657
Albums Rated
3.12
Average Rating
60%
Complete
432 albums remaining
Featured Review
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John • 5/5
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.
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Rock-and-roll
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
56
5-Star Albums
32
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chore of Enchantment | 5 | 2.63 | +2.37 |
| Duck Rock | 5 | 2.65 | +2.35 |
| Peggy Suicide | 5 | 2.77 | +2.23 |
| Scream, Dracula, Scream | 5 | 2.77 | +2.23 |
| Tago Mago | 5 | 2.79 | +2.21 |
| Lazer Guided Melodies | 5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
| Ghosteen | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Exile In Guyville | 5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
| Elephant Mountain | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo | 5 | 3.09 | +1.91 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryter Layter | 1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
| Blood, Sweat & Tears | 1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
| Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert) | 1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
| Double Nickels On The Dime | 1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
| The Hissing Of Summer Lawns | 1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
| Liege And Lief | 1 | 3.1 | -2.1 |
| Modern Kosmology | 1 | 3.08 | -2.08 |
| Sister | 1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
| Joan Baez | 1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
| E.V.O.L. | 1 | 2.89 | -1.89 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Rolling Stones | 5 | 4.4 |
| Prince | 2 | 5 |
| The Who | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Mothers Of Invention | 2 | 1 |
| Sonic Youth | 3 | 1.67 |
| Sepultura | 2 | 1.5 |
| Scott Walker | 2 | 1.5 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 1.5 |
| Joni Mitchell | 2 | 1.5 |
| Tom Waits | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Kanye West | 2, 5, 5 |
| Bob Dylan | 5, 2, 1, 3, 2 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 2, 4, 2, 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (56)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Dandy Warhols
5/5
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?
11 likes
Jack White
4/5
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.
6 likes
Can
5/5
I saw that this 7 song album was 73 minutes long and groaned. But somehow, I vibe with most of it! This is going to be my strangest five star album, I can feel it.
I’ve been wanting to try shrooms and this seems like a good soundtrack.
4 likes
Blood, Sweat & Tears
1/5
Wow. Spinning Wheel is ok on is own, I guess, but it is not enough to lift this bloated ponderous mess into anything I ever want to listen to again. Cheesy vocals, often sounds self-important. Then turns to instrumental jazz at the end. It’s a mish mash of styles and sounds I enjoy. Part of me feels like they deserve two stars because there is clearly good musicianship on here. But I really suffered through it, and it was long dragged out enough at the end to annoy me to the point of only giving it one star.
3 likes
Tom Waits
2/5
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.
2 likes
1-Star Albums (32)
All Ratings
The Black Keys
4/5
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
Thelonious Monk
2/5
I can appreciate it, the complexity of it, but not my jam.
The Stone Roses
3/5
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?
The Temptations
4/5
Motown! Not the classic versions/songs that I remember from the radio. But still has that sound that can lift spirits.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
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.
David Bowie
3/5
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.
5/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
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.
Hugh Masekela
2/5
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!
Prince
5/5
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.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
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
Kraftwerk
3/5
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.
Dead Kennedys
3/5
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
4/5
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.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
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.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
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.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
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.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
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.
Sex Pistols
4/5
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.
Richard Hawley
2/5
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.
5/5
It’s classic for a reason.
Creativity abounds all the way through.
Cee Lo Green
4/5
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.
Motörhead
2/5
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.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
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!
Duran Duran
3/5
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.
Fiona Apple
5/5
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.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
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.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
It’s all about Aretha’s voice. Nothing else particularly earthshattering, but that’s enough to make it good.
Can
3/5
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.
The Thrills
1/5
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.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
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.
Kanye West
2/5
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!
Don McLean
4/5
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.
The Strokes
3/5
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
4/5
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.
Rush
2/5
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.
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Lively. Nothing special
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
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.
Iron Maiden
4/5
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.
The Birthday Party
1/5
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
Kraftwerk
4/5
Good stuff! More accessible/radio friendly compared to Autobahn, which I listened to a few weeks ago.
Tracy Chapman
5/5
Loved this album when it first came out and still today. Brilliant songwriter. I am happy to see her getting more recognition recently.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
The slower jazz side of Elvis. Not my taste. I bet a different album of his will pop up that I will like more.
The Cult
3/5
Straight forward Rock
AC/DC
4/5
The Dandy Warhols
5/5
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?
Faust
2/5
Mix of industrial (mostly), hypnotic repetitive, with a few moments of lyricism and melody and a random piano song thrown in.
Björk
2/5
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.
Talking Heads
3/5
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.
Haircut 100
4/5
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.
Morrissey
3/5
The man has a gorgeous voice but these songs just don’t hit like the Smiths’ did.
N.W.A.
5/5
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.
Def Leppard
3/5
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.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
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.
Donald Fagen
4/5
Sounds just like Steely Dan. Which is, of course, a wonderful thing.
Bob Dylan
5/5
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.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
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.
Funkadelic
4/5
Very cool stuff but a few of the songs near the end were just too repetitive.
John Prine
3/5
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.
Heaven 17
2/5
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.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
This is not my favorite genre of music. But I can recognize quality. Also I remember how groundbreaking this was back in the day.
ABBA
3/5
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.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
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.
Otis Redding
3/5
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.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Good blues tunes, but nothing earth shattering
The Byrds
4/5
Really embodies the late 60s. Good vibes.
The Coral
2/5
Another one where I didn’t hear anything essential. Not very excellent pop music.
3/5
A couple of good funky tunes but most kinda blah.
The Soft Boys
3/5
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
5/5
Little Richard brings the fun and the energy! The OG. Not sure how you don’t love this one.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
A few gems but overall not their best. I imagine it won’t be their only album on this list.
John Martyn
2/5
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…
Supertramp
4/5
It’s no Breakfast in America but still better than most !
Def Leppard
3/5
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
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
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.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
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.
Eurythmics
3/5
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.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
Music without a soul. The beats are just enough to keep it out of one star territory.
Soft Machine
2/5
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).
Stan Getz
2/5
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.
The Monkees
2/5
I won’t be Monkeeing around with this one again, that’s for sure.
Talking Heads
4/5
Love the lyrics, the beats are good, only lacks a little melody. Highlight for me is “Heaven”.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
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.
Pavement
4/5
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.
Soundgarden
4/5
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.
Sepultura
1/5
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.
Suede
4/5
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.
Adele
5/5
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.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
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
Iron Maiden
2/5
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.
Ian Dury
2/5
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?
Elton John
5/5
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.
3/5
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
Pixies
2/5
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.
Ryan Adams
2/5
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.
Pearl Jam
4/5
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.
Joan Baez
1/5
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.
Mudhoney
3/5
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.
The Temptations
3/5
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.
The Youngbloods
5/5
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!
The Replacements
3/5
Meh.
Sounds like a typical early 80’s garage band. Easy enough to listen to but nothing stood out.
The Icarus Line
2/5
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.
Jack White
4/5
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.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
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.
The Jam
3/5
Pretty run of the mill early 80s sound. Not bad but others did it better.
Needs more cowbell!
Beatles
4/5
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.
Slint
4/5
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.)
Van Morrison
5/5
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.
Iggy Pop
3/5
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.
Harry Nilsson
2/5
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.
Hole
4/5
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.
Jungle Brothers
2/5
File under: nothing objectively wrong, just not doing it for me.
Ramones
3/5
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?
Ice T
4/5
I’m not much of a rap connoisseur, but I liked the music tracks and found the raps interesting.
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
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”.
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
Fun rhythms. Smooth voice. Songs drag on a little bit longer than necessary. Would give it a 3.5 if I could.
Public Enemy
5/5
AARP-aged white woman checking in: this album is banging, and the lyrics are important. Five stars all the way.
Jethro Tull
3/5
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.
Sufjan Stevens
2/5
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.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
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.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
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.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
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.
Lorde
2/5
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.
Nirvana
2/5
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.
Erykah Badu
2/5
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 Who
5/5
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.
Steely Dan
4/5
Not my favorite Steely Dan album, but you can always count on them for good jazz pop.
Blue Cheer
3/5
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.
White Denim
2/5
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.
MC Solaar
5/5
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
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
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.
Anita Baker
3/5
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.
Yes
3/5
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.
Radiohead
2/5
This music sounds like depression to me.
Ms. Dynamite
1/5
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!
Cypress Hill
3/5
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.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
Prog Rock. No thank you.
One twenty minute long prog rock song.. let me out!
Eagles
5/5
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!)
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
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.
Solomon Burke
4/5
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!
The Cars
4/5
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!.
Prefab Sprout
2/5
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.
Supergrass
3/5
My first listen to this group. Fun, enjoyable listen. Not sure it was groundbreaking, but I’m glad to know about them.
Metallica
3/5
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.
Eagles
4/5
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!
Liz Phair
5/5
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.
Scott Walker
1/5
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
OutKast
3/5
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.
Giant Sand
5/5
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!
Ute Lemper
2/5
Talented musicians. Theatrical, cabaret-style. You either like this style or you don’t. Not anything I would choose to listen to twice.
3/5
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.
Bob Dylan
2/5
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.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
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.
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
Repetitive noises. Same riff for SO long.
Zero enjoyment attained.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
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.
Carpenters
3/5
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, 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!
Wild Beasts
3/5
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.
Julian Cope
5/5
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!
Bon Jovi
3/5
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.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
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.
The Beta Band
3/5
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.
John Coltrane
4/5
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.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
These British white boys sure can play the blues!
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
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
Jane Weaver
1/5
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.
Nick Drake
3/5
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.
Roxy Music
3/5
One song sounds like the Stones, the next Bowie.. not really sure what they would sound like intrinsically. Not bad not great for me
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Just meh. Funk is good but lyrics are so juvenile it gets tiresome. I think I’m just too old for this one!
Nas
3/5
Not my genre but I can here some value here.
Scritti Politti
3/5
I was around in the eighties and it was much more fun than this album.
Very meh.
Muddy Waters
4/5
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.
Elastica
4/5
What can I say? I’m a sucker for sassy girl bands.
Radiohead
2/5
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!
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
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.
Grizzly Bear
2/5
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.
Parliament
5/5
Ohhhh yeahhhhhhhh.
This is TASTY
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
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.
Sebadoh
1/5
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.
The Zutons
3/5
Fun listen!
Nothing super memorable, but I’m not mad at it.
Could be a good road trip album.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
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.
B.B. King
5/5
THIS MAN!
What a voice, what a talent, what an entertainer!
This is some real live blues and I am HERE FOR IT!
Tom Waits
2/5
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.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Y’all can keep Thriller and the moonwalk. I am so over Billie Jean. THIS is my ultimate Michael album. Get your funk on!
Emmylou Harris
3/5
The Taylor Swift of the AARP set. Heartbreak lyrics, country/pop. She needs to tour with TS: her record sales would soar.
Röyksopp
2/5
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.
Dire Straits
4/5
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.
Green Day
4/5
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.
Incubus
3/5
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.
CHIC
3/5
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.
David Bowie
3/5
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.
Pink Floyd
4/5
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?
Khaled
4/5
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!
Marvin Gaye
4/5
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.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
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.
Blur
3/5
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.
Sepultura
2/5
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.
Tears For Fears
4/5
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.
Eminem
5/5
Pure freakin genius. Often disturbing, but still genius.
David Bowie
3/5
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.
Orange Juice
3/5
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.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
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
Ravi Shankar
3/5
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.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
2/5
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.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Apart from Son of a Preacher Man, this is kinda meh. Bunch of thirsty woman songs.
Moby
4/5
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.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Smooth soul/ jazz. Mellow vibe.
Beatles
4/5
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.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
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.
Billy Bragg
4/5
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.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
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.
Sade
3/5
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.
The Yardbirds
3/5
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.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Middle of the road pop rock. Fine, I guess but not the “modern classic” he so humbly claimed he set out to make.
Randy Newman
4/5
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.
Talking Heads
5/5
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.
1/5
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.
Nightmares On Wax
4/5
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.
Miles Davis
3/5
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.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
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.
