1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

576
Albums Rated
2.81
Average Rating
53%
Complete
513 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

2010
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
27
5-Star Albums
27
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Tago Mago
Can
5 2.81 +2.19
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
5 3.11 +1.89
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
5 3.2 +1.8
Melodrama
Lorde
5 3.32 +1.68
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
5 3.33 +1.67
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
5 3.34 +1.66
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
4 2.41 +1.59
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
5 3.44 +1.56
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
5 3.5 +1.5
Marquee Moon
Television
5 3.51 +1.49

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Frank
Amy Winehouse
1 3.46 -2.46
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
1 3.39 -2.39
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
1 3.12 -2.12
Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
1 3.12 -2.12
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
1 3.08 -2.08
Copper Blue
Sugar
1 2.98 -1.98
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
1 2.98 -1.98
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2 3.93 -1.93
Infected
The The
1 2.93 -1.93
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
2 3.92 -1.92

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Radiohead 5 4.2
The Velvet Underground 3 4.33

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
The Divine Comedy 2 1.5
Dexys Midnight Runners 2 1.5
The The 2 1.5

Controversial

ArtistRatings
Stan Getz 5, 2

5-Star Albums (27)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Superunknown by Soundgarden

I love Spoonman and Black Hole Sun, but otherwise this album is another example of mostly bland 90's mainstream rock. I just hate the 90's aesthetic, the chugga chugga guitars, the stereotypical singing style. That isn't to say it is bad, it just isn't something I want to listen to.

Hot Fuss by The Killers

Good pop-alt rock, but overall it does feel like it lacks something to make it special outside of the popular singles

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles

A good album but they hadn't hit their creative stride quite yet

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

Some of this sounds like when I was a teenager and bought my first drum machine and started programming sounds using the step counter randomly and not knowing how it was actually going to sound until I hit the play button. The singer is very annoying as well, sounds like he is trying to mimic people like Bowie at their most eccentric, but he lacks natural charm and charisma. The cover songs are sometimes cringe-worthy. 80's-as-fuck in bad way.

Either Or by Elliott Smith

It is a really great album but I'm just not engaged enough by his voice to place it on the pedestal that some do

4-Star Albums (79)

1-Star Albums (27)

All Ratings (576)

Dec 07 2023

An OK passive listen. Epic sounding. But once you have heard it once it feels like it has nothing more to give.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Dec 08 2023

I have tried numerous times to appreciate this album's legacy, but I just think it is overblown. It is a very good album, but that is the extent of it.

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Dec 11 2023

A high level of quality from front to back. Didn't hear many classic moments though.

British Steel by Judas Priest
Dec 12 2023

Not a preferred genre, but I liked this album quite a bit and will probably revisit it again in the future.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Dec 13 2023

There are a few songs I'm really into and overall the quality is consistently good. But not much stands out as a must-listen

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Dec 14 2023

good, just not my style

Spiderland by Slint
Dec 15 2023

i find it rather boring

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Dec 18 2023

Good, but not something I desire to listen to again

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Dec 19 2023

Amy's voice makes it listenable, but some of the songwriting and music here is actively bad. I had to skip past a handful of songs and couldn't finish the album in full.

Elastica by Elastica
Dec 20 2023

Enjoyable alt rock, although unspectacular. Consistently good from front to back and potentially worth revisiting.

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Dec 22 2023

It's a classic for a reason but the overall sound doesn't 'do it' for, so it will never be a personal classic.

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Dec 25 2023

Requires a very specific environment and mood, but it's about perfect for that limited scope

Dec 26 2023

A very enjoyable Christmas album, would definitely play this yearly. I can't rate xmas songs higher, but this is about perfect for what it is.

Tago Mago by Can
Dec 27 2023

The two long form experimental tracks are not essential and a rather difficult listen, but everything else is brilliant

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Dec 28 2023

About as solid as modern R&B gets.

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens
Dec 29 2023

One of the best indie albums of all time

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Jan 01 2024

An objectively great album, but like most 90's mainstream rock my ears just get tired of the sound quickly

The Cars by The Cars
Jan 02 2024

A flat out great collection of songs, but it doesn't resonate with me on a higher level

American Beauty by Grateful Dead
Jan 04 2024

A few great songs but mostly unremarkable

Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Jan 05 2024

A cult classic, but on a tier below the best 90's Hip Hop albums

25 by Adele
Jan 08 2024

A very high quality album within its genre. Still feels a bit manufactured and impersonal to me and really draining on the ears after 15-20 minutes.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jan 09 2024

Some absolutely stellar songs, some fluff mixed in too

Devil Without A Cause by Kid Rock
Jan 10 2024

The singles are just bad music, but the rest of the album is 100x worse. Absolutely unlistenable

Purple Rain by Prince
Jan 11 2024

Although it sounds dated, it is still pretty stellar

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Jan 12 2024

Objectively a classic. I'm rating it to my personal tastes, but I still greatly appreciate this music.

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
Jan 15 2024

Rap rock is a bad genre but Rage are one of the few who do it well

Amnesiac by Radiohead
Jan 17 2024

A lesser-tier classic from one of the GOAT bands.

Pump by Aerosmith
Jan 18 2024

Not my style, but I can appreciate the songs

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Jan 19 2024

Not a classic but its a very good album

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
Jan 22 2024

Pleasant to listen to but devoid of anything noteworthy

Stankonia by OutKast
Jan 23 2024

There are a few weak points in here but overall its some of the best music of the turn of the millennium

Jan 24 2024

A pretty good album overall, sprinkled with some of the best singles of the era

Jan 25 2024

This was unexpectedly excellent. Forward thinking, doesn't sound dated. One of the better 70's singer/songwriter albums I have heard even though there may not be specific tracks that stick out

Jan 26 2024

I appreciate the eccentric nature and performance, its just not a sound that I truly love

Dummy by Portishead
Jan 29 2024

One of my favorite albums ever. Maybe a couple weak points, but completely forgivable by the rest

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Jan 30 2024

A very good album but lacks that next-level greatness

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Feb 01 2024

I'm not really into live albums but this one was nicely recorded and captured good energy

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Feb 05 2024

Not my style, its OK though

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
Feb 06 2024

Too much funk influence, isn't really a style I prefer. Not a bad album though

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Feb 07 2024

Really good, just not my preferred style of jazz

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Feb 08 2024

Very dated but the quality still shows. I really liked most of the songs with only a few moments otherwise

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Feb 09 2024

There are some good songs here, but I just could never really get excited about this album

Heroes by David Bowie
Feb 12 2024

This one is so close to hitting that next level, but it just can't quite match my favorite Bowie albums

I See You by The xx
Feb 14 2024

Although their debut album made a bigger cultural impact, I think that this might be a better album. A really great release.

Sound Affects by The Jam
Feb 15 2024

Very solid album from front to back. Not much more to say, I really enjoyed it.

Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
Feb 16 2024

Classic and influential early 90's Hip Hop. Not quite as high of quality as other albums from the era, but still sounds good to this day.

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Feb 19 2024

This isn't a genre I particularly like, but there is no doubt that this is an essential classic from within that genre

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Feb 20 2024

Not really into the big band sound, despite the high perceived quality of this record

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Feb 21 2024

Musically and melodically this album may be worth 3 stars, its pretty solid in that regard. But the singer is HORRIBLE. Just an annoying tone, shitty lyrics, pretty much everything about the singer is like a caricature of shitty 90's alt rock. It seems unfair to rate this 1 star when the band is decent, but I just can't get over the front-man being so shit.

