1001 Albums Summary

I highly enjoyed this album and missed so much on first listen 10 years ago.

I appreciate this more than I did before. Obviously some great guitar work from Knopfler and some grooves from the drummer. Favorite tracks were Setting Me Up, Six Blade Knife and In the Gallery. Some of these tracks are just kind of slow and chill, i.e. Water of Love…nothing wrong with that, just one of those things I have to be in the mood for. So I’m going middle of the road with a 3.

Solid album. But it’s definitely one of those things where you have to be in the right mood at the right time of day.

Love this album. It’s fun!

Beautiful album with poignant lyrics. Probably close to a 3.76 for me, but going to go with a 4.

Think I like the acoustic side more than the electric. But it’s all good. Classic Neil. Closer to a 3.5 or 3.75

Would be easy to give this album a 1 because of its repetitive nature. But it’s fun and it’s quick

Giving this album closer to a 1.75. While I didn’t hate it, I didn’t like it or love it either. This is the type of album where I’m sure they had fun creating and recording this album and bringing it all to life. But as a listener, hard to enjoy it just for enjoyment sake. This music has its place though. It’s like ambient electronic music. Could hear a lot of this at a coffee shop, or a certain type of restaurant and it might perk my ears up to be like, “what’s this?” But as a full album, not what I want to listen to on the regular.

Hurts my soul to give a James Brown record this low of a rating. But it’s not indicative to the fire he was about to set a few years later and change everything. Classic James Brown energy, but the funk isn’t there yet.

For many years I’ve heard all the lore behind this album and what it means. But this was my full first listen through. For me, it’s a very middle of the road album. I can see why in 1993 this album hit so many people over the head. She’s definitely a pioneer and opened the door for many more women to make rock music with raw lyrics. Overall, I think my biggest beef with this album is the vocals. Very dry and monotone. Some tracks it works (i.e. Divorce Song and Never Said). I feel like this is an album that gets better with more spins. But on initial listen, it’s cool. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, but I liked it. 3.50

This album is not for me. By the time I got to “This Hollywood Life”, I was ready to tap out. Many moments where I can tell they can play, but the music just doesn’t do it for me and the vocalist and lyrics do not help.

I’ve been sleeping on Mudhoney. Definitely going to give this album another listen

Beautiful stuff on here. But lingers on.

Ey!! Ok Dexys! I had only ever heard Come On Eileen by this band. But I was pleasantly surprised by this album.

2.75. Love Meth, but this was always my least favorite solo premier release from members of the Wu. Was hoping I’d change my mind or have something more click with today’s listen but it did not.

I need to revisit this one. I enjoyed it. Lots of back and forth between quiet and loud, soft and harsh sounds. I like.

Wanted to like this more, but idk. Rush is one of those bands where if you give me their greatest hits, I’ll take it! But for a full album, it doesn’t strike me. Loved the song Lessons, and I think if the intro track were broken into separate songs, it may be more digestible. Love the concept of the album and the inspiration from Ayn Rand. But a lot of these songs just didn’t make me want to revisit them.

Closer to a 1.75.

As you’ve probably saw from the other one star reviews…yeah…this is a no for me dogg. Music was ok, but the lyrics and subject matter, that’s a different story

Truly timeless hip-hop

Love this album! I know there’s some bias though. As a young black teenager when this came out, this album was pivotal to show there’s more to music. Really opened my mind. It still hits for me today. But may be one of those things where you just had to be there when it dropped to appreciate it.

I can dig it. Promised You a Miracle slaps! Giving this album closer to a 2.75

This album was more boring than I expected it to be…too many slow grooves that go nowhere.

No

People love to hate just to hate. Did Coldplay maybe sell out after Viva La Vida? Yes. But is there body of work up until that point honest, sincere and of great production value? Yes. Two things can be true at once. It had been a long time since I listened to this album and I expected it to be worse than I remembered. But it’s solid! Great melodies, great playing from the band, and tightly mixed. If you like Jeff Buckley’s Grace but saying you don’t enjoy this album at all, you’re lying to yourself. But don’t get me wrong, this is not nearly as good as Grace. Lol! But it has some of the same sonic qualities at times and beautiful lyrics.

