498
Albums Rated
3.35
Average Rating
46%
Complete
591 albums remaining
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1950s
Favorite Decade
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Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
52
5-Star Albums
10
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 5 | 2.84 | +2.16 |
| Blood, Sweat & Tears | 5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
| Exit Planet Dust | 5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
| Only By The Night | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| Home Is Where The Music Is | 5 | 3.36 | +1.64 |
| There's No Place Like America Today | 5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
| Doggystyle | 5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
| Lost In The Dream | 5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
| One Nation Under A Groove | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
| Hot Buttered Soul | 5 | 3.43 | +1.57 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marshall Mathers LP | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| Armed Forces | 1 | 3.09 | -2.09 |
| Blood And Chocolate | 1 | 2.92 | -1.92 |
| The Infotainment Scan | 1 | 2.72 | -1.72 |
| New Boots And Panties | 1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
| Transformer | 2 | 3.67 | -1.67 |
| A Grand Don't Come For Free | 1 | 2.67 | -1.67 |
| To Pimp A Butterfly | 2 | 3.61 | -1.61 |
| GI | 1 | 2.54 | -1.54 |
| Five Leaves Left | 2 | 3.47 | -1.47 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4.8 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| OutKast | 2 | 5 |
| Coldplay | 2 | 5 |
| Funkadelic | 2 | 5 |
| Curtis Mayfield | 2 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 2 | 5 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Doors | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Elvis Costello & The Attractions | 2 | 1 |
| Eminem | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (52)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
I do not know how Elvis Costello convinced anyone he was good. This is my second album of his from this list, and do not look forward to any others. His voice is obnoxious and none of this is good.
7 likes
Miles Davis
4/5
This album is a fun, immersive listen and exactly what I’m looking for when I want to dive into jazz. It’s smooth, atmospheric, and effortlessly cool, with a laid-back vibe that draws you in. Miles Davis and his band create a soundscape that feels both easygoing and adventurous. Perfect for getting lost in.
2 likes
5/5
Maybe I’m blinded by nostalgia, but this whole album absolutely rocks. The energy, the riffs, the over-the-top drama, it all just works. Every track feels massive, and even after all these years, it still hits hard. Whether it’s nostalgia or not, Black Holes and Revelations is a killer album from start to finish.
2 likes
Arcade Fire
3/5
There are a couple of good songs here, but beyond that, Neon Bible feels pretty uninspiring. It has the grand, dramatic sound Arcade Fire is known for, but much of it just doesn’t stick. It’s not a bad album, just one that doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
2 likes
Lou Reed
2/5
This is just not good. I do not understand all the 5 star reviews. If Wild Side wasn't on this album it would be a 1 star album. The whole thing sounded low effort. Lou Reed's singing is awful. He really just sounds like he's talking through it.
1 likes
4-Star Albums (156)
1-Star Albums (10)
All Ratings
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Fun album, with some good beats. Seems to be repetitive at times.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Such a great album. I've never really listened to a whole Fleetwood Mac album before now, but I've heard almost all of these songs at one time or another, and they all stand the test of time. Listening to the album was a delight, and I am upset with myself that it took until I was 40 to sit down and listen to it throughout.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Good album with some all time great hits. Four of these songs will live on for many lifetimes. The album almost seems to get lost for a few tracks though. If I could give it a 4.5 stars, I would.
Sister Sledge
5/5
Pleasantly surprised. This album grooves from start to finish, without any real misses. This is one of the reasons I started this journey, I obviously knew a few songs off the album, but the rest was a fun ride.
Van Halen
5/5
33 minutes of in your face, guitar shredding, fun rock and roll. A great ride from start to finish! I've heard this album a few times before, and it never lets you down.
The Who
3/5
Good overall album, with some timeless tracks. However, the deep tracks are easily lost and just don't hold my attention.
Kanye West
3/5
A lot of filler songs with someone just talking over a beat. This album is carried by 4 really good songs, the rest of the songs are average.
Stan Getz
4/5
This is what I'm looking for in lounge style music. Sitting in a dimly lit bar with a nice cocktail and relaxing. The rhythm can get repetitive, but the album is short enough it doesn't become annoying.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
I've tried listening to this album prior, because I know a lot of people that really like it. I gave it another shot and it's just not for me. It sounds they all have ADHD and waited for the meds to wear off to start recording. There's a couple songs that I find just okay, but the rest is a mess.
Ryan Adams
5/5
Great album. I've been a fan for a long time. Any album you can press play, listen, and enjoy every track you know you've got a winner. I'm sure I'll listen to this many more times in my life.
John Coltrane
3/5
Good overall jazz album. I like Jazz, but I don't find myself going there very often.
Public Enemy
3/5
I didn't love this album, but I was able to listen all the way through without being annoyed and thinking about tracking past a song. It's catchy and fun, with good rhythm and powerful lyrics. There's a reason this is a foundational album for hip-hop/rap music.
The Stooges
2/5
I can hear the influence these guys had on so many bands that came after. Its raw and in your face. I listened to a lot of punk rock in my day, but I still just didn't love this. I completely understand why it's on this list, just not my cup of tea.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
This wasn't terrible, but it wasn't good either. The perfect example of a 3 star album. Nothing really pulls you in, but it's not so bad you need to turn it off.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
While repetitive, this is late 90's early 00's house/rave music, and is great at being that. It has a few great tracks on it and a lot of filler. It's an hour at the rave party.
Oasis
3/5
Solid album. Big fan of Oasis, but this isn't one of their best albums. Their followup is a true 5 star album.
Beach House
3/5
I enjoyed listening to this album, but nothing about it was great. There wasn't a single track that stood out above the rest.
OutKast
5/5
Speakerboxxx is a 5 star album. This is what I expect from Outkast and it holds the test of time. I can listen to this album all day, and I don't think it's their best work.
The Love Below has some great tracks on it, but it's more experimental, and misses on a lot of tracks. It even takes about 6 tracks to find itself.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
I don't love this, but I see the appeal. Ravi sounds like an extremely talented musician, and wants to share his love of his country's music. In the right setting this is great, but not something I'm going to seek out to listen to. However, I did find myself letting Spotify continue to play more Ravi, so I guess I enjoyed it more than I expected.
Supergrass
3/5
I liked this well enough, but it didn't make me feel like I've been missing anything. I have heard of them, but never really took the time to jump into an album. It seemed like a lot of the songs run together at times, which is fine, but I was surprised when I checked and I was already on the second album. Better than some 3 star albums, but it doesn't have anything that carries it like you would expect from a 4 star + album. I wish 3.5 was an option.
Jane Weaver
2/5
I am unsure why anyone thinks people should hear this album before they die. There is nothing special about Modern Kosmology. I've heard a number of bands that sound similar or better than this. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything special, unique, or whatever word you want to use.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I know this supposed to be a masterpiece, but this album is just okay. I love many things about Bob Dylan, and have many of his songs on various playlists. I think he is best consumed a song or two at a time.
As for this album...The lyrics are clearly the best part of it. The harmonica on this album makes me cringe at times, and we all know his voice can be hard to handle as well. 3 stars.
Fats Domino
4/5
I was only able to listen to 8 songs on this 14 track album, so I listened to some additional Fats tracks. I enjoyed it all, but I'm not likely to seek this out very often, but it was overall very good.
The Jam
2/5
This album sounds like a bunch of other albums I've heard before. Nothing on here was great, and nothing on here was awful, but nothing stood out. I would've been fine never hearing this in my lifetime.
Ride
3/5
I've had so many of the British bands recently, and they all sound so similar it would be hard to tell the difference between them at this point. It's almost as if I died, when to Hell, and am being forced to listen to this for the rest of my days.
As for this album, it is okay. Nothing about it is special and the people who voted for this as one of "The 300 Best Albums in the Past 30 years" all must have some nostalgia attached to it. I have those bands I listen to all the time and love(The Appleseed Cast), but no way would I suggest it be on a list of albums to listen to before you die.
Brian Eno
3/5
Another album I don't believe belongs on this list. This sure this may have lead the way for more ambient music, but the music itself is supposed to be background music...
Santana
5/5
Big fan of this album. My older brother shared this with me when I was in probably 7th or 8th grade, and it has been as fun to listen to now as it was then. I will keep coming back to it every once in a while.
Sam Cooke
4/5
This is a classic. Obviously it has that older sound, but overall I think this album stands the test of time. The whole thing was good, nothing made me want to skip a track. I think it helped that it was a live album as well. This is a good selection for this journey.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
I have listened to this album too many times to count. I was in 6th grade when this came out and listened to this album almost nonstop. It has been at least a decade since I've listened at this point, and I have to say I still love this album. Everything from the music to the artwork, it's just a great album. Nostalgia is definitely factor in my rating.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
I haven't given Elvis Costello many listens in the past, and my god, I have not missed anything. This was awful! His voice was awful, the music was flat, and nothing stood out. I couldn't wait for this album to end.
3/5
This was an interesting listen. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. It at times reminded me a little of Björk, but it's not that. Made for a productive start to me day, so good background music.
Eminem
1/5
What an angry, little man.
I saw Eminem live once at a Festival, and before he came out, he played a Lipton Ice Tea commercial about how he's Eminem and doesn't do commercials...WHAT?! Then he lip-synced the through the rest of the show. It was so bad A LOT of people just left, including myself.
This album would be complete trash is Dre wasn't involved.
Prince
4/5
Purple Rain is a fun listen with some all time greats, and always will be.
Peter Tosh
4/5
Great reggae album. Would listen again.
Television
4/5
Overall I liked this, but it didn't blow me away. The guitar carries the album. Marquee Moon was the highlight track, 5 stars to that song, but the others were nothing special. I can see that they did influence many bands that followed them, that did it better than they did.
Lou Reed
3/5
This sounds like a bad Bowie album. I didn't mind some of it, I hated the rest of it.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
This was a fun listen! I couldn't understand any of the lyrics, but they were almost another instrument mixed into it all.
Johnny Cash
4/5
This is a great album, there's no arguing it. The songs are great, and it's sounds good as a live album. I'm still surprised they let him go into a prison and sing songs about doing cocaine and murdering people.
R.E.M.
3/5
This album is good, but here we are with another album that is just that, good. This certainly has some catchy bass lines and fun guitar, but every song sounded very similar. Looking at this in historical terms or even influence on future music does not make this a great album. It gets lost in history, because it's not one of the greats. You can influence greatness and not be great.
Ian Dury
1/5
My first 1 star review... whomever thought this needed to be recorded should be banished from every recording studio. The music sounds like what you would hear on a children's album, but the lyrics are for adults, and painfully awful.
Julian Cope
3/5
When I started the album I was very skeptical, but 2 or 3 songs in it grew on me, or just got better. I will say it's a little repetitive and a long of the songs sound the same. With this being a double disc of 2 and a half hours it does get a little old. I do agree with another reviewer that said "it sounds like something you would hear playing in a record store."
Elvis Presley
3/5
I always forget how short Elvis's songs are, 12 songs in 28 minutes... I appreciate this for what is it. I like a few of the songs, but not enough to come back to this album. I do not, and never have understood what all the fuss was about in the 50's.
Louis Prima
4/5
A lot of timeless classics on here. This is something that belongs on this list. Great 4 star album. Has a few misses, but the greats are greats.
Janet Jackson
3/5
This takes me back to riding in the car with my mom when I was a kid. You all know Escapade is a jam. Good album, I get why it's on here.
Genesis
4/5
I have surprisingly never listen to this, and a little disappointed it took until now. This was more experimental then I expected, from what I know of Genesis at least. Second album kind of falls off, but over all, a fun listen.
Madonna
3/5
This was better than I expected it to be, but still didn't love it.
Cat Stevens
4/5
This is a great Cat Stevens album. His lyrics are fantastic, the instruments are on point. There's nothing I would really change here.
Fugees
4/5
I really like the flow on this album. What we could've had if these folks stayed together. A few all-time greats on this album, there's some filler I could do without, but overall a great album.
Pixies
4/5
I like this album, I've heard it many time in my life, and it has many good tracks on it. I do think A LOT of people prop this album up and say silly things about how great it is, things like "Radiohead wouldn't exist without The Pixies." STOP IT! It is a great overall album, but it ain't that. "Here Comes Your Man" sounds like something that belongs in the 50's, and certainly doesn't belong on this album.
Highlights:
Debaser
Wave of Mutilation
Hey
Stevie Wonder
4/5
This was a great album. I enjoyed almost all of it. I do think it trailed off a little on tail end of the second album though. I will definitely listen again.
4.5 stars
Screaming Trees
3/5
This was a good album. Nothing stands out on it, but overall a good listen.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Classic Zeppelin album. Just a fun all around listen. Don't need to skip a single track.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
This was a fun listen. I've heard they were a jam band, but I have never heard any of their live albums. It started of more bluesy than I expected. Overall a big fan of this.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
I would describe this as noise. I read a few reviews that gave me hope, but this was just not good. It just sounded sloppy. They tried too hard, and it sounds like it.
Christine and the Queens
3/5
I enjoyed some of the music and disliked most of the singing/lyrics. I get the appeal, but it's just not for me.
The Who
3/5
Anytime I hear Rock Opera, I cringe... They are never worth the time spent listening, and this stands true after listening to this. There are a couple keepers on this album. but I will never sit through that again.
Nick Drake
4/5
This was good for sad, folk music.
Kraftwerk
4/5
Fun listen, but most songs became repetitive quickly. Definitely ahead of its time though. Sounds really crisp, and likely influenced generations after.
