1001 Albums Summary

The album where I discovered Elbow. Subsequently went though their entire discography. Love this band. Love this album. Still undecided if I prefer this version, or the live at Abbey Road. Both amazing.

Age hasn't diminished this foundation stone of Rock. Death on two legs still as vicious all these years later. Bo Rap obviously....

It's aged so well. All 8/10 or higher apart from I want your sex, which was and still is rubbish.

Major discovery from this project is Sly & The Family Stone. Love it!

Her masterpiece. Stood up well

Masterpiece

Grew up with this in the background. Have a deep love for this album still. Only living boy in new york still sounds like a choir of angels to me.

Hadn't realised how much this was still peak PSB. Nice!

Bought it back in the day due to Stan. Rest of it is just too much for me. Not a fan. Can respect it, but not enjoy it.

Just noise. Washing over me without any real engagement tbh.

Just Wow! So many of what we now consider Soul standards on one album. Anything less that 5 stars would be unthinkable. Band is tight and on point for every track, but the voice....oh the voice. Just Wow!

Never heard this before….Completely left me cold. Just can lt see what all the fuss is about tbh.

Never heard this before….never will again hopefully.

Have to confess this is my first time listening to this album. Obviously know REM from the bigger hits (in the UK) that come later. This is good! Bit more rock and less poppy. Will definitely go into rotation.

Ahhh - the very last album I bought on Vinyl before the revival.... 80s very much my era, and this is the end of what I consider to be her 'classic' 80s album run. After this she's reinventing herself every time. It's a really solid album, but it's a mixed bag and there is some filler here (just like on all her albums tbh). When it's good, its great...title track and Oh Father being the standout tracks for me. However, the Prince / Madonna track is just awful...should have never seen the light of day. Just drones on and on (and on). 3 (nearly a 4)

One of the best Pop songs of the 80s is on here. Over time, Take on Me has become the thing everyone still remembers...and rightly so as it's just a perfect Pop song. But the album it comes from is a gem also. The surprising thing is how much variety there is on this album. It's got a couple of filler tracks (The Blue Sky for example), but the rest is a great listen that actually opens up with repeated listening as there's some depth to it. It's not just takes of Take on Me. The album closer (Here I stand and face the rain) is a cracking tune and leaves you with the distinct impression there's more to come from this band. Ironic as I don't think they ever bettered it. Stands as a good Pop album of the 80s. Solid 3

This is a first listen for me, despite being nearly as old as the album! I knew Bad Moon Rising, so was fascinating to hear it in the context of the album (often is). I enjoyed it...it's got a swampy, gritty edge to it. Having said that it feels quite a lot like loads of different versions of Bad Moon Rising at times. Bit samey in one go maybe? 3 - will return to it. Suspect repeated listening may increase the score. Can see why it's on this list.

Ahhh - the Original and the best when it comes to Swing. One of my Dad's favourites. Pretty timeless now thanks to modern crooners and they're all just pale imitations compared to this. Songs are perfect, the arrangements so smooth and it's Sinatra in his prime. This is his perfect album. Almost 70 years old, but still sounds sublime.

Nope - not for me…

Good, but far from great. It’s not a great candidate for this list really. Nothing original going on here, but some catchy tunes all the same. It was everywhere for a while, but not listened to it in a long time. Which says a lot really. 2.5

Well that livened up an early start on a Monday! Epic album. Demands to be cranked up as loud as you can. I almost consider this to be hard funk at times as it’s got such a groove. And has the best Christmas Number 1 of all time on it! Can’t fault this. 5

One of the best pop albums of the 80s. Bought it when it came out in 1981 and have loved it ever since. So many great tracks it's hard to pick favourites, but I will....Love Action and Do or Die are both absolutely perfect. Not a dud on this album. And of course it contains Don't You Want Me as well....an 80s anthem. Nigh on perfect. The companion remix album Love and Dancing is worth a listen also....that basically invented the remix album genre. Sadly they never really scaled the same heights again, but it was wonderful while it lasted. 5 all day.

Owes a massive debt to Roxy Music, but it’s a wonderful album all the same. Managed to sound dark, broody and futuristic all at once when it came out. Stands up all these years later. Signposted the 80s rather well really. Prefer some of their later albums, but this is still a good one. 4

Well this is new. Says a lot that in 53 years I've managed to never hear this before.... And then track 1 started and I completely understood why. Poor mans Neil Diamond at its best. Some of the backing tracks are rather pleasant, but then he starts dribbling on and ruins it. 1 - will not be returning to this again

Oh wow….never heard this before. How did I miss this?? This is right up my street. It’s just beautiful music. Straight into rotation. 5

Silent all these years still gives me goosebumps, but the rest of the album has always weirdly left me a bit cold. Overall a 3

Welcome to the 90s! Loved this at the time, but it’s very of its era now. Can’t say it’s aged too well tbh. 3 for old times sake.

It’s considered their best album and it definitely has some of their best songs on it. But as with all Police albums, there’s a fair bit of filler. When it’s good it’s great, but some of it is just awful as well 3

It’s probably the best Paul album post Beatles. It always gets reviewed as much based on who he is and what he did before, as it is about what it actually is like as an album. As a standalone review - it’s decent. But it’s no better than a lot of stuff around at the time. 3

Ok - another I’ve never heard before! Instantly reminds me of being in a trendy coffee shop 20 years ago! Kind of like it. Almost feels like it’s trying too hard to be cool though. Not particularly original, but decent for background listening. Surprised it’s on this list tbh. 2

Jazz not really my cup of tea, but this works for me. Whole album of it is a bit of a slog, but it’s got a cool vibe. 2

Whenever you play this, the musicianship is the thing that hits hardest. Just always jaw droppingly impressive. I've always struggled a bit with Robert Plant's voice, but it can't spoil the party in the end. Never bought into this being the birthplace of Metal, that belongs to Sabbath. All the same, this is the birth of something pretty unique....heavy blues is the best label I can give it. Must've been astonishing to hear this for the first time back in 1969. Do I love it. Nope. But I'm still amazed by it....kind of envy those that do love it! 4

Wow! Kind of nuts that this was made in the 60s, there are elements here that still sound bang up to date....there's also elements that show it's age mixed in. Like a retrofuture masterpiece. Never heard it before, but will come back to it. So much going on that a single listen could never do it justice. 3 for now. Probably go up with repeat listens...

