370
Albums Rated
2.71
Average Rating
34%
Complete
719 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Critic
Rater Style ?
20
5-Star Albums
44
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bad Company
Bad Company
|
5 | 3.26 | +1.74 |
|
Synchronicity
The Police
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
|
So
Peter Gabriel
|
5 | 3.55 | +1.45 |
|
Hotel California
Eagles
|
5 | 3.6 | +1.4 |
|
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
|
5 | 3.63 | +1.37 |
|
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
|
5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
|
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
|
5 | 3.66 | +1.34 |
|
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
|
5 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
|
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
5 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
|
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
|
5 | 3.74 | +1.26 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
|
1 | 3.84 | -2.84 |
|
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
|
1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
|
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
|
1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
|
Zombie
Fela Kuti
|
1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
|
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
|
1 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Springsteen | 4 | 4.5 |
| Led Zeppelin | 2 | 5 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 2 | 1 |
| Robert Wyatt | 2 | 1 |
| The Smiths | 3 | 1.67 |
| Gene Clark | 2 | 1.5 |
| Elliott Smith | 2 | 1.5 |
| PJ Harvey | 2 | 1.5 |
| Emerson, Lake & Palmer | 2 | 1.5 |
| Manic Street Preachers | 2 | 1.5 |
| Joni Mitchell | 2 | 1.5 |
| Fela Kuti | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Radiohead | 2, 4, 5 |
5-Star Albums (20)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Kelela
1/5
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!!
3 likes
Pavement
2/5
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!
2 likes
CHVRCHES
2/5
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.
1 likes
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
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.
1 likes
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
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.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (44)
All Ratings
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Classic with 3-4 absolute classics, plus 3-4 fringe classics along with a couple of countryfied tracks, solid top to bottom
The Police
5/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
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!
Dolly Parton
3/5
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.
Sigur Rós
2/5
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!
Radiohead
2/5
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!!
Ryan Adams
3/5
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.
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
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.
CHVRCHES
2/5
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.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
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.
Norah Jones
3/5
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.
The Avalanches
2/5
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.
The Band
3/5
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.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
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.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
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!
Linkin Park
2/5
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.
Jeff Beck
3/5
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.
Fishbone
3/5
Deep Purple
3/5
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!
Joan Armatrading
3/5
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.
David Bowie
4/5
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.
Korn
2/5
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.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
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!
Ghostface Killah
2/5
Another complete surprise choice for any Top 1000. I know the name, heard a few songs over the years.
Coldplay
4/5
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.
Santana
4/5
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.
LTJ Bukem
1/5
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.
The Stone Roses
2/5
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.
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
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.
Nick Drake
3/5
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.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
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.
Television
2/5
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.
Prince
4/5
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!
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
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.
Deep Purple
4/5
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!
Public Enemy
2/5
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
2/5
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!
Talking Heads
4/5
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.
Drive Like Jehu
1/5
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.
Arcade Fire
2/5
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.
GZA
2/5
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.
The Fall
2/5
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.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
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.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
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.
Ray Charles
3/5
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.
Radiohead
4/5
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.
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
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!
Kanye West
2/5
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.
Silver Jews
2/5
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.
Nick Drake
2/5
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.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
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.
The Blue Nile
2/5
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
Bad Company
5/5
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!
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
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!
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
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.
Portishead
4/5
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!
Sonic Youth
2/5
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.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
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.
Joy Division
2/5
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!
Steely Dan
3/5
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.
Alice In Chains
4/5
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!
M.I.A.
2/5
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!
Mike Ladd
2/5
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.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
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.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
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!
Queen
4/5
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.
Nirvana
4/5
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.
Alice Cooper
3/5
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.
Gene Clark
1/5
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!
Elliott Smith
1/5
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.
The Specials
3/5
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.
The Smiths
1/5
Never been a fan, don't understand their appeal at all
New Order
3/5
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!
Fiona Apple
1/5
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.
OutKast
2/5
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.
Beastie Boys
3/5
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!
Black Sabbath
3/5
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.
PJ Harvey
1/5
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).
Kelela
1/5
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!!
Supergrass
2/5
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.
Neil Young
4/5
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
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
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.
Brian Eno
2/5
Completely new to me. I know Eno from his work with Bowie, Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads, etc but haven't listened to any of his solo work before.
The intro made me instantly think of "Golden Years" by Bowie or "Once In A Lifetime" by the Talking Heads. Interesting sounds and percussion but I found the album disconnected and more than a little repetitive while his vocals are average at best and a little distracting.
Maybe this was influential to musicians who understand the nuances of making music like this. While I appreciated the multiple instruments and layers I didn't find the overall product compelling, it never came together for me. "King's Lead Hat" could easily have been a Heads song. "Here He Comes" is likeable and I hear some of his future work with U2 on it. "Juliet With" is a boring Pink Floyd ripoff.
Nothing to dislike just not much to want to ever hear again. This is a nod to his body of work, not necessarily the content of this album, and the influence it had on future artists. Not Top 1001 unless someone can convince me otherwise.
Talking Heads
3/5
I am a Talking Heads fan, so I've heard this album before. I don't think there's a ton that separates this Heads album with others from before or after it, in fact I find it less appealing than "TH 77", "Speaking In Tongues" or "Remain In Light". "Take Me To The River" is a cover but it's a standout since they made it their own and it groooooves!
Favorite track "Stay Hungry" after the aforementioned "TMTTR".
I'd argue that not a single track on this album made their best of, meaning it's not a fan favorite nor does it have radio appeal. I found Byrne's vocal a bit high on some of the songs and the music not as adventurous or funky as other albums. It's not a Top 1001 for me.
George Harrison
3/5
I know the man, giant Beatles fan, and his work. I know the album name & cover but I've never listened to it in it's entirety. This came out right after the Beatles split up for good so it has a little White Album/Let It Be vibe going. This was his liberation, his announcement that he's free and able to make hits on his own.
I knew "My Sweet Lord" & "What Is Life" from childhood radio. There's good guitar work throughout but the standouts I wasn't previously aware of included "Wah-Wah", "If Not For You" (which feels like it should have been a radio hit), & "I Live For You". I could have lived the rest of my life without ever hearing "Behind That Locked Door" though. "Let It Down" sounds like it's from a future album of his, it's got a different vibe.
"Isn't It A Pity" has a "Hey Jude" thing going on at the end, right? The 2014 Remaster has a great version of "Beware Of Darkness" on it that I wish would have made the original release.
Not sure this changed rock music but it's a good album, one that showcased his blossoming solo-ness. Likely wouldn't make my Top 1001 but I respect the work.
Duke Ellington
2/5
I tried, but jazz is definitely not my thing. I'm sure he's good at it, I've known his name my entire life, but it has ZERO appeal to me. "Everybody do your thing, we'll meet in the middle for a minute, then we'll wrap it up", jazz and it's freeform ways drive me bonkers since I'm not a musician.
It all sounded the same, too many horns, too much orchestration. Probably impressive to see live, I love watching people jam out who are masters of their instruments, but not my kind of music.
Not Top 1001, not on my list at least. 2 stars cause I'm sure someone appreciates this waaay more than I do.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Artist, album, title song & album cover that everyone knows and has long been considered a Top 1001 album in the pantheon of music. I've been told the album encapsulated the tension and times for not only black America but for 1970's America.
Classic title track, the message is strong but the groove is relaxed not political. There's definitely a theme and continuity throughout this album. \"Wake up and listen to the people\" is what I'm hearing. The next highlight was \"Mercy Mercy Me\", which is such an iconic track & my favorite on this album. Strong finish with \"Inner City Blues\" which is the funky MG sound that was missing from much of this album.
Some of the songs felt wordy, the message was overpowering the melody & standard songwriting/hit making. \"Save The Children\" is a prime example, I had a hard time listening to that one. \"Right On\" is a close second. The spiritual/religious overtones aren't my thing either.
Overall, it's a good album. I understand its significance & influence on artists to follow & the cultural impact it had. Just not quite a masterpiece for me.
New York Dolls
1/5
There is no reason this album should make any Top 1001 if you actually listened to it. I tried it once before when I read it was a "must listen". David Johansen is a frontman, not a singer. They made it cool to dress as women and go full glam, that was their contribution to popular music and they set the table for a lot of 80's hair bands to follow.
Even the one "hit", Personality Crisis, is hard to listen to in its entirety. Musically it's no better than an Alice Cooper or Kiss album from the same general time. They may have been fun to see live and to feel the energy firsthand but this is not an album anyone "must" hear, ever.
One star for trying and for visual influences.
The Verve
2/5
I know the band but not this album or any of the tracks. I was excited to get into this one and was immediately let down by the first two songs which were just 90's noise. The Verve I came to know showed it's head after that but I still didn't get into it. The songs were ALL too long, the melody was missing & the songs just wandered aimlessly. No real hooks, just repetitive, dark, averagely bland 90's rock.
If I had to choose the two best songs: "On Your Own" & "History".
I heard nothing that would ever make me want to listen to this album again. 2 stars, tops. Not 1001 worthy.
Cream
3/5
LOVE "Strange Brew" since the first time I heard it on classic rock radio in Jr. High. It just has a easy going groove but still rocks & it was an early Clapton vocal. "Sunshine Of Your Love" is still a rock staple and you hear it in movies, ads and on the radio. "Tales Of Brave Ulysses" used to be on the radio a lot in the 70/80's but not so much anymore.
Some of the tracks are a bit dreary ("Blue Condition", "We're Going Wrong").
In it's day this may have been cutting edge, and I know Cream's influence is deep, but the sound hasn't aged as well as a lot of other classic recordings of the late 60's. I can't rank it Top 1001 and can only give it 2.5 stars
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I dig a lot of what Leonard Cohen has done over his storied career but I'm not sure I'd include any single album of his in the Top 1001. He's a great songwriter but his delivery is slow and deep and is a lot to handle for 40 mins straight. I'd say this was included based on his lyrical poetry and songwriting more than than the overall album.
I enjoyed it all, he's great to listen to and oddly calming even when the subject matter is anything but. Slow and mellow, maybe too much so.
Great background music and compelling enough that you want to listen to his stories but not Top 1001 worthy.
The Human League
3/5
I am familiar with the band and the album, but I never thought it would make this Top 1001 List. It had one humongous hit in "Don't You Want Me" (which you couldn't avoid on the radio in 1981) and one minor hit in "Love Action". They were in at the start of liftoff for MTV and they helped one another become popular. I've never listened to this album in its entirety.
I can hear the influence their sound had on other 80's artists but I don't think of this as groundbreaking or a must-listen. I can hear Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, The Bravery, Thompson Twins, etc, but I also hear Devo, Gary Numan & Kraftwerk that came before them.
I really enjoyed "Darkness" & "Seconds".
It's a very 80's album but the sound has held up fairly well. I just don't feel it deserves a spot among the greatest and most influential albums of all time list. 3.5 stars would be my grade.
The Stooges
2/5
I know the band name and some of Iggy's solo stuff but I've never listened to any of their albums in full. I instantly recognized "Seek And Destroy" from Pearl Jam. That's a really strong song.
I could hear Danzig at times with "Gimme Danger", after that there's a lot of noisy punk energy ("Your Pretty Face...", "Shake Appeal", Death Trip" ) while "Raw Power" is good but it's a "Seek And Destroy" clone. He was channeling Van Morrison on "I Need Somebody".
I got the feeling Iggy wasn't sure what voice he wanted to use as a singer, or he was trying to give each tune a different vibe, it didn't feel cohesive because of this. I am glad I tried it but outside of the influence some of these songs had on grunge era bands I'm not sure I see the need to include it on the Top 1001.
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
It's now called "Introducing The Hardline According To Sananda Maitreya". I owned this one back in the day, hard to believe it was so long ago. He hit the scene and everyone thought he would go on to be a huge star, that never happened. Cool voice (Sam Cooke-y at times), good vibe & look for the time, and some solid songs to back it all up. He was the guy you wanted to say you were a fan of since Day One.
The instant standout tracks were "Wishing Well", "Dance Little Sister", "If You Let Me Stay" & "Sign Your Name". "Who's Loving You" wasn't a hit in the 80's but would have been a 60's hit for sure, Sam Cooke should ask for royalties! The videos were overplayed on MTV and he sold a ton of records that year.
Solid songs throughout, good songwriting, easy for young and old to get into, cohesive & kind of cutting edge for the time. He was just a little different than the cookie cutter popstars & hairmetalers, blending R&B/Motown sound with singer/songwriter vibe. I think he and Tracy Chapman opened up minds and made mellow music, that wasn't overtly poppy, cool again. Influential in that sense.
He skyrocketed to the top and plummeted just as quickly. Great debut album, it sold 1M copies in its first week. Solid album, some staying power, huge impact at the time, influential since no one was immune to hearing the hits or seeing the videos at the time of it's release.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Classic album and cover with a bunch of rock radio staples. You can still regularly hear "Bell Bottom Blues", "Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out", "Key To The Highway" & "Layla" (all of which were made popular again with Clapton's "Unplugged" album in the 90's).
Add in "Have You Ever Loved A Woman", their version of "Little Wing" & "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad", and you have a classic album that still stands the test of time. The only knock, especially from someone who may not be enamored with Clapton & Allman, is the songs are long, too long in some cases. It has a recorded live feel to it, that's why some of the songs turn into 7 minute jams. I prefer most of the songs that EC takes the lead on.
70's tour de force, influential to all the classic rockers who came after and every jam band on the planet. Stands up today and still gets airplay so it deserves a spot on the Top 1001.
Ray Charles
2/5
Ray's influence, hits and longevity are etched in stone but I'm not sure an album of covers makes the Top 1001 list. I don't think this stretched rock & roll much other than making covers cool and spinning a standard or country song into more of an R&B sound. The sound similarities with the other album on this list are too much to ignore
Interesting take on "Bye Bye Love", "Careless Love", & "You Are My Sunshine", the rest was pretty vanilla.
It hasn't stood up well with the heavenly-choir backing vocal, the extended strings straight out of a Disney musical, and the the over-the-top horn section. There's nothing cutting edge on this, even for 1962, was it a huge hit? It's lost on me, what justifies this making a must-hear list like this?
2 stars cause the songs are good & his vocals are easy to listen to. I'd like to hear a modern cleaned up version with fewer horns & none of the corny white-people-in-heaven-back backing vocals.
Willie Nelson
3/5
I was familiar with this one already. It's enjoyable throughout, but very mellow. It's mainly covers Willie liked to sing. I know this is widely well regarded but I don't see the innovation or impact, only the longevity.
Everyone loves his versions of "Georgia On My Mind", "Sunny Side Of The Street" & "Blue Skies", but I think the highlight may be "Stardust", its beautifully sung & the guitar is lovely. "All Of Me" is also a standout track. His version of "Unchained Melody" is a stretch and seems forced.
It's a solid lineup of songs delivered at a high level. While good & critically adored, not sure I'd have it in the Top 1001. No big hits and no innovation but it's awesome winter-in-front-of-the-fireplace music.
The Pogues
2/5
Not a band or sound I thought I'd see on this list. Not my sound, I just don't enjoy it so I'm at a loss to review it. This belongs in an Irish bar. I feel like the only time these songs get played is when someone throws a St. Paddy's Day party. I knew "Fairytale..." but the rest was repetitive, delivered too urgently and I struggled to get through the entire album. I love Mountain Dew, but hated the song they sang about the wonderful beverage.
I never would have included this one in the T1001. Not innovative, not sure it's had an impact outside of one song being a holiday favorite and it has zero staying power/hits. 2 Stars for not being bad but just not my thing.
Sarah Vaughan
1/5
I have heard the name, and a song or two over the years, but I've never heard a full album. And I likely never will again. I didn't find the music, her voice, the songs or the vibe worthy of a future listen.
Wow, was it just me or did every one of those songs sound damn near the same as the one before it? It might have been one 35 minute song with short breaks. I was looking forward to her take on "Just A Gigolo" but I think I fell asleep a minute in. If this was a top album in 1957 I'm super glad I wasn't around to endure what was not making the charts.
Admittedly, this is not my kind of music but her vocals just didn't cut it, it was so cruiseshipesque. I can't even give this a second star, it's better than a few of the shit-grunge era noise albums I've suffered thru on this T1001 journey but not by much.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
1/5
Completely not my kind of music, I can't listen to this for 38 minutes. I find it boring, wandering, disconnected - it's like listening to Math. Wrong audience, it may be a spectacular album for someone
4/5
Classic album, classic cover, classic songs.
Right out of the gates with "Five Years", an underrated song, that I've heard covered by others, and it's a great tone setter to the album. Then you roll into "Moonage Daydream", "Starman", "Ziggy Stardust" and one of my all-time favorites "Suffragette City".
Even the lesser known tracks are solid. "It Ain't Easy" could very easily be a new song from an act today, it holds up well. "Lady Stardust" is catchy and instantly knowable. "Hang On To Yourself" sounds like a T.Rex track or even a Dandy Warhols track from 2001. "Rock n' Roll Suicide" is a great way to cap an excellent album.
It's hard to say anything negative, there are no irritating or weak tracks. It's a solid album with great songs & delivery. Definitely Top 1001.
Paul McCartney
2/5
I know a ton of his solo work and with Wings. Never listened to his first album in its entirety. Really short songs, like sketches or rough drafts, this stuff was falling out of his brain in a creative high. The sign above says "Beware, Musical Genius At Work". It feels like some of the White Album with its randomness and seemingly incomplete songs.
13 songs and I knew one. Nothing really stands out as must-hear stuff outside of "Maybe I'm Amazed". I may have heard "Every Night" once or twice, same with "Junk" but neither are true standouts in his catalog.
I wasn't impressed and I definitely don't think this was must-hear music nor does it deserve a spot on the Top 1001. It's incomplete, it's haphazard, it's brief and it doesn't offer the listener anything to really dig into. It sounds like Beatles songs that should have stayed on the cutting room floor (and I'm a fan).
Pixies
3/5
Sadly I didn't get into The Pixies when they were hot, I heard a track or two and wrote them off as not being my kind of music. Great energy, manic vocals and a rocking band.
Standouts are "Debaser", the epic "Here Comes Your Man", "Monkey Gone To Heaven" & "Hey". I dig "I Bleed" which I didn't know previously. I wouldn't have thought to add this to my Top 1001 but it has merit based on influence, the hype they had at the time & "Here Comes Your Man" which I still hear regularly on the radio and satellite stations.
"Tame" is terrible, but the majority of the rest is a well rounded alternative album released at a time when the only other band in this alt genre was REM. This is a definitive album for the time, it led the way for 90's alt-rock.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Come on, this one guy has 3 albums (so far) in the Top 1001? I call "BS"!
The introductory song was interesting, but boring, really boring. The second song, "Bright Horses", was the most played track according to the stats. Dreary, boring, monotone, why, fantastical, those are the words that first come to mind.
If you're into spoken poetry over music, this one's for you. Otherwise, this sounds like a fantasy movie soundtrack. I could see fairies and elves dancing in the forbidden woods. WTF, what am I missing? How did this make anyone's Top 1001 except the ultimate Nick Cave groupie?
You know that sound at the end of Family Feud when they get the 3rd X?! That's what I want to do right now! One star because somehow 14M people have listened to "Bright Horses".
Fats Domino
2/5
Just the intro notes make me happy, "Blueberry Hill" is so classic and a Mt. Rushmore track for early rock & roll. I'd say the rest of the album is pretty vanilla and not all that compelling, but at the time it was probably a rocking album!
The entire album was under 30 mins as each track us around 2 mins long.
It was a table setter for what was coming in the late 50's and early 60's as rock & roll blossomed, so it has its place in history and was clearly influential. "Blueberry Hill" is still a great song, still instantly recognizable to the masses and heard in TV and movies. Not sure I'd include it in the T1001 but it has Honorable Mention status.
Queen
3/5
I'm a genuine Queen fan, been rocking out to them since I was a 3rd grader. This album has a one of listens on Spotify, the weakest song has over 3.5M listens so it's popular.
I'm not sure I'd consider it essential as compared to 2-3 of their other albums. It's very much early 70's rock. Good songs, very creative & unique, conceptual with continuity throughout, but missing the song THAT holds it all together. "Seven Seas..." was the lone song that made a best of collection (and had 99M plays on Spotify! That's crazy), but it wouldn't make my Top 25 Queen songs.
I did enjoy "The Loser In The End" which is rocking track I hadn't heard in a long time. "Ferry Feller's..." is just plain annoying. Enjoyable but just not that great for me, not T1001.
SAULT
1/5
Ok, you lost me. Never heard of them or this album. Please share the reason this album made the Top1001 list? It has to be based solely on the message, which isn't a valid reason in my opinion to include an album in the Top 1001, or every Bob Marley album would be on here. That decision should be focused on entire package - the choice to include it was not based on the music, not the delivery, maybe the vibe, not the influence, not the hits, & not the underwhelming vocals.
The message is necessary today, but much of this is like spoken poetry with a beat. I believe it was created to wake people up and see the light, noble and needed, but the album is not "essential listening", unless the goal is to open eyes. Even the "hit", "Wildfires" (with 154M listens) was average & went nowhere. "Why We Cry Why We Die", another popular listener track, was boring, repetitive & also went nowhere. "Monsters" felt like it could have been on the radio with a bit more polish, or at least used in a movie, it felt modern & had some urgency.
I missed the point I guess, but I'm a music first listener, I'm not reading into the lyrics or message for enjoyment. If it makes me bob my head, dance, play air guitar, bang on invisible drums, get a rush or feel like I need to move then the music has done its job, this album had none of that.
Various Artists
4/5
Impressive listen counts on Spotify, this is clearly a holiday favorite. "Sleigh Ride" has almost 670M listens alone, wow!
Good songs from top to bottom, very early 60s vibe, apparently the greatest Xmas album of them all and the influence Darlene Love had on future recordings of the same songs is evident.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I love the intro of this album, it just sets the tone for the next 40 mins... "Zero" is powerful, and reminds one of Berlin in their heyday, then it rolls into "Heads Will Roll" which is a savage tune with attitude and a killer groove.
"Skeletons" & "Hysteric" are very different from what I previously knew from YYY are very lovely songs. "Dull Life" is right inline with their core sound, as is "Dragon Queen" which feels like a snake uncoiling before it strikes.
I'd give this 3.5 starts but not more and I am a YYY fan since the minute I heard "Maps" in 2023.
The xx
3/5
I knew one song going into this review, "Heart Skipped A Beat" and learned they have a few more popular songs with over 200M listens. I had no idea that they had any popularity, or a following, but clearly the least listened to track on this album has 40M listens, so I wasn't paying attention.
Loved the "Intro" to set the tone and lay down the groove they have in mind for the record. I enjoyed the entire album but I'd never put this on a Top 1001 albums list. It's too one dimensional. People listen to this because it's chill and good background music, not because it's influential, cutting edge or amazing.
It's a solid 3+ stars but if this album disappeared tomorrow I don't think anyone would really notice. Morcheeba did more compelling mellow trippy music with sexy vocals in their heyday.
Van Morrison
4/5
Excellent album, a classic that deserves it's spot on the T1001. It's loaded with good tunes and radio staples like "And It Stoned Me", "Moondance", "Crazy Love" which you may have heard at my wedding, "Caravan" & "Into The Mystic". All hits, impressive output for one album, Side One must have crushed it in 1970!
The man could sing the phone book and make it sound good. It's impossible to deny the staying power of this album and the impact it had on radio since it's release. "Everyone" is the only weak track on the album.
Garbage
3/5
Such a huge album at the time, everyone had it and it was all over the radio. A cool chick fronting a loud grunge band with a hooky but not a sellout sound, perfect mix in 1995. Influential, a little groundbreaking and still getting airplay today.
Hits "Supervixen", "Only Happy When It Rains", "Stupid Girl", "Vow" & "Queer" owned the radio that year. It's been years since I listened to this album, it was nice to re-hear "Not My Idea" which is a unique tune. The production on this album is so good, not surprising with Butch Vig on the boards. Too much of it sounds similar but it was their signature sound.
Staying power, hits, influence on the sound at the time & the mark that Shirley Manson left on the industry all point to this being a T1001 album.
Marvin Gaye
2/5
I guess you gotta be in the mood for this one. Out of the gate I found it whiney, corny, boring and ridiculously slow. I felt he mailed it in to meet a contract obligation. It does not stand up well today.
Were any of these songs hits? Only two tracks had significant listen counts - "When Did You Stop Loving Me..." (which was not an enjoyable track for me, it wandered, had weird horn backing and sounded like a rough draft) and "Is That Enough" (which was just better than average and at nearly 8 mins was waaaay too long). "Time To Get It Together" was the only song I enjoyed.
If this is a must listen album I must have missed the message or couldn't find the groove that made it an essential T1001 album. Not impressed.
Jethro Tull
3/5
If you're into the classic rock sound this album pays off in spades. Rock staples like "Aqualung", "Cross-Eyed Mary", "Hymn 43" & "Locomotive Breath" on one album is quite an accomplishment. I knew all these songs extremely well by the age of 14.
I'm unsure on the influence Tull has had on rock & roll since their heyday but this was an important album then and still has firepower today.
Based on longevity, radio hits & having this many important songs on one album I'd be willing to put this in the Top 1001 list, but I likely would not have thought about it without this prompt. 3.5 stars
The Cure
4/5
Know this one well. One of my favorite bands because of the musicality they play with and the moody grooves they get the listener in to. The music comes first, no instrument dominates and even without vocals these would be groovy songs. This album is loaded with excellent songs that still get a ton of airplay, are covered by younger bands & have had a lasting impact on music & radio.
"Pictures Of You", "Lovesong", "Lullaby" & "Fascination Street" are Cure staples. "Plainsong", a top notch instrumental, kicks the album off and sets the ethereal tone that allows listeners to get a feel for where this album is going to take them and says "relax and enjoy the ride".
Even the glue songs like "Closedown", "Last Dance", "Prayers For Rain" & "Untitled" are great songs. I'm not sure if you need to be a Cure fan to enjoy them or not, I've been one since I was a kid so they're part of my musical DNA, but the musicianship is something you have to appreciate even if you don't love Robert Smith's vocals.
Worthy of the Top 1001; listenable all the way through with no need to skip a track or two, influential, still has an impact on music & radio today + the musicianship is stellar! 4 stars
King Crimson
2/5
Wow, just not a fan. It's Jazz on steroids! I can't see or feel the connective tissues, it's so random & wandering. Amazing if you're a musician yourself, not so much if you're not - I appreciate the chops and artistry, just not the music. I like some prog-rock but this was just not on target for me personally.
I remember the edited version of "21st Century Schizoid Man" from rock radio when I was a kid. Tracks 2-4, I'd sum up as "dreary". I somehow made my way through the entire album, but for me this would never make my Top 2001. I am surprised this album has the following it has.
