My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
Skylarking XTC	5	3.04	+1.96
Pump Aerosmith	5	3.11	+1.89
American Beauty Grateful Dead	5	3.24	+1.76
1989 Taylor Swift	5	3.27	+1.73
Slippery When Wet Bon Jovi	5	3.29	+1.71
Eagles Eagles	5	3.3	+1.7
Live At Leeds The Who	5	3.32	+1.68
From Elvis In Memphis Elvis Presley	5	3.35	+1.65
Hybrid Theory Linkin Park	5	3.39	+1.61
The Village Green Preservation Society The Kinks	5	3.4	+1.6

Album	You	Global	Diff
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Wilco	1	3.3	-2.3
Homework Daft Punk	1	3.29	-2.29
Since I Left You The Avalanches	1	3.28	-2.28
Pink Flag Wire	1	3.21	-2.21
OK Computer Radiohead	2	4.1	-2.1
Rage Against The Machine Rage Against The Machine	2	3.99	-1.99
Out of Step Minor Threat	1	2.93	-1.93
In Rainbows Radiohead	2	3.84	-1.84
Electric Prunes The Electric Prunes	1	2.73	-1.73
Kid A Radiohead	2	3.71	-1.71

Artist	Albums	Average
Led Zeppelin	3	5
Beatles	5	4.4
Eagles	2	5
Talking Heads	3	4.33

Artist	Albums	Average
Radiohead	3	2

Artist	Ratings
Taylor Swift	2, 5

Oasis

5/5

Excellent album. Highlights: Don't Look Back in Anger, Roll on, Wonderwall

Deep Purple

2/5

Good for people in the 70s looking to hang while taking drugs. There are catchy bits, but they are overshadowed by long music intervals that, while technically impressive, bore me and kill my desire to listen more. Lead singer has a great voice and when there are hooks, it’s bangin’. Unfortunately, I just don’t think this is my kind of music.

Tapestry

Carole King

4/5

Very soulful and personal. Carol King's music is like Taylor Swift singing in the style of James Taylor. Lots of falling in love, out of love, and reminding herself that she has value. There are some amazing catchy tunes like "I Feel the Earth Move," "You've Got a Friend," and "Where You Lead." I also loved the slower, "Tapestry." That last song is like country music married folk. A great combination. I think some of the upbeat songs rely alot on the piano, but the restraint on the guitar and drums prevent the songs from making me tap my foot. The lyrics are deeply personal and King's vocals are outstanding. Overall, a strong album worth of the list.

Vol. 4

Black Sabbath

4/5

Awesome, crunchy guitar riffs with upbeat drums that set a faster rhythm. This can be heard in songs like “Under the Sun,” “Supernaut,” and “Cornucopia.” Ozzy’s vocals are clear and themes are pretty metal. “Changes” is melancholy and stars a piano and mellotron as the main instruments. I didn’t know Black Sabbath had a softer side. Skip “FX.” I don’t know what pretentious knob thought that playing the sound effects from drummed objects was a good idea, but fuck that guy. “Laguna Sunrise” is another surprise. It’s a chill instrumental song with complementary acoustic guitars, like if Black Sabbath woke up gently from an all night bender to a beautiful sunrise. Hopeful, relaxing. Cool album, had me banging my head a few times.

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Ray Charles

3/5

This album is a neat take on country western songs. The sentimentality of 1950s country songs fits well into Ray Charles’ Big Band style. Though I didn’t take any songs from this album, I appreciate the experiment. One other note, is that many of the songs have a 1950’s Christmas song vibe.

Songs For Swingin' Lovers!

Frank Sinatra

3/5

Old people who complain that new music all sounds the same should listen to this album. People would laugh at the schmaltzy, simplistic lyrics if they weren’t sung by Frank Sinatra. The songs that are hits are obviously hits for a reason. “Anything Goes” and “You make me feel so young” are great and catchy. My disappointment in this album is due to how boring most of the songs are. Like if Sondheim made crooning music. Meh.

Music

Madonna

2/5

The first half of the album is overproduced. I get the feeling the music producer thought he was smarter than the industry, ahead of the game. Lots of strange sound effects and laser beam noises, lots of electronic vocal changes. None of it seems to mesh well, or make a cohesive song. This album feels like it’s trying to do electronica but it’s been done by many others, far better. Madonna, you are above being autotuned. The second half of the album suffers from being melodramatic and boring. I really like the track “Don’t tell me”, but I found the rest pretty forgettable.

Ramones

4/5

Hey! Ho! Let's go! Yeah, this album is awesome. Fast, frenetic beats. A guitar that never stops strumming. Sometimes that neverending guitar strum gets in the way of any real rhythm. Joey Ramone's vocals often sound like he's got cottonballs in his mouth and many of the songs' themes are a total mystery to me. "Beat on the Brat?" What brat? Who gives a shit, beat him with a baseball bat! Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh oh ooooh. Why did they write a song about CIA activities in Cuba? Who cares! I don't mind nonsensical songs that have a great beat. Punk is alive in this album. The amateur, garage band melodies feel authentic and fun. For years, I've been listening to a tribute album of Ramones songs made by bands like Metallica and U2, which I still prefer, but I did enjoy listening to the original stuff. This music has me tapping my foot and yelling "fuck ya!"

Freak Out!

The Mothers Of Invention

3/5

Do you remember that episode of The Simpsons when Homer becomes a hippy obsessed with "freaking out" people? This album is the musical equivalent. It's hard to judge this album from 2024. On one hand, their nonconformist lyrics and attitude were probably revolutionary in the late 1960s, but the trope is pretty much dead today. I do appreciate how the band is clearly goofing off and having fun throughout the album. I even found a few gems to add to my library, including "You Didn't Try to Call Me" and "Any Way the Wind Blows." Cool time capsule of raging against '60s conservatives.

