Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
162
Albums Rated
3.36
Avg Rating
20
5-Star Albums
15%
Complete
927 albums remaining
Rating Speed
3.2
Per Week
354
Days Active
Reviews
161
Written
99%
Review Rate
vs Global
0.01
Avg Diff
3.36
Avg Rating
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How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Balanced
Rater Style
8
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Searching For The Young Soul Rebels | 5 | 3 | +2 |
| Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle | 5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
| Woodface | 5 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
| Liquid Swords | 5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
| Brilliant Corners | 5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
| Songs Of Leonard Cohen | 5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
| Sign 'O' The Times | 5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
| It's Blitz! | 5 | 3.49 | +1.51 |
| The Atomic Mr Basie | 5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
| Chore of Enchantment | 4 | 2.64 | +1.36 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is This It | 1 | 3.82 | -2.82 |
| Exile On Main Street | 1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
| Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols | 1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
| Forever Changes | 1 | 3.23 | -2.23 |
| Mermaid Avenue | 1 | 3.18 | -2.18 |
| Bridge Over Troubled Water | 2 | 3.97 | -1.97 |
| The Only Ones | 1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
| Let It Bleed | 2 | 3.83 | -1.83 |
| Isn't Anything | 1 | 2.74 | -1.74 |
| Licensed To Ill | 2 | 3.56 | -1.56 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Prince | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Black Sabbath | 2 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Beatles | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and low weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rolling Stones | 3 | 1.67 | 2.33 |
5-Star Albums (20)
View Album Wall
1-Star Albums (8)
All Ratings
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Lots of hits, not terribly surprised at its influence. When the Levee Breaks is far and away the best song, Stairway can go get fucked. Also, very odd for Stairway to be the midpoint of the song. I might learn When the Levee Breaks on guitar at some point - intro riff too strong.
Pink Floyd
5/5
An absolute masterpiece from top to bottom. Fun, inspirational, great when high and equally great when not. Do I need to listen to it again? I am sure I've heard it 1000 times on its own lol. But - great album nevertheless. 10/10.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
Zero and Heads Will Roll are great - I like Karen Os voice a lot and the guitars/basslines on the tracks are super sick. Runaway was a standout - Dragon Queen has an interesting melody/guitar track. really enjoyable
Beatles
5/5
Has some of my favorite early Beatles stuff - It Won't Be Long, All My Loving, and cover of You've Really Got a Hold On Me. Their cover of Roll Over Beethoven is just okay - would rather hear Chuck Berry's any day. But lots of great hits here and some of their best early work.
Prince
5/5
an unmatched classic - basically no song that is skippable. Love it!
Iron Maiden
3/5
Last 4 songs were good - first 4 were kinda forgettable. I would listen again but Iron Maiden definitely not my go-to band.
Ray Charles
3/5
It is Ray Charles - enjoyable music and vocals. Just not riveting - it's good music for the background but nothing i really feel like i need to focus on. I do like "I can't stop loving you" but definitely not the best Ray Charles album
Giant Sand
4/5
Reminds me a lot of Morphine. They have some interesting songs and lyrics. I like the delivery of the singer, will definitely pay a revisit.
Primal Scream
3/5
Just wasn't super interesting to me. Will give it a further listen later.
Violent Femmes
3/5
Lot of repetition. Not necessarily in a bad way but definitely not my favorite - never really would have pegged them for a folk punk, not that I knew that was a genre. Blister in the Sun and Gone Daddy Gone both are enjoyable but not something on a regular repeat listen.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
It's a shame biggie was stolen from us so young. Such an immense talent with amazing flow. One of the greats and this debut is so killer. RIP
4/5
Kick out the Jams is a classic but i like RATM's version better. Their sound is solid and can definitely hear their influence around the punk/garage scene.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Weakest of the first four, surprisingly. Only song I really enjoyed was Since I've Been Loving You (Immigrant Song is okay too). Not the best of their first four outings.
N.W.A.
4/5
Groundbreaking obviously - one of the greatest rap records from the 90s. Some lyrics didn't age well but still very enjoyable and sadly Fuck Tha Police is more relevant than ever. Eazy-E one of the best and Dre is unparalleled. Ice Cube wrote some great lyrics - shame he's such a chump nowadays.
