232
Albums Rated
3.19
Average Rating
21%
Complete
857 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Hard-rock
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
18
5-Star Albums
15
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Raw Power
The Stooges
|
5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
|
Either Or
Elliott Smith
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
|
5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
|
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
|
5 | 3.63 | +1.37 |
|
Van Halen
Van Halen
|
5 | 3.63 | +1.37 |
|
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
|
5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
|
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
|
5 | 3.66 | +1.34 |
|
Pearl
Janis Joplin
|
5 | 3.73 | +1.27 |
|
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
|
5 | 3.77 | +1.23 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
|
1 | 3.4 | -2.4 |
|
Melodrama
Lorde
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
|
1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
|
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
|
1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
|
Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
|
1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
|
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
|
1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
|
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
|
1 | 2.75 | -1.75 |
|
Triangle
The Beau Brummels
|
1 | 2.71 | -1.71 |
|
Orbital 2
Orbital
|
1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
|
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
|
1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 5 | 4 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Neil Young | 5, 4, 2, 2 |
| Beatles | 2, 5, 3, 5, 5 |
5-Star Albums (18)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Prince
3/5
I never knew this was a double album! The first three songs of course are fire! What a way to start (and of course turned out to be the hit singles). From there it seemed like it was extended electronic funk jam filler for me. Had problems listening to the rest of it in one sitting after the first three songs since it seemed to peak too soon and steadily lost interest in the rest of the album. Not horrible but not great either.
2 likes
Suede
3/5
Hear a lot of early Bowie influences here, especially one of the songs sounds like the ending to All the Madmen. Never heard of this band before, so must have been more well known across the pond than here in the US. Decent listen.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (15)
All Ratings
The Offspring
3/5
Paul Simon
3/5
I remember the Call Me Al video in ‘86 with Chevy Chase? Hard to get past it :)
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
Forgot how great this album was. Skipped Walk This Way, though.
Prince
3/5
I never knew this was a double album! The first three songs of course are fire! What a way to start (and of course turned out to be the hit singles). From there it seemed like it was extended electronic funk jam filler for me. Had problems listening to the rest of it in one sitting after the first three songs since it seemed to peak too soon and steadily lost interest in the rest of the album. Not horrible but not great either.
Fela Kuti
4/5
The Doors
5/5
Such an amazing album, start to finish. I put The Doors on the backburner for the last 30 years, probably because of the Oliver Stone movie. Before that, I listened to them a lot, learned many songs on guitar.
Napalm Death
1/5
I listened to my share of thrash back in the day in junior high - Metallica, Slayer, COC, DRI, Celtic Frost. Somehow I missed this one since it may have come right after. I rent a rehearsal room in a warehouse, and now I know the influence of what I hear ad naseum for the last 25 years where I live. My wife says zero stars but I’ll give it one for its influence :)
Michael Jackson
3/5
Have listened to this album on and off the last 30 years. Historically have like it better than Thriller. Side 1 would always get a ton of play but not so much with Side 2.
Prince
4/5
Classic from beginning to end.
Saint Etienne
1/5
Jethro Tull
4/5
Rediscovered this album on vinyl last month and forgot how great it was. Really the only Jethro Tull album I like.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Perhaps my least favorite of all the Led Zep albums aside from In Through the Out Door and Coda. Grew on me over time. Since I’ve Been Loving You is perhaps in my top Led Zeppelin songs, especially their live version. Would give this 3 1/2 stars if possible, knowing I would rate their others 4-5 stars. Also enjoy this album more than the ones I ranked 3 stars so far.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Beatles
2/5
Not the biggest early Beatles fan, and this album is just simple, straight rock n’ roll, which I love. However, I prefer so many of their other albums in comparison. I know it’s borderline blasphemy to rank this so low given their impact, but judging on a curve compared to their other albums.
The Vines
2/5
Dusty Springfield
4/5
I own the 45 of this album and it is great. Not in my top albums of all time but very excellent.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Basie can swing! Definitely in my top 30 jazz albums. I looked for this record for a while during pandemic.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Favorite Elvis!
XTC
2/5
Janis Joplin
5/5
New York Dolls
4/5
Pure, straight ahead head rock and roll. No frills in the music. Love the guitar tones.
