This is a 5. One of the greatest albums ever recorded.

Wait, this is some high music. I don't hate it, but definitely hits the background music feel for me. Some really cool experimental moments.

Solid album. I have really liked the 2 Young albums even while not being the biggest fan of his voice. Great songwriter, eh?

I think Prince usually puts together albums that have some misses. This is one of the albums I own and I know it front to back. I remember my brother was really into Prince when he was like 7 or 8--this was in the 80s when there were only a few (mostly) filthy albums. Weird. Anyway, it's good!

Ugh, is this going to make me a Neil Young fan? Probably not fully, but I've always appreciated his songwriting and grungy style. He's also really good to harmonize with--great backing on this whole album.

Classic stuff on here, but I've always thought I could do 3-4 BB songs in a row and that's about it.

Very funky. I've never been a fan of the falsetto, but Curtis makes it work--kind of a proto Prince feel. I could do without the Jesus song

Brilliant from start to finish, love how it's economical. A couple more tracks and it would probably get repetitive. The bass hit me right up front and the lyricism is straight from Del and some 80s old schoolers--and a lot of the way these beats are set up are subsequently copied on Deltron 3030 (my #1 hip hop album). Also love the subtle 'Human Nature' (Michael Jackson) sample in the last track.

Not a big blues fan and while this is really solid, it just doesn't do anything for me. Loved when he sang, I gave her 7 kids, she gave em back!

Getting closer to the Queen we know here, but just barely above Queen II. Still not a style I like, but Killer Queen is an all timer!

Look and listen, this is a landmark album and all Beatles albums are 4s and 5s for me. However, this is a collection of some of the more meh songs from them in my mind, She Said, She Said is a standout but the rest (almost all classics) don't really make a dent with me. Would probably go 3.5 here if I could.

Wait, this is some high music. I don't hate it, but definitely hits the background music feel for me. Some really cool experimental moments.

Definitely not my style, but this is a very smooth album--the last 2 tracks really hit!

Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would--some really iconic music here and Ozzy's voice just rules.

I had never really heard a full Blondie album before and it's a bit what I imagined it would be like. Some cool stuff here and I would totally buy an album and stick it in my collection--and is Heart of Glass one of the best songs ever?

Hypnotically good--I only knew that one single on here that was and is played everywhere, but I love it!

Not the biggest Police fan, but this is definitely peak and the second half slaps--I wonder if the record company begged them to make the 2nd half the 1st half! There are not many voices as singular as Sting's.

I can't believe I've never heard of this album, it's great! Reminds me of solo McCartney. Very ecclectic and changes from song to song.

I guess this album is unironic, but I might be wrong. It's like a basic ur-text for other metal. Love the spelling out of sacrifice which I can only assume inspired Fergie. Maybe it's hilarious? Like, the song titles came first? There's no denying the musicianship, even if I never quite got metal--my older brother tried, but I just don't care, this album almost makes me care.

Iconic

This group should be right in my wheelhouse, but I'm always underwhelmed. Love Kim Deal and even Black Francis' songwriting is very cool. It just doesn't overall gel for me, even though Wave and Here Comes Your Man are top songs for me. Album is like 3 songs too long and is Crackity Jones problematic, or what?

Interesting that the first Bowie is his biggest transition. From glam superhero to crooner, sort of like he's glamming Elvis. Young Americans the song is an all timer for me, I particularly love how the pronoun of who wants the Young American changes. The rest of the album is nicely funky with amazing backing vocals, but none of the tracks really stick with me away from the album. Even Fame is a bit too basic funk. To me this is a Bowie 3, but any other artist would call this a 4.

This one never grabbed me like the next few Kanye albums. It also makes me sad to listen to these albums because he has slid so deep into what must be mental illness. I mean, these albums are artistically brilliant, funny, real, and are 180 from where I would've imagined he would end up. Okay, maybe marrying a Kardashian, but everything else?! Nope.

Love this, reminds me of Carly Simon. Jazzy, but with cool rhythms.

Never the biggest fan of A Deal With God, so I never really explored Kate's music. I love the epic and serious quality of her songwriting, clearly presaging Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and others. And Dream of Sheep almost brought tears to my eyes. This is almost a 5.

I had a friend who was a huge Zappa fan, but I never quite got there. I think I've listened to Sheik Yerbouti and Joe's Garage and they're fine. My old band used to cover Camarillo Brillo. Before that, I remember the Monkees episode where Zappa plays Mike and Mike plays Zappa--definitely odd. Anyway, this album is a great background listen, or waiting for a film soundtrack--I could see Tarantino using it for something. I think I like it more because Zappa isn't saying weird things and the only singing is from Captain Beefheart (also weird and maybe not necessary). I assume there will be more Zappa to come, so we'll see if my feelings change.

That Beatles song snuck up on me. I always preferred old Hank Williams country (though still too twangy for me overall). Very solid album that nods to HW and nails the ballads.

Hypnotic, bordering on repetitive but CAN'T STOP LISTENING!

Ok, so here's the thing, I don't like this. But the serious dedication is worth a 3 ... would rate 2 if it wasn't tight as hell.

I remember having high hopes for this one after Pure Heroine and being a bit disappointed. Where PH is spare, this album is a bit overdone to the point of sounding the same. This extra listen has helped it in my esteem and Green Light is such a great opener. I wish there was a 3.5.

The only Beck album I have ever owned and I wore it out. That said, it's not completely a 5 for me.

Honestly, kind of boring. I'll bet if you listened to it 10 times in a row it would be your personal album to gatekeep, but I'm not doing that! However, I again do realize the intricacies of the songwriting and it gets a 3, but would probably be 2.5.