The Youngbloods
3/5
not my cup of tea - some decent background music but it did not grab my attention and I'm not sure why it would be on the top 1001 albums. Quicksand was a decent track but again - not something I'd put into regular rotation. May have to check out other albums by them.
Madonna
3/5
I've never been a big Madonna fan, so take this all with a grain of salt. I'm a big fan of 90s/00s dance music but every song on here felt very similar - other than the title track, it all kind of just felt like new age inspired dance tunes with breathy vocals. Not that interesting or danceable and Shanti/Ashtangi felt weirdly appropriative. All in all, I would give some of her earlier albums a try but this one is not one I would come back to.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Its like if Bob Dylan had a better voice - soft, warm, good vocals. I would listen to this album again for sure. Master Song was really good.
Bill Callahan
5/5
This was a trippy album to listen to. Vocals were monotone but in a pleasing way? The lyrics were beautiful if only a little repetitive but it never got annoying. It just pulled you in to a trance and kind of slowed everything down.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
Great background music. Jazz/Big Band that just feels great to listen to and probably to write to. Adding this to my rotation for sure!
Bob Dylan
5/5
Lots of classics on this one - Subterranean Homesick Blues, Maggie's Farm (I still attest that RATM's version is better), Mr Tambourine Man, and It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (which is a top 3 Dylan song for me). Pretty amazing album top to bottom.
The Strokes
1/5
Boring. Not a single song on there that I really liked minus Last Nite and I like that better by Weird Al
Michael Jackson
5/5
Obviously one of the greatest albums of all time. My only gripe is the order of the songs - and the girl is mine is such a lame song lol but otherwise it's an album full of amazing songs and though I like Bad just a little more, Billie Jean is a top 10 song ever recorded. That bass line is so good. I love this album.
GZA
5/5
Sick beats, groovy, got that ghostface killah, last emperor groove. Really enjoyable and the lyrics were great too - need to relisten and check out but its really good
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
It was mostly okay - very 80s indie rock. Flavors of REM - I didn't hate it but I can't see myself listening to it again. Fine in the background but nothing stood out to me.
Dexys Midnight Runners
5/5
Wow what a wild album. Great horn section - and just felt like a precursor or early ska album. I would definitely listen again.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Basic folk album. Nothing i would return to but he has talent. They all sound so samey to me though lol
Radiohead
2/5
Love
1/5
Not for me - I would not listen to this again. very generic folk music.
R.E.M.
5/5
Two classics with Everybody Hurts and Man on the Moon - the standout for me was Find the River. Honestly, not a bad song on the album though The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite was a little confusing in its chorus
David Bowie
3/5
Bowie is enjoyable and I love his whole vibe but I've come to find his albums I either REALLY love or they're just like... okay. I found this one to be the former. Enjoyable but just not super exciting.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Very interesting - kind of gave some Tom Waits vibes. Very mellow and chill - the vocals are not super polished but I like it. some of their other work was also decent but i'll rate that later. Overall, a new band that I dig the groove of!
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Very mellow album. Always find Paul Simon kinda boring. Wimpy vocals but good lyrics. Overall a good album just a little weak? Idk
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
It's the background music used in so many movies/cartoons/tv shows - the driving or traveling or walking cool music. You know the one. Anyway, a whole album of those songs! Pretty rad and nice to put a name to the song.
Brian Eno
3/5
Very gentle and ambient. Would dig it while high im sure
Metallica
3/5
Nice thrash album though I am not a huge fan of thrash or Metallica in general. I think they're just Okay and listening to this whole album kinda confirms that.
Sex Pistols
1/5
I'm not a huge fan of this band or this style of punk. Add in how this was a curated punk band and it really is a major turn off. Complete antithesis of what punk is supposed to embody - and the lead singer is a shit too.
Holger Czukay
3/5
Some nice noise tracks - but not terribly enjoyable overall. I might return to some of his other's tracks.
Sonic Youth
2/5
They are mostly okay. I dont hate them but i dont like them - they feel like the way i feel about some food which is weird to say.
Eminem
3/5
First couple of songs were classics - I do think the rest of the album is weaker than the Marshall Mathers LP but still a good album. Rock Bottom is also an excellent song - side note: really wish Apple Music would stop offering Expanded Editions of music....
