643
Albums Rated
2.9
Average Rating
59%
Complete
446 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2000
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
29
5-Star Albums
6
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
The Last Broadcast
Doves
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
#1 Record
Big Star
|
5 | 3.26 | +1.74 |
|
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
|
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Achtung Baby
U2
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
|
5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
|
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
|
5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
|
1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
|
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
|
2 | 4.02 | -2.02 |
|
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
|
2 | 3.94 | -1.94 |
|
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
|
2 | 3.94 | -1.94 |
|
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
|
2 | 3.89 | -1.89 |
|
Bad
Michael Jackson
|
2 | 3.8 | -1.8 |
|
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
|
2 | 3.76 | -1.76 |
|
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
|
2 | 3.76 | -1.76 |
|
Moondance
Van Morrison
|
2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
|
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
|
2 | 3.67 | -1.67 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.25 |
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 4.33 |
| Beck | 3 | 4.33 |
| Beatles | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Frank Sinatra | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Big Star | 5, 2 |
| Goldfrapp | 5, 2 |
| Neil Young | 5, 2 |
| Sonic Youth | 5, 2, 3 |
5-Star Albums (29)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Gene Clark · 1 likes
4/5
A very good album. In the 70s country/rock vein. Enjoyable.
Iggy Pop · 1 likes
4/5
This is pretty solid. I always had Iggy in my head as sloppy punk, but his music is much more fleshed out and nuanced.
Aerosmith · 1 likes
2/5
Ehhh, never really got the appeal.
Beck · 1 likes
4/5
A brilliant, left turn of an album that still sounds amazing today. High 4s.
4-Star Albums (119)
1-Star Albums (6)
All Ratings
The Strokes
5/5
A brilliant album, in part genre defining of east coast indie rock of the early 2000s. The Modern Age is a perfect song.
Dr. Dre
3/5
In 1992 I was listening to grunge. And probably 70s rock. I was in no way the demographic, target audience, or even considering 'gangster rap'. I like and appreciate rap, hip hop, the whole deal. I don't hold a connection to this album, though, because different times and places. I respect what it meant for the scene and genre, and the ground that it broke. It just doesn't resonate as strongly with me on a personal level.
Nas
4/5
Much like my review for The Chronic, 1994 saw me still listening to rock, be it classic or modern. Still, I like Illmatic more as the beats and sampling is more nuanced and rhythmic. There's more throwback to jazz and R&B. It's also an incredibly important album for the genre and the times.
Nick Drake
4/5
Nick Drake is such a brief moment in time. His talent was supreme, and his musical styling sublime. I think I personally rate Pink Moon higher, but what a debut. Gone way too soon, of course.
The Stooges
4/5
Im not sure I’d ever heard this before. An album prefaced by its reputation, but, generally excellent punk in an error that was yet to even know what that was. Thoroughly enjoyable!
The Kinks
4/5
Steely Dan
4/5
I reckon Can’t by a Thrill is a better album, but Rilki Don’t Lose That Number the better song.
Orbital
4/5
First time listening to this album. I loved later Orbital back in the ought dickities. This feels like the threads that led to that. Enjoyable and worth a relisten.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
A fun album that you can't help but tap your feet to. A true classic.
Bee Gees
2/5
70s folk is hit and miss for me. This was miss. Saturday Night Fever though, I'll be right back.
Beatles
3/5
I think this is the album before the album that I really love the Beatles. I think Help! was my jumping on point and the melody of Ticket To Ride. Don't get me wrong, still some good songs on here, but I'm more space Beatles than Yeah Yeah Yeah Beatles.
CHIC
3/5
It's a vibe, for sure. Do I like Disco? That's probably the question. Can't deny Nile Rodgers' influence, however.
Nick Drake
5/5
A truly remarkable album.
Nina Simone
3/5
Appreciate her huge talent and influence.
Nanci Griffith
4/5
I'd never heard this before and loved it. Great country album.
The Smiths
2/5
I can take or leave the Smiths. I'm too young for them to be formative. I get they were influential. How Soon Is Now is phenomenal (but not on this album).
Sex Pistols
4/5
Is it good music? No. Is it a jam, absolutely. Is it genre defining, likely. An enjoyable romp.
The Killers
3/5
If only they’d released the first five tracks as an EP. It would be the greatest EP of all time.
American Music Club
4/5
Sadly not on the streams where I am (at least not any more). AMC feel like a band that time forgot. They're so good, but never got their due credit. First time listening to this album and it's really good.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
All that you really need to know is Busta Rhymes spits 'Rawr rawr, like the dungeon dragon' in the Scenario.
A sublime example of 90s hip hop.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I'm sure I have friends who would admonish me for this rating, but, I just find this album to be a bit samesy. That said, the first two tracks are fire, and it's peak Dylan (he's just not my jam).
The Blue Nile
4/5
A new discovery (for me). This is soft, melodious, yet expansive. So many influences stem from here. I will return.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Had never heard this before. High psychedelia that sometimes sounds like the Beatles, but also sounds like other contemporaries from the era. A lot of fun and a bit of a romp.
White Denim
3/5
I enjoyed this, but I think it needs more listens to appreciate.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
A very strong album with some absolute bangers.
The Human League
3/5
It's definitely the start of many things, and very much the 80s. The last track is a banger.
Miles Davis
5/5
Having only ever listened to Kind of Blue, this was a genuinely wonderful find.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
The Queen.
Big Star
5/5
Where would indie rock be without their #1 Record?
Brian Eno
2/5
Two brilliant creators. It didn't work for me. Probably needs a dedicated listen. In my spare time.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
About a 3.5. Some very strong songs. Was a lot funkier than I was expecting. Classics, also.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
It's pretty great.
Maxwell
3/5
Smooth like butter. Not entirely my jam, but I get why this was so influential.
JAY Z
3/5
Again, not my meat and potatoes, but a very solid album.
Alice In Chains
5/5
A seminal piece of 90s grunge. A phenomenal album of power.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
A fantastic 'loud' album from Mr. Young.
Primal Scream
3/5
An album's album back in its day. I feel like, though, it is of its time and feels a bit dated in 2024. No doubt captured a scene (that I wasn't really part of), but still has some slappers.
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
Jazz that I likley need to listen to more than just sitting at my desk distracted by my inbox.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
An album that defined a time in my life, it's still pretty great.
Paul Simon
4/5
Influential, groundbreaking, and some phenomenal songs. Still, it is a little of its origin decade, but still a very strong and enjoyable album.
GZA
4/5
Enjoyable rapping by a legend.
Kate Bush
3/5
It's a two, but, I'll give it a three for the banging opener. It's just a bit too 'artistic' for me. I get why it is adored though, perhaps more for folks of its time.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
2/5
Didn't grab me. In no way bad and I get why this would be influential.
Minor Threat
3/5
It's an EP, but it's 10 tracks, but it's 21 minutes. It's hectic.
Stan Getz
3/5
Listened in the background, enjoyable
Kanye West
3/5
There's some decent tracks on this, I've never been a big fan (not withstanding the uh, modern lens). I get why it was hailed at the time of its release, but not all disruptive art is liked by all.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
There are better Zeppelin albums, but, this one is still pretty great.
Living Colour
4/5
Such an enjoyable album. Opener track is a certified banger.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Did not hook me.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
Huge, and very enjoyable
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I've never gotten the Stones, but, I absolute rate some of their tunes.
