1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

Contributor
764
Albums Rated
3.28
Average Rating
70%
Complete
325 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1970
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
52
5-Star Albums
3
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
5 2.98 +2.02
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
5 3.08 +1.92
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
5 3.17 +1.83
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
5 3.18 +1.82
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
5 3.27 +1.73
Live At Leeds
The Who
5 3.31 +1.69
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
5 3.32 +1.68
2112
Rush
5 3.36 +1.64
Synchronicity
The Police
5 3.4 +1.6
...And Justice For All
Metallica
5 3.41 +1.59

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
OK Computer
Radiohead
2 4.12 -2.12
Kid A
Radiohead
2 3.71 -1.71
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
2 3.65 -1.65
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
2 3.64 -1.64
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
1 2.63 -1.63
Illmatic
Nas
2 3.61 -1.61
Blue
Joni Mitchell
2 3.5 -1.5
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
2 3.45 -1.45
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
1 2.39 -1.39
Debut
Björk
2 3.39 -1.39

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Led Zeppelin 4 5
Black Sabbath 3 5
Bruce Springsteen 4 4.5
Metallica 3 4.67
Jane's Addiction 2 5
Van Halen 2 5
Pink Floyd 2 5
The Who 5 4.2
Stevie Wonder 4 4.25
Simon & Garfunkel 3 4.33
The Doors 3 4.33
Jimi Hendrix 3 4.33
The Rolling Stones 3 4.33
Marvin Gaye 3 4.33
Johnny Cash 3 4.33
U2 3 4.33

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Robert Wyatt 2 1.5

5-Star Albums (52)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev

The most forgettable album I think I've ever listened to. But then, if there was one more forgettable than this one, how would I know?

Shleep by Robert Wyatt

Shleep is kinda shlitty.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel

4.5*, but I can't quite round up to 5. America and Mrs. Robinson are, of course, excellent. Great cover of Hazy Shade, too. Maybe my favorite version. Several other songs I hadn't heard before that were quite good, too. But Voices of Old People, while it might be poignant, isn't something I want to listen to very often. Punky's Dilemma seems a bit silly, too.

I See You by The xx

This is pretty good, but it's not something I'm likely to seek out in the future. Lovely female vocalist, in particular. 3.5*

Ys by Joanna Newsom

I found Joanna's singing to be disagreeable. Not a fan.

4-Star Albums (187)

1-Star Albums (3)

All Ratings (764)

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Jan 07 2024

Big band's enjoyable, Ella's an excellent singer, but not a fan of the lyrics for the most part. Showtunes aren't my jam.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Jan 09 2024

Love it! Fiona's awesome and this is an amazing debut album, especially given her age at the time.

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Jan 10 2024

Classic. Some of his best, most popular work.

Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode
Jan 11 2024

Meh. Not my cup of synthesizer tea. I think they're good if you like this sort of music, though.

Melody A.M. by Röyksopp
Jan 12 2024

Great background music. Upbeat. I enjoyed it.

So by Peter Gabriel
Jan 13 2024

This is an amazing album. That's enough of a review, I think. You should definitely listen to it.

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Jan 14 2024

I can tell that this is good music. But I don't like it. I don't hate it either. I can't see a day where I'll think, "Man, I sure could listen to some Leonard Cohen! How about Songs of Love and Hate?!" People view and use music for different ends. I don't see myself ever wanting to use music for whatever you use Leonard Cohen for.

Welcome To The Pleasuredome by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Jan 15 2024

I did not enjoy this album. Heavy 80's style synthesizers are still not my jam, 40+ years later. I didn't enjoy either of the covers. Maybe this is considered a great album because it was somehow new for the time?

Jan 16 2024

Instrumentation is fun. Might go so far as to say funky. The lyrics are a bit lacking for most of it, but that's probably not the point w/George. Really wish you could do half stars. This would be a 3.5 for me.

Immigrés by Youssou N'Dour
Jan 17 2024

Fun. Quite different than music I normally listen to.

Dog Man Star by Suede
Jan 18 2024

Reading a bit about Suede on Wikipedia and the critics kinda nailed this one, I'd say. Overblown and pretentious. Not bad, necessarily, but I feel no need to listen to it again.

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Jan 20 2024

It was good. He's got a good voice. Overall, enjoyable listen.

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Jan 21 2024

I do not like this album. It seems to be far too experimental for me to see much merit in it. Don't enjoy his voice, the lyrics are hard to decipher at all most of the time and it's mostly just keyboard tones and noises. Luckily, it was only 1/2 hour.

Sex Packets by Digital Underground
Jan 22 2024

Boo. Some clever rhymes, but overall lyrics are kinda dumb. Also, the whole "sex packets" concept album thing is wacky and dumb, too. 2* based on the strength of Humpty Dance and some catchy music here and there.

Blur by Blur
Jan 23 2024

Decent rock album. Enjoyed more than just Song #2. 3.5*

Make Yourself by Incubus
Jan 24 2024

No real standouts aside from the radio releases. It's not bad, overall.

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Jan 25 2024

Awful. I can just see their smug, annoying. college avant-garde art collective faces when the released this shite onto an unsuspecting public. I would happily punch any one of the Residents in the face for this atrocity of an album. It's unfortunate that you can't give zero stars or negative stars. The world is a worse place for having this album in it.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Jan 26 2024

Fun music.

Raw Power by The Stooges
Jan 27 2024

Meh. I can see how it was influential, given the times, etc. But I just don't dig it much.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Jan 28 2024

Thinking about other music from this era, this was a markedly different sound. Love the sax!

Live At Leeds by The Who
Jan 30 2024

Strong performance by one of the all-time greats.

Jan 31 2024

A good friend said it best, that this album was “fiercely okay. An intense beige.”

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Feb 01 2024

Started off rather ordinary before veering towards amusing, interesting, and entertaining.

Arc Of A Diver by Steve Winwood
Feb 02 2024

Good singer, too much early 80's synthesizer. Overall, it's pretty OK.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Feb 03 2024

I enjoyed it much more than I was expecting. Good singer, solid songs, overall. Enjoyed Jump in to the Fire, in particular. Can't justify only 3*, but 4 seems a little too high. 3.5 would be perfect. I'm going with 4.

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Feb 04 2024

It's OK.

Play by Moby
Feb 07 2024

This would be another great candidate for 3.5*. I enjoyed it and it's got several strong tracks on it. No complaints, really. Good representative of the genre.

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
Feb 08 2024

This further reinforces that I'd like Bob's songs more if he had someone else sing them. I'm a lyrics guy and I find it hard to pay attention to them with his voice singing them. The music's good, the singing bad.

Boston by Boston
Feb 09 2024

If you like guitar rock, this album is for you. Great lyrics, singing, instrumentation, arrangement. Very clean sounding guitars. Love the whole album.

Bossanova by Pixies
Feb 10 2024

Not bad. Don't love the singer. If I liked him more, I,d give it another star.

Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
Feb 11 2024

It was alright? I didn't like some some song, but most weren't bad. His singing changes quite a bit from song to song. Liked the music, though, for the most part.

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev
Feb 12 2024

The most forgettable album I think I've ever listened to. But then, if there was one more forgettable than this one, how would I know?

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Feb 13 2024

Better than I thought it would be.

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Feb 14 2024

Outstanding! Probably the best grunge album every produced.

Hot Fuss by The Killers
Feb 15 2024

I liked this album quite a bit. This is another one where 3.5 stars would be perfect.

Parallel Lines by Blondie
Feb 16 2024

Not bad. Some standouts, but a fair amount of ho-hum songs.

Konnichiwa by Skepta
Feb 18 2024

Bad album. Lyrics are dumb and amazingly repetitive. Underlying music is simple and unimaginative. I know I'm not a fan of the genre, but come on! There's better rap/hip-hop out there for sure.

Pretenders by Pretenders
Feb 19 2024

Solid album. Enjoyed it.

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Feb 21 2024

Possibly the wimpiest album I've ever heard.

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Feb 24 2024

This was pretty OK.

The New Tango by Astor Piazzolla
Feb 25 2024

It was OK. Felt a little dated, but inoffensive. Decent background music.

Abraxas by Santana
Feb 27 2024

I'd never listened to Abraxas, but I love the old Greatest Hits album. So it turns out I'd already listened to most of this album. What a wonderful album. Couldn't be happier.

Feb 29 2024

I, on the other hand, AM angry enough at the world to enjoy the hell out of this. It's a perfect example of the genre. I'm not always in the mood for speed metal, but when I am, Vulgar Display is at the top of my list.

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Mar 03 2024

Considering the reviews this album got by lots of folks, I'm clearly missing something. It's not bad and I can see that Jeff had talent, but it just doesn't blow up my skirt much.

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Mar 04 2024

Don't really dig Leonard's jam. Seems talented, but it's just not my flavor.

Mar 05 2024

It's good and I can see why a lot of people love this album. I'd like it more if it was shorter and it rocked a bit more. Maybe 20-30% more? Another good candidate for 3.5 stars.

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Mar 06 2024

Pretty good. I liked the variety. Didn't dislike most of the rap, which is saying something for me. Another great candidate for 3.5*. Rounding up with this one, for a change.

Scott 4 by Scott Walker
Mar 07 2024

Fiercely mediocre at first, mildly annoying by the time you're done with it. He's a decent enough singer, but his lyrics are kinda bad and odd. "The dragon of disgust"? Plus, his scataly-boppity-do nonsense at the end of a bunch of songs just sucks.

Underwater Moonlight by The Soft Boys
Mar 08 2024

It was pretty decent. I can actually see what they're talking about regarding this band's influence on later bands. They seem like they would have fit better into the late 60's than early 80's.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Mar 09 2024

I mean, it's good if you like Morrissey's singing. I can only handle so much of it.

Bone Machine by Tom Waits
Mar 10 2024

Rough. I know a lot of people like him, but MAN, those vocals. Couple songs I sorta liked. But the arglebargle is nearly unlistenable.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
Mar 13 2024

It's long, French, repetitive and has a wide variety of beeps and boops.

Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
Mar 14 2024

Pretty meh. Can't quite give it a 2. Good candidate for 2.5, though.

Lam Toro by Baaba Maal
Mar 15 2024

It's fine.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Mar 16 2024

Pleasant voice. All the songs sound sorta similar, though.

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Mar 17 2024

This was an enjoyable listen. She's got a great voice and the music's varied, well produced and played.

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Mar 18 2024

Excellent rock album. Love the heavy 70's organ sound.

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Mar 20 2024

It's not bad. I bet it's a fun live show, though.

Rocks by Aerosmith
Mar 21 2024

I've never been a huge Aerosmith fan. This isn't bad, kinda like Rats in the Cellar. I'd give it 3.5 if it was an option.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Mar 23 2024

I like the Talking Heads more the older I get. But this one was not my favorite. Still good, but didn't love it.

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Mar 24 2024

Very meh. This band sounded like they were actively doing drugs while recording the album.

21 by Adele
Mar 26 2024
Drunk by Thundercat
Mar 27 2024
Hotel California by Eagles
Mar 28 2024

Personally, I dance to forget. It would seem I've been away from Classic Rock radio stations long enough to appreciate this. Probably the first time I've ever listened on headphones, too. The Eagles catch a lot of flack, but this is a solid album. Particularly enjoy the Joe Walsh guitar.

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
Mar 30 2024

I liked it. I like big band jazz way better than the smaller scale style. Again, wish there were 1/2 stars. This would be 3.5 for me.

Lost Souls by Doves
Mar 31 2024

I liked it. 3.5 stars.

Central Reservation by Beth Orton
Apr 01 2024

Meh. I think she's probably good at what she does, but I don't love what she does. Songs all sound quite similar. Don't love her singing style. I was ready for the album to be over before it actually was. 2.5

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Apr 02 2024

It's worth 5 stars just for the Boxer. The last verse of which is one of the best verses ever written. I'd never listened to this entire album, just half of it from the Greatest Hits album. All killer, no filler.

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Apr 04 2024

It's good. But all the tracks are pretty similar sounding. Prefer Graceland, I've got to say.

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Apr 05 2024

Seems like a movie soundtrack more than a music album. I didn't mind it.

Blackstar by David Bowie
Apr 06 2024

Felt very "meh" for a Bowie album.

Shleep by Robert Wyatt
Apr 07 2024

Shleep is kinda shlitty.

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles
Apr 08 2024

I know it's revolutionary for the time. But in the present...meh.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Apr 09 2024

It's competent rock music. I neither love nor hate it.

Apr 10 2024

Top-tier beeps and boops. I think it's excellent dance music. Is it brilliant from a song-writing or musicianship perspective? Nope.

Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Apr 11 2024
Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Apr 12 2024

I did not enjoy this album.

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Apr 14 2024

The only reason I'm giving this 4* is Norwegian Wood. There are some decent songs aside from that, but nothing that rises to 4 for me. I get that it was very influential at the time, etc. etc. But damn, Norwegian Wood is a good song.

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Apr 18 2024

That was a real trip for biscuits and now we're all wet, daddio. Not only am I not sophisticated enough to enjoy all this jazzy skittly-boppin', but I'm somewhat self-conscious of the fact that I don't get/like it. 2.5*, but giving it three so I don't seem like such a square.

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
Apr 20 2024

A fine album. 3.5, if it were an option.

John Prine by John Prine
Apr 22 2024

Excellent lyricist. I'd like his work even more if he were a better singer or had a good singer do that singing for him. Still, overall enjoyable experience for me.

