1001 Albums Summary

I've heard the hits but never listened to the whole album before today. Classic late 60s sound, still holds up pretty well 55 years later.

Did nothing for me. Last song was ok.

Wow! Never been a huge fan, but really liked this.

Didn't suck, but was immediately forgettable.

Only knew the hits, but this was worth the listen.

Classic blues, very good

God, what a snoozer!

I could easily name 1001 other albums I'd rather listen to. Musically some of the beats were kinda cool.

Simple, catchy, and stupid in a fun way. Favorite songs: cover of California Sun, Cars and Girls.

Strong from start to finish. Been a Bowie fan for 40 years, but spent most of my time on Ziggy and the Berlin albums. I think this was the first time I listened to this one in full. Favorite: Station to Station

Love this. Favorite: Starship Trooper.

Such a unique sound, there's no mistaking who this is. Favorite: Love Vigilantes

Not a jazz fan, but some parts of this album were pretty cool. Favorite: last 1-2 minutes of track 1.

4 really great songs, the rest was mediocre. Favorite: Dirty Work

2 killer songs but the rest was forgettable.

Didn't expect much, but not bad.

What the fuck is this?

Love this. Brings back some great memories. Favorite: Let Me Roll It.

Haven't heard this since before high school. When Aerosmith didn't suck. Favorites: Toys, Uncle Salty, Sweet Emotion.

Didn't expect to like this one, but damn!

Good, not great

Pretty strong album, holds up well. Not as good as The Queen is Dead, which I'm sure will show up on this list. Favorite: Barbarism Begins at Home

One of the best albums ever made. Not a bad song on here.

Pre-listen note - just had Meat is Murder 2 days ago. Good, not great. Not sure I have the patience for more Morrissey unless it's The Queen is Dead. Dude can sing, though. Track 1 sounds great. Rest of the album, pretty boring

I've heard the US version hundreds of times. Never heard Deny, Cheat, Protex Blue, or 48 Hours. This version doesn't have Clash City Rockers, Complete Control, White Man in Hammersmith Palais, I Fought the Law, or Jail Guitar Doors. 5 stars for the US version, 4 for this one. Still my favorite Clash album though.

Really good. Favorites: title track, the boxer, cecilia.

Here's another one that makes me wonder how this list was put together. Didn't suck, but give me an hour and I could come up with 10,001 other albums that didn't suck.

A couple good songs, the rest is pretty boring

Didn't expect to like this. I always felt Oasis was being shoved down our throats in the 90s (kinda like Beyonce in the 00s). I will definitely listen to this one again. Favorite: title track.

Wasn't horrible, wasn't good.

First EDM album from this list, a genre I'm not at all familiar with. Not bad at all. I'll keep this in mind if I need background music without getting caught up in lyrics.

Never been a fan. This hasn't changed my mind.

Almost stopped listening after the first song, which is truly just noise. Stuck it out, and the rest is actual music. Not my thing, though.

Mixed feelings about this album. In 1983 it felt like they sold out. But it made them superstars. Well-deserved, just not representative of who they truly were. Good, not great.

Listened to a lot of Zeppelin growing up, mostly II and IV. Honestly find this one annoying as fuck.

Enjoyed this one. Favorite: title track

God, I hate the Beach Boys! I knew eventually Pet Sounds would come up, because "Brian Wilson is a genius". Sorry, this is the Alvin and the Chipmunks. Adults shouldn't have to listen to this shit.

Why this album? The Cure have much better albums than this. This one isn't bad, but it's not much more than background music.

Tasty all the way through.

Never heard of this band, but I'm enjoying the shit out of the first 2 songs. Reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky, minus the intensity. Gonna listen to more of these guys.

I was excited to see this one pop up, as I'm a fan of his later gruffier albums. Haven't listened too much to his early stuff. The songwriting/poetry is definitely there, but all in all this one comes off as pretentious and a little boring.

Still holds up after 50+ years.

Only one song that didn't bore me to death, otherwise I'd give it 1 star. Had to go to YouTube to hear the 2 songs with Neil Young, wasn't worth the extra effort.

I remember when this came out, it sounded like nothing I'd ever heard before. Favorite: Olsen Olsen

Never heard of these guys before. Some of it sounds a little dated, but overall pretty good. Reminds me of Talking Heads a bit, but mostly the standard Britpop of the 80s.

