1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

497
Albums Rated
2.96
Average Rating
46%
Complete
592 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

2010
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
27
5-Star Albums
19
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Kala
M.I.A.
5 2.91 +2.09
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5 2.95 +2.05
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
5 2.97 +2.03
evermore
Taylor Swift
5 3 +2
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
5 3.16 +1.84
Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
5 3.17 +1.83
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
5 3.2 +1.8
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
5 3.32 +1.68
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
5 3.35 +1.65
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
5 3.36 +1.64

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
1 3.63 -2.63
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
1 3.5 -2.5
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
1 3.45 -2.45
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
1 3.3 -2.3
The Slider
T. Rex
1 3.28 -2.28
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
2 4.26 -2.26
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
1 3.24 -2.24
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
1 3.14 -2.14
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
1 3.09 -2.09
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
2 4.04 -2.04

5-Star Albums (27)

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Popular Reviews

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush

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

So by Peter Gabriel

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

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan

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

Basket of Light by Pentangle

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

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead

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-Star Albums (19)

All Ratings (497)

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Oct 23 2023

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

Fever To Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Oct 24 2023

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.

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Oct 25 2023

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)

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
Oct 26 2023

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

You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Oct 27 2023

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

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Oct 30 2023

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

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Oct 31 2023

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

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Nov 01 2023

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 by Le Tigre
Nov 02 2023

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 by Cypress Hill
Nov 03 2023

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

Meat Is Murder by The Smiths
Nov 06 2023

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

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Nov 07 2023

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

Basket of Light by Pentangle
Nov 08 2023

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

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Nov 09 2023

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.

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Nov 10 2023

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 by Rage Against The Machine
Nov 11 2023

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

Face to Face by The Kinks
Nov 11 2023

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

Kala by M.I.A.
Nov 12 2023

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

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Nov 13 2023

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

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Nov 14 2023

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

Technique by New Order
Nov 15 2023

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

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Nov 19 2023

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 by Suicide
Nov 20 2023

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

Moving Pictures by Rush
Nov 21 2023

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

Nov 22 2023

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

evermore by Taylor Swift
Nov 23 2023

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

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Nov 24 2023

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

Moondance by Van Morrison
Nov 25 2023

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

Nov 26 2023

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

Let's Get Killed by David Holmes
Nov 27 2023

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

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Nov 28 2023

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

Third by Portishead
Nov 29 2023

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

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Nov 30 2023

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

The Poet by Bobby Womack
Dec 01 2023

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

Back At The Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith
Dec 02 2023

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

Triangle by The Beau Brummels
Dec 03 2023

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

Dec 04 2023

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 :(

Dec 05 2023

“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

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Dec 06 2023

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

Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dec 07 2023

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

Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Dec 08 2023

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.

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Dec 09 2023

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

Make Yourself by Incubus
Dec 10 2023

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

Transformer by Lou Reed
Dec 11 2023

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

Homework by Daft Punk
Dec 12 2023

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

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Dec 13 2023

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

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Dec 14 2023

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 by Django Django
Dec 15 2023

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

S&M by Metallica
Dec 19 2023

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

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Dec 20 2023

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

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Dec 21 2023

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

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Dec 22 2023

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

Who's Next by The Who
Dec 23 2023

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 by Paul Simon
Dec 24 2023

Boring. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard Rating: 2

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Dec 25 2023

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

Dec 27 2023

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

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Dec 28 2023

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)

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Dec 29 2023

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

Disintegration by The Cure
Jan 02 2024

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

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Jan 03 2024

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

Dare! by The Human League
Jan 04 2024

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

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Jan 05 2024

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

Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
Jan 06 2024

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

Jan 07 2024

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

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Jan 08 2024

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

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Jan 09 2024

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)

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Jan 10 2024

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

Tonight's The Night by Neil Young
Jan 11 2024

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

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Jan 12 2024

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

Dookie by Green Day
Jan 16 2024

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

Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Jan 17 2024

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

Jan 18 2024

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

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Jan 19 2024

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

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
Jan 20 2024

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

Jan 21 2024

Take On Me is a good song… the rest kinda average. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Take On Me Rating: 2

Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
Jan 22 2024

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

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
Jan 23 2024

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

Jan 25 2024

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

Real Life by Magazine
Jan 27 2024

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

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Jan 28 2024

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

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Jan 29 2024

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.