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
Apr 26 2024

Been a long time since I've listened to the entire album. It's still great.

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Apr 30 2024

Worth 4* for Born to Run itself, don't love the rest of the album enough to bump it up to 5*, but it'd be a 4.5* for me, were that an option.

Scott 2 by Scott Walker
May 05 2024
Rio by Duran Duran
May 07 2024

Solid 80's pop rock. Rio and Hungry were definitely the right singles to pick from the album.

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
May 08 2024

Winter is an excellent song. I like her singing on this better than some of her subsequent work. 3.5*

Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction
May 10 2024

At this moment, you should be with us, feeling like we do. . . Great album. Three Days is one of my all time favorite songs. Most of the others are great, too.

1984 by Van Halen
May 14 2024

I believe I got this album right around when it came out on cassette tape. Must have been about 10 or 11 at the time and loved it. Haven't listened to the entire album in decades, I'd wager. I still love it.

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by The Incredible String Band
May 16 2024

Now I truly understand why folks hated hippies in the 60's. If there was a good singer amongst this merrily annoying band of Scots, I might have given this 3*s. But nope! 2 it is. Fight me.

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
May 17 2024

Chamber pop as a genre is kinda new to me. I think it's got promise. This guy, though. I actually laughed out loud at some of his lyrics. Maybe I was supposed to, though?

Eagles by Eagles
May 18 2024

Tempted to give it 4*, just for Take It Easy, but I'm going to go with 3.5*.

Dare! by The Human League
May 19 2024
May 20 2024

OK, then started to get mildly irritating as I kept listening to the rest of the album. 2.5* is about right.

In Rainbows by Radiohead
May 21 2024

Much like Jazz as a genre, I don't think I'm cool and/or sophisticated enough to get Radiohead. I like a couple of their songs from other albums and they're clearly talented. Maybe some day I'll get it and join the ranks of. . . Radioheaders?

Tical by Method Man
May 22 2024

I didn't hate it.

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
May 24 2024

I think I'd like Radiohead up to 20% more if Thom would try to sing better more often. I just don't like his singing style, which makes me not even think about attempting to pay attention to his lyrics.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
May 25 2024

I liked this, particularly Culture Wars. I can't quite bring myself to give it 4*. 3.5*.

Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings
May 27 2024

This is pretty good. Enjoyed it more than I expected.

Gris Gris by Dr. John
May 29 2024

It's weird, but I don't hate it.

May 30 2024

I was familiar with several of the tracks, but I enjoyed the rest of them, too.

Morrison Hotel by The Doors
Jun 02 2024

Some of my favorites on one of their best albums. 4.5*, but I have to round up for this one.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Jun 03 2024

Definitely liked some of the songs. I bet this sort of jazz is really fun live.

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Jun 04 2024

Good stuff.

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Jun 05 2024

I read only a little about lo-fi music. New thing to me that I don't believe I enjoy, if these guys are representative of the genre. There were some bits here and there that I sorta liked. At times, I heard hints of early Beatles. But mostly, I think I'd like them if they'd just try harder to be better musicians. 2.5 if it was an option, but rounding up to 3 as I wasn't consistently irritated by their music.

Close To You by Carpenters
Jun 06 2024

Karen's voice is just lovely, no doubt about it. Very clean, talented arrangements. But it's just kinda boring overall to me. If I'm ever in the mood to drink a conservative amount of wine with a reasonable amount of friends at a scenic location with pleasant weather, I'll probably pop this album on in the background.

Dr. Octagonecologyst by Dr. Octagon
Jun 07 2024

The music is actually fine. The lyrics are just trash. So glad I'll never have to listen to it again.

Jun 08 2024

Some really good stuff on this one. I'd like most of the songs with the chorus better without the chorus. Some of the songs he chose to cover have some pretty corny lyrics, too, but those were probably typical of the time and genre. I'd probably like it better if it was a single album of just the stongest material. All told, still excellent.

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Jun 09 2024

It's decent; couple good ones. I like the bass line in the beginning of Picasso's Last Words. 3.5*

Paris 1919 by John Cale
Jun 10 2024

It was fine. Not my thing.

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Jun 11 2024

At times, I was thinking 4 stars, but 3.5 is as high as I can go, I think. I don't love his singing most of the time. I do enjoy the music, though, for the most part. I could see this band growing on me w/repeat listens.

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Jun 12 2024

Come for the can-banging, stay for the drills! This was different, I'll give it that. Some of the sounds were genuinely unpleasant to listen to, as in ear pain. But I sorta, maybe enjoyed some of the -dubs at the end of the album. With all that said, though. I think 2 is the best I could do. If I could pick and choose tracks, maybe I could get to 3. But that's not the world we live in. We must listen to these albums. In their entirety.

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Jun 13 2024

I don't love the lyrics or her singing. Some of it's pretty repetitive, too. Music's fine, though.

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Jun 14 2024

Good stuff. Several stand-out tracks. Bruce uses more vibrato than I'd like at times, but a great metal singer, for sure. If I go back and listen to it more, I'm sure it will grow on me.

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
Jun 15 2024

Classic. One of my favorite Zep albums.

Porcupine by Echo And The Bunnymen
Jun 16 2024

It was OK. Sort of a cross b/w the Cure and U2, but not as good as either.

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Jun 18 2024

Good stuff for the most part. Voodoo Chile (Slight Return) may be the coolest song ever recorded.

Greetings From L.A. by Tim Buckley
Jun 20 2024

I liked the music, but the lyrics were sorta gross, comical or just strange at various points. I think he's probably a good singer when he's not trying to sound like a blues man.

Arrival by ABBA
Jun 22 2024

I'd give it 3.5 if it were an option.

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
Jun 23 2024

Not my jam, daddio. Most of the songs sound pretty similar. I know her voice is supposed to be top-notch, but I don't love the singing style. I'm probably just unsophisticated.

Butterfly by Mariah Carey
Jun 24 2024

For the most part, not a huge fan of her singing, in spite of her clear talent. I did enjoy a couple songs, though.

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jun 25 2024

The more I listen to Elvis and the older I get, the more I like him.

Joan Armatrading by Joan Armatrading
Jun 26 2024

3.5*. Pleasant voice enjoyed some of the music. A bit too jammy for me, though.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Jun 27 2024

Wow. Almost entirely hits. I don't think I've ever heard the whole album before.

Go Girl Crazy by The Dictators
Jun 28 2024

I liked it better than most punk I've heard. But that's not much of an endorsement from me.

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Jun 30 2024

2.5* and didn't get rounded up.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jul 02 2024

4.5* and I can't quite bring myself to round up to 5. Good stuff, great Grapevine cover.

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Jul 04 2024

Not quite sure what to make of Randy. He's got some good lyrics. Easy enough to listen to his music.

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Jul 05 2024

I like QOTSA and this album, but wouldn't have picked it for their representative album. Solid first album, though, and I think it would grow on me with repeated listens. 3.5*.

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
Jul 07 2024

I liked it at times. Gets a bit cacophonous for me at other times. Enjoyed it more than a lot of jazz I've listened to on this project.

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Jul 09 2024

Not bad. Another band that I think is probably fairly talented, but I don't really dig what they're doing. Good background music, sort of "atmospheric" most of the time. Singer sounds Dylan-esque at times, which isn't really a compliment from my perspective.

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Jul 10 2024

4.5* - Don't love Jimi's singing or lyrics all the time. While he's undeniably a game-changing guitarist, I think Mitch and Noel deserve more credit. Some of their instrumental only portions of songs just sound great together.

Jul 12 2024

If this album was just Tainted Love and Where Did Our Love Go?, I'd be rating it solid 4*s. Maybe even 4.5. But they also wrote their own songs and, subsequently, performed them. So that brings us down to a 3* rating (3.5*probably due to TL and WDOLG). It was all so very 80's. But Sex Dwarf is probably the best song ever written, so yeah. 3.5* Final Score.

Scum by Napalm Death
Jul 14 2024

That one part in the song where he said, "Borogoroga waagaja!" Man! It really hit me in the feels. Such tender restraint. And then there was that other song where they all thrashed on their instruments for a minute or so, melodically. Just wow! Jesus Christ. This is why Animal isn't the lead singer in Electric Mayhem.

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jul 15 2024

Rounding up to a 4, but it's pretty close anyway.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Jul 16 2024

4.5*, but I can't quite round up to 5. America and Mrs. Robinson are, of course, excellent. Great cover of Hazy Shade, too. Maybe my favorite version. Several other songs I hadn't heard before that were quite good, too. But Voices of Old People, while it might be poignant, isn't something I want to listen to very often. Punky's Dilemma seems a bit silly, too.

Jul 17 2024

Actually pretty good pop. Recognized a couple songs from my youth, which is always fun when you've almost forgotten them. Some good instrumental work, too, the bass in particular caught my interest on several tracks. 3.5*

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Jul 18 2024

Didn't care for it. Really struggling to decide if it's 2 or 3 stars. 2.5 is my real rating.

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Jul 20 2024

Yeah, this is a 5* album. Especially impressive given that it's her debut.

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jul 22 2024

More solid CCR. While I understand the urge to write a song about chooglin' after using it in one song, I think maintaining the mystery of what, in fact, it means to choogle would have been the smarter play.

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Jul 24 2024

I'll give it 4 just because of its gargantuan status. Some good stuff, but some of it sounds quite dated. I think Michael himself summed it up: You're a vegetable, ow!

Devil Without A Cause by Kid Rock
Jul 26 2024

It was fine. I'd probably rate it a 2.5, but it's not irritating enough to get just 2.

On The Beach by Neil Young
Jul 27 2024

I'm sure I've said this before, but I'd like his stuff better if he didn't sing most of it. Plus, this seemed pretty meh, overall.

Slipknot by Slipknot
Jul 28 2024

I kinda wanted to like this more. But I like different flavors of angry music than this. Not big into the screaming argle bargle vocals for any bands. 2.5, but in this case, I can't round up. There were too many irritating songs for a 3*.

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Jul 29 2024

I didn't like this album, particularly. I generally only like the song Are You Gonna Go My Way? by Lenny. I find his lyrics to be fairly uninspired and repetitive. Don't much care for his singing, either. But I didn't find it to be an irritating album, so it gets 3.

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Jul 31 2024

Pretty good. I'd rate it 3.5, but rounding up to 4, given how many 3's I've had of late and won't lump this in with them. He's a competent singer, but I don't love his vocals. That's the main thing holding him back. Seems like a lesser version of Jack Bruce, vocally. Solid music, though.

Arular by M.I.A.
Aug 01 2024

It was fine.

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Aug 02 2024

It's fun, inoffensive music. Great background music for dancin' your way around the house doing some light housework. 3.5*

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Aug 03 2024

Can't say I enjoyed it, particularly. But he seems to be good at what he's doing.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Aug 04 2024

I like Bob. I'm thinking 3.5*, which I will round to 4.

Future Days by Can
Aug 05 2024

It was interesting. Not irritating.

Be by Common
Aug 08 2024

It was fine.

Crocodiles by Echo And The Bunnymen
Aug 09 2024

Not bad, musically sounded a bit like early U2.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Aug 10 2024

Good stuff. Fell in Love with a Girl and We are Going to be Friends are both excellent little tunes.

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Aug 11 2024

This was OK. I bet if you like Indian music, this is pretty revolutionary.

Chirping Crickets by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Aug 12 2024

It's fine. Probably very good for the time.

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
Aug 13 2024

3.5* Much like their 2nd album, couple standouts and the rest is pretty decent. They have a cool groove, I overall.

White Light by Gene Clark
Aug 16 2024

All the songs sounded pretty much the same. Very meh.

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Aug 17 2024

I know it's heretical, but I don't love Nina's singing that much. There are times when she sounds amazing, but taken as a whole, it's just not for me. Not a knock on her talent, which is obvious. Just another talented person that doesn't appeal to me in particular that much. End of disclaimer.

Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
Aug 18 2024

Good dance music, I suppose.

Freak Out! by The Mothers Of Invention
Aug 19 2024

I seem to like about 10% of Zappa's work.

...And Justice For All by Metallica
Aug 21 2024

Probably my favorite Metallica album. It's just got that extra level of thrash.

My Generation by The Who
Aug 22 2024

3.5* rounded up to 4*. I don't love the Who, but certainly respect their outsized impact on rock. Particularly for this being their debut from 1966 AND it having My Generation and The Ox, it's impressive. The Ox is just a banger. I think I came to realize that the main reason I don't love the Who is Daltrey's voice. I like it in some songs, mostly later in their career, but not universally across their catalog. Also, I really like The Ox, in case I didn't mention it.

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Aug 23 2024

Clearly, Nick had some talent, both as a performer and song-writer. But it's just so bland to me.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Aug 24 2024

Songwriting's fine. Music and musicianship is pretty good. Lyrics and singing are boring to me. Overall result is fiercely bland.

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Aug 25 2024

Fun music, but don't like the singer for most of songs. Worked on a couple very well, but not on most for me. 3.5*

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Aug 26 2024

4.5* Mostly bangers, but not quite enough to push it to a full 5*'s, unfortunately. So much talent in this band.

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Aug 27 2024

Not bad. Lovely voice. Would be interesting to hear her sing real words.

Dust by Screaming Trees
Aug 29 2024

Not sure how I missed this one in the 90's. I liked it, overall. 3.5*, could see it going to 4* with repeated listens.

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Aug 31 2024

Again, I wish Neil would get someone else to sing his songs for him. Probably go up a full star with a decent singer.

