554
Albums Rated
2.79
Average Rating
51%
Complete
535 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
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tago Mago
Can
|
5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
|
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
|
5 | 3.08 | +1.92 |
|
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
|
5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
|
Melodrama
Lorde
|
5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
|
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
|
4 | 2.42 | +1.58 |
|
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
|
5 | 3.43 | +1.57 |
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Marquee Moon
Television
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Frank
Amy Winehouse
|
1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
|
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
|
1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
|
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
|
1 | 3.09 | -2.09 |
|
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
|
1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
|
Copper Blue
Sugar
|
1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
|
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
|
2 | 3.94 | -1.94 |
|
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
|
2 | 3.93 | -1.93 |
|
Infected
The The
|
1 | 2.92 | -1.92 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 5 | 4.2 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Divine Comedy | 2 | 1.5 |
| The The | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Stan Getz | 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (27)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Soundgarden · 13 likes
2/5
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 Killers · 1 likes
2/5
Good pop-alt rock, but overall it does feel like it lacks something to make it special outside of the popular singles
Beatles · 1 likes
3/5
A good album but they hadn't hit their creative stride quite yet
Frankie Goes To Hollywood · 1 likes
1/5
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.
Elliott Smith · 1 likes
3/5
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
1-Star Albums (27)
All Ratings
3/5
An OK passive listen. Epic sounding. But once you have heard it once it feels like it has nothing more to give.
Pink Floyd
4/5
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.
Steely Dan
4/5
A high level of quality from front to back. Didn't hear many classic moments though.
Judas Priest
4/5
Not a preferred genre, but I liked this album quite a bit and will probably revisit it again in the future.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
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
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
good, just not my style
Slint
2/5
i find it rather boring
Elliott Smith
3/5
Good, but not something I desire to listen to again
Amy Winehouse
1/5
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
3/5
Enjoyable alt rock, although unspectacular. Consistently good from front to back and potentially worth revisiting.
1/5
Unlistenably bad. Couldn't bear to hear more than a small portion of each song
Stevie Wonder
4/5
It's a classic for a reason but the overall sound doesn't 'do it' for, so it will never be a personal classic.
Stan Getz
5/5
Requires a very specific environment and mood, but it's about perfect for that limited scope
Various Artists
3/5
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.
Can
5/5
The two long form experimental tracks are not essential and a rather difficult listen, but everything else is brilliant
Frank Ocean
5/5
About as solid as modern R&B gets.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
One of the best indie albums of all time
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
An objectively great album, but like most 90's mainstream rock my ears just get tired of the sound quickly
The Cars
3/5
A flat out great collection of songs, but it doesn't resonate with me on a higher level
Public Enemy
4/5
Quality isn't consistent throughout, but there is no denying it's classic status
Grateful Dead
2/5
A few great songs but mostly unremarkable
Dr. Octagon
3/5
A cult classic, but on a tier below the best 90's Hip Hop albums
Adele
2/5
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.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Some absolutely stellar songs, some fluff mixed in too
Kid Rock
1/5
The singles are just bad music, but the rest of the album is 100x worse. Absolutely unlistenable
Prince
4/5
Although it sounds dated, it is still pretty stellar
Little Richard
3/5
Objectively a classic. I'm rating it to my personal tastes, but I still greatly appreciate this music.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
Rap rock is a bad genre but Rage are one of the few who do it well
Ray Charles
2/5
Hopelessly dated, rating to my own tastes without historical context. It is nice for what it is though.
Radiohead
4/5
A lesser-tier classic from one of the GOAT bands.
Aerosmith
2/5
Not my style, but I can appreciate the songs
Q-Tip
3/5
Not a classic but its a very good album
Gorillaz
2/5
Pleasant to listen to but devoid of anything noteworthy
OutKast
5/5
There are a few weak points in here but overall its some of the best music of the turn of the millennium
MGMT
3/5
A pretty good album overall, sprinkled with some of the best singles of the era
David Crosby
4/5
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
Queen
3/5
I appreciate the eccentric nature and performance, its just not a sound that I truly love
Portishead
5/5
One of my favorite albums ever. Maybe a couple weak points, but completely forgivable by the rest
Kanye West
3/5
A very good album but lacks that next-level greatness
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Really unlistenable, just not my style at all
Deep Purple
3/5
I'm not really into live albums but this one was nicely recorded and captured good energy
Tom Waits
2/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Not my style, its OK though
Herbie Hancock
2/5
Too much funk influence, isn't really a style I prefer. Not a bad album though
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Really good, just not my preferred style of jazz
Elvis Presley
4/5
Very dated but the quality still shows. I really liked most of the songs with only a few moments otherwise
Steely Dan
2/5
There are some good songs here, but I just could never really get excited about this album
David Bowie
3/5
This one is so close to hitting that next level, but it just can't quite match my favorite Bowie albums
2/5
Nice to listen to but doesn't really connect with me
The xx
3/5
Although their debut album made a bigger cultural impact, I think that this might be a better album. A really great release.
