This album completely misses for me, I feel like nothing that made Hunky Dory or Ziggy Stardust special was here. I had never heard this album, just Jean Genie which was always an ok song. I think the title of the album is not good either, it’s not clever. However, the strange thing about this album is the iconic image that will live on forever. The album cover is what I think of most when I hear David Bowie and yet I had never heard the album. It got me thinking about the importance of album art. A picture is worth a thousands words and bands need to convey the album and their music by one picture. It used to be more important when we didn’t have access to the music until we brought the album and sometimes all we had was the cover. Going forward I’m going to try to give my brief thoughts on the album covers. This one is an A and is iconic David Bowie an artist who is split in half by a bolt of lightning but also maybe he is electric. It’s a beautiful image. I wish I enjoyed the album more.

An amazing debut album. But honestly if free bird were the only good song on the album I would probably still have to give the album a 5 -one of the most epic guitar solos ever. But that’s not the case, as all the songs are really good and Three steps, simple man, Tuesday’s gone are all pretty great. Album cover is great, just the band hanging out. Very sad, everyone on that cover has passed. No current surviving members of the band which is very unusual. After the plane crash and loss of many in the band it was never the same, seemed more like a tribute band. An the name of the band is great!

Adele’s voice is amazing, almost perfect in my opinion. They way she uses it to convey the emotion in her songs is even more incredible. Incredible talent as a singer and songwriter. I’m glad I listened to this album, having only heard the songs the radio stations destroyed by overplay. But “when we were young” had me remember when I was young and I felt that regret of getting older “My God this reminds me, of when we were young, Let me photograph you in this light, In case it is the last time,That we might be exactly like we were” “Love in the Dark” heartbreaking and her voice conveys the pain. “I can’t love you in the dark it feels like we oceans apart” she cries out. “River Lea” so soulful…”I can’t go back to the river”. “A million years ago” again going back to youth with a simple but beautiful song. “I feel like my life is flashing by and all I can do is watch and cry” “I miss you” the pounding drums to her personal lyrics. And of course the singles, hello, send my love (to your new lover) and water under the bridge. All great songs but overplayed in my opinion. Which had I had I been hearing for the first time I think would have been great. But I had only heard the singles and this album, I feel, needs to be listened to beginning to end to feel the emotion of her regret & fear of growing older. This is not a typical album I would listen to but so glad I did.

I’m a little concerned how I’ve gone my whole life and never heard of this album or band. The first few electronic beats and I was loving this album. Great concept with the concept of the Trans Europe Express and the chugging beats! Album seems timeless to me as I thought it was a recent album and was shocked to find out it came out almost 50 years ago! A quick google search and I really think they should use the original album cover…classic. Anyway was a joy to listen, something about the beats are almost zen like & trance inducing.

Average Bowie album, I read he was checked out on this one.

Enjoyed this album

Enjoyed the album, kind of a sad feel but it seems his life was rather sad and saddens took him young.

Very good album!

Would give 0 if I could.

Simple tunes, enjoyable. If ever I’m working on a dude ranch I’ll put on these tunes…otherwise probably won’t listen again.

Dexys Midnight Runners - Don’t Stand Me Down It's hard for me to listen to this album knowing they are the band that is considered a “one hit wonders” releasing one of my all time favorite songs “Come on Eileen”. This is a song that evokes memories of little me watching the music video on MTV when I was very young (maybe dancing a little too!) and many nights singing it with my friends in bars. I never knew this band did anything else or really cared to find out. Love the albums cover. Invokes many questions with a certain uncomfortableness to me. Upon first listen to the album, I found myself enjoying it and also disliking it throughout. I loved aspects of the song “This is what she likes” but hated the opening talking (and continued talking throughout the album - as I could not understand what was being said & it just kind of irritated me. (I don’t mind spoken words on albums but this seemed off to me) Come on Eileen seemed to sneak through to me on this song. “One of those things” seems a complete rip off of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolf's of London” which is a great song! I think this album wanted to give the middle finger to someone, probably the record industry and music company, offering not much radio friendly songs or singles. Seemed almost theatrical. Also, I think it was a story, maybe something about his life and girlfriends but I never really cared to find out and it was not coherent enough to understand on first listen. I am glad I listened but nothing on the album would have me want to listen again, to disjointed & a little frustrating. But “come on Eileen” is with me forever!

Everyone knows Willie Nelson & what he is now know as…”the red headed stranger”. Despite this I have never listened to a single Willie Nelson song in my life or if I had, I never knew it. This one was more of a chore for me to get started as I thought it would be a very annoying listen. I think this 1001 albums is cool because how wrong I was…I really enjoyed the stripped back acoustic sound, mellow singing & the story of the red headed stranger. I never would have listened to this album without this! Two favorite songs on first listen: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain & Can I Sleep in your Arms.

This one was a chore to listen. I never understood The Who. In High-school I remember I had a friend who liked the who and we would drive around listening to this album. It was fine but seemed dated to me then and uninspired and now another 25 years later seems less relevant than it did then to me. I absolutely understand people like this band and album, for some reason I just can’t get into the music, even their hits from this album. On the plus side…the album cover is great. God I hope “Tommy” is not on this list!

Wonderful album, a joy to listen. Will be added to my personal list of repeat listens.

When I first saw the terrible album cover I was a little worried about this one. I actually really enjoyed it and was surprised at the complexity of the lyrics.

Supertramp! Enough said!

Pretty good album about buildings and food…liked the songs but all kind of sounded same to me.

Seemed like a high school battle of the bands. Singing is horrible. Bass and drums best part. Seemed like they went into the studio & messed around for a while and after 40 short songs gets very cumbersome. Also production seems very low quality, I get it, punk music, but come on it’s on the greatest albums of all time list? First album on the list I really found completely uninteresting & found no connection with it at all…but again I can respect some people can rock out to it, I guess.

Stupid name for a band, terrible album cover and album name, lyrics are nonsense, music is very boring for this type of music…a few decent driving riffs other than that just very irritating and boring. First album on this list I found absolutely zero value.

