Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
151
Albums Rated
2.89
Avg Rating
3
5-Star Albums
14%
Complete
938 albums remaining
Rating Speed
2
Per Week
537
Days Active
Reviews
150
Written
99%
Review Rate
vs Global
-0.43
Avg Diff
2.89
Avg Rating
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
1980s
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Harsh
Rater Style
8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| What's That Noise? | 5 | 2.78 | +2.22 |
| Tea for the Tillerman | 5 | 3.69 | +1.31 |
| Rapture | 4 | 2.94 | +1.06 |
| Hot Shots II | 4 | 3 | +1 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bringing It All Back Home | 1 | 3.65 | -2.65 |
| In The Court Of The Crimson King | 1 | 3.6 | -2.6 |
| Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| The Good, The Bad & The Queen | 1 | 3.03 | -2.03 |
| Axis: Bold As Love | 2 | 3.79 | -1.79 |
| Kid A | 2 | 3.71 | -1.71 |
| Music | 1 | 2.68 | -1.68 |
| Getz/Gilberto | 2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
| Birth Of The Cool | 2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
| Catch A Fire | 2 | 3.64 | -1.64 |
5-Star Albums (3)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
What a piece of crap. This seems like it’s talented musician playing poorly and they made an album out of it. With a name like Captain Beefheart I was excited to see what this was going to be. Sadly, it’s garbage. I don’t know why anyone would listen to this ever. Wish I could give less than 1 star.
3 likes
1-Star Albums (8)
All Ratings
Lou Reed
3/5
Pretty good with a couple stand out songs like Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side. The Tuba instead of the bass was kinda fun to hear but a little distracting at the same time.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Found songs that I’ve never heard before. The one I like most is Thinking About You. It’s got punk elements and then there is acoustic k we the top which is kind of amazing… love it!
The Temptations
3/5
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
Has the three hits that are great. Awesome bass playing which appeals to me. But some of the songs sorta seem cliche in their structure and don’t really tickle my fancy.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
Listened over a couple days. It was ok but didn’t really grab me like some other hip hop albums have.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Good old bayou rock. Liked their version of Good Golly Miss Molly better than Little Richards. Also learned what “chooglin” was.
Love
2/5
Really not my style at all. Sounds like every other 60’s band that has flute, harpsichord and harmonica jam band. I did enjoy the vocal expression. Never heard anyone from that era sound so post-punk.
De La Soul
4/5
Really liked it because of the mixture of the beats and melodies. Interesting combinations and flow. Thoughtful lyrics mixed with some silliness. Right up my ally.
Cream
2/5
Strange Brew is an ok song. Sunshine Of Your Love is a classic, but I don’t really care for this style of music. It’s seems like every band from this era played the hackneyed 3-bar blues pattern so much. Which is fine, but not that interesting 60 years later. Probably won’t listen to this one again.
The Mars Volta
3/5
Interesting music. Every drummer I know loves this album, and there are sick drums throughout. Some sick little bass fills in every song but this is definitely “gotta be in a prog mood” for this album.
King Crimson
1/5
Art is subjective, and some people love this stuff. Me? Not so much. The first two songs make sense to me. The others sound like they are the soundtrack to a western or kung fu movie. The last 6 minutes of moonchild sounds like they forgot to hit stop on the recorder and the band is just noodling on their instruments. This is art that I don’t get, but I’m fine with other people liking it… not around me. 🤣
U2
4/5
Enjoyed it. After years of not really giving U2 a chance because everyone in my high school loved them and I fell they were overplayed… this is a pretty good album. Unique music for 1983 when the album dropped. Some great songs, some medium songs but none that felt mailed in. Great bass, guitar and drums. And Bono was Bono. 4.5⭐️s.
FKA twigs
2/5
Ya know when Lorraine McFly says to Marty, “That was some interesting music.” But ya know what she means. This was how I felt about this album. Very sexual lyrics, and breathy singing on lots of the songs. Good vocal range but “interesting” stuff. Not my cup of tea. 1.5⭐️s
Tortoise
3/5
This is an interesting album, and I’m intrigued by it. I don’t know why the first song DJed is one long track instead of broken up in other songs (which would be much better IMO). The rest of the album has that post-rock cool bass lines and funky drums other sounds. All in all, may listen to this again. Will check out there other stuff.
Black Sabbath
3/5
It's funny to me relistening to thes albums that when they were released they were HeAvY MeTaL and now they are pretty tame as far as agressive albums go. I enjoyed the album. Never had listed top to bottom and enjoyed it. Had a few songs that were familiar and i enjoyed them even more in context.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Listened to this and it was so-so. I did notice that some of the lyrics were outstanding. Musically it was a bit underwhelming and mixed like it was recorded in the 60’s… which it was. Can definitely see the influence thy had on more contemporary artists. But probably won’t listen to this again.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Weird 90’s ethereal and ambient. Which is what I think they were going for. Like the New Wave feel but with other more 90’s sounds to it. Was confused lyrically and so I looked it up and that seems to be the big confusion. Are they singing in English… kinda? Will register to this again.
