This album definitely made me remember how much I loved when they would play The Eagles on 106.7 Lite FM growing up. It was easy listening, something to bop along to, songs I could belt out to while driving around suburban NJ. And alas...the older version of me enjoyed this music just the same - for what it is and what it's not. Did I expect to be blown away by this album? Absolutely not. Did I find myself tapping my foot to the beat while listening and genuinely enjoying myself? You bet. I'm giving this a 3. There weren't any songs I really disliked, but in the same vein, no songs on this album will have staying power with me (and Hotel California is just too overplayed).
If Lilith Fair existed in the 70s, Joan Armatrading would probably be the headliner. I'm surprised I've never heard of her before, because I see so many female singer-songwriters I love reflected in her music. It's a bit of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Indigo Girls, Annie Lennox, and Kate Bush mixed in with an extra funk that feels specific to the mid-/late-70s (in good ways and bad).
Her music feels layered and experimental, without ever going too far off the rails and feeling directionless. I especially like the first track. Giving this one a 4.
Definitely hear the Paul Simon of it all and enjoyed aspects of this album a lot, but the last song really ruined it for me. Appreciated the ride, but hated the ending. Would give it a 2.5, but rounding up.
Wish I was cool enough to listen to Beck in 3rd grade. I really liked this album - though maybe not as much as I thought. It took me a couple listening sessions to finish and found the middle part of the album a little rambling. That said, Ramshackle is a sleeper hit and have been listening on repeat. Giving this a 4.
Shout out to Randy in the group who introduced me to Elvis Costello's greatest hits at a young age. I loved this album and re-listened to several songs. I don't think My Aim Is True was meant to upend the musical world with some sort of artistic breakthrough so much as modernize and elevate music from the 50s and 60s. But that intention works well in this album (which I felt was generally pretty tight) and for me in terms of my personal taste. Probably would give this a 4.5, but averaging up to a 5.
I enjoyed this way more than I thought. Not a banger of an album I'll have on repeat, but into it.
This just didn't do it for me. Didn't really find the songs too memorable, but his voice is incredible.
Maybe in a different time and place, this album would toe the fine line between indie rock and rough around the edge perfectly...but not today.
Not my favorite Taylor Swift album and maybe a few fillers here, but overall, 1989 really demonstrates what Taylor Swift does best. Her songwriting that transports you to a specific moment in time, with all the textures and people and places. Her mastery of creating a bridge that stays in your head and shapes the trajectory of the entire song. Her NGAF dorkiness that just makes you want to let your freak flag and cheesiness come out (cue: Shake It Off). Giving this a 4. No haters allowed.
Definitely some rocking songs on this album, but not an album that's going to stay with me. Green River is a standout and an amazing first song to kick off. Overall enjoyed the ride, but won't be returning.
I love so many songs on this album and it definitely takes me to a specific post-graduate malaise I experienced when it came out. That said, I don't feel like it quite hits today like it did then. Maybe that sound now feels overdone by all the other musicians that have come after. I'd give this a 3.5, but rounding up because I plan on revisiting.
Overall liked this and all the classics I know from it, but didn’t feel very cohesive (which maybe was intentional). Giving it a 3!
I know this was a more experimental album for Madonna, but didn't do it for me. At all. Some interesting sounds and melodies, but overall, not wowed by this.
Van Halen probably wouldn't have been for me in the 80s and it certainly isn't today. A couple hits, but nothing I'll be coming back to.
I loved this album when it came out and listened to it pretty much nonstop during winter / spring of 2021 when it felt we were just starting to see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel. It still hits. So many great jams. I could do without the narrative intermissions, but this is a pretty perfect album IMO.
I think Hallelujah is super cheesy and overplayed, but besides that, I enjoyed this album. Probably won't be returning, but a nice album to listen to with interesting lyrics and sounds.
This was so-so, veering on somewhat forgettable. Bittersweet Symphony is a classic and an amazing song, but nothing else really stood out. Feels like a wannabe Oasis.
