346
Albums Rated
3
Average Rating
32%
Complete
743 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
How you rate albums
Rating Timeline
Average rating over time
Ratings by Decade
Which era do you prefer?
Activity by Day
When do you listen?
Taste Profile
1990s
Favorite Decade
Britpop
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Harsh
Rater Style
26
5-Star Albums
21
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
Origin Preferences
Ratings by country
Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby | 5 | 2.65 | +2.35 |
| Copper Blue | 5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
| Deserter's Songs | 5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
| Slanted And Enchanted | 5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
| This Is Hardcore | 5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
| I Should Coco | 5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
| Urban Hymns | 5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
| The Fat Of The Land | 5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
| Sound of Silver | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
| Different Class | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Score | 1 | 3.69 | -2.69 |
| The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill | 1 | 3.63 | -2.63 |
| good kid, m.A.A.d city | 1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
| To Pimp A Butterfly | 1 | 3.61 | -2.61 |
| Doggystyle | 1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
| Debut | 1 | 3.36 | -2.36 |
| Endtroducing..... | 1 | 3.35 | -2.35 |
| Red Headed Stranger | 1 | 3.35 | -2.35 |
| Brilliant Corners | 1 | 3.33 | -2.33 |
| Private Dancer | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | 3 | 5 |
| Pulp | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 6 | 4 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 4.33 |
| The Smiths | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kendrick Lamar | 2 | 1 |
| Christina Aguilera | 2 | 1 |
| Björk | 2 | 1.5 |
| Willie Nelson | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (26)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Gillian Welch
1/5
Dull, uninteresting, unimaginative drivel!
If you need something to send you to sleep, stick the last track on, which is an extraordinary repetitive rambling mess!
4 likes
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
I bet that when Kacey goes for a curry she orders a Korma and a plain Naan bread.
Every song sounded like the vomit inducing montage music to a teenage b movie where our heroine looks whimsically back at her summer of romance.
I didn’t hate it, the vocals are ok and occasionally you think it is going to get spicy, but no back to your bland korma with Kacey!
The correct order in a curry house (in case you are interested) is Lamb tikka korai, pilau rice, keema naan, and lashings of lime pickle. Go on Kacey give it a try.
4 likes
R.E.M.
4/5
Wow 1983? By my RECKONING this album is way ahead of the trend for alternative music. Almost OUT OF TIME.
It is AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE to say that REM are a little dull but I vote this one UP and would like to DOCUMENT my approval.
I am not GREEN, I can tell that the production is weak in places and dig beyond the first few tracks and it does REVEAL some weaker tracks that I was happy to ACCELERATE past.
Overall a MONSTER of an album and I look forward to more NEW ADVENTURES IN HI-FI as I discover new music by the band.
3 likes
Genesis
1/5
A bloated 70s prog rock, double concept album. This must have sounded dated 2 weeks after release!
3 likes
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Twi things that I believed to be true before starting this project:
1) saxophones on a rock album generally don’t work.
2) The Rolling Stones don’t have a killer album.
This album changes nothing!
2 likes
4-Star Albums (81)
1-Star Albums (21)
All Ratings
Johnny Cash
4/5
Great voice and some fantastic covers. Hate is an absolute triumph.
Black Sabbath
4/5
A great album from this influential artist.
Some great riffs and vocals, but maybe lacking some killer tracks that appear on later albums.
The Who
3/5
Slightly odd mix of songs that feel disjointed. Some good moments though.
Public Enemy
2/5
Don’t really get it, loved their version of Bring the Noise with Anthrax though.
The Band
3/5
It’s alright and better than the last one though of theirs.
Coldcut
2/5
Chilly!
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Wow! I really liked this one, which was very accessible and chilled.
As it’s a concept album, some tracks and the whole album go on a bit, but definitely worth a revisit.
Soundgarden
5/5
A true great, and the classic example of grunge sound.
A distinct development of their early albums - I still think Badmotorfinger is better, and full of great songs.
His vocals are superb.
Top track: The day I tried to live
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
I liked this, loads of tracks that I recognised and some that influenced the likes of the Beatles.
Of it’s time but fun.
Madonna
2/5
Well it wasn’t as bad as I feared but most of it is self indulgent dirge!
I liked the pure upbeat pop songs though.
Pere Ubu
1/5
Some interesting stuff, but it soon descended into an ugly mess of headache inducing nonsense!
Gang Starr
3/5
Pleasantly surprised at this one, very chilled and catchy.
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
Well I liked Layla!
Talking Heads
3/5
Not as good as the other album of theirs but I like it
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
Better than I thought it would be.
They do like guns don’t they!
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Wow! What a great album, much better than the last one. 4 or 5 top tracks and their trademark laid back vibes.
Again, most of the songs do sound the same, but I can forgive them that.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Pretty decent, with some of the more experimental stuff lacking.
Top track: What goes on
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
Seems fun, but all covers and he sounds like a revolting human being!
Lauryn Hill
1/5
Utter tosh
Herbie Hancock
2/5
Jazz and the 70s is not a good mix. The funk element redeems in places
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I liked this. His voice is similar to Mark Lanegan and matched the mood of the songs. It could’ve done with kicking on a bit but well worth a listen.
Wire
3/5
Another band that has influenced 90s bands I like.
Quite fun and well written if not setting the world alight.
Carole King
3/5
What a great songwriter. Sadly, less of an artist. Pleasant enough.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
An interesting listen if not exactly setting the pulses racing.
Snoop Dogg
1/5
“around here we say birds, not bitches” We also don’t use the N word.
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
I don’t understand !
Fishbone
2/5
Slightly odd mix that I would describe as “pop, funk, trumpet chaos”
Had its moments.
James Brown
3/5
Enjoyable enough
Deep Purple
4/5
This was one of the first albums I listened to in my fledgling Rock stage of my youth.
Much better than the last one of theirs. Still missing something in the production, but it rocks!
George Michael
2/5
Faith is a good song, it all goes about rubbish after that.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
A really tough listen
The Vines
4/5
Surprised this one made the list, but I am not complaining as I love it. The singles are excellent but there is also depth to the album as a whole.
I guess the sound is a bit generic and their is little identity to the band which is similar to a lot of post grunge bands.
The Cars
3/5
A decent effort. Similar to Talking Heads in places.
PJ Harvey
3/5
Not very accessible and nowhere as good as the first album.
Ryan Adams
2/5
The upbeat songs were better, but blimey this album goes on way to long.
The Smiths
5/5
I have been poorly exposed to the Smiths music other than the singles which I liked. Not sure why as they influenced so many of the bands I liked. It may be because Morrissey seems like a complete twat!
Catching up on 3 of their albums together and this was a the stand out album and it is a belter. I am sure many will find his voice annoying but it is perfect for this sound, and the music and lyrics work well together, and is very poetic in places. This has a few of the hits but has at least half a dozen top tracks.
All hail the Smiths!
Radiohead
3/5
Black Sabbath
4/5
Great album - RIP Ozzy 🥲
The Smiths
4/5
No hits on this one but still a solid effort, very upbeat in places and the jangly sound is great.
Maybe the Smiths are a singles band with an impressive catalogue of top songs but no killer albums? Not sure, but I have liked all 3 I have listened to.
Pulp
5/5
Obviously a decline from their 2 previous albums and the title track is very cringe.
However, there are some great songs on here and Jarvis hits form when needed.
Bring back the 1990s
The Temptations
3/5
Love the funk, could have done with more.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
A very chilled album and easy to listen to.
JAY Z
1/5
Awful drone
Scott Walker
3/5
For some reason I love his vocals and the general vibe of the album. It lacks good songs and fades a bit.
Björk
2/5
Pretty awful, but better than her last one we reviewed.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I like it, there are some good songs there and Lou Reed's voice is sublime.
The whole album has a great laid back feel and you can tell why it is has been so influential as it just oozes cool.
Co-incidentally saw The Dandy Warhols and the Black Angels last night who are obviously influenced by this album in music, name and coolness!
The former even had an album cover paying homage to their great heroes. The cover is cool but it does frustrate me that the banana is probably just past its best.
It lacks enough killer songs, but it is definitely in my top 5 of all-time fruit based LP covers.
David Bowie
3/5
Big fan of peak Bowie, but have never given this one a listen before.
Not sure why as it is good, that man clearly knows how to write a song and has an amazing voice. Could do without the saxophone though.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
I grew up with this album as it was on constant repeat in our car on family trips in the 70s.
I don’t think that I have listened to it in over 40 years and I think the 70s is where it belongs! It feels and sounds dated and it’s hard to reconcile this to most Beatles albums.
Bonus points for the title track and the fact that it is Macca.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
Packed with hits, but also a generous sprinkling of average cover versions.
A slightly disjointed album but good nonetheless, and relax….
