My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
Crazysexycool TLC	5	3.07	+1.93
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space Spiritualized	5	3.15	+1.85
1989 Taylor Swift	5	3.26	+1.74
Stardust Willie Nelson	5	3.39	+1.61
Ellington at Newport Duke Ellington	5	3.43	+1.57
Blonde On Blonde Bob Dylan	5	3.48	+1.52
We Are Family Sister Sledge	5	3.48	+1.52
The Atomic Mr Basie Count Basie & His Orchestra	5	3.5	+1.5
Bringing It All Back Home Bob Dylan	5	3.63	+1.37
Buena Vista Social Club Buena Vista Social Club	5	3.67	+1.33

Album	You	Global	Diff
Reign In Blood Slayer	1	2.97	-1.97
Yeezus Kanye West	1	2.75	-1.75
Kid A Radiohead	2	3.7	-1.7
Aladdin Sane David Bowie	2	3.61	-1.61
Maggot Brain Funkadelic	2	3.6	-1.6
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea PJ Harvey	2	3.38	-1.38
Endtroducing..... DJ Shadow	2	3.36	-1.36
Pornography The Cure	2	3.32	-1.32
Homework Daft Punk	2	3.29	-1.29
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got Sinead O'Connor	2	3.26	-1.26

Artist	Albums	Average
Beatles	4	4.5
Bob Dylan	3	4.67

Artist	Ratings
Kanye West	4, 1

MGMT

3/5

Big fan of some very interesting instrumentation, but the dream-like vocals were lost on me, alongside many of the lyrics. Highlight: Kids Lowlight: The Youth Surprise Hit: 4th Dimensional Transition

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye

5/5

The fact that this album came out in 1971 blows my mind. I can see and feel it's influence as a concept album across the decades. Gaye's seemingly effortless vocals and messaging are just as impressive and important 50+ years later as they ever were. High Point: What's Going On Low Point: n/a Surprise Hit: Save The Children

Music For The Jilted Generation

The Prodigy

2/5

This album is comfortably outside of my comfort zone. While most of it was inoffensive, it did feel awfully outdated in parts, and repetitive and droning in others. Needless to say, not my cup of tea. Highlight: 3 Kilos Lowlight: Claustrophobic Sting Surprise Hit: Poison

Sign 'O' The Times

Prince

3/5

While non of the songs here were catchy enough to stick in my ear or moving enough to stick in my head, I can't help but give credit to Prince for his incredible range on this album.

Blonde On Blonde

Bob Dylan

5/5

I can't imagine a much better intro to Bob Dylan than this. I was skeptical of being able to handle an entire album of his vocals, but I have to say I should have never doubted his reputation. Lyrically masterful and audibly varied throughout, Bob Dylan and his supporting cast are put on full display on Blonde on Blonde and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't bummed I hadn't heard it sooner. Edit: Upon a re-listen, I think I missed the mark a bit here, or my eyes are a little more open now. Most of the songs here are good. One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later) should've definitely had a mention as a standout. But the rest is arguably more of a background to the three outstanding songs. Still, those three songs are unbelievable, with Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands being my top Bob Dylan song at the moment. I'll undoubtedly listen again, can't wait to see how it continues to hold up. High Point: Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again Low Point: n/a Surprise Hit: Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands

Bitches Brew

Miles Davis

3/5

I think I like jazz, but this album may be a bit too jazz for me. I often found myself lost in the music, and not in a good way. At the same time, I wouldn't argue against someone who said this was masterful or game-changing. To each their own I guess. High Point: Bitches Brew Low Point: Feio Surprise Hit: Miles Runs the Voodoo Down

Ogden's Nut Gone Flake

Small Faces

4/5

Distinctly stylish, delightfully digestible, and distinguishingly British, Small Faces has put together an extremely tight and psychedelic concept album here that I wouldn't hesitate to listen to again. Highlight: Lazy Sunday Lowlight: The Hungry Intruder Surprise Hit: Rene

My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts

Brian Eno

2/5

This sample-heavy album is not nearly as musically intimidating as some of the other vocal-less albums on this list, while still being varied enough to steadily hold my interest in the first half before slowly losing me towards the finish line. That being said, I don't think there's much on the bone here, and nothing that would really make me want to listen again. Highlight: Mea Culpa Lowlight: Mountain of Needles Surprise Hit: Moonlight in Glory

New Wave

The Auteurs

3/5

This album might be the first example in this list that I’ve had an issue with the balance of. The band seemed to overpower the vocals often, which is a shame because the instrumentation felt quite standard, especially in comparison to the lead singer. All that said, this album was good enough, and successfully scratched the British rock itch. And I definitely appreciate the flow of the album, despite some of the structure within the individual songs feeling repetitive. Highlight: Don’t Trust the Stars Lowlight: Bailed Out Sneaky Hit: Home Again

1989

Taylor Swift

5/5

Just looking at the list of tracks here was practically jaw dropping, as someone who has never sought out Taylor Swift's catalog. Sure enough, this album delivers pop hit after pop hit, despite a couple songs not quite living up to the rest towards the end of the list. Sure, some people may complain that the album feels too "safe" or something equivalent, but at the end of the day the songs are as catchy as heck and comfortably unambiguous to the point of near pop-perfection. Highlight: Wildest Dreams Lowlight: I Know Places Surprise Hit: Clean

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Aretha Franklin

3/5

Maybe one of the bigger disappointments so far, this album really only has the one standout song in Respect. The rest, while not bad by any means, still left me unimpressed or even bored. Highlight: Respect Lowlight: Save Me Surprise Hit: Soul Serenade

Pink Moon

Nick Drake

4/5

Color me VERY surprised by how much I liked this album. I’ve never heard of Nick Drake or this album. You could tell me that this album was released any of the past 50 years and I would never doubt you. It’s simple, raw, timeless music. It’s not enough to completely blow me away, but I have no doubt I’ll come back to listen again. Highlight: Place to Be

Beggars Banquet

The Rolling Stones

3/5

Being the first Rolling Stones album I've listened to the whole way through, I consider this album a solid success. Sympathy for the Devil is an obvious classic. The production value is also second-to-none, to the point where it can carry some of the same-y blues/rock songs that may overpopulate the album. Highlight: Sympathy for the Devil Lowlight: Parachute Woman Surprise Hit: Dear Doctor

Fifth Dimension

The Byrds

3/5

This seems like it must've been a fun album when it came out. Full of psychedelic sounds and far-out lyrics, this record sounds every bit as 60's as it looks, almost stereotypically so. I'm unfamiliar with the history of the genre so I may not be giving enough credit where credit is due here, but very little here stood out to me as something I'd come back to. Highlight: What's Happening? Lowlight: 5D (Fifth Dimension) Surprise Hit: 2-4-2 Fox Trot (The Lear Jet Song)

D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle

Throbbing Gristle

1/5

I thought some other albums have been a struggle on this list, but this one takes the cake. Maybe that's its purpose. Maybe its genius. Maybe it takes a genius to truly appreciate their work here. Any of those could be true, but I know one thing is true for sure, this album is not for me.

Mothership Connection

Parliament

4/5

For some reason it never occurred to me, growing up at least, that entire albums of Funk existed. My only experience was generally one-off bits in TV shows or movies. This album was almost unbelievably funky, especially compared to anything I'd heard of this genre in the past. There was a relatively snoozy track or two, but I can't imagine a person existing that wouldn't have a good time listening to this album. Highlight: Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) Lowlight: Night Of The Thumpasorus Peoples Surprise Hit: P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up)

Buena Vista Social Club

5/5

Wow this album was everything I never knew I wanted. There's a sense of nostalgia and comfort here, despite the fact that I know very little Spanish and have never listened to this type of music before. Everything on the album exudes talent. The composition, the vocals, the instrumentation, and I'm going to assume the lyrics, all resonate universally in a way that only music can. And to have 14 tracks cover the breadth of music that this album did is a feat in its own, it's an instant classic in my book. Highlight: De Camino a La Vereda Lowlight : n/a Surprise Hit: Dos Gardenias

Queen Of Denmark

John Grant

4/5

I'll admit, I was maybe too eager to judge a book by it's cover here. I didn't know what to expect at first glance, but what I got was an intimate, funny, lyrical, and somewhat theatrical album that has zero issues holding my attention. Some of the songs get a little goofier than I expected, but it would still quickly find it's way into my collection (if I had one). Highlight: Where Dreams Go To Die Lowlight: Marz Surprise Hit: Silver Platter Club

Rising Above Bedlam

Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart

2/5

This felt like some sort of bizarre time machine back a couple of decades, and not in a good way. Nothing here really stuck with me, except for maybe the somewhat pretentious feeling of it all. Not my cup of tea for sure, but it is music! Highlight: Erzulie Lowlight: Sweet Divinity Surprise Hit: n/a

Amnesiac

Radiohead

3/5

I have little to no experience with Radiohead, but I have heard that some melomaniacs hold them in pretty high regard. And there were a couple tracks on this list where that shone through. But altogether the album fell a little flat for me. Maybe it's out of my league, but my monkey-brain was thirsty for more rhythm somewhere in the album. To me, the songs tended to flow into each other in a way that made several of them indistinguishable, or maybe even unmemorable. Highlight: Life in a Glasshouse Lowlight: Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors Surprise Hit : Knives Out

#1 Record

Big Star

3/5

Credit where credit is due, this album has got a pretty sweet cover. And it was cool to hear the original version of the That 70's Show theme. But aside from a few of the slower hits. Most of the tunes here seem fairly run-of-the-mill for 70s rock. Not the worst listen, but nothing I'd come back to as a whole. (Also I would like to retroactively grade yesterday's album as a 2, this was better than that.) Highlight: In The Street Lowlight: ST 100/6 Surprise Hit: Thirteen

Idlewild

Everything But The Girl

3/5

It took me a few songs to get into this album. The lead singer's Cher-like voice and the very 80's-pop tracking felt almost like an imitation of the times for a while. But I think it started to almost click for me close to halfway through the album, maybe due to some nostalgic soft-rock-esque saxophone. It's not great and it's VERY 80's, but I wouldn't hesitate to listen to if it came on in the background. Highlight: Goodbye Sunday Lowlight: These Early Days Surprise Hit: Apron Strings

Very

Pet Shop Boys

3/5

Having knowingly only heard one Pet Shop Boys song before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this album. I’m still not entirely sure how I would classify it. Once I was a few songs in, the vocals started to grow on me. Unfortunately, the instrumentals didn’t fare as well. It’s a product of the times certainly, but it hasn’t aged very gracefully. The tone of the album never really landed either, with some songs feeling decidedly pop-y, while others were backed by momentous, cinematic instrumentation. Not something I’d seek out to listen to again, apart from showing off some of the more interesting tracks to see how others are impressed. Highlight: Go West Lowlight: One in a Million Surprise Hit: To Speak Is a Sin

A Hard Day's Night

Beatles

5/5

Is it the Beatles best work? No. But don’t let that take away the lightning in a bottle that this album is. This is a masterclass in pop music. Short, sweet, catchy, everything you could ask for in a pop album. And at just over 30 minutes they managed to waste absolutely zero time here. You could argue every other song on this list could be a #1 hit, and for all I know they maybe were. As the first Beatles album on my list, it didn’t disappoint. Highlight: A Hard Day’s Night Lowlight: n/a Surprise Hit: And I Love Her

Crocodiles

Echo And The Bunnymen

2/5

I might be beginning to get a bit of British rock/rock-adjacent fatigue because this album fell impressively flat for me. There were maybe a couple of standout songs in either direction, but really the vocal range and tempos all sort of melded together into what felt like one big, long song-blur. Probably closer to a 2.5 than a 2, but here we are. Highlight: Rescue Lowlight: Happy Death Men Surprise Hit: Monkeys

1999

Prince

4/5

Now this is the Prince I thought I knew. There's definitely a reason I didn't come across many of these songs when I was younger, Prince is maybe at his freakiest here. The album starts off with a bang, with the first handful of tracks being locked down as pop staples. Throw in a few other hits along the way and you've got what feels to be an essential album for pop fans. Throw in a cool album cover and I'm sold. Highlight: 1999 Lowlight: Free Surprise Hit: Lady Cab Driver

