1001 Albums Summary

Good throughout but actually lacks some energy

Cant believe they're American. Queen, Bowi, Stones influences. Much better than expected. Unlikely to seek out but happy to listen to again. Really tuneful

Clear delineation between the two halves. First half great voice and songs show some signs of life but it's all a little slow for me. 2nd half mich more me but no definitive versions of any song

Will revisit artist. Album a bit long but some good stuff and nice variety. A bit 6music mind

Expected to hate it. Really didn't. Concept feels forced but the live aspect improves the songs and it is tailored to the audience

I like the blues sound but too many slow tracks for me

There is some tunefulness but the vocals are like a roaring punch of constipation and when they cease, the sax comes in and sounds even more like it needs a shite. I don't get it.

Possibly racist, probably homophobic, definitely exist. Yet the nod at the end to ripping off suffragette city is appreciated, it definitely rocks and I can't hate an album with a track called "rendezvous with anus"

Lacked a little heaviness in beat. Not the level of groove I hoped for. Did enjoy no woman no cry on a bontempi organ

Given it's only their 2nd album, it fees very early to have lost this much excitement. There is almost certainly beauty to be found in this for the right listener but I feel bored after the promise of raw sex from their earlier singles

Starts sliw but picks up in middle. Instrumental and title track display the kind of groove that would go on to work for the Mondays. Does feel like an album to be appreciated more than enjoyed though and ultimately they are a rock band that rarely rock.

Not a bad track on it and good variety. Only really exciting song though is the very problematic one

I can never fully get this, I'm not the right demographic for the lyrics but musically (and production in particular) this was top class. Perhaps the lower end of 4* but kept me interested throughout

Shows that soft rock has a place if can offer a groove. Drops off a little after a brilliant start but there is energy throughout. Would happily revisit

Clearly a very influential album. I want to be around the kind of people that love it but I'm not one of them. The content all felt cliché and predictable once you realise you are listening to a Tolkein druid album

Didn't hate it half as much as I expected. No desire to listen again but enjoyable as a one-off

Completely out of nowhere for me but I enjoyed it. Very much out of my comfort zone. When you have Hispanic Americans doing this and African Americans knocking out motown/soul/disco as sources of inspiration, it is genuinely astounding that white America is incapable of producing decent dance music

Really like the title track, that has some groove. Otherwise the album is very dependent on lyricism and storytelling that I just can't relate to. Probably a demographic issue but some artists can overcome that

Difficulty here is 4 or 5 stars. It's a fantastic album at the start, the middle bit of Tolkein wood rock is better than the bands who specialised in that stuff and the cover at the end is magnificent. But can an album with two dud tracks really be 5 stars?

There's something to work with here but the songs all sound the same and the shouty rap thing is bollocks. Good people seem to like them, I am unpersuaded in spite of this

There's some great music here and psycho killer is banging but the vocals and lyrics largely piss me off. Seem like a band for folk who want to show how clever they are

Better than I expected for NWOBHM and this was on course for 4* but the tracks get samey and it does rival Oasis for stench of incel. 4* is for something I want to listen to again, this doesn't quite hit

Another surprise. Didn't expect such good production. Very upbeat

The storyline is a great concept and executed well but it reminds me of Arthur Miller. Flawed tragic hero but so flawed that I lack any sympathy, empathy, or good will towards them meaning I don't buy into this in the way I might have.

Two great songs, rest is the ramblings of a smackhead nonce but musically good

Teenage me gives this 5* no questions asked. Adult me has gone off soft lad rock (that often doesn't rock) a lot so was expecting to go 3*. Teenage me was closer to winning out. The album has a couple of duds and a couple of overrated tracks but Adored is a great opener, Resurrection delivers on the groove that fool's gold promised as a single and made of stone achieves the rare feat of rocking and having groove. It's a pity that lad rock won out over the funkier rock of fool's gold and the Mondays, paving the way for shite like Shed Seven and Kaiser Chiefs, but it won because this is a fantastic album.

