Journey in Progress
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459
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2.97
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26
5-Star Albums
42%
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630 albums remaining
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Reviews
458
Written
100%
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-0.3
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2.97
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2010s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
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UK
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17
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kala | 5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
| Ghosteen | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| O.G. Original Gangster | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| evermore | 5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
| Step In The Arena | 5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
| The Bones Of What You Believe | 5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
| Fetch The Bolt Cutters | 5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
| You Want It Darker | 5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
| The Downward Spiral | 5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
| It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back | 5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway to Hell | 1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
| That's The Way Of The World | 1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
| The Marshall Mathers LP | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| Bitches Brew | 1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
| The Slider | 1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
| The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars | 2 | 4.26 | -2.26 |
| Rust In Peace | 1 | 3.24 | -2.24 |
| Cypress Hill | 1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
| Liege And Lief | 1 | 3.09 | -2.09 |
| Kind Of Blue | 2 | 4.06 | -2.06 |
5-Star Albums (26)
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Popular Reviews
Bob Dylan
3/5
Great lyrics but the music itself isn’t my thing. The kids couldn’t cope with the harmonica when I was listening in the car haha! It is hard to give it a fair listen as I don’t have the time/space right now.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Like A Rolling Stone
Rating: 3
1 likes
Radiohead
5/5
Another Radiohead album hard on the heels of the previous one. I have to admit that Radiohead is a band I don't think I like until I listen to them and remember actually they are really good.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: The Gloaming
Rating: 5
1 likes
Kate Bush
3/5
This was an interesting album with a lot of variety, and by interesting I mean weird. I used to really dislike Kate Bush but I have to say she is growing on me over time and I didn’t mind this.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: The Big Sky
Rating: 3
1 likes
1-Star Albums (17)
All Ratings
De La Soul
5/5
Loved this! Fantastic, funny, clever, entertaining. I can’t believe I hadn’t got round to listening to this before.
Fave track: Three is the magic number
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Not my cup of tea. Pretty raw sounding, felt like I was listening to a local band live somewhere. Didn’t really enjoy the vocals. I gave it a second listen and preferred it the second time around but still not really my thing. Favourite track: Maps.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I haven’t really made time to listen to any of Amy’s albums before and I was actually pleasantly surprised. While her music is not my usual style, I actually found a lot of the lyrics quite entertaining/downright funny.
Fave track: Fuck Me Pumps (made me lol)
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Another great album! It bears similarities to much more modern music so I can only imagine it must have influenced a lot of artists - it certainly sounds ahead of its time to me (although I am no expert). I really enjoyed this.
Rating: 4/5
Fave track: Somebody to Love
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Oof, this one hits you in the feels! It’s an end-of-life farewell. Amazing album, obviously a piece of art even to a pleb like me. Hard to pick a fave track, probably Travelling Light.
5/5
Supergrass
3/5
Firstly, I have to disclose that I really dislike Oasis and I’m not a fan of britpop in general.
This is a lot better than Oasis! Fun and melodic - I would listen to this anytime - but I lost interest in the second half and I didn’t really relate to the songs.
Fave Track: Mansize Rooster
Rating: 3
Jack White
2/5
It’s objectively good but it just doesn’t appeal to me personally.
Have decided to rate on how much I like it rather than quality.
Fave track: Love Interruption
Rating: 2
Creedence Clearwater Revival
2/5
On first listen I really didn't like this. I ended up listening to this three times to give it a chance. In general, I have never liked Proud Mary. I found this album boring, especially the long, rambling tracks Graveyard Train (reading the lyrics for that one helped) and the ridiculous Keep On Chooglin'. I upgraded from an original 1 to a 2 rating as I don't hate it but no thank you, I do not want to Keep On Chooglin'. Please stop Chooglin'.
Fave Track: Didn't like any, Penthouse Pauper appealed the most musically.
Rating: 2 (below Blunderbuss though)
Le Tigre
4/5
I’ve never heard of this one before and I loved it!! Great lyrics/messages and the music was so much fun.
Listens: 3
Fave track: I liked them all, but I found Les and Ray really heartwarming and Deceptacon was awesome.
Rating: 4
Cypress Hill
1/5
Still hate it 30 years later.
Listens: Could only put myself through one run through.
Fave track: Something For The Blunted because it had the fewest lyrics.
Rating: 1
The Smiths
3/5
If you like the point rammed down your throat, this is for you! I quite like the music itself though. Reminds me of local music so must have had quite an influence here.
Fave tracks: That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore, Barbarism Begins At Home
Listens: 2
Rating: 3
George Harrison
4/5
I enjoyed listening to this. However, is it a good *album*? Well, it's too long, the tracks are varying quality and it ends with several long instrumental tracks that basically feel like jam sessions. The good stuff is so good that I can't give it a 3, though. Fave Tracks: My Sweet Lord, Art Of Dying.
Listens: 1 (didn't have time for more)
Rating: 4
Pentangle
1/5
I thought this was bloody awful. May I never have to listen to this again. Interestingly, the last couple of songs were almost bearable - maybe I got used to it? Still don’t like it.
Listens: 1 is enough for me
Fave track: Cold Mountain
Rating: 1
Elvis Presley
3/5
I'm not an Elvis fan so I had to come at this one with an open mind - the blues/country intersection doesn't do it for me. The first half of the album just felt depressing and I disliked it, but I felt I "got" the second half a little more (which included songs I knew already: "Suspicious Minds" and "In The Ghetto") and it had some 5-star moments.
Listens: 2.
Fave Track: After Loving You.
Rating: First half = 2, Second half = 4-5, so overall 3.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
The music is great but I really, REALLY do not like the singing and for that reason I have to give it a low rating. I appreciate the influence this band has brought to others though.
Listens: 3
Fave Track: The Staircase (Mystery)
Rating: 2
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
This is the first album I’m familiar with (and like), there is almost always a RATM song on my playlist.
Likes: Political message mixed with great delivery, those basslines, high energy
Dislikes: Tracks can get a bit samey, don’t usually like “screamy” vocals (although I think they’re appropriate here)
Listens: 2
Fave Tracks: Killing In The Name, Know Your Enemy
Rating: 4
The Kinks
3/5
My thought processes on first listen: “this is OLD”, “ I’m not sure about this” “lol they really do like their sound effect machine” (Rainy Day In June), “hey I know this song!”, “this is ok I guess”. Once again, I do like the political commentary.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Sunny Afternoon
Rating: 3
M.I.A.
5/5
M.I.A is absolute 🔥, absolutely in my wheelhouse (although I’ve listened to Paper Planes too much over the years). As before, she has important strong political messages. I just LOVED this and it’s a personal 5 for me.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: 20 Dollar
Rating: 5
Cream
4/5
Note: re. Eric Clapton - I am reviewing how I feel about the music not the musicians and I am aware that many on this list have had problematic behaviour/opinions I don't like but this will not affect my rating unless I notice it in the music itself.
My mum had this album so I am familiar with it. It's a mixed bag - a few excellent tracks, a few okay tracks and a couple of weird ones. The good tracks and that guitar is so good, however, it pushes up my rating.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Sunshine Of Your Love (no competition)
Rating: 4
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I take it back - this one is a whole different thing, it’s great!! It has a lot more polish and her voice actually feels more tuneful and congruent with the music. Almost a 5 star.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Monitor
Rating: 4
New Order
3/5
I like New Order but didn’t know this album. I listened through once but unfortunately am not feeling well and my headache has prevented me listening a second time so not much of a review. I enjoyed it.
Listens: 1
Rating: 3
Gang Of Four
2/5
Very, very monotonous lyrics which amused our family. The music itself was good and sounds modern for 1979. Maybe this is an acquired taste? The songs had things to say but I struggled to listen to them.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: I didn’t have one.
Rating: 2, can’t get past the shouted lyrics
Suicide
4/5
Very weird, very dark, very uncomfortable, very niche. I think it’s actually good - it creates atmosphere, makes you feel. Has Nine Inch Nails vibes.
Listens: 3
Fave Track: Most powerful is Frankie Teardrop
Rating: 4
Rush
3/5
The music was quality, but I found the songs cheesy and kinda pretentious. I was already familiar with Tom Sawyer and YYZ thanks to Guitar Hero! It was alright but probably not something I would choose to listen to.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Witch Hunt
Rating: 3
Raekwon
3/5
The solo album that really isn’t. Great rapping, shame about the attitudes (misogyny, homophobia) which drops my rating.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Guillotine (Swordz)
Rating: 3
Taylor Swift
5/5
I am not a Swiftie on any level and this kind of music isn’t my style but this is a really good album full of meaningful, well-written and well-sung songs.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: marjorie
Rating: 5
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
I’ve never heard of this guy before. The music has very 70s vibes. Easy to listen to and chill. The tracks are fine but this really shines as a complete album, the songs flow into each other. Adding this to my playlists.
Listens: 3
Fave Track: Solid Ground
Rating: 4
Van Morrison
3/5
Let’s just lay it out here that all the albums on this list are objectively good regardless of my rating. Van Morrison is a good singer, the musicians are also good. That said, I would never listen to this, it’s way too lounge-y.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Moondance
Rating: 3
Nirvana
4/5
One of my all-time favourite albums - thank you album generator!! I’ve listened to this so many times over the years I can’t really review it objectively at this point but I never get sick of it.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Oh Me
Rating: 5
David Holmes
3/5
Another artist I hadn’t heard of. This was fun and funky and I always love interesting drum beats. It first made me think of Orbital or even The Chemical Brothers.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Freaknik
Rating: 3
Nina Simone
2/5
Amazing lyrics and songs that could be powerful in the right contexts but this isn’t my style. I’m also not a fan of her vibrato. Sadly, not for me.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Four Women
Rating: 2
Portishead
2/5
I have always felt like I should like Portishead but I just don’t. I like this album even less than their previous ones. I even listened to it driving through countryside at 5 a.m. after dropping my son at the airport which should be perfect Portishead vibes. Still nope, sorry Portishead.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Silence (the irony haha)
Rating: 2
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Another unknown for me. Pretty regular inoffensive 80s music, nice singing even if the words were unintelligible. Looked up the lyrics, they look like they’ve been put through google translate a few times but this band is Scottish so what’s with that??
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Cherry-coloured Funk.
Rating: 3
Bobby Womack
2/5
Watched the lyric videos, this guy is kind of a dick (Wikipedia research afterwards confirms this). Musically it’s fine, soul/funk I guess, and he’s got a good voice. Amusingly, So Many Sides Of You sounded like a cheesy sitcom theme song from the 80s (they were probably based on this style of music) and Just My Imagination had this repeating sound in the background like something bad happening in a platformer video game.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Just My Imagination
Rating: 2
Jimmy Smith
3/5
If I’m at a coffee shop or restaurant and they’ve got this music going on, I know the food is going to be good.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Minor Chant
Rating: 3
The Beau Brummels
2/5
These guys were definitely on drugs. This wasn’t my thing, kinda folky/country/psychedelic, although I was disliked it less on second playthrough. I still don’t like it.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Keeper of Time
Rating: 2
The Pharcyde
2/5
The music was great and catchy, they can rap, but the lyrics were so, so bad. It was as if they were written by a 12 year old with issues. This should have been my thing and I don’t mind a bit of cheek but this took it too far and I dropped from what would have been a 3 or 4 to a 2 based on that alone.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Passin’ Me By
Rating: 2 :(
The Kinks
2/5
“Picture book of people with each other, to prove they loved each other, a long time ago”
This album is idiotic bullshit. Sorry.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: I thought they were all stupid.