Bought the CD when this came out. Was massive back then. Telling that I haven't bothered to listen to it in decades. And revisiting it now, I can see why. It was a musical cul-de-sac....best left forgotten. 2

ok - this is not for me. I can't get on with rap tbh. This could be very good rap, but I couldn't say. I tried, but this just leaves me cold. Skip

Jangly guitars are go! Sounds very of its era now. Not very original to be honest. Just sounds like any number of bands from that time. It’s decent. Not really doing much for me. 2.5 rounded down to a 2

This is more like it! Love EBTG. This is where they went electronic. The synth backdrops actually allow Tracey’s vocals to really shine through. Great album. 4

Not gonna lie. I saw Willie Nelson and thought this would be a hard no. Can't stand Country music as a rule. Then get an album of standards.....an album of quite simple & unique versions of standards. It surprised me and I will admit I kind of enjoyed this. His voice is pretty weak for these kind of songs, but that's part of the charm I guess. 2

Ahh. The CD everyone was listening to at one point. It’s held up. The songs are personal/reflective. The production is understandably low key, but all the same it just works. Please forgive Me was the wedding song for one of best friends (now sadly gone far too young) and a permanent reminder of younger days as a result. 5 for deeply personal reasons.

First impression is I’m instantly into it. Proto Stone Roses. Sounds years ahead of its time. Bit relentless as an album all at once. 2.5 rounded up to a 3

Always struggled with Neil Young. His voice just has a fingernails on a blackboard sound to it. Songs probably are great. But I just can’t listen to it.

What do you do to follow up your breakout smash hit album? Hire the same producers and do it again….but this time turn everything up to 11. Lean into the CD format and put out 65 minutes of content! Bought this on the day of release having already bought the preview single (Miss You Much) as well. Was a massive fan of Control and was excited to hear the follow up. The thing is…..more isn’t better with this album. Control was a tight set of songs and worked well. But this is an overblown bloated mess in comparison imho. It’s all just trying way too hard. There are still good moments in here (usually when they calm down a bit on the preaching and the production), but it’s telling that I haven’t listened to this album in 20+ years since it got filed into the collection. Listening again now, I’m surprised it made this list tbh. I guess the 80s had to have a quota….but Control is a better JJ album. 2

Age hasn’t dulled the power of this. Still rocks hard. Can’t argue with it. Just goes for it from the first note and then hits you in the face over and over! Pure Rock…..not even trying for anything else. 4

Was not expecting to see this on the list! Genuinely alarming that it’s 26 years old! Quite a few of the tracks on here are know to me as singles, but I’ve never listened to this album before. Listening to it in 2025 I can't say it's setting the world on fire for me as an album. Maybe it had more impact at the time of release? 1.5 rounded to a 2

Amazingly I’m coming to this for the first time….Pixies were not my thing back in the 80s. I know here comes your man, but that’s it. First listen, vocals are buried in the mix at times which is frustrating. Nice to hear an 80s record with natural sounding drums. Can hear the genesis of quite of lot of music I do like (Radiohead etc), but weirdly not a massive fan on this. 3 for now. Suspect on repeat listens I’ll fall for it though…

Fantastic album. Beautiful voice, fantastic recording, great production. Girlfriend is an absolute banger. Loads of other great tracks. Nothing original going on musically, but it’s all done well. Worthy modern addition to the list. 3

First time the Beatles has come up on the list. Has been a part of my record collection for a very very long time. I had a completist phase on the Beatles so bought the lot. The earlier albums get less play time tbh, so this was a good prompt to give it a listen again. It’s actually the covers that are most interesting in a way. The band are clearly running out of stuff to record at times so they just bang out numbers they’ve presumably been playing as part of their live sets for years. Highlights: - Till there was you….just a gorgeous little tune - Roll Over Beethoven. One of the definitive cover versions. - Money. Rocks pretty hard for 1963. Hints at the darkness to come. Age has dulled its impact a bit now and it can seem a little simple to modern ears, but it’s still the Beatles and deserves to be on this list. 3

Ultimate 80s The chauffeur showing that there was more to this band than just pop hits. Definitely Duran Duran’s best album. 3

What a debut. One of my favourite bands so going to be biased on this one. Arrived fully formed, the opening track is iconic. Album is just perfection. 5

It’s of its era now, but is part of Christmas in our family. Have to just ignore the Phil Spector element to it. 3

Guy is a total tool and I refuse to listen to his music.

Musical genius or complete shite? I’m firmly in the latter camp. Nothing original going on. Sounds more like a demo than a finished album - and I get that’s probably the idea, but that only makes sense if the ‘live’ recording is capturing something spontaneously amazing in some way that can’t be captured in the studio. This is just rough and ready to the point of being a mess. And it’s considered their finest work! 1

Growing up, I never “got” early queen and only really started to enjoy their output from Sheer Heart Attack onwards. It’s enlightening to listen to this again. Am surprised how I’ve grown towards this now. It’s almost prog at times and rocks hard when it gets going. Putting it into rotation. Heard enough to suggest that repeat listening will bear fruit…. 3 for now

First listen. Electro-folk music….kind of liking it. Sounds very very 70s in production, but that’s cool by me. Enjoyed it. Will listen again. 3

Ok - this is cool. It’s clearly late 70s and the post punk world. Reminds me of quite a lot of stuff from that period (that I like). Amazingly never heard this before….going into rotation! Singer does suck though. 3

Ok - another new one to me…. Right up my street from the start. Kind of a modern day Sparks…vocals are a bit all over the place though! Definitely going to listen again. 3

New one to me again - nice! And another I like! Vocals are Springteenesqe and Dylanesque…but that’s cool by me. Quite a bit going on here for me to unpack in the recording also. Sounds like the kind of stuff my daughter introduces me to….Sam Fender in particular. Like it. Going into rotation. Solid 3

Oh joy - more Neil Young! I kind of get why people like this, but his voice is a complete turn off. The nice organic sound is great….until he sings and ruins it. I know Heart of Gold is on here (and it’s a beautiful song) but I’d rather listen to the Boney M version than this. In fact I’d take the cover version almost every time with a NY song. Not for me. 2 as it’s his least worst album for me.