Smell the Horse! Everything about this works. 4 classics (the 3 obvious ones plus the title track). I love the sloppiness on those 4. Round and Round would be the best track on 15 of the other NY+CH albums. Absolutely a 5.

First 2 songs were good, maybe 1 or 2 more. Couldn't hold my attention.

Why have I never listened to Amy Winehouse? Shame on me. I could listen to this all day.

Pretty melancholy, but great songwriting.

Not horrible, but not very interesting either.

Not bad, better than most of the britpop from the same time period.

Not my thing at all. I try to reserve 1 star for stuff I truly hate. This one comes pretty close.

Started and restarted this 3 times this morning, fell asleep 3 times. After another listen, I kinda liked it. Not sure it belongs on this list, but I'll keep it in mind the next time I can't fall asleep.

Enjoyed this one.

I always thought they were overrated in the 90s, and this certainly didn't change my mind.

Punk-influenced definitely, but way too over-produced for my taste.

I understand why this makes the list - they were on the leading edge of the San Francisco/psychedelic scene, and this album has most of their hits. Somebody to Love, White Rabbit, and Embryonic Journey are the highlights. The rest of it's a little repetitive.

Day 59. Everything til now has been American or English, save 2 Canadian and 1 Icelandic. Finally an African album and ... it's OK. Very talented band playing for what sounds like less than 50 people. Not Fela's best, but worth the listen. The last track was recorded 8 years later.

Fantastic

Didn't expect to like this, but goddamn I was wrong.

Just not a fan of this type of music.

I remember when this came out and every hipster was spewing in his/her/their pants. This album marks the beginning of the pussification of the USA. Can't give it a 1, since there's some good orchestral moments.

Just ok, wouldn't seek this out

I was done with metal around 1982, so I never got into Metallica. Probably wouldn't have ever given them a listen if not for this site. Enjoyed this a lot.

Yesterday was Master of Puppets, today is my first listen to Slayer. Not a metal head but have to say I enjoyed both.

I didn't want to like this, given that Kanye's an asshole, but goddam, I enjoyed this. Listened twice, will return.

2 hours is a long time when you're not really into something.

I don't get it

I probably wouldn't have sought this out on my own, but it's obvious why he was a charter member of the R&R HOF in 1986 (back when it meant something). Enjoyed this.

Glad to see this made the list. I still listen to this a few times a year. I'll give 5 stars to anything between 2112 and Moving Pictures.

Boring.

Haven't listened to this in probably 25 years. Didn't like it as much as I did then.

I like the rawness, and there are a handful of kick ass songs, but also a lot of filler

Not a hip hop fan, but I liked this better than Stankonia. Bonus point for rhyming nasty hoes/pistachios.

3. Nothing more.

Incredible voice.

I liked the first song, the rest was just ok.

There is just way too much mediocre 90s britpop on this list.

Not a weak song on here. Even if there was, Otis's voice and the Memphis Horns would transform it into greatness.

I only heard of this band because Karen O had a couple songs on the I'm Not There album. I'm 80 albums in and this is my first 5 star to a band I'd never listened to before. This is why I signed up.

Never heard Radiohead before (except Creep). This sounds so much like Sigur Ros, only not as melodic. And I can understand the words. Overall, a weak 3.

Good voice, but all in all pretty lame.

Favorite: Out On The Weekend.

Terrible.

Kinda boring

Mediocre at best

Ive probably listened to this at least once a month since 1986. In my opinion one of the greatest albums of all time. If you like this, I'd recommend listening to the 25th anniversary edition. There's some alternate and instrumental versions, plus a really interesting description on how the song Graceland was put together.

I hate the Beach Boys.

This just sounds cartoonish in 2023. Didn't expect to hate this.

OK, but certainly nothing special.

I always get a little excited when I get an artist I'd never heard of. More often than not I'm disappointed and this album is no exception.

I remember hearing this on NPR when it came out. Downloaded it from one of those P2P sites as soon as I got home. That sums it up for me - interesting enough to pirate, but I never bought the CD. Even though it might be the coolest album cover ever!

Didn't hold my attention at all.

Love Neil Young. CSN, not so much.

Boring.

