Journey in Progress
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146
Albums Rated
2.88
Avg Rating
9
5-Star Albums
13%
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943 albums remaining
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5
Per Week
206
Days Active
Reviews
145
Written
99%
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-0.47
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2.88
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1980s
Favorite Decade
Hard-rock
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US
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Harsh
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9
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| I’m a Lonesome Fugitive | 5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
| A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| Live And Dangerous | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
| Brilliant Corners | 5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
| Deep Purple In Rock | 5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
| Five Leaves Left | 5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
| Straight Outta Compton | 5 | 3.51 | +1.49 |
| 1984 | 5 | 3.51 | +1.49 |
| 3 + 3 | 5 | 3.59 | +1.41 |
| A Date With The Everly Brothers | 4 | 2.96 | +1.04 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Rush Of Blood To The Head | 1 | 3.44 | -2.44 |
| Fever To Tell | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band | 1 | 3.24 | -2.24 |
| Dirty | 1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
| The Modern Lovers | 1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
| Led Zeppelin III | 2 | 3.96 | -1.96 |
| What's Going On | 2 | 3.94 | -1.94 |
| A Hard Day's Night | 2 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
| Let It Bleed | 2 | 3.83 | -1.83 |
| Arular | 1 | 2.83 | -1.83 |
5-Star Albums (9)
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Popular Reviews
Radiohead
4/5
This is a really neat album. Some Alice in Wonderland meets Post Punk vibes. A lot of neat experimentation and very satisfying as a whole. Fav tracks: Bodysnatchers, Weird Fishes / Arpeggi, All I Need
1 likes
2/5
The saving grace with this one is that it's short. This is my least favorite genre, so take it with a grain of salt, but this feels like the exact same swing/honky-tonk beat all the way through. Her voice isn't too bad, but just didn't do anything for me. The lyrical content left a lot to be desired too. Fav tracks: Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind), Get What 'Cha Got And Go
1 likes
1-Star Albums (9)
All Ratings
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Soulful and vintage. Great mixing and vocals. Fav tracks: Intro / Stronger Than Me, You Sent Me Flying / Cherry, In My Bed
Prince
3/5
Hyper-sexual and hyper-funky. Very unique, especially for 1982, I'm sure. Fav tracks: Delirious, Lady Cab Driver, 1999
Nick Drake
5/5
Like bathing in a warm, mellow, beautiful sadness. Exquisite. So many layers of musicality across every song. One of the very, very few albums I know where every song is great. Fav tracks: River Man, Three Hours, 'Cello Song
The Doors
2/5
Decent blues riffs. Not a fan of the vocals and overall styling. Fav tracks: Roadhouse Blues, Peace Frog
John Lennon
1/5
Entirely unappealing. Ridiculous lyrics, boring songwriting. Fav tracks: N/A
Christine and the Queens
3/5
Really solid pop album. Great production and an enjoyable listen. Fav tracks: The walker, Damn, dis-moi, L'etranger (voleur d'eau)
2/5
The Grandfather of Arena Rock. Not my style or preference, but I can absolutely see the influence on rock bands from the 90's through now. Fav tracks: Exit, In God's Country
Kraftwerk
3/5
Really funky and different. Lots of influence for the current Retrowave themes. Not a fan of the vocal clips/additions. Fav tracks: The Model, Metropolis
TLC
2/5
A bit repetitive and simplistic, but album finished stronger than it started. Vocals were not appealing. Fav tracks: If I Was Your Girlfriend, Take Our Time, Waterfalls
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Good mix of some blues and quirky additions to the rock and roll format. Otherwise, very repetitive and far too long. Fav tracks: Paint It, Black (US), Mother's Little Helper, Doncha Bother Me
U2
2/5
Better than The Joshua Tree. I just can't vibe with their music for some reason. Not bad, though. Fav tracks: Love Is Blindness, Until The End Of The World, Acrobat
James Brown
2/5
Typically not a fan of live albums. Music is solid, but vocals/screeching are not my favorite, and the crowd noise/screams is/are distracting. Largely repetitive as well. Fav tracks: N/A
Sam Cooke
2/5
Music is good. Lyrics and vocals are meh, and the repetition is a real killer. Live albums are just not it. Fav tracks: N/A
PJ Harvey
2/5
Really quirky dark indie vibes. Male vocals and weird inserts (battle call trumpet, why?) ruined most of the songs for me. Finally an album with songs that didn't just repeat themselves, so that was nice. Fav tracks: Let England Shake, On Battleship Hill
Bee Gees
1/5
One of the most dull albums I've ever listened to. The vocals are awful. Repetitive and boring. Their disco phase was much improved. Fav tracks: N/A
UB40
2/5
Kind of fun as background noise. I would not typically elect to listen to this, but the music is somewhat neat. Not a huge fan of the vocals. Fav track: Signing Off
Radiohead
4/5
Excellent 90s alt rock album. The vocal stylings and musicality on both the bass and guitar are superb. Fav tracks: Black Star, Bullet Proof ... I Wish I Was, My Iron Lung
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Really feels like a complete album. I liked this way more than I would've thought. Storytelling was great, tons of musicality and variation in instruments, some excellent solo music sections. Thoroughly enjoyable, even with a few slow spots for me. Fav tracks: Adam Raised a Cain, Badlands, Streets of Fire
The Doors
4/5
MUCH better than the Morrison Hotel album we listened to. Love the keyboard/synth compliments to the rest of the music. Album faded off toward the end, and the 12-min finish was awful, but, overall, a very fun and engaging listen. Fav tracks: Soul Kitchen, Light My Fire, Back Door Man
Blur
3/5
I feel like I should like this more than I do. Weird and quirky, and not in an enjoyable way for me. Some cool punk-like songs on it help carry. I get a pub crawling with the mates vibe that I just don't resonate with.
