There are albums that make you feel as if you are watching them perform for you in real time and this is one of those experiences that brings the energy of the music alive while you're listening.

If I could give half stars then this would be a 4 1/2 star review because it's an ALMOST a perfect soul album. It feels both reminiscent and nostalgic. It gives a statement of empowerment while also reflective of the long journey that people of color have had to face (and continue to face).

There seems to be a "coming to truth" moment where more discussion about how this album is MUCH better than the go-to masterpiece that is 'Songs'. I'm fully riding behind this narrative. And it doesn't make ANY kind of sense why this album isn't unanimously rated 5s across the board.

It needs to be noted that without Amy Winehouse there wouldn't be Adele. This album and her unfortunate passing laid out the blueprint for her to STRUT in the modern age.

The title of the album alone should let you know that you're about to listen to a genius at work. And the songs this man could make are unbelieveable. God bless his soul for gracing us with this classic ass album!

I've always been interested in diving into Beck ever since his unexpected Grammy win for "Album of the Year" in 2015. And after reading the mixed reviews on here, it's made me extremely curious about jumping having THIS be my jumping point. Especially since its an distinguished enough album to make it on this list so here are my thoughts: I came out this both confused and impressed. Beck has a talent with constructing melodies and bringing people into an atmosphere but solely based on a one day listen this wasn't enough material to instantly wow me. I'm realizing that I'll have to give this a relisten to truly grasp the purpose of what he was doing here. But right now, I'll chalk it up to not being able to appreciate the artistry. Give it a 3 1/2.

Here is when things get fun for me! You would have to be living completely under a rock to know the names Simon & Garfunkel. They are some of the early hitmakers so getting an introduction into their discography was imperative especially for an album I never knew existed until this listen... So what did I think of it? Honestly I really was surprised on how I much I liked it. They are more than their popular music, they are storytellers. There were elements of melancholic introspection sprinkled throughout the joyous instrumentation. Peeked my interest for what else is to come from them on this list! 4 stars.

The fact that this is literally my 50th album and I am just now listening to a hip hop album is horrendous. Ironic but also shameful. However I’ll let that slide since THIS was the first rap album that was given. Q-Tip is already a legend and an icon within music culture due to his pivotal role as 1/3 of the ATCQ. And it was always a bummer that I didn’t get a chance to explore his artistry outside of that…… UNTIL NOW. This is a bonafide classic. Hip hop at its core is the epitome of spoken soul music and Tip took that fact to the absolute maximum with this one. As a rap fan, if you’re reading this and haven’t heard this then you, my friend, are doing yourself a disservice. NECESSARY HIP HOP LISTENING. 6 stars.

This ISN'T his best album (wait until we ultimately get to RD) but there's a reason why its literally called what its called. The prime definition of what it means to become cemented in your legacy. This was the album that reminded the world (in its darkest period) that there was reason for the sun to shine. The genre of rap, got its own revitalization from the simple act of Jay-Z flexing his own chops. Add soul samples and strong instrumentation and its a match made in heaven. Truly a jack of all trades. 5 out of 5. Necessary hip hop listening.

I figured we were going to get to the iconic hemisphere of music that is: The Beatles. So this is when I try the hardest to look at things in a MOSTLY objective lens..... (I'm only human) I've never been a major fan of 60s pop because it all starts to blend into each other in my head and I get things crossed. To fully give myself a good listening experience I decided to listen to the album then watch the movie experience that it stems from. I'll have to admit that after a first listen I have to give them credit that it didn't come off as stale. I could tell there was alot of effort made....especially since it was all original material. Honestly that's pretty impressive to say the least and I didn't immediately hate it. Sure, they begin to spark things as they got more comfortable reaching the peak of their musicianship, but you gotta give them credit for being some of the originators. So it's good, not great, but I can HEAR the potential.