More like a 2.75. I feel like this album really found its footing in the later half. Another one of those albums that you have to be in the right mood for. Also, another band where I could take a greatest hits album from them, but not individual albums. Well, with Bloom as an exception maybe.

Had been a while since I revisited this album. Closer to a 2.75 for me. Cool ideas, great rapping, but something about it felt a little dated and not as exciting as I remembered. Mr. Wendel and Tennessee are for sure the standout tracks.

Ya know, I really didn’t hate this as much as I thought I would. I can understand the hate for Fred Durst, but the band had some killer ideas and riffs happening throughout this album.

I hate to do this because I’ve got a lot of respect for what Sufjan does and I enjoy a handful of his music. Also, he’s a Midwest person from an area nearby…but I was not feeling this. Just really comes off as a pretentious and long album. Love the concept of this album and some of the ideas explored on these songs, but they just came across as boring.

About a 2.5. It was fine. I love Psych Rock music, but there’s this very specific period from 65-69 where it feels like all these bands heard Rubber Soul and Revolver by the Beatles and tried to emulate the most psych parts of those albums on every song.

Ay yi yi! So much to say but I’ll try to keep it short. I’ll start by saying, this was the first album I bought with my own money when I was 10 years old. Edited version from Wal-Mart for sure. But I eventually got my hands on the explicit version. And explicit or not, I loved it. Obviously, not fully grasping everything he was talking about and really taking in the overall beats and playfulness. I’m 36 now. So listening to this, there is some nostalgia attached to it for me. However, over the years as I go back and listen to Em, he’s really not as great as the pedestal we put him on. His lyrics…well, let’s just say they haven’t aged well. And his flow and cadences are even elementary like. The one saving grace of this album is the production quality! Even in 2026, these beats and the production value still slap. Could have been a truly timeless album with the right lyricist on it.

So much 80’s cheese on here! But I didn’t mind it. Most of it didn’t age well, but when it hits, it hits! Wood Beez is the best song in here for sure! I’d give this more of a 2.75. But we’ll round it up to a 3.

It’s a fine album. But I just don’t understand how this is considered one of the greatest albums of all time and I don’t understand how people say Stones made better music than the Beatles. The middle of this album is the best for me and I obviously love the hits, Wild Horses and Can’t You Hear Me Knocking to be specific. Although I feel Can’t You Hear Me Knocking would be even better if it wasn’t as long of a track. And man oh man, I’m not even going to talk about Brown Sugar in depth even though I should. Just gonna say get that song outta here!! I don’t care how many ways they try to spin that song into not being lyrically cringe or inappropriate…it is.

Really want to like this record. I’ve heard great cover songs of the Pogues and I know how revered Shane MacGowan is…but this just is not it for me. Sorry.

At times this band sounds like a polished punk band that’s been together for a decade and at other times they sound like teenagers that just figured out how to play and want to be angsty. Take that for what it is. But overall, I just couldn’t get into it. Didn’t hate it, but I didn’t like it either. I’m more su surprised that Self Esteem on this album has more streams than Pretty Fly For a White Guy

Too long for what it is

Fun album! I used to play a lot of these tracks on WYCE. The rapping on here is very “2000’s” at times. But it isn’t too bad. Instrumentally, the band is on fire from track to track

So ahead of their time. RIP to Bob Power

I’ve got no need with Adele and think she’s a great singer. But this album is a snooze fest. A handful of these songs make me feel like I’m at a worship center on Sunday at 9am, no disrespect. But just not my vibe. Specifically, songs like All I Ask, Remedy, Water Under the bridge. While they’re beautiful songs, they’re also very boring songs that just kind of fade into the background. The last song, Sweetest Devotion, had more of the vibe that I appreciate for this type of style. Drums are rocking, cool guitar licks, great strings and great breaks. But there’s no denying how big of an album this was for the mainstream. I knew about half of these songs from them just being in the ether of popular music (Hello, Send My Love, When Were Young, Water Under the Bridge). Not a bad album, just not the album for me.

