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.

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.

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.

Strong 80's sound, fun listening

Not for me

Unique sound

Fun listening, a few good hits

Experimental, new sound

Social commentary to a beat. Lots of rage in this album.

Good album. Started off strong.

Instrumental, bluesy, good vibe

Sounded like the soundtrack to a musical. Not for me.

Good to have on as background music. Low-key, good beats

Good to have on as background music. Low-key, good beats

Very dense lyrically, beautiful guitar. Slow to get through for me.

Fun album. Enjoyed the beat.

Very country. Respect the music but not for me.

Strong 80s sound. Fun music

Loved this album. Absolutely masterful sound layering. Very experimental and successfully done.

Total rock album. Kinda faded into the background for me.

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.

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.

Sounded like the soundtrack to a movie to me. Really not for me.

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.

Great album. Adele's voice is so powerful. Wonderful for listening to after a breakup.

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.

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.

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.

Interesting listen. Makes me think of a rock musical soundtrack. Lots of variation here, well composed, solid album.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nice 80's rock album. The fact that it's a live recording makes it better. Fun listen.

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.

Great soft rock album! I enjoyed this one, with a good mix of upbeat and slow songs. Timeless album.

Bit sleepy for me. Wouldn't listen again.

Oh the twang! Good music, but not for me.

Early album for 90's era rap, and this one defined the genre. Great lyrics overlaid with a simple beat and instrumentation. Perfection!

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.

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.

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.

Nothing memorable for me about this one.

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.

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.

This was hard to get through. Not my style and all the slow songs are such a drag. Yuck.

Excellent. This was a total mood. Love the hardcore electric guitar.

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.

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.

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.

I enjoyed this one. I can see why it had underground following. Fun, weird, punk, indie - who doesn't love that?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.\"

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.

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.

Fun rock n roll album from a lesser known band.

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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.

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.

Some fun ones. Very Motown.

Very apt name for this band.

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.

Pretty sure this became the soundtrack for every reality TV show for the next 2 decades.

So weird in the best way.

Oof, not my style.

Didn't know what to expect with this one, but was pleasantly surprised. Like Evanescence, but British. Let your rage out.

This was a delightful surprise. Somehow reggae and hip hop at the same time. Lyrically personal, like reading someone's diary. Nice listen.

Loved it. This kind of jazz is more palatable for me than that Miles Davis album.

Lovely album, beautiful lyrics and acoustics.

The weird indie that I love. I learned Jack White is from Michigan - always love some Midwest representation!

So much passion and rage. Time to go smash stuff.

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.

I respect NWA for the dialogue they start with their controversial music. It's very provocative. I don't respect how misogynistic they are.

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.

This album has exactly what's missing from the Motown albums - soul. So much soul.

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 is so much more than a stoner.

So much rage. This music is all political, kinda too much so.

Oof, couldn't even finish it.

Daft Punk, dat you? Mostly forgettable except for that one song I've heard on the radio.

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.

Not memorable for me.

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.

Don't know anything about this artist, but he sounds British. So weird.

Contrasting to yesterday's album, this was so British in the best way. Classics are classics for a reason.

Nice, OG DJ before they were cool. So hipster!

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.

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.

Very reminiscent of it's era. Not much stood out to me.

I got one thing from listening to this album - I've learned that I despise harmonized vocals. Yuck.

Fun 80's album, but I more a fan of Michael.

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.

So fresh and experimental. New sound for me.

Only The Police can sing \"every breath you take, I'll be watching you\" and not creep me out. Bravo.

Synth pop is a fun genre, but it all sounds the same.

Nice to get some non-western representation here. Beautiful music.

Why do they sound so bad? Ugh, I can't stand it. This band has the most basic name and the most obnoxious sound.

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 is consistent. Can see why he's had a career spanning the decades. Respect.

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.

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.

It's different, but not in a good way.

Girl power!

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.

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!

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?

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!

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.

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.

Timeless. Fresh. Weird. Edgy. Very deserving of a place on this list.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Damn, Beyonce. TMI.

Undeniably groundbreaking album. 4/5 rather because the gun shot sound bites are triggering and sex sound bites unnecessary.

I'm white, I'm American, I dig it.

Interesting to see on this list. They are before my time, but my impression of KISS is they are more entertainers than musicians.

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.

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."

Very hippy sound. Weirdly high-pitched vocals. Doesn't stand out for me.

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.

Sooooooooo sleepy.

Fabulously '80s (even if technically 1979) and fun. The lead vocalist, Chrissie Hynde, has a powerful and distinct voice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I typically like this genre, but the lead singer is so grating to listen to.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nothing special here. This list does seem to have a bias toward 80's rock.

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.

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.

This album was all over the place. It's so fabulously '80s. Absolute banger.

The whine is like nails on a chalkboard.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

Ahhh, to be in the 2010's again. Such an innocent time with whiny, depressing music.

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.

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.

Absolutely boring.

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.

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!

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.

Listening to Marilyn Manson feels like scratching my own ear drums.

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.

Better than Marilyn Manson, but that's not saying much.

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.

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.

Some hits from back in my day, but overall pretty forgettable.

Insufferable, dreary, boring.

Timeless album. Very strong lyrically. She explores some very deep topics in American culture, which are still relevant today almost 40 years later.

I don't understand jazz.

Seemed lyrically dense, but not something I typically listen to, so I didn't get much out of it.

I have no thoughtful or academic review of this album, but it's so weird and I loved it.

I have no thoughtful or academic review of this album, but it's so weird and I loved it.