Massive Attack
3/5
Really enjoyed this album. I had not listened to this album top to bottom and it has some great songs. Love the opening track with the hand cramping bassline is fantastic. Love the different vocalists. 3.5*s
Grateful Dead
2/5
Kind of a stale album for me. I only recognized one song, Friend of the Devil. I already liked that song. The other songs didn't seem to land for me. The vocals harmonize reminded me of the Beach Boys but i didn't like them as much. Truckin sounds like a the Barenaked Ladies ripped this off from the Dead. The bass tone was FANTASTIC throughout. 2.5*s
Billy Bragg
2/5
Interesting album. Found myself trying to mimick his accent instead of focusing on the message and music. Noticed the album was a folk album on electric guitar with unique use of synths and other instruments. Might listen again. 2.5
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
1/5
Didn’t really enjoy the music. To me the album is recreating songs that have already been made and the styles have been overdone. Like a 60s-70s album made in 2008. Just not fun or interesting to listen to for me.
Eminem
3/5
Fascinating album. I couldn’t tell why the “hits” on this album were the hits. Most of the album sounds catchy in a similar fashion, but not a lot of distinction from the other songs. Good all around.
The Pretty Things
2/5
Another late 60’s album that was trying a lot of things and some were great! The use of the left/right fader on this album is beyond distracting! Every other song was “what wackadoo left/right fading are they gonna do now?” Lots of breathy British singing, but the album crescendos with a could really good songs. 2.5⭐️s
Pretenders
3/5
Nice refreshing straight forward 80s punk/new wave album. Great bass tones and guitar reminds me of Bathe The Hippie. The middle of the album turns more Fleetwood Mac style. Even some reggae style music. Kinda cool. 3.5⭐️s
Public Enemy
3/5
Listened to this album as a kid. It's drastic how you can tell the difference between analog and digital recording. Wow! Lots of songs that i used to spin back in the day. Don't really know if they hold up the way my brain would like to remember them. Still remember almost all the lyrics.
King Crimson
3/5
Really cool bass tones and loved the wackyness. Kind lost me on some songs, but it was fine in the background as i was working. The only things that distracted me was the bass tones and the marimba. Killer! Liked this more than other King Crimson I’ve listened to.
Eagles
4/5
Sometimes you hear a song at karaoke so many times that you forget that it’s still a really good sone. Hotel California is a fantastic song, killer reggae style baseline in a way that I’ve never noticed. The vocal melody isn’t super interesting in that song but it fits well. Amazing guitar work through the whole album. Mixture of country vibes and classic rock throughout. Really enjoyed the album as a whole.
David Bowie
2/5
This was sort of medium to me. I liked some facets of this but as a whole it didn’t really grab me. Didn’t really have a big stand out song on the album. Need to listen again to see if there’s something to this warbley voiced guy.
Spacemen 3
2/5
Very interesting music, but wasn’t very fun to listen to. I could see enjoying this music live and experiencing the “show gaze” style but listening while driving found my mind wandering to other things and not focusing. May try another album of these guys.
The Replacements
3/5
Solid early 80’s punk album. I’m familiar with The Replacements but hadn’t ever listened to an album too to bottom. It’s not my favorite style but it’s really interesting to listen to. Gary’s Got A Boner wins song title of the day. Answering Machine is a deeper song that you would assume. Will relisten again.
John Lennon
2/5
If it weren’t for that one song… this is not a very interesting album. I don’t know if this album started the trend of having a honky-tonk song and a blues song as a staple of albums of this era, but they’re just not very interesting. The three best songs, Imagine, I Dont Wanna Be A Soldier, and Oh Yoko. The rest, not very interesting or good.
New York Dolls
2/5
This whole album sounds like the bump music that leads into a scene of white trash people in an apartment. None of the songs really stand out to me. Just didn’t really enjoy the music, or much about this album.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Really and iconic album but only has one real banger on it. Immigrant Song is overwhelmingly great! What I hadn’t notice when I’d listened to this album in the past is the poignant and thoughtful lyrics throughout. A very good album!
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I forget how many good songs are on this album when they are stacked up one after the other. I used to be a hater on the RHCP but the older I get the more they are undeniable. Easy listen. Will listen again.
Coldplay
2/5
Really tried to kick my prejudice on this band. I had a difficult time putting my finger on what I dislike about them. This album is kinda good. But, if you like the first song you’re gonna like the next 5-6 songs cause they all kinda sound the same; medium tempo rock that’s not very exciting. From listening all the way through I understand why they are such a popular band but it’s not my favorite kind of music.