Hot Fuss by The Killers
Jan 30 2024

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

The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers
Jan 31 2024

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

1984 by Van Halen
Feb 01 2024

The guitar/music was impressive, song content less so. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Jump Rating: 3

Feb 02 2024

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

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
Feb 03 2024

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

Feb 04 2024

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

Haunted Dancehall by The Sabres Of Paradise
Feb 05 2024

This one was quite different and pretty thematic. I didn’t mind it. Listens: 1 Fave Tracks: Ballad of Nicky McGuire Rating: 3

Teen Dream by Beach House
Feb 06 2024

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 Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Feb 07 2024

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

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Feb 08 2024

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

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Feb 09 2024

Very very classic blues. It was good but unfortunately I don’t like blues. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Crosseyed Cat (subject amused me)

Feb 10 2024

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

Talk Talk Talk by The Psychedelic Furs
Feb 12 2024

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

Sunday At The Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio
Feb 13 2024

Music for my next highbrow soirée. Actually quite relaxing after a while. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Solar

War by U2
Feb 15 2024

I forgot how much I like U2, although this isn’t my favourite of theirs. Listens: 2 Fave Track: New Year’s Day

Treasure by Cocteau Twins
Feb 16 2024

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

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Feb 19 2024

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

Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
Feb 21 2024

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

Bright Flight by Silver Jews
Feb 22 2024

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

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos
Feb 23 2024

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

Low by David Bowie
Feb 24 2024

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

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Feb 26 2024

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

Back In Black by AC/DC
Feb 27 2024

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

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Feb 28 2024

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

Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals
Feb 29 2024

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

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Mar 01 2024

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

OK Computer by Radiohead
Mar 02 2024

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

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver
Mar 03 2024

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

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Mar 05 2024

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

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Mar 06 2024

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

Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Mar 07 2024

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

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
Mar 08 2024

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

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Mar 09 2024

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 Infotainment Scan by The Fall
Mar 10 2024

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

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Mar 12 2024

Meh - it’s The Beatles. Listens: 1 Fave Track: In My Life Rating: 3

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Mar 13 2024

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

Like A Prayer by Madonna
Mar 14 2024

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

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Mar 15 2024

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

Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Mar 16 2024

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 by Fred Neil
Mar 17 2024

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

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Mar 18 2024

This is, unfortunately, exactly the kind of music I really don't like. I just can't. Listens: 1 No fave track. Rating: 2

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Mar 19 2024

I just don't do disco, although Michael has a beautiful voice. Listens: 2 Fave Track: I Can't Help It Rating: 2

Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes
Mar 20 2024

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

Cross by Justice
Mar 21 2024

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

Third/Sister Lovers by Big Star
Mar 26 2024

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

Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis
Mar 27 2024

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

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Mar 28 2024

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

Forever Changes by Love
Mar 29 2024

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

Mar 30 2024

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

Abraxas by Santana
Mar 31 2024

Santana is pretty groovy. Great background music. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen Rating: 4

In Our Heads by Hot Chip
Apr 01 2024

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 by Fleet Foxes
Apr 02 2024

Nice-sounding folk music but not my thing. Listens: 1 Fave Track: ? Rating: 3

Green by R.E.M.
Apr 03 2024

I’ve always liked R.E.M. Listens: 1 1/2 Fave Track: Orange Crush Rating: 4

Fifth Dimension by The Byrds
Apr 04 2024

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

Kenya by Machito
Apr 05 2024

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

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Apr 06 2024

This album is a good time! Great guitar, awesome drums, catchy songs. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Massacre Rating: 4

Pump by Aerosmith
Apr 07 2024

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

Murmur by R.E.M.
Apr 08 2024

R.E.M is always quality but I probably prefer their later albums. Playing Listens: 1 Fave Track: Pilgrimage Rating: 3

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Apr 09 2024

Everyone knows Green Onions. Cute but quite samey. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Green Onions Rating: 2

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Apr 10 2024

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.