This was the birth of cool!

I know this is good music just not my style.

So glad I got to rediscover this album & remembering my heartache teenage years. Very poetic, very heartfelt.

Muddy Waters the father of the Chicago Blues…the influence on music is undeniable, The Rolling Stones named their band after one of his songs! This album is amazing! The driving blues riffs, the drums, piano, guitar, harmonica and of course Muddy Waters singing the blues!

Pleasantly surprised, enjoyed the sound and some of the beats, I would imagine NIN was influenced by this sound. Seems ahead of its time for being released in 1980, some innovative music. Not sure about the lyrics couldn’t really understand most of them.

Stills naming the band/album Manassas, for some reason to do with the civil war? Then taking the album cover shot there? Was this some kind of slight to Young’s “Southern Man”? I’m not a big fan of “Southern” rock. Some of the tracks felt like they belonged in a Dukes of Hazard scene were Boss Hog is chasing the Duke brothers or when the narrator is telling us what the Duke boys have been up to. Lots of steel guitar (although very well played), but the album does change it up and it’s very well produced & well played. Don’t think Stills is that great of a vocalist & I didn’t find the lyrics very compelling. That being said, I could easily have this album on in the car and enjoy the music, just nothing much stands out.

I had Queens greatest hits cd in my youth and I loved it! It was an amazing collection of their work. I had never listened to stand alone album of Queen before so I was excited but also wondered why I hadn’t. This album was very average to me, seemed almost like they were finding who Queen would become. Of course Killer Queen is a masterpiece song and one that I’ve heard a thousand times so it really was not special to hear again but interesting to see which album it came from. Excellent guitar work and vocals but again, nothing besides “Killer Queen” as a standout.

This album seems to me something I can not make a connection with, seems it was created for and by a generation I can’t relate. The lyrics seem to take us on a journey through the high and lows of her lovers and her relationships and the contradictions of those relationships (I think upon first listen), and no doubt she is a wonderful poet. A singer / songwriter who made a big impact in the 1970s. I found it a very slow, kind of boring album, almost lulling me to sleep. And her lyrics, however brilliant, I could find no connection with. However, the songs were pleasant enough, and a little jazzy, with some interesting lyrics. (I think I may have gotten more out of them had I read them in poem form) to have been glad I listened once.

Any album that has the lyrics “scooby dooby doo-bee” is good with me…and love the funk!

Very British, music kind of bland.

I’m a little concerned how I’ve gone my whole life and never heard of this album or band. The first few electronic beats and I was loving this album. Great concept with the concept of the Trans Europe Express and the chugging beats! Album seems timeless to me as I thought it was a recent album and was shocked to find out it came out almost 50 years ago! A quick google search and I really think they should use the original album cover…classic. Anyway was a joy to listen, something about the beats are almost zen like & trance inducing.

I enjoyed this album much more than the food and buildings album.

One of my favorite albums, changed my life back in the day.

Very solid album, enjoyed most songs. Very heartfelt. He was a very talented artist.

I am a fan of Bruce Springsteen, but I guess I really only knew his “hits”. Listening to this album was a surprise, so stripped down. Just him and his guitar & harmonica. I found it an interesting listen and tried to follow the narrative which seemed bleak. I must admit I did not enjoy the songs individually but the album as a whole was worthy of a listen and I’m glad I did, however would never put the album on again or want to listen to a song off the album again.

This one was tough, I wanted to like it. It started out strong. I actually really enjoyed “Another Girl, Another Planet” and I thought the guitar was very impressive throughout. A few songs in, it began to feel very tedious to listen, I think the lead singers voice began to grate on my ears. However I’m glad I listened to the album.

3 talking heads albums so far, hope it’s front loaded because I’m not sure how many more albums I can handle. This album seemed a little better than Food & Buildings, but not much. It seemed like the lyrics are what I do when I don’t know the words to a song and just start making them up to sing along. I thought it was his voice that might irritate me after a while but I went back and listened to “Remain in Light” album and that wasn’t the case. There is something about these albums that I just don’t appreciate I guess. Remain in Light seems on a different level.

Adele’s voice is amazing, almost perfect in my opinion. They way she uses it to convey the emotion in her songs is even more incredible. Incredible talent as a singer and songwriter. I’m glad I listened to this album, having only heard the songs the radio stations destroyed by overplay. But “when we were young” had me remember when I was young and I felt that regret of getting older “My God this reminds me, of when we were young, Let me photograph you in this light, In case it is the last time,That we might be exactly like we were” “Love in the Dark” heartbreaking and her voice conveys the pain. “I can’t love you in the dark it feels like we oceans apart” she cries out. “River Lea” so soulful…”I can’t go back to the river”. “A million years ago” again going back to youth with a simple but beautiful song. “I feel like my life is flashing by and all I can do is watch and cry” “I miss you” the pounding drums to her personal lyrics. And of course the singles, hello, send my love (to your new lover) and water under the bridge. All great songs but overplayed in my opinion. Which had I had I been hearing for the first time I think would have been great. But I had only heard the singles and this album, I feel, needs to be listened to beginning to end to feel the emotion of her regret & fear of growing older. This is not a typical album I would listen to but so glad I did.

This one was difficult because I had no reference point, I’m not a fan of Bollywood, maybe because I have never seen one. I didn’t enjoy the album but didn’t dislike it either. It had some really cool and interesting sounds. I’m glad I was able to listen and expand my musical exposure.

The bottom line for me, is it simply did not sound good to me. Was a tough listen but I listened to the whole thing. Not really sure what the point was…maybe some kind of counter culture art? I’m not at all opposed to unique sounds, creative albums but this was way over my head I guess. I’m glad I know it exists in the world but never again will I subject myself to that.

Maybe ok to meditate too, I was listening in the car and I forgot I was even listing to an album only to be reminded by a ping. I like songs with music. I get it’s its own thing but not really worthy of this list in my opinion.