Another artist I hadn't heard of. Saw "1996" and assumed it had to be another lame-ass britpop album like so many others on this list. On the contrary, this is pretty entertaining. Vibes of '60s movie soundtracks, maybe a little '70s Bowie or Queen? Very theatrical (at times too much so), but a pleasant surprise.

This album on Christmas Day? How could I not give it a 5?

Expected pretentious arty noise. I wasn't completely wrong, but I liked it better than I thought I would. Side 1 is much better.

Didn't age well in my opinion.

Another artist I hadn't heard of before and another pleasant surprise.

Really not into this

Sounds like a band who hit their peak and thought it would always be that easy. They were wrong.

Good, not great

Jesus Christ, shut the fuck up.

Haven't listened to this whole album in decades. Absolutely fantastic, even the campy ones (Seaside Rendezvous, Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon). Favorites (other than Bohemian Rhapsody): Death on Two Legs, 39.

Interesting idea, but I didn't like this.

In my opinion, only the first 3 Sabbath albums belong on this list. This one was OK, but nothing special.

Damn, so many hits one one album.

Some decent moments (songs 1,4) but overall nothing stands out.

Didn't care for this, not a fan of early or late Genesis.

Sound exactly like you'd think an album named 'Songs For Swingin' Lovers' would sound.

Great background music, had it on a loop for half the day. Will definitely listen to this again.

Interesting.

I much prefer the power pop of their first 2 albums.

Living After Midnight rocks, the rest was just OK.

Great, great album.

Couple good songs (leadoff and title tracks), or at least parts of the songs were kinda cool. The rest is too over-produced for my taste.

I know this was his last album, but there's no way it belongs on this list.

Roadrunner's great, and I actually like Jonathan Richman in small doses. This was a tough listen.

Not a huge fan of hard-core punk, but this was more accessible than most.

Really enjoyed this, will definitely play again and again.

Just a great voice. Some nice surprises, as I'd never listened to the whole album before.

Nothing even remotely special about this one.

I was a fan of metal in the 70s then got more interested in other things. Hadn't listened to any metal that came out post-1980, until this site. Had Metallica and Slayer earlier, so I was glad to see this come up. Disappointed. Vocals sounded like a million shitty 70s bands.

Not my favorite Creedence album, a bit too much white-boy blues for my liking (except Proud Mary). Their next 3 albums are 5-star and I expect to see them all on this list.

Better than I remember

Kinda surprised to see this one show up. 3 good songs (tracks 2-4). Nothing special.

Yes, it's been overplayed for the last 20 years but it's definitely a 5.

Really liked this, gonna check out more

Hipster bullshit. Emperor's new clothes. Fuck these guys.

Just ok.

Love this

REM was so much better when you couldn't understand the words.

Immediately forgettable.

Hadn't heard of them, pleasant surprise.

Classic.

Interesting album. Some of it works, some doesn't.

This was the last U2 album I ever bought. If I recall, it never got much play.

I've liked this album for a long time. Also liked the bonus tracks on Spotify. Reading the Wikipedia article, I'd love to hear the country version of the title track.

So I must hear Haircut 100 before I die? Fuck off.

I'd heard of them, but never heard them. Enjoyed this.

Bought this when it came out, based on Jane Says. Was disappointed with the rest of the album. Actually enjoyed it more this time.

Was a huge R.E.M. fan back in the day. Loved this and still love it.

I kind of understand why this album is on the list, since they helped define much of the 80s post-punk sound. But it's not that special.

Another one that makes me wish this site wasn't created by a Brit who came of age in the 90s.

Didn't care for it.

Enjoyed this

Horrible

Had a roommate who used to play the shit out of this to the point I was sick of it. But, good memories.

Great musicians, great album. Favorites: Bell Bottom Blues, Anyday, title track. To me, Bobby Whitlock's background vocals are a highlight.

What a load of pretentious bullshit. Duchess was OK, otherwise this would be a 1.

Nice surprise. Very, very chill.

Didn't care for it.

Title track and NIB are highlights. Not as strong as Paranoid, but damn good.

Nothing about this album stands out.

Eye Know was good, the rest is just not my thing.

Piece of My Heart is an all time great.

Recognize David Watts from The Jam, didn't know it was a Kinks song. Otherwise, this didn't interest me much

I don't understand how this made the list. Less than mediocre.

God, I would love to hear this on vinyl with a good set of headphones!

