388
Albums Rated
3.06
Average Rating
36%
Complete
701 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
22
5-Star Albums
29
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Me Against The World
2Pac
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
The Yes Album
Yes
|
5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
|
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
|
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
|
5 | 3.51 | +1.49 |
|
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
|
5 | 3.6 | +1.4 |
|
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
|
4 | 2.6 | +1.4 |
|
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
|
5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
|
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
|
5 | 3.65 | +1.35 |
|
The Joshua Tree
U2
|
5 | 3.66 | +1.34 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
|
1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
|
Dirt
Alice In Chains
|
1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
|
The Band
The Band
|
1 | 3.36 | -2.36 |
|
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
|
This Is Hardcore
Pulp
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Trio
Dolly Parton
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
Rubber Soul
Beatles
|
2 | 4.12 | -2.12 |
|
Kimono My House
Sparks
|
1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 3 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kate Bush | 3 | 1.67 |
| The Divine Comedy | 2 | 1.5 |
| Dolly Parton | 2 | 1.5 |
| Pulp | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Paul Simon | 5, 2 |
| Miles Davis | 1, 4, 4, 3 |
5-Star Albums (22)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Talking Heads · 4 likes
5/5
I have no thoughtful or academic review of this album, but it's so weird and I loved it.
Fiona Apple · 4 likes
1/5
This was not pleasant to listen to. At the end of the first track, she was making dolphin calls... And it didn't get better from there.
John Zorn · 1 likes
2/5
I don't understand jazz.
Elliott Smith · 1 likes
3/5
One thing I've learned about myself in doing this project is I have a lot of respect for artists whose music is reflective of the time period while also being unique to the artist. It's a fine balance, and this album is a great example. It's so uniquely 90's alternative, but in a distinctive way.
There is a lot of pain and apathy in this album, and it pulls me into the emotions and life of Elliott Smith. He had an untimely death not long after this album was released, so it's an even more poinient snapshot in time of a troubled life.
Aretha Franklin · 1 likes
3/5
Typical of the Motown sound, very formulaic in the musical composition. Beyond her words, you can hear some of the pain of her life, and with it, the optimism she had to get through it. Aretha deserves her place as a household name for her strong voice. For me, the harmonizing backup singers and simplistic catchy tunes bring it down.
1-Star Albums (29)
All Ratings
Duran Duran
4/5
Strong 80's sound, fun listening
Beatles
2/5
Not for me
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Unique sound
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Fun listening, a few good hits
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Experimental, new sound
Public Enemy
3/5
Social commentary to a beat. Lots of rage in this album.
Blur
4/5
Good album. Started off strong.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Instrumental, bluesy, good vibe
Prefab Sprout
1/5
Sounded like the soundtrack to a musical. Not for me.
The Avalanches
4/5
Good to have on as background music. Low-key, good beats
T. Rex
4/5
Good to have on as background music. Low-key, good beats
Bob Dylan
3/5
Very dense lyrically, beautiful guitar. Slow to get through for me.
Deee-Lite
4/5
Fun album. Enjoyed the beat.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Very country. Respect the music but not for me.
The Human League
3/5
Strong 80s sound. Fun music
Funkadelic
5/5
Loved this album. Absolutely masterful sound layering. Very experimental and successfully done.
The Stooges
3/5
Total rock album. Kinda faded into the background for me.
The Killers
4/5
An album I grew up with! It was nice to give this album a listen after long enough that I could be more open to it. It's a good album, but the auto-tuney vocals get to me.
The Mars Volta
2/5
I never would have listened to this if not for this project. It was an interesting listen, but not one I will go back to.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Sounded like the soundtrack to a movie to me. Really not for me.
Green Day
4/5
Love this album. One of my favorite bands. Strangely, I've never listened to the album all the way through. Not as many bangers as I thought it would have. More ballads than I associate Green Day with.
Adele
5/5
Great album. Adele's voice is so powerful. Wonderful for listening to after a breakup.
The Kinks
2/5
Sounds very much like The Beatles. Lots of harmonizing and poppy sound. For me, it's not an appealing style of music, mostly due to vocals.
Massive Attack
3/5
Finding it hard to focus on the music, I keep zoning out. It's good background music. Maybe the slow beat is what's making it hard to catch my attention.
New age sound.
The Crusaders
2/5
Instrumental album, not bad but kinda sleepy beat throughout.
This band has better songs on other albums, so this one is a curious choice for the project.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Interesting listen. Makes me think of a rock musical soundtrack.
Lots of variation here, well composed, solid album.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Like this band. They have a distinctive sound - electronic, Euro-pop, 80's rock - that endures through all decades of their music. It's fun to listen to with a great beat, but all their songs run together for me.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Never would have listened to this album outside this project, but I'm glad I gave it a listen. The guitar instrumentation is great, my favorite part. Dolly's distinctive vobrato is grating on me.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Another new artist for me. This album didn't stand out much. It has a strong 90's grunge vibe, but it wasn't anything distinct for me. I also think the songs all ran together.
Duke Ellington
4/5
Wow, a trip back in time! This one came out the year my dad was born. What an amazing compilation of big band and jazz. I can only imagine how much richer this sounded live. The skill these artists had is so incredible. There were moments where the trumpet, clarinet, drums, etc came to their own and sang. Really incredible and enduring music. Duke is certainly a legend for a reason.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Nice 80's rock album. The fact that it's a live recording makes it better. Fun listen.