TV On The Radio
4/5
Big fan and really enjoyed this album. Staring at the Sun is one of my favorite TV On The Radio songs. 4.5 stars
The White Stripes
4/5
When this album came out I wasn't a big fan, but it was better than I remember it being. Probably because most of these songs have been forced upon me through adds or radio for two decades, but I did enjoy it on this listen. It was a good listen, bluesier than I remember.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Overall a very good album. For some reason I know the name, but I have never listened to her, as far as I am aware at least. I enjoyed almost all of it. It had a good rhythm that was a little funky with some occasional blues. "Save Me" was probably my least favorite track, just started rough. The album really starts to pick up with "Join The Boys" and finds itself with "Like Fire" and has a great ending with "Tall In The Saddle." Most of these mentioned are making the playlist.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is likely one of the best albums ever recorded. I think you're doing some mental gymnastics trying to give this anything other than a 5.
Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Stairway to Heaven, Misty Mountain Hop, Going to California, and When the Levee Breaks making it all on a single album is nuts to think about. I can't imagine being around when this album dropped.
Supertramp
4/5
Overall a good album. Started off great with School, and the right to Bloody Well Right. 4/5 would listen again.
Dire Straits
4/5
Three great jams to kick off an album. Hard to beat that intro. It does however lose it's groove and seems to wonder and get lost a little. The music isn't bad, but it becomes more of a "jam" album that the songs run together a bit. It wakes up again at One World, and then floats off into the distance with the title track.
Billy Joel
4/5
This is a great album. Plenty of hit singles, and is easy to listen to. It does miss on a couple songs, but nothing you need to skip. 4.5/5
The Replacements
3/5
Solid punk rock album. It has a good raw sound. I'm not much of a punk rocker, but I went through phase when I was younger. I would have loved this then and can see the appeal.
3.5/5
The Temptations
3/5
I enjoyed this. It had good rhythm and was catchy. Nothing in it particularly stood out to move the needle, but a good listen over all.
3.5/5
Pretenders
4/5
I had to give this two listens, after the first it would have been lucky to get a 3, but something about it pulled me in on the second listen.
Faith No More
3/5
As a 90's kid and lover of all things 90's, I have never been able to love this band. While I enjoy a few of their songs, the rest is just not something I can get into. His voice can be a little too much at times.
The La's
3/5
When this first started I thought, who in the world thinks this needs to be listened too, and then There She Goes came on and I realized I'm being forced to listen to a whole album from a one hit wonder... The second half of the album was better than the first.
2.5/5
Bee Gees
2/5
Nothing stood out on this album. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Will likely never hear any of this again.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
59 songs, 3 hours and 15 minutes... Yikes!
Thankfully I got this on a Friday, I listened to the first 3 discs, and I think I get it. Most of the songs could be sang over the same music, but the lyrics are mostly fun and light. She has a wonderful voice, the music is mostly repetitive. This is peak lounge music in my eyes. I enjoyed it in that context.
3.5/5
Depeche Mode
4/5
This is a good album. Has a nice 80's feel, and is enjoyable. It's a quick easy listen, I gave it two. However, if I was in the wrong headspace, I could see how this could be very depressing.
4/5
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
This sounded like one long song. I probably would have been a fan in middle school, but this just doesn't do it for me anymore. It wasn't bad, but just some basic 90's punk rock. Nothing really stood out on it.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
This album came out my senior year of high school and I have never heard all of it. I do remember some of the tracks, and they never excited me as much as the videos(you know what I mean). Anyway, right away I enjoyed Walk Away, as it features her vocals, and she clearly has a great singing voice, and that theme continued throughout. I enjoyed the less popular tracks a little more. The bigger singles were fine, and overall the album is good for a pop album, which isn't really my thing.
Otis Redding
4/5
Overall very good album. Lots a great songs.
Lou Reed
2/5
This is just not good. I do not understand all the 5 star reviews. If Wild Side wasn't on this album it would be a 1 star album. The whole thing sounded low effort. Lou Reed's singing is awful. He really just sounds like he's talking through it.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
This was fine. None of the songs stood out from another. I do not understand why it made this list.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I enjoyed this more than the first Elvis album, but not by much. Still don't get what all the fuss was about.
Hot Chip
4/5
Genuinely surprised to see Hot Chip on this list. I've been a casual fan of theirs for a while, and never listened to a whole album before. I did enjoy almost every track. Night and Day and Now There Was Nothing leave a little to be desired, but all the others were great. I'll likely explore more of their discography.
Giant Sand
2/5
Right away I'm left with a feeling that this just isn't doing it for me. I don't mind the instrumentals, his vocals leave a little to be desired, and it's all a little boring. I get the feeling the majority of listens this album gets on Spotify are because it's on this list.
It's not bad, it's just boring. I think I need a nap...
Marty Robbins
3/5
As someone who dislikes 90% of the country music he hears, I was not excited to get this album. It was much better than expected, most of the lyrics were fun and told old western stories. It's exactly the title of the album. Early Johnny Cash vibes.
Blur
3/5
I would love to be a fan of blur, but I just can't do it. Song 2 is obviously an all-time banger, and Beetlebum was a fun listen, but the rest of this album seems lost. Definitely hearing some of those Gorillaz roots in here, before he fine tuned it. If Song 2 wasn't on this album it would be a 2/5.
Morrissey
3/5
I've heard this man's name more than I would like, and it's never inspired me to actually seek out his music. Now that this moment has come, the word that comes to mind is, uninspiring. Nothing about this album if great. It's so average it's boring.
Elastica
4/5
Quintessential 90's rock album. I'm surprised I've never checked it out before.
I read some reviews about how they ripped off Wire, and then I went to check it out... Wow, you all are wild. They used a similar riff, and if anything improved upon it. This is not uncommon in music, and many good things have come from it, including this album. This is a good album. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Is this a good album? Yes... Is this a well written and well performed album? Yes... Is this a 5/5 album, no, unfortunately not for me. I did enjoy this all, but it's not really my thing, and I cannot explain in words why.
Alice In Chains
4/5
This is a great 90's grunge album with a 5 songs that will forever be associated with the era. While this album as a hole is not a 5/5, Them Bones, Down In Hole, Rooster, Angry Chair, and Would? are all 5/5 songs.
Queen
3/5
Any album with Bohemian Rhapsody is going to be good. Unfortunately, there is A LOT of filler on here as well. It's all fine, but this is not a 5 star album, and maybe not even a 4 star album.
New Order
4/5
I really enjoyed this one, much more than I expected. It has that hollow 80's tone that I enjoy, it was well produced, and kept you engage. Had a couple standouts Elegia and Love Vigilantes. The vocals on a few tracks could be better, but overall this album was well put together from start to finish.
4.5/5
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Holy reverb Batman! Seems like they should to turn that down a bit, or not rely on it so heavily. It takes over the album.
From reading reviews, it seemed people either loved or hated this album, and I fell somewhere in between. It's definitely a unique album, but it was hard me for to really get into this. 3/5
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
Was this bad? No, but was it good? No, not really.
Arcade Fire
4/5
I recently listened to Arcade Fire's whole discography, and I still had to give this a couple listens. This is a great indie album. Lots of great songs on here, and really has more of a live album sound/feel than a studio album, which makes me want to see them live. There's a few misses in there that keep it from pulling a 5/5, but it's a solid 4.5/5
Coldplay
5/5
This is a great album. There is not one song on here you need to track past. These guys are also phenomenal live.
All these people that throw around all this hate for Coldplay have fragile egos, and a small joke in 40 Year Old Virgin has skewed their perception of a great band. Also, all this they wish they were Radiohead bullshit, or Radiohead ripoff is ridiculous. Is there Radiohead influence? Of course, but this is not Radiohead, and they are not trying to be them. I fucking LOVE Radiohead, but I also really enjoy Coldplay.
5/5 album
David Gray
4/5
"Oh, David Gray, he sings that Babylon song, not a big fan of that song, but let's see what he's got" Presses play... "WHAT IS THIS?" Is this going to be a five star album?"
That's how it went down from the start, then it just kind of slowly faded from there. Overall a good album, but "Please Forgive Me" was great, and if he could of kept that up it would have been a 5/5. This isn't what I normally listen too, but was surprised how much I enjoyed it. 4/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
This album has a few all-timers on it, but struggles to find itself. They seem lost themselves on what they are even trying to do. If they cut half the filler on this album it has a chance to be a 5 star album, but it's so lost in trying to do a little of everything it falls short. Without Sure Shot, Sabotage, and Flute Loop this is a 2 or 3, but these song push it to a 4/5.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
I enjoyed almost all of this. It has a nice relaxing feel to it.
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Overall a good album. There's a few misses, but I enjoyed most of it.
Beastie Boys
3/5
This is a fun album, but it's really missing GREAT songs that carry an album. Hey Ladies is as good as it gets on here.
Beck
4/5
Good album, you don't need to track over any songs, and at least three standouts.
Black Flag
2/5
This is something I probably would have enjoyed more in my early teens, but I have never been a real fan of just yelling for vocals. Just not my thing, and I will never listen to this album again.
Iggy Pop
2/5
I enjoyed most of the music, but I just can't do Iggy Pop's voice on this album. It doesn't work, it really drags this album down in my opinion.
The Clash
3/5
Overall this is fine, not necessarily my cup of tea.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. I know a couple songs from these guys and enjoyed what I knew of them. I just couldn't get on board for on this. It's not bad, but it's just not good.
The Cars
5/5
7 great singles in under 36 minutes... What else do I need to say?
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Good album, a few keepers, but goes on a little longer than needed.
Saint Etienne
3/5
Meh. It was fine for the most part.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Overall a good album. There wasn't really one standout besides "Boogie On Reggae Woman." Enjoyed it all, it has a very chill, nice feel/groove to it. 3.5/5
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Well, Happy Birthday to me! I love this album, and seek this out often enough. I do believe this is by far their greatest album. No need to skip anything on hear. Everything comes together perfectly, the guitar, bass, drums, and the vocals. I don't normally love yelling and screaming as vocals, but in this it seems absolutely necessary. Very fitting for the times we are currently going through, 30+ years later...
Destiny's Child
3/5
This is what I thought it was. Came out strong and then faded into oblivion.
Motörhead
2/5
Seemed like a lot of the same. Nothing really trying to standout. Vocals are not great either.
The Prodigy
4/5
It's probably been 20 years since I've listened to this album. I kind of enjoyed it then, and kind of enjoyed it now. Has some solid singles on here, and the rest was good.
R.E.M.
4/5
Overall I prefer this more than their first album. Orange Crush, in my opinion, holds this album up. I did enjoy it overall though.
The Offspring
4/5
This is the definition of 90's pop punk. Even in my punk phase, I didn't love this album. It holds up though. The 3 singles on this push it to a 4/5.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
An all time great album. Six or seven singles everyone has heard, regardless if they're fans or not.
CCR has a gritty, live sound that it enjoyable without being bad or annoying. I have been a Creedence fan since a teenager and will continue to be.
U2
3/5
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright. Is how I feel about this album. It's not good, but it's not necessarily bad either. I have never really been a U2 fan. I have always thought they were overrated, and boy did this solidify that thought. Just really generic, boring rock music.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
It's possible I would like this more if I could understand it.
ZZ Top
4/5
Solid rock album. Fun and easy listen. A few obvious standouts, but great overall album.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Overall a good listen. I would say 3 keepers on this whole album. The rest is fades into the background. 3.5/5
Billy Bragg
3/5
This was unimpressive and a little boring. I didn't have the urge to track over anything, so I guess that's something, but this just doesn't seen to be my thing.
Roni Size
2/5
One trick pony. This was pretty boring overall. I normally like electronica music, but this just didn't do it for me.
Sade
4/5
Coming into this I only knew of Sade from Smooth Operator, this album was a delight. The whole album had a funky, silky smooth groove to it. Every track was enjoyable.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
This is not necessarily my kind of music, but this was a fun overall listen. The only thing that holds it back to me, is there's not a single song that really stands above the rest, and I am unlikely to return to this album and listen again.
Janis Joplin
5/5
This was much better than expected. The whole album was fantastic from start to finish. Much more bluesy than I expected, then again I hadn't really given Janis a chance until now, but that's why we're here!
Jeff Buckley
5/5
This is a great album. I had only heard a couple Jeff Buckley's songs prior to going into this, and I'm a little disappointed in myself that I never listened to this before. I heard people for years mention him and this album, but it apparently was never enough to get me to seek it out.
Anyway, everything on this album is great. Every track is great in it's own way. At times it even reminds me of early Radiohead. He has a great voice, and the guitar on here is great as well. Sad we didn't get anymore from Jeff before he left us.
Michael Jackson
4/5
This album is always a fun listen, regardless of what you think of Michael Jackson. Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man In The Mirror, Dirty Diana, and Smooth Criminal are all-time greats. You can go almost anywhere and hear them being played and at the same time 75% of the people will be at least bobbing their heads or singing along in some fashion. Now they're are some misses on this album, which would be the only thing holding it back. From Speed Demon to Another Part of Me is a rough 4 song stretch, and the only reason I can't give this album a 5.
Green Day
3/5
The very first CD I ever purchased was Green Day Dookie, and I was a huge fan on them at the time. However, by 2004 I was listening to so many different and new things I never found the time to put this album on. It is better than I expected, but it is no Dookie.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I gave this a couple listen's trying to understand what it is about this people love so much. The music on this is mostly good, but between Nico and Lou Reed's singing it's a hard listen. I'll say it again... Lou Reeds voice is like a low effort Bowie. I feel like it alone drags this album down.
Eminem
2/5
Most of this is just not good and I attribute that to not liking his voice. I've never been an Eminem fan, and at this point nothing will change that.
Prince
3/5
This was a fun 80's album. A lot of Prince songs I haven't heard before. I think the only thing holding this album back is a single or two. None of the songs really standout from the rest of them.
Richard Thompson
3/5
70's English Folk music... Well, I didn't hate it, but I'll probably never listen to it again.
