Very pleasant, swingin' old timey dinner party music. Reminds me of my grandma, in a nice way. I like and know several of these songs from my own choir days. But this doesn't need to be 3 hours long, pretty repetitive after a while. I probably only made it about halfway through. Ella is a wonderful singer and I'd be happy to listen to her music, but since I'm rating the album, unfortunately I'm knocking this down to a 2.4/5

let the good times roll! Mix of a few big band tunes and a lot of nice slow dance love songs. Especially lovely orchestration in the last track "Come Rain or Come Shine". I can picture a million black and white first dance wedding scenes. Not an album I would seek out but clearly an influential classic. 4/5.

Get a drink, have a good time now. Welcome to paradise! A delight to listen to this album straight through, the way it is meant to be consumed, and get the great track transitions and cross-album references. E.g. Track 2 (Stay another season) is really like Since I Left You pt 2 with the horse sample teasers to Frontier Psychiatrist. Sending those signals.. those digital signals! Two Hearts in 3/4 Time - like an idyllic stroll through a countryside Lots of bops I wouldn't remember by name, like A Different Feeling (track 9). That piano intro to Tonight May Have to Last Me All my Life.. Frontier Psychiatrist... unbeatable. The impact this song has had on my errant thoughts is hard to quantify,. FLIGHT 2-2 IS OFF TO HONOLULU! And a nice fade out... 5/5!

First time listening and really enjoyed this one. Started off with some good classic rock, moved into more experimental/psych stuff, a little country and back around. The classic Kashmir just awesome with the strings and drama. Would definitely recommend and listen again.

I've listened to Quality Control plenty, and solo stuff from members of this group, but don't think I've heard this album at all. Starting strong with a funky beat and Chali 2na's unmistakable deep voice in "Freedom". Dope flutes Nelly Furtado appears "One of Them" feels out of place on here. Too aggressive. First one I've wanted to skip. Album is losing some steam in the second half Closing it out with a fun classic 90s DJ instrumental track - love it. A fun album I would listen to again. 3.5/5 but prob rounding down

Alright first album where I have never even heard of the artist! Not sure what genre to expect even. Here we go! okkk starting out strong with some funky organ. Ok ok turns out Jimmy Smith is considered the father of modern jazz organ! Title track "Back at the Chicken Shack" was probably my favorite. Tracks 1-4 are long, meandering jazzy ensembles. Track 5 is more of a "song" - "on the sunny side of the street", and I enjoyed that one a lot. Yeah this rocks and will be a great background album to return to. 4/5!

My first modern pop record on here. Some huge hits on this album but can't say I've ever listened through it. Apparently this is the world's best-selling album of the 21st century, and the top-performing album in US chart history?? :wow: Big hits on here: Rolling in the Deep, Set Fire to the Rain, Someone Like You. Definitely the first album I've listened to on YTM that has tracks with over a billion plays! Rumour Has It: Like this one. got a fun, stomp & clap style. She has a real classic, old-fashioned style of singing that can be really enjoyable. You could believe this one came out in the 60s. As these tracks go on, honestly the way she sings almost hurts my throat listening, I don't understand how she sustains that. Some forgettable tracks here, some nice piano ballads mixed in. I'll be Waiting has some fun exciting instrumentation. Prob my favorite so far. There's a cover of The Cure's Lovesong on here?? It works! In sum: An incredibly powerful voice, a hugely impactful album, some fun karaoke tracks, but not exactly my style, and I wouldn't seek it out to listen again. And frankly the way she sings in that belting style on this album is painful for me to listen to more than one song in a row. 3/5

Uh oh, forced to listen to a Kanye album for the first time. At least it's a 20 year old album before we knew he was insane. Already transporting me back to freshman year of college. We Don't Care: Alright this is a bop All Falls Down: I remember this one a bit, her riff is the only memorable part though Too many interludes Spaceship: obnoxious Kanye. But the song gets better after his verse. Jesus Walks: intense, melodramatic. Shooter McGavin quote? Never Let Me Down: classic Jay-Z Get Em High - Talib Kweli and Common featured but I am not a fan of this one at all. The New Workout Plan - This sounds like an Eminem song lol. Very silly and honestly fun. I would've played the heck out of this in college if I'd known it. Maybe my fav on the album. Slow Jamz- ha, forgot about this one. Jamie Foxx throwback. Respect for "she got a light skin friend look like Michael Jackson, got a dark skin friend look like Michael Jackson" Breathe In Breathe Out: Ludacris sighting! Feeling very 2004. School Spirit: whatever more skits more skits Two Words: not memorable Through the Wire: nice beat. Kanye sounds like he's trying to do Snoop Dogg? Family Business: Cute Last Call: Kanye just rambling, telling a long story about Jay Z. wrap this up. Alright this was better than I expected. I forgot how cheeky and funny Kanye used to be. Some bops on here, great party music. Could've done without all the skits, interludes, and the more harsh dramatic tracks. Would probably listen again. 3.4/5

