Started slowly, but really really grew on me. An amazing album in a lot of ways that I don’t quite know how to explain. There is no single. The album feels stronger as a whole rather than on the weight of its best singles.

I tried to like this album. I had gone on and read some of the reviews before listening, and I really thought some of the negative reviews were too glib and too harsh. While the positive reviews seemed to consist mostly of fans and people familiar with the work, I was really leaning in their direction. After listening, however, all of the possible advancements and growth by the band didn't translate musically to me. There is certainly quality here, but more like a well made bookend rather than something to get excited about.

Tom Waits as a quirky jazz lounge singer. What more could you ask for? The band is super tight, and Tom is at his gregarious best.

I would not be surprised to learn the Radiohead is just early AI. Everything about them says they should be great, but I always walk away feeling like something was missing.

How did I miss this in 2004? Not my thing usually, but Nick Cave sounds and feels like a mix between Frank Zappa, Funk, and Lounge Singer. The most fun I have had listening to an unheard album in a long time.

Started slowly, but really really grew on me. An amazing album in a lot of ways that I don’t quite know how to explain. There is no single. The album feels stronger as a whole rather than on the weight of its best singles.

Clearly a tight, quality band. Still haven’t caught on them… even after 20 plus years.

Amazing production value and timeless sound.

[previously heard] Solid album by the boys from Athens, GA. Not sure I would have included this in the 1001 albums as they have much better Albums in their catalog, but World Leader Pretend is probably the most worthy song from this album to revisit.

I enjoyed this album immensely. I am not an expert on Jazz, Funk, etc., but It is impossible not respect the craftsmanship and craft on every musician involved on this album.

I rated this album lower because I am not a fan of the genre. As such, I lack the competency and the vocabulary to speak to its importance or greatness. The musicality is undeniable, but I struggled to maintain interest while listening. I also couldn't distinguish well between tracks. If this is your genre, I am confident you will enjoy it as it is pleasant enough, but I didn't get it. Perhaps I will revisit this album as I develop a greater ear for the electronic side of the musical house.

I am guessing that this is an album that would really grow on you if you listened to it several times. After my first listen, my impression is that the lyrics must carry it. Musically, it is very basic and similar (to my untrained ear), but the sound is great, but I probably need to pay more attention to understand better why it is on the list.

I was really close to giving this album 4/5 stars, and I suppose that in its context, it does deserve better. In the end, however, I just felt like everything slightly underwhelmed. In other words, I was closer to asking why this album is on the list rather than getting the sense that it clearly belonging here. The sound is good, and the overall vibe is engaging, but I likely won't return to it. Hopefully, I am wrong, and it will just grow on me.

This album didn't resonate well with me. I had been on sort of an Elvis Costello and the Attractions streak having received three albums prior to this one. They were all better than I expected. This one, however, was a bit of a disappointment. My guess is that if you are a fan of EC&TA you will enjoy this album. If you're still trying to determine your level of fandom or appreciation, this one will take more time for you. I can only give it three stars.

This album is an experience. Musically, it is a playground of immense size and scope that I want to play in but lack the confidence and skill. There are moments and flourishes that are amazing, and moments that are beyond me. If you are patient, you’ll be rewarded for sure.

I have mixed feelings about this album. There is a lot to like, but I keep coming back to the idea that this seems like what an AI bot would create as an album. The vocalist has the right sound, there are musical elements that are catchy, the single is very memorable and actually sounds important, etc., but after listening to the album, I don't have a connection with the album at all. Could I spend time and listen to this album more and gain a greater appreciation for its significance? Sure. Will I? Probably not.

This album was a pleasant surprise for me. I am pretty familiar with the 1980s, but I had missed this one. As such, I enjoyed it with keen interest. Really nice, tight, sound. And the punk-vibe was refreshing to hear.

Despite claims that the album is dated (I believe it is), it was still enjoyable and a great effort. This isn’t my favorite genre, but it has multiple solid tracks! I won’t likely return to this a lot, but I am glad I listened

I really enjoyed listening to this album. I hadn’t heard it previously, and I was pleased and rewarded with almost every song. And when the song was a little more of a grind musically, the lyrics would sustain it. While it may not become a go to album for me, I am glad I was able to hear and enjoy it!

I was very impressed with this album. While I haven't listened to a lot of Peter Gabriel prior to So, I was surprised by this album. It didn't sound like 1980. It is moody and assertive, and the percussion and bass drive it all. I will definitely put this in rotation!