Mylo
2/5
I am sure the Rock & Roll establishment were quaking in their boots when this seminal album was dropped and set to destroy their world.
I am assuming the title is ironic, but I am also sure the DJ who produced this guff is not interested in what a middle aged man 20 years later thinks of it!
I mean it is not awful, it is pretty chilled and has hints of Daft Punk, but I keep expecting someone to interrupt each song by announcing that my call is important to them and that someone will answer as soon as possible.
Pretty dull.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
I am going to be generous on my rating for this one as she seems like a nice person and is clearly a very talented songwriter, sings about important issues. and has a haunting and heartfelt voice.
Unfortunately, I found listening to this quite hard work and pretty dull. I also can’t forgive her for inspiring (even if only in a small way) a generation of dull folk singer/songwriters like Ed Sheeran and James Blunt etc.
Fast Car, dull folk!
Billy Joel
3/5
I think I am of the same mindset as many others that when I hear the name Billy Joel, I think of Uptown Girl and a small part of my soul dies!
This album is better than that and in fact the songs I have heard before are the weaker ones here. It has a bit of funk and hints of Paul Simon and the Beatles. 1970s Joel was obviously better than 1980s Joel.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Dull cover versions sung by a dull artist, I am sure this means something to the country fans, but to me it is far inferior to other offerings.
Placid Willie
David Bowie
4/5
Now we’re talking, some great tracks on this one and a very interesting split of regulation Bowie and experimental stuff. Admittedly some of the second songs drag on a bit long.
The people of 1977 must have thought they were listening to something from the distant future or distant planet!
Beatles
4/5
A great album that celebrates a band pretty much at their peak. Love the medley ending and the general vibe of the album.
Perhaps it is missing big hits and could do with ditching the Octopus song!
Stevie Wonder
2/5
This is pretty poor.
The songs with the funk are so much better than the slow ones. I assume his other albums are better than this!
No Wonder
Bob Dylan
4/5
The man is clearly a genius. Over a half a century ago he was mastering the fusion of folk, blues and rock and blazing a trail for those who followed. I guess some people will either love or hate his voice, but I love ii.
A great album with no real weak songs. Like other artists I think it lacks some big hitters but happy to listen to this one again.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
This album is better than the last one we reviewed but I still struggled with it
Again, funky songs good, everything else, poor!
Brian Eno
2/5
I was prepared to fully hate this one. I didn’t, it was ok.
King Crimson
3/5
I like the idea of prog rock, but very rarely do I actually like it!
This one almost does the job, plenty of random nonsense and rambling lyrics.
Beatles
3/5
Clearly the early stages of a band that would progress significantly over the upcoming years.
Not sure the tracks on this justified the Beatlemania that followed, or perhaps it was a classic case of style over substance just like other boy bands that followed.
I wonder what would have happened if East 17 had pulled a strawberry fields out of the bag?
Fela Kuti
4/5
What a pleasant surprise to discover an artist I had never heard produce such a great album.
This one has the funk and then some.
Fugees
1/5
One of the worst albums I have ever listened to it!
The best 2 songs were cover versions and the rest is just awful! A dull blend of hip hop with very little identity.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Another one I had never heard of, and pleasantly surprised.
Difficult to describe the album, it is a sort of an eclectic mix of psychedelic/prog pop nonsense and surely ahead of its time.
Not much to tap your feet to but far from dull.
American Music Club
3/5
Bruce Springsteen meets the Posies!
So many good alternative U.S. indie bands emerged before (Husker Du), around 88(Dinosaur Jr, Screaming Trees), or after (Nirvana etc) that is difficult to see where these guys fit in.
Inoffensive stuff on this album but in general it is pretty dull. There is the odd occasion when they get it right but it never kicks on.
So glad that those that followed took the Husker Du influence rather than the American Music Club one.
Duran Duran
4/5
One of those bands where I had previously dismissed them as just a pop act.
So I was pleasantly surprised and instantly hooked by this album.
The sound is clearly early 80s and possibly dated, but it also a classic example of how an album should be. There is a mixture of hits and strong album tracks that explore their sound. In fact I don’t think there is a weak track there.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Like the Stones, although not really familiar with any of their albums in full.
This one is good, plenty of blues influence and their typical swagger.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Lock up your Grannies, Rod’s in town!
Well this was better than expected, so many different styles of music in one album and often in each song.
I struggled to get past his voice, which really annoys me, but I guess if you are a fan this must be one of his strongest albums.
I am going to be generous with my marking and convert a 2.5 into a 3.
The Crusaders
2/5
Jazz….nice!
Next time I am in a lift I will think of this album.
Bob Dylan
4/5
The usual excellent songwriting and distinctive voice from our Bob.
I liked this album it has plenty of catchy songs.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Plenty of groove and a relaxed feel.
However, I just felt that it is very repetitive, every song sounds the same.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
I guess I was expecting great things from our Jimmy.
The album is good, he is clearly talented and the songs are interesting and complex, they just don’t quite grab me as much as I’d anticipated. Hopefully the next one of theirs will.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Odd choice for the list from alternative albums in this era.
Best album of the 90s? - not even close.
Best Britpop album? - insult to Oasis, Pulp, Supergrass, Radiohead, Cast etc.
Best Britpop album of 1996? - long way behind Bluetones, Placebo, Shed Seven, Ocean Colour Scene, Longpigs, Ash, Kyla Shaker etc.
Best Britpop album of 1996 that features a song called Something for the weekend? - sorry, that goes to Super Furry Animals!
I love the first song and the second song is good. The rest, not much so.
Tina Turner
1/5
A tough listen.
Can’t stand her voice and the songs are woeful.
Pavement
5/5
1992 - what a year, so much top music, and happy memories from my youth.
Pavement are a great band with their unique lo-fi, laidback style. Later albums would refine their sound, but this album showcases their raw energy.
Top tracks are Summer Babe, Trigger Cut, Here, and Perfume V, but some other great tunes throughout.
All hail the 90s!
Van Halen
2/5
Cock rock, meets the 80s and synthesisers - what could possibly go wrong? Pretty much everything!
I like the album cover though.
Funkadelic
3/5
Funk ✅
Groove ✅
Meandering medley that takes a Pink Floyd turn✅
The Band
2/5
I have to admit to being blissfully unaware of these guys.
Is my life enriched by now discovering them? No, but I am not a rednecked American who harks back to the good old days (which I am sure they are hoping the Orange will return them too!).
This album could only be more American if they used guns as percussion instruments.
I can see the influences that the music has and it has some high points including the vocals and rock leanings.
2.5
Simply Red
1/5
On very rare occasions you listen to an album you think you are going to hate based on your previous listening experience and preconceptions, and it turns out that album is actually really good.
This is not one of these occasions, this one is a stinker!
Arcade Fire
4/5
I bought this album back in the day on the strength of a couple of good tracks. It never really did much to me at the time, and I am pretty sure I have not listened to it since then.
Really glad I got to listen to it again in detail. It is a strong album with no duds. I love the way the songs build up to a crashing crescendo. Wake up is an excellent track, and it could do with a few more catchy songs like that.
Aretha Franklin
2/5
Clearly got a great voice and the album has a smooth feel to it, but not really my thing.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
Slightly disappointing, too much emphasis on the vocals which warbled too much. I think he liked the sound of his own voice.
Some good stuff too, but it never gets going.
Talking Heads
4/5
I unexpectedly really like this one. His voice can be annoying, but some great tunes and very Bowiesque in places. Love the track “Cities”
3.75
Kings of Leon
4/5
Not their best album, but a couple of great tracks in The Bucket and Four Kicks.
I like the vocals, I think they go with the sound, but can see why some don’t like his voice.
Coldplay
4/5
I guess it is very fashionable to hate Coldplay and certainly as they morphed into a stadium pop band I lost interest in them.
However, this first album is a good album and highlights their excellent songwriting ability. There are some great tracks: Shiver, Spies, Trouble and the majestic Yellow and no real duds.
In criticism, all the songs sound the same and as such it makes listening to the album in full a struggle. Those decent tracks in their own make my best of playlist, but I doubt I will listen to the album again.
Radiohead
4/5
My interest in Radiohead declined steadily as they evolved away from The Bends and OK Computer, so I hadn’t listened to this one in years.
There are clearly some good songs on there and less of the weird ones from others albums. I really tried to love this, but the lack of catchiness and probably simplicity to the tunes stops it being a classic. I am pretty sure that making the songs inaccessible was what they were trying to achieve.
Best track: There there
3.75
Bob Dylan
4/5
Folk, country, rock, blues, our Bob nails them all in one album!
Good stuff if a little long.
Top track: Stuck inside..
