I am definitely not the target demographic for this album, but I still thought it was very good. There's a lot of skill and artistry put into these tracks, so much so that it is almost invisible. 4 stars for me, plus an extra star just to spite the mathematics PHD guy.

This band was groundbreaking at the time, but the genre has come a long way since then. Still, this album is easy on the ears and fun on the Autobahn. Favorite tracks: Kometenmelodie 1 & 2

It's long, it's weird, it's atmospheric. This album is not so much "listening music" as it is "music that plays in the background while you listen to your thoughts." Favorite tracks: "Paperhouse" & "Oh Yeah"

I vibe with it! Good beats, chill songs. Favorite track: "Wandering Star."

This was overall pretty enjoyable. Favorite track: "Mansize Rooster," probably.

Pretty decent, I like the opening and the songs were all good. Nothing that excited me too much, though.

Great album, full of classics!

Solid all around, love The Boxer especially.

Quite like "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," and the title track. The rest have their moments as well.

What can I say? It's Muse.

Aside from the title track, I didn't really connect with this album.

All very lovely songs, "Mercy Mercy Me" is the most powerful and my favorite.

A good album. Favorite song is "Free Bird," of course.

This is a pretty good live recording, you can feel the crowd energy coming through. At first I enjoyed the roughness and imperfections, but by the end it had started to grate a bit. Favorite track: "Feel It (Don’t Fight It)"

This sounds like a fun concert, and I probably would enjoy the album more had I been there.

It started out slow, but this was a surprisingly moving and beautiful album. Knowing the backstory made it better.

Not really my thing.

The album grew on me as it went along. I think my favorite track would be the building intensity of "Operation Tango."

It's good, and the guitar solos especially are predictably great. I honestly expected to enjoy the album more, but I think my problem is that I didn't play it loud enough.

Really liked this one. Favorite songs: "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit"

Pretty good throughout, I liked the sound and it was consistent.

This is art class music. Probably nothing that I would listen to intently, but great background music for a creative activity

This wasn't really something I cared for. That said, I did like "What Is It About Men"

This is a long album, so I had to listen over multiple sessions. Overall, I felt that the album was quite good, with dreamy beats and a slick sound. Some of the remixes are not quite as enjoyable, so I would take off half a star for that (but I can't, so I'll round up). Favorite track: "Crazy Love."

A really amazing album, all through. I discovered shoegaze recently and have quite enjoyed it, and Nowhere was no exception. From the opening notes of "Seagull" to the hazy vocals of "Today," it was a wonderful journey. It's hard to pick a favorite track, but on this listen it's probably "Decay."

Great album, each song was beautiful in its own way. Standouts for me were "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" and "I Ain't Got Nothin'"

Lyrically this album isn't really my thing, and I don't really care for the skits between the songs. That being said, it sounds pretty good!

Decent album, I liked the sound and it was very consistent. I think my favorite was "Ice Cold Ice."

This was a really good album, but I di6care as much for the latter half. That being said, the bombastic first half is more than enough to make up for that. Favorite song is a run-off between "Two Tribes" and the title track.

The sound was alright, but I couldn't get into it even though I wanted to. Maybe I will revisit it in a few years and feel differently.

It's alright, the opening track was great but nothing else really stood out to me.

None of these tracks are going to dethrone my top songs from Bowie, but they are consistently good. "Young Americans" is probably my favorite.

Quite good overall, will have to listen again to choose a favorite track.

A decent album overall. It picks up quite a bit after my favorite track, "Superstition."

I vibe with it! Good beats, chill songs. Favorite track: "Wandering Star."

Don't really feel strongly one way or another, to this album's demerit. Favorite track is "My Way of Giving," I guess?

Good album. "Hotel California" and "Life in the Fast Lane" are rightfully classics, and I also appreciated "Victim of Love" quite a bit. However, about 50% of these songs didn't connect with me more than as decent background music.

This band was groundbreaking at the time, but the genre has come a long way since then. Still, this album is easy on the ears and fun on the Autobahn. Favorite tracks: Kometenmelodie 1 & 2

Not someone I have ever heard referenced before, but I quite liked the sound. The lyrics were fine and the message is good, even if it is handled un-subtly. Favorite track would probably be "Seed Will Grow."

"Fairytale of New York" has been a favorite Christmas song these last few years, but I hadn't sought out the rest of the Pogues' music. That was a mistake, this album is full of excellent songs.

This is the kind of music I would enjoy in the background at a fancy restaurant, but not the kind I would really choose to listen to. It's technically good, just not to my personal taste. That said, I did quite like the final track, "Bemsha Swing."

Smooth music. The opening is hard to take seriously after years of memes.

This album is quite good, with the laid-back, sun-drenched sound associated with places like Tijuana. Favorites are "Desaparecido," "Bongo Bong," and "Lagrimas de Oro." Also, this is an album where I feel that the audio samples work quite well- even if I can't always understand the words.

Talking Heads! A great band, even when they hadn't yet quite figured out their sound. This album gets 4 stars, not as a knock against it but because I know there is better to come. Favorite track is probably "Psycho Killer," and I am also a fan of the acoustic version.

This was alright. I liked "The Dolphins" and the last song.

The album has a good energy and a bit of variety. The songs, though a bit repetitive, are quick enough to not overstay their welcomes. I'm not a huge punk fan, but I mostly enjoyed this album, and it gains points for daring to mess with the United States Postal Service.

This was overall pretty enjoyable. Favorite track: "Mansize Rooster," probably.

I quite liked this album. The vocals were distinctive and evocative with the trilled r's. Probably a 4.5/5 for me, but we'll round up. Most songs were quite good but my favorites were "Everyday Is Like Sunday" and "Suedehead."

Favorite tracks: "It's The End..." & "The One I Love."

It was good to have something heavy in the rotation, but this particular album didn't excite me too much.

The epic audio samples between the tracks really elevate the album.