The middle album of the Beatle greatest three album stretch of the fab four’s career. Note for note pitch perfect! There is a ton of debate between Sgt. Pepper and Revolver and which is greater, but why? This album is fantastic and that is all that matters!

I tried to like this album. I had gone on and read some of the reviews before listening, and I really thought some of the negative reviews were too glib and too harsh. While the positive reviews seemed to consist mostly of fans and people familiar with the work, I was really leaning in their direction. After listening, however, all of the possible advancements and growth by the band didn't translate musically to me. There is certainly quality here, but more like a well made bookend rather than something to get excited about.

The Beatles at their best pre Rubber Soul. These guys are perfection.

The left too many notes

Pass.

Loved the album. Jams and covers actually made them come across as a more mature band. Great stuff!

This album is an enigma to me. It fits squarely within the pre-disco canon, but it feels like this is a band aspiring to greatness and being completely unable to attain it. They were just waiting for disco for their mediocrity to save them. If I needed to hear this before I die, it seems like it had to be done just so I would better appreciate their contribution to disco. John Travolta should be the most grateful man in the world.

The greatness of this album isn’t at all audible. Tracked with everything around/about the band. Stars dropped when I pressed play!

I never feel comfortable rating rap albums. I am a 50+ year old white guy that doesn't get it. Totally on me. Having said that, I really admire the production value, passion, righteous (legitimately so) anger Ice Cube brings here. At the same time, it is just hard to listen to for me. Not because of white guilt, but because it is just a relentless album.

I was not tracking with everyone’s general take that this album was depressing until the last song. It tipped me over the edge, but on the whole, I would say dark and heavy more than depressing. I’d throw in impressive as well.

This is a nice album for Elvis… moving from Hollywood back to his musical roots. It is just hard to picture this being released in 1969. It’s almost more retro than fresh.

Another rap album that just escapes me. Lots of recognizable samples and such, but ultimately not that compelling to me. Of course, rap just isn't my thing.

I have listened to a lot of Bowie from the 1001 algorithm, and I was reluctant to listen to this one. Bowie is an amazing artist, but his albums are very hit and miss for me. I expected this to be a miss, but there are a few surprises here. Definitely a late career surprise. Fans will be pleased, but I am not sure there is enough here to be on this list.

Tom Waits as a quirky jazz lounge singer. What more could you ask for? The band is super tight, and Tom is at his gregarious best.

I would rate this album higher, if only I could remember it. In all seriousness, this is a fine album. But like most Radiohead, it is good the way a balance diet is supposed to be good for you. In fact, it is good for you. You may even be surprised at how tasty and satisfying it can be. However, you may find yourself craving junk food not long after.

Wikipedia quoted someone suggesting that this album is the equivalent of the Sistine Chapel of electronica, and if so, let's put this genre to bed. While there is a nice vide going on, very little stands out as unique. If you left this album on repeat, you would quickly lose track of where you are. Bland.

Start here. This album is amazing. I can't believe this was released in 1969. Critics have said that it isn't as good as their previous work, but to me, it is their definitive, most accessible, and timeless masterpiece. Bravo... relistening.

I just couldn't listen.

This is a masquerade alright! I tried to keep an open mind, but I don’t see at all why this album is on the list. Two stars because it might be the best honky tonk out there.

This confirms for me that with the exception of Johnny Cash and a small number of others, country music is best done by others. Though it is strange to call Ray Charles modern, his take on some old standards all sound brilliant, nostalgic, and modern all at the same time.

That voice is just peerless. There is something about Van Morrison that demands your attention. I am not sure how to describe it in terms of genre, but the album exudes soul. After listening, I was exhausted in the best sense of the word. Great album!

The question of whether the Beatles or the Stones are better is indisputable with the Beatles clearly being better. Song for Song, they are stronger. But when the Stones are on, they can't be touched. And this album, more than their collective hits, showcase how much joy there is in good old rock and roll. And it is the album that always make you question the Beatles comparison.

I have always been a little sad that Alanis's career didn't unfold better. This is such a good and strong album. It is pop, but it also has a lot of depth to it, and Alanis unflinchingly faces demons that so many women face at the hands of abusers. Despite all of that, she has a hopeful tone that finds it way out in song. Brave Alanis. Great album.

I have respect for this album, just very little interest. Hence, the 3.

This is a very intriguing album. It feels like it wants to be a serious grunge album but the band just doesn't have the chops for it. This doesn't make the album bad, but puts it in a unique place. The sound is accessible, interesting, and compelling despite the lack of strong lyrics. Still, it have a great vibe.