Neil Young
5/5
Classic. In my top 50 albums of all time.
Billy Bragg
4/5
Heard Wilco before but not this one with Billy Bragg. Somehow missed this one in the late 90’s. Quite a find for me and cool story behind working with Woody Guthrie’s lyrics.
Neil Young
4/5
Not my favorite of his but a few really great songs.
Nirvana
3/5
Ad naseum at the time
Queen Latifah
3/5
Turns out I’m a fan of older school rap. Pleasantly surprised. Did not listen to this while growing up other than one song. Pretty good stuff.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Steely Dan
1/5
Jack White
4/5
Ray Charles
4/5
Love this album. Definitely a jazz album. Simply wonderful.
Missy Elliott
2/5
Has its moments, an hour is long in my book these days. I actually didn’t realize she around in the 90’s and only heard her in the 2000’s. I would have liked this more back then, now I’m not so sure. Maybe the content hasn’t aged well.
ABBA
3/5
My wife gives it 4 stars since it’s in her wheelhouse. I would give it 2 so we’ll split the difference. Actually very catchy and poppy album.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Might have to give a few additional listens to appreciate it more. Not bad but not great at first listen.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
Sounds like what I would hear in the Hyatt lobby. Maybe a little Sade influence? Love Sade but not so much this.
Beatles
5/5
My favorite Beatles album. Other two in my top-3 would be Rubber Soul and Revolver.
Air
2/5
Missed this movie in 1999. Soundtrack is okay, very sad considering my thoughts about suicide now that I’m older. Probably will give it 2 stars.
Stan Getz
5/5
Definitely in my top 20 jazz albums of all time. Love Bossa nova and it started here.
Steely Dan
3/5
Not a Steely Dan fan and would usually turn from the classic radio station when a song would come on. This first album is the rare exception. Not a fan of the mid to late 70’s Steely Dan sound.
Duke Ellington
4/5
Rebirth of Ellington. Gonsalves kills it on sax.
Iron Maiden
5/5
My first record. Awesome experience hearing the opening riff to Prowler right away on one side, then the rest of the band coming in. Grew up on and favored the Bruce Dickinson stuff up to Powerslave back in the day, but that now seems like Spinal Tap opera looking back. Very much love the rawness of this first album, more straightforward, has aged much better than their later stuff.
The Black Crowes
4/5
I bought this CD when it came out in ‘90. I thought at the time they were a Faces and Rolling Stones rip-off, and enjoyed it probably because of that. I didn’t really follow them after this album as I moved on to other music, but sort of regret it now since it’s really great. Played a couple of these tunes that was fun to play in an old cover band I was in.
Megadeth
2/5
Had this in cassette back in ‘86. Wow, have my musical tastes changed (well I was 12 at the time)! Anyway, not as shred as I remember. Mustaine’s voice can be grating at times but wasn’t as bad as I remember, since it’s been almost 40 years since I listened to it. Liked it back then, but not so much today.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Love the poetic lyricism of this. Velvet Underground are one of my top bands, ahead of their time. Only turnoff is it can be too avant garde in spots. Reminds me of some intellectuals regarding avant garde jazz that those who dislike it aren’t smart enough to “get it.” Some like melodies and catchy tunes, not a ton of dissonance. I fall in the middle.
The Beau Brummels
1/5
It’s a cross of country, bluegrass, Bob Dylan, and psychedelia. Thought this was okay at first but his vibrato become increasingly piercing to the ear in an icepick way as the album continued.
Björk
2/5
Bjork is an acquired taste.
William Orbit
2/5
Nice background music but that’s about it for me.
Nick Drake
3/5
Really enjoy Nick Drake’s material. Think I like his other albums more than this one.
Oasis
2/5
Not the biggest Oasis fan. From an engineering standpoint, I find the mix bright in the rocking songs and that’s through a couple of tube amps where the high end might already be rolled off. Something in the high-mids.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
5/5
Simply fantastic!
Afrika Bambaataa
4/5
Knew of Africa Bambaattaa. Maybe even mentioned a few times in conversation growing up, but never purposefully listened to them. Wow. Genius! So great on so many levels.