Punishing Kiss by Ute Lemper
Apr 11 2024

I hate this kind of sensual female singer, triggers my PTSD. Listens: 1 “Fave” Track: The Case Continues Rating: 1

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Apr 12 2024

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 by Buena Vista Social Club
Apr 13 2024

Sadly Cuban jazz is not my jam. Listens: 1 Rating: 2

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Apr 14 2024

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

Be by Common
Apr 15 2024

Nice beats, good storytelling, some content was great, some not so much. Listens: 1 Fave Tracks: Be, Testify Rating: 3

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Apr 16 2024

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

Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine
Apr 17 2024

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

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Apr 18 2024

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

In Rainbows by Radiohead
Apr 19 2024

Musically not appealing, lyrically good. Sadly my lowest rated Radiohead so far. Listens: 1 Fave Track: All I Need Rating: 2

The Band by The Band
Apr 20 2024

Yet another case of not my style. Listens: 1 Rating: 2

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

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Apr 22 2024

Leonard Cohen is a lyrical genius, just amazing. Listens: 1 Rating: 4

Hotel California by Eagles
Apr 23 2024

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

Liquid Swords by GZA
Apr 24 2024

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 by Garbage
Apr 25 2024

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

Apr 26 2024

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

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Apr 27 2024

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

...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

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Apr 29 2024

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

Tommy by The Who
Apr 30 2024

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

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
May 01 2024

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

1977 by Ash
May 02 2024

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

Devotional Songs by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
May 03 2024

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 & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
May 04 2024

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

Black Monk Time by The Monks
May 05 2024

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

21 by Adele
May 06 2024

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

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
May 07 2024

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

The Slider by T. Rex
May 08 2024

“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

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
May 09 2024

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

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
May 10 2024

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 by Van Halen
May 11 2024

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

Bummed by Happy Mondays
May 12 2024

I found this really boring actually. Really average rock with some guy shouting inanely as “singing”. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Rave On Rating: 2

Midnight Ride by Paul Revere & The Raiders
May 13 2024

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

xx by The xx
May 14 2024

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

Call of the Valley by Shivkumar Sharma
May 15 2024

I liked this - it was pretty! Listens: 1 Fave Track: The Shepherd Girl Rating: 4

The New Tango by Astor Piazzolla
May 16 2024

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

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
May 17 2024

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

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
May 18 2024

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 II by Meat Puppets
May 19 2024

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)

Live At Leeds by The Who
May 20 2024

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

Blue by Joni Mitchell
May 21 2024

Not my thing. Listens: 1 Rating: 2

Night Life by Ray Price
May 22 2024

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

Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds
May 23 2024

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 by Caetano Veloso
May 24 2024

This was very easy to listen to. Listens: 1 Rating: 3

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
May 25 2024

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

May 26 2024

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

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
May 27 2024

Bob Marley is quality although I’m not at all into reggae. Fave Track: Revolution Rating: 4

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
May 28 2024

Another Bob Marley straight away. I preferred Natty Dread but this was okay. I still dislike reggae. Fave Track: Stir It Up Rating:

Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder
Jun 05 2024

Stevie’s voice is vocal sunshine. I enjoyed this one. Fave Track: Smile Please Rating: 4

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Jun 06 2024

I can’t really comment as I’m not very familiar with salsa. It was fine. Rating: 3

Oedipus Schmoedipus by Barry Adamson
Jun 07 2024

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

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Jun 08 2024

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

Vanishing Point by Primal Scream
Jun 09 2024

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

All Directions by The Temptations
Jun 10 2024

Lots of great songs - fantastic album! Fave Track: Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone Rating: 5

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Jun 11 2024

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

Jun 12 2024

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

Truth by Jeff Beck
Jun 13 2024

This was great rock/blues! I really enjoyed the guitar. Listens: 2 Fave Track: Shapes of Things Rating: 4

