Another album not on Spotify. This one also didn't have an album video on Youtube. I watched each song on Youtube with intermittent ads. Canadian folk.
"Paris 1919" is an art pop solo album by the Velvet Underground's John Cale. Full of literary allegories and the UCLA Symphony Orchestra, this album received high remarks for its poetic songwriting and idiosyncracity. However, this album is an unremarkable, utter snooze.
I’m sure this album was prodigious for the time, but 1968 was a long time ago and music has come a long way since.
This is an iconic and revolutionary album. With incredible vocals and guitar playing, this album has transcended time and has some of the greatest hits of all time. Eddie Van Halen is an absolute legend of a guitar player.
Cohen was an artist who could paint vivid images through spoken word. However, this album was slow and depressing. I couldn’t wait for it to be over…
This album inspired a lot of great jazz throughout the last 60 years. The interplay between harmonies and dissonance is incredible.
The Isley Brothers are soul and funk incarnate. With the silky vocals, sweet guitar playing, and bongos, they made beautiful music. Who's that lady? Summer breeze~
If nothing else, the background tracks were pretty solid. I really struggled with this album.
According to Wikipedia, Elvis Presley is known as the "King of Rock and Roll." However, this album was unfortunately more country than anything else. While Elvis' sweet sweet vocals were absolutely moving, this album was not to my taste.
With classics such as "Good Times Roll", "My Best Friend's Girl", and "Just What I needed", the Cars have transcended decades as quintessential new wave. The Cars have a unique and amazing sound which had a huge influence on music. I thought side b was a little lacking.
The Monks were ahead of their time. Their unique rhythms and sounds were wild and experimental. The Monks were truly an inspiration to rock and punk throughout the following decades. Of note, this album is not available on Spotify in the United States. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l2D0QfJSt8
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five were at the crossroads of funk, disco, and hip hop. Grandmaster Flash was a true innovator. Check out Wikipedia because he is credited as the inventor of the slipmat and techniques such as backspin, punch phrasing and scratching. This album was very cool to listen to as it was the birth of a whole new kind of music.
Young Willie Nelson was a sensitive and tender man. When I saw this, I was expecting a unlikeable country ear sore, but in reality, this was a sweet album. There's a very excellent harmonica solo on here.
The Rolling Stones are monumental for the advancement of music. Their artistic decisions laid the groundwork for rock and roll to flourish in the following decades. Beggars Banquet, with a more country rock vibe, may have been an inspirational album at the time but felt a little lacking overall.
Peter Frampton did come alive in this live album. Although this was a live album, it had studio-grade quality. And although the quality was very good, there was also energy and passion which comes from live performances. Overall, a very strong performance which has aged well.
This album is absolutely deafening. The distortion and feedback is unnecessarily loud and oppressive. I had to think about this all day because the only word I could think of was "noise". The only reason this album gets a second star is for the slight possibility it may have had a role inspiring the 90's grunge rock wave.
It is absolutely amazing to think that Dave Grohl sang, played all the instruments, and basically solo produced this album. While none of these songs really stood the test of time, the iconic Foo Fighters sound is still instantly recognizable. This is a pretty incredible album considering the timing and the legacy which it led to. You have to admit that lyrics such as "Fingernails are pretty, fingernails are good" are not the best.
Some called this album a hidden gem, but I think there's a reason why it was lost to the ages. The vocals are shrill and unintelligible. This is another example of the indisputable UK bias in this compellation of albums. Despite the incomprehensible vocals, the rest of the album is pretty fantastic. The instrumentals are phenomenal. The punk rock drumming is energetic, fun, and the fills are clean. The saxophone rips and is admittingly my favorite feature of this album. The instrumentals could easily be an inspiration to punk, rock, ska, etc. I would love to hear this album with a completely different vocal track.
Little Richard is a legend. His music brought people from diverse backgrounds together. His unique and recognizable sounds paved the way for rock.
This sleepy, little indie album left much to be desired. While the music was unique and there was an interesting array of instrumentation and vocals, overall it was fairly drab. Not memorable at all.
This is another obscure English album which has no business being on a list of important, influential, or best albums in popular music. "Shleep" wildly misses all five of those descriptors: important, influential, best, popular, music. Contrived and overly pretentious, this allegedly legendary musician is purposefully singing nursery rhymes off-key. It is asinine. Anyone who mistakes this for music should be ashamed of themselves.
I'll chalk this album as yet another sampling of the indisputable English bias. I liked Spotify's description of the artist using the word mercurial, because this album was really all over the place. This album could be described as an experimental crossover between David Bowie and Oingo Boingo. While this wasn't really my cup of tea, there should be special recognition to the incredible piano solo in Uncertain Smile, credited to Jools Holland?! Amazing.
Iconic. Instantly recognizable, the title track is an amazing and unforgettable song - silky smooth, sexually charged, and incredibly moving. The latter tracks are slightly less memorable but nonetheless smooth and passionate.
One of the greatest albums of all time. Almost every track is a banger which has stood the test of time and remained relevant. I listened to the full album twice today.
By fusing folky jazz and country rock, Van Morrison pioneered a unique and defining sound, completely his own. This album takes the listener to a different time, and perhaps a different life altogether, when things were simpler and it was easier to be happy. The album is elevated with the full instrumentation including the backup vocals, harmonica, saxophones, flute, piano, which all contribute to the pleasant and gratifying vibe.
I was quick to chalk this up as another example of the irrefutable British bias in this compellation of albums. However, I will admit that I was caught off-guard with the power and grit in this album. The lead singer, Skin, is an absolute powerhouse and really strives to break gender and color norms in this album. While their intensity shines in the hard rock songs, this album has several lacking "rock ballads" which drags down the rest of the album.
The self-titled kings of “Rap and Roll,” Run - D.M.C. is credited with pioneering new-school hip hop. An incredible album which brought diverse peoples together through their fusion of genres. By combining electric guitar riffs and rock drum kit rhythms with record scratching, sampling, and their funky fresh lyrics, Run - D.M.C. created a new sound which brought together lovers of rock, rap, and hip hop. They broke color barriers with Proud to be Black and Walk This Way with Aerosmith. Of note, there is something adorable about grown men rhyming in unison.
Top tier - easy five stars. This album single-handedly changed rock forever. With strong beats, Kurt Cobain's voice, and plenty of power chords, Nevermind by Nirvana is the cornerstone of the grunge genre. This is a fantastic album and the first three tracks are infamous.
Combining funk rhythms with rock instrumentation and his infamous vocals, it is clear that the king of pop created a top tier album.
Femi Kuti can be described as big band jazz with a tribal rhythm section and lyrics sung by Sebastian the crab. While some of the album had great, high energy riffs, and exciting saxophone/trumpet/guitar solos, it really wasn't that good of an album. When I went to learn more about this album, I was shocked to see that the Wikipedia page is literally only five sentences long. The only accolade is that its in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". The author's bias is astounding.
This was an interesting and diverse album. The tracks alternated between instrumentals, pop rock/new wave, and a gloomy, or perhaps psychedelic, dark rock. This album birthed such hits, such as "Pictures of You" and "Lovesong," transcended time
I haven't heard anything from this album previously, and unfortunately, it didn't do it for me. It should be noted that Common uses this album as a vessel for political commentary and social activism.
This album can be described as an old English rock or psychedelic rock mixed with strong Latin themes. While I haven't really heard anything like this album, it reminds me of some Hendrix licks with Beatles vocals and mariachi backing. This is a pretty unique album with some incredible sounds and very high praise. Whether this album can still be considered the best album can be disputed.
Earth, Wind & Fire is of another kind. This soulful ensemble doled out hit after hit. Their music and their energy has aged wonderfully over these years and have inspired many. The first track, "Shining Star," crushed records and is instantly recognizable despite being decades old. And That's The Way Of The World.
I don't know what the hype is. The best song on this album isn't even hers and a lot of the other songs are atrocious. I haven't heard this music before and I hope I won't anytime soon. RIP but please save yourself 50 minutes and go listen to The Cranberries or Fleetwood Mac instead. Cheers.
