Journey in Progress
Discovering music one album at a time
195
Albums Rated
2.86
Avg Rating
9
5-Star Albums
18%
Complete
894 albums remaining
Rating Speed
6.8
Per Week
201
Days Active
Reviews
186
Written
95%
Review Rate
vs Global
-0.41
Avg Diff
2.86
Avg Rating
Rating Distribution
How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Harsh
Rater Style
9
1-Star Albums
5-Star Albums (9)
View Album Wall
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Gabriel 3 | 5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
| Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
| Nilsson Schmilsson | 5 | 3.43 | +1.57 |
| Blackstar | 5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
| The Atomic Mr Basie | 5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strangeways, Here We Come | 1 | 3.44 | -2.44 |
| My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy | 1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
| The College Dropout | 1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
| Only Built 4 Cuban Linx | 1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
| Disintegration | 2 | 3.85 | -1.85 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and high weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Bowie | 3 | 4.33 | 3.67 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums and low weighted score
| Artist | Albums | Avg | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanye West | 2 | 1 | 2.2 |
| The Smiths | 2 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
Popular Reviews
Massive Attack
2/5
Didn't do much for me. It's a fine record, but I'm not sure why this is on the list. In spots, I think the list is more like 1,001 hours you'll never get back.
Altogether, that's nearly 42 days.
3 likes
Christine and the Queens
2/5
For a 2018 release, it seems to have an 80's synthy feel to it. It's ok. Did I need to hear this before I die? I can think of other, better choices.
1 likes
King Crimson
4/5
This is a classic album that aptly represents the times.
Always worth and end-to-end listen.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (9)
All Ratings
David Bowie
4/5
Bought this album a long time ago, lured in by Breaking Glass then expanding into the rest of the playlist! And of course - Sound and Vision.
Radiohead
3/5
I enjoyed revisiting the album. It's been a while and this time around it's a bit reflective if that is the right term. It felt longer than I remember with a fair deal of what may be characterized as navel-gazing or shoe-staring.
George Harrison
5/5
What a way to kick off a solo career. While good things followed from George, this could be considered his masterwork.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
It's been a while since I listened to this end to end. With the headphones on, it's easy to get into.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
This is the mellow mix I remember. It's easy to get lost in the vibe and the tone of the album.
Pretenders
3/5
This was another classic for me which I learned to appreciate more as time went on.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Chicago
4/5
This band went through quite an evolution from their start to their later material. They moved from a more jazz/rock sound to a more pop/pop ballad kind of sound. There are good things to hear in the various iterations but they are different. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings and I'm a Man are classics.
Metallica
3/5
A little metal goes a long way for me, but when the mood strikes, it fits the bill perfectly. I have to get in, get what I need and get out before it all starts to sound the same. I appreciate the musicianship that goes into it. This album makes for a solid collection. Leper Messiah is my favorite here.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
This is one that I'm not as familiar with. Created on the brink of or in the throes of a breakdown seemed to bring a unique perspective to the writing. Overall, Spence's story is a sad one, but the music remains.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
This is a new one for me.
Kind of a chill-out, hip-hop, DJ groove. Mostly instrumental.
It was good for filling the room while I did stuff.
King Crimson
4/5
This is a classic album that aptly represents the times.
Always worth and end-to-end listen.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
The band offers a consistent collection of songs that feel and sound as if they have one foot in the 80's and the other in the 00's. A lot of synths. The sameness of the songs made it hard for me to pull out anything that really grabbed me. I've heard others sing the praises of the album, so I might be missing something.
Garbage
4/5
This Garbage album is anything but. A solid listen all the way through. When I first heard the album, the hook for me was Stupid Girl and Only Happy When It Rains. The rest was gravy.
Weather Report
3/5
A fine jazz collection. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
I love world music - or music from all over the world. I don't always have to understand the words, but that is not a barrier to enjoying the music.
The Only Ones
2/5
I try not to diss bands I don't connect with. Creating music is an art and takes work and commitment, so I appreciate everything the band does to get their music out there. I didn't connect with this musically. It could be the day, my mood or whatever. A for effort. Don't let my missing the point dissuade you.
That said, I did enjoy The Beast.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I was never the biggest Led Zepplin fan. Their classics are indeed classics and I have many in my master mix and will crank them way up when needed, but I also felt there was a lot of self-indulgent stuff in there which I can skip over with little remorse. That's just me. Give it a listen. It's a classic.