Funkadelic
4/5
That is a hell of a lot of fun.
Minutemen
5/5
I have loved this album for so long. It's sprawling, ramshackle, exciting, and a moment in time.
SAULT
3/5
Not my jam, but has some jams.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Groove
Circle Jerks
3/5
When there's more tracks than minutes, you know you've got a punk album (or it's GBV).
Os Mutantes
3/5
Clearly influential.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Eh, I could take or leave. A little too whimsical for my liking.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Eh, not my gear. A little less funkier and a little more preachier.
Joe Ely
2/5
They did not lie re: Honky Tonk. A little too much for mine, though I guess I can see the proto alt-country in some of this.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
A pure classic, genre defining album.
The Doors
3/5
It's like a 2.5 for me. I think LA Women is their seminal album.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
If you'd asked me to rate this in 1997 I'd probably have gone a bit higher. Not sure it's aged that well. And nor has he...
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Really enjoyed this. Will be back for more.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Some icons on here, a good album
Queen
4/5
I mean, it has THAT song, but, it also has some pretty great other songs. Maybe the best Queen album?
Goldfrapp
5/5
It's been a while since I listened to this, but, it's still stunning.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
I can see how it's highly influential. I just find it a bit wishy washy.
Beatles
4/5
As an album, it's a four, but it definitely has five star songs. All double albums struggle to be perfect.
Def Leppard
3/5
I mean, it has some bangers. It's actually stronger than I was expecting. It's VERY 80s, of course. For better and worse.
New Order
2/5
No major bangers, it's a New Order album for sure.
Neil Young
5/5
A near perfect album.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Probably their best album, in my opinion. As a not a huge fan.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Goes alright. Not my scene, but can respect the impact this music had in its time.
Beth Orton
4/5
The two leads (Central Reservation/Stolen Car) are five star tracks. The rest of the album is solid, but there are definitely a couple of album tracks. Has a sentimental value for me, too.
3/5
I definitely prefer Muse earlier than this album, but, it's still a romp.
The Roots
3/5
Solid hippin' and a hoppin'
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Sugar coated pop.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
They really are incredible bongos.
OutKast
4/5
Some absolute bangers on this album. B.O.B. one of the finest tracks of all time.
Ash
4/5
This probably a 4.5. Such a freight train of an album, and a few superb singles. So much fun.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Some brilliant tunes on an album I'm not sure I've heard in full before
Billy Joel
5/5
Honestly, his best, and so many great songs. I will defend Billy on this alone.
Beck
4/5
Not Beck’s best album not far away. A4.5
The Birthday Party
2/5
I mean, punk sensibility. But do I like it?
The Smiths
3/5
Probably a 2.5. It just doesn’t grab me.
Pixies
4/5
Very strong album
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Have never heard this and it’s really good. Sublime guitar tone.
Rod Stewart
2/5
A bit of casual racism (probably fine at the time) but also a lot of 'lifting from the blues'.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This feels like an album wedged between two much better albums. Still, it's okay. Probably a 2.5 for me.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Opens with one of the great songs, and a very solid album thereafter.
Lambchop
3/5
Lambchop has never truly resonated with me, but it's still enjoyable.
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
Goes alright. Fix Up, an absolute slapper.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Strong album, probably a 3.5 for me. I like his 80s output more.
David Crosby
3/5
Enjoyable in that west coast 70s rock vibe
Depeche Mode
2/5
Eh, it was okay. Nothing really grabbed me, but I get that it's influential.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
This album is still fresh, which is pretty impressive given a description of 'funk metal'. Probably a 4.5.
4/5
Really enjoyable
Gene Clark
4/5
A very good album. In the 70s country/rock vein. Enjoyable.
Ride
3/5
I don't mind it but it's not my favourite Shoegaze.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
A pretty solid album with a lot of famous tracks. Not that much filler either. Solidly in the 80s, of course. But a landmark. 3.5
Suede
3/5
It's like the UK Pixies from the 80s in the 90s.
Happy Mondays
3/5
A bit before my time to be in 'the scene' and they've never hugely appealed to me, but this was pretty enjoyable. 3.5.
Talking Heads
4/5
Probably not the strongest TH album, but, has one of their best songs in Psycho Killer. Still goes alright.
N.W.A.
3/5
A classic, of course.
Pulp
4/5
It's very very good, more than a 4.5. One of the finest examples of britpop.
Madonna
2/5
It sounds VERY 90s put a beat on something and call it a pop song. Lead single is still a banger. 2.5.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
2.5. Just not really in my area of things that I like, but, not bad. Background music.
Hot Chip
3/5
Hot Chip always sound like Hot Chip.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
I liked this more than Treasure, has a more interesting sound.
John Coltrane
4/5
Very good. My kinda jazz
Incubus
3/5
It's okay. I never really got into Incubus but always meant to. Probably a bit too nu metal for me.
Metallica
4/5
It's big, dumb, rock, but it's a hell of a lot of fun. somewhere between a 4.5 and 5 for me as it defined a portion of my youth.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Didn't grab me, never heard it before. Rather cinematic.
Prince
4/5
One of his best, but not quite a revolution
Tim Buckley
3/5
Don't mind it.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
It's dense. I think it would take a lot of listens to really embrace. Didn't mind it, though. 2.5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Pretty solid in the CCR canon.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Seminal. Some amazing tracks.
David Gray
3/5
Has a couple of standout tracks, but feels like a bit of filler as well these days. Liked it more back in the day.
CHVRCHES
2/5
I'd like to like Chvrches more, but I just don't find a connection with it. Some of the 'hits' are interesting, but, overall, it doesn't ignite anything for me.
Supergrass
4/5
Still a banging album.
Genesis
3/5
It's a bit of a concept album, probably needs more than one listen to appreciate. Some very good musicianship going on though.
Iggy Pop
4/5
This is pretty solid. I always had Iggy in my head as sloppy punk, but his music is much more fleshed out and nuanced.
The Beach Boys
4/5
It has one of the greatest songs of all time. It's a pretty good album.
3/5
I can take or leave Bob, but this seems like a good snapshot of him in the day.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
It's very well heeled in its time. I reckon it was more impressive when it was released but perhaps hasn't aged as well, or just, not as good in the modern context. 2.5 but some 3.0 tracks.
Sebadoh
4/5
Love the 90s Sebadoh albums and this is no exception.
Willie Nelson
2/5
It was okay, some of the covers were interesting but not a lot of compelling tunes.
Weather Report
3/5
Perfectly good and interesting jazz. More than one listen would be needed to appreciate it. Reckon I will.
Beatles
4/5
A pretty good album, a couple of GOATs.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Probably a 3.5 for me. Like me some ELO but it can be very ELOish.
4/5
Had never heard this but really enjoyed it.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Goes alright for a protopunk album
Kings of Leon
2/5
It's really not a good album. They had so much potential after the first three.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Is it perfect? No. Would it be better if it was? No. It's the best of the G 'n' R albums, and probably changed the world. For better or worse.
Norah Jones
3/5
I have a soft spot for this because of my back in the day. Probably a two otherwise.
Kings of Leon
4/5
Why couldn't they just keep making them like this?
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Very strong (maybe underrated) album. Some absolute tunes.
PJ Harvey
4/5
Didn't appreciate this as much then as I do now, a very good album
The Lemonheads
4/5
A 90s classic but still holds up. 3.5 for me
The Waterboys
3/5
An interesting album of oceanic dirges.
