343
Albums Rated
3.48
Average Rating
31%
Complete
746 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1980
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
39
5-Star Albums
7
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
|
5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
|
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
|
5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
|
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
|
4 | 2.12 | +1.88 |
|
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
|
4 | 2.15 | +1.85 |
|
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
|
5 | 3.26 | +1.74 |
|
British Steel
Judas Priest
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
|
4 | 2.39 | +1.61 |
|
...And Justice For All
Metallica
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
|
1 | 3.52 | -2.52 |
|
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
|
1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
|
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
|
2 | 3.94 | -1.94 |
|
Ys
Joanna Newsom
|
1 | 2.8 | -1.8 |
|
Konnichiwa
Skepta
|
1 | 2.73 | -1.73 |
|
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
|
1 | 2.71 | -1.71 |
|
L.A. Woman
The Doors
|
2 | 3.66 | -1.66 |
|
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
|
2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
|
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
2 | 3.54 | -1.54 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 |
| Metallica | 3 | 4.67 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| The White Stripes | 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (39)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Ryan Adams · 3 likes
2/5
I like how the Wikipedia article says that this was supposed to be a double album and that Ryan got pissed that the record label was, quote, “fucking his fans over” into paying more for a single album. Ryan, this is a rip-off as is, and the only things that got fucked were my ears and patience.
Honestly, seeing an alternative country album going over an hour gave me the impression that this would be terrible. But in fact, it’s worse; it’s mid. Outside of a few exceptions (the slow songs), nothing really pops out. And for a lengthy album, you hit the wall pretty early. After Nobody Girl, my brain pretty much checked out and the rest just felt like noise. It’s dull, long, and frankly, not really worthy of being here.
Also, apparently Ryan is a scumbag too. So fuck this.
Favorite track: Goodnight, Hollywood Blvd.
Other hits: New York,New York, When the Stars Go Blue, Somehow,Someday, Sylvia Plath
Scritti Politti · 2 likes
4/5
Ok, at this point, I’ve gotten three albums that have been ranked as the lowest on this site. For two of them (Kollaps and They Were Wrong So We Drowned), I understand why they are there. Did I hate them? For Kollaps, sort of. For Drowned, honestly no. But I get why some wouldn’t like it. This album, however, makes no sense being there.
I mean, sure, it’s practically every 80’s pop tune crammed into eight songs that have very little variety between them. And the vocalists can sometimes get a little jarring the higher their notes get. But like, that’s as bad as it gets. Like objectively, it’s about a 3, middle of the road album. Just basic ass 80’s pop music. What the fuck about that warrants putting it with the “weird” industrial and noise rock albums? Like there has to be much worse on this list between countless bland double albums and hour long ambient snoozefests. All this is it dated 80’s pop. And to be personal, 80’s synth pop like this is an extreme guilty pleasure of mine. Like I’m not one of those obnoxious people that claim “ThE 80’s WaS tHe BeSt DeCaDe FoR mUsIc”, but it certainly has a charm to me, which is weird because I was a 2000’s kid. I can’t even blame my parents on that, they were into more earlier stuff like The Beatles and disco (though they liked the 80’s too). So that bumps my rating to a 4, may the music gods have mercy on my tasteless ass.
Favorite track: Perfect Way
Other hits: Small Talk, Absolute, Lover To Fall, Wood Beez, Don’t Work That Hard
David Bowie · 1 likes
4/5
I can’t speak from experience, but I figure it must be very difficult to make a swansong album. On top of knowing your end is at hand (mentally and physically), but you must also leave your fans with something good to remember you by. I remember David Bowie’s passing somewhat well, but never heard that he released an album two days prior to his death. I’m regretfully not well-versed in Bowie’s discography to say whether or not it’s the perfect end for him, but as a stand-alone album, it is a great swan song. Lazarus in itself feels like a proper emotional goodbye to a legendary artist. Blackstar in its entirety presents classic Bowie with hints of art and experimental jazz. The result is an album that as haunting as it is reflective. I can’t say it was perfect, but for what it is, it works well. It’s a very fitting goodbye for someone such as David Bowie.
Favorite track: Lazarus
Other hits: I Can’t Give Everything Away, Dollar Days, Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime), Tis A Pity She Was A Whore
Electric Light Orchestra · 1 likes
5/5
I’m gonna tell it straight.
I don’t care that this album is over an hour long.
I don’t care if the final few tracks were objectively weaker than the rest of the album.
I don’t care if some of the songs sound weird.
This is the shit.
They’re something about this album that just pulverized my g-spot. Nearly every song put me in a high. It isn’t just Mr. Blue Sky. It’s either peak 70’s pop with a touch of disco in the likes of Turn to Stone and Sweet Talkin’ Woman (every time the phrase “slow down” is sung, it sends me places) or slow impactful tunes like Big Wheels and Starlight. It did lose a little steam at the end, but fuck it. Making a hour album not feel like a chore is a fucking achievement is its own right. Thanks in part to the production bringing out the O in ELO and the more unique elements such as the backing vocals and the Electronic elements, this is a double album that could have gone for hours and I would have still loved it.
Favorite track: Mr. Blue Sky
Favorite track that is not Mr. Blue Sky: Sweet Talkin’ Woman
Other hits: Turn to Stone, It’s Over, Night in the City, Starlight, Big Wheels, Sweet is the Night
The Allman Brothers Band · 1 likes
2/5
Mad props to this generator for giving me a 80-ish minutes live album on one of my busier days of the week. Extra thanks for it being a jam band live album, so I get submitted to a meandering experience that threatens to persist until the heat death of the universe. There are some good parts to this album (lost probably somewhere in the solos), but jam band concerts are perhaps better experienced in person. Not on record.
Favorite track: Hot ‘Lanta
Other hits: Everyone other song that is not more than 10 minutes.
1-Star Albums (7)
All Ratings
Johnny Cash
4/5
The Man Comes Around: Slightly upbeat but somber. Good start.
Hurt: Contender for highlight of the album.
Give My Love to Rose: Sad, classic country song.
Brigade Over Troubled Water: Has a nice 70’s vibe to it. Fiona Apple adds a nice touch.
Album has a nice variety while maintaining it somber, reflective tone. Really digging it.
I Hung My Head: Sad story, sounds a little bit like Hurt
First Time I Ever Saw Your Face: One of the slower songs on the album. Basic love song, but very emotional
Personal Jesus: Very nice Depeche Mode cover. Probably the most poppy of the album, but given the original song, that’s expected
In My Life: Great cover of this somber Beatles song. This song reminds me of a personal moment in my life and Cash captures that essence perfectly
Sam Hall: Nice country song to deflect again from the sadness for a bit. Need a little bit of a break lol
Danny Boy: One of the older covers on the album. Feels like a funeral song (it pretty much is). Is saying it’s sad overkill at this point?
Desperado: Gonna be honest, never heard the original Eagles song, so this actually sounds like a country song more than a rock song. Good song though. Adding Henley as backup was a great move.
I’m So Lonesone I Could Cry: Of course there’s a sad country song. Nick Cave is good backup.
Tear Stained Letter: Such an upbeat song for such sad lyrics. Even the happy songs are sad lol
Streets of Laredo: ok there are a good chunk of sad country covers here. They can be a bit similar to each other, but Johnny Cash does a good job keeping my attention.
We’ll Meet Again: Fitting last song title, considering Cash’s circumstances. Great final song to cap off a legendary artist.
Overall: Very somber album, which is no surprise given it to be the last released in Johnny Cash’s lifetime. Though mostly consisting of covers, they all perfectly represent the artist’s moment in time: reminiscing the past and living the last moments in the present. A great final effort.
Favorite Song: Hurt
Other highlights: The Man Comes Around, Personal Jesus, Bridge Over Troubled Water, In My Life
Green Day
5/5
I have vague memories of seeing promotions for this album when it was coming out. ( I was really young at the time) I’m definitely aware of the hits this album after hearing them on the radio for years, specifically Wake Me Up When September Ends and Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Gotta say though after hearing the whole album for once, I really dig this one. Punk rock isn’t really my favorite rock genre (though at this point calling Green Day punk rock feels weird. Honestly I feel more inclined to think of Bad Religion or the Dead Kennedys and even that feels surface level) but this album has a great balance between punk and modern rock. I have a soft spot for the hits, but I also really liked some of the lesser know tracks like Give Me Novacaine and Letterbomb. The 9-minute songs were pretty good, not my favorites though. But overall, this was really good.
Favorite Song: Wake Me Up When September Ends
Other hits: American Idiot, Holiday, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Give Me Novacaine, She’s A Rebel, Letterbomb
The Kinks
4/5
Can’t say I’m super familiar with the Kinks, but I enjoy this type of 60’s rock/pop. Some of the songs are more memorable than others. I like the minor elements of some of the songs though like the psychedelic elements in Phenomenal Cat and the subtle dark parts of Sitting by the Riverside. Overall, this was pretty good.
Favorite Song: Picture Book
Other Hits: Do You Remember Walter?, Starstruck, Phenomenal Cat, People Take Pictures of Each Other
5/5
I’ll guiltlessly admit that my first exposure to Muse was during the hay days of the Guitar Hero fad, primarily Knights of Cydonia from Guitar Hero III. Well honestly, it was mostly me watching my brother play because I sucked at the game. We also ended up purchasing Supermassive Black Hole, but only because the song was easy to play and finish 100% without over or under strumming or as the term is, full combo (FC). I considered Knights to be one of my personal favorite tracks from that game, but I wasn’t sure if that would apply for the whole album it’s on. I’m pleased to say, however, that I thoroughly enjoyed this whole album. I’m admittedly a sucker for, I guess that over-the-top grand rock and Black Holes and Revelations delivers for me. From the rapid fire of Assassin, the steady beat of Supermassive Black Hole, and the softer tunes of Starlight and Invincible, this was a rare album to hold my attention for its entire duration. Knights of Cydonia acts as the perfect cap off to the album, and seems like a personal full circle moment to me, considering it was how I even heard of Muse. I won’t say I in particular that Muse is my favorite band or even one of my preferences, but this album feels like the peak for them to me.
Favorite track: Knights of Cydonia
Other Hits: City of Delusion, Starlight, Invincible, Supermassive Black Hole, Exo-Politics, Assassin
Fats Domino
4/5
I’ll admit that the 50’s is certainly not my favorite decade for music. While there are exceptions, most 50’s songs to me just feel the same to me. I only occasionally listen to the “oldies” at special family events, it seems. Despite this, I found Fats Domino to be among the exceptions. He had such a smooth voice for a big guys and it shines, whether he singing the slow blues tunes such as Blueberry Hill and Troubles of my Own, or the fast jumping jives such as La La and Honey Chile. This was a short but sweet package. Hope all the 50’s albums are like this.
Favorite Track: Troubles on my Own
Other Hits: Blueberry Hill, La La, Blue Monday, So Long, Trust in Me
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Really neat funky album. I think I heard That Lady enough times in commercials to get sick of it, but most of the other songs are bangers. I personally really love their Summer Breeze cover. I heard the original one enough times (my mom loves soft yacht rock, so it comes on a LOT), but the Isley cover keeps the vibe from the Seals and Croft version, while adding it’s own funky rock elements to make it stand out. Some of the album started to blend together a bit too much for me, specially the middle. So it feels like a 3.5 to me personally. But 3 is too low, so a 4 feels better. That and I loved that funky electric guitar.
Favorite track: Summer Breeze
Other Hits: That Lady, The Highways of My Life, What It Comes Down To, You Walk Your Way
Cypress Hill
3/5
This album seems to be important to its genre and to those that are fans of hip-hop, but I can’t say that this was an album I enjoyed much. I’m honestly not the biggest fan of hip-hop. It’s either something I can enjoy or something that can bore or even annoy me. This album kinda got boring to me at times. There were good spots, though. One of the popular singles “How I Could Just Kill A Man” was good and I enjoyed “Psycobetabuckdown”. I appreciate the influence this album had. But for the most part, this was not exactly my cup of tea.
Favorite track: How I Could Just Kill A Man
Other Hits: Psycobetabuckdown, Hand on the Pump
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
I have never heard of Ms. Dynamite in my life prior to this. Honestly just like Destiny’s Child to me in some ways. This was…ok I guess? Most of it is just standard early 2000’s r&b-hip-hop and for a hour-long album, it sort of drags. I liked a few of the songs, but otherwise it’s an album that seem to have had its glory days. This is only here because it won a Mercury Prize, which I have no idea how meaningful that is because I’m not British.
Favorite Track: It Takes More (Bloodshy Main Mix)
Other Hits: Afraid 2 Fly, Krazy Krush, Gotta Let U Know
(also the usages of 2 and U is annoying, stop it)
Rush
4/5
You know an album’s good when the instrumental song on it is a banger and not some transitional track or some forgettable portion of the album. Full transparency, I’m not even a big Rush fan (Geddy Lee’s vocals can sometimes get on my nerves), but this album has some of my favorite songs, imo. As mentioned, YYZ is a wonderful instrumental song and Tom Sawyer and Limelight and classics for a reason. I like the first side better than the second side, but this album overall satisfies that Prog rock urge of mine.
Favorite track: Limelight
Other Hits: YYZ, Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta
The Rolling Stones
5/5
My father was a Beatles fan first and a Rolling Stone fan second. It’s a close relationship (I think he loves both equally), but as a child, I was mostly most exposed to the Beatles and as such, have a preference to them. With that being said, I think this list is going to have a good chunk of Rolling Stones albums. So I’ll make up for my lack of Rolling Stones experience down the road on this journey. I will say that this album was a perfect start for me personally. The amount of blues and country influences in this album surprised me, but it helped really make this album flow. I couldn’t help but to just get lost in it, even if the lyrical content was more humbler than some other Rolling Stones songs I heard. From the jumping start of Gimme Shelter to the smooth title track to the angelic and bopping You Can’t Always Get What You Want, this was a very pleasant 42 minutes.
Favorite track: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Other hits: Gimme Shelter, Let It Bleed, Love in Vain, Country Honk, Live With Me
Jurassic 5
4/5
I have to be honest, I was a little weary to get a second hip-hop album from 2002 very closely after getting A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite. After enduring that album for a hour of my life that I’m not getting back, I didn’t know how this album would go. Thankfully, it seems like the generator wanted to make up for giving that previous album because this was so much better. The titular five give the album a great flow while also maintain socially conscious without having too much edge. I have no idea how I never heard of these guys. The album did lose a little steam at the end (the six-minute sample song at the end just felt out of place and took me a bit out of it), but this was a very pleasant surprise.
Favorite Track: Thin Line
Other Hits: Freedom, High Fidelity, A Day at the Races, Sum Of Us, If You Only Knew
Stan Getz
3/5
Jazz feels like a fucking hard genre to evaluate. It’s either going to be hip and cool or put me to sleep. This album was nice, but felt like background music. Like at a high-end city bar or something, this would be great. But I only have my backyard for this album today, so it just doesn’t have the same vibe, I guess. I respect the talent. The call and response from the saxophone and bass can be great, but for a little over 30 minutes, this one was just fine for me.
Favorite track: Samba de Uma Nota Só
Other hits: Desafinado, Samba Triste, Bahia
The White Stripes
5/5
I feel like describing Elephant as a Oreo cookie feels like a weird analogy for such a well-regarded album, but my stupid brain feels like it fits. It has a hard opening structure, a soft part in the middle, and ends as hard as it started. Everyone knows about it and has heard it (Seven Nation Army specifically), but you’ll be hard-pressed to find much of anyone who hates it. And after listening to it, I finally get the hype. This is such a collection of bangers from just two people. It feels like this bizarre classic rock album that stays modern enough to not feel like it panders to nostalgia. And Jack White is so talented, carrying the electricity through songs like Seven Nation Army and There’s No Home For You Here, while toning it down for You Got Her In Your Pocket. And Meg’s great too in In The Cold, Cold Night. I’m very glad this album is now a little more than just the Seven Nation Army album to me.
Favorite Track: Seven Nation Army (I know, basic bitch pick, but it’s infectious)
Other hits: Black Math, There’s No Home For You Here, You Got Her in Your Pocket, In the Cold, Cold Night, The Hardest Button to Button, Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine, Well It's True That We Love One Another
Roxy Music
4/5
What a weird bizarre surprise this album was. This is not even close what I expected, given the album cover and year of release. Honestly sounds like a proto-Talking Heads album. It’s a good mix of some soft songs with some nice guitar heavy romps. Not quite perfect, but very great.
Favorite track: Re-make/Re-model
Other hits: Virginia Plain, 2HB, The Bob (Medley), If There Is Something, Chance Meeting
Elvis Presley
3/5
I’m going to be honest. I’m not really into Elvis Presley. I like some of his songs (particularly Can’t Help Falling in Love With You), but I just can’t get into him. To be honest, I’m not a fan of 50’s rock n’ roll, despite rock being my favorite music genre. To be fair, this debut album has its place in history. Obviously, it put Elvis on the map and made him the proclaimed King of Rock n’ Roll. But it’s honestly just ok. My biggest problem is that his voice doesn’t sound like is hit his stride yet, so he sounds a little off in some of the songs. It’s a debut, though, as his voice did get better with age. But outside of Blue Suede Shoes and Blue Moon, the album was only decent. It almost feels like 2 stars to me, but I think 3 will do. It’s mostly is a 2.5 for me personally.
Favorite track: Blue Suede Shoes
Other hits: I’m Counting on You, Blue Moon, Money Honey
The Doors
2/5
I have a confession to make. I really don’t like The Doors. I don’t know what it is, but outside of a few songs, I sorta can’t stand them. Maybe it’s Jim Morrison’s voice or the fact that the hits on this album are 7-8 minutes that end up on the radio and linger for 40% of my car-riding experience. It’s weird, they just piss me off. My dad likes The Doors, but my mom doesn’t, so I guess I picked up my apathy for The Doors from her, along with Tom Petty. This album doesn’t change my perspective much. As mentioned, I don’t like either of the 7-minute songs (L.A. Woman or Riders on the Storm) and the deep cuts don’t do much to change my mind. There are a few things that stop this from being a 1-star, mainly because I’m not that insane, but I can’t say I found this enjoyable. If there are more Doors albums on this venture (and I’m 99% sure there will be, ugh), I hope at least one will be at least decent to me. But this is my trash opinion and I’ll stick with it.
Favorite track I guess: Hyacinth House (it was nice and short, I actually kinda liked it.)
Other hits: The Changeling, The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
3/5
(I know it’s been pointed out by others, but the album shown is actually a double album, consisting of both Devotional Songs, as well as another album called Love Songs. On Spotify, only the second disc is mentioned in the actual book. This can help spare you from spending 90 minutes on one album.)
I had zero idea what I was getting into with this one. I have never heard of Nusrat before and I had no idea knowing whatever the hell Qawwali even was. Apparently, Nusrat was immensely talented and was highly regarded even to this day. And I’ll confess that I can see that through this album, as I surprisingly kind of enjoyed it. The songs are long and a tad repetitive for my tastes, but the rhythms in the tracks are enticing. They’re really infectious and Nusrat gives every track his all. Devotional is certainly the word for it. I can’t say this album blew me away, but it was good through and through. It’s a 3 from me, but it feels more like a 3.5. I wish we could do half stars.
Favorite track: Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka
Other Hits: Allah Hoo Allah Hoo, Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam, Ni Main Jogi De Naal
The Clash
4/5
It’s about as classic as punk rock can get. A classic debut for a classic band. All the aggression, rage, and socially rebellious lyrics parceled nicely in a 35-minute package. Get in, cause havoc, leave. I’l admit that the tracks are a tad repetitive, and Police and Thieves felt a little out of place for me. But these are very minor complaints. Punk rock albums all have similar sounding tracks and lyrically Police and Thieves fits very well. Overall, it a near perfect effort.
Favorite track: London’s Burning
Other hits: Janie Jones, Career Opportunities, Remote Control, 48 Hours, Garageland
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
The more I look at this band, the lamer they look. There’s something about a band dressing up like revolutionaries and singing bubblegum pop that seems uncool even in the 60’s. But to be honest, that could have been way worse. The singer is a bit better than he has any right to be and I think this album feels like a guilty pleasure. The lyrics are a little lame though (wtf even is Little Girl in the 4th Row), so it was a close call between 2 and 3 stars. But in the end, I’ll give it three…barely.
Favorite track: (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
Other hits: Kicks, All I Really Need Is You, Melody For An Unknown Girl
Paul Simon
4/5
You know, I can’t tell how much of the Paul Simon songs I heard were with Garfunkel or were part of his solo efforts. Regardless, he is definitely one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time and this album is one of the highlights of his career. It is a big collection of varying styles, from classic folk rock, to reggae, to even some Brazilian samba. Yet the album keeps a very somber, very personal tone throughout its runtime, as seen in the likes of Duncan and Run That Body Down. It does feel likes it drags near the end a little, but this is a very good album overall.
Favorite track: Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard
Other hits: Duncan, Peace Like a River, Everything Put Together Falls Apart, Paranoia Blues, Mother and Child Reunion
Talking Heads
4/5
Talking Heads is one of those bands that I keep hearing about, but have not really heard much of their music. Outside of Psycho Killer and Once in a Lifetime, I haven’t heard much from them. I’m hoping this list will change that…assuming the generator’s nice to me. However, this album is kind of what I expected from the little of Talking Heads I heard. I admire how accepted Talking Heads is with the music world given how experimental they are. David Byrne is the perfect paranoid vocalist, as he anxiously decides on what city he’ll live in, wonders why he can’t persuade people, and verbally assaults animals for thinking that are better than us.(lowkey that ridiculous track is my second favorite from the album) Always bizarre, but never ostracizing, this is Talking Heads at what they are good at: balancing the line between commercially safe and abstract.
Favorite track: Cities
Other hits: Animals, Life During Wartime, Drugs, Mind, Paper
Todd Rundgren
3/5
I had two questions in my head when this album popped up on my list: “Who the fuck is Todd Rundgren?” and “Why in god’s name is a double album on this list?”. This is a behemoth of an album, length wise, and I’ll be honest, it took me two sittings to get through this. That being said, I’m going to regurgitate what I saw on Wikipedia, and state that the album is divided into four parts, which makes the listening experience more manageable. The first part is standard pop. The songs were good, but I was nervous that it was setting the tone for the rest of the album; safe and maybe monotonous. Fortunately, the second part is more abstract and experimental (expect Marlene), which helps Todd sustain my attention to the halfway mark. Honestly, I was hoping the rest of the album would be like this. However, the third part was a bit ambiguous, as it felt more… rock inspired? Wikipedia says this part is where the “kid gets heavy” but it only felt like half the album was more heavy. The other half just felt like more first part rejects. Then the last part was sort of a garage section, complete with banter between Todd and his band. This part has its charm, I’ll admit.
I say this, there are plenty of good songs on this album, such as the hits like I Saw the Light, and Couldn’t I Just Tell You, along with some lesser known songs like Torch Song and Wolfman Jack. You can pick a good selection of tunes from this double album. But for a package that makes Tool albums feel short by comparison, it’s only ok. And honestly, ok for a 90-minute album is not very good. The quality of the songs, however, as well as Todd Rundgren’s vocals, do save this album from being rated too low. It’s a good album, but maybe not for 90 minutes.
Favorite Track: Couldn’t I Just Tell You
Other hits: Hello It’s Me, I Saw the Light, Slut, Wolfman Jack, Torch Song, Breathless, Saving Grace
The Style Council
3/5
If you were to ask me what genre of album Cafe Bleu is, I would respond “yes” without a hint of irony. Wikipedia says it is sohisti-pop, which sounds like a bullshit genre. Just call it jazz pop or something. But this album goes so all over the place that those two genres don’t even describe half of Cafe Bleu. It’s one thing that half of the songs are instrumentals and the other half are sung. But this album goes everywhere. One minute it’s the Weather Channel (Blue Cafe), then Paul Weller is serenading me with his voice (My Ever Changing Moods, The Whole Point of No Return), then it’s high energy jazz(Dropping Bombs on the Whitehouse), and then Paul decides to rap (A Gospel) and I die a bit inside. I am very conflicted on this one. Obviously the album’s lack of focus kind of hurts it for me. Variety is good, but this feels a little too much. However, I did really enjoy some of the songs, mostly the slower ones. The aforementioned Weather Channel vibe hits in a good way. Mixed with Paul’s vocals, I almost considered this album a guilty pleasure. I kind of wish that is was the whole album, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more (and it would have spared me from some god-awful rapping). As is, I give this a 3, but it’s more of a 2.5.
Favorite track: My Ever Changing Moods
Other hits: You’re the Best Thing, The Paris Match, Blue Cafe, Strength of Your Nature (this song is kinda stupid, but I kinda dig it, even if the lyrics are literally two sentences)
Eric Clapton
1/5
They say you should always separate the art from the artist in the case of artists who are assholes. Sometimes that can be pretty hard, especially if the artist is considered one of the best guitar players of all time. But in the case of 461 Ocean Avenue, I don’t have to deal with that because this album is just shit. It’s a collection of mostly blues covers and none of them are remotely listenable. They’re just dry and boring and uncomfortable to listen to. There is barely a memorable song on this album. So I don’t feel so bad crapping on an artist who is racist, anti-vaxx and overall a talented asshole. I especially don’t feel bad crapping on some shitty covers of black artists by said racist. Seriously that cover of I Shot the Sheriff is balls.
“Favorite” track- Please Be With Me (the most tolerable of the album, and solely Clapton’s)
Other “hits”- Let it Grow, maybe
Radiohead
5/5
So… I have a confession. I’m one of those people whose Radiohead experience is only “Creep”. Yep, I’m one of those people. So I’m hoping this project will put an end to that and it appears that day has finally come. And came so soon too, as this is my 25th album, so lucky me. I wasn’t sure going into this how I’d react going into this past what looks like Woody from Toy Story having an orgasm. Truth be told, I was fearful that the album would be esoteric and highbrow and I would be indifferent to it. But fortunately, that wasn’t the case at all. In fact, I shocked at how much I loved this album. It’s surprisedly easy to get into, mainly just being top notch 90’s rock. Thom Yorke has incredible control of his vocals, and the album has a great mix of soft-ish rock, to studious arenas to even touches of grunge. I’m really kicking myself for not going past “Creep” with these guys, since all the songs here are great, specifically Fake Plastic Trees and High and Dry. That track really got to me. To be fair, I’m not sure how the Radiohead albums will go. This was the album after their debut Pablo Honey, so I don’t know how experimental this band got overtime. This could be as assessable as they get. And I don’t know when that will be, assuming the generator wants to stop giving constant 70’s crap. But this is how my Radiohead venture starts and I think it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Favorite track: Fake Plastic Trees
Other hits: High and Dry, The Bends, Street Spirit (Fade Out), Planet Telex, honestly the rest of the album while I’m at it.
Supertramp
4/5
I’ve only known two Supertramp songs in my life up to this point: The Logical Song and Give A Little Bit. And I’m not particularly a fan of either of them. So I wasn’t expected much from this album when it popped up for me. But holy fuck, did this one get to me. There really isn’t that hint of cheese that I heard from my prior Supertramp experiences (all two songs worth). There some good shit in this prop-pop mixture and some of this even gave me some emotional vibes. Not really too much of a fan of Dreamer, though, the popular track of the album. Personally, I was more into Hide in Your Shell, and If Everyone Was Listening. Overall, this was a very nice expansion into Supertramp’s discography for me.
Favorite Track: Hide In Your Shell
Other hits: If Everyone Was Listening, Crime of the Century, School, Asylum, Rudy
Aretha Franklin
4/5
I’m going to cut to the chase. Is this album a five out of five for me personally? No. I do feel that the album gets a little monotonous after Respect, and a bit too much of the tracks sound a little like each other. I’m also not really the biggest fan of soul. But with the negative stuff out of the way, it’s still a half hour of Aretha Franklin serenading your ears, and that’s probably better than maybe more than half of the albums on here.
Favorite track: Respect
Other hits: Soul Serenade, Baby,Baby,Baby, Good Times, Do Right Woman,Do Right Man, Save Me, A Change is Gonna Come
The Allman Brothers Band
2/5
Mad props to this generator for giving me a 80-ish minutes live album on one of my busier days of the week. Extra thanks for it being a jam band live album, so I get submitted to a meandering experience that threatens to persist until the heat death of the universe. There are some good parts to this album (lost probably somewhere in the solos), but jam band concerts are perhaps better experienced in person. Not on record.
Favorite track: Hot ‘Lanta
Other hits: Everyone other song that is not more than 10 minutes.
King Crimson
5/5
I have been aware of this album, like most, due to 21st Century Schizoid Man. The sheer mayhem of its funky riffs and the barrage of saxophones are legendary in their own right. It’s definitely one of the heavier 60’s tracks in existence for sure. Until today, I have never ventured deeper into Screamy McScreamFace’s Venture Through Hell until now. And I have to say this album was absolutely not what I was expected. The album never quite gets as vicious as that first track, becoming somewhat more mellow in some areas. But despite that, it never loses its focus and it never disappoints. I Talk to the Wind is a perfect breather to the previous Schitz Fitz that still keeps a very slight feeling of unease. Epitaph then takes that unease and runs with it through a dystopian soundscape, as it’s subject tries to hold a small hint of optimism, but can’t (If we make it, we can all sit back and laugh. But I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying). Then comes Moonchild, which feels like an apology from the generator for giving me the meandering At Fillmore East and showing me that songs that seem to stretch out past 10-minutes can be bangers. It’s such a weird, bizarre miracle of a song that never overstays its welcome. Then comes the climax with The Court of the Crimson King, a powerful end that brings back some of the chaotic vibes of 21st Century Schizoid Man.
I feel progressive rock is a love-it-or-hate-it genre for some and this album is considered essential for its progression (no pun intended). I’m still not sure what I think of prog as a whole, but I what I can say is this is a hell of an album.
Favorite track: 21st Century Schizoid Man
Other hits: the rest of the album
Coldplay
3/5
Seeing the reviews for this album, there appears to be two sides to this album: “Fuck Coldplay” and “Fuck you for hating Coldplay”. Personally, I feel rather indifferent to Coldplay. I’m not inclined enough to particular care for them. And that applies very much to Parachutes, but to be honest, I’m a little disappointed too. The first two tracks (Don’t Panic and Shiver) had this kind of alternative rock vibe that I was digging. I thought that maybe Coldplay was much more of a different band at this beginning stage, like more of an actual rock band rather than whatever they became today. I was a little nervous I might actually like the album (god forbid). But then the album softens and it just becomes a Coldplay album. It doesn’t help when Chris Martin’s vocals get a little grating when he goes for the high notes. I still don’t know what I honestly think about Coldplay and that even applies to the roots of the band’s discography.
Favorite track: Yellow
Other hits: Don’t Panic, Shiver, Sparks
Miles Davis
4/5
The thing about jazz for me personally is that it is difficult for it to sustain my attention for most albums. I usually have just little problems with jazz albums, such as songs that might take too long or most of the album sounding much of the same for its duration. I feel that, for me, these are issues that prevent me from giving Kind of Blue a perfect five rating. However, I would be remiss to not say that this is more than likely the quintessential jazz album. Miles and each of his company are at the top of their game on this album, each perfecting their craft to give one of the smoothest jazz albums in existence. Seriously, Blue in Green has to be one of the chillest jazz songs period in my opinion. As I mentioned, I personally can’t say that this was one of my favorites, but I do recognize the acclaim that this album has received and that’s good enough for me.
Favorite Track: Blue in Green
Other hits: So What, Flamenco Sketches, Freddie Freeloader
Janelle Monáe
4/5
I shit you not, before this album, I only knew Janelle Monáe from her bit part in We Are Young by Fun. All 10 seconds of her before Nate Ruess banishes her to the background. Then here comes this album, my first from the 2010’s. How have I gone so long without hearing anything about this? It’s a masterful blend of genres that Janelle transitions through each and every one of them smoothly. The suite suite was mostly very good, even if I felt it was a few tracks two many. The third suite, however, is a five star effort in itself. It really leans into its futuristic, psychedelic themes with the likes of Wondaland and Make the Bus. It’s also a wonderful r&b album, with the fantastically moving Say You’ll Go. In parts presenting an epic dystopian future and in parts keeping the pop vibe that was present in the 2010’s, this album is making kick myself for deeming Janelle Monáe as the Na Na girl for that one Fun song.
Favorite track: Say You’ll Go
Other hits: Cold War, Tightrope, Make the Bus, Wondaland, Neon Valley Street, Come Alive (War of the Roses), Oh,Maker
Metallica
4/5
Listen, I consider hard rock/metal my favorite genres of music. Seeing artists such as Megadeth, Anthrax, and even Sepultura on this list peaked my interest. One of the things I’m a bit curious about is just how this list of albums treats such a heavy genre that is specifically made to be not very assessable to the general listener of music. Observing some of the reviews from some of the metal albums on here, most don’t seem to rate higher well, usually getting around about 2.5, with one of the lowest rated albums being Scum by Napalm Death, a grindcore. From what I see, most of those who partake in this album venture don’t seem to care for metal. It could be the metal bands doing their job; only making music that opposes mainstream tastes. But there is one band who crossed the picket lines and became something the metal genre seeks to resist; becoming mainstream. I have somewhat awaited the day to get a Metallica album. Of course the first Metallica album I get from the generator is the Black Album, the very album that gave Metallica their biggest success, for better or worse.
Let me cut to the chase right now, this is not my favorite Metallica album at all for a few reasons. One, all the hits come at the beginning of the album. Save for Nothing Else Matters, the latter part of the album really doesn’t do too much for me. This is a problem when the album itself is a hour long, which makes the Black Album feel lengthy. Two, I feel that a lot of the thrash metal charm for Metallica’s earlier albums is not quite here. Being more broad in scope and commercial viability, it sort of lacks the edge of albums like Ride the Lighting and Master of Puppets. And third, this is where the band started to dip in quality. I mean, that feels like a common opinion, but like really, did Metallica do anything of much value after this? The closest things honestly are “Fuel” and maybe Death Magnetic. To me, this album feels like the point where Metallica reached that point of no return. The point where they became the metal band normal people listen to when they tell people they like metal. And that’s not very metal for Metallica.
With that said, it’s incredibly difficult to hate this. The hits this album spawned are some of the band’s most diverse and it’s honestly impressive how well they manage to weave between mainstream rock and thrash metal and some of it really is among the band’s best work. Nothing Else Matters shows the band’s softer side with a very rare ballad. Wherever I May Roam powers the band into groove metal territory while Holier Than Thou and Through the Never keep the band’s roots firmly in thrash. And while it’s far from my favorite track, I somehow never get tired of Enter Sandman. The Black Album is a complicated album for me. This is not peak Metallica. That time was well past by the time this album came out. And even since it, some might say it was all downhill. But its success probably exposed many people to the genre of metal, making it a gray starting point to a polarizing genre. And getting to hear this in its entirety, I can see why.
Favorite track: Tie between Nothing Else Matters and Wherever I May Roam
Other Hits: Enter Sandman, Sad But True, The Unforgiven
Minutemen
3/5
There’s a belief I have with movies that I also have with albums. I don’t care how long or short it is, as long as it is enjoyable in relation to how long it is. A long boring movie is just as bad as a long boring album. That logic goes double for two types of albums: live albums and double albums. These albums tend to clock in at nearly 90 minutes in most cases (or god forbid more) and seem to never have enough material to justify listening to them. I will probably lose interest around halfway in and the rest of the album will be a slog.
Now however, here’s a unique case. It’s a punk double album, meaning most of the album is filled with short songs. In addition, Minutemen bring a nice variety to the tracks, experimenting with multiple styles which should help to keep the album fresh through its nearly hour and a half runtime. I kind of like this concept, since it could make this double album actually listenable. And to be fair, most of it is. This was a refreshing change of pace for a punk album, trading the hard rock elements for more acoustic vibes while keeping the anti-establishment edge through its tracks. It seemed to work in retaining my interest… for some of the album. Look, there is good shit on this album, don’t get me wrong. This is perhaps one of the better double albums out there. But it still has that old familiar problem: I got bored halfway. The vibe went from “This is pretty good” to “Dear God, there’s still more”. That sucks because I appreciate this effort. It’s the closest a double album has gotten without losing my interest. I get why people would like this album. It’s just too long for me to consider great.
Favorite track: Corona
Other hits: History Part II, honestly most of the songs are too short to really single out.
Elton John
5/5
I remember hearing Elton John on a classic rock radio station and had a weird debate in my head: Is Elton John really rock or was he more pop? His music never fully came across to me as “classic rock”. Maybe it’s because his weapon of choice was the piano, as opposed to the tried and true guitar. But I come to realize that debating whether Elton John fits the classic rock vibe was pointless. Because Goodbye Yellow Brick Road shows that Elton John was above simple labels. He travels across many genres and excels at each of them. (except reggae, maybe don’t do that one again. Looking at you Jamaican Jerk-Off) I will admit that around parts 2&3, the album’s power fades a little, which I’m learning is probably standard for double albums or any album longer than a hour. But the songs that hit have an immense impact. The singles spawned by this album have followed me for all my life, even if I never was around when this album was released (I’m in my twenties, so I have my parents to thank for exposing me to this album, along with other 70’s music). The memories of summer barbecues with Bennie and the Jets blasting from the speakers is the kind of shit that will follow me for the rest of my life. It’s the impact of those songs that elevate the album for me. So to answer my previous question, is Elton John classic rock or pop, I would say who gives a fuck. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is iconic and that’s good enough for any radio station.
Favorite track: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Other hits: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, Bennie and the Jets, Candle in the Wind, Saturday’s Alright (For Fighting), Roy Rogers, Grey Seal, This Song Has No Title
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
This is the first Neil Young album I have been given and I’m conflicted. The first side of this album just felt very one note. All the songs sounded the same and Neil just comes across as “old man yells at punk rock kids and obsesses over nature”. Most of it is fine, some of does sound good, but there is very little variety between the songs. And honestly, I’m not a fan of Neil’s voice. It’s that weird high-pitched folky voice that either you like or can get on your nerves and I’m the latter camp. The second side brings in Crazy Horse, but it doesn’t fare much better. Welfare Mothers and Sedan Delivery did nothing for me. They’re both ridiculous and not in a good way. There are two saving graces, however. Powderfinger is probably one of the best songs about someone getting obliterated by a gunboat ever. Niche genre really. But for real, this was a nice song. But the real highlight was Hey Hey Me Me (not to be confused with My My Hey Hey, the starting track). I think the bookend song idea is cute, but I really enjoyed the last track more. It really did bring out the Neil’s emotions toward the approaching trend of punk and the decline of tradition rock more so than the first track. Really, it’s Powderfinger and Hey Hey Me Me that save this album for me. Other than that, this doesn’t really bode well for the other Neil Young albums to come soon. I hope he gets better…please.
