332
Albums Rated
3.3
Average Rating
30%
Complete
757 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
66
5-Star Albums
24
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
|
5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
|
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
|
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
|
5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
|
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
|
5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
Homework
Daft Punk
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
|
1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
|
Dare!
The Human League
|
1 | 3.06 | -2.06 |
|
Smile
Brian Wilson
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
|
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
|
1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
|
Spiderland
Slint
|
1 | 2.98 | -1.98 |
|
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
|
1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
|
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
|
1 | 2.89 | -1.89 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 3 | 4.67 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 3 | 4.67 |
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 2 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| Elton John | 2 | 5 |
| Aretha Franklin | 2 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| The Beach Boys | 5, 1 |
| Marvin Gaye | 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (66)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Arguably the best album -by possibly the best rock band to ever grace the planet.
3 likes
John Cale
2/5
Nothing here is overly offensive to the ears -but def nothing to excite me. Perfect for an elevator.
1 likes
Muddy Waters
5/5
I have always been drawn to solid guitar work and emotive singing that has some grit. And I can't not consider how influential this album was to the generation of blues influenced rock bands that were just a few years from stepping into the spotlight.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (24)
All Ratings
The Go-Go's
4/5
I likely haven’t listened to this album since the mid 80’s. Belinda Carlisle can flat out sing. It’s a pretty short album and I was honestly bummed when it was over.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
A classic album from that era. Totally drops me into the early 70’s
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Meh. He has a good voice but definitely not something I would ever que up.
3/5
Quite listenable but there wasn’t a song that made me think wow I should have listened to more Blur back in the 90’s
Killing Joke
3/5
The Beach Boys
5/5
5. That is all
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
I’m not really into hip hop as it didn’t hit its stride until I was out of college and I never jumped in. But it was def easy to listen to and the lyrics are solid and relevant..
Underworld
2/5
May be good for who it’s for. But it’s not for me. Just not my vibe.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Had a couple songs that I enjoyed. But his voice hadn't gotten “there” yet, def prefer later works. Also there wasn’t much variety of sound and it was heavy on the biblical references. But at least we eventually got Hallelujah out of it.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
They had a few great songs together but I definitely prefer Paul’s work after the split.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Kinda digging this. I probably hadn’t listened to this album front to back in 15 years. F’n loved it. Not there best album in my mind- but still an easy 5
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Before I listened to it I was sure it would be a 5. I was 22 when this album came out and not a fan of hair bands. G-n-R took it past the campy hair band level added an edge that made it “more real”. Listening to it yesterday several songs on the album were still pretty damn hair band and I wavered a bit. But in the end, any album with Jungle, Brownstone, Paradise City and Sweet Child of Mine has to be a 5
Buzzcocks
2/5
There were maybe 3 songs that I thought totally sucked. I almost stopped listening after the first song. Dumb lyrics, crappy vocals, simplistic. The rest was ok for me. But def more background than something that I am going to intentionally que up. But the first song was so bad the album gets a 2. Who the hell does that. It’s like putting your slow weak hitting catcher in the lead off spot.
Blur
4/5
I was a bit surprised and slightly disappointed. That another blur album popped up within a couple weeks of the last. But I did enjoy this one more than the previous. Was the whiskey finer, was I just in a better mood or is the album actually superior. I don’t know but giving this one a 4.
Coldplay
3/5
A well produced pleasant listen, but I get zero emotional jolt from this one. Def consider this background music.
Fiona Apple
5/5
Beautiful voice- well composed songs. I don’t recall ever listening to this entire album before - But I will again.
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
I thought it was a solid album. I didn’t love it -but did enjoy it.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Neil is on my rock and roll Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Neil is the best Neil.
Jazmine Sullivan
3/5
Listening to the first song I was sure this would be a 1 or 2 for me. But listening through, I can appreciate it. But not one I’ll likely intentionally listen to again -
Pink Floyd
5/5
If I ever tried to put together a favorite 25 albums of all time list- this would definitely make the cut.
R.E.M.
4/5
I was a huge REM fanboi in the 80’s and this is the album when they started to turn the corner to a more poppy sound. Their first 4 main albums all get a 5 in my book. This is very good -but just not as good.
Common
3/5
I’ll give it a 3 because it is good for what it is. But it’s not for me. This is one of those it’s not you, it’s me kinda things.
Neil Young
2/5
When you put out as many albums as Neil -there are going to be some clunkers. This sounds like some guys that are required to kick out an album every 8 months by their label just f’n around the studio. There are some good riffs and nice moments but generally pretty weak.
Simply Red
4/5
I have heard of Simply Red and def heard a few of his songs - but hadn’t put the two together. I was thinking he was more like a Howard Jones.
I was quite wrong.
I didn’t enjoy every song but in whole I thought this was an excellent album. The dude can sing.
Kate Bush
3/5
Avant Garde 80’s pop. Not really my jam but much better than most 80’s pop.
Beatles
5/5
The amount of incredible music that the Beatles released in the short period between 65-70 is staggering- especially compared to most major acts now that release an album every other year- maybe. Easy 5
The Prodigy
1/5
Just no. It could serve a purpose as background music at a gym, or a dance club, but I just don’t get it. It may be great to those that like this genre, but I am certain that I will never intentionally listen to it again. I only listened to maybe half of the first album as I would fast forward through portions of “songs” and generallly it was hard to tell I was doing so as it was picking up right where I left off.