3.75
Roni Size
2/5
It’s the late 90s, beer is cheap and the Tories have been booted out. Cool Britannia is in full swing. A bunch of 20 year olds are making their way back from an all night rave, Roni is blasting out on the car stereo and the drum and bass washes over them as the summer sun starts to rise. The hints of jazz add to the vibe and they are loving life.
Meanwhile everyone else on the planet is glad that the skip function exists!
Top track: Brown paper bag (well the first 3 minutes of it).
Violent Femmes
3/5
This has something about it, but never really gets going and has no standout tracks.
Vocals are awful which brings it down.
Top track: Blister in the sun
2.75
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
I always think there is a good band there but hate that they make a deliberate attempt to be as poppy as they can. Some of the music is just Stock, Aiken & Waterhouse drivel.
Good vocals and lyrics save it and hopefully other albums will be better.
Top track: I wouldn’t normally…
4/5
Only 4 years after love me do and holding hands and the Beatles have adopted an alter ego and are writing Psychedelic rock songs inspired by Indian spirituality and LSD!
There’s the usual fluctuations in quality, but somehow as a concept record it works well here.
Top track: A day in the life, which is an awesome song.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
I played this album to death when I was a teen. There is nothing nuisanced about this, they are not saying anything of political importance, they are literally singing about sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. They do a damn good job of it, by playing raw, riff driven belters. Even more impressive considering how much drugs they were taking!
Slash is a guitar legend and the whole band oozed coolness, which was in direct contrast to most heavy metal of the time.
The albums yields 3 massive singles which propelled them to success, but the whole album is packed full of great tracks, with perhaps only Anything Goes a duffer.
My musical tastes have changed a lot since then, and I don’t think history has judged the casual misogyny well, but this album remains a classic and is untouched in its genre.
Top track: Paradise City
David Bowie
3/5
Experimental instrumentals are one thing, but when they involve a saxophone - I’m out!
Disappointing album and surely not his finest by a long way.
Top track: Heroes
Ice Cube
2/5
Like Cypress Hill but nowhere near as good.
Os Mutantes
3/5
Some weird stuff going on. Catchy in places and certainly interesting throughout.
Top track: A Minha Menina
Bob Dylan
4/5
The 4th album I have had on this list by him already!
Generally this one is similar to the others, but a few really great tracks stand out including the excellent Desolation Row.
Top track: Like a rolling stone
Alanis Morissette
2/5
Staggered that this album was so popular, as it is tries and fails to be pop or alternative. Her voice ruins most of the promising songs, some saved by interesting lyrics.
Big Star
2/5
Only heard of this band as they are mentioned in a Spiritualized song!
I somehow pictured them to be better than this, but sadly none of these songs grabbed me.
Maybe it’s a grower?
Sonic Youth
4/5
Forerunners to grunge and the 99s alternative scene. Not sure there are any standout tracks but the whole album flows beautifully. Not a technical term, but it has great fuzz! Will definitely listen again.
Top track: disappearer
Suede
2/5
Bunch of pretentious wankers!
I have always hated Suede, mainly because of the screeching vocals and this one doesn’t change my mind. I am guessing the debut will be better as it helped shape Britoop, but so glad the music scene pivoted away from this lot onto the likes of Nirvana, Oasis, Radiohead etc.
Bob Dylan
3/5
The 5th Bob Dylan album in my first 64 on the list.
By my reckoning that means there will be 78 of his albums to listen to - yay!
They do all tend to sound the same, although I liked this one less. Maybe the electric ones offer something more?
Top track: Blowin’ in the wind.
David Bowie
4/5
Another solid effort.
Top track: stay
Iron Maiden
4/5
This is brilliant!!
Don’t think I have ever listened to their debut before, but it has all the signs of their later stuff including killer riffs and hints of prog Rick and Sabbath.
The vocals are obviously different to when Bruce Dickinson took over and are much softer, and I can’t decide if that is better, worse or just different.
Top track: Phantom of the Opera
Various Artists
3/5
A festive treat that the whole family enjoyed on Christmas Day.
Not quite Slade and Wizzard standard but did the job.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Lots of funk and a very smooth sound.
However, it is very slow and dull.
Louis Prima
3/5
A lot of fun and a great voice.
Top track: Jump, Jive an’ Wail
Coldplay
4/5
Another good album by Coldplay where they built on their debut, and hadn’t reached their full on dull phase.
Album cover is awful though.
Top track: Clocks
Chicago
2/5
Kudos to them for trying so many different genres. Shame that they failed at them all!
There are parts of some songs that I liked, in particular the strong guitar work.
The jazz stuff and the continued overuse of the horn section was cringey and when they seemed to be getting some good jam sessions going, it simply went on too long.
I played this in the car with my wife and daughter and they both requested that we don’t listen to it on the way back! Hard to argue with that.
Top track: I’m a man - a cover version, with no horns!
The Replacements
3/5
I believe this band influenced some of my favourite bands, but I struggled to really get into it.
Top track: Unsatisfied
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
I am not sure if these guys are serious or not? Bonus point as it is kind of fun!
Television
3/5
Another band that I am well aware of, but never really listened to, so was looking forward to this.
Some solid songs on here without really being amazing. Bang average.
Alice In Chains
4/5
One of my favourite albums at the time and a band who helped me convert from metal to indie.
A very heavy sound and dark songs that reflect the theme of the band.
Whilst there are undoubtedly some good songs on this, it doesn’t quite hold the same appeal to me now as other grunge artists from the time.
Top track: Would?
Iron Butterfly
2/5
Sabbath/Doors rip off?
All weak songs until the last one that has a great riff but goes on a bit!
Primal Scream
3/5
The best album artwork we have had on the list so far.
I can see that this broke new ground when it arrived, and I like the hits on the album, but quite a few duds on there too.
Top track: loaded
Tom Waits
2/5
Nonsense music, but clearly done tongue in cheek.
Some of it was fun and as the album progressed it got better.
Will I listen again and does anyone really need to listen? Nope!
3/5
Nothing to set the pulse racing, but I enjoyed it. An interesting concept album that seemed to flow well. I am guessing we will have more of these guys later on to include some of their hits.
Supergrass
5/5
A fantastic debut album that is brim full of energy and swagger.
The album catches the youth and raw sound best in the string of fast flowing songs at the start of the album including the classics of Mansize Rooster, caught by the fuzz, and Lenny. There is also time to slow it down with the Beatlesesque last couple of tracks.
Top track: Caught by The Fuzz
Gillian Welch
1/5
Dull, uninteresting, unimaginative drivel!
If you need something to send you to sleep, stick the last track on, which is an extraordinary repetitive rambling mess!
John Martyn
2/5
Marginally better than yesterday’s full fest but still largely uninspiring.
AC/DC
5/5
6 albums in and the lads are starting to perfect their no nonsense, ballsy rock. The songs are unapologetically tongue in cheek and fairly simple in structure, but they certainly do rock! There is little deviation but some more than hint at the blues influence going on.
Probably a 4.5, but I am giving it 5!
Tragic that this was Bon Scott’s last album. Whenever I think of Bon Scott, I can’t help but think of Spinal Tap:
Derek Smalls: Its not very pleasant story…but uh, he died, uh he choked on uh, the official explanation was he choked on vomit…
Nigel Tufnel: It was actually – it was actually someone else’s vomit…you know there’s no real…
Derek Smalls: Well they can’t prove whose vomit it was…they don’t have the ability…there’s no way of…
Nigel Tufnel: You can’t really dust for vomit…
Too track: If you want blood….
Deep Purple
3/5
In my head Deep Purple and in particular the riff for Smoke on the water are better than they actually are!
I found this a bit plodding and slow.
In mitigation it is 53 years old and blazed a trail for acts to come.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Someone likes Paul McCartney!
Not bad, but a bit too 70s and long for me.
Top track: Mr. Blue Sky
Steely Dan
2/5
More middle of the road 70s dullness that this list laughable calls rock!?!
Blue Cheer
3/5
Didn’t like the cover versions, but the rest had some great vibes.
The Magnetic Fields
2/5
Here’s how the meeting at the record company should have gone:
MF: How do you like our demo?
MF record company: There’s some good stuff on there, we suggest the best 12 tracks make it on to the album, and you ditch the rest.
MF: Yes, agreed, that makes sense.
5/5
Wow, what an epic album!
This is peak Bowie, where he manages to balance being a cultural icon and also a wonderful musician who can pull of a concept record with ease.
Most older albums on this list feel that whilst important for the time, no longer feel relevant now. This is not the case here, Ziggy would feel relevant in every decade since.
Top track: Starman
Radiohead
4/5
Similar to the Hail to the Thief album, this one was better than I expected and remembered.
I generally subscribe to the ‘they went downhill after OK computer’ crowd, and this certainly lacks the catchy songs and has a couple of tracks that are too experimental.
