1001 Albums Summary

A landmark classic that defined a generation of Cocteau Twins enthusiasts, Tears For Fears showed everyone that they had access to an era-defining reverb by writing music that has aged into our hearts - not in our faces.

Without discussing the legendary harmonies that would go on to inspire the many variations of these individual artists, (CSN, CSNY) we cannot rate this album. There are too many parts that make this a must-listen for me, but none like the 6:00 mark of Judy Blue Eyes. I knew this was a 5/5 from the get-go.

It's got that distinct 80's sound. The drum machines, synths, and snares all scream Phil Collins. The vocal performances, however, scream Peter Gabriel. Big Time and Red Rain are great tracks that complement an unquestionably perfect track order in the context of energy and the artist's vision. They feed into tracks that elicit a forensic science montage like We Do What We're Told and This Is The Picture, before closing out with a medium-energy love song that beckons listeners to hit the "loop all" button. I was fortunate to give this gem a deep listen and can absolutely see why it's on this list.

This album broke in 1990 for these legends, and houses their most listened-to track, "Enjoy the Silence." Violator drives home their sound and introduces us to tracks like Personal Jesus, Halo, and Policy Of Truth... In a trying (?) album order. Such forays into existing strengths make the concept of favorites such a challenging and reductive thing to ever feel strongly about. Violator is my favorite album in the Depeche Mode catalog. I have many memories to this music; bias or not, I knew it was getting the maximum rating upon seeing the album art. I'm pretty sure it's widely recognized as - or, is at least among - their best work. I own it on CD and would gladly send it into space to outlive humanity.

Dolly Parton is timeless and has inspired too many to name. Many of her standards were immediately recognizable on first listen. While it's not my usual cup of tea, it absolutely belongs on this list.

Not my typical cup of tea, but some tracks were very catchy & funky. I'm certain I heard a handful of bits that have been sampled to kingdom come over the years.

Legendary band & album. Worst part is that today, it's giving Tony Stark.