Def Leppard
4/5
I will never not laugh at the joke, “what has 9 arms and sucks? Def Leppard” it’s just cynical and snide enough that it brings a smile to my face. This album, on the other hand, is really good! Found myself rating most songs 4-5⭐️s. Catchy vocals, great guitars and fantastic use of the cowbell. Some of the lyrics are a little trite but it’s pop rock, what do you expect?
Blue Cheer
2/5
Wow! Kind of a crazy album with LOTS of drums. Really felt like an unrefined Sabbath or Zeppelin. Very raw and I can see why it influenced a lot of the metal/rock but it wasn’t very fun to listen to. Definitely recorded in the late 60’s.
Nirvana
4/5
Found it difficult to listen to an album with “new ears” when I spun this all the time in high school. Has some great songs and not so great songs. Fun revisit to listen to. All Apologies, and Dumb are my favorites. I wonder how this album would be received if it came out today?
Metallica
4/5
It was tricky to listen to this with new ears, since i wore down the tape when i was in grade 8. Still a great album. What i noticed with this listen is the vocals are so much more aggressive than mainstream music of that time, that it made me chuckle. the guitars are phenomenal throughout the album.
UB40
3/5
Fun reggae album. The problem i have with reggae is that i can’t differentiate between the songs unless i concentrate on the lyrics. I spun this whole album while i was working on a project and didn’t realize that the album had started over and was on track 6 before i looked at the clock to see how much more of the album was left. Not many “bangers” on this one but i will definitely spin this album again.
Van Morrison
4/5
Only knew two songs by Van Morrison before this album. I really enjoyed the unique styles of mixing instruments. I will definitely revisit this album.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I’ve enjoyed Elliott Smith for years but never have listened to his albums front to back. I really like this album, but there are definitely highs and lows on this album. There aren’t any “ugh! Skip” songs but some don’t grab my attention. Say Yes, Between Bars, Alameda and .05 are my faves.
Minor Threat
3/5
Need to listen to this with the lyric sheet in front of me. I know there is more to this than just blast beats and punk singing. Definitely the iconic punk style which I enjoy. Would’ve been awesome to see these guys live back in the day. Look Back and Laugh was my favorite.
Neu!
4/5
Read briefly that this was a krautrock band from the 70’s and boy howdy, did I have the wrong definition of krautrock. This is a very thoughtful, crafted mostly instrumental album. Like, good music for a long drive. Really enjoyed it. ISI and E*Muzik are my favorite tracks. Will listen to more of their stuff.
Jack White
4/5
Great album! Found myself really liking a lot of the songs and wanting to go back and listen. There is one cheeseball piano song that sounds like a 1950’ s song that made me roll my eyes but all in all, loved this one.
The Associates
2/5
This is just not really my style of music. Don’t really care for the vocal styling of this band. The music has that kitschy 80’s style with lots of synth/keys but it’s not really my fave. Just an “ok” album.
Klaxons
4/5
This was kind of a weird album. I really liked it but it didn’t really have any songs that were like, “THATS THE HIT!” I really enjoyed it and will add to the listening pile for sure.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
I had heard the song Band on the Run but the rest of the album was all new to me. It was just sort of medium to me. None of the songs made my socks roll up and down the songs were all very adroitly crafted and recorded. Great musicianship but not my favorite flavor.
The Last Shadow Puppets
4/5
Really liked this album. Very symphonic, and some of the songs sounded like they should be James Bond movie songs. Hits the musical vibes that I really enjoy and will add into the rotation for sure. First three tracks are great!
3/5
I really liked the vibe of this album. This wouldn’t be one that I would ever choose to listen to, but I loved it. The feel of the lyrics and the brutality of being in a cheating relationship was palpable through the descriptive lyrics. Will probably listen again.
The Stooges
2/5
This album didn’t really grab me. I listened to it twice and found myself being distracted easily and not focusing on the music. Although they add unique elements into the songs vocally, guitar solos, saxophone, it just didn’t reach me. May revisit this and give it another shot when I’m not driving around. Just ok.
Fugees
3/5
Most importantly, I enjoyed this album. BUT! They combined some of the most obnoxious things you can do on an album: having police sirens frequently in between songs, and having skits between songs but they have them at the end of the track. Driving around and listening to this album and having to check my mirrors for emergency vehicles is obnoxious. And finishing a song and then getting distracted by some “bit” that takes away from the flow of the music (at least for me) is off putting.
Other than those critiques I enjoyed most of the songs on this album. Like the Remixes of Fu-Gee-La more than the original.
CHIC
4/5
Funky, funky stuff. Never listened to a full album of Chic but I enjoyed it. Definitely heard the hits from this band. Amazing bass playing throughout, and some great dancing and “baby makin” songs on here.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Really enjoyed this album. Haven’t cover to covered this album before but I really enjoyed it! Had a bunch of songs that I had not heard before and really enjoyed them. Will work a few of them into standard rotation. Machine Gun Funk, Juicy and Things Done Changed were faves.