Robbie Williams
3/5
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.
Morrissey
2/5
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.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
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.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
Mediocre garage band music from start to finish. A mediocre band would get three stars, but Mr. Young knows better than this.
Saint Etienne
3/5
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.
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
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.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
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.
Van Halen
4/5
Fun album. Good rock and roll vibes. Nothing too serious. RIP Eeddie💕
Blondie
4/5
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!
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
This sounds like the album where the terms “middle of the road” and “Dad Rock “ were created
David Crosby
2/5
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.
Kanye West
5/5
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.
Nick Drake
3/5
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.
Metallica
2/5
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.
Suicide
3/5
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!
Ice Cube
4/5
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.
The xx
3/5
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.
Gil Scott-Heron
2/5
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.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
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!
The Doors
3/5
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.
Jeff Buckley
2/5
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.
Barry Adamson
2/5
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.
The Beau Brummels
1/5
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.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Great energy on this one!
Pop, a little bit bluesy at times. Mixes things up, loads of layers, the album flies by. Very enjoyable.
Sabu
3/5
Latin dance music, conga drum focus. Would be good background music for a summer pool party.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
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.
The Band
3/5
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.
Buzzcocks
4/5
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.
Johnny Cash
2/5
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.
Tito Puente
3/5
Mad Men-era Latin nightclub dance music. Mix up a cocktail and enjoy!
Led Zeppelin
4/5
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.
Travis
3/5
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.
The Police
4/5
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
4/5
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!
Pentangle
2/5
A trip to the Ren Faire was not what I was expecting today…
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
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.
MGMT
3/5
Pleasant electronic pop music. Pretty slick. Good debut album but lacking any real feeling.
Elton John
4/5
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.
The Charlatans
3/5
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.
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
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.
Michael Jackson
4/5
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.
4/5
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.
Taylor Swift
2/5
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.
Paul Simon
2/5
Thank goodness for Julio hanging out by the schoolyard. Without him this album would be a stone cold one star event.
KISS
2/5
It turns out these guys were nowhere near as good a as 12 year old me thought they were.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
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.
Frank Zappa
3/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
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.
Arrested Development
3/5
I wanted to like this, but just couldn’t get very into it. Felt repetitive towards the end. Not my jam.
2/5
Não, obrigado
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Got some important topics in here. But overall it’s just not grabbing me like I want it to. Probably partly because I’m not a jazz fan. Not an album that I instantly want to listen to again.
FKA twigs
3/5
smooth high-pitched vocals over more energetic electronic background music.
Not bad but nothing spectacular for me.
The Shamen
3/5
Electronic club music from the 90’s. Feels odd to just sit and listen to it for this project. Wasn’t meant for that.
Bumping, certainly would get me on the dance floor.
Elvis Costello
5/5
I can imagine Elvis Costello ending up in my “controversial artists” list, but for a good reason. It’s not that the quality of his work is ever poor. It’s that Elvis is not afraid to explore different musical genres according to his personal interest over the years. I have seen him several times in concert, some were “amazing!” and some were “meh” to me, because the musical styles were very different. Sometimes he and I are not on the same wavelength. Not the case with this album though!
This is his 5 star album for me. He truly hit the target with this one.
GZA
2/5
I like some tap but there has to be a good underlying groove. Didn’t feel it on this one, and not into the subject matter so it’s a miss for me.
David Bowie
4/5
This album includes the song Fame, which is my favorite Bowie song. However, it also contains a very undeniable cover of across the universe. David Bowie did not need to be doing covers. Some early disco tunes that sound a bit dated now but were surely ahead of their time in release. But Young Americans itself is a great song. Probably a 3.5 but I’m going to round up,
Al Green
4/5
When an album starts with one of the greatest songs of all time, the rest is bound to feel like a let down. Which is true of this album, but after listening to it several times, the rest is also very good.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
My kids were all up in my grill about not giving five stars to To Pimp a Butterfly. But now I’m even more glad I didn’t because this album is a much better listen! All the stars!
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
I discovered the music of JMJ while living in France in the 1980s.
In my opinion his masterpiece album is Equinoxe. Believe me, the next time you are driving someplace with beautiful scenery, put that album on and feel the majesty of it all.
This album predates it though, which is probably why it was selected.
Music that you really need to sink into. Close your eyes, let it take you on a journey. It was ahead of its time, definitely deserves a listen.
The White Stripes
4/5
Didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did! Good dirty guitar, catchy rhythms and melodies. Good stuff. The first half is Five Star quality but sadly it does drop off a bit after that.
3/5
I don’t usually think of the Kinks and the Beatles in the same category. Maybe I haven’t ever paid attention, or maybe in 1969 everybody tried to sound like the Beatles.
In any case, this was okay. But I didn’t love it. I even went back to focus on the lyrics and the social commentary, but, meh. I’m not British and not an Anglophile, don’t drool over Monty Python etc, so it’s just not my jam. This is the first Kinks album I’ve gotten in this project. I hear there are FOUR. Seems excessive. Hoping some of the others are more interesting, and justify their inclusion.
Beyoncé
2/5
I was excited to listen to a Beyoncé album, after hearing about her for years.
Welp, now I can say I’ve listened.
It’s a no from me dawg, sorry.
Lots of sexy talk, but where’s the sexy MUSIC?? No soul at all. What a let down.
Addendum: Out of curiosity, due to all the Beyoncé hype I’ve heard over the years, I checked out a few of her other albums and they were MUCH better than this one. It’s not a talent issue, more a production/style weakness.
Solange
3/5
Solange’s musical style is not one that resonates with me much. But I am impressed with the seriousness of intent behind this album. Instead of just vacuous pop she has created a piece of work that uplifts, educates, proclaims pride in herself and her community. Well-done.
Bad Brains
2/5
Rock/Metal/Punk, not too loud, not too anything really. Not too bad, not too good. I suppose if I was in a bar back in the day I wouldn’t have minded this playing in the background. Somehow the blending of the different genres didn’t quite work for me. It wasn’t excellent enough at any one of them to make it memorable.
Beatles
3/5
It’s got some of my favorite classic hits but is very bloated with mediocre filler. One point should be deducted just for that cheesy Goodnight song at the end. Probably could have been a five star single album with proper editing.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This dude really doesn’t sing does he? It all just sounds like he’s either talking or yelling. Some of these songs just have such a boring beat. I kind of remember always being bored when his stuff came on back in the day when I wanted to be dancing.
Clarence on the sax helps.
This album is a 2.5, will decide tomorrow which way to round it.
Klaxons
3/5
This is fun! A new find for me. Nothing earth shatteringly creative but got me bouncing. Totem on the Timeline is the highlight track for me.
Probably deserves a 3.5, not sure if I can stretch it to a four.
Prince
5/5
I love music that makes me move and if it’s got some funk, then even better.
Clearly this is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Queen
3/5
Is it sacrilege to not like Queen?
I don’t need my music to sound like it’s part of some big stage epic event. I recognize their originality and maybe will bump the rating up a star for that, but honestly it feels like giving in to pressure. Look how big our sound is! Look at how different we are! You HAVE to love us!
No I don’t.
Beck
3/5
A very pretty, very low energy album. Some days I really like it, and other days I’m just not in the mood.
Lost Cause truly is a beautiful song.
Eric Clapton
3/5
I wonder if hearing this music live would make a difference. I’m listening to it feeling like the energy that l should be hearing just isn’t being captured. The last song, Mainline Florida, gets cranking. Would have liked more of that side of Clapton. Much of the rest is too bland.
Also, I’m aware that Clapton is an asshole, but am going to just judge the music on here.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Heads will Roll is my favorite track. Some of this is fun but overall it’s inconsistent.
Queen
3/5
This album bothers me less than their Sheer Heart Attack one did, which was randomized to me than a week ago. This one has slightly less theater style melodrama. Now I wish i had given that album only two stars. Because this one is better but still ain’t getting four!
Malcolm McLaren
5/5
I’m a rhythm hound. I love all the variety of rhythms on this album. The more times I listen to this the more I enjoy it. I was always familiar with Malcolm McLaren because I owned the album after this one back in real time. So I knew it would be something original and somewhat challenging. I’m not disappointed!
This is so ahead of its time, including the hilarious radio interstitials… including a shout out to city of my birth, Poughkeepsie!!
Reading other reviews of this album, thinking about cultural appropriation: this album is clearly guilty of that. I’m appreciative of whoever named Mahalthini and the Mahotella Queens, who appear (uncredited!!) on this album.
That review led me to their music… LOVE! They deserve to be on this list in their own right.
I’m grateful for finding them, even in this roundabout way. They certainly deserve recognition. Their talent is a big part of the success of this album.
I want to give this album five stars but perhaps won’t based on how the credit might not have been shared properly. Need to give it a think because I do love the cleverness of this album and the exposure it gave to different rhythms. My policy, with albums of other musicians whom I ethically disagree with, is to just rate on my experience of the album. know that I’m aware that this is problematic.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I can enjoy Neil Young when he isn’t singing falsetto. This is an album I can imagine chilling to while relaxing in front of a fire. Good guitar work that sometimes lingers a bit too long on one idea, but does provide a space to zone out.
Lou Reed
4/5
Not what I expected. This is a stripped down album with a variety of moods. Some songs that are actually pretty tender and old school which I didn’t associate with Lou Reed. Very good find!!
Neil Young
2/5
Too much of the falsetto Neil on this one. Not a fan. Also this is my second Neil Young album this week. The fact that I consider this too much does not bode well for his rating.
Method Man
2/5
Meh. What am a I missing here? It doesn’t have enough funk for good hip hop, beats don’t hit all that hard till towards the end, and the lyrics aren’t giving me anything deep.
Depeche Mode
3/5
There are a few all-time classics on here. Enjoy the Silence, being my favorite. But overall it’s a bit too impersonal to be above average.
Joy Division
2/5
Too electronic to get an authentic emo feel. Too emo to get a good electronic dance groove.
Near miss.
Judas Priest
3/5
I’m not a metal fan generally. But this wasn’t bad at all! No frills. Straightforward rock without the painful screaming, both vocally and on the guitar, that metal sometimes has.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Bluesy genius guitar player.
T. Rex
3/5
Doesn’t get more middle of the road than this one! It’s fine. It is not spectacular.
Various Artists
4/5
I’m no Scrooge… this album on Christmas morning was an excellent start to the day!
Aerosmith
3/5
I like Aerosmith. I don’t LOVE Aerosmith. I would like to give it 3.5 stars. Because I think it deserves more than 3 stars. But 4 stars seems to be pushing it.
The Verve
3/5
I do like their vibe so it’s not hard to listen to this album. But there’s certainly isn’t much variety to it. 3.5 if I could. Bittersweet Symphony really is a great tune but nothing else on this album is half as good.
The Zombies
2/5
I think it’s supposed to be poppy, kind of cheerful. Whatever, I don’t like these harmonies or this little style
Madonna
5/5
The title song in this album is transcendent to me. One of my top 10 songs. So right there the album is deserving a high rating.
But I’m also going to give it the 5 stars that Madonna’s debut album deserves, but can’t get because it was somehow not included on this list! Like A Virgin should also be here. Meanwhile other Madonna albums that are definitely inferior are included. This is the best on the list, and is getting all the love that Madonna deserves. Hopefully future editions of this book will reconsider the Madonna choices.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
This has a few too many outstanding songs to give it an average score. But the ones that aren’t outstanding are very average!
Happy Mondays
3/5
Never heard of this band before. I like the energy. Enjoyed the first song very much but unfortunately the rest didn’t live up to my expectations after that one.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Sometimes I just don’t feel like working to understand. He basically writes poetry then puts the poem to music. So many poems in the world that I kind of know I should grasp the meaning, but I don’t quite. That’s this album: I know the lyrics are special but I’m not in the mood to work for it, and it’s not musical enough for me to want to come back to it later.
Slipknot
2/5
This is not my preferred music genre. But it wasn’t that hard to listen to. It’s really only the vocal growling/yelling aspect of metal that turns me off.