New York Dolls by New York Dolls
Jun 14 2024

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

Jun 15 2024

Fun, short, and sweet soul album. I liked it. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Feel It (Don’t Fight It) Rating: 3

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Jun 16 2024

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

A Walk Across The Rooftops by The Blue Nile
Jun 17 2024

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 Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Jun 18 2024

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

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Jun 19 2024

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

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Jun 20 2024

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

The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
Jun 21 2024

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

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Jun 22 2024

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

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
Jun 23 2024

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

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Jun 24 2024

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

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Jun 25 2024

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

Guero by Beck
Jun 26 2024

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

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels by Dexys Midnight Runners
Jun 27 2024

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

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Jun 28 2024

Some good rock and roll - apparently influenced Elvis and The Beatles. Very 50s. I liked it. Fave Track: Honey Chile Rating: 3

Pretenders by Pretenders
Jun 29 2024

I feel like I’m supposed to like the Pretenders but they just don’t appeal to me. Rating: 2

Jun 30 2024

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

Jul 01 2024

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

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Jul 02 2024

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

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Jul 06 2024

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

Music by Madonna
Jul 16 2024

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

Damaged by Black Flag
Jul 17 2024

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

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
Jul 18 2024

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

Fragile by Yes
Jul 20 2024

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

Jul 21 2024

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

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
Jul 22 2024

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

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Jul 23 2024

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

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Jul 24 2024

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

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Jul 25 2024

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

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Jul 26 2024

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

1999 by Prince
Jul 27 2024

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

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Jul 28 2024

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

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Jul 29 2024

Thanks, I hate it. Fave Track: Spanish Key Rating: 1

Metallica by Metallica
Jul 30 2024

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 In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
Jul 31 2024

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

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Aug 01 2024

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

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Aug 02 2024

Yep, it's Billy Joel - who doesn't like Billy Joel? I like Billy Joel. Fave Track: Just The Way You Are Rating: 3

American Idiot by Green Day
Aug 03 2024

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

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Aug 04 2024

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

Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout
Aug 06 2024

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 IV by Led Zeppelin
Aug 07 2024

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

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Aug 08 2024

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

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
Aug 09 2024

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 by The Cars
Aug 10 2024

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

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Aug 11 2024

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

All Hope Is Gone by Slipknot
Aug 12 2024

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

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Aug 13 2024

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

The Nightfly by Donald Fagen
Aug 14 2024

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

Achtung Baby by U2
Aug 18 2024

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

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Aug 19 2024

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

Aug 20 2024

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

Harvest by Neil Young
Aug 21 2024

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

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
Aug 22 2024

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

Picture Book by Simply Red
Aug 23 2024

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

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Sep 01 2024

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

Yeezus by Kanye West
Sep 02 2024

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

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Sep 03 2024

Don’t really like this style of music but it was pretty chill and I enjoyed the guitar. Rating: 3

Sep 04 2024

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. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Sep 05 2024

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

Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper
Sep 06 2024

I really liked this, it was funky and fun, the kind of thing I'd have playing in the background. Rating: 4

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Sep 07 2024

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

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Sep 08 2024

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

Club Classics Vol. One by Soul II Soul
Sep 09 2024

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 by The Doors
Sep 10 2024

The Doors have never really been my thing, which has been further proven by this album. Rating: 2

Out of Step by Minor Threat
Sep 11 2024

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

Hypnotised by The Undertones
Sep 12 2024

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

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Sep 13 2024

This was like world music/blues and I thought it was actually very good. Rating: 4

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Sep 14 2024

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

Risque by CHIC
Sep 15 2024

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

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Sep 18 2024

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

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Sep 19 2024

I'm not much of a Beastie Boys fan but I did really like this album. Fave Track: Sabotage Rating: 4

Dry by PJ Harvey
Sep 20 2024

As with the other album, PJ Harvey is not my style. Rating: 2

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Sep 22 2024

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

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Sep 23 2024

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

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Sep 24 2024

This was actually quite fun! Fave Track: Just A Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody Rating: 3

Rum Sodomy & The Lash by The Pogues
Sep 25 2024

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

Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
Sep 26 2024

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

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers
Sep 27 2024

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 by Violent Femmes
Sep 28 2024

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.