Peter Frampton
4/5
Fun album! Very jam bandy. But not really my favorite style. I’m sure Thai would have been an amazing album to be at. And I’m sure sing Frampton live would have been awesome! You can hear/feel the energy in the album from the audience.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
If you like jazz this is a great album. The recording quality is immaculate for a live album from the 1958. It’s fun to hear the banter with the audience between the songs. Has a very authentic performance element to it, from accidental mic bumps, to the audience speaking to the band.
Merle Haggard
3/5
Not my typical style of music, but I found some of the songs very endearing. Especially liked If You Want to be My Woman for some reason. Maybe that’s where my life is at right now. Probably won’t listen to this one again but it was good.
Stan Getz
2/5
Groovy, jazzy, smooth music. There is a reason that this style is the quintessential “elevator music.” It’s very mellow and calming but not thing really reaches out and grabs ya. Girl From Ipanima is great but still bears the burden of being “elevator music.” Will listen as background. Nothing too exciting on this album.
ZZ Top
2/5
Lagrange is the stand out on this album. The rest of the album wasn’t very exciting to me. Just sort of “meh” blues rock and I’m not really a fan of the blues. It’s just a bit too formulaic for me. The shredding guitars stand out for sure but would probably enjoy the live show more than the recorded music.
Justice
4/5
Freakin great music. Not typically my style but I had this on while I was packing up for a move and I really enjoyed it! Super fun to listen too.
The Kinks
2/5
Didn’t really… just… not interesting to me. It felt like they were trying to recreate the Beatles sound and style but what a big swing and a miss. Didn’t really care for the music, and the lyrics seemed a little insignificant and superficial - something the Beatles were able to get away with because they were the Beatles.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Cool album! I loved the unique experiance of needing to feel the meaning in the music without lyrics. Really a good album. Notices some of the vocal melodies matching the melodies of popular songs and which was fun. May listen agian. Probably 3/5 in my book.
The Doors
3/5
Not bad! I enjoyed the songs that I was familiar with but wasn’t totally blown away. I had heard the Alabama song at karaoke but never knew it was the doors. Will probably listen to this again.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
What a piece of crap. This seems like it’s talented musician playing poorly and they made an album out of it. With a name like Captain Beefheart I was excited to see what this was going to be. Sadly, it’s garbage. I don’t know why anyone would listen to this ever. Wish I could give less than 1 star.
Various Artists
2/5
A good Christmas album. It’s hard to rate this because after having lived through 40+ Christmases and working in retail for some of those years and restaurants in others, not really able to have an unbiased new opinion of these songs that get forced down my throat every December. They’re good, well recorded and produced for the era, but not making my socks roll up and down with excitement. Solid 2.5⭐️s.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Great album! But this is my wheelhouse for sure. The style takes me back to high school and that nostalgia of the 90’s. However, there aren’t many “bangers” on this album. The cover of Paul Simon is amazing and the stand out song for sure.
The Byrds
2/5
Interesting harmonies and guitar tones. Killer bass lines throughout the album but I just don’t dig this era of music for some reason. Gonna look up the bass player and do some studying. 2.5/5
Bob Dylan
1/5
Wow! Didn’t really like that at all. Not my style. Clever lyrically but disappointing musically, tonally and creatively.
Brian Eno
2/5
Interesting album I’ve heard this name
Before but never listened. It sound like music for the tv show “How it’s Made” where they show all the toys and industrial things being build. Probably wouldn’t listen again. But if I’m ever making a documentary on how guitar strings are made I’m using one of these songs.
Ride
3/5
Never heard of these guys but enjoyed about half of the album. Definitely Brit rock from the late 80s-early 90s. Took me back to that era. Would spin as background music at a party to see if anyone I know recognized it.
Jethro Tull
3/5
Interesting super fluty music! Very talented musicians and songwriting. Heard some of songs influencing Tenacious D is style and form. I had heard Aqualung but that’s the only Tull song I am familiar with. I’d say it’s a 3ish album.
Van Halen
4/5
Classic album with some great hits! I enjoyed the songs that weren’t hits as well. Van Halen really has their niche in sound and feel. Never been a huge fan but can’t deny that they are good. This is a 3-4 album.
The Beta Band
4/5
Wow! Super impressed with this album. It had a style that clicks with me and I’m sad that I have never heard of them before. Really reminds me of my friend Jon Burgoyne’s band and maybe that’s why they clicked with me. First band that I’ve wanted to download more of their music after hearing it. Good album! 4.5/5
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Album cover thought it was gonna be straight hip hop/R&B but they mash so many different styles from classical to punk and everything in between all mixed with random samples. It drove my buddy Cory crazy and he had to Chang it but I enjoyed it. Found myself rating songs 4-5⭐️s as I listened. Good album.
