644
Albums Rated
2.83
Average Rating
59%
Complete
445 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Shoegaze
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Critic
Rater Style ?
38
5-Star Albums
49
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yeezus | 5 | 2.77 | +2.23 |
| The New Tango | 5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
| Psychocandy | 5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
| Kimono My House | 5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
| Drunk | 5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
| This Is Hardcore | 5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
| If You're Feeling Sinister | 5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
| Fetch The Bolt Cutters | 5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
| Elastica | 5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
| Tigermilk | 5 | 3.22 | +1.78 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kind Of Blue | 1 | 4.06 | -3.06 |
| Ten | 1 | 3.92 | -2.92 |
| Black Sabbath | 1 | 3.83 | -2.83 |
| Harvest | 1 | 3.83 | -2.83 |
| Vol. 4 | 1 | 3.75 | -2.75 |
| After The Gold Rush | 1 | 3.64 | -2.64 |
| Gorillaz | 1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
| Power In Numbers | 1 | 3.48 | -2.48 |
| On The Beach | 1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
| Dirt | 1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Velvet Underground | 2 | 5 |
| Beastie Boys | 2 | 5 |
| Pulp | 2 | 5 |
| Belle & Sebastian | 2 | 5 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Kinks | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Neil Young | 4 | 1 |
| The Divine Comedy | 2 | 1 |
| Tom Waits | 2 | 1 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 1.67 |
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 1.67 |
| PJ Harvey | 2 | 1.5 |
| Baaba Maal | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 2 |
| Kate Bush | 3 | 2 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Bruce Springsteen | 5, 3, 4, 2 |
5-Star Albums (38)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Doors
3/5
I’m sure this was so cool when it came out but it is just kind of dorky to me. Jamming on that little organ? Okay.
3 likes
The Temptations
3/5
I feel like there’s a whole group of people who find the Temptations really, really historically important but no one ever said anything and they just expect us to know? They don’t run around trying to insert the Temptations into ever conversation, it’s more like ‘whatevz, yer loss.’ Strange.
3 likes
The Waterboys
1/5
I put this off because I figured I wouldn’t like it, and you know what? Good instinct. It was sort of meh at the beginning but by the end I wanted to be bludgeoned. (ntm.)
2 likes
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Sounded pretty cool but I am not sure I’d ever choose to go back and listen again. Definitely prefer it to some of the more recent hip-hop albums I’ve gotten on here.
1 likes
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
After officially trying to get into this for 25 years I guess I quit. I love noisy music, I love pop music, I love many of the artists who were clearly inspired by this, I just don’t love this. “When You Sleep” and “Only Shallow” are exceptions, though. And actually, maybe in another 25 years it’ll click, so I guess I don’t quit, after all.
1 likes
4-Star Albums (103)
1-Star Albums (49)
All Ratings
Black Sabbath
1/5
Now I’m 100% sure, I do NOT care for Black Sabbath.
The Stooges
3/5
Sure. Fine. Just think of Sawyer w/number one, though. In a good way.
Ramones
4/5
Never listened to any of their actual albums before. Pretty much what I would’ve expected, and enjoyable!
Neil Young
1/5
Jethro Tull
4/5
i actually mostly enjoyed this! Haven’t listened to it since middle school when I was going through my mom’s records trying to find cool stuff. First of these I’ve added to library.
Blur
3/5
Feel the same way about it I have since it came out — meh. “End of the Century” is always a nice, forgotten surprise.
Slayer
4/5
First time actively listening and it was quite enjoyable. If my angsty teen brought this home I’d certainly ruin it by giggling at the ‘hail Satan’ bits. Really enjoyed this. Wish it were twice as long, though.
Nas
3/5
Radiohead
4/5
The Avalanches
4/5
The Temptations
2/5
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
The Slits
2/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
2/5
Louis Prima
4/5
Turbonegro
2/5
(ntm.)
Faith No More
1/5
Green Day
4/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I almost didn’t listen because I was so sure I “got” Joni Mitchell. I was wrong! This was great, not what I was expecting at all, and I’m so glad I didn’t skip it. Learning lessons all over the place.
The The
1/5
I feel like if I had maybe heard this at the time it came out I would feel differently? It seems like a strange inclusion to me, for some reason.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Fats Domino
3/5
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Neil Young
1/5
After being surprised by Joni Mitchell decided to give this a fair try. I didn’t hate it like I thought I would, but I definitely officially don’t like Neil Young.
Deep Purple
3/5
Haven’t heard in ages. Way more metal sounding than I remembered. No wonder they are always mentioned as early metal. Good for educational purposes.
Grateful Dead
1/5
A music supervisor is asked to find some “vaguely old-hippie music” to play in the background.
George Michael
2/5
Is this supposed to be a quadruple album? Is George Michael always so melancholy? Should’ve listened on a rainy day.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Delightful chiming throughout. Haven’t listened to this in ages and it is So.Good. First five, couldn’t be anything other than a five.
Massive Attack
3/5
Well, definitely British and 90s… Maybe too British and 90s for my taste. Solidly okay.
Lana Del Rey
4/5
Actually listen-listened this time and it is pretty good! On my list of things to return to. Everything is just so dreary, though.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Not a jazz person so pre-judged but really enjoyed it. Right time, right activity (speed-cleaning)? (ntm.)
The Coral
3/5
Another “good in an early 2000s British” way, I guess. I don’t know. Above average? Not life changing, but I might keep it in the rotation. Solidly fine.
Pixies
4/5
Are the Pixies as appreciated as they should be? Great album, but maybe only their second-best? Solid classic? I don’t know what to say.
Sam Cooke
3/5
He sounds nice. Quite pleasant to listen to.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Definitely Leonard Cohen. Still fine; still not totally my thing.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I wish I could un-hear that album opener. It got better, though, and “I Want You” is definitely one of the top stalker songs of all time.
Pretenders
4/5
Why did no one tell me to listen to this?? It’s great. My main complaint and compliment are that it’s not a very cohesive album. The songs are all there but they don’t go together, which is good or annoying, depending on mood. Overall, two very enthusiastic thumbs up. Why did no one tell me about “Kid”???
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I got this about 150 albums ago and put it off because I knew how much I’d hate it. Today was the day that I finally made myself listen to it, and holy shit is it great.
Iron Maiden
4/5
It’s cool. Good for them. Love getting these metal albums that I wouldn’t normal seek out. I wish I were cool enough to listen to Iron Maiden.
Kraftwerk
1/5
Oh dear. Not for me. Not at all. But clearly very important to many artists whose work I do love, so thanks for that, Kraftwerk.
Q-Tip
2/5
More enjoyable than I thought it would be, and would’ve enjoyed it more without the last song or two.
Björk
2/5
I think it’s okay to not include EVERY Bjork album on these types of lists.
Ella Fitzgerald
5/5
I didn’t think I would possibly make it through three hours, but turns out it’s impossible to turn off the perfect voice. When the album was done I didn’t know what else to do but start it over. Maybe it was just the right time/right place, but it was an absolute pleasure to listen to this.
If this one seems daunting, at least listen to the first section.
Jurassic 5
1/5
This did nothing for me.
Run-D.M.C.
2/5
Sounded pretty cool but I am not sure I’d ever choose to go back and listen again. Definitely prefer it to some of the more recent hip-hop albums I’ve gotten on here.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
Sometime you hear an album and are shocked to learn it came out at a certain time, and then there are Peter Gabriel albums. And thanks for the nightmare flashbacks to the Sledgehammer video.
The Police
3/5
This was pretty okay. They do have a distinct sound, and I look forward to other Police albums, should they come up. Hearing “Every Breath You Take” as part of its album (vs in the background on tv) made me realize it really is a great song, (vs just being a massively popular song).
Jack White
2/5
It’s possible there aren’t actually 1001 albums you need to listen to before you die. This was fine but definitely not groundbreaking/Earth-shattering/terribly special.
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
Unfortunately, this came out during my high school years and will never not sound like angsty suburban teens. I was excited to give it another try as an adult, but just remembered sad alternative teens shout-singing “God is dead and no one cares” and it made me feel sort of embarrassed for everyone involved.
Jimi Hendrix
2/5
Playing catch-up and just listened to and (surprisingly) loved Axis, but this is not the same.
Fiona Apple
5/5
Already a favorite. I never listened to Fiona when I was a teen and was floored when I heard this. Highly recommend to everyone!
Lucinda Williams
2/5
It seemed like it was almost good? I was somewhat enjoying her voice and the vibe, but then some of the lyrics started sticking out, and not in a good way. Didn’t love it, might revisit.
Al Green
2/5
ABBA
4/5
I always do love Abba, but I’m pretty sure we can all agree that ‘Abba Gold’ should count as an album (rather than greatest hits), and then that can be on the list.
Neil Young
1/5
Nope. I’ve tried you, Neil Young! I always suspected I wasn’t a fan and now I’m sure. Please let this THIRD Neil Young album in two months be my last.
CHIC
2/5
Depeche Mode
2/5
Well, Depeche Mode has a nice sound, but maybe a lot of their songs sound the same, so I’m not sure what to do with this. I enjoy plenty of their songs that sound like these, but that aren’t these, so what am I really rating here?
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Solid classic I haven’t heard in years and it sounds/feels the same as it ever did. Kind of one of those perfect albums that you can put on at any time, in any place, with any crowd.
Blue Cheer
3/5
Jammy garage. (ntm.)
The Birthday Party
2/5
I guess I finally have to publicly admit that I’ve never been able to get into Nick Cave. Oh well!
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
If you’re familiar with any of their songs (which you are, because of commercials) you could consider yourself familiar with this album and go ahead and skip it, if you were toying with that idea. Unless you really like the song you sort of know, and then you might love this! I don’t know your heart.
Miles Davis
2/5
Got this back-to-back-to-back with Blue Cheer and the Birthday Party. Was doing a listening catch-up, and by the time I got to Bitches Brew my nerves were fried and the air felt oppressive. Plus, not a huge jazz fan! So don’t try out this one on if you’re already feeling anxious, would be my advice.
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
The more I listened to this the less I liked it. Kinda hate it now, actually. But it did start to give me Stone Roses vibes at some points, so there’s that…
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
2/5
Christine and the Queens
2/5
I appreciate that there are newer albums on this list, but I have a hard time weighing them against the much older “actual classics.”
There was nothing about this that made it stand out from other 2010s electro-pop sort of stuff, except for the French singing, I guess. Every time I listened to it I ended up with Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” in my head, so I would say if you like “Lights” and want to hear more songs like that, try this.
PJ Harvey
1/5
Later PJ Harvey is better PJ Harvey.
Gillian Welch
4/5
Fifteen-year-old me heard one Gillian Welch song and did NOT appreciate it, but forty-something me is so happy to have been properly introduced. This is quiet and acoustic but somehow bright and warm; her voice is soft (not whispery) but strong… I don’t usually enjoy singer-songwriter/acoustic music, but for whatever reason, this has turned out to be an exception. If you’re the same way, and aren’t thrilled about getting this album, I would say give it a shot anyway. Definitely surprised me. Another day I’m grateful for this list!
Aerosmith
3/5
When someone says “70s classic rock” this will be what I think of.