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Feb 22 2024

Possibly my favorite soul/funk album ever. Perfect in almost every aspect.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Feb 23 2024

A great listen from beginning to end. It's a bit long and lacking in variation, but individually everything is strong

xx by The xx
Feb 26 2024

When this came out it sounded so unique and fresh, I consider this album a classic for that reason. But they released a better album later (I See You) and Jamie xx released a better solo album as well (In Colour). This doesn't hold up to time quite as well, but it is still very very good.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Feb 27 2024

Obviously a great album for its genre, I just don't find the genre particularly engaging

Station To Station by David Bowie
Feb 28 2024

The title track is an all-timer, but I'm not sure the rest of the album really reaches the highs that Bowie can reach. A great album nonetheless, but not one I feel compelled to re-visit.

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo
Feb 29 2024

A solid example of 90's mainstream alt rock. I wouldn't ever want to listen again but I didn't dislike it completely

Drunk by Thundercat
Mar 01 2024

I didn't really like this album when it first came out, but I find it better now upon revisiting. There still is the issue of completely uninteresting vocals, but there is no denying the music underneath is really good

Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Mar 04 2024

Classic example of just fun, no frills party rock

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Mar 05 2024

A prototype 70's soul album with no flaws. I don't find the music particularly moving so I can't rate it any higher, but it deserves its accolades.

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Mar 06 2024

Some of this sounds like when I was a teenager and bought my first drum machine and started programming sounds using the step counter randomly and not knowing how it was actually going to sound until I hit the play button. The singer is very annoying as well, sounds like he is trying to mimic people like Bowie at their most eccentric, but he lacks natural charm and charisma. The cover songs are sometimes cringe-worthy. 80's-as-fuck in bad way.

Celebrity Skin by Hole
Mar 07 2024

Perfectly fine 90's alt rock, but I don't think it is particularly noteworthy overall

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
Mar 08 2024

I thought this album was very pleasing to listen to. Good voice and a timelessness to the style of music. However, the songwriting was boring in spots and it didn't hold my attention throughout.

Violator by Depeche Mode
Mar 11 2024

Definitely sounds dated but it is a pretty solid album overall.

Mar 12 2024

It's a very good album, I have never been able to get into it as much as it's legacy demands though.

Quiet Life by Japan
Mar 13 2024

It's fine, nothing too noteworthy about it

Mar 14 2024

This is a notable release in the history of Hip Hop but I'm not sure it really holds up today as most than a 'pretty good' abum. There are are a significant amount of 90's Hop Hop albums that are better. Even decades ago, I didn't feel it stood up to them.

Smash by The Offspring
Mar 15 2024

This style isn't to my tastes, but objectively it is a fun and original album of decent quality

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Mar 18 2024

There is no doubt that this is a landmark album that shifted the landscape of hip hop. I never really was super into it growing up, and revisiting it now I don't think my feelings have changed. There are some all-timer songs here, but also a lot of relatively uninteresting stuff mixed in.

Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens
Mar 19 2024

A solid album front to back, nothing too remarkable but a nice listen

That's The Way Of The World by Earth, Wind & Fire
Mar 20 2024

Most of this album is solid, but there are a couple of really weak tracks that make up too much of the runtime.

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
Mar 21 2024

A definite classic, and it holds up quite well to this day. The quality of the songs is a bit up and down, but it never dips below 'good' or 'very intriguing'

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Mar 22 2024

Holds up much better than a lot of albums with a similar sound. I enjoyed most of the songs on the album.

War by U2
Mar 25 2024

I liked this album quite a bit from front to back. I was on the fence about adding another star but I think it comes up just a touch short of that next level

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Mar 26 2024

It's quite easy to see why this album is considered one of the greatest of all time. Only a portion of it lines up with my personal tastes so I'm rating it accordingly to that, but it is nearly perfect objectively

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Mar 27 2024

I have been a fan of Jurassic 5 since their debut on the scene, but in no way are they an essential band, nor is this an essential album. I don't understand why it is on this list. It's a decent little rap album, but it came and went like a fart in the wind with zero impact or importance. I'm not trying to bash it, I'm just very confused why it is on a list of 1001 "must listen" albums

90 by 808 State
Mar 28 2024

This album is unlistenably bad. Perhaps it had a huge impact on the genre at the time, but the only impact it has for me is to remind me that the genre really fucking sucks.

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Mar 29 2024

It is a really great album, no denying that, but as far as I'm concerned it has quickly become the most overrated album ever. Kendrick is quite annoying in spots and some of the songs are more impressive than they are enjoyable.

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Apr 01 2024

A truly beautiful album. I'm not sure I fully am engaged with it, I have tried a few times but never could bring it to that next level.

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
Apr 03 2024

The ballads aren't all that interesting but the uptempo songs are all quite good and I'd be happy to revisit.

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Apr 04 2024

Certainly one of the best albums of its style ever released. It sounds fresh 17 years later which is tough for an electronic/dance album to do.

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Apr 05 2024

It is a fun album but it is super dated and I don't hold it in high regard.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Apr 08 2024

It's very good for a 90's mainstream alternative record which is not a category of music that particularly love

Moving Pictures by Rush
Apr 09 2024

Prog rock is a genre I find rather void of feeling, but sometimes a great record can just transcend the faults of the genre and this one certainly does that. Super fun and entertaining and catchy.

Apr 10 2024

The highs of this album are incredibly high, but it is also too bloated to really be next level great.

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Apr 12 2024

I often find foreign language songwriter albums challenging to fully appreciate, but this one transcends

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Apr 15 2024

There is no doubt that this album is really good and a landmark, but it has just never clicked with me fully. I prefer Arcade Fire's next two albums over this.

Odelay by Beck
Apr 16 2024

It's a cool album, I don't personally find it essential but it is worth note

Throwing Muses by Throwing Muses
Apr 17 2024

A surprisingly very good debut from a band I had never even heard of. Sounds forward thinking in its sound for the time it was released.

Picture Book by Simply Red
Apr 18 2024

A completely inconsequential album other than 1 or 2 decent singles. Not actively bad, but also not worth listening to.

Tigermilk by Belle & Sebastian
Apr 19 2024

A very solid indie pop album. Nothing next level, but quite enjoyable start to finish

Back In Black by AC/DC
Apr 22 2024

AC/DC is a band that I will never desire to listen to on my own, but when they are playing I will still always enjoy them. This album is fun and infectious and even if it doesn't fall within my personal style preference, I still appreciate it for what it is.

Chirping Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Apr 23 2024

It's a good piece of pre-60's pop but it is hopelessly dated

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Apr 24 2024

It's fine, but sounds rather Rolling Stones derivative and uninspiring

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Apr 25 2024

Captivating and soulful, holds up well despite its age

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Apr 26 2024

This has never shown up on my radar and I was shocked, because it is quite good. I'm not quite sure it reaches the highs that it shoots for, but it is a good listen from start to finish.

At Mister Kelly's by Sarah Vaughan
Apr 30 2024

Nothing special, this style of vocal jazz doesn't hold up. But it was fine to listen to.

Pink Flag by Wire
May 01 2024

It is a very good album and I appreciate that it may have been original and influential, but it isn't quite dynamic enough to hit that next level of greatness for me.

Sheet Music by 10cc
May 02 2024

A unique and interesting album. I honestly don't know how much I like it, but I certainly would listen again which is usually a good sign

Hypnotised by The Undertones
May 03 2024

Decent, but not noteworthy

Transformer by Lou Reed
May 06 2024

One of the best glam rock albums ever and one of my favorites of the 70's

Marquee Moon by Television
May 07 2024

One of the best of the 70's

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
May 08 2024

Very good album. Doesn't stand out from the pack amongst other very good 2000's indie rock though.

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
May 09 2024

Very catchy and original and well played. I'd like to revisit.

Superunknown by Soundgarden
May 10 2024

I love Spoonman and Black Hole Sun, but otherwise this album is another example of mostly bland 90's mainstream rock. I just hate the 90's aesthetic, the chugga chugga guitars, the stereotypical singing style. That isn't to say it is bad, it just isn't something I want to listen to.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
May 13 2024

Not every song is perfect, but overall it still stands up 60 years later and there is no denying its greatness

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
May 15 2024

It is a perfectly suitable album for what it is, it just doesn't excite me in any way.

