414
Albums Rated
2.76
Average Rating
38%
Complete
675 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
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Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
16
5-Star Albums
49
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live) | 5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
| The Healer | 5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
| Me Against The World | 5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
| Paul's Boutique | 5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
| The Clash | 5 | 3.54 | +1.46 |
| Mothership Connection | 5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
| Illmatic | 5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
| Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) | 5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
| Birth Of The Cool | 5 | 3.65 | +1.35 |
| Next | 4 | 2.72 | +1.28 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | 1 | 4.27 | -3.27 |
| The Bends | 1 | 4.01 | -3.01 |
| Bad | 1 | 3.8 | -2.8 |
| Off The Wall | 1 | 3.78 | -2.78 |
| Hotel California | 1 | 3.6 | -2.6 |
| The Velvet Underground | 1 | 3.54 | -2.54 |
| Definitely Maybe | 1 | 3.52 | -2.52 |
| Illinois | 1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
| Abbey Road | 2 | 4.46 | -2.46 |
| Aja | 1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Cash | 2 | 5 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 1.33 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1 |
| Radiohead | 5 | 1.8 |
| Beatles | 6 | 2 |
| Slipknot | 2 | 1.5 |
| Genesis | 2 | 1.5 |
| Yes | 2 | 1.5 |
| Eagles | 2 | 1.5 |
| Roxy Music | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Velvet Underground | 2 | 1.5 |
| R.E.M. | 4 | 2 |
| Talking Heads | 3 | 2 |
| The Byrds | 3 | 2 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 2 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| The Rolling Stones | 3, 4, 1 |
5-Star Albums (16)
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Popular Reviews
Genesis
1/5
Um, this is not really my jam. I guess it’s a little better than yesterday’s selection but not by much.
3 likes
Radiohead
2/5
I think first half made for decent background music, either that or I wasn’t really listening to it. It got weird and annoying by the time I got to “In Limbo”. I guess Radiohead just isn’t my jam.
1 likes
The War On Drugs
1/5
This one was a little slow and felt uninspired to my ears. I’m sure it falls into someone’s wheelhouse, but not mine and that’s okay.
1 likes
Lou Reed
3/5
I love the positive trans messages (how I’m reading the lyrics) in songs like Walk On the Wild Side especially considering that this album is from 1972. Overall it’s a solid album although some of the songs are a little more melancholy than I usually gravitate towards.
1 likes
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Every time I listen to this album I marvel that I don’t own it, I love it. Sure sometimes the guitar solos are a little over the top but that’s allowed when you’re Jimi Hendrix. I’m always impressed by how cohesive this album is and how quickly it seems to go. Red House is an absolute favorite at my house.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (49)
All Ratings
ABBA
3/5
Catchy, well crafted songs, not ly go to, but I can see why they are so loved.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
2/5
It’s fine, lots of acoustic guitars, lots of folky voices. It’s chill, easy to listen to, I can see why people would enjoy it, but I’m not especially moved by anything on the album.
Metallica
3/5
Good album, like most people I prefer others on theirs, but there are definitely some quality songs on here.
King Crimson
2/5
I want to like this album, I really tried. There are some great pieces but then it loses me. Great horn parts followed by weird prog rock chaos. I’m glad I finally gave it a listen but it’s just not working for me.
The Go-Go's
4/5
I admit they are not normally in my wheelhouse but you can’t go wrong with the Go-Go’s, super catchy, poppy fun. This album is solid start to finish.
Beatles
2/5
Hot take: The Beatles are overrated.
I’m not saying they aren’t talented musicians, clearly they are, but I don’t believe it’s them at the top followed by every other band.
I find this album in particular to be kind of boring. I can’t say it’s repetitive, there are clearly some stylistic changes between songs but overall it’s just an okay listen. Nothing wrong with that, but if I wasn’t playing these albums while working I probably would have skipped through a few tracks and moved on to something more fun.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
This is a completely new group and album to me, I had never heard of them and obviously never listened to their music before. I really enjoyed this, love the music and the styles involved. Unfortunately for me I am monolingual, so I can’t speak to the lyrical content. Overall though this is my favorite album that has been generated thus far.
Maxwell
3/5
Very nice chill, jazzy album, a relaxing listen. Not a genre I’m well versed in, but I definitely enjoyed this one.
Baaba Maal
3/5
I don’t mind this one, definitely interesting, although it does tent to feel a bit repetitive as far as rhythms and style. I probably would get more out of ut if it weren’t for the language barrier.
Blue Cheer
3/5
I’ve always loved Summertime Blues, but the rest gets a little weird, although it was probably influential during its time.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Some fantastic songs on here, straight up classics! I was also pleasantly surprised by the variety between tracks, I had obviously heard the hits and for whatever reason I expected the rest of the album to be similar, I was excited to hear so many varied styles on one album.
Deep Purple
3/5
This is a cool live performance, by some obviously talented musicians. Truthfully though I only got through the first disc, it’s a little more jammy/solo based than I prefer. I imagine it would have been amazing in person.
Amy Winehouse
3/5
I have obviously heard a few of these songs before, but I never sat down and listened to the entire album. I like it, I can see why she was so well loved at the height of her popularity. The instrumentation is nice I like the variety of sound between tracks. It’s not an album I will likely go back and revisit on my own, but I wouldn’t be upset if someone decided to put it on.
The Doors
4/5
The Doors are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, not in my normal rotation, but I am a fan. I have often been told that I look like “that guy from the Doors” and dated a few women who were huge fans, these two facts may or may not be related. I thought I owned this album but perhaps not, I know most of the songs quite well, but was not as familiar with “I Looked at You”, “End of the Night” and “Take It as It Comes”. Overall it’s a solid album even if the 12 minute album version of “The End” gets a little long.
Nirvana
4/5
I remember when this album was released and for me it still stands up today. I love the covers and the original songs, one of my favorite MTV Unplugged albums. Unlike some other live recordings it seems to capture their live performance very well, although I never got to see them live so I’m purely speculating. Overall I think this is a great album start to finish.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
What in the modern funk/dance music is this? I don’t love it, but I like it. The songs do seem to get a little repetitive, but overall it’s a good listen and I wouldn’t necessarily skip them if the came up on a playlist.
Supergrass
3/5
I have seen this album many times, but never gave it a listen. I like it more than I expected, really like the first couple heavier songs. It gets a little long/repetitive towards the end, but overall it’s definitely a good one.
Franz Ferdinand
2/5
One of the songs I was already super familiar with because it’s on our in store music at work. Not an album I’ll probably search for, but it’s not bad.
Solange
2/5
I like the voice/vocals, but stylistically it’s not really my jam.
Kraftwerk
3/5
No a bad album, probably would be great as background music for studying or working at a computer. I’m not a huge electronic music fan so it doesn’t move the dial much for me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to someone playing this album.
Sister Sledge
3/5
I was excited for this album because “We Are Family” always makes me think of “The Birdcage”. The rest of the songs aren’t bad but they are not quite on the same level.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
Excellent instrumental record, great background music while working. I had heard a couple tracks but glad I finally listened to the album in its entirety.
2/5
I want to make a rubbish joke because of the album title, but it’s not that bad. I do find it a little boring, although some of the tracks towards the end of the second disc are a little better.
3/5
Woah! This is not what I expected, I don’t hate it although it does get a little bit noisy at times. Good background music for chilling or working.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Mood music, perfect for ahem a certain mood.
The Doors
4/5
Good album, I probably enjoy this more blues-rock version of The Doors the best.
The Police
3/5
I know some people love this album, and it’s fine. I hate to repeat reviews of other albums, but I find this one kind of boring. It’s not bad just doesn’t do much to excite me.
The Stranglers
3/5
Very interesting, at times I’m getting blues-rock crossed with the Mummies. I would go back and listen to this again.
Neil Young
3/5
I genuinely like Neil Young, but I hadn’t heard this album before. I appreciate the mix of genres, a blues song, a country song and more, it’s good, but there are many other works of his that I like better.
Eminem
4/5
I know Slim Shady isn’t for everyone, but I love this album. Sure some of that is nostalgia, and he’s definitely improved as a lyricist on some of the newer albums, but the humor is already there. So many great tracks here, Cum On Everybody, Rock Bottom, Bad Meets Evil…
Lou Reed
3/5
I love the positive trans messages (how I’m reading the lyrics) in songs like Walk On the Wild Side especially considering that this album is from 1972. Overall it’s a solid album although some of the songs are a little more melancholy than I usually gravitate towards.
Van Halen
2/5
Good stuff, lots of guitar noodling and of course a little bit of sexism. Generally not my cup of tea, but there is no denying the skills and talent in the instrumentation. The tracks mesh well together making the album a good listen (minus the sexism) from start to finish.
Q-Tip
3/5
Interestingly, I actually expected to like this more than I did. It’s good but started a little slow for me, overall though it’s a good album.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Interestingly, I actually expected to like this more than I did. It’s good but started a little slow for me, overall though it’s a good album.
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
Interesting album, a bit more country than I gravitate towards, but it’s not bad. I found myself listening to “Three Great Alabama Icons” twice trying to decipher the message. I feel like I give most albums 3 stars, but here I am again with a 3 star review.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I’m happy to find a Stones album on here, I’ve said they are a band I need to give more attention to. I have always enjoyed what I have heard but never really delved very deeply into their catalog. That said I’m not super impressed with this album. Maybe it’s because I had this on while working, but nothing really jumped out at me. Good album, quality music, but nothing earth shattering on my first listen.
Queen
3/5
Obviously a well loved band and I respect that. My only issue is they are all over the place stylistically, ‘39 doesn’t really even sound like a Queen song to me. There are some great songs on here, but the album as a whole isn’t something I would throw on and listen straight through.
Television
3/5
I like it, but I don’t love it, not surprisingly it’s like the Television album I have on vinyl. I see the pre-punk importance but I thought I would be more interested than I am at the end of the day. Good album, nice background music while I’m doing other things, but probably not something I’m going to find myself listening to on heavy rotation.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Good Neil Young album, not my favorite of his though.