Rating: 2
Tito Puente
3/5
This one was fun - mambo! I’m starting to think of so many themed dinner parties with these albums. 😄
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Varsity Drag
Rating: 3
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
I haven’t been able to give this album the time and space it needs, but I’ve listened enough to get the feels and know it’s very good and I will be playing it again when I have the opportunity. It put me in mind of the Leonard Cohen album earlier; it’s another album that deals with death but with a different take.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Don’t know yet
Rating: 5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
I’ve heard of this band but never intentionally listened to them. I liked it! Reminded me of Nirvana.
Listens: 2
Fave Tracks: Just Like Honey, Taste The Floor, Never Understand.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Firstly, I would like to apologise to my mother for all the Dre I blasted across the house in my early teens; I never really considered the lyrics until today. But the nostalgia!! The production!! The beats!! Yet this is the most offensive album yet. But I still love it, I am torn so going to continue with my usual dropping it a point for the lyrical content (although I think in that case I should have given The Pharcyde a 3).
Listens:
Fave Track:
Rating: 4
Incubus
3/5
I’m not really sure why this album is on this list, it really doesn’t feel like anything particularly new that I prefer in other bands. I didn’t actively dislike it, but I didn’t particularly like it either. I was familiar with a couple of the songs, in particular Drive.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Make Yourself
Rating: A low 3
Lou Reed
5/5
Really entertaining album, I loved it. I knew Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side, but was otherwise unfamiliar with Lou Reed and really enjoyed the edginess/sarcasm/humour.
Listens: 2
Fave Tracks: Perfect Day, Hangin' Round
Rating: 5
Daft Punk
3/5
I have never really been much into Daft Punk, I find them a bit too repetitive and lack the progression in the songs I enjoy from other EDM. This hasn’t changed my opinion.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Daftendirekt
Rating: 3
Talk Talk
3/5
I didn’t mind this album and I really like Life’s What You Make It (which most people already know) but I did find the album was a bit boring if I wasn’t in the right headspace. The album it reminded me of was Madonna’s True Blue, strangely, although it came out around the same time period I guess.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Life’s What You Make It
Rating: 3
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Apparently Lenny Kravitz wrote, produced, sung and played the music on this album pretty much all himself and he shouldn’t have. This man has no business being a songwriter because he sucks at it. Even singing his own lyrics, he doesn’t seem to get what he is saying. It’s ok as background noise but for the love of god don’t pay attention.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: None
Rating: 2
Django Django
4/5
I hadn’t heard of this one and was pleasantly surprised. Easily listenable, catchy tunes. Not sure what genre I would call this - Wikipedia put a bunch of weird ones like art-rock but I would suggest maybe alt-pop?
I didn’t love it but it was pretty cool so I think it only just reaches a 4 rating for me.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Hand Of Man
Rating: 4/5
Metallica
2/5
I will disclose that I do not like Metallica. I know many of their songs well enough I could sing them at karaoke, but for some reason their music has always made me feel uncomfortable. (I like other heavy music so it's not the style either). It took me four days to get through this album. I liked Metallica even less with the orchestra. Sorry.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Nothing Else Matters
Rating: 2
ZZ Top
3/5
I’ve heard people say ZZ Top is good but haven’t really listened to much of their music. It was pretty cool if not my usual style of music. This album contained their well-known track La Grange
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Master of Sparks
Rating: 3
The Vines
4/5
This one grew on me with each listen and I liked the lyrics but the strong British accent they sing with really annoyed me when I found out they’re actually Australian. I decided to forgive them eventually.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Highly Evolved
Rating: 4
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I mean, it’s Jimi Hendrix and everyone has tried to emulate him since. That said I didn’t love the album and some tracks are stronger than others. Pretty amazing album though.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Purple Haze
Rating: 4
The Who
3/5
I ran out of time with this one but listened to most of it. The Who is fine, not so much my thing though. I feel this is an album I’ll have to come back to for a few more listens.
Listens: 3/4
Fave Track: Behind Blue Eyes (I agree the Limp Bizkit version is a travesty)
Rating: 3
Paul Simon
2/5
Boring.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard
Rating: 2
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Kinda odd. Kinda dug the first half but lost me in the second half. Very 60s.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Sure ‘Nuff ‘n’ Yes I Do
Rating: 3
Various Artists
3/5
I don’t do Christmas songs but if I did I wouldn’t mind this.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Rating: 3
Motörhead
3/5
A lot of it sounds a bit samey but it’s ok. I already knew Ace of Spades. Apparently this is one of the best live albums of all time. I can’t imagine the energy it would take to play this set!
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Bomber
Rating: 3
Meat Loaf
3/5
Another possibly unpopular opinion, I don’t really like Meat Loaf. The songs go on too long, the music doesn’t do it for me, and I don’t really care for the lyrics. Sorry.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: I’m not sure I have one
Rating: 3 (It doesn’t actively bother me either)
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
If I got AI to generate a generic rock album, it would produce this, right down to the odd band name and track titles (look them up). It’s got that uncanny sounds-fine-until-you-actually-listen quality. Shout out to Back To Mystery City which is Mony Mony (lol) and Ice Cream Summer where you get hit with a sudden exclamation of “bitch!” unexpectedly. Apparently these guys influenced Guns N Roses so take from that what you will.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Malibu Beach Nightmare
Rating: 2
The Cure
4/5
I have always liked The Cure and this album is no different. (A Forest has been one of my favourite songs my entire life). I enjoyed this album with a couple of familiar tracks.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Lovesong
Rating: 4
Beastie Boys
3/5
I like the beats and the samples and find myself bopping away to it but I just can’t enjoy their rap style.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: She’s Crafty
Rating: 3
The Human League
2/5
I got all excited when the super-80s pop synth sounds started (which I love so much) and then the singing started - oof. This album is outrageously bad. Don’t You Want Me is a banger though, they somehow struck gold at the very end of this… whatever this is…which rescues this from being a 1.
Listens: 1.5
Fave Track: Don’t You Want Me
Rating: 2
Frank Sinatra
3/5
This isn’t really my sort of thing but it would be perfectly fine music if it was yours.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Anything Goes
Rating: 3
Amy Winehouse
4/5
This project has cemented me as an Amy Winehouse fan! This album, while quite sad, was excellent and I really enjoyed it.
Listens: 2
Fave Tracks: Back To Black, Love Is A Losing Game
Rating: 4
Simple Minds
3/5
I didn’t really give this one a very proper listen through but I gave it two half-listens. It was enough for me to decide this was perfectly fine 80s music but bored me a little.
Listens: 2 x 1/2
Fave Tracks: Somebody Up There Likes You
Rating: 3
Harry Nilsson
4/5
I had no idea who this was until halfway through the album when Without You played, followed by Coconut. I really liked this one, a lot of variety but most of the tracks were really good. I hadn’t expected the random Spanish version of Without You!
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Without You
Rating: 4
David Bowie
3/5
This is good but it’s not my favourite David Bowie. The track Andy Warhol made me laugh. The themes of these songs are still relevant today for new generations.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Life On Mars
Rating: 3 (almost 4 but a 1-5 rating system is a blunt instrument)
Morrissey
3/5
Kinda like budget-brand The Cure. Not bad but I felt kinda meh about it.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Everyday Is Like Sunday
Rating: 3
Neil Young
4/5
It’s good but I can’t explain why. I think it’s because it feels genuine.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Borrowed Tune
Rating: 4
Janelle Monáe
3/5
This was interesting and kind of what I expected as I am familiar with a couple of Janelle Monae songs which are usually kind of retro and different. It’s good stuff but doesn’t really do it for me.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Cold War
Rating: 3
Green Day
3/5
I listened to this album on constant repeat for a few months in my mid-teens. I’m not that big on Green Day but like it as an album.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Basket Case
Rating: 3
Grizzly Bear
3/5
Not really my kind of music - but would be okay in the background. I personally rate it at the lower end of 3.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Two Weeks
Rating: 3
Brian Eno
3/5
I got a bit behind with my albums so I didn’t have time to give this album a full and fair listen but because it was so minimal I think I was able to get a good idea. It’s hard to rate ambient music. I liked it.
Listens: Almost 1 (heard each track which didn’t change much throughout)
Fave Track: 1/2
Rating: 3
The Damned
4/5
Another high-energy (I guess it was punk?) album. I quite liked it although probably not something I would choose to listen to.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: Smash It Up Pt 1 & 2
Rating: 4
The Police
3/5
Nice to chill to. I felt the album started stronger and weakened with the last couple of songs. Fun fact - this album was released the day after I was born!
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Walking On The Moon
Rating: 3
a-ha
2/5
Take On Me is a good song… the rest kinda average.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Take On Me
Rating: 2
Mike Oldfield
4/5
OMG this is where they got the theme song from The Exorcist! At least the beginning is, then it goes all sorts of places. It’s weird, kind of funny, somewhat simple melodies all joined together, but I found it thoroughly entertaining.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Tubular Bells - Pt I
Rating: 4
Bob Dylan
3/5
Great lyrics but the music itself isn’t my thing. The kids couldn’t cope with the harmonica when I was listening in the car haha! It is hard to give it a fair listen as I don’t have the time/space right now.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Like A Rolling Stone
Rating: 3
Cornershop
3/5
I listened to this while doing a rhythm run and it was excellent for the purpose. This one was pretty cool and interesting but probably won’t make my playlists. I enjoyed the variety and international influences.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: It’s Indian Tobacco My Friend
Rating: 3
Magazine
4/5
My favourite music growing up was an old mixtape of my dad’s containing Visage, Icehouse, and Magazine. This one really showed how context affects my ratings -when trying to listen in the car with the family and lots of noise around I didn’t like it. Listening again at home while I pottered in the kitchen, I thought it was great.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: The Light Pours Out Of Me (I’m most familiar with this one)
Rating: 4
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
There is a lot of hype about this album and with so many hits packed into it I had high expectations, but I wasn’t all that into it and my opinion even decreased on the second playthrough. If I was going through a break-up it would be perfect, but as it stands it was a bit twangy/country for me.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Go Your Own Way
Rating: 3
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
This is the kind of 80s music I like and I do enjoy Pet Shop Boys - this album was mostly good with a couple of tracks I didn’t really like and, although catchy and political in lyrics, It’s A Sin is obviously just Wild World by Cat Stevens.
The Killers
4/5
I have heard Me Brightside and Somebody Told Me way too much so I wasn’t too excited for this album but it was actually really good!
Listens: 1
Fave Song: All These Things That I’ve Done
Rating: 4
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I like bands who have something to say and Manic Street Preachers certainly do. Some pretty dark lyrics here and they address some pretty harsh issues.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: This Is Yesterday
Rating: 4
Van Halen
3/5
The guitar/music was impressive, song content less so.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Jump
Rating: 3
Eurythmics
2/5
I didn’t like it, the title track and last track were ok but the rest was boring and uninspiring.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of These)
Rating: 2
Funkadelic
5/5
This album had moments of perfection and moments of weird chaos. I think it all worked as a cohesive whole although I struggled a bit with the final track sound effects which were rather… juvenile. The good heavily outweighed the bad though and this one has to be a 5/5.
Listens: 2
Fave Tracks: Super Stupid, Maggot Brain
Rating: 5
50 Cent
3/5
Only time for one listen. 50 Cent is easy to listen to although not particularly clever with his raps. Good production.
Listens: 1
Fave Tracks: In Da Club
Rating: 3
The Sabres Of Paradise
3/5
This one was quite different and pretty thematic. I didn’t mind it.
Listens: 1
Fave Tracks: Ballad of Nicky McGuire
Rating: 3
Beach House
2/5
I don’t like this kind of music and found this album really boring. Might appeal to some, it’s not objectively bad and the lyrics (while also not my thing) were poetic.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Didn’t have one.