The Jam
3/5
Very solid album from front to back. Not much more to say, I really enjoyed it.
Cypress Hill
2/5
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.
Metallica
3/5
This isn't a genre I particularly like, but there is no doubt that this is an essential classic from within that genre
Duke Ellington
2/5
Not really into the big band sound, despite the high perceived quality of this record
The Afghan Whigs
1/5
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.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Possibly my favorite soul/funk album ever. Perfect in almost every aspect.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
A great listen from beginning to end. It's a bit long and lacking in variation, but individually everything is strong
The xx
3/5
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.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Obviously a great album for its genre, I just don't find the genre particularly engaging
David Bowie
3/5
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.
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
A solid example of 90's mainstream alt rock. I wouldn't ever want to listen again but I didn't dislike it completely
Thundercat
2/5
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
AC/DC
3/5
Classic example of just fun, no frills party rock
The Isley Brothers
3/5
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.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
1/5
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.
Hole
2/5
Perfectly fine 90's alt rock, but I don't think it is particularly noteworthy overall
Goldfrapp
2/5
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.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Definitely sounds dated but it is a pretty solid album overall.
Wilco
3/5
It's a very good album, I have never been able to get into it as much as it's legacy demands though.
Japan
2/5
It's fine, nothing too noteworthy about it
The Pharcyde
2/5
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.
The Offspring
2/5
This style isn't to my tastes, but objectively it is a fun and original album of decent quality
Dr. Dre
3/5
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.
Cat Stevens
3/5
A solid album front to back, nothing too remarkable but a nice listen
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
Most of this album is solid, but there are a couple of really weak tracks that make up too much of the runtime.
Funkadelic
5/5
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'
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
3/5
Holds up much better than a lot of albums with a similar sound. I enjoyed most of the songs on the album.
U2
3/5
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
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
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
Jurassic 5
2/5
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
808 State
1/5
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.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
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.
Sigur Rós
3/5
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.
The Kinks
3/5
High quality 60's pop rock. Perhaps missing an X factor, but high quality nonetheless.
Elvis Presley
3/5
The ballads aren't all that interesting but the uptempo songs are all quite good and I'd be happy to revisit.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
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.
Beastie Boys
3/5
It is a fun album but it is super dated and I don't hold it in high regard.
Oasis
3/5
It's very good for a 90's mainstream alternative record which is not a category of music that particularly love
Rush
4/5
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.
OutKast
3/5
The highs of this album are incredibly high, but it is also too bloated to really be next level great.
The Blue Nile
2/5
The music isn't bad, but it is is bland and completely forgettable
Milton Nascimento
4/5
I often find foreign language songwriter albums challenging to fully appreciate, but this one transcends
Arcade Fire
3/5
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.
Beck
3/5
It's a cool album, I don't personally find it essential but it is worth note
Throwing Muses
3/5
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.
Simply Red
2/5
A completely inconsequential album other than 1 or 2 decent singles. Not actively bad, but also not worth listening to.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
A very solid indie pop album. Nothing next level, but quite enjoyable start to finish
AC/DC
3/5
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.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
2/5
It's a good piece of pre-60's pop but it is hopelessly dated
Flamin' Groovies
2/5
It's fine, but sounds rather Rolling Stones derivative and uninspiring
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Captivating and soulful, holds up well despite its age
The Boo Radleys
3/5
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.
Otis Redding
4/5
About as good as raw 60's soul gets
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
Nothing special, this style of vocal jazz doesn't hold up. But it was fine to listen to.
Wire
3/5
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.
10cc
3/5
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
The Undertones
2/5
Decent, but not noteworthy
Lou Reed
5/5
One of the best glam rock albums ever and one of my favorites of the 70's
Television
5/5
One of the best of the 70's
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Very good album. Doesn't stand out from the pack amongst other very good 2000's indie rock though.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
Very catchy and original and well played. I'd like to revisit.