Crazysexycool by TLC
May 17 2024

Creep and Waterfalls are forever classics, but most of this album is a bit dated and corny sounding to listen to in full.

Mothership Connection by Parliament
May 20 2024

I'm not huge on pure funk music, but of course this is one of the best of the genre

Either Or by Elliott Smith
May 21 2024

It is a really great album but I'm just not engaged enough by his voice to place it on the pedestal that some do

Hot Fuss by The Killers
May 22 2024

Good pop-alt rock, but overall it does feel like it lacks something to make it special outside of the popular singles

Timeless by Goldie
May 23 2024

I tried, but I couldn't even get through half of it. The vocals are terrible (luckily they aren't always present), and the absolute excessive runtime for a drum and bass album is tough to swallow. It's not that the individual songs are bad, it just that the album as presented doesn't need to exist.

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
May 24 2024

I went into it open minded but I couldn't listen to it. I just hate this sound in my ears.

Back At The Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith
May 27 2024

It is a nice listen, I would have it on as background music, but I don't find this style of jazz to stand out or be particularly engaging

Exile In Guyville by Liz Phair
May 30 2024

Very good songs from front to back, but I don't think it really reaches that next level of greatness that its legacy suggests. Perhaps it was more of a product of being ahead of its time, but nowadays there are a regular stream of albums released on its plane of quality.

Headquarters by The Monkees
May 31 2024

Borderline 2 or 3. I like listening to it, but I'm not sure there are many super memorable songs. Just a lot of good ones.

Blue by Joni Mitchell
Jun 03 2024

I have tried multiple times to love this album and I can't bring myself any further than just liking it. I think what is missing is either a set of striking melodies, or alternatively some more creative instrumentation.

Jun 04 2024

Some of this album really sounds cringe-worthy nowadays but overall it still holds up decently. I was definitely part of the target audience back in 2000 when it dropped but even then I didn't necessarily think it was classic from a quality perspective, but it definitely was a classic from a cultural impact perspective.

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Jun 05 2024

The first truly great Beatles album, and one of their most consistent from front to back.

Jun 06 2024

There are some classic songs but this album is way too long and stuffed with multiple skippable songs. Not bad songs, but certainly ones that are not necessary. I'm OK calling it a classic but it has been canonized as an all time great album and I don't agree with that.

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Jun 07 2024

Fun to listen to but the songwriting holds it back from being great, a typical prog rock problem

Bossanova by Pixies
Jun 10 2024

It's a good album, but doesn't stand out in any way over other good rock albums from this era

Jun 11 2024

Really strong performance but a bit same-y from front to back and not something that really draws me back.

Jun 12 2024

Really good album, I'm not sure it is an essential listen but nonetheless I would happily revisit it in the future

Illmatic by Nas
Jun 13 2024

Possibly the greatest Hip Hop album ever, and one of the best overall of the 90's

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Jun 14 2024

Very good guitar work but the songwriting is not noteworthy

Pretenders by Pretenders
Jun 17 2024

Quite solid from front to back. Nothing really leaps out as essential, but I'd happily listen again in the future.

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Jun 18 2024

It is all big and epic and fun, but it is so much so that it starts to border on overboard. Doesn't really feel personal or authentic enough to become great

1984 by Van Halen
Jun 19 2024

Not really my style but the songwriting is really great throughout

Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes
Jun 20 2024

Another typical good-but-uninteresting 90's rock album

Live At Leeds by The Who
Jun 21 2024

Super high energy live album, worth being labeled as a Who essential

The Yes Album by Yes
Jun 24 2024

Great musicianship, borderline 2 or 3

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Jun 25 2024

An undeniable classic but I have trouble lumping it in with my personal favorite albums. Perhaps the 'song cycle' structure makes it so not enough of the songs stand out? There are only like 4 songs on here that really make me perk up and the rest just kind of doesn't excite me to that level.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Jun 27 2024

The backing band is nice but the songwriting and vocals leave something to be desired.

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
Jun 28 2024

Fun and very interesting. Borderline 3 or 4. I'll round up.

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Jul 01 2024

It isn't a personal favorite but it's reputation is earned. I appreciate it slightly more than I actually love it, I think the vocals and songwriting aren't as groundbreaking as the overall sound.

So by Peter Gabriel
Jul 02 2024

Really good album, I'd listen again. Didn't find it super essential, but it is quality

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
Jul 05 2024

Very fresh and exciting music, but I don't think I like it quite as much as I WANT to. If I had to pinpoint why, I'd probably blame lead singer's voice as just not grabbing my emotionally.

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Jul 09 2024

I'm not really into dad rock, but this is about as good as dad rock gets

The Bends by Radiohead
Jul 10 2024

90's alt rack can often feel bland to me, but this album is definitely not that. Great album that they will still somehow surpass it multiple times.

Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
Jul 11 2024

It's a pretty good folk album but I don't think it's super special. I'd be happy to listen to it any time but I wouldn't ever have a desire to put it on. There just isn't any edge to it.

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Jul 12 2024

Amongst the best Hip Hop albums of the 90's. It doesn't hit me on a personal level enough to elevate it to my personal favorites though.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Jul 15 2024

Very good album, not something to put in my rotation though

Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Jul 16 2024

Very consistent and high quality throughout

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Jul 17 2024

It all sounds good, but in the end I'm not sure I really care about any of these songs other than a couple of them. It's a nice listen but certainly not essential.

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Jul 18 2024

He really wants to come off epic but I'm sorry he just comes off as bland and lacking an edge

Garbage by Garbage
Jul 19 2024

I understand why people loved it during its era but ultimately it is disposable sounding for me

On The Beach by Neil Young
Jul 22 2024

His voice comes off as a bit thin and lacking character, but the music and songwriting here really are top notch and I think it is a fantastic album. Some of the slower tracks don't quite hold up as well though because they don't have that interesting voice to hold them together.

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jul 23 2024

Enjoyed the whole thing, I didn't really personally connect with it that hard though

Boston by Boston
Jul 24 2024

I'm generally not a fan of this style of power pop mainstream rock, but this album is a huge exception. It is excellent from start to finish, a true classic. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I don't really connect with some of the songs on a personal level and the second half can't keep up with the first half. But when I do play it, I get reminded of how good it is.

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Jul 26 2024

An excellent representation of this type of 60's sound. Solid from front to back, although not quite on my personal favorites list.

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Jul 29 2024

It's a nice album, not my style but its good.

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Jul 30 2024

It's good but I really don't find anything that amazing about it.

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Jul 31 2024

I am well versed in 90's Hip Hop both mainstream and underground and I had never heard of this album or group. I'm not sure how it is possible that a 90's Hip Hop album could make a list of "must listen to before you die" yet I've never heard of it. Hmmm. Well....let's listen.... ....and, I see why it had never been on my radar before. Why is this album from 1992 sounding like a Public Enemy tribute band in the 80's? Hip Hop was already rapidly evolving in 1992 well beyond this sound and flow. Even ignoring historical context and judging it in a vacuum, its fairly unlistenable just because it is boring. Not 'bad' per se, but completely not worth anyone's time and definitely not worthy of being on this list. I almost wanted to give this 1 star because it is so incredibly DULL but I'm saving my 1 star ratings only for albums that I actually actively dislike. But man....this really comes close.

Heroes to Zeros by The Beta Band
Aug 01 2024

The songwriting and vocals don't really stand out as noteworthy but musically I like it quite a lot.

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Aug 02 2024

Corny and dated and not good.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Aug 05 2024

It is a pleasant album to listen to and very well recorded and performed, but the music itself is somewhat stagnant and basic.

