1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

692
Albums Rated
4.02
Average Rating
64%
Complete
397 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1950
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
201
5-Star Albums
0
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

Top Styles

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
5 1.89 +3.11
Third
Soft Machine
5 2.45 +2.55
Suicide
Suicide
5 2.46 +2.54
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
5 2.46 +2.54
Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
5 2.54 +2.46
90
808 State
5 2.69 +2.31
Cut
The Slits
5 2.71 +2.29
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
5 2.71 +2.29
Yeezus
Kanye West
5 2.74 +2.26
Faust IV
Faust
5 2.79 +2.21

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2 3.68 -1.68
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
2 3.59 -1.59
Brothers
The Black Keys
2 3.53 -1.53
Frank
Amy Winehouse
2 3.46 -1.46
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
2 3.12 -1.12
Highly Evolved
The Vines
2 3.03 -1.03

Artists

Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Beatles 6 4.83
Bob Dylan 6 4.83
Brian Eno 4 5
David Bowie 8 4.38
Leonard Cohen 4 4.75
Prince 3 5
Black Sabbath 3 5
Miles Davis 3 5
Pink Floyd 4 4.5
Bruce Springsteen 4 4.5
Neil Young 3 4.67
Kate Bush 3 4.67
Bob Marley & The Wailers 3 4.67
Jimi Hendrix 3 4.67
Talking Heads 3 4.67
Stevie Wonder 3 4.67
Kraftwerk 3 4.67
The Rolling Stones 3 4.67
Pixies 3 4.67
Neil Young & Crazy Horse 3 4.67
Radiohead 2 5
James Brown 2 5
Nirvana 2 5
The Band 2 5
The Kinks 2 5
Nick Drake 2 5
The Smiths 2 5
Kanye West 2 5
A Tribe Called Quest 2 5
Van Morrison 2 5
Funkadelic 2 5
The Mothers Of Invention 2 5
The Stooges 2 5
Sly & The Family Stone 2 5
Joy Division 2 5
Led Zeppelin 3 4.33
Steely Dan 3 4.33
Simon & Garfunkel 3 4.33

5-Star Albums (201)

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Popular Reviews

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson

I would never claim to be a huge Country fan but this one hits just right. Willie’s confidence to let that voice ring with sparse instrumentation is something to behold. 50 years later this one holds up so well.

Cut by The Slits

Cool girls. Although I’m not allowed to look at the cover of this record.

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy

classic goth. The Corrosion absolutely rips

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic

Tracks are all great but we’re all here for Eddie Hazel tearing our heart out with the title track.

All Ratings (692)

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Dec 27 2023

Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic is perfect

1999 by Prince
Jan 01 2024
Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Jan 02 2024

Still as impactful all these years later but I can't imagine listening to this in 1970 and how much it would blow your mind.

Be by Common
Jan 03 2024
On The Beach by Neil Young
Jan 04 2024

Even second their Neil Young is great.

Teen Dream by Beach House
Jan 05 2024

First three songs remind me why I loved this stuff back in the day but it lost me after a while.

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jan 10 2024
In Our Heads by Hot Chip
Jan 12 2024

There are so many better Hot Chip albums.

1989 by Taylor Swift
Jan 16 2024

can't deny her

Life Thru A Lens by Robbie Williams
Jan 17 2024

Surprised me how much I enjoyed this one. Back in the day solo Robbie Williams didn’t make too much impact in North America until his next album (Want You Back is still a classic) but this was a pretty confident debut.

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
Jan 20 2024

Side A of this is one of my favourites of all time. Side B could never get to those heights but still a fantastic album.

Jan 25 2024

Testing the audience’s patience with 6 covers (3 Meat Puppets ones in a row!). So incredible and points to what could have been.

Red Dirt Girl by Emmylou Harris
Jan 26 2024

Can't say I was too familiar with Emmylou Harris' work before but this was a lovely aughts country album. Likely won't revisit too often but enjoyed it.

The Stone Roses by The Stone Roses
Jan 29 2024

A stone cold classic. Starts off near perfect and ends on another crescendo, only slightly dipping in the middle. Will never pass up the opportunity to listen.

Jan 30 2024

Earl James Brown live show that shows shy he was such a popular concert. I've listened to it a bunch but it never really got into a steady rotation. Still a great listen that I enjoy every time I revisit.

So by Peter Gabriel
Jan 31 2024

Far from the prog of Genesis, Gabriel had really honed in his pop chops to the point where someone listening along kept asking if I was sure that it wasn't Phil Collins playing.

Music From Big Pink by The Band
Feb 01 2024

Stone cold classic. Probably take their next album by a hair but still a favourite of mine.

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Feb 02 2024

Naw son. Don’t need this. The best part is the baseball play-by-play.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Feb 05 2024

A sign of great things to come but ultimately not a particularly noteworthy album.

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
Feb 06 2024

A psychedelic classic. I was familiar with Somebody To Love and White rabbit before and they’re the standout tracks. The rest is a bit uneven but Funny Cars rips.

Feb 09 2024

Prime years of Motörhead. Typically Don’t love live even when I’m a huge fan, can’t deny how tight the band sounds here.

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Feb 12 2024

Timeless but not hitting the highs of Déjà Vu with Young being thrown in the find.

Feb 13 2024

Maybe the peak of Britpop. Biggest album with the most crossover appeal. Still holds up to this day. Banger after banger.

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Feb 14 2024

I’m too shy to listen to this!

Joan Baez by Joan Baez
Feb 15 2024

The First Lady of folk’s debut. A sign of the great things to come.

Protection by Massive Attack
Feb 16 2024

Classic trip hop. Can’t say that I like it as much as their debut but still a great revisit

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Feb 19 2024

I thought that we left this behind in the aughts.

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Feb 20 2024

Good solid reggae. Doesn’t include some of the bigger hits that we’ve been inundated with over the years and is better for it. More collaborative and free.

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Feb 21 2024

I mean okay. Guilty pleasure but I don't need much more of this. "Feel my serpentine" is something else.

Feb 23 2024

Fourth and last of the 70s Eno pop albums and maybe the best. Side two gets let’s pop but so atmospheric and great. He’s simply the best.

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Feb 26 2024

A classic of my youth. Holds up so well to this day.

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Feb 27 2024

I know it's coming but that last line of Rose Parade kills me every time.

Ys by Joanna Newsom
Feb 28 2024

I believe you that she's great and this album is amazing. I can even recognize it sometimes. I just can't get there.

For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music
Feb 29 2024

Greatest song ever written about a blow-up doll.

L.A. Woman by The Doors
Mar 01 2024

Last album recorded by The Lizard King, probably my favourite Doors album. Mellow Blues.

Odelay by Beck
Mar 05 2024

A classic of my youth. Masterful production by Beck and the Dust Brothers. Not quite as innovative as it felt in 1996 but still a classic.

Slipknot by Slipknot
Mar 07 2024

This is the music your parents warned you not to listen to.

Mar 08 2024

A few years before they would hand Keith Flint the mic to sing on their biggest hits, The Prodigy released this classic which, might not be as flashy as Fat of the Land but probably holds up better.

Mar 11 2024

What am I supposed to say about one of the most lauded albums of all time?

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Mar 12 2024

The three singles stand out but still an early America alternative classic.

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Mar 13 2024

I had never heard of these Australian punks but there are some bops here.

Figure 8 by Elliott Smith
Mar 15 2024

An ES album I wasn’t previously familiar with. Sad that it was his last but more cheer than Either/Or which is my go to for ES.

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Mar 20 2024

What can you say about one of the greatest jazz albums of all time.

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Mar 21 2024

Not the Nick Drake album I find myself reaching for usually but you can’t really go wrong with any of his music.

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Mar 22 2024

Doesn't quite reach the peaks of The Three EPs but still a chill listen.

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Mar 26 2024

What can you say about the legend. Suffers only so slightly from the practice of the time of keeping hit singles off the albums but still great top to bottom.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Mar 27 2024

A favourite of mine. When I first encountered this album I wasn’t ready for it but after repeated listened it just clicked. I don’t need to take drugs if I can just listen to Heroin whenever I want.

Atomizer by Big Black
Mar 28 2024

The legend Steve Albini. I wasn't as familiar with this album as their next one whose name I'm too shy to say out loud but definitely goes hard.

Coat Of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Apr 01 2024

The title track is probably one of the best Dolly songs and the rest of the album holds up well enough but boy were they pumping out albums in those days.

Bad by Michael Jackson
Apr 02 2024
A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Apr 03 2024

Whatever. I guess it’s competent enough.

Meat Puppets II by Meat Puppets
Apr 04 2024

An album that I hadn't spent too much time before but short enough to listen a few times today. I enjoyed it very much.

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Apr 05 2024

Title track and Season of the Witch are stone cold classics but the rest is mostly forgettable Donovan.

Boston by Boston
Apr 09 2024

Opening track rips but the rest doesn’t quite hold up.

Garbage by Garbage
Apr 11 2024

Garbage. Absolute Garbage.

Stripped by Christina Aguilera
Apr 12 2024

Great voice but come on.

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Apr 15 2024

Classic bossa nova album.

Rio by Duran Duran
Apr 16 2024

The singles are miles above the rest and are among the best Duran Duran songs.

Teenager Of The Year by Frank Black
Apr 17 2024

I had never heard of this album but it was a great listen. Not quite as good as the classic Pixies albums but quite enjoyable and Headache is a classic tune.

Trio by Dolly Parton
Apr 18 2024

Three queens of country.

Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder
Apr 22 2024

Maybe not my favourite Stevie Wonder album but still an absolute classic.

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Apr 23 2024

The first of their truly classic albums. Unfortunate choice for final track though.

Pump by Aerosmith
Apr 25 2024

Sometimes you pump. Sometimes you get pumped.

Sunday At The Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio
Apr 26 2024

Great live piano jazz. Alice in Wonderland is such a great jazz standard and Bill Evans does magic with it.

Play by Moby
Apr 29 2024

Drags at times but a modern classic for a reason.

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Apr 30 2024

Miles' first fusion album. He'd figure out the formula over the years and perfect it but a classic in its own right.

Dirt by Alice In Chains
May 02 2024

Would and Rooster are still some of my favourite grunge songs.

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
May 07 2024

Progressive rock? With a flute? Unheard of! Thick as a Brick is where they really perfected things.

Chris by Christine and the Queens
May 08 2024

Listened to both French and English versions. Great pop.

I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen
May 09 2024

ACAB includes Jazz Cops. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

Maxinquaye by Tricky
May 15 2024

Trip Hop staple. Not one that has been part of my steady rotation.

The Band by The Band
May 16 2024

Near-perfect follow up to a near perfect debut.

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
May 20 2024

Thanks for being my Hoochie Coochie Man

May 22 2024

Ultimately, the next big thing level was probably prematurely taken out of the protective case.

G. Love And Special Sauce by G. Love & Special Sauce
May 24 2024

I would be shocked if this wasn’t objectively the worst album on this list.

May 27 2024

I used to think that this was the best Smiths album. While I still love it, I think that I was mistaken.

