398
Albums Rated
3.25
Average Rating
37%
Complete
691 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Punk
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
48
5-Star Albums
20
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
|
5 | 2.75 | +2.25 |
|
Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
|
Pink Flag
Wire
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
B-52's
The B-52's
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
|
5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
|
Pretenders
Pretenders
|
5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
|
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
Blunderbuss
Jack White
|
5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
|
1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
|
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
|
1 | 3.48 | -2.48 |
|
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
|
1 | 3.36 | -2.36 |
|
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Risque
CHIC
|
1 | 3.27 | -2.27 |
|
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
|
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
OK Computer
Radiohead
|
2 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 3 | 5 |
| Green Day | 2 | 5 |
| Creedence Clearwater Revival | 2 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| Red Hot Chili Peppers | 2 | 5 |
| The Who | 4 | 4.25 |
| Miles Davis | 4 | 4.25 |
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.25 |
| Prince | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Chemical Brothers | 2 | 1 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 3 | 1.67 |
| Sepultura | 2 | 1.5 |
| Radiohead | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Beck | 4, 2, 5 |
5-Star Albums (48)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Antony and the Johnsons · 9 likes
1/5
Wow that warbling (not the bird) was just grating. Too bad there isn’t a zero star option.
Muddy Waters · 1 likes
5/5
Great album. Didn’t realize it’s one of the first live blues albums and could be the best one. So basically a single take of a whole album! Can I give more than 5 stars?!?
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds · 1 likes
1/5
Started off with 2 stars but it was so long, repetitive and boring it ended up taking a way a star for that. Nothing good at all about this one
Solomon Burke · 1 likes
3/5
Not much for the genre but it’s an ok listen. Probably was the first time I’ve listened to Solomon Burke and could be the last - not something id go searching for.
Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1 likes
5/5
I'm sure my older brother bought this album when it came first out and I listened to it then but I don't remember it as an album. Many of the songs are iconic and I knew them as singles. So when the album popped up, I knew that I'd like it - I just didn't expect it to be as great as it is. I would normally list the standout songs - for this one it's easy to list the less-than-A-side songs and that would be "Ooby Dooby" - all the rest were fantastic. Unlike some other reviewers - I loved the 11 minute "Heard it Through the Grapevine"!
4-Star Albums (109)
1-Star Albums (20)
All Ratings
Various Artists
3/5
Al Green
3/5
Enjoyed the album. If the rest of the songs was as good as the first, it would have gotten a 4 star - but 3 stars for the entire album
The Kinks
4/5
Definitely has a mid 60’s British Invasion vibe to this. Glad this was on the 1001 list otherwise I probably would never have listened to it.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
If it didn't have some of Gershwin Broadway musical numbers, I might have given it a 4 star but I'm just not into listening to Broadway musicals without the show. Also It could have been pared down to something less than 3+ hrs for an album a day :D. There was the whole instrumental only numbers that really had nothing for Ella to do! -40-
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
What a combo - Steve Cropper on guitar and Booker T Jones on keyboards. Their take on Twist and Shout made me envision that a high school jazz wonderkid snuck into a Baptist church on a Saturday evening and was entertained his friends!
Funkadelic
3/5
Almost got a 4 star but I think there are better Funkadelic album so given there aren't any 1/2 stars - so this one gets a 3 for me.
Jack White
5/5
Not the best album by Jack White but I just couldn’t give it a 4 star - I’d say 4 1/2 stars if that was allowed.
Electric Light Orchestra
2/5
That vocoder drabble cost this at least one of my stars - just grating. I think this album when it came out drove me away from prog rock and on to punk and new wave when I first hear this back in 1978 and I don’t regret that one bit!!!
The Who
5/5
One of my favorite Who albums - probably not my #1 Who album but it's close!
Frank Ocean
2/5
Need to lose the interlude pieces and the falsetto voice
Soul II Soul
4/5
I was skeptical of this one and part way through the first sone I was thinking this was going to be a 2 star but it really grew on me and by the time I hit Feel Free it made me decide this was a 4 star album!
The Who
4/5
Almost gave it a 3 star since the interludes just don't work for me but love the Who to just give it a 3.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Just kind of middle of the road album or me given the all the time between when it was recorded (70+ yrs ago) and today. Some songs still help up will (Blue Suede Shoes and Blue Moon) but others just don't (I Love You Because, I'll Never Let You Go, Tutti Frutti).
Morrissey
3/5
I can only take a little of Morrissey - hopefully this is the only one in the 1001 albums that he is on but I'm sure I'll be disappointed and he will return.
Deep Purple
2/5
Wow that was way over the top live in-concert Rock excess right there. Ian’s screaming was grating, if he would have stuck to just signing plus might have helped. Also the shortest song being over 6 min it just became a slog to listen to this. Now Cheap Trick Live at Budokan is a way to do a Live Album!
Grateful Dead
4/5
Really enjoyed this one -especially the remastered album which helped on the sound quality. Torn between giving it a 3 or 4 stars. So wish for those 1/2 stars! Since the songs are still in my head (in a good way) one day later, it gets that extra push into the higher level.
Television
5/5
Love, love love the total track - the guitar lick that is used to improvise around and the way it disappears and reappears as variation-on-a-theme is so Jazz like but still is rooted in the underground 1970's rock that is moving away from the Prog rock of the area. Too bad it took me 40+ years to discover them!
The Byrds
4/5
That Rickenbacker sound is so iconic and really enjoyed the US take on the British Invasion. I really never sat down and listened to this album in its entirety which is one of the reasons I started on the 1001 album adventure.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Might be considered Rolling Stones beat by many but for me there are later albums that I think are better so have to give it a 4 star.
Nas
3/5
I was not expecting to like this at all but I still don't think it's fantastic but I ended up liking it. I think the standout's for me is N.Y. State of Mind and Halftime.
Green Day
5/5
Absolutely killer punk rock/alt rock blended album. I couldn't even come up with what my favorite song. Killer album.
Elton John
5/5
I can't think of a better album by Elton John and at least one of his albums deserve a 5 star and I remember when this first came out when I was young
Radiohead
2/5
I just don’t get Radiohead’s popularity- and this the worst album I’ve heard from them already. Thom Thorne droning voice is the worst aspect but much of the music was just blah also.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
This was one of my fist albums that I got (well cassette) when I was about 13 so has a special meaning. I think The Boxer is my favorite with Cecilia a close 2nd.
Miles Davis
4/5
Had to do a little research on this - found it really good just wasn't quite what I was expecting from Miles Davis. I think it's the "cool jazz" vs modal or jazz fusion that I'm more familiar with (granted I'm not a student of jazz and all it's forms). It's not a 5 star for me not because of Miles but because it still has the big band sound that really doesn't inspire me.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
So half the songs were a 4 and half were 2 stars. Cut the 2 stars out and there would be a very nice full length album in there. This was no “The Wall” for Gen X!
Prince
5/5
Great funk-rock vibe. It's been awhile since I've listened to the whole album. I think Purple Rain is a better Price album but this one is more funk oriented so I guess I have room to give it a 5 star. I will forever want that 1/2 star feature on this site.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Enjoyed this but I don’t feel this is the Stone’s best album. The remastered version is less muddy than I remember though.
Steve Earle
3/5
I knew of Steve Earle but can’t say I know any of the songs on the album. Standout for me was “Goodbye’s All We’ve Got Left.
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
The best part of this alb is the guitar and bass work. John Lyndon vocals are all over the place and for me, not that great. Standouts for me were Graveyard and
Socialist
Stan Getz
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. Charlie Byrd's finger picking was very nice and also enjoyed Stan's sax. Standouts were Samba Dees Days and O Pato.
N.E.R.D
3/5
Started off great with Don’t Wooty about it and Fly or Die but got to the low point mid album with sophomoric Backseat Love and She Wants to Move. Luckily it ended ok so overall a 3
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Really enjoyable and enjoyed the acoustic guitar on some of the songs. However I think this is probably ranks 4th album in their catalog.
Van Halen
4/5
The synth additions to the VH sound really worked for me. Still think the 1st two albums were their best though.
Antony and the Johnsons
1/5
Wow that warbling (not the bird) was just grating. Too bad there isn’t a zero star option.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Really enjoyed the somgs that Buddy was the writer or Norman Petty and not so much on the songs written by Roy Orbison and the others. It would have been interesting to hear how he would have evolved had he lived a longer life. Didn’t realize Buddy wrote “Not Fade Away”
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This is not one of my favorite albums by Bruce Springsteen. Nothing really bad with it, but I’m just not likely to listen to it again.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Somehow this album doesn't do it for me. I think the Key of Life is a much better album. Many of the songs were duds. The highlights were "You Haven't Done Nothin'" and the Top Ten "Boogie on Reggae Woman" which are 4 star worthy. The rest were 2 stars it gets a composite 3 star.