Favorite track: Hey Hey Me Me
Other Hits: Powderfinger, My My Hey Hey, Thrasher
Muddy Waters
4/5
There are some things in life that feel simplistic, but can become something more with creativity, like a slice of pizza or a hamburger. To me, Hard Again doesn’t break new ground. Some of the songs here rely on some well-known blues riffs. I mean, that “duh-da-duh-da-duh” riff on Mannish Boy is in virtually every blues work. But it’s the way Muddy Waters and his band perform the songs that give this album its kick. The mix between the electric guitar and the harmonica kicks so much ass and along with Muddy’s finely aged vocals, take what could have been a simplistic collection of blues tracks and spices them up. I’m not even a big blues fan and I found myself getting lost in the groove of it. Muddy doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to take you for a ride.
Favorite Track: Crosseyed Cat
Other Hits: Mannish Boy, Little Girl, Deep Down in Florida, I Can’t Be Satisfied
Nirvana
5/5
Putting to words what this album is a little difficult for me, but I’ll try anyway. To me, this album is a moment in time; a last glimpse of rock as a dominant mainstream genre within the music industry. Back when the M in MTV meant music and not… whatever the fuck it’s supposed to mean now. A moment of authenticity through a live album that stays away from the greatest hits (for the most parts) and opts for covers, such as a then unknown David Bowie song and three Meat Puppets songs in a row. Kurt Cobain’s raspy-vocals fits really well with the pseudo-acoustic sound from his band mates. As a result, some of these songs are the best versions of themselves. Unplugged About A Girl feels more natural than Bleach About A Girl, and Dumb and On A Plain sound just as good as their original album counterparts. And I didn’t know The Man Who Sold The World was David Bowie. It’s more Nirvana’s now than Nine Inch Nail’s Hurt is to Johnny Cash. But this album is more than a live album; it’s a sense of finality. The world wouldn’t see the likes of a performance that has no hint of Smells Like Teen Spirit or many heavy-hitters. It’s a showcase of a band using their platform as a homage to their roots. A display of a band doomed to die at its prime, released months after Kurt Cobain’s passing. It’s perhaps the last gasp of rock as a mainstream force before the end of the century. It’s is, in essence, a moment.
Favorite track: About A Girl
Other hits: The Man Who Sold The World, On A Plain, Come As You Are, All Apologies, Dumb
Sepultura
4/5
This is as classic as thrash metal can come. Masterfully produced by Scott Burns, the bad boys of Brazil unleash their fury as they materialize their hellish soundscape of death and corruption. This is my favorite kind of thrash metal; vicious with some kickass solos to bridge the tracks together. However, and to piggyback off one of the popular reviews for this album, I agree this was the oddest choice for Sepultura over Choas AD. That album is probably considered more iconic and feels more “necessary” to listen to. Arise is great, but the band hasn’t reached their peak yet, as some of it feels too standard for thrash. That does cost it a star, but it’s still important for the band, and it a good showing of their work. With that said, I eagerly await the day the generator gives me Roots.
Favorite track: Arise
Other hits: Dead Embryonic Cells (try saying that title in front of your parents),
Subtraction, Altered State, Desperate Cry
R.E.M.
4/5
Peter Buck says that this album was inspired by the themes of loss and mourning associated with turning 30. As someone approaching 28 and a half, I didn’t need to heat that.
Let me get this out of the way, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite doesn’t belong here. I get that it’s a breather on a downer of an album, but it’s too much. Even the band believed so, but it’s still a good song though. Otherwise, this dive into darker territory is among R.E.M.’s best work. Honestly, the real emotional part of the album for me was Nightswimming. (Everybody Hurts is great, but overplayed these days) That sense of reflection over “the good old days” in a world that seems to have moved on really gets to me. I won’t call this album a tearjerker, but it’s heavy and I certainly feel the weight.
Favorite track: Man on the Moon
Other hits: Nightswimming, Everybody Hurts, Ignoreland, Find the River, Sweetness Follows, Try Not to Breathe
David Bowie
3/5
This feels like a weird album to get for my first David Bowie album. People seem to really like Station to Station, but I couldn’t really get into it. It’s fine, but this isn’t my favorite David Bowie material. Most of it is average and it doesn’t help that 5 out of the 6 songs go over 5 minutes. The songs are pretty good however, and I like the diversity of it. Golden Years is a pretty good funk/disco romp and TVC15 is a solid art rock track that has Bowie tap into something like the Talking Heads. It’s a 3.5 for me, as four seems too high.
Favorite track: TVC15
Other hits: Golden Years, Stay, Wild is the Wind
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
It’s a 50’s rock n’ roll album. It’s got the “doo-wap” backing vocals and all the high energy legally allowed in the late half of the decade. It is everything that represents 50’s rock n’ roll.
Just one problem: I don’t really like 50’s rock n’ roll.
I don’t hate it. It’s just not my cup of tea. It’s all hokey and cheesy to me. But the trade off is that the albums from this period are usually short, so they are not the worst. I cut the album some slack because it is influential and Buddy Holly is one of the most revered tragic figures in music history. And I did enjoy the softer songs.
Favorite track: Not Fade Away
Other hits: That’ll Be The Day, It’s Too Late
(I’m not putting Oh Boy here, too cheesy for me)
Kanye West
3/5
Oh god, the day has come to delve into Kanye West. Rap/hip-hop is not my favorite genre, so my knowledge of Kanye’s music is almost non-existent. I saw this as a blessing considering how Kanye (or Ye, whatever the fuck he wants to be called) is nowadays, or just plain any point of his career with his 1001 controversies. But I was told that this album is a landmark achievement, and it’s from 2010, so it’s easy to look at this as a reflection of a high point of Ye’s career before the wires in his head became fried. And this project is meant to challenge my tastes in music, so I’ll be fair… to an extant.
Let’s start with the good: the production’s great. Surface level complement, I know, but anything that makes a hour of Kanye bearable to me is a miracle. The songs sound really good, as it’s the type of hip-hop that’s more groovy than annoying, which is usually my vice for the genre. I couldn’t help but get lost in the likes of beats of Devil in a New Dress and All of the Lights. And the guest artists all add their weight to the album. (Though I agree Chris Rock greatly overstays his welcome in Blame Game) In a rare instance, I actually think Nicki Minaj is my favorite, as her part in Monster might be a contender for highlight of the album. As for Kanye himself… he’s fine. It’s Kanye. There’s good lyrics mixed with some self-indulgence. It’s tolerable.
But here’s the weird thing: I have no desire to heard these songs again. I don’t really have it in me to listen to anything from this album. Most of the songs feel bloated to me and don’t have replayability to me. The closest song I can think of is Runaway, but that’s it. This album does nothing to sway my opinion of Kanye West: I can still care less. It’s the production and talent not nicknamed Ye that made this album not feel like a slog. I hope that if there is another Kanye West album in this project, it’s several hundred albums from now.
Favorite track: Runaway
Other hits that I thought were neat: Monster, All of the Lights, Devil in A New Dress, Dark Fantasy, POWER
The Waterboys
3/5
This album frustrates me. I honestly thought this was going to be mid and it both was and wasn’t. When The Waterboys fuse their Irish folk with some modern (for the 80’s) sound, its works surprisingly well. I particularly loved World Party and We Will Not Be Lovers for this. But in the second half of the album, it veers too much into traditional and loses its appeal. Except for The Stolen Child, that was fucking awesome. There are also some other things too that knock it down. And A Bang To The Ear is way too long and Sweet Thing has this weird segment where they inject Blackbird by the Beatles in it. It’s really awkward. I really wanted to love this, since I rated 3 on three albums in a row. I see it as a 3.5, but that’s still a fourth 3. Damn.
Favorite track: World Party
Other hits: We Will Not Be Lovers, The Stolen Child, Strange Boat
David Bowie
4/5
I can’t speak from experience, but I figure it must be very difficult to make a swansong album. On top of knowing your end is at hand (mentally and physically), but you must also leave your fans with something good to remember you by. I remember David Bowie’s passing somewhat well, but never heard that he released an album two days prior to his death. I’m regretfully not well-versed in Bowie’s discography to say whether or not it’s the perfect end for him, but as a stand-alone album, it is a great swan song. Lazarus in itself feels like a proper emotional goodbye to a legendary artist. Blackstar in its entirety presents classic Bowie with hints of art and experimental jazz. The result is an album that as haunting as it is reflective. I can’t say it was perfect, but for what it is, it works well. It’s a very fitting goodbye for someone such as David Bowie.
Favorite track: Lazarus
Other hits: I Can’t Give Everything Away, Dollar Days, Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime), Tis A Pity She Was A Whore
Joy Division
4/5
This has to be punk at it’s absolute gloomiest. The reverb of the guitars, the depressed nature of the lyrics, the agony of it all, beautifully expressed by Ian Curtis. Imagine a very depressed Misfits. That’s this album.
I won’t consider this a masterpiece. The gloom can get a little too off-putting at times. And it is an acquired taste for punk, lacking the high-energy in favor of dredge. But I really do jive with this darkness. It feels ahead of its time, influencing the likes of industrial and gothic rock, which I’m admittly a sucker for. It takes a bit of effort for any form of media to disturb me. This is one of the few that managed to do so.
Favorite track: She’s Lost Control
Other hits: New Dawn Fades, Insight, Disorder, Shadowplay, Wilderness
Billy Bragg
4/5
Let me start by saying as someone going into Billy Bragg blind, I don’t think his singing voice is bad. Yeah, it is aggressively British, but it kind of works here. He is not a great singer, however, so the more the album progressed, the more he started to lose me. Honestly, my biggest gripe with this is that it gets somewhat monotonous as it goes on. The songs started to blend together, as they feel too similar to one another; the same style of folk with Bragg’s divisive vocals. The saving grace of this album is the lyrics, balancing between love songs and political leanings. This leads to some great lines like “Something that every football fan knows, it only take five fingers to form a fist” and “Sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn, just what it would take a child a night to learn”. Well-versed and unapologetic, this album makes up for its shortcomings with its politically poetic bite.
Favorite track: The Home Front
Other hits: Greetings to the New Brunette, The Marriage, There Is Power In A Union, Levi Stubba’ Tears, The Passion
The Black Crowes
2/5
I’m thoroughly convinced that I subconsciously don’t give a shit about The Black Crowes. For whatever reason, I don’t really enjoy their songs. Maybe it’s Chris Robinson’s vocals or maybe it’s because I’m not a huge fan of southern rock, but I just don’t care. All of their songs sound literally the same, with little differences. And every single song, my attention span keeps waning before the songs are halfway done. I kind of like the hits (Hard to Handle, Jealous Again, She Talks to Angels), but I just don’t like going through Black Crowes albums. If the Southern Harmony and Musical Companion is on this project, I’m going to be very miffed.
Favorite track: Hard to Handle
Other hits: She Talks to Angels, Jealous Again, Twice as Hard, Sister Luck
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
This might seem like a minor detail to point out, but the little ambiance in the background of this album is such an interesting aspect. The clatter of the plates and glasses, the inaudible noises from the crowd. How do you think it felt to be a part of this experience? Sitting at a nice venue with some cool jazz. It’s probably a lot better than sitting in your room, trying to get your daily album done during your busy life.
All jokes aside, this is some chill stuff. The trio of the piano, bass, and drums mix together very well, and this would make some amazing lounge music. While I’m not a fan of an album being primarily background music, this is a good showcase of early 60’s jazz. I just wish I can put it in the right atmosphere.
Favorite track: Alice in Wonderland
Other hits: Gloria’s Step, My Man’s Gone, Jade Visions
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
Ok, I have a question. Why are the streaming versions of this album missing songs? Most of the reviews talk about the album being 22 minutes. No, there’s missing songs. Like, is it for legal reasons or some other bullshit? So I had to use YouTube for this album, which already rubs me the wrong way. Honestly, it’s was probably too much effort for, of all things, a live album. Where most of the songs aren’t even Jerry’s. Hell, half of the album, is just Jerry doing whatever noises he can muster to pad the set list. But the dude’s got energy (probably the nicest thing I said about a racist pedo), so he gets two stars instead of one. Yippee.
Favorite track: Money (That’s What I Want), I guess
Other hits: I honestly didn’t give a fuck about the rest of this
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Gotta hand to Frankie. This is an interesting concept album. Taking the same song and tweaking it for 15 songs is not something I seen before. Truly nobody like Frank Sinatra can match such a feat.
Ok, jokes aside, this album should be a 3 from me. It REALLY lacks variety. But it’s still Frank Sinatra. And to me personally, he’s my favorite performer from this decade. His voice is timeless and at the very least, it’s good music to chill and loosen my mind to. And it’s probably the best the 50’s will get for me, so I’ll be nice and rate on a curve. Just this once.
Favorite track: You Make Me Feel So Young
Other hits: Idk man, just pick anything else. They sound similar.
The Band
4/5
I feel like this is as cozy as late 60’s folk rock can be. It’s a nice slice of rugged Americana that doesn’t swing into country or come off as hokey. I could probably do without the Lost Cause nostalgia, though. Especially on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. That Gone With The Wind type shit. But besides that, this was fairly relaxing.
Favorite track: The Unfaithful Servant
Other hits: Whispering Pines, King Harvest (Has Surely Come), Rockin’ Chair, Up On Cripple Creek
Elbow
3/5
So this is basically an indie-fied Coldplay. Truth be told, it’s alright. It’s better than my last Mercury Prize winner (A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite). But the songs just go on for a while. Like why are there so many 5-minute songs? It makes the album feel a bit padded out. Honestly, this whole Mercury Prize shows me the British have a mid taste of music.
Favorite track: One Day Like This
Other Hits: Weather to Fly, Friend of Ours, Grounds for Divorce, Mirrorball
4/5
This has to be one of the more masterful punk rock albums I have ever heard. It’s a great 33 minutes that never comes across as repetitive or grating. There’s something about X that gives off a different energy than other punk bands. I kind of get a Sonic Youth / Violent Femmes vibe, probably due to the female vocalist. It’s easy to see why they are considered so influential to the scene.
Favorite track: White Girl
Other hits: In This House I Call Home, When Our Love Passed Out On The Couch, We’re Desperate, Back 2 The Base
R.E.M.
4/5
I don’t know if it was the production or the quality of the music, but I swear R.E.M. never sounds like an 80’s band. Seriously, It’s The End Of The World As We Know It could have been released in the 90’s and I wouldn’t call it out of place. Maybe it Michael Stipe’s vocals or the Scott Litt production that give R.E.M. their sound. Document has to be one of the more cryptic, but refreshing albums of the decade. I think this might be the band’s most consistently good album to date. Everyone does their due diligence, from Bill Beery’s backing vocals to Peter Buck’s shredding, and the result is an extremely fun album. I tethered between a 4 or a 5 for this one. The score will show a 4, but it’s more of a 4.5.
Favorite track: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
Other hits: The One I Love, Finest Worksong, Fireplace, Welcome to the Occupation
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I have to get this off my chest: Led Zeppelin is one of those bands that I never really seemed to love. They’re one of those artists that get celebrated to the Moon and back, but I just can’t seem to love their work. It’s probably due to every classic rock radio station playing their songs over and over again, and making me fatigued. Honestly, I was prepared to give a ok review of this album at best. But then something happened: it clicked.
I think it might have to do with the fact that I don’t recall hearing any of the these songs before. The only familiar one is Dazed and Confused, and I actually like that song, so I didn’t mind hearing that again. Other than that, it was a fresh experience and it helped me grasp as to why Led Zeppelin is so well-beloved by every classic rock radio do in existence. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You is a fucking beautiful song, You’re Time is Gonna Come is a great gospel tune about a dishonest woman, and Black Mountain Side is short, but hella sweet folk. Robert Plant comes right of the gates swinging with his iconic vocals, sometimes sounding like he’s climaxing more than singing. But he gives the songs his distinct touch, which is vital for an album full of blues covers. This has to be one of the best debuts for a band, as it quickly established Led Zeppelin as a rock mainstay. I can’t say if the other Led Zeppelin albums will completely change my opinion of the band, but I think it’s a miracle I liked it this much.
Favorite track: Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
Other hits: Dazed and Confused, Black Mountain Side, Your Time Is Gonna Come, Communication Breakdown, Good Times Bad Times
Mekons
2/5
Around the time I reached the legal age to drink, I had the brilliant idea that Coke can be mixed with any type of liqueur. With that logic, I decided to mix Coke with Bombay Sapphire Gin. When I tasted this unholy concoction, my reactions were all over the place. I was mostly disgusted, but tried to troop through it thinking it had to work. But the combination just didn’t work. Ultimately, I ended up dumping it. That’s exactly how I feel about Fear and Whiskey. The bizarre combination between punk and country isn’t the worst thing I ever heard and it feels like it almost works at times. But the mix of the harmonicas and electric guitars and punk vocals just never hit me right. Like the gin and Coke, it never clicked with me. I did finish the album, unlike the gin and coke. But I still can’t get the taste out of my mouth.
Favorite track: Hard to be Human Again
Other hits: Country, Darkness and Doubt, Abernant 1984/5
Peter Gabriel
4/5
Peter Gabriel is an artist I was interested in exploring his discography. He always sounded like a unique artist and I liked the songs I heard from him previously (Solsbury Hill, Sledgehammer, nothing surprising). This was a very unique album to get through, and I mean that in a good way. It’s an arty take on 80’s pop music with many catchy tracks, most tackling political themes in creative ways. Family Snapshot was my personal favorite. I love how the song for its majority increases slightly in intensity, but suddenly softens near the ends. It was probably one of the bigger emotional whiplashes I heard in a song. Considering its background of being based on the memoir of a would-be political assassin who admitted he was looking for attention, it was perhaps the most intense track on the album. That doesn’t subtract from the other hits on the album that hit that activist itch, such as Biko and Games Without Frontiers. Peter Gabriel 3 is a well put together experiment of an album; not too abstract to drive away, but not too safe for commercial appeal. I hope if any of the other Peter Gabriels make this list, they sound at least as good as this.
Favorite track: Family Snapshot
Other hits: I Don’t Remember, Lead A Normal Life, Biko, Games Without Frontiers, Intruder
Primal Scream
3/5
You know, Primal Scream is a very misleading name for a band. How many people would look at this album and assume that it’s going to be something like an alternative metal album or something similar? Thankfully, I was aware of the band prior to this to keep my expectations in check.
Anyway, this was pretty middle of the road for me. Some of this was pretty good for what mostly feels like more of a psychedelic vibe with a nice industrial touch. But some of it just kind of goes on, without leaving much of a personal impact. I guess I’m not really a fan of albums that seem to be more for playing in the background and “vibe” too.
Favorite track: Kowalski
Other hits: Get Duffy, Stuka, Medication
Pixies
5/5
I honestly have zero idea why it has taken me this long in my life to fully indulge in the Pixies. The only excuse I can think of is perhaps I wouldn’t “get” it. Maybe I’d go through an album and not understand what would make it that special. Like I would finish it and go “OK, but I don’t get it. Why is this acclaimed?” But that didn’t happen here. I get it now.
This album feels like one of the very few so far that might actually be essential to listen to before you die. It is the blueprint for much of alternative rock to come within the following decade. I mean, most of this album sounds like a beta version of Nirvana around the time they only had Bleach to their name. It’s also one of the most well-balanced albums I heard so far. It feels pop-oriented, but touches upon other genres (Country for Silver, surf rock for Here Comes Your Man, even punk for Crackity Jones) to never feel slate. It’s definitely indie in nature, but never feels alienating or pretentious. The tracks stick to you and refuse to let go. Maybe it Francis Black’s vocals, coming out stretchy and torn before Kurt Cobain made it cool. Or how Kim Deal’s bass riffs perfectly intricate their ways through the songs along with the guitar riffs. How the hell did it take me this long to finally listen to these guys?
Favorite track: Here Comes Your Man
Other hits: Debaser, Monkey Gone to Heaven, Hey, Wave of Mutilation, Gouge Away
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Every year since about the time I was born, me and my family would take a summer trip to Long Beach Island. It’s a little beach town on the east end of New Jersey, about a hour away from Atlantic City. Starting in the early 2000’s, my parents would have a mixtape of songs that would sedate us through the car ride to LBI. The first half consisted of songs that were more recent… at least for the early 2000’s. A hodgepodge of songs like I Try by Macy Gray, It Wasn’t Me by Shaggy, a censored The Real Slim Shady by Eminem and some other stuff. It’s the second half of the mixtape, however, that is relevant to the album. That side consisted of songs from the 60’s and 70’s, with the likes of the Carpenters, Dionne Warwick, The Fifth Dimension and more. It was when I heard songs like Rainy Days and Mondays, California Dreamin’, Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head, and even Sweet Caroline. But the first song of this side was always What’s Going On. Thanks in part to the song being a part of one of my School Spirit Days, where all the grades of my school had to perform a synchronized dance routine to a chosen song, I was always familiar with What’s Going On (the song). It has always been a part of my life, being played every year on that drive down to vacation. I mean, maybe a song denouncing police brutality isn’t the best song to hype up for some fun in the sun, but I didn’t make the mixtape. Besides, Marvin’s silky smooth vocals with the serenading orchestra behind him was always relaxing to me, no matter the mood the song carried. For more than 28 years, I have not ventured past that song to hear the other tracks on this album… until today. I can confidently say that, in my opinion, this is the pinnacle of soul in the 1970’s. I know I not giving a hot take by saying that, but it is 1000% true. Never has an album addressed multiple issues of the time, from the aftermath of the Vietnam War, to life in the ghettos and even to the environment, with a sense of concern and subtle optimism. The flow of the album is remarkable, as Marvin seamlessly travels from one track to the next, never missing a beat. There always a nostalgic feeling along the album as Marvin ponders what the future will hold, something that somehow still applies to this day. We all try to keep a sense of some optimism despite looking at the world around us and wondering what else can go wrong. And even though Marvin may be a bit too dependent on the power of God (which he probably does a little too much), his message for love is much needed for all people. As of today, me and my family still go down to Long Beach Island, though we now go down in September rather than in the midst of summer. And while things have certainly changed, we still listen to the same songs on the way down. And while we never know how many years we got, I know that every year I’ll be hearing that familiar Marvin Gaye song again, just as I have for the last 20-something years.
Favorite track: What’s Going On
Other hits: Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Wholy Holy, Save the Children, Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Baaba Maal
2/5
I feel bad sometimes when I have to do international albums. On one hand, I love the challenge of finding some music in areas I never would have thought of looking. Not every banger has to be sung in English. But then when I get this types of albums, they don’t really keep my attention and this album is no different. There are parts of this album that I liked. I actually did enjoy some of the more dates aspects of the album (the synth effects and everything else that makes this album unapologetically 90’s as hell). But none of it could keep my attention for long, and I just lose interest before the final track. Baaba Maal is talented. I can’t deny that. But that can’t justify this nearly hour-long slog.
Favorite track: Olel
Other hits: Sy Sawande, Toro, Hamady Boiro
Sonic Youth
4/5
This has to be noise rock at its most melodic, accessible, and thankfully at its best. I love how the albums alternates between Thurston Moore’s more simplistic vocals and Kim Gordon’s sometimes subdued, sometimes vicious vocals between songs. It keeps the album fresh and stops it from becoming stale. Considering its length, the noise did get somewhat grating the more it went on, but this is still a good piece of grunge coming from Sonic Youth. Though so remain curious about the albums prior to this one.
Favorite track: Sugar Cane
Other hits: Wish Fulfillment, Drunken Butterfly, Chapel Hill, Youth Against Fascism, 100%
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
So, has anyone seen those images online where it says something like “Damn Homie! You Got The Whole Squad Laughing!” and it’s just people staring at you stonefaced? That’s my experience with this album. It’s bad satire that constantly thinks it’s making some kind of statement. Like yeah Frank, you showed them. I don’t know who the fuck “them” is (hippies I guess) or why half this album is animal noises and playing with your voice pitch until you sound like the missing fourth member of Alvin and the Chipmunks, but… you really stuck it to them. Also, “Nasal Retentive Calliope Music” and “The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny” are the most painful songs I ever heard. Literally cringeworthy. Like I actually physically cringed during both songs. And I mean that with no irony.
Favorite track: lol no nothing here this time
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I feel like the generator is apologizing to me for giving me We’re Only In It For The Money by The Mothers of Invention. Like “Sorry for that shit. Here’s some actual good music from 1968.” I admire the sentiment, I mean Jimi Hendrix is legendary. There is no denying that. But I don’t think this is his magnum opus. Frankly, it kinda of suffers from a few problems. The biggest ones are its length and its lack of focus. Being double album sized and not bringing your A-game makes for kind of a meandering experience. Not that Hendrix is boring at all. There is some good shit here, especially near the end. Those last two tracks are godlike. But the two longer tracks, Voodoo Chile (not the return, that’s amazing) and 1983, overstay their welcome, especially 1983. Hendrix here is great in parts on this album and I was kind of hoping it would be more than that. Maybe I’ll get that from Are You Experienced. But Hendrix can still provide the goods even in he doesn’t fire on all cylinders.
Favorite track: Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Other hits: All Along the Watchtower, Crosstown Traffic, Burning of the Midnight Lamp, House Burning Down, Have You Ever Been (to Electric Ladyland)
R.E.M.
4/5
I haven’t hit 70 albums yet and I’ve gotten my third R.E.M. album. Not that I’m complaining, they have been consistently good up to this point. And Green is no exception. Actually, this might even be my favorite from them so far. I don’t know if that’s a hot take or not. But this is a really good mixture of some bubblegum pop with some serious asides. I’ve read that the pop was supposed to be ironic and satirical, but the band just ended up making some good pop themselves. Funny how that works. Though songs like Orange Crush and World Leader Pretend add a nice contrast away from the pop. Honestly, this feels like the send-off for R.E.M. as an outliner from the mainstream. This was the last album before Out of Time, which would make the band no longer a cult band. While I think Document is the last pure essence of R.E.M. as who they originally were, Green feels like the swan song to those days. And to me, they went out with a bang.
Favorite track: Stand
Other hits: Orange Crush, Pop Song 89, Get Up, Turn You Inside-Out, World Leader Pretend
k.d. lang
4/5
I feel sometimes I forget that one of the more exciting aspects of doing this project is finding music that I never would have found on my own. I don’t know how obscure k.d. lang is in the musical landscape, but she wasn’t ever really on my radar. The genres for this album alone are all over the place. Pop, country, folk, jazz and apparently new wave? What is this shit, I asked prior to jumping in. I wasn’t expecting much at all. But this album blindsided me.
This album is smooth, mostly thanks to k.d.’s outstanding vocals and the stellar production. I understand that most will find this kind of stuff boring or background material and I respect that opinion. I might even say that some of the middle tracks did kind of drag a bit, hence why this won’t be part of my 5-star gang. But in my opinion, it’s a lot better than what I was expecting.
Favorite track: Constant Craving
Other hits: Save Me, Season of Hollow Soul, Miss Chatelaine, Outside Myself
The Avalanches
2/5
I’m going to be honest: this album didn’t do anything for me. Most of the songs rely on samples that are usually repeated over and over again. I get what it was going for. It an electronic vibe/dance album, so it’s part of the beat. But it mostly just kind of sounded annoying to me. I couldn’t get into it outside of a couple of songs. Honestly, Frontier Psychiatrist was the only track that sounded like a song. Everything else basically a lyric, repeating it over and over again, changing up a little for variety, and call it a day. If this is your sort of thing, that’s fine. But it’s not for me really.
Favorite track: A Different Feeling
Other hits: Frontier Psychiatrist, Etoh, Electricity, Two Hearts in 3/4 Time
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
Was it really worth going through a double album of discomfort, as Eric Clapton plays through the blues despite his racism just to get to Layla. Maybe, I mean it’s the one song in the title of the album. Honestly, it’s the other song to give a shit about. The rest range from ok to forgettable. To be blunt, I’m getting sick of getting double albums. Especially those made by terrible people.
Favorite track: Layla
Other hits that are not Layla: Bell Bottom Blues, I Looked Away, Thorn Tree in the Garden
Fiona Apple
4/5
I came into this album not having a clue about Fiona Apple and having no clue what to expect. I have to say that this is a very unique album and I mean that in a good way. There is a delicate balance between the beautiful nature of the tracks with some powerful lyrics. She written all this in her teen years? Damn.
Looking through the reviews, I glad someone singled out Never Is A Promise. I don’t know what it is, but that was my favorite from this album, even more so than the singles (which are still very good). That song was fucking beautiful, a slow and empowering song.
Favorite track: Never Is A Promise
Other hits: Criminal, Sleep to Dream, Sullen Girl, Shadowboxer, The First Taste
Nas
3/5
Well, here we are. So, full disclosure, rap and hip-hop are not my go-to genres. Being more of a rock guy, I don’t tend to do really any rap. That means that I have yet to listen to any of the most beloved rap albums. This project, however, is a good entry point to some of those albums to see how I would react to them. This is one of them.
I heard many great things about Nas, but never listened to his music before. All signs pointed to this being one of the most important hip-hop albums in existence, so the expectations were high. I will say that Nas is very talented. The flow within the songs is amazing.(god I hope I’m using that term right) Everything just goes smooth and the samples are on point. I can see why many consider him to be one of the greatest rappers. I also enjoy the focus on growing up in Queens and the various factors that affected Ana’s, especially the focus on the lives of those come to Nas and how growing up surrounded by gangs and drugs had a big impact. It gives a nice personal edge to the album. It’s a nice touch for a rap album to see about things other than fame, money, and sex, in that order.
However, my biggest issue with this album is that not many of the songs had an impact on me. I kind of felt that most of the album sounded similar for most of its runtime. As someone who isn’t that big into hip-hop or rap, this didn’t particularly sway me. I can see what many like about it, but for me it didn’t really do much.
Favorite track: It Ain’t Hard to Tell
Other hits: Life’s A Bitch, N.Y. State of Mind, The World is Yours
CHIC
4/5
I’m a bit surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I mean, the songs are both long and repetitive. And I never really cared a lot for Le Freak, the most popular track on the album. And yet, I found this one to be very enjoyable. The production is solid. The bass adds the right amount of support and I didn’t know Chic was the type of band that would use electric guitar, which sounds incredible. My favorite track ended up being Savior Faire, a very soothing instrumental.
Favorite track: Savior Faire
Other hits: I Want Your Love, At Last I Am Free, Le Freak, Sometimes You Win
Wild Beasts
2/5
I’m glad that Tiny Tim was able to get his indie band project started. If only he could find an audience for it because it sure as hell ain’t me.
To be honest, I almost feel like I could have enjoyed this album. The ambiance isn’t bad. Actually the atmosphere is pretty good. But then the Tiny Tim vocals come in and threaten to tip-toe through those fucking tulips. If not for that, the album is mostly boring. It just comes off as repetitive and I lost interest near the end. Such a shame.
Favorite track: All the King’s Men
Other hits: We Still Got the Taste Dancing On Our Tongues, Two Dancers
Bad Company
4/5
This album doesn’t reinvent the wheel or do much of anything special. It’s basically a half-hour does of classic rock. These aren’t the most amazing songs I heard. But for what it is, Bad Company works well. There is a nice variety and I enjoyed a little more than I thought I would. So at least it’s consistent.
Favorite track: Bad Company
Other hits: Seagull, Movin’ On, The Way I Choose
Leonard Cohen
3/5
You know, I’m a bit happy that the first Leonard Cohen album I get is his debut (I assume there will be others) because I wasn’t a huge fan of this. It’s far from bad. Cohen’s voice makes this a cozy album to listen to and his songwriting is most certainly his strong point. But a lot of the songs kind of felt…one note. They just feel similar as Cohen sings through them, not really adding any variety to his vocals. It becomes more poetry to me than music, which is alright. But I’m not really into that and I want to brush if off on the fact it’s his debut. Maybe some of that will change deeper into his discography, but as is, this one was ok.
Favorite track: So Long, Marianne
Other hits: Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye, Suzanne, Sisters of Mercy, One of Us Cannot Be Wrong
Leonard Cohen
4/5
This generator has a sick sense of humor. The last album I got was Songs of Leonard Cohen, the debut for Leonard Cohen, and I stated in the review for that I was interested in hearing Cohen’s other work. Then the next album I get, it his fucking swan song, complete with him singing with the last remnants of life he had left. Life’s got a sick sense of humor.
Honestly, this was haunting and I have to make the inevitable comparison to Blackstar, David Bowie’s last album before his death too. In the same year. They’re both haunting reflections from artists who are more than aware that they are living their final days (though it’s more obvious in Leonard than David. Not that I would want to compare the pain these two felt. I’m not a psychopath). However, Blackstar feels like Bowie giving the masses one more round of himself before Ziggy returned to his home planet. Leonard here is just ripping the band-aid, as his gravelly vocals, ripened with his age, as he seems to be having a passionate one-on-one with God. I’m still not 100% certain I’m the type who might be into Leonard Cohen. As I mentioned in Songs of Leonard Cohen, he comes off to me as more of a poet than a singer. I think his songwriting is great, but I can’t get into his songs as a whole, mostly due to his voice. However, right from the first track, I saw that problem is greatly reduced here. His vocals here add to the mystic of the album. An aging man talking to the deity he followed his whole life, and is preparing himself to meet him, while giving his parting message to his listeners. There is a lot of memorable lyrics that stuck with me, but my favorite has to been the refrain for Steer Your Heart: “Year by Year, Month by Month, Day by Day, Thought by Thought”. Make of life as much as you can. You only have less of it as you go along.
Favorite track: You Want It Darker
Other Hits: Steer Your Heart, Treaty, If I Didn’t Have Your Love
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
2/5
I think the “sensational” in The Sensational Alex Harvey Band does a lot of heavy lifting. This was just diet AC/DC, as they sing sleazy songs, usually about sex, as they push the envelope on what they could get away with. But while AC/DC can make their songs work, the same cannot be said for Alex Harvey. Their songs just come off as stupid. The lyrics are really dumb, and the vocals can get very annoying. I almost felt like I could get behind a song or two (especially between The Faith Healer and Vambo Marble Eye), but it never happens. It’s a 35-minute album that feels like an eternity, which is not an easy feat.
Favorite track: The Faith Healer, I guess
Other hits: parts of Vambo Marble Eye and Gang Bang
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
I have always been aware of Janis Joplin and his iconic voice. That raspy loud growl that rivals the likes of Led Zeppelin and Axel Rose. What I was not aware was that she was involved in a band, especially a blues rock one. I figured she was mostly a folk singer. Shows what I knew about Janis. And I’m also kicking myself for never hearing this before. This is almost exactly what I want from a late 60’s album; embracing the underground counterculture that came with the end of the decade and the state of the world at the time. This feels like one of the stepping stones that would eventually lead to the punk and hard rock acts of the next decade. The biggest X-factor of the album is of course Janis herself. Her growl, mixed with the rest of the band and even the facade of crowd noises, made this album a kickass barrage of high energy. I kind of wish that was more tracks. I feel Ball and Chain drags a bit long, and it feels a little short with only 7 tracks. But for what it is, it’s still a near perfect effort.
Favorite track: Piece Of My Heart
Other hits: I Need A Man To Love, Oh Sweet Mary, Ball and Chain, Summertime
John Lee Hooker
3/5
I didn’t even know they made blues albums in the 1980’s, let alone near the 90’s. I am not familiar with John Lee Hooker or his music. From what I could gather this is pretty late into his career, and was successful enough to provide him with money for his late years. To be real, I agree that the most common problem is that there are too many songs that contains a special guest that doesn’t really amount to anything. I don’t really hear Los Lobos on Think Twice Before You Go and there is no sign of George Thorogood on Sally Mae. (Though for me personally, that’s a good thing) The only guests that work are The Healer with Carlos Santana and I’m in the Mood with Bonnie Raitt. These actually feel like they add to their respective songs. As for the rest of the album… I don’t know, dude. It’s a typical blues album where most of the songs have a similar vibe for its duration. The 80’s production is hit-or-miss and I found myself drifting into boredom too often. This was honestly only ok. Two stars feels harsh, so I give it three.
Favorite track: The Healer
Other hits: I’m in the Mood, Think Twice Before You Go, Cuttin’ Out, The last 3 songs where John plays alone (Rockin’ Chair, My Dream, No Substitute)
Van Morrison
3/5
This one borders a bit on being background music, but there’s a nice energy to it that makes it listenable. Some of the songs elicit a comfortable vibe to them, which stops it from feeling boring. However, not much of this really stuck past that. There really wasn’t anything memorable for me here. It’s good, but not much past that. Good to hear more of Van Morrison past Brown-Eyed Girl, though.
Favorite track: Into the Mystic
Other hits: And It Stoned Me, Brand New Day, Caravan, These Dreams of You
4/5
You know, I’ve been looking at the “controversial artists” portion on my summary and thought what band would probably even go in there. What type of band would even fit that category where I would like and hate albums from the same band? Today, I found out that U2 might fit that bill.
I don’t care for U2. Anytime a radio station play a song from them, I change it. It’s mostly because of Bono’s borderline whiny voice. But, I don’t completely despise U2. That leads to this predicament; I didn’t hate this. I feel that this might be the band’s best material. Now that’s not going to say a lot. Bono is still a whiny twat on this album and this album fizzled a bit as it reached the end. But this is as tolerable as U2 can get for me. Honestly, the three opening tracks alone seal the deal and make up for the inferior second half.
I don’t know when I’ll get another U2 album. I know there will be another, hopefully at least 300 or more albums from now. But I’ll pretty sure this is the peak for U2 for me. If not, I think I have a problem.
Favorite track: With or Without You
Other hits: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Where the Streets Have No Name, Running to Stand Still, Red Mill Mining Town, One Tree Hill
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
This is a hell of an oddity. I was expecting a 40-plus minute exercise of tedium. Nothing but ambient guitars and background noise, like what the reviews were saying. However, after listening to it, I’m torn. Some of the songs were ambient guitars and background noise, like the first track ‘she found now’. But the others… how do I explain this? See, I actually enjoyed the vibe of some of this songs. They feel weirdly nostalgic and for what it’s worth… it is good background music. But the songs don’t stick. Like after a song ends, my mind won’t absorb it. There’s nothing memorable.