Rating: 2
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Oof - I really, really don’t like country music and this is very country. This album puts me in a predicament because I thought it was very good country but I still dislike listening to it.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Hot Burrito #2
Rating: 2
Isaac Hayes
2/5
My daughter thought this was funny as she recognised Chef from South Park. I wasn’t as enamoured with the long, long monologues. Only needed one listen as there were repeated versions of the songs.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Hyperbolicsyllablecsesquedalymistic ( this one was only 10 minutes!)
Rating: 2
Muddy Waters
2/5
Very very classic blues. It was good but unfortunately I don’t like blues.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Crosseyed Cat (subject amused me)
Otis Redding
2/5
I didn’t really enjoy this, it’s not for me. I don’t like the many covers he does near as much as the originals.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Ole Man Trouble
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
I’m not a big fan of this kind of music and with these guys, singing in particular doesn’t appeal to me nor the subjects of the songs. The music itself isn’t bad.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: All Of This And Nothing
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Music for my next highbrow soirée. Actually quite relaxing after a while.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Solar
Charles Mingus
3/5
More jazz! This is very good but not my favourite genre.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: ?
U2
3/5
I forgot how much I like U2, although this isn’t my favourite of theirs.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: New Year’s Day
Cocteau Twins
2/5
This is the second Cocteau Twins album I have had. It reminds of Kate Bush a little, whose music I don’t really like but prefer to this. The high singing doesn’t appeal to me.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: None
Pink Floyd
5/5
I like that this is a tribute to their former singer. I had a copy of this on tape. I really like it.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Have A Cigar
Rating: 5
Public Enemy
4/5
The thing about a lot of hip hop is that it references a culture and experience I can’t understand and haven’t lived. I think it is good to be spoken of and listen to though and this album is important in its messages. The music itself was okay but very much of its era, although clearly influential (I could hear OutKast at certain moments in particular).
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Fight The Power
Rating: 4 - it does what it has set out to do
Silver Jews
2/5
Feels like country meets The Velvet Underground meets Presidents of the USA. While I like those two bands, and while this is a sweet album, I found the strong country aspect too offputting and I couldn’t get past it.
Listens:
Fave Track: Transylvania Blues
Rating: 2
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Layla has always been one of my absolute favourite songs. The rest of the album was also good and the guitar was outstanding.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Layla
Rating: 4
David Bowie
4/5
I have never heard this album or these songs before. I thought it was really good and quite different from a lot of his other stuff. I was a little less fond of the instrumentals as they went on a bit.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Sound and Vision
Rating: 4
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
I didn’t get it on first listen, but it clicked on the second. This is lovely romantic, sweet music.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: It’s A Lovely Day Today
Rating: 3
AC/DC
2/5
The music is slick but very samey. I cannot stand the singing, never have. My lifelong strong dislike for AC/DC continues. They are one of those bands that will make me turn off the radio.
Listens: 2
Fave Track:
Rating: 2
Q-Tip
4/5
Intelligent, softer, kind of old school hip hop/r&b. Q-Tip is a good rapper (and I liked his tracks. Not my usual vibe but I do need to learn to chill.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: You
Rating: 4
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Cute and a bit quirky but a bit too Britpop for me. I still liked it.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: God! Show Me Magic
Rating: 3
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I haven't really listened to much Simon & Garfunkel honestly, it's not something I've been exposed to other than their extremely well known songs such as The Sound of Silence. This album really had the feel of a soundtrack to a musical. I was pretty skeptical at first but probably had my biggest flip in opinion mid-album yet - I ended up really enjoying this one.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Mrs Robinson
Rating: 4
Radiohead
5/5
I loved this album when it came out but haven't been too keen on Radiohead in the last couple of decades - the singing style gets a bit much after a while. However, this album is an absolute masterpiece and as relevant today as it was then (if not more so).
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Paranoid Android (this hasn't changed)
Rating: 5
Jane Weaver
3/5
I'd never heard of this. It was the kind of female vocals I don't really like but was otherwise nice enough. I'm not completely clear on what was supposed to be so special about this particular album and the Wikipedia page didn't add any insights.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: The Architect
Rating: 3
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I just can’t get into country and this was too country for me.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Round And Round (It Won’t Be Long)
Rating: 3
Milton Nascimento
2/5
It’s not that I mind listening to folk music, it’s just that I’d be rather listening to something else. If this was live I’d enjoy it.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Dos Cruces
Rating: 2
Tina Turner
4/5
I've never been a Tina Turner fan but this album is very good with a few of her well-known songs. Many of the songs seemed to related to her previous abusive relationship so it felt very personal and quite raw.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: What's Love Got To Do With It?
Rating: 4
Radiohead
5/5
Another Radiohead album hard on the heels of the previous one. I have to admit that Radiohead is a band I don't think I like until I listen to them and remember actually they are really good.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: The Gloaming
Rating: 5
Elliott Smith
2/5
Albums where a singer wallows in romantic relationships that didn't work out are generally ones I don't enjoy, regardless of the artist's talent. I felt worse about this when I heard this was the last album before Elliott took his own life, and that brought an element of poignancy. It's still not my style of music.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Wouldn't Mama Be Proud
Rating: 2
The Fall
3/5
I suspect The Fall might be an acquired taste, I don't know how I feel the choice to yell over-enunciated lyrics over a backing track, albeit those backing tracks are pretty catchy. If I'm leaning any particular way, I guess it is towards like over dislike. 'A Past Gone Mad', in particular, sounds like something that could have come out quite recently, evoking Underworld or NIN.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: A Past Gone Mad
Rating: 3
Beatles
3/5
Meh - it’s The Beatles.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: In My Life
Rating: 3
DJ Shadow
3/5
I was so pleased to get this album as I have been meaning to listen to it for ages! I wasn't sure what to make of it the first time around but after a bit of research to actually understand what it was I liked it better the second time.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Organ Donor, Napalm Brain / Scatter Brain - Medley
Rating: 3
Madonna
3/5
The nostalgia hit me like a truck with this one - I lived and breathed Madonna throughout my childhood. I had this album on tape but it wasn’t my favourite of hers - I loved side A, never bothered much with the rest of the album after Cherish. Like A Prayer, Express Yourself, and Cherish are absolute bangers though.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: Like A Prayer
Rating: 3
Prince
2/5
Interestingly, Prince was heavily involved in my previous album (Madonna - Like A Prayer). I generally don't really like Prince except for maybe a few of his bigger hits. I didn't like this album.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Sign O' The Times
Rating: 2
AC/DC
1/5
Ugh. So samey. Do not like, this one is even worse than Back In Black. I was almost tempted to skip listening to this but forced myself.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: None
Rating: 1
Fred Neil
3/5
Quite country but the guy has a nice mellow voice that’s quite pleasant and I quite liked the guitar. Not my thing but it’s okay. Apparently known for writing Everybody’s Talking from Midnight Cowboy.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: That’s The Bag I’m In
Rating: 3
Erykah Badu
2/5
This is, unfortunately, exactly the kind of music I really don't like. I just can't.
Listens: 1
No fave track.
Rating: 2
Michael Jackson
2/5
I just don't do disco, although Michael has a beautiful voice.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: I Can't Help It
Rating: 2
The Black Crowes
3/5
I had thought this would be pretty regular 90s alternative/rock with my very limited experience with this band but it’s actually quite bluesy. It was fine but not a standout for me.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: She Talks To Angela
Rating: 3
Justice
3/5
Justice is like Daft Punk but I slightly prefer them. It was okay but, even though EDM is my preferred genre, this probably won’t hit my playlists.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Phantom
Rating: 3
Big Star
2/5
This ?pop/rock really didn't appeal on first listen, but was okay the second time around. It is quite slow and not really my style.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: ?
Rating: 2
Miles Davis
2/5
It’s jazz. It’s very good jazz, but it’s not my thing. Rating reflects personal enjoyment, not quality (as always, rating reflects personal enjoyment, not quality)
Listens: 1
Fave Track: ?
Rating: 2
The Verve
3/5
I will gladly tell anyone within earshot that I don't like Oasis and, to be honest, the genre in general (although I do have a soft spot for Blur). The Verve was okay I guess but this stuff isn't really my cup of tea.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: A Northern Soul
Rating: 3
Love
3/5
Yeah, it was okay - better than I thought it would be by a band that calls themselves "Love".
Listens: 2
Fave Track: A House Is Not A Motel
Rating: 3
OutKast
4/5
I have positive memories of this album so was excited to see it. I was more familiar with Speakerboxx than The Love Below, although the second was the better part, I think. (Plus definitely had the better-known tracks). Excellent concept album(a).
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Ghettomusick, Hey Ya, Behold A Lady, Love In War
Rating: 4
Santana
4/5
Santana is pretty groovy. Great background music.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
Rating: 4
Hot Chip
4/5
Very poppy, but I thought it was good pop. I enjoyed my second listen and thought maybe I might even choose to listen to this.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Let Me Be Him, Flutes
Rating: 4
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Nice-sounding folk music but not my thing.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: ?
Rating: 3
R.E.M.
4/5
I’ve always liked R.E.M.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: Orange Crush
Rating: 4
The Byrds
2/5
Very 60s but also quite all over the place. It’s a no thanks from me - I didn’t like anything about this one. Plus the worst cover of Hey Joe I’ve ever heard.
Listens: 1
No fave track.
Rating: 2
Machito
2/5
Big band jazz + Afro-Cuban drumming. Jazz can be relaxing but the drumming takes away from that and makes it kind of intense and unfortunately I also don’t like brass instruments very much.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Congo Mulence
Rating: 2
Thin Lizzy
4/5
This album is a good time! Great guitar, awesome drums, catchy songs.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Massacre
Rating: 4
Aerosmith
2/5
This really contrasted after the Thin Lizzy album and not in a good way. Not really sure what the appeal is with Aerosmith tbh. *yawn*
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Janie’s Got A Gun
Rating: 2
R.E.M.
3/5
R.E.M is always quality but I probably prefer their later albums. Playing
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Pilgrimage
Rating: 3
Booker T. & The MG's
2/5
Everyone knows Green Onions. Cute but quite samey.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Green Onions
Rating: 2
Arcade Fire
4/5
I really liked this - it was grandiose and entertaining and different and I loved the church acoustics/theme. I’m rating it a 4 but it was almost a 5 for me.
Ute Lemper
1/5
I hate this kind of sensual female singer, triggers my PTSD.
Listens: 1
“Fave” Track: The Case Continues
Rating: 1
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Pretty familiar-sounding 70s pop/rock with a strong bluesy feel. I was happy to listen the first time but didn’t really feel like a second one when I tried.
Listens: 1
Fave track: ? (Didn’t have time to pick one)
Rating: 3
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
Sadly Cuban jazz is not my jam.
Listens: 1
Rating: 2
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
This is a supergroup with Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz), and includes band members from The Clash and The Verve, and a well-known drummer and producer. I thought it was pretty average actually, but this kind of thing isn’t reallly my genre.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Herculean
Rating: 3
Common
3/5
Nice beats, good storytelling, some content was great, some not so much.
Listens: 1
Fave Tracks: Be, Testify
Rating: 3
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I like Led Zepplin but this isn’t my favourite of their albums.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
Rating: 3
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
I want to like it but I... don't. It's like I felt like the sum was worse than the parts perhaps and it's just a lot of noise with the odd catchy riff. I literally couldn't choose a favourite track because I didn't like the lyrics of the ones that were more pleasant to listen to.
