378
Albums Rated
3.1
Average Rating
35%
Complete
711 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960s
Favorite Decade
World
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
14
5-Star Albums
7
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Queen II
Queen
|
5 | 3.49 | +1.51 |
|
The Score
Fugees
|
5 | 3.69 | +1.31 |
|
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
|
5 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
|
Moondance
Van Morrison
|
5 | 3.71 | +1.29 |
|
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
|
5 | 3.74 | +1.26 |
|
Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
|
4 | 2.84 | +1.16 |
|
Back In Black
AC/DC
|
5 | 3.86 | +1.14 |
|
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
|
4 | 2.91 | +1.09 |
|
Pelican West
Haircut 100
|
4 | 2.96 | +1.04 |
|
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
|
4 | 2.98 | +1.02 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In Rainbows
Radiohead
|
2 | 3.84 | -1.84 |
|
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
|
2 | 3.63 | -1.63 |
|
Marquee Moon
Television
|
2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
|
Arrival
ABBA
|
2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
|
American Gothic
David Ackles
|
1 | 2.48 | -1.48 |
|
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
|
1 | 2.48 | -1.48 |
|
Suicide
Suicide
|
1 | 2.46 | -1.46 |
|
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
|
2 | 3.44 | -1.44 |
|
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
|
2 | 3.43 | -1.43 |
|
...And Justice For All
Metallica
|
2 | 3.43 | -1.43 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 4 | 4.75 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (14)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Television
2/5
Pretty generic rock music with a punk influence. I could see how this might have been an influencial album at the time, but nothing really suck out for me. Overall- fine
2 likes
The Stone Roses
4/5
I was really impressed with this album. I went in blind- having never heard of The Stone Roses. I feel like they were ahead of their time- their sound is a blend of alternative rock with brit pop, and had a lot of elements that later bands would have in both genres.
Overall- very good album
1 likes
1-Star Albums (7)
All Ratings
Boston
4/5
Green Day
4/5
Somewhat weak start from what I remember (first 3 songs)
Picks up after Longview- I see why that single was so succesful
Bob Dylan
4/5
Rolling stone is such a strong start to the album- it hits and sets up exactly
Tombstone blues is filled with nonesense that is still somehow captivating and clever. Dylan is a master of delivery. It does drag on just a bit
On that note, the album does seem to drag at some times (ballad of a thin man) but I feel its a stylistic choice dylan made to capture the fluctuation of moods at the times (post beatnik pre hippie)
Overall- solid album, catchy tunes, and easy to listen to. Skilled instrumentation. It does drag a little in parts.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Starts out a little week. Has some strong hits (bad moon rising of course) and Jon Fogerty has a powerful voice. Really picks up steam near the end and I can see this being a good album to smoke weed and fuck too (maybe perfrct considering its 29 minute run time).
Overall, a decent rock album
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Ramble tamble is catchy, and starts as humorous as it is silly. Then transitions into a nice instrumental progression.
This sounds much more of a "rock album" than Green River- definitely catchier songs as well, and overall less "serious".
Ends on a more somber but also more soulful note with Who'l stop the rain onwards.
Overall very enjoyable rock album and really solidifies CCR as versatile artists
Solomon Burke
3/5
Not really my style of rock or subject matter- lots about break ups or being cheated on. However, the songs are catchy enough and easy to listen to.
Solomon and his background vocalists all sound great. I think the simplistic instrumentation style is definitely a product of the times, but is mostly effective. The vocals are really the highlight of the album though.
Overall a solid Soul album, and I can see how it had a lot of influence over the early Soul and R&B genres
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
I am not feeling this album. The songs are repetitive, simplistic, and all kind of bleed together. Im also not a fan of Costello's singing voice in most of the songs.
However- i know the simplicity and rough, unpolished sound is a deliberate stylistic choice. I can see how this album was influential on the garage rock sound.
Overall, some compelling moments but just not for me
The National
4/5
Starts with the definitive sound of early 2010s folk revival alternative. Has a listless / meloncholy sound.
The singers voice is strong and has a unique timbre- it works well for the sound they are going for.
The song subject is a little one note- tumultuous relationships and heartbreak. I guess thats what a lot of songs are about.
The lyrics are surprisngly nonesensical at some points- its a juxtaposition to how serious the subject matter seems to be.
Overall- i was initially surprised how much i enjoyed the album. But given the clear Arcade Fire influence and mt enjoyment of this style of alternative in general, it makes sense. Very solid album that I enjoyed- i could see coming back to this in morose moods in the future
Kate Bush
3/5
Listened this morning. It was pleasant and easy to listen too. Bush's voice is enchanting, and I liked the way she plays with vocal harmony.
Overall I enjoyed it, but nothing really stood out. Just a solid pop album
Coldplay
3/5
I went in thinking I would immediately love this album, since i had listened to a lot of it before and remember liking it. And while I did still enjoy it, I felt that the album as a whole was long strong than its heavy hitters. The hits are definitely still powerhouses though
Miles Davis
4/5
Listened to this album on Sunday morning at a coffee house, which I think is the correct way to do it. Its nice background music for introspection. Davis's trumpet and the soft piano (Coltrane?) Play well with each other. Its easy to zone out and get carried by the music.
Overall- a really nice album. Jazz isnt typically my genre of choice but I can see how this was a very influential jazz album
Sigur Rós
3/5
The instrumentation is key player here, along with the ethereal vocals. Some cool dramatic moments, but for the most part a more calm sound. Overall it was nice though not really for me
The Cars
3/5
An album that is jam-packed with hit songs. While I had heard a lot of The Cars before, I didnt realize just how many of their hits came from this debut album.
That being said, its hard not to notice just how similar a lot of their songs sound when you hear them back to back. Also, the songs that werent hits really dont carry their weight.
Overall a good album- catchy songs but lacking any real punch.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Live the one your with is a strong opener. I actually found myself really enjoying the album- it captures the sound of the late 60s into early 70s so well. Stephen's voice sounds great and the acoustic guitar is on point. Really easy to listen to.
Overall I enjoyed it- really great example of folk/soft rock
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
Jazz is really not my genre, and i cant say i really enjoyed this album. I can see how the musicality is appreciated- there were some parts where clarinet and piano had a nice back and forther. However, the time signatures and dischordant nature, while complex, just didnt do it for me.
Overall- I can see how this woild be an influential album. But it really wasnt for me
TV On The Radio
2/5
Ive heard a couple of TV on the Radio songs before and have really enjoyed them, so I went in thinking I would really enjoy this album. However, aside from staring at the sun, im really not enjoying the sound of most songs. They seem to be going for a discordant sound that can be grating at some parts. The vocals can sound good but sometime feel like they are out of the lead singers range. The instrumentation is often really simple and kind of goes for a garage rock-y vibe.
Still, I can see the makings of a strong band here, and imagine I would enjoy some of their later albums. The album ends better than it starts, and sounds a little more like their works i am familiar with
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Amy's voice is striking- it immediately captivates the listener. She has am amazing range and timbre- whether singing softly or belting it out. I think the smooth, jazz-influenced songs are my favorite (though the "skat" does get old after a while).
That being said, you can tell this was an early album. Some of the songs lack depth- both in subject and instrumentation. There is a lot of generic drum-machine rythym section in sounds that would be so much nicer with a real instrumental backing. The piano sounds nice in comparison.
Overall- I think this album establishes Amy as a powerhouse, and opens the door for he future stardom.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
I had heard this album in pieces at various stages of my life, but had never sat down and listened start to finish. It really blew me away- the clever wordplay, juxtaposed serious tone with sillier lyrics, the music sampling- the all came together to create a powerhouse. I can see how the album was so influential to so kany artists, and helped define the sound of hip hop as a genre in the 90s.
Overall- a masterpiece of a hip hop album.
Funkadelic
3/5
Starts out slow- i understand the stylistic choice (especially with the message of knocking up the earth and imagery of decay / maggots) but not the sound I look for in Funk.
Album then picks up and becomes much more high-energy and fun. I liked "Hit It and Quit It" a lot. Definitely a lot of strong emotion and raw sound in this album
The Jam
2/5
Dont really know how I feel about this one. Most of thr songs had a classic garage-rock type of sounds. None were bad per se, but none stood out. As I think about it, i cant really come up with any I remember.
Overall- fine album, im sure people who like the genre really enjoy it, but it was very mediocre for me.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Only listened to first half. Joni's voice sounds nice but the timbre of the songs is a little too light and airy for me. Pleasant background music for a nice morning.
Wire
3/5
Anothers 70s punk / garage rock album! Weird to get two so close together. It was decent- i liked the instrumentation in a lot of songs. Nothing really stoid out as a hit. I can see how fans of the genre would enjoy it
Queen
5/5
I am blown away by this album. When you think of what a Rock concept album is trying to be and what it can accomplish, this album fits the bill. The progression of the sound and story from start to finish is amazing- it captivates your ear and makes you wonder whats coming next.
The instrumentation is varied has has such a grand, unique sound. At times it evokes a baroque, regal feeling (QUEEN- get it!?) And yet at others, it is hard hitting 70s rock. And of course, Freddie Mercury's vocals are power- as are the other singers. The vocal play and harmonies are numerous and effective.
Overall- I really enjoyed this one and can definitely see myself throwing it on start to finish in the future
Herbie Hancock
4/5
I have heard some of Herbie Hancock before ("Rock It"). I was pleasantly surprised to realize I can heard this album before too. It was so ahead of its time- utilizing synth technology fused with jazz instrumentation. Definitely a good listen- great background music.
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
Sananda Maitreya, or Terence Trent D'Arby as he was formally know, has put together a captivating album. His tenor voice is powerful and complex, and is supported by instrumentatiom with funk/soul influence. The songs are pleasant and easy to listen too- a lot of catchy "poppier" songs.
Overall- an enjoyable album
King Crimson
3/5
The Undertones
2/5
Made it about 3/4 the way through. Anothers 70s punk / garage rock type album. This one didnt really captivate me- a lot of childish themes. Instrumentation was mostly simple (as is typical for the style) and sometimes effective, sometimes bland. Overall it was fine but not really my thing.
The Offspring
4/5
Hard not to be biased on this one- a big fan of The Offspring's hit songs. I havent taken the time to listen to their albums start to finish though. This onr immediately hits hard and establishes both the sound and tone of the album early. Lots of 90s angst and weight in all the best ways.
Overall- was definitely rocking out to it. Really brought back a lot of 90s nostalga for me
Barry Adamson
3/5
A really interesting concept album. I read up on it a little bit and learned thay Barry Adamson was envisioning a score to an imagenary neo-noir film that never existed. I get some of that, but I'm also struck with how much it sounds like video game music (long before full vgm albums were a thing).
The songs are varied and are good at matching the theme that the title indicates. There is a lot of varied musical influences and tones (jazz, swing, classic, rock, new world). Its really nice background music.
Overall- enjoyed the album. A solid imagination of a movie score
Jeff Buckley
4/5
I went in with low expectations, having only heard "Hallelujah" and it being a little on the sappy side for me. I was pleasantly susprised by how many different sounds this album covers. Alt rock, balads, soft rock, gospel- it really had a lot of highs and lows. I got some hints of RHCP, or like a better Goo Goo Dolls? Lots of strong instrumentation as well.
Overall- enjoyed it a lot.
Oasis
4/5
I had heard a bunch of Oasis songs before- it was nice to listen to an album thay didnt contain all their bog hits. I can see how this one launched their career- it had a lot of catchy songs. They have a distinct sound for the times.