Listening notes: Excited for this one! Have never listened to the album but respect EW&F. Shining Star: Didn't realize this was them! And ok wait that little intro guitar riff... did Stevie Wonder lift that for I Wish?? vice versa? Am I crazy? Hm. Well anyway this song rules. Happy Feelin': Loving this beat immediately Africano: Started slow but then picked up into a really fun instrumental track. Quick 8-track album that is a lot of fun to listen to. A little too much falsetto singing. Shining Star is the standout, but I would listen to this again any time. Liked it more the second listen through, increasing my score a bit. 3.7/5

I love Talking Heads and I love so many of the songs on this album. But I have such a strong preference for their live albums that I find the studio recordings like this one a little thin and boring. Like the equipment just seems too basic, vocals are hard to hear, etc. It could really use a remaster! I listened to this while driving so don't have listening notes but a few: Opening with "Thank you for Sending me an Angel" - perfection. I just want to get up and jog around the room, pumping my fists. Including the cover of "Take me to the River" obviously a massive moment for them. Closing with "The Big Country"... wonderful. Would absolutely listen again, but prefer to hear all these tracks on their live albums!! 4.3/5

Listening notes: Well I guess we're listening to Elvis today! Blue Suede Shoes: Classic I'm Counting On You: This is Elvis singing?? I Got a Woman: Didn't realize he had a version of this. A couple years after Ray Charles wrote it. "She give me money!' Interesting how he sounds totally different, more high pitched on some of these tracks: I'm Counting on You, I Love you Because, I'll Never Let you Go. I'm confused about how "I love you because" has the highest play count on YTM on this album?? A tight 28 minute album here. Classic early Elvis. Some huge hits and several I haven't heard. Mostly, or maybe all covers as far as I can tell, including a fun Ray Charles "I got a woman" cover. Interesting how his voice sounds so different (e.g. higher pitched) on a lot of these tracks. A fun listen, would play again. 3.5/5

I will try to be objective about this one, but kicking the album off with Blue Orchid is gonna have me PUMPED UP. Listening notes: Fist pumping to Blue Orchid then sliding into the marimba for The Nurse.. wonderful. on into My Doorbell! When ya gonna ring it?! Forever for Her - solid. Little Ghost!! Love how old timey that track is. The Denial Twist.. Man. Going to a party where the DJ just played this album straight through would be a ton of fun. Perfect first half of the album IMO Slowing it down with White Moon, Instinct Blues. Passive Manipulation - Meg's brief interlude! Take, Take, Take! As Ugly As I seem.. a little bongo action. Red Rain.. spooky toy piano. and I'm lonely, but I ain't that lonely yet. Beautiful piano. Just read on the Wiki that this album was removed from the 1001 Albums list in the 2007 edition. I'm sure glad they kept it on here because this might be my fav so far! Summary: Perfect first half of the album, almost had me leaning 5 stars. But the sleepier, more restrained second half pulls it back to reality. I would still listen to this album any day any time. The musicality is great, the lyrics are interesting. It feels timeless. 4.3/5

Alrighty another artist I've never heard! This was a wacky, experimental, psychedelic album. Lots of strange sounds, "found object" type stuff. Felt very 1968 for sure, with a Brazilian flare. Gave me Silver Apples vibes, a little Yellow Submarine. Loved the Mamas and Papas cover. Not for everyone, but I would listen again. 3.3/5

