374
Albums Rated
3.17
Average Rating
34%
Complete
715 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2000s
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
44
5-Star Albums
15
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
D
White Denim
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
Phrenology
The Roots
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
Faith
George Michael
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
|
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
|
5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
|
Synchronicity
The Police
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
|
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
The Sensual World
Kate Bush
|
1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
|
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
|
1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
|
Eternally Yours
The Saints
|
1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
|
Sister
Sonic Youth
|
1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
|
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
|
Reign In Blood
Slayer
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
|
Damaged
Black Flag
|
1 | 2.87 | -1.87 |
|
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
|
1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 5 |
| Beatles | 4 | 4.75 |
| The White Stripes | 3 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 2 | 5 |
| Oasis | 2 | 5 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 |
| Metallica | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kate Bush | 2 | 1.5 |
| Leonard Cohen | 3 | 2 |
| Tim Buckley | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Fleetwood Mac | 5, 2 |
| The Who | 3, 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (44)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Saints
1/5
first track was great. Then I remembered why I'm not a huge fan of punk.
2 likes
The Incredible String Band
1/5
I can only describe this as a mix between Renaissance Fair background music and Spinal Tap. In fact, I would not be surprised if someone told me this band was literally a Spinal Tap spoof.
1 likes
Various Artists
4/5
I've heard all of these songs a million times during the holidays. Until this moment I had no idea they all came from a single album. Hit after hit. And obvious nostalgia points on this one. Excellent album (minus what Phil Spector became/did).
1 likes
1-Star Albums (15)
All Ratings
R.E.M.
4/5
Never listened to this straight through (only the singles that are typically on the radio). Surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
DJ Shadow
2/5
Not my favorite. A sleepy and repetitive version of 90's hip hop.
Elvis Presley
2/5
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
Started out strong. Tailed off for me as it got through the album.
Coldplay
4/5
partial to A Rush of Blood to the Head, but undoubtedly a good album.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Classic top 20 all time album for me.
Nick Drake
4/5
did this one out of order as I didn't listen to it when first revealed. It's my third Nick Drake album. And like the first two...I really enjoyed it.
Parliament
5/5
Fantastic. Never listened to this one straight through. Might add this to the rotation.
Q-Tip
5/5
Makes me wish I listened to more Tribe Called Quest back in the day...
fIREHOSE
4/5
Frank Sinatra
2/5
I recognize the significance of the album...but not for me. Would have loved it if I was 40 years old and living in the 1950s.
Carole King
4/5
some great songs on this one.
Air
3/5
enjoyable and good "background" music for work.
5/5
I've cooled on U2 over the years, but this album is clearly a classic with some amazing songs.
The Saints
1/5
first track was great. Then I remembered why I'm not a huge fan of punk.
Beck
3/5
Gorillaz
4/5
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
Underworld
3/5
enjoyable but repetitive
Black Flag
1/5
unlistenable to me
Violent Femmes
3/5
Deep Purple
4/5
Gene Clark
3/5
Vanilla. It was fine but likely will never listen to this again in my life.
Queen
4/5
One of the classic songs of all time. A few other greats in here. The rest of the album had nothing overly memorable.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Really good listen. I had no idea Steven Stills and Neil Young were in Buffalo Springfield...
Keith Jarrett
3/5
perfectly fine. seems like good background music to listen to while working.
The Who
3/5
Love The Who. But this album has never been my favorite.
Morrissey
1/5
turns out I'm not a fan of Morrissey
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Absolute Fire. From start to finish.
The Hives
1/5
like a slightly more modern punk band. not my cup of tea.
Joy Division
2/5
you can tell the movement from punk to early 80's alt. But still too much punk for my taste
Tracy Chapman
3/5
First two songs (including Fast Car) were amazing. Did not love the rest of the album.
Orbital
2/5
I enjoy a bunch of electronic music. Thought this one was just fine. Not my favorite.
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
not a huge country music fan. This was okay. I enjoy more upbeat country than this.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
appreciate that they were pushing boundaries. But didn't sound great to me.
Funkadelic
4/5
Super funky. Unfortunate that it's so limited in availability.
The Doors
5/5
Peace Frog is the best The Doors song. It's science.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
I can only describe this as a mix between Renaissance Fair background music and Spinal Tap. In fact, I would not be surprised if someone told me this band was literally a Spinal Tap spoof.
Miles Davis
5/5
cool as hell. never listened to it. loved it.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Really really enjoyed the first song and added it to my favorites. The rest of the album was good as background music but won't be revisiting anytime soon.
The War On Drugs
2/5
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Baller as hell. One of the classics.
Janelle Monáe
2/5
couldn't really get into this one for some reason.
MGMT
5/5
Love this album. Electric Feel is a phenomenal song.
The Associates
2/5
Talking Heads
3/5
Cities is one of my favorites. A few other great songs on this album.
De La Soul
4/5
Great album.
Massive Attack
3/5
first time i've heard the term "trip hop"...but I kind of dig the genre. thought this one was pretty good.
Foo Fighters
4/5
excellent album.
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
never been the biggest fans. A couple of good songs. Otherwise not my jam.
The Police
5/5
This album is so...freaking...good.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
back to back home run albums. Yeah...it's been played out over the years, but putting that aside, it's still one of the best albums ever made.
Genesis
4/5
More partial to Phil Collins-led Genesis but some great songs on this one.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Really good album. Trails off towards the end
Marty Robbins
2/5
sure this was wonderful for its time...
The Who
5/5
one the best albums by one of my favorite bands of all time.