Not a huge Green Day fan but this is a solid album their second best behind Dookie in my opinion.

It was a decent listen, enjoyed it.

This is a very good album, I would give it a 5 but I used to listen to the Fragile album A LOT and that’s a masterpiece…so if thats a 5 this one falls a little below. But just like Fragile this these albums are always great to just put them on and enjoy! Also, always love the concept of songs in parts & always from the 3 min radio friendly format. Let the song develop and go different places!

Very average listen. The technical work masterful, from the guitar playing by Eric Clapton and the drums & harmonica playing. For me it lacked that sense of emotion and pain in the blues. I’m both the singing and the guitar. It became almost boring. Also, “little girl” is cringy and gives a sense of the songwriter which maybe dimmed my view. So many great blues players and styles from the Chicago Blues, Delta Blues, Country Blues and list goes on, not sure we need the English blues or at least I don’t. Glad I listened, was a decent album.

Some really great stuff on this mixed with some bad…averages out. Very creative and love the title “I had to much to dream last night” & “get me to the world on time”. So happy to find out a band called the Electric Prunes exists in the world.

A good pop album from the 60s. If the Beatles never went on to create some incredible albums not sure this would be highly remembered. I did not know they did cover songs which sounded very odd to me. “Money that’s what I want” was a Motown cover, thought that was a Beatles original. Cool to listen to early Beatles but prefer the more prolific stuff.

Much better than “Paul’s Boutique”but the screaming rap still gets on my nerves after two songs. One song in the car seems fine but a whole album gets annoying. I used to listen to “sabotage” in high school but now it seems average. However I do like they paying instruments and have a more jazzy feel. I do think they were an innovative group with some cool sounds, just not my thing especially in large doses.

What the point, not very good

Some good stuff at the beginning of the album and trails off. Gets a little boring, I’m sure dancing in a club in the 90s it was great. Primal Scream, Chemical Brothers…god I hope Prodigy is not next!

Average Bowie album, I read he was checked out on this one.

I definitely liked the album, maybe

Always enjoyed when Fleet Foxes comes on WXRT (especially White Winter Hymnal) but never listened to a whole album, glad I did! Lovely harmonies, very enjoyable sound and will listen again.

Somewhere someone may call this brilliant, I call it absolute rubbish. Boring.

A masterpiece of nyc indie rock! Loved everything about it, fun, energetic, sexy & vulnerable, intimate & empowering. I must admit I’ve always loved this band. And as my kids can attest, I think Maps is one of the best music videos of all time!

Some call it Kid B, which I get. But it for sure stands on its own. Love the experimental sounds and ambient effects. Very moody in tone but a pleasure for the ears. The jazz great playing trumpet on Life in a Glasshouse was an amazing way to end the album. So close to a 5

Great Debut album by an icon musician and band. Not my favorite Tom Petty album but I have a feeling Dam the Torpedos, Full Moon Fever and of course the epic Wildflowers will be on the list….I hope

I thought it was ok. The first song I actually really enjoyed. Interesting to find out Willie Nelson wrote it and sung on the album. Lyrically it’s actually pretty dark. Glad I listened.

Not a fan of Roxy Music. I had gotten Avalon cd (I think from music club in the 90s) & remember listening a few times to the title track but didn’t care for the rest. Still holds true with this album but glad to remember this band existed.

I think this is one many either love or hate, I’m the latter. I was very much into the 90s grunge scene and this band seemed to me for people who liked their grunge amped up with some heavier stuff. Never liked them in high school, and this album reminded me why. Seems almost like a generic hard rock band with generic songs. Lyrically offers nothing of importance. And I know it has no impact on the music, but I HATE the bands name!!!

If anyone wants to know what heavy metal is, I think give them this album and it sums it up and done well. I’m not a fan of heavy metal, but this album…I believe Metallica’s best, is a perfect heavy metal album. It has great riffs, driving beats, songs that change up and even a whole concept of “Master of Puppets”. I was surprised how much I did enjoy the album, it won’t be on my regular playlist but I have to give props to the masters.

Wow! A perfect album! We got the beat is right! I was blown away by this album, mostly because I only have heard the two singles that were played around the clock. I still remember the band driving around singing “Our lips are sealed” on MTV, it’s planted in brain. I’ve also always liked Belinda Carlisle voice. But this album surprised me with their punk roots, yet more polished. And they created this debut album with no outside help. All songs great but a few standouts for me: How Much More, Tonite, Lust to Love, Fading Fast and Automatic, which was just incredible. It would have been amazing to see them play live when this album was released! Such energy.

I’m not musically inclined, but I’m pretty sure this band in not playing in tune with each other, maybe not even the same song. Also, the recording sounds distant and muted. I get the assignment, listen to 1001 albums of note and rate them. For me sitting here in 2023, this sounds like crap. For a teen in 55 years ago in 1968 who got their hands on this album it may have blown their minds. And I’m glad I listened as this album helps me understand the evaluation of heavy metal and props to the band for being informative, playing what and how they wanted…helping create a whole new style. One star for me for the music One star for innovation

Must be difficult telling people you are a fan of the Butthole Surfers and not because the band name, but because this album is a joke…hence the clowns on the album cover. But really the joke is on anyone who had to listen to this crap and pretend it’s art. Note: the only semi-ok thing that came from the Buttholes is “Pepper”, in my humble opinion.

Very good album, enjoyed the song about allergies.

The man was a genius. 1999 transported me back to 1982 with those funky beats!

Beavis & Butt-head “breakin the law, breakin the law!”

I enjoyed, like being in the club but the club is now my kitchen.

Great album! Always turn up 7 nation army when it’s on the radio but this album is going on my permanent playlist! Amazing drumming and guitars in a very stripped down but perfect collection of songs!