Frank

Amy Winehouse

4/5

I'm surprised I haven't heard more of Amy Winehouse before now. It's comfortably up my alley, and this album is something that I could listen to the whole way through again with no issues. Iconic voice, jazzy tunes, classic covers, not much more I could ask for here. Highlight: What Is It About Men Lowlight: Amy Amy Amy Surprise Hit: Moody's Mood for Love / Teo Licks

In Rainbows

Radiohead

3/5

I've heard a lot of hype behind this album, so I think the fact that it didn't click with me is a pretty good indicator that Radiohead just isn't my bag. Which is a shame because there's a good amount of interesting instrumentation here. But the vocals are just something I can't get behind, and as a side-effect the lyrics often slip by as well. Not to say that there's I think is bad here, just nothing mind-blowing to me. Highlight: Jigsaw Falling Into Place Lowlight: Bodysnatchers Surprise Hit: Faust Arp

Walking Wounded

Everything But The Girl

3/5

This album represents a genre that I've definitely heard before, but not one that I would be able to identify in words. There's definite nostalgia here, but this album really feels like a bit of a time machine. It sounds like the Matrix coming out, or one of those old Sonic spin-off games. It gets a lot of novelty for me there, but I can't give it too much praise beyond that. Highlight: Mirrorball Lowlight: Walking Wounded - Omni Trio Mix Surprise Hit: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Ys

Joanna Newsom

4/5

This has "divisive" written all over it, but I'm happy to say I enjoyed this album throughout. I'm not sure what to identify this genre as, but the melodies here never got boring or repetitive. Joanna made some interesting vocal choices at times, but there was something deeply satisfying about the lyrics and their melody that drew me into the music. It's nothing that I would've ever searched out, but I am glad I stumbled onto it in this list. Highlight: Monkey & Bear Lowlight: Cosmia (especially the last 90 seconds or so) Surprise Hit: Emily

Maggot Brain

Funkadelic

2/5

For a band called Funkadelic there was a supreme lack of funk on this album. The intro song/guitar solo was nice, but the rest of album seemed a bit tame compared to other funk pieces on this list.

Fetch The Bolt Cutters

Fiona Apple

3/5

I've heard of Fiona Apple before but never dabbled. The timeliness of this album seems like it would've been really cool to listen to on release. Kind of raw and unfiltered, Apple takes a lot of jabs at a lot of things here. Good as a one time listen through to me, but I don't think there's anything on the album I'd come back and bob my head to. Highlight: Under The Table Lowlight: On I Go Surprise Hit: Ladies

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx

Raekwon

4/5

Finally a hip hop album made it's way onto my list, and a good one to boot. Raekwon is in peak form here, proving that he's got what it takes even outside of Wu-Tang. There's a lot of rock solid stuff in here, but there's not many songs that stand out as a big hit in my book. It's not my favorite form of hip hop, but it's undeniably great work. Highlight: Ice Cream Lowlight: Glaciers of Ice Surprise Hit: Knuckleheadz

All Things Must Pass

George Harrison

4/5

I was sort of dreading this listen once I saw the run time of this album. Over 2 hours is a lot to ask, and it's definitely too much here, but aside from the sheer amount of music here it was actually not too bad to sit through. I didn't need the repeated tracks, and maybe they weren't there on the original album. But there are a few bonafide hits on here. I probably never gave George Harrison enough credit as a Beatle. This feels as 70s-singer-songwriter as it gets, and if you're a fan of the genre and willing to skip around a bit, then it's definitely worth your time. Highlight: My Sweet Lord Lowlight: Wah-Wah Surprise Hit: If Not For You

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Stereolab

3/5

Aside from the name of the album, there wasn't much here that I could take away. Seems like perfectly serviceable rock music, albeit I'm sure some messaging went over my head being in a different language and all. Highlight: The Noise of Carpet Lowlight: Olv 26 Surprise Hit: Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Wild Gift

X

4/5

In plain words, this album felt cool. I don't have a ton of experience with punk music, but there's enough variance here among what the quintessential high-energy songs to keep me entertained the whole time. Not much bad I can say here in all honesty, just good, cool music. Highlight: Adult Books Lowlight: n/a Surprise Hit: When Our Love Passed out on the Couch

Peter Gabriel

3/5

There's a few fantastic songs here, mixed in between a bunch of songs that were an absolute miss. Peter Gabriel is someone I had heard of before, and his sound is familiar, but he was clearly still finding himself in this debut album. In this case, the highs were enough to balance out the lows. Highlight: Solsbury Hill Lowlight: Moribund The Burgermeister Surprise Hit: Excuse Me

In The Court Of The Crimson King

King Crimson

4/5

I'm convinced that this is a jazz album. 21st Century Schizoid Man is a bonafide hit, and most of the other tracks are far behind. I don't think it's an album for everybody, but I would heartily recommend it to people who are remotely interested. Highlight: 21st Century Schizoid Man Lowlight: Moonchild Surprise Hit: Epitaph

Winter In America

Gil Scott-Heron

3/5

This was a pretty nice sounding album, aside from Gil's voice at points. Somewhat astonishing to listen to this nearly 4 decades later and see how similar the political environment was. Smooth, chill music, but probably a one-and-done for me.

Coles Corner

Richard Hawley

3/5

The Ocean is really good. Richard Hawley does well here, but aside from the single-worthy The Ocean, there's not much here to bring me back.

Hotel California

Eagles

3/5

Talk about starting off with a bang, Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane are some of the Eagles best. Unfortunately, this album quickly lost pace with me. The second half really felt like stereotypical love songs that could have been written by anybody. But man those other two songs are real good. Highlight: Life in the Fast Lane Lowlight: Pretty Maids All in a Row

Pretenders

3/5

I think the amount of listens each track has on Spotify lines up perfectly on this album. Brass in Pocket is one of those songs that I've always known bet never knew who it was from. Kid was a pleasant surprise here. The audio balance was a little off for me, with the lead signer being washed out sometimes, but the pacing of the album was spot on. Overall, Pretenders was a mish-mash of good and not-so-good, but it's probably closer to a 3.5 than a 3 for me.

good kid, m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar

4/5

What an iconic album. While it may not be as masterful as To Pimp a Butterfly, the story Kendrick tells here is nearly as compelling. Even looking past that, the music and production here are just as good on a surface level. I guess it's not every cup of tea, but Swimming Pools (Drank) and Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst are songs that have kept and will keep me coming back to this album for years. Highlight: Swimming Pools (Drank) Lowlight: good kid Surprise Hit: Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst

Axis: Bold As Love

Jimi Hendrix

3/5

This may be a sign that I'm not a Jimi Hendrix guy, or at the very least this album of his is not for me. There's not much I could take away here. The songs were fine, nothing particularly caught my ear, good or bad. I'm not super familiar with Hendrix, but I associate his name with guitar. Even then, there was no guitar work in here that felt especially memorable, at least for me. Definitely closer to a 2.5 than a 3. Highlight: Castles Made of Sand Lowlight: If 6 Was 9 Surprise Hit: Spanish Castle Music

Bryter Layter

Nick Drake

4/5

This is the second Nick Drake album I've listened to on this list, and it solidifies the opinion I had about Drake after the first album. While maybe not quite as moving as his later album Pink Moon, there's a lot of great, lyrical stuff here. And it offers a completely different sound than the more intimate Pink Moon. There are still some low points on the album, but overall another fantastic piece from Drake. Highlight: Hazey Jane II Lowlight: Sunday Surprise: One Of These Things First

Innervisions

Stevie Wonder

3/5

Seemingly one of my more controversial takes on this list, but there are more songs on that album that I wouldn't listen to again than songs that I would. Stevie's vocals are great and everything, but some of the arrangements, especially earlier in the album, feel a bit too chaotic or messy to me for some reason. There are a handful of great songs on here, but not enough to really impress me as a whole. Maybe I'll like some of Wonder's other albums better. Highlight: Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing Lowlight: Golden Lady Surprise Hit: All In Love Is Fair

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme

Simon & Garfunkel

3/5

Simon & Garfunkel are one of those legendary groups that you undoubtedly hear about at some point during your life. I am somewhat struggling to see why this album made this list though. Aside from the spectacular Homeward Bound, much of this album seems very... plain? I can't put my finger on the right word, but for such a seemingly influential sound, this album fails to really hit any of the marks for me. Struggling to find a reason to give this anything more than a 3, maybe even closer to a just a meh 2.5 Highlight: Homeward Bound Lowlight: 7 O'clock News / Silent Night

Illinois

Sufjan Stevens

4/5

Man I'm a sucker for a good concept album, and this one hits the spot. It's not something I would recommend to everyone, and it feels like it requires more attention than sometimes I would like to give, but it's a pretty unique experience album-wise and it's not too far off the path of a regular album. Something about it feels theatrical, and it moves up and down from climaxes in a familiar way. Good stuff. Highlight: Chicago Lowlight: Out of Egypt, into the Great Laugh of Mankind, and I shake the dirt from my sandals as I run Surprise Hit: They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh!

Wild Is The Wind

Nina Simone

3/5

This feels like one of those albums and/or artists I'm supposed to have heard about before now. Very classy sound, and swanky backings make for an easy listen but aside from the fantastic Lilac Wine there wasn't much left for me to really vibe with. Nina Simone's voice was at times very impressive and at other times not for me at all. This is one of those albums that I'll think of for "that one song" but not much else.

Tical

Method Man

3/5

The second WuTang member I've had on this list, Method Man didn't do much here that would bring me back. Lackadaisical would be a good way to describe the feeling a lot of these songs gave to me. Even the big hits are nothing I'd really come back to. Much respect to Method Man, but this album wasn't for me. Highlight: Bring The Pain Lowlight: Stimulation Surprise Hit: Release Yo'Delf

Beach Samba

Astrud Gilberto

4/5

Now this is some easy listening. It may be requisite that I'd be in the right mood to listen to this whole album, but when that happens man it hits the spot. Astrud is not someone that I'm familiar with, but there's no question that I'm a fan of this kind of music. Nothing goes above and beyond here, but at the same time I can't think of any real complaints. Highlight: Beach Samba Surprise Hit: Misty Roses

(What's The Story) Morning Glory

Oasis

4/5

I always thought Oasis was a one-hit-wonder, maybe as a side effect of the sheer popularity of Wonderwall, but there's a lot on this album that is just as good, if not better. There's some definite misses, and it hasn't aged particularly well aside from feeling like a bit of a nostalgia pill for the 90s, but overall I enjoyed this album much more than I anticipated. Oasis plays with harmonies a lot, and the slower, less hard songs all have a bit of an earworm tendency. If it were possible here, I'd probably give this one a 4.5. Highlight: Don't Look Back In Anger Lowlight: Hello Surprise Hit: Some Might Say

Pelican West

Haircut 100

3/5

If you're looking for jazzy 80's new wave music, here it is. This album is almost too 80s for me, coming off as a bit goofy at times. Thankfully, there is enough saxophone and horn here to keep it from being below a 3 for me. Maybe I'll come back if I'm looking for a stereotypically 80's playlist, but otherwise I think I'll stay away. Highlight: Lemon Firebrigade Lowlight: Nobody's Fool - 12" Version Surprise Hit: Fantastic Day

Roxy Music

2/5

This album fell into a weird, quasi-Tiny Tim/70s/80s uncanny valley for me. It didn't always feel like something I wouldn't like, the instrumentations and melodies were all fine, but something about the album as a whole felt off. Aside from bits and pieces of a couple songs (If There Is Something and Virginia Plain), I don't think there's much else here that I can say that I liked.

