748
Albums Rated
3.1
Average Rating
69%
Complete
341 albums remaining
Featured Review
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers • 1/5
Let's all say it together.... Fuck Eric Clapton!
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
155
5-Star Albums
119
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
|
5 | 2.5 | +2.5 |
|
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
|
5 | 2.56 | +2.44 |
|
Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
|
5 | 2.61 | +2.39 |
|
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
|
5 | 2.68 | +2.32 |
|
Konnichiwa
Skepta
|
5 | 2.74 | +2.26 |
|
Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
|
5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
|
Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
|
5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
|
Chris
Christine and the Queens
|
5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
|
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
|
5 | 2.82 | +2.18 |
|
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
|
5 | 2.85 | +2.15 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
|
1 | 3.84 | -2.84 |
|
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
|
1 | 3.76 | -2.76 |
|
The Joshua Tree
U2
|
1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
|
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
|
1 | 3.64 | -2.64 |
|
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
|
1 | 3.62 | -2.62 |
|
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
|
1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
|
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
|
1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
|
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
|
1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
|
War
U2
|
1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 5 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 4.67 |
| Queen | 3 | 4.67 |
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 5 |
| The Temptations | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Red Hot Chili Peppers | 2 | 5 |
| Ali Farka Touré | 2 | 5 |
| Yeah Yeah Yeahs | 2 | 5 |
| Common | 2 | 5 |
| Marvin Gaye | 2 | 5 |
| Metallica | 2 | 5 |
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 2 | 5 |
| Curtis Mayfield | 2 | 5 |
| Sly & The Family Stone | 2 | 5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.25 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| Blur | 3 | 4.33 |
| Björk | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 5 | 1 |
| Tom Waits | 5 | 1 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 4 | 1 |
| U2 | 4 | 1 |
| Morrissey | 3 | 1 |
| The Velvet Underground | 3 | 1.33 |
| Kings of Leon | 2 | 1 |
| Arcade Fire | 2 | 1 |
| Public Image Ltd. | 2 | 1 |
| Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band | 2 | 1 |
| Ryan Adams | 2 | 1 |
| Oasis | 2 | 1 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 1 |
| The Divine Comedy | 2 | 1 |
| Randy Newman | 2 | 1 |
| Leonard Cohen | 4 | 1.75 |
| The Fall | 3 | 1.67 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 2 | 1.5 |
| Gene Clark | 2 | 1.5 |
| Joy Division | 2 | 1.5 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1.5 |
| M.I.A. | 2 | 1.5 |
| LCD Soundsystem | 2 | 1.5 |
| Nick Drake | 3 | 2 |
| The Rolling Stones | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| R.E.M. | 4, 2, 5 |
| Dexys Midnight Runners | 2, 1, 4 |
5-Star Albums (155)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Bob Marley & The Wailers · 4 likes
5/5
What a pleasant surprise this album choice was this morning. Bob Marley is one of the goats, and this album was just the perfect soundtrack to my morning. While No Woman, No Cry is not the version that gets the most play, it is still fun to listen to the non-Live recording.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers · 4 likes
1/5
Let's all say it together.... Fuck Eric Clapton!
The Jam · 2 likes
2/5
Oh boy, another Brit Bias pick that is middling at best. Wild to see how high the average score is considering how lackluster this album was. Just dull and uninteresting British rock
Solomon Burke · 2 likes
5/5
This was a great listen, and one I’ve never listened to before. I’m sure I’ve heard some songs of Burke’s, but definitely not an entire album. Really happy I got a chance to listen to one of the pioneers of R&B and soul. This album is a must listen for fans of the genre.
Muse · 2 likes
2/5
From the moment I saw the douchey cover art of the album, I had a feeling this wasn’t going to be for me. This album reminded me of the Coldplay album with the way it had too much of a clean mainstream feel with its production, mixed with them really trying to capture Radiohead vibes with the music. Album felt like it was going through the motions and never stood out. It’s not a bad album, just not good either.
1-Star Albums (119)
All Ratings
Michael Jackson
5/5
Just a fantastic album through and through. Wild how this would kick off 3 amazing albums in a row without a single bad song.
Eagles
3/5
Outside of like 2 songs, not sure what makes this album stand out more than others to be considered in the top 1001... I was disappointed
Black Sabbath
4/5
Black Sabbath isn't my usual jam, but I can see why this album is on the list.
Blur
5/5
Classic. Blur always kills it. Great relisten
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
A couple songs, but another one of those "classics" I don't get. Helps me figure out who put this list together
Bob Dylan
1/5
At track 4 I completely gave up on and pulled a DNF. If you need proof the editors needed better representation to bring a more diverse showcase of albums and less bland nonsense, this is it.
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Honestly the guitar playing on the album is phenomenal, but was ruinwd for me by the singers voice. At times it is just out of tune and grating, like a drunk me on karaoke night.
Mudhoney
3/5
It's a fine album, but nothing screamed out that made this album a must listen.
Alice In Chains
5/5
Been awhile since I got an album that deserves to be on this list. A trip down memory lane on this one
Koffi Olomide
5/5
This is the type of album I was hoping for from a list like this. Just a great, fun time. I was dancing to this album while cooking this morning
Parliament
5/5
Funk is always fire. This album is a pure classic and gets your body moving to the beat from start to finish
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Absolute classic. Wish I had time at home today to pull out the vinyl copy, but was just to busy. So had this as the soundtrack to my driving around instead.
A lot of the 1 star reviews are showing who some people obviously are. Not surprised tho. Some people can't open their mind to other music and use the same choice tropes to crap on hip hop.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
It was the perfect listen for this morning knowing I was going back to work after 10 days off. Needed that nerve calming jazz. Just a fantastic album
The Lemonheads
4/5
What a trip to the past. Not my favorite albums of theirs, but still great.
Queen Latifah
5/5
I just snagged the vinyl last week to finally bring this album in to my collection, so this gave me a perfect excuse to break it in. Start to finish a banger, and an absolute classic.
Elton John
4/5
I like Elton john and his music. His talent is amazing, but some of the songs just kept it from being a 5. Regardless of my personal opinion, I totally understand why this album is included.
Bob Dylan
1/5
Didn't even bother. I'm not subjecting myself to the torture of his "singing voice".
Mylo
1/5
Not sure how this could be considered an album anyone must listen to before they die. Just an odd choice for the list
Sex Pistols
4/5
Somehow never listened to this. While its not a 5 star for me, I understand the influence of it. Still had a blast finally going listening to this tho.
Jack White
3/5
Didn't live or hate this album. Some songs were definitely enjoyable
Cyndi Lauper
5/5
I love the 80s, and this is such a can't miss album from then. Always a joy of a listen.
Johnny Cash
2/5
Never really listened to Cash, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel, but I don't like live albums much... And I think I would have given this a 3 if not live. I was just getting tired of the talking and cheering. I don't mind that in person or on video, but audio only its never been my thing.
Duke Ellington
4/5
Jazz is the only genre I truly enjoy live most of the time. Sadly this was not the case with this album as a whole. The music for the most part was fantastic, but the amount of talking at times, especially not from Duke was annoying AF. It's the only reason this gets a 4.
PJ Harvey
2/5
Bailed halfway through. Not the best by PJ Harvey imo
Radiohead
4/5
This was a great listen while driving today. Matched my drive time almost perfectly, and was really enjoyable while cruising
Lou Reed
3/5
Not my cup of tea, but better than Dylan... So 3 stars for that alone. Lol
Christina Aguilera
5/5
Classic album. I still like Stripped overall more. I would put that one over this for this list imo
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I need to be in a certain headspace for electronic music like this, and I just wasn't... So it didn't click much. I didn't hate, but felt not interested as it played on
Bob Dylan
1/5
Auto 1 star. Cringe singing as always. Don't need 7 albums of his on a list..if
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
2/5
Meh... Got bored quickly
Bruce Springsteen
1/5
2 songs in and I couldn't take anymore of this bland, emotionless album. I was screaming for more heat and soul, but nope.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
This wasn't nearly as bad as anticipated. Also just at around 30 minutes, it didn't overstay it's welcome
Nirvana
5/5
Best Nirvana release imo. Just a must listen from start to finish.
The Temptations
5/5
Absolute funk/soul classic.
Paul Simon
4/5
Wasn't expecting to enjoy this, but this album was fire
David Bowie
3/5
I've never really listened to Bowie, so this being my first full album was probably not the best one to start with. Didn't click, but knowing the circumstances I'll come back to it eventually. Still don't think this is an album that people must listen to... But one Bowie fans should.
Elton John
5/5
One of the best Elton John albums.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Sounds like filler for a list that shouldn't have filler. Just was a meh listen
Barry Adamson
2/5
Too many tracks I hit skip on. It did have some really good songs, but this definitely doesn't belong on a list like this
The Black Crowes
4/5
Just a solid and great rock album. My only knock is a lot of the album blends together.
Kings of Leon
1/5
Lead singers voice is up there with Bob Dylan for the most hearing voice. Peaced out at track 2
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Better than I expected. Was some solid background music at work
Steve Earle
1/5
Lol oh God no. Wtaf
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Some phenomenal tracks on here. Just a great listen as I prepped the morning meals.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Deerhunter
3/5
So mid... Wish I could do half stars lol
Bob Dylan
1/5
More garbage Dylan... Yuck
k.d. lang
5/5
If more country music singers sounded like this instead of super Southern or redneck twang BS, I'd listen more often. Loved it
The Cure
4/5
Solid album. The Cure always had a very interesting sound to them. Not really my cup of tea, but always an intriguing listen.
Paul Simon
5/5
"My dad was a huge fan of this album (especially ""You Can Call Me Al""), and this flooded memories back in. Almost 4 decades later, still a fantastic album"
4/5
I knew hearing Bowie's final album as my first full album of his was the issue when I didn't really enjoy it. This was a great listen, and I had a lot of fun with this one.
ABBA
4/5
Disco pop goodness. Just a lot of fun
The Damned
3/5
It was fine I guess
Beastie Boys
5/5
Beasties are always funny to me. I wouldn't classify myself as a huge fan, but their albums always go hard and this one is fire outside of a couple songs towards the end.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
While I enjoyed most of the album, his voice and singing is way too monotone for me to listen in one sitting. That alone makes me wonder how this album is on here.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
When Emmylou is singing the slow songs, her voice is fantastic. Then the super country twang songs take me out. A very mixed album I wish I could give a 2.5 insteads of a 3.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Paul McCartney, and it was fine. Not worth listening to before you die. All I really have to say.
Nas
5/5
An all time greatest hip hop album. One of the classics from my high school days. Bumps from beginning to end.
David Gray
2/5
Bland and unseasoned British music... shocking
Lou Reed
2/5
Yawn inducing
Television
2/5
The music was fantastic, but the lead singer's voice was dreadful. If I could just listen to the band rock out, I'd give this a 4, but that singer made give up
Billy Bragg
3/5
It's not as bland as I expected considering a lot of the other British albums I heard for the first time. I definitely did not expect an Alt Country/Folk experience lol. It was an enjoyable and decent listen while I was walking my dog.
Robbie Williams
1/5
Robbie sounds like an ex boy band member trying to hard too shake that old image
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Tone deaf AF. Just the same drolling over and over with minimal music behind it. I finally gave up and moved on to something worth listening to.
Arcade Fire
1/5
That was bad, like terrible. I hit play... Skip... Skip... Skip... And stop... No thank you.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I've only really listened to Peter's music from the 80s on, so this album was super interesting. It's not amazing, but a very solid album of an artist trying various sounds
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Absolute classic. Nothing really needs to be said other than every one should definitely listen to this album at least once in their life.
The White Stripes
4/5
I enjoyed this album more than I expected to. Really good work here
Miriam Makeba
4/5
This was a really unique listening experience. I'm not sure there's a lot of chance for me to go back to it, but damn I'm glad I got to hear it. I love different musical experiences like this
The xx
1/5
This album is just one long boring ass song. It felt like the song just never ended. Some singing, same music every track. Another album that just bewilders me with its presence on this list.
Aerosmith
3/5
Outside of Sweet Emotions and Walk This Way, like most of Aerosmith's 70s stuff, I just feel like it is too hit or miss for me
Pulp
2/5
Another album that proves this album was compiled by people with bland tastes... Good lord how can these UK acts be so bad all the time.
Kings of Leon
1/5
GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE! GARBAGE!
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Honestly not a great album for me. From the very first track I knew I wasn't going to be the right audience for this one. I was right
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I've heard this album enough to know it was getting a 5 from me. THE GOAT
Dirty Projectors
2/5
Well this pick is a dud. It's not unlistenable, but it was testing that line for sure
The Human League
2/5
"It's wild how this album is on the list. Outside of ""Don't You Want Me"", the rest of this album doesn't stand out at all. More proof the British bias of this list only continues to negate this list's claim of needing to hear these albums before you die. "
R.E.M.
4/5
One of those albums I forget about, even though there are so many good tracks.
Dr. Dre
5/5
West Coast G-Funk classic album. Some of these negative reviews really showing their bland unseasoned selfs.
Miles Davis
5/5
Any doubt as to this rating. Always a 5. It's miles Davis, the 🐐
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Started off decent enough, than vocals started and it immediately went full cringe. Not the worst British album that didn't deserve a spot on this list, but still pretty bad.
Radiohead
3/5
More like a 3.5 for me. Granted I was never someone who listened to Radiohead. I heard the album back at release and didn't get the hype. I still don't in 2024. To be honest, I enjoyed In Rainbows more as I think it's a much more consistent quality of a listen.
The Young Rascals
4/5
I was a bit nervous when I saw the pick, but once listening I realized how many songs I recognized from when I was a kid and I'd listen to the oldies station at night before bed. Some of these tracks had me surprised as these white boys got more soul than I expected
Rush
2/5
The opening track is nothing more than 4 or 5 different songs. I guess the story meant to be told is the connecting parts, but the music wasn't much, especially when you have fade outs and back ins for the next part. Felt like an unnecessary 20+ minute song. The rest of the album was pretty subpar.
R.E.M.
2/5
I just got their album Green as a pick a week ago, and considering this is what I get 2nd, what a yawn fest.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Just a damn classic album. Been awhile since I listened to it and this was a great reason to give it another spin.
Al Green
5/5
Al Green is my favorite R&B singer. Got hooked on his music thanks to my mom as a kid. I was ecstatic to see this on the list, so I broke out my vinyl copy and turned up the volume. An absolute classic
R.E.M.
5/5
This is probably the best REM album. From start to finish there isn't a bad song
The Police
2/5
Just skip the first 6 songs and start at Every Breath You Take. The last handful of songs are decent to excellent, but you gotta sit through some terrible (That mother song is TRASH) to subpar wastes of time before you get there.
Wilco
2/5
Going with a 2, because I can't give this a 2.5, and 3 would be too generous. This really is as average as it gets. The fact I know they have at least another album on this list is disappointing to say the least.
The KLF
3/5
It's a fine electronic/eurodance album. Has some good songs and some blah ones. Nothing special
Donald Fagen
4/5
As a fan of Japanese City Pop, this had a lot of those vibes. Very chill time.
Kanye West
5/5
This album is an absolute classic, and while I am rating it a 5... Kanye's music has become hard to listen to with his downward spiral out of control and becoming an insane dbag. I even sold off all my Kanye vinyls because I just couldn't keep it in my collection with the stuff he began saying. Hoping one day this dude gets the much needed therapy he needs.
Grateful Dead
1/5
What is this garbage? This is what a bunch of pot heads idolize? LOL, guess I won't be trying weed anytime soon. JFC this is BAAAAAAAAAAD
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Lou Reed is just bland, and the rest of the band doesnt do enough to make up for this.
Fats Domino
5/5
Classic! Would have pulled out some vinyl of his if I wasn't so busy this morning.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
There are some truly good moments and songs, but times on this album that I really disliked... One of the songs had a woman start screeching... and I just hit skip. Like nails on a chalkboard.
Steely Dan
3/5
60s and 70s rock just really isn't my jam a lot of times, but I did like a few songs on this album. Still about a 3 to 3.5 out of 5 for me
Blur
4/5
This is a classic album from my teens, but a few songs just did not hold up and made me hit skip. With their self titled album already on the list, this album was not needed here imo. I gave it a 4, but it's more like a 3.5
Nirvana
5/5
As soon as I hit play, the way it put me right back to my youth from the jump. Amazing album and absolute classic!
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Aretha Franklin is such a queen! I'm surprised I had never listened to this album all the way through. Glad this list remedied that
Christine and the Queens
5/5
When I saw this was a double album, I was like I really hope this is good since I knew nothing of the artist. Wow was I surprised. I came away absolutely loving this album. The vibes were great
Kate Bush
4/5
Really fun album. First song was instantly recognizeable considering how many tik tok videos I've seen using it. I never really listened to Kate Bush, so I didn't even know that was her song.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Their best album by far. As soon as I saw the pick, I hit play on my phone, turned on the bluetooth speaker, and just basked in its greatness!
Anthrax
2/5
I can't believe this is on this list, when I Am The Law is the only good song here. There's so much better in terms of metal around this time, and with better sounding frontmen. I was on a decent roll of good albums too.
Van Halen
4/5
I've always liked Van Halen, but not loved outside of some singles here and there. This album is a lot of fun, but doesn't change my mind on the like, not love part. Still worth listening to by rock fans.
The Strokes
2/5
I get why the British love this. Sounds like their rock. I find it underwhelming and bland. Been 30 minutes of the same vocals and backing to me
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Great singer-songwriter folk music. Popped it on for the dog's walk this morning and it was the perfect soundtrack for a nice walk on the path through the woods.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Never gotten the appeal of Bruce... This is better than that album The Rising though, as at least I could listen to this one. Still just not for me. Meh
The War On Drugs
1/5
Very first track, dude sounded like Bob Dylan... I stopped it and moved on... It's bad enough this list has 7 Dylan albums, don't need a knock-off Dylan too.
SZA
5/5
If I hadn't been so busy catching up on things after a long weekend, I would have pulled out my vinyl copy. Still a great revisit to such a fantastic album! Love that this made the list.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Didn't even waste my time with this tone deaf BS. Imagine 2 albums of this garbage on this list... Geez. Hope they don't show up again
Finley Quaye
1/5
Scottish reggae with a really obvious fake Jamaican accent. How many legit Jamaican artists got left off the list for this trash
The Velvet Underground
1/5
Good lord, what's with these white dudes and drawing out their syllables at the ends of lines in the lyrics. It's so stupidly annoying.
The Undertones
4/5
More like a 3.5, but this was a pretty entertaining album
Youssou N'Dour
5/5
Just amazing. Put this on right as I headed out to walk the dog, and what a great listen on a nice breezy 63 degree (F) morning!
King Crimson
3/5
I almost stopped at track one with that terible modulated singing this album kicked off with. Thankfully that was the only time, but what a terrible beginning. In the end I found the album enjoyable. I'm giving it a 3 only because of that 1st track, otherwise I would have probably given this album a 4.
Ali Farka Touré
5/5
So great! perfect morning listening during the dog's walk, then a quick mowing of my backyard.
Can
3/5
I guess in the 70s this was ahead of its time, but in 2024 its fine. Inoffensive and decent background music while I do other things
Mariah Carey
4/5
Good album, but not her best. Love Mariah's body of work, especially in the first half of her career, but I found it interesting they chose this one instead of Daydream or Music Box.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
A couple songs I recognize. The album was a fine listen, but nothing I would ever return to. Just not my style of rock.