LIstening notes: I have never really been a big Rolling Stones fan. I like their music, but I've never sought out their albums. Looking forward to this one. Starting real strong with Paint It Black, god this song rules. Lady Jane is a silly one Under My Thumb, great. Doncha Bother Me getting bluesy Some forgettable stuff after that I Am Waiting - always liked this track Going Home - funky blues. Alright this is dragging a little at minute 9... Fun and easy to listen to, would come back to it for sure. A few big hits, awesome starting track. 3.9/5

Listening notes: I first listened to this while on vacation in Hawaii, and the vibe was not quite right. I ended up turning it off before finishing it. Picking this back up after getting home: Kicking off with some great riffs on Speed of Life, kindof a weird Rolling Stones sound. Instrumental, interesting choice for an opener. More funky weirdness with Breaking Glass and What in the World. Sound and Vision: awesome single. Love this one. Always Crashing in the Same Car, this is pretty cool. Be my wife: guess this was a single but kinda forgettable. A new career in a new town - nice and bouncy Waszawa - alright it's getting dark and strange. More moody with Art Decade Weeping Wall - kindof a Philip Glass feel here then back into the creepy darkness with the closeout Subterraneans. Yeah this is decidedly not a Hawaii album haha. I liked it more the second time. But it just feels like the first and second half are very different albums, and I wasn't quite ready for the second one today. I'm intrigued, but left a little confused. Very experimental. Wouldn't seek out the album again. 3.5/5, round down

A fun and silly and rocking album for sure. Yes I was embarrassed to listen to it at the office, but I can't deny how incredibly influential some of these songs were. Not my cup of tea exactly, but couldn't give it less than a 3/5 for that ! Listening notes: lol alright here we go I guess. first album on here that came out the year I was born :) Didn't realize their debut album had all these hits! Welcome to the Jungle: ok dang we're in it. Though as a Cardinals fans this opening guitar riff is just Mark McGwire walking out to bat. You know where you are?? you're in the jungle baby!! you're gonna die!! This song rocks lol It's kinda crazy how different Axl can make his voice sound. I didn't believe it was him singing on some of these tracks. Paradise City! this will forever be interweaved with Can't Hardly Wait for me. Sweet Child of Mine guitar melody.. so iconic. Big Guitar Hero energy for me. Rocket Queen.. alright we got sex sounds

Totally new to this one, haven't even heard of the band. First listen through: nice dreamy indie rock, certainly sounds of a time. All sounded a bit similar. Wouldn't seek it out to listen again, but definitely wouldn't object. 3/5?

Hmm I don't know, I can appreciate early hip hop and record scratching, but The Message (track) was the only song that really jumped out here. And the two ballads in the middle were so slow and long that I had to skip one. I'm sure this was formative, but I wouldn't listen to it again or really recommend it. 2.5/5 Listening notes: Classic 80s hip hop here. "It's Nasty" with the Genius of Love sample, hell yeah. Lots of 80s robot voice. Dreamin: a ballad for Stevie Wonder? Wanted to skip this one after a while You Are: another ballad.. sotof a "You are so beautiful to me" cover? Ok now it's a christian inspiration track.. this is boring. ok I'm skipping. The Message: ok now we're talking!! classic sample and lyrics. "it's like a jungle sometimes makes me wonda how I keep from going unda" "don't push me cuz i'm close to the edge, i'm tryin not to lose my head" Final track: just a classic journey through turntable scratching and mixing. Lots of returning to the classic Good Times beat. and wait.. is Another One Bites the Dust sampling Good Times too?? Had to check - no just "strongly influence by" hah.

This album is admittedly kindof a bluesy one-note. But it was so enjoyable to listen to, Sympathy for the Devil is a top song of all time, tons of joy in the ending track Salt of the Earth. Tracks journey into country western and roots and r&b, but mostly bluesy throughout. I would definitely listen again and think this pushes up into the 4 range for me! 3.9/5 Listening notes: Less than 20 albums in and already getting my second Stones album! Let's see how this compares to Aftermath (1966)... The Stones know how to kick off an album with a banger.. Sympathy for the Devil. Impossible to resist. Love these bongos. and the piano! No Expectations - great bluesy track Dear Doctor - old timey, country western Parachute Woman - ok this a really bluesy album.. Jigsaw Puzzle - more blues but with strong lyrics, piano and you know I love a slide guitar. Street Fighting Man: Ok I know this one but fully did not realize the lyrics included "street fighting man" lol. Fun track, Little sitar shining through. Prodigal Son: More old timey rhythm and blues Stray Cat Blues Factory Girl - we're fully into roots music now! fiddle and all. Salt of the Earth - more rocking, got some backup soul singers