2 stars for artistry, staying power & musicianship.
The Icarus Line
1/5
In bringing this up on Spotify I noticed no one has listened to this album, like ever, 62K listens to the first song, 52K for the third and 20K or less for the rest - and that's since 2004, 20 years. I'm going into this with a big question mark before I've even hit "play".
The song titles are great. I can think of 50 albums that sound about this generic and didn't make this list. This sounds like late 90's/early 00's rock that never hit it big because it didn't deserve to. Organized messy rock is all I heard.
No hooks, no great guitar work, no compelling vocals, really no groove or soul. Maybe they're fun live? This album lacked damn near everything I look for in a rock album. Try old Jane's Addiction if you want something in this vein that at least has a legitimate reason to keep listening.
This was shit. 1 star for trying. No hits, no great songs, no airplay, no influence, no nothin'. I have zero clue how this made anyone's T1001 playlist unless the lead singer created it.
For shits and giggles I listened to their 2013 album to see if they got any better or learned how to deliver a rock album, nope, same stuff. 12 min intro instrumental tends to put anyone off if it has no groove & no destination. Who kept giving them money to put this shit on the shelf? I bet their parents won't even go to their gigs.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
This is the second S&TFS album to pop up. "Stand!" is their banner album loaded with many of their main hits. I'd never listened to "There's A Riot Goin' On" prior to this. 1971 feels like a LONG time ago.
This is a groovy album that reflects the times & has the big hit "Family Affair" which still gets airplay and is inserted into ads all the time. I don't feel the album has the same freedom, funkiness, presence and spirit as "Stand!" does. The energy isn't there, but the message is. It's not a get up and dance vibe on this one but it's funky. "Spaced Cowboy" was a fun track I wasn't familiar with.
I don't think this is Top1001 worthy. Only one hit, not an album people instantly refer to or remember when talking about the band, but it's well listened to with over a million listens to almost every song on the disc. I'd give it 3 stars.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
You know his sound immediately. The intro chords to "Oh Boy!" are instantly recognizable. The sound is dated but it's Mt Rushmore level stuff in the history of Rock & Roll.
The album is loaded with hits that stand the test of time and have been covered many times. "Oh Boy!", "Not Fade Away", "Maybe Baby" & the massive "That'll Be The Day". This is where rock started, it should be revered and enjoyed. Even the filler songs are enjoyable, "It's Too Late" was great and so perfect for the times. It's 1957 so nothing rocks super hard, it's all formulaic but that was the sound, it's still very catchy.
Bye Bye American Pie! This was a fun album to listen to, never would have done it on my own. It deserves a spot on the T1001 for influence, longevity and hits.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
5 stars before I even listen to it again. Classic album, great cover, kickass rock & roll from top to bottom. Got into this one in the 4th grade combing through my dad's record collection!
More than half the album is still heavily played on radio and satellite. Rock staples like "Whole Lotta Love" (which EVERYONE knows, 655M listens!), the lovely "Thank You", the rockin' "Heartbreaker/Living Loving Maid" combo, the stellar and timeless "Ramble On", and finishing strong with "Bring It On Home". Throw in the amazing (slightly drum heavy) instrumental jam, "Moby Dick" and you have one seriously amazing rock album.
Can't deny this one unless you listen to wimpy music and can't appreciate the brilliance of Zeppelin. No whining about stealing the blues, weaving in Tolkien, it's all smoke, this is a badass album that hits the highs and lows!
Influence in spades, staying power/longevity, hits, firepower - this album captures a peak and is timelessness. 5 stars for sure, easy.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Can't say I have ever listened to the entire album though so this is a great opportunity to listen to it. Classic Crumb cover that I remember from thumbing through my dad's LP's as a little kid.
I know the the one radio hit from this very well, I think "Piece Of My Heart" is an All Time Classic track and it put Janis on the map. There's a reason though that few people ever mention Big Brother & The Holding Company vs just calling this a Janis Joplin album. From my vantage point they were an above average band who likely wouldn't have made it out of San Francisco without her.
I listened to the entire album twice and have no idea why it would make the Top 1001 other than it's importance as a launching tool for Joplin who left the band the same year this hit it big. I'd give it 2.5 stars, nothing notable, no lightning in a bottle other than the one GIANT hit.
Kraftwerk
3/5
I know the band, don't know any one song or album but I've heard for years they deserve a spot in the R&R HOF so I was ready to give this one a try. 5 songs, 42 minutes.
Catchy chorus on the opener but it's 22 mins long and I lost some interest at the 13 min mark! This was likely very cutting edge and hugely different than what American musicians were producing in 1974. I can hear the sounds that would become popular 5-6 years later and kickoff the MTV generation.
They paint pretty landscapes with their keyboards. Track 3 illustrates that well. But I'd have a hard time putting this on my Top 1001 without some historical context on what makes it special. I enjoyed it overall.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
This album helped set rap/hip hop up for success. The fun they're having, the beats they created, the samples they used, and the influence they had must be recognized.
Mariah Carey, Tom Tom Club and others made a career of sampling "It's Nasty" and "The Message". That's rap royalty right there. The songs and the vibe are so much more fun than today's mumble rap and gun toting nonsense. They set the stage for Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Kool Moe Dee, LL Cool J and so many others to break through and create a genre of their own.
The influence cannot be denied but the album isn't top to bottom great, "It's A Shame", "Dreamin'" & "You Are" are almost unlistenable. Overall I enjoyed the trip to yesteryear and hearing then what would become the cornerstone of rap/hip hop for years to come. Top 1001 for Influence
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
1/5
Hmmm, I went into this unsure this warrants a place in the Top 1001. ELP is a band I know by name, perhaps know a few tunes by from classic rock radio, but have never been introduced to the live album, "Pictures At An Exhibition".
From the outset it sounds dated with organ and that prog rock jazz sound that feels disconnected and random. I felt the first three songs were just a waste of my time, they went nowhere and served no purpose! The vocals on "The Sage" were buried in the mix and elfen and the volume never went up until the middle of track 5, "The Old Castle", with it's annoying keyboard work and repetitive drumming. Finally the vocals came back for another visit on "The Great Gates Of Kiev", a dramatic nothing song that never caught my attention and includes 2 minutes of just plain noise in the form of screechy instruments & sounds. "Nutrocker" was the only song I even thought had value.
If I was there, I'd have been the guy asking for his money back after the 2nd song. Hated this album, I just don't get it I guess. This did nothing to enhance my view of ELP or the choices included in this Top 1001 List.
Ramones
4/5
Legendary and still relevant. I hear The Ramones more now than I did growing up. 12 songs under 3 minutes. Sure, they all sound similar but the energy is undeniable! They were leading the American punk rock movement, it wasn't about technical playing or 8 minute guitar rock songs or beat heavy disco hits like the rest of America was doing at the time.
Right out of the gates with "Blitzkrieg Bop", then follow it with classics "Beat On The Brat", "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend", "53rd & 3rd", & one of my favs "Havana Affair" (check out the RHCP's version sometime). They wrote songs that could have been hits in the 1950's, if tamed down & delivered differently. They even dressed like 50's kids in a leather coat and Levi's. Listen to their version of 50's classics "Let's Dance" or Bobby Freeman's "Do You Wanna Dance" (different album), they do both justice.
What's not to like?! It's rock & roll in it's refined form. I would have loved to see them live in 1976! Deserving of the Top 1001 for influence, staying power, a giant hit in "Blitzkrieg Bop" and being a unique force that's still respected today.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Skipped it, I already know, based on the 3 other album he has that I've reviewed, that it's not my thing and I have NO idea how he keeps making this list. Weak sauce!
The Young Rascals
2/5
I know the name and recognized their sound and the huge hit "Groovin'". Funny they call out "How Can I Be Sure" on the cover when that was a minor hit for them. The only song I enjoyed other than "Groovin'" was "You Better Run".
Not sure how this makes the Top 1001, I didn't find much about it unique. It had a Motown production quality with vanilla radio friendly songs but nothing to make it stand out or for me to ever want to listen to it again.
This one completely missed the mark for me. Aside from the one mega-hit this just didn't have the muscle, vocals, staying power or musicianship to make such a prestigious list. It was an incredibly boring album. 2 stars.
Pink Floyd
5/5
5 Stars without giving it a listen. One of the most epic albums of all time, I love it all and enjoy the cohesiveness, the stellar guitars, the storytelling and visual lyrics, production & the overall musicianship.
Talk about staying power and hits. This album has Mt. Rushmore Rock tunes like "Brick In The Wall", "Mother", "Young Lust", "Hey You", "Run Like Hell" & the incredible "Comfortably Numb". Double album chock full of great songs that blend together to form an amazing soundscape. The "least" listened to song has 22M listens, the most listened to has almost 1 billion, come on...
It's in my personal Top 10 and it's about time it showed up in this Top 1001 List. Hits, influence, radio longevity, listens, sales, it checks all the boxes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
I know the Lloyd Cole name but never listened to him before. I now understand why he's never hit my radar. Talk about vanilla and boring, the album cover is as exciting as the music. "The Commotions"? That would lead one to think this is a rockin' album, which is not factual. The dude is a weak vocalist and the music is so generic, none of this speaks to me or reflects 1984 in any way.
I have no idea why this was included in the Top 1001. No hits, no radio play, no staying power, no outstanding vocals or guitar work, just another middle of the road album. Is it a lyrical masterpiece or something, what am I missing?
This came out right when I started high school, if it was popular I missed it completely and I'm an 80's music savant. The listen counts on Spotify speak volumes to how popular this album is or ever will be. "Forest Fire" was the only song I could fully listen to.
Weak addition to the T1001. It must be a typo. I give it 2 stars for not being unlistenable.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I love me some Jimi! As a kid I remember this album cover from my dad's collection. By Junior High I was digging his hits on the radio. By college I was deeply into his catalog. This album is legendary with amazing hits and songs including "Have You Ever Been To Electric Ladyland", my favorite "Crosstown Traffic", the epic bluesy shredding "Voodoo Chile", "Burning Of The Midnight Lamp", the perfect cover of "All Along The Watchtower" & "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)".
Even a few of the lesser known songs kick ass. "Gypsy Eyes", "Rainy Day, Dream Away" & "House Burning Down", are all solid.
It's practically a greatest hits album. Such a shame we didn't get to see what he had up his sleeve for the 1970's. Solid 4 stars for influence, longevity, constant radio play for 56 years and the legendary status of this album.
Meat Loaf
3/5
Loved the album cover as a little kid and remember the hit songs being all over the radio, even in Europe where my folks were stationed at the time.
The intro is a guitar infused eruption to kick things off, and it's so 70's, but brilliant. Meatloaf's voice is something you either like or don't, not a lot of middle ground. Jim Steinman definitely writes in a theatrical way (just listen to the first minute of "You Took The Words..." or half of "Paradise"), perfect for a stage performance, with catchy choruses and driving instrumentation.
The title song, in it's edited format under 10 mins, was a hit, "You Took The Words Right Out..." and "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" were radio friendly and still get airplay today. Look at the listen counts for this album, the song with the least # of listens is over 11M listens, that's impressive. "Paradise" has almost 200M listens, "Bat" has over 100M and "Words" has almost 65M, "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" has nearly 90M. No denying the popularity of this album, more than I ever would have assumed!
I enjoyed it. I understand it's popularity. The production, songwriting, staying power and the hits make it T1001 worthy but it likely wouldn't have made my list.
Badly Drawn Boy
2/5
This guy was included on all kinds of up and coming artists and compilation cd's at the time. They were pushing him hard! This album is pleasant and entirely listenable but it's kinda boring. Nothing groundbreaking with the music and certainly not the vocals. It felt like one long song with slight variations over the course of an hour, but I was bewildered at the end.
"Disillusion", saved until way too late, was the best track and the only lively song on the album.
Maybe he's a great songwriter and I'm just not aware of his brilliance. No hits, no radio play, nothing cutting edge, nothing super memorable. Like I said I enjoyed it but I'll never listen to it again. That's not Top 1001 material to me. 2 stars for being good background music.
Dire Straits
5/5
Immediate 5 Star rating. One of my all time favorite albums, not a bad song on it. People know the hits but it's the glue tracks that hold this together and really make it shine.
This album was MASSIVE when it was released. It rode the Mtv wave with huge videos that propelled them to stardom and made Dire Straits a household name at the time. Out of the gates with hits like "So Far Away", "Money For Nothing" & "Walk Of Life" then into beautiful songs like "Your Latest Trick" (amazing saxophone!), "Why Worry" & "Brothers In Arms". It's a really good album.
I don't dole out many 5's but this is one for sure, it's got no weak spots. It has hits galore, staying power, radio play, cross-generational impact and amazing guitar work. *****
Jamiroquai
2/5
I know the band and more than a handful of songs but I don't agree with putting this or any other album by them on the Must Hear Before I Die playlist. I like the funkiness but it gets less appetizing by the end of the hour and nothing really stands out to me.
I didn't really enjoy any of it.
It's entertaining to a degree, mostly too jazzy for me, but no US hits, no staying power, no watercooler talk about this album or band. It does have a TON of listens from top to bottom, the least listened to track has 1.5M and the most listened to ("When You Gonna Learn") is over 23M. 2 stars for me.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
I remember this album cover from my neighbor's dad's collection when I was like in 4th grade. I was fascinated by their flashy look and coolness. I had a EWF tee-shirt by 1981, always liked their sound. Can't say I've listened to this album in its entirety until now.
Opens with two huge hits in "Shining Star" (such a great intro!) and "That's The Way Of the World". It's a fun album with some great tracks, amazing horns, funkiness and a dance groove. "All About Love" was hard to listen to and doesn't stand up well at all today. But then you get to "Reasons" which is such a great ballad and you forget about the one or two weak tracks.
While it wouldn't make my T1001 list I did enjoy it.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I enjoy Elvis but I only really know his 25 or so greatest hits so this is a new album for me. He was more of an artist than he gets credit for today. This guy was the first true Rock Star, Mt. Rushmore of Rock for sure.
I enjoyed the intro track a lot, "Wearin' That Loved On Look", which I didn't know. A few of these tracks are real clunkers. "In The Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds" (such a great track) were the giant hits on this one. Both still get plenty of airplay. Then you get to minor hits "Don't Cry Daddy" and "Kentucky Rain".
Would not have made my Top 1001 but I know it was huge at the time and put Elvis back on the map after some down years. I enjoyed listening to it.
Teenage Fanclub
2/5
I immediately thought "why" when I saw this one pop up. I remember their name and the fact that they were being pushed on us in the early 90's. They were on all kinds of Up & Comers and compilation discs at the time but it's so vanilla that it never took root or connected with me because there were better options.
"The Concept" has 6.3M listens and if I've ever heard it I don't remember it, it's that memorable. 6 minutes long? "What You Do To Me" was the other "hit" on this album at 6.1M listens. Again, never heard it, and I was a certified music junkie living in record stores & spending all my money on discs, tickets & weed at the time. They sound like a band you hear at any bar on any night and you think, "not bad", but you forget their name by Monday morning.
This album has nothing compelling on it, I'd never give it a second listen. I was bored from the start & longing for it to end. It's the 90's at their most generic. 2 stars for having a following, but zero radio hits you hear today and no long lasting influence on music.
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Another head scratcher... I remember them being pushed on me at the record stores and on compilation discs of up and commer's at the time. They never struck a chord with me, generic 90's pop rock. I am not familiar with this album at all, but 47M people have listened to "A Design For Life" so I thought I must know it from the radio or a party, nope. If that's the best song on the disc...
Vocals are weak and strained. Music is average and overly busy. No hooks. No hits. The strings they added didn't enhance the music, only muddied it further. No influence, zero radio play. I didn't make it fully through any of the songs, no compelling reason to waste a full 45 minutes.
Two stars, it was just so average from top to bottom. I can think of 20 other albums from 1996 with more to offer.
Common
2/5
I've tried Common in the past, just not my vibe. It was an interesting listen but still not my thing. I gather the message is a good one but too much N word and generic rhythms with a shallow bottom end to catch my attention.
It's a popular album with a ton of listens from top to bottom. The biggest tracks were "The Light" & "The 6th Sense", neither of which I'd ever heard.
It sounds older than 2024, the music was just weak and not compelling enough for me to dive in and enjoy. Not my genre, not by groove so it's hard to rate this one.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Classic album, classic cover and huge hits throughout, a definite Top 1001 selection.
Radio staples "Thunder Road", "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", "Born To Run", "She's The One" & "Jungleland", that's a lineup if you appreciate rock n' roll. You can still hear all these songs 50 yrs later, that's staying power! "Born To Run" has 395M listens on Spotify! "Thunder Road" has 154M. That's popularity.
Like his sound or not, he's influential, popular, still getting listens and this album has the staying power & impact on music that a T1001 album should have.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
The intro song is a defining Stones tune, but also a Mt. Rushmore track for all of classic rock. Still holds up and sounds amazing. 630M listens, that's royalty status.
Then you throw in "Street Fighting Man", a total classic & cover song favorite, & "Stray Cat Blues" (listen to Soundgarden's version!).
I wasn't a huge fan of "No Expectations", "Dear Doctor" or "Prodigal Son" which were so far from "Sympathy" and bordered on odd. I'm amazed by the Stones but most of this album was just above average for me outside of the classics mentioned above. This one wouldn't make my list but I love the cover and the essential tracks. 3 stars for the missing glue songs that would hold it all together for me.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
I remember their giant debut album much more than I do this one. I lost interest in them by 1990 so this was all new to me even though I remember the album coming out.
"Being Boring" has 14M listens & "So Hard" has 8M but neither was a mainstream radio hit from what I remember and I was deejaying at the time. "To Face The Truth" turned out to be my favorite track. I enjoyed "How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously" & "The End Of The World" as well. On the flip side there were a few complete throw away tracks.
It was what I would expect and I liked the sound and their groove, more modern and leaning towards techno leaning sound than their post-new wave sound on the first few albums.
Not sure this was worthy of the Top 1001 even though I did enjoy it. It has no hits, not sure of what influence it had on down tempo electronic pop music, no longevity and only modest listening since it's release in 1990. I give it 3 solid stars though.
JAY Z
2/5
I know I'm in the minority when I say this but I don't get the attraction to Jay-Z's music. It may be his grating voice, it's just not something I can listen to (James Taylor is another one I can't stomach, same with Drake or that dude from Linkin Park). I'm also not into message rap, I want funky beats not words I need to absorb and make sense of.
It's just average as hell with zero appeal. 2001 is when this came out, I was listening to "2001" by Dr. Dre, the complete opposite with banging beats, visual lyrics, great guests and memorable songs that aren't as repetitive and wordy.
149M listens to "Renegade", "Izzo" with 83M, and 70M for "Heart Of The City", impressive for sure. I can't imagine spending an hour and listening to this entire album by choice. Just not my sound I guess, and I know people worship him. Best thing he ever did was score Beyonce, and that's a real headscratcher! 2 Stars, thanks for trying.
Louis Prima
3/5
The only great thing David Lee Roth did in his solo career was to introduce a new generation to "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody". It's such a classic song, fun and bouncy. In 1956, a nearly 5 minute song was an opus like "Stairway To Heaven" was so many years later. "Jump, Jive, An' Wail" was a hit for Brian Setzer in the 90's.
This is my first foray into a Louis P album, I know the name but not the catalog outside of the lead track. The horns are fun as hell, what a party his shows must have been back in the day. It felt like a live recording.
Horn heavy and leaning hard on his female singing partner, Keely Smith, this is an enjoyable album with no tracks I felt I needed to fast forward over. A lot of it sounded very similar. Not sure what this album did to make the Top 1001 since I don't hear a long term impact on music, but maybe it changed music in the 1950's. With three big hits, including "Buona Sera", it has credibility for the time as it must have been huge back then. He's got a good voice, my fav track was "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead...".
3 solid stars for master hornsmanship, a frolicking beat and good energy.
Radiohead
5/5
Yeah, baby, now we're on a deserving Top 1001 album! This was so cutting edge at the time, the musicianship was top notch, the songs were well constructed, it had hits, people were/are still talking about it. Radiohead PEAKED with this one, no doubt about that. They were still playing guitars and using real drums at this point.
Killer intro with "Airbag" right into the huge hit "Paranoid Android" (246M listens!). There's a sense of urgency & angst in those songs that's hard to explain. It gets the blood flowing. "Let Down "& "Lucky" are classic Radiohead and could have been on either of the previous albums. "Karma Police" (633M listens) is an anthem that my kids know. The production on "Climbing Up The Walls" is amazing, they captured lightning in a bottle. "No Surprises" is a pleasant song with a great chorus.
There are no throwaway tracks on this album (outside of "Fitter Happier", which isn't really a song, but it fits the theme), they have good connective tissue and flow in real organic way, they aren't just songs on an album, they have a place, that's a foreign concept today. This one deserves a spot on this list for longevity, hits, impact on music/production & the entire packaging (even the B-sides are good). 5 stars
Elton John
3/5
The album intros with a giant classic that everyone knows the first line of, "Tiny Dancer" is just 70's singer/songwriter royalty. (I own the book "Hold Me Closer, Tony Danza" which is about misheard lyrics). Then you roll into "Levon", which is one of those songs that just has something, it makes you curious about the title character & it's so easy to sing along with. "Madman Across The Water" is another radio staple, completing the hit song trifecta.
The glue songs, many of which are longer tracks at over 5-6 mins, range from the catchy "Razor Face" to the solemn "Indian Sunset" and the coulda-been-a-hit "Rotten Peaches". Not sure this would make my Top 1001 but I enjoyed hearing it all, no bad tracks. 3.5 Stars
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Love the eclecticness of this album and how Billy and team were peaking with creativity at the time. So many great songs across both albums, but there are a few stinkers mixed in.
Gorgeous piano filled mellow intro title track, then you get right into classic 90's alt rock with "Tonight, Tonight", the rockin' "Zero", the mid tempo "Here Is No Why", mega hit "Bullet With Butterfly Wings", the crushing "Love", & "Muzzle" - all that and we're not even to Disc Two yet!! On the flip side, songs like "Cupid De Locke" & "Take Me Down" were unnecessary.
Disc Two is equally good and very eclectic with the angry twosome of "Where Boys Fear To Tread & "Bodies", the hit song "Thirty-Three", radio staple "1979", the lovely "Beautiful" and the unique pair of "We Only Come Out At Night" & "Lily (My One And Only)" . But again, there are some throwaway tracks on side two like "Tales Of A Scorched Earth" & the boring "Stumbleine".
It's a really good album with hard hard songs, mellow tracks, mid-tempo rockers & lovely piano heavy songs. You get it all. I'd give this a 4+ star rating and it deserves to be on the Top 1001, no one has really done anything like it since.
The Roots
3/5
I got into The Roots back in the late 90's, they were and still are ridiculously tight musicians. I've seen them twice and they do not disappoint.
This album was cutting edge at the time but they have better ones. They incorporate hip-hop and rock to create an aggressive sound. "The Seed 2.0" with Cody Chesnutt is one of my all time favorite beats & I heard it in an ad the other day. "Break You Off" & "Sacrifice" were minor hits and I dig "Rolling With Heat" and "Thought @ Work".
There are a few real stinkers with "Pussy Galore", "Water", & "Something In The Way...", not catchy - not fun.
Top 1001, maybe for influence & message but not for hits or staying power but it did put them on the map way before they were added as the houseband for Jimmy Fallon. 3 Stars
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
I know the album, but was surprised to see it on the Top 1001 list. It's good, but the songs are wordy, a bit mellow and maybe not the top of catalog for Bruce.
It has a few minor hit songs with "Lonesome Day", "Waitin' On A Sunny Day", "Mary's Place" & the title track. The album is enjoyable, there are no bad songs, it's just not anything earth shattering or influential that would justify being on this list. Far fewer listens than most of his popular albums.
There are some really good glue songs like "Nothing Man", "Countin' On a Miracle", "Further On (Up The Road)" & "My City Of Ruin" that increase the value of this album.
You do get a lot of bang for your buck with 15 songs and 72 minutes of music. I am glad I got reintroduced to this disc, if you're a fan it hits all the right buttons. After a full listen I can see the merit to having this on the list because there are no stinker songs, it's really a solid album, but it didn't reinvent or influence rock in any way.
Nas
3/5
I remember Nas being the hot name in hip-hop around this time and I was aware of a few songs. This is on my buddy's Top 10 List so it has some cred in my eyes. I always thought his rhymes were good but that he sounded a bit angry on every song. The music lacks depth, compared to other artists at the time, it's simplistic so's not to take away from his lyrics.
I get that his message is designed to open eyes but I can't quite connect. I enjoyed "Memory Lane" and "Halftime" more than the two biggest hits, "NY State Of Mind" and "The World Is Yours".
Just average for me, not a T1001 lister in my opinion. 3 stars since none of it was bad.
Bill Evans Trio
1/5
Utterly lost on this one, I just don't get jazz. It's boring, it's scattered, no rhyme or reason and it's boring. Not an album I could possibly listen to for one hour and 8 minutes if my life depended on it.
It sounds like what you expect to hear in the lounge on the old folks cruise ship. Do you dance to it or just talk over it?
Wow, I tried, it's just boring and meandering background music. One star from me but this is like trying to teach a 3rd grader physics, it's beyond my understanding or comprehension.
Baaba Maal
2/5
This one never hit my radar, or anyone else's based on listener counts. Since its release in 1992, an average of only 20K people have listened to this collection of songs. The biggest track, "Gidelam", has 74K listens.
The opening track mostly sounds like wailing or yelling to the sky in a different language. It's not background relaxing type music since his voice is double-tracked and high pitched. The one track I sort of enjoyed was "Hamady Boiro" which had a bass line. The second half of the album is weak as can be in any language.
This is an album for people who appreciate world music, not for a first timer who isn't going to relate or absorb this in the same way. I didn't hate it, I just didn't enjoy it - I love African rhythms, Jamaican/island music, this just didn't have that vibe and the words are incomprehensible. I don't feel this is a masterpiece or something I needed to hear once before I die.
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Ok, this was way off my radar and was released before I was born. That and the fact that I don't enjoy 60's Latin music much made this a tough listen. 19M people listened to the opener "Tropicalia" and "Alegria, Alegria", that's impressive and the dude has had a long career from the looks of it.
I got zero enjoyment out of it though and believe I could have happily gone my entire life without hearing this album. It may be a huge album in Latin America and hold a special place for people who enjoy this kind of music but it was lost on me. I didn't hate it, just don't see the relevance or impact since it wasn't a hit in the US. 2 stars?
The Damned
3/5
I know the band by name and I've always had an interest in learning more about their sound. I dig late 70's punkish stuff and the energy it gives off. "Love Song" has that energy and a Brit vibe.
