1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

248
Albums Rated
2.97
Average Rating
23%
Complete
841 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1990
Favorite Decade
Blues
Favorite Genre
Other
Top Origin ?
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
15
5-Star Albums
15
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
5 3.27 +1.73
Beautiful Freak
Eels
5 3.27 +1.73
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
5 3.37 +1.63
Suicide
Suicide
4 2.46 +1.54
Zombie
Fela Kuti
5 3.46 +1.54
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
5 3.49 +1.51
Document
R.E.M.
5 3.55 +1.45
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
5 3.57 +1.43
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
5 3.65 +1.35
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
5 3.7 +1.3

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
1 3.87 -2.87
Arrival
ABBA
1 3.53 -2.53
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
1 3.39 -2.39
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
1 3.35 -2.35
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
1 3.33 -2.33
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
1 3.32 -2.32
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
1 3.28 -2.28
The Visitors
ABBA
1 3.22 -2.22
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
1 3.03 -2.03
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
1 3.02 -2.02

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Jimi Hendrix 2 5

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
ABBA 2 1
Steely Dan 3 1.67
Johnny Cash 2 1.5
Leonard Cohen 3 2

5-Star Albums (15)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan

It's just so dull. There was one great song at the end of the album that surprised me, but then I saw that Spotify had moved on to something else and it wasn't Steely Dan anymore

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver

This was a breath of fresh air - something more upbeat after a long string of either down-tempo or down-vibe albums. More modern than I'd had in a while too. I'd never heard of the artist before but really enjoyed the album. Nothing especially stood out, but I could go back for more

World Clique by Deee-Lite

Surprisingly good fun. Wishing the ratings were out of 10 as this is a 3.5/5

OK. A little more complex than your average white noise blockout electronica. 2.5, but rounding down because the first and last tracks are a let-down

Stripped by Christina Aguilera

I just can't get into this. The first track was alright but it just all blurred into nothing. It's that because she was influential and a lot of people afterwards sounded like this, or is that because she's the same as so many others?

4-Star Albums (56)

1-Star Albums (15)

All Ratings (248)

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Oct 06 2023

Have loved this one for years. Ethereal guitars

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Oct 07 2023

Very good. A couple of fillers but the opening track is one of my faves

Arrival by ABBA
Oct 09 2023

Really?

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Oct 11 2023

Never realised how good he was on the guitar

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Oct 13 2023

Good listening. Fairly standard blues rhythms but well executed.

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
Oct 15 2023

Superstitious is a banger. The rest of the album is classic 70s restaurant music - won't offend anyone, but you won't remember it either

War by U2
Oct 19 2023
The Cars by The Cars
Oct 28 2023

Gets better towards the end

The Predator by Ice Cube
Oct 31 2023

Pleasantly surprised by this. Too much misogyny on some tracks though

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
Nov 01 2023

This site has a serious crush on this guy. Maybe you had to be there?

Document by R.E.M.
Nov 02 2023

Ripper of an album

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Nov 04 2023

Mixed. Nostalgia value - my dad likes this - don't know if I'd listen again though

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Nov 05 2023

Some glimpses of excitement (King of the World, Show Biz Kids), but a lot of yacht rock

Suicide by Suicide
Nov 06 2023

Interesting. Never heard of these guys before but they seem foundational

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Nov 12 2023

Even as a fan, the compilations are better

25 by Adele
Nov 14 2023

She's a great singer. I'd love to hear her let loose again

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Nov 17 2023

My mind kept wandering away from this album while it was playing. I think that was from a sense of preservation

Paris 1919 by John Cale
Nov 19 2023

Odd choice for the list - maybe you had to be there?

BEYONCÉ by Beyoncé
Nov 26 2023

First time I've listened to one of her albums and it was a lot better than I expected. Some genuine good tracks here, especially at the start. A bit of filler too, and let's just ignore the Jay-Z bit and pretend it's not there

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Nov 27 2023
Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Nov 28 2023

I know what this is going to be and there's plenty of other music that I want to listen to. It's fine, one song here and there is good, but no more than that and definitely not a full album

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Nov 29 2023

Ok. Some good guitar on this. Odd that the one hit song is what it is - several others are better

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Dec 01 2023

This was OK. The dude's voice is phenomenal, but you'd have to be in the mood for this one

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Dec 02 2023

Not my usual style but I enjoyed this more than I expected. Fairly angry and hard-edged sound, but well-crafted and played

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
Dec 03 2023

Didn't enjoy this as much as Fear Of Music - I guess they were going further in their experimentation and it didn't land we strongly with me. Definitely would have been better without the outtakes at the end.

