Autobahn
KraftwerkI 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.
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.
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?
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…