Overall enjoyed it a lot- torn between 3 and 4 but going to upgrade to 4
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Tim Buckley
2/5
Another 60s rock album! This one didnt captivate me as much. It had some moments of good instrumentals- i liked the inclusion of woodwinds in a way atypical of rock music at the time. But I also felt like it really dragged at parts- and was a little sappy (gypsy woman comes to mind)
Overall- a fine album, not for me.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Ive made ot about halfway through this album, and Im really not feeling it. I can appreciate the stylistic choice to alter the timbre and sound of common rock instruments, and their willingness to push the envelope on having a sound be both discordant and rhythmic. However, I find myself just really not enjoying most of the songs.
Overall- just not for me. I can see how it was an influential album on the alt rock of the 90s, but I dont really enjoy the sound they were going for.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Another CCR album (3 so far!) This one was again a solid showing- I like the theme but it got a little one note for me. Some hits here, some good b sides.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
A really nice blend of latin sounds- it was greay music to have on in the background of my day. I can see how it was pribably very well received from enjoyers of latin dance.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Album is fine- has some real hits but also some filler songs. There are even a few songs where I question if it's really elvis. You can definitely twll he had major "influence" from black artists at the time. That being said- the songs that hit sound good- they defined his sound and I can see how it was influential on popular rock and roll
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
I am familiar with a few songs on this album- Suite: Judy Blue Eyes has long been a favorite driving song of mine. It was nice to get to hear the full album- the songwriting and tone really stands out. I like the lyricism, especially the use of alliteration and word play. Yhe album had lows and highs that were nice to move through.
Overall- very enjoyable early "hippie rock" album.
The Kinks
3/5
Generally enjoyed this album. It definitely captures the sound of the late 60s British Invasion movement. Simple, catchy rock songs with a hint of psychadellic influence. Overall- a nice album
Bon Jovi
3/5
I was tenuous going into the album- Bon Jovi definitely has a cheeze factor he is known for. I actually found the albim started out really strong- I even found myself singing along to the big hits.
However- I do feel like the songs started to sound very same-y toward the end of the album (especially the power ballads). I can see why the album was well received, but it had a little too much cheese and was one-note.
Madonna
3/5
Madonna- its about time! I was actually really suprised by this album- it starts out really strong with "like a prayer" (a classic) but soon transitions into almost a concept album. A lot of religious overtones and songs that are less poppy and more storytelling. It surprised me, as I wasnt familiar with that side of Madonna.
Overall- I enjoyed it. Probably a 3.5 but I dont think it quite got to a 4 syar for me.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Aretha's voice is just so powerful and enchanting. She really is one of the all time greats. The album itself had a nice progression- it highlighted the rral difficulties in relationships, while also capturing zuch raw emotion.
Overall- I enjoyed it a lot. Probably a 4.5 star, but not quite a 5
Dusty Springfield
4/5
I had heard a lot of the songs on this album growing up, and didnt realize they were all one artist! Dusty kills it- het voice is alluring and at times haunting, and I liked the themes about being an independent woman in a time where it was difficult to be one.
Overall- very good motown album
ZZ Top
3/5
I went into this album knowing a few songs. After listening to the whole thing- I think ZZ Top definitely established a signature sound and had some strong hits. But the songs did start to get a little one-note for me. Also a lot of the sex/drugs/rock and roll vibe that got old. The hits are definitely catchy though and thr instrumentation is skilled and stylized
Overall- a decent rock albun
Maxwell
4/5
Went into this album having never heard of Maxwell. I was pleasantly surprised- a neo-soul album with a lot of jazz influence. Maxwell's voice is pleasant and powerful- he has an impressive range. The instrumentation varied from dominant to supportive.
Overall a solid album- good songs but did drag a little but at parts (sometimes a little too sappy for me). I could see this being a great weekend morning album
Pere Ubu
2/5
Album starts with a horrible high pitched noise- I definitely wasnt exprcting it 😅.
I am finding myself going back and forth a lot as I listen to thr album. I get what they are going for- pushing the boundaries of what rock music can be. But sometimes I feel like its being dissonant just for the sake of being "avant guard".
On the other hand- when the leaned into the chaotic rock sound but without the dissonant instrumentation, I found myself really enjoying some songs. Also- even some of the more grating parts did make me laugh.
Overall- a hard album to assess. Im sure it had a lot of influence on other rocks artists, but I personally wouldnt see myself putting it on again
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
Overall- Decent rock album. It was a little on the nose with LSD references, but I guess that was a sign of the times. I could see how it influenced the psychadelic rock genre. 2.5 stars, but i think i can see vumping it up to 3.
N.W.A.
4/5
Hits very hard roght out the gate. It immediately establishes the tone and energy that would become a staple to Ganster Rap. Lots of really catchy songs and some humorous skits too. Loved hearing the stylistic differences between the NWA artists.
Overall- great rap album. I can see how it influenced the genre so much
Klaxons
3/5
I had actually heard abfew songs from this album before, not even knowing the name of the band. The Klaxons have a very interesting sound- kind of a fusion of indie rock, post-punk, electronic, post-grunge. Crazy fushion- sometimes it really works, sometimes it doesnt land as well.
Overall- solid album. Definitely some songs I enjoyed and would put on again.
The Kinks
4/5
Another Kinks album! This one has Picture Book on it- which is a song I enjoy and has been sampled and covered extensively.
I like the album a lot- really pleasant background music. Definitely sounds more mainstream and less psychedelic than the last Kinks album I listened to. There were spots where I was getting major David Bowie vibes- I can see how this album influenced the direction rock went.
Overall- very solid album. Probably a 3.5/5 but I feel like it deserves a bump up to 4
AC/DC
5/5
Knew this album well before it came up on the list, but I can never actually listened to it in full. I got immediately excited as soon as I heard the intro to hells bells. This album strokes your emotions hard and fast- it is hard not to immediately start rocking out when you listen, and it keeps those vibes going the entire time.
The instrumentation is really top notch- especially the guitar solos and trills that accentuate the different stages of each song. Angus Young really understood hard rock music and how to feature the guitar.
The hits on the album definitely hit, and its no wonder they became such iconic songs from the era. I will day that the overall sound did start to feel a little "same-y" toward the end of the album. It definitely started stronger than it ended.
Overall- I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can see how Back in Black was a transformative album on Rock and Roll as a genre. I feel it deserves a 4.5/5 on a personal scale but can definitely feel good about bumping it up to a 5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Another Elvis Costello album. I thinm I can solidly say that Elvis Costello is just not for me. I dont really like the goofy and pointedly simple musical style, and I dont really enjoy his voice (it sounds like he puts on an affectation). No real standout hits that I can recall.
Overall- fine album, but not for me.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
Went in being very familiar with Alanis and this album- it was one of my sisters favorites growing up. I thought this would be an instant love for me, but I was actually surprised that there qere a lot of parts of the album that came up flat. The hits are of course still hits and theu definitely hokd up, but there were other songs where it felt like she was trying to do too much lyrically. The instrumentation on a lot of songs also felt a little flat and repetitive.
Overall- still a good album and one that solidified Alanis's stardom.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
My second Joni Mitchell album. I found myself enjoying this one more than the last (Blue). The songs were a little more upbeat and there was a larger variety in tone, especially toward the end of the album, which I enjoyed. Joni's voice sounded nice- she is a good singer, but I am not a big fan of the sped up brrathy singing she does a lot between stanzas. I think thats part of her signature style and I can see how fans enjoy it, but not for me.
Overall- it was a nice album that was easy to listen too. I'd say 3.5/5, but not quite up to a 4.
Jurassic 5
4/5
I went into this album completely blind, and I am blown away. I cant believe I had almost zero expisure to Jurassic 5 in tbe past. They are reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest. The album is clever, and has a strong R&B influence that blends so well with the lyricality. All of the artists have their distinct styles that come together so strongly.
Overall- I really enjoyed it. I could definitely see putting this on the the future. I would say 4.5/5, but not quite at the 5 level.
R.E.M.
3/5
Went in knowing some songs. Ended up enjoying the whole album. REM definitely has a signature sound, and it really seems to come together on this album. Plus the hits definitely hit.
Overall- good album, but not quite a 4 star.
Prince
4/5
The album starts of strong and keeps the momentum going. The harmonies and vocals are as varied as the instrumentation, and even more so, the synthesizers. You can tell this is when synthesizers really started to develop as a form of instrumentation, and Prince used them a lot of this album to good effect.
The hits definitely hit. But I also found myself enjoying the lesser-known songs. There is also a theme of... danger? That prevails the album even when the songs are upbeat and party vibes. I liked this juxtaposition.
Overall- very good dance/party album with a lot of uniqueness. I can see how it established Prince as a powerhouse
Billy Bragg
4/5
Went into this album blind. Gound myself really enjoying it- its a beautiful blend of simplicity with strong emotion. The singers and instrumentation vary a lot, filling the album with a lot of highs and lows. A lot of catchy songs too- I even went back to re-listen to a few.
Reading up on the history of the album, its a recording of unpublished Woody Guthree songs. You can hear the american folk influence- Billy Bragg does a great job capturing the sound and soul of early folk music.
Overall- a nice album. A 3.5/5 for me personally but I feel like it earns a 4 star.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
First time listening to an earth wind & fire album from start to finish. It is nice- Shining Star is a great opening song, and the rest of the album settles into a spulful collection of melodies. I do find myself wishing for some more energy at some points- its a little light / airy for me during some songs. But the instrumentation comes back heavy with Africano at the end.
Overall- a solid listen. Probably a 3.5/5, not quite a 4
Nine Inch Nails
2/5
Starts out with a cacophony of sounds, and keeps that tone going for the 1st half of the album. To be honest, I almost stopped listening and was ready to write it off. But the latter half of the album was more coherent and calmer, and I felt like I was able to get a better sense of the lyricality and instrumental talent of the group.
Overall- still not my favorite. I can see how people would enjoy it, but not for me
Pavement
2/5
Had never heard of Pavement before. Album was interesting- kind of at the confluence of alt rock and post punk. Found myself enjoying it at parts, but mostly unremarkable. Having a hard time even remembering what I liked / didnt like
Cee Lo Green
3/5
A decent pop / R&B album with soul influences. Songs were fun and upbeat, but nothing really stands out. Overall- a solid album if not a bit long / unfocused.
Beatles
5/5
Its's going to be very difficult for me to remain impartial for this one. White Album was one of the first albums I owned- my sister burnt it for me when I was about 11 year old. I have heard the full album a few times over, and it has long lived in my heart as a favorite album.
Listening for the first time in a while with fresh ears, its been a big nostalgia trip. There are just so many hits, so many catchy tunes, and so much variation in tone/timbre/style between songs, its hard not to find ones you are immediately drawn to. The album almost feels like the Beatles wanted to take a stab at every genre that had influenced their sound in one album. Even a song like revolution number 9 is a Beatles perspective on Avant Gard music.
That isnt to say the album isnt without flaws. Now that im older and listening to the album with a new perspective, there are definitely songs that dont carry as much weight and feel like they lack depth or seriousness. The instrumentation is simplistic at times (as is kind of signature for the Beatles sound).
Still, the album is very strong overall. I actually feel like I am teetering at a 4.5/5, but I think the scope and accomplishment of the album, combined with my own history, push it up to a 5 star
Faust
2/5
I hadent ever heard of Faust before this album. After listening- it was decebt but unremarkable. It had an interesting sound- kind of like progressive rock meets a more implistic style. I could see this being an influential album, but nothing really stood out to me.