Blondie
4/5
An eclectic collection of tunes. Some sound like they could have come straight out of the 60’s. Mixed with songs like Radiate and the huge rocking hits like Call Me and Heart of Glass.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I have heard of Nick Cave but honestly wasn’t familiar with his music. I don’t know why but I always assumed his genre was punk. Quite wrong. I enjoyed this album.
R.E.M.
5/5
Absolutely love this album. For me- this was their peak. They had mastered their jangly sound but were yet to take it to the polished poppy style which starts to expose itself with Green.
Adele
4/5
What A Voice.
The Undertones
2/5
Simple pop punk. Quite repetitive- but I didn’t hate it.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Masterpiece
John Coltrane
5/5
I am not a jazz aficionado. In fact I’m barely a novice. But I know what I like and I really really liked this.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Tull def had their own sound. I didn’t like everything they did, but they got this one right.
Massive Attack
3/5
Prior to this album I am certain I have never queued up Massive Attack. And I can’t recall having ever heard of them. Def not the style of music that I listen to. But I did find it quite solid and enjoyable.
Queen
2/5
Queen was always “a lot”. But this is waaaay too much. I felt like I should be tossing up “jazz hands” as this reminded me more of a rocking show choir performance than the band that would become iconic just a handful of years later.
Def Leppard
4/5
I know that if I heard this for the first time today -it’s a 3 a best, probably a strong 2. But so many lifetime memories were made with this album playing in the background. It was the high school soundtrack of 1983/84.
Pulp
2/5
Certainly not hardcore. I thought it was a little “ boring”. I didn’t love it but I also didn’t hate it.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Definitely an all time classic pop album. But by the time I was 12 years old I rarely intended to pop.
But this album def got the girls on the dance floor in college. So I give it a 4.
Alice In Chains
5/5
Loved it when it came out- Love it now. I think I am going to break out a flannel today.
The Associates
1/5
Awful is the only word to describe it. The album title should have been Suck
Prince
4/5
Some awesome songs on this album - but also a few that I remember fast forwarding on my cassette player back in the day.
Don McLean
3/5
Outside of American Pie the album is a 1.5 - at best. But having one of the best all time singalongs earns it enough to give it a 3.
Boston
5/5
The fact that I remember when this came out and I know how much it was loved by myself and my peers- probably has something to do with me giving this a 5. But listening to it over the weekend, it is still a really good album. I was singing along to every song and loved it.
Linkin Park
2/5
Not something that I want to listen to in the car or in the background while at dinner or anytime really -other than maybe during a workout.
I don’t hate it - but I don’t like it.
Khaled
1/5
I had to go to YouTube to find it. He may be the Algerian sensation - but I wasn’t feeling it. But I have to admit I was surprised by the Imagine cover. Not necessarily in a good way. Just surprised.
The Gun Club
2/5
A little bit of punk feel and has some jangly guitars that I dig. But all in all on the south side of mediocre.
Simple Minds
2/5
It’s a meh from me dawg.
Arcade Fire
3/5
A few of the songs I really enjoyed: Rebellion, Wake up, Crown of love. A few were solid. The rest I didn’t really enjoy at all. It’s a strong 3. But a 3
Nirvana
3/5
I remember the first time I heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit” off of Nevermind. I went and bought the cd within the hour- and listened to it on repeat joyous in the knowledge that hair bands were finally going to go away. This album has some good songs- but def isn’t Nevermind.
Green Day
4/5
I loved this album and thought this is going to be an easy 5. But listening through again for the first time in years it didn’t hit quite as hard for me as it once did. The great songs were still great but a little too much filler for a 5
John Cale
2/5
Nothing here is overly offensive to the ears -but def nothing to excite me. Perfect for an elevator.
The Saints
4/5
Solid punkish rock album by a band of which I wasn’t familiar. Simple but I like their sound.
Pulp
3/5
This had the potential to be good. Some nice riffs and rocking grooves -but there was also too much forced angst, drama and urgency with the vocals that didn’t seem even a little authentic.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Folk rock was in its heyday and this album was one of the best of the era.
The Strokes
3/5
Solid. Has a couple really catch tunes but also a bit of filler. Like it don’t love it.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
I never listen to this genre- so I can’t tell you if it is good or not in that regard. I can say I didn’t care for it nor will I willfully listen to it again. But it didn’t make my ears bleed like a few of these albums did.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Liked it didn’t love it.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Arguably the best album -by possibly the best rock band to ever grace the planet.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
If this was an album from a band not affiliated with NY and the Warhol scene- I doubt I would have ever heard of it. And although there are a couple tasty tunes - I don’t feel like I would have missed much.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
I loved this album years ago, but hadn’t listened to it in quite a while. I still love it.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
Although it was interesting with Spanish and Indian/Turkish influences on some of the songs It’s just not my thing.
Neneh Cherry
4/5
A fun enjoyable listen.
Rush
5/5
Rush isn’t everyone’s “cup of tea”. But they are fantastic musicians and this is a fantastic album
AC/DC
4/5
Pretty sure I destroyed a pair of Jensen speakers with this cassette.
Lorde
3/5
A few catchy hooks. And a couple songs I really enjoyed. But doubt I ever front to back this album again.