While "Take on me" is an absolute banger, the rest of the album is lacking. This Norwegian group is a one-hit wonder for sure.
While this album may have been revolutionary for its time, this is proof that not all innovation is good and music has really evolved for the better over these past 55 years. I shudder to think what music would be like if it followed a path like Heroin or The Black Angel's Death Song.
This is a vastly different album than what I was expecting with a name like "Illinoise." I was expecting (hoping for) a hip hop, Beastie Boys-esque, album, or "Cum On Feel the Noize" by Slade or Quiet Riot, but instead, this is more indie folk or lo-fi background music, with Christian soft rock and splashes of elevator jazz. As far as being important, influential, or best in popular music, this album is a swing and a miss. The highlight of this album is the sweet and pure trumpet sprinkled throughout which loosely reminds me of "Pictures at an Exhibition."
Rump shaking, hard beats. Dr. Dre on his first solo album with significant collaboration with Snoop Dogg. This album broke ground in West Coast hip hop and gangsta-funk. I’ve never heard the N-word dropped so many times and I think they’re giving Samuel L a run for his money.
If you look back two albums, I called Beastie Boys. Beastie Boys are a timeless act who are instantly recognizable in the rap rock and hip hop scenes. "Illinoise" was a complete bait and an utter disappointment. "Ill Communication" is a strong album which has produced hits including Sure Shot and Sabotage. While the vocalists experimented with different styles, the creative and rhythmic musical interludes (Sabrosa, Flute Loop, Ricky's Theme, Shambala, and Transitions) were surprisingly elegant.
"The King of Rock 'n' Soul," Solomon Burke is credited with shaping soul and R&B. While this album may no longer be played today, it sounded decent and most likely was a huge influence to music over the past 60 years.
"What's that, one of those Led Zeppelins I've heard so much about?" Why yes it is. Led Zeppelin revolutionized rock music. The guitar riffs, the screaming vocals, the drums, bass, organ?! This eponymous album redefined rock and was a huge influence on generations of music to come.
Synchronicity by The Police is a very strong album with hits including "Every Breath You Take" and "Synchronicity II." Classic new wave and 80's pop, this album is very easy to listen to and is a perfect example of the music of the era. Of note, "Mother" was a deeply disturbing song.
Bruce Springsteen, an American classic. His voice and singing style is totally his own. This album felt like jazzy, soft rock with country vocals. While this combination works for song songs like "Born To Run," the country twang over the jazz and ballad songs clashed as if someone was repairing a porcelain dollhouse with a 2x4".
Never heard (of) Shuggie Otis before. This psychedelic funk was fairly easy to listen to.
I have immense guilt for ranking Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" as a 3 stars. It should have been 4, but I can't figure out a way to update my ranking. As for Bob Dylan's "Blonde on Blonde," this was a particularly underwhelming album. For the famous American singer-songwriter, this folk rock album missed the mark and was not Dylan’s greatest work. This album was slow, long, and boring. If anything, this reminded me of the lazy vocals of Randy Newman with loud harmonica.
This is my second Rolling Stones album (the first being Beggars Banquet). With "Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want," this album really gives greatness. Compared to other albums from the same era, "Let It Bleed" finds a balance between country blues and old rock, with gospel too.
What a legendary album! From the classic four chord progression and their heavy, driving rock beat, to their signature dress style, the Ramones gave birth to the punk rock scene. Their greatest hit, Blitzkrieg Bop, is a hugely popular song, instantly recognizable, and is highly enjoyable.
Well, this was a different album. Somewhere crossed between British punk, mariachi, polka, and a sea shanty, The Pogues win an award for weirdness. While the upbeat tempo and interesting musical shenanigans helped keep interest through the album, the high praise seems perhaps unreasonable.
Beyonce light: Solange's "A Seat at the Table" is a weak attempt at earning personal recognition. Based on the title alone, it sounds like Solange is trying to prove to the world she is her own singer/songwriter/performer, to define her own place in the world and not just live in the shadow of her older and much more successful sister. While the sentiment is understandable, this album does not meet par. The album is very underwhelming. Solange's music gives uninspired vibes - a cheap mimicry of Beyonce's style and sound with half-baked social commentaries. With this album, Solange earned her seat at this table (https://wonderboxjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/little-tikes-large-picnic-table-primary.png).
An oldie but a goodie, "With The Beatles" is a great early album. While all of the tracks are lacking compared to more recent music, the Beatles really had a strong, positive influence on the direction of music and rock specifically. Throughout this album, there are numerous sounds, riffs & motifs which are timeless. Even their simple, upbeat, chord progressions and four piece instrumentation has transcended decades. The Beatles were all very talented musicians who did wonders for the advancement of music.
To be completely honest, I didn't know that this kind of performance was recorded and sold as an album. Jazz, spoken word, and scatting; I imagine this would be a small venue, intimate, live performance. Snaps for Ton Waits but I hope I never hear this again.
Wow, this was a really old album. They don’t make them like they use to that’s for sure. Billie Holiday’s vocal prowess is admirable, to say the least. The power, depth and vibrato are just incredible. Her tender yet brawny vocals are so exposed and moving that anyone with ears would stop in awe at this album.
"Get Behind Me Satan" is not one of the better White Stripes albums. While the album did receive a lot of recognition at the time, overall this did not age well. From the sound of things, Jack White gets a little too experimental - dropping his electric guitar for a marimba and acoustic guitar. Meg even sings on this album - which was a little surprising. "Blue Orchid" was, by far, the best song on this album.
This album is straight out of the shoegaze / psychedelic rock phase of the 80s. Full of distortion and reverb, this album would probably be more enjoyable if the listener was as high as the artists. The inclusion of this album may have been influenced by the British bias seen with several other strange albums in this compilation.
How this album was recognized as being one of the best albums of the decade baffles me. More psychedelic rock and more drug-induced experimentation. While fairly easy to play in the background, this album is very forgettable.
I'll be honest. I was really skeptical going into this album. Never heard of N.E.R.D. before or any song on this track. I was pleasantly surprised. This is not another rap or hip hop album. This is a rock rap album with serious, undeniable musicality imbedded. While some of the sounds are a little raw, the writing is really impressive. Of course, I had no idea that Pharrell was the lead singer and and they had great collaborators including Questlove and Lenny Kravitz too...
This album is regarded as Dolly Parton's best and favorite work. Almost every song on this album is considered a hit. Dolly Parton has talent and is an excellent song writer. Not many people could write a song about a mom and daughter falling in love with the same stranger. Unfortunately, the listener and writer of this review is not the targeted demographic.
Yet another British band which never crossed the pond. While the instrumentation and upbeat rock beats are appealing, one can only speculate this album did not chart in Europe or North America due to the incomprehensible and controversial lyrics. This album delves into taboo topics including "prostitution, American consumerism, British imperialism, freedom of speech, the Holocaust, serial killers, the death penalty, political revolution, childhood, fascism and suicide" which may be more than casual music goers can handle. Also, the album art is horrible and unsightly. I would never listen to this band again if it meant I didn't have to see the album art.
With hits including “Janie’s Got a Gun” and “Love in an Elevator,” this is a very strong album. Steven Tyler’s iconic vocals are absolutely amazing.
The Beatles have an aesthetic for sure. I accidentally listened to this album three times in a row before I realized that the album is actually really short and every song sounds pretty much the same. While this album is regarded as one of the most acclaimed albums in history, I'm grateful to see how much music has evolved since 1964.
Ice Cube’s “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” is hard. Cube is self-described as a cop killing, child aborting, drive-by shooting gangsta. It’s pretty amazing to see his conversion to directing and voice acting in family movies. As for the album, Cube has flow and powerful rhyme game. While the lyrics are very controversial, this is, without doubt, a very strong album.
"Young Americans" is a magical album. Young Americans and FAME are smashers - and the rest of the album is pretty strong as well.