The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Sep 29 2024

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 Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
Sep 30 2024

I love The Flaming Lips, they are funny and different and interesting, and this album was a pleasure to listen to. Rating: 4

Smash by The Offspring
Oct 01 2024

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

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Oct 02 2024

I like some Alice Cooper but this album was a bit weird for me.

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Oct 03 2024

Lovely singing and harmonising but I did get bored by the third track.

Suede by Suede
Oct 04 2024

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

Ten by Pearl Jam
Oct 05 2024

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

LP1 by FKA twigs
Oct 06 2024

I think this works and I liked it okay, but didn’t rate her lyrics. I’d like it as background music. Rating: 3

Oct 11 2024

This didn’t do anything for me, I just found it loud and frustrating, sadly. Rating: 2

Moby Grape by Moby Grape
Oct 13 2024

I don’t like the genre but the guitar work was enjoyable.

Oct 14 2024

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

Electric Warrior by T. Rex
Oct 15 2024

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

Oct 16 2024

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.

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Oct 17 2024

I like Jimi Hendrix but this album was long and I liked some tracks more than others. Rating: 3

Oct 19 2024

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

Parallel Lines by Blondie
Oct 20 2024

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

Oct 21 2024

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

Young Americans by David Bowie
Oct 29 2024

I enjoy David Bowie but found this album a bit hit and miss; I really liked some tracks but actively disliked others. Rating: 3

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Oct 30 2024

This was really good early-90s hip-hop. I thought it was excellent. Rating: 5

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Oct 31 2024

I think we’ve established I don’t like jazz, but this one wasn’t as unpalatable to me as Bitches Brew. Rating: 2

Synchronicity by The Police
Nov 02 2024

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

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Nov 03 2024

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

Fun House by The Stooges
Nov 04 2024

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

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Nov 05 2024

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

Brothers by The Black Keys
Nov 06 2024

I enjoyed this - catchy, bluesy rock and I'm such a sucker for some strong percussion and/or basslines.

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
Nov 21 2024

Indie alternative style music. I thought it was generally pretty good.

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Nov 22 2024

It's jazz, I just can't get into jazz. Rating: 2

Winter In America by Gil Scott-Heron
Nov 24 2024

Very 70s but also really quite funky. It also felt relevant in these times, in particular H20gate. Rating: 4

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev
Nov 25 2024

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

So by Peter Gabriel
Nov 26 2024

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 by The La's
Dec 02 2024

These guys are like pre-Oasis Oasis. They are a bit ahead of their time but I have never liked them. Rating: 2

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Dec 03 2024

I liked this, it was different, quirky, and kind of nice. :) Rating: 4

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Dec 04 2024

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

Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
Dec 05 2024

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.

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
Dec 06 2024

This was very mellow, 70s, and actually... quite boring. Not a fan. Rating: 2

At Fillmore East by The Allman Brothers Band
Dec 07 2024

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.

Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams
Dec 08 2024

This was far too country for my tastes. Rating: 2

Gold by Ryan Adams
Dec 12 2024

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

Dec 13 2024

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

With The Beatles by Beatles
Dec 14 2024

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

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Dec 15 2024

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

Dec 16 2024

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

Dec 17 2024

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

Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
Dec 18 2024

Have I mentioned I don't like Aerosmith? This album did not change my mind. Not for me. Rating: 2

Dec 19 2024

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:

Music From Big Pink by The Band
Dec 20 2024

This is not a genre or era I like, so I didn't enjoy it. Rating: 2

Dec 21 2024

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

Dec 22 2024

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.

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren
Dec 23 2024

This was fun and weird and I kinda liked it. Rating: 3

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Jan 03 2025

She's a very good singer but this kind of music doesn't appeal to me. Rating: 2

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

Closer by Joy Division
Jan 05 2025

It turns out I just don't like Joy Division. Rating: 2

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Jan 06 2025

This is okay, bass heavy and chill. Rating: 3

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Jan 07 2025

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

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Jan 08 2025

Soul/funk/disco - not my thing.

