180
Albums Rated
3.5
Average Rating
17%
Complete
909 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
41
5-Star Albums
12
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kala
M.I.A.
|
5 | 2.91 | +2.09 |
|
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
|
5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
|
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
|
5 | 3.01 | +1.99 |
|
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
|
5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
|
Vespertine
Björk
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
|
5 | 3.18 | +1.82 |
|
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
Liquid Swords
GZA
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
|
1 | 3.81 | -2.81 |
|
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
|
1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
|
Pyromania
Def Leppard
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
|
1 | 3 | -2 |
|
Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
|
1 | 2.85 | -1.85 |
|
Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
|
1 | 2.77 | -1.77 |
|
Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
|
1 | 2.73 | -1.73 |
|
Superunknown
Soundgarden
|
2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
|
Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
|
1 | 2.6 | -1.6 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 4 | 4.5 |
| Marvin Gaye | 2 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Jane's Addiction | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| David Bowie | 4, 3, 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (41)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Aretha Franklin · 7 likes
5/5
I have always focused on Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald neglecting Aretha because she had a Soul sound and I focused on the jazz sounds that the formers brought. BUT THIS IS INCREDIBLE one of the best Soul albums I have ever heard, and these are beautiful just mixed and sounding songs. AINT NO WAY IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD GENUINELY. There is not a second a moment of filler anywhere on this album. The highs of Come Back Baby and the grooves of Sweet sweet baby. This is a template for what all the best music should be. I get actual goosebumps listening to this album over and over. Even slow songs like People Get Ready still feel beautiful and the drums feel like a train waiting in the station it is absolutely beautiful. I can hear all the music that has stemmed just from the lyrical and sonic genius of this. Money won't change me BUT THIS ALBUM HAS 5/5 one of my favorites so far.
Elis Regina · 4 likes
5/5
The world works in mysterious ways.
I just started reading a Brazilian book about a man who has died and has full prospective on his life and begins to speak on life and the delusion of dying and wanting more time. How fitting for this compilation jazz album from a jazz artist who died far too soon.
To extend the book story I started reading it and will now have this record in the background as it fits perfect, and I loved every second of this compilation with the beats and the vocals. Music is truly transcending all barriers. I love it.
I am getting a bit emotional during this review not but I must give this a 5
R.E.M. · 2 likes
1/5
I swear if we get one more divorced dad album, I will actually start talking to my dad again.
I just cant get into it I looked all on the subreddit for REM and what am I missing and I know alot of alt rock is becoming popular with my generation, but I just do not enjoy it. I think its well-made and artistic but I will never revisit this and I enjoy some songs this might be a 2/10 from me like closer to a 3/10 I just no like.
Tangerine Dream · 1 likes
1/5
I hate Trance music I hate anjunabeats.
i CANT STAND THIS EVEN IF IT IS ELECTRONIC COULD NOT FINISH AND DID NOT CARE
4-Star Albums (54)
1-Star Albums (12)
All Ratings
The Clash
4/5
The clash comes in with an incredible debut with a piece of anti-administration real rebel music and messages that we have heard time and time again Yet THIS BEING THE ERA where it was founded in song makes this so much more impactful.
The highs of this album for me are Remote Control, White Riot, Deny, Career Opportunities, Police and Thieves, and GarageLand.
I hear where the Smiths and Ramones and others got influenced by this record even modern punk records like Neck deep self-titled and Mgk pop punk records LOL.
I love this album for a long time
The Stooges
2/5
It starts great but there’s so much better psychedelic rock and i just couldn’t get into it. The first few songs were okay and it’s well made but not for me
B.B. King
5/5
I LOVE ME SOME BLUES AND BB KING KILLS IT ON HIS FUNNY AND GROOVY LIVE RECORD 5/5 KEEP IT COMING
Elton John
3/5
MAN THE HIGHS OF THIS CHALLENGE HAVE BEEN HIGH. I love Elton John he was literally the first Cd that I ever owned and I had heard this record was very good but I never actually visited it
I love the themes of this album and I think it flows so well together.
4.5/5
Rush
4/5
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL START TO A RECORD OMG THAT STORY MADE ME CRY AND I LOVE THE WORLD THEY BUILT, OTHER SONGS WERE FINE BUT THIS REVIEW IS JUST FOR THE OPENING AMAZING
Willie Nelson
4/5
I swear these records be pulling tears out of me.
It is a simple concept record and I have heard better but the fact that it is made up of covers recontextualizing them for the story makes it so much better. Reminds me of some of my favorite films that take popular songs and change the meanings I.E aftersun.
I love the instrumentals I wish we had more moments with the stranger and it fell off a bit in the middle But great 4/5
D'Angelo
5/5
Culture woven through and through. This is like a nice night out mixed with beautiful slow Jams. Higher will be on my playlist for ages. I needed some RNB in my life. This is love in music form. Black excellence mixed with Neo-soul. You hear the jazz influences in so many of the tracks. I love this so much and I will be exploring D'Angelo's catalog for a while!
4.5/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I like this easy listen and shows the basis for a very influential Rock and Roll.
It was dynamic and I loved loved Good Times Bad Times.
You can hear the blues throughout this is visceral raw and real.
You can feel that they wanted to make a name for themselves. The fact that this was recorded in 36 Hours too is a shock.
I think it is a 4/5 it is not perfect for me but I likey lotties
Cat Stevens
3/5
Cute it is just cute picnic music.
It starts a bit slow but it reminds me a lot of cats and the Cradle like sad dad music Divorced dad music for sure
Bob Dylan
4/5
Awful vocals that actually get better with every listen.
The instrumentals and the word smithing is what shine here for my first bob Dylan record this one was amazing. I go out of my way to listen to my favorites and think it was well crafted
Lou Reed
3/5
IF BOB DYLAN CAN GET A 4 FOR HAVING BAD VOCALS AND GREAT MELODIES AND LYRICS I WILL LIVE AND DIE BY THE SWORD. HOWEVER, I will give this a 3.5 I regret giving THE CLASH A 4 SO BAD AHHHHHHHHHHH
The 5 song Stretch from perfect day to Make Up is my favorite but Walk on the wild side having one of the best samples of all time automatically makes this album iconic!
CAN I KICK IT YES YOU CAN
Deep Purple
4/5
WOW LEAN AND PERFECT NOT A SINGLE SONG ON HERE IS FLUFF. I like some songs more than others.
The background vocals and simple guitar chords, I literally can feel the influence for so much coming from this record.
I hear alot of video game music from this one Like there is literally the battle theme from Final Fantasy 7 in Pictures of home.
I will be listening to this one for a while.
Here is my rank
Lazy
Never Before
Smoke on the Water
Highway star
Maybe I am a Leo
Pictures of home
Space Truckin
Jefferson Airplane
2/5
Just like 4 songs too long for me. Like this needs to choose what genre it wants to be. I do not have much more to say when it was pyschedelic it was best.
Highlights are somebody to love
She has funny cars
White rabbit
In the morning
men need to not sing
Sabu
4/5
WEPA BABY THIS IS SMOOTH!
I can hear the influences that some of my favorite Bachata songs took from this era of music.
It is just easy listening and not much more which does not make it bad but makes it a nice background album.
The instrumentation and the way the band works together on some of the songs is so interesting like on Rhapsodia del Maravilloso, The guitar keeps building higher and higher while the drums cascade in.
So much patience and grace in a move like that
its a 3.5 closer to a 4
Ray Charles
5/5
God I am so sick I forgot how I feel about this album. 5/5 no misses and beautiful singing
David Bowie
4/5
I like this lot the first and last tracks are for sure the standouts and I love the dynamic way Bowie does his lyrics. Not all the songs hit but in order they stand well. I think Bowie is also the most prevalent artist on this so get used to praise. This album would be perfect if i was not sick
Tangerine Dream
1/5
I hate Trance music I hate anjunabeats.
i CANT STAND THIS EVEN IF IT IS ELECTRONIC COULD NOT FINISH AND DID NOT CARE
Marvin Gaye
5/5
"WAR IS HELL WHEN I WILL IT END, WHEN WILL PEOPLE START GETTING TOGETHER AGAIN."
I heard this album for the first time during covid and this line hit so hard.
This is a perfect concept album of the Veteran struggle and may be one of the most perfect albums ever created. Not in my personal top 5 but Objectively I KNOW.
When the notes HIT ON THE SAVE THE BABIES OH MY GOD.
How can you make music that has so much meaning be so catchy and groovy.
GOD IS LOVE IS SUCH A GOOOOOOOD INTRO TO MERCY MERCY ME
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
IF THIS IS WHAT CHRISTIAN MUSIC WAS LIKE I WOULD BE DEVOUT I CAN LISTEN TO THIS FOR DAYS :)
Mercy Mercy Me was my intro to this album through The Strokes cover which is also good but not to the level!
Anyways love
The Monkees
3/5
Not the greatest album and definitely not one I have to listen to before I die like we are grasping at straws here but this was just okay.
I like them and some songs went into the playlist but I will just listen to the beatles instead.
Soundgarden
2/5
Millennial rock I just can’t get into it man. Like there are moments Black Hole Rock but again idk it just sounds kinda cringy to me. Grunge is cool and all I’m just idk about it. I know the influence from this record but maybe if I was like really depressed but for now it’s just okay to me
ABBA
5/5
I mean this is a clear Zach 5/5
Grew up with Abba and I love the deeper cuts on this album too.
Starting off so fun with when I kissed the teacher god I wish I was the teacher!
My love, my life is such a sonically rich ballad.
Dum Dum Diddle is the clear standout and not sure how it did not get into mamma mia it is sooooo camp and EUROVISION its crazy haha
That's me is wrong I would marry her!
Tiger makes Survivors version look like a cover wow
Having a literal hymn sung in Arrival is just beautiful I feel like the album should have started with that cause wow I am in ABBA church praise.
of course, dancing queen, knowing me knowing you, Fernando, money money money all classics and forever mainstays in the cultural landscape.
I need this album on CD bad I realize but ABBA is so hard to find!
Minutemen
4/5
Honestly really liked this and yeah its a genre meld but I think that the Punk influence is here and the songs that i do not like do not overstay their welcome. I like maybe partying will help alot!