This is an easy to listen to, mostly upbeat, folk rock album. At first, it gives cultural appropriation, but within this hodgepodge is real talent. The variety in this album is probably the most surprising. While some tracks have absolutely ripping guitar and great beats, other songs are almost akin to dirges. Overwhelming chorus and then suddenly snoozers with unappreciable lyrics. This album almost feels like a shuffle of a couple different albums of highly different quality. The reviews for this album are astronomical and are only topped by the celebrity backing including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr... and Crosby and Nash... Many of the components of legendary music are here, but it does feel like something is missing.
While this may have been a revolutionary album for its time, "Hot Rats," as the name may suggest, is all over the place. "Peaches en Regalia" starts the album as a mostly composed modern-jazz composition. However, the album really decays into just loud, free-form noodling. There really isn't anything that stands out in this album because its blaring, overly produced, and really just amelodic. Not to dash the avant-garde and inventive spirit, but this was hard to listen to.
"Low" represents a shift in David Bowie's life and musicality. Away from drugs, this album presents itself as a reinvention of the man and his music. Since listening on Spotify deprives the listener of the differences between Side A and Side B, it should be noted that the later half of the album is mostly instrumental and a far departure from the previous albums. This album relies heavily on electronics.
If this album consisted of only the first three tracks, this would be an absolute slam dunk, 5-star album. While the first three songs are incredible, the entire remainder of the album is lackluster. Someone described them as "mysterious atmospheric songs about American desert." However, if you have ever been to Joshua Tree, you would know. It's about 5 seconds of "oh wow" but a couple hour drive and a lot of desert. Still, the first three tracks are legendary.
"Brothers" is regarded as one of the best albums from The Black Keys. "Tighten Up" and "Howlin' for You" were very popular singles. The Black Keys have an indie, garage rock vibe. Every song on the album sounds kinda similar and its all very sterile. Their musical success is cold, calculated, and devoid of artistic flair or individuality. This band was blocked on my Spotify and this album helped me remember why.
Not the sound expected from the name Blood, Sweat & Tears. This is a rocking jazz album with a phat brass section. Most of the album sounds like it could be from a movie soundtrack. The most popular song on this album is surprisingly Cream's Sunshine of Your Love.
"The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators" is psychedelic rock incarnate. They are credited with founding the genre - including the use of the word psychedelic to describe music. This drug-induced album is loud, grainy, and every track sounds pretty similar. Roller Coaster and Through the Rhythm have very cool intros which may have been sampled elsewhere throughout the years. The listener would probably need to indulge to get more from this album.
The Incredible String Band is Scottish psychedelic folk... The highly irregular instrumentation, vocables, harmonies and dissonances... This album is absolutely atrocious.
Imagine a dimly lit bar. Crowded tables, intimate atmosphere. Spotlight on stage where a stylish jazz ensemble plays their hearts out. Incredible saxophone, moving organ, straight drums. This is a strong jazz album with some iconic and inspirational licks. "On the Sunny Side of the Street" is an jazz classic and their rendition should be recognized with more acclaim. Also, tis the season and Jimmy Smith's holiday album is quite good as well.
This is my third David Bowie album after "Young Americans" and "Low." Like this album's predecessor, Bowie explores electronic sounds in the aftermath of his reawakening from his drug addiction. While the instrumentals are foreboding and depressing, the lyrics are more uplifting and hopeful for the future. Overall, not his greatest work. Side A is rather lazy and uninspiring, despite the tribulations afflicting Bowie at the time. Side B is mostly brooding instrumentals.
Horrible. This album is terrible and completely undeserving of any recognition. Shrill, British, female recording artists must have a special place in Robert Dimery's heart as there is nothing remotely redeeming about this atrocity. Something, something British bias and this album doesn't even have this one hit wonder's one hit...
Strong rock album. Heavily influential and great jams.
American gangsta rap classic. This is hard album is renown around the world. While extremely threatening, the lyrics are thought provoking about racial disparities and violence, and the rhyming scheme is top notch. The musicality and sampling style is also notable.
Chic is a disco staple. Their song, "Good Times," is instantly recognizable and iconic for the era. Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards are absolute legends who had incredible influence on musicians across many genres.
Soundgarden. Just incredible. Chris Cornell is legendary and totally commands your attention with his strong vocals. The album is grunge incarnate and is regarded as one of the best in the genre. Songs including “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman” are killer and are staples of the genre. Soundgarden absolutely slays and has inspired so many great musicians. RIP Chris Cornell.
Not a fan of reggae, but it is cool that he's an original member of the Wailers. The vibe of this album, his first solo album, is very relaxed, advocating for the legalization of marijuana. RIP to Tosh as his demise is traumatic.
"Metal Box" by Public Image Ltd. is lauded as being a hallmark classic of the post-punk genre. Formed with lead vocalist John Lydon (previously known as the lead vocalist of Sex Pistols) and guitarist Keith Levene (of The Clash), Public Image Ltd pushed their sound into the avant-garde. This is not a good sound.
This is probably one of the best Christmas albums out there. From a wide variety of artists, these classics are very good renditions of popular holiday songs. It is unfortunate that Phil Spector shot that poor actress in the mouth.
Another obscure English album. Between new wave and post-punk, Magazine is yet another group which failed to cross the ocean out of England. Overall, their sound is more palatable than the previous album.
This was absolutely horrible. How can jackhammers and grinding metal be considered music?
Johnny Cash is a legendary American country singer-songwriter. This album is a treasure featuring “Hurt” which is regarded as a great cover to an already powerful song. Surprisingly, this album also has covers of “Personal Jesus” (mid) and “We’ll Meet Again.” While some of the other song/stories are somewhat underwhelming, Cash’s strong imagery, vocal prowess, and work ethic, especially in his advanced age at the time, are to be admired.
A pleasantly surprisingly album. Described as space pop or dream pop, this French electronica duo came up with a novel sound. Amazingly beautiful.
The Undertones are a strong punk rock group hailing from Ireland. They have a very exciting sound and the upbeat, driving tempo gives great energy. This music makes the listener want to get up and jump! The drums are, by far, the best part of this album. The Ramones were probably a very strong influence on this album.
Powerful stuff. Miriam Makeba’s eponymous album is a strong introduction into the legend’s talent. Multiple languages, wide range, exposed vocals - overall, a very impressive recording. She is credited with being one of the first artists to bring African music to the global stage and she does an incredible job. Her rendition of “House of the Rising Sun”, while very different than that of the Animals, is chilling, moving, and thought provoking.
Following “Born to Run,” this is my second Springsteen album in this compilation. Never have I felt so patriotic. While “Born in the USA” and “Dancing in the Dark” are classic Americana, this album is mid at most. In the process of writing 80 songs for this one album, the quality of the musicianship audibly deteriorated. The writing certainly feels lazier and every song sounds similar. It feels as if the writer is pandering to find commercial success through nationalism and country hick imagery. The reviewers who claim every song is a classic must be from the backwater, Bible Belt.
An early predecessor to EDM, "Destroy Rock & Roll" has a dated sound which may have been relevant in the early 2000s but has since been forgotten.
As the name suggests, Funkadelic is funk on some crazy psychedelics. The wild guitar sounds, cowbell, screams, funk - this is a highly unusual yet extremely funky album. Can you get to that?
Interesting LA-Latino fusion. Their song “Saturday Night” was featured in video games and films. A pretty unique sound.
James Brown is a revolutionary icon with an unprecedented impact on music. The "Hardest-Working Man in Show Business" influenced the development of several music genres including funk, soul, R&B, rock, and pop. This album, "Live at the Apollo," is an incredible live showcase of Brown's popular music from the time. This album was hugely popular and a critical success.
The cover art does not accurately portray the music in this album. This album is more akin to Christian soft rock as opposed to the skinhead or German techno vibe of the album's cover. Overall, not a bad quality of sound.
This is a pretty unique album. It’s a softer rap rock with moments of country twang, funk, and maybe ska with the horn parts? While not outright mindblowing or revolutionary, this album has a commendable quality to it. It is very interesting that, despite hailing from New York City, they never charted or had air time in America; instead they are popular and are still touring in Northwest Europe and Australia.
Interesting album. Never heard of Moby before (except Moby Dick of course). A mix of electronica and alt rock, this album is easy listening and is mostly instrumental background music. However, "Find My Baby," Porcelain," and "South Side" are reminiscent. Per Wikipedia, "South Side" was one of Moby's greatest commercial successes. This single received air time, has Gwen Stefani accompaniment, and won an MTV music award back in 2001.