Slipknot
1/5
So this is Slipknot, hmm…
The music itself isn’t bad, I generally like fast aggressive stuff, but not a huge fan of the vocals/lyrical content. Mainly though, I can’t take a bunch of dudes in scary clown costumes seriously.
Nina Simone
3/5
It’s good, not really my jam, but definitely some talented musicians. The tracks definitely fit together and make a cohesive album.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
I know of the Flaming Lips, but I don’t know the Flaming Lips. Is this some kind of concept album, they made of video fame inspired music? The title tracks sound like the inspiration for My Singing Monsters It’s not bad, but probably not something I’ll go looking for again.
Dagmar Krause
3/5
Definitely interesting, and something that I would not have found on my own. Probably not something I find myself going back to, but it’s not bad.
Love
3/5
I really liked the first song, the rest are not bad. Maybe it’s the 19 minute final track, but I get a Doors/Dead vibe. Definitely not my usual go to, but I liked the album more than I expected.
Deep Purple
3/5
I think everyone knows Smoke On The Water, but I can’t say I know the rest of the album. Good bluesy rock, nice background music not much more for me.
James Brown
4/5
The immortal James Brown, this is a fantastic live album!
Michael Jackson
1/5
It’s not bad.
Minus 2 stars for questionable personal history.
Otis Redding
5/5
James Brown the Otis Redding a few days later, hell yeah! So many great songs on here, I can’t find anything negative to say about this one.
Deep Purple
3/5
I thought maybe the whole album wasn’t on Spotify. First time pulling in up 2 tracks, 17 minutes, reloaded and it’s still not a long album, but 7 tracks for 42 minutes seems more realistic. It’s good groovy rock, nothing earth shattering for me.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
I like it, maybe not something I’ll listen to all the time, but she has an amazing voice. Good song quality and nice to listen to.
De La Soul
4/5
Great album! I’m more familiar with De La Soul is Dead, but this one holds up well in comparison.
Eminem
4/5
Another nostalgic piece for me, I guess I’m still mad at the world. This is just as good as The Slim Shady LP in my opinion.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Another great album! I’ve never really listened to Jurassic 5 before, I’m sure I have heard a few tracks but never gave them a deep dive. Glad I did this is definitely something I will circle back to.
Tangerine Dream
1/5
70s ASMR? I suppose it might be nice background music for working. In all honesty I didn’t get through the entire album, only got to the track “Movements of a Visionary” I guess I’m not seeing the vision.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Another artist whose catalog I have been meaning to explore. I expected more upbeat songs like Open All Night, but I think this album would grow on me with more listens.
Beatles
2/5
Oh great, another Beatles album…
It’s fine, upbeat, poppy, fairly interesting songs.
Elton John
3/5
Good album, big fan of Bennie And The Jets, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road & Saturday Night’s Alright. I know/like some Elton John, but I had not heard some of these tracks before.
Fiona Apple
2/5
New(ish) Fiona Apple? Okay, I honestly did not know anything existed after her first album. It’s fine, not likely to crack my rotation anytime soon.
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
Hmm, it’s okay. I listened to it while working and it didn’t really catch my attention.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
I really enjoyed this one, kind of a folk/blues feel. Obviously I have no idea what the lyrics are, but it’s interesting sonically and I enjoy finding sounds that I would not otherwise have heard.
The Beach Boys
2/5
Lots of harmonies… so many harmonies. I always think of the Beach Boys as my dad’s music, but I actually only recognized 2 songs off this album.
Joy Division
3/5
Another band that I know of, but don’t really know, it’s not bad. I had it playing at work and nothing really stood out, but I can see how it was influential at the time.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I am torn on this one, it’s about half and half for me. I found I would like one song (cool organ part) then the next song is kind of underwhelming. It’s not bad by any means, but probably not something I will find myself looking up again.
John Lennon
1/5
It’s kind of like The Beatles made a pre punk album… I like it a little better than The Beatles albums thus far, I guess that’s something.
Billy Joel
4/5
Years ago I never would have admitted to liking this album, but my daughter loves Billy Joel, so now I love some Billy Joel. The entire album is good, but first 6 tracks are great.
Keith Jarrett
2/5
Talented pianist, I don’t know anything else about this, but I enjoyed it.
Talking Heads
2/5
Eh, it’s fine. Nothing stood out and grabbed my attention.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
I was excited for this one, obviously everyone knows Come on Eileen, but I’ve also seen quite a few references to them in the Punk/Oi! world. I really liked this, will likely revisit this album soon
Hookworms
2/5
Hmm, it’s somewhat interesting, although not really my jam.
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
I like it a little better than some of the other recent albums but it’s still not likely to make it on my list of favorites.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Aretha! The album title says it all “Lady Soul” is the perfect title for this amazing voice.
Alanis Morissette
2/5
Freshman year of college flashback!
It’s honestly better than I remembered. She has a good voice but some of the lyrics are a little cringe worthy…
I definitely remember making fun of the misuse of the word ironic.
1/5
Well, this is something I would not have found on my own, but it’s also something I will not be looking to find again.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
eh, it’s okay. Foot tapping pop, skilled musicians, but it’s just not my jam.
The White Stripes
3/5
It’s fine, some nice chunky guitar parts and I like her simple drum parts. Overall it’s not my favorite but it is not the worst thing on the list of 1001 albums.
Beastie Boys
4/5
One of my favorite Beastie albums! Surprisingly I don’t own this one so I will definitely have to revisit.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
I knew a couple of songs off this one, but that’s about it. Interesting to think of how this may have been received in 1957.
Billy Bragg
4/5
I bought the entire Billy Bragg & Wilco collection a few years ago. It took a couple listens but it has really grown on me.
Happy Mondays
2/5
It’s not had, definitely some interesting songs, I like the use of some of the non traditional instruments. I was beginning to think it was a little repetitive until I realized there are quite a few remixes or alternate versions of some of the same songs.
Bon Jovi
3/5
It feels like I’m back at a middle school dance. Overall this album holds up better than I expected.
Public Enemy
4/5
A Classic Album!
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Another artist that I have learned to appreciate through my daughter’s tastes. I knew Fleetwood Mac but I never really gave them very much attention. There are definitely some great songs on here, I’m actually surprised how many songs I know.
R.E.M.
2/5
So many people in high school and college were obsessed with this album… I don’t necessarily get it, I mean it is a decent album, but not something I have on rotation… even if it is catchy at times.
Don McLean
2/5
Everyone know American Pie, can’t say I was familiar with any of the other tracks. They’re okay, kind of all sound the same after a while.
Moby Grape
2/5
Another somewhat underwhelming album, it’s okay.
Beck
1/5
Could not get into this one, all the songs sound very similar.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Somewhat surprising that there are only 7 tracks on the one. It’s good, some obvious hits on here, the other songs weren’t bad but didn’t jump out at me.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Eh, some songs are fine, some are a little long… not my favorite.
TV On The Radio
2/5
I got excited when I heard the sax, I thought maybe this would be more like Morphine. It’s not, the album is okay, but not something I am likely to circle back to anytime soon.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
Political 90s rap, I’m here for it!
Crazy (sad) how so many of these issues are still issues today.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Back to back fantastic albums!
I forgot there was a Busta Rhymes feature on this one, so many great tracks on this album.
Sade
3/5
I like this more than I expected I would! It’s still not necessarily my jam, but a good album nonetheless.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
This album grew on me. It’s not something that finds itself in heavy rotation, but I wouldn’t be upset if someone put it on.
The Darkness
1/5
Ugh, I’m not sure how I feel about this one. The music isn’t bad although it sounds like a 70s metal band. My biggest beef though is the vocals are way too screachy.
The Monkees
2/5
I expected something more along the lines of Last Train to Clarksville, or the Monkees Theme song, overall it’s not bad although, probably not making itself into my heavy rotation. I was surprised to hear the future sample from Mistadobalina, did not realize that was from a Monkees’ song!
Michael Jackson
1/5
I have never been a Michael Jackson fan, obviously talented but not my cup of tea.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Quality songwriting, the title track and Cecilia are a classics. Overall the musical style isn’t my favorite, but a good song is a good song.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Not what I expected (hip-hop/rap) but I like it better than I would have thought if I knew what I was getting into. Probably not likely to crack my heavy rotation but it’s interesting sonically.
Genesis
2/5
Eh, it’s fine.
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
It’s whatever, 70s rock, 2 or 3 stars.
3/5
I liked this more than I expected, I’m not going to follow her tour and become a Harvey Head or anything, but it’s catchy.
The Doors
4/5
Been Down So Long, might be my favorite Doors song, I like this one.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
It’s good, not great. A few very good, memorable songs a few weird sonically experimental songs.
Ray Charles
3/5
Interesting album, worth it for me just for the version of “Born to Lose”. Strangely the Spotify version only had 5 songs. I listened to all of those and a few more, but moved on before I got through the entire album.
The Sonics
3/5
I definitely enjoyed this one, it’s like an early version of Me First and The Gimme Gimmes.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
ehh, it’s okay… kind of boring.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I’m a little surprised how many of these songs I know. Obviously am amazing voice, although the musical style my not be my first choice.
Green Day
2/5
Somehow this album is not as bad as I remember (the decent songs) and at the same time way worse than I remember (everything else).
Pink Floyd
2/5
5 tracks for a total of 43 minutes is impressive in a way. I don’t actually hate this one, there are some interesting parts and overall it’s catchy, but I do get a little bored with most of the songs, they just keep going…
Elastica
2/5
I liked this one more than I expected. There are some catchy, grungy guitar parts that I enjoy. Overall it’s not amazing or anything but I don’t hate it either.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
Okay I get it this album is 58 years old, the songs are well crafted, but I prefer the Ramones cover of Do You Wanna Dance. Overall it fine, but a little too poppy for me.
Lauryn Hill
3/5
I know many people love this album, but it’s only okay to me. It’s certainly not bad, there just isn’t that much that interests my ears.