Listens: 1
Rating: 2
Stan Getz
3/5
Lovely relaxing music while I do the dishes in the evening and look out across the valley. Another good cocktail party album. I guess I like *this* jazzz.
Listens: 1
Rating: 3
Radiohead
2/5
Musically not appealing, lyrically good. Sadly my lowest rated Radiohead so far.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: All I Need
Rating: 2
The Band
2/5
Yet another case of not my style.
Listens: 1
Rating: 2
2/5
Limp Bizkit want you to know they don’t care so much that they wrote a whole album about it. Firstly I felt they were ripping off Beastie Boys, other times Incubus and god knows who else. I don’t get the NIN diss track, especially considering Trent Reznor is vastly more talented. I honestly always thought Limp Bizkit were more of a joke band but now I’m wondering if they take themselves seriously? My favourite “Limp Bizkit” song is Cookie by Cookie Monster followed by their section of Angry White Boy Polka by Weird Al. Actual Limp Bizkit…? Ah - no thanks. There were some songs I didn’t mind but the irritating moments outweighed them. This is the first album which I am absolutely perplexed is on this list.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Getcha Groove On - Dirt Road Mix made it into my running playlist because of those basslines
Rating: 2
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Leonard Cohen is a lyrical genius, just amazing.
Listens: 1
Rating: 4
Eagles
4/5
I was pleasantly surprised by this album as for some reason I expected not to like it. I was familiar with the singles but not the album itself. I thought it was a solid and well-polished production and enjoyed listening to it. Who knew??
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Hotel California
Rating: 4
GZA
3/5
As far as rap goes, this was lyrically next-level but it’s another case of appreciating something I don’t relate to and musically didn’t really inspire me.
Listens: 1 1/2
Fave Track: I think I liked the collaborative tracks better in general.
Rating: 3 (for the rap quality, prob 2 for enjoyment)
Garbage
3/5
Pretty familiar with this album and liked it a lot when it came out. I still like it but I think I’ve both over-listened to a few of the tracks and it has aged a bit.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Stupid Girl
Rating: 3
Public Enemy
5/5
What’s good about this album: message, beats, samples, energy, rapping
What is not so much: It is definitely of its age, Flava Flav “yeah boiii”
Listens: 3
Fave Track: She Watch Channel Zero?!
Rating: 5
Willie Nelson
2/5
While driving through a busy chaotic carpark with this on the stereo, it occurred to me that this was incredibly calming. If I needed a lullaby, Willie would be the guy. It seemed to be largely covers of older songs.
Listens: 1
Rating: 2
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
...what did I just listen to? Apparently this was the beginning of the Industrial genre of music, which I actually really like. However, this was definitely very weird. I didn't like it but I didn't hate it.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: AB/7A
Rating: 2
Iron Maiden
3/5
Iron Maiden have a very distinctive sound. It’s okay but I got a bit tired of it. Not a fan of their cover art.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Run to the Hills
Rating: 3
The Who
3/5
It’s really weird to listen to songs from a musical I’ve never seen, and therefore difficult to rate.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Pinball Wizard
Rating: 3
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
It’s sweet and gentle with some good songwriting. Would I listen to it again? I’m not sure.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: ?
Rating: 3
Ash
3/5
I believe I had a copy of this album in my music collection on my computer. It’s fine though not really standout.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Girl From Mars
Rating: 3
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
This was the album(s) I have had the most trouble listening through so far. It’s not my least favourite and it’s not even that I disliked the music, it just became tiresome for me relatively quickly and the music is very repetitive.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: ? (They all sounded similar to me)
Rating: 2
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Not sure I like Tom Petty’s younger voice very much - I prefer his later music. This album sounded kind of like an early Bon Jovi style.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: American Girl
Rating: 3
The Monks
4/5
This is very good for its time, it is described as photo-punk but it’s from 1966. I liked the first half of the album better than the second but I think it deserves a higher than average rating.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Boys Are Boys And Girls Are Choice
Rating: 4
Adele
3/5
She has an amazing voice. The music is catchy. The songs sound fantastic. But a whole album of songs pretty much entirely venting about relationship problems… give me strength. It could have been a 4 but I got bored so it dropped to a 3.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Set Fire To The Rain
Rating: 3
Count Basie & His Orchestra
2/5
I got very excited when I heard the name of this album but it turns out it is just jazz with a big band. Oh well.
Listens: 1
Rating: 2
T. Rex
1/5
“Baby, baby, baby, baybeeeeehhh” 🤮
T-Rex reminds me of a boring Guns N Roses but without the catchy riffs. Did not like.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Telegraph Sam
Rating: 1
Oasis
3/5
I am quite vocal about my dislike of Oasis. However, I forgot I had the single/EP? of Supersonic/Live Forever and I think Married With Children was in it back when in the 90s and I really liked it and they are all from this album. This was okay, but I still can’t stand the singing.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Supersonic
Rating: 3
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
I totally respect what she was doing but the subjects did make me uncomfortable and I’m not big into R&B. Fully support what this artist is doing though.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Lost One
Rating: 3
Van Halen
4/5
I liked this album by Van Halen a lot better than the one I reviewed previously (1984), which came later.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: I’m The One
Rating: 4
Happy Mondays
2/5
I found this really boring actually. Really average rock with some guy shouting inanely as “singing”.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Rave On
Rating: 2
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
For a 60s album, I thought this was really good! Variety in songs, good rock sound, I was happy to listen to this.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: I’m Not Your Stepping Stone
Rating: 4
The xx
4/5
I am already a fan of The xx so my review will be biased. While not quite in my wheelhouse, I especially love the simple beats and harmonising singers.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Crystallised
Rating: 4
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
I liked this - it was pretty!
Listens: 1
Fave Track: The Shepherd Girl
Rating: 4
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
This was perfectly fine classical music and I was happy to have it on in the background while I jogged.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Milonga Is Coming
Rating: 3
Joy Division
2/5
I tried with this album… I really, really tried. I feel like I “should” like Joy Division but I just found it boring and slow. I’m sorry, I didn’t get it.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Day of the Lords
Rating: 2
Kate Bush
3/5
This was an interesting album with a lot of variety, and by interesting I mean weird. I used to really dislike Kate Bush but I have to say she is growing on me over time and I didn’t mind this.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: The Big Sky
Rating: 3
Meat Puppets
3/5
The Meat Puppets covers by Nirvana are up there with my favourite songs ever and listening to this album I might see why they appealed to Kurt. However, I’m not Kurt and while the potential is there, the singing sounded very out of tune and I much preferred Nirvana’s arrangements (except for Plateau which was fine here). Points for creativity, maybe not so much for execution. Going to push up to a 3 for writing one of my favourite songs ever (Oh, Me)
The Who
2/5
This is the third album so far from The Who and I think my opinion on this band has settled into a “meh”.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Shakin’ All Over
Rating: 2
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Not my thing.
Listens: 1
Rating: 2
Ray Price
2/5
Apparently this is Honky Tonk as we are told by the singer repeatedly through the album. This guy sings that partying is life and then gets upset that he keeps meeting party girls. A bit of an uncomfortable listen, to be honest. (Subject-wise, musically he is fine apart from the genre)
Listens: 1
Rating: 2
The Byrds
3/5
The second album I’ve had so far by The Byrds l, I definitely preferred this one. Nice catchy pop but the songs did all sound similar to each other.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better
Rating: 3
Caetano Veloso
3/5
This was very easy to listen to.
Listens: 1
Rating: 3
B.B. King
3/5
B. B. King is clearly a great entertainer and I liked this album as well as all his commentary throughout. The live aspect also added to the album, lots of crowd enthusiasm. It's yet another album about endless relationship problems but it's the blues so why not?
Listens: 1
Fave Track: How Blue Can You Get
Rating: 3
Korn
3/5
I’ve always loved Freak On A Leash and that still stands. The rest of the album was fine but I feel that Korn is very much one kind of sound.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Freak On a Leash
Rating: 3
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Bob Marley is quality although I’m not at all into reggae.
Fave Track: Revolution
Rating: 4
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Another Bob Marley straight away. I preferred Natty Dread but this was okay. I still dislike reggae.
Fave Track: Stir It Up
Rating:
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Stevie’s voice is vocal sunshine. I enjoyed this one.
Fave Track: Smile Please
Rating: 4
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
I can’t really comment as I’m not very familiar with salsa. It was fine.
Rating: 3
Barry Adamson
2/5
This was a very unusual album, each track wildly different. I liked a few but I really disliked a few as well. Good on him for being creative but I don't think I'll visit this album again.
Fave Track: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Rating: 2
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
I am not the target audience for this album. The style actually reminded me of a grittier Meatloaf, which I didn’t expect!
Rating: 2
Primal Scream
3/5
I quite like Primal Scream and repetitive music like this is good for my slower runs. I also like the heavier electronica/industrial sound. However, I did get a bit bored (on my run, no less) listening to this so that's not great. It's a high 3/low 4 rating for me.
Fave Track: Kowalski
Rating: 3
The Temptations
5/5
Lots of great songs - fantastic album!
Fave Track: Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone
Rating: 5
Jethro Tull
5/5
I haven't actually listened to Jethro Tull, other than maybe in the background of a great local cafe that used to exist that was Jethro Tull themed. It was great! Led Zeppelin-ish but a bit more folky and with flute. I have discovered the flute was controversial but I loved the creativity and uniqueness of this album with a great underlying rock vibe.
Fave Track: Locomotive Breath
Rating: 5
MC Solaar
4/5
This came out in 1991? This is amazing for that time. I love hearing people rap in other languages, this is the first French rap I have heard, and this has a funky jazzy sound and even though I don’t speak French, the guy has got great flow.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Caroline
Rating: 4
Jeff Beck
4/5
This was great rock/blues! I really enjoyed the guitar.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Shapes of Things
Rating: 4
New York Dolls
3/5
This is hard rock that sounded like punk which is a genre I don’t like very much. It was okay but the tracks were hit and miss for me
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Trash
Rating: 3
Sam Cooke
3/5
Fun, short, and sweet soul album. I liked it.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Feel It (Don’t Fight It)
Rating: 3
Tori Amos
4/5
This was actually very good for a genre I don’t like very much. I still found a couple of songs a bit much but I think she is talented and this album deserves a 4 rating.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Crucify
Rating: 4
The Blue Nile
2/5
Meh, this was boring. The singer sounds a bit like Sting or Bowie to me but I found the tunes monotonous.
Listens: 1
Fave Track: Automobile Noise
Rating: 2
The Smiths
4/5
It took me an extra day to rate this one but I decided to not let the couple of tracks I disliked affect the fact that the rest of the album was good! Good music, interesting lyrics, catchy.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Rating: 4
Kings of Leon
2/5
There are multiple hits on this album but it just doesn’t appeal to me. Some of their songs I found frankly a bit creepy which pushed it down to a 2.
Fave Track: Closer
Rating: 2
Eels
4/5
This album is a lot more than Novocaine For The Soul. It speaks directly to my inner angst-filled teenager. The low point for me is that the last song, Manchild, is literally Everybody Hurts (REM) which I thought was a bit lazy. Hard to choose a fave track, but Guest List hits home.
Rating: 4
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Bruce Springsteen wrote this album after 9/11 so I understand it is meaningful and poignant; however, his music just don’t resonate with me unless I make the effort and I don’t feel the need/have the energy to do so.
Fave Track: You’re missing
Rating: 2
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I quite like Neil Young, I thought this was a pretty good album although I probably didn't pay as much attention while it was playing as I could have.
Fave Track: My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue)
Rating: 3
Fairport Convention
1/5
I’m pretty certain at this point that I don’t like folk music. This was an absolute slog for me to get through.