Group Sex by Circle Jerks
Sep 01 2024

It was fine. Probably good for punk, if it's your thing. It's not my thing.

Forever Changes by Love
Sep 02 2024

Surprised to see how highly regarded Love is by critics. I found it very meh.

Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Sep 03 2024

Going with 4*, but I don't see myself going back to listen to it, oddly. Still, undeniably good stuff.

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Sep 04 2024

I think "West End Girls" is all the Pet Shop Boys I really need. It's all pretty much the same, but for some reason I sorta like WEG. Yet another, "It was fine," from me.

Felt Mountain by Goldfrapp
Sep 05 2024

This one was a pleasant surprise. Music's interested and sophisticated (I think?). And I like it better than most electronica-type stuff. Some of the songs are pretty weird and I think most, if not all, of the lyrics are gibberish. But her voice is SO sexy I don't even care. Would definitely listen again.

Abbey Road by Beatles
Sep 07 2024

I know it's heretical, but I don't love the Beatles. I certainly respect their influence on music, but a good chunk of their catalog just doesn't speak to me. A decent portion of this album feels like filler. 3.5*, only rounding to 4 because it's the Beatles.

Sep 08 2024

If I was a teenage girl, I bet I would love this. But I'm not and I don't. She does have a lovely voice, though.

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Sep 09 2024

This album was rather indistinguishable from a lot of other rock from. . . those other bands.

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Sep 10 2024

Solid, but the only standouts for me were the radio releases.

Goodbye And Hello by Tim Buckley
Sep 12 2024

Realistically, this should be a 2.5* from me. It's not quite irritating enough to be a 2, but I would have stopped listening had it not been part of this project. I thought his lyrics weren't great and I don't love his singing style. Music was fine, though. Hoping there's no more Timmy in the future.

Sep 13 2024

Music's fine. I just can't get past the singer. He's either, bored, sleepy, disinterested or on some sort of depressant. Or maybe it's a combo of the above. I just can't get into it or even get engaged in whatever he's singing about.

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Sep 14 2024

Like a lot of the Stones, I like about half of it. Radio releases are strong and I've always loved Paint it Black. Don't even get me started on red doors. I'm sure it was ground-breaking for the time, too. Based on the fact that it's the Stones and Paint it Black is on this album, I'm giving it 4*.

Court And Spark by Joni Mitchell
Sep 16 2024

Another artist I can tell is talented, but I just don't like her work much.

Marquee Moon by Television
Sep 17 2024

I kinda liked this album. Not entirely sure why, though. Singer seemed like a mix of David Byrne and whoever the singer is for the Violent Femmes. Definitely didn't seem like punk to me, though. 3.5*

The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu
Sep 18 2024

All the toots, twerdles and honks on Laughing were pretty irritating. I hate that sort of crap. Turns out, it was pretty indicative of what the rest of the album's like. There were moments I enjoyed, but a lot of irritating noises. Still better than the Residents.

I’m a Lonesome Fugitive by Merle Haggard
Sep 19 2024

I was a bit surprised that I liked this as much as I did. I like the steel guitar and Merle's got a good voice, IMO. Some of the lyrics were clunky, though. But it was short, which probably helped. Oddly enough, I think I'm getting a bit more country in my old age. Just not modern country. That's still the worst.

Different Class by Pulp
Sep 20 2024

I liked this one. I think I need to give it another listen with headphones on, though, as I really couldn't pay attention to the lyrics while driving. There was a mention of breasts and curves, though, which piqued my interest. Overall, I heartily agree with my co-reviewers assessment that this is sort of a poor-man's Bowie, but that's not a criticism. 3.5* with a distinct possibilty of another .5 with a relisten. Not that you'll ever know, though, as there's no way to edit reviews.

Transformer by Lou Reed
Sep 21 2024

Lou Reed is sorta like the Rolling Stones for me. I like some of his stuff, but certainly not all of it. I appreciate his cynicism and he can certainly write excellent songs. Wild Side deserves it's classic status. But I also don't love his singing on a lot of his songs. Some of the guitar work is rough, too. Lou, for me, works well on a Best Of type album.

Goo by Sonic Youth
Sep 22 2024

Not a fan. The noise in noise-rock is too noisy for me.

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Sep 23 2024

This is just a 3* for me. Much like a lot of jazz, I just don't get this. It's not particularly enjoyable for me to listen to. I'm just not as proggy as I'd hoped to be.

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
Sep 24 2024

The Joy Division brought me very little joy. The music was alright, but I did not like the singer.

Younger Than Yesterday by The Byrds
Sep 25 2024

It's fine. Another older album that I probably would have enjoyed more if I were of the same era.

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Sep 26 2024

I've tried to listen to it before, but it's just not my thing. I know this is a thrash metal classica and it's going to ding my metal cred, but here goes. Don't like the singer or the lyrics. All the songs sound pretty damn similar. 2.5* rounded down.

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Sep 27 2024

Neil can write some pretty good songs, but he insists on singing them. It works on some of them, but I really don't like his voice most of the time.

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Sep 28 2024

Screechy vocals are hard to take on most of her songs. 2.5 rounded up to 3*.

Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye
Sep 29 2024

None of my favorite Gaye songs. He's a great singer, but none of these songs grabbed me for some reason. Hopefully, there's more of his albums on the list. There must be.

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Oct 01 2024

Now THIS is what I'm talking about. 5*. Amazing singer, great songs, timeless lyrics.

Violator by Depeche Mode
Oct 02 2024

In general, I'm not really into synthesizer music, but this is a lot better than the majority of the genre. Several just plain good songs, regardless of instrumentation. 3.5* and I think I need to round up to 4, though 3.5 is really where I'd place this.

Bubble And Scrape by Sebadoh
Oct 03 2024

This is mostly pretty irritating to me. I'll be sure to never listen to this again.

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Oct 05 2024

I think there are a couple key things, above and beyond the musicianship, singing and songwriting that make this work so well. Meat's just so damn sincere and committed to the material. He's giving it his all, passionately. To that I say, well done, Meat Loaf.

High Violet by The National
Oct 07 2024

I think I like this? Like Radiohead, I feel like there's something here I'm just not quite getting. Definitely got some talent and I should listen to more of them. 3.5*, but I can't quite round up to 4.

The Clash by The Clash
Oct 09 2024

I don't love punk, in general, but this is better than most. For the Clash in particular, I like their later stuff more, but you can already tell on this album that they're more talented than the average punk band. 3.5*

Arise by Sepultura
Oct 10 2024

Don't care for the vocals. Songs are pretty similar for the most part.

Roger the Engineer by The Yardbirds
Oct 11 2024

It was pretty decent. There were a couple parts of songs that piqued my interest, hinting at the future of rock. I bet I was have really enjoyed this, though, if I was a kid growing up in the 60's. 3.5*

Graceland by Paul Simon
Oct 12 2024

About as close to a perfect album as you can get. I've been listening to this for close to 40 years and it's still amazing.

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Oct 14 2024

Not my thing at all. I'm sure their mothers think they are very talented. Perfect candidate for a 2.5*.

Oct 15 2024

This album is so very English. Good stuff, but I don't LOVE Queen, in general. I enjoy their music though, by and large. I can see why this album is held in such high regard.

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
Oct 16 2024

My mother likes the Beach Boys and we used to listen to them quite a bit when I was younger. Nostalgia may have colored my assessment. But it's good music, particularly for the era. I assume, anyway.

Oxygène by Jean-Michel Jarre
Oct 17 2024

It's fine. Sounds like a movie soundtrack. Good background music, I suppose?

White Light / White Heat by The Velvet Underground
Oct 18 2024

I REALLY wish there were 1/2 star ratings. This one's getting two stars from me. And here's why! Much too much noise in a lot of these songs. It's just irritating. I would like it if they were more talented musicians, too. Or maybe if Lou just wrote songs for other bands and singers. I appreciate their affect on later music, for sure. Their legacy, if you will. But damn, I just don't like listening to it.

Odelay by Beck
Oct 19 2024

Might be tempted to go 3.5* if it were an option. Enough stuff I don't like on this album, though, to prevent 4*. Some noisy nonsense here and there. I like Beck, but I don't LIKE like Beck.

Purple Rain by Prince
Oct 20 2024

Some good stuff. I don't like the screeching in some songs. Definitely can see his talent. I know it's pop music, but it doesn't feel like it for the most part. 3.5* rounding up to 4.

Snivilisation by Orbital
Oct 21 2024

I guess if I were to get into EDM, I'd probably like this?

Parachutes by Coldplay
Oct 22 2024

It's fine. Yet another album where the band's good at doing what they do, but I just don't care for what they're doing. Pretty sure I'll feel this way about all Coldplay albums, if there's more on this list.

Bummed by Happy Mondays
Oct 24 2024

This is pretty OK. Music's sort interesting, but I don't care for the singing.

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Oct 26 2024

It's fine. I've always wanted to like Foo Fighters more, just because of the Nirvana lineage, I suppose. But it's just OK. My official policy on Dave Grohl is that I like him best behind the drums. 3.5*

At Budokan by Cheap Trick
Oct 27 2024

Solid rock album. Some classic songs on it and the band's tight, throughout. 3.5* and I think I need to round up considering it's a live album.

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Oct 28 2024

Even though the singer's voice/style goes well with the music, I don't like it. Just not my type of singing. Some decent lyrics sprinkled throughout.

Mothership Connection by Parliament
Oct 29 2024

I do, in fact, want the funk. But not always. It's fun music, but I don't crave it very often. 3.5*, maybe 4 if I'm feeling particularly funky.

Rip It Up by Orange Juice
Oct 30 2024

Not bad. Singer's kind of goofy David Byrne-ish sometimes. Other times, he reminds me of Dave Wakeling. Music's decent and varied enough to keep my interest. 3.5*

Amnesiac by Radiohead
Oct 31 2024

Not a huge Radiohead fan, to say the least. I think it's mostly Thom's singing. That extra H in his name doesn't help anything, either. BUT! I love Might Be Wrong. It's a perfect song, I believe. His mumbly, sorta whiney, soft-singing works well within the confines of this one song. Sadly, the only other one on the album I liked was Knives Out. The rest ranges from Meh to Why Isn't It Over Yet? One more band where I can see that they're good at what they're doing, but I don't like it, regardless. All songs w/out MBW, 3*. But as much as it pains me to crank it up to 4 because of ONE song, I must.

The Real Thing by Faith No More
Nov 01 2024

Been a bit since I've listed to this one. Enjoyed it more than I remember. I honestly think Angel Dust should be here instead of this album, but it stand up pretty damn well, all the same.

2112 by Rush
Nov 02 2024

I love Rush. This isn't my favorite album of theirs, but I do love it and it's their breakthrough album. Forever grateful to it in that regard. Also, the more I listen to Alex's guitar work, the more I'm impressed with it. I was always enamored with the rhythm section, but he's definitely an underrated guitarist. I don't think there's ever been a band with this much concentrated talent.

Want One by Rufus Wainwright
Nov 03 2024

There's a few songs where he actually sings well. But most of the time he sounds REALLY sleepy or maybe just doesn't open his mouth enough. I didn't hate it, but I did find myself wondering why it was taking so long to end. 2.5*, but I can't say it irritate me enough to merit 2*. I guess I have to round up to a weak 3.

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Nov 04 2024

Really on the fence about 3 vs 4 stars. Songwriting and musicianship are definitely 4, but the singing is a bit grating at times. A band worth further exploration into their catalog, though.

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Nov 05 2024

Good stuff. One thing that's always bugged me about some of Jack's songs is that he tries to jam too many words into his songs. But it totally works for some of his songs. Fine line, I guess?

Nov 06 2024

Never been a huge Megadeth fan, but I liked this more than I thought I would. Still, they're a notch or two down from Metallica, in terms of songwriting and, for me at least, singing. 3.5*

The Stooges by The Stooges
Nov 07 2024

I know the Stooges are proto-punk, but I'm going to lump them in with punk. I prefer talent in my bands. It's best when it's songwriting and musicianship/singing ability all in one package. But I need some in at least one of those categories. The Stooges have some songwriting ability, but not much in terms of musical ability. I'll round up to 3* just because of their pioneering aspect, not so much that I enjoyed their music.

Ace of Spades by Motörhead
Nov 08 2024

The song Ace of Spades is a 5* song. I've loved it for a long time. The rest of this album is good if you like the genre, for sure. But it all sounds pretty similar. Given Lemmy's status as a Metal God and progenitor of fast, heavy music, he deserves all the praise he gets, as far as I'm concerned. I'm lucky that I got to see him before he died. RIP, Lemmy.

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Nov 09 2024

Love Amy's singing and there are some good songs on this one. Some excellent lyrics as well. I do prefer it when she's got the whole band behind her, though.

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
Nov 11 2024

Not bad. Kind of a fun energy to it. There seemed to be no low end to the music, though. Strange mixing issue, maybe?

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Nov 12 2024

It's fine. Not my sort of music. All the songs sound pretty similar.

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Nov 13 2024

I'm not sure why, but I enjoy Elvis' vocal style more and more as I age. Some very good songs here and it's a completely new album to me, near as I can tell.

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Nov 14 2024

Good stuff! I've heard the radio releases and liked them, but never explored deeper. Solid rock album w/out a sniff of "indie rock" to be had! They've got a unique sound, good songwriting, enjoyable singing, good musicianship (particularly some of the bass lines) and what else do you need? This is what this 1001 album project is all about: finding stuff you like that you probably wouldn't have otherwise. Feels like a high price to pay sometimes when you just got through listening to the Residents or Robert Wyatt, though.