Pixies
3/5
Well I certainly can’t say the songs all sound the same. Overall it’s not bad, but it’s not going to make my heavy rotation either.
The Human League
1/5
This might be the 80s est of all 80s albums… It’s not for me, I got bored and moved on.
The Stone Roses
2/5
Another mid album, it’s fine, but nothing to write home about. Kind of boring, but pleasant enough to listen to while working, I guess.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I love and respect Jimi for his talent and contributions to guitar music and pushing of the “sonic envelope”. However, I get a little annoyed with the 15 minute song. That shouldn’t take away from his talents and abilities, but it does affect my ratings. I would have given this 4 stars based on the handful of amazing songs on here, but I get a little bogged down by the other tracks. Overall it’s certainly an impressive album but I can’t give it 4 or 5 stars simply because there are a few tracks that feel a little self indulgent.
The Verve
2/5
I expected everything to sound like Bitter Sweet Symphony, they definitely have more range than that. Do I love it? not so much. It’s fine for what it is and I wouldn’t leave the room is someone put in on, but I probably wouldn’t choose it on my own.
Skepta
2/5
This one started out strong. I liked the first couple tracks, but it starts to drag a bit. Lyrically it’s not the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard, in fact some of it gets a little too close to mumble rap for me.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
I had some friends that were super into Hü Dü in high school and college, but I never really got into them. That said I liked this more than I expected, some cool guitar riffs and bass lines (note to self: stop listening to these on the phone you’ll actually hear the bass)
Sufjan Stevens
1/5
I just couldn’t this morning…
It’s not bad, but it’s too much for me.
Elliott Smith
2/5
Eh, I got bored and turned it off.
It’s fine.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I like this one more than the other Hendrix album we had a few days ago. I imagine it would feel even more impactful if I were listening to it when it was first released. I think as a general statement I prefer Jimi’s more structured songs with some of his guitar genius thrown in vs the live ot more free flowing stuff. Overall though I thought this was a great listen.
Linkin Park
2/5
I mean it’s okay, I guess…
All the songs sound similar, heavy guitar riff, some screaming and a white boy rap/breakdown part. I don’t necessarily hate it, but I’m certainly not going to go searching for it again.
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
Wow, I knew of them, but didn’t know them. I really liked this album. Will definitely have to listen to more of their catalog. Very nice, pre/early punk, I’m a fan.
The Byrds
2/5
Another one that I should at least respect, but I just can’t get into. It’s not bad, but I don’t know… too much harmonizing? too poppy?
I’m glad I gave it a listen and all that, but not one I’ll be going back for.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Totally new artist for me so I had no expectations going in. It is certainly not my usual style, but it’s not bad, I really liked Dance or Die & Tightrope. I’m not going to run out and buy the album but I could see those songs ending up on a playlist or something like that.
The Temptations
3/5
There are some great songs on here, and the album as a whole was certainly pleasant background music while working. There are some other tracks that didn’t really catch my attention. I should probably give this one another listen when I’m able to pay more attention.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
1/5
There were a couple cool guitar riffs, but overall it’s not really my style.
Shack
1/5
I am hear a ton of Beatles influence, which is fine, but doesn’t do much for me. It’s very non offensive, but not very inspiring in my opinion.
Orbital
1/5
This is a new artist to me, so expectations going into it…
Oh, it’s electronic dance music, that explains why I’m not familiar with these guys. It’s fine background music, I guess. I have definitely found that this genre is not my cup of tea, so it goes.
Kanye West
2/5
I did not think I had heard this album before, but I recognized more songs than I expected. I know there are many people who love this album but I find it kind of corny, especially the Jesus song. The Jay-Z feature was probably the highlight for me, beyond that it’s pretty forgettable in my eyes.
The Prodigy
3/5
I remember hearing this quite a bit when it was first released. To be honest I wasn’t looking forward to diving back in, but I liked this better than I remembered. It felt more diverse than many other albums in this genre, I didn’t get the usual all the songs sound the same feeling. I certainly remembered Fire Started and Smack My Bitch Up, but the other tracks hold up better than I thought.
Iron Maiden
3/5
I’m not a huge metal guy and have never been very well versed on Iron Maiden, but I like this more than I expected. The riffs, bass, music in general is cool, vocals aren’t super impressive or maybe just not my first choice stylistically.
So it goes.
CHIC
1/5
Yeah, I don’t think I was able to get through any of the songs without skipping ahead. It’s disco, its fine, but it’s so repetitive, sonically and lyrically I get bored.
Liz Phair
3/5
My wife owns her next album Whip-Smart, but I was not familiar with this one. I can see the appeal, but I don’t think I’m the target audience. I respect her musical contributions, feminine strength etc, but it’s not doing much to grab me. Certainly there is nothing wrong with the album; I generally like lo-fi, stripped down works, but this just doesn’t stand out for me.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
I knew of Siouxsie & the Banshees but I didn’t really know Siouxsie & the Banshees. I like it, but I expected to like it more than I do. I think the might be one of those albums that had I heard it when it was first released it would command more attention. Unfortunately, I have already heard all the bands/sounds that they inspired so it loses a little of its shine. Still a solid album start to finish.
1/5
Oh great another Beatles album…
It’s fine, I think everyone knows at least a few of these songs. As I’ve said before I’m just not a big Beatles guy.
So it goes.
R.E.M.
2/5
Eh, I don’t usually mind unconventional or non traditional vocals, but something about Michael Stipe’s voice annoys me. I know that’s not a very good reason to dislike a group, but it is what it is. At least the album is only 39 minutes long.
Beach House
3/5
I am unfamiliar with this group, although I learned I am following them and liked 3 of their songs (sharing a Spotify account with my daughter). At first I wasn’t sure I was going to find much that interested me, but this album kind of grew on me as I listened to it. I’m not sure I’d choose to go back to it, but it’s not bad.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
I liked this one quite a bit. Going into it I had no preconceived ideas about the artist, and obviously I can’t speak on the lyrics but overall it was pleasant background music while I worked. I’m not sure that “it’s pleasant and doesn’t distract me” mis the highest compliment you can pay an artist but I would throw this one on again if I’m looking for something to listen to while working on a project.
Parliament
5/5
I’m not the biggest funk guy, but Parliament does it right! There were some definite bangers on this album.
Lorde
3/5
I think everyone knows Lorde or at least the song Royals, which is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. I wanted to do a punk cover of Royals with my last hand but we never got around to figuring it out.
As for this album, I’m pleasantly surprised… it’s definitely not my usual style, but I’m a fam of her voice/vocal style. The accompaniment is sonically pleasing and I find it interesting enough that I’d circle back to it when I’m looking for background music.
I like this album, but don’t love it.
I cannot hear Rod Stewart’s voice and not think I hear “Maggie”, hahaha! Overall though there were quite a few good songs, I was hoping for Ooh, La, La since I fell in love with that song when Tim Armstrong covered it. I could see myself digging a little deeper into the Faces/Small Faces catalogs.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Hmm, I know many people LOVE Nick Cave, but I’m not exactly feeling it. The musicianship is good, but if I’m being honest it’s kind of boring… I counted 2 songs with cat references, don’t get me wrong I love my cats, but I’m not often singing about them. Then you have all the biblical references, especially with his vocal range it gives me a budget Johnny Cash vibe, but maybe it’s my mood today… So it goes.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Maybe I’m overthinking this, but I don’t think a soundtrack should count as an album. That said this one was okay I suppose… I noticed some alternative percussion instruments, that was probably what stood out the most for me. Otherwise it was not super memorable for me.
The Band
1/5
Well, I got through the entire album, I can’t say much more than that. It’s fine, classic/southern(?) rock I suppose, but I wouldn’t be going back to it.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Son of a Preacher Man is a classic, the rest of the album does not measure up in my opinion.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
I liked this more than I expected. The guitar riffs all sound very similar to me, but then again many of my own riffs sound like each other as well.
Elton John
3/5
I didn’t get through all 3 discs but I don’t really need to hear all the piano demos to understand Elton John. A solid album, obviously Tiny Dancer is the main highlight, but Holiday Inn is another favorite.
Jack White
2/5
It’s not bad, interesting sonically, but nothing reaches out and grabs my attention either. I’m not the biggest White Stripes guy anyway so that’s not a huge surprise to me.
Nirvana
4/5
I’ve always been a big fam of this album. It’s somehow darker and funnier than Nevermind. I enjoyed going back and listening to this one again, probably haven’t played the entire album in 15-20 years. Bleach is probably my favorite Nirvana album, but this one holds up well for being 30+ years old.
Duran Duran
2/5
I’ve never really gotten into Duran Duran. It’s fine, but nothing that really excites my ear holes.
Donovan
1/5
It’s fine, not bad background music, I probably liked it a tick more than I expected. They used some interesting alternatives to a traditional drum kit, but beyond that it’s kind pretty boring.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
I had heard of this band, but for some reason I assumed they were an indie/pop-punk kind of vibe. This is darker and heavier (is indie/hardcore a thing?) than I expected, I kind of like it. This album is certainly not along the lines of my usual preferences, but I might look into the rest of their catalog.
The Specials
4/5
Oh yes! I bought this on vinyl years ago, before I owned a record player. I’m a big fan of this album, listening to the remastered version on Spotify is a little weird, since my ears are trained to expect the original version but it’s a quality album, either way.
U2
1/5
Nope! If I learned anything from Henry Rollins it is that I hate U2.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
I definitely enjoyed this album, but it is pretty far removed from my normal rotation. I wish more soundtracks were done by single artists, it makes the album more cohesive. I might have to watch the movie (I’ve never seen it) to fully appreciate this one.
Incubus
1/5
I’m not a fan, some of the instrumentation isn’t bad, but the majority of the scratching seems out of place. Overall it’s just not a very compelling album for me.
Django Django
1/5
I’m in a crap mood today so that might be coloring my review here, but I just can’t get into this one. It’s fine, sometimes interesting sonically, but it fails to grab my attention.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
4/5
This starts a little slow, but overall an amazing album. Crazy to think about what this was and what it inspired when it was first released.
