Really solid genre (grunge) album. I prefer more technicality in music which is why I've never been the biggest grunge and punk fan, but I do respect these genres and their intentions related to music format. I found the album to be a bit long, but there is nice variation in song styles. My favorite tracks include: Mailman, Black Hole Sun, Spoonman, and Life Suicide.
I honestly enjoyed this album more than I expected. Not the biggest fan of Stipe's voice, but his performances worked for me on most of the songs on the album. Favorite songs: Stand, World Leader Pretend, Orange Crush, Turn Your Inside-Out
I was really anticipating that I wouldn't enjoy this album at all, but I was pleasantly surprised with how catchy most of the songs are. I've never heard of Marty Robbins before and I was very impressed with his vocals...great singer. He tells great stories too (which is impressive because I'm not the biggest lyrics guy). The backing vocals and harmonies were delightful too! AND I finally know where a song that my Pap would sing when I was younger comes from - the great El Paso. My favorite songs: Big Iron, A Hundred And Sixty Acres, El Paso, The Master's Call.
I only knew the song, Reptilia, by The Strokes - so this was a great way to get into a new band. This is a really strong album where pretty much every song is good to great. Most of the songs are played with high energy and passion. There is a degree of "sameness" to many songs, but they are played with gusto that makes me not mind after awhile. My favorite tracks: The Modern Age, Barely Legal, Last Nite, Take It Or Leave It, and Alone Together (my favorite song on the album).
This is a phenomenal album full of all-time classics. Mark Knopfler is possibly my second favorite guitarist of all-time, and he shines again on this album. The trumpet and sax playing on the intro to Your Latest Trick are also out of this world. An album that everyone should listen to at least once in their lives. Favorite tracks: ALL OF THEM.
Another very good album that at times rocked, rolled, grooved, rumbled, and blues-ed out. Bolan has a very unique voice, and at times when very emotive feels like he carries the whole room. Favorite tracks: Jeepster, Lean Woman Blues, Bang a Gong (Get It On), The Motivator, Rip Off.
Good album full of energy, piss, and vinegar. Very good rhythm guitar playing reminiscent of Hetfield in Metallica. The vocals also work really well especially when strained and slightly out of tune...it just fits. Favorite tracks: Nitro (Youth Energy), Bad Habit, Come Out and Play, It'll Be a Long Time, So Alone.
This is a no-brainer, 5-star album for me. It's arguably Aerosmith's best album (or Rocks from 1976). A perfect mix of Stones and Zeppelin, and so much feel to it. Awesome stuff! Extremely surprised by how many people don't like this, but oh well....to each their own! Favorite tracks: ALL of them.
The best part of a challenge like this is forcing ourselves to listen to something that we would never listen to in our daily lives. This was certainly the case for this album. And once again, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this album wayyyyyy more than I expected. Willie's voice has always been quite unique and it shines well on this album. I loved the songs with piano and harmonica - extremely well played. Favorite tracks: Just As I Am, Down Yonder, Can I Sleep In Your Arms, Remember Me, Bonaparte's Retreat.
Had a little trouble getting through this album. There were a lot of songs that all sounded the same to me...especially with the sound and style of playing the bass. However, Price's vocals are very good and I enjoyed the pedal steel and sleet guitar work which saved the listening experience for me. If I had to pick favorite tracks they would be: The Twenty Fourth Hour and Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women.
As a fan of The Beatles, I have to say that I prefer their later catalog that is more experimental. Nevertheless, this is pure pop gold for its time and you can start to see them honing in on their craft. Every song is catchy and fun and puts one in a good mood. The small hints of guitar on some tracks are much appreciated. Favorite tracks: A Hard Day's Night, I Should Have Known Better, I'm Happy Just to Dance With You, Can't Buy Me Love.
This was a pretty solid, feel good, groovy, dance music album. Several tracks had excellent use of piano, vocals, and harmonies. The tribute to bluesy and soulful roots was also excellent. My only criticisms are that some songs were a bit boring, there was a lot of repition, and the album is a little too long.
I never got into The Temptations all that much, so this was a very pleasant and pleasurable experience. I much prefer the funky and fiery songs on the album, and the first side absolutely smokes. It tapers off a bit on side 2, but picks back up again with the last 2 tracks. The vocals are simply amazing. Great record. Favorite tracks: Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On, Run Charlie Run, Papa Was a Rollin' Stone, Mother Nature, Do Your Thing.