Different Class by Pulp
Aug 06 2024

It's a good album but it lacks an edge for me that would take it to the next level

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
Aug 07 2024

I don't think its super memorable and definitely not essential but I did enjoy it from front to back.

Ten by Pearl Jam
Aug 08 2024

I just find these 90's sterotypical rock albums so yawn-inducing and soulless. Always have. It just isn't for me.

Calenture by The Triffids
Aug 09 2024

Very dated and not strong enough to withstand that

The White Album by Beatles
Aug 12 2024

I struggle to really get heavily into this album. I love the variety of sounds and experimental vision, I just don't think the songwriting is up to par with my favorite Beatles albums. A classic nonetheless, just not top tier.

Van Halen by Van Halen
Aug 13 2024

These glam metal albums aren't really the type of thing I'm into but I can appreciate and enjoy them, which I did this one. I probably won't ever listen to it again, but I liked the whole thing.

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

There is some really good stuff on here, but overall it comes off lacking a bit of edge and soul. I was bored through most of it even though it sounded nice.

American Idiot by Green Day
Aug 15 2024

It's a decent album but this type of pop-punk sound always feels a bit mundane and unrewarding for me.

Scum by Napalm Death
Aug 16 2024

Obviously you have to have very specific tastes to really latch onto abrasive sub-genres like this and truly be in love with them. It isn't my personal taste, but I do recognize the appeal of this album to those who are into that style.

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles
Aug 19 2024

A good album but they hadn't hit their creative stride quite yet

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos
Aug 20 2024

The guitar work is phenomenal of course and the music is solid, but the vocals aren't super strong which holds it back in my mind from the next level

Heavy Weather by Weather Report
Aug 21 2024

There are a couple decent tunes here but overall I don't find this type of jazz fusion particularly engaging

Aug 22 2024

It is a bit bloated and I'm somewhere on the border of 3 and 4 stars. I'm rounding down to 3 stars because the reality is that I never really felt much desire to re-listen to this entire album since the day it dropped. I certainly re-listened to a handful of the songs quite a bit, but not the album as a whole. Hip Hop at this time was absolutely obsessed with filling up the entire 80 minutes on a CD instead of making things more concise and consistent.

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Aug 23 2024

There are a couple of OK tunes but most of this is a slog to listen to. Borderline 1 star, but I'll give it 2 stars just because there were a few redeeming qualities. Definitely not an essential album in any way.

Document by R.E.M.
Aug 26 2024

Very good album, would be happy to revisit in the future

Deep Purple In Rock by Deep Purple
Aug 27 2024

Great musicianship, good songwriting. A nice mix of early metal and early prog that doesn't lack soul and remains interesting.

Hms Fable by Shack
Aug 28 2024

It is pleasant background music but I find it too banal for active listening

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Aug 29 2024

She is clearly talented and its fine pop music, but it is not the type of stuff I care to listen to or that interests me.

Aug 30 2024

It is good soundtrack music, but it doesn't quite have something extra to make it particularly memorable as a standalone album to listen to. It's just fine.

Parachutes by Coldplay
Sep 02 2024

A very solid album but one that is in a style that bores me. I'd give it a 7/10 or so but that means 2 stars for this list because nothing should be below an 8 here.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Sep 03 2024

It is a really good album but she moved on to much better things later in her career

System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Sep 04 2024

Not my style of music but very original and interesting, so I can appreciate it

Dry by PJ Harvey
Sep 05 2024

An excellent album, raw and creative. I'd rate it a high 8 but for these rankings that is a borderline 3 or 4 star for me.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Sep 09 2024

Very good, but I don't feel like I need to listen again to get anything more out of it

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Sep 10 2024

Definitely a classic, I'm not sure it is quite as exciting as their debut and therefore I never really put this album into my rotation. But that isn't a knock on the quality....it is there. Murder Mystery is probably the only song on here that really perks up my ears and makes me want to immediately re-listen. So I can't give it a full 5 stars even though it arguable deserves it.

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Sep 12 2024

Just flat out excellent music. Perhaps not as hauntingly beautiful as Pink Moon, but excellent nonetheless

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Sep 13 2024

It definitely sounds a bit dated and I never really truly loved this album even back when it came out. There are some really great songs and also a lot of gimmicky stuff. Very tough to rate.

Elephant by The White Stripes
Sep 16 2024

I think the actual quality of many albums get a little exaggerated due to cultural significance. This is one of them. It is a solid rock album that dropped in an era that desperately needed solid rock albums. There are a few true classic songs on it, but outside of those it's just solid.

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie
Sep 17 2024

It is really good but it isn't one of my favorite Bowie albums

Graceland by Paul Simon
Sep 18 2024

Really good album but it doesn't really hit my personal tastes to really be in love with it

Play by Moby
Sep 19 2024

Natural Blues was definitely one of the better sampled/electronic tracks from the late 90's but overall this album just isn't super high quality. It is fine at times, boring at others, and very memorable.

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
Sep 20 2024

Not one of Radiohead's best overall, but there are multiple amazing songs and it is still high quality

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Sep 23 2024

I enjoyed this quite a bit even though it really isn't the type of music I would listen to. As far as folky/pop/rock albums go, it is a worthy listen

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
Sep 24 2024

It's a solid listen. Nothing next level though.

New Boots And Panties by Ian Dury
Sep 25 2024

The vocals are really really bad and I couldn't listen to more than a couple songs. Musically it seemed fine though.

White Light / White Heat by The Velvet Underground
Sep 26 2024

Over the course of time the sound has been duplicated a million times so it loses its freshness today, but I likely would have been obsessed with this album if I were around when it released

New Wave by The Auteurs
Sep 27 2024

A very mundane sounding album. I didn't dislike it but it wasn't noteworthy either.

Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club
Sep 30 2024

Fine for what it is, just not something I'm interested in

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Oct 01 2024

Love the rhythms and tones/timbres. One of my favorite jazz albums for sure.

Murder Ballads by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Oct 02 2024

Very good, I prefer his more cinematic later works

The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu
Oct 03 2024

It's OK, I like the uniqueness but the vocals are a unappealing for the most part

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Oct 04 2024

A few good songs, but mostly mid or weak

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Oct 07 2024

Very good. Not super consistent, but lots of really great songs

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Oct 08 2024

Excellent album from front to back with a few classic songs sprinkled in there

Exit Planet Dust by The Chemical Brothers
Oct 10 2024

This is very much the product of its time, it doesn't hold up and although it still sounds fine, it is very forgettable.

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Oct 11 2024

Classic. Borderline 4 or 5

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Oct 14 2024

It is very good and I would happily listen anytime, but it isn't enough to my personal taste to put it on that next level

Joan Armatrading by Joan Armatrading
Oct 15 2024

I had never heard of Joan so I had no expectations, but I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. Borderline 3 or 4 stars, I'd happily listen to this one any time.

Melodrama by Lorde
Oct 16 2024

The best pop album of the 2010's. Creative production, great songwriting, and most importantly it has long-term sticking potential. It isn't a flash in the pan.

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Oct 17 2024

It is fine musically but the lyrics are actual bad enough to be distracting and it brings down the listening experience.

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Oct 18 2024

It is pretty solid, just not a style of music I find super interesting.

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Oct 21 2024

Well written with some cultural canon songs, but it is all a bit too safe sounding for me to really get into it.

Raw Power by The Stooges
Oct 22 2024

It is a good album but for me it's influence is stronger than it's greatness. I much prefer the better songwriting of Lust For Life than the rawness of this record.

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Oct 24 2024

Excellent album with great guitar work. No real songs per se, but great jams

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Oct 28 2024

Although hopelessly dated (as most pre-60's music tends to be), I have to say I thought this was fun and interesting and I would enjoy the occasional revisit.

