Jul 13 2024
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinandâs self-titled debut is a sharp, swaggering burst of post-punk revival energy that still sounds remarkably fresh. With taut guitar riffs, infectious hooks, and a danceable edge, the album delivers on its promise to make guitar rock fun again. The bandâs art school sensibilities blend seamlessly with a raw, rhythmic urgency, giving the whole record a confident, stylish vibe.
"Take Me Out" is the obvious standout â a perfectly structured anthem that shifts gears mid-song and never loses momentum. Itâs bold, catchy, and brilliantly executed, the kind of track that defines an era. While not every song hits that same high, the album maintains a strong pace throughout, full of clever lyrics and tight arrangements.
Itâs not quite flawless, but as debut albums go, this one made a massive statement â and backed it up.
Favorite Song: "Take Me Out"
4
Jul 14 2024
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
At Folsom Prison is an iconic moment in music history, but as a listening experience, itâs a bit uneven. Johnny Cashâs raw charisma and outlaw spirit are on full display, and the live setting adds grit and authenticity. Thereâs a unique electricity in the air â the kind you only get when a man sings to a room full of inmates about crime, regret, and redemption.
That said, not every track holds up musically, and the pacing can drag in spots. Itâs more historically significant than consistently compelling. Still, when it hits, it really hits â "Cocaine Blues" steals the show with its speed, swagger, and gallows humor. Cash sounds completely in command, delivering it like a man whoâs lived every word.
A flawed but fascinating listen, and essential if you care about country, rebellion, or the blurred line between performer and prisoner.
Favorite song: "Cocaine Blues"
3
Jul 15 2024
Arrival
ABBA
Arrival finds ABBA at the height of their melodic powers, crafting polished pop with an almost mechanical precision. The album is packed with shimmering harmonies, lush arrangements, and that unmistakable Swedish pop sheen. But for all its craft, Arrival sometimes feels a little too clean â beautiful, but emotionally distant.
"Dancing Queen" is the undeniable crown jewel â a perfect slice of pop euphoria that manages to be both regal and irresistibly fun. Itâs the song that justifies the albumâs place in pop history. The rest of the tracklist, while solid, doesnât always reach the same heights. Some songs fade into the background, more technically impressive than emotionally gripping.
Itâs an album that shows ABBAâs brilliance, but also their limitations â a little too pristine to fully resonate from start to finish.
Favorite song: "Dancing Queen"
3
Jul 16 2024
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Head Hunters is often hailed as a landmark fusion record, but for all its innovation, itâs not the most accessible or consistently engaging listen. Herbie Hancock blends funk, jazz, and electronic elements with clear technical brilliance, but at times the album feels more like a jam session than a cohesive work. The grooves are undeniably tight, yet they often stretch on too long, testing patience more than rewarding it.
Thereâs no denying the influence of tracks like âChameleon,â but unless youâre deeply into jazz-funk experimentation, the album can come off as self-indulgent and lacking in emotional pull. The musicianship is top-tier, but the vibe leans heavily cerebral â more appreciated in theory than enjoyed in practice.
Respect for what it did, but not something Iâll be spinning often.
2
Jul 17 2024
I Should Coco
Supergrass
I Should Coco is a youthful, high-energy debut that captures the chaotic charm of mid-90s Britpop with a punky, mischievous edge. Supergrass sound like theyâre having a blast, and that enthusiasm is infectious â at least for a while. The album is brash, fast-paced, and occasionally brilliant, but it also leans a bit too hard into its own cheekiness, making it feel more like a sugar rush than a fully satisfying meal.
"Alright" is the standout â a perfect anthem for youthful rebellion, all swagger and sunshine, with just enough self-awareness to avoid being saccharine. Itâs the track where everything clicks. Elsewhere, thereâs a fair amount of noise and attitude, but not every song lands with the same confidence or staying power.
Fun in bursts, but a bit uneven. A solid debut, but one that feels more like a snapshot of a moment than something timeless.
Favorite song: Alright
3
Jul 18 2024
Back In Black
AC/DC
Back in Black is a thunderous, no-frills rock ânâ roll masterpiece â a defiant return after tragedy and arguably the greatest comeback album of all time. AC/DC doesnât reinvent the wheel here â they just tighten every bolt, crank the volume, and let it rip. Every riff is razor-sharp, every chorus built for shouting in unison.
The title track, âHave a Drink on Me,â and âYou Shook Me All Night Longâ are classics in their own right, but âShoot to Thrillâ is the standout â pure adrenaline in musical form, with Brian Johnson at his most electrifying and Angus Young ripping through solos like heâs got lightning in his fingertips.
This album doesnât have a weak moment. Itâs lean, mean, and still sounds massive decades later. Rock doesnât get much better than this.
Favorite song: Shoot To Thrill
5
Jul 19 2024
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Exile on Main St. is the Rolling Stones at their most ragged, raw, and relentlessly brilliant. It's a sprawling, sweaty dive into American roots music â rock, blues, gospel, country, and soul â filtered through the bandâs drug-fueled haze in a French villa basement. It shouldnât work, but it absolutely does.
âTumbling Diceâ is the crown jewel â a slinky, swaggering groove wrapped in slurred vocals and gospel backing that somehow feels both effortless and essential. âRocks Offâ kicks the door down as the opener, chaotic and glorious, with Keith and Mick sounding like theyâre on the edge of collapse and loving it.
Thereâs no polish here â just grit, soul, and the sound of a band laying it all out, imperfections and all. Itâs not just a great Stones album; itâs the kind of album that defines rock and roll.
Favorite song: Tumbling Dice
5
Jul 20 2024
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Surrealistic Pillow is a psychedelic landmark â dreamy, defiant, and drenched in the swirling spirit of the late â60s. Jefferson Airplane crafted an album that feels like stepping into another dimension, with Grace Slickâs voice cutting through the haze like a siren call. Itâs equal parts rebellion and reverie.
âSomebody to Loveâ is an absolute anthem, urgent and electrifying. â3/5 of a Mile in 10 Secondsâ brings a burst of frantic energy that keeps the album from floating too far into the clouds. But âWhite Rabbitâ is the masterstroke â a slow, hypnotic build that explodes into one of the most iconic climaxes in rock history. The crescendo is nothing short of phenomenal, wrapping Lewis Carroll in a velvet glove and punching through the counterculture with elegance and force.
Fifty-plus years later, it still sounds revolutionary.
Favorite song: White Rabbit
5
Jul 21 2024
Yeezus
Kanye West
Yeezus is Kanye West at his most abrasive, experimental, and confrontational. Itâs an album that tears down the glossy polish of his previous work and replaces it with industrial beats, jagged synths, and a near-total lack of compromise. Thereâs undeniable ambition here â and flashes of brilliance â but the chaos doesnât always translate into something cohesive or replayable.
Tracks like âBlack Skinheadâ hit hard, with pounding drums and snarling energy that feel genuinely explosive. It's the closest thing the album has to a âbangerâ in the traditional sense. âNew Slavesâ also stands out as one of the more compelling tracks, blending pointed social commentary with stark production.
Still, Yeezus often feels more like a statement than an album youâd want to return to often. Bold? Absolutely. Enjoyable all the way through? Not quite.
Favorite song: Black Skinhead
3
Jul 22 2024
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
This is a solid throwback to late-'90s electro-funk with a heavy dose of retro flair. It's got a slick, polished sound that works well as background musicâsomething you might put on while cleaning, working, or hosting people who donât want anything too intense.
There are definitely a few standouts. âMusic Makes You Lose Controlâ is catchy and playful, âSometimesâ has a nice groove, and âDamaged Peopleâ adds a little emotion to the mix. âDisco II Discoâ also has a fun energy that stands out from the rest.
That said, I didnât find myself wanting to come back to the album or add many of the songs to my regular playlist. Itâs good, just not essential.
3
Jul 23 2024
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fightersâ debut album is raw, relentless, and brimming with the kind of energy only a fresh start can bring. Recorded almost entirely by Dave Grohl himself in the aftermath of Nirvana, itâs a project that feels both cathartic and full of purpose. Thereâs a looseness to it â unpolished but deeply focused â that gives it a unique charm in the bandâs discography.
Tracks like âThis Is a Call,â âBig Me,â and âAlone + Easy Targetâ showcase Grohlâs knack for melody buried under layers of distortion, but âIâll Stick Aroundâ is the standout â aggressive, hooky, and pulsing with just enough venom to feel personal. Itâs the sound of someone reclaiming their voice and turning the volume way up.
As far as debut albums go, this one doesn't just promise a new chapter â it slams the door on the past and kicks open a new one with confidence.
Favorite song: "Big Me"
5
Jul 24 2024
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Killing Jokeâs self-titled debut is a jagged, aggressive blast of post-punk menace that helped lay the groundwork for industrial, metal, and countless bands that followed. Itâs raw, dark, and brimming with urgency â a perfect mix of punk fury and mechanical precision.
Tracks like âThe Waitâ and âSO36â hit hard with relentless rhythm and snarling vocals, while âBloodsportâ and âPrimitiveâ showcase the bandâs knack for combining chaos with groove. Thereâs a primal energy here that still feels fresh, and the fact that Metallica covered âThe Waitâ nearly two decades later? Thatâs not just a nod â itâs a badge of honor.
Itâs not the most polished album, but thatâs part of the charm. Itâs gritty, relentless, and fearless â a powerful debut that deserves its place in the post-punk hall of fame.
4
Jul 25 2024
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Sgt. Pepperâs isnât just a landmark album â itâs a world unto itself. The Beatles fully embraced the studio as an instrument, crafting an immersive, kaleidoscopic journey that redefined what pop music could be. Every song offers something distinct, yet the album flows with a strange, theatrical cohesion that feels both whimsical and profound.
While tracks like âLucy in the Sky with Diamonds,â âA Day in the Life,â and the title track often get the spotlight, âWithin You Without Youâ is the quiet revelation â a meditative, mystical piece that transports the listener beyond the psychedelic circus into something deeper. Itâs George Harrison at his most spiritual and daring, and it gives the album a philosophical depth that balances the playful experimentation elsewhere.
From start to finish, Sgt. Pepper is rich, strange, and timeless â the kind of album that rewards both casual listening and deep dives. Favorite Beatles album, or just one of many in the rotation?
Favorite song: "Within You, Without You"
5
Jul 26 2024
Suede
Suede
This one caught me off guard. I had no clue what to expect going in. Never heard of the band, and the album cover felt like a random pick from a thrift store bin. But the opening track, âSo Young,â hit hard right out of the gate. The guitar riff during the chorus is slick and oddly familiar. It grabbed my attention immediately.
âMovingâ was another solid track, and the whole album has a confident mix of glam rock flair and early Britpop edge. Brett Andersonâs voice is theatrical in a good way, and the band knows how to build up a song without dragging it out.
Itâs not one I wouldâve stumbled across on my own, but Iâm glad I heard it. Solid stuff all around.
4
Jul 27 2024
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin II is a loud, confident, and endlessly fun rock album that hits hard from the first note. âWhole Lotta Loveâ kicks things off with one of the most iconic riffs in rock history â a perfect opener that sets the tone for whatâs to come. The band wastes no time showing off their power, with heavy guitars, wild solos, and Robert Plantâs soaring vocals.
Side two starts strong with âHeartbreaker,â a track that blends swagger with skill, and that sudden solo break never gets old. âLiving Loving Maidâ follows with a fast, catchy groove â short by Led Zeppelin standards, but packed with energy and attitude. Then thereâs âRamble On,â mixing soft verses with thunderous choruses, showing the bandâs range and love for storytelling.
Every song adds something special, and the whole album feels tight, bold, and full of life. *Led Zeppelin II* isnât just great â itâs essential rock and roll.
Favorite song: "Whole Lotta Love"
5
Jul 28 2024
LP1
FKA twigs
This is the musical equivalent of style over substance â all aesthetic, no soul. It tries desperately to be avant-garde, but ends up sounding like a pretentious mess of whispery vocals, awkward rhythms, and production thatâs more interested in being âweirdâ than listenable. Itâs as if someone took the concept of emotional depth, filtered it through a fog machine, and forgot to include an actual song.
Tracks bleed into one another with little distinction, and while the album clearly wants to be groundbreaking, it often feels hollow and self-indulgent â like a fashion show with no models, just flashing lights and ambient noise. LP1 doesnât invite you in; it keeps you at armâs length and dares you to care.
In the end, itâs less of a musical experience and more of an endurance test. If this is the future of R&B, it might be time to hit rewind.
1
Jul 29 2024
This Is Hardcore
Pulp
2
Jul 30 2024
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Tribe really knows how to blend clever lyrics with smooth, head-nodding beats. Their writing always has that tongue-in-cheek edge to it, and the production here is clean, jazzy, and laid-back without ever feeling boring.
I didnât like this one quite as much as their debut, but itâs still a solid listen. Songs flow well, the vibe is tight, and the whole thing feels polished without losing its soul.
4
Jul 31 2024
A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
Theyâve definitely got the harmony thing down. That sibling blend is tough to beat, and itâs on full display here. âLove Hurtsâ still holds up, and considering how many artists have taken a swing at it over the years, that says a lot. âCathyâs Clownâ is another highlightâcatchy and classic.
The rest of the album kind of blurs together, though. Itâs pleasant, easy to listen to, but nothing really grabs you beyond the hits. Feels more like a time capsule than something Iâd put on regularly. Still, you gotta respect what they brought to the table.
3
Aug 01 2024
Mott
Mott The Hoople
4
Aug 02 2024
Maxinquaye
Tricky
4
Aug 03 2024
Imagine
John Lennon
Imagine is John Lennon at his sharpest â tender, bitter, playful, and unapologetically honest. While the title track often gets all the attention, the real magic of the album lies in its depth and contrast. Lennon swings from vulnerable ballads to scathing takedowns with ease, crafting a record that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant.
âCrippled Insideâ stands out as the highlight â a wry, rollicking tune that pairs biting lyrics with a bouncy, almost country-folk arrangement. George Harrisonâs slide guitar and dobro work throughout the album is nothing short of masterful, adding texture and emotional weight in all the right places. Tracks like âJealous Guy,â âGimme Some Truth,â and âHow Do You Sleep?â showcase Lennonâs full range â from self-reflection to pointed rage â while âI Donât Wanna Be a Soldierâ drowns you in its hypnotic, anti-war groove.
Imagine*isnât just a peaceful plea â itâs an artist laying himself bare, flaws and all. And it still sounds just as vital today.
Favorite song: "Crippled Inside"
5
Aug 04 2024
Never Mind The Bollocks, Hereâs The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Never Mind the Bollocks definitely has its moments. âGod Save the Queen,â âAnarchy in the UK,â and âProblemsâ still sound pretty awesomeâloud, messy, and full of attitude. I remember getting into early punk back in high school and putting âAnarchyâ on one of the CD-Rs I burned. It felt rebellious at the time, like I was in on something wild.
That said, the rest of the album doesnât do a whole lot for me now. Itâs more of a cool piece of music history than something I go back to.
3
Aug 05 2024
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Maybe itâs Bono. Maybe itâs me. Probably both. But U2 just doesnât land for me, and this album didnât change that. I went in hoping for at least one song to stand out, but nopeânothing stuck.
Itâs not even offensively bad, just painfully bland. The whole thing felt like background music for a car commercial. I get that people love them, but I must be missing that gene.
2
Aug 06 2024
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
This album is a haunting, graceful farewell from Leonard Cohen â a man fully aware heâs near the end, yet still crafting poetry with clarity and weight. His voice, deep and gravelly like a whisper from the grave, gives the album a solemn power thatâs impossible to ignore. Every word feels measured, every pause intentional.
The title track, âYou Want It Darker,â is the undeniable centerpiece â eerie, hypnotic, and laced with resignation and defiance. The arrangements throughout are sparse but rich, allowing Cohenâs voice and lyrics to stand at the forefront like an aging prophet speaking from the edge.
Itâs not an easy album, but itâs a beautiful one â full of reflection, acceptance, and that signature Cohen wit and wisdom. As parting gifts go, itâs hard to imagine a more fitting one. Did this album get you to revisit his earlier work, or was it your introduction to Cohen?
4
Aug 07 2024
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
2
Aug 08 2024
Feast of Wire
Calexico
3
Aug 09 2024
Apocalypse 91⌠The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
3
Aug 10 2024
Is This It
The Strokes
3
Aug 11 2024
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
3
Aug 12 2024
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3
Aug 13 2024
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears is a near-perfect snapshot of 1960s sunshine pop at its peak â warm, melodic, and packed with lush harmonies that still hold up decades later. The Mamas & The Papas blend folk, pop, and soul with ease, delivering an album that feels effortless but is full of rich vocal interplay and polished production.
âCalifornia Dreaminââ is the undeniable standout â a timeless anthem of longing and disillusionment, wrapped in a perfect arrangement that captures both the warmth of the West Coast and the chill of winter. Itâs one of those rare songs that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Tracks like âMonday, Mondayâ and âI Call Your Nameâ show the groupâs range, while their soulful cover of âSpanish Harlemâ adds texture and depth to the tracklist. Every song is delivered with confidence and charm, making this not just a great debut, but one of the defining albums of its era.
Golden harmonies, sharp songwriting, and undeniable vibe â this oneâs the real deal.
Favorite song: "California Dreamin."
5
Aug 14 2024
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3
Aug 15 2024
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
3
Aug 16 2024
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
3
Aug 17 2024
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbathâs debut is a cool listen if youâre into the roots of metal, but itâs definitely a bit rough around the edges. The title track has that spooky intro everyone talks about, but it drags for me and has never really been a favorite.
That said, âN.I.B.â and âThe Wizardâ still hold upâboth have a great groove and show off what the band was about to become. You can tell they were onto something, even if the full album doesnât totally land for me.
Favorite song: NIB
3
Aug 18 2024
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
3
Aug 19 2024
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
4
Aug 20 2024
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
One of the best parts of working through this list is stumbling across albums I never would've picked on my own. Curtis Mayfield was a name I knew, but I didnât expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Iâve never been big into funk, but this album hits different.
The grooves are smooth, the production is tight, and the lyrics actually say something. Curtis doesn't sugarcoat a thingâhe gets straight to the heart of social issues, and a lot of what heâs singing about still hits hard today. He balances heavy themes with laid-back vibes in a way that makes it stick. Definitely one of the better surprises so far.
4
Aug 21 2024
Brothers
The Black Keys
3
Aug 22 2024
Savane
Ali Farka TourĂŠ
3
Aug 23 2024
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Harry Nilsson really knew how to make a weird little masterpiece. Gotta Get Up kicks things off with such infectious energy you can't help but get pulled in. It's upbeat, it's got bounce, and it sets the tone perfectly. Then there's Coconut, the kind of oddball track you think is a joke the first time you hear it, until it's stuck in your head for three days straight. Everyone knows it, even if they don't know where they know it from.
The whole album is packed with charm and a sense of playfulness that makes it stand out. It isn't trying to be cool or profound. It's just good, clever songwriting with real personality. Nilsson was doing his own thing, and this album is a solid reminder of how much fun music can be when it leans into the weird instead of running from it.
4
Aug 24 2024
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here is one of Pink Floydâs most emotionally resonant albums â a reflective, atmospheric tribute to absence, loss, and the pitfalls of the music industry. It trades some of the grand concept sprawl of The Dark Side of the Moon for a tighter, more personal focus, and it pays off beautifully.
âWish You Were Hereâ is a standout â haunting in its simplicity, heartfelt without being sentimental. Itâs one of the most enduring acoustic tracks in rock history, full of quiet yearning. âHave a Cigar,â on the other hand, brings swagger and satire, poking holes in the industry machine with biting lyrics and a funky, driving groove.
While âShine On You Crazy Diamondâ bookends the album with grand ambition, it occasionally drifts a little too far into the ether. Still, when Wish You Were Here is locked in, itâs stunning â thoughtful, mournful, and musically rich.
A near-masterpiece with a soul.
4
Aug 25 2024
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
3
Aug 26 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Unplugged is not just one of the greatest live albums ever recorded â itâs a raw, intimate portrait of a band stripped down to its emotional core. Recorded just months before Kurt Cobainâs death, the performance carries an eerie, fragile weight that only deepened with time. Unlike other Unplugged sessions, Nirvana didnât lean on their biggest hits or crowd-pleasers â instead, they curated a somber, haunting setlist that felt more like a wake than a concert.
Tracks like âSomething in the Way,â âDumb,â âPolly,â and âOn a Plainâ take on a new vulnerability in the acoustic setting, each note soaked in quiet desperation and quiet strength. Their cover of David Bowieâs âThe Man Who Sold the Worldâ is unforgettable â reverent yet completely reimagined, with Cobainâs voice hovering between detachment and revelation.
But the true apex is the closing track, Lead Bellyâs âWhere Did You Sleep Last Night.â Cobainâs final, guttural scream is less a performance and more a primal exorcism â chilling, cathartic, and final. Itâs the perfect, devastating end to a performance that feels more like a confessional than a concert.
Unpolished, unguarded, and unforgettable â Unplugged isnât just a career highlight. Itâs a requiem.
5
Aug 27 2024
Ten
Pearl Jam
Ten is a towering debut â raw, passionate, and bursting with emotional weight. Born from the ashes of Mother Love Bone and the tragic death of Andy Wood, Pearl Jam emerged with something to prove and everything to feel. Stone Gossardâs songwriting forms the backbone of the album, anchoring it with powerful riffs and deeply personal themes, while Eddie Vedderâs voice â wounded, searching, and full of conviction â gives it soul.
Standout tracks like âOnce,â âAlive,â and âJeremyâ showcase the bandâs ability to balance fury with melody, tackling trauma, identity, and alienation without ever slipping into pretense. But âBlackâ is the true heart of the album â a devastating, beautiful slow burn that builds to one of the most emotionally resonant moments in all of rock. When Vedder delivers the line, âI know you'll be the sun in someone else's sky, but why can't it be mine?â itâs not just heartbreaking â itâs unforgettable.