I enjoyed this album, is interesting that this was a collection of singles, which I think as I’m listing feels like each song is very similar. Of course love little Richard's energy and singing style (a true original) and the horns. I appreciate the history of these tunes but I admit I would not be putting this album on again but did like the tunes for what they were. It really a 3.5 for me but the artist & impact the album had on music boosts it up to 4 for me.

70s rock that does not seem to have much to offer in 2023, for me.

This was a good album, but having listened to Elephant album first it seemed like something was missing that made Elephant a great album. This one seemed mostly garage rock with nothing to elevate it to something special.

This one surprised me. I enjoyed every song very much and can’t believe I have never heard of this album.

Wow! Awesome live album, this is some amazing stuff!

So many David Bowie songs I had never heard and so many more to love. Brilliant & creative and every song on the album a pleasure to listen to. This album came before Ziggy Stardust! Can’t believe I did not have this album in my teen years. And of “Changes” has some of my favorite lyrics of all time…words that were used before one of my favorite movies…”The Breakfast Club” “And these children that you spit on As they try to change their worlds Their immune to your consultations They're quite aware of what they're going through”

One of the greats! Always enjoy a big helping of Meatloaf!

Good Christmas songs, I’m not really a fan of Christmas music but I guess if I had to listen this would be a good choice.

So good! I’m was not expecting such a beautiful album. Loved the music, lyrics, uniqueness of it. I will listen to this album again, front to back. Can’t believe I missed this in college (aside from Novocaine for the soul)

There are se timeless songs on here but then some very average 60s stuff. The band seemed to be a bunch of weirdos. Would not listen to this album again but maybe a greatest hits album.

I would love to read why this is included on the list. I find it hard to believe anyone says let’s put on the wonderful Apocalypse Dudes album. First riff I thought ok this sounds pretty good, then the rest of the album happened.

First album I did not listen to again. But I have heard it, many times in college. Did not really like it then and can’t imagine I would grow to like it. I’m sure it’s wonderful for angry teens who disparage women and are anti-gay. It’s all satire, yeah right. He’s slim shady so he can be so disgusting and can say anything, strange how he can throw around slurs against gay people and women but doesn’t seem to go the next level to race, wonder why? Anyway, if you want a woman’s perspective on Slim Shady listen to Tori Amos version of “Bonnie & Clyde 97’” and hear the mothers ghost gently comfort her daughter before her body is thrown into the water from the trunk of the car. (I know this song was not on this album)

Perfect album on this cold and dreary day. Always enjoy Neil Young and this album is no exception. Southern Man is a masterpiece musically & lyrically.

Nothing bad on the ears, pretty boring

I enjoyed the album. Probably would not listen again because not really my thing but glad I listened.

Liked it better than Court & Spark. 3.5

Loved this album! Keep on Chooglin!

It’s not the album but the genre that I’m just not that into. “We are family” will live on forever and is a great anthem of family unity! Saw Sister Sledge at a fair and they opened and closed the show with it, rightly so!

Pretty good album.

Loved this album! Listened twice and looking forward to listening again! Loved the fusion of sound and the overall mood of the album!

I really enjoyed this album, loved the guitars and live rock, I had only heard “the boys are back in town” and loved how “cowboy song” almost lead into it. This album really surprised me and will for sure listen to this again.

I always enjoyed this album and enjoyed listing again, it’s been a long time.

Such a beautiful voice. I’m not a fan of todays country music, but this reminded me country music once was something special and I found myself really enjoying this album but especially her voice.

I know this album very well but it’s been a long time since I listened to the whole album. I always loved this album and still do. Glad I listened again after so many years.

My first introduction to Stevie Wonder was on the Cosby Show andTheo saying “Jamin’ on the one” (I think) I really loved this album and listened twice. Of course Superstition is epic also loved Maybe Your Baby & Big Brother and liked how balanced the album is. Glad I listened and looking forward to hopefully more Wonder albums.

Enjoyed this album, feeling the jazzy Reggae and never really thought about the fact the singles “message in a bottle” and “walking on the moon” are essentially reggae and enjoyed that flow of the complete album…But then they go back to the punk on “any other day” - “the other one are complete bullshit”

I really enjoyed this album, very British, very creative and diverse sounding. I think if I listened more to this album it’s the type that would grow on me and probably rate it to a 5 over time. But on one listen a solid 4.

Never heard this album or any of the songs on it, but I’m familiar with the band especially the album “London Calling” which I used to listen to a long time ago and always thought was great. This album seemed a little repetitive and I really couldn’t understand the lyrics but seems like a true punk album whereas “London Calling” had its punk roots but branched out musically. I Sure hope that album is on the list too because it deserves to be. But was glad I listened to this one.

This album was released in 1991, my first year of middle school. MTV or radio was the only way to access new music. When I saw Smells like Teen Spirit music video I remember thinking this is a game changer. The hair bands, superstars and mega rockstars mostly filled the airwaves. Now a group of angst ridden regular guys are rocking in jeans and flannels at a gymnasium. Anyway, this and other factors came together to shape the culture I would spend my high school years, basically what the media would call grunge. I saved up my $13 and walked up to Sam Goody to buy the CD which I still have. I can remember listening and being a little disappointed overall and moved on to other bands. Upon re listening again all these years later, I still feel that excitement when smells like teen spirt starts the album. The album seems front loaded and trails off for me. Seemed a style they used often was the softer song verse leading to the loud chorus…it works. For me it was much like that 30 years ago, I can’t say I will put it on again, maybe in another 30 years. But what the album did culturally and especially the memories of seeing smells like teen spirt music video for the first time, with some other really good songs early on the album, I’m going to have to give the album a 5.

