732
Albums Rated
3.03
Average Rating
67%
Complete
357 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Curator
Rater Style ?
46
5-Star Albums
24
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
|
5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
|
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
Kimono My House
Sparks
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
5 | 3.08 | +1.92 |
|
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
|
5 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
|
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
|
5 | 3.13 | +1.87 |
|
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
|
5 | 3.13 | +1.87 |
|
No Other
Gene Clark
|
5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
|
John Prine
John Prine
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
S&M
Metallica
|
5 | 3.26 | +1.74 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In Rainbows
Radiohead
|
1 | 3.84 | -2.84 |
|
Moon Safari
Air
|
1 | 3.57 | -2.57 |
|
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
Homework
Daft Punk
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
|
1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
|
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
|
2 | 3.99 | -1.99 |
|
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
|
1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
|
Black Monk Time
The Monks
|
1 | 2.95 | -1.95 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 3 | 5 |
| The White Stripes | 2 | 5 |
| Metallica | 2 | 5 |
| Bob Dylan | 6 | 4.17 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.25 |
| Neil Young | 3 | 4.33 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Rolling Stones | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Everything But The Girl | 2 | 1 |
| Massive Attack | 2 | 1.5 |
| Air | 2 | 1.5 |
| Radiohead | 5 | 2.2 |
| Björk | 3 | 2 |
| Kraftwerk | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Nirvana | 2, 5 |
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 4, 1 |
| Tim Buckley | 1, 2, 4 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 3, 5, 2 |
| The Byrds | 3, 5, 2, 5, 3 |
5-Star Albums (46)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Radiohead · 4 likes
1/5
Terrible. Couldn’t get through it. Tried a couple times.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five · 2 likes
3/5
The Message saves this album
Ananda Shankar · 2 likes
4/5
Had very low expectations, but thought this was a good listen. I don’t normally like instrumental albums, but this felt different.
Hot Chip · 2 likes
2/5
Not as bad as I thought it would be, but the overly electronica songs are too much. 2 stars.
Marvin Gaye · 2 likes
3/5
Social and cultural significance: 5 stars. Musically, I’m just not that into it: 2 stars. I would seek this album out to listen to again like I would with Sgt. Peppers or Sticky Fingers.
4-Star Albums (179)
1-Star Albums (24)
All Ratings
5/5
Definitely iconic album.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Best song is first track. Good listen but wouldn’t get me to listen to more. 3 stars isn’t a reflection of the talent/genre, just my interest
The Who
4/5
Odd 6 song selection especially considering 3 are covers. It does showcase The Who’s ability live
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Great album. Surprised how many hits were on this one.
Blur
3/5
Fine album. Not sure why it’s one of the 1001 to listen to though.
The Smiths
4/5
Required a second listen. Interesting reading the back story on The Smiths.
Aimee Mann
3/5
Surprised me. Listened to it twice. Good album. Falls just short of 4 stars as I don't see it as a "must listen."
Black Sabbath
4/5
Iconic album
Radiohead
1/5
Terrible. Couldn’t get through it. Tried a couple times.
Traffic
3/5
Nothing special. Easy to listen to, but probably wouldn’t seek out to listen to again. I would give it 2.5 stars if possible.
Duke Ellington
3/5
Good listen. Jazz really isn’t my favorite, but this was an enjoyable listen. 3 stars for me, but probably a 4-5 for a jazz album.
Green Day
3/5
Ok album. Couple standouts but nothing special. At times, the album just seemed to drag. It’s funny that they were anti-establishment in 2004, but very much pro-establishment in 2024. 3 stars.
Circle Jerks
4/5
Fun listen. Listened to it multiple times. Very easy to do that with only 15 mins of recorded songs, though. Probably would be 3 stars just based off of the album, but I'm giving it 4 stars after looking into the album and overall impact of the album in the hardcore punk scene.
Beatles
3/5
Ok album. Not as good as Sgt. Peppers. I’ll listen to it again, though
The Cars
4/5
First three tracks really solid (big hits). Some other really solid songs, some eh. Easy 4. Would probably give it 4.5. Moving in Stereo is my favorite track. All Mixed Up might be second.
The Soft Boys
4/5
Really enjoyed this one. Sounds like The Who, a bit of Rolling Stones, the Police, Beatles
Queen
4/5
Phenomenal album. Lost a little bit in the middle but finished very well. Listened to it multiple times immediately. Tough between 4 and 5 stars. Another one where I would go with a half if possible.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Great album to play in background of a fancy party. Very easy listening. Nothing special though. I do think Willie's version were very good, just not something I would want to listen to on a regular basis. Did produce some "new" outlaw country after finishing listening.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Not Radiohead bad, but did not enjoy this one. I can only think this is included to make the other albums sound that much better. On second thought, this is Radiohead bad.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Solid album. Forgot (never knew) just how hard Smashing Pumpkins is. Couple forgettable tracks, but this album hits you immediately with the riff on Cherub Rock. Hummer and Disarm stand out as well. I didn't care for Soma or Quiet. 4 stars.
Fats Domino
3/5
Had to find each song on YouTube. Entertaining listen. Not my cup of tea though. Quite the change up from Siamese Dream. Possibly could be higher, but there wasn't much differentiation in the songs. If it played continuously, I might not have noticed. 3 stars.
OutKast
4/5
Had this on CD. Didn’t care for the skits 20 years ago and that hasn’t changed. Much better than what is being released today though. Easy 4.
Sonic Youth
3/5
This one was tough. After the first listen, it was going to be a 1 or a 2. After listening again, I found that I just didn’t like Kim Gordon’s vocals. Overall, musically, I really enjoyed it.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Fine listen. Nothing special. Backstory makes it a little more interesting. Feel somewhat bad about giving it 2 stars, but I have no desire to dig into The Beach Boys and listen to more.
Otis Redding
4/5
Enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
Alice In Chains
2/5
Couldn’t wait for this one to finish. Couple decent tracks, but rest is not good. 1 star without Rooster, and 2 stars is being kind.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Social and cultural significance: 5 stars. Musically, I’m just not that into it: 2 stars. I would seek this album out to listen to again like I would with Sgt. Peppers or Sticky Fingers.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
Liked it more than I thought I would but very repetitive sound. Not sure that I needed to listen to this one before I died, but I didn’t hate it. Her voice is incredible but this feels like a gospel album. 2.5 stars. Best track was Dance Till We Die
Lorde
3/5
Like it more than Lana Del Rey but not by much. 2.5 stars.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
Classic 80s sound. I really enjoyed this one. I wish I’d given my last two albums 2 stars because this is a 3 star album for me.
Radiohead
2/5
Musically, much better than In Rainbows. Thom Yorker’s voice ruins it for me. Maybe 1.5 stars. Favorite track is probably Hunting Bears, which, unironically, is instrumental. Life in a Glass House had so much promise.
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
Layla alone gets it a 4. This would probably be a 4.5.
Def Leppard
3/5
Fun listen.
4/5
Very good album. I used to think Wonderwall was the best track, but to me it’s Don’t Look Back in Anger then Champagne Supernova. Easy 4 stars.
The Strokes
4/5
Easy 4 stars if for no reason than Last Nite.
Judas Priest
3/5
Another fun listen. Wouldn’t go back and listen to it again, though.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Fun album, almost whimsical at times. Album grew on me as the it progressed. Immediately replayed it. 4 stars.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Voice is great. Others have said country and soul don’t mix, but I disagree.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Instrumentally, 5 stars. Not crazy about the vocals but really looking forward to seeing them live in a couple months. 4 stars in general.
The Cardigans
3/5
Not bad. 3 stars. Lovefool was definitely the highlight.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Fun listen. Nothing special. No song really stands out (good or bad). 3 stars.
Grant Lee Buffalo
4/5
Really, really enjoyed this one. Only track I didn’t like was the last one. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of them.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
Did not enjoy this as much as I thought I would. Some big hits, others not so much. Really just wanted to get through this. Would be 2 stars, I’ll give it 3 stars because of the massive hits.
William Orbit
1/5
Not in Apple Music. Only listened to first song. Not my cup of tea.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Really good. What has happened to hip hop?
Miles Davis
2/5
I don’t know. It’s jazz. I’m sure it’s great for jazz. If I didn’t know there were 11 songs, I would’ve thought I was listening to one long running song. It just doesn’t do anything for me.
Jacques Brel
3/5
Liked it more than I thought. Sounds like something that would be playing in a French bakery or restaurant.
Britney Spears
2/5
Not as horrible as I thought it would be, but definitely not good. I get why it’s on the list as it was extremely popular when it came out. 2 stars.
The Temptations
3/5
I agree with many others, the funk songs were clearly superior. Because of the non-funk songs, I have to say this is probably a 3 on the whole.
Rage Against The Machine
2/5
Disappointed. The constant political barrage and very basic, repetitive verse/chorus structure got old really quick.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Easy listening. Nothing special, but not bad.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
It’s ok. I’d rather listen to this than Radiohead, but not by much.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Ok album.
a-ha
3/5
Fairly uneventful listen. Not bad, not good. Background music.