Ten is more than just a great grunge record; itâs a statement of survival, grief, and defiance. Itâs the sound of a band coming together in the shadow of loss and turning pain into something transcendent. Still hits just as hard today.
Favorite song: Black
5
Aug 28 2024
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
3
Aug 29 2024
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Siamese Dream is a sprawling, explosive masterpiece that defined alt-rock in the â90s. The Smashing Pumpkins mix fuzz-drenched guitars, soaring melodies, and emotional intensity into something both massive and deeply personal. Itâs ambitious without being bloated â every track hits with purpose.
âCherub Rockâ is a thunderous opener, full of tension and release. âTodayâ brings melody and melancholy together in perfect balance, while âGeek USAâ is pure controlled chaos â fast, wild, and technically sharp. But âSilverfuckâ is the real standout. Itâs a rollercoaster of distortion, beauty, and fury, stretching past nine minutes and never wasting a second. It captures everything the Pumpkins do best: shifting dynamics, layered sounds, and raw emotion.
From start to finish, Siamese Dream is powerful, melodic, and completely unforgettable. A true high point of '90s rock.
Favorite song: Silverfuck
5
Aug 30 2024
More Specials
The Specials
3
Aug 31 2024
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
3
Sep 01 2024
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
This is one of those rare albums that completely catches you off guard. I went in with low expectations and came out blown away by the storytelling, honesty, and clever wordplay. Mike Skinner, the mind behind The Streets, turns everyday life â lost money, broken TVs, failed relationships â into gripping drama. Itâs part concept album, part confessional, and completely original.
His use of a thick Cockney accent isnât just for flavor â it becomes part of the rhythm, giving the rhymes a raw, grounded feel that makes every line hit harder. âIt Was Supposed to Be So Easyâ is the perfect opener: funny, frustrating, and totally relatable. It sets the tone for an album thatâs as much about mood and pacing as it is about bars.
This isnât just British rap â itâs kitchen-sink poetry with beats. Smart, emotional, and totally unique. One of the best concept albums Iâve heard.
Favorite Song: "It Was Supposed To Be So Easy"
5
Sep 02 2024
Queen II
Queen
This one might not be packed with radio hits, but it's still Queen doing what Queen does best. The theatrical flair, the layered harmonies, the ridiculous talent across the boardâitâs all here. They werenât playing it safe, and thatâs what makes it interesting.
You can hear the band really starting to experiment, especially on the second half. Brian Mayâs guitar work is as sharp as ever and Freddieâs vocals are already larger than life. It's not the kind of album you'd throw on for a greatest hits vibe, but it's a solid listen if you want to hear a band finding their sound. Not essential Queen, but still pretty good.
4
Sep 03 2024
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
3
Sep 04 2024
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Iâve got a lot of respect for Mudhoneyâthey were one of the OG grunge bands and Superfuzz Big Muff still rips. But Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge just didnât land for me.
The raw energy is there, and I get what they were going for with the garage rock vibes, but the songs kind of blur together and not much really sticks. It just felt like a slog to get through, and I kept waiting for a moment that never really came.
Glad they exist and helped shape the scene, but this album isnât one Iâll be revisiting any time soon.
2
Sep 05 2024
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
2
Sep 06 2024
Bone Machine
Tom Waits
Bone Machine is what happens when an artist mistakes chaos for genius and noise for depth. Tom Waits leans so hard into his gravel-throated, junkyard prophet persona that the entire album collapses under the weight of its own forced weirdness. It's not raw â it's sloppy. It's not haunting â it's grating. Listening to *Bone Machine* feels less like hearing music and more like being trapped inside a rusted-out oil drum while someone bangs on the outside with a wrench.
The songs meander without structure, the percussion sounds like it was recorded in a scrapyard, and Waitsâ voice â once evocative â now just sounds like a parody of itself. Thereâs a difference between being experimental and being unlistenable, and this album doesnât seem to know the line.
Critics called it bold and visionary, but bold doesnât mean good. Itâs an endurance test disguised as art, and one that I have no interest in repeating. If this is brilliance, Iâll happily stay in the dark.
1
Sep 07 2024
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
The Dark Side of the Moon isnât just an album â itâs a full-body experience. Even after all these years, it still sounds futuristic, mysterious, and endlessly deep. Pink Floyd crafted something truly timeless here, blending rock, jazz, synth, and soul into a seamless journey through the human condition â anxiety, greed, mortality, madness. Heavy stuff, yet somehow completely hypnotic.
âTimeâ is a masterclass in dynamics and lyricism, âUs and Themâ aches with beauty, and âBrain Damageâ is haunting and surreal. But âMoneyâ is the standout â funky, cynical, and packed with bite. That cash register intro alone is legendary. Itâs the song that pulled me in, and, in a former life, probably soundtracked more than one slow-motion head trip with smoke curling through the room.
This album doesnât just hold up â it lives outside of time. Whether youâre stone-cold sober or somewhere else entirely, it still hits like nothing else.
Favorite song: Money
5
Sep 08 2024
White Ladder
David Gray
3
Sep 09 2024
Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
3
Sep 10 2024
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
When it comes to trip-hop, I lean way more Portishead than Massive Attack. Thereâs something about Portisheadâs vibe that pulls me in, while Blue Lines just kind of... floats by. Itâs not bad by any means, but it didnât grab me.
The beats are solid, the production is smooth, and I can see why it gets so much love. But for me, it felt more like background music than something Iâd seek out again. Good enough to hold my attention, just not enough to keep it.
3
Sep 11 2024
The Coral
The Coral
4
Sep 12 2024
Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
3
Sep 13 2024
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
I know this album has a cult following, but honestly, I donât get it. Compared to Licensed to Ill, this just feels all over the place. The beats are weird, the flow is messy, and none of the tracks hit the same way.
Thereâs a lot going on, sure. Tons of samples, inside jokes, and deep cuts. But clever doesnât always mean good. I spent more time wondering what was happening than actually enjoying it. Definitely not for me.
2
Sep 14 2024
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
3
Sep 15 2024
Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
3
Sep 16 2024
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
This is where Queen really started showing off all their different sides. Youâve got the theatrical flair of Killer Queen, which is just pure fun every time, and then youâve got Stone Cold Crazyâfast, loud, and way ahead of its time. Itâs no surprise Metallica picked it up for their covers. That song rips.
The album bounces all over the place, but in a good way. Thereâs glam, hard rock, even some proto-metal in the mix. Not every track is a banger, but when it hits, it hits hard. Great energy throughout, and a big step up from the first two albums.
4
Sep 17 2024
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
2
Sep 18 2024
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Fun fact I learned during this listen: Dusty Springfield is British. With a name like that, I assumed she was American. The music definitely leans into that Southern soul vibe, which makes it even more surprising.
Son of a Preacher Man is the standout here, no question. Itâs iconic for a reason. But the rest of the album kind of fades into the background. Nice voice, solid production, but it didnât leave a big impression on me beyond that one track. Good, not great.
3
Sep 19 2024
Live!
Fela Kuti
2
Sep 20 2024
S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
3
Sep 21 2024
Station To Station
David Bowie
3
Sep 22 2024
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
4
Sep 23 2024
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
3
Sep 24 2024
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
You've got Ella Fitzgerald, one of the greatest jazz vocalists ever, singing songs written by George and Ira Gershwin, two of the most iconic songwriters in American music history. Honestly, whatâs not to like?
Every track feels like it belongs in a black-and-white movie or echoing from an old record player in some smoky lounge. Ellaâs voice is smooth, effortless, and classy. The arrangements are sharp, and the songwriting still holds up decades later. Even if you're not big on show tunes or jazz standards, it's hard not to appreciate the sheer talent on display here.
4
Sep 25 2024
Qui sème le vent rÊcolte le tempo
MC Solaar
4
Sep 26 2024
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Green River is CCR at full strength â lean, swampy, and loaded with timeless songs that still sound fresh decades later. Itâs only half an hour long, but thereâs not a wasted second. The bandâs mix of Southern rock, blues, and Bay Area grit is locked in here, and John Fogertyâs raspy howl is at its absolute peak.
The title track and âBad Moon Risingâ are undeniable classics â tight, catchy, and full of that backwoods swagger. But âLodiâ is the real gem. Itâs simple, sad, and brutally relatable â a perfect story of missed chances and being stuck somewhere you never planned to be. Fogertyâs delivery hits like someone whoâs lived it.
Green River doesnât need flash. Itâs all muscle and soul â just great songwriting, great playing, and a sound that belongs to CCR alone. A high watermark in American rock.
Favorite song: Lodi
5
Sep 27 2024
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Licensed to Ill is loud, bratty, and absolutely legendary â a one-of-a-kind debut that smashed hip-hop into rock with zero apologies and maximum swagger. The Beastie Boys delivered something totally fresh in 1986: a party album that was as clever as it was chaotic, packed with attitude and anthems that still hit decades later.
âFight For Your Rightâ is the ultimate teenage rebellion anthem, while âNo Sleep Till Brooklynâ blends headbanging riffs with rapid-fire rhymes, proving these guys could hang in both mosh pits and cyphers. âBrass Monkeyâ is pure chaos in the best way â goofy, infectious, unforgettable. And yes, even âGirls,â for all its ridiculousness, captures the tongue-in-cheek charm that made the Beasties impossible to ignore.
This isnât just a party album â itâs a cultural reset. Wild, unfiltered, and way smarter than it pretends to be. A perfect storm of hip-hop, rock, and pure energy.
Favorite song: "Fight For Your Right"
5
Sep 28 2024
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Band on the Run is Paul McCartneyâs masterpiece of the Wings era â a brilliant mix of pop, rock, and soul that proves his post-Beatles songwriting could stand tall on its own. Born out of chaos (with two band members quitting just before recording), McCartney turned adversity into one of the most cohesive and rewarding albums of the 1970s.
The title track, âBand on the Run,â is a mini rock opera â starting slow and dreamy before bursting into one of the most uplifting choruses in his entire catalog. Itâs bold, inventive, and completely unforgettable. âJetâ is a full-on blast of glam-rock energy, with a chorus that sticks in your head for days.
âMrs. Vandebiltâ brings in a laid-back groove and infectious âho hey hoâ chant that feels tailor-made for a crowd singalong. âLet Me Roll Itâ channels Lennon-esque grit with a heavy riff and smoky vocals â raw and soulful in all the right ways. And then thereâs âNineteen Hundred and Eighty-Fiveâ, a thunderous closer that builds into a sweeping finale, tying the album together with cinematic flair.
Every track feels carefully crafted but totally alive â itâs playful, passionate, and endlessly replayable. Band on the Run isnât just McCartney proving himself â itâs McCartney showing off, and itâs glorious.
Favorite song: "Let Me Roll It"
5
Sep 29 2024
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
3
Sep 30 2024
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
Locust Abortion Technician is a sonic disaster masquerading as avant-garde brilliance. The Butthole Surfers throw everything at the wall here â noise, distortion, pitch-shifted gibberish â and somehow nothing sticks. Itâs not weird in a cool or challenging way; itâs weird in a "please turn this off before my brain leaks out" kind of way.
Thereâs no structure, no coherence, and certainly no reward for sitting through this mess. Every track sounds like it was recorded during a psychotic breakdown in a garage full of malfunctioning equipment. The vocals are buried under layers of nonsense, the production is intentionally awful, and any moment that might resemble a song is quickly sabotaged by sheer obnoxiousness.
If the goal was to make something unlistenable, mission accomplished. It's not bold, it's not experimental â it's exhausting. This isnât art. Itâs a migraine with album art.
1
Oct 01 2024
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
3
Oct 02 2024
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
This was a cool one. I had no clue what to expect going in, but the backstory grabbed me right away. The whole album was recorded in one day, live, with a single mic in a church. You can actually hear the space in the songs, and it gives the whole thing this intimate, ghostly vibe.
Their covers of Hank Williams and Lou Reed were unexpected but really well done. They made those songs their own without trying too hard. Itâs mellow, slow, and kind of hypnotic. Definitely not something Iâd throw on every day, but itâs a beautiful listen when youâre in the right mood
4
Oct 03 2024
Virgin Suicides
Air
An instrumental soundtrack from a movie I hadnât even heard of didnât exactly sound promising going in. But wowâthis one really surprised me. Air did a great job capturing a dreamy, haunting atmosphere without saying a single word.
The music feels nostalgic and eerie at the same time, like flipping through old photo albums or watching a sunset in slow motion. Itâs moody without being depressing, soft without being boring. Definitely one of the better scores Iâve come across, and something I could see myself putting on in the background again. Didnât expect to like this one, but here we are.
4
Oct 04 2024
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth is always a toss-up for me. Sometimes they hit with a gritty, noisy charm. Other times, it just feels like theyâre jamming for the sake of it. This one falls into the latter category.
Thereâs clearly some creativity here, and I get why people call it influential, but most of it just didnât land for me. A few interesting moments scattered around, but not enough to make me want to come back to it. Definitely a miss this time.
2
Oct 05 2024
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Live at Fillmore East is not just a live album â itâs a defining moment in American rock history. The Allman Brothers Band captured lightning in a bottle over two nights in March 1971, delivering a performance thatâs raw, masterful, and completely electrifying. This is the sound of a band at its absolute peak, blending Southern rock, blues, and jazz into something uniquely their own.
Duane Allman and Dickey Bettsâ guitar interplay is nothing short of legendary, weaving improvisations that feel both spontaneous and impossibly tight. Tracks like âWhipping Postâ and âIn Memory of Elizabeth Reedâ stretch past the ten-minute mark without ever losing momentum â these aren't jams for the sake of jamming; theyâre journeys.
The bandâs chemistry is off the charts. Gregg Allmanâs soulful vocals and Hammond organ work bring depth and grit, while the rhythm section drives everything forward with relentless precision. Even the quieter moments are steeped in emotion and finesse.
Live at Fillmore East sets the gold standard for what a live rock album should be: urgent, expansive, and alive. Itâs more than a performance â itâs a masterpiece.
Favorite song: "Whipping Post"
5
Oct 06 2024
Third
Soft Machine
2
Oct 07 2024
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
3
Oct 08 2024
21
Adele
Adeleâs 21 is a masterclass in heartbreak, soul, and sheer vocal power. From the opening stomp of âRolling in the Deep,â itâs clear this isnât just another breakup album â itâs a storm of raw emotion wrapped in stunning songwriting and flawless delivery. Adele doesnât just sing about pain; she makes you feel every word.
Big hits like âRumour Has Itâ and âSet Fire to the Rainâ showcase her ability to blend pop accessibility with old-school soul, but itâs the quieter moments that really shine. âDonât You Rememberâ is a criminally underrated deep cut â aching, vulnerable, and beautifully restrained. Her take on The Cureâs âLovesongâ strips it down to its emotional core, transforming it into something haunting and elegant.
Every track on 21 serves a purpose, and Adeleâs voice is the guiding force â powerful, bruised, and completely human. This is the rare album thatâs both critically respected and universally embraced â and it absolutely earns every bit of that praise.
Favorite song: Don't You Remember
5
Oct 09 2024
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
3
Oct 10 2024
Dummy
Portishead
Dummy is a landmark debut â dark, elegant, and emotionally devastating in the best way. Portishead created a sound all their own here, fusing hip-hop beats, moody jazz chords, and vintage vinyl crackle into something deeply cinematic and intimate. Itâs trip-hop at its finest, but even that label feels too small for what this album achieves.
Beth Gibbonsâ voice is the beating heart of the record â fragile one moment, fierce the next â and she delivers every lyric like a whispered confession. âRoadsâ is the emotional centerpiece, a slow-burning masterpiece that aches with loneliness and longing. âSour Timesâ blends spy-movie strings with a dusty breakbeat and unforgettable chorus. âGlory Boxâ closes the album with a sultry, smoldering plea for love and identity, flipping blues and soul into something futuristic and haunting.
Even deeper cuts like âMysteronsâ and âWandering Starâ add to the albumâs shadowy atmosphere, each track flowing into the next like scenes from a noir film. Every detail â the scratches, the samples, the silence between notes â is deliberate and affecting.
Dummy isnât just an album; itâs a fully formed world. Strange, sad, and seductive â and once you enter it, itâs hard to leave.
Favorite song: Mysterons
5
Oct 11 2024
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
This one was a slog. I get why some folks love it, but that smooth, laid-back R&B just isnât my thing. It all kind of blurred together after a while.
DâAngeloâs clearly talented, and I respect the vibe heâs going for, but it just didnât grab me. Maybe if I were sipping wine in a dimly lit lounge, Iâd feel differently. But sitting on my couch? I was just waiting for it to end.
2
Oct 12 2024
The White Album
Beatles
The White Album is sprawling, strange, beautiful, and completely essential â a double LP that refuses to be pinned down. Every track feels like a world unto itself, bursting with personality, invention, and the kind of songwriting range that only a band at the peak of their powers could pull off. Thereâs no filler here â just a kaleidoscope of styles and moods, each song revealing something new with every listen.
Favorites shift with the wind, but certain tracks always rise to the surface. âWhile My Guitar Gently Weepsâ aches with sorrow and Eric Claptonâs searing guitar. âBlackbirdâ is simple and perfect, a quiet anthem of hope. âMother Natureâs Sonâ feels like a soft breeze through an open window. And then thereâs âSavoy Truffleâ â funky, playful, and full of George Harrisonâs dry wit.
The White Album isnât just a collection of songs â itâs a complete experience. Chaotic, brilliant, and endlessly replayable. One of the greatest albums ever made, and somehow still full of surprises.
5
Oct 13 2024
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3
Oct 14 2024
The Specials
The Specials
4
Oct 15 2024
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
I like some of Nine Inch Nailsâ stuff, and I actually think the concept behind this album is pretty interesting. Itâs dark, gritty, and clearly meant to push boundaries. You can tell Trent Reznor put a lot of thought into the storyline and atmosphere.
But man, the music just didnât land for me. It felt like noise for the sake of being edgy. I wanted to like it, especially with all the hype around it, but most of it was borderline unlistenable. Cool idea, rough execution.
2
Oct 16 2024
Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
3
Oct 17 2024
Face to Face
The Kinks
4
Oct 18 2024
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
3
Oct 19 2024
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I had zero expectations going into this one. Never heard of Sufjan Stevens before and figured itâd be another artsy indie album that just wasnât for me. I was very wrong. This album blew me away.
The level of detail he packs into the songs, blending state history with personal stories and weird little jokes, somehow works. One minute youâre smiling at how ridiculous a song title is, the next minute you're hit with something that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Itâs theatrical, intimate, and weird in the best way. I still chuckle every time I see the full title of âThe Black Hawk War...â but then I get pulled right back into something like âCasimir Pulaski Day,â which just hits hard. Easily one of the most unique albums Iâve ever heard â and one of the best.
5
Oct 20 2024
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
3
Oct 21 2024
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Wait... the guy who gave us "Woo-hoo!" in Song 2 is also behind this cartoon band? Wild. Honestly, I didnât know what to expect with their debut, but itâs got a few cool moments. "Clint Eastwood" still slaps, no question there. The rest of the album? Kind of hit or miss.
Some tracks feel like experiments that didnât fully land, while others are just chill enough to leave on in the background. It's not Demon Days but it laid the groundwork. A decent start from a group that got much better later.
3
Oct 22 2024
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Back to Black is a soul-shaking triumph â raw, stylish, and heartbreakingly real. Amy Winehouse poured everything into this album: her voice, her pain, her wit, and her flaws. With Mark Ronson and Salaam Remiâs vintage-inspired production, the record feels like a lost Motown classic filtered through the lens of modern heartbreak.
âTears Dry On Their Ownâ stands out as the crown jewel â a pure throwback groove with a soaring melody and a devastating undercurrent. Itâs the kind of song you can dance to with tears in your eyes. Throughout the album, Amy swings between swagger and sorrow, never flinching, never faking it.
Losing her so young feels like more than a tragedy â itâs a loss of a once-in-a-generation talent whose voice and honesty could cut through anything. Back to Black isnât just a great album. Itâs a legacy. One that still echoes loud and clear.
Favorite song: Tears Dry On Their Own
5
Oct 23 2024
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
3
Oct 24 2024
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
4
Oct 25 2024
The Real Thing
Faith No More
3
Oct 26 2024
1989
Taylor Swift
I'll admit itâTaylor Swift is one of my guilty pleasures. Say what you want about her being overexposed or polarizing, but the womanâs got talent. She writes her own songs, sings them, plays instruments, produces the tracks, and actually performs. That alone sets her apart in a pop scene where half the charts are just features and samples.
1989 was a big shift for her, and looking back, it still holds up surprisingly well. Itâs polished but personal, catchy without feeling hollow. Hard to believe it's already been a decade since this one dropped, but it doesnât sound dated. Solid album from a legit artist.
4
Oct 27 2024
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
2
Oct 28 2024
Risque
CHIC
3
Oct 29 2024
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
4
Oct 30 2024
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
2
Oct 31 2024
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
2
Nov 01 2024
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
3
Nov 02 2024
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
3
Nov 03 2024
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4
Nov 04 2024
Revolver
Beatles
Revolver is where The Beatles stopped being just a band and became full-blown innovators. Itâs their first album made after experimenting with LSD, and you can hear the doors of perception flying open in every track. This isnât just a collection of songs â itâs a turning point in modern music, where creativity, curiosity, and consciousness collided in the studio.
âTaxmanâ opens with a snarl, George Harrison taking aim at the system with sharp wit and funk-infused grit. âEleanor Rigbyâ follows, radically different â a stark string arrangement and narrative depth that felt miles beyond anything in pop music at the time. âHere, There and Everywhereâ brings a beautiful softness, McCartneyâs delicate vocal and ethereal harmonies floating somewhere above reality.
âI Want to Tell Youâ captures the confusion and internal noise of a mind pushed beyond its limits, with clashing chords and hypnotic tension. âGot to Get You Into My Lifeâ brings it all back to earth with brassy, joyful energy â a soul-infused track that channels Motown while still sounding distinctly Beatles.