Parliament
4/5
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
I’ve never listened to this album before, but I actually really liked it. Went to my playlist
Snoop Dogg
2/5
I enjoyed the beach, however subject matter, and the lyrics have much to be desired.
Supergrass
4/5
I’ve heard of Supergrass - now I need to actually listen more to them more.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Varied sounds of the songs on this album from psyadellic to blues with some rock songs throne in.
Muddy Waters
5/5
Great album. Didn’t realize it’s one of the first live blues albums and could be the best one. So basically a single take of a whole album! Can I give more than 5 stars?!?
Moby
5/5
Always struggle whether to give 4 or 5 stars - I could really go either way and really don’t even now as a write this what I’ll end up giving it. Honey, Bodyrock and South Side were the standouts for me.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Kind of a middle of the road album for me. Ok but just that OK. Did like "Keep the Car Running" and Black Mirror was fine. Fine seems to be the theme here - nothing blew me away.
Blur
4/5
Kind of an odd selection - is it punk band, an Indie band, a Kinks wanna be or a circus band?!?!?! I enjoyed it, just not sure what they were trying for. Standout are Bank Holiday, London Loves and Parklife.
David Bowie
2/5
I was expecting to like this but other than the the songs Changes and Song for Bob Dylan and one or two others which Iikded, the rest sonically reminded me of some Off Broadway Play musical or some high school Cabaret presentation. The lyrics might be excellent but just couldn't handle the sound on most of the songs.
Bee Gees
1/5
So exactly why was this album on the list? I see nothing redeeming about it. If I could give it zero stars I would. Disco era Bee Gees is better than this and that is saying a LOT!
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Was an ok background music album. I won’t have to worry about any of the songs becoming an ear worm.
Kelela
3/5
Electronica and R&B for me is not high on the list of genres but this one worked well enough. It was fine overall. No real standouts and probably won't recognize the songs if I heard them again.
The Temptations
3/5
Started out strong but the end seemed to not the same caliper. Standouts were Run Away Child, Running Wild and Cloud Nine for me. Their version of I Heard It Through the Grapevine just didn't work as compared to the other versions out there. When they were in the funk grove I dug it - when it went more to the Motown Soul side, I wasn't as impressed.
Neil Young
3/5
Not quite what o expected from Neil but then it’s Neil so why would I be surprised. Neither loved nor hated it - actually his vocals were better on this than other albums plus enjoyed the keyboards, steel guitar and harmonica on some of the tracks.
Aerosmith
3/5
It wasn’t Toys in the Attic but was still an album that I’d expect from Aerosmith. Sure there is the sophomoric songs but Janie’s Got a Gun is not what you would expect and was actually a good song. I’ve always like Joe Perry’s guitar and unlike some reviewer’s distain for Steve Tyler’s singing, he has quite the range and still pull it off.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
I can see why this album is the best selling of any of their other albums either as a group or individually. I never realized there were so many of the classic CSN&Y songs came from one album.
Destiny's Child
2/5
Found this to be an overproduced album. I don’t need yo hear any of this again.
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Interesting Alt Country/Americana album. Highlights include Can't Let Go, Still I long For Your Kiss and Joy. Right in Time was also good.
Gene Clark
2/5
Gene have been been a good song writer but I’m not a fan of his singing or music writing abilities. There really wasn’t a standout and his take on Stand by Me was not good.
4/5
Didn't realize how much I liked Muse. Trippy at times. My highlights are Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole and Knights of Cydonia with Hoodoo up there. Really enjoyed.
The Zombies
2/5
The only standout for me was “This will be Our Year” and “Time of the Seasons”. The rest were horrid. I’d be gracious giving this 3 stars and should likely get two. I’ll sleep on it and see what I do give it.
John Prine
4/5
Before 1001 Albums I knew of John Prine but really hadn't listened to him. Even though he tends to Country which isn't my gig, I have really enjoyed this album for both the song lyrics and the music on it. Standouts are "Paradise" , "Pretty Good" , "Angel from Montgomery" and "Quiet Man" although I really should include "Flashback Blues" :D.
The Who
4/5
This hasn’t held up over the years - there are some great song but others are just ok. I would give it a 3 1/2 if I could but. It’s get the extra 1/2 stars because I keep thinking about some of the songs hrs later. Highlights are Overture, Can You Hear Me, I’m Free and We’re Not Going to Take it Anymore.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Enjoyable album but not my favorite mod his albums. Standouts for me are “A Funky Space Reincarnation" and
"You Can Leave, But It's Going to Cost You”
Dennis Wilson
3/5
Interesting album, the writing was very good and some of the songs had a nice sound although a little dated. Standout song for me was “Dreamer” “Pacific Ocean Blues” “Under the Moonlight” .
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
I'm sure my older brother bought this album when it came first out and I listened to it then but I don't remember it as an album. Many of the songs are iconic and I knew them as singles. So when the album popped up, I knew that I'd like it - I just didn't expect it to be as great as it is. I would normally list the standout songs - for this one it's easy to list the less-than-A-side songs and that would be "Ooby Dooby" - all the rest were fantastic. Unlike some other reviewers - I loved the 11 minute "Heard it Through the Grapevine"!
The Doors
4/5
Didn’t realize L.A. Woman album was so blues influenced which was a pleasant surprise. Standouts were “The Changeling”, “Crawling king Snake” and “Riders on the Storm” which is probably my favorite Doors song.
Black Sabbath
3/5
I was expecting to hate this but it’s was actually listenable. Standouts : “Changes”, “Supernaut” and “Laguna Sunrise”. also FX was a nice surprise. Lows for me was “Cornucopia” just too low pitch droning for me. Another pass is “Under the Sun” Also don’t like the vocal mix so buried in the mix on the whole album.
2/5
As background music I guess it would be OK but it just doesn't do much for me. The only standouts for me were "Samba Do Gringo Paulista" and
"Abraço" but not enough to give it any higher than a 2.
Carole King
4/5
Iconic album and I would give 5 stars but some the lyrics just haven’t aged well. “Where You Lead” in particular just doesn’t work in this day and age.
Little Richard
3/5
I liked the songs but they were so similar. Would have been nice to change up the tempo on more of themand if there was more musical variety I’d have given it a 4.
The Everly Brothers
2/5
Very outdated bubble gum pop from the early 60s. Thank goodness the Beatles came along and changed the trajectory of American pop.
Grizzly Bear
3/5
A little too mid tempo sameness for me. I didn’t hate it - would be good background music but just wasn’t memorable. Eight hours latter and really don’t remember any of the songs.
Jethro Tull
4/5
It’s been awhile since I’ve listened to Jethro Tull since I’ve long moved away from Progressive Rock but was fun to revisit the genre. Standouts for me was “Aqualung” - that riff is iconic, "Locomotive Breath" and "Hymn 43"
The Smiths
3/5
I love the music of The Smiths but really dislike Morrissey’s (or is it Morosey’s) lyrics. So it ends up with a 3 star.
PJ Harvey
3/5
I think I’d like PJ on something other than a protest album - just didn’t connect with it for me. Just alright.
Yes
3/5
Prog rock has always seemed overblown to be although this one of the better prog rock albums. Heard some blues, jazz and classical influences. Standouts are "Long Distance Runaround" and “Roundabout”.
The Beta Band
3/5
It was an ok album. Never heard of them before so had no expectations- interesting electronic/almost hip hop fusion with Alternative. Highlights were “Human Being”, “Quiet” and to a lesser extent “Eclipse”
T. Rex
3/5
Interesting mix of Glad rock and the Blues. Highlights are “Lean Woman Blues”, “Jeepster” and “Get it on”.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
This was a killer album. I only had heard the singles and I like all of them - especially “It’s Tricky”, “You Be Illin’” and of course “Salk This Way” but man I loved “Peter Piper”, “Perfection” and “Raising Hell”. The drums and the guitar work was fantastic on the album which is to me is atypical on Hip-hop albums and why I’m not usually a fan of the genre but I’m guessing Rick Rubin is why the music is equal to the lyrics on this.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Not much into dream pop. It was ok-ish background music. No standouts for me.
Tangerine Dream
3/5
I get it’s probably groundbreaking in its time but it seemed like some background music for a low budget sci-fi flick from the 70s. For that reason alone I gave it 3 stars.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
It was fine - big band just doesn’t do much for me to rate it any higher than a 3 star.