Seriously pretentious horseshit.

Love it.

Musically pretty good

Title song is damn good. The rest seems more than a little self-indulgent.

Doesnt sound gay to me.

Not my favorite genre, but I realize there had to be some disco on this list. First song was good.

Enjoyable once I started skipping thru the intros.

OK, nothing special.

Second Divine Comedy album from this site. Liked the first one better.

Double album, no weak songs.

Not my favorite Bowie album, but very good.

One of the greatest of all time. I'll never get tired of hearing this.

Don't Die Just Yet was OK, the rest seems ... unfinished?

Jesus, what a tough listen.

Not a hard-core fan, but better than I expected.

Favorites: Side 1.

OK, but not the masterpiece it's made out to be.

A handful of decent moments, but nothing I'd listen to again.

Heard *of* them but never *heard* them. Strong Stooges vibes at times, but overall this sounds like a dime-a-dozen post-punk band.

Damn, Willie can really sing!

A couple weeks ago I had the Scissor Sisters, which is supposed to be the top gay album of all time. This was 100 times gayer.

Great songwriting

Haven't heard this in decades. I remember having this album and only listening to sides 1 and 4.

Billy Joel is one of those artists I appreciate more as I get older. And this is clearly his best. Nothing groundbreaking or even influential, just 9 very good songs on a single album.

Poor man's White Stripes. Didn't hold my interest at all.

The 2 songs I'd heard before are good. No eye-openers otherwise. Not a fan of the minstrel songs. Very dated.

Like most people I got sick of U2 over the years, but this was a nice reminder of how good they were at one time.

Musically very cool, but I'm really not a fan of her singing style.

Always loved this album. This was before Morrissey became insufferable. Really strong guitar and bass throughout. Lyrically every song has at least one brilliant zinger.

Cowpunk. I dig it.

I'm too old for this shit.

OK, nothing groundbreaking.

Finally a Beatles album on Day 195.

No metal band, including Dabbath themselves, has ever made a better album.

2 stars only because I remember a couple songs from when I was a kid. Would be 1 star if I had to listen again.

Forgettable

Wasn't a fan. Still not.

An album full of story-songs? Fuck yeah! A couple of all-time classics (El Paso, Big Iron). More than a few hokey songs, but it's from 1959. Overall, liked this a lot.

Their mothers probably fraternities with the nazis.

Thrilled to see something that isn't britpop i

Starts with the greatest song ever written. Ends with Desolation Row. Only one song I would consider a deep track.

Why would someone recreate soulless 80s synth-pop in 2018? And why is this on a list of must-hear albums?

One great song (I Can See For Miles). Otherwise, I don't get why this is considered so highly regarded.

Not a Van Halen fan, but this was ok.

I wasn't really into this when it came out, but I definitely appreciate it more now.

No thanks

Better than most of the britpop on this list

Expected to like this more than I did.

Musically pretty good, liked everything except her voice.

Great debut. Only a couple of so-so tunes. Sultans of Swing is an all-time classic.

Some real tasty funk, but a lot of filler too.

OK, but probably won't revisit

Love this

More than a bit rough, but some good moments

Hadn't heard this full album before. Last song was a great version, the rest was enjoyable

In my opinion not their best, but still solid

Boring, boring, boring

Liked this one better than the last Sly album.

Smoke on the Water is an all-time classic. Highway Star and Space Truckin are bangers. The rest is typical early 70s hard Rock, which isn't a bad thing at all.

Never gave much thought to HOLE, but this is actually pretty good

Not bad, might listen to more.

Just fantastic

Didn't expect to like this.

Never heard of Fever Ray. Nice surprise, very chill.

Guy's got a good voice, sounds a lot like Neil Diamond. But my God, the material is horrible. Campy and over-dramatic.

Elton John was great in the first half of the 70s, and this was far and away his best.

Love the bass

Really enjoyed this.

Didn't hate it, just not into rap.

Listened this morning, forgot all about it already.

Enjoyed most of this

Much prefer Talking Heads. Not bad, just a little dated.

This is better than the other 2 Bjork albums this site has given me. Being her debut, a lot of it sounds like the Sugarcubes, who I liked a lot. I gave Medulla 3 stars, but I can't go to 4 with this one.

4 or 5 killers, the rest is a little bit much.