The Verve
3/5
bittersweet symphony - excellent song. The rest was fine.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Otis Redding
5/5
Phenomenal album. And embarrassing admission time: I was today years old when I found out Satisfaction by The Stones is an Otis Redding cover. How I've made it this far before finding that out is beyond me.
While the first 4 songs are seared into my brain, I just can't move past how played out and generic they sound at this point.
3/5
this one was a'ight. Nothing earth shattering to write home about...
Leonard Cohen
2/5
dark and depressing
2/5
I prefer other Yes albums. Never listened to this one before. Probably won't listen again...
Kate Bush
1/5
really not my favorite.
Garbage
4/5
Excellent excellent album
Black Sabbath
3/5
Pretty good. Better than I was expecting having really only listened to their hits in the past...
Black Sabbath
4/5
back to back Black Sabbath! Liked this more than the previous one
Portishead
3/5
I continue to enjoy the "triphop" genre, but have appreciated a few of the other albums a bit more than this one.
U2
4/5
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
David Bowie
4/5
4/5
loved it. funky as all get out.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
meh
The Beach Boys
4/5
Excellent. Truly great album
The Jam
4/5
a pleasant surprise! Thought this one was great.
Beatles
5/5
No need to even listen. One of the greats of all time.
3/5
Solid album. A few excellent songs on here.
Tim Buckley
2/5
fine. not overly memorable at the end of the day.
The Beach Boys
5/5
An absolutely beautiful album.
Wire
2/5
Largely forgettable
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Pretty enjoyable as far as folk music goes
Kate Bush
2/5
Second Kate Bush album on the list...and can confirm that I'm just not the biggest fan.
Billy Bragg
2/5
Snoop Dogg
4/5
I missed out not listening to this more when I was in my prime...
Elvis Costello
3/5
Dire Straits
4/5
Phenomenal album.
The Strokes
5/5
one of my favorites. And definitely makes me nostalgic for my early 20s
Soundgarden
5/5
Inject this album straight into my veins.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
still not a fan of punk...despite like 50% of the albums on here being punk albums...
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
obviously a really great album. just not the biggest fan of reggae
Yes
3/5
Lou Reed
4/5
never listened to this album before. only his more known songs. loved it.
T. Rex
2/5
David Gray
3/5
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
fine...but also forgettable
George Harrison
3/5
Michael Jackson
5/5
Yep...this is still one of the greatest.
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
never heard of this group or listened to the album before. It was a touch before my time and I was not listening to goth as an 8 year old. Still...a surprisingly enjoyable album. Really enjoyed it...notwithstanding the dated synth sounds.
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
some absolute gems in this album
Leonard Cohen
2/5
5/5
Started becoming obsessed with The Beatles when I was in middle school.
Probably a bit weird for a kid who was in middle school in the early 90s. But there you have it. This was one of the first CDs I ever bought with my own money. It blew me away the first time I heard it. It's been played out since, but I still give it a listen from time to time. And I still love it.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Mudhoney
2/5
more punk than grunge. not my favorite
Pixies
3/5
Sam Cooke
4/5
Sigur Rós
2/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
It was fine. But didn't hold my attention.
Joy Division
3/5
Also fine...but didn't hold my attention.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Loved this.
Charles Mingus
3/5
The Rolling Stones
2/5
not my favorite Rolling Stones album. Street Fighting Man and Sympathy for the Devil are obvious classics. The rest of the album has always been meh for me.
Frank Zappa
3/5
Liked this a bit more than I thought I would...
Beyoncé
2/5
Just not my jam. I tried. I tried hard to listen to it all the way through. Just couldn't do it.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I just could never get into Bob Dylan. Never did it for me and this album was no exception
OutKast
3/5
definitely part of the soundtrack of my college and post-college years. A few great songs on here. But my OutKast listening will be limited to the hits...
Led Zeppelin
5/5
such a great album with my two favorite Zeppelin songs: Ten Years Gone (vastly underrated) and Kashmir.
Can
2/5
I can see the appeal and why it was influential. But after the first two songs I couldn't really listen to it anymore.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
it was fine. Nice jazz to listen to. Will never listen to this again...but enjoyable while I listened.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Two gems. The rest was just fine.
Arcade Fire
5/5
LOVE this album. It's part of the regular rotation.
Motörhead
2/5
not my bag
Scissor Sisters
4/5
never heard of this group before. Never listened to them. But this was great. I loved this album.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Metallica
4/5
Makes me want to run through a brick wall. The guitar and drumming...insane. I have to be in the right mood to listen to this, but put me in the right frame of mind and I'll listen the hell out of it.
The Dictators
2/5
so much punk on this list. And each time I reaffirms that it's just not my bag. All that said, while I'm giving it 2 stars, I would rate this one slightly higher than some of the other punk or "proto punk" bands I've listened to so far. would give a 2.25 if I could...
Mott The Hoople
2/5
Mudhoney
2/5
Nope. Not my kind of grunge. Just not for me..
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Amazing album including my wedding song thrown in there.
The Killers
5/5
Phenomenal album. Wore this one out in the early-ish 2000s.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Enjoyed this one. Good music to listen to when working. Has a bit of an Arcade Fire feel with Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross mixed in.
Napalm Death
1/5
HARD...NO. I can't even put into words how out of my wheelhouse this is. Obviously this is for some people or it wouldn't be on here. But it's not for me.
Green Day
2/5
Not my favorite Green Day Album.
Daft Punk
2/5
one or two bangers on here. There rest was meh.