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Nov 15 2024

It was OK. Must have been influential in its day or something, but I neither loved nor hated it.

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Nov 16 2024

I like Prince more than I did prior to starting this project. He was clearly a talented songwriter, musician and singer. But I still don't LOVE his music. It's just not my thing. And 2 albums is a LOT of Prince when you're not a big fan. 3.5, but I can't bring myself to round up.

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Nov 17 2024

Really good live album. I'd always thought the radio releases were decent enough, but the rest of the album was excellent. Appears to be some controversy about just how live the album really is, but assuming it's at least somewhat live, the songs are even more impressive. 4.5* is what I'd rate it if it were allowed, but can't bring myself to round up to 5.

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Nov 17 2024

I like the Beasties. If I were able to gather all my favorites of their songs, I could probably come up with a couple 5* albums. But given that we're doing a different project, I'm going to give this one 3.5* rounded up to 4*.

Sister by Sonic Youth
Nov 18 2024

Not a fan. I think it's probably "noise-rock" in general that I don't enjoy. I found this mildly irritating, as a whole, so 2.5*. But I guess I'll round up to 3 due to their influence on subsequent bands?

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Nov 19 2024

It's good. Can't quite bring myself to go to 4*, though. 3.5*.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Nov 20 2024

Oof. The strength of this triple album is also it's weakness: variety. If I could select the songs, I could probably make a single 4* album. But there were also a lot of 2* songs. In the end, there's just too much stuff I don't enjoy to rank this any higher than 3*.

Casanova by The Divine Comedy
Nov 21 2024

I kinda liked the opening track, Something for the Weekend, but it gradually went downhill from there. Not sure why someone would want to make an album of this type of music. Didn't hate it, though.

Heavy Weather by Weather Report
Nov 22 2024

Like a lot of jazz, this is pleasant enough. Good background music. Still not my thing, though, daddio.

Dummy by Portishead
Nov 23 2024

I'd heard of Portishead, but hadn't realized I knew a couple of their songs. If this is what trip-hop sounds like, sign me up for the newsletter. VERY good debut album. Sounds like the soundtrack to a stylish, sexy, well-produced detective movie. Excellent songwriting and singing. Somewhere between 4 and 4.5*.

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
Nov 24 2024

I think Morrissey is probably a pretty good singer. But I don't like the way he sings. The music itself if fine. There were even a few tunes I thought were pretty decent. But his singing just made the music more boring. He seems disinterested, which guides me down that same path when evaluating his work.

Nov 25 2024

I've never been a huge Rod Stewart fan, but he's definitely got some good songs. Maggie May and I'm Losing You are both pretty good. 3.5 overall, but I can't really round up.

Nov 26 2024

I know it's not what I'm supposed to think, but I don't like most of Bob Dylan's songs. He's got some admittedly excellent lyrics, but that doesn't apply across this entire album. A lot of the music behind his lyrics is pretty uninspired, too. And then of course, there's his singing. That alone takes a full star rating off.

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Nov 27 2024

Not bad. The only real standout for me was You're My Girl.

Ys by Joanna Newsom
Nov 28 2024

I found Joanna's singing to be disagreeable. Not a fan.

Garbage by Garbage
Nov 29 2024

Unremarkable and inoffensive.

Nov 30 2024

Not a fan. Maybe if his lyrics weren't like a 13 year old trying to be provocative?

Spiderland by Slint
Dec 01 2024

Boy, that sure was something.

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Dec 02 2024

Disc 2 was much more enjoyable than the first. I had no idea she was such a good singer. Still, a lot of the music's just not for me. 3.5*

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Dec 03 2024

Not bad, but it feels uninspired, particularly when compared to Rumours. Tusk is the sole standout for me. And that spazzy drum solo in the middle always makes me chuckle. 3.5*.

Skylarking by XTC
Dec 04 2024

Seems very British. Not bad. Dear God is the standout for me and it seems to not match the rest of the album.

Dec 05 2024

I'm still not a huge Beatles fan. And this album doesn't have my favorite songs. But I'm still going to rate it 4*, based on Day in the Life, mostly. I also didn't realize With a Little Help From My Friends was written by Ringo. Props to Mr. Starr. Plus, I'm sure the album had an outsized influence on most music that came after it.

Signing Off by UB40
Dec 06 2024

I liked this one quite a bit. I'd always thought of UB40 as the Red Red Wine band, which is fine, but I don't love it. This has a cooler feel to it, with some very nice bass and saxophone, the latter of which I don't normally associate with reggae. I'm not always in the mood for reggae, but when I am, I could definitely see putting this album on, as well as exploring more of their catalog.

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Dec 07 2024

Essentially, a perfect album. So much talent in both musicianship and songwriting.

Stankonia by OutKast
Dec 08 2024

Pretty good overall. 3.5* rounding up based purely on how much I love B.O.B.

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Dec 09 2024

This has got to be some of the wimpiest music ever recorded.

Aja by Steely Dan
Dec 10 2024

I've always felt like Steely Dan is OK. This album reaffirmed this feeling. They seem to be good at what they do, but I don't love what they do.

It's Too Late to Stop Now by Van Morrison
Dec 11 2024

I like Van, but typically can only handle so much at a time. This was pretty good, though. 3.5* rounded up.

Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears
Dec 12 2024

My opinion of Tears for Fears remains unchanged. They're pretty OK.

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
Dec 13 2024

I was as bored listening to this album as the band members seem to have been playing/singing for it.

Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow
Dec 15 2024

I liked it more than I was expecting. Strong Enough is a pretty solid song and several of the non-radio releases were pretty good, too. Unlike a lot of other albums, most of the radio releases were weaker than some of the unreleased songs. 3.5*, but I can't round up.

Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Dec 16 2024

The last, bluesy song was my favorite. I can clearly hear that she's talented musically and she's got a lovely, smooth voice. But the songs on this album overwhelmingly scream Adult Contemporary. It's just sort of lifeless and bland to me. Seems like it's specifically written and performed to appeal to a wide-range of people while remaining completely edgeless. Maybe there's stuff in her catalog that would grab me. There are certainly some hints in that direction on this album, but this one ain't it for me. She seems like a classy lady, overall. Maybe she's got a blues album that'd tickle my fancy.

Moondance by Van Morrison
Dec 17 2024

Just based on Moondance and Into the Mystic, this is a 5* album. Some other quality songs, too. Glad Tidings is just happy, fun music, which I think I appreciate more as I get older.

Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits
Dec 18 2024

I wonder what would happen if this guy tried to write music that's enjoyable to listen to? I bet he could do a decent job of it! Maybe get a singer who drinks water occasionally, too. It's a radical idea, I know. Still, maybe it's crazy enough that it just might work.

Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jackson
Dec 19 2024

It seems like a good pop album. Not my thing, though.

Let It Be by The Replacements
Dec 20 2024

I didn't hate it, but I was glad when it was over.

Dec 21 2024

I've listened to this multiple times in the past in an attempt to enjoy King Crimson. This attempt proved no different to me; I still don't really like it. It's too disjointed or something for me. I'm sure, just like most jazz, it's me, not the band. Clearly talented musicians. Again, I'm disappointed in my level of prog.

Rising Above Bedlam by Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Dec 22 2024

This was really fun. I didn't particularly care for the male lead vocalist, but I think I'd get used to him. Really enjoyed the album.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Dec 23 2024

I liked some of this. Had it been an hour shorter and different lead singers for some of the songs, I could probably even have gone as high as 4*. But it wasn't. It'd be 5* to accompany a serious drinking session, though. 3.5*

The Doors by The Doors
Dec 24 2024

I love the Doors, but this is probably my least favorite of their albums. Still, I do enjoy most of it.

Dec 26 2024

I'm kind of a Scrooge about Christmas music, but this one's not too bad. It's more fun than a lot of the crap we're all forced to listen to this time of year.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
Dec 27 2024

Corrigan's voice is tough to take for a whole album, let alone two. Some good song-writing, but overshadowed by his screechy voice.

War by U2
Dec 28 2024

Peak U2. All killer, no filler.

Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
Dec 29 2024

Another album that's not for me. Don't care for the singing.

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Dec 30 2024

This album was a pleasant surprise. 3.5* rounding up due to the early time period for this level of rock. Probably one of those influential bands that most non-musicians didn't really know about.

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Dec 31 2024

This rocks pretty hard. Great singer, too. But there's something I can't quite put my finger on that just doesn't do it for me. This project, if nothing else, has helped me identify what I DON'T like about particular albums, but this one leaves me a bit stumped. 3.5* rounding up to 4, though. Maybe I'll enjoy it more if I come back and listen a few more times.

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Jan 01 2025

Strong Stone Roses vibes. Not bad, but not oustanding, either. I liked their two instrumentals the best.

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
Jan 02 2025

Good singer, but MAN, some of the lyrics are just atrocious. Seems like stream of conscoiusness lyrics and sometimes they land and others just crash and explode. Some truly horrible songs and some decent ones, too, but nothing all that interesting. Music is likewise unremarkable.

Trio by Dolly Parton
Jan 03 2025

Lovely voices all, but I think Dolly dominates more than I'd like. Very well produced, but almost a bit too polished. 3.5* rounded up.

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Jan 04 2025

It's fun. I imagine for the day it was pretty revolutionary. Given the legacy, I'll round up.

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jan 05 2025

After a first, casual listen, I enjoyed this just like all the Elvis C. I've listened to on this project.

Kilimanjaro by The Teardrop Explodes
Jan 06 2025

Some decent songs, some rather annoying songs.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Jan 07 2025

I know a lot of people like the Pixies, but I just don't get it. Great album cover, though.

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Jan 08 2025

Not a fan. Don't like the mumble-whispering lyrics and the music's pretty much all the same, from song to song. 2.5 rounded up, mostly cause it's not really irritating, just unappealing.

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Jan 09 2025

If you like amazing male vocals, soul, and (this is key) sexy, sexy lyrics, this album is for you! Luckily, I like all of those things.

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Jan 10 2025

Not a fan. Seems like she's got a lovely voice, but I don't like her singing style. All the songs seem very similar to each other. I know she's highly regarded, but I don't get it.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Jan 11 2025

I'm always conflicted with Lou Reed. He's got some good songwriting and a knack for great lyrics. But I mostly don't like listening to his singing. But DAMN does it work for Heroin. Great song and it keeps me from rating this album lower. I don't love the music on most of this album, either. Sorta cacophonous and the musicians don't seem all that talented. Nico might have benefited from a few singing lessons, too. She might have a good voice with a bit more coaching. But yeah, not particularly evident on this album. 3.5* rounded up based on the strength of Heroin and their clear influence on music down the line.

Fire Of Love by The Gun Club
Jan 12 2025

This is good punk. But I still don't love punk enough to rate it very high. 3.5*

american dream by LCD Soundsystem
Jan 13 2025

It seems like good dance music.

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
Jan 14 2025

Good stuff! I've seen this album listed on a LOT of artist's "influential albums" lists. I think this is the first time I've gotten around to listening to it, though. The variety is the standout for me. Not one of those albums where all the songs sound similar. Title track is some pretty damn amazing guitar, too. Could see this one getting ranked higher with additional listenings.

Deep Purple In Rock by Deep Purple
Jan 16 2025

Good stuff. Along with Thin LIzzy, this project has introduced me to some excellent hard rock that I might not have been likely to discover at an album level. Makes it worthwhile listening to the Sex Packets and Duck Stabs. But what a price to pay. . .

Ctrl by SZA
Jan 17 2025

Nothing exceptional about this at all. The Kendrick Lamar track is complete trash. Most songs sound the same Prom was OK. 2.5 and I'm torn which way to round it. . . Grudgingly rounding up.

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Jan 18 2025

A fun listen. A bit too much organ at times, but overall enjoyable. 3.5*, rounding up.

I Against I by Bad Brains
Jan 19 2025

I can see their influence on future bands. Mike Patton seems to have picked up a few tricks from the singer, too. Not bad, but too punkish-for my liking. Just doesn't hook me.

The Healer by John Lee Hooker
Jan 20 2025

Good stuff.

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Jan 21 2025

Pretty decent overall. I enjoyed the distinct bass lines throughout, in particular. Psycho Killer has always bugged me, though. 3.5*

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Jan 22 2025

I'm not sure what's happened to me, but I think I enjoyed a Steely Dan album. I'm typically indifferent. 3.5* rounding up? I guess?

1989 by Taylor Swift
Jan 23 2025

Competent, inoffensive, polished, corporate pop. It's fine.

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Jan 24 2025

Not bad. A bit uneven for my tastes; enjoyed some, disliked others. 3.5*

Solid Air by John Martyn
Jan 26 2025

Although it was hard to tell if the lyrics were English at times, I enjoyed this album. Quite groovy, baby.

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Jan 28 2025

Enjoyable! 3.5*, rounding up.

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Jan 29 2025

Still a great album and one you really need headphones to appreciate properly. Sad and beautiful, it's yet another great Pink Floyd album.

Under Construction by Missy Elliott
Jan 31 2025

Work It is fun. Some variety in the songs. I didn't hate it.

I can see why people like punk, in general, and the Sex Pistols specifically. It's got a lot of aggressive energy. But I think I prefer at least a little more refinement. Plus, Johnny Rotten's voice is grating after a couple songs. 2.5*, rounding up to 3* for cultural impact.

...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
Feb 02 2025

Title track's the catchiest. The rest is competent, bubblegum pop.