David Bowie
3/5
I was scared to listen since this is a “past his prime” album but I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely worth a listen.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Yes. This does have some great pop songs on it.
Talking Heads
4/5
Very happy about this. I don’t have enough Talking Heads in my life, so thanks, list.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
After officially trying to get into this for 25 years I guess I quit. I love noisy music, I love pop music, I love many of the artists who were clearly inspired by this, I just don’t love this. “When You Sleep” and “Only Shallow” are exceptions, though. And actually, maybe in another 25 years it’ll click, so I guess I don’t quit, after all.
Prince
2/5
I suppose it’s great if you like Prince.
Nirvana
5/5
Just great! Always has been. The covers alone make this a top album of all time.
Merle Haggard
4/5
THIS is Merle Haggard?? Wow. Not what I was expecting, in the best way. Ready for a deep dive now. If you think you don’t like country and want to skip it, maybe give it a chance; it’s classic country, more melancholy than redneck.
Stan Getz
4/5
I used to put this on as pleasant background music when I had guests. People would either ask “why are we listening to elevator music?”, or they would think I was trying to make-out with them. So be careful if you play this with people around.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Well, for some reason, the link here took me to a strange edited version that didn’t have all the tracks, so don’t listen to that. Find the actual album and listen to that. Always such a perfect album. Even the “skits” are at least funny. (Maybe not intentionally, but still.) Wu-Tang forever, thank you!!!
Anthrax
1/5
I’ve been enjoying the metal albums so far but I did not care for this man’s voice, so I was disappointed. The rest was cool though!
The Divine Comedy
1/5
No. There’s a reason this isn’t constantly popping up on “best of” lists.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
This has stuck with me more than anything on the list so far. I guess I only knew their big U.S. hit and this is NOT like that — this is way more interesting and complicated than what I expected.
Johnny Cash
4/5
It was good to hear this so far removed from the hype when it first came out. Very emotional.
The Blue Nile
2/5
This reminds me of Peter Gabriel, and I don’t care for Peter Gabriel. (ntm.)
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
I tried. Not happening for me. So happy for the Trio though!
DJ Shadow
3/5
Everyone was obsessed with this when it came out. It’s good chill background music. Inoffensive. Nicely nostalgic?
The Rolling Stones
2/5
It just made me realize how much certain British pop/rock stars have made a career out of copying this. I guess I prefer their earlier stuff so far?
Kanye West
3/5
Another artist who got a lot better on later albums. And then got worse, but still.
Orbital
2/5
HACK THE PLANET!!!!!
Arcade Fire
5/5
A perfect album, especially in the summer. No notes!
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Well, certainly educational. Definitely belongs on this list; definitely won’t listen again.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
A nice break from all the jazz albums I’ve been getting! This was good — chill and inoffensive without being dull. Pretty enjoyable and will probably listen again.
Meat Loaf
4/5
So cool. Don’t know if I would have ever thought to listen to an album over singles but I’m glad I did. It’s just so strange. Loved it.
Miles Davis
1/5
Yes, this is jazz. It is very famous and well-respected. I feel bad rating jazz albums because of how much I do not ever want jazz in my ears. Mr. Davis was very good at jazz.
LL Cool J
1/5
I really wanted to enjoy this, but by the time I got to “Milky Cereal” I started to wonder what it’s even doing on this list. What IS it doing on this list??!
Spacemen 3
3/5
I’m assuming I’m one of a small number of people who has listened to this while *not* on ecstasy. Pretty groovy tho!
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Marvin Gaye fans will likely enjoy this Marvin Gaye album.
Bob Dylan
3/5
First time listening-listening to Bob Dylan. Maybe if I had started with him earlier in life it would’ve been different? I guess all the copies have watered down the original.
The Pharcyde
2/5
They do sound like they’re having a nice time. Very yelly though.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
I like female singers, classic country, and feeling blue, so I cannot for the life of me explain why I hated this so much. So so much.
Metallica
2/5
Actually just sounds dorky. Hilarious that this defined/s any kind of “cool” for anyone.
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
Enjoyed it slightly more than the other Sly album I got a few weeks ago…
The Fall
3/5
I know someday I will get into the Fall but today ain’t the day. Solidly okay.
Pearl Jam
1/5
Nope. Didn’t start appreciating Pearl Jam.
Beastie Boys
5/5
My favorite Beastie Boys album. Totally fratty and silly but idc, still sounds so good.
Bobby Womack
2/5
I guess if you like R&B/soul this would be enjoyable?
Pere Ubu
3/5
I was really not looking forward to this one since I frequently see it mentioned as being one of the worst albums on this list, but it was actually not terrible. Yes it’s noisy and chaotic but it’s not anything crazy.
Air
3/5
I feel the same about this as I did when it came out: meh. I never really got the hype when it was released. That being said, listening to it however many years later made me realize it’s kinda become a classic. So the hypers knew what they were talking about.
Judas Priest
3/5
Cool/cheesy 80s metal. Think I should just give in and listen to this all the time.
The Young Rascals
3/5
“Groovin” is an appropriate title. Felt very groovy. Not sure if I’d go out of my way to listen again but it was a nice change from what I’ve gotten lately.
Fishbone
1/5
I guess I’d say late 80s ska/funk/gross? No thank you.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Nice and jangly and 80s. Loved the drums! I’ve only ever listened to their singles so it was good to learn their music is solid beyond those.
SZA
2/5
Once again: I’m not sure there are 1001 albums you need to hear before you die. There was absolutely nothing special about this aside from the possibility that music in 2017 was SO terrible it made this seem interesting, which is entirely possible. (No offense to SZA, who seems to be well-liked and is lovely, I’m sure.)
Orange Juice
3/5
Title song is great and I wish I could get into the rest of it but I just don’t think it’s going to happen at this point.
Beastie Boys
5/5
No notes!
R.E.M.
4/5
I wonder if I actually love R.E.M. but just forget to listen to them? This was great and I hope I don’t forget about it again.
Meat Puppets
4/5
Wow. Somehow I never got around to listening to this band. I guess I assumed I wouldn’t like them?? I am learning I’ve done lots of incorrect music assuming through the years, and I’m exciting for the next album that comes along and makes me realize how wrong I was. But I loved this! It did get a bit jammy toward the end, iirc, but the rest of it more than makes up for it.
Blur
3/5
One time Damon Alburn came into the place where I worked and he was dressed as a child sailor or casual mime or something and he was so bratty and pouty and that’s all I can think of when I hear his music. Prior to that, I liked this album just fine when it came out and it’s still nice.
Ray Charles
4/5
I loved this! I haven’t ever listened to Ray Charles and did not expect this. Maybe his biggest hits that I would’ve heard are different? Like maybe the song selection here just worked for me? Not sure, but another very pleasant surprise.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
When I was young I pretended to like Marianne Faithfull because I thought she sounded cool and then I was embarrassed when I actually heard her and did not enjoy her music, so I can’t really listen to this without cringing at my younger self. That being said, still not a fan. This album was…I don’t remember hearing anything pop out at me or make me want to listen more than once.
The Zutons
3/5
The early 2000s were a really good time for music, as it turns out. I don’t know much about this band and assume they were bigger in Britain, but it’s pretty good. Likely to revisit.
Queen
2/5
I’m very glad they kept going after this. I just listened to it and already forgot what it sounded like.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
This is not something I would probably listen to again but it was pretty okay. Nice in a time-capsule kind of way.
Kate Bush
2/5
Minus the one with the demon voice and the Irish Spring jingles it’s fine. I guess I mean track one is a classic.
Pulp
5/5
Well, they are my favorite so I am biased and of course this is perfect. What an amazing follow-up to another perfect album (Different Class). I don’t mind skipping ‘Seductive Barry’ though, and I infinitely prefer the version of ‘Like A Friend’ that’s on the soundtrack to A Life Less Ordinary, but that’s just a minor gripe.
Pink Floyd
3/5
I’ve gone back to this one over and over, trying to “get it”, but I just don’t think it’s for me. I understand the importance, and I always see people quoting great lyrics online, but it’s just not happening for me. Maybe someday! Also, the intro is so scary.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
2/5
The Cure
2/5
Rush
3/5
I mean… I wish I were cool enough (aka knew anything about the technical side of music) to understand how amazing this is. I liked it just fine, but from what I understand it’s incredible if you actually understand music. Lucky nerds! xo
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
After crying about receiving yet another Neil Young album I met with an understanding support group who listened to me vent, and then shared their own thoughts on Neil and this album. I finally felt strong enough to give this a chance, and you know what? I didn’t hate it! I know this list won’t stop until my body is covered in Neil Young tattoos and that frightens me; however, for now I can only go as far as saying this album was fine.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
The first song is one of the most sonically unpleasant things I have ever had the misfortune of hearing. I had to fight the nearly overwhelming urge to turn it off and set my ears on fire. Somehow I managed, and I found myself kinda liking the rest of the album, maybe. I listened again WITHOUT playing the first song and found this to be pretty good. Sounds very British 90s, which I guess is exactly what it is. So if you are into that, definitely give this a listen, beginning with track two.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I hadn’t heard this in years and it was great to put on again. I can’t put my finger on why it’s not 5 stars for me… It’s always felt like an extended ‘Master’ EP and for no good reason that bugs me. If it were two EPs I’d almost certainly rank them both 5. Such a puzzle. Anyway, ignore me and listen to this, it’s great! Turn it loud!
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
I always enjoyed this when it came out but I didn’t appreciate it until now. It’s so good! It’s so DIFFERENT. It feels so big and grand, yet is so far removed from some big budget major-label production. Just a group of young people who were good at stuff just made this. I’ve really tried to think of similar artists/projects but nothing has come to mind, at least nothing on this level. Somehow the actual work got overshadowed by the “he’s going to make an album of all fifty states!” line that was in every article and review at the time, but no matter. This 100% holds up and has gotten even better with time.
Paul Simon
3/5
I will never know how I feel about this album. I just don’t know — I want to love it but I also want to hate it. I’m glad other people get so much out of it, I guess.
Digital Underground
2/5
They had me at ‘Sex Packets.” But really, this was mildly better than I expected. Don’t love the obligatory “sexy” song, though it was actually pretty funny.
Pixies
4/5
Cat Stevens
3/5
Hey, this wasn’t terrible! I was expecting … what’s that song by Harry Chapin that everyone thinks is by Cat Stevens but isn’t? Obviously this isn’t that, which I knew, but still. Thanks for reading! Hope this review helped :)
Parliament
2/5
They sound like they’re having a nice time.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
1/5
Um, so I’m guessing the list authors have a friendly connection to this man because BBC stuff or something?
Van Halen
3/5
Thundercat
5/5
I wonder if anything will top the artist name/album title/cover art perfection here. And the music was actually pretty enjoyable! Wild card 5, I guess. I still don’t even get it. Well done, Thundercat. (ntm.)
Roni Size
3/5
Nice for the nostalgia. Not sure I’ll keep it in rotation. Not my favorite but I can actually see why it’s on the list, so that’s maybe a first.
