From the start, you can tell we're entering a new era for Van Halen. I tend to associate this album with the single "Hot for Teacher" so I forget the Synthesizer makes it's first appearance here. I feel that all the singles were the correct choices as I find myself singing along and being transported back to middle school. The non singles are ok, meaning that I could take them or leave them. But I don't think the last 2 songs work and feel out of place on 1984. To me they feel like after thoughts or leftovers from past sessions. With this album we say goodbye to the Roth era and along with the Synthesizer we get a glimpse of what's to come.
I had never listened to this album in full until today. In fact, I don't think I've ever listened to a complete Bowie album except for his greatest hits album "Changes" and his final album "Black Star." I know his hits and that's about it. With the introduction of new music, I like to take time to learn about the album, songs, and the artist. What I found interesting regarding this album is the way the songs were written. Only one song was completely written before recording began and for the rest (non instrumental songs) the lyrics were written as Bowie stepped to the mic. That's pretty awesome. I also learned that this is the second album of his three Berlin albums, and I'll need to listen to the other 2 to see how they flow together.
In regards to the songs on this album, the only one I was familiar with was the title track, "Heroes." The other songs on side one don't really do it for me. I don't know where I stand on Bowie's catalog. I love the hits, but I don't know if I'll ever find myself wanting to listen to his full albums.
As with all music, we all have different tastes. I understand Bowie's place in music history and as I've stated, I genuinely love a lot of Bowie songs. Listening to this album, while it might not tick all the boxes I'm looking for, I can see why it's seen as one of Bowie's best.
3.5 out of 5 (but I can't seem to figure out how to do a half star)
I'm not sure what I did to deserve this, but
I was given my second Bowie album in a row.
I'm not sure if this gets great reviews because it was his final release before his death or because it actually resonated with "music critics?"
But I can say that it isn't for me. I'm not a fan of art rock or avant guard music. The one highlight I enjoyed was the song Lazarus. The music was so good and the lyrics work so well.
While Bowie sings, "Where the fuck did Monday go?" on the song Sue (or in a season of crime) I find myself saying "Where the fuck did my 41 minutes and 17 seconds go at I listened to this album?"
But as work all music, what I might not enjoy it I know someone else probably loves it.
2 out of 4 stars
Velvet Underground and Nico
This is just what I needed to get me out of the Bowie cycle.
This album has everything, drug abuse, prostitution, sadomasochism, and sexual deviancy! Everything that makes a great rock and roll album.
So maybe I don't hate art rock albums as this is so fucking amazing!
I was expecting new wave like "I'll stand by you" but we get so much more. There are more edgier songs that are closer to the Ramones than 80s new wave. But we also get new wave and a bit of Rock and Roll as well.
The only song I remember is Brass in Pocket, but the entire album is good. I don't think I would have ever listened to this entire album if not for this challenge. Chrissy Hynde is amazing. No matter the song style, she kills it.
Such a great album. I would definitely listen to it again.
5 out of 5 stars
Keith Jarrett - Köln Concert
When this album popped up I was worried. Jazz? I can't stand jazz!
But I committed to this challenge and I'm going to give every album a chance. And I am so glad I did!
This album is so good and when you take time to understand what it took to make this concert happen and everything that led to the recording, you can't help but to be amazed.
The fact that this is just one man and a piano blows my mind. And that it was all made up as he sat down to play on a piano that he wasn't familiar with is so inspiring.
This would have been an album I would have put on in in college to play as I went to sleep. It's melodic, beautiful, and I'm so glad it popped up as the album I was to review today.
This album truly surprised me and the backstory of how this album/performance came together adds to the experience.
5 out of 5
I own this record. I've listened to this album many times. I love this album.
Cliff Burton's final album before his tragic death.
I enjoy all the songs on this album, but my favorite is the eight and a half minute instrumental Orion.
This is also the final album before Metallica took over MTV with One and before the mega selling black album.
5 out of 5
Buck Owens - I've got a Tiger by the Tail
Classic country music. Buck Owens is so good at what he does and his Buckaroos only make him better.
The Bakersfield sound is alive and well on this album. It reminds me of my dad as this is the kind of country he'd listen to and sing along to.
And on the song The Streets of Laredo, one of the Buckaroos come in with his deep bass vocals and it reminds me of my dad singing in church. Such a great memory.
5/5
Beck - Guero
I never really listened to this album by Beck. I was familiar with Mellow Gold and Odelay. So I was happy to see this pop up as my album for day 9.
I've been listening to it all morning and I'm loving it! I might even go as far as to say that I think this is my favorite Beck album.
I didn't find myself wanting to skip any of the songs at I listened. My favorite being Que' Onda Guero.
It's just so fucking good.
5/5
Death in Vegas - The Contino Sessions
The 90s and 00s saw quite a few electronica and trip hop artists hit the mainstream: Fatboy Slim, Propellerheads, Chemical Brothers, Prodigy, Tricky, Unkle to name a few.