What a funky fresh album! From front to back, this album is moving and grooving. It is a terrible shame this is not available on Spotify in this country. I had to listen to it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmDNMx9FRgI. Apparently "One Nation Under A Groove" was a funk anthem and understandably so. The song "Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis Enema Squad (The Doo Doo Chasers)" is hilariously out there.
Another oldie but certainly a goodie. Louis Prima is a prolific singer, scatter, and trumpet player. This album really showcases Louis Prima's talent and humor. Not from this album, but Louis Prima is the voice of King Louie in the Jungle Book and sang "I Wan'na Be Like You."
This album was out of LeftField for sure. An early introduction to techno, the genre of this album is considered progressive house. "Release the Pressure" is the first track and is probably the best track. As the album progresses, each new song seems out of place following its predecessor. A strange amalgamation of songs. This was probably a very impressive feat of music for the time but has grown irrelevant. This is a credit to how far EDM music has progressed over the years.
The Beatles' eponymous album, also referred to as the White Album, is a legendary piece of work which really needs no review. This album is well regarded as being a critical factor in the development of music across the globe for the past several decades. Songs such as "Back in the U.S.S.R.", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Blackbird", and "Helter Skelter" are incredible and hugely influential in music and pop culture. However, it should also be noted that, while the album has great writing and instrumentation, the tracks are disjointed and do not flow together very well. This is due to the fracturing of the band members and each member writing and recording separately. With this many songwriters, there is an overabundance of songs, some of which really do not fit the bill. This album's greatest weakness may be quantity and great variation in quality - for every success, there's another song which probably should have been left off the album.
Spirit is an early progenitor of rock and roll. Overall, not a bad listen, but not special or groundbreaking. This album has no songs which have stayed relevant in popular culture and even the critical reception was less than that of Spirit's other albums.
This was an interesting album. A fusion of funk and hip hop, "Connected" is pleasantly surprising. This album performed quite well on the European charts.
"Sign o' the Times" is regarded as Prince's best, album despite being less popular thank his previous album, "Purple Rain." This album is quintessential Prince and perfectly encapsulates his sound and talent. Oddly, this album did not produce any long-lasting singles.
A "drum and base" album. Never heard of "Logical Progression" or LTJ Bukem before and it is not on Spotify or Youtube. A true obscurity.
Existing somewhere between new wave and alt rock, this is described as a defining Britpop album. A unique sound, and an entertaining listen. An odd choice considering this band's one hit wonder was not on this album.
British folk rock. Fairport Convention is credited with being one of the first groups to combine traditional English themes with 'modern' instrumentation. The union between fiddle and electric guitar was considered groundbreaking for the time. There are two very different types of music in this album. "Matty Groves" and "Medley: The Lark In The Morning" are jaunty tunes which will make anyone want to dance on the hard floor in a barn. The rest of the songs are slow, folk rock ballads. While the fiddle and electric guitar really bring the sound up, Sandy Denny's exposed and protracted warbles are just too much.
"London calling to the faraway towns" - a legendary intro for a legendary album. A mix of punk rock and new wave, "London Calling" had widespread critical acclaim, broke records, and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Despite the album's strong reviews, the single "London Calling" has had the most longevity from this album.
This is a decent adult contemporary, oldie pop, or maybe 'blue-eyed' soul album. Dusty Springfield is an impressive singer who is credited with influencing a long line of pop female artists. "Son of a Preacher Man" is a very popular song which has had strong resurgence after "Pulp Fiction."
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, rocked this album. With tracks that transcend time and genre, styles include disco, funk, pop, and R&B.
Public Enemy’s “Fear of a Black Planet” is a strong hip hop album which delves into social issues and empowerment of the Black community in the United States. By melding samples of a broad selection of genres and using many sounds, the musics created a novel sound and holds an important place in the evolution of music. “Fight the Power” is probably the most significant track from this album. Of note, commendations to Chuck D who continuously uses his platform to advocate change. This is directly opposed to Flavor Flav who uses his platform to “Yeah, boyeeeeee!”
Icelandic recording artist Bjork's solo debut album, "Debut," is critically acclaimed on the British charts. An amalgamation of genres, Bjork produced a cheerful album. Overall, not my cup of tea.
Tracy Chapman's music is a mood for sure. It isn't for everyone and it's certainly not for every mood. Despite this, this album is a must listen. The eponymous album is a strong showcase of talent of the folk rock/pop variety. Revitalized with Luke Comb's recent cover too, "Fast Car" is a timeless, thought provoking, yet completely smashing hit. I was thinking about this song all day and it nearly brought me to tears.
The critically acclaimed "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" album by 50 Cent was the best-selling album of 2023 in the US and one of the best rap albums of the year. A fusion of gansta rap and R&B, this album is credited with inspiring a wave of gansta rap artists. It should be noted that many very successful artists contributed and helped produce this album including Dr. Dre, Eminem and Snoop Dogg. "In da Club" is the hottest single from this album.
A rocking album, "Toys In The Attic," definitely earned its spot on this list. Steven Tyler is an iconic frontman and an incredible vocalist. Joe Perry shreds on the guitar. Aerosmith's collaboration with Run-DMC on "Walk This Way" created a new fusion of music and broke color barriers. Jennifer Aniston's dance to "Sweet Emotion" in "We're the Millers" is enchanting. Bonus points for having a Big Ten Inch (record).
Another album not on Spotify. This one also didn't have an album video on Youtube. I watched each song on Youtube with intermittent ads. Canadian folk.
Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" is an incredible and innovative album. In this, Davis is credited with directing the projection of cool jazz.
This is the debut studio album by English rock band the Who. Their music is best described as early English garage rock. The album is filled with great guitar and vocal harmonies. The album's eponymous title song, "My Generation," is the top song which can be considered a forerunner to the English punk rock scene. While a lot of the album sounds just like the Beatles, there is a bit of variety. A big surprise comes in the form of the two James Brown covers of "I Don't Mind" and "Please, Please, Please." The inclusion of such diverse musicality, in the reviewer's mind, earns this album's place on this list.
Although "Highway 61 Revisited" is the highest acclaimed albums in Dylan's collection, this album did not age well. Any person can only listen to so much nasally whining and incomprehensible babble.
Scottish/Ghanaian reggae. This artist never made it across the pond. The British bias is the only explanation for this album being on this list.
The Byrds are Los Angeles’ imitation Beatles. Heavily influenced by the English group, The Byrds sound extremely similar, with a slightly more prominent rock sound. Most of this album is Bob Dylan covers in the Beatles’ style. Their renditions of “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “We’ll Meet Again” are noteworthy.
Franz Ferdinand is considered a one-hit wonder in the States. "Take Me Out" is a hugely popular single with covers, spots on video games, and plentiful airtime. The rest of the album is decent, indie rock. It is surprising to learn that Franz Ferdinand is well-regarded Scottish rock band which charted in the UK, nominated for several Grammy Awards, and received two Brit Awards.
"The Space Ritual Alive" is an extremely long, and somewhat diverse, live, double album. In this album, Hawkwind explores the rock genre, dabbling in hard rock, punk, and pioneering the space rock sound. While this English group did not transverse the Atlantic well, they have certainly have their role in music history. Hawkwind has been around for a long time, with members coming and going throughout the past decades, and serving as an inspiration to groups such as Motorhead and Sex Pistols. Overall, the album wasn't too hard to listen to, but the dreary monologues were terrible.
With this album, Oasis created, not one, but several rock anthems. "Wonderwall", "Don't Look Back in Anger", and "Champagne Supernova" are just incredibly well known commercial successes. Although the writing and musicality are not legendary, these songs have been adopted by the public. The simplicity of the choruses have huge appeal to the masses and have led to these songs' longevity.
An interesting country folk / rock album. It is unfortunate this album is also not on Spotify.
The Mama’s & the Papa’s represent an era and a whole genre of music from the 60’s. Their music, which can be considered folk-rock and sunshine pop, is iconic for the California hippie vibe. “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday” are smashing hits from this album.