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Sad songs and a sad story for the band! Guitarist just disappearing. The album reminded me a lot of like early 00s music
Blur
4/5
Song 2 is a fine track but just not very interesting. If I based my entire thoughts on that song, I wouldn't give this band another look. But the rest of the album feels like Gorillaz and I dig the sound on quite a few of the tracks. Need to look deeper in their other catalogue but this album was pretty solid.
Elliott Smith
2/5
he's like, the graham crackers of rock music. Nothing wrong with him but its not what i am jumping out for. Feels very soft.
Dirty Projectors
3/5
They’re okay. Some interesting sounds and melodies. Sound very early 00s indie so surprised they are from 2010. But that tracks so I guess that’s okay. I liked Temecula Sunrise a lot… wonder if they are local?
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
An interesting album. You hear a lot of his songs across different forms of media but i dont get why he became SO huge. His music is enjoyable but there are better reggae artists out there. Maybe he influenced them?
The Avalanches
3/5
Wild electronic music. Crazy while high - very repetitive but in a good way.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Like a weaker INXS or Cure. Also did thry steal the melody to Ticket to Ride on Lazyitis? Just kind of dull music lol
Missy Elliott
4/5
Great beats, love Missy. Some songs were just OK though. Still - fabulous artist. The Rain is a super good song though.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I like it but sometimes it came across a bit repetitive. Not that that is bad for electronic music but sometimes i was just like okay cmon - next album was better.
Doves
2/5
Not very interesting. Sounds like every english rock band in the 90s. They werent bad but not great/amazing.
The Beau Brummels
3/5
It was okay. Very dylan-esque but not exactly my cup of tea. Wouldn’t listen again
Pulp
4/5
Like Roger Waters or Bowie. Very chill but great melodies and Common People sounds straight out of Bowie's discography. One of the better 90s British Pop/Rock bands I've heard
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Monk is one of the kings of bebop/jazz and this album is a standout example. Great horn section, choppy piano and chill drums. This is what I think of when I think classic jazz.
The Byrds
3/5
Mostly just okay. It reminds me of the 69s but like b-roll music you hear in the background. Sam's Choice 60s music. Doesn't have the teeth of Hendrix or Jefferson Airplane or even the Stones but it's still enjoyable. I cant see myself returning to it often and enjoy their other work far more.
Not a huge Rod Stewart guy but this album is pretty decent. The band is really tight and the jams are great. Much better than his solo stuff
The Rolling Stones
2/5
It’s… fine? Not the best work of the Stones and I really am not huge on them even at their best. This just feels like a watered down version of English rock. So many better bands… why did they get such praise? I will say that Jagger has a good voice and their rhythm section is pretty killer but I find Keith Richards to just be a tremendously dull guitarist
The Specials
4/5
2nd wave ska band and they're really good! like their lyrics and their vibe - very groovy music and more enjoyable than I thought it would be
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I'm just not a huge folk fan. His lyrics are good and he plays well but it just doesn't grab me much. Feels very vanilla - i dont hate vanilla but I always want something more.
Kate Bush
3/5
This album is absolutely insane - the vocals run all over the place and the sounds are jarring at times. I like her other album better but this one is bananas
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Band was nice but man i cannot stand the singer's voice. It just sounds super whiny… kind of a precursor to the pop-punk singing style. Just not for me.
Black Sabbath
5/5
This is such a ridiculously good album. tight rhythm, great solos, Snowblind is a beautiful song and all 10 songs on the album are fantastic, except maybe FX but I get what they were trying to do and it's an interesting early take on noise rock
Adele
4/5
Beautiful voice, haunting vocals, very straightforward love/heartbreak songs. I have never really given her much of a listen but I enjoyed dipping my feet into the water with this one. May explore some of the other albums from her.
The Smiths
2/5
They have a very particular sound that is okay but the last track kinda drones and whines on. I hear their influence elsewhere but they're just OK to me
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Such just fun, joyful rock and roll. It's hard to really take it too seriously, as this is just when the genre/style was coming to fruition. But the harmonies and vocals are tight, the guitar is chripy, and the music just feels happy overall. Shame we lost him so early but the band definitely made some early impact.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Aside from the often misinterpreted title track and "Glory Days", I hadn't heard too much. I'm On Fire seems creepy but I guess it's a nice song. My Hometown was actually my favorite on the album, though Dancing in the Dark is pretty solid too. I can see why he's well loved but still just not a Boss fan.