N.W.A.
5/5
5 star classic gangsta rap album. Fire from start to finish.
Alice Cooper
3/5
It was fine. Some songs landed with me, many didn't. Overall though it managed to be decently enjoyable, but not something I would actively go back to.
Stan Getz
4/5
I honestly think the vocals on some of the tracks took away from the great jazz music. The vocals aren't bad by any means, but some songs didn't need them.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Track 1 hit, SKIP! Track 2, SKIP! Track 3, SKIP! Track 4 started and I just gave up and moved on. Unlistenable for me
Elbow
2/5
Holy shit that was boring. Like I'd rather just have an album be downright bad, so I can just DNF it and move on... But that just drug on and on and never getting better.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
I was so excited to this as my pick of the day. Any reason to listen to this album is a great one. 5 star classic
Garbage
5/5
Garbage's debut album is one of my favorite albums of all time. From beginning to end, it is fantastic.
George Harrison
2/5
After 6 or 7 songs I felt like I had enough of the album. Had no desire to put myself through 2 hours of this
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1/5
No thanks... ugh shitty country music. Yeah, I'm not sitting through 2 hours of country rock.
Janis Joplin
5/5
Gonna admit I thought I wasn't going to like this and it was awesome. Janis had a bit of unexpected soul to her singing that made love this album.
The Cult
3/5
Didn't hate it, but it didn't really stand out. A couple songs were good enough to give this a 3
Hookworms
2/5
Just yawn. Nothing stands out in this. It's wild that this is an actual selection, but given the British bias I should stop being surprised
Common
5/5
Classic 5 star hip hop album. Been too long since I last listened and this remedied that
Black Sabbath
4/5
Black Sabbath seems to be one of the handful of groups from this era of rock I enjoy
Weather Report
3/5
It was fine, but not worth a spot as an album you must hear before you die. A decent background album while having breakfast this morning
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
This dude sings so bad, it's like spoiled milk. Good lord, this is horrid to listen to.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
I don't get the appeal of Cohen at all. His voice, the lyrics, the music, just is dreadfully boring
Merle Haggard
2/5
Not unlistenable, but not good
Talking Heads
4/5
Always enjoy Talking Heads stuff I heard and watched via single, but had never listened to a whole album. This was very good
Tom Waits
1/5
I'm rating this a 1 only because I'm not allowed to give less. What is this absolutely trash of an album? This sounds like something you should avoid your entire life
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
It's an album I can say I neither loved nor hated. I'd say its closer to a 2.5 for being way too long
The Monkees
3/5
This was alright. It was decent enough, but not sure how this belongs on a list like this.
Meat Loaf
4/5
Always enjoyed this album. I'm an odd one and like the sequel better, but I grew up during that time lol
Arcade Fire
1/5
Nope, this is just terrible. One of the worst bands out there
3/5
One of those albums I wish I could give a 2.5, but know that a 2 out of 5 is too mean. The album is fine, but its just not my style of music. I honestly thought on the first track I was going to enjoy it, but it never got there.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Really nice and peaceful album jams. One of those that matches nicely with the dog walk in the early morning
The Blue Nile
2/5
Way too many of the albums on this list are overrated EU releases. While I didn't feel the need to just turn it off and move on, it came close. Bladn, unseasoned nonsense from the EU, which is becoming a regular occurrence
David Bowie
3/5
I think Bowie is fine, his music just doesn't seem to be my cup of tea. Due to how much everyone priases him I go in open-minded, but my 3 experiences at this point have fluctuated a lot in how I enjoyed them.
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
Really solild album for just relaxing. Made me want to lay on the couch with my dog and sip a cocktail while I read.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
"I didn't really enjoy ""Bug"", but I found this album to be a bit better. I can see why they were influential more on this album. "
Yes
3/5
It's 70s Dad rock... it is what it is
Muddy Waters
5/5
Classic blues album. Absolutely slaps
Frank Zappa
5/5
I expected I was going to hate this when I hit play, and I absolutely loved it. Outside of one terrible vocal part, the entire album is fantastic
Method Man
5/5
The one thing I can say for this list, at least most of the rap albums chosen are bangers. I can tell they were not chosen by the same people who decided to include a lot of the underwhelming British slop
Air
4/5
Talk about being shocked by an album. I didn't have any clue what I was getting into and I grooved for over 40 minutes. Pleasantly surprised by this one
Norah Jones
5/5
One of my favorite albums. Had to break out the vinyl for it!
AC/DC
2/5
Just sounds the same. Singer's voice becomes grating after too long
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Another really good album by Stevie, and my only issue being some songs being religious. That just is not for me
William Orbit
3/5
Honestly thought this was going to be more Brit bias trash, but it was a fun enough listen.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
Is this a fucking joke? The music is terrible, the singing is absolutely dreadful! This is like a troll album pick. Fuck off with this nonsense. Who ever picked this as something to hear before you die, should never discuss music again. Need a 0 star rating for trash like this.
Suede
3/5
It's tolerable and had some enjoyable songs. Probably enjoy it even more after that garbage I was given yesterday by Robert Wyatt
Sister Sledge
4/5
A really great album that is like sultry disco.
Machito
5/5
Afro-Cuban goodness. damn near 70 years old and pure fire!
Beyoncé
2/5
As much as I love pop and R&B, Beyonce just isn't my jam. More of a Kelly Rowland type of guy
Fela Kuti
5/5
What a great soundtrack to my morning this was. An hour of funky grooves and just great energy and vibes. I saw someone call this elevator music on their review, so I'll just guess they think ketchup is too spicy. Bland palates are sad
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
Honestly right after I finished listening to the album and I couldn't remember a single thing about it other than distortion. It happened, and it was unremarkable
Eels
3/5
It was a decent album overall. Nothing to write home about though.
Ryan Adams
1/5
More like Fools Gold... Bland uninspired country pop rock.
Radiohead
4/5
After not like Radiohead much when I was younger, I've definitely come to appreciate their music a lot more thanks to this list. 3rd album I've gotten, and another fun one!
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
1/5
Let's all say it together.... Fuck Eric Clapton!
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
The songs have great themes, but I could not stand the singer's voice.
Miles Davis
5/5
Miles Davis is always fire. Can't go wrong with his albums, and this one is no different.
Gang Of Four
3/5
I can hear Gang Of Four's influence on a lot of later groups I like... But for me that's all they sound like. Influence that later groups did better. Just bored me
Paul Simon
3/5
Probably the weakest of the 3 Simon solo albums I've gotten so far. More proof there should have a been a limit of how many albums an artist is allowed on the list.
Eric Clapton
1/5
Once again, for those who may have missed it... Fuck Eric Clapton!
Eminem
5/5
Fantastic debut album. While MM LP is definitely his top, this was a great jump off.
The Fall
1/5
That lead singer is terrible. He started trying to hold a note and I hit stop and moved on. More trash
The Sugarcubes
4/5
Was a lot of fun to listen to Bjork's band, which I honestly have not ever given much time to. It kicked off the Sunday morning of Otakon 2024 for me
John Coltrane
5/5
This is such a classic jazz album. A definite must listen for everyone.
Germs
1/5
I know punk rock isn't about the singer's voice per se, but this dude's voice was absolute horrid. I don't know how I managed even two songs. At some point, the people who made this list have to be trolling us just as much as they are providing us with good music
Jacques Brel
3/5
Wasn't particularly impressed or turned off by this album. It just kind of was. I'd prefer to give it a 2.5, but due to the rating system I'll have to go with a 3 since a 2 is a bit harsh
Steely Dan
3/5
Never been in to the classic rock/dad rock scene. This album was a fine middle of the road outing that didn't overstay its welcome since it clocks in around 34 minutes.
The Cure
4/5
As with the previous album I got, can't say I'm a fan in a way I'd listen to this album over and over, but I always find the experience interesting
Suzanne Vega
4/5
Female singer-songwriters are my jam, and this was very good. Nice morning listen while I'm dog sitting a chaos trio LOL
Buck Owens
1/5
Oh lawd no. That voice was an immediate pass... What are we even doing with this one. Ugh
Nick Drake
1/5
This is just boring sleep inducing music. Just lacking in personality. The UK really thinks they're musicians are way better than they actually are.
Death In Vegas
2/5
Like a knock off version of Sneaker Pimps - Becoming X... And a bad knock off at that
Björk
5/5
A damn classic. Still my favorite Bjork album to date. Perfection start to finish!
Big Star
2/5
Just full and uninspired
4/5
Beatles are almost always a fun, solid listen. They aren't a favorite, but you can't go wrong with most of their discography
Jeru The Damaja
4/5
While the album is a classic, there are so many bangers from 1994 it's hard to justify this one being on the list over some of the others.
Röyksopp
3/5
The album is an enjoyable listen, but why would I ever need to hear this album before I die? Another baffling choice for this list.
1/5
Hahaha, fuck no. Garbage. Straight trash homie
Gram Parsons
1/5
Not only is this one of the worst album covers I've ever seen, this is terrible country music... Can't even listen to this, it's hurting my head. No way this is an album you should have to hear before you die... this should be the album someone tortures you with before they take you out.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
I don't get this choice at all. I know I don't like the psych rock genre, but even so this feels simplistic and tame as hell.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
For such a popular band, this was such an underwhelming album. Just more white bias on this list.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
It's fine, a couple songs really stand out, but it's a pretty average listen overall.
Jeff Beck
3/5
Better than expected, but nothing I'd listen to again.
Funkadelic
5/5
Funk classic with an iconic cover that inspired Redman's Dare Iz A Darkside cover.
Adele
2/5
I love ballads... but I feel like Adele is just a powerful voice without much personality behind it
Le Tigre
4/5
Solid pop-punk album. I'm torn since we can't do half stars, cuz I think this is a solid 3.5, and don't think it deserves a 3 or a 4... but I'll go with 4 since I feel slightly better rounding up.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
1/5
The only reason this gets a 1.5 and not lower is because Natacha Atlas makes an appearance. I’m still giving it a 1 on this site site, because it doesn’t deserve to be rounded up. It’s pretty much cultural appropriation trying to mask itself as acceptable because it features actual artists from the cultures and regions it is taking from. Also the talking instead of singing by Jah Wobble is just incessantly dull.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Led Zeppelin is one of those classic rock groups I’ve always enjoyed. I think I listen to IV more than any other album of theirs, so it’s nice to see this one pop up that I probably haven’t listened to in 1 or 2 decades. Had it rocking while eating breakfast.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Always hated Pink Floyd, ever since I was a teenager and people always tried to hype them up to me. While I'm still not a fan, I have to give this album a 3/5. It's overall decently enjoyable with some things that irked the shit out of me. I'm glad I gave it a fair chance decades later instead of just not listening and slamming it with a 1.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
What a pleasant surprise this album choice was this morning. Bob Marley is one of the goats, and this album was just the perfect soundtrack to my morning. While No Woman, No Cry is not the version that gets the most play, it is still fun to listen to the non-Live recording.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Before today, I had no clue that Janis Joplin ever sang in a band. So that was a nice piece of information I learned. It’s also welcoming because I love her voice a lot, as it always felt filled with a surprising amount of soul, and it is a much needed addition when it comes to this style of rock. I doubt I would have enjoyed this album as much without her on it, but with her singing this album is an absolute joy to listen to.
Sam Cooke
5/5
Pure fire! This album had me wanting to get up and groove right along with it. Infectious energy from Sam Cooke here, and I love how the crowd would get involved and sing along. This album deserves its spot on the 1001 Albums list!
Portishead
4/5
I always enjoyed Portishead back in the 90s, but they were always a group that I’d forget about for years and then be reminded of, listen to them again, and then rinse and repeat. This is such a solid album, but it never sticks to me as something I constantly think about, but I never regret giving it another listen. I think it belongs on this list, but would probably fall short if I was putting together something similar.
Heaven 17
2/5
An album full of meaningful lyrics ruined by subpar synthpop and a singer who couldn’t be less bothered trying to actually sound interesting. Outside of the lyrics, the only other good thing about this album is it’s only about 22 minutes long, so you don’t have to suffer more than necessary.
Wilco
2/5
This album was just boring from start to finish. When I got their album Being There, I thought it was about as average as it gets. Unfortunately Yankee Hotel Foxtrot manages to be an even more boring venture in to their catalog. At this point I’m good with never hearing another Wilco album again.
The Clash
3/5
To be honest I think this is just a fine and simple punk album. I can understand how in 1979 this was a banger since it was early on in the genre, but for my first listen in 2024 I just felt like this album was decent. I didn’t find anything super impressive about it, and at just over an hour long, it definitely overstayed its welcome.
808 State
2/5
A middling EDM effort from the 80’s. Just another example of how this 1001 albums list is more about pushing mediocre British musicians and their albums, than actually showcasing albums you must hear before you die. This album was so uninteresting that I tuned out about 2 songs in and nothing brought my attention back until I realized things went silent.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I’ve already DNF’d two of Cohen’s albums on this list, so why not a 3rd. It’s way too monotone and boring. I don't get how there are already at least 3 of his albums on this list
Hugh Masekela
5/5
I’ve heard a decent amount of Hugh’s stuff, but not this album. Even so, I knew this would be fire and there was no disappointment on that front. From start to finish this is an album full of jams to get you grooving. Funky jazz throughout and it was a great soundtrack to my Monday morning!
The Velvet Underground
1/5
White hot trash! First song was fine, then for some reason they started overusing feedback in their songs and it kept making me cringe like nails on a chalkboard. Then in another song, after a line is sung, some dude half ass repeats the word like a crappy hype man at a hip hop concert. I don’t understand how this even made the list.
Ice T
4/5
Classic album from Ice T. I love the versatility Ice T shows in this album. He does some pure gangsta rap, some true hip hop spitting, and even introduces the rock group Body Count he started. While there is a lot of talk of violence and misogyny, there is also a good amount of counter balance with talks of struggles of the black experience, current affairs at the time, and even abuse children suffer.
10cc
2/5
I really wanted to like this album, because the group showed a lot of promise throughout the record. Unfortunately it feels like when they were asked what direction they wanted to take the album, they just said “YES”. The sound is all over the place, and not just track to track, which wouldn’t have been as big of an issue. The problem is that many of the songs are jumping around in style and with no flow to it, just jarring transitions. This just feels like wasted potential, and sadly not an album you must hear before you die.
Blondie
5/5
I’ve always been a fan of Blondie since I was a kid due to an appearance on The Muppets. You used to be able to rent VHS tapes of Muppets, and after rewatching it numerous times, it has kept One Way or Another in my head for decades. It is such an eternal earworm. The rest of the album is an absolute banger as well with how its able to blend styles like pop, rock, and some of the songs hitting that pop-punk vibe. Just an absolute classic album.
MGMT
2/5
This wasn’t terrible, but it was forgettable sadly. I think forgettable is worse than just being bad, because this is an album I’ll never talk about after this or probably ever think about again. I mean I just finished listening to it, and I couldn’t tell you much about it. I just let it play and zoned out like it was nothing more than mere background noise.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
This was a great pick to show up on a Sunday morning. Sinatra’s crooning always fits two scenarios for me. I am either relaxing in the morning (like today) with coffee while cuddling up to the dog, or late at night with my feet up on the ottoman and a drink in hand, also cuddling the dog.
Stan Getz
3/5
I think I’m going to have to go with a 3 out of 5 on this album rating. At times I was leaning higher, but honestly by the end of the album I was left yearning for something more. Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd do a pretty decent job with performing Brazilian style music, but its not great. You can tell they are doing more appreciation than appropriation when bringing the samba feel to this album, yet it never fully clicks, and is just left feeling not fully realized by the time the 30+ minutes end.
Gene Clark
1/5
Immediately set the tone with a Country twang folk song, and I knew I was in for a rough time. By track three I was pretty much checked out and really didn’t want to listen to any more of Gene Clark’s voice. It just continuously sounds the same, with no personality behind through out the album. Considering it only achieved success in the Netherlands, and bombed in the U.S, that should have been a good indication to leave it off this list.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
I truly do not like Lauryn Hill the person at all, but this album is a classic for a reason. I don’t think it’s a 5 out of 5, but it definitely deserves its props and a spot on the list because this album took over at the time of release. Lauryn has so much talent, and showcases her skills of both rapping and singing through the album. Sadly my opinion of Lauryn keeps from truly enjoying the album to its fullest.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Another album that baffles me as to how it got an entry on this list. It’s not a horrible singer songwriter album, but it’s just not very interesting overall. I figured it would be up my alley, but it never really got going and just kind of sounded the same for the most part. As the album went on, it slowly morphed in to background music that couldn’t hold my attention
The Kinks
2/5
I know you’re not supposed to judge kinks, but I’m judging The Kinks. I felt like I was listening to a Beatles’ clone with more simplified lyrics. It almost sounded like an album made for a children’s book soundtrack at times, and I struggled to push that thought from my mind. Older rock just mostly continues to not be my jam, and this is just another example of it just not hitting for me.
Hole
4/5
Can’t lie, but I was never much of a Courtney Love fan as a teen. That said, I’m glad this album came up and I got a chance to listen to it. Outside of Celebrity Skin, I hadn’t listened to the album itself prior to this morning. It’s a really good alt-rock album from the post-grunge era of the 90s, but isn’t great start to finish. While it kicks off really strong, it does suffer from some weaker tracks in the middle. It thankfully rebounds towards the end and leaves the listener satisfied.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
3 hours! This damn album is almost 3 hours long, and I respect my time more than that. After about 5 songs, I realized this was not for me. The singer’s voice does change up a bit from song to song, just did not click with me. That’s when I decided I am not sitting here for 3 hours listening to his droning on about love. Take that and shove it up your…
Boston
5/5
This was an absolute blast to listen to. I'm not a huge classic rock/dad rock fan, but this one definitely had me singing along. Felt like Bon Jovi before Bon Jovi. It's funny what a good singer will do to make a group more appealing to my ears. When the album finished, I was disappointed since I wanted more lol.
Roni Size
2/5
Aaaaah, the UK Bias of this list strikes again. A Drum N Bass album that just overstays its welcome. The album starts off as a very solid DnB album, and I was kind of getting in to it, but it never really evolved further than what it did in track 1. This wouldn’t be a problem if the album wasn’t almost 80 minutes long. By the time the halfway point hits, I just wanted the album to end. I probably would have given it a higher score if it knew when to stop, but alas it doesn’t.
Keith Jarrett
5/5
Going into this album and knowing it was going to be a solo piano album spanning over an hour long, I was a bit nervous. I am glad to report this album is a jam session in which you can really just sit back and enjoy. It's wild how he manages to turn the piano into an instrument that can just jam out at times. I will say the grunts and moans at times kept throwing me off, but the music was so good, I quickly just let it go and kept listening intently. Definitely deserves its spot
Happy Mondays
2/5
Well I can tell you one thing, I was definitely bummed after listening to this album. Another Brit bias pick that is underwhelming and made my Thursday morning unhappy. I don’t even know what to say about this album. It was so middling, that it just kind of formed one long track. Nothing stood out, it just felt like an album that happened and I’ll never think of again.
