically to the Beach Boys. Not shocking since my friend who recommended them is a HUGE Beach Boys stan. Care of Cell 44 sounds soooo much like a Beach Boys track with the layered harmonies and the little 60s beat. A Rose For Emily is a very toned down track with just a piano as the backing, but it's cute! Something about the verses of Maybe After He's Gone reminds me of While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Beechwood Park is definitely 60s man like it SOUNDS like how the album cover looks. Brief Candles has something odd going on with the rhythm, would def be a grower. Hung Up On a Dream has that Beatles shit going on where vocals are only in one earbud. BOOO. I don't love the echo on Changes, but the simple instrumentation is charming. I Want Her She Wants Me is a great song title lollll. That song reminds me a little of God Only Knows rhythm wise and with the bababas. Butcher's Tale sounds like a They Might Be Giants song lol. Love the overlapping vocal lines on Friends of Mine but the drums are a little intense, but the piano is lovely. I do see why Time of the Season is one of their most popular songs bc it's a great album closer with a unique beat creation and it's just really rich sonically. This was a great album! When I'm in the mood for this kind of music I will definitely turn to this again. 7.5/10. Fav Tracks: Care of Cell 44, Maybe After He's Gone, This Will Be Our Year, Time of the Season

Pre-listening thoughts: Hi! I'm back. I didn't even get through ten albums last year but I'm ready to rumble now that I have some routine in my life again. So. Eric Clapton is one of those artists that I am positive I have heard some of his songs/playing on songs but could I tell you what? No. So let's see. Post/during listening thoughts: Vocals are... fine at best. There is definitely a reason Eric Clapton is known primarily as a guitarist. Sometimes the backing vocals lean into Steely Dan territory (i.e. "I Shot the Sheriff"). Some of the more subdued, mellow tracks are actually really nice (i.e. "Please Be With Me", "I Can't Hold Out"). Outro on "Let It Grow" is kinda awesome but the rest of the song isn't a super standout. 12 bar blues spotted in Steady Rollin' Man (I hate knowing what 12 bar blues is cause now I catch it EVERYWHERE). It's a fine album but overall I think you can find better stuff from similar artists of the time (CSNY, Steely Dan, Eagles). 6.5/10. DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: Nah Fav tracks: I Shot the Sheriff, Please Be With Me Least favs: Give Me Strength, Willie and the Hand Jive

Pre-listening thoughts: Uh oh. My first Radiohead album. I was wondering when it would finally show up since there's like 8 of them on this list! The album cover is... unsettling. And do I really need to explain whether I know Radiohead or not? Either I've been living in the darkest hole under the deepest rock or I've heard of them. Take a guess. Post/during listening thoughts: It is exactly what I thought it would sound like. British alt rock. Is it bad? No. It's extremely well produced, and Thom Yorke's voice fits the sound here really well. Title track is kinda fire. I find myself craving vocal harmonies though. A track like "High and Dry" would be so fire with vocal harmonies. Overall it's a lot more mellow than I was expecting - lots more acoustic guitar and subdued vocal performance than I thought would be on here. But that buildup on "Fake Plastic Trees" is so seamless! "Just" is that perfect burst of energy after some of these slower tracks. The distortion in "My Iron Lung" is not my fav choice but whatever. Fade in on "Black Star" is kinda weird, like you never really hear songs fade in. Ok vocals on "Street Spirit (Fade Out)"! Overall I am shocked at how much I enjoyed this album. Will I ever speak about it in public? No. 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR IT BEFORE I DIE: Not necessarily but I'm glad I did Fav tracks: The Bends, Fake Plastic Trees, (Nice Dream), Black Star, Street Spirit (Fade Out) Least favs: My Iron Lung

Pre-listening notes: I have never known this band by name nor heard of this album. I have heard the incessantly played “Hard to Handle” which I recently found out is a cover and the original is by Otis Redding (whose version I prefer!). This is probably just gonna be generic bar rock music. Post/during listening thoughts: I think I was right in my assumptions. A whiny voice paired with harsh instrumental = the perfect music to play in a bar and have to yell over to be heard. It’s not like the worst stuff I’ve ever heard but I wouldn’t waste my time with this. It sounds like I put on 105.9 The Mountain™ at 6 in the morning. Normally I would write about individual tracks a little more but this album feels like pure filler. I can’t express how much I hate this man’s voice. She Talks to Angels might be the only standout on here sorry 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: hell no Fav tracks: She Talks to Angels Least favs: Seeing Things, Thick N Thin, Stare it Cold

Pre-listening thoughts: Bob Marley is such an interesting pick. Like I feel like everyone knows Bob Marley’s music to an extent but have you ever met a Bob Marley super-fan? Maybe I’m just too young to know them but I’m curious about this album cause I never hear anyone talking about Bob Marley deep cuts. Post/during listening thoughts: The instrumentation on this is actually really nice and lush. Lots of different sonic layers which I appreciate. I think Bob Marley’s lyricism is the main reason why this record is on this list though. He really had a gift for conveying a message to the masses in a way that didn’t create fear around social/political/religious issues but rather simply brought awareness and sparked conversation. This is a great snapshot of the social issues in the 70s and Marley’s own turmoil surrounding them. It feels akin to listening to Vietnam protest songs where I feel like I’m catapulted into a time I never lived in. The actual music is obviously very reggae. I’m not the biggest reggae fan but this album was a pleasant listen. Reggae can feel very repetitive, but this album had such varied instrumentation and such captivating backing vocals I never got bored or tired of the sound. Album cover is kind of giving legend of Zelda ocarina of time on the N64 game cover. Exodus (song) is 7.5 mins?!?! Crazy bro. This album also has a bunch of Bob Marley’s most popular songs (Three Little Birds, Jammin, One Love), so I already knew a nice chunk going in. 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes I did Fav tracks: Natural Mystic, Exodus, Waiting in Vain Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: I have literally never heard of this band or album before. The album cover is freakyyy. They have less than 100k listeners on Spotify which is crazy that they made this list. This album has gotten great reviews and people can’t quite seem to pin a genre down so I’m pretty curious to say the least. Post/during listening thoughts: The vocal production (and instrumental production) is quite interesting. Some of the production does kind of date itself. It’s sort of charming almost 50 years later though. Even though the album cover is wackadoo the sound kinda fits it so props ig? I kinda rock with the post punk genre a lot so this is sort of right up my alley. The standard album stops at Parade so that’s all that I will consider for this review but I’m still gonna listen to the bonus tracks (but if they’re awful they won’t tank this rating). I love being able to hear when artists are British lol. Shot by Both Sides is superrrr catchy. This is very punk which I was not expecting! I know I literally just said I like post punk so like I should’ve known but I’m an idiot and get surprised at anything. I wanna mosh to Recoil. I could definitely see how this would be a huge influence to later 80s and beyond artists because in the 70s this genre was really new and fresh. Burst sounds like a Radiohead track. Okayy stacked vocals love that choice! Outro is fireeee. The midway rhythm change (basically became a diff song lol) in The Great Beautician in the Sky threw me. Not opposed to it though cause the second half of the song is better. Bonus tracks are good as well. That was a solid listen 7/10! Would love to revisit cause I think it would grow on me a little more. DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: mixed on this. Super influential but later ppl also did the genre just as well if not better. Like do you need to see the blueprint to appreciate the architecture? I don’t think so. But it’s cool and insightful. Fav tracks: Shot by Both Sides, Recoil, Burst but specifically the outro, Touch and Go (bonus track) Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: I have heard the name Elvis Costello but he feels like one of those things I should know more about but don’t. Like it feels like not having seen The Sixth Sense like I just missed him somehow. Post/during listening thoughts: I would never guess that this was made in the 70s. You could tell me this was 90s/00s and I would believe you. The production is genuinely really great. I will agree with everyone and say there are too many Elvis Costello records on this list but I think at least 1 is worth a listen (not a “you HAVE to hear this before you die” kinda listen but rather a “this could hook you and you might enjoy it casually” kinda listen). It does sound like he’s saying “cause she’s dishes, girl” in This Years Girl 😭. I really like the sound of this though. It’s definitely good but I’m also not sure how memorable it is? Lotsa organ. This is good but nothing is super grabbing me. I think the second half is stronger than the first. I could definitely hear how pop punk stemmed from stuff like this. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: No Action, (I Don’t Want to Go To) Chelsea, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio Radio Least fav tracks: Little Triggers

Pre-listening thoughts: I have never heard of this band or album (lots of albums I'm gonna repeat that sentiment with on this list!). I don't even have an inkling of what this will sound like. Post/during listening thoughts: Am i tweaking where are the vocals. Ok wait nevermind the opening was just an instrumental phew! Thought this was a weirdo soundscape album. It sounds like aimless Coldplay. Choppy vocals on Break Me Gently are not doing it for me. This is like lowkey the most forgettable genre of music for me. I am zoning out so hard rn this is so boring lol. Why is every song so long like bring back the 3 minute song! 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: absolutely not Fav tracks: Melody Calls, Catch the Sun Least fav tracks: Break Me Gently

Pre-listening thoughts: Oliver insists I’ve heard Pulp but I cannot remember any of their stuff. Post/during listening thoughts: Really loving the sound of this so far. It’s more poppy than some of our previous listens which I needed. Very very British once again but this time I’m not opposed to it. It reminds me a little of Bowie? Like if Bowie’s lyrics were a little more incel-ish. There are definitely elements of disco in some of these tracks too. A really nice genre blend with lots of upbeat, fun moments that I think could hook anyone. Common People alone bumps this up a point. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: lowkey yeah Fav tracks: I Spy, Disco 2000, Common People, Monday Morning Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: I once again have never heard of this band or album. I’m so used to that atp. I’m like kind of growing resentful towards the guy who made this list for including SO MUCH British/aussie rock, like cmon man we don’t need to hear ALL of these before we die. We shall see though Post/during listening thoughts: this might be a little too heavy for my personal tastes. I don’t think I like this. Autumn shade is like whiplash from the title track. Is this classified as singing or just rhythmic yelling? I would almost like Outtathaway if this guys voice were tolerable. Some of this isn’t terrible when they actually sing! It’s like if Radiohead and Guns n Roses had a terrible lovechild. That octave singing in Country Yard is AWFUL. In The Jungle is like Welcome to the Jungle’s awful awful nephew. The “fav tracks” section on here is more like tracks I tolerated lol. You know what’s tragic is I love the album art, it looks like a video game! Sorry aussies 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: Autumn Shade, Sunshinin, Homesick, Mary Jane Least fav tracks: Highly Evolved, Outtathaway, Get Free, Country Yard, In the Jungle

Pre-listening thoughts: I cheated and looked at reviews for this before listening and everyone said “what is this generic 80s snorefest doing on this list” so idk. I’m sort of already seeing their point on track 1. Post/during listening thoughts: The deluxe version of this album is CRAZY long. It’s supposed to end at Save What You Can so that’s where my review will end. The lead singer has a nice voice but yeah this is pretty generic 80s stuff. I’m not opposed to it but I’m definitely not hooked. I appreciate the album narrative of the slow descent into insanity but sadly the songs are not sonically interesting or unique enough to elevate that narrative. It’s dragging on. I need an album by a woman 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Hometown Farewell Kiss, Vagabond Holes Least fav tracks: Jerdacuttup Man

Pre-listening thoughts: FINALLY A WOMAN!! And Tracy Chapman at that! This is such an exciting album. Tracy is such a brilliant storyteller and I am so very excited to not only listen to an album by a woman but a queer woman of color. Post/during listening thoughts: I’ve already heard the first two tracks of this album. I love Tracy’s voice. The folk-rock genre blend on this record is flawless and keeps energy flowing while also keeping the sound down to earth and intimate. Some of the production does lean very 80s though. Theres something about the way that Tracy places emphasis on certain syllables and places words within the rhythm that I’m awful at describing but is very pleasant to listen to. Not a bad track on this album. These issues are still super prevalent today, a timeless record but at what cost? 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes and everyone should Fav tracks: Fast Car, Across the Lines, Baby Can I Hold You, She’s Got Her Ticket, If Not Now… Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: I know Lou Reed from Walk on the Wild Side. I don’t like that song (controversial I know). I didn’t know Lou Reed was part of the Velvet Underground but I’ve also never listened to their stuff so I’m really ill informed on this artist. Post/during listening thoughts: Lou Reed does this sort of talk/sing thing that I don’t really enjoy. It makes it sound like spoken word and I’m not really rocking with spoken word like that. The instrumental tracks are great (ie Sad Song) but man I cannot get over this talk singing. Im convinced people who enjoy this just like to be pretentious. Why are there KIDS CRYING whoever made this record HATES ME. I’ve got nothing more to say 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: absolutely! Not Fav tracks: Caroline Says I (I guess), Sad Song if Lou Reed could find the beat Least fav tracks: the rest