Fav tracks: Girls & Boys, Parklife, Jubilee
Paul Simon
3/5
Very different from anything I've ever engaged with. Really liked the world influences on multiple tracks. Not something I'd pick all the time, but definitely interesting and I wouldn't hate if somebody put it on. Fav tracks: You Can Call Me Al, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Homeless
Johnny Cash
3/5
Soulful and sad. A couple standouts, but not something usually appealing to listen to when going about your day. Feels more like a funeral march. Fav tracks: Hurt, The Man Comes Around, We'll Meet Again
The Smiths
3/5
I don't get the references or half of the lyrics. Not a fan of the wobbly, drawn-out vocal stylings. The music was pretty cool overall though. Fav tracks: Cemetry Gates, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, The Queen Is Dead
David Gray
2/5
Stylistically, I liked this a fair bit. Reminds me of the James Blunt era of music and he had some interesting sample/instrument selections. Vocal styling was good as well. But the album is just way, way, way too long. If every song was 1-2 min shorter, this would be a really solid album. The last song is miserable, and the album just repeats way too much. Have more to say, or cut it short. Fav tracks: Please Forgive Me, Babylon
Neil Young
3/5
Enjoyed the blues style a lot. Wish some weren't so slow, but, overall, pretty neat. Fav tracks: Revolution Blues, Walk On
50 Cent
2/5
This is not the kind of flow I enjoy with rap music. All of the features on the album were better than 50. Almost felt like early mumble rap. Lyrics were bad, flow was bad. Beats were pretty good on some songs, but too repetitive with the awful choruses. Fav tracks: P.I.M.P. - Snoop Dogg Remix, Poor Lil Rich, In Da Club
Thin Lizzy
5/5
What an incredible album. So many musical styles punctuated between the hard rock and roll sound. Blues, Jazz, Soul, Funk. The bass player was phenomenal, and their dual guitar harmony tone can't be beat. Excellent mixing on a live album and crowd noise was kept to a minimum, or used to enhance the track. Very well done and a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Fav tracks: Massacre, The Boys Are Back in Town, Still in Love with You
Kanye West
3/5
The beats and overall flow of this album are pretty good. There is a lot of creativity in the rhyming and cadence to the rapping. The lyrics are the main drawback here. Not as crass as some, but there's just such a weird juxtaposition to rapping about Jesus and issues with the school system, then immediately switching to the hoes and gangsta stuff. Fav tracks: Jesus Walks, I'll Fly Away
Fairport Convention
3/5
A really solid folk album. Not boring at all, and barely repetitive. The musicianship was top-notch for the genre. Just a few mediocre tracks toward the end, and not my favorite style. Fav tracks: A Sailor's Life, Autopsy, Genesis Hall
The Modern Lovers
1/5
I don't understand this at all. Trash. How is this popular/hailed as great? Boring, dull, uninspired, stupid. Fav tracks: N/A
Stephen Stills
3/5
This was pretty all right. I don't have much to say. It felt very mid, but not in a bad way. Just a calm, fine album. Fav tracks: Go Back Home, Black Queen, Cherokee
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Honestly, I'm sad I didn't like this more. It was pretty repetitive and the guitar lines were way more basic than I expected. A couple neat songs, but not the best as a whole. Fav tracks: Stairway to Heaven, Rock and Roll
Iron Maiden
4/5
A great, early entry from a formidable force in the heavy metal world. Not my favorite Maiden album, but some incredible classics on here. The musicianship is amazing. I will also love their solos and the bass player is incredible.
Can
2/5
Kind of a "nothing" album. More of a soundscape than anything. Fav tracks: N/A
Johnny Cash
4/5
One of the few incredible live albums. Not always my favorite musical stylings, but a masterful display of country/blues in a fun, live environment. Fun interactions with the audience, and sole fun storytelling. Fav tracks: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, Orange Blossom Special
George Michael
2/5
This album is very weird and creepy. I have no idea why Father Figure is so popular. Faith is boring and repetitive. The album has amazing production values, and honestly the music is pretty solid. But the lyrics and vocal accompaniment kills anything good here. Fav track: Hard Day
Dire Straits
4/5
Really solid funk/blues/country/rock and roll album. Lots of great influences here and a great listen overall. A couple odd songs and a few overlong stays away from being a solid 5-star album. Fav tracks: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing, Setting Me Up
Janis Joplin
2/5
Not really my style of music or vocals, but boy can Janis belt it out. Very impressive. Fav tracks: Cry Baby, Buried Alive In the Blues
Common
3/5
I feel like this album requires a quiet night of focus and a nice liqueur. More of a poetry jam than specific entertainment, but a lot of good rhymes and flows here. I wish I understood the subject matter better. Fav tracks: The 6th Sense, Thelonius, Geto Heaven Part Two
Radiohead
4/5
This is a really neat album. Some Alice in Wonderland meets Post Punk vibes. A lot of neat experimentation and very satisfying as a whole. Fav tracks: Bodysnatchers, Weird Fishes / Arpeggi, All I Need
Gillian Welch
2/5
Started off somewhat interesting, but the ending few songs and the last 15 min slow, trailing, end killed any enjoyment. Fav tracks: Revelator, Ruination Day Part 2
The Rolling Stones
2/5
I don't enjoy the fake honky-tonk music. Lyrics are dumb and just unappealing vibes overall. Fav track: Gimme Shelter
N.W.A.