Miles Davis
1/5
I don't understand this music. It just sounds like noise to me. Really lacking in composition, cohesion, beat, everything. Didn't enjoy listening to this one at all.
The Black Crowes
4/5
Great soft rock album! I enjoyed this one, with a good mix of upbeat and slow songs. Timeless album.
Air
2/5
Bit sleepy for me. Wouldn't listen again.
k.d. lang
3/5
Oh the twang! Good music, but not for me.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Early album for 90's era rap, and this one defined the genre. Great lyrics overlaid with a simple beat and instrumentation. Perfection!
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Great album. The music seems very influenced by gospel. Strong cultural message in many of these tracks. Good listening and deep meaning behind the lyrics.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Fun album, very poppy in an 80's way. Even though I've never heard this band before, I feel like I have. Very similar to The Cure, The Clash, and so many British bands from the 80's.
The xx
3/5
Mixed bag for me.
The good: It was interesting how all the songs flowed into each other, so it sounded like the album was one continuous song. The music didn't fit into any genre or decade, so it was very unique.
The bad: It didn't really pull me in. There wasn't any part of it that stood out for me. Kinda sleepy.
Orbital
2/5
Nothing memorable for me about this one.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
Wow, this one is very typical of the era it was made in. Listening to it, I can imagine what it was like to live through the 60's. Baby boomers in their youth, booming economy, relative peace. At the same time, there was so much civil unrest, with the Vietman war raging, high profile deaths and assassinations, I can understand why something so bubbly, cheery, and harmonizing would be appealing to listen to.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
So refreshing! The first song - Chameleon - was an absolute banger! Very experimental, fresh sound. So much going on with the instrumentation, it was such a journey to listen to.
Dolly Parton
1/5
This was hard to get through. Not my style and all the slow songs are such a drag. Yuck.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Excellent. This was a total mood. Love the hardcore electric guitar.
Nick Drake
3/5
I enjoyed this album. Typically these slow beat songs are not to my liking, but this one was a nice listen. Perfect for a rainy day.
5/5
What makes a good album? U2 figured it out with this one. The perfect mix of everything. Sorrow, joy, hope, instrumentation, compilation - this album is a journey. And a timeless one at that. Not a bad song in the album either. It's been too long since I gave U2 a listen, and it was a joy to go back.
Morrissey
1/5
Ugh, what did I just listen to? Spotify summed it up better than I can - theatrical, crooning, romantic angst, social alienation, and cunning wit. There's a lot to unpack in this album, but I won't be go back for it. It's a British kind of weird.
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
I enjoyed this one. I can see why it had underground following. Fun, weird, punk, indie - who doesn't love that?
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Great album to showcase the range of Stevie's work. Started pretty slow, very gospel, but then transitioned to more soul and funk that I prefer. I really enjoyed the reggae song in the middle, it was a nice change. Overall, solid album with a mix of good and bad, but I feel like Songs in the Key of Life has some better songs on it.
Paul Simon
5/5
Great choice. I love Simon and Garfunkel, but this album really highlights the creative freedom Paul Simon had in going solo. The range of sound in here is beautiful.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
What an amazing compilation of artist collaborating together. I never realized signer Damon Albarn was involved in so many bands, but I'm a fan of both Gorillaz and Blue, so no surprise that I enjoyed this as well.
If Blur is the Brit pop and Gorillaz is the alternative hip hop, then The Good The Bad and The Queen is the mellow rock side of Albarn. While I enjoyed this album, none of the songs stood out for me. I prefer his other, more upbeat styles, to this one.
Good album, but didn't stand out. I know this band because their hit "Oh La La" was one of the first songs I learned on guitar. I think the music is simple, but classic, which is why it's easy to learn.
808 State
3/5
Nice change. This isn't my genre, but I'm trying to be open to it. And honestly, I can appreciate the experimentation that went into this music. Very fresh sound. They are using samples from everywhere to make the music - the nature sounds in Pacific 202 particularly hit.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Good example of a rap album before it became gangsta rap. No glorifying gun culture, just a lot of social messaging. Basically poetry overloid with a simple beat. I like the sampling, particularly the sampling of Stevie Wonder's \"Sir Duke.\"
R.E.M.
3/5
Good album. Easy listening. Takes me back to the 90's. Curious choice of album for this band - I feel like they have bigger hits on other albums.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Very reminiscent to the style and era. I miss the days when rap didn't have sex, guns, and money in every lyric.
My favorite part of this album was the suggested songs Spotify played for me after it.
Bad Company
3/5
Fun rock n roll album from a lesser known band.
Daft Punk
2/5
Nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst nn-tst
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Great to see more female artists in the list! Great album with a beautiful voice and message. There are a lot of influences you can hear in the music - gospel, hip hop, even some reggae. Such a strong message that has endured the decades.
Aerosmith
3/5
Everyone knows Aerosmith as a classic rock band with the standout electric guitar sound. But I never realized how much of a blues album this is. Which is not bad by any means. I'd let Steven Tyler wail into my ears all day long.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Some fun ones. Very Motown.