John Coltrane
3/5
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Solid album. Definitely of my parent's age...but definitely nostalgia inducing as I spend many hours in the back seat listening to "the oldies" with the Mamas and Papas a stable...
Ash
3/5
pretty decent generic late 90s rock...
Ministry
3/5
pretty slamming heavy metal. But not as slamming as Metallica or Megadeath
Queen
4/5
never really listened to this one before. Obviously know the hits, but never listened to the rest of the album. I really really enjoyed it. Even more so than News of the World...
Jethro Tull
4/5
haven't listened to this one in ages. Still holds up for me.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Ray Charles
2/5
couldn't get into this one at all.
Nirvana
4/5
Phenomenal album. It's only personal preference for STP, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden over Nirvana that keeps this from being a 5 for me.
David Bowie
4/5
Little Richard
3/5
obviously a classic. I recognize it as foundational. But as far as my personal preferences go...it was just fine.
Tim Buckley
2/5
not my favorite. Was pretty bored listening to this one.
Prince
3/5
3 amazing and excellent songs. The rest of the album is fine...
Wilco
4/5
This was an odd one for me. It was huge for my friends when it came out. And I love similar music to this (The Shins, The Killers, elements of Beck etc.). But I never really listened to Wilco or this album when it initially came out. What a mistake. This album is great and I'm going to add this to the rotation.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This gets a 4 if only because of Gimme Shelter. Best Stones song...hands down. One of the best songs ever...period. The rest of the album is really great (albeit to a large extent played out).
The United States Of America
1/5
I get that this was influential for psychadelic rock...but my goodness this was a tough listen. Like a much crappier version of Jefferson Airplane.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Solid album all around. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is a classic. Gets a little monotonous as the album trods along.
Primal Scream
4/5
Enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. And this will be excellent "working music" to have on in the background.
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
Couldn't get through it. And that makes me feel old and out of touch...
Stan Getz
3/5
Enjoyable background music for working. Otherwise relatively forgettable.
Talvin Singh
2/5
Like an upbeat version of spa music. Also a really good one for background music. But not necessarily something I would put on as anything other than background music while working.
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Goldie
3/5
The drumming on this is insane. But an hour and 55 minutes of is...a bit much and repetitive. Good background music. Not much more.
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
more partial to Tribe than Wu-Tang. But a solid album overall.
Kanye West
4/5
horrific person. excellent album
The Cure
3/5
Good. Not great.
Boards of Canada
3/5
yet another album that is good ambient music. I liked this a bit more than some of the other electronic albums. But likely won't be coming back to it for another listen.
Megadeth
4/5
unexpectedly loved this one! I guess I enjoy Thrash metal now?
Fela Kuti
5/5
Man...I'm sorry I missed this album last year! Glad I realized I skipped it. And even more glad that I listened to it. This album was LIT. Phenomenal beat, funky as hell, energetic and politically charged. Awesome album.
Kraftwerk
2/5
This reminded me of the futuristic music they play at EPCOT and the World of Tomorrow.
The Waterboys
2/5
couldn't get through the whole album. Started sounding somewhat repetitive and wasn't my cup of tea.
Fats Domino
3/5
Nice to listen to the roots of rock and jazz. Also nice to see how it's evolved since then...
Brian Eno
3/5
Enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. Interesting combo of funk and electronic 70's music.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Jorge Ben Jor
5/5
This probably the first one where I (i) never heard of artist let along the album and (ii) absolutely LOVED it. Couldn't understand a lick of it. But didn't need to. The 70's funk vibe mixed with Brazil was excellent. Will be listening to this one again.
Fever Ray
2/5
meh.
Cat Stevens
4/5
Wild World is one of my favorite songs...period. That alone warrants a 4 for me. The rest of the album is solid...not spectacular.
Rush
3/5
I have never listened to this album before. Certainly have listened to plenty of Rush...but usually just their greatest hits. I enjoyed this one...but it didn't blow me away.
The Clash
2/5
always found The Clash to be a bit overrated.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
So so good. 5 songs on here are all-timers. The only reason this gets a 4 is that the other songs are (frankly) butt.
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
Not my cup of tea.
Slayer
1/5
apparently I like Thrash metal...but reading about Angel of Death being based on Josef Mangele immediately turned me off of this album and band. Maybe unfairly given their comments about the song. But I just didn't have much interest in getting through this one as a result...
Van Halen
4/5
Excellent excellent album. Some classics here. Only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because it's been so played out at this point
ZZ Top
3/5
Basically most of ZZ Top's big hits on this one. Sure, they were massive. But I've just never been a huge fan of ZZ Top's biggest hits even though I probably know them all by heart at this point having heard them a million times...
Prince
3/5
Dr. Dre
3/5
maybe hasn't aged very well...but still a lot of bangers
Pantera
2/5
guitar and drums are insane. But couldn't get past the vocals.
George Michael
5/5
I know it's pure 80's schlock. I know the songs are all vaguely creepy. But I can't help but love this album. For pure nostalgia purposes if anything. This was EVERYWHERE when it came out. I was only 8 at the time but some of these songs are still blazed into my brain...
The Prodigy
2/5
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
One that feels like it should be in my wheelhouse...but I've never been blown away by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It's fine. But not one of my favorites.
The Lemonheads
2/5
The Cramps
2/5
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Love me some ELO. Always loved their sound. And this is a great album...start to finish.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
So so good.
Pulp
3/5
A few songs in here made me perk up and say "oh...this is kind of cool". But for the most part I found it relatively slow and just okay.
Don McLean
2/5
I guess there's a reason no one knows any songs other than American Pie!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Never listened to a full Elvis Costello album. It was fine.