Soundgarden
2/5
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
5/5
Not every song is perfect, but overall it still stands up 60 years later and there is no denying its greatness
Marty Robbins
3/5
It is a hopelessly dated sound but I found it a very nice listen from start to finish.
Eric Clapton
2/5
It is a perfectly suitable album for what it is, it just doesn't excite me in any way.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Very solid front to back
TLC
2/5
Creep and Waterfalls are forever classics, but most of this album is a bit dated and corny sounding to listen to in full.
Parliament
3/5
I'm not huge on pure funk music, but of course this is one of the best of the genre
Elliott Smith
3/5
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
The Killers
2/5
Good pop-alt rock, but overall it does feel like it lacks something to make it special outside of the popular singles
Goldie
1/5
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.
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
I went into it open minded but I couldn't listen to it. I just hate this sound in my ears.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
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
The Police
3/5
Dr. John
2/5
Liz Phair
3/5
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.
The Monkees
3/5
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.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
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.
Eminem
3/5
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.
Beatles
5/5
The first truly great Beatles album, and one of their most consistent from front to back.
Lauryn Hill
3/5
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.
King Crimson
3/5
Fun to listen to but the songwriting holds it back from being great, a typical prog rock problem
Pixies
3/5
It's a good album, but doesn't stand out in any way over other good rock albums from this era
Sam Cooke
3/5
Really strong performance but a bit same-y from front to back and not something that really draws me back.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Really good album, I'm not sure it is an essential listen but nonetheless I would happily revisit it in the future
Nas
5/5
Possibly the greatest Hip Hop album ever, and one of the best overall of the 90's
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Very good guitar work but the songwriting is not noteworthy
Pretenders
3/5
Quite solid from front to back. Nothing really leaps out as essential, but I'd happily listen again in the future.
Meat Loaf
2/5
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
Van Halen
3/5
Not really my style but the songwriting is really great throughout
The Black Crowes
2/5
Another typical good-but-uninteresting 90's rock album
The Who
4/5
Super high energy live album, worth being labeled as a Who essential
Yes
3/5
Great musicianship, borderline 2 or 3
Marvin Gaye
4/5
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.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Pleasant to listen to but uninteresting
Iron Butterfly
2/5
The backing band is nice but the songwriting and vocals leave something to be desired.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Fun and very interesting. Borderline 3 or 4. I'll round up.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
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.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Really good album, I'd listen again. Didn't find it super essential, but it is quality
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
Not a style I'm thrilled about but it's decent
50 Cent
2/5
It's OK but it is kind of hot garbage in a lot of spots.
TV On The Radio
3/5
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.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I'm not really into dad rock, but this is about as good as dad rock gets
Radiohead
4/5
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.
Gillian Welch
3/5
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.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
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.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Very good album, not something to put in my rotation though
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Very consistent and high quality throughout
Jack White
2/5
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.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
He really wants to come off epic but I'm sorry he just comes off as bland and lacking an edge
Garbage
2/5
I understand why people loved it during its era but ultimately it is disposable sounding for me
Neil Young
3/5
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.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Enjoyed the whole thing, I didn't really personally connect with it that hard though
Boston
4/5
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.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Very good
The Zombies
4/5
An excellent representation of this type of 60's sound. Solid from front to back, although not quite on my personal favorites list.
Elvis Costello
2/5
It's a nice album, not my style but its good.
Pink Floyd
3/5
It's good but I really don't find anything that amazing about it.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
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.
The Beta Band
3/5
The songwriting and vocals don't really stand out as noteworthy but musically I like it quite a lot.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Corny and dated and not good.
Norah Jones
2/5
It is a pleasant album to listen to and very well recorded and performed, but the music itself is somewhat stagnant and basic.
Pulp
3/5
It's a good album but it lacks an edge for me that would take it to the next level
Fred Neil
3/5
I don't think its super memorable and definitely not essential but I did enjoy it from front to back.
Pearl Jam
2/5
I just find these 90's sterotypical rock albums so yawn-inducing and soulless. Always have. It just isn't for me.
The Triffids
1/5
Very dated and not strong enough to withstand that
Beatles
4/5
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
3/5
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
2/5
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.
Green Day
2/5
It's a decent album but this type of pop-punk sound always feels a bit mundane and unrewarding for me.
Napalm Death
2/5
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.
Beatles
3/5
A good album but they hadn't hit their creative stride quite yet
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
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
Weather Report
2/5
There are a couple decent tunes here but overall I don't find this type of jazz fusion particularly engaging
Common
3/5
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.
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
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.
R.E.M.