5/5
Man, what an absolute banger. Some cheesy lyrics here and there, but the rhymes and respective structure are beyond anything most in the rap game have ever come up with. So much talent oozing out of the raps and musical production. The quality of this album on the beat/musical front is first class. Unreal how far things have regressed in the rap scene. Fav tracks: Straight Outta Compton, Fuck Tha Police, If It Ain't Ruff
Pretenders
3/5
Decent early punk band. A few bangers, but a lot of wailing and gyrating with the vocals and too much repetition overall. Really enjoyed the music backing, though. Fav tracks: Brass in Pocket, Space Invader, Up the Neck
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Drugs are a heck of a thing. I'm not sure what went in to this "creative" process, but what a miserable pile of garbage. Literally the only redeeming thing was the bass player. He was killing it. Fav tracks: N/A
Steve Winwood
3/5
Decent album, well written for sure, but some songs drag on. Wouldn't pick to listen normally, but it wasn't terrible. Fav track: Night Train
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
I respect the effort here, and I'm sure this was remarkable for the time, but it's not a generally appealing listen. A lot of repetition and too-long efforts. Not awful, but not an album I'd put on again. Fav tracks: Everyday People, My Brain (Zig-Zag)
Joan Armatrading
4/5
I love this discovery. What a neat album. So full of soul and musicianship. A singer/songwriter who can actually write; what a rare treat! I didn't expect much, so maybe I'm currently over-hyping it, but I enjoyed almost all of these songs and found myself bopping along. Fav tracks: Join The Boys, Help Yourself, Save Me
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Not necessarily my cup of tea, but I respect the vocal chops a lot, and I appreciate the succinct nature of the album. Nothing overstayed its welcome. Fav tracks: Chain of Fools, Money Won't Change You
Mudhoney
2/5
This just feels like a sonic wall of noise and untalented musicianship. I did not enjoy. Fav tracks: N/A
John Martyn
3/5
I REALLY enjoy the music with this album. I enjoyed the Nick Drake album I listened to previously, and this style of music is a hidden gem for me; however. The vocal stylings and accompaniment are painful for me. I don't enjoy the ethereal wailing and droning and anything high pitched with this type of music just seems...ill advised. Equally good on music and bad on vocals. Fav track: Over The Hill
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This album feels way ahead of its time. Lots of quirky sounds and vibes. Quite an enjoyable listen, if not my favorite overall. Fav tracks: The Beat, Radio, Radio, Living In Paradise
CHIC
3/5
Solid disco/funk album with some crazy good musicianship. Not a fan of the overly long songs and repetitive vocals, but fun to listen to regardless. Fav tracks: Savoir Faire I Want Your Love
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Thoroughly enjoyable listen. Such soulful vocals and unique stylings. Subject matter doesn't always hit with me, but her ability to sing and ooze soul is great. Fav tracks: You Know I'm No Good, Love Is A Losing Game, He Can Only Hold Her
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I don't know what it is, but the lyrics and musical stylings just feel like American pandering to me. It's a silly complaint, but it sticks with me. Definitely the most enjoyable Stones album to date, and it finished better than it started. Not bad. Fav tracks: Rip This Joint, Stop Breaking Down, Shine A Light
Death In Vegas
2/5
Basically a "nothing" album for me. Some boring soundscapes and too-long electronic songs. All the vocals are terrible. No idea why this is on a must-listen list. Fav track: Luther's Funk
Pixies
2/5
This is what I envision people hearing when they say my music is "noise". I guess I'm old, but I did not find this super appealing. A lot of sonic sound and zero interesting lyrics. I didn't hate it, but I didn't enjoy it. Fav track: Where Is My Mind?