With Revolver, they werenât just writing hits â they were rewriting the rules. Studio effects, tape loops, backwards guitars, philosophical lyrics â all of it feels fresh, fearless, and forward-looking. Itâs the sound of four minds opening up and taking rock music somewhere it had never been before. A psychedelic masterpiece that still stands as one of their boldest and best.
Favorite song: "Eleanor Rigby"
5
Nov 05 2024
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
4
Nov 06 2024
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Shake Your Money Maker is one of those rare debut albums that lands with the confidence of a band already in full stride. The Black Crowes came out swinging, blending Southern rock, blues, soul, and a shot of Stones swagger into a sound that feels both timeless and raw. Thereâs nothing trendy or overproduced here â just great songs, gritty performances, and a band that knows exactly who they are.
âJealous Againâ is a killer opener â punchy, soulful, and driven by Chris Robinsonâs raspy, commanding vocals. Itâs the kind of track that couldâve come out in 1971 or yesterday and still feel fresh. Then thereâs âShe Talks to Angels,â a haunting acoustic ballad that strips everything back and showcases the emotional depth behind all the bravado. Itâs one of the most powerful songs of the era, full of vulnerability and storytelling.
Throughout the album, the band leans into a classic sound without ever feeling like a cheap throwback. Whether itâs the bluesy strut of âTwice As Hardâ or the gospel-tinged groove of âSeeing Things,â every track feels lived-in and real.
This isnât just a great rock album â itâs a reminder that timeless songwriting, passionate delivery, and a little Southern grit never go out of style.
Favorite song: "Jealous Again"
5
Nov 07 2024
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
3
Nov 08 2024
m b v
My Bloody Valentine
m b v sounds like what happens when you accidentally leave your headphones half-plugged into your phone and convince yourself itâs art. It's like they took everything cool about shoegaze, drowned it in a bathtub of reverb, and hoped no one would notice there's barely a song underneath.
The vocals are buried so deep itâs like the band was too shy to actually be heard. The guitars sound like theyâre melting in slow motion, and not in a good way. Every track just kind of floats around in a fog, going nowhere, like ambient noise for people who hate melody and pacing.
1
Nov 09 2024
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
3
Nov 10 2024
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
3
Nov 11 2024
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
2
Nov 12 2024
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2
Nov 13 2024
#1 Record
Big Star
3
Nov 14 2024
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
3
Nov 15 2024
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
I went into this one expecting to like it just because Iâm a fan of The Smiths, but it surprised me by standing on its own. Morrissey sounds more reflective here, less snarky and more... human? The songwriting feels personal and mature, and the melodies stick with you.
Itâs got that melancholic charm without being too dreary, and the production is sharp without trying too hard. Definitely one of his better solo efforts. Even if you're not big on Morrissey outside The Smiths, this oneâs worth a listen.
4
Nov 16 2024
Pretenders
Pretenders
2
Nov 17 2024
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
3
Nov 18 2024
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Get Rich or Die Tryinâ isnât just a debut album â itâs a full-blown cultural moment. 50 Cent came into the game like a force of nature, and this album delivers everything his myth promised: hard-hitting beats, street-certified lyrics, and hooks for days. Itâs raw, relentless, and polished in all the right places, with Dr. Dre and Eminem behind the boards and a hunger in 50âs voice that you canât fake.
âWhat Up Gangstaâ sets the tone from the jump â aggressive, no-nonsense, and built to shake car trunks. âPatiently Waitingâ pairs 50 with Eminem before their eventual fallout, and the chemistry is electric. Itâs a back-and-forth showcase of hunger and intensity, with Em blacking out on his verse. âMany Men (Wish Death)â stands out as a dark, emotional centerpiece â a street anthem soaked in paranoia and pain.
âHigh All the Timeâ brings a woozy, hypnotic vibe to the mix, while âP.I.M.P.â is a laid-back, steel drum-laced banger that showed 50 could dominate clubs just as easily as corners. And the closer, âGotta Make It to Heaven,â reminds you that underneath the bravado is a man whoâs survived too much to take life for granted.
The features are just as iconic â Nate Dogg brings that West Coast smooth to â21 Questions,â Lloyd Banks adds grit on âDonât Push Me,â and the whole thing plays like a greatest hits album. This album didnât just live up to the hype â it set a new standard. One of the strongest debuts in hip-hop history, period.
Favorite song: "Stay High All The Time"
5
Nov 19 2024
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
4
Nov 20 2024
Real Life
Magazine
3
Nov 21 2024
The Poet
Bobby Womack
2
Nov 22 2024
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
3
Nov 23 2024
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
3
Nov 24 2024
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
4
Nov 25 2024
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
2
Nov 26 2024
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Thereâs a reason Kendrick Lamar has a Pulitzer. The man knows how to write. His lyrics are sharp, layered, and full of meaning without ever sounding preachy. This album is packed with ideas and feels more like a statement than just a collection of songs.
That said, I still like good kid, m.A.A.d city more. Itâs more cohesive and a little easier to throw on. To Pimp a Butterfly asks more of you as a listener, but it rewards you for paying attention. Not an everyday listen, but definitely an important one.
4
Nov 27 2024
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
3
Nov 28 2024
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
If youâve ever wondered what a fever dream in a Hobbit village might sound like, this album is pretty close. The Incredible String Band leaned fully into psychedelia here, and itâs oddly charming in that medieval-folk-on-acid sort of way.
Psychedelic music was easily one of the best by-products of the 60s, and itâs hard not to credit a lot of that to mind-altering substances. This isnât a casual background album, but if youâre in the mood for something strange and beautifully layered, itâs worth the ride.
4
Nov 29 2024
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
2
Nov 30 2024
Moondance
Van Morrison
4
Dec 01 2024
GI
Germs
3
Dec 02 2024
Palo Congo
Sabu
I get it â Palo Congo is supposed to be important in the history of Latin music. Thatâs cool. But that doesnât mean I have to enjoy sitting through it. This album is basically one long drum circle with someone yelling over it, and after a few tracks, it starts to feel more like a test of patience than a musical experience.
âBillumba-Palo Congoâ was especially rough â chaotic without being interesting, and way too repetitive. I kept waiting for it to click, but it never did. It just kept going... and going... like someone left a bongo on loop.
That said, âRhapsodia del Maravillosoâ was a bright spot. It had some real rhythm and energy that stood out from the rest. But one decent track canât save an album that feels more like background noise for a cultural anthropology lecture than something Iâd willingly listen to again.
1
Dec 03 2024
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Highway 61 Revisited is the moment Bob Dylan lit a match and set folk tradition on fire. With a bold move to electric guitar and full-band arrangements, he stirred major controversy among purists â and in doing so, helped reshape the future of rock music. Itâs wild to think this level of backlash came from adding some amps, but Dylan wasnât just changing sound â he was changing the rules.
Desolation Row closes the record with nearly 11 minutes of stunning, surreal poetry. Dylanâs lyrics are dense, apocalyptic, and weirdly beautiful, turning the song into something that feels more like a literary epic than a folk tune. It's proof of exactly why he earned that Nobel Prize.
Still, the electric tracks are incredible. âLike a Rolling Stoneâ kicks the door down with one of the most iconic openings in music history, while âTombstone Bluesâ and âBallad of a Thin Manâ are razor-sharp, dripping with cynicism and swagger. âHighway 61 Revisitedâ itself is a chaotic joyride â twisted Americana turned on its head.
This album didnât just push boundaries â it redrew the map. Highway 61 Revisited is rebellious, visionary, and endlessly re-listenable. Itâs not just a classic; itâs one of the key reasons Bob Dylan stands alone in the pantheon of songwriters.
Ironically, my favorite track on the album is the only fully acoustic one: âDesolation Row.â
5
Dec 04 2024
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Neil Young can be hit or miss for me, and Tonightâs the Night definitely leans more toward the miss side. Most of his albums usually have at least one track that really grabs me, but this one just kind of drags from start to finish.
If I had to pick a favorite, Iâd go with âTonightâs the Night â Part IIâ â but really, itâs just the one I disliked the least. The rest of the album blends together in a hazy, off-key way that I get is supposed to feel raw and emotional, but it mostly just felt flat to me.
2
Dec 05 2024
Roots
Sepultura
I'm so glad to see a thrash metal band like Sepultura get their due, and Roots lives up to the hype in its own heavy, experimental way. Iâve had various Sepultura tracks on my playlists since high school, but this was the first time I sat down and listened to Roots front to back â and it didnât disappoint.
âRoots Bloody Rootsâ kicks things off with absolute power. Itâs raw, aggressive, and easily my favorite track on the album. That riff hits like a truck. âRatamahattaâ is another standout, bringing in indigenous Brazilian rhythms and vocals in a way that actually works â a really cool blend that makes the album feel unique in the metal world.
âBreed Apartâ has a banger of an opening riff, and âJascoâ was a surprising acoustic moment that added a nice breather in the middle of the chaos. On the flip side, âCanyon Jamâ was my least favorite. The gunshot sound effect was a nice touch, but after that, it kind of just wandered around for way too long.
Thereâs a proggy, experimental edge to the album â not just in the 14-minute closer, but throughout, with all the tribal instrumentation and ambient textures layered into the mix. Itâs bold, heavy, and has more depth than you might expect from a band known for thrash.
4
Dec 06 2024
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Not a huge fan of indie rock in general, so Neon Bible didnât totally land for me. A lot of the songs just blended together and felt like the kind of generic indie rock that never really grabs me.
That said, there were a couple of standouts. âInterventionâ was a solid ballad â emotional, well-written, and probably the most memorable track for me. But âOcean of Noiseâ was the one I actually really enjoyed. Great vibe, moody in the right way, and definitely a cut above the rest.
3
Dec 07 2024
Kid A
Radiohead
Kid A sounds like what would happen if a less talented version of The Beatles tried to make Sgt. Pepperâs and forgot to bring the songs. I gave it a listen as part of Apple Musicâs 100 Greatest Albums countdown, and honestly, once was more than enough.
After how great OK Computer was â wall-to-wall bangers â Kid A feels like a total drop-off. It's just aimless, glitchy noise wrapped in artsy vibes with zero payoff. Nothing stuck with me. In fact, when I saw it pop up again, it actually took me a minute to realize I had already listened to it before. That pretty much says it all â completely forgettable.
Thereâs not a single track Iâd go back to. Theyâre all equally bad in their own weird, lifeless way.
1
Dec 08 2024
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins is pure cowboy poetry â smooth, nostalgic, and packed with Western charm. But letâs be honest: if youâre here giving this album five stars, thereâs a good chance you wandered in from the Mojave Wasteland.
Thanks to Fallout: New Vegas, tracks like âBig Ironâ and âCool Waterâ have taken on near-mythic status. Hearing Big Iron kick in while patrolling the desert with a revolver and questionable morals? Unmatched. Suddenly, Robbinsâ rich voice and storytelling arenât just old-school country â theyâre the soundtrack to dusty showdowns and wandering loners trying to do the right thing in a broken world.
Outside the Fallout connection, the album is still a gem. Robbins was a master storyteller, and songs like âEl Pasoâ and âThe Masterâs Callâ hold up as classic narrative-driven country. But itâs the pop culture revival that makes this record feel alive again.
So yes, this is five stars â not just for the quality, but for the sheer atmosphere it brings to anyone whoâs roamed the Mojave with Big Iron on his hip.
5
Dec 09 2024
Homework
Daft Punk
Homework is where it all began â and what a debut. Daft Punkâs first album is a gritty, pulsing, endlessly creative slab of French house that still sounds fresh decades later. Itâs rawer and more underground than their later work, but thatâs part of its charm. Every track feels alive, like itâs coming straight from a smoky club at 3 a.m.
The opening track âDaftendirektâ sets the tone with a hypnotic groove that pulls you in immediately. âRollinâ & Scratchinââ is a full-on sonic assault â distorted, relentless, and completely addictive. âBurninââ is another standout, with its funky, loop-driven build that could soundtrack a night drive through a neon-lit city.
âIndo Silver Clubâ and âAliveâ bring in that trance-adjacent energy â both tracks feel like something youâd hear on a modern episode of A State of Trance, blending rhythm and atmosphere in a way thatâs pure Daft Punk. And honestly? Thereâs not a bad track here. Itâs one of those rare albums where every song earns its place.
I had no idea this was their debut, but of the three Daft Punk albums Iâve heard so far, Homework is hands down my favorite. Itâs raw, innovative, and effortlessly cool â a blueprint that launched an era.
Favorite song: "Rollin' and Scratchin'"
5
Dec 10 2024
xx
The xx
xx by The xx just confirmed what I already kinda knew â indie rockâs not really my thing. The whole album has a super minimal, moody vibe that never really goes anywhere. Every song blends into the next, and after a while it just feels like one long, slow track on repeat.
I donât have a favorite or least favorite because, honestly, they all sound pretty much the same to me. Not terrible, just not interesting. Itâs background music at best, and even then, Iâm probably skipping it.
2
Dec 11 2024
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
I first got into A Tribe Called Quest earlier this year while going through Appleâs Top 10 Albums countdown, and I was hooked. Naturally, I had high hopes for The Renaissance, and Q-Tip definitely delivered. You can really hear his influence as the main producer â the beats are smooth, jazzy, and laid-back, just like youâd expect from him.
The whole album has a great vibe. Itâs polished but never overdone, and Q-Tipâs flow is as smooth and effortless as ever. He doesnât try to reinvent the wheel â just gives us smart, feel-good hip-hop with a ton of soul.
Also, gotta give him some bonus points for his cameo in one of the best Chappelleâs Show skits of all time: Knee High Park
Favorite Song: Will Trade
4
Dec 12 2024
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Supa Dupa Fly is a game-changing debut that exploded every expectation of what hip-hop â and hip-hop production â could sound like in the late â90s. Missy Elliott arrived fully formed, blending futuristic style with fearless originality, and Timbalandâs production flipped the script with off-kilter beats, space-age rhythms, and deep, head-nodding grooves. Nothing else sounded like this in 1997 â and honestly, nothing really has since.
Missyâs flow is sharp, playful, and unpredictable, and she knows exactly when to flex and when to float. âHit Em Wit Da Heeâ is a bold opener that sets the tone immediately, blending haunting strings with that signature Timbo bounce. âThe Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)â remains one of the most iconic singles of the era â strange, stylish, and hypnotic, with Missy riding the beat like nobody else could. And âFriendly Skiesâ brings smooth R&B vibes, with Ginuwineâs silky vocals playing perfectly off Missyâs laid-back delivery.
The guest list is stacked, and every feature hits: Busta Rhymes, Aaliyah, Lilâ Kim, Da Brat, 702, Ginuwine â all of them bring heat without overshadowing the star. Missy isnât just holding her own among big names â sheâs setting the pace.
Supadupa Fly was ahead of its time and somehow still sounds like the future. Inventive, iconic, and endlessly fun â itâs a flawless introduction to one of hip-hopâs most visionary artists.
Favorite song: "Friendly Skies"
5
Dec 13 2024
John Prine
John Prine
John Prineâs self-titled debut has everything youâd expect from a â70s country/folk album â plenty of pedal steel, honest songwriting, and storytelling that hits just right. What really surprised me were the little touches, like the sitar effects sprinkled throughout. You can definitely still hear that late-â60s influence woven into the more traditional sounds, and it gives the album a cool, unexpected vibe.
Iâm not usually big on country, but this oneâs a solid listen from start to finish. âParadiseâ in particular stood out â it felt like a blueprint for a lot of the stuff I love from Old Crow Medicine Show. You can hear the DNA of their music in tracks like that.
Favorite song: Sam Stone
4
Dec 14 2024
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
I went into Getz/Gilberto knowing exactly one thing â âThe Girl from Ipanema.â And yeah, itâs a classic for a reason. Smooth, laid-back, and still catchy after all these years. The rest of the album follows that same vibe â chill, breezy bossa nova thatâs easy on the ears but doesnât leave a huge impact for me beyond the big hit.
Fun fact: Astrud Gilberto has at least one other album on this list, and Iâve checked it out already (just not on this generator yet). That one wasnât bad either, so Iâll give her credit â she brings a cool, understated vibe to everything she touches.
3
Dec 15 2024
Tago Mago
Can
Tago Mago is definitely an interesting Krautrock album â experimental, unpredictable, and at times completely out there. Itâs the kind of record that keeps you on your toes, even if it doesnât always land.
âHalleluhwahâ is easily the highlight. That groove is hypnotic and somehow manages to stay engaging through its long runtime. Itâs weird, but in a fun, head-nodding kind of way.
On the other hand, âAumgnâ was a tough listen. It leans a little too far into abstract noise territory and kind of lost me along the way.
Overall, I respect the creativity and the influence this album clearly had, but itâs a mixed bag for me.
3
Dec 16 2024
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Finally, a NWOBHM album shows up! The Number of the Beast is a classic, and even though I donât listen to Iron Maiden much these days, this one brings back all kinds of memories â especially blasting the title track on 06/06/2006 like every other metalhead with a sense of humor.
I had a bunch of Maiden songs loaded up on my iPod back in high school, and this album was in heavy rotation. Side 2 is absolutely stacked â âThe Number of the Beast,â âRun to the Hills,â âHallowed Be Thy Nameâ â just banger after banger.
Favorite track: Number of the Beast
4
Dec 17 2024
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Didnât hate it, didnât love it. Just kind of floated through it like a dream you forget as soon as you wake up. I get why some folks love this one. The production is rich, the vocals are airy, and it creates a vibe. But for me, it didnât really land.
It all kind of blended together. Nothing grabbed me or made me want to hit replay. Itâs easy to have on in the background, but I doubt Iâll ever be in a hurry to hear it again.
3
Dec 18 2024
Future Days
Can
Out of 1,001 albums, I somehow managed to pull two Can albums in just four days. What are the odds? Krautrock can be interesting in small doses, but this was pushing it. That said, Future Days wasnât terrible. It had its moments.
"Moonshake" was a standout. Short, punchy, and the closest thing to a normal song on the album.
But then thereâs "Bel Air"âtwenty minutes of what felt like the cymbal breakdown from "Whole Lotta Love" with some synths tossed on top. It was a bit much. Still, the album has a decent groove overall. I wouldnât seek it out again, but I didnât suffer through it either.
3
Dec 19 2024
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
Another classic Dead Album. It's not my favorite but still has solid tracks. Truckin' is an all-time banger.
Favorite Song: Truckin'
Least Favorite Song: Candyman
4
Dec 20 2024
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Fishscale was my first real dive into Ghostface Killahâs solo work â Iâve only heard one Wu-Tang album before this â and going in blind turned out to be the best way to experience it. From the jump, this album is immersive, detailed, and sonically rich. The Dolby Atmos mix really brings it to life â the beats hit hard, the samples are layered perfectly, and Ghostâs voice cuts through with clarity and weight.
The artist features are top-tier: Raekwon delivers as always, and unexpected appearances from Ne-Yo, Ice Cube, and even Ye add variety without stealing the spotlight. Ghostface holds it all together with his storytelling â âWhip You with a Strapâ and âMommaâ in particular feel like vivid scenes from a movie, personal and raw without ever dragging.
The production is fantastic throughout. I loved the use of Biggie samples, especially on âBack Like Thatâ â it gave off Song Cry vibes until I realized it was directly nodding to it. Thereâs a real sense of craft behind the sampling, not just nostalgia.
âShakey Dogâ opens the album with a bang â intense narrative, killer beat â and âChampâ keeps the momentum with an energetic, funky intro that feels like vintage soul dipped in street grit. But the highlight for me? âClipse of Doom.â That track is a monster. The energy, the flow, the instrumental â everything clicks.
Thereâs no filler on Fishscale. Itâs sharp, consistent, and packed with personality. As a first-time listener of Ghostface solo work, I couldnât be more impressed. Five stars, easy. Now Iâm wondering what took me so long.
Favorite song: "Clipse of Doom"
5
Dec 21 2024
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
I do enjoy some Motown jams but Iâm just not a fan of The Temptationsâ psychedelic era.
2
Dec 22 2024
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Without any other knowledge on this album, I feel like most of these songs have not stood the test of time, even if the album was a hit contemporaneously.
Favorite song: Such A Night
Least Favorite Song: Solder Boy
2
Dec 23 2024
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I like Tribe's stuff. Just good, 80s/90s hip hop. I love the samples features on this album - Hendrix, Lou Reed, Stevie Wonder, and Phil Spector.
The album is full of the word play and double entendres I've come to enjoy from their work.
Favorite song: I Left My Wallet in El Segundo
Least Favorite Song: Really not a bad song on this album.
4
Dec 24 2024
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness isnât just an album â itâs an epic. The Smashing Pumpkins delivered a sprawling, ambitious double LP that somehow manages to feel both grandiose and deeply personal. It swings wildly from rage to beauty, despair to hope, chaos to calm â and somehow, it all works.
â1979â is the emotional anchor â nostalgic, reflective, and effortlessly cool, it captures that sense of youth slipping away without slipping into sentimentality. âBullet with Butterfly Wingsâ is pure frustration and angst, delivered with Billy Corganâs signature snarl over a wall of crunching guitars. Then thereâs âTonight, Tonight,â a soaring orchestral masterpiece that feels cinematic in scope and timeless in message.
And letâs not forget âXYUâ â an unhinged, snarling beast of a track that showcases the darker, heavier edge of the band. Itâs violent, chaotic, and utterly compelling in contrast to the albumâs softer moments.
With Mellon Collie, the Pumpkins took a huge creative risk and pulled it off spectacularly. Itâs rare for an album this long to be so consistently strong, but every track feels like a piece of a larger emotional puzzle. A defining statement from one of the â90s most unique bands â and one that still resonates just as deeply today.
Favorite song: XYU
5
Dec 25 2024
Technique
New Order
MY GOD THE SYNTHESIZERS. Itâs like they went Black Friday shopping at Moog and decided to use it all on this album.