3/5
Very good album, would be happy to revisit in the future
Deep Purple
4/5
Great musicianship, good songwriting. A nice mix of early metal and early prog that doesn't lack soul and remains interesting.
Shack
2/5
It is pleasant background music but I find it too banal for active listening
Janelle Monáe
2/5
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.
Air
2/5
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.
Coldplay
2/5
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.
Fiona Apple
3/5
It is a really good album but she moved on to much better things later in her career
System Of A Down
3/5
Not my style of music but very original and interesting, so I can appreciate it
PJ Harvey
4/5
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.
Aerosmith
2/5
It's fine, just generic and unmemorable
Fela Kuti
3/5
Very good, but I don't feel like I need to listen again to get anything more out of it
The Velvet Underground
4/5
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.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
The vocals and songwriting are both rather ho-hum. It's OK I guess
Nick Drake
4/5
Just flat out excellent music. Perhaps not as hauntingly beautiful as Pink Moon, but excellent nonetheless
Eminem
3/5
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.
The White Stripes
3/5
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.
David Bowie
3/5
It is really good but it isn't one of my favorite Bowie albums
Paul Simon
3/5
Really good album but it doesn't really hit my personal tastes to really be in love with it
Moby
2/5
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.
Radiohead
3/5
Not one of Radiohead's best overall, but there are multiple amazing songs and it is still high quality
Tracy Chapman
3/5
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
B.B. King
3/5
It's a solid listen. Nothing next level though.
Ian Dury
1/5
The vocals are really really bad and I couldn't listen to more than a couple songs. Musically it seemed fine though.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
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
The Auteurs
2/5
A very mundane sounding album. I didn't dislike it but it wasn't noteworthy either.
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
Fine for what it is, just not something I'm interested in
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Love the rhythms and tones/timbres. One of my favorite jazz albums for sure.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Very good, I prefer his more cinematic later works
Pere Ubu
2/5
It's OK, I like the uniqueness but the vocals are a unappealing for the most part
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
A few good songs, but mostly mid or weak
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Very good. Not super consistent, but lots of really great songs
Paul Simon
4/5
Excellent album from front to back with a few classic songs sprinkled in there
Ministry
1/5
Corny and not that good
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
This is very much the product of its time, it doesn't hold up and although it still sounds fine, it is very forgettable.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Classic. Borderline 4 or 5
Nina Simone
3/5
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
3/5
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.
Lorde
5/5
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.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
It is fine musically but the lyrics are actual bad enough to be distracting and it brings down the listening experience.
Peter Tosh
2/5
It is pretty solid, just not a style of music I find super interesting.
Billy Joel
3/5
Well written with some cultural canon songs, but it is all a bit too safe sounding for me to really get into it.
The Stooges
3/5
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.
Dead Kennedys
3/5
Really good for what it is but not the type of stuff I get excited about
Grateful Dead
4/5
Excellent album with great guitar work. No real songs per se, but great jams
The Damned
2/5
It's decent but very un-memorable
Louis Prima
3/5
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.
Joy Division
3/5
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.
Megadeth
2/5
Not that interesting or good, but not actively bad either
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Fantastic album, still feels fairly fresh. This has earned a spot in my permanent rotation.
Boards of Canada
3/5
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.
De La Soul
4/5
A classic for sure, even though I personally prefer their next 2 albums
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
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.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Very good, but not on that next level of greatness.
The Human League
3/5
It certainly sounds like a product of it's time and clearly dated, but I still quite liked it.
The Roots
2/5
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.
3/5
A couple of the best songs ever recorded, surrounded by a lot of 'pretty good' 90's rock.
David Bowie
3/5
Not one of my top Bowie albums but still pretty good.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Really good but not anything I will feel the need to listen to again
The Rolling Stones
4/5
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.
Hole
3/5
I don't really care much for 90's mainstream alt-rock, but this is a solid example.
3/5
Supertramp
2/5
Well played and very good in parts, but ultimately I find the vocals completely devoid of soul and melody
Morrissey
3/5
It is a solid album. Not super special, but good from front to back.
Fever Ray
3/5
It is really good and I love the Fever Ray project, but her follow up albums are more fully realized than the debut.
Animal Collective
4/5
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.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
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.
Johnny Cash
3/5
An excellent historical document, not necessarily something I would have a desire to reach for very often though.
The Charlatans
2/5
Decent Britpop but I felt the singer's voice was a bit whiny sounding for my tastes
Tito Puente
2/5
It is fine for what it is, but this genre and style aren't really that engaging or to my taste.