I wasn't blown away by this and maybe I'm biased because Paul > John (even though it's not really a competition). To me, this album proves strength in numbers and how much better their individual music could have been if created together.
Back to Black is a 5/5 - a great album where all songs could be standalone singles, but work together flawlessly. This album was more exploratory. You could tell she was younger, still figuring things out. I appreciated that aspect of this album, but wasn't my favorite of hers.
I liked this more than I thought and appreciated the evolution from 50s/60os bops to more groove and yacht-rock vibes. I'd give it a 2.5, but lowering down to 2 because I didn't find it that memorable.
Loved this album. So many good tracks. Still fresh and creative in my book, but felt a little less cohesive towards the middle and end.
Love love love Marvin Gaye, but this album didn't feel as memorable as others. It's clear this is a later, more exploratory one for him, which I can fully appreciate. But...eh, giving it a 3.
This has some great tracks and I appreciate the artistry AND the collaborations. But I don't see this drawing me back into its orbit.
Good, not great. Fun to bop to.
My favorite Beatles album. I love that it still has remnants of early Beatles, but you can tell they're going through a transition on this album and I'm here for it.
Liked this way more than I expected given what Coldplay is today. I thought this was a really tight album that still sounded interesting and modern. I've probably heard the majority of these songs before, but never sequentially - which actually made the whole listening experience better.
So so. Didn't hate it, didn't love it. Won't be relistening. Would give it a 2.5, but rounding down.
Great tracks in the middle, but the rest of the album was super disjointed, specifically 'Mother', which seemed totally out of left field.
Enjoyable, but nothing memorable.
Couldn't make it past the second song. Not my vibe and just noooooo.
Enjoyed it more than I thought after the first song, but won't be revisiting.
Obviously, this is good...but listening to this made me wonder if I like Talking Heads as a concept vs. the music they're making. This didn't stay with me and didn't feel the need to replay any songs either.
I'm not sure I've ever listened to this album from start to finish, but I gotta say, it's pretty perfect. Tight, cohesive, with bangers woven throughout. The live version of Born to Run will always be far superior, but as a first song in the album, it works really well. Found all other songs musically interesting and layered. BRUUUUUCE.
Neither here nor there. Some enjoyable tunes, but nothing memorable.
This was fun and Victoria is a real bop, but not interesting enough to revisit.
Liked, didn't love. Earlier Beatles albums are way more energetic and fun IMO.
I kept replaying this album on Friday and throughout the weekend. There was something about it that made me want to go back and figure out what made it linger in my head. I found the whole album musically interesting and felt like the music itself - the cords, the arcs, the choruses - told a story of tension and breaking through, more so than the lyrics.
I tried really hard back in 1994 to be into Green Day. Turns out, I'm just too much of a softie then and now to really enjoy it. Here for the nostalgia (sort of), but not for the tunes. Sorry for being a hater :(
Cool beats and enjoyable, but not revisiting
Very into this vibe and the cameos (yes to anything Bonnie Raitt). Listened to it a few times and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Meh. Listened to it on Friday and already not really remembering much of this album. Didn't hate it, but nothing to see here.
Reminded me of something I'd hear in a new age yoga class. Not terrible, but not memorable.
A classic. The album is cohesive, but no standout or breakthrough songs for me (which was a surprise).
A pleasant journey, but nothing too memorable. She's a 2, but a solid 2.
Modern-day Coldplay may be new age pop music gone terribly bad (though to be fair, I haven't really listened to modern-day Coldplay...), but this album was really good and still felt current: brooding, emotional, and a hint of angst simmering beneath the surface. Would go back!
Literally no fillers. So many hits and even lesser known songs are just so good. Love the Paul and MJ collab on this album also.
I guess am just not a Led Zeppelin person?
Love Kate Bush and a lot of these songs I view more as singles. The album as a whole felt like it veered off track at certain points, but respect the art and witchy vibes always.
Nothing groundbreaking, but liked this one. A little moody indie rock with notes of Radiohead.
I know I should like this more, but I just...don't?
This album ended up annoying me, but had some bright moments in spots.