Abraxas

Santana

4/5

If there's one thing that continues to get reinforced by this list, it's that I have a soft spot for any Latin music. Didn't really know what to expect coming into this album and seeing Black Magic Woman, but the rest of the album was a pretty big departure from it, at least relatively. There's some stuff here I was a really big fan of, though I did kind of lose attention in it about halfway through. It's great, lyrical guitar playing with a few supporting facets, if you're into that then you should be into this. Highlight: Oye Como Va Lowlight: Mother's Daughter Surprise Hit: Se a Cabo

Ellington at Newport

Duke Ellington

5/5

I have a hard time imagining a better album to put on if you're itching for a couple hours of jazz. Just throw this on and you're sorted for the night. Incredible work here by Duke Ellington and company. I'm not usually into the live album experience, but I don't think there was a single time during this album that I can say I was distracted by it or that anything was taken away due to it's live nature. In many cases it was just the opposite. It's easy to say this album feels like an event, but I think it's entirely accurate. Highlight: I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) Surprise Hit: Diminuendo In Blue

Gold

Ryan Adams

2/5

I'm having a hard time putting what I don't like about this album into words, but nonetheless there's no doubt that I think this album is not very good. Ryan Adams feels like a cheap imitation of what earlier singer-songwriters were. I'm not a fan of his voice, the lyrics do nothing for me, and the music is nothing special. I'm struggling to see any real sense of why this could possibly stand out enough from anything else in the genre to be on this list.

Queen II

Queen

3/5

Queen is good. There's no doubt about it. I was pretty surprised that they had an album with zero songs I knew on it. But at the end of the day, I'm not too surprised. The songs here were good, and they were classic Queen, but nothing really stood out on its own. I imagine more Queen albums to come, but in the meantime this was a decent if not exceptional part of this list. Highlight: Seven Seas of Rhye Lowlight: Some Day One Day Surprise Hit: White Queen (As It Began)

Hard Again

Muddy Waters

4/5

This feels like a blues behemoth. Every second of this album is almost exactly what you'd expect from the blues. Hard vocals, moving backings, cutting lyrics, its got the works. That being said, there wasn't much here that surprised me in any way. Just good, old-fashioned blues. Highlight: Mannish Boy Lowlight: Deep Down In Florida Surprise Hit: I Want To Be Loved #2

Let's Get Killed

David Holmes

3/5

As far as electronica albums go, this is probably the best I've had on this list. Tracks flew by for what it's worth. A common issue I have with these albums tends to be repetitiveness. It's not absent here, but I noticed it less than I have before. It's ok music, but the genre is still not for me. Highlight: Don't Die Just Yet Lowlight: Caddell Returns Surprise Hit: Head Rush On Lafayette

Want Two

Rufus Wainwright

2/5

This is right up somebody's alley. It's not mine. I don't doubt the talent Rufus Wainwright has, but his vocal style doesn't hit my Q-zone in a similar way to Thom Yorke. It took me a few songs to begin to understand most of what he's saying, and by that point I had already gotten off on the wrong foot here. I'm sure the lyrics are deep and meaningful and all that, or at least he makes them sound that way, but it comes off a little whine-y to me. He dips into a bit of a broadway vibe a few times in this album, and maybe in that context I would like it more. Highlight: The Art Teacher Lowlight: Agnus Dei Surprise Hit: Hometown Waltz

Blue

Joni Mitchell

4/5

This was a surprise. What an iconic album. It's not exactly my cup of tea, but man does it deliver on all fronts if you're looking for some 70's singer-songwriter goodness. I'd easily recommend this to any fan of the genre if they hadn't listened before. Joni Mitchell comes off as incredibly sincere here, and even though there is some groovy slang mixed in, the album remains timeless. Highlight: River Lowlight: This Flight Tonight Surprise Hit: California

Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp

2/5

I listened to this album about half an hour ago and I've already forgotten most, if not all of my opinions of it. It's inoffensive, but that's really all I can say about it. I guess this dreamy electronica is maybe a genre that needed representation on this list, otherwise I've got no clue why.

The College Dropout

Kanye West

4/5

The second album I've had on this list that I've listened to in it's entirety when I was younger, The College Dropout reminds me of why Kanye West was so popular. It also maybe foreshadows a bit of his downward spiral, but for what it was it is a really good album. Fun interludes, catchy lines, and quality beats are all over this album. There are a couple lows, but the highs more than make up for it. I'm not sure it'd be the first Kanye album I'd recommend for new listeners, but it's got to be up there. Highlight: Slow Jamz Lowlight: Get Em High Surprise Hit: We Don't Care

Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs

Marty Robbins

4/5

This album is a fantastic example of telling stories through music. Yes, Big Iron is a bit of a meme at this point, but the song carries itself even apart from its reputation. There's a lot of other good stuff in here too. Nothing wrong with firing this entire soundtrack up and wandering the wasteland, it's incredibly iconic and is well deserving of this list. Highlight: Big Iron Lowlight: In The Valley Surprise Hit: El Paso

Cross

Justice

4/5

Seeing this was a electronic/dance album had me bummed out. Maybe my low expectations did this album a favor though because it far exceeded them. I don't think I could ask much more from this genre. The French have really got a lock on this genre seemingly, with Daft Punk also competing for the crown. Unfortunately, the album is maybe a touch too long, or maybe this type of music just drains my attention span a little more than others. Either way, it's a brilliant album, knocking on the door of five stars. Highlight: D.A.N.C.E Lowlight: One Minute To Midnight Surprise Hit: Phantom Pt. II

Can't Buy A Thrill

Steely Dan

3/5

At the risk of offending some Steely Dan fans, this band does nothing for me that the Eagles don't already do. There's a few big hits on this album (Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' In The Years), but push comes to shove it's nothing super special in my book.

Heartattack And Vine

Tom Waits

3/5

Tom Waits is a name that I know has been in the back of my mind for a while, but I don't think I really knew who he was or what he did. Even after seeing the album cover, I wasn't sure of what I was in for. I guess I would say don't judge a book by it's cover because I had no clue this was going to be the bluesy-folk rock album that is was. That being said, he delves into Bruce Springsteen territory here in my opinion, and aside from maybe one song on the album not much lives up to The Boss' work. Highlight: Jersey Girl Lowlight: In Shades

Be

Common

4/5

Common is one of those names that's been everywhere as I've grown up, but this is the first time I've listened to any of his stuff. I definitely have a bias towards hip hop, but this is a really solid album nonetheless. Be has a somewhat nostalgic and hopeful feel throughout, and Common lives up to his reputation with some really solid lyrical work. Highlight: GO! Lowlight: Real People Surprise Hit: Be (Intro)

Unknown Pleasures

Joy Division

3/5

I'm not very far into this list, but I am already growing pretty numb to this style of music. The English post-punk music here is nothing I would ever call bad, but man was I wholly unimpressed. Spotify's play-count seems to reflect that this is a pretty popular album in the genre too, but maybe it's a style that never really will click with me.

All Mod Cons

The Jam

3/5

There's a bit of British rock fatigue here, but I'll do my best to stay objective. This is a cool album, or at least most of the songs are. The other songs tend to melt into the background. The bass lines stand out often, and the album ends with a bang, but other than that it's another punk-y album to go along with the rest.

Let's Get It On

Marvin Gaye

4/5

It's hard not to see Marvin Gaye's influence in music after listening to this album. It may not be his magnum opus, but it strives to be just as good as What's Going On with a little more levity. It's a short, sweet album that is more than easy to listen to. Highlight: Let's Get It On Lowlight: You Sure Love To Ball Surprise Hit: Come Get To This

Toys In The Attic

Aerosmith

3/5

This album hits the ground running and doesn't let up for the majority of its runtime. Obviously Walk This Way and Sweet Emotion are mega hits, but Toys In The Attic and No More No More are great additions too. There are a couple tracks that I get the point of, but that I still would skip if I was listening again. There are some weird undertones throughout that I wish weren't there, but musically this is a really solid album. Highlight: Sweet Emotion Lowlight: Round And Round Surprise Hit: No More No More

Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

Wu-Tang Clan

4/5

What a debut album. Enter the Wu-Tang solidifies everything that's great about the group, and does so without wasting much time at all. Not every song is a hit, and there are definitely members' styles that I prefer over others, but I can't deny their greatness. Highlight: C.R.E.A.M. Lowlight: Clan In Da Front Surprise Hit: Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'

Darkdancer

Les Rythmes Digitales

2/5

I mean, it's not the worst album I've had. It's passable, but I wouldn't come back again. This genre of music is not for me, and I'll be honest I would have a hard time recommending it to anyone. Some the lyrical stuff was alright though. Sometimes stood out among the sea of meh.

Ace of Spades

Motörhead

4/5

I think this is the first metal album I've ever listened to, aside from a handful of songs I've played in Guitar Hero, and I have to say I see the appeal. This album is pure energy from start to finish. The lead singer doesn't bring the greatest range to the table, but the uniqueness of his voice does enough to fill his role. Drums are kicking the whole time, the guitar drives the songs right alongside. It's not an album I could put on whenever/wherever, but given the right time and place I think it'd fit like a glove. Highlight: Ace of Spades Lowlight: Live to Win Surprise Hit: Love Me Like a Reptile

Crime Of The Century

Supertramp

4/5

Supertramp is one of those bands that I think might have the Midas touch. Their prowess is once again put on display on Crime Of The Century. Short track list (mostly) full of hits that checks all the classic 70s/80s boxes, but also has a timeless quality. Some of the songs might run a little long for me, but that's a small price to pay for what is otherwise a pretty stellar album. Highlight: Bloody Well Right Lowlight: Asylum Surprise Hit: Crime Of The Century

Come Find Yourself

Fun Lovin' Criminals

3/5

As nostalgic as this music is for the late 90s, I don't think I can think of a situation where I'd choose to listen to it again. The structure of the choruses here often felt too repetitive to me, and the songs themselves got to be a little stale after a while. Not much to note here other than the fact that the album feels a bit like a time machine. Highlight: Passive/Aggressive Lowlight: Come Find Yourself Surprise Hit: Methadonia

evermore

Taylor Swift

3/5

After listening to 1989 my hopes were pretty high when it came to my second Taylor Swift album. Unfortunately, this is a very different album in many ways. It was much to soft and monotone for me, and there wasn't a real hit on the album I could identify. Pop Taylor is what hits the spot for me, this was altogether skippable. Highlight: no body, no crime Lowlight: cowboy like me Surprise Hit: champagne problems

Garbage

3/5

This album felt like it should've been more impactful than it actually was for me. Lots of catchy stuff, full of 90s edge, but at the end of it all I don't think there was a single song that stood out among the rest for me, bad or good. It fell into the same rut that a lot of other 90s albums have fallen into for me with repetitive choruses and dated vibes. Still not a bad listen though.

A Wizard, A True Star

Todd Rundgren

3/5

I think the album cover of A Wizard, A True Star pretty much nails the feel of most of the album. Many of the songs, especially in the first half, were pushing the boundary of "music" a bit too much for my enjoyment. But when the more standard pop songs showed up they did the trick. Lyrically Rundgren sometimes came off as a bit whiny, or maybe egocentric, but otherwise there's a lot of really genre-pushing stuff here. It's not an album that will find it's way back into the rotation for me any time soon, but it wasn't painful to listen to... for the most part. Highlight: Medley: I'm so Proud / Ooh Baby Baby / La La Means I Love You / Cool Jerk Lowlight: Dogfight Giggle Surprise Hit: Tic Tic Tic, It Wears Off

The Queen Is Dead

The Smiths

3/5

The best way I can describe this album is that it "feels" like it should be critically acclaimed. In my book though, it feels like another page in the English rock book. Many of the songs blend together, aside from a few highlights and lowlights. I guess I could see why some people adore it though. Highlight: Frankly, Mr. Shankly Lowlight: Never Had No One Ever Surprise Hit: n/a

A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector

Various Artists

4/5

This is nothing groundbreaking, but if you need a classic Christmas album to throw on during the holidays then this one fits the bill easily. You've probably heard many of these renditions before, and they're classics for a reason. Hard to see much wrong with it, but the highs aren't quite 5-worthy to me. Highlight: Sleigh Ride Lowlight: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Surprise Hit: Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers

Songs Of Love And Hate

Leonard Cohen

3/5

This album feels like poetry, for the most part. I'm not going to act like nothing went over my head or that I'm the biggest fan of Cohen's voice, but for a few songs it definitely works. It feels like the kind of album that is to be listened to very intently, and while I don't want to say that doesn't have its place, it's not my prerogative most of the time. Still, I cannot deny the masterful lyrical weaving that Leonard Cohen can accomplish.