This is an example of not to judge a book by its cover or so to say: never judge an album by its single. I had no idea who Dexys Midnight Runners even was... So come to find out that they did the iconic 80s pop anthem this is "Come On Eileen" I was immediately turned off. Don't let the fact that the song is fully played out stop you from checking this album out. The folksiness and bluesy feel of the album is what really caught my attention. The fact that I came out of this listening experience more curious than disappointed lets me know this is something that requires a revisit. Shout-out Dexys, this makes me feel like the 80s is more interesting outside of the standard outliers from the main genres. 3 and a half out of 5 stars.

Normally I'm not a fan of listening to rereleased albums on streaming because it feels like a chore shifting through all the "new editions" added to the albums. But for some reason I decided to play out the entirety of this album l, including the live versions at the very end. I'm glad I did, because it helped me experience the beauty of rock instrumentation a little better. This album really feels like such a perfect blend of soul, rock, and a little bit of blues sprinkled on top to make a beautiful jam session. This is exactly what it feels like: going to a club that plays "classic rock" songs with a bunch of friends and singing songs and drinking with a bunch of strangers. Strangely this was the first rock infused album that I've heard on the list so far and its a good way to start. 4 OUT OF 5 STARS. P.S. SHOUTOUT GUITAR HERO FOR HELPING ME KNOW "LA GRANGE" SONG.

First things first let's make a HUGE RIP to a Mr. Eddie Van Halen. Thanks to him I have a fonder appreciation for guitar riffs and synth in rock music. This is the first time I've heard a full Van Halen and honestly it wasn't bad. The consensus seems to be a mixed bag in whether or not people consider this worthy enough to bed in this list but I thinks it deserves solely off the song "Panama". That song and other songs on here are incredible and feel like mini explosions of sound coming together to rock your eardrums. If this was the last time that the public got a full project from the OG members then I'm not complaining at all. Definitely feels like one of the musical peaks in the 80s forsure. 4 out of 5 stars.

The definition of SOUL music. There's nothing more to be said. A classic and euphoric listening experience no matter what she you are or whatever year you get to find this treasure. Neverending. Timeless. Legendary. 5 out 5 stars.

I'm going to echo a sentiment made by a previous reviewer... I've had an extremely rocky relationship with folk music for a long time. I came into this review EXTREMELY apprehensive. For the first time doing this list, I actually regret not being in the right environment for my first listen. I feel like I'm missing the feeling of what I'm supposed to be invoked to feel. That's not the album's fault at all, that had to everything to do with me. I feel like this is something I need to go outside and explore unforeseen territory and simply experience a different aspect of life. Maybe come to terms with what exactly I learned before I come back to this. This was an extremely tranquil listen, yes, but it was also a sonically rejuvenating. And unfortunately I don't think I was in the right space to fully enjoy it. I shall return to Fairport Convention in the future but as of right now.... 4 out of 5 stars.

I am going to try and not copy everything that's been previously said about this album but this album is very........ bombastic? The title really gives the listener a general idea where this experience is going to go and it truly feels like (more or less in better words): "American". It reminds of a countryman's explanation of how great it is to be in "the greatest country in the world." That isn't a slight against Bruce, it just oozes a sense of patriotism. It can feel a little obnoxious at times but there's a beauty in looking at someone find their sense of freedom in a place that encapsulates it. It's, loud, it's passionate, it's embracing, and at other times it's wonderous. I've realized in the past, there are as artists that have something to say and it can be as simple as it is presented BUT at other times it can be some of the most profound things you've ever heard in your life. This is truly the ladder. 4 out of 5 stars.

Not gonna lie but this is going to be on the list of albums that require a relisten. My brain unexpectedly turned off when I played this album. Not because I didn't listen to what was happening but because I feel like I didn't capture what was supposed to be captured. Yes, both of the Whites came through and provided a technically solid rock based experience..... but I feel like I missed something. People highly rever this album and Jack White (who I hope pops up somewhere on this list later) and here I am dumfounded as to why. It was good but I'm looking more for the reasoning behind the "classic" status. 3 out of 5 stars.