There's the odd track with signs of like to keep this above 1* but this is pretty boring

High 2 or low 3. The gentle musicality replicating Marr saves this and there are a couple of very good songs but some of the lyrics are very serf-absorbed and childish. Okay but no desire to listen again

I won't be reaching to listen again but also wouldn't be unhappy if someone else put it on. Good, gentle, hippy pop

The 90s is my black hole. Neither mine nor my parents era, but you hear of it as a great time for indie/alt rock (depending on if you are British or American). Neither label fits. The bands aren't independent and the only alternative about the rock is that it doesn't rock. This fits the bill for the genre. It has a heavy experimental side and hip hop influence but deep down it wants to be a rock record. But it doesn't rock. It just screams LA bubble

No absolute stand out tracks but no filler either. Heavy beat but relaxed too, this is high quality reggae

Album 32 and my first 5*. I hadn't listened in years but knew every note. I must have rinsed this as a 16 year old. I revisit some soft lad rock and leave very disappointed but every song on this album (apart from the riot van interlude) either rocks or grooves and sometimes both in the case of still take you home. I didn't even cringe at the lyrics. Only mardy bum brought on a tinge if this. Excellent album.

I won't shit on this. I can see why some people love it and find it beautiful but it's not for me

Another in the list of ne understanding why someone might love it but it's really not for me. I crave excitement, not reflection

Odd 80s at times but solid pop all the way. Will listen again

Almost subversive levels of MOR. Wouldn't offend me as background music but serves no other purpose

I've long struggled to articulate my issues with Springsteen. There's something decent there but I've never got on with the constipated vocals and sax. But I've just realised the biggest issue is the character. Just like Arthur Miller, his tragic hero is the downtrodden American working man who is flawed. I can't look past the flaws so I can't empathise with the character. Also, rock music that doesn't rock.

The more Indian influenced songs are great and really sparkle. The more British songs are all a bit Shed Seven. Mixed bag but decent overall.

Reeks of 6music. Some early tracks hooked ne in and I like the commitment to the short snappy pop song but the momentum quickly died

Nonce rock. I'm happy to separate art from artist but when the art itself is a celebration of noncery, it's not for me Clive

Has something going for it and I see its place but it is just trying a little too hard to rock. Wouldn't complain to hear it again but won't seek out

Starts well with the covers and there is some real promise in some of the bass but self indulgence wins out. Decent, not great

I'm not into the slower, more relaxed album but this does have pockets of excitement and is clearly a great example of what it is. Not for me but would be happy to hear again if someone else had it on

There's some attempt at interest musically but it is heavily not for me. Doesn't rock, can't dance to it, doesn't bring joy. Instead feels like something to be appreciated.You can't go and play outside again until you've eaten your radiohead. Stuck some breezy Hello Mello pop on afterwards and it felt like a weight was lifted.

I was excited for this but it's quite plodding. More foot tap than stirring. SBS and NYD save it

Something different, nice sound but gets repetitive. Happy to hear again yo won't seek out.

The who album could have done with a "short attention span" edit. I liked that last track and the one that ripped of I'm Stronger Now by The Definitive Two. Otherwise, it was dance music you can't dance to and a whole lot of it at that

Just as good as San Quentin. 4 is harsh but there are no stand out tracks I'll go back to. I'll revisit the album as a whole though.

Singles are very strong. Some dirge but enough good stuff to warrant a revisit which makes it hit the 4* threshold

Not a bad track on it and a rare case of an album where almost every track is danceable

Nothing to offend. Nothing to excite. 2* is harsh but I want something to revisit if I give 3.

Nothing bad but only My Sweet Lord that you'd save

Singer songwriter stuff just isn't for me but this is clearly a good example of it. I could easily listen again, just won't seek it

Feels like the kind of thing Americans get excited about. There's some talent in there and trappings of intrigue but it forgets to be exciting in any way. Cafe music but not really suitable for a cafe

Low 3 or high 2, doesn't really matter as I'm not com8ng back. Odd band. In Britain they had one mega hit, were a consistent chart presence in the 80s (but no more than that) and had a very mini revival in 1990. In Central Europe and the US, the seemed to be defined by that revival and more appreciated than in the UK. I'm in the British camp and this album seems to be a bridge to the 90s offerings. Singles are okay but no better than that. The rest I don't really get. The album title is clearly some sort of joke that doesn't land

Enjoyed, especially stepping stone. It's basic but it's good pop

I enjoyed Maggie's Farm but most of this is there to be appreciated rather than enjoyed. 1st Half alright, 2nd fell off. High 2 or low 3, either way I'm not coming back

I'll revisit so just about meets the 4* threshold. Normally prefer shorter tracks but the longer songs worked here. I was happy throughout

Could be a low 4 but i don't think I'll reach for the again. Singles are very strong. The album less so.