Radiohead
2/5
I just don't get the appeal of Radiohead. The only song that I liked was "A Wolf At the Door" - I think it's because it's the only one that Thom York actually sang in his normal register - or maybe it should be his normal register. I just find his falsetto grating. The music was also for be boring. I don't need to ever listen to this again - 2 stars since I'm feeling generous.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
This gets a 4 star just to piss off the non-English hating crowd! Nice Afro-Cuban music and who cares that I can’t understand the words - I also can’t understand the lyrics of most of the hip-hop, rap and metal music that is in English so who cares! Standout is “Buena Vista Social Club” that had a lot of Jazz influences.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
Just didn’t hit for me. Found the music fairly forgettable and boring. Vocals sounded thin and slightly grating. No standouts.
Miles Davis
5/5
The first Miles album I got on 1001 list was more big band driven vibe where this is moving into the small combo group that I favor and this one was killer even though it was a little more mellow than other albums. Love Coltrane’s sax on this!
Depeche Mode
5/5
Quintessential 80’s new wave album. Sstandouts "Strangelove", "Never Let Me Down Again", and"Behind the Wheel".
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Great album - didn't realize the diverse musicians on this - Tom Scott, Robbie Robertson, some of the Wrecking Crew, David Crosby, Graham Nash and even José Feliciano and Cheech and Chong!
Standouts are "Raised on Robbery" and "Court and Spark" and to a lesser extent for me "Help Me"
Eminem
1/5
Lots of adjectives for this album, sophomoric, misogynist, homophobic, nihilistic, disturbing, psychotic, troublesome. Was going to give it a two star until Kim and Under the Influence stripped away a star - I would have taken way all the stars if I could. Oh another adjective came to mind - deplorable.
The Temptations
4/5
The first 3 songs are by far my favorites- especially “Papa was a Rollin’ Stone” - all great funk songs. The second half was more R&B, Doo-wop and I thought was not as strong but still liked "The First Time Ever (I Saw Your Face)" and "Mother Nature".
Nick Drake
2/5
Five songs into the album and I was convinced this was a 1 star record - boring, monotonous music and singing. Then ‘Cello song can on and it got 1 additional star for the soundtrack. Man in a Shed was also Ok - as in I actually noticed it vs the song just being background noise. Just not for me.
The United States Of America
4/5
Interesting trippy psychedelic rock. It is very much of its era - heard influences from St. Peppers. Standouts are “Hard Coming Love”. Also liked “Garden of Earthly Delights”. That weird calliope type sound throughout the album was frankly a little scary - sounds like a soundtrack to some clown themed horror movie.
3/5
“Moonage Daydream” guitar work was great. I’m just not a huge fan of Bowie’s vocals - on Starman - as Randy Jackson would say - kind of pitchy man! “It ain’t Easy” is probably the standout - Bowie is still pitchy but I thought it was much better song than Starman or the more known song such as Ziggy Stardust or Suffragette City. Will I go back to listen to this again is the question and if would have answered this yes I would have given it 4 stars.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
The originals of the songs on this album all were better than Dusty’s covers. The only good song on this was her original "I Only Want to Be With You" wheixh she didn’t write. So at best it’s a 2 star for her original recording.
3/5
Can say I've ever listened to Spirit - definitely nothing on this album. Standouts were "Mr. Skin" and "When I Touch You" and "Nature's Way". It was a fine album but a little dated that took me back to my preteen years (although probably never heard it back then). Don't hate, don't love though.
Tito Puente
3/5
Fun album even if Mambo isn't my genre. Probably won't go back to the album in the future still was a nice change of pace. Standouts for me were "El Cayuco" and "Hong Kong Mambo"
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
I knew Derek & The Dominos mainly from Layla and Bell Bottom Blues and never heard the rest of the album. Boy was I missing out - I was blown away by the rest of the songs. Standouts were ""I Am Yours", Anyday" and "Key to the Highway" but really I loved them all. I believe this is the best blues-rock I've heard. Also Duane Allman's guitar work was killer!
Neneh Cherry
3/5
It was an ok listen but very much an 80s pop album so didn’t do much for me. I guess the standouts if you want to call them that was "Buffalo Stance" and "Manchild".
Everything But The Girl
2/5
I should have taken some notes when I listened to it 12 hrs ago because I have forgotten anything that I liked about this album - boring is the only words that come to mind. I don’t hate it, it was just not memorable in any way.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I actually don’t remember this album when it came out other than recognizing the title song from the radio - lots going on in my life when this came out I guess! I found it a very good recording - but not Bruce’s top album for me though. Standouts for me were "Further On (Up the Road)", "Worlds Apart" and "The Rising” .
De La Soul
3/5
Not bad but the whole intro/game show bits were just a bit too much for me so got knocked down a star for the non music bits.
Green Day
5/5
I normally list standout songs of the songs I like on an album and usually if I don’t list anything it’s because I didn’t really like any songs. However I’m not listing any standouts on Dookie since I would have had to list everything on the album! Phenomenal album!
LL Cool J
2/5
Not much of interest on this album for me - a couple of beats that were ok but other than that I have no positive feelings about this. If I never have to hear another song off the album, I would be happy. But it didn't make me hate it so it gets 2 stars.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Standouts for me were Exodus, Three Little Birds, and One Love . Didn't really listen to this when it came out and have never listened to the entire album so was nice to hear the lesser know tracks.
Lou Reed
3/5
I like Lou Reed in small doses - a whole album was a little much. Had to drop a star for the clunkers “New York Telephone Conversation" and "Goodnight Ladies"
The Go-Go's
5/5
This album takes me back to my college days and my pivot in my musical preferences towards this genre - what was called new wave at the time but really would be the alternative genre of today. It gets 5 stars just for the nostalgia alone.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Kind of middle of the road album for me. I liked “Kick, Push” and Daydreaming” but I really couldn’t stand the the “Outro” and the “Intro” - especially “Outro” what a waste of my time - that almost cost it only getting 2 stars but I’ll be generous and give it 3.
Santana
4/5
Really enjoyed the album. Santana’s guitar work is amazing. The three on the album for my favorite.
Gang Of Four
4/5
I’ve read that a number of bands were inspired by Gang of Four and I can see why and hear their influences in those later groups.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Not much for modern pop but as the genre goes, this was a good album. At least Taylor can really sing without being breathy as compared to some of the other pop stars out there.
The Cars
5/5
I can remember vividly when this album came out, I bought it. I spent hours listening to this on my headphones and it changed my musical tastes from the mainstream 70s rock/metal that I was listening to for the new wave music and then on to post punk, punk and alt rock. Every song is a standout for me.
The Specials
3/5
Standouts were “International Jet Set” , “Stereotype” , “Hey Little Rich Girl” . The others were just not up to the level of these.
Madness
4/5
Not sure why Spotify didn't have the entire album. Had to go on YouTube to listen to it with sooo many ads getting in the way. I really enjoyed it - I like 2 tone so of course I'd like it! Yeah it not original ska but who cares - all genres morph, so what? Never heard this but I can see why - it was never released in the US - we just got the "Our House" single. I will have to listen to this again soon!
The Damned
4/5
Wow a punk band that was quiet piano parts ok not for long) but still. Also guitar solos and a singer who can actually sing! I can see where bands like R. E. M. Got their influences.
Van Halen
4/5
Q if you would have asked my 17 yr old self in 1978 when this came out what I thought of this - I would have given it 5 stars. But now 47 yrs later Roth’s schtick is a little grating at times so it gets knocked down 2 stars. Eddie playing though raised it back up another star!
Love
2/5
This one just didn’t do it for me.
Ghostface Killah
2/5
First and probably last time that I’ll listen to any of the songs on this album. I just don’t dig the style.
Blur
4/5
For some reason I never listened to this album before today and looks like I was missing out. Really enjoyed it and a departure from Parklife.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Not sure who thought the 80's synth sound and Leonard Cohen voice goes together - maybe in the 80's it sounded fine but hasn't aged well. At least Leonard Cohen's voice overcame the production.
UB40
4/5
Torn between a 3 and a 4 star but I really enjoyed the instrumentals so I’ll give it a 4. Standouts were “Food for Thouth” and “Signing off”
Kings of Leon
4/5
Never listened to the album as a whole but was surprised by the number of songs that I knew.
David Bowie
4/5
Bowie is always hit/miss for me. This one worked. The last couple of instrumental songs could have not been included IMHO.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Fine album. The standouts were Was There Anything I Could Do? and You Can't Say No Forever. Although a day after listen, I can’t really recall the songs so just a ok album
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
In general I’m not a hip hop fan but Rin-D.M.C. Is an exception for me - another enjoyable album.
Portishead
3/5
I read how they recorded this by making a vinyl record and then distressing the record. Didn’t seem to help much, it was just an OK album.