Hmm. Not exactly a great singer is she?? But some of the music is surprisingly pretty. Was not expecting a string quartet! Kind of get why it’s on the list due to all those involved, but if you take that away I doubt it’d be considered at all. Got as far as track 3 and gave up. 1

Peak 80s Rock! Jump is an absolute classic. Rest of album never quite lives up to that level, but it’s still good. Like a lot of the 80s it sounds so of its era now, but my god these songs jumped out of even the most crappy cassette player back in the day. 4

Well I’ve never heard of this before. Complete unknown to me. Which is weird given I was actively buying a lot of CDs around this time. Its very mid 90s, but then I found out it’s from 99. World had moved on when this came out. It’s ok, but no idea why it’s on the list. 2

Not a band I’ve ever listened to. Metal never really been my thing. So, feels almost like prog metal to me. The musicianship is off the charts - but it’s just leaving me cold. I can see why it has its fans for sure. I’m just not one of them. 2

Ok - after a run of tough new listens, now we’re back on very familiar territory. If you had a CD player in the mid 80s then you had to have a copy of this! DDD was a big deal back in the day!! The fact that it’s Dire Straits most commercial album and somehow it’s still jammed with wonderful songs like Why Worry is amazing to me. It’s the big hits that spoil it for me now. Money for Nothing was never the strongest track for me and I have always loathed Walk of Life (my original CD player was programmed to recognise this disk and skip the track always). The rest is simply wonderful music. Overall I think Love Over Gold is a far superior album, but it’s still a 4 all day long.

This has always fallen in the category of music I can admire, but don’t particularly enjoy. Beck is clearly a musical genius. It’s all just a bit too much. Probably going over my head. Listening again now, I’ve not really changed my mind. I can see why people love this….I just don’t. 3

Well I tried, but that really was heavy going and I gave up! It sounded so dated and trapped in its moment. Beating in mind I absolutely love Who’s Next, this was a massive disappointment. 2 and that’s being generous.

Hmm. More metal…..can’t wait. Anthrax definitely not my thing back in the day. Thrash just wasn’t for me tbh. Listening now, can see how this must have influenced bands that came later. Just not my cup of tea. 2

Not for me. I tried, but it’s relentlessly passing me by. 1

Kind of mad to think that this pre-dates the Beatles releasing Please Please Me. Can absolutely see why this is on the list, but it’s pretty dated now. Green onions still Cool AF, but the rest of the album does drag on a bit. 2

Just left me cold. I get why it’s on the list as a key part of the flower power movement….its therefore historically significant. As a listen with modern ears (and a first listen for me) I just find it another one that’s stuck in its moment and hasn’t aged very well. Glad I gave it a go, but won’t be coming back again. 2.5 rounded down to a 2

How many thrash metal albums are on this list? Not for me. Like they’ve just turned everything up to 11 in a bad way. 1

First listen….. Well the intro was enough to put me off. Kept going….can see this was probably pretty influential it it’s day. I find it hard with sample based music for it to feel like it has any cohesive soul to it. This is the core problem here for me. It definitely belongs on the list, but I don’t particularly enjoy or like it. I’m in a generous mood. 2

Nope. Not for me.

More Led Zep…I guess there will be most of their albums on here at some point. Basically same review as Led Zep 1. I can get behind most of it, but Plant’s voice always spoils the party for me. 2 is better than 1. So gets a 4.

Fantastic debut. Arrived fully formed and smashed it. Not an ounce of fat on these songs. Poetry and bangers…. Straight 4

ok - so this passed me by until now. First listen. Lovely vocal harmonies, that warm late 60s recording sound. Can see why some call it a link between Simon/Garfunkel and Beatles....its clearly from the same period, but it stands up on its own as well. And as a long time hater of Neil Young's voice, I'm quite pleased to have found this first! I like this....you can almost picture an album spinning with this on in the background. Will return to this one. 4

Wonderful album. One of the highlights of the 80s. Life's what you make it being the track everyone knows, but the rest of the album is of a similar high standard. Every track is layered and stands up to repeat listening, when it opens up and gives more and more. And they went on to even greater things with later releases! 5

Ok - first listen…. Great punk energy. They can actually play as well! Decent. 3

Will admit I bought this when it came out. Norah Jones was EVERYWHERE for a while with this release. She has clearly got a great voice and these songs sound lovely when you're in a chilled mood (or need to chill out). Listening now, it's stood up, mainly because it's pretty timeless music. 4

Great sounding record! Can see why this was so influential. For 1988 it’s years ahead of its time. Totally see why this is on the list. It’s clearly a predecessor to Nirvana… 3.

For the longest time I just didn’t get Bob Dylan. Blood on the tracks was the first time I could finally see what everyone was banging on about. He’s still a better songwriter than a singer, but this album was when I could see beyond the awful singing and somehow it all clicked for me. Worth it for Tangled Up In Blue alone. Rest of the album just gets better with repeated listening. Solid 4

Considered a return to form. From the first bars you can feel the energy and enthusiasm is back. His voice is weaker with age, but that’s not really an issue as the songs are written for it I guess. When it came out I did buy it. Haven’t listened to it in a while….stands up. Not anywhere near his best, but still good. 3

Holy cow! This was 1969!!?? Literally light years ahead of its time. Didn’t know what to expect, but this is just superb. Got a dirty nasty vibe at times and then it’s smooooooth. Definitely deserves its place on the list. 3. Drops points because it lost me a bit in the end. Definitely coming back to it though.

Ahhh Big Star….never heard of them until this list came along. It’s a very good mid 70s rock album. Kind of wild that it flew completely under the radar. They definitely deserved to be a lot bigger. It’s very much rooted in the 70s, but I love it. Feels so cool listening to something so old and yet so fresh to me….like a kind of Time Machine. Well worth a listen (as is the follow up). 4

This is the musical equivalent of a good action movie. Don't worry about the plot, you're just there for the experience and the special effects! I bought this back in the day and played it a lot (and LOUD). Probably doesn't stand up to analysis too much, but its still enjoyable for me. Was always a harsh and compressed sounding record to listen to though. With the master tapes allegedly gone in the Universal Studios fire, it'll probably never get any better sadly. 3

Smooth. Always loved a bit of Sade. Tight band. Good groove and Sade’s smooth as silk voice. Time travel back to the 80s thanks to the sax, but stands up really well. Arrived fully formed and mined the same seam from here on, so the debut is the best for me. Solid 3

Have always dismissed this as I never got the original version of Brimful of Asha. Loved the Norman Cook version though. As is often the case it’s fascinating to hear the track you do know in the context of the rest of the album. And I rather like it. Innovation all over the place and very cool/chill. Will give it a few more plays now. 3

Like it. First listen....instant Stranger Things vibes going on. Love the 80s sheen to it. Right up my street.