Armed Forces

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

4/5

I can't believe this album was made in 1979. It sounds like it was made yesterday. The sound is like Bob Dylan sang The Black Keys. Lots of anti-war songs and pleasant melodies. This album is 3 hours long, but I didn't listen to all the songs, just the first 17. Loved listening this this one.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Beatles

5/5

Who is Billy Shears? Anyway, this album is obviously great. Lots of great songs I’ve heard of and others that I listened to for the first time. I appreciate concept albums and this one rocks.

Highly Evolved

The Vines

3/5

Not my favorite album. The melodies are great and have a distinctive late 90s/early 2000s sound. There's an awful screamo vocalist in this band. I don't know why he's included...to add angst? Anyway, I hate him.

Aladdin Sane

David Bowie

3/5

This is a good example of an album that I appreciate, but don't really need any of the songs in my library. Songs like "Aladdin Sane" and "Jean Genie" have wonderful piano melodies. Other songs are clearly inspired by Rockabilly and Doo Wop. I am surprised how unimpressed I am by David Bowie's vocals. The music and the lyrics are probably where most of his talents lie.

Reggatta De Blanc

The Police

5/5

American Beauty

Grateful Dead

5/5

Before listening to this, I hadn't heard any songs by the Grateful Dead. I was turned off by their reputation for psychedelic jam band and the weird, colorful teddy bears. I low-key loved this album. Songs like "Operator," "Ripple," and "Brokedown Palace" were folksy, breezy, and chill. The lyrics are full of meaning, there isn't a wasted second. Sometimes it has a melancholic Willy Nelson vibe, but they pull it off well. Loved this one.

One Nation Under A Groove

Funkadelic

4/5

Pink Flag

Wire

1/5

The members of Wire got lucky. Their music is beginner, their lead singer is unintelligible. I don't understand how they got a record contract. The mercy of this album is that every song is under 2 minutes. I think there's a political message in some of the songs, but I can't understand the words, so I have no idea. What if 4 dudes picked up instruments yesterday and started a band? This album is the result. Blech.

Blonde On Blonde

Bob Dylan

3/5

It’s cool that his songs are long, but there isn’t wasted space. He’s got lots to say about love and other random things he’s observed. Weird intonation that takes getting used to.

Unhalfbricking

Fairport Convention

3/5

Kilimanjaro

The Teardrop Explodes

3/5

Sometimes they use horns in their songs, which I love. Cool 80s vibe before it became the norm.

Rage Against The Machine

2/5

Only one good song, “Killing in the Name of.” The rest lacks any catchy riffs and the songs are so so angry.

Darkness on the Edge of Town

Bruce Springsteen

3/5

Good music, not my style.

Aftermath

The Rolling Stones

3/5

I messed up and listened to a different version of this album. The US version maybe? Either way, the album I listened to started with "Paint it Black," which is obviously an awesome song. My son described it as Halloween music. Must have sounded spooky! Loved the mono version of Lady Jane, very sweet and melodic. "Stupid Girl" was hard to listen to because of the way Mick Jagger says the song's title. The rest of the songs are cool, new instruments are added, and have a distinct late 50s and 60s vibe. I get the hype.

A Night At The Opera

Queen

4/5

A really neat album. It's got some standards like "You're My Best Friend" and Bohemian Rhapsody. I was surprised about the more jaunty tracks like "'39" and "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon." Queen albums are really eclectic. I really love their harmonies and how all their songs showcase true talent and a knack for trying new things.

OK Computer

Radiohead

2/5

Who gave Oasis valium? This music is slow and depressing, most of the time. I'm neither a moody teenager or a musically, deep thinker. Also, since I'm neither recovering from the death of a loved one or just recently dumped, this kind of music doesn't pass the vibe check.

Step In The Arena

Gang Starr

3/5

The first half of the album feels like freshman rap. The beats aren’t hitting very hard and are pretty basic. The 2nd half is great! The music and bass are a little louder, the lyrics are clear and relatable. Highlights include "Check the Technique" and "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow."

Fulfillingness' First Finale

Stevie Wonder

4/5

Such a fresh and beautiful album. The first couple songs, "Smile Please" and "Heaven is Ten Zillion Light Years Away" made me smile and bob my head. I also like funky Stevie Wonder. The songs, "Boogies on Reggae Woman" and "You Haven't Done Nothin'" are fun to listen to. Stevie Wonder is a wonderful vocalist and definitely hit the right mix of pop music and personal lyrics.

Pyromania

Def Leppard

4/5

It's a little difficult to listen this album because this kind of 80s rock is so cliche now. The defined guitar riff, the strained, loud vocals, the themes of partying and lost/found love. They are all present. It's a cool album to listen to and I'm not sure how era-defining it is, but it certainly ticks all the hallmarks of 80s metal bands. Also, I had no idea the opening german gibberish from “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” was from “Rock of Ages!”

Skylarking

XTC

5/5

I love albums that have a strong, relaxing vibe. I read online this is a concept albums about the stages of life told through the movement of the seasons. This is clear in the music. The first songs like "Grass" feel like summer. Then there are songs about rain, they're a little more melancholy as the album moves into autumn. I love the sound of this album and it makes me happy that I endeavored to listen to all 1001 albums.

Rust Never Sleeps

Neil Young & Crazy Horse

3/5

The first half of the album is a stripped down, folky guitar music. It’s ok if you can stand Neil Young’s whiny voice. The last third of the album brings in the electric guitar and it really makes the album come alive! “Powderfinger” was a real highlight.