The Police
5/5
For me - when this broke it was a whole new sound. And that sound was fantastic.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Like a lot of albums here- this isn’t my thing. Not sad I listened to it -but not likely to ever do so again.
The White Stripes
4/5
You know within 3 notes when it is Jack White on guitar. Love his sound. This is a very solid rock n roll album.
Beck
5/5
An incredibly talented original. Love his vibe.
The Cure
2/5
There is a reason I’m not a cure fan.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
I didn’t grow up listening to jazz- But I now enjoy jazz. I didn’t grow up listening to electronica - I will never enjoy electronica
Solange
3/5
I liked a lot about this album. The lyrics, the vibe. My favorite part was the spoken interludes. My least favorite part was that the vocals were all sang in a high register. I would have preferred a little more vocal grit.
Jack White
4/5
Solid first “solo” effort by a fantastic artist that has carved out his own niche.
Supergrass
4/5
Brit Cali punk. It works.
The Lemonheads
3/5
Love the Mrs Robinson cover and the title track is very solid. Other than that I feel that it is just “ok”
Baaba Maal
1/5
Musically it’s “fine” nothing special at all, but not offensive. But the vocals made it an unenjoyable listen.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Solid vocals but outside of a classic cover of hallelujah -primarily a background track
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
I liked this album. The jazz piano/mariachi worked for me. Although I have no idea what was being said lyrically - Spanish sounds happier and more flowing than most other languages.
Nirvana
5/5
MTV has done a lot of stupid over the years. But the unplugged series was absolute genius. And this is one of the gems.
Erykah Badu
5/5
Such a wonderful voice and a beautiful album.
Steely Dan
4/5
Although there are a couple filler songs -overall I think this is an excellent album blending jazz and light rock with exceptional musicianship.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Hip hop isn’t my thing - never was. This had a couple catchy songs and some fun lyrics- But overall it was really repetitive rhythmically.
Beastie Boys
5/5
I have enjoyed this as much or more than any hip-hop/ rap album that I have listened to. Musically it’s more than just a beat- fun lyrically and It actually has a bit of complexity.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Only thing wrong with this album is that it is too short. It’s a beauty.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Very cool album. Nothing groundbreaking musically. Just a storyteller with an inimitable voice.
Prince
4/5
Moments of mastery - but mixed with a few misses.
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Would enjoy this in the background. Musically it was interesting. But the blues are hard to “get into” when you have no clue what is being said lyrically.
The xx
2/5
Not much here musically. The voices are “ok”. Nothing here that makes me want to listen to it again - But at no point did I feel the need to skip a song. I guess that’s a small victory.
The Band
4/5
Classic Americana folky rock.
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
Meh. But I didn’t hate it.
The White Stripes
4/5
Not his best work - but I’m just a Jack White fanboi
U2
3/5
Sunday Bloody Sunday and NY Day are probably my fav 2 U2 songs. There are a couple other solid tunes on here as well - But a couple duds as well.
Solomon Burke
4/5
Great voice.
Nick Drake
2/5
I wasn’t familiar with Nick Drake before this album- and after listening to it -I’m not sad about that.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
A few traditional cuts- but a lot of this was controlled noise and chaos. Sometimes it worked for me and sometimes it didn’t. Depending on the day and mood -this could be a 2-4
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
5/5
This is a super solid album with some exceptional musicianship. As a blues fan this is a 5
Steve Earle
4/5
Not the best singer/songwriter of all time - but it’s not a mistake to put his name in the conversation of the top 20. Very solid piece of work
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Fantastic musicianship, wonderful composition, great vocals. There is a multitude of reasons they are considered one of the very best rock and roll bands of all time.
4/5
Over produced and musically it is kind of boring. But I still sing along to over half the album.
Talking Heads
5/5
This isn’t a Darkside of the Moon 5- But there are some great songs here - and the band doesn’t get enough credit for the unique rhythms and sound. This was a groundbreaking album.
Paul McCartney
3/5
A few solid tunes and a few weak ones. As a whole -much less than most would expect from McCartneys solo debut. But “Maybe I’m Amazed” is a def classic.
Gotan Project
3/5
A pleasant enough listen. I’ll never queue it up - but it would be great atmosphere/background music for a restaurant or a social gathering.
Coldplay
3/5
Very few Coldplay songs make me feel anything. This album had a couple rise above meh level.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Beautiful soul tunes.
Ozomatli
3/5
Not typically a big fan of Latin pop. But this mixed it up enough that it was somewhat enjoyable.
Peter Frampton
3/5
I was never into this album the way some of my peers were. It’s solid, but I think a lot of the popularity came from the talk box. I always thought Frampton was good -not great until I saw him 6-7 years ago. He was fantastic live.
Solid album, very U2. But nothing that makes me love it.
Common
3/5
I am the wrong guy to be rating rap/hip hop.
I’ll just say this seems quite adequate for the genre.
Santana
5/5
An exceptional album. Santana has always had such a signature sound. And this is beautifully done.
Portishead
3/5
Not really my thing. But I can appreciate the music.
Chicago
4/5
Totally dig 3/4 of this album. There is a lot going on -but great underlying guitar work. And I am a fan of horns -although Chicago sometimes takes them further than I would prefer.
Mercury Rev
1/5
Not sure what this is. It sounds like a really really really bad version of the Flaming Lips. I have zero idea how this made the list.