This is a first listen....I've never really been exposed to Nina Simone, other than her reissues in the 80s onwards. Turns out I also know some of the songs from their cover versions. And also turns out (as is often the case) that the originals are the best....Lilac Wine - just wow. Its simply divine. There is an effortless cool to it and the vocals just give you chills. Am stunned these were the cast offs from other albums...I need to dig further into her albums for sure. 5

Ok - so I know this one inside out. It’s the best Beatles album for me. Everything is spot on, the singing, musicianship, recording and production are perfect and basically set the blueprint for years to come. And an iconic cover just finishes the package off perfectly. And with the exception of Maxwell’s Silver Hammer it’s a joy from start to finish. Side 2 with the medley of songs is still jaw dropping when you consider there is just 6 years separating this and the simplicity of some songs on Please Please Me. If ever there was an album to make the case for the Beatles this is it. Lennon, McCartney and Harrison provide some of the best songs of all time for this album. And they did it as they were falling apart. It’s the ultimate final bow. Easiest 5 on the list and a great excuse to listen to it again.

Back in the day I thought some of the tunes were reasonably catchy, but overall I never understood the hype around Oasis. It was just noise to me mainly. And I still don’t. I prefer this to What’s the Story… but that’s not saying much. It’s not improved with age and that’s probably because, in the end, the music just isn’t that great. I guess it stands as a moment in time for some people due to it being everywhere for a while, but I don’t think it stands up to scrutiny without that. See - still don’t get it! 2 - and that’s being generous.

It’s the bridge between 80s metal and indie/grunge and can see why it’s on the list. Very pop sounding these days. It’s ok for me. Nothing more. 3

Man - I just don't get the Doors. I just can't see what others see. It just dribbles on for me...and the organ ruins every song. 1

This is the example I would give to explain why I tend to dislike Metal. Just noise. 1

So - this is almost overfamiliar. I played this album a LOT back in the day. It’s the high water mark of EJ’s 70s output and that’s saying something when there are a LOT of other very very good albums in his run from 1970 to 1975. This is a sprawling double album and it shows a couple of times where weaker material made it onto the release, but overall the breadth of tracks on here remains really impressive even now. So many classic tracks on side 1 alone. It is a masterpiece. Still love it. 5

U2 - bit marmite aren’t they….anything after Joshua Tree is a no for me. After that Bono disappeared up his own backside. 1

Ok - it’s all a bit generic to my ears. Recording almost sounds like it’s from the 60s. Was stunned this was 2004. Was ok-ish, I guess. 2 and no idea why this is on the list tbh. Won’t be coming back again

Having only heard the title track, and not being the biggest fan of it either, this has always passed me by. First listen- wow! Like a prototype Bat out of Hell. Will revisit this one. 3

All the link pieces date it a bit, but then it launches into an all time classic bit of hip hop. 3 is the magic number is still cool af. So many amazing tracks on here. Loved the quirky nature of De La Soul. Feels a bit more cerebral and musical than most of the gangster stuff that soon followed. Looses its way a bit as an album, but when it’s good it’s absolutely brilliant. Helps that there are so many amazing samples on it. Made in the era before sample licensing killed off this kind of eclectic sample based music. Amazing it was also made before sampling was particularly easy to do as well. 3.5 rounded up to a 4

Surprised to see this on the list. Quite like some of Sheryl Crow’s music, but this debut is too one dimensional for me to listen to. This hits are good, but as an album it drags on a bit. Follow up is much better for me. 2.5 rounded up to a 3

First Listen. Was never into Yes - just too proggy for me as a kid. However since then I've ended up loving Supertramp and Pink Floyd so lets see! Some serious guitar playing to open. Mercifully light on the organ so far. Is like the guitarist has to prove they know every trick in the book (and has every pedal)....almost jazz like the way musicians are spiralling off. Washing over me quite nicely - can see why people love this. Will be listening again.

This is famous enough that at some point I must have bought the CD back, but I don’t recollect giving it a serious listening until now. Only song I will admit to knowing is River which has become a bit of a Christmas hit of late. Simple, personal, heartfelt and achingly pretty. It’s kind of timeless. Will listen again when I want to just sit back and need to nourish my soul for a while. 4

Wannabe Rolling Stones crossed with American Soft Rock. Nothing original going on at all. I find it’s just washing over me...just bland. 2

Easiest 5 on the list. In my opinion it’s the best album of the 90s and arguably the best of all time. The breadth of songwriting, musicianship and the journey you go on listening to this are staggering. Yes - I love Radiohead. This is their masterpiece. 5

Not sure on this one tbh. I can respect it, but it sounds pretty dated now with all the wacka wacka guitar. Not really enjoying it. 2

I just don't get Metallica, or metal in general. Chugging distorted guitar - Check Angry lyrics screamed into the mic - Check Drummer smashing the kit up - Check This seems a good example of this genre I suspect, it may even be a great example of it. But I just can't stand it. Turned off after 2 songs 2 - and that's generous

Allegedly musical geniuses at work….. I guess the fact that it’s just noise and distortion is the point, but it makes for an unlikeable & unlistenable mess. Can see in the year it was released that it was perhaps way ahead of punk and can be revered as such. But it’s definitely nothing I would choose to play again. 2

It’s nice enough. Just washes over me without leaving any impression. Bland tbh. 2

This is an album that takes multiple listens to really open up. It’s a good Bowie album, which means by any wider measure it has to be a 4

Deeply un-enjoyable listen. Not for me. 1.5 rounded up because I’m happy it’s over with.

