139
Albums Rated
3.62
Average Rating
13%
Complete
950 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1990s
Favorite Decade
Punk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
17
5-Star Albums
0
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Downward Spiral | 5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
| Ready To Die | 5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
| Blue Lines | 5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
| Hot Buttered Soul | 5 | 3.43 | +1.57 |
| Tidal | 5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
| Fear Of Music | 5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
| Surfer Rosa | 5 | 3.51 | +1.49 |
| Funeral | 5 | 3.57 | +1.43 |
| People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm | 5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
| Wild Is The Wind | 5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parachutes | 2 | 3.46 | -1.46 |
| Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | 3 | 4.27 | -1.27 |
| Thriller | 3 | 4.22 | -1.22 |
| Behaviour | 2 | 3.04 | -1.04 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Talking Heads | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Rolling Stones | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (17)
View Album Wall
All Ratings
Iron Maiden
3/5
Not a huge metal fan but I can see the appeal. Something about the sound is defiantly British but the clarity of of the guitar work and precise bass were worth a listen.
Eagles
3/5
Really good yatch rock. Only issue is I don't own a yatch. The music isn't bad but for some reason I just don't love the sounds. It's missing that edge, the x factor that the ioenening track makes you think the rest of the album has.
Green Day
4/5
This CD had a long residency in my sony Walkman years back. Between the album art work and the solidness of the entire album these tracks still appeal to my slacker sensibilities.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
The two disc's certainly have there own feel to them. The gospel backing vocals elavate many tracks. A few "just okay" songs surrounded by a lot of songs that deserve repeat listening. Not perfect, but a lot of fun/ emotion from start to finish. My personal highlights are "hiding all away", "there she goes, my beautiful world" and "easy money".
Green Day
4/5
I remeber buying this album in middle school. Almost 20 years later and it has stood the test of time. An older green day managed to capture teenage angst without sounding preachy or overly angsty themselves. Personal favorites include "Jesus of suburbia", "extraordinary girl", "st. Jimmy", "whatshername"
Common
4/5
It's interesting listening to this album in 2023 and looking back to see that some of the top songs of 2004 were "bring em out" (ti) and "my band (d12). This album feels classic, as if you could have realsed is 6 years prior and have had it been both a revelation and be at home while realising it today woukd have snappes necks with it's refreshingly honest and clear direction. You can hear Kanye honing his signature production style while flexing his smarts on beats like"the foodc "real people" and "testify". Common is brilliant thoughout weather he is using his words carefully or twisting carefully linked rhymes. The lyrics paint vivid pictures or both trouble and triumph but the album as a whole feels positive.
3/5
A fine album and admittedly the very first Beatles album I have ever listened to (in 2023- thanks for the punk rock dad!). Ill need to listen to the others front to back to get a sense of where this falls in there catalogue but it's so easy to see how prolific and influential they were. There were moments where I truly believed they were gunna really rock out, and the psychedelic bits were nice.
3/5
Definition of a 90s album, the whole thing makes me feel like I'm walking around a large city at dusk. The story telling is very good. Personal Highlights were "a place called home", "the whore hustle and the hustlers whore", and "horses in my dreams"
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Really cool album. Whole things kinda of plays as one long idea but it doesn't get boring. Listened on a plane. Incredible soundtrack to have moving through the clouds.
Big Black
4/5
This album is a blast. Right from the jump it's abrasive wall of guitar and hammering drum machine set the tone. Weirdly danceable and oddly catchy at times the subject matter of the songs comes across as intruiging and strangely thoughtful (in a punk rock sense) instead of disgusting. Personal favorites were "big money", "bad houses", and "stinking drunk".
The xx
3/5
Their third album proves two things: dance pop can have true emotion, and that just because your first album nailed it doesn't mean you can't hit a different target square in the middle. Romy is captivating as always, and Jamie's production has continued to evolve, better capturing both bigger rock and more soulful electronic elements. What really strikes me is the continuity of the album. While this sometimes negates the element of surprise I think it shows a mastery many who try to make music in this space fail to achieve. Personal highlights are "say something loving", "violent noise", "performance".