Yes
2/5
Prog rock. Does it take talent? Yes. Do the songs drag on way too long? Also yes. YES.
The Cramps
2/5
I usually am a sucker for rockabilly, and this is full of that rhythm. But the lack of melody really is bothersome.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Interesting pick!
I’m old enough to know many Beach Boys songs but I didn’t know a single one on this album.
Not as peppy as some of their earlier stuff, shows maturity. Easy to listen to in the moment but honestly very forgettable, because I’ve listened to parts of it 2-3 times today and I keep forgetting what it sounds like
Neil Young
4/5
There are 8 songs on this album. A few of them are sublime. See the Sky About to Rain is the standout for me. Moving Pictures is also very lovely.. Overall I enjoyed 7 out of the 8 songs.. But he had to go ruin things smack dab in the middle by singing with that horrible falsetto on the song “For the Turnstiles”. It’s a shame because it took me out of my enjoyment for a bit. But overall a very good album.
Lauryn Hill
3/5
The little kid chats about love in between the songs were cute. It’s not a good omen when I remember them more than the actual music. I mean, it’s good, it’s fine. But it doesn’t distinguish itself from lots of other R&B music. I listened to it this morning and tonight I’m looking at the song titles and can’t remember what they sound like.
The Gun Club
2/5
It’s a 2.5 star album for me. I don’t mind listening to it, but it sounds like it could be from the 50’s not 1981. There is fun in it but not enough creativity to round up.
Tim Buckley
1/5
Why did so many folk singers in the 60’s decide that singing as pretentiously as possible was a good thing? The style of music often reminds me of a Ren faire. Not one I ever want to listen to again.
R.E.M.
3/5
I know that many people worship this album. Back in the day, this was always held up as the best REM album before they went “too commercial”. But I’m thinking that adding some melody and a an occasional burst of energy was not a bad thing for them to learn.
This album is a mood. And a tone. Just one. For 44 minutes. Great start, because they had found their own sound, and that in itself is very important, but not their best in my opinion.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Ouch. Not sure why anybody would find this enjoyable. And it doesn’t even feel all that aggressive for angry types. Just annoying. The vocals on the last track did catch the attention of my cats. I think they thought one of their own had been injured.
Fats Domino
4/5
What a smooth voice. This music seems so simple now, it’s easy to forget that it was groundbreaking at the time. Elvis was a direct copy.
Spotify recommended Fats Domino Swings (1959) based on this, and that one was more enjoyable to me, but this one is a good start.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Not sure why there needed to be two Depeche Mode albums on the list. They are very similar. Not meant to be a criticism of the band, I enjoy their mood at times and certainly danced to them plenty. There is just so much variety out there to explore, and Depeche Mode is a very specific sound that doesn’t ever seem to stray far.
Kate Bush
4/5
Kate Bush is an artist whose name I’ve heard for decades but whose music I never searched out. But this was good! She loses me a bit on the second half of the album, which follows a bit of a more experimental concept theme. It feels a bit more inconsistent than side A- but also more ambitious.
I’m glad I got to hear this!
Elliott Smith
2/5
Wow. This dude picked a lane and STUCK. WITH. IT.
Do not listen to this while driving late at night. It’s pretty but so so monotonous.
Traffic
3/5
It’s all right. Kinda Mellow rock with alot of organ. Is this considered prog rock? I don’t care for prog rock so maybe that’s why, although I can appreciate the talent, I’m just not feeling this. The music kind of meanders. Prog rock to me is music that goes on for too long without really getting anywhere.
Pink Floyd
4/5
So much beauty in this album. I feel like Welcome to the Machine drags it down just enough to miss out on five stars. But not to worry Pink Floyd will reach that summit.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Straightforward blues rock. Compared to The Rolling Stones genre-wise, but lacking any of the Stones’ edginess. These guys are more like a litter of puppies while the Stones are a pride of panthers.
Steely Dan
4/5
My Old School is the big hit on this album, but many if the other tracks are just as enjoyable. Show Biz Kids and King of the World bring it down a little bit for me. So not quite five stars but still an enjoyable album.
The Go-Go's
5/5
This song makes me smile from start to finish! Of course I spent hours dancing to it as a teenager, so I’m biased.
It holds up though! All these years later! Other albums have disappointed me by not aging well, but this still has me moving. It’s actually better than I remember! Peppy beat, good production, fun lyrics. The Go-Go’s are a great fun vibe.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
This is a top find for me from this project. Can’t believe I’ve never heard it before. I’m a sucker for ambient synth music. My favorite album of this genre is still Jean-Michel Jarre’s Equinoxe.( If you like this album, especially the second track, check that one out.)
This album is definitely one that you want to give your full attention. Under a starry sky let yourself sink into it. It is expansive and meditative. I can’t wait to listen to it on my next camping outing and let my mind relax and follow this music.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
1/5
Wow. Spinning Wheel is ok on is own, I guess, but it is not enough to lift this bloated ponderous mess into anything I ever want to listen to again. Cheesy vocals, often sounds self-important. Then turns to instrumental jazz at the end. It’s a mish mash of styles and sounds I enjoy. Part of me feels like they deserve two stars because there is clearly good musicianship on here. But I really suffered through it, and it was long dragged out enough at the end to annoy me to the point of only giving it one star.
Nitin Sawhney
4/5
Way to get an extra star out of me: have an album cover that makes me expect screaming post-punk, and then don’t be that.
Against all expectations I enjoyed most of this one. I guess it might be called jazz? But then there are tracks that are trance. At its low-point,for me, it approaches easy-listening. It’s very varied, and there are a couple of clunkers, but one consistency is that most of the melodies seem middle-eastern inspired. I’m not even sure how to explain any of this. I just know that it was unexpected, and unpredictable and very much kept my interest.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Where did Janis come from? This planet was certainly not her home.
Then behind her, the musicianship is excellent, although some of the instrumentals went on a bit long for my taste. When you have Janis, focus on Janis!
Wilco
3/5
I saw it was Wilco and thought, “I bet this will be a three star album”. You can count on them to give you some straightforward earnest music. Always pleasant, uncomplicated, never awe-inspiring. They’re Wilco, they’re fine.
Paul McCartney
3/5
This one is a bit of a mish-mash of different styles. I guess Paul was just working out what he wanted to do without the rest of the band. Overall very inconsistent. It includes the masterpiece “Maybe I’m Amazed”, then some short little ditties, a bluesy instrumental number, etc.
Feels more like an insight into him just trying things out at home than an actual album.
ZZ Top
3/5
Just straight up guitar-based blues rock. All of it sounds pretty much the same. Not much vocal melody, plenty of straight-up 4 beat guitar.
Hookworms
4/5
This album has an awful opening riff. I thought for sure it was going to be a struggle to get through the album. Happily, it switched up after about 90 seconds, and the rest of the album was enjoyable and interesting. The music is multi-layered, has energy. Unfortunately the band is no more, due to alleged abusive behavior by the lead singer. I had never heard of them before today and now there is no future for them. But I am happy to know this album.
Culture Club
2/5
For music that theoretically is supposed to make you move, most of these songs are very static. Boy George Is mostly locked into soulful white boy vocal mode, with minimal dynamics.
I know the Culture Club radio hits, and based on those I expected better from this album.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
This album almost feels schizophrenic the way goes from super mellow folk music to electric psychedelic rock. I do appreciate their willingness to experiment and not be pigeonholed. It was a bit long, I would have cut a few of the folk tunes, but I do appreciate this album’s creativity.
ZZ Top
4/5
What a pleasant surprise! I only knew the post-MTV ZZ Top music, which I find very generic. This album is MUCH bluesier than the one in this list from the 80s, which I just had assigned to me earlier this week. This band really went backwards musically over time. They became a shtick.
k.d. lang
2/5
Old school lounge music. She’s got a very rich tone. I just have little interest in this style of music.
The Verve
3/5
This starts out so strong, but loses steam halfway through. By the last few songs I was very ready for it to be over, which I wasn’t expecting. The sameness got to me.
Coldplay
2/5
I don’t know why I find this band’s music so annoying. Objectively there is some variety, but subjectively I want them to shut up. My emotional reaction to this is the same as to toddlers whining.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
Some real classics on here. Her vocal tics can grate after awhile but she wasn’t afraid to go in hard!
Beth Orton
3/5
First time listening to her. Nice voice, reminds me of Natalie Merchant? To me awhile to figure that out.
The problem isn’t her voice, just that none of the songs seem to go anywhere. Very flat. And then the songs also don’t build on each other. It's not atmospheric enough for floating along to, but never picks up enough energy to get things moving. Meh.
Genesis
2/5
Prog rock. I hate it. Pretty sure I heard flutes in one track. I hate flutes.
Ren faire feel on parts.
I won’t one star this, because it clearly took talent. It just is full of things I personally don’t care for.
4/5
I remember the radio hits, but never paid attention to Oasis otherwise. This album is excellent! They sound very influenced by the Beatles, but dare I say I would rather listen to this than many Beatles albums.
Catchy beats, good energy. They always sound like themselves , but there’s enough variety or movement to keep it interesting. I may be a new Oasis fan.
Joni Mitchell
1/5
Her voice has always been like nails on a chalkboard to me, I can’t stand the rhythms she chooses, this was almost physically painful for me to get through. Also, as much as I was trying not to listen too closely was she singing about being a slave on several tracks? WTF
Pink Floyd
5/5
This is one of the most obvious 5 star albums of all. Pure genius. Turn out the lights and get lost in this one.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
I was surprised at the date of this one as I associate there Cocteau Twins with the 80’s.
This was alot of… nothing. Airiness with no energy. Very difficult to tell one track from the next. It didn’t hurt to listen to it so I’ll give it two stars, but if it were up to me I wouldn’t include this album on this list at all.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
This album is so disjointed. Different style songs . I’m not sure what he was going for. Solsbury Hill is the hit and by far the stand out track. Then there’s a song called Excuse Me that sounds like Randy Newman.
His best was definitely ahead of him.
Pere Ubu
3/5
I had to listen to this a few times to “get it”. It didn’t help that they start the album with an evil noise for the first 33 seconds. WHY??
Once that is over there is wildly inventive music and some good beats, but it is challenging at first listen. And in the case of the track Sentimental Journey, it is challenging every time.
But man some of the other tracks I know I’ll want to listen to again!
A three star rating from me usually means the album is very middle of the road. This album is anything but that! But it has some high highs and low lows, so this is where we end up.
The 13th Floor Elevators
3/5
This is so 60’s. Just very typical psychedelic rock that you would expect in the background of any 60s TV show. Nothing earthshattering.
Norah Jones
3/5
Got this romantic album on Valentine’s Day. Maybe not a coincidence? Very pretty, low key. I would have liked some grit, which is really not present. There’s nothing really to object to, which I guess is what I object to!
4/5
Where has this album been hiding all my life? I really like it. And for some reason this is NOT what I thought the band XTC sounded like. I thought they were a punk band? And here they are sounding more like the Beatles. I need to do a deeper dive. But this album is interesting/pretty/creative, especially the first half. Loses steam slightly towards the end.
Good find!
M.I.A.
3/5
Great energy! Distinctive sound. Tracks start to sound a bit interchangeable by the end. New find for me, will probably come back to it.
3.5
Nick Drake
1/5
Warning: Zero joy found within.
This guy needs a jolt of caffeine or something. My Gawd it felt like these songs dragged on forever.
I will never understand why many singer-songwriters in the late 1960’s, early 1970s decided to use Ren Faire voices. It is an instant turnoff. Further points deducted if you bring in flutes. I started off pretty much resigned that this was going to be a two star album. But the more I listened to it the more I wanted it to end, so I may not even give it that many.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Holy shit!
I for sure could have happily gone through my life without experiencing this. And if it doesn’t give me some nightmares there may be something psychologically wrong with me.
Enjoyable it wasn’t, but it’s going to get an extra star just for the sheer twistedness of it!
Life tip: please keep your distance from the people who are give this album five stars and say they love it. They worry me.