Yes
1/5
It’s fine, but I’m not a huge fan. Skilled musicians, playing poppy 70s rock, but it doesn’t do much to excite me.
Herbie Hancock
4/5
I am by no means a funk or jazz aficionado but at first listen, I am intrigued by the jazz-funk fusion going on here. Overall this was an excellent album, my daughter has played a version if Watermelon Man with the jazz band at her school so I was fairly familiar with that piece. I’m going to go all the way to 4 stars here because I liked this much more than I expected.
Wild Beasts
1/5
I’m not sure what’s happening here. Did someone ask “What if The Cure were upbeat, but still sad”?
Genesis
1/5
Um, this is not really my jam. I guess it’s a little better than yesterday’s selection but not by much.
Eagles
2/5
It’s whatever, 70s rock…
the singles/hits are fine.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
I don’t know if I like all jazz, but I like this jazz!
Fiona Apple
3/5
Nothing against Fiona Apple, but if I’m not mistaken this is the second of her albums on this list. Nothing against Fiona Apple, but I would not have thought her to be someone who produced 2 albums worthy of this list.
As for this album specifically, I think I like this album a slight bit more than the other one we reviewed, but again it’s not something that blew me away.
Brian Eno
3/5
Interesting music, I enjoyed this as background music. I’m not familiar enough with this genre to have much of an opinion on the album when compared to other works.
Various Artists
2/5
I work retail, so I’m not interested in anymore Christmas music. That said it is a little better than the Christmas music I hear in the mall all winter, so 2 stars I guess.
Supertramp
2/5
I like it slightly more than some other albums of this genre, but it’s still not my jam… 2 stars
Tracy Chapman
3/5
A fine album, I think I like the lyrical messages more than the music. It’s good enough, but a little too mellow for me.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
2/5
I don’t know how I feel about this one. Obviously talented musicians, great harmonies, but it just doesn’t do much for me. I saw them in the 90s and it was an enjoyable show, but I’ve never considered buying a CS&N album of even felt like I needed to hear one of their songs. It good enough, but maybe it’s just not for me.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I guess I liked this a little more than I expected, but I’m still not running out to buy a copy. Beautiful l, powerful voice, but the style isn’t exactly my jam. The Redman feature was easily my favorite track.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
It not bad, kind of pre/proto-punk. I liked the simplicity of some of the bass lines. Overall it’s not something I’ll go back to, but it was okay.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It got better the longer I listened, but there is something about Bruce that doesn’t do it for me, but I can’t put ly finger on it. I know he is an excellent songwriter, so maybe it’s his vocal style, but that seems odd since I don’t usually mind non traditional voices.
Paul Simon
3/5
I think everyone knows Paul Simon, but I wasn’t extremely familiar with this album. This turned out to be another album I liked more than I expected. It made for good background music, lots of poppy toe tapping moments.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Started a little slow, but once I got to I Wish it picked up a bit. I never realized the parallels between Pastime Paradise and Gangsters Paradise, that was a cool connection to discover.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
Is this trip-hop? It’s okay, made for good background noise. I did get a little bored and skipped around towards the end.
Richard Hawley
3/5
I don’t hate this, kind of has a Leonard Cohen feel to the vocals. It’s more mellow than I usually gravitate towards but I guess ever crusty old punk rockers need to switch it up sometimes. It is not some that I will circle back to very, but I would not object to someone throwing this on either.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
This sounds like Raunchy Rock and/or Roll, I like it! A couple songs with outrageous and/or questionable themes, but overall a pretty fun listen. It’s not necessarily an album to share with the kids, but I will try to remember to check out the rest of their catalog.
Beatles
2/5
My parents own this record, so I’m fairly familiar with it. That said it’s not my favorite. I skipped around a bit, but nothing stood out or caught my attention.
Regarding our last album: I must have left the room when Gang Bang came on… WTF? that song made me uncomfortable.
Wilco
2/5
Mid, talented musicians, but interestingly I prefer the Billy Bragg & Wilco stuff to any of the Wilco stuff I’ve heard.
Cream
3/5
The good songs (singles?) are great, the musicianship is great… some of the other songs are only okay.
The xx
3/5
It was okay, decent background music while I was working. Probably not something I’ll come back for more of, but it was interesting enough that I didn’t skip around.
Scott Walker
3/5
I liked this more than I would have expected. Knew nothing about the artist, but it’s pop/crooner style but with a bit more socially conscious lyrics. It’s not something I’ll probably circle back to, but it’s definitely interesting.
Depeche Mode
2/5
I have never been able to get into Depeche Mode. I don’t know if it’s too much synth or if it’s the vocals or the overall style, but they just don’t do much to move me. I like some of their songs okay when I’ve heard them covered by others, but that is not much of an endorsement.
Prince
3/5
Prince is another artist that I’ve never really gotten into. Obviously a super talented musician, but there was always something that made me hesitate to jump into the Prince fandom. That being said I actually liked this more than I expected. I was familiar with the singles but the later tracks were more enjoyable than I expected going into this one.
Black Flag
4/5
15 tracks for a total of 34 minutes!
I love this album, it might be my favorite Black Flag album. I would go all the way to 5 stars, but there are a few songs that don’t quite match the energy of the rest of the album.
Jamiroquai
3/5
I don’t mind this, but it did go on a little too long for me. Interesting contrast between this and yesterday’s Black Flag album: 20 tracks, 121 minutes versus 15 tracks, 34 minutes. I guess I have a short attention span.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Before listening: I’m excited for this one, a band I’ve heard about many times, but one I’ve never really listened to. Hopefully they live up to the hype.
After listening:
Michael Jackson
2/5
Michael Jackson is clearly talented and clearly not my jam.
R.E.M.
3/5
Pretty standard 3 star album nothing too exciting but nothing too annoying either.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Interesting enough that I didn’t skip around. I expected more of this to sound like the title track, but the other stuff kept my attention for the most part.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Solid album, I like CCR. I know the hits but writing this rating a day later I can’t say I actually remember any of the other songs. Maybe that says more about me or the fact that I’ve usually got these on while working. Still a solid 3 stars probably should be a 4.
Simple Minds
1/5
Oh, 80s synth pop… no thanks.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I usually try to write these ratings before reading my compatriot’s ratings. Today I’m glad I read theirs first. I too cannot get into this album/band. They feel like something I should enjoy but I just don’t.
David Bowie
3/5
I like Bowie and obviously respect his contributions to music and acting, but this album is kind of mid. It’s not bad, but it also wasn’t very memorable.
Steve Winwood
3/5
This was pleasant to listen to, although kind of bland as well. Classic 3 stars, didn’t make me annoyed enough to skip, but didn’t really catch my attention either.
Bad Company
3/5
I expected to like this more than I did, I mean it’s fine. The title track was probably the highlight, I think expected more or that style/flavor. It is what it is, another one of those “fine” selections, nothing that bothered me, but also not much that wowed me.
The Kinks
1/5
This sounds like value brand Beatles…
Seeing how I don’t really enjoy the original flavor I’m surprisingly not into this either. I was going to say 2 stars since it didn’t actively annoy me but after 11 songs I had to move on so I’m dropping this one down to 1 star.
I did go and listen to Face to Face the band afterwards so there is that.
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
I was excited to revisit this album, but it’s not as good as I remember. I mean it is good, interesting sonically, fairly unique for the time it was released. I definitely think it would be cathartic to write/play this style of music. I don’t know, maybe I’m just not as sad and/or angry as I once was, but I fully expected to give this 4 or 5 stars. I think I’ll finally settle for a 3, maybe 3.5 rounded up to 4. Hurt is of course a classic and an amazing song, but crazy how after Johnny Cash covered it the original just doesn’t quite feel the same… it’s still great, but Johnny definitely made it his own.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Every time I listen to this album I marvel that I don’t own it, I love it. Sure sometimes the guitar solos are a little over the top but that’s allowed when you’re Jimi Hendrix. I’m always impressed by how cohesive this album is and how quickly it seems to go. Red House is an absolute favorite at my house.
Portishead
2/5
I’m not sure how I feel about this album. It’s not uninteresting to listen to, but it’s also not very exciting. It kind of feels like a video game soundtrack.
Fugees
4/5
I like this one, but I don’t love it. I expected to be more into this than I actually was, it’s good and I like Wyclef’s style but as an album it falls a little short of what I remembered. The singles are (obviously) the best tracks on here. Overall, although most of the beats feel kind of simplistic, they work. Rating? 3.5? I’ll bump this to 4 stars it’s definitely close.
Joe Ely
3/5
I’m stuck about halfway between 2 and 3 stars. I think there are some well written songs in here, but overall it’s a little too honky tonk for my tastes. I did not know or expect that he toured with the Clash, I guess I’ll declare that enough to push this to a 2.5, rounded up to 3 stars. I wouldn’t be mad is someone put this on, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back to it either. Maybe I’ll look into some of his later works, according to the bio he moved more towards a mainstream rock style, those albums might be more my speed.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This is an excellent album, I did not expect to know so many songs since I’m mainly familiar with their hits. I am always impressed by how many CCR songs somehow reside in my sub conscience.
The Clash
5/5
The only band that matters!
5 stars, the closest thing to a perfect debut album in my opinion, interesting side note, I debuted the same year. I was a little thrown off by the UK version/track list, but it does very little to diminish the album as a whole in my opinion.
Buck Owens
3/5
A solid 2.5 rounded up to 3. It’s fine, mostly not annoying. I wouldn’t be upset if someone wanted to listen to this, but I’m not likely to put it on myself.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
I wanted to like this, even if only because of the people who have that little guy as a tattoo. I even tried not to skip around, but it got to be too much. I mean it’s interesting with the non traditional instruments & the industrial aspect, but there’s not much else going on that really does much for me.
PJ Harvey
3/5
I feel like I’m missing something, maybe the lyrics are deep and I didn’t pay attention? It’s a solid 3… fine, but I don’t need to hear it again.
