471
Albums Rated
3
Average Rating
43%
Complete
618 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950s
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
27
5-Star Albums
21
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Like Water For Chocolate
Common
|
5 | 2.95 | +2.05 |
|
The Blueprint
JAY Z
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
GREY Area
Little Simz
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
25
Adele
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
|
5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
|
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
|
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
|
5 | 3.46 | +1.54 |
|
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
|
1 | 3.68 | -2.68 |
|
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
|
1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
|
Blackstar
David Bowie
|
1 | 3.48 | -2.48 |
|
B-52's
The B-52's
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
|
2 | 4.26 | -2.26 |
|
High Violet
The National
|
1 | 3.24 | -2.24 |
|
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
|
1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
|
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
|
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
|
1 | 3.09 | -2.09 |
|
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
1 | 3.08 | -2.08 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| OutKast | 2 | 5 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 1.67 |
| The Smiths | 3 | 1.67 |
| PJ Harvey | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Fall | 2 | 1.5 |
| Morrissey | 2 | 1.5 |
| My Bloody Valentine | 2 | 1.5 |
| Kraftwerk | 2 | 1.5 |
| U2 | 3 | 2 |
| David Bowie | 6 | 2.33 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Fleetwood Mac | 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (27)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Beastie Boys
4/5
so, a bit of background... i really really enjoy the Beastie Boys. I think their whole story is so interesting and fun, and they have some absolute killer tracks.
From Licensed to Ill, which is just 3 boys messing around and talking about beer and girls, to making their way to a jazz/funk/rock-esque/hip hop record is quite the journey.
I can definitely understand if this album isn't someones cup of tea. its a bit all over the place - and most folks have probably only heard Sabotage (which is killer). But, this album has some serious depth if you allow yourself to just enjoy the ride.
After listening to this, I actually went back into a deep dive on the boys and re-listened to Paul's Boutique, which was their sophomore record and first delve into some heavier beats. its pretty cool to see the journey that they were on, even though most folks don't consider them to really be in the hip hop sphere.
I really enjoyed this album, and really hope that we get more of them in the future.
2 likes
The Stone Roses
3/5
Fairly middle of the road for me. Almost was even a two. I think it was the last track of the album that was interesting for me, but pst that it was just aight.
1 likes
Miles Davis
4/5
this album has a very special place in my heart.
in my senior year of college, I was able to take a 'History of Jazz' course and it was honestly one of my favorite classes I took in undergrad. I was in that class with some very good friends and one best friend of mine. We used to study for all the exams together and this album always brings that memory back.
I know jazz isn't the easiest genre to get into, but this album is truly one of the greats. It's what defined Miles as a pioneer for the genre and brought jazz to a wider audience. It's a real masterpiece - and defines what would become smooth/cool jazz for years to come. All hail Miles Davis
1 likes
Queen
4/5
i think if you listen to a 'Greatest Hits' album for Queen, it tends to have more of their songs that were revolutionary for the genre. Bohemian Rhapsody, Bicycle Race, Seven Seas of Rhye, etc.
but an album like this reminds us that Queen can absolutely rock, and they rock HARD. Brian May is a freaking animal on the guitar.
this album is also home to my favorite Queen song, 'Killer Queen', which I have always loved. this album is fun, and really shows how well they can play the conventional pop and rock side.
1 likes
Nick Drake
2/5
nothing special. going to be honest, i really do like the acoustic guitar on this album. but, i can't really do much more with it. just sounds like someone mumbling their way through. not the worst thing i have heard through here... but wouldnt have it on in rotation again
1 likes
1-Star Albums (21)
All Ratings
Nick Drake
3/5
the guitar is my favorite part of this by far. its basic, its stripped down, and its just a man and his guitar at its core. i could have used a bit more from Nick Drake when signing though. this was ultimately almost a four, but the limited singing kinda brought it back. perhaps it would grow on me... but for now its a three.
Pixies
4/5
i listened to this about a week ago, but it made me realize that i really did enjoy the pixies. everyone knows them from fight club/where is my mind, but i also knew Gouge Away prior to listening to this.
cool to see them as the second album on this list. i dig it.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
this was a bit more screamy and raw than i was expecting from this band. I really only knew their song Maps (shout out to Rock Band), and so the rest of their album was WAYYY different. I don't think its bad, but its probably not something i would listen to a ton afterwards. it was nice to hear Maps again for the first time in a long time, but thats probably where I would leave it
Stevie Wonder
4/5
damn, this album slapped so hard. I'll be honest, wasn't sure what to expect but hot damn, this was fire.
shout out to 'Higher Ground'. the first time I ever heard that song was in the Power Rangers movie with the RHCP cover and i will forever love this song.
living in the city, all in love is fair, and don't you worry bout a thing are all bangers. this album is just silky smooth and super fun to listen to. I dig it. give me more Stevie
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Still not a huge fan of The Smashing Pumpkins. I think it’s mostly Corgen’s voice, but overall it’s fine. Not something ima ever go back to but it was fine
Taylor Swift
4/5
Taylor Swift is legit. No denying she can’t write absolute bangers. However, as I listen to more of her… some of her lyrics don’t seem all that great. For her to be heralded as this amazing songwriter and writes her own stuff is fine… but it kinda doesn’t hold up when you hear something like “he’s so tall and handsome as hell”
Shout out to Shake it Off, Bad Blood, Blank Space for being anthems in college. Welcome to New York is also a banger.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
this album is... weird. coming off the back of a WILDLY successful and popular Rumours, its a very interesting turn that they take.
its almost like if Rumours had the wheels starting to fall off for the band, this album is them pulling the cart without three wheels and all taking separate turns. there seems to be little cohesion between the songs, and its much more rough than the previous album.
i knwo i shouldnt be comparing it to Rumours so much... but to have that album and then follow it with this... its quite the juxtaposition
Tom Waits
2/5
i can understand why this won a grammy in the 90's. its a weird exploration piece about death and how we all return to it... but having never really listened to Tom Waits at all and then jumping into this album is a bit jarring.
Deerhunter
2/5
fairly forgettable in my opinion.
Fairport Convention
2/5
this album had some really promising moments, and then some moments that really wanted the album to be over... not something I am necessarily going to go back to I think.
all in all, it seemed like some of the songs just rambled on with no real direction. 'quiet joys of brotherhood' just sorta dragged on as a closing track with them talking about still recording at the end and ultimately starting over. cool choice to leave that in i guess... but i was unsure of where this was going
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
proud mary, good golly miss molly, and born on the bayou really takes this album to the next level. short, sweet, and full of groove. this is a pretty stellar album.
Sister Sledge
4/5
this album was fun as hell. didn't necessarily need the remixes, but thats the fun part of a remastered album. kinda of crazy to think that 'We are Family' only came out in the 90's. But, here we are.
Kate Bush
3/5
i could see myself in a mood one day to come back to this album. i honestly enjoyed it more than i thought I would.
Eels
3/5
in my opinion, this album is so much stronger on the second half. from 'My Beloved Monster' (shout out Shrek love scene montage) on, i actually really enjoyed this. the slowed down, more melodic tracks. i think this is a solid 3. good tracks, but would have to be in a certain mood to come back to.
Iggy Pop
3/5
its fine. i did dig 'Turn Blue' and 'The Passenger', but I don't think I can give it a higher score on account of 'Sixteen'... which is very clearly about... well, banging a 16 year old
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
This album is FIRE. Straight fire. Oozing charisma and fantastic lines. It gave us classics like ‘Wu Tang Clan ain’t nothin’ to fuck with’, Protect Ya Neck, Shame on an N**** and CREAM!
Haven’t listened to this album in so long, but I welcomed it with open arms. Amazing rap album.
The Black Keys
4/5
having not been a huge Black Keys fan in the past, this album really surprised me!
i super enjoyed it and think that i am going to be keeping it in rotation. even with the second half of the album slowing down a bit, i really don't feel like it ever lost steam and I was super into it all the way through. this is one album i am truly waffling between a 4 and 5 stars. for now, it gets a four, but if I end up keeping this in my rotation more, I'll switch to a 5
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
easy listening, but nothing that is going to blow me away. a nice little dip into the country music sound, but short enough that it doesn't linger for too long.
Michael Jackson
4/5
feels wrong to compare it to Thriller, but i mean... it is what it is.
i did really enjoy this album. every song is super fun, and i found myself dancing in the kitchen to it and having a blast. i think that while they are all good songs, the only really GREAT one is ' Don't Stop Till You Get Enough'
super solid entry, but i think that it was always be overshadowed
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
very very cool to hear the OG 'Renegades of Funk' track. Planet Rock is also the opening track for 'The U' documentary, which was mad cool to hear.
its a pretty fine album, but i do love the original rap sound. its big, bombastic, and super fun.
R.E.M.
2/5
i honestly had no idea that R.E.M. was such an old band. I thought they were such a 90's sound, but it turns out they had been on the circuit for a while.
that being said... still not a huge fan of them. I did enjoy the song 'Standing Still', but mostly I wasn't a huge fan.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
this is a dope jazz album. I first heard of Dave Brubeck in college during a 'History of Jazz' class which was amazing. Take Five is an AMAZING track and really glad I could listen to the rest of the album. incredible jazz album.
Cream
4/5
Cream was always top of list back in my guitar playing days. Obvi Eric Clapton is one of the GOAT guitar players, and Ginger Baker absolutely smashes it on the drums. Jack Bruce kills it as he leads this team through the album, and its just a solid listen.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
woof. this one was a slog. i now see how everyone was so turned off by Nick Cave from the start. this album was... just so rough. its just him talking the entire time of dreary ass compositions.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
I find it so interesting that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs make this list more than once. Like, I think they have a nice sound, but multiple albums seems like a stretch to me.
Overall, I liked Heads Will Roll, and the rest of the album was pleasant.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Enjoyable! I had a good time with this one. I guess this is where ‘lime in the coconut’ originated from. Jump Into the Fire is a banger, as is Si No Estas Tu.
Good listen, but not enough to punch up to a four star for me
Queen
4/5
i think if you listen to a 'Greatest Hits' album for Queen, it tends to have more of their songs that were revolutionary for the genre. Bohemian Rhapsody, Bicycle Race, Seven Seas of Rhye, etc.
but an album like this reminds us that Queen can absolutely rock, and they rock HARD. Brian May is a freaking animal on the guitar.
this album is also home to my favorite Queen song, 'Killer Queen', which I have always loved. this album is fun, and really shows how well they can play the conventional pop and rock side.
Bobby Womack
4/5
This album is just oh so smooth. A beautiful journey about love and enjoying the world around you. Definitely going to jump back in
Rod Stewart
4/5
honestly, I dont think i had ever listened to a Rod Stewart song really before this. but, i was a fan. this album was fun, and his voice is something really to write home about it. it carries the tune and melody so well, but still had a bit of gravel to it. its a great listen, and i hope there there is more of him on this list
Fiona Apple
3/5
i don't know much of Fiona Apple past her song, 'Criminal', which is an absolute banger.
that said, this album is an interesting one. Fiona's voice is incredible, but you can tell that this album is her really exploring a ton of different styles and mechanics. its bold, and it feels like a real F-U to someone in particular, where she writes the music that she wants and then just smashes it.
there were a few songs that I think could sneak its way into rotation, but i respect the artistry and avant-garde-ness of this album
Neil Young
4/5
I enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. Not sure if this makes me an official Neil Young fan, but I enjoyed this a lot.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Incredible album. Right out the gates, absolute timeliness bangers and songs that will live forever in rock n roll.
Also, one of my favorite stories about rock n roll is Axel Rose bringing his girlfriend at the time into the studio, recorded them having sex, and then threw that backing track on during the solo to rocket queen. Absolute insanity.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2/5
I was really hoping for something more but… this just fell flat. Listened to it all in one go and even at the end of the album I had no idea what I just heard.
The Isley Brothers
4/5
this album bumps. i think anyone our age would know 'That Lady' from like commercials, but man what a good song it is to listen in entirety.
this album just washes over you, and its really so stinking good. i think the one thing that was annoying, was this this remastered version includes all of the interviews at the end. cool to have, but wished i didn't "have" to listen to them for this project. all in all, solid album.
John Cale
2/5
meh all the way through.
2/5
I still haven't found what I'm looking for... from U2.
i don't really have anything to say about U2. It's fine, I guess. With or Without You and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For are fine... but past that the rest of this album falls pretty flat in my opinion.
not sure U2 is ever really going to be up there for me, but sometimes that is how the cookie crumbles
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
didn't realize the state of Illinois needed an album... but here we are.
never heard of Sufjan Stevens, or this album before but its oddly beautiful. i enjoyed having it on in the background while working. i am sure the lyrics are probably a bit deeper than what i heard, but all in all it was a pleasant listen.
Meat Loaf
4/5
not sure what exactly i was expecting from Meat Loaf, but man, can that dude compose a song. its loud, its bombastic, but every single instrument and decision he makes has it all coming together. its a super gorgeous album, from front to back. not every song can be an incredible epic... but Meat Loaf really puts that assumption to the test.
The Dictators
4/5
now this is the type of punk that i enjoy. stripped down, simple, and just rocking hard. also, the song 'I Got You Babe' is fire.
TLC
3/5
This album slaps. Good way to step back into 90’s R&B. Good for the sexy time playlist too.
Waterfalls and Creep are two highlights for sure. They’re great.
Not sure how much I would go back to this album, this would probably be a 3.5 for me, so I’ll drop it down to a 3
David Bowie
2/5
Moss Garden was nice… and Beauty and the Beast is a fun song… but I guess I just don’t understand David Bowie…
Bob Dylan
4/5
this was a super fun Dylan album to listen to, and probably the favorite of all that we have had of his. i guess i prefer the less folksy sound of Dylan, and more of his rock styling. to each their own i suppose.
Antony and the Johnsons
3/5
this is the type of album that can be extremely polarizing. i did find that this album was really really beautiful, even if a bit odd at times. i would love to give this a second listen through, preferably with a nice drink in my hand, and really just let it resonate around me.
Black Sabbath
4/5
so i am listening to this one just a few short weeks after we lost the prince of darkness. i'm familiar with the huge Black Sabbath hits, but Vol. 4 has some absolute bangers that are overshadowed by Iron Man, Paranoid, War Pigs, etc.
within this album, 'Changes' is so freakin beautiful. the fact that this heavy ballad is track number three, just shows how confident they are in their writing and composition.
Snowblind is a fire song, Under the Sun rocks super hard, and Laguna Sunrise is a surprise heavy hitter. super awesome album, that is just barely outside the perfect 5 stars for me.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
i enjoyed this, but nothing about it makes me really love Cyndi Lauper after this.
Girls just want to have fun is so iconic, but i find that it is too repetitive... it gets old by the second chorus in my opinion. it is a fun song, but i tend to skip it.
time after time is also another banger, and has really stood the test of time. i enjoyed Money Changes Everything too, but i found myself enjoying Lauper's vocals... but not enjoying the artistic style of the music. ive discovered through the course of these albums that i really don't enjoy new wave. there are elements of that within this, and i think that is what drags down my rating. ultimately its probably a 2.5, but ill give the credit where credit is due.
The Smashing Pumpkins
1/5
i really do not like the smashing pumpkins. i really don't enjoy Billy Corgan's voice... and i do not find that i enjoy their music
Elvis Presley
4/5
i mean, Elvis is a GOAT in his own right when it comes to music, but i can't say i've ever sat down and listened to a full album. i actually really liked this a lot more than i thought i would. some weird songs on the back half of the records... but overall i enjoyed this a lot.
Doves
3/5
this was a really interesting listen. i really liked the more instrumental first half, and didn't find myself as interested in the second half. that said, i overall enjoyed this sound and could see myself picking it up again. don't think its strong enough for a 4, so it will sit here at a 3.
Arrested Development
3/5
this is smooth, and Tennessee is an absolute banger. i think i have this one a bit lower than my normal old school hip hop ranking, but overall i do enjoy it. i dont see myself going back to it as much as others, but i do respect AD and enjoyed the opportunity to listen to this.
Common
5/5
this album was awesome. i don't listen to a ton of Common, but this album i could definitely see myself going back to.
introspective rap, smooth beats, and a grace that i think is somewhat of a lost art. this album rocked to listen to, and i am really glad that it came into my listening world
Neil Young
2/5
nothing really stood out to me with this one. it was a fine background album i guess, and i can see why people would really enjoy it... but it wasn't really my speed.