The United States Of America
4/5
This is one of a few albums on this list that snuck up on me. The first two tracks are pretty challenging and I thought I was in for a rough hour. But then the tone changed and even though there was some more work to be done, by keeping an open mind I actually ended up really enjoying most of this. Talk about not phoning it in!! It’s very creative. I’m sorry the band broke up after this, their only album.
Heads up: The version on Spotify includes about a half hour of added tracks from a later release. My practice is to only rate the original album tracks. I actually haven’t listened to the additions yet, I am on my second listen of the original.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Occasionally I noticed my toes were tapping, but most of this was very unpleasant. Screeching is not musical. I will say the album isn’t boring. Maybe that’s enough to lift it higher than 1 star. Would give it 1.5 if I could.
Beck
4/5
Pretty chill. Maintains a consistent mood without being boring. Flows right along. Not really a banger but good background/hangout music.
Queen
4/5
It’s got some great hits, but it also has quite a few novelty type songs that I could live without. Probably a 3.5 for me personally, but I’ll round up for their willingness to switch things up.
Minutemen
1/5
The big problems on this album occur when the lead singer tries to sing. I mean… no. When he talks or yells it goes on, but when he actually tries to sing on key? Painful.
The instrumental musicians are good.
This probably should have been two or three separate albums. Over an hour of this group was way more than I wanted to hear.
Garbage
3/5
Meh. Pretty straightforward garage band rock. Very middle of the road.
Kate Bush
3/5
Kate’s music always carries a feeling of otherworldliness that is appealing, but otherwise I didn’t find much to bite into on this one.
Sonic Youth
1/5
I need more melody, less distortion.
On first listen it’s a 1.5 for me.
DJ Shadow
2/5
When I read the description of this being instrumental hip-hop from vinyl samples I was pretty psyched. Unfortunately I was expecting something funky and this was not that. This is very percussive/drum heavy. I was hoping for some dirty bass lines.
I need more melody!!
Black Sabbath
4/5
This is one banger after another honestly. Not the genre of music I usually prefer but I enjoyed this. Listened to it a few times through.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
This guy knows how to write some catchy music.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
This is some bland soulless music. Reminds me of a pretend TV band, like the Partridge Family. It didn’t offend, so I will probably give it three stars, unless I decide to deduct a star because this was made in 1991 and not 1975 when that kind of music was expected.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This girl likes to belt it out with full energy every time. Don’t be looking for subtlety or chill out vibes from this one! Nothing real deep to distinguish it from any other pop album.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I frequently see this album listed as one of the all time greats. And so I have listened to it several times over the years.
I just don’t get it. I can appreciate that for 1966 it was technically advanced and different. But as a listener I just don’t enjoy it all that much. It’s too saccharine? Sorry, I’ve tried many times to like this!
The Roots
4/5
This album is ALOT y’all. I kinda wish it was two albums. It’s all excellent but occasionally there will be a harsh shift in style that takes you out of the sweet groove you were in. Like they wanted to show the different styles they could do, or discuss all the ideas, which are all important but sometimes it’s confusing to take it all in at once.
Not to take away that this is a banger of excellence.
My faves: Thought@work, The Seed, Pussy Galore
k.d. lang
3/5
Well this is the closest you’ll get to a Patsy Cline album on this list.
Which is a sin. But this is a pretty good facsimile!
The song quality diminishes a bit towards the end. Deserves 3.5 stars but I’m going to round it down to three because of that.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
If this album had been made in the 60’s or even the 70’s I probably would give it four stars. I like this genre. But the fact that it was made in 2006 and is borrowing an older style bugs me. I acknowledge she had a good voice. I just prefer when artists try to move music forward, or somehow be original. Nothing about this ever felt new or original to me.
Deep Purple
3/5
So I was expecting Prog Rock, which I tend to mightily dislike. Instead this was some straight forward rock, and some moments of bluesy rock that I really enjoyed. Towards the end (of disk one on Spotify, which is the original album. I don’t feel the need to rate the add-ons) it got into some more dragged out solos/proggy stuff. That brings the star count down. But I was surprised to like a bunch of this!
I’d probably rate it a 3.5. Not sure which way I will round, will decide after my second listen.
Fugazi
2/5
This is always tough. I can hear the talent, but I just don’t care for it. I didn’t enjoy listening to this album. This is where I give two stars and feel guilty. But I will give special props to the drummer! That was my favorite part. The vocals were not my jam.
Fugees
3/5
Listen, if you’re going to make an album over an hour long, you need a reason. I don’t want to listen to the same style/beat over and over and over again, no matter how good it is.
They’re a talented bunch for sure but I’m not really digging their rapping beats, even when the lyrics are excellent. Idk man, I feel like I should like this more than I do. Obviously I’m not their target audience, old white lady that I am, but that doesn’t stop me from loving on some other rap/hip hop albums. I think the whole rap/reggae vibe isn’t for me. I like reggae. I like SOME hardcore rap. But the overlying rap is kinda ruining the musical reggae vibe for me.
This is a 2.5 for me. I’ll probably round up because I think it’s more a me problem than a them problem.
CHVRCHES
2/5
Drum machines that remind me of the 80’s but not enough energy in most of these tunes to drum up any excitement. Synth music lacking in any soul. The female vocalist songs in particular bother my ears. I suppose if I was at a rave and this was blasting really loud and I was under the influence, maybe this would feel fun? But I’m way too old to ever find out, and good music shouldn’t require large crowds and substances to be enjoyable.
A rare album where the more times I listened to it the less I enjoyed it.
Bauhaus
2/5
This is so far out of my wheelhouse. However It played through at least three times this morning while I was reading so eventually I got used to it. Although it did grow on me, there were only a few songs that were melodic enough for me to halfway enjoy them. Too harsh for me.
Jeff Beck
4/5
I see this album described as early metal, but it didn’t sound like that to me? It’s blues rock. And it’s excellent.
AC/DC
4/5
Good old fashioned head banger! Straight up!
Dr. Dre
4/5
Old school west coast rap. Not Straight Outta Compton good, but still very good.
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
So, five days ago I got an album described as goth rock, which was a first for me. I didn’t enjoy it much and didn’t really feel a strong goth connection.
Then came this album with the same description on Wikipedia. I had never heard of this band, so wasn’t expecting much…
I LOVED THIS! Turned the volume up after the first 15 seconds. Really brings me back to my late 80s dance club days. I don’t remember this band, maybe they didn’t break big in the US? But this hits the mood… really great album.
Deep Purple
2/5
Eh, not a fan of long solos. Just not my style. I need some funk, maybe some kind of emotion.
Jacques Brel
3/5
I mean, you know… it’s a vibe. Practically a cliche, with the accordions and all. I do speak French well enough to get the gist of the lyrics, which helps me to appreciate this. He’s super well known in France, but in my opinion if a classic French singer was going to be included I would have voted for Charles Trenet.
Also, I’m no Brel expert, but I’m willing to bet this is not his best album.
Buck Owens
2/5
I can see why this was included. It is a very classic old American country style. It has some charm, not particularly my jam.
Faith No More
4/5
Good album! Lots of energy. Manages to have melody along with rock power. Enjoyed this more than I expected.
The Black Crowes
4/5
This is some sexy blues rock right here. I’m digging it. 4.5
Happy Mondays
2/5
Very tinny sound! Very strange because that was not the sound of 1988. Not sure if they just had a crap production team.
Very generic, monotone vocalist, lack of range makes for very little musical movement. It was a huge relief to know that the original album is only 37 minutes long, so I could ignore the rest of the 2 hour collectors addition on Spotify. Many of the songs feel like an eternity on their own. Was inclined to give it three stars at first but as the album went on, and the tingly jangly guitar went in and on, it worked its way lower.
The Only Ones
3/5
I’ve never heard or heard of this band. First song starts with some good sax - I’m hopeful! Then the vocals start and don’t line up with expectations at all. I’m sad!
Then the next song is not bad- vocals match the mood.
Suddenly we are in Violent Femmes territory. Not sure who came first but they are very similar.
Overall a slightly punkish pop sound. Definitely grew on me. The Immortal Story, which was the final track of the original album (there a reissue with bonus tracks) was the highlight for me.
Sigur Rós
5/5
Gorgeous, atmospheric, feels like the soundtrack of exploring the world on a gray damp day.
I didn’t know about “post rock” as a genre but it seems I’m a fan!
The Stooges
4/5
Nice mix of punk and Stonesy blues rock! A band I have always heard about but never took the time to listen to. Glad I did, this was enjoyable.
The Byrds
3/5
The vocals are pretty, but flaccid. The jangly guitar grates after awhile. It’s harmless but also not all that interesting.
Alice Cooper
4/5
This was much more complex musically than I ever would have expected. Some nice stylistic variety. Really nice surprise!
Radiohead
2/5
Long spells of this had me pondering whether the computer noises fit the definition of music. Some tracks had me wondering if the singer had any intention of singing in tune. Knives Outis the one track that I mildly enjoy. Is one song enough to go from one star to two? Kills me that there are four Radiohead albums in the list. And none of them are Pablo Honey!
1.5
The Byrds
3/5
Mostly pop-folk music but there are moments where they try to experiment a bit. I appreciate that they didn’t sound like a Renaissance fair like so many other 60s folk groups.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
I don’t know why this guy’s voice reminds me of a human drum machine. It just sounds kind of robotic. The music is bland. The whole thing sounds like it was made by AI. Soulless songs which drag on and on and on. Emotionless.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Such great fun youthful energy. The spirit of early rock and roll. A little bit rockabilly, a little bit doo-wop . The slower songs are not my favorites, but I do think to be fair the context of how new rock was needs to be taken into account. What a gorgeous voice! Sad we didn’t have this talent with us longer.
The White Stripes
4/5
Love the energy on this one. it’s uniquely them. Definitely creative. But it ends up feeling a bit long. Maybe it’s a lack of melodic vocal range? Still, hard to resist the joy of that guitar.
Small Faces
3/5
This is so aggravating! Starts off with some good music. Then before I knew it, it turns out this is a concept album full of spoken word fairy tale and its accompanying songs. Turns into almost kids music/ that 60s ren faire mood at times. But the instrumental work is excellent so it’s very frustrating. Based on the instrumental tracks, and the track Afterglow, I know they could make a five star album.
Wikipedia says this is their only concept album. I’m going to check out their other stuff. I suspect Small Faces is going to join Beyoncé on my personal list of artists where the wrong album was included in this book.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Who knew Rod had the raspy voice of a 85 year old all the way back in 1970? Pretty standard rock album. Easy to listen too but no real standout.
2/5
First 20 minutes, nothing short of painful.
After that there were some tracks where I could detect some rhythm, and tap my toes.
I maybe gained some kind of education from this? Idk, definitely isn’t anything I would include in a “must listen” book. But it’s different from the dozens of Brit pop albums, so there’s that. 1.5 stars
R.E.M.
3/5
REM have a vibe all their own. I could always take them or leave them, apart from some beautiful tracks on Automatic for the People. Michael Stipe’s droning vocals don’t inspire much in me. Strictly mid-level for me.
Green Day
4/5
Hasn’t listened to this one in ages. There are some big hits, but also some average stuff mixed in. Didn’t hold up as well as I might have predicted, but at this point I’m also far from the target age for this. If I put myself back in that time and age I can feel the thrill of it. At this point for me it’s a 3.5, but I can remember when it meant more than that.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I know she’s revered as a natural treasure. Doesn’t matter. I’ve never enjoyed more than maybe one or two of her songs. This is the second album of hers I’ve had on this list. I hated the first and don’t like this one. Snoozy and borderline pretentious. I said what I said!
The Velvet Underground
4/5
This one is going to take more than one listen to absorb. I tended to prefer the ones where Nico took the lead on the vocals. Which are so sweet compared to the Lou Reed songs. It’s a fairly schizophrenic album.
Sometimes the lyrics are so out there that it almost feels pretentious (The Black Angel’s Death Song, I’m looking at you). But then there’s I’m Waiting for the Man which is very immediate. And Heroin which doesn’t try to hide a thing.