Dire Straits
2/5
Some 80s things just sound too 80s and I can’t get past that. It’s not bad, it’s just got too many terrible 80s synthesized sounds for me. I would give it another try if someone could erase those sounds though.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
Please. Why do I hate this man? Are there more than two albums on the list? Please, you’re ruining everything. (ntm.)
Wire
3/5
This was good but somehow Elastica ruined it for me. Elastica is good too, but you know what I mean.
Jacques Brel
3/5
No idea what was going on but it sounded so amazing and I instantly wanted to watch a video of this performance. Loved this from the list; it’s so nice when something DIFFERENT pops up! (ntm.)
Kanye West
4/5
The hits are sure hits. The rest are….fine. Not bad? Not a perfect album by any means. I feel like this was KW’s highest height — the range of guest stars is insane, he was clearly at the top, and now all of that good will is gone. And rightfully so!
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
This was not as gross as I thought it would be! I really don’t care for folksy hippie-dippy herbal-themed thoughts, but I actually kinda enjoyed this. “Feelin Groovy” is such silly, terrible nonsense but I let it play anyway.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Black Sabbath
1/5
Black Sabbath just does not to anything for me. It’s not even funny like the later metal bands.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Perhaps it’s silly, but had the line been ANYthing other than “your sex is on fire” I would probably feel very differently about this band. This album wasn’t terrible, and they have some earlier stuff that I enjoyed, but they are so, so gross to me, mostly because that lyric.
Johnny Cash
4/5
4/5
This was wonderful. My cat sat next to the speaker the whole time. I paused it for a bit, cat left, turned it back on, cat came back and sat by the speaker.
AC/DC
2/5
I thought this was gonna be so cool! Guess the songs I sorta like that sound just like these songs are on a different album though.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Goldie
3/5
I’ve always had a soft spot for Goldie. No idea why. I’ve never really listened to much of his music. I guess my rating is really just a reflection of my inexplicable love, but the album was actually pretty good too!
Joy Division
2/5
I’m really not convinced people like Joy Division, I think most people are just terrified to look uncool. The first song was kind of okay? But come on. I am glad so many other musicians I enjoy were influenced by Joy Division, but please don’t make me listen to them.
Def Leppard
3/5
For once I read the little write-up on Apple Music before I listened, and I think that greatly affected the experience. I really enjoyed this and was happy for Def Leppard, knowing what they were going for. Not likely to keep listening to it, but maybe I appreciate them a little more?
Os Mutantes
4/5
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
This was so great when it came out, and it’s still mostly good.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
Mostly just so embarrassed that I never realized ‘Tuesday’s Gone’ was theirs. Sorry, mom!
2Pac
3/5
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
It’s not some great classic, and I’m not likely to listen to it again, but I do appreciate that it’s on the list. And I guess it was probably a bit ahead of its time? Or that’s just being generous and we’ll never know? Definitely British!
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Early Leonard Cohen sounds like Leonard Cohen, and late Leonard Cohen sounds like Jarvis Cocker?
The Waterboys
1/5
I put this off because I figured I wouldn’t like it, and you know what? Good instinct. It was sort of meh at the beginning but by the end I wanted to be bludgeoned. (ntm.)
Massive Attack
3/5
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
I’m so glad wee weirdos have someone to look up to 🖤
Alice In Chains
1/5
I did listen just to be sure, but no — I still do not like Alice In Chains.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Um, she’s got a pretty amazing voice. Don’t know if anyone had said that yet.
I’ve never listened to Aretha Franklin outside of movie trailers and commercials, I guess, so it was nice to actually listen for listening’s sake. Might revisit this one. Nothing helpful to add.
Astor Piazzolla
5/5
I can’t even articulate how much I loved this. It was all completely new to me and it hit me like a truck… I really have no words here. Probably because I don’t know how to talk about music in any useful way, but really I am just in awe. It’s like gnashing, angry noise, but sad and beautiful and melancholic, and I was happy, and then I was staring pensively out the window… idk. I need an extra star or two for this one. (ntm.)
Bob Dylan
3/5
I bet I would like Bob Dylan’s songs more if someone else were singing them. But I actually did enjoy this album more than the last one I got here.
R.E.M.
3/5
Living Colour
2/5
I really didn’t enjoy this but I did listen to the whole thing, mostly to try to pinpoint what I didn’t like about it. And I have no answer. So strange. Nothing stood out as being particularly bad, but I really, really hope I don’t ever hear this again.
Waylon Jennings
2/5
Norah Jones
2/5
Um, this was pretty, I guess. My life will have have taken a really strange turn if I find myself listening to it again though. (Totally going to become obsessed with it now, right? Thx)
Fever Ray
4/5
The Isley Brothers
2/5
Who IS that lady, anyway? Is this just the same few songs over and over?
Cover art 9/10.
Björk
4/5
Pretty impressive for a debut album, now that I think about it. (Yes, I do realize I mean debut solo album omg.)
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Great pop!
The Jesus And Mary Chain
5/5
Ian Dury
2/5
I thought it would be way dumber, based on the album name. Still pretty obnoxious though.
The Black Crowes
1/5
It’s probably great if you like this sort of thing, but how could you like this sort of thing?
Faust
3/5
This would have hit me a lot harder if I’d heard it when I was in my 20s. Or if I’d heard it before I’d heard countless bands who had been influenced by it? It’s good, and I’m glad it did so much for other people, but I guess I’m just old now.
Circle Jerks
2/5
Yep, sounds like punk! I love the biting commentary in “Beverly Hills” — ‘they’re so lame!’ I feel like I understand certain Portlandia sketches better after listening to this. It feels rude to give it a low rating but these 16 minutes aren’t much to work with. It’s not bad, it’s just basic punk. W
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Where I’m forced to finally deal with the question of whether or not to include skits when deciding on a rating. Rap skits are SO bad! Especially the ones from the 90s omg. My first thought is just to ignore the skits and rate the music, which would easily be at least a 4. Howevah, the skits are clearly there for a reason, and for better or worse (worse) are part of the artist’s vision. This is all just rambling to say I feel so sad imagining the poor girl giving a fake blow-job in a recording booth, almost definitely multiple times so they could get a good take.
Wilco
4/5
I didn’t get into Wilco until YHF and I never went back to their earlier stuff, thinking it would be too alt-country for me. So this was a nice surprise! Wilco just sounding like Wilco. Clearly they are doing more than just repeating themselves; I’m not suggesting everything sounds the same (though they do have a distinct sound), just noting that if you like other Wilco albums you will probably like this. Also, every single time I have tried to write “Wilco” I’ve written “Wico” and is that just me?
Metallica
4/5
One of many albums that I, when I was a young teen, refused to give a chance to, that turned out to be pretty good. Is “The Unforgiven” my new favorite song?? Maybe! Will I revisit this album in the future? Absolutely!
Definitely sounds exactly like I expected it to, based on the few songs I had heard, but it is waaaayy less cheesy than I’ve come to expect from metal bands. Maybe that’s why it’s such a landmark album?
The Beta Band
3/5
I’ve only listened to one other Beta Band album, and this sounds like that. I think they might count as being ahead of their time?
Talking Heads
2/5
I typically enjoy the Talking Heads, but this… this was not it. I feel like the music here may have been trying to program me to commit murders. It was like jungle robots clanging in my brain. I really don’t understand.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
I got through the first hour, realized there were two-and-a-half more, and said “no thank you, good day.”
Billie Holiday
2/5
I don’t dislike Billie Holiday by any means, but I do have to give this a low rating because it made me suicidal.
Charles Mingus
3/5
Reminds me of the music in some old movies I like. Mostly bearable jazz!
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Something something Wes Anderson soundtrack something.
Cover art 8/10. (ntm.)
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
A sound only the British could love. And I had sorta high hopes for this, as I understand they aren’t a one hit wonder over there. Makes sense why they were one in the U.S. though.
Janis Joplin
4/5
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Groovy. It’s groovy, what else is there to say?
Dion
2/5
I just really like young Dion (old Dion?) so even though this wasn’t quite to my tastes it was perfectly okay. I’d be happy if my mom really liked this or something.
Lorde
4/5
My main issue with this album is putting ‘Green Light’ as the first track. How do you follow that?! I’ve listened to the album before but it never stuck, and I realize now that that’s why — nothing much stands out after the first song. I’m glad I got this album under these circumstances (this list) because I had to actually a little harder this time, and I’m glad I did. It’s a great album! My future self may wish I’d given it a 5 but it just feels a little soon. Four-and-a-half stars!
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I liked this but I definitely didn’t listen enough to understand EVERYthing about it, but it was much more enjoyable than some of the other hip-hop records I’ve gotten here.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Solid album. Does this count as classic rock yet? Like have things shifted enough? or that’s just in my head?
The Cars
4/5
This is great! I didn’t realize all these hits were from the same album, let alone their debut.
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
I put this on without really looking at it and immediately thought “okay, sorry, but giggling at whatever I’m mishearing as “Melody Nelson”, gee this will be funny when I look and see what they’re actually saying,” but nope, they were whispering and crooning “Melody Nelson” the whole time and it’s just too funny to me. Sexy/groovy French songs about the most bland 1970s teen-girl name I’ve ever heard. I feel like I ruined this for myself. Melody Nelson.
The Police
2/5
I remember after the first Police album I got on here (Synchronicity) I noted that I’d enjoyed it and would be looking forward to more Police albums if they were on the list, and well, here’s one and no thanks.
Green Day
5/5
I’m not a huge Green Day fan, but I am a sucker for over-the-top pop-punk rock-operas, so this was preettty delightful.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
If I’m being honest this was sort of a downer.
The Who
5/5
How am I supposed to rate a rock opera about a deaf, dumb, and blind pinball player as anything less than 5? Not possible!
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Somehow I forgot that I used to listen to this all the time in high school, so I’m not sure if my enjoyment of it this time was because it’s really good, or if it was just nostalgia. The good news is no one cares, me. G’s up, hoes down xox
Justice
3/5
This was pretty cool! Only ever heard that one song before.
Cream
2/5
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Idk what it is, because I don’t really love this music, but there is something undeniable about Janis Joplin.
Arcade Fire
4/5
The Fall
4/5
Beck
3/5
While listening I keep thinking, “oh, I bet people who like x would really like this”, or “this reminds me of y”, but then I was thinking about it, and *I* really like x and y, but I never really liked Beck. Hmmm. It’s like all the parts are there but something’s off with the glue that’s holding it together. Yes, Beck, you are weak glue.
Guided By Voices
4/5
I’ve been needing to get more into them for decades.
Saint Etienne
3/5
If “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” had a big moment in the U.S. I was too young for it. It’s really a great tune. And the rest of the album was pretty enjoyable, definitely chill, super chill. Are they Scottish? I should listen to this again.
Mekons
2/5
(For my own future reference: This is the one that sounds like “Irish” bar music but slightly less terrible than usual.) (ntm.)
Duke Ellington
3/5
I’m beginning to understand that I don’t hate ALL jazz. This was perfectly pleasant.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
8am: ‘ho hum, just another day.’
8:05: starts album.
9am: *dancing in circles, covered in glitter* ‘yes, I WILL go west!’ *spins spins spins*
Beck
2/5
My second Beck album this week! Still not that into Beck, but still not sure why. This album sounded slightly more “mature”, but so what? What am I supposed to do with a slightly more mature piece of toast?