Sheet Music by 10cc
Jan 16 2025

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

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Jan 17 2025

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.

Graceland by Paul Simon
Jan 18 2025

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

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Jan 19 2025

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! 75 by Neu!
Jan 25 2025

I liked this. Nostalgic and some of the tracks were lovely. Rating: 3

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

Kenza by Khaled
Jan 27 2025

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

Jan 28 2025

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 by Peter Gabriel
Jan 29 2025

I’m still not a Peter Gabriel fan but this was okay. No Self Control sounded like a Nokia Ringtone in the background lol

I Against I by Bad Brains
Jan 30 2025

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

Jan 31 2025

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.

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Feb 01 2025

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

Feb 02 2025

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

Connected by Stereo MC's
Feb 03 2025

"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.

Dummy by Portishead
Feb 04 2025

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

All Hail the Queen by Queen Latifah
Feb 05 2025

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

Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu
Feb 11 2025

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

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Feb 12 2025

I like it's good. Would happily listen to it anytime, although probably wouldn't seek it out myself. Rating: 3

The Next Day by David Bowie
Feb 13 2025

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

Signing Off by UB40
Feb 14 2025

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.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Feb 15 2025

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.

Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon
Feb 16 2025

Not my favourite Paul Simon album but damn he's a good songwriter.

Go Girl Crazy by The Dictators
Mar 02 2025

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.

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
Mar 03 2025

People may not like the guy but he makes good music, this album being proof of that.

Mar 04 2025

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.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Mar 05 2025

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.

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Mar 23 2025

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.

Mar 24 2025

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?

Doolittle by Pixies
Mar 25 2025

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.

Exit Planet Dust by The Chemical Brothers
Mar 26 2025

I already really like The Chemical Brothers but I had never heard this album. I am pleased to report it's a goodie!

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Mar 27 2025

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

Mar 28 2025

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

Marquee Moon by Television
Apr 02 2025

This was okay, I didn't really have strong feelings about it. I liked the title track. Rating: 3.

Debut by Björk
Apr 03 2025

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.

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Apr 04 2025

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.

Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Apr 05 2025

Dolly, I do love you but your music isn't for me.

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Apr 06 2025

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.

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Apr 07 2025

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!

Violator by Depeche Mode
Apr 08 2025

This was great. Strong tracks throughout. Rating: 4

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Apr 09 2025

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.

The Sensual World by Kate Bush
Apr 10 2025

I was pleasantly surprised by Hounds of Love but this album reminded me why I don't really like Kate Bush.

Arise by Sepultura
Apr 11 2025

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 by Ramones
Apr 12 2025

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

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Apr 13 2025

A very talented pianist but I have to admit I got bored listening to this one. Rating: 3

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Apr 14 2025

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 by Gorillaz
Apr 15 2025

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 & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Apr 16 2025

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.

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Apr 17 2025

High energy and a lot of fun. I was going to give them a higher rating but a lot of the songs were covers.

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Apr 18 2025

Different and very soothing, I liked it but ultimately it didn't hold my interest.

Copper Blue by Sugar
Apr 30 2025

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.

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
May 01 2025

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.

25 by Adele
May 03 2025

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

Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens
May 05 2025

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

Elephant by The White Stripes
May 06 2025

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

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
May 07 2025

Boring jazzy country rock from the 70s. No, I don’t like it. Rating: 2

On The Beach by Neil Young
May 08 2025

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

A Date With The Everly Brothers by The Everly Brothers
May 09 2025

I think I will turn down a date with the Everly Brothers. Dated, country, and painful to listen to. Rating: 2

Kilimanjaro by The Teardrop Explodes
May 10 2025

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

Fetch The Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple
May 11 2025

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

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
May 12 2025

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

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
May 13 2025

I like their story and the music was fine.