Since I Left You

The Avalanches

1/5

This album is like listening to cool music in a really loud bar. Hard to hear the melodies, the lyrics, etc. Turned it off. Terrible.

In Rainbows

Radiohead

2/5

I just don’t think I’m a Radiohead guy. Their music doesn’t “speak” to me. The vocals are boring, the music isn’t particularly catchy.

Architecture And Morality

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

2/5

I guess this answers a question nobody asked: “what would ambiance sound like if it was a song?” Boring tones, long soundscapes. Apparently this was revolutionary for synth-pop. Ok? I just don’t know who wants to listen to this. One good song. Can’t remember the name. Not going back in to find out.

Meat Is Murder

The Smiths

2/5

I do not like The Smiths. I appreciate centering acoustic guitars, but goddamn I hate Morrissey's vocals. They're so sad and blasé. Even with cool music playing in the background, once Morrissey's vocals kick in, it kills the song. So moody. His singing makes every song sound the same. Also the title track, "meat is murder." C'mon man.

McCartney

Paul McCartney

3/5

It’s funny to describe this album as Beatles-esque, but it totally is. The songs are shorter than I expected and there’s a few instrumental songs too. McCartney is plenty talented and it shows. Enjoyed my time with this one.

The Sun Rises In The East

Jeru The Damaja

3/5

I really like the lyrics and beats. My problem with this album is that almost every song is ruined by some sampled sound that’s really annoying. An awful high pitched sound that barely hits the rhythm or a terrible piano riff that goes for the whole song. “Ain’t the Devil Happy” is damn good.

Ananda Shankar

4/5

A sitar cover of "Jumpin' Jack Flash?!" Awesome. I don't know why I associate the sound of a sitar with something mystical or spiritual. Each pluck of the sitar is like words to a song. Really enjoyed listening to this instrumental album Shankar is clearly talented. "Rahupati" was also a great listen.

Moondance

Van Morrison

5/5

Three Dog Night + Credence Clearwater Revival. Morrison's soulful rock is excellent. I'm a sucker for songs with horns and this album absolutely delivers. I was hooked from the first song, "And It Stoned Me," and the hits just kept on coming. I didn't skip any song. I was entranced, I was bobbing my head, I was digging the rhythms. I downloaded the album.

Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo

MC Solaar

4/5

This dude is amazing! The beats, the rhythm! Really enjoyed listening to it. I wish it were in English I could understand it :(

A Date With The Everly Brothers

The Everly Brothers

3/5

A pleasant listen. Short, catchy music definitely of its era.

Songs From The Big Chair

Tears For Fears

3/5

Holy moly this is 80s! The songs “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” are on this album, but they’re so so long. Every song is at least 6-8 mins. There’s only so much of their distinctive 80s sound I can handle.

Traffic

4/5

As I was listening to this album, I kept thinking "these dudes have to be American." It's got that CCR, Three Dog Night, Lynyrd Skynyrd southern rock vibe. Apparently, they're British and their lead singer is "one of the most gifted interpreters of American music around..." It shows. The songs a little long, but most of them are lyric heavy. The high pitch guitar riffs fit in perfectly. I didn't know that "Feelin' Alright" was their song! I only knew the Joe Cocker cover. A big hell yeah to this album, muted southern rock as presented by a bunch of brits.

Suzanne Vega

3/5

This album is a little boring. Carole King and Jewel do the "white girl plays acoustic guitar with heartfelt lyrics" way better. It's not bad perse, but I found nothing particularly memorable about this album.

The Nightfly

Donald Fagen

3/5

His songs are so long. Why? The intros go on forever. The music is kinda cool. There’s some jazzy piano riffs throughout that are fun to listen to. Can’t say any song really stood out for me.

Hot Fuss

The Killers

4/5

Such a good album. "All These Things I've done," "Somebody Told Me," and "Mr. Brightside" are amazing songs. The rest of the songs are good, but never quite reach the heights of these three.

The Specials

2/5

I think this is the earliest ska I’ve ever heard. Ska has come a long way from this. The beats and music is there, but it feels totally disconnected from the singing. It’s hard to describe. The Specials walked so Reel Big Fish could run.

Dirt

Alice In Chains

3/5

Metal and punk at the same time. Sometimes a little heavier than I prefer. This album didn’t have any of the songs I know from them, but still a good listen. I don’t think I have the angst to relate to this album.

Siamese Dream

The Smashing Pumpkins

4/5

"Cherub Rock" and "Today" are awesome songs. The rest are definitely grungey, angsty time capsules of the 90s. The Smashing Pumpkins mix emotion and rock really well. Great album.

Trans Europe Express

Kraftwerk

3/5

Like if Daft Punk was artsy and pretentious. "Europe Endless" was moody and cool. "Showroom Dummies" is haunting and kind of funny? The songs are long and get really repetitive. However, I admire the soundscapes and looping musicality of the album. I read that many musicians have samples this album and it's clear that's why it's on this list.

Rocks

Aerosmith

4/5

"Back in the Saddle" and "Last Child" are great songs. The others are great, but not particularly memorable. Steven Tyler's "devilish howl" can pierce an eardrum. Great to hear an album by a band with so many hits.

Billion Dollar Babies

Alice Cooper

4/5

Shock Rock is a neat musical genre. The songs are sometimes hard rock, sometimes Rolling Stones-like.

Brothers In Arms

Dire Straits

3/5

Really confusing genre. Rock? Country? Rockabilly? Either way, it has a cool sound. “Money for Nothing” and “Walk of Life” are great.