As with a lot of the albums on this list, I had never listened to Death in Vegas. But if I'd heard this when it came out, I would have listened to it alongside those artists I mentioned above.
While this is a good representation of an electronica/trip hop album, I'm not sure why it is an album I need to listen to before I die. It's, fine. It's, good. But I can think of way more albums I think should be on this list.
So if you like electronica & trip hop music, you'll probably like this album. If you don't like this genre/style, you'll probably want to pass. For me there are some good songs but as a whole, I would probably not revisit this album again. If I get a hankering for some electronic/trip hop music, I'll seek out Fatboy Slim or Tricky.
3/5
War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream
This album is a good representation of the Americana movement.
With all albums that came out in the last decade, it's hard to truly see how an album that new should be a must listen. This album is good, but I don't think it is ground breaking or setting the music world on fire.
To me there are better bands that I'd pick over this album/artist: Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, to name a couple.
This album is fine, but I don't know if it's really something everyone should hear before they die.
3/5
Derek and the Dominos - Layla and other assorted love songs
This review is going to be my first attempt of separating the art from the artist.
I'm going to actually review the album on it's own merit, but I can't do so without addressing my thoughts on Eric Clapton. I'm not here to change your mind on an artist, but I also can't praise sometime without discussing their racist past.
In the 70s, Clapton went on a racist tirade saying keep Britain White, and that all foreigners and blacks should get out of the country. I'm not going to go into it (just Google Eric Clapton racist and you can get the whole story). And he's known for being a real shit person.
And to be fair, Clapton isn't the only horrible person in this band. The drummer, Jim Gordon did some shitty things too . In the song, Layla, there a beautiful piano piece that is attributed to Gordon. However it has come out Gordon stole that piece & melody from his then girlfriend Rita Coolidge. And even though it's widely known to be her piece, Gordon still has writing credit instead of her. (Oh and in 1983, he killed his mother and died in jail in 2023).
I know this won't be the only time I have to try and put aside my feelings (not sure what I'm going to do when Michael Jackson, Kanye West, or Marilyn Manson comes around) as I listen to an album.
As for this album, it's really good. In fact, it's amazing. It's got history and interesting stories surrounding it. You can also read all about it on the Internet if you want to get all the tidbits and gossip.
Duane Allman is a powerhouse, playing on 11 of the 14 songs. It's such a bluesy rock album and I understand why it's so beloved.
Playing off my last review (The War On Drugs), I see and understand the influence this album had on rock, blues, and future artists. There will always be shitty people making music. And shitty artists will make great art. I for one can see that and can choose to acknowledge it and to not give my money or time to said artist in the future.
Is it worth listening to, yes! For me it's Bobby Whitlock that makes this album so good. He deserves more credit than he gets. And let's not forget the late, great Duane Allman. His signature is also all over this album.
4/5 stars.
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Now I got Worry
Wow. Not at all what I was expecting. This was like listening to a RL Burnside and the Bad Brains collaboration. We got some hard core punk infused with the blues.
This album is not for everyone, but I found some things that I did enjoy. I don't care for the screaming parts but as with a lot of albums, I really love the music parts and sometimes just wish we were getting an instrumental album.
3/5
Kraftwerk - Autobahn
Once again, I know this album but I've never listened to it. But this morning I finally sat down and listened.
What a dreamy, calming, beautiful album. I went in thinking it was going to flashy and loud, but it was not at all like that.
I enjoyed the title track the most. It's 22 minutes long and it makes you feel like you're taking a long drive with no cares in the world.
I highly recommend it if you are looking for something to relax to.
4/5
LTJ Bukem - Logical Progression
This was a compilation of drum and bass music. While this might be a genre and style some folks like, this album wasn't due me. Plus it was hard to find the correct version of this album to listen to.
Nothing special in my opinion.
1/5
The Smiths - Meat is Murder
This is a very quintessential representation of 80s music.
I had always seen the cover of this album and thought this must be a real edgy album, but I was wrong once I listened to it this morning. To me, it's nothing special. It's not bad, it's just...there.
However, Johnny Marr's guitar playing is phenomenal and I do love the slight rockabilly sound on the song Rusholme Ruffians and I even like Morrissey's attempt at a Chris Isaak vocal on the word Devout.
I prefer the Queen is Dead in regards to a Smith's album, and I can hear how they will there from this album.
Morrissey is a pompous prick and when you read about the making of this album you come away thinking, "What a knob."
If you enjoy the 80s and the music coming from the UK at that time, then this album is for you.
2/5
Pentangle - Basket of lights
Wasn't sure what I was going to hear when this album popped up for today. But I feel like this would have been one of those artists you listen to at the Renaissance faire.
Super folksy and reminiscent to early Simon & Garfunkel (Scarborough Fair).
While I enjoy this music some of the time, I don't know if I was missing anything by never hearing it before now.
I recommend that y'all just skip over this one as it's not anything mind blowing.
1/5
Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
I am familiar with the Wu-Tang Clan. I'm familiar with lots of their solo albums. I was not familiar with Raekwon's.