Yes
3/5
jam band, funky bass lines, this album was kinda all over the place... but that said i enjoyed it more than i thought i would. i actually had a pretty good time listening to it and was grooving along. i don't know how often i would go back to this, but i think that i could easily see myself exploring more of their discography.
3.5 is the true rating, but ill give it a three here.
Bad Company
3/5
not bad, not great. pretty decent album that good to have on in the background, but nothing earth shattering for me
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
a fine album. didn't love it, didn't hate it. it was a fine experience.
Rush
4/5
Neil Pert stands alone. I've gotta say I am not the biggest fan of Geddy Lee's voice, but the artistry from Rush is second to none. they rock SO freaking hard.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
this album is killer! some really hard industrial rock, that actually grooves and (in my opinion) doesn't sound like machines clanging.
i've been more of a Trent Reznor fan ever since watching the Sound City documentary, which I highly recommend, listening to him talk about music, his methodology, is something really awesome to experience.
anyways, back to the album, this album is a real smash to the face. its hard, its heavy, its grinding along... and then it ends with Hurts... and just slowly fades away. a really really good album.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
this doesn't tend to a genre that is high up on my list, but this album was so smooth. i saw myself driving through the mountains, listening to this as the winding roads take you on your next weekend adventure. its exactly what it needs to be, and it hits home really well.
realistically its a 3.5 for me, but i enjoyed it for sure.
k.d. lang
4/5
k.d. lang has one heck of a voice. after briefly reading the wikipedia page, i thought that this was going to be a pretty meh album. however, i actually really enjoyed her work. its easy listening, but really really beautiful. i wouldn't mind giving more of her music a listen.
Gene Clark
3/5
a fine album. its nice, its lovely to listen to, but thats about it for me.
Fiona Apple
4/5
criminal is suuuuuch a good song. i mean, does it carry the entire album... definitely. but man, that song is amazing
that said, i can firmly say that i find myself to be a Fiona Apple fan. between Tidal and FTBC, i really dig her style. the moodiness, the brashness and honesty of her feelings. its a great piece of music.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
this album felt like it was all over the place. sleepy ballads, folksy blues riffs and slapped, and then it would all dismantle and start anew. it was an odd listen. i liked Joan's voice overall and she clearly has some guitar skills, i just feel like this album was a bit messy. i'll give it a three, but would want to listen to more before making a grand decision about this artist.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
i thought the live tracks were a lot better than the studio recorded ones. my my, hey hey (out of the blue) was i think the best track... and then it sort of petered out from there
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
i really enjoyed this one! i dig a live performance and was able to just vibe to this music. i had it on while prepping/cooking dinner and it was a good environment for it.
Def Leppard
4/5
dude, Def Leppard rocks. i really enjoyed this album. i like the hair metal scene. i like this vibe. this album just rocks all the way through.
i recognized photograph, which was a dope song. rock of ages clearly has made history with becoming the title of a broadway play... and also the intro to that song was clearly taken up by The Offspring for their 'Pretty Fly for a White Guy', so its easy to see the impact they have had in the music scene. fire album
PJ Harvey
2/5
woof, this one is rough, i think there are some good tracks on this. she-jane sticks out, man-size also was a good one to listen to. parts of ecstasy i liked as well, but man i really thought that PJ Harvey's voice detracted from this overall. some of the songs were just realllllly whiny. some tracks were really difficult to lsiten to in my opinion. i appreciate the rawness, and i respect that, but i do not see myself coming back to this album
Kanye West
5/5
separating the art from the artist... lets just get that out of the way
this album is INCREDIBLE. i know ive talked about it a decent amount, but the DISSECT season that covers this album is amazing. it showed me that i was really only listening to music at the surface level, and man there are so many layers to this album.
the quick rundown is that this album comes off the heels of the Kanye/T-Swift incident at the VMA's, his mother dying after a procedure that he paid for, and his behemoth of a career that he built up from nothing potentially returning to ash.
this album touches on several themes, ranging from death, suicide, loss of those around you, addiction, fear of the future, and what really matters in life.
i will continue on the DISSECT soapbox, and tell everyone that the content about this album is incredible. this is one of the easiest 5 star albums ive ever rated. there is so much to this, and i can't even do it justice trying to explain it. do yourself a favor and listen to that season, and then re-listen to this album.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
A tad slow, a bit boring, but overall it was fine. Didn’t love it by any means, but it was aight.
Van Halen
4/5
Van Halen is dope AF. These guitars absolutely scream and it’s such a delight to listen to. This album as a whole has a bunch of hits, and it’s a short run time that leaves you satisfied.
Judas Priest
3/5
Judas Priest has never been my style, but I respect them. They clearly shared and have a great time doing it. Probably not an album I’ll get back into a ton, but always glad to have a Judas Priest album come across my desk
Beatles
4/5
Would want to review more Beatles albums for context, but overall enjoyed it.
The Prodigy
3/5
First full song was rather rough to get through with the constant screaming in it. At that point, I thought I was in for a really rough ride. However, having this on during work actually turned out to be a bit more of a treat than I expected. I can see how this would definitely be a major hit in the 90’s clubbing scene and would be a good time for certain drug filled experiences. Not my normal cup of tea, but honestly was fine with it.
3/5
This album struck me as shades of Rage Against the Machine, especially with their intro track.
This album was super easy to listen to, but would bring me back in with every guitar solo that would close out a track. Lyrically, I didn’t absorb too much of the album. However, their “fuck you” attitude is felt through each chord and solo that shreds across the crowd.
I can see how this album could be a huge influence for future punk bands in the future and it’s crazy to think this was recorded in 1969, well before some household name punk bands were on the scene.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Track 6 - Aaini Wohi Rehta Hai was pretty tough to listen to.
Album has fun rhythms, and always love some music from a different culture, but I think I prefer the “poppy” Bollywood music. The movie soundtrack had some slow jams, love ballads, and a few fun songs, but ultimately I don’t think I would re listen unless I wanted to sit down and actually watch this movie.
The Band
3/5
Some good ole mountain music. Nothing like driving through the Appalachian Mountains while having this album on. Overall, not something I would normally listen to, but there’s always a setting that this music just makes sense. Except for the Confederacy part… but hey, freedom l, am I right?? Yeehaw
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Pretty good. Second to last song was definitely a weird one but nothing to write home about
Al Green
3/5
Sweet album. Al Green is always going to remind me of the Cutspec clan. We all went to Red Rocks together and saw Al Green perform in 2023 and it was a blast. Dude just had such a unique voice that you can feel wrapped in. Great vibes all around.
Paul Weller
4/5
Pretty killer album. A really good mix of some heavy guitar matched with some killer licks. Added this one to my Spotify collection, it’s a keeper for sure.
Meat Puppets
4/5
Really really enjoyed this one. I knew the Meat Puppets were a huge influence for Nirvana (Cobain specifically) but had never listened to them. I’m really glad I got to listen to this and see how this album in particular affected one of the most influential bands / live albums of all time. I also realized listening to this that I miss instrumental tracks coming in between songs. The showcase of talent is always great to see and a nice break from focusing on lyrics for a first listen.
The Smiths
2/5
Wasn’t a huge fan of this one. It reminded me of a sad break up album that just kind of kept going.
Paul Simon
3/5
Interesting combination of Africana inspired beats and American soft rock. You can call me Al clearly is the front runner on this album, but other than that I found most of the songs were mostly just for the background. Great for playing at a party with a ton of people there, where the music is something to drown out lulls in conversation.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Honestly, not a huge fan. There was like one song that was aight and the rest sounded like two machines fucking.
The Who
3/5
Pretty funny album that still manages to showcase a ton of skills. I think this album makes a lot more sense after reading the Wikipedia page. That being said, The Who fricken rock and always enjoy listening to them.
The Cult
4/5
This album slaps
Sick licks and a dope time
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Only was able to listen to half of it due to family being in town over the weekend but I dig this stuff. Definitely going to come back to it
R.E.M.
2/5
First things first, Orange Crush rocks.
Everything else by REM often strikes me as meh. I can’t tell if the lead singer is crying for help or actually trying to sing. I want to like REM, but every time I listen to them I just feel unsatisfied. Not quite sure what it is. I’ll leave their cd out of my car on the next road trip and not really worry about it
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Don’t honestly love Cohens voice. A lot of love for the song Hallelujah, but honestly could take or leave this album
Stereo MC's
3/5
Gonna be honest. I heard Connected and thought “oh shit, I’m in for one hell of an album”
Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way. With the exception of Connected, I think this album is a great “throw it on during a bbq for some funky vibes” and that’s about it. Nothing was quite as strong as the album opener in my opinion, but at the same time I didn’t dislike anything I listened to.
Gonna keep this in my back pocket for the next backyard party I host, but it probably won’t be listened to much past that
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
Not personally a huge fan of the psychedelic rock. Not terrible, just not really my speed truth be told.
Jack White
4/5
Jack White just rocks. Easy as that. Never delved into his solo stuff before, but very familiar with his White Stripes and The Raconteurs. It was cool to hear this album and read about it as well. Definitely keeping it in the mix.
5/5
Front to back, this album is incredible. Not much else to say. It’s just incredible.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Had a good time listening to this. The melodies and voices just flow together so well. It was perfect background work music. Not sure how much I would actually listen it other than during a work day or on a solo car trip, but I would definitely use this to springboard into more South African music.
Billie Holiday
4/5
Billie Holiday has such a profound effect on music as a whole, and this album showcases it all. While the instrumentals themselves sounds like you’re being laid down on fresh satin sheets, and Billie’s voice caresses you, the lyrics themselves are a painful reminder that love is not always guaranteed. A beautiful juxtaposition of pain and courage to seek new horizons while longing for one who held you close at one time. Beautiful album.
1/5
This was not enjoyable
Sex Pistols
2/5
Sex Pistols fall into that category of “I understand their influence, and why they need to be talked about in regards to music history”, but I’m honestly not a huge fan. A lot of these songs just sound so familiar from one to the next. I think the lyrics are the best part, but John Lyndon’s voice just doesn’t cut it for me.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Enjoyed this album. Mr Blue Sky is the definitive winner for me. Song is just so damn catchy. Not sure I would go into the rest of their catalog, but definitely enjoyed my time listening to them yesterday.
Lou Reed
3/5
Lyrically hilarious and weird at times. Like the sound and vibe overall. Was kinda on the cusp of a two but the back half of the album pushed it up for me.
Also always cool to recognize a sample from older music.
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
I really really enjoyed this. I always dig a good jazz album. Throw it on in the background and let it take you on a ride.
Steely Dan
3/5
Certainly enjoyed this. Two very recognizable songs and learned that they were named after a dildo. All in all, an enjoyable experience
Stan Getz
3/5
Jazz Samba is tight. Great background music. Would definitely have in my workday rotation.
Little Richard
4/5
Was not expecting to like this one as much as I did. The man’s vocals are just unparalleled and the whole album rocks from front to back.
The Fall
2/5
Not really my speed. British punk I think has to be a very specific flavor for me to enjoy and this just wasn’t it.
Beach House
3/5
For about half the album, I really thought this was going to crack four stars, but unfortunately it just sounded a bit too similar track to track. Beautiful music and very enjoyable to listen to, but would want to listen to more of them before rating them higher
The Mars Volta
3/5
Actually really enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Cool melodies and really enjoyed the lead singer.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
This album was indeed, Superfly. Shit bumped and I really want to see this movie now. Would definitely dip into this again
The Stone Roses
3/5
Fairly middle of the road for me. Almost was even a two. I think it was the last track of the album that was interesting for me, but pst that it was just aight.
Grant Lee Buffalo
2/5
Just not really my speed. Probably wouldn’t throw it on rotation again.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Just kinda meh overall. Enjoyed I Don’t Get It, and that’s probably what bumps this up to a 3, but honestly could take it or leave it
Black Flag
3/5
Probably my favorite punk album that I’ve listened to. Finally an album for the beers and the bros. Definitely a fun one
Portishead
2/5
Not hugely into it. Could honestly have given it a one but a few tracks on the back end of the album kinda saved it.
Pretenders
3/5
Madonna
3/5
A solid album by Madonna, but only one really stood out to me. Nothing Really Matters being that one.
Shanti/Ashtangi I thought was a really cool showcase of her singing with an obvious cultural influence. Overall, wouldn’t play this album front to back again but am glad to have listened to more Madonna to better understand her influence past Material Girl, Like A Virgin, and Hung Up
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I get it. Frankie Sinatra is one of the greats and has the voice of a god. However, this album doesn’t have any standouts. I actually listened to this on the car with Carly and we both agreed that a lot of the songs sound so similar. For this to be bumped up to a four, I would need at least 1-2 songs to try something different. A different tempo, a different something.
Sinatra will always be a great, but I can’t say I would listen to this album front to back with the exception of hosting someone from the older generation.
Iron Maiden
3/5
It’s always interesting to hear a band’s first album, especially one that has changed rock music and been prominent for so long.
It’s clear that they were starting to break away from the 60’s and 70’s hard rock lumbering with quick licks and some intense guitar, but they also weren’t quite ‘pedal to the metal’ quite yet. A good start for a journey into Iron Maiden, but ultimately it left me wanting more.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
This album sounds very experimental and all over the place. It’s almost seems like Jeff didn’t know what direction he wanted to go in and threw it all on the same album.
It’s gonna be a “it’s okay” from me, dawg
Nirvana
4/5
Big Nirvana fan over here. But, In Utero is just so fantastic. All bias aside, it’s kinda wild how much depth this album has. Tracks that really showcase Cobain’s progression as a musician and lyricist, and really put his skills to the test.
I just dig this album
Soft Cell
1/5
I was honestly so excited for this album after seeing tainted love was on it. That song rocks so hard and it’s amazing.
Sadly, I was not on enough drugs or in my sex dwarf dungeon and the rest of the album just kinda…sucked.
Weird lyrics, an off putting avant-garde style electrónica style of music and an album full of songs that just make you go wtf.
I’ll stick with tainted love and forget the rest.
The Go-Go's
3/5
This is a really really awesome album. Two killer tracks with ‘Our Lips are Sealed’ and the obvious classic ‘We Got the Bear’.
The rest of the songs hold up for such a fun sound. Definitely glad I listened to it.
Soundgarden
4/5
Soundgarden rocks. Plain and simple. Black Hole Sun and Spoonman are obviously jams.
This album actually has a lot more range than I would have given them credit for. Happy to have listened to the whole thing.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Just one of the all time greats. I mean it’s just amazing what they were able to do with their instruments on that album. Totally ahead of their time and trailblazing the new sound for rock n roll.
Pink Floyd
4/5
While I did not have the chance to listen to this album under the influence, this album is stacked.
The whole thing flows together so well and really does take you on a journey.
This was my first time actually sitting down and listening to it all in one go and it was well worth it.
The Adverts
3/5
This album was enjoyable with no real standouts. I almost could give it a two stars, especially coming off of Dark Side of the Moon, but wasn’t bad. I’ll stick with the 3 stars
Leonard Cohen
2/5
The music behind Cohen’s voice is lovely. Leonard Cohen’s voice is not lovely. An entire album of that is really difficult.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Some songs I actually didn’t mind. There she goes my beautiful world actually wasn’t too bad and I enjoyed ‘the lyre of Orpheus’ too. But, as the album continued on a lot of the lyrics got weird and there just wasn’t a lot keeping me in it.
Eagles
4/5
Man, kicking off an album with Hotel California, just to follow it with New Kid in Town and Life in the Fast Lane really sets the stage.
This whole album just sounds incredible. From start to finish, I was into every song and even let it play through a second time.
I think the back half of the album drags a bit, which is why this isn’t a 5 star album but honestly will be listening to it again.
Television
3/5
I actually enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. Judging the book by its cover, I was expecting some weird synth-electronica album and got quite the opposite.
Some of the longer songs could drag on too much, but overall I had fun with this album and enjoyed the musicianship overall. Despite being an album from the 70’s, it even sounded a bit more modern (90’s -esque). Wouldn’t mind if it was on again.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I was reading about this album on Wikipedia and found out, sadly, Christina Aguilera is not single. My heart is shattered.
