I know the band from a distance, may have listened to this a decade ago. It's enjoyable and listenable, but I am not thinking this is a 1001 worthy overall - it breaks no new ground, the vocals are above average, two lead singers, the hooks are there but no classic or cornerstone track on the album. Oddly, the first track has 183M listens on Spotify but I've never heard it on the radio, XM or at a party. There's a Taylor Swift vibe to "Gun" and "Lungs" for sure. "Recover" is a good song but it's textbook pop but it sounds like a weak B-side from Metric. "You Caught The Light" is self-indulgent nonsense. You get 16 songs so there's value if you're a fan. Designed for Millennials maybe? Nothing really intriguing or catchy. Again, this one isn't worthy of being I need to hear before I die.

Pavement was that band you heard about in the 90's but no one was a diehard fan of. They were on a compilation disc or two I purchased over the years but the material didn't interest me enough to dig deeper. "Cut Your Hair" was the tune. This album solidifies that initial perception - loose sound, weak vocals, vanilla songs, no real hook or groove to gravitate to. I can think of 20+ bands from 1994 that I'd prefer to listen to. "Average" is the first word that comes to mind after persevering through that entire album. It's quite possibly one of the most boring albums I've ever heard. Influential, no. Full of great songs or hits, no. Encapsulation of the times, no. I have NO idea how this makes anyone's Top 1001. I almost went with 1 star!

I don't know what to say other than this sucked hugely. Just noise and screaming from the get-go. The second song has the worst repetitive guitar intro maybe of all time. There is NO reason this made ANYONE's Top 1001 other than shock value. This is crap and sounds like an album they gave away at their show where they played in front of 35 people on a Tuesday night. Every song sounds essentially the same, 100 mph and screaming nonsensical lyrics over and over. There is no way to sit through all 12 songs and remain sane - if you can make it through "Bullet Train To Vegas" in its entirety, you are bulletproof! This album is not worthy, No Stars is my rating.

Classic with 3-4 absolute classics, plus 3-4 fringe classics along with a couple of countryfied tracks, solid top to bottom

Classic from my high school years, know it well. "Mother" is god awful but oddly entertaining. The rest of the album is almost a greatest hits collection.

One of the first LP's I gravitated to as a kid, pulled it from my dad's collection because of the awesome cover. Not a bad tune on it, absolute beast of an album, especially for a debut. Standouts "Good Times", "Dazed" and "Communication Breakdown" are radio standards while "Your Time", "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" are fan favorites. Solid top to bottom!

Mama sure gets mentioned a lot. I enjoyed the title track and “Here I Am” which is well written. A bit too much of a country church vibe for my tastes. The double vocal got old and her pitch is only good for a couple songs before it’s annoying.

Just listened to it yesterday. I can happily die without listening to it again. I found it boring but creative, just too ambient to enjoy or wonder what surprise is around the corner (spoiler, there is no surprise!). One.Five stars for me!

Soulless. This starts where Radiohead went from my favorite to just confusing. Not a huge fan of any of the tracks. The music is repetitive, looped, computerized, noisy, bordering on boring and has no heart. Gone are the killer guitars, the emotional sing along vocals, the sound breaks, it's just a wall of sound now and not in a good way. I find myself getting 2 mins into each song and fast forwarding. "House Of Cards" is the only real keeper but "Jigsaw..." is solid, "Weird Fishes" (until it wanders aimlessly for 2 minutes at the end) and "Reckoner" (until it also wanders aimlessly for 2 minutes at the end) have their moments. Weak overall, and certainly not Top 1001 quality!!

I know this from way back. Got me to know RA and explore the rest of his catalog at the time. It's a very slow album with peaks and valleys. I find myself turning it up at times because it's so lo-fi. Really enjoy "Oh My Sweet Carolina" with Emmylou Harris, they sing well together and created a classic track. "Pick Me Up" is instantly catchy and the centerpiece of this album. Would not have made my 1001 List but enjoyable.

So far, this is the first album I have no previous experience with. Not a band I know other than by name. The opening few tracks were boring and reminded me of late 90's garage band noise with no breaks, just constant sound with barely intelligible (or audible) vocals that drone on. One tolerable tune, but I'd never listen to it a second time. Again, not a 1001 album in my book, I can't see any reason to include it based on influence, revolutionary sound, or anything. Did they get better in later years? I can't make out why they would have had a career at all, nothing stands out. I got thru it quickly as I didn't relate to any of it, nor would I ever want to hear a single song a second time. Worst choice to date.

I know the band from a distance, may have listened to this a decade ago. It's enjoyable and listenable, but I am not thinking this is a 1001 worthy overall - it breaks no new ground, the vocals are above average, two lead singers, the hooks are there but no classic or cornerstone track on the album. Oddly, the first track has 183M listens on Spotify but I've never heard it on the radio, XM or at a party. There's a Taylor Swift vibe to "Gun" and "Lungs" for sure. "Recover" is a good song but it's textbook pop but it sounds like a weak B-side from Metric. "You Caught The Light" is self-indulgent nonsense. You get 16 songs so there's value if you're a fan. Designed for Millennials maybe? Nothing really intriguing or catchy. Again, this one isn't worthy of being I need to hear before I die.

Now we're talking! I love PG, and his third album spawned classic tracks that have been on the radio and in movies for 40 years. "Games Without Frontiers" is catchy, makes you think as you listen to the words, and is the cornerstone of his greatest hits. I literally know every word. The urgency, vocal gymnastics and hook of "I Don't Remember" is an instant earworm. "Biko", the final track on the album, is a moving tribute that sparked actual change in Apartheid South Africa, it stands as a incredible protest song that encapsulates a troubled time in recent history. "Intruder" is creepy and has you looking over your shoulder, both "And Through The Wire" and "Family Snapshot" are textbook Gabriel and super catchy. Solid album, amazing songs, cutting edge production for the time, worthy of the Top 1001.

I remember this one being a huge success and all the talk when it was released. She singlehandedly put piano torch songs back on the radio. There are no bad songs and two or three classics that still get a lot of airplay. "Don't Know Why" & "Turn Me On" are both sexy, catchy and put her on the map! "Come Away With Me" is a love song that you hear at weddings all the time. While there is some filler (bordering on boring) and the pace is slow from start to finish, it's an enjoyable album. If you're a fan you get your money's worth with 14 songs. Groundbreaking, no, but definitely influential and popular.

First one so far I have never heard of, never seen mentioned, never popped up on a playlist, never seen the album cover, etc. Turns out it's over 20 years old and there's now a Deluxe Edition. DJ dancy stuff - a lot of vocal loops that get super annoying after 4 minutes - but nothing revolutionary, zero new ideas and hardly cutting edge. These guys couldn't carry Moby's jock, compete with Groove Armada, Air or Thievery Corp, their early 00's contemporaries. Mixed like a DJ would, including needle sounds/static pop between songs, the only original idea here. I do like the song title "Pablo's Cruise", that's fun. The Deluxe edition has remixes by Stereolab, Prince Paul and others, they improve the tracks but there wasn't to work with. Another that does not deserve to be in the Top 1001. Two stars is generous.