Pre-listening thoughts: Ok so I know Charles Mingus from my American music class but all I know is he’s a jazz artist from the later jazz era (that sort of late 50s-early 60s pivot). I looked at the track list and 4 songs at 39 mins is WILD (this is mostly cause of Track D being 17 mins on its own 😭). Jazz is crazy bro. I’ve grown to appreciate jazz music (some of it! Some bebop still isn’t really for me lol) over the past few years so we’ll see if I enjoy this or not. Post/during listening thoughts: So while jazz has grown on me I still have a hard time listening to music without words. It’s like watching a black and white movie to me like it’s just missing something and in this case that is the instrument and poetry of the voice. Is this good? Absolutely. This is mixed really well, with lots of instrument variety and different song segments and improvisation that show off different musicians who played on this record. In terms of jazz this is as good as it gets. However, me personally, I'm not gonna jump to put this on in the car ride to work or to dance to or anything. It’s a little shocking how fast the tracks go by considering how long they are. I don’t ever feel the album dragging. Its a genuinely good album but jazz is still not my genre of choice 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah, but I’m sure some did Fav tracks: Tracks B&C Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: So like everyone else on planet earth, all I know from Supergrass is Alright. Expecting the full album to just be that song over and over since that’s the only song by them that gets airplay. Post/during listening thoughts: wait I love this actually. Love this dissonant, high energy opener. The album cover is a little unsettling to me for some reason but whatever. The song lengths are very short. This is very 90s, very British. Nothing I haven’t heard before on this list, but it’s a genre I seem to really like. Vocal harmonies are kind of awesome, especially on songs like Lose It. Yo they got the minions on We’re Not Supposed To! I think the biggest difference with this album and the other British alt rock albums I’ve heard on this list is the sheer energy here. This album is sooo upbeat and fun but I also think it mellows out really nicely at the end. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: need? Nah. Want? YEAAA Fav tracks: I’d Like to Know, Mansize Rooster, Alright, Strange Ones, She’s So Loose, Time To Go Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: Womp womp oasis is what I wrote when I woke up and saw this album this morning. Oasis is like… fine but it’s exactly the kind of pick I would expect from the loser who made this list. Also Oasis sucks cause they skip their own concerts but they don’t have music good enough to excuse doing something like that. Post/during listening thoughts: exactly what I expected womp womp oasis be better musicians and human beings 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope! Fav tracks: wonderwall I mean uhhhh Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: So I have once again never heard of this artist but this is my first non-English album. It kinda snapped me back to reality that there are in fact albums in other languages and by people from other countries besides the UK and the US. Like so much of this list is so western focused it’s crazy. Made me realize how unbalanced it is. Post/during listening thoughts: so obviously I do not speak Pulaar so I will have no commentary on the lyrics. I do agree with some of the other reviews that some of the production dates itself and is very distracting. The vocals are impressive and overall the melodies are ok. My thing is I have no knowledge of the culture or language so I’m sort of at a roadblock in terms of actually *getting* it. And that makes me wonder like did I need to hear this before I die to gain an appreciation for a different culture’s music? Or is this like a really bad pick (not bad ALBUM bad PICK there’s a difference) from said culture’s music and I’m getting screwed over by the editors of this book to think it’s semi-representative of this subset of African music? Who can say. Why is he mogging on the album cover tho 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: ?! Fav tracks: Hamady Boiro, Ndelorel Least fav tracks: Minuit, Lem Gi

Pre-listening thoughts: writing this with the most raging headache in the world. Reallyyyyy hoping this album is good cause idk if I can handle something crappy tonight 😭 Post/during listening thoughts: 35 mins. Life is beautiful, I needed a short and sweet album tonight. The cover is also making me laugh a little like who took that pic 😭😭? I’m enjoying this a lot so far actually. A lot of the male singers on this list have been kind of… samey and a little whiny but this guy has a really lovely voice and I understand the Beatles comparisons (especially with harmony choices and vocal arrangements). This is bringing a smile to my face on such a rough day! The only complaint with short song length is they end so abruptly and many lack bridges (which I love bridges) so it’s a slight sadness. You ever hear a song and know it’s a certified hit? Yeah that’s me when I heard Without You my GODDDD. I did start falling asleep during Jump Into the Fire sorry it’s long and I’m really tired. I love the variety here and would absolutely revisit this 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I dont think so but I definitely enjoyed this (although everyone should hear Without You at least once) Fav tracks: Gotta Get Up, The Moonbeam Song, Without You Least fav tracks: Jump into the Fire past minute 3

Pre-listening thoughts: I don’t like Elvis! I like Blue Christmas and that’s about it from him. Just rubbed the wrong way by almost every career/personal choice he made so yeah. Not super looking forward to this. Post/during listening thoughts: listen did Elvis objectively help craft rock and roll as we know it? Yes. This is good music. Elvis has a great voice and great stage presence and it’s hard to argue against him as a performer/musician. I however have personal beef with Elvis so 6/10. This genre of early rock is also not my fav in general. The like 40s/50s rock is sort of samey to me in a way I can’t explain very well (12 bar blues but more than that. Would be able to explain if I knew music theory!). But lowkey I did kind of enjoy this. Ack I’m so conflicted on Elvis like he’s so talented but he’s a crook!!! DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no but most would argue otherwise Fav tracks: Wearin’ That Loved on Look, Power of My Love, True Love Travels on a Gravel Road, Suspicious Minds Least fav tracks: Don’t Cry Daddy

Pre-listening thoughts: oh Christ a rock opera. I’m a little terrified of this I’m not going to lie. Hoping the story will captivate me. I’ve also never heard of this band before. I feel like I’m saying that a lot! Post/during listening thoughts: the album cover scared me! Ahhh! Why does the audio do that in Bracelets of Fingers it makes me mad. Some of the production is incredibly 60s (and just plain bad). Balloon Burning sounds like something from that Magazine record, Real Life. Sort of a Shot By Both Sides kind of track. There’s actually a lot sonically that reminds me of that album in a weird way (Deflecting Grey reminds me of Beautician in the Sky) but I dont like this one as much. To me this album is missing the weird character that Magazine album has. Plus some of the panning/audio choices are worse here imo. It would absolutely take me multiple listens to grasp any sort of story going on here. I’m the type of listener where it has to sonically grab me before lyrics are even a factor (unless the lyrics are very obviously terrible). Why does the audio keep tweaking?! I don’t like Well of Destiny or songs like it where it’s just sort of soundscapey style instrumentals and noises out of tune. Makes me feel like I’m having a panic attack. This is an okay listen and I’m sure influential to the Pink Floyd/Who sort of music but idk if this is a necessity before I die 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Balloon Burning, Baron Saturday, Trust Least fav tracks: Old Man Going, Well of Destiny, Deflecting Grey

Pre-listening thoughts: don’t wanna get my hopes too high but POP! 2018! Eek! Modern music and it’s POP!!! There is not enough pop on this list I am so happy I finally got a queer pop album YIPEE!!! Also let me just say the user reviews are generally negative which to me is a good sign 😭 they hate pop but…! Post/during listening thoughts: oh this is for ME. I am such a pop girly it’s not even funny. Chris is French so there are definitely moments where the accent makes words hard for me to understand but the melodies, production, and vocals are just all so punchy and exciting. It’s reallyyyy nice to have something modern on here. This is also something I don’t think I would’ve listened to on my own like I had no clue who Christine and the Queens was before this moment. Sort of like French Marina and the Diamonds or Tegan and Sara or HAIM… the list goes on, and that is why this is right up my alley. I can feel my soul healing over from the 70s rock excess 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: me personally yes. Like I’ve become a fan. I think more people should open themselves up to pop music as well and this is a great album to do so with Fav tracks: literally all of them. Not one skip on this album. The Walker is my personal favorite though Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: I learned a little about Kraftwerk in my Making Music with Computers class. We learned they were super influential on electronic, dance, club, and even hip hop music. Electronic and EDM is usually not up my alley at all so we’ll see how much I enjoy this lol. Post/during listening thoughts: this is daft punk lite lol. It’s like ok but yeah electronic music isn’t really for me. I don’t dislike it but I wouldn’t go back for more 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah but I understand why it’s influential Fav tracks: The Model Least fav tracks: idk I am so beyond neutral on this I can’t even say what stood out poorly

YESSSSSSSSS YESSS YESSS YESSSS YESSS YESSSSSSSSSS So since I’ve already heard this album in full (many times too lol) I’m gonna spare you the essay. I absolutely did need to hear this album before I died. I love Billy Joel’s songwriting and this album is just so amazing with so many highlights. Forever a staple. No skips, every track is amazing and serves a purpose in this album. 10/10 Why is this the only Billy Joel album on the list though that’s criminal. Like where is 52nd Street, Turnstiles, An Innocent Man, The Nylon Curtain, and my personal fav GLASS HOUSES???? All much better albums than some I’ve heard on here!

Pre-listening thoughts: the only songs I know by janet jackson are rhythm nation and the one where she samples Ventura highway 😭. And now every time I hear rhythm nation I think of that awful cover Prime’s Cinderella did. Post/during listening thoughts: I’m not super sure why the reviews are whining about the production cause this is superrr similar to the production Michael Jackson used in a lot of his songs just like a little louder. Black Cat she very vocally sounds like Michael imo. Janet’s voice does get drowned out a little so I wish they had lowered some volume levels. I understand the interludes but there are a LOT of them. Listen people were complaining about the pop-ness of this album but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. It’s super upbeat and catchy but also with a good message. It is a little samey though like every song has a very similar beat/sound. I wanted to credit the transitions but like if every song sounds similar how much of an accomplishment is that really 😭. If you want an album full of rhythm nations with some mid ballads thrown in this is for you 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no I think all you need to hear is the song Rhythm Nation (if that) Fav tracks: Rhythm nation, Love will never do (without you), Alright, Escapade, Black Cat Least fav tracks: ig the interludes cause I don’t think they’re necessary and Lonely and Come Back to Me sorry

Pre-listening thoughts: holy cow this album art is UGLY. Not something I want to look at first thing in the morning. No clue who this is but everyone says this is an indie folk album which means I probably will not enjoy it! Post/during listening thoughts: this album isn’t even on Spotify?? Musi it is. This is exactly what I thought it would be - minimal arrangements with mid vocals and lyrics that probably mean something to someone but not to me upon first listen. I want so much more from the instrumentation and from the vocal performance (sometimes the vocals are just BAD) and arrangement. I know folk music is relatively simplistic but plenty of folk music does more than this while still spotlighting the lyrics. Yawwwwwnnnnn 1.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not a chance Fav tracks: none! Whole album is not for me. Also not on streaming so I couldn’t have added any to my playlist anyways Least fav tracks: Black, I see a darkness, Knockturne

Pre-listening thoughts: LETS GO STEVIE WONDER W!!!! I actually know zero songs on here but I have not heard Stevie Wonder miss so far so! Also can I say how refreshing it is to open this page to some pretty/non unsettling album art for once oh my god. Post/during listening thoughts: good lord I love Stevie Wonder. His voice is just butter over the smooth golden base of his music. He is also the master of smooth key changes and you know how I love a good key change. People were complaining about there being multiple Stevie albums when all you “need” to hear is Songs in the Key of Life. Hard disagree. I think all 3 are necessary and Stevie is one of very few artists that deserve every album pick on this list. 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes Stevie Wonder is magical Fav tracks: once again literally all of them I mean there’s no skips! Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: I have quite literally only heard Groove is in the Heart by this band, just like everyone else. Curious why this whole album is on this list cause it feels like that song is all anyone knows. Post/during listening thoughts: this is about what I expected - that sort of post-disco electronic/house music that I would kill for clubs to play nowadays instead of crappy trap music. Not a ton of depth lyrically but musically it’s very fun. This is the sort of genre that has inspired modern artists like Jessie Ware - I can totally hear similarities in production and instrumentation with the piano (learning this technique is called keyboard stabs!) and drumbeats. Power of Love reminds me of Free Yourself. I am a sucker for horns so Smile On won me over a little! Who Was That? Is almost too stupid for me to enjoy 😭. Like wym who was eating peanut butter??? That’s the lyric you ended up on? Some of the tracks are a little too long for my taste and I don’t think I’d revisit this as a full body of work but if some songs came on shuffle I wouldn’t skip them 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no, but it’s cool to hear this step in music’s evolution Fav tracks: Good Beat, Try Me On… I’m Very You, Smile On, Groove Is In the Heart Least fav tracks: What Is Love?, ESP, Build the Bridge