Sigur Rós
4/5
A stunning album all the way through. The ambient stretches between musical swells works perfectly to tie all the tracks to gather and gives you a reflective rest before diving back in.
Ramones
4/5
A prolific album and a lot of fun to listen to. Maybe a bit monotone at times but you have to appreciate the straight forward approach without it getting boring. This album will forever be a staple.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Oh man. This was a tough one. At its musical best (songs like "octopus") are fairly decent psychadelic rock tunes. At other times, Barrett sounds like he's auditioning for a okay beetles cover band. At its worst ("if it's in you") it's hard to not feel bad for an artists who clearly had talent but got lost along the way duento mental illness and probably overuse go psychadelic drugs. It feels as if the album could have been decent had it happened earlier in his carrer, but alas.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
This album is packed with personality and subtle soul. From start to finish Joan's voice is both commanding and gentle. The music is country tinged but undoubtably mixed with some funky soul an even blues arrangements. I think this is one of those albums that demands repeat listening to fully engage in every second of excellence.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Took me a few songs to get into the album. Marianne does a really nice job using her limited vocal range to give the album a sort of folk hero sound. Musically the album is solid, but not spectacular. Good rock grooves throughout. Personal favorites were "guilt" and "what's the Hurry".
Jethro Tull
4/5
It's a battle of highs and lows. To call it a complete concept album stes it up for failure. To say that is sucks undermines the awesomeness that rears it's head on many of the tracks. Yes the flute belongs. Yes, some tracks sound like they are trying to be the best band in a medival tavern. No, it's not perfect. But undoubtedly this album shows a band willing to try. And even when it doesn't work out there are moments of pure rock brilliance (sometimes in the same 60 seconds - see "my god" but hey I guess that's prog for ya). I like the album. Not for it's entirety but for every moment I go back and turn the volume all the way up for. There are more than a few of those moments.
Moby
4/5
Great album. Equal parts relaxing and party ready. There a few tracks on the b side of things that feel a little repetitive but overall a great listen.
Holger Czukay
4/5
It's albums like this that made me want to do thus. What a strange album. A massive collage of sounds and styles. Very cool. Weird listenable. Moments reminded me of "my life in a bush of ghosts". Honestly wish it was longer.
Prince
4/5
Prince is a certified cool dude. I've never really given his work the time of day because I generally listen to other genres but I can't really think of a reason to not like most of this album. Its groovey it's funky, it's sexy. He uses his vocal range to push songs into entirely new areas from the one previous. The 80s music vibe doesn't date the music, just puts it into context. Can't say the whole thing was my cup of tea but it's hard to deny talent on songs like "dsmr", "lady cab dirver" and "international lover".
Frank Sinatra
3/5
First time really listening to Sinatra. Dude is smooth but what I found surprisingly engaging was the music/arrangements on this album. His voice though soothing got a bit boring at times but the music was always light, tender and engaging.
The Police
3/5
Solid album. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Talking Heads
5/5
Excellent album. Funky, groovy, fun, weird, and completely uninterested with being put in a box. I have been listening to this album for years and even after all this time the album still sounds interesting and unique. From the opening moments of the surreal chanting and horns of "I zimbra" to the banger "life during wartime" and finishing with the appltyl named "drugs" I can't think of a track on this album that doesn't hold it's own.
The Triffids
3/5
It's good but not great. The album definitely grew on me as I listened through it and I think there a few tracks that I will go back and listen to again. However the album lacks that definitive edge that woukd make it a great album.
Paul McCartney
3/5
I appreciate his punk rock approach to a lot of the tunes on this album. Short, sweet and to the point. His grasp of song writing and musical craftmanship is documented but there were still moments that surprised me. Though not quite my style a good listen. Foravorite tracks include "valentine day" and "momma miss America" (3.5/5.)
