Wow I REALLY liked this album. Has never heard it before, didn’t know what to expect. Good atmospheric music. Almost a five? Maybe not quite? Can an album I’ve never heard of before be a five? Can an album that I’ve listened to several times in one day NOT be a five?
This album has all the elements that I usually like best in music. Blues-rock combo. There’s just something a little bit too controlled about it. Lack of passion holds it back from a perfect score for me.
Well! This one takes you on a ride. Basically poems, spoken more than sung, with low-key (until it suddenly isn’t) music in the background. But the poems tell stories that are haunting. Don Aman is the standout track for me in this aspect. It sneaks up on you .. At the first song I was thinking “oh come on what is this and why did it make the list?”. (The first song is badly placed in my opinion). By the end I was thinking, huh this is really interesting, although I’m not going to go as far as to say enjoyable. Just submit to it, and let yourself sink into the tension. The last two songs really being the whole thing to fruition. I’m sure it will be polarizing- it sticks to is own style the whole way through, so people are going to love it or hate it I imagine. But it didn’t sound like anything else, that’s for sure. (PS if you're a filmmaker and are looking for background music for a creepy suspenseful western scene, the song “For Dinner” is here waiting for you.)
I don’t usually listen to this style of music, but this was ok! The universe is hilarious to give this album to me in the morning I have a three hour drive.
Ahhhh, Young Elton John when his genius was on full display! When the youngsters don’t appreciate him, understandably thanks to Disney, this album and Honky Chateau are where I send them to school.
Solid album. Several radio hits. Couple more soulful tunes towards the end. Howling for You is probably my favorite track. I’ll give it 6.5/10
I can appreciate it, the complexity of it, but not my jam.
It’s fine but nothing really stands out for me. I didn’t mind listening to it, and thought the last two songs were better than the rest, but I wouldn’t seek it out. Favorite song was This is The One. Kind of low energy sorta ambient rock. Were they shoegazers?
Motown! Not the classic versions/songs that I remember from the radio. But still has that sound that can lift spirits.
Starts with folky vibe and then last three songs, starting with Welfare Mothers, rock out! (I did some research, turns it vinyl was acoustic on one side, electric on the other). Sail Away and Thrasher, on the acoustic side are the highlight songs for me. Greatly exceeded my expectations based on what i knew from the radio. Honestly I’m not usually a fan and expected to suffer for an hour but was pleasantly surprised.
Wow how to rate this one? An album I’ve been hearing ABOUT for decades but had never listened to. I remember 1973. Don’t recall hearing music remotely like this from anybody else. But does originality, being cutting edge, always mean good? I felt nothing listening to this album. I respect that Bowie pushed the limits on the fashion world, explored sexuality/gender issues. I know this album was influential in shaping music going forward. Does that mean I should rate it higher even though I have zero interest in listening to it again? I will ponder this question until “star time” tomorrow.
Wow. By some fluke I got David Bowie albums two days in a row. The first one was a disappointment. But this one is a MASTERPIECE. My first 5 star review! (I've only been participating for 6 days). The music and the lyrics both reach out and grab the listener and take them on an incredible ride.
I’m a Zeppelin fan but this is not my favorite of their albums, so not a 5. But even my least favorite Zeppelin album is more musically complex than most anything I hear on the radio these days. Genius musicians.
My apologies to all you jazz fans that I keep giving these albums two stars. There were two songs on this album, Nomali and Maseru, that I enjoyed a bit. But I can’t imagine re-listening to this album. I knew the name Hugh Masekela through a musician named Johnny Clegg, whose music I enjoy, who named him as a major influence. So I went to check out more music by Mr. Masekela, and in fact I enjoy much of it. But the music he was making at the time of this album is not for me. I’m grateful that it made me research him more deeply to find a plenty of music that he made that I enjoy very much!
Classic Prince. Challenge anybody to stay still while listening to this one. Soulful, catchy, brilliant. First one on the list I wanted to listen to twice back to back.
Another artist that I had long heard about but never heard. Started out well until I realized the entire album was going to be the same monotone slow sound. The man is a poet but not a creative musician to me. I am well past my emo early twenties phase, so this one didn’t get me in the feels the way it probably would have back then. I listened to the entire album but about halfway through checked to see how many songs were left. The Black Hair song has to be a punk to see how many times two words can be repeated
I don’t usually listen to this style of music, but this was ok! The universe is hilarious to give this album to me in the morning I have a three hour drive.
My husband thinks I’m being generous with three stars, but my socialist inner rebel finds appeal in this stuff, even if it gets musically monotonous after awhile.
Steely Dan’s sound is so soothing to me. This one has a several classic hits-Do It Again is my standout. But there were a few songs that didn’t quite hit the mark for me, so I can’t quite give it a five.
Grew on me the more I listened, but didn’t really “grab” me. Maybe because I’m generally not a science fiction fan and this was a sci-fi based concept album.
I acknowledge that my lack of familiarity with some of the musical styles in this album may be the underlying issue. But I can’t give it more than two stars if I would be bothered by the thought of having to listen to it again. I often enjoy music from other cultures but this album wasn’t one of those times.
Hard to go wrong with Aretha’s voice! This album doesn’t include Respect, but did have Chain of Fools, which I prefer, twice. Unfortunately of the 14 tracks, 4 are bonuses which just repeat sings that are in earlier in the album. So it’s really only 10 distinct songs.
This is the epitome of a three star album for me. I’m way too old for the angsty lyrics, and the music just kind of sits there, no momentum. It doesn’t make me mad, I can listen to it. But there’s no real reason to want to listen to it again.
Wow the energy on this album is infectious. Made me want to find a mosh pit. I can’t give it five stars because, well, music, but this group wasn’t never about the music. They achieved the personification of rebellion. What a vibe.
Like, for real? Why is this album on this list? The music on this album made in 2005 is extremely reminiscent of the “old people” lounge music that would be sung by Steve Lawrence on variety shows in the 1970s. I’m not going to give it a 1, because it is atmospheric. I can easily imagine a 60 year old guy whose wife left him, sitting in a bar drowning his sorrows to this music. It just seems strange to find something so derivative on this list. I will now be upset if Barry Manilow isn’t included at some point. At least he was more original than this.
It’s classic for a reason. Creativity abounds all the way through.
Dude has an EGO! That being said alot of the music on this album slaps. I had fun listening to much of it, but at over an hour long, and with a couple of clunkers (Sometimes… you need to take a song out. Like Sometimes), this album could have used some editing for sure. Cee-Lo seems to think fitting in as many words as possible into a breath is a skill to be proud of. Again, editing would have helped. But there is enough funk on this album for me to enjoy it more than not. I know how to hit the skip button on the two-three tracks that drag it down.
I’m not sure what it would take got me to give an album one star. This one was definitely not my taste, but I can acknowledge some crazy guitar licks. That takes talent: dedication so two stars for that. It didn’t hurt my ears, but it felt repetitive, so I was more than ready for it to end before it did. So it can’t get three stars, which is what I give background music that I dan take or leave. This one I wanted to leave so two stars it is.
Is funky, it was a very fresh sound when it was first released (yup I’m old). That said, within itself the songs start to feel a bit repetitive. So not quite a 5 but a good listen!
Couple of hits. The ones that aren’t really didn’t deserve to be. Didn’t help its rating that the music Spotify played for me after the album ended was more enjoyable (I had dozed off and woke up thinking “wow, that’s Duran Duran?” No, it’s not). Overall album average despite it probably being a top seller in its time.