It is well written and performed and I guess you just have to accept that this is a different style and direction.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
Never heard of this one, and on the surface it is a fairly run of the mill, uninspiring, uninteresting meander of an album.
However, there is some good variation of style and solid songwriting.
Mike Oldfield
2/5
Well at least they tried something different!
Metallica
3/5
Another odd choice for the list! I am not a fan of live albums, especially double live albums that go on for 2 hours!
An interesting concept of combining heavy rock with orchestral music, and it kind of works in some places and misses the mark in others.
Much rather listen to a Metallica studio album.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Such anger, such energy!
An album to play on tax filing deadline day and shout at your clients for being idiots “WAKE UP”
Fairly sure that is the political message the artist is trying to portray 😆
Of course all the songs are the same and the irony of raging against the machine while being being a massive part of corporate rock are negative points, but who cares this album rocks!
Al Green
3/5
A pleasant listen - short but sweet.
Black Flag
3/5
A frantic and often naive sound that is just plain noise at times, but there is a couple of songs I liked.
Influential on later bands, but could have done with better production and fine tuning.
The xx
2/5
Bland pop music!
The production is good and some of the vocals work, but it needs more layers and a lot more going on.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
It’s a score to a film, not an album.
It has groove and the vocal tracks are good, but there are only so many instrumentals I can take - too long.
Boston
2/5
I like more than a feeling, but found the rest too cheesy.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Some nice tunes on here, but a bit one-tone and fails to really get going.
Fred Neil
2/5
The best thing about this album is that a cover version of one of the songs was in an Only Fools and Horses episode.
Nope, can’t think of any other positives.
Genesis
1/5
A bloated 70s prog rock, double concept album. This must have sounded dated 2 weeks after release!
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
“Back once again with the same repetitive beat”
I have tried to get into these guys in the past but can never bring myself to like them.
It’s not bad, just not as good as some of their contemporaries.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
I think I was expecting more from the boss. His vocals on this are awful, so I assume we will get better albums later on.
Neil Young
3/5
For some reason I thought Neil Young was more rocky than this. Some good songs and he nails the folk sound pretty much with an obvious talent for songwriting.
But….that….voice😬
R.E.M.
4/5
2 obvious stand out tracks make this album, but I liked some of the others too.
1/5
I don’t really understand the appeal of country music and to me this is just a novelty record.
I hope Loretta is ok though - maybe find a new man!
The Triffids
3/5
Generally uninspiring, but it did get better as the album went along.
I get the underdog vibe from this band and I do like to root for the underdog.
Cat Stevens
3/5
Possibly the worst album cover that we have had on the list!
Songs are ok though.
DJ Shadow
1/5
Well that was disappointing! For some reason I thought I might like it, but no, and I can’t find any redeeming features!
Sonic Youth
4/5
I love the guitar distortion sound, but do feel they could do with more melody in their tracks.
This album has a lot going for it and I think will be a grower.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
I expected more from this. What I got was Simon & Garfunkel!
Lambchop
3/5
Not really sure what it is about this album that I like but I do. Maybe it’s another one of those underdogs that I latch onto?
The production is tight and the vocals generally fit the music, but it fails to kick on.
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
Somehow having an album with a song titled North American scum on the day that our friends over the pond threaten to withdraw from NATO and form an alliance with Russia seems very apt.
James Murphy I am sure is nothing like Trump and he is a certainly a great songwriter. This album builds on the first album and is packed full of top songs. My favourites are Us and Them and the come down song of New York I love you.
Sigur Rós
3/5
The type of music you want to listen to when sitting on a glacier, whale watching!
Very chilled in places and anthemic in others, but every song was too long. There was a couple I really liked and good to have something a bit different on the list.
Thelonious Monk
1/5
Jazz, or endless, self-indulgent, boring, obnoxious, noodling as I like to call it.
The Damned
3/5
They somehow manage to be both amateurishly basic, and too over produced to be punk.
Some good stuff on here, but generally disappointing.
Marty Robbins
2/5
Moderatly fun, mainly novelty.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Some funky songs, but on the whole disappointing and very dated.
U2
3/5
There are so many recognisable songs on here, so clearly a lot of people bought this album, but despite their attempts to sound alternative they clearly weren’t and never have been.
I like some of the tracks but some are very weak - acrobatic was awful.
Top track: The Fly
Gorillaz
4/5
Despite making a big impact when it was released, I think they have gone on to better albums.
Cline Eastwood really carries this album although there are other notable tracks. Hadn’t listened to this in ages but was pleasantly surprised.
Sugar
5/5
Bob Mould is one of the most prolific artists of his generation with an impressive discography from Husker Du, his solo career, and here with Sugar. It is this album that hits the sweet (pun intended) spot.
I still remember when it was released and being blown away at how instantly I was hooked. This still remains one of my favourite albums of all time.
The first half of the album is a relentless cascade of driving guitar energy and the second half offers a change of pace.
As well as the quality of the songs (I don’t think there is a weak one here), it is a textbook example of how to structure an album. 10 tracks, 45 minutes, grab the listener’s attention early on and then a variance later on.
Not sure I would say any individual track stands out but collectively it makes a great album.
Very jealous of anyone who has just discovered Bob Mould for the first time, as they have an extensive back catalogue to discover. Start with Beaster which is another classic.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
This one never got out of first gear. I quite liked his voice but can’t find anything else positive to say.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Her voice is good and the songs were ok, just nothing to set the pulse racing.
Duke Ellington
2/5
Marginally better than the average jazz album, of which there are too many on this list.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Firstly, I like Pink Floyd and I like this album, but is it one of the best of all time?
The album is beautifully designed, there is a theme and the songs flow together seamlessly and collectively it elevates the quality of the album. It is another of those albums that is pretty timeless and I totally get why people rave about it.
The music is solid and some of the songs are really good. The guitar work and the female backing vocals are especially good.
On the downside there are no absolute killer tracks that you would expect from a top album and a couple are a let down.
I think Pink Floyd have better songs and potentially better albums. Was toying with a 5 star but the use of the saxophone losses them a mark!
Aimee Mann
2/5
I had assumed that the 90s would be my favourite decade on this list as most albums I own come from this great time in music.
This kind of album proves why it is not my favourite decade so far.
Never heard of her and will instantly forget her too. Very bland pop which should not make this list.
On the plus side if she was starting her career now the industry would demand that she was paraded around in her underwear and sing songs dissing her ex boyfriends and fellow artists.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
There’s something about Leonard Cohen that I like that I can’t quite put my finger on. This one is very Dylanesque in places and the songwriting seems good.
The voice ain’t great and again it fails to get going.
Pretenders
2/5
Started off fairly promising with an edge to the songs, but it got progressively worse and seemed to be a bit disjointed.
The White Stripes
4/5
I love the White Stripes but was a little surprised this one made it into the list.
It is a slight change of direction for them and the mix of styles makes it a slightly disjointed effort that is let down by some of the songs. This makes it less accessible than other albums.
It has some great tracks namely: Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, and Take, take, take and all in all, another great album from the prolific Jack White.
Yes
3/5
Didn’t have high expectations, but was pleasantly surprised.
For a 70s prog record they managed to dial back the nonsense and I never felt the songs went on too long.
Some of the keyboards sound is basic and dated and for a rock album it never hits the heights of others.
The B-52's
3/5
A lot of fun and some catchy tunes.
Seems very ahead of its time and not out of place now.
I guess her vocals can be a bit grating and the album tailed off a bit, but an enjoyable listen.
Moby Grape
4/5
A real gem to unearth from a band I had never heard of.
Some catchy and up tempo songs make up a well balanced album that combines various musical styles.
60s music at it’s best.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
A bit of a struggle to even make it through 4 songs!
Minus points for cover versions.
Public Enemy
3/5
I enjoyed this one more than the last one of theirs although it was a bit of a drag to get through.
The Black Crowes
4/5
An absolute joy to revisit this album that I probably haven’t listened to in 30 years.
They have a unique style that is blues influenced traditional rock and roll with obvious 60s and 70s influence.
The vocals are perfect for the songs and the songs make for a pleasant and fun listen.
Back in the day Hard to Handle drew me to this band which is a cover version that they have made their own.
Top track: Twice as Hard
Baaba Maal
2/5
Good to have something different, but I found this one a tough listen. It went on far too long and was very repetitive.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
A 90s alternative rock band that had passed me by.
Similar to Buffalo Tom, but nowhere near as good, with hints of other bands from that time.
I like some of it, and if the songs had melodies it would be great, but it’s a no from me. So many better bands from this era to choose from.
Beastie Boys
2/5
I don’t get the Beastie Boys. Are they a joke band? I certainly found it amusing.
The Pogues
4/5
Music to enjoy with several pints of Guinness in a Dublin pub!
It has one of the top 3 all time Christmas songs along with a fine selection of upbeat songs that I liked.