1/5
Corny and dated and kind of annoying
Jethro Tull
4/5
Beck
3/5
It is a good album, but it is more noteworthy as a stylistic change than it is impressive on its own
Waylon Jennings
3/5
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.
Thin Lizzy
2/5
Good live recording but the songs aren't strong enough to make it noteworthy
Fiona Apple
5/5
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.
Sade
3/5
Solid pop but nothing special for me
Frank Zappa
3/5
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
Cocteau Twins
4/5
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!
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
An impressively eclectic and creative mix of tunes. I didn't find it super enjoyable, but I appreciate it.
Love
4/5
Definitely a classic of it's era, not amongst my favorites but still stellar
The White Stripes
3/5
A really great album that helped revive a genre
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Excellent and nearly flawless songs, but somewhat safe and not engaging enough to peak my interest.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
Bad, couldn't finish it
The Zutons
2/5
MID
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
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
2/5
The vocals are completely uninteresting through most of it. But otherwise it is fine.
The Who
3/5
Beth Orton
4/5
Portishead
4/5
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Santana
2/5
Pixies
4/5
Not on the level of Doolittle in regards to songwriting or overall sound, but still excellent
Radiohead
5/5
It isn't even my favorite Radiohead album but it is leaps and bounds better than many great bands' greatest albums
Led Zeppelin
3/5
2/5
Mundane
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
One of the best of the 90's and in contention for the top Hip Hop album ever
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
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.
Mudhoney
2/5
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
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
It's good, just not a genre I love
Johnny Cash
3/5
A classic sounding album. It doesn't really move me personally, but I appreciate it.
David Bowie
4/5
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.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Musically it is fine, I like the unique experimental and sparse sound...but the vocals really are unlistenable. Both tuneless and emotionally unaffecting.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
I liked it for what it is, just not my style in general
Fishbone
2/5
It is fine but I don't find it all that engaging or special.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
The incredibly poor production really hurts it, the songs don't really hit like they may otherwise. But it is solid.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
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.
Raekwon
4/5
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 Smiths
4/5
It is a classic but it isn't consistently strong enough to be a personal favorite of mine.
Joan Baez
3/5
Very very good. Not enough variety for me, but individually every song is quite strong.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
It is very good genre music but I don't find it personally engaging.
David Bowie
5/5
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.
Mylo
2/5
There is absolutely nothing notable or special about this album. It is fine. Maybe OK as background music.
Taylor Swift
2/5
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.
Rod Stewart
2/5
A "fine" album, nothing more nothing less
Guns N' Roses
2/5
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.
Cream
3/5
Multiple classic songs. Not consistent in quality, but stellar overall
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Just flat out excellent blues rock that transcends cultural barriers.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Not necessarily a style I'm super into, but I liked it quite a lot
The Cardigans
2/5
Not actively bad but far too banal and safe for me to really like it
3/5
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.
Talking Heads
4/5
A classic but I don't think it is consistent enough from front to back to be one of my personal favorites.
Willie Nelson
3/5
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.
Willie Nelson
2/5
It's fine, a bit boring though
MC Solaar
2/5
I can't really listen to foreign language rap but it sounds like it would be decent for a native speaker.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
The individual songs are all fine, but as the whole the album becomes a little tiring and tedious to listen to.
Beck
2/5
There are some very good songs on here but a lot of it is also forgettable
Bauhaus
3/5
Excellent music, still sounds relevant today. Not really any classic songs though, just excellent front to back
Black Flag
3/5
Very good genre music, not really my thing overall though
James Brown
2/5
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.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Excellent 80's pop. Would happily listen again.
Neil Young
2/5
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.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Decent, but not really special in any way
The Police
2/5
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
Syd Barrett
3/5
It isn't an essential listen but I liked it front to back.
Bob Dylan
3/5
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.
The White Stripes
2/5
It is fine but definitely not essential listening.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
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
2/5
It is a pretty nice album, but not memorable really. Just sort of sits there in its safe space.
The Adverts
3/5
Good album, not super notable but solid from to back
Blur
2/5
It has a slightly annoying sound to me, but overall it is creative and engaging and I can understand why someone may love it.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Excellent background music, not really worth an active listen though.
Gang Of Four
4/5
A classic that I need to give some more attentive listens to still, to fully understand it.
Dennis Wilson
2/5
I'm not into this style of 70's pop rock. I can't call it bad, but it isn't for me.
Kanye West
4/5
Creative and interesting, trendsetting.