I learned they were the first real punk band to release a single/album, and had big success in England but no so much over here. The intro to "Melody Lee" was stolen by the Smashing Pumpkins years later. Their entire sound was stolen by Rancid and they likely influence The Clash.
I had to skip "These Hands", that maniacal laugh and the song structure wasn't there for me. Overall it got a little tiresome by the end. But I will say I enjoyed "Smash It Up", good way to finish the album.
This one is likely on here for influence, though I would think their 1976 debut would be the better reference for that. While I enjoyed it all I'm not sure I'd include this album on the T1001.
Keith Jarrett
2/5
Never heard of him. I was initially shocked that Part 1 has over 8M listens and Part 2C has over 10M listens. While pretty at times it sounded like someone noodling around on a piano for an hour to me. A 26 minute song, come on.
This may be more appreciated by people who play cause it was lost on me. But I don't appreciate jazz either so this was a big miss. Not my thing but he's obviously good at what he does and has an audience. 2 stars for that but not sure what, if any, influence this has had on anything that came after it.
Iggy Pop
3/5
I know a handful of the songs and maybe listened to this album one time through but I can say he was a little ahead of his time in 1977 with the title track which still sounds fresh.
This would have been a bigger hit 5-6 yrs later with MTV behind it. I love the title track, "The Passenger" (nearly a half billion listens!) is a real gem and covered well by a few different artists. The song with the least number of listens is still over 2M, that's saying something, this is a well respected and listened to album from top to bottom. I had NO IDEA that "Tonight" was done by Iggy first, I only know the Bowie/Tina Turner version (1984) which I love.
Influence, longevity, radio hits still being played, covered songs, this is a better Top 1001 choice than I would have thought. Still pretty sure it wouldn't make my list but I respect it's presence.
Spiritualized
2/5
Never heard it, never heard of them or seen this cover, weird since I was in my early 20's and knew everything and saw everyone.
There is NOTHING on this album that I would deem as a must listen. It's so vanilla and average that I forgot I was listening at times. I don't hear influence, I don't hear hits and I don't hear a reason to listen to it twice. About as compelling as Stone Roses, just wandering pop with zero hooks or guitars or stellar vocals. Blah... If you like this drivel try the Jesus & Mary Chain, they took this sound, added hooks, made it rock and you could sing along.
I was so hoping for a gem that I wasn't familiar with. 1-2 stars for being good background music but this bordered on boring with the second half being utterly useless filler.
Blondie
3/5
Blondie is essential late 70's/early 80's music that has staying power, hits and instantly known tracks. This album is part of the new wave and includes rock/alt/pop radio staples "Heart Of Glass", "One Way Or Another", and "Hanging On The Telephone" and great glue songs like "Picture This", "I Know But I Don't Know", "Will Anything Happen" and "Sunday Girl".
I know Blondie and this album helped usher women and girl groups into the new wave of the 80's so it's got the influence factor any album in the T1001 should have. The hits are there - "Heart Of Glass" is a megahit that everyone knows. The longevity is there. Not sure it would make my Top 1001 but I see the merits of including it in this list.
808 State
1/5
Never heard of them. Area code for Hawaii? I was in college so if this was hot I would have been aware. 30 years later and these songs have an average listen count of 250K, that's not much for popularity or staying power.
In listening to it I can't quite make out what secured them a slot on the T1001 list. It sounds like sped up New Order with female vocals on one track and no vocals on the rest of the album. I got zero good vibes from this mess, nothing groud breaking or catchy. This is in the $1 bin at an record store you might visit. One star, thanks for trying.
The Prodigy
2/5
Classic cover, everyone into music in the 90's knew this one. I never figured out the attraction, not my vibe but it was pretty hard to not hear "Firestarter", "Smack My Bitch Up" or "Breathe" on the radio or at a party in 1997.
Super popular album by listen counts, the three lead songs have over 150M listens each. The remaining songs are mostly over 10M. Someone is listening to them and they have 4M monthly listeners on Spotify. Staying power. His voice and their incessant musical pace just don't add up for me. "Diesel Power" has to be one of the first Brit-rap songs I can remember, setting the table for future artists.
Popular, staying power, hits, it has all the right accolades to make this list but wouldn't make my personal T1001.
The Killers
4/5
One of my favorite early 2000 albums. If they had keep making albums like this they'd be legendary, but they didn't and they aren't.
"Mr. Brightside" may be the most played song I've ever seen on Spotify with over 2.5B listens. I've heard it's England's national pop song, that right there is staying power and a mega hit. Throw in radio hits like the urgent "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" (which would have slayed it in the 80's, 90M listens), "Smile Like You Mean It" (205M listens), the huge hit "Somebody Told Me" (1B listens) and "All The Things That I've Done" (400M listens) which I hear in ads all the time. Don't sleep on "Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll", that's a solid non-hit track.
The first half of this album is their greatest hits! They never came close to having anything nearly this great after this release. They had a few decent hits ("Read My Mind", "The Man") but I felt like they moved away from a new wave indie pop sound to being a second rate Springsteen cover band after this album and I lost interest. Listen to "Human" (pure shit) and tell me where the Hot Fuss era Killers went. This album gets 4 solid stars (really for first half) - but it has the hits & staying power to merit a spot on the Top1001.
Doves
2/5
I tried to like this in 2002 since it was so hyped but I never fully understood the draw. It's average at best with one or two half decent songs but nothing classic, nothing cutting edge and zero hits.
It's murky, overproduced, no breaks or pockets in the wall of sound, zero groove, boring vocals, again just vanilla stuff. "There Goes The Fear" has a respectable 29M listens but when have you ever heard this song on the radio since 2002? It's not all that memorable and has zero staying power. Nearly every song goes a minute longer than it should have for no apparent reason.
"Bland" or "Boring" would be the words I'd use to describe this album. I was looking for a pillow after the 12th song! 2 stars cause you can't hate it but you sure can't love it.
Paul Weller
2/5
I vaguely remember this one getting pushed back in 1993 but it never had much traction stateside. The title track has 33M listens on Spotify, I may have heard it once or twice but it's not a song I'd seek out.
Overall the album was just ok, kind of boring though. It feels folky and wanders, not my thing I guess. I thought it felt very singer/songwriter focused and independently produced as it obviously wasn't looking for hits or mainstream acceptance. Background music at best. Being honest, I didn't finish this one, there was no compelling reason to go through all 16 songs once I hit #11.
No influence that I can see or measure, zero hits in the US, average music and vocals. Would never make my T1001 and not sure how it made yours.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I'm a Dylan fan but not a diehard. I prefer a song over an album, it takes a strong person to endure a full album of him singing. He was much smoother in the 60's and 70's but he's a bit rough now.
This is my first time through this album from top to bottom. There are a lot of good songs and if they were sung by an accomplished vocalist you'd have something special. I couldn't take "Million Miles", but I'd say my favorites were "Tryin' To Get To Heaven" and "Not Dark Yet".
3 stars for the song writing but the delivery doesn't match up. Maybe it's the messages in the songs that put it in the T1001 but it's not worthy and more hype for a previously huge artist to release something this late in his career.
Cat Stevens
3/5
I vividly remember this album cover while thumbing through my dad's LP's when I was 6-7 yrs old. It appealed to a kid.
Classic voice, the man could sing the phonebook. This album includes radio staples you still hear today like "Where Do The Children Play?", "Hard Headed Woman", the huge hit "Wild World" (750M listens!) & "Father And Son". The only song I didn't listen to in full was "Miles From Nowhere", just didn't dig the pocket he was in.
Top 1001 fringe for me. I know it has staying power, some hits you still hear on the radio and covers by other artists, and I feel his influence on singer songwriters still. I enjoyed giving it a full listen.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
I know CM but I've never listened to this entire album. Love the intro track "Billy Jack" (great cover by Lenny Kravitz on the Tribute cd), funky and fun story telling.
At only 7 songs it's a short album even with some longer tracks it's only 35 mins. The falsetto gets to be a bit much at times but the overall package is a good one. Heavy on slow grooves. He had hits with "So In Love" & "Billy Jack" but I was diggin' "Hard Times" & "Love To the People".
I can't say I'd add this to my Top 1001 but it has merit and was an enjoyable listen. Too much of the same I thought.
Living Colour
3/5
This one shocked the music world and MTV when it came out. African American hard rockers, outside of Hendrix no one had seen that for decades. Instant hit, we all went out and bought it because of "Cult Of Personality" which is a kickass song and still getting airplay to this day.
Influential, for sure. Popular & talked about, for sure. Bu only one huge hit with a couple minor ones ("Open Letter" & "Glamour Boys", neither of which you'll ever hear on the radio today) but overall it wore out quickly as the songs weren't that great from top to bottom. Songs like "Funny Vibe" and "Which Way To America" don't sound great today. It didn't age gracefully.
It was kinda good at the time but it doesn't hold up well today. 3 stars for impact in the late 80's and influence but the quality of the product is subpar.
Jungle Brothers
2/5
Never heard of them or this album. It never made a dent in my college musical landscape, and we listened to everything back then.
Sample heavy, lyrically smarter than most hip-hop/rap groups from the same timeframe, catchy but too educated to be radio friendly. Never heard a single track from this, that's just odd that it was that far under the radar of an 19 yr old who listened to every flavor of music and dj'd frat house parties. Eric B & Rakim, Beastie Boys, Run DMC, NWA, all better and more established at the same time as this was released.
I have no idea how this made the Top 1001, zero hits, pretty generic beats and raps, maybe I'm missing the lyrical message but I focus on the music not the words. Wouldn't make my T1001, likely not my T2002.
White Denim
2/5
Never heard of them or anything they ever did. This album has some listens, the most popular track being "Street Joy" (7.5M listens). Not even remotely familiar but I'm not into eclectic jam band stuff.
Online it says "White Denim is an American rock band from Austin, Texas, United States. Their music is influenced by dub, psychedelic rock, blues, punk rock, progressive rock, soul, jazz, experimental rock with home-based recording, jamming approach, intense looping work and unusual song structures." In other words it's a mess. A couple too many influences for my liking.
Nothing gripped me or compelled me to keep listening. Sounds like a modern Grateful Dead who bred with a jazz band, just shorter more boring songs. You gotta like jazz structure, or lack thereof, to enjoy these guys, and I don't. I found their sound to be irritating, 2 stars for trying.
The Who
4/5
It's about time! This merits 4.5-5 stars for sure. This album was all over the radio in the 70's and 80's and still gets a ton of airplay. HUGE hits like "Baba O'Riley", "Won't Get Fooled Again", "Bargain", "Behind Blue Eyes" and glue tracks like "The Song Is Over", "Getting In Tune" and "Going Mobile" all got air time. 8 out of 9 tracks ("My Wife", still a good song) get on the radio, that's just flat out impressive. This is a good portion of any Who greatest hits album!
No denying it, whether you're a fan of The Who or even classic rock, this album is stacked and has the sales, the airtime, the longevity, the influence and the hits you expect from a Top 1001 album. After listening this is a solid 5 because of everything I mentioned above.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Not a bad tune on it! One of my all time favorites and it flows like a novel! "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is an epic song with depth, insight and substance. "Wish You Were Here" is pushing a Billion Listens! Every song on here has over 70M listens which is a testament to it's longevity and popularity. Half the album still gets airplay on FM and streaming radio.
You can't knock the musicianship, the influence and the popularity. This album deserves a spot in the Top 1001 for sure. 4 solid stars.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Classic cover, that's where the good review ends. She can certainly sing, but her music sucks. She oversings and overpowers everything. There are a lot of people who would disagree based on listen counts for "Fighter" (230M), "Dirrty" (250M) and "Beautiful" (351M). The later being the only song I could tolerate, but I did know the others from the radio.
Not my thing, not even close. I respect her popularity and hit making ability but the songs suck.
The Specials
2/5
I thought it was a stretch to have one Specials album in the Top 1001, but two? Nah. And I like them, but I don't think they inspired a new sound, they had no hits and they stole their sound from Jamaican artists vs carving out their own. It all sounds a bit similar, as does any ska album.
This is enjoyable but NOT Top 1001 worthy.
Beatles
3/5
I am a Beatles fan so I may be bias, but this has the hits ("It Won't Be Long", "All My Loving", "Till There Was You") and a batch of covers that they made their own ("Roll Over Beethoven", "Please Mr. Postman", "Money (That's What I Want)"). Not my favorite period in Beatledome but the good stuff is too good to ignore.
The Temptations
3/5
I know and appreciate the band, but I'd never heard this album before. I wasn't alone based on the listen counts. Oddly, it opens with a live cut, "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On", (there is no studio version as it's an Edwin Starr track).
Then it moves into the studio tracks, including the incredible (and long) "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" which is the key reason why this album made the T1001 list. There are a few clunkers on here ("Love Woke Me Up This Morning", "Mother Nature").
I respect the music, but the album is average beyond the one classic mega hit song.
The Waterboys
2/5
I know the band name, but was too young to be listening to them back in '88. First time listening to this album. I like his voice but I don't hear anything groundbreaking or overly memorable to include it on the T1001 playlist.
Impressive listen count for the title track (66M+) and for the album in general so it's got the popular vote. Too much shanty sound for my liking but good background or Irish Pub type music.
Favorite tracks - "Strange Boat" and "World Party". Enjoyable but not worthy, would not have made my Top 1001 or 2001. 3 stars since it's all good but it doesn't check the necessary boxes to make this list.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
I've never listened to this entire album but it has several of her greatest hits. "Respect" is one of the greatest songs ever by anyone! Then you move on to highly listened to tracks like "I Never Loved...", "A Change Is Gonna Come" (another all time great song, but I prefer the original), "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", "Drown In My Own Tears", & "Dr. Feelgood". I enjoyed "Good Times" & "Save Me" as much as any of the hits.
It's packed with hit songs and she was at her peak in 1967. I did not enjoy "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream", it sounded like Irene Cara, shrilly. Coincidentally it was the least listened to song on the album (2M listens).
Overall, very good from top to bottom and packed with some classics. 3.5 stars from me but I'll round up.
Sepultura
1/5
Really? I was into hard rock in 1991 and this never hit my cd player. It's just ferocious rock that never lets up and the vocals (if you want to call it that) are shockingly bad. You know that feeling when you're ready to get off the rollercoaster and you don't want it to do another lap? That's what this album did for me.
Did this start a new genre, is that why it's on the T1001? I have heard of ton of shitty bands that sound like this since 1991, maybe they were the first.
Utterly unenjoyable. Depressing song titles. Way Too Much Kick Drum! No soul. No hits, but somehow 29M people listened to the title track on Spotify. Glad none of them are in my neighborhood. 1 star for trying.
Neil Young
3/5
Sounds like a typical Neil Young album to me, not sure how it makes the T1001. Is it because he sounds sorta happy for a change?
"Walk On" is a hit, but the album has some serious listening counts with no song under 3M, most over 5M and the title song over 22M, that's impressive. It has staying power and some radio friendly songs.
Got some eco messaging way before it was trendy or before most were aware of the problem, ahead of his time there. I enjoyed all of the songs. Love the guitar in "On The Beach". I wasn't super familiar with this album and I've seen him twice so this allowed me to explore songs that aren't radio staples or classics.
Enjoyable but not Top1001 to me. Solid 3+ stars.
AC/DC
5/5
One of the best pound for pound, song for song, 70's hard rock albums. Easily stands the test of time and is a generational album. There's no college kid who doesn't know all the words to the title track whether they're into AC/DC or not.
It's hard rock with a melody and easy to sing along to. The title track, along with "Girls Got Rhythm", "Touch Too Much", "Shot Down In Flames", "If You Want Blood", "Love Hungry Man', & "Night Prowler" are all fringe greatest hits from one of the best and most listened to bands of all time. The only weak song on the album is "Beating Around The Bush" but it's still a good track!
No track has under 14M listens, the title track is near at 1B listens, "If You Want Blood" is over 100M. No denying the popularity, longevity and influence this album has had.
This is one of their seminal albums and one of the Top 25 classic rock albums of all time. Deserves a spot on the T1001 for sure. 4.5 Stars for me
Lana Del Rey
2/5
It certainly has the popularity, the number of listens is large, especially for the title track. But I don't get how this is a must-listen album, was bored to death 3 songs in.
If you enjoy this vibe, try Sarah McLachlan's "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy", there's more of a payoff.
Gram Parsons
2/5
Apparently he's amazing and deserves a few slots on the Top 1001, but I don't hear it. From what I know historically he helped create the country rock sound that formed in the 70's, so he has legacy.
His name is revered but it's just not my sound, twangy guitar and country misery. I love Emmylou's voice backing him up though, she made it tolerable. "Love Hurts" is a classic song, though I prefer the Nazareth version. I didn't enjoy this one bit.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Another artist I never connected with, I can't understand her popularity. Average singer at best. Must be a poet, the wordy songs were lost on a savage like me.
I had never listened to this album previously, but it sounds old and disjointed. It has a pretty good listen count, especially for "Help Me" & "Free Man In Paris", if that's the cream of the crop it's a lost cause for me to continue. Definitely not a T1001 album.
Fleet Foxes
2/5
I tried this years ago and it didn't stick then and it didn't hit the target all these years later. Really respectable listening counts from top to bottom so it's popular, especially "White Winter Hymnal" at 267M listens. Even that song was just a meandering two and half minute ditty.
I found it boring and good for background music in a retail store where you can't change the channel. I'd be the guy in the corner asleep at their concert. I would throw on Lord Huron if I wanted sleepy music, at least they have good hooks and a better vocalist.
2 stars, thanks for tryin'!
Fiona Apple
3/5
This is her 2nd album in the T1001, the other one BLOWS. This one I knew from it's release in '96. It had hits, it had videos, it got airplay and she was smokin' hot & could sing.
"Sleep To Dream" was always on the radio but the real gem was "Criminal" which got her on everyone's radar and sold her a bunch of CD's! The disappointment to most of the purchasing crowd is that the radio songs didn't mesh with the sleepy-jazzy mix of filler songs and her perceived image. She was pushed by her label to make a few hits, and she delivered. "Shadowboxer" was the third track that got some airplay but I don't remember her having another hit after that.
If you have a hard time sleeping just throw on the last 5 songs on this album, it'll help! Not T1001 for me, but "Criminal" & "Sleep To Dream" are top 90's songs without a doubt and you still hear them today. 3 stars for hits, impact at the time and longevity, the but back half of this album is a giant miss.
Neil Young
2/5
I'm a NY fan but I've never listened to this entire album from top to bottom. The title song is on his greatest hits, but it's an acquired taste with it's rawness and stressed vocal, not for a casual listener. That vibe carries throughout the album.
The band is tight and in synch. I'm not 100% sure but it feels like a live album or recorded during a live set with no fine tuning or overdubs. His voice goes sideways more than a few times, especially on the grating "Mellow My Mind". The only song I actually enjoyed was "Lookout Joe", the rest was just off for me.
Of all his albums this would never make my list, I can think of 4-5 others that I'd select first. Honestly, I didn't really enjoy it and would likely never listen to it again. 3 stars maybe.
Suede
2/5
A friend got me into them right around this time, he's a brit pop dude and listens to nothing but. It's been decades since I listened to it but my first impression still stands, it's not my thing. The wall of sound with no hollows or breaks is not for me, so many bands at the time mixed their album in this manner. It's just busy with every nook and cranny filled with an instrument.
"We Are The Pigs" has some good rock vibes going and is the one song I remember liking. On "The Wild Ones", his delivery is so dramatic, it highlights the fact that his voice is just OK at best
The album got a Remaster and includes B-Sides now so it must be popular but the most listened to song ("Wild Ones") has only 11M listens and the average is under 1M for the majority of songs.
Never would have made my T1001. Has its moments but overall it didn't age well, but then I don't think it was that great when it was released.
Can
1/5
1971 and I'm just now hearing about these guys? It's remastered no less and a few songs have over 3M listens. I quickly figured out why I'd never heard of them.
Why did 3M people listen to this? That's the question that needs to be answered. It's garage music gibberish with no direction, weak ass vocals, ridiculously repetitive with zero groove. The last 3 songs are pure junk.
There's no way this was influential, it certainly wasn't a hit, there's no radio songs and I've never heard anyone mention they know the band or to check them out until today.
I didn't hate it but I sure didn't need to spend an hour listening to it. 1 star, thanks for trying!
Lou Reed
4/5
I enjoy a fair amount of Lou Reed and Velvet Underground songs but I've only listened to a few full albums by either. I welcomed the opportunity to listen to "Transformer" which is an album cover and title I've been familiar with since I was a kid.
Kicks off strong with "Vicious" and it's rollicking beat and screaming guitars. "Perfect Day" is often covered and still sounds fresh. "Walk On The Wild Side" is a mega hit (half a billion listens and counting) and still on the radio all the time. "Satellite Of Love", also often covered, is a classic song. That's some real firepower. Influential, hit songs, staying power, deservedly on this list.
The only weak song I skipped over was "Make Up".
Of all the albums I got this week, this is the only one that deserves a spot on this Top 1001 listens, it has so many good songs, even the glue songs are fun and enjoyable. I'd give this a solid 4 stars.
Nick Drake
2/5
Who's got a hard-on for Nick Drake? Wow. Is this his 4th album on here? I think he's average as hell and sure doesn't require multiple slots on the Top 1001.
I worked my way through this one too and had the same reaction I had to his previous albums on here. Nothing notable, just ok, weak voice, dated sound, boring songs. What am I missing?
Apparently 16M people liked "Hazey Jane II" enough to listen to it, I struggled. It sounds like a song in the background of a 70's movie as they're doing a jolly roadtrip in the station wagon. 67M people listened to "One Of These First Things", again why? 84M people listened to "Northern Sky", I just don't get it, I was bored 45 seconds in. Popular album I see, apparently lost on a heathen like me.
This has not stood the test of time. No hits. I hear no influence that resonates today. If you need an album to help you fall asleep, this might be for you! 2 stars for trying.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Some consider this the greatest debut album ever. It's chock full of familair covers but shows where the band was headed once they got free rein to put their own songs on vinyl for the masses.
Impact, influence, hits, staying power and popularity, it has the credentials for sure. I prefer the later, dirtier, more creative stuff from their heyday.
I'd never heard their versions of "Honest I Do" or "Walk The Dog" which were both good. Not sure about a teenage Brit white kid doing "King Bee" but it was entertaining just the same.
Intro to what is likely the greatest & most decorated rock band to ever grace the planet. Understanding their transition from covers to originals would be more impactful I think but I enjoyed this historical lesson on their origins. Every song is done well and with respect so I can give this 4 stars.
Wild Beasts
3/5
Never heard of them! I dig the intro song and the music, it's oddly familiar.
It's all enjoyable music. Nothing stands out, nothing is groundbreaking though. No hits, a solid # of listens across the 10 tracks, and a good collection of songs but not T1001 worthy.
Favorite track "The Fun Powder Plot", and I love the song title.
Their album "Present Tense" is a ton more popular so I gave it a try too.
3 stars for this one, nothing earth shattering or memorable.
MC Solaar
1/5
My interest in this Top 1001 is waning and it's because of albums like this that don't appear to be significant or influential.
It sounds like bad 90's rap in French. Did this start an explosion of French rap that I and the rest of the world weren't aware of? Simple beats. I see nearly 10M listens for "Caroline", that's impressive, but listening to it was not.
No hits, no staying power, zero influence on this side of the Atlantic. What's the draw? I wish there was an explanation on the merits of each album and why we should consider them a top album we need to hear before we die. I could've lived the rest of my life without hearing this one.
Talking Heads
3/5
I love the Talking Heads but I think maybe they have one too many albums on the Top 1001 and it's likely this one.
This album has a TON of listens, tracks range from 10M ("I Zimbra", "Heaven", to 6M ("Cities") to 4M ("Mind", "Life During Wartime" which should be higher, and "Memories Can't Wait") but no song has fewer than 1.5M listens.
Standouts, the classic "Life During Wartime" & "Heaven" which is just uplifting. Lowlights for me was "Memories Can Wait" & "Drugs"
I don't think it's T1001 worthy though I enjoyed most of it.
Green Day
4/5
Really good album, truly made me a fan of the band not just a handful of prior singles. They have had a pretty remarkable career from "Dookie" on. I saw this tour and realized they're legit and not a one trick pony.
This album spoke to the frustration people were feeling at the time, very relevant, not just a new set of songs. The title track kicks all kinds of ass and is in your face from start to finish. It was a huge hit and was followed by "Holiday" which is good high energy pop rock, then another absolute early 2000's classic, "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams". "Give Me Novocaine" & "Wake Me Up When September Comes" were both radio friendly hits that boosted this album to insane sales levels.
The glue tracks like "Jesus of Suburbia", "Are We The Waiting/St. Jimmy" & "She's A Rebel" are solid and speak to the creative high they were on at the time. The least popular track on the album has over 40M listens, that's telling you about the relevance, hits and popularity of this concept album.
For the impact, longevity, hits & relevance this gets 4.5 stars. Definitely T1001 worthy.
Devendra Banhart
1/5
Never heard of him before, and now I understand why.
Right out the gates it's average folky music, a man and his guitar. Nothing new or earth shattering. No hits, nothing real compelling. He has some listens with the first 3 songs averaging about 2M listens and the majority of the other songs at around 500K. Maybe people like his message.
Track 4 is crap. By song 6 I was bored to death and nearly asleep. This is SO NOT WORTHY of being on the Top1001 albums. I can't fathom how it made the cut, it sounds like a guy in his basement just thinking up songs ("This Beard Is For Siobhan", "Poughkeepsie") and riffing for his girlfriend who's not all that impressed either. Huge Fail to include this album.
One star from me. Not compelling listening.
Little Richard
3/5
This is where it all started, the roots of rock and roll. Staying power, influence in buckets, hits and energy.
Classics like "Tutti Frutti", "Ready Teddy", "Long Tall Sally" anchor a solid solid debut album by an icon who reshuffled the deck when this one was released. He was likely hated by parents in the same way Motley Crue were in the 80's or Metallica was in the 90's.
You still hear a number of these songs in movies, ads, etc. All short and to the point, no messing around. By the end of the album you're a little worn out.
I see the need to include this on the Top1001 due to influence alone but the hits help secure it. A little one dimensional but worthy of 3.5 stars.
Adam & The Ants
3/5
On influence alone, the songs aren't his best though, his sound matured after this one
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I know this is considered a masterpiece and I've tried it in the past. It's just a lot of Stevie Wonder and some songs I just can't get into. Great musicianship from top to bottom. I love the highlights like "Isn't She Lovely", "I Wish" & "Sir Duke" but nearly 2 hrs of mainly slow soul songs from the 70's is a lot to ask of me.
He was on a creative high, I appreciate that. Just not my cup of tea.