Parklife by Blur
Dec 05 2023

Hard to put a rating on this - one absolute ripper of a song (Girls & Boys), a few good ones, and several that get your attention in a good way. Still don't know if I'd reach for the album though ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson
Dec 06 2023

Gave it a go, and musically it's OK. A few decent tracks with some filler. The band's image is bit over-the-top in an attempt to be objectionable and controversial, but each to their own I guess

Hypnotised by The Undertones
Dec 07 2023

This was fun. Who knew Feargal Sharkey came from this? Solid new wave, slightly punk-ish

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Dec 08 2023

It's fine, but nothing you'd come back to and you wouldn't miss it if you never knew. The few originals on this are OK but the covers were all done better by others. The band's write-up says they were influential. Recording quality is pretty poor too, which doesn't help

The Next Day by David Bowie
Dec 09 2023

His arhythmic vocal style works pretty well on this, but there isn't anything on the album to get your attention

Oxygène by Jean-Michel Jarre
Dec 10 2023

This was kinda cool, especially the Bolero re-imagining in the middle

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Dec 11 2023

More interesting than I expected

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jan 14 2024

Lacks something of the energy that was in "Paranoid".

Take Me Apart by Kelela
Jan 15 2024

OK. More on the R&B side than electronic

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Jan 16 2024

Nothing on this that would make a greatest hits album... Still curious that he wrote a song about Tony Danza before he became famous

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Jan 17 2024

The 80s were weird, and so are parts of this album. Their singles were huge and still go hard. The opening tracks really hook you. (And set the scene for a concept album?). Wanders a bit in the middle, but comes home strong. Some unexpected echoes of Pink Floyd (Wish the Lads Were Here, The Ballad of 32), but oddly they don't seem out of place.

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Jun 26 2024

Enjoyed this - wistful, a bit bluesy, thoughtful

Jack Takes the Floor by Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Jun 27 2024

Decent guitar, bluesy but very country. Old standards. If you can get over the accent it's not too bad.

First Band On The Moon by The Cardigans
Jul 01 2024

Not bad - 3.5 overall. A couple of deserved hits, one odd but interesting cover

The Bends by Radiohead
Jul 02 2024

Grows on you. I've only heard the singles before but the overall album is very well crafted

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Jul 03 2024

I suppose you had to be there?

Pink Flag by Wire
Jul 04 2024

Early-ish punk. Catchy

Jul 05 2024

Those horses on the album cover are warning you - stay the fuck away from this album. "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle" {sic} because an eagle could not play this album. Couldn't play any other albums either, but it would almost be worth it. Why? Just why did this make a list of any arbitrarily large number of albums that you must listen to before you die?

Aja by Steely Dan
Jul 06 2024

I hesitated before even pressing play on this one. It was everything I expected - a full dose of 70's yacht rock. The sort of thing that would have played in a restaurant when I was a kid, or in an elevator. You don't notice it enough to dislike it. A star for musicianship, nothing else of note

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Jul 08 2024

Decent, easy-listening, slightly out of mainstream pop

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Jul 10 2024

Pleasant surprise - sort of experimental instrumental rock, reminiscent of some of Band of Gypsies. Mostly noodly guitar solos, but generally good

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Jul 11 2024

I can see where this fits between prog rock (e.g. Pink Floyd) and yacht rock (e.g. Steely Dan). They try their hand at ELO and Queen along the way. All OK, but the album doesn't do it better than the others

Jul 12 2024

Not bad - very 70s vibes, but with more modern instrumentation. The band never really grabbed me, and they're still not one of my go-tos, but I'm happy to let it play when it comes on.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Jul 13 2024

OK, this was good. I've only ever known their singles but the album was full-on - kept coming at you Solid 4/5

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Jul 15 2024

Nothing here for me. Not awful, but meh. 1.5 stars

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Jul 23 2024

Not bad, fairly classic early '90s sound. More Sonic Youth than Soundgarden. 3/5

21 by Adele
Jul 24 2024

I love the first track (Rolling in the Deep). The rest of the album is OK. 2.5 stars, rounded up for the first one

Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon
Jul 25 2024

Oh look, the album cover has a vagina flower. I have this on CD somewhere and actually quite like it. Odd accent aside, this has mostly good vibes and gets you into it.