One of the best listening experiences I've gotten from an album on this list so far. Can't even describe how amazing this sounded but all I can tell you is in immediately running this back as soon as I finish this review. This what metal sounds like at its absolute peak. 5 out of fucking 5 motherfucking stars.

This is going to be the first album that I question to credibility of making it on this list but I decided to give this another chance. I've previously heard this when it first released but I never made the effort to return to it, especially when folkore (the album's predessesor that came out months earlier) is the superior listen. After relistening to it as a whole, I can firmly say that I still feel the exact same. However, I can admit that it was a solid followup to folklore. It provided the necessary contrast of melancholic feelings and emotions that wasn't delved into. Taylor hops and in and out of complex stories of love, loss, and further experiences of life. One thing that can never be taken away from her is her ability to write. Given the period this was released, this was a pleasant pivot from her previous work. There seemed to be more emphasis placed on how well she executed this world within the music. This album and its "sister album" really made me take her more seriously as an artist and understand that Taylor was more than the headlines that follow her. 4 out of 5 stars.

Without getting any context on what exactly I was listening to I just jumped into what the Kinks had to offer and it was…….. interesting? Not a bad listen per se, I was reminded of my first time listening to the monkees or the beach boys or even the EARLY beatles. I didn’t really know how to describe what I was listening to I just knew it was going to be a listen I needed to try and give it an objective look. Well I tried and this definitely isn’t for me. I realize I’m not the biggest fan of the early experimentation with early psychedelic rock/pop. I can’t say I didn’t come out curious though. 3 out of 5 stars.

This was one of the best listening experiences I've had the pleasure of being able to absorb for the first time. This was my first time listen to a full Bowie album front to back (I know that sounds crazy). And let me just say that this was very much LONG overdue. I need to listen to more of his albums and give it a full thorough because this man was a musical prodigy. A true gift to music. This man has a way of illustrating a simple theme at its focal point yet have that theme become so omnipresent throughout an entire listening session. This theme can become more than what meets the ears if given the chance to have frequent listens. Such a beautifully transcendent album and I can understand why people put it up there as soon of the greatest music ever made. This is something that astronauts need to be playing as they float over the entire planet. 5 OUT OF 5 FUCKING STARS. REST IN PARADISE DAVID.

I'm extremely biased against live albums being considered in any "best" lists. This may have be one of the rare exceptions. Johnny Cash's voice has a way of gripping you by the chest and holding onto your spirit. 4 out 5 stars.

I did some extensive research on my own personal little dissection into "Beatlemania" because I truly wanted to understand all of it. And there were multiple titles thrown out there but the name I saw the most was this one... "Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band". A title like that alone is enough to capture you and make you wonder many things at once.... So I listened to it twice. Once to say that I listened. And the second time to truly grasp it. Did it work? No. Did my mind begin to unlayer the historical importance of having an album like this exist within the landscape multiple decades go? Yes. I wouldn't say I get the album as a whole, it feels more like a collection than a theme and honestly it really may just be a "you had to be there" kind of thing, but I appreciate its artistry. These 4 men were at the climax of music creation and came together to ignite a sort of musical fusion. Looking back i onto it now in the lens of the 21st century I see this as more than an album but an art piece. Meant to be seen as capsulation of time for those who were around to witness. It's a kind of turning point for them and for the people who listened. For those to marvel upon it, for the simple fact of being in existence........... It also helps that the music is pretty fucking good too. For the people who are skeptical and don't understand the hype of The Beatles try this album out and hear what they sounded like at their best. 5 out of 5 stars. No question.