I really think this is a 4 and the guitar playing is so unique I would love to mosh to this
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Perfect 3. I again do not hate this and there are bright spots but it is unmemorable I only really like it when love breaks down.
This is just another album used to pad out these lists I mean it is just British Pop very dreamy but it does not gonna stick with me and that is why I think the worst category to be in there is the 3 Right in the middle where I wont think about it next week
Air
5/5
THE FRENCH MAKE THE BEST ELECTRONIC IN THE WORLD. I REMEMBER FINDING THIS ALBUM RANDOMLY AFTER CRAVING MORE DAFT PUNK AND AHHHHH SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS. SO SPACEY. Remember was one of the highlights for my early college life just walking around campus not knowing what I wanted just pretending to know what they were saying in French. GOD IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL THIS IS WHAT LIFE SHOULD SOUND LIKE ALL THE TIME. LIFE IS SO HARD MAN AND ALBUMS LIKE THIS MAKE IT EASIER KEEP EM COMING
Radiohead
3/5
It ends way better than it starts only the big songs are the ones that will stick with me and Videotape is a great end to an album. I just don't get it I will keep revisiting over the next few weeks to see if I get the hype but my best friend said this is one of the records that has influenced him the most and I just do not get it. I like half the songs on here and the others are just whiny Tom Yorke man speak up please.
I understand this is an iconic record but I just find it so hit or miss and the genre-bending does not do nearly enough.
Weird fish
all i need
Jigsaw
Video tape
Reckoner
those were the highlights.
Again I want to give it more chances but for now it is just okay upon like 2 listens
Meat Loaf
5/5
5/5 AGAIN I AM ON A ROLL BOYS.
This is the first 5 where I was not familiar with the artist at all but I love meatloaf( irony)
This is giving Broadway and show tunes and the beat switch on Paradise by the dashboard is so much fun.
What a rollercoaster from the album art I was sure I would not like this but the saxophone usage and the piano and the singing and the story omg I can not get enough of this. Rock and roll and blues and jazzy.
All revved up with no place to go. It is so Campy and cheesy. I want more fun and interesting music like this stop giving us depressed stuff for 5 minutes.
This is be a classic and on my CD wall soon!
The Rolling Stones
2/5
It is all covers and one original song "Tell Me" which is laughably bad IMO. Like they are trying to get a Beatles thing going on and it just doesn't hit in that song
Carol and Can I Get a Witness are the only 2 I can listen to a lot.
Like Jagger sounds hungry but it is 100% reminding me of a cover band I saw with Samuel at the fair. No bite and trying to be angsty.
I want to give this a 2 and I might not be sure as I write this.
I hate how lazy it all sounds Now I've got a witness is just can I get a witness but it doesn't add anything for it to be its own thing for me and the instrumentals are fine but its padding the runtime and not interesting enough .
I wanna say hey this has good R&B influences but the only reason this album is on her is for the fact that it is their first record and that is it. If this album was in the middle of their discography nobody would care about it. I am glad they got their footing based on this record but I can not help but be disappointed at the lack of punch here and real fire here.
2,5/5 for me but closer to a two like easy listening and not hated but that is the worst thing for me not memorable.
I went in on this one cause it disappoints, at least it does not overstay its welcome
The Dictators
3/5
No context Back to Africa is a crazy song.
I hear the influences in other bands like alot of the misfits are in here and wavves cloud nothing too also they reference beach boys alot.
It is cheesy af and its surf rocky. As a debut I would have this it is interesting and fun.
Live for cars and girls LOL like come on it doesnt get more fun and silly than that.
This is hilarious and corny as heck. Not all the songs work like anything after california sun until the end but it isnt bad.This is is a 3.5 for me but its closer to a 3 I liked this and it feels right for this list as the beginning of punk rock. I will be playing Cars and Girls and Teengenerate for a long time. I am glad i was shown this :)
Don McLean
3/5
This is sad this is so sad I just do not think it leaps past its title song and Vincent.
I think the lyrics are what carry this record and I am glad I heard it the top song is enough to be on here.
There are glimpses of amazingness here and I love them
Crossroads and Everybody Loves Me baby win me over.
I think I just wasn't in the mood for slow ballads but I will happily revisit!
Eminem
4/5
This is a 4.5 through and through but a great debut that would be topped by his next record.
The wacky and fun use of skits and the ad lips and crazy bars. The crazy beats are so much fun I just don't give a fuck has this drone in the background that works so well and makes that song so fun to listen to.
This is the slim shady moniker beginning and this thrash punk rapper that was not seen as a "Thug" Rapper allowing him to be accepted into the greater culture.
Role model is such a good commentary on the way that hip hop was seen back then while being just a hype track.
I can not give this a 5 cause Eminem show and MMLP have better production and have better moments.
I will love this record though for the way the CD looks and how important it was!
Favs were
Guilty conscience- I love the video for this one too so silly and also like a core memory when i was kid
Brain Damage
Role model
My Fault
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Easy listening... when people say Jazz is music for the background they mean albums like this I mean. This is an amazing feat a woman singer who in the late 60's in the age of rock and roll and makes a record so jazz so preachy and so nice to listen to. I do not see the meaning of why it is here but it is just fine she has a beautiful voice too.
The drums on No Easy Way Down are incredible, Listen to that song and just listen to the drums wowwow.
This has the weird problem with records where the middle is forgettable and the beginning and ending are great!
Son of a preacher man is an iconic song and its cool yeah it is cool
I think this is a perfect 6 from me
Favorite tracks: so much live and No easy way down
a
Heaven 17
3/5
Add this to the list of Title songs that go dummy hard. I love this not all the songs hit but this is so david bowie coded and I love it
Geisha Boys and Temple girls is a highlight for me. Again it feels strange to have on this list like totally out of place imo.
Fun techno vibe that doesnt have the worst parts of techno like a good 5/10 but i will give it a 3
Megadeth
2/5
Yeah this is all very samey and I stick with just one song I did not care to listen to the lyrics, and I know how monumental this record is but other than the cool guitar riffs and shredding I could not get into this like I am gone here.
3/10 closer to a 4 than a 2
Elis Regina
5/5
The world works in mysterious ways.
I just started reading a Brazilian book about a man who has died and has full prospective on his life and begins to speak on life and the delusion of dying and wanting more time. How fitting for this compilation jazz album from a jazz artist who died far too soon.
To extend the book story I started reading it and will now have this record in the background as it fits perfect, and I loved every second of this compilation with the beats and the vocals. Music is truly transcending all barriers. I love it.
I am getting a bit emotional during this review not but I must give this a 5
R.E.M.
1/5
I swear if we get one more divorced dad album, I will actually start talking to my dad again.
I just cant get into it I looked all on the subreddit for REM and what am I missing and I know alot of alt rock is becoming popular with my generation, but I just do not enjoy it. I think its well-made and artistic but I will never revisit this and I enjoy some songs this might be a 2/10 from me like closer to a 3/10 I just no like.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
This Ella is my queen I agree with the top review though there are better compilations that have seemingly been left our and I could honestly go for 3 more hours of this Ella voice and I understand the moral qualms with this pick but ALAS good music all the same and I think Ella American songbook is more iconic but this might be better.
I would give this a 5 but I will give it a 4 in protest
Common
3/5
Common the actor has has better records than this but this being his first major record is what makes this so special the jazz and funk behind this is incredible. Hearing early Jill Scott makes me so happy. Yeah some of the stuff is problematic and I don’t think he’s the greatest wordsmith but I think this feature heavy hip hop was and is important more to a 5 than 6
Peter Tosh
3/5
Wow legalize it is a great start to a record and what a fun record it starts and ends so funky. I hear the influences of this record in so much reggae if this is one of the earliest examples of it it took at the great ideas and used them all here. Even the bad ideas whatcha gonna do and let jah be praised didn’t hit and some songs were very samey but the unique in some tracks like
Burial and brand new second hand man those are gonna be with me for
A while.
This deserves to be on this list for sure
Oasis
5/5
I’m serious a perfect debut this is up there with Justice and the strokes and wow I mean I love every song and they found their sound immediately I just wanna see the new record
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Bro Elvis Costello has to articulate more like come on.
My favorite misheard lyric is on I dont want to go to Chelsea.
I dont want to check your "balls"
I actually like this The back half is so much stronger than the first half
basically lip service to the ending is so so strong and amazing songwriting and the band is immaculate you just have to go through the first half to get there ahhh.
After the first song it is hard to listen to but I like costello and if this is apparently his best record then yeesh I am okay
Depeche Mode
4/5
A very scary album. Like genuinely a great satirical title. I love the Cure and the Smiths and this right up that same alley. I will listening to and relistening to this one often. An album tht strikes such an emotion and leaving us with moonlight sonata at the end of the dread is beautiful.
Little 15 is a standout to me and I want you now is one of the most unnerving starts to a song ever.
I am a child and I laughed at Sonta 14 in cum LOL
Def Leppard
1/5
forgettable forgettable forgetable I want my time back Jesus this was so boring and I have no idea what legacy this record has I know it is acclaimed but this is just 80s music but it is so like washed there is no edge I hate it. I never want to listen ever again this would be a 0/10 if i could.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
If I get one more bad album this week I will be upset.
This gets a 2 solely for the second song on the album which is amazing after the first 2 minutes IMO.
This is a forgettable and mediocre record in this whole list another one i did not have to hear before my death. Please be better
3/10 closer to a 2/10 but you know what I am giving it a 1 forget it
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
I am comparing this to the other chemical brother's album and this is a true 9.
A house classic and helped not only cement the legacy of house music but also is just a beautiful, crafted record with hype throughout the whole thing.
One of the strongest openings by them and the strongest closer that I revisit and listen to constantly.
Piku is one of my favorites it is so electric with its drums and overlapping samples it just rewards you for patience and I would love to just vibe out on a dance floor to this.
I agree this is an abloom worth listening to before death
David Bowie
3/5
Not my favorite Bowie but mostly instrumentals and it was interesting. I loved all the instrumental tracks but the lyrical tracks just didnt do it for me secret life of arabia was okay.
Nuelkoln was one of my favorites as was sense of doubt.