A couple songs in, I was getting Cure vibes but after that, it was straight into stereotypical 80s pop. But, honestly, I donât hate it.
Guilty Partner is a good track and the Spanish guitar is a nice feature.
Favorite song: Round and round
3
Dec 26 2024
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Phil Spector was a piece of shit by his Wall of Sound shines through and all the artists he produced were talented. Still on of the best rock n roll Christmas albums out there
4
Dec 27 2024
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Never been a Rod Stewart fan. Iâm sure itâs held any higher acclaim overall vs my opinion but nothing special to me. I did enjoy his rendition of Thatâs All Right
Favorite Song: Thatâs All Right
Least Favorite Song: Seems Like a Long Time
2
Dec 28 2024
Be
Common
Some records can be hit or miss in Atmos but this one is mixed well. Really good story telling on Testify.
Havenât listened to a lot of Commonâs stuff but Iâm giving him a Chappelleâs Show bump like I did with Q-Tip.
Favorite song: The Corner
Least favorite song: Faithful
4
Dec 29 2024
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Itâs what Iâve come to expect from Kraftwerk.
Favorite song: Spacelab
Least favorite song: The Robots
3
Dec 30 2024
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
A second day in a row of electronic music, terrific. This one just wasnât doing it for me.
2
Dec 31 2024
Urban Hymns
The Verve
As someone who grew up in the 90's, I can't not like Bittersweet Symphony. I can't say I'm familiar with any of there other tracks. Their other stuff is remniscient of Oasis and I think that's why I like it. "Sonnet" was really good and "The Drugs Don't Work" is a perfect sad song.
Favorite song: The Drugs Don't Work
Least Favorite Song: Weeping Willow
4
Jan 01 2025
90
808 State
Three electronic albums in four days. Surely it comes to an end at some point. Never heard of this group. Sounds like pretty standard late 80s/early 90s EDM. I'm trying not to let the fact that I'm getting sick of electronic music sway my rating. I'm typing this as I listen so we'll see if my thoughts change.
The album was off to a slow start but Cobra Bora and Pacific 202 are actually pretty good. Donkey Doctor is a certified banger.
Favorite song: Donkey Doctor
Least Favorite Song: Magical Dream
3
Jan 02 2025
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
While I appreciate and respect the specific number of songs on this album, three hours of this is a bit much. I'm deducting a star for the length. Other than that, some of the songs were good, some were not. Album #2 had the best tracks overall, in my opinion.
Favorite song: The Book of Love. This one is actually really, really good.
Least Favorite Song: Zebra
2
Jan 03 2025
L.A. Woman
The Doors
I donât even need to listen to L.A. Woman to know itâs a five-star album â but Iâm going to anyway, because itâs just that good. This is The Doors at their rawest, loosest, and most locked-in, and as a final statement with Jim Morrison, it hits even harder. RIP Jim â you went out with a masterpiece.
What really stands out on every listen is Jerry Scheffâs bass work. Heâs the unsung hero of this record, grounding every track with smooth, melodic lines that add real depth and groove. And Robby Kriegerâs slide guitar on âBeen Down So Longâ? Absolutely filthy in the best way â gritty, bluesy, and perfectly unpolished.
From the title trackâs hypnotic drive to the eerie sprawl of âRiders on the Storm,â L.A. Woman is a classic from front to back. Raw, soulful, and timeless. Automatic 5 stars.
Favorite song: Love Her Madly. Scheff's bass really shines through here.
5
Jan 04 2025
1999
Prince
Prince is one of those artists where you can see the talent from a mile away. The guy could write, produce, perform, and probably fix your car while shredding a solo. But no matter how many times I try, his music just doesnât click with me.
1999 has its moments. The title track is fun, and âLittle Red Corvetteâ still holds up. But as a whole, it feels like something I respect more than actually enjoy
Favorite song: 1999
Least favorite song: Automatic
3
Jan 05 2025
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Look, I get that Marvin Gaye is a legend. But a full album of slow-burning love ballads just isnât for me. Itâs basically 30 minutes of bedroom music, and thatâs being generous with the variety. Every track feels like itâs stuck in the same mood, and after a while, it all blends together.
That said, Iâll give Marvin credit for keeping it short. He got in, whispered sweet nothings, and got out. For the short runtime alone, Iâll bump it up a star.
Favorite Song: Let's Get It On
Least Favorite Song: You Sure Love To Ball
2
Jan 06 2025
Goo
Sonic Youth
I had to spin this one twice just to figure out where I landed on it. First time through, I honestly thought this was some gritty late 70s or early 80s punk album. The raw energy, the feedback, the vocals... none of it screamed 1990 to me.
Turns out it's Goo by Sonic Youth, and yeah, it surprised me. The first nine tracks are actually really solid. Thereâs this weird, fuzzy, chaotic charm that grows on you the more you let it play. Itâs loud, messy, and a little disjointed, but in a way that makes sense once youâre in the right headspace for it. Not what I expected at all, and thatâs part of why I ended up liking it.
Favorite song: Mote
Least favorite song: Titanium Expose
4
Jan 07 2025
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
Hybrid Theory is more than just an album â itâs a time capsule. I canât count how many times I listened to this CD in middle school, and it still hits just as hard today. Linkin Park nailed something special here: a perfect blend of nu-metal aggression, hip-hop rhythm, and emotional vulnerability that spoke directly to a generation caught between angst and identity.
Every track feels massive, from the explosive âPapercutâ to the anthemic âIn the End.â Chesterâs raw vocals paired with Mikeâs sharp verses created a dynamic that was fresh and unforgettable. Songs like âCrawling,â âPoints of Authority,â and âOne Step Closerâ became instant classics â powerful, cathartic, and endlessly replayable.
Whether you were blasting it through headphones or burning it into your first CD-R mix, Hybrid Theory was the soundtrack to growing up in the early 2000s. A flawless debut and a defining album that earned every bit of its legacy. Five stars, then and now.
Favorite song: Points of Authority
5
Jan 08 2025
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Well, it definitely delivers on the title. There are plenty of tubular bells. Iâve got a lot of respect for Mike Oldfieldâdude played just about every instrument on this thing. Thatâs impressive, no question.
As for the music itself, itâs decent background noise. Kinda meanders in places, but itâs got that cinematic, almost spooky vibe that works in the right setting. I wouldnât put it on intentionally, but Iâm giving it an extra star for its iconic use in The Exorcist. That connection alone makes it more memorable than it mightâve been otherwise.
3
Jan 09 2025
Quiet Life
Japan
New wave just doesn't do it for me, and this album didnât change my mind. Most of the songs feel overly polished and kind of bland. I didnât connect with much of it, and I doubt Iâll ever feel the need to give it another spin.
That said, âAll Tomorrowâs Partiesâ stood out. It leans more psychedelic rock than new wave, and itâs easily the best track here. If the whole album had followed that vibe, I mightâve felt differently. But as it stands, one good song isnât enough to save it.
2
Jan 10 2025
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
I went into this expecting to hate it, but it wasnât bad at all. Kind of soft-spoken, kind of quirky, but not in an annoying way. The vocals are delicate, the lyrics are smart, and the whole thing has a quiet charm that sneaks up on you if youâre not paying attention.
Itâs definitely not something Iâd blast in the car, but for a chill afternoon or background noise while doing something else, it works.
Favorite song: Expectations
Least Favorite song: The State I Am In
3
Jan 11 2025
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
This is peak early 90s hip hop. Smooth beats, heavy G-funk, and a vibe thatâs unmistakably West Coast. Iâve always had a soft spot for this era, and The Chronic holds up. Itâs raw, laid-back, and confident without trying too hard.
One thing I really miss in todayâs rap albums is the skits. They gave personality, pacing, and helped shape a story. This oneâs full of them, and they still hit. Is it the best album of the era? Not quite, at least not for me. But itâs close enough to earn a solid 4 stars.
Favorite song: Stranded on Death Row
4
Jan 12 2025
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Physical Graffiti is Led Zeppelin at their most expansive, ambitious, and completely untouchable. This double album isnât just a collection of songs â itâs a full showcase of everything the band could do, and they do all of it at the highest level.
âIn My Time of Dyingâ is an 11-minute blues-rock epic, and Jimmy Pageâs slide guitar work is absolutely feral â raw, haunting, and hypnotic. Itâs one of the heaviest and most soulful tracks they ever recorded. âHouses of the Holyâ brings groove and swagger, a funk-inflected rocker that somehow didnât make the album it was named after but feels right at home here.
âKashmirâ is the crown jewel â massive, majestic, and totally unique. That hypnotic riff, Bonhamâs thunderous drumming, and Plantâs commanding vocal performance all swirl into something that feels mythic. And then thereâs âBron-Yr-Aurâ, a short acoustic interlude that adds a moment of serenity â delicate, earthy, and beautifully played.
From bombastic rockers to tender acoustic moments, this has it all. Itâs not just a great Led Zeppelin album â itâs the Led Zeppelin album for those who want to hear the full scope of what the band was capable of.
Favorite song: In My Time of Dying
5
Jan 13 2025
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
Went into this completely blind and had no idea what to expect â but I was pleasantly surprised. Itâs got some really solid songs on it, way more emotional depth and cool arrangements than I thought going in.
The vocals take a minute to get used to, but once you're in the groove, it works. A few tracks hit harder than others, but overall it's a well-put-together album with a good mix of moody, dramatic, and melodic moments. Definitely made me curious to check out more of Elbowâs stuff.
Favorite song: The Bones of You
4
Jan 14 2025
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
The Chirping Crickets is pure rock 'n' roll history. Itâs short, sweet, and packed with that early, innocent energy that helped shape everything that came after. Buddy Holly's voice is smooth, the songwriting is catchy, and the band keeps things tight without ever overdoing it.
Sure, by todayâs standards some of it might feel a little dated, but there's a charm here that still works. Songs like "Thatâll Be the Day" and "Not Fade Away" are classics for a reason.
RIP Buddy â gone way too soon, but left behind a debut that still holds up.
4
Jan 15 2025
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
I can get down with some Gothic Rock, but this just ain't it. Most of the album feels like it's stuck in slow motion â overly dramatic without much payoff. The mood is there, sure, but it kind of drags without delivering anything that really sticks.
That said, "Lucretia My Reflection" is a total banger. Great groove, cool vibe, and actually feels alive compared to the rest of the album. If the whole record had that energy, this would be a totally different review.
2
Jan 16 2025
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Time Out is one of those albums that probably blew minds when it dropped â odd time signatures, cool jazz vibe, all that. But listening to it now? It just doesnât hit the same. I can respect what the Dave Brubeck Quartet was going for, but in my opinion, it just hasnât stood the test of time.
It feels more like background music than something that really grabs you. Technically solid, sure, but thereâs not much here that makes me want to come back to it. Maybe it was groundbreaking in its day, but now it mostly just feels dated and kind of flat.
2
Jan 17 2025
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
This is one of those albums that you kind of have to be in the right mood for. Itâs not a bad listen at all â smooth, spacey, and definitely doing something different from your typical jazz record.
For me, Side Two was the standout. The groove settles in better, the playing feels more connected, and it just flows in a way that pulled me in more than the first half did. Thereâs some real beauty in how minimal and patient the whole thing is.
Not something Iâd throw on all the time, but a solid listen when you want something low-key and a little out there.
3
Jan 18 2025
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
I didnât really get into Bob Dylan until college, but Blonde on Blonde was one of the albums that pulled me in. Itâs packed with the kind of clever, rambling, poetic songwriting that makes you want to dig deeper into his catalog.
âStuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Againâ is a personal favorite â somehow over 10 minutes long but never feels it. The lyrics are sharp, the groove is great, and it just rolls. On the flip side, âSad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlandsâ definitely feels like a 12-minute song. Not bad, just a bit of a slow burn.
âRainy Day Women #12 & 35â is a fun one â goofy, chaotic, and a perfect opener to set the tone. Overall, the album is weird, witty, and way ahead of its time. Not every track hits the same, but thereâs more than enough here to understand why this record is such a big deal.
Favorite Song: Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
4
Jan 19 2025
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette completely dominated the 90's with this album. Even though itâs not really my type of music, I gotta admit, thereâs no denying the talent here.
The songwriting is sharp, emotional, and brutally honest. She brought a raw edge to pop-rock that wasnât really out there at the time, and you can hear the influence all over later artists. Tracks like âYou Oughta Knowâ and âIronicâ are classics, but even the deeper cuts hit harder than youâd expect.
Favorite song: Head Over Feet
4
Jan 20 2025
If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
This oneâs an interesting listen, but Iâve always preferred David Crosby when he was working with The Byrds or CSNY. His solo stuff has some great musicianship and a few cool moments, but a lot of it just kind of floats by without much sticking.
The whole album feels mellow and spacey, like you're hanging out in a studio with everyone high and seeing where the instruments take them. It sets a mood, sure, but not one I feel the need to revisit often. It's more of a vibe than a collection of songs Iâd go back to.
3
Jan 21 2025
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Once again, indie rock just isnât for me. I gave this one a fair shot, but it mostly felt like noise with a trendy haircut. Karen Oâs vocals bounce between cool and chaotic, but the songs just donât land.
Thereâs an energy here, sure, but itâs the kind that makes me check how many songs are left. I get why it has a fanbase. Itâs loud, raw, and edgy in that early 2000s way. Still, Iâll pass.
2
Jan 22 2025
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
This one's a bit all over the place. Some tracks hit hard with those horns and punchy rhythms. Others feel like the band forgot to end the song and just kept noodling around.
You can hear the prog rock influence, especially in the longer tracks. Itâs not bad, but you need some patience. Luckily, the radio-friendly songs help break things up. They're tight, catchy, and show why Chicago got so big.
Favorite Song: I'm a Man
Least Favorite Song: Liberation
3
Jan 23 2025
Kimono My House
Sparks
Iâm not exactly sure what I just listened but I can tell you it wasnât good music. Itâs like Sparks threw a bunch of ideas at the wall â falsetto vocals, glam rock riffs, weird theatrical flair â and somehow decided to keep all of them, even the bad ones.
The whole thing feels like a joke I wasnât in on. The songs are all over the place, the vocals are borderline unbearable, and nothing sticks. Itâs chaotic in a way thatâs more annoying than interesting, like being trapped in a musical written by aliens trying to imitate Earth pop culture.
1
Jan 24 2025
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
This album sounds like someone locked a banshee in a cathedral and recorded her trying to remember the lyrics to a song she heard once in a dream. Itâs like they handed a reverb pedal a record deal and said, âGo nuts.â
I donât know what language the singer is usingâmaybe Elvish? Maybe baby talk? Either way, itâs not working. Every track blends together into a swirl of unintelligible wailing and echo-soaked guitar noodles. It's the musical equivalent of trying to read a foggy mirror.
I know some folks call this âethereal.â I call it âunlistenable.â Just awful. No other way to describe it.
1
Jan 25 2025
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
This oneâs a fun ride. Aqualung manages to be heavy, weird, and somehow classy all at the same time. And letâs be honest, the flute absolutely steals the show. I didnât know I needed more flute in my rock music until now, but here we are.
âAqualungâ and âLocomotive Breathâ are the obvious bangers, but the slower, acoustic tracks add some nice balance too. It drags a little in places, but overall, itâs a great mix of grit and prog with a flair that only Jethro Tull could pull off.
4
Jan 26 2025
Dookie
Green Day
Dookie is stacked with pop-punk classics that still hold up decades later. Green Day really found their sweet spot here â catchy hooks, snotty vocals, and just enough angst to soundtrack a teenager slamming the bedroom door.
"Welcome to Paradise" might technically be a re-release, but it's still an all-time banger. "Basket Case" takes the top spot for me though â and not just because of the Roll Tide energy. If thereâs a weak link, itâs probably âIn The End,â which feels more filler than fire. Still, this album helped define a genre, and it earns its four stars easy.
4
Jan 27 2025
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Rain Dogs was straight-up miserable to get through. I know Tom Waits has a cult following and people swear by this album, but honestly? I have no idea why. It sounds like a drunk pirate muttering nonsense over trash can percussion and broken accordions. The whole thing feels like itâs trying way too hard to be weird for the sake of being weird.
Thereâs no flow, no real melody to hang onto â just a mess of clanking sounds and gravelly rambling that made me feel like I was losing my mind. I kept hoping it would turn a corner or give me something to latch onto, but it never happened. Every track just made me more annoyed that I was still listening.
1
Jan 28 2025
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Highway to Hell is straight-up solid classic rock â no frills, no filler, just riffs and attitude. The title track is iconic for a reason, and Bon Scottâs vocals hit that perfect mix of grit and swagger. The whole album is loud, punchy, and built for blasting with the windows down.
Itâs not as polished as Back in Black, but thatâs kind of the point. This is raw, barroom rock at its best. AC/DC knew exactly what lane they were in, and they floored it.
Favorite song: If You Want Blood (You Got It)
4
Jan 29 2025
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water might be the most early-2000s album title ever, but man, Limp Bizkit delivered. Say what you want about Fred Durst and the band's image, but this album has bangers front to back. âTake a Look Aroundâ is an all-timer â that Mission: Impossible riff hits hard every time.
People love to clown on Limp Bizkit, but if you actually listen, thereâs a lot to like here. Itâs loud, itâs dumb, itâs catchy â and sometimes thatâs exactly what you need.
Favorite song: Take A Look Around
Least Favorite Song: Hold On
4
Jan 30 2025
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Jack Takes the Floor was a nice change of pace from some of the heavier stuff I've been listening to. You can definitely hear how this kind of stripped-down folk couldâve influenced bands like Old Crow Medicine Show. Itâs got that raw, rootsy vibe that feels genuine.
That said, itâs not something Iâd throw on regularly â more of a once-in-a-while listen. Still, Iâd take this over most of what passes for modern country any day.
Favorite Song - East Texas Talking Blues
Least Favorite song - Bed Bug Blues
3
Jan 31 2025
New Wave
The Auteurs
Never heard of The Auteurs before, so I went into New Wave with no expectations. The first couple of tracks didnât do much for me, but things started to pick up around âAmerican Guitars,â which had a solid hook. âDonât Trust the Starsâ is another standout, and the strings on âHow Could I Be Wrongâ add a nice touch of depth.
âIdiot Brotherâ gave off some definite Dylan vibes in the lyrics and delivery, which was a cool surprise. Overall, a mixed bag â some solid songs, a few forgettable ones, but not a bad listen for a band I knew nothing about.
Favorite Song: Early Years
Least Favorite song: Home Again
3
Feb 01 2025
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Axl might be a dick but Appetite for Destruction is straight-up flawless. This isnât just a great debut album; itâs one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded. Itâs loud, dirty, unhinged, and absolutely bursting with energy from the first riff to the last scream. Guns Nâ Roses sounded like a band with nothing to lose and everything to prove â and they proved it in 12 tracks.
âWelcome to the Jungleâ is a masterclass in opening an album â explosive, menacing, and iconic. âSweet Child oâ Mineâ brought melody and vulnerability without losing any of the bandâs grit, and âParadise Cityâ is a full-blown anthem that somehow gets better the louder you crank it. Then thereâs âNightrainâ â a whiskey-soaked, riff-heavy banger that perfectly captures the bandâs reckless charm and relentless drive.
Even the deep cuts go hard. âMr. Brownstone,â âMy Michelle,â âRocket Queenâ â thereâs not a weak moment on the entire album. And letâs not forget Slashâs guitar work, which is nothing short of legendary throughout.
Axl may bring the drama, but he also brings the fire. Appetite for Destruction is pure, unfiltered rock and roll â dangerous, unpredictable, and absolutely essential.
Favorite song: Nighttrain
5
Feb 02 2025
Rocks
Aerosmith
I donât dive into a lot of Aerosmith beyond the greatest hits and whatever blasts while Iâm strapped into the Rockinâ Rollercoaster, but Rocks was a pleasant surprise. Gritty, loud, and packed with swagger, itâs got more to offer than just the radio singles.
Tracks like âBack in the Saddleâ and âLast Childâ still hit hard, and the whole album has that raw, bluesy edge that defined their early years. Bonus star just for being part of one of the best rides Disney ever put together. Fast, fun, and loud â just like this album.
Favorite song: Rats in the Cellar
Least Favorite song: Last Child
4
Feb 03 2025
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youthâs Evol has its moments, but theyâre buried under a heap of noise and art-school pretension. I get why Kurt Cobain liked them â they were edgy, weird, and doing something different â but different doesnât always mean good.
There are a few catchy songs here that break through the fuzz, but the rest just sort of meanders aimlessly. Itâs like theyâre trying really hard to be avant-garde but forgot to bring the hooks. Not the worst thing Iâve ever heard, but nowhere near the hype.
2
Feb 04 2025
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
I probably wouldnât have listened to Superfly on my own â but Iâm really glad I did. This album is really, really good. Curtis Mayfieldâs talent as a songwriter and producer in the â70s is undeniable, and Superfly is proof of just how prolific and ahead of his time he truly was.
There isnât a single bad song on this album. Every track feels intentional, groove-heavy, and filled with purpose. âFreddieâs Deadâ is an absolute banger â funky, haunting, and full of social commentary without ever losing its swagger. But the real standout for me was âThink.â Itâs so different from anything else Iâve heard from Curtis â atmospheric, intense, and rhythmically gripping. It shows just how much range he had.
Superfly isnât just a soundtrack â itâs a statement. It captures a moment, elevates it, and still sounds fresh and relevant today. Five stars, no hesitation.
Favorite song: Think
5
Feb 05 2025
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Congratulations to Wonderful Rainbow for setting a new low bar. I didnât think it was possible to make Rain Dogs and Bone Machine sound like masterpieces, but here we are. This isnât music â itâs what I imagine a blender full of forks sounds like when you drop it down a flight of stairs.
If there was any artistic message buried in the feedback and noise, it got completely lost somewhere between my growing headache and the overwhelming urge to throw my speakers out the window. A truly wonderful waste of time.