This was a very interesting album. However, it's a product of it's time and place, the 90s. As with most hip hop from this time period, there's a lot of homophobic lyrics and use of the F-slur. Plus in today's political climate, I can't stand hearing any song name dropping the orange clown.
I am also well aware that I'm not the target demographic, and that I may not feel a lot of the songs or lyrics. But the production by Rza is so good.
And like most hip hop albums in the 90s, there are so many skits. I'm glad that this trend isn't as big as it used to be.
2/5
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
I was so happy to see this as my song for the day. I just got into Sabbath over the past year. Started to pick up the vinyl when I'd see it. But didn't know more than the hits and Ozzy.
One thing I like about this challenge is that I take time to look up the album and to get a bit of context of what was going on during the recording. It's the digital version of sitting on your couch with the vinyl sleeve and reading the liner notes (god I wish artist would get back to doing that).
With this album I learned that this album was played live, no overdubs. And they did it in 12 hours.That's just crazy.
I also learned that Tommy Iommi had to Macgyver fingertips for a couple of fingers he lost in a sheet metal factory accident out of the plastic of a dish detergent bottle and had to tune the strings down to make it easier to bend the strings.
And I got to listen to this amazing album!
I sometimes think about what I've missed out on by not listening to things earlier in life, but I realize that I might not have been as open minded to different genres at that stage in my life. So I've been truly enjoying this experience.
Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath is a 5/5 star album.
Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
This album poves to me that our musical tastes can change. I bought this CD when it first came out and I didn't really like it. Looking back, I'm not sure why that was. But listening to it today (over 25 years later) I find this album fits my musical tastes.
At the time this would have been considered Alternative Country, but today we'd call it Americana. Which is a genre I love.
This album is amazing and I may need to start incorporating more Lucinda Williams into my listening during the day. Hey voice fits these songs and I now completely understand the hype surrounding this album when it came out. I just want ready at 25 but at 51, I get it!
Lucinda is an American treasure!
5/5
XTC - Apple Venus Volume 1
Apparently this is not available on streaming. I had to find it on YouTube which was ok, but commercials took me out of the listening of this album.
It's a beautiful acoustic album. Reminiscent of the Beatles and other 60s artists.
I won't be able to listen to this more than once (due to availability), so this was a first impression listen.
2/5
Lorde - Melodrama
This is Lorde's second album. It's a bit of a departure from her debut album, Pure Heroin. Produced by Jack Antonoff (Bleachers, T. Swift, Lana Delray). She made this album in part due to her disillusionment with fame as well as a way to capture the heartbreak and solitude after her first breakup.
I really like her first album, but after listening to this one a few times, I think this is better. So many good hooks in these songs.
Plus, I love Jack Antonoff. His producing is top notch and he has a way of making a song so catchy what it stays in your head.
It's hard to believe that Lorde was only 19 when she started working on this album and was 21 when it was released.
5/5
Dusty Springfield - A Girl Named Dusty
Dusty Springfield's debut album. I've listened to and own Dusty in Memphis but hadn't taken time to listen to this one, until today.
She was a member of a few girl groups before she decided to go solo. In the really 60s, she was touring the US and was exposed to soul music, which would have a massive effect on her career.
Released in 1964, this album is a mix of mostly pop songs and some Motown influenced numbers. In the usual manner, in regards to UK stars, this album was not released in the US. Instead they released a compilation of songs and titled it Stay Awhile/I Only Want to Be with You, named after her two hits. It was later released as Dusty (a second version) with a different track listing and different tracks.
This is a good introduction to Dusty, and you do get glimpses of what's to come (Dusty in Memphis).
5/5
Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
This is her 5th studio album. I, like most of you, was familiar with the first song on the album. Running Up That Hill (a deal with God). If you weren't familiar with it when it came out in 1985, you found it in 2022 when it was everywhere after featuring in "Stranger Things ." And as we all know, it's a real banger!
As for the rest of the album, once again I had never really listened to it. I think that this would have been something I listened to a lot in the 90's as I hear her influence on Tori Amos who I listened to constantly back then.
I'm so happy that this was my album for today as it's a real joy to listen to it for the first time and it brought back wonderful memories of Tori Amos which I may need to listen to today as well.
4/5
Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's Food and Liquor
Debut album by Lupe Fiasco. What I found interesting while listening to this album, is the different themes throughout it.
We get songs about Poverty, Islam, terrorism, and racism. I found it really interesting as I didn't know he was Muslim and to listen to a hip hop album tackle these topics from that perspective was a breath of fresh air.
As mentioned, Lupe is Muslim and as most would note, the title seems a bit strange for someone of his faith. He's also from Chicago and in an interview he states that Chicago does not have bodegas like in NYC. They have food and liquor stores on every corner. He states the album is a look at good (food) vs evil (liquor).
I really enjoyed this album. I knew of Lupe from his guest verses on songs by other artist, and this album gives us his voice and a perspective from someone we wouldn't hear from in our daily lives.