Simple Minds
3/5
I liked it, but I wouldn't necessarily seek it out again. 3 stars seems like a cop out, but it's accurate.
Talk Talk
2/5
Really wanted to like this, but still sounded overly synthesized. 2 stars
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Pretty good album. Sounds like it could’ve been released at any point in the last 40 years.
Brian Eno
4/5
When I saw it mostly instrumental, I was not looking forward to it, but this is really good.
Destiny's Child
2/5
Very repetitive sound. Their voices work well together, but every song sounds the same (outside of three songs beginning with Emotion). 2 stars
Beatles
3/5
I liked this more than Revolver, but not quite as good as Sgt. Peppers.
Björk
2/5
Wasn’t looking forward to this, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Still not good. Dragged for most of the album. 2 stars.
Billie Holiday
2/5
This seemed more about the orchestra than Billie Holiday. I think they pair well together, but there’s very little variation throughout the album. 2 stars probably doesn’t do the talent justice.
R.E.M.
4/5
Really solid album. Standout tracks Turn You Inside-Out and Stand. No bad songs really. Low 4 stars.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Wasn’t much of a Biggie fan, but this album changed my perception. Best tracks to me are Things Done Changed and Everyday Struggle. Of course the lyrics are misogynistic. If that surprised someone, I don’t know what to say.
Billy Joel
4/5
Very good album. Not really a bad song on here.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Back half of the album is phenomenal. It seems like the 2:30 songs were much better. 4 stars.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Very interesting. Seemed to move into and out of different genres. I thought I heard “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” and Rod Stewart actually did plagiarize it (“Taj Mahal”).
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Started with so much promise, then started to drone. 2 stars.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Not as good as Sticky Fingers, but hard to give it anything less with Sympathy on here. Hadn’t heard Salt of the Earth before and really enjoyed it.
3/5
Solid album. I was not a fan of the Thom Yorke song. I really don’t like Radiohead. Really liked Good Fortune.
Linkin Park
3/5
Nostalgia 5. Actual album probably a 3. I understand why it’s here. As an early 2000s album, it was fairly impactful.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
I think there was potential, but almost every song is chaotic musically
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
4/5
Good album. If you don’t like country/folk, you’ll hate this. 4 stars
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
So much potential, but CSN are just so similar. Most songs sounded the same except Long Time Gone which was the standout to me. I think CSN needed Y to diversify their sound.
Goldie
2/5
I’m sure it was groundbreaking
The La's
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Listened to it a couple of times immediately. I can hear some Michael Stipe in his voice. Standouts are "There She Goes" and "Looking Glass."
Tracy Chapman
2/5
"Fast Car" = 5 stars. A couple other songs were decent. I understand her background, but it came across as very defeatist, which is understandable. It did, however, make for a very difficult listen and not something I want to listen to again.
Gorillaz
4/5
I went back and forth on this, but I think it’s a 4. “Clint Eastwood” is still really solid. There are a couple tracks that you just want to end, but overall this was a very good listen.
John Martyn
3/5
This one was difficult. There’s some tremendous songs on here and some that are just not good. His voice goes from really good to what the hell. Taken as a whole 3 stars.
Turbonegro
2/5
Didn’t care for it. 2 stars.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Work of art. Easy 5 stars.
The Shamen
1/5
Each song begins with new hope that it isn’t like the previous song, but, alas, it’s not meant to be. If you listen as if it’s Bloodhound Gang or Lonely Island, i.e. parody, it’s not an absolutely terrible listen. But, they are serious. 1 star.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Ok listen
Genesis
3/5
There were some good moments, but also some weirdness. I guess that could’ve been expected. The talent is there, but this felt like it was a soundtrack to a medieval movie.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Not as bad as I thought it would be, but it does get very repetitive. Originally, I was going to give it 3 stars, but towards the end I was just hoping for it to end. 2 stars.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
If this is “bad” Nick Cave, I’m beyond excited to hear his other albums. I might cheat and go ahead and listen to them.
Grateful Dead
2/5
It’s ok. Friend of the Devil is great but I like Tom Petty’s and the Counting Crows’ version much more. Very little diversity in the sound.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Musically, I really liked it. At various points, I like her voice. Then there's the vast majority where it's just too high. I like to listen to music loudly. This was painful. The music keeps it from being a 1 star.
King Crimson
2/5
I liked portions of this, but the wind chimes, fly buzzing, and paper tearing was a bit much. 2 stars.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
Enjoyed this one. Between 3 and 4 stars.
Prince
2/5
Very lengthy songs. Gets a little too weird for me, but you can hear the talent. "Free" was the standout to me.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I liked it. I was leaning towards a 3 after the first listen, but after the second listen, I think it's a 4. I didn't think there was a ton of variation to their sound, but I think that can be attributed to Fogerty's voice, which I like. But, there isn't a ton of range.
4/5
I liked how the concert was broken up. I preferred the second part, but it’s amazing what Dylan could do solo.
Jungle Brothers
2/5
It was ok. A little too long of an album where it all kind of sounds the same. I was ready for this one to be done. 2 stars.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Songs follow a pretty similar pattern: start slowly, pick up, end abruptly. Her voice is great. The orchestra is great. Normally to give 4 stars, I would want to listen to it again, which I don't really want to, but I think this is 4 star territory. I didn't dislike any song, and it does have a massive hit.
Louis Prima
4/5
2 songs that virtually everyone has heard. The rest was pretty entertaining. Don’t care to listen to more, but it’s still 4 stars.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
It was ok.
Frank Black
2/5
Too long. Some positive moments. Mostly chaotic. 2 stars.
Kraftwerk
2/5
I feel like it’s the same with these electronica albums. There are some good moments, but I really can’t wait for them to end. 2 stars
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Very interesting. 3 stars
Le Tigre
1/5
I think there’s almost always some redeeming traits in any kind of music. This album tested that. Vocals are terrible. Instruments at times are ok. This is just bad music though. 1 star.
MGMT
4/5
Surprisingly really good. When I see Electronica, I immediately get frustrated. This is much different than some of the other Electronica albums. You can hear instruments mixed with the sounds. Their voices work very well together. 4.5 stars
Ray Price
2/5
Ok. Starts slowly, but gets to classic country. 2-3 stars.
Scritti Politti
1/5
Awful
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
A couple big hits, but the rest is just ok
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Band on the Run alone gets this close to a 4. Really good album.
MC Solaar
3/5
Sounded like normal 90s rap. Couldn’t understand a word.
Q-Tip
2/5
Everything sounds the same. Not impressed. 2 stars
Arcade Fire
3/5
Not bad, but they have better stuff.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Another ok album.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Big three and the rest. Still 4 stars.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Really enjoyed this one
The Verve
3/5
Massive hit. Some pretty good songs. But drags on
Happy Mondays
2/5
Not a fan
Simply Red
2/5
Maybe a track at a time is bearable. Listening to this as an album is terrible.
The Kinks
4/5
Sounds like the Beatles
Taylor Swift
3/5
Better than TTPD but most songs sound more or less the same.
Sex Pistols
4/5
3 stars for my enjoyment. 5 stars for its impact.
Bob Dylan
5/5
I know Bob Dylan can be somewhat divisive, but this was a great listen.
Hugh Masekela
2/5
Jazz just isn't for me.
Animal Collective
2/5
Couldn’t really get into it. 2 stars
Steely Dan
4/5
Very good album. Saw others compare them to the Eagles, and it’s an apt comparison. Very easy listening. Solid 4 stars.
Neil Young
5/5
Worst song is the title track. Really good from start to finish
Peter Gabriel
4/5
It’s absolutely all over the place, but there really aren’t any bad songs.
Tom Waits
3/5
Between a 3 and 4. Definitely weird
50 Cent
5/5
This isn’t Sgt. Pepper’s, but for what it is and supposed to be, it’s 5 stars. Nostalgia plays a factor.
The Smiths
4/5
Every song had a way to pull you back in before changing it. At times this felt like a 3 while others it felt like a 5.
The Undertones
3/5
Not bad
Steve Winwood
2/5
Ok.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Like others, I feel like Respect carries the album.
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
Fairly indifferent but some many artists sampled this
Brian Eno
4/5
Second Brian Zeno. Second 4 stars. Close to a 5. Really fun listen. Normally not a fan of experimental stuff
GZA
4/5
Enjoyed this. 4 stars
Massive Attack
2/5
Not a fan
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
The Message saves this album
Lou Reed
4/5
Very solid album
Finley Quaye
2/5
Just couldn't get into it.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Not good
Kraftwerk
2/5
Not my thing
Neil Young
5/5
Heart of Gold and Old Man alone makes this a 4 star album. NY solo is much better than CSNY and Crazy Horse.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Couple standouts but nothing special
The Hives
3/5
It’s fine
Taylor Swift
3/5
Too long. Would be 5 stars without some filler songs.