John Coltrane
5/5
This is in my top 10 albums of all time. Not just jazz albums, top 10 of all genres. A spiritual experience listening this every time.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
Never really gave Waylon Jennings much of a listen since I’m not into Country. This was a great listen. Thanks!
AC/DC
5/5
I would give this 4 1/2 stars, and this would be my favorite AC/DC album. Some has to do with it being Bon Scott’s last album. Another is the production by Mutt Lange. I use a couple of theses songs consistently as reference tracks when mixing rock. Maybe there could be more bass? Other than that, Lange’s techniques have been held close to the vest, and appreciate the production on such a great band and album.
Black Sabbath
4/5
What a great album. Historically would have rated this 5 stars but now rating it closer to 4 stars for the following reasons —
The remastering of this and other early Sabbath albums are not as balanced as those versions I bought in the 80’s. Ozzy’s vocals are soooooo forward and amped compared to the rest of the band, like he’s a good +15dB louder. Plus there’s something in the high mids or 2k-6kHz that’s ice picky, and I’m playing through tube stereos that have a little roll-off in the high end. I have to turn down the volume when he sings. It’s like Iommi, Geezer, and Ward are his backing band. This is the Rhino version that was just released (2024).
Not sure if this is a Sharon thing to make it all about Ozzy, since my 2016 version of Masters of Reality is the same. Whereas, when I play my copies from the 80’s, Ozzy’s vocals are sitting in with the band better and everything is more balanced. I know it’s the trend right now to have vocals extra prominent and forward for a radio mix, but this isn’t Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, or The Voice TV show.
As a result, I would advise others to check out earlier versions of this album where the vocals are not so hyped.
Cream
3/5
Not as good as I remember. Seems to be a lot of filler songs on the album. Three virtuosic legends in their prime, yet the songs don’t really come together for me aside from the classics on this album.
Radiohead
4/5
3/5
Finley Quaye
1/5
Is this Nu Reggae???
Fatboy Slim
1/5
Recognized the name but not what I thought it was going to be. Like an unexciting version of Prodigy.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
The year this came out should be in my wheelhouse and starts out decent. However, gets mellow, droning and monotonous as it goes on.
Neil Young
2/5
The Electric Prunes
2/5
When the reissue came out a few months ago (in 2024) on vinyl, I first listened to it on Qobuz. It was okay, not sure if it was vinyl-worthy for me.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Although I realize this out them on the map, I like their next two albums much more. Maybe the sampling of familiar songs runs me the wrong way.
Massive Attack
2/5
Sounds like what I would hear at the Hyatt Place lobby bar.
Madonna
1/5
The only thing I can say about this is that I listened to this out of the 1,001 albums before I die. That’s about all I can say. Prefer her earlier stuff.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Not my favorite Elvis Costello album but okay.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
Thought this album would never end.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Sly & Family Stone at their peak in my opinion. Would give it 5 stars but the long Sex Machine tune took it down a notch for me unfortunately. Still a classic album.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Michael Jackson
5/5
I recently got the UHQR version of this and I’ve heard things I’ve never heard before. The separation is amazing. Although the detail some takes the party vibe out of the mix. It’s taken me many years to fully appreciate this album, all the performances and songwriting that went into it, and Quincy Jones’s production of this album. Simply amazing.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Barry Adamson
1/5
Bob Dylan
5/5
The Damned
3/5
Never gave The Damned much of a listen. Surprised at the instrumentation and dynamics. Thought it was going to full steam all the time and was not. Would rank it higher perhaps after a few additional listens.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Charles Mingus
4/5
Perhaps my favorite Mingus album. Great to revisit.
Coldplay
2/5
Perhaps my favorite Mingus album. Great to revisit.
John Grant
2/5
Dolly Parton
3/5
2/5
Fan of the greatest hits for years, on repeat early in my college years. This full album has its moments but the longer songs get monotonous for me.
Rush
4/5
Mariah Carey
2/5
Other than the first song, doesn’t seem like any strong melodies. Sounds like boilerplate filler after that.
The Temptations
2/5
Despite enjoying the lyrics and content at times, much prefer the David Ruffin Temprations.
Supertramp
2/5
Probably supposed to like them more based the production of their tunes, but unsure if I would give this another listen.
Eminem
2/5
Billy Joel
3/5
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Once I get beyond Sledgehammer, this is a really good album.