Air
4/5
I enjoyed this album a lot- soft electronic with nice vibes and lyricality. Plus sexy boy is a certified banger. Good music for driving.
Machito
3/5
Some standard mambo music- was nice as background
Thelonious Monk
3/5
I was familiar with Thelonius Monk. Enjoyed the album- jazz is typically not for me but it was nice. Used it as background music for a dinner party.
Kanye West
3/5
Overall- fine album. It really pales in comparison to early Kanye albums though- it really does seem like he was trying really hard at this point. It does have some bops though
Grizzly Bear
4/5
I had heard the song two weeks come up on my spotify many times, so I had spme expectations for the album. I am blown away by how much im enjoying it. The songs are varied an emotional- sometimes it feels like an electronic group, sometimes a true rock band, sometimes a choir- there are a lot of tone ahofts to a pleasant effect. I really enjoy their use of voc harmonies as well.
Overall- a very good album. Im surprised I hadent heard any other singles from it besides Two Weeks. Enjoyed it- will definitely listen again
The Strokes
4/5
Hard for me to be unbiased on this one, because I was a big Strokes fan back in the 2000s. I had listened to this album back then and loved it, but now I get to hear it with fresh ears. Honestly- its good and I enjoy it, but it doesn't hit as hard as it had once before. The songs themselves are good, but the subject matter falls a little flat for me (break up, seeing your ex, and pining for someone who doesnt want you- i felt this much more in my early 20s)
Still- there are some amazing hits on this album. I love the guitar work most of all- strong and catchy without being overbearing.
Overall- bring me back to my youth and I really enjoy it. Id say as a more mature listener, probably a 3.5/5, but my experience with my album and occasional relisten brings it up to a 4
The Smiths
3/5
I had definitely heard The Smiths before- they typically had been "good" in my mind but not really for me. Gave this one two listens- its nice background music for sure. I like morrisey's vocals and the piano really excentuates the mood they are going for.
Overall- similar to my previous experience with the Smiths: good, but not for me.
Steely Dan
3/5
I have listened to Steely Dan before and have never been a big fan- their songs seem to all have a similar sound and come across a little pretentious. I actually found myself enjoying this album- there is still that quick vocal style that doesnt really mesh with tge instrumentation sometimes, but the songs were varied an enjoyable. We got to hear a lot more of the rock elements and experimentation than their hits.
Overall- solid album.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
I was not familiar with Superfurry Animals prior to this album. I immediately thought I had heard the singer before on first listen- his voice reminds me of Damon Albarn from Blur/Gorrilaz. The music itself was nice- a conflux of a few different styles that border the line between serious and whimsical, crossing frequently. They almost remind me of a Ween that takes itself a little more seriously.
Overall- it was good and has a lit of songs that fit a rainy or brooding atmosphere. I'd say 3.5/5 stars, but not quite a 4
Public Enemy
4/5
Enjoying this one a lot- the samples and hooks are super catchy. It touches on a lot of issues with race and makes commentary on the status of black people, specifically men, in the US at the time. Looking for some hits that stand out- I think thats the only thing this album is missing.
Van Morrison
5/5
I had heard this album in full beforr, but not in a long long time. It was great to get to experience it again with fresh ears. Van Morrisson is a master of his craft. His songwriting speakd to a part of the human experience that everyone has a connection with. His songs are light yet compelling, and his voice punctuates at the right time.
Overall- I really enjoyed it and will definitely put it on again. Id say 4.5/5 but I think it clinches the 5 spot- I can see this album having a big influence on a lot of people
Big Star
3/5
I wasnt familiar witb Big Star, aside from the That 70s Show theme song. A decent rock album that captured the spirit of the 70s, but ultimately it didnt really capture me or have any standout hits that left me wanting more.
Ali Farka Touré
3/5
Only got about 66% of the album in. Very interesting album- a big mix of styles. Very good music for exploring a city. 3.5/5, not quite a 4
Cat Stevens
3/5
I have heard Cat Stevens before- his music is nice but typically not for me. This album was nice- his voice and songwriting style pair well together, and his songs capture part of the human experience. It was a little sappy for me, but I didnt hate it. Overall- solid album
Supertramp
3/5
Was surprised when I listened to this. It didnt sound like the SuperTramp O had heard in the past. It's got a great sound- very technical instrumentation and more varied lyrics and sound from song to song. I found myself enjoying it- I did find myself hoping for a standout hit.
Overall- very solid album. Probably 3.5/5, but not quite a 4
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
I remeber hearing this album in its entirety (or close to it) when it first came out. I recall really enjoying it.
On a fresh listen, I still am really enjoying it. Franz Ferdinand have such a unique sound and style- garage rock meets indie meets pop, which a spooky sort of vibe that permeates the album. The hits are definitely hits, while the other songs on the album are still compelling. I think this album does an effective job of presenting a concept and sticking to it.
Overall- hovering between a 3.5 and 4, but personally I think it gets the 4 star
Sonic Youth
2/5
My second sonic youth album. This one is sitting a little better with me, but still not really my thing. I understand how much they were pushing rock music to its limits and trying to break the tropes of rock music, but i just really dont enjoy the dissonant sound and depressing tone. While technically skilled, the music just isnt for me
Ice T
3/5
I dont think id ever really heard Ice T rao, despite being familiar with his music. This album was good overall- he doesnt have as technicially proficient a rap style as some other rappers Ive heard in this list, but his sound and flow is solid.
Where he really shines is his messaging and the thought he puts into his songs. He has an inisghtful view on the experiences of a black youth growing up in the ghetto and his issues with incarceration and racism.
Overall- solid album. Id probably give it a 3.5/5 but not quite a 4
Talking Heads
3/5
Im a big talking head fan in general. This album was good but had a lot of songs that felt unfocused. The hits were definitely hits. Overall- enjoyable
David Bowie
3/5
I generally dont consider myself a david bowie fan- i enjoy some of his hits. I actually found myself enjoying this one. The album has an almost ethereal, otherwordly sound (dream-like?). Bowie's voice is a powerhouse as always and filled with drama. It did start to lose me at the end though- it felt a little too experimental and unfocused for me. Overall- solid album
Richard Thompson
3/5
A sort of mish-mash of 70s soft rock with irish folk songs and sea shanties (I think?). It was fine at parts but ultimately not for me. Still- a fine album if thats what youre looking for.
Joy Division
3/5
My second Joy Division album. This one I actually enjoyed a bit more. The songs had deep, goth rock undertones but the presentation was varied- sometimes more synth-i fluenced, sometimes more rock elements.
Overall- a solid album.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I went into this album blind. Just based on the title, I thought it would be an emo band and I wouldnt enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprised to learn it wasnt, instead hearing a more alt-rock style.
MBV has a unique sound- ethereal in places and somewhat dream-like, but with heavy rock elements that sometimes border on dissonance. Their songs are pleasant enough though- good music for driving.
Overall- solid album
Jane's Addiction
3/5
I was familiar with the hits from this album. Giving it a full listen- it was about what I expected. Jane's Addiction has a distinct sound but still captures a lot of thr alternative sound that I enjoy in 90s rock. Not much stood out- just a solid album with a clear sound and vision
The Who
4/5
I had heard this album many man years ago- I remember my older brother playing it when I was a kid. Going in with fresh ears, I found myself being really impressed by the tone and scope of thr album. The story Pete Townshend tells is simple yet effective, and draws you into the life of this detached boy turned realized man.
The songs are varied in tone and emotion. The instrumentation keeps the pace moving and drives the story, especially the drums. The only weak point I see is the ending- Tommy is built up as a messanic figure only the end the album on a sillier note. I would have liked a more grand conclusion to a rock opera.
Overall- I really enjoyed the album and could see myself listening again. Id give it a 4.5/5, but not quite a 5
Public Enemy
4/5
This is my second Public Enemy album. I found myself really enjoying this one- the Terminator X featured songs were bangers, and Flavor Flav actually came through with some good verses rather than just small soundbites. The instrumentals were varied and catchy- at some points getting really bombastic with horns and drums, which I loved.
Overall- very solid hip hop album. I could see how it solidifed Public Enemy as a force in the genre
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Went in with very high expectations- Biggie is a iconic figure in the hip hop community. I would say they were mostly fulfilled. Biggies voice and lyrics are a powerhouse- he really sells whay he says and draws you into his stories and vignettes.
The hits on the album are absolute gold- Juicy is top tier hip hop and a personal favorite. Where I was less taken was the skits- they didnt land for me. And of course, Puff Daddy interjecting into every song was fine- he just really doesnt add much, and his current reputation sullies the name of these old classics.
Overall- very good hip hop album
Roxy Music
2/5
Only got about 2/3 of the way through. I can see how this album was influential on the New Wave movement, but overall was just fine for me. No standouts
Aerosmith
2/5
Pretty generic rock album. No big standouts, and overall the songs all seemed to blend together. Fine, but nothing special
Snoop Dogg
3/5
I had heard parts of this album before- my brother had owned it growing up. It's a solid album- Snoop has a fun style and the hits are definitely hits (Gin and Juice is a certified banger). It did feel a little one note by the end though.
3.5/5, but not quite a 4
The Hives
4/5
I remember this era of music fondly. Id listened to the Hives before, but not an entire album. I can see how they were influential- they draw a lot from alt rock, punk, and garage rock influences while still having a sound that is distinctly their own. While their sound is on the simple side, its still both effective at blurring the line between pleasant and dissonant, pop and true rock.
Overall- I enjoyed it. Id probably give it a 3.5/5, but can bump it up tp a 4 based on personal preference and the infleunce of the album
Santana
4/5
I was familiar with a lot of Santana's work, specifically from this "golden era" of their work. I have to say- sitting and listening to the album start to finish was an awesome experience. The intro was relaxed and different in tone from the rest of the album, but transitioning into black magic woman and Oye Como Va back to back set the stage for the powerful instrumentation.
I also found myself enjoying the lesser known songs from the album, epecially Mother's Daughter. I had to look up the vocalist Gregg Rolie, as I was enjoying his voice and it sounded familiar to me. His vocals compliment Santana's guitar work really well.
Overall- thoroughly enjoyed it. Id rank it 4.5/5, but not quite 5 star for me
Orbital
2/5
Somewhat interesting futuristic instrumental album- elements of house mixed with world music. I could see how it was influential on the techno genre but it didnt really wow me. Probably a 2.5/5
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
I had heard some of the hits from this album throughout the years, and I uave quite a few people in my life whp consider this a favorite. After giving it a listen (and some songs a re-listen), I can definitely understand the appeal. This album was a magnitudous undertaking- almost 90 mins in length and exploring a wide variety of sounds, styles, and instrumentation. And I think overall- it was successful.
I am very impressed with Stevens achievement- the songs he wrote have complex time signatures, use of a variety of instruments and vocal harmonies. The music is rich and complex, and when it hits, it hits right. Still- there are some times when it feels a little unfocused. I think the album could have undergone another round or two of edits and it would have made it more effective.
Overall- enjoyed it a lot. I wpuld probably put it in the 4 - 4.5 out of 5 range, but not quite a 5 star album.