Megadeth
4/5
Plain and simple. This album fucks. I'm not the biggest fan of the vocalist though it's certainly not a turn off, just minor points off. Start to finish the album rocks at 11.
Billy Joel
3/5
Didn't realize I knew half the album before I listened. As a non fan I was surprised by 1) how many songs I knew and 2) the strength of a lot of the songwriting throughout. Not really my type of music but I can't deny the man has talent and his delivery is more often then not on point. I would give it a higher rating but I just don't feel like it was powerful enough for repeat listening at some point down the road.
The Smiths
3/5
I can't tell if I love or just like this album. I. Enjoyed most of the songwriting, most of the music. I thought without Patrick on vocals maybe some of these songs wouldn't be as memorable. But at the same time I can't think of a single track I outright didn't Like. Very conflicting.
Tears For Fears
4/5
This album caught me by surprise. I knew the big songs (shout, ewtrtw) but "head over heals/broken" ended up being my favorite on the album. They did new wave well, however I think some moments here get a bit boring and feels very just bland. Those were just a few moments though and overall I can see why it has had such enormous staying power.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Deffinetly enjoyed the music more than the singing. Lyrics were good but there was just something about his delivery that wasn't as compelling as the music around him.
Motörhead
3/5
The album rocks hard and is a lot of fun to listen to but holy hell some of those lyrics are... Dated. I just felt the album as a whole felt repetitive, like there wasnt quite enough to fully distinguish a really good song from some pretty good songs.
The Kinks
4/5
A very cohesive album full of beautiful little poppy gems.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
I grew up listening to this album as it was one of my Moms favorites. Having come across it now, I would adjust my view on the album as a whole. The harmonies and music are lovely throughout but it is missing that extra little "umph" to move it into the "excellent" catagory. But that should not complelety detract from the fact that CSN put this out as their FIRST album.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Tim Buckley
3/5
Im not even sure how I feel about this album. Certain moments make me wonder why this album is on the list and other moments (even whole songs) have me wondering how often I'll have them in rotation for the rest of my life. There is a polarity here that I think may be solely personal preference (expect those carnival noises) but I also part of what makes the album compelling? I guess I want an explanation as to how "knight-errand" and "pleasant Street" ended up on the same album. I begrudgingly give this album 3.75⭐ rating though the best parts deserve a minimum of 4.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Their album "number of the beast" was the first album I reviewed hereand I'm glad I got another chance to listen. Still not entirely my thing but this debut has a tiny bit of punk DNA in it which I think makes it more compelling. The tempo switches and joy in which the rythem section plays with is so much fun to listen to. Sure, stretches of songs serve as a guitar fingering/ exploration exercise at times but I can't help but love the moment when the band thinks to themselves "yeah, we fucking got this". Personal favorites include "prowler" and "transylvania".
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this album as much as I did. Part of me thinks the lead singer is utterly ridiculous but his style also works at the same time. Really enjoyed the music in this album, tons to sift through and will no doubt be rewarded with relistening several times.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Even if you take out the first and last tracks on this album it's still an incredible listen.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
When I think about ELO, the glossy vocal arrangements seemingly from the future are the first thing to come to mind. I find myself being reminded that this was in fact a music product of the late 70s. Under that super shiney sheen are some almost.. Regular pop rock songs. I think that's why the band is at their best when they are being overly dramatic. Personal favorites include "Mr. Blue sky" and "standing in the rain". 3.5⭐
David Bowie
4/5
Bowies my piano man with most of the compositions for the first half of the album but the track "queen bitch" really made my ears perk up. There is an uneasiness/ hidden excitement throughout that keep me replaying bits and peices of many songs.
Ravi Shankar
4/5
Deffinetly wish I had consumed drugs before listening but overall a very interesting record. I especially like the fact that Ravi comments and helps break down the core tenants of the style he is about to play. Very cool listen.