But in all honesty, this album shows a range and depth to CA that I didn’t know she had. I knew she was in Burlesque, and think I heard one of her sultry songs when that came out, but this album showcases just how good her voice is and how many genres she feels comfortable in.
When reading the album Wikipedia, there was a section that said the album was met with positivity, only garnering criticism on the album length. I can’t agree more. A few songs on the back half of the disc one side could have been taken off the core album with saving them for a re-release or extended cut version and I honestly think this album would be a four for me.
A competition of songs that don’t necessarily tell a story or seem to be a concept album doesn’t need to be nearly 90 minutes long.
Scritti Politti
2/5
This album was not very enjoyable. I was thinking that I would be more excited for a Brit-pop album but I found this to be pretty lackluster. Wouldn’t have this in my rotation.
PJ Harvey
1/5
lyrically this album just kinda wasn’t great. It struck me as a mix of angst-ey middle schooler and a middle school girl writing in her journal.
OIL SPILL. OIL SPILL.
it’s a no from me dawg
Jethro Tull
3/5
A pretty cool album. Definitely would listen to them again, but probably wouldn’t have this full album in the cd changer.
Be a sloot for the flute, and listen to Jethro Tull
AC/DC
4/5
I mean, not much to say except that AC/DC rocks. Hard.
I tend to find that some of their songs can sound a bit the same, but I thought this album actually did a great showcase of their different rock licks and musicianship. Would definitely rock out to this again.
*There may be potential bias because I did listen to this album as Florida State was being booty blasted by Boston College - Go Canes*
Machito
3/5
Big jazz homie over here. This album kind of touches on it all. It has that big band sound carrying the melody, while Machito solos his way through it.
Would definitely keep this cd on for like hosting folks at the house.
I really feel like every song here is its own little journey. Will definitely listen to it again. Very enjoyable.
Depeche Mode
2/5
Depeche Mode is not particularly enjoyable to listen to in my opinion
Elis Regina
4/5
This album rocked. Absolutely beautiful from start to finish.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Solid album. Superstition, despite being the most popular song on the album, struck me as sounding so different from the rest of the songs. That song has a lot more funk going on than the rest and it’s just an interesting choice.
All in all, solid album that I would give another listen to.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Didn’t feel anything special about this album. I kept waiting for a single song that would grab me, but it just never came through.
Didn’t sound unpleasant, just wasn’t really for me.
Slint
2/5
Could have possibly been a three stars if the lead singer actually sang. Overall, not super memorable tracks and just found it meh.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Really fucked with this album. It gave me hints of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and some other bands I’m blanking on but I really enjoyed it.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
2/5
Not the worst thing I’ve listened to, but wasn’t really enjoyable. The screeching on the first track pretty much let me know what I was in for and there wasn’t much to celebrate past that.
Radiohead
3/5
I enjoyed this album. I really like listening to it.
However, I can’t understand what the hell Thom Yorke is saying half the time. This album sits at a 3 for me, though I do feel bad giving it that ranking.
The Police
4/5
I mean, what a banger.
Mother is a weird song, but everything else I can really jam out to.
Synchronicity I, Every Breath You Take, King of Pain, Tea in the Sahara, Murder by Numbers all slap.
I love the interesting blended sound of reggae and rock that they have on other songs as well, but really shines on this album.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This album rocked. So many songs that I recognized but never knew who did it. Traveling’ Band, Lookin’ Out My Back Door, and Up Around the Bend were absolute hits for me.
Also, doesn’t hurt to have a cover of ‘I Heard it Through the Grapevine’ for good measure alongside a few live tracks. Stellar album.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
I enjoyed this album a lot. The beats were sick and her flow was really really good. I just thought a few of the songs went on a bit too long and the album could have dropped a track or two. Overall though, enjoyable
Crowded House
3/5
This album was great. Listened to it in a hotel with a soccer game in the background. Shit rocked.
Norah Jones
4/5
This was a fun album to listen to and will be favorited. Got it downloaded for my flight back to the US and looking forward to listening to it.
The Smiths
2/5
This album just didn’t really do it for me. The only song I super enjoyed was Barbarism Begins at Home. Not necessarily a bad album, just didn’t grab me. The two stars feels almost wrong… yet here we are
Guided By Voices
2/5
Pretty meh. Nothing stuck out. Would probably never listen to again.
The Kinks
2/5
I feel really bad saying this, but honestly this album just didn’t do it for me.
I understand The Kinks have their spot in music history and are super influential, but I just didn’t get into it. Every song kinda sounded the same and well… yeah. Sorry The Kinks, hopefully I like the next one more.
The Jam
3/5
One of the better brit pop albums that I think we've come across. This one didn't sound like one sound all the way through though, which was nice. It was broken up quite well and I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
this album, through and through, is just fucking cool. this is the hip hop you throw on when you want silky smooth lyrics over a beat that just carries them along. this album just oozes fun, confidence, and swagger. the only reason this doesn't get 5 stars in my book is I do feel the beats get a bit stale around the mid-point of the album. Check the Rime, Infamous Date Rape, and a few other songs sound like they use the same drum samples and there isn't much variation on that front. But this album is awesome. Easy 4 stars.
MGMT
3/5
this album is kinda wild. Almost half of the songs off this album were massive radio hits / bangers. That being said... the other songs on the album fell very flat. I loved the songs I recognized, but didn't enjoy the other songs on the album. Definitely wouldn't do a full listen through of this album again, but am glad I listened to it.
Elastica
3/5
Middle of the road album for me. Didn't think it was bad, considering all the brit-rock/pop we've had recently. but past the song Connection (which I thought I recognized from somewhere) nothing else really stuck out. Would have this in rotation again, but its not going to jump out at me.
Maxwell
3/5
I really dig this album. I struggled to decide whether this was a 3 or 4. It's silky smooth, and honestly would work well as background music at a party, music to set the intimate mood, or just a vibe for the day. I think what ultimately pushed it to a 3 while the album is so diverse, i think the back half doesn't have as much luster as the front half. definitely want to have this in the rotation going forward, but don't have the heart to give it 4 stars
Jeff Beck
3/5
I was really feeling this album. It was overall really solid and I’ve never really listened to Jeff Beck. I dig his style and sound for sure.
The Cure
3/5
I struggled with this being a two star, but ultimately I chose a three because I actually like the sound of this album. It tends to get a bit repetitive towards the end I think, and the sad lyrics don’t tend to let up… but that’s The Cure for ya. Ultimately I could see myself listening to this again and definitely recognized Lovesong.
Michael Jackson
5/5
This album honestly had be waffling on whether it should be a four or five stars, but that’s because I think I was being too critical.
I went back through all my previous rankings and this album just hits so hard compared to other four stars that it has to be a five.
Five ICONIC songs on this album out of a total of nine tracks. Three of the remaining four and good to listen to. I have to be honest though I really don’t enjoy ‘The Girl is Mine’. Lyrically I think it’s not great and I think the concept of the song is weird, but that single song can’t unravel this album. 5 stars, amazing album that still holds up.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I came into this album knowing only one song by Dexy's Midnight Runners, and that was 'Come On Eileen'.
I wasn't really sure what to expect for this album, but this was on it. That being said, it surprised me in a really good way. This, in my opinion, is a very early ska album. The horns are wild and fun throughout the album and create a unique sound for this time period.
I especially liked 'Geno' and loved 'Seven Days Too Long'. I thought it was really cool as well to get a poetry reading in the album.
would listen to this again, and would love to explore more of their discography
Kanye West
3/5
this album, in my opinion, is where we can look at Kanye's career and point at where his sound really started to change. I guess we could use the word "evolve" here as well, but it's definitely a jumping off point from his previous work. While 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' (and 808 & Heartbreak) had moved away from his early chipmunk sound bites, Yeezus is a FAR jump away from the Kanye we had known at this point.
Experimentation is good. I don't think any person that actively listens to an artist's discography will argue that. I like this album more than I did in 2013. I actually enjoy it a lot more. I used to really only 'Black Skinhead' and 'Blood on the Leaves'. I see myself listening to 'Hold my Liquor', 'On Sight' and 'Bound 2' more now.
The sound on this album is definitely more abrasive. Without listening to Dissect, my guess is that Kanye was feeling on top of the world after his comeback with MBDTF. He literally feels like a God and that all of work is untouchable. I think where this album is the most difficult to swallow is the lyrics. After coming off a masterpiece that is MBDTF, for me the lyrics just fall flat. Some songs are better than others. 'Blood on the Leaves' with hints early in the album and a reference to an original Billie Holiday song are fantastic. However, I'm not really going to get past how stupid "Hurry up with my damn croissant" sounds.
I think this album is always going to remain a place fans can point to when asked "when did Kanye really start to change". 3 stars. will have this more in the rotation and plan to listen to the Dissect season for it, but I don't consider this one of Kanye's best works
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
I feel like this album is not meant to be listened to in the course of a single day. I want this on vinyl and want to listen to it over a weekend or even a week while I am in the right mood for it. a huge disservice to get through 3 hours of music in a single day.
That being said, it's Ella fricken Fitzgerald. She's OBVIOUSLY amazing, and she's one of the all time greats.
It feels a disservice to rank this anything less than a three, even with talking about length of the album. This is meant to be a whole collection of Ella's primo work. 8 months of work and recording went into this, and it deserves to be viewed through a different lens.
This may a bit of an odd album to rank, but it stands as greatness in my book. i just wish I had gotten to listen to it under different circumstances.
Janis Joplin
4/5
I can honestly say that I never really listened to Janice Joplin before this album. and WHOA, she rocks yo.
Move Over straight up starts by kicking you in the teeth with a killer beat/baseline and the album keeps on rolling. Joplin covers a ton of ground, from slow melodies to folk and rock. Shame that we didn't get more material from her.
Highly recommend listening to the Pearl (Legacy) edition and catching her live tracks. She sounds incredible live. Definitely will be listening again.
Muddy Waters
3/5
If you ever played guitar as a kid growing up, you would have heard about the blues and how they are the basis for rock n' roll. Muddy Waters tends to sit at the top of this inspiration list. The dude is a legend and his music is so highly influential.
This album was really good. I think it's interesting to lead with one of his live albums, but overall I enjoyed it. It was an easy listen and I think it's interesting to hear these early roots of rock music.
Also, is 'Tiger in your Tank' a euphonism for sex? Is his wiener the tiger? Makes a guy wonder.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Good funky album that still slaps today. Would have on rotation at a party, but if track #2 came on… would definitely have some explaining to do
Madonna
2/5
this album is pretty meh. 'Music', the opening track, is the most fun track here. Everything else was pretty forgettable.
To me, this album sounds pretty over-produced. its electronic - but it sounds almost like it tried to be risky and wasn't
I don't think I would have this in rotation again.
The Killers
5/5
I fucking love this album. It is just so damn good.
Honestly, my least favorite song on the album is probably Mr. Brightside, and that's only because it's one of the most popular songs in the world at this point. Shout out to it being England's bar closing / final song of the night.
This album oozes charisma and playfulness. It's so unique and just so awesome. This is already in my rotation and I can easily listen to it front to back. Easy 5 stars from me, and this would definitely be on a road trip mix.
The Who
3/5
I liked this. It seemed like a smaller venue so it was more intimate with the audience. I would go for this again, even if I didn’t know most of the tracks.
Nick Drake
2/5
nothing special. going to be honest, i really do like the acoustic guitar on this album. but, i can't really do much more with it. just sounds like someone mumbling their way through. not the worst thing i have heard through here... but wouldnt have it on in rotation again
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
i mean, i dont think this album is deserving of a one. I kinda like some parts of it... but mostly it just isn't my cup of tea.
But overall, tracks are too long and not a huge fan of the scratchy guitar solos. It's fine for a few seconds here and there (think Rage Against the Machine), but overall the album just kinda pushes me away. I do really like the track Hand over Fist, but the rest of the album I could probably give a miss as a listen through. Give me segments of it and well, we're good.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
1/5
Elvis Costello has been someone that I have really wanted to enjoy ever since I played 'Pump It Up' on Rock Band in high school.
However... it's just not in the cards for me it seems.
Tokyo Storm Warning and Home is Where You Hand Your Head were pretty good, but everything else was just on in the background.
I also found I Want You to be... creepy. Sorry Elvis C, but I can't do it.
Jean-Michel Jarre
1/5
This was a hard decision between a 1 and 2.
Was it as unenjoyable as other 1 stars? probably not.
Would I ever listen to it again... probably not.
Just an background album with nothing really happening.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Iconic. Hard hitting beats and a continuation of the street culture lyrics that started in NWA.
'Bitches Ain't Shit' and 'Nothin' But a "G" Thang' are the major hits. Not sure if timeless is the correct word... some of the lyrics are certainly outdated. but, they still hit hard.
The skits in this, again outdated, are funny through a certain lens and are show a snapshot of the culture.
Cultural icon.
The Who
3/5
The more I listen to The Who - I realize that I do like that but I probably won't put them ahead of a 3 stars. Even this album with Baby O'Riley, Behind Blue Eyes, and Won't Get Fooled Again... the other songs I find are just alright.
I like The Who's hits, but other than that I can really take them or leave them. I think a part of my enjoyment comes from learning a lot about them in high school back in my guitar playing days and focusing on Keith Moon's drumming.
Prince
4/5
I feel very sorry for myself that I didn't listen to any Prince growing up. This shit is funky, fresh, and the best vibe.
without knowing much of Prince's discography - this sounds like a great jumping in point. as shown in the wiki detail as well, this is his album that helped him break through and set the stage for what Prince would become.
This album is officially in rotation for me. Love it.
Femi Kuti
4/5
I really really enjoyed this. It’s super cool to listen to an album from one of the fathers of Afrobeats.
This album is just cool. It’s fun, it’s a jam, it’s a vibe. Easily would throw this back into rotation.
Johnny Cash
5/5
beautiful. haunting. glorious.
this album is incredible. front to back - everything about it is just amazing.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Ginger Baker is one of the greatest drummers of all time. This record is sick, and I am so glad that it came to us. I love the fusion of Ginger Baker's frantic drummer and Fela Kuti's vocals. Definitely would listen again.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
this is probably the first time i have ever sat down and listened to a full Stones album. That being said, it isn't bad, but it also isn't great. I knew Sympathy For The Devil and Street Fighting Man before coming into this. The album is fun, but for me, it's nothing crazy.
Daft Punk
4/5
I'll start by saying, I am not super into EMD or electronic music. I've never really been into it, and it's never really been a huge listen for me, even when I lived in Miami.
But, that being said, I really, really, really enjoyed this album. I think that, and I'm not sure how I can eloquently put this, Daft Punk's tracks are just fun. It's not about big drops, it's not about the most insane warble you can put somewhere. This album was just such pure jam. I found myself dancing along to it and just had a blast.
I even went ahead and listened to 'Human After All' and 'Discovery' after this album for the feels and jams. Give us more Daft Punk!
Dolly Parton
2/5
Not really my jam. No disrespect to these fabulous ladies of country music, but it felt to me like there wasn’t too much variety with the songs. It was an almost like every song just lulled into the next and well… then the album ended.
Sorry Dolly, but this just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Didn’t hate, didn’t love.
Honestly these tracks were kinda crazy to listen to on my workday commute. I’m surprised I didn’t dislike it as much as other albums but hey, maybe I’m just maturing
Moby
2/5
this album is all over the place, but not in a great way. I didn't mind most of the tracks... but there weren't a lot that I was bopping to. I think there was one track that I recognized from maybe a movie or something, but the rest just took me on a weird ass journey. It's gonna be a no from me, dawg
ZZ Top
3/5
Honestly, this album didn't impress me as much as I thought it would. Maybe I went in with too much of an expectation that the album would sound a lot like La Grange (shout out Guitar Hero). But that wasn't the case. I wanted more hard rockin' and serious licks, which this album didn't really produce sadly.
I waffled with this being a two, but I think a three works fine. It's not a bad album, but it didn't knock my socks off.
Morrissey
1/5
This album was quite unenjoyable. Really didn't like anything about it, and it sounded like Morrissey was just trying to make me sad the whole time. I'll give it a swift pass next time it comes on.