Really great album! Loved it when it came out and still love it. 4.50

Great album! Had been a while since I listened to this and I forgot how good it is from start to finish.

I respect Dinosaur Jr. Even saw them live last year. But on this album, the songs start to all kind of blend together and J Mascis’ monotone singing does not help. I’d give this a 2.75

I enjoyed this album! I think someone said it already, but this is just solid middle of the road rock. Not trying to blow you away with their musical prowess or trying too hard. Just making good solid songs. 3.50 for me.

The Doors…another band where I could take all of their songs I love and make one great album out of it, but I can’t say that I particularly enjoy any of their albums from start to finish. Listening to this, I feel like I’m halfway between being depressed or dancing at a swinging 60’s party. Interesting album for sure. But not something I want to constantly revisit. Favorite tracks are Light My Fire (love all the covers of this song too), Soul Kitchen, and Whiskey Bar because it’s fun. Really like a 2.75 of an album for me. But I’m gonna give it a 3

I’ve gotta revisit this one. Didn’t love it, but I also didn’t hate it. There were lots of musical moments that perked my ears up.

First off, shoutout Todd Rundgren. I feel like his production and insight to this album is what makes it sound so good. This is a very polished album. Music wise, it was not bad either. Meatloaf can definitely sing and it’s interesting to hear him on the non balled like songs. Think this album would be better if the first and last songs were trimmed down.

To me, this is THE Bob Dylan album.

One of the 3 star reviews already said it best, but I didn’t dislike this album as much as I thought I would. Closet to a 3.25 for me. I can totally see why it was a hit at the time it was released. But something about it is very eh.

Solid Black Keys album. This is definitely where they get more pop in their music. But it’s not bad! I think they did a great job at staying true to their sound while making it more accessible to the mainstream. I bought this on CD when it dropped. Always thought it was cool that the physical CD changed colors if it got hot. I’ve spent time with this album, so maybe my lens is a little different than most. But, it had been many of years since I listened in full until today. But it still held up for me.

I enjoyed this album a lot more than the other Maiden album on this list. Once I discovered they had a different vocalist for this album, I think that was the key difference for me. No disrespect to Bruce, but it’s just too operatic for me. Although, I’m sure that’s what people enjoy about him. But Paul Di’Anno has a good balance of not going too over the top. Also, this album had way more melodic moments than I expected. Good balance of beauty and rocking out. I’d actually give this album a 3.5 or 3.75

I had never heard of this band or album and I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely raw, but in the best way possible. No need for gimmicks and tricks. I was even more impressed when I found out they recorded the whole album in a day. They must have really known these songs well by the time they got into the studio. Going with a 3.50/5

Everyone’s making fun of how smooth this is, but the musicians are top notch!! They’re in a groove all over this thing. And it lends very well to Maxwell’s voice. I feel this album would have been better if it was just a little bit shorter. A solid 9 or 10 songs. Overall, I enjoyed this. I heard a lot of these songs growing up and my band often covers Ascension. Was good to sit down with this album front to back though. 3.75 for me. But going to round it up to a 4.

I want to like this album. But just does not hit for me. I like Glory Box, but the rest of the songs are very monotone and don’t do a lot for me. I have a similar experience as another reviewer where I’ll revisit this album every couple of years or so because I’ve heard how good and influential it is. But I find myself not finding anything that makes it amazing.

I just can’t with that voice. You can write all the great lyrics, and melodies of the world, but throw that on top of it and it’s a no for me. 1.75 out of 5, but I’ll be nice and round that to 2 stars

The least talked about PE album, but probably their best, imo. It always surprises me how much I love the tracks with Flavor Flav on lead. He’s known as the hype man of the band, but when he gets on the mic he’s not bad and spits the truth. 3.75, but I’m going to round up to 4

I recently listened to the podcast, Fear No Man. It’s about Fela and his life and music. So this couldn’t have came at a better time. Zombie is thee song/album in Fela’s catalog. The groove all over this album is just so good!! If you don’t want to move or dance or feel happy, you might be dead. On top of that, the message of Zombie is so poignant and still lives on today. But of “soldiers”fighting in wars and killing other human beings pretty much only because they’ve been told to…zombies…no brains of their own

This album got a lot of low reviews, but it’s really not that bad of an album. I think its biggest flaw is the length. This could have been 10-12 tracks and that would have made it a really solid album. I’ve definitely heard Once Around the Block many of times and it’s driving me crazy wondering how I know that song. Anyways, 3.25/5

Naw dogg. The other one star reviews said it all.