Michael Jackson
3/5
The gems really shine on this album I just wish I was more into this style of pop. I can understand why people like it so much but the album feels a bit soft to me. Sorry Lil Mike.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
A silky smooth classic, just not quite my preferred style. I will attempt to make children to at least thee of these songs with the wife.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
I like it more than I thought I would. There was this energy that kept me engaged throughout the entire album even with the straight forward arrangements. Maybe it's the honesty I liked so much. 3.5
The Byrds
3/5
It was fine. I don't know why I didn't like it more. By the time it finished there were certainly moments like "don't doubt yourself babe" that I really enjoyed but I found myself struggling to keep tuned in throughout the whole listening experience.
Missy Elliott
4/5
Ian it a time capsule? Is it a dedication album? Or perhaps a showcase of various artists and there flows from around the hip hop spectum. Missys flow combined with squeeky clean yet club dirty production is masterclass in how to be unique, approachable, and "I don't give a fuck, 'who shot in your corn flakes'" all at the same time. Personal preference in a few tracks keeps this from being a perfect album for me but dammit if it isn't close
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Never once in my life I have I opened any kind of music streaming app/ record collection / car CD holder and played the RHCP. It's not that I don't like them, or that I think there music is bad. I enjoy every atetisy that makes up this band. In fact, some of them (flee for the Mars Volta) have helped create some of my favorite albums by other bands. Frusciante proves himself time and time again and Chad delivers just as often. And still, I don't love it. I love every aspect about every one of the band members, and that includes Anthony but when he lays dkwn his... Signature.. "funky"... Lyrical delivery I just can't seem to follow. My heart says that this album is both a 4/5 star rating (it falls off towards the final tracks) and a 2 beacuse I would never think to recommend it to anyone and I'm not sure that fair. I'll give it 4 for the good times( the music specifically on tracks like parallel universe and get on top. but deep down I guess they just don't do anything for me.
Linkin Park
3/5
There is an imbalance that isn't rectified by the end of the album. In the scope of metal it lacks the musicality and creative heaviness of bands like SOAD. As far a rap is concerned they aren't even close to RATM (or their rythem section for that matter). I think the beauty of this bands debut album lies in 1) when you hear it and 2) appreciating that it is in fact band still getting there bearings on not just one, but at least 3 genres. It doesn't always work, and the sound becomes repetitive, but it would be a disservice to disregard the emotion in which Chester delivers his verses. Younger me in screaming every lyric to songs like "crawling" and "by myself" and older me is just happy that I had those moments.
Pentangle
3/5
Better that I expected.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
I wanted to like this album more but I didn't some of the soft vocal choices on what were otherwise strong or dramatic songs. My highlight was probably so hard. However, some of the arrangements and sounds seemed so familiar and you can clearly see how this album would have influenced artists that created in that genre after.
Pixies
5/5
This album has been in rotation since I was a kid and every time I listen to it I find myself discovering smoething new. Surfer Rosa is seriously fun and unintentionally timeless. Personal highlights include bine machine, river euphrates and vanos/I'm amazed. Go UMASS!
Michael Jackson
4/5
Various Artists
3/5
Slint
4/5
The quite parts make the loud parts sparkle that much more. Even the loud parts have a fragility to them. The album almost snuck by me, in a way that I want sure where I was in it and then when it ended, I wanted more...
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Moody but not necessarily dark. The way it ends.. I wasn't really sure what to do with myself afterwards. Recommended for quite parts of road trips, early morning near water/ open space, or misty afternoons with a chance of sunshine.
Little Richard
3/5
This album makes me want to hit a illegal speakeasy in a relaxed suit.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Hard to ignore an album with so many classics on it. What surprised me about the album as a whole was how full the sound was while still giving space as not to overwhelm the listener or bury some of the intricacies of the music. Just wish there was little more... Bite to a song or two to really round out the album.