FKA twigs
3/5
This wasn't great, but I can see why some people may like it.
Jurassic 5
5/5
This is great from front to back. it manages to keep a great groove throughout the album. It's a fun listen and I'm sure I'll be back many more times to listen.
Nas
5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole album. I'm struggling to figure out why it isn't a 5... This album is a 5.
Queen
3/5
I'm a fan of Queen, but if this album didn't have Killer Queen on it, there would be no reason to listen to it.
Skunk Anansie
2/5
I did not like this, but I suppose I can see why some would.
Megadeth
3/5
This isn't really my thing. I enjoy some of the guitar, but overall this genre just doesn't do it for me.
Beatles
3/5
I'm not much of a Beatles fan, I like a few of their songs here and there. This album just doesn't do it for me. Didn't hate though. Solid 3.
Dr. Dre
4/5
I haven't listened to this album in about 25 years... This album defined early 90's gangsta rap. I get the lyrics are a little rough and dated, but this is a classic, and will forever be a fun listen.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
This is an interesting, fun listen. Gets me out of the bubble I live in, musically. Why pick a soundtrack? I feel like it just shows the unfamiliarity with Indian music/culture.
Sepultura
2/5
I can't even drink caffeine after lunch, because it'll keep me up too late, and I'm just supposed to listen to an hour of this? In all seriousness, this isn't my cup of tea. I prefer actual singing, rather than scream yelling.
Ministry
2/5
Oh god, not another one. I've had three heavy metal albums in like 5 days... This is just not my thing... I found this album in particular it be the worst of all of them.
MGMT
4/5
This album starts of phenomenally. If this stopped at Kids it would be a 5 star album, but it gets lost, and meanders the rest of the way.
Parliament
5/5
What a fun ride! This is such a great album from start to finish.
My first introduction to the P-Funk was at 12 or 13 in the movie PCU. I loved it then, and I've only become more of a fan over the years.
The Bees
3/5
Nothing exciting here, but nothing bad either. The only reason this made the list is because it's another British band Mr. Lydon probably gushed over at one time. Would it be a good listen sitting by the lake, with a joint, on a nice summer day? Sure, but come on man.
Sex Pistols
3/5
Yup, it's the Sex Pistols.
Judas Priest
3/5
Of the heavy metal I've listen too, this maybe some of the best overall. I still don't love it, but it's better than the rest.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I got this albums on a Friday and returned to it a few time over the weekend. It was a 4 after the first listen, but became a 5 after a couple more listens. There is just no bad song on this album, nothing worth tracking over. It's a great album of mostly deeper Led Zeppelin tracks.
George Harrison
4/5
I enjoyed almost every bit of this album. It had a nice pace and kept enough of my attention. I do believe it could be a little shorter. The last 3 songs all seemed to be just jam sessions, not that I disliked it, but was it really needed?
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
I do not know how Elvis Costello convinced anyone he was good. This is my second album of his from this list, and do not look forward to any others. His voice is obnoxious and none of this is good.
Cee Lo Green
3/5
This was a fun listen for the most part. However, something is missing and I can't put my finger on it, because of that I highly doubt I ever come back to this album. 3 stars
Big Star
3/5
I guess I can see why people may like it. It's not for me, seems very bland.
Solomon Burke
4/5
This was a good album. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Tracy Chapman
5/5
This is a great album. The storytelling is top notch, and it sounds as if nothing has changed in 36 years...
George Michael
3/5
Fun early 90's pop album. It is a little too much for me to ever listen to this whole album again though.
The Youngbloods
3/5
This was an interesting album. I can here the influence they had on other bands that came later. The first half was much more enjoyable than the second.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
It was what it was. It's probably too dated to be reviewed properly.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This was fine. It just seemed to be missing something. I've never really been able to get into Bruce Springsteen.
N.W.A.
4/5
This is a good listen. Nice, simple, clean beats.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
This was a self indulgent mess. The vocals on most of this album are awful. Alien seemed to be the only highlight, which I think saved it from getting a 1.
LL Cool J
3/5
This was fine.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Interesting listen. Definitely influenced Tenacious D, but I'm really even a fan of Tenacious D. Also, the vocals sound like he's trying to hard to be something he's not. Overall, didn't hate it, but not likely to ever return to this album.
Steely Dan
4/5
5 star start, but 3 star finish
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This was some classic 50's, early 60's sound. Couple of fun songs on it. As a lot of people call out it is a lot of covers, which is odd for a debut album.
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
I'm sure this was historically significant, but some of the songs are too long for what they are, and it just doesn't stand the test of time.
Kings of Leon
4/5
I downloaded this album when it came out, so there's some nostalgia with it, but I still enjoyed most all of it. I get his voice is not great, but it works with this.
Richard Hawley
3/5
Not really my type of music, but I didn't hate it. I can see the appeal for some. Seems like it belongs in a different decade.
Nirvana
4/5
This is Nirvana's shift to a more gritty sound. I loved this album as a young teenager, not as much these days. Heart-Shaped Box, Dumb, Pennyroyal Tea, and All Apologies are all timers in my opinion.
Nick Drake
3/5
All these Nick Drake albums sound the same. It's fine, but just not for me.
Tom Waits
2/5
It starts off sounding like someone lost their voice and is still trying to sing. Then, it ends sounding like a dying Bruce Springsteen.
The Stooges
3/5
I enjoyed most of this. It is lacking a song that stands out. This mostly runs all together.
Don McLean
3/5
This was a good listen. A little more religious than I prefer.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Hard to go wrong here. Great lyrics and smooth fun beats.
David Bowie
3/5
This is a good album, but I don't believe out of all the Bowie albums it was necessary to add to this list.
Lorde
4/5
Lorde, Lorde, Lorde... This was better than expected.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
I like the Flaming Lips, and love their live show, but this album is not their best work.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
I really enjoyed this album? I had heard a few of the songs, but never listen to the whole album. Good all around.
Willie Nelson
3/5
This was fine
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Great album. Lots of timeless hits on here as well.
Love
3/5
Meh
Tricky
3/5
Not great, not awful
The Byrds
3/5
Not really my thing, but I can see some people liking it. Sounded a little sloppy.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Just didn't do it for me.
David Bowie
3/5
I remember when this came out after he passed. It was forced down my throat, and I still feel that way now.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
This is what I would expect to hear if I asked A.I. to create a basic 80's album. It's good, but I doubt I ever come back to it.
3/5
Had to listen on YouTube, which is not ideal. It wasn't awful, but will not ever be listening to again.
DJ Shadow
4/5
This was a fun listen, and I did enjoy most of it.
The Doors
4/5
A few classics on this album.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
I don't really know what it is, but I just don't get the hype. I mean I know she's talented, but this is old lounge music for the most part. That's fine for what it is, just not something I want to throw an album on and listen to. Her sing writing is probably the best part of this, but I just can't get into it.
Deep Purple
4/5
More metal than I expected from Deep Purple, not really my thing, but it was a fun ride.
The Verve
3/5
This was good as a whole, but not a single song stood out above the rest.
Funkadelic
5/5
So FUNKY!!! I dig. Just a fantastic album as a whole. Not a single bad song on the album. A little disappointed it's not on Spotify, and had to listen on YouTube with adds.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
Fun listen.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Much prefer this Iggy Pop to the Stooges. Overall a great album.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
I would classify this as "cool kids" 90's music. It's good, but not great, and some hipster will have some reason this is the greatest 90's rock album.
Traffic
4/5
I enjoyed this album start to finish.
Wilco
3/5
There's a couple songs on the album that are good, but for the most part I am not a fan of this Wilco. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing something, because the people I know who are Wilco fans, we usually have a similar taste in music.
Fiona Apple
4/5
This was a lot better than I expected. I really only knew Criminal, and didn't love that song enough when I was in middle school to seek out this album. Appears I was missing out a bit. 4.5 stars
Funkadelic
5/5
Oh man, this hit the spot on a cloudy Monday. This is my second Funkadelic album, and my third George Clinton album. All of them are 5 stars albums. My younger self was missing out big time.
This one in particular starts off so strong, Brain Maggot's shredding guitar pulls you in, and then they hit you with Can You Get To That. It's not the most cohesive album I've ever heard but it all the tracks are great.
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Nothing I'll ever seek out again, but it had a nice vibe to it.
Public Enemy
3/5
I get the appeal, but the beats seem repetitive from track to track. Chuck D's vocal are a force on here though, and Flavor Flav brings it down.
Frank Zappa
4/5
This is just a party in an album, and like all parties they die eventually. That happened for me when they brought the horn out in The Gumbo Variations.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Once again, albums like this are the reason I started this journey. This was a fun listen. Lots of energy and a little funky. I'll have to dive into more Fela.
Brian Wilson
3/5
The Beach Boys have never been my thing, and this is the same thing.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Not really my thing.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
If they were trying to make it sound like shit they were successful. Occasionally, I heard some potential in a song, but it never lasted.
The Zombies
3/5
This was better than I expected, but this genre isn't really my thing. 3.5 stars
Stevie Wonder
4/5
This is a great album. The only reason this isn't a 5 is he forgets about his funky side, and gets lost then a more generic sound that all blends together.
Frank Ocean
3/5
I remember when this came out, and everyone was raving about it. I listened to it multiple times then, and still today I just don't get it. It's fine, but far from great.
Femi Kuti
3/5
This was a good listen.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
This is a great album. I come back to this occasion.
The Doors
4/5
This starts off as a full 5 star album, and slowly climbs down after Peace Frog, which may be my favorite doors song.
The Band
4/5
I feel like this album is a vessel to get you to "The Weight." The rest of the songs are fine, but aren't anything you need to revisit, but track 5 on it's own pulls this album to a 4.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Nothing's Shocking is a solid album that helped shape late '80s alternative rock. Tracks like “Mountain Song” and “Jane Says” show off the band’s creativity, blending funk, rock, and Perry Farrell’s eccentric vocals.
It’s a good record—well-produced and unique—but it doesn’t fully pull me in. I respect it more than I love it. Essential for fans of the genre, but for me, it’s just... fine.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
This Sinatra and Jobim collaboration is smooth, elegant, and perfect for a laid-back mood. Tracks like “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Corcovado” blend Sinatra’s croon with Jobim’s bossa nova rhythms, creating timeless lounge music.
It’s not groundbreaking, but for what it is; easy, relaxing background music; it’s hard to beat. Perfect for quiet evenings or classy gatherings.
Fred Neil
4/5
This album turned out to be much better than I expected. Blending elements of country, folk, and rock, it delivers a rich, soulful listening experience that feels timeless. Neil’s deep, resonant voice adds an emotional weight to every track, making it hard not to get drawn in.
The album’s mellow vibe shifts into something truly unexpected with its closer, “Cynicrustpetefredjohn.” It’s a wild, chaotic ride that feels like the result of sweet... inspiration, or maybe something stronger. Either way, it’s a bold, unforgettable ending to an album that’s well worth your time.
Yes
3/5
The Yes Album is a progressive rock classic, but let’s be honest, once you’ve heard “I’ve Seen All Good People,” you’ve heard all you really need. That track is the perfect blend of melody, harmony, and thoughtful composition, standing far above the rest of the album.
The other songs? Sure, they’re fine if you’re into sprawling prog epics, but none come close to the magic of “I’ve Seen All Good People.” It’s the kind of song that makes the album worth a spin, but after that, you might find yourself hitting repeat on the one track that truly matters.
Neil Young
3/5
I’m a fan of some of Neil Young’s work, but On the Beach just doesn’t click for me. It has its moments, with Young’s trademark raw emotion and stripped-down sound, but overall, it feels too meandering to fully enjoy.
John Lee Hooker
4/5
The Healer is a soulful, bluesy masterpiece that showcases his iconic sound. It blends Hooker’s raw vocals and smooth guitar with guest artists like Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt. The album pulses with emotion and groove, proving why Hooker remains one of the greatest blues legends. Simple, powerful, and timeless.
Various Artists
2/5
Christmas music is not something I'm a big fan of. I understand why people like it, but this is not the reason I started this project.
4/5
Overall, it’s a highly enjoyable listen that still holds up today, offering a perfect balance of depth and fun.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
This is a dark, innovative journey through self-destruction and despair, but it’s the standout tracks “Closer” and “Hurt” that truly elevate it. “Closer” captivates with its provocative groove, while “Hurt” delivers raw emotional depth that lingers long after the album ends. While the rest of the record is cohesive and bold, some tracks feel more like connective tissue than essential listening. Still, those two songs alone make this a landmark album worth revisiting.
Metallica
4/5
Master Of Puppets is a thrash metal classic, with the title track and "Orion" shining as standout moments. While the album’s precision and energy are impressive, it can feel repetitive at times, with tracks blending into one another. Still, it’s a landmark for heavy metal and a must listen for fans of the genre.
The Associates
2/5
Sulk is peak self-indulgent ’80s excess, over-the-top production, theatrical vocals, and a relentless need to be different for the sake of it. While some might appreciate its quirky charm, it feels more like a dated relic than a timeless listen. A bold of them to make this album 1 hour and 38 minutes, of what is ultimately, ’80s junk.
The Cramps
4/5
This album was a pleasant surprise! I don’t normally go for this kind of psychobilly punk, but "Songs The Lord Taught Us" is a wild, gritty, and fun ride from start to finish. It’s raw, ridiculous, and oddly addictive.
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
Musically, Histoire de Melody Nelson is lush, atmospheric, and mostly enjoyable, with its mix of orchestral arrangements and groovy bass lines. However, not understanding the French lyrics might be a blessing, knowing it’s about a man’s relationship with a 15-year-old girl makes it hard to fully appreciate. Beautiful sound, deeply uncomfortable subject matter.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Music for the Masses is fine... The production is polished and the mood is cohesive, there aren’t many songs that truly stand out or grab you. It’s decent background music, but not their most memorable work.
