1001 Albums Summary

4.5/5. This feels like you're listening to it live, even though it was released in 1956. Realised halfway through that he's the iconic voice of King Louie in the original Jungle Book. Toe-tappers from start to finish.

4.5/5. It lulls in the middle section a little bit for me, but it’s still so good. This would be the album of a lifetime for 99% of other rappers and producers. Hard to be a Kanye apologist nowadays but this is as good a a reason as any.

2/5. Boring. Found myself forgetting I was listening to this album even when it was playing directly into my ears. Never been a massive fan of them and this hasn't changed my mind – which doesn't bode well for my experiences of this challenge.

3/5. Thought this was just good – no more, no less. I could tell Mr Brown was doing some things that were sending the crowd fucking wild, but all I could think about was how 1) I wasn't there and 2) I couldn't see it. The voice and the energy are iconic, but the neo-luddite in me can't help but think live albums are better when visual. Was really excited when this album was generated for me. Note to self, never get your hopes up.

N/A. Receiving this album nearly tipped me over the edge for this challenge. Call me ignorant but I just wasn’t interested and I know it wouldn’t fit my mood. I’d love to say ‘it’s not you Meatloaf, it’s me’ - but in this case, it’s very much Meatloaf’s fault.

5/5 Doesn't get much better than this, does it?

3.5 Accidentally listened to ‘Electric Mud’ instead and did prefer that, but really liked this nonetheless. Plenty of songs that've survived the years or transformed into more modern versions. Enjoyable!

3.5/5 Wanted to enjoy this even more than I did as the album opens with a bang and has some real high points, but I hesitate to admit that I slumped in between those peaks. Might be something to do with the choice to listen to this while running. I'll choose a different listening context for the next album.

3/5 Just fine – couple of classics, but I'm otherwise unmoved.

5/5 Loved this. Given my previous knowledge of Weller's greatness, I naively assumed that The Style Council would be indistinguishable from The Jam. Of course there's some interesting crossovers between the two, but this album plays with jazz and even some reggae-esque beats too. Reminded me a little bit of Arctic Monkeys's controversial departure from their indie sound on their latter albums, particularly with the elevated 'lounge music' feel. Brilliant, will listen again.