Norah Jones
4/5
So gentle. So wonderfully a mood.
808 State
4/5
From start to finish you can clearly hear how big of an influence this album was on everything from acid house, to the beginnings of trip hop in the early 90s and then continuing into modern electronic and even phonk. While some sounds seemed a bit dated the album as a whole is danceble from start to finish.
TV On The Radio
3/5
I first heard this music in 2010 and listening again in 2025, the album feels less essential. That being said it's clear that there is a unified vision start to finish and in many moments i love the balance between electronic exploration and the horns. I just wish there were more songs as strong as DLZ. Its a 3.5.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
It sounds like some of the best and worst of the 90s rock sound they helped create. No doubt a creative album for its time but it does just sounds a bit... Uninteresting? It rocks but in a restrained way which I think may not have been intentional. I actually think Perry's vocal style fits / helps create their brand of music. I can see why it was such a stir but I can't say I was overly impressed.
R.E.M.
4/5
Like a universe unto itself. Never gets in its own way of being such a well crafted and unified sounding album. Love how the strings mingle with their sound. I feel that typically when a band gets deeper into its discography either reinvent their sound or stick to there guns and become a bit stale. Here they don't abodnon their core sound while still making this album new and unique.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
I had never heard any of her music before this. So talented. So smooth. LOVE the love recording.
Soft Machine
3/5
That was.... Something... But not gunna lie kind of fun.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Front to back a masterclass in rhyming, flow, story telling, and beat making. The style is definitely old school but with such talent on both the mic and the decks their is a timelessness to many of the songs. 4.5
k.d. lang
3/5
This is a tough one. Voice for the heavens but most of the music on the album was for a nursing home. Standouts like busy being blue really help to elevate the album outside the conservative country circle.
Meat Loaf
3/5
A bit campy but I applaud the non stop effort and energy out into every song. Not quite my cup of tea but with the exception of the last track not sure I would mind listening to any of the other songs again. 3.75
David Bowie
3/5
The Eno influence is definitely apparent toward the end of the album. The front half hits like a giant wall of sound - very busy. This juxtaposition helps the album feel like a journey of listened straight through but it's also... Like why does the sound completely change?
Liz Phair
3/5
At first I was like... Eh... Than I was like... Oh? And then it was all like yesssiirrr... But then it crept back into suurree... Over all some absolute gems. 3.5
The Byrds
4/5
Loved the song writing and the arrangements. Can only imagine being able to see this performed live from front to back.
Madonna
2/5
First time really listening to her stuff and this album revealed three things. 1) Madonna doesn't have a vocal range 2) her and the producers heard trio hop for the first time and decided... Yeah let's try that but mix in some big room techno dance feel/ small bits of dnb 3) after half the albun I was hoping every song was the last. I will concede that some of the vocal production/ manipulation was a fun listen.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
I think years from now when my first born asks "papa, who are the rolling stones" I may as well just put this record on. Little to no fat, absolute barn burners and slow ballad-this album has it all.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Super solid but not spectacular. I let was obvious early in their career that they were copying the sound of the American blues note for note.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Although I am not typically a big fan of this genre I will gueb credit where credit is due. Almost every song had me wanting to line dance a little bit. His vocals and musical approach to some of these standards seemed fresh and more exciting then the somewhat monotonous sound rockabilly and honky tonk typically have. Highlights include "what I don't know" and "I sang dixie". 3.5🌟
The Prodigy
3/5
Recognizable sound that without a doubt has influenced others up to today's electronic music scene the album is a fun energized ride. The vocal contributions to some of the songs I actually think detract from the sound as they come off a bit corny or just not good. Overall a very 90s/early 2000s sound best paired with drugs but the highlights like "breathe", "minefield", and "firestarter" make it a fun listen on any day. 3.5🌟
Gram Parsons
4/5
The sounds feels a little like if the rolling stones went country instead of with the blues. Emmys backing vocals are sublime. Highlights include "I can't dance" and "medley live from northern Quebec"
Arcade Fire
5/5
What a way to kick off a carreer. Super solid from start to finish.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Liked this album more than I thought I would. Fairly solid, especially for a group so young. You can see how from tracks like "breakdown", "anything that's rock and roll", and "American girl" that they were destined for stardom. 3.5🌟
Cream
4/5
The big single off this one is probably why it's considered a classic. CREAM sounds best when it's really going for it on tracks like "tails of brave Ulysses" and "SWLABR". obviously "sunshine of your love is a standout". It's a good album, but not great.