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Jul 26 2024

I'd heard of the band but did not know what to expect from this album. This was a great listen - good as background sound and even better with focus

Ramones by Ramones
Jul 27 2024

Look OK, they're a bit of fun, but they've never been able to hold my interest for a full album. Even one that's only 30 mins long. 2.5/5

Rocks by Aerosmith
Jul 28 2024

Had to decide about this one - when you're in the mood, there's all sorts of links here to 70s & 80s metal 3/5

Groovin' by The Young Rascals
Jul 29 2024

Started off pretty well, then got to track 5 (How Can I Be Sure) which had me reaching for the skip button. A few more of these before finishing off better with You Better Run. Overall, a few decent tracks in the style of the Beatles or the Kinks, plus some absolute dross

Stripped by Christina Aguilera
Jul 31 2024

I just can't get into this. The first track was alright but it just all blurred into nothing. It's that because she was influential and a lot of people afterwards sounded like this, or is that because she's the same as so many others?

Music Has The Right To Children by Boards of Canada
Aug 01 2024

I started out curious, but that faded to disinterest by about track 2. Gets better (less objectionable) in the second half. Passable as ambient background sound, but others do it better. Music to drown out office noise.

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
Aug 02 2024

I had no idea what to expect here. First track I thought "this sounds like a mashup of Curtis Mayfield and GNR," then realised it was a Curtis cover. Not a bad album - hint of ska mixed with rock, which probably needs a second listen

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Aug 03 2024

Varies between insipid and dull, with the occasional hint of interest (Lost, Bad Religion). Fades into the background without being truly annoying, so 2 stars instead of 1

Bongo Rock by Incredible Bongo Band
Aug 04 2024

Mildly amusing, but no more. 1.5 stars but rounded up to 2 for novelty. This is what I imagined Richard Feynman's office sounded like

Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
Aug 05 2024

This is good, really good. Might even be enough to get me into rap

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Aug 06 2024

So there's Suspicious Minds and In The Ghetto, and I'm sure there were other tracks on the album because I had to keep hitting skip. Country/honky-tonk/blues/piano-bar all blended together into mush. This has not turned me into a fan. 1.5 stars

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Aug 08 2024

Doesn't stand out to me among many others of a similar ilk. 2.5 for the personality at the start, but too much insipid, generic R&B

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Aug 09 2024

So that's what industrial Krautrock is supposed to sound like. Interesting, but slightly painful

2112 by Rush
Aug 10 2024

Vocal style doesn't seem to fit the music - the music demands something richer but the vocalist sounds a bit like a folk singer trying to sing to loud

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Aug 11 2024

Not bad. The first track (Perfect Skin) is one I'll come back to. Fades out a bit towards the end. Lots of similarities to bands like Died Pretty and The Go-Betweens

Aug 12 2024

Look there's some really good stuff in this, but definitely not enough to fill 2 albums. This could have been a solid 4 with some heavy trimming. 2.5, rounded up to 3 because I'm feeling generous today

90 by 808 State
Aug 14 2024

Not bad as background electronica. Apparently they were pioneers. 2.5, which I suppose I have to round up to 3 because I did the same for OutKast

World Clique by Deee-Lite
Aug 15 2024

Surprisingly good fun. Wishing the ratings were out of 10 as this is a 3.5/5

Aug 16 2024

OK I like this one. The singles are bangers, and the rest of the album goes alright too

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Aug 17 2024

What ever it is, that [album] put a spell on me

Sincere by Mj Cole
Aug 18 2024

Cafe music

Trio by Dolly Parton
Aug 19 2024

Oh for fuck's sake, do I really have to play this? No, I shan't. 2 stars, just because Dolly is a gem

In Rainbows by Radiohead
Aug 20 2024

Decent, but didn't draw me in as much as some of their others

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
Aug 21 2024

So tinny! But still listenable. Wouldn't seek it, but it's OK

Scott 2 by Scott Walker
Aug 23 2024

Can we have Neil Diamond? No! We have Neil Diamond at home. The Neil Diamond at home...