Yeah, this is pure brilliance. Not always easy to listen to, due to some intense subject matter. But pay attention because this hits hard, both musically and emotionally.
Gorgeous vocals. Mostly covers, but covers that are done really well, changed to suit their style. I love their funk, will listen to this again, but can’t get a five with covers.
It’s all about Aretha’s voice. Nothing else particularly earthshattering, but that’s enough to make it good.
Many people citing the last track as the stand out, but that one really didn’t hold my interest. The first one was my favorite. I had never heard of this band. It’s unique, but I eventually lost some interest and it became a bit of background music.
What in God’s name made these Irish people decide to try make a west coast USA sound album? It’s so derivative, and so not successful. I have no idea how this album made the list. I never heard of this group and was really excited to give them a listen! I tend to like Irish music. The Cranberries, Sinead, early U2, all great. Instead we get…MY FIRST ONE STAR ALBUM! I really didn’t know what it would take for me to do it. I have listened to numerous albums I didn’t enjoy (metal, prog rock, some jazz) where I could acknowledge the talent or creativity. Nobody deserves a one star review just for not being to my taste. But THIS album showed neither creativity nor particular talent. This one TRULY bothers me. It is pablum. Now I know what will drive me to really pan an album. Sorry not sorry.
I know, I know, the guy was a sexual predator. I will rate his personal life a one or zero stars. But this album demonstrates a rock and roll energy that I don’t think existed in many people in 1964. The guy had musical magic in him. You can try, but good luck not tapping along to this one.
Ugh this guy. The music is good! Can’t question his creativity. When he wrote some of these songs he was clearly in a manic phase. The song “I Am a God” could be used in medical schools to help teach what mania is (I am a healthcare provider and have treated patients with bipolar disease). But as a woman, his misogyny is so off-putting that it dramatically impairs my enjoyment of this album. Actually makes it a difficult listen. Going to take some time to think how to rate this one tomorrow!
Only knew the two big hits. This guy is an incredible lyricist. Just when I was thinking the music was a bit repetitive he changed it up. Then he hit me with a song called “The Grave” that may be the saddest song I’ve ever heard. Reminded me the album was fun the Vietnam War era. Good listen overall.
This may not be life changing, but it’s catchy as hell. That said, it’s less than 40 minutes long and by the last quarter it was all starting to sound the same and I was tired of it. Can you tell I wrote this review while listening? The importance of listening all the way until the end.
Ray Charles was a gift to us all, and I almost wanted to give this album a five just for being him. That said, it’s big band Ray, not blues-y Ray, which I think is a shame. There were several ballads on here that I feel didn’t show him off at his best, so I’m downgrading it by one star and praying that there is a five star Ray album on this list.
When I say that Rush was the soundtrack to my high school years I mean it literally. Because back in the day the boys in my high school would carry big boomboxes through the hallways and Rush was what they played. Didn’t like them then, turns out I still don’t like them. Apart from the unpleasant vocals, they tend to repeat each riff just long enough to annoy me before moving on. I am very aware that this band is well-loved and this will be a controversial review but I call em like I hear em.
Lively. Nothing special
Very ambitious album. Not sure why they felt the need to make a double album- a bit long for my attention span. Cohesive, which I suppose is good for an album but in this case almost turns into too much of the same. Would give it a 3.5 if I could but the musicality involved is going to tip it to a 4.
Ok. This is why I love this project. I am not a metal head. This album was very popular during my teen years but i has never listened to it because, again, not a metal head. But as I approach this list with an open mind, much to my disguise- I liked it! And people i am an oldish lady now. Trying to figure out why I like it so much more than other metal albums I’ve listened to through this. More rhythm maybe? More structure to the songs? Off to Google “what makes Iron Maiden so good” to get more insight.
I was eager for this to be over from the very first song, and did not change my opinion along the way. My only 1 star rating to date has been due a vapid no “evident effort at originality” album. I can’t say that about this. I can say that I never want to have to suffer through it again. More painful than my 2 star ratings, but more creative than the 1. Wishing half stars were allowed - 1.5
Good stuff! More accessible/radio friendly compared to Autobahn, which I listened to a few weeks ago.
Loved this album when it first came out and still today. Brilliant songwriter. I am happy to see her getting more recognition recently.
The slower jazz side of Elvis. Not my taste. I bet a different album of his will pop up that I will like more.
Straight forward Rock
Wow I REALLY liked this album. Has never heard it before, didn’t know what to expect. Good atmospheric music. Almost a five? Maybe not quite? Can an album I’ve never heard of before be a five? Can an album that I’ve listened to several times in one day NOT be a five?
Mix of industrial (mostly), hypnotic repetitive, with a few moments of lyricism and melody and a random piano song thrown in.
Very atmospheric, moody. Easy to forget she’s singing words. In the right mood I might like it better. Today it seemed too long, too much of the same.
Once in a Lifetime is a five star song. But in the while this us not a five star album. Too much talking vs singing, percussion vs melody. I know they have an album I enjoy more, hopefully it will show up on the list.
Great example of the music of the 80s. Brought me right back. Fun music with good rhythms. Bit of ska feeling. I’ve seen reviews comparing them to Duran Duran but this is far better in my opinion.
The man has a gorgeous voice but these songs just don’t hit like the Smiths’ did.
The beats are funky, the raps flow, the lyrics make it clear. They even give you something to dance to! I’m a 60 year old white woman here to tell you that shit was dope! Straight up 5 stars.
My little brother loved this album back in the day. It makes me laugh that it made this list. Pretty straight-forward middle of the road stuff.
Pop music. On their better sings you can hear some Bowie influence. Fun enough, but when the album repeated I was already getting tired of it, and I had never heard it before today.
Sounds just like Steely Dan. Which is, of course, a wonderful thing.
Well this is a revelation. I was dragged to a Dylan concert in the late 80s (early 90s?). It was the worst concert I’ve ever been to. He was so wasted. Just standing there kind of mumbling, words indistinguishable. I was accompanying a friend who was a fan, who apologized to me. So who is this young man singing thoughtful lyrics so clearly? After 35 years of being a Bob Dylan NON-fan, I can’t deny the talent I hear on this album. Knowing it was ground-breaking in terms of musical style at the time, and the culture shift it helped suppory, I may have to give it a five star rating in spite of his voice.
This music brings back so many fun memories. If you are a certain age it is hard to hear Cyndi’s voice and not smile. Sit back -or Bop- and enjoy.
Very cool stuff but a few of the songs near the end were just too repetitive.
I have friends who rave about John Prine, and have heard many musicians praise him. It’s all about his lyrics. He tells great stories. But in my opinion musically ist’s unimpressive.
I promise I didn’t need to hear this album before I die. It’s not AWFUL to listen to, but it’s so… nothing? It’s hilarious to me that it made this book.
This is not my favorite genre of music. But I can recognize quality. Also I remember how groundbreaking this was back in the day.
They have some classics for sure, and I know many people are crazy about them, but they aren’t really my preferred flavor of pop.
The song The Great Alabama Icons is a five star song. It’s hard to keep that level up for a whole two disc album. These guys come pretty close. I didn’t know this album before and am very glad to know about it now. I’ll come back to it for sure.
Man the production takes all the fun out of this music. So plodding. I’m sure Otis has better versions of those songs on some other albums! I suppose I need to keep in mind the year this was released.
Good blues tunes, but nothing earth shattering
Really embodies the late 60s. Good vibes.
Another one where I didn’t hear anything essential. Not very excellent pop music.