Pre-listening thoughts: I have never heard of this album/group. I saw it was hip hop and I'm ngl I'm a little excited cause this era of hip hop is so fun and distinct. Post/during listening thoughts: While the actual rapping is not as impressive as contemporary rap and sometimes the flow is awkward to squeeze in a rhyme, I think overall this is a decent body of work. Sometimes the beats are lacking complexity but I honestly don't mind that cause it allows me to focus on the lyrics, arguably the most important part of hip hop/rap. The scatting in Feelin' Alright is making me laugh a little bit. I love the samples in this album - they're used so well without overtaking the song (cough cough Jack Harlow mumbling over Fergie's song). This is such good music to walk to and dance to. I really need to listen to more rap/hip hop especially from the 80s/90s. I know a lot of people don't like that era of hip hop but I have such a soft spot for it. I would however weed this album's song count down by 2-3 songs. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not necessarily but also I think everyone should hear some rap/hip hop songs from this era so this isn't a bad place to start Fav tracks: Feelin' Alright, What "U" Waitin "4"?, "U" Make Me Sweat, Tribe Vibes, Doin' Our Own Dang Least Fav tracks: none really

Pre-listening thoughts: I have never heard of this band or album but ohhhh joy another British punk album…! Post/during listening thoughts: this is pretty hardcore. I can see how some would enjoy it but man it’s just not for me. I didn’t even realize we switched songs from track 1-2. I like the less heavy moments where it’s just rock and not as hardcore/metal influenced. I think I just don’t like metal and when it seeps into other subgenres of rock I run away. Melody Lee was such a red herring I thought it was gonna be a ballad 😭. The harmonies on Smash It Up are genuinely nice. Not a bad closer but whole album is meh. At least it’s only 36 mins 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope! Fav tracks: I Just Can’t Be Happy Today, Anti Pope but only cause of the lyrics, Plan 9 Channel 7, Noise Noise Noise but ONLY the fart noises, Smash It Up Least fav tracks: Love Song, Machine Gun Ettiquette, Melody Lee, Looking at You

Pre-listening thoughts: I have never heard of this group or album yet again. This is a more recent pick so I’m extra curious just because picks from the 2010s and beyond are so few and far between. Also what are the odds that in my first 50 albums two of them are African music? I thought this list was very white and western centric so either there’s more diverse picks than I thought or the random generator is giving me all the non-western picks now. Post/during listening thoughts: Just like the other album I have heard from an African musician, I do not speak the language they are singing in so my understanding of the album and any context it may fall in is super limited. I had no idea desert blues was/is a genre so this is kinda interesting. I think maybe watching whatever documentary this band was featured in may provide some needed context but without it, this music is pretty standard sounding world rock. 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not without proper context (also have been informed that this album was in a previous edition of the book and has since been removed - interesting) Fav tracks: Irganda Least fav tracks: idk man I zoned out today was a long day PS I just want to say I found the list of albums that were in previous editions of the book that have since been removed but are still in this generator. This one I’m not upset I had to listen to but the VINES album?? That one was terrible! Should’ve never been in the stupid book to begin with. And wym you’re gonna remove Britney, Gorillaz, and TWO Adele albums but keep soooo much other crap??? Crazy.

Pre-listening thoughts: I feel like we’ve been getting a lot of 90s lately. Also an American band - maybe it’ll be different than the sea of brit pop? Post/during listening thoughts: 17 songs is a lot. My perfect album length is 8-15 songs. I think if you’re over that you have things to cut. Woof this is already boring I’m sorry. Distorted guitar and vocals that seem to drone without expression or liveliness. The mixing is dookie. Wow this isn’t just boring it’s straight up terrible! This is the sort of music Mordecai from Regular Show would listen to (also lead singer sounds a little like him imo). Pretty standard indie rock (I am an indie rock hater) 1/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no. Like why does stuff like this make the list. What makes it so special that I HAVE to hear it. Fav tracks: Happily Divided Least fav tracks: literally all of them (besides any listed in favorites, those are tolerable). I cannot stand this. First two tracks were not the worst but it gets SO MUCH WORSE from there. Convinced people who enjoy this don’t actually like music sorry.

Pre-listening thoughts: oh my god what a relief to get George Michael after yesterday’s monstrosity. It literally can only get better from there. Post/during listening thoughts: this is pretty much what I expected from having heard some of Wham! And some of George Michael’s solo work. I love Freedom! But every time I hear it I think of the High school reunion dance scene in it’s always Sunny 😭😭😭. I have in fact also heard They Won’t Go When I Go. WAIT the reason I’ve heard it is bc we just got Stevie Wonders original version!!! Wild omg. The vocal harmonies on this album are wonderful. Stones interpolation is awesome. This is a very sad, slow, acoustic driven album that I would usually be deterred from. But man these songs are striking a chord within me today. Really enjoyed this 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: maybe? Fav tracks: Freedom! ‘90, They Won’t Go When I Go (great cover wow), Something to Save (crazyyyy three track run), Waiting for That Day, Heal The Pain Least fav tracks: I think Cowboys and Angels could’ve been like a min shorter. Same with Soul Free

Pre-listening thoughts: I don’t do metal. Post/during listening thoughts: I still don’t do metal. 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: hell no Fav tracks: I guess Run to the Hills? Like I didn’t even like it but it’s sadly the one that’s going on my playlist so Least fav tracks: Invaders, Children of the Damned, 22 Acacia Ave (god this one is BADDDD), The Number of the Beast (corny!)

Pre-listening thoughts: I have once again never heard of this band or album. However I have heard of Brian Eno and have a bad track record with his ambient stuff so reallyyyy hoping that’s not prevalent here. Post/during listening thoughts: so this is not at all ambient thank god (these words were eaten a few tracks in). It reminds me a little of Talking Heads with the sort of talk singing and funky instrumentals. Why is one track 8.5 mins oh my god (I know I should be used to long songs by now but nope sorry!). Most of it is a little too slow and long but I can get behind a few tracks 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Do the Strand, Editions of You Least fav tracks: Strictly Confidential, In Every Dream Home a Heartache (first half doesn’t quite save the second half for me), The Bogus Man (I hear you Brian eno go away!), outro of For Your Pleasure (seriously Brian Eno I’m gonna tweak)

Pre-listening thoughts: oh come ON random generator like u couldn’t have split up the 90s indie rock by more than a few days??? First that awful Sebadoh album now this??? I have a bad feeling I’m going to hate this Post/during listening thoughts: I CANT DO THIS SOMEBODY SEDATE ME GODDD I can’t do this genre for another full album. Please. Release me from this suffering 1/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: NOOOOOOOOOOOO STOP SUGGESTING 90s NOISE ROCK I HATE IT Fav tracks: one of these has to go on my playlist? Oh actually shoot my brains out and curb stomp them Least fav tracks: All of them! Can I please get an album next week where this isn’t the case dear god. 3 of these albums within a week is so cruel

Pre-listening thoughts: listen as bizarre of a pick as this may be I am SO relieved to get Madonna after the onslaught of 90s grunge and indie rock. It’s something different. Post/during listening thoughts: interested why they picked this Madonna album tbh. Like I feel like they should’ve picked True Blue no? But whatever. It’s a weird fusion of genres and has a veryyyy turn of the century electronic feel to it. It’s a little all over the place - maybe this is her Red before Red lol. Upon second listen it’s so camp y’all just don’t get it. Y’all will hate me for saying this but none of yall would be having a BRAT summer if not for this album. This is kinda fire lowkey maybe I should listen to more Madonna 7/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah but there’s some good stuff for pop girlies here Fav tracks: Music, Runaway Lover, I Deserve It, Amazing, Gone Least fav tracks: none tbh

I’ve already heard this one in full too!!! LOVE Duran Duran. Great album, can get a little repetitive in terms of sound but a superb listen nonetheless. Straight bangers 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: this is a fantastic intro to New Wave so yeah! PS everyone should also hear their other fav album of mine Seven and the Ragged Tiger 💪 Fav tracks: every song slams. Least fav tracks: none!

Pre-listening thoughts: ya know I cannot believe I’ve never heard a Michael Jackson album in full. I have high expectations! Post/during listening thoughts: listening to all these songs I’ve heard before in the context of this album makes me enjoy them more. Bad is such an energetic album opener and now I’m seated! Speed Demon is good but feels like it’s missing something production wise. I am not a fan of Adult Contemporary as a genre so Liberian Girl is… yeah. WHY IS STEVIE WONDER NOT CREDITED ON JUST GOOD FRIENDS ON SPOTIFY?!?! Yall all wanna call Man in the Mirror corny but it’s SO GOOD. This is good like there are really solid tracks on here but in terms of Michael’s strongest work, this isn’t quiteeee up there for me. Good amount of hits, some mid. 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not as a full body of work but some songs for sure Fav tracks: Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Just Good Friends, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Leave Me Alone Least fav tracks: Liberian Girl, I Just Can’t Stop Loving You

Pre-listening thoughts: looking at this album on Spotify + browsing some reviews of it I can see there are a ton of collaborations. I worry that the collaborations will ruin any potential for cohesiveness throughout the album. Like they could be really great but it could sound very disjointed Post/during listening thoughts: help Santana is sooo clear on the first track. The melody on this first track is very freeform and the production is VERY 80s. Without a set structure, the first track sort of just meanders on for a long time it feels. Here is my issue with Blues music - as good as it can be, it can be SO repetitive because most songs follow a 12 bar blues form with little variation. I wish the melodies were a little more solid and I wish there was a little more variation in sound here 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: I’m in the Mood Least fav tracks: none in particular but I wish most of these were more concise and shorter

Pre-listening thoughts: THIS IS CHEF FROM SOUTH PARK 😭but 4 tracks at 45 mins… wild work. Heard through the grapevine that one song is 19 mins. Lord pray for me. Post/during listening thoughts: waittttt okay chef! He may have cooked here (haha hehe). This man has a beautiful voice and the instrumentation is stunning and full on every track (I mean these arrangements! I can’t gush about them enough!). I think my only complaint here is track length cause they’re really long but man this is some good soul music and just good music period 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes I suppose! Fav tracks: Walk on By, One Woman Least fav tracks: intro of By the Time I Get to Phoenix - I think it could be shorter

Pre-listening thoughts: just got like 5 albums that weren’t 90s indie rock so the generator was probably like “aw wait u miss it so much! Here’s more! There’s always more!!” 😭 Post/during listening thoughts: wish the vocal mixing was a little better but so far I’m enjoying this well enough. Be In has some nice vocal harmonies (sucker for them in general sorry!). There’s some nice pop influence in this record while still keeping the rock sound and instrumentation. Very power pop at points which I love. Minnesoter is so funny lowkey. Heroin is so passé is one of the funniest lyrics I have heard in a long time. Hard on for Jesus😭??? Some of the tracks on this album are a little too slow and droning for me. Also not a fan of the two instrumentals at the end. BUT the upbeat songs are pretty good. This is such a silly little album lol 6/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah but I got a good laugh out of it Fav tracks: Be In, Boys Better, Minnesoter, Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth, Every Day Should Be A Holiday, As Cool as Kim Deal, Hard On For Jesus Least fav tracks: Orange, I Love You, Whipping Tree, Green, Pete International Airport, The Creep Out