HELL YEAH!!!! I cannot be objective about this album. I haven't listened to it in decades, but this was one of my very first cassettes (!) as a kid, and I listened to it and read all the lyrics over and over. Honestly this album changed my life, and might have been the reason I became a singer. Every god damn song on this is incredible. I can't believe how many singles there are! And the non-singles are just as good. I mean I am almost in tears listening to Forgiven, and just remembering scream singing along to it as a 10 year old (catholic) girl. Thank you 1001 for including this album and reminding me of this part of my life. 5/5

I don't think I gave this album quite a fair shot, listening to it while working instead of really paying attention to the lyrics and musicianship. Relistening to a few songs made me appreciate them more. But still a quite and mostly forgettable album for me, but I wouldn't object to listening again. 2.8/5 Listening notes: Bert Jansch?? Bert. Jansch. 1965 Scottish folk! Why not! big Inside Llewyn Davis vibes Pretty, a little boring Fine, forgettable.

Very pleasant, swingin' old timey dinner party music. Reminds me of my grandma, in a nice way. I like and know several of these songs from my own choir days. But this doesn't need to be 3 hours long, pretty repetitive after a while. I probably only made it about halfway through. Ella is a wonderful singer and I'd be happy to listen to her music, but since I'm rating the album, unfortunately I'm knocking this down to a 2.4/5

This album was fine but I just don't understand how it made the list. It's only my second "modern" album I've gotten, and it's just sortof a fun college radio listen. Not a big fan of the singer, but the instrumentation is good (love all the sax). I generally liked it but I just don't understand how I'm supposed to compare it to Rolling Stones and Ray Charles... 2.4/5 Listening notes: Fun opening track Oh hmm "Pressure Point" ok I think I've heard this on the radio - pretty good meh Confusion - nice, like the sax The instrumentation on this album is quite good, unfortunately the singer's voice annoys me just a bit

Tusk is an album I've heard of but never listened to. I only knew one or two tracks on here, including one I only knew because of a Tame Impala cover-- Thats All for Everyone which was one of my faves. Nice display of all the various singers in this band and some strange and interesting styles. My biggest complaint: needs more Stevie! Would listen again 3.9/5 Listening nots: The Ledge - ok I've heard this one Really interesting tracks on here Wait "that's all for everyone" is them?? this is great. Tame Impala has a cover I had no idea was a cover. gosh Beautiful Child is.. beautiful. devastating. there really should be way more Stevie on this album!!! No singles at all on this album, just 20 easy listening tracks showing off all the various band members. though sadly I've never been a fan of Christine songs.. and there's not enough Stevie on here.

Love Neil Young, wasn't familiar with this album though. Kinda sleepy, kinda sad, but still pretty and worth a listen or two. Especially liked See the Sky about to Rain and that wobbly organ sound. 3.4/5

Didn't have time to do a proper listen to this album, but I appreciate what I heard and would listen again. Needs more: slide guitar. Needs less: accordion, and the lyrics "I keep my fingernails long so they click when I'm playing the piano?? "

very pleasant soulful album, great for an afternoon relaxin, maybe lounging on a boat. "Who's That Lady" is an all-time banger, and there are some fun covers of "Listen to the Music" and "Summer Breeze". Would listen again. 2.9/5

This album was alright. But it didn't excite me, too many ballads. Didn't quite get how it made the cut.

Blue Rondo a la Turk - what a sick song to start with. awesome energy. Take Five! try not to dance along to this one. So influential so nice to listen to. I don't even really like jazz but I could listen to this any time. Def hits 4 stars for me.

I didn't love this at first listen but it grew on me. There are some really beautiful tracks on here and it just encapsulates 1996 alt energy so well. Felt like a mix of Flaming Lips, Eliott Smith, and Beck all rolling around. I might listen again, 2.8/5 Listening notes: Not familiar with this band or album at all. Alright starting a little creepy. Oh yeah this is big 1996 energy, sounds like early Flaming Lips. "Beautiful Freak" is really pretty. Ending with Manchild giving some pretty Elliott Smith energy. Fun to learn Jon Brion helped produce this.