Rhythm Nation 1814

Janet Jackson

3/5

Big on drums. It's funny the way I've always associated Janet Jackson's songs with a certain type of hard-hitting, rhythmic drum beat. There are some pretentious interludes, but I guess they kind of set up the next song? Meh. Distinctly late 80s and definitely has a few songs I can bob my head too. Obviously, the title track, "Rhythm Nation" is probably the best song on the album.

Heavy Weather

Weather Report

3/5

It’s like a pop band was tasked with making elevator music. Sometimes it sounds like the instruments are “singing,” which was a neat effect. Not sure why it’s on the list, but there’s definitely talent there.

Odelay

Beck

4/5

The first few songs are great. Slacker Rock + Fatboy Slim. The drums and bass lines are heavy. The song lyrics all sound kinda suicidal, but the melody is poppy and fun. I'm reminded of what David Byrne said about Talking Heads lyrics, they don't make actual sense, they make emotional sense. I think Beck should cut his songs down to 3 mins or so, after that there's not much to be gained.

Drunk

Thundercat

3/5

Kind of a pretentious album in the first half. 1970s high pitch lofty sound. The back half is where it's at. Same sound, but the lyrics are about being friend-zoned or going to Tokyo. I swear he mention Dragonball Z and Mortal Kombat, which makes the very serious music really funny and interesting.

Eliminator

ZZ Top

4/5

Cool guitar and drums. Not sure I can hear a bassist? This album has "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs." All the songs are 4 mins, but the last 1.5-2 mins are just guitar jamming. They could definitely be cut for time, unless you adore ZZ Top's guitar sound.

Ill Communication

Beastie Boys

3/5

I think the Beastie Boys are really good at creating music and beats. Rhythm, however, doesn't change from song to song. Their same brand of shout rapping doesn't change from song to song, so the album can feel a bit samey. "Sabotage" is awesome. The other songs are good, but they're all doing the same thing.

Buena Vista Social Club

2/5

It's a Cuban albums of nice-sounding Spanish songs. It's pleasant enough, but not my style of music.

The Last Of The True Believers

Nanci Griffith

4/5

Very pleasant album. Country Carol King. If you listen to too many in a row, it’s can start to sound samey, but this album put me in a good mood.

Out of Step

Minor Threat

1/5

Ugh. Another angry British punk band. Please, get therapy instead of making music.

Pearl

Janis Joplin

4/5

Amazing album! Janis has such a great rock voice. "Cry Baby" and "Bury Me Alive in Blues" are real standouts, but they're all good.

Dirty

Sonic Youth

3/5

The internet says this isn't grunge, but c'mon, it's clearly grunge. Lots of depression, heavy instruments and catchy tunes. I enjoyed the album, but it's hard to vibe with it when I'm not an angsty teen anymore.

The Contino Sessions

Death In Vegas

3/5

Some of the songs start simple, then build up as more instruments are added. Quite a morbid album, but pretty cool.

Nothing's Shocking

Jane's Addiction

3/5

I don't like the vocal effects placed on the lead singer's voice. The guitarist is too talented for this band. It's a really loud album and sometimes the lyrics are quite ironic. "Standing in the Shower...Thinking" was really funny to me. Overall, didn't really enjoy this album much.

The Stone Roses

3/5

Siembra

Willie Colón & Rubén Blades

3/5

Some nice sounding Spanish music. The first song had me thinking it was going to be a Spanish disco album, but it was like all the other Spanish albums I've been given so far. Pretty good, not my thing.

Idlewild

Everything But The Girl

2/5

What in the “easy listening” adult contemporary boring schlock is this?

More Songs About Buildings And Food

Talking Heads

4/5

Great album! Their famous cover of “Take Me to the River” is on this album. You can tell that they are inches from their signature sound.

The Genius Of Ray Charles

Ray Charles

3/5

I'm really not a fan of big band music, but I can't argue against Ray Charles' lyrics and melodies. "Let the Good Times Roll," "It Had to be You," and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" are great if you can get past the big band screeching of instruments.

The Atomic Mr Basie

Count Basie & His Orchestra

2/5

Another big band instrumental. No thanks.

Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul

Otis Redding

4/5

I don’t know what makes an album of cover songs make this list, but I’m glad it’s here. Otis Redding makes every song better. His voice is soulful and changes the vibe of the song. “Wonderful World” and “Respect” are the standouts.

Kenya

Machito

3/5

I get why it’s on the list. The fusion of Afro-beats and Latin jazz is cool. The jazz solos are great and it all just works.

The Lexicon Of Love

ABC

3/5

British new wave is always cool. Very distinctly 80s.

To Pimp A Butterfly

Kendrick Lamar

3/5

So many musical influences! I love that Thundercat and George Clinton are featured. “King Kunta” is great. Man loves his yams. Other songs seem gratuitously thrown together in a pretentious, artistic way.

Fear Of A Black Planet

Public Enemy

4/5

90s rap has such an awesome beat and a real message. Too many samples and extra noises that dilute how good this album could have been. “911 is a Joke,” “Welcome to the Terrordome, annd “Burn Hollywood” are top songs.

Darklands

The Jesus And Mary Chain

3/5

Calm rock from the 80s. The lead singer has a slightly sweet, wistful tone. I dig it even if I can’t figure out what makes it so special. “Deep One” and “April Skies” are great.

KIWANUKA

Michael Kiwanuka

4/5

Rock, folk, and indie music combined. “You ain’t the problem” really grabbed my attention and the next two songs were also bangers. Then it get moody, a little boring, but always melodically intricate. This dude has talent and is fun to listen to.