Giant Sand
2/5
Kind of a generic alt rock sound. Nothing bad but nothing really stood out
LTJ Bukem
2/5
Interesting background music- feels video gamey. Ultimately, nothing really stood out
Simple Minds
2/5
Pretty standard New Wave sound. Very 80s. I can see how this was influential to the genre, but it didnt really stand out for me. 2.5/5
The Fall
3/5
Found myself enjoying it more than I thought. A nuce blend of punk, pop, and new wave
The Gun Club
3/5
Another garage rock, punk-esque- pop-esque album from the 80s. This one was good enough but didnt do much for me personally. Overall- decent album
The xx
4/5
An album I was pretty intimately familiar with going in, though I hadent ever heard it in full. I very much enjoyed it- the vibes are enchanting and mystical, and the play between the dual vocal parts in the songs is fun and smart. The bangers were definite bangers- the Intro starts off strong and Crystalize is an amazing song.
Overall- simple and effective.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Ive always been a Tom Petty fan. This was my first time listening to this album start to finish. Overall it was good- reminded me a little of Bob Dylan. He has a good way of telling a story through song. And the hits were definitely hits.
Overall- solid rock album with some blues elements. Probably 3.5/5 but not quite a 4
Jack White
4/5
I have always been a big Jack White fan, and I was familiar with many songs on this album. Listening to the whole album start to finish, I found myself really enjoying it. There are so many different genres that play together well- a rock album with blues roots that has a layer of pop and melodic influence. It was a big undertaking, and I think it succeeds in showing his unique musical perspective.
Overall- very enjoyable album
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
This definitely feels like early Simon & Garfunkle- lots of Folk influence and a lot of softness/airiness in the tone of the songs. It definitely has some hits- Cecilia and The Boxer are both powerful performances. And as is the case with S&G, the songwriting is the strongest component.
Overall- I enjoyed it.
The Human League
2/5
The only real standout for me is Dont You Want Me- the rest of the album was just kind of generic-sounding synth pop. The songs all seemed to melt together.
Overall- just fine
Bauhaus
3/5
I wasnt familiar with Bauhaus going into this album. As someone who generally isnt a fan of post-punk, I actually enjoyed this album overall. It definitely dipped into a cocaphonous/ avant gard sound at some places, but also had some moments that were catchier.
Overall- decent album.
Nirvana
5/5
Oh boy- does this album hit hard. My brother had this album growing up, but I dont think I have heard it in its entirety. It was a great listen- Nirvana's sound is so distinguished and intoxicating. Their songs are varied in tome from silly to serious and stylisitically different but sounding cohesive. My only gripe is that it seemed to lose just a little steam toward the end.
Overall- I really liked it. Id probably give it a 4.5/5 but I think it can be bumped up to a 5
Fela Kuti
3/5
A really interesting sound- I enjoyed the blend of jazz and afro beat. I can see how this was an influential album on the Afrobeat genre as a whole.
Overall- solid album
The War On Drugs
3/5
I had heard a few from the album before. I found myself really enjoying the album- their sound is mellow and understated but still captivating. I found that sometimes the songs seemed to meld into each other. Still- I found myself enjoying a lot of the songs.
Overall- probably 3.5/5, but not quite a 4
Television
2/5
Pretty generic rock music with a punk influence. I could see how this might have been an influencial album at the time, but nothing really suck out for me. Overall- fine
Foo Fighters
4/5
The debut from Foo fighters was great
Pink Floyd
4/5
I have heard a lot of Pink Floyd growing up, including all of the hits on this album. I appreciate the work that went into this album and the tough topics it addresses (isolation, nuclear war). But ultimately it didnt really connect with me- I found the transitions between hits to be dissonant and not pleasant on the ear. I understand it's probably the effect they were going for, but it just wasnt particularly fun to listen to. The hits on the album, however, are very strong, and serve to break up the themes of the transitions.
Overall- probably around 3.5/5 or 4/5
The Byrds
3/5
Another early psychadelic rock album. I actually found myself liking this one a lot- it had some hits and pushed the boundaries of where rock in the 60s was. There were also some elements that got stale (over-the-top trippy).
Overall- decent album
Haircut 100
4/5
I was actually surprised by this album, having never heard of Haircut 100. They have a unique take on pop music- their songs are varied in tone and style but always with an overarching pleasant catchiness
Overall- probably a 3.5/5, but ai found nyself rocking out a lot so I'll bump it to 4
Keith Jarrett
2/5
Obviously a skilled pianist, this album was really just not for me. I found it to be boring and a little repetitive. I can see how other muscians would be inspired by the musicality though.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Surprised by this album- it had a wide variety of styles and sounds. Some songs were reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, others had a much stronger funk/soul sound.
Overall- pretty good album. Good music for driving
Violent Femmes
4/5
I was familiar with Blister in the Sun (which is a strong opening). Although this sort of post-punk garage rock sound isnt typically my favorite, I enjoyed this album a lot. The songs are simple and somewhat cacaphonous, but nonetheless catchy and effective at conveying the tone and emotion behind them. Lots of angst and frustration in the lyrics.
Overall- probably a 3.5/5, but the album had enough hits and strong moments to bump it up to a 4
Beatles
5/5
It's really hard to give this album anything but a 5. It's long been a favorite album of mine- Ive heard it from start to finish many times, but probably not in a decade.
I feel like it really is the magna opus of everything the Beatles came to represent- pop music, influenced by a plethora of music genres, brought together in its highest and mpst consummate form. Even filler songs like Maxwell's Silver Hammer are executed to the highest degree, and the album highs are amazing. I'm also a big fam of the Sun King suite at the end- it really felt like the group came together to create something bigger than in previous albums.
Overall- top tier album and one I highly recommend.
Paul Simon
4/5
The first entry by Paul Simon! I found myself liking this one a lot. It has a good mix of softer folksy sounds and upbeat jams. Simon's voice is also really nice- he has a distinct sound.
Overall- very good album
Pentangle
3/5
I had never heard of Pentangle before listening to this album. I guess I enjoyed it- it really kind of felt like background music to me. I liked the use of vocal harmonies and overlapping melodies, but the songs all kind of blended together. The technical skills of the musicians were nice though.
Overall- decent album, just not really for me. I could see how it was influential to other musicians. Id probably give it a 2.5/5 but I think itcan be bumped up to 3.
Kate Bush
2/5
Really did not care for this one. I can see that Bush was trying to push herself and have a unique, dramatic sound different from her previous hits, but I do not think it was successful. There were mutliple points in the album where I stopped and thought "wtf am I listening to?"
Overall- one of my least faves. I'd say 1.5/5, but I do think the technical proficiency and scope of the album warrent a 2.
ZZ Top
2/5
I wasnt really that impressed with this one. La Grange has long been a favorite ZZ Top song for me, and that song definitely slaps. But it feels like that's the highlight of the album- the rest of the songs have a pretty similar structure and all seem to meld together.
Miles Davis
3/5
Another Miles Davis album. This one was good like the other- very technically proficient and good mix of styles and themes. Still- jazz is really not the music for me.
Overall- solid album
Ian Dury
2/5
Really wasnt impressed with this album. It was an odd mix of tone and styles- kind of punk rock meets pop meets early new wave? At lot of songs seemed to be going the humorous route but fell flat for me. A lot of songs had a lot of repetition that got stale.
Overall- not for me. I can see how some artists might have found it influential. 1.5 / 5
Elton John
4/5
Ive had a love/hate relationship with Elton John for a while- he has such powerhouse sounds (Someone Saved My Life Tonight) but also such hokey messes (Crocodile Rock). I found myself really enjoying this album- it has a great blend of sound and his talent as a singer and pianist is so evident throughout.
Overall- very solid album.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Familiar with a few songs on this album. I found myself enjoying it a lot- I know it spawned a lot of remixes.
Overall- good album.
Elvis Presley
4/5
My first time listening to an elvis album in its entirety. I can see why he was such a sensation- there are a lot of hits and a lot of energy and emotion in his songs. Especially for the time, im sure the american public had never experienced an act like him before.
That being said, there were some moments that got a little sappy for my taste. Overall- probably a 3.5/5 but I think it can safely round to 4
The Shamen
2/5
Another lates 80s / early 90s Techno album. This one had some good songs but ultimately didnt capture my attention. A lot of drum/bass heavy sound that isnt really my taste. I could see how other DJs might have found this influential.
Overall- 2.5/5, but not quite a 3
De La Soul
3/5
First De La Soul album. I like their sound- captures the early hip hop sound with great kyricism and backing vocals. However, some parts got a little one note with their attempy to be humourous, which didnt always land. Still, found myself enjoying a lot of the songs.
Overall- 3.5/5, but not quite a 4
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Another paul simon- a lot of good moments but also a lot of songs that are a little airy/ethereal for me. Still- good album overall
Brian Eno
2/5
Found this album to be boring. The music wasnt bad- it was technically proficient. But it was repeptitive in tone and not very interesting. Fine background music.
Overall- didnt enjoy it. Probably a 1.5/5
The Cure
3/5
I have never considered myself tp be a The Cure fan, but I actually found myself enjoying it a lot. There was a lot of bops and heavier hitting songs than I know of The Cure.
Overall- probably a 3.5/5, not sure if its a 4
The Divine Comedy
2/5
A interesting collection of love songs that had some nice moments but ultimately didnt really capture my attention. A little hokey at times.
Overall- probably 2.5/5 but not quite 3
10cc
2/5
Didnt really catch my attention- just seemed like generic 70s rock
Muddy Waters
4/5
I had definitely heard a couple of these songs before. I was impressed with both the talent of Muddy Waters, and how good the audio sounded sespitw it being a live album from 1960. I can see how Muddy Waters was hugely ingluential to Blues and early Rock music.
Overall- really good album
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
A nice collection of high-energy latin beats. Songs were catchy and varied in sound/tone.
Overall'I enjoyed it. 3.5/5
The Cramps
4/5
I was well aware of The Cramps- "Cant Hardly Stand It" was an old roommates favorite song. While I'm not typically a huge punk fan, I found myself really enjoying this album. It is high energy, surprisngly catchy and does a good job of being rough just to the edge of dissonant but not crossing that line.
Overall- I liked it a lot. Pribably just shy of a 4 but I feel like it earned the bump up.
Duke Ellington
3/5
This is a first Duke Ellington listen for me- It's crazy how many feature musicians were on this album! It must have been a really fun evening for everyone involved.
The music itself was nice- I enjoyed how they switched up who was being featured in the songs, and the instruments as a result. It did start to feel long though in the second half. I also feel like I didnt get enough Duke Ellington himself.
Overall- good album. Jazz isnt really my thing but I can see how Jazz people would enjoy this. 3.5/5
David Holmes
2/5
An collection of 90s techno. I enjoyed some parts of it, others fell flat. I can hear the stylistic choices Holmes was going for and why it was selected for the Oceans franchise.
Overall- decent album. Probably a 2.5/5, not quite a 3
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Benel Gilberto has a beautiful voice. The album was light and pleasant- it had a few rcognizable Brazilian classics.
Overall- it was nice. 3.5/5
The Auteurs
2/5
Kind of generic sounding brit pop with some alt influences. Not bad but ultimately didnt capture my attention.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Rumors is an album I am very familiar with- I've probably listened to it in full about 5-6 times. Heralded as one of the best albums of all time, some of which is attributed to its mystique. Outside of all the rumors (pun intended) surrounding its production, the album still produces a huge string of hits, including some of the best representations of 70s rock (Dreams, Go Your Own Way, The Chain).
Still, listening to the original album and not the delux edition, there are still some flaws. One is that Songbird feels out of place in the album, and doesnt add much to the overall presentation. The more obvious flaw is the decision to leave Silver Springs off the album, which really is a perfect final song that is sorely missing from the original recording.
Overall- hard to deny the power this album has and the variety of sound that resulted in so many unique top-10 hits. That combined with its lore easily give this one a 5.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Peter Gabriel has long been a favorite of mine. This album was great- it spawned so many powerhouse hits.