I don't want to talk this album to death because there are been plenty of think pieces, dissections, and discussions around this album in its entirety. At this point whatever I say will basically sound like an echo chamber, BUT I do want to point out one thing about TPAB. This is a creation that is cemented as a necessary piece of art to be visited/frequented. This is the first album on this list that I've already had my previous experiences with (I've had so many amazing times with this album) and I can completely say objectively say that this is an almost perfect album. For hip hop. For music lovers. For the mainstrean consumption. And especially for the black community on a microcasm. If there's some chance that you are reading this and haven't had the opportunity to experience this album then I need you to trust me as a fellow fan of music... go do yourself a favor. Kendrick Lamar virtually put all of himself into into this body of work. There's a reason that this album is talked to death and will remain as one of the most talked about hip hop albums throughout history. 5 out of every single damn 5 stars.

This feels like the culmination of a good HEARTY home cooked meal and the full atmosphere of a LONG overdue family reunion. The feeling just oozes out of you and covers you like a warm blanket. Sister Sledge were definitely creating incredible atmospheres for their perspective times and deserve every bit of shine for it.

There's nothing like a debut from an artist you've heard alot about but never got the chance to dive too deep into their music. I love coming to my own terms of why someone is considered a "legend". If this was my foreground into starting the path to understanding then I'm going to be in for a wild ride. This was a great listen. I may not have heard this before but it truly felt like a breath of fresh air jumping in. You could tell Britney was coming to terms with her own artistry and there was the balance of her mainstream "catchy pop" sound and her personal "meaningful" sound. It was a constant back and forth. I will say that though the singles are iconic well within her own right, her deeper cuts were able to stand on their own. I'm a big fan of her conveying her personal experience with love and connections with the people in her life. There seems to be a hint of her coming to terms with everything that seems to be changing around her. It's both devastating and intriguing how far she would go after this point. I will say that it equally makes me excited to jump into more of her discography on here whether listed in the future through this list or on my own personal time.

IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME I SEE A WU AFFILIATED ALBUM. And what better way to jump into the train than with arguably one the best solo Wu projects. This is the kind of pristine and an excellent aggressive atmosphere that I enjoy from them. It doesn't feel like GZA gets his full just due but this album is an example of the amount of consistency he has had to offer. RECOMMENDED WU LISTEN. NECESSARY LISTENING. ESSENTIAL HIP HOP. 5 OUT OF 5 NINJA STARS.

It was only a matter of time until we ultimately were going to get to this one. Let me make this abundantly clear for those who may not already know: this IS one of the greatest hip hop albums AND arguably one of the greatest albums ever made. There's a reason that its frequently referenced, constantly brought up, mentioned in discussion so much that its become a parody.... Its one of the rare contributions that is much worth all the hype no matter how people feel. It one of those instances where, you put this album on and are instantly teleported into the very mind of Nasir Jones himself. He takes you on the journey of self-discovery through his eyes and every word that is said is purposeful. You can feel the emotion. You can almost see just how much the things that happen around him effect him in multiple ways. It takes a truly masterful lyricist, like him, to paint such paint such a vivid story with simply their words. It may sound hyperbolic but I believe there isn't too abundant of material in the hip hop landscape that can compete with Illmatic. It truly set such a high standard for the music out around the time and current day.

My favorite thing about jazz as a musical spectrum is when listening the kind that tells a story throughout the instrumentation. Charles Mingus is arguably one of the best storytellers within the realm. This being a beautiful example of how you can picture a man caught up within the consequences of his actions and everything that he ultimately must deal with once he meets a woman that seems to echo the chaos throughout his life... All that and more within these mere 30 minutes. 4 out of 5 stars.

There was a 2pac documentary (that came out last year) where he discussed that when he was younger and adventuring into different kinds he came across this song. This song was considered to be the "catalyst" of describing how Pac would feeling as a human. If there was something to fully encapsulate who he was as a human being this was the song to do it. Hearing that somebody else found out how to profoundly resonate with one of my favorite artists at that time I couldn't help but search for the song. That song's name: "Vincent" by Don McLean Once I heard it, it took one listen and zero convincing to believe that this is one of the greatest songs I've ever heard in my life and I needed to venture into this man Don McLean's discog and come to understand the person who made this song. It found a special way to share a similar experience between two different people in different periods of time and different periods of life many years separate from one another. That's the only way to describe this album: a perfect snapshot of the human experience. Don has a way of coming across melancholy with how he makes music, and there was no short of songs on here that show that, but at the same time you're feeling a little low he finds a way to make you feel ALIVE. There's a beauty in it that I can't put in the right words until you hear it and truly experience it yourself. All that I can repeatedly say is this shouldn't be a "Album to hear before you die" but a REQUIRED listen for being a human. Infinity out of 5 stars. A Perfect Album.