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
Oct 29 2024

It is a good album and notable historically, but I don't think the songs are strong enough front to back for me to really get into it. I much prefer the follow up album, which to me is one of the best of the 80's.

Rust In Peace by Megadeth
Oct 30 2024

Not that interesting or good, but not actively bad either

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Oct 31 2024

Fantastic album, still feels fairly fresh. This has earned a spot in my permanent rotation.

Music Has The Right To Children by Boards of Canada
Nov 01 2024

There definitely is something to be said for albums that felt like they broke new ground when they came out. But not all of these albums remain quite as interesting as time goes on. This is one of them IMO. It is good, but doesn't feel special.

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Nov 04 2024

A classic for sure, even though I personally prefer their next 2 albums

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Nov 05 2024

There are a couple classic singles here of course, but overall I don't find a lot of this super interesting. They kind of just stick to their established sound and keep it safe.

Dare! by The Human League
Nov 07 2024

It certainly sounds like a product of it's time and clearly dated, but I still quite liked it.

Phrenology by The Roots
Nov 08 2024

I love The Roots but this is not in the running for their best work. It is good, but not great. They tried to break into the commercial realm which is fine but it really doesn't suit their strengths.

Young Americans by David Bowie
Nov 12 2024

Not one of my top Bowie albums but still pretty good.

Court And Spark by Joni Mitchell
Nov 13 2024

Really good but not anything I will feel the need to listen to again

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Nov 14 2024

It is a very solid album from front to back, but there isn't a single song on it that really jumps out to me. It's just consistently very strong.

Nov 15 2024

I don't really care much for 90's mainstream alt-rock, but this is a solid example.

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Nov 19 2024

Well played and very good in parts, but ultimately I find the vocals completely devoid of soul and melody

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Nov 20 2024

It is a solid album. Not super special, but good from front to back.

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Nov 21 2024

It is really good and I love the Fever Ray project, but her follow up albums are more fully realized than the debut.

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Nov 22 2024

It seemed like an all-timer classic when it was released but I'm not sure it really holds up to that level any more. Still an indie classic, just not an all-time great.

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Nov 25 2024

There is some amazing stuff on here but the quality isn't consistent throughout. But even at it's weakest point, her voice still makes everything enjoyable.

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Nov 26 2024

An excellent historical document, not necessarily something I would have a desire to reach for very often though.

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Nov 27 2024

Decent Britpop but I felt the singer's voice was a bit whiny sounding for my tastes

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Nov 28 2024

It is fine for what it is, but this genre and style aren't really that engaging or to my taste.

Sea Change by Beck
Dec 03 2024

It is a good album, but it is more noteworthy as a stylistic change than it is impressive on its own

Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings
Dec 04 2024

I love old country music like this quite a bit as a passive, background listen. It isn't something I care to actively listen to, but it is good for what it is.

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Dec 05 2024

Good live recording but the songs aren't strong enough to make it noteworthy

Fetch The Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple
Dec 06 2024

Sonically brilliant, very good songwriting, excellent themes. This was an instant classic when it dropped but I will be curious to see how it holds up in a couple decades. I already feel like "Idler Wheel" has a more timeless sound and will be looked at as better in my mind. Time will tell.

Diamond Life by Sade
Dec 09 2024

Solid pop but nothing special for me

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Dec 10 2024

It's cool for what it is, but I don't find it too exciting or emotionally gripping so it doesn't quite become memorable for me

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Dec 11 2024

This is often thought of as the band's masterpiece, but to me I think the melodies of "Treasure" are better and that album is more consistently mind-blowing. This is still a classic, it just doesn't quite have the same effect on me. I could listen to the title track forever though!

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Dec 12 2024

An impressively eclectic and creative mix of tunes. I didn't find it super enjoyable, but I appreciate it.

Forever Changes by Love
Dec 13 2024

Definitely a classic of it's era, not amongst my favorites but still stellar

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Dec 16 2024

A really great album that helped revive a genre

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Dec 17 2024

Excellent and nearly flawless songs, but somewhat safe and not engaging enough to peak my interest.

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Dec 18 2024

Bad, couldn't finish it

Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
Dec 20 2024

The production is pretty amateur sounding which makes the album somewhat unlistenable to me. He is talented as a rapper so I still think it is 'fine' overall

The Band by The Band
Dec 23 2024

The vocals are completely uninteresting through most of it. But otherwise it is fine.

Tommy by The Who
Dec 24 2024
Third by Portishead
Dec 26 2024
Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Dec 31 2024

Not on the level of Doolittle in regards to songwriting or overall sound, but still excellent

Kid A by Radiohead
Jan 01 2025

It isn't even my favorite Radiohead album but it is leaps and bounds better than many great bands' greatest albums

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Jan 07 2025

It is a bit bloated and there aren't a lot of "classic" individual songs, but as a whole it is excellent and it is incredibly ahead of its time and has held up pretty well.

Superfuzz Bigmuff by Mudhoney
Jan 08 2025

Musically it is quite good (worthy of 3 or 4 stars) but the vocals aren't up to par...and at times, they can be annoying to listen to

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jan 10 2025

It's good, just not a genre I love

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Jan 13 2025

A classic sounding album. It doesn't really move me personally, but I appreciate it.

Blackstar by David Bowie
Jan 14 2025

50 years deep into his career, it is amazing that Bowie released what I consider to possibly be one of the top 5 albums of his career. Such a creative and singular sounding album. I'm not sure whether or not in a vacuum I would judge it as an instant classic based on quality, but we don't live in a vacuum and I do consider it a late career classic and a worthy final statement before his death.

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Jan 15 2025

Musically it is fine, I like the unique experimental and sparse sound...but the vocals really are unlistenable. Both tuneless and emotionally unaffecting.

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Jan 16 2025

I liked it for what it is, just not my style in general

Truth And Soul by Fishbone
Jan 17 2025

It is fine but I don't find it all that engaging or special.

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Jan 20 2025

The incredibly poor production really hurts it, the songs don't really hit like they may otherwise. But it is solid.

Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder
Jan 21 2025

It is good music, well constructed and performed, but I just can't vibe with it on an emotional level. It just doesn't move me other than a couple songs here and there.

Jan 22 2025

Perhaps slightly bloated as many 90's Hip Hop albums were, but there is no question that there are classic songs all over this.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Jan 23 2025

It is a classic but it isn't consistently strong enough to be a personal favorite of mine.

Joan Baez by Joan Baez
Jan 24 2025

Very very good. Not enough variety for me, but individually every song is quite strong.

Low by David Bowie
Jan 28 2025

The first half of this album is, in my opinion, the best collection of music Bowie put out in his entire career. Which is saying something. It would be the greatest EP of all time if that is how it had been released, bar none. It is so far ahead of it's time in terms of sound design and song structure and the writing stay on pars with the sound. The second, ambient half of the album is less intriguing but when judged in a vacuum it is still good. It is hard to reconcile a "good" 2nd half with a "GOAT" first half. So I have never been able to put this as my favorite Bowie album despite my adoration for it's songs. Despite any negativity I may talk about, it remains an undisputable classic.

Jan 29 2025

There is absolutely nothing notable or special about this album. It is fine. Maybe OK as background music.

evermore by Taylor Swift
Jan 30 2025

There is always going to be a ceiling with how much I can enjoy a Taylor Swift record just because her voice is too banal to reach me on an emotional level, but in terms of the music and songwriting and the overall package this is definitely an album I can still appreciate.

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Feb 03 2025

It is really solid music for the genre, and the well-known singles certainly are classics, but in general the sound doesn't appeal to me on a personal level.

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Feb 04 2025

Multiple classic songs. Not consistent in quality, but stellar overall

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Feb 05 2025

Just flat out excellent blues rock that transcends cultural barriers.