Lots to think about. Not boring. But not really anything that is something that would make me happy to listen to. I can only imagine going back to this if I’m in a pretty low mood and just want to sit in a little funk.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Honestly it took two go-rounds to really listen to this. And then suddenly I realized that it is gorgeous. It’s not in your face, so you can have it playing in the background and dismiss it as better than average smooth R&B. But when you sit with it, the genius is undeniable. One beautiful song after another. So few misses even though it’s a long double album.
This isn’t necessarily my favorite genre but i can’t deny this one. I look forward to sitting in the sun with this one this summer.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Come on now. She’s gotta have something better than this! These songs are dreck.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I can only take so much of his limited singing range. This exceeded my patience by a good half hour. Nobody needs a Bob Dylan double album. On the bright side, I am a sucker for the harmonica.
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
I can never bring myself to give a jazz album one star, because I know it’s my lack of understanding that is the problem. But over four hundred albums in, this was one of the most difficult to make myself listen to the whole way through. Dullllll. 1.5
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
Excellent blues rock! Don’t know why something is stopping me from giving it a five. Maybe the vocals? 4.5 I guess.
Brian Eno
4/5
Great tunes, reminds me of the Talking Heads, except Eno sometimes added extra layers which I imagine were trying to be experimental, but sometimes obscured the best part of the music instead of added to it.
Joe Ely
3/5
Wow, such great guitar playing.
Accompanied by such inane lyrics. What a shame. Does this guy have an instrumental album?
Paul Weller
4/5
This is one that will sneak up on you. Nothing flashy, but some solid songs, strong lyrics. His voice is pretty middle of the road -the writing carries this album, and I would love to hear other artists takes on these songs.
Second half is better than the first which was a pleasant surprise.
King Crimson
2/5
I’m not a prog rock fan at all. This isn’t as annoying as some. The middle eastern vibe of “The Talking Drum” was cool. Goes in the two star category with most jazz: I know it takes talent but I don’t want to listen to it.
The Waterboys
3/5
I should love this. I enjoy rock, Irish music, bluegrass. But the dudes manage to drag out every song for so damn long! The endless repetitive riff at the end of We Will Not Be Lovers is downright obnoxious.
I was ready to give it only two stars on first listen, but on repeated listening there are a few songs that I like enough to bump it up to three, despite some clunkers.
Queen Latifah
3/5
Eh. Some of the backing tracks got me moving, but her rap style is pretty bland. 2.5 at best but I’ll be nice and round up.
Coldplay
3/5
These guys are so boring. Not particularly offensive. Nice safe middle of the road three stars. Who cares.
The Associates
3/5
Another album that’s fine, but I don’t hear anything distinctive about it for it to merit being on this list. I think Scottish bands are graded on a curve by the author.
Finley Quaye
1/5
Noooooo. This is objectively not good. Somebody’s taking the piss here, as they would say in the UK. There was no need for me to have to listen to this.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Golden Age and Family Tree stand out on this album. The rest feels like background music to me.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Sorry smooth deep-voiced man. Listening to you talk isn’t all that interesting to me. I couldn’t wait for you to get to Phoenix and finish that damn song.
Walk on By was pretty enjoyable but even there the outro is way too long.
Overall this album is more about the backing musicians than the vocals. Talented people.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Mixed response to this one. Like the energy alot, not a huge fan of the lead vocal. Probably would give it 3.5 if I could, but not quite a four.
The Adverts
2/5
Don’t like punk? Try this! It’s punk lite!
Simple Minds
2/5
Talk about finding a sound and committing to it.
It could have been one long song for all I can tell. Zzzzzzzz
Chicago
2/5
Lots of skill but I really didn’t enjoy it. The repetitive groove in Poem 58 made me want to chop my ears off. It’s followed by Free Form Guitar, which was even more painful.
I guess I just don’t like this.
Brian Eno
3/5
Pretty. Chill. Probably good meditation music for people who do that? It is what it says it is. Hard to give a ton of stars for what is meant to be background music.
Portishead
3/5
Wow it’s tough to rate this one. I’ve had a week or two of really dull albums. This one is NOT. It made me take notice, and I appreciate that. The problem is I can’t really say that I enjoyed the majority of it. I do appreciate that I wasn’t bored for a second.. I would give it a 3.5 if I could.
Billy Bragg
4/5
I’ve been a fan of Billy Bragg for almost 40 years now. Love his lyrics, love his politics, love his heart. I appreciate his voice isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but his message should be heard by all. Very happy to see this on the list, and some of the songs are even more topical now than when this album came out so long ago.
Billy’s Worker’s Playtime album is one of my all time favorites and is my five star album of his. I urge you all to go give it a listen even though it wasn’t chosen for this list. It will break your heart.
fIREHOSE
3/5
This is a nice little album by a band i hadn’t heard before! I appreciate that it doesn’t seem to follow a specific formula or try to sound like anybody else. I’ve been on a run of really boring Brit-pop so what a relief! Just the contrast almost made me give this a four, but I’m not sure I will really come back to it. It is original but good not great. It would surely be a 3.5 if that were possible.
Le Tigre
4/5
Yes!! Is been awhile since I had a new discovery that I really enjoy! This is fun!
Eminem
4/5
I know I’m not supposed to laugh at this stuff, but…🤣. I figure as a woman I can get away with it more than some of you.
I’m gonna save the 5th star for the Marshall Mather album, but if I could give this 4.5 I would.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Very other-worldy from start to finish.
I like it. It’s moody. I think how much a person will enjoy it is going to be heavily dependent on the mood they are in at the time. I can’t say I love it, definitely not 5 stars for me.
Three stars doesn’t seem enough. Four is probably a stretch. This is a true 3.5 star album. I may round up because they really don’t sound at all like anybody else I’ve heard and I’m almost 500 albums in.
Tom Tom Club
2/5
80’s dance music, but not the good stuff.
I was there, and most of this was really uninspiring even back then. Songs are far too long and the beats are too pedestrian.
David Bowie
4/5
The man was a genius.
The first few songs on this one are 5 star quality but then it gets a bit less interesting.
I’m no fan of Bob Dylan so the tune in his style is a bit off a bummer for me. Queen Bitch sounds exactly like “ Take a Walk on the Wild Side” by the Velvet Underground. Turns out Bowie was first. Overall it’s still miles ahead of most.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I prefer my dance music to lean into funk, rather than electronic. I find this lacking in soul. But I can picture the rave culture having fun with it.
Brian Eno
4/5
It is wild how much Brian Eno’s albums differ from one another. This one also has a good bit of variety within it, but all high quality tracks. From dance music to meditative. I prefer the first , more upbeat half, with Backwater being my highlight track. It gets into ambient style in the second half, which knocked it down from what was going to be a five star album for me. But still a really good listen. Fantastic new discovery.
Christine and the Queens
3/5
2018 French pop sounds alot like 1980s American pop. But that’s not a bad thing! Still, i can’t give full credit when you’re copying off of a 30 year old paper
3.5
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
lol at first I thought there was something wrong with my internet connection or something? They drone in a way that sounds like static. I felt like I had to try hard to hear the melody. But the melody wasn’t interesting enough to be worth effort.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Beautiful harmonizing. Awful versions of Everybody’s Talking and Teach your Children.
I find their style can get monotonous
Rush
2/5
I confess that Rush triggers me.
In the 70s the boys in my high school used their boomboxes to blast Rush in the hallways every day for years. It was like a hostage situation. That high pitched vocal was not my jam. I admit that on this album there is less falsetto, but still.. I do not like Rush!
Suzanne Vega
3/5
She’s got some great lyrics and her voice is easy to listen to. The Queen and the Soldier is the highlight track for me. I’m not a big singer-songwriter fan, but this one was okay.
Gram Parsons
4/5
Gram Parsons. Another very familiar name that i don’t think I had ever listened to before. Very California-style country-rock. I thought for sure it was Linda Ronstadt singing with him, but nope, Emmylou Harris. Very pretty. Hearts on Fire is my favorite track. Overall mellow and enjoyable.
Television
4/5
Interesting album! I can definitely hear its influence in people who came after them. It’s not necessarily my jam, and would probably give it a 3.5, but I respect the musicianship and will round up.
2Pac
3/5
I’m an old white woman so I am not the target audience for this one. But I can hear that he is speaking the truth of his experience. Hard to rate, because I don’t necessarily want to listen to it again, but I know it is quality.
Moby Grape
2/5
This one I could have lived without. I guess it is added for the guitar work? The singer doesn’t seem to think staying on key is important.
Bob Dylan
2/5
This guy and his f*@$ing voice for almost an hour. If I give him two whole stars he can thank the harmonica, and the fact that he wrote Don’t Think Twice its Alright, even though I don’t like his performance of it.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Their high point. Includes some of the best songs ever written. Easy five stars.
Neil Young
3/5
I suppose I’ll go back and listen to this again to focus on the lyrics. Musically it’s pretty dull on first listen. Trying to go classical with “There’s a World” really did not pay off.
Ok did the lyrics review. Fortunately “Old Man”balanced out the drivel of “A Man Needs a Maid”. And now I finally know what Lynyrd Skynyrd were so upset about.
This one’s a 2.5 for me. Heart of Gold, Old Man, and The Needle and The Damage Done will probably get me to give it a three.
The Police
4/5
The energy of this album is just so good!
Brings back memories. This sounded like nobody else back in the day.
Almost a five. “Does Everyone Stare” is holding me back.
Skepta
4/5
Never heard of this guy before. I like the backing tracks! Smooth voice. Lyrics don’t do a ton for me but I don’t hate them either. Rap isn’t usually my thing. Apparently this is grime music, which I may have to explore because I’m kind of digging it. This is what makes this project great.
Can
5/5
I saw that this 7 song album was 73 minutes long and groaned. But somehow, I vibe with most of it! This is going to be my strangest five star album, I can feel it.
I’ve been wanting to try shrooms and this seems like a good soundtrack.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Pretty standard Elvis fare. Good take on Fever. Whoever wrote the lyrics for “The Girl Next Door went A’ walking” should feel embarrassed
Supergrass
5/5
A band I had heard of but never heard. Love the energy of this one! A solid wall of sound from start to finish! Where’s the mosh pit? I’m in!
The Young Rascals
3/5
The title track is stellar, but alot of this album is pretty bland. Also it felt strange to hear this very white guys do a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “A Place in the Sun”.
Common
5/5
A masterpiece.
Never would have heard this if I hadn’t done this project. This one feels like a gift.
Guided By Voices
3/5
The energy is good on most of these tracks, but some are severely underdeveloped. More snippets than songs. Overall easy to listen to but not very inspired.
Throwing Muses
3/5
There’s something about the lead singer’s voice that I don’t like much. Music is alright.
Stephen Stills
3/5
There are a few pretty good bluesy tracks on this album that I really enjoyed. Then there were some schmaltzier tunes towards the end that will lower its score. Overall though I was pleasantly surprised.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
I mean, it’s soundtrack background music mostly. It’s good, it’s got some funk, it’s smooth and calming at some points. Over an hour of it is more than I need. Feeling pretty conflicted on what to rate this. I get that it’s pretty unique, but I can’t imagine when I’m going to want to sit and listen to it again.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Listen I know that electronic music can have a soul. Jean-Michel Jarre’s Equinoxe album is a top 10 for me (you should check it out, so moving). But this? Sounds like tinny 1980s arcade game background music.
Their Autobahn album is MUCH better.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Told my son this was my album of the day.
His response: “it’s not musical genius but I bet we listened to it about a billion times”.
Head:4 stars. Heart: 5 freaking stars!
Madonna
3/5
I am a Madonna stan and it hurts me that this album was selected for this project. Do yourself a favor, skip this and listen to her debut instead (which absolutely SHOULD be on the list!) and then give her the five stars she deserves for single-handedly changing the music scene for female artists.
Björk
3/5
I listened to this one several times. It is much more accessible than the previous Bjork album I was assigned. There are some moments of beauty. I didn’t mind it playing in the background for atmosphere. Just didn’t click with me in any meaningful way where I would search it out to listen to again.