Prince
4/5
1999 is a fun listen, it has a couple all-timers on it. There are a few misses I just can't do, but overall it's a win.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
5/5
Blood, Sweat & Tears album is a great listen from start to finish. It has an energetic mix of rock, blues, and jazz, it’s a fun and dynamic ride. The band’s artistry shines throughout, making it a standout album.
The Byrds
3/5
Mr. Tambourine Man is fine for what it is, a jangly, folk-rock classic, but it’s not really my kind of listen. The harmonies and Dylan covers are solid, but it doesn’t quite grab me. A respectable album, just not one I'll be revisiting.
Manu Chao
3/5
Clandestino seems like a fun and vibrant listen, with its eclectic rhythms and global influences. However, not understanding the lyrics makes it hard to fully connect with. It’s possible I’d enjoy this more if I could understand the lyrics.
Snoop Dogg
5/5
When I was younger, I always leaned toward The Chronic, but revisiting Doggystyle has made me appreciate its flawless flow. Snoop’s smooth delivery, combined with Dr. Dre’s impeccable production, makes this a 5-star album. Every track hits, and it’s a classic from start to finish.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Time Out is easily one of the most listenable and complete jazz albums I’ve ever heard. From the iconic “Take Five” to the adventurous rhythms throughout, every track feels fresh and engaging. It’s a timeless masterpiece that’s as accessible as it is brilliant.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Californication might not be the band’s best album, but it’s packed with so many memorable songs that it’s impossible not to give it 5 stars. It perfectly balances their energy, introspection, and melody, making it an undeniable classic.
Alice Cooper
3/5
The title track of School’s Out is an all-time classic, undeniably one of Alice Cooper’s best. “Grande Finale” has a cool vibe, but beyond that, the rest of the album doesn’t really stand out. It’s worth a listen for the highlights, but the magic feels concentrated in just a few moments.
The Blue Nile
3/5
Walk Across The Rooftops is an interesting listen with its atmospheric production and moody vibe, but as a whole, it doesn’t quite come together as good music. It feels more like a concept than something truly engaging or memorable. Fascinating, but not fulfilling.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
This album has an incredible vibe, blending soul, funk, and social commentary seamlessly. There’s No Place Like America Today is a great listen from start to finish, with Curtis Mayfield’s smooth delivery and powerful message making it a standout work.
Neil Young
4/5
Harvest is a great album, showcasing Neil Young’s talent for heartfelt songwriting. However, his voice can come off a bit whiny at times, which might not be for everyone. Still, with two all-time great songs on it, it’s undeniably a classic worth hearing.
Anthrax
2/5
Among the Living is a tough listen. The vocals are grating, and the riffs blur together, making every song feel like a repeat of the last. It’s chaotic without being memorable, a disappointing effort overall.
Air
3/5
As a soundtrack, The Virgin Suicides fits the mood of the movie perfectly; it's dreamy, melancholic, and atmospheric. But seeking it out as a standalone listen feels like a stretch. I vaguely remember the movie, and since it didn’t leave a deep impression on me, neither does the music. Good in context, but not essential on its own.
Kelela
3/5
Take Me Apart leans heavily into a polished pop/R&B sound, but it doesn’t feel particularly innovative. The music is fine, it's smooth and well-produced, but nothing stands out enough to make it memorable. It’s hard to see why this album belongs on this list.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Hard Again is a blues classic and an effortlessly enjoyable listen. Muddy Waters sounds revitalized, and the energy throughout the album is contagious. It’s timeless, straightforward, and a must-hear for any blues fan.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Aftermath has a few solid tracks, but most of it didn’t stick with me. Including the UK version on this list does a disservice to everyone, it leaves out “Paint It Black,” arguably their best song. Without it, the album feels incomplete and less impactful.
The B-52's
4/5
This album was much better than I expected. While “Rock Lobster” is the big hit, the rest of the tracks carry an even cooler vibe that is quirky, energetic, and endlessly fun. It’s a surprisingly strong and cohesive debut.
Talking Heads
4/5
I love the Talking Heads, but they’ve got better albums. Remain in Light starts off as a brilliant 5-star record with incredible energy and creativity, but it slowly fades, settling into a solid 4-star listen by the end. Still great, just not their best.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Solid folk album, but folk just isn’t normally my thing. “A Sailor’s Life” and “Million Dollar Bash” are the highlights for me. Overall, a respectable effort for fans of the genre.
Beatles
3/5
I guess I just don't get what all the hype is about.
OutKast
5/5
Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I love this entire album, not just the hits, but tracks like “Humble Mumble,” “Red Velvet,” and “Gangsta Shit” that really bring it all together. The inventive beats and sharp rhymes make it a timeless, energetic masterpiece.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
With 32 tracks stretching over an hour, this album feels like an endurance test that makes you want to jab a pen in your ear. It’s chaotic without purpose, and honestly, Jon Spencer sounds like he needs real friends to tell him when something just isn’t good.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
5/5
This album is fantastic from start to finish. Every track swings with effortless charm, making it one of the easiest, most enjoyable listens you’ll find in jazz. Count Basie and his orchestra are absolutely on fire here.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
I read a review calling this album "aggressively juvenile," and honestly, that says all you need to know. It's chaotic, satirical, and weird for the sake of being weird. Whether that's brilliant or annoying depends entirely on you.
Portishead
4/5
Dummy probably gets more love than it should, but it’s still a good album. The mood is consistently dark and hypnotic, with a few truly great tracks that stand out. Worth a listen, even if it’s a bit over hyped.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This might be my favorite Led Zeppelin album, which is impressive considering it’s their debut. The bluesy vibe throughout gives it a raw, soulful edge that stands apart from much of their later work. A powerhouse start to their legendary career.
Miles Davis
4/5
Birth of the Cool is a solid listen from start to finish, with a smooth, laid-back vibe that’s easy to enjoy. Nothing in particular stood out above the rest, but the overall experience is still great. A good album that lives up to its name.
Donovan
3/5
On first listen, this sounded like pretty generic ’60s psychedelic rock. But on a second spin, I appreciated the effort, especially the use of different instruments that add depth to the sound. For 1966, Donovan was definitely ahead of his time.
Madonna
4/5
The album kicks off strong, but after the first two tracks, it starts to lose some of its punch. Still, there’s no denying its influence, Like a Prayer helped shape pop music and remains one of Madonna’s most important releases.
Radiohead
5/5
I’m a big fan of Radiohead, and this isn’t even my favorite album from them, but there’s no denying it’s a great one. The atmospheric production and songwriting are top-tier, and “Electioneering” stands out as my personal favorite track. A defining album of its era.
The Police
3/5
This is an okay album, but nothing hits quite like “Message in a Bottle” and they give it you right off the top. The rest has its moments, but never reaches the same level, making it a decent but unremarkable listen.
Napalm Death
1/5
The only thing I enjoyed about this album is that most of the songs are very short. When I saw 28 tracks, I thought, “How am I going to get through this?” then I realized the whole album is only 33 minutes... Whew! It’s almost like they came up with a fun riff, played around with it, and boom, that’s a song, because they clearly put no effort into the vocals.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
This album is great from start to finish. It kicks off with an electrifying punch, then seamlessly weaves in emotion without losing its edge. The mix of synth-driven anthems and raw energy still hits just right. Maybe nostalgia plays a part, but It’s Blitz! remains a banger that never gets old!
Animal Collective
3/5
I’ve given this album multiple tries, hoping it would finally click, but it just never quite hits right for me. I don’t dislike it, and I can appreciate what they’re going for, but I just can’t get into it. Maybe it’s the swirling production or the dreamy, layered vocals, but whatever it is, I’m just not feeling the vibe.
ABBA
3/5
Clean, crisp, and fun ’70s pop music. Arrival is ABBA doing what they do best. Overall, they’re not really my thing, but I can understand why people love them. The melodies are catchy, the production is polished, and it’s easy to see why this album has a lot of fans.
The Temptations
4/5
There’s no denying the funk on this album is absolutely top-tier, it grooves hard and keeps you hooked. But when it leans more into the R&B/soul side, I find my interest drifting a bit. That’s just personal taste, though, because the talent and production here are undeniable. All Directions is a well-crafted album with some standout moments, even if it doesn’t fully keep me locked in the whole way through.
5/5
Maybe I’m blinded by nostalgia, but this whole album absolutely rocks. The energy, the riffs, the over-the-top drama, it all just works. Every track feels massive, and even after all these years, it still hits hard. Whether it’s nostalgia or not, Black Holes and Revelations is a killer album from start to finish.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Revelator and Everything Is Free are easily the standout tracks here - beautiful, haunting, and genuinely great songs. The rest of the album, though, leans a little too country for me. It’s well-crafted and undeniably heartfelt, but it just doesn’t fully pull me in the way those two tracks do.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either, I just clearly don’t get it. The whole album sounds like it was recorded in some mystical, echoing cave, with shimmering guitars and unintelligible vocals floating around like ghosts. There’s an otherworldly beauty to it, but it never fully clicks with me. I can appreciate the atmosphere, but it’s not something I'll find myself every coming back to.
Elliott Smith
3/5
If early 2000s hipster alternative had a soundtrack, this would be on it. Back when it dropped, everyone I knew who swore by it was pretentious as hell, which probably made me resist it more than I should have. That said, I can’t deny it’s a well-crafted album with plenty of solid moments. It’s a good listen from start to finish, but for me, it never quite reaches that next level of greatness.
Arcade Fire
3/5
There are a couple of good songs here, but beyond that, Neon Bible feels pretty uninspiring. It has the grand, dramatic sound Arcade Fire is known for, but much of it just doesn’t stick. It’s not a bad album, just one that doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
This is a good album and without a doubt an essential ‘90s classic. I owned it in my youth, and while my wife would give it a 5-star rating without hesitation, I think it has a few misses in there. That said, it’s still a strong album, with at least five tracks most people would instantly recognize. It’s raw, emotional, and packed with attitude, definitely a defining album of its time.
Björk
3/5
The highlight of the album for me is It’s "Not Up to You" A beautifully crafted track that stands out among the rest. But beyond that, much of Vespertine tends to blur together in a soft, atmospheric haze. It’s delicate and intricate, but I think you really have to be in the right mood for Björk to fully appreciate it.
CHIC
4/5
This is just a great, fun album from start to finish. C’est Chic delivers classic disco grooves with a touch of funk flair, making it impossible not to move along. It’s sleek, stylish, and packed with infectious energy. Disco done right.
Common
4/5
Be is a great album... thoughtful, soulful, and smooth from start to finish. One thing that holds it back, though (and a lot of albums from this era), is that high-pitched, almost computer-generated voice effect sprinkled throughout. I’ve never been a fan of that, but this album manages to rise above it for the most part. Still, undeniable talent and sharp lyricism make this one of Common’s best. Also, Fvc|< Kanye.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Exile On Main Street is a good overall listen, but nothing really stands out or rises above the rest. The album rolls along with a loose, bluesy vibe, making it solid background rock music. It’s gritty, it’s raw, and it’s got that signature Stones sounds, but it never quite hits a high point that demands attention.
Pavement
3/5
This is a fine listen, but I don’t really get the hype. The singing feels low-effort and lazy, which gives it a certain slacker charm, but also makes it hard to fully connect with. The rough, lo-fi sound has its moments, but overall, it just doesn’t blow me away.
David Bowie
4/5
Station to Station is a good, fun album, with Bowie’s mix of rock, and his signature weirdness is definitely engaging. While it’s easy to enjoy in the moment, it doesn’t really make me want to come back to it. Solid, but not something I'll find myself revisiting.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Suzanne Vega’s debut has that classic singer-songwriter sound, with well-written, thoughtful songs at its core. The production feels a little sloppy at times, but the strength of the songwriting carries the album through. Clearly she's very talented, and had an influence on some of the 90's signer songwriters. Unfortunately, this didn't really resonate with me.
David Bowie
3/5
Honestly, there’s too much Bowie on this list. Low is an okay album, but it never really reaches greatness. The first half has some decent tracks, while the second half dives into an instrumental, concept-album vibe that’s more interesting than enjoyable. It’s a bold experiment, but not something you'll find me returning to.
Radiohead
5/5
I bought this album the day it came out, and while I wouldn’t call it Radiohead’s best work, it might be the one I’ve listened to the most. It’s a sprawling, moody mix of their experimental and rock sides, with enough variety to keep pulling me back in. It may not be as groundbreaking as some of their other albums, but there’s something about it that sticks with me.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
This a fine listen, and there’s no denying Keith Jarrett’s talent as a pianist, but The Köln Concert didn’t really pull me in. While the improvisation is impressive, it gradually faded into background music for me. It’s easy to appreciate the artistry, but it’s not something I felt fully connected to.
Nirvana
5/5
I was 11 years old when this came out. I still remember watching it on MTV and rushing to get the album. Even though I’m far from the biggest Nirvana fan, this album is almost perfect. It's stripped-down and haunting, it shows a raw, vulnerable side of the band that’s hard to forget. It’s a defining moment from the ‘90s that still holds up today.
The Saints
2/5
The opening track is the clear highlight, but after that, the album loses some steam. The added horn section brings a punch and energy that really elevates the songs - without it, the tracks feel far less engaging. It’s a solid punk record with some standout moments, but it doesn’t maintain that initial spark throughout.
Miles Davis
4/5
This album is a fun, immersive listen and exactly what I’m looking for when I want to dive into jazz. It’s smooth, atmospheric, and effortlessly cool, with a laid-back vibe that draws you in. Miles Davis and his band create a soundscape that feels both easygoing and adventurous. Perfect for getting lost in.