I don't understand Elton John. Clearly, he is a very talented songwriter and performer, but I don't get the hype. The singles shine here, and the other songs are just what you'd expect... well composed filler.

it is so interesting to listen to the Velvet Underground. They are provocative and engaging, and their music is groovy. I am not sure about Nico. She certainly adds to this album in a wonderful way, but it isn't the most natural fit. Despite it all, this album shines!

I don't know a whole lot about Lenny Kravitz's background, but this album is super fun, energetic, and soulful in many ways. It feels like a kid in a music production candy store on a bender.

One joy of this site is that you encounter bands and albums that you are familiar with but you haven't fully explored their catalog. I didn't think I would enjoy this album as much as most of my experience with it is from the radio hits. Listening to this album with fresh ears was a delight. While I don't think it is strong as Deja Vu, it is a real treat.

This album is tight, enjoyable, and pleasant enough, but after the first few tracks it lost its magic and felt more mediocre. I am sure that this has more to do with me that with the Waterboys, but regardless,I probably won't revisit often if art all.

I really wanted to like this album. I remember hearing about them, but I never real had or took the chance to explore their discography. Listening now, I was underwhelmed. I felt like most tracks started strong but became less enjoyable as I listened. The high reviews suggest I should give them multiple listens, but I am not excited about it. Maybe I am missing something.

Apart from the occasional baseline and interesting riff, there is just nothing I like about this band.

I was surprised. I actually liked this album. Not my normal lane, for sure, but I’d come back to this.

Dirt so thoroughly wallows in the the dark elements of grunge that it feels more like exploitation than exploration of the truth or the reality of hard topics. I am sure the quality of the musicianship is exceptional, but it isn’t enough to compel further listening.

Bowie is baffling to me. On one album he can conjure up a hit at will to save it. With Low he seems content to meander around a laboratory of incomplete or inarticulate ideas with mild enthusiasm. Nothing really seems to be great or really catch hold of the imagination. It's like he is showing off the worst kind of artistic entitlement imaginable. Bowie is certainly a talented songwriter and musician, but even the best creative minds lose their way.

Many of the reviews have praised the use of sampling on this album, and I heartily agree. Mostly, however, because it is the only thing notable about the album. In the end, it felt more like a rap version of mystery science theater: three guys rapping over other media as if providing commentary. For MST it works. Not so much here.

Elvis is strange to me. It is clear that he is vastly talented, has great presence, strong voice, and an icon. Listening to this album is fascinating because you can see so much of his influence on bands like the Beatles and even more contemporary bands like Green Day. The strange part is that as influential as his music clearly is, it is not as interesting as what he inspired. This album is good and enjoyable to listen to for what it is, but I likely won't spend much time with it. It is good to listen to mostly to put him and his influence in context, but I have heard enough.

This album was largely overlooked when it came out in 1983. but has garnered some critical respect in subsequent years. Other than an interesting take on the death of John Lennon, I am not sure I see the turn.

While I certainly appreciate the variety that this album provides to this list, it seems unremarkable on its own. Much of this is likely due to the language and lack of cultural context on my end, but still there wasn't enough there musically to compel future listening.

Nice album. Sounds really good. I imagine if Elliott Smith had formed a band, this is what it would sound like.

I can’t quite tell if the is Bowie glow. Just giving him the nod because of who he is. He clearly isn’t just phoning it in, but it also isn’t his most accessible work. That said, it is engaging and compelling

Gold.

Rap is still not my bag, but I did like this album.

Nothing places you squarely in the modern western world and makes you feel comfortable and displaced at the same time like “More Songs about Buildings and Food.” The range of emotions anyone may feel throughout any given day are musically expressed as naturally as work tension and family disruptions with delightfully relevant effect. For every note you ever sang in rage along with Joey Ramone and Sid Vicious, you sing right along with David Byrne except that it seems more personal, probable, and poignant. Musically, this album features a delightful variety of style without compromising its purpose. In fact, its diversity of sound seems to its purpose. Byrne’s outlook on life and work leave no stone unturned to refreshing effect. Whether belting out and anthem of hope in the form of a hint of supernatural and spiritual figure or waxing eloquently about where one hopes to make a home Byrne and the band connect immediately through voice and music. The most joyful thing for me, however, is that for the first time in a long time, all of the catharsis I enjoy through listening to music finally feels more tangible. I may not be up for toppling a corrupt government or taking down big corporations or other institutional giants, but I feel like I can tackle cleaning my own house, enjoy my family, and start to build something meaningful… maybe even produce a new TV show, or finally feel good about moving into the city. This review is for Kenny. He knows far more about Talking Heads than I do, and because of him, I now enjoy their music as well.