Nick Drake
4/5
zero expectations. Really enjoyed it!
3/5
The Pretty Things
4/5
Loved this! Never heard of them. But this sounded remarkably like The Who (which is one of my favorites of all time). Interesting to read a bit more about them and find out that The Who may (or may not depending on who you ask) took inspiration from this album. A true pleasant surprise.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
never been the biggest Neil Young fan. Enjoy him with Crosby, Stills & Nash. And earlier with Buffalo Springfield. But could do without his "later solo" stuff. wasn't the biggest fan of this album.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
clearly inspirational and foundational for hip hop. Also a damn good album.
The Band
4/5
Such a great album. Can almost give it a 5 just for The Weight alone.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Not a Johnny Cash fan. But it was fun to hear him on stage
Steely Dan
4/5
3 absolute classics on this album. The rest of the album is good...not great.
Ryan Adams
3/5
"Alt Country" is not really my thing. However...there are some really great songs on here.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Kanye West
2/5
I tried to come at this one objectively putting aside how I feel about the man. Putting aside biases towards the artist, I still didn't love this one. Some Kanye admittedly slaps. This album just didn't do it for me.
Beck
4/5
For as much as I'm a fanboy of the 90's alternative scene, I never had this album or listened to it. Only the hits that are on Sirius/XM Lithium and Alt Nation from time to time. It's excellent and one I'll be going back to from time to time.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
some classic 80's schlock on this one!
The Byrds
3/5
it was fine. probably won't listen to this ever again
Randy Newman
3/5
we know what we're getting with Randy Newman. So no surprise on this album. It was enjoyable as a one off listen. Won't be listening again.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Pretenders
3/5
Dire Straits
4/5
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Machito
3/5
Fiona Apple
3/5
Criminal is a GREAT song. A solid album all around.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Great album. Three phenomenal songs and the rest are a solid listen as well.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Classic.
Television
3/5
it was fine. I can see how it was foundational for alt rock. but likely won't listen again.
ZZ Top
3/5
never the biggest ZZ Top fan. But I wasn't overly familiar with this album or the songs on it. I liked it a bit more than their mainstream hits...
Coldplay
5/5
I get it. This one is polarizing. And Coldplay has gained a certain reputation as bland/whiny generic pop. I do not particularly like their albums after "A Rush of Blood To the Head". But...I am unreservedly giving this one a 5 without any shame. There is admittedly a nostalgia factor as this was part of my post college/pre-law school soundtrack when I was living in NYC with very little in the way of responsibilities and lots of leisure time. Probably the reason I'll give any Radiohead a 5 as well. But putting nostalgia aside...with the exception of Green Eyes (which is a regular skip for me), this album is excellent from start to finish.
Radiohead
5/5
In yesterday's review of "A Rush of Blood to the Head" I made the comment that, for nostalgia purposes I would give it a 5 "just like I probably would if any Radiohead album was revealed". OK Computer is what I specifically had in mind. Quite the coincidence that it was the next album revealed as I wore this album out around the same time I was also listening to A Rush of Blood. 5 stars. Not just for nostalgia purposes, but because this album is amazing...from start to finish. It's a top 20 album for me...period.
Death In Vegas
2/5
there's a world where I can listen to over 2 hours of somewhat downbeat electronica. But this ain't that world. Was basically background music while I was working. Forgot it was on, looked up when I remembered it was playing and realized I still had over an hour of left to go in the album. Some of the stuff I was able to pay attention to was alright...I guess. But overall it was forgettable.
The Mars Volta
3/5
Fine...but likely won't listen to this one again.
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
Got through 3 songs and had to stop listening. This one was a big old miss for me.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Dolly Parton is a national treasure. This album was good...but not really in my wheelhouse.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Love me some MJ, but this isn't my favorite of his albums. Most glorified disco before he goes full MJ.
The first two songs are phenomenal and warrant 3 stars on their own. The rest of the album doesn't do it for me.
The Temptations
2/5
While I appreciate the social conscious aspects of this album, I tend to like the more upbeat Temptations song. Not my favorite.
Scritti Politti
3/5
perfectly fine generic 80's schlok
Air
3/5
man...that was depressing as all get out.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
For as much as I love The Killers and The Strokes...I'm weirdly not as jazzed about the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They're fine...but only 3 star fine for me.
David Bowie
2/5
Did not hold my attention (unfortunately).
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Really enjoyed this one. The Summer Breeze cover? Fantastic...
Tim Buckley
2/5
not my jam. couldn't really distinguish this from the other Tim Buckley album that was on this list. Just not my favorite genre at the end of the day.
Britney Spears
4/5
For as much hate as I know Britney is going to get on this site, she can take my 4 damn stars. I don't think I ever heard any of the songs after the first three. And after listening to them, I know why.
For pure nostalgia purposes, the first three songs alone warrant this rating for me. I don't even care that it's manufactured bad bubble gum pop of the worst kind. It reminds me of a specific point in my life and, yes, I sing along whenever I hear these songs.
The Doors
4/5
I've probably listened to this one a bit too much at this point and it's played out a bit too much...so I'm not giving it a 5. And in retrospect, my infatuation with Jim Morrison when I was younger was pretty naive. The guy was a mess and his poetry to awful. But...it's an amazing album that particularly hits right if I'm in a dark/depressed mood.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Clearly a revolutionary band. But aside from a few songs, I never really got too much into them. This album was okay, but not my favorite.
The Stooges
3/5
Search & Destroy and Lust for Life are each bangers. Unfortunately, neither of them are on this album. First time I've heard most of these songs and it was fine. But nothing earth shattering.