I didn't know Coolio stole so much of "Pastime Paradise" to create "Gangsta's Paradise". I learned that much. But it's hard to take Stevie's version seriously since all I hear is Coolio. Highlight song: "Ebony Eyes", didn't know that one but really enjoyed it.
I respect that this is on the T1001, it wouldn't make mine though. Solid 3+ stars for the amount of music that's included and the praise this album has had since it's release.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This has always been the critics favorite album so I'm not surprised to see it on here. I am a Springsteen fan and think he's put out more great music than not across his entire career. He's got his own SiriusXM channel!
"Badlands" is a classic rock staple and crowd pleaser live. It's still on the radio all the time. "Adam Raised A Cain" is an underappreciated rock groove. "Something In The Night" feels forced, trying too hard. "Candy's Room" is also underappreciated. "Racing In The Streets" is a good track too. "Promised Land" is a hit and still on the radio regularly. "Factory" is short and sweet. "Streets Of Fire" is another radio friendly track you hear often. "Prove It All Night" is another classic rock staple. Wrapping with teh title track, which . Not a bad track is what I'm saying.
Catchy, classic, longevity, hits, deep bench of glue track, influencing songwriters everywhere, this is deserving of T1001 but I admit I was skeptical at first. I didn't realize how many songs I knew were on here. 4 solid stars
The Byrds
2/5
My dad's favorite band from the 60's. I've never heard this one but knew a few tracks from youth/radio and covers ("You Ain't Goin' Nowhere").
This was the start of country rock as we know it and I suspect that's why it's on this list. A big change from the songs they showcased at the start of their career ("Turn! Turn! Turn!", "I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better"). Not my thing, it just felt dated, manufactured, and just barely true country.
I didn't make it all the way through most of the tracks. It just didn't speak to me at all. Not enjoyable and again it didn't feel authentic for a bunch of California boys. It must be on this list due to influence but that's where the accolades end. 2 stars I guess.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I'm a fan of VU, they have a few on this playlist and my awareness of their place in rock n' roll history has been amplified thanks to the Top 1001.
Love "Candy Says", I actually was first made aware of it through the Blind Melon cover, which is faster and kicks ass. Odd song to intro an album with considering "What Goes On" is more upbeat and speaks better to their overall sound. I know "What Goes On" as a cover song as well, seems the influence by VU is long and wide.
"Pale Blue Eyes" is a solid song, covered by many people, and it sounds great all these years later. The only shitty song is "The Murder Mystery", the rest is all enjoyable and worthy of a 2nd listen.
I'd say this album has aged better than most albums from 1969, it doesn't sound as dated and could be popular today. The influence is obvious, the songs are strong, it holds up well after 50+ years and it deserves a spot on this list.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
This one's a headscratcher for me... not sure what makes this a Top 1001 album I have to listen to before I die. I think I'd do just fine never hearing this one. Sounds like a weaker Grateful Dead jam band from the 60's.
Zero hits, everything sounds pretty much the same, dated and doesn't hold up super well today, no standout tracks that I could see though "Flying High" has 5M listens over 57 years. Maybe it's a stoner anthem? I honestly didn't enjoy a single song.
Not my thing, and not thinking they created the jam band genre cause the Dead were doing it first, so no bonus for influence. This one's a mystery, folks! Not worthy, 2 stars for being ok background music.
Elliott Smith
2/5
Not a fan, even coming from Portland, I don't understand the draw. Perhaps it's his lyrics that people are drawn to, but I find his music boring and not compelling enough to keep my attention. I don't want to sound judgy, but is this for people who like moody and somewhat depressing songs?
The vocals are average, the mix is murky, the hooks are few and far between. But apparently I'm in the minority, this album has a TON of plays and a few tracks have really impressive listen numbers ("Between The Bars" at 231M and "Say Yes" & "Angeles" at around 100M).
I respect that other people get joy from this album and his music, to each his own. I love stuff that other people don't enjoy. It's a mix of songs that are all listenable, but I don't make the connection to. 2 stars from me.
R.E.M.
3/5
Classic late 80's album, everyone at the time knew it or owned it.
"Pop Song 89" was a big hit with a great riff. "Stand", while annoying at times, is another hit that still gets a substantial amount of airplay today (51M listens). Rounding out the big 3 is "Orange Crush" which I heard on the radio yesterday (74M listens).
Glue tracks like "Get Up", "Turn You Inside Out" round it out. I will add that "The Wrong Child" is horrible, a full on trainwreck of a song.
I would not add this to my T1001 but I respect the impact it had at the time and the hits it produced that still get on the radio. 3.5 stars
Sabu
1/5
I tried to listen to it but it was a bit irritating after 5 songs so I skipped through the rest. I know there's an audience out there for this, it's just not in my wheelhouse and I would have been perfectly fine dying without ever having heard it.
No song structure at times, just yelling and banging, it could have been recorded in someone's backyard.
It has scant listens since 1957, not sure how this makes the list since it's barely popular with the congo crowd. 1.5 stars.
The Black Keys
4/5
Now we're talkin'! 2010 classic that's loaded to the brim with good stuff. Seen them twice and yes, two guys can make all that sound! Lot of bang for your buck with 15 songs.
They nailed it with "Everlasting Light", "Next Girl", and mega hits "Tighten Up & "Howlin' For You". Throw in solid glue songs like "Sinister Kid", "She's Long Gone", "Unknown Brother" and "The Only One" and you have a groovin' rock album by one of the few bands still playing true rock & roll.
The song with the fewest listens ("The Go Getter") is the weakest track but still has 19M listens, this is a popular album with a lot of followers. Their sound is all over the radio, they sell out everywhere, their influence on other bands is obvious and they continue to put out solid product with radio-friendly rock. 4+ stars from me!
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
ATCQ gets a lot of hype by music critics and lovers. I know a handful of songs and I'd know Q-Tips voice anywhere, but I've never listened to an entire album of theirs.
I knew "Bonita Applebum", "I Left My Wallet..." and "Can I Kick It" from back in the day. Truth is this is easily digestible, non-offensive, lyrically wise hip hop with a chill beat that even the gray hairs in the room can handle today.
"Push It Along" (went a little too long), "Luck Of Lucien" (great beat), "Footprints" were all good glue tracks to fatten the appeal of this album beyond the hits ... truth is I actually liked every song and didn't skip any tracks but "Ham & Eggs" tempted me.
The 25th Anniversary reissue include a version of "Footprints" with CeeLo Green and a few cool remixes by big names like J. Cole & Pharrell Williams.
In summary, it's a fun album, has a few hits, is easy accessible and stands up well even 35 yrs later. 3 solid stars.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Never heard of him or this album. 6M people enjoyed the title song so it's not entirely obscure. It's a catchy song, feel like I've heard it at some point even though 60's Jazz is not in my wheelhouse at all.
It sounded like one long 44 minute song, very similar stuff across the 5 songs. I'm not a Jazz fan, I don't get it, nor do I enjoy the aimless wandering. I am sure the musicianship is top notch but it's lost on me.
2 stars cause I know I couldn't have gone to my grave having never heard this album.
David Bowie
3/5
I've listened to this entire album once or twice in the past but it's like new to me again. It's short at 8 songs and 40 minutes. The title track is an absolute classic, it has it all and still gets a ton of airplay 50 yrs later. "Win" feels forced to me, it has an odd vibe and maybe should have been the final track. "Fascination" has some Stevie Wonder bass and a disco tinge going through it, by the end it's a sing-a-long. Wasn't a fan of "Right", it was busy, but 12M people disagree so it's got a fan following. "Somebody Up There..." was also ambitious and a bit busy for me, lots of layers and too long & repetitive for me. Interesting take on "Across The Universe" which is such a slow and lovely original, this one's a bit more upbeat and pleading but a tad dramatic. "Can You Hear Me" is ok, kinda boring and theatrical. The icing on the backend is the mega-classic "Fame" (100M listens) which is just funky and fun, mixed incredibly, has a bumping bassline, steller drumming and a great vocal delivery. It's almost out of place so that's why it's the final track.
I don't see the reasoning behind including this in the T1001, it's just good but it's not great. Starts and finishes incredibly strong but what's in the middle isn't T1001 worthy. His influence goes without question so that gets him bonus points. 3.5 stars.
Check out The Cure's version of "Young Americans" sometime, it's fun and has a unique take.
Primal Scream
3/5
This has been on other Must Hear lists in the past. I tried it when it came out, I tried it when it was recommended 20 yrs later, it's just ok.
It's mixed really well, has layers, has good instrumentation and a solid groove. But the song's don't all pay off and definitely sound like they were released in 1991.
No doubt this album has a following with millions of listens for all but one track ("Come Together") and over 108M listens for the one "hit" song "Movin' On Up". My favorite track is "Loaded" which was a crowd pleaser back then. "Damaged" would be my second favorite.
It's quintessential 90's, but it didn't have a huge impact in the US. Minor hits with "Movin'..." & "Loaded". Not influential here, very little radio play today, no lasting impact on music. 2.5-3 stars from me.
The White Stripes
3/5
I love the White Stripes, this one definitely made its mark. It deserves accolades for "Seven Nation Army" alone. What a song, what a legacy it has, you can't go anywhere without hearing it 20+ yrs later. I've heard great covers of it too.
The glue tracks like "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself", "I Want To Be The Boy..." & "The Hardest Button To Button" hold the album up. Fan faves like "Black Math", "Ball & Biscuit", "It's True That We Love One Another" & and "There's No Home For You Here" give it the White Stripes flavor blast.
This album had two of their biggest and most played songs but I think the older stuff is likely more influential. Not sure I'd include this in my T1001 but it has merit and a case could be made.
Saint Etienne
2/5
I know the name, I've tried a few songs over the years, but I had NO idea they'd been doing this since I was in college. Flying undercover!
Sunny, fun, bland music with no soul, that's how I'd sum this album up. Background music. I definitely could have gone my lifetime without having heard this. There's no way this was influential, it has no hits, it has a couple songs with respectable listen counts (cover of "Only Love...", "Nothing Can Stop Us" & "Spring") which are all average at best & no one remembers them. I was hoping for a shiny penny on the ground, I didn't find it, not impressed with this one. 2 stars, maybe.
David Bowie
3/5
I love Bowie but I do feel he's getting preferential treatment on this list, I believe this is his 4th album I've reviewed and I know there's at least 1-2 more coming.
I've listened to all his albums at one point or another, but it's been some time since I did this one from start to finish. The 10 min long title track is unique, almost like two songs in one, and changes pace and mood as it progresses. "Golden Years" is a radio classic and has nearly 90M listens! "Word On A Wing" just wanders, not a memorable track, it feels theatrical and meant for a musical. "TVC15" is familiar but super repetitive. "Stay" jams from the outset, great guitar work & percussion, not a typical Bowie song. "Wild Is The Wind" is just not my thing, got a 70's ethereal vibe but it's over the top - I had a hard time not fast forwarding it, it just never went anywhere.
Not my favorite Bowie album. I'd give it 3 stars tops.
Rush
4/5
CLASSIC! "And The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth.." The 2112 Overture conglomeration is 20 minutes of pure badassness - hard rock blending into acoustic beauty and back to ass kicking. The musicianship is second to none for a late 70's band. The vocals on "The Temples Of Syrinx" are jaw dropping. The album mix and the way the tracks all work together cohesively is pretty amazing.
"2112 Overture/Temples Of Syrinx" & "A Passage To Bangkok" are rock radio staples to present day. It's the glue tracks that finish the album, all of which are solid and range from pounding rock to really mellow acoustic tracks. I love "Lessons", such a 70's vibe but so much urgency. "Tears" is the song Rush-haters have never heard, it's gorgeous and has the hook.
40 quality minutes. 4 solid stars from me.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
I didn't enjoy the vibe from the first song, it was whiny and felt rushed. I agonized through the first 3 track. Definitely not my thing but I enjoy a bunch of his older songs, just not this batch.
The repetition, the length of some songs, the stupid lyrics, it was just a perfect storm of suckiness for me. I honestly didn't enjoy a single a track. The only one I didn't dislike was "Battered Old Bird" but it was 90 seconds too long.
I really did not enjoy anything about this album and have NO idea how it was added to this list. It's a 1.5 star album for me.
Machito
2/5
How does this make the list? It sounds like most other albums of this genre and the listen counts are under 5K for nearly every song and it's 60 yrs old!
Horn overload. Great for a movie soundtrack set in Cuba but not relaxing music to hang out and chill.
2 stars because I'm sure they were great musicians. No longevity, no hits, no familiar songs, no relevance today, no influence on anyone I've ever listened to intentionally. Poor choice.
Iron Maiden
2/5
I remember when this was released and the older Jr High kid down the road forced me to listen to it. In grade school I had never heard music this aggressive before. I will say it was cutting edge, it created its own genre, their influence would grow over the next decade and this was the start of a long career. And their album covers started with this one and kept the Eddie theme right on thru to today.
That said, this isn't their best album or the one I would say is a must-listen. They'd add Bruce Dickinson and become one of the biggest bands in the world a year or two later. "Number Of The Beast" or "Piece Of Mind" were better offerings. The # of listens is staggering, the least popular song ("Charlotte...") has 7M listens while the most popular ("Phantom...") has over 54M. Some parts of the vocals are cringe-worthy, getting Dickinson to take the reins is the best move they ever made.
3 stars mostly for influence and longevity. Best Song was "Running Free", the rest was crap including "Phantom..."
Otis Redding
3/5
I know Otis but I have never listened to this cover album of songs we all appreciate. I was aware he wrote "Respect" which Aretha turned into an all time great hit, his version is very different. His take on "A Change Is Gonna Come" is solid, it's such a good song regardless of who's singing it.
I enjoyed his interpretations of "My Girl" and "Wonderful World". But I wasn't satisfied with his version of "Satisfied" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long"
It feels like he oversings some of the songs, trying to find that wow moment, instead of using that great voice to present his version. I wasn't all that impressed nor did I think he did enough to make some of those classics his own. 3 stars and that's generous.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
I know the name and his legend. Never listened to a full Nilsson album before.
First impression is that he has a sunshiny energy within his vibe. Both "Gotta Get Up", "Driving Along" & "Down" have a McCartney feel for sure. The album has some impressive listener counts. 32M listens on "Gotta", 175M on the massive hit "Without You", over 50M on "Coconut" & 14M on "Jump Into The Fire". People know this album. This appears to be an important 1970's album.
I wasn't a fan of "Early In The Morning", "The Moonbeam Song" or I'll Never Leave You", not even a little bit. "Without You" is such a giant hit, covered by oh so many people over the years, that this album likely made it just for that one track. "Coconut" is best known from 80's commercials for 7-Up. "Let The Good Times Roll" is a great cover. I had no idea until today that "Jump Into The Fire" was Nilsson, good track as well.
I would not add this to the Top 1001 outside of the chart success and influence of the key anchor song. But I enjoyed learning about it. 3 stars.
Sparks
1/5
Never listened to much of their songs outside of a fringe hit or two in the 80's. They always felt too out there and odd to enjoy, I don't like tongue in cheek rock much.
Fairly well listened to album but if the lead song, "This Town Ain't Big Enough..." (22M listens) is the most popular I don't think this one is gonna leave a lasting imprint on my brain. It's creative and frenetic but a bit too avante garde for my palate.
It felt like a musical or an ensemble stage production to me. Lots of layers and catchy at times but not the kind of catchy you just sit around and enjoy. I felt like the pace and rhythm were the same all the way through and that all the songs resembled the previous one. It made me anxious, it was unrelenting. I will say there is some standout guitar work on the entire album.
I have no idea how this album made the Top 1001. I can't even fathom why. It has no hits, no influence that I'm aware of, no radio songs, no one says "gosh I love Sparks", nothing - no reason to be listed here. I didn't enjoy this even a little bit. 1 star
Elvis Costello
4/5
Second Elvis Costello album I've seen pop up on the list. Anything has to be better than "Blood And Chocolate" which was pure shit. This one sounds wayyyy better and more in his wheelhouse, a lot must have changed in 9 yrs between "My Aim Is True" and the "B&C" album.
Very respectable listen counts across this album. I liked "No Dancing", LOVED "Alison" which is a classic, "Red Shoes" is a radio staple, "Less Than Zero" is a standout, "Waiting For The End..." is solid, and "Watching The Detectives" is an absolute killer of a final track and radio hit!
He had influence, became a household name, still has a ton of songs on the radio including 3 on this album. Worthy of a spot on the T1001.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I love me some CCR, rock radio staple since I was in diapers. This album includes classics "Born On The Bayou", "Good Golly Miss Molly" and the constantly covered "Proud Mary". That lineup alone makes this album worthy, then you add the glue tracks in...
"Bootleg" is instantly recognizable as a CCR track, it fits their mold, and delivers. "Good Golly..." has some kickass guitar work, it's not the Little Richard version!! "Keep In Choogin'" is too long at nearly 8 mins, but has it's moments.
Great musicianship on "Bayou", it's a bonafide jam. This album has a fat listen count. 162M for "Bayou", 444M for "Proud Mary" and the only track with single digit listens is "Graveyard Train" at 'only' 9M, and at 8.5 mins it is the worst song on the album.
Top 1001, barely, but it does deliver some huge songs that are still in heavy rotation today. Influence, check. Popularity, check. Longevity, check. 3.5-4 stars from me.
Depeche Mode
4/5
Great choice, one few can dispute. This release brought their sound to it's pinnacle and ushered in a new vibe for synth pop that had a darker side and a deeper beat. This album was all over the radio and dance clubs in 1990-91.
Huge hits with "World In My Eyes" (60 M listens), "Personal Jesus" (covered by everyone, 90M listens), "Enjoy The Silence" (112M listens) & my favorite on the disc, "Policy Of Truth" (142M listens). Flush with big songs and radio favorites you still hear today, this one earns its spot on the T1001. Even the glue tracks have tons of listens, so this one has stood the test of time. Solid choice. 4+ stars
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Great album, I remember listening to it a lot when it came out. Truly not a bad song on the album, some tracks are better than others but nothing is skip-worthy.
Hits "Red Rain", "Sledgehammer", "Don't Give Up" with Kate Bush, "Big Time" & "In Your Eyes" are all still heavily played on the radio today. Even "Mercy Street" was a minor hit. That's a helluva lineup of songs! Huge video success as well for most of those tracks.
Glue tracks like "That Voice Again" & "We Do What We're Told" help connect the 9 tracks.
Great voice, top notch musicianship, a sound that has stood up well and still gets tons of airplay. Very worthy album to make the Top1001. 4 solid stars. Forced me to explore older PG albums today, thanks!
Morrissey
2/5
Not a Morrissey fan, never liked his voice, The Smiths or his music... this is gonna be painful. The listen counts are high, weakest song has 1.4M while the biggest has 139M.
I gotta admit I liked the guitar work on "Alsatian Cousin", but his voice pains me, it's just not something I can try to enjoy. If he wasn't singing it would be a cool track. "Everyday Is Like Sunday" felt familiar and I'd like it if someone else did the vocals. The biggest hit, "Suedehead", was drivel, and so spot on for Morrissey music.
He's just not my thing, I can't get past his voice to enjoy the music. I flat out did not enjoy this one. I'd rather listen to James Taylor and I loathe him. Too dark, vocals blow, nothing real catchy and one song that may have made the radio way back in '88, no influence or longevity that I'm aware of, it's just not worthy of the T1001. 2 stars.
Deee-Lite
3/5
I know this one from way back, it's not T1001 worthy but has its moments. It's certainly unique, exceptionally mixed/produced but the sound & has one giant hit, but it doesn't stand up all that well this many years later.
"Good Beat", "Power Of Love", "Who Was That" & of course "Groove Is In The Heart" all have good stuff. I don't believe her voice is strong enough to carry an album though. With 250M listens "Groove..." is a 90's classic with some 80's vibes and a dancefloor favorite. Bootsy Collins & Q-Tip add some bonus funkiness and the production on that track is just money.
Overall, kinda fun, but not great, not worthy of T1001 but I'm glad I gave it another try all these years later. 3 stars for the one hit (that's still a radio favorite), the killer mixing and the impact it had at the time.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I like a good number of BB songs but I didn't know most of these. The album kicks off with a cover, and includes an inferior version of "Help Me, Rhonda". "Dance Dance Dance" sounds like every other song they ever did. I like them, but this album doesn't sound any differently than any that came before or after, other than maybe it's not about cars and surfing.
Entertaining, the band is legendary & influential, but this album is not a standout to me. 3 stars.
Pixies
2/5
I remember the cover from everyone's dorm or house I ever visited back in 1990, this was all over college radio. It's got really respectable listen counts and 3 songs over 25M.
The first track is like an old western movie, then it rolls into "Rock Music" which is angry as hell and not something my parents could handle, ever. The next track "Velouria" is one of the popular tracks I mentioned, but I'm not entirely sure why. "Ana", also a popular track, is just bland. "Dig For Fire" was the best song I thought, it's worth a second listen. Most of the tracks just miss the mark or are so sloppy they weren't enjoyable to me.
The other Pixies album on this T1001 list is a way better call, try "Doolittle" if you want to hear them at their finest. I didn't find this compelling or worthy, I could certainly die tomorrow knowing I had never listened to this in its entirety. 2.5 stars.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Jimi is the man, this album is a justified addition to the Top 1001. The intro chords of "Purple Haze" are instantly recognizable by young and old. This is damn near a Greatest Hits package with "PH" (385M listens), "Manic Depression" (30M), "Hey Joe" (331M), "The Wind Cries Mary" (125M), "Fire" (60M), "Foxey Lady" (108M)- all radio staples - plus glue songs & smaller hits like "May This Be Love", "Third Stone From The Sun" and the title track. SOLID lineup!
And the remastered and updated version has 6 more songs including "Red House" & "Stone Free".
It's a really good album that has held up well, includes a ton of hit songs, gets airplay 57 yrs later, had huge influence on all the rock and alt music that followed and Jimi is a legend. 5 stars for overall quality.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
This one's a head scratcher. She doesn't have the most enjoyable voice, the songs sound like one's that come from the $1 bin at the local record store. Every track was kinda boring. So it's not songwriting or vocal prowess, I don't think it's the backing band or the production, what got this album added to the T1001 list?
It has a decent amount of listens on Spotify, with one "hit" (in what country?) in "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" at 40M listens. It was as weak as all the others, this must be a British thing. How happy was John Lennon with her cover of "Working Class Hero"? The final track is god awful, is it the rawness people liked on this album? It's raw alright, like fresh rugburn.
This was a complete miss for me, I can't justify how this made the list. 2 stars, maybe closer to 1. I'd never listen to it again.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
This was my parent's thing, they seemed to mention the band often but I don't really remember hearing them at home. I have never listened to this album or even their best of collection - but everyone knows "Spinning Wheel" which still gets a decent amount of airplay today & "You've Made Me So Very Happy".
It hasn't aged all that well, it sounds older than 1968 to me ("Sometimes In Winter" for example). First thing I noticed was that a few of the songs should have been 3+ minutes but rang in at over 5 minutes ("Smiling Phases", "God Bless The Child") and that the horns were out in front of the vocal (poor mix). This is more jazzy than rock 'n rolly.
I went into this hoping to learn something about a band I've been hearing about for 40 years but I was disappointed from start to finish. This doesn't hold up well and I can't imagine how it made this list; it's not cutting edge even for 1968, it has two hits, the band isn't a name mentioned in the halls of Rock & Roll, zero influence from what I know, by most accounts they're a two hit wonder. Not worthy.
Disappointingly, 2 stars is all I can muster up for this album. I didn't enjoy the experience and can't determine why it made the Top 1001.
Moby Grape
2/5
My dad loved to mention them growing up but I never listened to anything they ever did until now. Not sure how this merits getting on a must listen 1001 list though. It was a bit more rockin' than a Dead album but nothing special. The sound carried thru till today, I can think of several bands that have a similar sound, so maybe they had some influence. One positive? Decent harmonies and a few good guitar licks.
No hits, miniscule listener counts on Spotify, except for "8:05" with 2.8M, no radio songs, very average vocals, terrible-god-awful album cover in front of an antique store with SPOONS in hand, this one doesn't make the cut! 2 stars for trying and cause my dad was into them.
Kate Bush
2/5
I owned this in my youth but never gave much of a deep listen, it was a bit mellow and expressive for younger me. Loved, and still love, "Running Up That Hill", and enjoyed it's recent renaissance so a new generation could appreciate it.
I excitedly dove in to see if I enjoy the album all these years later...
but the album is so theatrical I know why 15 yr old me didn't get into it. "Hounds Of Love" is another familiar song, "Mother Stands For Comfort" was not good, hard to get through, same with "And Dream Of Sheep", while "Waking The Witch" was just unlistenable. The rest was just boring or insignificant. "Morning Fog" had it's moments.
The listen counts are impressive with 1.4 BILLION on "Running", 50M on "Hounds" and 85M on "Cloudbusting" (average song at best) while all the others are 6M or higher. England loves her, that's 90% Brits!
Too theatrical for me to enjoy. I could see oddly dressed people onstage in my mind. This would not make my Top1001, not even my Top2002. 2 stars for one amazing song.
Eagles
5/5
Great album, amazing songs, you can feel the creativity and urgency in a few of the track. What album title is more instantaneously recognizable by people? They know the band and the song associated to it whether they're 80 or 20.
The title track has the greatest guitar duel ever, you can see them facing off and trading licks. They don't make songs like this anymore, they just don't. It's a murderer's row with "Hotel", "New Kid In Town", "Life In The Fast Lane" all in a row then followed up by stellar tracks like the heartfelt "Wasted Time", the timeless rocker "Victim Of Love", the lovely "Try And Love Again" (why didn't Randy Meisner sing more songs?!) and the epic "The Last Resort. Even Joe's "Pretty Maids" is a solid song. It's damn near a greatest hits, packed to the gills with good music that has stood the test of time and generational change.
Yes on longevity, hits, influence, radio songs, generational music & impact. Hard to get much more royal in the Classic Rock tree than Hotel California. 5 stars without a doubt.
Joni Mitchell
1/5
I don't get her, not even a little bit. Boring, folksy, poetickly wordy, and overall lame. I'll leave this one for the rest of you to enjoy. You're not alone, many of the songs had 1-3M listens (mind blown).
Missed the mark for me from start to finish. Her voice is instantly disinteresting and I can almost tune the song out as I drift off to think about things that stimulate thought. "The Hissing Power Of Summer Lawns", the title says it all, was fucking awful.
1 star, wow was I bored suffering through that. I can't even imagine what justifies making the T1001 list, what's worth listening two twice on here?
No hits, not influential that I'm aware of, no staying power, no one even mentions her name or this album, no longevity. If Spotify adds her to my algorithm now I am gonna be PISSED!
Robert Wyatt
1/5
This one's a joke, right?! Never heard of him and it's now obvious why. Thankfully it was short but this has no place on the T1001.