Pre-listening thoughts: are we knocking out EVERY 90s alt rock album NOW???? Why ANOTHER from 1997 TWO DAYS IN A ROW HELP ME GOD Post/during listening thoughts: oasis from SHEIN. If you like oasis you MIGHT enjoy this a little less. Hope this band got tickets to oasis’s reunion tour and as they’re sitting in the audience they think “man that could have been us if we came first and wrote better music” 3.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no and i hate this British editor for putting bands like this on the list cause they’re so insignificant Fav tracks: North Country Boy Least fav tracks: Area 51, How High

Pre-listening thoughts: this is a weirdly small artist to include on this list. Wonder how many of his streams come from this little challenge Post/during listening thoughts: ya know one review of this album said “this is like if Billy Joel wrote a Broadway musical. And if that appeals to you… help me god” or something along those lines. I mayyyyy be the target intersection for that sorry! So this is kinda cool to me. The instrumentation is fun and very lively and does certainly have a musical-esque quality to it. Special shoutout to the upright bass in Waiting for the Moving Van cause wow it’s beautiful. You can physically hear every instrument being played and that makes me so happy. The lyrics are very narrative based which upon first listen I am not grasping all the way but I’m sure upon relisten I’d be able to get it a little more. Lots of rhythm changes which keeps the listener on their toes. Big but still retains an acoustic quality akin to James Taylor or Carole King. 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not necessarily but I’m sort of glad a pick like this made the list. What a weird pick lol Fav tracks: Loves Enough, Ballad of the Ship of State, Oh California!, Another Friday Night, Waiting for the Moving Van Least fav tracks: Family Band (sounds like a hymn and I am not rocking with that sound)

Pre-listening thoughts: I think I’ve literally only heard Light My Fire before by the Doors. Sorry classic rock fans I’ve failed you! Post/during listening thoughts: this is kinda awesome. Groovy in the right places, bluesy in others. (Oh 12 bar blues form you never seem to fade away 😭). Pretty standard classic rock but I seem to be a 45 yr old man in terms of my music taste half the time cause I like this kind of stuff sorry! 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not really no but not a bad listen Fav tracks: The Changeling, Love Her Madly, L’America, The Hyacinth House Least fav tracks: listen the blues is fine but goddd 12 bar blues form gets so repetitive after so many songs/albums! Sorry to Cars Hiss By My Window and Crawling King Snake. Also don’t do talking aka WASP

Pre-listening thoughts: I am not sure if I’ve ever heard a Tom Waits song but from seeing the reviews this may be the genre where Adelynn and Oliver intersect and I do not lol. Also there are FIVE Tom Waits albums on this list?? Christ. Hoping for my sake I enjoy this cause I’m screwed otherwise. Post/during listening thoughts: hmmm listening to this guy sounds like listening to someone try to sing while gargling mouthwash. He sounds drunk. Some lyrics are great and some I can’t quite understand cause this guys voice is making me subconsciously clear my own throat. It’s very bluesy which is fine. I think I’m learning blues is not my favorite genre through this challenge. I enjoy jazz, I enjoy soul, but blues tends to get sooo repetitive. An instrumental for track 2 is a brave choice that ultimately did not win me over. This is what bad bar karaoke sounds like 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no can we start uplifting vocal AND lyrical talent?? Why is is always one or the other Fav tracks: girl idk Least fav tracks: holy moly like literally all of them. Cannot do this guys voice and 5 albums of this in the future is gonna kill me

Pre-listening thoughts: I was lowkey excited for this cause like a woman! An international album! An album made this century! BUT NO. OFC THERES SONGS BY: TOM WAITS. NOT AGAIN PLEASE FREE ME. I JUST had to listen to him YESTERDAY. Hoping his songs sound better sung by someone else cause I really can’t go through yesterday again. Post/during listening thoughts: she has such a beautiful voice that carries lots of emotion. The strings are gorgeous in this first track but something is missing - it feels a little too freeform for my tastes. Now the second track is more up my alley, we’re seeing big arrangements that don’t get lost in themselves! I am a littleeee convinced the guy who originally made this book is obsessed with Elvis Costello enough to put this in there JUST because of him. Ute gets a little caught in the lyrics in track 4 which I can’t spell sorry. It’s a mouthful (the title and all of the lyrics!). Man this album kinda feels musical-esque as well. I could hear the boo hoo in the first Tom Waits track immediately. Wait but “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…. See maybe Tom Waits can cook if it’s not his own voice lol! WHY DO ALL OF THESE ALBUMS HAVE TO END ON 10 MIN TRACKS?! Can’t we just conclude an album with a 2 min song I’m TIRED. This like should be right up my alley but it’s just nottt hitting the right spots for me. Idk if it’s cause I’m tired but I’m finding myself bored. Wait why is her voice very lowkey giving Pearl from Steven Universe can she cover It’s Over Isn’t It 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: The Case Continues, Passionate Fight, Split, Purple Avenue (Tom Waits is sometimes not my opp fr) Least fav tracks: Tango Ballad, The Part You Throw Away (Tom Waits is my opp fr), Scope J

Pre-listening thoughts: oh gee nirvana! I’d act like I’m excited but I hate grunge sorry. I’ve heard heart shaped box from this album and that’s it. Post/during listening thoughts: yeah it’s exactly what I thought it would be. They’re fine musicians but I am just not a fan of this genre. This is what the average set at The Bronze in Buffy the Vampire slayer must sound like 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: dumb I guess Least fav tracks: senseless apprentice, rape me, milk it, Tourette’s

Pre-listening: interesting choice. Curious why she made the list. WAITTT THIS IS THE WOMAN WHO SINGS THE GIRL FROM IMPANEMA OHHHH but that song isn’t on this album :( Post/during listening thoughts: man after nirvana anything sounds a little better. It’s sort of like elevator music though. She has a lovely voice and the beats are nice but it’s very easy for it to become background music. Also 27 mins is super short. It’s just very easy listening 60s music which I honestly don’t really have real complaints about. 7/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no but it was pleasant Fav tracks: stay, misty roses, the face I love, oba oba, my foolish heart Least fav tracks: parade (what is happening why are we listing every holiday), you didn’t have to be so nice (if you’re gonna bring a kid in to sing make sure they’re not pitchy)

Pre-listening thoughts: so I obviously have heard of Blur and have heard a few songs from them but none from this album. In the dated Blur vs Oasis debate I am absolutely team Blur though sorry! Post/during listening thoughts: epic and awesome. So so British and I love it. Blur you just gained a fan fr 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: hmmm I love britpop so yes! Maybe not a necessity for everyone though Fav tracks: almost all of em! What a fun record Least fav tracks: Miss America

Pre-listening thoughts: I feel like I’ve heard the name Rod Stewart before but I could not tell you any of his songs off the top of my head. Ohh wait this is the do ya think I’m sexy guy. Hmmm ok Post/during listening thoughts: man these songs are like fine but his voice is like taking a cheese grater to my brain. I think there are better classic rock singers and better classic rock songs. 4/10 unremarkable DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no go listen to any radio station right now and you’ll hear this but better Fav tracks: It’s all over now, my way of giving Least fav tracks: gasoline alley

Pre-listening thoughts: HEYO first Beatles album! About time considering how much Beatles related material comprises this list. Glad we got an early album from them to start versus like the white album. Post/during listening thoughts: The Beatles have such tight harmonies and this is just really classic stuff. These songs are so short though 😭. I went in thinking I only knew one song but that is just not true lol. They are just everywhere it is impossible to avoid the Beatles. And ya know what? I’m not mad about it. I think some of their other albums have higher highs but i would be lying if I said this wasn’t no skips and fantastic all around. I feel like almost every Beatles album on this list may be a personal 5 stars whoops! 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: like yes for me personally? I feel like everyone should hear at least one Beatles album. And maybe this isn’t the one for everyone but I would put this on my list of albums to hear before I die Fav tracks: A Hard Days Night, If I Fell, And I Love Her, Tell Me Why, Can’t Buy Me Love, I’ll Be Back (but also like… I enjoyed all of them) Least fav tracks: none. I mean the Beatles just didn’t miss as far as I’m aware (may eat these words in a few albums)

Pre-listening thoughts: I feel like I’ve heard of Joy Division but I could not tell you anything about them or any of their songs. I feel like they’re associated with bands like The Cure in terms of genre? Could be wrong Post/during listening thoughts: something about the vocal production on track 1 is kinda wonky. But it’s a good song nonetheless. There was a review of this album that said something along the lines of “I should have liked this a lot but I didn’t” and that’s how I’m feeling right now. It’s post punk and I love a lot of post punk but man this is just not hitting the right points for me. Sometimes it sounds like he’s singing into a tin can and I don’t enjoy that. It’s just kind of boring post punk. Lacking the necessary energy and variety for me 4.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: day of the lords, interzone Least fav tracks: disorder and insight but only cause of the vocal production, I Remember Nothing

Pre-listening thoughts: this is my birthday album! While I was secretly hoping for a band or album I already knew/listened to, I guess it’s cool to experience something new WHATEVER. I do think it’s funny that on the album cover next to their band name, it says “French band” as if you need a disclaimer. Did they think we were tuning in because it was just gonna be air noises?? 😭 or did they have to warn people they were French cause honestly valid Post/during listening thoughts: hmmm this is electronica and psychedelic music. The world knows exactly what genres I’m not fond of and gives them to me on my brightest days. Well! It’s not bad though. I just enjoy lyrics and vocals to be prominent features of music (and this is why Beth Hirsch ate) 5.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: All I Need, Kelly Watch the Stars Least fav tracks: Talisman

Pre-listening thoughts: I have no idea who this band is but upon further inspection it seems they were fronted by Janis Joplin which means crazy impressive vocals are on the way. Kinda hype Post/during listening thoughts: as expected Janis’s vocals are crazyyyyyy. She was so so talented. Why why WHY is Ball and Chain almost 10 mins. No song needs to be that long! I think most of these songs could use some editing/shortening tbh. I think it’s good overall but I think so much of it is carried by Janis Joplin. Like the songs themselves are fine and the arrangements and production is fine but without Janis idk it would be kind of mid. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no bc personally I would pick Pearl over this in terms of Joplin material but this was good Fav tracks: Summertime, Piece of my Heart, Ball and Chain if it were 5 mins shorter 😭, Flower In the Sun, Magic of Love Least fav tracks: turtle blues (man maybe I don’t like blues sorry!), Ball and Chain length

Pre-listening thoughts: Scottish reggae what da hell Post/during listening thoughts: pairing reggae vocals with 90s synth and drums/percussion should be a crime. This is so bizarre lol. The vocals and instruments are duking it out on every track 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no and I’m not sure who heard this and went “aw hell yea let’s subject everyone else to listen to this Frankenstein of music” Fav tracks: It’s Great When We’re Together Least fav tracks: Sunday Shining, Supreme I Preme, Red Rolling and Seen, I Need a Lover

Pre-listening thoughts: I had such an inkling that we were gonna get an album by The Who soon. Idk why. I just knew. I thought it would be Tommy tho so oops. But I looked at the track list for this one and it is LONG. But turns out the standard edition ends at 35 mins at The Ox, there’s just a ton of deluxe tracks. So that’s cool. Post/during listening thoughts: ok so honestly I’ve never really sat down and listened to The Who so I had no idea what to expect but this is good. Sort of in the vein of the Stones. Just like the Beatles album I reviewed, these songs are sooooo short. This is one of those bands like the Beatles where I truly feel like every member/instrument was in sync and makes for such a great listening experience. This is pretty innovative rock for the time as well. Very solid debut album. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: ? Idk maybe??? Yes? Fav tracks: Out In the Street, The Good’s Gone, La-La-Lies, Much Too Much, My Generation, The Kids are Alright Least fav tracks: I’m a Man (STEREOTYPICAL ROCK INFLUENCED BLUES WHY ARE YOU EVERYWHERE GOD) (could go on a whole rant about how white people ruined the blues but I’ll save it for another day)

Pre-listening: ohhhh I’m gonna hate this sorry. Based on the reviews I just know. 1 hr 13 mins for like 7 songs never bodes well for me. Post/during listening thoughts: yeah I hate psychedelic rock. Like cannot stand it. It feels aimless and bores me and often is experimental. People tend to praise experimental music just for being experimental when in fact the experiment was a failure and bad. And that’s how I feel about this album. 1/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no I hate krautrock. Fav tracks: paperhouse I GUESS Least fav tracks: mushroom (where are the rest of the instruments), halleluhwah (18 mins is too long), aumgn (nuff said), Peking o, bring me coffee or tea