Not my favorite Byrds album, but very good.

Pretty chill. Enjoyed it.

Liked this

Not for me

Title track and Fire and Rain are great. The attempts at the blues are embarrassing. The rest is bland easy listening. 3 stars for the 2 good songs alone.

Interesting story, so-so album.

Only knew them from a couple songs. This was better than I expected.

Very nice surprise. I knew I Wanna Destroy You from Uncle Tupelo. I liked a little bit of Robyn Hitchcock in the 80s, and I loved Katrina and the Waves first album. Never listened to a Soft Boys album until now.

A little heavy

I realize she's very influential and highly respected, I just don't like this.

Side 1 was pretty good, might re-listen

I've lived this album for a long time. Stop That Train may be my favorite Wailers song ever.

None of the deep cuts did much for me, but the 3 hits are pretty good

2 great songs, nothing special about the rest

Not bad. Typical of the 90s.

Love this. Hadn't listened to the full album in a long time, so I'm glad this came up.

Background music, but that's not such a bad thing. Some of it I didn't like, but I think I might give this a re-listen.

Not a fan of anyone who offs themself, especially in such a brutal manner as this guy. Forced myself to listen to the whole album.

Not for me

Amazing that this is his 15th studio album and he was still cranking out great songs. Solid 5 out of 5.

I may have liked this if it came out when I was 10.

No fucking way does this belong here

Only heard the title track and The Passenger previously. The whole album is good, will definitely revisit.

Nothing about this interested me in the least

50 years old, and most of it sounds like it could have been written yesterday. The way their voices work together reminds me of Exene and John Doe from X 10 years later.

Not a fan

There's the hits, and not much else

When this came out it was unlike anything I'd heard before. I was lucky enough to see them live in 1989 and they didn't disappoint. I like this much better than Bjork's solo stuff.

Rush's last great album. Easy 5 stars.

Nothing wrong with this. Nothing great either.

I realize with this project I'm gonna have to listen to a lot of albums and artists I'm not remotely interested in. This is one of them.

Ok

Wouldn't have sought this out. Won't listen again.

Hadn't listened to this in a long time. Shame on me.

Mostly pretentious bullshit, although there were a handful of decent moments.

Obvious Stevie Wonder influence, but good.

Cerebral? No. Fun? Fuck yes!

This is mostly shit, although part of me is impressed that they were able to make this album in 1966.

Didn't like all of it, but it was pretty good when they just stuck to the beats.

Favorite was Milk It.

Just as good as, if not better than their debut.

No idea why this would be on this list.

Pretty chill

I know this is widely considered one of the greatest ever, I just can't stand her delivery. Not a fan at all.

Title track is great.

The junkyard instruments work perfectly with the junkyard voice. The ballads (Who Are You, A Little Rain, Whistle Down the Wind) are heart-wrenching because of that voice.

Haven't really listened to Santana since probably the early 80s. Gonna have to add a few of these to my rotation. Still holds up very well.

Might listen again

Never heard of Air. Nothing earth-shattering, quite the opposite. But very chill. I'll be listening to this more.

Liked: Cult of Personality, Glamour Boys, Which Way to America.

Why doesn't anyone make music like this anymore?

Maybe there's a reason nobody bought his albums

Might have been groundbreaking in 1968, but I could walk into any bar in any town and hear a band that sounds exactly like this.

Pretty chill, I'll listen again.

I've heard this before and was excited to see it come up. This time around I was a little disappointed, not sure why. Highlight: St Dominic's Preview.

Had never heard the whole album before. Enjoyed this.

There was one song that didn't make me want to rip my headphones off.

Title track is a classic. Not sure if I'd necessarily seek the rest out, but overall enjoyed this.

I forgot how good this was. I hadn't heard the extended version before, and the extra side doesn't add a whole lot. But damn, side 1 is fantastic. Listened 3 times.

Ok, nothing special

Ok, didn't enjoy it as much as Fever To Tell.

Nice. Preferred side 1.

Yes, this was hugely influential. No, I didn't like it.

Dylan's comeback after 2 decades of less than stellar albums. I remember hearing this for the first time and being blown away. Trying to Get to Heaven and Not Dark Yet are the standouts.

Just jam-packed with tunes that have stood the test of time.

Liked the past song.

Very tasty!