The National
1/5
Not the biggest fan of this one. I did like Runaway, but everything else just kinda fell flat. Not a huge fan of the drolling on and on. Miss me with this one.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Tracy Chapman is silky smooth. This album reminded me a lot of the Norah Jones album. I recognized one song, but I let the rest just take me on a journey.
The acoustic guitar in this is beautiful as well. Her voice just pairs with it so well. Easy four stars for me
Metallica
4/5
I never have been super into Metallica. However, I did have a brief stint of listening to their bigger hits by the time I was in high school and super into playing guitar.
AJFA is solid. Their ability to run with a single melody that weaves in and out of a single song is an absolute masterclass. I know that the genre 'Thrash Metal' might turn people off, but sitting down and just listening to the intricacies of their music shows that they are operating at such a high level. its not loud just to be loud, its not fast just to be fast. these are extremely talent technical musicians who are producing high quality music.
Also, listening to 'One' just brought me back to my Guitar Hero 3 days... oh nostalgia you tantalizing drug.
ZZ Top
4/5
When I listened to Tres Hombres, I admit I felt a bit let down. But this sound is the sound that I was looking for.
Just a bunch of dudes who can absolutely rip it and are singing about ladies. That’s rock n roll, man. Stellar album. Super enjoyed it and a very easy listen.
Tortoise
1/5
This is music in the loosest sense.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
This album, overall, didn't really do much for me. I think what really pulled it down was the vocals honestly. The guitar and pedal sounds were kinda cool, but it didn't feel cohesive with everything else going on.
I had some high hopes for the shoegazing genre... but alas here we are. I'm aight with not having this in my cd player.
Bee Gees
2/5
I don’t think this album is as bad as some we heard this week… but this also isn’t the typical Bee Gees sound that most would expect. I’m all for bands experimenting and changing as their career goes on, but I fail to see how this album, by such an influential disco/pop band makes a list of “must listens”.
While ‘How Can You Mend a Broken Heart’ peaked at #1 in the US as a single, the album was a moderate hit peaking at #34. The single and the album as a whole failed to chart in Britain.
Confused by this choice and how it makes the list as a whole. I even went to the Wikipedia article scouring for some info to help it make sense.
I’m not a major Bee Gees fan my any means, but I have to imagine there is a more influential album of theirs more deserving of a listen.
R.E.M.
3/5
Fairly middle of the road album in my opinion. I think for my last review (Green), I summed it up perfectly. I want to like R.E.M., but I just think they are kind of whiney and it doesn't do it for me.
This album was fine, but I am not going to seek it out on my own.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
This album is pure rock and roll. It is just a different animal altogether.
In thinking about a star rating for this... I am torn. I think it's easy to give Zeppelin IV an easy five stars because of what it is. That being said, I don't think it's a five star for me. I don't have the emotional attachment to it like other five stars I have given in the past.
This possibly fucks with my own rating system, but this album just can't push to five stars for me. I can't explain it.
Ice Cube
4/5
this album is pretty dope all around. a few specific items i want to point to.
- the beats on this album are sick. every track feels fresh and has you grooving along with it.
- this album is so strong politically. Politics and hip hop go hand in hand. I appreciate the lyricism of say, Kendrick's 'To Pimp A Butterfly', but Ice Cube does it in such a raw way. I appreciate the use of skits especially on this album, showing additional context to the happenings in 1992 and what Cube was going through as he was releasing music.
- lyrics. I think one thing that I suffer from (perhaps a product of my time) is that I can get bored with the rhyming schemes on earlier rap albums. not to say its bad by any means, but growing up in a different era of rap gives me a lot of appreciation for internal rhyming and different structures that come out more in the late 90's and 2000's. obviously we wouldn't have that without Cube and NWA paving the way, but its a personal gripe of mine.
All in all, a well produced album that is strong and a great listen. Cube is an ultimate story teller, and this album shows exactly where he shines best.
Steve Earle
3/5
As far as country albums go, this is very much my style. Feels tried and true with some actual lyrics that have substance past beer, hot girls, and trucks. Would definitely listen to again
De La Soul
3/5
I really dig the beats of De La Soul, but this album takes a few weird twists. Interesting listen and I would appreciate to hear more of then
Miles Davis
4/5
this album has a very special place in my heart.
in my senior year of college, I was able to take a 'History of Jazz' course and it was honestly one of my favorite classes I took in undergrad. I was in that class with some very good friends and one best friend of mine. We used to study for all the exams together and this album always brings that memory back.
I know jazz isn't the easiest genre to get into, but this album is truly one of the greats. It's what defined Miles as a pioneer for the genre and brought jazz to a wider audience. It's a real masterpiece - and defines what would become smooth/cool jazz for years to come. All hail Miles Davis
Nirvana
4/5
I definitely have some bias here, but Nirvana is always going to be up there for me. I listened to a lot of them in high school when I was in a band myself. I've read several books on Kurt Cobain's life. I can trace my love of the Foo Fighters directly from getting to know Nirvana and their journey as a band.
Nevermind is an absolute killer album. Smells Like Teen Spirit is clearly the most popular, but it's definitely not my favorite since its so overplayed.
In Bloom, Lithium, Come as Your Are, Polly, Breed, and Something In The Way are the front runners for me.
I think what I'll always love about this band was that it was just the epitome of counter culture. It was an absolute middle finger to the glam rock of the 80's, where hairspray was almost as important as the latest synth keyboard (I love 80's rock too, but this is context for how Nirvana came to be).
Long live this album. It's stellar.
Ian Dury
2/5
this album was... fine. nothing really major for me coming out of it. it almost reminded me of a comedy album, where you just want to say the raunchiest things to get a rise out of folks. probably wouldn't ever listen to it again.
that being said it wasn't horrible, or un-enjoyable to listen to. solid 2 stars
Richard Thompson
3/5
this album is not bad, but it didn't really grab me either. i did like the overall sound, but that is kind of all i have to say about this one. middle of the road for me.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Guys I gotta be honest… Bob Dylan just doesn’t do it for me. I respect the game. I do. The lyrics are quite good and I dig the guitar, but something about his voice I just can’t get behind. I’m open to listen to more, but definitely wouldn’t throw Bob Dylan on in a car ride.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
I’ve never sat down and actually listened to a whole Aretha Franklin album, but man I am blown away.
Everyone knows Respect and probably some of her Christmas songs, but to sit down and just let her voice carry you is honestly something else. She is truly a generational voice. While the writing is relevant for the time, being that the lyrics are simple, it doesn’t take away how incredible Aretha sounds.
My first initial reaction to finishing this album was “man, I really need this on vinyl”. Heck of a voice and what an album.
Sigur Rós
2/5
as far as our weird albums go... this one honestly isn't too bad. it is a lovely sound, and it is quite pleasant to have playing in the background. I happened to listen to this album as I was flying home from Cali and I felt like there was a soundtrack for a portion of my ride.
that being said... it's a 2 stars. probably never going to play this album again. it wasn't awful, but giving it a middling 3 stars seems unfair because of other 3 stars that i have ranked.
Bauhaus
1/5
its gonna be a no from me dawg. some of the songs were just okay... but overall this band was not my jam. i will definitely not be listening to it again.
Ministry
2/5
just, nah. i'm fine with metal, but this wasn't really in my wheelhouse. didn't really enjoy it, but its not awful. definitely wouldn't put on again.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
3/5
Not being the biggest country, but this old style of country folk album is legit. I like the influence of the different artists featured and it’s a really cool concept to bring the old and new artists together.
I also liked the behind the scenes tracks of them just talking and practicing. A really cool view into the recording process.
Willie Nelson
3/5
having never sat down and listened to an album my Willie Nelson before, this was the perfect one to start out with. This was super enjoyable to listen to. I was expecting a much heavier country influence, and a lot more twang in the lyrics... but that wasn't the case at all. I would definitely listen to this one again.
Duke Ellington
4/5
This album is pretty darn awesome. I actually listened to the 'Complete' version, all 2+ hours, and it was very much worth it.
This is a fantastic performance, and it's honestly a relic of time. The big sounds, the crowd's reaction, everything about this makes me just want to get up and dance. I pictured myself in a jazz club, just being swept away by all these fantastic musicians.
It feels wrong to give this a three, even if a four feels a bit high... but I think the uniqueness of this performance and album pushes it over the edge. It's pretty awesome.
Screaming Trees
2/5
nothing special to me. this kind of reminded me of a bit of Nirvana, a smidge of Radiohead, and some pure 90's sound. I think my favorite track was Sworn and Broken, the slower acoustic song. I think that one really allowed their artistry to show, instead of warping it through a generic psychedelic sound. Wouldn't be mad if more Screaming Trees came up... but this album doesn't really make me want to search through their discography.
Billy Joel
5/5
this album is amazing, through and through. it's filled with such a range of incredible songs.
Kicking off with Movin' Out - an absolute kick to the face and such a stellar song. this album takes us on a journey, weaving us between stories of individuals wanting more, everyday scenes, reflections on love, and why dreaming is important.
This album is truly special - in my most humble opinion and will definitely be in my vinyl collection.
Sinead O'Connor
2/5
While listening to this album, all I could think about was that ‘Oil Spill’ gif from bobs burgers again. I honestly was excited for this album but… it didn’t really pan out that way
The War On Drugs
2/5
I listened to this album on a car ride on Friday and then three times on an international flight over the weekend. Grant, on that flight I was pretty heavy into Stardew Valley on the switch, but this album did nothing for me.
It was fine as background music, but honestly I could discern where tracks started or stopped. Pretty unforgettable, but not deserving of a one.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Yo this album rocks super hard. When I was taking guitar lessons as a young lad and in a band, I was constantly told about Muddy Waters and his emphasis on rock and roll. I knew this, but had never taken the time to sit down and listen to him.
This album may not be the craziest thing ever composed. But it slaps. It’s good ole home town blues and with good licks and some really technical solos. I super enjoyed this. I was even close to ranking this a five, but I think where this suffers is lyrically. Not that the blues is known for its hard hitting lyrics, but man if this album had songs that didn’t repeat the same thing like 24x in a song, I think this would be a five. This shit rocks, easy four.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Various Artists
3/5
Cute little Christmas album, but it’s no Michael Bublé. Easy to throw on during the holiday season and impress the old folks that would recognize all these oldies, but it’s just aight.
Julian Cope
2/5
honestly... didn't love it. this was a weird one.
Parliament
3/5
this album was pretty fun to listen to. I really enjoyed it because i just dig funk in general. this to me is something easy to throw on in the background and just listen to while doing chores, getting ready for sexy time, or walking down the street. a bit repetitive, and the lyrics aren't anything crazy, but i could listen to this groove for hours.
Radiohead
3/5
so, i really wanted to like this album. i feel like normally i try to check any bias at the door, but i was truly excited for this one and waited until i could sit down, fully engage/listen and even have the lyrics up as i listened to the album.
and for the life of me... i just didn't get it. i read a bit of the wikipedia page about this album and it still didn't stick. I'm going to give it a three on sound alone (Karma Police, Electioneering being the highlights), but I can't help but feel this just went over my head.
I think my next step is to listen to the Dissect season that breaks down this album. If it's worth a season on Dissect, it probably means that I am missing a ton and have a lot to learn about it. Sorry Radiohead, but this gets a three until I learn more.
Kings of Leon
2/5
This album was… odd in my opinion. I kept waiting for each track to like get harder, or crunchier, or do something that would differentiate it from the track before it. I felt like every song, as a singular track, didn’t really change and all the songs kind of felt monotone. You couple together 11 tracks of monotonous sounds and you get a less than stellar album.
Coupled with singer that I think is kind of hard to understand - and a weird lyrical choice with a song about a 17 year old girl, I feel pretty happy about giving this album a 2.
Sex on Fire is probably the one exception for this album, but it’s not enough to save it
Kraftwerk
1/5
wtf is this. we just calling anything music now?
2/5
As far as brit pop goes, this honestly isn't that bad. It was fine for some background music, but I wish I had listened to the lyrics a bit more closely. That would probably bump this up a bit, but for now its gonna sit at a two.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
pretty standard CSN album in my opinion. not much really to say about this one
Talking Heads
2/5
gonna be honest... don't particularly like the talking heads. I find their sound to be a bit odd, like they themselves can't decide what direction to go in.
I'll give this one a two, because it didn't really do much for me
Os Mutantes
3/5
this album was kinda wacky, and i think that is the best way to describe it. i did enjoy it by the end, but it was a bit rough getting into. Ave Genghis Khan won me over though and I could give it another listen.
Yes
2/5
high two, low three. this album just didn't do much for me.
Aimee Mann
3/5
i dont really understand why this is on the top 1001, but it wasn't bad by any means... pretty standard alt pop album of the 90's.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
this album, for probably about 20 years or so, has been my favorite RHCP album. back in high school, i was in a band with some buddies and was doing some really deep dives into various bands and artists. For RHCP, I read Anthony Kiedis' book, 'Scar Tissue, listened to their whole discography at the time, and watched the Funky Monks documentary.
this album is just special to me. obvious hits include Under the Bridge, Suck My Kiss, Breaking the Girl, and Give it Away, showing their maturation as a band and Kiedis' writing ability, as well as their ability to mesh with John Frusciante.
Personal favorites include Apache Rose Peacock, Sir Psycho Sexy, and the ultimate track in my opinion, Funky Monks. These songs blend the funk/rock sound so well and just ooze charisma.
this album will probably remain my favorite RHCP album of all time, and it gets an easy 5 stars from me.
Kate Bush
2/5
this album sounds like the absolute epitome of a drug fever dream in the mid 80's.
Half of the songs start out cool or have some promise, and then Kate Bush just rails like the fattest line of cocaine and takes a hard turn and goes in a completely different direction. it was hard to put my finger on where this album was actually going and what was going to happen.
5/5 stars if you wanted to experience drugs in the 80's without a time machine
2/5 stars for actual listening if you didn't experience the 80's drug scene
The Doors
4/5
this album takes me back to riding the bus to school my freshman year when I was listening to a lot of old rock and roll. I specifically remember listening Alabama Song, rolling through the hills of CT on my way school. It brought me back immediately, and was a really nice start to my morning yesterday.
That being said, I remember not really liking The Doors when I listened to them on that bus ride; I found them pretty boring actually. I didn't really understand the influence they had or give it enough of a chance I think, because this time I felt way differently. I really enjoyed having this album on and even let it ride into a second time.
Easy listening and some pretty great hits that have stood the test of time.
Sleater-Kinney
2/5
at first glance, i was super excited for this. all girl punk bands have been my jam lately and I was super eager for this.
however, it just kinda fell flat for me. i understand that it was supposed to be punky, but the guitars came across as grating and it just didn't really pull me in.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
i dig big band jazz, what can I say. this album was super dope to have on in the background and I really enjoyed it.
Van Halen
4/5
this album flat out rocks. I think when you describe what the 80's hair band sound is, this album should be one of your first introductions. sweet guitar riffs, pounding drums, and guitar solos that absolutely scream.
I was really close to giving this a five, but I think a high four is more realistic. all in all, this album slaps.
David Ackles
3/5
the front half of the album i enjoyed, the second half got a just a tad too dreary... while the music is hauntingly beautiful, i dont really see myself coming back to this.
The Waterboys
3/5
this album was not bad to listen to. i'm not usually a bluegrass rock-y type, but I enjoyed having this on in the background.
i'm also not going to knock the length of this album, as it was a remaster/collector's edition
The Stooges
2/5
i was quite excited for this one after reading the description, but ultimately it just didn't do much for me.
we will fall, taking up a solid quarter of the album, was super odd to even have on the background. I wasn't blown away by one of the 'best guitar songs ever' in 1969, but perhaps that is due to a difference in eras of music that i prefer.
I will say it was cool to learn more about Iggy Pop and his beginnings, but that was really it.
Arcade Fire
2/5
it turns out im not really a huge arcade fire fan. listened to this on friday, and all i can recall is the back half of the album was stronger in my opinion.
regarding the small blurb that showed up with this album - "Publications like NME and IGN praised the album for its grandiose nature, while Rolling Stone and Uncut opined that it resulted in a distant and overblown sound." I tend to agree with the latter.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
this is not my first time listening to this album. Dissect did a season on this (which I believe has been removed since), but I was gearing up for that by listening to this before.
this album is smooth like buttah. between the rapping, the lyrics, and the melodies, this album wraps you up in a blanket and gives you a really amazing snapshot into Lauryn Hill's life and her experiences. I feel like if I had read the lyrics all the way through for this album, it could be bumped to a 5 but for now it will rest at a mighty 4.