May 14 2025

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)

Being There by Wilco
May 15 2025

Wilco feels like quality music but I just don't like the genre and therefore don't enjoy it. Rating: 2

Deep Purple In Rock by Deep Purple
May 16 2025

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

Rust In Peace by Megadeth
May 20 2025

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

Electric by The Cult
May 21 2025

Pretty average catchy rock with too many yeaahhhhs for my taste. Rating: 3

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
May 26 2025

I really like Goldfrapp, it's creative and chill and I like the energy. I just wish she was easier to understand. Rating: 4

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy
May 27 2025

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

May 28 2025

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

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
May 29 2025

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

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
May 30 2025

I know he's a good songwriter and musician but I just don't enjoy listening to Elvis Costello. Rating: 2

Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons
May 31 2025

This demonstrates all the things I don't like about country. Rating: 1

Jun 01 2025

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

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jun 02 2025

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

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Jun 15 2025

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

Melody A.M. by Röyksopp
Jun 16 2025

This had a great groove to it and was a nice listen. Rating: 4

Jun 17 2025

As before, I don't like The Fall, largely because of the vocal style. At least this album was short. Rating: 2

Jun 18 2025

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

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Jun 19 2025

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

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
Jun 20 2025

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

Jun 21 2025

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

GI by Germs
Jun 22 2025

Punk. Growly vocals. All over the place. It would be hard to find something less appealing to me. Rating: 1

Jun 23 2025

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

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Jun 24 2025

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

Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
Jun 27 2025

James Taylor's voice is so smooth he made me forget this was country. Rating: 3

Strange Cargo III by William Orbit
Jun 28 2025

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

Cut by The Slits
Jun 30 2025

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

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Jul 01 2025

Liked the music, not sure how I feel about Janis Joplin’s voice but she definitely brought it.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jul 02 2025

Love the singer's voice, the energy, and finally an I Heard It Through The Grapevine cover I actually like. Rating: 4

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Jul 03 2025

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

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Jul 04 2025

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

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Jul 05 2025

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

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Jul 25 2025

This album was really catchy although there were a couple of tracks I didn’t like. Bluesy/jazzy/country/pop. Rating: 4

The Grand Tour by George Jones
Jul 26 2025

Pure country. I just can't. Rating: 2

Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin
Jul 27 2025

Some classic stuff. I can take or leave soul music but she is good. Rating: 3

I’m a Lonesome Fugitive by Merle Haggard
Jul 28 2025

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

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Jul 29 2025

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

I See A Darkness by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Jul 30 2025

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.

Heroes to Zeros by The Beta Band
Aug 08 2025

This was pretty cool, they used a LOT of different sounds/instruments! Rating: 4

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
Aug 09 2025

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

Sulk by The Associates
Aug 10 2025

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 by Femi Kuti
Aug 11 2025

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

Vento De Maio by Elis Regina
Aug 15 2025

This one didn't appeal to me, jazzy lounge-y music. Rating: 2

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Aug 16 2025

Not something I'd probably listen to and I'm not sure I like his voice, but it's clearly good music.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Aug 17 2025

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.

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Aug 18 2025

The raps are interesting and the beats are good.

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Oct 20 2025

A bit too “easy listening” for my taste

White Ladder by David Gray
Oct 21 2025

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.

Ace of Spades by Motörhead
Oct 23 2025

Entertaining but trashy. I liked it until the track Jailbait which was horrid and creepy.

Rio by Duran Duran
Oct 25 2025

I don’t like Duran Duran as much as I thought I did. They are very much of their time.

The Score by Fugees
Oct 26 2025

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.

Pornography by The Cure
Oct 28 2025

This was alright. I like The Cure but it wasn't my favourite.

Arular by M.I.A.
Oct 29 2025

This was a bit of an acquired taste so I had to listen to it a couple of times, but it grew on me.

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Oct 30 2025

This was a weird one. It was a super easy listen as long as I didn't pay attention, and then I thought it was quite average.

Dec 01 2025

I did not like this one, it was quite weird and felt dated.

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Dec 03 2025

A damn good album and Take Me Out is an absolute banger.

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dec 04 2025

Not my favourite Nick Cave album but still quality music.