Don McLean
3/5
All downhill after American Pie, but American Pie keeps it at a 3
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
I wanted to like this but it’s new wave and not good.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Top 10 album of all time? It’s ok. I do get the timeless appeal of her voice, but I have no desire to listen to it again.
4/5
Very good. Not a huge U2 fan, but it’s hard to go lower than this.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Not a Q Tip fan but this fine otherwise.
John Lennon
2/5
Sum of the Beatles seems better than its parts. 2 stars. Was ready for it to end.
Nick Drake
3/5
Songs are too similar. 2.5 rounded up
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4/5
Miles Davis
2/5
I guess it's good. 2 stars.
Boards of Canada
2/5
There are some redeeming qualities, but not many.
Paul Simon
3/5
Not bad, not great
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
Another album that is too long. Lose a couple songs and this is 4 stars.
Ride
2/5
Just noise
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Didn’t have to listen (but I did). About the easiest 5 yet
Johnny Cash
4/5
Suede
2/5
Not good
The B-52's
4/5
Very surprised. Really fun listen.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Not my thing
Van Morrison
3/5
Fine enough. 3 stars?
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Not good
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Much better than I thought it would be. Between 3 and 4 stars. Rounding up.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
2-3 stars.
Bert Jansch
2/5
Boring
The Clash
4/5
Good not great. 3-4 stars. Rounded up.
The xx
2/5
Don’t get the inclusion of some albums. This is one. 2 stars
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
The last album I questioned why some of these albums are on here. Not this one. Easy 5 stars.
Hot Chip
2/5
Not as bad as I thought it would be, but the overly electronica songs are too much. 2 stars.
Rush
5/5
This was great. The first track isn’t one song. It’s clearly multiple songs when you listen.
The Stooges
2/5
I seem to be in the minority. Not enjoyable. 2 stars
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Eh. It was ok. 2.5 stars. Rounding up
The Human League
4/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
King Crimson
4/5
Much better than the other one (Aspics). Seems less prog, still lengthy songs, but better instrumentation.
Coldplay
3/5
Michael Jackson
5/5
Horrible person but this is a great album. This is my favorite MJ album so far. I like it more than Thriller or Off the Wall. Favorite track Dirty Diana.
The White Stripes
5/5
I’m very biased towards anything Jack White does. 5 stars.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Started out ok. Got tiresome the more I listened.
Coldplay
3/5
Better than their second album. To me they’re a blend of U2 and Radiohead. At times, it’s great. Other times, it’s what you would expect from a U2/Radiohead baby.
Love
2/5
It’s not terrible. It’s just ok. Standout might be She Comes in Colors. There’s some Stones, Doors, Queen sound to the album, just couldn’t put it together like those bands.
Pixies
4/5
Close to 4 stars. Some songs were great.
Iron Maiden
3/5
I don’t know. Ok
Air
1/5
Terrible. DNF. 1 star
Massive Attack
1/5
Another DNF.
John Prine
5/5
Phenomenal. 5 stars. Lyrically extremely underrated. Paradise is best track.
3/5
Was expecting more. Not sure why. 2-3 stars.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
As others have said, you need to be in a certain mood when listening to this. Present mood would be 2-3. Right mood 3-4.
Pixies
3/5
5 stars for its impact. 2.5 stars for my enjoyment.
Killing Joke
2/5
Not great. Felt like noise. Can hear a little Pink Floyd, maybe Billy Idol, Tool, but the worst parts.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Heard this one before. Cool album.
Yes
3/5
Has its moments but an odd mix of songs. 3
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Some strong songs.
Ray Charles
3/5
Three is more my enjoyment. Talent and impact is much higher.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Great voice but utilized terribly
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Good but too long
Radiohead
4/5
Much, much better than In Rainbows and Amnesiac. My opinion of Radiohead would be very different if I heard this first.
The Who
4/5
Really fun listen.
Soundgarden
4/5
Classic grunge album. A not too long but the standouts make it worth it. Black Hole Sun aged well
1/5
I thought I would like the shorter jazz pieces, but this just sounds like chaos. Did not finish. 1 star.
Tito Puente
2/5
Not my thing. Each song sounds pretty similar.
2/5
I wanted to like this more.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Good not great
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
Not my thing
Donovan
3/5
Couple good songs. Was originally thinking a 2, but giving it a 3
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
My My, Hey Hey (both versions) plus Powderfinger makes this a 5.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Some decent to good songs, but, by the end, I just wanted it to end.
The Associates
2/5
Some good moments, but another album that I just wanted to end.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
Good length. Solid standouts. 4 stars
Lauryn Hill
3/5
Songs are way too long. Feel like this is an overrated album. 3 stars is stretching it
Björk
2/5
Not quite 1 star territory but can’t give it more than 2
Sam Cooke
4/5
Enjoyable. Most songs sound the same but good. 3.5 rounding up.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Probably a little too long, so I'll ding it a bit to a 4.5, but a couple standouts to me are Zero, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, and Porcelina.
Kelela
2/5
Barely gets out of 1 star territory. Just barely.
Björk
2/5
Not good. Don’t know that I needed two Bjork albums in a week and three in this list.
Talking Heads
4/5
Just outside of reaching 5 stars.
4/5
Fun listen. Very Beatles-esque
Billy Bragg
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Not quite 5 stars but close.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Stop is probably the best song but lesser known than Been Caught Stealing.
Kanye West
5/5
Start to finish, great album.
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
Fine enough, I guess
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Good but not as good as Stinky Fingers. Low to mid 4 stars.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Very generic. Nothing special.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
3-4 stars. Some big hits but most songs sound more or less the same.
Cornershop
2/5
Got half way through and didn’t want to listen anymore.
Peter Tosh
4/5
As others have said, with a cooler of beer on a beach in the Caribbean, easily a 5. Overall though, it’s a 3. Averaging those out, it’s a 4
OutKast
3/5
Speakerboxxx 4 stars, Love Below 2 stars. 3 average.
The Residents
2/5
I have no idea what I listened to. I kind of liked it. I think. I can see where some later bands could’ve been influenced by their sound with less of their weirdness.
Queen
4/5
Only familiar song is Killer Queen which is an all time great. Album can get a little theatrical at times, which is somewhat expected, but it did detract to my listening pleasure. This is probably a 4.25 to 4.5.
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
Forgettable. It wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t care to listen to it again.
Portishead
2/5
Not good.
Antony and the Johnsons
2/5
Depeche Mode
3/5
This is what I think of when someone says 80s music.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Where you listen to this can have a major impact on the rating. Like the last reggae album, this would be much better on a beach than driving in traffic. That being said, this is right in the 3-4 range.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
I really enjoyed this. The songs are probably a bit too long, but the last 1:00 to 1:30 of basically every song is fantastic.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Red Rain is best track IMO.
Bee Gees
2/5
Very forgettable, but not at all what I was expecting.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I know some say this is the Stones’ best album, but that honor, to me, goes to Sticky Fingers. This a very good album though.
Joy Division
2/5
Not a post punk fan
Carole King
3/5
Not bad but very similar sounding songs. I get why it’s on the list, but this is a 3 star for me.
George Harrison
3/5
A fine album but underwhelming
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Between 2 and 3 stars. Couple solid songs.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Some ok-ish moments, but I have no clue why this is on the list.
Bob Dylan
5/5
If you’ve already made up your mind on Dylan, this album probably won’t change your mind even though it’s phenomenal. Yes, there’s a great deal of harmonica. Yes, his voice is nasally. 5 stars.
Arcade Fire
5/5
Arrangements are great. Favorite track: Intervention. This is one where I wish I could give half ratings. 4.5 rounded up
Blue Cheer
3/5
Bridge between genres
Soul II Soul
2/5
Whole lotta skips. Not terrible enough for a 1 star. But close.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
2/5
Jazz isn’t for me
Bob Dylan
4/5
Like a Rolling Stone and Desolation Row are the standouts. The middle isn't quite as good as Blonde on Blonde. Still a 4 star album.
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
Not absolutely horrible, but not worth listening to. Barely 2 stars.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Some good moments. Can’t give it more than a 3 though.
The Cure
4/5
Felt like this could’ve been so much more. 3.5 rounding up.
N.E.R.D
3/5
Not a Pharrell fan but this is better than his solo stuff
Kings of Leon
4/5
Did not think I would enjoy this one, but someone described this as being Southern Strokes, which is fitting. 4 stars.
Nas
3/5
I was excited for this one, but I was disappointed. He’s definitely one the best rappers, but I felt the beats were bad.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Thought this was headed for 4 stars, but the album got worse the longer it went.
The Cramps
3/5
Ok album. Didn't know I heard Fever (The Hangover).
John Coltrane
4/5
Only jazz album I’ve heard that I didn’t want to skip through. Still didn’t love it, but 4 stars.
Cream
3/5
It was ok. I thought I would like it more. 3 stars.