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Feb 06 2025

Not necessarily a style I'm super into, but I liked it quite a lot

First Band On The Moon by The Cardigans
Feb 07 2025

Not actively bad but far too banal and safe for me to really like it

Excellent from front to back. Not sure it stands out enough to be an essential listen, but if you are looking for a guitar rock record from that era to listen to then this would always be a good choice.

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
Feb 11 2025

A classic but I don't think it is consistent enough from front to back to be one of my personal favorites.

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Feb 12 2025

Even though it isn't a style of music that has an emotional affect on me, I quite liked the album. The simple and timeless instrumentation that allows his voice to shine. I would definitely listen again.

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Feb 13 2025

It's fine, a bit boring though

Feb 17 2025

The individual songs are all fine, but as the whole the album becomes a little tiring and tedious to listen to.

Guero by Beck
Feb 18 2025

There are some very good songs on here but a lot of it is also forgettable

Mask by Bauhaus
Feb 19 2025

Excellent music, still sounds relevant today. Not really any classic songs though, just excellent front to back

Damaged by Black Flag
Feb 20 2025

Very good genre music, not really my thing overall though

Feb 21 2025

May be a classic in due to historical context, but I don't find it all that amazing to listen to. It is still OK though.

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
Feb 24 2025

Excellent 80's pop. Would happily listen again.

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Feb 25 2025

I can ignore the poor technical singing but unfortunately I don't find his singing particular emotive either. It isn't bad, just doesn't appeal to me because of this.

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Feb 26 2025

Decent, but not really special in any way

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
Feb 27 2025

It is all very well constructed music and there are a few really excellent songs, but overall it is just a tad too 'dad rock' for my tastes

The Madcap Laughs by Syd Barrett
Feb 28 2025

It isn't an essential listen but I liked it front to back.

Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
Mar 03 2025

I have never been able to latch onto Dylan, although I have tried. I do find his classic albums to be really good, but not personal classics for me.

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Mar 04 2025

It is fine but definitely not essential listening.

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Mar 05 2025

Although for me this would be more relegated to background music than something I actively listen to, I liked it quite a bit. Very pleasant with some nice production touches.

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down by The Dandy Warhols
Mar 06 2025

It is a pretty nice album, but not memorable really. Just sort of sits there in its safe space.

Parklife by Blur
Mar 10 2025

It has a slightly annoying sound to me, but overall it is creative and engaging and I can understand why someone may love it.

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Mar 11 2025

Excellent background music, not really worth an active listen though.

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Mar 12 2025

A classic that I need to give some more attentive listens to still, to fully understand it.

Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
Mar 13 2025

I'm not into this style of 70's pop rock. I can't call it bad, but it isn't for me.

Yeezus by Kanye West
Mar 14 2025

Creative and interesting, trendsetting.

Rio by Duran Duran
Mar 17 2025

Excellent 80's pop with a few classic songs in there

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Mar 18 2025

This is still probably my favorite Arcade Fire album, which does not seem to be a popular opinion. I sometimes wonder if it was just because it was my first exposure to them. But then when I go back and listen to it I still feel like it is their overall best. Maybe the specific sound of the album just resonates with me personally.

Skylarking by XTC
Mar 19 2025

The singer is banal, the songwriting isn't anything special, and the overall sound is dated. It is not bad, but I'm not going to agree with retrospective praise as a classic.

Faith by George Michael
Mar 20 2025

There are a couple of classic songs here but the majority of it is hopelessly dated. Not too bad overall though.

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Mar 21 2025

Way too long for no reason, but lots of strong songs. It isn't something that is going to stick with me, but I liked it.

Mar 24 2025

Perfectly fine genre music, but not a genre or style that is interesting to me.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Mar 25 2025

Excellent album, not a personal fave but still excellent

BEYONCÉ by Beyoncé
Mar 26 2025

There are a couple really amazing pop songs in here and it starts off strong, but it just isn't consistent enough to be a classic. I appreciate Beyonce pushing herself into new territory with this album, but she did it much more successfully on Lemonade.

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Mar 27 2025

There are definitely flashes of brilliance throughout. Overall, I find it pretty good but not excellent.

Face to Face by The Kinks
Mar 28 2025

It's a really good album but I don't think it is an essential listen. There are some real flashes of brilliance, but those flashes just sound like Beatles imitations anyway.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Mar 31 2025

Excellent album, definitely a classic and I need to give it more time and attention in the future

Doolittle by Pixies
Apr 01 2025

One of the best of the 1980's

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
Apr 02 2025

Solid, but not something I feel the need to revisit.

American Pie by Don McLean
Apr 03 2025

Not something I would feel the urge to revisit but very high quality nonetheless.

Treasure by Cocteau Twins
Apr 04 2025

One of the best of the 80's

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Apr 07 2025

Solid overall with a few classic songs in there

My Generation by The Who
Apr 08 2025

Very good front to back with some classic songs

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell
Apr 09 2025

It's good but I don't find it essential. I am already not all that crazy for Joni Mitchell, and she can't quite break through and make me excited here either.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Apr 10 2025

I was blown away surprised with this album. Obviously I have heard all the classic songs from this duo before, but never did I really give much thought to their full albums. That was clearly a mistake. This is a fantastic blend of experimental sound with classic 60's pop structure. I will be revisiting again in the future.

Debut by Björk
Apr 11 2025

Very good but not essential

Machine Head by Deep Purple
Apr 14 2025

Good for the genre/time but ultimately doesn't excite me today.

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Apr 15 2025

It is good genre music but it doesn't transcend that for me.

Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman
Apr 16 2025

It's pretty good for what it is. But I don't find anything about it an essential listen and it really doesn't belong on this list. It is more of a nice little curiosity with some nice jazzy tunes sprinkled throughout.

I Am a Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons
Apr 17 2025

There are some incredibly stunning songs on this album. I don't think it is super consistent from front to back which holds it back, and I prefer the later album "Hopelessness" overall, but this definitely is an essential listen despite its inconsistency.

Liege And Lief by Fairport Convention
Apr 18 2025

It's fine, but nothing special or memorable.

The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles
Apr 21 2025

It is fine for what it is, but I just don't really care much for the 'big band' sound

Bad by Michael Jackson
Apr 22 2025

There are some all time classic songs, but overall the production is hopelessly dated on most of it. Michael's vocal performance is stellar throughout which props up the production a bit, but honestly there is no need to listen to 2/3rds of this album.

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Apr 23 2025

I would never deny that this album is a classic or say it isn't worthy of praise. Bruce is very emotive and authentic in his performance, and the songwriting and musicality is all there. I personally am not really into this style of dad-rock so it will never be amongst my personal favorites, but I appreciate it.

Rip It Up by Orange Juice
Apr 24 2025

Not good, not essential. Doesn't belong on this list.

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Apr 29 2025

A very nice surprise. Creative and engaging and sounds very fresh even 40 years later. Love the combination of acoustic sound with aggressiveness. I will be putting this into my permanent rotation.

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren
Apr 30 2025

I love the overall sound and character. This is a borderline 3 or 4, but I'm not sure yet if the songs themselves are strong enough to stick with me long term. I will revisit again in the future for sure.

Astral Weeks by Van Morrison
May 01 2025

For sure a classic....doesn't quite fit me personally but the quality is undeniable.

Arular by M.I.A.
May 02 2025

Good, nothing super special to me though

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
May 06 2025

It is good alt-pop-rock with wide appeal, but a little to ho hum sounding for me with no hook. I don't think the vocals are super strong on this album either.

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
May 07 2025

It is fine, not really a sound that makes me excited

Black Metal by Venom
May 08 2025

Influence has to be taken into consideration, but it isn't all that great

Orbital 2 by Orbital
May 09 2025

I don't know if I would have liked this more in 1993, but it sounds dated now and not really anything special.

Ramones by Ramones
May 12 2025

Very strong from front to back.