The White Stripes
3/5
I don’t hate the White Stripes, but I don’t love them either. It’s interesting because they are adjacent to or often considered similar to many bands I do love. So it goes
David Bowie
3/5
I like Bowie and I liked this album but it doesn’t stand out for me like some of his other works… 3.4, I can’t quite bring myself to round this one up to a 4.
Tom Waits
2/5
I love this musically, but the spoken word, beat poetry vocals are not my favorite thing in the world. Lyrical content is good, sometimes funny, sometimes makes you think, but I find when I listen to Tom Waits, I want to be a fan of his more strongly than I actually enjoy his music. So who knows, maybe I’m just a poser?
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
I liked this quite a bit more than I expected, it was enjoyable background music. I don’t think it was quite engaging enough to go to 4 stars, but a solid 3, I would not be opposed to hearing this one again.
William Orbit
3/5
I am not generally a fan of music that features a synthesizer, but I liked this more than I would have expected. I like the variation between tracks and it’s interesting to listen to, but mainly as background noise while working. Feels odd to give it a 3 like I did the Penguin album yesterday, but in my mind this is the liw end of a three while the other album is the high end.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
This is a great album. Admittedly I know very little about jazz, but really like this one. I will definitely be revisiting this one, and not just because my daughter is a jazz head.
The Police
3/5
I don’t mind the Police, but I’ve never really gotten into them either. I seem to like the more reggae/punk stuff, songs like “It’s Alright For You” and “Walking on the Moon” more than I do their more well known songs. Overall they’re good, but not something that I’m likely to circle back to, 3 stars.
Def Leppard
3/5
It’s fine, 80s rock. Pretty much what I expected.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Hmm, I don’t really know this artist by either name. Tried to give it a chance but I skipped through this one pretty quickly, I guess it’s not my favorite.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
I had no clue what to expect from this album, but I liked it. I don’t know how often I’ll revisit this one, but it did make for good background music while working.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
This is an excellent album, although I must be getting old, if I’m admitting that I got tired of the yelling. Overall to me this is a pretty groundbreaking album that was socially conscious and introduced rap/rock/metal (at least to the mainstream public). Lyrically it’s great, although it is sad that the themes are still relevant nearly 25 years later.
what a time to be alive.
Green Day
3/5
I’m not going to pretend I’m a longtime Green Day hater, Dookie was one of the first CDs I bought. That said I don’t love this album, but it’s not that bad either. Classic 3 stars, I think Green Day’s best songs are their snotty punky stuff and there just isn’t enough of that on this album for me.
Fats Domino
4/5
I liked this, especially the singles.
Going into it I wanted to like it more than I actually do, but overall it’s probably the low end of 4 stars.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
Pregame notes: I am excited for this one, but I’m not super familiar with Kendrick’s catalog. What I have heard, mostly features on other artists’ albums I like.
Postgame notes: Started a little slow, especially with all the god/bible stuff, but overall I enjoyed this one. Compton was probably my favorite track, but the back half is excellent.
Roxy Music
2/5
Another middle of the road album, I don’t hate it, especially the instrumentals but the vocals aren’t necessarily my favorite. I can’t decide if it is an overuse of vibrato or some kind of effect they have going on, but it gets a little annoying. I wouldn’t leave the room or anything if someone put it on, but not one I’d choose.
N.W.A.
4/5
Perhaps my favorite rap supergroup.
It’s interesting how much public perception has shifted when you think about how this album was received when it was released vs the public stand against police brutality going on recently… dare I say we’re making progress even if it doesn’t feel that way sometimes.
Moby
2/5
If I’m being honest I liked this better than I expected, but it did not keep my attention. I skipped through quite a few of the songs, there is no way I could have sat through almost 2.5 hours of this.
Slipknot
2/5
Maybe it’s because I was in a terrible mood yesterday at work, but I liked this more than I expected. I’m still not a fam of the vocalist, but the instrumental pieces were at least engaging and fit my frustrations well. 2 stars, I don’t think I can quite round up to 3 because I seriously doubt I’ll be revisiting this one.
Ice Cube
4/5
I own a couple Ice Cube albums but not this one, so some of these tracks were unfamiliar to me. I liked it, Cube is a bit underrated as a lyricist in my opinion. It’s been said in here before but the skits/interludes are so bad, some of these seemed particularly long.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Classic 3 for me, not bad, bits that are interesting, would not object to revisiting.
Coldplay
3/5
I’m curious to see what my group thinks of this one. It was a favorite of my wife when we meet, so I’m quite familiar with it. I don’t love it like she does, but it’s definitely not a leave the room type album for me either.
Miles Davis
4/5
I definitely enjoyed this one, but I’m still not very confident in my ability to discuss jazz. I know Miles Davis is a jazz legend, but beyond that I couldn’t tell you much about his career. This was pleasant to listen to, made for great background music while I was working, I will most likely listen to it again.
Brian Eno
2/5
I’m recognize that there is some artistic expression going on here, but it’s not for me. It’s not terrible, but I certainly don’t find it interesting either.
Adele
3/5
Listened to this one with my wife today, she remarked that all of Adele’s songs are about regret. overall it fine, she has an amazing voice, albeit a little breathy at times.
John Martyn
2/5
Not really my jam, it’s fine, but that’s about it. Skilled musicians, but overall it’s not very memorable for me.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Excellent album, one of my favorite Beastie Boys albums. It wasn’t one of the first albums I owned on tape so I don’t quite have it memorized like Licensed To Ill, but this is definitely a classic.
Alice In Chains
4/5
This is a good one, I’m not going to claim it’s a 5 star album or anything like that, but it is one I don’t mind revisiting. I’m not a huge Alice in Chains guy, but I have always liked this album of theirs in particular.
Queen Latifah
4/5
I didn’t really have any expectations going into this one. Turns out I liked it more than I would have guessed. 80s/90s rap is so fun. This album in particular has a good variety between tracks and Queen Latifah is a better lyricist than I remembered.
Alice Cooper
2/5
I’m not a big fan of this one, title track is okay and definitely well known (I refuse to call it a classic). Otherwise it is a fairly boring album to my ears.
Missy Elliott
3/5
I like some (most?) of this album, a few of the tracks are a little underwhelming. Missy is a good lyricist, but sometimes it feels a little repetitive. 3+ stars, but I’m not quite feeling it enough to round up to 4.
OutKast
4/5
This is a long album which usually puts me off, but I like this one quite a bit. I think as an album I like Speakerboxx a touch better than The Love Below, it’s a bit more cohesive, but the hits on TLB are probably a little more listenable. I own this one which seems to boost my ratings on most of these, I’m going to give this a 3.5+ and round up to 4 stars.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
I expected to like this more than I did, that being said it’s still good. I liked and was somewhat surprised and impressed with the socially conscious lyrical content, “trigger happy police” is far too relevant today. Overall after the first few songs it all sounds too similar for me. I’m going to say 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars, but that’s probably a bit of a stretch.
Roxy Music
1/5
For your pleasure? Yeah not my pleasure.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
I’m surprised how many songs I recognized but must be more familiar with another band and/or version. Truthfully I skipped through most of it. 1.5, rounded up to 2 because I’m trying not to let my shit mood today completely torpedo this review.
Goldfrapp
2/5
Somewhat interesting as background music while working, but that’s not much of a recommendation. I’m feeling generous, 1.5 rounded up to 2… I wouldn’t be mad if someone wanted to hear this, but doubtful I’ll revisit it on my own. I will say after reading about the artist I’m almost intrigued enough to look into some other albums, sounds like they have changed styles a few fines.
Talking Heads
2/5
I’m sure this is someone’s jam, but it’s definitely not mine. It’s not terrible, but I do find it to be repetitive, a little disjointed and mostly annoying. 2 stars
Radiohead
2/5
My daughter really likes Radiohead, although not necessarily this album, me not so much. The instrumentation is fine and the first couple songs were okay… if I had stopped there I might have called this a classic 3 star album. Unfortunately, 4-5 songs in it got a little too much for me, especially the vocals.!I did read 2 of my fellow group members reviews before writing this one so I can say I’m not quite as turned off as they were, but it’s still not doing much for me, I’ll be generous and say this is the low end of 2 stars.
Gorillaz
3/5
I am quite familiar with this album, it’s one my wife owns. It’s fine, probably not something I would have purchased, but I don’t mind when it’s played at home, pretty standard 3 stars.
Haircut 100
1/5
When someone says 80s music this is exactly the sound I think of, even though I don’t think I’ve ever heard them before. It is definitely not a genre I gravitate towards, couldn’t even finish the album to be honest.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
I expected to give this a 3 but it’s just not doing much for me. The songwriting isn’t bad, but the presentation and execution for lack of better words just falls flat for me.
Norah Jones
3/5
One of my wife’s favorites. I’m not crazy about it, but I’ve heard it enough that I don’t mind listening to it. I’ll say the higher end of 3 stars, but not quite enough to round up to 4.
Nick Drake
2/5
I was not big fan of this one, it’s okay, but pretty boring and it feels repetitive.
Stan Getz
4/5
I definitely enjoyed this, very solid background music while working. I know very little about jazz, but I enjoy listening to most of the jazz albums that have come across here.
Boston
3/5
A classic 3 stars for some standard classic rock. Do I love it? No, but I’m not bothered by it either.
Silver Jews
1/5
This guy one is not for me, kind of boring.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Fantastic album! As my friend Carlos likes to say: Dylan spits hot fire.
Johnny Cash
5/5
I grew up listening to Cash, my mom is a huge John R Cash fan and I am too. The idea of preforming/recording a live album for inmates in a prison is awesome, the energy of this is special in my opinion. Somehow I own multiple copies of this album, not intentionally but through the years people have given me records they were unloading so I own at least 3 copies. I did not know about the 3 disc and 5 LP sets, will probably have to look into acquiring the latter.
5 stars, no question for me.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
This is another group that I know of but have never really heard. I have quite a few friends from my time California that swear by these guys. We will see…
Garage rock/punkishness, I certainly don’t hate it, but I can’t say I love it either. 3.4? I’m not quite sure I’m ready to round this one up to 4 stars.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
This one was a little hit and miss for me, well mostly miss I guess.