Lucinda Williams
3/5
For me, a lot of highs, and a lot of... Yeah that was just okay. Highlights include "2 Kool to be forgotten", "can't let go", "Jackson".
SAULT
4/5
I'm surprised to see an album so young on the list but I do understand why it's here. Everything form the constant affirmations to the actual release date if the album gives the listener a sense that lovinging yourself is, in it self, an act of rebellion and of respect. The production for the most part is simple but warm and inviting even when pushing lore future sounds. I was just hoping for a little more umph from some of the more vocal tracks. I think this has the potential to continue to impress over time. Highlights include "wildfires", "sorry ain't enough", "monsters". Conceptually a 5🌟, listening wise closer to 4 ish.
Talking Heads
3/5
Not my favorite TH album. I think that perhaps it's the more straight laced attitude of some of the arrangements, but I do like the dancible side to the sound.
The Killers
3/5
A lot of fun but the backside of the album is forgettable. The front half could be mistaken for a "killers greatest hits" album. I mean... Holy shit that's a lot of bangers for one lp.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
That man was born to entertain. His style is definitely a little one note by the end but overall a fun listen.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
I think the only reason I'm not giving it 5 starts is for one or two okay tracks and just the sound of the recording itself. Otherwise such an incredibly solid album. Grace Slick is an incredible vocalist and although it's no doubt psych/hippy music the band is tight and the guitar work is perfect for the sound.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Having never really sat through this album I was surprised by the progression into what I consider their defining sound. The earlier tracks do fit with the nice, clean boy charm it distracts a little from the call to action from the college / politically active youth. That being said, as the album does progress it's clear that the cheap thrills of easy writing fade away into soemthinging far more moody and intense.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
It's personal, driven, and beautifully dark. It's loud and sometimes soft and sometimes makes you want to run through a wall and maybe join a leather/spandex clad orgy. Perfect album from start to finish.
Beck
3/5
Very cool dude makes cool music. Unfortunately, just being that cool doesn't make your music that great. A blend of genres and without a doubt an ear for blending them I found the middle of the lp a bit forgettable. Personal favorites include "epro", "girl" and "farewell ride". 3.5 🌟
The Only Ones
4/5
Don't love the vocalists style / sound but lyrically not bad. Musically, so much fun. Shit straight up rocks.
D'Angelo
3/5
Wanted to love it. Nothing inherently wrong with the album.... Sexy vocals, good smooth groovy music. But when it ended there was silence in my headphones for maybe 5 minuets and I didn't even notice. I want to give it a 2 🌟 because I can only think of one or two songs that aren't background music, primarily "smooth" but die to sex appeal it reaches a touch higher.
Funkadelic
4/5
Heeeeellllll yeah brotha man. The funk, the soul, the fart noises. Shit is super stupid good.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Vocals lyrics and music come together to create an incredible sound. A vision. They present as wizards atop a mountain -casting dark spells, warnings, and wisdom from up high. The album has so much fuck yeah, and so little fat.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I felt like she was through stuff at a wall to see what stuck. More stuff stuck than didn't, but as an album it felt a tad bit disjointed.
It was mostly fine. Just felt like... Pretty good rock n roll? Felt that the leader sibger was somehow trying too hard.