David Bowie
5/5
Just a fantastic work. The fact he remembered little of its production makes it more impressive.
De La Soul
2/5
It sounds like they had a lot of fun making this album. I didn’t have much fun listening to it.
Brian Eno
5/5
Just a cool album front to back.
Foo Fighters
4/5
I enjoy the Foo’s. This has a bit different sound - more raw than their later work and not very imaginative for the time. But considering that this was strictly Dave playing all the instruments at the age of 26 - it is really pretty damn impressive.
The Human League
1/5
With the exception of Don’t You Want Me this is absolutely awful.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
A bit of filler bit overall a great example of the music of the era.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Growing up half hillbilly this was part of the soundtrack to my youth. This album is littered with some of the absolute classics of the southern rock genre.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
NIN is more beat driven “industrial” than I prefer- but this is a damn good album. The anger feels real.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Great voice and storytelling. But it’s just not something I really enjoy.
Turbonegro
3/5
Nothing great about it- but they rock and I like that.
Paul Simon
3/5
Pleasant but mellow. Could have used a little more Julio.
Elton John
5/5
Peak Elton. Could have cut a couple of the songs but with a runtime of 1:17 that’s quite forgivable. Overall a fantastic album.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Very few artist could have have pulled this off the way he did. Such a legend - and that haunting voice.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
I thought I was going to enjoy this - I mean it sold 4 million copies - But I didn’t. 10 months in the studio one would think they could have come up with something better than this
CHIC
4/5
I totally enjoyed this morphing of Funk and disco. But def prefer the funk.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
If I listed my top 25 artist- Bruce may or may not make the list, would truly depend on the day. But I have sang along at the top of my voice -usually buttered up- to most of the songs on this album. There are times it hits just right.
The Temptations
5/5
Perfect display of Motown..
Marvin Gaye
2/5
I enjoy some Motown - but this was just boring.
The Pharcyde
3/5
I had never heard of The Pharcyde. It’s as if the rhymes were written by 8th grade boys. At times humorous- at times dumb. But always delivered with energy and a fun attitude.
Radiohead
3/5
Radiohead has such a unique sound. Unfortunately for me - some of those sounds seem so damn whiny and moody.
Sarah Vaughan
5/5
What an extraordinary talent. A voice - accompanied by only a piano- has oh so rarely sounded this good.
Fugees
4/5
I am far from a hip hop/ rap aficionado. Not something I ever “just listen to”. I know the Fugees were a very influential group within this genre- But to me it is simply a solid well done album.
The Beta Band
2/5
There have been more than a few albums on this list that made me wonder -Why…. Add this one to that list.
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
This sounds like it came straight out of the late 60’s - and was done by a couple upper class kids that had tried acid once and had their parents buy them a studio. There have been many albums here that were significantly worse - so this will squeak buy with 2 stars.
Syd Barrett
1/5
Didn’t enjoy it. The only reason it was even released was that his name was Syd Barrett.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
A bit meandering at times. But overall - just wow.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I had no knowledge of Elliott Smith prior to this. I am sure that I had heard of him - but I had no idea of genre or sound. I liked it. Didn’t love it.
Al Green
4/5
Super chill soulful album.
Bad Company
4/5
A solid effort with a couple of classics- pure 70’s. Paul Rodgers is a fantastic vocalist.
The Style Council
2/5
It had a couple of songs that I liked. But a few that were just awful.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Dude is just smooth.
Metallica
4/5
If you’re into metal this is certainly a heavy weight album. This isn’t something I ever put on if I am kicking back or just looking for some background music. But it def has a place - during a workout or just to put an edge on.
The Youngbloods
2/5
I have heard much worse on this list - so I’ll give it a 2. But no way will I ever listen to this again on purpose. Pretty damn boring. I’m
Various Artists
5/5
I am rating this as a Christmas album - and it is the best I have ever heard. Drives me crazy when my wife tunes in to the Christmas channel on XM on Dec 1st. If all the songs were like the ones on this album I would actually enjoy it.
Megadeth
3/5
Right after Metallica- I am metaled out for a bit. Again nothing I would casually listen to, but a song or two from this during a workout isn’t a bad thing.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Enjoyable enough top to bottom with a couple of great tunes.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
I have never queued up WuTang. So I have only heard a random song here and there. But after listening - I now know why I see all the T-shirt.
Flamin' Groovies
4/5
Not even a little familiar with this band. But I liked it. Heavy Stones influence, but definitely a touch of the GD in a couple tunes. Pretty simple and straight forward. Singers doesn’t have a great voice but plenty of bluesy, jangly guitars help make up for it.
Gene Clark
2/5
Listened to half the album. Absolutely not feeling it. Listened to the second half later-
And maybe it was my mood - still not good, but I didn’t feel the need to turn it off again. Rounding up to a 2
Adele
2/5
Adele has such a wonderful voice. She can sing like few others. But this album is repetitive as hell and just boring. With few exceptions all the songs have the same subject matter and sound alike. Probably grading harder than I should -but it’s because it could be so much better.
Miles Davis
4/5
Birth of the cool isn’t as cool as teenage cool. A little too big band. But you can hear the music starting to move. And it is still a damn good album.
Queen
3/5
Didn’t enjoy 80% of it, overly dramatic. But it has “You’re My Best Friend” which certainly doesn’t belong with the rest of these songs and “ Bohemian Rhapsody” which while it is in the same vein- is so much better than anything else on the album.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Rocking album. Disjointed at times but always rocking.