Bringing It All Back Home

Bob Dylan

5/5

Such a cool album, Dylan branching out in the first half to a more contemporary, poppy side of folk and blues before returning to form in the second half. There might be a couple of tracks that fall short from greatness, but there's no doubt that some of his best work is in here. Edit: Well after revisiting the three Bob Dylan albums I have received on the list so far, I can now say with confidence that this one is my favorite of the bunch. I don't think my opinion of what I said has really changed, the first half is fun, but the second half is really a prime example of the stylings I love. Lyrically dense, folk-y, driving songs, and this album has a handful of them. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue might not be the sweeping masterpiece that Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands is, but I'd argue it comes close. Something about the way Bob Dylan writes and composes choruses resonates with me, and this album probably includes the best sample of that in the repertoire I've listened to so far. Highlight: Subterranean Homesick Blues Lowlight: Love Minus Zero/No Limit Surprise Hit: It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)

Logical Progression

LTJ Bukem

2/5

It's always going to be tough for me to rank drum and bass albums on this list, but this one was long, and didn't feel in any way spectacular or ground breaking. There was one section with a rap artist that stood out, but once again I am left wanting more from this genre.

Fuzzy

Grant Lee Buffalo

2/5

Maybe I'm not familiar enough with the genre, but this doesn't seem groundbreaking enough to really land towards the top of this sort of alt rock genre. Grant Lee-Phillips vocals are serviceable at best, and whiney at worst. The heavy focus on rhythmic guitar outstays its welcome, and overall the album drags as a result. Highlight: America Snoring

James Brown Live At The Apollo

James Brown

3/5

I had my hopes maybe too high for this album. But at the end of the quick 30 minutes, I found myself sort of without many thoughts at all. It's a shame, because I can't really find a fault with the album. The live performances are incredibly clean and tight, and the audience adds to the record more often than it doesn't. But off paper, it didn't do much for me. Will have to come back to it at a later date to see if I'm feeling it more. Highlight: Think Lowlight: I Don't Mind

Wild Wood

Paul Weller

4/5

Yet another singer-songwriter that I was regrettably unfamiliar with. Paul Weller lyrics might not be as clever or as powerful as some other artists on this lists, but that's not always a bad thing. I can't say that anything in particular stands above others in the genre though. Overall, it's a safe, digestible rock album from the 90s with few low points and a few tracks I wouldn't mind hearing again, not bad. Highlight: Hung Up Lowlight: Foot of the Mountain Surprise Hit: Shadow Of The Sun

Life's Too Good

The Sugarcubes

2/5

This one went way over (?) my head. Just couldn't have a good time with this one despite the energy of the album. This feels like something you need to be on the same wavelength of in order to enjoy. It's leaning into what it is, and it feels like the artists are being their honest, creative selves. But I won't be coming back any time soon. Do your thing, Bjork. Highlight: Birthday Lowlight: Sick for Toys

Woodface

Crowded House

4/5

One of the more varied alt rock/pop rock albums I've listened to on this list, surprisingly with a bit more lyrical levity than some of the others. Still not exactly my cup of tea, but I could see myself coming back to this or at least recommending it to the right person. Highlight: Weather With You Lowlight: Whispers And Moans Surprise Hit: Four Seasons In One Day

Midnight Ride

Paul Revere & The Raiders

4/5

Shoutout to some fun production in this album, binaural audio and bright harmonies made this one fly by. It'd be hard not to draw some comparisons between Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Beach Boys, but as far as I'm concerned the more the merrier. Toss in a couple cool, classic 60's automobile tunes and I'm a happy camper. Midnight Ride feels like a cotton candy, pop-rock album the whole way through, sweet and easy. Highlight: SS 396 Lowlight: Ballad of a Useless Man Surprise Hit: There's Always Tomorrow

Africa Brasil

Jorge Ben Jor

3/5

Here's an example of an album that I don't really feel qualified to talk about. Africa Brasil at it's samba-filled core seems like it'd be right up my alley. Maybe it's because I don't have the knowledge to understand the lyrics, but musically nothing really stood out here for me. Except the Cuica. The Cuica kills every time. Highlight: O Plebeu

That's The Way Of The World

Earth, Wind & Fire

4/5

This album opened my eyes to what Earth, Wind & Fire was really capable of. I had no clue what they offered aside from their mega hits like Boogie Wonderland and Shining Star, the latter being on this album. What’s here is distinctly funky and soulful from top to bottom. A couple of the songs in the short track list blend together, but some stand outs bring it above par. Highlight: That’s the Way of the World Surprise Hit: Africano

Crazysexycool

TLC

5/5

There's no way around it. Everything you need to know about the album is right there in the title. Hit, after hit, after hit, this album is everything you want in a hip hop record, and then some. Woof. Highlight: Waterfalls Highlight #2: Red Light Special Surprise Hit: Diggin' On You

London Calling

The Clash

4/5

Jam-packed from top to bottom, London Calling is absolutely full of it all. 19 songs, spanning across numerous different genres. I could easily see how this could be someone's favorite album of all time. Unfortunately, I just can't get into Joe Strummer's vocals at all. That being said, while the punk tunes here aren't my favorite, when they branch out to ska and reggae and sometimes even the blues or jazz it's a breath of fresh air. This seems like one of those albums that's probably a 5, but I just can't get there personally. Highlight: Spanish Bombs Lowlight: The Card Cheat Surprise Hit: Lost in the Supermarket

Sound of Silver

LCD Soundsystem

4/5

I'm thankful for the dichotomy that this album has. One one hand, the electronic side of this album pushes me away, and on the other James Murphy's vocals and the distinct indie feel of this album had me hooked. It's certainly a couple of songs too long even apart from the genre pieces that don't fit with me, but the handful of big hitters here helps earn this album's place on this list. Probably a 3.5 if I was allowed. New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down is an all-timer, and I’ve never even been to New York. Edit: Whoops. I severely underestimated how much I enjoyed the top 3 songs here. One week later, and they've all been cycling through my head. I can't put my headset on without listening to them at least once at this point. North American Scum is early on the album, after Time to Get Away almost tees it up. Its baseline absolutely cranks. The first verse is magnetic. It's a fun, funky song, that showcases James Murphy's tongue-in-cheek self-deprecating lyrics that is high energy to the end. All My Friends is a masterpiece. Devastatingly relatable, and wholly engaging, the song grabs you from the very first hits of the piano through it's entirety. It's an anthem about growing old, missing days gone by and friends that have quietly fallen out of touch along the way. It has an argument of being one of the best songs since the turn of the century. This is closer to a 4.5. For sure. Highlight: New York, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down Lowlight: Get Innocuous! Surprise Hit: All My Friends Surprise Hit #2: North American Scum

Gentlemen

The Afghan Whigs

2/5

I was due for a swing and a miss. Still can’t get in the swing of most of the alt rock genre, and I really like the concept behind this album and can tell it’s been crafted from a meaningful place. Maybe if I was going through something then any of these songs would have landed, but ultimately the vocals just don’t land with me at all, even if the supporting band was impressive. It’s deeply moody, almost angst-filled music, and most of it went right through me.

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

Sinead O'Connor

2/5

This has gotta be somebody's favorite album of all time. Probably several people's. But this one went way over my head, or maybe just missed my mark. I can hear the anger in O'Connor's lyrics, and can understand the emotion on paper, but none if it is translating to me through the music. Even the renowned cover of "Nothing Compares 2 U" left me completely unaffected. Maybe this one warrants a re-listen in a different mindset, but as it stands I don't see myself remembering much from this album an hour from now.

Fear Of Music

Talking Heads

3/5

Here's another album that is unabashedly itself. David Bryne's vocals and lyrics lead the way through this album, but not in a way that resonates with me. It feels like an album that you really need to pay attention to. There wasn't anything on here that I was itching to skip through, but I don't think there was much of an earworm anywhere either. I'll kick a couple of the hits around, but otherwise I think this will blend into the background of this list for a while. Highlight: Life During Wartime Lowlight: Electric Guitar Surprise Hit: Cities

Cosmo's Factory

Creedence Clearwater Revival

5/5

The amount of hits on this record is astonishing. And somehow Creedence Clearwater Revival's biggest hits are still absent. But what's here is undoubtedly a masterclass of blues and rock, well paced and varied through its entire runtime. Travelin' Band, Lookin' Out My Back Door, Up Around The Bend, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, and somehow even more are jam-packed into this 40-minute long masterpiece. Highlight: Lookin' Out My Back Door Surprise Hit: Travelin' Band

Madman Across The Water

Elton John

4/5

My first listen-through of an Elton John album. And John leaves no doubt here that he is a master of vocal melodies. Even despite some lyrics that are on-the-nose at best, Madman across the Water easily warrants it's place on this list. Tiny Dancer is obviously a classic and hard to beat as an opening to an album, but Tevon puts up a great argument for the best track on this album immediately afterwards. The songs are a little long for my taste, and the second half of the album drags a bit, but Elton John's vocals do more than enough to carry the album all the way through. Highlight: Tevon Highlight #2: Tiny Dancer Lowlight: Indian Sunset Surprise Hit: Holiday Inn

Sweetheart Of The Rodeo

The Byrds

3/5

It was about time for another inkling of country on this album. And well, it was just fine. I will say, Gram Parsons' presence is definitely felt here, in a way that was maybe divisive for some Byrds fans, but in a way that I didn't mind. A couple of good songs here or there, and a fun, nostalgic message that ends the album off are enough to make this about middle of the road for me. 2.5, if maybe someday we're able to do half-stars. Highlight: Hickory Wind Lowlight: You Don't Miss Your Water

The Atomic Mr Basie

Count Basie & His Orchestra

5/5

Shoutout to one of the coolest album covers I've seen on this list, and one from 1958 to boot. I don't know what I expected out of this, or Count Basie, but this album is so cool. Every single song serves its purpose, almost feeling like a last hurrah before rock and roll takes over completely in the 60s. The Kid from Red Bank kicks the pedal down from the start, giving the titular Count Basie his time to shine. The meat of the album consists of Flight of the Food Birds, Double-O, and Teddy the Toad, all great pieces on their own, before culminating with Whirly-Bird, a speeding exhibition of pure energy and saxophone. Midnight Blue follows immediately afterwards, giving the listener a chance to catch their breath, and chill. Splanky and Fantail aren't to be underestimated either, the latter including a sort of dueling solos from the sax and the drums, before Lil' Darlin' just about wraps you up in a blanket. Just a super clean, engaging, 39-minute-long love letter to swing and big band jazz. Highlight: The Kid from Red Bank Lowlight: Duet Highlight #2: All those other songs mentioned above.

The Velvet Underground

3/5

Ehhhhh, this was a fine album. I don't want to blame oversaturation of this era on this list as the downfall here, but that could be a factor. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the production, the album felt very subdued and crisp, definitely worth listening to in stereo. Other than that... The Murder Mystery stood out? At the end of the day, there's nothing here that I would go out of my way for again, and here at the end of it I'm kind of left just completely disinterested. 2.5, I guess.