Björk
4/5
Debut is a hard album to really review. Some aspects genuinely appeal to me. The eclectic production and Björk’s bold creativity stand out. Her singing is impressive on some tracks, showcasing her unique range and emotion, but on others, it feels a bit off or overdone. It’s an intriguing and experimental album, but not everything lands perfectly.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
The music on Next is undeniably catchy and fun, with a playful, theatrical edge that keeps things interesting. However, the lyrics lean a bit... juvenile at times, which can be off-putting depending on your mood. It’s a wild ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, for better or worse.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
There are a few good tracks on Again, but as a whole, it feels mostly uninspiring. The mix of styles makes for an uneven listen, and while the talent is obvious, the album never really grabs hold. It has its moments, but it’s not one I’d likely come back to.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
While Smokers Delight is a good listen, there’s nothing that really pulls you in. The chilled-out beats and grooves make for great background music, but I guess that may have been the whole point. It’s smooth, laid-back, and easy to enjoy, but it never demands your attention.
Violent Femmes
4/5
You can really hear how Violent Femmes helped lay the groundwork for the ‘90s alternative sound; raw, stripped-down, and full of attitude. Beyond its influence, the album itself is packed with great tracks, balancing angst and playfulness in a way that still holds up. A classic that deserves its reputation.
The Doors
5/5
As far as debut albums go, it doesn’t get much better than this. Kicking off with Break on Through and closing with The End might be one of the best opener-closer combos. The whole album is dark, hypnotic, and endlessly cool. No question, this absolutely deserves its place on any all-time list.
Elliott Smith
4/5
A solid album with a few standout tracks, Either Or showcases Elliott Smith’s signature intimate songwriting and melancholy vibe. While the music is well-crafted, his soft, high-pitched vocals can wear on you after a while. Still, it’s an emotionally rich listen that highlights his talent, even if it’s not something I’d have on repeat.
Happy Mondays
3/5
There’s definitely some enjoyable rhythm and groove here, but the vocals are buried in the mix and hard to make out. While the album has a consistent vibe, none of the songs really stand out above the rest. It’s a decent listen, but nothing that truly grabs me.
The Auteurs
2/5
This just isn’t good. There’s nothing that stands out, nothing particularly catchy, and it doesn’t leave any lasting impression. It’s a forgettable listen and definitely doesn’t feel like it belongs on this list.
David Bowie
3/5
It’s a fine album and definitely a turning point where Bowie really fine-tuned his talents. The clever songwriting, theatrical delivery, and all the Bowie charm people love him for. But as a full listen, it doesn’t really keep me hooked start to finish. Some standout tracks, sure, but overall it feels more like an important piece of music history than something I actually want to throw on and enjoy all the way through.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Without “My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue),” this would be a very average album. That opener really sets a tone the rest of the record can’t quite live up to. That said, it’s still an enjoyable listen. The raw style and shifting energy keep it interesting. Just not one I’ll likely be listening to the whole album ever again. 3.5 stars
Syd Barrett
2/5
Pink Floyd is my favorite band, so I picked up The Madcap Laughs many years ago(before you could just stream whatever you wanted) hoping to discover something special. Unfortunately, I was disappointed then and I’m still disappointed now. I guess it makes sense though, Piper at the Gates of Dawn is probably my least favorite Pink Floyd album, and this has a lot of that same scattered, chaotic energy without the polish or cohesion. An interesting piece of history, but disappointing at every visit.
Wild Beasts
4/5
Two Dancers has a sound that immediately brings Temper Trap to mind. It's moody, atmospheric indie rock with soaring vocals and a touch of glam. The first half of the album is really strong, pulling you in with its rhythm and energy, but somewhere past the midpoint it starts to drift and lose its spark. Still, there’s enough charm here to imagine these guys putting on a great live show.
Orbital
2/5
Snivilisation feels like it's trying for something big, but ultimately there’s just not much that stands out. The beats are fine, the production is clean, but it doesn’t offer anything particularly special or memorable. It’s not bad, just unremarkable. The whole album is a bit of a letdown.
4/5
This was a surprise. I went into it only really knowing PJ Harvey from "Down By The Water," and came out wondering how this album flew under my radar for so long. Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea is a confident, well-crafted album; it's equal parts gritty and melodic, with a great balance of energy and emotion. It feels like one of those records that grows even more rewarding with each listen.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
This one’s a tough album to review because it stands in such a unique space; part final statement, part poetic reflection. Leonard Cohen’s voice is deep, weathered, and full of gravity, and while some tracks really land ("You Want It Darker" and "Traveling Light" are standouts), others don’t hit quite as hard. Still, what really carries the album is the songwriting. It’s lyrically rich and thoughtful throughout, even when the music itself doesn’t always resonate. A haunting, and fitting farewell album.
Faust
2/5
There’s experimental, and then there’s whatever this is. Faust IV has some moments of intrigue, but "Jennifer" might honestly be one of the worst songs I’ve ever heard. It’s like they were actively trying to test your patience. If you’re into avant-garde noise with no real structure, maybe this is for you, but for most listeners, this one’s a tough sell.
Neu!
3/5
NEU! '75 has this constant sense of anticipation, like it’s slowly winding itself up toward some grand moment, but that moment never really comes. There’s definitely atmosphere and mood here, but overall it feels like it’s missing a payoff. A little too meandering to really stick with me.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Going into this, I thought I liked Bob Dylan more than I apparently do. While I can appreciate the influence and lyrical depth, most of the album was tough to sit through. His delivery, which some call iconic, just doesn’t always land for me, especially when stretched out over an entire record. “Mr. Tambourine Man” is probably the highlight, but even then, I’m not sure if I genuinely enjoy it or just recognize it from being so widely known. I’ve come to realize I only really connect with a handful of his songs.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Kendrick’s storytelling and smooth flow carry the album, and the production throughout is tight and immersive. Compared to To Pimp a Butterfly, this one is much more approachable and, for me, a more enjoyable experience all around. Oddly enough, the opening track might be the weakest track. A strong album that earns the praise it gets.
John Lennon
3/5
This album has its moments. There are definitely some catchy songs scattered throughout. Of course, the title track Imagine is inescapable at this point; it’s been played so many times it's practically part of the atmosphere. While I can understand its impact and why people connect with it, the overall vibe of the album just doesn’t click with me. It’s not bad by any means, but just not my cup of tea.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Death to Everyone is probably the highlight for me. There’s something about its rawness that cuts through. But man, a lot of this album is a tough listen. The lyrics are bleak, poetic, and clearly coming from a deep place, but the delivery just doesn’t land for me. It feels like the emotion is buried under a presentation that’s a little too mumbly and muted. You can tell it’s heartfelt, maybe even cathartic, but I couldn’t help thinking... I hope his friends checked in on him after hearing this.
The Specials
3/5
If I had to rate this back in 7th or 8th grade, I probably would’ve slapped a 5-star rating on it without hesitation. It’s got that infectious energy with it's punchy ska vibe that hits just right when you're young and discovering music with attitude. That said, I like to think my taste has refined a bit since then. While I still appreciate what The Specials brought to the table, and I definitely recognize its importance in ska history. However, the album as a whole is just okay. Fun in moments, but it doesn’t quite hit the same anymore.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Nilsson Schmilsson is a fun listen with a nice mix of quirk and charm. There are definitely a few tracks that feel like filler or just miss the mark entirely, but the good ones make up for it. “Gotta Get Up” and “Coconut” in particular bring that playful, offbeat energy. Not a perfect album, but a solid and enjoyable ride with a few standout moments.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
For a band I’d never heard of before, Juju was a great surprise. This album absolutely rocks from start to finish with an atmospheric, goth-infused post-punk sound that’s both edgy and catchy. The vocals at times even evoking a slightly punked-out Geddy Lee vibe. If there’s a downside, it’s that a few tracks tend to blend together, but as a whole, this album delivers a strong, consistent mood that kept me hooked. Definitely glad this is on the list.
Ray Charles
5/5
This album lives up to its title! The Genius of Ray Charles is a fantastic listen from start to finish. It jumps out at you right away with bold arrangements and Ray’s unmistakable voice, pulling you in with every track. The fusion of jazz, soul, and big band energy is electric, and it feels like you're hearing a master at the peak of his creative power. Honestly, this is an all-time great jazz album, and a perfect example of why Ray Charles is such a towering figure in music history.
PJ Harvey
3/5
After really enjoying Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea, I had high hopes for Dry, but it didn’t quite land the same way. It’s not a bad album by any means. The energy and songwriting are still on display, but nothing here really pulled me in or stuck with me. It feels more like a strong foundation for what would come later rather than a standout in its own right. A solid debut, but not one I see myself revisiting often.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This album was not what I expected from The Beach Boys, and I mean that in a good way. It’s a far cry from their early surf-pop sound, and I appreciated hearing them stretch into more introspective, heavier themes. That said, I’m not entirely sure how well they pulled it off. At times it feels like they’re aiming for depth but don’t quite hit the mark. Still, it’s a fine listen overall. Feel Flows is easily the highlight, with Long Promised Road coming in as a strong, if distant, second.
Germs
1/5
I know there are fans of this kind of raw, aggressive punk, but I honestly don’t understand how people enjoy it. This is a tough listen; almost every song blends into the next with little variation, and I couldn’t make out the lyrics most of the time. The lo-fi, chaotic energy may be the appeal for some, but for me, it just felt messy and grating. This is one of the rare albums I found myself skipping through just to get to the end.
Johnny Cash
3/5
The highlights on American IV are undeniably powerful; when Johnny Cash connects, he really connects. Tracks like “Hurt” and “The Man Comes Around” are haunting and unforgettable, capturing the rawness of his voice and the weight of his years. But between those peaks, the album stumbles more than it soars. Some covers feel out of place or underwhelming, and the pacing can drags. It’s worth a listen for the emotional highs, but there’s a lot of filler between the moments of brilliance.
Moby
4/5
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Play. This album clearly made its rounds in commercials, movies, and just about anywhere music can live in the background. Sitting down and listening to the whole thing for the first time made me wish I’d done it sooner. The first 8 tracks are creative, soulful, and full of energy. Unfortunately, the second half doesn’t quite hold the same magic. If about five of those later tracks were trimmed, this could easily be a 5-star album. Still, it’s a solid and impressive listen overall.
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
The only real gripe I have with this album is that I picked it up the day after Cinco de Mayo.... The generator missed that for me, because this would’ve been a perfect soundtrack. That aside, Buena Vista Social Club is a fun, vibrant, and beautifully arranged album. There's a richness and authenticity to the music that makes it easy to enjoy even if you're not fluent in the genre. I can definitely see myself returning to this whenever I’m craving that smooth, classic Latin vibe.
Talking Heads
4/5
I have heard plenty of these tracks before, but this was my first time really sitting down with the full album. It’s definitely one that grows on you. The quirky energy, tight rhythms, and David Byrne’s offbeat delivery start to click more with each listen. While it’s not a perfect record, but there’s no denying the charm and influence here. A strong entry in the Talking Heads catalog that rewards repeat listens, even if it doesn’t completely blow you away on the first spin.
Björk
3/5
There’s really no reason Vulnicura should be this list, she’s delivered far more inventive and lasting work elsewhere. That said, it’s a nice, emotional listen. The string arrangements are beautiful, and the vulnerability in her voice is hard to miss. But after multiple listens, nothing truly rises above the surface to leave a lasting impression. It’s thoughtful and well-crafted, just not especially memorable.
The White Stripes
3/5
When White Blood Cells first came out, it didn’t really land for me,it felt just fine, nothing more. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate a few standout tracks, but overall the album still feels a bit uneven. There’s raw energy and charm to the whole thing, but much of it comes off as uninspired compared to what they would later deliver. A decent listen, but not the game-changer it’s sometimes made out to be. 3.5/5
Jack White
3/5
Maybe it’s the fact that I’ve had back-to-back Jack White-related albums now, but Blunderbuss left me feeling a bit underwhelmed; even after giving it a few chances to land. It’s not a bad album by any stretch; there’s solid musicianship and moments of charm scattered throughout. But overall, it just feels like it’s missing something. The energy and raw edge that usually define Jack White’s work seem a bit diluted here. A decent listen, but not one I’m itching to return to.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
This album is a time capsule of early hip-hop energy; playful, funky, and socially sharp. It kicks off strong and keeps the vibe fun, but after Scorpio, it loses its footing with a few tracks that don’t hold up. That said, it knows how to reel you back in, especially with the title track, The Message, which stands tall as the undeniable centerpiece. It’s the one that carries the weight and legacy of the album. Overall, an enjoyable listen with a few bumps along the way. 3.5 Stars
The Streets
1/5
This album is a tough one to sit through. The spoken-word delivery might be seen as inventive by some, but to my ears, it just sounds flat and grating. The vocal style often feels more like a monotone diary entry than a musical performance. Even Dry Your Eyes, the big single that got radio play, comes off as painfully awkward and melodramatic. The album feels more like a rough experiment than something fully realized. It may have cultural relevance, but musically, it's just bad. Making an album like this on purpose should be held against them for life, and never allowed to record music again.
Terence Trent D'Arby
3/5
Overall, this was a good listen. You can hear the potential all in this debut. Tracks like “Wishing Well” and “Sign Your Name” stand out as highlights, smooth, soulful, and catchy. That said, not everything on here lands quite as well. A few songs drift into very generic 80's territory, with dated production and overly polished arrangements that don’t bring much new to the table. Still, when it hits, it hits. A good album with some bright moments, even if it doesn’t fully escape the sound of its era.