The Doors
4/5
Hell yeah. Morrison and company deliver both big catchy hits and deep in this incredibley solid album. A classic for a reason, never gets old.
4/5
Though not my favorite album by the group it certainly solidifies them as a head of the curve for what would become bigger and heavier prog rock. Talented musicians making interesting and compelling music.
Coldplay
2/5
Yellow is a great song. Everything else.... So boring.
Frank Ocean
4/5
Better than expected. I felt like it had a lot more to offer then many if the rnb albums in this list. I did feel like his flow seemed recycled for a few songs but other than that very well rounded as far as style and content.
The KLF
3/5
While not my favorite, it's interesting to hear how electronic artists like these have without a doubt influenced future generations with their sound. This albums smooth big room sound is not overly exciting but is pleasant and does get you in a dancing mood.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Very funky but just didn't quite do it for me like I expected it to.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Talking Heads
5/5
Timeless and singular. They rock, they groove, they exceed expectations. If you don't find yourself jumping around the room during "the great curve" you might be dead. Get that checked out.
M.I.A.
3/5
Liked the production more than most if the vocals. Not to say that there were big misses in the album but I do feel some kind of way (not a good way) about borrowing the pixies chorus like that.
Bad Company
3/5
Just taraufgt forward no nonsense rock and roll. No kiddies with that, just didn't grab me like I had hoped. 3.5
Carole King
4/5
Just a lovely listen. So much talent and so well delivered.
Massive Attack
5/5
The Cars
4/5
It's just so hard to imagine that had it not been for the sheer determination of one man this album probably would not have had the staying power it possesses.
ABBA
3/5
Like a sunny afternoon in the summer when it's not too hit out. Unfortunately just not quite my cup of tea, but I can certainly appreciate the artistry from the Swedes. 3.5🌟
Ministry
3/5
The metal bits were better and more compelling than the industrial bits. TVII and Jesus built my hotrod were standouts.
Fiona Apple
5/5
Excellent all the way through. Opening track engages you immediately and the rest is such a fun ride through awesome song writing and arrangements.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
I have become cooler from simply listening to this album.
The White Stripes
4/5
I don't mind the direction they took with this album. Red Rain is the one song more reminiscent of older material. Without their usual noiser approach this album feels more homey, something you may find in a southern or Midwest dance hall as apposed to an underground blues / garage bar.
The Notorious B.I.G.
5/5
Absurd yet rooted. Sharp and boisterous lyrisism paint vivid pictures of a life both in the streets and in the first stages of limelight. He was a hometown hero yet big enough for the world stage. A masterpiece, even if the skits amd overly sexual nature of some of the interludes didn't age particularly well.
Julian Cope
4/5
After the first two tracks I thought I want going to be able to finish the album. Having never even heard of this artist I figured fuck it, how bad could it get? Well I'm glad I stuck with it. His weirdness isnt a caricature of himself, loud and done for shock and awe. It's strangely honest and relatedable and I must say by the end of the album I was a fan. Is it perfect? Not even close but tracks like "if you loved me at all", "you" and"hung up and hanging out to dry" certainly caught my attention. Unique yet weirdly straight forward.
Roxy Music
3/5
Loved the music, really did not like vocalist.
The Sonics
3/5
Fast and fun. It's clear that they didn't have a lot of peers to lean on when creating there sound and I think that should count for something. However some of the vocal tricks get a bit tired after a while.
Neil Young
4/5
Super solid all the way through. Especially love his more politically charged writing.
The Verve
3/5
I wanted to like this album more than I did. Kind of wild to start with "bittersweet symphony" as it seems to have a slightly different production than the rest of the album which comes across as subdued. Song writing is good, music isn't half bad either but I felt that if I put this album on and went about my day, most of it will become background noise.. Like a subtle soundtrack. The again... Maybe that's what they were going for. 3.5🌟
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
A very cool album for cool people who enjoy hanging out and being different in a cool way. Without the special suace this album would be a flop. Wanted to like it more, but outside if a few super groovy tunes (garbage man/ walk to slide) it sorta blended together. It does however have high relistenablitly, particularly when the sun in shining.