This was a fine album, I enjoyed the energy and lyrics of songs such as "Tokyo Storm Warning" although the vocals grate a bit, and I enjoyed the sound of songs like "Uncomplicated." Unfortunately none of the songs 100% came together for me.

It's long, it's weird, it's atmospheric. This album is not so much "listening music" as it is "music that plays in the background while you listen to your thoughts." Favorite tracks: "Paperhouse" & "Oh Yeah"

I really enjoyed probably every track except the first one, this album rules

I ended up quite enjoying this album. The atmosphere works for me, the humor and rambling nature of the songs evokes a storytelling feeling. Favorite track is probably "Emotional Weather Report."

Great album, the energy in the opening tracks is infectious and the lyrics in "The Message" are moving.

Nothing grabbed me, but nothing repelled me either. I would be fine listening to this album again, but also fine without hearing it.

Grew on me as the album went on. I think "Peace Like a River" was my favorite track. Really enjoyed the guitar on this album.

There was nothing wrong with this album, I just didn't care much for it. Favorite track: "Memphis," probably.

A classic, and I believe the first album I encountered on this list that I had listened too many times before (and thus have some nostalgia for). I am fond of each song, although some are admittedly weaker than others. It's impossible to choose a favorite track.

I realized when I started listening that I had never sat through an entire Arcade Fire album before, despite being a big fan of some of their songs. So I was a little disappointed that a few of the songs dragged, in places. Overall, I still enjoyed the album, but not as much as I hoped that I would. 3.5/5, rounded up. Favorite track: "No Cars Go," easily.

A good album, but I don't feel it is their best.

This sounds like my childhood (in the late 90s/early 2000s), but not the best parts of it.

Very lovely music.

This is restaurant background music. Another example of an album that I probably would have loved live (and would be fine with playing while I work), but will never remember.

Great album with some really fantastic songs. "Stairway to Heaven" is great, but my current favorite may be "The Battle of Evermore."

This album just feels a bit insubstantial to me. That said, "Love Hurts" is a pretty good song. The rest isn't bad, but it doesn't speak to me.

Quite liked this one, beautiful and haunting. Favorite track on this listen: "A Sailor's Life"

I just didn't feel this one.

Awesome album, impossible to pick a favorite track.

😎

Really like this album. The songs all have their own feel, but there's a distinctive "sound" to the whole thing. A lot of great tracks, as well, but my favorite is probably "Howlin' For You."

I wish I could like this album more than I do, but the gibberish-sounding narration is really distracting for me, and not in a good way. Which is a shame, a number of the songs appeal to me quite a bit otherwise. Favorite track would be "Mad John" if it didn't have the narration.

Pretty cool.

A good album with a number of iconic songs, most notably "Tunnels," "Wake Up," and "Rebellion (Lies)." I'm not sure it is Arcade Fire's best work, but it does perfectly encapsulate the angst of its time.

A pretty good album. I liked the way some songs started out quiet and built up, like "Inner Crisis."

I... don't like it. The tracks mostly feel samey, some of them are excruciatingly long or repeated. Everything has an unappealing layer of electric fuzz over it. To top that off, there seem to be random screeches and loud shouts that are at totally different volume levels.

It's good ol' fashioned rock with a bit of a metal feel and pop sensibilities. This is like the musical version of a greasy diner hamburger, and I don't mind that one bit.

Quite liked this overall, it's upbeat and saccharine but not without depth, in addition to the energy that enabled Elvis to get so famous. Favorite track: "Blue Suede Shoes."

This is decent, very dramatic and a bit soap opera-esque. The lyrics don't do the album too many favors, as I am sure others have noted. I did like it overall, and it is short enough to not overstay its welcome. Looking at the artist's information, it seems he also wrote songs for the recent Wonka movie, which feels appropriate with these songs.

Somewhere along the way I started imagining that the vocals were performed by Animal from the Muppets, and that made the album just a bit enjoyable.

Pretty good! It's impressive how talented all four Beatles were in their heyday. Favorite track: "Every Night."

Good music, even if it's nothing flashy. Favorite track: "So Long, Marianne."

There are some OK songs in here, but not enough to overcome the nastiness of the lyrics and the creepiness of the artist.

Pretty decent, I liked "Give Me Strength" and "Get Ready" the most.

I'm mostly familiar with Gorillaz' newer stuff, and I have been missing out. I like the idea of the band as well. Favorite tracks on this listen: "5/4" and "Clint Eastwood."

Something about this album catches me in the right way, and the vocals are very appealing to my ears.

I really don't like the Beatie Boys' yelling rap style, or the way they finish each other's sentences. The sequence of short songs at the end of the album particularly grates. If this was an instrumental album, it would probably earn 2 more stars from me.

Very solid and quite enjoyable, even if it didn't make a super strong impression. Favorite track this time through: "Fooled Again."

Really good overall, with a bunch of iconic tracks.I can only imagine how groundbreaking it was at the time. I think that I liked "I'm Only Sleeping" the best.

It's a fun album with some bombast. It shows its age, but in a charming way. I probably liked "Valentine's Day" the most.

It's fine, I guess. I definitely could have gone my whole life without listening and not missed out on much. Sounds older than it is.

It's OK.

I am definitely not the target demographic for this album, but I still thought it was very good. There's a lot of skill and artistry put into these tracks, so much so that it is almost invisible. 4 stars for me, plus an extra star just to spite the mathematics PHD guy.

Pretty good, some of the samples were very fun, but not quite my thing overall.

After all the times I have seen the album art on t-shirts, I thought that it would be better.

I would make a joke about the name, but others funnier than I have already beaten me to it. Looking at the date of this album, it seems it really helped set the stage for the next decade. Favorite track: "A Stroke of Luck."

Listening to them sing about girls turned me asexual.

Surprisingly good and a fitting treat for my 100th album from the list. "Strange News..." especially was right up my alley.

Really lovely album throughout, with lyrics that paint beautiful pictures. Not an every day listen, but emotionally affecting. Favorite tracks: "Too Many Birds" (his only song with which I had prior familiarity) and "All Thoughts Are Prey To Some Beast."