Rush
2/5
Probably been 40 years since I’ve listened to this album. Forty yrs ago I’d probably given it 4 or 5 stars but now it only to get 2 stars. The second side is just not good at all.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Was not a Skynyrd fan back in the day but I didn’t realize just how many of the songs I knew and liked. There we no passes son any of the songs - there were all solid.
Mj Cole
1/5
This was just not good. I would have given it two stars but making me suffer thru the 2nd hour of remixes on repetitive but different versions of the already repetitive and frankly boring musically songs made me take away a star
Rush
4/5
Wow 2nd Rush album in under a week. Moving Pictures is a much better album than 2112. Lifeline and Tom Sawyer was the standouts.
Joanna Newsom
1/5
Only 5 song - cool, wait none are shorter than 7 minutes. Well ok, OMG that voice, Please stop!
Anthrax
2/5
I've just heard something worse than this album yesterday that I gave a 1 star to so I felt I had to at least give this an extra star since it wasn't as bad. But still not something I would listen to again since this made me feel like I was having a heart attack.
Beatles
5/5
The Last Beatles recoding and what a way to go out on such a high note. Every song is a standout!
D'Angelo
3/5
When I saw neo-soul come up I was not expecting to like it but it wasn’t bad. Not my style but it was worth a listen.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Exceptional album but not my favorite Led Zeppelin album so to reflect that it gets 4 stars. Standouts are "Whole Lotta Love", "Heartbreaker" and "Ramble On".
Khaled
3/5
Interesting album , at least what I heard on YouTube since it wasn’t on Spotify. The version of Imagine was great.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Fun album. Standouts for me were "What's Going On" and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)"
White Denim
4/5
I was surprised by this group - not sure how I missed hearing about them until today. Really enjoyed the album. Will have to revisit this soon.
Miles Davis
3/5
This is a hard one to rate given some songs were great like "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down" and "Sanctuary" and then there "Feio" which I didn’t like and "Pharaoh's Dance" which was both good and not good. Guess I spilt the difference.
B.B. King
4/5
Gotta love the Blues and why yes he is the King!
Pentangle
3/5
Cross between a Renaissance Faire, being at the Prancing Pony and some psychedelic party in London in 1969. I enjoyed it for what is but won't be listening to it often.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The majority of this album was a lot more blues influences than I expected which was a pleasant surprise. Favs were House Burning Down, Still Raining, Voodoo Chile and of course All Along the Watch Tower.
Travis
3/5
Just background noise - not objectionable but not memorable either.
Beck
4/5
I liked the varied musical influences that Beck incorporated into this album. Not all albums have to have a unifying theme (other than the artist) and you can hear him clearly in all these songs. Standouts were "Where It's At", "Devils Haircut", and "The New Pollution"
Wilco
3/5
I like Wilco but this was just an OK album for me.
Ray Charles
4/5
Great soundtrack for our Road trip.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Enjoyed the funk songs but the R&B went my fav. Gets a 3 star overall
Iron Maiden
2/5
Didn’t like Iron Maiden when this came out while I was in college and 45 years later I still don’t like it. Hard pass
Love
3/5
It was fine as folk goes. The only one that’s memorable was "Alone Again Or" / "A House Is Not a Motel" which I remember.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Started off with 2 stars but it was so long, repetitive and boring it ended up taking a way a star for that. Nothing good at all about this one
Elvis Costello
5/5
This came out just when I was switching my musical preferences from what you would call classic rock today phase into my punk, post-punk and new wave phase and this is one of the reasons for the change. Standouts are Allison, Red Shoes and Less Than Zero
Motörhead
2/5
Just not my type of music and a live version is just the worst version of this type of music!
Bill Callahan
3/5
Actually enjoyed this one. Had to look up what genre is was - alt country - didn’t really give me that vibe but it was a nice break in styles. Not sure I’d go back to it but still a nice album during my road trip.
Lorde
3/5
I like Lorde’s voice but hate the overproduction of many of the songs - like Perfect Places and Green Light. All that electronic cr*p should be stripped out. The only highlight was Liability (but definitely NOT the reprise version).
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Great album and I’m only giving it a 4 star since it’s not my fav Stones album and there were a few just OK songs. Too bad they don’t play some of the lesser known songs on their tours!
Meat Loaf
3/5
I gave it an extra star over what I think it’s worth just for the memories this brought back. This was my friends favorite album when I was in high school and he would always have it on whenever he drove around. Good memories but really cheesy songs.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Not my favorite Pet Shop Boys album but still a good listen. Standouts were “It's a Sin", "Heart", and "What Have I Done to Deserve This?"
Ray Charles
3/5
Definitely recognized a number of the C&W songs that were reworked by Ray Charles and definitely an improvement - but still just an OK album.
Simply Red
2/5
Just didn’t do anything for me - English soul just doesn’t seem like a good idea. Meh.
The Pharcyde
1/5
Didn’t like it at all so it was heading to a 2 star but then the skits were just so annoying (why do people add these things to albums ?!?!) that I took away a star for them.
Frank Zappa
4/5
Now I thought I knew what Frank Zappa sounds like - guess I need to listen to other Frank’ albums if there are some more like this. Really enjoyed the mostly instrumental songs. Standouts were "Willie the Pimp", "Son of Mr. Green Genes” and "The Gumbo Variations".
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Sort of inoffensive background music - not bad but that is all I can really saw about it.
Hole
4/5
That was a nice rocker - really enjoyed it!
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
It was a nice listen but not very memorable. I never actually knew anything about her until the album showed up. I found her life story more interesting than the album.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Now I could get into hip-hop if they were routinely this good - unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the case of the other examples that’s on the list. Liked the Lou Rees samples!
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Love the alternative time signatures on this album! Take 5 and Blue Rondo à la Turk are the standouts.
Alice In Chains
3/5
Almost gave it a 4. I see this as more of a grunge album and not a metal and maybe that’s why it’s a 3 and not a 2 star :). The subject matter of the songs was what kept me from giving it a 4. I don’t come to music to get depressed
Pixies
4/5
Excellent album. Standouts are “Debaser”, “Hear Comes You Man” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven”.
CHIC
1/5
Of all the other albums that came out in 1979 - I get this horrid listen?!? Not even much disco but banal R&B. Hard pass.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Three fantastic songs "Thriller", "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" but I never like much of the rest on the album. Now the others seem dated and questionable based on Michael’s later life. Still gets a 4 but no way does it deserve a 5 star.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Really don’t see what the buzz is about for this album - just kind of a middle-of-the-road 60s pop album and not very memorial at that. Really only think "Sloop John B” and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" are memorable- the rest just were there.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5/5
Has to be one of my favorites- even though I never listened to the entire album before today.
Napalm Death
2/5
I was really expecting the worst on this one given the really bad reviews. It’s bad but definitely not a 1 star - the punk influences are there and are appreciated. At least on side 1 - side 2 was much worse. I then read that it wasn’t really even the same band makeup that did the two sides so know I can see why side 2 was so much worse. It it would bar been just side 1 it might have even earned a 3rd star. But then there is the (so called) vocals that just were eff’in terrible. So they made up a genre for when you have a terrible singer and called in grindcore?!?!? But even given the horrid vocal sounds and the really bad side 2 - it still isn’t the worst album by a long shot on this list so gets 2 stars!
The Who
4/5
I do hear the source of many of the later albums in this one. I would rank this lower than other albums in their catalog so it end up at a 4 for me.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Not much for the genre but it’s an ok listen. Probably was the first time I’ve listened to Solomon Burke and could be the last - not something id go searching for.
Mariah Carey
2/5
Boy this was a chore to listen to - not my style of music at all. It’s only been one day since I’ve listened and I can’t recall a single tune.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
I was expecting more of a punk style album and it wasn’t that - more noise/experimental rock so maybe I’m knocking it down too much. Well probably not since neither of those genres are what I like. I did like somewhat was "Pittsburgh to Lebanon", "Human Cannonball" and "Kuntz".
Spiritualized
3/5
Not as spacey as I was thinking it could be although it was trippy at times. Not horrible but not great either - just kind of a second tier rock album. Meh
N.W.A.
1/5
There is nothing about this album that I liked - just bad in every way possible.
Germs
4/5
I enjoyed this one - especially coming after a rap album I despised. If I’d have rated this in a different rotation it might have gotten only 3 stars but it was such a breath of fresh air that it got 4. Punk cranked up to 11!
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Really enjoyed the album - always thought Paul’s solo projects were slightly better than the other ex-Beatles solo projects.
David Bowie
3/5
Started off great for the first couple songs then just fell back to just OK at the end.
Solange
3/5
I always have trouble rating R&B since I really am not a fan of the genre. Actually didn’t know who Solange was until after listening to the album. As I said I’m not into R&B 😃. It was ok - the interludes for me were much more intersecting than the songs!