I was shocked to see nearly 2M people have listened to the opening track, "Sea Song", dreadful song. 300-500K listens on the other 5 tracks, so not all that popular considering it's been out for 50 years. There's NO ONE on earth who could sit AND ENJOY "Alife" and it's awful horns and incessant piano banging. WTF?
This sounds like a guy in his mom's basement laying down tracks he's had trapped in his brain. It's not musically sound, his voice is off kilter and not enjoyable, there's no glue in the song structure and if he's telling a story I ain't hearing it.
Awful, terrible really, I'd give this one star just because I can't give it less. This should be removed and replaced by an album with more merit.
Big Star
3/5
I know the name, I know they get love from critics and have a cult following but I've never given them a listen.
Big horns on the opener, "Feel", it feels like the birth of alt rock in 1972. The guy can certainly sing and gives off a rockstar vibe. I knew "The Ballad Of El Gordo" from the 90's Evan Dando cover but others have covered it over the years as well. It's a catchy song.
This is an album I'm surprised no one ever turned me on to. It's good rock and roll and you can feel the influence and roots it had on future alt rock (Matthew Sweet, I'm looking at you!) artists. "Don't Lie To Me" has early KISS vibes.
They have a ton of listens with "Thirteen" clocking in with 54M plays. Nice but average song. A handful of other tracks range from 2M to 10M listens, very respectable. Half of it sounds like it's 1972, but half sounds like 1992, it's held up pretty well as compared to their colleagues at the time.
Good pull, this is the kinda stuff I was hoping to hear and learn from this T1001 list, not the weird experimental crap, with 4 thousand listens over 35 years, that I've had earlier this week. While I don't consider this a must listen album, nor would I include it in my Top 1001, it was a good listen. 3 stars.
Billy Joel
5/5
Iconic album, artist and songs. The sound has held up well all these years later. This is damn near a Greatest Hits collection with "Movin' Out", "Just The Way You Are", "Scenes...", "Vienna", "Only The Good Die Young", "She's Always A Woman" and "The Stranger". Someone had their creative juices flowing that year!
9 songs total, 7 are standards on the radio, that's nailing it. Over 10M albums sold in the US, a ton of hits, longevity, influence on so many other artists, this one has what it takes to be in the Top 1001 for sure. If you lived under a rock and never heard it, this one is one you should hear before you die, fan or not.
The Kinks
3/5
I really enjoy a lot of Kinks songs. I had never listened to this album in its entirety. This album is older than me but it still has a freshness and doesn't sound nearly as dated as it should. Nearly every song on the album is around 3 minutes or less which is how a good pop song should be.
The title track was great, a welcomed addition to my Kinks collection. "Walter" was a rollickingly fun track. Everyone knows "Picture Book", it's still in ads and soundtracks. Is Ringo playing on "Wicked Annabella"!?
While I enjoyed giving this a listen I'm not sold on the need to have it included in the Top 1001. One hit song, some good listen counts, but nothing I'd say was revolutionary or super influential. It's consistent and solid but not a huge standout in my estimation. 2.5-3 stars.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
I know Ruben's name and his movies but I've never given his music a listen.
I'm not into Latin music at all, nice in the background maybe but I don't enjoy the overall rhythms and not understanding the lyrics. This was no different, I couldn't tell you if this is good or cutting edge or influential.
I was shocked by the # of listens on Spotify. People appreciate this album so I respect that. Over 168M listens for "Pedro Navaja", I didn't think that was the best track either. The whole thing sounded like part of a Latin music stars visit to Fantasy Island or that time on the Love Boat when they pull him up on stage. Background music at best.
2 stars, it did nothing for me but it may be a cornerstone album in Latin music.
Johnny Cash
3/5
Love me some Johnny Cash. One of the few country artists I can stomach and listen to without getting annoyed. Classic album with a ton of listens from top to bottom.
"Folsom Prison Blues" is such a well known track (265M listens!), still being covered today, so influential all these years later. You can feel the energy in the room, it was the perfect song to kick this show off with. It's a great playlist for a bunch of guys locked up. "25 Minutes" sounds like it was a difficult one to get through, but it's a live rendition and he's feeding his audience.
This is raw live stuff, you can hear the crowd, they included the announcements about prisoners who are needed elsewhere and his need for a glass of water. He's a storyteller, this must have been a real treat for the guys in lockup. Short songs, relatable to the prisoners. Most sound just like the one before it, not much variation, one trick pony.
This may have redefined live albums released later on. It was enjoyable but I can't say it's a fantastic album or T1001 worthy. 3 stars
Herbie Hancock
2/5
I know the name and the reputation, but outside of his one 80's hit I don't know a great deal of his music. 4 songs, 40 minutes. I'm diving in...
"Chameleon": Funky groove but it got a little ear piercing in the middle and definitely a little long for my attention span. After the middle bridge it went full Jazz and lost me completely.
"Watermelon Man": Definitely not my groove, I have very little appreciation for true Jazz and the meandering repetition, I just find it boring. I'm not mathematic and it lost me instantly. 40M people would disagree, it's got a fat listen count.
"Sly": Again, a jazzy track that sounds like soundtrack music to a 70's movie. 3 mins in that annoying horn took over and I was out!
"Vein Melter": More like mind melter, I was drooling when I woke up.
I'm just not sure how music like this gets you a next album but he built a reputation and like a "chameleon" he changed with the times and built out his sound. I respect the artist and the art, just not my thing. 2.5 stars.
Sex Pistols
3/5
I've tried to like this one before. Famous cover, influential, rage, cutting edge for the time. It was a kick in the teeth to parents everywhere in 1977 and it's still getting some airplay.
"Holidays In the Sun", "God Save The Queen" & "Anarchy In the UK" are the popular tracks that most people would be familiar with. Some good stuff, raw and in your face, punk rock. 10 yrs later, even when I was 15, this was too much for me to fully appreciate. I still have difficulty listening to most of the tracks, Rotten's voice is an acquired taste and rubs a nerve after awhile.
3 stars for influence, staying power & revolutionizing a sound that still has roots today.
Lorde
3/5
Really? A must hear? I think not
Lots of listens, it was/is popular. Over 300-500M listens on 4 tracks, none of which I've ever heard. Not cutting edge but well produced & mixed, is it the songwriting or lyrics that get it on this list? It sounds like so many other pop albums to me. She sings like she has a fat lip at times, I hate that, it's very millennial and distracting.
I would have thought her debut would make this list instead of this one.
Did nothing for me but it was quality, rode it out and it was great background music but I never had a "wow" moment. Not cutting edge and not all that interesting. Not worthy in my book but it was popular for sure. 3 stars.
The Kinks
3/5
Interesting that this album is included, first it's early in their catalog, second it only has one hit with "Sunny Afternoon", and the minor "Dandy".
It was good if you enjoy The Kinks. Nothing stood out as cutting edge or enduring with only 1 radio track you still hear today, very modest listener counts for a 60 yr old album, and it sounds dated. Favorite, "Rainy Day In June".
This one gets in for song writing, maybe? It's worthy of 3 stars but wouldn't make my T1001 list by any stretch.
Raekwon
2/5
I'm not a Wu fan, maybe you need to be to appreciate this. Sounds like old school hip hop with an edge, comparable to PE, NWA, etc. Doesn't sound cutting edge, the beats are below average, the bravado is on full display but it's not catchy or banging.
Weak shit from an old white guy who was groovin' to Miami hip hop since Day One. The most popular songs "Guillotine" (boring and "lame ass" as he mentions in the lyrics) and "Ice Cream" (put you to sleep beats) were unmemorable. "North Star" & "Heaven & Hell" are so bad.
Crap, not worthy, please explain why this is a must listen?! 2 stars since I didn't hate it.
The Charlatans
2/5
I remember getting The Charlatan's pushed on me in the late 90's. "Just Lookin'" was on a ton of compilation cd's at the time, and "The Only One I Know" put them on the map years earlier. I liked their sound to an extent but was never blown away with their body of work.
They were Oasis before people was aware of Oasis. "North Country Boy" is a prime example of that, it's a pretty good song but not memorable. "One To Another" was the hit on this album, again ok but if I never heard it again I'd be just fine. I enjoyed the instrumental "Area 51" the most.
Decent pop but vanilla in my book, nothing that stands out, nothing groundbreaking, no US hits you'd hear on the radio today. Missed the mark to make the Top 1001 in my opinion. 2 stars
PS - they have better albums!
The Doors
3/5
Classic album, album cover, and band. Everyone knows the title track and all the covers of it. Throw in "Love Her Madly", "Riders On The Storm" and glue tracks like "The WASP", "Crawling King Snake", "Been Down So Long" and "The Changeling" and you have a solid album.
Can't say I've ever listened to it from top to bottom. Favorite new track, "Cars Hiss By My Window". "L'America" sucks.
Top 1001? Not for me but a extremely respectable release with songs that are still very popular on rock radio. 3.5 stars, the overall vibe of the album is so chill it takes away from the rating.
Beatles
4/5
You know this one from the opening chord of the title song. Best "old/mop top" Beatles song and everyone knows it, young and old. Longevity, check.
Throw in massive hits like "I Should Have Known Better", "Can't Buy Me Love", "And I Love Her", "Things We Said Today", "Anytime At All", plus glue tracks like "If I Fell" and "I'll Be Back". Hits, check.
Yep, based on the sheer number of hits that you still hear on the radio, the groundbreaking sound they created at the time, the audience they created and still have. Impact on music, check.
Not my favorite Beatles album by a long shot but solid from top to bottom.
4 stars.
Laura Nyro
1/5
Dusting off a chestnut today, 56 yrs old and so far outside of my wheelhouse. The opening track, "Luckie" sounds like something from the lounge on Love Boat, she actually sounds like she's on a rollercoaster and trying to stay in time. "Poverty Train" was painful.
I'm genuinely shocked by the number of listens on Spotify, it must have been popular back in the day and people are digging it up and reminiscing.
I can't imagine how this made the list. It's not groundbreaking, it wasn't popular and bore no hits, it's overly loungy, her voice is like an icepick to my brain and I hated nearly every song. 1 star, I tried but it's awful
Madonna
2/5
I can say I am not a Madonna fan outside of 3-4 songs, but I do love the title track on this one. I have never given this album a listen so this is new to me...
The production and vibe on the title track is great, it reminds me a lot of "Everybody" from her first album. Groovy and danceable. "Impressive Instant" was a meandering mess, like a rough draft went wrong, not impressive at all. "Runaway Lover" sounds like a Tel Aviv disco, so generic and far from her comfort zone, no soul. "I Deserve It" should have been a Broken Bells song, they'd have done it better, but I didn't mind it. "Amazing" was anything but, she mailed in the vocal. "Nobody's Perfect" was awful, the music, the vocal, the length. "Don't Tell Me" was country flavored, the beat and weird staccato were distracting - that was a hit (40M listens)?! "What It Feels..." was nauseating. "Paradise" was too long, super boring and overcooked. "Gone" (super vanilla) was thankfully the final tune and my agony could end.
There's no reason this disjointed mess of an album should be on the T1001, it doesn't break any ground and most of it sucks. Is it that she moved from shitty pop to shitty dance beat music? 2 stars for trying.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Oldies this week. I don't know the impact of this specific album in 1960 but I fully understand the mark Elvis left on American music. I've never listened to this album and really don't know any of the tracks as none of them made his Greatest Hits or #1's album.
Upbeat intro with "Make Me Know It". His version of "Fever" is good, but definitely not the best. Pretty vanilla stuff I thought. "I Will Be Home Again" & "Thrill Of Your Love" bored me to sleep. There was better music being released in 1960, I'm sure of it. Favorite: "Such A Night".
Kind of slow and sleepy, not quite the 'Elvis Is Back' bang I was expecting. 3 stars for being listenable but average at best.
Sam Cooke
3/5
Odd opening for a live album. His voice is so classic and it holds up well live on stage. I have NO idea why this made the list though, it's just his best songs live, nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking there. The songs maybe have different percussion and tempo and some crowd participation but otherwise seem pretty straightforward.
"Chain Gang", "Cupid", "Twistin'...", "Having A Party" and of course "Bring It On Home" solidified his status as a great vocalist.
Enjoyable but not worthy of T1001. 3 stars as it's solid and fun from top to bottom. You heard a master of his art doing his thing in front of a live audience.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I love CCR but I think we've included an album too many on this list.
Classic tracks like the title song, "Bad Moon Rising", "Wrote A Song For Everyone" & "Lodi" set this album apart and give it credibility, longevity and historical significance. "Commotion" is a glue song, but not a great song. "Night Time Is The Right Time" is a good cover! Love the "Glory Be" instrumental!
A few songs missed the mark for me, specifically "Sinister Purpose" and "Commotion". Overall it's solid and stands up well today. 3.5 stars from me.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Starting with back to back mega hit classics "War Pigs" & "Paranoid" then rolling into the most unique song of their Ozzy years career, "Planet Caravan", followed by yet another metal classic, "Iron Man". Lethal way to kick off the album! That right there, and the fact that they created this heavy sound that still resonates today, gets this into the T1001 for sure.
The listen counts across all 8 songs is unreal. This is still a very popular album, longevity achieved!
"Electric Funeral" is the weak link, not much to it. Strong finish with "Fairies Wear Boots"
Solid 4 stars for the firepower contained on this album! (And Ozzy died today, how ironic!)
Black Sabbath
3/5
Oddly this comes the day after "Paranoid" was teed up for review, and the same day Ozzy passed away. Vol 4 can't hold "Paranoid"'s jock strap but it has a few classics in "Tomorrow's Dream" (listen to "Fairies Wear Boots" afterwards), "Changes" & "Snowblind".
It's a good hard rock album but it doesn't break any new ground for the genre or the band. They missed the mark for me on "Supernaut" & "Wheels of Confusion", just not great songs.
3 stars, it's good not great.
XTC
2/5
I found their previous album at the library in the high school so I had a familiarity with them when "Dear God" was released. That song blew my rebellious teenage mind, I never connected with nor understood religion so it felt like an anthem for my younger self.
This is likely my first time consuming the entire album, but I did buy the "Dear God" 45 the week it came out.
"Summer's Cauldron" was a nice opener. But from there everything just felt average to me, nothing that would justify being on the Top 1001 list outside of the aforementioned "Dear God". Some of it got a bit annoying I must say. I felt like I was dying as I was suffering through "Dying".
Blur
3/5
In all honesty, not being British has limited my awareness of Blur as a band. They have 1-2 songs on the radio here, they never caught my attention outside of "Song 2" which freakin' rocks! Everything else I heard was down tempo and meanderingly boring. I bought their greatest hits cd years ago, and sold it, only had 3-4 songs I'd want to hear more than once. Outside of that I remember the tabloid beef with Oasis as being their biggest thing here in the states, two bands I never gave a shit about so that wasn't of interest either.
Standouts for me... "Beetlebum" was enjoyable, must've been a hit somewhere as it has 90M listens. "On Your Own" is a solid track, good energy kind of song, coulda been a Gorillaz song. I enjoyed "Death Of A Party" as well, that one is very Gorillaz-esque. "I'm Just A Killer For Your Love" has a good rock groove.
I'm not sure how they became a global sensation and on every cover of every music magazine in the late 90's. They're good but not great. 3 stars, the warts like "Essex Dogs", "Chinese Bombs", & "Strange News..." were too much to overlook.
5/5
Loved pulling this album out from my dad's collection when I was a kid. Great cover. I learned to enjoy those songs when I was a tot and the album was 10 yrs old or so.
It's murderer's row on popular songs that still get airplay today... start off with the title track (111M listens), "With A Little Help..." (155M), "Lucy In The Sky..." (207M), "When I'm 64" (108M) and " A Day In The Life" (147M). Holy cow! Then you throw in the glue tracks that are hits in their own right with "Getting Better", "Fixing A Hole", "Lovely Rita"
There are a few misses (for me at least) with "Mr. Kite", "Within You..." but rarely do even the great bands bat .1000. 4.7 stars.
De La Soul
3/5
I remember this release and how different it was than the other rap/hip-hop that was prevalent at the time. It sounded smarter, a bit more relaxed and funny, not gangsta and made more for a larger audience. A far cry from NWA, Public Enemy, etc.
There is one hit we all knew with "Me Myself & I" (brain worm song!) and a few songs you'd hear at frat house parties like "(3 Is) The Magic Number" and "Eye Know".
It was never my thing but I wasn't opposed to it either. In listening to it today I remember why, not enough hooks, no savage bassline, no cutting edge or questionable lyrics and some silly ass songs ("Can U Keep A Secret", "Jenifa...", "Take It Off"). There are some funky beats, that make you wanna get up and dance.
Favorite tracks I don't remember? "Ghetto Thang" and "Potholes In My Lawn".
3 stars, it's good, it introduced a new form of hip hop to the masses and they were talented. Doesn't stand up super well today, they aren't mentioned in the all time greats or 80's/90's legends, and it doesn't have songs on the radio anymore so the longevity isn't there.
The Clash
3/5
Bought this in High School after they hit it big with "Rock The Casbah" and ended up loving it. It was punkish, reggaeish, rockish and blended it all well. It felt raw like they collected lightning in a bottle. They spoke to my teenage angst.
LOVE "Janie Jones" & "White Man in Hammersmith Palais" (US version only), two of the best songs ever. Then you throw in "London's Burning", "White Riot" and "Police & Thieves" to cement it's status as a solid album.
Might be T1001 worthy because it turned punk into a more acceptable genre that could be consumed by more than just skinheads and the angry you. I really enjoy their sound and this album left an indelible mark on me as a High School kid. 3.5 stars but high marks for impact and longevity.
T. Rex
3/5
Great cover, like a rock n' roll angel. I tried real hard to like T.Rex but it just never materialized. The structure was there, the bones were good, but the payoff never came for me. I dig the groove he's in, but the songs are weak.
This is my first time going from top to bottom on "Electric Warrior". I like the vibe from the outset and "Mambo Sun" was a pleasant song to revisit. "Cosmic Dancer" could have easily been a Bowie song, it's nice. There was some sparkle on tunes like "The Motivator", "Jeepster" and "Monolith" but they all missed the mark to be considered a hit song or a radio favorite.
I was glad I gave it a listen, but I don't see the longevity, the hit songs beyond the obvious "Bang A Gong", influence is there but is it enough to make it on the T1001? I say no. Solid 3 stars though.
Fela Kuti
2/5
I went into this knowing it wasn't for me. 5 songs at over an hour, 1971, Fela Kuti, Afrobeat music. A 16 minute drum solo?!
It's African Jazz, and I'm not into Jazz and freeform jazzy jamming. This sound is lost on me and I'm not afraid to admit it. I prefer my songs stay under 11 minutes long, not possible on this album.
I have no idea why this is a T1001 album - I found it to be quite the opposite. 2 stars as I'm sure they're good Afrobeat musicians and there were moments that shined. Knocked it for no hits, no influence on popular music that I'm aware of, a small listen count on Spotify (after 50 yrs) and just the fact that it includes a 16 minute drum solo (pure agony live at any show!).
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
There are a few songs I know from I don't know where, that were instantly familiar like "Freddie's Dead", "Pusherman" & "Superfly". He's telling a story with the songs, but I've never seen the movie, so I wasn't fully tracking.
It's a piece that's stuck in a certain time. It's got a funky flavor but his falsetto gets very old by the midway point. I lost interest, it's just one dimensional with no payoff for me. 2 stars
Tricky
2/5
I gave this a few listens in the 90's when I was into trip-hop and lo-fi electronic music. I'm not sure this has the firepower to be in the Top 1001, it didn't really break new ground and sounds like a lot of other stuff from the mid 90's. Martina Topley-Bird's voice is his savior but I always found his songs, and some of the Massive Attack tracks he was on, went on for a minute or two too long.
Steady listen count with a few tracks that are impressive like "Overcome" (17M), "Black Steel" (12M), "Aftermath" and the one hit(?) he had with "Hell Is Around The Corner" (46M). All the other tracks are over 1M so it's still getting played. Best song I forgot about, "Feed Me".
"Ponderosa" was hard to listen to, I had to FF at the midway point. "Black Steel" wasn't much better for me. "Brand New You're Retro" was a monotonous nightmare!
Overall this is a 2 star album, nothing really stands out, it's kinda boring, nothing is worthy of a second listen and most of it sounds like the song before it and after it. In all honesty, I was ready for it to be over by song #3.
Genesis
2/5
I know the album name, I remember the cover from the record shop, the title song was a rock radio staple when I was a kid.
I am a huge Peter Gabriel fan, but more the latter stuff when he was about the music, world vibes, and much less theatrical. This album is very theatrical and dovetails nicely with his first solo release. Are they telling a story? It feels like chapters not songs, I was lost from the outset.
The title track has the hook, some weirdness and a good sound. They sure tamed Phil Collins drum sound down compared to his solo work, it might have made the album better to bring more bombastics to the forefront. The keyboard solo in "In The Cage" was so dated. All the filters on his vocals became really annoying by the 10th song, he sounds half psycho.
"Counting Out Time" sounds like a Phil Collins track. It's got rubber ducky sounds but it's catchy and the second best song on the album. "The Carpet Crawlers" is considered a fringe hit, but it's just barely better than average. Best song I didn't know... "Lilywhite Lilith".
I didn't enjoy the pace or the songs. I could see where this sound would go in the future so it's a glimpse into coming greatness but this was too prog rocky for me! There was no relaxing after the first song, it was a stressful listen for me and I can't say I enjoyed it. 2 stars at best, if it wasn't PG & Genesis I doubt I would have finished it.
Björk
1/5
She's so bad I have NO IDEA how she ever became popular. Her voice is dreadful, the music is just noise and clicking (set the table for late Radiohead nonsense) and there are no hooks. It's like someone drunk as hell just babbling over boring choppy music.
Not a hit on it, no radio songs, no longevity, no watercooler talk ("what ever happened to that kick ass Bjork gal?"), no nothing. Zero payoff for me. I saw the Sugarcubes open for U2 ages ago and knew right then and there that I was not a fan.
1 star for fooling the world for a few years. I couldn't finish a single song. Pure shit.
OutKast
3/5
I tried this when it was released because it was the talk of the town and I loved "Ms. Jackson" so I wanted to give it a shot. It was eclectic and not 100% hip hop/rap ("The Way You Move"). I am just not a fan of either of their voices and the machine gun tempo of their rhymes.
Disc 1 - In listening to it again today, it's just too fast for me to enjoy. The frenetic pace of Andre 3000 is not something I can enjoy, slow down dude, I can't keep up. Best tracks I forgot about, "Unhappy", "Knowing" (cool beat).
Disc 2 - terrible start, hated the first 3 tracks. "Hey Ya!" was a huge hit, still is. "Happy Valentine's Day" wasn't bad and I enjoyed "Dracula's Wedding". "Spread" was unlistenable, as was "She Lives In My Lap", "A Life In The Day..." and "She's Alive". 50M people listened to "Prototype", I didn't enjoy it at all, self indulgent nonsense.
All the skits were dumb and unnecessary.
I'm in the minority, I get it, and I'm fine with that. They have an impressive listen count (255M for "The Way...", 1.6B for "Hey Ya!") across every full track, all over 3M. The production quality was really good and the music is much better than most rap bands, and light years better than today's hip hop mumble shit.
3 stars, it's good, it's just not my thing. Almost as much bad as good.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
4 songs? All long ones, from The Duke of "Escape From New York" fame. I instantly knew "Walk On By" from god only knows where. It's got a groove and some jamming guitar work before he ever sings a word.
It feels like a soundtrack to a movie more than a single. And at 12 minutes, I walked and I walked, I did walk right on by and lost interest at the midway point. It got repetitive and glorious at that point but there was still 3 minutes to go. The next two songs were average at best, with "One Woman" being difficult to make it all the way through. Then he wraps it up with an 18 minute song with an 8.5 minute mumbling narrative to introduce it, I can drive to Phoenix in less time.
The man is not a great singer. Honestly, how'd this make the T1001? I'm losing a little faith in the process after back to backs with Bjork and now this. How is this an album that had/has made an impact? One hit (the very edited version) but this isn't on heavy rotation anywhere. 9/10 people have no idea who Isaac Hayes is. No legacy. Really poor call on this one. The man has talent but it wasn't on display here. 1.5 stars.
Ravi Shankar
1/5
I am not a sitar fan, not even a little. The sound isn't relaxing to me and in my brain it doesn't comfortably fit into modern music. He introduced Indian music to an entirely new audience, so he gets credit and kudos for that. But musically this is a zero on my scale of interests.
1 star for influence and being a name I instantly recognize as a music fan. Musically it's just noise, sound from a forgotten time, or from a country I have no connection to. The repetition would put me in a padded room, he may be a shredder on sitar but its such a shitty instrument.
The Jam
3/5
I know the band by name and a couple of songs. The write up says they "were the most popular band to emerge from the initial wave of Brit punk in 1977". A bit before my time but I was excited to give it a try.
I would definitely not call this punk. It's the start of new wave and that Brit invasion that would capture MTV's attention just a few years later. The songs were good, maybe a little raw and missing that true 80's vibe. The only song I knew was "That's Entertainment", which still gets a decent amount of airplay. "Start!" felt familiar.
I didn't mind it from top to bottom but I don't see how it made the Top1001. Not sure if it's influence on the New Wave movement in the 80's or what but with 1 hit song it's not entirely worthy in my book. 3 stars.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
I know the band name, but can't say I've ever given them any time. There were on a bunch of late 90's compilation cd's I had but no songs ever stuck with me.
Decent # of listens to "the State I Am In", She's Losing It" and what I assume is their lone hit from this album, "Expectations" (I'd never heard it, but got old Kinks vibes from it). His voice leaves a lot to be desired, flat and sleepy. He sounds like a guy at Open Mike Night.
It sounded like 90's folk to me with a Kinks influence, linda cheery and light but short on jams or hooks. Not really my sound and now I know why I breezed over them back in the day. It was 10 songs that all sounded very similar.
2/5
Saw her open for U2 and couldn't wait for her set to end. She sounds like someone yelling at you with a bullhorn.
Decent # of listens for the entire album. Not sure why. 25M for "Good Fortune" which is annoying as fuck. 69M for "This Mess We're In". 24M for "This Is Love". I had no idea she had a following, she has no music on the radio outside of "Down By The Water".
This was my era, I just didn't connect with her sound, and it's not a good thing to revisit 25 yrs later. 2.5 stars for not being awful and for including Thom Yorke on a few tracks.
Jorge Ben Jor
2/5
Perfectly good musicianship, just not my vibe. I don't see how this is any different from the other music on this list from the same niche genre. I didn't hear anything that made this stand out other than the vocals were better than the previous albums.
It has some very popular songs with 19M listens (Taj Mahal) and 7M listens (Ponta de Lanca Africano) and 1M+ on most of the other tracks. People like it! I didn't hate it but I'd never give it a second listen.