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
2/5
It’s been over a month since my last Neil Young related album; I was getting worried. This has been my favorite so far — only 36 minutes long! Four stars for the run time, five stars for David Crosby’s hat, two star for the ones who aren’t Crosby and Young, minus 19 stars for that song about teaching children well.
The Temptations
3/5
I feel like there’s a whole group of people who find the Temptations really, really historically important but no one ever said anything and they just expect us to know? They don’t run around trying to insert the Temptations into ever conversation, it’s more like ‘whatevz, yer loss.’ Strange.
The Who
4/5
The link here didn’t work for Apple Music, but I did find the album there. Actually, I found the super-deluxe five hour version, but I only listened to the songs that were on the original album. I hope that’s okay. Anyway, turns out, I think I really like The Who! This is my second album from them this week and I am psyched.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Not for me.
Adele
3/5
The Cult
2/5
Sounds better to me than it did 20 years ago, but doesn’t necessarily sound good.
Scott Walker
4/5
Depeche Mode
4/5
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Cornershop
2/5
Another that made me think there might not actually be 1000 albums I need to hear before I die.
The Band
1/5
It’s hard to express how much I hate this. I try to find something to appreciate in everything, no matter how much I don’t care for it, but this is different. Hate is a strong word but here it’s not strong enough. I guess at least now I have new (very low) bar for the worst thing I’ve ever listened to. That’s sort of positive in a way, maybe.
Nick Drake
3/5
I’m glad that this exists for the people who are into it. Not really my thing, but way better than similar sounding albums that aren’t my thing.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Way better than I expected! Is it fair to say Bob Marley fans have kind of ruined Bob Marley? (And yes, by “Bob Marley fans” I mean college bro types.)
Iron Maiden
4/5
Is “Hallowed Be Thy Name” supposed to be their best song? Because it IS. Damn! Love the days when I get a metal album here. (Said as someone who doesn’t listen to metal, as I feel the need to mention in every review. Maybe there is something to be learned here?)
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
I feel like surely this is mentioned a lot as an inspiration for lots of artists but somehow I just never noticed? I don’t ever want to hear it again but it seems like lots of people must’ve felt the opposite. (ntm.)
Peter Tosh
2/5
I guess I don’t really know what to listen for in reggae, so I can’t say whether this is good/bad/meh within that genre. Generally speaking it’s fine, I guess?
The Cure
2/5
Joan Armatrading
2/5
If this isn’t on the soundtracks of any and all movies about a woman in her 50s finding herself faced with divorce and discovering a new side of herself I’ll eat my hat. Teasing aside, this was actually pretty enjoyable. If you like strong women with guitars this may be for you. (ntm.)
Garbage
5/5
Almost no skips! (Sorry, “My Lover’s Box”. You’re half good at least.) The big singles are the weakest songs imo. Such a great album. High school me won’t let me give it anything less than a five.
5/5
This is one of those albums where I think surely it is universally appealing and how could anyone find something not to like here, but I bet I’m about to be proved wrong when I look at some of the other reviews.
Gorillaz
1/5
Great, an hour of Damon Albarn trying to convince everyone he’s cool. Not falling for it, Damon.
The Who
3/5
On one hand, thanks to this project I’m just now getting into The Who; but on the other hand, I’ve never enjoyed live albums. Split the difference?
808 State
2/5
I liked about 10 minutes of this, I guess. I would describe it as “90s cop drama does an episode centered around “underground dance club raves” and this is the music”
Donald Fagen
1/5
Baffling choice.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
It just makes me think of Simon Pegg in ‘World’s End’ so I love it. It’s pretty…I don’t know if they make words for what this sounds like, but know that the cover conveys it perfectly.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Dropped the ball again, younger self. What a disappointment.
The Smiths
4/5
Elis Regina
2/5
She’s so…lively. Really giving it her all, and then some. (ntm.)
Magazine
2/5
I guess there’s a reason they’re left off the list of bands that sound like this? Btw, that sound is exactly what you think would be, judging just on the band name and cover art. (ntm.)
Eminem
4/5
The kids of today will never understand how many teen boys bleached their hair after Eminem blew up.
The Kinks
4/5
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Love it! Right up my street. Sounds like a lot of people liked the little melody in Taj Mahal.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Love the name. Loved the sound for the first 40 minutes. Funk-lite, would you call it? Idk, but it was pretttty smooth. (ntm.)
2/5
U2 fans will love this U2 album.
Kanye West
5/5
I forgot all about this album. It’s great! I will say, though, that all of Kanye’s sex lyrics make him sound like a virgin.
The Youngbloods
1/5
I’m glad this is on the list. I don’t care for it at all, but I can tell these guys need a win.
Manu Chao
2/5
I don’t really have the context to appreciate this as much as I should. Why do I know this name though?
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I don’t know how they do it. Everything about this is something I would hate, but for some reason I don’t really mind it. I felt the same about the last S&G album I got. Weird voodoo wizards…
Dr. John
2/5
Not at all what I was expecting. Not anything I’ll ever listen to again, probably, but not terrible. Swampy, maybe?
Happy Mondays
2/5
Any time I’ve tried to listen to the Happy Mondays I end up thinking the same thing: 1) Hey this isn’t so bad, 2) No, why did you add those synth sounds and why do they sound so terrible?!
Deep Purple
3/5
This is what the cool kids in 1970 were listening to, huh?
Talvin Singh
1/5
Oh! Sitar electronica with a little flute! I’m glad the people who want this have this, but I am not one of those people. (ntm.)
John Lennon
3/5
Hey not too bad. Good job, John Lennon 👍🏼
The Auteurs
4/5
Hidden gem! I’d never heard of this, prepared myself for the worst, and then found myself playing it on repeat. Will I remember it exists in a month? Not too sure. (ntm.) (PS Update: Totally forgot it existed)
The White Stripes
3/5
I don’t really feel very strongly about this one way or the other.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
My third Nick Cave project received here and so far this is the best. Very murdery.
Billy Joel
3/5
I would probably enjoy this more if I kept listening to it. Why am I scared to like Billy Joel, even in secret?
ZZ Top
2/5
I definitely like the idea of ZZ Top more than I like the music of ZZ Top.
The xx
4/5
I tried getting into this when it came out but it didn’t really happen; enjoyed it much more this time around. Thanks, list!
Steely Dan
3/5
I guess if I were a cool dad in the past I would listen to this.
Love
2/5
The songs I like are not these songs. I guess these songs are too psychedelic for me at this stage of my life. Maybe someday…
Amy Winehouse
2/5
I assume ‘Back to Black’ is also on this list? Which it 100% should be. Struggling to hear why this is included, though. If this were my first time listening to Amy Winehouse it would probably also be my last.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Umm… happy for y’all. This was much better than many terrible things but still not my cuppa tay.
Talking Heads
2/5
Didn’t make me as nervous and jumpy as the last Talking Heads album I got, but was still somewhat unpleasant. And I say that as someone who really thought they liked Talking Heads! This band is so confusing!!!
Elliott Smith
3/5
I like other Elliott Smith albums more than this one, but this one is fine.
Jungle Brothers
2/5
All I know is I saw them when they were opening for *NSYNC or BSB back in the day and that was a weird booking choice.
Morrissey
3/5
I would like a lot of these songs a lot more if I didn’t understand English. I’m glad this is on the list because I definitely needed to hear that first track before I die. It is something else, and not in a good way!
Sparks
5/5
I am just completely baffled as to how I have never even heard OF this. I feel like I’m in a weird alternate universe and I’m questioning everything I think I know. I get that this isn’t for everyone, but shouldn’t it be one of the most frequently mentioned albums of all time? I think I’m in shock. (ntm.)
The Stone Roses
5/5
I’m so confused about Fools Gold being the last track. I don’t even remember where I think it goes, but I do know it should not be at the end. Otherwise, perfect album!
Weather Report
1/5
No. I can’t imagine what type of person thinks “gee, what shall I listen to today?” and then chooses this.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Delightfully different from what I’ve gotten lately. I don’t know what this movie is about but this soundtrack makes it seem very cool. (ntm.)
Lou Reed
4/5
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
Enjoying it for the nostalgia factor, but goodness gracious what a collection of wholly unpleasant singing voices.
Radiohead
4/5
This was my day-after-the-election album, and it feels quite fitting.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I first heard this about 20 years ago, and to this day I think of it when I see a bird sitting on a telephone wire.
Wilco
5/5
Somehow, this has never not sounded perfect to me. It never gets old, never sounds dated, and every time I put it on I end up on a months-long Wilco binge.
Happy Mondays
3/5
This is the second Happy Mondays album I’ve gotten in the last three weeks, and it feels excessive. I did enjoy this one slightly more than the last one, though.
Giant Sand
3/5
I would have loved to discover this 20 years ago. (ntm.)
The White Stripes
4/5
Black Flag
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Such quaint devil’s music.
The Offspring
3/5
Nothing against this album, but I don’t think anyone would be throwing a fit if it weren’t here. On the other hand, ‘Self Esteem’ has only gotten better with age. And after a couple more listens, on the other other hand, I guess I can see why this is here.
The Doors
3/5
I’m sure this was so cool when it came out but it is just kind of dorky to me. Jamming on that little organ? Okay.
The Who
3/5
Always enjoy getting a new Who record, but I think it turns out I prefer their early stuff. How does this have a cheesy 80s vibe when it came out in the 70s?
Neil Young
1/5
There is not a chance in hell that anyone needs to hear all the Neil Young albums on this list. Neil Young would probably even agree with me!!
Stan Getz
3/5
The Gun Club
3/5
I listened to this about four time in a row because it sounds good but is also instantly forgettable. (ntm.)
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
I’m sure lots of people enjoy this and I’m very happy for them. (ntm.)
Cee Lo Green
3/5
I’ve never listened to Cee-Lo and was expecting something somewhat different. This was a nice surprise! I guess it made me think of OutKast at some points? Maybe that’s a thing, I’m not sure.
Coldplay
4/5
Is everyone still pretending Coldplay is not good? This is great pop music, no matter how you look at it. If Coldplay hadn't been huge immediately, and had instead had been some indie dad-band, this would probably be on so many Top 10 of All Time lists. Nerds. Coldplay is great.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I love Bruce Springsteen but I would never consider myself a fan, ya know?
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I wonder if the list makers meant to include this. Just because it’s Leonard Cohen does NOT mean it needs to be on this damn list! I wish I could time-travel to encourage the people who made the original list to try a little harder.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I got The Scream here a few months ago and it didn’t do much for me, so I was kinda bummed when this popped up. But this is so.much.better. This is great! So close to a 5. Now I get what people are talking about when they say how amazing this band is. I’m not 100% there yet, but things make more sense now.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I thought I loved Led Zeppelin but I guess I’ve never ACTUALLY closely listened to them? I don’t know what to do with this. Once again this list leaves me feeling confused about life.
Hugh Masekela
1/5
This sounds like what I think of when I think of jazz. (ntm.)
B.B. King
3/5
I don’t like live albums and I really don’t like blues… but this was surprisingly enjoyable. Not sure what to do with life anymore at this point.