Beatles
3/5
A Hard Day’s Night may kick off with one of The Beatles’ most iconic and energetic tracks, but the rest of the album struggles to live up to that. Aside from the jangly charm of the title song, much of what follows feels fairly uninspiring. It's clear they were still in their early pop phase here - quick, catchy tunes with simple structures, but not much of it leaves a lasting impression. The more I explore The Beatles' catalog, the more I find myself questioning their untouchable status. There’s no denying their influence, but this particular album doesn’t do much to back up the hype.
The War On Drugs
5/5
Lost in the Dream is a beautifully immersive album that feels like one long, hazy road trip through nostalgia, melancholy, and hope. From start to finish, it’s a consistently great listen; layered with shimmering guitars, dreamy synths, and Granduciel’s distant, Dylan-esque vocals. There’s a kind of meditative consistency to it that’s both a strength and a minor drawback; the songs tend to blend together after a while, but it’s hard to complain when they’re all good. It’s one of those albums that invites you to get lost in it, and chances are, you won’t mind staying a while.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a big Bruce Springsteen fan. His style and voice never really clicked with me in a major way, but Born in the U.S.A. makes a strong case for why he earned his iconic status. It’s packed with hits, and what’s impressive is that even the overplayed ones still hold up. From the driving pulse of the title track to the reflective tones of “My Hometown,” this album is well-produced and full of energy. Whether you’re a diehard fan or not, it’s hard to deny how solid this album is from front to back. A real high point in his catalog.
Tina Turner
4/5
Going into Private Dancer, I really only knew Tina Turner from “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Turns out, there’s a surprising amount of range on this album, and it’s a fun ride from start to finish. Each track brings a little something different to the table, and honestly, I don’t think there’s a bad song here. Tina’s voice is powerful and full of character, and the production balances '80s polish with a bit of grit. That said, the album's uniqueness is a double-edged sword. It’s not exactly in my usual rotation, and I’m not sure I’d come back to it, but I’m definitely glad I gave it a full listen.
The Roots
3/5
Phrenology is one of those albums that feels like it should hit harder than it does, especially coming from a group as talented and respected as The Roots. But truthfully, it’s just... okay. The standout track is undeniably “The Seed 2.0” it’s the one moment where the energy, creativity, and production come together to make something memorable. Beyond that, the rest of the album struggles to leave an impression. Even the beats and rhythms, which are usually The Roots' bread and butter, feel oddly uninspired here. It’s not a bad listen, but for me this one doesn’t quite measure up.
Nina Simone
4/5
Wild Is the Wind is an overall great listen, it's elegant, powerful, and emotionally rich. The album starts off with more of a punch, drawing you in immediately, and then slowly eases into a more subdued, introspective space. That gradual fade works, though, because Nina Simone’s voice carries the entire record effortlessly. Her vocal delivery is magnetic, tender one moment, defiant the next, and it gives each track its weight. There isn’t a bad song on the album, and it’s a testament to Simone’s ability to make every lyric feel deeply personal and lived-in. A timeless, soulful listen from start to finish.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Frank is one of those albums where I can recognize the talent and the unique voice, but it just doesn’t click with me. Amy Winehouse clearly had something special, and the jazz style is well-executed, but for whatever reason, I find myself feeling disconnected from it. It’s not bad by any means, and I can understand why people admire it, but I must be missing something. None of the tracks really pulled me in, and it left me more indifferent than inspired.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
This album is a fun, bluesy ride from start to finish. It captures that electric energy of British blues at its peak, and Clapton’s playing is undeniably sharp throughout. Sure, a lot of the tracks tend to blend into each other, there’s not always a standout moment that separates one song from the next, but the overall vibe is solid enough that it doesn’t really matter. Whether or not you’re a fan of Clapton, this album holds up as a no-frills blues record that’s worth throwing on when you want to get lost in some bluesy guitar work and old-school grooves.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
There’s nothing particularly great or memorable about Tigermilk. It’s pleasant enough as background music, with gentle melodies, but it doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression. It falls squarely into that very specific “generic indie” category: nothing offensive, but nothing standout either. If you’re already a Belle & Sebastian fan, there’s probably charm to be found, but otherwise, it mostly drifts by without much to grab onto.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
This is a fine album, solidly in the Funk/Soul lane, but nothing on it really grabbed me. For a group as iconic as Sly & The Family Stone, I was expecting something a bit more engaging or distinct. Instead, it felt like a fairly generic funk album, with grooves that are enjoyable but not especially memorable. Did I enjoy it while it played? Sure. But it never gave me a reason to want to come back. It floats by nicely enough, just without leaving much of a mark.
The Killers
5/5
There’s not a bad track on Hot Fuss, plain and simple. But those first five tracks? Hard to deny their greatness. “Mr. Brightside,” “Smile Like You Mean It,” “Somebody Told Me” it’s just one banger after another. I bought this album when it was released, and honestly, it still holds up incredibly well. Whether it's nostalgia or something more, there's a fun energy that’s hard to beat. It captured lightning in a bottle, and I’d put it up there with the best debut albums of the 2000s.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ debut album shows flashes of what would make them iconic, but it doesn’t quite hit its stride across the board. “Breakdown” and “American Girl” are easily the standouts; two tracks that not only carry the album, but have earned their place in rock history. The rest of the album isn’t bad by any means, but it’s largely forgettable. It feels more like a preview of what’s to come rather than a fully realized statement. A solid start, but far from their most essential work.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Fuzzy Logic has a lot of familiar sounds: hints of Britpop, psychedelic rock, and glam; and on paper, it seems like something I’d really enjoy. But for whatever reason, most of it just doesn’t click. There’s a quirky charm throughout, but the hooks rarely land, and nothing really sticks after the listen. It’s not bad by any means, just oddly unmemorable. Maybe it's one of those albums that needs the right mood to really hit?
Fiona Apple
3/5
There are a couple of songs on Fetch the Bolt Cutters that are fine, but overall, I just don’t get the hype. The album feels scattered and unfocused, which may be due to the fact it was recorded at home on GarageBand. That rawness might be appealing to some, but to me, it comes across more as undercooked than intimate. Nothing here really pulls me back in for another listen, and I genuinely don’t understand how this ended up with a Grammy win. It’s ambitious, sure, but that doesn’t always mean it works.
D'Angelo
3/5
Brown Sugar has a smooth, laid-back R&B sound that’s easy to vibe with, and D'Angelo’s talent is clear. However, the album as a whole comes off a little boring. While the grooves are undeniably warm and soulful, there’s not a lot of movement to keep things engaging over a full listen. Also, some of the lyrics could benefit from a little more subtlety, at times they feel a bit too on-the-nose. It’s a solid debut, but not one that leaves a lasting impression on me.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
This album had the potential to be a 5-star classic if it wrapped up at “Under the Bridge.” Up to that point, it’s packed with energy, creativity, and some truly iconic tracks. But after that, it starts to drag; more filler than greatness. Still, there's no denying the handful of songs here that have earned their place in music history. A strong album, just a little too long for its own good.
Patti Smith
3/5
I can respect Horses for its influence, but it just doesn’t connect with me. I don’t dislike any of it, but nothing really sticks either. It may be an important album, just not one I'll ever listen to again.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I enjoyed listening to this, It's vibrant, rhythmic, and full of life. Baaba's voice is captivating, and the music feels rich with tradition and emotion. That said, lacking the language or a real cultural context, I think my ability to truly appreciate everything this album offers is limited. Still, it was an interesting and worthwhile listen.
Grateful Dead
3/5
This is mostly fine. There are some solid moments where the band really locks in. That said, several tracks drag on far longer than they need to, testing your patience more than rewarding it. And “Feedback” that’s not a song. It shouldn’t even be on here. A few bright spots, but overall a bit too meandering.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I’ll admit, I’ve got some baggage with The Beach Boys. I spent high school working at a car wash called Surf City where their Greatest Hits played on repeat all day, every day. So I have spent 25 years of avoiding them, but I'm trying to come into Pet Sounds with as open a mind as possible.
For 1966, this was clearly a game changer. The arrangements are complex, the instrumentation is creative, and there’s no denying the influence it’s had on music since. That said, the vocals wear on me. It often feels like an a cappella group decided to start a band, and over time, it becomes more work to sit through than I’d like. There are moments of brilliance, but maybe it’s PTSD, or maybe it’s just not for me.
Arcade Fire
3/5
This is my third Arcade Fire album so far, and honestly, having three albums from the this band on this list feels like a disservice to all the other artists who didn’t make the cut. Pick one, they all sound generally the same.
That said, The Suburbs does have a few solid tracks. “The Suburbs,” “Ready to Start,” and “Sprawl II” are all worth your time. The rest? Forgettable at best. It’s not a bad album, but it’s hard to get excited about a band that seems to keep making slight variations of the same thing. 3.5 stars
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
There’s not a bad song on this album. From start to finish, it’s a smooth listen, with a handful of tracks like “Jamming,” “Three Little Birds,” and “One Love” that will live on forever. It’s easy to see why this album is so highly regarded; it delivers a message, has a great rhythm, and soul in equal measure.
Pulp
2/5
This comes off as a bit of a drag. The whole album feels flat, boring and uninspiring from start to finish. It lacks the energy or wit that might’ve made it memorable, and nothing about it leaves me wanting to come back for another listen. Just kind of a dud overall.
KISS
2/5
There are a couple catchy tracks on here. The kind that stick in your head whether you want them to or not. But as a whole, the album feels more like adults playing dress-up and pretending to be rock gods than delivering anything musically substantial. It’s theatrical, sure, but that doesn’t make it good.
Madonna
3/5
This isn’t a bad album, but I wouldn’t call it essential listening. It feels very much of its time and hasn’t aged all that well. The only truly terrible thing here is that cover of American Pie...Yikes. Sometimes you just need someone around you that isn't afraid to say no to you. Save that abortion for a concert surprise cover. Overall a decent release, just nothing I'll ever put on intentionally again.
Kanye West
4/5
There’s some good and some meh on this album, but there’s no denying that a few of these tracks are going to stick around for a long time. Even with how off-the-rails Kanye has become, this album is just a good piece of work. Like with many artists, sometimes you have to separate the person from the music, and I say that as someone who FUCKING HATES Kanye.
That said, it’s hard not to wonder if he’s been telling us something all along, “POWER” feels like a mirror into his ego, and jumping out the window at the end? Maybe a little foreshadowing. We as a society can only hope it comes sooner than later.
George Michael
4/5
My mom used to play this album in the car all the time when I was a kid, so there’s definitely some nostalgia baked in. "Faith" & "Father Figure" starts this off strong, solid 5/5 energy, but loses a bit of its punch as it goes. “One More Try” is a well-done ballad, just a little slower than I usually want from George.
Overall, the album gives major, dude wants to fuck everything energy, but hey, he also made a great pop record.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
There’s no bad track on this; it’s a smooth, thoughtful jazz record that flows effortlessly. But while it’s undeniably great playing, it’s missing that standout moment or track that truly grabs you. Everything blends nicely, but nothing rises above the rest.
Ghostface Killah
4/5
This album has a great flow from start to finish, Ghostface rides the beats with confidence and energy. Most of the production is fairly simple, but he makes it work with sharp storytelling and delivery. The biggest drawbacks are the skits, which kill the vibe, and the runtime... It just goes on too long. Trimmed down, this could’ve been a tighter, more impactful record. Still, there’s plenty of quality here.
U2
4/5
It’s hard for me to say anything nice about U2, but War is actually a very listenable album. There are a few great tracks here, and the energy throughout keeps things moving. I guess early U2 is something I can digest a lot easier.
David Crosby
4/5
This album is a great listen. It's dreamy, loose, and full of atmosphere. It feels like a late-night jam session with some of the best players of the era, and it works. “Cowboy Movie” stands out as a personal favorite.
James Brown
3/5
This is a fine listen, but nothing on this album really does it for me. The energy is there, but the live aspect, while historic, probably worked better in the room than it does on the recording.
Brian Eno
4/5
The album kicks off with a strong Talking Heads vibe: rhythmic, quirky, and full of life. But after the first handful of tracks, it slides into more familiar Eno territory, or least what I'm familiar with at this point: ambient, atmospheric, and experimental. It’s a good blend, though I found myself more engaged with the front half. Still, an interesting listen that shows both sides of Eno’s creativity.
808 State
3/5
It took a couple listens to really dig into this one. The first pass was rough, probably just wasn’t mentally ready for the electronic onslaught. By the third listen, it started hitting better. There are a few fun tracks and I get that 808 State were pioneers of the ‘90s dance/electronic scene, but overall this lands a little flat with me.
Nirvana
5/5
This is easily one of the best albums of the 90s. A landmark that shaped the grunge and alternative rock scene. The album blends a raw energy with infectious melodies and great lyrics.
While a couple of tracks toward the end fall a bit flat compared to the front half, the overall impact is undeniable. Nevermind isn’t just a great album, it’s a cultural shift that still holds up today.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Opening with a 22-minute title track that doesn’t really go anywhere is... a choice I would not have made. While this is supposed to be groundbreaking, it tends to meander without much payoff.
Massive Attack
3/5
I didn't particularly like this, but I can't say it was bad either.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
This is album is a fun listen. It's a playful fusion of Eastern and Western sounds with a unique charm. It’s a creative project that’s easy to enjoy and has some memorable moments.
Still, it’s not something I’d call essential listening. Interesting and enjoyable, yes, but far from a must-hear classic.
Air
4/5
Moon Safari is a dreamy, feel-good ride. With its warm tones and laid-back grooves, the album has a fun, relaxed vibe that carries from start to finish.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
There’s some truly great material on this album. It has powerful vocals, strong songwriting, and a unique blend of soul, hip-hop, and R&B. Lauryn Hill’s talent is undeniable, and the album delivers some standout moments.