Happy to separate art from artist here. A very solid Christmas album

On the weird side but a concept album should be. May not reach for it again but there's good tracks and a good idea here

Hard to rate. I like reggae but a little cold on Bob. This is clearly a strong album but I didn't love it. Will probably revisit so it meets the 4* threshold but not for the reasons that set the threshold. Curiosity alone though is something

I came in with familiarity which can work either way. Bittersweet Symphony is excellent. Lucky Man and Sonnet are very good, but the rest is dirge. This is singles padded out with filler

Almost the opposite to urban hymns. No familiarity for me and definitely not aimed at me. There were aspects I didn't like but the album kept me consistently intrigued and I'll listen again. Just about meets the 4 threshold

Not my music and it was a bit too slow at times but it kept me interested throughout and the quality is undeniable

Some crackers, some dirge. The sex song is the highlight

I really wanted to hate this. The 6music genesis album, the New York celebrity culture that it tries to sneer at but is so clearly a part of, and I cannot stand Perfect Day. And yet, the album kept me interested. The singles are all strong and well saved out between largely good album tracks. I'll be back.

Started great, became NWOBHM-esque, then picked up a heavier industrial sound. I may not reach for the album again but do want to investigate the band further

Competent but never held my attention for more than a minute

A couple of songs that would work well with a different singer but largely a bunch of songs about a world for which I have no affection sung by a bloke who sounds like he's taking the piss out of Springsteen

There's a generous version of me that gives 4 here. Pleasant album, good singles, and especially decent in the context of the barrrn wasteland of British music in 1999 but I probably won't return to the album as a whole so it's 3 from me.

The not live live thing was weird but still enjoyed it. I'll be back

A bit too on the lyrical soft rock side for my taste but I still enjoyed. Unsure if I'll be back

I like the simplicity that allows the vocal to be the star but the subject matter gets dull after a while. I want to hear more Frank, but some change to topic and pace would be nice

It wasn't awful and some songs showed genuine promise but I've no desire to hear any of it again

Starts brilliantly and stays good but settles into something not quite worthy of a 5. Feels like everything has to be massive

It's a strange album to have on the list but fully deserves to be there. It's obviously very long but it needs to be treated differently to a standard studio album. The concept is simple. Get the best songwriter in town and get the best singer to sing their songs. A great historical record that I'll come back to. Perfect uplifting album to put on to create an old time atmosphere

A couple of duds but mostly great fun whilst making a clear statement. You be illin is a great find for me

Lovely album. Doesn't quite stay as strong as the title track but an easy listen throughout

Started with some promise, got bored quickly. Background music.

High 3 or low 4. I've gone generous because I will be back despite not being a fan of Since I've Been Loving You. This is clearly the track the album is built around and "real music" fans seem to love it. I'm a plastic princess and I got bored. It might be a song that requires talent but so is juggling and that's shite as well. Rest of the album is grand

Black skinhead is worth saving. Otherwise this would be a 1*. There's nothing else just enjoy here, it's just a vehicle to hear what he has to say, which isn't anything particularly profound

This was a bit of a slog. Americans are, mostly, deeply serious people. Many though are afflicted with a curse of wanting to desperately try to appear fun. It hardly ever works. Mathers is one such American and the curse really shows itself. The serious parts of the album have something but they are undermined by the painfully American take on fun that attempts to gatecrash the album at every turn. The twists at the end of songs are a nice idea but these get old very quickly.

Has some of the edge that 90s REM lacks. Stipe's voice should be kryptonite to my ears but northern Englishmen of my generation often have a surprising soft spot for these lads. No exception and this album is stong. The one I love is the only standout track but there are no stinkers.

I want to give it 4* to spite the confused Yanks but realistically I won't be back so it doesn't hit the threshold. It's not my music but an excellent example of grime and does have tracks I'd save even if I'm not inclined to hear the entire thing again

30 mins of punchy pop fun bliss. Might not have much sophistication for the fans of "real music", just pure enjoyment

Enjoyable but probably won't be back. Preferred lo borges stuff on the album so may investigate him further

Not for me. Another one where I get that to the right person, this is a masterpiece. No desire to shit on that. That person just isn't me.