I went to pick up my daughter this morning from super early morning practice. It was still dark, it was cold and rainy with a dense eerie fog. I put on the album, the mood outside seemed to perfectly reflect the somber tone of the music…it was perfect. Perfectly depressing and I loved it. I somehow got my hands on a mix tape with some (unknown to me then) Lenard Cohen songs maybe a few Tom Waits. I have no idea where it came from. “Little Blue Rain Coat” “waiting for the miracle” “Dance me to the end of Love” “the future” and of course “hallelujah”. I loved them and still play them from time to time (as my kids can attest) but they are strange and I’m high school I got a lot of what kind of weird shit is this? And lack of access or funds kept me from seeking out more music. So to listen to his debut album on this cold winter day was kind of cool for me. The lyrics are amazing and love what I interpreted as the use of many contradictions in his lyrics. Really unique in blurring the lines between poetry and music. Just don’t listen driving to the beach! Favorite song “the stranger song”

This album completely misses for me, I feel like nothing that made Hunky Dory or Ziggy Stardust special was here. I had never heard this album, just Jean Genie which was always an ok song. I think the title of the album is not good either, it’s not clever. However, the strange thing about this album is the iconic image that will live on forever. The album cover is what I think of most when I hear David Bowie and yet I had never heard the album. It got me thinking about the importance of album art. A picture is worth a thousands words and bands need to convey the album and their music by one picture. It used to be more important when we didn’t have access to the music until we brought the album and sometimes all we had was the cover. Going forward I’m going to try to give my brief thoughts on the album covers. This one is an A and is iconic David Bowie an artist who is split in half by a bolt of lightning but also maybe he is electric. It’s a beautiful image. I wish I enjoyed the album more.

I love Jazz, I think that’s the starting point on a jazz album. There is something about it I’ve always loved and this sounded great to me! Album cover is awesome!

They are doing their thing but it’s just not for me.

I really enjoyed this more than I expected. Some really good guitar work and drumming. I think I would have really enjoyed this album as a teen. Not sure how I missed it. Album art is great too! Kind of album you could hang up on wall as art.

I have a vague recollection of listening a long time ago, because I was told “you have to listen to “Astral Weeks” because it’s considered one of the greatest albums ever made. Wow! This will be great! As a teen I remember thinking what the hell is this. So, of course I knew this was coming and maybe I will appreciate it more now that I’m so much older. It’s true, I think I do appreciate the music more but the vocals I just can’t stand. It’s like the music and vocals don’t match up. He seems to be singing the same song and the band changes the tune. And after a few songs it just gets so irritating for me. I tried, I really did, it just when I hear his waling for an hour it wears on my eardrums. Even his hits I’m just not a huge fan of, but can understand why people would like his style. But what happened to this dude, has nothing to do with the album, but seems he kind of turned into a really grumpy old dude. Album cover is bad, just bad on every level. And I get he was going for the nature thing but it’s bad.

Was a fine listen, he was an amazing guitarist but his genius was his live performances. The album for me was a little underwhelming but glad I listened. Album art is beautiful however Hendrix was not happy with the cultural & religious appropriation, rightfully so. He wanted something to represent his “Indian” heritage so he got this because of poor communication. Should have said Native American.

So talented, highlights for me were the amazing horns and piano, but felt mostly like background music. Seemed a little too long for me as my attention faded and nothing seemed to pull me back in. Unpretentious album cover, sets up perfectly what you will get.

First song begins to play, not bad, going to have some country rock today I’m thinking. I’m sure this album will be a 2 or 3 for me. Second song begins (silver raven) and I’m surprised to find it haunting and absolutely beautiful, this is not what I was expecting. Third song, title song, a masterpiece with some amazing sounds and really amazing lyrics. What is happening! 4th song (strength of strings) slowly builds and in comes the guitar and more wonderful lyrics and building intensity, absolutely wonderful. Why have I not heard this of this album?! Some misunderstanding, builds to allow the guitar absolutely amaze and shine on this song and love how his voice waivers. A few of the other songs go a little to country for my taste, but by no means bad songs and all will powerful lyrics and feeling. How have I not heard this album! How are these songs not on the radio! I research to find out it got no promotion and was practically thrown away….terrible! This is a story that should be told. This album ruined him and it should have been a musical triumph. Will be an album in my regular rotation. Album cover is unique just like the album.

This is a genre I’m not that familiar and I don’t listen often. Seemed like a well produced album, good beats, even funky and jazzy at times but just not enough to really say I’d ever listen again. The homophobic slurs were not necessary. I did hear a shoutout to Kraftwerk…I think. Very powerful album cover & album title.

A collection of songs from a band that broke up years before this album was released. Upon first listen I kind of wanted not to like it, trying to find excuses to not enjoy it, be it the signer or the music or whatever but when it was over, I thought about it and wanted to give it another listen. It was something about the contradiction of this “punk” music and these very intimate lyrics. What kind of punks name themselves “The Modern Lovers” anyway? Second time the more I appreciated the music and the lyrics. There something strange about this album, unlike anything I have ever heard. Some of the songs lyrics kind of transported me back to when I was younger with that kind of naive view of life and love. I’m looking forward to listening again. I love the album cover, such a simple design but perfect. I would hang this album on my wall. And the drummer went on to found “the cars” one of my favorite bands! I had no idea.

Well, its cheesy 80’s hair band music. Songs that were disguised as metal but really radio pop music. I didn’t really enjoy the album. It’s fun to sing “Livin’ on Prayer” at wedding receptions or the college bars back in the day…everyone singing along “You live for the fight when that's all that you've got!” Always kind of liked “Wanted dead or alive” but the rest of the album was kind of boring and cliche. Probably a 2 but the two or three radio hits bring it up for me. The album cover sucks, an actual garbage bag. The original album cover, even worse. The name of the album is stupid, they got the inspiration at a strip club…um ok.

Always loved Depeche Mode. Many memories of blasting those synth beats in my friends car with the mega sub woofer. Many nights chilling to this band. Even more recently my son reintroduced me to the band and I’ve really enjoyed listening with him…to many songs I hadn’t even heard. This album was no different, was so great to listen to the entire album. From the first song, one of my favorites to the last. And Strangelove is absolutely great! Love the title, “Music for the Masses” which they knew they were not reaching the masses, and the album cover depicts the speaker in the middle of nowhere where the masses are not listening but maybe someone is. My favorite album cover of theirs. I’m hoping Violator & Black Celebration will be on this list.