Rating: 1
The Beach Boys
3/5
Not my kind of sound, but I was pleasantly surprised by their variation and politicality (is that a word?) - better than I had thought.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Til I Die
Rating: 3
Willie Nelson
2/5
Again, a very smooth, soothing singing voice but WAY too country for me. Also one of his songs (Can I Sleep In Your Arms) was just to The Saints Go Marching In.
Rating: 2
Beck
3/5
Beck is cool and I really like some of those basslines. On the other hand, I liked this album but I didn’t find it anything special.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: E-pro
Rating: 3
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
I like Come On Eileen as much as the next person, but it wasn’t on this album and the singer of this band can’t sing to save himself.. While there is a bit of bop to some of the songs, I would rather not put myself through listening to this again. Tbf, it’s not my favourite genre mix.
Fave Track: Geno
Rating: 2
Fats Domino
3/5
Some good rock and roll - apparently influenced Elvis and The Beatles. Very 50s. I liked it.
Fave Track: Honey Chile
Rating: 3
Pretenders
2/5
I feel like I’m supposed to like the Pretenders but they just don’t appeal to me.
Rating: 2
Genesis
3/5
This is a Genesis I have never heard before - I didn't realise they had a very different, prog-rock sound in the 70s. I thought it was okay but I prefer their 80s pop sound.
Fave Track: Dancing With The Moonlit Knight
Rating: 3
Bob Dylan
3/5
Bob Dylan is a good songwriter and I love the purpose and message behind many of the tracks on this album. His points are as relevant now as they were then. However, the music itself isn't to my taste, it's a little too folky.
Fave Track: Masters Of War
Rating: 3
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I preferred Are You Experienced over this album. I didn't dislike it but it didn't do much for me.
Fave Track: Wait Until Tomorrow
Rating: 3
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Loved the bass groove behind the tracks. This is VERY political but I felt the raps were a bit too blunt/on the nose without the cleverness or artistry of other rappers - it felt more like essays/poetry being spoken over a hip hop beat and I felt that detracted a bit. I think you can make your point bluntly while not making it feel like the audience is being lectured (e.g. Public Enemy).
Fave Track: Language of Violence
Rating: 3
Madonna
3/5
I’ve always discounted this album as auto-tune early-2000s bad dance music. After listening to it properly I still don’t like this Madonna like I do 80s Madonna, but it kind of works together and she hadn’t changed as much as I thought. It’s weird they auto-tune her sometimes when she can clearly sing. Probably needs another listen, sadly I don’t have time. I have discovered it has a French producer so another example of French EDM seeming to be not my thing.
Fave Track: I Deserve It
Rating: 3
Black Flag
2/5
If an angry teenager was music, this would be it. I liked a few of the earlier tracks and was considering giving it a reasonably high rating at that point but by the second half of the album it got a bit much and I found it samey and depressing.
Fave Track: TV Party
Rating: 2
Fishbone
4/5
This was good. It was a mix of genres I tend to dislike (i.e. ska, roots/reggae) but this was quality and I really enjoyed it.
Fave Track: Ma and Pa
Rating: 4
2/5
She is a good singer and I liked how she sounded quite retro but this just isn’t my style of music.
Rating: 2
Yes
2/5
You can hear how this band was clearly an influence on many other famous bands, so while I don’t deny the significance, I didn’t really enjoy it as it’s not my style.
Rating: 2
Fatboy Slim
4/5
I used to listen to this album a lot so it was a bit of nostalgia for me and I’m totally biased on this one.
Fave Track: Going Out Of My Head
Rating: 4
The Divine Comedy
2/5
This was really quite weird, a bit like a soundtrack to a musical crossed with an old-fashioned crooner. I didn’t like it.
Rating: 2
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
I know I wasn’t exactly Rumours biggest fan, but this was…. well, I listened to Rumours again after this and I guess this made me appreciate Rumours more? I can tell my preference against country/folk is in play when it comes to Fleetwood Mac. I am not saying Tusk is bad per se, but it was definitely a step down for this band.
Rating: 2
Rating: 2
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
This alternative rock album definitely sounded ahead of its time, with more of a 90s sound so obviously must have been influential on other groups. I really liked it, although I did find the distortion a bit too much as the album went on and tired of it. I suspect this is an album I would like more the more I listened to it, so I gave it a 4.
Fave Track: Little Fury Things
Rating: 4
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
My teen years and early 20s were awful and this album was a very strong contestant for my favourite at the time. It encapsulates raw emotional pain in a way few do and progresses through different stages of that pain. Purely musically, I also think it is fantastic as Trent Reznor is very clever and does interesting things.
Listens: 1
Rating: 5
The Rolling Stones
2/5
The Rolling Stones have never really appealed to me. I wondered if that might change with this project and apparently this is considered their best album by many but they still don’t do anything for me.
Rating: 2
Prince
2/5
Prince tends to be a bit much for me really. He's got some catchy songs and a couple of them were on this album, but actually I found it was more nostalgia and not that I actually liked them. I thought Little Red Corvette was my fave from this album but it just sounded quite dated. :( I didn't like this album.
Fave Track: 1999
Rating: 2
The Birthday Party
1/5
It is interesting to me that I find some men's angry barely-coherent screaming music appealing (NIN, Tool), yet I cannot stand another's (this album, a lot of punk). I hated the album art, was even more concerned when I saw it was post-punk and the era (1982) and unfortunately this album was everything I expected and worse. Rating: 1
Miles Davis
1/5
Thanks, I hate it.
Fave Track: Spanish Key
Rating: 1
Metallica
4/5
As mentioned, I'm not really a Metallica fan but I believe this is what I consider their best album? Most of the tracks are good, a few are really good. I prefer the ones that are sung rather than growled.
Fave Track: The Unforgiven
Rating: 4
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This was quality. Even though these kinds of lovey-dovey songs are really not my style, she does it too well to criticize and I still enjoyed listening to this album.
Fave Track: Son Of A Preacher Man
Rating: 4
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I grew up with the impression Simon & Garfunkel were pretty cringe, but it turns out I actually really like them. A couple of great songs, a few good ones, and a couple that missed for me on this album.
Fave Track: The Boxer
Rating: 4
Billy Joel
3/5
Yep, it's Billy Joel - who doesn't like Billy Joel? I like Billy Joel.
Fave Track: Just The Way You Are
Rating: 3
Green Day
3/5
I think this album was absolutely observant as to the trajectory things have since headed in the last 20 years. I also think it has a strong collection of tracks. However, it also seems a bit lacking in the raw emotion contained in a lot of more political/angry music which seems a bit at odds with the subject, and it did feel samey when I wasn't paying attention - Billie Joe doesn't deviate a lot in the way he sings. I liked the use of double songs. Green Day just don't hit quite right for me so I had to give this a high 3.
Fave Track: Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Rating: 3
Dire Straits
5/5
Absolutely excellent album. Found myself lost in songs without even realising. Really hard to pick a favourite track as there were four contenders that I liked a lot for different reasons.
Fave Track: Got it down to Brothers In Arms or Money For Nothing but couldn’t choose between them.
Rating: 5
Prefab Sprout
2/5
It wasn't particularly bad, but it was just kind of boring and a bit... ok, it was a little bit bad.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Bonny
Rating: 2
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Led Zeppelin is an interesting band for me because some of their tracks are would be my top songs ever, yet others I don't enjoy at all. I think this album is particularly strong, though, and although Stairway is one of my all-time favourites, I did consider When The Levee Breaks as a contender for fave track (although it is a cover).
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Stairway To Heaven
Rating: 4
Grateful Dead
2/5
I didn’t like this. The first and last tracks were basically just like a lot of uncohesive jamming and the last one was literally just feedback. Middle songs were average, I didn’t mind two of them.
Fave Track: The Eleven
Rating: 2
Barry Adamson
2/5
This album is more a movie score than anything. I found it not to my taste, especially as an album to listen through. I don’t doubt they would work well as background music in the right scenes.
Rating: 2
The Cars
3/5
Just What I Needed and My Best Friend's Girl are both really catchy, I've always particularly liked the former, and as far as 80s albums go I quite like this one, but it didn't really stand out.
Fave Track: Just What I Needed
Rating: 3
Bee Gees
1/5
I don't even like the Bee Gees' popular songs, so this album was never going to do well with me, and it was no surprise when this album of slower ballads by this band was not something I enjoyed listening to. To quote one of the track titles in this album: "Somebody Stop The Music". I feel a bit harsh and it's not the worst album on the list, but this falls below my 2-star albums for me.
Rating: 1
Slipknot
4/5
I had never really given Slipknot a chance due to the imagery they use and I don't like that guttural screaming type of singing. My opinion hasn't changed on the screaming but this album was still really good and I thought they did what they set out to do very well.
Rating: 4
Elliott Smith
4/5
I liked this one a lot more than the other album by Elliott Smith (Figure 8) I listened to a wee while ago.
Rating: 4
Donald Fagen
2/5
When I was growing up and listened to the radio, this is the kind of easy listening music that informed me I'd hit some old people station and to keep searching for a decent one. It's also the kind of music that makes me afraid people can hear my music through my headphones and think I might CHOOSE to be listening to it.
Fave Track: New Frontier
Rating: 2
U2
4/5
Despite U2's dramatic fall in popularity over recent years, they still hold a special place for me and I really like their music from this particular era. The Fly was possibly my favourite song for a period in the early-90s. I REALLY like the good songs from this album and there are a number of them; however, there are a few more boring tracks which unfortunately meant it couldn't be a 5 for me.
Fave Track: The Fly
Rating: 4
Aimee Mann
2/5
If you liked Meredith Brooks or similar back in the 90s, then I would highly recommend this album as this is a strong competitor. Unfortunately, I dislike this genre so I have to give it a lower rating than it probably deserves.
Fave Track: I Should've Known
Rating: 2
Eminem
1/5
Eminem (or whatever persona he's choosing in the moment) is a very technically proficient rap artist. However, I have never been on board with his music because I didn't like him particularly much, but this also means that I have never listened to this album.
This was absolutely disgusting. It was an onslaught of extreme homophobia (he is OBSESSED with gay sex), misogyny and violence and I don't care what point he is trying to make, many of these lyrics are not okay. I struggle because I listen to a lot of music where I have issues with similar attitudes, but I have definitely found my line. I felt physically sick listening to "Kim"; actually, I felt physically sick listening to quite a few of the tracks. It took me three days to get through this album.
I know he has matured since this time, I stand by the fact that his rapping skill is phenomenal, and he has put out some really motivational tracks since, but I am absolutely horrified how popular this album was in its time and I don't care if he has skill, this doesn't deserve anything other than a 1.
Fave Track: Stan
Rating: 1
Neil Young
3/5
There is something special about Neil Young that just makes me really like his music, even though a lot of this album was very country. That's saying something! I'd probably rate this generally lower than the others of his I've listened to so far but there were some really good tracks.
Fave Track: Words (Between the Lines of Age)
Rating: 3
Stereolab
2/5
With the first song I was like, yeah this is catchy, this is my kind of music. The next few songs weren't quite as catchy and by the second half of the album I honestly just wanted them to shut up. It kind of reminded me of Django Django but, unlike Django Django, I didn't like album. What is it I don't like about French music? I wish I knew.
Listens: 2
Fave Track: Metronomic Underground
Rating: 2
Simply Red
4/5
I really didn’t like Simply Red back in the day, I think largely I was picking up on the fact that the lead singer used to annoy my mum. This was actually pretty good for its genre; not the kind of thing I’d listen to but I need to give credit where it’s due.