The White Album

Beatles

4/5

What an absolute beast of an album. As one of the very few albums I had actually dipped my toes into before I started this list, The White Album is in a bit of a tough spot for me. There's no doubt this album is great. 30 tracks, any number of them having the potential to be someone's favorite, and each so stylistically distinct from the others in a way that causes the album to feel even larger than it already is. I've always been partial to Paul McCartney's vocals, and there's such a cool range of him here. Growing up listening to The Beatles with my parents maybe put them on a pedestal in my head. My parents thought they were great, the world thought they were great, and I liked their music so they must be great. Greatest of all time even, maybe. I've always been a sucker for vocal harmonies, something that's in the forefront across The Beatles discography, and a lot of their experimental or influential use of what I would call sound effects always made their songs fun, or at the very least interesting. But the more music I've gone out and found thanks to this list, and now coming back to the white album after so many years, I can't help but recognize that there are many other albums that just felt better to me. Ones that I enjoyed more as a whole than what was presented here by John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Despite knowing of the revolutionary influence this album had, and the great display of talent and creativity that is on display, I would much rather listen to A Hard Day's Night nine times out of ten. The same could be said of any of the other 5 star albums on this, my, list. Maybe it's a factor of too much of a good thing, side 1 and side 2 of this album easily being enough to stand on their own. Maybe it's my distaste for many of John Lennon's songs, here and elsewhere. At the end of the day, there's not enough enjoyment here for me to personally rank it with the other 5's on my list, though there is no doubt in my mind that this album could deserve one. Highlights: Back In The U.S.S.R. Dear Prudence Glass Onion Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da While My Guitar Gently Weeps Happiness Is A Warm Gun Blackbird Rocky Raccoon Birthday Helter Skelter Good Night Lowlights: Wild Honey Pie I'm So Tired Piggies Yer Blues Revolution 9

OK Computer

Radiohead

3/5

Another Radiohead album, another reminder that I just cannot get what other's get out of this group and their music. To be completely fair though, this album held my attention more than the other two Radiohead albums I have listened to so far (In Rainbows and Amnesiac). It feels like there's more intrigue in this album, like it's a direct window into the paranoia and maybe even dread around the technology boom of the 90s. Even the music-adjacent aspects of this album, the effects strewn throughout and the track Fitter Happier, stood out and were impactful. Still going to be tough for me to ever search this out, but best of Radiohead that I've heard so far. 3.5/5 Highlight: Subterranean Homesick Alien

Marquee Moon

Television

3/5

Another album I can chalk up to just not being my bag. The title track held my attention, but otherwise any time that I felt it slightly hooking me with a motif, it quickly lost it. It's hard not to feel ignorant when I'm writing about music like this, but it just does absolutely nothing for me.

Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes

TV On The Radio

4/5

Hopes were at an all time low when I saw another alt/art-rock album in this little run that I'm on, but this on caught my attention right from the start and actually kept things interesting the whole time. Was it always working? No, maybe not, but I respect the experimental nature of what they're doing. Ultimately I found more of what I prefer here than in any of the Radiohead albums, not that I should be drawing a direct comparison between the two, but there's clear overlap here. For a debut album, it really feels like TV On The Radio didn't pull any punches and put out exactly what they wanted to, a cappella vocals, crunchy guitars, even a dribbling of early 2000s electronica. It's still not my genre of choice, but it kept my attention the whole time which is more than I can say for others of its kind in this list. Highlight: Staring at the Sun Lowlight: Don't Love You Surprise Hit: Wear You Out

It's Blitz!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

3/5

This album gets off to such a sick start. Zero kicks off with a crunchy synth baseline that cooks along through the whole song. And of course Heads Will Roll is a classic dance track. From there though, the rest of the album slowly fizzles, which is a shame when so much energy lives in those first two tracks. Most of the other stuff is just fine though, and I wouldn't roll my eyes listening again. 3.5 Highlight: Heads Will Roll Lowlight: Shame and Fortune Surprise Hit: Zero

From Elvis In Memphis

Elvis Presley

3/5

From the album cover and title of this, I went in fully expecting a live recording of Elvis in Memphis. Instead, we have Elvis' 10th studio album, and I have to admit, it kind of felt like it. 10 albums is a feat, and there are undoubtedly some classics here. Suspicious Minds is a mega hit, and In The Ghetto deserves every bit of respect it gets. But the rest of the covers just feel a bit phoned in, but even Elvis phoning it in is pretty good. It's my first Elvis album on the list, and I can't help but want some of the punchier, rockier Elvis I know of. Highlight: Suspicious Minds Lowlight: It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' Surprise Hit: True Love Travels On a Gravel Road

Tarkus

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

3/5

This album feels like something that somebody way cooler and more knowledgeable than me absolutely LOVES. Not in a bad way necessarily, there is something here, especially on the first side, that is inherently cool. It feels like an epic, albeit only 20 minute long, adventure. But as far as my music tastes go, this one probably won't be in the rotation. Which is a shame because the album cover is simply fantastic.

Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

50 Cent

3/5

In a similar vein to some album's on this list that weren't for me because they are too experimental or progressive, I can see why some people would be not into this album for the opposite reason. This is simple, pop/hip-hop. But I have to say, for what it is it does a really solid job. Simple hooks, simple lyrics, you 100% know what you're getting when you throw on this album. 3.5 Highlight: In Da Club Lowlight: Gotta Make It To Heaven Highlight 2: P.I.M.P.

Blue Lines

Massive Attack

4/5

I can't imagine this not being a genre-defining record. The opening baseline hooked me, and I was fully onboard with my intro to trip hop from there. That being said, there's no doubt this genre isn't for everybody. It is distinctly 90's and distinctly British, in a way that might turn off some listeners. Sharon Nelson and Tricky especially shine here, merging two genres effortlessly. It's a tight and innovative genre piece from a decade that was full of experimentation, and it absolutely deserves a place on this list. That being said, there are a few too many tracks, especially in the second half, that didn't stand out among the rest. 4.5 Highlights: Safe From Harm Blue Lines Daydreaming

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter

The Incredible String Band

1/5

I wasn't really sure if I was going to give out another 1-star review, but here we are. Multiple times through this album I was cringing to myself, thinking "Oh no, this is bad", and begging for the session to be over with. I started out with a tentative hopefulness thinking maybe this is just what the 60's and 70's were like. Even The Beatles dipped their toes into this sort of Indian vibe pretty heavily. But I was quickly met with seemingly pretentious lyrics, unbearable vocals, and experimentally unpleasant compositions. I just couldn't recommend this to a single person with good intentions.

Led Zeppelin IV

Led Zeppelin

5/5

It's like the album generator knew it had to reel me back after yesterday. This is one of the most without-a-doubt 5-star albums I've come across so far. If it wasn't for the slight hiccup on the first side with The Battle of Evermore, it would probably go down as the best side one of all time. And even still it's probably in the conversation. I'm not going to act like I know how influential the music is, or how masterful the lyrics are, but what I do know is every song had me singing along or banging my head or both, and if that's not an absolute win then I don't know what is. Highlights: Black Dog Rock and Roll Stairway to Heaven

Da Capo

Love

3/5

For 1966, I can't see how this album wasn't WAY ahead of its time. Is there some psychedelia here? Yes. But I'm not sure that's the best way to describe this group, or at least the first half of this album. I'm also not really sure what to describe a rock group that uses this much harpsichord, but nevertheless I had a good time with half of this album. If you just never flipped it over, it'd be a perfectly serviceable, edgy and somehow unabashedly nerdy collection of songs. Highlight: ¡Que Vida! Lowlight: Revelation Surprise Hit: Orange Skies Surprise Hit #2: Seven and Seven Is

21

Adele

4/5

This is another modern album that doesn't get the respect on here that I think it deserves. Adele might not be at the same level of singer-songwriter as John Denver or Bob Dylan, but from a popular music standpoint there isn't a much more approachable entry into this than this album. It's not a masterpiece, it's not a genre defining, well balanced entry into the zeitgeist, but it is an easy, enjoyable listen that showcases a very young Adele's natural talent. 3.5 Highlight: Someone Like You Lowlight: Lovesong Highlight #2: Set Fire to the Rain

I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail

Buck Owens

4/5

There's no accounting for taste, but it's tough that so many people can't seem to have a good time with country music. This is twangy, honky-tonk fun. This album flies by at only 32 minutes, and that's completely to it's merit. It doesn't outstay it's welcome, it's here for a good time not a long time. I can't say I was familiar with the Bakersfield sound by name before reading about this album, but there's no doubt that the style of country pioneered here has permeated the genre for all the decades since. Highlight: Wham Bam Lowlight: We're Gonna Let the Good Times Roll Highlight #2: Fallin' for You

Selected Ambient Works 85-92

Aphex Twin

2/5

Following up a divisive country album with this feels like some sort of universal karma. Yes, there's still no accounting for taste, but the best thing I can say about this album is that it was inoffensive. It's probably doing exactly what it wants to, but I don't want it to do anything, especially for another hour and fourteen minutes. Just unimpactful music for me, personally.

Siamese Dream

The Smashing Pumpkins

3/5

All these years of knowing The Smashing Pumpkins existed and I still never really knew they were so heavily leaning into alternative rock. There's not much they do here to make the album stand out among the other alt rock albums on this list, aside from some stellar guitar work, but there's still a few good songs on here, specifically Today. Overall, I think the album is a little too long for me to really push it to the next level though, anything that reaches over an hour better have some great stuff that's keeping me there. I wonder if the same people that complain about Adele or Taylor Swift albums having several songs that all sound the same feel the same way about an album like this. Highlight: Today Lowlight: Sweet Sweet

Like A Prayer

Madonna

4/5

Like it or not, Madonna was popping in the 80s. This is that, and even if some of the songs run long for ear-worm pop songs, it's still mostly just a high energy, fun time. There are so many quirky sounds and instruments used in this album that make me wish stuff like it was still prevalent today. Highlight: Like a Prayer Highlight #2: Express Yourself Highlight: #3: Cherish Lowlight: Spanish Eyes Surprise Hit: Dear Jessie

What's That Noise?

Coldcut

3/5

This is probably the closest a house/electronic album has gotten to being something I like, but ultimately this genre just is not for me at all. There are some fun samples in here, with some hip hop influences, and it absolutely OOZES 90s, but at the end of the day it's not something I'd come back to.

One World

John Martyn

3/5

I can't believe this album came out in the 70's. Aside from some production issues, this really feels a decade or two ahead of its time. That being said, I couldn't care less for John Martyn's vocals, and a lot of ambient sounds are a bit too snoozy for me. I've got a lot of respect for some of the less mainstream stuff here, even if I probably won't listen to them again. Highlight: Certain Surprise Lowlight: Smiling Stranger

Deep Purple In Rock

Deep Purple

3/5

This album feels exactly like what it essentially is, early metal music that paved the way for many others to follow. Some of the longer form things worked really well here, and gave the band a little more room to shine, but that's not to say the guitar riffs and driving drums weren't solid throughout. That being said, I'm not sure there's a single on this album that I would really come back to, although Child in Time is close its 10+ minute length is too much for me. 3.5

Stardust

Willie Nelson

5/5

What an introduction to Willie Nelson's vast catalogue. Of course, this isn't standard Willie, consisting of seemingly heartfelt renditions of American standards in pop and jazz from the first half of the 20th century, but that doesn't stop it from being incredibly moving. You can feel that Willie's just doing what he wants to here. The songs are almost entirely familiar to me, but I wasn't thinking at any time that I'd rather be listening to the originals, which is about the highest praise I could give a cover album. His voice may be divisive, but I'd through on this album and just chill out any given night. Highlights: Stardust Georgia On My Mind Blue Skies All of Me September Song

Millions Now Living Will Never Die

Tortoise

4/5

I think this is my introduction to post-rock? Or at the very least, this is the first time it clicked with me. To draw a dartboard comparison, some aspect of this album reminded me of the Minecraft soundtrack, which is weird to say but I think it rings true. There are defined melodies here, something that is much appreciated when I listen to these experimental leaning albums. Even more so, this album almost feels like jazz, only swapping out a few instruments for ones more often found in rock music. It's a bit repetitive and freeform at times, but for what it is I think it does a really nice job at not overstaying its welcome and presenting appealing musical ideas. Highlight: The Taut and Tame Lowlight: Dear Grandma and Grandpa

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

A Tribe Called Quest

4/5

As familiar as I am with several of A Tribe Called Quest's hits, this is my first time listening to their debut album. And what a debut it is, presenting such a clear, cool vibe throughout. That being said, they're definitely not at their best here. To quote another review, "This album is probably more influential than it is great." Hip-hop owes a lot to this group and this album, and songs like Can I Kick It? are absolute classics, but at the end of the album I found myself blurring a lot of the tracks together. It was never a bad time, but I feel like I was missing some sort of big impact. Aside from Can I Kick It?, I think the interludes were the things that stuck with me the most, and honestly I wish there were more like that. Still, this album is proof enough that Tribe knew what they were doing with killer samples, sharp lyrics, and drippingly cool flow. In many ways, it's the antithesis of one of the other recent hip-hop albums I've had on this list (50 Cent's Get Rich Or Die Tryin'), but I think somehow they both land with the same rating, each providing a distinguishably different hip-hop experience. Highlight: Can I Kick It?

