1001 Albums Summary

Already had this one in my album collection. It may be 65 years old, but still feels incredibly fresh. If you are a bit wary of jazz this is a good place to start. If you want to dip into it first I suggest playing Take Five, which you may have heard before, like many of the other tracks which have ended up in adverts occasionally.

Enjoyable album. Some songs sound like average White Stripes songs, but he also plays with a few other styles, that work out well. Stand out song I'm Shakin'

One of the greatest singers of the 20th century. The bittersweet way she songs matches these songbook classics well. The jazz accompaniment perfectly matches her voice.

Nearly ten years on from hits like Loser and Devil's haircut, this is a somewhat different sound. More laid-back, heavy synth chords and a melancholy voice matching the feel of the lyrics. Stand out track Lost Cause. 4/5

Likeable enough 70s singer/songwriter, probably not something I would seek out. With the exception of Fire and Rain, which is memorable and well written. 3/5

Good enough average American rock music, very ubiquitous around this time. CCR are definitely one of the masters of this, though the only memorable song for me on this album is Proud Mary 3/5

An interesting mix of styles from soul to funk to cheesy love songs (see Isn't she lovely). And how did I not know that Gangsters Paradise was sampled from Pastime Paradise? Best song Sir Duke. 3/5

A UK punk band I was not aware of. I'm not big on this style of music, but it was enjoyable enough. It had sounds which are not dissimilar to grunge, so would not surprise me if they were an influence on some bands. 3/5

American classic rock at it's best. Although not really the type of rock I would listen to there is no doubting that greatness of songs like Freebird, Tuesdays Gone and Simple Man 4/5

Good enjoyable rock, which has helped shape American rock over the 70/80s. No bad songs, highlights Thunder Road and Born to Run 4/5

What can I say? One of the most important albums in punk rock. From the title track to ending with Train in Vain this album is full of great tracks 4/5

Average laid back American rock. They're good at what they do, but doesn't do much for me 3/5

Not the sort of music I would listen to, but I can still appreciate the level of songwriting. Songs like We've only just begun and Close to you are instantly memorable. It invokes a level of sadness knowing Karen Carpenter died so young.

Owned this when it came out, but got fed up with it as it was played all the time, especially Wonderwall. Revisiting it 30 years later and it is an enjoyable album. Although some of it has Beatles vibes in it there is still some good songwriting 4/5

Really good reggae album, which I'd not heard before. Worth listening to if you're only familiar with his greatest hits. The stand out song is No Woman, No Cry. 4/5

IMHO the best of Muse's albums. A very full sound, which can sometimes be a struggle for a 3 piece. Brilliant lyrics taking a swipe at politicians and their hypocrisies. Lots of memorable songs, such as Starlight and Knights of Cydonia 4/5

Definitely deserves the mantle of a classic album. A few fillers, but some of Reed's greatest songs like Perfect Day, Satellite of Love and Walk on the wild side. 4/5

Decent enough laid back soul music. Doesn't really do anything for me, or stand out from similar artists in the genre. 2/5

This is the first album I've come across where I've not heard of the artist. A random mix of 60s styles. A bit of Leonard Cohen low pitch vocals, more psych style reminiscent of early Pink Floyd and maybe a bit of Crosby, Stills and Nash. With 22 songs I got bored before the end. Although I like artists with similar sounds from around this time it did nothing for me 2/5

A mix of original songs and rock n roll standards. It's classed as garage rock, presumably because of the less produced sound, which gives it a bit more of an edge. Apparently quite influential with bands like The White Stripes and Nirvana. Enjoyed it, but nothing I've not heard before. 3/5

Enjoyable laid back 70s folk rock. Doesn't veer much from the Crosby, Stills and Nash sound, though the female backing vocals fill out the sound well. Best song Love the one you're with. 3/5

What can I say? A true classic album up there with Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. Despite Shine on you crazy diamond taking up a good chunk of the album, it doesn't feel too long. And Wish you were here is a timeless classic. 5/5

An album I've played many a time, and one of Led Zep's best. Rocking tunes like Whole Lotta Love and Ramble On cementing Plant as one of rock's greatest singers, to songs like Thank You which show his more soulful side. That being said it's much more than a singer. All 4 musicians show amazing performance and songwriting skill. 5/5