I got tired of this album very quickly, the vocals especially sound flat to me.

Enjoyed this one a bit, there is a pained and soulful yearning to it. Favorite track: "Fountain and Fairfax."

By coincidence, I was served this album the same day as Taylor Swift released her album "The Tortured Poets Department." She seems to many to be at the apex of her fame at the moment: her blockbuster Eras Tour, her chart-topping albums, her concert film, her political relevancy; even her boyfriend just won the Superbowl. It's hard to imagine anyone flying much higher than this. 1989 is a great example of how she reached these heights. These tracks were (and are) ubiquitous: I have never gone out of my way to listen to one of Swift's albums before, but I knew each song on this one. Far from the "Tortured Poets" she is currently invoking, this album displays her simple, often hollow lyrics and saccharine melodies. There's not a lot of substance here but dang it, it's still pretty fun. Favorite track: "Out of the Woods," just because I haven't heard it three thousand times on the radio.

Favorite track: "Thinkin Bout You"

Fun album with the feeling of a really specific moment in history. Favorite track: "We Are Family."

Fun and endearing, in addition to being good music. 5 stars for not letting the evil robots win.

There's something special about a large group of talented musicians playing (mostly) traditional songs, and this album really delivers on that front. The conversational inserts help give it that "family" feel, which is present at most small-town concerts in this genre. It's a very good encapsulation of a specific piece of America. Favorite song? Probably the title track.

This was a strange and enchanting album. The only song I didn't care for was "Pilgrim."

Laid-back but complex. Just a solid album overall.

Oddly enough, I first looked this album up today not realizing it was also assigned to me on this app! This is the second time recently that I have been given an album on the same day its artist released a new album (in this case, Hyperdrama). The album itself is good electronic music, if a bit inconsistent. "D.A.N.C.E." is a fairly iconic track, although I am ambivalent towards it. Solid album overall.

A good album, even though I barely understood any of the words. I enjoyed the way each track seemed to evolve. The opening track stood out the most to me.

Good album with some good songs. I think "Norwegian Wood" was my favorite.

Very powerful music- searching yet joyous.

"Sunny Afternoon" is alright, I guess.

Pretty good! I dig the grimy, noisy feel of the songs. This album feels like a graffiti-covered underpass, but in a good way.

The music is great, the issues she advocates in her lyrics are as relevant today as when they were written- and Tracy Chapman's voice is simply sublime. Truly a timeless album.

There's a lot of electronic music to compete with these days, but this one holds up very well. Sweet beats and exciting sounds abound, especially in "Three Little Birdies" and "Chico's Groove."

This is an interesting one. I can't say I *enjoyed* listening to it, but it was certainly *interesting* to listen to these tracks. I also wouldn't say it is bad music- everything feels intentional and correct, even when it makes my eardrums uncomfortable. 2/5 for enjoyment, but I am glad to listen to something so different.

I just don't have strong feelings about this.

Every now and then a moment of strong emotion springs through, but otherwise this doesn't impress me.

This album really strengthened in the latter half. "Three Days" is probably my favorite track.

Not something that I would typically listen to, but enjoyable. Deserves some credit for being less anglocentric than most of the list.

This feels like something I would stumble across on YouTube at 3AM, which isn't a bad thing, but it isn't my thing.

Generally good but inconsistent.

This got old really fast for me. "Green Onions" is OK, but I found myself tuning out more and more with each track.

Not bad, but all the songs kind of blended together in a muddy, indistinguishable glob.

A very talented musician singing songs that I just don't care about.

It's OK, but not served well by being a live album.

Lovely music, as always, from Nick Drake. I looked him up while listening and was heartbroken to read how young he died, and how long ago- his music is timeless.

Enjoyed this one a fair amount, though it was not necessarily my favorite. My preferred track on this listen: "Cut Your Hair" (which reminds me, I need to cut my hair).

A pretty good album, but there is a reason "Mr. Blue Sky" is the most well-known track (although I thought "Birmingham Blues" was also pretty good.

It doesn't get much better than this. I can't choose a favorite track, you've just gotta listen straight through.

I enjoyed the fuzzy, noisy sounds of this album. It served as a decent background soundtrack, and I think it would be better if I blasted it loudly. My main complaint is that a lot of the tracks seemed to be playing at different volumes.

I just adore many of the songs from this album- "Where Will the Children Play?" will always have a special place in my heart.

There were a few high points, but the album felt bogged down by the songs in the middle. Favorite track: "Scenes from sn Italian Restaurant," I think.

I'm sorry, but there are a thousand country albums that sound just like this and are just as memorable.

I've been critical in the past of the Beach Boys for all their songs sounding the same, so I was surprised by the variety present in this album. I guess modern radio just has bad taste? Anyway, favorite track is "Sloop John B." A much higher ranking than I expected to give.

This isn't bad for a live album, in fact it is kind of fun to hear everyone losing their minds over each song. I do wonder if the tracks would sound better in a studio recording, but they're not bad at all. Favorite track: "How Blue Can You Get?"

I hadn't heard any of these songs before, but I quite like them! It's a bit strange and the lyrics paint some interesting pictures. The overall package is fairly enchanting. Favorite track: "Birdland."

This was a thoroughly annoying album, but I did think it was kind of funny when they just listed James Bond movie titles.

I didn't really care for this album at the beginning, but as it went on I found myself enjoying it more and more (and I think that it will continue to grow on me on repeat listens). Favorite tracks were "Waltz of the New Moon" and "Three Is a Green Crown."

You know what, this is pretty good, and short enough to not overstay its welcome.

I don't mind this album, I just think that it is forgettable outside of a few tracks. Not as good as The Joshua Tree. Favorite track: "So Cruel."

Honestly pretty good, although a few tracks kind of pulled me out of the flow of the album. Favorite track is probably "Opener."