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Aug 24 2024

That solo on Diminuendo! Fun album - seems like the muso's are having a good time. Overall, great music slightly spoiled by the voiceover/introductions

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Aug 25 2024

I like the nods to reggae and to 60's psychadelic rock, and that he plays it all himself. 3.5/5 Notable: Does Anybody Out There Even Care?,

Planet Rock: The Album by Afrika Bambaataa
Aug 26 2024

Apparently it's seminal, but many others have done it better since then. 2.5/5

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
Aug 27 2024

This is weird. Two nights ago I dreamt that heard Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker playing in concert. Not together on stage, but at the same place. Details are a little fuzzy (muddy maybe?) and I can't remember where this was, but the guitar was amazing (and probably not either of them). Anyway, Muddy was one of the best at this game. Many others have done similar but he has panache that the others somehow can't replicate 4/5

The Visitors by ABBA
Aug 28 2024

Grrr I have never liked this band. I still don't like this band, even though this album is not as bad as Arrival

Woodface by Crowded House
Aug 29 2024

I like this album overall, although there are a few misses. Best track: Fall at Your Feet. Fun (not) fact: Weather With You was accidentally misspelt and is actually about a sheep farmer and his friend

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Aug 30 2024

Mercifully short. Odd, but still vaguely Beach Boys

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Aug 31 2024

She sure can sing, but I've never really got into the idea of a full album of standards. 2.5/5

Sep 01 2024

I don't hate it - lots of emotion, mostly decent lyrics and some humour. Still too much "I'm so tough" for me to really get into

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Sep 02 2024

I love this - so much energy. Zombie is one of his best tracks

Disintegration by The Cure
Sep 03 2024

Good all the way through. I didn't know many of these songs beforehand. "Pictures of You" is a standout, but the album melds so well that I couldn't pick any more

Leftism by Leftfield
Sep 05 2024

Why have I not heard of them before! Plenty of similarities to other EDM acts from the time (e.g. Faithless, Massive Attack, Chemical Brothers, FBS), but this still caught me - adding to my playlists 4/5

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
Sep 06 2024

This was interesting - refreshingly different punk-ish. High energy, high volume, with some witty lyrics. The accent and the casio-saxophone grated a bit by the end though. 3.5/5

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Sep 07 2024

It took most of the album to appreciate this as more than just background sound, but this was solid

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Sep 08 2024

Jazz for jazz people. Too much disconnected faffing for me

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Sep 09 2024

This was OK. Fairly standard indie of the time. Not sure what made this stand out to the compiler

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Sep 11 2024

There's only one way this is going to go - 5 stars, despite staggering amounts of teenage angst :)

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Sep 12 2024

I'd forgotten about this guy completely, but found a couple of songs that I liked from back in the day. Enjoyable trip-hop infused with reggae and a hint of soul. Comes together well.

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
Sep 13 2024

This was a good package. None of the songs really stand out by themselves, but the album was powerful, despite not having the raw grittiness that PJ normally brings

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Sep 14 2024

Smooth and mellow, like a highland whiskey. Come to think of it, ...

Armed Forces by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Sep 15 2024

This is alright - pretty slick with a couple of notable songs (Oliver's Army) 3.5/5

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Sep 16 2024

Not bad. Prefer The Smiths though

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Sep 17 2024

That was a bit of fun. Old time blues/jazz. Note that Spotify doesn't have this as an album, but you can cobble together all the songs

Elephant by The White Stripes
Sep 19 2024

Good album overall, with a couple of absolute bangers

Garbage by Garbage
Sep 21 2024

Full of catchy tunes 4/5

American Idiot by Green Day
Sep 22 2024

This album slaps. Time has not left this behind

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Sep 23 2024

This is a gem. Put the headphones on, close your eyes, and let Nina take you away Although Jeff Buckley still does the best version of Lilac Wine that I've heard

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Sep 24 2024

Her voice is amazing, and the recording on this is spot on. But I don't want 3 hours of her amazing voice in one go.