You just get these feelings from these songs and wow.
sons of a silent age and heroes are the only lyric songs that will stick with me. This is a 7/10 but closer to a 6 for me so. I am glad I heard it
George Harrison
5/5
out of the blue is up there with one of my favorite ending to album I think ever.
Never have I had an album be an instant classic in my eyes so fast. Listen some of these songs I would not listen to outside the context of this album but I do not hate them or dislike them they are merely messengers for this album to be played in.
Awaiting on you all is such a great bop that I wish the Beatles performed.
The Christian themes and wow this is the Beatle I am least familiar with. This is my favorite album I have been introduced to from this challenge I can see why it is memed to death as being like a music buffs favorite album or a douchebag for Brooklyn's favorite.
I love almost every instrumentation and song and I want this record bad LIKE SO BAD.
This is a 10/10 this is perfect in the way an album like this can be and a classic record that I needed to hear before death.
Thank you
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
This is giving me The Cure vibes and it is post punk. I always love albums like this that their biggest song is deep in the album because that means that people had to listen deep into a record to find the "best song."
As a full product what I like outweighs what was contrived and okay and I want to listen to more of their stuff.
The Killing Moon is such a great song. The brits are so good at making abstract poetic songs i feel like the lyricism in brit pop and rock is so much more poetic than others idk.
In seven seas he says tortoise weird so I can't respect this album anymore.
Ocean Rain is a beautiful song, and the instrumentation carries this to another level I need to hear this with a full orchestra.
These guys are ripe for a Gen Z, Jeff Buckley or Deftones renaissance I feel it.
This is a 8/10 for me closer to a 7
Black Sabbath
4/5
Iconic Ozzy Osbourne is truly one of the best to do it. They are all playing os perfectly you just feel the passion with every single note played and lyric sung. There is no wonder every single movie trailer wants to mimic and use these songs. Instant hype from so many of these songs while also being cool.
Metal music has been one of my weaker genres as I remember is metal core from high school and college.
You can literally hear the influences that sprung off them and certain melodies in the tracks are so familiar and they all started here.
Rat Salad has a beautiful Drum solo in the middle which blew me away and the guitar and drums are just fighting in this what I call song-fu
Electric funeral is beautiful it is almost like the guitar is a 2nd vocalist.
Also the subtle use of the triangle makes me happy
perfect 8/10
Yes
3/5
This is prog rock and it starts so strong. Roundabout being the Jojo theme song I am fairly familiar with that song but never bother to listen to anything else. It starts strong though. It is weird and hits every genre and the synths and bass are so strong of some of these tracks such long distance run around. Like with the rush album that we heard early on this is good. I think it drags just a bit with the last ballad of a song.
America is much better than heart of the sunrise for sure. This is boom prog rock but I enjoy it its just a good 7/10 to me.
Five per cent for nothing is one of the worst interludes ever imo
Talking Heads
4/5
Talking Heads are the blueprint for LCD Soundsystem with a mix of velvet underground and I love it.
I wanna visit all their music cause I wanna watch stop making sense so bad.
The beats on this record are amazing.
It starts incredibly, with some jockey giddy songs like, Thank you for sending me an angel and The Good thing.
The good thing is the highlight of the record for me.
This album does feel like it has alot of influences with the strokes "the new abnormal" and Djo Decide. I hear it on Take me to the River and Im not in love. This album feels like a Jam session with your friends where you are just having fun. Something about this sounding like a live album yet not being makes it feel it so real and awesome. I was gonna give it a 3 but I think it is a 4 8/10
Beatles
5/5
You knew this was a 5 but I am not gonna give my opinion on this album in protest: okay i will say though all bangers (5 interwoven songs is amazing) while I would have loved a concept ala sgt peppers this does not miss.
PROTEST: I felt really sad listening to this record. I took to this challenge wanting to extend my music taste and while that has happened, I feel like with this album being the highest rated on the site and me anticipating a Monday album I just got sad. I listen to a lot of music more than average for sure, so I am realizing that one day I won't have time to listen to every single album or even every single classic and with the finite time I have on this planet I am ultimately am glad I am doing this to expand my reach and understanding of music as a whole.
Digital Underground
4/5
SO MUCH FUN, ITS SCIFI HIP HOP LOL. aside- tupac technically got his start in this group.
This is so funky and groovy and it is silly af just every song is so hot and heavy I can imagine dancing in the club to this record.
Humpty Dance to start is such a bop and a classic.
You go into the way we swing tells you all you need to know about the album, they take the teachings of the furious Five and become these raunchy and funny rappers.
The beats are also so eclectic and well mixed and has that old school feel while also being hype af.
The album takes a lul in the middle with The Danger zone and Freaks of the industry but has a strong concept to end the album.
The idea of a Sex packet is a clear motif on the opioid crisis in the 80s and it just shows how easily addiction can happen but doesn't really go much deeper but it is good to have some nuance to this conversation of comparing drugs to a sex drug.
I really liked this and I want more B-boy and fun hip hop like this now.
Fats Domino
3/5
This isn't really an album like it's just singles so I won't really be rating it as such. I just can't give this a 4/5 in good faith but it's not a 2 so a 3 it is. Fats is a great musician that I have heard many times. Rock and Roll Legend and a darn good one at that. I love the way that the songs are just so dynamic a bit of jazz influence and just beautiful love songs. I really have nothing to say since its all singles liked them all but again it is a compilation which not the biggest fan of. I love old rock and roll solos too fats piano solos are to die for
Frank Black
2/5
meh just meh I dont see how this is even on this list and it was really boring I like a few of the songs but it was not a bad time just forgettable and I listen to it twice and nothing stayed with me I do not remember anything
Depeche Mode
3/5
Enjoy the silence is an iconic 90s song come on but I think I am too harsh on Depeche Mode I need to be nicer and I need to be better about listening to old disco and electronic stuff. I think this will grow on me. I like the start I think World in my eyes and personal jesus are fun and interesting tracks I just help to feel like once you heard one you heard them all.
I enjoyed but at the cost of kinda getting the jist of it 30% through
The White Stripes
3/5
Like I said one of the greatest intros of any album ever. This song has become more than itself. The battlefield 1 trailer with this song hit so well man. Anything after that just does not have the same punch and listen I listened to alot of Jack White in 2018 when he put out his solo album but I think that this album really fails to capture me UNTIL in the cold cold night and then we are just okay for a bit UNTIL Little Acorns to the end. I love the ending. I think the breaking the 4th wall for the last song is so funny and I think it is a beautiful piece. There are good beats and instrumentation here but I was not blown away. 6/10
The Prodigy
4/5
God so Dirty and Grimey and just so fun to dance to. I can't help but bop my head at the sound of this album and just be hype at the electric sounds. This is a club hit and I have heard so many remixes of these songs over the years that revisiting the raws feels just as good. Voodoo people being the stand out here and what a song it is just raw and visceral. It does get kinda samey in the middle which brings it down a bit songs like The heat.
The break Beats of Poison is incredibe and breaks up that samey tone. We literally see the influences that this album had on the late 90s especially with daft punk. I mean this is just Homework the prequel so classwork if you will. I will always appreciate what this album did for the culture. Lets start the dance :)
Billie Holiday
5/5
I am not reviewing the extra tracks other than "The end of a love affair"
Just knowing that this was her last album before death jesus This is so so sad like she was heartbroken from the hard life she lived and to end on these doldrums of broken promises and relationships is hard and the instrumentation is beautiful here. Listen I know its all covers but Billie Brings a beauty and kinda finality with these.
You've changed is such a sad sad song that just takes me back to past loves that have move passed and I have been both the singer and the subject.
But beautiful has a great solo in the middle which just crescendos with the flutes ahhh
Billie also adds these flutes over some of the songs which make them so much more interesting.
I could listen to her voice for hours and I have there is nothing to hate here she came back after 16 years to sing songs outside of her style and it is shown to you from Im a fool to want you
Beck
4/5
This is the most 3.5 4 I have given so far.
I saw Beck in concert earlier this year and it was bombastic and fun and exciting and I was unfamiliar with his music. I then got to listening to this record which was a complete 180 of the sound I heard from a much older beck. This album was made after a hard breakup for him and it shows. It is radiohead Carseat headrest and pink floyd mixed to create this beautiful symphony of sounds and ideas. These are songs that feel like you are floating in space but they are so slow and sad and getting myself to that space to appreciate the artist was difficult cause I dont feel sad right now.
I loved this and the album cover is very beautiful as well
Round the bend has a beautiful siren voice in the background which is amazing feels like you are in space and you hear a call out to you.
Lonesome tears is such a heartbreaking song. I can just see the influence this had on the likes of Tame Impala.
I like this alot and yes I did cry
Coldplay
2/5
Literally 3 songs stuck out to me on this record and I was yellow High speed and Sparks. Maybe I am past my prime with this sound of rock but It is too much like radiohead so breathy and dream poppy but I just did not like this record. I think coldplay might be a bit overrated in these cases. I just couldnt get down to the breathy and annoying vocals of this album and Coldplay more than weezer is so unpredictable when it comes to music they put out good albums like rush of blood and bad ones like they might be even worse than fallout boy in this imo anyways meh moving on
Ramones
4/5
This is the definitive Punk Record, and it really makes me want to sniff some glue. The angst and punch of the guitars it's just so real. This is that hunger that I see missing in the mainstream but digging even a bit of the service this sound is still alive in bands like Julie, Fontaines D.C, Jeff Rosenstock etc. Like it has extended past its misfits, Ramones and the clash influences. All that said however this still kicks so hard and yeah title track is iconic but every song after has this beautiful dance between the guitars, drums and vocals all fighting for the spotlight which just makes so much more hardcore that they can all contest for the top spot. The best part about this record is that the lows are only lows for like 2 minutes max 53rd and 3rd wasn't my favorite but let's dance comes on right after to make me feel better. At less than 30 minutes you can listen to this whole album on your way to get groceries or morning commute as the Ramones intended this album to be heard and be back to listening to NPR on your way back. 9/10
Aretha Franklin
5/5
I have always focused on Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald neglecting Aretha because she had a Soul sound and I focused on the jazz sounds that the formers brought. BUT THIS IS INCREDIBLE one of the best Soul albums I have ever heard, and these are beautiful just mixed and sounding songs. AINT NO WAY IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD GENUINELY. There is not a second a moment of filler anywhere on this album. The highs of Come Back Baby and the grooves of Sweet sweet baby. This is a template for what all the best music should be. I get actual goosebumps listening to this album over and over. Even slow songs like People Get Ready still feel beautiful and the drums feel like a train waiting in the station it is absolutely beautiful. I can hear all the music that has stemmed just from the lyrical and sonic genius of this. Money won't change me BUT THIS ALBUM HAS 5/5 one of my favorites so far.