Marty Robbins
2/5
Like a boring Western soundtrack. Every song just sounded like I left a Western movie or TV show from 60 to 70 years ago playing in the background. There’s an audience for this music, and most likely people who think Gangsta Rap is too violent and black.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
More Brit bias incoming! And to no one’s surprise, it sucks. From the singer's voice down to the fact the music fails to bring a retro sound to the ‘90s scene, it’s just an overall poor experience. I listened to most of the album, but one of the last 3 or 4 tracks was so downright annoying, I just hit stop. I couldn’t take the grating on my ears.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Hey, it’s the Butthole Surfers. Always knew this group's name, but probably only heard their music a couple times growing up, and I don’t even remember those songs. Diving into this album was a mixed bag. The first half of the album was kind of meh, but the later half had some good tracks that at least ended things on more of a high note. Probably won’t seek out more of their stuff, but finally can say I at least know more than their name now.
The Avalanches
3/5
I didn’t know what to expect going in to this one, and it’s not a bad album at all. A lot of sampling, hip hop beats and breaks, mixed with some electronica. It was a pretty cool vibe for the morning while having breakfast, and getting ready. It can get repetitive, which isn’t too annoying, except the album went on a little too long. By the time it got to around 45 minutes I felt like it could have easily been finished, but instead it keeps going for about another 15 minutes. That’s where I finally felt like I had heard enough.
Spiritualized
3/5
When I was looking into this group and album, and read the words “English space rock band”, was ready to hate this album. To be fair though, it was pretty good. Outside of the run time, and a 17 minute long track, it was enjoyable enough that I’m not mad I listened through this once. Still not sure it deserves to be on this list.
The Prodigy
3/5
Prodigy has always been a group I recognize as being very good at what they do, but damn I just can’t really get in to them. This album had fun moments, but overall I felt like it turned into more noise than music at times, and my brain this early in the morning was screaming out. Another artist I understand being on the list even if I wouldn’t put them on there.
Bad Brains
3/5
When I read this is a punk band that began to touch on funk, soul, reggae, and heavy metal with this album, I got excited. Sadly it did not live up to that description. It was still mostly a punk album, and the touch felt more like they brushed against the other genres. It’s a good punk album, but disappointing for me when I expected more.
The Temptations
5/5
Absolutely classic album from a goated group that is filled with tracks that are either funk or Motown. I was either jamming or grooving depending on which style was playing at the time. It’s also wild that their cover of “Heard It Through The Grapevine” is the weakest track on the album. Bravo to this making the list!
Ryan Adams
1/5
This is a garbage album from a garbage human being. Boring ass country music that I hit stop on a handful of songs in because I started to rage at how annoying the music was.
Fiona Apple
5/5
I was in high school when Fiona Apple dropped “Criminal”, and I remember just being mesmerized by her voice and the music video. Yet I didn’t fully appreciate the entire Tidal album at the time. As I got older I really started loving the album, and today it is definitely up there as an all time favorite. Her voice just pulls you in and makes you pay attention. Absolutely great entry on the list.
Beatles
4/5
I think this is a good Beatles album, but I don’t think it is consistent enough for me. The few times I’ve now listened to it, I find there to be songs I love, and songs I think are just okay. Honestly, a lot of albums of theirs are like this for me. This album was a turning point for them, and their influence over the industry. But I’m not here to rate just on only influence, I also have to rate the music. So for this one I’m giving it a 3.5, rounded up to a 4 on the challenge site.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
Honestly surprised to see Marilyn here. This album has some really great tracks (like the hit “Beautiful People”, but some of the songs are a bit too much noise for my ears. A couple times I did have to hit skip due to that noise. Overall I liked this album as a whole more than I expected, but I don’t think I’d put this as an album you must hear before you die.
2/5
This was pretty generic pop punk. I was listening to the album today as I awaited power to return to the house, and it was pretty average. I couldn't tell you the difference between many songs except sometimes a man would sing, sometimes a woman, often both? I really just spaced out and couldn't be bothered to remember. I don't understand the inclusion of this at all.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
When this pick popped up, I let out an audible “HELL YEAH”. Immediately put the album on and took the dog out for a walk on this chilly morning. Marvin Gaye is one of those Top 3 crooners, and one I also always realize I don’t listen to enough. This album is perfect from start to finish, and its inclusion is warranted.
Joy Division
2/5
This album felt like I should be going to the theater to watch a stage play or musical, which would have made this so much better if I had. Yet listening to this on its own just relaxing and eating breakfast, I didn’t really enjoy it much. It wasn’t unlistenable thankfully, but still nothing I ever want to revisit again.
The Icarus Line
1/5
This album was just bad. I skipped track 2, then tried to power through and by song 9 or 10 I gave up. It’s one of those where I’m just confused on how this got picked as an album you must hear before you die. Is the author so ignorant when it comes to music, he couldn’t find anything else? Just felt like I was listening to noise meant to annoy the hell out of me.
Supergrass
4/5
I was pretty sure I was in for another Brit Bias pick hate listen, and it’s not like the terrible album cover gave me anything to look forward to either. Surprisingly I found myself enjoying this a lot. There were 2 or 3 tracks that didn’t hit, but for the most part this was actually a fun listen. A good romp of Brit alt-rock, with some pop elements mixed in at times.
Beck
3/5
I’ve always liked and enjoyed a lot of Beck’s more well known songs, and I liked Mellow Gold when it came out. Yet after that album I never really listened to any of his releases in full. So Odelay is my first one I’ve checked out from start to finish since Mellow Gold. I’ll be honest, this album started off great, but quickly descends into a bit of chaos in regards to direction. I’d be enjoying a song, and then I would find myself becoming downright annoyed by the next, or from some of the sound effects used. The excitement I had when this pick popped up is gone, and I’m left with disappointment. 2.5 / 5
Aerosmith
4/5
This was the first Aerosmith album I liked when I was a kid, and it still holds up today music wise. I enjoyed going down the memory lane trip, rocking out, and singing along. There are just so many catchy bangers on this album. The only reason this gets a 4 and not a 5, is because there are still some songs that are just okay. Also I can’t deny I didn’t think about the problematic side of Aerosmith, in particular Steven Tyler, while listening. That definitely brought the experience down a bit as well.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Another one of those albums just based on the cover and description, I expected to not like. Much to my surprise it was actually pretty decent. Solid pop melodies and Elliot Smith’s voice was pretty good. I think the album kind of blended together a bit too much to rate it higher than a 3, but it was still enjoyable overall.
2/5
Easy response to this album. No! An 18 minute track to kick off the album was ugh. I’m sorry but these super long tracks artists like to do back then come off as nothing but pretentious. I gave this album until I was done with breakfast, and there were somehow still 3 songs left. I can’t with progressive rock, and most classic/dad rock as it is, so this was extra annoying.
Metallica
5/5
I got so amped when this came up as the pick. I played my CD of this album so many times as a kid. So once I got home from an errand, I put it on full blast… Sorry neighbors. Album still rocks out and I was singing along as loudly as possible to many tracks. This album was peak Metallica for me personally, and nothing after was as good as this, or what they did prior.
Scissor Sisters
4/5
Based on the group name, I felt duped when I heard a dude start singing lol. Besides that, I honestly thought this was a fun album for the most part. I think the first half of the album is by far superior to the second half. It’s got a good mix of some disco, pop, and rock. I wish the female co-lead singer had more presence than the guy, but it is what it is. A solid 3.5
Bee Gees
1/5
So the description of this album on the challenge page states “the album was not particularly well-received, though now is regarded by many as the most significant of the group's Sixties albums.” And after 3 songs I hit stop and understand why it was not well-received. It’s just garbage. It sounded like they wanted to do a prog-rock epic album and utterly failed. I can imagine the only people enjoying this are those who love to say “You just don’t get it man” before they go into some over pretentious spiel about why the album is so important. I’m good if I never hearing another track from this.
Johnny Cash
2/5
Another Johnny Cash live at a prison pick, and I don’t get it. Again just too many distractions that take away from the music. After the 2nd speaker announcement, and then people interrupting him singing at the start of a song, I was just annoyed. Then he sang a song about shooting his dog for being A FUCKING DOG. Yeah I hit stop and moved on. Also considering a line on one of his songs was “I’ll shoot that bitch dead” (which by the way, does not bother me). Anyone praising Johnny Cash, but criticizing rap lyrics for violence. I can assure you it's not the lyrical content you object to. You’re just a racist.
Gotan Project
4/5
When I saw this pop up, I really didn’t know what it was. I saw the Spanish name of the album, then the description said a French group, and I was like wait what!?! It turned out to be a pretty good and interesting album. It’s basically electronic latin jazz, and it works well. I found myself really getting into the album and enjoying the ways they incorporated the different styles together. The only issue is the album is almost 1 ½ hours long, so when I got to the remix tracks I decided that was enough and ended it there. Still a really cool album worth checking out
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
I originally wanted to say this is one of the worst 80’s Glam Rock albums I’ve ever heard, but I don’t even think it’s the worst. It’s just not really that Glam Rock as I expected. It felt like it lacked personality to me, and I just sat through the album like what am I even listening to. How does this make a list of albums you must hear before you die, yet other glam rock classics are missing? A baffling choice of inclusion with this one.
Ice Cube
4/5
This album is while Ice Cube still raps mostly like he’s attacking the microphone. Most of the album is hard and fast in terms of his rapping, but 30+ years later it doesn’t stand up for me like it once did. I personally prefer Ice Cube’s stuff on The Predator and later albums once he found more of a settled down groove for his flow. Still this album is super important in Gangsta Rap and the west coast scene for the time.
Depeche Mode
4/5
In my youth I never actively listened to Depeche Mode, but I remember hearing them a lot on the radio or seeing them on MTV and it never clicking. So when I went into this album, I was sure I was going to be meh on it. Hearing this album now, not only do I recognize a bunch of the songs, I appreciate their music more. I came out of this album really enjoying it, and will definitely give it a relisten.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
While there were some tracks that I didn’t hate as much as others, a lot of this album annoyed me. I tried to give it a fair shake, but I struggled a lot. When they want to be closer to pure pop, I think the songs are pretty decent, but sometimes they just tossed noise in and I was like “WHY!?!?!”. With 4 songs left, I had enough and just moved on.
Goldfrapp
5/5
This was a great pick today, as it introduced me to an artist that is right up my alley in music style. While the description of the album said it was an electronic duo, it came off more as a singer-songwriter album with Alison’s singing than it did electronic. I was completely hooked from start to finish and immediately went to seek out other albums to check out later. When I get stuck with bad albums as the daily picks, it’s ones like this that make me happy I do this challenge.
4/5
The last time I got PJ Harvey, it was her album Let England Shake, and I thought it was not enjoyable at all. I ended up bailing in the middle of the album, and giving it a 2 out of 5 on the challenge site. This album is much better and it reminded me that PJ Harvey has always been hit or miss for me. I’m glad this pick was on the list, because it was a bit of a redemption. There was only one song I wasn’t too keen on, but the rest of the album was really damn good. Probably some of her best work on this one.
Manu Chao
3/5
This was one of the most watered down Latin Music albums I’ve heard. While not 100% in Spanish, most of the album sounds like it was made to suit a white music critic’s palate. So it makes sense that the same Rolling Stone that left out Prince from the greatest guitarists of all time, think this is one of the Top 500 albums of all time. It’s not bad, but there is so much better Latin music out there to enjoy.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
1/5
This album starts off with annoying nonsensical screaming, and it doesn’t get any better. By track three I was so turned off by this utter garbage I hit stop and went to go listen to something else. No way should anyone have to listen to this before they die. Get this shit out of here.
The Fall
1/5
Imagine if Bob Dylan was English, and decided to do post punk music in the 90s… That’s what this travesty is. Monotone singing with no personality that sounds the same with drawn out syllables that just exist to annoy the shit out of me. It’s sad because the music behind the singing isn’t bad, but wasn’t enough to keep me from stopping 3 tracks in.
The Isley Brothers
5/5
Funky, groovy, and full of soul. I absolutely love this album for those three reasons. You get that mix of crooning love songs, and songs that will get you grooving. The Isley Brothers are such an iconic group, and no matter who the members are at the time, their music is timeless. A great album to have pop up after 2 travesties I had to suffer from.
Bob Dylan
1/5
It’s well known I hate Bob Dylan and his awful way of singing. So this was a quick nope!
The Hives
2/5
I can clearly state The Hives are not even close to being my new favorite band. Thank goodness that album was less than 30 minutes long, because I was close to just turning it off. It was just super uninteresting. Also why is a collection album on this list? That makes zero sense to me, because then any artist’s greatest hits collection could just be inserted instead of actual album releases. Nonsensical choice with this one
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
I’ve already hated the two albums of this group I’ve gotten already, so not even going to try to act like the 3rd time is the charm. 3 fucking albums of this shit already on this list. 1001 albums and we need 3 of them? And this is 1 hour and 22 minutes…. Come the hell on already.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
This album was fine. Nothing for me to hate, but can't say I loved it. Never really listened to Neil Young by choice, as he’s never been my style. Some of this album was a bit too on the country side for me. The rock stuff was enjoyable for what it was. Again, not my cup of tea.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
I don’t get it. Why does list love these monotone singers so much? It’s so bland and boring, and keeps me from finding any enjoyment out of it. It’s not as bad as Bob Dylan’s voice, but it was creeping close to it. Unfortunately it seems this isn’t the only album of theirs on the list, so I’ll have to struggle again.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
Singlehandedly this absolute worst fucking album that has ever been on this damn 1001 albums list. The album wasn’t on any streaming platform, so I found an upload on YouTube of the full album. I legit thought it was a troll upload when the “singing” started. After checking the comments, it was the actual album, and I was like WTAF. Yeah, this is unlistenable shit.
Coldplay
3/5
Never listened to Coldplay, so I was excited to check this out to hear the hype around the group I’ve always seen. But it's middling... Neither good or bad, just kind of inoffensive mainstream rock music.
John Grant
2/5
Another baffling inclusion on this list, and it’s not even downright terrible. The music and John’s singing is fine. The issue is the lyrical content, as it’s just cheesy as fuck. The lyrics are what I would expect from Eurodance songs, not a pop folk album. Due to that this album felt like wasted potential.
Malcolm McLaren
1/5
Cultural Appropriation The Album! That is all this is. Malcolm McLaren steals a bunch of music from various cultures, sings poorly, and yes, even raps poorly.
But he used artists from those cultures to help make this album you say??? I did a bit of research on this album to learn that even though he brought in artists from those cultures, he left out many of the black and brown musicians from the credits. He also didn't even understand how some of the genres work, including what a "bar" is in rapping.
As someone who actually listens to a lot of the various music styles and genres he tries to reproduce here, I’ve heard much better from actual genuine artists. Fuck this dude and this album.
Little Richard
5/5
One of the albums that truly belongs on this list, just based on the influence Little Richard had on so many artists that would come after him, whether Rock, R&B, etc. The album itself is energetic as hell and you can’t help but move your body along. The only cons I have with the album is it can get a bit samesy, and the production values just weren’t good enough back at the time this album was recorded. This leaves some songs coming off too high at times, which forced me to lower the volume due to how grating the audio would get. With the album clocking in at around 30 minutes, it does ensure the album doesn’t overstay its welcome with listeners. Rocking good time here!
2/5
It’s obvious by my other Psych rock selections of this challenge, I generally don’t like that genre of rock. That being said, even for psych rock, this album is pretty bland and boring. Not even sure how they decided this needs to be one people must here, as the album comes off as a band who just was checking off boxes while making the album. It just sounds so manufactured that it lacks any type of personality.
Baaba Maal
4/5
So I’m not sure this album should be on this list, but I am really glad it is as I love discovering new music like this. While it’s some really enjoyable African folk music that became a nice soundtrack to my morning errands, at over an hour long it is a bit too repetitive for me to agree that this should have been included as an album to hear before you die.
Metallica
5/5
Another Metallica classic on this list. Out of their albums prior to the Black album, this is definitely my favorite among them. The album is only 8 tracks deep, yet spans almost an hour in length.There isn’t a bad song on this album, and even saying that, Orion is probably the best track of the eight in my opinion.
2/5
From the moment I saw the douchey cover art of the album, I had a feeling this wasn’t going to be for me. This album reminded me of the Coldplay album with the way it had too much of a clean mainstream feel with its production, mixed with them really trying to capture Radiohead vibes with the music. Album felt like it was going through the motions and never stood out. It’s not a bad album, just not good either.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
One of those albums I was expecting to loathe, but it was fine overall. There are some genuinely good songs here, and then some that are questionable. Some of the lyrics are downright just bad. One lyric is legit “And I never stepped on the cracks 'cause I thought I'd hurt my mother”, and I was like wtf is this garbage? Also some songs I feel like he enjoys his own voice way too much. Overall worth a listen, but I won’t return.
Charles Mingus
5/5
Another jazz classic, and this one landed nicely on a Sunday to help kick off those chill Sunday vibes I needed. Really enjoyed the blending of some other music styles in to this album, yet still keeping that Mingus’ feel. I needed this as lately I’ve had a lot of middling albums and duds.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I’m pretty sure I said this when I got their 2nd album, but Zeppelin is probably my favorite classic rock band. Something about their style just always clicks with me. This was 40 minutes of just fantastic music, and it makes me wish more classic rock acts clicked with me the way they do.
Oh lord, I can’t stand U2 with every ounce of my being. Such pretentious nonsense I can’t even comprehend how they got so popular. Sadly there are another 3 or 4 albums of theirs on this list… sigh
Taylor Swift
5/5
This album and Folklore are my two favorite Swift albums. I loved the more chilled vibes we get from the songs spanning across Evermore. I saw this pop up this morning, and immediately hit play as I was walking out the door to walk the dog. To me it represents Taylor’s best work as an artist. It’s most deserving of her stuff to be on the list in my opinion.
Beck
4/5
After hearing Odelay all the way through for the first time recently, and not really enjoying it, I was a bit nervous. Thankfully this album was less irritating due to Beck not inundating the listener with annoying sound effects that was driving a neurodivergent person like me insane. I found myself enjoying this album much better, and really enjoying the more toned down, somber tone Beck was relaying through the music.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I’m sure I’ve heard Joni Mitchell before, but I don’t remember having done so. I found her album to be interesting as there were times I really enjoyed the songs, and sometimes I found them to be more average at best. Kind of like some would connect with me, and others just fell flat. I’m glad I finally got to check out her stuff, but can’t really agree it belongs on this list.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Based on the album cover and information provided by the challenge site and some reviews, I was expecting to loathe this album, but it’s not bad. The singing is fine and the music inoffensive. As an album being listened to during breakfast, it fit the mood. I wouldn’t go back and listen again, but it was cool checking out once.
Slipknot
1/5
Yeah I made it through track 4 before I said hell no. This era of metal to me was never my thing. It just grated on my nerves until I said “Fuck This!” and hit the stop button, and went to listen to some vinyl instead.
Beatles
4/5
Another Beatles album on this list, and it is another enjoyable romp. Yellow SUbmarine has always been my favorite since elementary school music class. So this album is up their for me, but still about a 4 out of 5.
4/5
This was a very interesting record that could have been greater if not for the album length and over use of electronica in some songs. When this album is going heavy with the Brazilian/Latin music and influence, it is at its best. Unfortunately there are tracks that lean a bit too heavy on the electronica and kind of ruin the vibes at times. It is also just over an hour long, and I feel a couple tracks could have been trimmed back in length and had a bigger impact to the listener. More of a 3.5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
This was so bland. Elvis Costello’s voice is dull as hell and only captured my attention for like a piece of a song. I got about halfway through and bailed, so excited to move on from this album. Then a friend was there to inform me there are 6 other albums by him on this list and I wanted to cry… Someone please force the author of these books to enforce a 2 or 3 album minimum per artist…. JFC…
Simple Minds
2/5
As someone who loves the 80’s music wise, the author and critics who put together this 1001 albums list sure pick the most generic sounding 80’s music out there. Simple Minds sound just like a bunch of other European 80’s groups with a male lead. Also this has to be one of the WORST album covers ever.