Sea Change by Beck
May 28 2024

Never got into this one. I like the Melody Nelson inspired song.

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
May 29 2024

One of my faves. I love a man in uniform.

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
May 31 2024

Debut album from the legend. Missy and Timbo teamed up and set the blueprint for hip hop in the years to come. Sock It 2 Me/The Rain/Beep Me is an incredible 3 song run.

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Jun 04 2024

I was so hyped for this when it came out after loving Funeral so much. It let me down then and still does little for me.

Jun 05 2024

One of my favourite solo Beatles album. Best album with a Cookie Monster reference.

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Jun 06 2024

This one surprised me with how much I enjoyed it.

Suicide by Suicide
Jun 07 2024

my kinda freaks

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
Jun 10 2024

A little long. Signs of their fallibility start to show.

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Jun 11 2024

Not my fave Steely Dan album but you simply can’t deny it.

Blunderbuss by Jack White
Jun 12 2024

So funny that albums like this middling one are on this list alongside some canon classics.

The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
Jun 13 2024

The Boss' 9/11 response album shows a return to form after a decade of mixed albums.

Miriam Makeba by Miriam Makeba
Jun 14 2024

Groundbreaking for 1960. A little less interesting 60+ years later.

Illmatic by Nas
Jun 17 2024

The moment that you hear Subway Theme from Wild Style, you know that you have to listen to the album from start to end. A classic.

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Jun 19 2024

Just when I thought that I was tired of the album we got some really fun stuff at the end. Still a bit too long.

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Jun 21 2024

You’re really going to make me listen to this middling Morrissey album?

Debut by Björk
Jun 24 2024

Debut marks Björk’s arrival with a bang. She would refine and perfect the formula throughout the decade but this album is undeniable. Fun and singular. Big Time Sensuality rips.

Bert Jansch by Bert Jansch
Jun 27 2024

Some ol’ classic folk.

Trans Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Jun 28 2024

From the run of albums that spawned multiple music genres. Truly visionary.

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Jul 02 2024

The band would hit their commercial and pop peak with Money for Nothing but a lot of that is present in this quality debut.

Public Image: First Issue by Public Image Ltd.
Jul 03 2024

From the ashes of the Sex Pistols comes this early post punk. No matter what anyone says Fodderstompf is great.

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Jul 08 2024

Take Five is a stone cold classic. Untouchable. Blue Rondo is great too but the rest of the album doesn’t quite reach to those peaks.

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Jul 09 2024

Album that has both Closer and Hurt on it. Definitely prefer the Pretty Hate Machine era but Trent was definitely doing his own thing.

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Jul 10 2024

An album full of instrumental classics from Hayes. Title track gets you moving.

Want One by Rufus Wainwright
Jul 11 2024

Adult contemporary Thom Yorke.

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
Jul 12 2024

Woo woo Woo woo Woo woo Woo woo Woo woo

Done By The Forces Of Nature by Jungle Brothers
Jul 17 2024

I was more familiar with the JB’s debut album and was never really able to get into it. This one on the other hand really hits the Golden Era hot spot.

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Jul 18 2024

Beg Matt for forgiveness.

As someone who enjoyed the 90s dancey stuff, this return to rock was not appreciated and even though the first few songs start out strong, this is a rough listen.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Jul 22 2024

An album that I never grew up listening to but I know that it has a huge reputation. Always makes me happy to listen but I still don’t quite connect to it the way that I wish I could.

Parachutes by Coldplay
Jul 23 2024

I thought that I would have been over this album that I listened to a lot in the early aughts but boy did this hit hard on a revisit. I’m sure that most of it is nostalgia but the first half really works and even though it loses steam towards the end, I love it.

The Next Day by David Bowie
Jul 24 2024

A nice return to form after a decade of silence after a few weaker albums but not quite the classic that was hoped for but would be delivered a few years later with Bowie’s final album.

Van Halen by Van Halen
Jul 25 2024

Classic metal.

Imagine by John Lennon
Jul 26 2024

Imagine there’s no music. Damn deep.

Who's Next by The Who
Jul 29 2024

For real though, they peed on the monolith.

Mothership Connection by Parliament
Jul 30 2024

Album that inspired a whole movement in hip hop. Still funky enough.

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Aug 01 2024

This album was so big when it came out. I’ve tried but I could never really get into it. Holds up for the most part but can’t say that I was wowed.

Slayed? by Slade
Aug 02 2024

All I came to do was to Cum On Feel the Noize and instead I had to listen to some fun glam.

Blur by Blur
Aug 05 2024

Much like Deloused in the Crematorium, this is one of those albums where I’ve listened to the first two songs dozens of times but never bothered continuing past that. Definitely miss the fun of earlier Britpop sound.

Heroes by David Bowie
Aug 06 2024

Not quite hitting the highs of Low, the middle album of the Berlin Trilogy, somehow coming out the same year as it’s predecessor continues the Eno-inspired experimentation while giving a taste of the pop of the past. Heroes is one of Bowie’s best.

Rejoicing In The Hands by Devendra Banhart
Aug 07 2024

Never cared for this Freak Folk revival when it happened and it definitely does nothing for me now.

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Aug 08 2024

Before things got really freaky, this debut album by Captain Beefheart demands much less from the listener than some later work will. Some of it may even be familiar as music to your ears.

Kenza by Khaled
Aug 09 2024

When you’re 15 minutes into a mediocre Algerian pop album and you get hit with an Imagine cover :S Probably in the album’s favour that I don’t understand the lyrics.

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
Aug 13 2024

what more can be said about one of the most highly-regarded jazz albums of all time. A timeless classic.

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Aug 14 2024

Album that I’ve listened to a couple times over the years but never got deep into it.

Heartattack And Vine by Tom Waits
Aug 15 2024

Not my favourite Tom Waits album but still a good’un.

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Aug 16 2024

Not as freaky as you would expect from Zappa but still a solid jazzy album.

The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Aug 19 2024

Tribe arrived fully formed with Instinctive Movements and they followed it up with another classic just over a year later with a sound all their own. Incorporating jazz samples and continuing the lighthearted humorous lyrics, this one holds up to this day as basically perfect.

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Aug 20 2024

Maybe the peak of YYY’s output, they really hit their stride with this one. Confident and fun.

LP1 by FKA twigs
Aug 21 2024

FLA twigs is making some of the best RnB to come out in recent years and this debut landed with a bang with all the promise that she had shown with her earlier EPs. Not something I go to often but great to revisit after a while.

Ramones by Ramones
Aug 22 2024

What can you say about the album that basically invented punk and influenced so many. Stripping rock down to the studs and not taking themselves so seriously, the Ramones bursted onto the scene with their stage-perfected sound and nothing was ever the same again.

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Aug 23 2024

Hey Bruce, you just put out a classic double album of rock and roll with some huge hits. What’s next? What a moody, dark album without a band? Influenced by Suicide? Sure, why not?

The Cars by The Cars
Aug 26 2024

three songs in and there is no doubt why Ric Ocasek was a legend in power pop from this point on.

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Aug 27 2024

White people lose it for this stuff.

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
Aug 28 2024

Greasy, nasty early Rod Stewart was just so raw and fun. None of the hits that he would be known for later but definitely something there.

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Aug 29 2024

I guess this is okay late 90s reggae. Sure, why not.

At Budokan by Cheap Trick
Aug 30 2024

Power pop kings at the height of their game.

S&M by Metallica
Sep 02 2024

I mean fun idea but not sure who this is for and why it’s a double album where every song is so long.

Grace by Jeff Buckley
Sep 03 2024

RIP to a real one.

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Sep 04 2024

A band and album previously unfamiliar. I dug it. Can’t say that it left a mark but was pretty fun.

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Sep 06 2024

Kim Gordon saying FU in The Sprawl is my kink.

Sep 09 2024

Somewhat sillier and joyous than the follow up that is sometimes considered the peak of Tribe, I can’t help but find the energy here more fun and somewhat naive. Regardless the first two Tribe albums are timeless and incredible.

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Sep 10 2024

Tracy comes out of the gate swinging. The album loses some steam as things go ahead and it can be a bit preachy at times but Fast Car alone makes it all worthwhile.

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Sep 11 2024

First Stones album without covers, an important milestone in Richard’s/Jaggers development as song writers. Ultimately, it’s weighed down by some immature, misogynistic lyrics and have aged poorly and weren’t necessarily welcome in its day either. Under My Thumb is still my problematic fave though and with the US version trimming a bit and adding on Paint It Black it’s all pretty great, musically.

Floodland by Sisters Of Mercy
Sep 12 2024

classic goth. The Corrosion absolutely rips

Spiderland by Slint
Sep 13 2024

Post-rock classic. Among my favourites. Slint would be broken up before this album was even released and maybe the transitory nature of Slint added to the legend and mystery. Along with Spirit of Eden Laughing Stock, albums that developed a style and defined a genre.

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Sep 16 2024

Solid album that suffers from following The Soft Bulletin and not meeting those highs but still great.

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Sep 17 2024

Legendary singles artist but often uneven albums. This one comes out the gates blazing but loses steam fast.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sep 18 2024

Frusciante’s return is appreciated but it’s not really until the next album where things click. But really nothing can save this album. Really the second half is barely worth listening to and as much as I love Otherside… woof.

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Sep 20 2024

Not one of the first of the post Deja-Vu CSNY solo albums that I go to but still a solid one that holds up great.

Abraxas by Santana
Sep 23 2024

Smooth from the beginning. Slightly dinged because the two best songs are covers.

Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Sep 25 2024

An interesting project that had its moments but can’t say that it did that much for me.

Sep 26 2024

A mid-career album from the wanderer. Not much to get excited about but harmless in the end.

Here Are the Sonics by The Sonics
Sep 27 2024

A classic of early garage rock. A lot of covers on this album but fun to see harder takes of songs recently also covered by the Beatles. The originals are great too. Strychnine holds up among the best of the era.

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Sep 30 2024

The peak of Sigur Rós output, dreamlike and so great.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
Oct 01 2024

A classic of my youth. Billy Corgan showing his breadth beyond grunge/alternative but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that a young me would end up skipping quite a few tracks back in the day. Still a cohesive album that takes you on a journey but imagine how tight this would be as a single album.

Manassas by Stephen Stills
Oct 02 2024

I doubt if I will ever listen to this album again in my life.

Oct 03 2024

Swan song for the Man in Black being puppeteered out to perform some interesting covers and standards. Not much there there but worth a listen.

The La's by The La's
Oct 04 2024

Here I always thought of the La's as a one-hit-wonder. I guess they are but I didn't know that they had a well-regarded album to go with it. An interesting album. Essentially a progenitor to britpop.

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Oct 14 2024

Gotta appreciate an album that ends with Lynch.

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
Oct 15 2024

Every Police album sounds the same. Solid singles band though.

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Oct 16 2024

I wasn’t familiar with Kiwanuka before. Now sure how I missed on this three-time Mercury Prize nominee (and one time winner) but it was a nice discovery. Quality album.

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Oct 17 2024

I really do not enjoy Walk This Way

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
Oct 18 2024

The only thing that would make this album better is more Eno!