Dog Man Star by Suede
Dec 05 2025

I liked their self-titled album a little better. It was alright.

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Dec 07 2025

This album was a lot of fun - I liked it.

Solid Air by John Martyn
Dec 08 2025

Despite being as unintelligible as the Swedish Chef, this is a pretty groovy and chill album that I quite liked.

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Dec 09 2025

I find an entire album of The White Stripes too much, I don't mind the individual tracks but as a whole I'm not really into it. 4/10

Frampton Comes Alive by Peter Frampton
Mar 24 2026

It was okay - it was almost catchy but not quite - songs started sounding like they would have potential and then just felt like they didn’t go anywhere.

Soul Mining by The The
Mar 25 2026

I was on the fence with this one, it was catchy but also kind of annoying.

Unhalfbricking by Fairport Convention
Mar 26 2026

Absolutely not my taste in music.

Wonderful Rainbow by Lightning Bolt
Mar 27 2026

This is described as “noise rock” and that is accurate. It was too chaotic for me.

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Mar 28 2026

Unfortunately, this album further solidifies my view that Elton John is boring.

Slanted And Enchanted by Pavement
Mar 29 2026

Another example where the music is okay but I can’t get behind the singing. Not really for me.

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
Apr 29 2026

I love drum & bass but this one was just a bit too minimal and lacking in variation for me. Rating: 3

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Apr 30 2026

Dire Straits is always good but I prefer Brothers In Arms over this album. The tracks seemed a bit samey and I wouldn't actively choose to listen to it. Rating: 3

Bossanova by Pixies
May 02 2026

Still meh on Pixies, I’m sorry.

May 03 2026

This is out-of-genre for me but I really enjoyed this album. I've kind of avoided the Arctic Monkeys, partially because I thought they were overhyped and partially because I thought it wasn't for me. I'm sorry. I was wrong. This is high-energy and fun music by skilled artists.

Calenture by The Triffids
May 04 2026

There is a word my daughter employs often which best describes this album: Cringe. Oh boy, generic 80s ?soft rock with the most awkward lyrics I've heard in a while. I was listening to it in the car and turned the volume way down so nobody passing would hear as this was embarrassingly bad. Not sure why this is in this list, maybe they have a niche/cult following?

The Hour Of Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy
May 22 2026

Listening to this following on from The Triffids, the songwriting sounded like a masterpiece! I enjoyed this fine but it probably leaned a little too folky for me and it didn't stand out from the crowd. Rating: A high 3.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
May 23 2026

Great singer, perfect fancy restaurant background music, but too slow for me to actively listen to.

G. Love And Special Sauce by G. Love & Special Sauce
May 24 2026

The music was relaxing but the vocals were pretty amateur. I felt it got worse as it went on. Rating: Low 3

Microshift by Hookworms
May 28 2026

Atmospheric.

L.A. Woman by The Doors
May 29 2026

I mean, it’s The Doors. I’m not really a fan.

May 30 2026

Oh boy, this is dated and the twang in his voice is massive. Obviously I don’t like country but I do like that he has a sense of humour.

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
May 31 2026

I feel sorry for myself having to listen to this. I'm not actually sure what he's singing about, because everything is a whingy droning pile of garbage. Please make it end. Rating: 1

Jun 01 2026

I had always sided with Blur on the Blur vs Oasis factions in the 90s. However, I have to admit this Blur album was harder to listen to than the two Oasis albums I've had so far. Damn. Rating: 3

Snivilisation by Orbital
Jun 02 2026

I always enjoy the layers and journey in Orbital's tracks, but they go on a bit too long for me.

Jun 03 2026

I really liked U2 when I was young, but this album I’ve always found a little boring. I always absolutely loved the track One Tree Hill though as it was exciting to have a song about somewhere here in little old New Zealand before it was much on anyone’s radar.

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Jun 04 2026

I thought it was very samey throughout and then discovered it was a concept album. Kudos to him to sending an important message through his music but I can’t say I enjoyed it much.

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 100% of albums. Average review length: 199 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.