I like the way this album experiments and crosses genres--the transitions are really great, but I've never particularly been a fan of the Lamar flow. At times it's brilliant, but too often he does the Shakespeare thing of being profane just for the sake of being shocking and it doesn't quite fit. Apparently that was his original MO, so it's probably the easiest place for him to go, but when he rises above it, he's just more interesting. Would be a 3.5 for me, but I'm going with a solid:

The old school beats here are amazing and the album flows nicely. I would pick this up again.

I just did a Springsteen discography in the last few months and a lot of Bruce fans put this one in their top 5, it might not even get top 10 for me. It's still a

It's odd how much I enjoy showtunes and crooner style standards when in person, but could completely do without them as listening pleasure. This is lovely background music, but Sinatra's style doesn't grab me. Some amazing orchestrations here, though!

Fantastic! I did not know a single song off of this album, but it was great!! Could be a 5 someday ...

This band is my exact wheelhouse and when I mentioned to my wife I listened to this great band I had never heard-she had heard them! I was very mad. Anyway, even though I've only listened once I already know it would be a 5 someday so I'm cutting to the chase:

The most interesting thing about this album is that one of the members disappeared after this one and was officially declared dead sometime in the 2000s. A big mystery. The music is good, but I couldn't name one song or tune. I would put it on as background maybe.

Wow, this is really not my thing. I dig using nontraditional methods for a rock album (I mean, I have Kid A and Amnesiac), but it wasn't until listening to this that I just am not interested. This would be a 2.5 for me, but a 3 based on technical musicianship. I felt like I was watching the end credits for a movie for an hour.

This album on 1st listen is very close to a 5 for me. Every song is great and the musicianship is always on another level with SD. I wish I had this on vinyl.

This is fantastic and sent me down a Richard Thompson rabbit hole.

Fascinating. At turns this guy sounds like Micky Dolenz, then Jim Morrison, then Iggy Pop. There are some good songs, but veers toward the type of psychadelic pop meanderings I am not wholly a fan of.

I love the VU, but never really got into Lou Reed solo--maybe his 'hits' that were radio played never grabbed me. This album absolutely grabbed me and somehow I hung on every word. I'm not sure how the math adds up here to Lou Reed being good. He's so weird. But I dig it.

I enjoy a lot of Cure songs, but they all sound similar to me. I can't BELIEVE how long these song intros are. I think you have to be in the right mind space to listen to a full album and I've never been in that mind space.

This took me 2 listens to get, even though I love Prince! The album is like a long dance party and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but I've always had a hard time with this many drum machines--(why is HOT THING so long?) particularly when they're this obvious. But this could be his best overall album even though I will definitely rate Purple Rain higher.

It's funny that this follows a Prince album on which I bemoaned drum machines. I thought this was interesting, but not sure why it's on this list. Perhaps the inventiveness on creating this entire album on a home recorder? It's basically a demo tape that hit hard, so I get the homegrown thing. Too bad it didn't originally include Where Did Our Love Go as that might have made this more interesting. But, I didn't hate this any more than the Cure album so it might be a 2.5 but I'll go with:

This is my middle school soundtrack and while I left behind this style of music, this re-listen gave me chills. It's a 4.5, but not willing to hit 5.

I split from heavy rock like this before ALICE IN CHAINS hit, so I never really subscribed, even though I always liked Them Bones. After actually listening I was kind of blown away. I still don't like the heavy guitar sound, but Cantrell harmonizing with Staley is next level--they sound perfect. I thought it was a studio effect (it kind of is), but watched some live stuff. Still not going to go all AIC army, but VERY solid album. Would be 3.5, but I'm bumping.

I just realized this is the first 'classic' Dylan album (I have Time Out Of Mind and Love and Theft) I have ever heard all the way through which is absolutely bananas. When I was in high school, a friend made me a double cassette personal Dylan collection and I always felt that was satisfactory, so I jumped into this with a lot of anticipation. I was a bit underwhelmed because of it and would probably rate this as 4.5, but the songs I do know are some of the greatest songs ever written, so bumping this to 5 knowing after listening more it would get there.

The black hole in my rap listening fell at such an innovative time and I wish I had not changed gears before this era. This is such good shit (even though the machismo always hits wrong for me) and the thing that jumps out are the great references and imagery the group uses. The album gets better as it goes along which is wild! The only knock I have is it still has a foot in old school where it could've taken a giant leap (even though it's a bound and did Wu-Tang save East Coast Hip-Hop?).

I have always loved the Strokes, including when Last Nite dropped, but didn't get into them until well after this. They (with Interpol/Shins/et al) seem to have kept true rock moving in the aughts while other mainstays were effing around with electronica or being dwarfed by Hip Hop/Pop. I like the feel of this album and their sound is so good and inventive--it was fun to read about their origins. I like their next album more, but probably because it's the only one I own and I WORE IT OUT!

I'm only not rating this a 5 because I need more time with it--it's sort of absurdist rock (Velvet Underground meets Car Seat Headrest?), twists and turns everywhere. Love the backing harmonies. Really cool discovery!

I think this would improve with more listens as it has an early REM feel to it and the sound of it resonates with me, so I'm going 4 here as it's a 3.5 after 1 listen.

I like a lot of things about this album and it's hard to put a finger on why it's just not for me. It's completely different than anything else out there? Wavering too much between Soul, Rock, and Easy Listening? It's too emo? What I like is the passion behind everything and I assume it's the cover of Hallelujah that really keeps this on the map. Also, his tragic death makes this somewhat of an album of promise unrealized. I really like the song Grace and feel it was a blueprint for one of my favorite singers Jay Clifford of Jump, Little Children.

Wow, a jazz album I actually own--I think it's just 2--this one is iconic and an easy listen. I would go 4.5 here, but actually knocking it down to 4 due to how my attention span wavers toward the end.