Goldfrapp
4/5
Soft yet powerful. And absolutely gorgeous album from start to finish. Arrangements are magic, her vocals are sublime. Even with this albums sound being a departure from the bigger danciblee sound they were honing, seventh tree is a trip worth taking over and over again. Favorites include "little birds" "eat yourself" "A&E" 4.5🌟
The The
4/5
I not entirely sure why I like this album but I do. It has a quintessentialy 80s sound but between the lyrics and his deep voice you get drawn in. Almost a touch bowie-esque?. Highlights include "this is the day" and "giants"
Traffic
3/5
I listened to this album and quite liked it but waited a day or two to write this review and sitting here now I'm having a hard time remembering a lot of it which says something. 3.5🌟
Isaac Hayes
5/5
I was fully buttered by the end of this album. So smooth and engaging. Just makes you want to move and groove. Can't belive this is my first time listening to this.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
A classic for a reason. A band while sure of themselves.
Blur
4/5
This album has a little bit of everything which makes it so incredible that as a whole it's cohesive. Highlights include "bank hokiday" "London loves" "jubilee"
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Hard to argue against such a legendary group. The sort of style of finishing eachothers bars did wear on me a little as the album went on but I think as pioneers or what would become a global genre gotta give credit where credit is due. To make something like this without a real blueprint is inspiring to say the least.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Really cool sound / textures. Desne yet approachable.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
A lot of fun to listen to. Good lyrical craft mixed with rnb touches.
Big Star
3/5
I have spoken to people who are head over heals for these guys and I'm not quite sure I get it. Their sound and style grew on me as I listened but never once did I think "wow... This is incredible". Linda felt like the music that might be playing walking into a random dive bar somewhere in the middle of the country.
Steely Dan
4/5
Smooooooooth as silk. So smooth it's almost slippery. A band that has hined there sound and weaponized it to make an album with no fat.
Johnny Cash
4/5
I think an argument can be made that this is one of the best live albums of all time. The scope of this recording is just beautiful and a penitentiary seems fitting for the Man in blacks dark signature delivery. The collection of songs has heartache, straightforward frovk and American country as well as levity. Pretty damn good man.
Nina Simone
5/5
Gorgeous. I was unfortunately unfamiliar with her work outside of a few singles. Easy to see why she is one of the greats. Highlights include "what more can I say" "breakdown and let it all out" and the crushingly beautiful "either way I lose"
Wilco
4/5
The United States Of America
3/5
Well this was a weird one. The rock parts were better than the circus parts. Honestly wasn't quite sure what to make of this. I understand the... Need?.. For an artists to express themselves on their own terms because if they can't... Well then it's not art is it? That being said, I feel that the clown noises didn't exactly jive with the very cool and well composed rock. Psych piecess of the album. It was interesting to say the least. Highlights include "garden of earthly delights", stranded in time "," tailor man"
Pink Floyd
5/5
A complete album. Ahead of its time and an instant classic.
3/5
This album crept up on me. Deeply soulful and funkybut a little slow for my personal taste. Highlight was "city, country, city
Billie Holiday
3/5
String arrangents were beautiful although a little boring towards the end. Her vocal ability earns her a spot on this list for sure but it just wasny quite my cup of tea.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
WHAT A VOICE. wasn't totally engaged by the whole album but I can only image the ripples this sent through the music world when she was first heard. Highlights were "I am stretched in your grave", "the emporers new clothes", and "I do not want what I haven't got"
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
If it were released today the fellas would have been clowned for being too corney. Luckily that smooth good guy lyrisism comes across as wholesome. The production (and Mc skills) on tracks like "footprints" and "Mr. Muhammad" are so solid and ahead of there time they coukd exists in any era as classics.