I'd heard of this band, but never given them a listen. The vocals sound ethereal, with the guitar added giving it a laid back shoegaze sound. Really works as a complete album, compared to some which are held up by some strong singles. 4/5

Not a Dylan album I've listened to much, so enjoyed revising it. Some Dylan classics like Tangled up in Blue and Shelter from the Storm. Definitely worth a listen. 4/5

This is at the limit of jazz I enjoy to listen to, much prefer Davis or Coltrane, but I cannot deny the technical genius of Mingus, so understand how this made the list. 3/5

Stands the test of time well. Lauryn Hill is clearly the stand out performer, but they work well as a trio. Stand out tracks Killing me softly and Ready or not. 4/5

Exemplary Doors album. So many memorable tracks, with varying styles. Favourites include Roadhouse Blues, Ship of Fools and Land Ho. 4/5

One of the most famous jazz albums. The skill of Coltrane is mind blowing. Personally I'm more of a Miles Davis person, but this is still one amazing album. 4/5

Okay album, though a bit repetitive. Personally I found Snivilisation more of a rounded album. 3/5

I do like some rap acts. But sorry, this did nothing for me. 1/5

Unusually this album just has 2 tracks on it, both over 10 minutes. A beautiful performance by Miles Davis 4/5

Trying not to let me feelings about Bryan Ferry influence my view. It's alright, basic 70s AOR, with a slight punk tinge. But really my bag. 3/5

True brilliance. An album you have to listen in full. A unique style and he makes the covers on the album truly his own too. Such a shame we only got one album from him 5/5

I always appreciate an artist who pushes their creative boundaries, but Bowie's Blackstar did not really take to this one. Admittedly it was shortly before his death, which explains the somber mood of the album. But it was saxophone heavy, so best I can award it is 3/5 #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie

Peter Gabriel - 3. I've nearly really been into his work, and this album did not speak to me, with the exception of Games without frontiers. However he has carved out a unique style and it does have it's merits 3/5 #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie 00

Okay, kind of obvious choice, but this is my favourite jazz album. Davis is an amazing performer and excels on this album. If you are wanting to start listening to jazz you can't go wrong with this as your starter album. 5/5

Found this more enjoyable than the last one on the list. More focus on backing track, tempo and phrasing 4/5 #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie

Didn't do a lot for me. With the exception of Ms Jackson it wasn't very memorable. 3/5

I was aware of Brian Eno, but hadn't listened to much of his work. He is definitely a pioneer of ambient music, with this being released in the late 70s. Without this would there be Moby, Air and FSOL? Definitely worth checking out if you're into your ambient music. 4/5 #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie

Well written and catchy 80s rock, but it sounds dated and over-produced. Not sure this will keep it's place in #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie

Has a lot of their most famous tracks. Very catchy and well written rock n roll. Although it does feel rather dated now. 4/5

This was a bit of a change from the debut album Frank, but it really works. Yes, the music style isn't groundbreaking, but excellently executed with well written lyrics and score. 5/5

U2 do get quite a ribbing and are a bit of a joke nowadays, but they used to write good albums. This has a lot of good soft rock songs like One, Mysterious Ways and Even Better Than The Real Thing. Worth a revisit 4/5

There's something about Belle and Sebastian's style of soft folky/indie that really appeals to me. They sound different to other bands and have tied down the skill of songwriting perfectly. First time I've heard this album and really enjoyed it. 4/5

Heard the odd track off this, but never listened in full. It didn't particularly bowl me over, but the occasional good track, such as Drive 3/5

Truly one of the kings of soul music. His voice truly encompasses the passion and soulfulness of the genre. From the opening bars of this album you know it's going to be special. And not one filler, the album follows seamlessly. 5/5

I've never really taken to glam rock, but I can still appreciate it as a genre. Well formed and memorable tracks that will stand the test of time. 4/5

Really enjoyed this one. Not an artist I'm familiar with; hailing from West Africa and not a genre I listen to, but found his voice calming and the songs well constructed, to create an album well worth a listen. 4/5

Controversial comment time, I think the Sex Pistols are overrated, and much prefer The Clash. That being said, I accept this is an important album in music history. There are plenty of memorable songs, so I award it 4/5