Metallica
4/5
I was admittedly surprised by all the comments noting how the symphony with Metallica was a bad combo. And that they symphony didn't add much to music. I completely disagree. I thought the symphony absolutely added another layer/dimension to the songs that I highly enjoyed. My only problem is that I personally enjoy Metallica in relatively short doses. 2+ hours of Metallica is too much for me to listen to in a single sitting.
Janet Jackson
4/5
all the haters who gave this a 2 can pound sand. This album has at least 6 bangers on it. And yes...this is 100% a product of my age when this came out and me hearing them on the radio nonstop.
Prince
3/5
It's time to come clean: I've never seen Purple Rain. And I've always found the album to be good but not great. Obviously some classics on here, but I honestly don't really like the song Purple Rain. Never have...
Beatles
4/5
Willie Nelson
3/5
Delightful listen. Probably wouldn't bust this out again, but glad to have listened to it.
King Crimson
3/5
Interesting album. Never heard of the band or the album before. I can see why it has such a cult following for the Prog Rock scene. But I'll probably never listen to this one again.
Liz Phair
3/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
I love the Smashing Pumpkins...but I simply did not have the time to listen to 2 hours of Smashing Pumpkins. Never listened to this album straight through because of its length. I tried. I failed. The limited amount of songs I heard outside of the hits were fine...no spectacular.
Blondie
3/5
Blondie has always been kind of meh. Not great, not bad. Just middle of the road new wave meh.
Skunk Anansie
4/5
Loved this one. I happened upon their remake of Search & Destroy years ago and LOVED IT. Never listened to anything else they did and really enjoyed it
Various Artists
4/5
I've heard all of these songs a million times during the holidays. Until this moment I had no idea they all came from a single album. Hit after hit. And obvious nostalgia points on this one. Excellent album (minus what Phil Spector became/did).
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Excellent guitar. Really dug the first 5 songs. But it was very repetitive. And I lost interest after that.
Thin Lizzy
2/5
John Lennon
4/5
Surprised by the subset of reviewers that hate this album. I guess I've never really cared to dive too much into how much of a jerk John Lennon appeared to be so I'm not as biased against the album off the bat. Focusing on the music alone, I love this album. It's best solo Beatles album out there.
Lou Reed
2/5
Turns out I don't really love Lou Reed save for maybe 2 songs. This album did not do it for me at all.
Arrested Development
4/5
I saw this album pop up and immediately thought "oh yeah...this album was everywhere when I was 13 and was HUGE. Whatever happened to these guys??" The answer, it appears, is that they were left behind in a very specific period of time between 1989 and 1992. This didn't hold up quite as well as I thought it would. But there are still some absolute bangers on this album. Combined with a nostalgia bump, I'm giving this a 4.
The Charlatans
4/5
This album apparently gets a lot of hate for being generic late 90's Brit Pop. I guess I'm a fan of generic late 90's Brit Pop. This is the first time I've ever listened to this album and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The White Stripes
5/5
I would give this album 6 stars if I could. The first time I ever heard a White Stripes song was Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground on the radio. Had never really heard of them before. And the second I heard that song I was hooked. And Elephant is my favorite of their albums. Phenomenal from start to finish...with one of the most iconic rock songs ever written (Seven Nation Army) that transcends music into the sports world to boot.
Fleet Foxes
2/5
Gave it the college try, but this one wasn't my favorite. Found it monotonous and couldn't get through the full album.
Living Colour
3/5
Cult of Personality is a PHENOMENAL song. Never heard the rest of the album. It was fine. Had I been a bit older when this came out in the late 80's, I probably would have worn this out. Now it's just "of its time" and probably not something I'll listen to. But...thank you for reminding me about Cult of Personality. That's gone straight to my "liked songs" play list.
John Martyn
3/5
Perfectly fine. But will likely not listen to this one again.
CHVRCHES
3/5
Again...this was perfectly fine. But not anything that blew me away.
The Zombies
3/5
Enjoyable late 60s music. It was fine.
ABBA
4/5
I pity the fool that takes themselves too seriously to not enjoy ABBA. Can it really be a guilty pleasure when the music is catchy as hell? I think not.
The Who
2/5
I'm a HUGE fan of The Who. But I don't think this particular album deserves inclusion on this list. The quality is meh. The live aspect of this didn't do much to add or detract from the songs I already know and love. It was a fine album but if we're trying to get the 1,000 albums you must listen to...this one is a skip.
Gene Clark
3/5
Found this to be relatively boring punctuated by a few highlights (Stand by Me and the last song...can't remember the name).
Brian Eno
2/5
ummm...yeah. Woof. Not my cup of tea (or my cup of "concept music"). Occasionally I would perk up with some fun beat/grove/sound while this was playing. But mostly I just wanted it to end.
5/5
Truly an excellent album. Yes, the Gallagher brothers seem like absolutely awful human beings. But that doesn't affect my appreciation of how excellent this album is from start to finish.
Judas Priest
2/5
nope. not for me. I know this is like a proto-metallica. But man...I like metallica so much more than this...
The Specials
4/5
Really enjoyed this one (admittedly much to my surprise).
The Style Council
3/5
Not much to say about this one. It was fine. Upbeat, pretty fun to listen to. Not much more beyond that.
Common
4/5
Never listened to this. Not once. And to be honest, I probably have never listened to any song by Common (at least not deliberately or that I could remember). But damn...that was smooth as hell. Like a mix of rap and jazz. Enjoyed that a lot more than I thought I would.