Jungle Brothers
4/5
this album slaps. honestly, i love the beats, the lyrics, and everything about it. to me, this is a quintessential underground hip hop album. its cool, its funky, its fresh, and it so freakin smooth.
i honestly dont think I would dip into this one again as much as other five stars, hence the drop to a four but was definitely close to giving this a five.
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
i really did want to like this album, i even gave it a second listening yesterday. I also really like the lead singer from Arctic Monkeys and the idea of supergroups that happened in the mid 2000's (Them Crooked Vultures is a favorite and if you haven't checked them out, you absolutely should).
All that being said... this album couldn't bring me in. It felt like it was too disjointed, like the styles of each song couldn't really figure itself out and ultimately this album just felt flat.
Simple Minds
2/5
just wasn't my style - the further I got into it, i was really hoping something would jump out but alas... its gonna be a no from me, dawg
The Doors
3/5
i enjoyed listening to this, but rating it today after listening to it on Saturday, I can't quite recall any standouts. Good album by the doors that I would listen to again if it came up in rotation, but probably not going to add it to my spotify library.
Funkadelic
3/5
i will always dig these funk albums. give me some killer instrumentals and a beat to rock to, and its going to get at least a three from me. This one I don't think stood out to me as much as previous funk albums, but was certainly enjoyable to listen to and I had a good time with it.
ABBA
4/5
I really really enjoyed this. In reading the description of the album before jumping in, the article was described as a "mature" Abba sound. And honestly, I agree with that sentiment. I'll admit I am not the largest Abba fan, but this definitely had a different sound than everything else I know/have heard.
This album was still poppy, maybe not dance-floor-esque, but it still stuck to those core elements while heightening the lyrics, themes, and emotions. I really enjoyed this album, even throwing it on again as it finished.
Elvis Costello
2/5
I’m just not gonna get into his style I feel. 13 steps lead down is a saving grace but I probably wouldn’t go back to this album.
AC/DC
3/5
I think a part of me wanted to like this more than I actually did. halfway through I was thinking that this album was a strong four, but by the end I just found most of their songs to be repetitive and it dropped it to a three. I could listen to their hits, but a full album of simple/repeated lyrics was a bit tough.
Supergrass
3/5
middle of the road brit-pop-punk album for me. I find that this album is super cohesive, but it makes sense when you read that this is their first album.
The Doors
4/5
I was not expecting this album to grab me like it did. I thought it was a real showcase of their lyricism, as Hyacinth House and L'America are particularly haunting. Riders on the Storm is also really great, and one of those songs that you can hear everywhere in television, but I had no idea where it came from. Definitely would have these songs in the rotation.
Pavement
2/5
this one just didn't do much for me. I had it on in the background during work, and at the end I couldn't name a notable song that stuck out to me. not bad, but not memorable in my humble opinion
The Pretty Things
3/5
pretty cool that this is considered the first rock opera. this reminded me a lot of Sgt. Peppers, which actually came out the year before. a lot of kudos to the first rock opera ever, and can definitely see why that would make the list.
that being said, I liked the back half of the album a lot more than the first.
I think after 'Well of Destiny', I enjoyed how the album progressed. The first part really had me on the fence if I was going to like this album or not, especially Balloon Burning (that song was absolutely grating to me). shout out to the section of 'Old Man Going' to 'Mr. Evasion'.
Probably wouldn't throw this one on again, but definitely cool to listen to the roots of a rock opera and understand where it started.
Minutemen
4/5
now this is some punk. short blasts of ideas that basically give a middle finger to things that are messed up. its pure. its raw. its full of some really awesome segments and then the occasional musical interlude that reminds you that these guys have some real chops.
pretty stellar album. I think the double album here drops it to a four for me, but overall i really dig it.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
ooooo this was tough. on the surface, I was like, this is an easy five stars. I love listening to Rumours. It's an album that I will throw on myself constantly and enjoy listening to.
but analyzing it... I think that the last four tracks are weaker than how the album starts out. They aren't bad, but they don't have the same punch as 'Second Hand News', 'Don't Stop' or 'Go Your Own Way'. I was thinking about giving this album a four stars due to the final almost 1/3 of the album, but even this morning writing this review I can't in good conscious give this album anything less than a five. I went and listened to those four songs again, and actually super enjoyed this this morning in their own right.
in short, I waffled on the score for no reason. this album is amazing. long live Rumours.
Massive Attack
3/5
not bad, not great. not really my cup of tea, but I will say for an early 90's electronic album, its chillin. I know a lot of the stuff that came out around that time was super heavy, industrial sounding. this wasn't quite that, and it was a fine listen.
Alice Cooper
3/5
prior to listening to this album, I really only knew School's Out (the song) from Guitar Hero. It was cool to listen to this album.
When reading the description, Alice Cooper was described as 'Shock Rock', and maybe that would have been true in 1972, with his crazy make up and probably weird presence, but it doesn't hold up in 2025.
I thought the Gutter Cat track was an interesting take on West Side Story, but didn't really understand how it fits in with the rest of the album. Is it supposed to be about a kid that drops out of school and joins a life of crime? another listen may be necessary, but for now this will sit at a 3.
Morrissey
2/5
It's not great, in my opinion. I think with this album I discovered that I really just don't like his voice... which kinda makes an entire album really unpleasant to listen to.
please no more morrissey
Joan Baez
2/5
this album wasn't really my cup of tea. I respect the artistry and the voice, but I wouldn't really put this on again for another listen.
I could see a time and place to whip out Joan Baez, but I'm not really the guy for it. I don't usually bring time up as a component of what makes a good album, but this one was a bit long and it ended up feeling like a slog to get through.
no disrespect, but it just ain't my jam
Boston
5/5
this album straight up rocks.
More Than a Feeling kicks it off, Peace of Mind starts rocking hard, and then Foreplay/Long Time, Rock and Roll Band and Smokin' are absolute face melters.
I think the last three songs don't stack up as heavy as the front half of the album, but it doesn't feel fair to drop the score by comparing them.
this album rocks, plain and simple
Jurassic 5
3/5
This album didn’t grab me like I thought it would. Perhaps this was an album that I would actually need to sit down with the lyrics and review or do some more research into, but I thought that it was fine to listen to for a plane ride.
Hopefully I could revisit in the future and better understand
The Smiths
1/5
the first song had be like "okay, this actually might be a Smiths album that I enjoy and can vibe with"
that definitely ended after the first song.
The xx
2/5
this was a weird one. I knew the first track, but could not for the life of me tell you where I have heard it before.
Past that, I found this album pretty underwhelming. I think I would give it more points if it came out in the 90's and, to me, felt like it had more of an impact on the music scene. But the fact that it came out in 2009 and just kinda sounds like Lo-Fi study beats... it doesn't leave much for me. It's by no means bad so it doesn't get a 1 star - but I can't go much higher than a 2
Dusty Springfield
3/5
in my opinion, this is a standard country album. kudos to Dusty for being a woman in the industry during that time, but this album didn't really blow me away. wouldn't seek it out again, but glad I was able to give it a listen.
Beastie Boys
4/5
so, a bit of background... i really really enjoy the Beastie Boys. I think their whole story is so interesting and fun, and they have some absolute killer tracks.
From Licensed to Ill, which is just 3 boys messing around and talking about beer and girls, to making their way to a jazz/funk/rock-esque/hip hop record is quite the journey.
I can definitely understand if this album isn't someones cup of tea. its a bit all over the place - and most folks have probably only heard Sabotage (which is killer). But, this album has some serious depth if you allow yourself to just enjoy the ride.
After listening to this, I actually went back into a deep dive on the boys and re-listened to Paul's Boutique, which was their sophomore record and first delve into some heavier beats. its pretty cool to see the journey that they were on, even though most folks don't consider them to really be in the hip hop sphere.
I really enjoyed this album, and really hope that we get more of them in the future.
The Zutons
3/5
in the wikipedia excerpt, it talks about this album being a form of 'dad-rock'. I didn't really get that sense, it struck me as a more indie-esque album than like old school rock n roll. overall, pleasant to listen to, but wouldn't seek it out again.
Hawkwind
2/5
i mean... truth be told this wasn't the worst album that we've had on here.
i mean sure - is jumping into a 2+ hour live album from a band that I know nothing about the best way to get introduced... probably not.
but as I listened to this album, I thought about if I was at a show with some friends, perhaps partaking in the devils lettuce, that this could be more fun to listen to. as with this album/band, I figure its more about the experience and vibe rather than the recordings themselves. i think I would feel the same way about a Phish live recording - though ultimately I think their sound is more approachable.
not the worst thing i've heard... but definitely a slog to get through on a random wednesday.
Dagmar Krause
3/5
i actually enjoyed this one a bit more than I thought I would. when I first queued it up, I thought "oh boy we got a slog to get through today", but Krause's unique vocal style actually stuck with me. She sounded really beautiful, and it was enjoyable to listen to.
I do try to listen to music in other languages sometimes. My usual go to's are Spanish and Japanese, German usually doesn't make the cut. I thought it was really cool to hear some German songs mixed in with these English versions. I probably wouldn't seek this album out again to listen to... but I am very glad that it came our way.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
so i actually went through on Friday and listened to the UK and AS release. having listened to this album twice through, I'll say it was aight. I understand the Stones deserve their place in history, and how giant they were/are, and all that jazz... but this album didn't really pull me in. I was excited to hear 'Paint it Black' (shout out Guitar Hero), but otherwise it was just fine for me.
James Brown
3/5
man, i was really excited for this album when it popped up. James Brown is one of the all time greats, and I haven't listened to much of him at all.
that being said, this album I feel like didn't actually have much of him on there. his range was insane, but I felt like it was a lot of screaming and shouting, and I didn't get to hear a whole ton of him singing. for a 30 minute album, theres only like 22 minutes of him singing. which is super short for a live album it seems.
all in all, i was really excited for this, but the album itself i don't think does him justice. the little that we get to hear of him is great... but I wanted more.
for the record, I think James Brown himself merits a higher score, but this album to me is a high 2, low 3. I might even change it to a 2 in the future, but it feels wrong to rank him that low.
Supergrass
3/5
same rank as I gave Supergrass before. I enjoyed it - but I was actually partial to the end of Disc 1 and then Disc 2. Sex! is a hilarious song. I think with this album they seemed to have more fun when recording it. but overall, not a bad listen.
Megadeth
3/5
shout out to Hanger 18 for being in Guitar Hero 2.
not being huge into thrash metal, but I see what this album is all about. some thoughtful lyrics with some killer shredding. this album strikes me as I would have to be in a certain mood, or like working out, to want and throw this on.
wasn't bad, wasn't amazing for me. solid 3. overall, glad this came up and I was able to listen to it.
Björk
2/5
so, i've actually never listend to Bjork before and well... its an experience.
I'm not saying its bad. but, you know when you watch like an Oscar nominated film and its like suuuuper artsy and you walk out of it and go "its not bad, I just didn't understand it". thats this album for me.
her wikipedia page is super fascinating and I really would like to learn more about her, and sit down with the lyrics as I listen again. I am sure there is tons to this artist and album under the surface, but it requires a bit more work to listen to and understand.
it gets two stars because I am a goober who doesn't understand art. hopefully I can bump up that ranking in the future.
Talking Heads
3/5
so, normally i really really dislike Talking Heads. even their major hits I tend to give a pass. I just don't love the lead singers voice and their music seems frantic to me.
that being said, I did actually listen through this twice, really enjoying Cities and enjoyed their demo tapes. Not sure if I would go back to it, but this album I'll give a solid 3. it was enjoyable, and I am glad I listened to it... but probably won't go back
David Bowie
3/5
so, i've never actually really given David Bowie a good listen through. I get that hes big, I mean he's David fricken Bowie. dude is cemented in music legend and was one heck of an artist.
I think the only album I dabbled in before this was Ziggy Stardust, which fun fact was his 5th album (released in 1972) and Young Americans was his 9th album, released just three years later.
all this to say... this album is just fine for me. i enjoyed listening to it, but it didn't blow me away. even with the preconceived notion of Bowie being the weird spaceman and having this alter ego, i kept that aside for this album and just as a album released in the mid 70's... its aight. i can have it on in the background and really enjoy it, but just as easily listen to something else.
I do hope we hear more Bowie, as I think he's such an important musical figure that I personally don't know a lot about... but I probably won't seek out his discography on my own.
Brian Eno
2/5
this album had me at first being like, "aight this is fun"
and then the album continued and I was like, "this is less fun"
and then the last two songs, i really just hoped it was over.
not the worst thing ive heard... so a two stars it is
David Bowie
3/5
Twoooo Bowies albums in one week? seems wild.
its kinda nice to actually hear them relatively close to each other, and I literally did wish for more Bowie so, thats cool.
i think, and I would have to probably confirm this with other albums as well, I mostly dislike the 'glam' part of glam rock. that being said, this album had more guitar crunch and the sound was more up my alley.
that said, i think this album is a three. i don't see myself seeking out this album for a re-listen (although I would lean more towards this one than Young Americans), but wouldn't be upset if it came back on.
Björk
3/5
I did like this album than the previous one. I wouldn’t say I understood Björk any better, but this one had a few more tracks that I could jam out to and enjoyed. I listened to this on a 45 minute car ride and it was actually a decent setting for that.
That being said, I did laugh out loud Triumph of a Heart came on, because it sounded so out of place from the rest of the album. That was fun
The Temptations
4/5
I honestly thought the temptations only ever had the 50’s/60’s boy pop band sound. This album was dope. And the funky guitar in Papa was a rollin’ stone is used in so many movies/tv shows it’s wild that it came from here.
Miles Davis
3/5
I took a 'History of Jazz' class in college and this was obviously included. Boplicity was on the final exam, where the professor played the first 30 seconds of a song and we had to know what it was. it will always stick out for me, and it brings up some lovely memories of studying jazz with one of my best friends from college, sitting in my room just recounting jazz facts and listening to our jazz playlist of songs.
that being said, I respect Miles Davis obviously and his influence on the genre. This album, while I could definitely throw it on for the background of a party or something, I probably wouldn't seek it out to listen to it on my own under a regular circumstance. that said, Miles Davis is cool as hell and is one of the GOATs.
Radiohead
2/5
I listened to this on the plane yesterday as I was flying home. It honestly just didn't do a ton for me. I wasn't as drawn in as 'Ok Computer' and not being a huge fan of Yorke's style... this one just falls a bit to the side. not bad by any means, but this being our third Radiohead album... I need something more to draw me in.
Beastie Boys
3/5
while i like Paul's Boutique, I think that its an interesting juxtaposition from their first album, Licensed to Ill, to this. Having listened to Ill Communication first, I think that found the balance of what their first two albums were.
Licensed to Ill is light, and has very few samples. Paul's Boutique, on the other hand, is super heavy with samples and much more focused on that aspect, as opposed to the lyrics carrying it through.
I think that the Beastie Boys perfect their style as their journey continued, but Paul Boutique comes across and one large experiment. It's a good experiment, that I think really sticks and stands the test of time, but knowing where the boys start and where they end up later in their career, Paul's Boutique isn't going to be my favorite album of theirs. I could go back to this for sure, but there is other items I would rather listen to.
The Monks
3/5
very cool to listen to the first proto-punk album. i mean, just from a history perspective thats really cool.
that being said... this album was just aight for me. it was cool, it was quirky, but i didn't even know when the album ended and then youtube started playing another playlist.
three stars for historical relevance, and because 2 stars seems way too low for this
Rush
4/5
i mean, its Rush. one of the best rock trios of all time.
YYZ and Tom Sawyer are absolute banging tracks. shout out to guitar hero for those ones.
i really want to give this a four, but i feel like its more like a three for me. its rocks, but it doesn't stick out all that much. when i listen to this album, it doesn't hit me quite the same way as like Boston or another hard rock album. i am going to end on the four, and promise to re-listen. it may have also been because i had a very stressful Friday when I was listening to it.
all that to say, Rush does rock and i want to give them more chances / listen to more of them.