This is such a strange and beautiful album and I would definitely listen again. The female vocals are just hauntingly beautiful, and Stillness is the Move will always be a banger.

Awesome and influential album from the great Janis Joplin and her band. I may be biased as someone who dresses as Janis most Halloweens, but damn what a queen. This was also so cool to listen to knowing some of the live material was recorded at Bill Graham's Fillmore Auditorium, avenue I've been to countless times. God imagine that. Apparently this was the opening show at the venue. Anyway I couldn't give this less than 4 stars!

Yeah this album is basically perfect, it deserves a rare 5/5. Loved it all the way through, would listen again any time. Incredible impact. Simple but with touches of elegant instrumentation. Great covers. 90s kid approved. listening notes: This concert was so pivotal, so impactful as a 90s kid. I remember watching parts of it on MTV several times. And the reason I thought "The Man Who Sold The World" was a Nirvana song. As someone who never really dug into their albums too much, I might know this one better than any others. Excited to dig in About a Girl - awesome Come as you are - gosh his voice Jesus Doesnt Want Me For a Sunbeam - don't really remember this one. accordion?? hell yeah. i loved that. The man who sold the world... so cool. that walking bass line. and the guitar riff! Pennyroyal Tea, Dumb, Polly.. On a Plain: love myself! better than you.. Something in the Way: so spooky, good for Halloween today. Plateau - didn't realize how many covers were on this album. another good one. Going into a run of 3 Meat Puppets songs in a row.. interesting. Oh I guess the MP guys actually performed this with them. Oh Me Lake of Fire - more crazy singing All Apologies - great of course Closing it out with a standard Where Did you Sleep Last Night. amazing how they turn this into a Nirvana song.

I'm shook by this album, I am kicking myself for never listening to it despite enjoying her singles. This blew me away and I will absolutely listen again. Perfect balance of concept album, upbeat bops, retro gems. I favorited 3 tracks on this album in YTM while listening, which says a LOT. I'm a little torn on this rating, like can I really give this a 5 compared to the Beatles or something?? But damn, I'm going to. 4.7/5 Listening notes: Bold move starting this album out with silence then a classical instrumental suite! Then sliding into a Saul Williams feature! Dance or Die - hell yeah moved seamlessly into Faster, which also rocks keeps the energy moving into Locked Inside Sir Greendown slowing into a beachy 60s vibe Cold War - I guess this was a single but I don't recognize it. Definitely feel the Big Boi influence on this track I am blown away by this album so far! Tightrope - goddamn. I know this was big but honestly I can't believe it didn't reach the status of Bruno Mars etc. This should be played at every wedding reception instead of Uptown Funk. I should be sick of this song. Second half of the album becoming more eclectic. moody Neon Gumbo into a folksy pop Oh, Maker. Come Alive - first track I don't love. It's a little cheesy, retro rock Mushrooms & Roses - Ok now some heavily distorted psych rock... yes. Not an Of Montreal collab in here! perfect. Wondaland kinda silly robot track that still slaps. 57821 some ethereal retro folk Say You'll Go - pretty ballad with a little Claire de Lune outro

Easy listening, some hits. Happy to listen to Marley any time. 2.7/5

Fun and pretty hard rocking early album from Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I knew Y-Control off this one and always like that one a lot. Maps of course is iconic. Some of the others honestly a little heavy for my taste. Probably wouldn't seek this one out again but gets a big boost from those two singles. 2.8/5

It was fine, it was easy listening that I enjoyed, but also forgettable. 2.6/5

Solid LZ album though not overly memorable. Very bluesy, classic rock n roll feel. Probably a 3.5/5

Mostly sounds like a decent but boring Pixies album, and I'm not much of a Pixies fan. 2.3/5

1993 let's goooo Some big hits on here: Cherub Rock, Today, Disarm. But plenty more I don't know, I probably haven't heard this album all the way through since my brother was playing it in the 90s. Solid album though drags a bit at the end. Big boost for Today and Disarm which were pivotal tracks for me growing up. 3/5

Fun and upbeat without being overly sweet or old fashioned. Gets a little repetitive. 2.5/5

Honestly I've never really listened to the Kinks. From the name, I always thought they were like a UK 70s punk band. But no then they start this album off with the gentlest "We are the village green preservation society..." lmao Always kindof weird to find these albums on this list by known artists but with no popular singles at all? Anyway a nice gentle retro listen. No big standouts but would listen again. 3.4/5

The Verve... now that's a name I haven't heard in years.... Is starting an album off with Bitter Sweet Symphony even fair? This might be one of the greatest 90s songs of all time, tbh. 5/5 for this song. (Also TIL it's Bitter Sweet two words, not Bittersweet) Do I have to listen to the rest of the album?? Yeah as expected the rest of the album was fine but totally forgettable. I'm torn here. This is a clear 2/5 for me but damn that opening single!!!!