The Stooges
3/5
A perfectly fine punk/rock album that I didn’t hate or love. I’m glad the album wasn’t any longer than the 34 minute run time, otherwise I might have bailed. Wouldn’t listen to it again.
The Who
3/5
Another classic rock album that I sat through wondering what the appeal is overall. I think maybe 2 songs I really liked, and everything else was just fine.
Tom Tom Club
4/5
This album is pop at its silliest and it works well through most of the album. There are a couple dud tracks, but I’m not even mad because you can tell they just went all in on having fun, and I’m here for it. More of a 3.5 than a 4, but no half stars unfortunately
The Black Keys
4/5
I have never listened to The Black Keys, at least knowingly, so I didn't know what to expect going in to this album. By the time a few tracks had gone by, I realized I was enjoying it a decent amount. It wasn't an album that wowed me, but I had a good time with it. A solid 3.5 / 5
Pink Floyd
2/5
For decades I’ve tried to understand the appeal of Pink Floyd, and still just don’t get it. I find their music to be middling at best, and boring at worst. This album kind of was jumping between those two spots the whole time. I was just happy it finally ended.
Elastica
5/5
Didn't expect to see this album on the list. I loved it as a teen, but not one I thought would be showcased as a must listen before you die, nor do I think it deserves to be, even as much as I love it. I really enjoyed listening through the album again regardless, and it will always be an all time favorite from the 90s.
Destiny's Child
3/5
I’m not the biggest Destiny’s Child fan, but I do love me some Kelly Rowland. This album is definitely a classic in their discography for fans, but also one that doesn’t transcend past the period it was released. A very pop heavy album with R&B/Hip Hop sprinkled in, it’s a fun romp but one that I fully understand why it was eventually removed from this list.
Dire Straits
4/5
When I saw this pop up, I started singing "Money For Nothing" immediately lol. I forgot this also had "Walk Of Life". I am pretty sure I've never heard this whole album, and only what was on MTV or the radio as a kid. Overall this is a really good album, and one of the better English groups I've listened to from this list recently that wasn't named The Beatles.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
One of my all time favorite indie rock groups. The way they can shift between sub-genres of rock is great. Maps is the all time classic on this album, and a song I played way too many times in Rock Band. I love Karen O’s voice so much, and was just ecstatic to see this made the list!
Little Simz
4/5
British rappers tend to be hit or miss for me, and Little Simz definitely landed more on the hit side. I didn’t think this was good enough to be on the list, but I’m glad I was able to check this album out. Little Simz comes with a passion in her songs that I really appreciated.
Ray Charles
4/5
This album is a mix of the pop swing music and some soulful piano ballads. I do wish the album did a better job of mixing those track styles up, so it didn’t feel like a tale of two halves. The album gets you grooving, but soon relaxes it down and never comes back to the initial energy. I felt like this caused the album to start blending together at the end. Overall a great album.
Missy Elliott
5/5
I remember when I bought this album at release, and played the living hell out of it. At my first job doing clean up at a bagel shop, I was allowed to listen to music and this was one of the albums on constant rotation. It still holds up, and its wild that this has less than a 3 average, but considering what some people give 5s, I’m not at all surprised they can’t handle hip hop well.
Pavement
3/5
Beavis and Butthead were right, these guys need to try harder. It’s not a bad album though, it just is very much the same mood most of the time. Sometimes the singer would draw out his syllables at the end (not as bad as Dylan thankfully), and it would make me cringe. It was a good album for my morning listen, but kind of fell off into background music without me paying much attention to it.
Van Morrison
4/5
I wasn’t really feeling it when the first track started. I really thought this was going to be a dull, boring slog, but it quickly settled into a groove that surprised me. I ended up really enjoying the album more than I expected as a couple tracks were surprisingly soulful.
The Cure
4/5
Another enjoyable album from The Cure. Sometimes the melancholy music is just what I need in the morning. I’m glad this list has gotten me to listen to full albums by some of the bands from youth I just knew by singles.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Travis
2/5
Yawn inducing
Jorge Ben Jor
5/5
Another one of those world albums that make sitting through garbage choices worth it. This was a nice blend of Afro Brazilian and funk music. That first track hits, and you are on a musical adventure of grooves and rhythms for the next 40 minutes.
Radiohead
2/5
Man I was bummed listening to this one. After rejecting anything Radiohead in my youth, I’ve used this list to come around on them and enjoyed a few albums already that came up as daily picks. Sadly this is not one of them. This album is way too damn whiny for me. I skipped 3 or 4 tracks because I was getting so annoyed by Thom Yorke’s voice. First flop from Radiohead I’ve gotten.
Pink Floyd
3/5
Another Pink Floyd album, and probably the best one so far, but that doesn’t mean much in my opinion. A double album, which meant I had to listen to it longer than I wanted. Think I bailed with 4 songs left.
M.I.A.
2/5
I’ve tried for decades to get in to M.I.A, but have never been able to. Something about her delivery just never clicks with me. I know full well she approaches serious topics and social/political commentary that needs to be discussed, but as a music artist she just is not for me. I ended up hitting stop when it just sounded like the same song with slight production tweaks after 30 minutes.
LCD Soundsystem
1/5
Off the bat I knew I was in for some shit, and I was right. I tried 4 songs, and 2 I skipped for being so bad, before I gave up 30 seconds in to the fourth. It’s choices like this that make me wonder how any of these people are taken seriously as music critics. Straight trash
Def Leppard
3/5
Fun 80’s hair metal album that bring pure energy. Is it amazing? No. Should it be on this list? No. But it is, and it is entertaining enough to rock out my morning.
Culture Club
4/5
Earth, Wind & Fire
5/5
What a freaking album this one is. So many hits from “Shining Star” to “Reasons”. EWF and just a legendary act that never fails to impress during their prime. I was getting up to dance at times, and others just sitting on the couch swaying my body back and forth. A must listen!
The Rolling Stones
2/5
So this debut album is basically mostly cover songs, so why is it even on this list? Putting a debut album on the list just because of a band’s popularity is crazy when it makes no sense, like in this case. I found it to be absolutely boring, and all I wanted to do was go listen to the originals.
Various Artists
1/5
I've already stated compilations should not be permitted on lists like this, and then it gets worse by tossing in Christmas music? What are we even doing here?
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
This album was interesting, but I struggle to figure out why it is on this list when so many better R&B albums from the 90s to present are ignored. I found her interludes where she was explaining feelings and thoughts were more compelling than the songs. In fact, the talking tracks stuck with me more than any of the songs did after the album was over. This is more of a 3.5, but since we can't do half stars, it's getting a 4
Prince
5/5
Prince is one of the greatest, most unique, and creative musical artists of our time. Surprised this was the first of his albums to appear on the challenge for me so far. This album is fantastic, although not my overall favorite. We still have fantastic songs like “If I Was Your Girlfriend”, “U Got The Look”, and “Slow Love”. My least favorite track is "Sign o’ the Times", and personally it still feels like an odd choice to start the album off with a socially conscious song, instead of getting the listener into the more groovy stuff.
TV On The Radio
3/5
This album kept going up and down each track. I’d find a song pretty decent, then I’d be meh on the next one, and that cycle kept repeating. Overall this album felt skippable and definitely is a waste of a spot on this list.
Ice Cube
5/5
Up there as one of the best Ice Cube solo albums start to finish. It’s just banger track after banger track. Considering when this released, it held a lot of significance with recent events and the skits/interludes especially make listeners stop and think. 5 out of 5!
Miles Davis
5/5
Normally I’m against compilations, but a lot of Jazz albums from back in the day were collections of the single song releases. This is such a classic album and is super influential in shaping how jazz would sound. Miles Davis was such a genius and this album is a must listen for anyone. It’s kind of sad to see the average score of this one on the challenge site.
Beach House
2/5
I love me some indie pop, but I found this to be pretty dull and average. Nothing stood out in the entirety of the album. I feel like I spent 48 minutes listening to the same song with slight changes. I don’t understand how this made a list of albums you must hear before you die. Maybe albums to listen to before you sleep.
David Holmes
2/5
I wish this album was killed before it released. Holy crap it was super generic. Maybe in the 90s this held up, but in 2024 it sounds generic as hell. Also the samples included for interludes and such are uninteresting as hell. 100% more Brit bias on this list.
Dolly Parton
4/5
I’m not particularly into the country of this period with how twangy it is. Dolly definitely delivers that style, but she does it in a way I found more palatable. I can’t say I loved the album, but I found at the shorter run time, it was an overall enjoyable listen to here stuff from her that I hadn’t previously. 3.5 / 5
The Go-Go's
5/5
I've been such a fan of Belinda Carlisle and her voice ever since I was a kid. So revisiting this classic from The Go-Go’s made my morning. This is such a fantastic Pop Rock album with New Wave sounds blended in. It’s some of the best The 80’s had to offer and is an album that stands the test of time. I was jamming out at the grocery store while listening to this one. 4.5 / 5
The Doors
3/5
I expected to hate this more than I did, but it was a perfectly fine album. Getting these older rock albums continue to solidify this era of rock is just not to my tastes. I can see why people love The Doors, but I walked away just thinking I listened to a very capable group, but not one I was impressed by.
Pere Ubu
1/5
This is egregiously terrible. Any critic that thinks this should be an album to hear before you die should never be taken seriously again. This is why you don't tell kids they can be anything when they grow up, because the lead singer is atrociously bad.
I tried to listen to the entire album it to see how low this train wreck would get, but I couldn't after track 4. I'd rather him come knock on my door and spew his Jehovah Witness garbage than listen to another song off this slop.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
This may be unexpected coming from me and previous thoughts on other music from this period of rock, but this album is a fucking banger. From start to finish I’ve been rocking out. So damn good!
Sparks
3/5
I didn’t know who the Sparks were, so I thought I was getting a Japanese female duo, but ended up disappointed when I realized it was just two white dudes. The album was fine, but there were a couple times where the singing really started to annoy me. By the time it ended, I was grateful
Underworld
2/5
The very first track set the tone for how much I was going to be uninterested in this album. Then either track 2 or 3 showed possible potential… I wish I could remember which, but the album, and songs themselves, were so long I couldn’t tell where most tracks began or ended. But halfway through I had already given up. Nothing came of the album, it was only at the end of track 4 and I think I was already 30 minutes into the album. Just dull mindless noise at that point.
JAY Z
5/5
One of the most heralded Hip Hop albums of all time and for good reason. Even as someone who at the time wasn’t a huge Jay-Z fan, I couldn’t ignore this one. There are rare misses on this album, and it helped showcase Kanye to the world as a top tier producer. From the beats, to the rhymes, everything just combines into a certified classic. It also featured “Takeover” that would take the beef with Nas to the mainstream and help ignite a firestorm of debate between two of New York’s greatest rappers and which songs were better. Truly a must listen for any hip hop head.
The Doors
2/5
I recently got another album of The Doors and thought it was a fine album overall. This one was just not enjoyable. Outside of a couple songs I recognized, this album was just so bland and just droned on. The final song “The End” made me end it early. It was absolutely dreadful to listen to.
The United States Of America
1/5
Track 1: Hit skip halfway through. Track 2: Hit skip within 30 seconds. Track 3 and 4: I was making breakfast. Track 5: Skip. Track 6: That’s enough, hit stop. How in the actual hell is this an album I must hear before I die. There’s a reason this is their own Studio album, and it’s because it SUCKS.
The Byrds
3/5
This was a fine album overall. Reminded me through a decent amount of songs of The Beatles. There was a song or 2 that were bad enough to hit skip on, so can’t give it much higher than a 3. I don’t think its worth being on this list at all.
Jurassic 5
5/5
When I saw this pop up as today’s pick, I realized I haven’t listened to not just this album in particular, but probably Jurassic 5 in over a decade. So this was a nice revisit to this album and their style. It is such a damn good album, it makes me sad that I hadn’t listened to it again until today. Definitely gonna have to give their albums some replays soon.
The Libertines
2/5
Somehow managed to get through this album, even though it was pretty bad. Another one of those choices on the list that I could not figure out why it had a place on it. Just felt like another Brit bias pick.
Gillian Welch
3/5
This album started off well, and was the singer-songwriter style I like. Unfortunately a couple songs go a bit too hard on the country and I had to skip. The other issue comes with as the album goes on, the slower songs start to just sound too much the same for me, and my experience dulled. Funny how singer songwriter is one of my favorite genres, and yet this 1001 albums list make it one of my worst. SMH
Solomon Burke
5/5
This was a great listen, and one I’ve never listened to before. I’m sure I’ve heard some songs of Burke’s, but definitely not an entire album. Really happy I got a chance to listen to one of the pioneers of R&B and soul. This album is a must listen for fans of the genre.
Neil Young
4/5
Can’t say I’ve done a lot of Neil Young listening in my life, and I wasn’t sure what to expect here. I came away really enjoying the album. It was my soundtrack while grocery shopping this morning, and fit my mood nicely this morning. Definitely surprised at how much I enjoyed it, and will have to check out more from him in the future.
Nick Drake
3/5
The best way to describe this album is inoffensive and easy listening. It was decent background music I sat on the couch this morning drinking my coffee and petting my dog. Can’t remember a single song, but just remember it being relaxing enough as I chilled.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Been awhile since I listened to this album as a whole. Forgot how he tossed away the love songs to do a whole album with important messages with this one. Such a fantastic concept album that should not be missed. Saw some reviews claim there are only 2 good songs, and what baffling statements
Tracy Chapman
5/5
I didn’t really appreciate Tracy Chapman at the time when this released. I was young and it never clicked. As I’ve gotten older, this album has continued to grow on me. A lot of the themes on her songs are still relevant today.
Rod Stewart
4/5
This album was a lot of fun, but not good enough to be an album I felt like I need to hear before I die. Still a rocking good time, and worth checking out.
Lambchop
2/5
This whole album can be summed up in one word, and that is BORING. Holy crap was it dull as hell. When the first track hit, I almost hit stop, but decided to give it a chance. At some point, a few tracks in the middle kind of got a groove going. Sadly it didn’t last long enough, and with around 4 songs left, I just hit stop and moved on. Seriously stupified how stuff like this makes this list.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Saw Jimi pop up as today’s pick and let out an audible squeal. One of the greatest to ever do it, and this album for the most part is another album that is just amazing. The only slight negative is that the album runs a little on the long side, and while I enjoy Jimi enough to not be bothered, I can see why others may not be so keen on listening that long. For that I give it a 4.75 out of 5.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
I saw an English rock band album from the mid-2000s and I can’t lie, I expected to despise this. Yet as I was listening during my weekly grocery run, it wasn’t bad. Can’t say I hated it, nor did I love it, but it was a perfectly fine album. I won’t go back to it, but don’t mind that I heard it either.
Crowded House
2/5
Couldn’t tell you a single thing about what I just listened to. It was an album that happened, and it just kind of droned on in the background while I was making and eating breakfast.
The Birthday Party
1/5
I despise Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, so I knew going in this was going to be a chore to listen to. Somehow this album is even worse than The Bad Seeds stuff. If I could give a negative rating, and wish for someone to hand me money for even putting up with 4 songs, I would!
David Bowie
4/5
This is the 4th album from Bowie I’ve gotten on this challenge, and it’s been a mixed bag so far. I think it's my favorite so far, just ahead of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Most of the songs just clicked with me. I really enjoyed the song Sound and Vision.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Can’t say I listened to much Iron Maiden growing up, so checking out a whole album was interesting. I can understand why they were popular and the influence, but I wouldn’t say I loved the album. I thought the album was a solid listening experience, but didn’t come away as wanting to listen to them more than this.
The Adverts
3/5
I saw English punk band and immediately got nervous, but the album turned out to be better than I anticipated. I’m not saying I’m going to go search for more stuff of The Adverts, but this was a solid punk album.
The Darkness
3/5
As someone who has heard plenty of glam rock from the 80’s, this album is just fine. It’s not doing anything new or better in 2003, but they recaptured the sound well. It’s more baffling that this was even chosen for this list. When albums like this pop up, they feel like a wasted spot when they could have spent time finding better albums to showcase to be considered as must listens before you die.
David Bowie
5/5
Seems like every time I get a different Bowie album, I like it even more than the last. This album just hit differently than the others for me. I really enjoyed it from start to finish, and it provided a fantastic soundtrack to my weekly grocery shopping trip.
Django Django
3/5
This was fine, but definitely an album I could have never heard before I die. It felt like the band was having fun, yet their vibe wasn’t infectious to me as the listener. I didn’t hate it, but came away a bit indifferent towards it.
U2
1/5
Middle fingers up to U2. Just another waste of time from this overrated shit band.
U2
1/5
Two days in a row of this U2 shit? Am I in hell? I must be in hell!
The Youngbloods
3/5
After getting stuck with U2 for 2 straight days, I was ready for ALMOST anything. I think my suffering made this album more palatable than it normally would. I’m not a fan of psych rock or country, but this isn’t that bad as it never goes too far in either direction.
Bill Callahan
1/5
Holy monotone crap Batman! How is this an album I must hear before I die? This was downright torture to listen to someone so tone deaf. Just the same voice droning on and on and on and on. YUCK
1/5
This album is what happens when you tell kids they can be anything they want when they grow up. It's like they handed a bunch of grade school kids instruments and told them to play the Jazz album the teacher just played for them.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
This is the first of the Elvis Costello albums I’ve gotten on this challenge that I found decently entertaining. Maybe it’s the New Wave influence, but this was a much needed improvement to their sound. I’ve had a rough week of picks, so this was a pleasant surprise.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
A fun Indie shoegaze album. For the most part I found this album to be really enjoyable as a full album experience. No single song really stood out to me as one I’m going to remember though.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
This album was fine, but not worth hearing before I die. Never felt like anything that special to get that type of designation.
ZZ Top
4/5
A very solid and fun ZZ Top album. They always bring a rocking good time. Always enjoyed them as a kid, but never spent much time on their pre-80s stuff. So this was a cool album to get acquainted with.
The Louvin Brothers
1/5
I joked about Over Under how many songs I get through before I stop this… Well I made it through all of one, and that was all I needed to know about what this garbage would produce. Song 2 started and I just said awww hell no and hit that stop button. Like this shit has no place on this list. GTFOH
The Slits
1/5
An album can be influential, and not be required listening. Sometimes these things can just be written about. This is one of those times, as this is terrible all around, from the instrumentation to the vocals. It was just bad.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
The real comedy here is that someone with their unbearable Brit bias thought this album was something you had to hear before you die. This was straight trash. 3 songs and done.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Another Bob Marley classic on this list, and since it’s Friday, it was my grocery shopping soundtrack. Definitely helped warm up my mood on this below freezing morning. Just pulled me away to a warmer feeling.
Killing Joke
2/5
It’s a joke that this album is even on this list because it isn’t killing anything. While it’s not the worst Brit Bias choice from recent days, it still isn’t very good. The only thing this had going for it is that it was tolerable and I was able to finish the album
Jimmy Smith
5/5
What a great jazz album. Jimmy Smith’s organ playing is on point, but like I saw some other reviews say, that sax player 100% stole the show. This was a great rainy Sunday morning listen.
The Smiths
3/5
This album was dead middle of the road for me. Not impressed or annoyed by the group, so it’s like a 2.5.