The Fall
4/5
Liked it. Much more so than the reviews led me to believe I would.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Very good. Not quite 5 stars, but an unexpected 4
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Her voice is great and fits the varied song styles. Production was great. I just don’t feel the need to listen again.
Beatles
3/5
Not nearly as good as Sgt Peppers.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Good not great.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
Snippets of songs aren’t bad. Collectively, this is bad.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Probably 3.5. It wasn’t great, but I would look forward to other albums.
The Auteurs
3/5
Not terrible. Most songs sound the same though. 2.5 stars.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
Nothing groundbreaking or critically acclaimed here, but it was a fun listen. Was close to giving it a 4, but it was too long.
Beatles
4/5
Too long. Take the best 12-14 songs and it’s 5 stars.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Mostly noise and not a fan of the vocals. Probably 2 stars.
Orange Juice
3/5
Started and ended fairly well. Not so much in the middle, but as a whole, the album was pretty good.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Strong album. Adam Raised a Cain is my favorite track off the album.
4/5
I liked a good bit of this, but at other times I forgot it was on. Even when it ended, I didn’t realize it. 3-4 stars. Rounding up to 4
Fela Kuti
4/5
Very entertaining
Fishbone
3/5
Ok. Very diverse though.
DJ Shadow
3/5
Better than I thought it would. I understand why it’s on the list. Don’t want to listen to more though.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
The longer the album went on, the lower the score got.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Much better than Crocodiles.
James Taylor
4/5
Fire and Rain -5 stars. Rest was easy listening.
Deep Purple
4/5
Much harder than I expected. More prog rock than I expected. Granted, only song I feel I’ve heard is Smoke on the Water
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
At times this reminded me of bands like Queen and Led Zeppelin. Other times, it felt kind of like a concept album. In between, there was a gang bang. Anyone that gave it 1, I get it. Like wise for anyone that gave it a 5. I’m in the middle.
Brian Eno
3/5
I’ve liked everything from Brian Eno up to now. Not sure what this is. It’s not terrible, but I can say it’s good, either.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
2 major hits. The rest was ok, but solid debut album. Much bigger things to come.
Radiohead
2/5
A couple songs were pretty good. A couple bearable. The rest - trash.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Very interesting. It kind of gets repetitive and lengthy. 3-4 stars. I've been rounding these up, so it gets a 4.
Beck
4/5
Much different, in a very good way, than I was expecting. More guitar, less electronica. Dinged it as the songs sound fairly similar which is understandable based on the influence on the album.
The Prodigy
2/5
For some reason, I thought this was going to be a hard rock album. Like most of the albums on this list, there are some redeeming qualities. There aren't many on this.
Neil Young
3/5
Fine album. Didn't like it nearly as much as others like Harvest and After the Gold Rush.
Metallica
5/5
Metallica is a heavy metal jam band. 9 songs, 65 minutes. Long, winding solos. 5 stars.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Rolling Stones meets David Byrne meets David Bowie.
David Ackles
2/5
Plays very much like a musical. Ok at times. Gets old though.
Wilco
4/5
Album is definitely too long, but there are great tracks on it. I still can't believe that Uncle Tupelo's No Depression isn't on this list. Without Uncle Tupelo, there would be no Wilco (or Son Volt) or many other bands. They literally created a new genre of music.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I understand why it’s here. Probably not the best thing to listen to at the gym. I wouldn’t seek this out, but it’s good.
Green Day
5/5
Great album. One of the best of the 90s. Owned this on CD. Surprised that I still enjoy it today. 5 stars.
Sparks
5/5
Didn’t know what to expect from the album cover, but this is really good. Russell’s range is incredible. Very fun listen.
Ryan Adams
4/5
This is great. I get not liking the person, but the music is excellent.
The Doors
4/5
2 massive hits. Very solid.
Eagles
4/5
Mixed bag here. Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane are 5 stars. The rest is fairly mediocre. I can't give it less than 4, though.
AC/DC
4/5
Most songs sound the same, but there’s so many big songs that I can’t give it less than 4 stars.
The Zutons
3/5
Ok. Nothing special though. Unsure why this made the cut. Sax does add a slightly different element.
The Smiths
4/5
Not sure if this is their best album but another solid album. 4 stars.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Not bad for what it is, but too synthy for me
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I guess it’s fine for what it is. Doesn’t do much for me.
The Killers
5/5
Easy 5 stars for me. It does lose some steam towards the end but ends with a strong song.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Very good. Not quite 5 stars.
Femi Kuti
4/5
Pretty good. Kind of lengthy and at times I almost forgot it was on. 3-4 stars.
Minutemen
3/5
Not sure what to think about this one. At times, I really liked it. Others, it was just noise.
Jack White
5/5
5 stars. Great album.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Did not listen to much. Way too long. Not a jazz fan.
Fugees
3/5
Couple really good songs. The rest is generic. Overrated album like Miseducation.
The Doors
3/5
Started out well but fizzled out down the stretch.
R.E.M.
4/5
Solid album. Favorite tracks: Drive and Man on the Moon. Least favorite: Star Me Kitten.
David Bowie
5/5
Great album. First Bowie album listened to in its entirety. Favorite songs: Life on Mars?, Bewlay Brothers, Changes (in that order). Least favorite Kooks. 5 stars.
Pulp
3/5
This is fine. Fairly generic sound.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Better than expected. Don’t love her falsetto. Most songs sounded more or less the same. Raised on Robbery best song
Megadeth
2/5
Not good. Some cool guitar riffs, but I wouldn’t listen to this again. 2 stars
Dolly Parton
3/5
Voices mesh well together. I didn’t love the album but didn’t hate it either.
David Bowie
3/5
This was very hit and miss. First part of the album was quite bad. Final three songs were better. Still not great.
Big Black
1/5
Terrible album. Calling it noise is an insult to noise. I thought a 1 star was too harsh, but after a little more contemplation, this is a 1 star album. I really hope there isn’t another Big Black album on this list.
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
There are probably 1000 more deserving albums from 2018 to put on this list.
Steely Dan
3/5
Didn’t enjoy this as much as Can’t Buy a Thrill. I was initially thinking 2, but it’s an average album
Public Enemy
3/5
Didn’t sound angry to me. Didn’t love it but didn’t hate it.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
Music from a simpler time. Haha. Nothing special here. 2.5 rounding up for only being 27ish mins.
Scott Walker
2/5
Wears on you as it goes on. I got really tired of his voice. Not to say it’s bad, it just gets very showtune-sy
Supertramp
3/5
Not bad. Another one of those albums that's probably better in small chunks. Best tracks are Bloody Well Right and Crime of the Century. 3 stars.
Kanye West
3/5
Blood on the Leaves and Bound 2 best songs. Not nearly as good as other albums.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
There’s nothing really bad about this album. I just didn’t enjoy it. I get why it’s on the list, but there wasn’t enough for me to enjoy.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I struggled with this one. I really like Bob Dylan even though his voice isn’t great. Stuck between 3 and 4. I’ve been rounding up through this whole thing.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
I was really concerned when I saw 4 songs and over 40 mins. This didn’t feel quite that long, and had some good moments, but I feel like a 3.
Heaven 17
2/5
Not a fan. Not as bad as I thought it would be but not good.
The Band
3/5
Didn’t enjoy as much as I thought I would. Seems to be missing something. Hard to explain, but I compare it to Levon Helms’ The Mountain. There seems to be something missing from The Band that Levon could capture solo.
Stan Getz
2/5
It all sounds the same. Better than other jazz albums though.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
I struggled with this one. Impact is probably a 5. My enjoyment closer to a 3. I did appreciate his guitar skills and can see how he influenced future guitarists.
Supergrass
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Best tracks: the well-known Alright and Strange Ones. None that I particularly didn’t like.
The Darkness
4/5
First listen, the falsetto was too much. Second listen, I feel like I understood what the album was about. 4 stars.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Incredible album. Favorite song is Babe I’m Gonna Leave You. Least favorite, but still good, heavy blues influenced songs You Shook Me and Can’t Quit You Baby.
Sonic Youth
2/5
I normally try to get through an album. This one is bad. I think this is the third Sonic Youth album so far, and it’s probably the worst.
The Byrds
3/5
Didn’t love this.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Not at all what I was expecting.
The Byrds
5/5
2nd Byrds album in three days. Definitely in the minority here. Loved this. Solid country gold. Much better than 5th Dimension.
UB40
3/5
Can only listen to so much. Not terrible but I feel you need to be in the mood to want to listen to an entire album.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Just recently got into Arcade Fire. This album is solid. I think Neon Bible is better. It’s definitely not for everyone though.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Can’t really give it less than a 3, and while I appreciate the music, it just isn’t for me.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
Not good.
Germs
2/5
The War On Drugs
3/5
I really wanted to like this more. The final track shows the potential.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Curious to my thoughts after I listen to Rumours. This album was fine.