"Veckatimest" by Grizzly Bear is a total indie album. Slow paced and uninteresting, this album is devoid of pizazz. The song "Two Weeks" is the highlight of this album and probably the only partially redeeming factor worth mention.
Existing somewhere between folk and funk, this album is emotional, rhythmically appealing, and powerful. While I have never heard of Joan Armatrading before, I must believe that her career has had tremendous impact on musicians, women, and people of color.
Paul Simon is a legendary singer and songwriter. While this album features a broad assortment of musical styles, it is mostly just lengthy folk. Fairly easy to listen to yet somewhat stale.
Muddy Waters was a prolific blues artist who had an incredible impact on modern music. With his vocal skills, stage performances, and electric musicianship, he inspired the hard rock sound which developed over the next few decades. This live album showcased some of the artist's top hits from the 1950s.
Originally from Northern Ireland, the Undertones are a fairly unknown group in the United States. Their upbeat rhythm and spunky songwriting gives them the sound of a British punk rock band. This whole album is fun and energetic.
An incredible, top tier album - "Hot Fuss" is the groundbreaking, debut album by American rick band the Killers. A mixture of new wave and post-rock, this album is commercially and critically successful. This album is chock-full of hits. While the later half of this album is unusual and kinda indie, this was one of the easiest reviews.
This is Emmylou Harris' nineteenth album and her first album composed of mostly her own compositions. She is best known for covering other songwriters' work. Harris' musical career has been propagated through successful collaboration with other artists. Her top songs are all collaborations with Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Considered contemporary folk, country folk, or Americana, this album is slow and dreadful.
This is the second album from Public Enemy reviewed in this compilation. This may be better than its predecessor. Chuck D is a force to be reckoned with - his flow is impeccable and ferocious. Unfortunately, Flavor Flav’s contribution detracts from the socioeconomic commentary. The three worst tracks on this album are credited to Flavor Flav.
This album by Super Furry Animals is unbelievably long and totally arbitrary. Incorporating rhythms and sounds from electronica, pop, punk, rock, etc., this album is definitely considered alternative or perhaps more indie. This album did not transcend the Atlantic well.
This is a strong album from Peter Gabriel with hits including "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes." His instrumentation and vocals are tasteful and intimate. While not all of the tracks are successful as the above singles, there is still a quality to this album which is worth mentioning.
While "Faith" is widely regarded as one of George Michael's best singles, the rest of this album is fairly unbeknown. This album oozes swagger and sexuality.
"American Beauty" by the Grateful Dead is a country/folk rock album. While this album is regarded as one of the group's best studio albums, it leaves a lot to be desired. Some people are fanatical about Grateful Dead but the magic does not come across in this record.
Willie Nelson has an aesthetic. Charming and sensitive, Nelson's singer/songwriter shines along with simple yet impactful instrumentation.
Regarded as one of Kate Bush’s more eclectic albums, “The Dreaming” is strange and avant garde. Totally 80’s but weird and screechy.
"Q: Are We Not Men?" is the debut album of DEVO. Post-punk which heavily embraces the new electronica, this album is a huge stepping stone in the progression of music for this era. This album is quintessentially 80's, but was released in 1978, which shows how ahead of the time DEVO was. Although this album is a little rough and does not have any of DEVO's top singles, this album is strong work and does have a very unique cover of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction".
Billy Joel is a musical force to be reckoned with. "The Stranger" is a very strong album which is considered Billy Joel's critical and commercial breakthrough. Over half of the tracks on this album are stellar hits and the other half may as well be.
Listening to this album is like going in a time capsule back to the year 1956. This is an incredible live album with amazing sounds which has transcended time. The talking points, solos, audience participation, the two recording sessions and painstakingly meticulous craftmanship in this album are just phenomenal. You don't have to be enamored with jazz to recognize how great this album is.
"Maiden and Priest were the gods that we praised." Hard rock with driving rhythms - this is heavy metal.
Loretta Lynn's "Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind" is a country classic. While Nashville country isn't everybody's favorite, there is something special about this album.
This is an album of epic proportion. Hard, driving, clear, authentic - this is an incredible live album and must be one of the best hard rock albums of all time. They do not make music like they used to. This album throws hit after hit, with amazing solos and displays of individual skill, but also cohesiveness and synergism.
This is Lynyrd Skynyrd's debut studio album. Rock, with a Southern twang, this album contains many of the band's most well-known hits including "Tuesday's Gone," "Gimme Three Steps," "Simple Man," and "Free Bird." "Free Bird" was syndicated nationwide and propelled Lynyrd Skynyrd into rock and roll history. This album had a huge impact on popular culture and is worthy of the recognition.
This album sounds like if Bob Dylan tried to make early indie/punk rock. The upbeat tracks sound okay musically but the vocals are strung out and meandering. For “Roadrunner,” why count to 6? A lot of these song lyrics did not age well, especially “I’m Straight.” For this eponymous album, the rule applies.
This is the debut studio album of Spiritualized, a spin off of Spaceman 3 following their dissolution. What can be categorized as space rock, this album is minimalist and devoid of emotion or energy. This album is pretentious and boring.
This album by the Electric Light Orchestra is bold and revolutionary. The melding of a broad assortment of sounds and genres, "Out of the Blue" is masterful and exciting. "Mr. Blue Sky" has been called a "miniature pop symphony" which has aged like vintage wine and is regarded as ELO's best song. This song also has an incredible impact on popular culture, being used in a wide variety of movies and other media.
This is worldly music. Powerful and emotional, this album goes beyond words and language to move the listener. It is truly unfortunate this album is not on Spotify in my country as this is certainly a treasure. Special recognition to "C'est la nuit" and the "Imagine" cover.
This is a pleasant surprise. Tears for Fears is a highly successful, popular, new wave group, and their album "Songs from the Big Chair" is equally so. With singles including "Shout," "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," and "Head over Heels," this album has received positive reviews and stood the test of time. As a side note, Curt Smith looks good with a pineapple.
Jack White has fifty-fifty odds. Fifty percent chance the song will be passible and fifty percent chance the song will be too innovative, unbearable, and barely passes for music. While "White Blood Cells" does have some killer hit singles, including "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," Fell in Love with a Girl," and "We're Going to Be Friends," other tracks are just abysmal.
This is the eponymous debut album of Cypress Hill. Innovative and raw, Cypress Hill found critical and commercial express with this hip hop album. Cypress Hill is credited with being one of the lead artists in creating the West Coast hip hop genre of the 90's. This album is filled with iconic sounds.
The Coral's eponymous album is the recasting of old English rock in a sterile and emotionless form.
Kraftwerk is a pioneer of the electronic music genre. While "The Man-Machine" is said to have incorporated more danceable rhythms, this album is an industrial doldrum. Mechanistic, dull, and over repetitious, this is not for everyone. Likely from the same vein, at least this is better than the Einstürzende Neubauten album.
"Tres Hombres" by ZZ Top is excellent rock and roll with the Southern twang. This album birthed their signature hit "La Grange." While not every track survived the decades, this album is still a good listen.
"Songs in the Key of Life" is a joyous double album by Stevie Wonder. A commercial and critical success, this album, containing hits such as "Isn't She Lovely" and "Sir Duke," received countless accolades. This album was also hugely inspirational with covers, reworks, and credits from other strong artists.
The Go-Betweens are Australian indie rock. Their album "16 Lovers Lane" gives a nice alternative rock vibe but is overall very safe and unoffending.
Sam Cooke is a prodigious popular soul singer and performer. His live album "One Night Stand - Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963" is powerful and authentic. This album puts the listener in the Harlem Square Club, a lively and packed club in downtown Miami.
Previously of Public Image Ltd., this is bassist Jah Wobble's experimental attempt at "World Music." This is cultural appropriation at its finest. Jah Wobble's Invaders of the Heart is exclusively British musicians playing with "foreign" influence, with the exception of trumpeter Harry Beckett who is actually of Barbadian origin. This album did not chart, has little to no historical or popular impact, and is just offensive.