50 Cent
2/5
Ok we get it- you have guns -like to shoot people- women are all ho’s and F the cops. I was def never the target audience. Not a rap fan but some I can truly appreciate. This isn’t on that list. Rounding up to a 2 - probably because I just listened to the Human League and they make 50 sound almost tolerable.
Taylor Swift
2/5
No question Swift is an unstoppable force, but just like the last album by 50cent - I am not close to her target audience. I won’t go as far as to say it totally sucks, but I will never listen to it again on purpose. One word description -boring.
Meat Loaf
4/5
To many great memories of singing along with a few of the songs on this album to give it anything less than a 4. But a few weak songs keep it from getting a 5.
Beck
4/5
Nothing to put it over the top. But a very solid album front to back
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Theatrical and campy as all hell. I was going to give it a 1. But they did twist a few good lyrics and musically while not my style - at all- was well done.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
I would suppose that if I was 23 years old trippin on X and surrounded by barely dressed 23 year old women grooving out at an EDM festival - I would totally dig this. But instead I’m 59 and prefer shrooms and jam bands.
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
Meh. A lot of noise. A couple cuts may be alright for a workout playlist but I can’t think of another time I would ever want to hear any of this again.
The Allman Brothers Band
5/5
This certainly hits the sweet spot. Great musicianship with incredible guitar work and bluesy rock vocals. The Allman Brothers band is high on my list of best American rock bands and they were truly hitting their stride with this one.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
There are reasons Aretha is called the “Queen of Soul” and this is one of them. Beautiful album.
Alice Cooper
4/5
I surprised myself by really enjoying this album.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Of course Frank has a smooth voice - but how damn boring.
Merle Haggard
3/5
I enjoyed the steel guitar work. This album was easy to listen to and if I was in a small town dive bar I think it would fit perfectly. But nothing here makes me want to queue it up again anytime soon.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Haunting voice. More religious imagery than I like- But that’s what he does.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Seems like it wants to be a rock album but never really rocks. Seems like a toned down version of the killers.
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
Zappa certainly had some great music. This sure in the hell isn’t it.
Gary Numan
3/5
Well produced but it just seem quite repetitive and electronica just isn’t my thing.
Joe Ely
3/5
For what it was - I thought this was pretty good. But I’m not totally down with what it was.
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
This really didn’t age well.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Was reasonably enjoyable overall. A couple songs were quite good. But a few were pretty weak.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Solid album by a band I have never heard of before.
The Byrds
2/5
This was a lot weaker than I was anticipating. Didn’t enjoy it at all other than the cover of My Back Pages. Listened to CSNY Four Way Street right after and I can confirm this is a poor effort.
The Temptations
4/5
Soul, Harmony with just a touch of funk and lyrics that meant something to the time.
Depeche Mode
2/5
Never been a fan and after listening to this I remember why.
Hole
4/5
Punked out grunge. I enjoyed this- probably more than I should have. Probably because of all the mopey and techno albums recently
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
Musically it was ok. Vocally it left a lot to be desired.
Billy Bragg
4/5
I really enjoyed this one.
Muddy Waters
5/5
I have always been drawn to solid guitar work and emotive singing that has some grit. And I can't not consider how influential this album was to the generation of blues influenced rock bands that were just a few years from stepping into the spotlight.
Patti Smith
4/5
Love the punky vibe. What a groundbreaker.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
At times it was truly annoying, but a couple I actually found enjoyable. Rounding up to a 3
The Pogues
3/5
Definitely one that I need to be in the mood for. A whole album of this in one sitting is a bit much for me. But in doses I like it more than not.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
A few songs they went after it and I thought they were solid. But tried to hard to be avant garde in several songs.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Built some decent beats and then just repeats the hell out of them lyric/vocals are just stupid. Debated between a 1 or a 2 but the beats are generally solid.
The Smiths
2/5
Musically not bad. Probably deserves better than a 2. I’m just not a fan of mopey vocals
The War On Drugs
3/5
It’s ok. A few really solid songs and a bunch of meh ones.
Minutemen
4/5
Certainly a change of pace for this list. Short rapid fire tunes.
3/5
A few really good tunes. But def had some weak links went they tried to go low key psychedelic.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
This came out during my college years and was blasted out of every Fraternity house for two years. At the time I don’t think any of us took the time to really listen to the lyrics to understand the meaning of the songs. I liked this album more then, but appreciate it more now.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
I was happy to see this one come up. I have always been a CCR fan. No gimmicks just pure rock and roll.
Norah Jones
3/5
The album itself is a bit boring. But damn her voice.
T. Rex
4/5
Straight forward bluesy rock.
Paul Weller
4/5
I was not familiar with Paul Weller. But I’m glad this was on the list. The album was pretty good front to back. Vocals and musically- it was solid.
Dire Straits
5/5
I have always enjoyed Dire Straits, and Mark Knopfler certainly has one of the most distinctive guitar sounds ever. I really enjoyed this album then - and now.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
EWF is a fun band. So I think that some don’t give them the credit they deserve for being a good band. A little Funk a little soul. Excellent harmonies and solid musicianship.
Slint
1/5
Listening to the first song I thought “Damn I hope it gets better than this” -it didn’t. I’m not even sure how this would be categorized as to genre. But if there is a category called “Sucks” this definitely belongs.