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Feb 04 2025

This album seemed to never end. Not my thing.

Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes
Feb 05 2025

I do not like Bjork. That is all.

Feb 06 2025

I liked this one way more than I thought I would. 3.5*, but not rounding up as I doubt I'd come back and listen to it again. But it's much more enjoyable than the Notorious B.I.G. album I listened to earlier this week. Know what I'm sayin'?

The Next Day by David Bowie
Feb 07 2025

I feel a little guilty for this, since it's Bowie. But "Meh."

Murmur by R.E.M.
Feb 08 2025

It was OK. Most of the songs sounded pretty similar. Radio Free Europe's good. Same way I seem to feel about most REM. I like a few songs, but mostly Michael Stipe's just a bit too earnest. Or something.

Infected by The The
Feb 09 2025

Don't care for his singing style or lyrics. Music wasn't anything special. The name of the band is sort of irritating, too.

16 Lovers Lane by The Go-Betweens
Feb 11 2025

Pretty unremarkable. I did like Was There Anything I Could Do?

Sulk by The Associates
Feb 12 2025

This album 80's so hard.

Feb 14 2025

I don't love the falsetto, auto-tuned (or whatever) vocals, but I don't hate them either. The music's interesting. I like it more than I would have thought from something in the "new-rave" genre. 3.5*

Feb 15 2025

This was reasonably good background music. Some parts were interesting and they outweighed the mildly irritating parts.

OK Computer by Radiohead
Feb 16 2025

Kinda liked Electioneering. Did not like the rest of it. Thom's vocals are just too whiny, droning and unintelligible for me.

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Feb 17 2025

Lots of fun. 3.5* rounding up to 4.

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Feb 19 2025

I liked it more than most of the punk I've heard on this project. If a punk band keeps getting better, musically, do they veer off into another genre? Isn't one of the characteristics of "punk rock" that they just aren't all that talented? 3.5*

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Feb 20 2025

This sure is a Bob Dylan album. I know it's a classic and I liked 3 or 4 songs well enough. But it also seems to be Peak Dylan-Sings-Like-Dylan. Which is irritating to me after a song or two. Some of his rhymes are silly, as well. I dunno. I sorta get why he's so well-regarded, but I also don't. 3.5* just for his legacy/influence.

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Feb 21 2025

Adult contemporary Beach Boys! Yay! It's pretty OK. I can see why it's well-regarded, but it doesn't do much for me. Largely forgettable.

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Feb 23 2025

It's not bad. I've never been a huge fan of Alice's music. He seems like a cool guy, though. Blue Turk isn't a bad song. The Finale was relatively Grand. 3.5*?

Feb 24 2025

Not bad. I'm not a huge country fan, but this guy's pretty good. 3.5*

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Feb 25 2025

The ladies seem like pretty good singers. The lyrics are pretty repetitive, though. Music's pretty OK. Solid "Meh," from me.

Guitar Town by Steve Earle
Feb 26 2025

This one's tough to rate for me, but with familiar reasons why. Some good lyrics and some good songwriting. I think Steve can sing well, but I don't like his singing style. Probably why I don't like most country, in fact. Even though I liked some of the individual songs, by the time I was halfway through the album, I was ready to not listen to his singing anymore. So I guess it all averages out, in the end.

Another Green World by Brian Eno
Feb 28 2025

It seems like the soundtrack to a movie. The instrumentals were more agreeable than the songs with lyrics.

Night Life by Ray Price
Mar 02 2025

Unlike most country music, I don't mind listening to this. Ray's a great singer, without the twang. Music all sounded pretty similar, but was agreeable enough.

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Mar 05 2025

Some good songs. I seem to have liked it more back in the 90's though. I think Billy's voice grates on me more now than it did 30 years ago, for whatever reason. 3.5* rounding up for nostalgia.

Winter In America by Gil Scott-Heron
Mar 06 2025

H2O Gate Blues is good, but not something I want to listen to repeatedly. The rest of it's a bit too free-form/jazzy for me. Can see the talent, but it's not my bag, baby.

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Mar 07 2025

The more Bowie I listen to on this project, the more I realize I mostly enjoy his radio hits. It's not a bad album, but nothing really grabbed me. 3.5*

Smash by The Offspring
Mar 08 2025

I enjoyed the hell out of this album when it came out, back when I was 20. I haven't listened to it in its entirety for quite a while, so I was a bit apprehensive that it wouldn't hold up. But I still enjoy it. The just-refined-enough punk energy, the alternating serious and humorous lyrics combine to make a fun, entertaining album.

Slayed? by Slade
Mar 10 2025

Some decent songs, some less so. Probably an influential group, given the timing of this album.

C'est Chic by CHIC
Mar 11 2025

Fun bass lines on some songs. Others were dreadfully repetitive, both musically and lyrically. Can't say that's necessarily bad, given that it's dance music, though.

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Mar 12 2025

Enjoyed the variety on this album, even if it was a bit uneven in quality. Did not enjoy all the "filler" tracks, though. They make me less apt to go back and listen to it again. 3.5* rounding up.

Berlin by Lou Reed
Mar 13 2025

Well. What to say about THIS one. Though-provoking and lyrically deep, it's not a lot of fun to listen to. Not that everything has to be fun, of course. Lou's singing also makes this one hard for me to rate. Not something I'll likely listen to a lot, but I could see myself coming back to it.

The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan
Mar 15 2025

This sure is a 1979 synthesizer album by Gary Numan. It's just as exciting as you'd think it would be by someone named Gary Numan.

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Mar 16 2025

Reminds me of Tori Amos. I like some of Tori's stuff, but most of it is rather grating to me. Same w/Kate. They both clearly have talent, but it's a bit too. . . out there? artsy? for me. But at the same time, I can respect them for doing their own thing. Just prefer it's not in earshot of me. 2.5* rounded down. Started at 3 and kept gradually losing stars for me.

Rattus Norvegicus by The Stranglers
Mar 17 2025

As previously noted, I'm not a big punk guy. But this is pretty decent. 3.5*, but can't bring myself to round up.

Mar 18 2025

Tough one to rate for me. If I could make it about an hour or so, it's easily a 4* album. But there's a lot of filler and some less good songs. 3.5* and I think I'm rounding up because of Hey Ya! It's just fun and I always enjoy listening to it.

Histoire De Melody Nelson by Serge Gainsbourg
Mar 19 2025

Mostly, this made me realize how much French I've forgotten. Or never really learned. Aside from that, I like it musically. Sassy little album cover, too. Would probably rate it differently if I understood more than a dozen words or so.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Mar 20 2025

Good stuff. Gimme Shelter is probably my favorite Stones song, so that kicks it up a full level, I'd wager.

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Mar 21 2025

Do you like lots of excellent piano with occasional Woots? Then this is the album for you. Excellent background music.

Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
Mar 22 2025

I think I'm happy the my mind is seemingly windmill-less. She's got a great voice. Son of a Preacher Man is a great song. Really highlights the sexiness aspect of her singing. The music on the rest of the songs is competent and mostly forgettable. 3.5, rounded down. Tempted to round up just based on SoaPM, but I'm just not likely to come back to the album as a whole.

Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
Mar 23 2025

Seems like decent dance music. Not lots of fun to just listen to, though.

Deloused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
Mar 24 2025

They seem talented, but I didn't enjoy this album. Too frantic and seemingly disjointed, even though I know it's all precisely planned.

Blue by Joni Mitchell
Mar 25 2025

I know it's blasphemous, but I don't care for her chirpy, choppy vocals. There. I said it.

Very by Pet Shop Boys
Mar 26 2025

This is highly-polished, dance-oriented pop music. It's pleasant enough to listen to, but it doesn't grab me in any way.

Mar 27 2025

I was looking forward to listening to this one and I'm not disappointed. Fun music overall. Love the horns being front and center. 3.5* rounding up to 4.

Who's Next by The Who
Mar 28 2025

I've always been a Greatest Hits-level fan of the Who. Not sure that I've ever listened to this album in its entirety. 5* for Baba, Blue Eyes and Fooled Again alone. Rest of the album is solid, as well. Lyrics to Won't Get Fooled Again are damn near perfect, but I sure do wish they didn't apply so well to the present, 54 years later.

Clandestino by Manu Chao
Mar 29 2025

Nice change of pace, but I can't say I loved it.

Mar 30 2025

Started off interesting. They've clearly got some talent. But the vast majority of songs felt pretty similar. Might be worthwhile checking out their other albums to see if they have any that are a bit more dynamic. 3.5*

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Mar 31 2025

This was an enjoyable listen. I'll likely come back and give it another listen.

Apr 01 2025

It was pretty OK. Reminded me of Talking Heads a bit. I like the music more than the lyrics and singing. Which is something, given how prevalent the synths are here. I guess? Yeah. Pretty OK.

Melodrama by Lorde
Apr 02 2025

I kinda like Lorde. Seems like a cross between Taylor Swift and Fiona Apple. Without the polish of Swift or the same level of talent as Apple. Better than most pop, these days. Not on this album, but I love Royals. <3 3.5*

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Apr 03 2025

Always enjoyed Suite: Judy Blue Eyes in particular. Even the Spanish gibberish at the end. The singing's excellent on the entire album.

Ray Of Light by Madonna
Apr 04 2025

Like so many albums on this list: she's talented, but it's just not my thing.

Pornography by The Cure
Apr 05 2025

I liked this more than I expected. The music, anyway. Not Robert Smith's singing so much. But that might grow on me. Maybe. This is the rare non-4*+ album that I just might come back and listen to again. 3.5*

Apr 06 2025

Two Enos in one week is a lot of Enos. Really hoping there are no more Enos on this list. I don't hate it, but I've had enough.

Coles Corner by Richard Hawley
Apr 08 2025

Another album where the artist is clearly talented and good at what they do, but I don't love what they do. This one's just rather bland to me. An intense beige, if you will. Lovely voice, nice arrangements, blah blah blah, but I just don't really care. Maybe that says more about me?

Apr 09 2025

So a lot of these tracks seem to have the lyrics completely disassociated from the underlying samples. It's a somewhat unpleasant and tediously long album. 2.5* and I can't round up.

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
Apr 10 2025

Wow. 2 hours of the same song. It's fine for background or dance music, but not so much for actually listening.

Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson
Apr 11 2025

I didn't dislike it as much as I expected. The screamy lyrics and industrial noises are definitely not my thing, but overall, it wasn't horrible.

Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon
Apr 12 2025

Uneven album for me. I liked some of them, disliked others. Mostly due to the singing, which I believe he addresses in the lyrics of one of the songs, oddly enough. I think they'll just be one of those band where I say, "I like some of their stuff." 3.5*, not rounding up.

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Apr 13 2025

This is probably some high-grade jazz, daddio. Mostly wasted on me, but I mildly enjoyed it. Inoffensive, at least, which is saying something. Jazz never "moves me," per se, though. Ever.

Kala by M.I.A.
Apr 15 2025

Fun with some variety. Paper Planes is a banger. 3.5* and I'm generously rounding up, as I like it more than most dance music.

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell
Apr 16 2025

Lkec it much more than Blue. No chirpy choppy vocals and you can really hear how lovely her voice is on this one. Still, not really my thing overall. 3.5* rounding down.

Crazysexycool by TLC
Apr 17 2025

I liked this album quite a bit. If I'm in the mood for something a little frisky and Marvin's not tickling my fancy for some reason, Crazysexycool might be just the ticket.

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Apr 18 2025

Not quite a perfect album, but it's a 5* regardless. A bit glum, though, so I don't come back to it as often as I should.

Apr 19 2025

Meh. I liked some of the music and the French rippity-rap wasn't as irritating as some other hip-hop I've heard in my native English. Some decent stuff, though.

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Apr 20 2025

What can I say? As a devout grunge fan, this is essentially a perfect album. Top 5 90's/grunge album for me, no doubt. Equivalent to Jar of Flies for me, but just depends on my mood which I'll enjoy on any given listen.

Fear and Whiskey by Mekons
Apr 21 2025

Kinda sucks. It's like they're sorta talented, but are a little too drunk to sound as good as they might. 2.5*, rounding down.

Devotional Songs by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Apr 22 2025

It's a nice change of pace. No idea what the words are, but it's pleasant enough to listen to. Good, energetic background music for me. 3.5*

Dub Housing by Pere Ubu
Apr 23 2025

2nd album of this guy/band. Similar stuff. Irritating mostly. Some moments of interest.

Miriam Makeba by Miriam Makeba
Apr 24 2025

Pleasant enough. Lovely voice. 3.5*

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Apr 26 2025

I guess if you love keyboard/synthesizer, you'll love the hell out of this album? Meh.

The Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Apr 27 2025

This is pretty OK. I can see their influence on subsequent bands. Talented enough, but there's nothing that grabs me here. 3.5* just for competence and influence.

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Apr 28 2025

I can't, in good conscience, only give this 4*. 4.5* would be perfect, but I'm rounding up to 5*. I think what I love about Tull is they hit just the right balance of complexity for me. Not too simple to ever sound dull and not overly complicated musically such that I'm confused and uninterested. Some prog rock and jazz just leaves me feeling like I just don't get it. I'm sure some of Tull goes over my head, but I feel like I get it enough.

Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons
Apr 29 2025

Not bad. I liked it better than the Flying Burrito Brothers album from a a little earlier. I like Emmylou's accompaniment. Maybe 3.5*?