Talvin Singh
1/5
You would have to do force me to listen to this album again. WHAT HAVE I SAID ABOUT AMBIANCE AND TRANCE MUSIC FOR THIS LIST.
YOU COULD WATERBOARD ME AND I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT A COHERENT OPINION ON WHAT I LISTENED TO. I AM A BIT DRAMATIC HERE BUT IT IS A 2/10 I LIKE THE SECOND SONG THAT IS IT. WHEN PEOPLE SAY JAZZ IS BACKGROUND MUSIC THEY REALLY MEAN THIS TYPE OF MUSIC THIS IS MUSIC TO FALL ASLEEP TO. THIS IS MUSIC YOU HEAR IN A SPA. JUST FORGETTABLE AND NOT WORTH THE SLOT I AM NOT A HATER it's just not iconic I like butterfly and thats it next
The Who
3/5
This has that beatles and Beach boys vibe while being a bit too long and I like the concept of the commercialized album literally I just think it is far too long and way too front loaded to where the band end kinda blows. It goes from one good song to like a bad one like rael 1 is great rael 2 kinda blows. I like this though the 60s was a weird time for music and exploration.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
It’s so easy I see big band jazz I give it a 5 it’s all a science. Jesus what a well paced and beautiful album that is short compositions while still feeling engaging through its runtime. Drummer is on point and Basie on the piano is always a pleasure. This is a 10/10
The Isley Brothers
4/5
I don't have much to say here. groovy beautiful iconic and influential. I love the funky and grooves here it just was not perfect to me. I love I LOVE the isley brothers and this album makes me love them more. Sunshine has a synth and guitar solo which makes me so happy because I love the beautiful noises they provide. Okay nothing else.
The Fall
2/5
Snooze post punk that didn’t really do anything for me and there were few tracks that will ever stick with me it’s not awful it’s just uneventful another album that has no place on this there is better post punk and this was slow and muddy meh
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
As the title suggests, this is a very hazy album with some good moments but okay and passable moments are few between. I hear david bowie, I hear Bruce Springsteen, I hear Elliot smith I hear R.E.M and yet none of it really feels like it is fully realized. The 90's had some really great records and I love being thrown onto new artist but this just wasn't as excitable as one would lead you to believe. The song the Hook uses the chorus to talk about the Hook kinda fun and engaging but American snoring is RATM inspired too but It is all so passable. I will not be revisiting, and I have a strong letter written to the creator of this book and list cause how much were you paid. By the last song I was glad it was ending even if the song itself was good. 4.5/10 but really a 4
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Jazz... Monk... Vibes. I want to just highlight one song that really stood out above the rest not even because it is the best but just feels so deep a personal. There is a point in listening to enough jazz that you start to hear the instruments speak and tell the story of a song call it leitmotifs or call and response whatever. It is a magical moment to hear a song so beautiful that is just piano but meaningful. I surrender Dear is that song, I just hear this song of a couple on their last vacation and reminiscing on the times that they had in love and how that is gone. As the song progresses you feel the temptations and the love coming back as they realize they can no longer not love one another and you can literally hear the voices in the song and the last minute they are both opening their hearts as you hear one of them say "I love you" and after that Monk does a slide down the piano at this revelation. We end with a motif of wedding bells and hope for a future of our couple. Thats what i felt at least. I love Jazz
Duke Ellington
4/5
Holy stacked lineup here take the a train was incredible from this show and there is not much to say not perfect to me but good enough. I will be revisiting this often
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
This is folky and its soft boy hall and oates. This is way different than anything. I think i just love the diversity of this record so beautiful and Hazy Shade of Winter is such a fun and interesting track. I love mrs robinson too just cause I wanna watch the graduate so bad. I knew the record was iconic but I did not realize that they touched so many genres and it really feels like the beatles in some instances. I like the bookends theme as a whole its a great motif as well :)
George Michael
4/5
I think this is as grand as it is meant to be. Also in the Apple Music top 100 and I can tell these are power ballads and they are so so so iconic. What an intro. The guitar is so incredible I love it so much. I am actually listening to it again and I am gonna leave the library after. I will let you know :p There is so much soul and heart in these lyrics they really feel so timeless and the music does not even feel that dated. Songs love to repeat lyrics over and over to end songs. WOW okay I think this is a 8 easy maybe 9 on a good day but every song on here rocks. some of the slower piano stuff works and it has tragedy to it but George Micheal when he is singing about sadness and really pushing himself feels amazing
Favs: Heal the Pain
Waiting for that Day
Praying for time
soul free is dated tho
50 Cent
3/5
The flow that 50 has on his debut is insane the first few songs are a masterclass in patience and artistry. Eminem feature is perfect.
High all the time is the first song that is just a bit boring It 100% was written for Nate Dogg don't lie, listen to the flow funny cause he is on this record. Songs like this are riddled though the great ones. This is an Iconic record and a perfect 7/10 here.
This is the extension of Gangsta rap that I love Heat is such a iconic song!
Blood Hound transition to Back Down is incredible Ja rule who? to transition that into P.I.M.P is the highlight of the record it just shows his mantra of gangsta rap but not being as visceral as he could be. All in all this is a fun and hype time that modern hip hop still rings to with the likes of pop smoke and Future imo
Pink Floyd
5/5
Second easiest 5 so far. This album is iconic but you knew that what I will tell you instead is how I first got introduced to this album. It was 10th grade and I was walking with Nick and he turns to me and goes do you know why so many people have Pink Floyd shirts well it is because they sold the IP and anyone can use it which is why you see it on all the shirts. I haven’t ever bothered to look it up but I live by that. Anyways 5/5
Pixies
3/5
This record actually wasn’t too bad on a second listen. The beauty of the rocky beats and the iconic nature of the pixies make me rate this a bit lower but I will
Keep listening
GZA
5/5
The best Solo Wutang outting CHOSE THE SWORD OR CHOSE THE BALL
PJ Harvey
3/5
kinda good :) welcome back boys
Holger Czukay
4/5
I love love love this. Seeing the origins of sampling and plunderphonics my favorite genre makes me so so happy and it’s jazz electronic fusion is so interesting. I feel a new arc coming
Bob Dylan
5/5
I actually think this may be my new favorite bob record. The first four songs are just amazing and that’s my testimony to how good a record is starting off good makes a great record. The lyrics on gates of Eden just solidifies this record as iconic because it’s just perfectly flowing into itself and perfectly restrained. I said it already I would never reach out to listen to Dylan but I love when I hear him.
Beastie Boys
5/5
WOW WOW WOW THIS IS HYPE AF! I LOVE THIS THE 90S IS BEING SOLIFIDIED AS MY FAVORITE ERA THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME GIRLS IS AWESOME NO SLEEP TIL BROOKLYN IS SO SO ICONIC AND STILL SO COOL FUCK YEAH!
Charles Mingus
4/5
What better record than this one
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
I love this album I love shoegaze and dreampop and this album has become one of my favorites this year. I watch a youtuber who talks alot about zoomer gaze and how early 2000s and late 90s music is influencing Gen Z and I feel like I have been indoctrinated to a new genre of music. There is a statistic that I heard and it is that your music taste from when you were 18 dictates the music you will listen to for the rest of your life. When I was 18 I was listening to Daft Punk and imagine dragons and khalid and I have moved pasted most of them. I could not imagine listening to this type of music 7 years ago. I am just so shocked at this. Regardless my favorite song is sometimes and it reminds me alot of europe cause I heard this album alot. Anyways bye :)
Cyndi Lauper
5/5
Oh yeah Oh yeah yeah! This is amazing I literally hear the modern influences to TV girl and even some eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. This is exactly the type of music I love, upbeat and beautiful. I will be bumping this for years god this is such a summer album, especially with how sunny it is today
Dr. Octagon
3/5
This is so 90s and so limp bizkit and eminem coded. Why was the world shocked at the profanity if this literally has a time travelling obgyn tryna have sex with his patients its wild its fun and its unique. dated yeah but I love plunderphonics and DJ shadow and this album is filled to the brim with that old school hip hop vibe love this. perfect 3 from me
Louis Prima
4/5
I always forget that I have heard this before. Louis Prima is fun its jazzy its rock its pop it is exciting every song feels like a hug and a fun party I do not want to stop. This is exactly what music is supposed to be enjoy it.
Iggy Pop
5/5
Front to back after one listen this is instantly in the hall of fame this record is so bowie yet so unqiue and the needle drop of the drums at the start to the beautiful keys and drums on tonight, I mean, this is beautiful. I love tonight so much, I love this record already, this is what life is about. I am gonna listen to the lyrics now and love it more.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
I have had this record in my collection for years because I fell in love with Harry Nilsson after I watched You've Got Mail. I had heard that this was his best work, and I liked it. Every song was beautiful. I think what I liked most was how Beatles this felt. This being his biggest work and I had heard gotta get up before, but this felt different. I actually heard the lyrics and how poignant the pauses and verbage used was. I love old music like this it makes life feel so simple.