Various Artists
5/5
What a superb album. I had no idea all of these quintessential Christmas songs were from one compilation album from the 60s. What a phenomenal production job and collection of talented musicians and singers. Fantastic! Fav tracks: All
The United States Of America
2/5
A very odd album. I can't say I like it, but I don't hate it. Some interesting instrument choices, but the noise/circus elements are not appealing. Lyrics and vocals are lacking for sure. Fav tracks: The Garden Of Earthly Delights, Stranded In Time
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Fun, old-school, be-bop, diner music. Much more appealing than the more recent honky-tonk albums. Fav tracks: Route 66, Carol, Walking The Dog
Love
3/5
This is a really great psychedelic rock album. Music was driven and had some great bass lines and added flair with the trumpets and such. I quite enjoyed this. Fav tracks: A House Is Not a Motel, Bummer in the Summer, Live and Let Live
Marvin Gaye
2/5
I'm trying to make sure the renown on the artist doesn't mess me up here. I respect his vocal chops; however I am not a fan of the album and find the music side of things to be fairly boring. This was like listening to one, long 35 minute song. Respect to the artist, but not for me. Fav tracks: N/A
Muddy Waters
4/5
What an amazing blues album! Such an incredible display of guitar and harmonica mastery. This was such an appealing and excellent listen front to back. A few overlong songs away from being perfect. Fav tracks: Crosseyed Cat, I Can't Be Satisfied, The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll, I Want to Be Loved #2
Fiona Apple
3/5
This album finished better than it started - maybe it grew on me. I like the slower stuff more, honestly, which is a surprise for me. The piano and low, sullen sound was more appealing and worked better. Not amazing, but not bad. Fav tracks: Slow Like Honey, The First Taste
Wilco
2/5
Started with a horrible impression, got a bit better, then finished with a horrible impression. I enjoyed some of the quirkiness, and I appreciate them utilizing some uncommon musicianship and stylings, but the album was a bit of a drag overall. Fav tracks: Jesus, Etc., Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm The Man Who Loves You
Scott Walker
2/5
I don't have much to offer for this one. Kind of a "nothing" album. Didn't have much to offer or that I found unique in any capacity. Fav tracks: N/A
Nick Drake
4/5
Really solid folk/indie album. Such great emotion communicated only via acoustic guitar. I'm very impressed for a second time with this artist. Not quite as amazing as the first, but a great album regardless. Fav tracks: Place To Be, Things Behind The Sun, Know
2/5
I respect the artistry more than I like it. The wailing and ethereal vibes just aren't my jam, and I really dislike the male features on the album. Not a terrible album, but not anything I particularly enjoy. I will say I appreciated that the songs felt like they moved at a pretty quick pace. Fav tracks: A Place Called Home, We Float
Brian Eno
3/5
As an album, I don't particularly love this; however, as an aural art expo, this is pretty fascinating. There are so many different vibes and sounds throughout the course of the album that it really feels way ahead of its time and like it could easily be incorporated into some of the modern video game soundtracks, or even electronic music pieces nowadays. Pretty cool experiment if nothing else. Fav tracks: Zawinul/Lava, Becalmed, Over Fire Island
Merle Haggard
5/5
Man, what a fun, honky tonk time! This is another album that makes me glad I'm embarking on this adventure. Such neat, succinct, story-driven songs that just kept me boppin' the whole entire time. Even the slow ballads have their place here. I really, really enjoyed this, and I think the influence of several different genres really elevates this past their peers. Fav tracks: If You Want To Be My Woman, Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart, All Of Me Belongs To You, Somebody Told My Story
Joy Division
3/5
I really want to like this album more than I do, especially given how iconic it is. The music is pretty great - I like a lot of what they put in here, and I can tell it's a thoughtful group of musicians. The vocals just...remove any enjoyment you would derive from listening. If this was instrumental, I would love it. The mumbling/droning just doesn't do it for me. Fav tracks: New Dawn Fades, Shadowplay
Nirvana
3/5
The bangers on this album are BANGERS, but, if I'm honest, a lot of it falls flat for me. I can't even imagine the boundaries that were broken with this release, so I have the utmost respect for that aspect. Aethetically, this is super cool and grimey. Sonically, this album is either very flat, or unnecessarily noisy, at almost all points. It's a mixed bag, and a lot of the mid-tier songs are so overplayed I feel burnt out. I think the unique "underwater" vibes of the best tracks are unique and the real standout. I wish more were in that vein. Fav tracks: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, In Bloom
AC/DC
3/5
They really nail the riffs and solos. It's a lot of fun, but a lot of repetition. While the riffs are good, they really run them into the ground. Long songs, lots of repeats. It could be so much more than it is. I personally love the vocal stylings though, and their overall aesthetic is great. Fav tracks: Highway to Hell, Touch Too Much
ABBA
4/5
ABBA is just great. The composition and construction of their songs is fantastic and the ladies singing is always a joy. Probably one of the weaker albums, in my opinion, but still a good time. Fav tracks: Head Over Heels, I Let The Music Speak, The Visitors, Under Attack
Steve Earle
2/5
Not really my style, and I fail to see how it stands out from any of the other folksy/country type artists. It wasn't unpleasant, but nothing special. Fav tracks: Fearless Heart, Guitar Town
Sparks
3/5