The Stooges
3/5
Straight up rock. Can hear punk on the way. The last track veered off too far into atonality and lost it half a star.
Leftfield
3/5
Honestly? Meh.
American Music Club
2/5
Hard to believe this is from 1988. Sounds like bland music from the mid-70s, not very well executed. Not great vocals, inane lyrics, derivative music.
There are many different reasons for me to disagree that an album should be on this list. It’s the not good ones that are also not innovative that annoy me the most.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
This Is one of those albums where I know I’m supposed to like it, but I just don’t.
Kind of like most Jazz albums, I acknowledge its creativity, and the talent it took to make it. It’s just not for me.
Goldfrapp
2/5
Sounds like a lullabye version of Kate Bush in the 1980s. Hard to believe this was made in the 21st century and for some reason determined to be noteworthy. Would be a sweet little album to fall asleep to.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
Jazz. Old school. Technically hit all the notes, didn’t feel very emotionally connected. Not my jam.
The Beach Boys
2/5
I know other people love them. But I don’t. And this is early on where they really don’t stray from the formula. So it’s alot of the same.
Oh shoot, just saw we all got The Beach Boys today because Brian Wilson died. Sorry my man, RIP.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
I mean, Marvin’s voice is smooth and sexy as always, but this is one long, drawn out, low-energy album. It’s pretty painful to sit and really focus on it for the entire album. Definitely background music, for while you’re (getting) busy.
The Dictators
3/5
Straightforward party rock. Nothing too deep but I liked their energy!
The Crusaders
2/5
For real, the inclusion of this album makes me need to read how the author of the list made his choices. Everybody must listen to elevator music before they die? I suppose it is a genre…
Fairport Convention
1/5
This is the kind of music that tempts me to skip an album. But I didn’t! Listened to the whole Ren faire type thing. I’m happy for the people that like this. I will never understand how this strike got SO popular in the late 1960s. Drugs make you want to go back in time?
The The
2/5
Nothing stands out on this album. It feels plodding. My life is not improved for listening to it. I almost forgot it was on as it was playing.
Deee-Lite
3/5
It’s house music. Pretty soulless, but you could get lost in it in the right situation. Good Beat is arguably a better song than Groove is in the Heart. None of the other tracks were memorable to me.
Radiohead
4/5
Back when Radiohead cared about melody. I miss those days. There are some beautiful moments. Fake Plastic Trees is a highlight for me.
Toward the end is a song, Sulk, which gives a preview into the direction they are heading. This song loses this album a star.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
1/5
No thank you!
Talks too much, yodels not particularly well.
Couldn’t wait for it to be over.
Clearly was an influence of Dylan’s, whose early music is also annoying, so that tracks.
This was a true struggle to get through. Short songs never felt so long.
The Cure
3/5
I’m not getting much of anything from this one, though I do love a good big drum machine sound. I suspect this isn’t their best album. Probably deserves a 2.5.
Tina Turner
4/5
The album linked in Spotify is NOT the original release so PLEASE ignore that painful version of HELP. It wasn’t in the original US version and it is godawful.
Once you eliminate that, it’s a fine album. That lady had soul and a great set of pipes!
John Martyn
3/5
It took me awhile to warm up to this one. I want to like it, but something isn’t quite hitting for me. The instrumentals are a level or two above the vocals. The style is interesting enough that I will probably check out some of his other albums. If you are a fan of Dave Matthews you will probably love this because Dave rips him off hard.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Long time fan, gets me moving. Let’s go!
Sonic Youth
3/5
A little harsh for my taste, I need more melody. But I could appreciate it. Probably need to give it another listen sometime to catch the subtleties.
The Damned
4/5
I’m not necessarily a punk fan but I did enjoy this one! Good energy.
Mj Cole
2/5
I mean… it’s too inoffensive to give this only one star but it’s really not interesting.
When the only accomplishment mentioned in Wikipedia is that you’re on this list, you shouldn’t be on this list.
Pretenders
4/5
I only knew their singles. Which are definitely the best tracks. Despite some not great tunes I would say It’s a better than average album. 3.5 which i will likely round up for its originality.
Deep Purple
3/5
Classic Rock. Bang your head.
Slade
4/5
Never heard of these guys, and the album cover made me think it would suck.
But No, I was happily surprised! This album had me smiling!
This is very fun summertime drive the pickup truck to the dive bar rock. Nothing complicated about it. Rack up the pool balls, grab the cue stick for some air guitar, enjoy that beer and let’s go!
Tom Waits
2/5
Tom Waits, the guy I’ve always heard of and said “yeah, I’ll have to check him out some day”. So now I have…
I chuckled for a bit, but ya know, after a few minutes something else got my attention. It’s hard to focus on a guy getting off on his own word play for over an hour. It wasn’t over my head, just tiresome. The part where he admits to masturbation was highly relevant.
Love
1/5
This album succeeded in having so many things that I dislike! Flute, bad singing, folky Renaissance faire genre… I really really didn’t like this. So much that I’m angry the author for having this on the list. For real, this crap and no solo Linda Ronstadt?? Shameful.
Dr. Octagon
2/5
Well it’s not great musically, it makes light of assault by medical providers, and it’s freaking odd. I would give it one star but it definitely made me listen to see what he was going to say next. It takes stones to release something this bizarrely nasty. I fully understand the “why is this on the list?” reaction to some albums. In this one’s case I think the answer is you have to hear it to believe somebody made this- and other people apparently bought it!
The Rolling Stones
5/5
They’re the greatest band in the world, and this is one of their best.
New Order
2/5
New Order is so much cooler in my memory than they are on this album. Low energy dance music, very repetitive. It has their trademark drum machine sound, but this isn’t their best and I don’t feel it made my life better having listened to it.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
This wasn’t bad. Not great enough that I think I’ll ever go back to it, but I appreciate their creativity, they don’t sound like everybody else. There are lots of different ideas on here.
808 State
2/5
Nah man. There is nothing special about this.
Metallica
3/5
Not a metal fan. The symphony helps, mellows things out a bit. In other words, I liked this better than other Metallica albums I’ve listened to, because it sounds slightly less like Metallica.
Adam & The Ants
2/5
Reading the Wikipedia entry this album was a big hit in the UK, which must be why it is on the list. Being from the US I have no nostalgia about this album, and therefore have no sadness in saying it isn’t very good.
4/5
It’s hard to believe this album was made in 1969! It’s at least a decade, if not two, ahead if its time. You can hear punk and grunge in here, along with some classic rock guitar shredding.
Pretty impressive. although not typically my taste in music, I have to respect these guys.
My enjoyment level is three stars but it gets a bonus star for being creative, energetic and prescient.
3/5
I’m kinda shocked that I didn’t hate this, as I fully expected to. I only listened to the 1972 edition though. No way am I listening to prog rock for over an hour if I don’t need to.
The music itself on this one was less useless noodling than lots of other prog rock, I must admit.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I’m a cis woman and I think I have more testosterone than this album does. The songs are all pretty, and a few are even very pretty, but I accidentally listened to it 1.5 times because my attention kept drifting away.
Marilyn Manson
4/5
I feel ashamed of myself for never listening to him sooner. So much controversy back in the day. This guy has talent. I also now have read that Trent Reznor was heavily involved in the production, which makes sense, I can hear that now. I can hear some hooks, the lyrics resonate still in current-day corporate hate-filled America. I know an album is special when it’s from a genre i know nothing about, and don’t really enjoy, but still it moves me in some way.
Will I want to sit and listen to the whole thing again? Probably not, unless I have a day of rage (ok, so maybe, F@*$ Trump). Is it a superlative example of its genre and of a concept album? I think so.
Sonic Youth
1/5
Not loving it.
Vocals not impressive. Drones on and on.
1.5 stars? We’ll see how I go but this was really not enjoyable to sit through
Muddy Waters
5/5
My oh my, after many days in a row of hard rock, this was literally music to soothe my soul. Magical. Tasty tasty blues.
Air
4/5
Nice find! I had never heard of this group, or this movie, but this was quite moving.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Easy five stars.
Let yourself feel the vibe and float through this one.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
She’s got a great voice. Some of the music is a bit too mellow for my taste but when she gets bluesy, a little funky, it’s better.
Not gonna be a favorite but I’m not mad I got to hear her.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Lots of seventies influences. Not bad but not very inspired.
Tori Amos
3/5
Pretty voice, kinda boring
The Undertones
4/5
I’m not from the uk and had never heard of these guys. But this is the kind of youthful exuberance that makes me smile and gets me moving. Very fun.
Beck
4/5
Knew all the hits but had never listened to this full album. I see why it gets all the praise! Almost a five but a couple of the tracks are holding me back
Black Sabbath
3/5
Crazy that for decades my mind has labeled Black Sabbath as “heavy metal” which I just assumed would be too harsh for my taste. Then along comes the album with two tender ballads, plenty of melody.. I should have checked them out much earlier!
As an Aston Villa fan, I do have a bonus tie to these guys. Ozzy now joins the other Holte Enders in the Sky, to cheer our guys on from the other side. Thanks for all the entertainment Ozzy and UP THE VILLA!!!
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
This is an album of grief, written after Nick Cave’s fifteen year old son died.
I don’t know how to “rate” such a thing. It doesn’t even feel right to rate it.
It feels so personal. It is devastatingly painful.
I’m not a fan of Nick Cave’s voice and don’t enjoy listening to his music generally. This album moved me deeply but at the same time I hope I never have reason to seek it out and listen to it ever again.
RIP Arthur.
Ozomatli
4/5
Oh I am PSYCHED for this new find!
If this music doesn’t have you bouncing in your seat you need more joy in your life.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
I love how this band lives up to its name so completely. Musically not five stars for me, but I admire their passion and their message.
G. Love & Special Sauce
4/5
So chill, love bopping along to this stuff. All day long.. very good vibe.
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
It’s EDM. I enjoyed the first track, but then this got really old really fast. If I were in a club and any of these songs came on I wouldn’t mind dancing to them, but to sit down and listen to the entire album at once is not all that enjoyable.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
Oh dear lord I’m not sure what this is supposed to be, but what it ISN’T is BORING!
Mix of blues, cacophony, chanting, what seems to be off-the-cuff ramblings of an institutional escapee… there HAD to be copious amounts of drugs involved in the making of this.
I listened to the entire thing. The lyrics did make me laugh at times.
I would never give anything this bodacious only one star, but it also isn’t going to get more than two!
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Straightforward early rock and roll. Nothing particularly inspired, but also pretty inoffensive.
William Orbit
2/5
I don’t hear anything on this album that makes it stand apart from many other electronic albums. It was hard to stay awake for the whole thing as it felt very repetitive both within itself and within the genre.
The Clash
4/5
They came out of the gate strong! Great debut album. The music is exactly what you would expect from that album cover. Great energy, punk tude without screaming, the more I listen to it the more I like it.
Jamiroquai
3/5
I started out enjoying the funk of it all. Was less into the “acid jazz” (per Wikipedia) it veered off into towards the end. The messages in the lyrics were thoughtful but a bit clunky.
The Beta Band
3/5
It’s just so bland. I might give it three stars just because it didn’t necessarily annoy me. Three stars is my equivalent of “meh”, and this is definitely a “meh” album. Not sure how it got on this list
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
This band. I always feel like I want to like their music more than I actually do. It just doesn’t get me moving the way hip-hop should in my opinion. Maybe they are more about the lyrics. I listened to this enough times today for it to climb up to three stars from the original two, but really feel it’s 2.5.
Gorillaz
3/5
I like my hip hop to be more banging than most of this I guess. Much of it didn’t keep my attention. The two big hits are hits for a reason. I do love 19-2000 though.
The Killers
4/5
Weakens a bit at the end but the first half of this album at least is one good bop after another. Great debut!
Fela Kuti
2/5
It’s fine. It’s jazz, which i don’t care for, but I’ve listened to worse.