2 stars
Faith No More
3/5
Everyone knew this album and a few of the popular tracks at the time of release. "Epic" led the charge and I swear, if you listen to FM or XM radio for even a few hours a day, you will hear that song at some point, even today. 250M listens, it's a hit song.
I think the reason this one stands out was that it was unique at the time, they created a sound of their own, odd but attractive. It fit in with grunge, it fit in with metal/hard rock, it had a pop quality, it includes elements of hip hop, it was truly a conglomeration of what was hot at the time. "What IS It"!
"Epic" was huge but they had a minor hit with "Falling To Pieces" and their rendition of "War Pigs". I forgot about, but enjoyed, "Edge Of The World" & "The Morning After". Problem with the album is that too many of the songs sound like the song before it or after it. 3 stars for delivering a GIANT 90's hit song that everyone still knows - longevity is factored in, unique sound at the time, impact at the time, etc.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
A wonderful album and I would include this in my own Top1001. It's not just the music it's the atmosphere, song choices and creative arrangements that make this a great record.
"Misguided Angel" is one of the prettiest songs of all time. The unique and lovely "Blue Moon Revisited" feels warm and familiar from the start. Their take on "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" puts a new spin on an old classic. And finally, their wonderful cover and unique take (now the standard) on "Sweet Jane" is the cherry on top. It builds and turns into a hum/sing along then returns to it's lovely mellowness. Throw in fan favorites "Dreaming My Dreams With You" & "Mining For Gold" and you have a solid album.
I've seen the Junkies 2-3x and they're super good live and interact well with their audience. I could listen to this album anytime, it's lightning in a bottle. There are a few sleepy tunes ("I Don't Get It", "Working On A Building" & "Postcard Blues") that could have been removed, they're likely better in person than on the recording. At points you have to check if anyone's home as the mix is not dynamic or crystal clear.
The good outweighs the bad. Solid 3.5 stars. "Sweet Jane" holds a special place in my heart.
Air
4/5
Good album from a very underrated 90's band. They're still touring and I'd go see them in a second.
You gotta like "airy" keyboard-centric electronic chill but they're great to have on at a party or in the background, they won't offend and people will ask "who are we listening to?"
Kicks off with the relaxing "La Femme D'Argent" and roll into the wonderful "Sexy Boy" then right into their biggest hit with "All I Need" featuring Beth Hirsch on vocals.
They're huge in France but this album has a really solid listen count with the first 3 tracks I mentioned all at 100M listens and every other song with between 12M and 35M, those are very good numbers (especially compared to some of the questionable albums on this list!) so it's held up well and still gets airplay. No radio hits from this album but a very nice contribution to 90's music.
There's literally not a bad song on the album, some do sound similar but none are clunkers or worthy of a skip. I might toss "You Make It Easy" but it's still a nice song. It's an original sound, it stands up well even today, it's still popular and it's good from top to bottom. I'd give it 4 stars.
Charles Mingus
1/5
Not my jam, I know this before I even listen based on my disinterest in Jazz. I know the name, it's just not a genre I enjoy or understand. It's chaotic noise, meet in the middle for a minute, and go separate your ways again. I'm not mathematical, I'm not an musician, but I have an ear for music, to appreciate Jazz you have to be both I believe.
I went to recording school and all my teachers whether they played rock or country all appreciated Jazz. Being a player helps you understand and
This was so horn heavy and in a way I find ugly and cumbersome, throw in the piano that doesn't even go with the song. I got no enjoyment from listening to this, none.
1 star as I'm sure he's a good musician and master of his art, I just hated every minute of it. No hits, no staying power, small listen count for a 60 yr old record and only Jazz aficionados would find this rewarding.
2/5
I've been a fringe fan since I was a kid based on the tunes they had on the classic rock stations I grew up listening to. Fun 70's album cover art that made you want to review it from corner to corner, that's just not something you see anymore. That must be the band standing in the alley watching their limo get towed?
With only 6 songs it seems like a short album but one song is 13 mins, another is 8.5 mins and another is over 10 mins long.
Decent listen counts for a 50+ yr old album but not impressive. "Cisco Kid" is one of those underappreciated classics you enjoy hearing, great percussion, vocals and groove. I couldn't get into the wandering "City, Country, City" and feel that's 13 mins of my life I won't get back. "Four Cornered Room" starts off as a dark stoner dirge then morphs into a spoke word thing before reverting back to a slow burn. It was ok, but not impressive. That rolls into the 10+ min "The World Is A Ghetto" which I got very little enjoyment from. Repetitive and depressing, maybe that's why it's on the T1001 list, they're talking truths from the 1970's but how about some positivity and how to change things?! His screaming vocal the last 2 mins was completely unnecessary. Wrapping up with "Beetles In The Bog"was another group chant sung in a in intelligible way, if you weren't depressed already, you are now.
Outside of the uplifting "Cisco Kid" this one's a real stinker. 2 Stars since the musicianship is good, the vocals suck most of the time (they miss Eric Burdon!) and the variance from song to song is minimal after the opening track. Wouldn't listen to it twice.
David Holmes
1/5
Never heard of him or this album, never seen this album cover in a record store, this came out in my music junkie heyday so there must be a reason I overlooked it. Apparently, based on listen counts, I wasn't the only one to miss it.
Not a solid start with "Listen" & "My Mate Paul" back to back, both basic and boring. The title track sounds like background music from a B-Movie.
The rest sounds like rough drafts or throwaway tracks from a real artist. "Rodney Yates" has 8M listens? For what?! Was it featured somewhere else? It's boring with no payoff. The filler 1 minute tracks in between songs offer zero value and don't tell a story from what I gather.
Hodge podge of nonsensical beats. I cannot imagine who voted this album onto the list. It's crap. I'm struggling to give it 2 stars, I really can't, best I can do is 1.5.
2/5
I know the band and the more recent headlines over the stolen intro to "Stairway To Heaven" but I've never given them much of a listen. They never got any airtime on classic rock radio when I was growing up - they never came up on my radar like other fringe bands with one hit or a cult following (Mott The Hoople, Uriah Heap, Molly Hatchet, etc).
I can see why now, pretty average and sorta tame from start to finish on this one. "Nature's Way" was the one song with a substantial listen count (4M) but it was a short song with layers & some catchiness but nothing special. "Mr. Skin" was the best track, by far, and sounded like a well developed song that could have been a hit, but wasn't. I got a touch of Soundgarden on "When I Touch You".
The lead singer's voice is weak, so the layered vocals help quite a bit. I really didn't enjoy "Love Has Found A Way", it hasn't aged well and sounds like a song from a 70's B-Movie. The latter part of the album, tracks 9 on down were below average.
Overall, it wasn't an album I needed to listen to before I die. I am glad I dove in and tried Spirit though. 2 stars is the best I can do on this one.
Suzanne Vega
2/5
Reminder, this is the 1001 albums we must hear before we die, right? Vega was a blip on the 80's radar with two memorable songs, neither of which are included here. She wasn't cutting edge, didn't set the world on fire, had an average voice. Another head scratcher for me.
It honestly sounds like a singer songwriter who faithfully believes in her songs singing her ass off at a coffee shop in front of amazed friends who thinks she's The Shit. I would have left my girlfriend and her 2 friends there while I boogied down to the bar on the corner where they have a jukebox filled with good songs.
It was utterly boring, I was suffering, I felt nothing. Maybe I don't get the poetry or can't connect with whatever theme she was pitching but I didn't enjoy any of it. Two stars but that's a generous stretch.
The War On Drugs
3/5
I like this guy and their sound though I haven't listened to a full album. What I know going into this is that nearly all the songs they have on the radio sound very similar.
Solid listen count across all the tracks, all around 10M to 30M. I knew "Red Eyes" and I like that song and it's rollicking groove (177M listens). "Under The Pressure" has a Bob Dylan staccato vocal and drones on for 3 minutes too long (like many of these songs), the ending is just pure annoyance. I enjoyed "Suffering" which I hadn't heard before, great guitar work.
Back to my first observation, the songs tend to sound similar with a groove that's in his comfort zone wheelhouse, but a bit overused on an album this long. "Eyes To The Wind" is an ode to Tom Petty, just not as good. Same Bob Dylan thing in "Lost In The Dream" and the same wearing out it's welcome 8 min song length on "In Reverse".
I don't mind him, but this was not a hit album, one hit song that gets on the radio, nothing revolutionary or cutting edge, and the length and similarity in songs is tedious over 60 minutes. 3 stars, but that's generous.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Hugely popular to this day, giant listen count with the hits getting over 100M to 200M listens.
Radio staples "Carry On", the uber catchy "Teach Your Children" and the timeless "Our House" would get this into the Top1001 but then you add in classics "Helpless" & "Woodstock" plus the fan fav "Almost Cut My Hair". The harmonies are undeniable and the staying power is pretty amazing considering it's over 50 yrs old.
"Country Girl" was the only track I didn't have any love for. Solid 4 stars, thanks for making me aware it was such a loaded album.
Janelle Monáe
2/5
Not my thing, and I know that going in. She's wonderful to look at and has a ton of talent musically and as an actor but her sound isn't in my wheelhouse of appreciation.
The album felt theatrical, like the soundtrack to a movie or a stage presentation I haven't seen. I felt like I came into the theater having missed the intro so following the story was difficult.
Ok listener counts but only one hit with "Tightrope" (but I'd never heard it). I didn't enjoy any one song enough to entirely finish it. It was so theatrical that I couldn't get into it at all. 2 stars, good production and sound, just not my sound or vibe.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
I am familiar with her, but really just her one big U.S. hit ("Son Of A Preacher Man") which is one of my all time favorite songs of any genre. I've never listened to this album though.
Sexy voice, no doubt. And I got laid this morning so I was laughing inside listening to the lyrics of "Just A Little Lovin'"! Off to a great start, literally. "I Don't Want To Hear It" was a snoozer. "Breakfast In Bed" is a classic track that has been covered by so many artists (UB40/Chrissie Hynde do it great!) but it's nice to hear the original.
Overproduced - Lots of strings that I didn't find necessary, let her voice soar. The strings were distracting to me ("Windmills Of Your Mind"). The woman's got soul, and she should be much more revered today than she is. Mt Rushmore of women's vocalists.
The Deluxe version includes "You've Got A Friend" by Carol King (James Taylor's version is the one we all know) which was released later than 1969 but it's a nice take. It also has her take on "Make It With You".
I agree people should listen to her voice before they die, but this album was fairly vanilla outside of a couple tracks. It sounds dated, even older than 1969, because of the accompanying strings. The album is 3 stars, the voice is 5 stars.
Manic Street Preachers
1/5
Massive fail on this one, no need to have this on any Top 1001 album list of any kind. Zero hits, no influence that I'm aware, nothing revolutionary on the album, horrible album cover, odd vocals, mediocre listen counts (way more than I would have assumed though), songs are all too long, but some decent production work to give them a sound all their own.
I can't imagine listening to his voice and this album twice. He's like a 90's Johnny Rotten (See "Faster") with more control but that same headache inducing tone. There's an negatively unhappy undertone that runs through this entire album, it's just not a pleasure to listen to. I feel like he's yelling AT me not singing TO me.
Hated it from top to bottom. I almost liked "She Is Suffering" which fits the time it was released. I remember when they were being pushed on us with every compilation disc released in 1994-96, they never got traction here for a reason. 1 star, I didn't enjoy anything on it and hated his vocals by the end. I'm gonna go kick a dog or something now.
Fela Kuti
1/5
One was too many, but two albums by Fela, no thank you. Four 12+ minute songs that just go on and on forever. I don't appreciate jazz, don't understand it, it doesn't make me want to move or even keep listening.
I'm sure they're great musicians but that noisy horn is ear splitting and just not enjoyable. I made it 2 mins into the title track before I had to pause and regroup. Then the nonsensical, flat, repetitive vocals kicked in to completely ruin my experience. If you made it to the 9 minute mark without fast forwarding you're a badass, or maybe a dumbass!
"Mr. Follow Follow" had some musical moments but again, in come the vocals and the screaming backup singers. Nope. I was literally looking around for a door to walk out of. I made it halfway through "Observation..." and threw in the towel altogether.
No bueno. Hard to throw one star out but it's the least I can do, literally. NOT Top 1001 worthy, not by a longshot!
The Zombies
3/5
There are a lot of 1968 albums on this list. Not an album I know or have listened do but everyone know the giant hit single "Time Of The Season". Not sure how well it stands up today, it sounds dated.
"Care of Cell 44" and "A Rose For Emily" are nice songs but forgettable. "Maybe After He's Gone" was solid. "Beechwood Park" feels like it would be a good candidate for a updated remake. "This Will Be Our Year" was a nice little ditty.
I read all about the album but I wasn't as impressed as the writers were. It's good, has one all time great hit and some decent filler but not a T1001 album in my book. 3 stars
Ice Cube
3/5
I've listened to a lot of gangsta rap over the years, this one doesn't stand out more so than many others. Ice Cube has a listenable voice and better beats than many of his contemporaries at the time.
Pretty good listen counts for the entire album. The music for "The Nigga Ya Love To Hate" is creative and driving. Some pretty dark lyrics on "You Can't Fade Me", but I enjoyed the storytelling.
A bit much on the skit stuff, recordings from news clips, etc. He was making a point in 1990, I get it, it just doesn't hold up well today. I found the album predictable, cliche and sorta boring. 3 stars and that's generous.
Gary Numan
4/5
Classic cover, instantly recognizable, he's the epitome of a one hit wonder who was better than his single hit. His unique heavy synth sound paved the way for so many bands who followed him in the new wave era of the early 80's.
Solid listener counts on nearly every song with "Metal" (9M), "M.E." (26M) and of course "Cars" (116M) leading the way.
The opening track "Airlane" defines his sound and is a great intro to this album. The intro of "M.E." was ripped off big time by the Smashing Pumpkins and was sampled in the classic late 90's track "Where's Your Head At" by the Basement Jaxx as well as NIN using it for "Metal". Influence across decades!
It's an easy album to listen to if you can lean into his unique vocals. It's just got a vibe and it holds up well today, it doesn't sound super dated. I would give this 4 stars since there wasn't a single track I needed to skip and nothing to dislike. It's an overlooked classic at this point.
Minor Threat
1/5
Out of step for sure, pure crap. And I enjoy some punk, but this was just the same song with a minor chord change and slightly different lyrics. Thank god no song was longer than 3 minutes. "Cashing In" had some flash, but not worth a full listen.
I could feel some influence on bands like Danzig and Offspring, but that's where the compliments end. 1 star
Aretha Franklin
3/5
No doubt she can sing and own a song! Opening with classic "Chain Of Fools" and including "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and great glue tracks like her versions of "People Get Ready" & "Groovin", "Money Won't Change You", and "Come Back Baby". I also enjoyed "Niki Hoeky", the least listened to track on the album.
I did feel a few were high pitched and maybe over-sung. 3 stars, for longevity, hits, timeless sound and star power.
Sister Sledge
3/5
Man, this took me way back to being a small kid and really starting to get into popular music. The intro chords to "He's The Greatest Dancer" sets the tone and take you back to the disco era.
Corny ass lyrics, oh boy, hard to look past, but the baseline and groove are undeniable. 142M listens for "Greatest Dancer" and nearly 300M for the title track. Glue tracks like "Lost In Music" and "Thinking Of You" have over 70M and 90M, respectively. I kinda liked "One More Time" which I'd never heard before. With those listen counts, this is a way more popular album in this day and age than I would have ever imagined.
The production stands out, this is a landscape of disco, not just a hit single with a good groove. The repetition of that landscape is the downfall for me, it's a lot of the same without much variation. It feels like it was all recorded on the same day with the same players.
All disco ball momentum fell out the bottom with "Somebody Loves Me", why mess with a good thing to go with a schlocky bubblegum makeout song? Poor decision to wedge it in there. Overall, this is not a T1001 album for me, it's one dimensional, though it boasts 2 all time great disco hits. 3 stars.
Gene Clark
2/5
Second album by a guy I'd never heard of until jumping into this Top 1001 list. I didn't care for the first one, weak vocals, boring songs, but I'll go into this with an open mind...
Very modest listen counts with (the hit) "With Tomorrow" topping out at 1.6M listens. Three tracks over 1M but most others around 100K-500K.
Sounds like the soundtrack to a whacky western movie from the 70's that never gained much popularity. What boxes does this check as a Must Listen album? I don't hear it. It's really basic guitar and singing. Is he a lyrical genius?! The "hit song" and "Because Of You" were both Super Boring, no energy, no hooks, this was never on anyone's radio in 1971.
Jim Croce would eat this guy for lunch. Paul Simon didn't know he existed. Bob Dylan would laugh at his attempt on "Spanish Guitar". I can't come up with any reason this made the T1001. Boring, no hits, zero influence. 2 stars since it was vanilla pudding but nothing more.
Sugar
2/5
I remember when this came out and was being pushed on all us alt rockers fresh out of college. I always though Bob Mould was enjoyable but never thought he hit great heights with any of his bands or solo work.
The vocals take a backseat to the wall of guitars, always his thing. Their songs are listenable, but always stuck in one gear, kind of like Foo Fighters, vanilla rock. Decent listen counts but no definitive 90's songs. I remember "Helpless" but it was easily forgotten for the last 30 yrs. "If I Can't Change The World" is the one "hit song" at 6.5M listens, but I do not remember it at all and I was glued to the radio in '92.
No hits, not a memorable tune on it, no influence that I'm aware of, they didn't create this sound, no hooks - just an average album at best but not one worth revisiting. 2 stars is the best I can offer.
Pretenders
3/5
It took me years to truly appreciate the Pretenders. They weren't as accessible as Cheap Trick or as polished as Styx or as cool as The Police. They got lost in the shuffle, they were too rock n' roll for me during the new wave era, but they pressed on and kept making solid rock music for decades. I found them again years later.
I've never listened to this debut album from first to last before but know the massive hit "Brass In Pocket" (which is a timeless classic, MTV staple), and the radio friendly glue tracks like "Kid", "The Wait", "Mystery Achievement" & "Stop Your Sobbing" (which I just heard on XM).
Influential because of Chrissie Hynde and having a strong woman fronting a true rock band. Longevity for "Brass" and it's 230M listens. I'd give it 3.5 if that was possible, but it wouldn't make my personal T1001.
Violent Femmes
4/5
I know this one! I would put this on the T1001 for longevity, hits, popularity/listen counts, radio impact and uniqueness. EVERYONE, even my teenagers, know "Blister In The Sun" and can sing along with it, it's still played in college bars.
No one sounded or sounds like the Femmes! There's angst oozing from this album that you just can't make up. Instantly recognizable voice and sound. Yeah, it takes some time to get used to his voice/delivery. If this same album was released by the Beach Boys or someone mainstream tame it would have been a giant hit, the songs are solid.
"Blister" alone has 310M listens! Throw in radio friendly tracks like, "Kiss Off" (43M), "Add It Up" (43M) and "Gone Daddy Gone" (30M) and you have a hit record. Factor in glue tracks/fan favs like "Please Do Not Go", "Prove My Love", & "Good Feeling" and it's an undeniably solid release. No song has under 3M listens. This is part of 80's lore and still sounds good today. 4 stars for sure.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I have tried to get into their sound in the past, people adore them, they just do NOTHING for me. I can't explain the draw, I don't find anything about them compelling and I don't want to listen to their music if I don't have to.
Could be his voice pleading at me for an hour, might be the boring ass songs, perhaps it's the repetition
I liked "Power Out", pretty cool track but a touch too long, again with the repetition, know when a song is fully baked.
Impressive listening counts across the entire album. The opening track has 55M listens, the "hit" songs "Rebellion" (which I didn't know) & "Wake Up" (didn't know it either) have 133M & 167M respectively, while the rest range from 10M to 24M. It's popular, I just don't understand why.
I could never just chill and listen to him yelling at me like that and the repetition is just too much for me to overlook. Not my thing. Decent music but not my vibe! 3 stars since I didn't hate it.
Ryan Adams
3/5
I got into this when it was first released, word of mouth so I had tried the albums prior to this one as well. I have to say "La Cienega Just Smiled" is one of my all time favorite songs. Add in "New York, New York" and "When Stars Go Blue".
In a way he helped usher in this awful wave of alt pop country that is plaguing the world as I write this. Not a good influence in my book. Listen to "Somehow, Someday" and you'll see the parallels.
While good and enjoyable, this isn't cutting edge or spectacular in any way, it's pretty vanilla all around with a few standout tracks. Not T1001 worthy.
Butthole Surfers
1/5
I'd like to meet the dude who wrote up this list, I need to understand the criteria. BS were one hit wonders who influenced a string of 90's bands like Nirvana, but they never released an album worthy of the T1001. I saw them open twice, interesting to watch but not good to listen to (try "USSA" live, you'll head for the door).
This was 11 painful 'songs'. "Sweet Loaf" was so busy it hurt my brain. This album is just noise, utter garbage, there's barely a song in there! Who gave these jokers money to make this album? This is the biggest miss to date and I'm 250 albums in. Zero stars but I have a minimum of 1 to give.
Miles Davis
3/5
Not being even remotely a jazz fan, I cringed when I saw this one pop up. I am however very impressed by the listener counts, no song has under 40M listens, that's bonkers! "Blue In Green" has over 180M listens (used as a sleep aid, maybe?). So to my untrained ear this is just background music in a bar I won't spend more than 30 minutes at, but to an aficionado this is the nectar. I get it, to each his own, different strokes for different folks. I respect that.
3 stars for being the most listenable jazz album that's been presented in the T1001 so far. Only 3 stars cause I don't get it, and I don't understand how to compute the meandering horns, the background drum fills and piano licks. 9 minute songs? Ugh. I was bored out of my mind for 45 minutes! One drink and I'm gonzo from this jazz club.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Thin Lizzy, vastly underrated, and bringing some guitar riff rock back to the T1001 after a LONG glaring absence. I'm surprised it's not 'Jailbreak' alone but instead a live album with a longer list of their finest.
"Jailbreak", "Southbound", "Dancing In The Moonlight" (listen to that sax!), "Cowboy Song", & "The Boys Are Back In Town" (nearly all from 'Jailbreak') make for a solid concert performance. Add in glue tracks like "Rocker", "Are You Ready" and the fan favorite "Still In Love With You" (with some pretty guitar work) and you have a great showcase for a band that never secured its rightful place in the annals of Rock & Roll.
The last 3-4 tracks of the album are a bit repetitive but overall it's a good, not great, rock album. I'm curious what made this a T1001 album in the mind of the creator. 3+ stars
The Smiths
2/5
I agonizingly go into this one, I am not a Smiths fan nor do I enjoy Morrissey's could-care-less-whiny cadence. I have a few famous voices that I just can't learn to love including James Taylor, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Boy George, Jay-Z & Morrissey. From the minute Morrissey starts singing I want to turn the dial, it's uncanny.
For the record, I have never listened to a full Smiths album, they're just dreary and sap my energy. I have heard a couple tracks in college or on the radio over the years ("How Soon Is Now?", which sucks too).
I have to give props for number of listens for this entire album, the lowest song has 8.5M listens while the biggest ("Well I Wonder") has 84M (probably cause he sings the least in this song).
I flat out could not enjoy it, I tried, I didn't like a single song. Every track had the same beat & boring guitar line. I loathe his voice and I can't hear around it. 2.5 stars as I can see people love it, but I don't, not even a little.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I go into this as a fringe Bob fan, knowing the famous album name and being aware of a few of the songs, but having never listened to it in one sitting.
Right outta the gates with "everyone must get stoned", a song I adored in Jr High School (found it in my dad's record collection). "Rainy Day Women" is a classic and the most recognizable song on the album to me.
There's A LOT of harmonica on this album especially at the start,("Pledging My Time"), I'd say it's to the point of overkill. His unique way of singing is on full display on this one as well, some words are just drawn out in a subtly annoying way ("I Want You", "Sad-Eyed Lady..."). I do enjoy "Stuck Inside Mobile..." which I got familiar with from his Greatest Hits Vol 1 (but 7 mins is incredibly repetitive!). "Just Like A Woman" is a popular track, and it's pretty likeable.
This album hasn't aged well in my opinion, its dated as are the topics and phrasing, it would crash and burn if released today. Still popular with the most listened to track ("I Want You") at 63M listens and the least popular at a still impressive 3.3M. I had a hard time fully enjoying it, maybe I prefer Bob in smaller doses. Solid 3 stars.
Dead Kennedys
2/5
I know the name but not sure I've ever heard their music before. I was not into this sound in 1980, too young to even consider it. I like the punk vibe and energy , but this dude's voice is too Johnny Rotten for me to enjoy. But I will give him props that I can understand him which isn't always the case with punk infused music.
The guitar work stands out ("Kill The Poor", "Let's Lynch The Landlord"), that's rare with a punk album. He sounds like a manic nutjob on every song, I just can't get past that. Thankfully most of the songs are 2 minutes long.
I had to fast forward through a few ("Forward To Death", "Drug Me", "I Kill Children" on title alone, and "Stealing People's Mail".
I will bet their shows were high energy, sweaty, events with true mohawked punks back in 1980. Kudos to the band for staying power, the least listened to song has over 1.5M listens, the most has over 22M. More impressive than most albums on this T1001 list. 2 stars is the best I can do, and that's generous.
Neu!
3/5
Never heard of them or this album. It's 50 yrs old, I don't expect to overturn a gem on this one...
I had my money on it being Euro dance music just from the name and timeframe. I was right on the Euro thing (Germany) but they're more ambient/chill vs dance.
Very relaxing music, I especially liked "Seeland" & "ISI". A switch got flipped as the second half was very different. "Hero" was so far from "Seeland" I thought the album changed, didn't care for it all and it was about 4 minutes too long. Hard to gauge who they are based on the yin & yang (or oil & water) of tracks 1-3 vs 4-6.
Did they create Ambient music? Is that their influence and the reason it made this list? Otherwise it was a miss for me. 3 stars but closer to 2.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Oh heck yeah, love me some Petty! Brilliant rocker with a deep catalog. I would assume this is the first of 2 or 3 albums on this list.
This one includes two of classic rock's all-time songs with "Breakdown" (150M listens!) and "American Girl" (426M listens!) along with excellent glue tracks like "Anything That's Rock & Roll", "Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)" & "Hometown Blues". Pretty solid album from top to bottom.
Hard to deny his rock and pop sensibilities. He has stood the test of time, is constantly on the radio (along with 3 songs from this album) and has an undeniable influence influence on music. 4 stars.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Right on! The very much underappreciated Beastie Boys. Great stuff, 3.5 stars! BB's were at their creative peak and huge nationwide in 1994. They were at their loosest and coolest when they were jamming on the instruments and noodling around.