Motörhead
4/5
The titular track is legendary but the entire album sounds like a live album - just back-to-back metal asskickery. One of the strongest metal albums I've ever heard and I really enjoyed every song, even if they were all kinda same-y. It just was a great high energy album - highly recommend!
The Divine Comedy
3/5
It was okay. There’s some interesting bits throughout the entirety but overall just kind of felt mediocre. Might return back to it sometime soon.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Great voice, such talent. Sad it came to such a tragic end. These songs not as strong as her other outing but still mad enjoyable.
The Zombies
3/5
Very iconic and weird that the Time of the Season was the closer. Very much a hippie rock flower child album. Not great but not terrible.
The Teardrop Explodes
4/5
They have a sound similar to like Depeche Mode or new wave/post-punk bands of the era. The riffs and grooves on Second Head, Poppies, and Sleeping Gas are on point. Really enjoyable.
Gorillaz
4/5
Classic - such a great assortments of songs and amazing lyrics. Would listen to this on repeat. Even the hits dont get tiresome.
3/5
She has a nice voice and I like the rhythm of the songs across the album but it just really kind of melts into the background. I tried listening 2-3 times now and I enjoy it but I'm not like, super stoked about it. Enjoyable but not a huge draw for me.
Crowded House
5/5
What an incredible album. Very Beatles ish but with stronger production and a deeper sound. Instrumentals were good, the harmonies even better. Fun lyrics - it starts off with a bang on Chocolate Cake and just keeps going all over the place. Musical roller coaster.
Queen
3/5
Definitely a stronger Queen sound - some of the songs were standout but still doesn't have the super strength of their later albums. I enjoyed Black Queen and Ogre Battle a lot -- wonder why all the fantasy imagery so early on?
The La's
4/5
Relatively generic - some enjoyable tunes but not my favorite group. I do like their original version of "There She Goes" but other than that, nothing really stood out. Not something I'd run back to.
The Undertones
3/5
Decent british rock/punk album. nothing to write home about but I like their cover of Under the Boardwalk. The rest kind of sounds like punk flavored Beatles/Elvis Costello. Not the worst but not the best.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
From the title track to his cover of All Along the Watchtower, there isn't a bad song on this album. 1983 A Mermaid I should turn to Be is such a beautiful song and incredibly easy to just lose your entire self into. Especially after the last batch of Queen albums, which were disjointed at best, every song in this flows so well into each other and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next while longing to hear the last again. Just a wonderful album.
Elvis Presley
4/5
A really great album - Elvis has a wonderful voice and these songs are pretty solid. Good mix of soul/R&B with a country twist. It's no wonder that he was called The King - I know he stole from artists but damn he has a soothing voice.
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
They are just not for me. Irritating music - I had high hopes with the intro track that maybe they'd be like early MSI or depeche mode but the songs were the wrong kind of noise rock and just incredibly irksome. Not enjoyable for me.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Decent background music. I love this type of music but not a huge draw for me. It’s just something to put on while i drive or work on something.
Beck
3/5
Two Turntables and a microphone... but still would listen to a different album. Where It's At is a solid track and I like some of the remix versions. The other songs are alright but some of the lyrics are so incredibly goofy and just seem like a stream of consciousness /weird lyrics for the sake of being weird. Like placeholder lyrics almost but just... kept them in. Not my favorite but still somewhat interesting.
De La Soul
4/5
I miss rap albums like this. I mean, they still exist clearly but this style of rap/hip-hop is just so satisfying to me. And the efforts that they take to be "clean" are really amusing - "she was a garden tool" made me chuckle... I love gangsta rap and later artists from the late 90s and early 00s but there is just something wholesome and comfy about these tracks. And the beats/drums/rhythm sections are just top tier. Very enjoyable!
Arcade Fire
3/5
It's fine? It feels like the plain yogurt of the music world. - i don't mind it but there just wasn't much to it either. All the songs have that kind of 00-10s sound and it just wasn't interesting enough to want to engage with or learn. They aren't bad but they're a step above the Coldplay and Radioheads.