Rating: 4
Alice In Chains
3/5
I know this is an unpopular opinion but I just can't get into Alice In Chains, they always feel like a budget version of other bands I really like so I would probably never choose to listen to them. I think it's the singing in particular. I do think their lyrics are well written though.
Fave Track: Them Bones (probably due to Guitar Hero 2)
Rating: 3
Kanye West
2/5
I once liked Kanye, but then when he became awful I removed all his music from my playlists. I think this album came out around the point I made a decision to stop listening to him so I haven't really heard it before. The thing is, while I don't like his lyrics or him at all, the music itself appeals to me so I'll give him a star for that. He's obviously already losing the plot in this album though.
Rating: 2
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Don’t really like this style of music but it was pretty chill and I enjoyed the guitar.
Rating: 3
Ice T
5/5
I think this era of hip hop is my favourite. This album was mostly rap but there was real variety with the odd funny interlude track, some spoken parts, and even a rock track (Body Count). He swings from extremely serious to funny interludes to places in between, which works, and the music is consistently good. The lyrics are often quite centred on gun violence but he explains many times throughout the album that this is his reality in the place he lives.
Fave Track: Mind over Matter
Rating: 5
Dr. Octagon
2/5
This was... extremely weird. I do like concept albums and I really like the similar album Deltron 3030 but while the theme of that was human rights/technology in a dystopian future, the theme of this was a homicidal alien gynaecologist/surgeon which was... not for me, and it was an uncomfortable 20-song listen. The theme was so offputting that this would fall into the 1-star range for me but I'm going to give it an extra star for originality/creativity and good beats. Since it's a crazy album, I gave the "fave track" to the craziest song because it was just funny.
Fave Track: Halfsharkalligatorhalfman
Rating: 2
Red Snapper
4/5
I really liked this, it was funky and fun, the kind of thing I'd have playing in the background.
Rating: 4
Tracy Chapman
4/5
My mother LOVED this album and I used to dislike it because she played it a lot, so I made an effort to try and move past my negative reaction and actually it is a quality album with a couple of absolute classic songs. It wouldn't be something I'd choose to listen to, but she does what she does well.
Fave Track: Fast Car
Rating: 4
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I think Leonard Cohen gets better as he ages. His songwriting is still very impressive but I liked the other two albums by him better than this one. This got a bit monotonous.
Rating: 3
Soul II Soul
2/5
When hip hop Lena’s towards R&B I don’t really like it. I wasn’t a fan of Soul II Soul back then and this hasn’t changed. I find it a bit boring.
Rating: 2
The Doors
2/5
The Doors have never really been my thing, which has been further proven by this album.
Rating: 2
Minor Threat
3/5
As someone who doesn't like punk, this album was not for me but I didn't mind it - I'd put it at 5/10 which is a 3 rating.
Rating: 3
The Undertones
2/5
Nope, didn't like this one, pop-punk isn't my sort of music and I didn't like the vibrato in the singer's voice.
Rating: 2
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
This was like world music/blues and I thought it was actually very good.
Rating: 4
Kanye West
4/5
Dammit, this asshole's music is catchy. I still refuse to listen to him these days other than this project, though.
Fave Track: Never Let Me Down
Rating: 4
CHIC
3/5
Not only is it disco, it's very repetitive, but it's also... well... it's good. It really deserves a 4 or higher but, well, it's disco.
Rating: 3
Paul McCartney
4/5
This album felt like he was trying to be American which I found a bit weird. Otherwise, I quite enjoyed it - I didn’t mind that it was a bit different.
Fave Track: Maybe I’m Amazed
Rating: 4
Beastie Boys
4/5
I'm not much of a Beastie Boys fan but I did really like this album.
Fave Track: Sabotage
Rating: 4
PJ Harvey
2/5
As with the other album, PJ Harvey is not my style.
Rating: 2
Earth, Wind & Fire
1/5
Ugh, I really didn’t like this one.
Rating: 1
The Beach Boys
2/5
I hear this was a very important album in the history of music and good for them but, regardless, it's not for me.
Fave Track: Wouldn't It Be Nice
Rating: 2
Def Leppard
3/5
The drummer from Def Leppard has only got one arm!!!
I think my years of Guitar Hero and Rock Band playing have given me a soft spot for these 80s hair bands and I quite liked this album, although it felt quite samey by the end.
Fave Track: Love Bites
Rating: 3
Louis Prima
3/5
This was actually quite fun!
Fave Track: Just A Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody
Rating: 3
The Pogues
2/5
Well, it's a mix of styles I don't like (punk/folk) and sounds kind of piratey (another theme I don't like). Good for them, but not so good for me.
Rating: 2
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
I really like the beats and I used to really like Dizzee Rascal (not as a person obviously - it seems like so many artists have done bad things!), but his music seems to have lost some of its appeal for me.
Rating: 3
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
I really, really didn't like this one. It was extremely nasal, very old-fashioned country and I honestly struggled to get to the end of it.
Rating: 1
Violent Femmes
3/5
I’ve never liked Blister In The Sun very much but the rest of the album was okay. Not really for me but somewhat entertaining.
Iggy Pop
3/5
I’m not too keen on Iggy Pop, although this album did grow on me as I listened; however, not enough. I didn’t realise China Girl was written and released by both him and David Bowie. I prefer Bowie’s version although I did like the grittiness of Iggy’s version.
Rating: 3
The Flaming Lips
4/5
I love The Flaming Lips, they are funny and different and interesting, and this album was a pleasure to listen to.
Rating: 4
The Offspring
4/5
I have always loved this album. Even though it feels a bit like watered down punk, I'm not a fan of punk so for me that might be a good thing! I enjoy it as much now as I did when it came out so I'm going to give it a 4 (it's a 5 in my heart though).
Fave Track: Self Esteem
Rating: 4
Alice Cooper
2/5
I like some Alice Cooper but this album was a bit weird for me.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Lovely singing and harmonising but I did get bored by the third track.
Suede
4/5
I liked this album and I don't believe I have listened to Suede before. It felt a bit like The Smiths crossed with David Bowie maybe? Most of the songs were entertaining with only a couple I didn't like as much.
Rating: 4
Pearl Jam
5/5
This album is undoubtedly my favourite of all-time. I love each and every single track and the way the album flows from start to finish is absolutely perfect. I wondered how I would find it in comparison to listening to so many other albums but that only reinforces my opinion.
Rating: 6/5
FKA twigs
3/5
I think this works and I liked it okay, but didn’t rate her lyrics. I’d like it as background music.
Rating: 3
Pantera
2/5
This didn’t do anything for me, I just found it loud and frustrating, sadly.
Rating: 2
Sex Pistols
2/5
I’ve mentioned I don’t like punk. I can certainly hear that this must have been influential but I hope I don’t have to listen to it again.
Moby Grape
3/5
I don’t like the genre but the guitar work was enjoyable.
Buzzcocks
3/5
I cringed a little when I first heard the singer's "talking" style but actually warmed up to this album as I listened - not my thing but quite fun.
Rating: 3
T. Rex
3/5
I liked this album better than their previous one (which I think might have been a rare 1 rating for me), it was okay. I still don't get the hype but I thought this was decent for its time.
Rating: 3
Underworld
4/5
After I saw the movie Trainspotting and heard Born Slippy, Underworld became my #1 musical artist for a while in the 90s/early 2000s. I still have Juanita/Kiteless on my day-to-day running playlist and had Pearl Diver on high rotation for a while. Coming back to this music, I still really enjoy it even though it can be highly repetitive. My main criticism has always been that their tracks could be just a little bit shorter but when one comes on, you know you can settle in for a wee while before something new comes along. I reserve my 5-star rating for music that gets under my skin emotionally, so that leaves this album at a 4-star rating for me.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I like Jimi Hendrix but this album was long and I liked some tracks more than others.
Rating: 3
Nanci Griffith
2/5
I still don't like country/folk, although this was sweet.
Rating: 2
Lauryn Hill
5/5
This album was excellent from start to finish. She's a great rapper, the reggae sounds worked in really well and I liked the beats, plus thought-provoking lyrics.
Rating: 5
Blondie
5/5
The Heart of Glass/Sunday Girl single record was my absolute favourite from my mum's collection when I was a kid. It turns out this entire album is killer and I liked every single track. Debbie Harry has amazing range and the whole thing was just fun to listen to.
Rating: 5
Queen
2/5
Im a bit of an outlier in that I’m lukewarm on Queen at the best of times, but I don’t think this was their best work.
Rating: 2
David Bowie
3/5
I enjoy David Bowie but found this album a bit hit and miss; I really liked some tracks but actively disliked others.
Rating: 3
Gang Starr
5/5
This was really good early-90s hip-hop. I thought it was excellent.
Rating: 5
Miles Davis
2/5
I think we’ve established I don’t like jazz, but this one wasn’t as unpalatable to me as Bitches Brew.
Rating: 2
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
I found this one pretty average.
Rating: 3
The Police
2/5
I guess I just find The Police quite bland-sounding, to the point where I had a hard time getting through this album. Not for me.
Rating: 2
Stevie Wonder
3/5
It's interesting how my opinion changes on multiple listens and sad I don't have the time to do this for many albums at this stage in my project. I didn't like this on first listen, as I felt it was a let down after the previous Stevie Wonder album, but after I let go of that on my second listen I found it okay.
Rating: 3
The Stooges
3/5
The first 2/3 of this album was good (I clicked it was Iggy Pop a few songs in), but I didn't like the last third where the vibe seemed to change and the energy dropped.
Rating: 3
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I've been a long-time fan of Smashing Pumpkins and this is a classic. I definitely prefer Mellon Collie though, this was good but not great - a few songs I really like and a bunch I'm not too fussed over.
Rating: 4
The Black Keys
4/5
I enjoyed this - catchy, bluesy rock and I'm such a sucker for some strong percussion and/or basslines.
Deerhunter
3/5
Indie alternative style music. I thought it was generally pretty good.
Thelonious Monk
2/5
It's jazz, I just can't get into jazz.
Rating: 2
N.W.A.
2/5
Oof - the misogyny in this one is just too much.
Rating: 2
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
Very 70s but also really quite funky. It also felt relevant in these times, in particular H20gate.
Rating: 4
Mercury Rev
3/5
I had mixed feelings about this album. I listened to it twice and sometimes I was liking it a lot and sometimes not so much. I thought it was really creative and interesting, either way.
Rating: 3
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I thought I liked Peter Gabriel but maybe not any more. I found this album quite boring. It was also clearly quite vocally focused, so his voice must be the drawcard and it doesn't appeal to me.
Rating: 2
The La's
2/5
These guys are like pre-Oasis Oasis. They are a bit ahead of their time but I have never liked them.
Rating: 2
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
I liked this, it was different, quirky, and kind of nice. :)
Rating: 4
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
I didn't like it at first but then I got in a really bad mood and it was perfect. I finished the album on my evening run and it was also great for that. I would say it's not for me, except for when it is.
Rating: 3
Gillian Welch
2/5
I saw the album cover and I went "oh no", started listening, "oh no", and things did not improve. This is VERY country and I did not like it, although I did try to relax into it and appreciate it for what it was. There is strong talent here and the songs were good, but unfortunately this kind of music gets on my nerves.
Eric Clapton
2/5
This was very mellow, 70s, and actually... quite boring. Not a fan.
Rating: 2
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
It took me a while to get through it but I enjoyed it while I was listening. Great guitar, although it feels like a jam band the music is really cohesive. Some of the tracks were really long.
Rating: Had some difficulty deciding on whether a 3 or 4 rating but let's go 4.
Ryan Adams
2/5
This was far too country for my tastes.