Meat Loaf
4/5
Was Meatloaf flawed? Yes. Is this album flawed, yes? Is it a hell of a ride, absolutely. 4.5
Depeche Mode
4/5
A very solid album at a transition between 80s new wave and 90s sensibilities.
Van Morrison
2/5
Like solid 2.5, two opening tunes of high regard, but, not sure if he's a white guy stealing the blues.
Blondie
4/5
What a great album. Several banging tunes and the perfect pop song (Heart of Glass)
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
Has some iconic tunes but didn't really grab me.
Tears For Fears
5/5
Retrospectively and perhaps at the time, an absolute tomb.
Brian Eno
3/5
I mean, it's ambient, but, it's seminal.
Björk
3/5
Hard to rate this on one listen (though have listened many times). Entirely enjoyable, perplexing, and otherworldly. 3.5
New Order
3/5
Pretty solid album. 3.5. I think I like New Order remix/extended mixes more though.
Deep Purple
3/5
Back in the day I absolutely loved Deep Purple. I still rate this album, but perhaps not as much as I did then.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
I can see how this would have been interesting at the time. It's interesting now, but didn't grab me.
Japan
2/5
It was okay. New wave can be a bit samey
Magazine
3/5
Very enjoyable. Had never come across this before. 3.5
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Such a solid album with one of the greatest songs ever. Michael is fire, also, 4.5
The Charlatans
2/5
I never really liked this style of 90s britpop. It's okay, no real hooks.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
What a mountain of an album. 'tis nothing to fuck with, indeed. 4.5
Green Day
3/5
I mean, it's not terrible. And I get that they're doing modern punk rock operas. I was well off the Greenday train by this album and not sure I'd heard it full. Like a high 2.
D'Angelo
2/5
It's smooth, ain't no denying that. Not my thing.
Alice Cooper
2/5
Eh, my mate Ian would kill me for having this opinion, but this concept album doesn't really grab. Opening track bangs, of course. 2 and a bit
The Byrds
3/5
Seems pretty influential. Thinking Big Star et al. Didn't mind it.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Didn't mind it. Never been a huge fan, but, would listen again.
Elis Regina
4/5
A genuine joy. Had never heard this before. Amazingly enjoyable, but what a tragic story.
U2
5/5
It's a near perfect album for me. High enough at least to be rounded to five where there's no 4.5 (though it's closer to 5 than 4.5). A band redefining themselves in the face of changing culture brings forth some amazing rock songs and some equally touching music. There is force, momentum and heart all through this album and to me is likely their best.
Ramones
3/5
A high 2.5 for me. I get that they were proto punk, but I don't take a lot away from the songs.
The Young Rascals
2/5
It was okay. I knew a song or two, but, the late 60s hippy folk scene doesn't butter my bread as much as others.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Have never been a huge B&S fan, but I don't mind it.
Kraftwerk
3/5
A grandaddy of an album for sure.
Taylor Swift
3/5
I've never listened to this before, but of course you know some tunes. Genuinely solid pop. 3.5
John Martyn
2/5
New to me. Interesting without being gripping. 2.5
Arcade Fire
3/5
I mean it’s no Funeral. It’s still pretty good though. 3.5
Michael Jackson
4/5
A mammoth album, some seriously brilliant songs. 4.5
Jurassic 5
3/5
J5 are that perfect fusion of intelligence and hip hop. Probably prefer Quality Control but this is still a high 3
Björk
2/5
I think most of Bjork sounds like Bjork. It's never really connected for me.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Did not care for this.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
A pretty amazing voice and some great song choices.
Middle of the road, and so a 2.5
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Psychedelic mish mash. Not really doing it for me.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Didn't mind this. Better than the other one.
k.d. lang
3/5
A very solid album with an amazing closer
Dirty Projectors
3/5
Goes alright. Should listen to more DP
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Eh I guess it was new at the time, but I don’t really rate these early 60s British recordings. Especially when a lot of it is rehashing traditional music.
Ray Charles
4/5
Very enjoyable. Ray’s sound is unique but his style brings a new life to these tunes.
The Streets
4/5
You either love it or you hate it.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
One of their best, high 4s so giving it a 5.
Otis Redding
3/5
Enjoyable listen
Taylor Swift
2/5
I get it’s a departure for her, but it’s very samey.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Far from the biggest Elvis fan, this is a pretty good album.
Pixies
4/5
A very strong album
Animal Collective
3/5
They’re most accessible. Still challenging
Paul Simon
4/5
A great find. Really enjoyable album.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
It's what Alex Turner would like to be doing when he's not being a Monkey. It's okay.
Neil Young
2/5
Didn't really grab me.
Napalm Death
1/5
Yeah, nah.
Funkadelic
3/5
Grooveariffic.
Rush
2/5
What about the voice of Geddy Lee? How did it get so high?
Beach House
4/5
They all the same, yet, are all great.
DJ Shadow
5/5
A landmark, perfection.
T. Rex
3/5
Solid 3.5. Glam rock 101.
The Triffids
3/5
Solid, but not the best album by the Triffids
Gang Starr
3/5
A classic.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Bit of fun, not my thing.
Wire
3/5
Pretty classic punk album. I've grown to like it more over the years.
Steely Dan
3/5
Goes alright, but they definitely have better albums.
The Police
4/5
A really strong album, probably not their best, but, not like they had bad ones.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
Look I get her talent, but it's not really for me.
Fats Domino
3/5
Blueberry Hill is a banger.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I'll give it a three for its historic appeal as it was something different in its time. Probably hasn't aged well?
Barry Adamson
3/5
Some big hitters here. Didn't mind it at all, especially the Nick Cave track.
The Prodigy
3/5
Hard to get more 90s than the Prodg. Still, not bad.
The Doors
4/5
Their best, near to a five.
Radiohead
5/5
A masterpiece. One of the greatest band redefinitions ever.
The Cure
4/5
A huge album, and the Cure's best. 4.5ish.
Eminem
2/5
I never really cared much for this. Still don't.
Jamiroquai
3/5
Was made for JK and Co in the 90s owing to their throwback sound. Not sure about the cultural appropriation in 2024, but, still some jams.
Boards of Canada
4/5
Highly influential, even if it almost descends into background music at times. Brian Eno would approve.
Missy Elliott
4/5
Very solid album and includes one of the most wonderful hip songs of all time.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Didn't resonate with me back in the day, but can see she had some very strong albums in the 90s (and recently)
Aerosmith
2/5
Like a 2.5. It's rocky, I guess.
Coldplay
3/5
Really want to give this a 3.5, a very good debut. What happened Coldplay? Why you go like that?
Nirvana
4/5
This is a high 4s. It's sloppy, messy, and yet often perfect. An amazing album
LTJ Bukem
4/5
That was pretty good. 90s D&B is a huge favourite
Buck Owens
3/5
Short and sweet. Enjoyable
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
I get that she's a great, but, this didn't really grab me.
4/5
A damn near perfect album, but not as strong as at least one other of theirs so can't give it a full five.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Eh it's expansive. Which is its weakness.
Miles Davis
3/5
Huge and noisy and eclectic. Moments of brilliance.
Johnny Cash
3/5
Solid 3.5. A novelty for the time, but still a great performance
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Another solid 3.5. Buffalo Stance is an opening banger.
Beatles
5/5
I think their best. The run from I want You, to the end of the album, is without peer.
Air
4/5
A very strong album from the French electronic revolution.