I wanted to like this. I was really getting into it. But an album that can’t stick with me is only ok.
Favorite track: who sees you
Other hits: the ones that sounded somewhat normal (is this and yes, in another way, new you) idk this one was hard
Hot Chip
4/5
I never thought that I would like a dance album. They feel so niche, like they need to be play in clubs or parties to have any entertainment value. But this one surprised me. It sounds at times like a fusion between 2010’s dance and 80’s synth pop and the result was amazing. I found myself getting into the groove for most of these songs. I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt weirdly nostalgic listening to this. Maybe it’s because it came from the early 2010’s and it takes me back to my high school days. It’s got that vibe. It does have some dance jank, where it relays on random noises to make up the beat. But it’s at a minimum. This was a great surprise.
Favorite track: Ends of the Earth
Other hits: Flutes, These Chains, Don’t Deny Your Heart, Let Me Be Him
Arrested Development
3/5
Well, this was unexpected. My reactions to this album are all over the place. For starters, I feel that the tone of the album is inconsistent. The intent with this album was to stand apart from the other rap albums of the time by focusing on love and peace rather than violence, drugs, and all the other fun stuff Dr. Dre and other were rapping about at the time. The result, however, feels like an album that feels cheesy for most of its runtime when it’s trying to be serious at other times. One song, Fishin’ 4 Religion, is an ambiguous song about how some churches preach the wrong values; teaching on being passive rather than changing. Then, there’s Children Play with Earth, a corny song telling children to touch grass. The Nintendo Joystick lyric made me want to roll my eyes into the back of my skull. And most of the album constantly refers to starting a revolution. I’m aware this is a socially conscious album, but it’s a little on the nose. Honestly, the saving grace of the album are the beats of the songs. Despite the somewhat cheesy tracks, the songs are fun and funky. It’s easier to pick this album apart for the best bits. Which is good, because this album is a bit on the long side. Overall, I thought I was going to hate this, but it was rather ok.
Favorite track: Tennessee
Other hits: Mr. Wendal, People Everyday, Fishin’ 4 Religion
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This wasn’t as good as Let It Bleed to me. The hits on this album (Brown Sugar, Wild Horses) aren’t really my favorites from the band. Can’t Hear You Knocking drags a little too long. And I can do without The Rolling Stones saying You Gotta Move ever again. Still, you can’t go wrong with The Rolling Stones, even if it isn’t peak.
Favorite track: Wild Horses
Other hits: Moonlight Mile, Bitch, Brown Sugar, Sway, Dead Flowers
Arcade Fire
3/5
My knowledge of Arcade Fire is very surface level. As in, I know them by name only. Honestly, I thought they were a rock band. So, it surprised me to hear a very indie sounding album. That’s on me and my misconceptions. But overall, it’s a indie album. It feels like music people listen to in order to feel smart. There’s an aura of pretentiousness to it, like most indie albums who use Victorian-ish art for their cover. Seriously, that art style is so overused for stuff like this. I don’t know the evolution of Arcade Fire’s sound over the years. Hell, I don’t even know if they have anymore albums on this project. If they do, I hope it’s a little better than this.
Favorite track: Wake Up
Other hits: Rebellion (Lies), In the Backseat, Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
Nirvana
5/5
Allow me to go on a tangent here. I remember believing for many years that the song Cherry Pie by Warrant was an 80’s song. I mean, if you heard it, it’s a fine example of hair metal; loud and usually about wanting to fuck women. It wasn’t until not too long ago that I learned that the song was released in 1990. I mean, I get it. It’s the first year of the decade. You can’t expect change that quickly. But then I thought about some other albums that came before Nevermind. There’s Use Your Illusion by Guns an’ Roses, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge by Van Halen, Waking Up the Neighbors by Bryan Adams (which came out the same day) and even Metallica by… Metallica, who sacrificed some edge for mainstream success. It really makes me wonder: what would have music looked like had Nevermind never reached the audience it did.
I’m not going to bore you with the obvious. Everybody knows this is where 90’s music became 90’s music. Rock stopped being about long-haired face-painted men singing about their libido and started delving into darker territories like angst and frustration. Alternative became the mainstream and would pave the way for grunge to be one of the most dominant genres of the decade. I think everyone knows that.
I am also not capable of resisting the urge to join in on the acclaim for this album.
It is my favorite album? No.
Is it my favorite grunge album? No.
Is my favorite 90’s album? No.
But without it, those probably wouldn’t exist. Would bands like Alice In Chains or Stone Temple Pilots or Soundgarden experience the levels of success they saw without this? Probably not. And to be fair, it is a great album on its own merits. The hits are the hits. Everyone’s heard Smells Like Teen Spirit a million times and stuff like In Bloom and Come As You Are are also as known at this point. What I was surprised was with Breed and Territorial Pissings. I didn’t know Nirvana ever tapped into punk, let alone on Nevermind. And I love the darker tracks in Polly and Something in the Way. It’s shows the depth of the album to me that’s escalates it past the album being “I’m iconic because Smells Like Teen Spirit”.
An album’s impact is one thing. Nobody can question the importance of this album and is does indeed fit the category of “must do before you die”. But impact is second to the quality of the album itself. What does impact mean if you don’t like the album? I don’t know if Nevermind ranks in my top 5 of all time. Maybe the middle portion of the album was a bit weaker than the rest of the tracks. But it’s not a deal breaker. This album is too damn important for me to be a contrarian about it.
Favorite track: In Bloom
Other hits: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, Lithium, On A Plain, Breed, Polly, Something in the Way
Everything But The Girl
4/5
I had some low expectations coming into this album. It seemed like a blotted electronic album and the score/reviews for this didn’t seem promising. I thought I was heading for almost an hour of background music. But holy fuck, was I wrong.
To be fair, the album is long and the two remixes at the end didn’t do much for me. But for most of the album, this was shockingly good. This wasn’t so much club electronic music, but rather lounge-ish. Some might find that boring and I thought I would too. But between the smooth ambiance and Tracey Thorn’s vocals, this was more tranquil to me than sleep-inducing. If it was a little shorter, I might have given it a 5.
Favorite track: Walking Wounded (original)
Other hits: Wrong (original), Single, Mirrorball, Big Deal, Before Today
The Human League
4/5
I need to know what drug some 80’s album cover artists were on. Like, whose idea is it to put your face in a rectangle window in a void. And why is Phillip Oakey staring at me with that much eyeliner?
Anyway, I’m a sucker for 80’s synth. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine that gives the decade its standalone vibe. It’s a weirdly nostalgic feeling… which is weird because I was born in the 90’s. It is a bit synth overkill here, and the tracks do get a little repetitive. But it’s perfectly serviceable for what it is. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get some sinister sounds from the likes of Darkness and I Am The Law. It’s different from what I heard from the Human League before… which was really just Don’t You Want Me. Really, the beauty of this generator is making me listen to albums from bands I heard one song from, just so the song I was familiar with all along ends up my favorite. Still, this was pretty fun and I certainly got into the vibe a couple of times. It’s 80’s as hell, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Favorite track: Don’t You Want Me
Other hits: Open Your Heart, Darkness, I Am The Law, Love Action (I Believe In Love), Do or Die
Common
3/5
I never considered myself a fan of Common. I’m not a fan of hip-hop or rap in general, but for some reason I specifically never liked Common. I think it might have been back when Glory from the movie Selma won for Best Original Song at the Oscar’s, which felt like it won because it was close to Eric Garner’s death, as well as the Oscars So White controversy. I remember hearing the song and thinking it was ridiculous that the song won since it was basically just a chorus repeating the word Glory over and over again. Now this was a decade ago, so I was younger and stupider, but it made me think Common was this straight edge, social justice rapper who was more notable for his activism than his songs. I was low key dreading doing this album as it popped up. Fortunately, this was not as bad as I thought it would be. However, I wouldn’t call it great.
The album has great production and it’s nice to hear Kanye West before he completely lost his mind. And I didn’t know John Legend was singing around 2005. I mean, I was nine at the time this came out and I really didn’t know John Legend until All of Me. I know, I’m really ignorant. Anyway, most of the album is good Chi-rap. It covers all the bases lyrically; rapping about the problems facing the black population in Chicago with a semi-positive outlook. Most of it is good, but nothing particularly mind-blowing. And Common does like rapping about the cops a lot. I mean, I sympathize with him, but it’s a little repetitive. Overall, this wasn’t bad. I take back that beef I had with Common a decade ago.
Favorite track: They Say
Other hits: Faithful, Testify, It’s Your World, Go!
De La Soul
4/5
As someone who doesn’t really consider himself a fan of hip-hop or albums that last more than an hour, it feels like a miracle to just say how much I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I’ve heard many things about this album and how influential it is and its reputation is certainly proven to me. It’s a fun ride that never really loses steam as it goes on. Between the little game show theme and some of the synergy between the trio in the more comedic tracks, it’s a nice trip. If I had to criticize, there are moments that maybe the album can come off as a little immature. I mean, De La Ogree was a little annoying. Though I not sure what I expected with that track. It’s not a five from me personally, but it came really close. And for me, a hip-hop album that gets nearly five stars deserves my respect. Glad it’s finally on streaming services.
Favorite track: Me Myself and I
Other hits: The Magic Number, Eye Know, Say No Go, Plug Tunin’, Tread Water, Buddy
Q-Tip
3/5
I appreciate how smooth some of the tracks sound. But for me, that’s about as far as this album goes. Every song just sort of blended together for me and made this 40-minute album feel like an eternity. The songs do have their moments, which makes this album more decent than bad, but it’s nothing special for me.
Favorite track: Johnny is Dead
Other hits: We Fight/We Love, Shaka, Move, Life is Better
Various Artists
5/5
I didn’t know this generator automatically gave you this album on Christmas Eve. That’s cute and makes a lot of sense.
So I’ll admit to being a bit of a sucker for Christmas music. On the day after Thanksgiving (and not a day sooner unlike some people), after Santa caps off the Thanksgiving Day Parade, any music playing from the radio will always be Christmas music. It’s been like that ever since I was a kid and I’ve been here for 28 Christmases. And I anticipate doing it for at least 28 more. For those in the state of New York, there’s a radio station: 106.7 Lite FM. Every December, they play Christmas music constantly until the end of the holiday. It’s what I’ve listened to every Christmas season, as I would spend a holiday weekend with my family in Manhattan or enjoy the big day at my grandparent’s house in Brooklyn. There are so many Christmas songs that have been a part of my life at this time of year. Christ knows how many versions of Sleigh Ride and Winter Wonderland I heard. Yet I never considered the impact this album had until getting it today. I believe that this album is the reason many artists even do Christmas albums in the first place, giving their own twist to some classic carols much like what was done here.
I usually spilt Christmas music into two categories: crooners and everything else. Sounds lazy to do that. It get probably go deeper but I’m simplifying. A majority of Christmas music that 106.7 plays are usually the works of Frank Sinatra, Gene Autry, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, Perry Como… you get the point. Many of there are classics in their own right and it wouldn’t be Christmas without them, but playing them back-to-back tends to feel… monotonous. They start to blend together. But after this album, I feel this is when the crooner era ended and Christmas music entered a more modern iteration.
I recognized a majority of these songs. The only ones I wasn’t familiar with were the Bobb B. Sox and the Blue Jeans songs, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, the Darlene Love version of White Christmas and Silent Night. (I’ll get to that) Many of these tracks to me are the most memorable versions of these classic songs. From the little intro in Santa Claus Is Coming to Town to the “ring-a-ding”ing in Sleigh Ride (which became a staple), each track has something that make each carol stand out from the 15 other versions out there. That can be attributed to the Wall of Sound, which makes every song sound grand. The orchestral backings sound epic in scale to match with the vocals and there is a constant vibrant energy. All the artists on this album are great, but this album belongs to Darlene Love. His songs are objectively the best and her own song Baby Please Come Home is a classic.
If there is anything to knock the album for, I could say that the tracks do somewhat sound a bit similar to one another, probably thanks to the Wall of Sound. And there is the elephant in the room that this album is headlined by a convicted murderer. That makes the last track, Silent Night, age like milk when Phil Spector comes on the record with his creepy voice. It’s…unfortunate to have a name like his attached to these classics. But I won’t let that diminish the work of the artists who were a part of this and I say the honor should go to them.
Many of these songs have been around for me every Christmas season. Honestly, Christmas has started to feel different each year. After the passing of my grandfather and my grandmother entering late stage dementia, I no longer go to my grandparents for Christmas. This has left somewhat of a hole to fill for my holiday season as things have certainly changed over many Christmases, as we all probably experience. But if there is one constant every year, it’s that the music will always be there. And while there are other Christmas songs out there that mean a lot to me, like Last Christmas, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and even All I Want For Christmas Is You before everyone made that song annoying, the songs on this album also share a place in my heart every December on 106.7 Lite FM.
Favorite track: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Other hits: The other Darlene Love tracks (White Christmas, A Marshmellow World, Winter Wonderland), Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Sleigh Ride, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Fugazi
4/5
Out of all the hard rock acts I have heard, I have for some reason never listened to Fugazi. While I’m certain 13 Songs has to be on this list (I hope it is or I look really stupid), I see that this album is just as highly regarded. Truth be told, I think this is my favorite kind of punk: high energy, messy but organized, loud. I think I really enjoy this post-hardcore stuff. The only thing against it is that some of the tracks do get a little repetitive. But I overall really enjoyed this.
Favorite track: Turnover
Other hits: Merchandise, Sieve-Fisted Find, Shut the Door
Santana
4/5
One of the biggest issues I have with 70’s rock, or dad rock as some would call it, is that the vast majority of songs tend to be overstuffed with guitar solos. And not really structured solos, but more jam-like solos. The kinds that meander for a bit too long and inflate tracks to lengths in the 5-minute range. It gets a bit tiring to hear rock albums from this decade because of it. But Santana is built different. His guitar playing mixed with the Latin music elements give him a very distinct sound. The result is smooth (no pun intended) and gives the album this unique serene lounge like vibe. Honestly, there are only two dad rock songs on the album (Mother’s Daughter and Hope You’re Feeling Better). If it weren’t for those two, this might have been a perfect album. But as it is, it is miles better than a majority of dad rock albums.
Favorite track: Black Magic Woman/ Gypsy Woman
Other hits: Oye Como Va, Incident at Neshabur, Samba Pa Ti, Se A Cabo
John Lennon
2/5
I know an album is probably going to suck when I don’t even care for the big track on the album. Given how much the Beatles have been a part of my life, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the day I get a Beatles album. Go and figure that the first crumb I get is one of John Lennon’s solo albums, where all of John’s ego and artistic bullshit can go unchecked. As mentioned before, I don’t really give a fuck about Imagine. It’s a surface level peace song that’s overplayed as much as it’s pretentious. It doesn’t even mean much on the album. Hard to preach about peace when you put a Paul McCartney diss track on it too.
But the big problem I have with Imagine is that almost none of the songs are worth anything. I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier is a 6-minute repetitive nuisance, Oh Yoko made me feel uncomfortable and Gimme Some Truth is just surface level political commentary. The only song I kinda liked was Jealous Guy. Honestly, most of the songs just felt like they used the same lyrics over and over again. I wasn’t a fan of this one, which sucks as a Beatles fan. Hopefully, it’s one of those albums I see John Lennon again.
Favorite track: Jealous Guy
Other hits: Oh My Love, How?
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Listen, generator. We need to talk.
It’s the last day of 2024. Everyone is doing stuff to celebrate, whether they are partying or jerking off. Or both if they are in an orgy. Why the fuck are you giving me an hour-long album by a band I have never heard of and threatening me with genres like “shoegaze”, “britpop”, and “indie”? I mean, it wasn’t bad. Surprisingly, it just a mixture of harmless alternative 90’s music and semi-wannabe My Bloody Valentine. But I have two questions:
1. What about this is “must-do before dying” material?
2. Why a fucking hour? It’s way too much. It’s eventually going to drag.
Look, it’s been nearly 100 albums. You given me some good stuff and some questionable stuff. I don’t mind that you given me two Leonard Cohen albums back-to-back. I don’t care that you gave me a lot of live albums. But I do care when you give me long albums on holidays, especially mid ones. So please, in 2025, be nicer to me. Here’s to a new year of music.
Favorite track: Wish I Was Skinny
Other hits: god, I guess Hang Suspended, Lazarus, If You Want It,Take It maybe. You think I fucking remembered them all?
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Those reviews calling this a Bond album weren’t kidding. That’s exactly the feel I got from this. The whole album feels like the soundtrack to some 60’s action movie, complete with an orchestral score to boot. From the first track, I was hoping it would be kickass. But as the songs went on, the impact definitely lessened. I think it have to do with the production itself. There’s a bit too much reverb in the vocals and the whole experience feels overproduced. That feeling of being a kickass vigilante faded and the album became a bit monotonous. Kind of a shame really. I thought I’d have more praise for it.
Favorite track: The Age of the Understatement
Other hits: Standing Next to Me, My Mistakes Were Made for You, The Chamber, The Meeting Place
Laura Nyro
4/5
I think this album broke me. I had no idea who Laura Nyro was prior to this. She gave the 5th Dimension a hit, but it wasn’t Aquarius, so that didn’t help. Going through it, I went through a roller coaster of feelings. Here was this wonderful voice singing some nice 60’s pop. The slow songs were wonderfully smooth and elicit the best of the decade. But then, some of the songs got annoying, especially the first two with her practically repeating the song titles over and over. For the entire duration, it kept going back and forth between these two moods. In hindsight, this was a bit frustrating. I think if the album was more focused and a lot of the big-Broadway elements were axed, it would be perfect. As is, I mentally bounced between a 4 and a 3 for this. In the end, I leaned generously toward a 4. I think ultimately Laura’s singing saves the album, even when the songs get annoying. It was more pleasant than aggravating, but this has to be the most frustrating 4 I ever gave. It could have been more, but I don’t hate what it was.
Favorite track: Lonely Woman
Other hits: Timer, December’s Boudoir, Emmie, Sweet Blindness
(I’m not putting Stoned Soul Picnic here. That was one of the annoying ones)
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
I feel like out of all the musical genres to exist, reggae is the most middle of the lane genre of them all for me personally. I don’t actively dislike reggae, but I don’t really enjoy it. Being the figurehead of the genre, Bob Marley is the epitome of this feeling. I respect the dude. I respect everything he did. I respect the way he’s able to subtlety inject political commentary into his smooth rhythms and have them coexist with some nice love songs. I respect that calming tropical vibe each track has. But this isn’t stuff that I find myself coming back to. Most of the songs sound similar to each other and the island-like vibe gets tiring after a while. Bob Marley and reggae to me are two sides of the same coin. I don’t have too many negative feelings that might influence my opinion unlike other genres (country, rap and hip-hop specifically), but after the final track finished, I don’t see myself listening to any of it again.
Favorite track: Stir It Up
Other hits: Concrete Jungle, Kinky Reggae, No More Trouble, 400 Years
Thelonious Monk
3/5
I swear these jazz albums prove how musically illiterate I can be. I can read sheet music thanks to years of playing trumpet in school, but I never got into stuff like music theory or how people create music. I just learned how to play it. So every time I got a jazz album, I try to engage with it in a meaningful way, only to get lost somewhere. Maybe it’s because the tracks tend to be longer than “normal” music and thus easier to get lost in the groove. I get that’s the point, but it’s not my preference. That leads me to this album. The first two tracks were a miss to me. The title track felt a little too…experimental. Like jazz is more free lance, but this felt weird. Then, Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are was way too long for what I felt was background noise. I feel that’s kind of the problem with jazz for me. It’s set it and forget it music. If I can’t get into it, it just sort of meanders around. Honestly, I felt the saving grace was the second side of the album. The tracks there were more catchy, especially Bemsha Swing, which can get stuck in your head. And I Surrender, Dear was a very nice, soft piano piece. I feel given there are 5 songs on this album, I’ll give a star for each song I liked, which amounts to three.
Favorite track: I Surrender, Dear
Other hits: Bemsha Swing, Pannonica
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
I deal with foreign language albums the same way I deal with foreign language movies. I’m not letting the fact I have no idea what they’re saying deride me from the experience. Though they haven’t found a way to give subtitles while you’re listening like in movies. Maybe someday…
I like that there are albums that like to take me out of my comfort zone. The “world” albums I’ve gotten so far tend to do that. This one is perhaps the most accessible. Speaking as a white dude with no trace of Latin blood in me (my mother’s side of the family has a lot of origins. Can’t say Cuba was one of them), this album really does invoke the sense of relaxing on a beach or at a nice restaurant. It truly is a unique vibe that only an album like this can bring. The thing is though, that after a while, most of the tracks started to blend together. There is a good mix between love songs and traditional Cuban songs. And Pueblo Nuevo is a really good jazz song. But I can’t say it clicked with me. I enjoyed it, but I not dying to go back to any of it. That’s a personal preference problem with me, it seems. I still respect this, however, and I hope those who listen can look past not understanding a damn word being sung to find more enjoyment than I could.
Favorite track: Pueblo Nuevo
Other hits: Chan Chan, Candela, Buena Vista Social Club, El Carretero
David Bowie
4/5
Round three of David Bowie for me. I think this might be one of the better ones I done so far. For 1977, these songs sound close to what 80’s music would sound like. The electronic elements really work well for Bowie, as these are probably the most fun I had listening to Bowie. Having the second side of the album be mostly a long instrumental was… a choice. It wasn’t too bad, though. It didn’t feel too much out of place. I thought Moss Garden was the best part of it, since it felt so mellow to listen to.
I still trying to expand my palette for David Bowie. I’ve never really hear a lot from him, outside the obvious hits like Space Oddity and Changes. So far, this was my favorite, though I’ll see how long that last.
Favorite track: Heroes
Other hits: Beauty and the Beast, Moss Garden, The Secret Life of Arabia, Blackout
Red Snapper
2/5
I’m starting to think that the author of “1001 albums to hear before you die” is a massive electronica fan and wants to subject as many people to it as he can. It’s the only reason I can think as to why there is so much electronic shit on this list. Because who in the fuck would know about Red Snapper? And of course, it’s almost a hour and pretty much acts as background noise. It’s not the worst album, but like… what about this was so groundbreaking to be put here? I put this on during my ride home from work. Do you know how many other songs I could have put on instead? Do you think having the phrase “I want the kind of night that I read about” repeated over and over before being told to lick someone’s clit is vital hearing material? Actually, don’t answer that. Just let this album stay in the year 2000 where it belongs.
Favorite track: The Rough and the Quick (out of sheer irony, but because of quality)
Other hits: Belladonna, maybe. I got almost nothing else.
DJ Shadow
4/5
The concept of mixing samples into tunes is something that feels it would be hit-or-miss to me. I remember loving Paul’s Boutique by the Beastie Boys (which has to be on this list), but that album actually has a lot of original contributions from the Boys themselves. In that regard, Endtroducing is different, pretty much consisting of mostly samples. I feel like I don’t enjoy albums that are mostly instrumental, unless the tracks really hook me in. Up to now, not much of those albums have really hit me. But this one was special. While not perfect, the melodies from the samples really stuck with me. It didn’t feel like a standard hip-hop album or a collection of vintage 60’s pop lyrics put with record-stretching and drum beats. The vibes Endtroducing gives are chill without totally receding into the background. I particularly liked Changeling and Midnight in a Perfect World in that regard. But then there’s Stem/Long Stem. Such a beautifully experimental song. The fast parts in the first half sound just as hard as any metal riff I heard, which was unexpected. I was overall surprised with Endtroducing. I was expecting a hour long meandering soundtrack. But thankfully I got a lot more.
Favorite track: Stem/Long Stem
Other hits: Changeling, Midnight in a Perfect World, What Does Your Soul Look Like (Both 1 & 4)
Beatles
5/5
105 albums in and I finally hit my first Beatles album. This feels like the perfect starting point; the transition away from the days of Beatlemania and into the development of what would make them perhaps the greatest act in musical history (in my incredibly biased opinion). If I can start with the negative, I don’t see Rubber Soul as their best effort. Most of it still has some of the band’s early sound on it, so there was still some things to iron out. Songs like You Won’t See Me and What Goes On are just kind of on the album to pad it out. Truth be told, this album would probably be a solid 4 if it weren’t for some of the better songs on the album. Norwegian Wood is a fun little song with a nice little hook in the main melody. Drive My Car is the perfect segway between the band’s past and future. Nowhere Man is practically ingrained into my brain thanks to its part in the Yellow Submarine movie (I must have watched it a thousand times as a kid. My parents had to keep renewing it from the library they got it from. Yes, I’m that old, I guess.) And then there is In My Life, which is probably one of the most beautifully songs I have ever listened to. It’s become one of the songs to have a deep emotional impact on me, as I used it in a video montage I made for one of my uncle’s funeral’s. It’s not an easy listen for me, but it’s a wonderful song when I do.
There are other albums by the Beatles that probably deserve a 5 more than Rubber Soul, but the songs that I like elevate it to that level. I feel it can only go up from here, as I tend to love the band’s later output more than their earlier works. But none of that would be possible without Rubber Soul, so that alone to me justifies my score.
Favorite track: In My Life
Other hits: Nowhere Man, Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood, Think For Yourself, I’m Looking Through You
Brian Eno
4/5
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this when I first turned it on. It felt like it was going to be an experimental album from someone who sounds like a store-brand David Bowie. And there were parts of the album that were kind of annoying, particularly Driving Me Backwards. But for the most part, it was actually entertaining. The various elements in each track add up to a weird but fun experience. It never goes full experimental nor over my head. It stays fairly accessible while breaking some conventions. I’m aware Brian Eno was a pivotal force in producing some very successful musical acts, such as Talking Heads (which this album absolutely influenced). It’s east to hear through this album that he knows what he is doing.
Favorite track: On Some Faraway Beach (probably a weird pick, but I loved the slow synth ambience of it
Other hits: Baby’s On Fire, Cindy Tell Me, Some Of Them Are Old, Needles in The Camel’s Eye, Dead Finks Don’t Talk
Roxy Music
3/5
So this is my second Roxy Music album I’ve gotten. The first one was their debut, conveniently titled Roxy Music. I remember really enjoying that album, as it felt unique and ahead of its time. I felt the same way about this album. But for some reason, I wasn’t into this one as much as the debut. It’s still pretty good, don’t get me wrong. Prairie Rose and The Thrill Of It All are bangers. And the variety displayed here is impressive. No two tracks really sound alike. But these tracks didn’t really stick with me as I thought they would. They mostly get a “that’s neat” from me. Though that might be for the best considering the album cover. I don’t think I want to listen to something and have that image on my phone for anyone in a 3-foot radius of me to see.
Favorite track: Prairie Rose
Other hits: The Thrill Of It All, All I Want Is You, Out of the Blue, Casanova
Slint
3/5
Back in the year 2020, I decided on a whim to listen to all the albums Rolling Stone listed as part of there 100 Best Metal Albums. I don’t know why I thought that was a good idea, but I did it. For the life of me, I attempted to understand who would be a fan of certain types of metal. I know sludge is usually for stoners and black is for depressed Norwegian teenagers who shouldn’t be trusted with matches. But I can’t figure out the fans of the more… abstract stuff. Now Slint was nowhere on this list, obviously. This is more rock than metal. But I felt the same listening to it as I did Neurosis or Isis; I want to like this, but I’m just apathetic to it.
I definitely feel this album’s influence. It feels like a punk album, but slowed down to illicit more feelings of isolation and sadness rather than rage and rebellion. It hard for me to think that there was anything like it in 1991 or before. But no matter how hard I try to get into it, I just can’t. It could be because the songs drag on for too long or that parts of this sound like a spoken word album, but with guitars blaring over the voice. I hope I’m not the only one who had trouble listening to the lyrics.
I really wanted to like this one. The grim ambiance and heavy guitars made it feel like it would be good. But it just didn’t break through.
Favorite track: Good Morning, Captain
Other hits: Breadcrumb Trail, Nosferatu Man
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
So round 2 for Paul Simon, first with Art Garfunkel. I heard this was a concept album, but that only really applies to the first half. That’s probably why the two sides sound a bit jarringly different. Side 1 has a more mellow, but somber feel to it while Side 2 feels more lively. It’s a bit weird, but the songs regardless are great. The Side 1 songs like America and Overs are sung beautifully. The reprise of Bookends almost got to me emotionally. Could have done without the weird Voices of Old People, though. It’s interesting, but a little abstract and a little on the nose for the side’s theme of the life cycle.
Side 2 contains the more familiar sounds of the album, especially Mrs. Robinson. They provide a nice break from the more heavier nature of the previous tracks. Overall, the sides balance out. Bookends is pretty good, though it remains to be seen if it’s better than Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Favorite track: Mrs. Robinson
Other hits: America, Overs, Bookends Theme (Reprise), Fakin’ It, At The Zoo
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
I’m gonna tell it straight.
I don’t care that this album is over an hour long.
I don’t care if the final few tracks were objectively weaker than the rest of the album.
I don’t care if some of the songs sound weird.
This is the shit.
They’re something about this album that just pulverized my g-spot. Nearly every song put me in a high. It isn’t just Mr. Blue Sky. It’s either peak 70’s pop with a touch of disco in the likes of Turn to Stone and Sweet Talkin’ Woman (every time the phrase “slow down” is sung, it sends me places) or slow impactful tunes like Big Wheels and Starlight. It did lose a little steam at the end, but fuck it. Making a hour album not feel like a chore is a fucking achievement is its own right. Thanks in part to the production bringing out the O in ELO and the more unique elements such as the backing vocals and the Electronic elements, this is a double album that could have gone for hours and I would have still loved it.
Favorite track: Mr. Blue Sky
Favorite track that is not Mr. Blue Sky: Sweet Talkin’ Woman
Other hits: Turn to Stone, It’s Over, Night in the City, Starlight, Big Wheels, Sweet is the Night
Sugar
3/5
You know, I do love a good-90’s alt-rock album. This is as standard as 90’s alt-rock can get. It kind of sounds like if R.E.M. and the Foo Fighters had a baby and this was the result. It’s fine. I mean the songs end up being a tad bit repetitive lyrically. The songs tend to devolve into repeating the title again and again, like an AC/DC song.
But I have one question: why the fuck is this on the list? It’s standard 90’s rock. There had to be another album to take its place. What’s so special about this? It’s alright, but nothing worth showing up here.
Favorite track: If I Can’t Change Your Mind
Other hits: Hoover Dam, The Act We Act, Hopeless, Man on the Moon
3/5
I want to start with a confession: I have a soft spot for the god-forsaken genre known as nu-metal. The sad, grimy metal genre that came out of Bakersfield by a certain vegetable named band, it has remained a guilty pleasure of mine. From Slipknot to early Linkin Park to Deftones and Korn, I enjoyed a fair share of the metal genre that never left the late 90’s.
When I was a kid, I thought Rollin’ was the coolest shit ever. It was back around 2002 when my friend who got me into wrestling showed me the Undertaker. It was during his American Badass phase where he would come out on a motorcycle with Rollin blasting all over the arena. It felt electric. I still sort of like Rollin’. It’s a fun stupid song.
But in all honesty, this album being here is funny. The Wikipedia section here pretty much calls the album mid and literally states that it’s not even in the newer editions of the book. Like the authors went “What the fuck were we thinking making people listen to Limp Bizkit?” Truth be told, that’s a good point. Chocolate Starfish has nothing that qualifies as must-hear. Most of it is basic rap-metal as Fred Durst pushes the use of the word “fuck” like a tween who just started rebelling against his parents. It’s artificial edge without any purpose or visceral. I felt weird playing it in my car on the way home and I’m pretty shameless on what I play on the radio.
I felt this album was drifting into a 2-score territory for me, as the Durst show was starting to wear a bit of my sanity down. Hot Dog was an affront to God especially, as Durat has nothing on Trent Reznor to riff on Closer. As least Nine Inch Nails is considered relevant. But I later reconsidered for two reasons:
1. After The One, most of the songs started to get better. There was less emphasis on “fuck everyone and everything” and more depth, which saved the album.
2. I believe there are actually worse albums on here. There have been hour-long albums and double albums that felt like a waste of time. This album is trashy, but I can’t say it was boring. There have been albums like Our Aim Is To Satisfy by Red Snapper and Layla and Other Assorted Songs by Derek and the Dominoes that were so one-note, so tedious that they make this album look like Sgt. Pepper. I feel that even if you hate this, it will at least make you feel something.
This album doesn’t belong here. It’s a product of its time and even back then, it wasn’t really cool. But it left an impression on stupid young me, and there are a few guilty pleasures (My Way, especially). At the very least, it gave me Rollin’ and that’s more value than most albums I’ll get.
Favorite album: Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)
Other hits: My Way, The One, Hold On, Boiler, It’ll Be OK, My Generation
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
I feel saying that, as a rock fan, saying that Run DMC is personally one of my preferred hip-hop group feels like it’s cheating. Next to the Beastie Boys, Run DMC paved the way for a relationship between rap and rock. I mean, Walk This Way was practically a rap song disguised as a rock song. It just took some time for someone to realize it. Besides that, everything else on Raising Hell is infectious. It’s Tricky has had real estate in my head since I was a kid since I first heard it in SSX Tricky.(awesome game series by the way. EA should bring it back if they didn’t suck dicks)
The other songs are great too, especially You Be Illin’. There’s a little mid-80’s hip-hop cheese here, kind of like the Beastie Boys vibe with License to Ill. But the influence and quality of this album can’t be denied. It’s a classic for a reason.
Favorite track: It’s Tricky
Other hits: Walk This Way, You Be Illin, Raising Hell, My Adidas, Proud to be Black
Nick Drake
4/5
You want to hear a funny yet morbid tangent for this album? In the 115 albums I’ve done, I have two from 2016. They are Blackstar by David Bowie and You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen. They are two albums made by popular artists who would later pass away, leaving them to be their swansongs. Both acted as the caps to legendary, influential careers. This album has that same aura, but in a more tragic light. Blackstar and You Want It Darker were made with the end of the road for both artists in sights. Bowie and Cohen were already having health problems that left them time to reflect on their iconic legacy.
I have never heard of Nick Drake prior to getting this album. Researching him shown that he only became influential after his death, with this album being his swansong after his fatal overdose. It’s not a reflection of a successful career (sadly the contrary) and there is a slight air of that in Pink Moon. It’s simple and short, with Nick, his acoustic guitar and a backing piano as the ensemble for the tracks. Nick has a voice that is weak, but deep and profound. I don’t think too many artists in the 70’s sounded like this. Given the context of his life, there is a melancholic, yet gentle feel to this album. It demands your attention as Nkck takes us on his own journey. He doesn’t care if anybody listens to it or not. He’s just putting his mind out on the record, which tragically would be the last he would do it. In one of life’s greatest cruelties, Nick would never live to see the legacy he would have and the artists he would influence. Unlike Blackstar and You Want It Darker, Pink Moon is not a reflection of an iconic career. But it does stand as a testament against the stigma of popular music and how the industry sometimes misses actual talent. Hell, in Nick Drake’s case, it suppressed it. Fortunately, Nick got the recognition he deserved and I’m happy outlets like this give people the opportunity to listen to him. While I wish the album was a little longer, Pink Moon is still a haunting and mesmerizing gem of an album.
Favorite track: Which Will
Other hits: Pink Moon, Road, Things Behind the Sun, Free Ride, From the Morning
Nina Simone
4/5
So, when I first started this album, I wasn’t sure how it would go. The first song I Love Your Lovin’ Ways just felt like regular 60’s pop, complete with female backing vocals. I felt that this would end up something that wouldn’t leave an impression on me. That feeling was flung right out the window when Four Women came on right after.
Nina grabbed my attention and refused to let go. She was in firm control as she took me through the gauntlet of emotions.
She brings power through on Four Women, tackling racial stereotypes
with authority. The ending where she boldly sings “My Name Is Peaches” gave me goosebumps.
She brings passion to the love songs. The title track and What More Can I Say touched me in a way not many love songs have before.
But most importantly, she brings raw emotion to the sad songs. In particular, Lilac Wine nearly broke me. The pain in her voice just hits differently. And I know that phrase gets tossed around a lot, but I can’t think of anything close to it.
This is extremely close to a five for me. I feel the only thing that takes it a bit down are the more poppier tracks like I Love Your Lovin’ Ways. Other than that, this blew my expectations. What a remarkable talent.
Favorite track: Lilac Wine
Other hits: Wild is the Wind, Four Women, That’s All I Ask, What More Can I Say, If I Should Lose You
Pixies
4/5
This one wasn’t as good as Doolittle for me personally, but this was still a great time. The tracks feel a little weaker than some of the hits from Doolittle, but they are still very catchy and have the band’s charm. Velouria and Is She Weird especially are earworms. And it feels like the perfect transition between the 80’s and the 90’s, carrying the hard arena guitar sound from the prior decade and the more experimental, weird sound from the latter decade. It’s not the peak Pixies, but it is still the Pixies.
Favorite track: Valouria
Other hits: Is She Weird, Dig for Fire, Stormy Weather, Havalina, Allison
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
For a time, my summary stated that psychedelic rock was one of my worst genres. I wasn’t sure if that was entirely accurate, but if this album is anything to go by, it just might be. To be fair, I thought the album was alright in the first few tracks, even though the electric jug was a little grating. Imagine a pigeon cooing as it drowned. Now imagine that for a majority of the album. After Splash 1, the album started to wear me down. It just sounded loud. I don’t even think it would sound good high. The electric jug would just give me anxiety. I was flirting with a three, but after Fire Engine and Monkey Island, that seemed too high.
Favorite track: Splash 1 (the most bearable)
Other hits: Roller Coaster, You’re Gonna Miss Me
Cat Stevens
4/5
This is a great example of some mellow folk music gems. No matter if the songs are energetic or slow, there is a calm vibe throughout the entire album. Cat shows some incredible songwriting and know how to make some catchy beats. Wild World and Father and Son in particular are bonafide classics. If I had to knock a star, some of the middle gets a little hazy. But it’s still a nice piece of east listening at the end of the day. It’s hard not to feel as least some emotion when it ends.
Favorite track: Wild World
Other hits: Father and Son, Where Do The Children Play, But I Might Die Tonight, Longer Boats, Into White
Funkadelic
4/5
I had to find this album on YouTube to listen to it, so I’m hoping I didn’t miss much. I think I got the main part of the album. The little bonus EP, though, I’m not 100%. The times weren’t very accurate there. And honestly, it was a little forgettable. It didn’t have much of the steam from the main tracks. So I don’t really consider them part of this.