Haircut 100
3/5
I was on the fence to give it 4 stars or 3. I really enjoyed "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)", "Love Plus One" and "Fantastic Day" but the others were too similar to the rest to make it a 4 star album
Hookworms
2/5
Never heard of them before. It was an OK listen though I doubt I’ll listen again to the album. Can’t even remember any of the songs a day later so not bad to listen to but also forgettable.
Beck
2/5
I was disappointed in the this album by Beck. It was so different than the other albums of his. I get that not all caches can be upbeat but rarely do I like the sad mid/low tempo versions which is the feeling I got from this one.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Was actually blown away by the blues influences in this. Also the base lines were played much more like a regular guitar vs just providing the rhythm. Also did not expect harmonica on a metal album 😃.
The Style Council
2/5
So this reminded me of a lounge band being told by some drunk dude in the bar yelling “play your stuff more jazzy”. You never listen to that drunk dude but this band did (1st bad move) and they made it into an album (2nd bad move). I actually recognized “Ever Changing Moods" and "You're the Best Thing" from when they were released and I thought they were fine - glad I never bought the album!
Queen
3/5
This album is very disjointed for me. I was like the Queen that was, the Queen that it will become and the Queen that could have been. The first song
"Brighton Rock" , I kept checking to make sure it was actually Queen and not some Prog Rock group that I didn’t know. The second song was "Killer Queen" which is what Queen became. Then there was "Tenement Funster" blending into "Flick of the Wrist" which sounded like it could have been on the first “Black Sabbath” album I had yesterday. Such an odd combo of sounds. It gets 3 stars given the fractured nature of the sounds.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
Got to give them an A for making a rock song using pipe organ. Overall was an ok album but it’s a prog rock so hard to get too excited about it since it just seems to try too hard.
Q-Tip
3/5
Finally a hip-hop album with people actually playing instruments vs sampling and loops. What a breath of fresh air.
3/5
Didn’t realized it was a concept album until after I had listed to it. I couldn’t tell
It from listening to it (which probably why I didn’t rank it higher). Some of the songs were definitely a miss but did like "Drivin'" , "Shangri-La" and “Victoria”
Arcade Fire
3/5
Heard better Arcade Fire and heard bettter indie rock. Just middle of the road for me. Forgettable songs - so much so I can’t even come up with a standout.
The Lemonheads
4/5
Instantly recognized two of their songs "It's a Shame About Ray" and "Mrs. Robinson" but never put the songs with the same band nor could I have come up with the band name. Other than Drug Buddy all the other songs were really good. Guess I should have listened to this sooner!
U2
4/5
I still think Joshua Tree is a better album but this was still a good album. Was tempted to give it an extra star for all the Bono haters out there 😃 but I’ll save a 5 star for Joshua Tree.
The Stooges
3/5
It’s on the way to punk but it’s not punk. It was sort of middle of the road for me - I’ve heard better from Iffy before and after this album. Just an OK Stooges album.
Boards of Canada
2/5
It was background music while I worked - didn’t draw enough attention to itself for me to give it a single star. Still not good and don’t need to listen to it again.
Supertramp
2/5
Supertramp never really was a group that did much for me. The standouts if you want to call it that were "Bloody Well Right" and "Dreamer".
Iron Butterfly
2/5
Not much to saw about this other than I think this is the first (and last time) I heard the entire length of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.
Coldplay
2/5
Coldplay has always left me cold - guess that’s why I don’t play them (sorry couldn’t resist)
Ananda Shankar
3/5
That was kinda cool. I liked their take on Jumpin Jack Flash.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Ever single song on this album is a classic and I can definitely get behind that this is one of the top albums on this list.
Harry Nilsson
2/5
Yeah I know that Lennon and McCartney thought he was the best American artist but to each his own and Nilsson just isn’t my cup a tea.
Deep Purple
3/5
It was an OK hard rock album from the early 70s. The issue is it’s a hard rock album from the early 70s which I think this genre lost its way. The standout for me is “Lazy”.
Richard Hawley
2/5
Too much crooner for me. I gave it an extra star for the country-ish song “(Wading Through) The Waters of My Time“ which was the only standout. The rest I don’t ever need to hear again before I die.
The B-52's
5/5
Influential album for many artists and for me personally. I didn't need to listen to the album to know I was giving it 5 stars but of course I listened to it again for the umpteen time. Every time I listen to this I get transported to the summer of 1979!
Dr. Dre
1/5
As one Chicago critic wrote “superficial, unrefined entertainment, …. Dre combines street potency with thuggish stupidity in equal measure." Couldn’t say it any better. Hard pass.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Really enjoyed this album. Indi rock with a touch of punk, what’s not to like!
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
The first song I thought this was some experimental classic band, then switch to some 60’s prog rock then switched to some Christian rock, then almost alt country then some bluesy song then to some free-form jazz jam band. Way too many directions. I would have given it one star but I somewhat liked "You've Made Me So Very Happy", "Spinning Wheel" and not sure about "And When I Die". Don’t need to hear this again.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Didn’t think k much of the album when it came out but the album and the Beastie Boys have grown on me over the years. Really too many standouts to mention.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
Music was fine at the time but is utterly forgettable apparently since I don’t remember any of the songs today. Won’t be listening to this again.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Somehow getting this today didn’t seem random. I’m not a metal head but you have to admit that Black Sabbath is a cut about the modern metal bands - there was a lot of melodic element and some quiet songs I. The mix. Excellent album.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Probably the best folk album that I've heard. Acoustic guitar, harmonica and Bob putting out some great music.
Pretenders
5/5
Objectively I should give it a 4 star based on my current listen but this bring back so many memories that I had to give it the 5 star for nostalgia’s sake. It’s a crossroad of rock, punk and new wave that hit just when I was at the same crossroads for my musical styles.
SAULT
3/5
Enjoyed the first song but as R&B just isn’t my thing it didn’t do much for me. Not bad just wouldn’t listen to it again
Fairport Convention
3/5
Nice blend of English and American folk - though not sure where the Cajun influences came from that was also interesting.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Most of the rock opera albums for me doesn’t quite work - except for this one. Incredible as a set and the individual songs are iconic.
The Stranglers
3/5
I was expecting more punk than this actually delivered. It was there at times but really not enough for me. It was “bad” per se but just not what I was expecting.
Tina Turner
3/5
I really like Tina’s vocals but the musical production is very 80’s and has not aged well. Way over produced that comes off as sterile and computer generated. My favorite is “I can’t stand the rain”
Iggy Pop
4/5
Now that was a very cool album. I knew that Bowie and Iggie worked on an album but since I’m not huge fan of Bowie’s 70s albums I just never listened to this before. I especially liked Sister Midnight", "Nightclubbing" and "Funtime". Now I really like Bowie’s early 80s stuff so I’m much more a fan of David’s version of China Girl. Definitely will give this some more listening time.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
It was fine but I’d rather have heard a studio album of Thin Lizzy instead.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
This was a hard listen given the combo of random musical approach and then it getting stuck in a loop and repeating endless parts of the song. For some songs I’d get into in because there was an interesting give and then it would repeat endlessly to the point of really tired and don’t want to hear it ever again. It got 2 stars because scattered in the mix there were a few catchy riffs then it would get ruined by a bizarre shift into noise or endless repeat. No standouts at all.
The Specials
4/5
I like ska and this was a nice ska/two tone album. I like the punk influences on this also and the early Elvis Costello feel to the sound. Highlights were "It's Up to You", "Nite Klub" and "Little Bitch"
The Smiths
3/5
Music is great but then there is Morrissey - maybe I should just call him Steven. That will irritate him as much as his voice irritates me. Some Smiths songs are really good in spite of Steven but this album (the UK version without "How Soon Is Now?") was just OK. If I would have heard the the earlier US release with this song on then maybe, just maybe it would have gotten 4 stars. But that didn't happen so it just is an OK album for me. Sorry Steven - just don't be too sad now!
Tom Waits
2/5
Is this what a bad acid trip sounds like?!? I don’t know what Tom was trying for but whatever it was, it missed the mark for me. Almost a 1 star but there were a few brief moments of a normal-ish sound so split the difference.
Traffic
3/5
It was an ok ‘60s rock album but not anything to write home about. The standouts were "Feelin' Alright?" And "Medicated Goo" but the last one wasn’t even on the original release so I think I’m being generous with 3 stars on this one!
Louis Prima
3/5
That was a fun listen of jump blues. I never realized who Louis Prima was before this album. Recognize the voice. Almost a 4 star rating but ended up giving it 3. Standouts are his take on “Just a Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody” and "Jump Jive An' Wail".
Blondie
5/5
Perfect crossroads album of post punk, new wave and power pop. Just a few of the standouts include "Hanging on the Telephone", "Heart of Glass", "Sunday Girl" and "One Way or Another" to name a few.