A couple of good funky tunes but most kinda blah.
Starts off well with “I Wanna Destroy You”. I was thinking “cool I found a new band I like”. Sadly didn’t maintain the level. “Old Pervert” is painful to listen to, and not because of the subject matter it’s just unpleasant musically. Luckily followed by Queen of Eyes which is a nice little jaunt. Overall a very mixed bag.
Little Richard brings the fun and the energy! The OG. Not sure how you don’t love this one.
A few gems but overall not their best. I imagine it won’t be their only album on this list.
The first 80% of this album was SO boring. By the time a few semi-interesting songs showed up at the end it was too late. Good one to doze off to…
It’s no Breakfast in America but still better than most !
One thing you can count on with Def Leppard: they always sound like Def Leppard. I gave Pyromania three stars, and this will get the same even though I like this one slightly more. If possible I would give it a 3.5
I always struggle to rate albums like these. I can understand the genius, but the music isn’t to my personal taste. Does the album get deducted a star because I don’t really care to listen to it? It doesn’t make sense dors it to rate an album a perfect five stars if I don’t even enjoy it much ? I find myself somehow compelled to give this five stars… it’s just too beyond what probably anyone else could do.
So lovely. Close your eyes and sink into it. Or listen to it while on a train, like I did, and peacefully watch the landscape roll by.
I love Annie Lennox’ voice, and her solo album Diva is one of my faves. But I’m sorry to report that most of the songs on this album(Sweet Dreams being the obvious exception) are just not good in my opinion. Over-produced, focusing more on the drum machines than her voice on some tracks. Happy to know her career soared after this.
Music without a soul. The beats are just enough to keep it out of one star territory.
This was a perfectly enjoyable album of instrumental music until the Moon in June track presented itself. Singing not a strong point, lyrics didn’t do it for me either. Knocked down a star for that one (which is 1/4 of a four track album).
The title of this album led me to expect something livelier. I suppose this is fine for background dinner music, but it left me wanting more.
I won’t be Monkeeing around with this one again, that’s for sure.
Love the lyrics, the beats are good, only lacks a little melody. Highlight for me is “Heaven”.
The second time I’ve gotten an album by this band that I had never heard of before this project. The first album I heard of theirs, I thought was fine, nothing special, gave it a three. But this one slaps! I’m not sure how they never entered into my awareness with this one. A blend of styles, kind of futuristic psychedelic pop. Good listen.
Great new find for me! I knew the song Cut Your Hair but somehow didn’t realize it was Pavement. They manage somehow to sound industrial and melodic at the same time. It’s a good sign when I immediately listen to the entire album on repeat.
Solid wall of sound. Brought me right back to the dark dive bars where I heard it when it was new. These guys didn’t just phone it in. Good stuff. Could have used a bit of editing. There are several absolute 5 star songs on here, but not all of them. Would give it a 4.5 if I could. Feel like 4 is selling it short but can’t quite give it a 5.
I get a sore throat just listening to this guy scream/sing. This is not an easy listen. I’m determined to listen to the whole album but I’m on track 4 of 16 and struggling ! What’s this? Track 10 is a lovely little instrumental palate cleanser nothing like anything else so far ! Track 11 more tribal, no lead singer growling! Ok screamer is back for tracks12-15, and now track 16 is an 13 minute percussion track. Will the instrumentals be enough to get this album up from a 1 star to a 2? Gonna depend on the last 5 minutes of this last track, but it’s got a deep hole to overcome… I predict/hope I will never listen to this album again.
Nice little moody listen. Not much diversity of sound within it, so it feels a bit long, but very consistently pretty music. I think it best fits a cloudy day when you just want to lounge in bed and let your mind wander.
21 years old, writing music like this, singing with that voice. What a gift she is! May not be everybody’s preferred style, but the emotions she sings about are universal.
Strange to include this one in the book. I thought that we all agreed that Rumours is the classic Fleetwood Mac album. I suppose you could need to listen to this one to understand how ponderous much of their other music is. Sara is the standout song w
Just sounds like metal lite to me. Which appeals to me personally more than heavy metal, but also makes it feel somehow less authentic. There is some nice guitar work.
What did I just listen to? I have to Hope that most of this was meant to be ironic? Sung from characters’ points of view? So many misogynistic lyrics. I can’t say the music is great. The lyrics seem meant to shock. It would be easy to give this only one star. But I think this was all intentional? Which would make it clever? Oh boy. Still… mostly not fun to listen to… Certainly a conversation topic so I’m glad to know this exists and be able to discuss it with anybody else who had the patience to stick with it through to the end. After a night to think about it I guys I’ll give it 2 starts as a nod to its originality?
Ahhhh, Young Elton John when his genius was on full display! When the youngsters don’t appreciate him, understandably thanks to Disney, this album and Honky Chateau are where I send them to school.
Straight up old school country ditties. Honestly I’m not hearing anything special in her voice and am hoping hard that Patsy Cline is on this list. Wait! A Google search says there is no Patsy Cline album on this list?! TRAVESTY
Where is My Mind is the highlight for me on this one. Gigantic was a big hit I remember and that’s also a good listen. But otherwise I don’t enjoy this one much. Expected much more given all the hype I had heard about it.
Ok so I know this guy turned it to be a douche. But I also remember SO MUCH HYPE about him when he first came in the scene. Somehow I never took the time to check out any of his stuff. Dude this is BORING. It must have been a slow year for music in 2000 if this debut got so much praise. Also, his vocal style is pretentious AF. These lyrics aren’t as deep as he seems to want them to be. I was looking for originality and did not find it.
It’s hard to listen to this one with fresh ears when the songs on it have been so overplayed on the radio over the course of the past 30 years. I sincerely would be happy to never hear the song Jeremy again. However, reading about it and remembering this was their debut album, and seeing how early it came out, I do have to respect this one. May not be one of my personal favorites, (I prefer Temple of the Dog, which was released the same year), but this has become a “classic” for a reason.
I’m probably going to get kicked out of the senior citizen white American woman club for this, but man do I find her singing hard to listen to! No thank you.
I had heard of but never heard this band before. Apparently they are considered grunge. They are from Seattle and were formed during the grunge era. To me many of the songs are more straightforward rock than grunge. There is also punk vibe on the song Let It Slide (my favorite track). Although the last song, Check Out Time, has a grunge buzz about it. I can see them being an influence on what became the grunge sound.
I hear the Temptations and I think upbeat tunes like My Girl and Heard It Through the Grapevine. This album is grittier more soulful Temptations. Songs that focus on social issues, loneliness. So I didn’t get what was expected but am glad I heard. As far as rating it as an album musically, pretty average for me.
I had never heard of this album or band. What beautiful music! Folky, sometimes with a bluegrass feel, but also a bit psychedelic, sometimes jazzy. I think this is my favorite album that I’ve heard for the first time from this generation. Cool that it is my 100th album! Very grateful for this find!
Meh. Sounds like a typical early 80’s garage band. Easy enough to listen to but nothing stood out.
It’s rock. I guess it’s metal. Wouldn’t say it’s very heavy. The lead singer’s voice often drones. If there was a genre called sleepy metal, several of the songs would fit that description. Didn’t hear anything special in this one.
This album has all the elements that I usually like best in music. Blues-rock combo. There’s just something a little bit too controlled about it. Lack of passion holds it back from a perfect score for me.
I don’t think I’d ever sat and listened to this album in its entirety before. But of a masterpiece isn’t it? The combination of power and beauty is exquisite.