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Sep 25 2024

This was pretty good, although I couldn't wait to get that album cover off my screen

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Sep 26 2024

Songwriting is pretty good, but I'm not sure he has the voice for this

Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Sep 27 2024

J&MC: 🎶 Me: This is pretty good. Sounds like a bunch of other early 90s indie though J&MC: 🎶 Me: What do you mean this came out in the mid 80s? Nice tunes. 4/5

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Sep 28 2024

I love the opening and closing tracks. For the rest, if I wanted to listen to country music, I wouldn't look to the Stones. I don't want to listen to country music. Skip, skip, skip, skip. FFS, I wanted to like this one. 2/5

Purple Rain by Prince
Sep 29 2024

As well as the massive hits, there's some shmaltzy synth-pop, some cheese, and some sleepers. Not sure where it lands overall so I guess that means a 3? Probably more a 3.5 Something about Prince reminds me of Ruby Rhod from The Fifth Element

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Sep 30 2024

Overall, I like the band and I like the album. They're always gritty and dark, and sometimes that's too much. This one skirts the boundary ok. Some memorable songs in here (Papa Won't Leave You, Straight To You). Reminds me pretty strongly of Nick Cave's Grinderman side project. 3/5

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Oct 01 2024

Surprised myself by finding this brilliant. I've heard most of the tracks before of course, but never heard the album in full. Not someone who reminisces for classic rock, but I really got into this. 4.5/5 if I'm honest but it's got enough to round up

Third/Sister Lovers by Big Star
Oct 02 2024

That was terrible. It's like Feargal Sharkey got stoned and decided that everyone should switch instruments for a session of Kinks covers. How did this make the list?

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Oct 03 2024

This album is brilliant. Passionate, soulful, and sweet 5/5

Public Image: First Issue by Public Image Ltd.
Oct 04 2024

Look at least it got better after track 3. Not that that's saying much. 2/5 because I can't choose 1.5

Oct 05 2024

Respect. Album production and recording quality lets the album down a bit. It would be amazing to listen to this recorded with modern production. Best: Respect, Save Me Worst: Soul Serenade

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Oct 06 2024

Can we have Frank Zappa? No, we have Frank Zappa at home. ---The Frank Zappa at home. 1/5. Rarely pulls its head out of its own arse

Live At Leeds by The Who
Oct 07 2024

The link takes you to the 'Expanded Edition' which is pretty bloated. Pare this down to the original 6 tracks and it's decent, bluesy guitar-based rock. Never been a big fan but I liked this

Oct 08 2024

I've never understood the reverence for this album. If it was the soundtrack to some part of your life then OK, but otherwise? It's more advanced, compositionally, than some of their earlier music, but some of it I swear you'd have to be high to enjoy. Best tracks: Fixing A Hole, A Day In The Life, and maybe Good Morning Good Morning Worst tracks: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (you know I'm right), Mr Kite 3/5

Electric Warrior by T. Rex
Oct 09 2024

It's fine. A couple that I'd heard before without thinking I needed to dig deeper. Best: Get It On. Worst: It's A Gas, Rip Off 2.5/5

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads
Oct 10 2024

Soft and wistful and I enjoy the album, but in the end does it stand out ahead of other 90s indie pop? Idk, but I still have some of the songs in my favourites list. And RIP to my friend Ray. Not who the song is about, but the song represents him in my mind. Miss you mate. Extra star for this song

Oct 11 2024

Like most R&B, it doesn't often get its head above the parapets - not offensive, but mostly not noticeable either. Has a bit of substance in places though, taking down the older rap language on a few tracks. Notable: Daydreamin', which both sounds good and is funny, and The Cool, which is just catchy.

Diamond Life by Sade
Oct 12 2024

Smooooooth. Let that sax slide over you, and let the voice carry you away I've always liked Smooth Operator but never heard anything else. The rest of the album follows in this vain and, surprisingly, was a decent listen Best: Smooth Operator, Frankie's First Affair Worst: Your Love Is King

Oct 13 2024

OK. A little more complex than your average white noise blockout electronica. 2.5, but rounding down because the first and last tracks are a let-down

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel
Oct 15 2024

If this was your thing back then, it will still be your thing. If not, it won't become your thing. Nothing wrong with it but it doesn't set your world on fire. 2/5

Low-Life by New Order
Oct 16 2024

Quite Cure-ish, but that's OK. Enjoyable album, albeit fairly melancholy and moody Best: Sunrise, This Time of Night