That said, the frequent skits break the flow and start to wear thin over time. Still, despite the interruptions, the music shines.
Small Faces
3/5
The album starts off with some really enjoyable psychedelic rock. Midway through, it shifts into a more experimental, story-driven direction that doesn’t quite land for me.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Super Fly is pure soul-funk perfection. Every track grooves, with no weak moments, just smooth, powerful music from start to finish.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Regardless of what a piece of shit Ryan Adam is, this a great album, but not even his best album. "To Be Young" and "Come Pick Me Up" are definitely the highlights on here for me.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
The original tracklist on Safe as Milk makes for a good listen. Nothing’s outright bad, and a few songs do stand out, like "I'm Glad" and "Zig Zag Wanderer". It’s raw and weird in a good way, and shows early signs of Beefheart’s unique style.
I would suggest staying away from the bonus tracks added to later CD versions. Most of them feel like throwaways and don’t add much to the experience. Stick with the original release, that’s where the good stuff is.
Slint
3/5
Spiderland has that distinct '90s underground, pretentious vibe. It's moody, minimalist, and a little off-center. It’s not terrible, and there are moments that you think the payoff is coming, but it never really goes anywhere.
Beatles
3/5
I’m far from a Beatles fan. I like a few of their songs and definitely respect what they did for music, but their style just isn’t really my thing.
That said, With The Beatles has its moments. You can hear the energy and charm that made them so influential, even if it doesn’t fully land for me personally. It's a solid early snapshot of a band that would go on to shape music history, just not an album I’ll return to.
Coldplay
5/5
Maybe it’s nostalgia talking, but A Rush of Blood to the Head is a great album from start to finish. Every track holds up; it's emotional, well-crafted, and memorable. It might just be Coldplay’s last truly great album.
It’s a shame one joke from The 40-Year-Old Virgin did more damage to the band’s reputation than any of their actual music. This record deserves better.
The National
4/5
This is not bad, but it is also not great. I've heard a bit from The National that I think is great, but none of it is on this album.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Beauty and the Beat is a fun, energetic album from start to finish. There’s not a bad track on the album; it’s catchy, upbeat, and confidently delivered.
That said, it’s not really my kind of vibe. I can appreciate the charm and songwriting, but it doesn’t fully click with me personally. Still, a strong and undeniably enjoyable debut.
Tortoise
3/5
There are some really good parts on this album, especially in the 20+ minute opener. It’s textured, creative, and builds nicely, but like the rest of the album, it tends to drift once it gets somewhere interesting.
That’s kind of the story throughout: ideas appear, then wander off before they fully land. All in all, this album feels more like a sketchbook of cool sounds than a fully satisfying listen. Honestly, the first track gave me most of what I needed.
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Put me on the grill... My soul is hot buttered now.
4/5
This is better than a lot of the Beatles albums I’ve heard. It's more interesting and definitely more ambitious. That said, I still wouldn’t call it great.
It’s a good album with some standout moments, and I get why it’s important, but as a listen, it’s not life-changing.
Hugh Masekela
5/5
This is a standout jazz record. Nearly every track is top tier, blending groove, emotion, and incredible musicianship.
The only slight dip comes at the very end, but it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. It’s a great listen from start to (almost) finish.
Steely Dan
4/5
This is an enjoyable listen. It's smooth, clever, and full of the polished musicianship Steely Dan is known for. The songs are solid and the vibe is consistent, but it feels like it’s just shy of something truly great.
It’s a good album, no doubt, but just misses the mark a bit.
Missy Elliott
2/5
I tried listening to this 3 or 4 times, and it just falls flat every time. I know she has better albums than this...
The Cardigans
3/5
"Lovefool" is a great track and still a classic. There are a couple other solid songs here, but overall the album feels flat and forgettable.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I’m not a huge Springsteen fan, and honestly, I don’t think Born to Run is even his best album. It has its moments though. The title track is iconic for a reason, but overall, it doesn’t win me over.
“Jungleland” is probably the highlight, but even that track feels about four minutes longer than it needs to be.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
This album is a very good album. It's creative, well-produced, and impressively executed from start to finish. It’s dynamic and consistently listenable, with a clear artistic vision behind it.
That said, it’s just not really my style of music.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Some of the most listenable metal I've ever heard in my life, just not really my thing.
Neil Young
4/5
This is a great album with great songwriting and some memorable melodies. It’s one of Neil Young’s best!
His voice can be a bit trying on a few tracks though.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
This is mostly a fun, groovy listen. The band has an fun energy and funk rhythms that carry the album, and tracks like “I Want to Take You Higher” and “Everyday People” are clear highlights.
That said, some of the lyrics leave a lot to be desired. They can get pretty repetitive and don’t always match the quality of the music itself. Still, the overall vibe makes it an enjoyable listen.
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Overall, this isn’t a bad listen. It’s ambitious, well-crafted, and unique in its sound. There’s a lot to appreciate in how it builds and evolves.
I respect the artistry, but I don’t see myself coming back to it anytime soon.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I hope this gave him some peace.
Holger Czukay
4/5
This is clearly ahead of its time. It's experimental, unpredictable, and has a lot of strange charm. It’s an interesting listen overall, with moments that feel surprisingly modern given its release date.
At times, though, Czukay leans a little too heavily on the synthesizers, and the horn on the first track, my lord, it can be a bit much. Still, there’s something fascinating about how he pieces it all together, even if it doesn’t always land.
Carole King
5/5
Tapestry is a great album, plain and simple. The songwriting is outstanding, it's heartfelt, relatable, and timeless. Each track flows naturally into the next, giving the album a real sense of cohesion and emotional continuity.
It’s one of those records where everything just clicks: the melodies, the lyrics, the performances.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Green Onions works well as some laid-back background music. It’s pleasant and easy to enjoy without demanding too much attention.
Still, it leaves you wishing for a bit more, more variation, more energy, something to push it beyond just “nice.” Solid, but not particularly exciting.
5/5
Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I’ve always loved this album. I’ve been a fan since the first time I heard it, and whatever you think about the Gallagher brothers, this is a genuinely good record.
It’s packed with great tracks, which a few will undoubtedly live on forever. Big choruses, memorable hooks, and the attitude to make it a defining piece of ’90s rock.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
This album delivers a lively funk wrapped in a sound as smooth as silk. Stevie Wonder’s songwriting and groove are all in top form, creating an album that’s both socially conscious and endlessly listenable.
Overall, a great listen.
Scott Walker
2/5
Not really anything here I'm interested in. This is clearly made for someone else's ears.
Miles Davis
5/5
I’ve had this entire album on a Jazz playlist for a while now, and for good reason, every track is top-tier jazz. The playing is fluid, the mood is timeless, and the chemistry between them is unmatched. Kind of Blue isn’t just a classic, it’s essential listening.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
This is not music. I guess you could argue that’s exactly the point, and maybe that’s why it’s on this list. It’s abrasive, unsettling, and more an art experiment than a traditional album.
Whether you find it fascinating or unlistenable will depend entirely on your tolerance for noise.
Joy Division
3/5
This is undeniably influential. Its sound shaped the direction of post-punk and alternative music for decades. But as an album, it doesn’t quite live up to the weight of its legacy.
Fishbone
4/5
This is a fun album, packed with a variety of sounds, funk, rock, ska, etc. Some of which hit better than others. I imagine they put on a 5 star live performance, and is one of those bands you end up appreciating even more after you've seen them live. I'll round up from a 3.5.
The Avalanches
4/5
This one really grows on you. At first, I was rolling my eyes, thinking, “not another one of these,” but by the end it had completely hooked me. The way the samples are layered and blended creates something both playful and immersive, turning skepticism into appreciation. A clever, surprising album that rewards you for sticking with it.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Everything I’ve heard from Fela Kuti has been good, and Zombie is no exception. This album is full of fun energy, driven by its jazzy, funky mix and rhythms. It’s sharp and groovy, showcasing exactly why Fela’s music remains so powerful and timeless.
The Clash
3/5
Nothing on the album really grabbed me. I can respect its place in punk history, but it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression on me.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
There's nothing really bad about this, but this isn't anything I have any interest in listening to.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This is no Cosmo’s Factory, but Bayou Country is a solid album all the way through. It’s got that swampy, CCR sound, and a couple of singles that just about everyone knows. Not their absolute best, but still a very good record that shows why the band became so iconic.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
This is a classic album, and you can hear Bob still shaping the sound that would later peak on Exodus. The grooves are strong, the atmosphere is unmistakable, and the songs carry that spirit and message he’s known for. It may not be quite as polished as what came after, but it’s a great album and a key step in his evolution.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Columbia Records probably did the right thing by deleting this from their catalog. It’s a messy, meandering album that is a rough collection of demos and not a finished product. While I can understand the historical curiosity around it, as a listening experience, it’s tedious at best.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
A boring version of the Arctic Monkeys.
Bob Dylan
3/5
One of the least offensive Dylan albums I’ve heard so far, but it still doesn’t completely win me over. The songwriting is solid, and I can see why it’s so highly regarded, yet it just doesn’t resonate much with me.
The Crusaders
3/5
This is perfectly fine album. It's a mix of disco’d-up jazz with a little funk and a little groove, but not much depth to really get lost in. It’s smooth and pleasant, making for solid elevator or background music more than an album you’d sit down and immerse yourself in.
Tangerine Dream
3/5
I know this is an important album for electronic music and a landmark in the use of synthesizers, but as something I’d want to put on and listen to, it just doesn’t hit that mark. It’s interesting and influential, but more of a historical milestone than an album I’d return to for pure enjoyment.
Elvis Costello
2/5
Oh fuck off. Three more of his nonsense left on this list.
The Cure
3/5
Overall, I don’t dislike this album, but nothing on it is particularly memorable. The production is sharp and clean, and it establishes a strong atmosphere, yet none of the songs stick. It’s a fine listen, just not a standout.
Talvin Singh
2/5
I’ve attempted to listen to this in its entirety several times and never managed to make it to the end.
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
A beautiful album. The music is elegant, and the lyrics are raw and real. It’s powerful and poetic, though I’m not sure it’s something I’d find myself returning to often.
I ended up listening to this more than I expected, just trying to decide if it was actually good, and it turned out it is. The album is a great listen throughout, full of swagger, grit, and personality. Faces really hit their stride here.
Grateful Dead
3/5
This is fine, but it doesn’t really excite me, and I’m not sure why people gush over this group. The songwriting is solid, the vibe is laid-back, but l just don't connect with it.
Iron Butterfly
2/5
This is a bad version of the doors.
Sinead O'Connor
3/5
This feels mostly like music for college kids in the ’90s. It’s not bad, some tracks are genuinely good listens, but the album doesn’t fully hold my attention. By the time it reached the end, I was more than ready for it to be over.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I think I would like this more if they had a different singer.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Christina Aguilera’s voice is undeniably amazing. This isn’t my preferred musical style, but there’s no denying her talent shines through.
Grant Lee Buffalo
4/5
Going in, I saw the cover and read a few mentions of “alt-country,” and thought I was going to hate this. Turns out it’s far from country and much more 90s singer-songwriter rock. I actually enjoyed the whole album, no bad songs here. It’s got that gritty 90s tone, while still feeling unique. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it overall, but I’ll definitely give it a few more spins.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
This was a fun album with some good rhythm. I honestly just don't see myself ever returning to it.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
Out of the three options in the title, they really nailed “The Bad.” With a lineup of big-name musicians, you’d expect something special, but instead it's flat and uninspired. I guess it’s hard to tell a group of famous players their album is trash.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
Overall, this an odd album. The blend of ’80s-style production and country/blues elements just doesn’t really do it for me. While she is clearly talented, the sound here is a little mismatched.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
III is a great album, but probably my least favorite of the Zeppelin records on this list. You can’t really start stronger than “Immigrant Song,” yet the album never brings that same energy back. Not that the other songs are bad, but when you lift me up that high right out of the gate, it’s tough to sustain. That said, “Tangerine” is, and always was, their best song.
The Chemical Brothers
5/5
Fun, catchy, and infectious from start to finish. A debut that set the tone for what The Chemical Brothers would become, it’s an album that still holds up as an energetic and engaging listen.
Miles Davis
3/5
Not really the type of Jazz that I like. I'll try and give this another listen and see if it grows on me.
Doves
3/5
Overall, The Last Broadcast is a fine listen, but it’s not even their best album, and nothing on it stands out as particularly great. It’s solid, but ultimately unremarkable.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
Rising Above Bedlam isn’t terrible, but it leans hard into that cheesy late ’80s/early ’90s dance sound mixed with some other world influences . A few beats are catchy, but overall it feels dated and flat. It’s just not my kind of music, and honestly, I won't ever be revisiting it.
Pere Ubu
2/5
This feels like a Talking Heads fever dream. It’s not all bad, but most of it comes off as nonsense, making it a tough album to really get into.
King Crimson
4/5
This is a good album I’ve only listened to a couple of times, and I’m not sure why. It’s overall a great record, with a few truly standout tracks, though maybe the pacing keeps me from coming back more often. Either way, it’s a solid listen and a cornerstone of prog rock.
3/5
This album starts strong with some big, familiar hits, but then fades into a stretch of songs that mostly run together. It’s not a bad album, but I’ve never really been a U2 fan, and this one doesn’t change that.
Paul Simon
4/5
Graceland is a fun album. I don’t love Paul Simon’s voice, but he makes it work thanks to how unique and colorful the overall sound is. The blend of styles keeps it engaging from start to finish.
3/5
This seems like a band I would enjoy much more live.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
Ramblin’ is right. This one hasn’t aged well at all. Nothing here feels essential or worth revisiting.