Miles Davis
3/5
Groovy, smooth jazz. This album is what I picture jazz to be. I also picture it being the soundtrack to every late 70’s early 80’s movie as well. I’m sure this is much more intricate but it just has that feel. It’s a rebound album but I don’t really find it something that I would choose to listen to. 3/5
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Interesting album. It’s more of a study in how Indian music/scales patterns work in eastern music. There’s a basic explanation at the beginning of some songs, followed by the demonstration. Fun listen but probably wont listen again cause it’s not my style. 3/5
Charles Mingus
2/5
Some jazz i can handle. This was not my favorite. I am always confused by Jazz music cause how do they ever decide what to record cause they never play it through the same. It's kinda cool in some ways, but in others... not so much. Track C sounded like everyone was soloing at once at one point and it sounded awful. Probably won't listen to again.
The Young Rascals
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. Don’t typically enjoy music from this era, but these guys seem to understand catchy is best. They are much more than the song Groovin (great song) but there is more substance to this music. Enjoyed it lots! 4/5
4/5
Welp. These guys are good. This must be the album that started a bunch of different themes in the modern music culture from eastern sounds, to circus/carnival sounds. They did it first and i enjoyed it inspite of every one always raving about this band. It was good and I may listen to it again some day. 4/5
Talking Heads
3/5
I listened to this but it didn't really grab me like some of the other Heads albums. I'm not a connoisseur of the Talking Heads, but definitely familiar. The only song that hits is Once in a Lifetime. It's great. The rest are sorta 2-3* songs. 3/5
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Latin style is always an adventure for me. I know enough Spanish to know that there were a lot of songs and his heart. Interesting vocal melodies. Fun listen as they mix in a bunch of instruments but not really my cup of tea.
The Who
3/5
I’ve never listened to a rock opera before so I’m not familiar with the genre. Kind of a cool idea. Just from the musical style, not really my cup of tea. But I’d listen again if I could see it performed. 3/5.
Radiohead
2/5
Well… that was somber. Except for that one song with the horns. If they wanted to make an album to sound like a rainy, cold day they nailed it. Not really my style and I’m sure some people love it. Not for me. 2/5
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
This album would be playing in the background, depending on the song, you would get, “what the H are we listening to?” In the most positive and most negative light. Has some good stuff and other songs, just not for me. 2.5/5
Deep Purple
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. Did not know much about this band other than Smoke on the Water but they have some great songwriting and tones. Never would’ve guessed but 4/5.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Well… it was psychedelic. Had some cool surf rock tones from the 60’s but they used the wah-wah (I think… maybe a thermion) A LOT in just this “trippy” but overused way. Don’t care for it. Won’t listen again.
Yes
3/5
Never listened to Yes but very familiar with Squire as a bass player. Love the tones and style he has. The album was sort of medium to me. Just sorta meh except for I’ve Seen All Good People. Should probably relisten with different ears someday. 3.5/5
Coldcut
5/5
What an AWESOME album! Never heard of this but it had everything I love. Hip Hop, Samples, Synth, Dance, Creativity and Bizarreness… loved this album. Going to mix it into the rotation for sure! This is my first 5/5 rating on here. Going to find more about this band for sure!
4/5
Can’t deny these guys write good stuff. This is the second album from my adolescents that I have to eat crow on. It’s a good album with good song no matter how much I wanted to kick against it because everyone in my high school loved this band. 4/5
4/5
I’m coming around on Bowie. There is something about this era of music that just doesn’t connect with me but this album does something differently and I really enjoy it. Whatever “it” is. The production is great for the era. The songwriting is interesting and I enjoy the motif of space and Ziggy Stardust. Cool album. Will listen again. 4/5
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Cee Lo has a voice that you love if hate, kinda like Dave Matthew’s. I enjoy it. However the album has a few songs that I rated above average but most of them were ok. Nothing that really blows my hair back.
Small Faces
2/5
Tale of two sides. The A side sounds like a fairly good psychedelic rock album. Excellent bass tone, drums sound like every other psychedelic drummer of the era. B side is striking if you’re not prepared for it. A long, bouncy ballad about a boy befriending a fly for 20 minutes… lost me. 2.5/5
Patti Smith
2/5
Wow! Super punk feel but I didn’t really enjoy it. Had the feel of listening to a live album with the looseness but wasn’t very fun to listen to. 2/5
The Band
3/5
Enjoyed the album but won’t make the rotation. A good album, well crafted songs, but nothing super special but like more songs than disliked. 3/5
Iron Maiden
4/5
Good ol Maiden! These guys rock but I rarely listen to them. Fun to just hear shredding guitars and falsetto vibrato of a shrill scream. Not really my cup of tea but I’ll listen to this album again. Number of the Beast and Run To the Hills are the obvious standouts.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Super funky! Love the use of bass with strings accompanied by the horns! Super fun listen. Having not ever seen the movie I can picture it from the music. Will listen to occasionally but not a frequent listen. 3.5/5
Pavement
2/5
I’m sure this is a poorly reviewed album on here. Everything sounds kind of out-of-tune or dissonant, and the singing is kinda dispassionate and lifeless. But I’m sure there are people that will 5 star this. But not me. There are a couple songs that I liked but all in all… 2/5
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
It’s jazz music but it’s kinda listable. Jazz isn’t my favorite style but if this album was playing in the background at a party there might be a few moments that I’d notice. Probably won’t spin again.