Always had a soft spot for Air, and this is one of their best. It's laid back style helps you drift off on a journey. The vocals of Beth Hirsch proves an excellent match to their music. 4/5

I know this is supposedly an import album in the evolution of hardcore punk to emo, but it didn't do much for me. Sounded more like Nirvana outtakes. Certainly not what you would think of as emo. 2/5

Okay late 60s music, though didn't find it stands out from other music of the time. Hints of The Who, early Pink Floyd, The Beatles and other 60s psychedelia. 3/5

Decent enough album from The Jam, though probably not their best. Only songs I recognised were Down in the tube station and David Watts 3/5

Coincidentally I watched the Bob Marley biopic this week, so gave a bit of insight into the making of the album. Deserves the title of a classic album. You'll certainly recognise quite a few of the songs 5/5

First time listen. I'd heard Sorrow before, which I like. The album is in a very similar vibe, with low, slow vocals. Not what you'd call an uplifting album, kind of like listening to a full Radiohead album, but it has it's merits. 3/5

Hole don't always get the recognition they deserve, compared to other grunge bands. This album is full of energy and classic songs like Violet and Doll Parts. Definitely worth revisiting 4/5

This is how to do a debut album. From the opening chords of Break on through to finishing with The End it is a must listen. The rest of the tracks don't sound like fillers, each with its unique style. And this isn't even the best Doors album IMHO 5/5

Had not heard of this artist before, but did enjoy this album. So much is happening in it that is will probably take a few listens to really appreciate it. Lots of different styles melded together, such as jazz, trip-hop, French 60s style pop etc. A couple of tracks include Atticus Ross, Trent Reznor's regular collaborator. 4/5

Not really a disco person, but recognise they are the top of their game. Some catchy, well written tunes. 3/5

Not familiar with Zappa's music, but enjoyed this one. A lot of it has the vibe of a car chase in a 70s cop movie, but I dig that. Understand why some see him as a genius. Musically very proficient and original. 4/5

Pretty decent chilled shoegaze album. Maybe not bursting in originality, but well worth a listen. 4/5

Not really into the whole post-hardcore scene. Decent enough album, but doesn't feel like anything special compared to other artists from the genre 3/5

LCD Soundsystem are a band I keep meaning to check out. I found this album interesting and original. Think it will take a few more listens for me to really appreciate. 3/5

Interesting album, although maybe nothing groundbreaking. It had hints of Flaming Lips and Bjork. Enjoyable enough listen, but doubt I'll revisit 3/5

Got though half of this album before giving up. Unlike the timeless albums from the 70s by bands like Led Zep and Pink Floyd this sounds very dated. It's no bad per se, but I really couldn't get into it 2/5

I'm sort of a greatest hits Smiths fan, so didn't recognise many songs. Probably sacrilege to say this, but found it rather average. You also can't help but think what an arse Morrissey is nowadays 3/5

Some memorable songs, were as others are just rock n roll covers, such as Roll over Beethoven and Money. You start hearing their trademark sound, but they have a while to go before they really develop their songwriting skills 3/5

Didn't realise that Muddy Waters was putting out some of his best music as late as the 70s. From the iconic opening of Mannish Boy this is a perfect blues album. 5/5

Never realised TTD is now called Sananda Maitreya. This is not the sort of music I would listen to, but acknowledge that it is a well written pop/soul album and stands out from similar music at the time 4/5

I admit to not being very familiar with African music, so in no place to comment how good it is artistically. What I can say is that I enjoyed it. 4/5

Really not my bag. MOR listless 70s rock. Couldn't even make it to the end 2/5

Definitely an album to be appreciated as a complete work of art, rather than a few bangers with some fillers. Some of his most accomplished solo work, merging several different styles together seamlessly. 4/5

Definitely one of Dylan's best and a good starting point if you're not familiar with Dylan. Classics such as I want you, Just like a woman and One of us must know. 4/5

I'm sure a lot of people will disagree with me other this, but I just wasn't moved by this and gave in before the end, as I couldn't commit to over 2 hours of very samey music. I'll give it 2 stars as I respect the technical abilities of the band. 2/5

They brought an original sound with them at the height of Britpop and deserved their success. Britpop is very tied to the 90s and not sure it sounds quite as fresh now, but still deserves a listen. 4/5

Never really got Simple Minds. Found this to be an incredibly bland pop album. But clearly they did appeal to a lot of people at the time

I don't know a lot about bluegrass music, so can't say if it's a great album, as it sounded pretty standard to me. But they clearly thought it was good enough to be on this list. 3/5

Quite like this CCR album, more so than the last one I reviewed. And it has the classics Bad moon rising. 4/5

Great album. Early days of his switch to electric, which apparently put off some fans, but I like both versions of Dylan. From Like a rolling stone to Dedication Row it makes it a too classic.