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
Oct 21 2024

I can't help but feel like every Gorillaz album is too long and self-indulgent.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Oct 22 2024

So you’re saying that this is one of the best albums of all time? Certainly that means it doesn’t have any silly songs on it. What?? Four silly songs?!

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Oct 23 2024

Three years before Graceland, Malcolm McLaren would take credit for the work of South African musicians for his benefit. Buffalo Gals is a jam though.

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Oct 24 2024

I always found trip hop to be a bit cringy. Shara Nelson raises this to an undeniable classic.

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Oct 25 2024

Definitely a skit or two that I never need to hear again.

Oct 28 2024

It’s not very often that I listen to a live album and wish that I was in the room for the recording. This is one of those albums. Cooke is firing on all cylinders and we’re better for it.

Is This It by The Strokes
Oct 29 2024

As my cursor hovers over 4 stars, I have to ask myself how can I deny an album that launched (and defined) a scene. That made New York cool again. Nothing groundbreaking, just tight, catchy, confident rock.

Yeezus by Kanye West
Oct 30 2024

Yes, there are some very cringy lyrics as Kanye appears to have surrendered to his worst impulses but the production is incredible. The cracks are starting to show but still an album that holds up as singular and original.

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Oct 31 2024

Our lovable weirdos come out the gate fully baked.

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Nov 01 2024

Not a Joni album that I reach for that often but a really great one that demonstrates an evolution of her sound.

Mott by Mott The Hoople
Nov 06 2024
Faust IV by Faust
Nov 07 2024

Krautrock legends never shy to be true to their sound. I gave serious consideration to put the song Jennifer on my wedding playlist but I talked myself out of it.

Abbey Road by Beatles
Nov 11 2024

The two best Beatles Harrison tracks plus the B-Side medleys make up for a somewhat uneven album.

Parklife by Blur
Nov 12 2024

I’m mature enough to admit that Blur won the Britpop wars of the 90s.

Foxbase Alpha by Saint Etienne
Nov 13 2024

Sweet indie pop classic. That Neil Young cover though.

Low by David Bowie
Nov 18 2024

Just what Bowie needed. Eno, Eno and more Eno.

Violator by Depeche Mode
Nov 19 2024

If only the non-single tracks were better. The hits hit hard though.

Fuzzy by Grant Lee Buffalo
Nov 20 2024

Surprisingly, I had never heard of this one. Decent early-90s alternative.

Green by R.E.M.
Nov 21 2024

Transitory album between their college radio indie pop darlings to ruling the alternative radio waves. Ultimately, Green ends up somewhere between and doesn’t do it for me.

Third by Soft Machine
Nov 22 2024

Post-Ayers Soft Machine starts moving towards a jazz rock sound. Lots of cool stuff happening here. Rather undeniable if you give it a chance.

Bossanova by Pixies
Nov 25 2024

This got me into a Pixies mod this weekend and I relistened to the first four albums a couple times. So so good but the drop off between the first two is definitely noticeable. Still a generational run.

Nov 29 2024

Although I was familiar with Looking Through Gary Gilmore's Eyes, I had never listened to this full album. A nice peak into the early days of punk. A bit more polished than the UK punk that preceded it, the album is a fun time.

Dec 02 2024

I am brave enough to tell it like it is. Most overrated album in The Beatles catalog even though it ends with arguably their best song. 4 stars! I said it.

Smash by The Offspring
Dec 03 2024

I cannot deny how important this album was for a 10 year old me. Secretly passing around tapes and playing Bad Habit outside of adult earshot was a formative experience. Ultimately, the importance of this album overtime has waned and it hasn’t held up as well as Dookie (not helped by future Offspring forays into pop-rock) but for a moment this album was among the most important in the punk revival and I still go back to the singles still every now and then when I’m looking for a shot of nostalgia.

Eliminator by ZZ Top
Dec 04 2024

“Legs”? More like beards. Amirite?

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Dec 05 2024

It’s become overrated over the years but still hits hard. Borderline 5 stars.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Dec 06 2024

Some of the sounds those instruments made! Was a pleasure to listen to. Wish I was there screaming as well.

Deja Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Dec 09 2024

Doesn’t get much better than this classic.

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Dec 10 2024

The highs are so high but there is some mid here between.

Hot Fuss by The Killers
Dec 13 2024

I’m glad that we can stop pretending that Mr. Brightside isn’t the best song of the 21st Century.

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Dec 16 2024

Sometimes I’m surprised at how good of a song Changes is.

British Steel by Judas Priest
Dec 17 2024

Perfect music for Breaking the Law.

The Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan
Dec 18 2024

This album along with Tubeway Army before it and Telekon after bring me so much joy. Sounds fresh to this day.

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Dec 23 2024

We’ll cheat and include Sanctuary.

Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Dec 24 2024

A classic with a song so good it had to be included twice.

Dec 25 2024

Growing up is realizing that the music we loved as a young adult is not that great. To be honest, this one led up a bit better than I was expected but definitely of its time and a questionable addition to the list.

Dec 27 2024

For a band that hates being compared to Radiohead, they sure sound a lot like Radiohead.

All Directions by The Temptations
Dec 30 2024

Papa Was a Rolling Stone is one of those songs that you wish were twice as long.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Dec 31 2024

As a typical Bob Marley sceptic, this might be my favourite album of his.

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Jan 07 2025

Early aughts indie pop rock that is as fun and fresh as the day it was released. A real joy.

Don't Stand Me Down by Dexys Midnight Runners
Jan 08 2025

I guess they had to get mature after releasing an all time banger. Not bad but nothing to write home about.

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie
Jan 09 2025

Hurt slightly by coming after arguably Bowie’s best album, it’s still a classic. Lady Grinning Soul Always sneaks up on me as a great track.

Come Find Yourself by Fun Lovin' Criminals
Jan 10 2025

I still basically know every word to Scooby Snacks but outside that there isn’t much to get excited here. Very average.

The Man Machine by Kraftwerk
Jan 13 2025

What a classic run of incredible albums. Still sounds fresh today. Always choose the German versions when listening which sometimes masks the silly lyrics.

The Stranger by Billy Joel
Jan 15 2025

Only the Good Die Young is grossssss.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Jan 17 2025

So great and a sign or even better things to come.

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Jan 20 2025

Man of the people. Prisoners deserve entertainment too.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Jan 21 2025

Not my favourite of the Fela albums but what a legend.

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
Jan 23 2025

Angry early 90s alternative always goes hard.

I Am a Bird Now by Antony and the Johnsons
Jan 24 2025

Always enjoy some Anohni

Jan 27 2025

I never got into this one as much as some may have which is why I don’t have the same affection/nostalgia but still a great one.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
Jan 28 2025

An album of love songs to a best friend going through a mental health crisis.

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Jan 29 2025

I’m sure that this was more exciting when it was released but sounds pretty generic today.

Fire Of Love by The Gun Club
Jan 30 2025

Cool album I hadn’t heard of before.

Astral Weeks by Van Morrison
Jan 31 2025

An absolute ghoul today but this album is still incredible.

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Feb 03 2025

Don't forget that there was a time where the simple notion of Bossa Nova would send jazz hounds into a fenzy.

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Feb 04 2025

Stuffers in comparison to the other two JH studio albums and doesn’t quite have the same historic impact.

Rocks by Aerosmith
Feb 06 2025

I don't know this Aerosmith that well but I can see the appeal.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Feb 07 2025

The big breakout. So many great tunes on this one.

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Feb 10 2025

Couple of very cool psych-soul tracks and then a bunch of more safe songs.

Blackstar by David Bowie
Feb 11 2025

Oh I remember when this dropped out of no where. Especially how it came with the news of Bowie being sick and at the end of his life (he died within days of the album's release). What a swan song.

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
Feb 12 2025

Arguably the peak of sample-based music. Just feels like an album that couldn’t have being released after 9/11. The kind of music that could only be made by two people soaking in that Australian sun, unfiltered by ozone.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Feb 13 2025

Novocaine for the Soul was a very important song for my youth. I never listened to the rest of the album until now and while it doesn't quite hit the highs of Novocaine, E is clearly a talented dude and I can get why he has huge fans.

Feb 14 2025

An album of despair and hope that seems impossible in 2025. Progress can seem impossible.

Raw Power by The Stooges
Feb 17 2025

Probably the best of the OG trilogy. Lives up to the name.

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Feb 18 2025

Classic early Neil solo album. I really hope that he didn't really shoot his baby :(

Ritual De Lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction
Feb 19 2025

Stop and BCS are absolutely classics that sound so good to this day. The rest of the album is not quite as good but a lot of great stuff all over it.

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Feb 20 2025

Nor a band/album that I have any history with. Found it somewhat hard to really get into but there were some surprises in here to enjoy.

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Feb 21 2025

Okay I don’t think that we need songs like Angel of Death but hard to deny the album despite it not being my genre of choice.

Doolittle by Pixies
Feb 25 2025

Builds on the highs of Surfer and enters the stratosphere. A top-to-bottom classic.

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Feb 26 2025

Suffers from following Silent Shout. Karin is still one of the most unique musicians doing it.

Scum by Napalm Death
Feb 27 2025

Not my go-to genre and I’m. It allowed to listen to music like this in the house but there is interesting stuff happening here.

Feb 28 2025

Too long and lots of regrettable homophobia but the hits here are undeniable.

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Mar 03 2025

Sly Stone is a genius.

Mar 04 2025

What a fine young folk musician. Certainly he’ll never plug those instruments into electrical implication devices.

Music by Madonna
Mar 05 2025

First two songs start so promising with Madonna doing some fun things that sound fresh even today but then the rest of the album slips into more safe choices and less experimentation.

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Mar 06 2025

Before this relisten I would have probably said that 4 was overrated and Stairway sucks but, definitely not. Goes so hard and even Stairway rocks.

Low-Life by New Order
Mar 07 2025

Part of the absolutely incredible run of albums that are all favourites of mine.

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Mar 10 2025

Nasty nasty stuff here. Funny even. Seals and Crofts don’t know what hit them.

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Mar 11 2025

I'll admit that I heard the Saint Etienne version of Only Love Can Break Your Heart before the Neil version.

Elastica by Elastica
Mar 12 2025

Boooooojm!

Mar 13 2025

Coming off Almost Cut My Hair, things are much more chill here but this underrated album has a lot going for it. Never quite hours those peaks but infinitely listenable.

Tres Hombres by ZZ Top
Mar 14 2025

Not as fun as Eliminator but it is what it is. Rock our with your beards out.

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Mar 17 2025

While one of my favourite bands, I can’t help but be critical. The straight hardcore songs aren’t very good but obviously Sabotage hits perfection. Q-Tip outshines them in Get It Together, reminding you why they excel when they’re playing around and dropping references. Ultimately, I love it all but I see the flaws.

Guero by Beck
Mar 18 2025

Beck being fun again! This was well appreciated back when it was released but it's somewhat flat today when compared to Odelay and other favourites. Still lots of good stuff here.

California by American Music Club
Mar 19 2025

I did not feel much here. Not sure why it’s on the list.