Am I going to be a Rush fan? Probably not, but I'm going to go through their catalog for sure. The one issue I can never get past is that I don't like Geddy Lee's voice. I have the same problem with Led Zeppelin, but I was today years old when I found out Peart wrote their lyrics too! That creates another knock on Geddy--although the bass lines are next level. In fact all of the music is off the charts good. Still a:

I have only heard pieces of this album so it was great to get the full thing--and interesting how much a lesser album we listened to in Kanye's steals from this. The only knock I have on this is how the songs are similar, relying on Lauryn's amazing voice and also flow (I mean who has those skills!) which is pretty much enough, but would love to hear some over the top production with wild samples. Too bad nothing like that ever happened and too bad she noped out of the star life--we could've used her genius.

I almost gave this a 2 because I can only take so much of this sameness, but upping to 3 for the song named after my daughter. And no, her name is not Joan or Sealand. The songs on their own are lovely and make me think of Tron or drops in movies that would be dope, but this is too much Mellotron for one sitting!!

I know this album like the back of my hand and love everything about it. I will say that it's probably best that Liam went bananas as I think his nasally delivery expired after this album and I'm not sure how Noel's songwriting fell off after this--maybe he got bored? But this album and Definitely Maybe are wall to wall perfect.

The think I like about jazz is I think the improvisational aspect is as close to mapping the creative human mind we have. That said, the music itself (outside of a live setting) doesn't do too much for me besides background music. Although I do love playing it when I write. Monk is exceptional for me because of his eccentric playing style and I really liked a lot of this more than I thought I would. I like to think he's playing with hot dog fingers.

Very interesting album and had some lovely moments, but didn't really make a dent with me. Electronica just doesn't get me going.

It took a second listen, but I really dig how effortless this feels. I think this is the key to Hendrix is making the craziest noises with the guitar while making it look like he's barely trying. I feel like Prince had a similar style with his playing. I also appreciate the length of the songs, almost as if they are besides the point--more of a vehicle to try new things.

I actually own this one! But ... I don't really revisit it. It's definitely got some great moments, but overall a bit too samey for my taste.

Okay, here's the thing--All 'n All and Raise are both better albums by EWF, but since this is the only one of their albums on the list it's a 5. Nothing beats these guys IMO and they took funk/dance to another level, sort of combining the feel of Stevie Wonder with the sound of Parliament Funkadelic. Every album is a party and smooth as hell--also, they're still touring (RIP Mo White). I wouldn't normally suggest this, but putting their Greatest Hits Album on this list would completely make sense and I would recommend anyone enjoying this album go to the albums I mentioned or the Greatest Hits and you're welcome!

Love this album, but I had friends who were fanatical about it when it was released. Bjork is like a vocal unicorn. Doesn't quite hit 5 for me because I have to be in the correct mood.

This would normally be something in my wheelhouse and I like the idea of it more than the execution. I'm not a big fan of Reggae tho, so probably why I checked out. Probably awesome to see live!

I've never knowingly listened to LP, but I didn't hate this album. It's VERY slick and is like RATM/311/NIN formed an emo band. The songs don't really speak to me, but it was almost like watching an action sequence (these songs could totally score one). Also, super tragic story about the lead singer.

I really like finding albums like this through this list. Maybe that's the point, but there is part of me that wonders how it got on here--seems like an indie or local band feel. If this is on here, where's Head of Femur? Anyway, it's a:

My guess is that Radiohead were as surprised by this album's success as I am--it sprawls in a way that made me misremember the album would be a long slog but it's a pretty tight 10 songs. It looks like Thom was having writer's block and didn't want to write rock songs anymore putting the group in a weird place. I know this album very well, but it's not my favorite of theirs and I wonder if their work here and on OK Computer led rock down a strange electronic path for a decade or so. The songs here absolutely KILL live!

This album is completely groundbreaking and then they toured with Madonna? Wtf. I still stand by my no more than 3-4 Beastie Boys tracks in a row for me, so albums are tough. I don't need 3 dudes taking turns hollering at me for an hour. Still rips!

The only reason this isn't a 5 is because I have only listened once through, it's basically a 4.5. The beats are insane! Snoop is so smooth! Loved it.

I really dug this groovy album.

Honestly, a big reason I'm on this journey is to have a reason to finally listen to the Kinks. This album is so easy to listen to. It would be a 3.5 for me, but bumping to:

I'm POSITIVE this resonates with someone, but I am not that person. This kind of goes with my luke warm attitude for sad or emo stuff, similar to The Cure. I appreciate the effort and sound, but this would probably be a 2.5 for me. Giving it a bump to 3 since if I found it at 14 years old it would've been gold.

The story of Nick Drake is much more exciting to me than the music, although there is something captivating about his style. Belle and Sebastian, Rufus Wainwright, owe his estate a couple of bucks I would say! I did listen to the album twice and I can't say it made a dent, but I appreciated it.

I remembered someone suggesting the Beta Band to me, but it turns out it was the movie High Fidelity. This is a really good album--I went back and listened to some of their other stuff and it was not as good. Too bad this was their last album!

I don't think there is anything else like this album--it's complete bangers from beginning to end and sounds different from anything else. Like a bar band with a country songwriter. Plus, the apex of The River, Nebraska, and this album is absurd. This might be a top 10 album ever.

Really fun and tight album. Jello Biafra approved, so that checks out. Rating 3, but it's more a 3.5 and maybe over time could move to 4.

I'm into it! Particularly hearing Jesus in his natural rock band setting. This would go 3.5 for me, so I'm going 4 due to the technical ridiculousness of these songs. Loved the Rat one. Apparently this is a change of direction for the band after hearing Zeppelin and I actually like it better.

This is some really calming stuff and it's clear to see why it was kind of dismissed upon release--it's so subtle.

My take is that Bitter Sweet Symphony is brilliant and I was really excited with the first part of the album. However, as it went on, none of the other songs really landed. I like the feel and tenor of the band more than the songwriting. I'll need to come back to this one as it could raise over time, but it's a:

While I appreciate the technical proficiency of the music, this is not for me. It's my first 2, but I am also fascinated by the unhinged mass shooting that came from the guitar player forming a new band. WILD! This music definitely speaks to people.