This is an album you always hear mentioned when it comes to influential and classic albums. While I enjoy The Band, I've never listened to this album from top to bottom. "The Weight" alone gets it a few stars, add in "I Shall Be Released", which has been covered by everyone & their mother over the years, and you have a strong collection of songs. From the opening tune you can feel the passion of Levon & Robbie's voices, they aren't posing, they're releasing emotions. I like "Long Black Veil" and the storytelling throughout the album. Not all killer, but not all filler, it rolls and fits together, reflects the time it was released and it's cohesive.

Now we're talking! This is am/fm radio from the 1970's but it's held up so well that the kids today all know these songs. From opener "Second Hand News", to radio staples "Dreams", "Gold Dust Woman", "Don't Stop", "The Chain", "You Make Loving Fun", "Go Your Own Way" and fan favorites like "Songbird" & "Never Going Back Again", this is so chock full of songs everyone knows. I believe the only song you don't hear on the radio is "Oh, Daddy", that's 10 of 11 that get airplay. This is the most classic album I've reviewed to this point, this is a true 1001 album. Everyone should know and appreciate the creative genius, the hooks galore and the timelessness that comes with such a classic. 5 stars.

Huge 90's album, dominated the airwaves while generating huge hits "Hand In My Pocket", "You Oughta Know", & iconic "Ironic". Packed with attitude, female-power & an edge that hit hard in 1995. The other songs on the album all fall in line with the hits and aren't filler but perpetuate the vibe she's throwing at the listener. The one exception is "Perfect" which is painfully bad and "Forgiven" which is just annoying. "You Learn" and "Head Over Feet" weren't huge hits but they are fan favorites you still hear on the radio. 5 of 12 songs making the radio is impressive any way you slice it. It's a loaded album, packed with hits and tons of attitude!

Let me start by saying I'm not a fan. I like parts, not the whole. It moves so fast it makes me uncomfortable as the listener. I remember when it was released and it was like nothing anyone else was doing at the time, two vocalists, part rock, part rap, all angry. I do love "One Step Closer", and remember being blown away when I first heard the urgency and the angst they delivered it with. Any entire album in the same vein is overwhelming, he's yelling at the listener for 40 minutes (prime example "By Myself"). The other huge hit on the album , "In The End", is whiny and a bit annoying. "Crawling" got a bunch of airplay and he actually sings parts before the yelling commences again. Truth is the album, beats and music, don't hold up all that well 24 yrs later, I was bored 7 songs in. Groundbreaking maybe, but that sound hasn't stood the test of time, the album is not 1001 worthy.

I know JB, but didn't know this album. Rod Stewart's unmistakable voice opens things up on the classic rock track "Shapes Of Things" and continues into the Hendrix-esque "Let Me Love You". Setting the table nicely with this punch, counterpunch intro to Truth. Rod could sing the phonebook and make it sound good so props to JB for adding him without front cover acknowledgement. Remake of "You Shook Me" can't touch Zep's but it's respectable. I did "Rock My Plimsoul" which I didn't know. "Greensleeves" and "Beck's Bolero" are instrumental classics and show his guitar prowess. Amazing piano on "Blues Deluxe"! Wrapped it up nicely with "I Ain't Superstitious". Solid album top to bottom.

I know the bands catalog pretty well up through the late 80's and I feel they have better albums than this. 70's rock was built around their sound and influence. Everyone who's a fan of classic rock knows their sound and their hits. In Rock kicks you in the face from the opening chords of "Speed King" right thru to the closer "Hard Lovin' Man". Big guitars, a lot of screaming and a big sound for early hard rock fans. It's a powerful statement, we came to rock and blow your doors off, no punches were held. The guitar solo in fan favorite, "Child In Time", is absolutely bonkers! Overall it's a plodding, heavy handed, organ heavy, pedal down rock album that doesn't stand up well today and doesn't include any of the songs the general public would recognize from rock radio. They got better later on (1972), both as musicians and songwriters. GREAT album cover though!

I wasn't stoked to see this pop up. She's good, great voice and a cool vibe but I never thought of her as upper echelon or a must listen album artist. She definitely had an impact on Singer Songwriter types, Tracy Chapman is a logical tie. The first time I heard "Love & Affection" I loved it, great hook, I'm surprised no one has updated it. "Down To Zero" has subtle power and stands up pretty well, it does not sound 48 years old! Her singing style reflects the times it was recorded. The only real stinker was "Join The Boys", just an odd vocal delivery. "Like Fire" is a fun track, another one that could easily be covered and updated, while "Tall In the Saddle" has a surprising guitar solo that I didn't see coming, and it outshines the song itself. Is that Joan?! Overall it's an enjoyable album, revolutionary, no, but solid. I'd be interested to find out what criteria got this album added to the Top 1001.

I love Bowie and there are a few other albums of his I'd put ahead of this one. Aladdin Sane comes roaring out of the gates with "Watch That Man" with boogie piano, Mick Ronson's guitar gymnastics and an energetic chorus that reminds one of an Elton song. The title track missed the mark for me. "Panic In Detroit" is a rocker and a classic rock radio staples along with both "Let's Spend The Night Together" and "The Jean Genie". Solid core songs plus ""Time" which is a standout with that unmistakable Bowie sound. As mentioned, there are better Bowie albums but this is an enjoyable one but maybe a bit less cohesive than others.

Never in a million years would I have thought "Follow The Leader" would make anyone's Top 1001 list. It was unavoidable in 1998 and had people talking while it livened up rock/alt radio. "Got The Life" was all over the airwaves, followed quickly by "Freak On A Leash". Both rock hard, both have undeniable energy & both still get airplay. It was an unmistakable sound for the time and bridged hard rock and alternative rock but I'm not sure overall that the album holds up so well toda - many of the 14 songs sound like they were created from the same blueprint without much change in sound & makeup - kinda cookie cutter. Dark topics, heavy from start to finish, it's a lot to make it through all 14 songs in one sitting! After 4 songs the luster wore off...the Ice Cube collaboration, "Children Of The Korn", was unnecessary, as was "Pretty". "All In The Family" borders on offensive, then and now, while "Reclaim My Place" and "Justin" are just plain boring noise, overall a really weak second half. In my opinion there is no place for "FTL" on the Top 1000, it might make the Top 2000.