Saint Etienne
2/5
Entirely too long. Wasn’t horrible but not good.
New Order
3/5
First track is the worst. The rest is enjoyable. Nothing groundbreaking.
Van Halen
4/5
First four tracks really set the stage. Can’t give this less than 4 stars.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
Pretty bad. I was somewhat encouraged early on, but it’s just not good.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Yacht rock. Bad at that. Not sure how it has a 3 average. 2 is being generous.
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
Wasn’t expecting much and it was worse than expected. Some kind of weird blend of hard rock and techno/electronica. Best songs are instrumentals and Hurt.
Ananda Shankar
4/5
Had very low expectations, but thought this was a good listen. I don’t normally like instrumental albums, but this felt different.
Various Artists
3/5
For a Christmas album, probably about as good as it gets.
Deep Purple
3/5
Entirely too long. This is absolutely an album for DP fans. There are good moments, but far too many “Why is this song still going?” moments. 3 stars.
Nick Drake
4/5
Very easy listening. Arrangements were simple, but extremely effective. 28 minutes pushes this to a 4.
Aphex Twin
3/5
Too long, didn’t listen to all. Giving it a 3 to move on.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Much better than I expected though it isn’t something I would seek out. 3 stars (I understand how some could give it 5, but I’m basing my ratings off my enjoyment).
Radiohead
2/5
So far post-OK Computer = garbage. 2 stars, barely.
Def Leppard
4/5
Listening to this after Radiohead was a breath of fresh air. I did get tired of it towards the end. 3.5 stars rounding up.
Sheryl Crow
2/5
Some of this is pretty good. Some is absolutely terrible.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Just ok. Nothing really stood out.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Don’t need to say much.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Pleasantly surprised. I think it does lose a little steam towards the end, but this is a solid 4 for me.
The Mars Volta
2/5
Background music. Forgot it was on
Elliott Smith
2/5
This just isn’t that good. I get some people have an emotional connection, and, while his death is tragic, I just don’t get the high ratings.
Madonna
2/5
I guess it could’ve been worse. Not sure why this one is here. Pretty generic early 2000s pop.
The Who
3/5
Feels weird to give this a 3, but there isn’t much greatness here. You can hear where they’re going though
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
I know it’s alluded to in the title, but this is ridiculously long. I’m not listening to all of this.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Don’t know that it can be less than 4 stars. Ding it slightly because it is very long and loses some quality.
Koffi Olomide
2/5
Not for me. Also too long. 2 stars
Bauhaus
3/5
Listened to it twice. Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it. Almost background music to me. 3 stars
The Police
4/5
Solid album. Murder by Numbers favorite. Not sure where or how Mother made it on here.
Joy Division
4/5
Really liked this. Didn’t like Closer. Seems like a bridge from punk to bands like The Cure and The Smiths.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Did not enjoy this one as much as the first album I had from them.
Ice T
4/5
Much better than I thought it would be. Solid 4 stars.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Don’t love The Beach Boys but hard to give this less than 4
Anita Baker
2/5
Tried to listen to it, and I couldn't do it. Her voice is fine, I guess.
Spacemen 3
3/5
Not as bad as I thought it would be. Was expecting something unlistenable. 2.5 stars rounding up.
Pulp
2/5
Not sure why this highly rated. Oasis and Blur are much better. 2 stars.
Beck
3/5
Ok. I guess. There's a couple songs that are still somewhat known. Saw Beck live, and his acoustic stuff is much better. 3 stars.
Incredible Bongo Band
2/5
If you’re into bongos, this is for you. I’m not. 2 stars.
Miriam Makeba
2/5
I don’t get the high ratings. It was fine. For what it is, maybe it’s great. I don’t know. 2-3 stars.
Pixies
4/5
Pixies > Sonic Youth. I listened to this album 3 times, so I clearly don’t hate it. That being said, I don’t think it’s amazing. Probably 3.5 stars.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Can’t understand less than 4 stars. Perfect a reggae album.
Kid Rock
3/5
I thought I’d give this a higher rating. Outside of the big songs, the rest aren’t good.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Booooooorrrrrrrriiiiiiiggggggg.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Really enjoyed this.
Beatles
3/5
Good in spots. Bad in spots. Potential is there.
Deep Purple
3/5
Not great, but enjoyable.
The White Stripes
5/5
Basically anything Jack White does is a 5 for me. This is no exception. Some are probably tired of hearing Seven Nation Army, but it’s still played at every sporting event today.
The Triffids
2/5
Wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but it’s too long and boring
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Couldn’t get through it. Musically, it wasn’t terrible, but adding the vocals to it makes it nearly unlistenable.
Sigur Rós
2/5
I thought I had the wrong album after reading the reviews. This is not the least bit interesting to me. I didn’t absolutely hate it, but 2 stars is generous.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
This was a pleasant listen. Nothing earth shattering instrumentally or vocally, but a decent listen. 3 stars seems fair.
Gene Clark
3/5
Better than the reviews. Nothing special. I really enjoyed The Byrds country album, but this falls short of that.
The Cult
3/5
I feel this is fairly rated. Nothing special but no skips.
Adele
3/5
I appreciated the varied musical arrangements, and she’s got a great voice, but I just don’t care for it. 3
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Not terrible. Probably in the 2-2.5 star range but bumping up for its brevity.
Calexico
3/5
Started strong. Finished weakly. So much potential.
Muddy Waters
3/5
I don’t really care for the blues but I understand the importance.
3/5
I expected this to be much worse. The 1 stars a bit harsh. I think 2.5 is closer. Rounding up.
Travis
2/5
Really bad. Not quite 1 star, but close.
George Michael
3/5
Was expecting more along the lines of Faith, but I guess it's not too bad. Nothing about it though says it's a "must listen." 2.5 stars.
The Black Keys
3/5
I’ve never listened to a Black Keys album all the way through before, and while they have some good songs, every song pretty much sounds the same. I was hoping to like this more. 2.5 stars.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Eh. Not terrible. Wouldn’t care if I saw another Mike Ladd album but wouldn’t dread it either. 2.5
The Dictators
3/5
Quick listen. Classic punk. 3 stars.
Baaba Maal
3/5
Another not good, not bad. Most of the songs sound the same. Another 2.5
Eric Clapton
3/5
Fine listen. For people rating this poorly because they think Eric Clapton is a bad person, I hope they are consistent. A large number of artists on this list are/were shitty people.
Deerhunter
2/5
I’ve heard much worse on this list, but this isn’t good.
The Charlatans
2/5
Sounds like Diet Oasis. Nothing remarkable. 2 stars.
ABBA
2/5
The album is fine. Not for me.
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
Enjoyed it. Nothing amazing but a good album.
Iron Butterfly
2/5
I was excited to see 6 songs and 36 minutes. My excitement disappeared seeing the tile track was over 16 mins. I did not enjoy this one.
Peter Frampton
4/5
I thought this was solid. Never felt the need to skip. Didn’t feel like it was dragging on like some live albums (like Deep Purple.
The Only Ones
3/5
I didn’t hate it. Listened through it without skipping any songs. Vocals are a bit tough at times. 2.5 stars.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Tempted to give this a 5 to balance out the 1 star reviews. If you gave this a 1, you haven’t listened to enough on this list.
Talvin Singh
1/5
Yeah, don't know that I needed to hear this one. I'm not an electronica fan at all, and this didn't help. I couldn't finish it. I hate giving 1 stars, but this is a 1 star album for me.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Not good. I give slight bumps in ratings if the album is shorter. The brevity keeps it from being a 1.
David Bowie
4/5
Strong finish to the album. Absolutely some solid songs. Really liked How Does the Grass Grow? and (You Will) Set the World on the Fire. 3.5 rounding up.
Stereolab
1/5
This is terrible. Got half way through it. 1 star.
Wilco
3/5
Was pretty boring. No “bad” songs. 3 stars.
Paul Simon
2/5
Boring. Nothing necessarily terrible. Just not worth listening to. Been a slog of about 6 weeks.
Ministry
2/5
This wasn’t good but it was refreshing to listen to after a really bad stretch of albums. I’m only giving it 2 stars because, again, it’s not very good, but in the moment it was a 5.
3/5
I thought this was a fun listen. Definitely the sound of the 80s.
Queen Latifah
1/5
Awful
The Young Gods
4/5
Billy Idol meets Def Leppard meets Leonard Cohen meets Jacques Brel with a little Rob Zombie thrown in. Didn't understand anything other than the words L'Eau Rouge. Surprise 4 star.
The Incredible String Band
3/5
Another one that is getting killed that really shouldn't be. Is this amazing? No. Is it terrible? No. All of the 1 star reviews must be new to this thing. There are some really, really bad albums. This wasn't one of them. That being said, it's not good, per se. 2.5
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
This is better than the first MSP, but I don’t get it. It should be right up my alley, but it isn’t. 2.5
Elbow
2/5
Really not good. 2 stars
Muddy Waters
4/5
Not a blues fan, but this close to a 5. Instrumentals are great. Sounds like a live album.