Ray Charles
3/5
i think the front half of this album (disc 1) had me much higher on this album as a whole than the back half. don't get me wrong, i liked it... but the last 6 songs just kinda took the wind out of my sails for this one. It doesn't detract from Ray Charles at all in my mind, and would love to hear more - but this country album turned jazzy soul probably just isn't my cup of tea.
Beck
3/5
i think that Guero is an interesting album, in that it definitely covers a lot of ground... but its just aight in my opinion. kinda strikes me as an artist/album that is quirky, so they are automatically cooler? I dunno, its an interesting take.
Guero is fine. probably wouldn't go back to it, but am glad that i sat down and listened to my first full Beck album.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
i liked this album more than i thought i would. i really enjoyed Take Me Out back in the day, but I think it got so overplayed that I started to avoid it and then missed more Franz Ferdinand.
this album, was really good in my opinion. i enjoyed it all the way through. i had the ability to actually read the lyrics while I listened, and thought they were interesting. after I finished it, i was feeling a four. today, i feel like its a high 3, low 4 but ill stick with my gut. definitely wanting to explore Franz Ferdinand a bit more after this listen.
Arcade Fire
2/5
its gonna be a no from me dawg. the only song i enjoyed was neighborhood #3. everything else felt like an experiment in a garage. never understood the Arcade Fire hype and well... guess I still don't
Snoop Dogg
4/5
this album is stellar. its iconic. its Snoop.
i will drop this down to a four... because I feel like through the whole album there were a lot of repeated rhymes. but, all in all, an incredible album.
Public Enemy
5/5
this album is a microcosm of the afrocentric movement within hip hop. taking the negativity and owning it, putting it blatantly out there and forcing people to hear what these rappers have to say.
i particularly love the skit 'incident at 66.6 FM', showing the reaction that the white community was having to these rappers that demanding they be listened to.
this album is so much deeper than what is on the surface. i believe it is truly a work of art - and very worthy of this 5 star ranking.
P.S. I will never hear Chuck D and not think of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
P.S.S. I will never stop laughing at the fact that Flavor Flav went from this to hosting 'The Flavor of Love'
D'Angelo
4/5
silky fucking smooth. I love me a good R&B record, and this just hit the spot this week. it was so fun to listen to and it was super good. not much else to say. add this to your sexy time playlist.
Blue Cheer
2/5
High 2, low 3. Cool to hear what is credited as the first metal album, but it was just fine. Wouldn’t seek out again.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
I put on the first song, and was like “meh”
But honestly having this on in the background was awesome. A lot of variety, and these guys absolutely rip. Super happy to have this album come across my desk. Not sure how I would feel about more of them, but this album was pretty awesome for a band I hadn’t even heard of before
Neil Young
2/5
Sometimes, I was like this isn’t bad. Other times, I really disliked Neil Young. I’m good lol
Songhoy Blues
3/5
I think it’s awesome that this 1,001 list includes music from all over the world. It can be very easy to just focus on US/UK music and it’s good to see representation.
I enjoyed listening to this album, but I did find it got a bit repetitive for me. Glad it came across my desk, but probably wouldn’t seek this album out again. I wouldn’t mind listening to more Songhoy Blues, to see how their sound evolved/evolves.
JAY Z
5/5
Easy 5 stars. Fire album. It’s just an immaculate flow from top to bottom. Grade A hooks, amazing beats, just a masterpiece.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
I’ve actually had this album on my Spotify saved playlist for a few years now. I definitely go back and listen to it occasionally because I really really enjoy the sound. The mix of funk, rock, and the bongos on the opening track sets the stage for a super pleasant listening experience. Kiwanuka is such a treat.
Fugees
4/5
silky smooth, with hard hitting lyrics and beats throughout. i had listened to this album a bit ago, bit it was really great to revisit and put under a lens. definitely enjoyed and will keep in rotation.
Funkadelic
3/5
i do love me some funk. I appreciate what Funkadelic does. and i will always appreciate this sound.
however, this album leaves a lot to be desired. two very long opening/closing tracks that feature a lot of odd sounds and just sound way out there.
this feels like less of an album and more of a compilation of unfinished ideas that were put on a record. i dig the middle of the album, so it gets a three but thats where it stops for me.
Pulp
2/5
no idea how this album is so high up on so many lists. kinda sounds like an older oasis. maybe it strikes that nostalgia bone for a lot of folks, but i couldn't get into this album.
Doves
3/5
i am still catching up a bit, and this album i listened to in chunks. the first few songs lost me, but the second half really brought me back. I wouldn't be mad listening to this album again, and with better intent. all in all, a fine album with enough variety to keep me interested.
The Divine Comedy
1/5
it started off not strong... and then just continued to go downhill for me.
turned into a bunch of wailing and ultimately just felt silly to listen to. i think by the 5th track i was wishing the album was over.
sorry Divine Comedy... but it ain't for me
Bon Jovi
4/5
so fun fact, i grew up absolutely fucking hating bon jovi. my mother is on the younger side, and was an absolute 80's hair metal band groupie. whitesnake, poison, motley crue, def leppard, warrant, you name it, she was listening to it.
and then of course, there was Bon Jovi. we listened to that man everywhere we went. it was constantly playing where i actively avoided him and his music for so long. i still to this day can't really stomach is 'Have a Nice Day' era of music (mid-2000's release).
that being said, i was not glad that this came up on the list, but i went in with an open mind and was actually pleasantly surprised. 'you give love a bad name', 'livin on a prayer', and 'wanted dead or alive' are very good songs. theyve stood the test of time, and they're bangers for sure.
the rest of the album, especially the back half, still feels like its feeling out how poppy they can go in their third album without losing their core audience but also getting more radio play. wild in the streets brought it back, but overall i think the back half lost its gusto.
high 3, low 4 for me. ill bump it to the four stars for 3 banger tracks that have stood the test of time.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
I liked it, but middle of the road jazz album for me. Nothing blew me away, but it was pleasant to listen to
Frank Zappa
3/5
I dug this on my commute to work today. It was interesting enough to keep me engaged, but also had some weird spots. I haven’t really listened to Zappa before but I would be excited for more.
Faith No More
3/5
War pigs brought this album back a bit higher for me, but if you asked me what kind of music Faith No More makes… I would struggle to find an answer.
Epic is a pretty famous song, but I generally had a hard time with this album. I’ll give it a three, but it’s a low three high two.
The Cars
4/5
This album is just so freaking fun. A couple of bangers, and then i think it stalls out a bit.
All Mixed Up I feel like just starts to evolve towards the end of the song, but overall I think it gets a tad bit repetitive. I dig the sound though, so a four stars from me
Minor Threat
2/5
i get it. this is a super influential punk album that did a bunch of stuff for the genre. i didn't really vibe with it, truth be told. it was fine, but definitely not something i would ever get back into.
U2
2/5
Gonna be honest, I didn’t get much out of this album. Lyrically, it feels very repetitive. Bono shouting doesn’t really do it for me.
I like the idea of what U2 is about, but I just didn’t feel it through the album.
Never been a big U2 fan and I think that’s going to continue.
OutKast
5/5
So, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. It’s a long album obviously. Over 2 hours is certainly a lot, but I think it’s actually fair especially for this to treat it as two distinct albums. That said, it’s just over an hour per ‘album’ which makes it sound a bit better. Doesn’t help that we got it on a Monday instead of a Friday, but it is what it is.
That being said, this album has it all. Two distinct sounds that mesh and meld. Two lyrical styles that play well together.
I didn’t listen to a single song I wanted to skip. No skit made me feel like this album was cheesy. This album slaps from beginning to end and I can’t wait to listen to it again. The amount of samples, hits, cultural mainstays, and callbacks on this album are insane. Five star album for sure. I’m glad we got this album - I’ve never listened to a full OutKast album, and am glad I had the opportunity to hear it.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Nothing against Bobby D, but he’s no Timmy C.
All jokes aside, this album was pleasant to listen to. It was nice to have on in the background as I was working, but it didn’t strike me as groundbreaking. I suppose if you’ve listened to 29 other Bob Dylan albums, this one would really stand out.
Not bad, but not amazing in my humble opinion.
Kraftwerk
2/5
This album sounds like what people in the 70’s thought the future was going to sound like. Which is fine, it is just a bit goofy about 45 years later.
I’m sure this was super influential for those in the electronic music space. I have no doubt that there is some linear connection between Kraftwerk and Daft Punk all the way through Skrillex and Avicci.
That being said, electronic music generally isn’t my jam and well… a record of futuristic space sounds isn’t going to make it onto any of my playlists any time soon.
Culture Club
2/5
Karma Chameleon really saves this album, but I just can’t get into new-wave.
The one live track I listened to I think I enjoyed more than most of the album itself, because it didn’t sound so over produced and fake.
It’s gonna be a no from me dawg
Elton John
5/5
this album is an absolute juggernaut.
candle in the wind, bennie and the jets, goodbye yellow brick road, saturday nights alright... all in the same album is already a pretty stacked cast.
starting with funeral for a friend / live lies bleeding sets the stage for an epic album, showcased in a singular epic song.
rocking anthems like your sister can't twist and dirty little girl spice change things up. this song has no title, almost bringing a tear to my eye
i cant accurately describe this album, but its great. it checks every box and really is a unique piece of work.
The Clash
3/5
i really respect The Clash, and I think its amazing that they were able to have as impactful of a record by only spending $4,000 on it to record. thats pretty amazing.
that being said, this record sounds like a $4,000 record. which is absolutely fine for a 70's punk album. its cool, its edgy, and it scratches a certain itch. however, I am not one for the punk scene much. emo pop punk... now we're talking.
i give it a three out of the respect that I have for the clash and their influence, but in terms of me going back to listen to it, it probably gets close to a 2.
Killing Joke
2/5
not my style. i could see how this perhaps set the stage for like rock operas, kinda? like a coheed and cambria almost, i guess.
i dunno, all in all this wasn't really my jam but i guess not everything is going to be
Santana
3/5
pretty wild that oye coma va and black magic woman were on the same album. all in all, its a fun album. i dig me some latin guitar in the background occasionally when I work, and this kinda felt like that. nice background music to get stuff done to.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
jane's addiction is one of those bands i really want to like... but just don't. I think Jane Says is a fine song, Mountain Song also stuck out on this album as a front runner.
I will say, I really like Dave Navarro (the guitarist). I think his solos and guitar licks are awesome, throughout the album. he's super talented and even on this debut album, he really gets to let that shine.
I think what draws down Jane's Addiction is the lead singer. I can't understand a god damn word that Perry Farrell sings. on any of his songs. i catch like two words in the chorus and thats kinda it. it takes me out of the music completely when i have a hard time just following along. feels bad giving this a two, but i don't see myself going back to JA much in the future.
The Temptations
3/5
the temptations are chill. easy listening album, enjoyed this while taking a lunch time walk on Friday. Coming back after the weekend, I don't really recall much of the album, but it was fine.
Nas
5/5
This album rocks, through and through. It’s silky smooth, the rhymes are incredible, and each track seems to build on each other
Easy 5
Ryan Adams
3/5
listen, I'm no conspiracy theorist... but this is kinda wild how close this album came out to 9/11. is Ryan Adams part of of the plot? who knows.
what I do know is that this album could have been a proper new age for the country/pop genre. i could easily see Adams being like a Luke Bryan or something later on in his career if this were to take him to the stratosphere. just didn't work out that way I suppose.
shout out of 'La Cienega Just Smiled', I thought that was one of the best songs on the album. that being said, i thought that the first half of the album was so incredibly 'faux-american'. like, it was supposed to be the new classics and i dunno, it came across as pandering I guess. I actually think the second half of the album is much stronger, with Wild Flowers, Tina Toledo, and Rosalie.
All in all... its aight
Otis Redding
4/5
good songs to cover, good voice doing the covering - stellar album for just easy listening. Otis Redding is a GOAT and this album, in my opinion, helps to define that legacy
Pink Floyd
4/5
incredible album, incredible legacy, this is one of the greats. i think upon listening to it all the way through, I don't fully understand the whole storyline, but I think that is due to my own listening style (playing a video game while listening). I'll say this is my own shortcoming, and I haven't given this album the proper listen to give it a five, considering it goes so much deeper.
Once I read Matt's essay about it, perhaps I will shift but it at the very least gets an easy 4
Miles Davis
3/5
in the era of CDs and streaming, this is such a weird way to listen to this record. two tracks, but at 20 minutes a pop nearly.
i imagined that when this is on vinyl, its a much cooler experience, knowing that an entire side of the record is dedicated to one song, allowing Miles Davis to be as free as he wants.
the overall sound of this record is really beautiful, and i did enjoy it... but i don't see myself going back to it until I one day buy the vinyl. two long tracks on streaming just doesn't do it justice.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
fun album. i do love some good samba-funk occasionally. i think this would have been a four stars, but O Plebeu and Taj Mahal with the weird wiping/monkey sounds threw me off in the middle of the record. overall, enjoyable for sure.
John Coltrane
4/5
john coltrane is so god damn cool. this album has been on my radar since my 'History of Jazz' class back in college. the opening track is just so memorable for me, and its freakin' awesome to listen to. it swings to smoothly from track to track, and I will forever dig it.
Germs
4/5
When I think of a punk album, this is what I picture. I really did enjoy it, thought I don’t see myself going back to it a ton. But I know the Germs have their place in punk history so cool to see this on the list
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
Shoe gazing ain’t for me.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
This album slaps. I really enjoyed listening to it and it’s a pretty good summer time jam.
Might even bump this up to a five star - as the story itself is so cool.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I’ll say I warmed up a little to Bobby D this album. I really enjoyed listening to ‘Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts’ and also Shelter from the Storm. I would probably seek out those songs again, but the rest of the album I could do without
Massive Attack
2/5
i listened to this yesterday while on a bike ride, and already forgot what i listened to today when reviewing it.
i remember it being just fine, but not certainly something i would go back to.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
standard brit rock. didn't really stand out to me, didn't strike me as something that is in the top 1001 albums of all time. but hey, what do i know.
Iron Butterfly
2/5
this is one of the more tough albums for me to rank. on one hand, kinda cool to hear an early adopter to psychedelic rock and how it opened the door to that genre. i also really like the B-side track, In A Gadda Da Vida. It's cool, and I imagine buying that record was really something special.
that being said, I didn't really enjoy the A-side of the record. it was fine... but nothing that i would go back to. a 2.5 stars would be perfect for this, but alas, 2 stars it shall get.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
easy five stars, this album fucking slaps. its so cool to go back to Kendrick's first album, especially watching his career over the last ten years. this whole album rocks, and i'm so glad it came up on this list
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
what a treat to start the week. i can say I probably haven't sat down and listened to a full Bob Marley album, unless it was a 'Greatest Hits' or something. but, just what an absolute treat.
its such easy listening, such simple and wholesome lyrics, and a vibe that can really life you up. even with not being the biggest Bob Marley listener, this album had some serious bangers on it, with most of them on the back half of the record. three little birds, jamming, waiting in vain, and one love... all within the span of a few tracks is just amazing.
such a killer album.
Wild Beasts
1/5
i didn't have a good time listening to this album. despite being only 40 minutes or so, it took me all day to get through it. didn't capture me, didn't draw me in... it's a no from me
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
5/5
I think this is the most fun Spanish speaking album I’ve listened to in a long time. Definitely my favorite Latin album on this list so far. Immediately listened to a second time yesterday and super enjoyed it. Just because you don’t know the words, doesn’t mean you can’t get down to it
The Beach Boys
3/5
Two things -
1. I know The Beach Boys are known for their super upbeat songs and summer whimsy. This album goes in the opposite direction of that.
2. I know that Brian Wilson struggled later on in life, and his songwriting got darker and more realistic.
This album encompasses both of these things. You see TBB questioning things on this album, namely the role of activism and environmental change. Student Demonstration Time hits particularly hard, especially with what is happening this week.
While I don’t know if I would go back to this album a ton, it was enjoyable and it’s super interesting to see how TBB evolved over their career
The Kinks
3/5
listened to this on Friday, by Monday morning I am already kinda forgetting this album. it wasn't bad to listen to, but it wasn't memorable in my opinion. i remember a lot of things about photographs... but thats really it
The White Stripes
3/5
Blue Orchid is such a killer track. short, sweet, and rocking to the point. its a good one.
i didn't struggle getting through this album at all, but i did struggle seeing on how this made the list. i really like Jack White, but part of me feels like this made the list due to his progression as an artist. without knowing the first three White Stripes albums really well and being able to understand his progress as a musician/songwriter, this album years a bit more to be desired.
definitely not a bad album, but it seems like there is more going over my head.