Steve Earle
2/5
Easy Listening. I can't hate it. It isnt like the best country music ever but it started alt- country. This is essentially liberal country which is so cool to me. I think some of the songs are corny and I've heard these same melodies many different times, but I like it. I don't think it is a 3. I think I would leave this as a 2 cause it has good songs even if they a little forgettable and Think it over has a surf rock riff which works really well
4/5
Shoutout to the guy who coughed during " Mr. Tambourine Man. The first half of this literally is supposed to be the before and after of going electric. So proper, so giddy, so silly, and yet it works so well. This version of Dylan is so amazing, and I am more of a fan of the electric Dylan, so when Tell Me Momma starts and just blows us all away with the dirtiness of it. Bob Dylan knows how to put on a show. The " Like a Rolling Stone ending is truly one of the greatest live versions I have ever heard. Dylan is putting his whole heart into it. This sounds like the end of an era. This feels like what the end of the world sounds like. Everything is falling apart, but Dylan's voice and guitar are keeping us alive. This is everything I had hoped for with Dylan's name behind this, and it is amazing.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
I remember liking this it feels like a good dinner party record I wanna revisit the jazzy flows
Donald Fagen
5/5
Dudeeeee soooo groovy and funky and I just love what Fagen does on here. I mean steely Dan being like the most influential prog jazz band you gotta wonder how they work solo. It’s the vocals that really make this record fagen just has a unique voice like rivers cuomo even and I love it. I will be bumping this for a while and it’s just a great album through and through 10/10 no notes Dan forever
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
I like this you can cancel me if you want but I love that it shifts genres midway through. I like the second half more, even though my favorites are in the first half, when it is more like whiny. The more mellow indie first half sounds a little folk and it also has way more harp and shoegaze vibes.
John Lennon
4/5
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH YOKO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a perfevt four. This album changed the way I view John I always thought that Paul was the brain, but it may be John!!! This album also helped me differentiate what john sounds like on beatles records, I know I know. All in all I think this is a really sold work and the genres played with here are awesome. More pls
Goldie
2/5
I am being transported to another dimension here. I just finished reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and this album feels like that book, so unique and random. It is very kenny G in the second half. Not so much DNB its so soulful and jazzy which weirds me out. The second half is more trance with light light DNB elements it just is ambieance. Not that fun and a little droney. I enjoyed the expereince as much as one enjoys hearing car traffic not much but gives a sense of perspective. When you ask me to be patient and nothing happens I feel worse listening and it doesnt help that the songs kept stopping because wifi is bad.
The Cure
3/5
The Cure at their spookiest yet. They were experimenting for a depressing sound, and this is a bit too dark for me. The vocals take a backseat to the drone of the guitar and Bass unlike how lead with guitars as time went on. Robert Smith sings more like a poet here than an actually singer. between a 3-4
Alice In Chains
3/5
This is very samey right like super similar to itself. It has like a mad max feel or a survival zombie game feel. I love how bass centered this is as well. This is not my typical style heavy and black sabbath inspired. I would 100% listen to this again and I think this is an important album to the culture and feels like it pushed this type of rock forward
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
This is alot more droney than before I like this and I like that it is shorter than Mellon collie but it has less hits it’s way more lowkey and it kinda feels dream rock and psychedelic for a bit. Luna is a great ending but realistically it just kinda blends together. Somber and lowkey but doesn’t pack that same punch as the original but better because it’s shorter. Glad they fixed the singing in the next record
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This was the first Cd that I ever got, and I did not listen to it that much. This album is a 5 for the story alone yeah maybe it is overrated and overplayed but it shaped everything to come for bands like this. The dual woman and man singers the cheating. I cant say more I like this record its not my favorite but I can not deny the influence.
Shack
2/5
This reminds me alot of belle and sebastian. I like this very easy listening but not that much meet to it. I can hear the modern indie influence here in like Alex G or Tame Impala. It has a lot of good singing and background vocals, just a fun time. I also have to ask why is this here kinda weird how much Britpop is here and how little electronic music there is
Japan
4/5
Oh I love love this. Ethereal and so groovy. The brits really are goated at party and fun music. Quiet life is anything but that it shakes it breathes. The guitars are crying on all tomorrows partys. The mellow of knowing you have to party and yet being sad anyway. The music is so mellow one second and then the next we are grooving and the lyrics. Alien is amazing. The final song drones on at the end you have made it to the other side of life I want this album so bad now. The cover is so cool ahhhhhhh
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
What are you fighting for. Catchy tune I am not sure what this records impact is. Brain drain feels just like that she is draining all my energy. I think it work well as a record and the covers are awesome buy why'd ya do it is a crazy messy song. A anthem of cheating and also getting cheated on it is crazy two crazy people just calling each other out. I don't think its that iconic. Just okay but fun to listen to for an hour.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Bro popped his ultimate on one song lol. I like how easy this is to listen to and it is too damn iconic it is a perfect three I think the piano and the guitar is so smooth.
Carole King
5/5
Old school one hit wonder pop that just hits this is the perfect album for going to Central Park, and I love the beautiful nature of the love in these places. I feel the earth move is such a beautiful love song and I feel like a dream. May is mellow af i need this record badddddd
The Zombies
3/5
I like this as I said this is so 60s but it feels fresh still and does its own thing. First and last song are awesome and this is a good listen probably a 4 but im gonna go 3
Living Colour
3/5
My favorite color is living color. It teeters on def leppoard vibes but it is nice and funky I like the vocals and the back half while much worse it still sucked me in and I have to say I really really like the guitar work again here. I probably wont visit this but I understand the impact of a black rock band and cool that is.
Randy Newman
1/5
Nah Randy too smooth saying the N word. Did he perform this song live did he ask the crowd to also say it with him. Super weird but honestly hilarious. This is the perfect album to troll your friends with. I had a girlfriend whom I convinced I liked, Temporary Secretary, which is very funny. Besides the opening track man I heard "Naked Men," and I thought it was another N word song, yikes. I am on edge. Anyway, I think a lot of the songs sound the same, but honestly, it is not aggressively bad it is just like easy listening slop it is crazy that this is 20 years before Toy Story, yet it sounds exactly the same man he has not changed. That being said like I dont think I will find myself listening to it again. We are rednecks aint that right, Randy
The Temptations
5/5
Today has been a fucking Journey! This is fucking incredible. New singer, new sound, yet it is so fucking hot I love this. The back half of this is literally legendary. Hey Girl is amazing and just hits so hard. Why did she have to leave me is just amazing there is a moment where he sings "Only yesterday I was king on a throne" that moment the backing vocals cut out which gives it more emphasis and also they change key and it is so so goof and I don't care if it is covers or what THERE IS A 9 MINUTE SOUL SONG PYSCHEDLIC HERE WTF, and it is so smooth and dreaming and really digs into the vibe that the music world was giving. I think is my favorite Temptations record, it is just so so smooth and even the drumming is so contained. so much instrumentation. I am so happy I found this.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
The story behind this is so inspiring. Music transcends all. Getting help from Julian Casablancas is awesome too.
I think the guitar is so so crispy. You can feel the influences behind the music so clearly. I even hear like some vampire weekend energy on jolie. I think this is cool and I am blown away but I don't see myself coming back but I am glad I heard it
Morrissey
2/5
Are there really only 3 good songs in here. First off yeah whatever morrissey sucks. I like the smiths and one solo morrissey song. I think this is not that great it just feels so forgetable and the subject matter is meh. I like you, First of the gang to die and I have forgiven jesus the rest just feels filler meh. Maybe next time.
Eric Clapton
5/5
Eric Clapton is an artist I am not familiar with at all but I am blown away. This is so so subdued in an extraordinary way. The guitar solos are not bombastic or chauvinistic; they are somber and peaceful. No better example than let it grow. The guitar speaks to us on every song and it has conversations with the organ on Willie and the Hand Jive wow. The influences on some of these songs so reggae. I think this is easy listening in the best way very reminicient of Kind of Blue. Simple and thought out. It relies on the fade out too much I love this.
Gorillaz
4/5
Damon Albarn is a master of worldbuilding. I love this and it is just far too iconic to not be loved. There were some slower moments on this that I had never heard but I think the concept of a virtual band critiquing the mtv early 2000s vibes is too good. Rock the house 19200 Clint Eastwood Latin Simone all of these are iconic. So many genres done so well and even the instrumental tracks are so good. Demon Days is better, but this is a great debut, which is just pure Gorillaz. Damon loves these characters now, and it is awesome to see their beginnings.
Nirvana
5/5
Never kill yourself, this is amazing every single song is a heater. Territorial pissings is the greatest Grunge song I have heard so far and man this is nuts. I will be listening to this for the rest of my life and I will be loving it. I miss you Kurt you created my favorite genres and THIS IS WHAT MUSIC USED TO BE GOD SO RAW AND HARDCORE.
Metallica
5/5
Heavy Heavy Heavy. This is perfect when you are in the mood for it. Starts so raging, and I want to punch a wall, then it takes a well-needed break. The unforgiven is just such a nice change of pace in the best way. Wherever I May Roam is the highlight, the sitar just takes over, and it just bleeds its influences and is unique like nothing I have heard. This album literally feels like roaming through the desert, looking for water, slowly searching for the truth and the vocals are so scrappy yet calculated.
The Undertones
4/5
OH man I love me some punk in the morning just a fun time I can't hate this. Yeah the rain't-mones but still so groovy and scrappy I love it and I will be bumping this often.
Method Man
4/5
THIS IS WHY METHOD MAN SAYS TICALLLL ON ALL HIS SONGS OMG. Dude I just have a love for Wu-tang like no other. The samples and beats on this are nuts. Meth vs Chef is literally Spiderman vs Venom two of the greats just going head to head in a rap battle just having so much fun. Release Yo Delf Blue Rasberry singing on this is amazing as a backing track the beat. I always loved how much confidence that Method man rapped with and he just goes to town on this. Mr sandman sample sounding so evil and RZA being awesome but the second verse with Insectah Deck is Iconic and METH has a bar that goes "peace to the number 7 (G) everybody else get the 4-9-3-11" or as it is translated 4(D) 9(I) 3(C) 11(K) DICK WILD BAR truly artistry here even if some of the middle tracks pass me by. Wu-Tang forever
Miles Davis
5/5
There is actually nothing more to say here. This is probably going to be the most studied piece of music of all time because it lacks lyrics and is truly art. It is a universal record that I would probably consider the best of all time. Maybe just objectively the best of all time.
Blur
4/5
I honestly like this more than the self titled song 2 is great and all but this is so mellow and fun girls and boys is just a soild album this feels more underrated and consistent. You can hear Damon energy in this from track to track. To the end is amazing what a nice gem of a song.