Overall- 4.5/5.
Goldfrapp
2/5
I wasnt familiar with Goldfrapp going in to this album. It has some interesting moments combining folksy vibes with electronic pop, but ultimately it didnt capture my attention.
Overall- probably 2.5/5, definitely not a 3
The Clash
3/5
I was familiar with the Clash going into this album,and thought I would enjoy it more than I did. It was decent and the hits I knew were satisfying to hear, but it ultimately started to sound a little one note with the simplistic style. It seems like it could have used some editing to make it tighter.
Overall- decent rock album
David Bowie
3/5
A decent album with some hits. I think David Bowie is just not for me though. Still- definitely wasnt bad, just didnt capture me
David Ackles
1/5
I really did not enjoy this album. It was sappy to a fault (the word I encountered for it is "maudlin") and had a repetitive tone and subject matter between songs. I also do mot enjoy the musical style where a singer kind of sing/talks over music and there isnt much alignment between the sound of each.
Still- there were some more compelling elements. The instrumentation / piano work was good. But i still found myself not enjoying the songs or the background singers that supported.
Overall- probably 1.5/5 but I am remiss to give it a 2, so it becomes a 1
David Bowie
2/5
Had some moments I enjoyed but ultimately didnt really capture my attention. Definitely not as strong an album as previous Bowie albums ive heard
Linkin Park
3/5
I was familiar with a lot of this album going in. Im not really the biggest Lincoln Park guy- their music always felt excessively edgey to me. I fel this way about this album as well- but I still found myself enjoying it at parts. They have a real distinct vision/tone for the album which I think was successful, and the hits are definitely hits.
Overall- decent album. 3.5/5
Supergrass
3/5
Found myself enjoying this one- alt rock with a twist of pop punk. Some hits, nice instrumentation and varied tone.
Overall- good album
The White Stripes
4/5
An album I had heard before! The White Stripes were a hufe influence on me in my teenage years. Going back to listen as an adult was a great experience. The Stripes have such a distinct sound that blends simple song structure with hard hitting rocl elements (heavy on distortion). Thr album has many hits and even the less known songs are compelling.
Overall- loved it then, love it now. 4.5/5
U2
3/5
I had preconceived notions about U2, but I tried to give it a fair listen. It was a decent album- the hits were good but also somw songs that felt more like filler. This is definitely a more airy, soft-rocky album than a lot of other U2 songs I know.
Overall- probably somewhere in the 2.5-3 star range
Cocteau Twins
4/5
I had heard the title song before and remember enjoying it, but wasnt otherwise familiar with the Cocteau Twins. I found myself really enjoying this album- it's very much mood music and goes for more of a vibe than a traditional song arrangement. I was most surprised by how ahead of its time the whole album sounded- I feel like it could come out today and fit in with a lot of modern music.
Overall- really enjoyed it
Sonic Youth
3/5
I enjoyed this one- I liked the vibe and the fusion of rock, pop punk, and electronica. It definitely had a tone in mind and was successful in its execution.
Overall- 3.5/5
CHVRCHES
3/5
CHVRCHES is a band I should like a lot in theory, blending indie pop with electronic music. But I found myselg being not super into this album. I enjoyed a few songs but there were also a lot I felt were super repetitive. The group certainly does have a signature sound though.
Overall- decent, probably a 2.5-3/5
Stan Getz
4/5
Beautiful guitar work and vocals. I can see why Joao Gilberto is seen as the legend of Bossa Nova. Very pleasant to listen to.
Tears For Fears
5/5
I was familiar with a lot of songs from this album, and have long considered "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as the quintessential 80s song. For a full listen though, I was blown away by what the group was able to accomplish. The mix of rock, pop, and synthesizers, complete with a variety of instruments and sounds, really came together to make such a signature sound. The hits definitely hit as well.
Overall- I was very impressed. Probably around a 4.5/5, but I do feel like they put together a complete masterpiece that bumps them up to a 5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Ive always enjoyed the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and have felt they were an underrated band from the 2000's. This album in particular was solidly good- I like that they were experimenting with sound outside of their normal rock sound. I thought it was effective in some places but not in others. The hits are definitely hits but some of the deep tracks started to sound a little same-y.
Overall- 3.5/5
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I went in with fairly high expectations, and I have to say, I didnt really care for it. I think there was a certain sound/style that balladeers went for in the late 60s that doesnt gel with me. It was definitely technically proficient and he has a distinct voice, but I didnt find anything on the album that stuck with me.
Blondie
3/5
My first Blondie album. I enjoyed it- lots of hits. Some of the deep cuts I didnt care for as much. But still, good albu
Tom Waits
2/5
Enjoyed a couple of the songs, but ultimately didnt do it for me. I appreciated the subject matter, but the musical style wasnt for me
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
This album seemed like it was trying really hard to be avant garde- lots of dissonance and clashing sounds. I could see how certain artists would find some inspiration from parts of the album, but I did not enjoy it at all.
Radiohead
3/5
Ive never considered myself a big radiohead fan- I dont really enjoy the tone of many of their songs. Did find myself liking this one though- it had some songs where the vibe was just right to sort of zone out and appreciate the music. I can also see how it was a big influence to early 2000s indie bands.
Overall- 3.5/5
Genesis
3/5
I wasnt intimately familiar with the Prog-Rock Era of Genesis with Peter Gabriel as the frontman. I was surprised by the sound- very different from late Genesis. I found myself really enjoying a lot of the songs and instrumentation. The lyrics on the other hand were a little trite and silly for the advanced musicality of the instruments. I also prefer Gabriel as a solo artist.
Overall- good album. 3.5/5
B.B. King
4/5
A nice blues album- had a ton of hits. I found myself enjoying it a lot.
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
Surprised to hear a Bollywood Album on this list. Found myself enjoying the music a lot- very pleasant, and you can tell how well crafted it was the score the movie.
Overall- 3.5/5
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
An intersting fusion of rock ballads with shanties- had some songs that were good, but was a little monotonous in both tone and subject matter.
Overall- decent album. 2.5/5
Eminem
3/5
A strong showing from Eminem- I can see how this put him on the map. He clearly is both lyrically talented and a skilled rapper. Still- I found the tone and subject matter to be a sign of both the times and his age/position in life. While I respect what he was going for, it did come across as a little one dimensional.
Overall- good album, enjoyed some parts.
Stan Getz
3/5
My second Stan Getz- this time without lyrical accompaniment. Nice relaxing background music, but I did find myself missing having lyrics
Nanci Griffith
3/5
I wasnt familiar with Nani Griffith going into this album. While I'm typically not the biggest country person, I found myself enjoying this album. Nanci's voice is charming and the songs are fun and full of movement, even when the subject matter has a more serious tone.
Overall- good album. 3.5/5
Bob Dylan
3/5
Dylan has a very distinct sound- you know it's his voice and style right off the bat. A couple of hits on this album and a lot of nice songs overall.
3.5/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
An interesting album- went in blind. It sounded like a late 60s / early 70s rock album (very The Doors esque)- I was surprise to discover it was from the 80s. Songs were catchy and I liked the sound.
Overall- probably in the 2.5-3 range
OutKast
3/5
This album could definitely use some editing down- it has a lot of hits and jams, but also a lot of filler songs and a few too many skits. The hits are definitely good, but some of the b sides really better capture Outkast's sound.
Overall- decent album
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Enjoyed this album a lot- Jeru has a strong flow and clever wordplay. I appreciate the reflection in his lyrics.
Overall 3.5 to 4 / 5
The Specials
2/5
Hadent heard of the Specials before. An eclectic mix of ska- I could see this album being influential on the genre but it didnt really capture me.
Overall- 2.5/5
Metallica
4/5
A well known song and album! Loved the instrumentation- the guitar solos are epic and definitely carry the album. From a vocals standpoint, the songs all did tend to sound alike. But the energy and emotion was definitely high.
Overall- 3.5/5 personally. But knowing how influential the album was, it gets a 4
Beatles
5/5
Another Beatles album, and one that is often regarded as the best album of all time. I can see why it gets the praise- this really felt like a shift in a global idea of what popular music could be.
Unlike later beatles albums where the division in desired effect can make the album feel disjointed, Revolver has no dud songs and flow beautifully together despite changes in tone and instrumentation.
Overall- a great album. It definitely lives up to its accolades.
Genesis
3/5
A complex entry in Genesis's discography. It has good instrumentation and some nice songs, but I feel like it didnt really grab me (especially compared to other prog rock concept albums).
Overall- decent album but didnt capture me. 2.5 to 3 range
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I can see how this album was influential, but it didnt do much for me. Its was a little light for me, and the songs seemed to blend together. Not bad for sure, but nothing really captivating.
Overall- 2.5/5
Isaac Hayes
3/5
My firsr Isaac Hayes album- it was nice. Easy to listen to- his voice sounds smooth and I liked the backing vocals.
Overall- good album
Iggy Pop
3/5
Actually found myself enjoying this one. Iggy Pop is typically not for me, but there were some hits.
Overall- decent album
Led Zeppelin
3/5
My first Led Zeppelin album. Honestly not a favorite for me personally- I could hear the influence traditional american rock had on the album, but a lot of the songs started to sound the same to me.
Overall- decent but not much stood out
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
First time really listening to Bonnie Raitt. Her music has an interesting blend of styles. Her voice carries the album- the instruments in the songs could be hokey and saccarine any many parts. But Bonnie sounded good.
Overall- decent album. Not really for me but I appreciate her style
The Bees
2/5
First time hearing the Bees. I felt like the album had some interesting ideas but I dont think it was executed bery successfully. A lot of the songs were bland and there wasnt anything that really stood out.
Overall- it was fine
The Temptations
3/5
Faniliar with the Temptations for their Motown hits- this was more funky than I was used to hearing them. Im actually surprised that I didnt enjoy this more- there were some parts I liked and some I thought felt forced.
Overall- decent album, but didnt capture me.
Radiohead
2/5
Ive said it before- I am not a huge Radiohead fan. Unlike other albums of theirs on this list, this one really didnt have anything that stood out to me. It felt a little one note and there were a lot of dissonant sounds that didnt jive for me.
Overall- fine, but not for me
Talking Heads
4/5
My first Talking Heads album! I appreciate how stylistic this album was- so much experimentation with themes and genres while still keeping a coherent sound. The hits definitely hit, and the extended instrumental sections were fun to listen to.
Overall- enjoyed it a lot!
Suicide
1/5
Really found myself not enjoying this album. The instrumentation was fine but repetitive at parts. The singing was bad. It definitely had a punk / avant gard lean but I dont think it accomplished it well. I was definitely tired of listening by the end of tbe album.
Overall- 1.5/5. I could see how this album might have influenced some artists, but it really wasnt for me
Talking Heads
4/5
Another Talking Heads! Enjoyed this one but maybe slightly less than Remain in Light. I think the songs were catchy but sometimes drifted into being a little too "unserious". Still- the album had a lot of great moments and the alternate versions on the Deluxe compilation were cool to hear.
Overall- very enjoyable. Probably in thr 3.5-4 range
The Sonics
4/5
I had never heard of The Sonics before. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. It had a lot of early rock classics, but the band has a very raw sound that adds character to these songs. It was like hearing them all fresh. I could see how this album was influential to a lot of genres/artists.
Overall- very good album
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Another Joni Mitchell album. This one was probably my least favorite of the 3 I've heard. I am not a big Joni fan, and this album had a lot of stylistic choices that I dont enjoy: breathy si g-talking, vocals that dont match the instruments, and rambling lyrics.