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Didn't mind it at all.
4/5
High fours, what an album and what an artist.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not too bad, a couple of classic Dylan tracks. He's just not my cup of tea.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
70s folk ain't my jam. It's okay.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
Solid, track two a banger
Gorillaz
4/5
Forgot how fun this is, Blur, continued.
Ozomatli
2/5
It's okay, I dug a bit back in the day, but this doesn't really grab me. 2.5
ABBA
2/5
Yeah, nah. I can understand why they were huge, but, doesn't do much for me.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
A hell of an album, even though I don't care for 60s/70s folk, this is something else.
Small Faces
2/5
A bit wobbly in the second half. High 2s I guess.
Red Snapper
3/5
Interesting, never come across it before.
Elliott Smith
4/5
High fours, probably his high water mark. Gone way too soon.
Sade
3/5
Smooth operator is a GOAT, the album is pretty good.
Motörhead
3/5
I mean, they have one song, but it's a bit of fun, 12 songs in a row.
Slipknot
3/5
That was better than I was expecting. Will have to give them a broader listen.
Beastie Boys
4/5
A great album, with some standout tracks. Sabotage is a GOAT. High fours.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Pretty polished and sharp album. A lot of fun.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Close to four but not quite. Still, Atlantic City is a goat.
Prince
3/5
Several bangers, and then a lot of Prince songs.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
A very good album, high threes.
Skepta
3/5
Bitta fun with a couple of bangers
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Bitta fun with punk with some trumpets. Not really my thing. High twos.
Little Richard
3/5
A pioneer, even if it's not really my thing.
Public Enemy
3/5
Still sounds fresh in 2024.
The Who
3/5
Opens and closes with two actual bangers. Solid album, high threes.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Vastly different to the norm.
David Bowie
4/5
Heroes probably tips this enough to get to four. Very solid.
Thundercat
3/5
Modern funk
Van Halen
4/5
A banger, such a solid, fun album
John Lennon
2/5
Don't really rate it. Seems like ideas left off of Abbey Road mostly
David Bowie
3/5
Probably needs more listens but doesn't immediately grab me like most of his work. Definitively him, however.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
I can only hear Chef (that said, it's some smooth butter). High 2s.
Ute Lemper
1/5
I'm not sure what this is meant to be, but, it's not for me.
The Offspring
3/5
It doesn't resonate with me like it did in '94. Still, a bit of fun.
Oasis
4/5
A very good album, but What's the Story is their best. Mid to high fours
Elvis Presley
3/5
Goes alright, like the Bluesy/Country stuff.
AC/DC
3/5
It's big and dumb and oh so fun. High 3s.
Moby Grape
2/5
Late 60s jams, it's okay
Happy Mondays
3/5
Very good, though I'm not a huge fan. Mid to high 3s
The Go-Go's
3/5
Legendary and influential
Cream
3/5
Mid 3s, goes pretty good. Tame Impala be here.
The Byrds
3/5
Didn't mind this at all. Whole lotta country
Duke Ellington
2/5
Obviously a classic, signature performance. It's high twos for me as it's 'not the jazz I like'.
Jeff Buckley
4/5
I don't think it's a perfect album, but it's awfully close. High 4s. MojoPin, So Real, and Lover and sublime. Wish I could give it a 4.8.
Radiohead
4/5
Very good
The Young Gods
2/5
This is quite a confronting sound in place, being industrial and all. Still, didn't mind it. High twos.
Morrissey
2/5
Eh
The White Stripes
3/5
It's good, but not their best. mid to high threes.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
It's funny, I like some prog rock. I didn't really like this.
The Zombies
2/5
Yeah not bad, high twos?
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Not a fan at all, but this is a pretty representative collection. Mid to high twos.
Lauryn Hill
3/5
Mid to high threes, a classic.
The La's
4/5
Listening back to it again (twice) it's obvious what an influential album this is. Amazing that it was lightning in a bottle. Mid 4s.
David Bowie
4/5
A very good David Bowie album.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
High 3s, this was very good.
Carole King
3/5
Pretty solid album, wall to wall hits. Mid 3s.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
A bitta jangle. It's okay, high 2s.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Loved it back in the day, still sounds great.
Violent Femmes
3/5
I've never been a massive fan, but I understand why people are.
Femi Kuti
2/5
I don't dislike it, but it's not really my jam. Mid to high twos.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Decent, never heard it before. Probably just on three.
Duran Duran
3/5
A couple of bangers for sure. A bit of 80s schlock, also.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Very solid
Fever Ray
3/5
Spooky, in a good way.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Enjoyable jazzin'
The Vines
2/5
Yeah goes okay, high twos
Tracy Chapman
3/5
High 3s. Fast car is a goat.
Elton John
3/5
Bang on three, decent.
Steely Dan
4/5
Very strong album, probably the Dan's best. High 4s
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
This was solid. Enjoyable. Classic song in Stepping Stone.
Beck
5/5
A pretty great album, probably a five for how much I loved it in the day. Still very strong.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
An OG for whiteboys, 50s Weezer. That'll Be The Day is an amazing song.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
I feel like a single listen can't really let you form an opinion here. Will have to revisit, so, a neutral rating of 2.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Actually don't mind this. And I don't really like Bob.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
High threes. A very strong album. Actually surprised
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It has a few absolute bangers. The rest is decent. High 3s.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Prog rock interpretation of a classical piece. Yeah, nah.
Lou Reed
3/5
Yeah not bad, has some pretty deep imagery.
Nirvana
5/5
So good, counter for its time, didn't play the 'hits', covers out the wazoo. Feels like home. A five for all of that.
Sonic Youth
5/5
Timeless and still sounds fresh to this day. A massive, monster of an album. Perfect.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Eh it was okay, nothing leapt out at me.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Pretty solid CCR album, though not their best.
Massive Attack
4/5
Near perfect album for me. Unfinished Sympathy is exceptional. High 4s
David Ackles
2/5
I get that it's unheralded but, I also do not wish to herald it.
LL Cool J
3/5
Pretty solid 90s hippin and a hoppin
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Pretty solid double album. Some classic Stevie tunes here.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Close to a five, but have to reserve some fives for their absolute best. So many great tunes.
Slipknot
2/5
Actually surprisingly fun. Almost a three.
2/5
It was okay, but not really my jam.
U2
3/5
Solid U2, lots of fire in the belly. Not huge by any means.
The Only Ones
3/5
Very enjoyable. Hope to listen to it again. Mid 3s
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Mid to high threes, a very good SK album
The Stone Roses
3/5
I've never been a big fan of this album outside of Fools Gold. I'm probably in the minority there.
Stereolab
3/5
Actually better than a remember. Decent album
The Prodigy
4/5
This is a banger. I wasn't a huge fan at the time, but liked the 'hits'. Holds up very well.
Pere Ubu
2/5
Didn't really grab me.
ZZ Top
3/5
I had low expectations, but this is dumb rock fun.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Their best? Probably. Some phenomenal tunes, a truly great album. Mid to high fours.
M.I.A.
3/5
Decent, and very different for the time. A solid debut
Cat Stevens
3/5
Pretty solid album with a couple of absolute classics. Mid 3s
Q-Tip
2/5
Not too bad, though not sure mid 2000s hip hop is my jam in 2025. High 2s
Various Artists
3/5
Some absolute classics here that I didn't realise were from Spector. Even though I think Christmas songs are overdone in the modern age.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
A decent outing by Mr McCartney
Sigur Rós
3/5
High threes, Sigur Ros just sound like something completely different.