Pre-listening thoughts: I have vaguely heard of this band and have heard take me out on the radio. This seems like a weird pick but we’ll see Post/during listening thoughts: this is surprisingly really good. It’s pretty standard indie rock but I kinda rock with it idk. This is indie rock that prioritizes catchy melodies and hooks versus indie rock that prioritizes lyrics that get mumbled against instruments that are poorly mixed. And that’s why I like it. 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no but a solid listen Fav tracks: Jacqueline, Take Me Out, Auf Achse, This Fire, 40’ Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre listening thoughts: I’ve heard a few songs by the replacements but I’m still not 100% sure what to expect. But I liked what I’ve heard so we’ll see! Post/during listening thoughts: love me a good 30 min album. This is pretty good 80s rock. The production doesn’t date itself and I always love seeing punk’s early blossoms. Sometimes it’s a little too “loud and fast” for me but overall a good listen. 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah but once again a good listen! Fav tracks: I Will Dare, Favorite Thing, Androgynous, Unsatisfied, Seen Your Video, Sixteen Blue, Answering Machine Least fav tracks: We’re Coming Out

NOOOOOO NOT BJORK DONT DO THIS TO ME I ALREADY HAVE NO POWER AND NO WATER CAN I PLEASE BE SPARED

Pre-listening thoughts: DOOKIE!!!!! Post/during listening thoughts: DOOKIE!!!! 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: YES!! Fav tracks: ALL OF THEM!!!! Least fav tracks: NONE!!!! Also feel the need to say this was album number 69 🙏

Pre-listening thoughts: have once again never heard of this band or album. I kinda rock with the album cover though Post/during listening thoughts: These songs seem to lack focus (on anything! But mainly) on lyrics/vocals and instead direct the listener to the guitarist at almost any given moment. Any other member of the band feels like a side piece. I didn’t even notice we transitioned songs between tracks 1-2. Oh Christ this is gonna just be one long song isn’t it. Well f*ck me. Psychedelic rock you always know how to piss me off 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: NO STOP PUTTING PSYCHEDELIC ROCK ON THIS LIST! The most pointless genre of music and I’m NOT sorry for that opinion. I would’ve hated Woodstock lol Fav tracks: Happy Trails Least fav tracks: When You Love, Where You Love, How You Love, Which Do You Love, Mona, Maiden of the Cancer Moon, Calvary

Pre-listening thoughts: I don’t do metal. Post/during listening thoughts: I still don’t do metal. And I REALLY don’t do it when it’s mixed with rap??? 1/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: none my god what even was this album Least fav tracks: all of them like they all sound the same to me

Pre-listening thoughts: I have once again never heard of this band or album. Zero clue what to expect here Post/during listening thoughts: this is pretty chill and like lo fi. I can get behind it to an extent but this genre tends to bore me after a while. I’ll check back in towards the end of this album to see if it kept me hooked. This is like the exact opposite of the rage against the machine album we just got lol. Like that was overstimulating and this is understimulating and I’m way bored lol. This is like the Doves album from a while back. I thought I was at the end but I’m only on song three?! Yeah bye 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not a chance Fav tracks: Squares Least fav tracks: can’t decide if I love or hate Broke.

Pre-listening thoughts: LETS GO I am very excited for this album. Legendary pull with some songs I already know and apparently a Jungle Brothers feature as well?! Hype ‼️‼️‼️ Post/during listening thoughts: I love 80s/90s rap and hip hop and De La Soul delivers. Their use of samples are so clever and fun (Steely Dan Peg sample is my personal fav on Eye Know). The interludes are a bit bizarre but honestly add character to the album. Can U Keep a Secret is so weird help 😭 why are we discussing dandruff?? I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me laugh which seems to be the goal. It’s just such a wildly fun album that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the studio with these guys goofing off. But there’s also such innovation here that would be criminal if overlooked, I mean the samples alone are one thing, but the production is so clean and the lyrics really solidify this new age of hip hop. 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes!! Fav tracks: man I was listing them out and it turned out to be every song (except for De La Orgee. What) Least fav tracks: De La Orgee

Pre-listening thoughts: LETS FREAKING GOOOOO I have such a weird soft spot for this band since I saw them live this past year (yeah yeah there was only one original member idc it was a cheap ticket. Show went crazy though). But this is when they were still Jefferson Airplane and their material is so so good during this era of their career. Very excited to hear this full album Post/during listening thoughts: Grace Slick is literally so amazing I love her so much. Just like a lot of other 60s music, it has a Beatles-esque quality to it but it’s very enjoyable. I’m really realizing how much of this album I’ve already heard just from trying to research their material for their show 😭. Their harmonies are so tight though. THIS is psychedelic folk/rock that remains engaging and interesting. Great album!!! 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah but I personally enjoyed it a lot Fav tracks: hate to be this person again but I enjoyed almost every song ‼️ Least fav tracks: was lukewarm on the blues track but that’s to be expected from me atp

Pre-listening thoughts: so I was pretty disappointed when I saw this album bc the Lou Reed solo album we got was really bad imo. But so often, a band and a solo artist that branches from it have pretty different sounds. So I’ll keep my hopes neutral. Post/during listening thoughts: 6 songs, 40 minutes. Whew boy. I liked the first song and then everything after was pretentious for pretentious sake. Ugh. Lou Reed ur officially an opp 3.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: hell no Fav tracks: White Light/White Heat, Here She Comes Now Least fav tracks: The Gift, Lady Godiva’s Operation, I Heard Her Call My Name, Sister Ray (STOP MAKING SONGS LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES I BEG)

OH MY GOD YESS YES YES YES I LOVE THIS ALBUM SO SO MUCH KATE BUSH MY ANGEL 10/10 CHRIST ITS SO PERFECT This album literally changed the face of pop music. Big and boisterous but also very tender and intimate, Kate Bush manages to create an album that gets better on every listen. It incorporates so many different styles and subgenres, and the production is so clean and well done. Not even to mention Kate’s voice, which is just entrancing and compliments the sound of this album beautifully. And her vocal arrangements are just incredible, I love how she truly utilizes her voice as an instrument. The lyricism is so captivating (especially on the second side, the concept-ness of it is incredible and worth really actively listening to the lyrics). Will always have more to say but just know I will forever put this album on repeat. 💜

Pre-listening thoughts: so sad this is not the album with I’m a Believer :( but Donkey kinda ate them up on that song anyways Post/during listening thoughts: am I tweaking or does everyone in the 60s just sound like the Beatles. They’re American too! But man if you showed this to me blind I would say it was the Beatles (at first, they come into their own sound as the album goes on). And maybe I’m uneducated on the Beatles but maybe they just shaped 60s music (and beyond). If I had a nickel for every male band in the 60s that was an animal name misspelled by one letter I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice. 7/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: You Told Me, You Just May Be The One, Shades of Grey, Mr. Webster Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: 28 min album is CRAZYYYY. I like The Beach Boys so I’m assuming I’ll enjoy this Post/during listening thoughts: The Beach Boys are kind of a blueprint for 60s music but as they went on they became something pretty innovative and unique. This is pretty standard stuff from them though. Their vocal harmonies are just too good. I wish I could give this a 4.5 because I’m not sure it’s a 5 from me but it’s better than a 4. So I’ll give it an 8.8/10 and you’ll have to trust what I mean with my star rating. DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no I think you can hear a few Beach Boys songs and understand their deal, but this is a solid album Fav tracks: Good To My Baby, Help Me Rhonda, Dance Dance Dance, Please Let Me Wonder, Kiss Me Baby Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: absolutely loving this run of short albums we’ve gotten for the past few days. This is country??? Crazy, I don’t think we’ve gotten any country in like 80 albums thus far. Post/during listening thoughts: it’s like objectively okay country but man I am not a big country fan. I like some country by women but as soon as it’s a man singing it I’m super disinterested. I love fitting lesbian stereotypes lol 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: ??? Least fav tracks: Good Ol Boy (Getting Tough)

Pre-listening thoughts: here’s my thing. And this is so embarrassing. I always get The Cure, The Smiths, and The Strokes mixed up and I could not tell you who is who. To me they all have the exact same fanbase except The Smiths fans are a tad more insufferable, The Strokes fans are a tad less vocal, and The Cure fans are a tad older. Post/during listening thoughts: this is very like atmospheric if that makes sense? Music that takes up a lot of dimension but in a really good way that still keeps me engaged versus like psychedelic stuff where I forget what I’m listening to. It’s a little long though. Honestly I really enjoyed this and would definitely seek out other material by The Cure. Call me old 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no? Idk Fav tracks: Pictures of You, Lovesong, Lullaby, Fascination Street, Disintegration Least fav tracks: The Same Deep Water As You

Pre-listening thoughts: my favorite Beatle often alternates between Paul and George so I am a little excited for this! I also know and like Paul’s stuff with the Wings so I feel like I’m familiar enough with his solo stuff to know what to expect. Post/during listening thoughts: this is about 90% what I expected lol. I didn’t expect this many instrumental tracks though. I feel like Paul just has a lot of fun with his music and that is so apparent listening to this album. Fun, short songs with interesting instrument use and catchy melodies. Where can you go wrong? 7/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah just listen to the Beatles Fav tracks: That Would Be Something, Every Night, Man We Was Lonely, Maybe I’m Amazed Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: come on im dean and my hands are so clean at this moment I am stapling Post/during listening thoughts: this ain’t even the one with come on Eileen on it. Wait but this is kinda fire. Why were they a one hit wonder they should have had so many more hits! 😕 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no there’s so much like it out there but man I enjoyed this! Fav tracks: Tell Me When My Light Turns Green, Geno, Seven Days Too Long, Thankfully Living in Yorkshire…, Keep It Least fav tracks:

BOOOOOOOOOOO shamelessly boycotted this one! Not a completionist and idc!

Pre-listening thoughts: bro this album is absolutely STACKED with a lot of Amys hits. Rest in peace queen 🙏🙏 Post/during listening thoughts: I mean what else is there to say. Her voice is so timeless and these songs are so phenomenal. If this isn’t an instant 5 stars for you I feel sorry for you. 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: bro yes and everyone should Fav tracks: every song Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: out of all the Radiohead albums, this is the one I am the most excited for by far. I have heard a few songs from it and I think it’s Radiohead at their most unique. Maybe I wouldn’t have quit my challenge a year ago if this was the Radiohead album that I got. But why is Radiohead our first repeat artist 😭😭 a) I thought it would be Bowie and b) I thought we would make it through 100 albums before getting a repeat artist Post/during listening thoughts: this is unlike any Radiohead that has come before or would come after. It toys with its time signatures, the instrumentation is so playful but also purposeful, Thom Yorke sounds decent??? It’s got a slight pop influence to it but it’s really got this dreamy rock sound and I kind of love it???? Am I a soy boy beta cuck for enjoying Radiohead twice 😭 9.5/10 (Radiohead will never see a full 10 from me. I have to have some dignity) DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: ????! Fav tracks: this might be a no skip album… oh no Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: DONT GO CHASING WATERFALLS Post/during listening thoughts: well… hmm. It’s really good at some parts and then other parts I feel like I’m walking in on something. It also gets weaker in the back half imo. Going to give this 4 stars because like out of context a lot of these songs eat so hard but idk if I’d revisit this as a full album (especially cause I'm not a fan of interludes) 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not as an album no Fav tracks: Creep, Kick Your Game, Diggin on You, Case of the Fake People, Red Light Special, Waterfalls

Pre-listening thoughts: this cover looks like an AI post that boomers think is real on Facebook. Also can I stop getting repeat artists this week 😭 please I just wanted to hit 100 albums with as few repeats as possible Post/during listening thoughts: Jump always reminds me of the glee scene where they sing it on the mattresses. Just listened to a dungeons and daddies episode where Anthony Burch did a bit where he sang Panama as “stereotypical macho comedy music” or something along those lines. It was very fitting. Van Halen are so talented and I would be lying if I said this wasn’t good rock. I think I prefer their self titled though ngl. 6/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: jump, I’ll wait Least fav tracks: hot for teacher. I mean come on we can’t all be abba