2/5
Some brave choices were made here.
This is one of those, how did this get pulled from the sea of other musicians to be made and shared and added to "best of" lists, kind of albums. That is not a diss. I listen to a lot of abstract recordings. Some of them are fascinating. Depending on what you like, you will either endure and look for the moments and enjoy them or you will determine this is just a mosh of noise. I like the title of the album and from that, I imagined something different. Strap in and give it a listen. At least you can then say you've heard it.
The Doors
3/5
I'm not the biggest Doors fan. I'm not sure why. The songs I like, I like. I'm good with listening to them if they come up somewhere, but I have yet to buy a Doors album. In this case, my favorite is Love Her Madly. I can take Riders of the Storm and LA Woman, but let the rest go. I appreciate the energy Doors fans have for the band. Hats off to them. Enjoy!
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
This was "new to me music" and I like it.
I will definitely spend some time with this one and look for others from Michael Kiwanuka.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
It's OK. It all started to sound the same for me. Very few dynamics in the vocals.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Willie Nelson has earned the right to be called a legend in his own right. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (written by Fred Rose) is worth the price of admission.
Blur
3/5
Reminiscent of David Bowie, it's the good rock and roll and well worth the listen. You'll likely know Song 2, but there is more here to explore and enjoy.
Patti Smith
4/5
A unique and uncompromising voice in rock music. Enjoy this classic.
Joy Division
2/5
While I appreciated the effort and the artistry, I didn't connect with this album. There is nothing overly dynamic for me. all the vocals sound the same and it sounds a bit as if it were recorded in a cave. If you are a fan, enjoy.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Led Zepplin. There are songs I love and some I can do without. This album offers one of my all-time favorites - Kasmir. Dig in.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
Loud and banging. Damn.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Iggy. What else can you say?
It's fun to know that the first version of China Girl appears here.
Radiohead
3/5
Headier stuff from Radiohead. Listen through with headphones and enjoy the ride.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Ah...the one that started it all driven by the leadership of Syd Barrett. There are some gems here. I've always favored Bike.
k.d. lang
4/5
I don't listen to much county or country-styled music, however, the way she interprets the material and the quality of her voice always draw me in. Listen to this and then get at her other albums. Enjoy!
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I was a Beatles kid. Of course, I was aware of the Stones, but my access to them was primarily via radio and whatever else crossed my path, but my money and my time went into Beatles records. As time passed, I was able to reach deeper into the Stones' work. It's fun to discover some of the nuggets I missed, like this first record - but I'm still a Beatles kid at heart.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Simply put, This is a classic album. Sit yourself in a comfortable place and soak it in.
Devendra Banhart
3/5
A solid acoustic collection of songs.
Butthole Surfers
1/5
I question some of the selections on this list.
I like some of the stuff from this band, but I think a lot of what I appreciate comes from being in the mindset to aptly explore it. Today there were a few moments sprinkled in with what is mostly a bunch of noise.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Quality AM radio fodder. I appreciate quite a few of their songs, but never got around to formally adding them to my collection. Take a moment to enjoy the light and breezy vibe that comes with the times and try not to get distracted by all the behind-the-scenes weirdness. You'll be fine.
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
I was never a huge fan of The Smashing Pumpkins. It's not a negative thing. It's just that while other people were listening to them, I was listening to somebody else. I didn't get any feels from their stuff. I didn't connect. I can listen to them, but...they're OK.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
The greatest thing about this band is their name. It's a great band name.
Their sound is aligned with other bands of their time and while they perform with good enthusiasm, for me, it all becomes homogenized to a degree. It starts to sound like everything else.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
I guess you would call this electronica? Club? Trance? I'm not sure. It's instrumental. It's ok. I've heard some I've liked better. Is it something I needed to hear before I die? Again, the inclusion makes me question the validity of the list.
The Smiths
1/5
Based on the kinds of things he says, I always considered Morrissey as a kind of a jerk. I have a hard time enjoying something where someone seems so awful. The Smiths...ok...not earth-shattering or anything. Hardly worth the hype.
Big Star
3/5
Fun
Hawkwind
2/5
Interesting presentation. It's one of those albums where the music sounds exactly like the cover art looks. It's spacey and psychedelic. Enjoy!
Common
2/5
Good listen. I enjoyed it.