The Temptations
3/5
Enjoyed some funk
Deep Purple
3/5
Probably don't rate it as much as I did back in the day, but still goes alright.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Good album, Son of a Preacher man is a goat.
Eurythmics
2/5
Decent, high twos for me.
Fela Kuti
2/5
Man they were on some good gear in the 70s.
The Black Keys
2/5
I probably lost interest in the Black Keys about three or four albums in. I can see that remains the case.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
Decent, a talent lost. High 2s
Genesis
3/5
Proggy AF but didn't mind this. Would probably give it another run.
The Cardigans
2/5
Iron Man cover was a surprise. Love Fool is a pop GOAT. Otherwise eh. High 2s
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Banger of an opening tune. Rest is okay. High 2s
Aerosmith
2/5
Ehhh, never really got the appeal.
Sepultura
3/5
Didn't rate it much back in the day, but it goes hard still.
Dr. John
2/5
Didn't really enjoy this. I guess it was interesting at the time.
Talking Heads
3/5
High threes, maybe not their best? Still very good.
Calexico
2/5
Mid to high twos. I think they have better albums.
Johnny Cash
2/5
A true legend, but I feel like by the IV one I'm not sure what there was left to say. He sounded so frail relatively, but I guess the songs still have value. Late twos.
Coldplay
4/5
The last good Coldplay album. But man, what an album. They could have gone down an amazing road. They did not. Mid 4s
Burning Spear
2/5
I'm not huge on reggae. At all. This was okay. High 2s
Metallica
3/5
I don't like thrashy Metallica as much as after the black album Metallica but this goes alright.
The The
3/5
For the closer alone, this is amazing. The rest is okay.
Jack White
3/5
I haven't really follow JW since the first few White Stripes album but this was decent enough.
Justice
2/5
A few bangers, probably better than I was expecting. High 2s.
Ryan Adams
3/5
A shame he turned out to be a shithead, as he one time made some good tunes.
David Bowie
4/5
A classic, some phenomenal tunes. Mid 4s.
CHIC
3/5
Quite enjoyed this. Obviously captures a moment in time, but the grooves are undeniable.
2/5
Never heard of it, but it wasn't too bad. High 2s.
2Pac
3/5
It's not in my wheelhouse but it ain't bad. High twos.
Fugees
3/5
Pretty solid album overall.
Brian Eno
2/5
Much more Talking Headseseque than music you'd hear at an airport. Decent.
2/5
Eh it's proggy. Some of it wasn't too bad.
Metallica
2/5
It's a pretty solid album. Have to be in the right mind frame to enjoy it. Still high twos.
Shack
2/5
It was okay. Nothing really grabbed me. Mid 2s.
Kid Rock
1/5
I'm only half way through it and it's literally terrible.
Scritti Politti
2/5
Extremely polished 80s, but not offensively so.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Genuinely great and enjoyable.
Al Green
2/5
Opening track a banger, rest is decent enough.
Talk Talk
3/5
Very strong album which saw me do a deep dive in to their discog. High 3s.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Absolute cracker of an album, perhaps even genre defining. High 4s.
The Thrills
3/5
Big Sur is a standout. The rest is decent. A shade under a 3, but I've given it one.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Ehhh, I didn't mind a track or two, but, I guess it was more impressive in its day.
Beck
4/5
A brilliant, left turn of an album that still sounds amazing today. High 4s.
The Who
3/5
A concept album from the 60s is not exactly my wheelhouse. Has some pretty decent tunes though. Just scrapes in for a three.
Santana
3/5
I'm sure I was bombarded with this as a child. I actually probably appreciate the latin grooves more these days. Black Magic Woman always sounded spooky to me. In a good way.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Had never heard this before, very good.
Guided By Voices
3/5
On of their best, though perhaps note as catchy as others. Still high threes.
The Stooges
3/5
The album sizzles. Very enjoyable. Mid 3s.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
I get that they're influential and this is one of their best, but it doesn't really grab and never has.
The Darkness
4/5
Ridiculous. And amazing. A parody? Sure. Rock brilliance? Absolutely.
Portishead
4/5
Phenomenal album, and somewhat counter to when it was released. Still sounds fresh today.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Such a talent, a very good album.
Bad Brains
3/5
Not sure I'd ever heard this, and probably thought it was too punk for my liking, but damn, very good. High 3s.
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
I don't mind it and what a voice. I think there's a lot of nuance that one listen won't give you. Still, high 2s.
Solomon Burke
2/5
Decent, but doesn't really float my boat
Mj Cole
2/5
I feel like I'm back in da club and the world is about to end because of the Millennium bug. Well okay it came out in 2000, but you get what I mean.
The Specials
2/5
Ska is not really my scene, but, interesting to see the purported links to triphop and britpop for that matter. Not a bad album, mid 2s.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Such an album. From my yoof to now I still love it. Not really any bad songs, and probably one of Sabbath's best. Very close to a 5.
Def Leppard
2/5
It's big and hairy, no real hits that I recalled. Of its time. High 2s
Michael Jackson
2/5
Smooth criminal is a goat, but everything else feels a bit underwhelming when you compare it to his earlier in the 80s output.
Primal Scream
2/5
I never really got Primal Scream. I think I like them, but then I listen to them and I never really connect. Anyway, this was okay. Mid 2s.
Joy Division
3/5
Never a huge JD fan, but I get their impact and influence. 3 just for that.
Anita Baker
3/5
Actually quite enjoyable. I can see why its so highly regarded.
Little Simz
3/5
This was quite enjoyable, had not come across her before. Would listen again.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
RESPECT is a ridiculous song. Aretha was a phenomenon.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Never really clicked with these guys. It's decent enough. High 2s
Johnny Cash
3/5
Pretty gold album in the jail series.
The Saints
3/5
Opening track is a banger, decent the rest.
Public Enemy
4/5
Damn near perfect album. So good. High 4s.
Green Day
3/5
Still pretty solid. I liked Greenday in the 90s. Couldn't tell you anything about what they've released in the 2000s and on, just wasn't interested.
Ice Cube
2/5
I get the impact and influence, but naturally the world has changed in 35 years so some of it doesn't translate as well. No doubt an important album, but not really my cup of tea.
The Monks
2/5
Couldn't listen to it in full on the Spots, but the playlist of most tracks was pretty cool. High 2s
The The
3/5
Good album, not as compelling as Soul Mining, at least not straight away.
Madness
3/5
Genuinely better than I was expecting as I didn't think I liked Madness. This was solid.
Madonna
2/5
It sounds very dated with the autotunez and ethereal beats. And I was a pretty big fan of Ray of Light (the album prior)
Fugazi
3/5
I've grown to love hardcore more and more over the years, though didn't appreciate (or even know about) it at the time. This album is solid. Mid 3s
Ice Cube
3/5
Probably my favourite of the gangstas of the era. A lot the samples and music is just perfect.
David Bowie
3/5
The opening and closing tracks are phenomenon. The rest of the album is okay, nothing great, but, the premise elevates the experience. Of course the spaceman died and left us this. High 3s
2/5
Solid bit of early country. High 2s
Jacques Brel
2/5
It was very French.