Raekwon
4/5
i feel like Raekwon, Gza, and any other Wu Tang album is such a good rap album to throw on and just have it on. I know so much of a good rap album is predicated on good lyrics, but honestly I was okay to just let this album wash over me as I worked. its just such a good listen, through and through. glad that this came across our path!
Mj Cole
2/5
This album was aight. Some songs were cool to jam along to, but otherwise I was just kinda bored with it. Almost a three, but I can’t even recall anything off it two days later so down to two it goes
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
man, i really really dig some Curtis Mayfield. this album was such a joy to listen to. i was out walking in the sunshine last week catching up on this album, and man it just makes me want to jam.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
a truly beautiful album. this is the kind of stuff i really appreciate being in this list. its super wonderful to listen to. its almost like through this piece, its like seeing a friend after a lot of time has passed. this album has such a unique way of wrapping you up in it, and holding you close throughout its runtime.
beautiful, majestic, and simply wonderful.
R.E.M.
3/5
the thing about R.E.M. is that their good songs are really good, and then everything else is just... kinda on the album. Man on the Moon, Everybody Hurts, and Monty Got A Raw Deal really boost this album. but otherwise... its fine
Big Black
2/5
american shoegazing. it just didn't draw me in at all. i think that stinking drunk and strange things helped this not be a 1
2/5
this was a... tough one. Advant-Garde jazz is a super acquired taste, and a whole album of it can be pretty rough. i get the artistry about it, and the idea that music should just be free flowing, but man does it make it not really accessible.
I think the back half of the album saved this from being a one star, but honestly this was a kinda rough 40 minutes.
a-ha
3/5
I was pleasantly surprised at how many more songs I enjoyed. I was worried with ‘Take on Me’ being the first song, that I wasn’t going to really like anything else.
Overall I’m not the biggest fan new wave as a genre, but this was solid middle of the road as a whole.
Beatles
4/5
i will say, this album does feel a bit dis-jointed with how the songs are set up. i feel like some songs are more of the 'Sgt. Pepper' sound, while others try to be a bit more straight forward. i could almost see this being a 3 star album for me, but at the end of the day there are so many awesome songs that it feels wrong to do that. i do enjoy this album, and the Beatles in general, but i think i actually prefer their earlier stuff.
Fela Kuti
3/5
as far as our afrobeat albums have gone, i thought this was a weaker one. not to say i didn't enjoy it. i was definitely jamming to it, but it didn't particularly blow me away. still had a great time with it overall.
Elliott Smith
2/5
I really had a hard time listening to this entire album. this album, for me, just sounds so over-produced. every song is a series of slowed down chord progressions as he is VERY sad over all of them. its quite apparent that dude was really going through things, but i wasn't a huge fan of this sound.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
man, for as much flak that i've given Elvis Costello, I actually had more fun with this album than i thought. the poppy departure from his hyper-stylized punk i think worked in his favor, and some of the songs i found myself jamming to. probably a high 2, low 3. dont really see myself going back to it... but i guess theres a higher chance with this album versus any other we have listened to
Kings of Leon
2/5
Very interesting to hear the King of Leon because they got pretty over-produced (in my opinion). It reminds me kind of like, The Doors, in their stripped down and almost frantic style, but slightly updated for the times. Not sure I would ever go back to it, nor did anything really stand out. I don’t think this necessarily put me in the camp of being a fan of KoL, but I am more interested in their musical journey now
Green Day
4/5
Basket Case, She, Longview, Welcome to Paradise, and When I Come Around all being on the same album is just insane.
The Green Day sound is present through this entire go, but it’s such a stellar album. There isn’t much variety, but you don’t need it. All in all, great listen.
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
I only knew ‘Someone Great’ when heading into this album, but at most I thought that it was a decent song. Everything else just seemed to wash past me, where I was wondering exactly what I had just listened to.
I don’t really get the LCD Soundsyatem hype, and this album didn’t do much to push me closer to an understanding
KISS
2/5
I haven't heard many artists where i'm like, "ya know what, ima stick to their greatest hits album", but KISS is one of them. the fun ones are fun, and everything else just is... aight.
Gotan Project
3/5
honestly, this album really grew on me as it went on. not sure if i would necessarily jump back into it, but i think this would be a beautiful background music section for a dinner party. you could really stunk on folks by pulling this up
Traffic
4/5
i was a bit wary going into this album, but by the end i really was digging it. I really enjoyed the Brit-Folk sound, it didn't get too twangy like stereotypical country music, but was able to just roll with a great sound the whole time.
5/5
this album brings back such amazing memories for me.
back in the high school days, I used to play World of Warcraft with a ton of my hometown friends. that said, i was also pretty extroverted and out and about quite often. i used to have plans, come home, and then play WoW until like 2-3 in the morning or something on the weekends. it was so fun, and a really good time to remember.
this album, I used to throw on and just listen to on repeat as I was grinding out quests or just dicking around for XP. when all the homies went to sleep, I had Black Holes and Revelations to keep me company. I listened to this album constantly, and I welcomed this album back with open arms on Friday.
I remember air drumming to the great drum pattern on Starlight. I remembered the sick solo on 'Knights of Cydonia' (shout out Guitar Hero as well for this track). The beautiful melody of 'Soldier's Poem' is just so smooth and beautiful.
this album, holds a very special memory in my heart, and reminds me of just being a kid, having friends and getting together to play videos games on the weekend. the innocence of youth mixed with my love of music. Black Holes and Revelations is a fantastic album.
Tears For Fears
3/5
as far as synth pop goes... this wasn't terrible. i generally shy away from a sound like this, but not sure if i went in with more of an open mind or what... but i was jamming to this album. not necessarily going to make it into full music rotation... but overall it was a good experience
The Incredible String Band
2/5
not really my vibe. i do appreciate these albums / artists that helped to paved the way, but i won't say that this was the most enjoyable album for me. like... its just fine. i guess this could also be a three star middle of the road vote, but realistically i wouldn't ever go back to this and listen to it.
Queen
4/5
man, Queen continues to blow me away with their full records. Brian May absolutely crushes on this album, and its just so fun to listen to. I think the only song I thought was meh was, The Prophet's Song, but otherwise this album rocked. not to mention that it is peppered with all time hits, having 'You're my Best Friend' and the eternally classic 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
Pantera
3/5
this usually isn't my genre of choice, but i did find myself enjoying the album as i got further into it.
i feel like the second half of the album actually got more melodic, and the first half was reserved for the intensity that you would expect from a metal band, but overall i was pleased with it. my only real exposure to Pantera was guitar hero 2, and Cowboys From Hell, so this was a pleasant surprise.
Tim Buckley
3/5
it was a nice listen, but i can't remember much of it on Monday morning.
David Bowie
3/5
Changes is great, the rest of the album I thought was aight. Even listening to it yesterday, nothing else really stuck out to me and I’m not quite sure what I listened to
Little Simz
5/5
this album was STELLAR. listened to it twice yesterday, and immediately saved it to the music library.
Little Simz is absolutely masterful with her flow. her story telling is on fire this album as well. just an awesome listen, through and through.
Black Sabbath
4/5
This album was really enjoyable. Some absolute bangers / classics on this records, and then you throw in its influence on top of that. Solid record.
Röyksopp
2/5
Nooooot a huge fan of this. It was fine I guess, but as far as an electronic album goes I’m surprised that this made the list.
Goldfrapp
2/5
road to somewhere was lovely, but by the time I got to Cologne Cerrone Houdini, I was kinda just ready for the album to be over. its some beautiful music, don't get me wrong... but I'm not super big into the 'Enya'-style floaty songs.
LTJ Bukem
3/5
i have no idea what any of these songs were, where they started, and where they stopped. i could see this being highly influential for the drum and bass community, and electronic music as a whole but... its not super my jam. its aight, and totally fine to have on in the background during work, but i wouldn't be seeking this out on my own
Joni Mitchell
3/5
It was honestly just fine. I don’t have any particular standout tracks that come to mind, and I’m not quite sure I’ll ever come back to this.
Middle of the road, so three it is
The Kinks
3/5
i think this has been the most fun The Kinks album that we've listened to so far, but I still don't walk away from this album hoping for more. I enjoyed it, it was fine, and now I'm ready to listen to something else.
Beck
2/5
Gonna be honest, I just don’t think that I understand Beck. The first two tracks I was into, but then the rest of the album just feels so disjointed. Don’t think Beck is ever gonna be my jam.
Ice T
3/5
This album honestly got better and better as I listened to it. I was kinda put off by Ice T’s flow, but it’s almost like it got better later on in the album. I also loved Body Count, and his message for it.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
this album is all things weird and hilarious. it was fun to listen to, but half the time I was wondering what I was actually listening to. surprised that this actually made it onto a top 1,001 list, but here we are.
Buffalo Springfield
2/5
This didn’t do much for me. Some nice melodies, but otherwise this falls into background music while you host a party for old hippie folks.
The Byrds
3/5
it was fine. nothing much more to say than that. it was pretty chill to listen to.
Throwing Muses
2/5
Not sure if we all managed to listen to the same thing yesterday, but this album was not my cup of tea. One version of the album I listened to felt raw and underproduced, which was fine. But the full album YouTube video I listened to had a pretty polished sound and really pronounced the lead singers vocals, which I didn’t enjoy.
Stereolab
3/5
listened to it on Friday, don't really remember anything about it. i threw on a few songs this morning to review, and it was fine. probably the most indifferent ive been about an album.
The Vines
3/5
this was fun to listen to. i think most of all, i walked away from this album really missing that garage rock sound. it also reminded me so much of Jet, which I absolutely love their album 'Get Born'.
all in all, this was fun to listen to and fairly nostalgic in terms of their sound, but something i probably wouldn't keep listening to
Adele
5/5
so, i have never listened to a full Adele album prior to this one. i can probably also say i haven't heard much past her radio hits.
which, to be fair, she has been pretty dang famous since '08 and has had a lot of hits. but, thats all the context i went into this album with.
that being said, absolutely blown away by 25.
'Hello' and 'Send My Love' are bangers, but i absolutely fell in love with 'I Miss You', 'Million Years Ago' and 'All I Ask'.
For an 11 track album, though the range of the lyrics is all about moving on from a relationship that took a turn, all of the songs are just so incredibly powerful. her voice is incredible, its so powerful and every note carries a the full scale of her emotions and expresses it.
incredible piece of work.
Mekons
2/5
not really sure why this was on a top 1,001 list. like, it was fine... but i didn't really see anything about this album that pushed the music genre/industry forward.
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
i get that JLL has his place in rock and roll history, but i feel like this specific album doesn't really capture all that he had to offer.
i enjoyed this album, i did, but its only about 20 minutes. I have to imagine the man played a longer show than that, and so im curious why this snapshot of a performance is lauded as one of the greatest of all time.
a bit odd in that respect. again, i liked it, but its just not enough of an ode to really pay tribute to the man.
also, take this all with a grain of salt. dude married his 13 year old cousin so... thats gross
T. Rex
3/5
I enjoyed 'Get It On', and everything else was just alright. When i read the description of this album, i was really prepping for a more "glam-rock" sound, but i guess this is the very, very early version of that sound that tore through the 80's. My respect to T. Rex, but overall this album didn't do much for me. it was just a fine listen, in my opinion.
The Cardigans
3/5
an enjoyable album for sure. lovefool is the obvious standout, but i let this run on repeat yesterday while playing some Balatro and it was lovely.
David Bowie
1/5
didn't think i would ever give David Bowie a one star... but this album honestly didn't do anything for me. it sounded like something that would be played at a funeral...
i guess maybe it could be a two stars... but here's to being hyper critical i guess.
The Pharcyde
4/5
this album slaps. let it play through twice yesterday and enjoyed it even more the second time. this is some smooth as hell rap, and it was fire. even for being an old school album, they have some really awesome flow, some great rhyme schemes, and funny skits to help show this story.
awesome album
John Prine
2/5
This ain’t my cup of tea, though I did love the song ‘Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore’. It’s a really great take on how you can’t just wear any symbol, and expect to be a good person. It takes effort and conviction to treat all people with respect and be kind.
The rest of the album… it’s aight. But nothing I would go back to.
Lorde
3/5
i can honestly say that all I know of Lorde is from that one South Park episode where Randy claims that he is Lorde.
overall, this album was nice to listen to. i dont think it was anything mind blowing, but certainly pleasant.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
probably going to get some flack for my rating, but I find that Sinatra is just fine. he has an incredible voice, i can't deny that. however, i do find a lot of the lyrics from this time period are just so simple. to me, this is good dinner party music to have on in the background, but its nothing i would personally seek out myself to listen to.
i understand why Frank has his place in history, and I understand the effect he had across the world... but its just never the sound ill be looking for on my own.
The B-52's
1/5
you know, before listening to this whole album, i really just thought that i hated Rock Lobster.
now, I can say that I really just kinda hate the sound of the B-52's. this album feels like some kid got their first electronic keyboard, and then is stepping all over the keys to make random sounds. Rock Lobster is just painful for me to listen to. its gimmicky, its annoying, and thats one of the front runners of the album. everything else just seems like the kitchen sink was thrown at it and they wanted to see what stuck. not to mention, i kinda also hate the singers voices.
here's hoping that we don't have another one of their albums
Adele
4/5
this is a really heavy hitter of an album. rollin in the deep, rumour has it, set fire to the rain, and someone like you all on the same 48 minute album. more than a third of this album became singles that took the world by storm, and established Adele as a true Tour de Force of music.
that said, i do think that the other songs, though still hyper impressive, don't come as close to the magic the main four have from this album. im not sure i would find myself coming back to 21 as much as I would 25, which ive been listening to a whole bunch since diving in.
not to compare albums by an artist, but i do think that the non-singles leave a little more to be desired. still a great album, but i could honestly leave this at a 3.5 and be happy. though, i am going to bump it up to 4, because damn does this girl have pipes!
Giant Sand
2/5
i think the second half of this record, with all the bonus tracks and additional items, really detracted from the album as a whole. i think i would have rated it a bit higher with just the first like 10 tracks, but overall this album fell flat for me
Missy Elliott
4/5
This album rocks. Missy is super smooth, her flow is tight, and each song keeps this album feeling fresh. There’s a lot to like on this. Not to mention that Work It is on this album, and is an all time great
Great features, with Method Man, Ludacris, and Jay Z too.
All in all, really had a blast.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
I don’t understand why this album is here. It’s got some decent patches… but it’s gonna be a no from me dawg
Tom Tom Club
3/5
This is probably the most fun I’ve had with a new wave album. Pretty consistently, I tend to drag the genre through the mud, but honestly I had fun with this album.
I would have preferred the original version, with eight tracks though. An extra hour 20 of content didn’t really do much for me, but I won’t knock them for that
Madness
1/5
This album reminded me of a carnival. But like, one where the ride operator blows a smoke ring right into your face as you hop on the Gravitron.
And as soon as that Gravitron starts up, and you’re pinned to the wall, it starts to rise. Every few seconds, you get a glimpse of that ride operator. Wait a second, is he putting a needle into his arm?? Oh my god, did he just pass out? Is he dead?
And all this, while you continue to spin, stuck to the wall of this Gravitron. A ride you can’t get off of, and just continues to spin as the cacophony of sounds and screams all blend together…
Anyways this album kinda sucked.
Elvis Costello
3/5
This Costello album seemed less gimmicky than previous ones. Probably the most palatable in my opinion.
Or, maybe we’ve had some real stinkers this week with the recent surge of New Wave and this was a needed break. Either way… it was aight
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
i mean... its not terrible. its fine to have on in the background of something... but i really don't get why Nick Cave is so revered.
Suede
2/5
not a huge fan of this. not bad enough to be a one... but i don't get what this album is doing here.
Simply Red
4/5
back into a funk groove, and i really enjoyed it. i think we had a bit of disservice by getting the extended version, which has extended cuts of the songs and quite a few repeats.
however, the original songs are a blast to listen to. its got a lot of groove behind it, and i could definitely see myself going back to this album.