4/5
Overall a solid album funk/jazz/soul fusion. Nothing to push it over the top for me but it was enjoyable.
Deep Purple
2/5
I tried - I just wasn’t feeling it. I have never been a huge metal fan which certainly doesn’t help but I really didn’t enjoy this at all. I’ll give it a 2 because it was no doubt an album that helped inspire an entire genre.
Iron Maiden
3/5
It’s good for metal.
Tom Waits
3/5
Not something I’m going to put on if I am wanting to listen to music. Interesting is the first word that comes to mind. Waits voice does have the punch to carry the spoken word. For most vocalist this would be a 1 or 2 if delivered this way. Waits takes it to a soft 3
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Pleasant enough.
The Libertines
2/5
A few songs were almost catchy - but I felt it was pretty meh overall
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
Totally dig this album. Incredible guitar work and musicianship. Solid jamming rock and roll with a bit of a bluesy feel.
Pixies
3/5
Solid enough work. Although it makes me uncool - I have never loved the Pixies. But I don’t dislike them either.
Def Leppard
4/5
I was in HS when Pyromania came out - probably wore out 2 cassettes. Loved it back then. I didn't have the same enthusiasm when listening to it a couple months ago. Surprised myself that I didn't really care for it besides a bit of nostalgia. When Hysteria came out I had been in college a few years and my taste had migrated to the Dead, Neil, REM etc. - and I didn't really care for it at that time. So I def surprised myself again by actually enjoying most of Hysteria.
Wild Beasts
2/5
The only thing more irritating then this album was the traffic I was in when listening to it. That being said I have heard a lot worse during this exercise.
Jacques Brel
1/5
Perhaps it is good for what it is- but I can't stand what it is.
Thelonious Monk
5/5
Very good- It almost made spreading mulch in 47 degree temps enjoyable
The Kinks
3/5
Not what I was expecting. Had some catchy riffs and lyrics- overall I liked it but not something that would ever go in rotation
Bobby Womack
3/5
This was some solid tunes for interstate driving.
Mylo
1/5
If you toss an album at me with a title like "Destroy Rock and Roll". You better come at me. Especially since I just listened to Nevermind 15 minutes before. This is a repetitive sampling mess.
The fact I am not a fan of techno/EDM certainly doesn't help its cause
Nirvana
5/5
I still remember the first time I heard the opening riffs of Smells Like Teen Spirit. I was walking through my living room and MTV was on- they still played music at that time. I just froze and stared at the tv watching the video in awe. The first thought that went through my head was that the hair bands are dead. The fact that I loved Rock and Roll but hated hair bands made it even better. The CD was in my possession within the hour. I still love this album
ABBA
3/5
A few fun well done tunes. They def have their place. Just not in my rotation.
Louis Prima
2/5
The horns were definitely the best part of this. At times it seemed somewhat silly to me- Not bad, but definitely takes a certain mood.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
I made the mistake of listening to this right after The Pumpkins. A couple songs did work for me. A lot of it did not - a couple sounded like they were written for a childrens show.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
If this 2 hour cd was edited down to 1, it could be an easy 5 in my book. There are so many great songs. But at my advanced age- 2 hours of Billy Corgan singing is an assault on the senses. And some of the songs seem a little fillerish to me. On the flip side, nobody made me listen to it for two straight hours. When an album has 25 minutes of great stuff and 20 minutes of filler it is easy to lose a star -but it doesn't seem fair to dock a star when the artist gave well over 60 minutes of great music to a release.
Little Richard
4/5
One of the first Rock and Rollers-- and for that huge props. You can't judge a 50's NBA player against todays talent and so I will give Little Richard the same leeway.
James Brown
4/5
I have to consider that this was released 60+ years ago. For the time it brought an energy rarely seen.
Van Halen
5/5
Unlike a lot of albums that I would have rated a 5 in my youth but now have little use for - This one held up for me
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Gritty, Bluesy, So down my alley
The The
2/5
It's not bad and I tried- just couldn't get into it even a little bit.
Metallica
4/5
Not a big metal guy. But I thought the symphony added a great element to this album. I surprised myself and actually enjoyed this. As opposed to most Metallica albums I could listen to this one with out wanting to ram the car in front of me that is only going 5 mph over the speed limit.
The Who
4/5
You can almost hear the band morphing in this album. From some guys playing in the garage sounding Beatlesque, to a full fledged rock band. They hadn't fully hit stride yet when it was done, but they had definitely set the foundation.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Excellent album. Hit after hit and for good reason.
Machito
4/5
Jazz Brass over Latin percussion, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
Sonic Youth
3/5
I like it - but too disjointed for me to love it.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Stripped back, old school.
Nick Drake
4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Didn't have anything that blew me away, but nice acoustic guitar work and well composed songs- a very good listen.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Of all the foreign language albums we have listened to - this may have been my favorite to this point
Iron Maiden
5/5
I’m ok with metal, but it’s not a genre I listen to very often. But this album is great. Well composed/played songs and soaring vocals. I listened to it a second time to make sure that it was as good as I thought it was the first time through. It was.
4/5
Jagoffs or not. This is a pretty good album. Not near as good as they think it is - but good.