This album is great! I have heard a few of these songs randomly on my local radio station, but did not know where they were from.

I'm not usually into recorded jazz, but this was great!

This album is one of my life soundtracks. Stand was my gateway drug into R.E.M. and Green was one of the first albums I bought (and it's not even a top 5 R.E.M. album for me). Their major label debut after inking a multi-million dollar deal with WB, it could be titled Enter the Mandolin. Highlights on this listen: Get Up, You Are The Everything, Hairshirt, and Untitled. Even the least interesting/most cloying track The Wrong Child is so interesting to listen to with the mandolin strum and overlapping lyrics. The stretch from Pageant to Automatic is Stipe at his lyrical best and this album has some BRILLIANT lines.

I have always love Turn to Stone as a radio song, but never had the opportunity to listen to a full album. I like a lot about this and they really have no fear of orchestration. I'm fascinated that Jeff Lynne wrote all of these songs quickly in a burst of inspiration. I'm giving this a 4 because I was caught in a rain storm during the weather part and Mr Blue Sky hit just after the clouds broke. However, overall there is a bit of same-ness to the tracks due to the incessant orchestration.

This album will definitely send me down an Aimee Mann rabbit hole. I suspect I will like some of her other albums more, but this is very solid! I can't believe I've never listened to her before.

I kind of have the same response to this as The Verve, maybe it's why my interest in Oasis never expanded to more British 90s wave groups. I liked it more upon 2nd listen, but it's a 3.5, going 3 for length.

I feel like this is only on the list because she only made 2 albums. It's pretty forgettable with some outdated (even at release) notions of masculinity.

I'm not sure why I had such a negative reaction to this as the beats are quite nice and it's easy to listen to. But, I found myself not caring and thinking this was either groundbreaking or a wild misuse of sampling. Fun for a dance floor, not so much for listening.

I enjoyed the songwriting more than any other electronica I have listened to and this might be a 3.5, but going with a:

Lovely music, would pet a fox to it. Now I know where that 'I was following' song came from and it's telling that my Spotify immediately went to a Nick Drake song after the album.

In relistening to this album, I appreciate the truly unique sound RHCP cultivated. A lot of the lyrics are pretty cringy though and it's really only their hits that have ever made a dent with me. The other overly funk songs tend to gel together for me and make the album a bit of a slog. It's a 4 (maybe 4.5?) because the highs are soooo effin high.

I've never liked Robert Plant's voice which has always made entry into the Led Zeppelin catalog difficult. I appreciate a lot of their work (Dazed and Confused, Communication Breakdown are great), but this album (while groundbreaking at the time) is an I dunno. Maybe too many covers considering where the band goes? I'm much more interested in the crazy story of the end of The Yardbirds into Zep--WTF, nobody wanted to stay in that band. This one is a 3.5 for me, but trending down to:

I LOVE The Smiths and I have not heard this album (and I also believe meat is murder, so how have I avoided it!). If no one has heard the group this might be the worst entry. They are a strange band that released a lot of charting non-album singles that were later compiled on albums that are not eligible for this list--even the US version of this originally added How Soon Is Now which is their most recognizable song and I wonder if this inclusion to the 1001 list thinks it's still there. Personally I would've left this one off, but for me it's a 3.5, bumping to a 4 based only on the lyric: "It was dark when I drove the point home.'

There are some bands that I just assume never had debut albums--they just exist (like Springsteen). Imagine my surprise that Steely Dan had a legit first album and it's great with lots of hits. Loved it!

I had this one on cassette when it first came out! Some real solid and catchy work (Mr Wendel pops in my head a lot!), but I was turned off by the religious stuff. It's impressive that they can sound like a backyard party with music and a bunch of mics (even into their next album which got NO love). The album flows nicely. It's a 3.5 for me, but going with 3 as it still hits my religion cringe meter.

Fun and interesting, but a bit repetitive. More of a 3.5, but going to 3.

I really enjoyed this, but it's a very slow burn. Reminds me a lot of Olivia Tremor Control as he sounds like that singer and the slightly off tune sounding guitar is sort of their trademark. A highlight for me is Cupid's Trick. A 3.5 now, but rating 4 as I think it is a grower.

I was excited for this one, but it's actually a bit too same sounding. It's kind of an easy disco that maybe needs more funk or some stronger changes. Le Freak is the only standout and even that is more basic than I remember.

Fun and I enjoyed all of it, but did not really make a dent with me.

For all that I've listened to Madonna, I've never heard a full studio album. This entire album is bangers and I'm sad it's a blindspot. The Prince track is especially great, but Like a Prayer still gives me chills. You know what, it's a:

While I appreciate the eclectic nature of what Roxy Music are doing, I expect you would need to immerse in this album for a while. The genre hopping is actually mindblowing, but I can't recall much of what I listened to. I will definitely check out more of their albums, but this is a 3.5 for me--dropping to:

I think this is their best--still find it exhausting to be hollered at by three dudes for an hour, but the beats are 100% dope on this one.

This is so good and hornier than I remember which might actually dock points as it's a bit on the concerning side. GONE DADDY GONE lives in my head rent free probably forever. 4.5 for me, but going:

Not sure why this transfixed me, but it was very hypnotic and I love the concept of the band. They say you need to see them live, but that sounds exhausting. Probably a 3.5, but dropping for monotony to:

Love this! I've never heard Missy Elliot and knew it was a blind spot, but it's great! Great guests and beats.

I really like Belle & Sebastian, but I appreciate their fuller 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress' era more. Still cooks, though! A 3.5. but actually bumping up to 4.

I think I like AXIS better, but this has more iconic songs on it!