Pantera
4/5
It's raw and visceral and so much dumb fun (even if they're uh, problematic these days)
G. Love & Special Sauce
2/5
Eh note really my kinda scene
George Jones
2/5
Didn't mind this, bitta old school country. Mid to late 2s
Pavement
5/5
Probably their best, at least, the most singular in its vision. A jazz album, almost, an alt country album, almost. An slacker anthem and defining message of its time. Utterly brilliant. Goodnight, to the rock and roll era.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Maybe their best album? Although Tango in the Night is right up there for me. Very strong, and some of their absolute best songs. Mid 4s
Tortoise
2/5
It's okay, doesn't set my world on fire as far as instrumental stuff goes. Mid 2s.
The White Stripes
4/5
Very strong album. 7 Nation Army an absolute GOAT, but there are some great singles. Probably their peak.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
It's frenetic, but I don't like it as much as their 90s output, which is probably just an age thing on when I was introduced to them.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Know very little outside of Pepper but genuinely enjoyed this and will go back and explore the back catalogue.
The Kinks
2/5
Solid jangle album. Lazy Sunny Afternoon is a GOAT. Decent otherwise. High 2s.
The Clash
2/5
I've never been a huge fan of the Clash outside of the hits. It's just okay for me. Mid 2s.
Venom
3/5
Had never heard this and it was pretty solid. Quite enjoyable.
Radiohead
4/5
It's a very good album, not as great as OK/KA. Still sounds fresh.
Muddy Waters
2/5
I mean, if you like the blues, this man has it. Mid 2s
Germs
2/5
Proto hardcore punk? Sounds it. Didn't mind it but nothing grabbed me. Probably needs a few more runs. High 2s for the influence
William Orbit
2/5
It sounds like it's from the early 90s. Which it is, of course. I remember this dude being huge, but I was busy listening to 70s rock and grunge. It's okay, nothing I'd go out of my way for then, or now, but can hear a bit of the triphop and ambient elements that it likely influenced (which I do like). Mid 2s.
Ian Dury
3/5
Actually really enjoyable. I probably only knew Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll and Rhythm Stick (though not on this album). A lot of fun and quite diverse. Would listen again.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
A good solid 'Lips album. They're not my favourite by a long shot, but there's no denying this is good.
Buffalo Springfield
2/5
Interesting album, but not much leapt out at me.
The Yardbirds
2/5
Eh.
fIREHOSE
2/5
One of those seminal bands that I don't mind at all. High 2s.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
Actually pretty enjoyable and as noted for why it’s on this list, ahead of its time for 1999 (weren’t we all!)
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
This is a very strong album. Not sure I've heard it in full before. High 3s.
Mekons
2/5
I don't mind this, and I get why it's influential. Not a lot grabs me, though.
The Auteurs
2/5
Can't say I'd heard this before. It was interesting, but not compelling. Mid 2s.
808 State
3/5
This is naturally of its time, but some of the melodies are timeless. Pacific (et al) is a GOAT. High 3s
Ryan Adams
2/5
Notwithstanding the person, this isn't to me as strong an album as others he's released. Mid 2s for me.
Django Django
2/5
Very middling.
System Of A Down
3/5
Naturally not their smash hit, but still very solid.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Solid SY album. Not as catchy as their subsequent output. High 2s for me.
Barry Adamson
1/5
I did not really care for this, a concept album and soundtrack to an imaginary movie. Totally not my scene. I'm sure it's someone's.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Nice enough, some legends. High 2s.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
It's okay. I never really got into these guys back in the day. It just doesn't grab me.
Love
2/5
Interesting enough. Would I listen again? Probably not.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Yeah it's okay, not my jam but has a bit going on. Mid to late 2s.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Pretty solid album. Mid 3s for me. So much more polish.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
This is a very good album. Probably better than I was expecting.
Common
2/5
I remember this being pretty huge. Didn't really grab me.
The Fall
3/5
Enigmatic and influential, this is also pretty good as a debut.
Randy Newman
2/5
A few classic songs, and some interesting delivery.
XTC
3/5
Mid 3s for me, very few bands sound like XTC in their prime.
Muddy Waters
3/5
A true legend. Quiet enjoyable.
Gary Numan
4/5
Very good. Some absolute threads of modern music here. Even if he was just reinventing Kraftwerk.
Radiohead
4/5
Not their best, but a favourite. High 4s
Saint Etienne
2/5
Sounds very much of its day. Didn't really grab me.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
It literally says what it is on the tin.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
A very good album. Enjoyed it.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
I started off with 'oh no, not another hippiefest' but it actually grew on me in the second half with more of the world instrumentation. Of its time, no doubt, but certainly an influence. High 2s.
Beyoncé
2/5
I get that this was revolutionary as a release in its day but it's not art that resonates with me personally.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
I kinda lost interest in these guys when they retired, and then returned, what, two weeks later? Anyway, this sounds like more of the same of what they did in the 00s. It's not bad, in fact a few tracks are very good, it's just, more of the same? High 2s.
Common
2/5
Decent enough but not my scene. Mid 2s
Grateful Dead
2/5
I get that I'm the wrong generation for the Dead. I just don't get the appeal. Probably because I was sober.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Solid to good album, and of course a GOAT track in Pump It Up.
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
A cool fusion of electronica and hip hop. The roots.
Baaba Maal
2/5
Not bad at all but no really my jam. High 2s.
Tim Buckley
2/5
I could take or leave it. Might need another listen.
Roxy Music
3/5
Pretty solid album. I always meant to listen to more Roxy Music. I should get on that.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Don't love it as much as the 90s and 2000s revivalist DJr, but still decent.
Brian Wilson
2/5
I get that he's a genius but only pockets of his music resonate with me. THis was okay, probably needs repeated listens to truly appreciate. Mid 2s
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Wasn't too bad, bit of Americana. High 2s
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Was so strange at the time to have a pop starlet and the devil on a song. Stands up. Mid 3s
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
That was a lot of Ella, but, so good.
The Black Crowes
3/5
Couple of bangers on this. They were very counter the time, though 1990 was a very odd year for music.
Hookworms
3/5
Was enjoying this until I found out they'd been cancelled. Woopsie (it's actually still a very strong album).
Jane Weaver
2/5
Didn't mind it, a bit dreamy though. I think I prefer Flock as an album. High 2s
Boston
3/5
Huge and a lot of fun.
Merle Haggard
2/5
Bitta old school country never goes astray. High 2s.
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
Not a huge fan, but I can respect this.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
This is pretty great. Not sure how I would have appreciated when I was younger, but, that's life.
Roxy Music
2/5
High 2s, enjoyable. Iconic of the time.
The Byrds
2/5
Yeah didn't mind some of this but not really my wheelhouse. Mid 2s
Television
4/5
I mean it has one of the greatest +10m songs of all time. Rest of the album is great.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
Moments of brilliance, as you would expect. High 2s.
Fairport Convention
3/5
I was thinking oh no, I'm a run of hippy shenanigans but this was different, good.
Korn
2/5
I think this is probably the last Korn album I bought. Issues came out in 99 and I'd moved and life had changed a lot. I think I liked the big singles at the time, but my taste was changing away from nu-metal. Retrospectively, it's jarring, abrasive. Which, look, the late 90s were.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
A bit different given the time it was released. Very soulful. Sign Your Name a goat.
Aphex Twin
3/5
Origins. We all have them. This is sublime, timeless, and out of its time. High 3s.
Bill Callahan
3/5
Is it my favourite Smogahan album? No. Is it a good Smogahan album? Absolutely. Mid 3s.