De La Soul
3/5
This was fine. Better than a good bit of the late 80s hip hop. 3 stars.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Classic 80s but entertaining.
ZZ Top
3/5
Not my favorite, but it has some classics.
Nitin Sawhney
2/5
No idea what this is. I sort of liked one of the songs, can’t remember the song, which is why it isn’t a 1.
Dire Straits
4/5
This is a tough one. Sultans of Swing is a massive hit. I really liked In the Gallery. No bad songs really. 4 stars.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Her voice is really good at times, and others not so much. Interesting in how live albums used to be recorded. I like it. A good bit of people don’t. I give a bump for brevity.
D'Angelo
1/5
I don't get it. Every song is 2-3 minutes too long. His voice is fine, but most of the songs are just him doing his best Michael Jackson impersonation. I hate giving 1 stars, but this is about as bad as it gets. Would be a 2 if the songs weren't 5-6 minutes each.
Ice Cube
2/5
Early 90s rap is not great.
David Bowie
4/5
Back half gets a little weird, but it’s Bowie. Still a solid album. 4 stars.
Roxy Music
4/5
Bowie-esque. I liked it. Starts off very weird, but I listened to it twice. In that 3.5-4 range.
LL Cool J
2/5
Another late 80s, early 90s rap that just isn’t good. Title track keeps this from being a 1 star.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
First part of the album is ok. The rest isn’t. 2 stars.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Her voice isn’t bad, but this album is nothing but skips.
The Who
3/5
I thought this was pretty good. The commercials didn’t really seem that distracting plus it has ties to the radio scene historically in London. 3 stars. Can start to hear their sound changing.
Maxwell
2/5
Not terrible but not my thing. Was going to give it 3 stars, but the songs are too long.
John Lennon
3/5
Nothing special but a decent listen.
The Kinks
4/5
Strong 4 stars for me. I’m starting to think I might like the Kinks more than the Beatles.
Traffic
4/5
Falls in that 3 star range. Being just 40 mins gets a little bump to 3.5. Rounding up.
The Jam
3/5
Between 3 and 4, but lower 3.
Talking Heads
3/5
Wanted this to be so much more.
Pere Ubu
2/5
Not great, but I like the energy
808 State
2/5
Every song is too long. I’m not listening to an hour of spoons tapping a glass mixed with bass. 2 stars because it isn’t complete garbage.
3/5
Pretty good. Nothing crazy. Couple songs still played today, so it has some staying power.
Pavement
4/5
Listened to it twice. Saw comparisons to other bands from that era like Sonic Youth, but this was much better. Couple throwaway songs but in that 3.5 range.
Parliament
4/5
Good stuff. I didn’t realize I liked funk or maybe it’s just Parliament.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Easy listening. Not great, not bad.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Very bad. Couldn’t finish it.
Beck
3/5
Solid. Not great. There’s some weird stuff here, but his acoustic guitar songs always stand out to me.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Not for me at all
Kate Bush
4/5
Jig of Life is right there with Running Up That Hill. Pushed it to 4 stars.
The Damned
3/5
Started strong but fell off. 3 stars
Spiritualized
3/5
Significantly better than I thought it would be. Borderline 4 stars, but a 17 minute finishing track that isn’t phenomenal keeps it at 3.
Al Green
4/5
Pretty good. Not something I generally like. In that 3-4 range, but gets bumped to 4 because it’s only 30ish minutes.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Solid album. Seemed to be a little more mellow grunge.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
I like some of the odd stuff, but this just isn’t good. It’s like he was going for Bowie but failed miserably.
Janet Jackson
2/5
Her voice is great but this album does nothing for me.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Need to be in the right mood as this is quite mellow, but I think it’s a solid album. Arrangements are great. His voice is more talking than singing, but it works.
Steve Earle
3/5
Not bad. It’s not Galway Girl for sure, but none of the songs terrible.
Kate Bush
3/5
This was a fine album. No major hits like Running Up That Hill, though. 3 stars. Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it
Queen
4/5
Couple bangers. Couple awful songs. And some in between. Bangers keep it at a 4.
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
Nope. Not good. Not quite a 1 star though.
The Band
3/5
There’s just something missing about the Band. They’re great musicians as judged by their long careers, but the music seems to be lacking energy/emotion. The Weight is an all time great though.
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
Every song sounds pretty much the same. 2 might be harsh, but there was nothing to keep me listening.
Joan Baez
2/5
Don’t like her singing style. Like the guitar playing.
Emmylou Harris
4/5
Her voice is incredible. Not my style of country, but, for what it is, 4 stars.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Started off fairly strong. Production is solid but should be expected with Timbaland. It fell off a steep cliff though despite Timbaland’s best efforts.
Hawkwind
3/5
Way too long but good moments.
The Monks
1/5
Not good at all. Cool story. Terrible album.
Paul Weller
3/5
Forgettable but not bad.
Nirvana
2/5
The three hits are leaps and bounds better than the rest of the album. Those three aren’t even all that great. I really didn’t like this album.
Korn
2/5
Too long and not good. Couple songs aren’t horrible. 2
James Brown
3/5
Can’t say this is bad, I just thought it was fine.
Living Colour
3/5
Cult of Personality is great. Rest of album is pretty good.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Pretty generic rock. It’s easy to listen to, and the first few tracks are solid.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Maybe their best album or possibly their not quite as bad album?
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Much better than I thought it would be. Fun listen. Kind of feels a little like Queen.
Can
4/5
Very solid. I understand why it could be influential.
Mekons
3/5
Not great, not bad.
CHIC
3/5
Didn’t hate this as much as I thought I would.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Not good. Of the 6 songs, you have a spoken 8 mins and another is 17 mins. 1 is too harsh, but most songs sound the same, which isn’t good.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Couple really good songs. Some really bad songs. Tough rating but probably around 3.5.
Eminem
4/5
I thought this would be a 5. There are too many skits and too many songs that just didn’t feel the same when I first heard the album. Still a 4 though as there are some solid songs and it launched his career.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
I actually thought this would be a 3 or 4, but the longer I listened, the worse it got.
Frank Ocean
3/5
This album is schizophrenic. So many different genres blending together. It's not necessarily bad, but I didn't really care for it.
The Byrds
2/5
I really liked the country album that came after this, and their early stuff is better. You can hear the older stuff along with the country, but this isn't good.
2/5
Another album where I have no idea why it’s on this list. 2 stars is generous.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
This just doesn’t resonate with me. It’s not a rap thing. I like Biggie, Tupac, Em, and on and on. I don’t know if it’s the sound of his voice or the choppiness.
Roxy Music
3/5
2nd half of album much better.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Generic 90s rock. It’s not bad though.
The Stooges
2/5
Didn’t love it. Only thought 1 song was decent.
XTC
3/5
Best song is last song. The album flows very well as others have noted. It’s just not a great album, but there really aren’t any bad songs.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
This was a great listen. Stagger Lee is worth the price of admission alone. Death is not the End is great as well.
Sepultura
2/5
For metal, maybe it’s good. I don’t know. Painful to listen to. 2 is generous.
Slipknot
2/5
I wanted to like this, but just don’t. Another one that isn’t quite 1 star but isn’t too far from it. It’s a shame as Corey Taylor has a great voice, but it’s completely wasted with Slipknot.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Enjoyed this one.
John Martyn
3/5
Super generic but not bad.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Only debate is if this is a 4 or 5 star album. Some massive singles. No bad songs.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
4/5
Always thought this would yacht rock. I enjoyed it. 3.5-4 stars.
Moby
3/5
Album is too long. The songs are too long. I could see this being a 4 but I was ready for it to end.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
All over the place. Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it. 3, I guess.
Lou Reed
4/5
Back half solid. Caroline songs are the atandouts.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Listened to it twice. At times, I thought it would be a 4. Something missing. Could be vocals. Could be that Don’t is really terrible.
Big Star
2/5
Not enjoyable. Not quite a 1, but I can't fathom how anyone gave this a 5.
The Stone Roses
2/5
Not very good. Too long and boring. 2
Rod Stewart
4/5
Much better than anticipated. I expected more ballad-type songs. I understand some may not like his voice, but I thought it worked on this album. Not really any throwaway songs.
Tina Turner
4/5
Did not expect this at all.
Van Morrison
4/5
Does it get better than Caravan? Overall, very solid album.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Third Echo and the Bunnymen album, and the third different rating.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
You hear their influence in so many bands from the 90s-today.
Miles Davis
3/5
I don’t get it.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
I think adding Young to the mix was a good idea. Still seems kind of bland.
Brian Wilson
2/5
Not a Beach Boys fan and this just The Beach Boys in the 2000s.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Fine but boring.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Tamer than I expected.
The Monkees
3/5
Surprisingly not terrible.
The Style Council
2/5
No idea what this was. It’s all over the place. Some of it isn’t bad, but as a whole, this is bad.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Another fine album. Not sure I can give it more than 3 stars.