This was a pretty good listen and there are several great tracks. I have to admit it was very very long and I lost patience at times, but did enjoy it overall. I prefer Speakerboxx over The Love Below. It was more diverse and progressive than I was originally expecting. Favorite tracks: GhettoMusick, Bowtie, The Way You Move, Bust, Flip Flop Rock, Reset, Last Call, Love Hater, Prototype, Hey Ya, Dracula's Wedding, My Favorite Things.
Wow this album totally blew me away! So much fire, passion, and energy. I, of course, am like many and do know Lewis' Great Balls of Fire but have never explored much more beyond that. This killer experience was worth every single second. Excellent piano and in spots really good electric guitar too (wish it had a little more guitar, but I know that wasn't as popular at that time). Loved the whole album. Favorite Tracks: all of them!
I had never heard of PJ Harvey before being assigned this album. So - I was leery at best. And then I was totally caught off guard by her totally unique voice and haunting, trance-like, and soothing atmosphere of many of these songs. The first half of the album is near perfection and I was ready to give this album a 5, but I felt like the 2nd half drops off a little except for Bitter Branches. She also gave me that Peter Gabriel vibe in a lot of ways. Great stuff! Favorite tracks: Let England Shake, The Glorious Land, The Words That Maketh Murder, All and Everyone, Bitter Branches
Another group that I had never heard of before listening to this album. And yet again I was stunned by how much I liked this (probably even more than like this). There are some straight up rockers on this (Richard III) to some very weird and experimental sounding songs (Sometimes I Make You Sad). Great vocals and instrumentation in every song. I never imagined I'd give this a 5, but I certainly will. Favorite tracks: all of them!
As a Talking Heads fan, this is an essential album and I'm very glad that it's on this list. I remember thinking when I heard this for the fist time, "what the hell did I just listen to?" It's so weird, strange, and different than many other types of music I've listened to...Talking Heads are quite unique. A few songs did take a handful of times to listen to before I liked them, but they are all great (although some are better than others: Cities, Life During Wartime, I Zimbra, and Heaven). Favorite tracks: all of them.
This was more of a solid album than not that had a majestic, easy-going feel to it. Some of the songs were hard to get into because they are slow paced and have the same sound and feel to them. I had to get used to the singer's voice as I found myself thinking there wasn't a lot of feeling put into it...but I also recognize this is a different style of music too. The drumming was superb on several tracks. I'd probably not return to this too much in the future. Favorite tracks: Terrible Love, Afraid of Everyone, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Conversation 16, England.
I've heard of Wilco many times, but have never listened to anything of theirs. And I'm not going to lie, I had trouble getting through this album. The best part about the music on this album is all the strange, weird, and experimental sounds and noises. There were plenty of unique parts and snippets throughout the song. I'd much rather hear those than Tweedy's voice....very boring and most of the time emotionless (and sometimes out of tune). I did enjoy the following tracks: Kamera, Jesus, Etc., Heavy Metal Drummer, and I'm the Man Who Loves You.
This is another artist that I've never heard of, and I didn't know what to expect either having read a little about the album. I have to say it was better than I was expecting. It's a very relaxed, easy-going sounding album that puts one in the mood. Several tracks stood out and sucked me in. Great drums, choir-like vocals, and bass in several spots of the albums. I think the half-singing, half-spoken vocals are just okay. Favorite tracks: Melody, En Melody, and Cargo culte.
As long as I've been a fan of ACDC, I've never listened to this album in its entirety. Very glad I fixed that...total rocker. Everything is great on it. Insanely good riffs, grooves, vocals, etc. It's got it all. Even the last two songs that are slower are still in-your-face and bad ass as hell. Excellent album. Favorite tracks: all of them!
A really great debut album for this group, but it sounds like they are still finding their stride on a few tracks. Some amazing guitar work and soundscapes on a few tracks, and the song Luna specifically stands out for me as something totally different sounding. What a great tune. Not a perfect album, but extremely good. Favorite tracks: Rockin' Around (With You), Breakdown, Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll, Strangered in the Night, Fooled Again (I Don't Like It), Luna, American Girl.
Another band and album that I've never really listened to, but this was also a pleasant surprise for the most part. Love's voice is a major strength and she carries the weight for most of the album. The guitars are quite heavy too. This was better than I was expecting. Favorite tracks: Celebrity Skin, Awful, Reasons to Be Beautiful, Use Once & Destroy, Heaven Tonight, Playing Your Song.
To be clear, I like U2. I'm not a fan of U2...more of a "love the hits" kind of fan. I've never listened to an entire U2 album. I've read about the greatness of this album so it was good to get a chance to listen to it. For me...it's just okay. I love certain songs, but the majority of the album didn't click for me. Parts of it were just boring to me. However, I've always loved Mysterious Ways (pretty much since the first time I heard it). Favorite tracks: Zoo Station, One, So Cruel, Mysterious Ways, Love is Blindness.