Jefferson Airplane
2/5
Very apt name for this band.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Typical of the Motown sound, very formulaic in the musical composition. Beyond her words, you can hear some of the pain of her life, and with it, the optimism she had to get through it. Aretha deserves her place as a household name for her strong voice. For me, the harmonizing backup singers and simplistic catchy tunes bring it down.
The Prodigy
2/5
Pretty sure this became the soundtrack for every reality TV show for the next 2 decades.
The Police
3/5
So weird in the best way.
Dusty Springfield
1/5
Oof, not my style.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
Didn't know what to expect with this one, but was pleasantly surprised. Like Evanescence, but British. Let your rage out.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
This was a delightful surprise. Somehow reggae and hip hop at the same time. Lyrically personal, like reading someone's diary. Nice listen.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Loved it. This kind of jazz is more palatable for me than that Miles Davis album.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Lovely album, beautiful lyrics and acoustics.
Jack White
3/5
The weird indie that I love. I learned Jack White is from Michigan - always love some Midwest representation!
The Fall
3/5
Motörhead
3/5
So much passion and rage. Time to go smash stuff.
John Coltrane
4/5
Beautiful music, although I feel it can't be appreciated on an album. I would love to hear it live to appreciate the interplay between instruments. Also think I don't have the discipline to give this music the attention it needs.
N.W.A.
3/5
I respect NWA for the dialogue they start with their controversial music. It's very provocative. I don't respect how misogynistic they are.
The Temptations
2/5
Very Motown, harmonizing and formulaic in the structure. Even songs that aren't happy have a cheery, harmonizing sound, which is such a strange disconnect.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
This album has exactly what's missing from the Motown albums - soul. So much soul.
Dr. Dre
4/5
What a monumental album. I was born the year before this came out, so I'm too young to have grown up with it, but I also know how impactful this album was to hip hop and our culture. It takes me back to that time and is fun listening to with the understanding of it's impact now.
Generally, the sound is fresh, violent, catchy, highly sexualized. There so much to say about this album, and it definitely deserves this place on this list as a must-listen.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Bob Marley is so much more than a stoner.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
So much rage. This music is all political, kinda too much so.
Richard Hawley
1/5
Oof, couldn't even finish it.
Justice
2/5
Daft Punk, dat you?
Mostly forgettable except for that one song I've heard on the radio.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
So good! This album was so freshing, especially since it's not English or western. It's also different from other African musicians I've heard. It seemed like an African take on country.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Not memorable for me.
Radiohead
3/5
Radiohead really stands out for the distinctive vocals. Such a defining and unique sound. Only negative to this album is there aren't any hits or upbeat tracks.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Don't know anything about this artist, but he sounds British. So weird.
The Who
4/5
Contrasting to yesterday's album, this was so British in the best way. Classics are classics for a reason.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Nice, OG DJ before they were cool. So hipster!
Rush
3/5
It really strikes me what a beautiful voice the vocalist, Geddy Lee, has. I think it's an underrated thing with 80's rock bands in general. Rush, The Who, Journey - the vocals sound so similar, and the vocalists are so distinct that it cuts through in a noticeable (good) way.
Eminem
3/5
The thing about Eminem is that he wasn't afraid the vocalize some of the worst thoughts that people have. In doing so, he prompted national discussion about important topics. And he did it in a way that made people listen cuz he's a skilled rapper.
The Band
3/5
Very reminiscent of it's era. Not much stood out to me.
The Byrds
2/5
I got one thing from listening to this album - I've learned that I despise harmonized vocals. Yuck.
Janet Jackson
3/5
Fun 80's album, but I more a fan of Michael.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Still not a fan of harmonizing. I appreciate the guitar though. I think if this album didn't have the vocals (or humming in the non-vocal song), I might like it.
King Crimson
4/5
So fresh and experimental. New sound for me.
The Police
4/5
Only The Police can sing \"every breath you take, I'll be watching you\" and not creep me out. Bravo.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Synth pop is a fun genre, but it all sounds the same.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
Nice to get some non-western representation here. Beautiful music.
The Band
1/5
Why do they sound so bad? Ugh, I can't stand it. This band has the most basic name and the most obnoxious sound.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
I don't know anything about this album, but it sounds like one with high production effort. It's very theatrical, there are operas in the background, just a lot of bells and whistles. Maybe it's all above my head, but it doesn't seem musically special to me, and I'm not compelled to listen again. Maybe there's some takeaway here on modern music production, that it's overly commercialized, but I'll leave that to someone who has more insight.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Fatboy Slim is consistent. Can see why he's had a career spanning the decades. Respect.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I'm surprised that I enjoyed several songs on this one. I can see how Elvis was so alluring for his generation - he's really smooth.
Deep Purple
3/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
This album is almost as close to perfection as you can get. So much soul, so much grit, so much toe-tapping goodness. CCR is the every man's music, and it lifts me up every time.
Even more incredible, this album is one of 3 CCR released in 1969, and one of 6 released over a 3 year period. Their music is such a gift to the world that it's still hits over 50 years later.
Pixies
3/5
Gene Clark
2/5
John Martyn
3/5
Deerhunter
3/5
Joni Mitchell
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Sparks
1/5
It's different, but not in a good way.
k.d. lang
2/5
Girl power!