5/5
I have yet to meet a concept album I don’t like.
Suede
3/5
A little of this band goes a long way.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
I feel bad for not liking Stevie Wonder’s music. I liked the second song, sorta! He seems nice. Sorry, Stevie. xo
Amy Winehouse
4/5
* Has the last track, Addicted, always been here? * Where’s the Ghostface remix?! * I feel like there are a couple of filler songs here, or maybe they aren’t filler and I just don’t care for them * The title track alone almost makes this a 5 * What an actual tragic loss <3
The Hives
3/5
Not my new fav, sorry. It was mostly fine though.
Nirvana
4/5
Remember on Lost when Jack was having another breakdown and drove around blaring Scentless Apprentice? Love that!
Sheryl Crow
4/5
I completely forgot that I used to listen to this CD when I was younger! Memories! Raining on me! But I was like 12 (??) and it was just like, pop music or whatever, but then when this came up this morning I knew it would somehow be spiritual AND IT WAS !! My mind is kind of blown and I think I might be obsessed with Sheryl Crow now.
Common
3/5
The Dictators
3/5
This was …. fine. I guess I don’t get what it’s doing here. (ntm.)
Hole
5/5
Really no skips here. Yes, Courtney Love is off-putting to many, many people, but come on! This is great. Classic. All time classic videos… what’s not to love?
Eagles
3/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
I think this is either my third or fourth Nick Cave album here, and so far I like this one the best. Not very murdery, but that’s okay. Think I’m finally starting to “get” him.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
It has its moments. Doesn’t his throat hurt?
Yes
3/5
Yes
Cocteau Twins
4/5
And my list of “why did I never bother listening to this band” continues to grow.
This was wonderful.
Scissor Sisters
3/5
John Prine
2/5
This isn’t for me, but it IS for lots of people, so good for them.
Elton John
4/5
I just love that part on the title song when it’s going into the chorus, I guess? Such a great thing!
Doves
3/5
So this is so people who are embarrassed to like Coldplay can still listen to Coldplay? Cool!
Frank Black
4/5
Headache alone is worth five stars, and the rest of the album gets close, but (at this point) isn’t quite perfect. I should probably listen to this a dozen times before rating, but I guess I’m not doing that.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
If this is here does that mean there are three LCD albums on the list? That seems like two too many.
The Smiths
3/5
Culture Club
2/5
Really trying to reserve this for when I really mean it, and I really mean it today: I did *not* need to hear this before I die. (No offense, Culture Club, xo)
Cheap Trick
3/5
This was pretty cool. It made me want to maybe consider listening to more Cheap Trick? My mom would be happy about that anyway.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
It would be hard to overstate how amazing/important Buddy Holly is. Thank goodness at least the Brits get it.
David Holmes
2/5
Woke up so cheerful on Christmas Eve and got this. The music is fine (reminds me of lots of modern film scores, I guess?) but the title just made me laugh. (ntm.)
Various Artists
5/5
Even though I’ve been listening to this for the last month, and at least for a full month for the last 20-50 years, it has never gotten old. This is perfect, but I think we knew that already.
Otis Redding
4/5
Damn! I totally get Otis Redding now!
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Ummmm, this was not terrible! Or at least I enjoyed the first and last songs. I was definitely surprised and might even listen again. Might, I said.
Method Man
2/5
Not my favorite Wu-Tang flanker but I thought I would enjoy this more. Needs more Ghost. Needs any Ghost.
Death In Vegas
2/5
Fine, but not my cup of tea.
Pulp
5/5
The first album that was ever important in my life. It’s been in my top three for decades, and it’s never not been perfect; never gotten tired of; it’s one of the all-time great albums, as far as I’m concerned.
Korn
1/5
I have never felt more let down that I did when I generated this. Actually let out a dramatic, slow-motion “noooooooooo.” Last day of the year, last day of my first year doing the project, just got an all-time favorite yesterday, and now this. I know I’m not a Korn fan (at all, even a little) but I had to listen anyway. And wow. If I saw some of these lyrics I would be one million percent sure someone was just playing an awful joke…how is this real? THIS is what all those kids in high school were obsessed with???? Lately I’ve felt bad about being so judgy as a teen, but not anymore. This is over-the-top, comically bad trash, except that’s rude to trash.
William Orbit
2/5
I thought for sure William Orbit = Orbital, but looks like that is not the case. What are the chances? (ntm.)
Megadeth
3/5
I love getting metal albums! This is one of the best ones I’ve had so far.
Elvis Presley
2/5
Not my favorite Elvis.
CHIC
2/5
Pretty okay!
Chicago
3/5
I’m not a fan of Chicago by any means, but it’s kind of crazy how prolific they were/are. There’s so much going on here, and it’s only the beginning (no pun intended, I swear). Good for them!
Carole King
3/5
I was never very interested in this, but now that I've hit middle age it doesn’t sound too bad.
Oasis
3/5
I didn’t realize till now that I’ve never heard this whole album. Weird, considering I was there in the 90s, listening to tons of British bands… Anyway, I guess it sounds like I expected it would. It’s fine, but I still don’t get it.
David Ackles
3/5
Mirror universe Neil Diamond. What the hell is this?? I sort of love it, I think. But only the unhinged songs. (ntm.)
Sonic Youth
3/5
Sonic Youth just doesn’t do anything for me. It seems like the sort of thing I would love, but I’ve just never really gotten into them. One of life’s great mysteries, I guess.
Sade
3/5
A few years ago I saw an old friend and she was so excited by this artist “Sadie” who she had discovered. She put it on and it was Sade. I’m still not sure if she was joking. I get not knowing how to pronounce Sade, but why wouldn’t she have gone with /sayd/? How do people now think Sade is pronounced, what without the help of a radio DJ introduction?? Anyway, this was hot. Really enjoyed it.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
Got Chicago’s first album AND this, all in the same week! So many horns! So many flashbacks the summer I worked at the mall and the same music played on a three hour loop! (I don’t care for this.)
The Bees
3/5
Another I had never heard of that was less interesting than it would’ve been when it came out. Really liked the Os Mutantes cover! (ntm.)
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
So enjoyable! Did the US not discover him yet?
Minutemen
2/5
Fine, but didn’t do anything for me.
The Pogues
2/5
I wonder what music would play in the background of police dramas set in the northeast U.S. if the Pogues didn’t exist.
Primal Scream
2/5
My ex’s absolute favorite. I have no choice but to hate it.
Ray Charles
2/5
Pretty enjoyable but not something I’ll probably come back to.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
(ntm.)
Tom Waits
1/5
No.
Nina Simone
3/5
Laibach
2/5
This is… I don’t know what this is, but I’m happy to have gotten it, and I can’t wait till I have a reason to play it for someone else. (ntm.)
R.E.M.
3/5
Third R.E.M album, third time to write, “Damn! Maybe I should start listening to R.E.M.” (maybe I’ll actually do it this time?)
Kings of Leon
3/5
Such a shame. Not this album — this actually pretty decent. Such a shame about what came after.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Let’s just say that if I had this on vinyl, I bet Side B would be played a LOT more than Side A.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Is this the music from those anti-piracy ads that were on every DVD in the late 90s/early 2000s? Love it.
Kid Rock
1/5
I think we can all agree that if were a ranked list this would be #1. Glad this is on here; definitely a landmark album. Why aren’t there more albums as good as this one? Where can I find more of this?
Marty Robbins
3/5
This was nice. Cool. Interesting. I enjoyed it and will definitely come back to it.
Silver Jews
3/5
I’m stumped. Every other time I listen to this I think it could be great; every other other time I feel nothing. I think I like it better in the background when I’m not really paying attention.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I know there are 600 more Elvis Costello albums on this list, and so far this is only my second. I am betting that after I’m done this will remain my pick for the best of the lot.
Baaba Maal
2/5
I feel like I’m in the opening credits of an 80s movie where a recently divorced woman goes on an island vacation to find herself but soon finds herself solving a mystery. (ntm.)
4/5
My note for Definitely Maybe was something like “I don’t get it.” THIS I get. I guess when Oasis is good they are great.
Pentangle
3/5
I sort of love this and sort of hate it. (ntm)
The Cure
3/5
Everyone loves this so much that I feel bad not loving it. I strongly like much of it, though. Way better than the last Cure album I got. I wonder if I will come back and give this a higher rating after a few more listens.
Beck
2/5
Beck still just does nothing for me.
Air
2/5
If I didn’t already know this was a soundtrack I would definitely think it should be a soundtrack. Idk, never been able to get into Air, despite trying since the 90s. Love the cover art, though!
Heaven 17
1/5
I had never heard of this but it sounds pretty much how I thought it would: terrible 80s synth with lame singing and worse lyrics and something I absolutely did not need to hear before I die. Love the cover art, though! (ntm)
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I don’t dislike this at all but I don’t think I have ever in my life thought “gee I’d really like to listen to CCR right now.” Sorry mom.
John Coltrane
2/5
I am sorry, sir, but I am not a jazz fan. I am, however, jazzed at what you’ve accomplished here. I will see myself out.
Missy Elliott
3/5
I really liked this at points; at other points she lost me. Most of it still sounds great. What’s she up to anyway? 3.5 but I just don’t think I can round up right now.
The Human League
2/5
I don’t have that thing that makes me love 80s music like this. I can only appreciate it for about four minutes, so I’m fine with the hits. And their hit is a hit! Wasn’t really worth the rest of the album to get to that point though.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Now I can hear the influence of Pink Floyd all over the place. I had only ever heard the singles from this album before, so I didn’t really get it/them. I liked this much more than the triangle rainbow one, and it would almost definitely be a five if it weren’t for the horrendous singing on a third of the tracks.
Genesis
3/5
Wait, THIS is what Genesis sounds like? I was thinking it would be more like jammier Peter Gabriel (which, I guess technically …), but this was kind of cool and noisy at some points. Definitely coming back to this one. —— update: Came back to it, and uuuugh, I wish I had never started listening to the lyrics!!! You’re ruining everything, Phil Collins!
Le Tigre
2/5
Does not sound as cool as it did when it came out, but that’s okay. Didn’t actually do tons for me then; doesn’t do much for me now.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
Fairly groovy, I guess? I liked it okay.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
This was so much less terrible than I was expecting. It was actually sort of cool in a nerdy pre-hippie middle-schooler thick-framed-glasses sort of way, ya know?
Queen Latifah
3/5
Just love her. Mostly because of Last Holiday, but I’m really happy for her here, too.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Well, this was much nicer than the last Kraftwerk album I got. At a few points it came awfully close to sounding like something I’d listen to again.
Miles Davis
3/5
I remember this as being one of the few jazz albums I find mildly enjoyable, and it still was! Mildly enjoyable, I mean. And is anyone better than Miles Davis at album titles?
Billy Bragg
3/5
I always thought Billy Bragg would sound like a fisherman. I guess he does, but it’s a different type of fisherman than I expected.
Overall, I’m just not sure how I feel about this quite yet.
Hole
3/5
Look, I love Courtney Love as much as the next person (jk, I actually do like her), but this is not a great album by any means. Yes, it’s got a few bangers/jams/slappers(?), but overall? Come on, guys.