Almost gave this a 2, but then I listened again--it's tight enough for a 3.5, but going to:

Again, this is the content I am part of this journey for. Who are these guys? Sounds great! They're a bit obsessed with girls tho. 3.5, but going to 3 for now.

I found myself unreasonably angry this morning at the pilot who crashed and robbed us--this dude went up with no visibility when he knew he wasn't cleared to fly blind. Geez, what Buddy would've done--I mean, this cat was 22! These songs are iconic and they totally slap. This is a:

I really like this, but boy did things level up like right after this! This would be perfect to put on background at a party.

This was better on 2nd listen as I used on a long bike ride. But I feel the same I did about the Australian group--fun for dance parties and definitely technically amazing, but would probably not just toss on to hear.

Love it! It doesn't get much funkier, but they rock out more than I have heard on other albums.

Holy actual ish. I can't believe I've never heard this album. You could remove the artistic creative breakdown songs by Lindsey and still have a brilliant piece of work, but it's those tracks that make it a 5. Christine and Stevie are at their absolute peak here.

This is really great. I've always been a big fan of Strawberry Letter 23, but never dove into the rest of Shuggie's stuff. This is a 3.5, but going lower as it seems like he padded a bit with short songs to finish a record contract. My guess is the previous albums are more substantial.

Does Q-Tip have the market cornered on smooth rap? It's like having a low key conversation with someone. Feels like a 3.5, but going to 3 because the music interrupts the flow sometimes and I can't understand what he's saying. Over time, could climb to 4.

This is so British I'm craving Fish and Chips. Other than Girls & Boys, I have no knowledge of the album, but it's very tight. I would 3.5 this, but going 4 for consistency and cultural relevance.

I liked this one much more than the previous 2 albums from QUEEN on the list, so it bumps up to 4! Love the theme that carries all the way through and of course, some classic tracks.

Someday this could be a 5 and is a 4.5. Fantastic work and I'm sad I've never heard it b4!

This was super listenable and I might put on some tracks for a dance party, but a little forgettable. 3.5, going to

I thought these songs were very basic, nothing grabbed my attention but country is not my thing--even though this falls on the rock side mostly.

This is a 5. One of the greatest albums ever recorded.

I was looking forward to this one, but it really seemed slighter than I imagined. Classic arena rock, but was too slick. Maybe if one of the few songs wasn't about being themselves, or that super basic smoking song. Still a 3, just for the rock screaming.

I was surprised by this. Musically it's fascinating... like Duran Duran hired the dude from Television to sing. If the lead singer had ANY other delivery I mightve enjoyed more than a few tracks.

This is fantastic. I've heard them before, but maybe it was earlier stuff and it didn't grab me. This could someday be a 5, is a 4.5, but rating it 4

This is really cool--seems to touch on a lot of different Hip Hop styles and flows. These guys play off on each other well.

So effing good.

Lovely idea and I can see why the record company was horrified their bad boy of country wanted to do it. Standards are fine, but very background for me.

A couple of really great tracks. Not a big flute fan.

Solid album. I have really liked the 2 Young albums even while not being the biggest fan of his voice. Great songwriter, eh?

Until this day I had never heard The Cramps and it is now one of my chief regrets. 4 out of 5.

I don't know how they do it, but their output after OK Computer just imprints. I haven't listened to this album many times, but I recognize every track. Also, Knives Out just crushes. Rating 4, but it's a 4.5.

I never realized before, but a lot of McCartney's output is like, puns. Jet with suffragette, 'Helen' Wheels, this creeps up on other albums as well. Weird. I spin this record a lot, it's a:

I was very lukewarm on the last Sinatra we had to listen to, but this one is great! I guess he was depressed and it led to some brilliant work.

I really enjoyed this and can see how it has been a major influence on many groups (90s grunge/punk in particular).

Didn't really do much for me, but his voice is pretty great! A 2.5 for me, but bumping up.

I really liked this, very funky and for some reason the 13 minute jam held my interest!

I assume this is on here because La Grange is used EVERYWERE and is petty dope. The rest of the album is pretty good for Southern Blues--just not my genre.

The highs are really high on this one while the songs I have not heard are forgettable. Still a 4.

Hold music. Pretty and intricate, but still hold music.

These guys are just so good and consistent. Like listening to a good backyard band.

Definitely better than the last Blur album we listened to--this almost gets to 5 for me and might get there eventually. That Song 2 will never die.

After a couple of listens this is really cool. It's a 3.5, but going to 3 for new-ness, plus blues riffs start sounding the same to me after a while.

Always loved Buffalo Stance--it's such a strange song, almost impenetrable. Most of this album is like this and the songs are richer the deeper you go. I love Phoney Ladies, Love Ghetto, Outre Risque Locomotive. Solid and I wish I had bought the album back in the day.

This is kind of like that LTJ Bukem album. Feels like a bunch of background music.

Kind of cool, but not something I would ever return to.

There have been expanded editions since, but this release being 6 songs and considered one of the greatest liv albums is WILD. I had to look it up and make sure Pete Townshend was the only guitar player--these dudes made NOISE.

This is fine. The songs blend together a bit, but are not unpleasant. Sort of an album full of final songs for romcoms.

Doesn't really do anything for me. Cool beats, I guess?

Pretty cool. My picky knit is that it's a live album of just 5 of the songs they did and then they went to the studio to clean it up. The full concert I bet is a 4.5, but this I'm going 4.

This is pretty fun for country, gets a bit too close to that god awful modern country for my taste, but still admirable.

I'm not the biggest EC fan, but like his songwriting. This album is deceptively inventive without any real hits (I had only heard Pump It Up before). Some cool rhythm changes and details here--reminds me of early Springsteen.

Found this Album at my local thrift store for 1.25. It totally rips and is a 4.5, almost a 5 but going to 4.

Had to listen to it twice, but I really dig it.