Duran Duran
3/5
Excellent 80's pop with a few classic songs in there
Arcade Fire
5/5
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.
XTC
2/5
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.
George Michael
2/5
There are a couple of classic songs here but the majority of it is hopelessly dated. Not too bad overall though.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
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.
Elton John
2/5
Perfectly fine genre music, but not a genre or style that is interesting to me.
R.E.M.
3/5
Excellent album, not a personal fave but still excellent
Beyoncé
3/5
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.
The Beach Boys
3/5
There are definitely flashes of brilliance throughout. Overall, I find it pretty good but not excellent.
The Kinks
3/5
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.
Talking Heads
4/5
Excellent album, definitely a classic and I need to give it more time and attention in the future
Pixies
5/5
One of the best of the 1980's
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Solid, but not something I feel the need to revisit.
Don McLean
3/5
Not something I would feel the urge to revisit but very high quality nonetheless.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
One of the best of the 80's
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Solid overall with a few classic songs in there
The Who
3/5
Very good front to back with some classic songs
Joni Mitchell
3/5
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.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
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.
Björk
3/5
Very good but not essential
Deep Purple
2/5
Good for the genre/time but ultimately doesn't excite me today.
Steely Dan
2/5
It is good genre music but it doesn't transcend that for me.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
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.
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
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.
Fairport Convention
2/5
It's fine, but nothing special or memorable.
Ray Charles
2/5
It is fine for what it is, but I just don't really care much for the 'big band' sound
Michael Jackson
2/5
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.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
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.
Orange Juice
1/5
Not good, not essential. Doesn't belong on this list.
Scissor Sisters
2/5
Definition of mid
Johnny Cash
2/5
It's OK, a few really great songs but mostly just OK
Violent Femmes
4/5
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.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
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.
Van Morrison
3/5
For sure a classic....doesn't quite fit me personally but the quality is undeniable.
M.I.A.
3/5
Good, nothing super special to me though
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
It is really good but perhaps a bit too consistently downbeat for me to truly love it.
Foo Fighters
2/5
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.
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
It is fine, not really a sound that makes me excited
Venom
2/5
Influence has to be taken into consideration, but it isn't all that great
Orbital
2/5
I don't know if I would have liked this more in 1993, but it sounds dated now and not really anything special.
Ramones
4/5
Very strong from front to back.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Can't deny it is a classic. Not quite my personal style, but its basically flawless
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
Kate Bush
4/5
I need to give this a better listen, I'm not sure if it is a 3 or 4
The Doors
4/5
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.
The Black Keys
4/5
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.
Prince
3/5
It's good but I'm not super into it
Ryan Adams
3/5
Excellent, worth a revisit
Fats Domino
2/5
It's important to listen to this for the historical record, but I'm not into it personally.
R.E.M.
4/5
Lots of great stuff here, borderline 3 or 4. Need more listens.
David Bowie
5/5
Possibly Bowie's best, one of my all time faves
The Smiths
3/5
Ryan Adams
2/5
Not bad, but way too dad-rock styled for me
Bob Dylan
3/5
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.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Really good genre/period music but I'm not sure it quite transcends to being something essential.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Really good. I can't quite latch onto it as something special though
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Excellent
Electric Light Orchestra
2/5
Not a style I enjoy. Not objectively bad though
Scritti Politti
1/5
Unlistenable. Bad.
Giant Sand
2/5
The music is quite good but unfortunately I find the vocals pretty weak.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
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.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Very good album with a few all-time classic songs sprinkled in.
Miles Davis
4/5
Perhaps not consistent over its long run time, but an undeniable classic nonetheless
Spacemen 3
3/5
It is a nice listen but there aren't enough strong songs to make it feel essential.
Brian Wilson
3/5
David Bowie
2/5
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.
The Verve
2/5
It's fine, but mostly just standard 90's alt-rock fare
3/5
The slower tempo songs all come off as rather uninspired and mundane, but I really quite like the uptempo songs. Engaging voice and energy.
Incredible Bongo Band
2/5
Certainly a treasured historical document thanks to its influence on Hip Hop culture, but judged in a vacuum its just OK.
Gene Clark
2/5
Its fine, but I don't feel his voice is very engaging and it makes it all rather mundane.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
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.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
It's pretty good for the time and genre. Not my thing in 2025, but I respect it.
Bad Brains
2/5
It's fine but doesn't really hold up or interest me
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Very good, but this band never quite met their true potential in my opinion
Lana Del Rey
3/5
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.