Pretty run of the mill early 80s sound. Not bad but others did it better. Needs more cowbell!
So… Sue me for not giving this one a 5. I get it, most of us grew up knowing the hits on here, and there are a bunch of them. “Something” truly is a gorgeous song. There are a couple others I really enjoy (Oh Darling, Golden Slumbers). But there are plenty of them on the second half of the album that do nothing for me. “I Want You” Is particularly annoying and it’s over seven minutes long. So, close but no cigar from me. I’m sure there will be other Beatles albums on here, they will get another chance.
Well! This one takes you on a ride. Basically poems, spoken more than sung, with low-key (until it suddenly isn’t) music in the background. But the poems tell stories that are haunting. Don Aman is the standout track for me in this aspect. It sneaks up on you .. At the first song I was thinking “oh come on what is this and why did it make the list?”. (The first song is badly placed in my opinion). By the end I was thinking, huh this is really interesting, although I’m not going to go as far as to say enjoyable. Just submit to it, and let yourself sink into the tension. The last two songs really being the whole thing to fruition. I’m sure it will be polarizing- it sticks to is own style the whole way through, so people are going to love it or hate it I imagine. But it didn’t sound like anything else, that’s for sure. (PS if you're a filmmaker and are looking for background music for a creepy suspenseful western scene, the song “For Dinner” is here waiting for you.)
This album may be the gold standard for five-star albums. One gorgeous song after another. I found myself wondering what it must have been like to be a musician playing on this. They must have known they were creating a masterpiece. The music is so gorgeous it is blocking out my conscience about his medical views…. Sigh… just sit back and let it stone you.
Was expecting something a bit edgier. David Bowie’s influence is heavily felt. pretty standard pop music, probably a little bit ahead of the trend at the time. Not a stand out for me.
I mean… there’s plenty of schmaltz on this album to not like. And then the man goes and adds de lime to de coconut and suddenly you’re back to being 7 years old, laughing at it, and wanting to throw on another star.
I’m a Hole fan. This is not my favorite Hole album, but Courtney writes insightful lyrics and has an interesting voice both literally and figuratively. At least musically (I’m not a person who has studied her life, but I know it’s messy) she deserves more respect than she seems to get.
File under: nothing objectively wrong, just not doing it for me.
The good news is, if you like one song on this album you’re going to like them all. The bad news… 🤣 Does it really matter though if you’re all liquored up and ready to mosh?
I’m not much of a rap connoisseur, but I liked the music tracks and found the raps interesting.
Apparently this is a post-punk album. Which I guess means it sounds like punk but is less fun. Quite the chore to stick it out for the whole album. Not a fan of scream singing. Even when I’m occasion there works be some instrumental melody, it would eventually evolve into the screaming again. And the air siren was just freaking mean. According to Wikipedia the band “quietly disbanded” after making this album. Not sure if that is code for “slunk away to find day jobs”.
Fun rhythms. Smooth voice. Songs drag on a little bit longer than necessary. Would give it a 3.5 if I could.
AARP-aged white woman checking in: this album is banging, and the lyrics are important. Five stars all the way.
This just doesn’t do it for me. It might deserve a three because objectively it isn’t bad, but personally I’m at 2.5 at best.
I hadn't heard of this album before. By song two I thought “oh is this the music from some play?” Because that’s what our sounds like- a second-tier musical your kid’s high school is putting on, that you are struggling to sit through. Turns out it’s just an artsy pop concept album. A long one.
Really enjoyed this one! Clever rhymes and good rhythms. I don’t have much knowledge of hip-hop and have not been a big fan of some previous albums in this project, but would definitely come back to this one.
Let me state: I just listened to the original version of the album. From my research this is what is in the 1001 book, not the deluxe version, which has over an additional hour of material. The original version is a tight 40 minutes of very varied material, fin spoken word to distortion really punk sounds. I appreciate that after listening to several albums that were very repetitive. The band wasn’t afraid to experiment musically, and the lyrics don’t hold back. Clearly going for shock value at times, but hey that’s rock and roll. This is not the first time in this project where I was forced to listen to an artist i didn’t think I enjoyed, and ended up being impressed! I’m not saying I’m ever going to be the Velvet Underground’s biggest fan, but this was an interesting listen.
I might have given this a baseline three stars, but Do Right Woman is a great song and their performance of it here is tragic. Overall bland country rock. It’s hard for me to believe this was even groundbreaking in 1969. Not sure why it’s considered significant.
Baffled by how this was the Lorde album chosen. Doesn’t hold a candle to her debut, Pure Heroine. This one is over-produced pop music. I sense that her production team is to blame for this blandness. Bring a break-up themed album it lacks much of the fierceness of the debut. At times this is downright whiny. This might barely be a three star album, but I will probably deduct one star because it is SUCH a letdown in comparison to her debut. I’m sad that Lorde is being represented by this uninspiring album. Honestly, you before you die must listen to her debut album and feel free to skip this one.
I know Nirvana ‘s hit singles, like anybody else alive in the 90’s. And much as I enjoy a few of them, had never bothered to listen to this full album. Frankly, I’m disappointed. Heart Shaped Box is a great song, but I really didn’t enjoy most of this album. The mythology of Curt Cobain isn’t a reason for me to give it extra stars.
The entire album has a very specific low-energy vibe. Maybe on a different day I would be in a better mood for it. But today I just wanted more movement. It’s too long of an album, and the songs are long too, to not shake it up a bit somewhere along the way. Fine background music for a lounge, or when you’re chilling with friends not really paying attention to the music.
The best songs on this album are among the greatest songs of all times; Baba O’Reilly, Behind Blue Eyes, and Won’t Get Fooled Again. These three songs are probably superlative enough for me to give any album five stars. The rest of the album I had to listen to a few times to fully appreciate. But the more I listened the more I appreciate how the Who switch things up. Every song didn’t sound like the one before it, like with some albums. Deserves all five stars.
Not my favorite Steely Dan album, but you can always count on them for good jazz pop.
Hmm. I think most fans of heavy metal will be disappointed in this album if they read the Wikipedia page. It’s not very heavy. More bluesy - maybe “heavy blues” instead of heavy metal. I am not a metal head and found this album to be alright to listen to, but nothing earth-shattering. Maybe if I were listening to it in 1968 my mind would have been blown.
I don’t understand bands in the 21st century who seem to be attempting to sound like 1960’s bands. That stuff has been done, well. Imitation may be flattery but it isn’t going to make for great new music. It would have been a three star album in 1969, but I’m taking off a star for its lack of originality or ambition to move things forward.
I’m sure it helps that I speak french, so I can understand some of what is being said. And there are some good lyrics, that I need to go back and look at more closely. But even if I didn’t understand the words, the beats slap! And this was his first album?? THIS artist is a great new discovery for me! Will definitely be doing a deep dive and hope to see him live some day, I bet his shows are a party! This was a fun way to start my day and get me up and moving
Wow what a great vibe to start a summer day! Instant good mood, but admittedly there’s some Righteous anger mixed in. The contrast of lyrics and music is intriguing. Easier to rally the masses with honey than vinegar I suppose! Weak last song unfortunately. Felt like a great gymnastics routine that then didn’t stick the landing.
I mean, I’m not sure this is a ” must listen to” album, but her voice is so rich and smooth, it certainly is an easy listen. Late night cognac vibe start to finish. If you’re with the right person it will take you to a lovely place.