I can't believe I've never heard this. Luke Haines has a kind of Al Stewart/Robyn Hitchcock vibe which is right in my wheel house. I almost ranked this a 5, but it's too soon--it's a 4.5, but going with 4 for now.

I've never heard this album and that is embarrassing. When she goes--this is the album people will point to.

This is a fantastic album--to have the foresight to pull a scoffed at genre and open it up to jazz sensibilities is next level. This might be the swingingest country album ever.

I loved just about every moment--their music is very rousing and story based, they should make a musical! They have a knack for choosing just the right transition chord to keep a hook going. Standouts (besides hits) were Knowing Me Knowing You and Tiger (roar).

Iconic St Stephen and Lovelight here, but as with most live stuff--I want more! Is 3.5, but going to 4.

I dig lots of this--a good mix of cool songwriting and experimental sounds and rhythms. A 3.5, but hitting 3 for being unfamiliar and repetitiveness at times.

I went in to this listen as someone who scoffs at metal and it doesn't do much for me, even though I was surrounded by it growing up. This album is making me re-think my ways. I still don't like weirdly crunchy guitar, or what feels like performative bad-assery. Howevah, there is so much technical proficiency here that I was able to really appreciate the leads and songs. Still a bit silly at times, but this must be a high point of the genre.

I think I like their follow up better. This is solid and the songs are good, but it's a bit too same-y and formulaic.

As tedious as this is to me after about 20 minutes, I recognize how exciting it is and I've always loved Shane's voice. It's like he forgets the lines just before singing and is always a bit behind the rhythm.

Fun fact: the longer I listen to Electronica, the angrier I get. 1 song is fine, 2 is not bad, 3 and 4 I forget and by 5 WHY AM I STILL LISTENING?

This is okay--I enjoy Cocteau Twins, but they don't really make too much of a dent.

I like The Velvets, but this album has never made an impact for me--it sounds like failing up.

Here's the thing--I have never enjoyed soprano/falsetto singing and Joni's voice grates on me at times. However, her songwriting is just about perfect and I love when you can revisit a song and find new things. Just the song River makes this a 4 (also love the Jingle Bells ending).

Pro Tip: Don't listen to any album after Joni Mitchell's Blue--take a day off. This album was better for me than Doolittle and my instinct is 4, but is it on par with Blue? IDK ... it's a 3.5 and bumping to 4. Maybe Blue is really a 5 ... it's at least a 4.5 and that makes me feel better.

This is fairly impressive, but I still can't do more than a few songs by Metallica at a time, even with orchestration (which I would've liked more prominent). This is a 3.5 because of One (which rules) and crazy good leads, but going to 3 for monotony and lyrical sadness.

This is good and intricate, I think I need more time with it as it could be a 4 eventually.

I found this album very relaxing and I would probably throw it on again!

Wow, the riffs and top songs here are iconic. Really a groove to the whole album even if it's not really my thing overall.

This is great work by Lou, so much more cohesive than White Light and maybe the best thing he did outside of the VU. Docking a point for his always weird misogyny--could've been a 5.

I enjoyed this album more that I thought I would, but it didn't particularly resonate even after a couple of listens. Would be a 3.5, but going to:

I like the sound and feel of this album, but after 2 listens it doesn't really stick with me. I'm guessing if someone put this on one side of a long play tape for me with a Smiths album on the other side back in 1989 I would defend it to the death.

I'm going up to 3 on this one even though it doesn't appeal to me as an album. I checked out the group and live and there is definitely an appeal there.

I remember when I bought this album after it came out. I was poor and made a rule that an album had to have at least 3 songs released that I liked. This and Blue Album were easy buys and I love every track.

I tried to listen without everything we now know about the person who is Kanye and the album is still a top listen for me. I think I would in all honesty go 4.5 due to perversion that I don't usually like. There is no denying the talent here and looking back, there is another path for this troubled egomaniac where he is beloved instead of reviled. This is a masterpiece.

This is fine, I like when people cover his songs more than his versions and it was fun to hear his 'youthful' voice which makes the later droning warble understandable. Sort of like Dylan without the hooks or choruses.

I listened to this one a couple of times and it's pretty great. The religious stuff is a bit weird, but the overall feel of the album is lovely.

I enjoyed the album, but it didn't really stick with me. Probably a 3.5 and going to:

I've found that I like the idea of The Rolling Stones more than their actual music. Outside of Street Fighting Man (my favorite track of theirs and maybe a top track for me all time) nothing here sticks with me and becomes very repetitive. Like a bar/saloon band riffing while some rando says some shit. Still good, but not resonant.

My mom used to play this album, but it has dawned on me that she only played side 2 as I had never heard the other 4 songs. The album has a Springsteen feel to the songwriting on that side that explodes into theatricality on side 2. Steinman is truly unique and, I guess, so is Meat Loaf. This album is a WILD swing and I kind of like the story of making the album and the attempt more than the songs (which kind of surprised me). It's a 3.5 for me, but going up to 4 for theater kids bringing it to Rock and Roll.

I don't remember how I found this album. I knew of pj, but wasn't a huge fan. I really can't define why the album speaks to me so deeply, but it's so rich and rewarding the more I listen. I think about it randomly, those plucked out notes of the first track popping into my head. It's brilliant and I thought it was a secret pleasure for me. I was shocked it came up here and it's validating.

I listened to this one twice and it's pretty great. I don't think I'm ready to go 5 here yet, but it's a 4.5 for real.

I enjoy this album, but it suffers from being a bit to electronica for my taste. I'm not sure if it's on this list but I prefer his previous album THE NEXT DAY. It's also up against his oeuvre which is considerable. Giving it a 3, even if it's a 3.5 or a 4 for almost any other artist.

Solid and a fun listen which I'm bumping up to 4 because of, but I can't shake the slick almost over produced quality. The songs kind of pass right by me, very pop heavy.