Shaka Zulu

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

3/5

I'd really love to give this album a 4. It maybe deserves even more than that. But at the end of the day, despite the pristine harmonies and relaxing vocals, most of the music is just too repetitive for me to want to come back to. There is no doubt that this album deserves to be on this list though, in fact, the list maybe needs even more albums like this. 3.5 Highlight: Hello My Baby

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Beatles

5/5

I still question my thoughts on the Beatles being based on the fact that I was so exposed to them at a young age, and that maybe the more I listen to this list and broaden my musical knowledge the less impressed I'd be with them. But one more Beatles album down and, if anything, the opposite is happening. This album is insane, the Beatles were insane, and it's becoming more and more likely in my mind that nobody will every really come close. This being the first album the group put out after permanently retiring from touring, the band really pushed the boundaries of what they could do here. Technically, using sound effects and tape manipulation in innovative ways, and nailing it every time. They also pushed forward the ideas of concept albums and art rock, creating a story around the titular Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and its fictional performance. Once again, the first side is immaculate. The opening trio of songs are all mega hits, of course. If anything, I wish the flow of the album felt exactly like the transition between the first two songs for the entire album, like it does again with the final two tracks. After reading that Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane were left off the LP, it's wild to think that somehow the album could have been even better. Things slow down just a hair on side two, but then I've never been a huge fan of the stylistic choices of Within You Without You or Lovely Rita. Then to end the album with an electric reprise of the opening track and the absolute masterpiece that is A Day In The Life solidifies this as not only one of the best Beatles albums, but one of the best albums of all time. Highlights: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band With A Little Help From My Friends Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds Getting Better She's Leaving Home Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite! When I'm Sixty Four Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) A Day In The Life

Pornography

The Cure

2/5

Oh no, I had no clue how much I really didn't care for Robert Smith's vocals. Or at the very least, how much I don't care for them here. I think there are some songs by The Cure out there that I do like, but they are inarguably poppier than this. I don't want to take any importance away from this albums themes, but as a listening experience I just can't get on board. The instrumentals are fine, I love the kicking drums, the sparse but foreboding strings, and the occasional organ. But every time Robert Smith opens his mouth here I start to wince. Even without the heavily leaned on reverb, his range is not very large, and it's a droning style that just doesn't ever sit with me. Lyrically, it's dense and wandering in a style that is not dissimilar from a lot of alt rock I've listened to. It's somebody's bag, but not mine. Highlight: Cold (Or at least the first minute of it) Lowlight: Siamese Twins

Black Holes and Revelations

Muse

4/5

Alright, if it wasn't official before then it's certain now, the appeal of alt rock still doesn't land with me. But I had more fun with this album than any of the Radiohead albums I've listened to so far, and pretty handedly. Again, I really don't love drawing direct comparisons, but it's hard not to when Radiohead was clearly so influential in the genre. Still, I'm not a huge fan of Matt Bellamy's vocals like so many others in this genre, and the run time feels awfully long even if it's just 50 minutes in reality, but the instrumentation and composition here is what really kept me engaged. That and the fact that Knights of Cydonia was in Guitar Hero 3. Highlight: Starlight Lowlight: Invincible Surprise Hit: Take a Bow Guitar Hero: Knights of Cydonia

Reign In Blood

Slayer

1/5

Whenever people ask me what kind of music I like, I usually respond by saying pretty much everything, except for when people are screaming at me. It was a pretty honest answer, as I never really had any interest in that type of music outside of the guitar and drums. I feel like now that I've sat down and listened to this album in its entirety I can say with my entire chest that I was right. I found almost zero enjoyment in this album apart from some instrumental solos that admittedly got my head banging or blood pump. But every... single... time... that Tom Araya opened his mouth to let sound spill out I was removed from any sense of good times that I was having. It's just a mess, a wall of words seemingly thoughtlessly put together in manner devoid of any rhythm or meter. No detriment to the album, but it's hard for me to listen to any of the lyrics without cringing a little, but I'm not too proud to say that's likely due to being unable to find any semblance of lyrics or ideas I could relate to. Which is a shame, because there are glimmers of cool in here that I could find, namely with the instrumental lead-in and out of Raining Blood. In the end, the incredibly short 28 minute ride felt like it was one hour-long song, very little to distinguish each track from one another, causing what should have been a glue-you-to-the-back-of-your-seat half hour to feel more like a painful drag. I hope there's more to this genre than this, or at least that there's something out there for me.

Lady In Satin

Billie Holiday

3/5

The 50's track record so far on my list has been stellar, so it pains me a bit to have the hot streak come to an end. There's nothing "wrong" with this album. It's exactly what it is, a generational vocal talent towards the end of an era doing what she does best. But there's no astonishing hits, or many things to clearly differentiate many of the tunes from the others. It's nice. Billie Holiday's voice is every bit a classic, and the orchestration is lovely. But it just doesn't do enough for me, and I really don't know that I'll be coming back. Highlight: You Don't Know What Love Is

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

4/5

If it wasn't a revelation before, then it's solidified now. Going from never listening to him, to now having three Bob Dylan albums under my belt, I can say with confidence that I am a fan. That being said, this is maybe my least favorite of the bunch so far, maybe once I get through more of his discography I'll do a re-listen to everything in sequence to see where they really rank in his catalogue. I'm missing some of the more out there stuff from this album, but that doesn't stop a couple songs from scratching the poetic lyricism itch. And it feels like Dylan is a bit more humorous here than some of the other albums I've come across of his. It's close to joining the other 5s, but some of the songs do blend together a bit, so for now I'll hold off. Highlights: Masters of War Bob Dylan's Blues A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Survivor

Destiny's Child

3/5

This is an absolute time capsule of an album. There are a handful of songs on this album that were staples for a decade, and that still hold cultural relevance today. But I couldn't help but think many of the songs were goofily prideful, especially over more than an hour's worth of songs. Or at least the first half, when they lean a little more into the R&B side of things I started to enjoy the album a bit more. Highlight: Brown Eyes Lowlight: Nasty Girl

Rattus Norvegicus

The Stranglers

3/5

I've got to admit, I'm not an edgy guy. Nor am I British. Not that being either of those things is a pre-requisite to being able to fully appreciate this album, but I imagine one or both may help. This was undoubtedly part of the British punk wave, and what it does it does fine. Lyrically it's pushing the societal boundaries of being politically incorrect. Musically it's a relatively easy rock album with a couple of songs and moments that stretch the boundary, for example the heavy instrumentals and organ in Down in the Sewer. But ultimately I'll have a hard time remembering this one. Highlight: (Get A) Grip [on Yourself] Lowlight: Choosey Susie

Countdown To Ecstasy

Steely Dan

4/5

For an album I had an unequivocal good time with, I'm surprised to see some of the discourse for this album and Steely Dan. A lot of the disappointment seems to come from listeners who find this album boring, which I won't necessarily disagree with. But then, I'm never one to think that music needs to be challenging in order to be good. I loved the notes of jazz that Steely Dan sprinkled through this album, especially in Bodhisattva and My Old School. On that note, I think I even prefer this album to the other album I've had of theirs on this list, Can't Buy A Thrill, though it has been a while since I listened through that. Sure it didn't change my life, but it had me nodding my head and tapping my foot right from the top. The musicians are clearly talented, and they're able to translate that mechanical skill into catchy tunes too, which is a win-win in my book. Highlight: My Old School Lowlight: The Boston Rag Highlight #2: Bodhisattva

Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen

4/5

Here it is, my official introduction to The Boss. Well, aside from all the radio hits I've heard through the years. And I'll be honest, even with the recognizable, titular Born in the U.S.A. kicking things off, it took me a few tracks before I was able to get on board. It's a lot poppier than I anticipated for Springsteen, but maybe I should've known that based on all the aforementioned hits. It's also distinctively 80's, not a bad thing, but it does make me even more interested in listening to the rest of his repertoire. Usually I find myself remembering the outer portions of the albums on this list, tracks that kick things off or wrap albums up, but here the meat of the album is really what I enjoyed the most. I think my gut wanted to give this a 5, but something was holding me back. Listening a second time solidified the fact that I don't think it's quite there for me. There's nothing terribly bad here, honestly I'm not sure I'd specifically skip anything. But the recognizable hits never drew me in, and I'll admit Springsteen's vocals grew a little grating around the Glory Days mark. Still, it's an unbelievable collection of songs, and I'll look forward to seeing what else The Boss has in store. Highlights: Downbound Train I'm On Fire No Surrender I'm Goin' Down Lowlight: Cover Me

Dare!

The Human League

2/5

There have certainly been worse things on this list. Thankfully, the saving grace here is how heavily The Human League leans into the synth nature of their music. Unfortunately, the vocals work against them. There is a clear best track here, with the three most popular songs also being my favorites. But still, the way The Human League writes and performs their choruses here was exhausting, repetitive to a fault. Which is a shame because I could see myself easily swaying the other way and having a nice 80's time with this album. Highlight: Don't You Want Me Lowlight: Do Or Die Surprise Hit: Open Your Heart

Frampton Comes Alive

Peter Frampton

2/5

I've come across the term "dad rock" on a few of the recent albums on this list, and at first I was kind of scratching my head. After this album I think I'm starting to understand. I've been on record saying that live albums are hit or miss for me, and unfortunately this falls to the latter. Most of the songs are just fine, the live nature of the album doesn't add much outside of the final track, and ultimately the fact that it's a double album brings it down too. Aside from the radio hits here that I already knew, I can't say there's anything at all that I remember even a couple hours after listening. Highlights: Show Me The Way Baby, I Love Your Way Do You Feel Like We Do Lowlight: Wind Of Change

Get Behind Me Satan

The White Stripes

3/5

One of the most confusing albums I've listened to on this list, I found myself leaning back and forth on the fence here. It seems like every song has something I like and something I don't whether its the instrumentation, the vocals, the genre, the mixing, any number of things. This album is all over the place stylistically, so that's maybe sort of what they were going for. And ultimately the more alt rock moments are still not up my alley, but at the very least I can see sparks of things I like with The White Stripes. Highlight: Blue Orchid Lowlight: Red Rain

Tea for the Tillerman

Cat Stevens

4/5

If there ever was an album on this list that I'd rate highly just due to a singular song, then this is it. That's not to say Tea for the Tillerman isn't a good album on its own, it is. I was entirely unaware of Cat Stevens before this album. His sound reminds me of several stars from the 90's like Rob Thomas and John Pepper, which goes to show just how ahead of his time he was. The songs here are easy to listen to, and for most of its runtime I was content. But to wrap up the album with Father and Son, a song that is so simple, compelling, and moving, was a masterstroke. It's songs like that which make me wonder how the artists feel after they've written it. Needless to say, for the inclusion of that song alone I'd recommend this album to anyone. Highlight: Father and Son Surprise Hit: Miles From Nowhere Highlight #2 Wild World

Kid A

Radiohead

2/5

This should come as no surprise to me at this point, but man do I not have a taste for Radiohead. It seems to me like I could draw a comparison here, that this is Radiohead's White Album. They were successful and wanted to branch out and do whatever they want, and they threw it on the album. But ultimately, aside from some interesting instrumental stuff (as usual), I cannot line up with the vocals at all. It's reaching the point where I'm actually dreading seeing yet another Radiohead album on this list, which is unfortunate because I've clearly missed the boat on something. Highlight: How to Disappear Completely Lowlight: The National Anthem Surprise Hit: Idioteque

Rubber Soul

Beatles

4/5

I wish I could write about this album like I did with Pepper's and The White Album, but unfortunately there's nothing really notable here to make sense of. To it's merit, that also means there's nothing bad to say really either, aside from one track that I didn't care for at all. I'm a fan of the early Beatles, and some of their later work, and it feels like this was during a sort of transitional phase for them. It's got some of the light, poppy songs of their early career alongside some of the trippier, drug-influenced tracks of their future. If only there was the ability to use half stars, this would certainly be a 4.0 next to The White Album's 4.5. Highlight: In My Life Highlight #2: Drive My Car Highlight #3: Nowhere Man Lowlight: Run For Your Life

Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea

PJ Harvey

2/5

You know it's not my album when Thom Yorke's feature is a breathe of fresh air. Just not my style of singer-songwriter, going to chalk this one up as "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

3 Feet High and Rising

De La Soul

4/5

I have a hard time imagining people not having at least a little bit of fun with this album. In a decade that was seeing the rise of gangsta rap, De La Soul provides what feels like an antithesis. There's an undoubtedly playful vibe throughout the entire record. While it's not perfect, there are just enough hits sprinkled in to keep your attention throughout. One of the most clear examples of passion and creativity in the genre. Highlights: (3 Is) The Magic Number Eye Know (feat. Otis Redding) Tread Water Me Myself and I

Tapestry

Carole King

5/5

Great surprise of an album. Here's another artist that, again, I had heard of before, but couldn't name a single song of off the top of my head. And the album got off to a fine start, I liked the vibe and the simple, well-produced sound she had, but nothing was blowing my socks off. Then the second side starts and it just keeps getting better and better. There are a couple of covers in here, ones that are just as potent as the original songs, but King's songwriting and sound shines through the rest of every track, saving the titular song for the practical end of the album. It's about as easy listening as any singer-songwriter album I've came across on this list, and I wouldn't hesitate to through this album on pretty much any time. Fantastic stuff from an era that I am starting to be hesitant of. Highlights: It's Too Late You've Got A Friend Where You Lead Will You Love Me Tomorrow? Tapestry (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Stankonia

OutKast

3/5

Another album that is plagued by its size. There's plenty of good stuff here, and I can't deny that when Big Boi and Andre 3000 are together they have the ability to strike gold. But there are just as many misses here as there are mega hits. They're definitely an impressive duo, but this is ultimately a skip-around album. Personally, I can only handle so much of Andre 3000's channeling his inner Prince. Highlights: Ms. Jackson B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad) We Luv Deez Hoez (feat. Backbone & Big Gipp) Lowlight: I'll Call B4 I Cum (feat. Gangsta Boo & Eco)

Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

Eurythmics

2/5

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to really get behind this style of music. What's here is very moody, but not in a way that evokes much of any response from me. Even the massive titular hit fails to do much for me outside of being recognizable. To be fair, if I heard any of the other songs out of the context of this album, I wouldn't be sure I could recognize them at all. Just leaning a bit too heavily into the synth side of synth pop. Highlight: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) Lowlight: This Is the House

m b v

My Bloody Valentine

3/5

Here we have a genre that I am completely unable to put my finger on. My Bloody Valentine fills a hole that I don't think I have. It's very much a soundscape, with most of the tracks being filled with an air of music, more-so than specific melodies or beats. And the vocals play a background to the forefront of sound. That being said, I think I'd be alright listening to this again. Outside of a couple tracks, mainly the final one, being a bit too outside of the box for me, the rest here is generally alright. Highlight: new you Lowlight: wonder 2

Hejira

Joni Mitchell

3/5

My hopes were high here after my introduction to Joni Mitchell earlier in this list. Unfortunately, this album never quite reaches the highs that Blue did for me. Joni is still good here, but something is missing from the equation. The lyrics sound wandering, which is not a detriment on its own, but it misses the melodical hooks that caught me in Blue. The songs just kind of go on, all of them a little too long, that they tend to lose me. Hate to say it, but it was pretty nice, easy-going background music if I'm being honest. Highlight: Blue Motel Room Lowlight: Black Crow

Exile On Main Street

The Rolling Stones

3/5

This being my the first album from The Rolling Stones that I've listened to, I had expectations pretty high. I don't know why, but I was expecting something that could potentially live up to Led Zeppelin 4 or something from CCR or The Beatles. And yet somehow, through the hour+ long record, not a single song managed to stand out in any way. I am suspicious of some sort of fatigue setting in with these daily albums, but if that doesn't explain it then I'm not sure I can. Mick Jagger's vocals are serviceable at best, and a bit grating at worst. The tracks are all okay to good. But there's nothing here that wowed me at all, or that I would tell people about, unless they really wanted to listen to more of The Rolling Stones specifically and hadn't stumbled across this somehow. Highlight: Shine A Light Lowlight: Sweet Black Angel Highlight #2: Let It Loose

It's A Shame About Ray

The Lemonheads

4/5

This album is a time machine back to the 90's, and I am shameless when I say that I love it for that. I've never heard of The Lemonheads, and after the lull of albums I've had my hopes were at an all-time low here, especially with alt rock always giving me pause. But the first tracks were way more fun than I anticipated. It's poppier than most alt rock I've heard, which of course leans more into my preferences. There's almost a bit of ska mixed in here, or at least whatever element of 90's music also leeched over into ska. Sure it's not perfect or dripping with heavy, emotional themes or lyrics like some of the highly-renowned grunge and alt rock bands of the time, but there are more songs on this album that I'd listen to again than in all of the four Radiohead albums I've listened to so far combined. 4.5/5 Highlights: Confetti It's a Shame About Ray My Drug Buddy Alison's Starting to Happen Frank Mills Mrs. Robinson

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg

Jerry Lee Lewis

4/5

This is a great example of a live album that absolutely works. Live At The Star Club, Hamburg is packed with energy, kicks off from the get go, and doesn't overstay its welcome at less than 30 minutes long. Rockabilly, boogie-woogie, whatever you want to call this genre of rock n' roll, this is an injection of that right into your veins. Complete with the crowd chanting, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!", what's here is a good time, no pretense required. Highlight: Great Balls Of Fire Lowlight: Your Cheating Heart Highlight #2: Long, Tall Sally

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill

3/5

Perhaps a victim of overhype, this album cover was immediately recognizable, and having never listened to this album my hopes were admittedly high. What's inside is a cool idea, a great example of interludes and what they can do for a concept album. Unfortunately, I was much more interested in the interludes than I ever really was in the music. And there's a good chance that this album just isn't for me, even if I'm generally a pretty big fan of R&B. I can tell that there's real passion here, messaging and themes that are deeply personal, but they just never landed on me, and the music isn't enough to bring me back. Highlight: Doo Wop (That Thing)

Make Yourself

Incubus

3/5

I was born just a little too late to really have a chance with Incubus, but I definitely see how this would've hooked teens at the turn of the millennia. I'm not going to pretend that I know anything about the genre, but what I will say is that I had a good time listening to what Incubus put together for. Nostalgia is undoubtedly a factor, despite having only heard one or two songs from the band in the past. Brandon Boyd's vocals are just right, and it never really leans fully into metal, which is something that I appreciate at least. There's also a surprising amount of interesting instrumentation and more record scratching than I'd expect from this genre. Is it life changing stuff? No, not at this part of my life. But think it does capture a period of time fairly well, and is accessible enough even today to keep me fully engaged with it for the entire 48 minutes, which is more than a handful of albums I've had have done recently. Really starting to wish half stars were a thing so I could differentiate my rankings a bit more, but for now I'll make due. 3.5/5 Highlight: Drive Lowlight: Battlestar Scralatchtica Highlight #2: Nowhere Fast

Aladdin Sane

David Bowie

2/5

It's at least a little bit funny to hear David Bowie singing, "Who will love Aladdin Sane?" during the titular track. For having such iconic album art, and being my introduction to Bowie's discography, I don't think it could've been more whelming. I just couldn't find anything here that is really standout, aside from the 'flashy' piano solo at the end of Aladdin Sane that made me want to stop listening altogether. It's a loud album, which somehow still manages to just rumble behind David Bowie's standard vocals. Truth be told, I've never been much of a fan of Bowie's hits, so I suppose I'm not too surprised that the rest of his tracks aren't up my alley. Or at least, not here. For now though. it's a bit hard to swallow that there are another eight albums of his on the list.

Grievous Angel

Gram Parsons

4/5

I continue to hunger for country on this list, so there's no surprise that when it shows up I may overrate it. But that's not to say that I don't genuinely think this album is good. It's non-pretentious, easy-listening, country music sang by Parsons and the awfully talented Emmylou Harris, and delivered in a tight 36-minute package. It's just about everything I like in an album, even if there's nothing I really love here. Some of the classic covers like Hickory Wind and Love Hurts are at their best here, and a couple of the originals live up to the spot this album has on the list. The steel guitar is as comforting as ever, and I'll be darned if I don't recommend this album as a surprise hit. Highlights: $1000 Wedding Medley Live from Northern Quebec Love Hurts Lowlight: Hearts on Fire

Fragile

Yes

3/5

If you like prog rock, I can't see any reason why you wouldn't like this album. But if you don't, then aside from some iconic guitar riffs, there isn't much for you here. It could be a solid introduction to what prog rock from this decade was, but there's always a certain pill you have to swallow when it comes to this genre. It's nerdy, it oozes nostalgia, but ultimately it just feels too niche to really shine. Highlight: Roundabout (the guitar parts of it)

Yeezus

Kanye West

1/5

This album came out when I was in high school, and somehow I completely avoided it. And if this is what it's like to listen to Kanye West without nostalgia, then I'm really glad I listened to some of his older stuff when I was young, because this was roooooough. The mix is loud, noisier than musical. And as much as you could call it ahead of its time or some other cliche, it couldn't help but feel like it's trying way too hard to be. The samples didn't work for me like prior Kanye albums, and ultimately I think it really is one of the very few albums where I found myself desperately wanting to skip songs. Yikes.

Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols

Sex Pistols

3/5

Another example of an album that feels/is/was influential, but just doesn't hit me as hard as its reputation. It's everything that I would have assumed early punk to be. It's loud, the vocals are angsty and almost not even singing, and the messages are clear. But through it all, nothing here came across as very genuine, if that's even the right word. All in all, it's fine. But I don't feel any more like a punk now than I did before I listened. Highlight: God Save the Queen Lowlight: Bodies

Siembra

Willie Colón & Rubén Blades

4/5

I love latin music. Bias put to the side at least a little bit, this is still a great album. It feels like a celebration of the genre. It's full of well-composed, layered tracks, and an unmistakable energy that you can usually attribute to salsa music. Though, it never quite reaches the highs or diversity of Buena Vista Social Club. Still, if this album doesn't make you want to move at least a little bit, then I feel truly sorry for you. Give me 100 more of these please. Highlights: Buscando Guayaba Pedro Nevaja Ojos

Rock 'N Soul

Solomon Burke

3/5

Rock N' Soul encapsulates this record perfectly. That's what you're going to get here. And it's all good. Solomon Burke brings his voice to pay tribute to a genre of music that was definitely on its last legs. So if you're in for a a bit of oldies, or want to feel like you're down at the old soda shop or sock hop, fire it up. Highlights: Someone To Love Me

The Low End Theory

A Tribe Called Quest

4/5

Any song on this album could be someone's favorite. That's a tough bar to hit, but I think it's absolutely true here. Probably the premier hip-hop album of the early 90's, everything that Tribe did here sent ripples through the genre for decades to come. It's full of cool, with stand-up baselines, easy flow, and layered lyrics. It's hip-hop for everyone. As good as all the songs are though, I think the one thing I'm looking for with this is more variance, or changes of pace. But if you're wanting to just sit back and groove for about 45 minutes, then look no further than The Low End Theory. Highlights: Excursions Check the Rhime What? Scenario

Our Aim Is To Satisfy

Red Snapper

2/5

I am now confident that there is an oversaturation of this electronica/trip-hop genre on this list. Which is unfortunate for me as someone who just doesn't click with it at all. It's music. But I just can't understand what mood I'd have to be in to enjoy most of this, especially the first side. There are a couple songs towards the end of the album (Alaska Street and Belladonna) that bring a relaxing, almost mesmerizing quality to the record that I can get behind, but the rest of it... I just wish there was more representation of other genres in place of yet another representation of what is already a very niche genre.