What a great album. Listening to it today, I thought, what would it have been like if the full band from the Blonde on Blonde/Highway 61 musicians had joined in on this one... and vice versa. Just a delight.

Nick Drake exists in a very specific musical space. I enjoyed this album, but I have no idea how to differentiate from his other works. Thankfully, he’s really talented!

I think this album is on the list for the fact that it feels like someone won a bet. Something like, I bet you can’t produce an album if you consume inhuman amounts of cocaine and still be recognizable and listenable. It is fine musically, but just not in my wheelhouse.

It feels almost like Glenn Campbell went to France. Le passe

I’m sure the rightism by the right field wouldn’t be any better. Supposedly this is great while taking drugs. That’s fine, but it should also be good when your sober.

Much better than most electronica I’ve heard, but not enough to make me a believer…

Dr. John... needs a doctor. I don't know what's going on with this album, but this is an inexplicable inclusion one this list. I don't have a problem with him as an artist, but as an album, I don't know what I just heard.

This band is the inverse of Duran Duran. For every smooth, slick, accessible, note Duran Duran produces, Pere Ubu has its counter. It’s not that it’s bad (it isn’t), it is just crazy how consistently challenging it is to find an inroad. They are musically talented, but even more challenging at pushing the boundaries of accessibility.

Ugh

What a wonderful surprise. I love the Kinks, but I haven’t listened to their entire discography. This album is amazing. Solid themes, tight lyrics with biting commentary, and almost epic poetry. I don’t hear singles. This album should be enjoyed as a whole!

Not their most accessible album, but you can hear the development of their musical style clearly. The “Black Side” is clearly the better side, but it is all good… especially for Queen fans!

Tedious

Quite the surprise. I’m not a big fan of county, but I love alternative, so this really hit a sweet spot for me. I noticed that many reviewers called it boring, and I just don’t get it. Can you really make a comment like that if you’ve been on a string of electronica I wonder?

A wonderful expression of Janis at her absolute best.

Great voice… ok album.

Amazing. He transcends his genre with power, presence, and haunting narrative! Amazing album!

While these guys really sound like wanna-be Oasis, they are quite good. I enjoyed this album.

I don’t like country. I really don’t like commercial country..

It seems like I hear more about Siouxsie and The Banshees more than I have ever heard there work. It is raw, edgy, provocative, etc., but gets lost in the transition from Post Punk/New Wave to alternative. I kind of like what's going on here, but I have trouble reconciling the raves.

Elton John is one of those artists whose later works continually detract from the earlier substantial work. He is clearly talented and has a great voice, but I guess he is more a product of his time than an enduring artist.

There is just so much more wrong about Eminem than there is good. Can't take it.

I don't know what to make of Depeche Mode. I can't tell if they are too cynical or antagonistic. Either way, they are certainly gifted artist and they produce an excellent sound. I just don't connect with them philosophically.

It seems to me that this could easily be a greatest hits album. This guy was just in the zone creatively and fun to listen to track to track all the way to the end.

Don't know much about this band, but they sound like an American band trying to sound like a band from the UK about a year too late. By 1966, however, they are already behind the curve. I wonder if they made it.

I haven't thought positively about the slasher B movie from the early 80s since I caught it on cable as a kid. After hearing this band, the movie seems even better.

Musically, I found this album interesting and solid. But it seems to me that the lead vocalist is just checking a box. It's as if an imposter is on vocals, and he is trying to be engaging while knowing all along he's a poser.

I would not be surprised to learn the Radiohead is just early AI. Everything about them says they should be great, but I always walk away feeling like something was missing.

Beck is the Dr. Frankenstein of electronica/alt. And not the Hollywood version, but more of the Romantic Anti-hero, creating new life out of the old!

Öne out of Fĩve

I would have loved to experienced what it must have been like to live when this album was charting!

If you want to understand why James Brown is so highly regarded. Here it is. I am only giving it a four star because I now live in regret of never being able to see him live.

This is my kind of Jazz

Wow. Didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. The girl can flat out sing, and musically I found it refreshing. Great find!

A broody mix of early Duran Duran and Television. Fortunately, Japan takes the good from both and delivers a solid album of interesting music.

Lite, refreshing, interesting, but moving on…

Nice surprise and fun listen. Not sure of the significance, but enjoyable

I suppose there is something interesting going on here, but I’m more interested in the fact that enough people got it for them to have a career afterwards. I guess heavy metal isn’t for me.