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
Really liked this.
Tom Tom Club
3/5
About as weird as I thought it would be. Not necessarily bad though. Some interesting music but still can’t give it more than a 3.
Marty Robbins
4/5
Great storytelling. Not too long of an album, so that gets a +.5 for me. Probably 3.5, rounding up.
Ray Charles
3/5
Great arrangements. Lyrically, you can tell these are country songs. He does it very well, but I'm not listening to something this long where they all sort sound similar. Not knocking Ray Charles or the music. It's just too much.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Way too long for something I can barely stand. Got to the 3rd song.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Not quite what I thought it was going to be. Had to listen a second time. Still find this difficult to rate. It seems almost unfinished because it kind of is. I read he wrote this thinking it would be with the band. Probably 3.5. Rounding up.
Dagmar Krause
2/5
Hard pass.
Solange
2/5
Too long. Not good. 2 stars is generous.
Gary Numan
4/5
This was interesting. I initially thought I would hate it. Listened to it twice. Probably 3 stars, but bumping it up a bit because of its influence.
Love
3/5
Nothing bad. Nothing great. Just an average album.
The Stooges
3/5
Another album I didn’t hate but didn’t love.
Brian Eno
2/5
I’m sure it’s great for what it is, but I’m not listening to all of this.
John Cale
3/5
Decent. Nothing terrible here but nothing great.
The Pharcyde
2/5
Not a fan. Couldn’t finish it. 2 stars.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Early 2000s pop. 2 is being nice.
System Of A Down
3/5
Fun listen. Nothing special though. 3 stars.
Thin Lizzy
2/5
Doesn’t sound like a live album. Clear there is some overdubbing. Can’t give it more than a 3 as it’s fine. 2 is probably more appropriate since it’s billed as a live album but really isn’t.
Morrissey
3/5
Not quite the Smiths, but enjoyable to listen to. 3
B.B. King
4/5
Don’t love blues albums, but this was pretty good. 3, but giving it an extra .5 for brevity. Rounding up to 4.
Doves
3/5
Almost forgot this was on. Very forgettable but not bad, per se.
Spiritualized
2/5
I thought this could be a 3, but it just starts to grate on you.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Nope. Don’t need this many Fatboy Slim albums.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
8 songs, 22 minutes. Sign me up all day long. It captures the energy really well. Piano playing is top notch. Yeah, from what I've gathered, he's a POS (but, spoiler, a ton of artists on this list are). I hope everyone that somehow thinks giving this a 1 shows their moral superiority does it for every artist and consistently ranks them.
The Black Crowes
4/5
This was tough as I’ve heard a handful of the songs so many times at this point, that they’ve lost luster. That being said, there really aren’t any bad songs, and there are 3 massive songs. I think 4 is appropriate.
John Grant
5/5
I was not looking forward to this, but this album is great.
Motörhead
2/5
This is one of those live albums that’s doesn’t carry over well.
Faust
2/5
Some ok moments but not enough.
Hole
3/5
Couple big songs. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it.
Dr. John
3/5
Not bad. It’s definitely a little weird.
Frank Zappa
3/5
At times, 5 stars. Others, 1. I don’t know where to rate this.
The Beta Band
3/5
Another one that I don’t understand why it’s here.
Nirvana
5/5
Great album. Better the more you read about it. Best performance: Where Did You Sleep Last Night?
The Stranglers
2/5
Not for me.
Cat Stevens
5/5
Excellent album from start to finish. Couple classics with no skips. 11 songs, 37 minutes. Auto + .5 from me. This is in that 4-5 star range easily.
Beatles
3/5
Just not a big Beatles fan. I understand their impact, so I'll give this a 3.
Black Sabbath
5/5
It’s 1970 and you hear this album with War Pigs, Paranoid, and Iron Man. Holy riffs.
Morrissey
3/5
At times, this felt like the Smiths. Others, like Morrissey.
Air
2/5
Don’t get it. Very boring. 2
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
Much, much better than I expected. Her voice is not great, but it works. Cover was Working Class Hero was great.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Albums like this are why I keep going (almost 600 in). 100% unexpected. Solid 4 stars.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
More ballad-esque than Murder Ballads. Don’t like it as much as other Nick Cave albums, but listenable.
3/5
Nothing special.
The Jam
4/5
One of those link bands between genres. 3 for my enjoyment, 4 for the influence.
Roni Size
2/5
Don’t even look at the 20th Anniversary edition. Over 5 hours. Original album was 2.5 hours. Did not attempt. What I did listen to was bad.
The Yardbirds
3/5
Great guitar playing. Otherwise very basic.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Great live album. Hadn’t heard many of these.
Nina Simone
3/5
I don’t love her voice, but it kind of works. Difficult to rate as I didn’t necessarily care for it, but I understand the cultural significance.
Jean-Michel Jarre
2/5
I tried. It’s not terrible. Just don’t care for it.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Most songs sound pretty much the same. Good energy, but the lack of diversity in the sound hurts the rating.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Too long, but not a bad album.
Tom Waits
3/5
Another difficult album to rate as his voice is harsh. It works on some, others not as much. Ballads seem to work better oddly(?).
Dennis Wilson
2/5
Boring. 2 might be harsh
Richard Thompson
3/5
Pretty good album. Don’t think it’s anything special. But at least a decent listen
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
Nothing special. Another, “Why is this here?”
Stan Getz
3/5
For what this is, I’m sure it’s great. Best song is first song.
The Icarus Line
2/5
Not good.
Aerosmith
3/5
Really not good outside of major hits.
Raekwon
2/5
Way too long. Not very good. 2 is being kind.
Barry Adamson
2/5
No idea what that was
SZA
2/5
No idea why this here.
The The
3/5
I understand it was a quasi-landmark album. It was just ok.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
I guess it’s ok.
Fairport Convention
5/5
Between a 4 and 5. Rounding up. Great listen.
Small Faces
3/5
Another fine album. Nothing special.
David Holmes
2/5
For what it is, I guess it’s good.
The Birthday Party
1/5
I tried. Wow. This is terrible.
The Cure
4/5
I really like The Cure. Never thought I would say that, but this is a solid album. It my favorite, but solid 4 stars.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Another Tim Buckley, another terrible album. Pretty close to a 1.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Outside of the hits, which are good, the rest lacks in quality.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
I get why it’s one of the lowest rated albums.
The Roots
3/5
Too many unnecessarily long songs and then a couple throwaway tracks. Questlove is great on drums. 3 but could’ve been a 4
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
One absolute banger. Album is too long. Not enough really strong songs to move it to a 4.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
First part of the album isn’t terrible. Second half is. 2 is probably the right number.
Ute Lemper
4/5
Definitely going against the grain on this one. I thought it was a really good listen.
Genesis
3/5
Too long. I understand it’s supposed to be long. Lost interest fairly quickly.
Bill Callahan
3/5
Another one of those albums that’s difficult to rate. There’s a couple of songs that I really like (My Friend and Faith/Void), but the album as a whole seems just ok.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
As others have said, this sounded like it would be similar to The Smiths. Unfortunately, that ended with the first song then became classic 80s pop rock. It’s not a bad album, just not great.
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
I thought this might be a surprise 3 star. Started out ok. Got worse and annoying the more I listened to it.
Daft Punk
1/5
I don’t like giving 1s, but this bad.
Milton Nascimento
3/5
Entertaining.
Hole
4/5
A tough one to rate. Celebrity Skin as a track is very good. The rest seems like a pretty good album. Petals is solid second. Probably a 3.5, but for consistency, rounded up.
The Libertines
2/5
Definitely overrated. Heard their 2024 release before this one, enjoyed it, then listened to this one. Couldn’t believe it was the same band.
Van Morrison
3/5
Just ok. I have no issue with live albums, and the recording in this is great. Caravan is my favorite Van Morrison song by a long shot, and this version is great. All that to say, 3 stars.
R.E.M.
4/5
Two standouts and the rest is ok. Probably in that 3.5 range.
Alice Cooper
4/5
As others have said, this album is all over the place. I expected a bunch of School’s Out. 3.5 rounding up.
Talking Heads
4/5
Nice stretch for a change. Solid album. I feel like it gets you right to the edge of being too repetitive without going overboard. Listened to it again immediately. 4 stars.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Two stars is being kind. Too many electronica albums on this list.
The The
3/5
Listened to it twice back to back. First listen was thinking 4. Second listen 2.
The Offspring
5/5
Some nostalgia baked in, but not really a bad song here. It’s not quite pop punk but isn’t punk. It’s a bridge between bands like Pennywise and Blink 182.
Liz Phair
3/5
This is fine. Her voice isn’t great. Album is too long. 2.5 to 2.75.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
A difficult album to rate. Her voice is great, but these are all covers. Album is a bit long as well. I feel like it’s a 2.5.