Still not for me but about as good as singer-songwriter with guitar gets

Lovely voice and these songs were (and probably still are) important but I wasn't really entertained

I was expecting some mid blowing prog that I'd think was earth shattering or shite. Instead I got MOR, but very good MOR. I probably will be back

Very tricky to rate. The "thing" is good and produces a lot of pleasant songs but does the lack of variety mean I'll not be back? I'm erring on the harsh side

Cat shit

Not capable of rating this objectively

Not keen on the industrial sound but decent otherwise. I feel like I should hate this lot but I can't

Pleasant on the ear but not quite enough so to come back to. Like the coherence of the album but maybe lacks a high. The 6music Moby

High 4 or low 5. Doesn't matter, I'll be back. The highs are very high. Not everything quite lives up to that standard but it's a very good album

It's an album that makes you think. Mostly thinking that I want to listen to Fröken Snusk instead. I save my 1* for albums that are needlessly shit. This isn't that because I don't think this lad can do any better but a 2 is generous.

Pleasant enough that I won't mind hearing again but I won't seek it out. Generous 3

Some belters but not enough for a double album. I'll revisit the good stuff but not the album

Dance music you can't dance to. Not for me Clive

Not for me. There's some bits that grabbed the attention a little but I've no desire to hear any of it again and I need to get harsher on this stuff

Wife liked it, mum likes him. I'm bored

Started really strongly and it's nice to have a solid, reliable band back on my playing. Lost a little excitement, perhaps not quite enough here to warrant a double and I don't see this as a masterpiece but the Stones are establishing themselves as a favourite band of mine on sheer volume of good stuff, even if I do find the albums a little filler heavy

Some killer, some filler but at least it had some heaviness

Nothing outstanding but nothing terrible either

From minute 1 to minute 32, this album sounded like it was doing a sex on me and I rather enjoyed it

I went in with high hopes that weren't quite realised. I'd have probably been blown away at the time but it didn't quite hit

Competent but boring. Generous 2

Another solid but slightly too long RS album

The singles have some potential but also have no need to be 6 minutes long. The rest is pretty dull

There's potential for something really good here, especially in those songs with a motown vibe but the Heather Small-esqe perma-OTT singing that makes her sound like Jeff Stelling when he's heard something has happened at Fratton Park just ruins it. May check out her 1st album to see if she's less extra there

A couple of decent tracks but fairly dull on the whole. Another one where it'd be a 3 on a 6 star system

Undecided if I'll seek out again or not. Has some great moments but plods in places too

Enjoyable. Not enough to actively seek out again but definitely decent

Started well but no need to be over an hour long

Did nothing for me. There's was some promise in the 70s but I've no time for the 80s version

It does go on a bit but that's part of the charm. I'll happily listen again but maybe won't look for it. A harsh 3

I was worried this may be a 3 but the album gets better as it goes on and ends with a piece of magic

I struggled to hear the music over the orgasms of 6music listeners. Music for boring white middle aged men by a young, exciting black man. A guardianistas dream and, in spite of myself, I too am not immune to these charms.

2 weeks ago this may have got a 3 but, despite being pleasant, I've no desire to hear this again

Happily listen to this again

Elvis in hawaii as Cez put it. I saw more country. Too dour at times but this music charms me

Best of the Stones albums I've had so far. Gimme Shelter the clear highlight but the pace and tempo is pretty solid throughout. Good length, not much filler

It's not terrible but I'll never get on with that voice

Last Shadow Puppets showed us a turn of the century Scott Walker rip-off can work. This is just incel tripe with a veneer of humour to mask the stench of piss

Grew on me as it went on. Not massively me but good on the genre

Too long. Another double album that should've been single

Bit dull. 6music/Jools Holland bait

Really solid album. Save me is a hidden gem. Could have become a northern soul classic in another life

Some cool bits but it was all a bit try hard for my taste. I did like it being experimental in a pop way though with short, punchy songs rather than the 70s prog rock way of thinking they can emulate Beethoven

Really enjoyable and exciting. I can't relate to it but there is enough in there ti allow me to empathise and understand a world I'm not from. That sets it apart from the likes of Springsteen

Started promising bur descended into generic teen movie stuff quickly

Not something I'd usually go for but it was very enjoyable. Much more relaxing than the kind of music that normally gets called "chill"

First 5 for an album I hadn't listened to before. Music to put a smile on your face and get you dancing

Not for me but had a bit of life. Earns its 3 for "Gary's got a boner"

We're swampwith stuff like this now but it must have been groundbreaking at the time and is still a pleasant listen

Drifts into dirge too often but,at it's best, this music continues to charm me

Side 1 is pretty good (very good) then side 2 hits you with Ziggy and Suffragette City. Probably only 1 track that could be harshly described as filler and that's perfectly decent

Felt it was enjoyable but a bit one note in the first half but the second half showcased variety that made the rock really rock

Sounds like the artsy, 00s indie side project of a coked up Rick Astley. I'm glad he found his calling as the likeable alternative to Morrissey instead

The Arthur Miller of pop. If you empathise with the tragic hero character, I can see how this is awesome. I don't, so I don't. Dancing in the dark doesn't make up for the awful sax either

This is what I came for. Mad 60s Brazillian take on psychedelic rock. I'll be back

Some attempts at fun but there's a smugness in those efforts as though he's above it.