5/5
Deep Purple - In Rock
Fourth album by Deep Purple
The group went through a line up change between their last album and this one. With the drama behind the scenes being like an episode of Real housewives. After meetings with possible new members and the original members finding out they were being fired while finishing the tour for the last album.
This album was much harder than their last 4 and all songs were original songs (unlike the past albums). This was their first big hit in their native UK.
For me it is a good representation of Rock albums from the 70s. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Lots of great musical interludes and solos, things we don't get in a lot of modern rock songs.
4/5
Blur - Modern Life Is Rubbish
This is blur's second studio album. Before they started working on this album, they were about to be dropped from their record label
To help recoup money owed they went on a tour of the US. It was an extremely long and arduous tour and the band was extremely homesick and just sick of the United States.
Damon Albarn, decided on that tour that this album would be a modern take on the Kinks and other pop band from the UK.
The result is an album that has the humor and sound of a Ray Davies (Kinks) album.
While most know song 2 from their next album or Damon's other musical project, Gorillaz, this album is what led to that journey.
5/5
Common - Be
Chicago rapper, Common, comes out strong on this album.
I enjoyed it and you can really hear the Kanye vibe all over it. My biggest behind the scenes trivia is that a lot of the beats that Common turned down ended up on Kanye's album Late Registration.
4/5
Crowded House - Wood face
Crowded House's third album released in 1991. This album includes both Finn Brothers as Tim told Neil that they could use some of the songs they wrote for the next Finn Brothers album if he could join the band. It's up for debate if he was really serious about that, but in the end, he was added to their lineup for this album.
Lots of great songs on this one, with my favorites being, Fall at Your Feet, She Goes On, & Chocolate Cake.
The 90's were a strange time. Researching this album reminded me of the old CD staple of including a hidden track that would play several seconds after the last song listed on the track list. I remember putting the CD in and seeing how many tracks were listed to see if I could tell if there was a track at the end. If you didn't know it was going to be in there, it would be a real treat when it popped on, except if you had to wait the 30 seconds of silence to get to it.
It was a simpler time when things like that was a huge deal!
5/5
Aretha Franklin - I Never loved a man the way I love you
The Queen of Soul takes us all to church. Her voice is a religion!
5/5
Fishbone - Truth and Soul
What a fabulous album! Punk, ska, heavy metal, it's all here.
I first heard of Fishbone from the movie and soundtrack to Say Anything. Even though I didn't know much about them at the beginning of their career, I got there in the end!
5/5
Penguin Cafe Orchestra - Music from the Penguin Cafe
This album is why I'm doing this challenge. Never in my life would I have found this album on my own. However, if I had, I would of listened to it based on the cover alone!
This album is what happens when a musician from the 70s isn't sure what kind of music they want to make and decides let's do a pop/classical album and get Brian Eno to produce it.
Equal parts chill instrumental/ambient music and extremely weird sounds & lyrics. At the end of the day, I enjoyed this one as it both lived up to my expectations (based on the cover) and left me scratching my head wondering how it even was made (and released).
3/5
Parliament - Mothership Connection
Cosmic funk by the greatest funk band in the galaxy!
Throw this on when you feel down and your spirit will be lifted. You can't listen to this without dancing around.
This album was considered a parody of funk artists at the time as this group didn't take themselves very seriously.
5/5
Siouxsie and the Banshees - Juju
I was familiar with Siouxsie but mainly because of her name. I never really listened to her at the time nor later in life.
Juju is a good album. The one thing that I gather from reading up on it is that the guitarist, John McGeoch used an unconventional style of guitar playing for this album.
It was enjoyable and if you enjoy 80s music, you should give this one a listen.
3/5
Pink Floyd - The Wall
Classic album. One everyone knows about even if they've never listened to it. It's a rock opera that tells the story about a jaded rock star (Pink) who constructs a "psychological" wall of social isolation.
It's interesting when you read up on the making of this album. How disillusioned Waters ( and the band) felt after their last tour and how the crowds weren't connecting with the band or the music and seemed to use concerts just as a social event (much of what I feel concerts have become today). Causing the feeling of isolation while playing concerts for fans who served to not really care.
30 million copies were sold and it's Pink Floyd's second best selling album, behind Dark Side Of the Moon.
I'm pretty sure that this album is in the majority of vinyl collectors collections.
5/5
Queen Latifa - All Hall The Queen
Debut album for Latifa.
Ladies First is the feminist song that was needed at the time and is still one of her signature songs.
These early hip hop albums are always interesting to listen to as the beats samples are minimalistic and give more focus on the verses. The MC are the focus while the beats/music take a back seat.
Latifa was one of the first female solo artists and she opened the door for women in hip hop.
4/5
Beastie Boys - Ill Communication
What can I say about this album and this band? Nothing that hasn't already been said.
The Beastie's get better and better with each album. On this album they continued to move away from sampling to using live instruments.
So many great songs on this album, but we all know Sabotage is the song that defines this album.
5/5
Butthole Surfers - Locust Abortion Technician
Not my favorite. I enjoyed Electriclarryland as an album better.