When I see all the albums that are NOT on this list it makes it really hard to overly appreciate the mediocre.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Me listening:
— ugh, always heard of, never wanted to actually hear
— (plays album) oof, British people really love passionate singing, huh?
— I can see why I never listened.
— wait, what is this song? I love this! And the song after was really good!
— is this my new favorite thing? Why haven’t I ever listened to this?!
— (plays again) wait, this is horrible. What was I thinking?
— wait, this is so good! What is happening?!
— repeat
King Crimson
4/5
Man, this cover art and opening track really throw you off from what’s coming next. Glad I was finally given a reason to check out the whole album, because I could not understand why on earth people spoke so highly of this.
3/5
As I am generally pretty unimpressed with Blur I would never have given this a chance. I actually liked this the best so far, so …that’s all I’ve got. Better than other Blur.
The Undertones
3/5
I just really don’t enjoy this style of singing! It’s a shame, because otherwise I really like it. Teenage Kicks is amazing and I can’t believe I’d never heard it before.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
It feels like just a week ago I was writing “gee, I feel so bad for not liking Stevie Wonder.” I don’t feel as bad this time, but the songs I didn’t like I REALLY didn’t like. Some were pretty decent though!
Soundgarden
3/5
It makes me sad when I see online how much people really loved Chris Cornell. This is definitely part of my teenage soundtrack, and while it’s not something I frequently seek out, I don’t really have anything negative to say about it.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Love Astrud but this is not my fav.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Too soon! I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about the MSP album I got five days ago!
1) Each album has two or three songs I really quite like, while the rest make me wonder if there’s something wrong with me for liking the ones I do.
2) Is this My Chemical Romance’s favorite band?
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
This is one of the first albums that was really important in my life. I’m a bit confused because I was really sure I would be married to Billy Corgan by now, but tomorrow’s another day, you know?
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
I really enjoy my routine of starting the day with whatever album I randomly generate. However, sometimes that does mean waking up already depressed and generating Nebraska.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This was pretty good, actually? Reddit has me primed to hate all these Elvis Costello albums, but I actually mostly enjoyed this.
Brian Eno
4/5
I used to listen to this all the time. What a strange thing to somehow forget.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
So excited to see what I got on my birthday, but I got this and it’s not even available. Boo. I did listen to some on YouTube, though, and well, what? I guess I actually enjoyed whatever was happening, and I wish I could easily listen to the whole thing without creepy ads after every song.
Fairport Convention
2/5
I don’t like this. Maybe because it reminds me of an evil ex, maybe because it sucks.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
1) major nostalgia
2) great choice for AM workout! love the generator today.
Anita Baker
2/5
Two days ago I watched the episode of Hacks where there is an CD stuck playing on a loop, and I couldn’t remember the name of the artist for the life of me, but I didn’t bother trying to look it up because I knew it would come to me eventually. Today I got this album. (PS It was Anita Baker. Anita Baker was the CD in the show.)
Madonna
2/5
Um, I was there when this came out so I can say with certainty this is not/was not some kind of amazing groundbreaking album. It’s barely fine. I like Madonna just fine, but this is not it.
Supergrass
3/5
Every time I hear this album I appreciate it a little bit more. Of course, I did but it the week it came out, so I’m not sure how much of a compliment that is.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
I really thought I’d be torn between rating this a 4 or a 5, but here I am, unsure whether to give a 3 or a 4. It’s definitely great and close to perfect, but it doesn’t hit as hard as it used to.
Roxy Music
3/5
It wasn’t until I put this on immediately after Bowie that I realized how much like Bowie this sounds. Or are all these albums just starting to blur together?
Whatever, it’s highly enjoyable!
Pere Ubu
2/5
… I guess? I mean, I think lots of people hate it, but it’s just … there. Yes, this is an album.
Finley Quaye
2/5
All I know is my first thought was “British Eagle Eye Cherry” and I cannot explain further. Also, hey it’s that one song that I don’t know how I know!
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I’m very sure another version of myself in an alternate timeline is super obsessed with Rufus Wainwright. I guess this me really likes the occasional song, but the full album didn’t really get me.
Taylor Swift
4/5
Been on a Taylor-break since last year’s Tortured Trash Can Debacle, and I thought maybe I just wasn’t that into her music anymore in general, but I was wrong. Just loved this album as much as I always have. HOWEVER: ‘Welcome to New York’ is still terrible and I hate it so much; I don’t understand how ‘How You Get the Girl’ made the cut, while ‘New Romantics’ didn’t; and, if for some reason you felt the need to listen to the Taylor’s Version of this instead of the original, I encourage you to stick to the original.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
After my first Dexys album I was let down and didn’t understand how they could be so appreciated in the UK, but now I’m starting to get it! This was a million times better than the one with the business attire cover, whatever that one is called. Quite enjoyed this and may keep it in the rotation.
Mike Ladd
3/5
This really started to grow on me after a few listens. I don’t think it’s something I’ll keep listening to (for now, anyway), but I’ll definitely count it as one of the more pleasant discoveries from this list. (ntm)
The Strokes
5/5
I can’t possibly explain everything this album means to me. It feels weird to even try to talk about how great it is, because it feels like I’m talking about something deeply personal. So whatever, shut up, one of the greatest albums of all time, love you, you deserve a crown. xoxox
Nanci Griffith
4/5
Damn! What a great thing to discover today. Thanks, generator. (ntm)
Talk Talk
1/5
I used to think it was really immature to describe something as “boring,” but it turns out sometimes there’s just no other word.
Minor Threat
2/5
Not my thing. Fine, punk, short.
The Doors
2/5
I usually find the Doors pretty silly, but this was just mostly gross. Really did not enjoy this.
The Monkees
4/5
I have a hard time understanding the whole Monkees thing. Like, they were made for a tv show so they’re not a “real” band, but they seem to have a lot of good songs? Idk, I thought this was pretty good, and sometimes great.
The Cramps
3/5
Fine garage rock that I would probably like a lot more if it weren’t tainted by being a favorite of an evil ex.
The Specials
3/5
I’ll probably never *love* the Specials, but this grew on me a little. On the first listen, a couple of songs stood out in a good-for-a-summer-playlist way, but then it started to sound like more of an album to me, and I appreciated it more.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
I used to LOVE the Smashing Pumpkins so much when I was younger, but even then, this album as a whole never fully clicked for me. Don’t get me wrong, several songs have been in my rotation for 30 years (Mayonnaise omg! Disarm was literally life changing!), but this is not a top album for me.
Stereo MC's
2/5
‘Connected’ was in like ever ‘90s movie (or at least it was in Hackers), and I always wondered what Stereo MC’s other stuff was like. Guess I never wondered enough to find out… Anyway, good to know it just sounds like ‘Connected.’
Linkin Park
2/5
If I’ve learned one thing from the internet it’s that a lot of people DEEPLY love/d Linkin Park. It didn’t make me a fan or anything, but I did listen to this with a different frame of mind than I would have a few years ago.
The White Stripes
3/5
Jack White has come so far from wearing his little peppermint outfits, pretending his ex-wife was his sister days, huh? Didn’t see it coming.
This album still sounds just as good as it did when it came out, which is nice. Not earth-shattering for me, though.
David Bowie
3/5
Well, here’s the thing… First listen, something grabbed me and made me think “hey! is this great? I need to re-listen, but much louder, and in a much smaller space.” So I did, and then I did again, but that same thing never came back to grab me. BUT, I feel like I finally actually HEARD the title track for the first time in my life, and that was pretty incredible.
It’s not David Bowie’s fault that I don’t like this more (yet).
The Pogues
2/5
On The Wire, whenever McNutty is drunk-driving his car into street signs he’s usually listening to the Pogues, I think. Those four-second clips are enough Pogues for me to hear in my lifetime.
The Undertones
2/5
Second album by them this month. Still just can’t stand this guy’s voice!
Lightning Bolt
3/5
I knew when I saw Hella on the similar artists section I was in for a treat. (ntm.)
Devendra Banhart
2/5
For whatever reason, Devendra Barnhart has just always given me the ick, I guess you could say. No idea why, so I’m just going to trust my guy and keep not listening to him. (Sorry if it turns out he’s a saint or something, but I’ll still not listen.)
I love Rod Stewart like I love Bruce Springsteen. I guess I love the idea of loving them more than I love them. And I love/want to love them so much!
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
This band has never really done anything for me. They come close sometimes, though! I would describe this album as “fine” and “inoffensive.”
The Beach Boys
3/5
Umm, okay. Beach Boys, cool. Definitely got that basic Beach Boys thing going.
Another one that belongs on the ‘1001 Albums That Exist’ list.
Radiohead
3/5
This is my third Radiohead album here, and none of them have been what are apparently my two favorites. Meaning maybe I don’t like Radiohead as much as I thought? This has happened with Led Zeppelin, too. Something about focused listening …
Tom Waits
1/5
There are enough people who like Tom Waits to make me feel okay with how much I don’t like Tom Waits. Please tell me this is 2/2 on the list. (It’s not, is it?)
Neneh Cherry
2/5
Buffalo Stance is pretty good, and the black-market-baby song was amusing. Overall, though… really?
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
Up until about 2005 I genuinely thought that Belle and Sebastian had figured it out, that they were the one band people would obviously enjoy, if not love. Still kind of crazy to me that that’s not the case, especially with their early stuff in mind, but apparently it is.
Miles Davis
2/5
I always enjoy Miles Davis much more than many of the other jazz artists I get.
Moby
3/5
I forgot Gwen wasn’t originally on South Side! I love that song — it’s so dumb. Even better and dumber with her.
Overall, this was so weak today, compared to how massive it was when it came out. I can see this being really baffling for people who weren’t around at the time. Very “her?”.
Steely Dan
3/5
Oh so *that’s* how it’s pronounced. I always wondered.
I hope someday I get really into Steely Dan. I’m just not there yet.
David Bowie
4/5
Have I yet learned my lesson that past-their-prime albums can, in fact, be great? Surely now I’ve got that through my head, what with falling deeply in love with this on first listen.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
I guess none of the Sugarcubes’ songs I’ve heard have that man on them; he didn’t help things. I liked that Cat song at the end, though!
Joe Ely
3/5
This feels so random for this list, but I’m very happy it was here.
Frank Ocean
4/5
You know, I didn’t get the hype when this came out, but now I get the hype. Good for you, Frank Ocean!
The Flaming Lips
3/5
When it’s just playing in the background I really like it. As soon as I start paying attention I sort of hate it. Guess that’s why I never got into this band!
Ryan Adams
2/5
I don’t care for him as a person, and why was this so long?
Fairport Convention
2/5
I don’t know what it is about this band, but they make me irrationally angry. I don’t even necessarily hate the music, but I fucking hate this for some reason.
Earth, Wind & Fire
2/5
Yes, this is an album.
The Byrds
4/5
I don’t understand how this is so good when everything similar is so offensive to my ears!!! Are they magicians?!?
Brian Eno
3/5
Unexpectedly great workout music. Thanks David Bowie and Brian Eno! Love y’all forever xoxo
Neu!