Linkin Park
4/5
I’ve never been the biggest fan of Linkin Park. I think their music is good, but never lived up to the hype for me. This album kind of matches those feelings. Some good songs, and a lot of songs that sounded the same throughout. I get why people love them, but just not really for me.
Big Black
1/5
Had to give up 2 tracks in. Too much noise. Was just making me cringe, as it sounded like scraping metal mixed with nails on a chalkboard.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
I really dislike live albums, but this one surprised me. I found it to be a pretty fun listen, until it overstayed its welcome. Clocking in at an hour a 17 minutes, I hit the point where I eventually hit stop and moved on. I just kind of had my fill about 50 minutes to an hour in.
Ramones
4/5
I don’t consider The Ramones a great band, but I do consider them very fun to listen to, and that is all that matters. This album also does not overstay its welcome, and finishes just before it even hits the 30 minute mark.
Lightning Bolt
1/5
Another noise album on the list, and I just can’t handle it. My neuro spiciness just hears metal scraping on metal and didn’t even finish track 1.
Ray Price
1/5
This classic country album isn’t filled with the twangy whiny crap I hate, I still didn’t enjoy it. It’s just not a genre I find impressive or enjoy. Ray Price’s voice is at least not off-putting, so I’ll give it a 2 for that.
The Zombies
4/5
I was looking at this pick and saw Psych Rock as a description and immediately groaned. A few songs in and I was already enjoying the heck out of the album. By the end I can say that was a very entertaining romp this morning, and one I did not expect.
Van Morrison
2/5
Van Morrison is hit or miss for me. I really enjoyed Moondance, but this one just feels like it’s lacking anything in regards to substance. Everything feels unfinished or unpolished, giving this album a feeling of one of those release that is a compilation of Rarities, demos, and unreleased tracks.
Queens Of The Stone Age
4/5
I had never listened to any Queens of the Stone Age knowingly, and around the time this album came out, I was deep into down south rap. I’m always intrigued to go back to releases I missed while being into other genres, especially late 90s through mid 2000s. This album was fun and I enjoyed it, but I can't say I felt like I missed much by not hearing it at the time.
Green Day
5/5
Somehow this is another one of those albums I have never listened to in full. I was in a different place in terms of what I was listening to and personal ongoings. So it was cool to remedy this and finally give it a listen. The album is great start to finish, but I think I’ll keep Dookie at the top of my personal Green Day faves.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
This album cover is extremely relevant even at present day, which is sad. The album itself is amazing. Curtis’ voice just held my attention the entire time, and somehow even managed to get me to not skip a track about Jesus, as I tend to do. Hell I started singing along at parts. Must listen!
Joy Division
1/5
I didn’t really enjoy the previous album I got as a pick on this list, and this album was WAY worse. I couldn’t even finish this one. It was downright atrocious to sit through. No thanks
Ghostface Killah
5/5
A classic album from Ghostface, that is a banger from start to finish. While his Ironman album is my favorite of his, this one is definitely a close second. Wanted to get out my vinyl copy, but had a bit too much of a backlog of albums I still needed to get to, so settled on streaming it.
The Offspring
5/5
A favorite of mine from my high school days. From start to finish I was jamming out to this one singing along.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Not a fan of The Rolling Stones, but the first track on the album started well enough, but by the end I wanted it to be over. When they are focused on pure rock, I think they’re a decent listen, but the country songs were straight garbage and ruined any chance of this album getting a 3
Neu!
2/5
When it’s just the music, this album is all about the vibes. Just super chill and enjoyable, then it gets absolutely ruined by the vocals about halfway through the album. I didn’t even finish it, the singing was so atrocious. Was leaning towards a 4, but a 2 is all this deserves with that voice.
Sinead O'Connor
2/5
30+ years later and I still don’t get the hype. Didn’t like her music as a kid, and still don’t like it. Outside of the Prince cover, which I despised as a kid every time that music video would get played again and again on MTV, I honestly found myself bored by the rest of the album. There was nothing I found memorable once the album finished it’s last note.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
I didn’t hate or love this one, and it turned out to be a chill album on a Friday morning. Overall it was a fine album, but not one I’ll remember down the road.
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
It’s funk with a deep social twist, which is about the best way I could put this. So far most of the funk I’ve gotten on this list has been get up and groove. This one is still a grooving, but makes you really pay attention more as it’s kind of gritty. It makes it stand out in a very intriguing way. 4.5 / 5
Queen
5/5
What a banger, especially for someone who usually isn’t too keen on the rock from back in the day. Of course I sang along to the entirety of Bohemian Rhapsody… I mean Wayne’s World kind of instilled it in me to also bang my head to the song at just the right moment. lol
Deep Purple
2/5
There were a couple tracks that I thought were really good, but overall this album felt like a mess. Too many solos, too much wailing, and no cohesion in to making a song good. I get they were trying to go for a live feel, but it just didn’t work for me as a studio album. It comes across forced.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
1/5
I laughed when I saw the band name, and I was genuinely intrigued. Unfortunately when I hit play it was country/western rock, and I knew I was going to struggle. Around song 4 I gave up. Country music is just so unappealing to me, I can’t stomach it most of the time.
Yes
2/5
More generic classic rock picks on this 1001 albums list. It did absolutely nothing to impress me or make the album memorable in any way.
Jethro Tull
2/5
I’ll be honest, before I was listening to the album I kept seeing negative comments about a flute. I was like it can’t be that bad, and the album started off decently… then the flute hit and its kind of a jarring contrast. Its one song though, so I continue on, then it happens again and more egregiously… and I just couldn’t. I hit stop. Yeah it’s kind of annoying when its paired with harder hitting rock, especially when that becomes the sole focus of the song.
Radiohead
4/5
My 5th Radiohead album from this challenge, and it’s a solid one. Not as good as Kid A or In Rainbows for me, but not as good as Kid A or In Rainbows imo. It just didn’t stand out as much to me as those two albums, and furthers strengthens my argument that there should be no more than 2 albums per artist on a list like this.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Not a Fatboy Slim fan, so I knew how this was going to go. It’s not even that I think the music overall bad, it’s just not for me and I didn’t find any enjoyment in listening to it
John Lennon
1/5
I’d like to imagine I never listened to this album. Holy shit was that dull and boring. The stupid biases of this list really piss me off. Like we could have a much better list if the writers would shed their biases, especially toward British artists. Fuck
Cream
1/5
A band with Eric Clapton… guess this gives me another chance to state once again… Fuck Eric Clapton
Everything But The Girl
3/5
I remember constantly seeing posters for Everything But The Girl in Tower Records whenever I visited, but I never really got into them. Their music was always fine, but never reached full enjoyment. Hearing them again decades later with this album, I still feel the same way. 3.25/5
Saint Etienne
4/5
I didn't know what to expect going in. I thought this was going to be singer-songwriter, but it turned out to be mellow vocal house. It was pretty enjoyable and a very enjoyable listen. I preferred this slightly over the Everything But The Girl album I had yesterday. 3.5/5
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
This is such trash. It’s basically a live performance that sounds more like a classic soundtrack to an old Sci-Fi show than rock. It was constant grinding on my ears and mind as sounds of what would be more akin to the sound effects used for Aliens/UFOs literally made me scream “FUCKING STOP” as I was reaching for my phone to hit stop. Absolutely terrible experience. No one should ever have to listen to this before they die.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
If there is one thing I’ve learned from this list, as much as I dislike a lot of classic rock… CCR puts out some banger albums. 2nd album from them on this list and another one I absolutely loved. I also think it’s at least the 3rd time I’ve heard a rendition of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” from this challenge, and this one was really good.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
As someone who prefers female rock groups, somehow Sleater-Kinney slipped through my radar back in the 90’s. I only have heard The Center Won’t Hold, which I thought was fine. Still I was kind of hype because this was the 90’s, my favorite decade in rock… Yet I just didn’t really get into this album at all, and came away feeling meh on it. Probably like a 2.5 out of 5
The Specials
1/5
The music was fine, but the singer was absolute trash. Ruined anything enjoyable about the album. By song 3 I was done hearing him and hit stop. No fucking way should this be listened to before you die.
Megadeth
4/5
Always enjoyed some Megadeath. I know the lyrics can sometimes be downright cheesy or make no sense, but that is all part of the fun to rocking out to their music.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Similar to the last album I got of his on this challenge, this music is fine as background music as I am going through daily motions. I don’t understand why we needed more than 1 album of his on this list though. It just makes me think of how many better and more deserving albums are left off because of decisions like this.
Liz Phair
5/5
Absolute classic album. I used to play this album and her Whip-Smart album constantly back in high school. Been a huge fan of Liz Phair ever since. Absolute perfection here!
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
The first half of this album was pretty meh. I even contemplated hitting stop and moving on because I was so disinterested. The 2nd half was definitely better, with some really enjoyable songs. Even with the 2nd half rebound, it should not be on this list when there are better 90’s punk bands out there.
The xx
3/5
I had this group’s debut album a while back and I thought the album sounded like 1 boring, long ass song. So I wasn’t expecting this to be any better, but shockingly they really improved. I won’t go so far as to say they belong on this list, but overall the album was a much more enjoyable experience. 3.25 / 5
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
As a teen I couldn’t stand RATM, and now that it’s 3 decades later… It’s fine. Had to skip one song because it was like nails on a chalkboard. WHen the album finished, I was just happy the yelling was over.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Great jazz album, and one I had not heard before. So it was a nice surprise and just what I needed this morning after waking up way too early. It set such a nice chill mood during breakfast while dogsitting.
Eurythmics
4/5
Always a fun album to listen to. Yet as much as I enjoy it, I can’t help but feel this album was included for the title track alone. The album never reaches a height of you must hear this before you die. I could definitely agree if “Sweet Dreams” was on a list of songs you must hear before you die though.
Tom Waits
1/5
After the last Tom Waits album I got, he got tossed in the Bob Dylan area of my brain. That is to never be listened to again. So I skipped this, and glad I did. I read other reviews from the challenge site, and I saved myself from agonizing torture.
Aphex Twin
3/5
As background noise while I was doing other things, this album was a good fit for that. Yet I couldn’t listen to this album without actively doing something else. It’s not interesting enough to be the only focus. Also it’s a bit too long at 1 hour and 14 minutes.
Jerry Lee Lewis
1/5
Ah this racist pedophile pops up on my 1001 albums challenge. This entire album just shows how much this douchebag stole from Little Richard and did it so much worse. Thank goodness it only wasted 22 minutes of my time, because I was ready to hit stop by that point.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
1/5
I gave this album an over/under at 3 songs for how far I would make it through. I guess you could argue it's either under or push. I made it to song 3, but stopped halfway. I couldn't stand this at all.
The Monks
3/5
This was silly and more fun than I expected. I wouldn’t say it belongs on this list, but not mad I listened to it. It’s a good one time listen that brought smiles to my face and quite a few chuckles.
The Stranglers
2/5
There were some good songs, and there were some bad songs. The problem here is the bad songs are much worse than the good songs are good. I wish the singer would pick a style, because sometimes he was unbearable to listen to.
fIREHOSE
3/5
These types of picks always confuse me with why they are on this list. This album is perfectly fine, but there is no wow factor and nothing groundbreaking. It definitely isn’t something you need to hear before you die.
The Smiths
3/5
Again I find The Smiths to be a decent listen, but I would never seek them out on my own. It’s enjoyable enough, and at around 37 minutes, it doesn’t stay past its welcome
John Martyn
3/5
This was a very subdued listening experience. Very folky, with some jazz at times, blues at others, and even a sprinkle of rock and country. Overall I didn’t dislike the album, but it also didn’t do much for me either. It just kind of was an experience that happened, and not one where I want to hear it again, or search for other music by John Martyn. 2.5 / 5
The Replacements
3/5
This was an enjoyable rock album overall. Answering Machine stuck out to me, because it made me wonder how many people are confused by what that even is at this point. Lol. Doubt I’ll go back to it, but I had fun with it.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
This album was definitely a better experience than Psychocandy I got as a daily pick on this challenge. Off the bat I found myself already nodding along and enjoying the music so much more. Makes me wonder why the other album is even on this list, when this one is that much better. I went from dread to enjoyment.
Barry Adamson
3/5
This was an interesting experience on this list, but I’ll never go back to it or seek out anymore from him. Even with it being interesting, I’m baffled why it is on a list like this
Bad Company
3/5
I hit play on this album this morning, and now that I’m remembering to write my thoughts on it, I realize that I don’t remember a single thing about this album. I don’t remember anything bad, nor anything good. I remember hitting play and I remember the music ended. Couldn’t tell you a single thing about what I heard. So for that, a 2.5 / 5.
Tom Waits
1/5
I don’t know who I despise more vocally at this point. Tom Waits or Bob Dylan. I of course am not going to waste my time listening to either of their music to find out that answer.
The Auteurs
2/5
It has been awhile since I got such a blatant Brit bias pick, and boy is it ever a Brit bias pick. The album at times is pretty decent, and at others bland and sometimes downright annoying. A couple songs, the singer just repeats two words over and over, instead of having a true chorus. And even he sounds bored doing it. I should have taken advice from the title of the second track, and just Bailed Out.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
White woman does soul music, and to be fair, she does it well. My problem is I can’t stop thinking about so many Black artists that do it even better. I was reading how this is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, but would she get that acclaim if not for being a white English woman able to sing the style? Again the album is really good and Dusty deserves flowers, but I think it is a bit overhyped because of what she looks like and not because of her talent.
Beatles
3/5
This is one Beatles album that could be left off this list. At this point this inclusion is just Brit Bias or fanboyism. I generally enjoy the Beatles, yet wouldn't call myself a huge fan. This album just drones on, and doesn't really stand out at all in their catalog of music. When the album ended, I found myself audibly saying, "Thank god".
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
This album started out with a couple really good songs, then as the album went on, it was like a rollercoaster. It would go from really good songs and quickly drift in to boring, then would repeat through the end of the album. It's another one of those albums I'm satisfied with having listened to it once, but won't ever come back to it.
The Doors
3/5
Another solid album from The Doors, that focuses more on the style of the blues. Their hits really stand out here, but the rest are a bit too inconsistent. They tend to jump between enjoyable to droning track to track.
Tricky
3/5
That was definitely an album that happened. Can’t tell you much about it, because it was kind of boring. Had some nice female vocals, but overall just forgettable.
Fred Neil
2/5
Bland, unseasoned nonsense. Had to skip about 3 tracks because they were that bad. An album I could have absolutely gone without hearing before I die. Eesh... 1.5 / 5
Soul II Soul
5/5
What a classic album with some 90’s bangers! Always enjoy me some Soul II Soul, and this album features “Back To Life”, which was an essential track to our generation growing up. Wild how low the rating for this album is on the challenge site, but then again some of the folks rating this low have Bob Dylan as their favorite artists. So I can tell those folks find Ketchup to be the height of spicy.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Not just one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, but one of the greatest debuts of all time. Raw, gritty, and downright amazing. From the beats to the lyrics to the flows, it is just a banger from start to finish.
New Order
3/5
Another bland and middling offer from a British act. The amount of bias picks on this list that amount to this mediocrity is wild. 2.5 / 5
Sugar
3/5
And another decent album that has no right to be on this list. Nothing this album does is better than any other band at the time, and it doesn't really stand out in anyway. Overall its a fine listen that didn't make me want to hit stop, nor did I want more when it was over.
Wire
3/5
It’s 70’s Punk, and it’s not as bad as I was expecting. I found myself enjoying it well enough, but like many other artists on this list, I won’t seek out more from them.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
I can’t do it… I can’t sit through another album of his droning on and on instead of singing. I hit play and within 5 seconds hit stop. There are too many of his albums on this list.
The Band
2/5
When I saw the uninspired name of this group, I knew this was going to be uninteresting, and I was absolutely right. If you can’t put any thought process into your group name, it’s unsurprising the music follows suit..
Femi Kuti
5/5
Discovering bangers like this album are why I continue through all the middling and garbage picks. I put this on at work and I was just in my seat grooving right along. From start to finish it just gets you moving. Fantastic!
Bobby Womack
5/5
Snagged another classic 2 days in a row, I’ll consider that lucky with this challenge. The perfect soundtrack to my morning walk with my dog. Bobby Womack is one of the best, and this album showcases that perfectly.
The Cardigans
5/5
One of my all time favorite albums, and bands, and I am so happy it made this list. I have listened to this album so much over the past 3 decades. After this album, I remember going around searching for their other albums and struggling to find imports. I think I ended up overpaying at a local Tower Records for one, and eventually finding another 3 years later in Germany.
Otis Redding
5/5
I tend to despise cover albums being on this list, but Otis Redding really brings out a unique feel to the songs on this album, and a lot of times I would say his version is just as good as the original, if not even better. It takes a lot to surpass the originals of some of these classic songs, but he does it with ease.
The Jam
3/5
Another decent pick on this list. Was an album that when it was done I hadn't nothing bad, nor anything super praiseworthy to say about it.
Doves
2/5
Found this just to be boring. Nothing really stood out as the album droned on in the background of my morning. Can’t believe this was a highly rated album.
Ella Fitzgerald
4/5
I hate that I’m only giving this a 4, instead of a 5. Ella is one of the all time greats, but a collection that is 3 hours long is a huge ask of any artist. In terms of making a list for a book, an album like this is a good pick, but when converted to a challenge like this, it’s a bit harder to swallow. I’m almost done Disc 2 while writing this, but there are still 4 more to go. So as much as I love Ella’s music, this was a bit much for a single day’s listen.
50 Cent
5/5
An all time favorite rap album. From start to finish it is just a banger with no bad tracks. I saw someone else’s review here calling out white folk for the way they talk about this and other rap albums, but rate albums high from white artists that talk about the same things in different ways. Hell some of those white artists have sung about, and actually slept with underage girls. Or Johnny Cash’s songs about misogyny, violence, or animal abuse. Like if you’re going to criticize a black rapper’s message, maybe look at the music you like first. We know why you actually don’t like rap, and it’s not really about the content. Trust me, we know
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Another classic coming in hot this week! Probably my second favorite RHCP album, and probably the one with the most songs people know. For me, any time Under The Bridge, I poorly sing along. Just one of those songs that stuck with me forever.
The Zutons
3/5
I went into this one expecting the worst, but it turned out just fine. It’s inoffensive and sometimes pretty fun to listen to. I doubt I’ll ever go back to it, but no complaints on hearing this at least once.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
I like shoegaze and dream pop, but this album didn't click with me at all. It’s not that it’s bad, It’s hard to describe exactly what bugged me about the album, but I kept feeling annoyed by a lot of the songs.
The Clash
3/5
I am aware and understand the significance of The Clash in the punk genre, but I never fully get into their albums. It’s a fine listen that thankfully isn’t too long in the tooth.
Elis Regina
4/5
This was a great album mixed with latin jazz, and some city pop/AOR vibes. I had a lot of fun listening to this one. The only reason I’m giving it a 4 and not a 4.5, is because it is a compilation and not a true album. So even though this was a fantastic listen, it really shouldn’t be allowed on this list.
Kate Bush
3/5
This album had some crazy highs and crazy lows. When Kate Bush is at her best on this album, the songs are amazing, but sadly many songs are just downright annoying. This album kicked off with two really bad songs, then got good for a while, before ending on another down note.
Violent Femmes
3/5
After listening to this album I know I've heard it in its entirety at some point in my life. No clue when though. Almost every song I recognized. Still it wasn't really up my alley, but it was fun enough.