Rating: 2
Ryan Adams
3/5
I got two Ryan Adams albums in a row. I preferred this one a bit more than Heartbreaker. He reminded me of Bruce Springsteen in a way. Still too country for me but if I liked country I would probably like this guy's music.
Rating: 3
John Lennon
4/5
I thought I wouldn't like this but I was surprised to find I did actually like most of the songs, particularly Working Class Hero (which is very relevant at the moment) and Isolation.
Rating: 4
Beatles
3/5
It’s the early Beatles. Very 50s/60s. I can see why it was popular when it came out. Nice variety to the tracks.
Rating: 3
The Temptations
2/5
This album struggled to hold my attention, unfortunately so gets a low rating from me. I think this is the original I Heard It Through The Grapevine and it doesn’t have the catchiness of the cover versions.
Rating: 2
The Fall
2/5
I didn't like this one any better than the other album this gave me by The Fall. The background riffs can be catchy but I don't like the way the singer barks the lyrics.
Rating: 2
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I thought this album was a the best thing ever when it came out in the late 90s and I have listened to it more times than I can count. I still like it but my opinion has cooled somewhat over the years.
Rating: 3
Aerosmith
2/5
Have I mentioned I don't like Aerosmith? This album did not change my mind. Not for me.
Rating: 2
Wilco
2/5
Indie music with a short-wave radio sound to it. I like the idea in theory but still found the album boring in practice.
Rating:
The Band
2/5
This is not a genre or era I like, so I didn't enjoy it.
Rating: 2
Ray Charles
2/5
I couldn't recognise this as Country and Western music at all at first, but apparently it is, although it is very bluesy. This isn't my thing and I struggled to get through this double album.
Rating: 2
TV On The Radio
3/5
This was a weird, indie-sounding album which I had the weirdest sensation of both liking and disliking simultaneously. I think it was a bit more of the former so I will rate it a 3.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
This was fun and weird and I kinda liked it.
Rating: 3
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
She's a very good singer but this kind of music doesn't appeal to me.
Rating: 2
2/5
I learned to play Ziggy Stardust on guitar when I was a teenager and I thought it was really cool with all this talk of spiders and crazy stuff. This is my first listen through the actual album and I was surprised to find I didn't really like it.
Rating: 2
Joy Division
2/5
It turns out I just don't like Joy Division.
Rating: 2
The Beta Band
3/5
This is okay, bass heavy and chill.
Rating: 3
Black Sabbath
4/5
Despite becoming familiar with Black Sabbath slowly through the likes of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, I have found myself really liking this album. I knew the songs in the first half (although didn't realise Planet Caravan was a Black Sabbath song as I knew it through Pantera's cover). Absolutely solid album.
Rating: 4
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Soul/funk/disco - not my thing.
10cc
3/5
I never realised 10cc's music was weird. I liked the variety and the lighthearted approach to their songs but it didn't really do particularly much for me.
Rating: 3
Linkin Park
5/5
It's a bit weird reviewing albums I know really, really well and I try to listen to them with fresh ears. Linkin Park isn't (wasn't?) the best band out there - I haven't listened to the new stuff - but the music is catchy and emotional, and every single track on this album is consistently good, even years later. It felt a bit "one note" in theme but I can't hold that against them. Due to the sheer number of good tracks, I'm going to rate this album a 5.
Paul Simon
5/5
You know what, Paul Simon is an amazing songwriter, adding the African singers was inspired (I'm going to to ignore the controversy over this, as it seems there is controversy over so many albums/musicians and, as usual, I'm simply rating the music itself), and You Can Call Me Al is the most catchy song I can think of.
Rating: 5
Snoop Dogg
3/5
The beats and production is really good and his rapping is smooth and I liked Snoop Dogg around this time, but have never really been on board with his music as I got older. Lyrically, this was pretty gross, although typical for the era I guess, but nowadays that drops my rating.
Rating: 3
Neu!
3/5
I liked this. Nostalgic and some of the tracks were lovely.
Rating: 3
1/5
Once again reminding me that I don't appreciate jazz. As I described to Devon, this sounds like you set a large group of toddlers loose on a roomful of musical instruments after you fed them speed. I found it very unpleasant to listen to.
Rating: 1
Khaled
3/5
He has a nice voice and I thought it was cool the way he mixed music from different countries together on this album. I probably wouldn't choose to listen to this, though.
Rating: 3
James Brown
3/5
Nobody has a more pleasant scream to listen to than James Brown. This was nice although I got a bit bored near the end. Considered a 4 but didn’t find it quite entertaining enough.
Rating: 3
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I’m still not a Peter Gabriel fan but this was okay. No Self Control sounded like a Nokia Ringtone in the background lol
Bad Brains
3/5
I really don’t like punk but it did have some good riffs. I was too tired to listen to the lyrics today.
Rating: 3
Joe Ely
2/5
If you liked this kind of stuff, I’d say it would be great. He has a good voice. However, I do not like this kind of stuff.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
These guys are far less offensive than a lot of other rap artists at the time. Unfortunately, I found this album a bit boring with minimal background music and their strength lying in the lyrics/rapping quality but I'm speedrunning these albums so can't give any in depth analyses there, except noting they had quite a lot to say, yet it didn't really sink in for me. A Tribe Called Quest has commanded a lot of respect, so I want to like this album more than I did.
Rating: 3
3/5
I didn't know who ABC were, and then proceeded to listen to a whole lot of "quintessential 80s pop" tracks that EVERYONE knows. I didn't actively like this album but the tracks were so nostalgic I couldn't dislike it either.
Rating: 3
Stereo MC's
3/5
"Step It Up" was my favourite song for about a year or two, after hearing it on The Rhythm Volume 7 compilation in 1993, which I had on high repeat. I still love it. The whole album has a pretty good jazzy hip-hop 90s feel which I do love, but I found I really liked about a third of the tracks, a third were "fine", and the other third I didn't like. I considered giving it 4 stars due to the good tracks but I think as a whole this album just nudges down to a 3 for me. Step It Up is still a GREAT track though.
Portishead
5/5
I liked this Portishead album a lot more than the ?newer one (Third?). It's still not for me and actually I never liked their single Glory Box very much but as a whole this album is excellent and stands out from the crowd.
Rating: 5
Queen Latifah
3/5
I appreciate how awesome it is to get a female voice/perspective in the late 80s rap scene and she can definitely rap. However, as far as enjoyment goes, I wasn't really into it.
Rating: 3
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
I didn't know what to make of this one, it reminded me slightly of Soundgarden but turns out it is punk. As we know, I don't like punk. This had enough of an early-90s grunge feel that I ended up having mixed feelings about it, and I actually liked the track Sinews.
Rating: 3
The War On Drugs
3/5
I like it's good. Would happily listen to it anytime, although probably wouldn't seek it out myself.
Rating: 3
David Bowie
2/5
My opinion on David Bowie's music is highly variable, and I didn't like this album at all. A bit of a snoozefest that actually tipped into irritating.
Rating: 2
UB40
2/5
UB40 just feels so bland to me. I don't doubt their skill but reggae isn't my thing and if I was going to listen to reggae, it wouldn't be these guys.
Electric Light Orchestra
2/5
This felt like you put all the big 70s bands in a blender and this album was the result. It was interesting to feel like I was listening to the Electro-Beach Boys-Queen-Beatles album but I can't say I liked it.
Paul Simon
3/5
Not my favourite Paul Simon album but damn he's a good songwriter.
The Dictators
3/5
I didn't know what I'd been given when I started to listen to this but actually this seemingly iffy album is actually pretty entertaining if you pay attention.
Morrissey
4/5
People may not like the guy but he makes good music, this album being proof of that.
3/5
I make no secret of my distaste for Oasis, but it is largely a distaste for the band itself and I am once again forced to admit this is a good album. It deserves four stars but I'm deducting a star because they're just bloody irritating.
The Magnetic Fields
4/5
Quirky music that doesn't take itself seriously is one of my favourite genres and I'm quite fond of The Magnetic Fields; in fact, I used The Book of Love in my wedding and it's still a song I love. This was an entertaining absolute barrage of songs about love from multiple perspectives, many strange and funny, but often hitting the nail on the head. With this many songs, some will be good and some bad, and I did start to tire of them by disc three, but I think this is a fantastic concept and give them four stars for sheer entertainment value and a few tracks I really, truly enjoyed.
Billy Bragg
3/5
I’m really not into this kind of music but I’d suggest this album to someone who was. I didn’t mind California Stars.
MGMT
3/5
This was fine - music I already listen to, even. However, as far as being in this list, I thought it was a weird choice as I don't think it stands out as particularly great but then what do I know about music?
Pixies
3/5
1989? I had no idea this was pre-90s so I have to give Pixies a lot of credit for being obviously pioneers. Pixies is another band I feel like I "should" like, but they just don't do anything for me, unfortunately - including when I saw them live - so this is another album I basically rate as "eh.. it's fine". Don't come for me.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
I already really like The Chemical Brothers but I had never heard this album. I am pleased to report it's a goodie!
The Afghan Whigs
4/5
I can't believe I have overlooked this band my entire life. I'm pretty sure I recall it being recommended based on my music taste before but I just never bothered to listen. This hits right where I like my early 90s grunge to be. I preferred the first half of the album over the second but I was really pleasantly surprised by this artist.
Rating: 4
CHVRCHES
5/5
This album is my view of perfect synth pop and I really like the female singer's voice. The album gets better and better as it goes. Love it.
Rating: 5
Television
3/5
This was okay, I didn't really have strong feelings about it. I liked the title track.
Rating: 3.
Björk
3/5
Björk has never been an artist I've particularly enjoyed, but this was okay and she can certainly sing. I'm still not really into it though.
Deep Purple
3/5
I really like Deep Purple and they sound awesome live. This album would have got a 4 if it hadn't had such long, extended jam sessions throughout which unfortunately were a bit much for me.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Dolly, I do love you but your music isn't for me.
Finley Quaye
2/5
Funky chill reggae that is exactly what you would hear at a really trendy coffee shop. Did I like it? Nah, not really, but I'd use it as mood music.
The Waterboys
4/5
I'm not familiar with The Waterboys and apparently this style is not their usual, but considering this album was Irish-style folk, country and rock, I actually really liked it which was unexpected!
Depeche Mode
4/5
This was great. Strong tracks throughout.
Rating: 4
Eminem
2/5
Yeah I don't like Eminem. He is a talented rapper, and his albums are well-produced, but the content of his lyrics is juvenile and horrible. Sorry you had a rough life, doesn't mean you have to be an asshole.
Kate Bush
2/5
I was pleasantly surprised by Hounds of Love but this album reminded me why I don't really like Kate Bush.
Sepultura
3/5
I liked this more than I thought I would, the music had good flow and was catchy and dare I say.... boppy? I just can't get behind the death growl vocals.
Ramones
2/5
Thought it was good (for punk) at the beginning but it became quite monotonous and samey as it went on, even though it was a short album.
Rating: 2
Keith Jarrett
3/5
A very talented pianist but I have to admit I got bored listening to this one.
Rating: 3
Johnny Cash
4/5
This was a really interesting concept and I didn't know about Johnny Cash's prison concerts (being not a Johnny Cash fan). The man is a storyteller, and the fact that he did this, the way he interacts with the crowd, and just the vibe of the whole thing was fascinating to listen to and for that reason I'm giving this album a 4.
Gorillaz
4/5
I've not really been sure how I feel about Gorillaz despite the all-star names behind them. I think, perhaps, I'm expecting them to be one thing when they're another, so I listened a second time taking them for what they are, and I liked them more. Sorry for the cryptic comment, it's more for myself.