I don’t enjoy prog rock. I just don’t. I can hear that it is complicated and takes alot of skill. I’m sure that only giving this album three stars is going to anger people, but I just can’t bring myself to go higher. Gotta save the above-average ratings for albums I would voluntarily want to listen to in the future. Yes is a no on that scale.
This music sounds like depression to me.
I have no reason why this album made the list. I do not feel more musically educated or that my life has been enhanced by listening to it. There are many soul singers in the world. This one is average. The song production isn’t lush, this album doesn’t have much soul. Not only isn’t it a great album overall, it’s not a great album for its genre. Wasted spot on this list which should go to somebody more deserving. She probably deserves more than one star. I would give her 1.5 if possible. But I have given 2 stars to artists whom I feel are more deserving but I just don’t enjoy their music. I don’t feel she is on the level of some of my 2 star picks. Rating is hard y’all!
Idk, I’m just not feeling it. I can hear that it’s not bad. I’m not the biggest rap fan but sometimes I really like it, and this isn’t one of the times. Not that I actively dislike it. Pretty clearly a three star for me.
Prog Rock. No thank you. One twenty minute long prog rock song.. let me out!
Most people on the planet recognize at least the title song, and a good percentage at least one or two others. It’s a classic for a reason! Good songwriting, great melodies and harmonizing. There are a few weaker songs at the end. It’s probably a 4+ album, but I’m going to round up to compensate for the reviewers who are hating on it just because it’s popular with an older crowd. (or because of a fictional character ‘s opinion!)
I agree with another reviewer that this is generic rock music. I usually give that description a three. However, now that I’ve listened to the album I am so annoyed by how often they take a riff and repeat it dozens of times that I am docking them a star. Figure out another way to pad your songs guys.
New discovery for me! What a voice. I’m not sure of the timing, did he influence Elvis it was it the other way around? Or they just have similar influences. This album was too short, left me wanting more. Turns out he recorded for decades, so I know who I’ll be listening to today!
I remember when this album just came out. The Cars sounded like nobody else I had heard before! My intro to “new wave” music. Makes me smile to see this album cover. I think Candy-O, which was released one year later, is a stronger album, so I can’t quite give this one five starts. Close though!.
The band name is so cool I had high expectations. Their music? Perfectly fine. Pleasant. I’m not going to remember it half an hour from now.
My first listen to this group. Fun, enjoyable listen. Not sure it was groundbreaking, but I’m glad to know about them.
I probably won’t ever give a metal album more than three stars. I usually suffer through them and give them a two unless they truly hurt my ears in a special way(looking at you Sepultra). So the fact that I didn’t mind this album either means it’s really great metal or it’s really lame metal! I’m not the one to judge.
Incredible debut album! You can love their style along with me, or you can hate it, but they changed the direction of popular rock music in the early 70s. In my opinion their influence was so strong because their music was a great combination of fun and gorgeous! Those harmonies, that sense of freedom! Eagles girl forever baby!
This album just about saved my life when’s it first came out. I was her exact target demo and this was released during a tough life year for me. Her “I am going to create music that tells my truth no matter that it sounds like nothing anybody else is doing” attitude was and remains inspirational. Thirty years later I am a bit more aware of some vocal shortcomings, that musically it may not live up to some five star albums. But I remember what this album meant. And I can hear what this album meant to female rockers decades later. Liz Phair paved the way with this one. It is historically significant and emotionally powerful.
What did I just listen to??! Is this the trick the professor sticks in just to make sure you’re paying attention and read until the end? Wikipedia’s entry- that it’s an album that was released in 1969 and failed to chart, pretty much sums it up. Zero tracks of interest detected
Okay so this is really TWO albums, apparently marketed together. I found the second disc to be much more interesting. Speakerboxx is fun, good beats but nothing particularly groundbreaking. Good party album. I am not a fan of the interludes. I really didn’t need to hear a toddler talk into the mic, sorry kid. The Love Below was musically and lyrically more creative, although as a woman I did cringe at some of it.
Wow did this one sneak up on me. Never heard of it, pulled it up and saw 1h57 minutes, let out a small moan of despair (mind you I had a 2h15 min double album the day before). Overture gives no hint of what’s ahead. First listen first song, I’m not getting it. Despair starting to turn to dread. Let’s head to Wikipedia… hey there! This isn't a two hour album! Spotify added 14 bonus tracks. Ok ok unclench that jaw. We’ve gotten to track four now, and things are starting to change up a bit. Maybe this album is more interesting than I realized? I’m going to pay more attention. Holy cow, I think I’ve fallen in love. I’ll get to the bonus tracks in a little while, First I’m gonna go back and listen to the original album again!
Talented musicians. Theatrical, cabaret-style. You either like this style or you don’t. Not anything I would choose to listen to twice.
Give credit to these guys. They found a formula that works for them and they stick to it. Over and over again. Starts out fairly strong, with Supermassive Black Hole being the highlight for me, and soon thereafter becomes tedious.
Folks, I am a person who enjoys the blues, I promise. Nothing makes me happier than the sound of a harmonica. But give me my blues served up with a deep growl please. The three or four high pitched whiny notes that Dylan “sings” on this album darn near made my ears bleed long before the album was over. I don’t care how clever the lyrics are if it physically hurts to listen to them.
I know many find him iconic but I’ve never been able to get into Bruce. I think it’s the singing… the way he sings, closer to talking than melodic, makes many of his songs sound similar. I hear some good piano, the themes of the sings are sometimes interesting lyrically. I don’t think it is BAD, just not hearing the masterpiece that many others do.
Repetitive noises. Same riff for SO long. Zero enjoyment attained.
Jazz that is easy to listen to for people that don’t like jazz. No oomph though. Everybody knows Take Five, which is the highlight for me. The rest is a bit snoozy.
Karen ‘s voice is gorgeous. And I once had a blond blue-eyed baby boy that I carried in my arms and sang “Close To You” to daily. So I have a bit of a sentimental bias. But even so, I had a tough time getting through this album. Too much sweet is not good for you. I also have to wonder if this is the Carpenters’ best album. There are so many clunkers. Guess I just need to find out if they have a greatest hits album!
My pulse always quickens when an album pops up from an artist I’ve never heard of before. Not often we get the chance to approach an album with no prior knowledge. I enjoyed this. It’s not groundbreaking but the vibe is good. Has a Malcolm McLaren feel to the electronic production and some of the melodies. I can imagine coming back to it some day. I’ve still got the taste dancing on my tongue.
Wow I really enjoyed this album. It’s hilarious that the “about the artist” bio on Spotify talks about his post-punk background and heavy hallucinogenic usage, and then this album is tight bluesy/singer-songwriter, a little experimental. Great variety, which I so much appreciate after listening to albums where every track has the same energy. The guitar/piano interplay on Safesurfer is beautiful. Other favorite tracks are Drive, She Said and If You Loved Me at All. But there are lots of good ones. Great discovery!
Always a dilemma when an album has a few really great hit songs but the rest is meh. Want to give it a 3.5. Will need to decide if Living on a Prayer knocks it up to a 4.
Very moving background to the origin of this album. It was made to keep the music of northern Mali alive during a time when an extremist group banned music in that area. It’s an interesting listen, but without being able to understand the lyrics it eventually all started sounding too similar to my ears. I know that’s a me problem not a them problem, but I can only rate it for myself.
I mean, it’s fine. So inoffensive I imagine it played in Scottish grocery stores and people bopped along in the aisles. I was tapping my toes. But I don’t imagine I will remember any song enough to hum it ten minutes from now.