1
Feb 06 2025
Traffic
Traffic
I went into Traffic not knowing a single thing about the band, but this one really caught me off guard â in a good way. Itâs a solid psychedelic rock album from start to finish. Trippy melodies, some jazzy touches, and that late '60s vibe that never gets old.
Nothing felt too overdone, and even the weirder moments worked within the overall sound. Definitely one of those albums that makes you wonder why the band isnât mentioned more in classic rock convos.
Favorite track: Pearly Queen
4
Feb 07 2025
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Went into Selling England by the Pound completely blind â not really a Genesis fan â but I was pleasantly surprised. "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" was easily the standout for me. Iâve always been a sucker for when bands sneak sitar into Western rock, and it works really well here.
That said, âBattle of Epping Forestâ lost me. Itâs just too long to be doing all those goofy voices â felt like I was trapped in a Renaissance fair skit. Still, as far as prog rock goes, this album makes a pretty strong case for why Genesis is so highly regarded.
4
Feb 08 2025
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Born in the U.S.A. is peak Springsteen â stadium rock anthems, working-class grit, and more synthesizers than you'd expect from the Boss. A lot of his biggest songs are packed into this one album, and even if you're only casually familiar with his music, you'll probably recognize half the tracklist.
"Born in the U.S.A." stands out as a favorite â a protest song that somehow still gets played at cookouts like it's pure patriotism. Either way, it's a classic. This album may not be flawless, but it's iconic for a reason.
4
Feb 09 2025
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Automatic for the People is one of those albums I want to like more than I actually do. I get why people love it â itâs moody, introspective, and full of emotion â but Iâve just never been able to get into R.E.M.
There are definitely some solid songs here, and I respect the craftsmanship, but it doesnât do much for me personally. Just not my vibe.
Favorite Song: Man on the Moon
3
Feb 10 2025
I See You
The xx
Ah yes, I See You â the perfect album if you enjoy whisper-singing over moody elevator music. Once again, The xx delivers their signature blend of emotional detachment and background noise.
If you've heard one xx song, you've pretty much heard them all. Still donât like anything by this band, but hey â at least theyâre consistent.
2
Feb 11 2025
Different Class
Pulp
Different Class is a big step up from This Is Hardcore. Itâs got way more energy and better hooks all around. I liked several of the tracks â theyâre catchy without being too polished, and Jarvis Cockerâs lyrics are clever in a weird, voyeuristic kind of way.
âI Spyâ stood out in particular â felt very Pink Floyd-esque with its slow build and moody tension. Not something I expected from Pulp, but it totally worked. Overall, a solid Britpop album with some real high points.
Favorite Song: Common People
4
Feb 12 2025
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin IV is the bandâs magnum opus â the perfect storm of power, precision, and musical ambition. From the very first snarling riff of âBlack Dog,â this album goes hard, pulling no punches and wasting no time. It doesnât even think about slowing down until the third track, and by then, youâre already all in.
For 20 years, âBlack Dogâ has been my personal favorite â a snarling, swaggering beast of a song with that iconic call-and-response between Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Itâs the ultimate opener, setting the tone for an album that doesnât stick to one lane. Zeppelin stretches out across genres like itâs nothing â from the bluesy stomp of âRock and Rollâ to the mystical folk of âThe Battle of Evermore,â the prog-leaning grandeur of âStairway to Heaven,â and the backwoods groove of âGoing to California.â
Every member is in peak form here â Pageâs riffs, Bonhamâs thunderous drumming, Jonesâs subtle but essential textures, and Plantâs golden god vocals. IV is proof that Led Zeppelin could do it all â and do it better than anyone else.
Itâs not just one of their best albums. Itâs one of the greatest rock albums ever. A towering achievement that still sounds massive decades later.
5
Feb 13 2025
Fragile
Yes
I recognized "Roundabout" right away â that bassline and guitar work are iconic. Easily the standout track and probably the reason most people know the album. The rest of Fragile is kind of a journey, but not always one I wanted to take. Itâs like they had a contest to see who could cram the most technical stuff into a single song.
Donât get me wrong â the musicianship is next level. You can tell every member of Yes is insanely talented. But some of the tracks just feel like prog rock for prog rockâs sake
3
Feb 14 2025
Me Against The World
2Pac
No doubt 2Pac is one of the greatest to ever do it, but Me Against the World didnât hit as hard for me as some of his other work. Thereâs a lot of introspection and emotional depth here, which I respect, but the overall vibe just didnât stick with me like All Eyez on Me or Makaveli.
Still, tracks like âDear Mamaâ are classics, and the album has its moments. Itâs a solid record, just not my favorite in his discography.
Favorite song: Death Around The Corner
3
Feb 15 2025
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Seventeen Seconds is moody, atmospheric, and a solid early entry into the goth rock sceneâbut if Iâm being honest, Iâve always preferred The Smiths when it comes to gloomy British music. The Cure leans heavier into the brooding and minimalism here, which is fine, but a lot of the songs tend to blend together after a while.
Thereâs definitely a vibe, and tracks like âA Forestâ stand out for a reason, but overall, it didnât leave a huge impression. Not bad, just not my go-to when Iâm in the mood for this genre.
Favorite song: Seventeen Seconds
3
Feb 16 2025
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Doggystyle is peak early 90s West Coast rap. The production is smooth as hellâclassic G-funk courtesy of Dr. Dreâand Snoop Doggâs laid-back delivery just glides over every beat. It's the kind of album that sounds just as good cruising with the windows down today as it did in '93.
The skits sprinkled throughout the album are hilarious and somehow donât feel like filler, which is rare. They actually help with the pacing and vibe. Tracks like âGin and Juice,â âWho Am I (Whatâs My Name?),â and âTha Shiznitâ are obvious standouts, but even the deeper cuts stay strong. Itâs a perfect mix of gritty storytelling, party tracks, and straight-up swagger.
This was Snoop at his hungriest and most creative.
Favorite song: Lodi Dodi
4
Feb 17 2025
Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
As a big fan of psychedelic rock, I thought I'd be all over Ogden's Nut Gone Flakeâbut nah. This one just didnât hit for me. The concept is weird in a not-fun way, and the whole thing felt more gimmicky than groovy. That spoken-word fairy tale stuff in the second half? Borderline unbearable.
I get that the Small Faces were trying something different here, but it didnât land. It has a few cool musical moments, but most of the time I felt like I was waiting for it to be over. One of the few psychedelic rock albums I donât see myself revisiting.
2
Feb 18 2025
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
The Wildest! definitely lives up to its nameâitâs all over the place in the best kind of way. Louis Primaâs chaotic energy and big band flair give it that old Vegas lounge feel, and for some reason, it instantly made me think of the Fallout game series. Maybe it's the retro, swinginâ vibe or the way it sounds like something blasting from a rusty radio in the post-apocalypse.
Itâs fun, itâs loud, and itâs got personality. Not something Iâd play all the time, but it was a good time while it lasted.
Favorite song: "Jump, Jive, an' Wail"
3
Feb 19 2025
Another Green World
Brian Eno
Well, that was weird. Another Green World felt like the musical equivalent of staring at abstract art and wondering if youâre just not smart enough to get it.
That said, âEverything Merges With the Nightâ was actually really goodâbeautiful, even. If the rest of the album had followed that vibe, I mightâve enjoyed it more. Instead, most of it just sounded like background music for a sci-fi film where nothing happens.
2
Feb 20 2025
Justified
Justin Timberlake
Here we goâearly 2000s pop in full force. Justified feels more like a time capsule than a must-hear album. Iâm honestly baffled as to why this made it onto any "albums to hear before you die" list unless itâs just to appreciate how far we've come.
Iâll give it some credit: âNothinâ Elseâ has a nice little 60s soul vibe that actually worked. But then youâve got âNever Again,â which lives up to its nameâbecause I genuinely hope I never have to hear it again. Ever.
2
Feb 21 2025
S&M
Metallica
If you're a Metallica fan, S&M is an absolute masterpiece â a perfect fusion of metal and orchestral grandeur that showcases the band at their most ambitious and, frankly, James at his vocal peak. His delivery throughout this live performance is powerful, controlled, and emotionally charged in a way that elevates the entire experience.
I still get chills listening to the opening with âEcstasy of Goldâ â itâs the perfect way to get pumped for any Metallica show. That buildup, that energy â it never gets old. It sets the stage like no other, and by the time the band kicks in with the orchestra behind them, itâs full-body goosebumps.
And then thereâs âNo Leaf Clover.â Hands down their best deep cut for a live show â and itâs not even close. The dynamic shift between clean verses and the explosive chorus, all layered with that cinematic orchestration, makes it one of the most unique and powerful tracks in their catalog. Itâs a crime it doesnât show up more in regular setlists.
I tried to go to S&M2 six years ago and couldnât get tickets, and listening to this only deepens that regret. S&M isnât just a live album â itâs a statement of how far metal can go when itâs pushed beyond its boundaries.
Favorite song: No Leaf Clover
5
Feb 22 2025
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is... fine. It's quirky, weird, and sonically creativeâbut also very, very indie rock, which isn't exactly a selling point for me. The Flaming Lips definitely have a unique sound, and I can respect the ambition here, even if itâs not something Iâd ever go out of my way to listen to again.
Points for originality and the occasional cool instrumental moment. But overall, it just reinforces that me and indie rock are not meant to be.
3
Feb 23 2025
Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Goodbye and Hello sounds like what happens when mediocre folk music takes a wrong turn into a head shop and never comes back out. It's like someone said, âWhat if we combined the most pretentious parts of â60s poetry with the most chaotic parts of psychedelic experimentation?â and everyone else in the room just nodded instead of calling the police.
Thereâs talent here somewhere, buried under layers of overambitious arrangements and lyrical rambling. But mostly, it feels like you're stuck in a Renaissance Faire where everyone's really into incense and existential dread.
2
Feb 24 2025
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Dennis Dias didnât have to go that hard with the electric sitar solo on âDo It Again,â but he didâand honestly, weâre all better off because of it. Canât Buy a Thrill kicks off strong and rarely lets up.
âOnly a Fool Would Say Thatâ was a surprise standout, and of course, âReelinâ In The Yearsâ is still an all-time banger with one of the best guitar solos of the '70s. Steely Dan really came out swinging with their debutâsmooth, sharp, and way cooler than it has any right to be.
Favorite song: Reelin In The Years
4
Feb 25 2025
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Iâm not the biggest James Brown fan, but Iâve got to give credit where itâs dueâhis energy on Live at the Apollo is off the charts. The crowdâs hype, the band is tight, and James Brown clearly knew how to put on a show.
That said, it didnât totally pull me in. The performance is impressive, but if you're not already a fan of his style, it might wear a little thin. Still, a historic live recording that helped shape soul and funk.
3
Feb 26 2025
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Iâm a fan of early 90s rap, and this album definitely brings that classic soundâwith hard beats, battle-ready bars, and a confident delivery. But LL Cool J just isnât really my guy.
âMama Said Knock You Outâ is a legendary track and still hits hard, but beyond that, most of the album didnât leave a lasting impression. Solid for what it is, just not something Iâd come back to often.
3
Feb 27 2025
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
Hunting High and Low is peak 80s synth-pop, for better or worse. "Take On Me" is obviously the standout, but thanks to Family Guy, it's impossible to take seriously anymoreâand maybe thatâs okay.
The first half of the album kind of dragged, aside from the iconic opener. But I was surprised by how much I liked the second half. It had more depth and atmosphere than I expected. Not something Iâd listen to all the time, but definitely worth a spin for a dose of 80s nostalgia.
Favorite song: Take On Me
3
Feb 28 2025
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Axis: Bold as Love is a dazzling, kaleidoscopic journey that proves Jimi Hendrix wasnât just a guitar god â he was a visionary songwriter and sonic architect. Coming off the raw power of Are You Experienced, this album dives deeper into color, emotion, and imagination, showing Hendrix and the Experience expanding their sound in every direction without losing their edge.
âSpanish Castle Magicâ kicks the door open with grinding riffs and a psychedelic swagger that grabs you instantly. âIf 6 Was 9â is defiant and weird in the best way â Hendrixâs anthem for the outsiders, full of fuzzed-out rebellion and cosmic cool. âCastles Made of Sandâ is one of his most poignant, poetic tracks â delicate, tragic, and deeply human, showing his storytelling at its most refined.
Then thereâs âBold as Loveâ, the perfect closer â a swirling, majestic finale that ends the album in a blaze of feedback and feeling. Itâs Hendrix painting with sound, turning emotion into melody and distortion.
Axis: Bold as Love isnât just about guitar fireworks â though there are plenty. Itâs about mood, texture, and depth. A true masterpiece that proves Hendrix could do everything, and make it all sound effortless.
Favorite song: "Castles Made of Sand"
5
Mar 01 2025
Ramones
Ramones
The Ramones' debut album is a punch to the face in the best way possible. Fast, loud, and stripped down to the essentials, this is the record that kicked the door open for punk rock. No solos, no filler, no nonsense â just raw energy and attitude.
This was one of the bands that got me into punk, and this album still holds up as one of the genreâs blueprints. âBlitzkrieg Bopâ is the anthem, no question â simple, catchy, and impossible not to shout along to. âJudy Is a Punkâ flies by in under two minutes but leaves a lasting mark, and âI Wanna Be Your Boyfriendâ shows they could slow it down and still keep it cool. Then there's âNow I Wanna Sniff Some Glueâ â pure chaos, pure punk, and somehow totally relatable in its own ridiculous way.
Favorite song: Blitzkrieg Bop
5
Mar 02 2025
Stankonia
OutKast
There was a time when Southern rap ruled the radio, and Stankonia was the soundtrack. OutKast didnât just drop hits â they changed the whole vibe of rap in the late 90s and early 2000s. This album is loud, weird, smart, and way ahead of its time. Itâs peak OutKast, and it still sounds just as good now.
There are a bunch of guest features throughout the album, and every one of them fits right in. No one steals the spotlight from AndrĂŠ 3000 and Big Boi, though. Theyâre both locked in, trading wild flows and clever lines like itâs effortless.
âGasoline Dreamsâ kicks things off with a ton of energy. âMs. Jacksonâ is the classic â emotional and catchy, and somehow still not overplayed. âSo Fresh, So Cleanâ is pure cool, and âB.O.B.â is just insane. That beat is lightning fast and still gets me hyped. I used to jam out to it playing Mat Hoffmanâs Pro BMX on my PlayStation, and it made both the song and the game even better.
Favorite song: BOB
5
Mar 03 2025
ImmigrĂŠs
Youssou N'Dour
I can appreciate the cultural importance of ImmigrĂŠs and what Youssou N'Dour represents, but musically, this just didnât do much for me. The rhythms were interesting at first, but the album quickly started to feel repetitive, and I found myself zoning out more than vibing.
Maybe it's one of those âyou had to be thereâ albumsâor at least understand the lyrics. I respect what he was trying to do, but overall, it didnât connect with me.
2
Mar 04 2025
Either Or
Elliott Smith
Either/Or? More like Either/Nor. This album is like if someone whispered their feelings into a tin can and called it lo-fi brilliance. I get that Elliott Smith was going for raw and emotional, but somewhere between the barely-there vocals and the lullaby-level energy, I almost forgot I was listening to music and not the sound of someone sighing in the next room.
Sure, itâs introspective, but so is staring at a beige wall. Two stars because I respect sad guy guitar music in theoryâbut this one just bored me to tears.
2
Mar 05 2025
Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
I had no idea Frank Black was the lead singer of the Pixies, but knowing that now makes this album click a bit more. Teenager of the Year is packed with quirky lyrics, off-kilter melodies, and that signature rawness you'd expect from someone with Pixies roots.
There are definitely some solid moments scattered throughout, but itâs a long album and not everything lands. Some songs feel a bit like filler, while others are surprisingly catchy and fun. Itâs worth a listen for fans of alt-rock weirdness, but it didnât quite blow me away.
3
Mar 06 2025
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Everything Must Go isnât a great album, but itâs not unlistenable either. It just feels like Steely Dan running on cruise controlâclean, polished, but kind of forgettable. The jazz-rock fusion is still there, but the spark is a little dimmer than on their classic albums.
âEverything Must Goâ as a concept sounds promising, but most of the tracks blur together. The one that stood out to me was âAustraliaââcatchier and with a bit more energy. Overall, itâs fine background music, but not one Iâll be coming back to often.
Favorite song: Australia
3
Mar 07 2025
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
At Mr. Kellyâs is a great live showcase of Sarah Vaughanâs insane vocal talent. She sounds effortless up thereâlike she could sing the phone book and still make it swing. Her tone, phrasing, and control are just on another level.
Itâs a stripped-down setting, but that only highlights how powerful and smooth her voice is. You get the sense that the audience knew they were witnessing something special. Easily one of the best live jazz vocal albums out there. Man, she was really talented.
4
Mar 08 2025
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Stardust is a great example of Willie Nelson doing what he does bestâmaking any song his own. Itâs pretty cool to hear his laid-back, soulful take on classic pop standards like âGeorgia on My Mindâ and âBlue Skies.â His phrasing and delivery are so relaxed it feels like heâs singing just for you on a porch somewhere with a glass of something strong in hand.
The arrangements are stripped down, but thatâs part of the charmânothing gets in the way of Willieâs voice or the emotion behind each lyric. Itâs not your typical country record, but it works surprisingly well. You can tell this was a passion project, and itâs one of those albums that grows on you the more you listen. A solid, timeless listen front to back.
4
Mar 09 2025
Teen Dream
Beach House
Teen Dream was definitely an interesting listen, but it just wasnât for me. The dreamy, atmospheric vibe is cool in small doses, but the whole album started to blend together after a while.
I can see why some people are into itâitâs well-produced and has a unique soundâbut personally, it didnât really grab me or make me want to come back for more. Just not my style.
2
Mar 10 2025
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Psalm 69 is industrial metal at its absolute peak. Ministry found the perfect mix of heavy guitars, pounding drums, and mechanical chaos â and made it all work together. The sound is loud, aggressive, and completely in your face from the start.
âJesus Built My Hot Rodâ is pure madness in the best way. Itâs fast, noisy, and full of wild energy. You can barely keep up â and thatâs the point. Then thereâs âJust One Fix,â which hits hard with a dark, pulsing groove and razor-sharp riffs. Itâs heavy, itâs angry, and it doesnât let up.
Every track on this album feels like it was made to push limits. The mix of metal and industrial noise is raw but controlled, and the energy never drops. This isnât background music â itâs something you feel when you listen to it.
Favorite song: Just One Fix
5
Mar 11 2025
Live At Leeds
The Who
Live at Leeds is often called the greatest live rock album of all time, and while I get why some fans feel that way, it just didnât blow me away. The energy is raw, the playing is tight, and The Who definitely bring some fire to the stage. You can hear how much fun theyâre having with the extended jams and the heavier, rougher versions of their studio tracks.
But for someone who isnât a massive Who fan, it didnât quite hit the same. Itâs not bad by any meansâitâs a solid live album with some standout momentsâbut overall, it just felt like a decent recording of a good show. Not quite legendary status in my book, but I can respect why itâs so highly regarded.
3
Mar 12 2025
Odessa
Bee Gees
Odessa is peak pre-disco Bee Geesâdramatic, orchestral, and full of ambitious songwriting. Before they were ruling the dance floor, they were crafting moody, baroque pop epics like this. The title track sets the tone with its haunting strings, and the rest of the album keeps that grand, melancholic vibe rolling.
Itâs definitely a weird one, but in the best way. Proof that the Bee Gees were more than just falsettos and gold chains.
Favorite song: I Laugh In Your Face
4
Mar 13 2025
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963 is raw, electric, and full of soul. Sam Cooke didnât just performâhe commanded the room. The energy in this set is miles away from his polished studio recordings, and thatâs what makes it so good. The crowd is into it, Sam is giving it everything, and itâs clear he knew how to work a room.
RIP to one of the greatest voices in music history. This live album is a reminder of how powerful and dynamic he really was.
Favorite song: Nothing Can Change This Love
4
Mar 14 2025
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
urfâs Up was a surprise for meâI didnât recognize most of the songs going in, but I ended up really enjoying it. You can definitely hear the Pet Sounds influence in the arrangements and harmonies. Itâs moody, reflective, and has that emotional depth that the Beach Boys started leaning into during their later years.
Itâs not their best work overall, but tracks like ââTil I Dieâ and the title track really stood out. The album has a more mature, melancholic vibe than their early stuff, and I appreciated the shift. Definitely worth a listen if you're a fan of their more introspective era..
Favorite song: Student Demonstration Time
4
Mar 15 2025
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is raw, gritty, and iconic. Wu-Tang Clan really came in swinging and proved they were absolutely nothing to f*** with. The beats are dusty and menacing, the verses are sharp, and the personalities are larger than life. Itâs like getting mugged by a group of lyrical ninjas in a Shaolin dojoâand honestly, you kind of enjoy it.
Standout tracks like âC.R.E.A.M.,â âProtect Ya Neck,â and âWu-Tang Clan Ainât Nuthing ta Fâ Witâ are untouchable. RZAâs production is dark and stripped down, giving the MCs all the room they need to go offâand they do. Not every track hits equally, but when it does, it really does.
Itâs chaotic, sometimes messy, but thatâs part of the charm. A must-listen for any hip-hop fan, and a strong 4 stars for one of the most influential rap albums ever made.
Favorite song: Wu-Tang Clain Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit
4
Mar 16 2025
Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
This has beautiful harmonies, no doubt, but after a few tracks it just started to feel like I was stuck in the intro of The Lion King for 40 minutes. Peaceful? Sure. Memorable? Not really.
Itâs not bad musicâit just didnât hold my attention. I appreciate the cultural importance, but itâs not something Iâd revisit.
2
Mar 17 2025
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
I have no idea what they were saying on Music in Exileâbut honestly, who cares when the music slaps this hard? The grooves are tight, the rhythm section is on point, and every track pulls you in whether you understand the lyrics or not.
Itâs one of those albums that proves you donât need to speak the language to feel the vibe. Great energy, great musicianship, and a sound that sticks with you.