A true delight. Enjoyed this and want to keep listening.
Liked it, but not compelled to revisit.
In a different time and place, maybe this would be a 3? Found myself wanting to turn the volume down and tune out vs. tuning in.
Pink Floyd just doesn't do it for me. I don't feel like they're doing anything revolutionary with this album. It's interesting and inventive (I guess for its time?), but not something I feel the need to revisit.
I wanted to like this - more because I'm a francophile and than anything else - but meh. Didn't hate it, didn't love it, didn't get the hype?
I've never listened to Sonic Youth and always knew I probably should. The first half of this album was great and then the wheels started going off the track for me.
Never really got ZZ Top, but thought I might like them because their long beards and vibe remind me of our friend Katie's dad...but alas...this album just didn't do it for me. I guess it was okay, but nothing to write home about.
I wanted to like this album, but found myself skipping through most of the first half of this album and then couldn't finish it. Felt a bit all over the place.
Liked this. Not something I'll return to, but a pleasant album to listen to during a unseasonably cold May midweek day.
I listened to the first half of one song, so hard to judge...but I immediately wanted to get off this ride.
Such a solid album. No filler and still feels pretty timeless. 'Don't You Remember' is the sleeper ballad I dream about belting out to in karaoke. It's still not a 5 for me for some reason, but it's close...
A predecessor to Pet Sounds and a solid one. Loved the listen (esp given recent loss of Brian Wilson).
I really can't stand the opening track (giant skip), but 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' rocks. I feel like I would have enjoyed this album had I been there.
I just couldn't get into this...at all?
I have a strong hatred for JT, but I will give it to him...I think this album is p p p good. The collaborations with Timbaland and Pharrell shine through. It's a rambling somewhat breakup album, with bangers and soul that still hold up.
I love this album dearly - so much so that it would probably make the cut if I was castaway on an island and could only bring 10 albums with me. But it's not perfect. 'Don't stop' feels so out of place and 'Go your own way' similarly doesn't capture the relationship ending realizations that the rest of the album brings through so vividly. If only 'Silver springs' were included. It's an album I'll revisit throughout my life, but alas, it's a 4 for me.
This was a fun, groovy ride. Not sure I'll be returning, but liked the listen.
So into this trio and this album. The beginning is solid, but falls a little flat towards the end. That said, I relistened to it 3x and will be returning so rounding up and giving this a 4.
Rubber Soul has always been my #1, but maybe I'm an Abbey Road girly after all. I love the combination of serious and playfulness in the songwriting. And the serious found in the playfulness and vice versa. Nothing I would skip - only songs I'd keep on playing.
Loved the first song. The rest of the album was enjoyable and a good listen, but didn't necessarily stand out.
Was pleasantly surprised at first and then just wondering what I was doing listening to such a long, unedited rambling album.
I really wanted to like this, but only made it to 2 songs...
I listened to the whole thing, but can't really remember too much about what I heard...as Shania always says: it don't impress me much.
Never listened to a full Jurassic 5 album. Didn't disappoint.
I have loved this album and revisited it so many times since it came out. It feels old-timey and modern, like it's always been there. I have so much nostalgia for this album and can't help but give it a 5.
Don't feel the need to revisit, but this was a fun ride.
It reminded me of a music you'd hear in an elevator of a hotel that's trying to be cooler and sexier than it is. Barely made it to the finish line.
I love The Temptations in their motown era, but this was fun and groovy.
Fun, but nothing to write home about.
I listened to this 24 hours ago and can't remember much. Didn't love it, didn't totally hate it.
RIP and also...I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would!
Even though I know Velvet Underground had a big impact on many of my faves, this was just so-so to me.
Sooooo good. Will be revisiting. Never listened to this album in full and was missing out.
Didn't hit as hard as Trio, but a good listen nonetheless
I don't know...I guess this was kind of enjoyable? But nothing that stuck with me and no songs I wanted to revisit.
Not really my thing, but liked it.