I have a son who loves jazz who tells me this is one of the all-time great albums. I once saw a documentary about a group of people on California who have created an entire religion based on this album. Personally, I don’t have a feel for jazz. But I will say that this one doesn’t annoy me like many jazz albums do. I can hear it, know it’s good and even enjoy parts of it a little bit. Personally it’s probably a three for me but I’m going to bump it up in honor of my boy.
These British white boys sure can play the blues!
The first track in this album is called Being Boring. So you can’t say they don’t warn us! Okay that’s a bit harsh. Actually, ;) I don’t dislike the Pet Shop Boys and spent a fair amount of time in the late 80’s dancing to their hits. But much of this album is monotone in both sound and attitude. It lacks the energy I enjoyed in their earlier work. It’s broody. I don’t find that electronica and drum machines really lend themselves to broodiness. They deserve to have an album on this list. They have three. In my opinion this one could have been passed by. 2.5/5
This was really an awful listen from start to finish. I can’t stand these kinds of vocals. I think she was aiming for ethereal? New-agey imagery in the lyrics, fluffy high-pitch vocals, unpleasant electronic background music. Couldn’t end soon enough.
Music of a tortured soul. It’s introspective, low-key. You can certainly feel that this was written by a person who was struggling. Makes me feel guilty for not loving it, but musically it really didn’t do much for me, to be honest.
One song sounds like the Stones, the next Bowie.. not really sure what they would sound like intrinsically. Not bad not great for me
Just meh. Funk is good but lyrics are so juvenile it gets tiresome. I think I’m just too old for this one!
Not my genre but I can here some value here.
I was around in the eighties and it was much more fun than this album. Very meh.
I love the blues, love the harmonica and this is MUDDY WATERS! I want it to be five stars but something is holding me back. Which I think is my underlying hesitation- he sounds a bit restrained? There are 5 star moments, but this is 4.5 stars for me. I know there is a better Muddy Waters album out there and am now going to try to find it.
What can I say? I’m a sucker for sassy girl bands.
I remember that I “didn’t get” this album when it first came out. Was willing to give it a listen with an open mind but it still sounds mostly pretensious and self-satisfied. Give me more rhythm!
They always sound like the Chili Peppers but they know how to mix things up enough to keep an album interesting, which is very appreciated.
So so low energy. I’ll give them two stars because at times I could hear that they were trying to do something interesting musically. But seriously, wake tf up before your next recording session.
Ohhhh yeahhhhhhhh. This is TASTY
Hard to say anything bad about these beautiful harmonies. I instantly felt like I should be on a beach having fun. The songs themselves are pretty formulaic but it’s still an enjoyable listen.
This band sounds like a bunch of 14 year old boys in a garage. The singing and the instruments are frequently out of tune. Much of this album was painful to listen to due to this. I can handle punk style screaming but maybe not in a key that clashes with the guitars. You must listen to this before you die to know that you too, no matter how tone deaf you are, can make an album.
Fun listen! Nothing super memorable, but I’m not mad at it. Could be a good road trip album.
Was expecting funk, but this is more jazz heavy. Disappointing for me, but I’m sure there will be others who will find this very satisfying. The musical talent is upper level.
THIS MAN! What a voice, what a talent, what an entertainer! This is some real live blues and I am HERE FOR IT!
The original hipster. Rasps out poetic novellas while not-particularly-interesting music plays in the background. (The bluesier tunes are more tolerable than the carnival variety). I suppose it’s all about the lyrics. In which case, just write a book. Pretentious for sure. Annoying listen thanks to his voice, in my opinion. I refuse to pretend to enjoy this just to seem cool or intellectual.
Y’all can keep Thriller and the moonwalk. I am so over Billie Jean. THIS is my ultimate Michael album. Get your funk on!
The Taylor Swift of the AARP set. Heartbreak lyrics, country/pop. She needs to tour with TS: her record sales would soar.
I don’t really know what to make of this one. Mostly electronic instrumentals. A couple of songs had vocals. Some of it sounds like porn background music, some more lounge-y. None of it memorable either for good or bad.
Some classic hits on here. So Far Away is the highlight for me. Otherwise a pretty laid-back groove. Mark Knopfler plays some gorgeous guitar. A good late at night with a whiskey album.
I’m willing to bet this album was deeply felt by people born around 1990. The lyrics would resonate hard with antsy teens. I was already adulting when this came out, so it doesn't have a nostalgic emotional attachment with me. The length of this album with the sameness of the music started bothering me about 2/3 of the way in. I bet that the Broadway musical based on this was enjoyable. The lyrics tap into some universal teen emotions. But this music needs some visual performance accompaniment to break up the monotony. It’s just not that enjoyable as an adult to sit and listen to.
Fortunately I don’t mind Incubus’ music. Especially since all of it sounds pretty much the same, so if I hated it I would hate every song. Very middle of the road.
Freak Out! This album may not have aged all that well, but believe me that song was ICONIC. An important bit of disco history.! Enough to get this album an extra star.
Just because it’s David Bowie doesn’t make it automatically a “must listen”. He has numerous albums on this list. This one didn’t need to be here. It doesn’t add a thing to his other work.
Tough call. I remember getting this as a birthday gift when i was in middle school, and being disappointed with it. Now that I’m older I can appreciate the genius. But still there are swaths of it, especially on the second disc, that I don’t enjoy musically. Would give it a 4.5 if I could. There’s no denying I have listened to Dark Side of the Moon over and over again and this one, not… but is it fair to ding it for being over-ambitious and more challenging?
Dance music with middle eastern influence. I very much enjoyed the music, the vocals were less inspiring. Low point was an Arabic version of “Imagine”, which kind of put a stop to the whole groove, and loses the album one star. C’est la Nuit was one of my favorite tracks, probably because it is in French, which I can understand. But loved the first track as well. Good listen! It’s a shame it’s not on Spotify. Listened on YouTube and had to tolerate ad breaks. I’ll look for more of his music!
I mean… put the record on and do what it says. You’re not gonna find better background music than this! Only lonely people read reviews while Marvin is singing.
Very beautiful piano music! Mind blowing to me that this was all improvised on the spot. Nice find that I would never have known about without this project.
There is some interesting stuff on here. But you know how it goes when you try something new sometimes some parts don’t work. I would give it a 3.5 if I could.
This is the second Sepultura album I’ve come across on this list. Hoping it will be the last. Not my favorite genre to say the least. But they must be wearing me down because I didn’t hate this as much as I did their Roots album.
I admit I didn’t pay much attention to these guys back in the 80s. So I was storied by the strength of this album. Their orchestration sets a distinct mood. Good listen.
Pure freakin genius. Often disturbing, but still genius.
I would give this a 3.5 rating if I could. He tackles tough subjects, but musically, there are a few interesting moments in a generally blah landscape.
My friends, this is one mishmash of an album. Starts Pop, goes Reggae, then a little new wave thrown in.. Nothing I’m going to remember, was wavering between 2-3 stars but the last few songs got my toes tapping so three it is.
I have a very low tolerance for long jam sessions. The Dead are not for me. I really enjoyed the first half of this album. I love me some excellent blues guitar! but they lost me with the last two songs
I greatly appreciate the lesson on the music of India at the start of the album. One thing he said is “we listen with an open mind and no expectation of melody or counterpoint as is found in western music.” By listening in this way I was able to relax into it. Good stuff.
Intro to the first sing I thought “oh cool I might like this!” By sing three I really didn’t want to hear them anymore. Grating singing voice, nothing all that creative musically.