Talking Book

Stevie Wonder

4/5

Stevie Wonder has such a wonderful voice. The funk basslines combine well with his sultry lyrics. Obviously, “Superstitious” is the best song on the album.

Chelsea Girl

Nico

2/5

Singer/songwriters need to be good at both, and Nico just ain’t. There is actually some nice melodies on this album. The producer made the right choice when he added the string and woodwinds, but none of that saves the album from Nico’s flat “singing” voice.

Mott

Mott The Hoople

4/5

Super fun album! It’s too bad they don’t keep using the horns after the first song. Funny song titles and awesome 70s rock.

Abraxas

Santana

3/5

Some songs are great and some songs sound like hold music. I feel like the keyboard/organist/piano player takes the spotlight more than Santana. Anyway, it’s a fine album, but instrumentals aren’t my usual thing.

Call of the Valley

Shivkumar Sharma

4/5

A very sweet album. I’m a sucker for concept albums and this was pleasant to listen to.

Manassas

Stephen Stills

4/5

Country rock is a great genre. There's some Three Dog Night, a little Bachman Turner Overdrive, and a complete hoedown in the middle of the album. There's also a weirdly religious song in the back half that feels out of place. It was a great listen, but it was a little all over the place.

Kid A

Radiohead

2/5

Another Radiohead album. Another slog through 90s melancholy. Their music is like modern art. I don't get it.

All Things Must Pass

George Harrison

4/5

Wah-Wah makes this albums worth listening to. There are other good songs too, but none achieve the greatness of that one. More rock songs with horns please. More George Harrison albums please.

No Other

Gene Clark

2/5

It's folksy rock. Don't remember a single song. The dude's got talent, but doesn't really leave an impression.

Physical Graffiti

Led Zeppelin

5/5

“Custard Pie” and “Kashmir” are clear standouts, but this whole album is awesome. I mean, it went 16x platinum,

Songs Of Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen

3/5

It's a fairly boring album. The first few songs are dull, Cohen isn't really singing. There's more melodies in the back half. "Sister of Mercy" is a great song, which saved this album from getting a 2.

Better Living Through Chemistry

Fatboy Slim

3/5

The songs are repetitive and go on for too long. If they were more focused and didn’t take so long to build, it’d be way better. “Going out of my head” is the standout.

Youth And Young Manhood

Kings of Leon

4/5

Super fun album. Souther gothic adventures about murder and dodgy preachers. This band is having a great time. The lead singer kind of sounds like Mick Jagger at times.

The ArchAndroid

Janelle Monáe

5/5

Janelle Monae is amazing. So many bops on this album. Her ability to switch genres, vocal quality, and style is top notch. Best songs on the album are "Locked Inside," "Cold War," and "Oh, Maker."

Led Zeppelin IV

Led Zeppelin

5/5

“Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Stairway to Heaven.” Phenomenal album.

Hypnotised

The Undertones

3/5

A vocal quality like Panic at the Disco and some pop beats. I just learned it’s called vocal waver. Just plain fun. The “Under the Boardwalk” cover is cool. Unfortunately, the 2nd half of the album is a little more juvenile in theme and music style.

The Slim Shady LP

Eminem

4/5

It's hard to go back to this album. I was a different age when it was released. Now when I listen to it, I cringe. The shock humor isn't funny to me anymore and I just find myself thinking it's vulgar. Eminem is an amazing rapper, but it's hard to find this first album's subject matter and lyrics appealing.

Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

Wu-Tang Clan

3/5

I like the king fu film influence, but there’s only so many n-word drops I can handle before I bow out. This album is clearly not made for people who look like me, and that’s probably right.

Live At The Harlem Square Club

Sam Cooke

5/5

Sam Cooke is having a great time making this live album. Every song is catchy, fun, and fun to sing along to. I've only heard the Commitments' version of "Bring It on Home to Me," so it was cool to listen to the original. I also didn't know Sam Cooke sand "Twistin' the Night Away."

A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse

Faces

4/5

A solid album. I love the mix of lounge rock and piano. "Stay With Me" is a banger. Every song is good, but not always memorable.

Sulk

The Associates

2/5

So weird. Some psychadelic vibes, mostly instrumental. Lyrics can be nonsensical. Definitely has a new wave, synthesizer sound, too. I did not enjoy this album.

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

David Bowie

3/5

I had really high hopes for this album, but I didn't care for most of the songs. "Moonage Daydream," "Starman," and "Ziggy Stardust" are amazing. The rest? Meh. I wonder why the music doesn't feel very filled out. Still, love the concept.

Pornography

The Cure

2/5

The machine gun-like drums are a cool part of the album, but it doesn’t overtake the sadness at its heart. I’m not sad enough for albums like this. I much prefer The Cure’s radio-friendly pop stuff.

So

Peter Gabriel

3/5

Imagine thinking Peter Gabreil is a "Sledgehammer." That's apparently the most popular song on the album and it's silly in how tough it tries to be. This might be the whitest music on the list. Mr. Gabriel is very talented, but the 80s synthesizers are a real vibe and it ain't mine.

Haunted Dancehall

The Sabres Of Paradise

2/5

Draft Punk and Fatboy slim had an awful baby. It's this album.

#1 Record

Big Star

3/5

Overall, just an ok album. It does have the original "That 70s Show" theme on it! Also, the song, "Thirteen" is fantastic. Most of the other songs are like a poor man's Led Zeppelin.

Bat Out Of Hell

Meat Loaf

5/5

Absolute top album. Every song tells a story and I'm a sucker for rock operas. "Bat Out of Hell," "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," and"You Took the Words Right out of my Mouth" are amazing.