Holger Czukay
3/5
When I read about this album and other reviews, I was worried about this being an experimental type album. I actually found it interesting and not too bad. I don’t think it’s worth anything above a 3 out of 5, but it was cool to check out at least once.
Frank Sinatra
5/5
Great album. I've listened to a lot of the older singers thanks to inheriting records from my great aunt, but Sinatra always stands out at the top. Listening to this album this morning really helped, as I've been dealing with a lot of various things this week, and needed something on this level to help calm my brain down.
Tito Puente
5/5
What a great pick to snag on a Friday. Was blasting this on the ride to the grocery store, then grooving along while shopping, then blasting the rest of the album on the way back home. Always love some me some salsa/latin jazz. I grew up hearing it from my Puertorican father, and even though my own Spanish is crap, I still love the music regardless.
Scott Walker
1/5
It’s been awhile since I had an album this bad on the list. This dude’s singing is absolutely irritating. The first song started and 30 seconds in I hit skip. 2nd song started, again a skip. Then the 3rd, and I hit stop. Just abhorrent.
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
This is one of those bands I always knew, but never really listened to growing up. My biggest exposure to them was when they did an amazing collab with De La Soul on the Judgement Night soundtrack. I have to say this album was really good, and made me regret missing out on them back then.
David Bowie
4/5
I really enjoyed this album considering the genre Bowie went with this time. I understand why he called it “plastic soul”, but it still does a better job than many other white artists trying to mimic the style back then. Definitely an enjoyable ride.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
This album kicked off with 2 bangers, then the third song was a fast skip with how bad the vocals were. The rest of the album was just kind of towing the line of mid and decent, with at least one other song I skipped.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This was a fine listen overall, but none of the Elvis Costello albums have sold me on the fact as to why he needed to be on this list 4 times at least so far. *sigh*
The Roots
5/5
A classic hip hop album from The Roots. Not their best album, but still a banger overall. It’s funny reading the reviews on this 1001 Albums site, as you can tell the truly ignorant by using the typical hip hop criticisms that don’t even describe this album. But the dumb will be dumb, while The Roots will continue to bring the fire.
Skunk Anansie
3/5
I came away unsure how to feel about this album. I felt like the album never really gave an idea of what the personality or identity of the band was supposed to be. A lot of the same sound throughout that never really clicked with me. It wasn’t bad, just in the end it's kind of forgettable.
Dire Straits
3/5
It's a fine overall album. None of the songs really stood out as memorable, but it was a decent enough listening experience from start to finish. 3.25 / 5
George Michael
3/5
It started off pretty good, but ended with all the songs being a bit too much of the same to the point it just blended together
XTC
2/5
That was essentially a waste of a part of my morning. The album isn’t even terrible, as it is just boring as hell. I think a single song caught my attention briefly, then I went back to not really caring and letting this album just drone on in the background. Definitely not worth a spot on this list or the 50 minutes it took from my day.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Ever since he debuted in the ‘90s, I have never been a fan of FBS. Figuring maybe decades later I’d change my mind, but I can say I stay firm in my stance. Electronic music just hits or it doesn’t for me, and when it is this repetitive with audio clips and such, I just find myself getting irritated as shit. I made it through most of the album, but eventually had to hit stop to save my sanity.
Alice Cooper
3/5
School's Out was a banger, then the rest of the album happened and it was fine, yet ultimately forgettable. It's albums like this where I feel like the author and folks he collabed with include albums for nothing more than a single song that they think deserves praise, and not the whole album.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
How this trash ass group has another album on this list is beyond me. I hit play on track 1, and immediately knew this wasn’t going to the end. By track 3 I hit stop. Then I remembered they have been on the list before, and I pretty much had the same thoughts on that album. This list truly is filled with abominations that folks definitely should never listen to before they die.
Neil Young
4/5
Pretty enjoyable and relaxing soundtrack for my Friday morning. I’ll be honest that I’ve never really listened to Neil Young much at all, so this was kind of my first full album of his. Definitely looking for other selections from this list now.
Tangerine Dream
1/5
Did I make it to the end of track 1, or halfway through track 2? I have no idea since I didn't look when I hit stop, and the first two tracks were ridiculously long. It was some absolutely boring slop that wasn't even worth being background noise. It's like listening to meditation music to help you sleep, which I get why people enjoy... but it does not need to be anything you need to hear before you die.
Adele
2/5
Adele is one of those artists with amazing singing talent, but for me that is not enough by itself. She has absolutely no personality in her voice and is too bland and unseasoned for me to listen to more than a single here or there.
Hot Chip
2/5
This is a chill album, but it's so inoffensive I couldn't fully get in to it. I felt like the group was afraid to actually do anything interesting and step outside the box here. So the end result is a lot of the same from start to finish
Milton Nascimento
5/5
Another one of those albums I only found out about because of this challenge, and I absolutely love it. I expected a banging latin album that would have me dancing. Instead it was super a chill and relaxing jaunt, especially while out walking the dog on a cool morning. 4.5 / 5
Kelela
3/5
This album isn’t bad at all, in fact it’s pretty solid, but it suffers from a long run time, and not really producing anything super memorable. Kelela has talent, and definitely soul, but I never found that any of the tracks proved to me why she should be on this list. I also felt like they could have trimmed the album down by a few songs and produced a slightly stronger showing. With how much amazing female R&B talent is out there, it makes this album choice a little baffling. 3.25 / 5
Morrissey
1/5
Didn’t like Morrissey growing up, and still don’t. I gave the album a fair chance on the morning walk, and I just was unimpressed. Still can’t stand listening to him at all.
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
I’ve heard some awful shit on this list, but this takes the cake. This is audible torture, and there is no dancehall to be found by the time I hit stop. It’s less haunted, and more cursed.
PJ Harvey
3/5
After having two previous albums by PJ Harvey, in which I rated one a 2, and the other a 4, this album reflects my opinion on PJ Harvey so well. This one is right there at a 3 out of 5. Ever since my teens PJ Harvey would have a song I liked, then a song I didn’t. This album is pretty much that exactly, as my opinion from song to song kept dipping and rising.
Minutemen
2/5
I didn’t find much enjoyment out of this selection. I don’t think it’s downright terrible, but it just wasn’t my thing at all. It’s also way too long, so it eventually became annoying.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Solid Neil Young album. My 2nd in about a week and a half, and it was another enjoyable listen. I still don't think Neil Young will enter my listening rotation when the challenge is over, but I'm glad I'm checking out some of his stuff. 3.5 / 5
Björk
4/5
After Björk’s first 2 albums, I kind of fell out of listening to her full albums and only really know her singles at that point. Seeing this album on here let me finally experience Vespertine, and I have to say it was great! Had a fun time this morning checking it out. 4.25 / 5
Khaled
4/5
This was a fun album overall. I found myself grooving along to most tracks, but there were a few misses that kind of dropped this down to an even 4 out of 5. Had to go find a playlist on YouTube full of the songs, because Spotify did not have the album as of my listen.
The Beach Boys
4/5
As a kid I always found The beach Boys fun to listen to, and I listened to one of their greatest hits albums all the time. I also wore the ever living hell out of Kokomo. It was cool to go back and listen to a full album, because I definitely have not done that enough with this group. 4.25 / 5
CHVRCHES
5/5
Somehow I’ve only known of CHVRCHES, but never actually listened to any of their music. So I’m kind of kicking myself on missing out on a group that is right up my alley. Synthpop goodness with mostly female vocals is just what I love. Thanks to his selection, I’ll be checking out more of their music for sure.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Solid album, but I don’t think I’ll remember much of it in the long terSolid album, but I don’t think I’ll remember much of it in the long term.
m.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
Overall an enjoyable album, moreso on the songs where Kacey stepped back from sounding too country. The more country centric songs weren’t bad, but definitely didn’t get me as engaged in listening. 3.5 / 5
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
Overall it is beautiful singing, but a cappella I can only handle so much of before I start finding myself slightly annoyed, which is what started happening the last 2 or 3 tracks. Worth checking out, but doubt I’d visit this album or the group further. 3.75 / 5
Flamin' Groovies
2/5
Meh. This style of rock still just feels super mediocre too me. I think a song or 2 pulled my interest in, but overall it was just too long and I didn't care for most of it.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
Didn’t really get into this band back in my youth, and listening to this album I see why. I just didn’t find anything here that stood out amongst all the bands I loved back then. The lead singer especially just turned me off. With a better lead singer, I could have seen this being much better than it was.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I truly enjoy Led Zeppelin, but 1 hour and 22 minutes is just too damn long. Could have cut this under an hour and been a much better overall experience.
The Kinks
2/5
I got so bored, that at some point I opened Instagram and caused the album to stop playing. When I finally realized the album wasn’t playing, I had no desire to even pick it back up where it left off. It wasn’t that the album is bad, it’s just uninteresting as hell.
FKA twigs
4/5
I’ve tried in the past to get into FKA twigs, but she never clicked. So going into the album, I was a bit worried if I could finish it. That said, listening to the full album is a more enjoyable experience than just hearing a single on its own. I came away liking this more than I expected, even though I doubt I’ll seek out more of her on my own volition. 3.5 / 5
Steely Dan
5/5
As soon as I hit play, I knew this was going to be a banger. As someone who is late to the game for yacht rock (which I know is a term these guys hate), I’ve been listening to City Pop pretty heavily the past 5 or 6 years, and yacht rock scratches that same itch. So this album was just a lot of fun, and really fit my mood this morning.
The Prodigy
2/5
Surprised I made it as far through the album as I did. Never been a fan of The Prodigy, and still not decades later. It’s not the worst I’ve heard, but it just is not for me at all.
Gil Scott-Heron
5/5
Really interesting album that was a mixture of jazz, soul, and spoken word. The H20 Gate Blues track was especially interesting and will easily remind you not enough has improved in 50 years, socially or politically. I will have to agree with some other reviews that stated the vocal track definitely overpowered the instrumental track, so for that I give this 4.5, instead of a full on 5.
Björk
4/5
I didn’t even know Björk had dropped an album in 2015, as I was certainly not paying much attention to anything outside of K-Pop at the time. This was an enjoyable listen that was the soundtrack to my morning grocery shopping and other errands.
Fairport Convention
2/5
Just a no from me. I don’t think it’s particularly bad, it’s just not for me at all. So I found it more annoying as the album kept going on. ‘60s folk rock is just not what I want to listen to.
Nico
1/5
Yeah….. 3 tracks in and I noped out. No one should ever listen to this before they die. It’s just boring as all hell, and the singer’s voice just does not work at all. Maybe if she sang in German, I’d enjoy it more, but as it is I could not even bother with this album further than I made it.
Moby Grape
1/5
Spotify didn’t have the whole album, so I listened to a couple of the tracks they did before searching out the whole thing. The 2 tracks I listened to told me enough I wasn’t going to enjoy it, so I didn’t bother.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I understand how influential this group is, and I could definitely immediately recognize some artists I’ve listened to in the 90s that took this style for their own music. Overall though I found the album interesting, and enjoyed the music. I would say this is around a 3.5 for me though.
The Coral
2/5
More Brit bias creeps in on this list with an album that is mediocre at best. This album stood out in no way at all, and nothing I heard sounded fresh, or even well done. It came and went like a fart.
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
I tend to listen to my daily selections first thing in the morning as I make and eat breakfast… so this album almost put me right back to sleep. I’m grateful it wasn’t annoying ass country twang, but it was just so low energy I think after song 3 it just kind of disappeared into the background and I couldn’t even remember when the album actually ended.
Cheap Trick
2/5
Cheap Trick’s performance here is overall pretty MEH. Did not enjoy it at all. The only redeeming part of this live album is the crowd is HYPE AF.
Basement Jaxx
4/5
I audibly groaned when I saw another electronica album pop up on this list. Yet my worries were unfounded, because this album was a lot of fun. I was out walking my dog and just grooving along with it. Definitely a nice surprise. 3.5 / 5
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. It’s not just one of the best latin music albums of all time, it’s just one of the best period. Alway takes me back to when my dad originally bought the CD in 1997 and would play it constantly.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Probably the weakest of the Led Zeppelin albums I’ve gotten so far on this challenge. It’s still a really solid album, but definitely not as good as the other ones I’ve had selected to this point. 3.5 / 5
Todd Rundgren
3/5
I think I would have given this a 3.5 or a 4 if it wasn't a double album. Too many skips for me, but when the songs are good, I really enjoy them. “Marlene” is problematic AF.
Louis Prima
4/5
That was a lot of fun, and just full of energy from start to finish.
Animal Collective
2/5
As a Marylander who lives pretty close to Merriweather Post Pavilion, I was hyped for this…. I was wrong to be hyped. This was a dull test of patience that mostly sounded like one long song just never ending. Hell I thought the first 3 tracks were just one song until I looked at Spotify and realized I was on track 3. The entire listening experience was just ranging from mid to boring.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
This album started off pretty strong, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Unfortunately by the 2nd half I felt like it was only becoming a bit too much of the same, at which time I kind of stopped paying attention to the album as much. 2.75 / 5
Emmylou Harris
3/5
It's fine, nothing amazing, nothing you need to hear before you die... at best something you could listen to before you sleep to help insomnia.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
I dunno how this is considered such a great album. I mean it wasn’t bad, but it kind of just was. Maybe a couple tracks were interesting, but overall a rather mediocre listening experience
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Joni Mitchell has some amazing lyrical content, but I just didn’t find the album an overall enjoyable listening experience. Her voice isn’t even that bad either. It just her singing remains constant throughout, and I felt there wasn’t enough variety for me. I agree with other reviews, that she should have gone the direction of being a poet.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
2/5
Based on the terrible album cover, which looks like a terrible western romance novel cover from back in the day, I expected shitty country music. Instead I got shitty psych rock. So in the end I still lost. I never felt like I had to hit stop, so that’s a plus, but still meh overall. 1.5 / 5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
My least favorite of the S&G albums I’ve gotten so far. Just didn’t really click with me, and ending on “Silent Night” kind of sealed my thoughts on it. 2.5 /5
Oasis
1/5
Automatic pass for me. I hated this album when it came out as a teen, and I still despise Oasis to this day. I refuse to waste any of my time on this shit. Just an overhyped Brit Rock band that are at best mediocre, but are such assholes, I give them the lowest rating possible
Ian Dury
1/5
Straight trash homie. It’s just some horny English dude who is terrible at singing. A single song made me chuckle, then that track ran the whole shtick in to the ground by going on way too long. Hit stop around track 4 or 5. Not worth wasting time on. 0.5 / 5
Shack
3/5
I was expecting more hot trash from the author’s Brit Bias, but it ended up being a middle of the road experience. Some songs were pretty meh, while others turned out to be decently enjoyable. I’ll never return to this album, but I’ve had worse recently. 2.5 / 5
The Who
1/5
Sorry folks, I don’t give a shit about some rock opera. This was absolute trash for me, and I couldn’t even get to song 4. I’m glad I bailed too, considering this slop is over an hour long. I really don’t get the love these classic rock groups get, especially when the singing is as bad as this.
Ozomatli
5/5
This was a surprise to see on the list. I love Ozomatli, and while I would rather see the Embrace The Chaos album, this one is still a banger. It’s wild to see other reviews on here and how low the average rating is. But considering the demo on this challenge, I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked this has too much seasoning for their ears.
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
I didn't mind it at first, but then I saw it was over an hour of this dude screaming and just said nope. Glad I never heard this back when I was a teen.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
Why do all these 80's Brit Pop singers sound exactly the same? There is no reason whatsoever you ever need to hear this before you die. I can assure you that you've heard plenty of other groups and songs similar to this.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
Another middling Brit bias pick on this 1001 Albums list that you definitely don’t need to hear before you die.About halfway through I accidentally stopped playback, and decided it was for the best and moved on.
Nina Simone
5/5
After 2 Brit bias picks worth of suffering, I get a reprieve with a Nina Simone classic! This was such a refreshing breath of fresh air this morning from the challenge. An all-time great artist here.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
This was a nice and relaxing listen, but did it need to be on this list? Not at all, as it feels like something just tossed in. I feel like the writer behind this list was just trying to find albums that weren’t Brit or American bias to pad out the list and make them look like they were broad minded. There are so many amazing albums from other countries and languages that could be on this list.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
One of my favorite albums from my high school days. Used to listen to this one on repeat, and it is still holding up today. Funny that I never really enjoyed Alanis’ stuff post this album nearly as much.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Album is a banger until it isn’t. I was jamming out and singing along loudly to the tracks I remembered from my youth. Unfortunately the last 2 or 3 tracks send this album out on a whimper, which was super disappointing. 3.5 / 5
Leftfield
2/5
An example of being completely mid, and made even worse by running too long at over an hour in length. I gave up and went to do something else with only a few songs left because it had well overstayed its welcome by then.
Morrissey
1/5
Shocking, another Morrissey album I did not finish. I don’t get the love for this narcissistic dbag. He’s so goddamn boring to listen to.
5/5
Does this album belong on this list, not really, and it was later removed…. But I absolutely love this album because it’s just entertaining as hell. Also the Rollin’ (Urban Assault Vehicle)” version just might be one of the greatest remixes of all time due to the features of DMX, Method Man, and Redman. Giving this a 5 just to counter all the ridiculous 1s this album is getting on there, but it’s more like a 4 out of 5.
Can
1/5
One thing this list has taught me, is that I really don’t like psych rock. This album isn’t the worst of the psych rock picks though, but it tries its damndest at one point to do so. Fortunately my phone decided to briefly lock up and restarted all the apps. Since that caused Spotify to stop playing, I accepted it as a sign to move one, and so I did.
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Funky jazz to kick off the morning is such a vibe. Can’t believe this was only 4 songs, and by the time the album ended I was surprised 40+ minutes had gone by. Really wish it had kept jamming on.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
A fine experience listening to this album, but one that couldn’t really capture my attention much.
Pretenders
3/5
Overrated Brit mediocrity, but that’s not a surprise considering how many of these type albums I keep getting. 2.5 / 5
Queen
5/5
Another chance on this list to get acquainted with Queen albums in full instead of all the popular songs I know. This was another fantastic listen from them! 4.5 / 5
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
As someone who gets hyped to hear jazz albums on this list I have not heard before, this was a bit of a let down. There are some great tracks to enjoy, but there are just too many mediocre ones to rate this any higher than a 3.
Afrika Bambaataa
5/5
An absolute classic and probably the biggest influence in pushing Hip Hop to what it is today. I see other reviews saying this doesn’t hold up, but that’s absolutely ridiculous. This holds up better than 90% of that rock garbage from the 60’s and 70’s. Just a banger from start to finish!
Queen
4/5
Another classic Queen album, and the 2nd album of theirs in the past week. This was a lot of fun, but probably my least favorite of the 3 or 4 albums I’ve gotten of theirs so far.
Stephen Stills
2/5
So while I was listening to this album, I was doing something else and forgot the album was even playing when I hit play on another album to check something out… I didn’t even know what song I last listened to, so I figured subconsciously I didn’t want to listen anymore, and therefore didn’t bother finishing it.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Tears For Fears
4/5
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
Guided By Voices
1/5
LOL what a fucking joke this album was. Songs so short you don’t even have time to get into them. Just a waste of time for anyone doing this challenge
Kraftwerk
2/5
I can listen to this and understand this group's influence on electronica, and I can also listen to this and say this is boring and repetitive nonsense. Nothing stands out in any way.