Oct 17 2024

I expected Steely Bland v2, but it was a bit better than that. The album takes a while to wind up but Simple Man was very good, and the Free Bird at the end is good too. The in-between songs don't do it for me - some of them were pretty terrible while others were just meh. 2.5/5, but rounded up

Under Construction by Missy Elliott
Oct 18 2024

Didn't know what I'd get here but I was hoping for something that would lead me in. Just doesn't do it for me. I can't buy a boat so maybe I need to rent a Bentley (?) Best: Work It Worst: Hot, Funky Fresh Dressed

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Oct 19 2024

The link here took me to the UK version of the album, which has Mother's Little Helper in place of Paint It Black 😒 Best: Under My Thumb (!) Worst: Going Home

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Oct 20 2024

OMFG this was good. Janis has an amazing voice, and the psychadelic-blues guitar on the first few tracks was a joy. Faded a bit towards the end, but this album definitely belongs on the list. Best: Summertime, I Need A Man To Love, and of course Piece Of My Heart Worst: Turtle Blues

Bad by Michael Jackson
Oct 21 2024

So. Goddamn. Cheesy. If were to distil the essence of the 80s, you'd get this album and a jar of hair gel. There are only (hehe) a couple of standout songs that (da) you'd remember. The others aren't (ow) terrible, mostly, but I'm (ah) so sick of drum machines (shamwow) 2.5/5

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Oct 22 2024

I'm conflicted here. I loved these songs when they came out. Now, the vibe in a few tracks seems pretty off, especially in the opener. Some great riffs and great energy though. 3.5, I think

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
Oct 23 2024

Someone should have introduced the singer to the rest of the band. They maybe could have got together and made some music. Instead they went with the approach of some dudes playing (somewhat decent) guitar & drum lines and another dude (sort of) singing different songs to a different melody. After hearing their first album a couple of weeks ago, I expected this to be completely shit. Turns out it was not quite as bad as I expected. Still pretty bad, but not to the same level as First Issue. 2/5

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Oct 24 2024

Rap version of elevator music? It's OK, I guess, I can't really remember

Survivor by Destiny's Child
Oct 27 2024

Usually I find R&B insipid. This was generally better than that, with their big hits carrying some energy and good vibes, but then it fell off. 2.5/5

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Oct 29 2024

The Intro: Look how wacky and crazy we are!!!11!!! After that it's OK. 3/5

Guitar Town by Steve Earle
Oct 30 2024

A song called guitar town should have more and better guitar. This was execrable

Infected by The The
Oct 31 2024

I can't see why this made the list - nothing stands out beyond standard 80s pop-rock. 2/5

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Nov 02 2024

This was intriguingly good. I'd never heard of the singer before but the album opening was brilliant. Didn't maintain those heights but overall very enjoyable and something I'll come back to

Deloused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
Nov 04 2024

I really liked this. Can't follow the lyrics at all, but the frenetic drumming, spaced-out guitar and funky bass make for a fantastic, if way out-there sound. Was a fan of At The Drive-In before I came to this and didn't know about the connection until I heard this and looked them up. And then I found out that it's Flea on bass - playing harder than on any RHCP album, maybe since Freaky Styley. Echoes of Tool in the sound as well. 4/5 - nearly a 5, but a little too crazy to get the final star, even though I know I'll come back to this

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Nov 05 2024

Thought I would hate this because "She Don't Use Jelly" shat me to tears, but I was pleasantly surprised. 3/5

Lam Toro by Baaba Maal
Nov 06 2024

Took a while to grow on me but I liked the sparse, atmospheric sound. No idea on the lyrics but that meant the vocals became more like another instrument, which worked well. May even come back to this in the future. 3/5 for now

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
Nov 07 2024

That was kind of cool. More enjoyable than Sgt Peppers, that's for sure

Nov 08 2024

Perfect muzak to block out the sounds of a loud office. Ambient electronica is quite useful, even pleasant, but could you really distinguish this album from countless others? I couldn't.

The White Album by Beatles
Nov 09 2024

I'd never listened to the album before and it probably belongs on the list based on reputation alone. While My Guitar Gently Weeps is an absolute classic. Many of the other songs are good by themselves, and overall the album stands up to the rigours of time. Far, far better than Sgt Pepper's (of course).