Van Morrison
3/5
I mean, yeah it's probably one you should listen to. I've heard it a lot over the years, so I'm good.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Good stuff! Solid jazz album reflective of the times. Give it a listen.
Sonic Youth
2/5
It's got that 80's vibe for sure. Guitar driven. Understated vocals. Purveyors of the "noise rock" genre. It is held out as one of the best albums of all time. Huh. It sounds very familiar to the times.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
This is a pretty great album. Pure Stevie. I can hear too where Prince might have taken some inspiration for his work. All good here.
Kanye West
1/5
Not a fan.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
This is a great record. I enjoyed every listen, even from the first time I heard it.
Kanye West
1/5
Not a fan.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Ah...the sixties. The experimentation. The confidence. The chemicals. The Velvet Underground.
Air
3/5
It's a fine collection of music. Is it better than other soundtracks? It's ok. I'm a little lost as to why this particular album is on the list.
Pavement
2/5
This is a decent record. However, when someone promotes 1,001 albums you must listen to before you die, there is going to be some filler...a lot of filler. I heard a lot of bands like this. I didn't connect with this one.
The White Stripes
4/5
Classic White Stripes. A lot of these made it to my "megamix". Dig in. This is a good one.
Stereolab
3/5
✌️
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
I'm a fan of Rufus Wainwright, and his sister Martha. Good stuff all the way around and a listen is worth your time.
Neil Young
2/5
I'm not the biggest Neil Young fan. This is a good enough collection for a listen. I guess my life is more complete now that I've crossed this off the list. Not really.
The Human League
2/5
Oof. I got so tired with this album when it came out. I can't eek out another listen. You might like it if you're not familiar with it. Enjoy!
The Cure
2/5
I was never drawn in by the supposed lure of the Cure. Eternally moody, nearly monotonous songbook, I never got it. I gave them several good and honest attempts to see what everyone was talking about...but...alas...nothing. No spark here. I'm glad they have a good and loyal audience. Cheers to the Cure!
Arcade Fire
3/5
Solid listen. Enjoy!
Stan Getz
5/5
Ah...this was a great listen if you like this sort of thing. Enjoy!
Black Sabbath
3/5
Three Stars
UB40
3/5
A good listen.
MGMT
2/5
Hard meh.
Pere Ubu
2/5
They are committed to their thing. Good on them.
Kings of Leon
2/5
It's probably a fine album. I didn't find anything offputting but I didn't connect with it. The sound is all very similar. Very few dynamics. Not very exciting for me. No chills. Nothing moved me. I probably wouldn't have put it on the list, but I'm glad I've heard it and can now move on.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
When I was coming up, this was the Zepplin album of our time. It has the most of the classics. That said, I never bought a copy probably thanks to AOR playing it...a lot.
The Police
3/5
Is there such a thing as band exhaustion? I like the Police. However, in their omnipresent heyday, I think I got my fill. The music is good. I still enjoy listening to it when it comes around, but I haven't put much effort into seeking it out.
The Cramps
2/5
Huh.
Kraftwerk
2/5
It"s ok for background listening.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
I like Nick Cave. He can be dark, but he's had stuff to deal with. Even if he didn't have stuff, there's nothing wrong with looking at some of the dark stuff. He's all good for me and this might be one of my favored Nick Cave albums. Be sure to check out There She Goes My Beautiful World.
Neil Young
2/5
I'm not a big Neil Young fan. I listened to this album. It has its fans. It's Neil Young. Next, please.
The Pharcyde
3/5
I remember hearing about The Pharcyde, but I never listened to them - that I'm aware of. It was interesting enough. Better than some on this list. Jump in.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Another one that has it's audience, but never did much for me.
Yes
3/5
Pretty much described as a classic rock album and one I'm very familiar with. Lots of synth and organ. You can still hear it, or at least parts of it, on the classic rock stations.
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Good listen!
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Good listen. Much to enjoy!
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Ok. I mean...it's ok.
Femi Kuti
3/5
This was a new to me selection. I enjoyed it. African Jazz.
The Kinks
3/5
I've always liked the Kinks. Even outside of their hits, they have a quirky humor and unique perspective to their music. You would do well to look past the greatest hits selections and dig a little deeper into their catalog. Goodness awaits there.
a-ha
2/5
Take on me. Very 80s. They released other songs, but I doubt many can name any of them. Their influence came in the form of their biggest hit.
Air
3/5
Good listen!