I really want to like this album more than I do. If a few different vocal lines had been added, or the last 30-60 seconds of each song was eliminated, this could really be a top tier album. The falsetto is so talented and unique, the feel is super quirky and avant-garde without being obnoxious or just noise. There's real talent here, and definitely uniqueness. It's just so repetitive and simple, in a lyrical sense, and I hate that. If you don't mind, this is a very cool album. Fav track: This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us
Duran Duran
4/5
This is an epic 80s album! A few songs didn't land, but overall, this is full of funky beats and a lot of neat, quirky stuff. Very enjoyable. Fav tracks: The Chauffeur, Hungry Like the Wolf, Save a Prayer, New Religion
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Not a bad, old-school, hippie jam. Some neat tracks on here, and some cool instrumentation. A lot falls a little boring and mellow for me, but that's more personal preference. I think it's a talented group of guys. Fav tracks: 4 + 20, Carry On, Woodstock
Travis
2/5
I feel like this just committed the cardinal sin of being boring. I found nothing outstanding or special about this album. It wasn't specifically bad or miserable, it just wasn't interesting or neat in any capacity. Fav tracks: N/A
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
This is a super unique album! I'm not necessarily a fan of it all, but I'm really glad it was brought up as something new to listen to. I've never heard anything quite like it. I greatly appreciated that it wasn't over repetitive and the vocalist actually had unique lyrics and told stories, instead of just repeating chorus and verse ad nauseam. Fav tracks: Hiding All Away, Carry Me, Let the Bells Ring, Supernaturally
Killing Joke
2/5
The main detractors here are wasted space and the awful vocals. The music is not bad, honestly pretty cool at most points, but entirely too many songs just have wasted, empty space with repeated riffs and/or odd background noises. The vocals are abysmal, in my opinion. I feel like there's next to no talent or effort on that front. I'm not big in the industrial/punk scene, so maybe this is neat somewhere, but not for me. Fav track: The Wait
The Doors
4/5
The blues are strong with this one! A couple songs fall flat for me, and, oddly, the more popular ones were not my favorites, but overall I was moving and grooving to this one. A lot of fun, and some really cool additions (synth/keys) to some of the songs really bump up the overall appeal. A solid group of musicians. Fav tracks: Love Her Madly, The Changeling, Been down so long, Crawling King Snake
Led Zeppelin
2/5
Talent a good album does not make. I'm not sure what the planned effect was here, but this is a chaotic, disjointed album in about every sense. Almost every song feels as though 2-3 separate songs are playing at the same time. The wailing and cooing and murmuring of the vocals on top of that just leads to a mess, frankly. I recognize the skill, but this isn't it. Fav tracks: Immigrant Song, Tangerine
Stevie Wonder
3/5
The upbeat songs are great. The rest of the mellow stuff just doesn't hit for me. Great vocalist, just not my vibe and I'm not quite sure who it's for. Overlong songs and much repetition kills a number of these even further. Maybe Your Baby is so fun, but 2+ minutes at the end on repeat is miserable. Fav tracks: Superstition, Tuesday Heartbreak, Blame It On The Sun
The Temptations
3/5
This album was pretty fun! Nothing earth-shattering, but I enjoyed my time with it. Thankfully it was succinct, which is always a bonus for me. Great harmonies and flow with these guys. Not my favorite style of music, but I liked it for what it was. Fav tracks: Love Is A Hurtin' Thing, Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go)
Gorillaz
3/5
A lot of neat, funky-fresh vibes, mixed with a lot of repetitive lyrics and noise. I think the visual presentation of the music videos and accompanying art helps a lot of this move along. Not a bad album, but not one I'd really just sit and listen to for any sort of musical prowess. More instrumental stuff would also help, as the lyrics are more annoying and useless than anything. Fav tracks: Clint Eastwood, Double Bass, Latin Simone (Que Pasa Contigo)
OutKast
3/5
Hey Ya! is the best song on this double-feature by a mile and a half. It's so out of place, I don't even understand why it's included. Outside of that, this is a hefty collection of "fine" songs. The Love Below is a semi-interesting concept-like album that delves into some touchy subjects. Points for that, but it's less musically inclined overall. Speakerboxxx would be fun with some good speakers in a car, but the bass is about all that's carrying it. There's nothing particularly special about the bars or methodology here that makes it stand out. Not bad, but I expected more given the legacy of the artists. Fav tracks: Hey Ya!, The Rooster, War, Good Day, Good Sir (Interlude)
The Band
3/5
There's a lot of neat creativity in here for 1968. Some very talented guys, if not particularly my favorite style of music. I appreciate the story-telling in the lyrical content as well, not a lot of repetition there. I don't know how often I'd sit and listen, just due to preference, but I'm glad it came up! Fav tracks: Caledonia Mission, Long Black Veil, Chest Fever
The Isley Brothers
5/5
Funky, sultry, smooth. This is a really fun album, and a great display of musicality. I feel like this would make an excellent evening walk album, where you can just vibe and relax to the killer tones being played for you. The "Part 2" sections on the couple tracks really let the guitarist show his chops and were an excellent addition. Excellent vocals and chemistry with the group too. Awesome album and a great find in this experiment! Fav tracks: Summer Breeze, Pts 1 & 2, That Lady, Pts 1& 2, What It Comes Down To
Van Halen
5/5