I know the name but they were never mainstream, nor did they have any radio hits and they aren't a band people still talk about so their window was small. This album got a 20th Anniversary edition makeover so someone liked it! I like the production from the first track, very 90's but energetic and layered nicely. "God! Show Me Magic" is catchy, fast and hooky. "Fuzzy Birds" was heavily influenced by the Beatles Sgt. Pepper. "Frisbee" is like a kazoo orchestra manned by monkey's, it fits the times though. None of the songs are bad, some are overly repetitive, but none of them blow my mind or should be considered super memorable. I don't know how many songs were on the original but the 20th Anniv Edition has 47 songs, some live/demo stuff added. Overkill! Not a Top1000 album I don't think but thanks for introducing me to something I missed in the 90's!

Another complete surprise choice for any Top 1000. I know the name, heard a few songs over the years.

Classic start to the 2000's. Saw this tour, paid $9.47 to see them play all 9 songs and nothing more. Great album from the outside, "Don't Panic is a nice intro to what Coldplay will become over time. "Yellow" is perhaps my favorite song of that initial decade, and "Shiver", "Spies" and "Trouble" all provide star power. This is the first Top 1000 album I have been served up over the last 2 wks that actually was a Top 1000 album. The last 3 tracks are all a bit flat. Not the masterpiece that "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" or "X&Y" would be but it still stands up today. 3.5 stars.

Amazingly cool album cover from an album everyone who knows classic rock is aware of. Instant classics and rock radio staples "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" along with the beautiful guitar god shredder "Samba Pa Ti", make this a Top 1000 album.

Another one I've never even heard of, artist or album. I listened to quite a bit of electronica music around that time but no one ever turned me on to this album. It starts out very frenetic but it reminded me of a movie soundtrack, not something I'd put on to enjoy at home. A couple of the tracks were so repetitive that I ended up skipping ahead after they went nowhere - repetition was the name of the game back then but the same words over and over for 8+ minutes?! This breaks no new ground and nothing is catchy even for the time it was released, truth is...it's boring. This is definitely not a Top 1000 album.

This is considered a classic by many of my friends. I've never understood why. I've tried it many times over the years and I keep expecting to learn why people are drawn to it, but I never do. It's got some merit but nothing on here is compelling or leads me to want to listen to it again. Only one song ever kinda got on the radio, "I Wanna Be Adored". Vanilla vocals, pedestrian beats, weak hooks, busy instrumentation with that murky early 90's mix, all this leads me to say this is a boring album. Fine guitaring on "Made Of Stone", but that is the highlight for me. Not making my Top 1000, nope.

I know the band by name only. Dark first song, wow, quite the story and what an intro to the album. Can't say I love his voice across the first few songs, rough with no warmth (think Lemmy Kilmister). It switches to a softer delivery later and I believe "72", which is textbook new country, is sung by someone else altogether. Regardless this album is overall boring, not groundbreaking, no real hooks to want you to revisit and relisten, it plods along like a late 90's album. "Zip City" was the only tune I'd give a second listen if I was required to. A poor man's Seven Mary Three is what comes to mind. C- in my book! Definitely not Top 1001 worthy.

It's a name I've heard over the years, usually some rockstar complimenting ND on songwriting or something, but I've never really listened to anything he's done. I didn't know he went this far back to 1972! This is much more mellow than I assumed and his voice is more pleasant than what I know from the Bad Seeds days. I can see the draw to this album, I put it on and looked out the window at the beach & boats. Nothing mind-blowing or groundbreaking but enjoyable. The final 1/3rd of the album bottomed out and lacked any sparks. I am glad I had an opportunity to get introduced to older ND, but not sure I'd include this in a Top 1001 list.

Right in my wheelhouse, I know this one and really like it. Top to bottom good with a bevy of hits and tracks people know. 1984-85 radio had the title track, "Glory Days", "I'm On Fire", "Dancing In The Dark" & "My Hometown" ib heavy rotation. Those five, plus minor hits/fan favorites, "No Surrender", "Downbound Train" & "I'm Goin' Down" give you 8 out of 12 songs that got airplay, that's a Top 1001 album by definition, it can't be denied. It's cohesive, upbeat, catchy, and the songs are well written and have stood the test of time. Even my kids know 2-3 of these by heart today.

I know the name, heard they were influential but have only listened to a track or two over the years. Based on vocal prowess I understand why they never went mainstream, but worse singers are household names. His style is not smooth or catchy, the production is average and the mix is off I'd say. I don't hear anything I'd ever want to listen to a second time. "Prove It" is the only gem on the album. The title track is the only other decent song but again, the mix is so indie band and bland with a half decent solo thrown in. It goes for nearly 11 minutes though, complete overkill. They'd have been better served to have 12 shorter songs vs 8 long songs. Not a Top 1001 album, not even close in my book.

Definitely a classic and deserves Top 1001 status. Talk about firepower right out of the gates! The album starts with the intro title song which is still in heavy radio rotation 40 yrs later, followed by massive hit "Little Red Corvette", which is followed by fan favorite "Delirious". The 8 minute "DMSR" (Dance Music Sex Romance) is a sing-along dancefloor filler with a killer beat and memorable lyrics. The album is cohesive and sounds fresher than the 1982 release date would indicate. It's a double album so it's a lot of music and some long songs are included. Other standouts and fan faves include "Let's Pretend We're Married", "Lady Cab Driver" & slow jam "International Lover". "Something in the Water" was unnecessary and "Automatic" is a bit redundant at 9.5 minutes, but those are the only flaws. Top 1001 deservedly, it has hits, it's still popular, it's influential, it broke him as a bonafide star & everyone knows the cover!

I don't remember them being more than a popular name to mention in the 90's. No hits from what I recall. The intro song, and all of these to one extent, are long and repetitive with so much sound and no breaks - it's too much, and there's no time to relax and enjoy the music. Heavy on keys, heavy on guitars, repetitive lyrics, added noise - it's an onslaught and I was drowning after the 2nd song, then "Minnesoter" came on and it was shorter with breaks and structure and playfulness not expressed on the earlier tracks. Then "Orange" hit and it's a slow, very 90's song with beauty and chill. "Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth" got some minor airplay, it's a good pop song. Best song by far is "Every Day Should Be A Holiday". Repetition is the key word for this band & this album. Feels there are a lot of "filler" songs. Not Top 1001 caliber by any means but not bad.

Classic selection, any rocker knows the name of this band and album. Tearing out of the chute with the badass rocker "Highway Star", which is still played 50 yrs later on rock radio, sets the tone for this album. Sandwiching good songs like "Maybe I'm a Leo" & "Never Before" between mega-hits "Smoke On The Water" and the album-ending & hugely popular "Space Truckin'" (see the recent animated video if you haven't see it already). I can't say it's all killer with no filler, but it's a solid rock album and definitely showed a generation how to metal-up their rock n' roll. It was a joy to listen to, nothing screechy or too loud, just straight forward jams. Top 1001 worthy!