Fugees
4/5
CHIC
2/5
Milton Nascimento
4/5
The Sonics
4/5
Holy moly! How did I miss this band before? Right in my wheelhouse. Straight ahead raw rock and roll.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Hard to believe this album is over 20 years old (as of 2024). Brings back memories. I was in a weekend warriors cover band with a female singer and wanted to okay either Maps or Y Control. No dice. Guess this was too “new” for the band.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Good but prefer Congregation. Brings back memories. One of my favorite bands at the time.
Rush
4/5
Spent a lot of my youth trying to play YYZ.
Depeche Mode
3/5
k.d. lang
3/5
Familiar with her contemporary hits but this is really great. She really has a great voice. Forgot that it was KD Lang I was listening to on this album. Reminiscent of Patsy Kline to me. Enjoyed it.
The Specials
4/5
Recognize a few of these tunes from growing up. Early ska. Much more into it than I was back then. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Gary Numan
2/5
The Who
4/5
Classic. Think their live version of Tommy is incredible.
Slint
4/5
Awesome this made the 1,001 list!
James Brown
4/5
Paul Simon
4/5
The Stooges
5/5
In my top 5 albums of all time. Straight ahead rock and roll. I get a chuckle out of Iggy’s mix with everything in the red and clipping. Adds to the awesomeness.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Would rate it 4 1/2 stars if I could. Not quite in rare 5-star level desert island for me. The guitars sound immense and love the drum tone.
The White Stripes
4/5
Tough to not give it 5 stars, so many great songs. Although I find myself consistently skipping a few.
Pentangle
2/5
The Who
4/5
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Of course, heard Layla a bazillion times but never this whole album. Glad I did after all these years. I enjoy the other songs much more than I do Layla (the ending with the slide guitar drags for me - I know, blasphemy since it’s Allman).
Sounds like Freddie King’s tone and playing on several of these songs. A few of the standards he always played are here (ex: Key to the Highway). Know Clapton took a lot from him.
Great listen. Enjoyed this a lot and might be my favorite Clapton-related album.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Hole
2/5
Sounds like a bunch of Smashing Pumpkins songs instead with female vocals. Okay album but not sure if I’ll listen again.
Orbital
1/5
Paul McCartney
2/5
Maybe I’m Amazed and Every Night are both incredible songs but the rest of the album is a rough listen, considering it represented the end of The Beatles. Not good compared to both Harrison and Lennon’s first albums post-Beatles. 2 stars might be a bit harsh but not sure I can give it 3 based on two songs.
The Thrills
3/5
I’ve lived in California all my life (50 years) and was wondering why I haven’t heard of this band before with tunes like Bug Sur and Santa Cruz. Turns out they’re from Ireland. Well, that probably explains it. A good listen. I can see where where the novelty might have worn off given the inauthenticity, as well as not working here in the US.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Randy Newman
2/5
The Bees
2/5
Elliott Smith
5/5
This has been in regular rotation for so long. In my top 20 or 30 albums.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Suede
3/5
Hear a lot of early Bowie influences here, especially one of the songs sounds like the ending to All the Madmen. Never heard of this band before, so must have been more well known across the pond than here in the US. Decent listen.
Death In Vegas
1/5
Lou Reed
4/5
I forgot what a great album this is. Certainly appreciate it much more now that many years ago.
The Byrds
4/5
When putting this on, surprised to hear country and bluegrass, so had to read the backstory. I can see where fans were put off by it given the change from previous Byrds albums, as well as country folks thinking that a hippie band was trying to hijack country. This album probably made no one happy, both fans and non-fans. However, I found this was a great listen, maybe since I’m not into country, so the crossover works for me. Do miss the McGuinn 12-string Ricky jangle, though.
Nick Drake
4/5
Classic in my book. My favorite of his albums. Was in my regular rotation for while.
Lorde
1/5
Of all the pop albums to be released in the last ten years, this one makes the list??? The lyrics of the first are atrocious and the rest of the album gets a tiny bit better from there. Classic record label songwriting at its best right here.