Frank Ocean
3/5
Been awhile since I got an album I know! I haven't listened to this in full since it came out. Aside from a few hits, I don't understand the hype of Frank Ocean. I wonder if he can be credited for kicking off the era of slow beats that defined the 2010's music? Wasn't much of a fan of that either.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Queen
3/5
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
50 Cent
4/5
Ahh, the wholesome music of my childhood. A real blast from the past, and a good snapshot in time of music from that era. I feel so naughty listening to this at work now, so I guess it's good I was too young to understand the lyrics as a kid!
Paul Simon
2/5
What happened to Paul Simon? I enjoyed the other album of his - the self titled one. This album just sounds like he lost all passion for his music. "Cars are cars all over the world" - that's the best he could come up with? What is that?
Frank Sinatra
3/5
An entire album about "making whoopee," but in the most classy way. That's Frank Sinatra in a nutshell. I reckon we can all relate to that!
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Pixies
3/5
Boston
3/5
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Steely Dan
3/5
Elliott Smith
3/5
One thing I've learned about myself in doing this project is I have a lot of respect for artists whose music is reflective of the time period while also being unique to the artist. It's a fine balance, and this album is a great example. It's so uniquely 90's alternative, but in a distinctive way.
There is a lot of pain and apathy in this album, and it pulls me into the emotions and life of Elliott Smith. He had an untimely death not long after this album was released, so it's an even more poinient snapshot in time of a troubled life.
White Denim
3/5
Sonic Youth
3/5
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
I can imagine how fun this music would be live. I can see people dancing and jiving at a party. It really brings it to life, more than it is for me listening in my headphones sitting at my desk.
It puts into perspective how music has changed over the ages depending on how it is listened to.
The White Stripes
4/5
Timeless. Fresh. Weird. Edgy.
Very deserving of a place on this list.
Nirvana
5/5
Once upon a time, there was a man who possessed an incredible talent, and great pain. He lived a remarkable life, cut much too short.
He created a world for all of us, to stop by as long as we want. In that world, you can come as you are, as you were, just as he wants you to be. Take a rest, as a friend, as an old memoria.
You can listen - with the lights out, it's less dangerous. Here we are now, entertain us.
Get away, away, away from your home. We might be afraid, but he is but a ghost. We can visit his world, and while there, we could plant a house, we could build a tree.
He's the one who taught us to love ourselves better than you.
We're the ones who likes all his pretty songs, and we like to sing along, and we like to shoot our guns. But we know not what he means.
We'll forever wonder why he'd rather be dead than cool.
So let's light our candles for him, 'cause one day he found God.
RIP.
The White Stripes
3/5
Snoop Dogg
3/5
So this is the beginning of the legend that is Snoop Dogg. True to form, he created his own language in this album. It's so experimental and every track is unique. Surprisingly, there is only one song on the album that stood out for me.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Arcade Fire
2/5
Ozomatli
3/5
Black Flag
1/5
Van Halen
4/5
David Bowie
2/5
CHIC
3/5
The Coral
3/5
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
4/5
Wilco
3/5
Klaxons
3/5
Sonic Youth
3/5
De La Soul
3/5
One of the first ever rap albums. While overall fairly simplistic in composition and lyrics, several songs were pretty catchy. Notably absent were the typical guns, drugs, and violence we all associate with rap (there were those weird sex noises however).
David Bowie
3/5
I'm a fan of Bowie, but I don't enjoy the albums as much as I enjoy the hits. My favorite Bowie are the poppy hits, so maybe it's just not for me to go deep into. Heroes was the only track on this one that stood out to me.
AC/DC
5/5
The Temptations
4/5
I was not excited to listen to another Motown album, but I'm pleasantly surprised. While most Motown I'm familiar with is bubbly and relatively superficial lyrics, this one has sophisticated layering of sounds with some serious, political tones matched by the vocals. And hey, I'm a sucker for the funk.
Orange Juice
3/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
There isn't a CCR song that I don't love. For their 6 albums released over just 3 years of making music, it still endures half a century later.
Air
3/5
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Cat Stevens
3/5
Beyoncé
3/5
Damn, Beyonce. TMI.
Thelonious Monk
2/5
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Undeniably groundbreaking album. 4/5 rather because the gun shot sound bites are triggering and sex sound bites unnecessary.
Bon Jovi
4/5
Pulp
2/5
Aerosmith
3/5
The Offspring
3/5
I'm white, I'm American, I dig it.
Fiona Apple
3/5
KISS
3/5
Interesting to see on this list. They are before my time, but my impression of KISS is they are more entertainers than musicians.
Scott Walker
1/5
I don't see the appeal of this kind of music. The guy has a good voice, but I don't get anything out of it.
Cee Lo Green
1/5
I was introduced to CeeLo Green with the hit "Fuck You," when we were all subjected to that repeatedly for an entire summer. That was about a decade after this album came out. All told, I don't feel like there's much that CeeLo has contributed to music that hasn't already been done.
There's so much going on here that he comes across here as trying too hard. It's all over the place with genres that I can't get a sense of his style, but the soul isn't strong enough to name the entire album after. He has some big name contributing artists, but they honestly overshadow him. Quite forgettable. I guess we can all have the last "fuck you."