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Mar 20 2025

Grows on me more every year. Pop magic.

The Sun Rises In The East by Jeru The Damaja
Mar 21 2025

Classic NYC East Coast rap. With DJ Premier boom bap you can’t go wrong. Not in my usual rotation but goes down smooth.

The Doors by The Doors
Mar 24 2025

As insufferable as Jim Morrison is, this album is undeniable at times.

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Mar 25 2025

All the while we do it Doggystyle.

Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens
Mar 26 2025

I’m a bit colder on this one but you can’t deny the sincerity and talent. A few classics on here.

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Mar 27 2025

A lot of people they be jonesin’ cuz they hear me rock the mic.

Freak Out! by The Mothers Of Invention
Mar 28 2025

It’s pretty incredible how fresh this sounds. Zappa was a visionary and errr still catching up to him to this day.

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Apr 01 2025

So it’s innovative because she has attitude? Next album is way better.

Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Apr 02 2025

Strong 80s pop. The start of Tina Turner’s second era.

Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club
Apr 04 2025

Always found this one to be a bit overrated but still full of some great tunes.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Apr 08 2025

Was never a huge fan of when the Stones went super country but can’t deny this one as a classic. Bookended by among the best songs in the Stones catalog.

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Apr 10 2025

Title track must have been so transgressive in its day.

Live At Leeds by The Who
Apr 11 2025

Always found this one overrated from previous listens but gave it another chance and also listened to some of the tracks from the extended edition and found more to enjoy here. They were clearly a legendary live act and you get a taste here.

Achtung Baby by U2
Apr 14 2025

The hits are undeniable but Bono is insufferable. The Edge is the beating heart of this band.

xx by The xx
Apr 15 2025

I don't have the connection with this album from it's release but I can't deny that it goes down smooth. It's a great listen.

Vento De Maio by Elis Regina
Apr 17 2025

Compilation from a lesser known Brazilian singer. Sends out of place in this list as you don’t have any greatest hits style albums so it isn’t clear why this is included. Enjoyable songs but not super cohesive as an album.

Purple Rain by Prince
Apr 18 2025

Stone-cold classic from top to bottom.

Apr 21 2025

Sir John was always a legendary singles artists and this double album benefits from that big time. Ultimately, can’t help but feel that this album is overrated by the fact that it has some of his best known songs but it slips quite a bit in the middle with some weaker album tracks.

Beauty And The Beat by The Go-Go's
Apr 22 2025

Super fun New Wave. A great listen front to back, more than just the singles.

Apr 24 2025

Dylan goes electric. Funny enough, I prefer the songs on the acoustic side 2.

The Yes Album by Yes
Apr 25 2025

The guys are so cool in the nerdiest way possible.

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Apr 28 2025

There is a reason why this is the best-selling "jazz" album. It's a bop.

Rings Around The World by Super Furry Animals
Apr 30 2025

We get it, you don’t tame yourself that seriously.

The Grand Tour by George Jones
May 02 2025

This one surprised me. Some great country. Last song goes hard! You didn’t have to do it to ‘em like that George.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
May 05 2025

The band arrives with a bang with this debut. The formula would be perfected with Doolittle but the influence of this one was huge.

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
May 06 2025

Tracks are all great but we’re all here for Eddie Hazel tearing our heart out with the title track.

Armed Forces by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
May 07 2025

Elvis had nearly fullly moved on from the punk music that defined his debut and was demonstrating his ear for amazing power pop/new wave. Working with Nick Lowe would help too.

Real Life by Magazine
May 08 2025

was not really familiar with this one and didn’t get too much from it. Missing the bite and wit of the Buzzcocks (although Shot by Both Sides is clever. Always fun to listen to these bands with their take on Punk building up to what would be post-punk.

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
May 09 2025

The pop in the first half is so good. The soft rock that follows is great too. An 80s classic.

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
May 13 2025

A Jazz-funk classic. The baseline on Chameleon still gets my heart racing after all these years

Arise by Sepultura
May 14 2025

Can’t say that I fully get it but go off king.

Cut by The Slits
May 16 2025

Cool girls. Although I’m not allowed to look at the cover of this record.

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
May 19 2025

Building on Music of My Mind, the start of Stevie’s perfect run.

Elephant by The White Stripes
May 20 2025

The hits loom large and the overall album is probably overrated because of them but still a classic. Not my favourite WS album but who would have imagined that it would birth one of the biggest football chants in the world.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
May 21 2025

The logical next step after Buildings and Food. I used to be contrarian and say that this was my favourite Talking Heads album but I can't act like Remain in Light isn't the peak. Still a favourite though. It gets me going.

Roots by Sepultura
May 22 2025

I'll have to take your word for it. I did like the variety.

Arular by M.I.A.
May 23 2025

It’s grown me over the years but Kala is just so good that it overshadows the debut

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
May 26 2025

me trying to figure out why these wet women are insisting on such a brutal form of capital punishment.

Moon Safari by Air
May 27 2025

Sometimes I forget that this album is more than just Sexy Boy.

Savane by Ali Farka Touré
May 29 2025

RIP to a legend

The Visitors by ABBA
May 30 2025

The end? At least for 20 years. Not quite the hits that they’re known for but still some fun tunes.

2112 by Rush
Jun 03 2025

The Toronto kings of prog's arguably best album (but not as fun as Moving Pictures).

Killing Joke by Killing Joke
Jun 04 2025

So badass. Gets me hyped that’s for sure.

Pink Moon by Nick Drake
Jun 05 2025

This album always sneaks up on me with how good it is. Also a tidy 28 minutes!

Nick Of Time by Bonnie Raitt
Jun 06 2025

Look at that hai!. No question that Raitt is the real deal.

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Jun 09 2025

Always found this one to be overrated.

Jun 11 2025

I can see the merits. BFA was a hit and holds up to this day but the rest is uneven and, while there are some fun ideas and culture mashing, I can’t see it rising to needing to be included on this list.

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Jun 12 2025

Not usually a huge fan of conscious hip-hop, although the 90s variety always goes down better than the more modern stuff. I hadn't heard of this artist/album before so it was a nice intro. Overall pretty solid.

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
Jun 13 2025

A taste of things to come. The lyrics are still lacking the seriousness that would come but the hints are there. Musically, ideas are being explored that begin to distinguish the Beach Boys from their silly surfing peers. It's still a ways away from what we would eventually get with Pet Sounds but the light begins to show.

Fever To Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Jun 16 2025

Classic debut from the early aughts NYC scene. More fun after reading Meet Me in the Bathroom.

Document by R.E.M.
Jun 17 2025

A transitionary album, taking the band from college rock darlings to pop stars.

Vivid by Living Colour
Jun 19 2025

Much like Bad Brains, you never get too far into reading about Living Color before getting the feeling that them being a black band is more important than the fact that they’re just making really great music.

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah
Jun 20 2025

Return to form from Ghost. Along with Ironman and Supreme Clientele, these albums will always be a showcase why he has an argument of most talented member of Wu-Tang. He sure can tell a story but unlike those first two albums, here he struggles a bit to maintain the quality through the full hour+ runtime and you wish that he would have trimmed a bit more. Still the first half is top form.

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Jun 23 2025

A bit uneven but some really great stuff here and smooth flows.

Young Americans by David Bowie
Jun 24 2025

Bookended by classic tracks, I just can't get there with this one. Station To Station and the Berlin Trilogy around the corner just highlights that Young Americans and the two albums that precede it are a blip in the quality that Bowie was capable to put out. But will always appreciate his ability to switch genres album to album. What a legend.

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
Jun 25 2025

An album that I’ve loved since it was released. Somehow better with age. Great tunes too to bottom.

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Jun 26 2025

I would never claim to be a huge Country fan but this one hits just right. Willie’s confidence to let that voice ring with sparse instrumentation is something to behold. 50 years later this one holds up so well.

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Jun 27 2025

Can’t say that I totally get it but these cuts are obviously super talented musicians. Prog can sometimes feel impenetrable.

OK Computer by Radiohead
Jun 30 2025

This album has a special place in my heart. I remember borrowing the CD multiple times from the library and rocking out top to bottom. The singles got regular airplay on the local alternative radio station despite being weird and long. Holds up so well to this day as one of the best albums of the 90s. Every day it gets harder to listen to the band because of their terrible politics (how far they’ve come from their roots) but this album will always exist as a perfect time capsule.

Jul 01 2025

Maybe I would have more fondness if I grew up with it but it’s undeniable, if not overblown. Queen at the top of their game but, while they’re one of the best singles bands of all time, their albums can be uneven. With A Night at the Opera, they come the closest to greatness through the track listing. Also it would be years until they make up for the sins of I’m In Love with My Car by releasing Bicycle Race.

Suzanne Vega by Suzanne Vega
Jul 02 2025

I wasn’t expecting much from the “Tom’s Diner” girl’s debut album. Cozy and light, I enjoyed it very much and not as dated sounding as I was worried. A pleasant surprise.

1977 by Ash
Jul 03 2025

One I had never heard of and really didn’t do much for me.

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Jul 07 2025

RIP to a legend. Went out at the top of her game. Lived too hard.

C'est Chic by CHIC
Jul 08 2025

Le Freak being so legendary and some other great ones on here like InWant Your Love makes the so-so songs stand out more. Still a great listen.

Exit Planet Dust by The Chemical Brothers
Jul 09 2025

Very nostalgic. The formula would improve with Dig Your Own Hole but still great stuff!

Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin
Jul 16 2025

The Queen of Soul at her peak.

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
Jul 17 2025

But what about scarfs?

Roger the Engineer by The Yardbirds
Jul 18 2025

Post-Clapton but pre-Page Yardbirds. A band more legendary for its membership rather than its output. A pretty good collection of original work though.

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
Jul 21 2025

I am a huge Animal Collective fan and while this was the album that blew them up outside a more niche act, it also lost some of the weirdness that I love. I often find myself reaching further back when I want to listen to some Animal Collective but I can't lie that since I revested MPP this week, I've been finding myself humming Guys Eyes nonstop.

Headquarters by The Monkees
Jul 22 2025

A bit too poppy for my liking but I'm happy that the Monkees were able to start writing and performing their own songs. Can't say that I'm surprised that this album ended up sitting behind Sgt. Pepper in the charts through its release window.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025

One of the most important debuts. Start of a great 4 album run that basically started a genre.

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Jul 25 2025

One of those albums that I'm sure would be my favourite if I grew up with it. Really enjoy the quick hits; in and our before a song gets stale. I had listened to Bee Thousand a few times before but this one was never on my radar. Really need to spend more time with GBV.

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Jul 28 2025

A fun one I wasn’t familiar with before.

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Jul 29 2025

A Design for Life still rips so hard. Fond memories

Gold by Ryan Adams
Aug 01 2025

Creep

The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Aug 05 2025

Scorpio and The Message are absolute classics of early hip hop but other than It’s Nasty, everything else on here is filler (considering Wheels of Steel wasn’t on the original release). Clearly the genre was still finding its place and the labels didn’t know what to do with it. The concept of the hip hop album was still being discovered and would be until the mid-80s before we would get the classics of the genre.