Rating: 4
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I got a bit behind on albums so only had time to give this one listen. It was okay, I didn't like it a lot but didn't dislike it either.
The Sonics
3/5
High energy and a lot of fun. I was going to give them a higher rating but a lot of the songs were covers.
Sigur Rós
3/5
Different and very soothing, I liked it but ultimately it didn't hold my interest.
Marty Robbins
2/5
Yeehaw guns woo boom boom bang bang. No thanks.
Rating: 2
Sugar
3/5
I haven’t actually heard Sugar (or even Husker Du) before and it is right in my wheelhouse, sounding a bit like REM crossed with Stone Temple Pilots. While I love the general sound/genre, I’m not really sure how much I like the songs themselves so struggled with a rating. It’s not quite a 4 but a high 3 I think.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I have never heard Elvis Costello before in my life so I really didn't know what to make of this. He is an interesting songwriter, but his singing voice is also... interesting. I'm going to sit on the fence with this one and rate it a 3.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
There's just something about Nick Cave that gets at you.
Rating: 4
Adele
2/5
Sorry, this was boring. Despite her talent, the music kept fading into the background with the odd "oh yeah, I'm still listening to that" moment and I was kind of relieved when it was over.
Rating: 2
The Yardbirds
2/5
60s, I’m not into it.
Cat Stevens
5/5
Growing up, mum used to play this album a lot and I always loved it. Listening was an exercise in nostalgia and I still love it. Cat Stevens has a real ability to evoke emotion while making you sing and bop along.
Rating: 5
The White Stripes
3/5
It's hard to write 100s of reviews and know what to say so brain dump it is. I liked this but not enough to give it a 4. The distortions and basslines are cool. Shame they had to lie about their relationship.
Rating: 3
Steely Dan
2/5
Boring jazzy country rock from the 70s. No, I don’t like it. Rating: 2
Neil Young
3/5
As usual, I start a Neil Young album thinking “ergh” and then it warms on me until the second listen where I don’t want to turn it off. Not my favourite of his albums I’ve listened to, but as usual I like it.
Rating: 3
The Everly Brothers
2/5
I think I will turn down a date with the Everly Brothers. Dated, country, and painful to listen to.
Rating: 2
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
Cool band name, shame about the music. It was actually relatively catchy generic British 80s stuff, but when I started listening to the lyrics it got worse, and then we got to the wah-wah-wahs at the end of the track Use Me and I was pretty much over it.
Rating: 2
Fiona Apple
5/5
I'm not really familiar with Fiona Apple as I always assumed she would be outside my music taste. However, this album blew me away - raw, honest, creative, different, and clever and it completely captured my attention.
Rating: 5
Ms. Dynamite
4/5
Although it leaned a bit too into R&B at times for me, especially in the second half of the album, Ms Dynamite is a talented rapper and singer with thoughtful
lyrics and good beats.
Rating: 4
Songhoy Blues
3/5
I like their story and the music was fine.
Coldplay
2/5
This album put me in a bad mood all day after having to listen to the slow, monotonous torture that is Coldplay. I always try and engage albums with a fresh attitude and give them a fair listen and I did, and it confirms once again how much I dislike Coldplay. I genuinely do not understand the appeal. The lyrics aren't clever, Chris Martin can sing but his voice isn't that pleasant (especially when every word is draaaggggeed ouuuuuuut), the music is simplistic, and the overall sound feels like one giant depressing whinge. (Kind of like this review)
Wilco
2/5
Wilco feels like quality music but I just don't like the genre and therefore don't enjoy it.
Rating: 2
Deep Purple
3/5
I preferred their live album to be honest. In this album their music just started to feel quite samey, and it turns out those long drawn out guitar solos aren't just live!
Rating: 3
Megadeth
1/5
I thought this sounded like budget Metallica and then looked up and realised it kind of was. I have a soft spot for the track Hangar 18 as I'm sure I used to play it on Guitar Hero, but I found the rest of the album very, very much not to my taste.
Rating: 1
The Cult
3/5
Pretty average catchy rock with too many yeaahhhhs for my taste.
Rating: 3
Goldfrapp
4/5
I really like Goldfrapp, it's creative and chill and I like the energy. I just wish she was easier to understand.
Rating: 4
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
I have nostalgia for Sisters Of Mercy (I currently have Lucretia My Reflection on my day-to-day playlist). This Corrosion is also great. It's cheesy and fun and I enjoyed it.
Rating: 4
Dead Kennedys
3/5
These songs are ON POINT. This band has something to say and that is awesome. The music itself was really not for me. I had a hard time with the rating as it was a 5 for lyrics but a 1 for sound.
Rating: 3
Digital Underground
2/5
I am not the target audience for this, I didn't like the objectification of women, and honestly don't really rate the music, except Danger Zone which was actually okay. This just made me uncomfortable and I wonder - WHY would you make a concept album about a VR sex experience?!
Rating: 2
Elvis Costello
2/5
I know he's a good songwriter and musician but I just don't enjoy listening to Elvis Costello.
Rating: 2
Gram Parsons
1/5
This demonstrates all the things I don't like about country.
Rating: 1
1/5
Well, I loved the track names. Not so much the music. It was very weird and too abstract for my taste - it felt like a really bad NIN. I can't recommend this one.
Rating: 1
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
This is the third Elvis Costello album recently and I can definitively say at this point I don't like Elvis Costello. His voice is quite nasal and I can't understand the lyrics when he sings them.
Rating: 2
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
I liked it first but I think that is largely because the cover art was an armadillo tank which had me reminiscing about my Rock Band (video game) band, Armadillo Train. It was alright but as I listened I liked it less, and the music seemed both basic and a bit discordant, although at least they tried to be a bit interesting.
Rating: 3
Röyksopp
4/5
This had a great groove to it and was a nice listen.
Rating: 4
The Fall
2/5
As before, I don't like The Fall, largely because of the vocal style. At least this album was short.
Rating: 2
Pink Floyd
3/5
I'm less familiar with this particular Pink Floyd album. I had it on my mp3 list so I would hear the tracks randomly, interspersed with other music, but not as an album, which meant that I didn't really like them much. It does work as a full album and I think if I was more familiar with it, I would rate it more highly. As it stands, I like it but prefer some of their other work more.
Rating: 3
Kate Bush
3/5
I am aware that this is one of Kate Bush's less popular albums and I find her style confronting at the best of times. However, this was weird and experimental-feeling enough that actually I kind of liked it.
Rating: 3
John Grant
4/5
This feels like The Beatles meets Bo Burnham meets Presidents of the USA meets ???. Interesting and fascinating and varied - each song felt different. I really liked it.
Rating 4
Jamiroquai
3/5
I was excited to listen to this because I have always liked Jamiroquai. However, I realise that I was only familiar with the songs from Travelling Without Moving and the ones on this album felt less catchy. I found it got samey over time and wasn't able to pay attention to the lyrics so in the end didn't have the experience I'd hoped for.
Rating: 3
Germs
1/5
Punk. Growly vocals. All over the place. It would be hard to find something less appealing to me.
Rating: 1
Queen
3/5
This was fine. I'm pretty on the fence with Queen but I know many, many people who adore them. This album did contain Bohemian Rhapsody which was introduced to me via Wayne's World and is a solid karaoke number and You're My Best Friend is pretty classic.
Rating: 3
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
This is very minimalistic country. The singer is good but my rating is low as it's really not my thing (I remember hating this album as a child).
Rating: 2
James Taylor
3/5
James Taylor's voice is so smooth he made me forget this was country.
Rating: 3
William Orbit
4/5
This feels very much of its time, and the beats had me in mind of Enigma or even Deep Forest. I was heavily into that sort of thing at the time so I enjoyed this album, although not quite to the same degree.
Rating: A low 4
Aphex Twin
4/5
This is the kind of ambient music I can get behind, chill but upbeat.
Rating: 4
The Slits
3/5
Although the singer's voice had quirks I didn't like, I actually thought this wasn't too bad, even though it's punk.
Rating: 3
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Liked the music, not sure how I feel about Janis Joplin’s voice but she definitely brought it.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Love the singer's voice, the energy, and finally an I Heard It Through The Grapevine cover I actually like.
Rating: 4
Morrissey
3/5
Very typical Morrisey. I'm now at album 4? or 5? of Morrissey/The Smiths and I am tired. He's always complaining about everything in the same way on and on and on. I was quite positive about the other albums but I'm ready to move on.
Rating: 3
The Cramps
2/5
Retro surfer-punk-rock and roll. I dig their lo-fi sound and they've got energy, but ultimately it was all a bit rough for me.
Rating: 2
ZZ Top
3/5
I quite like ZZ Top but I did greatly prefer Tres Hombre to this album, even though I was more familiar with the songs on this one.
Rating: 3
Genesis
2/5
More Genesis/Peter Gabriel, my opinion hasn’t changed - I still find it meh.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
This album was really catchy although there were a couple of tracks I didn’t like. Bluesy/jazzy/country/pop.
Rating: 4
George Jones
2/5
Pure country. I just can't.
Rating: 2
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Some classic stuff. I can take or leave soul music but she is good.
Rating: 3
Merle Haggard
2/5
This country album is the countriest country that ever countried. I prefer my misogyny in hip-hop form, otherwise it's just sparkling sexism.
Rating: 2
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
I actually was quite entertained by this through a lot of the first album (even though it was country rock), but found it had gone on too long by the second. Cool idea though and I love the band name.
Rating: 3
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
4/5
I took my time with this one as it was quite different. Of all the albums I've listened to, this one really encapsulates the feeling of depression. My immediate reaction on the first few minutes was dismissive and negative but after I gave it a chance I decided it was actually quite good.
The Beta Band
4/5
This was pretty cool, they used a LOT of different sounds/instruments!
Rating: 4
Talking Heads
3/5
I gave this a couple of listens because I'm not too fond of talking singing styles and wanted to give it a fair review. It's not my favourite but was good for what it was and Once In A Lifetime is a classic.
Rating: 3
The Associates
2/5
This was... dramatic. It was kind of what Queen sounds like to people who don't like Queen (i.e. me). It felt like work getting through this album.
Rating: 2
Femi Kuti
2/5
Just do to a bit of a hiccup, I have listened to this album about four times now but my opinion hasn't changed, I just find it boring.
Rating: 2
Elis Regina
2/5
This one didn't appeal to me, jazzy lounge-y music.
Rating: 2
Al Green
3/5
Not something I'd probably listen to and I'm not sure I like his voice, but it's clearly good music.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I have never given this album a proper listen as I went off RHCP before this one came out for multiple reasons and have had quite a negative view of them since, plus the obsession with a US state was boring to someone from another country. When I put aside my attitude, I do have to admit this is a good album, though.
Beastie Boys
4/5
The raps are interesting and the beats are good.
Steely Dan
2/5
A bit too “easy listening” for my taste
David Gray
4/5
I was the wrong age to appreciate this when it came out but do remember the hype. It is, in fact, very good. His voice is a bit nasal though.
Depeche Mode
4/5
This is the kind of 80s music I like.
Motörhead
3/5
Entertaining but trashy. I liked it until the track Jailbait which was horrid and creepy.
Traffic
3/5
Good musicians but not my taste.
Duran Duran
3/5
I don’t like Duran Duran as much as I thought I did. They are very much of their time.
Fugees
4/5
While I know the singles, I've never actually listened to this album. I really liked it. I love how the album felt like a full experience, I thought the rapping was good - the lyrics, the wordplay, the flow. The skits amused me. I liked the variation in the rappers and the individual tracks. Thumbs up from me.
Joni Mitchell
2/5