The opening sounds of the dog and the flute are classic 90's, takes me back to a carefree broke-ass time, and sets the stage for the record. "Sure Shot" (63M listens) has a certain undeniable energy, a great way to kick things off. Then you jump to "Root Down" (23M listens) which is pure coolness. Finally, "Sabotage" (500M listens), which gets the listener amped up (and the video is still the greatest of all time).
Throw in glue tracks like "Get It Together" (31M) with Q-Tip, "Sabrosa" (15M, funky stuff!), "Futterman's Rule", & "Flute Loop" (35M) and you a weirdly cohesive record. There are some throw away tracks for sure ("Heart Attack Man", "Tough Guy", "Eugene's Lament", "Ricky's Theme") but it's a view inside the band as they grew into musicians not just rappers/entertainers.
You got punk songs, hip hop tracks, high energy, a dash of weirdness, a few great instrumentals, all this makes for a solid disc and a trip down memory lane! 3.5 stars, not 4 (due to the throwaway tracks).
3/5
My first thought was, "really?". He has enough albums on here already, it's got half his greatest hits and it's live.
I saw him live 40 yrs later and couldn't wait for the show to end. He turned "All Along The Watchtower" into a garbled mess that I didn't recognize until 4 minutes in. He made a few songs into show tunes complete with top hat. I've never seen a crowd stream for the exits and I've been to 300+ concerts. My Bob Live experience was a poor one so I go into this with low expectations.
15 Dylan songs back to back, that's a lot of Bob. He was much folkier at this point in his career. Disc One is a slog and all sounds the same. The energy was not in the room. Disc Two was built to shock an audience of folksters, he plugged in and they didn't know what hit 'em! It's like he went electric just to shock them awake. Again, all the songs sound the same on side two. Two different shows, two sounds, neither compelling.
I got my harmonica fix for the next 5 years! This album made the list because he's a great writer of songs, not for the actual performance which is uniform and without any highs. I wouldn't have been sure when one song ended and the next began if it weren't for the clapping in between.
This rendition of "Mr. Tamborine Man", which I've known since I was a child, brought back memories of my horrible concert experience since the melody wasn't on point and wandered. The one highlight was the guitar work on "One Too Many Mornings". I did appreciate the final track, "Like A Rolling Stone", it had the energy the rest of the show lacked.
BORING, slow, more boring and lacking any real wow moments. I don't think I could handle a show this mellow, I envision everyone was seated, wearing a dark suit, horn rimmed glasses and fedoras...clapping politely.
The Residents
1/5
Wow, from the opening track, "Constantinople", I felt I entered the Fun House and someone was blaring weird-ass music as I wandered through the all of mirrors trying to find the exit. Mercifully that song is just over 2 mins long. How did 1.1M people listen to that on Spotify?!
This is pure shit. "Sinister Exaggerator", track 2, was sung by sheep from outerspace. Track 4, "Blue Rosebuds" & "Lizard Lady" were sung by 4 inch tall people. "Laughing Song" was created just to irritate the listener, it reminds me of something a 5 yr old would do to bug his parents from the backseat of the car. I refused to finish it, there's no way any sane person could listen to all 20 songs without skipping.
Nothing about this is Top 1001. It's all shock value. I can see this being the soundtrack for one of those late 60's/early 70's movies you stumble across channel surfing and for some reason you continue to watch it, even though it's horribly bad. In your mind you think, "there must be a reason" and you watch until the end when you realize you will never get that 75 minutes back.
1 star because that's the least I can give it.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Never heard of them or this album and apparently I'm not alone. The listen count on Spotify is glaringly low.
This is my second 'experimental' album this week ("Duck Stab", by The Residents). And this one sucks too. Only one song, "Hamburger Lady" has a million listens, how a million people sat thru that is beyond me. Everything else is pure garbage, just sounds, ambience and nonsense, not actual songs. "AB-7A" was the closest thing to a song on the album. The only good thing about them is their band name, Throbbing Gristle, projects an instant mental image.
I've lost faith in this list, there's simply no reason this album would be one 'you must listen to before you die'. 1 star, the minimum I can give. This was unforgivably bad.
Nina Simone
3/5
Been a real testing week in the T1001. I had two of the worst album's mankind has ever heard and I finish the week with Nina, who I know is outside my wheelhouse of appreciation.
She has a really cool, smokey, relaxing voice. I've tried her in the past after reading articles about her. Thing is, I just can't sit around and listen to this, it doesn't float my boat. I do appreciate her artistry and her unique voice. Impressive listen counts with "Lilac Wine" at 25M and "Wild Is The Wind & Black Is The Color..." at around 12-15M.
The first song, "Lilac Wine" is really nice, but super slow & mellow. "Either Way I Lose" was pretty cool. I didn't really enjoy any of the other songs enough to comment on them. I could likely put this on and fade off on the couch, but I wouldn't play it for enjoyment. Just not my thing & a super-dated sound. 3 stars
Count Basie & His Orchestra
2/5
1958? BIG Band? Jazz? Three strikes and you'rrrrre out!
I don't get jazz. I can't even pretend to like it, it can't be on in a room without it driving me up a wall. The randomness and the repetition, the unnecessary solo's, the horns that just won't stop. Boring. Just not my thing.
It's obviously popular with most tracks having over 1M plays. A few have 5, 18 and 8M plays, that's impressive. I don't understand it, but it's impressive.
I got thru this one quickly. Not a single song I'd listen to twice. And to believe there was a time when this was super popular blows my mind. I'm sure he's great at what he does so I'll give it 2 stars.
The White Stripes
4/5
From the opening chords of "Blue Orchid" this one comes out blasting! I dig The White Stripes, so this was a welcome addition after suffering thru weird experimental and boring jazz albums the last few days.
They're cooking with gas and rocking the house with "Blue Orchid", "My Doorbell", "Little Ghost" & "The Denial Twist", all of which get radio play. Then you add in glue tracks like "Forever For Her", "The Nurse" "I'm Lonely" & "Take Take Take".
Not sure I can put this in my Top 1001 though with the weak second half of of this release. There are some true throwaway songs, even for a fan like me, including "Instinct Blues" & "Passive Manipulation", and weak filler songs like "White Moon", "As Ugly As I Am", "Red Rain".
Overall, this is worth listening to, breaks some new ground and has the radio hits. The listen count is impressive, no song has under 3M listens and "Blue Orchid" tops 160M, "Doorbell" is at 50M and "Denial" is at 40M, this is a popular album. 3.5 stars but I'm going with 4 out of respect.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Love the cover. I'm not a ELP or Prog fan but I see the listener counts and have to give it respect. It's really just rock jazz with solo's, rambling, meet in the middle, piano noodling, everyone goes separate ways, then rock hard, then go downtempo, then crash together at the end. The vocals seem forced across every track.
This may be one of the great Prog albums of all time, I have no idea, but it doesn't float my boat. I know a few ELP songs from the radio, none of which are on this album. I found this utterly boring and bordering on annoying.
2 stars as I'm sure they're badass musicians and I can see people appreciate this album. Just not my jam, on any level.
The Who
3/5
I enjoy The Who, and know most of their hits, but I've never listened to this album in its entirety.
The intro song, "Out In The Street" has a soul vibe and a WAR flavor to it. The second, "I Don't Mind", has a 50's/Motown vibe to it. I had no idea they were this versatile in their early days. I enjoyed both.
"My Generation" the song (262M listens!), is such a classic. Put them firmly on the map. Super catchy, and you can feel they are transitioning from that 60's pop sound to more of a rock edge. "Much Too Much" feels like it was written and recorded about the same time. "The Kids Are Alright" is another pure classic and welcome anytime I hear it.
"The Good's Gone" should have been a Stones song, they would have breathed some life into, this version is a slog. "I'm A Man" was another that I could have done without. Doesn't even sound like Daltry. Same with "Legal Matter", just a nothing song. "The Ox", instrumental to end the album, was completely unnecessary.
The Deluxe version is loaded with another 18 songs! Some hits, quite a few misses.
Bonkers drumming throughout and some tasty guitar, great musicianship. This started their legacy so it gets marks for that, longevity and hits, influence is a no brainer. 3.5 stars.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
I learned about Booker T as a small kid from the "American Graffiti" Soundtrack. "Green Onions" was the track. Not many songs were instrumentals when I was a tot but this one had an undeniable groove. At 349M listens on Spotify, people agree, it's a killer song.
This was my first time listening to an entire album by them. I was informed by my wife that "Rinky Dink" was a big song in the "Dirty Dancing" movie. News to me, never saw it.
I enjoyed it, good background music, but without vocals a lot of it sounds the same. I think it got on here since "Green Onions" the song is so recognizable and listened to, the rest is good filler. 3 stars.
Dire Straits
4/5
I do enjoy Dire Straits, specifically Mark Knopfler and his badass guitar. Great musicians, with swagger and mood, and some good grooves.
This album is mostly new to me, I know their Greatest Hits and their latter albums more intimately. There are some real classics on this album with "Down The The Waterline" (125M listens), "Six Blade Knife" (115M), "Sultans Of Swing" (their definitive song, at 1.5B listens) & "Water Of Love" (70M). It's just a consistent album, with no filler, solid tracks and it's where it all started for a Rock Hall Of Fame band.
"Wild West End" was a real gem I didn't know. Man makes his guitar sing!
This one stands up well and still gets airplay for the hits, but the overall listen counts, with no song under 22M, is super impressive. Longevity, popularity and influence, check. 4 stars
Lou Reed
2/5
I like Lou, I liked Velvet Underground as well. Not sure Lou deserves this many spots in the T1001 though. This will be my first swing at "Berlin", none of the song titles look familiar at first glance...
First song, "Berlin" is an instrumental SNOOZER. "Lady Day" & "Men of Good Fortune" continues the slow pace. Then it picks up (a little) in the middle of the album. All forgettable tracks. Then back to Downer City with "Caroline II", "The Kids", "The Bed" and "Sad Song". Holy cow, my eyelids got heavy!
Some impressive listen counts with most tracks over 1M, one or two at 2M and 4M. That was the only thing impressive about this album though. I was bored outta my gourd, couldn't wait for it to be over. 1.5 stars.
The Smiths
2/5
I loathe Morrissey's voice, anything he sings I dislike. Good guitar work but the songs suck cause he's singing them.
I am dumbfounded by how many listens this album has, only 3 songs under 10M, that's impressive, but it still blows. The sonics/mix on this album are better than other Smiths albums I've suffered through.
2 stars from me. I'm sure it's popular, not sure of influence, radio hits are almost none ("Girlfriend In A Coma" [so overrated]). The only song I kinda enjoyed was "A Rush And A Push..."
T. Rex
3/5
I don't personally feel T.Rex deserves two albums in the T1001, they are enjoyable and influential, but are they great?
I know a few of these from their greatest hits, but "Metal Guru", while a fun song, is Monkies level pop music. "Mystic Lady" exposes their weaknesses, catchy but there are like 9 words and rest is "la la la". I didn't dislike a single song, but also, nothing really stands out either. Most sounded very similar. Not a single radio hit (at least that is STILL played today on classic rock).
Good listening counts for an album as old as me. No song under 1M, with "Metal Guru" leading the way with 16M, "Slider" over 4M, "Telegram Sam" over 7M and "Ballrooms of Mars" over 6.5M (cool track with layered guitars!).
3 stars, above average but nothing that would push it to T1001 level as a must hear album.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Every rock fan knows the revered "Exile" album by name, but I've never quite understood the hype or why Rolling Stone magazine named it their #1 album of all time. It's that album that a true fan can say is their favorite since it's not loaded with hits and it makes them look cool to their novice friends.
"Rocks Off" is a fring hit with 35M listens. "Tumbling Dice" is a legit rock classic (107M). "Sweet Virginia" is another fringe radio hit (54M) and "Happy" is the one song with Keith on vocals that folks know and enjoy (33M). "Shine A Light" is also on that fringe list (35M) but is super good and my favorite track outside of "Dice". Collectively they all make up a solid cohesive album.
The rest are good glue tracks and as Wikipedia describes it Exile is known for its wide stylistic range and the strong influence of Delta blues, gospel music, and country rock.
I found "Torn & Frayed", "Turd On The Run", "I Just Want To See...", & "Let It Loose" were tracks that could have easily found the cutting room floor vs doing a double album.
You cannot deny the popularity of this album and the amount of listens. It's had a huge impact on rock music so the influence and longevity are there. 4 stars since it all makes sense and fits together so well.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Another Dylan album? The first 25 weren't enough? The man can write a good song, and I dig a lot of his music, but outside of a few songs this album is pretty average. I guess I don't appreciate the poetry the same as some people.
"Subterranean Homesick Blues" is a clever, well written and popular (65M listens) song but it's not a track you can listen to over and over, it borders on annoying from the get go. "She Belongs To Me" is a nice track I wasn't familiar with. "Maggie's Farm" is a radio staple and often covered (listen to the opposite song vibe on Rage Against The Machine's version!). "Mr. Tamborine Man" is a generational song everyone knows from old to young. "It's All Over Now..." (33M) is a classic but it's dated.
To me, this album just doesn't stand up after all these years. I feel he's berating me on tracks like "Homesick" and"On The Road Again". "Gates Of Eden", "It's Alright, Ma..." and "Outlaw Blues" were just lame and wordy tracks. 3 stars because it has instantly recognizable tracks but isn't going to knock anyone's socks off.
Paul Simon
3/5
I remember when this one came out and was such a huge hit, no one saw that coming, he was on MTV with Bon Jovi, Madonna, Ratt, etc - it didn't make sense because he was from the previous generation and someone our parents listened too.
"You Can Call Me Al", was everywhere, you couldn't avoid it in 1986. It's super catchy, stands up well today and is an 80's classic. "Graceland" was a sizeable hit too. "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" was a midsized hit and still gets a bunch of airplay today. The final single, "The Boy In The Bubble" got some air and video play. No song on the album has fewer than 11M listens and "Al" tops out at over 750M listens.
His use of African singers to enhance his sound helped highlight the careers of a few notable bands from the continent. Their presence really changes and enhances songs like "Diamonds...", "Gumboots", "Under African Skies", "Homeless" & "That Was Your Mother".
It's a well crafted album with a few large hits and a ton of radio play. It stands up well today, it has influence and notoriety, it's an amazing blend of American pop and African influences and it deserves a spot in the Top 1001.
The Stooges
3/5
I know Iggy and the Stooges by name but I've never really given them a listen. This rocks much harder than I assumed it would. I can see where this set the stage for harder rock and grunge to come along years later.
"1969" is a rock song, with big noisy guitars, I liked it. "I Wanna Be Your Dog" is a popular track with over 119M listens, I've heard it covered by other artists. "No Fun" is fun, I can hear this in a bar by a local band, cool riff that never overwhelms the groove. The rest is filler, not bad, not great.
"We Will Fall" has to be one of the dreariest songs I've ever had the displeasure of listening to.
I'm not sure I understand how this one made the T1001. It has some good tracks but no hits, no revolutionary songs or vocals or instrumentation, it likely has had influence over the last 55 yrs but does that justify it's placement? 3 stars, and that's generous, but I liked a good portion of it.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
I know the name and I've met their fans over the year. The write up I read when researching them said "Husker Du was never more than a cult favorite. Nevertheless, their albums between 1981-87 proved remarkably influential; they provided the sonic blueprint for the roaring punk-pop hybrid that crossed over to mainstream in the early 90's". Bob Mould was an influential guy and was also in Sugar who had some minor success years later.
I kinda felt like I was listening to one long song, they all sounded the same to me. I can hear the blueprint mentioned above and how that carried over to bands like Green Day, maybe Nirvana as well.
One trick pony. I was bored 5 songs in. Weak vocals, repetitive sound, wall of guitars with no breaks, zero hits or cult classics (Too Much Spice had 1.7M listens). Just not my thing I guess. I'll give it 2 stars for influence.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Legend, with lots of good songs. Can't say I'd include this on a T1001 list though. The slow slog "Smile Please" started this one out with was the tone setter and not a good one. I wouldn't smile either.
I really enjoyed "Heaven Is 10 Zillion...", that had the energy you start an album with. Then right into a ridiculously boring "Too Shy To Say". Then into the solid "Boogie On Reggae Woman" which is one of his absolute best. "Creepin'", another slow methodical song. The the closest thing to a hit song on this album with "You Haven't Done Nothin'" which has 23M listens, great horns and that "Superstition" vibe.
Who planned this album tracking??! It's a freakin' rollercoaster of slow, fast, slow on this one! Planned, obviously, but not enjoyable.
You gotta enjoy slow soul to dig this one. It sounds dated, it's super slow and I felt like he was trying too hard. Not all that great, and certainly not T1001 for me. 3 stars.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
This one expired a few years ago, no longer fresh, just a bit stale. They banged this album out in one day, all the horns & orchestration are identical and vocal delivery is blueprint Sinatra.
I don't hear any reason this is on the T1001 list. I just can't imagine that being the hip new album everyone is talking about, it seems like 200 years ago and people were wearing powdered wigs & triangle hats.
I threw in the towel after Track 9, I simply couldn't take any more. One or two songs over an evening but 15 in a row? That's what they do at Guantanamo. 2 Stars.
The Libertines
2/5
I know the name, I think the singer had a bad drug habit and it was a semi-big deal at some point. Never listened to them, don't remember anyone ever bringing them to my attention either.
It's ok, kinda flat, a bit generic. They sure aren't breaking new ground. If the lead track, "Can't Stand Me Now", is their one bit hit I'm in for a long 42 minutes.
This borders on bad. "Don't Be Shy" sounds like a couple guys laying down tracks in their mom's basement. Same with "The Man Who Would...", "Saga", "The Narcissist", "Ha Ha Song", etc. Is this underproduced or do they just suck?
I actually enjoyed "What Katie Did" and it's late 50's vibe. Best track on the album. 2 stars, this did nothing for me other than solidify the reason I never got into them 20 yrs ago.
Bee Gees
3/5
Pre-Disco Era Bee Gees!
I knew the intro track, "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart", right away. 84M people have also given it a listen on Spotify, definitely a hit song. But based on the numbers that is the only true hit with none of the other songs breaking 650K listens.
"Remembering" was dramatic, and stringy, but it was interesting. Not sure his voice was built for that song. "Somebody Stop The Music" was another solid track. "Trafalgar" was kinda cool too. "Don't Want To Live Inside Myself" started out like Neil Young's "Shelter", tell me you don't hear that?! Very good track, should have been a hit, it was the 2nd most listened to song on the album at 600K.
A few serious clunkers with "When Do I" which sounds like Kermit The Frog got ahold of the mike, odd vocal. "Dearest" was a cutting room floor salvage that shouldn't have been salvaged. "Lion In Winter" is screamy and off key.
A lot of strings on this one. No ground was broken though, not sure what sets this one apart from other worthy albums, was it their personal growth as artists? I enjoyed the majority, glad I gave it a listen. 3 stars, maybe 3.5.
The Vines
3/5
The title song and "Get Free" are two of the best early 2000's jams! Great grooves with high energy. "Get Free" has over 100M listens, legit hit.
I was jazzed when it popped up. Never would have thought of them for a T1001 album nominee. I didn't think a lot of folks appreciated their sound so it's nice to see.
"Autumn Shade" has some stellar guitar work and bit of Radiohead influence. "Outtathaway" is the second most listened to track on the album and has some original vocal layers, and yells. "Homesick" has some 80's hair metal ballad guitar chops built in. "Factory" is a fun track, has a Beatles flair to it. "Mary Jane" is a nice sing-a-long. "Ain't No Room" is another bonafide groove! "1969" rocks hard!
Top 1001? Not sure about that but I thoroughly enjoyed it. 3.5 stars!
Steely Dan
3/5
I enjoy Steely Dan, they have some hugely classic songs and have had a giant impact on music. I have never listened to this album from top to bottom but know the key songs. Huge listen counts with 3 songs over around 300M listens each.
"Do It Again", a real gem, cool groove, catchy lyrics, great instrumentation, royalty. "Dirty Work", another super catchy song, smooth groove. "Reelin' In The Years", a classic rock staple and the most popular track on the album. The guitar solo shreds! "Changing Of The Guard" was another guitar song that impressed, I think it could have been a hit too.
"Midnight Cruiser" was a clunker, but 22M people enjoyed listening to it. "Only a Fool..." had nice guitar work but it was a pretty average song. Same with "Turn that Heartbeat...", that should have been excluded from the final track list.
Honestly, I hadn't thought of Steely Dan as guitar driven until listening to this entire album. It's a solid album, not sure if it's T1001 worth but based on the 3 key tracks alone it has credentials. 3.5 stars.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
I like Paul Simon a lot, Art got lucky teaming up with him. The title track is an absolute classic that bridges generations. It's beautiful, powerful and catchy. It has 325M listens, that's royalty.
My favorite, and the most listened to track on the album, is "Cecilia" at over 460M listens. So catchy, definitive ear worm and another generation bridging track that everyone knows. I hear "The Boxer" on the radio all the time, more than it likely deserves (345M listens) but it too is a classic that has stood up really well over time.
Those 3 tracks get this into the T1001, but then you add in the glue tracks like "El Condor Pasa" (114M), "The Only Living Boy..." (135M) and "Baby Driver" (51M) and you have a really solid album that people adore. No song on it has fewer than 10M listens, that's pretty rare.
Hard to argue those numbers, fan or not. This was old when I was a kid but it's still on the radio, all the time. It's not entirely my thing but this one deserves a spot on the T1001 for sure based on influence, hits, longevity, covers of these songs, generational bridge, etc.
Kate Bush
2/5
Is this a British list of the Top 1001? This would never make an American T1001. One "big" hit with "This Woman's Work" which is more of an anthem and a well covered song than an actual hit. It never made much of an impact on 1989 US radio.
This was drivel, not my thing, overly theatrical and drowning in unnecessary string arrangements and wispy fairy vocals. I actually hated it. It sounds like music from a original cast Broadway production more than a pop album. Is it conceptual? I missed the message and couldn't get past the boredom of these wandering nothing songs. I literally couldn't finish a single song.
Every song has well over 1M listens with "TWW" clocking in with 75M, so someone is gobbling this crap up. 2 stars and I'm being kind.
Bert Jansch
2/5
Who? Confirmed, this is a British Top 1001, no one in the US has ever heard of the Bertster.
Wow, started out wobbly. Britain's Bob Dylan? Unless we're talking about his amazing lyrics, which I didn't hear, I have no idea how this is groundbreaking, even for 1965. It's a folk singer and his acoustic guitar. No hits, nothing unique, no staying power, below average voice, unsure if he was an influence but I've never heard his name mentioned, and I've never heard a cover song... how important could this album or artist be outside of England? Guess you gotta be into folk music, and I'm clearly not.
B for Boring. Every song sounded like the last. 2 stars period.
Moby
4/5
LOVE this album. It's a great late 90's release, and that's saying something cause the 90's kinda blew. This is a mix of old meets new, creativity abound, grooves you can chill to or dance to, it's unique, catchy and was the perfect release at that time.
"Honey" (73M listens), "Find My Baby" (20M), "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad" (153M) & " Natural Blues" (185M), & "Run On" (31M) all use older recordings while Moby adds beats, guitars, percussion & energy to create entirely new songs.
Throw in radio songs, "Porcelain" (361M) and "Southside (30M, #14 on Billboard), "Bodyrock" (30M), all more in the Moby electronica vibe, and you have a really solid album that captures the vibe of the time.
The weakest song on the album has over 6M listens, this one stands up and still gets listened to on Spotify and the radio. The numbers don't lie. Hit album for has-been, huge payday on low expectations. Holds up well, IMO, today, doesn't sound dated for the most part 25 yrs later. The first 8 tracks (plus "Run On") make the album, the rest ("Machete", "7", "Slow Down") is average stuff but "Everloving" is a gorgeous song. The B-Side, "Flower" should have been included, but was added to the updated release with other cutting room tracks. I'd give this a solid 4.2 out of 5.
Sade
3/5
Unique at the time, she didn't sound like anyone else and that still ring true today.
Definitely an album that stands up well and has had good longevity. The listen counts are off the charts, which speaks to popularity and staying power. You can hear "Smooth Operator" (758M listens), "Your Love Is King" (272M) or "Hang On To Your Love" (120M) any day of week on popular radio. The vibe across the album is steady, without a lot of change in beat or pace.
You can't argue with the numbers - her greatest hits album is one of the most impressive I've seen and I'm 300+ albums in to the Top 1001. The weakest track has 25M listens, not many artists can say that.
Top 1001? Not sure. She definitely created a sound of her own, the popularity is there, the longevity is there, the sax is there, the hits are there, so yeah. I'd give it 3+ stars.
John Lennon
4/5
Any album, let alone single song, that has 800M listens (on Spotify) deserves acknowledgement. The title song has done that, and I was thinking that might actually be low. Everyone, across continents, knows "Imagine", the melody and the words.
Mix in the often covered "Jealous Guy" (160M, Bryan Ferry's version is great), the equally covered "Gimme Some Truth" (17M, Pearl Jam favorite), plus "Oh My Love" (35M) & "Oh Yoko!" (25M). Even "I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier" (Mad Season cover is cool) & "How Do You Sleep?" (Great song! The Magnificent Bastards cover is solid with Scott Weiland on vocals) get some airplay.
Really good songs on this album, it deserves a spot and can say that as this is my first walk through of this entire "Imagine" album. 4 stars, based mostly on the quality of songs, mix of hits, staying power, musical Mt. Rushmore title track and popularity.
The La's
2/5
I've seen this album cover over the years, but never listened to it, nor do I remember anything about them from the time other than "There She Goes".
The album has a lot of listens, so it was popular at one point. 480M listens for "There She Goes" is impressive, I always turn the channel when that tune comes on so I had no idea it was such a hit. From the first vocal of "Son Of A Gun" I was instantly turned off, below average voice that's not rock or pop oriented. The almost 60's vibe that permeates the album instantly makes it sound dated. It's no surprise to me they never had another hit.
I was 6 songs in before I was ready to turn it off. Extremely average record. This is another one of those British inclusions that would never had made an American Top 1001. The author of this list has a soft spot for vanilla Manchester bands who lean towards a 1960's sound. Tell me I'm wrong.
If you made it all the way to "All By Myself" you must have wondered how that ever got on any album, ever.
477M listens is impressive, but beyond that I got nothing from this weak ass release other than confirmation the T1001 was authored in England. One hit, albeit a big one, no influence, nothing groundbreaking, no staying power beyond the one single, zero influence that I'm aware of, flat boring vocals and average musicianship. 2 stars.
Peter Tosh
4/5
First, I'm a big reggae fan so I know the relevance of this album. The record is well listened to with most songs over 2M listens and the title track at 88M. Reggae isn't for everyone, I get that, so I'll be interested to see the ratings on this album tomorrow.