Never realized how much the lead singer sounds like Bob Dylan. Had no expectations for this one other than Sultans of Swing being a classic. Easy listening, mostly enjoyed except for when the singer did that growly thing. 2.8/5

Always feels like cheating when I get an album I already love. What a joy to listen through again. Absolutely love several tracks: Clint Eastwood, Rock the House, Latine Simone, Slow Country, 19-2000. Can't forget the next tier: Re-Hash, Tomorrow Comes Today, New Genius, Man Research, 5/4. Yeah turns out this album absolutely rocks, I could listen to it any day, and for that.. it gets the rare 5 star. 4.7/5

Definitely the newest album I've gotten so far. First rap album I think, of course it's a British artist (I've never heard of). Yeah I really enjoyed this a lot! No standout track notes, her singing style is a little repetitive so they blend together. But I would listen again. Good backing beats with some interesting instrumentation, e.g. the east Asian sound on 101 FM and guitar riff on Boss. 3.3/5

Creedennnce!!! "Born on the Bayou"?? this homey is from the Bay area. Honestly I find his voice kinda grating. This Good Golly Miss Molly cover is too much. Points back for Proud Mary. Can't hate it though i honestly don't love it. Maybe a 2.9/5

Ok there are two versions of this album available, one has 5 tracks and one has 38. I guess I'll start with the former. Kicking off with the clarinet.. oh yeah. Didn't know the first few tracks but they were fun. Noticeably much fuller sound on track 4, Jeep's Blues, which I know well. Awesome to hear the crowd going absolutely nuts after each track. Halfway through the last track and this sounds like the craziest party of 1956, crowd is goin nuts. 1956?? god damn. This probably changed these people's lives. Super exciting ending. Awesome snapshot in time, great musicians. 3/5

I didn't have time to listen to the whole thing, and tbh a lot of it kinda blended together with no big standouts. This was my third Stones album already on this list and the latest one yet, 1972 (prev 1968 and 1966). The tracks mostly sounded like classic examples of their fav genres- blues, boogie woogie, rock n roll. Appreciated the tracks with brass and backup vocals the most. 2.9/5

This album absolutely held up for me, god damn. Funny to hear this right after The Bends, which came out at about the same time. But I would rather listen to this any day, though obv not everyone's cup of tea. Having Closer, Hurt, March of the Pigs all on one album.. This is almost a 5 for me but I guess I'll hold back a bit. 4.3/5 Listening notes: This came at a good time, I have been recently remembering how freaking good NIN is. Been on a Pretty Hate Machine kick lately so excited to revisit this one. Mr Self Destruct - he really was doing crazy strange innovative sounds hey piggy pig pig pig pig GOD IS DEAD AND NO ONE CARES dude... March of the Pigs gets me SO AMPED. I have loved this song since I was a little kid lol. hell yeah. STEP RIGHT UPPPPP MARCH PUSH Yeah we're replaying that one. omg and it goes into Closer, jesus. how many goth couples have banged to this song, I mean it's gotta be in the millions. i mean this song is creepy but it is sexxyyy Into Ruiner. awesome. love that record scratch riff ... A Warm Place - such a calm interlude ... Closing out with Hurt... oof. you could have it all!! my empire of dirt!

Been a huge Radiohead fan for decades but have not returned to this album in just as long. Sure hope there are other Radiohead albums on this list.. But will take this opportunity to revisit. It's just so 90s lol. Bones sounds like an REM song. And it all kinda sounds the same. I'm sure this was a banger when it came out, but I was 10 years late to the party. Street Spirit is still good, everything is listenable, but no reason for me to return to this one. 2.6/5

It was inoffensive but I just got bored and wanted to listen to something else. Skimmed through the second half. 2.2/5