Honestly, a funk album that isn’t on streaming and runs for about a hour sounds like a terrible time for me personally. A lot of the tracks have long times and somewhat rely on repetition. But believe it or not, I really dug this. There is a nice variety in the tracks so that the songs sound different. Groovalligence has a slight reggae influence and Who Says a Funk Band Can’t Play Rock convinces me that they can indeed play rock and play it well. And the funk itself is great too. If it weren’t for the EP, this would be a perfect package. And maybe it wouldn’t hurt to put this on Spotify or something.
Favorite track: Who Says A Funk Band Can’t Play Rock
Other hits: One Nation Under A Groove, Groovalligence, Into You
Duran Duran
4/5
Rio by Duran Duran is pretty much the 80’s distilled in an album. From the cover to the use of synth in everything, it encapsulates the whole ten years. But Rio has many things that make it stand out from the other 80’s albums that had a mandate to use synth.
Rio is the perfect bastard love child of new wave, pop, and rock. It takes all the elements from the genres and mixes them very well. Simon Le Bon sounds like he is the living definition of “supersonic” and his fellow band members know how to accompany him. But the biggest praise has to go to the bass. It’s that meaty bass that just slaps. I don’t know the exact term for it, I kind want to call it Seinfeld-like. Whatever it is, it literally escalates songs like New Religion to classic status. My only gripe is that a couple of the songs on side one sound a little similar to Hungry Like the Wolf. They come off as a little samey. But outside of that, this is as peak as new wave-pop can get. Awesome album.
Favorite track: Hungry Like the Wolf
Other hits: Rio, New Religion, Save A Prayer, The Chauffeur, My Own Way
Mariah Carey
2/5
Oh Christ, it’s Mariah Carey time.
Listen, there are only two things that are relevant to me regarding Mariah Carey; the song “Always Be My Baby” which I think is really neat and her tyrannical rule of the radio airwaves in December. Past that, I don’t really care about her music, so I pretty much went in blind. I think are a few legitimately great songs on this album. I like the title track and Whenever You Call has some serious power. But oh my god, the rest is straight up nothing. Most of the songs don’t stick as she basically makes noises for most of the songs. Like I get it, you’re talented. Apply it to the songs by singing and not flexing. It’s really just a bad mix of r&b and some hip-hop that just ends up making some bland 90’s music. A whole hour of it too.
Honestly, this is just a big case of wasted potential. I don’t know if Mariah Carey has anymore albums on this project (whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to you), but if there are, I hope they are better than this.
Favorite track: Whenever You Call
Other hits: Butterfly, Breakdown, Outside
Talking Heads
3/5
I always find debit albums to be hit or miss. Either a band/artist comes out of the gate swinging or it’s a weird stepping stone that would lead to better albums later. For the Talking Heads, I think this falls into the latter. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is overall a good album. It’s still has the standard quirkiness and charm, mainly provided by David Byrne’s one of a kind vocals. And there are good songs. Psycho Killer is a classic and Don’t Worry About the Government and Who Is It are fun. But compared to the band’s later input, it didn’t leave much of an impact on me. The songs just came and went in some places. My only prior Talking Heads album on this project, Fear Of Music, provided me with a better time. And I’m sure the future albums on this project will do so too (Remain In Light HAS to be here). But this to me is merely a step in the Talking Heads legacy. A crucial one into starting an iconic discography and worth checking out, but there are better albums from them out there.
Favorite track: Psycho Killer
Other hits: Tentative Feelings, Who Is It?, Don’t Worry About the Government, No Compassion
Living Colour
4/5
First things first, Cult of Personality is probably one of the best opening tracks to any album I heard. It pretty much defines what Vivid is going to be: high energy, catchy, and bombastic. From the memorable opening riff to Corey Glover belting the song title syllable by syllable, it might be a contender for my top ten 80’s songs.
But everybody knows about Cult of Personality. What about the rest of the album?
I’ll admit, the rest of Vivid doesn’t really reach that level Cult sets in the beginning. It does set a very high bar, so the task would be difficult. And some of the lyrics in a few of the songs are a little silly (Glamour Boys especially). But outside of that, shit still slaps. It feels differently apart from the other numerous hair metal bands at the time, outperforming them in the fields of guitar and whatnot. Some might say this album is only worth it for “that” song. I think there is more to like on it.
Favorite track: Cult of Personality
Other hits: Open Letter (To A Landlord), Glamour Boys, What’s Your Favorite Color, Which Way to America, I Want to Know
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Considering my only kind of -gaze like album was m b v by My Bloody Valentine, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this. I figured it might be boring at worse or background music at best. But this album was s o o t h i n g. Like holy shit, this is the type of vibe that exists in dreams (which is why this is considered dream pop). It didn’t come off as boring, but rather therapeutic. It’s literally had the ability to calm me to a mellow state of mind. Nothing like
m b v where is was catering to a specific genre. This album felt easy to get into. My only complaint is that most of the tracks do sound similar to one another, making it hard to know which is which. But overall for the length of the album, this was a pleasant experience.
Favorite track: Iceblind Luck
Other hits: Heaven or Las Vegas, Pitch the Baby, I Wear Your Ring, Wolf in the Breast, Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fire, Fotzepolitic
Miles Davis
3/5
This is like my fifth or sixth jazz album I gotten so far, and if I’m being brutally honest, I’m starting to realize that jazz albums do nothing for me. I give every album generated for me a fair chance, but for most of the jazz albums, my attention always wanes and I can never remember any of the tracks I listened to. There might be exceptions further down the line, but I’m starting to doubt it. This album is an example of that.
The album makes for some cool background noise and can definitely spice up a number of occasions. And I know Miles Davis is one of the best jazz players to live. His Kind of Blue did leave an impression on me. But unlike that album, this one didn’t leave me with much. Just a collection of recordings from various years. Nothing really to me that sticks out as memorable. I don’t know how many jazz albums are left for me. There might as well be around 100, it seems. That’s probably gonna be a lot of 3’s in the future.
Favorite track: Boplicity
Other hits (if I had to pick): Moon Dreams, Rocker, Venus De Milo
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
You know, I wasn’t really expecting post-hardcore to be represented in this list. It’s one of those genres that feels very broad, to the point where I can’t really pinpoint what it is. Apparently, some bands that I listened to such as My Chemical Romance and AFI count as post-hardcore (according to Wikipedia). Personally, I think of At The Drive-In when it comes to post-hardcore, specifically Relationship of Command (which probably isn’t on this list, but should be). This album sounded like a clear influence to Relationship. It has a similar sound and structure, as well as the same vicious vocal delivery. But I feel there is a lot of missteps here. Many of the songs are stretched out and rely a little on repetition to pad things out. This is really noticeable on Luau, which lyrically sounds a little stupid. Some of the songs do have moments where it feels like it clicks like Super Unison and New Math, but I wish it was more consistent. I wanted to love this album, since I never even heard of Drive Like Jehu. But it is still influential, so I do still respect it.
Favorite track: New Math
Other hits: Here Comes the Roman Plows, Golden Brown, Super Unison, Sinews
The Cramps
3/5
I’m getting a wannabe Misfits vibe from this band. It’s probably the similar horror aesthetic. To be fair, there are probably other punk rock bands I ended up preferring over these guys. Stuff from the Dead Kennedys and Black Flag that came up around the same time. I think it has to do with the psychobilly part of the album. I can’t tell if I find it annoying or not. It just leads to fast-paced music with a lot of loud noises. And as someone who actually like his hard rock and metal, it takes a lot to make me uncomfortable at loud noises. Some of the tracks are fun, though, such as Strychnine and The Mad Daddy. And I do like me some early 80’s punk, so this one just turned out to be okay. But really, I think I just want the inevitable Misfits album.
Favorite track: The Mad Daddy
Other hits: I Was A Teenage Werewolf, Strychnine, Zombie Dance, Mystery Plane, TV Set, What’s Behind the Mask
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
Well, here it is. The lowest rated album on the site, next to Throbbing Gristle. I don’t know if I was mentally prepared for this one. Experimental music always felt like the “we make some random shit, let’s see how it make you feel” genre. It’s not made to be consumed like regular music. It’s made to provoke a reaction. In this particular case, I was willing to give the album a chance and sort of grade it on a curve. With that said, here’s my take.
It’s mostly a bunch of noise being made from banging various things along side some angry German screaming. It is mostly not very pleasant, and some of it made me physically wince. Honestly, some of the screaming acted as audio jumpscares, which probably makes this a terrible album to play while driving. The fact alone that this album makes me actually cringe should warrant this album into getting one star. However, there are some things going for this album.
1. It’s experimental, so that’s kind of the point.
2. I actually liked a song (god forbid), the title track. Yes, the longest track on the album. The rhythm was good and it wasn’t a complete tirade on my ears.
And 3. This album provoked more reaction from me than some of the hour long snooze fests I had generated prior, particular some of the electronic ones.
Would I listen to this again? Hell no.
Do I think it’s the worst album I had generated? Also no. But I completely understand why it is rated like this. And honestly, I don’t even really like it. Being experimental doesn’t mean being immune to being called shit just because it’s weird. But I feel there’s worse than this, so I’m giving it an extra star.
Most tolerable track: Kollops
Other tracks I didn’t hate: Jet’m, Sehnsucht
Beatles
4/5
I don’t know why I was surprised to see a pre-Rubber Soul album on this list. I think I was hoping for the big stuff, you know. Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper or anything like that. Don’t get me wrong, pre-Rubber Soul Beatles is still great. I just like later Beatles better. Coldest take in the universe, I know.
Anyway, I think it’s between this and Help! that I believe are the best albums from the Beatlemania era. There are the classics, like the title track, Can’t Buy Me Love, and And I Love Her. Then there are the lesser know songs, which are mostly pretty good. I mean, I didn’t really care for the country-ish I’ll Cry Instead and some of the songs structurally feel similar. But even in their early stages, the Beatles had an energy that made them stand out. With songs that fly under three minutes, it’s comes hit after hit. It helps that this is the first album with all original songs, which feels like a rarity for 60’s albums. At the very least, it’s a stepping stone that would eventually led to the legendary later efforts of the band. But as it is, it wouldn’t be fair to sleep on the earlier albums like this.
Favorite track: A Hard Day’s Night
Other hits: Can’t Buy Me Love, If I Fell, And I Love Her, I Should Have Known Better, I’ll Be Back, When I Get Home
Moby
4/5
So, by this point in the project, I was flirting with the possibility that I might hate electronic albums. Especially the ones around the late 90’s/early 2000’s. They always seemed to be a hour long and are filled with some of the most repetitive tracks. Most of the ones I went through tended to be very boring and felt more like background music. So seeing this album pop up, and not only having a hour’s worth of content, but mixing the blues into the electronics, I was fully prepared to hate this album. But I think Moby here might have cracked something because despite the odds, Play ended up becoming my favorite electronic album so far.
Moby somehow found a way to take 5-second blues samples and integrate them in a way that doesn’t make it annoying or slow. The tempo is just right enough to cater to the beat. It feels less like a “party” electronic album and more like an actual ambient electronic album. But not in the way that it might fade into the background, like so many other electronic albums do. It’s ambient in the way that it sends you places.
To me, the strongest aspect of Play is its ability to shuffle between the more jam-like tracks (Honey, Find My Baby) and the more chill tracks (Porcelain, Everloving). About more than halfway into the album, the blues mixing goes away and the album takes a calming, sort of more somber tone. Pianos become the dominant instrument and the drum beat and record scratching recede. I think this is the album’s vice is that the second half of the album takes away from the blues influence. Many of the tracks feel a bit like filler. Hell, the trinity of Everloving, Inside, and Guitar Flute and String take up 10 minutes of ambient filler. But personally, it’s not that bad. It adds to the album’s charm.
Honestly, my biggest praise is that the album didn’t bore me. Looking through the reviews, some believe the album is mostly filled with generic, repetitive slog made for car commercials. I can see why they think that. The album can stretch into that territory. But for me, this album tapped a lot of emotions. From the smooth trip hop of the first half to the calming aura of the second half, Play didn’t fall into the point of no return other electronic albums have done prior to this. I never got bored and I never lost interest. It kept me invested for a hour. It might not be mind-blowing in any capacity, but it’s very enjoyable. And it didn’t annoy me, so it’s already leagues above the majority of electronic albums I listened to and will listen to.
Favorite track: Porcelain
Other hits: Honey, Find My Baby, Rockbody, Run On, Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?, South Side, Inside
Cream
3/5
Okay, let’s get this out of the way. Sunshine Of Your Love carries the album for me. It’s the only song that I legitimately like on this album. The rest range from okay to ugh. The good ones range from Outside Women Blues and Tales of Brave Ulysses, which made Clapton easier to digest and appreciate since he’s teamed with Bruce and Baker. They emphasize the psychedelic spirit of the album. But then there are some annoying songs, like Blue Condition and We’re Going Wrong. And if I ever have to hear about the tree outside the window in World of Pain ever again, I’ll have it cut down. Maybe then you will stop singing about it. Mother’s Lament was a bit jarring too, but it’s at the end of the album and was probably the band fucking around, so I’m not going to go too hard on it.
Overall, this is okay. Probably as good as an Eric Clapton effort will be for me. As an aside, can Clapton please stop showing up under different bands? This is the third time he has shown up under a different project and I haven’t even hit 150 albums yet. Calm your racist ass.
Favorite track: Sunshine Of Your Love
Other hits: Strange Brew, Outside Woman Blues, Tales of Brave Ulysses, SWLABR, Take It Back
Radiohead
3/5
I feel that I need to put some context to this review. Prior to starting this project, my knowledge of Radiohead was minimal. As in, all I knew really was Creep. Yea, I was that guy.
This is my second Radiohead album. The first album I got was The Bends. It became one of the few albums I gave five stars to and I might go as far as to call it one of the best alternative music albums of the 90’s. It felt like a good starting point as someone unfamiliar with Radiohead. So naturally, this album was next. I understood that this was a couple of albums away since The Bends, but figured I would probably still enjoy it just the same. Here’s the problem: I didn’t love In Rainbows.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate this album. There are good tracks, such as Bodysnatchers, Nude and Videotape. But compared to what I expected from Radiohead, this was a bit of a disappointment. Maybe I should have got OK Computer or Kid A prior to this, since it felt way different from The Bends. It was more softer, kind of similar to Coldplay (which may or may not be a good thing). I mean, I get it. It wasn’t the nineties anymore and Radiohead obviously evolved as a band. But personally, it didn’t click with me. The second half of the album felt like the same mellow song, just tweaked over and over. Honestly, I feared that perhaps I over-rated The Bends on account that it was Radiohead and re-listened to that only to discover that I still enjoyed that album.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking it’s stupid to compare those albums. You’re probably right, but that’s all I have to my Radiohead experience. I feel like this disappointment might be on me, since maybe OK Computer or Kid A could have helped prepare me for this album. But as is, I only thought this album was ok. It’s better than most, but for a band like Radiohead, it’s kid of a letdown. I hope I don’t feel the same with more of their albums down the road.
Favorite track: Bodysnatchers
Other hits: Nude, Videotape, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, House of Cards
Air
4/5
The first track of an album is very important. It sets the mood for the rest of the album and needs to hook the listener in. A bad first song can have a negative impact on the remainder of the album and it can be hard for it to recover. This album seemed to be nearly an example of that. La Femme d’argent is a weak opening track. It’s a seven minute slog that would be too boring for the Weather Channel. As it went on, I feared that the rest of the album was going to be the same thing. Fortunately, that was far from the case.
Past the first song, the rest of the album is a great mix of quirky and calm. I especially liked the Beth Hirsch collabs the best. I think I’m starting to like this downtempo form of electronic music. I had Play by Moby generated earlier in the week and I had pretty much the same feelings for this album. Just some smooth electronics focusing more on establishing a vibe than keeping up a beat. Honestly, if it weren’t for the first song, this would be near perfect. Thankfully, this album proved itself more as it went along.
Favorite track: All I Need
Other hits: Sexy Boy, Remember, Kelly Watch the Stars, You Make It Easy, Ce Matin Là, New Star in the Sky
T. Rex
3/5
This is one of those albums that I get where I only know the popular song before I listen to it and after listening, understand why I only know the popular song. Get it On is a fun song, but everything else is alright. I think it has to be because of the vocals. I agree with some of the reviews I read on this site that Bolan kind of sounds a little annoying. It doesn’t really help that, lyrically, most of the songs rely on repetition. It’s especially noticeable on Cosmic Dance, god that song was a little grating between the womb and the tomb. There are some nice songs on here like Girl and Life’s A Gas, but otherwise everything’s just alright. I think I’ll just stick to Get it On for this album.
Favorite track: Bang A Gong (Get It On)
Other hits: Girl, Life’s A Gas, Mambo Sun, The Motivator, Rip Off
Charles Mingus
2/5
I think I’m reaching my limit for my tolerance of jazz. It feels like every time I get a jazz album, it goes into one ear and out the other. Granted, I think that the problem is that all of the jazz I got has come from the 50’s and 60’s. But outside of Miles Davis and Bill Evans, none of them have been anything of note. This one, however, pushed me off the edge. Half of this just felt either the worst New Year’s party you ever attended or a recital of people slamming on their instruments. Can I get an album with actual fucking music and not 40 minutes of random jazz music that goes for 6 minutes a pop (or in the final track, nearly 20?!) I swear to god every time the generator gives me a jazz album, it feels like a nothing album. I get nothing from them, and this might be the worst I got. Had it not been for some select moments, this might have become a part of my 1-rated albums.
Favorite track: Track C- Group Dancers (it was the most coherent)
Other hits: nothing
James Taylor
3/5
Speaking as someone who’s heavily exposed to yacht/soft rock during the summer days at home thanks to his parents, I think I built an immunity to the saccharine nature of soft rock. Judging by some of the reviews, you might think musically I exist in the seventh layer of music hell. But I don’t mind it. It’s an extreme guilty pleasure of mine.
Now James Taylor is a weird case for me. His voice is insanely recognizable, but for whatever reason, I barely hear any song from him. I never really hear him on the radio and the only songs I know from him are How Sweet It Is (which I’m a little embarrassed to say I just learned that it was his song. So much for insanely recognizable) and his Christmas songs. So I’m due to hear some of his work.
To be blunt, I think this album is a little unfocused. I feel James’ talent is strongest during the softer parts of the album. Fire and Rain is wonderful and a gut punch if you look up the context, especially the line “But I always thought that I’d see you again”. His cover of Oh, Susannah is actually pretty good too. But the album tries too hard to diversify the tracks, leading into some inconsistency. Suite for 20G and Lo and Behold both feel too vibrant for James’ vocal style. And the less he sings the blues, the better. (looking at you Oh Baby, Don’t You Loose Your Lip on Me)
It’s an alright effort overall. I kind of wish they just honed it on the mellow side of James Taylor. It wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I would probably be okay with it. I would have to anyway, cause I would still hear it every summer thanks to my parents.
Favorite track: Fire and Rain
Other hits: Oh, Susannah, Sunny Skies, Blossom, Country Road, Anywhere Like Heaven
Sinead O'Connor
5/5
There have been artists I have gotten albums on this project, in which I only knew one song from it. Majority of the time, the album doesn’t do much to impress me, outside of the hit single. For Sinead O’Connor, there is slightly more. I knew one song (take a guess what it is) and her “scandal” of her ripping the picture of the pope. Given the circumstances, I was very intrigued into what I was getting into. But I wasn’t prepared enough.
It’s hard to describe what exactly this album is. Part of it is rock, some alternative, some soft tunes. It goes everywhere. But somehow, Sinead makes it all work. Her vocals sound angelic, but with traces of power that adapt to any genre. Seriously, the jump between the calm Irish sounds of Feel So Different to the slight hip-hop of I Am Stretched On Your Grave to the gentle Three Babies. Anytime a song would start and I feel a little disturbed about the direction of a song, Sinead would somehow make it work. And the songs themselves are sublime. From the instrument-less title track to the politically charged Black Boys on Mopeds, the album is chock full of hits. I especially love the Emperor’s New Clothes, which is somehow a very well made rock song, jammed in the middle of this album of all places.
Then there’s Nothing Compares 2 U. I “heard” this song before, but I never Heard this song until now. I know it feels like a cop-out to feel moved by the hit single, but this is truly one of the most moving songs of all time. It’s all Sinead’s doing, the whole fucking song. I don’t get emotional over much and this almost got the waterworks flowing.
This could have be a case where Nothing Compares 2 U could have easily taken the album over completely. It was the only song I knew from Sinead O’Conner. It happened a lot of times over the course of this project with other artists. But I think I found the exception. Overall, this is as perfect as a 90’s album can get and it will proud hang with the rest of my highest rated albums.
Favorite track: Nothing Compares 2 U
Other hits: The Emperor’s New Clothes, Feel So Different, Three Babies, Jump in the River, Black Boys on Mopeds, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, The Last Day of Our Acquaintance
The Fall
2/5
This album frustrates the fuck out of me. The majority of the band is doing great work. There are some great instrumentals here, especially in The League of Bald-Headed Men with that one riff. But, oh my god, what the fuck is this vocalist. Why does he sound like a drunk dollar-store variety Beck? Well, apparently he’s Mark E. Smith and he practically ruins the album. I can’t stand his vocals, especially when he starts repeating shit over and over again. It’s A Curse was especially bad, when he keeps going “It’s a curse-ah”. And don’t give me the whole “It’s punk. It’s supposed to sound like this because it goes against commercialized noise”.
Ok. Shit still sucks.
There’s a good instrumental album here. Shame it’s not a really good album.
Favorite track: Service
Other hits: The League of Bald-Headed Men, A Past Gone Mad, Why Are People Grudgeful?
Songhoy Blues
4/5
You know, I feel bad that I’ve somewhat come to dread the World category. I tried not to let the language barrier affect the experience, but most of the time I never really get into the album. This might have to be the first one where I didn’t have that problem. The fusion of blues rock with some traditional African influence makes for an album that is accessible and engaging. Who cares if I don’t understand what they are saying (though considering this band’s origins as being literal exiles, I think it would have be nice). There are some moments where the lyrics feels a little repetitive, which is usually a problem on the world albums. But outside of that, I really enjoyed this one.
Favorite track: Soubour
Other hits: Irganda, Al Hassidi Terei, Wayei, Petit Metier, Nick, Ai Tchere Bele
Soundgarden
5/5
If there was a holy trinity of grunge that wasn’t Nirvana, it would be Ten by Pearl Jam, Dirt by Alice In Chains and Superunknown. Would I say that this is my favorite of my made up trinity? No, but it’s still excellent.
I think my biggest concern going into this was whether or not the tracks outside the hits would have the same punch. A 70-minute album can’t rely just on Black Hole Sun and The Day I Tried To Live. For me thankfully, the answer is yes. The likes of My Wave, Like Suicide, and Mailman do hit as well as the hits. So it makes the 70 minutes not seem at long. Trust me, there’s probably worse.
Chris Cornell (may he rest in peace), had a gifted voice. The things he can achieve through his vocals were legendary. The Day I Tried to Live is probably the best example of it. The way he can belt the high notes made him one of a kind.
It’s easy to see how this was the moment that Soundgarden broke out. Even though they have some good stuff in Badmotorfinger (which I hope is part of this project), this feels like the band at its best. As a result, this is one of the core albums of the grunge movement and one of my favorite albums from the 90’s.
Favorite track: Black Hole Sun
Other hits: The Day I Tried to Live, Spoonman, My Wave, Superunknown, Mailman, Like Suicide, Let Me Drown, Fell on Black Days
Crowded House
3/5
Am I stupid for thinking Crowded House were one-hit wonders? Like all I knew from them was Don’t Dream It’s Over. I didn’t even know they did anything in the nineties. Is it just me?
Anyway, this album’s kinda catchy. Nothing here is too bad. But nothing really sticks either. It just feels like a standard 90’s rock album with a little charm. Some nice rock songs and some nice ballads, but nothing that blew me away. I can’t even say I really enjoyed the hit singles here. Everything just felt…mid. I did enjoy There Goes God though. The lyrics were funny enough to be interesting.
Favorite track: There Goes God
Other hits: Chocolate Cake, Weather With You, It’s Only Natural, Fall At Your Feet, Four Seasons And A Day, Fame Is
Leonard Cohen
3/5
There’s something about the mixture of Leonard Cohen and 80’s pop production design that feels really wrong. Like the musical equivalent of drinking orange juice right after brushing your teeth. Leonard’s gravelly voice makes this album feel like an old man doing a cover of Madonna. And there’s a backing female chorus to boot for some of the songs.
To be honest, some of it works…sort of. Honestly, I think only think Take This Waltz and Tower of Song work best, because the production takes a backseat in those songs. Other than that, results may vary. The stuff like Everybody Knows and Ain’t No Care for Love are alright. But then there is Jazz Police, which goes full 80’s and, I swear to God, there’s a piano part in the song where it just sounds like a midi file going through a blender.
Overall… it’s okay. This was the last thing I expected from Leonard Cohen, but it’s not awful. Just very, very weird.
Favorite track: Everybody Knows
Other hits: Take This Waltz, Ain’t No Cure For Love, Tower of Song, I’m Your Man
Waylon Jennings
3/5
It took about a hundred plus albums, but a country album has finally found its way here. Well actually, I started this project with Johnny Cash’s American IV, but I don’t think Cash singing Nine Inch Nails inches away from his death counts as pure “country” (no disrespect it was a great start).
Honestly, I think country is my absolute least favorite genre. It’s a cold take apparently, but I just hate it. It’s a self-indulgent genre that focuses on like ten subjects, like Jesus and cars and beer and anything else that’s ‘murican. It’s all mostly crap to me. But I feel that’s perhaps than could apply more to modern country music than classic country music. I haven’t heard much of it, however, to find out. So this might be a good starting point.
If anything, I’ll say this album is short but sweet. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, lasting under a half hour. Waylon sounds a little like Johnny Cash, but he has his own emotional flair to his songs. And the use of the steel string guitars give the album that nice classic country feel that actually sounds like country and not some imitation rock music that today’s country tries to be. That being said, my biggest problem is that some of the songs sounded a little too similar to one another. This makes the album not really memorable to me, which is kind of a big problem. Outside of We Had It All (sad track by the way, really loved that one), nothing seems to stick in my head.
I don’t know how many more country albums are due up for me. I know there will be more. As for this album, this was alright. As a country hater, I enjoyed it. But I wish there was just a little more for it to really wow me.
Favorite track: We Had It All
Other hits: Honky Tonk Heroes, Low Down Freedom, Omaha, Ain’t No God In Mexico, Old Five And Dimers (Like Me)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
This is one of those albums I have a very difficult time figuring out if I liked it or not. I feel my score on this site can’t really reflect how I felt after hearing this one.
I don’t mind my fair share of noisy music. Hell, my favorite genres is hard rock and metal, so a little noise never hurt me (at least not in my current stage of life; god know what might happen to my ears as I go on). However, I was never really a fan of this type of noise; blown out vocals with a shit ton of drumming like you’re pretending to be the White Stripes and this is your Seven Nation Army. It’s a weird type of indie noise that I never really liked. Now, I do enjoy the production here. Karen O has a nice energy to her vocals and the band plays well along with her, especially the guitar. But, I couldn’t really click with this one. It wasn’t near towards the end of the album, starting with Maps that I begin to enjoy it. It’s weird on an album like this to enjoy the slower songs, but those ended up being my favorites. In the end, this feels like a 3.5 album out of me. I would round that up to a 4, but that feels too high. If only I could rate half stars. Oh well.
Favorite track: Maps
Other hits: Modern Romance, Y Control, Poor Song, Tick, Pin
Elliott Smith
4/5
You know, considering what I inferred from the reviews and how this was Elliott Smith’s last album before taking his own life, I was expecting a sadder album. I mean, it definitely is a sad album in hindsight. Some of its down moments are more subtler than others. You got the obvious ones like Everything Reminds Me Of Her and Happiness. But there’s also L.A., one of the happier sounding songs that still can’t get away from the melancholy. Ending your song by repeating “Last night I was about to throw it all away” was a choice. It’s shows that no matter what Elliott did, he couldn’t escape his demons… until he did throw it all away. That’s some haunting shit.
Hearing Elliott for the first time, he sounds like if the Beatles were depressing, and I mean that in a positive way. He has a way to go from power pop to the more slower songs. He really did have a beautiful voice. It’s sad that this was one of the last times we would hear it.
In general, this was a really nice album. My only gripe is that some of the songs can be a tad annoying (Everything Means Nothing to Me), but it’s only a minor gripe.
Favorite track: Everything Reminds Me Of Her
Other hits: Son of Sam, Somebody That I Used To Know, L.A., Stupidity Tries, Can’t Make A Sound, Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud
Deerhunter
4/5
Ok, I have never heard of Deerhunter before this album and had no idea what to piece together what I was getting into. For some reason, I thought it was going to be some overly long showcase album filled with nothing but slow songs that chug on forever. What I ended up getting, however, was indie rock. Surprisingly catchy indie rock. This was a pleasant surprise.
It’s a sort of weird balance between this mellow ethereal pop and catchy alt indie beats. Sure, it’s definitely very indie… maybe too indie. And it might be a bit full of itself. But overall this was pretty good. Nice first impression from Deerhunter, hope that there’s some more from them here.
Favorite track: Helicopter
Other hits: Revival, Don’t Cry, Desire Lines, Memory Boy, Fountain Stairs, Coronado, He Would Have Laughed
Skepta
1/5
I try not to speak towards grime or British rappers when I say: this was shit. Just absolutely abysmal. It’s all repetitive garbage with some of the most annoying vocals I heard. I really don’t want to pin it on Skepta being British, but… God I couldn’t stand his voice. And he’s just rapping the same lyrics over and over again. If I hear “It ain’t safe for the block, not even for the cops again”, I’m going to snap.
And what the fuck is with the skits? You’re fucking seriously putting shit like a phone conversation and a fucking exchange between you and some salty fuck over a game of Call of Duty (or whatever fucking shooter was popular at the time)? What is this, the 80’s? De La Soul did this with that game show on 3 Feet and Rising in fucking 1989 and that was miles better.
I don’t want to lump an entire music genre into one bad experience. There’s probably better grime albums out there. But this ain’t it.
“Favorite” track: Ladies Hit Squad (because there are two buffers, I mean guest vocalists)
Other hits: Numbers, sort of. It’s still annoying.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
I’m going to be honest. My heart sank when I saw the terms “jazz” and “double LP” together. Over an hour of jazz music? This album had everything going for me to hate it. My only reaction was “This better be some great fucking jazz. Not decent, not ok, not even just good, great fucking jazz”. Anything less would be terrible. So after seating through this album, I’m inclined to say, it was indeed some great fucking jazz.
The big thing this album has that a majority of other jazz albums didn’t is variety. Every track feels different from each other, which helps it stand out from other jazz albums that merely sink into the background. It isn’t just 6-minute of random sax, bass and piano music track by track. Every song here has a personality. From the slow and serene Minawa, the drum solo in Blues for Huey, and the funky Inner Crisis, there’s enough character here to carry this album for its 70-plus minutes. Hugh’s influence by his African roots within the confines of jazz help escalate this album past its predecessors. I am genuinely surprised by this one. Hugh Masekela, you made me enjoy jazz, you lucky mother fucker.
Favorite track: Minawa
Other hits: The Big Apple, Part of a Whole, Inner Crisis, Maseru, Nomali, Unhomé, Blues for Huey
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I think John Fogerty has the best voice for any southern rock band, only really second maybe to Lynyrd Skynyrd. He’s got that energy that’s you would hear from the likes of Led Zeppelin while retaining that southern influence without sounding like a complete country bumpkin. He’s definitely the main reason why CCR is so revered even today.
As for this album, I struggled what I really thought about it. Outside of Bad Moon Rising, I never really heard the rest of these songs. I think the back half is stronger than the front half, mainly thanks to Lodi and yes, Bad Moon Rising. But there’s enough substance here that I enjoyed it. I feel my actual rating is more 3.5 than 4, but I think I’m okay with rounding it.
Favorite track: Bad Moon Rising
Other hits: Lodi, Wrote A Song For Everyone, Sinister Purpose, Commotion
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I’m just going to be brutally honest, this album really didn’t do much for me. Let me put this disclaimer: I don’t really care for hip-hop. I might have said that in other reviews, but I think it’s relevant here considering this album’s reputation as a landmark for the genre. For fans of hip-hop, I can understand what makes this a classic. And truthfully, it’s not bad. One of the best things about 90’s hip-hop is the jazzy vibe it can illicit and this album basically pioneered that, from what I understand. It really is an easy album to chill to, especially on a nice drive home from work (which is how I listen to these albums).
But here’s my problem: most of this album sounds pretty much the same to me. Like it’s hard for me to tell the songs apart, which makes it difficult to pick which songs I liked. Also, hip-hop tends to be a very lyric heavy genre. You pretty much have to pay attention to the lyrics in order to get really anything out of the songs. As someone who usually listens to the music more so than the lyrics, it makes albums like this hard to enjoy. Maybe that’s a reflection of my taste in music and how maybe I rely on choruses and hooks too much, but that’s just me.
I take responsibility for not really jiving with this album. I acknowledge that this is a masterpiece to some and that it’s not really my thing. It’s just a little disappointing to get a highly-regarded album and realized it does nothing for you.
Favorite track: Scenario
Other hits: What?, Check the Rhime, Jazz (We’ve Got)
Aerosmith
4/5
You know, the reviews for this album here are fucking brutal. I mean, I know Steven Tyler sounds like a cheetah in heat, but he’s not that bad. Or is it a cheetah dying? I don’t know, I never watched Animal Planet.
Seriously though, while Aerosmith is far from my favorite band, there’s worse shit on this project. I’ll admit, Pump is a weird album to label as a “must hear”. I figured that they would pick either Rocks or Toys in the Attic, which are both probably on this project (or they are not, in which case I’m an idiot). I understand it was important for their comeback, but it’s far from their best. But that being said, I had a really good time with this one. It’s hard rock junk food with a lot of libido. Try to picture that mental image.
Loud, bombastic, and well, horny, it’s a nice break back to my comfort zone.
Favorite track: Jamie’s Got A Gun
Other hits: Love In A Elevator, Young Lust, F.I.N.E., Monkey On My Back, Hoodoo/Voodoo Medicine Man, What It Takes
Milton Nascimento
3/5
So here’s the thing: I think this album is really neat… in parts. Milton Nascimento has a really beautiful voice and his partner isn’t too bad himself. One of the benefits of this project is that I probably would have never heard something like this on my own. Most of the songs are pretty good, too. Many of them are a treat despite not knowing a single word being spoken. But there’s one problem I have with it. Two words: double album. I don’t know why, but the 70’s had a thing for double albums. And most of the time, I don’t understand why there are as long as they are. They mostly meander on and I eventually lose interest at some point. Unfortunately, that’s kinda what happened to me on this album. By about pass the halfway point, my interest started to wane. And by the end, I get impatient and I just want the album to end. Unless the songs on a double album pretty much are all bangers, I will most likely stop giving an album my complete attention. And I really hate that it happened here. But it’s just too long and not every song connected. I feel that individually, the album is a lot stronger. But as a whole package, it’s too much for me. The pleasant charm of the album is pretty much its saving grace.
Favorite track: Paisagem Da Janela
Other hits: O Trem Azul, Tudo Que Você Podia Ser, Cais, San Vicente
Aphex Twin
4/5
During the course of this project, I come to realize this I’m not a fan of electronic music. This is because of two things; they are long and they don’t have any content that justifies their length. It all seems to be made to be background music and I’m not a fan of this “set it, then forget it” music. So here comes this album. I heard of Aphex Twin, but I never really heard Aphex Twin. It clocks in at over an hour. It literally states that it’s ambient music in the title. It’s practically everything that I would hate about electronic music. There’s just one issue: I somehow ended up liking it.
It doesn’t make any sense. It’s all background music. Even the title says that it is. But there’s something within the songs that somehow keep my attention. My brain was constantly being stimulated and the album never felt boring, unlike other electronic albums. I think Aphex Twin cracked some kind of code to make me enjoy it. Does this change my opinion on electronic as a whole? No. If anything, now I known for certain electronic is just music that’s literally made to be forgettable. I just think Aphex Twin proved to be a worthy exception.
Favorite track: Pulsewidth
Other hits: Xtal, Green Calx, Ptolemy, Actium, Schottkey 7th Path, Delphium
Arcade Fire
4/5
As someone who thought Funeral was okay, this was a nice improvement. It’s still aggressively indie, but it didn’t feel as insufferable as Funeral. I think it might be because of the slightly sinister vibes from the organs and the orchestra. It’s less a “outside with backyard lights” feel and more “dark gothic church”. Weirdly, it sounds like a indie Bruce Springsteen.
Overall, this is a good step forward for Arcade Fire after not being very impressed with their first effort.
Favorite track: No Cars Go
Other hits: Intervention, Black Mirror, Keep the Car Running, Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
Supergrass
4/5
I think this album might be a rare exception where I’m not a fan of the hit single. Granted, I think that’s because I heard it in a commercial before, so I’ll blame capitalism on that.
But for real, it felt a little too upbeat for me personally. But fortunately, this album offered a lot more than the hit single. This was a truly unique album, having a lot of young energy, but without a lot of the angst common in the nineties. It feels like if the Kinks had the youth and vitality of a 90’s pop punk band. It’s a shame I never really heard of this band before now. Though, I could have done without the weird Chipmunk vibe of We’re Not Supposed To.
Favorite track: Strange Ones
Other hits: Caught By The Fuzz, I’d Like to Know, Lose It, Lenny, Time, Time to Go
Paul Weller
4/5
I think I might be going insane. The majority of reviews for this album seem to call it boring and dull. Just a generic rock album from the 90’s. Me, being an American not knowing who the fuck Paul Weller is, brace for the worst. However, after hearing this for the first time, I didn’t find it boring or dull. I’ve seen this generator give me boring and dull, from hour long electronic ambiance traps to the endless jazz to listening to the Allman Brothers fuck around live for 80 minutes at Fillmore East. The fifty minutes here weren’t even close to that. Sure, some of the album feels very one-note and lacks variety. In turn, it does make this feel a little bloated. But, most of this album was kind of a bop. I thought Paul sounded good here, having the kind of strength and range of any good 70’s rock singer. Honestly, most of these songs invoke more of a 70’s vibe than the 90’s. And his back up band rocks, too. Does liking this mean I have terrible taste? I dunno. Maybe to some. But this is my project, and I say this was pretty good.