This album is so nostalgic for me, but also still feels so current - like it could have come out today and had the same impact. I've revisited this album many times and stopped once Kanye became so undeniably problematic and scary. Relistening to it yesterday brought back all of the joy and fun I had with this album - it's like one big R&B, hip hop party with everyone coming in and out and doing their thing (I will always love a Jamie Foxx appearance). This is a 4.5 for me, but I'm giving it a 4 only because I think 'Graduation' is tighter and better....but this is still a stunner.
A national treasure. 'Natural Woman' is a song that gets better over time and even more iconic once you see her performing it live at the Kennedy Center in a giant fur coat that she proceeds to take off at the end. Aretha's Gold is a desert island album pick for me and this one is amazing (but doesn't quite hit like her compilation).
Lol-ing at some of the title tracks on this album...the 90s were a time. I just couldn't get into this. Angst is not my vibe after all.
I enjoyed a lot of this, but found myself skipping through some songs also. Giving this a 2.5, but I'll round up to a 3 because it's a Friday and it was a mostly fun listen.
'I Talk To The Wind' has surfaced on a few Discover Weekly's (and I like it!), but the rest of the album was pretty meh and unmemorable.
This album takes me back to a very specific time and place. There are some real bangers that still hit, but I didn't feel the album as a whole stood the test of time.
I don't know why, but Radiohead (and this album) just reminds me of whiney men...
Very 80s and kinda forgettable IMO. Not sure I'd say this withstands the test of time (though maybe that's not the point).
This was fun. 'Night Time is the Right Time' is a standout, but the rest feels like early Beatles without the buzzing energy.
This was a pleasant listen, but nothing that rocked my socks.
I enjoyed listening to this, but can't remember a ton of the music or hooks even though it's only been a day.
A nice listen, sort of forgettable...but a pleasant journey nonetheless.
Blonde on Blonde is an incredible album and I love the live versions of those songs on this album. I liked the blues-y, soulful renditions on this live album a lot. It's a 4 for me.
'Love Will Never Do (Without You)' is an all-time favorite banger. The rest of the album was fun to listen to, but felt a little rambling at times with interludes that made you want to skip ahead to the good parts.
It's a 4.5, but I'm rounding up because...it's The Band. I mean, just soooo many good, solid songs on here. 'Whispering Pines' is such a beautiful, soulful song. I could listen to the ending instrumentals on 'The Unfaithful Servant' on loop. And, of course, 'Up On Cripple Creek,' is peak Band.
This album still rocks. Does it ramble for a bit too long? Yes. Does it have strokes of insane genius that makes your mind stop and say 'holy shit, this is good'? Yes. It's not perfect, but that's what I love about it. And 'Casimir Pulaski Day' is one of the saddest, most beautiful songs ever.
'Feel Flows' is an amazing song, but the rest of this record is just okay. Enjoyed the ride, but won't be revisiting.
A nice listen for a Monday
I really couldn't get past the first song...
A legend and I know this one is top, but I love his older motown records more
Felt like listening to the inspo for Graceland (maybe it was?). Enjoyed it, but not my style.
A solid listen and one I'm going to return to, but wasn't in love with it.
Legend is just so good...and this was just...okay. But it's Bob Marley and was a pleasant surprise for a Monday listen.
Turn up your radio, because this album is a gem. I've loved this album and it's still a classic in my book. It's a 4.5 because I 'Everyone' just feels like it doesn't belong, but rounding up to a 5.
I normally find Thom Yorke to be a bit whiney and woe is me, but I liked this one.
'Love Galore' is sooooo good. Solid album and a nice reprieve from all of the men on this list.
A classic and major influence on all of my faves.
Even though I had to skip 'Candle in the Wind' every time I listened (if you were a child of the 90s, you get it), I loved this album. I know Elton John is sort of like the Bee Gees...his most famous hits aren't truly representative of his best work. This album was the proof. I loved the different styles he played around with and, while long, this album had cohesion and tightness that I appreciated. It all kind of makes sense.
A camp counselor of mine was obsessed with this album when I was 9 and I remember really wanting to like it then, but I never really got it...and still don't get it (or really care to...oops!). Too long, too all over the place. Sort of became like background music after the first hour.