Scott Walker
2/5
I have no idea how this easy-listening dude got not one but TWO albums on this list. It is vaguely amusing that he is a crooner singing about depressing things like getting gonorrhea. Maybe that’s the “edginess” that makes primer like him? After listening to it a few times In willing to give him an extra star for the lyrics.
Elbow
5/5
Where has this band been all my life? I have never heard of them and to be honest, the name Elbow did not inspire great expectations. This album is GORGEOUS! The lead singers voice is so warm, the arrangements are soothing. It’s atmospheric. What a treat. This is what I hoped for when starting this project. Finally a British discovery that I am really very grateful to know. This music strikes a chord within.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
Americana/bluegrass. Definitely has a place on this list as it is a lengthy demonstration of this style of music, with a large group of musicians. Isn’t going to be everybody’s cup of tea, but very representative of the genre.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Some pretty music, with overly emotional delivery of vacuous pretentious lyrics. It’s a shame.
Also, Jane Curtin deserves better.
Syd Barrett
2/5
Syd Barrett channeling the Beatles.
Apparently recorded during a time of mental decline, which makes a boring album slightly disturbing.
Tom Waits
2/5
My third album by this pretentious dude. Can’t believe there are FIVE Tom Waits albums on this list! They truly haven’t been that different from each other, which is ironic given how impressed he seems to be with his own “uniqueness”. Johnson Illinois is playing as I write this review. Ouch on some of those attempts at the high notes there Tom. Maybe stick to the talking-singing.
Ghostface Killah
4/5
This slaps!
Frank Black
3/5
Good 90s indie music. Enjoyable but not especially creative.
The Prodigy
3/5
Rough start for me, but by No Good I was ready to dance. Industrial/electronic/dance it doesn’t let up much. Really not the kind of music I know anything about, I’m way too old to be part of this scene. But I don’t hate it!
Pink Floyd
2/5
Oddly enough I had Syd Barrett’s solo album earlier this week and now this one. Neither is anything I want to listen to a second time. But I now know a little bit of music history in learning about his sad story.
David Bowie
2/5
This album feels very incoherent. Not sure what his head space was during the making of this one. Some good individual tracks but they don’t vibe with each other. The mood is all over the place.
Santana
3/5
A couple of classic tunes on here, but my surprise favorite track was one I didn’t know called Samba Pa Ti.
Mostly instrumental album. Very smooth.
Nina Simone
4/5
The first track is a full on blues number, which I love.
The rest is soulful jazz with intense lyrics. Less my jam, but if you really listen to the lyrics (not my usual style) it’s very moving. Four women is intense/heartbreaking.
I’m sure in some ways it deserves 5 stars, but I can’t quite get there overall.
I’m a sucker for blues rock. The more harmonica the better. These British boys were feeling it! It isn’t quite complex enough to rate five stars, some of the lyrics are clunky, but I did enjoy listening to this.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
I’m a sucker for blues rock. The more harmonica the better. These British boys were feeling it! It isn’t quite complex enough to rate five stars, some of the lyrics are clunky, but I did enjoy listening to this.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I like Zep but this one isn’t my favorite. Little mish-mash of genres. Uneven.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Southern Rock! Now we are speaking my language! Don’t think too hard! Close your eyes and enjoy. Just give me three steps…
Might not objectively be a five star album, but I’m not sure that I can be objective about this one.
a-ha
3/5
Take on Me is a classic example of 1980’s pop. The rest of this album is instantly forgettable.
Duke Ellington
3/5
Once you cut it all the introductions the album is about half in length. Very talented musicians, classic jazz repertoire. In would give it four stars, which is a great score considering I’m not a jazz fan, but I have to deduct one because of all the talking. You can’t just put this on at a dinner party and enjoy the music due to all the interruptions.
Merle Haggard
3/5
It’s old school classic country music. Not particularly my jam but definitely deserves to be on the list as representative of the genre.
The Byrds
4/5
I fully admit that I was expecting to dislike this album based on the Byrds music that was played on the radio when I was young.
But I actually quite enjoyed it! Pleasant surprise. I also never knew they were moog pioneers. Respect.
JAY Z
2/5
Much of the backing music is good, but this is a Jay-Z album and he is the worst thing about it. What a boring rapper!
Common
3/5
Mixed bag. The rhythms and backing music are smooth.It’s the lyrics that are uneven to me.
One highlight was A Song for Assata. I learned something there and will research more. He knows how to use his talent for the greater good but didn’t always listen to his better angels on this project.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
I think this guy listened to the Eagles alot. Which is cool, I like the Eagles too. Way more than I like The Beach Boys.
So, I ended up liking this album much more than I expected! But it is pretty derivative. It brought me right back to the 70s stylistically (yep I was alive then), so it does represent an era in that sense. But none of the tracks charted. I had never heard any of these songs before, and yet they all felt familiar because they sounded so much like other songs. Not convinced it belongs on this list.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Good energy! Let’s go!
Lightning Bolt
1/5
Wikipedia’s said their music was challenging. Not wrong! Noise rock. Nope, no thank you.
Neil Young
2/5
I’m not a fan of his voice, and not much into folk music. This was a miss for me.
Bert Jansch
2/5
The folk guy at the party that likes to show off his acoustic guitar skills, and drones on and on.
It’s not painful but it’s not compelling and it felt much longer than it really is.
Talvin Singh
3/5
I had high hopes for this one from the Wikipedia description. The first song was very interesting. Unfortunately on the whole it didn’t end up meeting my expectations. It felt like it got stuck in third gear, and then never really went anywhere. It was a nice change of pace though, to have music from someplace other than the UK or US, and did hold my interest just from the standpoint of being something different than I usually hear.
Slipknot
1/5
Stop freaking screaming!!
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Based on the hits on this album, expected it to be an easy 4 star album. Unfortunately, there were plenty of other songs that left me cold. Wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
The Stooges
4/5
Yes!
I love when an album I’ve never heard of sneaks up on me!
Great energy, excellent guitar, apparently pronto-punk but there is actual melody and vocals that don’t rely on screaming.
So exciting to hear an album from the 1960’s that doesn’t sound one bit dated.
Calexico
3/5
Wasn’t familiar with this band’s music. The first track was enjoyable, but things got a bit less rootsy and more cinematic towards the end, which I liked less.
Another album that I would happily give 3.5 stars but can’t quite justify four.
TV On The Radio
3/5
This one snuck up on me. I really wasn’t feeling the first few songs.”King Eternal” was different enough to bring my attention back and from that point on I got sucked in. Wear You Out is a good tune. Overall not bad, they do have their own vibe.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
The lead singer’s voice is a bit grating, which lessens the enjoyment level. But they certainly know how to create a solid wall of sound. Not really my cup of tea, but I do think they succeeded at what they probably set out to do.
Gonna give it 3 stars because I can’t give it 2.5
Jurassic 5
4/5
Wow! I really enjoyed this one! Had never heard them before. I’m a new fan. Rap with some really smooth grooves. Nice.
T. Rex
3/5
A band I had heard of, but never heard. Somehow expected a much heavier, more punk sound. This was a pleasant bluesy kind of middle of the road rock sound. Nothing too earth shattering, could benefit from more basically range and dynamics.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Jane’s Addiction was played relentlessly in the dive bars of Greenwich Village when this album came out. It sounded a little different than what everybody else was doing. I remember thinking it was exciting.
Unfortunately now I’m not getting that same reaction to it. Which I suppose makes sense, it’s not new anymore, but also it just doesn’t move me much. Didn’t hold up the way I would expect.
Van Morrison
3/5
I do love this wing nut’s voice. However, these songs leave me a little flat. They feel a bit static, too similar. Not my favorite of his.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I know, I know, I’m supposed to like this guy. He’s one of the greats. All I can say is zzzzzzzz. Go be a poet.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Soothing. Gorgeous voice.
Nice one for an early morning meditation.
Tortoise
4/5
Wikipedia says this is a “post-rock” band. I don’t know what that means but I do know that I kind of love it. I don’t know when I would think to seek it out, but this was a good listen.
Also Spotify went directly into a Mogwai tune after this album which led me into listening to one of their albums. Very similar and also gorgeous!
Kid Rock
2/5
He can’t really sing, he tries to be tough but his lyrics aren’t really meaningful. Some of the actual music is okay, but overall it just sounds like some dude with a jacked-up truck trying to hide his shortcomings.
Kanye West
5/5
This is a debut album???
Genius.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
This man’s voice is absolutely gorgeous.
Mercy Mercy is one of my favorites of his. That said, there are some tracks on this album that I don’t enjoy all that much, which stops it from getting all 5 stars.
Doves
3/5
It’s a little bit lightweight, definitely on the pop side of indie. I was leaning towards rounding it up to four stars, but then I realized I listened to this album several times in the past 24 hours and still can’t remember a single tune. Pleasant listen, could use more bite, forgettable.
LL Cool J
3/5
I wanted to like this. The man is fiiinne and the title track is a good time. But the longer this album went on the less I could ignore that he’s an awkward rapper. The album is too long and the quality of the tracks gets worse as it goes on.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
There’s a certain dreaminess to this band’s music. Hearing it again after all these years really brings back the feeling of dancing to it on a warm summers night. Good stuff.
The War On Drugs
3/5
Very middle of the road rock music. Pretty quickly became background music. Now and then a melody would catch my ear but overall nothing stood out.
Joanna Newsom
1/5
Why make twelve minute long songs when you are going to repeat the same musical phrase over and over again?
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Good vibes. Piano Joint is a gorgeous song. Didn’t know him before, so good find.
Gillian Welch
2/5
Why is she whining for so long??? Disappointing from her.
Femi Kuti
3/5
It didn’t jump out at me and make me want to hear more from his catalogue, but it wasn’t a chore either. Easy listen.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
I wanted to give it four stars for being innovative, but I just don’t like it enough. I wanted to! I think it’s mostly the vocals that put me off. I don’t expect post-a to have a ton of melody but this was a bit too repetitive both within the songs and throughout the album. That said, their are moments of very nice instrumentation
Arcade Fire
3/5
Some nice stuff here but ultimately not very memorable.
Grateful Dead
2/5
File it under “I just can’t stand this s$*t.”
I know a ton if you love it but lord almighty it drags on and on.
The Pogues
4/5
For a person raised to dance the reel and jig, this is heart music. Pour us another round and sing us another tale!
Bee Gees
2/5
The brothers had lovely voices, but damn these were some really turgid boring songs! They were certainly fortunate that disco eventually came along.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
Juvenile lyrics and boring backing music.
1.5, I need to be pretty pissed off to give only one star. I’m trying to decide if it annoys me enough to round down.
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Mostly really good blues rock classics, with sadly a couple of snoozers thrown in.
The Offspring
5/5
Sometimes an album comes along that has just the energy you need! It’s a banger start to finish. Perfect score.
Wire
4/5
These guys have really caught my attention. Interesting lyrics, some straight up pink energy at times but other tune a bit more atmospheric… good stuff!
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Eh, it’s just not really my jam, but she got me to move around. The vocal gymnastics feel a bit unnecessary at times, but if you want to get your hips moving you could do worse.
Primal Scream
3/5
I’m happy to report there was no screaming on this album, but there were plenty of very long psychedelic songs. I think I was much too sober when I listened to it. If the songs were half the length I would probably have liked the album twice as much.
Miles Davis
3/5
I’m not generally a jazz fan, but did enjoy this one.
Dr. John
2/5
I enjoyed a few of the bluesier tracks but the mystical video music was a bit too far out for me.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
I can see this not being everybody’s cup of tea. But as a blues/rock fan, some parts of this album are very enjoyable. Unfortunately a couple of the tracks lost me. But interesting enough for me to be glad to know about this project.
The Specials
4/5
I got excited when I saw this pop up on my screen! My memory exceeded the reality a bit and it loses a star for lacking energy in parts, but still a fun listen.