If you enjoy consuming your albums at a blistering pace, this is one to throw in there. Fastest 33 min album of my life. What a ride! Always have to pay respect to EVH, one of the best to ever do it. These solos and riffs are killer and always above par. I don't know the drummer off-hand, but I think he's highly underrated. It just makes you want to move. The whole thing screams fast cars, hot weather, and beautiful women. It's a little bit same-y, a little too breakneck, and I'm not a big fan of the misogynistic lyrical content, so drop it down a level. But a solid 4 for sure and not a bad song on here. Fav tracks: Panama, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait
Isaac Hayes
4/5
This is a really snazzy, jazzy album. Mostly instrumental, but really highlights some skilled musicians and the overall tone and flow of the album is great. Even the 19+ minute venture didn't overstay its welcome (basically an epic jam/solo session). Everything blended well and led to a very pleasant listening experience. I really want to check out the film now! Fav tracks: No Name Bar, Cafe Regio's, Do Your Thing
Willie Nelson
3/5
This is not my cup of tea at all, so it's hard to rate. This is one of the cleanest and most professionally recorded albums I think I've heard. Great job on the production. I can certainly see what the appeal would be for people who might like this style of music. He has a very appealing voice and it's relaxing in a way. I just wouldn't ever pick to listen to this style. Fav tracks: N/A
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Decently fun, funk/soul album. I feel like this could be a lot stronger, but I like the worldwide/cultural influences on the funk/soul formula. Not the strongest in pacing and flow for me. Fav tracks: Happy Feelin', Africano
Rod Stewart
3/5
Not particularly good, not particularly bad. Very middle-of-the-road and I wouldn't pick this out of a folky/rock lineup. Fav track: You're My Girl (I Don't Want To Discuss It)
Charles Mingus
3/5
There's a lot of talent here and a lot of chaos. A lot of the album feels like an "everything, everywhere, all at once" ordeal. I'm not sure what the intention or design of the concept is, so maybe I'm missing something there, but, purely as a listening piece, it's a bit much sometimes. The piano and Spanish guitar interludes with the accents and highlights of the other jazz instruments are really special, though, and there's just a ton of talent across the board. Some more cohesion would be superb and really put this one at the top. Fav tracks: N/A, but movements 3-5 stand out more than the rest.
The Byrds
3/5
I'm not a huge fan of the airy, hippie-dippie stuff. Not a bad album, but nothing I'd pick to listen to again. Fav tracks: What's Happening?, Captain Soul
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Not familiar with white "soul", but I feel like that's how this is best described. Dusty has a great voice, and I found this highly appealing to listen to. Not amazing from an instrumental sense, but the songs are really crafted to fit her vocal stylings. I liked it a lot! Fav tracks: The Windmills of Your Mind, Just a Little Lovin', I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Dang good jazz. That's really all there is to it. Really, really skilled musicians, great solos, fun group dynamic. If you like jazz, this is for you.
Fav tracks: Brilliant Corners, Bemsha Swing, Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are
The Everly Brothers
4/5
This is a really fun rockabilly album! I love that the songs are short and don't repeat for no reason. Well crafted song structure and great vocals. A lot more fun than most of the stuff I've heard from that time period, and the lyrics are clever and funny. A few slow ones/duds for me, but really neat overall! Fav tracks: Sigh, Cry, Almost Die, So How Come (No One Loves Me), Stick with Me Baby
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
While I recognize the influence and respect it, this one doesn't really hit for me. Overlong crooning mostly, and while some of the music is interesting, it's pretty basic and repetitive. Not awful, but not great in any standout way to me. Fav tracks: Hong Kong Garden, Mirage
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
This one just did not land with me. I like his voice, but everything is overlong and repetitive. Some of the music subtleties were fun, but none of the songs stood out from one another. Fav track: Blues For Sister Someone
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I really want to like this more than I do! It's super creative and there's a lot of neat elements. Unfortunately, most of the songs just kind of land in the "eh" department and didn't stick out to me. I think this is a very neat endeavor though, and it wasn't boring to listen to - just not my jam. Fav tracks: 57821, Neon Valley Street, Suite II Overture
Depeche Mode
3/5
The music here is dang near perfect. This is a great, moody, dark electronic-esque album with a lot going for it. Lots of neat effects and synth beats. Where this suffers is in the length and repetition. There are so many repeated lyric lines and the songs just can't seem to cut off at a reasonable point to combat that. It puts a damper on my desire to listen to this again, even if the music is pretty sweet. Fav tracks: Strangelove, Pleasure, Little Treasure, Never Let Me Down Again
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
This album only looses points for the lyrical content and style. I do not enjoy the high-pitched, nasal sound that accompanies much of this. However, the concept album is executed extremely well, and he, or his writing team, are very skilled at writing bars. There's such an overall flow and fit to his lyrics and verses, and it's a breath of fresh air for a more modern artist. There's actually a lot of talent here. I don't vibe with the lyrics, but they're good. Beats and flow of the songs in general are great too. Fav tracks: m.A.A.d city, Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst, Swimming Pools (Drank)
Madness
4/5
This album is great! Quirky, without being obnoxious, and completely different from other things I've heard, while still being well written and engaging to the musical senses.