I didn’t realize that I heard this album a very long time ago until the album started. So many years have past, that instead I’d a relisten it felt like a completely new experience. I’ll admit this was a fun and a surprisingly tranquil listen. Felt very much like a very sweet treat to the ears. 4 out of 5 stars.

When someone explained to be what the term “yatcht rock” was and how it was a lessened down version of true “soul music” I was disgusted. And I made a guarantee that I would never purposely find myself to hearing that genre. Why listen to the drier version of something that’s great you know? However, when it was brought to my attention that Steely Dan was considered a part of this category and this album is a beautiful execution of how well that genre expanded into I came to my senses. Aja, as a whole felt like an painter beginning the process of painting and watching the picture begin to become complete, each elegant stroke at a time. Definitely in need of a deep dive into Steely Dan as a whole and how they came to be as a group. 4 and a half out of 5 stars.

LEMME START OUT BY SAYING THAT I FREAKING LOVE JANIS JOPLIN'S VOICE. My reasoning: Because there's a raspy power inn it that makes me stop and feel the words that she's saying. THEY STAY A LITTLE LONGER IN THE BRAIN. Having that in mind, this album was a wonderful experience especially hearing about someone like Joplin for the many years and only kind remembering "Cry Baby". And she doesn't disappoint AT ALL. Giving all the rock fans a run for their money. 4 and a half out of 5 stars. IT'S ALMOST PERFECT TO ME.

I (like alot of the common music consumer) haven’t heard too much by the Bee Gees “pre-disco” era. Listening to this was…. interesting. I kid you not, but I feel like I’ve heard “this” kind of album before but…. Better? Somebody like a Bowie or the Beatles have executed much more interestingly. I don’t know it just didn’t permeate like I wanted it to. It’s not bad per se, I know they have better in them. R.I.P to all the sunken ships out there. 3 out of 5 stars indeed.

The era of the Soulquarians: A period of like-minded individuals (such as Questlove, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, etc), each with their distinct talent across the music spectrum coming together to create some of the greatest Hip Hop, R&B, and Soul music ever made that continues to be impactful and timeless across the decades since its creation period. Context is important and its supremely important to know this period so one can appreciate the creation of Mama's Gun. It was constructed and executed at this moment in time and it continued on the ongoing momentum of what the Soulquarians were musically bringing to the table. This album is the definition of "old fashioned soul". As soon as it starts it sucks you in with its atmosphere, and at the very end of the journey you come out feeling lighter. Ms. Badu's puts all of her soul into this one and it becomes a kind of R&B therapy session required for the community. One of the greatest creations to come out of the early 21st century. One of the greatest R&B albums ever made. 5 OUT OF 5 FUCKING STARS.

So what I got from context about this album is that is very much a messy experience getting this out 😂 But moving past the history of it as a whole, I was never really a fan of Paul McCartney. I understood his importance especially within the course of his "little band" but as a solo artist nothing about him every intrigued me. That didn't really change after hearing this (he's still my least favorite member from the Beatles) BUT I can appreciate what he was doing with this album. In no better words, he was basically testing every aspect of his own musicality. I really think this was his opportunity to throw everything he could at the drawing board and see what would stick. And given that there wasn't really any music sounding like this when he was around, its quite impressive. Not a bad attempt at all and APPARENTLY he gets better so I can honestly say I'm intrigued. Hopefully this list will give me more of his music to work through.. 4 out of 5 stars.