The Smiths
3/5
Feel like I should appreciate and enjoy The Smiths more than I do. Alt 80's should be in my wheelhouse. But for some reason they never hit for me. It's fine. But not earth shattering.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Take all the stars. I'm sure there will be plenty of people saying Led Zeppelin and this album is overrated. Those people are dumb. Banger after banger from start to finish.
M.I.A.
3/5
Paper Planes is such a banger. The rest of the album was okay, but not earth shattering.
Love
3/5
It was alright. Not great.
The Cure
2/5
Not my jam. I like maybe two songs by The Cure. Neither were on this album...
Adele
4/5
Excellent album. Incredible voice.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I had to admit to myself when listening to this that I don't really love Bob Dylan. This was a highly unpopular take with my friends. I will say that I've never listened to much other than hit hits. And from the start of the album to the end of the album I had a greater appreciation. So I'm giving this a 3 in recognition of the importance of the album. But, still, not something that I would pick up and listen to without a prompt to do so.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
Pleasantly surprised by this one. Never listened to it in my life. A couple of really great songs on here. But also surrounded by a lot of songs that are forgettable.
Spiritualized
2/5
Unfortunately nothing more than background noise when I was listening to it. Nothing really stood out to me as particularly memorable.
John Grant
2/5
Some interesting ones on here. Dude seems like he's been through it in his life. And I feel for him. But probably won't be listening to this album again.
David Bowie
2/5
Not my favorite Bowie album. Couldn't really get into this one.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Lust for life is A+. Passenger is A-. Rest of the album is a B.
The Beta Band
3/5
Pretty good album. Was pleasantly surprised and might give this one another listen.
Culture Club
2/5
Karma Chameleon - excellent. Rest of the album, so incredibly dated...
R.E.M.
4/5
I never really listened to this album (other than the obvious hits constantly on the radio). Mainly because I REALLY do not like Everybody Hurts. Totally turned me off of REM or diving into their albums. But I have to say, the rest of this album is excellent. Beautiful song after beautiful song.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
The Dude abides...
David Bowie
2/5
Didn't love this album. Heroes is not my favorite Bowie hit and the rest of the album was underwhelming for me.
Megadeth
3/5
I continue to be surprised by how much I enjoy Megadeth. But like their other entry a bit more than this one.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
pretty good. but didn't really hold my attention.
Massive Attack
4/5
I'm still a sucker for Triphop. Really enjoyed this one
Miles Davis
4/5
cool as hell.
Talking Heads
3/5
I know they were groundbreaking. And I liked this more than the other Talking Heads albums on this list. But still just a 3 for me.
Beck
4/5
Man...Beck is awesome.
Gang Of Four
4/5
Never heard of these guys before. Not once. I loved this album. Wonder why these guys were never that big in the US?
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
Too slow for my liking. Found it kind of boring. Did not hold my attention in anyway.
Beatles
5/5
So good. From start to finish.
Patti Smith
2/5
Gloria was absolute fire. Loved it. But the rest of the album simply did not hold my attention.
The Blue Nile
1/5
this one really didn't hit for me.
White Denim
5/5
What a random one for the list. Never heard of these guys before. But I LOVED this album. Put this in the (few) handful of albums I've listened to where (i) it's a first listen, (ii) the band was never even remotely on my radar and (iii) I'll add this to rotation of listens.
a-ha
3/5
Perfectly fine 80s music. Nothing really all that memorable and I've heard Take On Me so many times at this point in my life that I have fatigue from it.
Radiohead
5/5
I absolutely remember hearing this album for the first time. It blew me away from the first listen. While there are a few filler/slow songs that are tough listens, there are 5 PHENOMENAL songs throughout the album. Highlights for me are Optimistic and National Anthem.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Never the biggest fan of the Chili Peppers. I recognize their importance to the music of that time and place. And feel like it should be right in my wheelhouse given my age. Just never really hit for me other than some of their hits.
Blue Cheer
2/5
The Black Keys
3/5
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
not my favorite. didn't really hold my attention.
Deep Purple
4/5
Loved it. Never once listened to this album. Just know the hits. But I thought it was pretty solid all the way through.
Miles Davis
4/5
Enjoyable and fun as hell to listen to.
Blur
2/5
A big fan of the music of this general time period.
But never a big fan of Blur.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
if only this album wasn't almost 2 hours long! A lot of great songs here. A fair amount of songs to potentially skip.
The Roots
5/5
Phenomenal album. From start to finish.
Sugar
4/5
Yeah...I know this is dated and "of its time". But that time strikes a cord for me. I never knew this album existed until just now. Super enjoyable even if it's "generic 90's alternative music". Even vanilla tastes pretty fucking great from time to time.
Sonic Youth
1/5
I did not like this one. At all.
The White Stripes
5/5
This one came out when I was in my early 20s while I was at law school. I wore this album out. One of my favorite albums...period. Starts off on fire...and stays that way the entire album. Saw them in concern in Detroit about a year after it came out and it's still one of the best concerts I've ever been to. A+++++++
Joan Armatrading
5/5
Just to echo a lot of the reviews I saw on this album: Damn son! Who is Joan Armatrading and why have I NEVER heard of her?
This album is fantastic. I saw a lot of comparisons to Tracy Chapman. This is LIGHTYEARS better than Tracy Chapman in my opinion. That voice, combined with the folk, funk and soul all blended into an extremely enjoyable listen from start to finish. I'll definitely be coming back to this one (and maybe diving into her other albums).
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
I mean...whaaaaaaaaaa????