There are so many unique influences here - jazz, swing, ragtime, and like a...circus-y vibe? It's so fun and dynamic! The piano and horn work throughout is superb. A few of the songs don't land with a big impact, so not quite a 5-star venture, but I highly recommend a listen through, especially if you want something different. Fav tracks: Mr Speaker (Gets The Word), Our House, Tomorrow's (Just Another Day)
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
This album made me realize I have no idea what tango is. Neat display of musicianship, but not something for the regular listening rotation. More performance theater, maybe. Fav tracks: Nuevo Tango, Operation Tango
Black Sabbath
3/5
I enjoy some hippie metal on occasion. I feel like the hits really stand out here, and the rest is semi-lackluster to listen to, even if I greatly respect the musicians. Fav tracks: War Pigs / Luke's Wall, Paranoid, Iron Man
Johnny Cash
2/5
I could take it or leave it. There's a lot of banter and crowd noise, which I think is the point, but I wouldn't really just sit and listen to this. No hate on the music though. Fav tracks: N/A
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
1/5
This sounds like sex noises in a can. I didn't know you could get away with making so many noises and not saying anything. Instrumentation is okay at points, but this is a mess and more noise than music. Fav tracks: N/A
Tracy Chapman
3/5
This was honestly pretty appealing to listen through. Not the most complex, but Tracy has some great vocals that really add a lot to what's going on. The acapella number was great. Fav tracks: Fast Car, Behind the Wall, Mountains O' Things, Why?
Erykah Badu
4/5
I thought this album was pretty neat. Not a ton of standout tracks, but just the overall feeling if the album was solid. There's a lot of soul, a lot of jazz...neat stuff. She uses her voice like an instrument. Fav tracks: My Life, Green Eyes
Fatboy Slim
3/5
A few of these songs are insufferable to just sit and listen to. I get it's a DJ, but these could only be passable in a club or on a soundtrack for Tony Hawk or something where I can otherwise occupy my brain. That being said, there are some bonafide beats here, and a few genuinely great tracks - your booty may move. Wouldn't listen through again, but I have a few saved for later. Fav tracks: Right Here, Right Now, You're Not From Brighton, Love Island
Iron Maiden
3/5
You can catch an inkling of the eventual greatness, but this is a rough album. Quality is not great, and it doesn't have the same polish in structure that most of their collection has. Talented, but rough. Fav track: Prowler
Giant Sand
1/5
This album feels like your Ol' Uncle Jimmy got drunk and broke out his instruments that he doesn't quite remember how to play. You also know he was never the true vocalist for his band that never broke out of the local bar scene...if that seems harsh, it is. This album is no good. Fav tracks: N/A
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Hauntingly beautiful at points, a little slow at others, but a neat album nonetheless. This is an album where the vocals make it - she's extremely talented and nice to listen to. If you like folk/blues/etc, give it a whirl. Fav tracks: Postcard Blues, Mining For Gold, I Don't Get It
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
If the Perks of Being a Wallflower soundtrack met the Stardew Valley soundtrack, I feel like this would be an adjacent baby. Quirky, and definitely unique, it gave me the same sort of serene joy I got from enjoying those prior pieces of media. Fav tracks: Souvenir, She's Leaving
Beatles
3/5
This was not an insufferable Beatles album. I love the brevity, and I wish more bands would adopt this. An interesting mix of styles overall, and I really like the vocal/writing structure of this album. The line cadence and rhyming work really well throughout the album. Bonus points for sitar usage. Sad to see what drugs and Yoko did to them. Fav tracks: Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown), Michelle
The Pogues
4/5
This album only misses a 5 rating because it's obnoxious...but in the best way, for the most part. This album is a hoot, and the singer is probably my favorite Irish singer I've heard yet. The music is great, the album moves quickly, and it's just a good, fun, riot. A few mumbly/overly obnoxious songs hold it back, but I highly recommend. Fav tracks: Turkish Song of the Damned, Fairytale of New York, Thousands Are Sailing, Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant / The Rocky Road to Dublin / Galway Races
Garbage
2/5
Doo doo do-do do-do doo you like choruses? Because you'll get them. Over and over. Same with silly, repeated phrases. The nostalgic feel makes me want to like this more than I do. The 90s rock/alt music is great, but this album in particular just hangs on to one repeated thing after another. Fav tracks: N/A
Sonic Youth
1/5
"Sonic Youth" really nails this - it's noisy, obnoxious, and I think this only appeals to you if you're a kid who was angsty in the early 90s. It is not appealing to listen to. Fav tracks: N/A
Mike Ladd
2/5
This feels like an artist's night terror episode, but done in an overlong fashion. I think I see a glimpse of something cool, but it's not for me. Fav tracks: N/A
David Bowie
3/5
This album is good for the title track and not much else. Overlong soundscapes more than anything, and I don't enjoy the crooning vocals. Not awful, but nothing I'd revisit. Fav track: Heroes
Television
3/5
This is an easy 4-star album for the musicians and instrumentation; sub 1-star for the vocals. What awful garbage fronted this really neat band. The guitar players in particular wrote some really neat diddies and riffs. The droning and crooning of the singer brought the whole thing down so much. Fav tracks: Marquee Moon, Friction
The Shamen
3/5
Some interesting rhythms in here. Definitely a new experience and a unique soundscape. Fun if you like dance, maybe. Fav tracks: Move Any Mountain, Make It Mine
Beth Orton
2/5
Not my jam at all. Mostly slow and overlong, but she has a decent voice at points. Coffee house music, pretty meh. Fav tracks: Stolen Car, Central Reservation
2/5
The saving grace with this one is that it's short. This is my least favorite genre, so take it with a grain of salt, but this feels like the exact same swing/honky-tonk beat all the way through. Her voice isn't too bad, but just didn't do anything for me. The lyrical content left a lot to be desired too. Fav tracks: Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind), Get What 'Cha Got And Go
Steely Dan
4/5
What a unique and interesting album! Not everything lands, but there is so much neat experimentation and instrumentation on this album, and I absolutely love the vocal harmonies and lead. Nothing overstays it's welcome. This album really makes me want to check out more Steely Dan, which I think is ultimately the point. Fav tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Charlie Freak, Pretzel Logic, East St. Louis Toodle-Oo
The Smiths
2/5
This is the longest short album I've listened to yet. This is airy and uneventful across the board. I'm bored to tears I think, and I'm not unsure that's what they were going for. Fav tracks: N/A
M.I.A.