Big hits very strong, other singles good, album tracks boring

The first "new band" album i got into as a kid and I can't review it fairly. It was aimed at me. Rock that rocks when live but beats to get you moving at the indie disco. Bedwetter rock was taking over in the UK at the time and this album started a resurgence from the stench of Keane and Coldplay piss

It's not terrible but it's not for me, Clive

Didn't love it but definitely enjoyed it. Does feel like it has a clear place in the rock timeline

Another REM album i enjoyed and don't know why. I do like their 80s stuff

High 2 but a creepy hybrid of Manilow, Hall & Oates, and ELO doesn't come off for me despite decent moments

My first 5 from the 00s that wasn't one of my teenage albums. You know I'm no good and tears dry on their own stand out but this is top class throughout

Pleasant but nothing memorable

Not as good as the debut but still enjoyed

Inoffensive but nothing to excite

The 90s indie kids can keep this. I think you had to be there

Enjoyable, some fun tracks like pusherman in there

Would have been a 5 as a teenager but this album seems build around I know it's over which is the worst song on it. Boy with a thorn in his side is class

Good, patches of very good

Threatened excitement but never gave it

Nothing to stir any excitement. Lyricists just don't do ot for me

I liked what little of this spotify has

Throws a lot in there and I like the variety but not enough to come back. High 2

I think you had to be there. What edge there may have been has smoothed over time and it just sounds samey now

So French, it had to be Belgian. Good fun

Some songs had a rea funky, others dragged. I think I'd have loved Prince at the time but wonder if you needed to be around then to truly appreciate him

All a bit childish. Same anger as the rap groups of the era but without direction or coolness

Makes me feel happy. I'm staying in the bar/cafe where this is on

Glad to hear a woman but didn't need a 90s edgelord

Never heard of them but I enjoyed some of the more fun tracks on here

Starts off much more fun than i remembered. Gets a little serious in places but largely remains a top class piece of pop

Don't care if it's basic and repetitive, it makes me happy

Drifted a little from the funky, pre-disco vibe into 70s vocal soul towards the end but it was enjoyable throughout

Probably won't be back, but I enjoyed listening to it and glad this list introduces me to such work

One good song, a lot of turgid indie

One good song, lots of fairly uninspiring ones

Very boring. As low a 2 as I can give

All a bit serious. NYC and the east coast in general lacks any charm. I have no desire to buy into his world

Promising but ultimately pretty dull

Enjoyable, simple country. Enjoyed it

I'll overlook that he was a right back n front and that half of these are covers. This is top class

Feels like it is paving the way for 70s vocal soul. Not really me but I still enjoyed

No

Enjoyable purely for the madness but unlikely to become a favourite

Clearly the best at what he does but I've no interest

I thought I was opposed to live albums. More proof that I'm not

Okay but what is the coconut shite?

Two things this list could use more of 1) Women 2) Energy

Very close to a 5. Three great tracks, good album tracks. I'll be back

Cracking title track, solid album

Very enjoyable and I'm not a singer-songwriter fan normally

Some crackers but could be half the length

Enjoyable but gets a little dull after a while

Fairly standard laye 80s alt rock. Did nothing for me

Reasonably good fun. I won't be back but wouldn't mind hearing again

I don't love it but this is a good album in a genre I'm appreciating more. High 3

The latest exhibit of Americans just trying a little to hard to prove how fun they are. The album had its moments so it's a high 2 but I did get bored

A failed attempt at Bond: The Musical

A high 2 but despite this clearly being decent, it didn't do anything for me

Solid live album but nothing to make you really wish you were there

Goes on too long but does maintain a decent standard. Never reaches greatness

Singles are okay but this is one long inoffensive dirge

Underwhelming. Good but does get repetitive. I was hoping for more

Nothing memorable

Pleasant enough but nothing to stir me. More avant-garde than expected

Africans influenced by Americans who are influenced by African Americans. Weird cycle but works

Good music, dodgy comedy vocals

Fun. Musically has energy and this draws you to pay more attention to the lyrics. Some references went over my head but I enjoyed the commentary on British life and attitudes