Beatles
4/5
A super fun album that reminds you why the Beatles were popular. Still I can’t give this much more than a 4 overall as the Beatles have always been very good to me, but never a band I truly love.
Common
5/5
One of those hip hop albums that is just a much better experience when listening to it straight through, rather than just the stuff that landed on radios. It’s also an album that reminds me of just how good Kanye was back in the mid 2000s with his beats. I miss that version of Ye.
Bee Gees
2/5
Another pre-disco album by the Bee Gees on this list is wild, and the only positive thing I can say about it is that it’s not as bad as Odessa. Even the song “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is a mediocre version compared to the Al Green version that came out a year later.
The 13th Floor Elevators
1/5
I really can’t stand the psych rock this list is determined to showcase as something you must hear before you die. So much of it is downright awful. This one tries to take psych rock and blend in some surf and garage rock, and I even heard a lil’ country twang in the instruments on one song. It doesn’t work well, and the singer’s absolute trash voice only makes it worse
The Crusaders
5/5
Really enjoyed this one. Surprisingly I had never heard of this album, but knew as soon as I saw the title Street Life, I had heard a sample of this song in the past. And the chorus hit, and I was like… there it is. Good times all around!
Maxwell
5/5
Back in March I gave this album a relisten and was reminded of just how good it was. I was honestly surprised, but elated that it showed up on this list. Giving it another listen this morning brought out no complaints from me.
Deee-Lite
4/5
Deee-Lite is one of those bands where I hear the name and just start singing “GROOVE IS IN THE HEEEAAART!” That song was so infectious as a kid, and still is an all time earworm to this day. I remember having this album on cassette back in the day, so this was a cool and fun revisit.
David Bowie
3/5
Before this challenge I had never really listened to Bowie at all. Outside of the first album I got, I’ve enjoyed most of the other albums I’ve gotten as my daily picks. Yet I could not get into this one at all. The entire album just felt like one song, and nothing stood out for me. It just became noise in the background instead of me actually paying attention to it. Further proof the author needed a 2 or 3 album cap per artist. 2.5 / 5
Slipknot
1/5
All Hope Is Gone from this list. One Slipknot album was tragic enough, but two!?!?! While so many great hip hop and R&B artists are delegated to a single album. We don’t even get 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me album, but we get TWO FUCKING SLIPKNOT ALBUMS?!?!? The author of these books should admit he doesn’t understand the premise of what you need to hear before you die.
Arrested Development
5/5
Love this album, and used to listen to it a lot as a teen. I will say giving it a spin 30+ years later, it would benefit by cutting a few tracks that are more like interludes. Eventually the album just feels like it goes too long, and would have been better with about 10-15 minutes shaved off the runtime. Still a fantastic album with strong messages throughout. 4.5 / 5
Johnny Cash
3/5
I tried, I really did. In the end, I’m just not the audience for Mr. Cash. His music does nothing for me, and I find myself just bored and annoyed.
Jungle Brothers
5/5
Fantastic hip hop album from ‘89. Just pure vibes from start to finish speaking on not just issues going on, but their own spirituality, religion, and community. I’m curious to see how all those constant reviews complaining about language rate this one. We know some people will find fault in any hip hop, while having Bob Dylan as their top artist. LOL
Willie Nelson
4/5
I can’t handle much country, but for some reason Willie is one of those artists I don’t mind. Had fun listening to this one and the tale he waves through the different tracks
Sly & The Family Stone
5/5
More Funk! More Soul! Always makes my mornings when I can walk the dog and jam out to music like Sly & The Family Stone.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either. Dead middle of the road for me music wise, but ultimately made worse by the singer’s voice. 2.25 / 5
Living Colour
5/5
One of my favorite rock albums of all time. Just an absolute classic from start to finish! And fuck CM Punk. I refuse to let him ruin this band for me. Lol.
Gang Starr
5/5
Such a great album to see on this list… BUT they could have included Gang Starr’s best album, Moment Of Truth. Somehow the author is too musically ignorant to include that one though, and I shouldn’t be surprised by that lol. 4.5 / 5
M.I.A.
1/5
Never enjoyed M.I.A.’s style, and after learning more about her Anti-Vax stance, support for RFK Jr., and Trump… Fuck this cunt
The Jam
2/5
Oh boy, another Brit Bias pick that is middling at best. Wild to see how high the average score is considering how lackluster this album was. Just dull and uninteresting British rock
Adam & The Ants
3/5
2nd day in a row with a 1980 Brit release that’s a blend of New Wave, punk, etc. The only thing that made this one slightly better is the fact that the group sounds like it’s having a blast making this album. So for that it get.s a 2.5 / 5 instead of a 2.
De La Soul
5/5
When I saw this pop up this morning I cheered out loud. This is such a classic and I never mind going back and giving it a relisten. What a debut this was. It’s my 2nd favorite De La Soul album, behind AOI: Bionix.
Kraftwerk
3/5
I enjoyed this one more than their album, Trans Europe Express, that I previously had. I still don’t love their style, but this was way more interesting.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
One of the greatest soul albums of all time. Not only is the music fantastic, but it’s the social commentary that really brings this entire album to another level. The songs are catchy and attention grabbing, and just make you listen to the message he’s trying to spread.
The Streets
1/5
Wish we could leave 0s or half stars at least for garbage like this. Dude’s rapping sounds like a parody of hip hop, and not in a haha funny type of way, but in an absolutely insulting way. This has taken this 1001 album list to a whole new level of Brit bias, because there is no other way this album would have been included without that bias. Skip this excrement.
Big Star
3/5
Calling their album #1 record is wild when it’s mid AF. 2.5 out of 5
Fugees
5/5
A classic album, that is only held back from being perfect by its long run time. An hour and 15+ minutes is just a bit too long here, and the album could have benefited greatly from being tightened up by losing about 3 or 4 tracks. This album does have one of my favorite all time skits with the Chinese restaurant in the hood. It never fails to make me laugh. 4.5 / 5
George Michael
5/5
Been a long time since I’ve listened to this album all the way through. Really enjoyable 80’s pop, and full of absolute bangers. 4.5 / 5
1/5
This was a pretty quick hell no from me. As soon as I read it was going to be noise rock, it had an uphill battle to convince me to listen to a full album of that genre… As expected, I bailed about song 3. It was grating on me, and eventually I couldn’t take the noise anymore.
The Mars Volta
2/5
I saw prog rock and expected this would be an easy pass for me, but I didn’t really hate it. I didn’t enjoy it either, but I didn’t just bail early and managed to finish most of the album. It’s just too pretentious for me to enjoy.
The Associates
1/5
Sulk is a good name for this album. After 3 straight days of crap, this one included, I just want to sulk. I made it to about halfway into the album before the lead singer’s voice finally made me rage quit. I love 80’s music, but some of the choices on this list are downright terrible.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
2nd Jane’s Addiction release I’ve gotten on this challenge. Unlike the first album, I didn’t really know any songs prior to going in to the listening experience. It was another fun, solid time from them. 3.5 / 5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Absolutely not. How many shitty Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds albums does this list need. More like albums that make you want to die… good lord, this author needs to get out of his bubble more than he does.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Solid outing by Joni here, but weighed down a bit by the album droning on a bit too long. Started contemplating more and more about when the album would end as it went on.
The Byrds
3/5
Another album by The Byrds… how are there 5 damn albums of theirs on this list. It’s so average. Yawn. 2.5 / 5
The Stooges
3/5
Eh… it was whatever. The entire band’s sound and the singing just did nothing for me, and I pretty much tuned the album out as it played in the background while I ate breakfast. 2.5 / 5
Fever Ray
2/5
Temu Bjork… that’s all there is to say
Nirvana
5/5
I needed this album to drop in my lap after the most recent slew of slop I was getting. Being able to revisit this classic felt like a god send!
Gene Clark
2/5
Boring ass country album, just let it play as I ignored it and did other things. Thankfully inoffensive
Giant Sand
1/5
Complete lack of personality from the singer and this band. Just utterly boring and lifeless.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
I had never heard of Joan Armatrading before getting this album, and I really enjoyed her music. Always enjoy discovering new good music on this challenge, as it makes getting all the trash worth it. lol
Madonna
4/5
While there are a few bangers everyone knows, the rest of the album is just solid. The non-single tracks just never reach the same heights. I do find it funny looking back on how much I wore out my cassette single of “Like a Prayer” as a kid, and my dad never once thought to stop me from constantly blasting a song about a blowjob.
Roxy Music
2/5
I’ve heard of, but never listened to Roxy Music, so when I saw the cover I was intrigued. Sadly that is where my intrigue ended, as I didn’t even make it to the end of the album. It was uninteresting as hell, outside of one song (I can’t remember which) that had me moving my leg to the beat. I’m starting to realize I REALLY don’t like a lot of music by British artists, especially the further back in time the music goes.
3/5
It’s certainly a prototype country album from the time. It wasn’t the worst I’ve heard, but sometimes the lyrics were laugh out loud cringeworthy.
Tom Waits
1/5
Just another hacky trash album from Tom Waits. Baffles me that we needed even more than 1 album of this waste of sound.
Pixies
3/5
I was hyped to check this out because I knew about The Pixies, but never really listened to them. I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I didn’t come away hating or loving it
The Residents
1/5
This may very well be the worst album I’ve heard on this challenge so far. I never bought any version of the books, but this album made me want to demand a refund anyway. Utter trash. ZERO OUT OF FIVE!!!!
Randy Newman
1/5
Look I know Randy Newman is using a certain word in a satirical/political commentary type of way, but that doesn’t mean I have to be okay with it. To me it is not his place to do so, and for that I pass on his music.
Brian Eno
3/5
Inoffensive and relaxing. Not sure it’s an album I need to hear before I die, and I’d rather go listen to some modern Lo-Fi instead.
Supertramp
4/5
This was much better than I expected. It legit had me rocking out at times. I like finding classic rock albums I actually end up enjoying, because usually I find them just annoying AF
Bauhaus
1/5
This album is absolutely terrible, but in a way that just made me laugh out loud. To be honest, I couldn’t finish the whole thing, but the few tracks I did hear I was about to roll on the floor from laughter.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
Pretty sure in the very first song, she sang “The bricks have farted”... by song two I couldn’t listen to it any more. Lyrics are terrible and cringe, the singing is terrible… How does shit like this make the list?
Elvis Costello
4/5
Elvis Costello has been a mixed bag for me on this challenge so far. I’ve liked some, and disliked others. This album falls into the former, as I found myself enjoying this more than expected. If I had one complaint, it felt like it went on a bit too long. 3.5 / 5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Kendrick pretty much lives to drop hip hop classics, and this album is no different. Just a banger out the gate, and while the album is almost 1 ½ hours in length, it never feels like it overstays its welcome.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
5/5
Hip hop classic that is a must listen for everyone that enjoys the genre, or even those that want to hear albums that have major influence over a genre. From the songs with a message to the more romantic ones, there isn’t really a bad song on the album.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Another Rolling Stones album that make me wonder why they have so much appeal. This album had a couple songs I thought were alright, but mostly it kind of just came and went.
Cat Stevens
3/5
It was fine. I’m not as big on male singer songwriters, as I much prefer female voices in this style. Still it wasn’t a bad album and I found some enjoyment
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I was initially really enjoying the album, but about 45 minutes in I kind of got bored with it. Then I realized there was still about 30 minutes of album left. Just too long for what this is.
Slint
3/5
I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t really find it good or interesting. An album that felt like it’s potential was never realized and comes off more like a dud. 2.5 / 5
Caetano Veloso
4/5
I found this to be a very interesting listen. I saw Psych rock as a descriptor, and was a bit worried, but I don’t think that’s a fitting description honestly. I felt this was a really nice vibe for a morning listen.
4/5
I groaned when I saw another album by The Kinks pop up, as I didn’t really enjoy the last 2 I’ve gotten as picks. Yet this was a fun surprise. Off the jump, the first track had me grooving, and it just continued until the end. This was a really solid album.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Solid album from Peter Gabriel considering the others I’ve gotten on this list were disappointing. I was glad to finally get one of his albums where I actually knew a song. Outside of Sledgehammer, I didn’t really know the rest, but I enjoyed it overall
John Cale
2/5
Not much to say about this one. Not bad, but forgettable. Like a 2.25 out of 5
Mott The Hoople
2/5
This album was so bad I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at it. So I’ll give it a 1.5 / 5 just for making me laugh.
Skepta
5/5
After that terrible album by The Streets I got recently, I dreaded seeing another British rap album on the list. Thankfully this proved to be a banger, with the only knock on it being skits that just felt like a waste of time. I can see myself going back to this one and checking out more from Skepta. 4.5 / 5
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
LOL, I read the title of the album and knew immediately this was going to be a pass. Two tracks in and I noped the fuck out. Lead singer sucks, it’s pretty standard country rock, and the album is 1 ½ hours long. I don’t have time to waste on this trash.
John Prine
1/5
I heard a single line from this dude and his voice made me cringe that quickly. I noped out so fast I went back to listening to reggaeton. Can’t find nails on a chalkboard worth my time to listen to
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
I recognized a couple songs I knew off this album, which I would have never known it was this group if I hadn’t gotten this pick. Overall it was a fun experience.
Doves
3/5
Inoffensive rock. Like none of this was bad, but also nothing stood out or was memorable. It’s an album that just went from start to finish and will never be thought of again. 2.5 / 5
Pink Floyd
4/5
Out of all the Pink Floyd albums I’ve gotten (this is my 4th), I think this is my favorite. The actual music on this album is just downright fantastic. The only thing that drops this from being a 5 is the vocals. Every time someone started singing, I kept wishing they’d shut up so I could go back to listening to just the music.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I’ll be honest, this album doesn’t deserve to be on the list. It’s not even that this album is bad, but it just isn’t polished enough. Back to Black rightfully is on this list, but this is just flat out Brit bias. This list too often ignores many black R&B artists, especially women. This album being on here is proof of that. 3.75 / 5
Duran Duran
4/5
A classic ‘80s album and group, with such an iconic cover. Duran Duran wasn’t one of my favorites growing up, but I’ve been able to appreciate them more now that I’m older. While this won’t go down as a personal favorite, I do agree with it being on this list. A great example of ‘80s new wave music.
The Beach Boys
3/5
A fun album, but it having the one great single in "Help Me Rhonda" should not have put this album on the list. 3.25 / 5
Beck
4/5
It’s a good album overall, but something about Beck’s constant use of half assed Spanish kind of annoys me. 3.75 / 5
Dead Kennedys
2/5
The only positive of this album was I didn’t have to listen to another British punk band from this era. Still didn’t enjoy it.
Pixies
3/5
Solid rock album from 1990. I didn’t find any tracks really stood out to me. I won’t go listen to it again, but it was fine for what it was.
KISS
2/5
Outside of the radio hits, I had never listened to a full KISS album. Now I know why, as this was just dull as fuck. This definitely did not need to be on this list. As it played, I pretty much tuned it out.
Dexys Midnight Runners
1/5
F this trash ass singer. I remember the last album of this band. The music was mid, and the singer’s voice was the annoying part of it. Somehow the singer’s voice is WAY worse than that one. I bailed on song one. There’s a reason this album was a flop, so no, you don’t have to listen to this before you die.
0 out of 5
Soft Machine
3/5
Giving this a 3 out of 5, because while I enjoyed the music more than I expected to… the damn album is like 2 hours long. 1 hour in and I wanted to do something else than listen to more.
1/5
U2 sucks. That’s the review. Pass
Cypress Hill
5/5
Shocked to see their debut album and not Black Sunday, which is a damn near perfect album. Not saying this one doesn’t deserve to be on the list, but Black Sunday is more of a must listen than this one. Still a banger of an album, and great debut. 4.5 out 5
Justin Timberlake
3/5
It wasn’t terrible, but it makes no sense to be on this list. At times I felt like JT was just going through the motions of making a pop album and some songs lacked any type of personality or emotions. Often times the singing isn’t even that great, and while I’m not the biggest JT fan, I know he can sing better than this. 2.5 / 5
Aretha Franklin
5/5
An absolute certified classic. Aretha Franklin is just one of those goats blessed with so much talent. This album is such a joy to listen to from start to finish. An R&B/Soul queen!
The Killers
3/5
Not really the era of rock I enjoy, but this album was solid enough. I recognized a couple songs. I felt like the first half of this album was more fun to listen to than the second half though.
Sonic Youth
3/5
An overall fine album, but I’ve definitely heard better from Sonic Youth. Like most of the bands/artists that have more than 2 albums on this list, albums like this one could have given up a spot for something else. 3.25 / 5
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Definitely some Brit synthpop from the 90s. At first I didn’t really mind the album, but as it went on I just wanted them to stop singing and the album to just put me out of my misery. It just feels like it is never going to end.
Pantera
1/5
Fuck that racist ass Phil Anselmo. 0 out of 5
Shuggie Otis
4/5
I had never heard this album or artists before, but I really enjoyed it. It was definitely a nice mix of jazz and soul, with a touch of funk at times. Perfect for a Saturday morning and a cup of coffee in hand. 4.25 / 5
The Vines
3/5
Solid alt rock album. I did laugh at reading that this band was compared to Nirvana, when they just sounded like every other alt rock band from the late ‘90s to early ‘00s. Still found it enjoyable enough. 3.25 / 5
Joanna Newsom
2/5
When this album first started I was intrigued. 15 minutes in I started to wane. 30 minutes I was annoyed. 40 minutes in and I finally gave up. Her singing just never stops sounding exactly the same. This album is for theater kids that spend too much time at the Ren Faire.
Chicago
4/5
Wasn’t expecting so much jazz to be part of this. It really made me enjoy this album a lot, as it broke my expectations of just another classic rock album. Pretty fire.
Talk Talk
2/5
I yawned through most of this album. It really didn’t do anything for me at all. It’s not offensively bad, just super boring. Not what I loved about 80’s music at all growing up.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
What short, but fun album. A lot of tracks I immediately recognized and sang along to.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
Just another Brit bias pick on the list in the end. It’s sad too, because this album kicks off really strong. Sadly it eventually goes into very mediocre covers, and the entire 2nd half of the album is dull as fuck. 2.5 / 5
Bon Jovi
5/5
One of my favorite Bon Jovi albums. Just so many bangers to sing along to… but sadly I’m dealing with the flu as this choice came up, and I couldn’t sing along without immediately coughing. *Sadface*
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Picks like this are getting to the point I can’t even figure out what to really say anymore. It’s just another album that is okay at best, and never really does anything for me as the listener. 2.5 / 5
Carpenters
3/5
It’s a decent album, and I never found myself hating. Yet this album is white I’m pretty sure my credit score rose just from listening to it.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Another Stevie classic. Had a blast revisiting this album, just wish I wasn’t on the mend from the flu so I could enjoy it even more!
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
As an American, my dream is to not get another album by this group. I was letting the album play in the background, then I got distracted and started playing something else entirely, forgetting the album was even going. Says volumes. Eventually picked a song later in the album to continue from and was left wishing I had just left the album stopped. Not as bad as the previous album I got of theirs, but still meh
Motörhead
4/5
Dumb and entertaining time as expected. Sometimes in music you need the music just lets you rest your brain and does exactly what you need it to. 3.75 / 5
Aerosmith
3/5
I find a lot of Aerosmith pre-MTV to be pretty average at best. This album is a good example
Randy Newman
1/5
Dude sounded like he got shit faced drunk and decided it was a good time to sing. No thanks!