Otis Redding
3/5
Good album. It’s always cool to hear different musicians perform songs that are associated with other musicians. It’s fun but a little distracting.
Sleater-Kinney
2/5
Like the music but don’t care for the singing style. It’s a bit warbley. But it’s right in my wheelhouse/era when I started loving music.
Beyoncé
2/5
Misses the mark with me. Tried to listen with fresh ears but I just didn’t really care for most of it. But I really liked the song Rocket.
Common
4/5
This is a fantastic early 2000’s hip hop album. Kanye is a great producer. Common has some great flow and uniqueness. It’s more my style than some of the albums in this list. I’ll probably spin it again or a few select tracks like Go!
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Very chill, mellow, listenable album album but none of these songs blow my hair back. Sounds like it would be a soundtrack to a Paul Rudd movie where he’s not funny.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
Experimental, psychedelic rock and the experiment has failed spectacularly. Couldn’t find my songs I like. This isnt my genre at all.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Beautiful storytelling through lyrics, fun basslines and tones. Lots of swirly guitars that kinda got tiresome. But Joni’s lyrics are beautiful and override that. Not my style but a great album.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Not my style. I’m sure it was revolutionary for its era but didn’t really tickle my fancy.
Ray Charles
4/5
This is a super jazzy, bluesy, crooner style album. I really enjoyed listening to this album, but it's definitely a style that i need to be in the mood for. Maybe an evening with a cigar and a sunset. I'll play this one when i'm looking for an album that starts out like a fire an burns down to a cozy warm cuddle session. 4 ⭐️
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Slow/medium tempo jazz. I don’t really like jazz. This was a boring album for me based on style.
Little Simz
2/5
This album is medium. It’s cool to listen to the British style of hip hop and like the flow but it was distracting to me when she would rhyme the same words back to back to back. Boss is a great track. The main stand out for me.
Orbital
2/5
Interesting album but it didn't really "grab me by the bobo" so to speak. I found it hard to focus as i was listening and kept feeling like i was listening to the music from "How Is It Made" on the old Discovery Channel. I remember dancing to this style of music at the club, but just listening to it for pleasure is not my thing. 2.5
Wilco
3/5
This is an interesting album to me. It's much more in my vein, than some of the classic rock and hip hop albums that have been on this list. It didn't really have any songs that reached out and grabbed me. Nevertheless and notwithstanding, i can see why my indie rock sisters loved this album. Jesus Etc. was the stand out song for me. It would be a background album that i would put on to make people think that i'm "hip" and "cool" but i probably won't spin this just for funzies.
Madonna
1/5
It’s not that this album is blatantly bad, it’s just ver uninspired and remedial. Maybe for the early digital age it was groundbreaking but it doesn’t really hold up now. The “glitch” part in the pre chorus of Nobody’s Perfect made me smirk. The lyrics of the first half of the album remind me of a high school girl that’s learning to write poetry. The final two songs are the stand outs. Maybe I’m expecting too much from a dance music album but I was not very impressed.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
First and foremost, 28 songs is a lot of song for one album so keeping the quality all the way through was tough to do. I did like the mixture of heavy guitar songs with amazing drums and mellow medium tempo songs. However, the singers voice is not very pleasant to listen too and I really struggled with that. It’s from my high school era and everyone loved the band but still only sort of a middle of the road album with a few great songs on on.
The Jam
3/5
Cool album. Early punk rock is always kinda cool to hear because although it doesn’t seem unique with today’s music, it was. I never listened to The Jam but was fun to go back in time and give this a listen. Great bass lines. Some of the songs really stand out because the bass. British new wave singing always makes me smile.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
It was a very well recorded psychedelic album and pleasant to listen to if you like psychadelic albums. I don't really care for psychadelic music too much. There were a few songs that i did really enjoy like Test Fight, Yoshimi Part 1, Do You Realize? It made me smirk as i listened to the Do You Realize? has been featured on a car commercial recently but they only play the "Do you realize" part and none of the actual lyrics about what you should actually realize. I'll add some of these songs to my relisten playlist.
Elbow
4/5
Really enjoyed this album and I’m kinda shocked I’ve never listened to Elbow before. Love the mellow feel and textures they layer throughout the album. Will put in the rotation. The Bones of You was my favorite track on the album.
Syd Barrett
1/5
Saying somebodies artistic creation sucks is usually inappropriate, but i will tell you why I didn’t like this album at all. The howling caterwauling vocals that weren’t any particular melody. The off tempo and inconsistent chord changes and beats. The lyrics seemed hackneyed and cliche.