Apr 30 2025

I generally like bossa nova and Frank's a fine singer, from what I'm told. But this just seems like Frank singing like Frank over some bossa nova. Sinatra probably only sang like Sinatra, I suppose? 3.5*

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
May 01 2025

This is an anomalous album for me. I liked it more than I expected, but I don't think I'll come back to it very often. It's interesting once in a while, but I don't see myself, "craving it," again any time soon. Mostly, a 4* from me will almost definitely get revisited. I'm not sure about this one, though.

Post Orgasmic Chill by Skunk Anansie
May 02 2025

Yet another one where I think they're good at what they do, but I just don't love what they're doing.

Penance Soiree by The Icarus Line
May 03 2025

Yet another one where I think they're good at what they do, but I just don't love what they're doing. Wait, didn't I just say that for the last album?

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
May 05 2025

Damn, Chef really has some talent! Enjoyable listen once I got past waiting for him to say, "Children!" Good stuff. The older I get, the more I like Soul.

Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder
May 06 2025

This is an excellent album. I've enjoyed Stevie's big radio hits, Sir Duke, in particular. Just some of the best horn riffs ever. This is well-crafted, upbeat, funky and just enjoyable all-around. 4*, but could easily get kicked up a notch with repeated listens. I think I'll have to explore more of his catalog, too.

I See You by The xx
May 07 2025

This is pretty good, but it's not something I'm likely to seek out in the future. Lovely female vocalist, in particular. 3.5*

Remedy by Basement Jaxx
May 08 2025

Meh. It's dance music.

May 09 2025

This sure is a English album. I'd probably enjoy Mr. Bragg's songs more on a tribute album of covers of his greatest works. Seems to be a decent song-writer, but his singin's middlin'.

Frampton Comes Alive by Peter Frampton
May 10 2025

This is a solid, live album and I think it deserves the accolades it receives.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
May 12 2025

3.5* rounding up. There's definitely some filler in here, but overall, it's an enjoyable listen. Couple bangers definitely don't allow me to round down.

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
May 13 2025

Pretty good stuff. Will probably enjoy it more on future listens.

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
May 14 2025

Solid reggae. Enjoyable.

Public Image: First Issue by Public Image Ltd.
May 15 2025

Yeah, this kinda sucks. Not a Sex Pistols fan and, if this is any indication, I'm not a fan of the whole post-punk genre.

Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith
May 16 2025

This is pretty solid rock, with some classics that deserve the title. I'm not a huge Aerosmith fan, but I think this still merits a 4*.

Sail Away by Randy Newman
May 17 2025

I think I like Randy Newman.

Music by Madonna
May 18 2025

Well produced pop music and she's a good singer. Not my thing, though.

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
May 19 2025

It's a 5* album just based on Margo's voice alone.

Pink Flag by Wire
May 20 2025

Meh. I didn't hate it, but I still don't like most punk all that much.

Shake Your Money Maker by The Black Crowes
May 21 2025

Wow. It's been quite a while since I've listened to this album in its entirety. Still holds up well, particularly for a debut album. 4.5* rounding up.

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
May 22 2025

I love Peaches En Regalia, and the next couple were good. But the last 2 or 3 seem suspiciously like jazz. And that didn't sit right with me. 3.5* rounding up for Peaches.

The Score by Fugees
May 23 2025

A few good songs, a lot of crap.

Quiet Life by Japan
May 24 2025

Proto-Duran Duran. Not bad, but doesn't catch me, either.

May 25 2025

I like SHB and Maggie's Farm quite a bit, but his singing just doesn't work well his songs most of the time for me. 3.5*

Armed Forces by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
May 26 2025

This is an overall enjoyable album.

Don't Stand Me Down by Dexys Midnight Runners
May 27 2025

Mildly to moderately annoying vocals. The rest of it was fine, but nothing stood out for me. 2.5*, rounding down.

OK, there's a couple songs on here that I liked. And I like Wes' guitar work quite a bit. This project has given me ample comparison for Fred's lyrical abilities, too. He's pretty OK, when compared to a lot of the hip-hoppers and such. His lyrics are sophomoric, but no more so than a lot of others I've heard on this odyssey.

Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
May 29 2025

This mostly sucks. Lots of annoying noises. There was one song that wasn't horrible, though, so I'm generously giving Dizzee 2*.

90 by 808 State
May 30 2025

Decent background music. Probably fun to dance to, as well.

Fifth Dimension by The Byrds
May 31 2025

It's pretty OK. I can see how they were influential and all that, but none of it really grabs me. This feels more like a prototype than a finished product.

Suede by Suede
Jun 01 2025

This singer is just so annoying. Maybe if he sang differently, I'd enjoy him? But he doesn't and I don't. 2.5* because the rest of the band is fine, but still rounding down.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Jun 02 2025

It's not my favorite Sabbath album, but it's excellent. For birthing a massive genre and for it's raw originality, though, it's a 5* album.

Leftism by Leftfield
Jun 03 2025

Solid dance music album. If I were rating dance music albums only in comparison to others of its ilk, I'd likely rate this higher. But I rarely listen to dance music for fun (ever?) and I'm comparing to seemingly 1001 other genres. So 3.5* rounded down.

Rust In Peace by Megadeth
Jun 04 2025

Something about Megadeth just doesn't do it for me. I think it's primarily a couple factors: Dave's voice doesn't resonate with me and the songwriting it not at the same level as Metallica. There's a certain sameness to most of their catalog that just blends together for me. It's solid, but rarely do my ears perk up and make me wonder, "What's the name of THIS song?"

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
Jun 05 2025

I'm coming around to some other folks' way of thinking about Clapton. He's very good, but overrated. Couple standouts and the rest of the album is solid, but not a lot of hidden gems of his I've encountered with this project. I like his Cream era work the best, which speaks to the talent of his bandmates, more than any other factor. The line "Love is lovely" from Let it Grow always struck me as just comical. Really? THAT'S the best line you could come up with? Nobody told him, "Oi! Eric! That's a bad lyric, mate."?

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Jun 06 2025

As one of my wife's college friends said about the Femmes, "I can respect their lack of talent." On paper, they don't line up with what I should like particularly. And I sure didn't like them much in jr. high/high school. But they've grown on me, for whatever reason. And there are some standouts that I always enjoy on this album. So they get 4*. I can't explain it, but that's the way it is with me.

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Jun 07 2025

Still quite a good album, I must say. Only complaint is some of the music's a bit "adult contemporary" for my taste.

New York Dolls by New York Dolls
Jun 08 2025

Proto-punk that's decent enough for the genre. Still not my bag, though, baby.

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Jun 09 2025

This sure is another Morrissey album.

The Bends by Radiohead
Jun 10 2025

Maybe it's because part of me wants to like Radiohead, but this album seems better and less mumbley than prior ones I've listened to on this project. I could see myself listening to it again. In the case of other RH albums, there's typically a few standout songs that I enjoy, but a lot of others that irritate me, mostly because of Thom's mumble-singing. 3.5* rounded up.

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Jun 11 2025

This is fun hip hop. Didn't pay that much attention to the lyrics, but there were a couple songs that had much better than average content. I'd only heard him in a Beastie Boys song. Now I know what he's on the mic for!

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Jun 12 2025

It's kinda fun music. No complaints, in particular.

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Jun 13 2025

Pleasant enough. Always liked Sloop John B. Nice harmonies. 3.5* and rounding up because of the influence and wide-ranging, timeless appeal.

Back In Black by AC/DC
Jun 14 2025

Great, classic album. Giving it 4.5*, but can't quite round up. Brian Johnson's vocals are grating to me for a whole album, even though he's great at singing that way. Also, similar comment for the rest of the album musically: if you like it, you'll get plenty of it, but it's all fairly similar. Still, lots of classics that really do deserve to be called classic.

Jun 15 2025

Having just listened to Back in Black, this feels very similar, just in a different subgenre of rock. If you like Ace of Spades, you won't hate the rest, even if you're craving more variety. Luckily for me, I love Ace of Spades and I'm glad I saw Lemmy before he died.

American Idiot by Green Day
Jun 16 2025

I liked this a lot more than expected. I'd never heard the whole album before. Relatively impressed.

The Grand Tour by George Jones
Jun 17 2025

This sure is an old school, cryin' in your beer style country album. Must be foundational or something. Good singer, but didn't care for what he was singing, in general. 2.5* rounding up, as it wasn't particularly irritating.

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Jun 18 2025

When the singer's not intentionally trying to be weird, I kinda liked this. The cacophonous quality of the music was at about the edge of what I can normally enjoy, so that was fine. If I could trim a couple songs off of this, I might have been able to get up to 4*s, given the pioneering nature of this weirdo.

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Jun 19 2025

This was fun. Clearly talented musicians/songwriters and it's great if you're in an upbeat, chill mood. Wonderful background music. Maybe I'm starting to like Jazz, Dave? Or maybe there's certain corners of the Jazz Room that I enjoy.

Jun 20 2025

This one's pretty bad. Irritating singer, repetitive music, no clear talent anywhere that I could see, far too long an album. Why do I have to listen to it before I die?

Femi Kuti by Femi Kuti
Jun 21 2025

Fun music. 3.5*, rounding up.

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Jun 22 2025

Good stuff. Fun music

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
Jun 23 2025

Didn't hate it. Didn't love it.

Jun 24 2025

Love some of these, less so others. When the Man Comes Around is awesome. And I may like the version on Legend of Johnny Cash better. But this one is badass, too.

The Madcap Laughs by Syd Barrett
Jun 25 2025

Whether it was schizophrenia, too much LSD or some combination thereof, this is not great. Ranges from semi-enjoyable to rather irritating. Not my kind of psychedelia. Also, probably for the best that Syd and the rest of Floyd went their separate ways. 2.5*; rounding up

Face to Face by The Kinks
Jun 26 2025

For 1966, I bet this was both super and duper. For 2025, it's fine, but I don't love it.

Sea Change by Beck
Jun 27 2025

Pretty decent. Lost Cause is an excellent song. Didn't realize Beck was this good a singer. Can't quite give it 4*, as I don't see myself coming back to the album, but 3.5* for sure.

Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper
Jun 29 2025

I like this enough to give it 4*. I'd like to explore their catalog further and I liked quite a few tracks on this one. Only real qualm was some of the vocal samples were to repetitive.

Talk Talk Talk by The Psychedelic Furs
Jun 30 2025

Liked it more than expected, but a bit too long. Singer gets annoying after a fashion.

Homework by Daft Punk
Jul 01 2025

Seems like good dance music, but to just sit and listen is irritating at times. Lots of repetitive vocal samples. 2.5*, rounding down.

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jul 02 2025

Good reggae, mon.

Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
Jul 03 2025

Liked this one much more than Nation of Millions. Good lyrics, energetic music. A few small quibbles, but enjoyable overall.

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
Jul 04 2025

Pretty good. 3.5*, rounding up

La Revancha Del Tango by Gotan Project
Jul 05 2025

This is fun music. I could totally see myself playing this in the background at a party or listening while at work.

Imagine by John Lennon
Jul 06 2025

I mean, Imagine's a good song. But it's not my bag, baby. Rest of the album's fine, but still not my bag. Feels like heresy, but 3* is all I'm giving it. Sorry, Dave.

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Jul 08 2025

2.5*, but it's kinda hard to decide which way to round. Some of the elements were good, but the singing mostly wears on me. In the end, I was glad the album was over, so rounding down.

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Jul 09 2025

It's fun. 3.5*

Jul 10 2025

Not quite sure what to make of this. Seems like I should like it. Nothing really grabs me, though. Maybe I need to listen to it again. 3.5*?

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Jul 11 2025

Good stuff, particularly for a debut album. Worth 4* for American Girl alone.

Teen Dream by Beach House
Jul 12 2025

Not bad. Kinda boring.

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Jul 14 2025

Enjoyable country. 3.5*, rounding up to 4, but I don't think I'll come back to it often.

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Jul 15 2025

Didn't particularly enjoy it and glad when it ended. Didn't hate it, though. 2.5*

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Jul 17 2025

It's kind of fun, but I didn't want to listen to more when it was over.

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers
Jul 18 2025

It's not my favorite singing style. Hard to take for a whole album. 2.5* rounded up.

Fisherman's Blues by The Waterboys
Jul 19 2025

Not a bad singer, but I still got sick of him about half way through. Sounds better on some songs than others. Music's interesting. 3.5*

Van Halen by Van Halen
Jul 20 2025

Saved this one for Friday. One of the all time great rock albums. Especially for a debut.

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo
Jul 21 2025

They seem like they're good at what they do, but I'm not really into what they do.

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Jul 23 2025

Liked this more than expected. Always enjoyed the title track.

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025

Classic metal.

Stripped by Christina Aguilera
Jul 25 2025

Good singer, but the music seems formulaic.

Basket of Light by Pentangle
Jul 26 2025

They're good at what they do. It's not bad, but doesn't hook me.

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Jul 27 2025

Some fun stuff.3.5*

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
Jul 28 2025

I would have this guy write my soundtrack any day of the week. Some fun stuff. 3.5*

Jul 29 2025

I generally find REM tedious. But for whatever reason, this listen wasn't bad. Right mood for it, maybe? 3.5*

Connected by Stereo MC's
Jul 30 2025

Cool music. If I was rating this in terms of dance music, it'd probably be a 4*. But as a generic music rating, 3.5*.

Tank Battles by Dagmar Krause
Jul 31 2025

Good singer. Probably good music, but I can't say that I enjoy it, particularly.

The Coral by The Coral
Aug 02 2025

3.5*? I think I need to give this one another listen with headphones, instead of in the car. It sounded interesting, I think.