Talking Heads
3/5
Ashamed that I never listened to this album beyond Psycho Killer. Has some great moments. Haven’t been a huge Talking Heads fan but would probably put this as my favorite link of theirs. Would give it 3 1/2 stars if I could.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Beatles
3/5
Some all-time great songs but some filler as well? They were producing so many songs during this time that they had clunkers, too. Prefer the later Beatles stuff but some of this is great as well.
The Only Ones
3/5
Definitely will have to listen again. Seems that a lot of bands that came later, and in some cases much later, where influenced by them. I hear early Violent Femmes. Some early Strokes. Some vocals sound like early Brendan Benson. The song “Immortal” reminds of something from Weezer’s Maladroit. Understood this album came out decades earlier, but never listened to any of the band’s material before this listen. Might give it 4 stars based on listening to it more.
Beatles
5/5
Definitely in my top 10 albums of all time.
Neil Young
2/5
Dire Straits
3/5
Feel like I’m supposed to like Dire Straits, great guitar playing, great sound and production. Alas, their music doesn’t hit with me. Plus I heard Money for Nothing ad nauseam in the mid-80’s. Hard to give it 2 stars due to my fast being a bit different.
MGMT
4/5
Really like the songs beyond the “hits,” as I never listened to this whole album. Only seem a couple of fillers on here.
T. Rex
4/5
Solid album. Enjoy it quite a bit.
Blur
3/5
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
Pure rock and roll right here. Amazing raw energy.
Common
2/5
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Ray Charles
2/5
Of all the Ray Charles albums in this list, unsure why this and not others. It’s okay, more like a few country tunes with an old R&B feel. Not terrible but not great.
Elastica
2/5
Joy Division
4/5
Great album. Ian Curtis was amazing. Love Peter Hook’s playing.
Pearl Jam
4/5
My friend in high school told us about how the members from Mother Love Bone got another band together from a singer originally from our area (San Diego). He got a hold of a demo tape, perhaps from friend-of-friend of a friend. Popped it in the tape player of a friend’s car and said “this is the band I want us to sound like.” Pretty funny looking back and I haven’t given it a complete listen in more than 30 years. Brings back memories. Forgot out great the first 2/3rds of the album are, perhaps loses a little interest towards the end.
Roxy Music
3/5
I feel Roxy Music never got their due here in the U.S. as much as they did in the U.K. This is a good listen, although prefer their first album.
Prince
2/5
I don’t remember much of this album when it came out, maybe since it was overshadowed by Purple Rain and 1999. After listening to this, I feel Prince wrote better songs for other artists at the time. Other than a couple of songs, unsure I’d give this whole album another listen.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Understood this may have been a bit of a comeback for him after his intentional 80’s druthers outputting things to upset his label at the time. Parts of this I like, probably needs to be shorter to listen to the entire album in one sitting.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
Interesting choice. I probably prefer Costa neustra and The Hustler only because I’m more familiar with those. Perhaps need a few more listens of this to compare but so far prefer those.
Beatles
5/5
Maybe other than Rubber Soul, the best Beatles album in my opinion. White album is up there for me as well.
R.E.M.
3/5
Janelle Monáe
2/5
Isaac Hayes
2/5
The White Stripes
3/5
Not my favorite White Stripes album. Got this when released and perhaps a letdown from previous albums. A few good songs but seems like a lot of filler?
Radiohead
4/5
Funkadelic
4/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Hawkwind
2/5
AC/DC
4/5
Along with Highway to Hell, appreciate Mutt Lange’s production. Reference track material for me when mixing.
The The
2/5
Joni Mitchell
4/5
David Bowie
4/5
The War On Drugs
3/5
Alice In Chains
4/5
R.E.M.
4/5
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
Heard of them but somehow missed this Portland band in the mid to late 90’s.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Thanks for having this on the list. I haven’t listened to this in almost 30 years. Used to get home from work late at 9pm, veg out watching my roommate playing video games listening to this (and Prodigy), then going to bed and waking up at 5am to go back to work. Feel I can appreciate this more. Brings back memories.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Motörhead
4/5
Roxy Music
3/5
Queen
3/5
The Kinks
2/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Perhaps my all-time favorite Stones album. The first half alone is amazing. the second half drags in some places or else I'd give it 5 stars. If there's 4 1/2, I'd rank it there.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Blur
2/5
Gene Clark
2/5
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Yes
4/5
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Santana
3/5
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
Surprised to see this San Diego band on this list. Rocket From The Crypt was the band everyone looked up to at the time. Not sure I was aware of the connection. My buddies shared the same bill with Jehu quite a few times. Perplexes me how the had a following at the time, let alone making it on this list.