One World by John Martyn
Aug 06 2025

What a weird album. I wasn’t familiar with it before and had to listen to it twice to let it wash over me. Way ahead of its time but also unlike anything else. Not convinced that I enjoyed it but there was enough interesting ideas to keep me engaged and intrigued.

Scissor Sisters by Scissor Sisters
Aug 07 2025

These guys were so hot and I never liked them. Fun at times I guess but otherwise mostly boring and formulaic.

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Aug 08 2025

More like “back to boring”. Just like Stripped, why are these albums so long?

Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals
Aug 11 2025

I’ve tried a few times to listen to SFA over the years and I don’t knows if it’s the vast discography or just not having a connection with the band from my youth but I was never able to get into them. Honestly this listen was probably the closest I got to getting it. I did enjoy this listen though.

Songs From A Room by Leonard Cohen
Aug 12 2025

A slight step down from the debut but gotta love a musician confident enough to integrate a Jew's harp.

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Aug 13 2025

A bit rough around the edges and I don’t care for the faux live elements but Janis Joplin shines, particularly on Piece of My Heart

Devil Without A Cause by Kid Rock
Aug 15 2025

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I enjoyed Bawitdaba a bit in my younger days but it’s about half way through Cowboy when you realize what a disaster this album is going to be. Some real cringe here and very few redeeming elements. I’m being generous here with the score.

Aug 18 2025

Building on the highs of Rum Sodomy and the Lash, The Pogues really hit their stride here with their Celtic-folk punk. A lot of fun.

Planet Rock: The Album by Afrika Bambaataa
Aug 19 2025

An early hip-hop anchored by one of the most important songs in the development of the genre. It’s followed by a few other great tracks but then weighed down a bunch of weaker tracks. That TEE sample though… goes so hard.

Djam Leelii by Baaba Maal
Aug 20 2025

Really cool album that I had never heard of before.

Crocodiles by Echo And The Bunnymen
Aug 21 2025

I’ve made efforts in the last to get into Echo and the Bunnymen and haven’t quite been able to have them leave a lasting impression. Their debut album is good. Not breaking new ground from what was happening in the genre at the time, but they clearly knew what they were doing and that they were worth posting attention to.

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Aug 22 2025

Fun album that I hadn't spent much time with before. Probably a bit more pop/balldy than I was expecting but good tunes. Pour Some Sugar being irresistible.

Kala by M.I.A.
Aug 25 2025

I loved this album when it was released and listened to it so much. I still have a lot of nostalgia for it and love parts of it but it doesn't quite hold up. I got to this one before Arular and wasn't connecting as much to that album. Today, looking back, I can see that Kala is the weaker album and the luster has dulled a bit. Maybe my perception of this album has been somewhat influenced by the disappointment of where M.I.A.'s career (and politics...) have gone since (although giving the superbowl halftime show the finger was cool). Still a bop though.

Aug 26 2025

The actor???!! Quality album if not a bit long. I’ve-T’s flow is as smooth as ever and the writing is on point. A few tracks don’t quite hold up but lots to enjoy.

The Who Sell Out by The Who
Aug 27 2025

The hits are hitting but the concept with the ads doesn’t work for me and it comes off as too silly with filler tracks. Maybe in just not 60s British enough.

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Aug 28 2025

Dance to the music.

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Aug 29 2025

Oh my precious synth-pop nerds. Here they push away from the pure pop and add some juicy experimental stuff. The weird would hit its apex with their next album, creating a pair of incredible albums that sound like nothing else. Dance on Andy.

Broken English by Marianne Faithfull
Sep 01 2025

The kind of voice you get from smoking all the cigarettes.

Celebrity Skin by Hole
Sep 02 2025

While the title track gives a taste, this one doesn’t quite hit the highs of Live Through This. Courbet Love is criminally underrated and it’s a shame Hole wasn’t more prolific in these days as this was a good sign of where they were headed.

Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Sep 03 2025

Not only is CoE the most well known song on here by a lot, it’s also the standout track. Yes it’s overplayed, but it’s a classic for a reason. On the other hand, while nothing else hits those highs, it’s still a quality album front to back and has surprises. Weird Celtic-pop with a touch of Northern Soul throwback. A pleasant surprise.

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Sep 04 2025

The bluesey jazz rock thing doesn’t work for me. I know that a lot of people don’t love this new singer’s voice but I didn’t mind it. Some good tunes, more forgettable ones and as much as love Satie, the bookends on the album are weird and out of place.

Club Classics Vol. One by Soul II Soul
Sep 08 2025

While bookended by standout tracks, the album gets pretty generic.

Metallica by Metallica
Sep 09 2025

Much maligned “sell out” album. I feel like if this was released by a different band, it would be better perceived. I have to admit that I miss the thrashier sound of their older albums but there are undeniable songs here.

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Sep 10 2025

I’m a pretty big Beatles fan and put some of their solo albums up side-by-side with Beatles classics (Plastic Ono Band, All Things Must Pass, RAM) but this one is too much of a trifle to be here. Demo quality tossed off songs. A few choice ones but this album barely justifies its short run time.

Nowhere by Ride
Sep 11 2025

A good shoegaze album that I enjoyed. Listened to it twice yesterday!

In Utero by Nirvana
Sep 12 2025

Two songs in and you know that the band had no intention to just making another Nevermind with mass appeal. Ultimately, you still get a few radio friendly songs and hits in their own right but you can tell that this is the band not compromising and putting out what they wanted. There is no telling where the band would have went from here but listening to this classic further highlight the tragedy of Kurt’s loss.

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
Sep 15 2025

So fun and unique. I'm sure that a lot of other "psych filtered through other cultures" albums have been lost to time but we're blessed to have this legendary one.

Revolver by Beatles
Sep 16 2025

Somehow builds on the complete album that was Rubber Soul and perfects the format. Some really great songs on here and even the album tracks are among my favourites. Ending with the brilliance that is Tomorrow Never Knows must have blown minds. Such experimentation from a pop band.

Very by Pet Shop Boys
Sep 17 2025

Pure pop from our lovable Brits.

Ctrl by SZA
Sep 18 2025

More than meets the eye.

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Sep 19 2025

There are a few interesting moments on here, but ultimately not an album that needs a place on this list.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Sep 22 2025

Can't say that Bluegrass is my favourite and I found everything on here super compelling but there was enough here to enjoy. Probably would have done with a bit of cutting from a triple to a double album though.

Closer by Joy Division
Sep 24 2025

RIP Ian

Porcupine by Echo And The Bunnymen
Sep 25 2025

Never a big singles band, EatB really embody that 80s sound without making a huge impression. Still an enjoyable album.

Sep 26 2025

The first three tracks on this album changed that world and helped a genre take the next leap. The rest of the album has some highs but doesn't quite hold up. NWA started as a much more poppy party group which comes out in tracks like Something 2 Dance 2 but this album, coming mid transformation to the scariest gangster rap group was a sign of things to come and seemed to catch lightning in a bottle. With Ice Cube's departure and move out east, NWA would never be as popular and relevant (and controversial) as they were at this time but rap would continue to push boundaries and scare white people for years.

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Sep 29 2025

Doesn’t quite capture the same magic as Folsom. Love the spirit of bringing music to the incarcerated but the energy is a bit low and the setlist is a little uninspired.

Hms Fable by Shack
Oct 01 2025

Nice at points but mostly forgettable.

Ragged Glory by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Oct 02 2025

Neil stays relevant with the kids by going grunge.

m b v by My Bloody Valentine
Oct 06 2025

22 years later, the Loveless follow-up had no chance of meeting expectations but they did a great job picking up where they left off.

Let It Be by The Replacements
Oct 07 2025

I often find myself between this and Tim as my favourite Replacements album. While the next album may have been where they perfected the rock-pop to complement Westerberg's voice, this one has its messy self-destructive charm. Androgynous is a special special song.

Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman
Oct 08 2025

Gotta question this one’s inclusion in the list. Pretty basic Bollywood soundtrack. Not sure what this is brining of note but nothing particularly exciting about it.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Oct 09 2025

A band that I never really took the time to get into beyond the big hits, I for some reason didn’t expect their debut album to show them as fully formed as they would end up. Yes we’re missing the big pop hooks that would define the later hits but the music is probably better for it. I can see why they had the broad “College Radio” appeal and were just seen as a cool band despite obviously being pretty nerdy.

Bad Company by Bad Company
Oct 10 2025

The iconic album cover has always caught my eye and with the pedigree of the musicians, I was expecting something a little more exciting than competent blues rock but I guess that's enough for most.

Autobahn by Kraftwerk
Oct 13 2025

Building on the electronic sounds from Ralf & Florian but starting to divorce them from the actual limitations of "organic" instruments, Kraftwerk abandoned the motorik drums and other conventions of more contemporary Krautrock. The band now has basically retconned their history to call Autobahn their debut and it makes sense since this is more representative of where the band went from here. The title track being the standout, there is some interesting experimentation in the second half. They would continue to perfect the sound in their subsequent albums but the foundation is here. It might be cool to make music about driving on free-flow highways but let's see you write a song about driving in a city in rush hour.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Oct 14 2025

You can almost smell the burnt Pike Place Roast when listening to this.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
Oct 15 2025

At least it's different than most folk albums of the time but still nothing that wowed me.

Pornography by The Cure
Oct 16 2025

None of the big hits and pop turn that would come in subsequent albums, this was the culmination of early moody Cure. Dark and existential, I don't have too much of a connection with this album but I enjoy letting it wash over me.

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Oct 17 2025

Blues rock with a dose of psych. Starts of on a tear and maintains it for a while but definitely starts to falter towards the end. I don’t mind the silly traditional song tacked on at the end.

Such a cool album. Ultimately, the sound would be perfected for 20 Jazz Funk Greats but there are so many interesting sounds packed in this album. Definitely not for everyone but it's exactly what I love. Weird, abrasive and playful. Since this site doesn't allow half stars, I'll go ahead and bump this one up to 5.

Colour By Numbers by Culture Club
Oct 21 2025

I wish that this album was as transgressive as people thought Boy George was. Pretty middle-of-the-road pop.

Night Life by Ray Price
Oct 22 2025

Cool country album with some pretty slick lyrics. I don't know country that well but for the traditional stuff, this is a pretty great showcase.

Oct 23 2025

Legendary debut album, paving the way for the shift towards a more hardcore sound in punk. Jello's voice can throw you off but he really uses it well and these are just some solid tuned.

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
Oct 24 2025

Weird album but pretty cool. Wasn't familiar with this one before but cool story. Nothing too exciting.

Treasure by Cocteau Twins
Oct 27 2025

The move to full on dream pop is partially complete. Moving away from the more atmospheric and gothic sound unlocked so much and would reach the apex with Heaven and Los Vegas, one of my favourite albums of all time. It pains me not to give this one 5 stars but depending on my mood, I sometimes lose interest towards the back half. Still a wonderful listen any day.