We Are Family

Sister Sledge

5/5

Ahhhh, disco. The peppier cousin of funk, I can't help but think it's one of the most fun genres of music ever. There's probably some rose-tinted glasses involved since I didn't actually live through the disco wave, but even listening to this album for the first time today proves to me that I'm not far off. I don't know why I was so surprised to find this album so enjoyable when I've been so familiar with the title track my whole life. Never having heard any of the other songs before, including the shockingly more popular He's the Greatest Dancer, I was even more surprised to find myself singing along to half the tracks before they were even done. That's one thing that's accomplished so well here. The lyrics are simple, clear, and the melodies so core-hitting that I was able to catch on by the time the first choruses were done. Not to mention the album is paced incredibly well, with big hits sprinkled between more toned down tracks. I don't think there's a real weak spot here, but if I had to be picky it does start to run out of a bit of steam towards the end of the record. Smooth vocals, funky guitar, groovy bass, and floaty harmonies bring the entire record together into a spot of genre perfection that I can't help but rate it highly. Highlights: He's the Greatest Dancer Lost in Music Somebody Loves Me Thinking of You We Are Family Easier to Love You're a Friend to Me

New York Dolls

3/5

It's hard to put my finger on, but despite me not really enjoying much on this album, it really does feel influential. Of course, that's taking into account the fact that it's a debut album and from the year 1973. The New York Dolls were on the edge of the punk rock movement, and they were clearly doing things their way here. It's leaning punk, but still not as rough a angsty as I'd expect from some of those leaning even harder into the genre later. Highlight: Trash Lowlight: Lonely Planet Boy

All That You Can't Leave Behind

U2

3/5

This album is just fine. At the risk of sounding mean or snooty, it really does feel like Bono's vocals and lyrics are taking this one down more than anything. A lot of the lyrics come across as bluntly hopeful, like poetry written in some sort of English class. I do like the top end of Bono's range though, whenever he's belting it out I definitely see the appeal. But in the end, the album just feels a bit uninspiring, and I imagine it's not the best intro into U2's catalogue. Highlight: Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of Lowlight: New York

Let It Bleed

The Rolling Stones

3/5

This album is like a sandwich. A sandwich scraped together with all sorts of leftovers put between two of the most delicious slices of homemade bread you've had. Gimme Shelter and You Can't Always Get What You Want are the mega Stones classics that they've always been. And the rest... well, it's okay. It's kind of goofy, aloof British mix of rock and blues that tends to lean more bluesy here than I'd expect. Mick Jagger's vocals still drag the album down for me, but it's almost entirely made up for by the choir in the ultimate track of the record. 3.5 Highlight: You Can't Always Get What You Want Lowlight: Monkey Man Highlight: #2 Gimme Shelter

Homework

Daft Punk

2/5

And the concentration of electronica just continues to rise. That's a shame here, because I'm sure this album was significant. Daft Punk's debut surely would be important. But ignoring that, what's here is just not standout enough for me to be left with an impression. It suffers from the same issues I have with a lot of this genre, maybe more so here than in others. They build a musical idea one piece at a time, then they repeat that idea over and over again until the song is over. It's just so repetitive, to the point where the music is having the opposite effect on me, bogging me down instead of pumping me up. If you cut all these songs in half, then I maybe I'd give it another star. Highlight (Or really just a song that I knew before): Around The World

Chirping Crickets

Buddy Holly & The Crickets

3/5

This is a tough one to rate for me. The whole album is in such a niche genre, one that practically no longer exists, that it ends up almost feeling like a novelty. Though it is a clearly important piece of history, I would think there are other compilatory albums of this era of sock-hop-esque music that I would rather listen to than this collection of songs. But the album cover is great, and this would be perfectly passable if you needed a representation of this kind of music in your collection.

Go Girl Crazy

The Dictators

4/5

I have a hard time thinking there is going to be a punk album that I'll end up liking more than this one. It is unabashedly swinging at so many societal standards in such a simple and otherwise enjoyable manner that ends up feeling way more fun than the other punk records I've listened to. And at the end of the day, that's usually what I want when I'm listening to music. Highlights: I Got You Babe Weekend (I Live For) Cars and Girls Lowlights: Master Race Rock California Sun

Sheer Heart Attack

Queen

4/5

Queen has everything I enjoy to listen to on paper. Tight vocal harmonies and incredible vocal talent in Freddie Mercury should be enough to sell me on their stuff, alongside nostalgia for so many of their hits. But after two Queen albums on this list, I can't help but just feel whelmed. I just don't think the genre is something I would want to listen to ad nauseum. But really going through the tracks here, despite just-ok impression the album as a whole left me, I think there's really not a low point on it. Sure there are moments in some songs I don't care for (I'm really not a huge fan of some of Freddie Mercury's falsetto), but each song stuck in my memory even days after listening, which is a good enough sign for me to bump this one up to a 4-star rating. Highlights: Brighton Rock Killer Queen Flick Of The Wrist Dear Friends Lowlight: She Makes Me (Stormtrooper In Stilettos)

Rid Of Me

PJ Harvey

2/5

I am blind to whatever reason this is on this list. At best it's probably just divisive. I'll admit PJ Harvey is doing something different here, I just wish it was something I could get behind. Uncomfortable mixing, vocals that are full of emotion yet somehow don't move me at all, and stylistic choices that have me scratching my head. My best guess is that this is music for people who are growing tired of standard music, so if that's where you're at I suppose I could mention this album. Otherwise, I think PJ Harvey is a whiff for me. Lowlight: Man-Size Sextet

Raw Power

The Stooges

3/5

I am clearly teetering on the edge of some sort of fatigue when it comes to this list. I hate to feel like I'm maybe not giving enough credit where credit is due, but this is another album that just left me wholly unimpressed. And if it ends up that I'm not fatigued, then maybe I just don't care for much punk or Bowie in many senses. The mix on this album doesn't hit me, just like its aggressive but non-melodic songs. It doesn't lean too far into deconstructing music to make me uncomfortable though, and at least it's nice to know where Iggy Pop is from now. Highlights: N/A

Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul

Otis Redding

3/5

This is undoubtedly a cornerstone album, not only for the genre, but for music itself. But as an experience, it just never really grabbed me. I think there is plenty to like, but it never really crosses over into truly moving territory throughout the entire runtime. I'm not sure many of the covers are my preferred option, but that doesn't mean it's bad at all. There's also a chance that soul as a genre just barely misses me when compared to it's cousin R&B. Highlight: You Don't Miss Your Water

Tres Hombres

ZZ Top

3/5

Tres Hombres drips of everything you'd expect from a hard rock album. The varying vocals are nice, but the guitar is the real standout on the album, as it should be. It exudes American rock, and La Grange is an absolute work of art. There are a couple of other highlights on the album, but nothing that really lives up to the style and creativeness of La Grange.

Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space

Spiritualized

5/5

This is a good time to mention that I've been listening to all these albums through a pair of headphones. And rarely has it felt more impactful than with this album. At first glance, the album exudes pretentiousness, or maybe portentousness (a word I was unfamiliar with until today), and that would usually turn me off of an album. And there was some hesitation here, with the album name and seeing space rock as a genre I'm mostly unfamiliar with. But the first track, probably my favorite on the album, hooked me in a way that I completely did not expect. It's the kind of layered/harmonic music that scratches a very specific part of my brain. The second track takes you back down to earth a bit, reminding you that it is indeed a rock album, but the highlights for me are the floaty moments away from that. It's a tough genre to put into words after one album, but something about it feels epic. The orchestra and the choir, the longer tracks, and even the storied development I read about on Wikipedia create an experience that I was entirely unexpecting. Maybe I don't put enough emphasis on how important first songs are when I'm listening to this list, but there's no doubt now that starting an album off on the right foot can affect the entire experience. Definitely the most surprising hit of the list so far, I'd recommend everyone give this a try even if I know it isn't for everyone. Highlights: Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space Broken Heart No God Only Religion Cool Waves Lowlight: Come Together

Face to Face

The Kinks

3/5

If you ever get worn out from the extensive catalogue The Beatles put together, you can find some more of their style right here with The Kinks. And you'll be alright for just about 40 minutes, and that'll probably be it. There's no big massive highs here, and it's hard for me to describe it as anything but a pull from the deep well of britpop. I'm missing a bit of the thematic cohesiveness that I found in some of The Beatles stuff, and the mixing is just alright, even for the early 60s, although it is supported by some interesting effects, like the thunder in Rainy Day in June.

Station To Station

David Bowie

3/5

Is Bowie a divisive musician? I've always been aware of him and his work through his massive hits, even as I was growing up in the early 2000s, but I still just can't get behind the work I've come across on this list. The instrumentation of the tracks do a lot to help his case, but I think Bowie's vocals just miss the mark for me in such a massive way that I may never really appreciate his music. And as a result of that, this is one of the longest 38-minute albums I've listened to. Each song just goes on and on, Bowie's lyrics and voice meandering through the long tracks. 2.5/5

Rio

Duran Duran

4/5

Ahhhh, I really wanted to love this album. The cover art alone is almost worth 5-stars, one of the most iconic album covers of all time, one that screams 1980s. And that's not even mentioning the title track, which in my opinion merits much more praise than it's more popular counterparts Hungry Like the Wolf and Save a Prayer. One thing I never appreciated about any of these songs until I listened to the entire album here was just how good the basslines are in these tracks, shoutout John Taylor (who also conceived the title of the album). Simon Le Bon's vocals aren't really my thing, but the way this album just oozes 80's vibes counteract some of that stylistic distaste. The rest of the track list doesn't quite live up to the mega hits, but there is more than enough here to warrant its spot on this list. Highlights: Rio Hungry Like the Wolf Save a Prayer

Le Tigre

4/5

Another great example of stuff I wanted from this list. A complete unknown to me, Le Tigre embodies a genre that I have memories of, but could have never named before this. Riot grrrl, though new to me in name, I think has always seemed like one of the core punk genres in my lifetime. I can fully understand how this could be very divisive music, but I also think that's kind of exactly what punk should be. The very non-singsong vocals are etched into my mind from whatever exposure I've had to the genre in the past. And there's loads of that here, alongside bluntly political lyrics and a distinct 90s sound from the mix to the samples. I think there's an argument to be had that I should give this a 5, and I may at some point, but there's some repetitiveness that I just didn't love when it came to the choruses on some of the tracks. Still, this was a highlight of the list so far. Highlight #1: Deceptacon Lowlight: Dude Yr So Crazy!! Highlight #2: Phanta

Kind Of Blue

Miles Davis

5/5

This brings me right back to the jazz history elective I took in university. Jazz at the time of this recording was evolving rapidly, changes evidenced here in contrast to some of the more structured big band or swing records I've listened to so far on this list. Miles Davis is leaning more free form here, away from the hard bop of his early career. Modal jazz is certainly not my preferred sub genre (leaning towards free jazz a bit too much for me), but I can feel Davis' passion for this music throughout this record. Looking back on the timeline of jazz is truly astonishing, especially in the 50's. And as much of a headliner as Miles Davis is, I think it should not be understated how much John Coltrane and likely the rest of the sextet brought to the album (I'm especially a fan of Bill Evans' work here). In a word, this record is conversational, like the artists are all there just masterfully expressing themselves in music and intertwining their crafts. There's just enough structure there to keep things going, each idea flowing to the next, never feeling like it's missing a beat despite the tracks evolving constantly. It's one of the easiest-listening albums I've had, all while still having enough beneath the surface to devote your entire attention to. Simply put, this is a once in a lifetime record, put together by a small group of masterclass musicians at the height of their game. Highlight: Blue in Green

Endtroducing.....

DJ Shadow

2/5

I really wanted to like this album. I'm a sucker for a hip-hop sample, so I was eagerly awaiting catchy hooks and head-nodding beats with this. Unfortunately, I was waiting for over an hour, with no resolution in the end. I can see how this could have been influential, an experiment in how far sampling can go as an art, but at the end of the day it just didn't do enough to keep me hooked, especially in a genre that I already feel is over-represented on this list.

The Man Machine

Kraftwerk

3/5

I almost had to do a double-take when I saw the date of this recording. I imagine discovering this in the 70s felt like a glimpse into the future. That being said, the tracks in here are mostly just fine. Maybe it's an indicator of it's pioneering of a genre, allowing other synth-pop bands to fully bloom later in the 80s. That being said, when they do bust out their lyrical moments and songs I didn't mind them one bit. Something about their German accents fits the vibe of this genre so much, and is worth a listen at least to a couple songs. Highlight: The Model Lowlight: The Robots Highlight #2: Neon Lights

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