Cream
2/5
Very hippy sound. Weirdly high-pitched vocals. Doesn't stand out for me.
Kanye West
4/5
It's hard not to compare this to the CeeLo Green album from the same year, 2004, because I just listened to that one before this. You have 2 hip hop artists with large egos trying to make it on a competitive scene with their distinctive soul style. Unfortunately for CeeLo, Kanye actually has the talent. As flawed as he is, and insufferable now, Kanye was undeniably fresh. The way he layers sounds on sounds on vocals is magical. My favorite tracks: All Falls Down, Jesus Walks, Through the Wire. Honorable mention to School Spirit, which isn't as deep in the lyrics but just fun to listen to. Respect to Kanye for bringing his religion into his music in a way that doesn't turn me off.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
Sooooooooo sleepy.
Mudhoney
2/5
Butthole Surfers
1/5
Frank Zappa
3/5
Pretenders
3/5
Fabulously '80s (even if technically 1979) and fun. The lead vocalist, Chrissie Hynde, has a powerful and distinct voice.
Pulp
1/5
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
David Gray
3/5
Great if you're in a depressive state. I would've been all over this in high school if it was on my radar. Now, I prefer something more upbeat, but it doesn't diminish the music. Gray's voice is pretty grating, however - something very whiny about it.
The War On Drugs
2/5
Nirvana
3/5
Doesn't have as broad appeal as Nevermind. Only a few songs on here that I enjoyed. I think this album is too heavy on the rage and too light on the introspect.
American Music Club
3/5
Another in a string of forgettable albums recently. I don't see how this album ended up on the list. It is also strangely the first one I've come across that isn't on Spotify, even though other American Music Club albums are on there?
I will say there is an interesting range of styles and genres found on this album. It started out very folksy/country, and then turned to Counting Crows-esque, and ended with indie alternative vibes.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
This is all foreign to me, but I enjoyed it so much. The music is beautiful to listen to, and the guitar player is very skilled.
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
Adele
3/5
I've always been a fan of Adele, and this album is probably her best. She is a vocal powerhouse, no doubt. I'm not convinced she is musically notable or brings much innovation.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Pentangle
3/5
The Beach Boys
2/5
Little Richard
3/5
It's catchy and Little Richard has a powerful, distinct voice. It's very repetitive without much depth to the lyrics. Overall, all the songs seem to be following the same formula.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Rod Stewart
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Sade
2/5
Iggy Pop
4/5
This album solidified for me how important this project has been for shifting my perspective. Before doing this, I probably would listen to the #1 hit and decide it's not for me. Starting off, I wrote it off. At "Turn Blue" (track 7 of 9), I was converted. I've played the whole album a second time through, and I love it!
It's so weird and edgy, and I love that an album from half a century ago still feels so fresh. I get major Bowie vibes. Turn Blue is such an awesome track, with so much going on, and it reminds me of Bohemian Rhapsody. Mostly I'm just trying to understand my turnaround, but I'm glad I gave it a chance.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Keith Jarrett
2/5
2/5 not because the music is bad - it's certainly not - but as an album, it doesn't work for me. This kind of music should be heard live, and a recording can't do it justice.
The Pharcyde
3/5
Foo Fighters
4/5
Massive Attack
3/5
1/5
Kate Bush
2/5
The United States Of America
3/5
Music is a great medium to express political discontent, but I still need a reason to listen in the first place. It got more enjoyable as the album went on, but it came out so strong as overly political without enjoyable music to back it up.
Radiohead
2/5
I typically like this genre, but the lead singer is so grating to listen to.
Björk
3/5
Different in a good way. The album covered a range of emotions, and the singer matched that powerfully with her voice. I am impressed by how emotive she was.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
Never thought I would be a metal fan, but I loved it. So much emotion and rage, and I hung on. It is timeless in the topics they explored, but timestamped by the style, but experimental all at the same time.
3/5
The Beach Boys
3/5
I enjoyed this more than Pet Sounds. Not as classically Beach Boys, but very experimental from their signature style. I decided to give Pet Sounds another listen after this, and I can appreciate how groundbreaking the band is for remaking itself over and over.
OutKast
4/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
I'm separated from Elvis by much time and several generations. It's not my preference, but damn, I can't deny his impact. After listening to this debut album, I see Elvis's appeal is so much deeper than a physical attraction. I would argue he is the precursor to modern pop music, making music for mass appeal. His range in this album is remarkable.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
I like him better than the Beach Boys. He should've been given more credit. Too bad his addictions took him before he could contribute more to music.
OutKast
3/5
This album is too long. I don't understand why it wasn't released as 2 albums since that's basically what it is. There are some major hits on here, but they are buried by a bunch of forgettable tracks.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Talking Heads
3/5
New York Dolls
3/5
Muddy Waters
4/5
Elton John
4/5
Judas Priest
2/5
Nothing special here. This list does seem to have a bias toward 80's rock.
Tom Tom Club
3/5
This was an interesting listen. I found Wordy Rappinghood really cringe - it was like listening to a children's program. Then to Genius of Love, which was my favorite track. So a mixed bag, but overall something different.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Coldplay
5/5
This is peak Coldplay. The acoustics really make the music, and the lyrics back them up. Most of their newer stuff is too commercial, it's basically the formula for pop hits. But this album feels more genuine and thoughtful. It's also worth noting that Chris Martin can't sing, lol, but it doesn't bother me.