First listen…I only knew the tracks from Legend….and they’re some of the best tracks on it. Sounds sublime. Laid back and cool vibe. Given I couldn’t get on at all with Catch a Fire at all when that came up, I have to admit tha this album really surprised me. Can see why this is a classic. Love it - going into rotation. 4

Super cool! Smooth as silk. Almost crosses the line from jazz to easy listening at times, but I like it. 4

I like some of this, but it’s not as good as his later material with the Attractions, and as an album it’s all just a bit samey. 2.5

This is the sort of thing I like to find on the list. Never heard it before. It’s a right mashup of genres….Country, Rock, Prog. Was worried it was going to be too country for my tastes, but then it gets going and is much more my kind of thing. Amazing that I’ve never even heard of it. 3

What a wonderful excuse to pull out the album, sit down and listen to it in one go.... It's just a piece of musical genius. There are so many levels it works on. The songs are all gems in their own unique way. The production is timeless....it could have been released last week - most albums from the 80s show it, but not this. It is practically it's own Genre for me. The second side (The Ninth Wave) is simply sublime - I love that it is an album of two parts. And Dream of Sleep is simply one of the most gorgeous pieces of music ever recorded. It's been a favourite of mine for 40+ years and it's wonderful to me that more modern ears have now discovered it thanks to Stranger Things. It might just be THE best album of the 80s. 5

Ok for me. Got a groove, but not really feeling it. Maybe I’m too sober?? 3

Air remain a favourite band of mine. This is just a perfect album. Has aged wonderfully as well. Easy 5

BOTW and Bookends are better albums, but this does contain some lovely music. It’s quite simple to modern ears maybe, but it has aged nicely for me. 3.5 rounded up to a 4.

First listen…. Followed on from Simon and Garfunkel on my list and the intro to Zebra is a perfect dovetail between the two albums decades apart. Got a very traditional indie vibe. Nice, but not particularly attention grabbing so far. 2.5 - it’s ok. Don’t think I’ll be back again though. Maybe 2

Clearly see the influence it had on Bob Dylan. Was also interesting to hear the OG version of something from Clapton Unplugged I guess. But it is not for me. 1.5 rounded up to a 2.

It’s a snapshot in time performance. Taking away the production leaves the songs and the band shown in better focus. They were a good band. 4

Favourite Led Zep album. Somehow Plant’s voice fits better on this one (always the thing I struggle with tbh). There is a more folky, bluesy, dirty gritty vibe to it. Variety of sound from track to track makes it an entertaining listen. 4

Love me some later day Tom Petty, but never really explored this before. It’s….decent. Pretty fully formed for a debut, but also a bit lacking somehow. 2.5

Never got into the Style Council back in the day. Was still mad at Paul Weller for splitting the Jam! Listening now, I know the singles, but the album is a first listen….its way better than I expected to be fair. Very cool jazzy vibe. Piano led songs aren’t what you associate PW with, which I guess was the point. Tracey Thorn on anything is an instant win also! Overall I’m impressed…will revisit. 3

Starts so so strong…..hits hard but with a couple of absolute bangers to draw you in. But it’s the singles that come first. Which is telling. After the first few tracks the quality just falls off a cliff sadly. An album that’s 80% filler for me (which wasn’t that uncommon in the 80s). 2 - shame really…starts so well. The first two tracks DO belong on a best of the 80s playlist though.

Oh joy. More early Bee Gees…. It’s not quite as awful as Odessa, but that’s not saying much. I don’t get it. Just leaves me stone cold. Like a bunch of bad 70s variety show cover songs. 1

Hard to see what all the fuss is about now really. Its historically important and therefore interesting. But it's not particularly engaging to modern ears (at least not mine). 2

Still a masterpiece all these years later. It hasn’t lost any of its impact. I respect it more than love it is the only criticism I have. 4

Must admit this won me over. Never heard it before. Simple recipe, but it works. Mad that this is 60 years old….because it’s just guitar and voice, it could have been recorded yesterday. Timeless really. 3

Ahhh - more Nick Drake....nice! Overall I prefer 5 Leaves Left and Bryter Later, but this is still wonderful music. 4

Bit of a gem from the peak Britpop era. Kind of a sister album to Parklife from Blur. In fact it’s arguably better. Solid 4. Going back into rotation….had forgotten how tight this album is!

Not for me. Just don’t get it. 1

Great singer. This is her finding her way a bit, but the songs remain strong. In some ways this album stands up better than Back to Black as the production is more understated and you can focus on her singing more. Solid 3.5

Ok - for me, this is Bowie’s masterpiece. So many great songs in one collection. Hard to choose a favourite, but Life on Mars is still jaw droppingly beautiful 55 years later. Rick Wakeman is the extra ingredient that makes this the best Bowie album for me. His piano arrangements are perfect. Queen Bitch is clearly the link to Ziggy which followed on from this album…. Straight 5.

Nearly their best album. For me it’s pipped to the post by Ok Computer, but this is an easy 5 star album and an astonishing piece of work. It’s also an amazing quality recording if you’re into that kind of thing. Has an immense soundstage and dynamics. Proper HiFi demo record. Love it. 5

It was quite the debut, but the power of it is rather lost under the 80s sheen these days I guess. Still some absolute bangers on here. Solid 3

This is a pretty cool album. Quite why it was ignored on release is a bit of a wonder. Still well worth a listen. 3

Love Goldfrapp Beautiful album. 4

It’s way more nuanced than the 80s sheen suggests and it’s a good album. It’s not his finest work, but it’s still well worth a listen. 3

Hmmm - to me this is just Cheesy Vegas Lounge Singer Elvis. Leaves me cold. In fact it actively makes me want to put something else on…..so worse than cold! 2 - just because Suspicious Minds is pretty decent.

Wow! Was not expecting this. Have never been a fan of Odelay and have therefore shied away from Beck. I could admire Odelay, but just didn’t like it. This on the other hand, is right up my street. Think it’s the more traditional production that draws me in better. I like! 4. Going into rotation

Don’t know if this is a UK vs US thing, but the Go Gos just never really caught on over here. I know Our Lips Are Sealed, but it’s the Fun Boy Three version that I heard first and for me it’s way better than the Go Gos shiny pop version. The rest of the album just washed over me. Bit samey tbh. Not bad, but not entirely sure what all the fuss is about. 3.

It’s not my thing, but I can appreciate why this is highly rated. There is a LOT going on with this….falls into the category of music I can respect, but I don’t enjoy. 3

Dark, brooding and atmospheric. Got to be in the right mood to enjoy this, but if you are (and I was by chance), then this is very very good. 4

I don’t mind early Rod Stewart. Every Picture Tells a Story is a better album….this is just about ok. Don’t really think it warrants being on this list tbh. 2.