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
May 13 2025

Can't deny it is a classic. Not quite my personal style, but its basically flawless

The Sensual World by Kate Bush
May 15 2025

I need to give this a better listen, I'm not sure if it is a 3 or 4

The Doors by The Doors
May 16 2025

The singles from this album are all perfect. Love them. The rest of the album can't maintain those highs, but overall it remains excellent.

Brothers by The Black Keys
May 19 2025

The Black Keys really found their voice and sound on this record and it is easily their best of their career. And then they got a taste of money from it and decided to start to suck really bad.

1999 by Prince
May 20 2025

It's good but I'm not super into it

Heartbreaker by Ryan Adams
May 21 2025

Excellent, worth a revisit

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
May 22 2025

It's important to listen to this for the historical record, but I'm not into it personally.

Green by R.E.M.
May 23 2025

Lots of great stuff here, borderline 3 or 4. Need more listens.

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
May 26 2025

Possibly Bowie's best, one of my all time faves

Gold by Ryan Adams
May 28 2025

Not bad, but way too dad-rock styled for me

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
May 29 2025

I appreciate Bob Dylan more than I actively love the music. I would never turn it down, but I also wouldn't reach for it.

Electric Prunes by The Electric Prunes
May 30 2025

Really good genre/period music but I'm not sure it quite transcends to being something essential.

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
Jun 02 2025

Really good. I can't quite latch onto it as something special though

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Jun 04 2025

Not a style I enjoy. Not objectively bad though

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
Jun 06 2025

The music is quite good but unfortunately I find the vocals pretty weak.

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Jun 09 2025

It's very cool for the time period and it still retains a great nostalgic feeling, but overall the quality doesn't hold up without added context.

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
Jun 10 2025

Very good album with a few all-time classic songs sprinkled in.

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Jun 11 2025

Perhaps not consistent over its long run time, but an undeniable classic nonetheless

Playing With Fire by Spacemen 3
Jun 12 2025

It is a nice listen but there aren't enough strong songs to make it feel essential.

Smile by Brian Wilson
Jun 13 2025
The Next Day by David Bowie
Jun 16 2025

It is fine...like a 6-7/10 or so, but without Bowie's name I'm not sure this album would carry any relevance.

Urban Hymns by The Verve
Jun 17 2025

It's fine, but mostly just standard 90's alt-rock fare

Bongo Rock by Incredible Bongo Band
Jun 19 2025

Certainly a treasured historical document thanks to its influence on Hip Hop culture, but judged in a vacuum its just OK.

No Other by Gene Clark
Jun 20 2025

Its fine, but I don't feel his voice is very engaging and it makes it all rather mundane.

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Jun 23 2025

I don't mind the chaotic playing and songwriting, the only thing that holds it back from being a personal classic for me are the vocals. Not the fact that they are weird, just that they aren't engaging for me.

Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
Jun 24 2025

It's pretty good for the time and genre. Not my thing in 2025, but I respect it.

I Against I by Bad Brains
Jun 25 2025

It's fine but doesn't really hold up or interest me

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Jun 26 2025

Very good, but this band never quite met their true potential in my opinion

Jun 27 2025

I don't think it is essential, and some of the lyrics are kind of cringe-y, but the melodies and production are great and overall it is a good album.

Vulnicura by Björk
Jun 30 2025

I really loved this album when it dropped. I'm not sure it has held up for me as much as I hoped it would.

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Jul 01 2025

Not a genre I desire to listen to, but its a very good album.

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
Jul 02 2025

It's decent, but nothing really noteworthy. A few songs are legit bad, but most of the album is just fine.

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Jul 03 2025

As usual, I find Dylan quite good but not something I personally get really into

Beyond Skin by Nitin Sawhney
Jul 04 2025

Not noteworthy at all, but not terrible either

Kenya by Machito
Jul 07 2025

It's fine, the genre is just uninteresting

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Jul 08 2025

It's a good album but not as epic or essential as the critical consensus implies

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Jul 09 2025

Some of the beats are nice but the vocals throughout are really terrible

Country Life by Roxy Music
Jul 10 2025

It's fine, not that special for me though

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Jul 14 2025

I liked it quite a bit. Doesn't feel super essential, but well worth a couple listens.

Copper Blue by Sugar
Jul 15 2025

This is what I imagine it would sound like if you trained A.I. on 90's mainstream alt-rock. Just devoid of any soul at all.

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Jul 16 2025

It's OK but I just can't get past the unappealing vocals.

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Jul 17 2025

It isn't bad but there isn't really much appealing to me either. A few instrumental parts that I like.

Dookie by Green Day
Jul 18 2025

It's a nicely made pop punk album, but the dated 90's guitar sound and same-y same-y songs don't really appeal to me personally.

Bert Jansch by Bert Jansch
Jul 22 2025

Solid. Doesn't feel essential though.

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Jul 23 2025

One of the best hip hop albums ever

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025

I like it quite a bit, although I'm not sure any of the singular songs on it stood out to me as personally essential.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Jul 25 2025

When this album first came out I thought it was their best work, but over time I have shifted to Neon Bible being their best. This is still a classic but doesn't quite have as much staying power as I thought it would.

Cut by The Slits
Jul 28 2025

This was unexpectedly excellent. Off-kilter and fun and the DNA from this album is clearly present is a lot of 90's era punk girl records.

Bug by Dinosaur Jr.
Jul 29 2025

Very solid 80's indie rock. Nothing super incredible, but very good from front to back.

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Jul 30 2025

Solid album, they have better ones though

In Utero by Nirvana
Aug 05 2025

It's a good album but not a sound or style I'm into and I don't think it is really super strong consistently.

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
Aug 06 2025

The Killing Moon is certainly an essential song, but outside of that song this is just standard 80's fare that isn't notable.

The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan
Aug 07 2025

It's not super consistent I don't think but I enjoyed a lot of the songs quite a bit.

Goodbye And Hello by Tim Buckley
Aug 08 2025

It's pretty solid, not my style but fine for what it is

Aug 12 2025

Like with much progressive rock, it's a fun listen for the musicianship but there just isn't enough good songwriting or vocals for me to care about keeping the album in rotation.

Aug 14 2025

There are a few OK songs here, but in general it is hopelessly dated and therefore comes off as corny.

Django Django by Django Django
Aug 18 2025

Liked this album a lot when it came out. I thought this band was destined for big things but they ended up doing nothing else memorable

Microshift by Hookworms
Aug 19 2025

It's pretty good but a bit same-y same-y throughout and missing the peaks that make a real classic

Cross by Justice
Aug 20 2025

It's fine, nothing super special though

OK Computer by Radiohead
Aug 21 2025

I do like Kid A and In Rainbows better and I'm not sure this truly reaches 5 stars for me on quality alone, but when you consider the context when it was released and how much better this was than any other rock music at that time, it is worth 5 stars.

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Aug 22 2025

They tried, they really did. Not sure how successful they were. It's decent though.

S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things
Aug 25 2025

Its solid but does come off as a bit pretentious, which has morphed into a bit of corniness in spots

Konnichiwa by Skepta
Aug 26 2025

Solid from front to back, good beats and good flows. Doesn't feel essential though.

OK by Talvin Singh
Aug 28 2025

I don't find it interesting at all

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Aug 29 2025

Very good even though not my style

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Sep 01 2025

It's a great for a 90's pop-alternative album with a handful of classic singles, but it suffers from the usual 90's rock syndrome of shitty guitar tones and dated sounding production.

Street Life by The Crusaders
Sep 03 2025

Not a genre I enjoy

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Sep 04 2025

It's fine for what it is, but Neil Young is not a good vocalist to me

Sister by Sonic Youth
Sep 05 2025

Feels fresh and relevant 40 years later still. Definitely a classic.