Favorite track: Can You Heal Us (Holy Man)
Other hits: Sunflower, Wild Wood, The Weaver, All The Pictures On The Wall, Foot of the Mountain, Moon On Your Pyjamas
Magazine
3/5
Looking back at the albums I had that are labeled under “post punk”, it feels like a mixed genre for me. Outside of Joy Division and one of the Talking Heads albums (it’s not Remain in Light, I didn’t get that album yet. Someday…), I don’t think I’m really a fan. I think that realization came after hearing this album. Truth be told, I can see why some might like it. It’s a fun little romp, being a weird bastard child between punk and new wave. The guitar stuff is really good and it is certainly ahead of its time. But I don’t know, man, I didn’t really get into this one. There’s an ounce of tackiness that make it sound like a Spirit Halloween version of the B-52s. Frankly, I think it comes from the vocals. Punk, from a vocal stand point for me can be mixed. Sometimes I tend to find it annoying and this is one of those cases. It just comes off as a little whiny here.
I can respect this album for its influence, and at points, I enjoyed it. But it’s not really my thing.
Favorite track: Definitive Gaze
Other hits: Burst, Parade, The Light Pours Out Of Me, Shot By Both Sides
Queens Of The Stone Age
4/5
I have been going through some discographies and there is something I noticed about debut albums. Either the artist or band pretty much come out the gate swinging or it’s kind of forgettable and is only a footnote for the later albums. For this album, it falls into the former category. It certainly feels less like Queens of the Stone Age and more Kyuss, but it shows a nice transition point between the two bands. There’s a really cool blend of hard rock and funk, with a small hint of metal.
It’s been said multiple times in the reviews, but it’s a shame that this is the only QOTSA album chosen for the list. No Rated R or Songs for the Deaf. It would have been nice to hear the band evolve into their better known efforts. Guess I’ll has to venture there myself.
Favorite track: Avon
Other hits: Regular John, If Only, Mexicola, Walkin’ On the Sidewalks, You Would Know
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2/5
So, I have a confession to make: I don’t really like Tom Petty. Not as a person, he was probably a good human being. I mean musically. There’s something with his voice that I can’t stand. He’s got a certain “twang” to his voice that makes him insufferable to me. But I knew one day he’ll show up here (with his heartbreakers) so I have no choice but to grin and bear it. And I have to say… I still hate it.
But, because I try to be objective with every album I get, I gave it a fair chance. And I’ll state a few positives for this album.
First, I think the “twang” wasn’t fully developed yet, so Tom’s voice is a bit more bearable. And second, the album’s only a half hour long, so it’s not that much of a commitment. Seriously, if I saw the words “double album” attached to this, I’d probably would have quit this project out of spite.
Other than that, this album is… eh. There’s only two memorable songs here, and I only like Breakdown honestly. Yes, I don’t like American Girl. I also don’t like Free Fallin’, The Waiting Is The Hardest Part, I Won’t Back Down, and any other Tom Petty hits, so… yeah.
Everything else here is forgettable. So honestly, it just does enough to avoid getting one star. It gets two. It’s a miracle.
Favorite track: Breakdown
Other hits: I named one favorite. That’s enough.
OutKast
4/5
You know, for the longest time I thought OutKast was solely known for Hey Ya. I think that’s because that was the first time I heard of them, but I never thought that they had other hits. Hell, I didn’t even know I Like The Way You Move was even them until a few years back. I am very stupid, I know.
So let me lay out my thoughts for this album. This album covers the lyrical spectrum of hip hop, from rapping about social issues (Gasoline Dreams, Humble Mumble) to singing about making love (I’ll Call Before I Come, We Luv Deez Hoez) and does so in a complex way. This isn’t one-note hip-hop; there’s notes of rock, funk, and r&b that gives the tracks life. Stankonia is perhaps the most ambitious and innovation hip-hop album I’ve encountered so far and it’s fun but balanced energy can be felt. In particular, I loved the bombastic energy of B.O.B. That shit was electric. And Ms. Jackson lived up to its reputation: an emotional checkpoint within the first half of the album.
However, there are a few draw backs. Inevitably, the length of Stankonia got to me and I think the second half suffers compared to the first half. I felt it became more rap centric and it kind of started to drag on me. Also, the interludes are a mixed bag. I found Pre-Nump and Drinkin’ Again to be “Sensible Chickle” territory, but the rest…eh.
To be honest, as a whole, this is more of a 3.5 for me, mostly due to the second half. But I fell comfortable rounding it up to a four, since the good songs were bangers.
Favorite track: B.O.B.
Other hits: Ms. Jackson, Gasoline Dreams, So Fresh,So Clean, Xplosion, Toliet Tisha
4/5
How the hell have I not encountered any music from PJ Harvey before now? Is it because I’m American? Maybe, but jeez, this was a fine piece of alternative rock. PJ’s got an amazing voice that strikes a nice chord between moody and soft. It satisfies my alternative rock craving while serenading me with it’s lighter tracks. The Thom Yorke collaborations were pleasant surprises. I didn’t even know he would be on this album, but I’m glad he is.
Knowing this list of albums has a slight British bias, I’ve become aware of the Mercury Prize. It‘a basically a British award for the best British album of the year. I know this because I read Wikipedia. I’ve gotten two winners of the prize from this generator, but neither impressed me. One was meh, the other was bleh. This one, however, was the first to break the cycle. Hopefully, I encounter more PJ Harvey in the future.
Favorite track: We Float
Other hits: Big Exit, Good Fortune, A Place Called Home, You Said Something, The Mess We’re In, Horses In My Dreams
The Thrills
2/5
I feel like the makers of this list stuck a couple of their personal favorites onto it and labeled it important, because that’s the only reason why an album like this is even here. I can’t fathom for the life of me what about this album is “must hear” material. I will say that for the first few songs, I was getting a bit into it. It had the vibe of wandering around a Hallmark greeting card store in the year 2008, but I was kind of digging it. However, as it progressed, it started to lean more into country territory. The lead singer became grating and the presence of the banjo and harmonica was getting on my nerves. It was at the song “Hollywood Kids”, that my brain wandered off, never to return any attention to this album. The Thrills, ironically, provided me with almost no thrills. But hey, at least George W. Bush likes them apparently. Yay?
Favorite track: Big Sur
Other hits: Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far), Don’t Steal Our Sun, Deckchairs and Cigarettes
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
I’m starting to notice a pattern with these world albums. They usually come packaged with about a few songs that are stretched to long enough lengths that inflate the runtime to normal album size. Then I would listen to it and attempt my best to be objective; just because you can’t understand a word doesn’t mean it’s bad. But then, my attention would drift and when it comes back, the same song would be playing. The process would repeat until the album ends, I would say something like “That was neat” and move to the next album.
That might sound maybe a bit cynical, but it’s happens mostly every time and it happened here too. Now, this isn’t a bad album by any means. For 1984 and being from Senegal, the production’s pretty good. Musically, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s got good rhythm all around. It’s just not stuff that I would retain. As mentioned, I would listen to a track, kind of phase out, and the same song would be playing when I put my attention back in. Also, I find Youssou’s voice a little annoying. It gets a little high pitch in parts and for songs lasting more than 5 minutes, it’s a bit of an endurance test.
Overall, this was fine. Nothing life changing. Just a nice curiousity.
Favorite track: Pitche Mi
Normally, I’d list the other songs I liked, but they are kind of the same quality, so it would be redundant.
The Smiths
4/5
You know that meme/gif with the guy walking into a room with boxes of pizza only to be shocked when he sees the chaos going on? The one from Community? That’s me seeing the reviews for this album and the rabbit hole of the seething hatred for Morrissey. I’m going to be honest, I’ve must have had my head in the ground, because I’ve never heard of him or his controversies. Is it because I’m American or blissfully ignorant? So, I’m kind of going into this album blind and I have to say; I thought this was good. It’s some pleasant 80’s alternative with a layer of melancholy. I will say Morrissey voice helps achieve such melancholy, which makes the album feel “poppy” but a little subdued. I also like the variation between the songs. You have the emotional “Last Night I Dreamt That Someone Loved Me” to the weirdly upbeat sounding “Girlfriend In A Coma”. As someone who has never really heard of this band or their problematic lead singer (whom I’m aware I’ll get to hear more of later… oh boy), this was pretty solid.
Favorite track: Last Night I Dreamt That Someone Loved Me
Other hits: Girlfriend In A Coma, Paint A Vulgar Picture, A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours, I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish, Unhappy Birthday
Ray Charles
4/5
I think this album is about as country as Taco Bell is authentic Mexican. There are notes of country in here, don’t get me wrong. It’s mostly in the background, though, by the instruments. But to be honest, it only serves to show how ballsy this album is. The decision to blend soul and country was absolutely insane at the time this album came out. Granted, it’s more big band than country. Actually, Ray completely takes these songs and makes them his own, which is kind of impressive. I will say, listening to both volumes at once is a bit exhausting. And I’m not a fan of the backing chorus. It’s a bit much. Honestly, this album is better in parts. Regardless, this is one of the only ways that I would find country music enjoyable.
Favorite track: You Win Again
Other hits: You Are My Sunshine, You Don’t Know Me, I Love You So Much It Hurts, It Makes No Difference Now
Joanna Newsom
1/5
I try to be open and objective for every album I get. I try not to be harsh and give every album a chance. That lasted five seconds here.
Holy fuck, I couldn’t stand her voice. There’s a weird country twang in it and she fucking squeaks in some parts. I literally cringed through 90% of this album. And I know calling things cringe is such an internet cliche, but I’m serious. This literally made me squirm. And the lyrics… when there are not pretentious, they’re repetitive. And you can bet they’re annoying as shit when Joanna belts them. And the song lengths… Jesus Christ.
But the worst part is there’s no breathing room. No harp solos or a chance for the other instruments to play. Joanna’s got practically every inch of this album with her vocals. There are no breaks, and you will be in constant agony.
There might be a few positives in here. The orchestra behind her is really good, and the concept of this medieval-ish album that tell stories (at least I think they were stories, I couldn’t tell, my ears wanted to die) but I couldn’t bear this one. I might go as far to say, this was the worst album I gotten so far. And I’ve gotten Limp Bizkit, which I gave a 3. I think Fred Durst is a better singer than Joanna Newsom. What the fuck man?
“””””Favorite”””””” track: Cosmia (It’s the shortest song. And the last)
Other hits: just make the tracks instrumentals and maybe I’ll list them hear. Other than that lol nope.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I had slight dread coming into this album. I haven’t really formed my opinion on Bob Dylan, since I’ve never really taken the time to listen to him much. I did always think his voice was kind of annoying, so I usually just stayed away. I think my mom distilled that apathy in me, in a way she distilled my hatred of Tom Petty.
After listening to this, I will say that a few of the songs didn’t quite work with me. On stuff like Tombstone Blues and the title track, Bob’s nasally voice can get a little irritating and made the listening experience… a little sucky. And a lot of the lyrics are a bit nonsensical. I mean I know it was the 60’s, but good luck figuring out what Bob’s talking about. But if I’m being honest, the majority of it was actually pretty good. Like really good. I think Bob’s vocal style actually works with these songs. Like a Rolling Stone is iconic and I surprisingly really liked Ballard of A Thin Man and Desolation Row. I won’t say this ranks anywhere near a top favorite for me personally and I’m still a little iffy about Bon Dylan as a whole. But as a whole, this was pretty good.
Favorite track: Like A Rolling Stone
Other hits: Ballard Of A Thin Man, Desolation Row, Queen Jane Approximately, Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
I’m not sure if anyone reading this has gotten this album or has yet to get to it, but some time ago, I was given Sunday At The Village Vanguard by the Bill Evans Trio. I remember commenting how surreal it was to hear a live album that actually sounds live. The small chatter of the crowd added a lot to that album and gave it a lot of its charm.
Sarah Vaughan At Mister Kelly’s gives me the same feeling, but it really emphasizes the “live” feeling of the album. From the introduction at the beginning to the “mishaps” that Sarah effortlessly works through (on Willow Weep for Me and How High the Moon), it really embraces the live aspect without feeling like a dull montage of the hits sung in front of an audience. You didn’t have to be there for this, it’s taking you there now.
It also helps that Sarah’s a great singer. I sadly never heard of her before this album. Her voice is really soothing, regardless of whether the jazz is swinging or smooth. It feels really playful, especially when she has to improvise. All of these elements make this album certainly one of the better jazz albums I got. All it need is a nice atmosphere and some alcohol, like scotch. Too bad I got this on a weekday…
Favorite track: Stairway to the Stars
Other hits: September in the Rain, Willow Weep for Me, How High the Moon, Just One of Those Things, Be Anything But Darling Be Mine, Honeysuckle Rose
Louis Prima
3/5
I wonder how many people know Louis Prima from his music as opposed to his role as King Louie in The Jungle Book. I’m certainly not one of them. Hell, I had a Disney Greatest hits CD since childhood that had I Wanna Be Like You on it. Honestly, low key one of the most memorable Disney songs period.
Though it’s easy to see why Disney would cast him after hearing this. Prima has an undeniable energy through this album, whether it’s his vocals or his trumpet. He’s hella talented and makes the overall experience enjoyable. But I think this might have been too big band for me. Almost every song is an orchestra blaring notes and it just blended together for me. Even the slower songs just felt the same to me. I feel it’s more of the way music just was in the 50’s. Prima just makes it more fun, but overall this was really okay.
Favorite track: Jump, Jive, an’ Wail
Other hits: (Nothing’s Too Good) For My Baby, Body and Soul, Buona Sera, Night Train, Oh, Marie
Keith Jarrett
4/5
I feel that this might be the best jazz album I might ever get and that feels like it’s cheating. Most of the jazz albums I’ve gotten are your typical jazz albums: saxophones, drums, syncopated beats, etc. Some of it was good, some of it was not, and most of it I have not retained. Truthfully, it’s been kind of a boring genre and seeing my next album be an hour-long live jazz album, I wasn’t super confidant that I would like it.
This, however, isn’t standard jazz. It’s something more, that I feel that the basic label of jazz doesn’t do justice to this album. This is background music that refuses to be background music. It’s insane to believe this was entirely improvised. The music just naturally comes to him and it never gets tiring or boring or one-note; the same trappings some other jazz albums I’ve encountered fell into. That audience got more than what they paid for, despite the story of how Murphy’s Law nearly fucked this concert over.
I will say that, as a hour-long concert with some long songs, there might be some very slight dragging here and there. And I’m not really a fan of the moaning Keith does every so often. It’s his thing, I know, and I respect that it means his getting into the music himself. But it still feels really weird to me and it’s a little distracting. However, this might be the peak of jazz personally for me.
Favorite track: Part IIc
Other hits: the rest of the concert
New York Dolls
4/5
While this isn’t considered the first album to be part of the punk movement, I think it’s safe to say this was the turning point for the genre. It’s hard for me to believe that this is from 1973. The sixties weren’t too far in the rear view mirror. I figured the only thing close to cutting edge by this point was Black Sabbath. But here’s where the blueprint was laid for so many acts to come.
It’s hard to imagine how not just punk, but rock in general would evolve without the New York Dolls. God only knows. Sleazy, glammy, and fun, this is probably one of the highlights for the punk albums for me personally.
Favorite track: Personality Crisis
Other hits: Trash, Looking For A Kiss, Frankenstein, Pills, Private World, Bad Girl
Dr. John
2/5
There are albums that I gotten so far that I never would have ventured to. Albums from artists I never heard of. This was one of those albums that felt weird when I saw it on my page. The kind that make me tilt my head and go “ok, who the fuck is this?”. I give every artist the benefit of a doubt, which I feel helps me appreciate an album more. But I couldn’t really do that here. I don’t know, but I feel this album is stuck in a in between. Too weird to feel natural, but not too weird to have any charm. Maybe it’s the shoddy production that doesn’t really complement Dr. John’s vocals at all. Or maybe, it’s because the songs feel mostly like basic chanting from his annoying backing chorus. Seriously, I’m starting to think that psychedelic music pisses me off a bit. But I guess you need to be on drugs to enjoy it, so eh.
I appreciate it when this generator gets weird with me and gives me some stuff out of left field. But I don’t think this one did much for me and I was probably better off without it. Mama Roux was a good song, though. Wish all the tracks were like that one.
Favorite track: Mama Roux
Other hits: I Walk On Guilded Splinters, Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
I feel that the big problem I have with electronica is that it feels like background music. The type of music that is solely “set it and forget it”. This album, however, isn’t background music. It’s a soundtrack. This music doesn’t recede, but enhances activities. It doesn’t matter if it’s driving home from, exercising, or staring at a wall. It’s hard to resist the bopping nature of these tracks. Some of the tracks might sound a bit similar to one another. That’s kind of a genre issue than an artist issue. But consider the Chemical Brothers on my radar. Hope to see more stuff from them on here.
Favorite track: Life is Sweet
Other hits: Leave Home, Chico’s Groove, Song to the Siren, Alive Alone, Chemical Beats, In Dust We Trust
The Doors
2/5
Round two with these chucklefucks. I’m just going to reiterate: I don’t like the Doors. Primarily because of Jim Morrison’s voice and also because I just don’t care for their songs. L.A. Woman did nothing for me and neither did this. The first two songs are ok, but everything else is bleh. Wikipedia tells me that I have only one more albums from these guys. Good.
Favorite track: Waiting for the Sun
Other hits: Roadhouse Blues
The Smiths
4/5
I think I’m starting to understand how fans of Kanye West feel on liking music made by controversial people. This is the second album I got from the Smiths and just like the first, I really enjoyed it despite Morrissey’s laundry list of reasons why he’s an asshole. Why does this guy have a nice voice? It’s fits so well with the melancholic nature of the album.
Weirdly, my big criticism is that it’s maybe a bit too similar to the last album I got from the Smiths… which was Strangeways, Here We Come… which was after this album. I know, it’s weird. But other than that, this is another good slice of 80’s alternative and another building block to the approaching existential crisis I’m going to have when I get to Morrissey’s solo albums. God help me.
Favorite track: Cemetey Gates
Other hits: The Queen is Dead, Frankly, Mr. Shankly, Never Had No One Ever, I Know It’s Over, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
FKA twigs
2/5
So… I didn’t hate this one. But it frustrated me so much. It’s got that “modern day” pop feel, but I dig the sort of minimalistic approach to the instrumentation. It makes it feel a little more than a generic pop album, so it’s at least listenable to me. The thing is, everything is so fucking samey. The first songs were alright, but everything just blended together as it went along. It doesn’t help that Twigs suffers from Mariah Carey syndrome, where she has a gifted voice, but chooses to falsetto everything and have this annoying high-pitched tone instead. Swear to god, some of this album sounds like a mouse in heat.
I don’t know man, I can’t stand modern music as is, but I figured it would be a nice break from the indie rock and common crap on this list. But an album where I can’t retain most of the songs is not a good album.
Favorite track: Two Weeks
Other hits: Lights Out, Closer
Primal Scream
4/5
Considering this was a mix of genres and not being super impressed by the band’s first album I got here(Vanishing Point), I wasn’t so sure about this album. But after going through it, it was pretty good. I will say that it wears itself thin near the end, as most hour long albums do. And I’m not completely sold on the gospel aspects of the album, which means I wasn’t really a fan of Movin’ On Up. That song’s a bit too upbeat to me. But past that, most of Screamadelia was very good. The production is excellent for 1991. Frankly, I would have expected this to be later in the decade. Also, most of the songs are straight bops. They carry a nice beat to them, which is good considering that most of the songs are over 5 minutes. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the last third kind of crashing out, I would have a lot more high praise for this album. Really, it makes the score more of a 3.5, but the good outweighs the bad for this album.
Favorite track: Don’t Fight It, Feel It
Other hits: Slip Inside This House, Higher Than The Sun (the Singles Mix), Come Together, Inner Flight
Portishead
4/5
For the first few moments of the album, I was anxious that this was going to be a basic indie album. The first track, Silence, had a slight indie feel and the vocalist seemed to have a distinct indie feel. It sounded like it was heading in that direction, but thankfully not for long. I love how uneasy this music makes me feel, between the electronic elements and the eerie calmness of the vocalist. It’s this weirdly unique blend of music that sounds like… foreboding surf music that went to bed with Nine Inch Nails at times. That’s the best way I can put it. I hope that’s not too weird of a mental image.
Wikipedia tells me that this album was a departure somewhat from Portishead’s previous work, so I hope this being my first album doesn’t lead me to be disappointed by the band’s other works. Honestly, kind of a shame they went on a second hiatus after this album. Who knows what else they would have made after this.
Favorite track: Machine Gun
Other hits: Magic Doors, Nylon Smile, Threads, The Rip, We Carry On, Small
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
You know, this is only my second Neil Young album, but I think I’m starting to realize I don’t care for his music. The first two songs were alright, and I thought that maybe a lot of the naysayers were a little harsh. But then the rest of the album drags on and the more I heard Neil Young, the more he’s just… eh. Honestly, there’s nothing special here and his mediocre voice just makes it worse. There’s also some annoying shit like the random “la la la’s” sprinkled here and there, especially on the title track. And the violin on Running Dry should look for a lawyer, because that it was being violated.
Truth be told, and I fucking hate saying this, my major problem with classic rock (at least the 60’s to the 70’s) is that most of the songs have a jam band mentality. Basically they would stretch the songs by cramming it meandering guitar solos, which resulted in 5-6 minutes tracks. It’s makes albums harder for me, because the songs start to bore me. I hate saying that, because it sounds like a modern Gen Z thing to say, like some kind of “Old music is boring” bullshit, but it’s true to me most times. Mixing that with Neil’s vocals, I don’t think I’m going to enjoy the remaining plethora of Neil Young albums ahead of me.
Favorite track: Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Other hits: Cinnamon Girl
George Harrison
4/5
Let me get this out of the way: this better be the only fucking triple album on this project. No album should be anywhere close to 2 hours, unless it’s some deluxe album filled with demos and other shit thrown in to make it feel “deluxe”. I already have a problem with double albums as is, especially ones from the seventies where it’s nothing but solos for 60% of it. Honestly this album is just a double album with an instrumental LP duct taped to it. And while I’m at it, that LP is forgettable. I actually don’t really consider it part of the actual album, since it feels like bonus. It just bloats an already stuffed album.
Now, while I have my issues with double (or triple) albums, if there is enough good content to support a double album, I’m perfectly fine with that. And to tell you the truth, there was a lot of good songs on here. Kind of impressive for an overshadowed Beatle that’s not Ringo. Yeah, that one might have been below the belt.
For real though, this might be a contender for the best solo effort by a former Beatle. Tapping into his spirituality and some of his experiences with his former band mates, Harrison brings a nice collection of mellow melodies and some good rock songs. I won’t say every song is a banger. Apple Scruffs and I Dig Love weren’t exactly my favorites. And I don’t think I needed two versions of Isn’t It A Pity. But there are some good hits, like Awaiting on You All, If Not For You, All Things Must Pass, and Art of Dying. If it wasn’t for some of the awkward stuff and the fucking length thanks to the stapled LP, this could have been one of my 5-stars. But hey, for a long album, I liked it and that’s honestly good enough for 4.
Favorite track: If Not For You
Other hits: Art of Dying, All Things Must Pass, My Sweet Lord, What Is Life, Let It Down
4/5
I swear to God, the people on this site are an enigma. Y’all be like “Why does Neil Young get like a billion albums here” and “Oh my god, there’s so much white boy rock”. Then you get a weird unique album like this and rate the damn thing to near oblivion. Don’t you like actually want to like explore past your comfort zone because if not, why are you here?
Ok for real, I get why people would dislike this. It’s weird and sometimes loud, which is not everyone’s cup of tea. But like, this wasn’t that bad. Not one of the lowest rated albums certainly. I actually liked this one. It certainly feels experimental, but like in a structured way. Through all the weird elements and loud guitar noises, there some strange, groovy bangers. Broken Witch is a great starting track, while There’s Always Room on the Broom transitions the sound into borderline creepy territory. Also, I love the ambient tracks like Steam Rose from the Lifeless Cloak and Read the Book That Wrote Itself, as well as the latter half of Flow My Tears The Spider Said.
To be honest, I’m not even a quarter done with this project, but it’s weird that an album like this gets ravaged while there like a hundred forgettable albums on here that came and went for me. Honestly, it’s worse to have no impact than it is to make people squirm. Maybe I’m the kind of freak that enjoys shit like this, but that’s on me. Long story short, this was pretty good. You’re all just mean.
Favorite track: Hold Hands And It Will Happen Anyway
Other hits: Broken Witch, Steam Rose From The Lifeless Cloak, We Fenced Gardens With The Bones Of Our Own, Read The Book That Wrote Itself, Flow My Tears The Spider Said
The Hives
4/5
Small aside rant: there should be no “best of” collections on here. Those albums are just the hits cherry picked by record companies to be put out for easy money. If anything, Veni Vidi Vicious was right there. If you’re going to put the Hives on the list, put an actual album. Not the weird “best of”.
Regardless, this was good. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel or anything and maybe I wouldn’t consider it “must do before dying” material. But it’s under a half-hour of early 2000’s garage punk rock. It’s a harmless good time. I just wish it was an actual record.
Favorite track: A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T
Other hits: Main Offender, Hate To Say I Told You So, Automatic Schmuck, Die, All Right, Untutored Youth
Scritti Politti
4/5
Ok, at this point, I’ve gotten three albums that have been ranked as the lowest on this site. For two of them (Kollaps and They Were Wrong So We Drowned), I understand why they are there. Did I hate them? For Kollaps, sort of. For Drowned, honestly no. But I get why some wouldn’t like it. This album, however, makes no sense being there.
I mean, sure, it’s practically every 80’s pop tune crammed into eight songs that have very little variety between them. And the vocalists can sometimes get a little jarring the higher their notes get. But like, that’s as bad as it gets. Like objectively, it’s about a 3, middle of the road album. Just basic ass 80’s pop music. What the fuck about that warrants putting it with the “weird” industrial and noise rock albums? Like there has to be much worse on this list between countless bland double albums and hour long ambient snoozefests. All this is it dated 80’s pop. And to be personal, 80’s synth pop like this is an extreme guilty pleasure of mine. Like I’m not one of those obnoxious people that claim “ThE 80’s WaS tHe BeSt DeCaDe FoR mUsIc”, but it certainly has a charm to me, which is weird because I was a 2000’s kid. I can’t even blame my parents on that, they were into more earlier stuff like The Beatles and disco (though they liked the 80’s too). So that bumps my rating to a 4, may the music gods have mercy on my tasteless ass.
Favorite track: Perfect Way
Other hits: Small Talk, Absolute, Lover To Fall, Wood Beez, Don’t Work That Hard
Adele
3/5
Back in the early 2010’s, in my high school/somewhat early college years, my only gateway to music was my car radio. My intake was solely the songs I heard on the radio, which was mostly pop stations that played whatever was popular at the time, with some throwbacks. Miserable existence, I know. I eventually broke out of that. But in that time, I was familiar with a lot of the popular songs of the decade. So naturally, like millions of other people, I knew Adele, thanks to Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, basically all the hits from “21”. I remember Hello being this sort of “comeback song” for Adele since it was her first new song in a few years. That’s an eternity in the pop world. And then eventually I would barely listen to radio in favor of just plugging my phone into the radio to get rid of all the repetition I was hearing over the stations.
After all of this time, I finally get the entire album experience for Adele’s return after 21 and… it’s okay. Like, it’s a standard album. Some pop songs here, some soft stuff here. It’s a little disappointing that someone of Adele’s talent is stuck making songs like this. I’d call it “Mariah Carey syndrome” but I think Adele’s a little better than that. Honestly, past the hits (Hello, Water Under the Bridge, Send My Love), there’s nothing of note here…expect one. All I Ask is this really nice slow song that I remember hearing being sung a bunch of times on American Idol. Not the Fox version, but the ABC one where everyone has a sob story and the flimsy belief that winning the show would make you a pop sensation is somehow still a thing. Yeah, it’s a popular pick and after hearing it, I can see why. I honestly wish more of the songs here were like that; more emotion and less pleasing-the-producers. But alas, that’s 25.
Favorite track: All I Ask
Other hits: Hello, Send My Love (To Your New Lover), Water Under the Bridge, When We Were Young, Love in the Dark
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Today I learnt that CCR released three albums in 1969. I had to do a double take since I swore I’ve done a CCR album from 1969, which I did. It was Green River, which felt similar to this one.
I thought Graveyard Train lasted a bit too long and I can do with a little less Chooglin. But everything else was pretty solid. I’ve actually forgotten how good the original Proud Mary sounds. I think it’s really to pick if I prefer it over Tina Turner’s eccentric version. Overall, CCR still proves to be the epitome of the Americana genre.
Favorite track: Proud Mary
Other hits: Born on the Bayou, Bootleg, Penthouse Pauper, Good Golly Miss Molly
Dire Straits
4/5
I never expected this to have a lot of depth. I just assumed most of the songs would be like Money for Nothing. I wasn’t expecting the soft rock stuff. Regardless, the guitar playing is excellent. Mark Knopfler really elevates the majority of this album…well really the first side. Honestly, I’m a little relieved a lot of reviews say that the second half kind of lags behind the first. I think the lengthy song times might be responsible for that.
As for the whole f-word part, it’s a little jarring, but I don’t think it ruins anything. It’s supposed to come from somebody’s point of view who’s kind of stupid. Could they have avoided the word? Sure. But besides that, that was a pretty solid album.
Favorite track: Money for Nothing
Other hits: Why Worry, Your Latest Trick, Walk of Life, Brothers in Arms, One World
The Who
3/5
This is my first album from The Who on here and it’s a fucking live album. Look, it’s The Who. The music’s fine and represents everything the band is, and it’s not the worst live album. Probably because it’s just south of 40 minutes. But like, do I really need to hear them sing songs that aren’t even their own? And when they do sing their songs, they are stretched to high hell. Because everyone knows My Generation sounds better when it’s literally five times as long thanks to the band slapping a medley in it. If I was at that concert, drugged out my mind and surrounded by other Who fans, then maybe that would be fine. Otherwise, just give me the fucking studio album. Give me any studio album, please!
Favorite track: Magic Bus, I guess
Other hits: the parts of My Generation that were My Generation
Television
5/5
So, I’ve seen this album around as a major influence for a ton of rock artists. It’s was an album I kept seeing over and over, yet never seemed to give it a listen. Now the time has finally come, and my god, why did I take so long to give it a whirl. This is a top contender for one of the best early post punk albums and maybe even one of the best rock albums of the 70’s. The production is insanely good, especially with the guitar. It sounds so raw, and yet somewhat clean. And the vibes these guys achieve are incredible, going from somewhat dark to even beautiful. There’s a fucking ballad on here and it slaps just like the rest of the album. I truly believe this is definitely worthy of a listen before kicking the bucket. Lord knows how many rock bands would have never formed if this album never happened.
Favorite track: Marquee Moon
Other hits: Guiding Light, Venus, See No Evil, Prove It, Elevation, Torn Curtain
Pulp
4/5
Every time I see the phrase “Mercury Prize Winner” next to an album, it will either be absolutely warranted or make me go “what the fuck were they thinking?”. Granted, my stupid American ass doesn’t know the merit for this award. I don’t even take the Grammy’s seriously at all, but there’s a clear British bias within these 1001 albums, and the authors were hellbent in putting every winner here so it feels inevitable.
I will say, however, that this is one of the good winners. It feels poppy, vibrant, and overall fun while keeping a nice layer of social commentary about class differences, just like the title of this album states. I will say that in a few of the tracks, the singing feel a little… um… uncomfortably horny. Especially on Pencil Skirt and parts of I Spy. I didn’t really care for those parts of the album where the vocalist is telling me he’s getting turnt on. Like, damn, ok, stop it.
Other than that, I enjoyed this one.
Favorite track: Disco 2000
Other hits: Common People, Mis-Shapes, Something Changed, Underwear, F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E, Live Bed Show
AC/DC
3/5
I think my hottest music take is that I think AC/DC is probably the most overrated rock band ever.
Let me be clear: I don’t hate them. I like some of their songs and they can be very catchy at their best. But they are repetitive as hell. Every song consist of some verses and a chorus that consists of repeating the title over and over again. And the songs will always be about rocking, fucking, and rocking while fucking. And every dad loves it and every granddad loves it and every classic rock station will play AC/DC a hundred times a day. It’s tiring.
I give AC/DC this though; this is one of their best albums and it is the swan song of Bon Scott before his death. But I mainly mean that about Side A and Love Hungry Man on Side B. Those are songs that have the best energy and kick the most ass, which it was the band strives for. The other songs are the typical AC/DC stuff: repetitive and samey.
Like I said, I don’t despise AC/DC. It’s just not for me and I’d rather listen to a majority of other rock bands from the seventies. But this is an iconic album for most people and it is worthy of at least a listen, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Or not. I’m just some rando on the internet. Don’t take me too seriously please.
Favorite track: Highway to Hell (it’s catchy)
Other hits: Girls Got Rhythm, Touch Too Much, Walk All Over You, Beat Around the Bush, Love Hungry Man
Klaxons
3/5
Half of this album was ok, the other half just straight up annoyed me. It’s just mostly a lot of noise for me, which as a guy that likes metal and hard rock, is a bit ironic. It’s like they put all the 2000’s indie music into a blender and played a lot noise over it. Is this what they call “new rave”? Jesus, it’s not for me.
I mean, some songs like Two Receivers and Golden Skans are fine. But, I’m just getting tired of this kind of shit. Like, I try not to bring up the obvious British bias the original book seems to have and give every album a chance. But like, for every album like this from the UK that I get, I like it like…60% of the time. This one just came and went for me like the rest. Ugh, next.
Favorite track: Golden Skans
Other hits: Two Receivers, Gravity’s Rainbow, It’s Not Over Yet, As Above So Below
Beastie Boys
5/5
It’s really difficult to pin down the Beastie Boys into a specific genre. I mean, of course they’re mainly hip-hop and that’s what they most known for. But it’s only a fraction of their talent and Ill Communication shows that in spades. Not only is this a contender for the one of the best hip-hop album’s of the 90’s, it’s also probably one of the best jazz albums and the best funk albums. The flow between something like Sure Shot and Ricky’s Theme is astounding. Everything is so smooth here and nothing feels jarring or out of place. And I didn’t even mention the rock elements. Even though they only do it twice (Tough Guy and Heart Attack Man), the Beastie Boys make for a very convincing punk rock effort.
And then there’s fucking Sabotage. In a time when grunge was at its peak, it’s incredible that a rap trio can create one of the standalone rock songs of the decade. It’s iconic and it alone would convince me to give this album five stars. Honestly, to me personally, there really isn’t any hip-hop albums out there that I feel would give me the pleasure that peak Beastie Boys would give me. (I’m still waiting for the day Paul’s Boutique shows up for me. It’s going to be euphoric.) And while this isn’t the B-Boys at their peak, it’s damn near close enough.
Favorite track: Sabotage
Other hits: Sure Shot, Root Down, Ricky’s Theme, Flute Loop, the punk songs (Tough Guy and Heart Attack Man), Bodhisattva Vow, Get It Together, Do It
Goldfrapp
4/5
When I started this album, it felt like a nice and relaxing album, but to a fault. The vocals were neat and airy while the music itself was calming. However, I felt it was going to just stay stagnant for the whole duration and the whole album would be one-note and bland. However, as the album went on, it started to click with me. It felt less boring as more of the electronic and pop elements snuck in. By the time Caravan Girl came on (amazing song by the way), I was pretty much sold. I wouldn’t say that it blew me away and left me awestruck, but it rose past my low expectations. Chill, but not aggressively mellow. I dig it.
Favorite track: Caravan Girl
Other hits: Happiness, Road to Somewhere, A&E, Cologne Cerrone Houdini, Some People
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Ok, so… reputation can be a double edged sword. It sets albums apart as classics, but they also set expectations for some that might be too high. When I saw that I finally got this album, I was a bit nervous. I mean, I knew about Go Your Own Way and Dreams, but I was rating Rumours as a whole effort. What if the deep cuts were forgettable? Honestly, I thought that anything less than a 5 would be disappointing to me. Fortunately, after hearing this album through, I am thankful that Rumours delivered.
I know, it’s one of the most acclaimed album of all time. It’s neck-to-neck with Abbey Road on here for number one. I’m not adding anything of value by being the hundred thousandth person to gush over it. But, I don’t care. Every song here could have been a hit single in their own right. The band has these harmonies that just hit right on every song. Any point on Rumours that I thought I wouldn’t care for a particular song, Fleetwood Mac would always pull through. Honestly, it’s insane how an album can have about three lead singers and not have a weak point anywhere. The Buckingham songs, the Nick songs, the McVie songs, they’re all great. How in God’s name this album came out amid the drugs and tension within the band is miraculous.
On a personal note, Fleetwood Mac is one of my mom’s favorite band, if not her favorite. Hell, her and my aunt both got shirts with the full lyrics of The Chain on them. It’s that deep. So personally, I was hoping that this album would stand out on that merit alone. Also, Go Your Own Way and Dreams are like, S-tier songs, so I was holding some bias down while listening to it. Thankfully, I am now fully convinced that this is one of the best albums of the seventies. Actually, scratch that. This is the best album of the seventies.
Favorite track: Dreams (Between this and Go Your Own Way is like picking your favorite child)
Other hits: The rest of the album. Seriously, that are no weak points.
Green Day
4/5
As someone that only experienced the nineties as a toddler, this is totally what I consider the soundtrack of the decade. That raw, pre-pubescent energy you got as a teenager when the world was yours and you didn’t give a fuck. All distilled into 40 minutes of peak pop punk.
Personally, I think I like the songs individually more than the complete package. Punk, whether in the pop variety or not, tends to create repetitive albums and Dookie isn’t really an exception. But that’s honestly a nitpick and in general, it’s hard to ignore the impact this album had for the band and music in general. It’s make me feel like a nineties kid… even if I remember literally nothing from it.
Favorite track: When I Come Around
Other hits: Basket Case, Welcome to Paradise, She, Longview, Burnout
John Coltrane
3/5
I think I’m running out of ways to state that I don’t care for jazz in these reviews. All these things are the same; I listen to them and retain nothing. Most of them I swear are just noise. If you give me one song from every jazz album that I’ve done and asked me to name what album they come from, I’d drew a blank. I mean, they’re mostly ok, but like it’s become so fatiguing. This was no different, even if this is apparently a masterpiece of jazz. Look, it’s not bad, it’s alright. But as far as I’m concerned, it’s just more of the same. Songs stretched too long and filled with random instrument playing without much synergy. Next album, please.