It’s a very, very free form jam at times. Makes for an interesting experience. When it kicks into gear it’s jaw dropping, but that’s more sporadic than you’d perhaps expect from an album that’s as revered as this. Musicianship is off the charts, but it just goes on too long tbh. Glad to have heard the hits in the context of the album, but don’t think I’ll be back again anytime soon. 3

The opening notes are basically a coda for making happy. It’s that good! The whole albums is a cool listen….its fun to hear the echoes of 60s Motown still here in the music. In the end it’s not an album that goes further than the opening track. It’s cool…but 3 for me.

One of best albums of all time. Not much more I can add…love this album from start to finish. 5

Ahh man….love this album. Have done since I was a kid. Just takes you on a journey through the songs. And as I’ve grown older so the songs have spoken to me in new ways - different songs become favourites at different times, depending on where I’m at in life. My only complaint is it’s such a crappy recording…but it’s a minor point. As a rule I absolutely loathe musicals, but this is effectively the exception to prove the rule. It’s the songs to a rock opera / musical that never existed except in the listener’s head. Probably why I like it…none of the sudden, jarring breaking into song from the linking dialogue. edit - I'm depressed to see a musical has now actually been created - I'll skip that! Easy 5 for the album.

Pretty damn cool! Funky vibe to this. 3 for me. Glad I’ve listened to this one.

It may be amazing. Although the reviews suggest otherwise… Sadly it’s not on Spotify, so it will remain something that I won’t have listened to before I die.

So smooth. Love a bit of Steely Dan, so this is obviously a CD I own! It's now stuck with the Yacht Rock label, but I don't care....this is a great set of songs with a super smooth production. Just because it's not an aural assault doesn't mean it's not good! 4

It’s a very cool album. Just lovely to sit and listen to. Not really Country at all tbh. The backing singing style is very 50s easy listening and is jarring with Rays vocals. Other than that I can’t fault it. 4

Enjoyed that a lot more than I expected…. Great album. 4

One of those albums that seemed to be everywhere in the mid 80s. The music is cool. I just don’t think Paul’s weak voice fits the music. It’s jarring. 2

Literally sighed when this came up….. I just don’t get it. This isn’t music to my ears. 1

First listen (somehow). Bit of a retro Britpop sound, but it’s apeing music I like so that’s ok by me. If you don’t take it too seriously its a decent album. 3

Not a fan. 21 is a better album. 18 has more sparks of originality and genius on it even if it is a mixed bag overall. This is just polished to the point where I can’t latch onto anything. She’s clearly a generational talent with her voice. This album just seems a waste of it. 1.5

I’m sorry but this is awful. It wasn’t great back then and it’s aged badly as well. 1.5

Not For Me 1 Just Noise

This is a good album. A bit forgotten these days? Love it and indeed bought it when it came out. One of those albums where the rest of the album lived up to the promise of the hit singles. They didn’t better this one - it’s their best work. 4

Never come across this before…. It’s a rather charming album. Won me over with its gentle charm. 3.5

One of those albums that comes along every now and again and manages to be different. It’s actually more "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" looking back, but the way it melded genres and predicted the world to come is pretty amazing overall. Despite its quirky ideas and range finding, it’s has also also got some bangers on here as well. Solid 3

Not her best. Dated terribly now. Music box is better. 2

Peak Hair Metal and nothing wrong with that. No need to over analyse it! I’d forgotten how bloody good it is from start to finish. Every track could have been a Single. It’s just chock full of bangers. Like a Time Machine for me….I instantly picture the dashboard of my first car listening to this - the tape was practically worn out it was played so much. Solid 5

Washed over me nicely enough, but nothing really to latch on to 2.5

Not sure why, but not really into this. Loved Nirvana, but this is just not working for me. Too much shouting. 2.5

Nope. Just don’t get Neil Young….voice is just so whiny. Waaaay too many of his albums on this list for my taste. 1

Wow! This is what I’m here for… What a joy to discover an album with some known songs and then the rest of the album is just brilliant. What an absolute gem. Just perfect for a lazy Sunday morning - which by chance it is! Easy 4

Great production and rocks hard. Nearly a great rock album. Just a pity about the vocals. They come close to ruining it. Overall just about a 3.

Even 55 years later, this is still fresh and effortlessly cool. Can only imagine what a lightning bolt it was when it came out. Love this. Prefer The Slider, but this is still a great album and very worthy of being on the list. 4

Lived through the 80s and was never into the Fall. Listening now….still happy that I skipped it. This isn’t the musings of a post punk poet to me…..still sounds like a crap pub band tbh. 1

Nope - not for me.

Ok - so this is clearly from the genesis of metal/hard rock. Always struggle with Organ in the mix a bit, but it’s pretty cool musicianship overall. Leaves me a bit cold. Impressive, but not really anything I’d choose to listen to. 3

Gangster Rap is where I draw the line on this list. I get that this is important music for a lot of people….im just not one of them.

Ok - this is more my thing. Fanstic bit of paych. Can tell it’s the year after Pepper….but it’s moved on from there. Starts strong and fades a bit, but overall I enjoyed it. 3

Always had a soft spot for this. 3

Just a perfect pop album. One of the finest the 80s gave us. So many beautifully crafted songs. It’s deserving of it’s place on the list for sure. Easy 4

Light years ahead of its time. Can absolutely see why this is on the list and why so many rate it. Doesn’t mean I enjoyed it though! Ultimately not my thing. 3

The best post Beatles album any of them made in my opinion. Which is to also say that it's not perfect and is overlong, but there is enough here to warrant a solid 4. There are fun playlists that takes the best from all the solo Beatles albums to create what a theoretical follow up album would have been (and for me they show that it would have been greater than the sum of its parts). Tracks from this feature heavily. Worth a search....

The album I would recommend as an introduction to the Smiths. Given it was the end, it’s a a wonderful sign off. Listening now you just have to sadly gloss over what a weapons fgrade bell-end Morrissey is now. But back in the day….this was as cool as it got. 4.

Damn! Did not expect this. Poppy indie grunge…love it! 4.

Not for me. I don’t get it. Wish I did….massive genre just leaves me cold.

Folktastic! Frankly sounds almost like it’s satire to my ears (Vic and Bob vibes). Some pretty tunes, but it’s all just too overblown on the vocals. 2

It’s Jazz…..nice! Actually ok as background music, but not my thing really.3

Not for me.