Joanna Newsom
3/5
Emily song lord have mercy I can not escape it. This is very reminiscent of Bjork yet the instrumentation feels so all over the place you cant catch onto anything but that is the point the lyrics and the story are just taking this massive stew of music and love. You can feel the weight of the memories being told and I like it. I want to listen again with more intent because I think something really artistic is happening here
Haircut 100
3/5
So Jazzy, So fun I love an old school genre bend. These feels like the precursor to Steely Dan in alot of ways. I know it may not be the greatest record on this list but it has such charm and lemon firebridgade is the clear highlight as I sit with this more I think it is a bit samey but unique
Fatboy Slim
3/5
God I love this era of electronic music so many iconic and important records here and Fatboy Slim may take the top of the list. In the songs that changed the era Praise you and Right Here Right Now these are invaluable. Where I see a shift is in the beat being samey for my taste even though I like house. I think slim was a bit too overzealous in this aspect and it hurts the enjoyment. I think this type of electronic was engaging and I wish it came back more. Slim is always better with lyrics
Nick Drake
2/5
I listened to this album as I was watching a soccer game and it made me thnk about the culture clash happening on the field, Colombia, Italy, Dominican Republic, and all while taking video and listening to this. Felt very samey in the back half but I like his vocals and quirky lyrics its a 2 though
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
This is amazing I wanna keep going into EWF. I need to pick a Disco Group and I think EWF will be it. I had heard this one years ago at a Barnes and Nobles before I moved to New York. Instead of talking about the record let me just tell that story. I had a journal that I filled with all my thoughts over 3 years. Well, that entry was the first time I had written in it seriously. I wrote about my goals and my love for Disco and how daft punk was influenced by EWF and ELO. Anyways I remember sitting at the table just thinking about where my life could go and how I was in a book store just mindlessly writing. I have been alone for so long it is nice to finally get past that.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
I literally feel the sweat from the sex on this. God HOT HOT HOT. It works so well in its concept that you forget that you are listening to a man moaning, and Jesus, the women, this is just I feel like tons of drugs and sex were had, and sheesh.
Keep getting it on and Come get to this sheesh amazing. I will be making love to this soon that is a promise.
Pere Ubu
1/5
This is actual noise slop
I understand it’s unique and different but it’s massively boring.
This is like early ska music and like party rock like Andrew W.k and Jeff rosenstock it’s mosh pit slop jazz fusion and it’s interesting sure but not in a critique way more in a you can really make anything kinda way.
There is no highlight it all blends together in a mush like a meal against the Geneva convention. It is art I understand that just what noise can we put in here to keep a rhythm with a guitar it’s extending the definition of music for sure sentimental journey being the thesis of this all. A carefree song about nothing but destruction a literal deconstruction of music the drums coming in that trumpet thing. it’s hard to listen to this on purpose it’s death grips kinda it’s self aware it’s just a joke man humor me is a true full circle telling the audience in the final song this is not legit. By this point it’s too late I’ve bought in and you wasted my time by not doubling down terrible. May nobody ever find this record ever I can’t wait to listen to stuff I like now.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
Genesis is a band I don’t know about I thought they sang we built this city. Anyways Peter Gabriel is art rock which is cool he genre bends but it doesn’t feel far enough. I don’t think this necessarily showcases his potential. Slow burn has some real interesting instrumentals but what is any of this really. Feels really like a demo for a better album waiting for the big one really did feel like it led to down too Dolce Vita I like it it’s very prog but it is way too long too. There is a lot to work with here Gabriel is said to have left Genesis and created this it’s out there and unique and rarely dull it just feels unfinished. I am interested in him now and I will keep looking into his music because the theatrics won me and the genre merging is beautiful. Here comes the flood is the most realized of the bunch here the chorus is perfectly set up and the lyrics just hit. This is the best song and thankfully it builds on itself and actually pays itself off. I think Peter learned the importance of good drums here because man they are good. This saves the record from being a list of good ideas and growing pains to a career that can be shaped from this.
David Bowie
2/5
David Bowie is reliving his past with a modern band and amazing instrumentation, but you’re forced to listen to an uninspiring David Bowie sing about nonsense. You can feel there are moments of good here; the back half of this picks up. Heavy drums and guitars, Bowie. It’s just a rock that’s easy and uninspiring, feels a little like a hair metal cover band. Sometimes, there’s nothing here Bowie doesn’t leave us with anything really weak here; where is the bite, and it just meshes together. I can't wait to hear past Bowie more now
Lou Reed
3/5
Slow the instrumentation is top notch and the lyrics are sometimes awesome. It’s just boring Lou Reed singing behind great guitar and drums can only be withstood for so long. I’m curious how this got made this reminds me a lot of McCartney 3 the singing. I don’t enjoy this even the lyrics are depressing and sad about the hardship of life. Seems like Lou Reed had a lot of sadness on his mind when he made this. The kids is the most difficult listen the children scream for their mothers it’s artistic and the switch over to acoustic at the end of the song provides a somber sound and breathe from the agony of the start. I mean suicide neglect this album is a bummer and that’s what it’s trying to do and it honestly does it perfectly how can I be upset? Does that necessarily mean I have to enjoy its long outros and ambient noise. I think being in Berlin experiencing the culture and atmosphere changes you gives you a new outlook so toss aside the glam rock. What an ending sad song. The clear tonal shift from the beginning and acknowledging the elephant in the room. I personally thinks the concept works quite well. It is a bummer on purpose and I think artistically and sonically it’s very strong here and touches on some truly grim topics but the constant repeating of sad song over and over really drives hope into your mind!
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Nick Cave, what a bore, man, wow. I think it is so interesting, like Santana action happening here, and guitar work. Nature Boy is straight up like Santana literally. It sounds nice, playing-wise, but it is so, So repetitive and forgetful. O children is very forgetable the back half of this after the lyre song is kinda boring this really is a 1 I did not enjoy this I will never remember you Nick cave and your singing style is droney and so bland.
Deee-Lite
3/5
Deeeeeee-LITE heck yeah this is bouncing and its hype.Very old school and the bongs are everywhere. The lyrics go away for the last song and I think it works a bit better that way sometimes. This is interesting, it gets spooky, it gets industrial, it gets super bongo. Sometimes it gets B boy old school, it dances everywhere, and thankfully, it has rhythm. I love this, and I will find myself coming back to these are this is a hidden gem in the era that felt filled with electronic head bops this felt like they wanted to make something fun and interesting. Lady Miss Kier steals the show. I even hear some Wu-Tang vibes here.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Short album, only 29 minutes, but I could not tell you the story. This is what country music was like in the late 60's, way different than the Beatles. I enjoyed this closer to a 4 but its a 7 for me.
New York Dolls
4/5
I like this punk rock beginnings and I get the influence and I love alot of the really somber moments and the way they perceived love in a weird new york of the 70s
Fav song: Looking for a kiss
Beth Orton
2/5
I think I am just tired of this late 90s early 2000s sound. There is a reason why the Cranberries, Boa and Sixpence all stood the test of the time. This is nice and it is well made but is really is bland and I think it starts well and is easy listening but doesn't feel monumental where other albums you can feel the grit. I heard a little of the first record and the Trip hop sound was so interesting why change. Meh will never visit this again
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
CURTIS MAYFIELD! Wow I can literally hear the influences to modern singer this must be one of Gambinos biggest influences. I heard this one 5 times so in love is a beautiful song and I feel so in love
The Police
2/5
Big meh from me. I understand this type of rock and its place but it does nothing for me and it’s not even a new perspective tha I haven’t heard before mother is truly some Eminem ahh stuff.
Miss gradenko is such a vibe and it’s a little reggae and I want more of this it’s the best by far
Brian Eno
4/5
I hear Bowie, I hear talking heads. I even hear some Djo and definitely Beatles. It all works so well and meshes to become something so unique. I went on an eno arc too I don’t think it’s perfect by any means but it’s unique and interesting enough to be worthy of a 9 I loved it.
On some faraway beach is the best song I’ve heard this year
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
I found the pet shop boys in 2023 from the film all of us strangers where they needle drop always on my mind. I think that context allows me to realize how good this is. I love Brit pop and disco and it’s so so gay coded. I will be bumping this for a VERY long time
Billy Bragg
3/5
Actually pretty good I really like Wilco I just find it hard to rate being it’s covers but this made my list of albums I wanna buy.
She came along to me is one of my favs. I guess I planted too. I think Wilco fits Guthrie vibe perfect sounds a bit like Randy Newman lol
Patti Smith
4/5
I think this is a classic and what is more punk than female rebellion if we are being honest. Every song sounds like it had defined an era. I literally hear so much the strokes, blondie, Pink Floyd, the Ramones,I even hear sultans of swing. I can just feel the oozing of artist who heard this record and its effect back then and made changes. I think for that alone and presentation it’s a 9 for sure
The 3 song run from Gloria to Birdland wow
Redondo beach is obviously so reggae but it’s also so strokes. Also also birdland singing is so artistic and really showcases the range even from the droning guitar
I will revisit this one again
Janis Joplin
3/5
I always reference Janis Joplin but I had never heard her music and I get it. She broke the gendered norms inb the 60s in the age where she could not have a credit card unequal pay and no birth control janis was the punk rock pioneer of the indie and cool girl that we all know and love today. There is no Marias or Paramore or even stevie nicks without them in my opinion. That being said for the influence the music is okay a bit too 60s for me. Coming off of patti smith that felt more refined.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Bob Dylan from someone who isnt a big fan but has seen the movie incoming. I have only heard two other bob dylan album. I think for this challenge too. This is a clear 5/5 when they base other media off of your album you’ve made it. This is full of spirit and life through its lyrics and guitar. The harmonica is so so so iconic in these tracks. Don’t think twice is my favorite I used to listen to a cover not knowing it was a cover and now I love the original
M.I.A.
5/5
Yes! An album I know! Yeah I debated a 4 or 5 on this I think I’m throwing it in 5 again!