OK, this was actually pretty good. Their yelling/rapping didn't bother me as much as it had on other albums. Of the three Beastie Boys albums I have been served on here, this is the only one I would willingly listen to again; in fact I quite enjoyed a few of the songs. My favorites were "Sabotage" and "Flute Loop."

This is one of those technically good albums that just doesn't stand out enough for me to care greatly for it, although that may just be me writing from my 21st century perspective on it. That being said, every one of these songs would be awesome put over a scene of a car driving down a California highway in some 1975 movie or TV show.

Exactly what it says on the tin.

This was a pretty decent album, favorite track is probably "A Place Called Home."

Maybe it is just a lack of familiarity with these songs, but I just didn't care about it much. It may be that U2's "sound" was consistent enough to make this album feel like a copycat of their earlier work, and the way they evolved their sound by this point was to make it more generic. Perhaps this album will grow on me in the future, but for now it sits on the better side of OK. Favorite track: probably "Surrender."

15% of the way through the list and I have gotten a few punk albums which I didn't much care for. This one... I actually liked a lot! (I guess it's technically post-punk, but I don't know what the distinction is) Favorite track: either "Complications" or the single version of "Requiem." There's a catharsis to a lot of these tracks.

Wasn't familiar with this one before, but it was pretty good! Favorite tracks: "Epic," "Woodpecker From Mars," and the "War Pigs" cover.

Bohemian Rhapsody is an amazing song, the rest of the album not quite as much. I wanted to love this album, but unfortunately I only kind of like it.

It's a good album- very dark and atmospheric, a bit too consistent. If there was a little bit of light to shine through the clouds, it could be a masterpiece.

It's a good album, if inconsistent. The bonus track especially felt a poor ending to the album. "Staring at the Sun" is great though, but a lot of the other songs feel kind of muddy.

It's OK, but it kind of sounds like he is singing with his mouth full on a few songs? Title track & "Graham Greene" were pretty good, though.

There's a lot of variety here and some good songs, but I would have enjoyed this album more if it was half as long.

I enjoyed this album, once it got going. Favorite track: "Overground," although I also quite liked "Suburban Relapse."

This is like a 3.5/5 to me. There's some very good sounds and some serviceable lyrics. I think the album generally improves as it goes on. But still, there isn't a song that I absolutely love.

This is not at all what I expected from David Bowie, and I was very pleasantly surprised by this album. It is atmospheric and manages to feel emotional with very few lyrics. Simply wonderful.

Honestly I'm kind of tired of Coldplay, their music has been played so often that it seems less special. That being said, it's still not bad, and "Yellow" especially is a good song.

This was... fine. Not bad, but not something I will be eager to return to.

I think this one will grow on me. I can't say I love it, but it's got some uniqueness. Favorite track: "Black Heart."

Silky smooth throughout.

This album sounds like the background music in a small-town dive, which isn't a bad thing. Unfortunately, it's not a good thing either, as the album is painfully generic.

Not the greatest rock album by a long shot, but still quite enjoyable. It definitely encompasses the feeling of its time well. Favorite tracks: "Walk This Way," "Sweet Emotion" and the title track.

Pretty good album! My favorite tracks were "I Want To Take You Higher" and "Sex Machine."

Not bad, although it does feel a bit... uncomfortable at times. First track is my favorite.

Quite a good album, the instrumentation is the best part. Favorite tracks: "Graveyard Train" and "Proud Mary."

This was an OK album, which I could see myself appreciating more if I was in a more melancholy mood. As it is, nothing really impressed me until "Constant Craving," but that's kinda... the last song on the album.

A really inconsistent album. Sure, there's The Song That Everyone Knows®, but then there's also that Mother song, which... really killed my enjoyment of the album. Favorite track: probably the second "Sync" track.

Pretty good, even if it is kind of background music. Favorite track: "Rumba Mama."

Nirvana was a bit before my time, and thus I am not really familiar with them besides the biggest hits, and honestly I wasn't incredibly impressed by this album. It was fine, but the only tracks I particularly enjoyed were "Pennyroyal Tea" and "All Apologies."

Weird and unique, I really enjoyed this one. I get why not everyone would like it, but this sort of experimental stuff is right up my alley.

At last, the screaming face record! I knew it would be on here somewhere. I haven't listened to it before, so I wasn't sure it would live up to the hype. I don't feel like it is the best album ever released, but it is still really great, and certainly is never boring. Very enjoyable overall.

Really didn't care for this. Not bad, just not my thing. I could have lived a hundred lifetimes without listening to a single one of these songs and not miss them. Favorite track: "Mystery Dance." Also, I was tempted to take off a Star because of the illegibility of the album art.

I really enjoyed this one, it's got a great feel. The lyrics are sometimes awkward, but that is easily forgivable. Favorite track: "Keep the Streets Empty For Me."

I really liked this. There's some variety and a wide range of emotions. A very strong album overall.

Road trip music doesn't get much better than this.

It's fine.

Excellent album, especially "Living for the City" and "Higher Ground."

This album has a ton of hits, which by itself is not necessarily an indication of quality, but even the songs I have never heard before are good to great. I loved the opening track, and even if the album drops off a bit towards the later half it rallies at the end. The Killers hadn't really been on my radar before, but they will be now.

A fairly good album, it is great to get one that gives a sense of place. My one real knock is that some of the lyrics just don't feel like the same quality as the music. Favorite songs: opening track, "Jacksonville," and "Chicago."

This album varies between a Disneyesque playfulness and an eerie carnival, with a wide range of other emotions in-between. It's weird and experimental, and just the kind of thing I want from this list.

This is one where I can see why some people love it, I just don't care for it much. Favorite track on this listen: "Beginning to See the Light."

I like what's going on here. Favorite track: "Dealer."

This is one of those albums that grabs you immediately. Not the best album on this list, but it rounds up to 5. The instrumentation is definitely what puts this over the top for me. Favorite track: "Every Day Should Be A Holiday."

Impossible to not give 5 stars to an album with that opening track. The rest is very good, too.

Quite good! Favorite tracks: "The Magic Number" and "Eye Know." It's a fun, playful album.