Apart from Son of a Preacher Man, this is kinda meh. Bunch of thirsty woman songs.
My reaction to the first few tracks was” this is really good music. I like it but don’t feel emotionally invested “. But it got deeper as it progressed. Very moving in the end. Grateful to have found this one.
Smooth soul/ jazz. Mellow vibe.
Some gorgeous classics mixed with some meh unknowns. Might have been five stars, but the last song is SO violently misogynistic I need to deduct. I understand it was different times but it still left a bitter taste.
Cuban jazz and salsa music. Recorded to spread awareness of this music to people around the world. Pleasant listen, but I suspect (I’m no expert but have spent some time in Cuba) that it is pretty watered down for the masses. Still, very enjoyable and absolutely excellent musicianship.
I’m a fan of Billy Bragg and have seen him live multiple times dating back to the 1980’s. So I am happy to see he has two albums on this list. It is just aggravating that one of them is this one, and not Workers Playtime, which is one of my top 5 albums ever. Check it out if you have time. This album contains songs that are found lyrics of Woody Guthrie, put to music by Billy and the members of Wilco. It’s a good album, very good even. Taste of Americana via Britain. Billy is a student of American labor history (huge workers’ rights advocate) and of American folk music. He does Woody justice with these songs.
I would rate The Rolling Stones as my favorite band based on their catalogue of work, and even I don’t think this album needs to be on the list. I suppose it was selected because it’s because it’s the first album they wrote on their own (no covers). But they got better with time. I don’t find this to be anywhere near their best, so why have multiple albums by one band, when there are other deserving bands that get left out. I world rather hear two a maybe three albums by any one group/artist to get a sense of them, and get more variety of artists. It’s ridiculous that Bowie, Neil Young, the Beatles, Stones get half a dozen or more entries.
It’s a vibe- the same vibe- from start to finish. I remember when Smooth Operator was first released. It sounded like nothing else out there. So smooth!! But when you listen to song after song after song with the same groove and tone, it gets dull.
In this year of 2024 this is really a two star album for me, but I am going to take into account that this was made in the early years of rock. I can hear some interesting experimentation. I can’t say I found listening to it that enjoyable, but I can see where this was a jumping off point for more interesting works.
Middle of the road pop rock. Fine, I guess but not the “modern classic” he so humbly claimed he set out to make.
This is an album I struggle to rate. Is a concept album, based on the American south. It hits on some important topics. It has some historical facts. It’s clever. I suppose I need to give it credit for all that. That said, It is pretty dull to listen to. I’m would give it four stars because of all the historical commentary but it’s probably a 2.5 as a listener. This one really is all about the lyrics.
Classic Talking Heads. Love the energy. Crazy that this is their debut album! Sound like nobody else, right out of the gate. Am slightly irritated that my favorite TH album, Little Creatures, didn’t make the list. But all the stars to this one.
Torture. Over an hour! My ears were bleeding by song two! This dude sounds like a cat in heat. I was dragged to see this dude live in NYC in the 80’s. He was barely coherent and didn’t last long. That experience may actually have been preferable to this album.
Had never heard of this group (turns out they are a person) and from the name for some reason expected metal. What a pleasant surprise! Really chill enjoyable listen, even if he sometimes stays on a riff for longer than I am interested. I think I’m learning from this project that I really like a genre called trip hop.
Oh jazz. I just don’t get you. But it’s not fair to give it too low a rating just because I’m not feeling it.
Welp. It’s not cheery that’s for sure. I wasn’t in the right mood when I started listening, I’m not particularly a fan of his speaking/singing style, so I started writing a scathing review. Then at track five I started getting more interested. By the end of the album I was “in it”, fully immersed into the project, and had to start over and listen again. I’m old, this album is an old man making sense of his life in a religious framework. I wonder how much young people will appreciate this one. It’s a dark vibe. But yeah, well done in the end Mr. Cohen, well done.
I recognize this guy’s name from reading celebrity magazines: gossip columns over the years. Hadn’t heard his music before. Pretty generic bubblegum pop. Kind of like off-brand George Michael. Hah! The self indulgent hidden track at the end! Good Lord.
This man has one of the MOST gorgeous voices. So it’s strange to hear it paired with tangy guitars. An upbeat disco beat ain’t it either. And why waste time on long instrumental breaks? This album is just all kinds of wrong. What a waste.
This one. SO CLOSE to being perfect. But man that Oh Daddy song is just so awful. Songbird also is another drag on it, and Gold Dust Woman is a bit of a weak ending. I understand why people want to give it five stars though, because the other 8 songs are such strong classics. Eight superlative songs that are better than any eight songs by most groups. I owned this album back in the 70s and listened to it plenty of times. But I always wanted to skip those two songs. And a five star album shouldn’t have me wanting to skip anything.
Mediocre garage band music from start to finish. A mediocre band would get three stars, but Mr. Young knows better than this.
Kinda chill British house dance music. It’s fine but I doubt I’ll ever think of it again apart from the band being named after my favorite French football team.
More hardcore than what I choose to listen to usually. But I can appreciate this musically. It is emotional, which I think good music should always be. Goes for an emotion I usually try to avoid, but I can appreciate people feeling seen by this one and getting some release from it. I can put my personal taste aside and give this the full recognition it deserves.
There are a few songs I really love (Woodstock, Our House) a few classics that are ok and a bunch of really bland songs that bore me. It’s got it all! I think I just wasn’t mellowed out enough when I was listening to it. I can appreciate that this would sound best around a campfire with some good weed.
Fun album. Good rock and roll vibes. Nothing too serious. RIP Eeddie💕
It’s easy to forget that there wasn’t anything else out there at the time that really sounded like Blondie. Good energy and top song with Heart of Glass!
This sounds like the album where the terms “middle of the road” and “Dad Rock “ were created
Zzzzzzz. And he can’t sing. Also supposedly there were many guest artists on this album but somehow it all sounded the same to me. Hard pass.
I have major problems with this artist as a human being. His treatment of woman seems to be incredibly misogynistic. There is overwhelming evidence to me that he is mentally ill, but I still don’t give him a pass for how he treats people poorly. In spite of all that, I cannot deny that this is a gorgeous piece of work. Some credit goes to Bon Iver, whose influence is evident.
I’m old enough to remember when Tipper Gore was leading rants that heavy metal albums needed warning labels because they put teens at risk for suicide. Meanwhile, this album was sitting there all the while, spreading its despair. Starts off slow, with the first three songs being a similar folky style. But then he starts mixing things up. Musically it becomes more intricate. I’m not a huge fan of his voice, which is a bit monotone and drags down an already low-energy album. He knew how to set a mood and had immense songwriting talent, but it’s the kind of album I can appreciate but not truly enjoy.
Not my jam. Sorry metalheads. Some very cool guitar work, and I like the intro to One, but the growling vocals are too much of a turn off.
Much to my surprise I rather enjoyed the first half of this album! Then I got to “Girl”, which is basically the male version of Donna Summer’s “Love to Love Ya Baby” with all melody removed. That went on for longer than necessary. That was followed by the much much too long Frankie Teardrop, which really took me out my enjoyment of this. Too bad!
I wonder if I hadn’t already heard Straight Outta Compton first, if I would have given this a five. Because it’s excellent. But SOC was out of this world excellent. So I guess this is a 4.5. Which i can’t give sadly. I think the difference is that this doesn’t have quite the musical range of the earlier album. Still, I started the day with Ice Cube so chances are it’ll be a good day.