This is a triple threat country album featuring American singers Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. While the songs simping for a man grew tiresome, this album has strong musicality and powerful harmonies. This album is gives newfound appreciation for the genre.
A powerful album from a talented artist. This album is packed full of strong original tracks and also very famous covers. With "Respect, "My Girl," "Wonderful World," and "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," this album is practically hit after hit. The vocalist's energy and passion can only be matched by his great accompaniment. This is truly a very deserving album on this list.
This is the debut studio album of the American hip hop group Beastie Boys. Deemed as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, "Licensed to Ill" crushed record sales, and was wildly commercially and critically successful. Heavily syndicated, this tremendous album birthed such long-lasting hits including "She's Crafty," "Girls," "Fight for Your Right," "No Sleep till Brooklyn," "Paul Revere," and "Brass Monkey." On another note, it is highly advised the reader explore "Fight for Your Right Revisited" for a pop culture shock of epic proportions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evA-R9OS-Vo
Upbeat and light, Elvis Costello's "Armed Forces" is a basically a pop rock album. While this album is regarded as one of the artist's best works, the songs are unmemorable and have been forgotten over the past years.
Another slow and depressing Leonard Cohen album. The one does have better instrumentation and sounds more polished than some of his previous albums.
Never heard of Jeff Buckley or this album before. At first, it seems quiet and dreary. However, the album steadily ramps up in grandeur. A broad spectrum of sounds, this alternative rock album is powerful, pleasantly surprising and grows more appreciable track by track. It's crazy to think that this random album is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
This is the debut studio album by My Bloody Valentine. Heavy on distortion and reverb, this album is absolutely deafening. The inclusion of this album is a disservice to other musicians.
This is a very different side to Bob Dylan. Moving and sincere, this album is much better than his usual, nasally mumble jumble. With the exception being the sixteen-and-a-half minute dread which is "Highlands," this is a strong blues rock album. The biggest surprise is that Dylan is the original writer of "Make You Feel My Love." This commercially and critically successful album produced new-found appreciation for Bob Dylan.
An American jazz singer and pianist, Sarah Vaughan performed and recorded this live album of jazz standards, "At Mister Kelly's," in 1957. This is a powerful and early album in Sarah Vaughan's career and it is a pleasure to hear her style.
The Stone Roses' eponymous album is lauded as one of the greatest British rock albums ever recorded. A critic likened this album to "an exercise in rock classicism," which is an appropriate assessment considering the musicality, reminiscent of the Beatles, the Byrds, the Smiths, and the Sex Pistols, but with a more refined finish.
An exceptional album, Depeche Mode's "Violator" is an assortment of electronica, pop rock, and darker alternative rock. "Personal Jesus," Enjoy the Silence," and "Policy of Truth" are hit singles from this album which have received critical acclaim and radio syndication. Depeche Mode is masterful at their craft producing their hauntingly spooky yet somehow still beautiful music.
George Harrison is a prolific songwriter and this triple album is the proof. As his break-free first solo album following the dissolution of the Beatles, Harrison fully utilizes his platform to show himself as a competitive musician. However, while the ideas are flowing, not every song needs to be recorded and included on an album.
Jimi Hendrix is celebrated as one of the greatest and most influential electric guitar players in history. His experimentation and skill inspired generations of guitar players. "Electric Ladyland" is lauded as one of the greatest albums of all time. This double album contains a wide variety of styles, primarily rock but hitting some psychedelic, funk , blues, R&B, and pop. Understandably, the musicality may not be favored by everyone, however, this album's impact on music history cannot be understated. "All Along the Watchtower" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" are the highlights from this album which truly showcase Hendrix's electric guitar prowess.
Metallica, live, with the San Francisco Symphony as accompaniment - just absolutely incredible. The energy and the authenticity is inexplicable and, what some may consider polar opposites, melded together so seamlessly. From "The Ecstasy of Gold" from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" through the end of the album, this is a top tier album.
"Rubber Soul" is the sixth studio album by the English rock band the Beatles. Released in 1965, this album was hugely influential in shaping the direction of rock and popular music. They utilized brighter guitar tones and a wider variety of instrumentation. While this album has great historical significance, it may as well be lost to the ages.
"White Light" is the second solo album by Gene Clark, former member of The Byrds. This folk rock singer-songwriter performed poorly on US charts as a solo artist. While not outright bad, this album is rather boring and seemingly uninspired.
This is an interesting concept album by Pink Floyd. This progressive rock album is fluid, building up, ungulates and lives, and slowly releases. This is a great album that must be listened to whole in order to gain a fuller appreciation of the writing and musicianship.
"Fishscale" is a highly collaborative project from Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah. This album received critical acclaim for the production quality, with several guest appearances, including the other members of the Wu-Tang Clan, and the contributions of many well-known producers. Each individual track has a unique sound which is still cohesive to the album as a whole. However, the skits and irrelevant banter interrupts the flow and really detracts from the overall experience.
“Haunted Dancehall” by The Sabres of Paradise is one of the first albums of the techno genre. This is a very obscure album which did not chart well or gain popularity. Overall, the music is very plain. Their “hit” single “Wilmot” is not available on Spotify.
A powerful piece of music history, “Abraxas” by Santana is recognized for having cultural, historical or artistic significance. With smooth guitar solos and a Latin rock vibe, this album is simply great.
A rather lackluster album, "Hearts and Bones" was intended to be a Simon & Garfunkel album which was converted into a Simon solo album. Perhaps folky pop rock, this album leaves much to be desired.
“…And Justice For All” by Metallica is a strong metal album. Compared to other artists of the same genre, this album is clean, refined, and artistically composed to retain the power and energy, but without overwhelming the listener. While not every track is a a hit, this album carried the single “One” which carries enormous notoriety and success.
"Tommy" by The Who was the first album considered a rock opera. Far from being politically correct by today's standards, this album tells the story of a fictional, "deaf, dumb, and blind" boy named Tommy Walker. In a bizarre tale, Tommy is abused by his relatives, is found to be a pinball savant, and then blossoms into a cult leader. The listener's full and undivided attention is required to fully appreciate the storytelling and recurrent themes in this musical marvel.
The undeniable king of pop, Michael Jackson slays in his "Thriller" album. Every song on this album is a straight up hit.
This listener’s second album by Elvis Costello & The Attractions. Lively and upbeat, this pop rock album is loud and energetic. While there isn’t anything bad about these tracks, there’s not much commendable either - inoffensive but unmemorable.
What sounds like ethereal indie pop, Mercury Rev’s album “Deserter’s Songs” is in a category of its own. The album has a grand, and very unique, assortment of instrumentation, including brass section with flugelhorns, woodwinds, strings, and even a musical saw… While not everyone’s idea of great music, this album is absolutely a great, idiosyncratic specimen in the study of music.
Fela Kuti and the Africa ‘70 are the real deal and this album is not to be trifled with. “Live!” is just that - a sensational live album which showcases the passion, energy, and rhythm that constitutes Afrobeat. The drum off between Tony Allen and Ginger Baker is absolutely phenomenal.
A very cool album, Johnny Cash’s first live album “At Folsom Prison” revitalized his career. Cash sings melancholy songs of cocaine, murder, and capital punishment before inmates who hoot ‘n’ holler in support. The audiences’ jeers and the warden’s announcements are as much a part of this album as the music itself.
Fleet Foxes' eponymous debut studio album is one of indie folk. This album received critical acclaim for its rich harmonies and beautiful instrumentation. Although this album is lauded as being one of the best albums of the decade, it leaves this listener with much to be desired. There is something off-putting about the band being formed in an affluent neighborhood in Seattle singing folk claiming inspiration in gospel traditions yet not being devout.
Carole King's "Tapestry" is a legendary album. Well regarded in every sense, every track is smooth and tasteful.
"All Directions" from The Temptations is a beautiful assortment of tracks. Ranging from funk to heavenly R&B, their musical prowess is clearly evident. The harmonies are just so pure and sweet.