Still sounds pretty unique. It’s clearly from the 80s, but it’s got a sound all of its own as well. Wonderful pop album. Up there as one of the greatest the 80s had. Solid 4 for me.

I keep trying, but this just isn't music for me. 1

Ok - this is beautifully bonkers. Baroque Bjork is the best summary I can come up with. I think I like it. Bought it 20 years ago, but have to say it’s not been in heavy rotation since. Revisiting now, it’s still a unique listen. Still end up confused by it! 3

Ahhh - love a bit of the Divine Comedy! This is a short and sweet album. I just find the songs lovely. Highlight being Everybody Knows (Except You). I get why the Device Comedy are an acquired taste (and you do need to be 'in' on the tongue in cheek approach they have), but they're worth it. The Greatest Hits (A Secret History) is a great introduction to their peak years. Solid 4

It’s nice enough. Feels like painting by numbers. It’s all perfectly assembled but has no soul. I can’t fault it as a pop album. It’s probably I’m just too old now to connect with it. Horribly compressed sound also. 2

Good album. Good band. 4

Prefer Songs for Swinging Lovers, but this is still very cool. It’s the OG for swing. Time hasn’t dulled it. Solid 3

Watershed moment in music? Was before my time, so I never had the shock of the new from it. But I grew up with it being a core part of what music actually is. The wonky stereo of the original mix is probably the only thing that places it in time. Listening to the modern stereo remix it's as fresh as a daisy. Still a great set of tunes. With the honourable exception of Within You Without You. That remains a challenging listen for me. 4.5 - rounded up to 5.

Effortlessly cool. Super smooth album. Just so evocative of its time. 3.5 for me.

Dreary. Just no connection with this. 2

This is a bit too rough and ready for me. Pub band recorded in the corner of a pub vibes. But it’s also got a sleazy cool vibe at times as well. 2.

Still brilliant! Just gets on with it. Didn’t have a lot of chords to play with, but works for me!! 4

Loved rhe first Big Star album so was intrigued to see this one come up. Some great tunes on this one also. Does have an unfinished/demo feel to it. But it’s still decent. Amazing how they never made it.

Iggy Pop….just don’t get it. Never have. Some iconic tunes, but he’s speaking/shouting all the time and ruins it. Generous 2

Hmmm…..Country. Not my thang as a rule. And this doesn’t sound like anything to change my mind. 1.5

Smooooooth. Title track is just wonderful. Bought the album years ago as a result of this being a single. Rest of the album was a bit of a shock initially, but it remains a great listen. 4

Back in the 80s this was one of the early CDs in my collection and consequently got a lot of play. It’s rarely an album I’d reach for now. Listening now it just all seems a bit forced. Trying too hard. 3

One of the highlights of this list has been discovering CCR. This is even better than the last one…. 5

Surprised to see this on the list. It was a decent pop album in its day, but there is nothing particularly groundbreaking going on. 2.5

Love XTC. Is it their finest album? Depends on my mood, but it’s up there. Superb album all round. One of my all time favourites. Easy 5.

Nothing particularly original going on, but this is a solid 3.5 album all day long. Just some amazingly catchy tunes.

It's new to me. Never even heard of it. First listen....yup....can see why. Big thumbs up to me 22 years ago for giving this a miss. Awful. Can't see what is unique about this noise to warrant inclusion on the list either. 1

Ok - for country then this is pretty good. Great voice. 3.

Agreeable noise. Lots of screaming. 2

Music I admire more than I enjoy….it should be on this list, but it’s not for me. My loss I suspect. 3

Not for me. It simply isn’t music to my ears. 1

It’s just a flat out great rock album. Easy 4

Well I like it more than trash metal, but it’s not really my idea of fun. Impressed me more than I expected. 3

Country - don’t get it….especially this.

Ahh man. This is simply one of the most beautiful albums ever released. Like nourishment for the soul. 5

Just beautiful pop songs. Mr Blue Sky alone earns a 5, but the whole album is just sublime. Which is incredible given it’s also a lot of tracks. Almost a greatest hits at times…. Instantly transported back to my childhood by many of these songs as this album was everywhere in the late 70s. Love it - Jeff Lynne’s masterpiece

Prefer Hysteria. This is the prototype for it. 3

Really enjoyed this. Still a breath of fresh air after all these years. The influence on Paolo Nutini pretty apparent to me also. Solid 3

I learned today that Neil Young was in Buffalo Springfield…. I have therefore found yet another album on this list I can’t stand. Just don’t get it. 1.5 rounded up to a 2 (for the stuff that isn't so Neil Young)

One of those bands that arrived fully formed. It's a very impressive debut and they then did go on to do even greater things (Love Over Gold is their masterpiece), but all the same this is a really enjoyable album. Sultans of Swing obviously the famous track (deservedly so), but the rest of the album is of a similar grade, if a bit more low key. It's just fabulous musicianship and tight as a drum. Fabulous recording as well (all DS albums are). Hi-fi demo stuff. Solid 4.

Jazz isn’t usually my bag. This live performance is kind of cool, but it just sounds a bit dull to me. Sarah’s voice is clearly strong, but it’s very forward and a bit strident to my ears. Maybe it’s the recording but I’m just not into this at all. 2

Like Clapton’s MTV Unplugged 30 years before it happened!! Can see how it influenced what was to come. Enjoyed it more than I expected tbh. 3

Ok - so this isn’t my thing. It just sounds a lot like a lot of other modern music to my ears. Struggling to latch onto anything unique. Loses stars instantly for autotune - one of my pet peeves. 2

Iggy Pop not my cup of tea…. Nor is Proto-Punk…. So I really don’t like this! For being ahead of its time it gets some credit, but it’s definitely not for me. 1.5

This is my jam! Always had a soft spot for the Kinks, but never listened to this as an album before. It’s a work of genius. Will revisit. 4.5

For hip hop this is ok. Trippy instead of Gangster suits my tastes better. Was super cool at the time, but you do look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I’m not sure why it’s on this list tbh. 2.5

Nothing original here….move along…. 2

Bit of a one trick pony isn’t he? Nothing original going on here compared to his previous work and puzzled why this is on the list. 2

Solid indie. Good band / good album. 4

This is the one Jazz album I actually own. It remains effortlessly cool and is a great way still to kick back and chill.