Pre-listening thoughts: hmmm… so here’s my thing with Genesis. This is Peter Gabriel Genesis and I truly feel that once he left the band got better. Now this isn’t to say I dislike Peter Gabriel, I actually love some of his solo stuff. However. Phil Collins’s pop sound changed the band for the better imo. (Yes I know Phil Collins was in the band atp but when he became lead singer I mean). This is very prog rock so I’m not going to enjoy this as much as I’d have hoped I bet. Post/during listening thoughts: this is lowkey so full of character. Like within the first 10 seconds. I do agree with other reviews that Phil Collins on the drums is such a vital piece of this band and record. They were kinda insane for cooking this up in 1973. My biggest issue is the same as it is with all prog rock - song length. Man but even the long songs I find myself still consistently interested and enjoying the whole way through, it’s like a big album of songs that move and change like Scenes From an Italian Restaurant. Genesis I’m so sorry for doubting you (although I still mostly stand by my original statement that Phil Collins-fronted Genesis is better than this). 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I kinda rock with this a lot actually so yes ⁉️Prog rock can be good and this is a great example of it ‼️ Fav tracks: whole thing. This won me over in ways I did not expect Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: I KNEW constant craving was a lesbian anthem. I could smell it. But also every time I hear that song I think of glee cause they bodied that cover Post/during listening thoughts: kd lang has such a lovely singing tone. I reallyyyy hate to give two fives in a row (I’m literally love maxing and enjoyment pilled) but the harmonies! The instrumentation! The lyricism! It’s all there and it’s gorgeous. This style of music is so sitting in a hammock on a summer day but also laying on your cold bathroom tile contemplating where you went wrong. What a classic I mean lesbians really do it best! 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I did! Fav tracks: man another no skip album. Banger after banger Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: I’ve heard this is Coldplay at some of their best. I know a few songs but hoping the entire record isn’t as slow as Sparks despite it being a good song Post/during listening thoughts: this is like objectively good but for whatever reason I’m just not clicking with it as much as I thought I would. I love Viva la Vida (song not album, haven’t heard that one all the way thru) and was hoping for more big pieces like that I guess. Or like Clocks like that is such a good song. There are some bangers though. I mean it’s good I’m just not as eager about it as most. 7/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Shiver, Sparks, Yellow, Trouble Least fav tracks: didn’t dislike any per say but was bored a little

Pre-listening thoughts: literally all I can think of is White Chicks dance battle I’m so sorry😭😭 Post/during listening thoughts: ITS TRICKAYYYYYYY ‼️‼️‼️ I love this so much actually. It’s beyond fun and such a product of its time in the best way possible. Love that Aerosmith came out to play their sample live. It’s kind of Beastie Boy-esque although I’m assuming Run-DMC was the blueprint here. First four song run is historic. Strong 4 stars! 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: just like other rap of this time, I think you need to hear a selection from diff artists but not necessarily this whole album Fav tracks: Peter Piper, It’s Tricky, My Adidas, Walk This Way, Hit It Run, You Be Illin’

Pre-listening thoughts: there is no planet where this album needs to be almost an hour and a half. Christina is fine but she gets really loud and I’m just kinda lukewarm on her music on the whole. I think she’s incredibly talented but I’ve never felt the urge to dive into her discography Post/during listening thoughts: she really loves her vocal growl lol. This is also such a product of its time and I kinda like it. Was about to say Impossible sounds like an Alicia keys song but turns out it is! Not sure if this is a hot take or not but the Xtina album that should’ve been on this list should’ve been her self titled. I mean Genie in a Bottle? What a Girl wants??? The whole thing is seeped in 90s teen pop and I know this album is her trying to move away from that sound but mannnn it was so good 😭. Anyways this was like good I suppose. Very much a middle four stars and yall know I hate giving my pop queens less than a five but there’s just too many songs here and not enough of them are stellar + the loudness of it all gets exhausting after a while. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Can’t Hold Us Down, Fighter, Infatuation, Underappreciated, Beautiful, Soar, Get Mine Get Yours Least fav tracks: Make Over

Pre-listening thoughts: we’ve been on quite the streak of artists and albums that I’ve actually heard of. Not surprised that came to an end with this one. Post/during listening thoughts: I expected this to be a little bit more hardcore. It’s ok I guess, the production dates it a little bit. The cover of I Got You Babe didn’t really add anything, it’s mid. I expected a complete twist on the song considering the supposed genre of this album. WHY ARE THERE NOT ONE BUT TWO RACIST SONGS ON HERE????? Maybe I misinterpreted the lyrics but uhhhhh??? Yeah for that alone it’s a one star😭 shame cause it’s a decent record otherwise! 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no!!!! Fav tracks: California Sun, I Live for Cars and Girls Least fav tracks: Back to Africa, Master Race Rock

Pre-listening thoughts: u know what’s crazy? At work today, I turned on a random playlist I had made and the second song to play was Bad Moon Rising. And I was like no freaking way that song is on today’s album! Post/during listening thoughts: this is so me when there’s a bathroom on the right. CCR has a nice genre blend of country, folk, and rock and it’s executed really well. The vocal reverb is kinda insane like I wonder why there’s so much of it. Tombstone Shadow, Cross Tie Walker, and The Night Time is the Right Time: don’t think I didn’t catch your basic ass 12 bar blues form. Wrote a Song for Everyone reminds me of something and I cannot for the life of me place it. I think this is a great album overall like not much else to say I suppose 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Green River, Wrote a Song for Everyone, Bad Moon Rising, Lodi Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: actually kind of hyped for this one. I know a few songs from it and this is solid 80s pop/rock Post/during listening thoughts: this album bangs bro. Radio friendly music at its best. It’s quirky, it’s upbeat, it’s short, it’s definitely not like groundbreaking but I don’t think it needs to be. It’s just a good time overall. And baby, let the good times roll. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: conflicted on this cause like need? No. Want? Yes Fav tracks: My Best Friend’s Girl, Just What I Needed, Don’t Cha Stop, Bye Bye Love, All Mixed Up (but I enjoyed the whole album fr) Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: can’t say I’ve ever sat down and listened to snoop dogg. Sure sure the man is talented but I’ve just never really had the interest in listening to rap that is misogynistic like that 😭😭😭 Post/during listening thoughts: man my ears love this but it’s like so lyrically not aligned with what I want to listen to. The beats are crazy good and the flows are also wonderfully crafted. But my god almost the whole album is shallow subject matter - smoking, drinking, objectifying women. I want substance not substances 😞💔 also the interludes are attached to the tracks and are genuinely bizarre sorry 6/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Tha Shiznit, Gin and Juice, Serial Killa, Murder Was the Case, Gz and Hustlas Least fav tracks: For All My…, Ain’t No Fun, Pump Pump

Pre-listening thoughts: ok so I thought I had heard of arcade fire but I guess not? Cause I scrolled thru their Spotify and could not find any songs I recognized. But why are there three arcade fire albums on this list??? Are they that remarkable?? Post/during listening thoughts: I am trying so hard to form an opinion on this to no avail. It is unbelievably mid. I don’t love it, I don’t hate it, I don’t even like or dislike it. This is the kind of music that someone could put on in the background many times and I would not remember what I just heard. 4.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: definitely not Fav tracks: Neighborhood #3, Crown of Love Least fav tracks: Neighborhood #2

Pre-listening thoughts: so I’ve heard a few songs from this album before and from what I heard I think I’ll enjoy it but we shall see Post/during listening thoughts: Paul Simon just like rambles lol. Love this a lot but the way the rhythm of the lyrics is just a suggestion cracks me up a little. So I did some further digging into the background of this album and it’s got quite the story attached to it. Simon being accused of stealing from African artists, being accused of breaking the cultural boycott of South Africa during Apartheid, and being accused of cultural appropriation. Whew! I love the music on this record but to credit Paul Simon for being the genius behind it feels wrong, whether he stole directly from the artists in the studio or not. African music is the genius behind this, and if the rumors are true, the specific bands he collaborated with deserve a lot more credit than what they get today. This album definitely has some genius though. It’s lively and folky and rhythmic in very fun ways. A unique record. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I would say yes? The context alone is worth knowing about I think Fav tracks: The Boy in the Bubble, Gumboots, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al, All Around the World Least fav tracks: That Was Your Mother

Pre-listening thoughts: YAY 10cc!!!! Post/during listening thoughts: everyone in the reviews said “this is stupid and lacks substance” and I agree. But god that’s why I love it. It’s just quirky rock and I don’t need anything more from it. This is such a predecessor to bands like They Might be Giants, Tally Hall, etc. I understand that this music is not for everyone but man I definitely fall into this niche. I feel like I’ve been giving a lot of 5s and high scores recently but whoops this is another 5 stars! 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: not necessarily I guess but very much enjoyed this one Fav tracks: this is a no skip album Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: this is album 100!!!! 😭😭 not sure what I expected but it wasn’t this. Laughing a little cause I mixed LL Cool J up with Ice JJ Fish in middle school and yeah iykyk Post/during listening thoughts: people were so right that this is a great representation of the transition from 80s to 90s rap. I think the best thing this album challenge has done for me is expose me to more rap and hip hop cause I genuinely enjoy those genres but just never really knew where to start in terms of listening to them and finding what eras/specific styles I enjoy. I think this is pretty good but it’s a little too long for my tastes and my head hurts so im sorry LL Cool J that’s not your fault but it’s tainting my perception of this album. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I dont think so Fav tracks: Around the Way Girl, Murdergram, Cheesy Rat Blues, Mama Said Knock You Out Least fav tracks: I didn’t dislike any tracks but a lot of it sort of blended together just bc of length + headache

Pre-listening thoughts: 😕 Post/during listening thoughts: this is… not bad? Velvet underground is listenable??? Lou Reed isn’t completely insufferable??? It’s still just okay but I was so prepped for terribleness today so hallelujah. Maybe I’m just sad but this is kind of hitting on the low 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: oh definitely not Fav tracks: Some Kinda Love, Pale Blue Eyes Least fav tracks: The Murder Mystery

Pre-listening thoughts: PULP!!! I’m kind of sad that this is the last Pulp album we get. His N Hers isn’t on this list (shocked tbh) so I might just listen to it anyways on my own time. Post/during listening thoughts: this certainly has a different tone than Different Class but I kind of dig it. “I am not Jesus but I have the same initials” is cracking me up. I like the more mellowed out tracks on this album a lot. People complained that it sort of falls into “lazy tempo territory” but even if it does I have absolutely no problems with that. The one leg up that Different Class has over this album is Common People. And I’m so serious. That song is so incredible and while this album is also great, there’s no standout like Common People (although Glory Days sounds a LOT like Common People to me). I’m so so torn on my score for this album and literally rewrote this review three times. It’s really really good and I wish I could give it five stars but there are just a few weaker links that sink it to a four and there’s no real standout track. Ughhhhh 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I mean not necessarily? But damn it, I’m gonna recommend Pulp to the masses now Fav tracks: almost everything 🙏 Least fav tracks: Party Hard, Seductive Barry

Pre-listening thoughts: all of these recent albums have been LONG! Can I please go back to the streak of 30 min albums 😕 Post/during listening thoughts: This is like okay but all the songs sort of mesh together (perhaps intentionally, but whatever) and it’s way too long (21 songs!!!!) for all that. At least with a long album like Xtina’s the songs were different ENOUGH, but here they’re so vocally, instrumentally, sonically similar. Which usually for an album is a good thing but here I find myself unable to find much that stands out. Side note but Jesus Gave His Love Away sounds like something else and I am tweaking trying to place it rn. Stephen Stills is very talented but I think I prefer his work with CSN(Y). 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Anyway, Both of Us, Colorado, Johnny’s Garden, What To Do Least fav tracks: some of the more country and fiddly ones that I can’t remember the names of at this moment

BROOOOOO YESSSSS OMG OMG LETS FREAKING GO I can’t gush about this album enough. When I first heard it, it definitely didn’t click with me all the way. This is one of Jack Antonoff’s best pieces of work. But Lorde - her lyricism, her concept, her stylistic vision - it’s all beautifully imagined and executed. The album being a journey through a night at a party shifted my brain around as a high schooler. It’s deeply personal, vulnerable, and yet so lively and so many people see themselves in this body of work. This album makes me feel like being lost in the world and inside myself is something totally normal and beautiful, and that my relationships with other people are flickers in that darkness. Lorde did something masterful here. 10/10