This was not what I was expecting after listing to and loving “fever to tell” an album of raw emotion. This album is much more refined, with synth and dance beats but Karen O’s voice and lyrics remain just as powerful. This album is amazing, I’d call out a few favorite songs on the album but they are all great. Listened twice and the arrangement of the songs is perfect. Turn this one up! This album gets a 5 plus from me. In looking at the album art of “it’s blitz” I have to compare it to “fever to tell” which like its music is chaotic, loud, powerful maybe even a little ugly (but in a good way). “It’s blitz” is very clean, very polished but still a powerful image. Amazing how both albums cover convey the music within. And both covers could be art on the wall.

2 great songs in my opinion, “all along the watchtower” and “voodoo child (slight return)” Was cool to find out there was a 15 min live blues version called “voodoo chile” which I also really enjoyed. The rest of the album, while it had some good guitar and drums, just did not really seem that exciting to me and seemed very dated, even “cross town traffic”. The 3 songs mentioned above and the fact that Hendrix is an icon boosts the album to a 4 for me for otherwise would have been a 3. Album cover pretty straightforward, you are buying Jimmy Hendrix so that’s what you see.

Have not heard of this album, but very familiar with Aja & Pretzel logic both of which I very much enjoyed growing up as an occasional listen. I do like their sound, but only sparsely. I enjoyed listing to this album but not on par to those two other albums I’m familiar with. I really enjoyed “show biz kids” “my old school” and “king of the world” the rest seemed pretty average. Album cover was unique, some interesting art, but I don’t like it visually, maybe that’s the point.

Disclaimer: I’m not a fan of the Velvet Underground (only heard Nico) and I really dislike Lou Reeds music and how he behaved. It always seemed they went out of their way to be counter culture cool, but that’s just me. I understand music lovers will talk about the influence this band and albums had on music which I very much appreciate. But listing to this was no joy for me and it was boring and dated.

An enjoyable listen. Powerful album cover!

An amazing debut album. But honestly if free bird were the only good song on the album I would probably still have to give the album a 5 -one of the most epic guitar solos ever. But that’s not the case, as all the songs are really good and Three steps, simple man, Tuesday’s gone are all pretty great. Album cover is great, just the band hanging out. Very sad, everyone on that cover has passed. No current surviving members of the band which is very unusual. After the plane crash and loss of many in the band it was never the same, seemed more like a tribute band. An the name of the band is great!

Love the live aspect of this album, just closed my eyes and I’m transported to 1957 Chicago, sipping a whiskey highball and enjoying this wonderful jazz with this amazing signer. Also so cool how she can improvise without missing a beat, especially on How High the Moon where she just begins making it up as she goes, which is how I sing when I don’t know the lyrics! I’m so glad they recorded performances like this so they can live on forever. Perfect album cover, just has that jazz club feel, like I’m outside about to walk into the club from the street.

A few notes: This album was not a pleasant listen to me, musically or lyrically. Lyrics do tackle some important race and political issues that we are unfortunately still dealing with in 2023. I would not enjoy listening to racist lyrics just as I don’t enjoy listening to misogynistic and homophonic lyrics. Some of the lyrics come off as very corny today. Some songs had a beastie boys vibe. The strong language looses all effect if it’s used regularly because it can offer no emphasis. This album began the east coast west coast rivalry that I was very much aware of growing up. And I do think it’s impact was huge, however from a strictly musical standpoint for me, I just don’t enjoy listening.

Very solid album, very funky. Enjoyed every song but nothing complete wowed me. An amazing group.

Did not realize how dreary a funk album can be, well I guess that’s the adelic part. I can’t say I enjoyed it, even the guitar solo which was done amazingly didn’t really have much to play off. The last song on the album, made me think I was going a little insane which I’m sure was intentional. Very creative and interesting just can’t say I enjoyed listing to it. The album cover matches the mood of the album and I thought was better than the music within.

A greatest hits album from a band that had no hits and released only two albums prior. Compilation albums should not be on this list. A title that may have seemed clever at the time but they were not “new” or anyone’s “favorite” band. Songs one at a time can be fun but one after the next becomes very tiresome. Give the listener a pause, change things up just a little. This album I’m really surprised is on this list.

One of my favorite bands, this album ranks in my top 5 of their albums but probably in the 5th spot.

I went into this thinking it could be a very fun album, this is the guy from Wham! So boring and underwhelming. This is another one where I’m not sure why it’s on the list. I could understand “Faith” but this album seemed so average and I don’t think had any impact on the music world. Maybe I’m missing something.

Perfectly pleasant album. Great background music to relax at a beach house.

She has a very powerful voice, album was a pleasant enough listen. Not sure why it’s called Dusty in Memphis.

Very interesting album, every song like a little adventure. He’s an amazing lyricist and storyteller. I always loved the song “Time” and now I know what madness it comes from. With an artist like this, there will most likely be a love it or hate it. I love it, but something I’m not listing to everyday. The album cover perfectly conveys the strange ride ahead.

The first song sounded like the into to 80s macgyver type show where the characters turn and smile and give you a thumbs up. The second song delves into a David Bowie Labyrinth vibe, followed by a very relaxing peaceful song - all pleasant enough. Next few songs things fall apart for me in this hybrid of electronic rock. I think may have been innovative for the time but that time has long passed. I will stick with Kraftwerk.

I have never heard this album but I had two of their albums, The Original Soundtrack & How Dare You which I always enjoyed. This album is for sure a 10cc album (all the 10cc sounds) but can’t say I liked it on par with the other two albums I’m more familiar with.

Such a nice mellow album. Love the singing & horns. Of course Let’s Stay Together is amazing song and loved the Mend a Broken Heart cover which is far superior to The Bee Gees.

Imagine, a timeless song will be played forever. Jealous guy, a good song, very honestly written. The rest of the album to me was not good so it averages out to me.