Another band (and frankly style of music) that I was not familiar with, but was pleasantly surprised when listening to this album. This isn't exactly my style of music, but I did appreciate it. Favorite tracks: Kinky Afro, God's Cop, Loose Fit, Step On.
A better album than I expected (based on what I read about it). Most of this album was incredibly groovy, laid-back, relaxing, and an easy-going experience. A couple of tracks would have made excellent horror movie themes/soundtracks (e.g., Stem/Long Stem and Organ Donor). Not everything was great for me, but an overall enjoyable experience. Favorite tracks: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt, What Does Your Soul Look Like (Part 4), Stem/Long Stem / Transmission 2, Organ Donor, Midnight in a Perfect World.
I appreciate all of the intricacies involved in this truly thematic album. There are many swirling bells and whistles throughout that make it way more interesting and complex than most rap/hip hop I've listened to in the past. The constant nods to jazz throughout are the highlight for me. In the end though, I just don't completely connect with this genre. Favorite tracks: King Kunta, How Much a Dollar Cost, I.
This is a pretty decent "winding down for the day" album. Very low key and many times beautiful instrumentation (especially the orchestral parts). It does not speak to me, and I don't enjoy Callahan's singing all that much...very little range. Favorite tracks: The Wind and The Dove, My Friend, All Thoughts Are Prey to Some Beast.
Wow! This was one wild experience. A swirling, rocking, cosmic experience. Given some of my music tastes, this felt right at home for me. But I'll bet this is a special cup of tea for many (understandable!). It is a bit repetitive both in song styles and instrumentation, but I love this kind of music so it doesn't bother me at all. It definitely does what it seeks to do well: take you on one hell of a space ride. Favorite tracks: Born to Go, Lord of Light, Space is Deep, Electronic No.1, Orgone Accumulator, Brainstorm, Seven By Seven, Master of the Universe.
Yet another band that I've never taken the time to listen to, so I'm glad this finally happened. Wow...it took me a minute to get used to their style and the sound, but this was also a sonic, feel-good journey. So many different sounds, textures, and beats. I enjoyed it quite a bit even though there are a few songs I wasn't too crazy about. Favorite tracks: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1, Yoshimi Battles the Robots, Pt. 2, In the Morning of the Magicians, Do You Realize??, Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon.
This is a phenomenal album - arguably the greatest harmony group of all time. They don't disappoint on this album the whole way through and everyone contributes to the effort with their own songs. Much has been said about this album and I can't add anything else new. Perfect. Favorite tracks: all of them!
This may be the epitome of a "kick back," "take a load off," "chill out" albums ever recorded. I have to admit I was introduced to two of these songs about 12 years ago and loved them. Listening to the entire album makes me now love the album. It's almost perfect to my ears minus a few tracks. And the two best tracks bookend the album IMO. Smooth, sexy, and relaxing...this albums sets the mood. Favorite tracks: La femme d'argent, Sexy Boy, Kelly Watch the Stars, Talisman, Ce matin la, New Star in the Sky, Le voyage de Penelope.
I would call my self a casual fan of Neil Young. I've always enjoyed his frenetic, raw, emotional guitar playing in several songs. I've known that this is a legendary album and am glad I finally listened to it in its entirety. There's several awesome tracks and a few surprises throughout (hello symphony orchestra - didn't see that coming!). A very enjoyable album. Favorite tracks: Out on the Weekend, A Man Needs a Maid, Heart of Gold, Are You Ready for the Country, Old Man, Alabama, Words.
This is Zeppelin's crowning achievement in my opinion. Not one bad song on this album (which is awesome for a double!), and a decent mixture of styles and influences. Peak Zeppelin. Favorite songs: ALL of them!
Not the biggest reggae fan, but this was a very pleasant listen. So many great instruments that interplay within many many songs. Pleasantly surprised with several guitar licks and even a solo. Phenomenal bass lines throughout and a wonderful "chill" feel to the whole album with some darker tracks as well. A bit repetitive at times, but too terrible. Favorite tracks: Burial, What'cha Gonna Do?, No Sympathy, Igziabeher, Till Your Well Runs Dry.
Norah has a truly lovely and seductive voice that saves most of these songs for me. Otherwise, this album just doesn't work for me. There are a few songs that highlight some great instrument parts, but they style and pace make it hard for me to get through. Favorite songs: Shoot the Moon, Nightingale.