Overall- not bad, but not for me
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
A kind of hokey classic country- I heard a couple of songs I had known throughout the years. Pretty decent musicians and enjoyable enough, though not really my cup of tea.
Overall- in the 2.5 to 3 range
The Rolling Stones
3/5
First Stones album of the list. It was good but I found it a little lacking. It starts with Gimme Shelter which is a powerhouse of a song, but the b tracks are nothing special. Not bad, but they started to get a little one note after a while.
Overall- good album, 3.5/5
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
An interesting album- I had never heard of Dinosaur Jr. A post-punk, pre-grunge fusion. Overall not really for me but there were a few parts I found myself rocking out to. I can see how this album was influential to other artists.
2.5 to 3 / 5
Elton John
3/5
My second Elton John album. It was good, but I found myself liking it a little less than Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Overall- still a good album
Green Day
4/5
I was very familiar with many songs on this album from my youth, but I had never listened start to finish. I was actually impressed- the themes of loss of innocence and dissenchantment with authority are strong and on brand with Green Day. There were also a lot catchy songs (I've always enjoyed Holiday). My only real critique is sometimes they are a little on the nose.
Overall- a very good album
ABBA
2/5
Went in excited because there are a lot of ABBA songs I enjoy, but was a little disappointed. The hits were definitely hits, but a lot of the songs sounded the same. And there was a saccharine tone that started to get old.
Overall- not bad, enjoyable at parts. Probably a 2.5/5
Sam Cooke
4/5
I enjoyed this album a lot! I was familiar with a couple songs going in, and found myself enjoying Sam Cooke and the band. I think the live aspect was overall a success- sometimes the crowd noise was distracting and it felt like Sam wasnt giving people enough time to breathe, but hearing the people sing along was fun.
Overall- very good album
Michael Jackson
4/5
My first Michael Jackson album- this one had a lot of hits. He was clearly very talented, and the production on the album was top notch.
Overall- enjoyed it a lot
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Another Stones album- I found myself not really enjoying this one as much. It had a couple of hits, but also a lot of songs that didnt age well. It did have some interesting songs I hadent heard before.
Overall- good album, but definitely antiquated in subject matter
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Thought I would enjoy this more than I did. Not as many hits and felt a little forced at some points. Still- not a bad a albun
Bad Brains
3/5
Actually found myself enjoying this one, having never heard of Bad Brains before. I could see how this was influential to a lot of genres.
M.I.A.
3/5
I think this was a bold first album from MIA- it really is different from hip hop albums that were popular st the time. I appreciate her vision even if I didnt enjoy it all the time. There were some catchy songs and some that were a little cacaphonous for me.
Overall- not bad. 2.5/5
Daft Punk
4/5
A classic- so many good songs thay get incorporated into future mixes across the techno/EDM genre. So many songs that are featured in the Alive album as well.
Not without flaws- sometimes it gets a little dissonant for me. But strong album- great for putting it on and getting shit done
Sister Sledge
3/5
A nice collection of disco / R&B vibes. Some hits, but also felt some songs went on for a little too long.
Overall- a good album
Björk
3/5
Didnt love or hate it- had some good moments but was a little one note.
Heaven 17
3/5
This was a surprising album- both in sound and duration. Actually found myself liking a lot of the songs- its an interesting blend of Synth pop / New Wave. I could see how this album influenced both genres
R.E.M.
3/5
My first REM. Album was decent- definitely established a signature sound that was unique for the time. The songs did start to sound a little one note to me though.
Overall- good albun
Holger Czukay
2/5
This one was interesting- not exactly my cup of tea but I appreciate trying to create something new and unique.
Overall- fine
Sugar
3/5
I wasny familiar with Sugar. Found myself enjoying the album- a nice 90s alt rock sound.
Overall- 3.5/5
Gorillaz
3/5
Thought I would enjoy this one more than I did. I appreciate them pushing the envelope on what made a group and the genres they wanted to touch on, but aside from the hits, there really wasnt much standout.
Not a bad album, but I feel like they sti hadent solidified what Gorillaz was going to be
Nirvana
5/5
An amazing album- so many hits back to back. So much emotions. Nirvana really did change the game on what rock music was going to be at the time.
Not without flaws- Cobain's voice is strained and there are some missed chords. But the flaws just add yo yhe charm of the live recording.
Overall- definitely in the 4 to 5 range, and I think it deserves the upgrade.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Interesting album- I hadent heard of Ryan Adams before. Coincidental he started with a Bob Dylan cover because he was giving a lot of Dylan vibes. Country meets folk meets crooning.
Overall- decent album
Beck
3/5
I was surprised by this- it didnt sound like the Beck I am used to. More soft-rock influenced. Pleasant but no real standouts
Johnny Cash
4/5
Very solid album- Cash has a great style, powerful voice and captivating personality. The audience seemed to really enjoy the performance also, which made it fun.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
My mom owned this album growing up. A lot of good songs and some of her best hits. Sheryl Crow definitely captured the vibes of the early 90s well.
Overall- good album
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
This one is hard to rank. Ive always been on the fence about LCD Soundsystem- they do a lot that I want to enjoy and definitely have a unique spund/style, but I find a lot of their songs to be long & repetitive.
Overall- I liked some parts. Probably a 2.5 - 3 / 5
Kate Bush
4/5
I was skeptical of this album simply because I did not enjoy the last Kate Bush album (The Dreaming) and didnt know how this would go. I was pleasantly surprised- this album is much more cohesive and feels like it demonstrates Bush's vocal talent in dream-like pop songs, which is where I think she shines. Plus, Running Up that Hill is a masterpiece.
Overall- I liked it. Probably around a 3.5 but I think the overall polish elevates it to a 4
Frank Ocean
3/5
Im not too familiar with Frank Ocean. Found myself enjoying this album- some of the songs are definite bops.
Overall- 3 5/5
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Solid album overall- Band on the Run and Jet are both big hits. I liked the repeated themes throughout the album. Some of the B sides are a little silly.
Overall- good album. 3.5/5
Fugazi
3/5
This was an interesting one- not really my style but I can see how it was influential. It had the hardcore sound of the early 2000s over a decade earlier. Some songs were decent- I didnt love the singing but I did enjoy the instrumentation.
Overall- 2.5/5
The Waterboys
3/5
This one was a surprise- traditional Irish/UK songs with a modern rock influence. The instrumentation was skillful and the songs were catchy.
Overall- I enjoyed it a lot. 3.5/5
Radiohead
2/5
In standard Radiohead fashion, I found this album to have some good parts but mostly too moody and repetitive for me.
Overall- 2.5/5
Gillian Welch
2/5
I wasnt a fan of this one. Not my style of music- hokey, quiet, and a lot of the songs sounded similar. Welch's voice was nice.
Overall- fine, but not for me
Hookworms
3/5
Found myself enjoying this one- I had never heard of Hookworms before.
3.5/5
John Prine
2/5
A collection of sappy Americana. It was fine but really not for me.
Eagles
3/5
Ive never been a big Eagles fan. This album definitely has some hits (understatement) and strong moments. It also has a lot of sentimentality that doesnt really gel with me.
Overall- good album
Silver Jews
2/5
I wasnt familiar with the band or album going in. A fushion of post-grunge garage rock with indie flavor- I appreciate what they were going for but I didnt really enjoy it. I can see how it was an influential album for early indie rock though (modest mouse, arcade fire)
Overall- fine, but not for me
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Another Elvis Costello! And once again not really for me. Did find myself enjoying this one more than past entries.
Overall- 2.5/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
My second album by Fela Kuti! This one was a lot of fun to listen to- it had a lot of musical talent that shined through, and you could hear how much the crowd enjoyed the performance. Really nice background music for working, driving, vibing, etc.
Overall- I enjoyed it
Anthrax
3/5
Went in blind and was surprised that I didnt hate it! Like with most metal- I appreciated the instrumentation and technical skill but didnt love the singing. I actually did like some of the sonhs though.
Overall- decent album
2/5
A surprise for sure- and not a pleasant one. I appreciate what they were going for stylistically, but it wasnt pleasant to listen to and it really wasnt for me. Still- there were a few spots I enjoyed more, but it mostly was rough
Overall- 1.5/5 to 2
The Band
3/5
Not my favorite- ive never been a big the Band guy.
Overall- 2.5/5
OutKast
4/5
A great album- this one has so many hits I remember from my childhood. It also has a ton of B sides that slap- both Andre 3000 and Big Boy have strong, unique styles that bring complexity and variety to the songs on the album.
Overall- very good album. 4.5/5
Doves
3/5
This one was a surprise- I never heard of Doves before. I actually enjoyed it- it had some good moments and a nice indie style.
Peter Tosh
3/5
Relaxed reggae hits. Decent- good background music but no big standouts
Depeche Mode
4/5
A really greay ambiance to this album- the mood and vibes are on point. Some big hits too. Overall- very solid
Gene Clark
3/5
An interesting slice of folksy American rock. His voice is nice and the songs are mellow and catchy.
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
Philadelphia natives! Id heard a lot of their hits before. Nice mellow music with a variety of genres/influences.
4/5
Ive always been tenuous about Must, mostly because I find the singers voice to be a little grating. Upon listen though, I actually found myself enjoying this a lot. The drama and emotion they bring to the rock / pop-rock genre is captivating, and I liked a lot of the "non-hits"
Overall- very solid album
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I feel like I dont gel with Kendrick stylistically. I appreciate his talent and the emotion he puts into his subject matter, but I find myself not enjoying a lot of his songs. Somethinf about his lyrics not aligning with the music- im not sure exactly how to describe it.
Still- there were definitely some hits that I liked. Overall- 2.5/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Im typically not a huge Neil Young fan, but I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Some good hits, and pleasant all around
Björk
4/5
Really enjoyed this one- moreso than previous Bjork albums. I think it does a good job of showing Bjorks vocals and covers a lot of genres. Both Human Behavior and Play Dead are powerhouses and a great start/end to the album.
Overall- great album
Joan Baez
3/5
A nice collection of American folk. Pleasant to listen to, but ultimately not for me. I could see how Baez was influential to the kusic of the 60s.
Overall- 2.5/5
Neil Young
2/5
Not a huge Niel Young fan, and I didnt enjoy this album. Its seems to be the start of when his sound is very high pitched and light on instrumentation (dare I say "whiney"?). Not a lot of hits to carry the album either.
Overall- fine, not for me
Happy Mondays
3/5
I was surprised by this one- I had never heard of the band before. They have a nice sound and a couple of hits.
James Brown
3/5
A fun album, but not too many hots/standouts. Overall enjoyable
Norah Jones
3/5
Jones voice always sounds nice. The album itself was a little one note to me- a lot of the songs sort of blend together. Still- pleasant enough and relaxing
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Again- not a big leonard cohen fan. This album didnt do it for me.
John Lennon
3/5
Imagine is of course a hit- the rest of the album had some strong songs and some mediocre. Overall it cane together to a nice album
Pretenders
3/5
I was familiar with Pretenders but this was my first full album. I enjoyed it- they have a wide variety of genres that they cover on the album. And Hynde's voice is powerful and lovely.
Overall- good album
Joanna Newsom
3/5
Very unique and interesting at parts. I enjoyed the instrumentation but wasnt a huge fan of Newsom's singing. The songs also meandered a bit.
Overall- not really for me. 2.5/5
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
I was pleasantly surprised by this album- a lot of good covers and some original songs. Very 70s vibe- reminds me of a lot of movie scores from the time.