Just not much here…not that the songs are bad but nothing that stood out to me as something that is a must listen before I die.

I really wanted to like this, but the repetitive words and samples just got annoying. The beats were boring. The album just felt soulless and empty.

I liked this one a lot better than the first pixies album on our list. This album helps me understand why this band has such a following and was influential in alternative music. Glad I listened.

Always loved this album, in my top 3 Beatles album. I love the uniqueness of some of the songs & how we get almost every musical style. I liked songs like Rocky Raccoon & ob-la-de, again for such originality. But I really liked all the songs. And what is in my top 5 Beatles songs, While my Guitar Gently Weeps.

It was ok, kind of underwhelming but very listenable. I can’t think of one song I’d have to play again. Lead singers voice kind of irritated me.

I’m not a huge fan of country & early 2000 country with the added pop beats is even worse for me. I think it’s cool she wrote her own lyrics for this album but for me I just did not enjoy.

Seems a dated and I found it a little boring. Two best songs are covers of better versions.

Is a good album, very simple maybe a little boring.

Interesting to have two Simon albums back to back but really shows the difference between good to great. This album is amazing and I really enjoyed every song.

I enjoyed the listen. Reckoner Is an amazing song and will go on my permanent playlist.

I don’t get Elvis Costello either and while the singing and playing are proficient nothing on this album did anything. It kind of annoy me.

I’m a fan of the Cure and have always loved this album. It was great to listen to it again, however I’m not a moody teen anymore so it’s a different perspective. Disintegration led me to Wish (which remains one of my favorite albums to this day) which led me to try to get my hands on anything the Cure had to offer including this album and I still love it!

A great album to re-listen. Maybe it’s not a concept album but I sure can come up with a story in my mind, and it’s awesome & emotional. “Do you realize” the song everyone knows is spectacular musically & lyrically. “Do you realize that you have the most beautiful face?” What a simple lyric but how impactful if you really think about it, as well as the rest of lyrics of that song. Well most of the lyrics on the whole album! Album cover is great! flaming lips dark side of the moon album is worth a listen too!

No thanks

It’s a perfectly fine album that seems to lean towards poetry that is sung. I’m not sure any of these songs rise to the level of Luca or Toms Diner and most are forgettable for me.

Had to listen on YouTube. I think if everyone is really honest we know this is not a very good album. The story behind the band is more interesting. Nothing wrong with some buddies jamming out but to call it great music is baffling to me.

The album started and I thought, oh no, this is not going to go well! Gives off strong Spinal Tap vibes…”Big Bottom” would fit right in on this album. It did win me over as the album progressed as a fun, guitar driven glam rock album which really surprised me. A few songs I would play again.

A very lovely album, melancholy and relaxed, I liked when it got a little jazzier. A fine listen but kind of forgettable for me.

I didn’t like this album when I was younger and I found out I still don’t. I don’t like the music or the strange unsettling storyline. They are very gifted musicians and I can understand why people enjoy their music, just not for me.

I did not enjoy this album at any level.

I enjoyed this mellow version of Beck for sure, very beautiful album and very somber. However, the Odelay album is one of my favorites and this does not live up to it at all. Overall a nice listen but nothing I would go back to.

Two Beck albums in a row and it really put his versatility as a musician on display. I really liked this album a lot, some really nice beats. I would put this album on again for sure it’s got some great stuff. 4.5

I was at a rock n roll themed bbq restaurant for lunch and ate under a huge mural of Rush performing. I said I can’t believe we have not seen a Rush album on the list and that very same night we got Rush! When you grow up in the 80s/90s there is always a few kids the word their Rush tshirts to school everyday, wonder where they are. Anyway, I’ve always enjoyed this album, and turn up the radio when the singles come on, but just never went as far as to buy any T-shirts.

This is a solid album and brings me right back to the 80s. The trilogy of music videos which launched ZZ Top into the mainstream with the iconic videos featuring the long bearded band with rebellious outsider narrative, even back then I felt like they were in on the joke. My favorite ZZ Top album will always be tres hombres but eliminator led me there. Recently getting to be at a surprise performance of la grange by ZZ Top frontman at a Billy Joel concert was unbelievable for me!

I’m just not a huge fan of the 80s/90s metal, this album surprised me in the fact I didn’t hate it. Nothing on it demanded a repeat listen but as I was listening I enjoyed it and was rocking out a few times. Some really good riffs and guitar work.

Interesting mix of styles. Fun album but also comes across as a little amateurish. Feels like an album that could not transcend the time period which in this case does not help.

For me the music couldn’t keep my attention and kept fading into the background.

Those are some hot rats but as with the previous album on the list, however the competence of musicality it just fades to the background with nothing to pull me back.

I put on while making dinner and enjoyed the listen. Did seem a little disjointed at times but a good jazz album by a jazz master.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil did not seem like an album worthy of this list. I’m not sure this was a good album in 1966 but listening in 2024 with all the amazing music that has come since makes me wonder why I have to listen to this uninspired, boring album.

Maybe it me lately, but this album is very bland. Very listenable but nothing to make you say let me turn this one up .

I put this on while I was making dinner, didn’t have the same relaxing effects as the jazz album did. Extra star for the shoutout to the Jeffersons.

A few pretty iconic era defining songs, other than that I really did not enjoy anything else on this album.

It’s been a long time since I listened to this one and so glad I did again! An amazing album with incredible lyrics over a wonderful jazzy sound. If remember buying this CD and loving it upon first listen and I still do.

Good have mercy on me, I just don’t get any of it.

I really am not wanting to be disrespectful but that could be a contender for the worst album on the list. Opens with such a dreadful song that it may have set the tone for me. I feel like a guy just wandered into a music studio one day by mistake.

Exactly what I think of when it comes to 60s pop rock music. Probably would have owned this album if I grew up back then. It grew on me is I listened.