New York Dolls
3/5
Not sure I'd heard this before but it was really good. No doubt genre defining. Mid 3s
Goldfrapp
2/5
It's not as good as their other albums, but still enjoyable Happiness is a very good song. High 2s
Mariah Carey
2/5
I had low expectations, but this was actually pretty enjoyable. You can write her off, but this was peak Mariah and this was a soulful, sensual album in the late 90s craziness. High 2s.
The Kinks
3/5
A mid 3s album for me. Death of a Clown is amazing and Waterloo Sunset a perfect song. A very solid album. Kinks underrated in my books.
Steely Dan
2/5
Certainly not my favourite 'Dan album, but still goes okay. Mid 2s.
The Isley Brothers
2/5
Didn't overly grab me but some of the covers were unique takes.
Holger Czukay
2/5
Interesting, abstract, probably needs a few listens to appreciate. Mid 2s.
TLC
2/5
Ehhh, look definitely not my jam then or now, but, I can appreciate the cultural impact aspect.
Dennis Wilson
2/5
A very big undertaking. Some interesting tracks. Probably needs more listens.
David Bowie
3/5
Not as strong as others from the time, but Golden Years still a goat.
The Youngbloods
2/5
Interesting, but not really my jam.
MC Solaar
2/5
Enjoyed this, a bit different. High 2s
Röyksopp
4/5
A stunning album that I'd not listened to in an eon. Holds up.
The Psychedelic Furs
3/5
Pretty decent, not sure I'd heard it before. Cracking track two.
Charles Mingus
2/5
Some good jazz, especially the third track. Mid to late 2s
Culture Club
2/5
It's very 80s, as you would expect. Not really my cup of tea, even though the opening track is iconic.
Tori Amos
2/5
Didn't really grab me then, or now. I get that she's talented.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Not as strong as the debut or the second, but still decent.
Steve Winwood
2/5
Always a soft spot for Winwood's synth flourishes. At least two solid tracks on this album. High 2s.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Now that's my kinda hip hop.
R.E.M.
3/5
I find myself coming back to Green less than other REM albums. It's still okay.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I've never really bothered with Cohen, but I'm not sure why. This was beautiful.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Solid album, enjoyable. High 2s
The Cars
2/5
A decent Cars album, probably not the best. High 2s.
Patti Smith
3/5
A classic, the titular track is a behemoth.
Queen Latifah
2/5
Enjoyable, obviously highly influential. High 2s.
The Pogues
2/5
I always felt they were a bit of a novelty act, but, you can't deny the musicality. High 2s.
OutKast
3/5
A double album, sure, and it has peaks and troughs, but Hey Ya is a GOAT and there are several other amazing songs. Their best album? No, but, still very good. Mid to high 3s.
Bob Dylan
1/5
I spent so much time looking to see if it was over. Especially the very long closing track. I just don't care for him.
King Crimson
2/5
Not my cup of tea but this wasn't too bad. Mid 2s.
Eagles
2/5
I don't mind a bit of 70s Eagles. Debut is okay, but certainly not peak.
The Specials
2/5
It's okay, nothing Special. ehhhh.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I mean it was a lot better than that other trash the other day. Didn't mind this and the opener is a classic. High 2s.
The Verve
3/5
I mean, it's no Urban Hymns, but it's a very good album. Different to what they're famous for.
Simple Minds
2/5
Decent album, with Promised You a Miracle going hard. High 2s.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Pretty solid album, probably ahead of its time. High 2s
The Beach Boys
2/5
I get their influence and the beauty of their music but it doesn't resonate with me that much.
Parliament
3/5
So ridiculously good and fun.
Klaxons
2/5
Golden Skans was everywhere when this album dropped. Not really my type of music at the time. Decent enough album. High 2s.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
A good album, Maps is stunning, a genre definer. Three for that song.
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
Not really my kinda country.
De La Soul
5/5
I think this deserves a 5. Do I love every track? Of course not, it's a hip hop album in the late 80s and you had to have skits. Do I think it's a phenomenal cultural landmark with some amazing jams? I sure do. Eye Know a GOAT.
Sepultura
3/5
This was great, genuinely enjoyable. Will relisten.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
High 2s for me, not as strong as his debut. Famous Blue Raincoat, though, is gorgeous.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Decent, gentle. Not sure if it needed Frank, but I guess it was of its time. High 2s
Talvin Singh
2/5
This was interesting and could do with more listens. High 2s.
The Mars Volta
2/5
These albums are just opaque and confronting. In a good way, but they probably need 50 relistens. Relentless. High 2s.
Judas Priest
2/5
A classic, of course, but JP never really grabbed me.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
It's a big album, and, there's not a lot of nuance. I think I enjoy them more when they're shorter and punchier.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
Enjoyable, but certainly not in my wheelhouse.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Pretty solid album. Mid 3s for me.
R.E.M.
5/5
Sentimental for this album? Sure. Is it worth a 5? Absolutely. A time, and a place.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Didn't mind this, a bitta country, a bitta rock. Mid 2s.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Ehhh, not really in my wheelhouse, but interesting.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Swaggering.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Paranoid is probably their best (well, my favourite) album, but this is very good. High 3s.
Throwing Muses
2/5
Pretty good, some early grrl punk sounds in there. And then some countrybilly at the end? High 2s
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Good, but certainly not their best. Love Goes on and Dive for Your Memory and good, Streets of your Town a GOAT.
Sheryl Crow
2/5
Actually a decent album considering it was mostly a one hit at the time. High 2s.
The Residents
1/5
Yeah nah.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Actually really good. I struggle with Bobby, but this album is great. Mid 3s.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
This was pretty solid. Reminded me strongly of the Hives, but from the 80s.
Soft Cell
2/5
Actually better than I would have guessed. Tainted Love naturally a goat, but the album itself is decent. High 2s.
Alice Cooper
2/5
Never been a big fan of Alice (don't let my mate Ian hear me say that) but this was pretty good. Mid to high 2s.
The Cure
2/5
Decent enough. I don't recall spending much time on this record and have probably focused more on their later 80s and 90s work. Still that signature sound. High 2s.
Dire Straits
3/5
Their commercial peak, but I think their earlier work is better music. Still a strong, mid 3s for me. Some great songs and some okay songs.
Haircut 100
2/5
Quite enjoyable, some new wave jingle and a lotta sax. High 2s.
John Lee Hooker
2/5
I didn't mind this but probably need more listens to appreciate. The blues don't hold a huge sway for me.
Giant Sand
3/5
Really enjoyed this American gothic country rock expanse of music. Such a massive discography to dive into one day.
Raekwon
2/5
I was never into this back in the day, but I don't mind this style of hippin and a hoppin. I'm sure I've offended lots of fans. High 2s.
Adam & The Ants
2/5
Pretty solid. Ant Music a GOAT. Also taught me, as it's the deluxe version that Physical (You're just too) isn't a NIN original. High twos.
KISS
2/5
Maybe it's an American thing, but, I just never really got Kiss. I suppose I can appreciate they were perhaps unusual/unique at the time, but, perhaps in a more modern lens some of that is lost.
PJ Harvey
2/5
Solid PJ album, rawer than her later work. High 2s.
a-ha
3/5
I wasn't expecting much given the one hit wonder tag, but that is obviously a misnomer and this is a very solid synth-pop album that influences can be drawn from. Take On Me and The Sun Always Shines on TV very strong songs.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
I enjoyed this a lot. What a talent.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
I remember going to some shows and trying to get into JSBE, but it never clicked. Still doesn't in 2025.