I didn’t mind Upon 9th and Fairchild, the first time I heard it, however after going back and listening to it again it wasn’t as good as I thought.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
This was at least interesting because it’s pretty far removed from anything I normally listen to. I would not go so far as to say I liked it or will likely revisit it.
Blur
2/5
That one hit song, “Song 2” wasn’t bad. The rest just felt kind of repetitive and boring to me, it’s not really even something I would say is fine. Certainly non offensive but that’s not much of an endorsement.
Nas
5/5
Going into this I know knew who Nas was, but had never really listened to his music. I was excited to have an excuse to delve into this album as it’s probably the one of his I’ve heard the most about. It did not disappoint, usually I fell like I need to hear a rap record few times to really appreciate it, but this one feels like it hits on the first listen. I’ll have to go a little deeper into Nas’ catalog I definitely enjoyed this one. I’ve been stingy with the 5 star reviews, but this is a 4.5 rounded up for sure.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
I liked this quite a bit more than I expected…
3.5 rounded up to 4
Tina Turner
3/5
Tina Turner has an amazing voice, but this album is so 80s, and not tue good kind of 80s.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
I heard the first song and thought, this sounds like Neil Young. I knew of Buffalo Springfield, a the idea that they were a “supergroup” but obviously had no idea who was involved.
I don’t hate this but I’m also not in love with it. Might look into more of their stuff, but only because I generally like Neil Young’s stuff would be interesting to hear the early stuff.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I know some folks absolutely love Joni Mitchell. Based on this album I’m not one of those folks, but that’s okay. I mainly wasn’t into her voice/vocal style, I’m not sure why, too breathy maybe?
Beck
3/5
I liked this one exactly as much as I expected. I’m probably more familiar with Odelay, but honestly I don’t know much about Beck’s catalog. It is definitely larger than I expected, but I don’t see myself diving into it. It’s fine, good background music while working.
The Byrds
3/5
Outside of the title track I wasn’t familiar with any of these songs. It’s fine, 60s pop rock, not something I’d circle back to, but nothing that would cause me to leave the room if someone played it. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars, I guess.
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Wu-Tang forever!
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I swear I tried to like this, but it’s just not that great. The songs Stagger Lee and Henry Lee were good enough, but I just can’t get into this overall. I think it’s partially his vocal style, I don’t seem mind so much when he’s sharing the lead vocals but most of the songs where Nick is the only voice it kind of annoys me.
Pixies
3/5
I liked the first 2 songs more than I expected, unfortunately after that I got a little less excited. Overall it’s not bad and I can see why they were so influential in the alt/rock world. I guess I like their “harder” songs but am not as impressed with the slower and/or softer tracks. Solid 3 stars, not necessarily something I’m drawn to but also not something that actively pisses me off.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I am a longtime Neil Young fan. That said I understand his vocals and even his musical style may not be for everyone.
John Lee Hooker
5/5
Going into this one I thought hells yeah this is bound to be 4 or 5 stars. I got a little worried when I wasn’t super impressed with the title track, still good, but a little too much Carlos Santana for me. Next up was an amazing version of I’m In The Mood, one of my favorite songs of his and we’re right back on track. Five stars, I could listen to this over and over, love his voice and his unique style.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Two solid blues albums in a row, excellent! Live albums are sometimes a little hit or miss for me, but this one was good, 4 stars.
Gotan Project
2/5
I guess it was fine, made for decent background music at first but it felt a little repetitive to me. I admit the language barrier keeps me from really being able to speak to the lyrics but even sonically it just didn’t do much for me.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
I like this, the songs are enjoyable and interesting, but I’ve got to be honest 4 tracks at 45 minutes is a little long for my attention span. There is so much noodling and jamming that I find myself waiting for the end sometimes. Still it’s great background music for working and I definitely like the style more than some of the other albums we’ve reviewed I have to say 3 stars.
Thelonious Monk
4/5
Yesterday I lamented how 5 tracks at 45 minutes was too long, but today I’m going to contradict myself and say I enjoyed this one. I guess I like this jazz album a bit more than the funk/soul album of Isaac Hayes, either that or 42 minutes is fine, but 45 is too much?
What can I saw I’m inconsistent. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Miles Davis
4/5
This seems to be the week for exceptional long songs. I definitely enjoyed this one, it was a nice listen while working. I’m noticeably undereducated when it comes to this style of music, but I liked what I heard.
Radiohead
2/5
Don’t tell my daughter, but I just can’t get into Radiohead. Although we don’t have any of these songs liked on Spotify, so maybe this album is mid. It’s not bad, fine as background music, but honestly I get a little tired of the vocals.
The Young Gods
3/5
I had a little trouble getting into this at first, but after a few song it wasn’t bad. Felt like there was quite a bit of variety between tracks and overall wasn’t a bad listen. I might have been inclined to rate it higher if I spoke french.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Solid bluesy rock, I’m not a huge fan of the long drawn out jams, but I did enjoy this. It was background music while I cleaned up the kitchen. There is also a part of me that feels like it brushes the edge of “white boys can’t play the blues”, so I’m going to stop at 3 stars and keep myself from rounding up.
R.E.M.
1/5
I skipped through this pretty quickly, familiar enough with it that I know I don’t need to listen to it again before I die.
New Order
2/5
It’s fine for what it is, not really my favorite genre, but it’s interesting sonically. Decent work music, not too distracting.
Machito
4/5
I liked this album much more than I expected, but I was expecting something completely different based on the album artwork… I clearly missed the part where it says “afro-cuban jazz”. Very good, fun to listen to jazz that had me tapping my foot and/or shaking my booty. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Jacques Brel
2/5
Hmm, not sure what to call this, a French crooner? It’s okay, not really my thing. The instrumentation was fairly interesting.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
This was decent, I liked her voice. I did get a little tired of the sound as a whole by the end, probably would have been great to see live.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
This feels like one of those albums that was super influential when it was released. I’m having a difficult time grading it though because I am already familiar with much of the music that it influenced. Overall it’s pretty good, although the vocals get a little too much for me at times and the music gets a little meandering for my tastes. 3+ stars but not quite enough to round up.
Radiohead
2/5
I think first half made for decent background music, either that or I wasn’t really listening to it. It got weird and annoying by the time I got to “In Limbo”. I guess Radiohead just isn’t my jam.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Punkish pop, I don’t hate it.
Brian Wilson
1/5
The man just passed yesterday, I don’t want to be too harsh so I’ll just say this: Some of the Beach Boys stuff is fun, but this is not really my favorite style of music.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I found myself feeling very polarized by this album. I would start to like a song then she would go into the super high almost operatic notes and I did not like that same song. I guess overall I have to put it somewhere in the middle, it’s okay, but not life changing for me.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
I couldn’t really get into this one. It was fine playing in the background, didn’t actively annoy me, but it didn’t really announce its presence either.
2 stars I guess, for not being annoying?
Sonic Youth
4/5
I know of Sonic Youth, but I don’t really know Sonic Youth. I know Kurt Cobain often cited them as an influence and I can definitely hear that here. I’m sure I have heard this album before but I’ve never really listened to it, if that makes any sense. I genuinely enjoyed it, might have to do a deeper dive into their music.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
I liked this more the further into it I got, especially enjoyed Salty Dog. I was familiar with Johnny Cash’s cover, but it was interesting to hear what I assume is an early version here. My first thought was this sounds a little like Woody Guthrie, and sure enough Woody is featured on the 5th track. I’m going to settle at 3 stars because I don’t think I’ll be back for more. That said I did find it entertaining and some of the songs were funny, which I think was the intent. Also 11 songs in 31 minutes is honestly pretty impressive.
Tricky
3/5
This is not my favorite genre, but I liked this more than I expected. Solid background music with sometimes dark and sometimes dirty lyrics. Solid 3 stars.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Solid album, so many classic tracks. Snoop is great here, but the beats too… chef’s kiss!
The Rolling Stones
4/5
It’s good, maybe even very good, but not great to my ears. I’ll fully admit my thoughts are probably skewed because I have heard so many groups that were heavily influenced by the Rolling Stones, making it difficult to put them in the proper context for their time and place. I’m going to be generous and say 3.5 rounded to 4 stars, for their influence on rock and/or roll.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Great voice, I liked the variety between songs but it’s not really my favorite genre. Classic 3 stars
The Rolling Stones
1/5
Meh, kind of uninspired. The lyrics were particularly sophomoric.
David Bowie
3/5
It’s not bad, but this is not my favorite work from Bowie. Parts of it feel a little sluggish, but there are definitely some enjoyable moments too. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
Beck
3/5
I can’t say all Beck songs sound the same, but they all feel the same if that makes any sense. The songs are not bad, sometimes enjoyable, but they also feel like a lesser version of the Beastie Boys. 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
I was expecting something completely different based on the artist’s name and the album artwork, maybe hip-hop or funk. I was clearly way off, but I definitely enjoyed this album. Very nice swing/big band sound made for excellent background music while working. I clearly knew nothing about the artist, but I would enjoy a deeper dive into their catalog, assuming I remember to do so.
The Byrds
1/5
Keeping it simple, this genre/era of music is simply not my thing, too poppy & high pitched for my liking.
Funkadelic
3/5
The hits are good, they were hits for a reason, many of the other tracks are decent. There are a few songs that were a little obnoxious as far as vocal range and/or repetitive soundscape for my tastes, pretty standard 3 stars in my book.
N.E.R.D
2/5
This wasn’t bad, but wasn’t spectacular either, some decent songs and some clunkers in there too. I’m not likely to revisit, but I would not leave the room if someone put this on, 2 stars.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I remember being intrigued by the album’s cover art when I first saw it, took me a bit to wrap my head around the title - I was wasn’t even born when it came out so I was pretty young. Unfortunately, that’s probably the highlight of the album for me… don’t get me wrong it’s not bad, but it didn’t grab my attention either. Solid songs, good background music, I wonder if my mood was better if I’d have been more interested? Today it was just fine, solid 3 stars, no more.