Massive Attack
4/5
First off, never has there been such a mismatch between band name and musical sound. I was expecting metal and the first song was smooth mellow bliss. The tracks featuring Nicolette are also high points. I really loved the first four tracks on this and was thrilled to think I had found a five star album. Sadly the quality didn’t stay as high all the way through. The real turn off was the track Heat Miser. The heavy breathing sound effect on that was viscerally displeasing and I was counting the seconds for my misery to end. The live Light My Fire track was a throwaway aberration from the rest. I’m so sad that the whole did not live up to its early potential.
Rocket From The Crypt
5/5
Where have these guys been all my life?!!
So fun! I’m way too old to like this as much as I do. Fantastic energy start to finish.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
I admit I expected an album full of extended guitar solos, so I was surprised when this album started out with a bunch of standard issue pop rock songs. The guitar solos showed up eventually, but overall I was surprised that the reality of a Todd Rundgren album didn’t match up at all to what his reputation was in my brain.
All that to say I liked this more than I thought I would. However, I still didn’t love it. I’m trying to remind myself it’s from 1972, and that I might have liked it more then. Today it’s a 3.5. I need to decide which way the rounding is going to go.
Just got to the last song which decided the rounding will go down. Also not helped by the insane conversation bits left on between the last few songs.
David Gray
2/5
Babylon was a lovely hit single. Actually several of the tracks are very pretty. But on the whole this album is so so so boring.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
I really dislike most of the songs on this one. Which is a shame because I want to sort women-fronted bands. But much of the instrumentation sounds like they are banging metal trash can lids together. And the lead vocals often remind me unpleasantly of cats yowling. That said there are a couple of songs I enjoyed- Maps, Modern Romance, Poor Song. Unfortunately I don’t think those are enough to elevate the whole up to 3 stars.
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
I can’t believe this band has any, let alone two, albums on this list. This is the second time I am giving them one star. Although I will say this album is better than the other one. I probably would give the other one zero if possible.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
What the actual f*€#?!
I can’t believe how bad this is. I think the musicians were pulling a prank.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Maggie May is a great song, and Reason to Believe is a good one, but the rest of this is pretty basic. I’d give it a 3.5, but don’t think I can get up to 4.
Footloose and Fancy Free is a better Rod Stewart album, but I don’t think it made the list.
Q-Tip
3/5
The backing music is really good, but his voice is so thin and monotone, it’s a shame. The guest star appearances are by far the best parts of this album. Thank you Norah Jones and D’Angelo, may you RIP.
The Style Council
2/5
Both not to my taste and not particularly well-executed.
Digital Underground
3/5
As much as I am digging the funk, the lyrics are truly off-putting. Rappers spit words, so don’t they realize lyrics are important? Most of the lyrics on this album are either juvenile level dumb, or misogynistically offensive.
It’s a shame because the rhythmic vibe is dope.
The Doors
3/5
I love Roadhouse Blues just because it’s a great driving song and I love to drive. Otherwise this albums was kind of blah. I don’t really get the hype about the Doors generally to be honest.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
It’s not my favorite Stones album because of the sameness of the songs and it being a double album set at that. But it’s a vibe that resonates with me so as boring as it gets it’s not unenjoyable to me.
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
Pap. Absolutely nothing original or exceptional about it. Her debut album is MUCH better.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I mean… how to rate this?
I love the Stones and I love the blues…so clearly I enjoy the heck out of this album… but these songs don’t really belong to them.
This should not be on the list.
Where the heck is Some Girls???!
Justice
3/5
French people make good electronic dance music. It’s not particularly a genre I want to sit and listen to for half an hour, but if I have to, this is quality.
The Fall
4/5
Sometimes an album will grab my fancy for reasons I can’t fully explain.
Am excited to dig deeper into The Fall catalogue.
It kinda feels like smart punk? I’m intrigued.
Deerhunter
4/5
I’m on a great run this week of albums/bands I’ve never heard of that really stop me in my tracks and make me listen.
This is moody in a great way. Wikipedia says it’s dream pop, which describes it better than I could have.
Count me in as a new fan.
Booker T. & The MG's
2/5
I just couldn’t get excited by this. I was expecting more energy, or maybe more blues funk. Disappointed.
The Who
5/5
Fantastic album and show. Not many of this length can keep my attention. Didn’t really need the third disk of the super deluxe version, but it didn’t take away from anything.
Impressive that this was composed by PT when he was only 23 years old! And it still holds up today.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Simple, sounds like Texas on a warm slow-moving day. No frills just good honest music.
Mylo
1/5
Such boring electronic music, about a step up from Muzak, occasionally accompanied by inane and/or repetitive speaking. The music is at best two stars but that talking is annoying enough for me to drop a star.
Sincerely hope this gets replaced in future editions.
John Cale
2/5
Nope. I like lyrics that make some kind of sense to me. I suppose this is poetry? Way over my head. The music isn’t bad but lacks movement and isn’t interesting enough to make up for my annoyance over the lyrics.
Linkin Park
2/5
I love the single “In the End” so I had high hopes for this one. Sadly, in the end I will only be giving it two stars. Too industrial for my ears.
Os Mutantes
4/5
I love an album that mixes things up and this certainly fits the bill! Nature sounds, different languages, different rhythms- but always moves.
High point track for me is Baby- ooh that organ is smooth.
Very excited for this new find!
Madness
3/5
Fun little album. A bit more variety in tempo and style and I would give it four stars but It’s not quite there for me.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Soulless, tedious. Somehow has so little energy for what supposedly is dance music. Just not good.
3/5
Has a few songs that stand out, but otherwise very generic alt pop stuff.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I do appreciate that this album is very diverse stylistically. The downside being that some songs I enjoy much more than others. The first half of the album felt more like classic rock, but then it felt like the band evolved into something more experimental during the making of the album. I didn’t vibe with a few of the later tracks but it was interesting to see the evolution.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Tough to rate because I appreciate the creativity, but can’t say that I actually enjoy listening to most of it.
Coldcut
4/5
Didn’t know this album at all but definitely enjoyed it! Lots of funk, good samples. It’s a hidden gem!
Willie Nelson
2/5
I never understand why artists want to do these standards albums that are so unlike their usual musical genres. And I for sure don’t understand why I would have to listen to them. I’d rather listen to a greatest hits album (which aren’t included on this list) than an artist do an album of other people’s greatest hits.
The Mars Volta
2/5
It’s… fine. Maybe the vocals don’t appeal? Maybe the songs are too similar? Start quiet, get louder, repeat. For whatever reason it’s not awful but doesn’t hold much appeal for me. Would give 2.5 if I could.
R.E.M.
3/5
There are a couple of well known hits on here, but the rest is kind of monotonous to me. I admire that REM didn’t sound like anybody else at the time, but I just don’t love their sound alot of the time.
Madonna
4/5
Strange… you know how some albums from your youth don’t hold up when you go back and listen years later?
I actually enjoyed this one MORE now than I did at the time! Madonna in her enlightened spiritual stage was actually pretty interesting.
Venom
3/5
Really classic sounding inoffensive metal. I appreciate the lack of screaming. Some nice guitar work! People who really like heavy metal music will probably think this isn’t hard enough, but it’s very accessible for me. Maybe it’s starter metal?
Spiritualized
5/5
This one is a whole mood. Fortunately I was lounging at I listened and it’s perfect for that. I’ll probably go back to it some time when I’m camping and just want to gaze up at the stars. It risks turning into background music because it’s the kind of music that soothes and lets your mind expand and wander. Good find.
Foo Fighters
3/5
This was his debut, and from what Wikipedia says was basically a solo album, all Dave Grohl. Seems like he wasn’t exactly sure if he wanted to be a pop/grunge guy or a metal guy. The metal tracks are not great, at all, in my opinion. But there are plenty of good songs on here. I want to give it a 3.5.
Soul II Soul
2/5
I don’t know man… I accept that it Is musically good, shows talent… it just didn’t resonate with me at all. I’m sure many other people will give it all the stars. I always struggle with how to rate albums that just aren’t to my taste.
Black Sabbath
3/5
The start of it all. Was pretty low-key compared to where things went!
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
This is from Finland, so they are represented. Not very well. Towards the end there were a few songs that I would give three stars, but generally they remind me of your average high school garage band.
George Jones
3/5
This is some classic old school country. As much as this is not a favorite genre of mine, this is so representative that I completely agree with it being on a “must listen to” list.
Aimee Mann
3/5
This is a fairly generic pop rock album. It was pleasant enough, but I don’t expect to remember any of the songs a week from now.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
There are some great riffs on this album. My main critique is that they will often stay on one for much longer than is interesting. Despite that it is overall very enjoyable.
Goldfrapp
4/5
This one is quirky, almost a bit eerie, but it did pull me into its vibe. Interesting find! Good for a low key mood.
Richard Thompson
3/5
I usually dislike folk music. But this was better than most. They had some good harmonies, avoided the ren faire sound that I can’t stand. Lyrics were interesting. I was pleasantly surprised not to hate it.
Hole
4/5
There are a couple of true gems on this album (Doll Parts, Violet) and some that feel a bit like generic anger. But female anger needs space to be expressed and this sounds like freedom in that way. So while not perfect, this album always hold a special place in my heart.
Spiritualized
3/5
Spiritualized is one of the major gifts from this project to me. This is the second album of theirs that I’ve listened to from the list. They were both super interesting. This one has some gorgeous tracks and some that are very challenging. I had never even heard of this band and now they rank very high. Cinematic. A feast for my ears. Apparently they are space rock? Far out.
4/5
A little bit folky, a little bit psychedelic, a whole lot of good music.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I don’t know what he’s trying to accomplish with this one. It feels like vocally he’s trying to go for a tough guy vibe throughout. The instrumentals are just kind of average. Not great.
Big Star
4/5
They have very melancholy sound to them. When I listen to Big Star I always find their music lovely, but somehow I never search them out. I sort of forget about them. I would give them 3.5 stars, but my good friend Peter really liked them and he passed away way too young, so in his honor I will probably round up.
Billie Holiday
3/5
Not my preferred genre, and to be honest at first her voice didn’t appeal to me. But on second listen I started to appreciate the time she took to get the emotions across, and this album grew on me. Very talented song interpretation.
Steve Earle
2/5
Idk. It feels almost fake, these songs are so stereotypical. Very basic guitar work especially for an album called Guitar Town. His voice is nothing special. I actually was expecting to like this a bit from what I had heard about him, but I’m not feeling this at all.
I just got to a song called Fearless Heart and it reminds me strongly of Springsteen’s music. I don’t like his stuff much either. But yeah, this guy sounds alot like him, (and Bruce was all over the airwaves in 1986) but with a country twang thrown in.
The The
4/5
lol this is such a time capsule for those of us that lived through it. That it starts with a drum machine beat is classic.
This is the Day is so poppy I couldn’t help but smile. It is youthful optimism in musical form.
The only other track that stood out to me was Uncertain Smile, which has some killer keyboards. However, I am impressed by some of the ambition shown on this album. The songs all sound different from each other, which this project has led me to appreciate. For that reason, despite some very average vocals and honestly some tracks that miss the mark, I’m going to raise it from 3 stars to 4 (knowing it’s really a 3.5)
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
It’s funky, it’s political, it’s groundbreaking. It stands the test of time. A few meandering tracks are holding me back from giving it five stars. Although in the place of the music world and its influence, it may deserve them…
Everything But The Girl
2/5
First song comes on and I think, alright, not bad, maybe three stars. Then every song on the entire album sounds the same. So so so monotonous. Maybe I will add the word so 20 more times so you can share my pain.
N.E.R.D
3/5
Like the rhythms. Good instrumentally. The lyrics are not good and vocals nothing special. I do like the energy of much of it. Maybe and Drill Sargeant are my two favorite tracks.
TLC
3/5
The ladies can clearly sing, but I just find this style of music lackluster. The Switch is the one track that has a little more oomph, which I appreciated.
Aerosmith
4/5
Very good blues rock. Missing a little something to make it 5 star great.
De La Soul
4/5
Quelle heure est-il? Il est l’heure d’écouter la musique sympa de De La Soul!
Anybody who makes a good song about haircuts and dandruff is okay with me!
Social commentary with a good beat.