The Crusaders
2/5
Not really my jam, but a lot of sax.
Pearl Jam
5/5
I think I have to give this a five, even though it's not a perfect album. It speaks a time of my life, and I think I enjoy even more now, for different reasons, than I did then. And it's not even my favourite PJ album, probably (ask me tomorrow).
Marty Robbins
3/5
Two GOATs in Big Iron and El Paso, but just a great album overall. Mid 3s.
Doves
5/5
I have a sentimental spot for Lost Souls, but this is probably their best album. Very hard for me not to give it a five, as while it's not perfect, it's perfect for me.
Goldie
3/5
That is very good. I don't recall hearing it before, which is a shame because I can D&B all day long. High 3s but imagine it will grow to a four with repeats.
The Avalanches
5/5
A perfect album.
Van Halen
3/5
Pretty solid DLR VH album. Jump and Panama are GOATs.
The Who
2/5
My Generation in GOAT territory, otherwise the rest is okay. Mid 2s.
Donald Fagen
2/5
This was interesting, very 80s, really liked one track. Late 2s.
Sabu
2/5
An OG for sure, some interesting through lines to modern Latin music.
Queen
2/5
Closing track is a banger, but otherwise, not a lot grabbed me.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Interesting, I know he's highly regarded (even if the music is a bit 'out there'). Would be interested in hearing more. Mid 2s.
The Cramps
2/5
Unusual? Maybe unique, certainly interesting. High 2s.
Miles Davis
4/5
I certainly can't comment on this in a more eloquent way than has been previously. An amazing album. Very high 4s.
Pixies
4/5
Others might argue that this isn't their strongest album, but it's certainly the one I align with most.
R.E.M.
4/5
A phenomenal album. High 4s.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Such a competent debut. AM might have better songs but this is a better album.
Big Star
2/5
Didn't grab me as much as their other output. Could be because I'm sitting at work and not paying a huge amount of attention.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
Yeah not my thing, and definitely of its time.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Not really my kinda scene. Was okay I guess.
Rush
2/5
It was okay, interesting for someone who knows nothing of Rush despite their large reputation.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
This was quite enjoyable. I imagine it must have blown a few minds back when it was released.
10cc
2/5
It was okay, nothing really grabbed me.
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
Solid but not really my jam. Mid 2s
Peter Gabriel
2/5
Not a lot grabbed me though I knew Games. It's okay.
The Pogues
3/5
Pretty solid album. Not really my cup of tea but I can see how this is influential and highly regarded.
Girls Against Boys
4/5
This was great, I'd never heard it before. So good I'm giving it a second run.
Khaled
2/5
Interesting, not really in my wheelhouse, however.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Decent, even though old mate appears to be a PoS. Mid 2s.
Sparks
2/5
Glam x1000. Didn't actually mind this. High 2s
Digital Underground
3/5
Some decent hippin' and a hoppin'. Just scraping in for a 3.
Bobby Womack
3/5
Thought this was good, though not really my scene. High 2s.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Solid, I probably need more time with it to be fair, as I always default back to loveless.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
I always feel like this is a band that I should listen to more of. Solid, high 2s.
Killing Joke
3/5
Had come across Requiem previously and it's a GOAT. The album is really interesting, keen to hear it again.
Blur
4/5
A great album, probably their best? Hard to go past Parklife, though
The Stooges
3/5
The Stooges are pretty cool and sound effortlessly timeless for the most part. Another good example of that.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Atmospheric and full of longing. Quite good. High 2s.
Don McLean
2/5
How do you rate an album with such an ubiquitous song? Although Vincent is also pretty decent. The rest is okay? Not quite a three for me.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
Very enjoyable and somewhat iconic (even if some of it was thieved).
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Very good. This is the jazz I like. High 3s.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Has to be their best album, banger after banger.
UB40
3/5
Actually a lot better than I was expecting.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
This was decent and eclectic. High 2s.
Talking Heads
3/5
Probably mid 3s for me. Some very good songs (Heaven, which may be my favourite TH track, Life During War Time).
Megadeth
2/5
I wasn't a big 80s thrashhead. Still am not.
George Michael
2/5
Freedom an absolute GOAT. The rest probably needs more than one listen. Seems a lot of context around this release to consider. Mid 2s.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I wasn't 100% on board but the closing track is sublime. I think it could do with more listens. High 2s.
The Replacements
3/5
This album is highly regarded, but too early for me to be cognizant of it. Still, I can appreciate its influence, and think it's very solid. High 3s.
Mike Oldfield
2/5
I haven't listened to this in 30y probably. Still enjoyable, but doesn't hit has hard when I first heard it as a kid. High 2s.
Wilco
5/5
Perfection. I didn't get this album at first, but I remember one quiet evening, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart came on a TV I was watching and it blew me away. I immediately went and listened to the album. It remains one of my favourites of all time, and arguably one of the greats.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I fell off Arcade Fire before this album, and while I liked Neon Bible, it was a shade on Funeral. I don't really know what came after. I did get to know this album in subsequent years, and have grown to like most of it. Ready To Start is a great song. the rest is okay, but I'll give it just a 3.
The Who
2/5
I can see how this would have been interesting when released. I Can See For Miles is a great song. Mid 2s.
Mike Ladd
3/5
This is very good. I hadn't come across it before but will certainly come back to it. Mid 3s at least.
The Fall
2/5
I've always meant to listen to the Fall. The influence, the chaos. I never get there. Enjoyed this though. High 2s.
Ministry
2/5
Frenetic. But quite enjoyable. Close to a 3.
Kelela
2/5
Interesting album, lush. Would need more listens from me to appreciate it more. Mid 2s.
Sister Sledge
3/5
And smoother and my phone would have slid off my desk. Just joyful to listen to. Close enough to a three to justify.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Riot grrrl x1000. I don't think I'd heard the Helter Skelter cover before. Good stuff. High 2s.
Gram Parsons
2/5
This was interesting and not something I'd heard before. High 2s.
Gotan Project
2/5
Feels a bit dated in 2026. It was a thing in the late 90s/2000s to take someone else's music and put a beat behind. I'm sure I'm oversimplifying it.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Very enjoyable and would certainly listen again.
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
A bitta folk, decent, the In The Pines version is interesting. High 2s.
Underworld
3/5
A pretty good Underworld album. I probably like Beaucoup Fish more, but this is still very good. High 3s.
Fela Kuti
2/5
Solid, an icon. Not my biggest cup of tea, but can respect it. High 2s.
Dolly Parton
3/5
I mean, it's Dolly, what's not to like.
The Byrds
2/5
The opening track is a GOAT, even if it's a cover. High 2s.
ZZ Top
3/5
I had low expectations because I feel like they're (in my mind) a cliche, but this was a genuinely enjoyable album. La Grange naturally a GOAT.
Nico
2/5
A bit samey for me, but I get why this was influential and important for music as a whole back in the day.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
Had never heard this before but genuinely enjoyable. High 2s, almost a 3.
Supergrass
4/5
Has at least two GOATS on it, hard to not give it a 4.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
2/5
Enjoyable, Janis' voice was something else. High 2s.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
A very solid album, quite a bit more musically diverse than I was expecting. High 2s.
Madonna
3/5
First two tracks are great, the rest are okay. A 3.