The Kinks
2/5
I bet people that like The Beatles really like this album. It is totally not my style. It starts out one with the first few track and the. It gets banal and hackneyed maybe some call it “unique” but I feel like the Beatles did it first.
Talking Heads
3/5
I can hear the influence of this album on the new wave era. I like the song writing style and the way they layer different tones of instruments even if it’s just the basics. But all in all, this didn’t make me excited and jump up and down. Psycho Killer and Pull Up are the standouts but I hear those enough in every day life.
Brian Wilson
2/5
While listening to this I thought it was recorded in the golden era of The Beach Boys and was shocked to find out that it was recorded in 2004. Great harmonies like all of Brian Wilson’s stuff, but not interesting to listen to. Kinda ho-hum on the excitement scale.
Spiritualized
2/5
Space rock. I listened to the album and that’s what I did was space out and not pay attention to anything the album was doing. It’s very minimalist and very minimal attention grabbed by this album. If you played snippets of any of the songs I couldn’t tell you if they were from different songs or the same song. Maybe if I got stoned I could get behind it… not for me.
Cat Stevens
5/5
This is not my style but this is a great album. It’s folk. It’s great lyrically. It’s straight forward and easy to listen to and enjoyable. The hits are Wild World and Father and Son, but I really enjoyed Hard Headed Woman and hadn’t hear it before listening.
Public Enemy
4/5
This was one of the first tapes that i bought, and it had the Parental Advisory/Explicit Lyrics stick and i felt like the biggest rebel owning it. With many more years and experience under my belt i don't really agree with some of the politics of PE, but man can they make some funky unique music. Thinking that they were getting all the samples and arranging it on 2" tape kinda blows my mind at what they were able to do in 1989. This was a fun trip down memory lane. War at 33 1/3 really stood out to me this time listening.
Anita Baker
4/5
This is definitely not my cup of tea and not what I would choose to listen to. Nevertheless and notwithstanding I really enjoyed this on a Monday afternoon drive. I probably wouldn’t have ever found this album but it was that R&B style that grabbed me. Reminded me of childhood even not having heard this album or any of Anita’s stuff. Plus the bass lines with ki-kass.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I do my best to listen to the albums with fresh ears and not judge based on passed biases. The Boss is not up my alley at all and i've pinpointed why, lots of piano hammering and repetitive choruses. That being said, i did really enjoy the fluid, dynamic songwriting for the most part, but i probably won't spin this again i'm with steve and he wants to listen to the Boss.
Talking Heads
3/5
Good album but nothing reached out and grabbed me as an amazing song. I listened while I was driving and it kept becoming background music until Take Me To the River came on. Basslines were unique and guitar rhythms were interesting. Sorta meh on this one. 2.5
Django Django
2/5
This album was just alright. It didn’t have any stand out songs. I listened to this three times while driving and nothing grabbed me. It seemed like the vocals were kind of an afterthought to the songs. And i find the synth distracting. 2.5
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
When i first started listening to this album i was baffled that it was a soul album made in 2019. But as i listened to it... It's a great album. Hits all of the tropes that make soul music so delightful to listen to. Will definitely spin this album in the future. 4.5
The White Stripes
3/5
I liked this album, but there were only a couple tracks that I really liked. They make some weird choices in some of their songs like a marimba and then loud out of sync, distorted guitar rhythm over the top. And there’s a bit of piano pounding which always turns me off. Blue Orchid and I’m Lonely were my fave tracks. 3/5
Funkadelic
4/5
Super fun funk album. Weird choice to start with a waltzing lullaby that has a shredding guitar solo over the top but I liked it. Than the other songs are great until you have the that heavily features the flex-a-tone followed by the song with the persistent cowbell… but I’d spin this album again when I’m looking to get funked.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Great album and the birth of the metal style. I forget how bluesy this album is but still maintains the metal feel. Completely forgot that they play harmonica even. It's not the fast, shred style, but it carries that darkness in tone and in feel. The singing doesn't really knock my socks off but the rest of the music does.
Kraftwerk
2/5
I don't really get this kind of music, until i put in the frame that this must have been mind blowing when it came out in the 70's. As far as it being interesting to listen to, very interesting. Enjoyable to listen to... Musik keinen Spaß macht.
4/5
Great album! Stand out songs are Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, Knights of Cydonia. They really come up with some amazing bass tones and guitar stylings. Found myself getting tired and miffed by the vocal style, but on some songs it fits perfectly! I really enjoyed the album and will spin it again.