Musically, it's amazing. The final song 22 Going on 23 is haunting.
Not sure I'd listen to it again, but I can see why others might enjoy it.
3/5
Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill
My review of this album is going to be more personal rather than historical.
This album came out during my Junior year of college (1995). You Oughta Know was everywhere and was only a precursor of what was going to come for Alanis and the Jagged Little Pill album.
College is where my musical tastes began to really change. (1991-1996) In high school I mainly listened to what is now known as hair band. Now, there's nothing wrong with that and I still go back and listen to those artists, but something changed during those years.
I moved from artists like Poison and Mötley Crüe to Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Grunge was beginning to be my genre of choice. I also listened to 90s country (product of the radio stations near my college) but there was something about this new music genre, it really spoke to me. I also began to flirt with artists like Tori Amos and other female artists. And Alanis merged those two interests with this album.
Music is a time machine. Listening to a specific song can transport you back to that time in your life. It can make cry tears of sadness or tears of joy, depending on your journey around that song.
Like I said before, you couldn't turn on MTV without seeing the You Oughta Know video and the speculation of who this song was written about still rages today, we're looking at you Uncle Joey!
I was able to fulfill a dream come true somewhere between 98 & 01. At the time I worked for Best Buy and they were sponsoring a tour of Tori Amos and Alanis Morissette. I volunteered (along with my wife) to hand out flyers at the show for free tickets. It was so so so good!
Anyway, all of that too say that this album is very special to me. I loved the anger and the unapologetic nature of this Canadian woman who really opened the door for future female artists like Fiona Apple, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and other artists.
I think it's why I'm still drawn to strong women (in life and in music)!
5/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bayou Country
Second album by CCR and the start of the infighting within this l the band. This album contains one of Fogerty's greatest songs he's written: Proud Mary
This album also contains the song Bitten on the Bayou.
This is a good album. CCR have a lot of great songs and for me, their greatest hits album "Chronicles" is really the only album of theirs that I need.
3/5
The Sabres of Paradise - Haunted Dancehall
Ambient, electronic music. Could be the score to any late 90s or early 2000s generic action flick.
Once again not sure why this is one of the 1001 albums I need to hear before I die.
1/5
Sly and the Family Stone - Stand!
Classic soul album. Don't really have much to write or say about it other than I enjoyed it.
4/5
Jay Z - The Blueprint
Turn the motherfuckin' music up!
Mr. Beyonce (Shawn Carter, Jay Z) gave us an amazing album here. The only thing that dings him here is that this album brought us Kanye West.
If you can get past that, it's a masterpiece in the hip hop genre.
5/5
Radiohead - In Rainbows
This is my favorite Radiohead album. It's the album that pulled me into the Radiohead galaxy.
From the opening notes on 15 Step to end it's got a heavier sound. My favorite taco on here is Jigsaw Falling into Place.
Ok Computer might be their more famous album, but In Rainbows will always hold a special place in heart.
5/5
Megadeth - Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
I avoided listening to Megadeth for over 30 years, but due to this challenge I had to listen today.
I don't care for Dave Mustaine as a singer or as a person. However the music on this album is really good.
I can see why it's a thrash metal classic, but I don't see myself re-listening to it again.
3/5
Tom Waits - Heartattack and Vine
I love Tom Waits. His distinctive voice and storytelling in the form of a song are amazing.
This is his seventh album. I loved his first few more than this one, but it's still really good.
Never pass up the opportunity to listen to Tom Waits!
5/5
The Kinks - Arthur or the decline and the fall of the British Empire
I love The Kinks, but I'd never listened to this album. Upon my research I discovered that this is a concept album for a television program that was never made in England. Ray Davies based the story on his brother in law and his sister that moved to Australia.
I don't feel that there is anything that stands out on this album, but you can tell that it is a Kinks album. Victoria and Shangri-La were songs I knew about from their compilation Kink Kronikles.
4/5
The Vines - Highly Evolved
2000s Australian rock band. Loud, noisy, on the vain of band like early Strokes, Hives, White Stripes. Punk garage rock.
I thought I was going to like this album, but the constant screaming/singing is just to much.
2/5
The Louvin Brothers - Tragic Songs of Life
Debut album from the brothers.
Old school country music. And the Louvin Brothers have such a wild story. There's a podcast called Cocaine & Rhinestones that does an episode on them. (Side note, there are so many wild episodes on that podcast. If you want to learn more about country music and the dark side of it, give it a listen).
Knoxville Girl is a traditional Appalachian murder song and was a huge hit for the brothers. I don't know how these songs were so popular in the 50s, but boomers need to stop saying lyrics from our generation are violent.
This album is great. It is a true representation of early country music, cowboy songs, harmonies, gospel, and if course murder/death.
5/5
Tim Buckley - Goodbye and Hello
Second album by Jeff Buckley's "dad."
Sixties folk album mixed with psychedelic undertones. A precursor to where he's heading musically.
My favorite lyric is from his song Pleasant Street: "All the stony people
Walking 'round in christian licorice clothes."