Oct 28 2025

“Live” album of Tom Waits doing his thing. Weird lyrics. Jokes. Sparse instrumentation beyond the piano. Definitely not up to the standards that he will hit later in his career but a lot of fun here. Wish it was tighter as a single album though.

Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis
Oct 29 2025

Title track is great but I definitely lost interest as it went on.

american dream by LCD Soundsystem
Oct 30 2025

The comeback album that was a bit of a let down after two classics.

Two Dancers by Wild Beasts
Oct 31 2025

Wears its influences on its sleeves but doesn’t rise above to much effect. I like the vocals but I never got into this one back in the day and it doesn’t do much for me with a relisten.

21 by Adele
Nov 03 2025

Mid album barely redeemed by a great voice. Not much here beyond the notes that bookend it and the fact that no one on her camp talked her out of releasing the terrible Lovesong cover points to the hubris on display.

Rust In Peace by Megadeth
Nov 04 2025

Thrash thrash and thrash some more.

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Nov 05 2025

The Who Do You Love medley is pretty great. Pretty fun all in.

Brothers by The Black Keys
Nov 06 2025

These brothers ain’t got no soul. Boring and uninspired.

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Nov 07 2025

Beautiful harmonies but it fell flat, especially knowing what was coming for these guys.

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
Nov 10 2025

After a mostly forgettable 80s and 90s, Dylan comes back with a respectable outing. Admittedly, I've never bothered with the intervening albums between Desire and this one but their reputation tells me not to bother. Maybe one day.

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
Nov 11 2025

I was really into Cookie Mountain but had already tuned out by this one. Morning stand out here to my 2025 ears.

Made In Japan by Deep Purple
Nov 12 2025

SotW aside, I wouldn't call myself very familiar with Deep Purple's discography but based on this live album, it's clear why they were popular. A lot of energy and rocking out here. I can imagine it being heavenly for fans of the band. I can see why a casual listener may scoff at the noodling and showmanship but if you imagine someone who, in 1972, was willingly buying a ticket to a Deep Purple show, this shows from this tour may still be etched in their memory as the greatest live music event they've witnessed and I respect that these dudes knew how to put on a show.

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Nov 13 2025

good vibes bossa nova

White Light by Gene Clark
Nov 14 2025

Probably more of a 3.5 but pretty basic folky stuff that doesn't get me that excited. Clark did it better with The Byrds.

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Nov 17 2025

A light four, the start of the 5 year run that would culminate in Breakfast in America. I can't help but have a soft spot for Supertramp. A fun pop band that knew how to write hits.

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Nov 18 2025

Might be a dude take but Steely Dan is good. Feel like this one is a half step down from Can't Buy a Thrill but step towards the greatness that is to come in the next few albums.

KE*A*H** (Psalm 69) by Ministry
Nov 19 2025

Wild album that I’d like to give another spin sometime soon.

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Nov 20 2025

Definitely not the biggest Bob Marley fan but this album, especially the second half comes with the hits and is undeniable.

Midnight Ride by Paul Revere & The Raiders
Nov 24 2025

A big ball of whatever from a time where much more interesting music of this genre was being made.

Fun House by The Stooges
Nov 25 2025

The middle of one of the best and most groundbreaking three-album run. Still as fresh and raw as when it was originally released. Never get tired of this one.

Space Ritual by Hawkwind
Nov 26 2025

Long as hell but some interesting stuff happening here. Not typically a fan of space rock and the infrequent lyrics are painful but I could see myself listening to this again one day but no rush.

The Age Of The Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets
Nov 28 2025

I can see why people were so excited with this when is came out since it was such a departure from early Arctic Monkeys. With hindsight there is slightly less to point to as special.

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Dec 01 2025

I have a huge soft spot for this one as I really appreciated the silly over the top glam back in the day. I can’t say that it’s vital enough to be on this list but I do appreciate that they never took themselves too seriously but still rocked as hard as they could. IBiaTCL is still a rocking great tune.

Ten by Pearl Jam
Dec 02 2025

Only this high due to the nostalgia factor. Otherwise the album doesn’t quite hold up.

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Dec 03 2025

This album is too fun not to enjoy. Sure it’s shallow and the lyrics can be one note but there is just so much great energy.

Konnichiwa by Skepta
Dec 04 2025

UK Grime has never been a genre that I’ve enjoyed. I’ve tried over and over and it just doesn’t work.

Locust Abortion Technician by Butthole Surfers
Dec 05 2025

Brash, noisy and sometimes impenetrable. The attitude and energy is amazing at times. Not every experiment works here but lots of great stuff to enjoy. Obviously not for everyone but definitely for me.

Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jackson
Dec 08 2025

great album but nothing is more dated sounding than those digital drums and 80s synths.

Walking Wounded by Everything But The Girl
Dec 09 2025

Ooh that Tracy Thorne. Recently having broken UK containment with the Missing remix, this follow up builds on that dance sound. Wrong ended up being another minor hit on this side of the Atlantic and while there is some nice stuff here, getting close to greatness at times.

Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer
Dec 10 2025

Not every early blues rock album needs to be on this list. At some point it’s okay to let go and not include every album that was important in the development of Metal.

What's That Noise? by Coldcut
Dec 11 2025

A couple of fun songs but overall a boring selection of sample-based dance music.

Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis
Dec 12 2025

Jazz for cool dudes like me. I won't claim to confidently know the difference between all the different types of jazz but apparently this was a shift away from Bebop. I guess the slower tempos were new and a surprise to those who expected to be amazed by virtuosic musicians.

Smile by Brian Wilson
Dec 15 2025

Brian Wilson returning to this long lost album was a revelation but it wasn't until the 2011 Smile Sessions compilation that we knew what we were really missing. This album ultimately formed the blueprint for the 2011 Smile Sessions which, in my opinion, relegate this release into more of a curio since the newer release can help us imagine what the album would have sounded like if it was actually released in 1967,

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
Dec 16 2025

Soulful, good voice Elvis. I think that o prefer the rocking one

New York Dolls by New York Dolls
Dec 17 2025

Proto-punk glam rock! Trash always gets my blood pumping.

Exile In Guyville by Liz Phair
Dec 19 2025

Every time I listen to this album, I’m reminded that it isn’t as screamy as the cover would make you think. I get why Gen X got so excited about this one but the edge is worn off a bit.

Sister by Sonic Youth
Dec 22 2025

I’ve listened to Daydream Nation a bunch but never came back to this one. I can see lot of the greatness that would come next but this one is just a tiny bit lesser.

Dec 24 2025

Dream pop was better before this album and dream pop was better after. Not sure what this adds.

American Beauty by Grateful Dead
Dec 25 2025

Obviously a band more known for their live output. I knew that this was pretty much their most well-regarded studio album, I was expecting something a bit more impressive. Ended up as a pretty regular folk rock album. Not sure I get what got Lindsay Weir so excited to change her life after listening.

Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Dec 26 2025

The highs are high enough that I can forgive some of the less great parts of the album. Probably overrated as it usually ends up high on lists of greatest albums ever but pretty dang great.

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
Dec 29 2025

Blues rock with a side of plagiarism. Still hits in parts.

Dec 30 2025

With how few “International” albums are on this list, I really wanted to like this one but it really didn’t work for me. Uneven and repetitive.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Dec 31 2025

You know, the song The Good, the Bad & the Queen by the artist The Good, the Bad & the Queen from the album The Good, the Bad & the Queen. Super group making super okay music somewhat competently. A bit of a slog but saved by the tremendous final track. The Sufi video for it rules too.

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Jan 01 2026

Paul Simon production can't save this one-note album. A few nice harmonies but LBM always seemed to be too safe to be interesting.

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Jan 05 2026

What’s the deal with dudes playing characters as an excuse to drop slurs?

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Jan 07 2026

Early Nick Cave. Wild stuff.

There's A Riot Goin' On by Sly & The Family Stone
Jan 09 2026

We lost Sly Stone in 2025 and I’m still sad about it. Not that he was particularly active at the end but he represented a time of rebelliousness and black joy that changed the world and impacted the development of funk music significantly. This album as well as Stand before it represent funk perfection.

Synchronicity by The Police
Jan 12 2026

First half is uneven but the second half is undeniable even if a little overrated. Much more polished than their older work (not a good thing) but some interesting musical stuff here. A light 4.

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Jan 13 2026

I love The Cramps. I've learned about so many great and quirky obscure tracks from the ones that they've covered over the years. Always something great to discover. Ultimately, their albums are somewhat uneven but Lux's energy is amazing and Psychobilly is such a fun genre. Great band and quality album.

System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Jan 14 2026

I feel like things really come together with the next album. Some good stuff here but overall uneven.

Machine Head by Deep Purple
Jan 15 2026

A couple of classic hits but a bit tiring.

I Against I by Bad Brains
Jan 16 2026

The band moves away from the hardcore sound into a more funk metal sound. I really don't really enjoy the music that this album inspired but a lot of great stuff here.

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Jan 19 2026

These Days may be a top 10 song of all time.

Jan 20 2026

Bill seems like a cool dude. I haven't listened to much Smog but I always enjoy the stuff I end up checking out.

Youth And Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
Jan 21 2026

Definitely realizing that I had 0 idea of what KoL sounded like before listening to this just now. I guess they do the southern rock thing well, it's just not for me.

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
Jan 22 2026

A bit more pop. Probably the peak of the band's output. An enjoyable ride even if it isn't one that I will likely be spinning too often.

Harvest by Neil Young
Jan 23 2026

This album somehow has some of Neil's best song as well as some really smaltzy ones. Probably closer to 4.5 but alas.

Groovin' by The Young Rascals
Jan 26 2026

I was sceptical but it grew on me a bit in the end. Pleasant.

Dub Housing by Pere Ubu
Jan 27 2026

I always forget how weird this album is every time before I listen to it but it grows on me a little more each time.

Pink Flag by Wire
Jan 28 2026

This is a good one. Love the quick hit songs. Classic.

Django Django by Django Django
Jan 30 2026

Curious that I’ve never come across this one before as it’s similar enough to what I was listening to around the time. While at the time I may have been more receptive, I found it pretty one-note and uninteresting with 2025 ears.

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Feb 02 2026

Partway through the first track I was dreading this one as a poor version of surrealistic pillow but a few songs in and it really started clicking and I really enjoyed this one. Great psych album.

Hearts And Bones by Paul Simon
Feb 03 2026

Pretty basic poop from Paul. Expectations are too high for something like this.

Feb 04 2026

I had checked out on Pulp by the time this album came out. A nice listen but doesn't have the pop punch of the earlier ones. Still a quality album.

Feb 05 2026

One of my favourite albums. It gets an extra star for the title track. Perfect.

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Feb 06 2026

Elvis was always a pop master. Never getting too punk, the hits here are always a pleasure to listen to.

La Revancha Del Tango by Gotan Project
Feb 09 2026

Interesting album that I had never heard of before. Started promising but after the first track when we started getting the breathy vocals, I tuned out.

The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
Feb 12 2026

I forgot how well I know this album. Front to back interesting stuff going on. Absurdly and aggressively inappropriate and controversial a bit of the edge has dulled over the years but still some wild stuff on here.