The Cure
3/5
It’s The Cure so you know what you’re getting going into it. It’s not bad, I think I like this one a touch more than the other album we reviewed by them. I knew a handful of the songs, the others were if not familiar felt like they meshed with the songs that are more familiar to me. Pretty standard 3 stars, good enough, not great.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Classic album, even if I’m not the most metal guy! This is the kind of work I expected to find on this list, so much better than most of the albums we have reviewed.
Primal Scream
1/5
Wow, there is definitely a lot going on here, can’t say I like any of it.
2/5
Yes, but no actually.
I know this band is loved by many, but they aren’t doing much for me. Lots of organ, that’s different… otherwise it was pretty bland to me.
Marty Robbins
3/5
I like this for the origins and nostalgia perhaps more so than the recordings themselves. I know many of these songs because someone else covered them (Cash, Mike Ness, the Dead, etc.) or from movies (my dad is a big fan of westerns). The music itself is fine, I prefer most of them when done by other artists as Marty Robbins’ style is a bit too polished for my tastes but I’m going to be generous and say 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
ZZ Top
3/5
3+ stars, I enjoy the instrumentation, but if I’m being honest I’m not crazy about the vocals. Definitely better than many of the albums on this list, but it just doesn’t quite make the round up to 4 stars tier for me.
The Prodigy
2/5
This one grew on me a little bit the further I got into it, but I still think I liked the other Prodigy album better. Some of these songs were so repetitive that they got a little annoying. Probably would have been more tolerable if I had been listening to it in the background at work. I got behind and am trying to catch up so I’m a little more focused on the music today. 2.25 stars, I’m not quite ready to round up to 3.
The Offspring
1/5
From the Offspring’s Spotify entry: “They are widely considered to be the iconic innovators of the southern California punk rock sound.“ It even says at the bottom “Posted by The Offspring”. Talk about vainglorious! There is plenty more I could say about that quote not to mention all the other California punk rock bands that are so much better than the Offspring…
I’ll just say this, 1 star only because I can’t give this one 0 stars.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
I’m not a huge fan of this one, kind of discordant noise for the instrumentation and the vocals/lyrics didn’t do much for me. 1.5 rounded up to 2 stars I guess.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
I enjoyed this one quite a bit, but I’ve always liked Janis Joplin. I had heard a few of these songs that made it onto the Best of Janis albums I’ve heard, but quite a few of them were new to me. I’m interested enough to try and look into some of the other Big Brother & The Holding Co albums just to hear their works before and after Janis.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Talking Heads
2/5
Made for decent background music, but nothing too exciting. I kind of liked the first track had a little upbeat ska like feel to it at the beginning. After that the album got a little too synth pop 80s for my tastes.
The Waterboys
3/5
This was a completely new artist for me, so no real explanations going into to it. That said I liked this quite a bit, sometimes it had a stripped down Flogging Molly feel to it. I would definitely listen to this album again and after reading the artist’s profile I’m intrigued enough to want to hear some other albums. Sounds like they are all pretty varied stylistically which is always interesting. 3 plus stars, not quite enough to round up to 4 on the first listen, but it’s close.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Honestly I don’t like this one as much as the other Black Sabbath album we reviewed but it’s still good. My view is admittedly a little skewed by Changes which for some reason was my High School class song. I’ll be generous and say 3.5 stars rounds up to 4.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Hmm, pretty non offensive folk here, it’s fine, but not exactly my favorite thing. 1 plus stars I guess.
Miles Davis
5/5
Fantastic album, it flew by and I wanted to hear it again the same day. It incredible, maybe even flawless.
5 stars, no question.
Nick Drake
3/5
Singer songwriter folk rock is not generally my thing, but this grew on me a little more than I expected it to. It’s still going to fall as a pretty standard 2.5/3 stars, I wouldn’t be upset if someone played this, but probably not something I’ll dive back into.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
I had no idea what to expect going into this one, I like 80s/90s hip hop, but I’m no expert. This was very enjoyable, I have heard the influence of this album in quite a few later works by other artists. I’ll have to revisit and explore more of their stuff.
The Velvet Underground
1/5
I’m not a huge fan of this one, it’s fine, but not very interesting. I’ll say 1.something, but not enough to round up to 2 stars.
Motörhead
5/5
I can’t think of anything more rock and roll than Motörhead, a band that I definitely wish I had been able to see live. This is fantastic, I can’t quite go full five stars so I’m going to cheat and say 4.5 rounded up to 5.
OutKast
4/5
An excellent OutKast album! I tend to forget how good the tracks beyond the singles are on this album.
The Cure
2/5
I don’t know, it seems like there are way too many albums by The Cure on this list. This one was fine, made for decent background music while I worked, but this is the 3rd or 4th of their albums that I can remember…
apples to oranges I know, but still, 1 Clash album thus far and have we reviewed a single Ramones album yet?
I digress, this one was fine, 2 stars I guess.
Barry Adamson
2/5
I want to call this one underwhelming, but I honestly had no clue who this artist was so I don’t think that’s a fair critique. I did enjoy “Miles”, thought maybe the album was turning around but the only other song that stood out for me was “The Big Bamboozle”.
2 stars, for those two songs I suppose.
Janis Joplin
3/5
I think I owned this album at one point, probably because of that to me it’s probably the most well known Janis album. I enjoy it quite a bit, but some of the songs are great, some are a little less great. 3 plus stars, but it’s not quite a round to 4 album for me.
Oasis
1/5
I have never really listened to Oasis, so I tried to give this a chance. Just in case my preconceived notions weee influenced by the Gallagher brothers’ drama and/or the fact that I can’t think of anyone who actually likes Oasis. However I couldn’t do it, I think I listened to the first 3 songs and skipped through the rest… not my jam.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I really enjoyed this album, not quite 4 stars without rounding up so I’m going to say 3.8 rounded to 4.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
It’s not bad, but it’s not my favorite.
Slayer
4/5
I’m not the most metal guy, but I can see why Slayer is so beloved. This is one of those time and place genres for me. Probably not something I will sit around and listen to alone, but it’s still good music that is both interesting and technically skilled. 4 stars for influence and ability.
Buzzcocks
3/5
I enjoyed this, but not quite as much as I expected. Lots of driving drum and bass, chainsaw guitars, probably something that will grow on me with more listens. 3.4, I’m not quite ready to round up to 4.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
I skipped through the first couple songs, no way I’m sitting through almost 3 hours of this nonsense. I’m sure there are some good songs in there, but I’m not an indie pop synth listener so someone will have to direct me towards those tracks individually.
Judas Priest
3/5
This album is a pretty standard 3 stars for me, not bad but not something that really wowed me. Perhaps on the low end of 3 stars, 2.75 rounds to 3.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Standard 3 stars for me, I’m tempted to say 2.something, but for Flea’s magic.
The Crusaders
3/5
I was not sure what to expect, but the first song was my favorite. I can definitely see this growing on me, although I wish there was more from the vocalist that is on the first track.
3 stars, with the potential for growth.
Julian Cope
1/5
Nope, not for me. I kept thinking a track would have potential until the weird echo/synth and the vocals would start.
The Hives
2/5
Judging from this album, the Hives definitely have a signature sound. It’s not that every song sounds the same, but there isn’t much variety between them either. It’s fine, nothing too exciting in my opinion. 2.4 stars, because I don’t quite feel like rounding this one up to 3.
The War On Drugs
1/5
This one was a little slow and felt uninspired to my ears. I’m sure it falls into someone’s wheelhouse, but not mine and that’s okay.
The White Stripes
3/5
I think I like the idea of the White Stripes more than I actually like the music of the White Stripes. I mean it’s fine, I like the higher energy songs more than most of the others & I wish Meg sang more. Their albums just aren’t something that I would choose to put on if I’m playing a record. Standard 3 stars album for me.
Peter Frampton
3/5
I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this album. I was surprised how many so was I was already familiar with and overall it wasn’t bad. Probably not something I’ll go back to, but I wouldn’t be upset if someone wanted to spin it.
Paul Weller
3/5
Another selection that highlights my lack of knowledge when it comes to musicians of this time period. I had no idea that Paul Weller was in the Jam, although I do question the Spotify write up that claims the Jam were the “most popular British rock band of the punk era”, perhaps I’m biased but… I would think the Clash are in that conversation. Anyway I digress, this album was good, maybe not 4 stars good, but I’ll call it 3+ for now.
The Stooges
4/5
I definitely enjoyed this album, I should dive deeper into Iggy & the Stooges. 4 stars, but probably would have been 5 if I gave this one time to grow.
Steely Dan
1/5
Yeah, not so much.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Excellent album, hugely influential. I forgot about the harmonica parts. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars only because there were a few songs that could have rocked more (I sound like Beavis & Butt-Head).
Pavement
3/5
It’s fine, inoffensive indie rock. I guess I never listened to Pavement, always thought they were some mix thrash, hardcore & metal.
Wilco
3/5
The other Wilco stuff I’ve heard has grown on me, I imagine this one might as well. For now, first listen it’s a solid 3+ stars, but not enough to round up.
The Thrills
2/5
Didn’t do much for me
Amy Winehouse
3/5
This was good, but I did find myself feeling like the album as a whole was a little long. It will likely grow on me with a few more listens but for now I’m going to say 3 stars.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
3.5 rounded to 4 stars and the only reason it’s not higher is because I thought it would be better based on the tracks I had already heard. Perhaps that’s a bit unfair but it is also a realistic representation of how good the hits are on this album.
2Pac
5/5
Excellent album although for me All Eyez On Me is peak 2Pac, but I’m still giving this one 5 stars.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
This one is okay, not something I would go back to, but it’s non offensive. 2 point something, but I’m not rounding to 3.
Goldie
2/5
I just couldn’t find much to be excited about with this album. It was fine as background music, but that’s about it.