Judas Priest
4/5
This is undeniably a quintessential metal album. Breaking the Law, Living After Midnight and United are all amazing and catchy especially for this typically uncatchy genre. And just when you think being an 80’s metal bass player was the easiest job in the world they throw in a song that isn’t straight 8th notes like The Rage. I enjoyed it. 4.5/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Hard to listen to these songs with new ears since these songs seem to be omnipresent in my culture. One thing that stood out to me on this listen through was how bluesy they are and how steady and tasteful the drums are. The bass is always stands out when I listen to Zeppelin and Ramble On would be a mediocre song without the musicality of the bass in that song. 4.5/5
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
I’m a funk fan, and the first track is a classic banger. The rest of the album is well choreographed and crafted. But I found myself really not in the mood for the slow jazzy songs that make up most the album. Shining Star = Great. Rest of the album is 2/5.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
Started out nicely and enjoyable and as I continued to listen it seem like every song after track 5 I wanted to skip. Although the bass tone is pretty awesome throughout the album.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Reggae is kinda boring. This album totally solidified my opinion. A couple of stand out songs. Kinky Reggae made me laugh when he sang, “she had brow sugar all over her booga-wooga” but other than that it was a forgettable album. Would only spin this album on with the right group of snowboarders. They would keep asking to replay Stir it Up. 2/5
Elvis Presley
2/5
I’m sure this album had its time and place and was great and groundbreaking back in the day. But it kinda sucks. The only worthwhile track is Fever. Lots of piano hammering chords, lots of shrill guitar lines and that drum beat that everyone played back then in every song. The song “It Feels so Right” is ok and a little different from the rest of the album but still has the background doo-wop singing.
Ray Charles
1/5
I didn't realize these were all originally country songs until he started started playing Hank Williams. This album now-a-days feels really ho-hum.The chorus voices singing background every song made it feel like i was watching a 1950's Disney movie. Didn't really care for it at all.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Never heard of this band, but i enjoyed the experience of Kilimanjaro. Again i found myself listening to the bass tone and style which were delightful and distinct. This was an album i may give another spin to, but didn't have any songs really grab me when i listened.
Jimi Hendrix
2/5
Bluesy with lots of guitar solos. This is not my cup of tea at all, style wise. I can see people really liking this album. Doesn't really grab me in any way. 2/5
The KLF
2/5
i remember the song 3AM Eternal from when i was a kid. I saw the video on MTV and it looked so cool. I never bought the album, but now it's been 30+ years i'm kinda glad i didn't spend the money that album for that one song.
As i listened through the album they use the samples adroitly, but it's kind of a snoozer. Most of the songs have that "4 on the floor" beat and it get's kind of boring. They did throw in a song that has a reggae feel which was kind of cool. notwithstanding this won't go into the rotation. 2/5
Miles Davis
2/5
Welp, I listened to the whole album and couldn’t tell the difference between any of the songs except the last one where there’s a guy singing. The rest are just jazzy and lots of trumpet solos. I don’t feel like I know enough jazz that I’m not a good one to critique this. 2/5
OutKast
2/5
Too much album on this album. Things I liked:
Jazzy instrumentals
Awesome unique flow on the vocal style
Great collaborations with noticeable voices
The hits are hits for a reason.
Disliked:
The interludes were obnoxious and add nothing to the album for me
Saying Speakerboxxx at the end of so many songs on the first half was a weird choice.
Not enough catchy songs. Nothing grabbed me.
2.5/5
The Clash
3/5
Good old school punk. Sung in the punk vocal stylings which seem to be love or hate with no in between. For me i liked it, but this album didn't seem to have many "hits" but definitely set the tone for the Clash explosion. Love the cover of Police and Thieves. Love the bass tone throughout. 3.5/5
Scissor Sisters
3/5
I liked this album. It started with piano hammering on the first song, but morphed into intricate songwriting and unique style through the rest of the album. I would listen to this again. Didn't have any songs that reached out and grabbed me. I think my buddy Stephen would really enjoy this album.
Nirvana
5/5
Very difficult to listen to this album with "fresh" ears since i've heard this album probably over 100 times. However, it was still a delightful album to revisit. It's fun to hear the banter of the band between songs. I think it was also a great idea for Nirvana to do a bunch of covers instead of trying mush their songs into an acoustic version. Can't miss with this and i loved the album.
George Michael
4/5
Haven't ever listened to this album cover to cover but, it's pretty dang good. All of these songs remind me of childhood. It has that 80's, R&B/Pop feel that rings very nostalgic. Plus, half the album were hits/singles. The only song that threw me was the Kiss a Fool, which is a straight up jazz song... But it does ok. I enjoyed the album as a whole. 4/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Another album that i've listened to several times in the past. If you don't like the singer you're gonna have issues with this album. He's definitely an acquired taste. The songs Cherub Rock, Silverfuck and Geek USA are my faves, but i'm a rocker. The one off, mellow song that really stands out to me is Mayonaise.
Stan Getz
4/5
Another album that I never would’ve chosen to listen to, but I did enjoy it. It all sounds like music in the background of a Mad Men style dinner party. I’d spin this if I had slick, dark hair and was trying to seduce my secretary.