"Call of the Valley," by Hariprasad Chaurasia, Brij Bhushan Kabra and Shivkumar Sharma, is a Hindustani classical album which redefined world music. Released in 1968, this instrumental album was well received by Western audiences and opened the door for Indian music worldwide. While the instrumentation and rhythms are interesting, this is not something this listener indulges in. It should be noted that the album on Spotify with the same name, by Rahul Sharma, the son of Shivkumar Sharma, Chintoo Singh and Paras Nath, is unfortunately not the same.
Credited with popularizing the swamp rock genre, Creedence Clearwater Revival is Americana at its finest. Classic rockabilly, "Green River" is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. This album had hits including "Bad Moon Rising," "Green River," and "Lodi."
The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" is regarded as one of the greatest and most ingenuitive albums in music history. A departure from the surf rock commonly associated with the Beach Boys, this album is more art rock than anything else. Their trademarked vocal harmonies are mixed in an assortment of musical elements from a variety of genres, with a smattering of very unusual instrumentation, and "Wall of Sound" production quality.
"Grey Area" by Little Simz is truly UK rap. Despite the rave reviews, this artist has been unable to transcend the Atlantic. Being the most recent album reviewed thus far, this was disappointing and painfully British.
Slipknot's eponymous album was revolutionary in music history. Aggressive heavy metal with an amalgamation of different genres and sounds, "Slipknot" received critical and commercial acclaim. Possibly aiding to the success of this album, these tracks are succinct and to the point - no extended soloing or avant-garde cacophony.
Sepultura is perhaps one of the most renown Brazilian heavy metal groups in history. Their album "Roots" is loud, aggressive, and powerful. "Roots Bloody Roots" is an absolute riot. About halfway through the album, the gripe about this album would be that, after awhile, it all starts to sound the same. However, the placement of "Jasco" and "Itsari" is perfect to break up the monotony. Sepultura's dedication to their Brazilian heritage, seen through cultural instrumentation and inclusion of Xavante tribesmen, is commendable. Interestingly enough, this album and my previous album by Slipknot were both produced by Ross Robinson, "The Godfather of Nu Metal."
Elliott Smith is an indie rock singer-songwriter. While the album "Either/Or" did not chart well, it received critical acclaim. "Say Yes" and "Between the Bars" were featured in "Good Will Hunting," and both of these songs have small legacies in pop culture. Overall, the album is fairly humdrum and very forgettable.
"Welcome To The Pleasuredome" is the debut album from Frankie Goes To Hollywood. A combination of catchy themes and overly explicit homosexual innuendo made this synth-pop album successful and controversial in the 80's when it was released. Frankie say relax!
Consisting of only four lengthy tracks, Isaac Hayes' "Hot Buttered Soul" is considered a landmark album in the history of soul music. While the some of the sounds and grooves are really moving, the long, drawn out conversational affect really detracts from the experience. Also, nothing better than a looking at the shine and pores/stubble on a man's scalp.
Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced” is his group’s debut studio album. A critical and commercial success, this album provided new direction for psychedelic rock and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
"At Fillmore East" is the first live album by American rock band the Allman Brothers Band. The album opens with two strong blues rock tracks, but as the album progresses, it dissolves into a unique bluesy, country rock-jazz fusion, and eventually turns into full on unabridged noodling. An artistic and commercial breakthrough, this album is recognized as being one of the best live albums of all time.
Julian Cope is an English musician who champions obscure and underground music. His album "Peggy Suicide" is an art rock album - a broad assortment songs, covering a wide number of topics, with a variety of feature instruments. Cope's deep voice has a very cool aesthetic and is probably the best part of the album. While this album is lauded as Cope's best work, this artist and album have been unable to escape the UK.
An early ancestor in the evolution of rock 'n' roll, the Flamin' Groovies were ahead of their time. In a time and place when psychedelic rock was proliferative, the Flamin' Groovies were paving their own way with their own variety of bluesy rock. Somewhere between rockabilly and proto-punk, their album "Teenage Head" is bright and energetic, fun and exciting. Homages to Elvis and Chuck Berry are a nice touch in this gem of an album. People who say rock isn't danceable clearly haven't heard this album before.
Perhaps the most highly acclaimed album in history, "Abbey Road" is the Beatles' eleventh studio album. With styles including blues, pop, and rock, every track is strong and is considered the Beatles' greatest work. At this point, it sounds as if each Beatle was out there for themselves as the tracks sound very independent of each other. While the songs are good, the tension between the members is palpable, surging out into their music and into the poor transitions between tracks. "Come Together," "Something," and "Here Comes the Sun" are probably the best tracks, while "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and "Octopus's Garden" felt meandering.
“Catch A Fire” is a reggae album by Bob Marley & The Wailers. This album is cool and really grooves. One of the greatest reggae albums, “Catch A Fire” gives newfound appreciation to Marley and the genre.
Brian Eno is a visionary. "Before and After Science" could be a total 80's album released years before the turn of the decade. Art rock, this album is peculiar, heavily electric and has high production value. While the music itself isn't stellar by any means, the album showcases a broad variety of sounds and rhythms which precede some of the greatest acts of all time, including the Talking Heads, Devo, David Bowie, and U2.
A phenomenal and top tier album. Revolutionary and iconic, "Led Zeppelin IV" is a staple to any rock album listing. Led Zeppelin heralded in a new generation of rockers with this timeless album.
"Tea for the Tillerman" is a folk pop album by the singer-songwriter Yusef / Cat Stevens, who is also known as Steven Demetre Georgiou, Steve Adams, Cat Stevens, Yusuf Islam, and mononymously as Yusuf. This artist received critical acclaim for his work as a musician and activism. This album gave us hits including "Wild World" and "Father and Son."
Obscure, shrill, deafening, "The Modern Dance" is an avant-garde debut album by American rock band Pere Ubu. If anything, this album could be a possible precursor to some of the new wave of the 80s. While not the worst album, it is just really bad; this album is so bad that its almost amusing.
This is the second studio album by Iggy Pop, who is sometimes referred to as the "Godfather of punk." An early punk rock album, "Lust for Life" is characterized with driving rhythms and catchy hooks. This album was heavily influenced by David Bowie who is probably a large proponent for this album's success. The title track and "The Passenger" are absolute hits.
British indie rock, "Meat Is Murder" by the Smiths is a strongly political album. With pop rock vibes and Morrissey's signature vocals, this album preaches vegetarianism, anti-corporal punishment, and criticizes child abuse and the British education system, among other topics. Interestingly, the album performed well in the UK charts despite not having the album's best single; "How Soon Is Now?" was instead included on the US LP.
"Private Dancer" is the fifth solo studio album by Tina Turner, sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll." This pop rock album was a commercial success and affirmed her career as a solo artist. This was an exceptionally popular album, notably for gifting the world "What's Love Got To Do With It." The greatest downside to this recorded album is that the listener does not appreciate the full experience of Turner's unstoppable energy in her live performances.
Fierce and kinda gross, “The Marshall Mathers LP” by Eminem is a great album. Eminem uses this album as a platform to respond to a lot of criticism he’s received about his race, grotesque imagery, and other controversial aspects of his career. The impact of Dr. Dre on this album is quite noticeable but Eminem owns it and makes it his own. Overall, a very impressive album.
Beck is a masterful musician, playing almost all the instruments and doing production as well. “Odelay,” an alternative rock album, is critically acclaimed for musical creativity and general artistry.
"L'eau rouge" is a really interesting album. By the Swiss industrial rock band, The Young Gods, this album opens with the intensity and grandeur of a symphony. While not encumbered with power tools and deafening grinding, the vocals hit the industrial vibe, but the beats and musicality are quite good. The group's use of samples opened a new realm of how music could be produced.
Fran Sinatra is a legend with a huge influence on music and impact on pop culture. “In The Wee Small Hours” is a slow and depressing concept album featuring themes of loss, heartbreak, and loneliness. While this album is acclaimed by many, this listener thinks this album did not age well.
"Paris 1919" is an art pop solo album by the Velvet Underground's John Cale. Full of literary allegories and the UCLA Symphony Orchestra, this album received high remarks for its poetic songwriting and idiosyncracity. However, this album is an unremarkable, utter snooze.