Pearl Jam
4/5
I admit there is quite a bit of nostalgia that colors my opinion of this album. Honestly, once upon a time, I probably would have called this a perfect album. My tastes and opinions have changed (grown?) over the years, but I do think this is their best work even though it’s their debut album. I recently went through a Pearl Jam revival as my daughter has gotten into them, she has liked all but 2 of these songs on our shared Spotify account. At the end of the day, I’m going to give this 4 stars, even if it’s a 3.5 rounded up situation.
Elvis Presley
2/5
This album was hit and miss for me, I like the more upbeat songs but the slower crooner Elvis isn’t really my favorite. That said some of the faster songs did start to sound a little similar. 2+ stars but not enough to round up to 3.
Iggy Pop
3/5
I’m giving this 3 stars, mainly because I expected to enjoy it more than I did.
Beatles
3/5
Okay, if I’ve learned anything from this experience it is that I don’t love the Beatles. That said this one is better than the other albums we’ve reviewed. I’ll say 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 in appreciation of the 34 minute album length.
Sepultura
4/5
I don’t usually gravitate towards the growling heavy metal bands, but Sepultura does it so well that it’s hard not to like them. I don’t listen to them enough to have a favorite album of theirs, but this is genuinely good stuff 3.75 easily rounds up to 4 stars.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Good stuff, the hits are nice, but there isn’t really anything that made me stop what I was doing. Standard 3 stars.
Dire Straits
3/5
As 80s music goes this isn’t bad. I definitely recognize the singles, but not much else. I never realized how much the vocalist sounds like Tom Petty at least on the first couple songs. This was a pretty standard 3 stars for me, not super exciting, but nothing that makes my ears hurt either.
Thundercat
3/5
Not sure why, but when I saw the album cover I was expecting rap. That said I listened to this while working and it was over before I knew it. It was simply on in the background but I did enjoy the album as a whole. I can’t name any one song from the track list, but it made for a very quick hour (51 minutes) of work. 3.4 stars just short of rounding up to 4 because I can’t even name one song, but admittedly that might be a me problem.
The Shamen
1/5
Eh, it’s whatever.
Pantera
3/5
It’s fine for what it is… I think I like the music more than the vocals which is probably a little related to Phil Anselmo’s later spiral. Overall it’s not bad but not really my go to style for music.
Massive Attack
3/5
Some of these songs weren’t bad, I liked the more rap based tracks, others were not very exciting.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Dolly is a national treasure and I had high hopes for this album. Especially after the first track, I really liked that one. Unfortunately many of the other songs didn’t live up to the title track. I’m going to say 3+ stars, but not quite enough to round up to 4.
The Saints
3/5
I was not familiar with this group but I liked it well enough. Poppy garage punk, I liked the energy and the sound, 3+ stars.
Screaming Trees
2/5
Well, I guess it’s okay. I don’t love the vocalist and I’m not super excited by the instrumentals either. It’s not terrible, but definitely not something I would choose.
Neil Young
3/5
It’s funny that this comes up the day after I said I didn’t like the vocals on the last album we reviewed. I know there are quite a few people who feel that way and Neil Young. That said, I enjoy this album, not as much as some of his others, but this is a solid 3+ stars for me.
Depeche Mode
3/5
I like this more than I remembered/expected, but that’s not really saying much since I thought I would hate it. Feeling generous going to say 2.5 and round to 3 stars.
Radiohead
2/5
2 stars because my daughter like them and I knew a few songs, definitely not my jam.
Aerosmith
2/5
Eh, it’s whatever. Walk This Way is okay, but the Run DMC versions are better.
Guided By Voices
2/5
Another one of those 90s bands that I never really figured out. It’s not terrible but it just doesn’t do much for me. 2.something, but not enough for 3 stars.
k.d. lang
2/5
It’s good for what it is, but stylistically it just not something I gravitate towards. 2 plus stars but it’s not getting rounded up to 3 for me.
Radiohead
1/5
Even my daughter who enjoys Radiohead is not a fan of this album…
Beatles
2/5
It’s fine, if a little long. Probably not something I would revisit, a little too poppy for my tastes… I’ll be generous and say 2+ stars.
Aimee Mann
3/5
This was okay, Jacob Marley’s Chain stood out as a bit more interesting than many of the other songs. I’ll say 2.5 rounded to 3 stars, I wouldn’t walk away if someone put it on.
The Temptations
4/5
Gotta love the Temptations, excellent album, more of this please!
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
I don’t know about this one, I couldn’t really get into it, but the couple songs with the more screaming style of vocals were better than the others. I’ll be generous since it wasn’t actively annoying and say 2.5 rounds to 3 stars.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I had never really given a focused listen to any of Springsteen’s albums before this. It was about what I expected, well crafted songs with his signature vocal style. I think I have to give this a 3+ stars with the potential for more with more listens, it grew on me the further I got into it and could see that trend continuing with more exposure.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
2/5
Kind of hit and miss for me, the singles aren’t bad, but some songs are a little sluggish (I’m looking at you Free Bird). Standard high 2 stars, not something I’d pick to spin, but most of the hits are good enough to carry the rest of the album.
Ute Lemper
1/5
I’m not a fan of this, enough said.
Laibach
3/5
This is interesting in that it’s a big departure from my usual listening but it’s not really something I see myself returning to.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Amazing voice, although pop country isn’t really my thing. That said it’s not bad background listening, 2.5 rounded up.
Stan Getz
4/5
This is pretty fantastic, the only reason I’m stopping shirt of 5 stars is the vocals. Don’t get me wrong they’re not bad but I just don’t feel like it adds much to the pieces. I most likely will be back as this is one my daughter loves.
Al Green
5/5
This is a fantastic album, this is what I expected from this 1001 albums list. Yeah, this is a 4.5 that easily rounds to 5 stars for me.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
This is a band I know of but have never really heard if that makes sense. I definitely enjoyed this album and will likely listen to more of their catalog. I’m going to say 3+ stars for now.
Fever Ray
1/5
The first song had a cool dark drum and bass thing going on, but I can’t say I was very interested after that. It devolved into a weird (not the good kind) of poppy electronic music that just isn’t my jam.
The Beta Band
1/5
Yeah, this is very similar to yesterday’s album (Fever Ray) for me. Not offensive but not very interesting either.
Queen
3/5
Pretty solid 3 stars for me, not the Queen album I would choose to hear but it’s not bad either.
Johnny Cash
5/5
I love this album! I own (digitally) all of the American albums and this one is not my favorite but it’s still a solid 5 stars for me.
The Dictators
2/5
Meh, I knew of this band but never really listened to them before. I honestly expected more, it was a little boring, but I’ll give it a 2+ stars for timing and influence.
The Undertones
2/5
Poppy, punky, nerdy garage rock…
It’s fine, 2 stars.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
It’s okay, I’m neither annoyed nor excited by this one. Some songs are decent other are kind of meh. I suppose 2.5 rounded to 3 seems about right.
Eagles
1/5
Uh, not so much. The title track and the other hit song Life in the Fast Lane are okay, but I think most of that is just because they are so familiar (over played). 1 star, because that’s the lowest option.
Ramones
4/5
An excellent album, the best songs on here are classics. That said I’m going to stop at 4+ stars because there are definitely a few songs that aren’t quite at the level of rest of the album.
The Who
3/5
It’s cool, there are some quality songs on here. Although it’s tough to rate based on the whole rock opera thing, it’s very different than an album. I’ll give it the old 3+ but stop short of 4.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed this album, lots of great music here. The only reason I’m stopping at 4 stars because I’m not necessarily a huge fan of the synthesizer in some of these songs.
Bee Gees
1/5
The best thing I can say about this album is that it was released on my birthday… a few years before I was born, but still.
Other than that, it’s not my style.
50 Cent
4/5
I bought this album when it came out so I’m already familiar with it. I fully expected to give this a standard 3 stars, the hits are good the rest of the album doesn’t hit like I thought the did. That said I definitely enjoyed revisiting this one, so much so that I have to go 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
D'Angelo
3/5
This is definitely not a genre I listen to often, but overall this isn’t bad. Probably not something I’m likely to go back to, but I definitely enjoy the instrumentation.
3+ stars.
AC/DC
5/5
I was thinking this would be an easy 3.5/4 stars, but it’s so good that would be selling it short. I’m not necessarily a metal guy but this is one of those albums that I don’t think anyone can deny how good it is…
5 stars.
Spiritualized
2/5
It’s fine for background noise, but as for active listening it’s a little boring. I’ll say 1.5 and round ip to 2 stars since it wasn’t actually annoying but there is nothing I’m going back to here.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Hmm, another one of those “background noise albums” I’m sure they are people who enjoy these but they’re just not for me. For consistency’s sake I’ll give it the 1.5 rounded to 2 stars,
Tom Waits
2/5
Oh Tom Waits, I don’t know what to do with your works. It’s definitely unique and he writes some great songs but the performance just doesn’t work for me. I’m going to be generous and say 2+ stars.
Bee Gees
1/5
Yeah, no.
The Gun Club
3/5
Jazmine Sullivan
2/5
I enjoyed the lyrical content more than the music, but overall it was okay. 2+ stars, not quite the standard 3.
Faust
2/5
After the first song I thought this was a 1 star fpr sure, but it grew on me a little bit. Still nothing I’m likely to revisit but I’ll say 2 stars, even though I skipped through most of the latter half.
Taylor Swift
3/5
20 something me would have made fun of this, but if I’m being honest it’s not bad. Still not something I gravitate towards but I did find myself bopping my head and even singing along a little. I won’t go far enough to call myself a swiftie, but I’m going to give this 3+ stars.
Suede
2/5
This is almost exactly between a 2 and a 3 for me. I’m not going to revisit it but I’m not necessarily annoyed by it either, it’s fine if a little boring. 2 + stars, not quite to the I wouldn’t be upset if someone put it on level.
Anita Baker
3/5
Common
3/5
This was okay, started out pretty strong, I liked Be and Real People, maybe there was a third that had the more jazzy feel. Honestly though the rest of the album felt pretty much the same. 2.5 rounded to 3 only because I feel like the lyricism might feel stronger after a couple listens.