The Rolling Stones
1/5
The Rolling Stones have some songs I like but mostly just a greatest hits guy. I dont care for their deep cuts - this album did nothing for me and I don’t really think they’re a band I’d spend a lot of time exploring. Again - Jagger has great vocals and rhythm section is solid but Richards is just not an enjoyable guitarist - his tone is bland
Coldplay
2/5
Just a kind of bland, same-y sound across all of their albums. The chords they play over and over again just remind me of the worst segments in Guitar Hero/Rock Band. Just playing the same notes over a 20 second stretch. The singing and lyrics are so whiny... not fun at all.
The Black Keys
3/5
This is like, the soundtrack of BBQ and beer commercials from the 00s-10s. It's not BAD music but they've been licensed so much for that shit it's hard to take it really seriously. The songs aren't terrible, and some of the riffs/melodies are really nice - I would listen to them again but right now, I'm gonna go buy some ribs and Pascifico.
Joanna Newsom
3/5
Named after kong's favorite RPG on the PS1! This is my first time REALLY giving her a chance. She sounds like gentrified Bjork - not as interesting but nice music, interesting lyrics (if not a little overbearing at times) - her music sounds like something I'd hear in a dream or in one of my medication/weed fueled brain dumps. I'm not a fan but I don't hate it - i MIGHT give her other albums a chance.
The Waterboys
3/5
Weird thing in the late 80s through late 90s where Irish culture and bands had a huge impact here in the US. This would be included in that I am sure. Also, US country music is just Irish music but with steel guitar instead of horns. This wasn't a bad album by any stretch, it was enjoyable to listen to , the band sounds tight, and the singer has a decent voice. But my goodness it felt about an hour too long. And I just... nothing stuck with me. Not something I'd return to but wouldn't hate it if it came on again.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Never been a big Costello fan - his style just always seemed.. cultivated to me. But this album has some good songs on it - I'm Not Angry was fun. It's crazy how this was so short compared to the other one, clocking in at only 36 min. And one song less than 2 minutes... just goes to show, as long as the melody and the story are put through, length is just not that important.
Van Morrison
3/5
An alright album. The first two songs were really strong but it kinda petered out after that. I do enjoy Moondance a lot though and never realized it was Van Morrison! Good voice and a fine album.
Sabu
4/5
It's great music - it sounds so ritualistic in a weird way? It's like chanting but with instrumentation in it too. It just sets me into a trance but in a good way.
Van Halen
4/5
I usually say I'm not a Van Halen fan but I really enjoy their music. Every song on this, though very synth heavy, is just full of great energy and fun. Jump, Panama, hot For Teacher, I'll Wait - all great songs! Just fun, headbanging, singalong tunes.
The Sonics
4/5
A very early 60s rock album. It's enjoyable and fun, though the lead singer's scream in every song is a bit much, but it does what it sets out to do and is very good for its era. I like their originals more than their covers, as I can hear better covers of those songs on other albums.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
A quintessential country album. It screams country - Waylon is one of the best and this album was a to. Of fun. Just enough twang and rough and tumble outlaw country to make it enjoyable. It is apples and oranges to modern (and even up to late 90s) pop-country
Yes
4/5
tight harmonies, driving bassline is almost every song, and oh man that Hammond Organ - such a gorgeous instrument and why oh why are they $4000
But all in all, I really enjoy Yes as a band. This album is a little short but its good and All Good People is such a fun song.
2/5
I can see their influence and enjoy some songs but overall just felt rudimentary and flat. Doesnt help that i always mix them up with The Clash and that’s who’s sound I was expecting
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Really solid album - great beats, fun samples, and awesome lyrics that you would expect from such a hugely influential early 90s rap/hip-hop group. Incredible how many artists were clearly influenced by them.
Grateful Dead
4/5
Grateful Dead is one of those bands that I'm still discovering. I've heard their hits and I really like most of them! But this is the kind of music that I need to really focus attention on to properly digest. That being said, this album is a solid intro to their works (aside from Greatest Hits) and their sound is absolutely iconic. I'm excited to give the rest of their catalogue a dive.
Miles Davis
4/5
One of the best musicians playing one of the best albums. Glorious music to sit back and lose yourself in. It’s relaxing while still being exciting. It’s soothing and frightening. There are no words to fully dewcribe - just go listen!