What can I say? One of the best alternative albums of the 90s. A unique guitar sound and vocals, with a dreamy shoegaze sound. The whole album stands out, with no fillers. But in particular Today and Disarm stand out for me. 5/5

Inoffensive MOR music, which is a little too beige for my tastes. Can't fault her voice or songwriting, but for me I like to be moved by music and this leaves me somewhat empty. 2/5

Definitely a 90s classic. Personally Out of time is my favourite, but this comes a close second. It's good to revisit the album in full. Everybody Hurts got overplayed at the time, but wouldn't say that if the best song; the whole album works as a complete work and recommend giving it a respin if you haven't I'm a while. 5/5

I really cannot stand this type of whiney country music. And could do bear the thought of listening to the whole album. I guess it must be considered good for this type of album, but it's a nope from me. Give me Johnny Cash over this type of country every time. 1/5

Radiohead at peak miserable. Unlike The Bends or OK Computer the quality of song writing doesn't compensate for the depressing lyrics. This just sounds like a miserable man singing to minimalist accompaniments. So it's a no from me 2/5

Really enjoyed this. Much prefer this type of punk to the Sex Pistols.

Love this album, it has some stand out songs such as Do you realise?? and Yoshimi, but also works well as a complete album. He has a very hypnotic voice which has great accompaniment. 5/5

Bland. Doesn't sound any different to the hundreds of country pop singer/songwriters. 2/5

It's a good album. The song Parklife was overplayed at the time, and in retrospect it is a novelty song, with much better songs on the album. 4/5

Don't think I'll ever get The Fall. Mark E Smith is often made out to be a musical genius, but I don't hear it. Can't imagine sitting down to listen to this again. The only thing I can say is that they have a unique sound. 2/5

Not genre breaking, but well written indie folk. A good listen on a cold autumnal morning. 4/5

Great punk rock album, which introduced me to the genre 30 years ago, at a time when most the rock chart was metal and grunge. Lot of the early classics like Basket Case, Longview and When I Come Around. 4/5

Top soul album. They may be covers, but sound perfect when Otis sings. 5/5

I'm guessing they are pioneering in the field of punk, but I couldn't take to it. I couldn't call any of the songs memorable, some of the musicianship was above the average punk band, the vocals were a bit harsh on the ears. 2/5

They're good at what they do, but it's all a bit too smooth sounding for me. 2/5

One of the best Unplugged albums released, along with Alice in chains and Neil Young. Not just playing their music on acoustic instruments, but rearrangements, along with some inspired and less well known covers. 5/5

With The Hardest Button to Button and Seven Nation Army it's definitely one of their best albums. Not many 2 person bands reach the originality and skill we see the The White Stripes, but they've sure influenced a lot of bands repeating the formula. 4/5

Rather average 70s US classic rock. Don't hate, just leaves me rather meh. There are other bands out there doing this sort of thing better. 2/5

You don't hear much from him nowadays, but revisiting this I enjoyed it. Your love gets sweeter and Sunday shining are great tracks and the rest are decent enough MOR reggae. 4/5

Pleasantly surprised by this soul album. By this time they've moved on from standard Motown hits like My Girl to incorporate funk into the album sound, giving us classics like Papa was a rollin' stone and the soulful The first time I ever saw your face 4/5

Decent enough, but with one exception it's basically a rhythm and blues cover album. Take a few more albums before they release their best material. 3/5

A bit different from the surfing vibe and Pet Sounds, but found it rather unremarkable. 3/5

Decent enough, but similar to lots of other blues bands. Nothing jumped out to me as exceptional or original. 3/5