Favorite track: Part IV- Psalm (it sounded the most coherent)
Other hits: nothing really else honestly
OutKast
2/5
Ok, I’m putting my foot down. No fucking album, in this universe, should ever, EVER, be close to two fucking hours. I’m sick and fucking tired of double albums as is. And of course it’s a rap/hip-hop album too, my favorite genre. That’s sarcasm if you can’t tell.
You know, I’ve gotten Stankonia prior to this. I actually enjoyed it, but I had one big criticism; it was a little too long. This album basically looked at this critique, said “lol”, and doubled down on the length, literally.
Ok, I know, I’m harping a little much about the length, but here’s my other problem. There are good songs on this album, but I had to wade through a lot of the other stuff to get to it. I mean, The Way You Move and Hey Ya are iconic and stuff like Church, Prototype, and Roses are really good, but that’s like a handful of songs. On a normal album, a collection of songs like that would be great, but here’s there just drops in the ocean. Everything else just padded the experience. No album should be an endurance test. My mind was starting to wane before Speakerboxxx ended. It’s yet another double album that fatigued me.
Look, maybe this whole thing is on me. I have a feeling that if you don’t like rap or hip-hop, this album will do nothing to fix that. And like I said, there are good songs. In this streaming era, you can just pick the songs you like and save them, which is great. But as a whole package, I hated this and considering that I kinda like OutKast, that really sucks.
*by the way, if I had to pick, I liked The Love Below over Speakerboxxx. It was more r&b in some places, and overall the tracks were better in my opinion.
Favorite track: The Way You More for Speakerboxxx, Hey Ya for The Love Below
Other hits: Roses, Church, Bust, Prototype, Happy Valentine’s Day, My Favorite Things
Björk
4/5
So prior to now, I haven’t heard really anything from Björk. I’ve obviously heard of her, but never really heard a song from her. Now, after being on this earth for 29 years, I’m wondering why it took so long.
Truth be told, I thought it would be some kind of soft avant-garde album that would weird me out and not really be my thing. I wasn’t expecting a good mix of 90’s dance with some other moods. And above it all is Björk’s vocals. I don’t know if her voice is polarizing, but honestly consider me a fan. It’s this nice, sort of angelic voice that feels like it’s always on the verge of going off key, but never does. I never considered how such a voice can coexist with some dance music, but it’s a great experience. Honestly, this makes me hopeful that there’s more Björk coming up on here. I would like to see how she’s evolved over time and see if she captured her full potential. But as of now, it’s easy to see how she made a name for herself off her debut.
Favorite track: Come to Me
Other hits: Crying, Venus As A Boy, There’s More To Life Than This, Big Time Sensuality, Violently Happy, Human Behaviour, One Day
Dr. Dre
1/5
The Chronic is the prime example of everything that I hate about rap music. It’s just a monotonous slog of the most typical gangster rap to exist; nothing but rapping about sex and your dick. There’s not really a message, outside of maybe The Day The N****s Took Over (obviously about the LA Riots given the year this was released), but even then it feels shallow as fuck. Honestly, Rage Against the Machine did it better with Killing In The Name of, and a good chunk of that song is literally repeating “Fuck You, I won’t do what you tell me”. Outside of that, nothing but rapping about violence and sex and whatever without really a point. To be honest, it’s not really the lyrical content that gets to me, it’s just not anything special given it’s reputation. Outside of pretty being Snoop Dogg’s platform to his own success, what the fuck about this album makes it iconic? The production’s nice, I guess, but what else? The amount of circle-jerking to Death Row? The terrible skits? (I was going to be a little generous with this album, but after The $20 Sack Pyramid, my generosity took a holiday) I figured maybe a one star might be too harsh and thought at least a two, but then I realized… I don’t want to listen to anything from this album again. There are no songs that I can take that I really enjoyed. Maybe Little Ghetto Boy, and I remember hearing Nuthin’ But A “G”Thang, but like, I’m not crazy for them.
There’s much better rap out there that made as much as an impact that are miles better than this. Hopefully some that don’t use the n word like a crutch.
Favorite track I guess: Lil’ Ghetto Boy
Other hits I guess: Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang
The Cars
4/5
I’ve always had trouble pegging down what exactly The Cars were. Are they a pop band, a new wave band, or a rock band? It’s probably why I’ve been familiar with their hits, but never knew it was their work. Maybe it’s my stupid brain, but it’s hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that You Might Think, Drive, and Just What I Needed were made by the same band. (By the way, Drive might one of my favorite songs of all time, it’s not here but I don’t know if that album is here, so I’m saying it now). Regardless, the one thing I do know is that The Cars make some good music, especially here. The synth elements add a nice flair to the album without making it cheesy or dated. To be honest, most of it feels like it belongs in the next decade. Hard to believe this came out in the seventies, albeit late in the decade.
Overall, who cares what genre The Cars fall into? Good music is good music and this is good music.
Favorite track: Just What I Needed
Other hits: Moving in Stereo, My Best Friends Girl, Don’t Cha Stop, You’re All I’ve Got Tonight, I’m In Touch With Your World
Method Man
3/5
Is it sacrilege to be a native Staten Islander and not listen to anything from the Wu-Tang Clan? I mean, it seems to be one of our only meaningful exports.
Well, honestly, I’m hoping that didn’t have a huge impact of my experience with this album. In my opinion, this was very serviceable rap. Some songs were good, some were ok, and some were weird. Seriously, I don’t know if I like the weird riff of I Will Survive on Release Yo’ Delf. I didn’t see anything special about this album, and I hope that sentiment doesn’t continue when I’m given an actual Wu-Tang album to cover. But given that rap isn’t my favorite genre, serviceable will do just fine.
Favorite track: All I Need
Other hits: Bring The Pain, What the Blood Clot, I Get My Thang In Action, Stimulation, Meth Vs. Chef
4/5
I feel really bad for anyone who gets this album as their first David Bowie on here. Imagine staring with peak like this and then never quite hitting it for the plethora of other David Bowie albums.
Ok, I’ll say this now. I don’t personally consider this one of my favorite albums of all time. It doesn’t quite hit that “5-star” caliber for me that some others had. Is this my favorite Bowie album? Hard to say, this was only my fourth from him on here and I still have plenty to go. But it is for sure a contender and I can see why it is considered a classic. Honestly, if I can’t rate the album 5 stars, I can rate some of the songs 5 stars. The whole “bisexual alien rockstar saves the Earth from the apocalypse” puts a really creative backdrop for the album. I know it’s been said a hundred times, but the bookends songs, Five Years and Rock n’ Roll Suicide are excellent. Starman is one of Bowie’s absolute best songs, with Ziggy Stardust and Suffragette City not fear behind.
If some of the lesser songs were a little tighter (in my opinion), I would have definitely put this up on my summary. But this is the magnum opus for Bowie so far for me. It’ll be interesting to see if it gets topped.
Favorite track: Starman
Other hits: Ziggurat Stardust, Suffragette City, Rock n’ Roll Suicide, Five Years
Steve Winwood
3/5
I feel like albums like this just treated a bit harshly on here. Look, I get it, the album’s pretty dated and soft yacht rock with synth is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. But there’s still charm in this album coming from the “Higher Love” guy. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who only knew Steve Winwood for that song).
That being said, Arc of a Diver suffers from two problems: the songs run a little too long and they lack variety. Because of this, the album feels like it drags, which is impressive considering that this is only 40 minutes. It’s one of those albums that you can take one or two songs from instead of going through the whole album. Regardless, it’s just really background noise that tries to be Peter Gabriel. Not terrible, but not particularly great.
Favorite track: While You See A Chance
Other hits: Night Train, Spanish Dancer, Second-Hand Woman
MGMT
4/5
MGMT is one of those music acts that I heard about, but never focused on listening to, despite their popularity. I got to say, I really dig this. It’s a nice blend of pop and electronic that doesn’t really drag or turn into background music. And it doesn’t come off as too indie either, if that makes any sense. It’s party music that doesn’t feel like party music. I was only eleven when this album came out, so it’s nice to finally get to hear it after all these years. Hopefully I get to see more from MGMT on here to see how they progressed.
Favorite track: Kids
Other hits: Time To Pretend, Weekend Wars, 4th Dimensional Transition, Of Moons, Birds, and Monsters, Future Reflections
The Offspring
4/5
I hope to God that there’s someone here that played Crazy Taxi enough to have the songs “All I Want” and “Way Down the Line” etched into their memory banks alongside Bad Religion. Hell, that drum beat at the end of Smash takes me back to the menu theme for the home port of the game. I’m just laying this here, since Ixnay on the Hombre is most than likely not gonna be here. But it’s shows that The Offspring kinda built a nostalgic place in my heart, so I’m pretty biased.
Listening to this, I kinda get the whole “sounding like Nirvana” thing. But the punk style of the Offspring definitely sets it apart and Dexter Holland certainly doesn’t come off like Kurt Cobain. It’s just a nice relic of the type of music that saw the limelight in the nineties. It’s fun, frantic and even delves into a serious issue or two. It’s not my personal favorite from the band, but it’s still a good time.
Favorite track: Self Esteem
Other hits: Come Out and Play, Gotta Get Away, Genocide, What Happened to You?, Not the One, Smash
Marvin Gaye
4/5
I’m pretty sure a couple of people were conceived because of this album. Just a hunch.
Weirdly enough, my man problem with this album is that it’s too, uhm, sexy. As someone who really enjoyed What’s Going On, this one felt less smooth and more groovy. Honestly, at times, this really felt like bedroom music, which makes causal listening feel awkward. God forbid you don’t listen to this while doing it and instead driving home from work. The Gowanus Expressway doesn’t need to hear that woman on You Sure Like To Ball moan.
Outside that though, it’s still Marvin Gaye. When Marvin hits, he hits and sets the standard for r&b to come. It’s not as close to perfection as What’s Going On for me, but this one still raises to the occasion…
Yeah, that’s a bad joke.
Favorite track: Let’s Get It On
Other hits: Come Get To This, If I Should Die Tonight, Distant Lover, You Sure Love To Ball
Killing Joke
3/5
You know, I figured an industrial post-punk album would be directly up my alley. Industrial metal is a guilty pleasure of mine and the idea of this brooding dark album was too interesting to pass up. But after listening to this, I’m a little conflicted here. I feel the dark vibes are there, but weirdly I don’t feel enough of them. Some of this was catching, but most of this was a bit monotonous. I just don’t think this clicked with me, which is a little disappointing. It wasn’t bad, but I was kind of hoping for more.
Favorite track: The Wait
Other hits: Bloodsport, Wardance, Complications
PJ Harvey
4/5
I have an interesting dilemma with this album. The first album I was given here for PJ Harvey was Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. I really enjoyed it and was excited for what else would lie in store for me from PJ. Then here comes this album.
Debuts are weird, since they are usually made before an artist molds into their sound. There are rare exceptions, but mostly debuts tend to be the more forgettable part of the discography. I wasn’t sure how Dry would end up and felt that it would follow that trend. However, it ended up being pretty good and made me wonder which album from PJ I liked better.
It seems PJ leaned more hardly onto the alternative rock side of her music than the more subdued sound from Stories. Much like Stories, PJ’s vocals are wonderful. I’d actually say that they sound better here with the harsh guitar riffs. I know the term “raw sound” feels overused for indie rock, but it’s kind of the best way to describe this. How I have never listened to PJ Harvey before alongside Nirvana and Stone Temple Pilots is a mystery to me. My only complaint is that I think it slightly fizzled at the end. The last few tracks don’t really have the same oomp. Besides that, this album makes me wonder how PJ sound evolved to get to what it was on Stories. Other than that, Dry thankfully was a lot more than forgettable, which is all I can ask for a debut.
Favorite track: Sheela-Na-Gig
Other hits: Dress, O Stella, Hair, Happy and Bleeding, Oh My Lover
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I’ll admit that I never cared for Bruce Springsteen. It’s not a hatred thing, it’s more straight apathy. Something about this album felt like it would be different. It’s more acoustic and it’s got a darker lyrical tone. So I figured I might like it. But really, it’s just ok.
The album alternates between some slower paced songs and the usual Springsteen style songs, but like, more sad I guess. Honestly, I wish the whole album was just the slow stuff, because I liked those songs a bit better. And to be blunt, I didn’t really feel much from the somber lyrics. Half the songs are just about someone committing a crime, and the other half is just reminiscing on childhood. I kind of just wish Springsteen focused more on one aspect or the other.
I kind of respect the idea of Bruce deviating away from his usual stuff and attempting to go into a bold direction. And I admit, it almost works in some ways. But it doesn’t change my opinion of his music that much for me.
Favorite track: Mansion on the Hill
Other hits: Highway Patrolman, Used Cars, My Father’s House, Nebraska
Kanye West
3/5
Jesus fucking Christ, it’s another Kanye West album. You know, when you become a hotpot of controversy, it becomes a Herculean effort to separate art from the artist. It’s even harder when you don’t really give a shit about hip-hop or rap to begin with. So, to be honest, I just want to move on and get this over with.
This album was only fine, but much like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, I went in and out not understanding what in the fuck people see in Kanye to make them say “he’s a terrible human being that makes great music”. Because to me, he’s a terrible human being that makes okay music.
The only reason I won’t completely rip this album is, and this might be weird, is because… some of the music behind the rapping is really good. Like if someone took out all of Kanye and like, keep some of the instrumental parts with the higher pitch stuff, this would be actually great. Especially on Through the Wire.
As is, outside of a few fleeting moments, I largely didn’t care. It’s got all the rap album trappings: being over an hour, songs that come off as annoying and “comedic” skits. Ok, actually, Graduation Day is pretty funny. That “What in the fuck was that” lives rent free in my head. But the diploma skits overstayed their welcome. We get it, Kanye, diplomas are worthless, I didn’t need like three skits pounding that info into my skull. And dear god, the fuck even is Last Call? You seriously end your album with a 12-minute song that’s mostly just you talking? I didn’t this I would yes an album to death, but… here I am.
Look, I just want to move on from this. I have like 800+ albums to go and the less I have to deal with Kanye West the better. Outside of all his bullshit, this was just ok, but I’m confidant in saying that I’ll never get Kanye West. Both in terms of his music and person. And frankly, I just don’t care.
Favorite track: Slow Jamz
Other hits: Through the Wire, The New Workout Plan, All Falls Down, Family Business
The Libertines
2/5
Let me get something off my chest. I see that one of the “highlights” of this album is that it’s on a BBC list for the most overrated albums or some shit. How pathetic do you have to be to use some bullshit media poll to form an opinion? Like seriously, form you own damn opinion. These fucking lists are meant to drive engagement for profit. Don’t listen to crap like that. I’m not even saying this to defend this album, because I think it sucks.
It’s too poppy to sound punk, and it’s too indie to sound pop. Add some grating vocals to the mix and this was just bad to get through. Outside of a few moments, it’s hard for me to believe that was even popular enough to be considered overrated. It just feels like more British shit for the list. Maybe the BBC can recommend more “overrated” albums better than this.
Favorite track: Music When the Lights Go Out
Other hits: Campaign of Hate
Shuggie Otis
4/5
I feel like on the surface level, this album would get like a 3. A lot of the stuff here kind of borders on being generic funk and some of this album feels more like a concept than a finished product. There are a few songs that kind of come and go, like Happy House and XL-30. But there is something about the sound of this album that carries it over. I’ve never heard of Shuggie Otis before this. He seems like a very underrated artist, because it’s criminal that I heard none of this before. This is the chillest funk I’ve heard in a while. It’s so smooth and every song puts you in a state of ease. The real disappointment is that this album is only 30 minutes long. Like out of all the artists that made double albums, why not this stuff?
For some people, this might be a lot of nothing, and I would get that. But everything worked so well here, that I’m bumping my rating to a 4. This was a very pleasant surprise.
Favorite track: Rainy Day
Other hits: Island Letter, XL-30, Pling!, Aht Uh Mi Hed, Sparkle City
Brian Wilson
3/5
I’m going to end up dating this review, but this must be said. I got this album the day after Brian Wilson died, which means either this site has a nice tribute feature where it will auto-generate an album after a death, or I have the weirdest luck. Regardless, this is going to be complicated for a few reasons.
Let me start by saying that I don’t particularly care for The Beach Boys. They always felt like a gimmick band to me; the surf doo-wasp group. Outside of God Only Knows and Kokomo, I always felt that were one trick ponies. So I had no idea whatever Smile is or was. The whole ordeal is one big fucking rabbit hole that I don’t have the time to research right now. I was eight when this came out so I have no idea how much the hype was for something like this. Honestly, the story of this album is more interesting than the actual album… or whatever this is.
Smile is perhaps the most confusing album I had ever heard. I might go as far as to call it a mess. Every song felt like five songs crammed into one. I swear to God I had to keep looking at Spotify to make sure I was on the same song. And some of these songs just…suck. I’m sorry, but what the fuck are some of these? Here’s a fun experiment: if you are ever given control of the aux cable, play Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow for the whole car to hear. Anyone that still wants to associate with you are your real friends.
But for real, I felt like I was listening to a kid’s album, with the overused of slide whistles and whatnot. I got secondhand embarrassment from this at moments.
Despite this, there are a few beautiful moments. I’ll just say that for Brian Wilson to finally see his project come to life, sort of, after all the shit he went through is an achievement in itself. There’a also some songs like In Blue Hawaii and Surf’s Up that were actually pretty good.
This is probably the most awkward album to get at the most awkward time. Given it’s status, I can’t say it was really worth it and it was ok at best. But albums like this intrigue me and it’s fun when an album goes beyond the tracks and has a weird history of its own. If Smile ever did get released, I don’t know if I would react the same. But it a bit for an album to stick with me, for better or worse. So Smile’s got that.
Rest in peace, Brian Wilson. You didn’t have an easy life, but it left an impact on many people.
Favorite track: Surf’s Up
Other hits: This one’s hard because of the weird nature of the album. I’m just going to list Good Vibrations and Wonderful here.
The Specials
4/5
I’ve always considered the fusion of ska and punk to be a 90’s ordeal. It’s in due thanks to the stuff by Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and 311. Thought I don’t think any of them stack up to the likes of the Specials. This album really catches both the spirits of punk and reggae: the catchy melodies mixed with lyrics that carry their politics. You can easily see the influence these guys had in ska’s semi-renaissance in the 90’s. Outside of maybe dragging a bit near the end, I really enjoyed this one.
Favorite track: Concrete Jungle
Other hits: Too Much Too Young, Too Hot, A Message To You Rudy, It’s Up To You, Doesn’t Make It Alright, Monkey Man, You’re Wondering Now, Little Bitch
Eminem
4/5
So…Eminem.
I have very distinct memories of hearing The Real Slim Shady multiple times as a child. It was on a mixtape my parents made for that I would listen to on our annual vacation to Long Beach Island, a beach town on the east coast of New Jersey. Don’t worry, it was the censored version… actually that still might not have been appropriate for me. Oh well.
Given my adverse reactions to rap and hip-hop, Eminem was always an exception to me. Of course, this isn’t saying much. Saying you like rap because you listen to Eminem has the same aura as saying you like metal because you listen to Metallica. But I’ll attempt to somewhat justify my reasonings.
Let me get some of the negative stuff out of the way. Yes, this album relies on a certain f-word and I’m not talking about “fuck”. Eminem constantly throws the word around the album, and it never gets easier to swallow. I understand that Eminem doesn’t want you to read his lyrics literally, but at some point you pass a limit. I’m not going to debate whether or not Eminem is homophobic himself; that’s something for him to sort out. But it severely dates the album, which is kind of sad for something released in the year 2000.
Also, the album loves to bang its themes over your head. So much of this album really is about Eminem reflecting over his fame and his attitude. It starts to get a little tiring hearing Marshall tell me that he didn’t expect to blow up like he did. So fucking humble…
Lastly, some of this album relies on the tropes of other rap albums that I don’t care for: songs about Eminem’s dick and drugs and guns, with some skits thrown in.
These cons kind of diminish the LP, since I thought Eminem was more of an outlier, a break from the conventional. But parts of the LP felt like the Chronic with some violence thrown in. (And if you want to know what I thought about the Chronic, refer to my summary page, at the bottom).
With all of that being said however, there’s something here that makes this album… I guess dynamic? I weirdly find Marshall to be pretty funny during his more comedic songs. I think that’s why The Real Slim Shady struck a chord with me for so many years. Kill You has the same vibe too, which helps keep the seriousness of the violence down. But when Marshall gets serious, he leaves an impact. Stan is a very haunting song that shows the dangers of obsession. It’s a lesson that sadly nobody’s learnt, since the term “Stan” is now just straight up a loosely used term for liking something. It’s in the same vein as believing that “Take Me to Church” is pro-religion. And I never want to listen to Kim again. The way Marshall is practically screaming through the song, mixed with the fact he’s talking about his actual wife at the time, is disturbing. And it takes a lot for me to find something disturbing.
Is the Marshall Mathers LP a dated-juvenile effort? Sure. I think I don’t really agree with Marshall’s idea of “just because I say it in the song doesn’t mean I do it in real life”. At some point, it just comes off as edgy. But there are legitimate moments on this album that struck me, which for a rap album is a hard task when it comes to me. That can’t be understated. My takeaway is that I can only take Eminem in certain doses. But when I get those doses, it usually hits the spot.
Favorite track: The Real Slim Shady
Other hits: Stan, Who Knew, Criminal, Kill You, The Way I Am, Kim
4/5
It feels terrible to label Devo as a one-hit wonder band because of that one song with the music video where they wear those nipple hats. If their debut is anything to go by, they certainly shown enough talent and creativity to warrant more than one song. Granted, I feel like Devo walked so the Talking Heads can run, but it’s hard to imagine what new wave would be without this. It’s a perfect mash-up of surf rock and classic sci-fi that comes off as genuinely catchy. There’s some good weird shit in here, from Space Junk to the deconstructed cover of I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction). Hope the list makers saw more potential in Devo to put more on here.
Favorite track: Jocko Homo
Other hits: Uncontrollable Urge, Praying Hands, Shrivel-Up, Mongoloid, I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction), Space Junk
Kate Bush
3/5
There are albums that I gotten here that I know what to rate the moment they end and there are albums that I have no idea how to rate. This album is part of the latter.
I kind of wanted to like this. I don’t know shit about Kate Bush (outside of that song, you know the one), so I was hoping this would be a great start. But to be real with you, I couldn’t get a handle of this and a large chunk of it was because of Kate’s vocals. They’re all over the place, changing pitch and tone constantly. Sometimes she’s high-pitched and delicate and other times she’s fucking screaming like she’s in a metal band. I know Kate is talented and this is a personal gripe, but I didn’t care for her style here. Also, this album doesn’t feel really too experimental. Like, it’s in this in between where it’s coherent, but not easily assessable.
This could have been great. I would love me some catchy 80’s progressive pop with some quirkiness. But really, I found this only okay. I’m hoping this wasn’t a bad start for me for Kate Bush and that this was just a weird exception.
Favorite track: Houdini
Other hits: Get Out of My House (minus the donkey noises), Pull Out the Pin, Suspended in Gaffa, The Dreaming
The Lemonheads
4/5
The amount of shock I had seeing the Lemonheads on this project was massive. You mean the guys that did that cover of Mrs. Robinson got on here? So like, are the Ataris and Alien Ant Farm here too? Because apparently being one-hit wonders where the “one-hit” is a cover is in vogue here.
Actually all jokes aside, I actually think that cover is the weakest part of the album. It’s really just a standard rock cover of a classic song. Just play it faster and louder. I really have no idea how it got that popular. The actual album itself isn’t bad. It lacks variety and sounds pretty much like a lot of other 90’s rock bands, but the vibes are there. At about 30 minutes, you can do worse. If anything, it a neat reminder that there was more to rock in the 90’s outside of grunge. These guys honestly remind me of the Gin Blossoms. Their sound has that same catchy energy. God I would kill for New Miserable Experience to be on here.
Anyway, this technically could be a 3, but I’m a sucker for this, so 4 it is.
Favorite track (outside of Mrs. Robinson): It’s A Shame About Ray
Other hits: Confetti, My Drug Buddy, Rudderless, Rockin’ Stroll, Frank Mills
Elliott Smith
4/5
I feel that a lot of what I think about this album is more of the same for the previous Elliott Smith album I got (Figure Eight), so I keep this brief. I think Elliott makes some nice songs. He has a melancholy style that is too depressing and the tracks are catchy as they are emotional. It’s kinda sad I’ve never even heard of him before this project. Lord knows where he would have went as time went on.
Favorite track: Pictures of Me
Other hits: Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Punch and Judy, Say Yes, 2:45 AM, No Name No. 5
Nirvana
5/5
It’s hard for me to pick whether I like Nevermind or this more. Nevermind, while iconic, is more assessable, due to its polish. I mean, to the average person, Smells Like Teen Spirit is easier to listen to than say, Heart-Shaped Box. But In Utero is more “Nirvana”. It showcases the true sound of the band, which makes the fact of this being the last release from Nirvana just all the more tragic. Maybe the eternal mystery of what Nirvana could have been after this album adds to the appeal of it. I don’t really want to say hyperbolic terms like “Kurt Cobain was the voice of a generation” or some crap like that. I just see him as someone who somehow managed to strike a chord with the youth at the time. I’d go as far as to say that Nirvana and Kurt were really the only act to be “grunge”- moody, abrasive, and guttural. Every grunge act after has been chasing them for years.
Listening to In Utero is bittersweet. It’s a worthy successor to Nevermind, but it makes you wonder if Nirvana would have had the same level of success, had history been different. But as it is, it’s a fitting end to one of rock’s shortest lifespans.
Favorite track: All Apologies
Other hits: Heart-Shaped Box, Rape Me, Dumb, Pennyroyal Tea, Milk It, Scentless Apprentice, Very Ape
The Black Keys
3/5
This album is filled with the type of songs that if I heard on a rock radio station, I’d flip through stations to find something else. And I’m not talking about the classic rock stations that play AC/DC and Led Zeppelin over and over again. I’m talking about the modern rock stations. The kind of stations that will put this on along with Imagine Dragons.
My biggest gripe is that all the songs sound almost the same. Everything is just the same indie fluff, complete with that annoying vocal reverb. I know the top reviews point this out, but this was just a collection of commercial songs. Hell, I recognized Howlin’ For You because I heard it during a commercial. I don’t even remember what the fucking product was, but I remember the song.
This album is not abysmal. It’s okay. But I think I’m good with anything from the Black Keys ever again.
Favorite track: Howlin’ For You
Other hits: Sinister Kid, Black Mud, The Only One, Tighten Up
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I don’t know what it was, but I kind of wanted to love this one. A post-punk album with some shades of gloom feels right up my alley. But after listening to this, I couldn’t quite get into it. Something felt off. Maybe it was the way all the songs blended together. Outside of Porcupine, most of the songs sounded kind of the same, or at least felt extremely similar. This made going through the album a bit of a slog. There are some good moments, for sure, and I like the overall The Cure vibe these guys bring. But now I just want to listen to The Cure.
The reviews here made it clear this will not be my last time with this band. Though, I can’t say this was a great first impression…
Favorite track: Higher Hell
Other hits: Porcupine, Clay, In Bluer Skies, Gods Will Be Gods, The Cutter
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
4/5
Ok, this is the type of weird shit that I want to see generated. I have never heard of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra in my life. Frankly, I thought this looked like a joke album. The name of the band and album cover alone warranted my attention.
However, what I got was surprisingly substantial. This album is all over the place, and for the first time maybe ever, I mean that as a compliment. It’s beautiful (Sound of Someone You Love), it’s bizarre (Milk), it’s happy (Giles Farnaby’s Dream), it’s creepy (Pigtail). It’s weird, but in the best way. It’s not “lol random” weird or satirical weird or experimental weird. It’s a controlled weird that knows when to stay grounded and when to be wild.
I won’t say this blew me away, but it genuinely impressed me. I feel like if more out of left field stuff like this was on this list, it would make it ten times better.
Favorite track: The Sound of Someone You Love Who’s Going Away And It Doesn’t Matter
Other hits: Penguin Cafe Single, Chartered Flight, From the Colonies, Milk, Surface Tension, Giles Farnaby’s Dream
Patti Smith
4/5
I spent a good chunk of my listening time with this album deciding if I liked or not. I was a bit mixed on Patti’s voice and couldn’t tell if it was annoying or not. It did eventually grow on me, as I thought it sounded like a punk-fused Fleetwood Mac. Lyrically, the songs were hit-or-miss. While I enjoyed something like Kimberly, Birdland was a little esoteric. Honestly, most of the album was esoteric. But most of the songs were enjoyable, despite not fully understanding the songs.
It’s also easy to see the influence this album had on other artists. This list gave me two PJ Harvey albums that I very much enjoyed and I can tell this album was a heavy influence on her. I think I’d rate this on the influence more than the content. Either way, I ended up enjoying this album. I’m not sure I’d consider itself an all-timer, but it’s still good.
Favorite track: Redondo Beach
Other hits: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo, Free Money, Kimberly, Elegie
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
When I first started this project, I thought soul would be one of the rougher genres for me to get through. However, that assumption has been pretty wrong for the most part. Many of the soul albums I got have been silky smooth and are usually a treat to listen to. This album, however, was kind of more what I was expecting from soul music before I started.
It not bad by any means, and I appreciate the balance between sex and social themes. But all the songs last a minute longer than they should and they all sound the same. This album may be 35 minutes, but it felt longer. Also, I’m not really a fan of Curtis’ falsetto. It’s just a bit too high for me, personally.
Favorite track: Billy Jack
Other hits: Jesus, Hard Times
Bee Gees
2/5
I didn’t want to come into this hating it because it wasn’t the standard Bee Gees disco that everyone knows. But this did nothing for me. Frankly, Saturday Night Fever was the best thing to happen to these guys because this was kind of bleh. Every track sounds like a Beatles ripoff and the whole album carries this melancholic soft rock ambience that gets old fast. And this was the band 9th album! What the hell did they do for the other eight?
I feel like the main thing that pisses me off about this is that there’s nothing special about this album. It’s just a bland pop album from the 70’s from the band your parents would play to death at parties (or maybe grandparents at this point in time). Honestly, this isn’t a must hear at all.
Favorite track: Walking Back to Waterloo
Other hits: Israel, How Can You Mead A Broken Heart, Don’t Wanna Live Inside Myself, Remembering, Dearest
The Who
3/5
Tommy always felt like one of those albums that get passed around circles as one of the greatest ever made…in terms of rock operas. At least that’s what everyone tells me. That’s what Wikipedia told me. It also told me the plot synopsis, since I couldn’t understand it for my life. Yeah, that’s my problem with concept albums or rock operas. I try to get a grasp on the “plot”, like a movie, and end up sacrificing all my listening power trying to understand what the hell is going on.
So what I think I’m trying to say is that I kind of think Tommy is a little overrated. Yeah, there are good songs here and there, but the whole thing feels over-indulgent and a little full of itself. I think it lost me somewhere in the 10-minute underture, which felt like padding in an already unnecessarily long album. The only things I grasped were that Tommy’s very good at pinball and the less I know about Uncle Ernie, the better.
I hope I don’t feel the same when I eventually get The Wall by Pink Floyd.
Favorite track: Pinball Wizard
Other hits: Christmas, Fiddle About, Go To The Mirror!
D'Angelo
3/5
This was very much a r&b album from the 90’s. Very smooth, but kinda boring. The kind of album where a song would come on, I would blank out, and when I resume to pay attention, the same song would be playing. I was debating giving this a two, but some of the later songs won me over a bit. So it get an extra star. Hallelujah.
Favorite track: When We Get By
Other hits: Crusin’, Shit,Damn,Motherfucker, Smooth, Lady
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Gotta love albums that have two different versions in separate countries. I’m assuming the book listed the UK version, considering it has a hard-on for the UK. But ultimately, I opted for the US version, because it was shorter… and because of Paint It Black. I’m not skipping that song.
In reality though, it doesn’t matter. The differences is song order, as well as four songs that didn’t make the US version. Aftermath, regardless of region, was okay. Most of the songs were just kind of standard repetitive 60’s pop. Stuff like Stupid Girl and Under My Thumb were nice and catchy. But I really could have done without Going Home. Eleven minutes of Mick Jagger improvising is a hard pass from me. Honestly, it was a good call for the US version to stick it at the end. The UK version puts it in the middle. That would have made the rest of the album fatiguing.
This was definitely not my favorite album from The Rolling Stones. It’s considered their breakthrough, but I think they needed more development, personally.
Favorite track: Paint It Black
Other hits: Under My Thumb, Stupid Girl, I Am Waiting, Out of Time
B.B. King
4/5
I feel like this project has given me an impulse reaction to dismiss any live album that pops up for me. I’d rather just get a studio album, as opposed to a recording of some random performance that some producers thought was good enough to slap onto a record and sell. This one, however, was an exception.
Given it’s a blues live album, I’ll admit that a lot of this can be a bit repetitive. But given the short runtime of this album, it’s not that bad.
It’s also B.B. King. The sheer energy he had was one of a kind. I understand now why he’s considered a legend. Even the crowd here could sense it. They were going ballistic for almost the whole thing. This is one of the few albums that justifies being live. It really feels like a moment where “you just had to be there”.
Favorite track: Sweet Little Angel
Other hits: It’s My Own Fault, You Upset Me Baby, Help the Poor, How Blue Can You Get?
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
So somewhere along my time here, I stumbled upon the fact that Dexys Midnight Runners had three albums placed on the list. I don’t know why, but that felt hilarious to me. It’s like Robert Dimey was really into them and pressured people into listening to them outside of “Come on Eileen”. Apparently this is one of those albums that got a so-called “critical reappraisal” after getting not so good reviews when it came out. I hate to them that I don’t get it… actually I don’t. I don’t get it.
I’ll be blunt: this was frustrating. There are glimmers of a good album here and I feel the same energy from DMR that they gave from that one song you know. But there’s just too much bullshit here. The songs are too bloated, Kevin Rowland’s vocals get too dopey, and there a lot of fucking talking. Did they think people want to hear them causally talking for a good chunk of the album?
If they fixed a few things, I would have thoroughly enjoyed this one. But the fact is that it’s not good. Some things get the praise they deserve years after they come out. This ain’t one of those things.
Favorite track: the parts of This is What She’s Like that are a coherent song
Other hits: The Waltz, One of Those Things, Listen to This
The Incredible String Band
4/5
I think this is the album that made me question myself. I don’t mean that in the sense that I thought it was awful, like seemingly 90% of the user base here thinks. But because I’m starting to ask myself if I’m just easy to please. This is my fourth album given to me from the lowest rated part of the list. I was expecting a shitshow of weird 60’s psychedelic music that was probably made by a cult or something. But like the other lowest rated albums I got, I left wondering what the hell people thought was that wrong with it.
Yeah, it’s got its share of bizarre lyrics, it sounds like it comes from the pits of a local renaissance fair, and it slightly overstays its welcome. But the music mostly competent, dare I say slightly soothing. The instruments and vocals do blend really nicely, which is nothing what I thought it was going to be.
Much like the other lowest-rated albums I got (outside of Kollaps, that was rough), I have no idea why this got the rating it did. It’s weird, I get that. But there’s got to be way worse on here. Maybe I’m just easy to please.
Favorite track: Koeeoaddi There
Other hits: Witches Hat, A Very Celluoid Song, The Minotaur’s Song, Nightfall, Mercy I Cry City
Björk
2/5
I’d like to begin this by saying that this is only my second Björk album that I got. My first was Debut, which I surprisingly really liked. I remember saying in the review for that album, that it was different from what I expected and that I was looking forward to more from Björk. This album right here, however, was exactly what I feared a Björk album would be.
Look, I knew Vulnicura would be leagues different than Debut. The circumstances around Björk were not as happy, so obviously there wasn’t going to be as much trip hop electronic this time around. But I feel as a result, she became a little more…grating? I’m trying not to dismiss this album because it’s weird. Weird usually can mean fun, but here it just… bored me. I think Björk has some beautiful vocals, but the runtime of the tracks here make her wear out her welcome really fast. It’s one of those albums where I would look to see how long a song was going for and the progress bar wouldn’t even be halfway.
Maybe this album came at the wrong time. The distance between this and Debut is quite a bit, and I never really got to grasp how Björk’s sound progressed. But I just couldn’t get into this one. But it’s okay. Apparently, there still plenty more Björk left for me here. Hope this is the exception and not the rule.
Favorite track: Quicksand (not because it’s the last track. I really liked it the most)
Other hits: History of Touches, Notget, Mouth Mantra
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
I’m not exaggerating when I say that it literally took me one second into this album for me to realize I was gonna love it. Arctic Monkeys was one of those bands that were somewhere on the edge of my radar, but never really got to the center. I think I considered them too indie for me, probably because of AM (I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it). But after this, I’m practically kicking myself for never really giving them a shot. It’s got every good element of 2000’s rock and alternative. It’s catchy, frantic, and never one-note. I genuinely don’t think there was one weak song here. Even the slow song Riot Van didn’t break the streak. This list has given me some drivel from the UK music scene in the 2000’s. Really, all they needed to give me was stuff like this. Fucking fantastic.
Favorite track: Between A Certain Romance and The View From The Afternoon. It’s hard to pick.
Other hits: rest of the album
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Oh boy, here comes a review of Kendrick Lamar from a non-rap listener. Guess it took this long for me to listen to him, because I gusss the Drake beef and the Super Bowl weren’t enough.
I heard plenty of good things about Kendrick, but let’s just say that I didn’t reach an epiphany from this. Some of the problems I have with rap albums are present here, such as the long length (why are most rap albums fucking an hour long) and the questionable lyrical material. I don’t mean “questionable” like offensive, but more in the sense of juvenile. I’m starting to come to terms that shit like this is what to expect in rap/hip-hop albums and Kendrick couldn’t convince me otherwise.
He has, however, provided some refreshing changes. For one, there aren’t any skits in the sense that they are…voicemails? Is that what you would call them? Whatever they are, they add more value to the album than any stupid skit would have. I also noticed that I liked the latter half of the album more than the former, probably because it shows Kendrick maturing as the album goes on. It’s a nice little touch that gives this album a slight edge over some of the other hip-hop I heard.
Overall, I’m not completely sold on Kendrick Lamar. I can see why many would love this album, but it’s really not for me personally. Maybe his later efforts can help convince me. I’m sure that there are down the pipeline on this site.