Bee Gees
4/5
Beautiful album - hard to beat the danceability and harmonies of Bee Gees ever hut their early work is so smooth and calm. Adore it
Burning Spear
3/5
Typical reggae sounds. Reminds me of my
Childhood - my mom was huge into reggae (still is I think) so I recommended this to her too. It’s very relaxing but reggae is rarely my go-to - still, i found the music enjoyable and weirdly nostalgic despite never hearing it before.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Was alright. Very groovy and drum heavy (obviously with Baker as one behind the kit) - all instrumentals and very rhythmic, in a good way. But hard to discern between tracks sometimes and it sorta blended into one another.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
An absolutely stellar album - there are a couple of weaker songs that keep it from being a 10/10 but so many hits - an amazing showcase of musicianship. It's hard to believe he almost gave away Superstition - I know it's played to death but that song is flawless. I hope to get more Stevie Wonder albums on here but will listen to the rest of his discography no matter what.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
An incredible performance by an amazing artist - I had never heard of Keith Jarrett before but that is changing. The sounds he got out of that piano are so absurd - it blows me away listening to it and I was left wanting more. Absolutely wonderful album for jazz fans.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Everyday People was played everywhere as a kid but I still think its an amazing song. There were so many good tracks - fun songs, early funk rock and man that usage of the wah pedal was killer. Excellent album!
Fats Domino
4/5
Fats Domino is an incredible musician and the music is so great to put in the background. That kind of music that works just so well while working on other things - and you can hear the influence (aka: stolen work) that artists to this day continue to emulate. A titan at anytime; a pioneer in his own.
ZZ Top
4/5
ZZ Top will always remind me of my father and that's a happy thing to be reminded of - it's just good, solid dirty blues rock n' roll. They have a sound and it is threaded through all their songs/music but it's incredibly groovy and chunky. They're like a turkey and cheese sandwich - not the most elaborate or exciting but it is good and hits the spot.
The Birthday Party
2/5
Not as big of a fan of this album compared to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. It's not terrible but it is overly aggressive and repetitive. Get what they're going for but just not feeling it - though some of the songs were decent.
Queen
3/5
This sounds more like the Queen I know - the layered sounds, the depth and harmonies, the slow ballads and the driving pop-rock hits. Very enjoyable but stlil not SUPER strong... they have good songs but the albums don't feel super cohesive. For every Killer Queen and Stone Cold Crazy, there is a Tenement Funster and Leroy Brown. Not bad songs just not strong ones either.
The Only Ones
1/5
Whiny vocals, boring instruments. Not my favorite band and not something I really enjoyed.
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
Such an ambitious album - lots of fun songs but also incredibly silly ones. I love the range and the different styles - it's not something I could put in regular rotation but its worth a couple of listens to at least.
Taylor Swift
2/5
I go into all my reviews with an open mind. I'm not listening just for the sake of listening, I really want to expose myself to more music. She makes some good music - some. Not all, but some. Blank Space and Shake it Off are fine. Welcome to New York is not - bad blood was alright. Just not for me but im not her demo. It's fine
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Excellent harmonies and such a 1960s Laurel Canyon vibe - but except for some of the bigger songs, they kind of just blend together. Still good but not what I'd call great, though obviously groundbreaking. Also a shame that John Phillips is such a sick bastard.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Never been a big Beastie Boys fan. I never knew anyone who was until my partner mentioned knowing one of our friend's brothers being super into them, and that surprised me. Getting this album and listening to it (while eating Deadpool branded snack food from Jack in the Box, which felt fitting if I'm honest), didn't sway me. It felt very one-note - it's a fun note, sure! But there wasn't a ton of depth and the best songs on there were the singles, which obviously get a lot of airplay. They did some interesting things and maybe broke some barriers, but were there barriers? And did those barriers need to be there in the first place? Either way, it's clear why they're revered but the number of people who count them as their favorite band may be isolated to just Jimmy in 2002.
Eagles
3/5
I hate the fuckin Eagles man! Honestly, they aren't all that bad - the title track is obviously amazing. Life in the Fast Lane is kinda dull and the rest is fine music. The title track bumps it up another star just for that closing harmonizing of guitars.
N.E.R.D
2/5
A decent album but not as strong of an outing as their first. There are some decent songs and collabs on there but for the most part it just kind of disappeared into the background. Unfortunately not for me.