The Next Day

David Bowie

3/5

Nothing stands out on this album. It’s fine.

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Wilco

1/5

Like Beck and Radiohead came together, led by one of the most dull, boring lead vocalists on the list.

Back In Black

AC/DC

4/5

“Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Back in Black” made this album an all timer. There are some other awesome, but forgettable songs on here.

Joan Armatrading

3/5

Pretty good middle section. "Save Me," People," and "Join the Boys" are good songs. Nothing on this album reaches any real heights.

Surrealistic Pillow

Jefferson Airplane

3/5

A cool, flower-power, psychedelic adventure. "Somebody to Love," "Embryonic Journey," and "White Rabbit." The song with the female vocalist are way better than the others.

War

U2

3/5

Listening to the album is one sitting is probably a mistake. All the songs start to sound the same after a while. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Years Eve" are great, but the rest of the album does nothing to distinguish itself from those two, awesome songs.

Exile On Main Street

The Rolling Stones

3/5

I think I mostly just like Rolling Stones singles. Their foray into blues and southern rock is fine, but also boring. Lots of talent, very little hooks.

Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd

3/5

For the first couple songs, I was worried there was no actual music. The build up for some of these 10 Min+ songs are far too long. The song, "Wish You Were Here" is stellar.

A Girl Called Dusty

Dusty Springfield

4/5

So many bops on this album. "Mocking Bird" from Dumb and Dumber is on here! I've never heard the original! "Wishin' and Hopin'" from My Best Friend's Wedding" and "24 Hours from Tulsa" are great, too. "Do Re Mi" is super catchy. I love this album.

Stephen Stills

3/5

I like that sometimes the rock music is infused with funk.

Violent Femmes

3/5

I wanted to like this album. The instrumentation is great. The band is clearly talented. It's the lead singer that ruins everything. I get that the vibe is punk and "who gives a shit," but that doesn't necessarily mean it's good for the ears. Even their hit, "Blister in the Sun" is worse than covers I already have on my phone.

Hysteria

Def Leppard

3/5

Urban Hymns

The Verve

3/5

“Bitter Sweet Symphony” is this band’s big claim to fame, but even that song wears out its welcome eventually. The rest of the songs are good, but why are they all over 6 mins?!

Connected

Stereo MC's

3/5

Rio

Duran Duran

4/5

So many catchy songs! “Rio,” “Hungry Like a Wolf” are still awesome.

Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen

4/5

Some rockabilly, some rock, some southern rock, this album has it all. Every song is carefully crafted and they're all great.

Dust

Screaming Trees

4/5

Surprised I liked this album. “Look at You” and “Dying Days” are real standouts: long songs, but no filler.

evermore

Taylor Swift

2/5

It’s good, but sad, sappy, and sentimental. I prefer the Swift albums that have lots of bops. COVID almost ruined Taylor Swift.

Electric Prunes

The Electric Prunes

1/5

Awful album. Did they rent a cheap studio? The music sounds underproduced.

Fragile

Yes

3/5

Such a weird album. “Roundabout” is a great song, but there’s all kinds of instrumental piano, electronics, etc. a really eclectic mix of stuff.

Transformer

Lou Reed

4/5

"Walk on the Wild Side," "Andy's Chest," and "Perfect Day" are excellent songs. Not a great vocalist, but Loud Reed is a great songwriter.

Imperial Bedroom

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

3/5

Imagine

John Lennon

4/5

Lots of really great songs. “Imagine” and “Crippled Inside” were my favorites.

One World

John Martyn

2/5

Dare!

The Human League

3/5

It has that one song “Don’t You Want Me,” but not much else. The first few songs have some fun instrumental choices, but this really is a one hit wonder on a very long list.

The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators

The 13th Floor Elevators

2/5

I like flower power, psychedelic music, but this album just ain’t it.

Hot Rats

Frank Zappa

2/5

Beyond Skin

Nitin Sawhney

3/5

It’s ok. Slow, vibing music with an Indian flare.

Deja Vu

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

3/5

It’s ok. Slow, vibing music

Get Behind Me Satan

The White Stripes

4/5

There’s only two instruments in every song and they really do make it work! “My Doorbell” and “The Denial Twist” are awesome. Who knew piano and drums make such a good combination?

Too Rye Ay

Dexys Midnight Runners

3/5

Im annoyed by the number of albums that clearly only have the one hit on them. Today is Dexy’s Midnight Runners and we know they’re only famous for “Come on Eileen.” So why is the whole album on this list?

1984

Van Halen

4/5

It’s a great album, but all the other songs never reach the heights of “Panama” and “Jump.”

Hunky Dory

David Bowie

3/5

"Changes" and "Life on Mars" are genuinely great songs. The other songs are good, but nothing particularly memorable. I like the playful nature of the piano and horns in some of the songs. Very jaunty.

Destroyer

KISS

3/5

Surprisingly tam for the fit parent threw in the 70s and 80s.

Highway to Hell

AC/DC

3/5

Title track is a banger, but the others are fine.

The Joshua Tree

U2

5/5

Quiet Life

Japan

3/5

Kick Out The Jams (Live)

MC5

2/5

High energy and fun, but overall smart and annoying.

Happy Sad

Tim Buckley

2/5

Blur

4/5

The Notorious Byrd Brothers

The Byrds

3/5

A Simon and Garfunkel meets The Beetles vibe. “Get Back to You” is great.

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels

Dexys Midnight Runners

3/5

Ireland meets The Talking Heads, but with a really annoying lead singer. Love the use of horns on this album.