Maxwell
3/5
A lot of this album delivers some fun, sensual funk. The first five opening tracks that are the clear highlights. But when it leans more into straight R&B/soul, it misses the mark for me. Still, the funkier moments make it worth a listen.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
Just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Piazzolla is clearly a master of his craft, but The New Tango feels more like a technical showcase than an album meant to be enjoyed front to back. Some passages are easier to sit with than others, but overall it’s a challenging listen that never really pulls me in.
Randy Newman
2/5
Albums that did not age well for 1000, Alex.
Roxy Music
4/5
This debut took me by surprise, a band I’d never really heard that I ended up enjoying? The first half is great, full of energy, while the second half loses a bit of that momentum but still holds up overall. A strong introduction to their sound.
Aerosmith
3/5
After the opening track “Back in the Saddle,” this album drops off into entirely boring ’70s rock. Nothing else comes close to matching the energy of the intro.
Charles Mingus
2/5
What I’ve learned through this project is that while I do enjoy jazz, but I do not enjoy experimental jazz. The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is ambitious and highly regarded, but it’s just not the kind of jazz that connects with me.
The Fall
1/5
Wow, the vocals on this make it almost unlistenable. Whatever musical ideas are here get buried under a delivery that's closer to nails-on-a-chalkboard.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
This is a great album you can play front to back without skipping a track. There are some real standouts like “Luck of Lucien,” “After Hours,” and of course “Can I Kick It.” I’m not sure it quite hits a perfect 5/5, but it’s definitely a strong 4.5/5.
Nick Drake
2/5
Nick Drake just isn’t for me. A few songs are fine, but after that his voice starts to wear thin. I can see the appeal if you can get past his singing, but it’s not something I'll be returning to.
Joan Baez
2/5
Her voice is really nice at first, but over the course of the album it wears you down. The purity of her singing is undeniable, but it’s tough to sit through an entire record of it.
Kate Bush
3/5
The clear highlight here is “This Woman’s Work.” Beyond that, the rest of the album is just fine.
Bad Company
4/5
Classic rock through and through, this album is the definition of dad rock, and it does it well. Solid songs, big riffs, and an easy listen from start to finish.
The Beta Band
3/5
I wouldn’t call this a bad album, but I can’t imagine ever revisiting it. It’s perfectly fine while it’s on, yet leaves no real reason to come back.
The Byrds
2/5
I just don’t find this late ’60s sound all that interesting. There are a few decent moments, but most of it comes off as dull. “C.T.A.-102” at least stands out as something different, but that doesn’t necessarily make it good.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
The only moment that stood out was the obvious lift of the “Werewolves of London” riff on "One Of Those Things." Beyond that, this is an incredibly dull and forgettable album with nothing worth revisiting.
The Soft Boys
3/5
The first 10 tracks from the original release are good, you could even argue great. But all the added “bonus content” really drags the experience down. The core album is a solid 4/5, but with the extras tacked on, it sinks closer to a 2/5.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2/5
This one’s tough, not only because it’s another 2+ hour album, but because that much country and bluegrass in one sitting is a lot to take in. There are a few enjoyable songs here, but as a whole it’s a bit much. Keeping all the rambling between tracks didn’t help either.
Aerosmith
3/5
Aerosmith’s best song is “Sweet Emotion,” but even that can’t lift this beyond average ’70s classic rock. It’s fine, but nothing special.
Linkin Park
3/5
There are a few solid tracks here, but overall, it’s never really clicked for me. It’s emo-metal, polished, angsty, and trying a little too hard to sound deeper than it really is.
Travis
2/5
I thought the reviews calling this boring were exaggerating, but they nailed it. It’s not bad, just drags on far too long.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
A solid, well-rounded jazz album. Nothing to complain about here, just smooth, skillful playing throughout.
Kanye West
2/5
Some of the beats hit hard and keep things interesting, but the lyrics are rough, cringe at best, unbearable at worst. You can already hear the unraveling begin on this one.
The Birthday Party
1/5
This sounds like a high school garage band. It's raw, messy, and recorded like it too. Maybe that’s the charm for some, but mostly it just feels chaotic and unrefined.
2/5
It starts off fine. It's quirky, odd, kind of fun, but the longer it goes, the more it wears you down. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I’d listened to an album or endured an experiment.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
If Thom Yorke went full singer-songwriter, you’d end up here. Theatrical, lush, and self-serious in a way that somehow kind of works?
The Triffids
2/5
Bury me deep, so Robert Dimery can't hurt me anymore.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
Perfectly fine ’80s pop-country with a singer-songwriter flair. Not really my style, but I can see the appeal; she has a lovely voice that carries the whole album.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
A fun, high-energy album bursting with personality. A great listen all around.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
This is a good album, probably a great one when it came out. It’s full of fun, catchy songs with a few fillers mixed in. “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone” is easily the highlight. Even my 4-year-old knew it the moment it came on and asked me to add it to his playlist.
Soft Cell
4/5
A fun dose of ’80s synth-pop with plenty of sleazy charm. It could’ve been great with 20–25 minutes trimmed off, but overall, it’s an enjoyable listen from start to finish.
Kings of Leon
5/5
Objectively a great album. It flows well from start to finish, with some solid highs along the way. “Sex on Fire” wore out its welcome out in 2008, but “Closer” still stands as the best track. 4.5/5 stars.
Cream
4/5
There are a few undeniable gems here; “Strange Brew,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” and “Tales of Brave Ulysses”, but as a whole, the album falls short of being truly great.
The Libertines
3/5
Sounds like fairly generic British punk rock. Some of it can be a little catchy, but nothing really stands out. And whoever thought adding harmonica to the opening track was a good idea, was definitely drunk.
Alice Cooper
3/5
This one’s fine, but nothing really pulls you back in for another listen. “No More Mr. Nice Guy” is decent enough, but the rest doesn’t leave much of an impression. Not a bad album, just not a special one.
Neil Young
3/5
Neil Young has stronger albums in his catalog. This one’s fine. It's raw and emotional, but it never really rises above fine.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
This album is BIG TIME from start to finish. It’s loaded with standout tracks “Sledgehammer,” “Big Time,” and “In Your Eyes,” but even the deeper cuts hold their own. “Red Rain” opens things perfectly, setting the tone for the rest of the album. All in all, a 5/5 from someone born in 1983. It's a timeless classic.
James Taylor
3/5
I get why people enjoy this; it’s soft, pleasant, and James Taylor’s voice fits the tone perfectly. But for me, it’s just not my style. Easy to appreciate, harder to enjoy.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
I think the highlight of this album is when "All I Ever" shifts to instrumental.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
4/5
This had me up out of my chair while eating breakfast, hips moving without thinking. The energy is infectious; it's vibrant, joyful, and impossible to sit still through.
Ramones
3/5
14 songs in under 30 minutes — Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue. That sums up the energy here: raw, fast, and unapologetic. I get why people love it and why it was so influential, but these days it just sounds like generic garage-band punk rock.
The Vines
3/5
I remember when this came out, it didn’t grab me then, and it still doesn’t now. The sound itself is solid, but the scream-yelling vocals just kill it for me. It’s got potential buried in there, but it never fully clicks for me.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
This album is a ride, some parts hit just right, others not as much. It starts off as smooth, easy-listening ’70s pop-rock before wandering into a mix of styles that feel both experimental and indulgent. Overall, it’s an enjoyable listen.
Merle Haggard
2/5
Was Merle the first country star to sing about his John Deere? Surely not. I’m not a big country fan, and this didn’t change my mind. It’s not terrible by any means, but it’s definitely not for me.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Full of talent, with some excellent guitar work and great bluesy moments, but as a whole it doesn’t quite tickle my eardrums the way I prefer.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Of the Nick Cave albums I’ve hit on this list, this is probably the best one, but… greatness? No. That said, it does grow on you the more you listen to it—never enough to win me over, but enough to where you stop rolling your eyes at it. There are catchy moments, where it clicks, but likely not enough to get me to return. I think it’s his voice—I just don’t connect with it. Respect to the craft, but this sits in the “I understand it, I just don’t love it” column.
Scott Walker
2/5
This was an easy listen, but only because it’s so boring it fades into the background almost immediately. The worst part? Every time it blended itself into audio wallpaper, I had to rewind and try to pay attention again—like rereading a paragraph you knew you didn’t absorb. Moody and artsy, sure… but incredibly dull. A real “wait, is this still playing?” album.
Taylor Swift
4/5
This is the first time I’ve ever sat down and actually listened to a Taylor Swift album, and honestly, it's much better than I expected. This is just straight-up, well-crafted pop music. It’s fun, catchy, polished, and the hits hit for a reason. If I graded purely on execution, it’s a 5/5. But since this isn’t really my type of music, it lands just shy of that. Still… respect. This is a pop album done right.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
If this project has taught me anything, it’s that shoegaze is not for me. I don’t hear groundbreaking; I hear messy and lazy. What really shocks me is how much time and money went into making it. You’re telling me this took years and a fortune? I could’ve made most of this album in my basement with a cassette recorder and a handful of faulty pedals. Revered or not, this is a big swing and a miss for my ears.
Ozomatli
4/5
This is exactly why I started this project—an album I never would’ve touched otherwise. It’s a fun and genuinely interesting listen. It’s very of its time, but it works, pulling from everywhere: hip-hop, rap, a little Ricky-Martin-era pop energy, even splashes of Indian and African influence. It shouldn’t blend this well, but it does. It’s the kind of record that throws a lot at the wall and somehow most of it sticks. A pleasant surprise I didn’t see coming.
Mylo
2/5
Mostly boring electronic music. There are some good ideas in here, but the second he finds one, he loops it into submission until you hate it. A few sparks, no real fire. The kind of album that reminds you repetition can be hypnotic… or just irritating. Mostly, it’s the latter.
Slade
3/5
Perfectly average early ’70s hard rock. Loud, a little sloppy, and exactly what you’d expect — nothing more, nothing less.
Aerosmith
3/5
Horny, radio-friendly, hair-band rock at its peak. Loud, slick, and built for FM airplay — exactly what you’d expect from late-’80s Aerosmith, for better or worse.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
This is a wild, fun listen—and absolutely bonkers as a debut. It’s outrageously self-indulgent in a way only the mid-80s could get away with, but that excess is half the charm.
Daft Punk
4/5
“Around the World” and “Da Funk” were absolute staples back in high school and college, but the album as a whole falls into the usual electronic trap: repetition that sometimes locks you into a groove and other times just wears you down. It’s a fun listen with some undeniable highs, but I get why people are split on it.
Def Leppard
4/5
A great slice of ’80s pop–hair-metal that feels essential to the decade. It’s a blast from start to finish—cheesy riffs, massive hooks, and lyrics you can’t help but sing along to. Pure arena-ready fun.
The Only Ones
2/5
This album starts off okay, but it gets rougher the longer it goes. The singer’s voice is downright brutal to sit through, and by the end I couldn’t imagine voluntarily listening to him again. The songs themselves aren't bad, but that voice makes the whole thing a slog.
Dr. John
3/5
A gris-gris, also spelled grigri, and sometimes also "gregory" or "gerregery" is a talisman that originated in the Muslim Mande communities of Far West Africa and is believed to protect the wearer from evil or bring luck. Due to Atlantic slavery, the use of the gris-gris was translocated to the Americas and became a significant practice in Louisiana Voodoo and Haitian Vodou. It is also used as a purported method of birth control in some countries. It consists of a small cloth bag, usually inscribed with verses from an ancestor and a ritual number of small objects, worn on the person.
Dude is trippin' balls throughout this album.
Tim Buckley
3/5
I’m giving this an extra star purely for helping bring Jeff Buckley into the world, because the album itself doesn’t do much for me. It’s beautifully played, but far too meandering for me. Pleasant enough, just not something I’d reach for again.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
This isn’t the version of Leonard Cohen I’m looking for. I want it darker, more brooding, the Cohen more steeped in shadow and gravity. This early album just doesn’t hit that mood for me.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I’ve never been a huge Sabbath fan, and I honestly haven’t spent much time with their catalog, but hearing this record makes me think that might’ve been a youthful mistake. Vol. 4 is a great album. The second half suffers from some noticeably rougher production, but overall it’s a heavy, creative, and surprisingly engaging listen. It definitely makes me want to dig deeper into their discography.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
A great album from start to finish. I grew up with this one, and it still holds up—big guitars, big emotions, and a sound that’s instantly recognizable. Even after all these years, it’s an album I’m always happy to revisit.
Miriam Makeba
2/5
Her voice is warm, expressive, and unmistakable—but the album as a whole just didn’t do it for me.
50 Cent
4/5
This is just a fun album. I remember listening to it a lot in college—simple beats, fun and sometimes downright silly lyrics, and that early-2000s swagger that makes it easy to throw on and enjoy without overthinking it. Just solid, easy-listening gangsta rap.
The Beta Band
3/5
This is fine...nothing here rubs me the wrong way, but it never really grabs me, either. Didn't leave much of an impression once it’s over.
Morrissey
2/5
Not my taste at all. His voice wears thin long before the album ends, and the whole thing just never connects with me.
White Denim
3/5
This one is totally competent—tight playing, interesting fusion of styles, but nothing on it really reaches out and sticks. It’s the kind of album that feels like it should click more than it does. Fine, pleasant, but ultimately forgettable.
2Pac
4/5
This is one of those albums where the reputation is huge, but the material actually earns it. The vulnerability, the paranoia, the storytelling—there’s a poetic weight to it that so much hip-hop never tries to reach. Even if someone isn’t a fan of 2Pac as a figure, the craft here is undeniable.
Circle Jerks
2/5
Imagine going to their show in 1980 and the whole thing is over in 16 minutes. Honestly… probably for the best. It’s a burst of chaotic punk energy that gets in, gets out, doesn’t overstay its welcome, and that might be its greatest strength.