Kanye West
4/5
What an incredible album - lyrics were fun, flow was great, production out of this world. couple of songs were misses but overall, a stellar album. I finally get why people love his music.
3/5
First four songs are really great - rest of the album can barely stand up next to those songs. Not much to say - at least it wasn't the one that Apple forced on everyone. The Edge is a pretty boring guitarist and Bono has a persona for sure. Enjoyable though.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Not only does this album have so many amazing tracks, it’s just also beautifully produced and cut together. Amazing two intro tracks, fun middle, and of course THE closer. Fantastic album by a fantastic band. Unreal album that sits among the titans of debuts.
Gene Clark
3/5
Like a better vocally Dylan but with less gripping lyrics. A good album but best 1001 of all time? I dunno about that. Still… very enjoyable!
Adam & The Ants
2/5
Like if British punk had a baby with New Wave - Extremely repetitive and not very interesting.
Van Morrison
2/5
Nothing really standout and a lot of his songs just droned and droned on. He is not my favorite performer and this album just left me wanting much, much more.
The Band
3/5
No real problems but nothing really stands out either. The Band really is the definition of middle of the road when it comes to music to me. Immensely talented but their songs feel as generic as their band name. the Weight is a pretty solid song tho
Willie Nelson
4/5
Willie is always enjoyable. Just makes me feel like im sitting in a dive bar somewhere, forgetting about the world between beers and an old man is sitting there belting out their own sorrows. Comfort
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
This is a great band that just kinda missed the mark here. A lot of the songs felt very jarring and while the harmonies were nice, there was something a little off about them. And so whiny at times. Not a strong outing by an otherwise pretty great group.
The Beach Boys
3/5
A decent bunch of songs but nowhere near as strong as some of their other work. Also, why did so many bands/groups have to put an eating/conversation filler track on their records? Completely unnecessary!
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
What an interesting album and sound on this album. It's not what I really would've expected from Pet Shop Boys but it was 1993 so maybe that's on brand. The last "hidden" track reminded me so much of a Scatman John song progression - I think it was the vocals but still. Very enjoyable overall
Beatles
4/5
Some good songs, some really unnecessary fluff. This album felt a little long , even though i like the white album. Idk - many of the deep cuts were just on. But the music and vocals were good and Elenor Rigby is hard to beat.
Fred Neil
3/5
Interesting folk album. His vocals are incredibly chill, almost to a fault. It was easy to get lulled into a trance of sorts - very dreamlike. the lyrics were strong and the melodies were very nice. 7/10 only because it was too mellow at some points. i will absolutely check out some of his other work .
Billy Bragg
1/5
Incredibly boring album. Not a single song grabbed my attention for long
Garbage
4/5
Mason's voice is incredible and they have a perfect balance of 90s alternative and that ethereal vibe. Great lyrics and incredible riffs. My only regret is I didn't know of them sooner - they would be huge if released now
Soundgarden
4/5
Some really good songs and riffs, and Cornell's vocals are some of my favorites. The only issue I have is a lot of the songs sounded very same-y - but they were still good and the singles were standouts. Not a group I'd listen to on the reg but still killer when the time/mood is right.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Drivin, thumpin, head-banging good electronic music. Makes you want to dance, drive fast, and groove to the beat as it shakes your entire existence. It's no surprise that there is a sub-genre of electronic music called trance because that's exactly what it does - just an easy, enjoyable way to lose yourself in the music.
Air
4/5
interesting beats and trance like grooves that just made the world melt around the listener. Crazy good album and can see why they're so influential.
Johnny Cash
3/5
The famous Hurt album. I think the cover is extremely overrated but it's still decent. Some of the others, not so much. Danny Boy and I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry work for his voice/range. Desperado and Bridge Over Troubled Water, not so much. But at least he kept putting himself out there and trying things.