The first half of this album is pure fire! Funky, soulful, rocking even. A perfect first side of an album. It does tail off a little for me on the second side...BUT the consistently bad ass bass and strong vocal harmonies and passion of the vocals keep it fresh for me. A strong album. Favorite tracks: Cloud Nine, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Runaway Child, Running Wild, I Need Your Lovin'.
Another artist I've never heard of and I have to admit that this was a bit of a slog to get through. There were a handful of tracks that were enjoyable, but much of it all sounds the same and is very low energy - and some of it quite boring. Some decent instrumentation at times and a beautiful orchestra peppered in throughout some tracks help save it. Not my jam overall. Favorite tracks: Everybody's Stalking, Camping Next to Water, Once Around the Block, Disillusion.
I was initially quite hopeful for this album because it starts rather strong, but then tails off significantly for me. I will say that it deserves credit for incorporating several different song styles and a mixing of some genres as well. It's not the same thing over and over again which is a plus, but it is rather boring in the middle and towards the end. Favorite tracks: Firefly, Somewhere, Lonely, Bad Liquor.
I would definitely say I'm a fan of house/dance music. This album did not disappoint and had several solid tracks on it. I've never heard of it before, but overall it was a pleasurable experience. There were a few tracks that were a little slower and repetitive that kept it from being a "classic" in my eyes, but it's still very solid. Favorite tracks: Rendez-Vu, Red Alert, Always Be There, Bingo Bango, Don't Give Up.
A monumental album that is jam-packed with both all-time great classics, and underrated gems. There are only 2 songs that I am not the biggest fan of (Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon and Seaside Rendezvous) because of their pastoral, English-ness...however, they do provide a nice break/departure from the rest of the album and give it much broader depth from a musical style perspective. A phenomenal album. Favorite tracks: everything else besides the two mentioned!
Yet another artist I've heard a lot about but haven't listened to until now. This feels like another end-of-the-day/wind down albums. There's some excellent orchestral arrangements, piano, and even vibraphone that give a little more oomph to the album. It's a bit slow for me overall, but the mellow sadness is quite beautifully haunting. Favorite tracks: River Man, Three Hours, Man in the Shed, Saturday Sun.
I know a little bit of Missy's work thanks to my age-range and my wife (who is a big fan). This was a pretty decent album, but it was much slower paced than I was expecting. The beats and rhythms were pretty solid, but I wasn't as much impressed by the words except for a few songs. Hip hop isn't my jam anyway - so it was going to take a lot for me to really like this. But it was okay. Favorite tracks: Sock It 2 Me, Beep Me 911, Pass da Blunt, Don't Be Commin' (In My Face), I'm Talkin'.
I absolutely love this album. I remember the 3 big singles that came out and being mesmerized by all of them at the time. I never listened to the entire album until now, and that was also a wonderful experience. Some really awesome soundscapes and noises that just contribute to the overall experience. Something completely weird and different! Favorite tracks: all of them!
Well...never listened to a Bjork song or album before and now I know why. I have no idea what the hell I just listened to. I'm about 45 albums into this challenge and this is the only one that I literally could not wait to be over. There is absolutely nothing that connects with me on this album. Totally and absolutely bizarre (at best). Just a weird and chaotic mix of an orchestra, a voice, and technological production sounds that make no sense. I can't even pick a favorite track, but if forced to...I'll go with Quicksand because it's the only track that sounds like a semblance of a song...and it (thankfully) ends the album.
This is fabulous, quirky, English, and at time rocking album. Thoroughly enjoyed Dave Davies' great guitar work and several licks throughout the album. The slow builds of several songs are just phenomenal. I've only previously known the big hits from The Kinks, but very glad to listen to this great work. Favorite tracks: Victoria, Yes Sir, No Sir, Some Mother's Sin, Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, Nothing to Say, Arthur.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable listen! It was so full of passion, energy, and heart. Excellent beats and rhythms and terrific use of instrumentation throughout. At times a little repetitive, but that did not take away from it's sense of fun and excitement. I can now see that Kuti and company are clear influences of Talking Heads. Favorite tracks: Black Man's Cry, Ye Ye De Smell, Egbe Mi O.
Dagmar has a very unique voice, and the instrumental orchestration was quite good in many spots...but I have no idea why this is on this list. I'm not anti-composer music either, but this doesn't strike me as an album that I must hear before I die. I was just assigned a Bjork album the other day (Vulnicura), and this is not as bad as that, but it's not far behind for me. Only one favorite track because there was some great guitar work on it: The Song of the Invigorating Impact of Cash.