This music could be the soundtrack to a very good indie movie. It’s not earthshattering, and didn’t have a ton of energy to grab full attention. But it does set a very pleasant vibe! I’m not mad at spending some time with this. Kinda dreamy.
It’s fun to listen to him call out all the political criminals on “H2Ogate Blues”, but apart from that this was a loooong listen for me. Doesn’t help that I can’t stand the flute and struggle with jazz appreciation. I would have given it one star but that song, which is way towards the end, bumps it up to two.
Love the lyrics, love the feel of being down south. The music has a little bit of swamp to it. This is so close to a five star album! Goes on for a little bit too long, the last few songs don’t quite hold up to the first 2/3, and the vocals become a bit repetitive/droning. But I could listen to the first half of this album over and over again-and probably will!
I always feel like I SHOULD like the Doors. They do have a few songs that I like alot. But generally I just want them to get over themselves. Most of their songs could be half the length and be fine. Could be an attention span thing. I can hear the talent and like some components but am usually ready for their songs to be done WAY before they end.
I know he’s got a cult-like following, but I’m not in danger of joining. These songs have no groove, his vocals go out of their way to be tortured. It’s just all so melodramatic. I wonder if I would have liked it at age thirteen. I like to imagine that even then I would have been unimpressed.
According to Wikipedia the dude that made this album was looking for work in making film soundtracks so made this as proof he could do it. I’m less mad at the album than I am at the person who put it on this list! It’s a freaking demo album and a LOOONGG one. Honestly one track isn’t that much different than the next. Not that they are bad, but by the half hour mark I had gotten the point and was well ready for it to be over. Each track is too well composed musically to give it only one star, but it’s so dragged out and repetitive that it is almost getting me annoyed enough to go there.
Weak 60s folk music, sung in an annoying whiny voice. Somebody’s picker is off to think that I had to listen to this one. A 1.5 but I can’t stretch it to two starts.
Great energy on this one! Pop, a little bit bluesy at times. Mixes things up, loads of layers, the album flies by. Very enjoyable.
Latin dance music, conga drum focus. Would be good background music for a summer pool party.
Very monotone and not much musical variety on this one. Throughout his career he has managed to write several what I would consider classic long-lasting songs. The only one on this album is “Radio Radio”. Ok and maybe “Pump It Up”. But there are several clunkers (“Night Rally” and “Hand in Hand”). And lots of forgettables. Not his best work. Apparently there are four Elvis Costello albums on this list. This one could be removed to make room for somebody unrepresented.
Laid back sixties campfire rock. I always think of these guys as Grateful Dead lite. The songs sound like Dead songs but without all the extended jamming solos. Which makes The Band way more enjoyable for me.
The vocals on the first track turned me off a bit, but things quickly improved after that one. Before I knew it I was longing for a crowd I could mosh with! Good energy for pogo-ing around the house. Fiction Romance is the highlight track for me.
It’s Johnny Cash. His voice is so special. But honestly all the time spent with Johnny kissing up to, I mean talking to, the inmates is annoying. And the pandering San Quentin song he wrote for them is played and needlessly included twice in a row. It’s a little like a show-off bad boy frat party. Of course he plays some hits, which are always good to hear. Because it’s Johnny Cash. So never a total waste of time.
Mad Men-era Latin nightclub dance music. Mix up a cocktail and enjoy!
When I’m in old person mode and want to complain to my kids about new music, Led Zeppelin is my go-to band for “they don’t write em like that anymore”. So many layers, nothing formulaic about them. So much talent.
A new band to me. First song my reaction was “wow that sounds just like some other band”… finally decided that one was like the Goo Goo dolls. A later song sounded like a Paul McCartney tune. In other words, the music is not groundbreaking. There are some really weak rhyming schemes in the lyrics which were cringeworthy. Unfortunately the lyrics got more smarmy in the later tracks. Despite all that it wasn’t painful to listen to. The music was generic but ok. Would give the music a 3 and the lyrics a 2.
There are some classics on here. Every Breath You Take is such a creepy song but darn if it doesn’t feel like summer 1983 from the very first chords.
Pulp had their moment right when I was busy starting a family. Too busy changing diapers and listening to Dan Zane’s (fun kid’s music fyi) to keep up with the trends. I probably would have been into this band had I been paying attention. Some good pop with a little bit of an edge. I do recognize “Common People”, which is the clear highlight of the album. Very representative of the early 90’s. Drum machine detected!
A trip to the Ren Faire was not what I was expecting today…
This is a double album that has two distinct parts. I really loved the first disc, Abattoir Blues, would give it a solid 4.5. Good rock. The second disc, Lyre if Orpheus, gets a bit more moody. Energy drops. Didn’t match the level of the first.
Pleasant electronic pop music. Pretty slick. Good debut album but lacking any real feeling.
Man I love me some early Elton John, when his bluesy piano playing was at the forefront. This one is a little bit country. The album that he released right after this one, Honky Chateau, is my favorite EJ album but didn’t make this list. Listening to this era of Elton always makes me SO upset about the Disney crap he did later on. Pre-1976 Elton John is one masterpiece after another.
This sounds like basic 90’s pop music. It is fine but there is nothing that jumps out at me as special. Could be confused for several other bands. Not a must listen in my book but not a bad listen either.
I really hate everything about this sonically. There may be some valid social commentary within? Alot of it is joking around. The vocals hurt too much to closely listen. Yuck.
I know this one gets all the glory. But I lived through this guy’s career from back when he was little Michael dancing and leading the Jackson 5. And I remember being so sick of this album being overplayed. It’s good, very good even. But I’m sticking with my opinion that Off the Wall is his solo best.
I don’t know how I missed this band first time around, though a few of the songs do sound familiar. This is some very danceable shit! I know it’s not PC but I miss those big drum machine sounds. The bass player in this group deserves some big props! Hard to sit still with this one. Wish i were back in the club.
This is a lovely album. I had never listened to it, though I recognized about half of the songs from radio play. I have a feeling I will come back to this one. It isn’t as anthemic as some of their others, and isn’t overly-ambitious. I mean all that as a compliment. This is a U2 album with heart in it, which is when they are at their best.
Well here I am folks! The female in 2024 who has never listened to a Taylor Swift album- until today. This is very low energy. So bland. I know I’ve heard her be more pop on the radio. Not gonna lie I dozed off in the middle and had to go back and listen to a song I missed. (Dorothea everybody wants to be ya 🤨) She has made more money than anybody else for so long now. I’m going to give her the benefit of doubt that she has better albums than this one.
Thank goodness for Julio hanging out by the schoolyard. Without him this album would be a stone cold one star event.
It turns out these guys were nowhere near as good a as 12 year old me thought they were.
I suppose this album is all about the lyrics. Los off story songs. But the monotone nature of his voice makes me not able to listen for very long. Most of the songs are musically indistinguishable from each other. As a person whose enjoyment of music comes mainly from rhythm and melody, this one is not for me.
What a relief! Was dismayed to see Frank show up after suffering through a Mothers of Invention album last week. This album is a pleasant, mainly instrumental, bit of jazzy psychedelic rock music. Turns out not having Frank’s vocals was an essential improvement. Impressive guitar work here.
Unpopular opinion: My favorite Zeppelin album is In Through the Out Door. That’s my easy five star album. But unfortunately it did not make this list and there is NO WAY Led Zeppelin is not getting five stars from me. So this is the one. It probably deserves 5 stars even if it isn’t my favorite.
I wanted to like this, but just couldn’t get very into it. Felt repetitive towards the end. Not my jam.