Kings of Leon
4/5
All KOL albums are good with normally a couple of decent songs, and a few average ones. This one is no different but somehow managed to propel them into popularity.
It lacks the edge of other offerings and perhaps that is why it appealed to the masses. Decent enough though.
Santana
4/5
Really not what I was expecting, so a welcome surprise.
An eclectic collection of songs with a definite hint of Pink Floyd, the Doors, and even Black Sabbath!
Slightly let down by the 70s jazz lounge style, but a great effort.
Dire Straits
3/5
Easy to right them off as Dad rock, but despite not exactly setting the pulse racing it is a pleasant enough listen.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Twi things that I believed to be true before starting this project:
1) saxophones on a rock album generally don’t work.
2) The Rolling Stones don’t have a killer album.
This album changes nothing!
Prince
2/5
I have never liked his music but always assumed he had musical talent.
This album is very basic 80s electronica, with only the riff in 1999 providing any interest.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Great stuff.
Plenty of funk with samba beats and a very distinctive sound.
The first track is great and the whole album is an all round fun listen.
TLC
1/5
What a awful album, I can’t find any redeeming qualities to say about it.
Slipknot
3/5
Well this is never an album that I thought I would like, as generally I don’t like anything heavier than Metallica or any metal later than 2000.
I had previously dismissed Slipknot as a nu metal band with that characteristic artificial sound and whiny American vocals, but there is so much more to them than that.
This album has its fair share of both of these and the classic ridiculously fast and tight drum and growling, shouty vocals, but combines it beautifully with regular metal and even Alice in Chains style songs.
The appeal of this album is how it balances it, even in the same song! There is great energy and intensity and some really well written songs.
Ultimately it is far too long for that level of intensity but hope is far from gone on this one.
Iggy Pop
3/5
My wife said it sounded like Bowie and the Doors but worse! Hard to argue with that but I really like Lust for life as it on the Trainspotting soundtrack.
Keith Jarrett
2/5
My heart sank when I saw 70s and jazz together again!
However this album is pretty timeless and not very jazzy! It is pleasant to have as background music, although it sometimes did wander into a naff movie score.
Slightly put off by the random gasps from the artist.
The Young Rascals
3/5
"I wanna dance to The Rascals
And you can dance to The Pretty Things.
And then with a wink of an eyelid
She's lost in the jukebox glow
In a trance she makes her selections Psychedelic rock and blue-eyed soul”
All very harmless and I’d say the building blocks for great songs, but lacks any cutting edge. I recognise a lot of the songs but none would be worth listening to again.
Richard Thompson
3/5
I am partial to a bit of British folk, and the story telling style of the songs. Some of it was too dull but other songs especially the duets hit the spot.
Shivkumar Sharma
1/5
Couldn’t get into it.
Van Halen
2/5
The kings of cock rock are back, and this time that have done the decent thing and only made us listen to half an hour of this averageness!
So many better rock bands of that era to choose from.
R.E.M.
4/5
Wow 1983? By my RECKONING this album is way ahead of the trend for alternative music. Almost OUT OF TIME.
It is AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE to say that REM are a little dull but I vote this one UP and would like to DOCUMENT my approval.
I am not GREEN, I can tell that the production is weak in places and dig beyond the first few tracks and it does REVEAL some weaker tracks that I was happy to ACCELERATE past.
Overall a MONSTER of an album and I look forward to more NEW ADVENTURES IN HI-FI as I discover new music by the band.
The Specials
4/5
A criticism of reggae is that it is all a bit samey, but ska and the Specials add a twist to this genre and bring it alive. I also love the British feel to this album and the cultural impact it had.
There are too many covers on here and the live version of too much too young is much better than the album version.
However, a few really good tracks here including the awesome A message to you Rudy.
Bonus points for the theme to Death in Paradise too.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
The very 80s sound, drum machine, crude keyboards made it difficult to get onto this.
I did enjoy parts of it and I sense the influence to a lot of modern artists that have used and improved the 80s sound (The Horrors in particular).
It lacked any stand out tracks but decent enough.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
This was very jarring to the senses and seemed to ramble on with no purpose or direction.
On the plus side it was short and picked up towards the end.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I love the immigrant song and whilst the rest of the album doesn’t live up to that, it is still a great listen with a great mix of styles. Look forward to hearing more from them.
Beck
4/5
Not sure if it is the deficiency of the list or me, but my initial reaction when this one popped up was that I can name at least 5 Beck albums better than this.
As the title suggests this is a massive shift from his usual, quirky, lo-fi pop catchy tunes, and instead a more mellow and reflective album.
As it was the bank holiday, I managed to give this a good listen and was pleased that I was wrong to be too hasty to judge.
I love the orchestral arrangement on the tracks that had it and in particular Paper tiger and Lonesome tears. If anything those tracks could have done with more.
The real top track is End of the Day that perfectly illustrates Beck’s songwriting abilities that add to his calibre as a great artist.
The album does suffer from the same tone to each track and is crying out for some trademark Beck zaniness.
Glad that this album exists but hoping more of his stuff appears too.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
Like Bob Dylan without the voice, musical ability or any depth of talent.
Does have added red neck and ye haw though.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
A sort of nothing artist that doesn’t really add much to any music genre or offer anything meaningful in his songs.
I quite liked bits of this album and think it deserves a generous 2.5
Elliott Smith
3/5
Similar to his other album on here, there is clearly something there but it just fails to come through.
I think it is his vocals that seem very tepid and fail to ignite the songs. Put some oomph into it lad!
The Smiths
4/5
Another great album from the lads with a good mix of upbeat catchy songs and some added depth.
Linkin Park
2/5
So this is the kind of rubbish that I associate with nu-metal. Vastly overproduced, artificial and as far from the ethos of rock and roll as you can get.
A couple of tracks saved it, but overall not great.
Talking Heads
4/5
I often hate 80s music as it sounds so dated and feels like it is struggling to transition away from what has come before.
This one proves that artists had already mastered the sound and it sets the standard for what the 80s should have been. It sounds fresh and original decades later, and I love the way it combines so many styles.
Once in a lifetime is the stand out track and The Overload the dud.
Sister Sledge
3/5
Not a genre I like but this one is packed with hits and you can appreciate the Nile Rodgers impact.
The Last Shadow Puppets
4/5
An early indication of the direction of travel of Arctic Monkeys would subsequently take and not a bad effort.
The title track is immense and a few of the others are great too although if anything they are too short.
The album has a great cinematic feel and in places hits the mark although give me fake tales of San Francisco any day!
Nirvana
5/5
Well I guess I am going to break all of my rules on ratings for this one as it is a live album, featuring versions of already released songs, and cover versions!
But come on, it’s Nirvana, and it’s superb!
A lot of the praise for this album comes because of the timing of the performance and its later release around the death of Kurt. It highlights his superb songwriting talent, guitar performance and haunting vocals that spotlight a fragility which seems very poignant following his death.
Perhaps the genius of this album is the selection of songs that work so well in this format. In particular About A Girl and Something In The Way are perfect and all of the covers especially Jesus and the excellent Man Who Sold The World.
In criticism, I remember at the time that it seemed a bit of a sell out sucking up to MTV, and a couple of the tracks don’t work. I would also suggest that Mark Lanegan’s version of Where Did You Sleep is better.
The Temptations
3/5
An example of a temptation would have been to support Man City in the FA Cup final so that extra EUROPA space was available via the league. I resisted that temptation and kept my soul in place!
This album has funk and seems to me a good example of the genre. I got bored as the album went on but resisted the temptation to skip tracks.
Björk
1/5
I have the misfortune of suffering from migraines on occasion which is not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
I can only describe listening to Bjork as the nearest comparison. The music is disjointed, jagged and unpredictable and her voice just cuts through it all like a cat stuck in a tree.
I tried to find positives and was quite liking one or two songs and then that last one had me craving to be lying down in a darkened room!
Serge Gainsbourg
3/5
Hmmm, should we ignore the concept of the album, that it is about taking the virginity of a 14 year old?
I am going to say that it is artistic license, but it is a little creepy especially the track with the heavy panting.
I really like the music, it is great in places, possibly best left in the 70s though.
The Byrds
3/5
A good mix of pop, psychedelic rock and folk.
Obvious Charlatans reference spotted and I think my favourite track is the Dylan cover.
The Stooges
4/5
A great sound and some really catchy songs. Let down in places by the vocals.
Beastie Boys
2/5
I liked this album better than their previous one and in particular the song, Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun.
Still too shouty and tough to listen for too long.
The Boo Radleys
4/5
Another pleasant surprise that the list has thrown us.
A really interesting mix of pop, Shoegaze and psychedelic rock that provides a few surprises.
Possibly a tad too long and a bit disjointed but definitely worth another listen.