Favorite track: Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thrist
Other hits: Swimming Pools (Drank), Real, Compton, Money Trees, Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe
The War On Drugs
3/5
This album made me feel two very different feelings. On one hand, the very melancholic nature of some of the songs hit me kind of deep. I don’t know how to describe it, but I felt a weird sense of nostalgia; a longing for some of the times I experienced a decade ago. I think it had to do with the reverb guitar. It was kind of beautiful to be honest.
On the other hand, it was boring as shit. The album drones on for too long and some of this sounds like a depressed Tom Petty. All the emotional fluff gets shoved aside and then I beg for the song to end.
This wasn’t bad, but it’s way too slow for my tastes. If every song was cut in half, I probably would have enjoyed it more.
Favorite track: Suffering
Other hits: Disappearing, Lost in the Dream, In Reverse, The Haunting Idle
Everything But The Girl
3/5
I’m really happy I got this album today. Not because I think it’s great or anything. But because I’m having one of those days where shit happens and I could use a completely inoffensive, middle-of-the-road, safe album. Nothing sucks more than getting your favorite album here on one of your bad days.
Ok, snark aside, this is alright. I have a soft spot for soft 80’s cheese and Tracey’s got a remarkable voice. But this really pushes on being really bland. It really has no business being on the list at all. There’s nothing of value that demands it to be listened to. Just a very average 80’s album. With Tracey’s voice, it just kind of feels like lost potential.
Favorite track: Love Is Here Where I Live
Other hits: I Always Was Your Girl, Shadow on a Harvest Moon, Apron Strings, Oxford Street
Common
2/5
I’m starting to form a new rule when I rate these albums: if I get a rap or hip-hop album that is over an hour long, the highest I will give it is a 2. Every single rap album that has gone on for over an hour always, fucking always, loses my attention. Unless it brings it S-game, not it’s A-game. And honestly, this album brought its C-game.
It’s not complete dog shit, but for its size, it’s nothing to write home about. Most of the songs are painfully average and some are just corny as hell, A Film Called (PIMP) and Payback Like A Grandmother especially. It drags on for way too long for what it provides. The only saving grace this album has is that I like that it’s more jazzier and smoother than some other rap albums. Otherwise this would be sitting next to The Chronic among my least favorite albums.
Favorite track: The Light
Other hits: Nag Champa (Afrodisiac For The World)
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
I always liked this type of folk rock. Probably because it sounds like the type of music that I would always hear whenever we would have a backyard party at our house, definitely courtesy of my father. I like how for 60’s rock standards, none of the songs really meander endlessly to fill up to five minutes. Outside of Judy, most of the songs are nice and mellow and don’t overstay their welcome. Kind of see why my dad likes them so much.
Favorite track: 49 Bye-Byes
Other hits: Marrakesh Express, You Don’t Have to Cry, Lady of the Island, Pre-Road Downs, Helplessly Hoping, Long Time Gone
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I have a confession to make: I don’t like using the word “overrated”. If I don’t like something, I just assume that it’s my opinion. I don’t like using a word that tries to take down other people’s opinion to elevate my own. However, I feel like this album became an exception.
I cannot for the life of me, understand the appeal of this album. I get that it’s influential and important and whatever. But best of all time? You got to be fucking kidding me.
Outside of lyrical content, I don’t know what about this was daring or bold. It’s just felt like most other 60’s pop/rock I heard before, but now with a focus on drugs and other edgy shit. I feel people like this album because everyone else claims it’s the best and no one wants to be Mr. Contrarian. Well, I’ll be that guy. This is, and I don’t mean this lightly, an overrated album.
Also, Nico in this album for like three songs. That’s criminally low. She’s the best part of the album and it’s seldom used. God, this was so mid.
Favorite track: I’ll Be Your Mirror
Other hits: Femme Fatale, All Tomorrow's Parties
Nanci Griffith
3/5
As somebody who hates country music, I didn’t completely hate this album. I didn’t really care for it, but it could have been much worse. Nanci has a good singing voice and a few of the songs did resonate with me. It’s better than whatever the hell country is today. But other than a few hits, it’s alright. Honestly, I kind of wish this was another genre other than country. It probably would have clicked with me more.
Favorite track: The Wing and The Wheel
Other hits: Goin’ Gone, More Than A Whisper, One of These Days
Black Sabbath
5/5
Well, after getting Smile after Brian Wilson’s death, I now know this site does tribute albums. Or I have the weirdest luck in the world. It’s bittersweet to get this album now, but here we are. The birthplace of heavy metal.
I feel that if I were to nitpick, the way the tracks are organized for the US version are weird. Like how two of the tracks are just some singles pasted together into one long song. It makes it hard to tell what song is what. But that’s really the only fault. Everything else is iconic, from the creeping as hell album cover, to Tony Iommi’s legendary riffs, to Ozzy’s iconic vocals. It’s insane that they would only go up from here throughout the 70’s, pissing off everyone’s parents in droves.
There wasn’t anything like it back then and there will be nothing like it ever again. It all started on one day, February 13, 1970, and still rocks to this day.
And while Black Sabbath is a band that consists of four brilliant musicians, obviously it would be nothing without its main singer. I try not to date these reviews, but this death is a rare one that got to me.
R.I.P. Ozzy Osbourne. You will be missed. Thank god you got to perform with the band one last time.
Favorite track: Black Sabbath
Other hits: the rest of the album
The Sugarcubes
4/5
Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever guessed that Björk started off as the vocalist of a post-punk band. Now that I heard it, it surprisingly works very well. Her vocal style somehow works with the post-punk backdrop. I kept seeing comparisons to the B-52s in the reviews and I definitely see it. They even have their own weird male vocalist too. Thought there’s a little more edge to these guys.
My only critique is that some of this got a little too weird for me, especially Sick for Toys. Besides that, this very much feels like a beta version of a Björk album before her big break. Crazy that this is how it started for her.
Favorite track: Birthday
Other hits: Motorcrash, Delicious Demon, Coldsweat, Blue Eyed Pop, Deus, Fucking in Rhythm & Sorrow
Blondie
4/5
Did anyone else think One Way or Another or Heart of Glass were made in the 80’s. I mean, it’s from 1978, so close enough, but I never would have guessed that year.
Truth be told, I wasn’t the biggest fan of either of those songs, so I expected the album to be mostly like those songs. Thankfully, I was wrong. I barely hear albums where the deep cuts have the same punch as the singles. Props to Debbie Harry for her range, covering both the softer pop parts and the raspy edge of the punk parts. Throw it some nice guitar parts and you have a very enjoyable album.
Favorite track: One Way or Another
Other hits: Heart of Glass, Hanging on the Telephone, Picture This, 11:59, I Know But I Don’t Know, Will Anything Happen, I’m Gonna Love You Too, Just Go Away
Johnny Cash
4/5
This album is fucking insane, right? It’s Johnny Cash singing about drugs and murder, in front of prisoners, who applaud it. Normally, I hate getting the live albums, but this is a clear exception. And not just because it’s recorded in prison. There’s just something between the warden announcements and Johnny’s Cash carefree nature that make this just… real. Even the set list is top notch. Outside the songs about the crime and stuff, there’s a lot of songs that reflect on the melancholy of the audience’s reality. It kind of humanizes them. Hell, even picking one of the inmate’s songs to end the show was a hell of a choice. I won’t say this pushed itself to the top of my list. Some of this album is a little samey, but nothing that made it feel too detrimental. This is a rare live album that everyone needs to experience.
Favorite track: Cocaine Blues
Other hits: Folsom Prison Blues, 25 Minutes to Go, Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart, Jackson, Greystone Chapel, Give My Love To Rose, The Wall, Send A Picture To Mother
Lucinda Williams
2/5
You know, I was ready to dismiss this album as modern country trash. Then I heard the first song and thought that I might actually enjoy this album. But then, somehow it got worse as it progressed and I now just dismiss it as modern country trash. The songs, god, how many of them does Lucinda just repeat the title over and over again? And Lucinda is borderline monotone on some of these songs. There are shades of a good album here, hence why it gets spared from a one-star. But all that’s here is just mediocre.
Favorite track: Right In Time
Other hits: I Lost It
Dire Straits
4/5
I got to admit I wasn’t expecting Dire Strait’s debut album to be as chill as it was. It kind of lacked in variety as compared to their later efforts (Brothers In Arms), but it certainly made up for it with the Knopfler’s guitar playing. Seriously, this has to be some of the coolest guitar work put on an album. Normally, my main problem with 70’s rock was the over reliance of the solos, but here they were justified. It’s not perfect, but it makes for a chill vibe. And it’s got Sultans of Swing, so there’s that.
Favorite track: Sultans of Swing
Other hits: Down to the Waterline, Setting Me Up, Six Blade Knife, In The Gallery, Wild West End
Jungle Brothers
3/5
I’m starting to come to the realization that I think the rise of gangsta rap was the worst thing to happen to hip-hop, since it practically put an end to the era of hip-hop that focused on being jazzy and groovy. I have never heard of these guys at all and this album isn’t even on Spotify or Apple. As I started to go through this album, I felt the familiar vibes that I felt from something like De La Soul. That smooth style with a hint of social commentary and respect for ancestral roots. It was genuinely a nice surprise.
However, the album got a little corny, I guess that’s the word, as it went on. It leaned a little too much into the Jesus stuff. Also, it was a little too long. By the seconds half, I was tired of it.
Overall, this was pretty good. Would have never found it without this list.
Favorite track: U Make Me Sweat
Other hits: Beyond This World, What U Waitin’ 4, Feelin’ Alright, Tribe Vibes, Sunshine, Done By The Forces Of Nature
The Zombies
4/5
I want to extend an apology to the Zombies. I initially saw this album and thought it was just going to be another forgettable psychedelic album. What I instead got what a very nice collection of baroque pop. It didn’t sound super dated, like only those who were stoned at the time would enjoy it. The harmonies were great and the production was great. How the fuck was this reviewed indifferently back then?
While I don’t see this sitting among my top-rated albums, I appreciate the talent on display here and I apologize for assuming this would be more 60’s psych crap.
Sincerely, this dumbass.
Favorite track: Time Of The Season
Other hits: A Rose for Emily, Brief Candles, Butcher’s Tale (Western Front 1914), This Will Be Our Year, Care of Cell 44, Friends of Mine
Marty Robbins
4/5
I feel like the lyrics for this album really saved this one. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this album for what it was. It’s a nice collection of outlaw songs and other tales of Western debauchery. Seriously, between this and At Folsom Prison, I’m starting to how sad old country is. How did country music transition from this to Cadillacs and beer and shit?
My main problem is that the album’s very repetitive. Given the somber mood for most of the songs, most of this album sounds pretty much the same. Still, this wasn’t nearly as bad as a slog as I’d thought it be.
Favorite track: Big Iron
Other hits: El Paso, They’re Hanging Me Tonight, Billy the Kid, Utah Carol, The Master’s Call
Radiohead
3/5
So I’ve only gotten The Bends and In Rainbows from Radiohead so far. Loved the former, thought the latter was ok. As someone hoping to get to the meat of Radiohead, you know, the shit everyone likes, I have a question: Is this really just Kid A’s rejects? I know that there’s someone out there waiting to go “Well, actually” to me, complete with the nerd glasses and all. But that’s really all I got from this. Just a lot of second hand stuff. It’s not bad second hand stuff, hell most of it is alright. But this feels a little forced to be on this list, unless it’s necessary for Kid A.
If you can’t tell at this point, this list is my real first experience with Radiohead. Always heard about them, never really heard them. I’m starting to get a little weary that I think I might only like Radiohead’s early material, before a lot of the experimentation. Granted I still need to actually listen to the meat of Radiohead (if this generator will take a fucking break from the country kick it’s on), but after In Rainbows, I’m figuring out there’s a chance I don’t really care for Radiohead a lot.
…or maybe this was just a collection of b-sides. Probably that.
Favorite track: I Might Be Wrong
Other hits: Pyramid Song, You And Whose Army?, Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors, Knives Out, Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I feel now that by reaching my fourth Leonard Cohen album, I’ve come to the realization that I don’t actually care for Leonard’s music. I think the closest I felt to feeling something about it was with You Want It Darker and that benefitted from him dying right after it released. Kind of morbid, I know.
It’s like for every album, I try to get into it, but it ends up becoming so monotone and esoteric. It feels like the type of music that people listen to when they want to feel smart or entitled. I mean, Leonard’s a poet, did you know?
But you know what’s funny? Some of the reviews here criticize this album for being depressing. Honestly, I didn’t find it depressing enough. If you are going to come after my feels, you better go for the head. But only two songs felt really sad to me: Famous Blue Raincoat and Love Calls You By Your Name. The rest weren’t sad enough or were kind of annoying actually. Especially Diamonds in the Mine, when Leonard’s growling the lyrics. Like, dude, stop.
I’m praying this Leonard Cohen ride is almost over.
Favorite track: Famous Blue Raincoat
Other tracks: Love Call You By Your Name
Pet Shop Boys
5/5
If you were to go back a year ago when I started this project and told me that this album would be among my top-rated, I would think you were on some kind of drug. The people behind “West End Girls”? A nineties dance album? I had some doubts.
I will admit, I can see this album being polarizing. It’s the epitome of early 90’s/late 80’s dance. Hell, I thought it would be forgettable. But, it’s strangely grounded. These aren’t club hits, it’s like… sort of sad dance. And for the life of me, I can’t explain why these songs hit so hard for me. I get like this weird sense of nostalgia from it, without it feeling dated or cheesy or monotone. I can’t describe it, it just hits me in the right ways. I guess I love the Pet Shop Boys when they sing ballads. My only concern is that this is apparently a departure from their usual sound, so I don’t know if the PSB high will carry. But fuck it, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Favorite track: So Hard
Other hits: Being Boring, How Can You Expect To Be Taken Seriously?, Only the Wind, Nervously, Jealousy, My October Symphony, This Must the Place I Waited Years to Leave
Public Enemy
4/5
This was the type of hip-hop I’ve been waiting for. The type that I really get from Public Enemy: loud, bombastic, funky, and absolutely not dated in the slightest. Chuck D has to be in the conversation for the best hip-hop vocalist. His deep voice really increases the impact of most of the album. Flavor Flav wasn’t bad, either. Especially on 911 Is A Joke.
It suffers a little bit from the hip-hop trait of “being an hour long”, but the songs are honestly great enough to prevent this from becoming a slog. Easy to see how this was influential.
Favorite track: Fight the Power
Other hits: Burn Hollywood Burn, 911 Is A Joke, Welcome to the Terrordome, Pollywanacrcka, Brothers Gonna Work It Out, Power to the People, War at 33 1/3
Deep Purple
3/5
I’m really, really, really trying not to use the term “dad rock”. It’s such a bullshit term to use when you just want to reject an album because it’s older than you. But I think this album’s just ok. Honestly, Deep Purple feels like a one-hit wonder band, the hit being Smoke on the Water. Outside of Highway Star, what else does Deep Purple have? Every other song was just your standard 70’s rock, with a tiny bit of heavy metal influence a la Black Sabbath. If it wasn’t for Smoke on the Water, would anyone give a shit? This is just one of those albums placed here out of obligation. And now that I’ve got it, I can move on.
Favorite track: Smoke on the Water
Other hits: Highway Star, Space Truckin’, Never Before
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
1/5
No. Just no. There’s almost zero reason for this to be here. Apparently, it may have influenced Bob Dylan, but like…ok. I don’t care. It’s just 30 minutes of him yodeling and yelping like a store-brand Johnny Cash. And that might be an insult to store-brand items.
I have zero incentive to return to any of these songs here. Granted, I hate country as is, but I’ve been proven that great country can exist. This ain’t it.
I normally put my favorite track here with some other songs I liked, but I genuinely cannot list one song. It’s that bad.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
So, this is my first listen into Nick Caves and his Bad Seeds, and… it was an album. In the beginning, it was actually pretty good. The emphasis on the piano, with Nick’s pseudo Leonard Cohen vocals, sounded nice. I was expecting the rest of the album to be this emotional, somber ride with a hint of raw edge (emphasis on the word “hint”).
But as the album went on, I realized that there’s really no depth here. The album never really gets going and it stays stuck in neutral for the rest of the way through. Which means I got bored with it pretty quickly. The only solution Nick seemed to have was to occasionally throw out swears, as if that’s was to give the album its depth. Really, however, all it did was make it more juvenile. It all came to a head on the last song, Green Eyes, where I realized that Nick’s not being deep. He thinks he’s deep, but it just feels like edge for the sake of edge.
Between the highs in the beginning and the lows at the end, this album just balances out as being mid. My only faith for Nick Cave is that hopefully this album was really a one-off departure and maybe, just maybe, his other material can sway me around. I hope that’s not too optimistic.
Favorite track: Into My Arms
Other hits: People Ain’t No Good, (Are You) The One That I Have Been Waiting For, Where Do We Go But Nowhere?
Dr. Octagon
2/5
The moment I saw this album pop up here, I thought it was made up. Like, I thought now the generator was fucking with me.
Honestly, I’m so fucking over this random goddamn hip-hop albums that run over a fucking hour. Like, goddamn, I haven’t heard of you before and you expect me to have the mental capacity to withstand your shit for 20 songs, give or take?
Doesn’t help that this album’s lame as fuck. To be fair, I appreciate the dedication to center the whole album around the abstract concept. There is this weird sci-fi, grimy vibe to it that holds the album together. Unfortunately, it holds as well as tissue paper. The charm died for me not even halfway through, possibly because of the terrible lyrics. Seriously, I hate these songs where the singer repeats the title of the song over and over again.
I find it hysterical that apparently this is considered by some to be one of the best hip-hop albums of the 90’s. I think they need their head examined… by a real doctor, preferably.
Favorite track: 3000
Other hits: 1977 (it was the end of the album)
Stan Getz
4/5
This is the type of jazz I like to get from here. The type that’s nice and smooth, but doesn’t end up becoming boring or forgettable. I remember getting Stan Getz earlier into this project and thinking this his was missing a little something. Apparently that something was Latin vocals. This album would definitely make the best lounge music.
Favorite track: The Girl From Ipanema
Other hits: Doralice, Desafinado, O Grande Amor, Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)
The Band
3/5
This one was alright, but it didn’t sound as good as their next album. That’s usually the case with debut albums. It’s takes a little time sometimes for a band to develop their sound. Though, I never would have guessed that they were originally just the backup band for Bob Dylan, before taking off on their own. That’s kinda neat.
Favorite track: Tears of Rage
Other hits: In A Station, We Can Talk, Long Black Veil, Lonesome Suzie, I Shall Be Released
Carpenters
4/5
I’m kind of a sucker for the Carpenters, mostly due to listening to Rainy Days and Mondays and Top of the World multiple times as a kid. It was part of a mixtape my parents made they we played at least once a year when we went on vacation. Really happy to get a full album experience on here.
Yeah, the music here tends to be very saccharine, maybe even a little cheesy. But it’s really held together by Karen Carpenter’s incredible vocals. She always had these tragically sweet and delicate voice. It makes the cheese more of a fondue to me. If it were any other band, it would probably sicken me. But with a powerhouse like Karen, the Carpenters are a nice guilty pleasure for me when comes to 70’s bands.
Favorite track: (They Long to Be) Close to You
Other hits: Help, We’ve Only Just Begun, Reason to Believe, I Kept On Loving You, Crescent Noon, Baby It’s You
Megadeth
5/5
Oh fucking finally I get one of the Big 4’s breakthrough albums. While I will say that I prefer their 90’s albums, specifically Rust in Peace, it’s hard to ignore the rush this album gives me. I think its main importance is that it really expanded on thrash metal to be more than Metallica. I get that this isn’t necessarily the smartest album or one of high taste. But albums like this are palette cleansers for me. Just a simple half-hour of iconic thrash metal.
Favorite tracks: Peace Sells
Other hits: Wake Up Dead, Bad Omen, Good Mourning/Black Friday, My Last Words, Devils Island
David Bowie
3/5
Welcome back to another episode of “Do I Fucking Like David Bowie?”, where our next album is the one everyone knows the cover, but never listens to the album. Seriously, tell me I’m not the only one who thought this was the cover for Ziggy Stardust.
This one was fine, but it gets kind of weird in some places, in an uncomfortable way. That piano solo in the title track is weirdly amusing, though. Outside of weird, however, it’s a little meh for me overall. The punch from Ziggy feels more like it’s in the album cover rather than the music.
Favorite track: Time
Other hits: Watch That Man, The Prettiest Star, Cracked Actor, Lady Grinning Soul
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
So, not too far back, I did get The Low End Theory from these guys. You know, an album usually considered one of the greatest of all time. And I’m going to be honest, I didn’t really care for it. Every track sounded almost the same and I think I remember thinking it was boring. So initially I assumed this would be worse. And yet somehow, I ended up like this one a lot better. Is that weird? Does anyone else have the same feelings?
I think a lot of the tracks here feel more lively, more diverse, and more funky. It’s still suffers a bit from the length (classic hour-long hip-hop), but I didn’t really experience any of the problems here that I did in the Low End Theory. Kind of crazy.
Favorite track: Description of a Fool
Other hits: Can I Kick It?, Go Ahead In The Rain, Youthful Expression, Footprints, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Rhythm(Devoted to the Art of Moving Butts)
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Look, I have nothing against Bob Marley at all. I get why the dude’s considered an icon. He had a voice, both musically and socially. But I just… can’t with this. Reggae is already a finicky genre for me as is, and if this album was going to be the exception, that didn’t happen. I tend to complain about every song sounding the same a lot, but it’s like up to 11 here. It all sounds like one big commercial for Sandals to me… probably because I keep hearing Three Little Birds in one of their ads.
I appreciate a lot of the positive vibes and tones here, but I can never get past the island/tropical stuff. Like, I get it. It’s reggae, but I just never cared for that stuff.
I’m trying to not be an asshole with this, so I’ll just say that this wasn’t for me.
Favorite track: Turn Your Lights Down Low
Other hits: Jamming
Pink Floyd
5/5
I always considered this album one of those albums that get pushed around as one of the greatest of all time, but figured that if I listened to it, I wouldn’t “get” it. Like, I would enjoy it, don’t get me wrong. But i would probably think that people only liked it that much thanks to nostalgia or drugs… or both.
Admittedly, I found the first half weird, specifically the first three songs. It was interesting, but nothing mind-blowing. Things got better starting with Time and The Great Gig in the Sky. But it was at Us and Them that it finally clicked. That barrier of pushing this aside as “dad rock” or “boomer bait” was thoroughly dismantled.
There’s something transcendent with the flow of the album, the guitar solos that miraculously don’t drag on like 90% of other 70’s albums. Yes, this album really is that good. It looks like 90% of certified dads had some taste.
Favorite track: Brain Damage
Other hits: Time, Money, Us And Them, Eclipse, The Great Gig in the Sky, Any Colour You Like
Iron Butterfly
4/5
I think normally an album that has one side of it be entirely one long song would find a way to bore me, but I actually liked this one. It’s a pretty good song despite its length and doesn’t overstay its welcome. The rest of the album is actually pretty good too, so it’s nice to see that all the effort wasn’t pushed to that one part of the album. Apparently, this album is one of the first heavy metal works to exist. I think if you the do the equivalent of squinting with your ears, you can kind of hear it. There a thin line between this and say, Black Sabbath, for sure. This is mostly acid rock, but the connection would explain a lot of my feelings towards this.
Favorite track: In-A-Gabba-Da-Vida
Other hits: Most Anything You Want, Flowers and Beads, Termination, Are You Happy
Tim Buckley
2/5
Oh boy, I did not care for this one at all. Tim’s got a voice, but this shjt just meanders. None of the songs really stick and it just goes on and on. I don’t really care for the jazz stuff either. It just makes the songs sound more forgettable. Honestly, this wasn’t even all that sad. It’s mostly just really boring. Which is worse than being sad, because I would at least feel something. I just want to move on from this one.
Favorite track: Sing a Song For You
Other hits: Buzzin’ Fly
Metallica
5/5
This is one of the albums that I was hoping to get when I started this project. Knowing my luck, I thought this would be my 1,000th album. Thank god it didn’t take that long.
Personally, my favorite Metallica album is Ride the Lightning (which is criminally not on here), but this is like a very close second. A twin peak situation, if you will. It’s the beat Metallica would ever be before their eventual turn into the mainstream. There is sheer energy in every track, produced and polished to perfection, with a side of some political commentary.
It feels clichéd to say this is where thrash metal really started, but that’s only because it’s true. And it, along with their other 80’s outputs, is what made Metallica’s run legendary.
Favorite track: Master of Puppets
Favorite track that isn’t Master of Puppets because that’s too easy: Tie between Battery and Welcome Home (Sanitarium). Hard to pick.
Other hits: Disposable Heroes, Orion, Leper Messiah, The Thing That Should Not Be, Damage, Inc.
Blur
3/5
It probably says something when the best song on your nearly hour long album is a two-minute song that goes “Woo-Hoo” constantly. Every sports arena in the world thanks Blur for their service because of those two minutes.
Outside of Song 2, the rest of this is hit-or-miss. There some other good songs here, but nothing I’d go crazy for. I think there’s potential that I see Blur as more than a one-hit wonder. But that potential’s not really here.
Favorite track: Song 2
Other hits: M.O.R., On Your Own, You’re So Great, Beetlebum
Aerosmith
4/5
I feel like Aerosmith albums tend to have like, a few good songs, and then a lot of filler. The only exception I can think of is Rocks, but Toys in the Attic might be close to being the second. Obviously, we got Sweet Emotion and Walk This Way (albeit without Run DMC, so it not in peak form yet), but stuff like the title track and You See Me Crying are also pretty good. There’s some weak corny stuff (the less I hear about Steven Tyler’s ten inch record the better), but the good songs balance this one out pretty well.
Favorite track: Sweet Emotion
Other hits: Walk This Way, Toys in the Attic, You See Me Crying, No More No More, Uncle Salty
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
I never would have guessed that Heads Will Roll was from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I heard the song remixed a ton, especially in bars. I just never made the correlation that it was them.
That’s honestly my thought process for this album. After listening the Fever to Tell and thinking it was okay, that was surprisingly an improvement. All the hard punks elements got replaced with some dance-synth and it actually worked for the better. The songs felt more catchy and Karen O’s vocals benefited more here than Fever to Tell. Nice to see the band evolve in a positive way after feeling less than impressed from their efforts before.
Favorite track: Zero
Other hits: Heads Will Roll, Skeletons, Soft Shock, Little Shadow, Hysteric, Runaway
Queen
4/5
I wonder how many people coming into this project are listening to a full Queen album for the first time as opposed to the only the hits. A small part of me was expecting to find this album a little overrated, mostly due to some fatigue with Queen being played to death in most places. However, a lot of the deep cuts really showed up here, from The Prophet’s Song to ‘39 to Love of My Life. And yeah, there’s also Bohemian Rhapsody and You’re My Best Friend. There were a few weird songs (Seaside Rendezvous especially) that prevent me from saying this is perfect. But, for what it’s worth, I had a lot of fun with this one.
Favorite track: Bohemian Rhapsody (basic I know, but let me have it)
Other hits: You’re My Best Friend, ‘39, The Prophet’s Song, Death on Two Legs, Love of My Life
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
It’s hard to classify Siamese Dream as solely grunge. Hell, it’s hard to classify it with any single genre. How the hell did Cherub Rock, Today, and Disarm come from just this album? But shit man, there is something so satisfying to me about layered guitars, specifically in the 90’s. And this album just might have the best use of layered guitars, mixing between both crunchy grunge and heartfelt ballads. Billy Corgan has this unique kind of vocals that feels like it would irritate (and it probably did irritate some), but it blends perfectly here.
I’m fully convinced this is one of the best 90’s rock albums ever made. The sheer depth and sound is enough for it to stand out from the rest and make this one timeless.
Favorite track: Today (picking a favorite was hard)
Other hits: Disarm, Cherub Rock, Quiet, Silverfuck, Geek U.S.A, Mayonnaise, Luna
Van Halen
4/5
I don’t know if this is the first glam “cock rock” record to exist, but if someone told me it was, I’d believe it.
I don’t really need to explain how iconic this album became. You want to know why Eddie Van Halen was one of the best guitar players of all time? Just play this record. Fucking Eruption man, what the fuck else proof do I need?
Ok, all that out of the way, I don’t find this album perfect. My biggest gripe is that it’s front loaded. All the best songs are on Side 1. Side 2, outside of Jamie’s Crying, feels mostly like b-side material. And not in a “unknown gem” kind of way, but in a “not as good as the hits” kind of way.
And on a personal note, i kinda sorta sometimes find David Lee Roth a little annoying. Listen, I get it. David’s charisma is insane and when he’s good, it’s amazing. But sometimes, he’s goes a little over-the-top for me and it gets under my skin a bit. That Ice Cream Man song in particular was a bit rough.
But yeah, it’s fucking Van Halen’s debut. You’ll be hard pressed to find an album with a hot streak like Side 1.
Favorite track: Eruption/You Really Got Me (these songs NEED to be together. Otherwise, it’s like getting Oreos, but only the cookie parts and no cream)
Other hits: Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love, Jamie’s Crying, Runnin’ With the Devil, I’m the One, Feel Your Love Tonight
Ray Charles
3/5
I feel my rating’s going to feel a little harsh, so let me explain. I think Ray Charles was a wonderful singer. Compared to other singers around his time, he’s one of the few that feels distinct and timeless. It’s just that I think there’s a lot of big band on here. Actually, my biggest gripe with the “oldies” is that most of it was big band and most of it sounded the same. It makes albums like this a chore, which sucks because most times, like with Ray here, the material’s pretty good. But after halfway, it feels like the same song over and over again. The blasting trumpets, the saxophones, the fact every song is a love song (or a breakup song for variety). I know this is turning into an “old music bad” kind of rant, but it felt like everyone was just chasing Sinatra. It’s not your fault Ray. I just like your blues stuff better.
Favorite track: Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’
Other hits: It Had To Be You, Deed I Do, Tell Me You’ll Wait For Me, Am I Blue, Just For A Thrill, You Won’t Let Me Go
Stevie Wonder
5/5
I kinda thought I knew what to expect going into this album. I figured it would be a pretty good album that would serve as a prelude to Songs in the Key of Life. What I wasn’t expecting was for this to be a masterpiece of its own. I mean, Stevie’s a master in his own right. Of course, his vocal range is excellent. But this is definitely one of the best funk and soul albums I think I heard period. Every song is well-crafted and it all goes so smoothly. I think the second half suffers a little bit, like a really small bit. I didn’t really care for Jesus Children of America, but that’s really the only downside. Honestly, it puts a little more pressure on Songs in the Key of Life for me. It’s going to be very interesting to compare these albums. But the bottom line is that, yes, I’m sold on Stevie Wonder.
Favorite track: Higher Ground
Other hits: Living for the City, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing, Visions, He’s Misstra Know-It-All, Too High, Golden Lady
Orbital
2/5
Oh goody, another long bloated electronic album. This one was frustrating, because there were some moments where the songs showed potential. Like, the rhythm would be there and the song would bop for a minute. But it never lasts and it’s back to sheer tedium. And what kind of sick fuck put the two longest songs at the fucking end? It’s not bad you already bored me, but now I got to beg for this to end? Hard pass.
Favorite track: Kein Trink Wasser
Other hits: Quality Seconds (yes, the short one), Crash and Carry, Philosophy by Numbers
Ella Fitzgerald
1/5
I want to give you my perspective of this album. Imagine a food that you like. Not your favorite food or even your second favorite food, but like something you think is just okay. Now imagine having to eat it every day for a month. Imagine going through the motions of experiencing the same thing over and over again, wondering how far you are from the end. Imagine the sensation of that food getting stale really fast until it just feels the same way everyday. That’s the Gershwin songbook.
I’m not gonna sugarcoat this. I don’t give a fuck how iconic this is or was. I don’t care what you think about Ella Fitzgerald’s singing (I think she’s fine, but like I’m not going crazy about her). I don’t even give that much of a fuck about the Gershwins.
You don’t put a fucking box set on here. That’s ludicrous and a little pretentious. Like what do you want me to say? Every song sounds the fucking same. It’s just big band and ballad hell. And believe it or not, I got lucky because I got this on a Friday. Since I don’t do weekend albums, I had three days to do this. And I still had to squeeze it because I just couldn’t give a fuck about this. I don’t know if this is blasphemy. I don’t know if this it going to put me in music hell or something. But if I sit through a three hour box set and get nothing from it, then I can’t justify giving this any good score.
Favorite track: I Got Rhythm (I know there’s a joke somewhere that I like this because it’s the last song, but it’s actually the only one I knew prior)
Other hits: You think I’m combing this shit again for songs that I’m never gonna listen to again?
Guns N' Roses
4/5
Guns N’ Roses is one of those bands that I see with on the same level as with AC/DC: bands that rely on hard attitude and amassing a fan base that results in playing the same songs over and over again for years. I think there was a point in most people’s lives where they thought Welcome to the Jungle was the coolest shit ever. But I always felt the GNR had a little more meat to them. Most glam metal bands try to have an edge to them, but GNR one of the few that can pull it off. Most of this album surprisingly invokes the sound of what would become 90’s alternative metal. I just think that if you look past the hits (and I know that’s hard for some), most of the album is a bit hit-or-miss. Still, hard to deny the staying power of the album that gave us Welcome to the Jungle and Sweet Child O’ Mine. Staying is the key word there.
Favorite track: Sweet Child O’ Mine
Other hits: Welcome to the Jungle, Paradise City, Mr. Brownstone, My Michelle, Rocket Queen, Anything Goes
ABBA
4/5
This is one of those albums I enjoy, but probably not on full blast on the radio. I dunno but there’s something about a grown ass man playing Dancing Queen in his car by himself that feels… weird. Not that I care that much.
ABBA always made fun music; a little cheesy enough to balance itself between pop and disco, never going too far to one end. Certainly not for everybody, but if you’re carefree and shameless (like me), you’ll enjoy it.
Favorite track: Dancing Queen (don’t judge me)
Other hits: Dum Dum Diddle, My Love,My Life, Money,Money,Money, That’s Me, Knowing Me,Knowing You
The Young Rascals
3/5
I don’t know what to think of the album cover. A lot of sixties albums had hand-drawn covers, but this one’s bad in a special way. The center guy with the red shirt has no neck for Christ’s sake.
Honestly, the cover is the only worthwhile thing to talk about here. Other than that, it’s just your average boy band album from the sixties, riding the bandwagon that was following the Beatles’ success. Nothing terrible, but only average. The real question is why is it on this list. Kind of a wasted spot if you ask me.
Favorite track: How Can I Be Sure
Other hits: Groovin’, You Better Run, Find Somebody, I’m So Happy Now
Super Furry Animals
4/5
This album feels a little unorthodox, feeling like a weird bastard child of the 70’s psychedelic and 90’s britpop. The ambition of it makes it a little hard to grasp to it and I do wish that they settled on one end. But as is, there’s some good bops here. And honestly, an album with a number of good bops is better than one with no bops. Kind of struggled rating this one, but I’ll be generous with this one.
Favorite track: Frisbee
Other hits: Hometown Unicorn, God! Show Me Magic, Something 4 the Weekend, If You Don’t Want Me To Destroy You, For Now and Ever, Bad Behaviour
Meat Loaf
4/5
Let me get this off my chest; I don’t care for Paradise by the Dashboard Light. I don’t hate it, but it’s like the ultimate boomer bait song. It’s finds its way into almost any social event (party or whatnot) and has the audacity to be over eight minutes for what can be described as “Somebody please take my wife”. The ultimate punchline to any boomer music. I really thought this whole album would fall under this category and expected to hate it. So naturally, I’m little bummed to say that I didn’t.
Yea, the albums corny as shit and Meat Loaf is not the most classy of acts, but his ballads are actually pretty good and the dude had some talent. Most of the songs sound like the biggest shit ever, both production wise and vocally. It’s not that bad of an album. I just can go without hearing Paradise really much again.
Favorite track: Heaven Can Wait
Other hits: Bat Out of Hell, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, For Crying Out Loud, You Took the Words Right Out of my Mouth
U2
4/5
Is it possible to have a masochistic relationship with a band and its music. Because I came into this project with a sense of apathy for U2. If I’m ever listening to the radio and U2 starts playing, I change stations. It’s like that for me.
I guess it has to do with a sense of pretentiousness I have with them. All the shit with Bono and whatnot. I still remember that whole iTunes album shit, like they just thought forcing an album onto everyone was a gift. I mean, Jesus.
Now, I have gotten The Joshua Tree generated and… I thought it was good. Didn’t awaken anything in me, but I didn’t despise it. But I thought that it was because it was the Joshua Tree. Then came this album. Surely, I would be more critical over a lesser album…. Yeah about that.
Look, like Joshua Tree, I’m not going head over heels for this album. I still can’t tell if I think Bono’s voice is enduring or annoying and there some forgettable shit on here. Hell, I don’t even like Mysterious Ways at all. Fuck that song. But, god help me, I kinda… liked a good chunk of the songs. I think One by itself helps make this album easier to swallow.
I’m not a fan of U2 of any regard. But I’m not coming onto this project to dump on anything without given it a fair chance. I’m not going to dismiss an album because of the singer’s ego or if half the site hates the mere thought of U2. And I have to say, I liked this one. Sorry.
Favorite track: One
Other hits: Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, Even Better Than The Real Thing, The Fly, Until the End of the World
GZA
2/5
I try not to dismiss hip-hop albums as being repetitive, but if you mixed up the tracks and asked me to name each one, I really wouldn’t be able to. Expect maybe Cold World and Shadowboxin’.
Honestly, it kinda speaks for the album when my favorite track ended up being the bonus track at the end. If it wasn’t for that, I’d probably almost not have a favorite track. The only real charm outside of that is the movie samples, obviously put in thanks to the Wu-Tang connection. Honestly, just makes me want to listen to Wu-Tang as a whole.
Favorite track: B.I.B.L.E.
Other hits: Cold World, Shadowboxin’, Hell’s Wind Staff/ Killah Hills 10304
The Coral
2/5
I think I felt second-hand embarrassment from listening to this. People took this album seriously? “Universal acclaim” says Wikipedia. I can put an article about my ass on Wikipeida and say it had critical acclaim and it would feel just as accurate.
It’s almost a bunch of sea shanties that were written by a circus. It feels like it’s trying to be almost every genre at once, but can’t do any of them right. Is it Britpop? Is it psychedelic? Who knows? Who cares. Thank god this shit only clocks in at over a half-hour.