Björk
3/5
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.
The Temptations
3/5
Not a genre I desire to listen to, but its a very good album.
Elvis Costello
2/5
It's decent, but nothing really noteworthy. A few songs are legit bad, but most of the album is just fine.
Bob Dylan
3/5
As usual, I find Dylan quite good but not something I personally get really into
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
Not noteworthy at all, but not terrible either
Machito
2/5
It's fine, the genre is just uninteresting
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It's a good album but not as epic or essential as the critical consensus implies
Massive Attack
1/5
Some of the beats are nice but the vocals throughout are really terrible
Roxy Music
2/5
It's fine, not that special for me though
Finley Quaye
2/5
Billy Bragg
3/5
I liked it quite a bit. Doesn't feel super essential, but well worth a couple listens.
Sugar
1/5
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.
ZZ Top
2/5
It's OK but I just can't get past the unappealing vocals.
The Youngbloods
2/5
It isn't bad but there isn't really much appealing to me either. A few instrumental parts that I like.
Green Day
2/5
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.
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
Good, not great
Bert Jansch
3/5
Solid. Doesn't feel essential though.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
One of the best hip hop albums ever
Black Sabbath
3/5
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.
Arcade Fire
4/5
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.
The Slits
4/5
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.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Very solid 80's indie rock. Nothing super incredible, but very good from front to back.
Talking Heads
3/5
Solid album, they have better ones though
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Not bad, but not noteworthy at all
Heaven 17
1/5
Boring and dated
John Lennon
4/5
The best Beatles solo album in my opinion
Nirvana
3/5
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.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
The Killing Moon is certainly an essential song, but outside of that song this is just standard 80's fare that isn't notable.
Gary Numan
3/5
It's not super consistent I don't think but I enjoyed a lot of the songs quite a bit.
Tim Buckley
2/5
It's pretty solid, not my style but fine for what it is
Morrissey
3/5
Genesis
3/5
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.
Arrested Development
3/5
Nice album but not a classic to me
Soft Cell
1/5
There are a few OK songs here, but in general it is hopelessly dated and therefore comes off as corny.
George Michael
2/5
Can be great in spots, but overall not consistent or memorable
Django Django
3/5
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
Hookworms
3/5
It's pretty good but a bit same-y same-y throughout and missing the peaks that make a real classic
Justice
3/5
It's fine, nothing super special though
Radiohead
5/5
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.
The Cramps
2/5
They tried, they really did. Not sure how successful they were. It's decent though.
The Pretty Things
2/5
Its solid but does come off as a bit pretentious, which has morphed into a bit of corniness in spots
Skepta
3/5
Solid from front to back, good beats and good flows. Doesn't feel essential though.
Mudhoney
3/5
Nice 90's alt-rock before the terrible 90's era guitar/vocal sound overtook everything
Talvin Singh
1/5
I don't find it interesting at all
Slayer
3/5
Very good even though not my style
Alanis Morissette
3/5
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.
Ghostface Killah
3/5
The Crusaders
2/5
Not a genre I enjoy
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
It's fine for what it is, but Neil Young is not a good vocalist to me
Sonic Youth
4/5
Feels fresh and relevant 40 years later still. Definitely a classic.
The Byrds
2/5
Doesn't hold up. Boring and basic. A fine background listen, that's about it
The La's
2/5
Not a noteworthy album
Stan Getz
2/5
Great genre album, great background music, but not a super amazing active listen
Janis Joplin
2/5
Fine, nothing noteworthy for me
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
This is a fun little oddity and there are a few really good songs on it, but it isn't really an essential listen
The Gun Club
4/5
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
3/5
Good album, not really special for me but nice
CHIC
2/5
Roni Size
3/5
The Libertines
2/5
its fine. nothing super noteworthy
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
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.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Excellent stuff, maybe a bit same-y same-y throughout but all the songs are strong.
Kate Bush
4/5
Borderling 3 or 4 undecided but will continue to revisit over the years
Prefab Sprout
2/5
The Beta Band
3/5
Talk Talk
2/5
A bit too stereotypically 80's for me to really love
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Way too dated sounding, doesn't hold up
Nirvana
3/5
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.
George Harrison
3/5
It's good but I've never been able to get into it as much as I hoped I would
Randy Newman
2/5
It's fine as a genre album, but not something I care to listen to
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Fine
Linkin Park
2/5
Bad genre for me
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
It's fine but too mundane for me
Suzanne Vega
2/5
The guitar work is fine but the vocals are entirely unremarkable.