Pre-listening thoughts: two albums from the 2010s in a row! Crazy Post/during listening thoughts: had literally no idea what to expect going into this. It’s like soft spoken millennial psychedelic rock which… hmmm.. idk. This is like that arcade fire album where I’m just meh on it. There’s some energy here though. And expertise. I have to give credit where it’s due and some is due here but not too much. It’s still kind of boring. 4.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: It’s Him, Is and Is and Is Least fav tracks: Back at the Farm, Anvil Everything

Pre-listening thoughts: album cover is scary but lord not as scary as election news the morning I revealed this album Post/during listening thoughts: this is pretty solid jazz music, I don’t have a lot else to say. There’s no vocals which is something I gravitate towards, but lots and lots of horns. It’s bright, and it’s fun. I don’t think I’d revisit this though, it’s just not my genre of choice. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Frenzy Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: what a terrible album and band name. I feel like I’m gonna hate this actually Post/during listening thoughts: anddd within the first 10 seconds I already hate it. Instruments are so sparse it’s like they could only afford one per song. Vocals are headache inducing. These song arrangements are just vile. Someone owes me compensation for having to sit through that entire thing. Honestly might be just as bad as Bjork. 0.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: NO and like I’m wondering what possessed someone to put this on the list. Fav tracks: I have to add one of these to my playlist and I'm upset about that. Least fav tracks: every one of them

Pre-listening thoughts: oh boy let me act excited for another arcade fire album! Not like we just had one last week or something. Random generator, you couldn’t have shaken it up a bit more?! Post/during listening thoughts: wait ok hold on. Wait. This is good. This is leagues better than their other album we got. I listened to this album twice because once again I am conflicted on my score. On one hand, it’s long, it’s very white millennial, and towards the middle, some of the songs bleed together. On the other hand, there are some really strong tracks in here, I like the way it loops back in on itself (hence why I listened twice), and the lyricism is something to applaud. I think it’ll grow on me so you know what, it gets 4 stars. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: The Suburbs, Ready to Start, Empty Room, Half Light II, Month of May, Sprawl II Least fav tracks: Half Light I, Sprawl I (didn’t hate them but I think the second halves stand well on their own and these are weaker halves imo)

Pre-listening thoughts: show me a word that rhymes with pavement Post/during listening thoughts: ok here’s my deep dark confession. I was totally not listening to this in the active way I usually do. Stardew valley just dropped the 1.6 update for console and I’ve been back on my grind. So this was very much a background listen. I have to say from what I tuned in to, it was okay, nothing special but I didn’t hate it. So a solid 3. 6/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no but everyone should hop on stardew’s update Fav tracks: Gold Soundz, Range Life Least fav tracks: Stop Breathin, Hit the Plane Down

Pre-listening thoughts: we’ve been getting a lot of 2010s albums lately and I need that to slow down cause we’ve still got like 980 to go 😭 I can’t burn through all the recent ones right now and just be left with 50s jazz which we’ve gotten almost none of. But anyways love Janelle Monáe but I’ve only ever fully listened to Dirty Computer by her so excited for this! Post/during listening thoughts: I remember playing Tightrope on Just Dance and then later in life being shocked to find out that was Janelle Monáe and that she sings bc I knew her as an actress first. But hello???? This is her debut album?! This is INSANE. Overture already had me gagged. But this is something still so fresh even though it’s from almost 15 years ago. It’s genre bending, and hooks you at every turn with its smooth transitions that somehow manage to twist every uniquely crafted song into each other. Not to mention Janelle’s vocals which have such power but also flit and float effortlessly. The instrumentation is so full and funky and experimental with massive success rates. God I love this. 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: you know what yes Fav tracks: this is a no skip album Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: cover of Bee Gees song probably won’t be as good as Bee Gees sorry Al green but I like soul so maybe this will be a good record Post/during listening thoughts: like the other reviews say, sometimes 35 mins of feel good soul is just right for the day. This album feels like sitting in the right patch of sun. But it’s also a great album to listen to to put laundry away (what? I put away my laundry? Crazy times people) 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Let’s Stay Together, So You’re Leaving, I’ve Never Found a Girl, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart (not as good as Bee Gees but still good!), It Ain’t No Fun To Me Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: guy on the cover looks like Ethan slater AHHHHH 😱😕😢😨🫣😵 Post/during listening thoughts: ok 80s pop but not in a cool Peter Gabriel or Kate Bush way but rather in a mid synth way. I like pop regardless though so it gets a few brownie points. This is totally a guilty pleasure kind of listen where I know it’s not pop or 80s at its best but I still enjoy a good amount of it regardless. WHAT is going on in No Direction 😭😭😭😭😭6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: Come to My Aid, Jericho, Money’s Too Tight, Red Box Least fav tracks: picture book

Pre-listening thoughts: never heard of em Post/during listening thoughts: oh joy more British punk! Not like there’s enough of that on this list. But fr I am so done with this genre. And this doesn’t have a lot that makes it stand out from its competitors (or itself. All of these songs sound the same) 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Safety in Numbers Least fav tracks: On The Roof

Pre-listening thoughts: I have had this album saved in my library for MONTHS with the intention to listen to it but just totally forgot to do it and then it got buried underneath other listens. But veryyyy excited for this one!! Post/during listening thoughts: I can’t really pinpoint why I enjoy this (and R.E.M. in general) but I do. Maybe it’s the fantastic songwriting/lyricism. Maybe it’s the enchanting instrumentation. Maybe it’s the kind yet pointed tone and familiarity of Michael Stipe’s voice. Hell, maybe it’s the Cat in the Hat mention in The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite. But it is definitely a fantastic album. 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yeah sorry like everyone should for sure hear Nightswimming Fav tracks: this is a no skip album (yes even the instrumental!) Least fav tracks:

Pre-listening thoughts: guys the website was down and I thought I wasn’t gonna get to review this one today. Thank god it’s back up cause I’m a little excited for this lol Post/during listening thoughts: this is very well produced. It’s creative and has some great wordplay and lyricism. This is such a staple in rap. But. Christ almighty. For every amazing beat and verse on this album, there is a moment of rampant sexism. Just like Doggystyle, it takes me out of it when women are just so violently objectified. It’s like objectively good music but I cannot stand behind some of this! 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself, Something 2 Dance 2 Least fav tracks: 8 Ball, Dopeman

Pre-listening thoughts: some weird track names on this one! Milk film? Baked beans? What am I getting into Post/during listening thoughts: I made the mistake of trying to listen to this while making my work schedule lol. Was so tuned out of this and had blown through half the album without realizing. Whatever review said it was like off brand Duran Duran nailed it. It’s just pretty generic new wave 80s music. But I actually enjoy this (I feel like I’ve heard these songs before though?? Having intense Deja vu). Sorry. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no go listen to Rio Fav tracks: Lemon Firebrigade, Kingsize, Fantastic Day (hello the harmonies?!) Least fav tracks: n/a

Pre-listening thoughts: oh boy more Radiohead! We’ve already gotten their two best albums so whatever comes after is just automatically going to be worse sorry Post/during listening thoughts: hmmm. This is what I expected from Radiohead when I listened to The Bends. It’s okay. There are some songs that kind of grate on me and some that are genuinely beautiful (pyramid song!!). This is far from their best work though. I think it lacks the cohesiveness in sound that In Rainbows has and it lacks the song composition skills that The Bends has. And you’re kind of left with songs that drone and noises that pierce your ears in unpleasant ways as a type of experimentation. It doesn’t really work for me. 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Pyramid Song, Knives Out Least fav tracks: Packt Like Sardines…, Pulk/Pull…, Morning Bell/Amnesiac, Like Spinning Plates

Pre-listening thoughts: been literally less than a week since we got Automatic for the People lol. I don’t think I’ll like this one quite as much but I still like R.E.M. so I bet it’ll be good. Post/during listening thoughts: this is literally just R.E.M. like idk what else to say about it. It’s just good idk 8/10 I love R.E.M. they’re like dad rock but emotional and cool with it DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Pop Song 89, Get Up, Stand, Orange Crush, Turn You Inside Out Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: putting a greatest hits album on the list feels like cheating actually. Like yeah it’s good enough for the list duh you handpicked your best work idiot????? But it’s like up on this list with artists’ normal albums that weren’t cherry picked for their best material which feels like you’re just setting this band up to either look really good against everyone else or be embarrassed when even their greatest hits is worse than an artist’s normal album. Which like if Queen’s greatest hits were allowed here it would blow almost every album on this list out of the water. Or like ABBA gold? Everyone else is like chopped liver compared to those compilations which is why they’re not on here cause it would be dumb. Post/during listening thoughts: greatest hits more like greatest MIDS am I right guys haha. No wait in all seriousness this is booty cheeks. It’s so generic, and because it’s a compilation, there’s no story, no creative cohesion to latch on to, no flow to the track list at all. If you know this band this might be better but as a first impression it sucks. It’s also their last impression with me cause I’m never listening to their stuff again. 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: definitely not Fav tracks: maybe the instrumental one at the end? Least fav tracks: the rest

Pre-listening thoughts: country but woman! Maybe it’ll be okay Post/during listening thoughts: yeah this is good. It’s country so it’s not my favorite but there are some good moments on here. I did find myself getting into this more than I thought I would. Women just do it better sorry. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Right In Time, Lake Charles, Can’t Let Go, Jackson Least fav tracks: None

Pre-listening thoughts: I’ve always thought of Leonard Cohen as Bob Dylan with more tune. Let’s see how this assumption holds up. Post/during listening thoughts: well, more tune was a generous assumption. It’s like listening to poetry with a tune in the room next door. It’s a little slow for my liking. It's sort of up the Lou Reed alley but a little better. Maybe about equal to Bob Dylan. But for my vocal aligned taste that’s not saying much. 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no sorry Fav tracks: A Bunch of Lonesome Heroes Least fav tracks: was pretty meh on most of this didn’t like actively hate it but was not loving it

Pre-listening thoughts: my brain feels like maggots rn Post/during listening thoughts: not the opening song being nine minutes… I was sorely mistaken expecting just a funk album I suppose. Sue me for seeing the name Funkadelic and expecting funk. Instead it’s a psychedelic rock fusion album. I think I wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did. The genre blend just isn’t quite working for me today because I really did just want a pure funk album sorry 😭. It’s really unique and I’ll give it credit and maybe on another day I’d enjoy this more. But today I’m kinda meh on it. 5.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I dont think so? Fav tracks: Can You Get To That, You and Your Folks… Least fav tracks: Maggot Brain, Super Stupid

Pre-listening thoughts: I feel like peoples ratings of these Elvis Costello albums depend on how many they’ve gotten up until this point. I’ve only had one before this. Maybe it will be tolerable. But after 7, I can see how you would be sick of it. Post/during listening thoughts: this album feels like the equivalent of being in the shower and not being able to find the right temperature water. It’s just not hitting the right marks for me and idk what’s off? I had the same problem with the last Elvis Costello album too. I just got bored. Idk. 6/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Tears Before Bedtime, …And In Every Home, Human Hands Least fav tracks: Almost Blue

Pre-listening thoughts: why is the one on streaming the wrong album????? Had to find this on YouTube. Also another compilation album. Idk how I feel about this Post/during listening thoughts: Christ almighty someone chop my ears off and throw them in the meat grinder. I can’t do drums and bass and nothing else. This is my purgatory. 1.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: oh hell no Fav tracks: ?! Least fav tracks: yeah

Pre-listening thoughts: FREEEEE BIRDDDDDD Post/during listening thoughts: this is 100% what I expected. I’m so neutral on this it’s not even funny. I really have no opinions on this at all. Sorry to disappoint I know EVERYONE was just LONGING to hear my essay on this album. 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: Tuesday’s Gone, Simple Man, Free Bird (it’s too long tho) Least fav tracks: maybe Mississippi Kid?