Synchronicity by The Police
Aug 03 2025

4.5* rounded up, simply because of Mother. I know it's supposed to be annoying and, boy, does it succeed. Rest of the album is top-shelf. Synchronicity I and I are two of my favorite Police songs, which is saying something.

Timeless by Goldie
Aug 04 2025

It's OK, I guess?

Out of Step by Minor Threat
Aug 05 2025

It's the sort of punk I don't care for. All the songs sound the same.

L.A. Woman by The Doors
Aug 09 2025

Quite a range on this. From not bad to excellent. I love L.A. Woman, Texas Radio, Love Her Madly, but there's also some filler-ish tracks.

Brothers by The Black Keys
Aug 10 2025

Such a cool album. Great stuff.

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Aug 12 2025

Couple of songs push this to 4* for me. Most of it's a bit too mellow/bland for me to love it, though.

Queen II by Queen
Aug 13 2025

It's OK. No real standouts for me. Competent, but nothing grabbed me.

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Aug 15 2025

FX into Supernaut is one of my favorite chunks of music on any album, ever. Pure rock fury, before Clutch coined the term. RIP Ozzie. Rest of the album is pretty damn good, too.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Aug 16 2025

It's not bad. Definitely has its moments, musically and lyrically. Always like the line, "Jesus and his lawyer are coming back." 3.5* and it seems like a very mood dependent album for me. Not likely to come back to it, though.

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
Aug 17 2025

Undeniably good singer, but I don't love the screechy singing she does sometimes. Some fun stuff. Just found out She Bop is about masturbation. Hadn't ever thought about it before, but that's fun. 3.5* Very nostalgic, which probably colors my review a bit.

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Aug 18 2025

If I took all the songs on this double album and cut half of them out, it might be a 4* album. If I'm being generous. But that's not the task at hand. His singing works for some of the song, but irritates me in others. The music's good in some, but meh in others. 3*

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Aug 19 2025

Good stuff. Turns out, he's my favorite singer in CSNY. Who could tell with all that harmonizing? 3.5* rounding up to 4*.

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Aug 20 2025

For whatever reason, I'm enjoying Steely Dan more than I used to since starting this project.

Odessa by Bee Gees
Aug 21 2025

Very Beatles-esque. Nothing stood out for me, though. Give me Saturday Night Fever on repeat, though. One of the best bass lines ever.

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Aug 23 2025

I like it better than most punk. Probably would have been a fun band to watch live, but I'm not likely to come back and listen again.

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Aug 24 2025

Classic, especially if you like Johnny. And really, why wouldn't you?

Rum Sodomy & The Lash by The Pogues
Aug 25 2025

Usually, I can only handle one or two songs of Shane McGowan vocals. But this album is probably the high point of the Pogues, at least for me. Several of the songs really have some heart to 'em. And the singing isn't as argle-bargle as most McGowan stuff. 3.5* and rounding up, partially out of surprise.

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Aug 26 2025

Close Behind, Attack El Robot! Attack!, Guero Canelo were fun. And whatever other instrumentals I missed. Most of the rest of it is kinda wimpy, indie and boring. I like 'em when they don't sing, apparently. So that makes it tough to rate. 3.5*, rounding up to 4*, in the hopes that I come back to them and maybe find an instrumental only playlist somewhere.

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Aug 27 2025

Been a while since I've listened to this one. Unsurprisingly, it's still amazing. I don't find Jimi to be the best singer, but it works with the music. Noel and Mitch are both excellent, too.

Ten by Pearl Jam
Aug 29 2025

A bit sick of Jeremy and Alive, but they're still great songs. Most of my favorites aren't radio releases. Great album. Eddie's unique vocals are the highlight.

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Aug 30 2025

Still not doing it for me. Hoping this is the last Arcade Fire album. Lead singer's quavering voice grates on me.

The Age Of The Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets
Aug 31 2025

Not bad! I like Arctic Monkeys, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. 3.5*, but I don't think I can round up.

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Sep 01 2025

Iconic voice and the music's not bad. Big band sorta sound? Maybe medium band? But most of the songs sound pretty similar.

Black Metal by Venom
Sep 03 2025

Meh. I can see how it was probably influential, but I don't love the music it influenced, as a rule. The guitars sound sort of "muddy", which is probably more due to the era it was recorded. Lyrics are rather silly and juvenile. I didn't hate it, but I was glad when I finished the album. 2.5* rounding up.

Opus Dei by Laibach
Sep 04 2025

The musical wing of a Yugoslavian art collective? In the Martial industrial/neoclassical dark wave genre? What's not to like!?! Well, several things as it turns out. I didn't hate it all, though. 2.5* and I am really torn on how to round. Up, I guess?

World Clique by Deee-Lite
Sep 05 2025

Maybe it's nostalgia talking, but this is good dance music.

Risque by CHIC
Sep 06 2025

First song's a classic. Rest of it is perfectly respectable dance music. No complaints. 3.5*

One World by John Martyn
Sep 07 2025

I liked the first song. But I didn't care for the vocals for most of the album. Music's good, though, for many of the songs.

American Gothic by David Ackles
Sep 08 2025

Good singer, but I don't always like the way he sings. Lyrics are too... Sincere? Not sure exactly, but it doesn't make me want to listen to more of his work.

Microshift by Hookworms
Sep 09 2025

Fun stuff. Liked it more than I would have expected. 3.5* rounding up.

Disintegration by The Cure
Sep 10 2025

I like this way more than I thought I would. Mr. Smith isn't too whiney and the songs are pretty good overall.

Water From An Ancient Well by Abdullah Ibrahim
Sep 11 2025

I like the opening track. The rest is definitely jazz. Not bad. Good background music.

Dear Lord, this is a lot of Dylan in one sitting. I like disc 2 better, as it distracts from his singing a bit. Even songs I normally like suck on this album. So glad it's over. 1.5* rounding up because I know he has talent. It's just not in the vocal arena.

Sep 14 2025

Apparently, I'm more of an "old school" rap appreciator. Good, fun beats. Some tongue-in-cheek lyrics, some serious. And they actually rhyme! 3.5*, rounding up.

I Am a Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons
Sep 16 2025

Don't like the singing. WAY too much vibrato for my liking. Also, it all seems overly sincere or melodramatic. Not for me. Clearly some talent, but I don't dig it.

Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
Sep 17 2025

Great voice, but his music's always been too "adult contemporary" for me. I do love Fire and Rain, though, so this one gets 4* from that alone.

Protection by Massive Attack
Sep 18 2025

I went in with no expectations. I've heard of Massive Attack before, but really didn't know anything about them. It's good stuff. Trip-hop may be my new favorite genre. 4*, but that could easily increase with repeated listening.

Django Django by Django Django
Sep 19 2025

This is fun! Like a They Might Be Giants, Floyd and Guster mashup. 3.75* rounding up.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Sep 20 2025

Title track is definitely a classic and fun to listen to once in a while. The rest of the album is kinda bland psychedelia. 3.5*

Killing Joke by Killing Joke
Sep 21 2025

Yet another album that is fine, but uninspiring to me.

Wild Gift by X
Sep 24 2025

Likes it much more than most punk. Fun and a bit more talented than your average punk band. 3.5*

Electric Prunes by The Electric Prunes
Sep 25 2025

Rather uneven album. Couple decent songs, couple bad ones, most are meh.

Gold by Ryan Adams
Sep 26 2025

Quite competent and clearly talented singer/songwriter. He's just kinda bland for me. A good comparison would be most of Bonnie Rait's work for me.

Heartattack And Vine by Tom Waits
Sep 27 2025

I didn't hate it. I wasn't super excited when it was over. If Tom could just tune the gravelly angle-bargle down about 40%, I might be able to listen hard enough to decipher some more of the lyrics. He's got some good ones, which I'm able to make out from time to time.

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Sep 28 2025

Worth 4* just for If I Had a Heart. The rest is pretty good, too, but I'll need to listen to it again. Evocative of a particular mood, which is pretty cool in and of itself.

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Sep 29 2025

Definitely seemed to be ahead of its time. I kinda like it. Interesting that there aren't any guitars on the album, as there were times I could have sworn I heard some. 3.5* and it's an odd round-up, as I don't see myself coming back to it again.

Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Sep 30 2025

It's interesting stuff, but doesn't hook me on the first listen. Seems like they're good at what they do, though. 3.5*, maybe?

So Much For The City by The Thrills
Oct 01 2025

Their retro thing doesn't tickle my fancy. The singer's competent, but I still find him annoying. 2.5* rounding up.

Tigermilk by Belle & Sebastian
Oct 02 2025

It's kinda enjoyable. The vocals are just so wimpy, though...

Young Americans by David Bowie
Oct 03 2025

Digging the 70's vibe on this album. Enjoyable.

Fun House by The Stooges
Oct 04 2025

Favorite Stooges/Iggy album so far. And I'm not quite sure why. Might need to compare with an earlier album.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Oct 05 2025

Wasn't expecting much, but I really enjoyed this album. I've always loved Fire On High (different album) and thought the other ELO radio releases were decent enough. But with headphones on, this album proved to be damn good. Complex arrangements, deep sound and excellent vocals all came together very well. Could see myself increasing the rating on this after repeat listens. Also, interested to see what other ELO I've been missing.

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Oct 06 2025

This is a jazz album. My overall view of jazz remains unchanged. He does have a very cool name, though.

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Oct 07 2025

It's OK. Seems like it should be more up my alley, with the horn section and all. Lyrics are uninspiring, but the singer's good. Not sure what it is, but I'm pretty ambivalent about this album.

Debut by Björk
Oct 08 2025

Pretty much exactly what I was expecting. I don't enjoy her singing. Even if she's got a three octave range and likes to experiment, I'm not sure that it follows that she should record and disseminate it all. Another performer that seems to be talented, but I don't dig what they're planting. If you will. 2.5 and I really wish no rounding was necessary.

Oct 10 2025

Love this album. They've got their own sound, but there's enough variety to keep it interesting. Full sound, the synthesizers add to the music, rather than dominating or distracting. Great vocals. Love the subject matter in the songs. Great drumming. 5* for sure. And I've never gotten sick of it, despite innumerable listens.

With The Beatles by Beatles
Oct 11 2025

Early Beatles is always "meh" for me. For the time, sure, I can believe they were different. But the bubblegum lyrics on a lot of it is just not my bag, baby. Some of the bluesier stuff was pretty good though. Also didn't know they did covers. 3.5*. Didn't hate it, for sure and enjoyed some of it. Unlikely to ever seek it out again, though.

Savane by Ali Farka Touré
Oct 12 2025

I like this quite a bit, even though I have no idea what the lyrics mean. Great background music. 3.5* rounding up because I would like to come back to it

Fragile by Yes
Oct 13 2025

Good stuff. 4.5*. There's a lot of Yes stuff I like a lot, but they've never been in my top 10 bands/artists. I have a Best Of collection that keeps me pretty happy with their offerings. Musically, amazingly talented. Not sure what keeps me from rating them 5* for this album, but I can't quite get there. Maybe it's that some of lyrics seem to be gibberish?

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Oct 14 2025

If I ever listened to this album too many times in a row, I'm relatively certain I would drift off into a pleasant coma. I'll need to keep that in mind, should the need arise.

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
Oct 15 2025

Very late 60's sounding stuff. It's sorta fun. I think I enjoyed it more because it wasn't in English.

Roots by Sepultura
Oct 16 2025

This is a tough one for me. I liked about 1/3 of the songs, mostly the tribal-type stuff. I didn't like the screamy, Cookie-monster singing on most of the album, though. The music on those songs was pretty good, though. So yeah, I'm torn. 3.5*, but how to round?

Destroyer by KISS
Oct 17 2025

Couple good ones. Pretty simplistic songs, though, as a whole. Can definitely see their influence on the 80's, for better or worse.

Bad by Michael Jackson
Oct 18 2025

It's fine pop music from the 80's. Nothing really stands out for me as "amazing", though. Eee-hee and shamone.

Bright Flight by Silver Jews
Oct 19 2025

So very indie sounding. 2.5*

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Oct 20 2025

It's lovely and relaxing. Not something I'll seek out very often, but it's very nice.

Joan Baez by Joan Baez
Oct 22 2025

This one's tough. She's got a great voice, but I just don't enjoy the trilling. And boy, does she trill. 3.5*

The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Oct 23 2025

It's Nasty reminded me of Flight of the Conchords. Which was probably intentional and added to the appeal of it, at least for me. Some of the lyrics are comical, seemingly unintentionally. Otherwise, it's kinda fun, retro-dance music. Also, proves that doing Soul well ain't easy. Amirite, Ladies?

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Oct 24 2025

This is pretty good. Much of it is country without the affectation of a drawl. Feels more heartfelt and a lot less formulaic. 3.5* rounding up.

Illmatic by Nas
Oct 25 2025

Nothing to distinguish it from 90% of the other hip hop albums on this list. 2.5*

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Oct 27 2025

It's pretty good. 3.5*

Metallica by Metallica
Oct 28 2025

I still enjoy it, though not as much as 30+ years ago. 4.5*

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Oct 29 2025

Fun! I love Take Me Out, not sure why I didn't check out the rest of the album.

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
Oct 30 2025

If Lou Reed was an insufferable hipster, he'd love Giant Sand. 2.5*

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Oct 31 2025

I'm one of those outliers that likes studio Dead better than the live stuff. I can see the appeal of their live stuff, but the jams just go on too long, for my taste. Probably enjoyed more with an altered state of consciousness. 3.5* rounding up, I guess.