A good ride for a Tuesday listen
This was really long, but spoke to me. Never really listened to CSNY or Stephen Stills (which feels off brand). Enjoyed this one. 'So Begins The Task' is a heartbreaker.
Not my cup of tea, but the cover of 'America' was fun
Liked it, but didn't love it. Maybe I'm not a CSNY person. I feel like they are always teetering on the edge of something really interesting and unique without ever making it there.
Enjoyed the Aretha cover, but it's giving lower mid to me.
'This Is The Day' is a great track. Everything else was pretty unmemorable.
A beautiful, intimate, quiet journey of womanhood, love, and racial politics. Love it as much as I did when it came out nearly...10 years ago (yikes). I've always felt like this album was a creative outpouring of feelings and stories kept inside for so long that it needed 21 tracks to share it all. I'd give it a 4.5, but rounding up.
I never really got Morrissey when all the alt kids in high school were into it. And I still don't. It's okay. Not anything life-changing.
'Blister in the Sun' is a classic, but found myself skipping songs towards the end feeling ready for a little less chaos.
Some interesting moments, but some moments that needed to be skipped.
So good I had to listen it to it over and over. Takes me back to a time and place - yet still feels like it could come out today and be a banger of an album.
This is a fun one! But not the most fun one. Still a good listen.
Just couldn't get into it...
It's 2004. I'm blasting the more emo / grunge-y music the OC has introduced me to in my 1998 Mitsubishi Montero. Life is good. This album was and is fun. Not something I necessarily need to revisit, but a good time and I'm here for it.
Yes. 'I Got My Brand On You' is a strong opener. A fun listen.
Never really listened to this when it came out and wish I had. It feels a little of its time, but still something interesting, layered, and a record to return to.
Overall, a fun listen! But 'We Are Family' isn't anymore after listening to it at every bar and bat mitzvah I've ever been to...which is a shame!
Not my vibe, but still a good one.
Soooo many good tunes on this. 'Strong Enough', 'Leaving Las Vegas,' 'Can't Cry Anymore'...say less! This would be a 3.5 for me, but bumping to a 4 because this had such a mega impact on my contemporary female singer songwriter faves.
Not my cup of tea, but didn't hate it
A fun listen of all the hits.
This had a strong start, but didn't necessarily sustain throughout whole album. Never heard of this group, but an interesting ride.
Is it groundbreaking? No. Does it instantly take me back to cruising around my senior year of high school? Yes. Enjoyable, fun, slightly elevated indie pop music. She's a 3.
Never listened to any George Michael album. Some interesting moments and 'Freedom' is iconic. But rest of album got lost in the sauce for me.
A nice, melodic listen...but kinda got old after the first half.
Never gets old and always feels of the moment. A perfect album that makes doing something bad and raw and gritty just feel so damn...good.
Meh. A fun listen, but not for me. The end of the album really fell off for me and felt way too disjointed.
This album has a soft spot in my heart. It's beautiful, melodic, and tight. Takes me right back to the day I discovered The Graduate in high school and went on a deep rabbit hole listening to all the Simon & Garfunkel my dad owned.
Not really my thang. The only songs I've heard on this album have felt overplayed.
Wanted to love this more than I did, but still a good listen.
Hard to separate the nostalgia from the actual music. But this one still rocks for me.
So fun with a tinge of nostalgia.
Take me back to 1999 and listening to 'Autumn Goodbye' on repeat after Connor Callahan and I broke up while the smell of the Tommy Girl perfume he bought me lingered in my childhood bedroom.
I loved revisiting this album, even if I found myself wanting to speed through the back half (but for real, was Email My Heart ahead of its time?). Is it the best, tightest album I've ever listened to? No. But its impact on pop music is unquestionable.
Soooo emo 90s. Not for me, but not terrible.
Jarring (and kinda cool) to hear Chicago play so fucking hard. But album felt way too unstructured and...long.
I didn't really enjoy any of this?