Pre-listening thoughts: Harry Potter song okayyy Post/during listening thoughts: listen this is good but why does Nick Cave need FIVE albums on this list. Like it’s good but not revolutionary or anything. Also my controversial opinion is double albums should be split up into… well, two separate albums. I understand the point. I don’t care. It’s too long. This is kind of good though whatever. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Get Ready for Love, There She Goes My Beautiful World, Nature Boy, Carry Me, O Children Least fav tracks: Fable of the Brown Ape

Pre-listening thoughts: 💔 Karen Carpenter’s story makes me so so sad. But her voice is so beautiful and Richard is such a talented arranger. I bet this will be good. Post/during listening thoughts: convinced that everyone who dislikes this hates pop and hatessss women. I love my contraltos yall carry the world on your shoulders. (They Long to Be) Close To You always makes me really wistfully sad but like in a good way if that makes sense? “What do you get when you kiss a guy? You get enough germs to catch pneumonia” might be one of the greatest lyrics in history (lesbian speaking here so I might be biased). The harmonies in all of these songs are just so lovely. I love you Carpenters 🫶 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yeah Fav tracks: We’ve Only Just Begun, Love Is Surrender, Help, (They Long To Be) Close To You, I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, Mr. Guder, I Kept on Loving You (should I just have said this was a no skip album??? Maybe idk but I thoroughly enjoyed this) Least fav tracks: no

Pre-listening thoughts: Yes album #2 and the Thanksgiving album! Yes is okay but prog rock in general just kinda drags on for too long. Predicting this will be a 3. Post/during listening thoughts: this is very Yes. Long songs that move through different acts before I still realize we are on the same song. The Clap reminds me a lot of Jefferson Airplane’s Embryonic Journey. Yes and Genesis are the prog rock bands that have ALMOST changed my mind about prog rock. It doesn’t have to be aimless. It can be very intentional and very musically interesting. It can have structure that takes you on a journey that leads somewhere. This album kind of rocks. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: maybe? Fav tracks: despite their lengths I kind of loved Starship Trooper and Yours is No Disgrace, also I’ve Seen All Good People and Perpetual Change Least fav tracks: none really

Pre-listening thoughts: I don’t do metal. Post/during listening thoughts: I still don’t do metal. But this wasn’t the worst metal I’ve ever heard. 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: hell nah Fav tracks: The Wizard(…ANNDDDD IIIIIIIIIIII 🧹) Least fav tracks: while it’s not the worst metal I’ve ever heard I didn’t actively enjoy like any of this.

Pre-listening thoughts: tutti frutti aw Rudy Post/during listening thoughts: well every song sounds exactly like tutti frutti. 50s music is just… ugh. 4/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: tutti frutti Least fav tracks: can we just change the chord progression please

BOOOOO RYAN ADAMS SUCKKSSSSS BOOOOOOOO I’ll listen to this (maybe) but in a way where this man does not see a cent of my change. I stand with the women he harassed. Also he doesn’t get a full in depth review. Also screw what he did to 1989 this man is a terrible person and musician I hope he plays summer of 69 at his next show (iykyk)

Pre-listening thoughts: I hope they rap about dinosaurs :3 Post/during listening thoughts: guys I think I love (a lot of) hip hop actually. I realize hip hop is a broaddd genre but so many of the hip hop albums I’ve listened to from this challenge I have enjoyed more than expected. I need to do some exploration of my own there. My biggest qualm with most of them is they are too long. But whatever. The use of flute on this album makes me feel nostalgic for early 2000s Sesame Street in a way I won’t and can’t explain further. NELLY FURTADO FEATURE OMG!!! Love this yayayay! 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah but im glad I did Fav tracks: Freedom, If You Only Knew, What’s Golden, Thin Line, High Fidelity, I Am Somebody Least fav tracks: Acetate Prophets

Pre-listening thoughts: YEAHHHH WELSH ROCKERS Post/during listening thoughts: this is like welsh blur a little. I can see how some people would tire of britpop but not me baby! I really love Britpop and I’m not sorry about it. 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no I guess not Fav tracks: God! Show Me Magic, Something 4 the Weekend, Hometown Unicorn, Mario Man, Hanging with Howard Marks Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: poetry and yelling???? Screw this bro Post/during listening thoughts: some artistic visions shouldn’t be brought to life. I felt like I was on some bad trip this entire album. Like nauseous and everything. The ASMR bits make me feel like I’m about to get assaulted. Jesus Christ this was so terrible. Thank god this was their last album. 0.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: is there any way I can warn people they need to NOT hear this before they die? Fav tracks: ????? Least fav tracks: yes

Pre-listening thoughts: cannot believe they tried to sue the tv show like 😭😭 the audacity Post/during listening thoughts: yeah let’s rap about peace love and Jesus! It’s almost refreshing but like also kind of corny. Musically there are some good moments though. Lyrically… it’s not my fav. Can we please find a balance between blatant misogyny and let’s all hold hands and sing kumbaya? 5.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: god Fishing for Religion is so catchy but like ???, U, Dawn of the Dreads Least fav tracks: Raining Revolution

Pre-listening thoughts: yup. That’s me. Now you might be wondering how I got into this situation. Well, let’s start from the beginning. Post/during listening thoughts: you can totally hear the “My Generation” of it all on this album but it’s not as cookie cutter as that album is. There are interesting melodic choices, songs that move and shift, and instrumentation keeps these songs from falling into cliche traps. There are a few well known hits on this album but the album tracks also shine through on this album. This is a really good album. Struggling between a 4 or 5 just based on personal enjoyment so please know that when you see my rating. In all honesty I probably should’ve given My Generation a 4 and this a 5. But whatever I was in a good mood that day and it was hitting. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I dont think so? Fav tracks: all of it but my one critique is that Bargain was too long Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: lofi… oh… well Post/during listening thoughts: now why is this 28 songs?????! WHY? Give me one good reason why an album lasting 41 minutes needs 28 entire separate songs. Absolutely insane. Song length is giving that one episode of Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous where Zach makes songs that are so short they are just ringtones. Every song is over before it begins. It’s so uninteresting. My attention span is deteriorating. Help me 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: oh definitely not Fav tracks: As We Go Up We Go Down Least fav tracks: The Ugly Vision, Gold Hick, Ex Supermodel (is someone snoring in this one?????), Chicken Blows

Pre-listening thoughts: YAYYYYYY YAYY I LOVE SCISSOR SISTERS THIS IS SO EXCITING!! Also can I just say this album cover is beautiful. Post/during listening thoughts: I’ve heard a few songs from this album before but never sat down to listen to the whole thing. This is so for me. As soon as music becomes pop or disco, the reviews hate it. And that’s when I know I’ll love it. The Comfortably Numb cover you just kind of have to treat as a totally different song and then you might be able to enjoy it. But everything else is wonderfully joyful and fun and makes you want to dance around your room even though getting out from under the covers is hard because it’s so cold. It’s sort of Elton John reminiscent but definitely more modernized. Love this so much!! 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: hmmm…! Fav tracks: this is a no skip album BUT my personal favs were Laura, Take Your Mama, Filthy/Gorgeous, Music is the Victim, and Return to Oz Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: my brain thought Rush E instead of Rush 😭 whoops! Post/during listening thoughts: a 20 min starter… oh boy… I love prog rock… yeah… I just adore when one song takes up over half of an album’s runtime… and I love no lyrics until 4.5 mins in… and when they do come in I love screechy vocals that make my eardrums bleed… and I love babbling brook noises and guitar tuning for mins on end… and just when I think it’s over… there’s another segment… and more babbling brook… why couldn’t they just break it up into separate songs… aughhh Ok I feel the need to yap bc if they can get away with a 20 min track I can get away with a long ass review. The oriental riff in A Passage To Bangkok?!! Caught me so off guard??? I know it’s 1971 blah blah blah I’m the friend that’s too woke but like every time a song uses that riff I am always flabbergasted. Also Golden Earring’s Twilight Zone solos this one. The singing on this album is so grating. 2.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no no no Fav tracks: Tears Least fav tracks: the behemoth of an opener and like honestly everything else

Pre-listening thoughts: whyyyy WHY WHY WHY did we have to get this album god no I have been dreading this since I started this challenge ☹️ the poop colored cover greeted me this morning and I let out the biggest sigh ever like come ON bro. Yes I knew eventually we had to get this album. Yes I’m still upset it’s here within my first 150 albums before ANY of the top rated albums on the site. Post/during listening thoughts: calling this an “album” or “music” is generous. This could induce a panic attack in someone who has never suffered anxiety a day in their life. This could make a blind man wish he was deaf too. This is like that one video where they took “How Bad Can I Be” from the Lorax and replaced every “bad” with a metal pipe falling. That was better than this. If you have never heard this album here is how I would describe it: there’s a German construction crew in your ears dismantling your eardrums but they keep hurting themselves with their equipment so they scream quite often. This is about to falsely inflate my ratings for other albums due to just how garbage this is. Can I give this a negative score? 0/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no and I pray for every user on this site who hasn’t had this album yet. At least my time with it is over. Fav tracks: oh my god. I have to add something to my playlist. This just hit me. Oh no. Oh god. Least fav tracks: every. Single. Sound. That. Was. Made. On. This. Abomination.

Pre-listening thoughts: ya know anything would have been a relief after Kollaps but this is just like a blessing. When people think of Bowie this tends to be the album they picture. So excited to dive into this one. Post/during listening thoughts: I’ve heard a few songs off of this before but my god this is such a treat of an album. It is so sonically cohesive but every song has such character and distinction from the last. Bowie’s lyrics are playful and vivid, while also having a story to follow about Ziggy themself. Even if the story wasn’t intentional I think it absolutely works. I listened to this one twice and I will definitely be revisiting this in the future. 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes Fav tracks: all of them. I have a special soft spot for Moonage Daydream and Starman but this whole album is phenomenal Least fav tracks: none

Pre-listening thoughts: morrissey can suck my nards Post/during listening thoughts: The album is catchy though 😞 If a prick like Morrissey wasn’t at the forefront of this I’d enjoy it a lot more. However despite Morrissey’s more recent comments I am going to give this a real rating bc the other members of the band (and the band when they were active) didn’t do anything to my knowledge. Hate to say it… this was kind of baller. I’ll dock a star for morrissey. 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: oh most definitely not Fav tracks: I Started Something…, Stop Me If You Think…, Girlfriend in a Coma Least fav tracks: any time Morrissey opens his mouth

Pre-listening thoughts: hold me closer tony danza Post/during listening thoughts: I expected to like this more than I actually did. Is it good? Absolutely. It’s just a little too ballad-y for my personal taste. I think there’s really great instrumentation work (I love strings) and really great lyricism here. I just wish it was a little more upbeat sometimes. I like Elton’s more upbeat songs like Crocodile Rock. And I like the ballads too, just not as much a full album of them. Still good. 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: I don’t think so Fav tracks: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Holiday Inn, Rotten Peaches Least fav tracks: Indian Sun

Pre-listening thoughts: another Welsh singer. Need the Welsh to step up their game Post/during listening thoughts: this is fine. Unremarkable foot tapping at best. I have almost no feelings towards this but I wouldn’t complain if someone turned it on. 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Child’s Christmas in Wales, Macbeth Least fav tracks: Graham Greene, Antarctica Starts Here

Pre-listening thoughts: I’m not sure what’s going on with the album cover but that about sums up my feelings about what I’m about to walk into. A 90s album by a band I’ve never heard of named after a famous jazz album? Curious. Post/during listening thoughts: This is almost good. There’s a little bit too much “noise” in here for me but I have to say on the whole I am more keen on it than other 90s albums of this genre that we’ve gotten before. Still doesn’t save it from a 3 star rating. I’m just not a fan of the “shoegaze-y” songs sorry 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: I Hang Suspended, Wish I Was Skinny, Thinking of Ways, Barney (…and Me), Best Lose the Fear Least fav tracks: Upon 9th and Fairchild, Leaves and Sand, Spun Around, Run My Way Runway

Pre-listening thoughts: girl idk this man or what this is gonna be. 60s rock and soul is usually a mixed bag - sometimes it’s super generic and formulaic but sometimes it’s really something special. Post/during listening thoughts: Dude this is amazing. I am really enjoying this album. Like Cry To Me really just got me hook, line, and sinker and now I am so IN this thing. While sometimes it is a little formulaic, I don’t think it’s distracting or repetitive at all. Solomon Burke has a fantastic voice. I think this challenge has really exposed me to the fact that I enjoy soul music. And this is a fantastic example. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: maybe? Yeah? Fav tracks: I mean this is a no skip album but Cry To Me, If You Need Me, You’re Good For Me, Won’t You Give Him (One More Chance), Hard Ain’t it Hard, and You Can’t Love Em All were my absolute favs Least fav tracks: none