Weather Report
3/5
Absolute monsters on this album — Shorter, Jaco, etc. Can see why this made the list as it’s one of the few jazz albums of the late 70’s that broke new sounds. However, it does sound a bit stuck in the late-70’s as well. One of those albums I feel I should like much more than I do.
Radiohead
3/5
I bought this direct from them when it was released, which was novel at the time. Back then, I wanted it to be more OK Computer or even a little Kid A, so I was disappointed at the time. Definitely appreciate and enjoy it more listening to it now. Still a handful of songs I would skip.
James Taylor
4/5
fIREHOSE
4/5
First gig was opening up for these guys while I was still in high school. So great to listen to this again, brings back memories. Also a Minutemen fan as well. Talking to Mike Watt in his red flannel back then in 1990 was pretty cool looking back.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
N.W.A.
4/5
KISS
4/5
Memories growing up in the late-70’s to this. Part of my soundtrack at the time.
David Bowie
3/5
Definitely an acquired taste for sonic landscapes and a bit of the avant garde. Not for everyone.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Better than I remember. Not sure I listens to the album before. Actually liked the other songs better than the hits.
Electric Light Orchestra
2/5
Sounds a bit stuck in disco late 70’s rock for me and not age well.
Adele
4/5
Adele’s voice is incredible. The album is a bit long for me and runs together in some spots where it starts to sound similar throughout the whole album. Other than that, this album captures her performances really well.
David Bowie
3/5
Jeff Beck
4/5
Wow, I forgot how great this album is. This was on constant repeat for me in the early 90’s and as a guitarist was the type of band I wanted to be in. What strikes me now listening to it thirty years later is the R&B and soul coming through, and the groove. Perhaps I was too focused on the guitar playing and Rod’s vocals not to appreciate the whole. A definite addition to the vinyl collection.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Perhaps my favorite Joni Mitchell album out them all.
Queen
4/5
Actually enjoy this more than Night at the Opera, despite the “lack” of hits (perhaps this was only the case in the US). Love the sound of this album.
The Byrds
3/5
Would like to give this a few more listens before ranking. Unfamiliar with “later” Byrds material but I rather enjoyed this up until a couple of songs towards the end.
Iron Maiden
3/5
This was the ultimate Iron Maiden album when I was growing up. Had a poster of the Live After Death over my bed as a 12-year-old. Funny that now I much prefer the Paul Di’Anno albums as they don’t sound as dated to me, more straight ahead raw rock. Bruce Dickinson in hindsight is a bit too opera for me, but I’ve been rediscovering an appreciation for this phase of Iron Maiden as this was them at their top.
MC Solaar
3/5
Wow, French rap/hip hop? Who knew. Enjoyed this more than a lot of American stuff. Had a Tribe Called Quest feel. Enjoyed this.
Big Star
3/5
Never even heard of this group or album over the years until recently when seeing the album cover, perhaps due to vinyl reissues. The music was not what I was expecting based on the cover. Seemed like it was influenced by a blend of later psychedelic Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, CSN. There’s a song that reminds me of early KISS (which I know came later). I also hear a lot of influences on bands many years later. A surprisingly good listen. Would rank it higher but need to hear it more to give it 4 stars.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Really love this album. Has been a staple in my vinyl collection for years.
Richard Thompson
2/5
Okay album. Americana in some spots, definitely hear Celtic influences in a few others. Interesting listen.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Relistened to the UK version. What a great album. Feel that Going Home might be filler but also understand that’s them getting back to blues. Reminded how amazing Brian Jones is on this. Also, not sure if it’s because of the hi-res version I listened to but Bill Wyman’s bass really comes through more than I remember. One of the great albums I don’t have on vinyl.