Funkadelic
4/5
I dig it
Nina Simone
4/5
A few songs I thought were very good
4 women is fantastic. It isn't great front to back but overall it certainly earned it's spot.
The Killers
4/5
This isn't the type of album I would generally like. Kinda poppy, a good bit of synthesizer. But the songs have a bit of urgency to them- I liked that
Black Flag
1/5
I was never in the punk scene. But I'm sure if I heard this when I was 16 when it came out - I would have liked the speed and anger. But at 59 I was just glad it was only 34 minutes.
Bee Gees
1/5
This is absolutely awful. I try to listen to the albums completely I had to fast forward through many of the songs on this. Otherwise I am certain I would have put my head through a wall.
TV On The Radio
4/5
Another that I had never heard until now - and I am glad I did. Definitely have a unique sound that isn't easily categorized.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Love this album.
David Bowie
4/5
I was never a fanboi but I have always appreciated and enjoyed Bowie. I don't recall ever hearing this album front to back but I am glad I finally did.
Stereolab
2/5
Listened to this on a long drive- not once did I start tapping my foot or feel it. Guess I’m just not cool enough.
White Denim
4/5
This checked a lot of boxes for me.
Taylor Swift
2/5
Odds are - that when 70% of your fanbase is girls between the ages of 5-25 you are not going to appeal to old dudes raised on Jam bands, blues and old school rock and roll. This did not beat the odds. It wasn't awful but I wouldn't go as far as to call it enjoyable.
Blur
2/5
A couple of good songs surrounded by meh.
4/5
Enjoyed this thoroughly.
Janet Jackson
4/5
I was happily surprised by this. I went in assuming I was going to hate it. Some catchy tunes - not necessarily my jam but pleasant enough. I would give it a 3 just based on the songs but the production earns it another star.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Overall a solid album. It has a couple of great songs- but also a couple that I feel aren't quite up to par.
Orbital
1/5
I must preface it by saying that I generally dislike electronica. But this was just painful.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Few have belted it with feeling the way Aretha did. Take out respect an an excellent cover of "A change is gonna come" and it is still a solid 3.5. Those take it to a five pretty easily
Parliament
5/5
If this doesn't get you bobbing your head and bouncing - you are dead.
Suede
4/5
Kinda mad at myself for not being even a little familiar with this band prior to listening. But I am glad they were on the list.
The Stone Roses
4/5
Hell of a debut. I didn’t love it all, but the highs made up for the lows. Some excellent guitar/bass work that certainly isn’t in your face but buried in the layers.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Solid lyrically- And while I really didn't enjoy his voice at first it did grow on me enough to be tolerable. The fact that I agree more often than not on the message sways it to a 3
Elton John
5/5
Just excellent. I have always enjoyed his work and this album contains a few true classics.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
I wasn’t sure how I was going to rate this album. Loved it when it came out and would have given it an easy 5. But that hasn’t always been the case with other albums that were favorites 35 years ago. But this one holds up. Layers of sound - and Peter Gabriel certainly knows how to put together a song.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
The music gets it a two. Frank has a smooth voice but damn he bores the hell out of me.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Another I was sure I was going to really dislike when going into it. But I didn't. I will never play it again -but I got through it without saying this sucks 10 times.
Living Colour
4/5
Cult of Personality is the opener and a classic. And although I don't feel that the album ever reaches those heights again it is still overall very good.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Old School country. Light on the music side which requires her voice and "stories" to carry the day. Dolly has a unique voice but it is far from great and her 'storytelling" is solid but quite simple. But man what a career. 2.5 rounded up to a 3 because she is so damn cool.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
They broke out of the gate hard. Not as polished as later albums,but that isn’t a bad thing here. Breakdown and American Girl are classics.
The Beach Boys
1/5
Why the hellos this here. The Beach Boys got big in spite of this- certainly not because of it.
Hot Chip
2/5
Just not a fan of synth-pop. Decently put together but not for me.
Brian Wilson
1/5
Brian Wilson may be a musical genius. But I just find this awful.
3/5
Had a couple solid tunes and it was overall ok - But I just never totally bought into it.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
I have heard his name 100's of times and I am sure I have heard many of his songs- but strictly as background music. This is the first time I ever 'listened" to it. I like it. The jazz infusion into the swing style was quite cool.
Mekons
1/5
Punk lite, country, folk. Classify it however you want musically, it sucks in any genre. And as a bonus the vocals are awful.
Ravi Shankar
2/5
He is certainly a master of his craft- But it isn't anything I have a desire to listen to for any extended period of time.
Van Morrison
3/5
A pleasant listen
David Bowie
5/5
Enjoyed it thoroughly. Loved the jazz piano that infiltrates several of the songs.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Neil is definitely not everyone's "cup of tea". But he has a place on my personal Rock and Roll Mount Rushmore, and this is one of his best.
Joy Division
2/5
I thought a couple songs were good Twenty Fours Hours was my fav. But overall I didn't really care for it.
Dr. John
2/5
Definitely unique - Bur I just wasn’t feeling it. Seemed kinda schticky.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
I dig it.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I really enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Not over the top as most metal eventually became. Solid musically and Ozzy could belt it out.
Public Enemy
4/5
The only rap I knew in high school was the Sugar Hill Gang and I never really jumped on the train. This may be the first time I ever LISTENED to this album front to back. I missed out.