Randy Newman
2/5
Nothing of note or interest, but kept expecting Woody to start singing.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I think he is a better songwriter than an artist.
Some of the songs work especially Pump It Up, but his voice really doesn’t.
Booker T. & The MG's
2/5
Quite pleasant background music at times and cheap hotel lobby music at others.
Radiohead
3/5
Less experimental than the other post OK computer albums. All the songs sound the same and none of them are memorable. Technically good but I am rounding this down to a 3.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
Human cannonball is the obvious standout track with the rest a bit of a tough listen.
Some promising riffs but the deliberate attempt to make the music inaccessible make it difficult to appreciate it on a few listens.
Grateful Dead
2/5
I had it in my head that The Grateful Dead were this legendary psychedelic rock band, however, this album is just full of boring country and folk songs.
I guess it is inoffensive but nothing grabs me at all.
The Sonics
3/5
Never heard of them before, but I like their sound.
Shame there’s only 4 of their songs on the album as these are good. Covers are ok if nothing special.
Could do with a remaster.
Fats Domino
3/5
Bonus marks for influencing future music.
Frank Zappa
4/5
I loved the first two tracks and the bold enthusiastic style of this album.
Let down by the last two tracks that just went too far with the sax.
Mudhoney
4/5
There is probably only so far a band can go when their singer can’t sing, and the production sounds like it was recorded in a cupboard!
Well, as it turns out, this pushes it to the limit with a brilliant effort from the grunge pioneers. The sound that was formed in the ashes of Green River, is punk, is garage, is fuzz and generally hits the spot. The other formation from Green River was Mother Love Bone and ultimately Pearl Jam that sets the commercial trajectory which was to become popular.
Top track: In N Out Of Grace
Peter Gabriel
2/5
The positive is that there was a mixture of styles.
The negatives are absolutely everything else! The music is very dull and I struggle to understand how it was popular back in the day.
Brian Wilson
2/5
RIP Brian Wilson🥲
An odd album of snippets of good parts of tracks that are clearly not fully formed. It makes it a very fragmented effort that jumps about all over the place. Dragged on and partly redeemed by good vibrations.
ZZ Top
3/5
Pretty bland 80s pop rock that somehow captivated the MTV audience.
Despite this and the fact that all the songs sound the same, this album has something about it that I like. Can’t figure out what that is but it is an easy and pleasant listen.
Michael Jackson
2/5
Hard to ignore that astonishing interview where Wacko confessed to sharing a bed with young children and was seemingly obliviously unaware that anyone would find this unnatural! The multiple sex abuse allegations and out of court settlements have forever tarnished his image.
The album and the man are nothing short of massive cultural and musical icons and he should be applauded for his contribution to the advancement of black culture and shaping the future of pop music. Also the video to Thriller was iconic in itself.
The hits from this album are good examples of pop music whilst I found the rest of it very underwhelming, including the cringe worthy duet with McCartney.
808 State
3/5
This felt very dated and on initial listen very repetitive!
However, there were a few times that I really got into it especially on Cobra Bora
The Go-Go's
3/5
Rock, new wave, post-punk? Nope, it’s pure pop music and a pretty solid effort too.
I wanted to really like it because of the excellent cover of Our Lips Are Sealed by The Wedding Present, but unlike the cover version, these tracks lack any edge.
Merle Haggard
2/5
Pretty basic country, but possibly less awful than modern efforts.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Great voice, less convinced by the songs and struggle to think of an occasion when I would be in the mood to listen to this.
Eminem
3/5
I have always liked the way that Eminem uses storytelling to construct his songs and albums in a way that doesn’t take himself too seriously and indeed makes hip hop accessible.
My name is is a great song but the rest, whilst amusing is average. It’s also hard to ignore some of the lyrics.
Megadeth
4/5
15 year old me loved this one, with its angst and rebellion. My musical tastes changed quickly so probably haven’t listened to it in 30 years!
Amazing how much I remembered and how quickly I was singing along.
The songs have great energy and I really don’t think there is a weak track. Holy Wars and Rust in Peace beautifully book end the album and perhaps the other tracks don’t offer much variation apart from the very accessible Tornado of souls. Some of the solos are a bit cheesy but plenty of great riffs.
Looking back this is a lot tamer than it seemed at the time and was a great revisit.
The White Stripes
5/5
2001 saw the breakthrough albums of the Strokes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and the
Magnificent White Stripes which dispel the myth that Rock n Roll was dead.
This album has great variety and catches the raw energy of their unique sound and style. Punky and carefree in places and more mature and thoughtful in others.
Great songwriting throughout with the highlights being Hotel Yorba, Fell in Love With a Girl, and We’re Going to be Friends.
Little Richard
3/5
Fun, easy listen.
Jack White
4/5
Probably Jack’s best solo album but I do prefer the White Stripes and Raconteurs.
Love Interruption and Hypocritical Kiss are the highlights of a very solid album.
Kendrick Lamar
1/5
Can’t find any redeeming features.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Standard noodling and sax nonsense in places but with added organ.
Slightly more fluid and less jagged than other jazz.
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I really don’t understand the whole Genesis/Gabriel/Collins axis. The music seems very dull and uninspiring.
Like his last effort on here, at least there is variety, but very little else.
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Whilst this is generally an uninspiring album I quite liked the male voice and the post punk sound.
Bjork’s voice ruins it in places but in others enhances the song and works well on those songs where she is effectively backing vocals.
Top track: Sick for Toys
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
A few recognisable songs that elevate this album, but nothing of much interest in the rest of it.
David Bowie
5/5
Another great album from the great man.
Yet again the songs have a real timeless quality that make them seem as fresh today as 50 plus years ago.
Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things and the magnificent Life On Mars are the stand out tracks.
The Associates
3/5
Wow what a jumbled mix! Clearly influenced by Bowie and Talking Heads but also has that classic 80s synth pop sound.
The main thing to note about this is that the production is awful! Mine was a remastered version and it still sounded like it was recorded in an airing cupboard!
However, in general I think it works! There are a few good tracks and I like the early indie vibe.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
2/5
OMD? OMG!
Pretty bland easy listening 80s synth pop. A couple of tracks were catchy but instantly forgettable.
Sepultura
2/5
While I like the energy of the songs and some of the riffs, as soon as the singer opened his mouth it was awful!
A very tough listen.
The Clash
3/5
Largely disappointed by this. I was expecting a lot more punk but it is a mixture of styles that doesn’t have any purpose.
The album is too long with a few decent songs rescuing it in places.
The Strokes
5/5
An easy one for me to rate as it is probably in my top 10 albums of all time.
The Strokes just ooze coolness and this album effortlessly combines that raw garage sound with flawless production.
The songs are short and snappy with their trademark swagger, punchy guitars and growling vocals.
So many good tracks that it is difficult to find an average one. There is a case for any of them to be the lead single.
I am aware that there is limited variety in the songs, but what variety combined with the shortness of the songs and album make this the perfect debut album.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Quite a fun album with a few catchy songs and some nonsense ones.
Sheryl Crow
2/5
Her voice is ok, but the music is bad, very bad!
The United States Of America
4/5
I really enjoyed that!
Plenty of nonsense, but a few really good tracks that make me wonder why I have never heard of them before. The singer’s voice is perfect for the music and like all the best 60s stuff the music seems timeless.
Nirvana
5/5
An iconic album that helped transform the music industry and spawned a movement.
A fusion of punk, rock and metal gives it a universal appeal and the slick production gave alternative rock centre stage and would inspire so many other bands, and influence culture in general.
For me it was an instant hit back in the day and opened up my musical taste to alternative genres.
Forgetting all of that, the songs on this album are all great, with no weak link and really stands the test of time. Cobain’s songwriting is spot on.
Rush
3/5
Fairly middle of the road prog stuff. Bit too 70s in places but also gets ricking in others, and I found myself enjoying it.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Growing up Iron Maiden seemed to have this illicit mythology that they were satan worshipping moral corrupters and I am sure that this is an image they played on.
Looking back now this seems ridiculous as they are very tame. I really like this album which is just a straight up rock album. A few great tracks especially the last one which is superb.
Black Sabbath
5/5
What a great album! Hard to believe that it is 55 years old as it has clearly aged well. Packed full of so many great riffs and the first two tracks in particular set the tone.
Again, it is obvious that this band and album have been so influential to many that followed. Three of the bands I like have covered Sabbath songs including Faith No More who covered War Pigs and it is the strength of the song that make the alternative versions so strong.
RIP Ozzy - Holte ender in the sky🙏
Ryan Adams
2/5
His voice is good, but the songs are so dull 💤
Oasis
5/5
The last great rock n roll band!
The Gallagher brothers swaggered onto the scene with their brash debut album which firmly shook up the UK alternative landscape.
It’s simple, it’s classic and it’s superb. Not surprised that this had very little reach beyond these shores as it has a very British feel to it.