Favorite track: Goodbye
Other hits: …I cannot name another song I liked
4/5
Everytime I see a psychedelic album from the 60’s/70’s, I brace myself for music that only assessable to people on drugs. Like a cheesy relic that’s only here because the author of this list grew up with them and is now forcing us to listen to it, which seems to be the case with some of the other psych albums. This one, however, was pretty good. I might just saying that because it’s also prog, but this one subverted my expectations. This had some nice melodies and harmonies without going overboard on the acid trip. It could use a little fine tuning for the last few tracks, as I felt it start to fall off a bit. But if I’m forced to hear god knows how many psych albums on this list, I might as well single out the good ones, and this one is one of them.
Favorite track: Nature’s Way
Other hits: Animal Zoo, Space Child, Mr. Skin, Love Has Found A Way, Prelude- Nothin’ to Hide, Life Has Just Begun
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
You know, I really appreciate how this list has gotten me to venture into the Beatles’ solo efforts. It’s interesting to see how they fared after the breakup and how there sound changed. That being said, it also reinforced my opinion: Paul McCartney has the best post-Beatle career. John’s close, but he works better with them and he got a little abstract for me (and he was a bit of an ass). George was decent and I don’t even really know Ringo’s discography at all. I always thought Paul’s was the best, though that was usually because of the few Wings hits I knew, specifically Band on the Run. But this album confirmed that for me. It’s all just what Paul is best at: beautifully crafted pop. It’s familiar to his Beatles stuff, but distinct enough to not make it feel like a copy or an imitation. There’s clearly more 70’s rock influence mixed with that 60’s pop. Some of it’s a little cheesy, as expected from Paul. But it’s does more than enough to prevent from being “We have the Beatles at home” material.
Favorite track: Band on the Run
Other hits: Jet, Mrs. Vanderbilt, Bluebird, Picasso’s Last Word (Drink to Me), Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five
The Stooges
4/5
Energy is a hell of a drug. This album isn’t really deep. It can get repetitive and the production is a little grimy. But this is a case where I can say “who gives a fuck?”. This shit’s hard for 1973 and it’s easy to see how this was an influence for so many other acts to come. It’s raw power indeed.
Favorite track: Search and Destroy
Other hits: Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, Penetration, I Need Somebody, Death Trip
John Lennon
2/5
As the first track “Mother” began, I thought I’d have a better experience with this album than I did with Imagine. But then once John started screaming like a cat being castrated in the middle of an orgasm, I realized that yeah, I don’t care for John’s solo career.
He needed the Beatles to keep him grounded, because without them, he’s just pretentious and arrogant. It comes off as too try-hard and “deep”, like the only thing giving this album merit is that it’s from an ex-Beatle going through primal scream therapy and putting all us listening to this through the process. Just because you played in one of the most prolific bands of all time doesn’t mean I have to treat everything after with reverence. Because frankly, this was kind of shit.
Favorite track: Love (if I had to pick)
Other hits: just give me a fucking Beatles album already
Iggy Pop
3/5
You know, prior to this, I never would have guessed that David Bowie would work with Iggy Pop to produce a post-punk album that influence the likes of Joy Division. After listening to it though, it makes sense. It’s a few shades away from being a Bowie album. If Bowie was dark and slightly brooding. Maybe that weird mix of Bowie and post-punk is probably why I thought this was okay. An interesting listen, but nothing that got me going too crazy.
Favorite track: China Girl (I hope that pick doesn’t make me a bad person)
Other hits: Nightclubbing, Mass Production, Funtime
The Beta Band
2/5
I was going to comment about the “graphic design is my passion” level album cover, but some of the reviews already beat me to it. Honestly, it not just that it looks tacky as fuck. It doesn’t even fit the music. What do “bling-bling” letters have to do with soft trip-hop? The band never gets going. They throw an occasional good song, but other than that, it’s really dull. Just one of those albums that get music critics moist for some reason.
Favorite track: Gone
Other hits: Broke, Quiet
Neil Young
4/5
So, I’m about two Neil Young albums in and I kinda formed the opinion that I don’t like him. His voice is grating and I don’t really care for his songs. So naturally, when this came up, I was expecting to hate. But funnily enough, I didn’t.
Don’t get me wrong, Neil still sounds like shit and not every song’s a winner, but there’s like a mellow energy to this. It somehow hits the right notes for me. So, this one gets a pass. I do not expect this to be the norm for Neil or else I’m going to have a long gaze into the mirror.
Favorite track: A Man Need A Maid (it didn’t need to go that hard)
Other hits: Harvest, Out on the Weekend, There’s A World, Heart of Gold
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
I regrettably don’t have the context of the film with me at hand, but that only seems to matter if I wanna know why Freddie’s Dead and why Eddie should know better. I mean, nobody has to watch The Bodyguard to listen to the plethora of Whitney Houston songs that came with it.
Doesn’t matter thought, because this shit slaps. Nice buttery soul that manages to sustain a life for itself outside its origins. Even the instrumentals are fucking sweet. I figured they would be filler from the film, but no. Curtis showed some depth here.
My only nitpick is that the songs are about a minute too long. They could have ended sooner.
Favorite track: No Thing On Me (Cocaine Song)
Other hits: Pusherman, Superfly, Little Child Runnin’ Wild, Freddie’s Dead, the instrumentals (Junkie Chase and Think)
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
Is it fair to say I’ve never heard of Blood, Sweat & Tears? Their most popular song on Spotify has only about 20 million plays. Not super obscure, but not well known. Usually, the obscure 60’s bands tend to be hit or miss, since it’s mostly psychedelic stuff. But I have to say this one was very interesting. This band’s kind of like an unorthodox Chicago, with how they blend jazz into rock and pop. It’s a little all over the place, but I dig it. It has great energy and variation. Kind of wish they left out Blues, Pt. 2, though. It’s long, out of place, and steals the riff of Sunshine of Your Love at one point. Despite that, pleasant surprise.
Favorite track: You Made Me So Very Happy
Other hits: Spinning Wheel, Smiling Phases, Sometimes in Winter, And When I Die, More and More
Massive Attack
3/5
I’ve only heard of Massive Attack because it seems that a lot of publications point to Blue Lines as one of the best albums of all time. I haven’t got that one yet, so the jury’s still out for that album for me. But if it sounds like this album, that’s going to be an issue.
This one was a bit too slow for me. The vibes are nice, but it’s a little too chill, a little too slow. And that cover of Light My Fire at the end can eat a dick. Love the Tracey Thorn collaborations though, especially the title song. Other than that, I only thought this was ok.
Favorite track: Protection
Other hits: Weather Storm, Heat Miser, Better Things, Three, Euro Child
Ryan Adams
2/5
I like how the Wikipedia article says that this was supposed to be a double album and that Ryan got pissed that the record label was, quote, “fucking his fans over” into paying more for a single album. Ryan, this is a rip-off as is, and the only things that got fucked were my ears and patience.
Honestly, seeing an alternative country album going over an hour gave me the impression that this would be terrible. But in fact, it’s worse; it’s mid. Outside of a few exceptions (the slow songs), nothing really pops out. And for a lengthy album, you hit the wall pretty early. After Nobody Girl, my brain pretty much checked out and the rest just felt like noise. It’s dull, long, and frankly, not really worthy of being here.
Also, apparently Ryan is a scumbag too. So fuck this.
Favorite track: Goodnight, Hollywood Blvd.
Other hits: New York,New York, When the Stars Go Blue, Somehow,Someday, Sylvia Plath
The xx
4/5
I feel like this is the type of album that could be really chill or really boring. There is no in-between. This isn’t the most exciting album I heard and some of it’s a little eh, but I actually enjoyed this more than I want to admit. Usually, I don’t care for albums that go for “slow, chill vibes”. They tend to become background music and I get disinterested in them. But most of this avoids that, thanks to its ethereal, dream-like atmosphere. It’s the poster-child for 2010’s indie, but it’s on the good side of it.
Favorite track: VCR
Other hits: Intro, Islands, Shelter, Night Time, Stars
Joni Mitchell
3/5
First album that I got from Joni Mitchell. I have to say her voice is really pleasant. It’s the exact type I like to hear in 70’s pop. You’d think I’d love this album. But for some reason, I couldn’t. The songs just couldn’t stick with me, like there was something missing. None of the songs really pop, like it’s content on being middle-of-the-road. Kind of a shame, really, because I really could have liked this one.
Favorite track: Just Like This Train
Other hits: Help Me, Car On A Hill, Down to You, The Same Situation, Raised on Robbery
Motörhead
3/5
I kind of hold Mötorhead to a degree of respect, as in, I deeply respect how they helped developed heavy metal, but can’t say I’m crazy for them. I really can’t for the life of me recall another song outside Ace of Spades… or The Game (wrestling themes are music too). Though, let’s not pretend for a second this is music that’s needs merit. All they need to be is loud and my monkey brain neurons go “brrr”.
But honestly, I think my main issue is that I don’t think this sounds any different live than in the studio. Live albums are the epitome of “you just had to be there”. It’s hard to really replicate the energy from the event. I don’t know man, they could have used the space here for a second Mötorhead album. It’s an interesting live album, but to me, it’s just a greatest hits album.
And No Remorse exists as their best of, so…. yeah.
Favorite track: Ace of Spades
Other hits: Metropolis, Iron Horse/ Born to Lose, Overkill, (We Are) The Road Crew, Motorhead, Stay Clean
The Chemical Brothers
5/5
After getting Exit Planet Dust, I felt that the Chemical Brothers were the antidote I needed with my fatigue with electronic music. Not only did this album confirm that feeling, it pretty much showed me that electronic music CAN be good.
It’s relentless, beautiful, and most importantly, fun. It doesn’t retreat into background music, or oversaturate itself with repetitive samples. Yeah, there’s repetition, but it’s the rare form that sustains the energy.
This is going to be the standard I hold electronic music to from here on out. Thank god for the Chemical Brothers.
Favorite track: Elektrobank
Other hits: Dig Your Own Hole, Block Rockin’ Beats, It Doesn’t Matter, Get Up On It Like This, Where Do I Begin, The Private Psychedelic Reel, Setting Sun
Gotan Project
3/5
I feel like there’s no way to give a review to some albums simply because there isn’t a lot to talk about for some. This one is one of those albums. The only thing I can say about this is one word: neat. It comes, it drones on, and it leaves. I guess electronic tango is… unique, and some bits are nice. But like… c’mon man. What part of this was necessary to do before kicking the bucket? This one actually nearly put me to sleep. There’s only one nice thing I can say about this album: it was neat.
Favorite track: Queremos Paz
Other hits: Triptico, Una Música Brutal, Last Tango in Paris
Elvis Presley
3/5
I honestly had no idea Suspicious Minds was made in the late 60’s. Figured that it was made in the 50’s, but I guess I assume all of Elvis’ hits were made in the 50’s.
Honestly, this just proves that I can only take Elvis in single doses. The idea of “Elvis Goes Country Sort Of” isn’t a hard sell for me. I always kind of liked older Elvis, with how his voice matured, but he can only do so much with this material.
I kinda hate saying this, but for the late 60’s, this feels dated, even back then. I mean this was meant as a comeback and why change what isn’t broken, but for 1969, I’d honestly prefer other albums.
Favorite track: Suspicious Minds in general, True Love Travels on a Gravel Road for the original track list.
Other hits: Power of My Love, Westin’ That Loved On Look, Long Black Limousine, Any Day Now
Black Sabbath
5/5
If Black Sabbath’s self titled album was the starting point of heavy metal, Paranoid is heavy metal perfected. It’s crazy how an album can have such a stacked first half, and still have enough to deliver a stacked second half. Honestly, it’s a little funny that such an album would cause a lot of Pearl-clutching back then. It’s just a lot of fun fantasy and one great anti-war anthem.
Everything that was amazing about the previous album was done tenfold here. From Iommi’s riffs to Ozzy’s vocals to Ward’s drums, it all comes together to create a gloomy, brooding masterpiece. It’s really one of the best metal albums of all time.
(Also, RIP to Ozzy. Got the debut instead of this on the day of his death. Not that that was a bad thing. Still, RIP to an icon.)
Favorite track: Paranoid
Other hits: the rest of the album
Oasis
4/5
So one of the problems with the 1001 albums list is that there is way too much Britpop. Outside of the obvious UK bias on this list, I’ve become inclined to agree. Because now I realize, all the other Britpop albums are trying to be Oasis.
Outside of losing a little steam in the second half, this is definitely one of the more vibrant and energetic albums of the 90’s. A great counterpoint to the influx of grunge that was dominating the airwaves, especially over in the States. A hell of a debut that introduced us the Gallaghers… for better or worse.
Favorite track: Rock n’ Roll Star
Other hits: Shakermaker, Up in the Sky, Supersonic, Columbia, Slide Away, Live Forever
10cc
2/5
I think this album is weird. And I don’t mean like fun weird or catchy weird or interesting weird. I mean annoying weird; stupid weird. It’s like the bastard child of ELO and The Beach Boys and I can’t tell if the album is meant to be satire or not. It feels like it’s trying to sound like so many things, but pulling none of them off. It just kind of sounds childish. Hotel especially sounds wrong. Jesus that song made me uncomfortable.
I don’t mind strange albums from bands I never heard about, because sometimes it can be a pleasant surprise. But not this one. This one felt like a mess.
Favorite track: Somewhere in Hollywood
Other hits: The Wall Street Shuffle, Clockwork Creep, Old Wild Man
The Residents
2/5
I’ll start with a small compliment, to be nice. I like how this is “cohesive” weird rather than random weird. Like the songs are… songs I guess. It at least gives the album a thin layer of interest that makes you wonder what the next track might be unlike listening to walls of noise for 30 minutes. That’s not experimental. That’s just annoying.
Ok, compliment over. Yeah, this was not for me. A part of me wants to like this, kind of like a proto-Primus. But it just goes overboard, with the high pitch shifting and some just irritating rhythms. It’s like the soundtrack for a demented 80’s horror movie and I might just be the protagonist.
I can respect the weirdness of the album and I think it succeeds at being experimental. I just have no desire to listen to it again.
Favorite track: The Electrocutioner
Other hits: you know what, nah I’m good
The Verve
4/5
I never really thought that the Bittersweet Symphony guys sounded like U2 until I had to listen to them for an hour.
Let me address the elephant in the room: this album is bloated. It’s very long for a Britpop album and is mostly hit-or-miss. It can rather bland in the middle and some of it can get really samey. Truthfully, I think this album is technically just ok.
But the hits really help bring this album up. I’d say that they fully kept my attention through this album and thus, kept this album in the range of four stars. The Verve is very lucky I loved The Drugs Don’t Work.
Favorite track: The Drugs Don’t Work
Other hits: Bitter Sweet Symphony, Sonnet, Space and Time, Lucky Man, One Day, This Time
ZZ Top
3/5
ZZ Top was always not really my favorite classic rock band and this kind of reinforces that opinion. This is a good album, but it’s very one-note and safe. Kind of like taking your motorbike down a road you’ve been down a million times. It feels good, but you not breaking any new ground.
La Grange is an all-timer though, probably the band’s best song. Might low-key be the reason it’s here. Anyway, one star for each hombre.
Favorite track: La Grange
Other hits: Master of Sparks, Hot,Blue And Righteous, Sheik, Waitin’ For the Bus
Sparks
4/5
It’s nice to finally get a weird album that’s actually listenable. These guys sound like Supertramp if they were kicked repeatedly in the balls. There are points where it feels like too much and a lot of the album is a bit monotonous. But there is a lot of fun in the chaotic melodies. Certainly one of the most memorable glam bands in the 70’s since Roxy Music.
Favorite track: Amateur Hour
Other hits: This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us, Here in Heaven, Thank God It’s Not Christmas, Talent Is An Asset, Falling in Love With Myself Again
Billy Joel
5/5
I don’t know if my trip to Italy manifested this album to me, but hey, it took more than 300 albums to get to Billy Joel. And while I can go on how it’s bullshit this is his only album here while I get subjected to endless psychedelic, Britpop and Neil Young, I’ll keep it brief. I fuck with Billy and it’s an achievement of itself that The Stranger’s got so many hits. From Only The Good Die Young to Just the Way You Are, the range and diversity is incredible.
Maybe I’m biased as a fellow New Yorker, but I always got a sense of homeliness from Billy. Yeah, that’s corny, like that scene from Spider-Man 2 on the train, you know the one. That sense of nostalgia of the backyard parties we would have every summer, when my family was bigger and more connected.
Billy Joel’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s sure as hell mine.
Favorite track: Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Other hits: Only the Good Die Young, Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Just the Way You Are, She’s Always A Woman, Get It Right The First Time
Marilyn Manson
4/5
Ah, Marilyn Manson. Him and controversy go together like peanut butter and jelly, Bert and Ernie, and me and existential dread. Is anyone really shocked that he’s a scumbag? The dude made a short film that apparently will end his career and put him in jail if it got released to the public. Look up “Groupie” if you are morbidly interested.
Separating art from the artist here, which is a Herculean task, here’s what I think. Is it overly edgy? Sure. Does he sound like a dollar store version of Nine Inch Nails? Yeah. Did I like it? ….yeah.
I mean, for a 70 minute album, it’s produced very well and it’s paced excellently. And as an industrial metal album, it hits all the points: dark mood, blaring guitars, apocalyptic setting. I get it, this album’s not a masterpiece in any way and Brian’s a piece of shit. But sometimes for every banquet, you just want some damn Taco Bell. (Or whatever fast food joint you like, if you like any…)
Favorite track: The Beautiful People
Other hits: Little Horn, Antichrist Superstar, 1996, Deformography, Angel With the Scabbed Wings, The Reflecting God
Pink Floyd
4/5
I feel like this list has made me truly understand the appeal to Pink Floyd. As I seen (or rather heard) on Dark Side of the Moon, Floyd is about the whole journey, rather than the singles. The way they mix the ethereal, the darkness in a beautiful manner is exceptional. I love the way everything flows together and how they blend synths and sound effects to make all the songs pop. I can’t say this gave me the same impact that Dark Side had, so I don’t exactly think it’s the band’s best album. But it’s still a great album, especially given the context of it as a tribute to Syd Barrett.
Favorite track: Wish You Were Here
Other hits: Welcome to the Machine, Shine On You Crazy Diamond (all the parts)
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Usually albums that play the strongest song first tend to suffer as they set the bar too high for the rest of the track list. This is the one exception where not only do Simon and Garfunkel blow their load on song one (don’t visualize that), they fucking met the bar they set on track one.
If there were any album to mark the end of S&G’s discography, this was it. The writing and harmonies are top notch. It’s practically the bar for every folk album to reach for. A masterpiece that makes some weird decisions (putting a live track right before the end, the entirely of So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright despite being a banger), but pulls through every time. One of the few albums that feels like you must do before you die.
Favorite track: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Other hits: Cecilia, The Boxer, The Only Living Boy in New York, Why Don’t You Write Me, Song for the Asking, So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
The Sonics
3/5
I don’t know if this is possible, but is it weird for someone who likes loud music to complain that this was too loud? I feel like this was just your basic 60’s boy band, but these guys had the idea to scream on every track. I mean, for 1965, that’s pretty raw in an age that was pretty much squeaky clean. But I feel like I respect these guys more for their impact, rather than their music. Especially since most of this was covers, kinda of would have liked more of the original stuff. Not bad, but not something I’ll go crazy for.
Favorite track: Have Love Will Travel
Other hits: The Witch, Psycho, Strychnine
Maxwell
2/5
Ah yeah, it’s sexy time. Time for Maxwell’s Method of Making Women Moist and it’s… ungodly boring. I don’t mind some mid to late 90’s R&B, but this album is one-note as hell. Honestly, if you’re not at least on second base by Ascension, don’t bother going to the ballgame. It doesn’t really get any better.
Well, actually, the album kind of slows down for Whenever Wherever Whatever and Lonely’s the Only Company and it actually felt like it was getting better. Like “there we go, that’s more like it” territory. Then, it got boring again.
Honestly, if the songs had just a trifle more variety, I probably would have liked this one. But unfortunately, it’s bloated. And nobody wants to have sex when bloated.
Favorite track: Whenever Wherever Whatever
Other hits: Lonely’s the Only Company, Sumthin’ Sumthin’, Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder), The Suite Theme
TV On The Radio
4/5
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever really heard of these guys before. They sounded vaguely familiar, but I can’t say I heard anything from them. And if I’m being honest, it sucks it took this long.
Indie tends to be hit or miss to me. It’s either too slow or too soft or too esoteric. TV on the Radio here has found a way to make it fun. It’s hard to describe the sound. It stands between rock and funk and traditional indie. It just makes for a nice varied experience that makes for a thoroughly good time. What a surprisingly great album.
Favorite track: Family Tree
Other hits: Halfway Home, Crying, Shout Me Out, DLZ, Dancing Choose, Lover’s Day
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
After enjoying the last CSN I got (the eponymous debut), I was a little worried about dealing with the inevitable Y. I’m not really a fan of his vocals and was hoping that he wouldn’t kill the album. Thankfully, he didn’t (mostly cause he had three other people with him to kinda suppress him). It’s still got the same stuff that worked without Young. I think the debut had stronger songs, but this one’s just as good.
Favorite track: Carry On
Other hits: Teach Your Children, Deja Vu, Woodstock, Everybody I Love You
Tina Turner
3/5
I’m a little torn if Tina’s style works with this 80’s production. As someone with a guilty pleasure for 80’s production (sue me), it kinda comes off as weird. I feel like this is carried hard by What’s Love Got To Do With It, which probably single-handingly revived Tina’s career. The other stuff is hit or miss, mostly thanks to the production. Really didn’t like 1984, that song was very hokey. Other than that, it’s good, but I wouldn’t call it Tina’s best.
Favorite track: What’s Love Got to Do With It
Other hits: Help, Private Dancer, Show Some Respect, Let’s Stay Together
Metallica
5/5
I’m gonna start off by saying that I think it’s a bit of a travesty that only two 80’s Metallica albums made it on the list and none of them were Ride the Lightning. Personally, I think having the trilogy of that, Master of Puppets and And Justice For All would have been the fucking tits. Because as is, it makes Justice’s inclusion a little complicated. It’s not as tight-knit as Master of Puppets, and can kind of meander in some parts. I mean, the band themselves don’t even want to play the title track live because it’s too fucking long. Also, for those who know, the mixing is love and hate for me. Outside of losing a Grammy to Jethro Tull, the other thing this album is known for is having the bass made obsolete, which was an intention decision. It does make the album more “raw” and “visceral” thanks to the dryness, but it kinda kills the depth of the songs. The weaker songs can become walls of noise, which could add to the aforementioned meandering.
So with all that being said, it’s still hard for me to not love this album, at least in a lot of parts. To Live Is To Die isn’t Orion, but it’s still a great instrumental and the perfect lead up to Dyers Eve, probably the closest Metallica would get to matching Slayer in speed. The themes present in the album go deeper than Master of Puppets, dealing with corruption (the title track), the environment (Blackened), and even Hetfield’s personal life (Dyers Eve).
And of course there’s One. Yeah yeah, that’s not exactly a deep cut. But like, there are not a lot of songs that master the art of pacing of that song; the slow, calm start descending into chaos, until the gas pedal becomes a permanent friend with the floor.
And Justice for All is not by any means a perfect album, but it can be considered the last album made by the “real” Metallica. After this would come the Black Album, and while I like that one, it would start the band’s exposure to the mainstream. It’s the McDonald’s transition from the fun Playplace colors to the corporate gray cube, if that metaphor makes any sense. That album is complicated for me, but I guess I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it.
Favorite track: One
Other hits: Blackened, Harvester of Sorrow, The Frayed Ends of Sanity, To Live Is To Die, Dyers Eve
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
If you’re one of those people that don’t like foreign albums because you can’t understand a word, then this must be your hell because this album is nothing but vocals.
Ok, jokes aside, that was pretty good despite being ultra repetitive. Truth be told, I think the repetitiveness is part of the design. You take it in as more traditional African music rather than Pentatonix and it starts to just blend itself in. It’s all in the harmonies, which all sound beautiful. It transcends any need of understanding the language; you can feel it in their music. Add some of Paul Simon’s production and it’s a pretty solid album.
Favorite track: Hello My Baby
Other hits: Golgotha, How Long, King of Kings, Ikhaya Lamaqhawe, Wawusho Kubani, Unomathemba
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
I tried playing a game of “Guess the Plot” from this soundtrack, but I think I left just as clueless leaving the album as I did coming into it. My guess is “cop movie”, because of the gun on the cover.
I am not nearly as cultured in Bollywood enough to tell if this film is like a classic or something. I do like that this book gave me something different than Latin or African for the world genre. But, this was not for me. It kind of got a little grating as it went on, probably due to the sound quality. I don’t know about anyone else, but some parts just sounded a little loud. Like to the point where the stereo would start giving feedback. I did this on Spotify, so it wasn’t a second-hand recording.
Also, I don’t really care for the weird mix between 70’s pop and traditional Indian music. It got kind of cheesy in an annoying way. It doesn’t help that some of the songs drag a bit.
I really hope there’s more samples of Indian music on here. I know Bollywood can produce some bangers. I just don’t think I found them here.
Favorite track: One Two Cha Cha Cha
Other hits: Title Music, Baby Let’s Dance Together, Romantic Theme
Aretha Franklin
4/5
You know it takes a hell of a lot of talent that a rating of four feels sacrilege, but let me explain. I think that a chunk of the songs do sound a little samey, which feels more like the genre’s fault rather than Aretha’s.
Other than that, it’s Aretha. There was nobody else like her and her talent obviously carries through here. I think I like the hits on here than the ones on I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You.
Favorite track: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Other hits: Chain of Fools, Money Won’t Change You, Ain’t No Way, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You Been Gone, Good to Me as I Am to You
The Clash
5/5
After hearing about this album and its legacy for so long and finally going through it, I only have one thing to say: I get it.
This is a serious contender for being the best punk album of all time. It certainly might be the best double album of all time. There was no point of fatigue. None. Do you know how many fucking double albums I tapped out on mentally? It’s long, but my god it never overstays its welcome. For a punk album, it’s incredibly diverse stylistically. The punk part is really coming from the themes. It’s kind of crazy how the Clash can keep a razor edge perceptive of the world and its issues and still make some damn catchy tunes without losing any integrity.
I have nothing more to add to this. Like I said above: I get it.
Favorite track: Lost in the Supermarket
Other hits: London Calling, Hateful, Spanish Bombs, Jimmy Jazz, Rudie Can’t Fail, Wrong ‘Em Boyo, Death or Glory, Lover’s Rock, The Card Cheat, Train in Vain (Stand By Me)
Mudhoney
3/5
I feel like given this was a major influence to the grunge scene, even predating Nirvana’s Bleach, I would have liked this more. I do love how harsh the guitar sounds, which gives the album that raw edge only a studio can hate. But this never really clicked with me. It doesn’t really have any of the hooks or charm grunge would eventually have; a factor probably given by its age. It feels like an album I only appreciate due to its influence. I think it does deserve a spot here, but can’t say I was crazy for this.
Favorite track: In ‘n’ Out of Grace
Other hits: Chain That Door, Need, No One Has
Black Sabbath
5/5
I think it might be a weird decision to some that this album’s on the list and not Master of Reality. But while I agree that album’s a classic, I’m a little inclined to prefer Vol. 4 over it. Maybe it’s because it’s a little different from the band’s other discography or maybe classic rock radio made me a little sick of Sweet Leaf.
The album’s a little disjointed, but it doesn’t matter. I’d fuck with Supernaut and have room for Changes, which might be one of my top 5 Black Sabbath songs. Kind of love how a band considered to be controversial at the time produce one of the most beautiful songs I ever heard. Like Rick James said: Cocaine’s a hell of a drug.
It’s really sad I got all the Black Sabbath albums on the list after Ozzy’s death. So here’s one last RIP to a real legend.
Favorite track: Changes and Supernaut (they tie)
Other hits: Wheels of Confusion, Snowblind, Cornucopia, Under the Sun, Laguna Sunrise
Iron Maiden
4/5
Pre-Bruce Dickinson Iron Maiden feels so weird to me. After he became the lead vocalist, he just became Iron Maiden. I mean, Paul Di’anno’s not bad at all. It just doesn’t scream Iron Maiden to me personally. Though what’s even weirder is how despite all that, this debut still stands on its own.
Honestly, if you don’t like Iron Maiden, this might be for you. It’s really just at the point where the band was finding themselves, like all bands do on their debut. So you get a more melodic, nuisances approach that might be more accessible. Don’t let Eddie on the front scare you.
For me, I respect this album. It’s important and Iron Maiden wouldn’t exist without it. Having a debut stand out is very hard, so I give this one props.
Favorite track: Prowler
Other hits: Phantom of the Opera, Transylvania, Strange World, Charlotte the Harlot
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
I always put Jimi Hendrix as the type of artist that gets mentioned around as one of the greatest of all time, but doesn’t really do anything for me. I completely respect the man’s talent, dude was a legend at the guitar. But I never really got into his songs. I kinda felt that on Electric Ladyland. Fortunately, this album’s a lot more packed with the Hendrix classics. Yes, even my jaded ass gets a pop from Purple Haze and The Wind Cries Mary. And some of the other side isn’t bad either.
Is Hendrix my personal GOAT? No. Is Are You Experienced a good album? Yes.
Favorite track: Purple Haze
Other hits: The Wind Cries Mary, Foxey Lady, Hey Joe, Third Stone From the Sun, Are You Experienced
Willie Nelson
3/5
You know, after only getting to hear On The Road Again, it’s nice to expand on Willie Nelson. From this album, I consider him on the better end of country music. I like how the music’s more calm than corny, like a lot of other classic country albums. It’s a nice concept album too, though I wish it didn’t warrant hearing Time of the Preacher 3 times. And also the album starts to drag a bit on side 2. I think I lost track of the concept by O’er the Waves. It’s certainly one of the better country albums I’ve gotten, though from me, that’s not saying much.
Favorite track: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Other hits: I Couldn’t Believe It Was True, Red Headed Stranger, Just As I Am, Can I Sleep In Your Arms, Bandera
The Flaming Lips
3/5
If there’s one thing worse than a bad album, it’s one that frustrates me. The instruments are fucking beautiful. That violin melody on Race for the Prize is what dreams are made of. It had the potential to be fantastic. But my god, I cannot get past the vocalist. Does anyone else get weird Neil Young vibes from him? I don’t like it. And some of the lyrics are kinda shit too. A Spoonful Weighs a Ton in particular was stupid. Yeah, how many lyrics can we rhyme with ton.
So really, this circles around to average for me. I’m really hoping Yoshida Battles the Pink Robots is much better.
Favorite track: Race for the Prize
Other hits: The Observer, Sleeping on the Roof, Feeling Yourself Disintegrate, What is the Light?, Suddenly Everything Has Changed
Van Halen
5/5
God that synth on Jump is going to be stuck in my head until the day I die.
In all honestly, hair metal for me is extremely hit or miss. It’s either really energetic and a blast or it’s just of losers singing about their libido. Van Halen for me, is both of those. Either they fire on all cylinders or I’m mentally begging David Lee Roth to shut up. But 1984, to me, is Van Halen fully at their best. Yeah, it’s horny white dad rock. Yeah, it definitely goes into corny territory. But it’s hard to deny the magnitude of the album’s hits. Between Panama, Hot for Teacher, and Jump, it’s the band’s strongest collection, and the deep cuts are pretty solid too.
The 80’s would harbor about a million hair metal bands that would only age like milk at the end of the decade. I’m not saying 1984 hasn’t aged; it’s 80’s as hell. But it sure as hell stuck around and I can understand why.
Favorite track: Jump
Other hits: Hot For Teacher, Panama, I’ll Wait, Girl Gone Bad, House of Pain
Erykah Badu
2/5
You know an album’s boring the shit out of you when you can’t tell when the next track starts or even which track is what. It’s that kind of dull that somebody thought was a good idea to stretch to 70 minutes. Add Badu’s annoying vocals to it and you pretty much got nothing much of value here. I’m sure that there was probably a good album somewhere squeezed in here, but I can’t find it.
Favorite track: Green Eyes
Other hits: A.D. 2000, In Love With You, Penitentiary Philosophy, Orange Moon
Pretenders
4/5
I never really had the Pretenders on my radar. Not because I’ve never heard of them, but because I remember not really clicking with them. They felt too soft to me as a rock band and their new wave-punk fusion really really grabbed me in. Though, after I expanded my musical palette, I’ve come to really appreciate the Pretenders. I especially come to really like this debut. There’s definitely a great balance of new wave and punk and Chrissie Hynde does a great job carrying the album through the genres. As someone who never really hears the Pretenders too much, this was a great way into getting more into them.
Favorite track: Stop Your Sobbing
Other hits: Tattooed Love Boys, Brass in Pocket, Mystery Achievement, Kid, Private Life, Precious, Up the Neck, The Wait
Kate Bush
5/5
About 100-ish albums ago, I got Dreaming by Kate Bush and I thought it was eh. Kate had the vocal talent, but the album was too far out for me and it just felt more annoying than interesting. Now here’s come this album, with that single that everybody knows from Stranger Things. I don’t watch a lot of television or streaming so that kind of means nothing to me. I’m going to be honest; I thought that the praise for this album was only due to its renewed 15 minutes of fame. I mean Running Up That Hill is nice, but I wasn’t going crazy for it. But after that… oh boy.
I think that every issue that I had with Dreaming was resolved. Hounds of Love is more accessible, but still retains that weird side; an ethereal vibe that no one else can really replicate. It works as a pop album, but doesn’t feel studio-manufactured at all. Kate has more control of her vocals unlike Dreaming. Now she sounds fucking phenomenal, literally like a dream.
This might be one of the biggest improvements I have seen on this list, coming from Dreaming. It’s honestly worthy of its second coming thanks to Stranger Things. But regardless, I’m just glad I got a chance to listen to it.
Favorite track: Cloudbusting
Other hits: Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God), The Big Sky, Hello Earth, Hounds of Love, And Dream of Sheep, Waking the Witch, Jig of Life, The Morning Fog
The White Stripes
2/5
So whatever the White Stripes had going that made me love Elephant so much, this ain’t it. I respect the idea to go into a different direction coming off of Elephant. But did it have to be this? It feels like they shifted way too much into the blues rock territory, and what the fuck is with the marimba? Most of the songs feel annoying to me, which never really was the case with Jack White. Half the time, I’d check how much time a song had left and it would be only halfway. I hope to God this was a weird one-off, because this was very disappointing.
Favorite track: Blue Orchid
Other hits: The Nurse, Take,Take,Take, I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet)
The Associates
2/5
I hated this. Not necessarily because it’s terrible (which it is), but because there’s some potential in here. As someone who actually doesn’t mind the synth, there some good instrumentals here. Some of this, I swear to God, got my head bopping. It’s just that the vocals sound like a discount Bono trying to add ambience to a haunted house. I felt like I was having a good sleep, only for the anesthesia to wear off and I’m on the operating table with the doctor’s sawing through my rib cage. I keep trying to enjoy this, but it keeps hurting my ears. You know how Gloomy Sunday has an urban legend that hearing it makes you commit suicide? I think they were talking about this.
As someone who identifies as a 80’s synth defender (basically a heretic), even this was too much. Bonus star for the instrumentals though.
Favorite track: the ones without vocals (Arrogance Gave Him Up and nothinginsomethingparticular)
Other hits: Nude Spoons, Party Fears Two
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I think it says a lot about the talent of Stevie Wonder when even the less-than-perfect albums still stand miles above 90% of the albums on here. Yeah, it seems cliche to not rate this as highly as Innervisions or Songs In the Key of Life, but it’s not because of the lack of hits. It’s Stevie Wonder, every song sounds like a hit. It’s really due to the second half. It just felt slightly weaker to the first half.
But regardless, it’s still Stevie Wonder. Great vocals, great rhythms, great funky beats, that fucking harmonica. Why it took up to this project for me to actually listen to him will forever be a mystery to me.
Favorite track: Too Shy to Say
Other hits: Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away, Smile Please, Creepin’, You Haven’t Done Nothing, It Ain’t No Use, Bird of Beauty
Steely Dan
3/5
According to this site, Steely Dan has four albums on the list. I only knew one Steely Dan song prior to this: Do It Again. And to be honest, I think four albums might be too much. This one is my first and it’s not bad, but it’s really just your standard dad rock. There’s a couple of nice songs, though nothing that really stands out. Expect East St. Louis Toodle-oo, which just felt weird and out of place.
We’ll see if my Steely Dan apathy can be cured from this list, but Pretzel Logic is not the breakthrough.
Favorite track: Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
Other hits: Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Night by Night, Pretzel Logic, Monkey In Your Soul, Parker’s Band
Judas Priest
5/5
Boy, between this and Iron Maiden, metal really popped in 1980. Personally, I would consider Screaming For Vengeance for this list, but I think British Steel is a worthy choice to put here. It is a vital piece of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and it’s just a classic of 80’s metal overall, retaining its edge without going into corny territory. Shame this is the only Judas Priest album I’ll get here.
Favorite track: Breaking the Law
Other hits: Rapid Fire, United, Steeler, Metal Gods, The Rage, You Don’y Have To Be Old To Be Wise
Little Simz
2/5
Speaking as someone who fell off of popular music by the end of the 2010’s, this album didn’t do much to draw me back in. I appreciate that this album doesn’t drone on for an hour, like so many other hip-hop/rap albums do. But even at 36 minutes, it felt like a drag. I’m 29, and shit like this makes me feel like I’m 87, waving my cane at the young people, telling them to get the fuck off my lawn. If this list is going to pull more recent albums, I kind of want more than this.
Favorite track: Selfish
Other hits: Venom, 101 FM, Sherbet Sunset
The Modern Lovers
2/5
Is there something I’m missing with this? I understand shit like this is not supposed to be polished to sound raw, but there’s a point where you just end up sounding like shit. Like the lead singer just hurts my ears and the songs just sound stupid. It just sounds like someone recorded some band playing in a bar and put the raw recording on vinyl. Then every music publication calls it shit like “iconic” and puts it on a thousand arbitrary lists… like this one. And I sit here wondering if my musical taste is just shit or if I’m just too uncultured to understand what the appeal is.
Funnily enough, everyone says this is similar to The Velvet Underground. I thought that one album was overrated (you know the one), so I guess it’s no surprise I think this one is, too.
Favorite track: Roadrunner
Other hits: She Cracked, Someone I Care About