Queen
4/5
Never really listened to this one. I've more listened to Queen's greatest hits. But I ended up really enjoying this.
Elvis Presley
2/5
Try as I might, I simply cannot get into or appreciate Elvis Presley. I've never fully gotten the appeal. I understand his importance to rock history...but weren't there like tons of other, better and more original artists out there?
Neil Young
3/5
When I was in college, Dana Carvey had a comedy special (can't remember what it was called) where he did a bit called "Every Neil Young Song You've Ever Heard" and proceeded to do a dead on perfect Neil Young impression with the following song lyrics: "Dead dog dying in a ditch, cigarette smoker has an itch. Secret whores with ancient vices, Lucky's has the lowest prices. I'm getting higher...getting higherrrrrrrrrr....end the world." Still one of my favorite bits. I have absolutely no idea where I'm going with this. I guess this is fine. I don't really love Neil Young and his voice hurts my ears most of the time.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Chameleon is LIT. What a phenomenal song. The rest of the album is enjoyable...but a bit of a come down after Chameleon.
Simple Minds
4/5
Yeah...it's very of its time. I get it. But...that time was AWESOME. Call it a guilty pleasure if you want, but I'm hear for the 80's synth/vibe/pop whatever you want to call it on this album. This album was 100% new to me...and it was pure 80's gold.
D'Angelo
3/5
Was vaguely aware of D'Angelo in the 90's. Never really listened to his albums so didn't know what to expect. this was fine background music while working. but nothing really caught my attention.
The Gun Club
3/5
I've given very low marks for all Punk. It's just not my favorite (despite the many many many punk albums on here). Out of all the ones I've listened to, this is the one that is most tolerable to me.
The White Stripes
5/5
The White Stripes are so fucking cool. I remember hearing Dead Leaves & The Dirty Ground on the radio for the first time, being blown away and being like "who is this band and how can I listen to more of them immediately."
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Chill as all get out. My rating here is more a comment on how I'm generally lukewarm on reggae as opposed to being lukewarm on Bob Marley
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
For some reason I had it in my head that I was about to start listening to "Earth, Wind & Fire." Boy was I wrong. In any event, very enjoyable late 60's pop w/ undertones of psychedlia and blues?? Random, but enjoyable.
Björk
3/5
Never listened to Bjork so really didn't know what to expect. This seems to be what you get when you smash Iceland and Eurovision into a person. It was...interesting?
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Maybe a guilty pleasure...but I'm a Bonnie Raitt fan.
Cyndi Lauper
5/5
Such a great album. Time After Time is an absolute classic. I know this on the album, but when I listen to this, I can basically feel myself on my couch in the 80's watching a VHS of The Goonies with Cyndi Lauper playing on the soundtrack. Good times...
R.E.M.
3/5
Saw an album by R.E.M. for the early 80s and got super excited. But nothing overly memorable 40 years later. I imagine this was pretty ground breaking and different at the time, but didn't really hold my attention.
The Sonics
2/5
Wasn't sure what to make of this. A bunch of covers and because of that I wasn't sure what, if any, of these were originals. Did a bit research and I understand these guys have been thought to "lay the groundwork" for later punk. Okay...fine. But I just can't get into punk and while this may have ground breaking in 1965, I can't put myself in that time and now it just seems to be a whole lot of guttural "waaaaaaaaaaaaa" noises mixed in with some decent covers.
Lambchop
2/5
Perhaps this is an album I might enjoy while on psychedelics. I wouldn't know...but I imagine someone who does that sort of thing listening to this overly mellow, slow and sometime trippy sounds. And like...I don't know...falling asleep on their couch or something? But...I don't do psychedelics and I just found this boring and too slow.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Started out thinking I was going to LOVE this album. And while I did enjoy it, it got repetitive after the first few songs and couldn't really differentiate between songs.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Our Lips Are Sealed and We Got the Beat: phenomenal 80's tunes. The rest of the album was...um...mediocre 80's tunes?
Nick Drake
4/5
Never really heard of Nick Drake or this album. But as I started listening I thought "hey...this sounds like the dude who sings one of the songs on the Garden State Soundtrack that I absolutely love." Turns out it is the dude who sings the song on the Garden State Soundtrack that I love (and that song is on this album). The rest of the album was delightful as well.
Elliott Smith
5/5
One of the rare albums on this list where (i) I basically had zero knowledge of the artist (even though I feel like I should have given my age and (ii) I felt like this warranted a 5 star rating. I LOVED this album. I get it might not be everyone's cup of tea (and some might find it whiny). But not me. I thought it was a beautiful album. What I didn't love was reading up a bit more on Elliott Smith and his decision to end his life. Heartbreaking...
CHIC
3/5
delightful little disco album.
Metallica
5/5
5/5. 5 legit bangers on this. And the rest of the album isn't much of a let up. Now excuse me as I take advantage of this adrenaline rush to run through a brick wall and destroy my enemies...
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
This album buries the lede. Scenario is fantastic and brings me back to being 12 years old. The rest of the album is fine but a bit repetitive from my perspective.
The xx
2/5
I was admittedly a bit bored by this one. Just didn't hold my attention all that much.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Bizarro Beach Boys! I know this got a lot of love...but I'm partial to the classic Beach Boys. never heard of this one. It was fine and darker than usual. Probably won't listen to it again.
Johnny Cash
4/5
When I saw this, I could SWEAR that I had already listened to it. Turns out it was Johnny Cash At San Quentin.
"At Folsom Prison??? At San Quentin??? They're the same album!! Doesn't anybody else notice this? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"
In any event, I gave At San Quentin a 4, so I guess I have to give this one a 4 as well?