I got this album on cassette and still have it somewhere. I listened to it a lot and think I remember really liking it. I still use phrases like “no sleep till’ Brooklyn” and for everyone who has lost the freedom to party “you got to fight for your right to party” Now this kind of rapping just really kind of annoys me, I guess I’m just old. I enjoyed it mostly as a nostalgia listen but don’t remember it bing so grating.

When he’s good he’s amazing, when he’s bad it’s awful. Thankfully this is one of his best and I really enjoyed it.

Why? Just no

Old school rap with some era defining songs. I still wear my Addis’s. Some amazing beats and the cover of Walk this Way, is amazing. A few duds brings this score down.

It’s hard for me to take seriously, when I listen, I keep seeing Spinal Tap in my head. Seems very goofy. They are not bad musicians and there is some really good guitar on here but this is just not for me. I understand if this kind of metal is something you are in to, this album would be one of the best.

This a damn good album! From open to close. An amazing band and album!

I think this album plays with the expectation of sounds and music. I very much enjoyed it but was also irritated by it at times, almost like better to listen to this whole album in separate sittings. I enjoyed the album, it is dark and gloomy soundscape. Keep the written lyrics near by. I think this one deserves more listens to fully appreciate it and would probably raise my opinion of it to a 5. I most likely won’t listen again for the fact it is a little to down which as I get older is less appealing to me.

This music isn’t very timeless, it puts us back right into early 2000s, even with the opening track celebrity shout outs. I didn’t love or hate those songs overplayed on the radio then and I don’t love or hate them now. Listening to the whole album was kind of boring for me. I was also really surprised to hear basically a slut shaming song in what I thought was a very female empowerment group, seemed very strange to me.

I had never heard of this band or album. Not a bad listen, but nothing that really would make me want to listen again.

Not much for me on this album.

I enjoyed this album as a stripped down version of Nirvana. My favorite is the cover of “the man who sold the world”

The 1970s British monarchy was never a time or place for me. The anger is very apparent and I think appealed to the youth of the time and I bet the parents were terrified of it. Musically for me it pretty bad. I don’t like the “singing” style and every sone sounds pretty much the same. Very weak guitar and mostly just annoying. I get the influence it had on the youth and punk music but something I can not relate to at all.

I went into the listen thinking it would be singer / songwriter and had high hopes. All the songs were so old timey lyrics and not written by her. The voice pleasant at times with just a guitar became very boring. This album was released almost 20 years before I was born, feels like it is a relic of the past.

“The Poet” is a bold declaration. But when he was able to work the finger lickin’ and Kentucky Fried Chicken into a verse he backed it up - pure poetry. Very boring album, but listenable and forgettable.

I wanted to like it and I tried, but for some reason I just couldn’t. It had potential but I just had to admit I did not like it much.

I love jam bands and long live improvisation. I love jazz, blues, rock fusion. I don’t love this for some reason. I felt like the blues tunes I’d rather hear from the actual blues masters. The jamming didn’t feel like it was centered around anything meaningful. I can imagine the concerts were a lot of fun but this album just did not keep my interest.

Fun listen. Like the sound.

A very good rem album, one that I had in my collection and I always enjoyed.

Some say it’s his best solo album. Im just not a fan of John Lennon without the Beatles. I really believe this album would not be on the list if it was released by some rando and not John Lennon of the Beatles.

Not a fan of the Smiths but had a few moments and not an unlistenable album.

I really enjoyed the funkiness but I personally did not have much to relate with to draw me in completely. Glad I listened and did enjoy the funk!

This is the Masterpiece of 90s rap music. Amazing how sensitive my ears are now to swear words. In high school did not even notice. The album is kept fresh with the host of rappers and rapping styles. The lyrics (hoe er full of swears) are clever & satirical and relevant to the culture. Bonus the king foo theme! Wu Tang forever.

In my opinion one of the best albums by one of the greatest signer song writers of all time. His characters navigating life of small town America, of desperation & hope is pure poetry set to his incredible sound with his estreet band and his instantly recognizable voice. No doubt an inspiration of so many artists and particular the recent Pressure Machine by the Killers. Love this album.

Very relaxing, jazzy samba. Very much enjoyed the sounds. Obviously the language barrier keeps the lyrics a secret which I think can be good and bad thing. I would listen again when relaxing by the pool on vacation.

It’s not a good start when I see Van Morrison and inadvertently roll my eyes. I’m not sure why I can’t stand his voice for more that two songs. The band is very good. The tunes have good energy but really liked the Blues covers the most but that’s not saying much. I would put this on over astral weeks any day but again that’s not saying much.

London Calling is best song. Album cover is more iconic than the music.

Maybe a fun concert 50 years ago…seemed pretty dated and boring to me.

This one was tough to get through and I may have got the skip a few times. Never listened to this album and now I wish I hadn’t, kind of surprised it’s on this list.

I do enjoy those 80s synth sounds! Liked the lyrics seemed more tech driven which made the album more interesting and I do love Cars. However sometimes synth can overstay its welcome on a whole album…this album dips to a 2 and rises to a 4 for me.

I liked the album, White rabbit and Somebody to love are great songs that have a very era defining feel and I believe will stand the test of time. I like the psychedelic rock sound of that grneration and this album really is a great showcase of that.

An amazing album. That really is all that needs to be said.

Not bad album started strong with first two songs for me then kind of fizzled out but I didn’t mind the listen.

Love this album, always have always will. Deacon Blue might be my favorite SD song.

Not a bad album and very talented singer but just nothing that really that made me want to listen again.

One of my favorites, a great album at the time and still holds up. An amazing artist.

When I was in jr high my brother let me go through his music. I found a tape with the simple words “the wall”. I still remember listening to the opening ”in the flesh” and being blown away. Never had I heard something like this. I think the theme of isolation is even more relevant today. And the imagined political climate seems almost prophetic “all you have to do is follow the (trumps) worms” And some of the best guitar work on any album ever. A true masterpiece.

Another album that I listened to in jr. High which began to shape an awareness to the world around me and a perspective I was.l not familiar. Still amazing how relevant this album is so many years later.