This album really does feel like falling apart, but does so in a beautiful way. Favorite tracks: "For You" and "Nature Boy."

A really fantastic album, I love the rock music with folk instrumentation. It's very hard to pick a favorite, but each of the first few tracks are a contender.

You know what, this holds up pretty well. Elvis rightfully holds his place in the canon of modern music.

I don't understand how it is that, whenever the words "Honky Tonk" are uttered, ot makes the song sound exactly the same as every other song that uses the same phrase. At least this album has some scattering of more unique lyrics and instrumentation scattered about, but not enough to raise it much in my estimation. Preferred track: probably "Boxcars."

There are some high points here, unfortunately not enough to make me excited about the album. Competent and good enough, my favorite track was probably "Plan 9 Chapter 7."

I appreciate the variety, but not everything worked. The vocalists feel unevenly matched, and the instrumental tracks have variable quality. Gold goes to "The Paris Match" (I've been watching the 2024 Olympics all week).

Such a great voice, and way too short of an album. A wonderful reminder of a bygone time. Favorite track: "Blueberry Hill."

There are some good songs here, but I think my favorite is "Natural Blues." Reading other reviews explains why some of these tracks feel so familiar- good on the artist for finding a way to make money from the album!

I went into this expecting a 5/5 album, but this didn't reach that height for me. Perhaps it is my expectations, or perhaps I am comparing Prince to later artists he helped inspire, but this album is somewhat bland (if generally good; like a hearty bowl of oatmeal). I think my favorite track would have to be "I Would Die 4 U," something about the staccato lyrics manages to excite me more than the other tracks.

Simon & Garfunkel had higher highs than this. Perhaps it's unfair to judge them against themselves, but the songwriting just seems a bit weaker here. Still quite good, though; my favorite track may be "A Hazy Shade of Winter."

I'm not really into hip-hop, but I rather enjoyed this. The rhythms are great, the lyrics tend to be witty, the samples are good- overall, an excellent package. The skits unfortunately were constantly pulling me out of the album, perhaps my biggest gripe.

Listening to this, I am pretty sure I heard this album playing while I was exploring between the walls of the City Museum in St. Louis circa 2010. It's a great soundtrack and some creative music overall. Favorite track: "Satisfaction" or "Space Junk."

There's a lot going on in this album. The early tracks are quick, an interconnected jumble of style and sound. The album seems to slow down in the latter half. There is a lot of variety here, but my favorite track is "Is It My Name?"

This album has a song where the singer wishes death upon a friend who ate too many meatballs.

Sometimes an album is good and there isn't much more to say about it. Favorite track: "Village Green"

Good stuff, and it's great to have some less anglo-centric music for a change. It's a dreamy, atmospheric album. Favorite track: "Tropicália."

I liked a few tracks, namely "Hiding All Away" and "Easy Money," but overall found this album to be a bit of a drag.

It's kind of insane that this album came out in 1976, long before today's ubiquitous electronic music. But in a way, this feels like an ancient album: there has been so much growth since the first experiments with the medium. This album is a great example of those pioneer days.

This album is consistently interesting, even if it isn't particularly... musical, I guess? There are a few tracks by Tom Waits that I rather enjoy, but these songs don't do quite as much for me.

"Sledgehammer" and its music video are all-time classics, and the rest of the album doesn't disappoint. As a 90's kid, maybe the 80's were alright.

It's good rock, and the sign of things to come. Favorite track: probably "Death Trip."

Such a prescient album, it still sounds futuristic almost 50 years later.

There is a version of this album on Spotify that is almost 10 hours long, which is completely insane.

It's hard to find any fault with this album, it's iconic for a reason. Favorite track on this listen: "Who'll Stop the Rain."

There's provably at least a dozen bands local to me that have better blues rock than this, and I would much rather listen to them perform live than sit through this again.

I acknowledge the popularity of the album and the impact of the artist, though I care for neither. Favorite track: "Lost In The World."

This is a fine electronic album, but I don't think it belongs on this list. Favorite track: "Röyksopp's Night Out."

If ever a live album belonged on this list, this would probably be the one. The environment adds greatly to the storytelling of the album, and the themes ring out strong from Cash's iconic voice and masterful instrumentation. Even the errors and interludes serve as an important element of this intensely human album. Favorite track: "Folsom Prison Blues"

An overall solid blues album. Favorite track: "The Healer."

OK, the album art ain't great but the songs are pretty good. Favorite tracks: "I Don't Know" and "Is This Music?"

Some really great instrumentation combined with gripping lyrics makes this a top-notch album. Just the opening few seconds foretell that this album will be something special. Spotify has an interview with a band member at the end, I always enjoy hearing skilled artists talk about their work and this was no exception. Favorite track: "Locomotive Breath."

It's a good album, even if it doesn't have any really stand-out parts. I will probably return to this one in the future.

This was an ok-ish album, but immediately after listening I couldn't recall anything that happened in any of the songs, except I think that I liked "Driftwood" and "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?"

Listening to this, I realized that this is just about exactly what I want from a punk rock album. Still not my favorite genre, but this one rules. Favorite tracks: "Get On Our Own" and "I Don't Mind."

A haunting and fascinating album, even if it doesn't all live up to the high point that is "Spellbound." Overall a very captivating piece, though.

Quite lovely, I will have to track down a CD or download of the original version, I think. The complex melodies are really something special, and it's great to listen to something that comes from a different family tree than western music.

As someone who wasn't really familiar with Radiohead, I found this album pretty good overall. Favorite tracks: "Pyramid Song" and "Dollars and Cents."

Bob Marley's reggae feels very consistent to me, it would take quite a few listens before I could really tell a difference between this album and the other two of his that I have encountered thus far on this project. That is in no way a knock against his work, consistent quality is to be commended. Still, this doesn't quite make it as one of my favorite albums or genres. Favorite tracks: "Rebel Music" and "Revolution." (I wonder what that says about me?)