Prince
4/5
This album was all over the place. It's so fabulously '80s. Absolute banger.
Femi Kuti
3/5
Mike Ladd
2/5
Mj Cole
2/5
Fugees
3/5
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
The Verve
1/5
The whine is like nails on a chalkboard.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
I usually comment on orchestral music like this that it doesn't translate in a recording. However, it works here. I enjoyed this music and it feels timeless.
Kanye West
3/5
Kanye started off strong in my opinion, but this is where he started to go off the rails musically. The first half of the album is strong and memorable, but it deviates into something unrecognizable.
David Bowie
3/5
Miles Davis
4/5
Faust
4/5
UB40
3/5
Good background music for work or casual listening. I can't listen too closely because it is so repetitive. It's like every song is the same beat overlaid with a simple lyric, repeat for 4 minutes, times x songs. Boom, you made a reggae album!
Johnny Cash
4/5
I'm being open-minded with this one because it is not my preference. However, respect to Johnny Cash for his music. He has a unique ability to bring his personality and experience into his music. Even though I've never done hard drugs or been in jail, he is relatable and real. Normally I'd rate this 3 stars for being neutral to my taste, but I'm giving it an extra star for being unique it musical quality.
David Bowie
4/5
Fiona Apple
1/5
This was not pleasant to listen to. At the end of the first track, she was making dolphin calls... And it didn't get better from there.
Prince
4/5
Beach House
3/5
Ahhh, to be in the 2010's again. Such an innocent time with whiny, depressing music.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I can understand how some people find Dylan's voice grating, but if you are able to overlook that, you can appreciate his skill lyrically. At the least, the man can make a harmonica sing! He is rightfully the king of folk music.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Ramones
3/5
3/5
Suede
3/5
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Aretha had a way of eliciting hope even when she was singing of pain. Her voice was very powerful, and this album is a good demonstration of her range. Respect.
The Clash
4/5
The National
2/5
Absolutely boring.
Aphex Twin
3/5
I don't hate it, and it seems like it would be fine for everyone. But at the same time, there's nothing to love. It's just generic white noise, like what they put on when you're getting a message. It's easy to tune out to.
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
There was a RHCP album that came out in 2006, when I was in high school. I remember one of their hits coming on the radio, and as I was singing along, my dad turned to me and said, "How do you know this band? I listened to them in the '80s!"
I think Californication from 1999 is RHCO's peak, but they've been making good music for decades. There aren't many things my baby boomer father and I, as a millennial, have in common. But they bridge the generations!
Nirvana
5/5
There is nothing I can say about Nirvana that hasn't already been said. Instead, I'm going to repost my Nirvana tribute from the Nevermind album.
--
Once upon a time, there was a man who possessed an incredible talent, and great pain. He lived a remarkable life, cut much too short.
He created a world for all of us, to stop by as long as we want. In that world, you can come as you are, as you were, just as he wants you to be. Take a rest, as a friend, as an old memoria.
You can listen - with the lights out, it's less dangerous. Here we are now, entertain us.
Get away, away, away from your home. We might be afraid, but he is but a ghost. We can visit his world, and while there, we could plant a house, we could build a tree.
He's the one who taught us to love ourselves better than you.
We're the ones who likes all his pretty songs, and we like to sing along, and we like to shoot our guns. But we know not what he means.
We'll forever wonder why he'd rather be dead than cool.
So let's light our candles for him, 'cause one day he found God.
RIP.
The Smiths
3/5
Paul Weller
3/5
Screaming Trees
3/5
Spiritualized
4/5
Rush
3/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Marilyn Manson
1/5
Listening to Marilyn Manson feels like scratching my own ear drums.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Grizzly Bear
2/5
It's like every other band from the 2010's. They were all, "look ma, I can harmonize and use technology as instruments!" In the end, it all becomes one-note and very forgettable. Every track is the same, no highs or lows or memorable moments to speak of.
Alice In Chains
1/5
Better than Marilyn Manson, but that's not saying much.
Joy Division
3/5
Missy Elliott
4/5
Not necessarily an album I plan to revisit, but there is some depth in these lyrics. Good mix of hits and some deep themes explored.
Ravi Shankar
2/5
Nice to have some Indian representation, but it all sounds like the same sound. It bothered me that the artist was doing a music lesson, it didn't add anything for me.
The Stooges
3/5
Blur
4/5
Lorde
3/5
Some hits from back in my day, but overall pretty forgettable.
Ride
2/5
Insufferable, dreary, boring.
Barry Adamson
3/5
Laura Nyro
3/5
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Timeless album. Very strong lyrically. She explores some very deep topics in American culture, which are still relevant today almost 40 years later.
2/5
I don't understand jazz.
Method Man
3/5
Seemed lyrically dense, but not something I typically listen to, so I didn't get much out of it.
Talking Heads
5/5
I have no thoughtful or academic review of this album, but it's so weird and I loved it.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
I have no thoughtful or academic review of this album, but it's so weird and I loved it.