3/5
I like that this sounds cool but also sounds like an early ‘80s workplace training video.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I used to be obsessed with Vanilla Sky, so I find the cover very exciting. Other than that, yes, this is Bob Dylan.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
Okay, maybe NOW I understand the thing I say every time about “past their prime albums CAN be great.” This was such a great surprise! And I feel like I understand mbv and their entire web of influence so much better now. Thank you for this one, list!
Portishead
3/5
Portishead is just always perfect. I rarely listen to them and I’m not sure why. This album sounded scarier than the ones I’m used to.
1/5
It’s hard not to feel like I’m being punished with this today.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
This reminded me of early 2000s which makes sense because that’s basically when it came out. That’s all.
Brian Eno
3/5
Good but not my favorite Eno by far.
Kate Bush
2/5
Another where I hear so much of what must have influenced several artists I really enjoy. Also, made a mental note to recommend to anyone who ever says they want a Regine Chassagne solo album, which I wouldn’t think would be that many people but here we are.
Janet Jackson
2/5
Has the ‘1814’ always been there??? Please stop messing with me.
I have no firm feelings on this. The hits are hits.
The Clash
4/5
Always enjoy this album.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I’ve actually mostly enjoyed all the Pet Shop Boys albums I’ve gotten here, but it does seem a little unfair that they have (at least) three entries. I’d keep this one and toss the others.
The Stranglers
2/5
I don’t have any interesting thoughts about this.
The Kinks
4/5
The Kinks are always enjoyable.
The Adverts
3/5
Never heard of this, and never heard anything quite like it. Interesting and enjoyable and I hope I don’t forget about it. (ntm.)
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
I cannot find any reason to give this less than a five.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Better than the first Dexys I got; not as good as the second Dexys I got. We really need three?
Pink Floyd
3/5
Trying to get through this backlog and I do not need this depressing shit right now! But it was mostly pretty good. Did not enjoy as much as The Wall, but enjoyed more than The Rainbow Triangle One.
Buzzcocks
3/5
I did listen to this. It was not something I would probably listen to again, I guess? Just not my thing. Perfectly fine though!
Mudhoney
3/5
Another for the “never really tried getting into them when I was younger and that’s unfortunate because this is pretty good” pile.
Television
5/5
Easy 5. Wouldn’t feel right to give anything less.
The Fall
3/5
Patiently waiting for The Fall to click for me. It’s only been about 19 years, so I’m sure it will be any day now.
Joy Division
3/5
Enjoyed this much more than the other JD album I got here, which I did not enjoy much at all.
Cypress Hill
3/5
This was fun and reminds me of high school even though I didn’t really listen to it.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
Part of a sub-genre of this list that I call ‘those ‘80s/‘90s bands from that list that was clearly made by a British man who is probably in his mid-to-late 50s.’ This sub-genre also includes things like the Blue Nile and the Auteurs. It’s fine. (ntm.)
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I usually listen to my daily album while I’m exercising so days like this are fun.
Bad Company
4/5
My mom had this album. I always used to flip through her records when I was growing up and for some reason this simple cover was burned into my brain. I miss her so much.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Not in love with this version of The Beach Boys. Maybe I was in a weird mood but I mostly hated this.
fIREHOSE
1/5
Oh come on. (ntm.)
Julian Cope
1/5
I never bothered checking out Julian Cope because I guess I assumed I wouldn’t like him. As it turns out, I was right!
Fiona Apple
3/5
I appreciate Fiona Apple much more now than I did when she came out, but this isn’t m favorite album of hers. Definitely amazing in its own way, though.
The xx
2/5
I still don’t get the hype, but it is much more palatable now. Still just so … blah, but in a dreary way.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
Really enjoyed. Will listen again for sure.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Still does nothing for me. Borders on annoying.
T. Rex
5/5
I almost gave this a 4 instead of a 5, and I realized I was docking points because it was too perfect for too long. What am I like???
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
The ways I was not in the mood for this today were comical. That being said, it made me laugh, and I can see myself liking it well enough on another day. K thx byeee
2/5
I knew I preferred her later stuff (including this album), but I guess I didn’t realize I’m really not a fan. Maybe someday.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
I didn’t hate this but I doubt I will come back to it.
James Taylor
2/5
I have never felt whiter than when I was listening to this.
Dennis Wilson
1/5
I somehow kept forgetting this was playing while it was playing. It was basically white noise to me, no pun intended.
Thelonious Monk
2/5
Yes, this is a jazz album. So very jazzy, thanks.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Enjoyable bit unlikely to listen to again.
Tortoise
3/5
At first it was very “background music for an educational film about how microscopes work,” but by the end I was enjoying it as being actually good, not just quirky good.
Alice Cooper
4/5
Whaaa?? Sorry for harshly judging you based off of two songs I’ve basically only heard in the background my entire life. This is great!
The Lemonheads
3/5
Well, I never really listened to them because none of the songs I heard really appealed to me, and now I guess I’ve listened to this album.
The Saints
3/5
I enjoyed this so much more than other punk albums that sound basically exactly the same, and I’m not sure what it is that makes it different to my ears. Guess I will never know. (ntm.)
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Not on Apple Music but full album is on YouTube, fyi. Wasn’t blown away by this but was glad I listened. Exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for with this list. (ntm.)
M.I.A.
3/5
I guess I generally like M.I.A. … this is not my favorite of hers at all, though. Does this mean she has like three albums here?
X-Ray Spex
1/5
I guess my 9th grade punk phase really was just a phase. And why so much saxophone?!?
Mott The Hoople
2/5
I did listen to this. It is an album.
Little Simz
3/5
Liked it. Felt kinda sad.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Is this one of those cocaine albums? Definitely would not have listened to it without this list, and actually happy I did, in a weird way.
Elton John
3/5
It’s so weird to me that Elton John is successful as he is. I can’t imagine hearing this and thinking it would appeal to the masses. Shows what I know. (I really like Elton John and I’m not saying he’s bad at all! I’m just saying people surprise you sometimes.)
Eminem
4/5
Awww I love you, Em. Love how upset people *still* get over some of his songs. Love him. American treasure.
Big Star
3/5
Now I see what all the fuss is about.
Santana
3/5
Definitely groovy.
Def Leppard
2/5
I really thought I’d already gotten the genre-defining, Mutt Lange-produced, 80s British hairband album… Wonder what I’m thinking of. I definitely preferred that one.
Paul Simon
2/5
Uhhh… sorry. Happy for you tho, Paul.
D'Angelo
3/5
This was really good and somehow made me understand and appreciate more recent alt-r&b somehow.
3/5
This was aaaallll over the place. First few tracks I thought maybe I’d found a new favorite band, but by “Your Dictionary” I realized that was NOT the case. Will have to check out more from them. Assuming they will pop up on this list again.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
I didn’t love my last MG album, but I quite enjoyed this one.
Sebadoh
4/5
I always kind of forget about Seaborg. Or Sebadoh, idiot auto-correct. First thing I’ve added to my library in a while.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
Was this mentioned enough in the early ‘00s as inspiration for all those bands? This basically sounds like it came out in 2006.
Black Sabbath
3/5
My first album here was Black Sabbath and I really didn’t care for it, but this one is much better.
Brian Wilson
3/5
I guess I should’ve expected it to sound just like The Beach Boys, huh?
Tori Amos
3/5
I wouldn’t have listened to this without the list, I guess. Still not really my thing.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
I feel like I already wrote about feeling bad for not liking Stevie Wonder’s music. I’m sorry!!! I did like the last song on here, mostly.
Jamiroquai
2/5
Well, yesterday I got Stevie Wonder, and I guess today I got Stevie Wonder 2000. Kind of? Really hoping tomorrow doesn’t bring something to make this a groovy trifecta.
MC Solaar
3/5
Big fan of foreign language rap. (ntm.)
Hawkwind
2/5
Well, it did sound pretty interesting, and I’m glad I’ve heard of it now, but I definitely thought it was just one really long song for about the first 20 minutes. And then the subsequent 100 minutes. (ntm.)
10cc
4/5
I knew 10cc were eclectic, but I was not familiar with this side of them. I was also not aware that there was a band that sounded like of Montreal before of Montreal.
Anyway, this is insane and I love it so much now, and thank you, list.
Elastica
5/5
I’ve been very familiar with this album since it came out, but I somehow did not anticipate giving it a five. Love it when this stupid list makes me reevaluate something I know so well.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
But really? Nothing personal, but I just don’t see why this is something one HAS TO hear before they die. But I have now, so I guess I’m safe.
Goldfrapp
3/5
I’ve only heard the later, dancier stuff, so I guess I didn’t realize that Goldfrapp sounds like this, too. Really think Fellini would’ve loved some of these songs at the end.
David Bowie
3/5
Great start, great finish. Don’t love the stuff in between (but I still love you, David Bowie).
Gary Numan
2/5
Wasn’t thrilled to see this, as I was afraid it would be a bunch of songs that sound like ‘Cars.’ Turns out, it was just a bunch of songs that sound like ‘Cars.’ Goddammit, Gary.
T. Rex
4/5
If you’d asked me two months ago if I preferred this to Electric Warrior, I would have said, “Yes, I prefer The Slider.” But nope! I guess I was wrong. What a wild day, huh?
John Cale
3/5
Dang, I was so into this 20 years ago. A little less so now, but I’ll come back to it.
Carpenters
3/5
Schmaltzcore. Sad girl karaoke. But really, Karen Carpenter’s voice breaks my heart in the best way.
Deee-Lite
3/5
Ummmmmmm… I didn’t hate it, and now I’ve heard it, so …. I imagine if I were deeply into certain genres of music I would better understand the relevance of this album.
Donovan
3/5
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
I forgot I used to listen to this all the time! I liked it just fine 25 years ago, and I like it just fine today. Fine. It’s fine.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
Listened to this while grading really disappointing essays from college freshmen and this was somehow so appropriate. It captured the despair I felt, I guess. (ntm.)
MGMT
2/5
Yeah, yeah. It’s still basically fine, just like it’s always been. Had to skip “Kids” tho, just so I wouldn’t have to kill myself. (Bonus: one of the worst album covers of my lifetime, at least.)
David Gray
3/5
I forgot about that Babylon song. Was that a hit in the US? It’s been in my head for like a week now.
Ummm I guess I would call this music for British rom-coms circa 2000. Powerfully inoffensive.
Klaxons
3/5
This is possibly my favorite era of music, so I really enjoyed this. They’ve been one of those ‘heard of but never heard’ bands, so it’s nice to hear them. Hope I remember to listen to this again.
Simply Red
2/5
I didn’t hate this, oddly enough. Seems like something I would hate. Must be in a good mood today. That being said, I almost certainly won’t listen to it again, except for the genius hit, that is.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Like the last 17 Elvis Costello albums I’ve gotten here, this was pretty good. That’s all.
Shack
2/5
Another that belongs in the genre of bands that might not exist were it not for this list. (ntm.)
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
I guess I thought Frank Zappa was like…a novelty guy? And so since this has Frank Zappa I thought it was like a joke band? Guess I was (mostly) wrong and this was sooooo great. Some of the nonsensical droning does go on a litttttle long for my tastes, but I have to give it a pass because drugs.