Gorillaz
3/5
First half sounds like a Blur album, which was disappointing for me. Second half is much better in my opinion. Much prefer Demon Days, though.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
I recall listening to this not long after it came out, as every few years, I browse SubPop’s website for new stuff (although I’m not sure why Arctic Monkeys showed up since they were on a different label). Anyway, enjoyed it much more as it beyond the first few songs. Much prefer this album by comparison to their more mainstream stuff, with the exception of AM. Perhaps I didn’t give it a chance before since I never got past the first couple of songs. Will have to give Suck It and See a relisten.
The Police
4/5
Although I prefer the raw sound and energy of Outlandos d'Amour, Copeland’s drumming on this is amazing. Then again, so is Andy Summer’s guitar work, then I really noticed Sting’s bass lines coming out as well. Incredible musicianship from these three guys. Perhaps like some of the other songs more than the hit singles.
Carole King
5/5
I was going to rate this 4 stars but there’s really not a bad song on this album. One of those albums that’s always in and out of my rotation that my wife also enjoys.
Depeche Mode
2/5
As a non-Depeche Mode fan, enjoyed Violater much more outside maybe a couple of songs.
Beastie Boys
4/5
No Sleep to Brooklyn and Fight For Your Right ruin it a bit for me, since the other songs are great. Brings back memories of junior high for me. Also partying in TJ while in college as a lot of these were nightclub staples.
The Beach Boys
5/5
The only debate for me is which one I prefer, the mono or stereo version. Prefer the stereo version for the separation of all the vocals and instruments, with the expanded soundscape. Not weird like the Beatles stereo albums that were originally in mono. However, I feel the mono has a little more snap or punch, bass. I suppose it’s good to like both.
Kid Rock
1/5
My opinion has not changed on this in 27 years when it was released.
Mudhoney
4/5
This album has recently been in rotation for me. Brings back memories. Growing up listening to SubPop, it was them and Soundgarden at the top. Seemed they got “left” behind at about this time, but hear that Arm was pretty adamant about staying on an independent label going back to the Green River days, whereas other bands coming through SubPop signed to major labels. Anyway, this has become my favorite Mudhoney album of them all.
Crowded House
4/5
Somehow missed Crowded House in the late-80’s outside of a few of their hits. This is probably my favorite album of theirs beginning to end.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Really decent album. Might not be up there with Aim Is True, This Year’s Model, or Armed Forces but definitely has a handful of gems. Recaptures a bit of the raw energy of his first two albums. I like it. Might give it four stars but hard to give it the same rating for me as the above albums mentioned.
Calexico
4/5
Pleasantly surprised to see Calexico on this list. This is the album I’d point everyone to when listening to them for the first time. Hard to imagine it’s been 22 years since this was released (as of the date of this post).
Wilco
4/5
Iggy Pop
4/5
Really like Idiot as well but a lot of great tunes on this. Sales brothers are completely awesome.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
Nondescript to me. I see why not as popular in the States.
The Pogues
3/5
Elton John
3/5
Starts off extremely well but from there seems to be a collection of too similar sounding songs? Perhaps should give it a few additional listens to appreciate the deeper cuts.
Ramones
4/5
I can see where some would think this album is repetitive but it’s straight ahead rock and roll, no frills.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
What a great album, especially side 1.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Unfortunately could not get through the third song.
Minutemen
4/5
Boon! What a great band that influenced so many. Sad the way it ended and loved what Mike Watt did afterwards.
The Police
3/5
First album (cassette) I got as a kid. Brings back memories but I definitely like their other albums more today.
Sonic Youth
4/5
First time I heard Sonic Youth was this album in the late 80’s. Still sounds great.
Van Halen
5/5
This album is the whole reason I picked up a guitar as a kid. I suppose I’ve panned this album for while, though, probably because my tastes changed in the 90’s. However, growing up listening to classic rock radio in the 80’s, there was no denying this album’s influence and how many bands followed it. For me, there were albums before 1978 and albums after 1978 with this album being the inflection point. Ted Templeman got some criticism but looking back, this album sounds great. Not a bad song on here. Although not in my handful of top albums of all time, hard to give it anything lower than 5 stars.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
This album was in constant rotation when I was in high school, even after Ritual came out. Perhaps not as good as I remember at the time, but brings back memories.
Slayer
2/5
Brings back memories when I bought this with allowance funds while in junior high when it was released. Interesting to listen to it almost 40 years later. I remember liking their earlier stuff more but this sort of put them on the map.