The Chemical Brothers
1/5
Wow those songs were repetitive, wow those songs were repetitive, wow those songs were repetitive.. I was tempted to repay myself 25+ times like song #3 musical phrase which then changed one aspect of the riff and repeated that at least a dozen times. Then to mix it up, it layered the first phrase and the second phase and repeated that! Ok maybe for the dance floor it makes some sense for repetition but even then this was overkill. For listening to an entire album of this not on a dance floor this was beyond painful.
Radiohead
2/5
I just can’t get into Radiohead and really don’t see the appeal. The only thing I liked on this album was the guitar work in Paranoid Android and Electioneering but the depressing lyrics and Thom Yorkes voice and the horrid Fitter Happier just ruined it. The guitar work (what little I could find) saved it from a 1 star.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I normally am not a fan of the high female register due to it usually sounding very thin and too breathy but Joni’s voice is an exception! Even though I’m not a huge folk music fan, this was a great listen.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
This was a background music album - not distracting and not objectionable. But also not memorable- I can’t recall a single song from it a day later. At best a 3 star.
TV On The Radio
3/5
For me this was a fine album but nothing to get too excited about. Another middle of the road alt rock album.
Fiona Apple
4/5
The first few songs in I was thinking this was just an ok album but the further in, the more I liked it. So it’s a 4 star for me.
Prince
5/5
I think the album is better than the movie that this went with. For me, there really isn’t any misses - the standout is the guitar!
Sepultura
2/5
The only way I could tell that the song was different was by the track listing changed on the display. Repetitive and mostly monotonous sound. It got saved from getting a one star was near the end of the record it actually had some beat changes.
Sepultura
1/5
I don’t know if I hate the drums or the screaming (oh sorry singing) and I decided the screaming was the worst part of this album. The only redeeming part of the album was the songs Jasco, Itsári, Canyon Jam and parts of Ambush since these songs thankfully didn’t have either screaming or the modern drum kit. To pour salt into an open wound, this was the second album in two days from Sepultura - how can there be 2 of these Sepultura on this list?!? So I took one star away for back to back Sepultura! Now if it this consisted of just the indigenous Brazilian music and expanded that into a full blown album, I’d have given that at least a 4 star!
Talking Heads
4/5
Very interesting rhythms on this album. My standouts were "I Zimbra" and "Life During Wartime" and to a lesser extent "Heaven". I listened to the expanded reissue so the Alternate Versions of the songs was interesting.
Kate Bush
4/5
Ethereal is the word that came to mind when I put this on. I really enjoyed the album. Standouts were "Running Up That Hill", "Hounds of Love" and "Jig of Life“.
GZA
2/5
I don’t get the whole Shogun, ninja theme. It seemed gimmicky and out of place. Nothing there that I’d listen to again.
The Chemical Brothers
1/5
Man this was way too monotonous and the repetitive beats just went on and on and on and on... I thought it was stuck on a loop but alas no. This was just terrible - all the songs sound like some AI generated drivel. Hope never to have to listen to this again.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Hit or miss on the songs off the album. The hits were Son of Sam and L.A. the misses which I didn’t take note of reminded me of some off Broadway musical score.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
That was weird. Some songs I disliked such as “Song of Joy” and “Stagger Lee”. Others were just disturbing “O’Malley’s Bar”. I didn’t take note like “Where the Wild Roses Grow” and Henry Lee so I’m thinking like Nick’s guest singers better than I like Nick Cave!
Shuggie Otis
3/5
It was in interesting listen. Not really my genre but it was fine but probably won’t listen to it again.
Queen
2/5
I found this album not my style. Even though I liked You’re My Beat Friend and Bohemian Rhapsody, really didn’t like Seaside Rendezvous, Love of Amy Life, Good Company among others.
Culture Club
4/5
Throwback to my college days so enjoyed it for nostalgia sake. Never listened to the entire album so enjoyed the non hits as much as Church of the Poisoned Mind which was my fav of their hits.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
1/5
Well I don’t know if his lyrics were any good - I was too distracted by his terrible singing and the mediocre music. He could use a good vocal coach to cure him of really annoying vocals. Hope I never have to listen to that again.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Sort of anonymous 60s psychedelic rock album. Nothing bad but just kind of there. Never heard of them before and I’ll likely forget them in the future.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Really enjoyed the music - especially the first track. This is where I wish I could give half stars. I liked it more than 3 stars but not enough for a 4.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
Really didn’t enjoy the vibraphone at all. This new tango “Nuevo tango” is not my favorite either.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Not sure I’ve ever heard Teanage Fanclub. Nothing really blew me away but nothing I didn’t like. Just a middle of the road alternative album.
Bob Dylan
5/5
This is one of my favorite Dylan albums with Shelter From the Storm and Tangles Up in Blue as my two favorites on the album!
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
This one struck a chord but can’t explain why. The opening track “Yes” was enough to hook me in and wouldn’t let me go - even when I couldn’t quite follow the lyrics. Solid album.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Mixed bag - really thought "Superstition" was by far the standout on the album. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" was ok but a little sappy. The rest were too sappy for me. So overall a 3 star for me.
Coldcut
3/5
I didn’t hate it and actually really liked "Stop This Crazy Thing". I’ll be generous and round up.
Air
2/5
After 10 hrs I really can’t recall any of the songs - so it’s getting a 2 star for being so forgettable.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I like Leonard’s later voice and not so much on this the earlier version. Not bad but more of an eh for me.
Beatles
5/5
I really enjoy this album and Revolver since they are still in the short pop songs but starting the experimental era
Wu-Tang Clan
1/5
That was worse than getting a root canal without Novocain.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
There were a couple of songs that were just ok but overall a great RHCP album.
LTJ Bukem
2/5
So know I know what genre drum & bass is - and that I can skip it anytime I come across that genre in the future! I just found it to be boring and ultimately forgettable. Hard pass.
Robbie Williams
4/5
First time listening to this album and really enjoyed it - at least after the first song that I thought was just ok.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Oh the days in the dorm listening on headphones to the opening of Time for all the alarms going off! Before Roger Waters became insufferable!
Roxy Music
3/5
This was a mixed bag for me. I like some of Roxy Musics layer music than I heard on this album. The standout for me was “The Bogus Man”. Just a meh for me.
Circle Jerks
5/5
Hardcore sometimes gets too much like Metal for me but this is more on the punk end so really enjoyed it. Also nice to have a 15 minute as compared to the 1+ hr albums in this list! “Back Against the Wall”, “Beverley Hills” were standouts.
The Strokes
4/5
Love the guitar work and the overall vibe on this album.
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
Interesting mashup of Rap and Blues. I love one genre and dislike the other and of course I ended up right in the middle with this album at a 3 star. Standouts were “Garage Man”, “Baby’s Got Sauce”, “Shooting Hoops”, but some of the others were not something I'd listen to again.
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
It was a good songs but it was really overproduced. I like John Hiatt’s recording of “Thing Called Love” better than this version. I did like “Nick of Time” and “The Road’s My Middle Name”
Barry Adamson
3/5
This was an odd album. If i would have listened to the album without reading about it, i would have guessed it to be a Jazz album and not an art-rock one. Didn’t hate it especially but didn’t love it either so it’s a 3.
The Doors
3/5
Blues influence on some but not all of the tunes. Standout were "Roadhouse Blues" and "Peace Frog". Nothing bad but just kind of a middle of the road album for me.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
Good to very good album. Love Janelle’s voice and some interesting music.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Luckily I spotted the YouTube link in the reviews - doing a search in YouTube didn’t work (I really dislike YouTube!). Standouts were H2O Gate Blues - especially now! , and The Bottle. I didn’t like his vibrato on some of the other sons. Overall a 3
Johnny Cash
3/5
I don't know - it was just OK. Why two versions of the same song is beyond me. This could have used an editor.
Beck
5/5
Excellent album - not a bad song on the album!
k.d. lang
3/5
Loved Constant Cravings so thought I’d really like the album but the rest was just meh. Not bad but just not my genre.
Devendra Banhart
1/5
Weird - just weird.
Metallica
2/5
The genre just doesn’t cut it for me - it has to have something more than super fast guitar riffs and drum skills which Metalli has.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Not bad but rather boring but I did like "Everybody's Stalking" and "Cause a Rockslide".
Django Django
4/5
Another Brit band that I never heard of on this list - guess I should get used to that. Better than yesterday’s Brit band I never heard though. Standouts were "Hail Bop" , "Default", "Life's a Beach" and "Silver Rays". "Skies Over Cairo" was interesting also
David Bowie
4/5
Standouts are "Watch That Man", "Panic in Detroit”, "Cracked Actor", "The Jean Genie" and to a lesser extent "Let's Spend the Night Together". Thought this was a much better album than Ziggy Stardust.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Man the addition of actual musical instruments, the varied genre inspired tunes and the Beastie Boys made for a fantastic album!