I remember when this hit, it was very eye opening for the time. I was more into traditional hip hop like Run DMC, Whodini, Beastie Boys, Naughty By Nature, etc in the early 90s. I saw this as angry, not light fun music to listen to in college, so I didn't give it much time back then. From the outset it has aggressive relentless beats & energy, along with a unique audio mix meant for big speakers. In listening to it again, I remember why it never resonated with me... Chuck D just sounds like a preacher to me and I don't listen to music as much for the message as the song structure and instrumentation which are super important to me. Some of the samples are just distracting and disjointed. "Burn Hollywood Burn", "Anti-N Machine", "Revolution Generation", nothing catchy about them, it's all message no focus on the music. They spread a message and opened eyes to what a 90s black man was experiencing, us white suburb kids had no idea. Influential, check. Provocative & eye opening, check. "We do what we have to do to survive" is the message I walked away with. Would I listen to it again? Nope.

Pavement was that band you heard about in the 90's but no one was a diehard fan of. They were on a compilation disc or two I purchased over the years but the material didn't interest me enough to dig deeper. "Cut Your Hair" was the tune. This album solidifies that initial perception - loose sound, weak vocals, vanilla songs, no real hook or groove to gravitate to. I can think of 20+ bands from 1994 that I'd prefer to listen to. "Average" is the first word that comes to mind after persevering through that entire album. It's quite possibly one of the most boring albums I've ever heard. Influential, no. Full of great songs or hits, no. Encapsulation of the times, no. I have NO idea how this makes anyone's Top 1001. I almost went with 1 star!

Love me some Talking Heads! I will start by saying I can think of 2-3 albums of theirs that I prefer more. This was the end of Disco and the beginning of New Wave. 77 starts out with the uplifting "Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town" and wraps with the stellar classic "Psycho Killer" which holds up really well after all these years. You still hear it on the radio, acoustic covers, elevator music, tv/movies, etc. Even my kids know that one! In between you get gems like "Tentative Decisions", "Pulled Up" & "The Book I Read", which are blueprint Heads songs, catchy and quirky. While I would not put this on my Top 1001 I did enjoy revisiting it as I'd never listened to it front to back.

I don't know what to say other than this sucked hugely. Just noise and screaming from the get-go. The second song has the worst repetitive guitar intro maybe of all time. There is NO reason this made ANYONE's Top 1001 other than shock value. This is crap and sounds like an album they gave away at their show where they played in front of 35 people on a Tuesday night. Every song sounds essentially the same, 100 mph and screaming nonsensical lyrics over and over. There is no way to sit through all 12 songs and remain sane - if you can make it through "Bullet Train To Vegas" in its entirety, you are bulletproof! This album is not worthy, No Stars is my rating.

I know the name, I am familiar with a few of their songs, but I've never understood the hype around them, so I welcomed the opportunity to listen to an entire album that's considered essential. I like the opening track, "Black Mirror", "Keep The Car Running" feels familiar and sounds like a Springsteen penned song, didn't care for "Intervention" at all. It wasn't long before I was bored. His voice does nothing for me (he wouldn't last long on the cruise ship) it doesn't make me want to keep listening and I'm at a loss for why they're popular. They feel like that band everyone tells you you need to love, but they can't explain why. Not Top 1001 for me, I don't feel it's that solid, it has no anchor songs & I can't imagine it's influential cause all I hear are other bands in their songs (Springsteen, Talking Heads, The Killers, Chris Isaak). Not worthy, but thanks for confirming what I already thought.

Not familiar with this album at all but know of WuTang and GZA. Saw him perform solo a few years ago, amazing to see someone rhyme like that without reading anything, sharp brain. While this is not exactly in my wheelhouse I gave it a solid listen. I liked how they set the table on the intro so you get the concept they're going for. You can understand what he's saying, it's intelligent & engaging, more storyteller than rapper. I enjoyed it, glad I heard it but it wasn't life altering and I didn't find a great song that I can't believe I'd never heard before. Not a Top 1001 in my book.

I know the band name, never heard this album though. Apparently no one else on Spotify has either, not a ton of listens. I understand why after hearing the first track. This guy is not a singer, he sounds like a guy who stole the mic at a gig and slurred some words to the startled crowd. I didn't hate the album but I see no reason to give it a second listen, no compelling songs (even the only one with a bunch of listens, "Lost In Magic") and no great music. The best thing I can say is they have clever song titles. "Light/Fireworks" is pure garbage. Who's coming up with this list? Definitely, definitively, 100% not a Top 1001 album in anyone's world.

Now we're talkin'... I love me some Bob! THIS is a Top 1001 album without a doubt. From the slow rhythmic intro of "Natural Mystic" into solid songs like "Guiltiness" (better version on the box set), "Exodus", "Waiting In Vain" & "Turn Your Lights Down Low". All reggae gems in their own right, but then you throw in classics like "Jamming", "Three Little Birds" and "One Love/People Get Ready" and you have a true masterpiece. Even my 75 yr old parents know the last 3 song I mentioned, my kids know them, they're timeless and always welcome on the radio or at a party. I would have absolutely loved to see Bob in 1977-78 playing all these fresh songs! 6 of his biggest hits on this one release - this is a Top 50 album.

I know QOTSA but was not expecting to see them on a Top 1001 album list. Typically they have 3-4 great songs and a bunch of filler tracks on each album. This album is no different. I missed this album and started with 2000's "Rated R". I can't deny their groove and the nice hooks they throw into their some of their hard driving songs that leave you wanting more, but also wondering why they can't do it more regularly. Good intro track in "Regular John", great jam in "If Only", a deep groove on "You Would Know", a galloping rocker in "How To Handle A Rope" and On the flip side, sandwiched between the rockers mentioned above you get sloggers like "Avon", "Walkin On The Sidewalks", "These Aren't The Droids..." & "Hispanic Impressions". Great song titles though! For this reason I can't grade this too high, but it's a good rock & roll album.

I have honestly never listened to a RC album front to back. This sounds old yet classic, and it kicks off with a gem in "Let The Good Times Roll". Big horn sound of that era with a playful vibe but I found the horns actually overwhelm the songs themselves - maybe they're mixed too high or maybe that sound is just dated. I find it distracting and sapping across 12 songs. I much prefer his later stuff where he sings songs and shines vs dancing around a giant horn section with heavy string accompaniment. The second half of the album is more in that vein with "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'" and "Come Rain Or Come Shine". Bottom line, it sounds dated and felt rather boring overall. I think his true genius comes later in life. I didn't dislike it but I didn't love it, nor would I consider it a Top 1001. His compilation "True Genius" is a better option.