Decent 80s soul. Great voice and sweet love is a lovely song. All a bit bland now though.

First listen. Knew of Fela Kuti, but never spun this up before. Got a real groove, but each track is just way too long. Start off each track thinking it’s good and by the end of it I just feel relieved it’s over. I can respect this, and can see why people would love it. Definitely glad it’s on this list and that I’ve therefore listened to it. Just not for me. 3

Dear me. You can hear the shared heritage with the Human League, but this version is just painful to listen to in comparison. It was cool and fresh when it arrived, but this album has aged like milk. Awful. 1.5

First listen. This is falling into the category of music I admire….jury is still out about whether I like it or not. But this is clearly an ambitious album and I respect anything that is unique and striving for something new and thought provoking. 4

Bit too rough and ready for me. 2.5

Solid 3 - good album

I just don’t get the Doors. Plenty of people do and they rave about them, but I just don’t hear what they hear it seems. And this isn’t their best either. 1.5 for me.

ok - first listen. Never came across this back in the day. Nothing particularly original and its clearly from the early 00s, but I like what it is. Makes for a pleasurable listen in the background. 2.5

One of the more hidden gems of the 80s. This Is The Day and Uncertain Smile being the earworms, but the rest of the album is of a high standard too. It’s aged spectacularly well. Still sounding fresh all these years later. There is a little bit of magic in this album, it’s thought provoking lyrics mean that it stands up well to repeated listening. And this is a great excuse to dust off the vinyl copy and do precisely that! Easy 4

This is everything I dislike about Country as a genre. It’s almost impressive how much this is the perfect distillation of all I loathe! 1

Does it deserve to be on this list? Absolutely! It literally is where it all began. Pretty much everything else on the list owes a debt to this blazing a trail in the 50s first. Does it stand up today? Well…..yes and no. Tutti Frutti remains a banger even now. But the rest of the album can’t take it any further. Diminishing returns after that. 3 - feel bad doing that, but the reality is I won’t be back again except for Tutti Frutti.

Never really got the Byrds. It’s all very pretty, but also just a bit bland to my ears. This is leaving me cold. 2

Rave music royalty. The Rave scene was a cultural moment which this is a core part of. However, trying to analyse music like this is spectacularly missing the point of it. It absolutely deserves to be here. It is a key part of the journey to modern dance music. And if you're ever in need of something to dance to whilst chemically enhanced then I would imagine this still does the trick perfectly. Nowadays it’s good for when i’m stuck in traffic and need to zone out! 4

First listen….., This is amazing! So cool…how have I never found this before!? 1973….just wow. Coming back for repeat listening for sure. 5

I can hear why this is an important album and how it is a precursor to a lot of 90s stuff to come. But I’m not enjoying it at all… 2

Super chilled. Definitely my kind of thing. Wonderfully relaxing music. Easy 4

It sounds of its era now, but aged better than a lot of stuff from this time. Solid 3

Not sure this counts as an album tbh, but some great tunes on here that still have a swing to them. 3

Dear lord, he can’t sing a note! I tried given all the 5 star reviews, but this is just ruined by the vocals. Pity, there’s a good band here otherwise. Really not surprised I didnt discover this in the 80s. Generous 2

Too much country in here for my taste. 2

Breath of fresh air when it landed. Holds up brilliantly well. Great album. For once the trendy & hip "it" band were actually as good as the hype. 4.5

It’s a masterpiece. Can’t explain how otherworldly this was to my young ears when I first heard it. Haunting, stark and just beautiful. It was like nothing else I’d heard. Amazing that they did this in 1981…it’s way ahead of its time and has to be one of the best albums of the 80s Easy 5

Never heard all of this before. I’ve generally preferred radio friendly Genesis to the prog version. (Ducks for cover). This is about as Prog as I can handle. It’s dancing close to cliche for me. But it’s worth working through. Overall I enjoyed it. 3 for me. Didn’t love it, but can see why others do.

Just noise.

Mad how good this is. Bowie blew the doors off with this. Light years ahead of its time. 5 - even if you hate it, it’s still like a signpost to the future.

Just beautiful music. Love the Blue Nile…this album and Hats are just wonderful. 4

It’s Led Zep IV. Nuff said. Prefer Led Zep 3, but that’s just preferences. Plant’s vocals still not for me, so 4.

Proggy start. Weirdly effective voice. Unconventional, but I like it. This is growing on me! 3

Sounds more like easy listening than the king of rock n roll to me. It doesn’t rock or remotely roll. It’s bland. 1.5

Missed this at the time, but I like it. Nothing particularly unique going on, but it’s an agreeable set of tunes! 3

Hmmm. This is going to be an interesting ride. On the one hand, I find Bono to be an insufferable cockwomble, but on the other the early works of U2 are held in high regard. At the time, I was definitely not a fan. Didn’t really enjoy U2 until the Unforgettable Fire/Joshua Tree combo. So…..with that said. It’s all a bit meh for me. I don’t see the greatness others see. Like a cake where all the ingredients are things I like, but it tastes wrong when you eat it. Hard to pin down what it is. 2 for me

Don’t understand gangster rap. Not music to me. Clearly others disagree, but I remain happy in my ignorance about this genre. 1

Time Machine Pop! Wonderful 80s album. Way more depth than you’d perhaps expect if you only know Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Just the right balance of quirky and commercial. Easy 4 for me.

His best solo album. Probably his best album of them all. All the angst and grit of the Jam has been polished smooth and what remains is an album of great songs and sung by a singer you feel has seen a few things. It’s not perfect, but it’s an easy 4 for me.

Now this is one of my favourite albums of all time. It has aged like fine wine, still as amazing today as when I first listened to it as a small boy. It is impossible for me to not listen to the whole album when I put it on, and when it’s finished you’re always left wishing there was one more song. Musicianship is off the charts, songwriting is stunning. It’s pretty much perfect. Finally it’s one of the most amazing sounding records of all time. Find a good UK first pressing on vinyl and prepare to be stunned at the soundstage and dynamics. Masterpiece. I’d give this more than 5 if I could.

Not for me.

Well this is the exception that proves the rule. A rap album that I can respect and at times even enjoy. Lauren Hill a generational talent…a shame we’ve heard so little from her over the years. 3 for me.