One of the most influential modern dance records of our time. Charli xcx, the weekend, Rosalia and even carries the legacy of wu tang and public enemy. I can’t hate this it is such a world album and a club banger that created recession pop and hyper pop that we know and love.Expanded dance music to the masses and bringing everyone with her, reminds me of flume with its influences god this album is truly divide between 2000s and 2010 I listen to this and literally could have come out last week it’s so good
Completely changing modern music and truly showing off the world. They call this the 3rd world album and it shows. I want to dance all night listening to this
“You think it’s tough now come to Africa.”
It’s so political too it talks immigration and capitalism and it’s so relevant. Modern classic and exactly what this is about. 5/5
1/5
BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD
The Go-Go's
3/5
I heard this record seriously like 5 times and I think it is a perfect 7/10. It has the perfect balance of iconography and also has a crazy good surf vibe. I see where alot of old school surf rock got its influences.
Surf has never truly been an amazing genre in my eyes it always comes back to easy listening but I cant hate this at all and I am glad I did explore it.
Television
5/5
THE STROKES INFLUENCES ARE OUT THERE. I hear talking heads too. I love this.
Venus is a great great track that was so ahead of its time. I really really love this
Dude title track just deconstructed itself over and over this is an easy 9 and I love seeing all the records that influenced my favorite bands
Bro prove it is literally a Geese song its insane
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Nothing like listening to an album where you've heard the songs in Kia commercials. There is a lot here. I hear some Dave Matthews on the beats, I hear some Stevie Wonder on "What I can do for you". I really like this, it is country and rock mixed, but she sings so well, and I think a lot of the songs will be in the rotation. I just think it is too long. Like we do what we can sets a great scene with its premise, but it feels a bit weak on the come-up. The ending track is a slog that doesn't really work for me the guitar just feels off, but I really like this it is a 6 for its slight theme of different genre bending
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
I think it’s a great deconstruction of modern dating and I like the beats and flows a lot. This is unique and I can see the Lauryn hill comparisons and I also hear Beyoncé. Lemonade really influenced everything but like I said modern music just has a different vibe and I like this the breathe work is also really good and added to the vibe. He put it down!!!!
Jane's Addiction
2/5
Not my favorite alternative record it’s punk and it’s unique
Ain’t no right starts with a minute long skit and that’s interesting but kinda sucks. This just feels so much like a product of its time and I think Jane addiction not that great. Probably won’t ever revisit but it had moments
Nirvana
5/5
I love this so much Nirvana is in my top 10 now. This is the original 2 dollar bill by the strokes and one of the best live concerts I’ve ever seen. The band doesn’t know what song where did you sleep last night and Kurt plays the progression for them twice so they know the changes it’s a perfect set up to the guy he was and the videography and stage are so intriguing I loved this compilation and every song was amazing and the cigarettes being lit. I wish smoking was like good for you.
Anyways I will be thinking of nirvana for the rest of my life and the lessons that Kurt can teach us.
The very very end he signs 3 things two for some fans who may be seat fillers but fan and one fan the final one that looks just like him and he searched him out clearly symbolism
to how he saw himself and it’s beautiful 10/10
Choose life
The Rolling Stones
2/5
ZzzZ easiest 2 probably so far. Why, what makes this so worth everyone's time? I am about halfway through this and it is just boring and uninspired I can not believe these guys have so much music. Hot take the stones are like greenday. Good at the start but far far far far far too many records tryna recapture the flame. I can’t do this. Their first original album and it shows paint it black And that’s it so many other debuts are interesting and cool this is sloppy and boring never again almost a 1 but saved by some songs
Janet Jackson
3/5
Yes. The motif is ham fisted but this is exactly how you do it. Yes there is a song about teaching kids literacy but I think it all works with the interludes and it’s a call to action. This is a political album and I think it’s interesting to see the Jackson’s shift while still keeping the same vibe. Maybe it’s a 90s RNB but the drums are so recognizable.
I hear the modern influences rapsody and Kendrick obviously but also like John legend. This is a post Reagan era made record where people did not like the direction of the world. Germany was split Cold War opioid and aids epidemic I get where Janet is coming from.
Some songs feel out of place escapade feels like a single that was left in.
It is about 5 songs too long doesn’t really justify the hour it runs though. I mean think about it this is 20 years. Past civil rights I think it’s just okay and enjoyable. Black cat guitar solo of course there has to be one here meh. Also she sings in SPANISH WTF THE END OF THIS RECORD IS CRAZY I get it it’s love forgetting the terrible things happening and just focus on emotions and love she doesn’t have an answer she only knows love. Preachy but I think it’s a fun time and I get Janet Jackson now.
Bert Jansch
1/5
I do not have much to say The guitar playing it is nices some songs have some great finger picking needle is the highlight for sure it is cool that it was recorded at home but I have no idea what the point of it being here is. In the grand scheme of things, I will never relisten to this. not for me but I enjoyed it. I just can't give it higher than a 1 it is a 2/10 imo
Fiona Apple
3/5
Zachary Female singer slop and I love it and I eat it up! I am stuck between a 3-4 I love the vocal melodies you can hear imogen heap and caroline polechek and Dido and I love it all. These love songs and empowerment Never is a promise with the violin and piano just beautiful and it is poetry in motion. I will be listening to this and now finally diving into fiona apple.
Blur
4/5
Oh hell yeah brit pop from the 90s I have heard this one so much, They got Bowie on this thing I mean I love damon albarn or however you spell love this easy 4
Tracy Chapman
4/5
fast car coded I wonder why this on here I will do some more digging. Ooooo I see this is classic it’s easy listening and it’s got that scratchy voice that defined the 90s. I like the bongos on a lot of these songs and her voice is just so smooth and easy to bop too. It’s still an incredibly simple and uplifting record why are babies starving if we have so much food. Why are they called peace keepers if they have to hide their faces interesting. I want this record bad now
William Orbit
1/5
It’s interesting cause this is easy listening and I do like time to get wize but good grief this is not iconic or influential this is ps2 ratchet and clank music which is fine but it’s not anything I would ever revisit but it’s just strange to have it here. All the songs blend together and yeah. Next
Kanye West
3/5
I know, I know, I swore off Kanye in 2022. I won't be revisiting it call it what it is, sorry guys. I will say in a vacuum this is a 4 every time. Yeah I hate Kanye now but to deny his influence is silly. Yeezus leads directly to the modern hyper rap that we have now with Bigxthaplug and Yeat. Kanye sucks as a guy but his impact on hip hop is still felt but never meet your heroes 3/5 really a 4/5 though but I dont want this showing up in my top. Blood on the leaves is in hisis top 5 for sure. The sample is amazing Billie holiday is truly the goat. All in all good record that’s legacy is lost cause of controversy the worst kind
Björk
5/5
I love experimental music so so much. This album cover in itself is art, the swan hidden, this is so cool. I will have to sit and listen to the lyrics, but this is artistic and beautiful. The production on this is off the charts, all the sounds and noises. The songs are long, but they know exactly when to leave and how to start the harps on pagan poetry. The repetition of "it's not up to you". I love how weird this is. This is an album and an experience, hell yeah, even the interludes bridge into each other. Frosti is so, so beautiful. The use of chimes just feels like I am a siren on the sea. The harp on this record is just nuts, man. I loved listening to it so angelically, and the last track really feels like a victory lap. You have to be in a Björk mood to listen to it, but once you let it take over, you are in it, and she is singing all around you like a nice hug. It really feels like she is next to me on a stage performing all of these songs. I am sitting in awe. The album is ending, she is screaming for me to stay, but she knows she has to go. The angels are leaving. I am being lifted away from this ethereal forest to go back to where she left me. The harp is the only thing that is left, the final memory of what has become the repetition of it until it stops and I am left in the silence of having to be back in reality. Nothing I have heard so far has felt quite like this on this 1001 5/5
The Offspring
3/5
There’s a lot of interesting things to record. It is Green Day adjacent but they both came out around the same time. What makes this unique is the voice over that makes it seem like a cool radio show, it’s pretty dated in its jokes but that’s fine. It’s also very ska which I think is cool and it’s a party record and definitely would be lit in concert and live. The music itself was samey a bit but the guitar work was amazing and I very much enjoyed.
Muddy Waters
3/5
I love the blues, and the songs are slow enough to actually catch the lyrics, and the stories are so much fun. Give this man a pencil and paper, please!
Also the first live blues record I really like how this list is very open to live records. I liked this Blues is awesome. I got my fill I do not leave wanting to explore more but I love this vibe and I could give this a spin anytime. I love hearing an audience and getting the energy even from a recording.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Americana this really does feel like more contemporary Bruce Springsteen. The guitars sound kinda samey at some point but I can sit through this and enjoy it and I now know who Neil young is. Fuckin up is my favorite by a mile it goes so hard
Stephen Stills
3/5
I have sat myself down and I’m taking a look around.
Dude the middle of this is nasty the beginning maybe I wasn’t paying attention but I am blown away by the progression is on these. How is it that it’s so folky but ethereal and psychedelic
What a misleading album cover it is so amazing after the 3rd song
The Roots
4/5
The Roots: ?UESTLOVE and Black thought now of Fallon fame. I know both of these artist originally from 2 places.
?uestlove was my go-to center in NBA 2 K9.
When I played it on the PS2, it was him, Redman, and Flava Flav that were my favorites, and ?uestlove was tall af.
Black thought, of course, I know him from the freestyle, one of the best freestyles I have ever heard. I am listening to it right now, in fact, and it is amazing.
All that preamble to see that I like this quite a lot. pussy galore, Complexity and water are amazing. The drums on some of these songs are amazing and when black thought just goes on a tear on thought @ work.
I really was grooving to this, and even songs like " Thirsty " are a party send off, wow, how did they even pull that out in this soulful and funky vibe. The seed is so iconic, sheesh.
The album cover is also pretty cool.
Radiohead
4/5
This is Comedown Machine by the Strokes, but better. Literally, you and whose army sounds like Life is simple in the moonlight(which is angles but whatever). Ethereal. The lyrics, the electronics, and the genre mixing. Hunting bears with its country sound and 60s guitar, it sounds like The Last of Us. I read online that pulk pull is like hated. I kinda like it, I like the similarity and the atmosphere. I would only listen to this in an album setting, but I love the way the music flickers. I think this might be my favorite Radiohead album. I really like this. The lyrics stutter; the album's concept and vibe is very well curated. It does feel like memory loss, and the last track really pulls it all together about the state we are in, and you can never forget to stay alert because you are not safe.