The Blue Nile
4/5
Interesting listen. Not what I expected. Give it a try.
Os Mutantes
3/5
Olé! Very 60s. Fun.
Paul Simon
3/5
Classic Paul Simon. This effort likely cemented his status as a solo artist which left Garfunkle in the dust.
Morrissey
2/5
Zzzzzzzz. What? Morrissey? Right, I forgot. Zzzzzz.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
I liked it. You should give it a listen.
The Streets
1/5
This should not have been on the list. That is all. Ugh. Awful.
Bob Dylan
2/5
It's Bob Dylan. I've heard Dylan described as one of the worst harmonica players. There is a lot of harmonica here. The rest is pure Dylan.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Joan is good. A solid listen. Give it your attention.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I'm not the biggest Dylan fan, but I like what I like. This is probably one of his better albums for me. I like him better as a songwriter. I like what other people have done with his songs, but if you are into the originals, give this a listen.
4/5
I like WAR, always have. They are a good listen. Settle in.
Björk
3/5
Ah...Bjork. Unique to a fault, still...it's listenable...just. I'm not sure why I always expect her to sound like Yoko, but she never does. You go girl.
Julian Cope
4/5
It was all good for me. Your time will be time well spent.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
It's ok. I've heard many albums like this and have passed many, many more like this in the bins. 1,001 other bands no less talented, but selling the same kind of sound. Very 80's. I didn't find much here to make it break out of the pack for me. The Fixx would be a better representation of that sound.
Lauryn Hill
3/5
This...is worth the listen. Enjoy.
50 Cent
2/5
I mean...it's 50 cent and I like the movies he's been in. The music? I might not have been in the mood after getting another one yesterday or so.
The Smiths
2/5
I'm not sure what the fascination is with The Smiths on this list. Gah. I would give you one Smith's album for giggles -your pick because they are basically all the same. Yet, here we are again...more Smiths. Zzzz.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
This is a good listen. Get at it.
DJ Shadow
3/5
I find the DJ work more interesting than a lot of the rap I'm seeing on this list, still, what makes them so unique that they need to end up on a "must hear before you die" list eludes me. I enjoyed the listen for what it is.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Works for me. A little Bob Marley now and then never hurt anyone. Enjoy!
Christine and the Queens
2/5
For a 2018 release, it seems to have an 80's synthy feel to it. It's ok. Did I need to hear this before I die? I can think of other, better choices.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Great album. Nuff said.
David Holmes
2/5
Meh.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Black Sabbath
3/5
2/5
Dire Straits
3/5
It's good.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Rotten.
5/5
The more you listen, really listen, the more you can hear and ultimately appreciate the artistry that went into creating a timeless record. They pushed the limits of their tools to make something truly special.
Hole
3/5
It's got both rock and roll. It's a good listen. Enjoy it.
Anita Baker
4/5
Smooth and classic. Worth your time.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
It was a good listen.
Mj Cole
1/5
Not sure how this gets on a list like this. It's....ok, but nothing special. it did little for me.
CHVRCHES
2/5
Synth-based pop. Could have come from the 80s or 90s. It's OK. Upside...they are Scottish.
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
It's a rap album from 1994. I'm not sure why this is on the list. To his credit, a bit of the lyrics are: We be on the microphone, doin' lyrical king fu.
So, there's that.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
I've never been a big Bruce Springsteen fan. I take nothing away from him as an artist, but few things he ever did connected with me. I pushed my record money in other directions. That said, this is a Bruce Springsteen album...and it sounds just like him...and most of his other stuff.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
It's ok.
Wild Beasts
1/5
Hm...
I'm not sure how this made the list. Didn't do much for me.
Eminem
3/5
It's a good listen!
The Pretty Things
3/5
Interesting listen.
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Hm...Yes, it's "psychedelic" for it's time. The mastering reflects the times as well. I always wonder what these might sound like if cleaned up a bit. Hm...
Shack
4/5
It's a good listen. It's rare for this list, but I will explore this group further.
Eagles
3/5
If you know, you know. It's perceived as a classic.
Klaxons
2/5
It's noisy.
Santana
4/5
This is a good album and well deserving of it's place on the list.
The Black Crowes
3/5
Good listen. Enjoy.
Violent Femmes
3/5
It's a fun listen. Enjoy.
The Triffids
2/5
I mean...it sounds like a lot of other music of the time.
Nothing much stood out for me.