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Nov 12 2024

Another one of those albums where you had to be there. While I'm not a massive fan, Rumours was pretty good. This one has its moments but doesn't hold them. Title track is great, and Sisters of the Moon is good too, but otherwise the album didn't grab me

Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Nov 13 2024

Not bad at all - it went by quickly but it was all kind of interesting and boppy. 3.5/5 No real stand-out tracks as it's consistent and pretty cohesive, but Have You Seen Her Face and Everybody's Been Burned were catchy And something tells me that George Lucas got inspiration for the Ewok voices from CTA-102

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Nov 14 2024

I still quite like this, despite hearing a billion times from my then-girlfriend. It's not ironic though - it's just bad luck

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Nov 17 2024

Best country album I've ever heard. 2/5

Don't Stand Me Down by Dexys Midnight Runners
Nov 18 2024

The album is as much fun as the album cover

Coles Corner by Richard Hawley
Nov 22 2024

1st track: man this is dull, skip. 2nd track: what, same again? 3rd track: no. Just no. I'm not going to subject myself to the rest of the album. There's too much good music out there to play this through.

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Nov 24 2024

OK, we get it. In the 60s you did a lot of drugs and it made you enjoy the sitar at odd times. Weird, jangly folk tunes

It's Too Late to Stop Now by Van Morrison
Nov 25 2024

It's not too late to stop. You could have stopped at a single album and it would have been a better release. One for those who went to the concert? Some great tracks on here but in general they're not as good as the studio versions

Nov 26 2024

Surprised myself by enjoying this. Melodic, a bit of fun, really dialled-in. Not especially coherent as an album, but overall it was a good listen. Seems like he hadn't devolved into a complete twat at this stage, or at least it wasn't in your face in the album. 3.5/5

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Nov 27 2024

It's just so dull. There was one great song at the end of the album that surprised me, but then I saw that Spotify had moved on to something else and it wasn't Steely Dan anymore

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Nov 28 2024

I just love 'It's Tricky', and not just because of the snowboarding game. Very good album

The Who Sell Out by The Who
Dec 01 2024

This was odd. Not at all what I expected from this band. Funny in parts but that doesn't last

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Dec 02 2024

I don't mind it, but there's not enough there to bring it out of the background hum of 90s music. Which is kind of how I felt about the band at the time

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Dec 03 2024

Is this one of those albums that's better than it sounds? I think it would grow on me, but I don't know if I want to give it the chance. Middling on first listen

Technique by New Order
Dec 04 2024

The drum machine grates after a while - high-pitched harmonics that almost but not quite set my teeth on edge. Aside from that, there's some decent rhythm and song-writing in here

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Dec 07 2024

Love the singer, didn't really like the album? A studio album would be better than this live one

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Dec 08 2024

No idea what was going on with this album, but some of the songs had a great beat. Pleasant enough

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver
Dec 10 2024

This was a breath of fresh air - something more upbeat after a long string of either down-tempo or down-vibe albums. More modern than I'd had in a while too. I'd never heard of the artist before but really enjoyed the album. Nothing especially stood out, but I could go back for more

1984 by Van Halen
Dec 12 2024

Classic, cliched 80's rock. I can smell the hairspray from here. Jump is OK, but apart from that it's pretty generic. 2/5

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Dec 13 2024

French industrial rock? Kind of strange but I like it

Doolittle by Pixies
Dec 17 2024

Really enjoyed this. Spotify has been pushing a few of these tracks onto me for a while now but the album overall was a great package.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Dec 18 2024

Wasn't sure how well this album would stand up after all this time, but it was like slipping on a favourite old t-shirt. Melancholy, but that's OK

Jan 08 2025

I kind of like old rap beats, but the lyrics on this? Fuck a duck the misogyny is over the top. Best track: idk, maybe Endangered Species

Rio by Duran Duran
Jan 10 2025

I think they were holding back a bit on this one. Better when they're being more outrageous

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Jan 11 2025

Quite good - better than background music, would be good to chill to. I think 'pleasant' sounds like a backhander but I was happy for this to just keep going. Reminds me a bit of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, but that could be just because I don't know jazz

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Jan 16 2025

Nothing really wrong with it, but it doesn't stand out

Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
Jan 19 2025

Everybody thought French electronica was shit after hearing this, until Daft Punk came out and said, "désolé, try this instead," and erased everybody's memories of this rubbish. Best: idk, Hypnotise was alright, and maybe Jacques Your Body Worst: Dreamin', Music Makes You Lose Control, From Disco to Disco