How did I avoid ever hearing this entire album? My brother owned it and I am familiar with exactly 5 tracks which are classic and the rest is ... odd. They're really just a bluesy rock bar band with an inventive lead guitarist and some dude screaming while just BARELY staying on key. Kind of a boring album tbh. This is probably why it was overlooked for a year before hitting.

I'm a little torn on this one. It's fantastic if not a bit of a Public Enemy offshoot style wise (particularly vocally), but there's a lot here ahead of it's time. I had to double check the release of 1992. The sampling here is very slick and the beats are great. I think the California Uber Alles cover makes this a:

Interesting, kind of Neil Diamond meets Stephen Schwartz. Intriguing until the religious stuff kicks in and then it becomes a hard pass--Jesus, the bible, and women turning to satan, no thanks!

This was edging up to 3.5 for me, but the last track pushed it to a 4. So cool, love hearing good albums I had no idea about!

Probably hits more at a 3.5 for me, but going up to 4 for that Sledgehammer Coda ... chills.

She has such a great feel for rhythm and the Of Montreal collab almost puts this at 5. It's a 4.5, but going to 4 for a bit of same-ness.

Just one of the greatest albums ever--I'm always returning to it on road trips. I think Waiting For You is my actual apex on the album and with all of the other hits here, that is saying something!

This is fine, but aside from the eccentric and playful nature of the tracks it didn't really move me. Love the Ben Folds cover (haha).

I'm not sure if putting this near The Divine Comedy is helping me differentiate between the two. As with Casanova, I liked this album, but it doesn't really stand out with even a couple of listens. There seems to be an attempt by Brit bands to respond to commercial success by becoming more esoteric and intricate. Cool and nice to dig into, probably rewarding multiple listens, but upon initial listens it just sounds like a dude who is a bit obsessed with sex.

This album stressed me out a bit and at the end I had the feeling that the sax was trying to give me a lecture. Well, it turns out that was the point. It's wild that music can give you its own interpretation without explicitly telling you. I was at a 3 for this, but I would revisit. Let's make it a:

I was going to go 4 here, but upon listening for the first time in a bit I was super reminded how brilliant this album is and was going to go 5--like, nothing else sounds like this. In the end I think it's a 4.5 and I'm actually going back to 4 because I think The Soft Bulletin is their apex and I assume it will pop up.

It's nice to hear her later voice and even though it's clearly been through it, it's still Billie. The arrangements are lovely and she adds a lot to the songs, but I'm just not really into standards.

1969? Is this when the 70's sound was created because this feels like the soundtrack to an entire decade. Also, it's not really necessary to directly replicate a live show on an album. I think this is a 3.5, but actually bumping up to 4 for the absolute gall to do this in their 1st album.

I was close to giving this album a 2, but there are a few good tracks on it and once I let my distaste for vocal embellishments (of which CA is the undisputed champ) go, it was easier to appreciate the big swing this album is. I don't think she ever shook Reflection and Genie fully, but she's trying to do the work. It seems like she needed slightly better songwriters at all times, but that voice is so powerful. I just wish she wouldn't 'oh,oh,oh' after EVERY line.

Just one of the greatest vocalists of all time at their peak. I think I prefer the two albums on either side of this one, but this is a solid 4

This one had me in the first half, I ain't gonna lie--but then it got even better! I can't believe I don't know this album, it's fantastic. Almost a 5 for me, but definitely a 4.5. The covers on here are better than the originals and my highlight is You Walk Your Way.

Not the biggest Aerosmith fan, but this has most of my favorite tracks from them and the innovation and lead work here is very impressive. Was actually leaning 3 until the last song blew me away.

There must be better Isaac Hayes albums. This is an okay listen, but didn't really grab me--a bit too repetitive maybe?

I have a similar feeling on Beck as with Beastie Boys, especially this earlier stuff. The highs are bonkers high and the mid stuff is pretty mid. It's tough to put together a full album of music that at times is just incomprehensible word salad and strange metaphors--maybe there are too many tracks. As far as a full album I would go 3.5, but Devil's haircut alone bumps it up to 4. I think he gets better after this with Guero (also rated a 4) and Sea Change, but I'm surprised he is never really at a 5 for me.

I was kind of on the fence here for the 1st half, but this album is really back loaded. It would be a 3.5, but going with a 4.

I think I have pointed out earlier that I do not enjoy Robert Plant's voice. Because of that I had never listened to this album and that was a mistake. This is clearly their apex and maybe the apex of rock n roll? I think I would play this album if an alien landed on earth and asked for the best and clearest example of R&R--it's just about perfect and I've only heard it once.

Okay, I give up, I'm a Neil Young fan. This is an amazing album and of course it inspired grunge. I can't find anything wrong with it and would go 4.5, but I'm going 5 as it will climb there for me over time.

Interesting, not my thing

I enjoy Depeche Mode from afar, or the occasional radio track, but they really don't light my candles. This was a fine listen, but still no melted wax.

Eddie Van Halen is a musical genius (I mean, the middle 8s here are so awesome--when Panama slows down?) and David Lee Roth is, well, not. The highs on this album are really high and the fluff is not great. I'm going 3 here even though Panama has lived rent free in my head since 1984

Pretty great overall album musically, apparently their first full original album and part of a huge music shift in the Pop Rock timeline with Rubber Soul. Have it at 4.5 for importance, but docking it for the misogyny.

Listen, I really enjoyed this album and honestly the darker themes are fine for me on this Nov 2, 2024 in the US. I'm not sure why it's on here unless EVERY album gets on here--if this was a 2000 albums list sure. There are brilliant albums by obscure artists not on here and ABBA probably has a few ... is this one really necessary for the list? I can't deny the songwriting is lovely, it always is with ABBA, but there is no spark on first listen. I will return to it, but I think it's a 2 on this list. Maybe it caught me at the wrong time.

Cool musical arrangements, similar to Chicago. But, I don't much like this sound and the religious stuff bugs me.