1/5
I only know her through the cash register song, which is pretty good. This album is not. This is unintelligible, repetitive, and the music/beats are not appealing at all. Fav tracks: N/A
Neu!
2/5
The first couple songs feel like they could be in a game by an indie dev - chill and somewhat reflective, like a narrative walking sim. The two tracks with "vocals", however, are straight pain to listen to. Just flat out garbage. Not a good album. Fav tracks: N/A
Van Morrison
4/5
We were heading for the top! Side A is an awesome, bluesy, rock n roll good time. Tons of fun, people ripping solos and playing well together. Side B slows wayyy down. Think sitting on a picnic blanket on a lawn at a stadium slow. Not necessarily bad, but not nearly as fun.
All that being said, this is a great collection of musicians, and the songs that are good are really, REALLY good. Some fall flat/run on too long, but I'm overall pretty pleased with this one. They also did a good job keeping out the surrounding live noises, except when appropriate. Fav tracks: I've Been Working, I Just Want to Make Love to You, Warm Love
Beatles
2/5
This might be my least favorite Beatles album so far. This is pretty uninteresting musically, and I don't care for the chorus vocals with the whole group involved. Fav tracks: N/A
Daft Punk
3/5
While I respect the duo a lot, this really isn't that appealing to listen to. A lot of these songs are just a "press play" deal and let it sit for way too long. I get these are club/electronic songs, but it doesn't have to be so one-note. The basslines are pretty killer, though. They do have Da Funk. Just better enjoyed a song or two at a time in a more dynamic environment. Fav track: Around the World
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
This album just felt colorless and boring. I don't have much to say, which is how this album feels to listen to. Fav track: Is This Music?
Brian Eno
3/5
Like it, or not, this artist is pretty unique in my opinion. It's not always my jam, but I can respect the talent and artistry. Fav tracks: Backwater, Energy Fools The Magician
3/5
Feels like one long, quirky song. Nothing particularly stood out. While I appreciate the uniqueness, it wasn't for me - quirky in an annoying way. Fav tracks: N/A
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
I feel this is a love it or hate it album; however, that being said, I find myself mostly in the middle. Every time I thought it was getting airy and boring, or too weird, it would pull me back with a neat vocal melody or interesting musical part. Not at all what I expected. Fav tracks: John Wayne Gacy, Jr., To The Workers of The Rock River..., Prairie Fire That Wanders About
Elton John
3/5
Music isn't bad here, but I'm a little turned off by the weird sexual undertones. Too many references to 16 year old kids and other songs with overt double entendres. Not my cup of tea. Fav tracks: Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Soul II Soul
3/5
If you are not bothered by repetition, this is an easy 4-star or better album. The beats and 90s hip-hop vibes are immaculate. The big name songs (Keep On Movin' and Back To Life) are so cool in concept, but so freaking repetitive. It's funky fresh, if you can dig it. Sadly, I cannot. Fav tracks: Feeling Free, African Dance, Jazzie's Groove
Coldplay
1/5
I think a Rush of Blood to the Head kills you, right? Well, I'd be okay with that right now. This album commits every cardinal sin I have for music - it's overlong, it's absurdly simplistic, the lyrics are non-sensical, and it's so repetitive. All of that together is just awful. I didn't know you could drag so many one syllable words across so many bars of music. This music provides nothing and goes nowhere. I cannot understand how this artist is #10 in the world on Spotify. I could barely finish this one. Fav tracks: N/A
The Vines
3/5
Enjoyable for a time, but a good amount of duds in the end. The fuzzy distortion is always fun. Fav tracks: Get Free, Highly Evolved
Common
3/5
This is a really deep album. I appreciate the flow of his vocals, and there's a lot of poignant commentary. Good beats, good rhythm. Fav tracks: The Corner, Be (Intro)
Deep Purple
5/5
This album is dang near perfect. The only track I'm even "eh" on is the last one. The rest of this album is such a skillful display of instrument mastery and sharp, pleasing grooves. Take the best of rock, blues, soul, prog, mash it up, and bam. This is just so fun to listen to. Keyboard solos are always a win. They also get the award for only 10+ min song I can stand to listen to. Fav tracks: Child in Time, Bloodsucker, Flight of the Rat
Eric Clapton
2/5
I'm not going to say this album is bad just because I didn't enjoy it, but this thing near put me to sleep. I didn't find anything particularly enjoyable or engaging with this one. Fav tracks: N/A
Beck
2/5
John Coltrane
4/5
Ya like jazz? Well I do. And Coltrane is one of the best! A really solid EP/album with some great solo instrumental segments. A lot of fun to listen to with a good pair of headphones. Fav tracks: Pt. II - Resolution, Pt. III - Pursuance