Ray Price
2/5
There is much better Country albums than this one. Have no idea why this made the list.
New Order
2/5
Was disappointed in this album - there are much better New Order albums. Pass
5/5
How could I not give it 5 stars? Great to listen to again no matter how many times that I’ve heard it.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
This album blew me away when it came out and it has lost nothing in the intervening years.
Pulp
3/5
I didn’t recognize the band name but I did know (and like) the song Common People so enjoyed the album. Probably won’t circle back to the album again but if it came on due to some algorithm, I’d listen again.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Love Aretha’s voice on this.
The Soft Boys
3/5
The first song or two I was thinking this was going to get 4 stars but the repetition in the songs brought it down to a 3 star.
The National
3/5
Just was alright. Didn’t hate it but then again, nothing to love either.
Björk
2/5
Since it’s a Bjõrk album figured it would be weird and I was not wrong. I liked her music from Sugar Cube days much better than this later avant-garde style
OutKast
3/5
It was tolerable- still dislike all those skits and really wasn’t into the guest rappers
Wire
5/5
That was great punk album. Didn’t really know of Wire by name when this came up in my feed but really enjoyed this and did recognize at least one of the songs from various streams.
The Cardigans
3/5
Lovefool almost pushed this up to a 4 star but the vocals on some of the other songs just didn’t match up it. An OK album overall.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Enjoyed it - haven’t really listened to the album for a long time and it’s more blues influenced than I remember.
4/5
Took me back to last yr of college which is when this this was released so gets 4 stars for that memory alone. I’m a sucker for New Wave :).
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Pleasant but not memorable. I wouldn’t even call this a country album but more of an adult contemporary.
Fats Domino
4/5
Gotta love the blues.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Lust for Life and The Passenger were the standouts. The rest were alright but not something I’d come back to.
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Sort of non descript jazz album. It was ok but not sure why it made it to this list since there are much more important and great jazz albums out there.
Stereolab
3/5
Just not much there to catch my interest. No bad but nothing to want me to really listen to it again.
ZZ Top
4/5
I forgot how bluesy ZZ Top really is underneath the obvious hits. Really enjoyed the guitar work on this album.
Aphex Twin
2/5
Ambient music is great for TV shows and movies and for elevator rides. But to sit down and listen to an album of it is too much.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Probably RHCP best album. Really isn’t a bad song on there. Love Frusciante’s guitar and Flea’s base playing
Frank Sinatra
2/5
I like Frank’s voice but way to many too many failed loved songs already!
The Black Keys
5/5
What a fantastic album. Mix of alternative and blues so of course it’s getting 5 stars from me.
Talking Heads
4/5
Really enjoyed the guitar work on this, best described as by some as “chiming, sometimes staccato, guitar lines that emphasize the rhythm section.” The songs aren’t as memorable as other Talking Heada albums so that’s why it’s. 4 star instead of 5 for me.
Stan Getz
3/5
It’s a good album for background music but not an album I’d actively put-on to enjoy. Bossa Nova just isn’t my thing I guess.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Was pleasantly surprised by this. Was torn on whether to give it 4 or 3 stars but gave this the benefit of a doubt.
John Martyn
3/5
Just kind of there album. Not bad but just not great for me.
The Modern Lovers
4/5
Pro-punk sound showed up earlier than I knew. Nice historical album from a band I haven’t heard of but definitely sounded familiar.
David Bowie
2/5
Looks like it’s just me but other than Young American, I never need to listen to this again. David Bowie before about 1981 just doesn’t do it for me.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
This was more mellow than what I was expecting. I liked it but didn’t love this album.
Slipknot
1/5
The machine gun guitar and drums were just slightly annoying. The screaming was just terrible! Too bad I can’t do zero stars!
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Enjoyed Tusk - definitely not rumors but it’s grown on me.
The Cure
3/5
It was a Dark and Stormy night - err album. I like the later Cure albums better but this was a good listen.
Doves
3/5
Just a non-descript British alt-rock album from the Aughts. Was an inoffensive listen that I rather liked when I was paying attention but that was hard since it didn't really grab me.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
This reminds me of an SNL skit with Mike Meyer as a German talk show host Dieter. This would be a perfect background music for the Sprockets show.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
This was more of a soul than a funk album. It’s ok but soul isn’t really my genre - a funk oriented album would likely have gotten a 4th star from me but as it was, I’ll give it a 3.
Sister Sledge
2/5
This is a classic album for me - for the type of music I don’t like. The main album is just way over produced and clinical. Sounds like a computer controlled drum machine and the vocals ran through Autotune but this was way before those came in to being. Now I did hear Nile Roger’s guitar work which did keep this album from getting a one star plus I actually really enjoyed the “We Are Family" (Steve Anderson DMC Remix). Really sad when the remixes eclipse the originals.
The Saints
4/5
Didn't know them by name but definitely recognized the music. Fun punk album.
Talk Talk
4/5
Not the Talk Talk that I remember but still really liked the album. I like the lack of synths and the use of physical instruments.
R.E.M.
5/5
I've been a R.E.M. fan since Murmer came out and still have a personal fondness for the early IRS albums. However, this one is right out there with the early albums as a favorite of mine. I particularly love “Monty Got a Raw Deal” and “Ignoreland”. If I could give if this 6 stars I would.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
What a distinctive voice that works well for her musical style. Standouts were "Piece of My Heart", "and "Ball and Chain"
1/5
The Intro, The Outro and Hot Dog sealed the 1 star rating for this album. There were a few songs in the middle that could have gotten a 3 star if they were standalone songs or on an EP but to start and end ann album with such garbage is unforgivable.
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
I’ve gotten a little more lenient for C&W as I get older but this album isn’t for me. I’d much rather listen to Drive By Truckers and Dwight any day.
4/5
I might have heard of PJ Harvey before listening but had no expectations going into this one. It was a great listen!
Heaven 17
3/5
As an electronic dance album from the early 80s is was good but there are better groups and albums out there. “Fascinating Geoove Thang and Penthouse and Pavement were the standouts for me.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
I actually enjoyed this on a rainy day - made it a little brighter. Standouts were Kiburi, Part 1 and Sing Sing Sing
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
It was an ok album - I don’t appreciate the vulgarity and misogyny but other than that it was ok musically.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Boy that was a boring listen. The only interesting song was “Blues in Bob Minor”. So songs to irritate your pub patrons was the point?!?
Goldfrapp
3/5
As electronic music goes I guess it was ok even though a little weird. Didn’t hate it but won’t be listening to it again.
Kings of Leon
4/5
Southern rock meets grunge and a little punk and blues thrown in? - works for me!
Herbie Hancock
4/5
That was a great album from someone who I know but wouldn’t have normally listened to.
Spiritualized
2/5
This album sold 10,000 copies in the United States in 3 years - that sort of put this into perspective. Wonder how many of the 10,000 people regretted buying this, I would have. Just there and not the interesting. I had to finally look up what the style was - space rock?!? - I think navel gazing crystal deveining would be better classification.
KISS
3/5
Didn’t age well since I thought much more of this when it came out when I was in Jr high. But couldn’t actually give it a 2 star either - so 2 1/2 rounded to 3.
Iron Maiden
3/5
This was actually better than I expected it to be. Definitely better than KISS Destroyer which I had yesterday and it squeaked out a 3 star but I can’t justify it getting the 4 star - a 3.49 star perhaps?!?
Minor Threat
3/5
I’m a punk rock fan but this (first?) hardcore album was just OK. I can’t put my finger on why I didn’t like it more than I did but I think in the end it was kind of forgettable. It just gets an OK rating from me.
Sonic Youth
3/5
A little too much art noise rock to rate a 4. An ok album and some part were really great.
Eurythmics
4/5
Always liked Anne Lennox voice. Was lucky to hear Eurythmics live in the early around 1990 and this takes me back to that concert!
Sex Pistols
5/5
Either it got better as I got older and my taste in music changed or the contemporary music scene has gotten worse since I would not have given this more than a 3 star in 1978 when I first heard it compared to 5 stars today.
Eagles
3/5
Not my favorite of the Eagles. Started strong with the first two songs but then followed by 5 mediocre songs.
The Police
5/5
Fantastic album and probably the best Police album. Forgot about Mother until I relistened to this again after a long time - I always found it odd but not bad. Also Every Breath You Take always surprises me that people found it upbeat considering it's very dark song.