What a really pleasant, upbeat, feel-good album. Extremely 80s in sound and style, but that's okay - I love that feel. Winwood has an amazing voice that is very reminiscent of Phil Collins (for me at least). The fact that he played every instrument on the album is mind boggling...and did so to an impressive degree. There's only a couple tracks that I wasn't fond of and the synths/keys are a little overwhelming at times. But all in all, a very fine album. Favorite tracks: While You See a Chance, Arc of a Diver, Slowdown Sundown, Night Train.
Another great funky, soulful, and passionate 1970s album...love that decade so much! Insanely good synthesizer/keys throughout the album and killer guitar work as well. A great Doobie Brothers cover as well. Excellent album. Favorite tracks: That Lady, Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, Listen to the Music, What It Comes Down To, Sunshine (Go Away Today), Summer Breeze.
I remember the \"big three\" Gorillaz songs when I was growing up. I loved all three and was hopeful that this album would contain more greatness like that. Listening to the whole thing is a bit long, but there are several great, feel-good tracks. This is a as good of stoner album as many and I caught myself several times zoning out to the music. A few times the vocals were annoying, but many times they were saved by great beats and sounds. Favorite tracks: Tomorrow Comes Today, New Genious (Brother), Clint Eastwood, Man Research (Clapper), Latin Simone, Starshine, M1 A1.
A masterful prog rock album by prog rock giants. I tend to forget how jazzy and smooth it is because of the overexposure to the 21st Century Schizoid Man and the title track. How this band isn't in the HOF is beyond me and one of the true crimes of the music world. I'm really hoping there are more KC albums for this challenge. Favorite tracks: all of them!
During my childhood and early teen years, this was my favorite album of all time. I'll never forget the first time hearing it in our Dad's car...it blew me away. The tone of the guitars are absolutely perfect and the production is top notch. Tom Scholz may be one of the most underrated guitarists ever, but people also forget what a phenomenal keyboard player he is too! This is one of those examples of a greatest hits album. Pure perfection! Favorite tracks: all of them!
This was a very fun listen - I chose to listen to the North American release that includes Helen Wheels. I connected with most songs and there is a lot of variety on this album. As always, Paul's vocals are on point and the harmonies are very pleasurable to the ear. Some great guitar work on a handful of songs, and what a great futuristic sounding (for the time) closer! Great stuff. Favorite tracks: Band on the Run, Jet, Mrs. Vanderbilt, Let Me Roll It, Helen Wheels, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five.
I appreciate the importance of this album in the history of hip hop. I've never listened to it until now, and I enjoyed much of it. There's some really great beats/drum work throughout, and the consistency of this is the album's major strength. There's also some great DJ work and other great sounds as well. I default to liking the tracks with guitar on them best but there were several others I enjoyed. Lyrics very rarely mean anything to me...so I didn't pay attention to what they were saying, but the use of their voices as instruments I enjoyed and appreciated. Favorite tracks: It's Tricky, My Adidas, Walk This Way, Perfection, Raising Hell.
I like Nirvana. I do not love Nirvana. I also respect Nirvana. There's plenty of terrific and legendary tracks on this album. There's also some tracks that are really difficult to get through for me. When they click, both with songs that rage and those that are softer, it's hard to beat them in the grunge genre. This is not a perfect album to me...and I do get that overrated feeling...at times. Favorite tracks: Heart-Shaped Box, Rape Me, Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle, Dumb, Very Ape, All Apologies.
Another very solid, almost perfect Zeppelin album. It's nice to hear a little more acoustic songs on this album, which probably has turned some off in the past. I love the mix of heavy, folk, and blues all represented on the album. They show more breadth on this album. Favorite tracks: Immigrant Song, Celebration Day, Since I've Been Loving You, Out On the Tiles, Gallows Pole, Tangerine, Bron-Y-Aur Stomp.
I know Blondie's big hits and haven't listened to an entire album. This was totally refreshing! High energy the whole way through and some killer sound layers for almost every single track. Complete and total enjoyment from start to finish. Pretty much a perfect album in my opinion. Favorite tracks: all of them!
This is a phenomenal album. It took me a little while to get into it due to a variety of styles, but it certainly paid off! I absolutely love the funky and jazzy portions of the album...Contusion blew me away! There were two tracks that I didn't quite care for (Village Ghetto Land and If It's Magic), but there's so many high quality songs that I don't even care, haha. Brilliant! Favorite tracks...the hell with it: all of them!
Just got back to back Stevie Wonder albums (Songs in the Key of Life). This is also a great album but not as great as Songs IMO. One thing I love about many of his songs is that they are played out and it gives the catchy melodies a change to stick in your head since you get them over and over again. Even though this is repetitive, you don't want it to end! Favorite tracks: You Are the Sunshine of My Life, Maybe Your Baby, Tuesday Heartbreak, Superstition, I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will be Forever).