The Byrds
5/5
Very solid album. No skips. I love the country-rock songs. Can see the direction they were heading with the next release being Sweetheart of the Rodeo. I would be remiss not to mention My Back Pages. 5
Neu!
2/5
No idea why this is here. Seems like other albums cover what’s in this.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not the best Bob Dylan album, and I’m Dylan fan. Very long, but it doesn’t necessarily feel like an album that drags.
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Nope. Giving it two stars, but nope.
The Vines
2/5
Australian Stone Temple Pilots. Just not as good as STP.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
Too long. Probably listened at the wrong time. But this is just not for me.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I like Elvis Costello, but this album is probably my least favorite so far. Best song Battered Old Bird.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Incredible album. Flows from one song to another. Listened to it multiple times over the last few days.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Hadn’t heard much this. Solid album. Big hit in Stir it Up. 4
David Bowie
3/5
Got this two days after Dark Side of the Moon, so I had to listen a couple times to make sure my rating was fair. I don't see how this is more than a 3. Jean Genie is just ok. Maybe best song is Time.
fIREHOSE
3/5
This is all over the place. I was expecting a punk album. It's ok in places. Not great in others. Best song to me is Liberty for My Friend. 2.5-3 seems fair.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Maybe marginally better than Blood and Chocolate. 2.5.
Mercury Rev
3/5
It started well. Didn’t end so well. 2.5.
The Replacements
4/5
Fun listen. Definitely more mature punk sound.
The Bees
2/5
Not good at all.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Very not good.
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
I like some of the punk on here, but this did nothing for me.
George Michael
3/5
Faith alone keeps this below 3, but there's not much to push it past 3.
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Couldn’t get through it. Just bad. I don’t love Prince, and this is just a worse version. 1 is too harsh, but 2 is generous.
Tortoise
2/5
Why is this here?
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Drive Like Jehu and Rocket From the Crypt in the same week. They sound really similar, which makes sense. Didn't really enjoy it.
Os Mutantes
3/5
Close to giving it 4. Solid 3
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Didn’t expect instrumental. Green Onions single is a classic. The rest is decent.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
Nothing offensive but nothing really good. Hard to give it a 3, but 2 feels too harsh
The Pogues
4/5
Very solid 4.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
Fun album. Nothing remarkable but fun nonetheless.
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
Please no more of this.
Carpenters
3/5
As Happy Gilmore said, “It ain’t over yet, McGavin. The way I see it, we’ve only just begun.” And so launched an epic comeback. This wasn’t as epic, but the first track is a banger. 3 stars.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Boring. It does have Mrs. Robinson.
Richard Hawley
2/5
Boring. There’s some potential here, but it never gets there.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Punk B52s? It’s ok. 2.5
Elton John
4/5
Tough one to rate. A couple classics but too long of an album. 4 is probably about right.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
Oof.
Gang Starr
2/5
Boring, generic rap. Was optimistic. 2
The Doors
4/5
Not a huge blues fan so most of this album was ok. LA Woman and Riders on the Storm elevate it to 4.
4/5
Classic country. Short and to the point. Great voice. Surprising 4.
Pink Floyd
5/5
All time classic. Shine On part 1 starts a little slow, but the album is out together so well. Title track one of the best songs of all time.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Another 2-4 star type album. Some good stuff, some not so good.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Context is important with this one. Not meant to be taken seriously. Listening in that light, it’s much more enjoyable. I hate Bjork solo, but this is much better.
Gang Of Four
3/5
3 is fair. Damaged Goods best track.
The Slits
3/5
I mean, I don’t know. Wasn’t a terrible listen. Anything from a 2 to 4 might seem accurate.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Didn’t think I’d enjoy this one as much as I did.
2Pac
2/5
Not as good as I remembered.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Expected blues. Got bad 90s music.
Primal Scream
2/5
More bad 90s music.
Tears For Fears
3/5
Couple big songs otherwise just too long of an album even at 8 songs.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Enjoyed this much more than I thought. 3-4 range. Favorite song Fever (yes, I know it’s a cover)
Ravi Shankar
2/5
I’m sure this is great for what it is, but no thanks.
Norah Jones
3/5
Inoffensive, easy-listening.
Tim Buckley
4/5
So much better than the two other Tim Buckley albums. 4 stars.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
I tried. Couldn’t get through it. 2 stars.
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
Nope. Understand it’s satire, but I’m not listening to this entire thing.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Nothing special. 3 seems about right.
Bon Jovi
4/5
This is an easy 4 star. 3 massive hits. The rest of the album is listenable.
Hookworms
2/5
Not good. Shouldn’t be on here.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
This is terrible. I hate giving 1s, but no one should be subjected to this.
Pentangle
3/5
Good but nothing great.
Tom Waits
3/5
Need to be in the right mood for Tom Waits.
Supergrass
2/5
Generic. Boring.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Nothing special but bumped half star to get to 4.
Madonna
3/5
Giving generic rating. I just can't.
Hanoi Rocks
3/5
Probably doesn’t belong on the list, but it was at least enjoyable.
The Gun Club
3/5
There's some stuff here that I really like, but some I really don't.
Jeff Beck
3/5
I don't loathe Rod Stewart like some, but it seems like he does overshadow some of the guitar. Jeff Beck guitar playing = 5.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
This is my greatest album of all time. Listened to it over and over. No bad songs. Really every song is fantastic.
White Denim
3/5
Nothing special, but a solid listen.
The Byrds
3/5
Favorite Byrds remains Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Some really good stuff, some really bad stuff.
Marilyn Manson
2/5
I understand why it’s here, but I don’t care for this music.
Aerosmith
3/5
Eh. Little bit harder than the 2000s stuff, but still not great.
Little Simz
3/5
Better than expected but doesn't rise above a 3.
Slayer
2/5
Not great. Everything sounds the same.
Blur
3/5
Don't get the need for 3 Blur albums. There's a couple outstanding tracks, the rest is meh.
Fred Neil
2/5
Boring
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Not typically my style, but I liked it more than I thought I would. I also love that the album was short. Auto +.5. Takes it to 3.5.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Some of the reviews are way too harsh. I would listen to it again.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
One massive hit. No bad songs really. Short.
Fela Kuti
4/5
4 seems appropriate. 5 for his courage.
Gram Parsons
4/5
Much better than the ratings.
Orbital
3/5
Much better than I thought it would be. Still not my thing. 2.5
Ramones
3/5
Probably a 3 from enjoyment but 4-5 for impact.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
I was hoping to like this more. It created the Bakersfield country sub-genre.
Shack
3/5
Super generic. Not bad. 2.5
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Some good stuff but overall too much shrieking.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
Some decent stuff here, but overall a let down.
Faith No More
3/5
Some good. Some ok. I hate to be giving so many 3s, but I think it’s fair.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Typical early 2000s indie. Not a bad album. Not great either
Metallica
5/5
Yes, it’s long (TWSS). Yes, it’s a live album. Get over it. This is awesome.
Incubus
3/5
I thought for sure I would like this more, but it showed why I never really got into Incubus.
The Coral
3/5
Not as bad as some of the reviews make it out to be.
Roxy Music
4/5
I enjoyed this one. Probably not a 4, closer to 3.5.
Duran Duran
3/5
Typical 80s. Couple big hits. I think The Chauffeur is the best song.
Robbie Williams
3/5
Expected this to be way worse. Fairly generic so I don’t know if it fits on the list.
CHVRCHES
2/5
Not good
The Temptations
4/5
I really enjoyed the most funk/soul vs the R&B, but still feel like this is a 4 star album.
Prince
2/5
I don’t get it. Great guitarist but this just isn’t good to me. Also entirely too long. 2 stars.
Oasis
3/5
Very disappointing. 2.5 rounding up.
Aerosmith
3/5
Middle of the road. Feel like this list maybe could’ve featured one Aerosmith album.
Elton John
5/5
Excellent album. Piano, strings, guitars, rock. 4.5
Gene Clark
5/5
Very solid album. Don’t get why this was panned when released. Listened to it again Immediately after finishing.
Garbage
3/5
Some big songs but mostly underwhelming
The Avalanches
1/5
Based on others I’ve been giving 3 stars, this is a 1
Missy Elliott
3/5
Better than her other album.
Common
4/5
Surprisingly good. Not a million songs like most rap albums.
Black Flag
3/5
This is tough. I love punk albums. High energy, short songs. I didn’t love this one, but this was early 1980s. Completely different than what was out there.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I've heard most of the songs here before, so it felt a little underwhelming. With 4 big hits, this can't be less than 4. I wasn't a huge fan of the 3 blues covers.
Kraftwerk
2/5
The Fall
3/5
I didn’t hate it. 2.5
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Not as terrible as some of the reviews. Probably in the 2.5 range.
Funkadelic
2/5
Was hoping for much more. 2 might not be accurate, but based on the reviews, it’s warranted
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
For an 80s album it was fine. Prince-like vibe.
Stephen Stills
2/5
Generic. Boring