Like a lot of electronic music, this would be better if it were shorter. Still a decent enough album. I think that I have overcome my bias towards electronic music on this rating. Favorite track: "Pearl's Girl."

Tapestry is pretty good, and I very much loved the title track, but I unfortunately didn't care quite as much for the rest of the album. "It's Too Late" would be my second favorite.

I generally like this album, but there were bits and pieces that I love mixed in with other things that I almost hated. I think that contributes to something eerily beautiful. It's a bit hard to categorize, which I appreciate. I imagine I will be coming back to this album again.

I was expecting to either love this album or hate it, and honestly... I just don't feel that strongly about it. Favorite track: "God Save the Queen."

I don't know, this didn't do a whole lot for me. Aside from a few of the more bombastic tracks, this album felt like some kind of guitarish sludge. I did enjoy a few of the songs, though, such as "Australia."

The mix of genres grew on me over time as I listened to this album, but I did find it a bit grating towards the beginning. My favorite track from this album was "Ramshackle," but ultimately there are other works from Beck which I enjoy more.

I heard "Ironic" enough on the radio at my old job to make me want to tear my ears off, so this album has that going against it. Other than "Forgiven," I don't think there was a track that I greatly enjoyed despite really wanting to like this album.

Joni Mitchell's body of work illustrates a talent not just in music, but in other media. However, I just didn't care much for this album. Maybe it is the synthesizers, which just haven't aged well in some places. It's still a fine album, just not her best work.

Eh, it's not bad. Perfectly inoffensive old country music. Favorite track: "Lazy Days."

This album seems to showcase a lot of trends in music from the late 2010s-early 2020s, and is overall an enjoyable listen. It remains to be seen if it will stand the test of time, but it's pretty good for this time. Favorite track: "LMK."

A classic album, but there's not a lot of meat here. There's a few enduring hits, but the tracks that support and surround them are fairly lackluster.

My uncle played this version of "Iron Man" for me when I was a kid, but I hadn't heard it since that time. 4 stars for dredging up a pleasant memory, and one more because the rest of the album is pretty great too.

Yep, this sounds like music that was popular in the 60s.

There's a distinctive sound here, but it still allows for a lot of variety within it. I've liked "Take Me Out" since the first time I heard it, and "The Dark of the Matinée" also stood out while I listened. The entire album is very strong, though.

This is decent and sounds like the time, but there's not a lot to offer. The album falls off as it goes on.

The start of this album was really promising, but I just didn't like much of this album. I think there are bits of each track that work well, foreshadowing some of the alternative/indie music of decades to come, but the overall cohesion just isn't there.

"Eclectic and inconsistent" is an apt descriptor of this album. I may be rating it higher than I should based upon my mixed feelings on this album, but I appreciate that it is something out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, it just doesn't always land, and even the best tracks have weak portions. Favorite track: "If You Don't Want Me To Destroy You."

This is another album where the most popular song is my least favorite one (in this case, "Everybody Hurts"). The rest of the album is appropriately dreamlike and timeless.

It's fine, it may have hit differently when I was a few years younger though. Favorite track: "Black Diamond," probably.

Sure, it's an hour of background music. But the guy just played the piano for an hour straight - is that not impressive enough?

I don't think this one was worth my time.

There's really just one trick here, and it's fine.

This one flew right on by. Favorite track: "Sultans of Swing."

2 R.E.M. albums in a week! I wasn't familiar with any of the songs on this one. It was good overall, but it didn't blow me away. A strong debut, though.

Enjoyed this one pretty well. It contained less Freddie Mercury than I originally expected. Favorite tracks: "Kingdom of Doom" and "Nature Springs."

I liked this less than I thought I would. There's some hits here and the rest is deservedly obscure these days. I did kind of like "Salt of the Earth," though.

The album feels raw and broken, appropriately reflecting its artist. I appreciate it, in this case. This album just feels so human. Favorite tracks: "Little Hands" and "Books of Moses."

This isn't bad - I just have trouble telling the difference between any two songs in this style.

Pure 90s, I'm here for it.

The songs on this album range from decent to great according to my taste. I think the album is good, but maybe not distinct enough from its context. Favorite track: "Gods Will Be Gods," probably.

Glad to listen to this one, I needed to recalibrate my mojo.

Everything about this album works on some level- the unique cover art, raw vocals, epic guitar riffs- is it possible for the '60s to get much cooler?

I'm sure this sounded great live, but especially the first side just makes me wish that I were listening to the album versions of favorites such as "Desolation Row." The second half picks up in quality a bit, but still doesn't feel like the best of Bob. The biggest redeeming quality is that this unpolished performance jives well with Bob Dylan's enigmatic lyrics and working-man personality.

"Black Hole Sun" is used in the show "For All Mankind" in a montage as three missions launch towards Mars, and reminding me of that high makes the album worth at least three stars.

If ever there was an appropriate album to be assigned on this crisp autumn day, it is this one! The fact that people debate whether or not this album is the best ever made only proves that it is one of the greatest. Look, this album isn't perfect, but it is the perfect example of a great album. There's are nine tracks, each with a unique feel but a cohesive sound. There's a guest appearance of a huge star from yesteryear. There's an iconic music video. There's a three-track run of mega-hits which are more popular than most religions. What other grade could this album get?

This album reminds me a lot of the work of the Pop Art movement, such as that by Roy Lichtenstein. In both cases, it relies upon some pre-existing piece (in Lichtenstein's case, a comic book panel; in the Avalanches', an audio sample). But by altering the context and scale, it becomes a totally separate work of art. (I realize this album is more similar to collage art, but the comparison remains the same.) Every other artist is just copying someone anyway. Favorite track: "Frontier Psychiatrist"

So I listened to this a few days ago, and forgot that I had listened and what any of the songs were like. I relistened, and I think that I liked it, but it drifts from my mind like flour through a sieve. Favorite track: I think there was one called "How Do You Think It Feels"

What a pleasant surprise. A beautiful and calming album musically, there is a lot of lyrical meat as well. The songs manage to be fiercely romantic while also addressing racial issues which are sadly still relevant almost 50 years later.