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Feb 13 2026

This album starts out like any album you core point to to support your “I like all genres of music except county” position. It picks up a bit from there but nothing groundbreaking.

NEU! 75 by Neu!
Feb 17 2026

So cool. Probably the best of the original Neu! albums. So much creativity bubbling from this. The atmospheric albums definitely slow things down too much but it comes back with an exciting second half. Too bad these two didn't get along better because there could have been many more great albums to come from them.

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Feb 18 2026

Bruce goes hard. I’ve been learning to appreciate the Boss more and more, especially the early run he went on. This was the album where he really became undeniable. A few duds here stop me from getting it to 5 stars but the peaks here are way high.

Feb 23 2026

It's funny when people were surprised that these two weirdo's second album wasn't all pop hits. Won't lie that I'm also here for the bangers but they're also doing some interesting stuff in the more psych areas.

The Sounds Of India by Ravi Shankar
Feb 25 2026

More academic than really interesting. While I can appreciate the tutorial nature, Ravi is clearly playing it safe here and I would enjoy something a bit less targeted at western audiences.

Feb 26 2026

I think that I've only ever listened to Singles Going Steady so this is a really fun early punk album. These guys are a riot. Fast Cars is more relevant than ever and I love the Ralph Nader shout out.

Tago Mago by Can
Feb 27 2026

Among the best Kosmische albums. Pure joy.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Mar 02 2026

Title track is incredible. Rest is forgettable.

The Coral by The Coral
Mar 05 2026

Not half as interesting as they think they are

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Mar 06 2026

Elvis is just so consistent.

Woodface by Crowded House
Mar 09 2026

I never really got into Crowded House/Neil Finn and on first listen, I didn’t really find anything here to get me excited.

Pyromania by Def Leppard
Mar 10 2026

Very loud and oh so 80s.

Out of Step by Minor Threat
Mar 11 2026

More Polish than their earlier work but Ian MacKay still had lots to say.

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Mar 13 2026

Near pop perfection. Miles ahead of Sgt. Pepper

Survivor by Destiny's Child
Mar 16 2026

Really great pop stuff to open this album, unfortunately like many 90s/early aughts rap/R+B, the album suffers from bloat and an overly long runtime. Still a great top half that holds up so well.

Haunted Dancehall by The Sabres Of Paradise
Mar 17 2026

This one was tough. A lot of one note ideas that drone on. I didn't find much to latch on here and it sounds so dated.

Mar 18 2026

Maybe it would have hit more at the time but I found this one missing something. I can see why it was a hit but not much for me to grab onto. Sounds a bit derivative of the other bigger bands around this time that were working in the same style.

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Mar 19 2026

I loved this album when it came out and there are still some fun tunes in the top half but some of the shine has definitely worn off and the drop off in the back half is pretty rough.

Mar 20 2026

There are some interesting ideas through out but nothing comes anywhere near the title track and some songs outstay their welcome.

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
Mar 23 2026

Very over the top. A few good ideas but it just ended up washing over me and somewhat all blended together into a forgettable experience. Maybe I'll try again sometime.

Mar 25 2026

Blur were refining the formula but moved away from the poppy hooks that made them so enjoyable. I’m sure that some appreciate the more straight away Brit pop, I can’t help but moss the fun side.

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Mar 26 2026

After over half a decade of relative mediocrity, Dylan comes back with one of his best. A classic front-to-back.

Mar 27 2026

Albums like this do a disservice to to the list. A few interesting ditties and a novelty tune do not make an album that could be considered to comprise the greatest albums of all time. The original album didn't even include Act Naturally!

Pictures At An Exhibition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Mar 30 2026

A funny little reinterpretation of Mussorgsky by ELP. A bit more than a novelty, it doesn't quite hold up as as interesting as it would have when released.

Throwing Muses by Throwing Muses
Apr 01 2026

Thankfully I quickly realized that I was listening to the wrong album titled Throwing Muses by the band Throwing Muses because when I found the correct album titled Throwing Muses by the band Throwing Muses, I found it much more enjoyable than the incorrect album titled Throwing Muses by the band Throwing Muses.

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Apr 02 2026

Amazing to read about how transgressive and scary people thought that these guys were. Ultimately a rocking good time.

Apr 03 2026

Not many rappers where the bravado, reputation and talent are so mismatched. Mostly uninspired and boring but the title track still rips.

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
Apr 06 2026

A shade weaker than Hounds of Love that would follow, still Kate Bush is at the peak of her genius. Nearly perfect.

Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
Apr 07 2026

Quickly following The Idiot, the Pop/Bowie collaboration keeps bearing fruit.

Live / Dead by Grateful Dead
Apr 08 2026

A few dull moments but the album that really sets the stage for the Dead being a legendary live band with uneven studio work.

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Apr 10 2026

Yike the pop covers are really bad here. Can't say that there is much to go back to with modern ears.

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Apr 13 2026

Not as good as they would be a few albums later but still great stuff here from Primo and Guru

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Apr 15 2026

Definitely loved this one more in my younger days but it still holds up even though the title track is a bit schmaltzy.

Apr 16 2026

I've long loved Mr. Wendal, Tennessee and People Everyday (unfortunately the single version is much better than the album one) but the rest of this album let me down. I appreciate the positive vibes but a little preachy and weak at times.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Apr 17 2026

A one time favourite of mine. Still hits in the right places. Such great energy.

Apr 20 2026

I have a hard time with Common. Like The Light was one of my favourite tracks of the era but over a full-length, I can't help but find him pretty cringy. Good beats but sometimes a bit too much.

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Apr 21 2026

Heavy French-language industrial. I wasn't familiar before but I can see why it was so influential. I enjoyed it.

The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu
Apr 22 2026

An acquired taste but I do enjoy me some Pere Ubu. We had Dub Housing a few months back and with this one, they make a great weirdo paring.

Apr 23 2026

Maggie May rules but the rest of this is up and down but it's still a rockin' good time. Rod was always the showman and does some great stuff here.

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Apr 24 2026

Clapton here shines with his virtuosic guitar work but everything else is just imitation blues of the time that would be done much better in the coming years.

Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout
Apr 27 2026

I previously only knew this band by the silly name but this was some quality pop music. It faltered a bit towards the back half but really strong stuff here.

The Slider by T. Rex
Apr 28 2026

Not as celebrated as Electric Warrior but just as much glam fun. What a run by Bolan!

The Undertones by The Undertones
Apr 29 2026

At first blush I was surprised by this "punk" album until I just let the pop wash over me. The punk bands of the era would eventually migrate to this pop sound in a few years, The Undertones were just ahead of the times.

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Apr 30 2026

Great psych-folk from the short-lived Stills/Young band. The start of great things from both of their careers.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Stereolab
May 04 2026

I love the Krautrock influenced monotonic driving music. Sterolab do it with the best of them. I find that the album drags a bit in the back half but still a great listen whenever I return to it.

Vulnicura by Björk
May 05 2026

After a few lesser album, Bjork returns with a powerhouse album.

John Prine by John Prine
May 06 2026

When Prine died of COVID early in the pandemic, I realized that his discography was a huge blind spot for me. Generally less known than some of the legends that admired him, this debut album is always an absolute pleasure to listen to. Wise well beyond his years.

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
May 07 2026

Not my favourite Springsteen but pretty up there. I somehow love when he goes cheesy pop but this is probably the apex of his quality. Very few dips in quality here with Jungleland being an incredible closer.

Ingenue by k.d. lang
May 08 2026

Not something that I would come back to often but Lang obviously has a lovely voice and some of the songs really take advantage. Constant Craving is the obvious standout but not an unpleasant listen to if you give it a chance.

Horses by Patti Smith
May 11 2026

Bad ass. Can't go wrong with some early Patti Smith.

Gris Gris by Dr. John
May 12 2026

I used to enjoy this one a lot more. Dr. John is a true weirdo and the there are some quality tunes here but at times it doesn't quite sit right. Still the album is bookended with absolute bangers and I will keep coming back for more.

Country Life by Roxy Music
May 14 2026

For Your Pleasure is among my favourite albums and I haven't listened to the RM albums after enough. I do need to rectify that. This one was great on a quick listen.

May 15 2026

I remember the hype around AM when Dancefloor dropped. The overall album didn't quite live up to the hype but still lots of fun tunes and great energy. I do love how the band has been able to evolve over time and I even probably prefer the lounge sleaze of the later Tranquility Base but It's fun to go back to see where things started and to feel young again. It's fun to track a band that basically grew up with me.

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
May 18 2026

This was an interesting one. Not a genre that I'm super familiar with and the tracks end up blending into each other but an enjoyable one to put on in the background and let wash over me.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
May 19 2026

Sometimes I want to be edgy and claim that this album is overrated and deserves backlash over how popular it is. Sometimes it’s tempting to say that the previous self-titled album which represents the rebirth of the band post addition of Buckingham and Nicks is more pure and better. But then I give it one more top-to-bottom listen and know that it’s undeniable. It’s a legendary album for a reason and worthy of all the praise and more.

American Idiot by Green Day
May 20 2026

Overblown and overrated. But we sure did play this one out back in the day.

Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode
May 21 2026

A legendary band coming into their own. Often a better singles band over the years, here DM starts to put together an album worth of quality as they build up to the legendary Violator.

Searching For The Young Soul Rebels by Dexys Midnight Runners
May 22 2026

Fun Dexy’s well before the big hit. Lots of interesting stuff happening here and a snapshot of the Northern Soul scene. I enjoyed more than I thought I would.

The Sensual World by Kate Bush
May 25 2026

Slightly hurt as the following up from the legendary Hounds of Love and the 4 year gap between albums, Bush is still incredible.

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
May 26 2026

There is no more obvious factor that the person who put this list together is British than the fact that there are multiple Everything but the Girl albums on this list. Tracey Thorn's voice is as lovely as ever but this albums suffers from being compared to their later output and, while a pleasant listen, nothing really pushing this one into greatness.

School's Out by Alice Cooper
May 27 2026

This is a weird one. The first track is the hit and maybe the only AC track that I could name if asked. Of course I would have expected that the album that shares the name as the hit song to sound like that song. That is not the case, this album quickly goes into different and much weirder directions. While I can appreciate the creativity, it's a bit jarring coming down from the title track. I definitely enjoyed parts of it where it got more wacky but overall it was a little too uneven for me.

Dust by Screaming Trees
May 28 2026

I've always enjoyed Mark Lanegan and his distinct voice. From first coming across it when Nearly Lost You was getting radio play to his work with Queens of the Stone Age, he was always dependable. I didn't know this album as much but it was an enjoyable, if not really memorable one.

Repeater by Fugazi
May 29 2026

Every now and then I revisit Fugazi and I've somehow forgotten how different they sound than Minor Threat.

Stankonia by OutKast
Jun 01 2026

Probably the peak of OutKast before they went their own ways and became less collaborative. Legendary run from ATLiens to Stankonia.

Phaedra by Tangerine Dream
Jun 02 2026

I guess once upon a time the sounds that Tangerine Dream made were other worldly. These albums still have a reputation as most enjoyed by drug users but over the years, these sounds have more and more become associated with sci-fi soundtracks and the like. Still an enjoyable ride.