Bad Brains
2/5
Whatever Bad Brains song I heard 20 years ago did not sound like most of this. I think. Who knows? Point is, this was different than what I was expecting, and I guess it was a little more interesting, but still not something I’m likely to come back to.
TV On The Radio
4/5
I’ve been a fan of this album since it came out. I own it on multiple formats. How did I NEVER notice the “Babes” in the title??!? I always thought “Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty” was such a cool title…. What a disappointing day this has been.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
I loved the first song! This was great. I love when something totally foreign to me pops up. (ntm.)
Caetano Veloso
3/5
In my mental file cabinet it lives near Os Mutantes. (ntm.)
Daft Punk
3/5
I have to be in a very particular mood to just listen to a Daft Punk album. Wasn’t there today.
Deep Purple
2/5
I am one of those people who just doesn’t like live albums. However, sounds like these guys were having a great time, so good for them.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Nick Drake
3/5
I don’t know, did Belle and Sebastian always sound like Nick Drake? I think I need to pause my generator. This is a lot to take in all at once.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
The Apple Music summary made me think this was going to be totally wild and not sound like Fleetwood Mac, but it definitely does sound like them. Maybe at the time it somehow sounded crazy? Idk, but I ended up really liking it a lot. And I really love the cover!! 5/5 for that alone.
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Again, I just don’t care for Emmylou Harris! I’m sorry, and I feel terrible about it, but I just am not a fan.
George Jones
3/5
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Well… lots of thoughts. I’m mostly glad I can pinpoint where some of Twin Shadow’s slow jams came from.
Coldplay
3/5
Well, I think there are better Coldplay albums out there, so maybe this one could have been left off, but it was still good in a Coldplay way.
The Triffids
3/5
Pretty proud of myself for guessing that they were Australian by track two. For me, this was one of those “hey this is pretty good — wait, nevermind, what the hell is this — or maybe it’s actually great — but no, wait” albums. (ntm.)
Paul Simon
3/5
I liked this so much more than my last Paul Simon album, but not as much as the one before that. I guess it falls somewhere between the two Simon & Garfunkel albums I’ve gotten.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
I thought I liked difficult noisy things but this had me questioning that. I’m the problem here though, not these guys.
Beatles
3/5
I just don’t understand why they let Paul participate.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Jimmy Smith
2/5
This is another jazz album. At least it’s not very long.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Oh good! Kraftwerk #3. If this list has done one thing, it’s taken me from feeling pretty neutral about Kraftwerk to actively hating them.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Well I’ve had Theme from Shaft in my head all day now, which is actually kinda nice.
The Specials
3/5
Radiohead
4/5
I didn’t listen to this much when it came out because it was like “oooh how exciting, another really good Radiohead album.” Luckily for me that means I now have a really good “new” Radiohead album!
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
All I know is I just got Drive Like Jehu the other day, and I used to see ads for both of these artists a lot back in the day, so in my mind they go together, even though they don’t.
Really enjoyed this though!
50 Cent
2/5
Did he just brag about having a fax machine? I love that!
Liz Phair
4/5
Thoughts: 1. I should NOT have been listening to this when I was 13. 2. Liz Phair could’ve been an all-time icon if she hadn’t tried to become a pop star, bless her heart. She still has so much goodwill from this album, though. I feel like anyone who knows her knows her from this album and her failed pop career. No one knows her from her mini pop hit.
The Darkness
3/5
I’ve only heard this album from them, and I was just as thrilled as anybody when “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” came out, but this just feels very “wow they’re committed to the bit.”
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Great. And always good to be reminded that my younger self was not smart and avoided this for no good reason.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Oh so that’s where all those samples are from.
Ice T
3/5
Delightful. I saw Ice T and Coco once when I lived in New York. They were seated outside at a restaurant and were sweetly smiling at all the gawkers. Forgot about that till now.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
No. One was enough. His singing stresses me out.
Portishead
4/5
It’s practically perfect, what do you want from me??
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Not my favorite of theirs but really great anyway. Great for indoor bike riding, just fyi.
James Brown
3/5
I tried to appreciate this in my younger years, but it just didn’t take. This time I did actually appreciate it, so it’s like a personal victory.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I’m sorry, Joni Mitchell. You’re fine, I just don’t have the energy for you at this time in my life.
The last song sounded like it could be from Self Esteem, reminding me that everything has already been done, I just probably haven’t heard it yet.
3/5
Braced myself for typical punk, so was pleasantly surprised to hear something more pleasing to my ears. At points reminded me of the Vaselines a bit.
Germs
2/5
I previously commented on a punk recorded review that my teenage punk phase was apparently just that, a phase. I stand by that comment
FKA twigs
4/5
Hey, this is pretty good! Y’all were right all those years ago.
Slipknot
1/5
Cannot overstate how awful this was.
The Vines
2/5
Flashbacks to 2001 or whatever. I forgot I used to listen to that Factory song all of the time. I’m so old now.
Beatles
3/5
I haven’t listened to Beatles’ albums till this list, and so far I like this one the best.
Yes
4/5
Yes! Thank you. Loved this. Another case of “turns out there’s nothing new, I just haven’t heard it yet.”
Sepultura
3/5
I really swear I already had this… oh well, always happy for metal albums.
N.W.A.
4/5
How did I just now realize that Dopeman isn’t really about the dopeman, but is just really being mean to dopeman’s gf? Gosh. Anyway, Something 2 Dance 2 remains one of the most underrated songs of all time. Classic E: Man, I think my feet are swollen from dancin’ so damn much.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
I haven’t listened to this since high school, and since Portlandia. Somehow now the Carrie parts just seemed funny, and I’m sure I didn’t feel that way in the past.
Supergrass
3/5
Supergrass is always a solid B+ for me, but somehow never higher.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
This had cool white people in such a chokehold when it came out. Still sounds perfectly pleasant.
Queen
4/5
I really thought Queen was a singles band, but damn! This was great through and through. And I don’t think I’ve ever actually listened to Bohemian Rhapsody, despite knowing every word somehow, and oh my gosh … did you know how amazing that song is?
Kate Bush
2/5
Glad Kate Bush is there for the people who really love her. I am not one of them.
Steve Winwood
3/5
Van Morrison
2/5
On the one hand, I don’t care for live albums; on the other hand, now I have something to add to my Divorced Moms Winter Beach House Party playlist.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
Well, I don’t have much to say about this. I guess if you’ve heard one song from this album you’ve heard them all.
a-ha
2/5
Richard Thompson
2/5
Rough start but I thought I could get into it. However, by about halfway I was internally screaming “shut up! shut up!” at every song.
Leftfield
2/5
Where do I know this from? Does it just sound like the rest of the Hackers soundtrack? or is it actually there?
2/5
Eh…
Metallica
3/5
Enjoyed way more than I thought I would. Has this project turned me into a Metallica fan?
3/5
I guess I love Yes now.
American Music Club
2/5
I don’t really have room in my life for these guys. All the best. xo
Belle & Sebastian
5/5
Always feels good to draw a favorite.
G. Love & Special Sauce
2/5
I guess I’ve never actually heard them?
Pixies
5/5
I can hear no reason this shouldn’t be a five.
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
Half chill coffee shop soundtrack, half anxiety inducing nightmare. (ntm.)
Nico
3/5
If I’m being completely honest, I really only like the first two songs.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I always think I’m going to dislike these Simon & Garfunkel albums but I keep really enjoying them. Plus, this cover makes me laugh.
Miriam Makeba
2/5
FYI, Apple Music, this IS available, you just have to search for it. And I was just not in the mood for this. (ntm.)
Stephen Stills
2/5
Prefer this to all the Young so far.
The Prodigy
3/5
Always happy to have something that reminds me of Hackers to start the day.
The Roots
3/5
This makes me think I haven’t actually ever listened to The Roots before… This was very good!
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I would have probably been obsessed with this 20 years ago. Really nice.
The United States Of America
1/5
I don’t have room in my life for this. I’m too old to even pretend that I can give it a chance.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
File under: Yes, this is also an album.
Baaba Maal
1/5
This is not for me. Not even a little, ever, under any circumstances. (ntm.)
Foo Fighters
3/5
Van Morrison
3/5
Never understood the fuss. But sure, it’s fine.
Buck Owens
3/5
I’ve never listened to Buck Owen’s. For some reason I thought he was a parody artist or something? Wrong again! This was so good xoxo
Dizzee Rascal
3/5
Bee Gees
2/5
I’m not going to pretend to like this.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Second Isaac Hayes this month. I’m fine with it. Brings backs memories of my high school days.
Stereolab
3/5
But why did I think they were from Denmark or something?
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Thoughts in order:
Wow, so there are at least two Christina Aguilera albums on the list; that’s interesting.
I bet Christina Aguilera was so angry through the whole of the late 90s and early 2000s, what with everyone pretending she and Britney were the same. Not being mean, I’ve loved Britney since day one, but you know what I mean.
What if she’d never been marketed as a cute teen singer, but instead was an uber-talented r&b/soul singer? Singing all the sexy jams?
Oh, I see her jeans on the cover look more risqué than I ever realized.
You’ll always have a place in my heart, X-tina. Love you grrrl.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
I’ve always found the name Captain Beefheart to be pretty repulsive so I wasn’t thrilled for this. Anyway, for some reason it’s not on Apple Music, and I had a super hard time getting it to play on YouTube. Maybe it’s my phone, maybe it’s the universe protecting me.
Animal Collective
4/5
I love the new discoveries, but sometimes it’s so nice to get something I know I love. I haven’t listened to it in a couple of years, but here it is, keeping on being great.
SAULT
2/5
This does not need to be here! The people who made this list make me so angry sometimes. We get it, you’re super progressive or whatever.
Keith Jarrett
2/5
At least it’s just a piano
The Beach Boys
4/5
Not sure what’s stopping it from being a five.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
It sounds very of its time, I guess?
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
The Jam
3/5
Another one I’ve mixed up forever. So glad this wasn’t whatever I thought it was.
The Sonics
3/5
It’s not their fault they sound like something my ex would love. That guy ruins everything.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Am I high, or is this the third KoL album I’ve gotten? That is far too many. Two is far too many, so I really hope I’m hallucinating.
The Style Council
1/5
Oh no, no thank you. No no no.
The Zombies
3/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I didn't get around to rating this right away, and while I was considering what to say, I got another Elvis Costello album. I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep track of these. I thought one album was very good, but who even knows which one that is anymore. It’s buried at the bottom of the Elvis Costello pile.
Gram Parsons
3/5
I’ve never heard him because I thought he was basically Neil Young. So… I guess he isn’t.
Björk
3/5
I think every time I get a Bjork album my comment is something about how I’m at peace with really only liking Post. So I guess I’m saying I’m glad Bjork exists for the sake of those who love her, but I really only like Post and am okay with that.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Can’t complain. I haven’t had an Elvis Costello record in two days. Out of the four (five?) I’ve had, there are only two that I guess I agree with. Which ones are they? I don’t know, I can’t keep track. Anyway, this is not one of them.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
It’s not their fault the local dads started a covers band and play the same six songs every time anyone wants to hang out.
Joan Baez
1/5
I never listened to Joan Baez because I was so sure I wouldn’t like her music one bit, and once again, good instincts, me.