This is a great album, a 90's staple that I had on high rotation back in the day. Perfect intro tune to set the tone with "Planet Telex" then you roll right into radio and alt classics "The Bends", "High & Dry" and the fantastic "Fake Plastic Trees". The next wave includes "Bones, and "Just" & "My Iron Lung", all fan favorite upbeat gems. The entire album has the energy, the vibe of the day and is loaded with some of their very best music. I wish they would have continued down this path & matured their sound after the other absolute classic "Ok Computer", but they chose a different less catchy, less connected and more abstract sound that I didn't ever fully understand or embrace outside of a few songs per album. The album ends on a high note with "Street Signs (Fade Out)" which is just a cool song and a fitting end to a great album. He could really sing and this song epitomizes where they could have gone. Top 1001 worthy.

Never heard of this artist or this album. Before my time and it's all in French. I like the slinky intro, like the opening scene of a spy movie. It's got a soundtrack vibe from start to finish. Serge is definitely not a singer, just a talker, and not understanding him one bit makes this a long journey for anyone. I can tell he's telling a story, but I can't follow it. Good background music to work by and I think I would have enjoyed it more if he spoke less and included more of the guitar from the intro song. Entertaining yes, Top 1001? Not even close. It's a one trick French pony!

Not a fan of the man. My kids both love his stuff. I saw him open for U2 on his first tour, he was entertaining, just him, a mic and a boombox with backbeats circa 2000. I went in open minded so I could give this a listen in its entirety... Interesting electronic intro but then his unappealing voice kicks in and my open mindedness went out the window. He just sounds pissed and I listen to music to rock out, or get into a groove or chill, his voice makes the muscles in my neck tighten up. Maybe I'm too old, I just don't get him but apparently lots of people do, there are 600M listens to "Black Skinhead" and 1B for "Bound 2", wtf?! "I Am A God" speaks to his mentality and contributes to my unflattering view of him as a person. I know from college tailgates that he rules their airwaves but I'll never be a fan. I just find him angry and unenjoyable. Top 1001 for influence and pop culture maybe, but not cause it's good to listen to.

Never heard of Silver Jews, and after listening I'm not surprised. While entertaining it's not Top 1001 material, not even Top 2002. Intro tune sounds like a Cracker demo cut and the following songs were all stuck in first gear with no compelling reason to listen to them all the way through. The best song was the instrumental "Transylvania Blues". The other tracks have too many words, not enough music or melody. "Boring" is the word that first comes to mind. I tried. No hits, not influential from what I can tell, weak vocals, no real hooks to draw you in, overall it's a better than average album. There is NO way this album is on ANY other Top 1001 list ever made. I think this was added by mistake or the lead singer is the one assembling this list.

I reviewed "Pink Moon" recently. As mentioned previously, he's a name I've heard over the years, usually some rockstar complimenting him on songwriting or a brilliant album, but I've never really listened to anything he's done. Must be a musician thing, I don't find anything compelling about him. This album is super mellow like "Pink Moon", his voice is more pleasant than what I know loosely from his Bad Seeds days. I get some of that early 70's California singer/songwriter vibe. Again, nothing mind-blowing or groundbreaking but enjoyable. I damn near fell asleep during "River Man" and "Three Hours", snorefest! I can't hear his influence in any other artist and there are zero hits or memorable songs on this entire album. Honestly, I was bored out of my skull, every song is as dreary as the one before it. I am glad I had an opportunity to get introduced to older ND, but not sure I'd include this or anything else he does in a true Top 1001 list.

From what I understand these guys were huge before I was listening to music, late 60's-early 70's. I knew the opening track (I Want To Take You Higher) from the radio and tv commercials, same with "Everybody Is A Star". Then you mix in absolute classics like "Everyday People" & "Hot Fun In The Summertime" & "Thank You..." that still get airplay today, plus fan favorites "Stand!", "You Can Make It If You Try" and "Dance To The Music" and you have a classic record that holds up well this many years later. This is half of their Greatest Hits album! My one big takeaway is that the music is positive & uplifting, they aren't focusing on the recent dark times (Vietnam, 70's politics, racial inequality) but rather how people can make a difference if they want to, change is possible & everyone deserves to be happy. I see the merit in making this a Top 1001 album - still has mojo, hit songs people know 50 yrs later, positivity and influence.

Heard the name a time or two but I've never listened to The Blue Nile. 1984 was my high school wheelhouse and I listed to everything so there has to be a reason this never hit my radar. I didn't enjoy the intro song, dreary and bland. "Tinseltown..." was their obvious hit but again, it didn't capture my attention, average at best. The second most popular song, "Stay", was by far the best track. The singer sounds like he's over his skis on vocals, straining to find any range or stay in the pocket. Clocking in at 5-6 minutes on every tune I found they wore out their welcome at the 3.5 minute mark on most every track. There's zero reasons that are obvious to me on how this made anyone's Top 1001, it's stark and boring with no highlights, no hits, no compelling songs or instrumentation. I felt like he was a drunk making up songs over a guy hitting a piece of tin in an alley, never captured my attention. 2 stars

Love that this was included. What a debut album! It's a bonafide killer from start to finish, six of the 8 songs were constants on rock radio when I was a kid in the 80's. Hard to beat the intro with "Can't Get Enough", then you roll into "Ready For Love", "Movin' On" & the ultimate classic "Bad Company". Fully loaded classic rock album. Even the ballads "Don't Let Me Down", "The Way I Choose" and "Seagull" are memorable and adored. The band itself is awe worthy... Paul Rodgers could sing the phonebook (and make it sound good), Mick Ralphs is a vastly underrated guitar god, Simon Kirke has some of the best drum fills ever & Boz Burrell is a legendary bass virtuoso. My parents know these songs, that has to say something about the prowess & staying power this album has had. Hit songs, influence, longevity on the radio, this one has it all. If you're a real fan of this album try the Deluxe version and hear how the songs morphed into what was ultimately released in 1974, along a few great B-sides. It's hard to believe they could leave "Little Miss Fortune", "The Way I Choose", "Easy On My Soul" or "Superstar Woman" on the cutting room floor!

Classic rock legends, and this is one of their best! 8 songs and 5 made it on the radio with 4 being rock radio staples to this day. Out of the chute with "I Ain't The One", then rolling into the 7 minute ballad "Tuesday's Gone", and on to my favorite Skynyrd tune, "Gimme Three Steps", followed by the revered "Simple Man", which has been covered by everyone and their mother too! The only dud is "Mississippi Kid". They wrap this album up with what's possibly the biggest classic rock song of all time in "Free Bird", yeah you can yell it, and you have a bonafide Top 1001 album that had hits, top notch musicianship, gritty vocals, was influential and still stands up 50 yrs later!

I have been a high level fan of SATB since the mid-80's thanks to a handful of radio friendly songs they released. This is a popular record based on the number of plays, but I only knew "Spellbound" & "Arabian Knights" from their greatest hits album. "Arabian Knights", "Into The Light" & "Monitor" have that great early 80's vibe and catchy hook - they were probably killer live, so much energy and angst. I am glad I had a chance to listen to it and I enjoyed it but I don't think it's Top 1001 worthy.