Kate Bush
2/5
Mekons
3/5
Goldfrapp
3/5
Radiohead
3/5
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
2/5
Maybe some of my disconnect with this album is that it came generations before me, but the lyrics were pretty basic and forgettable. One positive is the guitar instrumentation. Very rockabilly and skillful. I imagine it was fun to dance to at a sock hop.
Sam Cooke
5/5
Sam Cooke is an unusually special artist for his enduring appeal generations later. His voice is beautiful, smooth, and just pulls me in. More importantly, he is able to address deep racial topics, even bring hope that they might change, but also get me dancing on the same album. I personally believe his untimely death was orchestrated by the CIA because his appeal and ability to keep our ugliest racial problems at the forefront of the public discourse was indeed dangerous to the status quo.
This performance displays greatly how appealing Sam was. How amazing it would have been to hear him live! I'm familiar with several of these songs, and it's a truly talented musician that can make the live version better than the recorder version. The joy in the crowd comes across in the recording. RIP Sam Cooke, and rest easy knowing we're still "Having a Party" in your honor.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
This is so fantastically '80s and also uniquely Cyndi Lauper. It's a fun and timeless album. There has been none other like Cyndi Lauper, and I can't imagine there ever will be.
Van Morrison
3/5
Enduring music, beautiful lyrics, but no bangers or standouts.
Mylo
3/5
Some of these tracks were fine, others straight obnoxious. In general, every track is one riff repeated over and over. I don't understand dance music.
Tom Waits
3/5
Started off strong, and became kinda forgettable by the end.
Arrested Development
4/5
Not musically special, but feels culturally significant.
Miles Davis
4/5
Neil Young
3/5
The Damned
3/5
Sigur Rós
2/5
It's good music to listen to while trying to fall asleep, but that's not exactly a compliment.
Joe Ely
2/5
Just not for me.
ZZ Top
3/5
Dope guitaring. Otherwise forgettable.
Funkadelic
4/5
One of the first albums I listened to for this project was Clinton's "Maggot Brain." Upon hearing the first track that gave the album it's name, my brain melted. Now we get more George Clinton and my brain is still melting. Amazing!
Turbonegro
3/5
Erykah Badu
2/5
Im trying not to let my dislike of her voice cloud my judgement of the music. That said, as a woman, I don't agree with the sweeping generalizations she makes about women. I suppose my experience is very different, so I'm not compelled to listen to this again.
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
Pretty cringe.
Eminem
4/5
Aside from a couple hits, Eminem is not someone I enjoy listening to. But I'm reviewing this in the context of an artist who reflected our culture in a way that had never been done and consequently changed our culture so profoundly.
We are so careful to be politically correct that we take certain topics and ignore them entirely. This album is like the diary of an 18 year old American boy, completely unfiltered, but also real and relatable for so many. It forces us to confront those topics - the most ugly, terrible parts of our humanity. They are real, and by discussing them, Eminem gave voice to so many other white American teenage boys. It might be ugly for the rest of us, but I respect that we are forced to confront them and acknowledge that their existence.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Today is Fleetwood Mac day! I love this album. It pre-dates my generation, but it's timeless and universal. One of the few albums that is perfection - not a bad track to speak of. Beyond that, I can't put my finger on what it is about this album. I don't think the music is particularly deep, resonant, or culturally significant, nor is it musically complex or unique. I think that speaks to how special it is as something that continues to pull people in generations later.
Mariah Carey
3/5
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Some lasting hits on here, but more of the same in terms of classic 70's rock n roll. That genre seems overrepresented on this list.
Tom Waits
4/5
Something about a man singing in a voice as if he's swallowed a bucket of nails, chugged a pint of beer, and just gotten into a bar fight gets me going.
Pearl Jam
4/5
Very strong album - no bad tracks. I feel like the 90's, maybe 2000's, was the last era of diverse music before overly commercialized pop took over. And Pearl Jam is an iconic, defining sound of the 90's.
Steely Dan
3/5
Guns N' Roses
4/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Bobby Womack
4/5
Elliott Smith
3/5
David Bowie
4/5
The Smiths
3/5
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
Very 80s and very Bowie. Surprisingly enjoyed this one.
Elastica
3/5
I've never heard of this band, and I didn't expect to like them, but was pleasantly surprised. Solid album with very '90s sound but also a bit of precursor to the 2000's pop punk sound.
Santana
5/5
Santana makes the guitar sing in a way that is beautiful. This album also stands out for the range in genres while also being uniquely Santana.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
I like weird, but maybe only mild weird. Besides their major hit "Take Me Out," this was so weird it just wasn't fun to listen to.
Beth Orton
3/5
Lightning Bolt
1/5
It's just noise, and not pleasant noise at that.
Dire Straits
5/5
Reminds me of another one of my favorites, JJ Cale. Not a bad track on here. Nothing special to mention, just good for casual listening.
Billy Joel
4/5
I'm not usually a fan of this genre of music - I call it musical soundtrack music cuz that's what it sounds like to me. But Billy Joel is so skilled that I can understand the appeal to his musical style. Very impressive album with strong tracks and deep lyricism.
Beastie Boys
4/5
One of my favorite bands thanks to this project. This album is the most classic Beastie Boys sound. Some strong hits, although the lyrics aren't particularly deep. I prefer later era Beastie Boys when they got more instrumental and funky.