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Well that was depressing AF. Not sure how I made it through the whole album, but not going to listen to this one again. Eesh
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Tried to give this a fair shake, and there are some songs that aren’t absolutely horrid to listen to, but at some point I hit a song that started grating on my nerves and hit stop. Just had enough. 1.5 / 5
Willie Nelson
4/5
Willie Nelson always delivers a solid album. But I don’t think an album of covers really belongs on this list in my opinion.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
It’s fine, nothing offensive. Just not an album that needs to be listened to before you die.
Coldcut
3/5
Fun album, until I realized 40 minutes in I still had almost another half hour to go. So many of these electronica albums overstay their welcome. So I knocked off half a point for the length.
Rahul Dev Burman
4/5
A fun and interesting listen, but I have to knock off half a point for a soundtrack being on the list. I’d rather hear an actual music artist’s album than music made for a movie when it comes to albums I must hear before I die. 3.5 / 5
Depeche Mode
3/5
I like Depeche mode, but when one of their single comes on while I’m listening to a playlist on shuffle. An hour long album like this just eventually started grating on me. I eventually was crying out for it to just be over lol. 3.25 / 5
The Shamen
2/5
A whole lot of nothing to be honest. It’s not bad, but it is nothing more than background music that mostly got ignored. I don’t even think I finished the album because I honestly forgot it was playing and started scrolling videos on another platform, never returning to the album.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
I’m so torn with this album. A lot of the social commentary is so relevant even to the present day. He makes you listen to every word, but this also ends up revealing some huge weakness of this album.
Almost every song has a chorus that is grating as he repeats the same lines over and over. On one song he half-ass sings them and it comes out as just annoying AF. The other issue here is that the beats on this album feel like a second thought, with oftentimes him not even lining up with his flow to the track it’s supposed to be set to. Due to the problems, he comes off as a second rate Chuck D instead of standing out on his own merits.
I feel like this artist would have been great at slam poetry events, because a lot of this album feels like a poet who thought it would be an easy transition to rap. I wanted to like this more than I did sadly. 3.25 / 5
Spiritualized
2/5
Inoffensive shoegaze, but that’s about it. I don’t feel like this album did anything that really stood out to me. It just kind of happened, and I moved on and I’ll probably never think about it again after today. 2.25 / 5
Morrissey
1/5
I see Morrissey, and I see no reason to waste my time on TRASH. 0 / 5
Cornershop
3/5
For every song I really enjoyed on this album, there would be 2 songs I felt were just meh at best. Had potential, but felt squandered
Astrud Gilberto
4/5
Solid album, but never gets to the level where I can rate this a 4.5 or higher. It's a solid 4.
Ute Lemper
1/5
Nope... this was just bad
Jamiroquai
4/5
If this was the 90’s I’d despise this choice, as I couldn’t stand Jamiroquai. 30+ years later and a much more open mind really allowed me to enjoy this. It was a fun and groovy album.
Julian Cope
1/5
I couldn’t cope with this. Dude just isn’t very interesting, and some of the choruses being sung are so repetitive and dull that I started to get really aggravated. I went to see how long I’d have to put up with this, and upon seeing the album was over 1 hour and 15 minutes long, I just dipped out.
Sonic Youth
3/5
There were some really good tracks, but then some tracks were just abhorrent. I feel like if they trimmed the fat on this album, this would have been a 4+ star rating. Sadly there is too much holding it back. 3.25 / 5
Tom Waits
1/5
Yet another trash ass Tom Waits album. What the hell is wrong with this list?
Tina Turner
5/5
An absolute classic through and through. I also have a bunch of the songs now constantly cycling through my brain over and over. Pure 5 out of 5!
Mike Ladd
3/5
Lyrically I could get down with this album, but the production itself felt so dated for an album that dropped in 2000. Felt more like something I would expect in the early 90s. The other issue is the often the production didn’t feel like it fit his delivery, with many times Mike Ladd rushes to get what he wanted to say to hit the beat notes. Just kind of all around a disjointed album that had a lot of potential to it.
The Young Gods
2/5
It’s not the worst album I’ve gotten, but it’s pretty bad overall. I managed to finish it, but damn I wish I had bailed sooner. 1.75 / 5
Air
2/5
Boring and inoffensive for the most part. Again I don’t feel soundtracks should be on this list. Last track literally is just narrating what happens in the movie, so I’m glad I now never have to watch it. lol
Steve Winwood
4/5
An album filled with yacht rock goodness, but not greatness. As someone who has recently gotten into yacht rock more, especially since it’s like a spiritual cousin to city pop, I hadn’t heard this album yet. Like I said though, the album is good, not great. While an overall fun album, I feel like there are better examples out there that could have been chosen. 3.75 / 5
The Pogues
4/5
This album has been interesting. Had no idea what to expect, and the album cover made me think I was going to abhor it. It sure is dumb fun, even if it goes a bit long. 3.5 / 5
The Pretty Things
2/5
More Brit mediocrity from the 60’s. Can’t believe I sat through an hour of this shit.
Ravi Shankar
4/5
This was interesting, but not sure it should be on this list as an album you should listen to before you die. I appreciate the educational lesson provided by the artist, but it makes the album come off as something learned in a music class more than an album I’m listening to for pure entertainment. The talking would kind of ruin the flow from song to song. 3.5 / 5
Foo Fighters
4/5
Foo Fighters debut takes me back to high school, primarily to a core memory of hanging out in a friend’s parents garage swapping out and tightening up some trucks on a skateboard as “This Is A Call” came on the radio. This album isn’t the best material they ever came out with, but one I believe should be checked out. 3.75 / 5
N.E.R.D
4/5
This album is really good, but it’s never been one I put in the revered status many give it. I think it’s super fun, but it never clicks to the point I would say someone has to hear it before they die.
MC Solaar
4/5
Not a banger of a hip hop album, but it was a great listen while having breakfast and my morning coffee. Album is chill, jazzy, and groovy. 4.2 / 5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Another banger album from Bob Marley & The Wailers, perfect for this Monday morning as I sat on the couch sipping my coffee.
Laura Nyro
3/5
I know this album was only around 45 minutes, but it felt like it went on forever. Laura Nyro is clearly talented, but sometimes her singing becomes too much for me. I just found myself actively cringing at times.
Japan
2/5
It’s definitely a new wave album, but not really much of a good one. At some point I forgot it was playing and clicked another song on Spotify, and never went back.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
I’m just not a fan of cover albums being on this list. Is it cool? Sure! Is it something you must hear before you die? Hell no! Bring original shit to this list
Serge Gainsbourg
1/5
I couldn’t handle this creepy shit. The subject matter is vile, and the dude spends most of his vocal time just fucking talking. Not too mention the moments where you hear Melody… nope, fuck this asshole, and the author for even including this 0 / 5
Talvin Singh
2/5
I was so bored by this album, I started watching TIk Tok videos instead and forgot this album was even going. I didn’t bother picking back up to listen to the 2nd half. Yawn
4/5
While this is still an overall good Blur album, this album’s inclusion is proving once again the author failed the readers by not limiting the number of albums per artist/band. This could have easily been replaced with another album when better examples of a band’s work are already there.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Elvis Costello albums on this list have never been bad per se, but they have been incredibly inconsistent. This is one of the more mid albums. This entire album just seems so by the numbers, and lacks any real personality. Even at 36 minutes, it felt like it was too long. 2.5 / 5
Raekwon
5/5
The fact that this album has an average rating under 3 is absolutely wild, and says a lot about what crowd is rating these albums. The amount of micro aggressions and pearl clutching in the reviews is crazy. This is one of the best, if not the best, Wu-Tang solo album there is. It’s also easily one of the top hip hop albums of all time.
Orange Juice
2/5
Man this is such a great and terrible album at the same time. The instrumentation, the music, all of that is fantastic. The downfall is the singer’s terrible voice. It’s downright awful and kept ruining every song for me. If they had a better singer, this would be an easy 4, but the singing drops it to a 2.
Dr. John
1/5
I knew I was going to hate this when the album cover popped up, and I was right. I didn’t hate everything I got through, as track 2 was fine. The issue is when this dude opens his mouth. It’s absolutely horrible to listen to when he’s speaking or singing. After track 3 I gave up. No time to waste with Boomer trash like this.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
I don’t really get the appeal. It’s just kind of bland and runs together. The dude’s voice sounds the same on nearly every song. If there weren't cross fades between tracks I would have thought the album was one long song
Genesis
3/5
One of those examples where this could have just been a single album, and it would have been a banger. Sadly it goes on way too long, and some tracks are just not very good. And when they start playing, it's kind of jarring.
Solange
4/5
So I have never listened to this album before, admittedly because she is Beyonce’s sister, and I just am not a fan of Beyonce. So when I saw this pop up, I acquiesced and said sure, let’s give this album its fair shot. I must say Solange’s voice is so much better to listen to. If I had one issue here, is that I felt the album started off a bit weakly, but it gets stronger as it goes on. Don’t think this will be one I go back to often, but I’m glad I finally listened to it, because it was enjoyable. 3.5 / 5
The Pharcyde
5/5
An absolute classic. This really takes me back to childhood. Even my dad enjoyed the song “Ya Mama”, and would play it all the time in the car if it came on the radio. Never a complaint from me revisiting this album.
The Thrills
2/5
Talk about an album completely lacking in thrills. The singer sounds the exact same on every track from start to finish. He absolutely lacks any emotion on this album. I spent the entire time listening to this just baffled that this was even included on this list.
Dion
2/5
This album started off with a couple songs I really enjoyed, but kind of got worse after that and never went anywhere interesting. Not sure why this would be an album anyone has to waste time on before they die. 2.25 / 5
The Stone Roses
3/5
Saw the high average and assumed this was going to be a banger, but it’s just alright. Nothing I hated or loved, just a decent rock album.
The Byrds
1/5
Saw the band and the album cover and started laughing. I even told a friend that also does this challenge that I was going to hate this in the morning. Lo and behold, I hated it. Folk/Country crap, and when I hit the song “The Christian Life”, I was like that’s enough for me.
a-ha
4/5
This was a super fun and entertaining 80’s new wave, pop album. “Take On Me” is the obvious hit everyone knows, but I never really listened to much else from the group. So me enjoying the album as much as I did was a pleasant surprise.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
A hip hop classic that features not a single bad song on it. It just hits so nicely. Smooth flows and beats all the way through. Of course I gotta say, RIP Phife
The Divine Comedy
1/5
I think this is the second album I’ve gotten of this band, and they truly are hot garbage. Wild how anyone must listen to this before they die.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
It was fine overall, but I could have skipped this and nothing of value would have been missed. The singer’s voice is the most annoying of the British post punk I’ve gotten, but it still didn’t click.
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
Just no, what the hell are we even doing here? Why do these 60s and 70s concept albums tend to suck so hard. This was grating on the ears, annoying AF in so many ways, and I gave up on it.
The Triffids
1/5
I’ve called a lot of albums on this list bland, but this might be the album that has its picture next to bland in the dictionary. Holy shit is this one just lifeless and lacking any personality. I gave up about halfway through because the music was making me so bored I was losing any motivation to do anything.
John Lennon
3/5
This wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting it to be. Doesn’t mean it was good either, but I did make it through the album without ever wanting to turn it off. So that’s at least a 2.5 / 5
Iron Butterfly
3/5
It was fine, but I doubt I’ll remember such outside of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. 2.5 / 5
The Cars
4/5
This album was a lot of fun, and I recognized a lot more songs off the album than I expected. I won’t say the album was amazing, but definitely a great listen. 4.25 / 5
The Police
3/5
There are some bangers on this album, then there are some tracks that could easily be skipped. Those songs are sadly mostly middling filler that is poorly done reggae. 2.5 / 5
Rod Stewart
3/5
I’m on a roll with these mediocre albums lately. Damn early Rod Stewart is so uninteresting. At least his later stuff is more palatable, but this was just bland. Another one of those albums on this list that halfway through I ended up just tuning it out. 2.5 / 5
Richard Hawley
2/5
This dude really wishes was a crooner. I found a single song to even be really enjoyable, and the rest of the album was forgettable. Another pick on this list that doesn’t deserve its spot.
The Fall
3/5
When I saw another British Post Punk album, I thought I’d check out a couple songs then bail on it, like some of the other ones I’ve gotten. It wasn’t that bad, but it being longer than an hour finally wore on me. 2.5 / 5
Billie Holiday
5/5
Always great to listen to some BIllie Holiday. She was an even nicer get a pick this morning. As it’s a chilly winter morning and I was relaxing with a nice hot cup of coffee, cuddled up with the dog. 4.5 / 5
Also if you gave Billie a 1 star review, then I go look at your page and Bob Dylan albums are a 5. It’s not her singing that bothers you, trust me.
Snoop Dogg
5/5
This really took me back to freshman year in high school and just playing this cassette over and over again. Had it in my Walkman non-stop. Hit play this morning and just immediately remembered nearly all the lyrics to every song. G-Funk classic forever, even if Snoop is nothing more than Corporate Calvin now.
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
I was nervous going into this one, then I immediately recognized I had heard the voice before. So I looked it up and sure enough it was Anohni, who I had listened to a solo project of before. Similar to that solo project, I didn’t love this album, but it was an overall decent listen.
TLC
5/5
I saw this pop up this morning and was ecstatic to revisit this classic. I’ve had a couple fantastic albums from my teens recently. I had a huge crush on Chilli growing up! While I prefer their debut album more in terms of fun, this album is all about horniness. It’s such a changeup from that debut, and absolutely slaps. 4.5 / 5
Ali Farka Touré
5/5
This album fucking slaps. What a vibe this icy cold winter morning. Warmed me right up!
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
Third album of this band I have gotten as a pick, and first one that is finally worth listening to. This album is pretty much a banger, that is only held back from even further greatness by an extra long run time and some talking that I ended up skipping. 4.25 / 5
Goldie
2/5
A super mid electronica/DnB album, made even worse by it’s almost 2 hour run time. When I saw the run time after hitting play, I gave the album about 45 minutes, and I couldn’t go on any further. There was a song I was really enjoying, then it just kept on going and I eventually stopped caring.
Motörhead
3/5
I’ve always enjoyed what I’ve heard of Motörhead. I’m just not a fan of non-jazz live albums on this list. To top it off, this isn’t even a single concert, it’s a compilation of performances from concerts. Also every time Lenny talks, I’m pulled out of the listening zone I’ve been in.
Dizzee Rascal
5/5
Loved this album back when I discovered it online in the mid-2000s. 20 years or so later and it still bangs.
Faith No More
5/5
Absolutely love this album, and who the hell knows how many times I watched “Epic” on MTV as kid. It had been a good amount of time since I revisited this one, and I’m happy this list brought me back. Rocked out hard for the past hour to this album. 4.5 / 5
k.d. lang
4/5
Really enjoyable album from k.d. Lang. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Shadowland, but it was still a really relaxing album while sitting down cuddled with the dog and sipping on my morning coffee. Albums like this just hit at a certain point of the day, and this was one of those times.
The Beta Band
2/5
It’s not the worst album I’ve gotten on this list, but it is super bland and boring. At one point I tuned it out and didn’t even remember it was playing as I started watching short form videos, causing it to stop. Then after I remembered I was supposed to be listening to it, I hit play again. Some time later I ended up just hitting stop and deciding to move on, as it was becoming even duller.
American Music Club
2/5
This sounds like the band you hear at the local drinking spot on a Saturday night in which you think they sound pretty good because you’re enjoying drinks and chatting with friends, and keep mentioning “these guys are awesome, can’t believe they aren’t bigger”. Then you buy their album burned to a CD-R on the way out to support, and once you wake up the next day and put it on and give them 100% focus, only to come to the realization of how horribly wrong you were.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Better than I expected, but still not great. I had fun listening to a decent number of songs that a 3 is about the right score for this one. Doubt I’ll remember the album or ever come back to it
The Byrds
3/5
Sounds exactly like I expected, and was a decently fun album. Nothing about it made me super impressed, but enjoyable enough.
Nick Drake
2/5
Third album of this dude, and I can’t seem to figure out why. Not the worst one I’ve heard yet (Five Leaves Left - 1/5), and not the best (Bryter Layter - 3/5). This one lands right in the middle. Still not of his albums have cracked even a 3 rating. It’s bland and yawn inducing
Ray Charles
5/5
Ray Charles out here proving that Country Music can be good if you just remove the country. LOL
Sade
5/5
When I saw this album pop for my next pick, I was ecstatic. I absolutely love Sade, and this album is one of the best of all time. Her sultry voice just hits in a way that other singers’ voice rarely do.
Brian Eno
3/5
This album was lukewarm bordering on getting cold at best. Some pretty interesting tracks at times, and some choices of songs that just completely ruined the listening experience at times.
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Fun album, and some songs I immediately recognized. Don’t think I’ve even listened to a Bonnie Raitt song in decades, so definitely a bit of nostalgia here.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Solid jazz album, but not blow me away great. Since I listen to my album choices in the morning, it was my soundtrack for grocery shopping, and no complaints. 3.75 / 5
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
Been awhile since I’ve had a blatant Brit bias pick on this challenge. This album started off mid, but not really all that bad. Unfortunately it gets more and more insufferable as it goes on. One of the songs almost made me crash out. 1.5 / 5
Sisters Of Mercy
2/5
It’s not terrible, but 45 minutes of the same sound just got boring real quick. 2.25 / 5
OutKast
5/5
A classic album that is 2 solo albums in one. Personally I’m a much bigger fan of Big Boi overall. He truly shines on Speakerboxxx, and has some banging features. Andre 3000 is the more adventurous and eccentric album, but it’s a bit more hit or miss for me, especially with Interludes that feel like a waste of time.
Speakerboxxx - 4.75 / 5
The Love Below - 4.25 / 5
Overall rating: 4.5 / 5
Pavement
3/5
I remember Pavement from my youth, but outside of the band name, I didn’t remember any song from them. This album doesn’t really remedy that, as it’s just a decent 90’s rock album, nothing more, nothing less.
New York Dolls
3/5
An entertaining listen, but not one I would probably ever revisit. 3.25 / 5
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
1/5
Oof, I’m glad this guy’s nickname tells you what to do with this album, because by the 8th song, I saw the album had a length of over an hour, and I skipped the rest. Dude is awful.
My Bloody Valentine
5/5
I remember My Bloody Valentine from my Youth, but not ever listening to them, and as someone who has gotten into shoegaze over the past 5+ years, I’m glad this list gave me the chance to listen to this album that was very important to the genre. This was a banger!
Grizzly Bear
2/5
The music is so damn good on this album, but it is all ruined by the singer. I can’t stand this dude’s voice at all.
Spacemen 3
1/5
This was an abomination of an album. It seems to be all over the place, with the only consistency is it being a dreadful listen.
Britney Spears
5/5
I remember when this album dropped, and I could not stop listening to it. It’s still a super guilty pleasure of mine. Does the album fully hold up, especially if you are a new listener, probably not. Does it hold up for me as someone who loved it at launch, hell yes. There are some noticeable dips in song quality though, so a 4.5 overall.
Magazine
2/5
A band I have never heard of before, so reading the description I saw English rock band, and just sighed. I already knew what the experience was going to be, and it was just as middling and uninteresting as expected.
Deep Purple
2/5
I almost went with a 2.5 or higher, but some of the instrument solos were overly long and downright annoying. One time they decided to make a grating noise to kick off a track and it made me audibly yell out “WTF”, and I just hit skip. Again, outside of live jazz albums, we don’t need live rock albums on this list. JFC.