It's ok. Not something I'd listen to again.
3/5
Bruce Springsteen - Darkness on the edge of town
This is the follow up to Both to Run which was Springsteen's biggest album at the time. This album has a darker tone than Born to Run.
While not as joyful or fun, I think it's a great album. And it's interesting to know that there were lots of songs written during these sessions, some would appear on the follow up album the River and some Bruce gave to other musicians. Notably the song he gave to Patti Smith, "Because the Night" which became her biggest hit and a song that did well for 10,000 maniacs.
4/5
Getz/Gilberto
Considered the album that popularized the Bossa Nova boom. Saxophonist Stan Getz and guitarist Joāo Gilberto collaboration with the Grammy award winning song, "The Girl from Ipanema."
Very relaxing album, not my usual listen, but I would listen to it again.
5/5
M.I.A. - Kala
I love all the different mixes of music from around the world on this album. It's such a breath of fresh air and not your regular cookie cutter music.
We all know the song Paper Planes. I had only listened to it and I'm so glad that this popped up so I would actually listen to the entire album. I saw a copy of this on vinyl while in San Diego and passed it up as I didn't want an album for one song. Now I wish I'd picked it up!
(Plus the song 20 dollar has a sample/interpretation of the Pixies 'Where is my mind" that is so great)
5/5
Jerry Lee Lewis - Live at the Star Club
Yesterday after listening to this album, I saw that the actor W. Earl Brown posted on Threads that this was the greatest live album of all time. I commented that I just received this album as my daily album and his reply to me is the best way to describe this album:
"It oozes sex and explodes with energy. The fact that Jerry Lee could create something so powerful with a 3-piece combo backing him, in an era when the capacity of sound systems were minimal, is mind blowing."
Thanks W. Earl Brown!
5/5
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane
A. Lad Insane
Recorded after Ziggy Stardust and mostly written while in America, Bowie reflects on his new stardom through this new character.
I enjoyed this one.
3/5
The Waterboys - Fisherman's Blues
I enjoyed this one. Irish/rock/folk music. I understand that this album was a departure from their last album but hearing this one I think they were on the right path.
4/5
Echo & the Bunnymen - Crocodiles
Classic album from the 80s. This is Echo & the Bunnymen's debut album. I enjoyed it. Listening to it you can see where this band is going.
3/5
Elvis Costello & the Attractions - This Years Model
Costello's second album and the first with his backing band, The Attractions.
It's filled with pure energy that grabs you from the first song and it doesn't really slow down.
Highly recommend
5/5
The Birthday Party - Junkyard
This is noise. I didn't enjoy.
1/5
Charlatans - Tellin' Stories
90s Britpop reminiscent of Oasis and Blur. This was my first time listening to the Charlatans and I think I'd go back an listen to this album and others by them.
4/5
Buena Vista Social Club
A soundtrack to a documentary about Cuban music, one would never think this would be such a global phenomenon, yet this soundtrack took over the airwaves.
Don't get me wrong, I think it deserves all the praise and awards that it received. I owned this in CD when it came out and listened to it a lot.
5/5
Björk - Vulnicura
I enjoyed the somberness of this album, but doubt I'd listen to it again.
I think you need to be in a special headspace to fully appreciate Björk's music. And I don't think I've achieved this level to ascend into the cult of Björk.
3/5
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd is a group that requires you to sit and listen to the entire album. Picking and choosing specific songs/singles means you are not getting the full picture of what they created.
Wish You Were Here is an example of this. You can pick Shine On You Crazy Diamond, pts 1-5 to listen to, but you would miss the transition into Welcome to the Machine. While Shine On is a great song you lose the full impact of listening to the entire album in one sitting.
Albums like this won't work in today's music climate. Everyone wants the one song and to not be tied down into listening to the entire album from start to finish.
But Pink Floyd created something special with their albums and they should be listened to on vinyl. Not because of quality or sound, but because their albums were made for that medium.
And the title song is amazing. The way it sounds like the sound has dropped and you barely hear the music on the right channel and then it kicks in with full sound! So fucking good. Plus the song is just top tier.
5/5
Moby - Play
This is one of my favorite albums from the 90s. Moby and Fatboy Slim were big in the late 90s with dueling electronica albums.
I can put this on and find myself lost inside the music.
5/5
Nirvana - Unplugged in New York
This album is a top 5 album for me. It spoke to me at a time when I began to expand my musical tastes. I already owned and listened to Nevermind (which blew my mind) but knowing that Kurt and the band said we'll do your little acoustic show but don't expect to hear "Teen Spirit" or other hits was a fucking baller move. They were the biggest band in the world and used this time to showcase songs and bands that influenced them.
Plus you get to hear Kurt between songs. It sounds like he's having a great time with his friends. I like listening to this album as it's a snapshot of a band having a great time.
This album introduced me to the Vaselines and Meat Puppets (or at least their songs). And their songs are my favorites on this album: Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam. Plateau, and Lake of Fire.