Risque by CHIC
Jan 20 2025

If you had asked me a year ago whether I like disco I would have said no, but I'm all about this album. The first track (Good Times) is a clear standout, but the rest of the album slaps. Quite a few times I thought I'd heard bits before - not sure if that's from copying, sampling or influencing, or if I've just heard it without knowing who they were

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Jan 21 2025

Didn't know his name but recognised a few of the tunes. OK, but I'll never go back to him

Let It Be by The Replacements
Jan 22 2025

I don't know this band, and I don't know why, maybe slightly before my time. Quite enjoyed this album

Abraxas by Santana
Jan 24 2025

I love noodly guitars, and he's better than most

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Jan 25 2025

Beautiful, intimate, touching. This soundtracks my life right now. Wish it wasn't so, but here we are. I'd still listen to it anyway

Bubble And Scrape by Sebadoh
Jan 26 2025

A bit like many of its contemporaries - Dinosaur Jr, Neil Young, Nirvana, Sonic Youth - but doesn't quite hit the same heights. Very lo-fi, with some weird tuning that gets a bit much after a while. Has it's ups and downs, but overall it's a mid. Standouts: Emma Get Wild, Homemade

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Jan 27 2025

Well that was fucking weird. Ok, but different, which I guess is why I'm here

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Jan 28 2025

I've not heard this band before, apart from Time of the Season, which for some reason I thought was done by The Mamas & The Papas. Seem to sit squarely between the Kinks and the Beatles. Good harmonies, sometimes odd songwriting. OK overall, but I wouldn't come back to it. 2.5/5, rounded up for the last song

British Steel by Judas Priest
Jan 29 2025

I liked the opener (Rapid Fire) but after that it got a little too clean and a bit dull. It wasn't quite cheesy, but it headed that way sometimes (Living After Midnight). A bit of post-punk (The Rage) was nice to break things up. Iron Maiden did it better though

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Jan 30 2025

This album is on my all-time greatest list. I can listen to every song without needing to play it. Best ever versions of Lilac Wine and Hallelujah, plus his own tracks are brilliant too.

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Jan 31 2025

Reminds me of one of my favourite bands, The Cat Empire. Shame there were only 2 tracks on Spotify. Tentative rating based on some other tracks found on there - 4/5, but I don't know what was on this one so 3/5

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Feb 01 2025

She has a good voice, but I'm not getting into this

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
Feb 02 2025

I expected to hate it but it was actually kind-of listenable

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Feb 03 2025

It's good, but it's not Mezzanine-good

Feb 04 2025

He's having a great time and it's one of those performances that could make you a fan of a new artist. But it's still mostly the same songs that everybody else sang at the same time. 3.5/5, but rounded up for the party

The Rise & Fall by Madness
Feb 05 2025

Interesting, mostly fun, and worth a listen, but it doesn't have the craziness of One Step Beyond or the catchiness of Absolutely. Best: Our House (of course), Mr Speaker, Calling Cards. House of Fun comes up as a bonus track

Stankonia by OutKast
Feb 07 2025

I was going to write this off completely until B.O.B. came on. Miss Jackson is a good track but not enough to carry an album, and most of the other lead-in tracks are a bit rubbish, with too many interludes. A few OK ones after that, but then it trailed off again. Skip, skip, skip Best: B.O.B., Miss Jackson Worst: Red Velvet, Gangsta Shit, Toilet Tisha

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Feb 09 2025

This is what rap can be - a well-articulated message without the MC being a dickhead. Arrangements and beats are a bit simple, but not boring Best: Socio-genetic experiment, Television,

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Feb 11 2025

It was OK, but I like my piano music to be more melodic

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Feb 18 2025

Definitely the best Beach Boys album. Iconic, wildly popular, and influential. Still don't really like it though. I kind of liked their stuff when I was a kid, but since then that's faded and it all sounds a bit meh. 2/5 for me

Fromohio by fIREHOSE
Feb 19 2025

I started off annoyed because of the stupid capitalisation, but they won me over. The bass runs are slick AF and the whole album flows nicely. Nothing shouts 'look at me' but overall I'll come back and listen to this again. New band on the list, which is why I'm here. 3.5/5

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 84% of albums. Average review length: 140 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.