Kate Bush
1/5
I just don't understand her appeal. She's got some crazy energy.
Suicide
2/5
Björk
1/5
Imagine watching a movie with a character who thinks she's the greatest singer, but she's actually really terrible. I imagine this music is exactly how Hollywood would depict that scene. It's very strange, and I don't see the musical value.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I see both sides of why Dylan is so polarizing. I love that he stands for the working class, his lyrics are like poetry set to his signature harmonica, and he has a unique sound. I also understand how his voice has a grating drawl, his songs drag on, and there's nothing upbeat about them. This album is more on the negative side for me. There wasn't much with the signature Dylan style that pulled me in.
Otis Redding
4/5
I was about to rate this 3 stars, just felt it was nothing special, but at the live versions, this album finally came alive. The recorded versions just don't have the passion that makes Otis Redding what he is. At first, I would've said Sam Cooke sang it better, but Sam Cooke is similar for me in that his singing is much better live than recorded. Comparing Redding's live versions of Cooke's music, I think they are equally good, with each having their signature styles.
I've always appreciated Redding's passion that he brings into his music. He has a distinctive style, and it's fun to hear his unique spin on these covers.
2Pac
5/5
Rap music gets a bad rep, which I get. Most of it is violent and misogynistic, and the genre is overrun with so many mediocre artists. If anyone ever needed to be challenged on their preconceptions of rap music, listen to "Dear Momma." What a beautiful song and tribute. The album as a whole stands out for the deep lyricism and complexities of topics that are touched on. Plus 2Pac has a flow to his music that ties it together for an exceptional album.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
R.E.M.
4/5
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
The Streets
1/5
The Replacements
3/5
Slipknot
2/5
Patti Smith
4/5
Supertramp
3/5
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
The Divine Comedy
2/5
There's another Divine Comedy album on this list? Why?
Miles Davis
3/5
Green Day
5/5
I was excited when this album came up to see music from my generation. I didn't realize Green Day is almost before my time, they've been making music since I was born. I always associate them with the 2000's pop-punk era, but in reality, they started it all. They took the punk influence from the 80's-90's and made it their own, which spawned a whole different genre.
This album is such a banger, and it's the whole package. Green Day is pretty political and culturally relevant with their lyrics, the instrumentation holds it's own, and there isn't a weak song on this album.
Arcade Fire
4/5
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
The Fall
3/5
Soundgarden
3/5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
The Who
3/5
a-ha
3/5
Pink Floyd
4/5
The Adverts
3/5
Blondie
3/5
Fun album with good range of sound. It comes out strong with One Way or Another, which stands out over the rest, but all the tracks are pretty strong. The lead singer especially puts a lot of emotion into her singing. I also love the reggae influence that comes in.
Carole King
3/5
Genesis
3/5
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
This isn't music, it's just noise.
The Zombies
2/5
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
5/5
Lou Reed
2/5
Somehow he managed to make rock n roll boring.
The Kinks
3/5
Insufferably peppy
Can
4/5
3/5
I'm not really the target demographic for Limp Bizkit, but I respect the range of sound in this album.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
David Bowie
3/5
Napalm Death
1/5
I didn't listen after the first couple songs cuz why would I voluntarily let my ears be raped by this shit?
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
4/5
That was a fun adventure! I don't know how to categorize the music but in a good way.
The Pogues
3/5
I enjoy Irish music once in awhile, so this was a good listen. But it is what it is, so while I know what I'm getting into, but it's not any more than that.
Beastie Boys
4/5
I love the Beastie Boys, but I prefer the later stuff. However, this album contains some of the best, most iconic Beastie Boys. Most of it has an amateur sound. Overall, a great album with fresh sound, but needs some fine tuning to get a perfect rating.
Steely Dan
4/5
These guys can harmonize anything! It's catchy, and most tracks are likeable.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Richard Thompson
2/5
Suede
3/5
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I enjoy funky Stevie Wonder, so of course "Superstition" is a standout for this album. Otherwise, most of this is forgettable. Too heavy on the slow songs and too light on the hits.
Beck
4/5
Motörhead
3/5
The first track was fine. And then it was like the same song over and over.
The Kinks
3/5
Silver Jews
1/5
I don't understand the musical value.
Radiohead
3/5
Started off interesting and ended slow and draining.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Listened while driving in traffic, and it never picked up like it needed to be memorable.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Easy listening. Not monumental.
Wild Beasts
3/5
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
The Cure
3/5
I've listened to this album multiple times, hoping that at some point it might catch my attention. I like The Cure, and I can tell this album is special for its experimentation and punk style. I just can't get into it, it doesn't draw me in.
Wilco
3/5
A fine listen but forgettable.
Van Morrison
4/5
It's a lyrically beautiful album. Like a passionate summer romance. If there was a bit of pop in there, it would be perfect.
Yes
5/5
That was an enjoyable listen. Just all around good music. Very 70's sound without sounding dated. The Clap caught my attention, and then I was hooked.
The Darkness
3/5
Not bad, just not for me.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Norah Jones
4/5
The 11 year old in me is enjoying the nostalgia trip. I can't find any fault with this album. Jones's voice is as smooth as butter, and she evokes the perfect dreamy summer day vibe.
Michael Jackson
5/5
They don't call him the king of pop for no reason.