Favorite song: Soubour
4
Mar 18 2025
Zombie
Fela Kuti
I get that Zombie is a culturally important album, and I respect Fela Kuti's influenceâbut this just wasnât for me. The groove is there, sure, but the songs drag on forever with not a whole lot of variation.
If you're really into Afrobeat or political protest music, this might hit harder. But for a casual listener like me, it felt more like background noise than something Iâd actively want to play again.
2
Mar 19 2025
Music
Madonna
Madonnaâs Music didnât do a whole lot for me, but Iâll give it credit where itâs dueââRunaway Loverâ was a legit highlight. Maybe Iâve got a soft spot for early 2000s EDM vibes after all.
The rest of the album felt a bit dated, and not in a fun nostalgic way. More like a reminder of when auto-tune started taking over pop music and everyone thought it sounded futuristic. Not terrible, but not something Iâd revisit often.
3
Mar 20 2025
Cross
Justice
Cross by Justice was a fun surprise. After calling out an EDM track as my favorite yesterday, the algorithm mustâve read my mind and hit me with a full album of it. And honestly? Not mad about it.
This thing is loud, glitchy, funky, and somehow still smooth. Tracks like âD.A.N.C.E.â and âGenesisâ are absolute standouts, and even the deeper cuts keep the energy going without feeling repetitive. It's like Daft Punkâs gritty little cousin rolled in neon. Good album all around.
Favorite song: Phantom
4
Mar 21 2025
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of... has a chill, jazzy vibe that definitely reminds me of A Tribe Called Quest â just not quite as polished or memorable. The positive messages are cool, and thereâs no denying Arrested Development had a unique sound when this came out. But overall, the album feels a little uneven and hasnât aged as well as some of its early â90s hip hop peers. Still, a solid listen if you're into conscious rap with a laid-back flow.
That said, tracks like âTennesseeâ and âMr. Wendalâ still hold up and offer a nice dose of nostalgia. Itâs clear they were trying to do something different in a genre that was heading in a more aggressive direction, and I respect that. I just wish the rest of the album packed the same punch those standout songs did.
3
Mar 22 2025
All Directions
The Temptations
All Directions is a strong showing from The Temptations during their psychedelic soul phase. âRun Charlie Runâ is catchy with a biting social commentary that still feels relevant, and their version of âPapa Was a Rollinâ Stoneâ is nothing short of legendary â the atmosphere, the groove, that iconic bassline. Itâs a slow burn that totally pays off.
The rest of the album doesnât quite hit the same highs, but thereâs still plenty of solid material here. Itâs a bold, experimental record that shows just how much The Temptations evolved from their earlier Motown days. Definitely worth a listen if you want to hear a group pushing their sound in new directions.
Favorite song: Papa Was a Rollin Stone
4
Mar 23 2025
Illmatic
Nas
Illmatic goes hard for a debut album. Nas showed up with top-tier bars, killer flow, and production that still sounds great today. âN.Y. State of Mindâ and âThe World Is Yoursâ hit especially hard, and the whole thing is tight with no filler. Itâs not something I play on repeat, but you gotta respect the craftsmanship. Solid 4 stars.
Favorite song: "The World Is Yours"
4
Mar 24 2025
Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Classic Loretta Lynn â raw, bold, and not afraid to call it like she sees it. Her husband mustâve been a real piece of work, because the frustration and sass in these songs feel very personal. The title track is the clear standout, and while the rest of the album doesnât quite reach the same level, it still packs plenty of attitude.
3
Mar 25 2025
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Ready to Die is a solid example of early '90s rap, and I get why itâs considered a classic. But personally, Iâve never been a huge Biggie fan. Some of the tracks hit hard, but the album as a whole just feels a little too long. The skits especially drag things down â theyâre more distracting than entertaining. There are definitely some strong moments, but for me, it doesnât quite live up to the hype from start to finish.
Favorite song: Big Poppa
3
Mar 26 2025
Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
Never heard of Klaxons before this, but Myths of the Near Future really surprised me. I went in totally blind and came out a fan. Itâs chaotic in a good way â like a mix of indie rock, dance punk, and some weird cosmic energy. The whole thing has a raw, energetic vibe that keeps it interesting from start to finish. The songs bleed into each other with a kind of manic cohesion that somehow works. Itâs not something Iâd normally seek out, but Iâm glad I gave it a shot â definitely a hidden gem.
Favorite song: Two Receivers.
4
Mar 27 2025
Born To Be With You
Dion
Iâve always enjoyed Dionâs doo-wop era, so I was curious to hear Born to Be with You. Itâs interesting that this one got rediscovered in the â90s and picked up a cult following â probably more for its backstory than the music itself. For me, it was fine. Nothing particularly stood out, but it wasnât bad either. Just kind of⌠there. Iâll bump it up a star out of respect for his earlier work and the fact that some of those older tracks found a second life in Fallout.
Favorite song: "Your Own Back Yard"
3
Mar 28 2025
The Stooges
The Stooges
Raw, loud, and sloppy in all the right ways â The Stooges is one of the great progenitors of punk rock. Iggy Popâs unhinged vocals and the bandâs garage rock chaos laid the groundwork for a whole movement. "I Wanna Be Your Dog" is still an absolute beast of a track. Itâs not polished, and thatâs the whole point. This album didnât care about being perfect â it just wanted to make noise and leave a mark. Mission accomplished.
Favorite song: I Wanna Be Your Dog
4
Mar 29 2025
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Morrison Hotel is a return to form for The Doors. Jim Morrison mightâve been a wild card, but he was also one of the great songwriters of the 20th century, and it really shows here. The album leans more into blues rock, and the band sounds tighter and more grounded than on some of their previous work. âRoadhouse Bluesâ is a classic, and the rest of the album holds its own with gritty vocals, strong riffs, and that signature Doors vibe.
Favorite song: Roadhouse Blues
4
Mar 30 2025
With The Beatles
Beatles
With The Beatles isnât my favorite Beatles album, but you can definitely hear them starting to come into their own. Their original songs are stronger here than on Please Please Me, and even the cover songsâthough not what you'd call essential listening todayâare still well done and full of energy. Itâs a solid early effort that shows the band leveling up and hinting at whatâs to come.
4
Mar 31 2025
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Ray Charles is undeniably one of the greats, but The Genius of Ray Charles leans a little too hard into the Big Band sound for my taste. The arrangements feel a bit dated, and while his talent shines through, this earlier work doesn't quite hit the same as his later, more stripped-down stuff. It's got its moments, but overall, itâs not something Iâd come back to often. More historical appreciation than personal enjoyment.
Favorite song: Let The Good Times Roll
3
Apr 01 2025
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
I saw "psychedelic pop" and thought I was in for something trippy and rock-influencedâmaybe even a little mind-bending. Instead, Oracular Spectacular felt more like a synthy indie-pop mixtape with a few catchy hooks. I recognized "Time to Pretend" and "Electric Feel," but beyond that, it just didnât hit. If you're expecting anything close to actual psychedelic rock, this isnât it.
2
Apr 02 2025
Bummed
Happy Mondays
Well, Bummed sure is a fitting title â because thatâs exactly how I felt after sitting through it. Itâs like someone mashed up a bunch of half-baked ideas, added some chaotic energy, and said, âGood enough.â Most of the album sounds like a group of people arguing over what genre they're trying to be while tripping on something questionable. âLazyitisâ was the one moment I actually thought, Hey, maybe they know what theyâre doing. But then it was right back to the mess.
2
Apr 03 2025
Aja
Steely Dan
Aja is smooth, polished, and full of that signature Steely Dan precision â maybe too much of it. Itâs technically impressive, no doubt, but it doesnât hit the same for me as some of their other albums. That said, âDeacon Bluesâ is an absolute banger and easily the standout track here. The rest kind of blends together into a well-produced, jazz-tinged blur. Not bad, just not their best.
3
Apr 04 2025
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
Only By The Night is peak late 2000s alt rock, for better or worse. Back then, you couldnât escape âSex On Fireâ or âUse Somebodyâ â they were everywhere. Listening again now, itâs not terrible, just not really my thing. Iâve never been big on 2000s alt rock, and this album didnât change that.
That said, the bass line on âUse Somebodyâ hits different in headphones â easily the highlight for me.
Favorite song: "Use Somebody"
3
Apr 05 2025
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
This is one of those albums that just keeps getting better the deeper you go â and honestly, some of the best tracks never even hit the radio. Everyone remembers âHey Ya!â and âThe Way You Move,â but it's the deeper cuts that really show how ahead of their time Outkast was.
The guest features are stacked: Jay-Z, Lil Jon, Ludacris â the early 2000s rap dream team â and each brings a different kind of energy that makes this double album feel like two unique worlds that somehow still work perfectly together. It even edges out Stankonia for me.
Favorite song: Church
4
Apr 06 2025
Siembra
Willie ColĂłn & RubĂŠn Blades
Siembra kind of gave me flashbacks to playing the Tropico games â laid-back, tropical vibes with a political edge hiding underneath. The mix of salsa, funk, and commentary works well, and the musicianship is solid. Itâs got a smooth, chill sound that makes for great background music, even if it didnât completely blow me away. Definitely a cool listen, just not something Iâd keep on heavy rotation.
3
Apr 07 2025
Kenya
Machito
If Siembra is a party, Kenya is the awkward cousin standing in the corner trying to groove but missing the beat. Sure, the musicians can play, but the whole thing feels flat and lifeless. Itâs like they followed a recipe and still somehow made it bland. Not the worst thing Iâve ever heard, but I wouldnât put it on again unless someone dared me.
2
Apr 08 2025
Doolittle
Pixies
Doolittle is a solid album and you can definitely hear how much it influenced Nirvana and a ton of other '90s alternative bands. It's chaotic in the best wayâloud, weird, catchy, and full of energy. The quiet-loud-quiet dynamic the Pixies leaned into helped define a generation of rock music.
Songs like âDebaserâ and âMonkey Gone to Heavenâ are standouts, but even the deeper cuts have their charm. Not every track is a hit, but the albumâs raw edge and offbeat personality keep it interesting all the way through.
Favorite song: Wave of Mutilation
4
Apr 09 2025
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Blood on the Tracks is one of the better Dylan albums I've listened toâand I say that as someone who already considers himself a Dylan fan. I knew a handful of the songs going in, but this was my first time hearing the full album start to finish. Itâs raw, emotional, and lyrically sharp in that classic Dylan way. Thereâs a depth here that sticks with you, and even the songs I hadnât heard before hit hard. Solid listen all the way through.
Favorite Song: Idiot Wind
4
Apr 10 2025
The KĂśln Concert
Keith Jarrett
The KĂśln Concert might be legendary in jazz circles, but to me it just sounded like any other piano recital. Sure, itâs technically impressive and has its moments, but overall, it was just decent background music. Nothing Iâd actively throw on or revisit. I get why some people love it, but it didnât do much for me beyond filling the silence.
2
Apr 11 2025
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
I found this pretty boring. It kind of just drifted by without anything really grabbing me. The production is clean and the harmonies are nice, but the songs all sort of blended together into one long, sleepy listen. Maybe itâs meant to be more of a mood album, but for me, it just didnât leave much of an impression.
2
Apr 12 2025
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapmanâs debut album is a powerful mix of soul, folk, and social commentary. Her alto voice is warm and steady â the kind of voice that instantly pulls you in. I grew up hearing âFast Carâ constantly on the radio, and even though itâs the big hit, the rest of the album proves sheâs far from a one-song wonder.
âBehind the Wallâ is a chilling a cappella track that still gives me goosebumps, and âWhy?â keeps that thread of activism going with some biting questions about injustice. There are several really strong songs here, both musically and lyrically. Itâs a thoughtful, emotional album that holds up decades later.
Favorite song: "Fast Car"
4
Apr 13 2025
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
De-Loused in the Comatorium is... fine, I guess. For all the hype it gets, it mostly just sounds like another early 2000s alt-rock album with some extra weirdness thrown in for effect. Itâs not bad â there are moments of interesting musicianship and atmosphere â but it didnât really grab me or leave much of a lasting impression. Definitely not the mind-blowing experience some fans make it out to be. Just kinda meh.
3
Apr 14 2025
Permission to Land
The Darkness
Permission to Land is a loud, fun, and totally over-the-top rock album. I remember when âI Believe in a Thing Called Loveâ was everywhere, but I never paid attention to who the band was. This was my first time hearing The Darkness â and now Iâm wondering what took me so long.
The hit single is great, but honestly, itâs not even the third or fourth best song here. This whole album is packed with high-energy rock that sounds like it came straight out of the â80s â and I mean that in the best way. You can hear the Brian May and Angus Young influence in the guitars, and the singerâs voice is wild â powerful and full of range, just like the best glam rock frontmen.
My favorite song is âGivinâ Up.â Itâs got killer riffs, a catchy chorus, and the kind of energy that makes you want to play it on repeat. From start to finish, the album is just fun. No filler, no slow parts â just pure rock and roll.
5
Apr 15 2025
Young Americans
David Bowie
I know Bowie is considered one of the all-time greats, but Young Americans just didnât do it for me. I can respect the shift into âplastic soulâ and how experimental this was for him, but most of it felt flat. âFameâ is alright â probably the only track Iâd revisit â but the rest just kind of blends together in a way that didnât stick. And I have to dock a star for his version of âAcross the Universe.â Some things are better left untouched, and that cover didnât do Lennon/McCartney any favors.
2
Apr 16 2025
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
This album is as dumb as the singer's fake female alto.
It's like an overlong experimental art piece that forgot to include the "music" part. The songs dragged, the pacing was all over the place, and the whole thing felt like it was trying way too hard to be profound.
The lone bright spots? âWhat Can I Do?â and âSpirallingâ â and letâs be honest, thatâs entirely thanks to Rufus Wainwright and Devendra Banhart showing up to briefly salvage the mess.
1
Apr 17 2025
Ctrl
SZA
Didnât really give SZA a shot until recently, but CTRL changed that. Her vocals are smooth, emotional, and totally unique. For a debut album, this is seriously impressiveâespecially with standout features like Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar adding extra fire. The production is clean, the vibe is consistent, and she balances vulnerability and confidence effortlessly. Solid listen from start to finish.
Favorite song: "Doves In The Wind"
4
Apr 18 2025
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Music for the Masses is peak '80s in the best way. Synth-heavy, moody, and dramatic without feeling overdone. Depeche Mode really found their groove hereâway more compelling than that a-ha album I suffered through last month. Standouts like âStrangeloveâ and âNever Let Me Down Againâ still hold up today. Itâs dark, danceable, and deserves the praise.
Favorite Song: "Behind The Wheel"
4
Apr 19 2025
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Tea for the Tillerman is⌠fine. Not bad, not great. Just a solid âmehâ from start to finish. Cat Stevens has a nice voice and thereâs some solid songwriting here, but nothing really grabbed me or made me want to hit repeat. It's one of those albums thatâs easy to listen to but even easier to forget
Favorite song: "Father and Son"
3
Apr 20 2025
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Ghosteen is a snoozefest of epic proportions. Itâs like Nick Cave set out to make a more depressing, slower, and somehow less engaging version of Leonard Cohenâs You Want It Darker â and totally missed the mark.
The whole thing just drags on in a haze of whispery musings and ambient filler. Good thing I was mowing the lawn while listening or Iâd have passed out. Easily one of the most lifeless albums Iâve sat through.
1
Apr 21 2025
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Two days in a row of albums that make watching paint dry feel thrilling. Rejoicing in the Hands was a snoozefest from start to finish. Whispery vocals, meandering melodies, and absolutely zero moments that made me want to hit replay â or even keep listening.
If this is what rejoicing sounds like, Iâd rather sit in silence. Hard pass.
1
Apr 22 2025
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis might be the King of Rock and Roll, but letâs be honest â he was more of a singles guy than an album artist. This debut has its moments, sure, but most of it doesnât hold up all that well today.
That said, âTutti Fruttiâ and âBlue Suede Shoesâ still pack a punch, and his version of âBlue Moonâ is surprisingly solid. Credit where itâs due â he helped bring Black music to a wider (and whiter) audience, even if thatâs a complicated legacy.
At the time, this mightâve been groundbreaking. Now, itâs mostly a history lesson
2
Apr 23 2025
Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Went into Idlewild expecting more synth-pop and was fully braced for disappointment â so being pleasantly surprised definitely helped boost this one.
Tracey Thornâs voice is a real standout, and Ben Wattâs guitar playing had this warm, melodic quality that honestly reminded me a bit of George Harrisonâs 1979 solo work. âApron Stringsâ hit me hard â not just emotionally, but musically too. That acoustic line gave me âIn My Lifeâ vibes in the best way.
Not likely an album that I'd listen to again save for a few songs but I'm still going to give it 4 stars instead of 3.
4
Apr 24 2025
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
Still not a Kings of Leon fan after Aha Shake Heartbreak. Most of it just felt like run-of-the-mill early 2000s alt rock â nothing that really stood out or made me want to revisit it.
The lone bright spot was âThe Bucket,â which actually had a solid hook and some energy. Other than that, it kind of blurred together.
The lone bright spot was "Bucket"
2
Apr 25 2025
Eagles
Eagles
The Dude may hate the Eagles, but their debut album is actually pretty good. âTake It Easyâ is an all-time banger and a hell of a way to kick things off â just pure good vibes and great harmonies.
The first half of the album is super solid, though it does taper off a bit on the back end. Still, âChug All Nightâ was a nice surprise I hadnât heard before and ended up really liking it. All in all, not a perfect album, but a strong debut and a good listen front to back.
Favorite Song: "Take It Easy"
4
Apr 26 2025
Moving Pictures
Rush
Today I learned that basically every Rush song I know is on Moving Pictures. âTom Sawyer,â âLimelight,â âYYZâ â all bangers, all on the same album.
This oneâs packed with tight musicianship, weird time signatures, and just enough nerdy charm to make it work. Iâm not the worldâs biggest Rush fan, but even I have to admit this album slaps.
Favorite song: âRed Barchettaâ
4
Apr 27 2025
Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka TourĂŠ
Talking Timbuktu didnât do much for me overall â kind of boring, to be honest. That said, it did make for a pretty relaxing soundtrack on a long road trip.
Itâs chill background music, but not something Iâd actively choose to listen to again.
2
Apr 28 2025
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Iâve always been a fan of The Byrds, but Younger Than Yesterday wasnât one I was super familiar with outside of âMy Back Pages.â That said, itâs a solid album that shows the band branching out a bit.
Chris Hillman really steps up here with multiple writing credits, and you can start to hear the early seeds of what would become the Flying Burrito Brothers. The country-rock influence is creeping in, blending nicely with their signature jangle-pop and psychedelic touches. It might not be their most iconic record, but itâs a strong, underrated piece of the Byrdsâ evolution.
Favorite Song: "So You Want To Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star"
4
Apr 29 2025
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Crime of the Century sounds like your standard issue 70s rock album â well-produced, decent musicianship, but nothing that really jumps out or sticks with you.
Itâs not bad by any means, just kind of... there. If youâre a big Supertramp fan, Iâm sure it hits differently, but for me, it just blended in with a lot of other albums from the era.
3
Apr 30 2025
Eliminator
ZZ Top
There was a time when I was all about some ZZ Top â but that time has come and gone. Eliminator definitely has a few catchy tracks and some iconic synth-guitar grooves, but nothing on here really hits âgreatâ status for me anymore.
Itâs fun in a nostalgic, radio-hit kind of way, but not something I find myself going back to often.
Favorite song: "Sharp Dressed Man"
3
May 01 2025
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Oasis was everywhere when I was younger, but I didnât really get into them until the past couple of years â and Definitely Maybe was a great place to start. For a debut album, itâs solid from front to back.
The Gallagher brothers were clearly onto something early on â full of swagger, hooks, and that raw Britpop energy. You can feel the attitude in every track, and honestly, it holds up really well.
Favorite song: "Cigarettes & Alcohol"
4
May 02 2025
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
This is an album that swings between brilliance and chaos, often landing in the latter. While the bandâs signature fusion of Irish folk and punk energy is still intact, much of the album feels uneven and unfocused. Shane MacGowan's slurred delivery, while charming in doses, wears thin across an album that lacks the cohesion or spark of their earlier work.
The production can be muddy, the pacing erratic, and too many tracks feel like filler rather than folk-punk fire. That said, "Fairytale of New York" is the clear standout â a bittersweet, beautifully messy duet that captures everything the band is capable of when they hit the mark. Unfortunately, itâs the rare gem in a collection that otherwise struggles to leave a lasting impression.
Favorite song: Fairytale of New York"
2
May 03 2025
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
I do enjoy some Deep Purple, but their self-titled debut isnât quite on the same level as what came later. That said, itâs still a solid listen, especially when you remember itâs their first crack at it.
You can hear the pieces starting to come together â the organ-heavy sound, the mix of hard rock and psych â but it doesnât hit as hard as Machine Head or In Rock. Still, itâs got charm, some cool moments, and the foundation of a band that would go on to be legends.
Favorite song: "Flight of the Rat"
4
May 04 2025
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Actually by the Pet Shop Boys is a synth-pop slog. "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" is what everyone is asking after they have to listen to this album.
Thereâs not really a standout track to save it. Everything blends into one long, overly polished, emotionally flat ride through the most sterile parts of the â80s. Itâs background music for a scene in a movie you forgot you watched.
2
May 05 2025
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Look, I get that Shaft is iconic as a movie â but having the soundtrack show up on an all-time albums list feels like a stretch. Aside from the theme song (which is admittedly catchy in a kitschy way), the rest plays out like background music you'd hear in an elevator that thinks itâs cooler than it is.
Itâs fine if youâre throwing a 70s-themed party, but for everyday listening? Hard pass.
1
May 06 2025
Parachutes
Coldplay
Parachutes is a solid, if somewhat sleepy, debut from Coldplay. The first half of the album takes its time finding momentum â with the notable exception of "Shiver," which injects some much-needed urgency early on. Chris Martin's vocals are emotive, but several of the early tracks blur together in a haze of acoustic melancholy.