Harvest

Neil Young

3/5

Very folksy and cozy. Not sure why it was the top album of 1972. I’m glad Neil Young’s vocals were as weirdly pitched. Maybe his vocals got weirder and more distinct as he got older…

Axis: Bold As Love

Jimi Hendrix

4/5

This album is awesome. There’s some Doobie Bros and some CCR influences (or maybe Hendrix was the influencer?). Loads of great songs.

Scissor Sisters

3/5

"Take Your Mama Out" is a classic, but the rest just don't have the same hook.

Planet Rock: The Album

Afrika Bambaataa

4/5

Yo! This album has amazing beats and was super fun to listen to. Old school hip hop and funk together is a magical combination.

Time Out Of Mind

Bob Dylan

3/5

Californication

Red Hot Chili Peppers

5/5

Buffalo Springfield Again

Buffalo Springfield

4/5

Survivor

Destiny's Child

3/5

I won't let the nostalgia overcome my senses. There a bunch of number 1s on here, but I don't really like them. I just remember them.

Machine Head

Deep Purple

4/5

Roger the Engineer

The Yardbirds

4/5

Superunknown

Soundgarden

4/5

Music in Exile

Songhoy Blues

4/5

James Brown Live At The Apollo

James Brown

2/5

It’s all good, but none of his awesome, famous songs. His early work just isn’t as catchy.

Slippery When Wet

Bon Jovi

5/5

Incredible album. Livin’ on a Prayer, Shot through the Heart, Wanted Dead or Alive, and Raise Your Hand are on this one.

The United States Of America

2/5

Experimental, high pitched, and unfun

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Kanye West

5/5

Surf's Up

The Beach Boys

3/5

Before the surf pop, we have edgy chill Beach Boys!

Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite

Maxwell

2/5

Chill jazz, not my thing.

The Low End Theory

A Tribe Called Quest

5/5

Elephant

The White Stripes

5/5

Go Girl Crazy

The Dictators

3/5

Paul's Boutique

Beastie Boys

4/5

Third

Portishead

2/5

The Slider

T. Rex

4/5

Vulgar Display Of Power

Pantera

2/5

My Generation

The Who

4/5

Abbey Road

Beatles

4/5

Graceland

Paul Simon

3/5

Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle

Bill Callahan

2/5

You've Come a Long Way Baby

Fatboy Slim

4/5

The Marshall Mathers LP

Eminem

4/5

The Velvet Underground

2/5

Music for the Masses

Depeche Mode

2/5

Arular

M.I.A.

2/5

Sheet Music

10cc

3/5

Marquee Moon

Television

3/5

C'est Chic

CHIC

3/5

Rattlesnakes

Lloyd Cole And The Commotions

3/5

Goodbye And Hello

Tim Buckley

2/5

Smash

The Offspring

4/5

Garbage

4/5

Ritual De Lo Habitual

Jane's Addiction

3/5

Pink Moon

Nick Drake

3/5

Truth And Soul

Fishbone

3/5

Hms Fable

Shack

3/5

The Downward Spiral

Nine Inch Nails

4/5

American Idiot

Green Day

4/5

Calenture

The Triffids

2/5

Electric Warrior

T. Rex

4/5

Here Come The Warm Jets

Brian Eno

2/5

Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Red Hot Chili Peppers

4/5

Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)

Bob Dylan

2/5

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter

The Incredible String Band

3/5

So Much For The City

The Thrills

2/5

Live At Leeds

The Who

5/5

Master Of Puppets

Metallica

3/5

Tracy Chapman

5/5

Lust For Life

Iggy Pop

3/5

Tical

Method Man

2/5

World Clique

Deee-Lite

3/5

25

Adele

4/5

Homework

Daft Punk

1/5

Rumours

Fleetwood Mac

5/5

Come Away With Me

Norah Jones

3/5

Pump

Aerosmith

5/5

Shake Your Money Maker

The Black Crowes

3/5

It's Blitz!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

4/5

Bitte Orca

Dirty Projectors

2/5

Yank Crime

Drive Like Jehu

1/5

Tres Hombres

ZZ Top

4/5

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

OutKast

3/5

Scott 4

Scott Walker

2/5

Grievous Angel

Gram Parsons

4/5

...And Justice For All

Metallica

3/5

Ambient 1/Music For Airports

Brian Eno

2/5

Leftism

Leftfield

3/5

Melodrama

Lorde

4/5

KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)

Ministry

2/5

Aqualung

Jethro Tull

3/5

Ellington at Newport

Duke Ellington

4/5

At Fillmore East

The Allman Brothers Band

4/5

Can't Buy A Thrill

Steely Dan

3/5

Golden Hour

Kacey Musgraves

4/5

Eagles

5/5

A Grand Don't Come For Free

The Streets

2/5

The Good, The Bad & The Queen

2/5

I'm Your Man

Leonard Cohen

3/5

At Folsom Prison

Johnny Cash

5/5

Darkdancer

Les Rythmes Digitales

1/5

The Idiot

Iggy Pop

3/5

Brothers

The Black Keys

4/5

Murmur

R.E.M.