This is a high quality reggae album from start to finish. What a great debut! Top notch production, well written songs, high end musicians (Rita Marley sings backup, the Sly & Robbie rhythm section is legendary) and an upbeat infectious vibe from a guy who stepped away from the Wailers to make his dreams come true and use his voice to instigate political change.
The title track is an anthem, try and find a college kid today who hasn't heard this one a few times. "Whatcha Gonna Do" is just a catchy track that earworms the listener to sing along. "Ketchy Shuby" is cut from the same cloth, it has a chorus you can't avoid~! "Igziabeher" is one of his moody classics and offers a much different musical landscape than most reggae songs from the 70's. "Till Your Well Runs Dry" is another unique track that feels like it has a Clapton influence, not only with the guitar but with the song construction. "Brand New Second Hand" is one of his signature tracks.
On the extended Legacy Edition, "No Sympathy" Demo sounds a lot like Wailers "400 Years", classic Tosh sound.
The album has longevity and influence, check that box. One big hit/anthem, check, but some classic reggae favorites too. Changed the way reggae was perceived & accepted from that point forward, check. Solid release, great debut, 4 stars.
David Bowie
2/5
Classic album and cover. I did not enjoy this album at all.
"Beauty & The Beast" is typical Bowie. I cringed during "Joe The Lion", not an enjoyable song at all, I couldn't ride out all 3 minutes of that one. "Heroes" is The Shit, it's just a great song with amazing guitar work and a hook everyone knows. It's stood up well over time, you can hear it on the radio, in ads, in movies. "Blackout" was unlistenable for me. "V-2", "Sense Of Doubt", "Moss Garden" & "Neukoln" offered nothing but soundscape movie-esque music. "The Secret life Of Arabia" was theatrical and odd and not the best vocal he's ever delivered.
Solid listener counts from top to bottom with "Heroes" coming in at over 600M listens. That's really the only hit, but "Beauty & The Beast" has nearly 9M. That speaks to the popularity of this album as a whole, one hit but no song has under 2.5M listens. I guess I just don't get it. I did not genuinely enjoy anything beyond "Heroes" - I don't mind learning new songs I'm not familiar with and I'm willing to try experimental but this didn't deliver. 2 stars, NOT a Top 1001 album in my book!
Van Halen
4/5
Classic 80's hair guitar rock from one of the best to ever do it. Loaded with good songs, a few stinkers, but solid all the way through, was happy to see it included.
"1984/Jump" (1B listens) is not a great song, it's a catchy song that everyone knows but it should not be the track people associate as VH's best song. The keyboards were a new thing, and at the time, I struggled to accept the new sound. "Panama" (502M) is balls out VH rock n' roll, catchy while still pedal to the floor. "Top Jimmy" is a good glue song and sounds like it could have been on their second album. "Drop Dead Legs" (30M) has a killer bottom end and guitar hook. "Hot For Teacher" (220M) was the video no kid would forget and shows off Alex's drumming abilities. "I'll Wait", the underrated track on the album, is such a great groove (36M) and Eddie's keyboard works shines on this one. All of those songs are on the radio, still today.
The filler track, "Girl Gone Bad" (feels unfinished) & "House Of Pain" (really not that bad) were both included to fill the album, they are average at best and don't shine since everything else is higher quality. They're the only two tracks with under 15M listens.
Any album with 7 songs on the radio has to be considered a gem. "Jump" has over 1B listens, "Panama" comes in a half a billion, that alone gets you on this list. Throw in huge hits/rock radio staples "Hot For Teacher" + "I'll Wait" and you have an album that deserves it's spot on the Top 1001.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Yet another Stevie album, ho hum. I bet my review is the same as with the other 22 albums he has on here. Those were all ballad heavy snoozers, at least this one has a funk/rock classic in "Superstition".
You can't deny "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" and "Superstition", both humongous hits that still get a ton of airplay. Both over 200M listens on Spotify, and it surprises me it's that low for those classics.
He gets funky on "Maybe Your Baby", sister song to "Superstition" but it got a bit annoying near the end. "You & I", "You've Got It Bad" & "Lookin' For Another Pure Love" are droning snoozers as referenced above, I could only take the first 60 seconds of each. When he sits on his low register the song goes south for me. "Big Brother" was interesting, the production work is obvious with the layers of vocals. The message of positivity is all over this album. "Blame It On The Sun" was pretty good for a Stevie ballad. "I Believe" was unique - it started out as a ballad, then got some energy at the midway point, turned into a singalong, and sounded very 70's after that.
I've always felt like he oversings many of his songs, but it's likely just a preference thing as I'm not a soul music guy. It's the ballads he does that drop this album in my rankings, they are just so boring they're hard to overlook. 3 stars for 2 great songs and 2-3 few good glue tracks.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
Funny thing, I had removed Robert Wyatt from artists that were available to me on Spotify so it wouldn't play this album. I did that based on the first album he had on this T1001 list (Rock Bottom), because it was atrocious and I didn't want my algorithm getting messed up.
This album came out 23 years after Rock Bottom, and sucked just as much but a little less. The man cannot sing. The music is awkwardly uncomfortable (hear "The Duchess"), like a guy playing to himself in his cabin in the woods. He enjoys, but even the birds won't land on his roof, and all the critters moved their dens out of earshot. It's gibberish (hear "Blues In Bob Minor" or "Out Of Season", and not worth sharing. I removed him again from music I allow myself to listen to.
This is the opposite of what you should hear before you die, or maybe this is the catalyst for why you died, I don't know, but its shit. The author got this one wayyyy wrong. 1 star at best.
Fugees
3/5
Hard to consider this a classic but it sure set things on fire in 1996 and was the flavor of the months. It's not great, it's not cutting edge and it hasn't stood the test of time but boy, it's got a fat listen count. Talked to a friend of mine and he talked about how many times he played that album as a 20-something.
It sounds dated to me today. Samples galore (Enya, The Flamingos, Teena Marie, Roberta Flack, Kenny Rogers, etc) make up the backbone of nearly every song.
Most tunes have over 10M listens with "Ready Or Not" (437M), "Fu-Gee-Lee" (205M), "Killing Me Softly" (902M) & the Bob Marley cover "No Woman No Cry" coming in at 97M. That right there gets you on this list, even if it would never make my personal T1001.
I prefer Lauryn Hill's singing voice ("Killing Me Softly") over her rapping voice. It's got it's place in history, but just isn't my thing. Influence is likely there, hits are present, impact at the time was solid. 3 stars.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
One of my favorites and absolutely loaded with great songs! They were hitting on all cylinders on this one.
Radio hits galore... "Around The World", "Parallel Universe", the humongous "Scar Tissue" and equally huge "Otherside" and "Californication" plus "Road Trippin'". Then you throw in really good glue songs like "Easily", "Get On Top" and "Porcelain"
The guitar work is catchy, innovative and drives these songs. The rhythm section is second to none. Keidis sings with emotion and can do the bangers as well as the softer tracks. They're excellent live and deliver.
The second half of the album doesn't have as much impact as the first, but in 1999 the more songs on an album helped move units so they made it 15 deep.
The only real throwaway track are "Emit Remmus" which is redundant on this album, "Savior" which is boring and too long & "Purple Stain" which sounds like it's from an older album.
This album is loaded with tracks you hear every day on modern rock and alternative stations. The title track has almost 2B listens! Followed closely by "Scar Tissue" and "Otherside" at over 1.3B listens. No track on the album has under 25M listens. This one stands up well, it's influential, has the hits and bridged generations. 5 stars for the firepower!
Miles Davis
2/5
Not my thing. This is his 3rd album and it sounds just like the first two. I don't understand or appreciate jazz. The intro song was all I really needed to hear. BORRRRRIIIINNNNG from start to finish.
I love energetic horns, this is not that. It's like funeral music in New Orleans.
The man could play, I get it, but this isn't innovative, it was never popular outside of the jazz community, no hits, boring background music in a bar I wish I had never gone into. 2 stars
Black Flag
2/5
I know the band name and logo, but have honestly never listened to them. This is their debut album, and it was obviously created to stir up the youth it was aimed at. Every tune clocks in around 1.5-2.5 minutes, short, angry and aggressive. The entire album is 35 mins!
My parents should count their blessings I never got into this one! "Rise Above" is a rousing song, not necessarily good, but high energy. "Six Pack" has juice but it's so garageband, simple and messy. "What I See", "Depression", "Room 13" & "Police Story" are hard to listen to. They all kinda sound the same. "Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie" was the best of the bunch.
Like it or not, and I don't, it has a respectable 1M count or higher on every single track. "Rise Above" (39M), "Six Pack" (19M) & "TV Party" (16M) all have over solid listen counts.
2 Stars. A betting man says most listeners couldn't make it thru all 15 track without skipping. I can see where they may have influenced kids to grab guitars and join the punk revolution. No hits, no radio, no catchy songs or cult classics, bottom rung musicianship, but in the end... no one ever asked "do you listen to Black Flag".
The B-52's
2/5
Nope. I know them well-enough to say this isn't a must hear album. Unique sound for the time, yes, for sure, but quality songs that stand the test of time, nope.
With the voice on Fred, it's hard to believe they got an album contract in the first place. I dig "Private Idaho", "Roam" and I can tolerate "Love Shack" but their songs are so bizarre and theatrical it's just not for a wide audience or casual listening. I definitely appreciate the songs the ladies sing more.
"Rock Lobster" is the long fun song on this album but it's almost 7 mins in it's unedited format, just enough to push a guy over the edge and go postal. The 60's vibe is what makes it work, like the theme to The Munsters or something. "Downtown" was kinda fun. It all sounds like it came from the same Slurpee machine.
They're still riding their wave, somehow, and their name is instantly recognizable across a few generations now. One minor hit that still gets airplay, a unique sound to say the least, they left a mark, that's how I'll leave it. 2 stars.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Really? This is a must hear, based on what? This is folk music from the 60's that sounds like all the other folk music from the 60's and since the dawn of time.
I was bored out of my skull listening to this. It sounded like a live recording from a local community theater production. Weak vocals, weak songs, droning delivery, subpar musicianship, I'm baffled how this made anyone's must hear list.
No hits, a really low listen count for a nearly 60 yr old album, nothing cutting edge. I feel like this was a mistake entry. 1 star, it truly sucked.
ZZ Top
4/5
This is where the true ZZ sound became a thing for all to appreciate. The opening duo of "Waitin'.../Jesus..." can't be played without one another and rock radio honors that. ZZ Top took the blues, added Texas jam and created a badass sound that would resonate for another 50 years and beyond.
Classics like "Waiting For The Bus" (that solo is so good), "Jesus Just Left Chicago", "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" and a Mt. Rushmore Of Rock song like "La Grange" (850M listens!) is serious firepower on one album. Toss in glue tracks like "Master of Sparks", "Hot, Blue & Righteous" (took me to church!) & "Have You Heard" and you have a solid rock n' roll album.
I have to admit that "Jesus Just Left Chicago" (and their "Blue Jean Blues") led me to explore roots Blues and find out where that sound originated from. ZZ Top made me a Blues fan and turned me on to all their heroes! Influence, right there!
Hits, staying power for the band & this set of songs, a continuous radio presence + one cross-generational mega hit. This album is the cornerstone of becoming a household name and eventually their enshrinement in the R&R Hall Of Fame.
Dr. Dre
3/5
A classic that kicked off a career for both Dre and Snoop. I don't think the beats or lyrics hold up as well as "2001" IMO, but he hadn't fully honed his craft at this point.
This isn't for everyone, the lyrics are raunchy and in your face, but, like it or not, it was the start of a movement in music. This is when hair metal and dance pop started to take a back seat to rap/hip-hop. The listen counts are off the charts, no song has fewer than 3M listens with the bonafide rap classic "Nuthin' But A G Thang" coming in at over a half billion and "Fuck Wit Dre Day" clocking in at nearly 100M.
The keyboard backbones get a little overplayed on this album (see "Deeez Nuuuts"), that makes it sound old school and the key reason it doesn't hold up as well today. "Lil' Ghetto Boy" is a more mature track, I forgot about it, but it's good. On the complete other hand, "Bitches Ain't Shit", was an unnecessary song then and now (31M listens!).
It encapsulates a period in time, gives Snoop liftoff to what will become a long career (He's got his own Bowl Game this year!) and provided what is easily one of the most recognizable and loved hip-hop songs of all time ("Nuthin' But A G Thang"). But overall it's pretty average if you weren't in high school in 1992 and grew up on it. Influence for sure, popularity definitely, unique (at the time) and impact oh yeah. It deserves a spot on the T1001 for those reasons. 3.5 stars.
1/5
Never heard of them or this album, I'm assuming there's a solid reason for that...
Gave it a listen, can't pinpoint what kind of music this is but the opener ("Broken Witch") and it's cadence couldn't be more annoying if it tried. This sounds like a lonely guy in his mom's basement recording a plea for help.
The incessant monotony of "Steam Rose.." makes one want to leave the room or eat a gun. Wow! I was so turned off I had to read up on them, it's one guy, Angus Andrew, making this nonsense by himself. No song has more than 150K listens, this is OBSCURE stuff.
Who recommended this garbage and why?! Possibly the worst album of the 450 I've listened to so far. This feels like we got punked and Andrew somehow hacked into this list and added his album. Crap in its purest form with no redeeming qualities, no hits, no good songs, no musicianship. If you're intro dreary monotony, this one is for you!! 1 star because zero isn't available.
Big Star
2/5
I've tried this one in the past when I reviewed another "must listen" list and found it to be average at best.
Reading up on the band, it says they are a "quintessential American power pop band" and "remain one of the most mythic and influential cult acts in all of rock & roll". Ohhhkay. I keep reading that, yet I don't hear bands that came after them sounding like them or referring to them as an influence.
I looked them up online and here's what AI spit out: "Bands critically acclaimed but commercially obscure often include cult favorites like Big Star, praised for influential power-pop but never huge sellers, or experimental acts like The Fall and LCD Soundsystem, adored by critics for innovation but not mainstream hits, fitting the "critic's darling, not chart-topper" mold".
Weak vocals. Weak sound. Barely moving the needle on listens for an album this old ("Thank You Friends", "Blue Moon" and "Holocaust" are the only songs with over 1M listens). No hits, nothing on the radio, no covers that I'm aware of. This is a reviewer-darling album, one you want to say is cool, so you look smart, but really isn't. I guess The Fall is going to pop up on this list soon.
I wasn't interested enough to completely finish a single song on the album. It was boring, meandering, average on every level and had no memorable guitar or vocal moment to salvage it. 2 stars is the best I'm willing to do.
Muddy Waters
3/5
I enjoy old school blues and it all started with Muddy Waters. This live album includes his classics "Hoochie Coochie Man", "Baby, Please Don't Go" & "I Got My Mojo Working" (all covered by others a million times since).
He's just not a dynamic performer or vocalist, it all seems a bit flat to me. The band is solid, but it's all sorta tame. Outside the tracks mentioned above, I enjoyed "Feel So Good" but didn't care for the monotonous "Tiger In Your Tank". "Mojo" is super repetitive, so much so that "Mojo Pt 2" was not necessary to include in the live show.
I'd much rather listen to John Lee Hooker, BB King, Buddy Guy or Albert King, but it was enjoyable, just not all that memorable. 3 stars.
Beatles
4/5
Some Beatle fans claim this is their favorite album, I am not one of them, but you can't deny the songs on here, their staying power and all the radio hits from top to bottom.
Everyone knows "Taxman" (68M listens) and it's been covered a ton too. "Eleanor Rigby" (345M) is a giant classic rock favorite. "Here There And Everywhere" (146M), the unforgettable earworm "Yellow Submarine" (164M), "Good Day Sunshine" (60M) & "Got To Get You Into My Life" (70M), all radio hits you can still hear any day of the week.
Then you toss in glue tracks like "I'm Only Sleeping" (70M), "For No One" (108M), & "Tomorrow Never Knows" (47M).
Solid from top to bottom with only one or two throwaways ("Love You Too", "I Want To Tell You", "Doctor Robert") and you can see why this one easily makes the T1001. Beatles fan or not, and they have a ton of albums on this list, you can't deny their pop sensibilities, longevity and the plethora of hits. Not my favorite, but 4 stars because of all the things I just mentioned.
Common
2/5
Nope. I don't get him, maybe it's his voice or his delivery, or smart-man rap, not sure, but I don't get his groove.
The album has a solid listening count with "Be" clocking in at 38M listens, "Go!" at 54M and "The Food" at 26M, nother other track has fewer than 5.5M. So while it doesn't float my boat at all, it's popular and appreciated by others. I think the cameo of a young Kanye West the entire album including "The Corner", "Go!" & "They Say" (with John Legend too) helped propel this album once Kanye hit it big.
I got nothing from this, but I don't like Kanye either. I felt like they were preaching AT me the entire album, not entertaining. I don't listen to music for the message, so it's lost on me. 2.5 stars, I'm sure it's good, I just don't enjoy it.
R.E.M.
4/5
Iconic 80's album and an iconic 80's song to kick it off. "The Finest Worksong" is a gem, so catchy and hooky! Then you add in radio friendly favorites like "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" (275M listens) and "The 1987 radio megahit "The One I Love" (168M). This album moved them from fringe college favorite to a mainstream audience. I know, I was in college then.
This release stands the test of time, it has a large listen count from top to bottom and the 3 songs mentioned above will always have a home on the radio. Then you throw in fan favorites ("Disturbance At The Heron House", "Welcome To The Occupation", "Exhuming McCarthy", etc) and you have a solid album that helped make them superstars. "Fireplace" & "King Of Birds" were the only songs that should have died at birth, the rest all fit.
The impact this album had cannot be overlooked, it ushered in an indie sound that hadn't been prevalent on mainstream radio prior and helped make them a household name. 3.5 stars, rounding up.
The xx
1/5
Never heard of them or this album or a single song on it but other people have, it's got giant listener counts with none of the 10 songs under 20M listens. "On Hold" (stole Hall & Oates hook) and "I Dare You" have 175M and 112M, respectively, that's.
This must be for the club people, I was cringing trying to get through the opener, "Dangerous" (54M). The slower jams like "Say Something Loving" (74M), "Lips"(43M) and "A Violent Noise" (35M) & "Brave For You" (20M) are god awful. It's just a BORING album, that's how I'd sum it up. I'd rather listen to nothing.
I was unable to make it through a full song, it's just so not my thing. His voice blows, no way around it, and she's all breathy, it's like a bad soundtrack. It's amateurish. Even the production sucks.
This is another British whiff, guess you gotta live on the island to appreciate some of this stuff. WTF, this list has some real turdburgers on it, I feel like I should get a monetary reward for finishing all 1001. 1 star, it's that freakin' bad.
There are so many bands out there if you want good moody music that doesn't suck, try Still Corners, The Cure or Phantogram or anything other than xx.
Coldplay
4/5
One of the defining albums of the 2000's. Tons of good songs, launched the band firmly into superstar status, still stands up well, crosses generational gaps, tons of airplay and listens.
Huge hits "In My Place" (473M listens), the now classic "The Scientist" (2.6B listens, check out Johnette Napolitano's version!), and "Clocks" (1.3B) lead the charge. All of them are beloved and heavily played on rock/alt/easy listening stations. The guitar line for "In My Place", the chorus to "The Scientist" and the piano intro to "Clocks" are iconic and instantly recognizable. The musicianship is excellent, the production is outstanding and the vocals are easily his best.
"Politik" (110M) is a great song, "God Put A Smile..." (140M), "Green Eyes" (170M) & "Warning Signs" (110M, great song) round out an impressive lineup and listener counts. The least popular song on the album, "Daylight" has 40M listens!
I would have left "Green Eyes" & "A Whisper" off the album myself, weak songs.
You can't deny the popularity, like them or not, or the impact this album had on the early 00's or pop/rock radio to this day. Staying power, hit songs and the huge splash this made at the time push this to a 4 star rating though I'd grade it as more of a 3.6 overall.
Wilco
2/5
I've never understood the fascination critics have with the boring music of Wilco. Saw them open for REM not long after this release and was less than impressed, right along with the rest of the crowd.
His voice is so average and forgettable. 7 minute opening song (with Charlie Brown piano work) that keeps the same pace from start to finish and descends into a static-y mess is not the way to set the table and make a listener want to continue.
It's like 11 scoops of vanilla that you need to eat in one sitting, can't you give me a little chocolate or maybe some mint, anything to change things up?! Decent listener counts with every song having at least 4M listens or more.
"Jesus, Etc" has 134M listens, respectable, especially for such a dull song. Funny they have a song called "Heavy Metal Drummer" (35M) as they are anything but. "Ashes Of American Flags" (7M) made me want to jump overboard. I don't get them, they continue the melody no matter what and never deviate. "I'm The Man Who Loves You" (10M) was the only song I thought had any draw.
I was underwhelmed, and I see no reason to have listened to this before I die. Dreary. Weak boring vocal delivery. Repetitive songs. 2 stars.
Public Enemy
2/5
I can solidly remember when this album hit, it was like nothing we'd ever heard in college. It had anger and rage and in-your-face lyrics, it pretty much kicked off the gangster sound and the no-apologies persona of rap from that point forward.
They were certainly shining a spotlight on the differences in black and white America, getting the message out and making a new audience aware of the imbalances. "Bring The Noise" (18M listens) was the big hit at the time, but beyond the message, the music and beats just never hit for me, that and Flava Flav ("yeahhh, boyeee") is super annoying to listen to.
"Don't Believe The Hype" was another 'hit' that you'd hear at party's, but again, the music, production/drum machine and backbeats/scratching (by Terminator X) are so primitive. "Mind Terrorist", "Rebel Without A Pause", "Night Of The Living Baseheads" and "Show 'Em What You Got" are unlistenable. The only song I enjoyed was "Security Of The First World" because it was an instrumental, and had a catchy beat with no screaming sounds or scratching. The Deluxe version includes "Party For Your Right To Fight", it's kinda fun but sample heavy!
I do recognize the impact this album had (at the time). Overall it's a tough album to enjoy, it's 100 mph and it feels like you're being yelled at for an hour straight. It's shallow musically and I can't get past that. I saw Prophets Of Rage a few years ago, very entertaining show, but Chuck D was so much older and a better performer, and the band (Rage Against The Machine) was TIGHT. 2 stars for influence, cuz that's all this one's got.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
I adore her voice and really liked her later albums with Daniel Lanois that weren't so country. She can sing the phone book and make it sound good. I am not a country fan, and this has some twang and those long string sounds that define 70's country western.
"Bluebird Wine" is a popular track (4.5M listens) but I felt it was generic and overproduced. "Too Far Gone" is a better showcase for her voice and would be an ideal remake for someone today. "If I Could Only Win Your Love" with Herb Pedersen was a popular track at 2.1M listens, cookie cutter 70's country but short and sweet. The biggest hit on the album, "Bounder To Birmingham" (31M) was good, as were the songs to follow. "Coat Of Many Colors" is a Dolly song, no one gets to remake it. I would say "For No One" was easily my favorite track, followed by "Queen Of The Silver Dollar" (which might be a Deluxe only song).
It was all good, just not great or exceptional. I don't see why it was added to the T1001 list as it doesn't break any ground (there were other female country stars), no giant hits, no song that is generational and an average listening count. 3 stars.
R.E.M.
4/5
Another 90's classic. Moody but solid, has the hits, classic cover, no one didn't own this at the time.
The Hits" "Drive" (108M listens) is an anthem, still heavily played. Check out the MTV music awards version, it's faster and got a bit of anger weaved in. "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" (37M) is catchy and upbeat. "Everybody Hurts" (547M) is a timeless song that bridges generations and gets a ton of airplay still. "Man On The Moon" (223M) is a huge hit in it's own right, hooky, great video and you can hear it regularly on the radio. "Nightswimming" is a giant fan favorite.
The Glue Tracks: "Try Not To Breathe" (16M) revisits their early sound. "Find The River " (45M) is another fan favorite and a lovely way to finish the album.
Solid from top to bottom! The firepower of songs that defined 1992 and 1993 is undeniable. Influential, hits, impact and longevity.
The Who
3/5
I enjoy The WHO, old and new, but I'm not into drama rock and the theatrics of musical storytelling. This may be a masterpiece but the first 11 songs were all just average and incomplete I felt. It sounds folksy and dated. Song 12, "Pinball Wizard" is a rock and roll royalty track but we 'fiddled about' too long to get there.
"Go To The Mirror" and "I'm Free" are really good songs and rock radio staples from when I was a little kid first getting into rock. The other 19 tracks are just filler. The story of Tommy is lost on this guy, I'm not willing to sift through all the blah songs to find out who he is and what makes him tick.
It's 2.5 stars for me but I'll round up because there's likely a good reason for it being on this list, so the half star is for whatever influence or staying power this album has.
Miles Davis
1/5
Enough already, you can't tell me one Miles Davis album sounds much different than the next. It's all boring to me and I don't appreciate Jazz. Wandering music with no hook, no hits, no baseline, no vocals, it's just blah!
Two songs, 40 mins. No wonder Jazz is so niche.
One star
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
Seminal 90's album, hugely popular at the time. Industrial noise, hard rock, anger, pissed off guitars, all blended together for an experience that's not for everyone. This ushered in a new sound that was often copied but never quite duplicated. Impressive listener counts with "Closer" leading the way with 372M listens, but no track has fewer than 5.6M.
"Closer" is just a great song, and you can still hear it on the radio regularly today. "Piggy" (15M) is another song you heard a lot in 1994. "March Of The Pigs" (42M) & "Hurt" (114M, Johnny Cash covered it and made it an even bigger hit. Listen to the 'Quiet' version on the Spiral Deluxe album too) rounds out the radio hits. Songs like "Mr. Self Destruct", "Heresy" and "The Becoming" are a bit much for me, too much rage, repetitive sounds and relentlessness for me to really enjoy. It can be a barrage on your ears at times, a wall of sound that drips with anger. On the flip side I enjoyed "Ruiner" and "Reptile" which I hadn't heard in years.
Too much of this album was un-enjoyable for me to rate it any higher than 3 stars. Part of that is for influence and impact on music (then and now).
The Sonics
2/5
I swear this is the 2nd time I've listened to this. It's a bunch of 60's white kids doing cover songs. How does this make the list?
They're all good covers but aren't as good as the originals. The lead singer is average at best, the music is missing a certain punch (see "Roll Over Beethoven") compared to the original artist's rendition.
This one's another head scratcher. In reading up on them it appears they were known for their "roaring guitars, pounding drums, and the fevered howls". Ok, so I guess they turned it up a little compared to other rock from 1965, low bar.
"Have Love Will Travel" must have influenced the Black Keys decades later, their version is very similar. It's the best song on the album I think.
2 stars because it's good, but is it a Must Hear? Nope.