Knew this one back in the day when it was popular & they were the talk of the town. I tried real hard to like it all but it's so gloomy was only drawn to a handful of songs. In retrospect, I kinda dig the slow groove. I enjoyed the intro, "Mysterons", moody & dark with a nice rhythm, a table setter for the entire album. That is immediately followed by their one "hit" song "Sour Times" which seemed to always be on alternative radio in 1994. My favorite was "Wandering Star" which I forgot about, repetitive but groovy. Then you have solid songs like "It's A Fire", "Numb", and the stellar "Roads" & "Glory Box", it's much better than I remember, not an album for everyone but I can see why it's deemed a must-listen recording. Top 1001 worthy!

I tried to get onboard with Sonic Youth back in the 90's, they just never struck a chord with me. They had popularity, but compared to their competition at the time I found them bland, bare bones and less hooky. There's just so much unnecessary noise and feedback that take away from the songs themselves, I think that was what turned me off 30 years ago. The one minor hit, "Sugar Kane", is the one tune that stands out. I gave it a listen but it's not Top 1001 for me. I can hear some influence maybe but with no hits, no longevity, no memorable songs, Kim Gordon's very unappealing voice and the overall sound that doesn't hold up well it falls well short of making my list.

I found this as "Second Edition" on Spotify, no album called "Metal Box". I know the band as Johnny Rotten's spinoff from the Sex Pistols but only remember a few super annoying songs from the late 80's or early 90's. This album does nothing to suggest PIL is a good, or even average, band. I now solidly remember why they never went mainstream and why no one I knew actively listened to them. The opening track is 10 mins long, super dreary and highlights his weak singing voice over a repetitive drone of guitars, and that was one of the more listened to tracks. Pure garbage. It went downhill from there... No one can call this crap a masterpiece! "No Birds" and "Chant" are unlistenable. The songs on this album were not hits, not influential to anyone that came after them, his vocals are intolerable, clumsy drumming, the music sounds like an intoxicated 8th grade garage band from Boise. Zero reasons for this to be on any Top 1001 list!! One star just for showing up.

Familiar sound, I know the band name, but an album I've never listened to before. Ian Curtis' vocals are the only hurdle I had to enjoying this record, he's flat and boring and sounds like a someone trying to be a singer who isn't a singer. Bands live and die by the frontman, it's a fact. Apparently "post punk" was slow and plodding. This album is dark and sludgy, a far cry from the New Order sound they would soon develop. The percussion is dreadful & robotic. I love old Cure songs from the same time, but they have amazing musicianship to back up the gloom and doom and there's a ray of hope in the vocals, light at the end of the tunnel if you will, not so much here. Outside of "Shadowplay" (someone finally realized there was a guitar in the room!), I didn't truly enjoy a single song, though I didn't hate them either. Would never listen to this record again, but I can say I gave it a go!

I got a noogie from an older kid when I was in 3rd grade for saying Steely Dan sucks, that was my intro to the band. They weren't KISS or Earth Wind & Fire or the BeeGee's so in my young mind they weren't worthy. Today, I know their greatest hits and all the radio songs really well from all the airplay and movies they were in. They grew on me over time. I consider the opening track, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", to be a true classic rock radio track. The songs after that are mostly new to me. I had heard "Night By Night"I believe, and "Any Major Dude..." felt oddly familiar. It's a very accessible album with mix of rock, mellow,ness horns, jazz and pop. I didn't feel compelled to skip tracks. I can't say it would make my Top 1001 but I enjoyed listening to it and understanding where their popularity came from.

Now we're talking! AIC's Dirt is a 90/Grunge classic and deserves a spot on the Top 1001 due to influence, impact at the time & the hits that are still relevant radio staples today. I lived in Seattle when this came out, it was absolutely HUGE! Shooting powerfully out of the gates with the rockin' "Them Bones" they set the tone from the get go. They roll right into killer "Dam That River" and "Rain When I Die", both rockers with great hooks. They keep the vibe going with "Down In Hole" & "Rooster", both down tempo tracks but each pack a punch and have a sing-along chorus. The mixing and production is so much better than on previous albums, this is polished for mainstream consumption since everyone was eating up whatever grunge albums were in heavy rotation (5x Platinum). There are a couple tracks that might be considered 'for fans only' with drug-themed "Sickman", "God Smack" & "Junkhead" but they fit the album and the times. "Junkhead" with it's "What's my drug of choice? What have you got?" line is both memorable and foreshadowing. I felt the only dog on the album was "Hate To Feel", it could have hit the cutting room floor and no one would have missed it. The album finishes with the 90's anthem "Would?", who anyone who lived at that time and was into music knows and appreciates. It had its roots in the classic "SINGLES" movie that highlighted Seattle life and grunge music. Deserves a spot in the top 1001, thank you for including it. You can still hear 6 of these songs on rock radio, that's 50%, that's staying power!

I was familiar with this one at a high level. "Paper Planes" was and is still on regular rotation on the radio. I dig her voice and you can feel her attitude, strength and message in her delivery. I can't say I enjoyed the opening handful of tracks, "Bamboo Banga", "BirdFlu", "Boyz", the repetition & incessant percussion were grating. "Jimmy" offers a view of what she's capable of doing, mixing sounds from her homeland and making a catchy song. "Hussel" and "Mango..." are a mess and sound like they were created in a rush. I was excited to revisit this one after 10+ years but I didn't enjoy the vast majority of it. Her limited talent is evident and on full display. This doesn't deserve a Top 1001 spot at all, it's annoyingly repetitive, doesn't stand the test of time, has insignificant influence on music that followed it, has only one song that anyone knows and sounds like an indie release that got lucky in 2007. One star maybe!

Never heard of the guy, and I was listening to everything in 2000, so this one flew under my radar. I liked the intro vibe he was laying down, part hip hop, part year 2000 alt rock. I read up on him, he's got producer chops, you can tell since the music & mix is stronger than the MC'ing he's doing. I'm not a lyrics guy, so he may have been spitting knowledge but I focused on the music and found the overall combination lacking. No real standout tracks, no beats that destroy, nothing with a undeniable hook, just average but enjoyable. Not Top 1001 worthy... I don't feel the influence, no hits, no singalongs, no unforgettable moments. The production is good though, I liked the soundscapes he was creating.

Know the name, know the cover, but before my time. Of course I know songs like "America", "Mrs Robinson" and "A Hazy Shade Of Winter" from the radio, tv and movies. Overall it's got a chill vibe, good songwriting, an uplifting tone and peeks into who Paul Simon would eventually become when he ventured out on his own. All the songs have a certain charm. "Save The Life...", "Fakin' It", & "At The Zoo" all have spunk but don't sound super dated. There are a few clunkers in "Overs" and "Old Friends", maybe they fit the times. I'm glad I gave it a solid listen. Wouldn't make my Top 1001 but I respect that it's on this list. They were super influential, there are a handful of hits that have stood the test of time (and have been covered countless times), and you can still hear this album on the radio today.