Feel harsh and it is a high 2. Wouldn't mind hearing again but I won't seek out. Cheesy 80s soul isn't me

An album full of solid enjoyable songs that is elevated by the the inclusion of an ATG in superstition

An album filled with fun 3 minute pop but lacking a couple of killers

High 3. Lacks a standout track but good funky beats sampled and clear rapping meant I was inclined to listen to the lyrics

They seem one of the best in this genre and there's some attempt at variety but no real appeal

A high 2. Had moments but never truly got into it

A band finding themselves. I enjoyed the druid stuff in the 2nd half and it ends on a great song. High 3 but not enough there to warrant a 4

Still don't really get it. Smug humour.

Like listening to an American Shed Seven

I'll not listen again but it was fun while it lasted

I'm sure there's good songcraft here but it stirs nothing in me

Might have been shocking and innovative in its time but comes across a bit try hard now

I was down with it at first and then it just dragged. Pity because it has some potential

Well spaced album with the 3 big songs at beginning, middle, and end. Decent album tracks. If this was an unknown act I'd be raving but this is the guy who did Jean Genie, Suffragette City, Starman etc. and this is a drop from that level

Decent, not for me but I can see why it keeps her fans happy. A high 2

I think you have to love graveyard train to love the album. I don't but this is still very solid work

Nah

May have enjoyed it had it been released when I was 14 but I don't see how this got on the list

Obviously a massive album. Doesn't have the raw excitement it had in it's day but still holds up as a fun listen

Better than expected. Didn’t blow me away but surprisingly enjoyable

Enjoyable listen but never truly hooked me in

What I'd hope a late era Wilson album to be. Pet Sounds it ain't but it is still a fun listen

A couple of dirges but mostly a really strong, fun piece of disco

Had it's moments but not as punchy as I hoped. I'm increasingly disappointed by psychedelic rock

Harmless 60s pop but did nothing for me

Talent may be impressive but the output isn't. If I wanted piano, I'd go classical

Mainly had on in the background but it was enjoyable. May well give it another crack

Never drew me in

The more serious stuff is good but the attempts at comedy are awful. Stan brings it up to a 3

Surprisingly pleasant listen

Better than I expected. Liked his take on the German technology style

I was so excited for a full on pop album but it just lacks energy. Some good moments but it drags too long

Still don't get him. He must be good but I just here Shakin' Jacko

Very strong. A couple of ballads but these work as they punctuate an album that is largely energetic and fun (in sound if not always lyrically)

Did nothing for me. Just sounded like a lot of mid level alt rock

Would have been quite annoying if it wasn't so easy to ignore

Surprisingly enjoyable. He's found a bit of energy from somewhere

Deep purple are so much easier to enjoy when you just accept that they are a bit silly. Another live album that I rather liked

Has its moments but a little one paced

Bored. Even the familiarity of some songs doesn't help. All just too serious

Great start and end and the tracks leading off/into those are good too. Slight drift in the middle

Pretty turgid

Comes across pretty basic

Only one meh song and the singles are all top class

Nice little discovery. Would have blown my mind at the time

Highly pleasant listening. Just about earns a 4

Excellent. Rocked throughout.Glad I've finally given this a chance

High two but this ain't for me

Felt like a battle between quality celtic rock and self-indulgent wankery. Hit and miss

Nu metal all seems a bit try hard for me

Definitely had something going for it but never fully drew me in

First unexpected 4* for a while. I could get into this goth stuff if there's more like this

Died off a bit from a very strong start but this is their best work

Decent but never rehit the heights of them bones

The young lovers song is good. The rest is Dylan-esque whining

Another decent one from Neil. He's not my style but very good at what he does. I get the love

Surprised how much I enjoyed this and the rating could easily become a 5 in time. Very cohesive

Three cracking singles. Album tracks get a little repetitive sometimes but this is a masterclass in sampling songs that, if not obscure, are at least off radar for most

Side 1 better as it's more batshit. Deserves a decent mark just for how much it must've pissed off the Wellends

Really enjoyed side 1, very coherent. Side 2 dragged a little

Lou Reed just doesn't seem to do it for me. In any form

Has its moments but 80s American rock doesn't do it for me

In 250 odd albums I think this is something like my 7th 5 stars but this one tops the list. My usual listening is modern Swedish pop and Eurodance but this is the best album ever made to my ears. Or the best I've heard at least

Came in knowing one song and it is the best on the album by a mile but this does have a bit of something going for it. Surprised they are pretty much a forgotten act now