The songs, while a little naive (especially on the vocals) in places are all strong with no weak tracks. The added depth of Shakermaker, Columbia, Slide Away are my favourites but the classic songs like Supersonic and Live Forever are equally as good.
The album perfectly captures their live and raw sound through the production. They would go on to improve the songwriting on the second album, but this as a debut is mint as they would say in Manchester.
Massive Attack
3/5
Ok in places and I liked Unfinished Sympathy.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Early hip hop that whilst basic seems more accessible that than what the genre has morphed into.
I liked some of it, but was a bit samey.
Nirvana
5/5
A tough gig to follow up Nevermind and to some extent they managed it.
A deliberate attempt to try and return to their punkier beginnings and away from the production slickness that brought them fame at places feels, ironically, forced at times.
However, this album is a corker, with no weak links. There are the hits in All apologies etc. but real gems in some of the abrasive tracks in particular Frances, Very ape, milk it - I love these tracks.
It does have the feel of a band that was on the edge of destruction and if anything Kurt’s struggles enhance his songwriting and meaningful lyrics.
Cornershop
4/5
A unique and innovative sound that really sounded fresh when it was released. Love the first two tracks - the album version of Brimful is better than the saccharin sweet Norman Cook remix!
Other great tracks are Good Ships and Good to be..
A few throwaway tracks diluted it but a decent listen all these years later.
Radiohead
5/5
Another classic album, and incredible how they managed to follow up the epic Bends with such a change of direction.
It is full of great standalone tracks that work as singles but altogether it works as a thematic concept. Paranoid Android is an epic song that twists and turns and entertains.
The only criticism I have is that it lead to the disappointing experimental stuff that was to follow.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I definitely like the earlier and more laid back hip hop more and this album ticks those boxes.
Didn’t really get into the album much, found it a bit dull.
Beach House
4/5
I had never heard of ‘dream pop’ as a genre, but I guess it does what it says on the tin!
Laid back and flowing tunes that are well complemented by great vocals.
I get hints of Tame Impala, Slowdive, and even Arcade Fire, and I guess dream pop is like a light version of Shoegaze.
I liked it especially the last 2 tracks and will probably check out the rest of their stuff.
In places it was really missing that extra spark, another layer to kick on to. Probably a 3.5, but I will give it a 4.
Manu Chao
3/5
A fun album with a great vibe. Lots of upbeat styles to keep it interesting, although I am not sure any track really grabbed me.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Very dated, sleazy and dull.
Patti Smith
3/5
An interesting and timeless album.
However, I found it difficult to listen to as her voice really doesn’t work on some of the songs. Others worked perfectly and I liked the variety, but probably never listen again.
Kate Bush
3/5
Love the first two tracks and her voice but the rest was a bit too 80s
The Stooges
4/5
Loved this one, the two great opening tracks especially .
Well ahead of its time and clearly influencing the whole punk movement and loads of alternative artists to come. I picked up hints of Mudhoney, Sonic Youth and The Strokes too. It is also really interesting to pick up the influence of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
I guess the reason this one is so highly rated is that there is nothing much to hate about it. It is inoffensive and full of songs everyone knows.
However, to me it is very bland. At times the songwriting, music and vocals are good but they never kick on, never explode with energy, never veer from the middle lane.
Go Your Own Way and The Chain were the highlights.
Scott Walker
3/5
A very accessible album, the songs are both simple and catchy.
My initial reaction was that The Divine Comedy didn’t just draw influence from this, they basically ripped it off!
I really liked the theatrical theme, it sounds like a soundtrack to a jaunty sixties film, that is all about style rather than a story.
The slower songs let the album down, but I like it!
Pulp
5/5
The true heroes of Britpop!
Following the breakthrough of the exquisite His n’ Hers, Pulp were now in full swing for the release of this, their most commercially successful album. Jarvis is in top form with his tapes of love, sex, and everyday life.
The tracks here are so strong, everyone of them could have been released as a single. For a while, the uncool became cool, as the band were thrust into the mainstream and seemed to enjoy the ride.
As it was the popular songs, whilst good are possibly the weakest here. Pulp have always been tongue in cheek but Disco 2000 and Common People are in danger of becoming parodies of themselves!
CHIC
3/5
Enjoyable funky disco.
Songs went on too long mind.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Another great album from Sonic Youth only spoilt slightly by one of my earbuds not working!
Eagles
2/5
Well that was rubbish. Very generic MAGA country twang!
Magazine
4/5
The whole post punk genre is something I am slowly getting the hang of. Generally it lacks the energy of actual punk and the melodies and sophistication of indie rock, but this one really works for me.
The initial listen exposed the poor vocals but on a subsequent listen it really grows on you.
Happy to add a few tracks to my playlist and possibly only one or two duds.
Miles Davis
2/5
It is very possible that at the end of each song the answer to life, the universe and everything was revealed. Sadly I didn’t make it it to the end of any song to find out.
Parliament
2/5
A generous serving of funk with a near fatal overdose of 70s on the side.
The Birthday Party
2/5
On the whole this is a painful listen, with a few promising moments poking through.
Hawkwind
4/5
Quite an entertaining listen, if a little long.
I like the overall sound especially when it got heavy.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Generally poor, including the murdering of that Stones song. His voice is awful and very painful to listen to. The album was partly saved by the last track.
Metallica
4/5
The kings of heavy metal!
Possibly not their best album but certainly an intense ride. Battery, Damage Inc and the title track are the standouts.
Janis Joplin
2/5
A real mixed bag of songs here. Some I really like, some average, almost all of them ruined by her wailing voice!
New York Dolls
4/5
Add a little bit of glam rock, a touch of the Stooges, and a big dollop of the Rolling Stones. Now mix together and garnish with a sprinkling of camp - Hey presto, it’s New York Dolls.
A fun listen and a clear influence to a lot of bands that followed.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Seemingly another artist where I can’t stand her voice but everyone else thinks it’s wonderful! It just cuts straight through the music and ruins it. The first song in particular I had to check my speakers were working ok as her voice seems to distort.
Other than that the music was generally average country, saved by the fact the album was so short.
Willie Nelson
1/5
Country music is crap
The Prodigy
5/5
A step up in quality and thrusting Keith Flint into the limelight saw The Prodigy elevated into the big time for this album.
The brilliant singles of Breathe and Firestarter are stand out tracks but some real gems in Mindfields and Narayan too.
Brilliant live and a unique blend of dance and rock - all hail The Prodigy.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
About has high as I am going to rate Hip Hop - love the collaboration with Aerosmith.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This is their 8th studio album? It sounds like a debut written around the campfire after a fun day of surfing by a bunch of kids. No sound or drug experimentation for these guys.
It’s full of catchy simple songs and is an enjoyable listen.
PJ Harvey
4/5
I really liked this one, a great sound. No real standout tracks but solid all the way through.
The Gun Club
3/5
Fairly standard post punk with a few notable highlights. Really struggled to get beyond the vocals which weren’t great.
Yes
2/5
Outdated, bloated, and a likeness to jazz with its random noodling and songs that went nowhere.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
A true masterpiece.
The right band at the right time with a complex and beautifully structured album. Each song is layered with soaring guitars and heartfelt lyrics and seem to balance the hard and soft elements with ease.
Too many great songs to choose a favourite.
Smashing!
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
Great stuff and early influence for some modern bands I like.
At times it sounds very run of the mill 60s but at others it seems decades ahead of its time.
Dr. Dre
2/5
Found the general flow of the album much better than other hip hop artists. However, the lyrics are awful, offensive and cringey. Act like a grown up you clown!
Little Simz
2/5
Nothing of note
Girls Against Boys
5/5
There’s cool, there’s New York cool and then there’s GvsB, dual-bass, New York cool! 😎
One of my favourite bands when I was at Uni and I only wish I was half as cool as them. Their two albums subsequent to this one were their best and combined better songwriting and production (same producer mind!) with their trademark swagger.
This one suffers from muddy production, where the vocals are somewhat lost and the sound too uniform. There are great songs here, and In Like Flynn, Rockets are Red, and Bulletproof Cupid all making it to set lists.
Slightly baffling that this album is selected for the list at the expense of others, but I will rate it based on the band as a whole. Cool as fuck!
The Go-Betweens
3/5
A cross between U2 and Crowded House with the inevitable middle of the road result.
Was there anything I could do partially saves the album.
Neil Young
3/5
Another mixed bag of songs. His vocals were considerably better than the last album we had and he clearly writes some good songs, with the upbeat ones being the best here.
However, there are some duds on here and the country twang present throughout really annoyed me.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Instantly forgettable.
Kelela
2/5
Unique and smooth sound that fails to ignite. Background music.