It's always interesting jumping right into the middle of someone's discography. Especially when you jump into their creativity arc, because you can tell that the artist coming to terms to themselves while also growing into the amazing artist that you know them to be. I know what it sounds when Elton John has been at his peak, this album is on the way there. He's having fun and it seems almost effortless how he's able to construct an earworm of a melody. This is really good but I cheated myself by knowing that he can (and will) be better. 4 out of 5 stars.

To almost be killed by the hands of her oppressors and be exiled to whole other country for safety and a peace of mind just to come back and drop THIS. Legendary in its own right. This was a means of music therapy for Bob Marley. You can almost heal him coming to terms with his own healing through prospectives of religion black ideologies. As a black person myself, it raises questions and makes me interested to check them out. I thank Bob for being as vulnerable as he could with this one and it really elevated the power of what reggae had to offer. True classic. 5 out of 5 stars. NO QUESTION.

This is exactly what I would expect to hear going to a grassroot, deep southern blues club around the way of the tavern in the area. And it's exactly what I enjoy hearing from someone like Muddy Waters. My favorite thing about him is that he embeds a piece of himself within the music to where you will KNOW when a Muddy song is playing. Just listen to the instruments. Just listen to the voice. Hear every single sound that this man is creating. BLUES MUSIC AT ITS FINEST. 4 and a half out of 5 stars.

Is this album a product of the 90s? Totally. Does it do a great job at showcasing the artist's talent and abilities? No doubt! I can see why this album did extremely well because Alannis took the sound of what was popular (grudge and alt rock) and made it into an artistic statement that felt both personal and inspirational. I feel because of an album like Jagged Little Pill existing there wouldn't have been artists like Gaga, Adele, or even SZA to incorporate her blueprint in the future. 4 out of 5 stars.

Standard, subtle, and simplistic jazz music. This is definitely middle ground jazz music and that isn't to disregard what its offering at all. It makes itself felt without doing too much to be felt. Thank you Jimmy Smith. 4 out of 5 stars.

I'm seeing a little too much Michael slander in these reviews. I don't want to be that person but we're here to judge the music.... not the man himself. And to completely disregard this man's legacy (ongoing legacy may I add) is the highest form of disrespect. And if you think you're going to tell me that this album isn't a classic then I don't believe we have the same pair of ears. Every song, every instrument, every excerpt, every line, every liner note was with intention. Michael meant for this to be his moment to explode, and this was the only the beginning of the lasting spectacle that he would soon become. And more to the music, if are telling you listened to this whole thing and didn't found yourself moving your feet or grooving your body then there's something wrong going von your end. To this day this album holds up as one of HIS best and one of THE best albums ever made. There's a reason why there's a debate on whether or not this is better than THRILLER guys (which it totally is). Come on! Necessary listening. Necessary funk listening. Necessary soul listening. Necessary introduction into Michael Jackson. A BONAFIDE CLASSIC. 10 OUT OF 5 STARS.

There are albums that transform from simple music releases to district musical events throughout history. The culmination of everything "Purple Rain" is within its own time capsule. Prince had always been a person bigger than the stratosphere he typically surrounded himself around, but somehow he was able to take all of it and properly execute as much of it through the music. This album is virtually perfect. It continues to remain timeless in its sound, impact, and further musical prowess. Nothing about this album (or the movie) slacks and even though it may feel like a product from the 80s it still feels a breath of fresh musical air. This is up there as one of the most important musical releases in music history and if nothing else will convince you, play the album and tell me you were able firmly stay still and feel absolutely nothing... Its not possible. Rest in purple Prince and thank you for gifting us this package to hold onto for the many generations. I thoroughly look forward to being able dissect as many of your works that are on this list and fully appreciate that THIS is the first album of yours to begin appraisal for your artistry. P.S. There are a multitude of shameful disgraces throughout music history and the fact that this didn't win the grammy for album of the year AND the title song only peaked at #2 at the billboard must be brought up in this conversation.