Ughh. I don’t understand the appeal with Van Morrison. A lot of hootin’ and hollerin’ on these songs for no reason.

This is an album that I was pleasantly surprised to see pop up on the list. I remember when this album dropped and I was fascinated with it. It’s still great! I’d give it a 4.25/5. But going to round up to 5 because why the heck not

Wasn’t too bad. Thought it’d be awful based on the album cover and reviews. But there’s some groove and melodies here that made my ears perk up a lot. 2.75/5

Solid album. 3.25/5

A little outdated, but I can still rock with this. Cool samples and Queen Latifah was floating on some of these tracks.

I had never heard this album. I was pleasantly surprised! This album would have been really solid if it was trimmed down to 12 songs or so. But none the less, still a good listen. 90’s sounding, but in the best way possible

Color me surprised! Have heard of the Dandy Warhols, but never checked out their music. This album was really good. Solid alternative/indie rock of the 90’s. The last two tracks were unnecessary to me. But besides that, great album. This is probably the first time I’m giving an album a 4 after first listen.

Easy

I was sleeping on Tori Amos. Really good album. I love an album that is metaphorical but also easy to understand.

I hate to admit it…but I enjoyed more than a couple of songs here

For ‘89, I can see why this was held in high regards. Definitely influenced a lot of Nu Metal. But this is pretty cringe and didn’t age well, imo. Enjoyed some tracks, but would not listen to the album in full multiple times.

The music was quite enjoyable. But the vocals just did not fit well throughout this album.

Love the Beach Boys 70’s discography

Wasn’t bad. But there’s better in Elvis’ discography. 2.75

This was solid background music while I worked. While most of the songs didn’t grab me, the particular song, “Rise”, did grab me for some reason. 2.75

Man, these lyrics are interesting. They’re metaphorical at times, but they all sound like sexual innuendos. The production and music was clean, even though there was a lot of 80’s cheese on this one.

I know Sinatra is supposed to be timeless, classic music. But after three albums of Sinatra on this list, I think I can definitively say I do not like his music. Sorry. So boring and I do not heard anything special in his voice. Sounds like a person having a conversation and they draw out or accentuate on certain words to make it sound like singing. And while the players on this album are surely top tier musicians, musically, each song sounds like the next. This just isn’t for me. Would be lovely to have on the background at a dinner party. But that’s about it.

Too many unoriginal covers to call this a great album.

I listened to this album a lot when it dropped. But this was probably my first full listen in 20 years. Amy’s vocal prowess is undeniable, and they definitely capture that Motown sound with an updated twist. But with all that said, it was not slapping for me the way I thought it would. The single tracks, Tears Dry on Their Own, Back to Black, and Rehab all are phenomenal and everything else was pretty good. Going 3.50/5.

Eh. I dig CCR for what they are. But this is middle of the road, playing it safe rock.

This is definitely an acquired taste thing. But the energy on this album is undeniable.

3.50/5

I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I dug the music. But the lyrics were meh. 3.25/5

Rockin’ album

I’ve listened to My Bloody Valentine before and it’s definitely one of those things you have to be in the mood for. I was in the mood for this today.

Didn’t hate it. But the songs started to really blend together by the end.

I mean, c’mon!! So good!

Was very surprised by this album. Wasn’t familiar and when I put it on it sounded so fresh that it was hard for me to believe this was from 1975. I will say, it got a little droney by the end. Probably closer to a 3.50 for me, but rounding up to a 4 because albums like this on the list need more shine. And definitely going to listen to this one some more and then I’m sure it’ll be a solid 4 for real for me.