It's really good at its best but prophets song and I'm in love with my car are too bad to ignore. Can't be a 5

They've got better in their locker but this is still one good pop hit after another

Had it's moments but nowhere near as good as debut

Another harsh 2 but I don't get the hype with this

Bored

Better than expected but sometimes doesn't live up to it's own promise. Hysteria is hardly hysterical

Not sure how to rate. Deserves praise for being a bit different and I'd be up for hearing again but I won't be reaching for it

Much better than expected. It tailed of a little but started superbly. The 70s spaces and clear melodies are still there which elevated it from other 80s rock

Side 2 is definitely superior

Nah

Input > output but enough to keep me interested

May be worth another listen but fell into good, not great, for me

Probably worth another go. High 3 for now but the back end warrants further investigation.

A good tribute to the decade before, leaning heavily on the Stones. Perfectly enjoyable but doesn't really grab

Doesn't quite fall into wood rock and not full nwobhm making a quality 70s rock album

Clearly Dylan inspired but an attempt at giving us some music to get behind

Lots of good varied pop in here. Some of those 5 min tracks need tightening to 3 to make it a masterpiece

Boring

A bit try hard

Starts brilliantly but doesn't maintain that level. Realistically I'm only saving the 1st two tracks

Very enjoyable

Solid musically. Probably better lyrically but that's the side I pay less attention to

Didn't get it

Pretty good. Really getting to see why he's so highly rated. He's miles clear of Dylan

One good single, little else

So much potential but they couldn't resist the Tolkien wood rock in the end

Nah

This just isn't aimed at me. I can see who it is aimed, but this is my rating. I'm glad this exists

I like aggressive European party music. This is not that. It is not so good that it converts me. It is not so bad that I wonder why anyone would want to listen. It is in the huge gulf between that where I cannot judge. It isn't for me but I have no idea how many people it is for

Died off a bit but I enjoyed most of it

Solid pop tunes. At it's best when unsophisticated rather than when Sharkey's aspirations of being a little more serious come through

Better than expected. Pretentiousness of other albums comes through less and there's music to feel a bit

Yet another early 90s alt album that is competent but uninspiring

Had some promise but it died quickly

Not mind blowing, but exactly what I hoped for. I'll be back

The big tracks are great, I hoped the 1st album might not have as much of the the indulgent slow stuff but it is still there

Really good, want to hear more from them

Clearly about the lyrics but enough going on musically to draw you in and get you interested in what they have to say

Definitely good but the airy guitar sections leave me cold. I'd need to love summer breeze to truly fall for this album.

More than happy to listen to that again

That laugh he does when he does a joke he thinks is funny is getting right on my tits

Better than I expected given it's not an album with any massive songs but there's not a bad one on there

Decent background music. Enjoyable but no more than that

Solid indie. Despite the two standout tracks I cant quite justify a 4. Anti-american bias probably

Too much wankery. Liked the proto Showaddywaddy bit at the end

Really disappointed. Very coherent but too long to be built around the one genuinely outstanding track

An LP that sticks two fingers up to my prejudice against singer-songwriters and my lack of interest in most artists beyond the 2nd album

Nothing interesting here

Glad it's on the list for variety but not for me

I'll be back. Cracking little party this

Not awful (bar American Pie) but lacks the excitement it tries to bring

A dance album where you want to dance to all the songs. A rare treat. Not quite a 5 but a high 4

Enjoyable but not something I'm likely to revisit

A clearly very good example of music that just isn't for me. It had its moments but it just doesn't get me going

Boring

There was something decent about it but it never really captured me

No complaints in this one. Energy throughout

Solid pop all the way through. A surprise hit for me

Exactly what daft lad indie should sound like

Proper 2 minute catchy pop. None of that silly experimental shit. A joy

Bored at first but got won over to its relaxed charm

Never heard of them but this was really solid, energetic guitar pop

I see why people like it but never quite did it for me

Probably will give it another go. Something to work with musically and I like that it is more raw then their better known material

So so ploddy. The singles are alright even if they do sound like a a Travis/Robbie Williams collaboration at times but elevation is the only sign of life. After the singles it just dies. This is clearly a stadium rock band looking for a couple more easy singalongs to add to the canon for gigs. I'm sure beautiful day, walk on, and stuck in a moment work great live but it doesn't inspire me on record

A little too rocky for my taste in country. Starts veering towards proto bro-country