Tom Waits is in my top 10, but this is my least favorite album of his. No noteworthy songs. But listening to it in it's entirety, I did enjoy it.

This is one talented motherfucker.

Really like this

Just boring

Such a unique band. This is solid, but they became great with their next album.

Nice surprise. I was kind of a Pixies fan when they were originally together, but never paid any attention to Frank Black's solo career. Favorites: Headache, Speedy Marie

Second Cure album on this list so far (seventeen seconds was the first). I don't think either one was special in the least.

Nothing interesting here.

My favorite Pixies album.

Pleasantly surprised to see Joe Ely made the list. Hope there's more like this.

In the US they were a one-hit wonder but damn, that one hit sure is catchy. Also creepy now that I can see the lyrics.

Solid Motown album.

Wasn't horrible, just didn't enjoy this.

This album has a little bit of everything that was hokey about the late 60s.

Liked: Suspicious Minds, In the Ghetto.

Some monster songs on this album, it's been far too long since I've listened to the whole thing. The best concept album ever.

Lyrics are top-notch, he was a poet first and foremost. Musically not very interesting.

His best days were well behind him by the time this album came out.

Still holds up well today

Maybe I'm just too old, but I've never understood why these guys are so revered.

Joni Mitchell wannabe. And I fucking hate Joni Mitchell.

Another album that shouldn't be on the "must listen" list.

Good Playlist for a prison.

Never heard of this band until the Replacements and REM cited them as influences back in the 80s. Shame on all '70s radio stations for ignoring them.

Just not my thing.

I remember hearing this in Streetside Records, unaware that they had a new album out. I was a huge REM fan but hadn't liked their last 2 albums at all (didn't even buy Out of Time). What a comeback! Not quite as good as Murmur or Reckoning, but still damn good. Their last great album.

Not really into this type of music at all, and I'd never heard of Venom. But I actually enjoyed it. And I can see how it influenced other bands.

My roommate used to play side 1 a lot. Now I understand why she never played side 2. Nice memories.

So I have to listen to a novelty album before I die? If so, I'd have preferred Weird Al.

Seven Nation Army has one of the best riffs ever. The rest of this album is forgettable.

Maybe the most boring album I've ever listened to.

Excellent, but the 3 duets would be better if Johnny handled them alone.

Haven't listened to this in probably 40+ years. Still knew every note.

I hope there's more Tom Petty on this list besides this one.

Excited to see an artist I'd never heard of. Disappointed after listening. Not something I'll be returning to.

Music is ok, vocals almost unbearable

I was 18, and really into metal, when this came out. Even then I knew this was shit.

Seriously?

5 pieces of shit in a row. Please give me something at least halfway decent.

I was never a fan, but there's no denying this was a huge album.

Not into the marbling voice

Wow, I haven't even thought about this album in almost 40 years. Just loaded with hits.

Very tasty soul

Couldn't figure out why Spotify didn't have this, then I realized I hid this album years ago because I was tired of it being constantly recommended. Once I figured that out and listened, it's actually a pretty damn good album.

Wouldn't call myself a fan of the genre, but this one rocks.

Several different styles, very good

One of the most iconic records of the 70s, for good reason. Every track here is superb.

Another one that shouldn't be on this list.

Much more accessible than I anticipated

Not the worst rap album I've heard (this list has more than enough).

First time hearing this entire album.

Thankfully short. Hard to believe this was considered hip at the time.

A little too cutesy, but not bad.

Great voice, great phrasing

God, what a great album!

Much better than Murder Ballads

Complete piece of shit.

Definitely very good, a bit overrated in my opinion.

I actually bought this in 1982 out of curiosity. What a pile of crap! Definitely not a must-hear-before-you-die album.

Any Stevie Wonder album from the 70s is worth a listen. Favorite: You Haven't Done Nothin.

The 3 hits are top-notch. No surprises otherwise.

Wow, I really enjoyed this. The non-ambient stuff reminds me a lot of Talking Heads.

A couple great songs.

Not a genre I'm interested in, but I've heard worse.

The 3 hits are very good. The rest isn't worth listening to.

The first 6 tracks are so good.

Just OK

One of the best ever.

Not my thing at all.

Not bad, thought I'd like this better than I did.

Nothing wrong with this, but there were probably 1001 better albums just in 1993.