Now we're talkin'... Bob is a god among men. "Concrete Jungle" may be one of the coolest songs ever and that's followed by the classic reggae super hit "Stir It Up"! You then roll into "High Tide", "Stop That Train", "400 Years" (with Tosh on vocals) & "Baby We've Got A Date", it's practically a Best Of, not a single weak track. It's so loaded with tracks that anyone who appreciates reggae can attest to, "All Day...", "Kinky Reggae" & "No More Trouble" are all fan favorites that get airplay today and have each been covered by other artists. Bob's message of positivity and fighting for your rights is universal and still brings light to people in need 50 years later. There's a Jamaican version and the US pressing. The US version is a bit more polished and sounds newer, the guitar work is much better as well. If you're streaming you'll see the deluxe version, try that, Disc 2. This is SO deserving of a 1001 spot for it's insane lineup of Mt Rushmore reggae tracks, his influence on reggae & song writing, the radio friendly songs that still get airtime today. It's Top 50 in my book! I listened to this two complete times I was enjoying it so much!

I do enjoy Queen, the full-meal-deal-band with great vocals, killer guitars and a rocking rhythm section plus great song writing! I've listened to the entire album before but it's been awhile. The album gets out of the gates fast with "Brighton Rock" then rolls into one of my Top 5 Queen songs in "Killer Queen" which has such a strong visualization component as you can see her in your mind after such a vivid description. This isn't loaded with radio hits like other albums but it's all quality stuff with that Queen flair. "Tenement Funster" (great vocal by Roger, you gotta wonder why he didn't get more lead vocal duties), "Flick Of the Wrist", "Lily Of The Valley", "Misfire", are all solid rock songs! The only other hit was "Stone Cold Crazy" which Metallica covered years later and still gets a considerable amount of airplay. Overall a very solid record with hard rock, pop, mellow songs, an upbeat ditty ("Bring Back Leroy Brown"), crazy good guitar work and an uplifting vibe. I prefer "The Game" as far as favorite albums go, but there's no filler on Sheer Heart Attack. It's worthy of a Top 1001 spot.

Great choice, so well done and super relevant then and now. I remember being a fan of Unplugged and watched every episode more than once back when MTV was actually a music channel. I do recall wondering how Nirvana, the rockin' unhinged alternative giants, were going to tone everything down. They figured it out because they're excellent musicians who can undress a grungy rocker and pretty it up real nice. Standouts include "About A Girl", the Bowie cover and big hit from this album "The Man Who Sold The World", "Something In The Way", "Lake of Fire", "Plateau", "On A Plain", & the other bit hit (also a cover) you still hear a lot today "Where Did You Sleep Last Night". This album helped the world see Nirvana as more than just another loud grunge band from Seattle and solidified their status as one of the Top 10 bands of the 90's. It also introduced a number of Nirvana's favorite cover songs to a brand new audience & sparked renewed interest in those bands (mainly Meat Puppets, but also Lead Belly & Vaselines). Not a weak track on it, maybe a few you're heard too many times, but they're all solid. I wouldn't have thought of this as Top 1001 worthy, but it really is.

This selection surprised me. He has some great songs and I know his early work is respected, but I have the image of him singing "Poison" which is one of his few hits still getting airplay, it's even popular with the college boys today (they play it at tailgates!). The title song is still a classic rock radio staple. I remember cranking it on the last day of school in like the 6th grade, it resonates with any kid stuck in the doldrums of school and waiting for summer break! Beyond "School's Out", none of these were radio friendly or made his greatest hits. This album could have used his classic (and my favor AC tune) "I'm Eighteen" to muscle it up a bit. It would have fit the theme too. He has a good singing voice when he's not trying to sound like a hard rocker, songs like "Alma Mater" highlight his ability to be more than just a glam rocker. The album isn't stuck in one gear, it has different flavors, highs and lows. I only skipped one song, "Gutter Cat vs The Jets", but overall I don't think it's Top 1001 worthy but I enjoyed getting to know it.

Never heard of him, never seen this album in the racks, didn't know a single song going in, this is a blue bird for sure! Jumped right in and gave it a listen... I hated it from the start, the opener is just nothing I'd ever listen to willingly. He sounds like a guy who sings at a coffee house on Friday nights. His range is limited, the songs are boring and one dimensional. "No Other", the title track, has potential but again, it stagnates and becomes a bit boring. "Strength Of Strings" & "From A Silver Phial" both have some nice guitar work but then he sings. The whole thing feels like it borders on gospel. I found myself skipping through most of the tracks after 2-3 minutes, just couldn't keep my attention. It just sounds very dated, maybe it was cutting edge in 1974. I have no idea how this made the list, it must have been a mistake or Gene is the one who put this list together. One star!

Even being from Portland I don't understand the fascination with Elliott Smith. I did love "Plainclothes Man" by his band Heatmiser. Outside of that, I have always found him to be vanilla, both in his singing and the song structure/hooks. Is it the message and song writing people like? Was it the time and that sound resonated with people? I can admit I've never listened to this entire album. But nothing jumps out at me as being essential listening. It's ok, I wouldn't leave the room if someone threw it on, but I also wouldn't get into a groove either. There are likely hundreds of albums that sound this bland from late 90's and early 2000's. The album borders on meandering and boring, I struggled to finish most songs, there won't be a second listen. The saving grace is most songs are under 4 mins long, but then there are 16 songs to drag the experience out. One star for trying, just not my thing I guess. Certainly not a Top 1001 album.

This is an album I should have been aware of as a kid, but ska/reggae wasn't on my radar at the time. I've learned to appreciate them and the fact that they were definitely ahead of their time. They paved the way for Madness, No Doubt, UB40, Sublime, Fishbone and others. \"A Message To You Rudy\" is an absolute classic 80's song, if you can't enjoy that song you're just not a fun person. It's a tribute to late 60's reggae while being on the front edge of the New Wave movement. Every song is under 4 mins long so it's fast & furious even at 15 tracks. At the time they were breaking new ground, but today it may not sound all that new or unique to the listener. Their version of Toots' \"Monkey Man\" is really well done (and inspired No Doubt on theirs), and their own \"Concrete Jungle\", \"You're Wondering Now\" & \"Blank Expression\" are catchy tunes. A fun album to listen to, I can hear the influence (seeing that this was released in 1979), but maybe not Top 1001 worthy.