Elton John
4/5
Didn’t really think much of Elton John when I was young but as I got older he has grown on me.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Reminded me of a cross between a soundtrack to some Broadway play and a cabaret performance - and not in a good way! Luckily it was only 30th minutes, any longer and it would have gotten a 1 star
Liz Phair
3/5
A bit low-Fi for my tastes. Guitar work on “Mesmerizing” was really enjoyable and there was a couple other songs I enjoyed. Probably won’t be coming back to this much which is why it gets a 3.
Pixies
3/5
I was expecting to like this more than I did. It was just OK. I found it very disjointed.
Miles Davis
5/5
First listen to this album and it was a perfect album for the overcast and foggy day!
The Crusaders
3/5
Yesterday was Mike’s Davis’ A Silent Way and this just wasn’t up that comparison. If it was in between two rap albums I might have given it a 4 but compared to Miles Davis, it was lucky to get that third star!
Peter Frampton
3/5
I never understood the hoopla when this came out - it had a couple good songs on it but nothing to write home about. Maybe it was the “talk box” gimmick but really it wasn’t that innovative. I think k this shows just how bad music was in 1976. Thank god punk was on the horizon!
Van Morrison
4/5
I’ve always like Van Morrison songs - just didn’t realize almost all the songs by him that I know and like are on this one album. Maybe need to listen to more of the catalog now.
Dr. Octagon
2/5
Actually liked the beats but then listened to the words and the misogyny and lewdness was just horrible.
Duke Ellington
4/5
After I realized that the album that the Spotify link uses is the Remastered Complete version that has way to much talking in between the songs that really weren’t on the original album. So just skip the talking and it was great!
George Jones
2/5
Twangy cheating Country love songs just isn’t my thing. It normally would have gotten a single star but George does sing well and the Weatherman got the extra star
Jeff Buckley
4/5
I didn't recognize Jeff Buckley when the album popped up and for the first 5 songs I was thinking that this was just OK from someone who I didn't know. Then "Hallelujah" started and then realized who Jeff was - probably the best version of Leonard Cohn's iconic song. I also really enjoyed "Eternal Life"
Tori Amos
3/5
It was just an ok record.
Chicago
3/5
Some songs were great but that guitar solo was just bad. So split the difference
Amy Winehouse
5/5
She said and sang it all - not much for me to add!
Incubus
4/5
I didn’t expect to like this but was presently surprised that I did.
David Gray
3/5
When this came up, I didn’t recognize the name David Gray and I didn’t do any research on him before listening then Babylon came on which I instantly recognized and have heard countless times and I liked - just never enough to go figure out who sang it.
Tom Waits
3/5
I like this even though it was odd. It felt like he was building up to something but it never quite showed up. Too bad because I like the ambiance that this created.
Nick Drake
3/5
Enjoyed the guitar playing and overall I liked it but not blown away by it either.
Rod Stewart
2/5
I liked Ronnie Wood's guitar playing but given most of the songs were covers and that I don't much like Rod's voice, I just had to give this a 2.
The Beach Boys
3/5
The Beach Boys always sounded “old” to be - even listening to them just 10 years after the album was released. A couple of songs were good but the rest was just forgettable to outright bad.
Arcade Fire
4/5
Sounds like the music coming out of my daughter’s room in high school - oh wait it WAS the music that coming out of her room! She has good tastes!
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I would I thought I would like this more than I did. It’s more of a chamber pop than really alt rock/new wave as in their other albums.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Higher ground was the outstanding song for me on this. The rest didn’t sort of blended into the background.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
For me this was mostly forgettable background music. The only one that really caught my attention was “Judy and the Dream of Horses” so nice way to end what for me was very meh otherwise.
Eagles
5/5
Iconic Eagles. I actually have a different album that is my favorite from them but still this gets 5 stars from me.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
I liked it but after a day, don’t really recall much from it so that’s why it just gets a 3 star - just wasn’t memorable for me.
Blue Cheer
4/5
This was a cool take on some classic songs. I wouldn't classify this as proto-metal but much more heavy Blues rock.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I'm going to rate this as a combo of the US version and the UK version of this album. If I would just do one of these I might drop it to a 3 star since Paint it Glass wasn't on the UK version and Mothers Little Helper wasn't on the US version and those where my 2 favorites.
SZA
3/5
I liked but didn't love this album. I do like SZA's voice but the rest was just meh for me.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
I was anti-country growing up and still am not a fan of most modern country. Other than the “alt-country, Americana sub- genre” and the old-school outlaw country of Waylon, Willie and Johnny variety.
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
Experimental rock that went a little too experimental. Can’t say I ever acquired a taste for Frank’s music.
4/5
As for this genre I like Blur more than Oasis but still was a nice album. I particularly liked Roll With It and the title track the best.
Public Enemy
4/5
I can see why this one is highly rated. I’d I liked the genre I would have given it a higher score than I did.
Little Simz
4/5
This will likely set a record for me - two hip hop albums back-to-back that I gave 4 stars to. I don't even like the genre (or at least most of it!) but this was a nice listen.
5/5
Probably my favorite album by U2 - huge fan of Edge's guitar sound.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
I didn’t hate The Boatman’s call which is saying something for the other Nick Cave albums that gotten on this list. I’m going to be generous and give it a 3
David Bowie
3/5
Wow - yet another Bowie album, why so many on this list?!? It was fine - the best part was the backing vocals on all the songs! The two strongest songs were "Young Americans" and "Fame" but the rest was just meh for me. I really am ambivalent about much of Bowie's music overall.
The Psychedelic Furs
5/5
This is right up my wheelhouse - early 80's post-punk/new wave with heavy guitar and live drums! Even after 24 years I still love it. Besides "Pretty in Pink", the highlights for me include "All of This and Nothing" - especially the demo version on the 2002 rerelease bonus tray, "Mr. Jones" and "Into You Like a Train" .
Cyndi Lauper
5/5
Cyndi became too popular in 1983 for most people when their debut album goes bonkers like this one did but she never really changed from the experience as far as I can tell. Her voice is amazing on this album I heard her live a few years ago and she can still rock.
Pavement
3/5
It was fine but not that memorable of an album. I liked it but a few hrs later, not one song stuck in my head.
The Notorious B.I.G.
1/5
Was originally going to give this a 2 but after reflection overnight there really isn’t anything on this album that I’d want to listen to again.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
I know this is influential but for me it’s just ok - some songs I really like and some I couldn’t stand. So it’s a middle of the road album for me
The Byrds
3/5
Not what I expected when I saw The Byrds was the artist. Just seemed to me that they were just chasing genres in their careers- or sometimes leading the chase but this was just an OK listen for me - I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn’t more than just a country album. And where is the Rickenbacker?!?
Adam & The Ants
3/5
I never really bothered digging into Adam Ants discography and only heard his singles. If this album is any indication, I don’t need to bother, listening to any of the other albums. I do like his singles, but arrest is just meh.
Deee-Lite
2/5
I didn’t recognize the group and didn’t read up on them before listening. Started off very disco-ish and the definitely switched to dance music - both not my genres. I did like a few parts of the album where the the members of Parliament/Funkadelic music came through! Also "Groove Is in the Heart" was fine.
The Band
3/5
Just ok - I like the versions of "Up on Cripple Creek" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" off the Last Waltz abl better.
Funkadelic
4/5
Rock with a dash of funk and soul! Fun listen
Elis Regina
3/5
Interesting to listen to once even though I'll likely never return to this album. Wonder what she was singing about?
The Verve
3/5
Just an ok album and one listen was fine but don’t need to revisit.
Prince
3/5
Again I wish this site allowed 1/2 stars. I gave the last Prince album the extra 1/2 star so I'm taking the 1/2 star away from this one to make this a 3 star album. I really like some of the album - especially the last 1/4 of it but really don't see this as Prince's best album as some site claim.
Neil Young
3/5
I like the idea of the album - just wasn't a fan of his voice or the instruments on this one. I've heard better Neil than this album. Not bad but not one I'll put on rotation.
Death In Vegas
2/5
Dirge would have been an appropriate name for the album - that's what it sounded like. Sort of edgy and off-putting and the music was building for almost all songs it just didn't take off. All intro and no main part. Odd - didn't hate it but won't be back on rotation unless I need some vaguely creepy background music.
Fiona Apple
3/5
I should like Fiona better than I do. She has a great voice and really like Criminal but just didn’t make it to 4 stars for me and I’m note sure why.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Total background alt-rock music. Seemed nice but totally forgettable.
Talking Heads
4/5
I am more of a fan of their earlier work but still a solid album. Definitely more than David Byrne‘s influence on this one.
Soundgarden
4/5
For some reason I didn't think that I would like this album but I was incorrect - it's actually very good. I knew and like "Spoonman", and "Black Hole Sun" but never really paid attention who the band was that performed these songs.