3/5

It's A Shame About Ray

The Lemonheads

3/5

The Score

Fugees

4/5

Black Metal

Venom

2/5

Unknown Pleasures

Joy Division

3/5

Fear Of Music

Talking Heads

5/5

Nevermind

Nirvana

5/5

No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)

Motörhead

3/5

Da Capo

Love

2/5

Definitely Maybe

Oasis

4/5

Rubber Soul

Beatles

3/5

Marcus Garvey

Burning Spear

3/5

Hot Buttered Soul

Isaac Hayes

3/5

Alien Lanes

Guided By Voices

3/5

Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)

Eurythmics

3/5

Let England Shake

PJ Harvey

2/5

Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea

PJ Harvey

3/5

L.A. Woman

The Doors

4/5

Tea for the Tillerman

Cat Stevens

4/5

Eternally Yours

The Saints

4/5

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

Lucinda Williams

3/5

Djam Leelii

Baaba Maal

4/5

In The Court Of The Crimson King

King Crimson

2/5

Remain In Light

Talking Heads

4/5

Red Headed Stranger

Willie Nelson

4/5

The Suburbs

Arcade Fire

2/5

Africa Brasil

Jorge Ben Jor

3/5

Scream, Dracula, Scream

Rocket From The Crypt

3/5

Born To Be With You

Dion

3/5

Bryter Layter

Nick Drake

3/5

Be

Common

3/5

Parallel Lines

Blondie

4/5

Nilsson Schmilsson

Harry Nilsson

4/5

Frank

Amy Winehouse

2/5

White Ladder

David Gray

3/5

Highway 61 Revisited

Bob Dylan

3/5

Orbital 2

Orbital

2/5

1989

Taylor Swift

5/5

Brown Sugar

D'Angelo

3/5

Lazer Guided Melodies

Spiritualized

2/5

The Velvet Underground & Nico

The Velvet Underground

4/5

Synchronicity

The Police

4/5

Here's Little Richard

Little Richard

5/5

Cheap Thrills

Big Brother & The Holding Company

4/5

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago

3/5

I Should Coco

Supergrass

2/5

Seventeen Seconds

The Cure

3/5

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg

Jerry Lee Lewis

3/5

Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)

Loretta Lynn

4/5

After The Gold Rush

Neil Young

3/5

Raising Hell

Run-D.M.C.

5/5

John Prine

4/5

Live And Dangerous

Thin Lizzy

3/5

Natty Dread

Bob Marley & The Wailers

3/5

Hybrid Theory

Linkin Park

5/5

m b v

My Bloody Valentine

2/5

Kimono My House

Sparks

4/5

G. Love And Special Sauce

G. Love & Special Sauce

2/5

The World is a Ghetto

War

3/5

Beggars Banquet

The Rolling Stones

5/5

Everything Must Go

Manic Street Preachers

3/5

Illinois

Sufjan Stevens

5/5

AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted

Ice Cube

4/5

A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector

Various Artists

4/5

There's No Place Like America Today

Curtis Mayfield

2/5

Remedy

Basement Jaxx

2/5

Sex Packets

Digital Underground

3/5

Back To Black

Amy Winehouse

3/5

The Beach Boys Today!

The Beach Boys

3/5

Hounds Of Love

Kate Bush

4/5

The Age Of The Understatement

The Last Shadow Puppets

3/5

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

Dead Kennedys

4/5

Queen II

Queen

4/5

New Boots And Panties

Ian Dury

4/5

Future Days

Can

3/5

From Elvis In Memphis

Elvis Presley

5/5

Fever To Tell

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

3/5

The Real Thing

Faith No More

4/5

Channel Orange

Frank Ocean

3/5

Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin

5/5

Os Mutantes

3/5

Supa Dupa Fly

Missy Elliott

4/5

Licensed To Ill

Beastie Boys

5/5

The Boatman's Call

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

3/5

Oracular Spectacular

MGMT

4/5

Midnight Ride

Paul Revere & The Raiders

3/5

Wild Wood

Paul Weller

3/5

Ten

Pearl Jam

5/5

Grace

Jeff Buckley

3/5

Paris 1919

John Cale

2/5

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx

Raekwon

2/5

Time Out

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

3/5

Blunderbuss

Jack White

4/5

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John

5/5

Power In Numbers

Jurassic 5

3/5

Cosmo's Factory

Creedence Clearwater Revival

5/5

Fun House

The Stooges

3/5

Sea Change

Beck

2/5

The Village Green Preservation Society

The Kinks

5/5

Born To Run

Bruce Springsteen

5/5

Disintegration

The Cure

3/5

The Dark Side Of The Moon

Pink Floyd

5/5

Revolver

Beatles

5/5

Paranoid

Black Sabbath

5/5

Sweet Baby James

James Taylor

3/5

Gold

Ryan Adams

3/5

Peggy Suicide

Julian Cope

3/5

Tellin’ Stories

The Charlatans

3/5

Nebraska

Bruce Springsteen

3/5

Post Orgasmic Chill

Skunk Anansie

4/5

The Rolling Stones

4/5

Black Holes and Revelations

Muse

3/5

Dummy

Portishead

2/5

Fishscale

Ghostface Killah

3/5

Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim

Frank Sinatra

4/5

Moving Pictures

Rush

3/5

Tom Sawyer is like the only good song on this album. Also, there’s lots of instrumental songs, but those aren’t interesting to me.

White Light

Gene Clark

3/5

Dry

PJ Harvey

3/5

Sound of Silver

LCD Soundsystem

3/5

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme

Simon & Garfunkel

5/5

Purple Rain

Prince

5/5

Want One

Rufus Wainwright

3/5

A Hard Day's Night

Beatles

5/5

Rock 'N Soul

Solomon Burke

3/5

Just one excellent song among other just fine songs

Gris Gris

Dr. John

3/5

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears

The Mamas & The Papas

3/5

The Stranger

Billy Joel

5/5

Catch A Fire

Bob Marley & The Wailers

4/5

Private Dancer

Tina Turner

4/5

Disraeli Gears

Cream

3/5

Hotel California

Eagles

5/5

Odessey And Oracle

The Zombies

3/5

Let It Bleed

The Rolling Stones

4/5

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