Things pick up considerably around "Yellow," where the band starts to show more range and confidence. From that point forward, the album builds a more compelling atmosphere, with stronger melodies and better dynamics. "High Speed" stands out as a personal favorite â a moody, understated track that hints at the more layered, ambient direction they'd explore in later albums.
Overall, Parachutes is an uneven but promising introduction, better remembered for its highlights than its cohesion.
Favorite song: "High Speed"
3
May 07 2025
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
The Only Onesâ self-titled debut walks a fine line between punk attitude and classic rock sensibility â a blend that probably felt fresh and adventurous when it dropped in 1978. In hindsight, it doesnât hit quite as hard as some of its punk contemporaries. The band leaned more into melody and musicianship than raw energy or rebellion, which gives the album a unique identity, but also makes it feel slightly out of step with the genreâs most defining moments.
"Another Girl, Another Planet" is easily the standout â a near-perfect power pop track that still holds up decades later. Itâs punchy, romantic, and effortlessly cool. The closer, "As My Wife Says," also lands well, giving the album a thoughtful, almost cinematic finish. The rest of the tracklist, however, struggles to match those peaks. It's not a bad record â just one that feels more like a time capsule than a timeless statement.
Favorite Song: "Another Girl, Another Planet"
3
May 08 2025
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
I went in with low expectations and came out floored by John Grantâs honesty, wit, and the sheer variety of styles he pulls off. The album walks a fine line between emotional devastation and sharp, often hilarious storytelling â and it does so with grace.
The lyrics are eclectic, deeply personal, and at times completely unfiltered, bringing to mind the fearless songwriting of Sufjan Stevens. Nowhere is that more clear than on âSigourney Weaver,â a surreal, oddly touching track that blends sci-fi and self-doubt with ease. âWhere Dreams Go to Dieâ is heartbreaking and cinematic, âJesus Hates Faggotsâ is gut-punch blunt in the best way, and the title track, âQueen of Denmark,â is a towering, sarcastic anthem of rejection and defiance.
The albumâs genre-hopping â from lush ballads to synthy weirdness â might not be for everyone, but it works. Grantâs voice, both literal and lyrical, holds it all together. This is one of those records that earns your attention and rewards it over time.
4
May 09 2025
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Space Ritual is a wild, swirling dive into cosmic chaos â part live album, part spaced-out fever dream. When it works, it really works. Tracks like âBrainstorm,â âTime We Left This World Today,â and âMaster of the Universeâ tap into a heavy, hypnotic groove that feels like the soundtrack to a sci-fi trip gone sideways. The energy is raw, the ambition is huge, and the atmosphere is thick with fuzz and phasers.
But then there are the moments that pull you right out of the experience. The vocals, at times, veer into full Dr. Frank-N-Furter territory â theatrical, campy, and unintentionally hilarious. Some of the interludes and spoken-word bits sound less like serious space rock and more like a glam metal parody on a sketch comedy show.
Thereâs something admirable about how far Hawkwind leans into the madness, but itâs a double-edged sword. Space Ritual is a fascinating listen, but not always for the reasons it intends. Great in doses, exhausting in others.
Favorite song: Master Of The Universe
3
May 10 2025
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
A Love Supreme is clearly the work of a brilliant musician at the height of his creative powers. John Coltraneâs technical mastery and emotional intensity shine throughout the album, and thereâs no denying the spiritual weight behind the performance. Itâs ambitious, deeply personal, and influential â a cornerstone of jazz history.
That said, while the musicianship is top-tier, the album doesnât fully hold up for casual listening. The entirely instrumental format, though impressive, lacks the variety or accessibility that makes some other classic records stand the test of time a bit more easily. For those already invested in jazz, itâs a rewarding experience. But for others, it can feel distant â more of an intellectual achievement than something youâd return to often.
A Love Supreme deserves respect for what it is, but it may not resonate as deeply across all listeners or generations
3
May 11 2025
Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Psychocandy is often praised for its influence and boldness, but as a listening experience, itâs a tough sell. The album buries its pop sensibilities under a relentless wall of distortion, feedback, and static â what the band likely saw as avant-garde now feels more like self-sabotage.
Songs are drenched in noise to the point where melodies struggle to breathe. Itâs like trying to enjoy a great song through an AM radio station thatâs just out of range â you think thereâs something good underneath, but the interference wears you down. The combination of sweet vocal lines with ear-piercing feedback is jarring, and not always in an interesting way.
Credit where itâs due: they were doing something different. But different doesnât always mean enjoyable. This might be a landmark in noise-pop, but that doesnât make it easy â or pleasant â to sit through.
2
May 12 2025
The Predator
Ice Cube
The Predator is Ice Cube at his sharpest â politically charged, aggressive, and lyrically fearless. Dropping in the wake of the L.A. riots, this album doesnât pull any punches. Itâs intense, angry, and still incredibly relevant. Ice Cube uses his voice as both a weapon and a warning, delivering some of the most potent verses of his career.
Standouts like âWhen Will They Shootâ and âNow I Gotta Wet Chaâ hit hard with gritty production and focused rage, showing Cubeâs ability to balance street realism with razor-sharp commentary. âIt Was a Good Dayâ is the albumâs most iconic track â smooth, reflective, and a rare moment of calm in an otherwise hard-edged record. âSay Hi to the Bad Guyâ closes things out with a defiant swagger, cementing Cubeâs image as hip-hopâs unapologetic antihero.
While a few tracks donât quite hit the same mark, The Predator holds up as one of Ice Cubeâs strongest solo efforts â a powerful mix of storytelling, social critique, and West Coast attitude. A must-listen for anyone serious about â90s hip-hop.
Favorite Track: "It Was a Good Day"
4
May 13 2025
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
A Hard Dayâs Night isnât The Beatles at their absolute best â but itâs the sound of them getting there fast. Their third album, and the first to feature only original songs, marks a major step forward in their songwriting and confidence. The band was starting to evolve past their early pop roots, and you can hear the ambition beginning to take shape.
The title track explodes out of the gate with one of the most iconic opening chords in rock history â a sonic announcement that this is a band leveling up. âIf I Fellâ is a standout ballad, tender and beautifully crafted, with that trademark Lennon/McCartney harmony melting perfectly in the chorus. âTell Me Whyâ brings energy and urgency, while âAnd I Love Herâ is a soft, heartfelt moment that shows McCartneyâs melodic gifts were already in full bloom.
Itâs not their deepest or most adventurous work, but A Hard Dayâs Night captures The Beatles on the rise â sharper, more cohesive, and ready to change the world.
4
May 14 2025
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Vanishing Point is a moody, genre-blending trip from Primal Scream that never quite finds its destination. Itâs atmospheric, dubby, and drenched in reverb â more about vibe than structure, and often more interested in texture than hooks. Thereâs ambition here, and plenty of cool moments, but the album sometimes drifts too far into its own haze to fully connect.
Tracks slide between trip-hop, dub, and psych-rock, with varying success. Some songs feel sharp and immersive, while others lose momentum in long stretches of mood without much payoff. It's a bold step forward from Give Out But Donât Give Up, but not as immediate or iconic as Screamadelica.
Overall, Vanishing Point is interesting, often compelling, but not always memorable. A good headphone album for a specific mood, but not one youâll be reaching for every time.
3
May 15 2025
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
This feels like a watered-down, overly polished version of Steely Dan â all the slick production, none of the edge. If youâre a Steely Dan fan and thought, âWhat if this sounded cheesier and less interesting?â â well, this is the album for you.
The whole thing is soaked in that unmistakable early â80s gloss: synthetic drums, clean-as-a-whistle horns, and a general vibe that sounds like the background music in a corporate training video. The musicianship is solid â it is Donald Fagen, after all â but the soul just isn't there.
That said, the title track is legitimately great. It's the one moment where the smooth production actually works in the album's favor â nostalgic, well-written, and atmospheric in all the right ways. But aside from that, most of the album blurs together in a sea of sterile grooves and elevator-funk.
If you're here for Steely Danâs sharp wit and gritty cool, The Nightfly will leave you wanting. Two stars for effort and one standout track
2
May 16 2025
C'est Chic
CHIC
This might be a classic in some circles, but for me, itâs a tough listen. If you enjoy hearing the same phrases repeated over and over for four minutes straight â long before EDM made that kind of repetition feel cool â then this might be your thing. But for anyone looking for variety or depth, this album wears out its welcome fast.
Most tracks feel like extended loops with very little payoff, and the vocals often come off as background noise rather than anything truly engaging. Itâs glossy, danceable, and polished, but it all starts to blur together pretty quickly.
The one real highlight is âSavoir Faireâ â a smooth instrumental that lets Nile Rodgersâ guitar work shine.
2
May 17 2025
Parklife
Blur
I once read that you're either an Oasis person or a Blur person â and after listening to Parklife, I can say without a doubt I'm firmly in the Oasis camp. Always have been, still am. There's just no comparison.
Parklife feels all over the place. It's quirky, sure, and I get why people say it's clever, but most of the time it just comes off as smug and trying too hard to be artsy. The songs bounce between styles without much cohesion, and while there's some catchy stuff here and there, nothing really sticks with me.
If I had heard this back in 1994 or 1995, I'd have shrugged and gone right back to Definitely Maybe. Blur might have been critical darlings, but Oasis had the soul, the swagger, and the songs that hit you in the chest
2
May 18 2025
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Youâve Come a Long Way, Baby is just a fun album, plain and simple. Itâs not something Iâd throw on for deep, focused listening, but as background music? Itâs perfect. It keeps the energy up without getting in the way â great for driving, cleaning, or just vibing out.
âRockafeller Skankâ is still a total banger and basically impossible not to nod along to. âPraise Youâ has that weird charm that sticks with you, and âKaliforniaâ brings a nice groove with some grit. The whole albumâs got that late-90s big beat thing going strong, and Fatboy Slim knows exactly what heâs doing behind the boards.
Some of the tracks can blur together a bit, but honestly, thatâs part of the charm; Itâs not trying to be overly serious.
Favorite song: Kalifornia
4
May 19 2025
Boston
Boston
Bostonâs debut album is straight-up one of the best first albums a band has ever dropped. Itâs packed with hits, and honestly, every single track is solid. It doesnât feel like a debut â it feels like a band already at their peak.
Everyone knows âMore Than a Feeling,â and yeah, it still rules. But âSmokinââ might be the most fun track on the whole album. That organ solo? Absolute fire. It gives the song this cool, old-school vibe that just rips.
Tom Scholzâs guitar tone is instantly recognizable, and Brad Delpâs vocals are insanely good from top to bottom. The whole thing is clean, tight, and somehow still sounds huge after all these years.
Favorite song - Smokin
5
May 20 2025
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Rumours is one of those rare albums where the music is just as legendary as the drama behind it. Fleetwood Mac was falling apart while making this thing â cheating, breakups, shouting matches â total chaos. And somehow, out of all that personal wreckage, they put together a near-perfect record.
It should have been a lesson for John McVie and Lindsey Buckingham not to shit where they eat⌠but hey, it worked out for them. The tension, the heartbreak, the spite â it's all baked into the songs, and that's exactly what makes the album hit so hard.
âSecondhand Newsâ kicks it off with a jolt of energy and bitterness. âGo Your Own Wayâ is a breakup anthem that somehow sounds both sad and stadium-sized. And âYou Make Loving Funâ is smooth, joyful, and dripping with irony given everything going on behind the scenes.
Every track is tight, emotionally raw, and endlessly replayable. Rumours is messy in the best way.
Favorite song: Go Your Own Way
5
May 21 2025
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Look, Iâve got nothing but respect for Dolly Parton. Sheâs insanely talented, sharp as hell, and probably one of the most generous people on the planet. But when it comes to Coat of Many Colors, the music just hasnât aged all that well.
Yeah, the title track is heartfelt and personal, and I get why itâs important in her catalog. But a lot of the rest of the album feels dated â super simple arrangements, old-school country storytelling that doesnât quite land the same way today. Itâs more charming than compelling, and after a few songs, it kind of blurs together.
Dollyâs voice is great, and you can tell she was already a strong songwriter, but as an album, this oneâs more of a time capsule than something Iâd go back to often.
2
May 22 2025
Scum
Napalm Death
I love metal. I love old-school punk. And I especially love the anti-establishment, middle-finger-to-the-system attitude that came with early punk. I can respect what Napalm Death was trying to do with Scum â pushing boundaries, pioneering grindcore, doing something nobody else was doing at the time. But man... this album just sounds like straight-up noise.
The songs are so fast and chaotic they barely register before they're over, and when they do stick around for more than 30 seconds, itâs just a wall of blast beats, distortion, and guttural shouting that never lets up.
I tried to give it a fair shot, but even my eight-year-old asked, âWhy are we listening to dogs barking?â And honestly, I didnât have a good answer.
1
May 23 2025
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Music from the Penguin Cafe feels like the kind of album that exists mainly to be used in quirky radio intros or as background music for a BBC nature doc. And apparently, thatâs kind of their thing â odd, artsy, slightly off-center instrumentals. Which is fine⌠for what it is.
There are bits and pieces that are kind of catchy or interesting, but nothing that really sticks. It all just kind of floats by. Harmless, a little charming at times, but not something Iâd ever throw on again.
If youâre into music that sounds like it should be playing while someone explains how a hedgehog hibernates, this might be for you.
2
May 24 2025
My Generation
The Who
When you think of The Who, itâs hard not to bring up The Beatles and The Stones in the same breath. They were all part of that same British Invasion wave, but each went in their own direction. At the time My Generation dropped, The Beatles were already veering toward psychedelia, and The Stones were still doing mostly covers with a few originals sprinkled in. Looking back, Iâd still rank The Who third behind those two, but what they were doing with this debut was bold and seriously influential.
The title track, âMy Generation,â has aged into a full-on anthem â raw, rebellious, and way ahead of its time. âThe Kids Are Alrightâ shows a more melodic side, with that jangly 12-string Rickenbacker that sounds a lot like what The Byrds would be doing just a few months later on the other side of the Atlantic. And then youâve got a handful of tracks that are bursting with early punk energy â rough, fast, and not afraid to get a little messy.
4
May 25 2025
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
With a name like Meat Loaf, you kind of know youâre in for something a little over-the-top â and Bat Out of Hell definitely delivers. Itâs theatrical, bombastic, and totally not afraid to lean into the drama, but thatâs what makes it so fun. You get the sense that Meat Loaf didnât take himself too seriously, and honestly, the albumâs better for it.
The title track is a great opener â epic in every sense of the word. âYou Took the Words Right Out of My Mouthâ is super catchy and hard not to sing along with, and âAll Revved Up with No Place to Goâ throws in a sax solo that gives it a cool, unexpected twist.
Itâs a weird mix of rock, Broadway, and straight-up camp, but it works.
Favorite song: Bat Out of Hell
4
May 26 2025
Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
Beyond Skin was just⌠weird. I went in not knowing much and came out kind of confused. It jumps between so many styles and sounds that itâs hard to get a feel for what the album is even trying to be. There are moments that almost click, but then it veers off into something totally different and loses me again.
2
May 27 2025
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
The Fat of the Land sounds like pure, peak '90s electronica â loud, aggressive, and totally unapologetic. It captures that chaotic energy of the era with pounding beats and distorted vocals, and somehow it all works.
One of the things I liked most was how the songs flow into each other. Itâs not just a bunch of singles thrown together â the whole album feels connected, kind of like what Pink Floyd did with The Wall or Dark Side of the Moon. Obviously a different genre, but the same idea: a full experience from start to finish.
Favorite song: Fuel My Fire
4
May 28 2025
Close To You
Carpenters
Close to You is a solid album, even if itâs not totally my thing. Karen Carpenterâs voice is undeniable â super smooth and full of emotion â but most of the music just doesnât hit for me personally. A little too soft and polished for my usual taste.
That said, Iâve got to give her props for the covers. Their versions of âHelpâ and âReason to Believeâ were both really well done â honestly, I think they pulled off the latter better than Rod Stewart did, which I wasnât expecting.
3
May 30 2025
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion falls squarely in the ânot great, not badâ category for me. Itâs got a unique sound for sure â very layered and trippy â but it didnât really blow me away. That said, there were definitely a few tracks I liked.
âLion in a Comaâ had a cool groove to it, and âBrother Sportâ brought some solid energy to the back half of the album. Those two stood out the most and gave the record a much-needed boost.
Also, shoutout to the album cover â that optical illusion look is pretty wild and definitely one of the more memorable visuals Iâve seen on an album in a while.
Favorite song: Lion in a Coma
3
May 31 2025
Garbage
Garbage
Garbageâs self-titled album is a solid slice of classic '90s alternative. I didnât hate it at all â in fact, that gritty, moody sound brought back some serious nostalgia. It just didnât do quite enough to make me want to come back for another listen.
I definitely recognized âOnly Happy When It Rainsâ and âStupid Girlâ from back in the day â they still hold up and were the clear highlights for me. The rest of the album had its moments but kind of blended together after a while.
If you're into that era and sound, itâs worth a listen.
3
Jun 01 2025
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
As a big fan of psychedelic rock, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida hits the spot. Itâs got all the fuzzy guitars, swirling organ, and trippy vibes you could want â basically a time machine to 1968.
Letâs talk about the elephant in the room: the title track. Yeah, itâs over 17 minutes long. And yeah, some people in the reviews are probably going to complain about that. But those people are wrong. Itâs a straight-up banger â hypnotic, heavy, and worth every second. That drum solo alone earns it a spot in the psych-rock hall of fame.
The rest of the album is solid too, but letâs be real: this thing lives and dies by its title track, and thankfully, it lives.
4
Jun 02 2025
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Roger the Engineer is a great showcase of everything that made the Yardbirds such an important band â especially when it comes to guitar work. Itâs hard not to respect a group that helped launch the careers of guys like Clapton, Beck, and Page. That legacy alone gives the album some serious weight.
You can hear the blues roots all over this record, but whatâs really cool is how a few tracks start leaning into psychedelic territory. Itâs like theyâre standing right on the edge of the musical shift that was about to explode in the late â60s.
Favorite song: Lost Woman
4
Jun 03 2025
Marquee Moon
Television
Marquee Moon gets tossed around as a punk album, but Iâm just not seeing it. âSee No Evilâ has a bit of that punk edge, and maybe âTorn Curtainâ leans in that direction, but overall? This feels way more like early indie rock than anything close to the raw energy of real punk and Iâve made it clear in earlier reviews how I feel about indie rock. (Spoiler: not a fan.)
Television may have influenced some legit punk bands down the line, but this album itself doesnât scratch that itch. Itâs clean, drawn-out, and a little too polished for what I expect from punk.
Points for influence, I guess, but this just wasnât for me.
2
Jun 04 2025
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Unknown Pleasures gets a ton of praise, but it didnât do much for me. Iâll give âNew Dawn Fadesâ some credit â it had a cool, moody heaviness that almost felt like a nod to Black Sabbath â but that was about it.
The rest of the album felt flat and repetitive. I get that Joy Division helped shape post-punk, but influence doesnât always equal enjoyable. Just wasnât my vibe.
2
Jun 05 2025
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Beautiful Freak is exactly what '90s alternative should sound like â weird, emotional, a little rough around the edges, and completely its own thing. âSusanâs Houseâ especially nails that vibe with its spoken-word verses and laid-back groove. Itâs like grungeâs introspective cousin who reads poetry and watches the rain.
The whole album has this strange charm to it â quirky but honest, dark but not trying too hard. Itâs not quite a five-star classic, but itâs definitely a strong, memorable listen.
4
Jun 06 2025
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Thatâs the Way of the World is smooth, soulful, and just plain easy to enjoy. If there were a Mt. Rushmore of Yacht Rock, Earth, Wind & Fire would absolutely have a spot carved out â maybe even front and center. This album is the definition of laid-back listening, but itâs never boring.
The grooves are tight, the harmonies are buttery, and itâs got just the right mix of funk, soul, and soft rock to keep things interesting. Itâs the kind of record you can put on and just vibe to â whether you're cruising down the highway or just relaxing at home.
Favorite song: Shining Star
4
Jun 07 2025
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Power In Numbers is a solid entry in the world of alternative hip hop. Jurassic 5 brings smart lyrics, tight production, and a real appreciation for the old-school vibe without sounding stuck in the past.
Tracks like âIf You Only Knew,â âOne of Them,â and âHigh Fidelityâ stood out the most â catchy, clever, and delivered with confidence. The groupâs chemistry shines through, and the beats are clean but still pack a punch.
Favorite song: One Of Them
4
Jun 08 2025
Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
Meat Puppets II is weird, messy, and kind of brilliant â in other words, classic underground punk. If The Brothers Meat are good enough for Kurt Cobain, theyâre good enough for me.
Hearing the original versions of âPlateau,â âOh, Me,â and âLake of Fireâ is a trip after knowing the Nirvana Unplugged versions so well. Theyâve got this spaced-out, twangy vibe thatâs totally their own â part punk, part country, part whatever-the-hell-they-feel-like.
4
Jun 09 2025
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
A Walk Across the Rooftops feels like someone took every 80s pop clichĂŠ â glossy synths, moody vocals, dramatic pacing â and crammed them into one album. If thatâs your thing, great. But for me, it just didnât hit.
Itâs not unlistenable, but itâs definitely not memorable either.
2
Jun 10 2025
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Bridge Over Troubled Water may have marked the end of Simon & Garfunkel, but what a way to go out. This album is packed with great songs â the title track is iconic, âCeciliaâ brings the fun, and even their cover of âBye Bye Loveâ holds its own.
But the real standout for me is âThe Boxer.â Easily one of their top 3 songs ever for me â emotional, haunting, and beautifully arranged. That slow build and the âlie-la-lieâ chorus still hit just as hard today.
Itâs a bittersweet swan song, but also one of the best folk-pop records ever made.