Never been a fan, don't understand their appeal at all

I know NO but never listened to this album and I don't know any of the tracks from the radio. From the looks of it "Love Vigilantes", "The Perfect Kiss" and "Elegia" were all popular songs. None ring a bell and I was fully immersed in pop and dance music back in 1985. I don't know if this is ground breaking or influential but all of it is enjoyable, it sounds very mid-80's and a sound they would grow into the 90's. I hear snippets of The Cure in instrumentals like Elegia, similar guitar work. The other track I really enjoyed was "Sooner Than You Think" which was a tablesetter for the hits they would release a year or two later. Better than average but not Top 1001 unless you can explain its significance in the world of music recordings!

I love her voice but I've never felt she could put together a full album of great tracks, more of a singles maker but that was 20 yrs prior to this release. I hated the intro track and her delivery, just rough and I didn't want to love her after hearing it. Then "Shameika" and it's redundancy and over the top instrumentation let me know this ain't the album for me. The percussion on "Relay" is distracting and manic. I can't connect with these quirky songs. She isn't showcasing her great voice at all, most of it was talking not singing. It has angry undertones and repetitiveness that make it unenjoyable for me. Fairly popular album based on the # of listens on Spotify. I skipped ahead on most of this. I just don't get what she's selling. I found none of it compelling, it sounded like the ravings of someone who's making music alone in their basement. "Ladies" was the one song I could tolerate, but again it's lined with rambling incoherent words and sounds. One star for trying but I hated it. Not 1001 worthy.

I don't get these guys, I love "Ms. Jackson" but their style, beats and vocal staccato isn't my kind of hip hop. It may be the pitch of his voice or the rapid delivery but it makes me reach for the FF button. The album instantly sounds dated, it hasn't aged well, all the Interlude stuff just gets in the way. I enjoyed "Ms. Jackson & "I'll Call..." but otherwise it was repetitive and rapid fire and I just don't love the sound & I'd never put it on and play it in it's entirety, that makes it unworthy of the 1001. I'd give it a solid 2.5 stars.

Legendary! Sophomore release, a tough act to follow after the success of their debut. Not my favorite BB album but the good stuff is GOOD STUFF! This is a great blend of hip hop, party music & innovation, and this is the album that forced the industry to take them seriously. Less frat boy party driven than their debut but it includes classics "Hey Ladies", "Shake Your Rump", "Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun", "Shadrach" & "Johnny Ryall". I blew a speaker back in the day cranking "Shake Your Rump"! The percussion, bass line, samples & in-your-face delivery. "I'm like Sam the butcher bringing Alice the meat", "Like Fred Flintstone driving around with both feet", so many good lines in one song! The only truly weak song is "3-Minute Rule, otherwise it's a fun romp. I've read about the sampling and the fact that no record before (or since?) has ever had as many samples from other artists woven in. Innovation and influence, plus all the fun songs. Solid album!

I enjoy Sabbath and like Ozzy's voice but this album is dark and dreary and he is just learning his vocal ways. 5 songs at 40 mins, those are long tracks. From the intro of the opening track you can immediately hear their influence on future rock and think of songs by Metallica, Alice In Chains, Deep Purple, Rainbow, even Zeppelin. "The Wizard" is rock royalty, still played regularly on the radio and those licks are worshipped by metalheads around the globe. "Wasp/Behind The Wall/Basically..." eventually becomes known simply as "N.I.B." and is one of the foundations of hard rock as we know it. What a jam, it blows the doors off and has likely killed many a woofer in it's day! Not an album I'd listen to often but I am glad I consumed it from top to bottom once in my lifetime. Top 1001 due to influence, defining a genre and staying power. Thank goodness Ozzy learned to sing with inflection and became a much better songwriter in future years.

I saw her open for U2 years ago. It wasn't enjoyable outside of her one recognizable song "Down By The Water". This album was painful to endure. She's not a great singer, the music is noisy with very little melody, the lyrics didn't speak to me, it just wasn't my thing. I know she was a reviewers dream in her heyday but she was average at best and that's a gift. The only tracks I sorta enjoyed were "Highway '61 Revisited" & "Dry". The remaining 12 songs were not good. There's a reason you don't hear any of these songs on a best of the 90's mix or on the radio. I suffered thru the entire album in the name of thoroughness! No way this should make the Top 1001; not influential, no staying power, no hits, nothing memorable (for me at least).

What in the world makes this album Top 1001 worthy? It's great if you like soft R&B with no beats or anything compelling to make you want to continue listening. Boring was my immediate thought, slow pace from start to finish with zero vocal gymnastics or musical groove. Apparently people listen to this there are two songs with over 11M listens. She might as well have been talking for 53 mins. Not my thing, not worth finishing. It felt like she was making up the words as she went along & the tempo rarely changed. This is a glaringly bad choice to include. One star, and that's just because it's listenable, just not enjoyable. If you like slow and boring, this is your album!!

I remember when this came out and they were the talk of the town. I tried it then and couldn't get into it even though I was open to it. All these years later I still find it average at best. The album has energy and some hooks. "Caught By The Fuzz" and "Alright" are obvious fan favorites based on the listen counts on Spotify, but I don't remember either one and '95 was right in my musical wheelhouse! "Time" was the only song I truly enjoyed. I'm not sure how this makes the Top 1001 - it has it's moments, has some cool production value, but this didn't influence anything that came after it, there are no radio hits, no one mentions Supergrass as a top 90's band, the vocals and songs are just better than average, nothing stands out for me. I could have died without ever hearing this one.

Hey Day Neil Young, this is the good stuff before he got whiney, overtly political and musically meandering. The vibe the is there, you can feel it, there's positivity and sunshine in the delivery. "Out On The Weekend", "Harvest" & "Alabama" weren't hits but easily could have been. "Heart Of Gold" is quintessential N.Y., "Old Man" is memorable & heavily covered,"Needle & The Damage Done" is eye opening and lovely. The weakest songs of the bunch are "A Man Needs A Maid" which is a swing and a miss, & "There's A World", but the rest fit nicely together for a cohesive album. That 70's California vibe that was so influential at the time is evident in this recording. This makes the Top 1001 based on longevity, influence, radio hits/cover songs & the overall package. 4 stars

I vaguely remember this was a hot commodity when it came out, mainly because they were an integral part of Paul Simon's "Graceland" sound - it wasn't my thing but I gave it a try. In revisiting it I found it enjoyable and unique compared to the rock, reggae, alternative sounds I typically listen to. You gotta respect the harmonies and the depth of the vocals even if you can't understand much of what they say. It's impressive but I must say it's repetitive for an entire album, not a ton of variation over 46 minutes. I found myself skipping forward on some tracks as I feel like I'd already been there and done that. It would not make my Top 1001 for any reason. Likely impressive to see live but not something I'd throw on to listen to on my own or recommend to others. No hits, not overly influential but they did establish a sound & awareness of South African music worldwide.