Gang Starr
3/5
i think this album left a bit to be desired. i wasn't a huge fan of the beats, but i did really like Guru's rap style. it's not my favorite of the time period, but he does have good flow and his rhyme scheme i feel branches where hip hop was, and where it was heading. i heard a decent amount of internal rhymes and some wrap around rhymes around lines, which for the time probably pushed forward rap into the 90's flow style.
not sure if i would go back a ton, but a fine album.
Mariah Carey
2/5
it just feels like super over-produced r&b album. no denying that Mariah Carey is talented AF, but this album just doesnt do it for me. not sure if i would really come back to this ever.
again, no denying the talent of Mariah... but i fail to see why this album would be on a top 1001 list. like... was this really influential for the genre. perhaps its my ignorance, but i dont see it.
Pere Ubu
2/5
the actual rock component of this album is fun... but the lyrics and some of the stylistic choices aren't really my cup of tea. not terrible to listen to, but truly not a lot here for me to want to go back to.
The Fall
1/5
a few decent tracks, but mostly a lot of things i wouldnt really want to hear again. i was fascinated though by how this album progressed. from like a proto-punk to a club remix of a song. it was odd. 1.5 stars, but ill drop it to one because ill never go back to it
M.I.A.
4/5
this album is a banger. i was actually a bit mixed on the first few tracks, but really ended up grooving to this.
i guess im probably in the minority, but i was never really a fan of the Paper Planes song, so this album really surprised me and i ended up really really liking it. its eccentric, its fun, and it just feels good to listen to.
Donald Fagen
3/5
this album was surprisingly solid. i was expecting something a bit slower, but i ended up really jamming to it. even listened to it a second time. not sure i could give this a full four, but i would give it a 3.5. solid album for sure, so middle of the road for me.
Patti Smith
2/5
i started out really liking this, and then i listened to it a second time with headphones in and had a chance to listen in a lot more for the lyrics, and honestly... it was pretty meh. i love me some poetry and spoken word, but this just didn't grip me. i'm sure Patty Smith is up there for a reason, and she probably has some really unique insights within those lyrics... but it just didn't grab me.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
i do like me some QotSA, but i find that this album is still like a discovery album for them. Josh Homme i think really comes into himself, his weird choices, and his eccentric style as his career continues. this does feel a bit more "regular" compared to later QotSA albums.
a fine listen, talent shines through, but it ultimately leaves me craving more of the sound that I am used to.
David Crosby
3/5
pleasant listen, but not much more than that. this didn't blow me out of the water, and not sure if I would ever return to it. but, it was a nice listen.
i had some fun with this album. i could at least see why this could be included on the list. their sound, i have to imagine, was a bit more unique for the time and i think really ended up becoming a bit more popular later down the line.
all in all, a solid listen
Miriam Makeba
4/5
what an awesome album. really, really enjoyed it. I don't think I have ever listened to a full album of Xhosa inspired music, and this was a real treat.
from my view, I have Miriam Makeba up there with the likes of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Absolute talent, and really knows how to make their music count.
if anyone has no read her wikipedia page, i highly suggest giving it a read through. she lived an incredibly fascinating life, and was by all accounts a great person.
Sparks
1/5
new wave meets a glam rock sound that just... isn't good
didn't really enjoy listening to this at all...
Suzanne Vega
2/5
listened to it on Friday, and don't really recall what this was. i do recall it being underwhelming...
Ryan Adams
3/5
a really enjoyable album, parts are particularly beautiful like 'Why Do They Leave', and I loved the utilization of Harmonica on this album.
all in all, i think its a solid listen. would jump back in, and am looking forward to it
Fatboy Slim
3/5
fun album, i really like this kinda of "simple" sound when it comes to electronic music. not sure how much i could realistically go to this album/Fatboy Slim, but nothing to knock against him or the music. this is more of a music choice of what i prefer to listen to.
solid album.
Randy Newman
3/5
a good mixture of fun, funny, and pretty sentimental songs. not sure if i will ever think of Randy Newman and not immediately think of Toy Story and the other countless childhood movies he did the scores for, but pretty cool to see another side of him.
Malcolm McLaren
3/5
What an odd album. It’s fun, it’s weird, it’s all over the place. 2.5 seems appropriate for this, but honestly I’ll bump it up to a three. It’s fine, but nothing I’ll come back to. A two just seems a tad low for this
Lambchop
2/5
another Friday listen that I have forgotten by Monday... i remember it being aight.
Grateful Dead
3/5
fine album, but i'll admit i'm not the biggest GD fans. i respect them, i get why they have their place in history, but im sitting here at a desk instead of bartering cigarettes for gas money. it just isn't gonna hit the same.
Pentangle
2/5
this wasn't anything major for me... it had some pretty moments, but nothing that really stuck out.
not terrible, but nothing i would really go back to
Ray Price
4/5
This is the kind of country I can get behind. Really solid tunes, simple and sweet lyrics, and a voice that just won’t quit. Big fan of this one.
The Blue Nile
3/5
This was actually really nice to listen to. Felt almost dreamlike, where this band was leading you through a specific vision that they had.
I could see this being good background music for a game night or something.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Album started out a bit stronger, but pattered out by the end. I liked the bluesy sound mostly, but as it started to get a bit away from that, I became less and less interested.
2/5
this had some interesting tracks... but overall i still can't get behind the New Wave sound.
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
pretty meh overall. not even a huge fan of pretty in pink, but definitely wasn't interested in this one
Ash
3/5
this was aight. pretty decent rock record, but nothing really to write home about
Gene Clark
3/5
i enjoyed this more than i thought i would. solid record, but a bit slow for my liking overall
Hot Chip
2/5
not much for this... listened to it yesterday and already kinda forgot it...
Aphex Twin
3/5
not a bad track to have on in the background during a work day. reminds me of my time studying to lo-fi mixes in college. it was fine, but i wouldn't give it much more than that.
Beyoncé
4/5
hella hits on this album, probably the best remixes ive heard on a disc 2 set, and just absolutely raw talent. Mrs. Carter knocks it out the park here.
Wilco
2/5
i wasn't expecting much from this, but i walked away pretty underwhelmed. it wasn't really my cup of tea. i found that it was just a bit slow... and like nothing really ever stood out. sorry Wilco, but its a 2
U2
2/5
feeling pretty meh about U2 as a whole. mysterious ways was nice, One was fine, and everything else just kinda sounds the same in my opinion.
every song is a quasi-balled that never amounts to distinction.
Gram Parsons
3/5
old school country with some real blugrass twang. i honestly enjoyed this one quite a lot. i could see myself going back to this, but... country isn't really my genre. its gonna be a three for me, for a nice album i can appreciate
Tangerine Dream
2/5
40 minutes of ambient computer sounds is not really my jam
Linkin Park
4/5
man does this bring me back. i listened to Hybrid Theory and Meteora a ton growing up. I will say, it definitely hits a nostalgia vein for me, but i have a few critiques as i'm older
1. chester bennington is a GOAT. his voice is absolutely iconic, and remains the strongest part of LP for me. his ability to flip from a beautiful melody to his iconic screaming is unmatched. RIP to a real music giant.
2. mike shinoda i think is the weakest part of the group. his raps feel really really elementary to me. a few basic rhyme schemes, mostly compressed together in quick succession reminds me a lot of the Limp Bizkit-esque white people rapping of the late 90's to early 2000's. just because every end of a line rhymes does not make it a rap, in my opinion
3. the combination of rock and table turning is so brilliantly executed on this album. Hybrid Theory and Meteroa both are incredible at showcasing that classic LP sound, where guitars and synth melodies are swirled around and mixed so well. its such a unique sound - and really set the stage for what was possible while still hitting mainstream
overall, a really really good listen. it holds up. i think Mike Shinoda's lyrics kinda drag this down for me, but their overall sound and Chester really raise the bar and showcase what is possible when you try to blend different genres. i'll still find myself listening to this a ton, and will remain a fan of LP forever.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
i enjoyed this one! I loved the combo of western Asia sounds mixed with new school techno sounds. not sure how many opportunites i would take to listen to this in the future, so i probably wouldn't give it a four, but i definitely appreciated it!
Ute Lemper
2/5
Any songs that did not feature Elvis Costello or Nick Drake were fairly decent. Kind of liked the first song. Not a great album otherwise! Carly typed this hiii boyz. Alec sucks
Laura Nyro
4/5
This girl has some incredible pipes. Listened to it driving in the mountains with Carly and even she enjoyed it. Solid album and would love to explore more by Nyro
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Fun album, but a jam band listen when you’re not a huge fan or there in person can feel like a bit of a slog. All credit to this album, but probably wouldn’t go back to it.
The Undertones
2/5
Pretty underwhelming album. Not a lot of defining songs, and it was pretty monotone to me for most of the listen.
I actually really liked the last song on the album, but otherwise it was pretty meh
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Honestly enjoyed this album a lot. It’s fun, poppy, and easy to jam along to. Decent listen in my book, and would gladly welcome another album from her
Blur
2/5
i wasn't really blown away by this. Song 2 is pretty awesome, but everything else i felt like was just on the album. perhaps this would require another listen, but overall i found it underwhelming
Joni Mitchell
2/5
it was aight... i thought that her voice was a bit whiny on some of the songs, which i think detracted form my overall enjoyment. probably not something i am going to go back to.
Cypress Hill
3/5
i think that was a really fun album. dope beats and really smooth lyricism. would love to give this a 3.5, but alas. i don't know how often i would go back to this album, so i think ill stick with a three for now.
also, i love hearing the original version of 'How I could Just Kill A Man'. shout out to rage against the machine for covering a sick hip hop song and turning it into a killer rock song.
Steely Dan
3/5
Decent listen, fine to have on during work but nothing super special on my book
Jeru The Damaja
4/5
I’ll always dig this type of hip hop. Old school style beats with some good flow on top. Would definitely see myself going back to and listening to
Michael Jackson
4/5
MJ albums slap in their entirety. i feel like the middle of this album lulls a bit, but the end and beginning are absolute fire. its incredible, again, to see an album with 11 songs where 5 are all time CLASSICS for MJ. mad props to this album.
Tori Amos
2/5
one step above oil spill for me...
Slayer
2/5
not huge on the thrash metal... i think for a few of these songs i honestly wouldn't have been able to tell you if it was Metallica or Slayer. i know thats probably sacrilege, but this ain't really my genre
The Triffids
2/5
this felt like it rode the middle between folk and pop, but ultimately couldn't choose what side to be on. some songs were fine... but that was all i got for this one.
Elton John
3/5
Tiny Dancer is the standout here, but I didn't connect with the rest of this album like I did for GYBR.
This album I think really shows off the depth that Elton John can have. his singing and composition is soo good, i just don't think that I connected with this album as much. i did listen to the first half again as the album looped around, but it still didn't jump out to me. a good Elton album, but not my favorite i would say
John Lee Hooker
4/5
old school blues albums rock. i actually really dig listening to the blues, and it was one of the genres i listened to a ton when i was playing guitar.
i think its so easy to sit back and listen to this type of music. its such a good form of story telling, that can get as simple or complicated as you would like.
overall, i definitely appreciate the exposure to this album and really enjoyed it. definitely see myself throwing this on when the mood strikes
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
a very pleasant listening experience. i don't think a ton really stood out to me, but i enjoyed having it on during the work day. could see myself maybe throwing this on for a road trip, but otherwise i don't see myself going back to it a ton
TV On The Radio
2/5
i didn't super enjoy this one. i think a few of the later songs like Red Dress and DLZ were aight on their own, but as a whole album this didn't give me a ton of enjoyment.
DJ Shadow
4/5
I really enjoyed this. Some songs were pretty unique, far as an instrumental mixing album goes. I was feeling a four but realistically a 3.5 is more accurate. I’ll stick with the four though. This was fun
Prince
5/5
The more I hear Prince, the more I fall in love with his music. His voice, the groove, just everything about this album I super enjoyed. It was a bit longer, but I let it ride and listened to it all again.
Tl;dr - Prince fricken rocks
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
I have never heard of Trent D’Arby before but this homie can SING man. I felt like Rain and Sign Your Name were just alright, but the rest of the album is just pure emotion and raw talent. What an album.
Dire Straits
3/5
sultans of swing is the obvious stand out on this album, but it was a fine listen. i enjoyed it, but i don't think it really blew me away. it was nice to listen to, but thats about it.
The Hives
4/5
i think this is my favorite type of punk rock. its quick, its fun, and there is a lot more variety than some other mainstream punk bands. these guys rock pretty hard.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
a fun little oldies album. this is the first album in a while where i thought to myself 'man, i would love to have this on vinyl'. just having this on while boppin around the house seemed really cool.
Beatles
4/5
with the Beatles, you have to take in the incredible impact of their music. am i going to listen to this a ton, probably not. but its a really good album that continued to make waves in the music community.
that said, this album had some pretty great songs on it. personal faves are 'it won't be long', 'all my loving', 'hold me tight', 'please mr. postman'.
man, the beatles really had something, didn't they?
Green Day
5/5
i mean... what an album. just out the gates, it comes out angry, disillusioned, and spiteful at the entire identity of America. Thats punk AF.
its probably my millennial showing, but this album just straight up rocks. American Idiot, Holiday, Give Me Novacaine, Wake Me Up when Sept Ends... just all absolute bangers. the callbacks to earlier songs in Homecoming, the fading off of Whatsername, this album just has it all. its a pretty drastic jump from where Green Day had been before, but still just part of a stepping stone as they really focused on the rock opera piece in their next album, 21st Century Breakdown.
here's to the soundtrack of a generation. cheers Green Day
Ray Charles
3/5
for ray charles being the father of soul, this didn't have much of a soul feel to it. it wasn't bad, but this big band swing and string composition was not what i was expecting. glad i listened, but overall could take or leave it. give me some actual soul from the man, and then we'll talk
Gang Of Four
2/5
kind of a slog for me, was waiting for it to be over. didn't enjoy it much, so here is a 2 for it
OutKast
5/5
Outkast is so freakin' awesome. this album is fun, its funky, its groovy, and its a lyrical master class. Big Boi and Andre 3000 are clearly masters of their craft. this album spawns multiple hits, and also has enough content to have thought provoking songs and challenge the status quo. absolute gold.
2/5
man, i am just not a david bowie fan. starman, and lady stardust were fine, but overall this album just didn't do much for me. safe to say, i dont think Bowie is going to be a top artist of mine.
Mylo
3/5
as far an an electronic album goes, i liked this one. it had some good flows, and i found myself bopping to it quite a bit. this isn't typically my genre, so i probably wouldn't go past a 3. maybe a 3.5, but this doesn't make a 4 stars for me
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
listened on friday, completely forgot what i heard by monday. ill give it a three because i don't recall actively disliking it.
Beck
2/5
i continue to be unimpressed by Beck.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
honestly not a huge fan of leonard cohen. its not bad, and i think i like his earlier work where his voice isn't as gravely. all in all, its a fine album.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
this album was a sloggggg for me to get through. really didn't enjoy it until i got to the last song on the album. it was nice a good listen for me
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
there is no denying that Simon & Garfunkel make some absolutely beautiful music. but, as a whole album, this really just left me wanting more. its such a short album, and every song i feel could have used another minute of it. i wish there was more to it honestly, and kind of disappointed with the album length.
Neneh Cherry
2/5
I feel like this album left quite a bit to be desired. Her flow is good, but it felt choppy at times. I like the beats most of all, and you could tell Cherry is really trying to push some boundaries. However, for whatever reason, it just feels like it doesn’t stick the landing. Shout out to Outré Risqué Locomotive. That song slapped.
Spiritualized
2/5
Pretty meh album. I did really like Angel Sigh, I thought that was super beautiful. But everything else just fell a bit flat to me. Kinda feels like a full album of lo-fi, which is fine but like… it makes this list?
Sonic Youth
2/5
I can comfortably say I was not a fan of this
Calexico
3/5
An interesting album for sure. I found myself bopping along to this, but in my opinion it was just alright.
Missy Elliott
3/5
This was a fun album, but I think it ultimately left me wanting more from Missy. While I enjoyed it, I actually wanted more of her rapping. This album seems to straddle the hip hop/ r&b line, and I really like when Missy is more on the hip-hip/rap side of things. Good listen overall.