3/5
Blistering and wild, but ultimately a little much without reprieve
Elbow
3/5
I like the songs and instrumentation a lot. I don't really care for the singer's vocal style. Pretty good album overall though.
Pantera
2/5
Good genre music, just not a genre I'm into
Lambchop
3/5
Not my style but it was a pretty solid listen
The Icarus Line
2/5
Decent album but not super interesting for me
The Beach Boys
4/5
A classic for sure but not a personal favorite. It doesn't quite have the same timeless feel of my favorite 60's classics.
New Order
3/5
Solid album, not super special
Randy Newman
3/5
Good stuff for the genre, not my think but I appreciate it
John Martyn
2/5
Not good, but not actively bad either
Holger Czukay
1/5
not that good and not essential
The Byrds
3/5
Excellent album. Doesn't necessarily feel essential, but a very worthy listen nonetheless
The Residents
1/5
I can appreciate the experimental music here, but the vocals are just beyond annoying. Very try-hard
Pavement
4/5
It is worthy of classic status, but personally I have never clicked with Pavement as much as I have tried to.
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
Great album, not the best psych rock out there but worth a listen
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
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
3/5
Excellent album. Probably doesn't reach that 'next level' of greatness for me, but some of the songs here individually do.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Pretty good, not a personal favorite though
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
Solid, nothing essential though
Paul McCartney
2/5
Solid, but nothing too noteworthy to me
Robbie Williams
2/5
The production is pretty solid, I find his vocals pretty mid though. Its a good album, but nowhere near an essential listen.
Paul Weller
2/5
It's solid but a little too safe and conventional for me
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Classic album, not a personal favorite but super strong
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
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
Alice Cooper
2/5
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.
Buzzcocks
3/5
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.
The The
2/5
Not terrible but completely unremarkable
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Fine, not super special for me
4/5
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
Steve Earle
2/5
Fine genre music but not a style I like
Blur
3/5
Pretty good for 90's alternative/commercial rock
Happy Mondays
2/5
Decent, not super interesting
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Fine, nothing noteworthy
k.d. lang
2/5
Not the style for me
The Doors
3/5
Excellent stuff
Circle Jerks
3/5
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
The Strokes
5/5
One of the best guitar albums of the 2000's to date
The Avalanches
3/5
Really good album but I have never really loved it as much as its reputation
Travis
2/5
Sounds good for alt-pop-rock, but not my style
Skunk Anansie
1/5
This is really bad and annoying
Brian Eno
3/5
Really good but not next level for me
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
Its fine but feels dated and lacks an edge for me
Goldfrapp
2/5
It's pleasant but kind of boring. Almost like a movie soundtrack.
The The
1/5
Bad and annoying
3/5
I like it, interesting stuff. And it holds up well over time.
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
It's fine, not essential though
Def Leppard
2/5
Not into this style
Genesis
2/5
It's fine, not really super interesting to me though
Christine and the Queens
3/5
Pretty solid for a straight pop album. Not essential I don't think, but all the songs were good
Bill Callahan
3/5
Really good stuff. I'm not sure I'm scrambling to give it a re-listen, but I may eventually
Nico
3/5
Good stuff, nothing mind blowing
Adam & The Ants
3/5
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
Madness
2/5
Pretty standard 80's fare, kind of boring
Frank Black
3/5
Alice In Chains
2/5
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.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
2/5
Fine, nothing special
The Beau Brummels
4/5
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.
The Modern Lovers
4/5
Fantastic, will revisit
Elvis Presley
3/5
Air
3/5
Solid, nothing super noteworthy though
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Not notable
Burning Spear
2/5
Not for me, but fine for what it is
Incubus
2/5
Not a style I enjoy
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Not a style I find compelling, but its fine
The Only Ones
3/5
Excellent stuff, holds up well. Not quite essential though, but worth a re-listen
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
I can't figure out how much I love it yet based off of one listen. Need to come back to this one.
Mj Cole
1/5
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
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Really good stuff, doesn't quite jump to that next level of greatness for me though.
k.d. lang
2/5
Sounds good if you like the genre, it isn't really for me though
Michael Jackson
3/5
Classic singles, not super consistent overall but of course a cultural classic anyway
Primal Scream
2/5
Not actively bad, but not for me
Dire Straits
3/5
A solid listen with notable songs, I wasn't super into it but enjoyed it enough to praise
Muddy Waters
3/5
Really great for the genre. Not really my style, but no denying how good it is.