Sep 08 2025

Doesn't hold up. Boring and basic. A fine background listen, that's about it

The La's by The La's
Sep 09 2025

Not a noteworthy album

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Sep 10 2025

Great genre album, great background music, but not a super amazing active listen

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Sep 11 2025

Fine, nothing noteworthy for me

Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Sep 12 2025

This is a fun little oddity and there are a few really good songs on it, but it isn't really an essential listen

Fire Of Love by The Gun Club
Sep 15 2025

First time I have heard of this band or album. This shit slaps. I'm giving it a 4 so I remember to revisit it later, not sure if its a 3 or 4 for me.

Le Tigre by Le Tigre
Sep 16 2025

Good album, not really special for me but nice

The Libertines by The Libertines
Sep 19 2025

its fine. nothing super noteworthy

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers
Sep 22 2025

Much like with a lot of old country music, the uptempo songs are all catchy and fun and great to listen to with fun harmonies, but the slower songs just don't have much going for them and follow bland melodic formulas.

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Sep 23 2025

Excellent stuff, maybe a bit same-y same-y throughout but all the songs are strong.

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Sep 24 2025

Borderling 3 or 4 undecided but will continue to revisit over the years

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Sep 29 2025

A bit too stereotypically 80's for me to really love

Behaviour by Pet Shop Boys
Sep 30 2025

Way too dated sounding, doesn't hold up

Nevermind by Nirvana
Oct 01 2025

It may be a classic for cultural impact and influence, but just from the pure quality of the album its just good, nothing special to me.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Oct 02 2025

It's good but I've never been able to get into it as much as I hoped I would

Sail Away by Randy Newman
Oct 03 2025

It's fine as a genre album, but not something I care to listen to

Want One by Rufus Wainwright
Oct 08 2025

It's fine but too mundane for me

Suzanne Vega by Suzanne Vega
Oct 09 2025

The guitar work is fine but the vocals are entirely unremarkable.

Oct 13 2025

I like the songs and instrumentation a lot. I don't really care for the singer's vocal style. Pretty good album overall though.

Nixon by Lambchop
Oct 15 2025

Not my style but it was a pretty solid listen

Penance Soiree by The Icarus Line
Oct 16 2025

Decent album but not super interesting for me

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Oct 17 2025

A classic for sure but not a personal favorite. It doesn't quite have the same timeless feel of my favorite 60's classics.

Technique by New Order
Oct 20 2025

Solid album, not super special

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Oct 21 2025

Good stuff for the genre, not my think but I appreciate it

One World by John Martyn
Oct 22 2025

Not good, but not actively bad either

Movies by Holger Czukay
Oct 23 2025

not that good and not essential

Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Oct 24 2025

Excellent album. Doesn't necessarily feel essential, but a very worthy listen nonetheless

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Oct 27 2025

I can appreciate the experimental music here, but the vocals are just beyond annoying. Very try-hard

Oct 28 2025

It is worthy of classic status, but personally I have never clicked with Pavement as much as I have tried to.

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Oct 30 2025

Never heard of this band or album and was super pleasantly surprised. Just the right amount of weird, with great production. Vocals are so-so, but I enjoyed it all quite a bit.

Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel
Oct 31 2025

Excellent album. Probably doesn't reach that 'next level' of greatness for me, but some of the songs here individually do.

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Nov 05 2025

Solid, but nothing too noteworthy to me

Life Thru A Lens by Robbie Williams
Nov 06 2025

The production is pretty solid, I find his vocals pretty mid though. Its a good album, but nowhere near an essential listen.

Wild Wood by Paul Weller
Nov 07 2025

It's solid but a little too safe and conventional for me

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Nov 10 2025

Classic album, not a personal favorite but super strong

Pictures At An Exhibition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Nov 11 2025

Like most prog of this era, it is cool to listen to and entertaining in spots, but in general wears a bit thin and the vocals are not interesting

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Nov 12 2025

I don't like the vocals but I was pleasantly surprised by the music and production. It is a very listenable album for me despite my distaste for the vocals.

Nov 13 2025

Excellent album, I don't think the vocals are strong to have held up over time, other bands have done this sound better. But certainly worthy of being considered a classic album.

Soul Mining by The The
Nov 14 2025

Not terrible but completely unremarkable

Nov 18 2025

Undeniable classic, I do like a few other Beatles albums more though as I don't find this one to be consistently from front to back

Guitar Town by Steve Earle
Nov 19 2025

Fine genre music but not a style I like

Blur by Blur
Nov 20 2025

Pretty good for 90's alternative/commercial rock

Bummed by Happy Mondays
Nov 21 2025

Decent, not super interesting

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
Nov 25 2025

Fine, nothing noteworthy

Ingenue by k.d. lang
Nov 26 2025

Not the style for me

Is This It by The Strokes
Dec 02 2025

One of the best guitar albums of the 2000's to date

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
Dec 03 2025

Really good album but I have never really loved it as much as its reputation

The Man Who by Travis
Dec 04 2025

Sounds good for alt-pop-rock, but not my style

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Dec 09 2025

Its fine but feels dated and lacks an edge for me

Felt Mountain by Goldfrapp
Dec 10 2025

It's pleasant but kind of boring. Almost like a movie soundtrack.

Infected by The The
Dec 11 2025

Bad and annoying

Talk Talk Talk by The Psychedelic Furs
Dec 15 2025

It's fine, not essential though

Pyromania by Def Leppard
Dec 16 2025

Not into this style

Chris by Christine and the Queens
Dec 18 2025

Pretty solid for a straight pop album. Not essential I don't think, but all the songs were good

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Dec 22 2025

Good stuff, nothing mind blowing

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
Dec 23 2025

I really enjoyed this. Not sure it is something that will ever permanently enter my rotation, but I will definitely revisit it again and see if it sticks

The Rise & Fall by Madness
Dec 24 2025

Pretty standard 80's fare, kind of boring

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Dec 26 2025

I just really don't like 90's alt/popular rock, it all sounds so generic and lifeless to me. Not saying its bad, it just isn't for me.

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Dec 30 2025

Fine, nothing special

Triangle by The Beau Brummels
Dec 31 2025

Never heard of this band or album but it was a very pleasant surprise. There were some really excellent songs and the singer is engaging. 3 or 4 stars, will need to revisit.

Moon Safari by Air
Jan 05 2026

Solid, nothing super noteworthy though

Marcus Garvey by Burning Spear
Jan 07 2026

Not for me, but fine for what it is

Casanova by The Divine Comedy
Jan 09 2026

Not a style I find compelling, but its fine

The Only Ones by The Only Ones
Jan 12 2026

Excellent stuff, holds up well. Not quite essential though, but worth a re-listen

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
Jan 13 2026

I can't figure out how much I love it yet based off of one listen. Need to come back to this one.

Sincere by Mj Cole
Jan 14 2026

Really not good. So many songs have the same generic house beat, and the songwriting and vocals are weak. If you told me this was A.I. music I would believe it

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jan 15 2026

Really good stuff, doesn't quite jump to that next level of greatness for me though.

Shadowland by k.d. lang
Jan 16 2026

Sounds good if you like the genre, it isn't really for me though

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Jan 19 2026

Classic singles, not super consistent overall but of course a cultural classic anyway

Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Jan 20 2026

Not actively bad, but not for me

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Jan 21 2026

A solid listen with notable songs, I wasn't super into it but enjoyed it enough to praise

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
Jan 23 2026

Really great for the genre. Not really my style, but no denying how good it is.

GI by Germs
Feb 05 2026
Medúlla by Björk
Feb 13 2026

Very interesting, somewhat inconsistent but a decent listen

Real Life by Magazine
Mar 26 2026

Great stuff front to back

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Apr 01 2026

A few amazing songs in here, but it isn't super consistent

Perfectionist

Only 5% of albums received 5 stars. Average rating: 2.81.

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.