Stan Getz
5/5
OH HECK YEAH LOVE BOSSA NOVA. This is the perfect “easy listening album” it’s like Miles Davis kinda blue but bossa nova. It’s so unique and jazz and I think every song builds on itself it really is quintessential listening just for the cultural aspect Brazil most important gift to the world besides sugarcane imo. The saxophone work just knows when to hop in I love love every song and I adore
Emmylou Harris
4/5
Emmylou loves a instrumental bridge and so do I. Alot of these older records are covers and I love the original on this one Boulder to Birmingham. She has such a good voice and a lovely backing instrumental. I love country that really leans into itself. The Queen of the silver dollar is so amazing. The way she makes herself seem like royalty through her singing. I really like Emmylou Harris and I want to delve deeper into her originals but the covers are nice.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I want it louder!!!!!
Man Ozzy Osbourne really was a great singer. I really like this the guitar and hi hats are punchy and real I wish it would louder again. Some of the more somber moments I couldn’t care for but this a great record to just jam out to and pump some iron. St Vitus and snowblind are highlights of just the creativity and imagination. Snowblind lyrics are just so interesting how do you come up with that.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
Noise slop!
This conventionally is not good, but the BASS IS Great. It is whiny, it is unbearable, I hate this, yet I can not stop listening. I just can hear the influences. I hear Loveless in here, and it makes me not hate it. The songs are long and obnoxious. I hear Thundercat in that bass. I really, actually like this as an experience. The bass and drums are what keep me alive. The lyrics don't matter. The words that stand out is what matters. This is the punk version of shoegaze, and for that alone, I can not hate it. This is exactly what avant-garde music is meant to do, challenge your belief in music and melody. This is the equivalent of a child blocking your view. You can either ignore them or pick them up so they can see from your perspective. In Swan Lake, we hear a repetition of the ending lyrics 5 times. Why? Why choose to do that? Are you paying attention? They ask. Don't fall asleep they say. As you reach Radio 4 the bass and synths have carried you to the end and you see the light the noise has gone away you can rest and you have come to the end of the journey and are left with a beautiful bass to take you away. I like this this was an experience. This may not be my favorite album but this has opened my eyes to the world of weird and this is punk despite it sounding nothing like the sex pistiols.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Instant classic, Nico is one of the best female vocalists, and this record is one of the greatest of all time. This is an indie classic. TV Girl, Mac DeMarco, Wallows, and Paramore all live on the shoulders of this band. It is somber, and such a fun listen. It takes you on a journey, slowly it does not rush itself. Femme Fatale and the simple guitar riff that just drones and goes up and down while Nico's vocals slide on by. The background vocals call, and the response to this is also so, so unique. This was not made knowing it would be a hit, but that is exactly why it is so loved, even today, this feels like an underground album. I feel lucky to have found this, as it is so good.
Prince
5/5
Just stop your crying it's the sign of the times... wait wrong artist.
Anyways WOWOWOWOW Prince is an artist and knows how to make a pop album like no other. I think Prince is way more exploratory and experimental than most pop artists of his era and that is due to me never getting tired of his sound. Slow love is such a highlight I bet the live version of that song is amazing it is everything you want in a prince song. It is slow and musically distinct and sounds perfectly of its time yet still fresh and it is such a love song god. Prince is sexy and his music shows that Starfish and coffee what does that even mean and why is it so catchy. There isnt a song here that I dont like. I love this, and I thank the woman who showed me this.
Basement Jaxx
4/5
Sound system rocking. I am in a party mood. I like this a lot. I am obsessed with the infamous 100 gecs boiler room where they remix "where's my head at" and use the iconic bonk sound effect, so actually hearing some house beginnings is awesome. I know that this is samey in some places but that is house the genre bending and the hype. Red Alert is so good. Just the bass on it is so funky it really is the best song that Daft Punk never wrote. Sounds straight from the French. I hear the influences so clearly in modern music. Stop4love is 100% a pink pantheress Track in disguise. Bingo Bango is a sonic song 100%. Being with you is a Tyler the creator song. I like it all and it is awesome to see how dance music permeates culture. I will say the moaning was a bit much at times but I like the artistic choice.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Run for the hills and run for your life. We ain't beating the satanic panic allegations with this one. I like it. It rocks and shakes you to your core. The drums are a highlight in a world where the guitars overpower the song sometimes too much. It is awesome to hear the drummer keep the beat and add flair. The kick drum on the downstrums just hit so hardddddd. Hallowed be thy name is such an amazing journey and end and my favorite. I am gonna think more about this. I thought about it this is now written in the morning and wow it’s so punchy and metal is so thrashy I love this music so much it’s the original electronic
The Band
2/5
The band really does sound like all of their contemporaries. I don't think this is aggressively bad per se, but I would just call it boring. Sometimes I eat white rice, and I like it even if it is plain, but I would rather mix it with other sauces or food. I think Jemima Surrender and Dixie Down and Look Out Cleveland are the best, even if they steal, steal, steal. I like them all, that's it. I want things that actually push the envelope. This album will be forgotten over time; some would say it already has. I personally would. This album will be nothing after I finish this list. This album is one I scroll right past, just utterly useless for my life and where I want to be. I hope to never hear a song from this again, as it will waste my time. It is still a 2, but I am actually getting mad at the list CRASH OUT!
The Beach Boys
4/5
I really like this how dynamic and interesting this is. It is truly a rollercoaster and as I finish for the second time I feel so full. The songs bounce off each other and the vibe of the songs just feed into the album cover. The end of the line which is a painting based ona sculture and wow what a fantastic metaphor. The beach boys have hit their peak and now their contempararies are slowly leaving and washing away and they reminicise on the career and impact they had while genre bending at every corner. The Title Track is a mix of 3 songs in 1 and it just feels like a beautiful bow being tied this album of reflection is evident in don’t go near the water clearly a metaphor to they must not do the same thing and they must innovate. Don’t go near the water being a warning it is so scary. It is a victory lap a somber run the bases. In a perfect world this would be the beach boys last album or at least it marks the end of an era
Jorge Ben Jor
5/5
Peak Peak Peak! How can you be sad listening to this. It is a party in my ears and it is so so much fun. The massive changes in instrumental and the vocals. How is Taj Mahal just an amazing song with only a few words this is true easy listening and an easy pick for one of my favorite Brazilian records.
Pixies
4/5
Bone Machine, it's not heavy, but it is so indie. The Pixies' debut, Frank Black's intro to the world. Lead guitar is just playing whatever chords no regard it is dirty it is nasty in the best way. Frank Black harmonizing with Kim Deal on these tracks is awesome. They were never together just collaborators but wow. This is hard I like it. Tony's theme is just the right amount of silly for this rock. I liked this it was unique and fun and quite vibey. The energy was consistent which I feel alot of old punky indie rock lacks. This will be in my rotation Tiger Jaw, The strokes, even alot of bedroom pop take from this. This is kinda Car Seat Headrest too.
David Bowie
5/5
When you are at the end of your life, what do you create? Faced with your own mortality, how do you cope? Blackstar comes fresh after the death of David Bowie a last hurrah in the spectacle and life of a legend. The title track is a 10-minute ballad of pure emotion and an amazing intro to the depression that comes with being close to death. The narrative is clear here, there is no nuance, and I think it works. I think it works really well. You can hear it in not only in Bowie’s singing but in the instrumentals and mix just oozy terror. Girl loves me is a Patti smith banger sounds just like her. I mean there is no better representation to the theme I can’t give everything away like what more do you need from me this is phenomenal. David Bowie literally pleading that he has more to give away and yet he can’t and has to perish without truly sharing it all. This album is an emotional masterpiece and amazing follow to the next day. Also amazing cover and black star literally being like the death of a star it’s well thought out and one of bowies best
Paul Simon
4/5
Emily Jumpscare again I like this I like hearing some pop rock from the 80s Paul Simon has such a jumpy and happy rhythm to him I have such a hard time listening to the lyrics cause I’m so excited and his voice is like another instrument another layer in these layered tracks! It’s too good man. His singing voice is actually good I find a lot of artsy vocalist of this era can’t sing that well but this album has Africa written all over it wearing the influence on all sides. I also like the multi instrumentals you never get bored cause it gets so unique gumboots is unlike anything I’ve heard. Paul Simon knows how to make a good tune so when I heard that was your mother I wasn’t too upset I think it’s minimal to the highs of the rest of the album.
Beatles
4/5
The Beatles at their growth stage. This is all over the place with styles and sounds as the Beatles wanted to find what worked can’t buy me love and hard days night are two songs that influenced the rest of their discography they started making songs like this. I think the Beatles had song great deep cuts here and the record is about love through song through the songs sound samey with the chorus being so loud vs the verse. You start to catch it after a few listens. I have this album on cd made the experience so much. This is easy listening which was fun to hear most of the Beatles sing a song sorry George haha
Stan Getz
3/5
I like this and yet it does not hit the highs of the Gilberto/Getz Era. I like this I think some of the tracks can fall flat they are still far more interesting than alot of stuff on this list so I can't hate it when the bar is so high. I love this track Desfinado, Genuinely a great way to start an album and yet it goes nowhere til the very end and the very end loses it. It was inconsistent all the way through to where it felt like Charlie Byrd did not really know how to implement himself because this could easily be a 5.
Jane's Addiction
1/5
This album cover is ironic and “cool”,whatever it is, just kinda unsettling. For this to be my first impression of it, I am supposed to suspect it will be subversive, and surely I was wrong. This is your most run-of-the-mill basic alternative rock from that era. I do not think this in any way has changed my mind. I know I have heard worse records here, but this is not a comparison; this is merely a true, objective look at this and the record prior, and how I hear differences, yet they are minuscule. Onto the actual songs, I could not list a single one out, but Thank You, Boys, a 1-minute interlude where actual interesting music is being played, and wow, I have heard that song more than I would care to admit. I just think Jane's addiction is more interesting or shocking than the next band that is edgy and cool. It is just noise that is played in the video settings screen for tony hawk pro skater.