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Pump it Up is fantastic. But beside for that, I've never been the biggest Elvis Costello fan at the end of the day. It's fine, but nothing that has ever blown me away.
The Byrds
3/5
I know they are super influential to groups like The Beatles. And you can see how their influences pan out in later groups. Still, the songs never hit home for me like some of the groups that followed in their footsteps.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Some undeniably beautiful sounds and musicianship...but this was just too slow and repetitive for me.
2/5
well...it barely registered as I was listening to this while working. So...perfectly fine background music? The parts I listened to more closely just weren't my cup of tea.
Nas
2/5
Started off chill and like I was really going to love this album (this wasn't my jam when I was listening to music back when this actually came out in 1994). But then it just sort stayed chill and got repetitive for me. Not my favorite.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Three amazing and iconic songs. The rest is really good although I don't think I'm going to be hitting this one again in the near future (short of "greatest hits" listening).
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Three great songs book end what is clearly the start of an iconic group and career. Everything in between those three songs was not a whole lot to write home about.
JAY Z
3/5
I was all primed and ready to say "just not my cup of tea and that I'm not a Jay-Z fan". I wouldn't say that I loved this album. But...I certainly didn't hate it. The first couple of songs in particular were bangers. It didn't really hold my attention after that (save for the few songs I'm generally familiar with including Renegade with Eminem which was a highlight).
Oasis
5/5
man...this is some good shit. I never really listened this album before. But it's so good. Sift through the infighting and fact that they are absolute insufferable assholes...and you have phenomenal mid 90's music.
Pixies
2/5
I don't think I like the Pixies all that much at the end of the day.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
This album was so chill, weird and enjoyable. Trippy as heck and for someone who is a bit stressed out most of the time, it was nice and calming/pleasing to listen to. Will likely listen again at some point.
The Monkees
4/5
it's a shame they became such a punchline. This album is really enjoyable once you get past the stigma associated with The Monkees. Haters gonna hate. But I'm giving this one 4 stars damnit!
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
Based on the reviews, this is apparently one where you need to understand the backstory, time and place to "get" this album? I wasn't at the time and place. And I don't know the backstory. And I don't really love this one in and of itself.
Rod Stewart
4/5
so...like...that was waaaaay better than I was expecting. I was expecting a whole album of Maggie May - like mediocrity. Maggie May was the worst song of the album (I mean...not really...but it's been so played out). Point being...this album was kind of a banger.
OutKast
3/5
so....I know this is basically two solo albums smushed into one under Outkast's name, but 2+ hours is a lot. There are some absolute bangers on both albums that I love. That pushes this to a 3 for me. But the rest of the album has quite a bit of self indulgent filler that could have been cut. don't tell my son who is going through an Outkast phase right now...
Marvin Gaye
3/5
I know this is an iconic album. But Let's Get It On has been played out quite a bit and the rest of the album lost my attention.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
so...putting aside what kind of person Marilyn Manson is, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This has definite Nine Inch Nails vibes and I've been on a bit of a NIN kick. Despite liking it more than I thought, it swung wildly from songs I enjoyed and songs I just couldn't listen to.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
meh. not the biggest fan and it's the kind of band that the emo kids from South Park would listen to.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Unbelievably talented and tragic. But still never really clicked with me. It was fine, but not the type of music I would voluntarily listen to. (Although Rehab is a banger).
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Masterpiece. Start to finish, not a bad song in the lot. Frankly, not even one song I would call less than great. Stairway is probably the least enjoyable to me at this point...but only because it has been played out more than perhaps any other song in history. There's a reason for that...it's also a masterpiece even if I'm tired of listening to it. 6 stars if I could give it.
Yes
4/5
Really good album. I've Seen All Good People is a personal favorite. Never listened to any of the other songs on this album, but found them all to be enjoyable to listen to.
The Kinks
3/5
It was fine. Nothing earth shattering.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Wasn't their biggest fan when they came out. Still not really their biggest fan.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Still not the biggest Alice Cooper fan...but this album was much better than expected.
Funkadelic
4/5
Funky as hell. This was headed for a 5 for me until we got to the last song where it went a bit off the rails and bumped this down to a 4. But that weirdness aside, I might come back to this album in the future.
Paul Simon
4/5
Really good album. Call Me Al is a phenomenal song surrounded by other really enjoyable and unique music from the 80s.
Hole
4/5
So I never really listened to this album. After listening I think it's criminally underrated! You can have opinions on Cortney Love...but man, these songs were right in my early to mid 90s grunge sweet spot even if I was really only familiar with the song Celebrity Skin (which continues to be an absolute banger and phenomenal song).
Black Sabbath
3/5
not sure if this was completely random that I got this the day after Ozzie died or intentional on the part of the site managers...but was definitely fitting to get this one today. RIP Ozzie. In any event, I can see how this album would be hugely influential for future bands, but it didn't really hold my attention.
Meat Puppets
2/5
Welp, I was hoping that this album would show me Meat Puppets was more than just "Backwater" and "Lake of Fire". But...it just was not my favorite.
Sex Pistols
1/5
I know....I know...they are influential. But I was not alive when they were in their peak. And I am not particularly rebellious or punk. And I will not be listening to this again.
Blur
3/5
Perfectly fine mid 90s British alternative music. Not my favorite. But not bad.
Buck Owens
2/5
I'm sure Buck has his devotees. But this is not even remotely in my wheelhouse. Chalk this 2 up to personal preference only and it should not take away from his influence...
Supergrass
3/5