Overall- I liked it a lot (especially as driving music). 3.5 to 4 / 5
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Id heard of Belle & Sebastian before but I hadent really listened to them much. The music was overall pleasant if not a little simple for me. The songwriting was strong though- lots of themes of love and loss.
Overall- good album
The Who
3/5
A nice collection but ultimately lacked the oomph that other Who albums have had. A few hits but also a few mediocre songs.
Overall- decent
Metallica
2/5
Not really my cup of tea. This is my second Metallica album, this being one of their earlier works. I appreciated the skill of the musicians, but I found the songs to be long a repetitive.
Overall- fine, but not for me.
The Young Rascals
3/5
An album with a nice vibe- songs were relaxed, pleasant, and easy to listen too. Really captured the mood of the late 60s.
The Clash
3/5
A good collection of fast punks songs. Lots of energy, some standout hits, and a lot that sounded similar.
Overall- good album
Deep Purple
4/5
Hard not to be biased on this one- I have a soft spot for Deep Purple because my Dad and brother used to blast them a lot growing up.
Enjoyed the album a lot- I think it stands out as a pioneet album for early hard rock / progressive rock. Some good hits as well.
Overall- great album
The Who
4/5
My third The Who album, and this one is a powerhouse. So many of The Whos hits are back to back on this album. They are able to maintain a signature sound while still having a variety of songs on the album.
Overall- I really enjoyed it. 4.5/5
Nas
4/5
A slice of 90s hip hop nostalgia. A lot of hits on this album- Nas is so lyrically talented and smart with his rhymes and approach to hip hop.
Overall- great rap album
Jethro Tull
4/5
Jethro Tull's seminal album- so many hits on this one! They really have a unique sound and style- blending together a lot of genres into a progressive rock collaborative. While the hits were definitely hits, I did find some of the B sides to be unremarkable.
Overall- a very good album. Probably in the 3.5-4 range
PJ Harvey
3/5
My first time listening to PJ Harvey. An interesting album- if not a little one note. Harvey's voice is nice and the sound is very fitting for 2011. It was pleasant overall, but no real standouts for me.
The White Stripes
4/5
Another album I had heard before- this is one that I've always enjoyed. The White Stripes have the ability to strip rock music down to its most basic elements, and then produce songs which are lyrically driven and captivating.
Overall- really liked it with fresh ears.
Justice
4/5
A classic, and an album I had heard before. I can see how this one might be polarizing, as Justice has a strong sound that can sometimes border on cacaphpnous. But they really were doing something so unique for the time and changed how electronic music, rock, and pop can all come together. I still enjoy so many of the songs on this album to this day.
Overall- from an outside view, probably a 3.5/5, but my person enjoyment bumps it to a 4.
Shack
3/5
A nice collection of alternative rock. I enjoyed the album as background music for working. No real standouts but solid album all together.
The Band
3/5
My second "The Band" album. I dont consider myself to be a huge The Band fan- their style is a little simplistic / hokey for me. This album has a couple of hits though, including "The Weight". T
Overall- pleasant. Not really for me, but good enough
John Martyn
2/5
I wasnt familiar with John Martyn going into this album. It's not really my cup of tea, both in tone and subject matter. The instrumentation was skillful, but I didnt really get any hits I was looking for.
Overall- not bad, but not for me. Probably around a 2.5/5
Black Sabbath
4/5
A timely album for sure- RIP Ozzy. This is also one I have heard before- both my brother and dad used to listen to it.
It's a great album for sure- Black Sabbath wereee pioneers of early metal. The sound is a fusion of hard rock, progressive rock, and metal guitar riffs. Some iconic hits too.
Overall- very good album. Probably a 4.5, not quite a 5
Meat Puppets
2/5
Interesting to hear this album after listening to Nirvana's Unplugged album, as so many iconic songs from that performance come from this album. Still- I wouldnt say I really enjoyed it.
The Meat Puppets definitely have a unoqie sound- a mix of punk, alternative, and psychedelic rock. There were good songs that were catchy enough, but were a little too rough (especially the vocals).
Overall- probably 2.5/5, not quite a 3
Alice In Chains
4/5
A banger of an album for sure- so many hits. Alice In Chains have such a powerful sound, mixing hard rock elements withe the alternative essence of the early 90s. Lots of hits with maybe a few songs that get lost in the mix.
Overall- great album
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Classic big-band style Frank hits. Lots of songs I've heard before. Definitely nice to listen to- his voice and style are timeless.
Overall- good album
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Now this is Led Zeppelin! Unlike my last album of theirs (IV) this one has the raw sound and emotion I associate with Led Zeppelin. Plus, this album was groundbreakiing for the time and really demonstrated tbe bands talent and vision. So many hits and only a handful of "filler" songs".
Overall- powerhouse album. Personally a 4.5/5, but given how groundbreaking it was, it can be bumped up to a 5
Living Colour
3/5
I had heard of Living Color before, but I hadent ever heard any songs aside from Cult of Personality. The album is solid- I like their unique style and the politically active lyrics. I found a lot of the songs to be a little repetitive musically.
Overall- decent album
Jamiroquai
3/5
I thought I would enjoy this a lot more than I did. Definitely an interesting mix of jazz with eletronic music, but it felt a little lacking to me. The songs were fun but lacked weight. No real standouts.
Overall- decent album
ABBA
2/5
Not my favorite- i lole ABBAs hits but this album was a little too sappy for me. A lot of ballads, not enough disco vibes.
Overall- fine
Yes
4/5
Another album I had heart all the eay through! I always had a big soft spot for Seen All Good People / You're Move. Album itself is really cool- it blends a lot of different sounds together that I feel was unique for the time.
Overall- probably a 3.5/5 to 4
The Darkness
3/5
I was familiar with the Darkness mostly from "I believe in a thing called love". I was pleasantly surprised by this album- they have a more varied and complex sound than I anticipated. Still- not too many standouts, and the 80s-style falsetto singing did start to wear after a while. A lot of fun songs though.
Overall- good album. 3.5/5
3/5
U2 gets a bad rap (mostly Bono) but this album was actually good. Some of their big hits, and a lot of emotional balads. It was a little one note, but I think the band sounded good and the songs were enjoyable.
4/5
My second Oasis album, and this one was packed with their hits. They definitely had a powerful, unique sound- mixing alt rock with pop, and pushing the boundaries on what pop music could be.
Overall- very good album
Paul Weller
3/5
Went into this one blind, and found myself enjoying it. Weller has a powerful voice, and the music was a blend of blues with a modern rock sound.
Overall- good album
Carole King
3/5
King has a great voice and this album has some good songs. Not my typical cup of tea but I do enjoy the hits
Arcade Fire
4/5
Very solid album. Not my favorite of Arcade Fire's, but I do enjoy a lot of the songs and appreciate the talent and musicality they show. Some songs are a little too "edgy" sounding for me.
Overall- good album, probably 3.5-4.0 range
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
I was surprised that I didnt enjoy it as much as I did. The hits were amazing, but there is a lot of filler songs that were a little sappy for my taste.
Overall- good, but a little cheesy
3/5
My first time hearing of X. The album was pretty good- definitely punk with some rough elements but still catchy and melodic enough for me to enjoy.
Overall- good album
Waylon Jennings
3/5
I had heard some Waylon Jennings before but not a whole album. There was a lot I liked and a lot that was too hokey for me. I can see how the album was influential in the genre though.
Overall- pretty good
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Ive long had a vendetta against Bruce Springsteen, but I think it's mostly just for the humor factor. His songs are generally not my favorite, but they are definitely skillful and emotionally charged. Plus I appreciate the comentary on the US this album brings.
Overall- good, but not really for me
Kings of Leon
2/5
Went in skepitcal- this album confirmed my feelings. Not a big fan- the songs were a mish-mash of over emotional sappy ballads, but also musicially boring songs that seemed to go nowhere. Plus- the singer is often unintellible.
Overall- not for me
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Not my favorite. Honestly not sure why this is on this list compared to other Bruce albums which show off more of his range and emotion.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
Mixed feelings about this. Some songs were enjoyable, others dragged on a bit. The singer was also not great, and some of the lyrics where childish and predictable.
Overall- not bad, but didnt really enjoy it. 2.5/5, not a 3
The Beach Boys
2/5
Not a fan. The songs were all over the place in terms of tone and instrumentation. I appreciate some of yhe messaging of the songs, but overall a dissapointing entry from the Beach Boys. 1.5/5
Caetano Veloso
3/5
My first time hearing the artist. Really nice bossa-nova style music. Good background music while driving.
3.5/5
Miriam Makeba
4/5
Found myself enjoying this one a lot. It was great to get a slice of Makeba's culture, and hear some representation of South African music and language in her songs.
Overall- 3.5 to 4 / 5
Stephen Stills
3/5
My second Stephen Stills. To be honest- its pretty good. But nothing is really standing out. The songs sound good enough, but all seem to meld into each other. No real standouts.
Overall- probably in the 2.5-3 range
The Stooges
3/5
Interesting album- I feel like it was ahead of its time. It almost sounds like proto-punk meets progressive rock.
Overall- good album
The Stone Roses
4/5
I was really impressed with this album. I went in blind- having never heard of The Stone Roses. I feel like they were ahead of their time- their sound is a blend of alternative rock with brit pop, and had a lot of elements that later bands would have in both genres.
Overall- very good album
Grateful Dead
4/5
This album has so many of the quintessential songs you think of when you think "Grateful Dead". A lot of hits, a lot of emotion, some slower parts. But overall very enjoyable.
Probably 4.5/5, not quite a 5
Portishead
3/5
A later Portishead. I found myself switching between liking it, and then thinking it's too dissonant for my tastes. Plus the songs all seemed to meld together.
Overall- not bad. 2.5/5
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Another Led Zeppelin! As previously- good, but definitely more commercial than previous albums. I feel like this was the point where their songs started to sound a little repetitive.
Overall- solid album. 3.5/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
My review didnt get saved. Great album
Billie Holiday
3/5
You could tell this was a later entry from Holiday. Her voice sounds a lot deeper/raspier. Pretty good- not exactly my favorite but pleasant to listen to.
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
Enjoyed this one a lot. I love their use of vocal harmonies. Plus the hits are amazing
Fugees
5/5
I went in knowing all the hits, and I have to say, I was blown away. The songs all have such a strong sound, vibe, and commentary. And Hill's voice is entrancing.
Really finding it hard to fault this one. I'd probably give it a 4.5/5, but I think it earns a five.
Napalm Death
2/5
I am shocked that I dont hate this! It's nonsensical and repetitive, but it definitely lifts your energy. I found myself laughing at it a lot in a "wtf am I listening too way"
Overall- not bad
Primal Scream
2/5
Somewhat interesting but ultimately not for me. Too many things going on both musically and in the genres.
Overall- not bad but not for me
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Seriously an amazing album- I dont think there is a bad song on it. Franklin's voice is so captivating, and the compositions are full of emotion.
Great album- deserves a 5
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Stevie Wonder is clearly talented, but for some reason I find myself not liking a lot of his songs. The hits are good, but the b sides arent my favorite.
Overall- probably 2.5-3 range
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Suprised I had mever heard of this band- reminiscent of a lot of other late 90s alt bands with female front. I liked their style and their sound
Laibach
1/5
I really dont like this- both musically (so rigid and cheesy) and themeatically (I assume march beats as a commentary on facism?). Singing is more angry chanting, songs all sound the same, and music is sappy.