Raekwon
1/5
Yup. I could have passed on this one.
The Pogues
4/5
Classic. Enjoy!
Simply Red
2/5
Holding back the years was played and over-played to the point where I'm good if I never hear it again...or the rest of the album.
The Who
4/5
Classic.
Def Leppard
3/5
This album was a big deal hair band favorite when it came out. It was not something I gravitated to but it's worth a listen.
Big Black
2/5
Didn't do much for me. Punk.
Blue Cheer
3/5
It rocks.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Worth a listen.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Never could get into it.
3/5
Beck
3/5
I like Beck.
Tortoise
2/5
Instrumental. A little navel-gazing, a little bit of a snooze. It's ok. Should it be on the list? No.
Coldplay
2/5
Coldplay. Meh.
Stereo MC's
3/5
It's ok.
Massive Attack
3/5
Is OK.
Never been much of a fan.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Country rock from 1969. Probably a good use of some 37 minutes.
The Police
3/5
A band at the height of their powers.
Fela Kuti
3/5
I would call it Jazz or Jazz-like, but then...not. It's a good listen.
Peter Tosh
3/5
Jamaican Reggae.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Classic soul, brother man.
Don McLean
4/5
A classic for its time. Listen beyond the two more familiar songs.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Is it considered to be awesome because it's the Rollings Stones or is it truly awesome? Hm...if the same songs were created by a band - not the Rolling Stones, would they still be awesome?
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
They were icons of their time for what they added to the environment. My fandom went as far as the radio. I didn't feel enough about them to ever pick up on of their albums.
The United States Of America
2/5
The 60s man. There are still a million bands making music like this today online, but they wouldn't be considered mainstream enough to get any serious consideration or airplay. It's worth a listen if you dig that 60s vibe.
Bob Dylan
3/5
It's Dylan. Some might say classic Dylan.
Massive Attack
2/5
Didn't do much for me. It's a fine record, but I'm not sure why this is on the list. In spots, I think the list is more like 1,001 hours you'll never get back.
Altogether, that's nearly 42 days.
Miles Davis
3/5
Cool jazz.
The Smashing Pumpkins
2/5
Never got into Smashing Pumpkins too much. When they were a big deal, I was exploring other things.
The Monkees
4/5
This is the Monkees set free. They pooled their available talents together to produce something that was mostly, truly them. Since the beginning, they worked to legitimize themselves as artists and not merely studio puppets. It is an interesting story and one that made them more than I even thought they could be. Good on them.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
It's a classic.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
lots of fine colla"blue"rations! Get them blues in ya.
Travis
3/5
Hm.
Michael Jackson
3/5
I mean, it's a classic, right?
Metallica
3/5
Metal.
Miles Davis
3/5
Jazzy. I like it. Very mellow.
Fugazi
2/5
Meh.
David Bowie
4/5
Love it!
De La Soul
3/5
It's good.
The Byrds
2/5
Country Byrds. Interesting story about the album, but I'm not sure this was list-worthy.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
It's a decent listen.
Queen
4/5
Classic Queen!
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
A master. Great collection.
Sheryl Crow
4/5
This is a great album and launched a career.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
The Rolling Stones. At this point, you either like them or you don't. Or you like different periods of their career over others. Either way, this is a Stones album you will likely enjoy if you enjoy The Stones.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Huh. I found it to be a bit of a snooze. Nothing really hooked me. Not very dynamic.
The War On Drugs
3/5
It's OK.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
I liked Wishing Well.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Good listen.
Harry Nilsson
5/5
A favorite of mine. All the thumbs way up.
MC Solaar
2/5
Uh..............
Elbow
4/5
Great!
Fleet Foxes
3/5
A unique folk/pop mix. Worth a listen, but in spots it feels a little redundant.
Peter Frampton
3/5
Pure Seventies.
David Bowie
5/5
I love this album. Bowie, making it happen until the very end.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
100% Frank.
Sex Pistols
2/5
I was a punk before you were.
The La's
2/5
Radiohead
3/5
Classic Radiohead
GZA
2/5
I mean...it is very familiar. The beats are consistent, so it all sounds similar. I almost enjoyed the little sound clips between pieces more than the music hoping for a story or something. Should it be on the list though? I could have skipped this one.
Living Colour
4/5
Solid rock album that still holds up from when it first came out.
The Kinks
3/5
It's all good.
The Coral
2/5
Fela Kuti
2/5