Solange
1/5
Truly awful 🥹
The Verve
5/5
An epic album that introduced the serious side of Britpop with soaring melodies and a laid back vibe.
Probably has became known as the album that contains Bittersweet symphony over the years, but is strong in its own right, with plenty of other great tracks.
Can see why others might get bored with the album but it remains a great listen for me.
Soul II Soul
2/5
The vocals on every song are awful and real don’t suit the chilled vibe of the music.
Eels
4/5
I remember loving Novocaine for the soul on release and expecting an album full of similar stuff only to be disappointed. However, all these years later I love the slower introspective songs.
Burning Spear
3/5
Things I have learned from listening to this project:
1️⃣ I like Reggae
2️⃣ All Reggae sounds the same
3️⃣ I will always give Raggae albums 3 stars.
I like this one although all the songs do sound the same. A solid 3 stars star⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hole
4/5
Sort of dismissed Hole back in the day, so good to re listen now.
The songwriting is really strong and there are some great songs on here, Violet and Doll Parts are the obvious examples.
A great energy and balance is evident, with only Love’s shrieking vocals the real downside.
Billy Bragg
3/5
An odd mix of folk, country and rock. Have to admit to liking some of it whilst most of it was passable.
Better than I expected.
Stereo MC's
3/5
A nice little nostalgia trip for this one, and I instantly recognised the hits. It does feel very dated, but also has a great vibe.
Sort of a light version of Happy Mondays, but suffered from all the songs sounding the same.
Christina Aguilera
1/5
Possibly the most painful listen of all the albums I have listened to so far.
A messy mix of styles, where nothing works and everything is ruined by her over zealous singing. Didn’t even like the hits.
The Mars Volta
3/5
Well quite a lot going on here, not really sure that calling it prog rock is accurate, but then I guess what else do you call it?
I was familiar with At The Drive-in and like the energy of that band. There is also plenty of energy here, but somehow it never quite hits the mark. Disjointed in places and found the vocals too harsh when it is supposed to be telling the story of the concept album.
Gave it 3 listens to try and get into it, but it probably takes a lot more. I like parts of it but could find no real stand out tracks.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Very easy to listen to and nothing to get offended by.
At times I thought it would veer into 70s nonsense but it never did. It went on too long and no tracks standout but a good effort.
Prince
2/5
Pretty poor and so dated.
I struggled to get into this and in general found it a self indulgent mess, but it really picked up with some more rocky songs near the end.
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
I bet that when Kacey goes for a curry she orders a Korma and a plain Naan bread.
Every song sounded like the vomit inducing montage music to a teenage b movie where our heroine looks whimsically back at her summer of romance.
I didn’t hate it, the vocals are ok and occasionally you think it is going to get spicy, but no back to your bland korma with Kacey!
The correct order in a curry house (in case you are interested) is Lamb tikka korai, pilau rice, keema naan, and lashings of lime pickle. Go on Kacey give it a try.
Christina Aguilera
1/5
It’s really bad.
Dominated by her screeching vocals and a jumbled mess of songs. Can’t believe we have been exposed to 2 of her awful albums.
G. Love & Special Sauce
3/5
A mix of Fun Loving Criminals and Beck but severely lacking the cool of both artists.
Held my interest and had its moments but far better music from that time beats this.
Minus points for the ridiculous name.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
I prefer the 90s stuff by Dinosaur Jr and this seems pretty basic production that doesn’t highlight their talents entirely.
However, it is a groundbreaking stuff for the time and lays the foundations for 90s alternative rock.
A few really good tracks but give me, Where You Been or Green Mind any day.
Motörhead
4/5
I love heavy metal from this era, it is just simple no nonsense loud rock.
We are the road crew and ace of Spades the stand out tracks. Not much variation, but who cares!
Circle Jerks
4/5
We have had a few albums that were described as Punk, but none really were in my mind. This album is what I class as true punk. Full on energy, anarchy and frantic instruments. Every song title just screams punk and because the songs are so short they never lose your attention.
I guess the 15 minute album is a unique concept and you can see why punk died out so soon, but I liked it.
Astrud Gilberto
3/5
A nice voice and very chilled vibe to the album.
A couple of comedy tracks that wouldn’t have been out of place on Sesame Street - Parade anyone?
The Stooges
4/5
The Stooges has been a real success story for me and this project. That’s 3 great albums of theirs we have had.
This one packs a lot in and seems well ahead of its time.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
I don’t expect I am alone in hating Come On Eileen and thus have never had a desire to listen to any of their other stuff.
This album has a certain charm, and more rawness than I was expecting. The upbeat ska influenced songs show a lot of promise whilst the slower ones are mainly dull. All of them are made worse by the over use of the saxophone!
Mercury Rev
5/5
A great album and a bold change of direction for the band.
The vocals and lyrics are just perfect and are accompanied by a haunting and soaring unique sound.
Holes, Tonight It Shows and Opus 40 are the standout great songs, but the whole album has a majestic flow to it.
The follow up album All Is Dream is equally as good too.
The KLF
2/5
“KLFs gonna rock you”
I don’t think you are, are you?
Quite iconic for a short period of time in the 90s, but then so were shell suits! Both have dated badly.
Happy Mondays
4/5
Clearly not as good as Pills, but a strong foundation for the Manchester scene.
Bonus point for the Collectors edition I listened to that had Hallelujah and Rave On.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I mean, he’s alright, but come on, does he really need to be on the list, again?
Jethro Tull
4/5
To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect as I can’t recall ever listening to them before. I had it in my head that they were folk rock.
It is in fact very similar to Led Zeppelin but with added flute!
I liked the heavier stuff and whilst there were no stand out tracks I liked the last two and would definitely listen again.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
One of the toughest of their albums to get into as it generally lacks the catchy songs that they would go on to perfect.
However, it is still a great listen with some beautifully written songs.
Top Track: I Don’t Love Anyone
Saint Etienne
3/5
An interesting mix of musical styles but not really hitting the mark.
I liked the instrumental song and the Neil Young cover, but pretty average otherwise.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Pretty tedious stuff 💤
XTC
2/5
The album flows well and I liked the last track but overall it is pretty poor. Too many songs influenced by 80s nonsense.
Stephen Stills
2/5
A bit of rock, bit of country, and a heap of 70s! Nothing grabbed me.
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
On a rope is a top track that elevates a fairly run of the mill album into a good one.
There are a couple of other notable songs on here but quite a few others are just average.
The punk sound is good but could do with a bit of variety.
James Taylor
2/5
Very limited instrumentation and what there was, was pretty dull. His voice is good but the songs were not.
Alice Cooper
3/5
A good mix of styles and ultimately a glam rock album rather than anything heavier.
Jeff Beck
3/5
Pretty enjoyable listen even though it is Rod singing. Lots of cover versions but a pretty unique and cool sound.
Birth of heavy metal? Nah
Liz Phair
3/5
I guess Liz Phair is considered indie in the same tenuous way that Alanis Morissette is!
To be fair to Liz (who I had never heard of before) some of the songs are good and have an edge and in places it is definitely lo-fi, almost veering into the Pavement category.
SAULT
3/5
Glad that this list dips into more modern stuff, but it does need more.
A completely new artist to me and pleasantly surprised at how good it was. The songs flow effortlessly and it is never in your face unlike other artists of the genre.
I think it went on too long and towards the end was repetitive.
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
A sonic assault on the senses at times and at others a dreamy masterpiece.
I love the multi layer feel and quite a few of the tracks but some are a struggle to get through.
The album is clearly structured to perfection but yet still manages to sound improvised.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
Hard to dislike this as it is very easy listening and inoffensive.
A sort of watered down version of blues that I found pleasant to listen to.
Nick Drake
4/5
A great listen from a clearly talented songwriter.
Reminds me of Richard Hawley in places.
Morrissey
3/5
Morrissey without the jingle jangle of the Smiths doesn’t quite hit the same.
I liked the fast paced songs but the slow songs were pretty bad. I know we have more of his stuff to come so it may grow on me.
King Crimson
4/5
A proper prog rock album.
This feels ahead of its time and a lot better than the 70s guff associated with prog rock. Only in the noodling of Moonchild does this become over indulgent. The rest of the songs are a good mix of slow and rockier tunes.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
A very drab affair!
Struggled to find any song that was not run of the mill pop. Her voice is good though.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
A great album, really enjoyed that.
Only really familiar with The Killing Moon so not sure why I hadn’t explored more. I get quite a few influences on bands I like, in particular The Horrors.
A bit too 80s in places but looking forward to discovering more of them.
Eric Clapton
3/5
The lad can play guitar and sure does like a wah pedal way too much.
Nothing of note or interest here.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
An odd mixture but an easy listen.
Gotta Get Up from Russian Doll, Cocunut from Reservoir Dogs, and Without You from Bridget Jones all instantly recognisable.