Station To Station by David Bowie
Nov 01 2025

Good stuff! I'd only heard Golden Years prior.

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Nov 02 2025

So much talent, especially on a debut album. All killer stuff.

Hms Fable by Shack
Nov 03 2025

Kinda sorta like Guster, but less good.

The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles
Nov 04 2025

Ray sounds great, the songs are pleasant. But I don't see myself coming back to an album like this. But I also wouldn't turn of the stereo if any of these songs popped up. 3.5*

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Nov 05 2025

I think I liked this one more than any other Dylan album to date. Sadly, he did all the singing. It works alright sometimes, but sounds comically bad others. 3.5*. Is there a tribute album where talented singers sing his exceptional lyrics?

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
Nov 06 2025

Kind of a weird one. Seems like Iggy Pop's distant cousin, both looks-wise and musically. Some good lyrics and some good music. Don't love her singing, but I could see it growing on me. Might have even been doing so by the end of the album. 3.5*

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Nov 09 2025

The radio releases are great and the rest are pretty good.

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Nov 10 2025

Happy, when it's over. Sad, cause it's another Tim Buckley album. 2.5*

The Visitors by ABBA
Nov 11 2025

3.5*, rounding up, as they're just lovely singers. The music's competent, even if it doesn't have the hooks of some of their big hits.

Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club
Nov 14 2025

Fun, happy music. Maybe it's not, but I don't speak Spanish. 3.5* rounding up.

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
Nov 15 2025

A decent enough album, but I don't see myself coming back to it. 3.5*

Lazer Guided Melodies by Spiritualized
Nov 16 2025

This is probably my favorite (?) shoegaze album I've yet to hear. Faint praise, but still. It's something. Two biggest complaints, though. 1. It makes me want to slip into a coma, which is rarely a feeling I'm interested in pursuing. 2. There's several songs where it seems like it's building up to something else, more dynamic. And then, suddenly, it doesn't.

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Nov 17 2025

The good: by far the best one-armed drumming performance I've ever listened to. I always felt he should have a prosthetic arm with a permanently twirling drum stick. I kinda like Love Bites. The bad: a lot of the lyrics are aggressively bad. It makes me remember how very much EVERYWHERE this album was for years when I was in high school. It seemed to linger far, far too long for the quality of the music. The rest: Mediocre arena rock, but it's broadly bland enough to appeal to lots of folks who don't like to think about their music all that much. Or listen too closely. Now that I think of it, perhaps this set the template for modern Country! Pyromania is a MUCH better DL album.

Nov 18 2025

Come for the pomp, stay for the circumstance! I don't think I've every listened to the whole album before. Radio/Best Of releases are great. Rest of the album is solid. Could see my rating increasing w/repeated listenings.

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Nov 19 2025

First off, I love Hold Me Closer Tony Danza, but Levon typifies the vast bulk of Elton's work for me. It's sort of stream of consciousness gibberish and opaque lyrics. That's probably what most folks like about his stuff, but it doesn't blow up my skirt. Great voice and I enjoyed the orchestral arrangements on this album, though. So 3.5* rounded up for Tony.

Nov 20 2025

This sure is an a-ha album with more songs than Take On Me! The other appealing aspect is the triceps on the singer guy on the album cover. He doesn't skip chest and tris day! 3.5* only because TOM is a great song. Oh, and the triceps.

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Nov 22 2025

4, maybe eve 4.5* on this one! I'm know, I'm surprised, too. I like Neil's songwriting, in general, but his vocals are hit or miss with me. He's got it dialed in to my tastes on this one, though. Maybe it's the harmonies in the choruses? Just jammy enoungh without getting monotonous, too. Well done, Mr. Young. I'll probably come back to this one.

Da Capo by Love
Nov 23 2025

I didn't hate it. Decent enough, particularly given the time it was recorded. Seems to be a predecessor to the Doors. I probably would have liked it more, had a been a cool cat living in the swingin' 60's, daddio. 3.5*

Trans Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Nov 24 2025

This makes the old SNL Sprockets skits make WAY more sense. 2.5* rounded. . . up? I guess? Yeah, let's go with up. It can be playing in the background and I can happily ignore it. Mostly.

Nov 25 2025

Excellent singer, decent songs, good arrangements. Not my style, but definitely a quality example of its genre.

Orbital 2 by Orbital
Nov 26 2025

Always repetitive, often annoying. 2.5* rounded down.

Elephant by The White Stripes
Nov 28 2025

4.5*. Peak White Strips, in my estimation. Feeling generous, so rounding up.

Cafe Bleu by The Style Council
Nov 29 2025

Not my style, but it's quality music for its genre. Rare 4* that I'm unlikely to revisit, but I certainly don't mind listening to it.

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Nov 30 2025

It's OK. It's sort of campy 80's rock, which isn't my thing.

The Band by The Band
Dec 01 2025

I don't love it, even though I know it's heretical stance for The Band. Singing doesn't do it for me. Music's OK.

Damaged by Black Flag
Dec 02 2025

Seems like pretty good punk. I still don't love punk, though.

Hypnotised by The Undertones
Dec 03 2025

It's decent early 80's pop-rock, I guess? Unsure why it's required pre-death, though.

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Dec 04 2025

I'm sure nostalgia influences me a bit, but this is a great album.

Kid A by Radiohead
Dec 06 2025

More bored, pretentious, mumbley crap. 2.5*

A Date With The Everly Brothers by The Everly Brothers
Dec 07 2025

Excellent harmonies/singing. Musicianship is competent if not all that exciting. Lyrics are sappy or saccharine, a product of the times. I can see how they were influential, but not something I'll come back to.

Smile by Brian Wilson
Dec 09 2025

I know I'm starting to sound like an album critic, but this seems overproduced and self-indulgent. The result is rather boring, as a whole. And sorta childish with the slide-whistles etc. I'm sure that's what he's going for, but I still don't like to listen to it. This version of Good Vibrations is the only thing that brings it up to 3*.

Trout Mask Replica by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Dec 10 2025

An album that stubbornly refuses to end. There were a couple tracks that kept this from being 1*, but it was close. 1.5* rounding up.

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Dec 11 2025

Not bad. I liked Quiet, in particular. A bit Phishy at times, particularly with some of the lyrics. 3.5*

Tommy by The Who
Dec 12 2025

Liked it more than expected! Love Pinball Wizard, but most of the non-radio tracks were pretty good, too. I know it's a classic, but the concept of it all never intrigued me. Excellent drumming throughout and Daltrey's vocals were also top notch. Didn't love all the songs, but it's a solid 4*. Happily surprised.

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Dec 14 2025

3.5* If I wanted to listen to dance music all the time, I think it would be 4+ stars. But since I don't, I think I'll round down. Enjoyable, enough, though.

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
Dec 15 2025

Listening to Rufus makes me sleepy. Don't really dig his stuff.

Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Dec 16 2025

Solid album. May be my favorite overall Stones.

Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney
Dec 17 2025

It's OK, I guess? I don't like the vocals after more than a song or two.

Bad Company by Bad Company
Dec 19 2025

It's OK. Paul's a good singer, but I'm just more luke-warm to BadCo than I used to be. Not exactly sure why, honestly.

Sheet Music by 10cc
Dec 20 2025

I know the predate TMBG, but 10CC reminds me of a cross between They Might Be Giants and Queen. Talented enough (good sining, musicianship), but they don't hook me.

evermore by Taylor Swift
Dec 21 2025

Such lament! She's a good singer, not sure of her range, though, on this album. The songs seem rather formulaic, loaded with what seems like faux sincerity to me. But I'm clearly not the target demographic.

Suicide by Suicide
Dec 22 2025

I can see how they were influential. It was OK, but not my thing.

Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Dec 23 2025

Very 80's sounding synths. I love Tina, but her vocals can be a bit screechy at times. Sort of an uneven album, in terms of song quality. 3.5*, but rounding up for Better Be Good To Me, which is a banger.

The Contino Sessions by Death In Vegas
Dec 24 2025

Kinda fun at times. I liked Dirge, in particular. 3.5*

Like A Prayer by Madonna
Dec 25 2025

Seems like quality, highly produced pop music.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Dec 26 2025

Indistinguishable from lots of other indie stuff I've heard. Not bad, but nothing special.

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Dec 28 2025

Juvenile lyrics, repetitive music, crude in several meanings of the word. In short, not good.

Kenya by Machito
Dec 29 2025

3.5*. Fun background music, maybe for a party or gathering of some sort. Rounding up, as I may want to come back to it.

Chris by Christine and the Queens
Dec 30 2025

Decent pop, I guess?

Kenza by Khaled
Dec 31 2025

Pretty good, even if relatively similar throughout. 3.5*

The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jan 01 2026

Nick's got heart. Great voice, good lyrics. This album is not quite hooking me, though. I think it's just the uniformity to the songs. All similar tempo, not all that dynamic. It's probably a me-thing, though. I've liked some of Nick's other stuff more. 3.5*

Black Monk Time by The Monks
Jan 02 2026

I kinda liked it. Can see how it was influential in later punk rock albums. Seem more talented than a lot of punk rockers, though. 3.5* Probably would have loved it at the time, though, had I been born several decades earlier.

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Jan 03 2026

Kind of a weird hybrid of Pink Floyd and the Beach Boys? Or something? It's OK, but it went on far too long.

Headquarters by The Monkees
Jan 04 2026

It's pretty OK. Happy fun music of its era. Zilch is annoying.

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Jan 05 2026

I kinda liked this one! 3.5*, rounding up due to the rarity of hip-hop I enjoy. More variety in the music and talent in the song-writing.

Repeater by Fugazi
Jan 06 2026

If they had a better singer/a singer I enjoyed more, I'd rate this a 4* album, I reckon. I like a lot of the music and some of the lyrics are good, but I can't seem to get past the vocals.

The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Jan 07 2026

Better than other Iggy/Stooges I've heard on this list. Probably because he collaborated with Bowie. 3.5*

Call of the Valley by Shivkumar Sharma
Jan 08 2026

Not my thing. Don't hate it, but don't care for it either.

Cut by The Slits
Jan 09 2026

It's OK.

Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel
Jan 10 2026

Good stuff. Great singer, good variety in the music.

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Jan 11 2026

Lovely voice. Competent, but boring music.

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Jan 12 2026

Some of the music's OK. Don't care for the vocalists, though. Or the excessive noise/feedback aspect of their sound.

In Utero by Nirvana
Jan 13 2026

I've tried to like this album more for a long time. It just feels uneven to me. Some good ones, but some others that I would totally skip, if I were listening to the album normally. 3.5*

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Jan 14 2026

Not bad. Find his voice irritating on a couple songs. But enjoyable music, overall. 3.5*

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah
Jan 15 2026

I didn't hate it. Giving an extra 1/2* considering the genre. 3.5*

Electric by The Cult
Jan 16 2026

Solid rock album. My least favorite of the first three Cult albums, though.

Nixon by Lambchop
Jan 17 2026

It's OK? Not my thing, but he seems talented.

Superfuzz Bigmuff by Mudhoney
Jan 18 2026

Didn't love the singer, but the original EP is decently good! Mudhoney might grow on me. 3.5*, rounding up.

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Jan 19 2026

The music's pretty good. His singing and voice are both pretty good. So it must be the lyrics that are so friggin' pompous and annoying?

A Seat at the Table by Solange
Jan 20 2026

Good singer. Songwriting is uneven. All the interludes detract from the music. 3.5*

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
Jan 21 2026

Crass lyrics that are supposed to be profound, I guess? I'm not the target demographic. 2.5*

Palo Congo by Sabu
Jan 22 2026

Music's fun. Vocals aren't great.

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
Jan 23 2026

This gets 5* for Sir Duke alone. But the rest of the album is rather excellent. Probably 4.5*, overall, but definitely rounding up.

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Jan 25 2026

Too much vibrato. A bit overwrought and melodramatic for, as well. Don't mind the falsetto, though. Definitely some songwriting talent, though. 3.5*

Pictures At An Exhibition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Jan 26 2026

Overall, an enjoyable listen. Excellent musicianship, good vocals, not too long an album. What keeps it from getting that last star from me is the keyboard/synthesizer. I know it was all the rage in 70's prog, but it's just overpowering too often.

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Jan 27 2026

Pretty good! If I'm feeling psychedelic and Allmans or Dead just aren't cutting it, these guys would be my next go to.

Jan 29 2026

Pretty good, actually. Variety of musical styles and instrumentation. And everyone DOES need a bosom for a pillow.

Diamond Life by Sade
Jan 30 2026

Turns out, I'm an 80's vintage contemporary adult. Who knew? Amazing singer w/good lyrics. Band is tight. And all this time I thought they only wrote 2 songs.

Dirty by Sonic Youth
Feb 01 2026

Would like them more with better singing.

The Only Ones by The Only Ones
Feb 02 2026

It's like Lou Reed joined the Violent Femmes and the resulting band had the charms of neither of them.

Pyromania by Def Leppard
Feb 03 2026

Man, I loved this album when I was 10 years old or so. Poster and everything. But I didn't enjoy any subsequent albums by DL. This one still holds up pretty well for me, though.

S.F. Sorrow by The Pretty Things
Feb 04 2026

Wicked Beatles-ey. Fiercely meh, though, for me.

Survivor by Destiny's Child
Feb 27 2026

Couple good ones, the rest are meh. 3.5*

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Mar 15 2026

Peak Floyd, IMO. Anything less than 5* is madness.

Wordsmith

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Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.