This has a great sound, although maybe it is nostalgia for this kind of music since it was everywhere when I was a kid. Fave track: "One To Another."

Kate Bush has a really special, unique sound, and it is very evident here. Favorite track: "Rocket's Tail."

Look, these songs are lyrically interesting, but they aren't in any way musically interesting. I was out by the time Cohen started playing a trite waltz. This should have been a book.

My university dining hall had a soundtrack that consisted of about eight songs playing in rotation, including "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2" amongst a hodgepodge of contemporary pop music. I always found it ironic when the chorus of "We don't need no education..." came around every half hour or so, making me question whether it really was worth it to take out all those loans. As for the review, "The Wall" is a really powerful concept album. I hadn't ever listened to the whole thing before, but it was great to hear it unfold as the motifs build upon each other throughout its length. Genre-defining instrumentation and generation-defining lyrics complete the picture, and the full story is a powerful introspection even if it does meander in parts. Unfortunately, the experience is slightly marred by being chopped up into tracks for streaming- but if I have to choose one chapter as a favorite, it would be "Comfortably Numb."

This album didn't ever feel special or unique, and I was feeling less-than-middling on it until the last three tracks, where I finally said "Eh, these songs are alright."

This appeals to the dissatisfied youth in my past. Favorite track: "Bubble Gum," probably.

The Talking Heads continue to be fantastic. David Byrne's enigmatic, almost awkward, everyman lyrics and vocals are such a breath of fresh air amongst the music of the 70's and 80's, and are a large part of the band's timelessness (although the influence of the other band members is not to be understated!) Favorite track: today, I'll say "Life During Wartime," although "Memories Can't Wait" also stuck out to me on this listen.

There is a staggering breadth of artistic ability on display in this album. As someone born long after the Beatles dissolved, it's kind of shocking that this album could have been so popular, as strange and experimental as it is. Not that I am complaining- it is obvious how much this album influenced the artists I listen to even today. Favorite track: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

This is some moderately good country instrumentals ruined by having lyrics and a country singer. The title track is the most tolerable.

I surprisingly enjoyed this one, Springfield has a lovely voice and the instrumentation is good. Definitely an album I will revisit in the future. Favorite tracks: "Son of a Preacher Man" and "The Windmills of Your Mind."

I think that it's fine sometimes that the circumstances around an album's release influences the way people perceive it, and this album certainly takes on a more final tone due to its proximity to Bowie's death. Even though this isn't Bowie's best work, it is still rather good! It seems a rare occurrence that an artist can continue quality output throughout their life, and David Bowie is to be commended for his skill and his adaption of new styles on display here. I think I've talked myself up to giving this album a 4.5/5 (rounded up). Favorite track: "Lazarus"

Not sure I get the point of this inclusion, there is only one original track and I would probably rather listen to the original versions of each of the covers.

I didn't expect to care for this much, but at least musically this album avoids falling into the tropes of similar bands. I found the tracks "Find Somebody," "A Place in the Sun," and "It's Love" to be fairly enjoyable.

Lovely vocals and good old-fashioned music. Unfortunately, the live album format doesn't contribute much here. Favorite track: "Willow Weep For Me"

Hey, so there are soundtracks on here! Although this album easily stands on its own. The songs are wonderfully crafted, and the lyrics are fervent and moving. Mayfield's concerns are just as relevant as ever. I look forward to listening again.

I enjoyed this but didn't love it. It's good, it's incredibly atmospheric, it just isn't particularly interesting. It's definitely something that I would put on in the background at a party or maybe a coffee shop, but I wouldn't really "listen" to it. Favorite track: "Felicidade"

David Bowie can't keep getting away with this!

I have been familiar with "Roundabout" for a long time and, though it is still my favorite track on the album, the rest of the album does not disappoint.

Much of my favorite music has a certain atmosphere that I find difficult to describe, and this album has that feeling in spades. I wish that 14-year-old me had "Living in Another World" on my mp3 player so I could listen to it on repeat until I fell asleep, it would have been one of my favorite songs. I guess I have to make up for lost time...

There's a lot going on here, it's a complex album. For the most part the tracks are skillfully put together, even though I don't relate much to this particular album. Kendrick Lamar may be bigger than ever right now, with "Not Like Us" and his upcoming Superbowl halftime show. I just don't get it all, I guess.

I'm glad I stumbled across Wilco about ten years ago. I didn't care much for them then, but my opinion has grown over time. The shadow of this album looms large over the modern indie scene, and the album artwork warms my architect heart. Favorite track (on this listen): "Heavy Metal Drummer."

Great, old-fashioned music, exactly as described on the tin.

I was passingly familiar with the band, but what an enjoyable album it is. This is one of the clearest examples I have encountered of the variety of works that have influenced more contemporary indie music.

I thought this was pretty good, a wide variety of styles but a consistent quality. Favorite track: "Go It Alone."

Always great to get some non-English music on the list. Favorite track: "Candela"

Inoffensive, but almost offensively so.

I overall really liked this, really my only complaint is that a few of the tracks went too much into the noise territory and hurt my poor sensitive ears.

Give me more of this!

This is an alright album that almost makes it to really good, but never quite measures up. Favorite track: "Watch the Sunrise"

It's electronic music with some global influences. Good, although not jaw-dropping in a now-crowded field. Favorite track: probably "The Story of Light."

Kind of better than I expected, but also just kind of OK. I did like how Spotify combined the tracks, I guess? It made things flow well.

Favorite track: "Well I Wonder"

I'm not really a hip hop fan, but I genuinely enjoyed much of this album. I appreciate the more upbeat tone and that the album doesn't rely on slurs to invoke an emotional response. It does go on a little too long, if it was a tighter package I could picture myself coming back to it occasionally. Favorite tracks: "Feelin' Alright" and "Doin' Our Own Dang"

This album sounds like an overpriced candle shop in the Rockies.