When you connect to an album, song or band, it's like nothing you've ever experienced. It's like finding a religion that speaks directly to your head and heart.
Thanks Kurt for putting it all out there during this performance.
5/5
SZA - Ctrl
Debut album for SZA. Listening to this, I understand the hype and praise.
I don't know why I never listened to this album. R & B, trap, and indie rolled into one to make this amazing album.
I'm going to have to find time to listen to her new album soon!
5/5
The Saints - Eternally Yours
Australian punk band. I really enjoyed this album.
4/5
Sam Cooke - One Night Stand (live at the Harlem Square Club l, 1963)
One of the greatest, doing what he did best. It's a great view into his electrifying stage presence
5/5
Mariah Carey - Butterfly
I listened to the first two albums from Mariah, but never really took the time to listen to the the albums that came after.
This album has the same feel as those earlier albums, but with a P. Diddy flare. Lots of guest artists from the day as well.
I feel like there are better representations for Mariah over this album, but it's still a good album.
4/5
My Bloody Valentine - loveless
Shoegaze at it's finest. Second album by MBV. It took 2 years, 19 different studios, and £250,000 (equivalent to £480,000 in 2021) to complete the album. It took such a toll on the band that they couldn't create a follow up album and broke up in 1997. However, they returned in 2013 and released a final album called m b v.
This was my first experience with My Bloody Valentine and I really enjoyed this album.
4/5
Cornershop - When I Was Born for the 7th Time
The onlything I knew about Cornerhsop or this album was the song "A Brimful of Asha." This song is one of my favorite 90s songs. I just never took time to actually listen to the entire album.
Well, I did jus that today and I have to say that it is a really good album. It mixes alternative and Indian music to meld into an amazing sound. Lots of great songs on this album and I'm really glad that I was tasked to listen to it today.
5/5
Led Zeppelin - III
Starts off great with Immigrant Song. Then just typical rock songs. It's ok, not as good as their previous 2 albums.
3/5
Gene Clark - White Light
2nd album by Clark (former member of the Byrds). Only did well in the Netherlands.
Tears of Rage is so good.
I found this album too be really good and in the spirit of Graham Parsons. Shame it didn't do well when it was released but I hope it's found it's audience today.
5/5
Boston - Boston
One of the greatest debut albums ever! This album is a banger.
5/5
Alice in Chains - Dirt
What a fucking album and band this is! One of my all time favorites. Layne Staley vocals on top of Jerry Cantrell guitars. Such a great album. So many good tracks on this album: Would?, Them Bones, Down in a Hole, and Rooster
I stated it before with Nirvana, but these artists that came out of Seattle in the early 90s opened my eyes (and ears) to new music. I am so thankful that I got to live through this time in music as it happened!
5/5
Neneh Cherry - Raw Like Sushi
This album is a time capsule for the late 80s. I had only known the song, Buffalo Stance. However, this album was not for me and I found a lot of it unlistenable. Manchild and My Bitch are the worst offenders.
2/5
Paul Revere & the Raiders - Midnight Ride
1966 album that features songs that the Monkees went on to record and chart higher with: I'm Not Your Stepping Stone & Kicks
But seriously, it's a good album and Kicks is a really good song. Everything else seems kind of formulaic and typical for a lot of music being produced at that time. It's not their best album and it's not their worst.
3/5
The Coral - The Coral
2002 album from some blokes in the UK. Mix of 60s garage sounds, rockabilly, and an impression of the Doors.
I had never heard of this band or the album. They have an interesting sound and I would probably listen to them again.
3/5
Metallica - Metallica
This is the Metallica album that brought me into the Metallica camp. My friend Jon will yell blasphemy at this as he was listening to Metallica from the very beginning. While "...in justice for all" and the song "One" was the gateway, it was this album that brought fully through the gate!
I can now go back and enjoy the earlier Metallica (especially Masters of Puppets) but at the time, I didn't really care for their music. They weren't glam rock enough for me (ie: Poison, Winger, Motley Crue, Trixter, etc.)
The late 80s was a magical time. And I'm so glad that I can look back at all of the music from that time with love. It's truly the music that first took hold of me and I'm so glad that I now find enjoyment with all different genres and styles. Plus I love creating playlists that have so many different sounds that just somehow come together.
So, Metallica (the black album) is one of those albums that I will never tire of.
5/5
Meth Eminem.
I can't believe I liked this album when it came out. This is proof I've made mistakes in the past when it comes to music.
1/5
Tina Turner - Private Dancer
Tina's solo breakthrough. It has the hits on here but for me it falls victim of the 80s machine in regards to production.
I get the love for this album, but it's not something I'll revisit.
4/5
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Exodus
Such a great album! Recorded after Marley went into exile in London after an assassination attempt. First half of the album focuses on Religious politics and the second half has themes of making love and keeping faith.
So many great songs on this album and it culminates with Three Little Birds and One Love!
5/5
Neil Young - After the Gold Rush
An album inspired by an unpublished screenplay written by Al (Dean Stockwell) from Quantum Leap.