This is a quaint, live jazz album from the Bill Evans Trio. Featuring Bill Evans, pianist and composer, and a bassist and drummer, "Sunday At The Village Vanguard" is lauded for their interplay and synergy. The unfortunate death of bassist Scott LaFaro only 11 days after recording these tracks left a deep impact on Evans and the jazz community as a whole.
Probably another example of British bias, this is an album by XTC, an English rock band. The title, "Skylarking," is based on the Royal Navy term for "fooling around" which is basically what this album is. Lighthearted and somewhat jaunty, this album doesn't really do anything well and can be considered like a discount Beatles cover band trying to sell original works. As many others have pointed out, "Dear God" is probably the best track on the album, and, ironically, is the one song left off the original album .
"Only by the Night" by Kings of Leon is a great alt rock album. Although the slow tracks are a little lackluster, the hit singles, "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody," are widely known and made enormous waves toping charts across the globe.
“Blood On The Tracks” is perhaps the most popular and best album by the masterful singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Overlaying more upbeat background rhythms, Dylan paints elaborate scenes throughout this album.
This is a hidden gem. In their debut album, "Cafe Bleu," The Style Council explores undiscovered territory. By playfully combining elements of funk, jazz, soul, hip hop, pop, and even rap, The Style Council has created an interesting and fresh take in what could be called adult contemporary or sophisti-pop. Every track sounds unique, eclectic and beautiful.
This listener was excited to get a Radiohead album; however, this "Kid A" quickly and utterly disappointed. Pretentious and amelodic, this experimental "rock" album is obscure and difficult to stomach.
"Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" is the debut studio album by the Dead Kennedys. Hardcore punk, this album made waves for their aggressive, politically charged attitude, the album art of burning police cars during the White Night riots, and, of course, the controversial band name. This album is packed full of fast, exciting tracks, with smart musicality and a remarkable lead singer. "Holiday in Cambodia" is top notch and their cover of "Viva Las Vegas" is to be noted.
This is the second solo studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA. Similarly to the group's other solo endeavors, GZA created this album with the help and guest appearances of the other Wu-Tang Clan artists. This album uses clips from "Shogun Assassin" and the title, "Liquid Swords," references being lyrically sharp like a blade.
"White Light / White Heat" is the second studio album by the Velvet Underground. What sounds like the a great grandparent to garage or grunge, this album charted worse than its predecessor. Listening to some of these tracks ("The Gift") felt more like listening to an audiobook than music. It is inconceivable and extremely burdensome that this album is 126 minutes long when the original track listing was only 22 minutes.
This is this listener's second album by the Police and coincidentally their second album in their discography. This album contains two of the band's greatest hits including "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon." The title, "Reggatta De Blanc," loosely translates to "White Reggae" which fits the fun vibe of the album.
"Unknown Pleasures" is the debut studio album by the renown English rock band Joy Division. Not many people are dancing to this album. Gloomy and depressing, it is curious how the album failed to chart but somehow also receive critical acclaim. The best part of this album was discovering that this album had "Shadowplay," which is better known for the cover version.
What starts as with a lighthearted and somewhat funky yacht rock, this album deteriorates into straight ambient music. John Martyn's "One World" is obscure and unremarkable *Scottish music.
"Achtung Baby" is the seventh studio album by Irish rock band U2. Mostly alternative rock, this album plays with distortion, electric and industrial sounds. This album is regarded as one of the band's better works with hits including "One," "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses," and "Mysterious Ways."
What can be considered Prince's best and most popular album, "Purple Rain" absolutely kills it. A fusion of funk, pop, and rock, this album features Prince on almost every vocal track, instrument, and stage of production. This album is packed with energy and legendary hits such as "Let's Go Crazy," "When Doves Cry," I Would Die 4 U," and, of course, the title track, "Purple Rain." This album is actually one of the best and most influential albums in history.
"The ArchAndroid" is the debut studio album from Janelle Monáe. From classical to electronica, funk to rock, big-band jazz to pop, this album transcends musical genres and flows seamlessly. The lyrical themes and storyline is said to be influenced by "Metropolis," futuristic and unique. While this album did not have the greatest impact on popular culture, it did make great waves and received overwhelming critical acclaim.
"Quiet Life" by Japan is a sleepy new wave album. Made by Englishmen and originally released in Canada, it is unsurprising that this album had little to no footprint in the United States. Rather unremarkable, there's not much to say about it. If anything, many of the tracks are just a little too long and drawn out.
“Beautiful Freak” is the debut studio album by Eels, an 90s indie-sounding alternative rock group. This album is pretty mild. Interestingly, this is the second album produced by Dreamwork records.
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" rocked music charts and is considered one of Elton John's greatest works, which is saying something considering his prodigious career. Pop rock, John has a remarkable knack for creating hits that make the listener to get up and dance. The successful tracks outweigh the other more lackluster and obscure tracks on this double album. This album produced greats including "Bennie and the Jets," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," and the title track, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."
"There's No Place Like America Today" is a solo album by Curtis Mayfield, an original member of the Impressions. This slow and funky old R&B album is pretty cool and unique.
This is the debut, eponymous, and only album from "The United States of America." Dating back to the late 60's, this album is credited for being revolutionary for their psychedelic, experimental rock, and for being an early adapter of electronica. Many tracks contain absolutely distasteful and disturbingly distorted clown music which undermine the musicianship within the album.
Orbital is a British electric music duo renown for being an early contributor to the rave scene in England.
This is this listener's fourth album by superstar David Bowie. "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" is a fantastic rock opera concept album featuring Bowie's titular alter ego. Beautiful and moving, this is undeniably one of the best albums.
"Behaviour" is the fourth studio album by the English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. This album is lauded as the Pet Shop Boys' best work - very easy listening.
"Lost Souls" is the debut studio album by British indie rock band Doves. Without any hooks, this album sounds like mediocre background music to a RPG, and is worsened by the overlaying whiney, overly produced vocals and totally harmonica. "Catch the Sun" is probably only single worth listening to and comparing Doves to Oasis is offensive.
"Rio" is an exciting synth-pop, new wave album by English pop rock band Duran Duran. Incorporating a broad assortment of musical elements, this is a legendary album with iconic cover art.
This is this listener's first exposure to the Beau Brummels. Considered one of the first bands to achieve widespread critical acclaim out of San Francisco, Beau Brummels combines beat music with folk as an early example of country rock. "Triangle" is a pretty cool album with vocals that sounds like Bob Dylan, but with more upbeat sounds and better instrumentation.
This album is the alt-rock album by a female artist of the 90's. "Jagged Little Pill," the third studio album by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, exploded into the worldwide stage. The hit single "You Oughta Know," in collaboration with guitarist Dave Navarro and bassist Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, was a syndicated, commercial success. This album has a number of great and well-known singles.
"Midnight Ride" is the fifth studio album by American rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. Considered early "Rock and roll," this album has a strong grasp on the guitar-and-vocal-dominated driving rock beat and left a legacy in music. Their songs, "Kicks" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" are considerably well known (considering the almost 60 years since these songs came out) and several notable covers. From this album, it sounds as if Paul Revere & the Raiders strived to emulate the sounds of other famous groups including the Beatles, the Animals, and the Beach Boys.
"Songs of Leonard Cohen" is the debut album by Canadian folk singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Considered contemporary folk, this album is dreary and generally uninteresting.
"Idlewild" is an album by British musical duo Everything but the Girl. Considered "Sophisti-pop," this album sounds like a serene, ambient music, like what might be heard in a hipster coffeeshop. Calling this album [insert adjective] pop is a misnomer because its not pop or popular in any sense of the word. The whole album blandly blends together and amounts to very little in terms of notability.
The Doors' eponymous album is their debut studio album. Considered psychedelic rock, this album is really just excellent. Jim Morrison's voice is incredible. Ray Manzarek on the keys is astounding. The guitar, the drums, everything is just excellent. This cultural impact of this album is astronomical.
"Mothership Connection" by Parliament is an incredibly funky album which is credited with enormous influence on music in the following years. George Clinton was truly ahead of his time. These tracks are vibrant, exciting, and absolutely electric.