Overall- definitely not for me. 1.5/5
Sex Pistols
3/5
Actually didnt mind this one- typically not a huge punk person but the songs remained in the "catchy" realm while still being full of grunginess and grit.
Overall- decent album
2/5
Thought I would like this more than I did. It had a few good songs but ultimately lost my attention- a lot of songs that were both gritty and boring for me.
Overall- not bad but not my favorite. 2.5/5, not quite a 3
Erykah Badu
4/5
Ive always been a big fan of Badu's style and voice- she just oozes coolness. This album was a good listen- lots of emotion in her songs and funky instrumentation to match. I did feel the album was slightly long- I found myself getting bored near the very end. Still- plenty of jams.
Overall 3.5 to 4 /5
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
Had a few hits and a few duds. Overall- decent
The Zutons
3/5
I went in not knowing the Zutons. It was decent- they kind of reminded me of a less in-your-face White Stripes. Kind of the border of harage rock and alt rock, with a sillier tone.
Overall- prerty good
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
Surprised I didnt like this more. Compared to other QOTS albums, this one was much more rough around the edges, and the songs were a little repetitive. Not bad musically and instrumentation- you could tell the talent they had lurking.
Overall- average. 2.5
The Pretty Things
3/5
An interesting mix of psychedelica- reminded me a lot of Deep Purple with a splash of the Beach Boys.
Overall- pretty good
4/5
I was familiar with the album going in- my dad was a big WAR fab growi g up. This one was very good- beautiful instrumentation filled with a lot of emotion. The hits from the album are both great listens too.
Overall- very solid. 3.5/5
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
Went in blind. A mix of post-punk / early hardcore sound. Was reminiscent of my early days going to local hardcore shows. I could see how this might have been influential on the hardcore genre but it ultimately wasnt for me
Lorde
3/5
Overall- decent. It had some hood songs but was also very repetitive in sound and subject.
The Crusaders
3/5
The opening sound was good but gpt repetitive. The rest of the album was nice background music.
Overall- decent
Femi Kuti
4/5
Found myself liking this a lot- ot captured a lot of the magic Fela Kuti brought with his music. Great music to have on while driving.
Big Black
2/5
A mix of post-punk with pre-grunge, bordering on an avante-gard sort of sound. I could see some enjoying this but ultimately not for me- a little too dissonant for my taste.
Taylor Swift
3/5
I wasnt familiar with any of the songs on this album, despite having heard many Swift songs before. I enjoyed a few, but overall the entire album was a little too similar in sound, tone, and subject. The songs all sort of blended together after a while.
Overall- not bad. 2.5/5
Mariah Carey
3/5
My first Mariah! I read that she considers this to be her magna opus. I enjoyed it- good hits, great vocals. But started getting a little same-y in the second half.
Overall- good album. 3.5
Julian Cope
2/5
I went into this album blind. It wasnt bad- the sound was somewhat interesting but nothing really captured me. The instrumentation was decent, but the lyricality was a miss for me.
Overall- probably a 2.5
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
I was familiar with the title song. I was pleasantly surprised how good this was- awesome to hear an instrumental take on so many songs. Really enjoyed a majority of the album.
Overall- 3.5 to 4
Madonna
3/5
My first Madonna album. Certainly not one of her mot well regarded albums, but one I was decently familiar with from growing up. I enjoyed it- it has a unique sound and a couple of good hits. Sometimes bordering on cheesy, but the vibes are solid.
Overall- good album. 3.5/5
Beatles
4/5
Another Beatles album- making four in total for me. This is my first early Beatles album, and you can tell. They definitely had the makings of greatness here, but there is an overall level of sameness and safeness to most of their songs. Still- the hits are definitely hits.
Overall- good album. 3.5-4/5
Randy Newman
2/5
Cheesy and repetitive- just as I expected from randy newman.
R.E.M.
3/5
Pretty much was I expected- decent collection of somewhat soft songs. Decent. But not much stood out aside from the hits.
Björk
2/5
Oof. I see what Bjork was going for, and appreciate the technical skill ot requires to make a complex album a capella. But I just did not like it. Some songs had good moments. But overall it did land for me- a big swing and a big miss.
Overall- 1.5/5
Fiona Apple
2/5
MGMT
3/5
A classic from the college days. A vouple of really iconic songs nestled in an album with a wide arrange of sound. Some songs dont land, but overall the album comes together to something great and fitting for the times.
Overall- very good album
Steely Dan
3/5
Supergrass
4/5
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this- Supergrass rocks hard but manages to keep things up-beat and enjoyable. Kind of an interesting mix of punk, rock, and a proto-alternative sound.
Overall- a lot of fun
3.5 to 4
Wilco
3/5
My second Wilco album. This one was enjoyable- I felt like it had a more raw sound. An interesting mix of rock with folksy/indie vibes, before that trend took off in popular music.
Overall- good album
Morrissey
3/5
Not bad- I dont co sider myself a Morrissey fan but it was enjoyable enough. You're the one for me Fatty has a special place in my heart.
The Go-Go's
3/5
A nice collection of pop-rock- fun to listen to, but somewhat shallow.
Overall- good album
The Beta Band
3/5
Was surprised by this one- it felt like it was ahead of the curve on the 2000s electronic/rock/pop/folk fushion sound. I enjoyed it- nice vibes music
Massive Attack
3/5
I was surprised by this- I expected a massive attack album to be very techno forward, but this album had more of a funk/alt/industrial feel. It was unique and enjoyable.
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
I was surprised I didnt enjoy this more. Not many hits, a lot of songs that were more cutesy than I wpuld have thought. Not bad, but no real standouts.
Overall- fine. 2.5/5
Parliament
4/5
Now this is more like it! Juxtaposed to the Sly & the Family Stone album yesterday, this album is filled with way more emotion, stronger and more varied instrumentation, and all and all more fun. Enjoyed it a lot- hard not to feel the rhythm when you have this on.
Overall- very fun. 3.5 to 4 / 5
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Surprised I had never heard from Grant Lee before. This band is good- captures a 90s alternative sound eith influences of 70s/80s singer-songwriter moments. Really unique sound. Though it did start to feel a little samey toward the end.
Overall- enjoyed it. 3.5/4
Cypress Hill
3/5
Surprised I didnt enjoy this more- it was good but dodnt have as much standouts as I would expect for an iconic hip hop album.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
Decent but not really for me. I appreciate the musicality.
Guided By Voices
3/5
An interesting concept for an album- it sort of emulated a radio station in the variety of sounds and number of transitions. Ultimately didnt land for me- sometimes I enjoyed it, and sometimes I felt it was doing too much.
Overall- not bad. 2.5 to 3 / 5
KISS
3/5
Standard over-the-top commercialized rock that KISS is known for. Enjoyable enough- I could see being a teenager in the 70s and being really moved by it.
Overall- decent album
Röyksopp
4/5
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Ethereal yet catchy, this was a nice take on the chill eletronic vibes of the 90s / early 00s.
Overall- 3.5 to 4 out of 5
Pink Floyd
3/5
An early entry from Pink Floyd. Wnjoyable, but certainly before they hones in on their signature sound. Some good songs, a lot of interesting instrumental solos, and a lot of silliness sprinkled in.
k.d. lang
3/5
Good mix of ethereal vocals with emotional instruments. Definitely a unique sound and pleasant to listen to.
Overall 3.5/5
Gang Of Four
3/5
Decent collection of punk / garage rock songs. Not really my go to genre but also not bad.
Overall 2.5 to 3 / 5
The Charlatans
3/5
A brit pop alt rock band of the 90s. Reminiscent of Oasis but without as powerful of hits.
Overall- decent but no real standouts
The Young Gods
1/5
Really didnt enjoy this- hyper industrial music mixed with overly sappy french singing. Had a gew moments of interesting movements but few and far between.
Overall- not for me. 1.5 / 5
Neu!
3/5
A plesant collection of ambiance music. Nice background for driving or working.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
My second Peter Gabriel album, but much earlier chronologically than So?. It was good but was kind of all over the place in tone/style. I feel like he was still honing in on the sound he was searching for.
Overall- decent album
The Zombies
4/5
A big album from a classic rock powerhouse. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it- the songs are varied in tone and backed by strong instrumentals. I found myself grooving out a lot as I listened.
Kid Rock
3/5
I didnt hate it as much as I thought I would. While the subject matter is low brow and a little one note, there is a lot of energy in the way Kid Rock constructs his songs. I could see this being a representative album to a lot of people who felt under represented.
Overall- not too bad. 2.5 to 3 / 5
Lambchop
2/5
Not really for me- the songs were too sappy (bordering on maudlin) and nothing really stood out as a hit. The voice and instrumentation were both nice, but the tone and subject werent for me.
Overall- just okay
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
3/5
Decent but not for me- a little repetitive
Os Mutantes
2/5
Honestly not my favorite- it felt like it was trying to blend to many sounds while also copy the psychedelic vibe of the late 60s. Not bad, but not for me
Fleet Foxes
3/5
The epitome of "Stomp Clap Hey" music- part of the wave of Folk re-re-revival around 2010. The album is good for a debut- they have a nice sound and it'a pleasant to listen to.
Overall- 3.5/5
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
A nice collection of classic folk songs (and maybe some originals?). Easy listening.
Rod Stewart
3/5
My first Rod Stuart. Not to bad but no real standouts. He definitely has a distinct style and sound- the song subject matter was a little sappy for my taste.
Overall- decent album
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
An interesting techno mix, including some I had heard sampled before and didnt realize they came from this album. I like the beats- songs were energetic if not a little repetitive.
Overall- good album
Dolly Parton
3/5
Good album- their voices all pack a punch but blend together into something more. Easy to listen to.
CHIC
3/5
Some good disco songs- fun, but a little repetitive at parts.
The Replacements
3/5
A mix of punk / rock anthems- typically not my go-to genre but I did appreciate the topics covered by yhe band having a more serious tone.
Overall- decent
1/5
Went in with some preconceived notices, and it pretty much met them all. Cheesy, one note, and uninspired. Im not a Nu Metal fan to begin with, and this was bad even for Nu Metal. It tried really hard to be edgy and cool, and it didnt land for me. One the plus- the instrumentation was energetic and sometimes enjoyable
Overall- 1.5/5, definitely not a 2
The Fall
2/5
Another punk / post-punk album. This one was okay but nothing really stood out.
Overall- average. 2.5/5
The Associates
3/5
An interesting mix of sounds- synth pop with some nu wave and gothy tones. The whole album has an ethereal quality, and a very 80s sound.
Overall- good album. 3 to 3.5 /5
The Temptations
4/5
A later entry from the Temptations. Lots of emotion in this album- a mix of funk/soul plus vocal harmonies remiscent of their Motown years. A couple of hits, and a lot of enjoyable songs.
Overall- good album. 3.5 to 4 / 5
Dennis Wilson
3/5
An interesting album- it has sounds/themes that seemed way ahead of its time (some of the use of vocal synth-like effect is akin to more modern music). A lot of talent but also seemed to drone on a bit. There were multiple points I thought the album could have ended, but it continued.
Overall- interesting album
Pixies
4/5
Really enjoyed this one. I loved the stripped down sound- blending raw instrumentation with catchy lyrics and emotional subject. It was a interesting mix of grungey pop-punk garage rock with pop elements.
Overall- very solid album
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Really didnt like this album- so much of it felt like it was trying to be edgy / avant garde. A lot of songs didnt actually sound like music, but an assortment of sound bites. I can see how maybe this was influential to other industrial artists, but it was really bad for me