Jun 03 2026

Once upon a time I would have probably called 2Pac one of my favourite artists. Those days have long passed and I rarely find myself reaching for his albums. Even this one, despite having some great tunes on it became a bit tiring at times. 2Pac was a man of contradictions and this album demonstrates that well. Not quite as angry as his later work, there are some wild swings here.

Jun 05 2026

We know that Jamiroquai are always dependable for a good time but sometimes they can outstay their welcome and it just becomes okay background music.

Wild Gift by X
Jun 08 2026

One of the legendary punk bands that you can barely call punk. Los Angeles is a classic album, this one gave me a lot less.

Different Class by Pulp
Jun 09 2026

Overshadowed by the incredible singles. Disco 2000 and Common People are some of my favourite Brit Pop songs. The rest of the album doesn’t reach those lofty heights but still a bop.

Infected by The The
Jun 10 2026

I always this they I like this one more. Not as dancey 80s as Soul Mining and not as moody in your face as Mind Bomb.

Jun 11 2026

Maybe the third best Hüsker Dü album. No idea why this ends up being their only representation on the list. I ended up really not connecting. Too long and samey throughout. Still moments of good stuff but overall just okay.

Justified by Justin Timberlake
Jun 12 2026

Justified suffers from 90s/early aughts album bloat in the back half, with the ballads and slower stuff. The top half represents some of the best that the era had to offer. Lots of great memorable tracks on here. Timberlake and Timbaland were at the peak of their game.

Paris 1919 by John Cale
Jun 15 2026

The Welsh viola player from the Velvet Underground? Of course he would write some of the most accessible and fun pop music of the 70s with this album. The title track is a personal favourite.

Moby Grape by Moby Grape
Jun 16 2026

Love the short songs but we don't need to venerate every 60s psych album. Nothing stands out here.

Remedy by Basement Jaxx
Jun 17 2026

Starting up this album and listening to Rendez-Vous after a while reminds you how good that song is and gives you the hope that this whole album is going to surprise you. About half-way through the next song Yo-yo, you're quickly disabused of that notion and realize that there are going to be a lot of ups and downs through this album. Unfortunately more downs. Red Alert and Bingo Bango still tickle the dancy nostalgia but this one really doesn't hold up overall. There are a lot of interesting ideas and clearly this is a talented duo who were really trying some weird stuff and when it works it's great.

Black Monk Time by The Monks
Jun 18 2026

While I appreciate the proto-punk era and the artists doing interesting things, this album had a strong start and then fell off. Definitely some cool moments but other than as a historical artifact, it doesn't necessarily hold attention.

Snivilisation by Orbital
Jun 19 2026

A little samey through the album's runtime but still a great time.

...Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
Jun 22 2026

Oh babay babaayy. I want to hate it but the bubblegum up top and the singles are so nostalgia-inducing. Doesn't belong on this list but fun to revisit after all these years.

Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney
Jun 23 2026

A few years ago I did a full Sleater-Kinney discography listen through and it really didn't do them justice. I know that some don't like the sillier stuff on here but I do enjoy the way that they break up the overall flow of the album that can be a bit one-note at times. A fun album.

Drunk by Thundercat
Jun 24 2026

Among my favourite albums of the last decade. Thundercat is such a weirdo and I love him for it.

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Jun 25 2026

Monk at the top of his game. Legendary.

Cafe Bleu by The Style Council
Jun 26 2026

I love The Jam but this is a bit up and down. Also have to deduct a full point for the rap song.

Jun 29 2026

The singles off this album still hold up as some of the best songs of the era.

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jun 30 2026

They continue to really perfect their craft while expanding their sound. Another great album from the legends.

Ghosteen by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Jul 01 2026

Raw songs of loss and pain. Hauntingly beautiful.

Destroyer by KISS
Jul 02 2026

I had fun with this one. Holds up.

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Jul 03 2026

The Sweet Jane cover is rightfully a classic but I'll always be a sucker for anything that wears its Toronto on its sleeve.

First Band On The Moon by The Cardigans
Jul 06 2026

Lovely album. The Iron Man cover is an interesting choice and Lovefool is, as always, perfect.

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Jul 07 2026

I always forget how melodic this album is when I haven’t listened to it in a while. Even the Barlow tracks on the end are great even though I’ve never really gotten into Sebadoh. Such a great album and exemplary of the noise rock that wound so greatly influenced the whole Indie scene.

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Jul 08 2026

I don’t love this one. Following up the political masterpiece of What’s Going On with this sexually charged album. There are some great tracks here but it doesn’t always come together for me. I know that it’s not necessarily a popular opinion but I love I Want You after and feel like that really brings it all together.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Jul 09 2026

I probably love the idea of this album more than I think this is a 5 star album but I am sick a sucker for pretty much every track off this album. The second half in particular is just nonstop wonderful.

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Jul 10 2026

Maybe the last time Morrissey wasn’t someone you could easily ignore as a hateful loser. The cracks are already showing but he’s still somehow keeping it together. The politics in the first two songs are a bit cringy, especially in hindsight but you can appreciate what was going on at the time but criticizing America for not electing a black president and inventing hamburgers. Guess what Moz, those are the least of their transgressions lol First of the Gang is a good track and there are a few other moments despite it overall being pretty mid and some outdated trip-hop beats thrown in for good measure.

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Jul 13 2026

So rockin'. I only knew The Boys are Back in Town but there was a lot to love here. Phil Lynott was a force.

Fear and Whiskey by Mekons
Jul 14 2026

Still not 100% sure how I feel about this one but I gave it a few listens and found it growing on me. Really interesting low-fi stuff.

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Jul 15 2026

Legendary psych folk that only gets better and better with each subsequent listen.

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Jul 16 2026

Post Nirvana and tragedy, Ghrol gets to the studio and comes out guns blazing. The rest of the world has mostly moved on from grunge and the Foo Fighters have ultimately ridden the wave since then to mediocre area rock as one of the biggest bands in the world. But here, at the beginning, there really was something special. The first four songs her are amazing and really leave me with a huge smile always. The album falls off but ultimately, rides that high to the end. The next album, recorded with a a full band will include some of their biggest and best hits but this one will always be special.

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Jul 17 2026

I have spent a lot of time with the first three QotSA albums and I love them all. It might be all nostalgia buff this one still hits as hard as 20 years ago when I was listening to it multiple times a week. Stoner, desert, whatever you want to call it, it just rocks.

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Jul 20 2026

Imagine someone singing a song about you being the greatest dancer and not only that but it's an absolute banger.

Deloused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta
Jul 21 2026

It's about half way through track 3 - Roulette Dares that I go from being convinced that this is the best album ever to being a totally exhausting noodle-fest. Ultimately, while I can't appreciate all the technical intricacies, there is enough here that I enjoy despite it being a bit self-indulgent.

Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D
Jul 22 2026

As much as the Neptunes were such an important production team of the era, I could never get into N*E*R*D. And believe me, I’ve tried. Even no matter how much I thought their debut album had positives, this one is so flat and boring.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Jul 23 2026

Hard to appreciate how revelatory this was at the time. 70 years later some of this still is lively. Little Richard was an innovator.

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Jul 27 2026

Unfortunately I can’t say that this is a stand out new wave album. Still had some good jams but otherwise forgettable.

The Real Thing by Faith No More
Jul 28 2026

Epic still remains the centrepiece of the album and I have a lot of nostalgia for it. Ultimately, it can't save the album and the rap-rock sounding dated.

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Jul 29 2026

Nina Simone with the legendary voice and the strong messaging. Only place this album slips a bit is that it sometimes feels like a collection of songs rather than a cohesive album. Not atypical for the era but it does make listening a bit less enjoyable.

Jul 30 2026

Listening to this one makes me realize that I probably overestimate how good Slanted and Enchanted is. This album builds on that to reach nearly perfect indie rock highs.

Bone Machine by Tom Waits
Jul 31 2026

What better time to use the descriptor “Lynchian” than to describe an album with a cover like this that came out in the peak Twin Peaks era. Some wild tracks on this. A good little reinvention of Waits that doesn’t really sound dated despite the reputation of production in the early-90s.

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Aug 03 2026

The title track is among my favourite songs but the album just can’t hold up to those highs and it really doesn’t hold a candle to classics of the era.

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Aug 04 2026

The title track bookend instrumentals are the real standouts. King Crimson peaked in the earlier albums but you can always count on Fripp and co. for a good time.

Peter Gabriel by Peter Gabriel
Aug 05 2026

Leaves Genesis, goes solo, releases killer pop music. Solsbury Hill and Here Comes the Flood are great. Modern Love and Humdrum are okay. The rest is a bit up and down. PG would figure out the formula a bit better over the years.

Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson
Aug 06 2026

I am conflicted. Ultimately it was a hard listen that doesn't hold up that well. The shock factor that was present when I grew up with this album around no longer carries the same impact and is quite cringy. With a huge grain of separating art from artist, you can find some interesting elements across the album but ultimately it's not doing enough new that wasn't already in the air. Trent Reznor producing probably is partially to blame but as much as it pains me to say, there are still some interesting things happening here with the bringing in glam elements and the heavy industrial sound. Overall not an album that I think that I'll need to return to anytime soon.

Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby by Girls Against Boys
Aug 07 2026

Good post-hardcore. Nothing too standout but a good listen. Can't fault too much here.

90 by 808 State
Aug 10 2026

Infinitely listenable. Pacific 202 is the gem but realistically top to bottom this is all great. I hadn't listened in a while but it quickly came back to me like a warm blanket. One of the only albums that I would say should have been longer.

Aug 11 2026

Building a lot of hype through their debut record here, they would hit new highs with the follow-up. I have much more of a connection with that one and it just gets a bit more poppy and really gets them to the next level. Still a great listen.

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Aug 12 2026

Wears its love for Springsteen on its sleeve and I love it for that. Lost in the Pressure is a favourite of mine and I could listen to it on repeat.

Traffic by Traffic
Aug 13 2026

Not the peak of Traffic's output but a key in undersanding their longstanding appeal. Hard to stand out among the late 60s music but I feel like there is still a bit of recognition about how great this band is. Steve Winwood, what a legend.

Aug 14 2026

Thrash ends up sounding a bit samey to my ears but I enjoy it quite a bit. Clearly some instrumental mastery here as Megadeth leave their mark on an stacked year for the genre.

Aug 17 2026

A couple years before the huge SNL controversy, Sinead had already made some waves with her debut album this this album, with it's big hit made her a household name. Nothing Compares is the big standout and rightfully holds up as a standout of not only the year but maybe even the decade. The rest of the album is slightly marred by the dated sound of the production but ultimately O'Connor's voice stands out and rises above. There are a variety of styles and genres here and it remains a great listen.

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
Aug 18 2026

I've been up and down on this album over the years. It definitely has a heavy late night vibe and has it times when I will always be happy with listening. Ultimately, my latest listen fell a bit flat and I can't say that I'm excited to revisit.

Cheerleader

Average rating: 4.02 (0.78 above global average).

Other

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