This album started off promising but I soured on it as it went on. It's not a good sign when I am already tired of an artist with 2-3 songs left. The almost honky tonk twang of a few tracks just didn't work for me.

It's always a good sign when an album leaves me wanting more, and that is certainly the case here. From the mysterious album art to the haunting guitars wailing like banshees, this is a great package. Favorite track: "Wicked World," but it's a tight race.

I failed to find this music in any way hypnotic; it was serviceable but not an album I would ever see myself seeking out again.

I am happy to have this experience, the tracks are each well-crafted musically. Hendrix earns his position as one of the greats. Favorite track: "Purple Haze"

A great album with some wonderful songs, including my favorite version of "Summer Breeze" so far. I enjoyed it enough that I listened to the interview at the end, which added a new layer of depth to the music.

A really good album with some fascinating history behind it. The world needs more musicians like this.

I was catching up on my list and just enjoyed "Zombie" by Fela Kuti before I listened to this album. I almost immediately felt the shared DNA, and was rather pleased with myself when I saw that his work was an influence on this album! One thing I appreciate about this list is when it adds context and meaning to music I already enjoy. I've become a big fan of the Talking Heads over the last few years, and although this isn't my favorite of their albums, I still find it excellent. It's a great display of the band's talents and each of the member's skills as a songwriter. Also, shoutout to the amazing music video for "Once in a Lifetime." I would point anyone unfamiliar with the band to that video, as I believe it is the most succinct expression of what the Talking Heads "are."

This album certainly sounds like my childhood in the early 2000's. Unfortunately, whatever points it would gain from nostalgia are negated by how overplayed some of these songs have been in the ensuing two decades. The music itself is fine (and the guitar work is great in a lot of places!), but overall I am just slightly above apathetic about this album. Favorite track: "Alone, Together" (mostly because of the aforementioned guitar)

It's decent music, but it may have been cheapened by imitators of this style in pop culture.

The track "Public Image" is a 4/5 for me, but I just don't think anything else works. The rest of the album grates between grating sounds, egotism, and annoying whines. A pity, the album art is kind of cool.

I recently had the privilege of watching Fritz Lang's Metropolis accompanied by a theater organ performance of the original score, and I can feel a lot of the DNA from both the film and its soundtrack in this album. There's a massive stylistic variety on this album, and it stands utterly unique from most of the music of today. There is a lot about this album that I love- but unfortunately I can't bring myself to love the album itself. The thing that frustrates me is that I cannot pinpoint *why* I feel somewhat apathetic to this album, despite liking so much about it. There are a few tracks I do love, especially "Wondaland" and "BaBopByeYa," but the whole package just doesn't land for me. That said, I am still a fan and hope that I can grow to appreciate Monáe's work more.

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but you can judge this album by its art and understand exactly what it is. "In The Wee Small Hours" is a reflection on love and heartbreak, beautifully rendered in melancholy piano and Sinatra's soothing tones. It's the musical equivalent of curling up in front of a warm fire on a cold rainy night. The album as a whole is comfortably blue, each track blurring into the next - it perhaps works best for background listening, but a few tracks stand out; my favorite on this listen being "Mood Indigo." Overall, this album is a wonderful package.

I can't believe Weird Al Yankovic would copy Stevie Wonder! Where's the originality in this world?

I had a lot of fun with this one, especially with the first two tracks. It's a funky and cool album. Some of the sounds are just really intriguing, too.

It's good and probably influential, but I don't feel like I enjoy this any more than any similar metal. Besides that, my enjoyment of this style of metal is very much mood-dependant. Favorite track: "Wait and Bleed"

Such a unique sound and an interesting album. "Birthday" is the standout track but most are quite good as well. I definitely think that I will listen to this one again.

I just don't think this album is that strong. "The Killing Moon" is the one great track, the rest just didn't work for me.

This is a really great album that just flies by. I don't understand the lyrics, but who cares? It's good music.

Immaculate vibes, unremarkable music. It's good but this kind of music is a dime a dozen these days, and while I would easily listen again, I don't think I will ever seek this out. Favorite track: "Mission Venice."

Honestly pretty fun, although I mostly prefer the later songs on the album. Favorite tracks: "Black Tongue" and "Maps."

This album had some high highs and some low lows for me, it will take a few listens for me to really figure out my favorites. But I do plan to listen again, which says something! The opening two tracks together are great, and I absolutely love the album art.

Adele feels weird for me to encounter here. Among music I am familiar with, this is the most recently released album the project has served to me thus far. I enjoy her voice, and I think most of these songs are pretty good, but they aren't among my favorite of her work. "Hello" was memed to death within days of its release, and it's hard to take some of the emotional pleas seriously after that. Listening through the whole album for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by the tracks I hadn't heard before, but unfortunately the tracks that did receive a lot of radio play just end up reminding me of the lousy jobs I had at that time. I considered picking "Hello" for my playlist (despite thinkingof that Star Wars parody everytime I hear it, it is a good song), but "Sweetest Devotion" really stood out to me at the end of the album. Altogether it is an enjoyable listen- but not one that I feel strongly about.

Not really sure how I feel about this one. I kind of found the story (unintentionally?) funny, and I enjoyed parts of some of the songs. I may listen again, but I also don't really like the album. But it's interesting, at least.

This is a fine album, I just didn't feel that every track landed, and it's quite long. "Kashmir" is rightly revered, but the rest doesn't do all that much for me.

I thought it was fine but largely unmemorable, which unfortunately is a crime. Favorite track: "Live Forever," maybe, I think. I don't know, I'm probably not listening again to make sure.

I don't like everything about this album, but I like enough. The opening track, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," could very well be the anthem of every generation since the baby boomers. "Come As You Are" and "Lithium" are also both really great tracks. Some of the rest fade to background, but maybe just because they are in the shadow of these.

This album started promising, but felt tiring as it went on. I like the social message, but I don't care for the music itself.

This album is stress-inducing but, like, in a good way. Favorite track: "Party Fears Two."