4/5
Queen - Queen II
I was always familiar with the cover for this album, but upon listening to it this morning, I realized I had never listened to this album.
And I didn't really like it. It feels a bit over the top and I don't find any songs on it to be memorable. I see how this album gets us to their more famous ones, but something about this one just doesn't resonate with me.
2/5
The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Basically a blur & Gorillaz album about England. Damon Albarn group created to write songs about England.
It's ok, nothing spectacular.
3/5
Lynyrd Skynyrd - (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)
Debut album by Skynyrd. Contains all the songs you need by the band (and yes, I'm aware Sweet Home Alabama is not on this album). You got Tuesday's Gone (arguably their best song ever), Gimme Three Steps, Simple Man, and the always popular Free Bird.
Southern rock staple and I do feel everyone should own or at least listen to it!
5/5
Emerson, Lake,, and Palmer - Tarkus
Prog Rock album. Side one features the 20 minute long title track and side two has several shorter songs with no connection.
Not for me.
1/5
Shivkumar Sharma - Call of the Valley
Instrumental album that follows a day in the life of an Indian Shepard from Kashmir.
It's soothing and melodic. I enjoyed it, but it's not something I'd come back to.
3/5
Go-Go's - Beauty and the Beat
Debut album by the Go-Go's. Released in July of 1981 and reached number on Billboard's Top LP's & Tape charts in March of 1982.
Biggest hits: Our lips are Sealed and We Got the Beat
One of my favorite bands from the 80s and the starting point for one Belinda Carlisle and Bill & Ted's own Joan of Arc, Jane Wiedlin.
True rock band from the 80s.
5/5
Jeru the Demaja - The Sun Rises In The East
90s hip hop album from one of the members of Gang Starr Foundation.
From what I read it helped receive the East coast hip hop scene, along with Wu-Tang, Nas, Biggie.
I didn't hear anything special on this album, but I also didn't know who Jeru was.
2/5
Sincere by Mj Cole
Electronica album. Didn't hear anything special or different than all the other electronica albums from this time period.
It was...fine.
2/5
Only by the Night - Kings of Leon
This is one of the best rock albums of 2008. So many hits off of this album, but some of the deep cuts are even better. I hope their onstage and offstage antics have gotten better. We don't need "The American Oasis" band.
I think my favorite song on this album is "Manhattan." Caleb Followil has such an aching in his voice as he sings, "I said who are you? Don't matter who you are. So we dance all night and dance all day. I say." and this minimalistic guitar comes in and it's the most beautiful transition and melody. So much emotion in this song, from the vocals to the melodic guitar.
This album was right before their fame took off and they got distracted. It's a tight rock album that exudes sex and shows just how good this band is.
5/5
Guns N' F'n Roses - Appetite for Destruction
This is my 100th album from this challenge and I'm going to take a break for a bit as it really does take time to listen to all of these albums.
But on that note, what an album to get for my 100th! This album came out in 1987 and was a turning point for a lot of us growing up in the 80s. It comes on the heels of glam rock and hair bands and bridges the gap into Grunge.
Welcome to the Jungle was our introduction to this band and it rocked so much! And the hits kept coming from this album, Paradise City, and the greatest song from this time period, Sweet Child O' Mine. Even the songs that didn't get radio play (yes we had to listen on the radio or catch the video on MTV) were so good. It took music at that time and shook it up.
Axl fucked this band up after their next two studio albums, and we never got the same magic that we had with this album. But at least we can revisit this one whenever we want and remember the good times!
5/5
Frank Black - Teenager of the Year
I enjoy the Pixies but never took time to delve into any of their solo projects. If not for this challenge I don't know if I would have listened to this album.
This album was released in 1994, when I was heavy into grunge and would be mourning the death of Kurt Cobain. At that time there would be no way this album would have found it's way to me.
I like to think that music finds us when we're ready. Something we may not of enjoyed when we were 20 hits when we're 50. That's why it's important to step out of our comfort zones when it comes to music. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed this album in 1994, but 30 years later it speaks to me.
This album has a lot of different styles. There's a Dire Straits feel, a punk feel, alternative feel, and Franks voice handles it all.
I would definitely recommend this album.
4/5
Grateful Dead - Live/Dead
The first live album by the Dead.
I first discovered the Dead in 1987 when they released their song, Touch of Grey. I still remember the video and watching it on MTV. Then I never thought about them again for many decades.
In 2000ish I started my fascination with Phish and with the advent of the internet, I found my way back to the Dead.
Starting that journey I started listening to American Beauty. It became my starting point into their catalog. I never got fully obsessed with the band, but I did respect their contribution to the music landscape.
One thing I did find out was that their live shows reflected their true musicianship and while I enjoyed the studio albums, they couldn't hold a candle to the live stuff.
Live/Dead is the beginning of what would become their legacy. The live shows and tape trading made them immortal. We still get new live shows released that have been remastered from those tapes.
While I never got to see the Dead play live, I can sit back with any of their live recordings and feel like I was there.
5/5