Favorite song: The Boxer
5
Jun 11 2025
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
Billion Dollar Babies is peak Alice Cooper â theatrical, loud, and weird in the best way possible. Itâs like a haunted house you willingly walk into because the riffs are just that good. Songs like âElectedâ and the title track go hard, and the whole thing has that sleazy, glammy swagger that defined Aliceâs prime.
Also, bonus points for cultural significance: the man gave us one of the most unexpectedly wholesome cameos in Wayneâs World history.
âActually, itâs pronounced mill-e-wah-que, which is Algonquin for 'the good land.ââ
An all-time moment.
And if you can listen to this album and not think of âHundred Dollar Babyâ from Always Sunny... well, youâre doing it wrong.
4
Jun 12 2025
Movies
Holger Czukay
Iâve already sat through more Krautrock on this list than any human should reasonably have to, but Movies somehow managed to be the worst of the bunch. Thatâs saying something, because at least the other albums in the genre were tolerable.
This one felt like a test of patience â repetitive, meandering, and completely lacking any payoff. Itâs like someone threw a bunch of synths and half-baked ideas into a blender and hit âloop.â If this is considered a standout in Krautrock, I want off this ride immediately.
1
Jun 13 2025
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Pet Sounds is an easy 5-star album â and honestly, it earns that just off the strength of âGod Only Knows,â âWouldnât It Be Nice,â and âSloop John B.â alone. Those tracks are timeless, emotional, and beautifully arranged. But the whole album is packed with layers that still feel fresh today.
Itâs wild to think this was Brian Wilsonâs response to Rubber Soul and a little experimentation with psychedelics. Whatever sparked it, the result was a game-changer in pop music. The harmonies, the production, the emotional depth â itâs all top tier.
Just more proof that LSD should probably be legal. RIP to a true genius, Brian Wilson.
Favorite song: God Only Knows
5
Jun 14 2025
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Channel Orange is kind of all over the place â R&B? Rap? Pop? I honestly donât know what box to put it in, and maybe thatâs the point. Genre confusion aside, itâs a solid album with a lot of ambition.
Mad respect to Frank Ocean for pulling in big names like Andre 3000 and John Mayer â both features were definite highlights. There are a few standout tracks that really hit, but there are also some that felt a little too laid back or experimental for me to stay fully engaged.
3
Jun 15 2025
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Millions Now Living Will Never Die? More like Millions Now Regretting They Hit Play. Starting your album with a 21-minute instrumental is less âbold artistic statementâ and more âcruel endurance test.â Itâs like being stuck in traffic while someone softly noodles on a guitar in the passenger seat.
Sure, maybe thereâs some experimental charm buried in there somewhere â but I didnât have the time or patience to dig it out. If your opener is longer than most EPs, you better make it worth it. This didnât even come close.
1
Jun 16 2025
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Group Sex might catch some flak, but if you know what old school punk is supposed to sound like, this album delivers. Itâs fast, itâs loud, itâs short, and itâs got that sneering, middle-finger attitude that defined early hardcore.
At just about 15 minutes, it doesnât waste time â every track punches you in the face and moves on. No polish, no filler, just raw energy and aggression. Thatâs the charm.
Itâs not for everyone, but if you're into the roots of hardcore punk, Group Sex is a blast of pure, chaotic fun.
Favorite song: Deny Everything
4
Jun 17 2025
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I went into Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not thinking it wasnât going to be my thing â maybe because I vaguely remembered liking AM but never followed up on it. Turns out, I shouldâve given these guys more credit.
Yeah, they get labeled as indie rock, but thereâs a gritty, punk energy running through this album that keeps it from sounding too polished or pretentious. Tracks like âThe Red Light Indicatesâ and âFrom the Ritz to the Rubbleâ really stood out â sharp lyrics, frantic pace, and a raw edge that makes you want to hit repeat.
It exceeded expectations and reminded me that indie rock doesnât have to be boring
Favorite song: From the Ritz to the Rubble
4
Jun 18 2025
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
More Songs About Buildings and Food didnât leave a huge impression on me overall, but Iâve got to give credit where itâs due. The cover of âTake Me to the Riverâ is definitely the standout â groovy, weird in the best way, and a clear high point.
The rest of the album? Honestly kind of forgettable. Nothing bad, just nothing that really stuck with me after it ended. That said, one thing I do respect is how ahead of its time it sounds. For something released in the late â70s, it doesnât feel stuck in that era. It still has a modern, quirky edge that a lot of newer bands try to emulate.
3
Jun 19 2025
Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Henryâs Dream is my second Nick Cave album from this list, and unfortunately, it didnât do much to change my mind after sitting through Ghosteen (which earned a solid 1 star from me).
That said, this one isnât quite as painful. A few tracks had some surprisingly catchy moments that kept me from fully tuning out. Itâs still not really my thing â a bit too dramatic and uneven overall â but at least parts of it had enough of a pulse to save it from a 1 star rating.
2
Jun 20 2025
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
Went into Your New Favourite Band thinking I was in for more indie rock, but got hit with some gritty garage punk instead â and Iâm not mad about it. My only previous exposure to The Hives was Weird Al jamming part of the opener in âAngry White Boy Polka,â so this was a fun discovery.
What really stood out was how strong the back half of the album is. From âAKA IDIOTâ to the final track, it just rips. You can definitely hear the influence of bands like NOFX, Bad Religion, and early Blink-182, but with a cool Swedish twist. âDie, All Right!â was a standout too. These guys might not be my new favorite band, but theyâre definitely in the rotation now.
4
Jun 21 2025
Blunderbuss
Jack White
I owe Jack White an apology. I was never into The White Stripes, so I just kind of assumed his solo work wouldn't be for me either. Turns out Blunderbuss is a solid album. The title track has this unexpected pedal steel part that really works, and from âWeep Themselves to Sleepâ onward, itâs just banger after banger. The second half of the album especially surprised me â way more soulful and melodic than I expected. Definitely changed my opinion on Jack White.
4
Jun 22 2025
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury blew me away. Iâd never heard of The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy before, but this album hit hardâmusically and lyrically. Itâs packed with sharp political commentary thatâs somehow even more relevant now than it was in 1992.
Back then, they were calling out systemic racism, media brainwashing, violence, and attacks on womenâs rights. Fast forward to todayâthose same issues are still making headlines. On abortion rights, they were already shouting about government control over womenâs bodies before Roe v. Wade had even been seriously challenged. Violence? Still everywhere, whether itâs mass shootings or police brutality. And their track âTelevision, the Drug of the Nationâ feels propheticâswap out TVs for phones and social media and it nails how addicted and manipulated we are by our screens today.
While 90s gangster rap often focused on street life and personal survival, these guys went macroâpointing fingers at the system, the politicians, and the media. And honestly, political rap like this feels more vital than ever.
5
Jun 23 2025
The Doors
The Doors
I didnât even need to re-listen to The Doors to know itâs a 5-star albumâbut I did anyway because itâs just that good. This is hands down my favorite Doors record, and itâs wild how many legendary tracks they packed into a debut album.
"Break on Through" kicks the door open (pun intended), and Iâll never forget hearing it for the first time on Tony Hawkâs Underground 2âas a high schooler, it was the moment I realized oldies could actually be cool. Then youâve got "Light My Fire" with that iconic organ solo, the chaotic and theatrical "The End," the bizarre but brilliant "Alabama Song," and underrated bangers like "Take It as It Comes."
Itâs psychedelic, dark, poetic, and just straight-up badass. A debut like this doesn't happen oftenâThe Doors came in fully formed and ready to burn the house down.
Favorite song: Light My Fire
5
Jun 24 2025
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I love Elton John's music, but Madman Across the Water just reinforces my belief that heâs more of a singles artist than an album artistâGoodbye Yellow Brick Road being the big exception. âTiny Dancerâ and âLevonâ are absolutely great and easily the high points here.
The rest of the album isnât bad, but it definitely tapers off. Nothing else really sticks with me the way those first two tracks do.
3
Jun 25 2025
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
I get why this album matters. In the middle of all the polished rock coming out in the early 70s, the New York Dolls were loud, messy, and didnât care what anyone thought. You can hear the early seeds of punk all over this thing. And for that alone, I have a lot of respect for what they were doing.
That said, it's not really something Iâd revisit. Outside of âPersonality Crisis,â none of the tracks really stood out.
3
Jun 26 2025
Survivor
Destiny's Child
I still remember when the first three songs on this album completely ruled the radio and MTV. Hearing them now definitely brings back that early 2000s nostalgia.
But after those first three tracks, it starts to lose steam. The rest of the album has some solid moments but nothing that hits quite the same. Still, thereâs no denying Destiny Child's talent or how massive they were at the time.
3
Jun 27 2025
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
I get the intention behind The Rising and respect it. The tributes to 9/11 are heartfelt, and Bruce Springsteen clearly poured a lot of emotion into this one. There are some moving moments, and the themes hit the right notes.
That said, I couldn't get past the fake Southern accent he puts on in a few tracks. Bruce is Jersey through and through, so hearing him try to twang his way through songs just felt off. As someone from the Deep South, it came across more like a bad impression than authentic. The album has heart, but the delivery didnât sit right with me.
3
Jun 29 2025
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
2 stars â Dig Me Out
This wasnât the kind of Seattle sound I was hoping for. I was thinking grunge or something a little more raw and heavy. Instead, I got enough vibrato to make it sound like a goat choir.
I get that Sleater-Kinney has a big following and a lot of influence, but this one didnât land for me. Felt more like noise than music at times. Not the worst thing Iâve ever heard, but I wonât be coming back to it.
2
Jun 30 2025
The Stranger
Billy Joel
Today I learned that basically every Billy Joel song I knowâother than "Piano Man"âis on this album. And now it makes total sense why The Stranger blew up the way it did. Even as someone who doesnât call himself a Billy Joel fan, I have to give credit where itâs due. The man knows how to write a song.
Heâs a master at painting scenes with words. Whether itâs the bittersweet story in "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" or the raw honesty in "Vienna," you can see every moment play out like a movie. And then there's "Only the Good Die Young" and "Movinâ Out" which both still hit like they just came out yesterday. Heâs got the voice, the piano chops, and the storytelling. Honestly, itâs rare to find all three in one artist.
Favorite song: Movin' Out
5
Jul 01 2025
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Anyone born in the past 15 to 20 years probably only knows Kanye West as a right-wing conspiracy theorist and cultural pariah. But from 2005 to 2011, he wasnât just a rapper. He was a force. And My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is him at the absolute peak of his powers.
This album is loud, dramatic, beautiful, and deeply chaotic. Itâs part therapy session, part flex, and part art project. The list of guest features is stackedâJay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver, Kid Cudi, Rihannaâand every one of them brings something solid. Even Chris Rock shows up. And somehow, in the middle of all that star power, Kanye still manages to be the gravitational center.
Itâs wild that this was his comeback album after the Taylor Swift fallout. Most artists wouldâve laid low. Kanye dropped one of the best albums of the decade.
Favorite song: Runaway
5
Jul 02 2025
...And Justice For All
Metallica
AJFA is Metallica at their most technical and complex. Itâs long, aggressive, and at times borderline exhaustingâin the best way possible. If Master of Puppets is peak Metallica, then AJFA is them flexing their songwriting and riff-crafting muscles like lunatics in a dungeon full of time signature changes.
"Blackened" kicks the door open like a controlled explosion. That reverse intro into the main riff still gives me chills, especially when they open with it live. âHarvester of Sorrowâ might be the shortest track here, but it hits like a tank. Itâs also a sign of where they were headedâmore groove, more crunch, less speed. That song crawled so "Sad But True" and "King Nothing" could stomp.
Lyrically, they kept the heat turned up. If MoP flirted with political and religious themes, AJFA dives in headfirst. Itâs pissed-off, cynical, and feels just as relevant today.
5
Jul 03 2025
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
I went in blind on this one. Never heard of Billy Bragg and figured Iâd hate it. Turns out his Essex accent and razor-sharp take on politics give it a real punk edge. The songs cut right to the chase on social issues. You canât help but nod along when he rails against the system.
His words still hit home. Tax hikes, inequality, civil rights....track after track, it feels just as relevant now. Between the "Chimes of Freedom"-inspired chorus and jangly electric guitar, "Ideology" is a clever wink to both Bob Dylan and the Byrds without feeling like a rip-off.
Favorite song: Help Save The Youth of America
4
Jul 04 2025
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Funny timing, hearing Billy Bragg two days in a row. This one was a surprise. Pairing him up with Wilco to breathe new life into Woody Guthrieâs unused lyrics is such a cool concept, and they actually pulled it off.
It doesnât feel like some museum piece or forced tribute either. The songs sound natural and fresh, like they were written last week instead of decades ago. Braggâs grit and Wilcoâs laid-back alt-country vibe balance each other out in a way that works way better than I expected.
Itâs got heart, itâs got soul, and it somehow manages to connect three generations of music without sounding like a history lesson. Solid album with a cool story behind it.
4
Jul 05 2025
Abbey Road
Beatles
I know the Beatles haters are going to show up here, but letâs be real. This is one of their best albums, recorded at a time when the band was falling apart. Somehow, they put all that aside and made something incredible.
George Harrison absolutely shines. âSomethingâ is the best love song ever written in my opinion, and âHere Comes the Sunâ is one of the most universally loved songs in their catalog. Those two tracks alone are better than most bandsâ entire careers.
The second side medley is just plain fun. It jumps between ideas like a musical collage, but it works. Itâs catchy, weird, beautiful, and somehow flows perfectly. âOh! Darlingâ is Paulâs throwback to doo-wop and soul, and Johnâs âI Want You (Sheâs So Heavy)â digs into darker, heavier territory that hints at early prog rock.
George also invited Billy Preston to sit in during the Let It Be sessions, and you can hear how much that paid off here. His keyboard playing gives the album extra texture and personality.
This isnât just a great Beatles album. Itâs one of the best albums of all time.
5
Jul 06 2025
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
I like some Grateful Dead songs but sitting through this album felt impossible. Itâs full of long, meandering jams that blend into each other. You need serious patience or some chemical help to enjoy it.
The 8 minute long âFeedbackâ that was literally just guitar feedback was the final straw for me. I love acid rock and psychedelia but this leans too far into jazz noodling for my taste. The band clearly thrived on the live experience. But as a listening session? You feel every minute.
Maybe give it a spin if you want a deep dive into Dead history. Or if you plan to light up and let the world melt. For straight listening, though, Iâd pass. There are better ways to spend your time.
Best song on the album was âAnd We Bid You Goodnightâ; mercifully, it was only 35 seconds long and ended the album.
2
Jul 07 2025
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
I remember listening to Tigermilk earlier this year and walking away with a big olâ shrug. If You're Feeling Sinister didnât change that much for me. Itâs not bad, just kind of there.
Stuart Murdoch's voice has that soft, wispy thing going on, but it feels more fragile than compelling. Honestly, he sounds like a knockoff Nick Drake who couldnât quite seal the deal. The songs are pleasant, and thereâs a quiet charm in the arrangements, but nothing really grabs you and holds on.
Itâs the kind of album that floats in the background while you do something else. Not annoying enough to skip, but not strong enough to demand attention either.
3
Jul 08 2025
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
It's wild to think this is Lauryn Hillâs only solo studio album. For a debut, it hits harder than most artistsâ entire discographies. Listening to this, I'm left wondering what else she couldâve done if sheâd kept going.
The production is sharp, the lyrics are personal, and the mix of soul, hip hop, and R&B still sounds fresh decades later. She brought in some big names too; when âTo Zionâ started, I remember thinking the guitar felt familiar. Sure enough, it was Santana.
âDoo Wop (That Thing)â is the hit, and yeah, it still bangs. But her version of âCanât Take My Eyes Off Youâ? Totally unexpected and absolutely brilliant. She takes a classic and flips it into something new without losing the heart of it.
This is one of those albums that earned its hype.
4
Jul 09 2025
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Another 2000s alt rock album that blends into the rest. Itâs got that moody, artsy vibe that tries to feel important but ends up just kind of meandering.
I kept waiting for something to jump out or grab my attention. It never did. Nothing was outright terrible, just very forgettable. If youâve heard one alt rock album from this era, youâve basically heard this one too
2
Jul 10 2025
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
I havenât looked at the average rating yet, but Iâm guessing this one probably lands below 3 stars. That wouldnât surprise me. Blues albums donât always get much credit, especially on lists filled with flashier genres.
Still, Iâve always liked blues and this album reminded me why. Muddy Waters sounds like a man who still has something to prove. His voice is raw and steady, and his band backs him up with grit and swagger. "Mannish Boy" kicks things off strong and sets the tone for the rest of the album.
4
Jul 11 2025
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
his one was fun. Right out of the gate, it had that playful energy that reminded me a lot of De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest. The humor, the wordplay, the laid-back flow â all of that works really well, especially in the first few tracks.
But somewhere along the way, it started to lose steam. The beats kind of blurred together and it shifted into background music. Not bad, just not as gripping as I wanted. Tribe keeps me engaged from start to finish. This one didn't quite stick the landing, but it's still a solid listen.
3
Jul 12 2025
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I like Jack White a lot more as a solo artist than I do in The White Stripes. This album just didnât do much for me. Itâs raw, itâs gritty, and I get why people love the garage rock energy, but most of it felt kind of flat.
"Fell In Love With a Girl" is the clear standout. Itâs short, punchy, and actually pretty fun. Bonus points for Weird Al giving it some love with his Lego-style parody. Outside of that, though, not much stuck with me. I respect what they were going for, but itâs just not something Iâd go back to often.
3
Jul 13 2025
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
This one just felt like paint-by-numbers 80s pop. Slick production, jangly guitars, a little bit of moodiness tossed in for good measureânothing bad exactly, but nothing that really stood out either.
If you told me this was one of a hundred similar albums from the era, Iâd believe you.
2
Jul 14 2025
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
This one was a bit of a mixed bag. Iâll give credit where itâs dueâScott LaFaro and Bill Evans usually get all the shine, but Paul Motian deserves props for trying something different here. He blends jazz, bop, free improv, and even a little touch of blues and doo-wop. That doo-wop flair toward the end of "Gloriaâs Step" actually caught me off guard in a good way.
The opening track had a cool groove and set the stage nicely, but unfortunately, the rest of the album just faded into background noise. I didnât dislike it, but I never felt pulled in either
3
Jul 15 2025
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
I'm not a jazz expert, so maybe the finer points of this one flew over my head. To me, it just sounded like, well... jazz. Not bad, not mind-blowing, just solid, classic-sounding stuff.
I had it playing while I was working and it made for a nice backdrop. The musicianship is clearly top-tier, but nothing really grabbed me.
3
Jul 16 2025
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Another middle-of-the-road 80s pop/alternative album. Itâs not bad, just... fine. Thereâs some atmosphere here, and a few moments where the strings give things a little lift, but nothing that really sticks.
It feels like the kind of album that gets praised more for its aesthetic than its actual songs. The vocals are dramatic, the production is moody, and the whole thing tries hard to feel important, but most of it just floats by without leaving much behind.
3
Jul 18 2025
The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
This probably isnât going to be a crowd favorite, and thatâs fine. Itâs not background music, and it doesnât try to be. But even if it doesnât land on your personal playlist, thereâs no denying the impact Ravi Shankar had through albums like this.
This record is a primer on Indian classical music, delivered by one of its most important figures. Ravi didnât just play the sitarâhe opened a door for the rest of the world to hear it. Without him, thereâs a good chance George Harrison never picks one up, and we never get songs like âNorwegian Wood.â Ravi taught George personally and later partnered with him to create the Concert for Bangladesh, which helped set the blueprint for the modern charity concert.
4
Jul 19 2025
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
I had no idea who Michael Kiwanuka was before this, but what a pleasant surprise. His voice is like velvet: smooth, rich, and easy on the ears. The whole album feels like it was made to be played on vinyl, maybe with a whiskey in hand and no plans for the rest of the day.
Thereâs a warm, soulful energy running through the entire record. Even when the songs stretch out a bit, they never drag or overstay their welcome. It blends classic soul with modern touches in a way that feels natural and confident.
If you're into Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, or anything with a touch of vintage warmth, this is worth a listen
4
Jul 21 2025
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
More 80s pop that blends right into the crowd. Nothing here really stands out. The songs are fine on a surface level, but they all feel like variations of the same idea, and that idea has already been done better elsewhere.
Her voice is pleasant enough, but the melodies and arrangements never push beyond safe or familiar. It's the kind of album that plays in a coffee shop and no one bothers to ask what it is.
Not terrible, just incredibly generic.
2
Jul 22 2025
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Thereâs way more hate in the reviews than I expected. Yeah, some of the lyrics are edgy by todayâs standards, but acting like "Under My Thumb" or "Stupid Girl" is a manifesto instead of tongue-in-cheek storytelling misses the point entirely. Itâs rock and roll, not a TED Talk.
"Paint It, Black" is an all-time top 10 song for me. That opening sitar riff is instantly recognizable and still sounds great. Iâd probably slot "Under My Thumb" into my top 50 too. The groove is tight, the delivery is cool, and the song just works.
Not every track is a banger, but there's enough classic Stones energy here to make it worthy of 4 stars.
4
Jul 23 2025
Out of Step
Minor Threat
Loud, fast, and short. Just the way hardcore punk should be.
Minor Threat doesnât waste a second here. The songs hit hard, make their point, and get out before you can catch your breath. Itâs raw without being sloppy and angry without losing control.
4
Jul 24 2025
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Ozzyâs voice sounds as sharp as ever on this one. The whole album leans into that heavy, hazy Sabbath groove, and it delivers. âSnowblindâ is the obvious standout, still a banger after all these years, but âChangesâ hits differently now. Knowing weâve lost Ozzy gives that track a weight it didnât carry before.
This album may not get as much love as Paranoid or Master of Reality. Itâs darker, weirder, and a little more uneven, but thatâs part of the charm.
Props to Alexander for making an exception to the algorithm. RIP to the Prince of Darkness.
4