Quality album elevated to stratospheric by NIB and wicked world

No stand out tracks but no duds either. The mid 00s British lad rock scene was crying out for a jaunty scouse band to complement the more cynical Manchester/Sheffield bands. Why the wanky British public chose faux-scouse Brighton boys The Kooks over this mob will always be a mystery to me

Solid pop. Singles are strong, album tracks don't bring it down

Well produced but sounds like the workings of a man who is out of ideas

I can't deal with music this earnest

Completely unremarkable

Voice irritated me. I'll never be down with this mostly ploddy singer-songwriter stuff

This surprised me. Really coherent album and I love that it gets that there is no top to go over. Mark docked for having a couple of tracks that are a tad too Springsteen adjacent for my taste

Jarring, weird, probably not even good. But it is interesting. And it kept me interested. Give me this over some Yank doing another album of songs about how he's a regular guy who just can't catch a break. This had something different to say

Very solid album with scouse jaunt and a great level of camp absurdity. I include reward (which does stand out) despite it not being on the original recording. I'll be happy to revisit

Deserves to be on the list but it isn't for me

I expected to hate it, I've always found britpop to be overrated but this started like a train. And the alright happened and that song is much more ploddy than I remembered. From there it seemed to promise excitement a lot but never quite delivered.

One great original, a couple of strong covers,not much else. I think miseducation is a belting album so this really disappointed

I grt why people love this. I peaked at mere enjoyment

Still don't get them. Some flashes of fun but never convinces

Rather liked the snappy start but it settled into something pretty MOR for the alt rock world

Input > Output. The anger is gone

Good musically and they have something to say with some passion. Kept me happy

I'm down with it. I don't love it but I'd happily listen again

It's really good, especially in its uptempo moments. A few too many slow ones for me but it's still a pleasurable listen

I liked when the southern charm came out but there was too much MOR alt stuff for me to truly enjoy this

Weird wankery. Sounds like it might be impressive technically but the output is a bit shit

Don't know why I like this stuff but I do. Not the finest but I'd have no issue listening again

I get why people love it but it's just so bloody earnest. I want entertaining not a lecture on communism

Deserves to be on the list. Very much not aimed at me. Too smug and aloof from pop

Highly pleasant listen but lacked the excitement I crave for a higher score

They tried

Good throughout but never great

Good. I'm not certain I could give an American band of this genre more than a 3 but this is as good as that music gets

I have given worse albums than this a two but I need to be more brutal. This just isn't compelling and I dont see how it could ever be

The latest addiation to my 1* brutality. There's nothing wrong with this but I forget it instantly

Some nice ideas but doesn't work for me

Makes me smile rather but doesn't quite excite. A harsh 3

Threatens to excite but never manages it

Completely get why this is a 5 to many. It doesn't excite me at all

Even familiarity doesn't help this. I like their attempt at something funky and I get why a lot of my mates lived them but I can't buy in

Enjoyable but didn't love. Very clear paving of the way for other acts. Will try again

This would only just make a list of 1001 albums from Manchester. It has no place here

Didn’t quite do it for me. Felt similar to lots of stuff from the same era that I like but not as good. Did like American Girl

I rarely prefer an 80s sound to 70s but 70s rock just did not suit them

A solid no

Not quite at the level of truly appreciating this yet but this is two sides of solid music that form a coherent LP. I'll take that any day

Good. Probably worth another listen

The 80s had arrived. Pop but still with a darker edge and a cracking couple of singles at the end. A conservative 4

Musically interesting and Ferry's warble didn't bother me as much as expected. Roxy are wirth another look

Scouse, Celtic, sea inspired. This promised a lot but just didn’t deliver despite some snippets of what I was hoping for

Competent but never exciting. Generous 3

No time fir the parade song and the whole thing comes across as a cash grab of the Yankee Dollar but it is a bloody good cash grab

I'm down with this. Not normally one for chill music but this takes me to a happy place

Shiver feels like a pre-empting of Mike Posner's Cooler Than Me, the worst pop song ever written. The rest is just ploddy

Never sounded like it got out of 1st gear to me

Hip hop with all the excitement removed. It isnt worthless but it doesn't help that the best track is blown away by by Glory Box

It's a very strong and coherent album. Way outside my usual taste but it stirs something. Glory Box is a perfect ending

Arguably tpo long but enough top class stuff to justify a double. Ridiculous 18th album

Not for me Clive

Liked this. Voices work well together. Main thing is I felt something

It has what she said and barbarism. Gets 5 for those alone