Decent enough 60s singer/songwriter album, with a similar sound to Nick Drake. I did recognise the last song as Chumbawamba use it a the score for Jacob's ladder. 3/5

Faust is not a band I was familiar with, and found I quite liked them. Some of it sounds very 70s prog rock, though some of it sounds more innovative with that harsher industrial metal synth sound. 4/5

Really like this one, first time hearing the full album. Strong Patti Smith vibes. The only songs that let it down were the Thom Yorke collaborations, which come with his usual level of despair. 4/5

Decent enough listen, but doesn't really stand out from other artists doing similar style, of which there were a lot around this time. 3/5

Really good album, which must have one of the best classic rock opening tracks. Baba O'Riley really kicks the album into action with those first powerful guitar chords. Also has the classic Behind blue eyes and ending with Won't get fooled again. A few fillers, but definitely worth checking out. 4/5

The album starts with Talking about a revolution and Fast car, which is a great strong start. I like the other tracks too, so I'll give it 4/5

Decent enough Neil Young album, but didn't feel there were any particular stand out songs. He's done much better work IMHO.

A long the since I've heard this album. Wainwright has a beautiful melliferous voice and his music has it's very own inimitable style. This would be a good album to check out if you're new to Rufus Wainwright. 4/5

This is the first album in this challenge I've had to stop playing. It just felt like a cacophony. But I guess some feel like it's a post-punk classic. 1/5

Franz Ferdinand have always been one of those bands which I thought were okay, but never bowled over by them. It's perfectly listenable, but wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it. 3/5

Definitely ahead of their time producing electronic music. Although they billed themselves as punk music their sound is synth heavy, before they were heavily used in the 80s. Definitely worth checking out.

Enjoyable, but doesn't feel as memorable as some of her other albums. 3/5

Some absolute bangers on here like Jackie Wilson Said and Come On Eileen. Unlike a lot of 80s albums it has aged well. A shame they could never replicate the heights of this album. 4/5

Decent enough 80s album, though it does sound rather dated now. 3/5

An interesting mix of blues which includes his traditional blues style, though some have a much more modern blues sound to them. The title track includes the unmistakable guitar sound of Carlos Santana 4/5

I've never been big on Madness except for the odd song. It's a very poppy version of Ska. The album is okay, but not anything special. 3/5

Smith was a talented songwriter, though his style could be rather dark, yet at the same time a rather stripped back alternative/folk style. A good introduction to the artist setting the style that would follow him through his short career. 4/5

Gave up on this after a few songs. It maybe is good for its genre, but it's really not my bag. 1/5

Couldn't really get on board with this one. Sounds like a mix of soundtracks from 70s cop movies, jazz and early 70s Pink Floyd. I'm sure it's probably really good at what it's trying to do. 2/5

Absolute classic. It may not have the earlier memorable classics like Whole lotta love and Rock n roll, but as a complete album it towers above the others, with lots of different styles influencing each song. Contains my favourite Zep song In the light 5/5

Despite Knopfler being a gifted guitarist, I don't see this album as the masterpiece it is made out to be. The title track is well written and powerful, but the rest of the songs are of varying levels. I have a particular problem with Money for nothing, which uses the same homophobic slur 3 times. And it's not about context like it is with Fairytale of New York or American Idiot. Ultimately it was one of those albums which gained notoriety during the CD revolution, with those with expensive new CD players automatically going for this CD. So I don't rate it any higher than 3/5

Amongst my favourite albums from the 90s. Obviously sampling had been done for a long time, but this felt new. The mix between these early songs and electronica works seamlessly. If you get the chance check out the Reprise album he did recently with modern day singers performing with him. 5/5

One of my favourite Pogues albums. Maybe a slightly less edgy sound, but really showcased MacGowan as a true poet. So many great songs such as The Broad Magestic Shannon, Thousands Are Sailing, If I Should Fall From Grace With God, and of course Fairytale on New York, though does feel a little out of place listening to the album in summer. 4/5

I just couldn't get into this. I think his voice is trying to emulate David Bowie, but it doesn't hit the mark. They're classed as a mix between post-punk, synth-pop, experimental etc. But I just found out difficult to reach the end. But guess they are highly rated by some 2/5

Didn't make it to the end. Just sounded like a country album, rather than the more 60s soft rock sound they're known for 2/5