Elvis Presley
2/5
I don't have a lot of use for this. For the most part it is pretty simple and boring. "In the Ghetto" is by far the best song in my mind.
Bee Gees
1/5
Better than the last Bee Gees album this had us listen to. But it is still awful. No rhyme or reason on why some of these made the cut.
Tim Buckley
2/5
If you are ever feeling upbeat and energetic and don't want to be. Put this on for 30 minutes.
It's hard to get a one star out of me. But this was dangerously close.
Kraftwerk
1/5
There is not one element here that I enjoy. I have said it is hard to get a one out of me- but this one certainly earned it.
Pink Floyd
5/5
This was a happy reprieve after some of the stuff that we have had lately. A masterwork.
Michael Jackson
5/5
It's not really my thing. But it is so well produced and put together and contains some of the biggest pop hits in history. If I am enjoying this kind of pop it must be damn good.
Daft Punk
1/5
No soul at all and repetitive as hell. If I was born in the 90's or 00's perhaps it would hit me different. But I have zero use for computerized loops.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Quite enjoyable.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Albums like this is why I am here. Excellent listen- that I would have never enjoyed otherwise.
Nas
3/5
Another that I enjoyed much more than I thought I would. But that bar was admittedly pretty low.
Björk
2/5
Without question it is unique-expecting anything less from Bjork would be silly. But I just couldn’t get into it. There were parts I enjoyed but as a whole it didn’t pull me into it even once.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
I can see why 15 year old girls loved it. But I thought it was generally just a small step above awful. Rounding up to a two because I only felt it necessary to fast forward through two songs.
Supertramp
4/5
Had some catchy tunes, occasionally over the top as a prog rock album will be. I enjoyed it probably more than I should have. Could be because I was on a 3 hour drive to Chicago and had just listened to Bjork and Timberlake. Definitely listening to a dead concert on the 3 hour drive home.
Duke Ellington
4/5
The musicianship on display here is incredible. And there was enough of a jazz influence to keep me very interested.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
This is a band that definitely created its own lane.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Such an influential album. And it rocks as well.
Julian Cope
2/5
The second half of the album is certainly better than the first. But that is a low bar. I do give credit for having a variety of different styles and sounds within the album. But I really didn't care for it.
Sade
3/5
She has a beautiful voice. But the album is a bit boring with very little to no difference between the sounds of the songs.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
I think this is a great album. Rock, Funk with a little rap vibe tossed in.
Venom
2/5
Not awful - but close.
Steely Dan
5/5
People either love Steely Dan or have little use for them. I happen to be in the first camp.
Meat Puppets
2/5
Better than I expected. But still not what I would classify as good. It did have a solid country rock vibe. Probably liked it better than I should because I had just listened to Captain Beefheart.
Gang Of Four
3/5
I liked this. Nothing complex. Punkish - but doesn't quite get there.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
Certainly one of the worst albums that I have ever listened to front to back. Well at least 70% of it. I had to fast forward through a few to not poke my eyes out.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Definitely not my favorite Zep album. But it is still great.
The Charlatans
2/5
A poor mans Oasis
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
I have no use for this.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
A bit over the map. I was debating 2 or 3 but Solsbury Hill is such a damn good song
Boards of Canada
1/5
I dislike electronic music. But at least with EDM there is usually a driving beat and peaks. This album serves no point that I can discern.
The Smiths
2/5
Meh
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Definitely missing David. But still unique with a couple catch tunes.
Dead Kennedys
4/5
Much better than I was expecting musically and lyrically. Def had me speeding beyond my norm a few times.
Gram Parsons
2/5
Emmy Lou Harris kept this from being awful.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Not my favorite by Elvis Costello but a fine album
Randy Newman
4/5
Randy Newman is definitely an artist where you have to listen to the lyrics to get it. And he is solid on this one.
Tom Waits
4/5
That is one haunting set of pipes Waits has.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Dated - But there are a few really fun songs here.
The Slits
1/5
Not a fan
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Not offensive- but not enjoyable in the least.
Suede
2/5
I was happy when I saw Suede pop up again. The album they had on the list a few months ago was one of the happier surprises I had encountered here. This wasn't as good - And it had potential. I'm not sure what they were shooting for but the intentionally muffled sound throughout the album was a put off for me.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
A few really good songs surrounded by filler. That happens when you are cranking out albums the way Neil and Stephen were back in the day.
Paul Simon
5/5
Fantastic album. Front to back. The incorporation of African rhythms was eye opening for me when it was released 40 years ago. This album definitely held up much much better than most from that time period.
Beth Orton
2/5
It's ok. But if I am going to listen to this type of music give me PJ Harvey or Fiona Apple
Buck Owens
3/5
Simple but very solid for what it is. Act Naturally bumps it to a 3.
Bob Dylan
3/5
No where near his best, but still solid.
Goldfrapp
2/5
Not awful, would make some nice soft background music at a nice restaurant. But I'm not feeling it - even a little bit.
New Order
2/5
Weak
Tito Puente
3/5
Not my thing, but can't deny the talent and it does have some bounce to it.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Never been a fan of "hair" bands. I was so thankful when grunge kicked that sh!t to the curb. This isn't good but I have heard worse.
Minor Threat
2/5
Not really good ~ but at least it was short.
Lana Del Rey
3/5
Pleasant enough
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Solid album. I enjoy the energy that Springsteen generally brings to the table.