Not a big Police fan, but this was not bad. I liked a lot of the lyrics and feel of the album. Would be a 3.5, but going 3 as it still doesn't really grab me.

No notes. A brilliant album and work of art. Mind and Air are 2 of my favorite songs of all time.

Maybe it's just the drag of time, but I don't think this album is essential to hear. There's a nice roll to his stuff, but it is all similar to other groups from the mid-50s. Maybe it was groundbreaking, but I wish there was more variety and length to the songs--I wonder if the songs were freer live ...

I just can't with electronic stuff. I listened on YouTube and an ad popped up and I couldn't tell the difference. A bonus point for there being SOME lyrical content, but out of spite I'm giving my first 1 and if I could go back and give the other electronic bs a 1 I would

Lennon vs McCartney. The epic battle for supremacy and the winner is us! I don't know why people argue about Sgt Pepper or Abbey Rd ... this is the greatest Beatles album by FAR. Banger after banger and the album doesn't let up even after 30 songs deep. This might be the greatest album of all time full stop. Can I give 6 stars? I'd give 100.

This is a 'strange' one for me. I love every minute of it, but it suffers a bit having listened to it after the White Album. I would rate a 4.5 and I think I'm tipping down to 4 over going up to 5. Super tough, it's an awesome album.

I went back and forth on this one as their honky tonk ramblings don't usually grab me. However, this album is different and it's great all the way through. For the record, I don't think it's as good as Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville. But watching a performance by Phish covering the whole album opened my eyes to how solid it really is. And Happy, Tumbling Dice, and Sweet Virginia are so good. Also love Loving Cup.

I really like this, but it seems like an album that needs tons of listens to hang on. I liked the last album we listened to more, so going 3. But, is this a 1001 must?IDK.

I really like this album and it's exactly why I am doing this project. I have no ties to Elastica, but there are 2 songs off of this that I have heard A LOT and know them quite well and love them (Connection and Car Song). But I would never have been able to tell you who performed those songs. A huge blind spot corrected, thanks 1001. I wonder if this would have been a 5 if I had this album for 30 years ... right now it's a:

I was luke warm on the last Cohen album, but something about these songs grabs me (although I could do without the mouth harp). I might go 3.5 with time, but a 3 for now. I really liked Lady Midnight.

Interesting, but not my thing. Strangely aggressive and at times theatrical, but the feel is off for my taste.

I had the opposite reaction to this one that I did with Chic. No expectations and I loved it. The beats, the voices, the orchestration--the album nails everything I like about disco.

Was excited for this one, but it's kind of one note. I prefer Demon Days. Del almost bumps this up to 4, but it's a solid 3 for me. Also, just watched the first Trolls movie and it covers Clint Eastwood which ruined it for me.

This hit a lot less for me than Physical Graffiti, but Page is so good on these tracks. Plant is still the weak link for me as he seems to ramble and stumble into phrases, almost improv as recording. It dawned on me this time that he had a Janis type of vibe, so his voice is growing on me.

Simon's songwriting is so good all of his albums could probably be on here. But I'm guessing he already has a few and this one could go off the list. I liked it, but wouldn't consider it a must listen.

I'm really only going 2 here as Aphex' story is really cool and this is pretty groundbreaking, but I still don't care for hold music.

It's wild that I randomly listened to this one last week and it popped up on my 1001 list. That said, it's only OK as Janis was still fighting Big Brother for status in the band. Piece of my Heart is an all-timer tho.

I thought this was going to be an easy 5 for me, but outside of Queen, Anarchy, and Pretty Vacant the rest of the tune sort of washes over me. The guitar sound here is legendary though.

Okay, I'm a Led Zep fan now, does that mean I have to get a Zoso shirt? This album is really good, not quite Physical Graffiti, but good!

I was into the first couple of songs and the cops song, but then the rest is just the same so it gets a bit boring. Smooth is fine, but all the time?! I looked at the lyrics and they're like basic level smooth talk BS--where's Marvin Gaye when you need him?

I thought this was fine and liked it about the same as the other album we listened to. I thought I'd be more into their stuff ... oh, well!

As I mentioned with the Blackstar review, I like this album better as a whole. Upon re-listen, it's still not a 5 but it's damn good. A couple of obvious tunes (Set the World On Fire? Yawn) cut it a bit, but that turn at If You Can See Me into Rather Be High is so good.

Nice and funky, but not particularly substantial. I enjoy the groove, but there's not much beyond that.

I would really need to hear this more as it did not make a dent with me, but I liked the overall sound of the band.

First full Sly album, but I've always loved his stuff--definitely proto Prince. A lot to like on this album, but again the repetition with some of these older jam bands is not enough for me. Probably a 3.5, but going with

Pretty intense stuff here. I felt vibes of Bjork when she has orchestrated material and it's the rare case of wanting to investigate the lyrical content. Each track is a lovely story shared and I'm not just saying that because I'm impressed that she is Andy Samberg's wife. I would probably revisit this and I am surprised while typing that--upon first listen I was not enthused.

I've been through this album a few times and I really like it--3.5 for me, but going up!

There's something about this you can't quantify. He's so good with the crowd and giving it to the prison industry. His style at this time makes the songs sound a bit too similar, but the standouts make this a 4.

I remember the 3am song when I was in the down end of my hip hop/dance phase. Not bad, good at a party type grooves and more lyrical content than most electronic stuff. The album is a 2.5 for me, but bumping to 3 for the weird vision.

Very solid songwriter that I'm largely unfamiliar with, probably because I don't follow country. But this is deceptively country--like how Taylor Swift started as country. Slap a pedal steel guitar on a track and everyone's Hank Williams. I don't buy it, this is pretty far from modern country and it's solid. Would go 3.5, but hanging a 3 on it as it might be a little too easy/simple.

All of these songs sound the same and are a bit aggressive toward women. Not a fan.