The Who
3/5
A valiant effort at an early concept album - while The Who have never been a go-to band and I find their music just OK, there is a heart to this, a bravery to try something different from their previous works. You have to give it to them, even if it doesn't stand up to the test of time.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Everything about The Sex Pistols that is terrible without the (very) few redeeming qualities. Absolutely dreadful.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
"Opening and closing tracks are objectively great but man, the Stones (much like Queen) just don't do it for me beyond their singles. For such a deep discography, i have yet to find an album that really makes me ""get"" them. "
B.B. King
4/5
Pretty decent live album. Hard to go wrong with live blues - long live the King! (Rip)
Duran Duran
4/5
I love Duran Duran - I really do. But so much of their deeper cuts sounds so similar. Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf, great singles. New religion and Hold Back the Rain very enjoyable but the rest kind of blend into a mishmash of similarity - the good news is that the similarity is GOOD. But it does suffer from a homogenized sound that does little to hold up the other tracks.
Beatles
4/5
So many great songs and one of my favorite Beatles songs in Nowhere Man. This album might be my #2 after the White Album but its pretty close to a three way tie for first between this, white alb, and Sgt Pepper's. What a killer period of music making.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
Amazed he’s still putting out work. Very good blues album but also just… your standard blues album. Don’t get me wrong - he’s killer. But the redundant melodies in 12-bar blues does leave you lacking at points.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
A lot of weird sounds (not a good album to drive with) and nothing extremely standout. Not a huge favorite but interesting enough to not hate it.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
Wow what an incredible album. My favorite kind of hip-hop. Charged, political, great beats. Shame they only made the one album it seems. Will explore more.
Prince
5/5
An incredible album from start to finish - the opening track has a special place in my heart, but Doves Cry and Purple Rain are also incredibly important to me. I can't rate this album objectively - I can only say that it is beautiful genius.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
Just an ok album. Some decent songs on there but nothing that i would classify as MUST LISTEN TO. it sounds like a late 60s rock album and that’s okay but i wouldnt call it groundbreaking
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
First album - kinda meh. Didn't really have the established sound that I'm familiar with. I Build This Garden for Us had some nice harmonies and was probably my fav song of the bunch. His later work , especially 5, is so much stronger
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Groovy without a doubt though EWF is another one of those groups where I love the singles but the deep cuts dont really do it for me. Still, can't deny the absolute greatness of their danceability.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Better than the other one that I rated from this but still - Garfunkel's vocal style is so whiny that it's hard to enjoy in long stretches. It's too soft for my tastes though the title track is extremely great. El Condor Pasa is great and Cecilia is a sweet little track but the rest is just forgettable/too soft for me.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Surprisingly good. Enjoyed this album more than i expected. His single style is a little goofy but it grew on me and they riffs were catchy. I can see why he had a following - kind of like a more melodic Dylan ?
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
Enjoyable - very short for a live set but high energy. Always enjoyed his music.
3/5
Two long songs - more suites than just single tracks. It is what is to be expected from Yes, though not as strong as their other albums. Enjoyable.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Classic album, classic singer. Great live album and extremely enjoyable
Leftfield
4/5
I really dig trance/edm and this album was incredibly enjoyable. some of the tracks I couldn't help but here the Buck Bumble thing but so many were just head bobbin body swayin good times.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Another band I find the singles better than the albums as a whole. Great grooves and rhythms but I find Kiedis' vocals annoying. Still a very good album, just not what I'd call great.
The Doors
3/5
It was fine. Morrison has kinda dull vocals but the band is excellent. Probably a better live group than album. Some classic hits but deep cuts were just there as murky palate cleansers.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Jazz that I really love. That organ sound is just soul cleansing. Very enjoyable! Cant wait to check out his xmas album
Pink Floyd
5/5
An incredible album from top to bottom. Might be my favorite Pink Floyd album - the soundscapes they managed to put together put me in a peaceful place. Melancholy and beautiful.
R.E.M.
4/5
2 big hits and a lot of deep cuts. Stipes’ voice is monotonous but in a good way! Delightful
Black Sabbath
5/5
Nearly a perfect album. Iommi’s riffs kicked off a new genre but just a sensational group top to bottom. Their run from 68 to 81 was unbelievable!
Deep Purple
3/5
Not a huge Deep Purple guy. The playing is tight but something about them rub me the wrong way. Vocalist definitely seems to have inspired David Lee Roth - very similar style!
Simple Minds
2/5
Really boring, just uninteresting vocals and corny synths. Not my cup of tea
AC/DC
4/5
They have a sound but it’s a GOOD sound. Killer riffs, great hard rock vocals, and just fun bar rock