Dec 11 2024
View Album
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
First Album! I'm excited to try this out.
This is a banger for sure, one of Young's best. I'm pretty sure this was my 3rd time listening to it.
"My My, Hey Hey" is a fantastic intro. This is like the ideal Neil Young song. "Thrasher" is a nice acoustic song with some beautiful lyrics. "Powderfinger" kicks ass, definitely one of Young's best rock songs.
An overall epic album. its soft and warm at times but packs a punch when it needs too. Also kinda grungey at times? Amazing album to kick off this challenge.
Favorite track: My My, Hey Hey
4
Dec 12 2024
View Album
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
While I've never been the biggest R.E.M. fan, I always viewed this album as the band's best. Unfortunately it's Stipe's vocals that steer me away from the band. They aren't bad, just kinda unappealing to me which is a shame because otherwise the band sounds really great especially on this album.
I think I would give AFTP 3.5 stars but since that's not a possible rating on this site I'll round up to 4 stars because I do believe this is a cut above the rest of their albums which I will probably give 3 stars or less.
Favorite track: Drive
4
Dec 13 2024
View Album
Murmur
R.E.M.
Bro two R.E.M. albums in a row, seriously?
This is a real solid debut, better than I remember even. Similar to AFTP I would give this 3 and a half stars if I could except this time I think I'm gonna round down. At first I wanted to give this a higher rating but by the second half I was definitely over it.
unrelated but I really like this album cover for some reason. The imagery and type look really cozy. It's the kind of album cover that's so good it makes me wish I enjoyed the music attached to it more ya know?
Favorite track: Radio Free Europe
3
Dec 14 2024
View Album
Hot Fuss
The Killers
Oh boy, it's been awhile since I listened to anything by the Killers. Definitely a band I've outgrown but a lot of their hits still hit for me. "Mr. Brightside" will always be a white people anthem, "Somebody Told Me" is pretty nostalgic to me, and "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" goes harder than I remember. Unfortunately the rest of the album is just kinda ok. "Smile Like You Mean It" makes me cringe... Overall it's good for what it is but I wouldn't say its one of the best of all time or anything.
Favorite track: Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
3.5/5 *rounding down
3
Dec 14 2024
View Album
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Finally something I haven't listened to yet!
Don't really have much to about this one. To me CCR kinda just does one thing but they do it damn well. Hard to dislike this band.
Favorite track: Bad Moon Rising (obviously)
3.5/5
3
Dec 15 2024
View Album
Moondance
Van Morrison
Moondance (the song) is so good dude why aren't there more songs on this album that sound like it.
Favorite track: MOONDANCE!!!
3.5/5
4
Dec 16 2024
View Album
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
First time listen!
It's so jarring listening to the title track of this album for the first time and immediately realizing that this is not the same Leonard Cohen I know from the 60s/70s. This Cohen has a much raspier, haunting voice. However, one thing that hadn't changed was Cohen's songwriting ability. Such a beautiful album, I'm glad I was given an excuse to listen to it.
Favorite track(s): You Want it Darker + Steer Your Way
4
Dec 17 2024
View Album
Moving Pictures
Rush
Not always a huge fan of prog but there's something about this album I find kinda charming. I would describe it as wacky maybe? "Tom Sawyer" is banger and so is "Limelight" but in my opinion "Witch Hunt" is the true star here. Also I've always rally enjoyed this album cover :)
Favorite track: Witch Hunt
4
Dec 18 2024
View Album
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
I listened to this album a couple years ago when I was listening to the Rolling Stones top 500 albums list. It was one of those albums I enjoyed at the time but didn't think I would ever listen to it again... but now its 2024 and here I am listening to Rod Stewart again. This will probably happen a lot since that list has a lot of overlap with this one...
Anyways I still enjoy this album quite a bit. "Maggie May" is a undoubtably a winner and the mandolin on "Mandolin Wind" kicks ass. Rod has a sort of energy that makes this album a real easy listen even though its not something I love all that much.
Rod Stewart is so weird looking. If I saw him in real life I think I would probably laugh at him or something.
Favorite track: Mandolin Wind
3
Dec 19 2024
View Album
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
This is the third new album overall but the first new artist.
I had never heard of Nanci Griffith before now and unfortunately I can't say I'm much of fan. This is a passable country album, I'd even go as far as to say that this is an above-average country album. But even then it's still just kinda ok.
Favorite track: More Than A Whisper
2
Dec 20 2024
View Album
Pump
Aerosmith
You know your'e in for some horny bullshit when even the trucks on the album cover are fucking.
I'm surprised by how many songs I recognized on this album. This album haunted me at my high school job without me even realizing it. But yea, this thing is ass. Aerosmith in general is kinda ass, but this album is really ass.
Favorite track: Janie's Got a Gun (I guess..)
1.5/5
1
Dec 21 2024
View Album
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Objectively speaking this probably the best album I've received so far, though personally I prefer Are You Experience just slightly more. Still though Hendrix is a beast on this album. Do I even have to say how good All Along the Watchtower is? Its one of those rare covers that completely transcends the greatness of the original.
Favorite track: All Along the Watchtower (duh)
Classic/5
4
Dec 22 2024
View Album
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
???
Apparently this guy was a member of Jefferson Airplane or something? They really just let anyone onto this list.
I can't hate this too much though because some of the psychedelic stuff here is pretty cool plus the story behind the album makes me appreciate it more, but otherwise a lot of this album is annoying or repetitive unfortunately. I think this could've been something really great if it was like half as long..
Favorite track: War in Peace
2
Dec 23 2024
View Album
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
The Police will always be a fun band with fun songs. This album opens very strongly with "Message In A Bottle" (one of the band's best imo) and then afterwards "Bring On The Night" is pretty good too I guess. Yea it's mostly nothing that exciting but an easy listen nonetheless.
Favorite track: Message In A Bottle
3
Dec 24 2024
View Album
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Fuck it. This gets to be my first 5 star album.
I received this album the day I left for Florida so I got to listen to it on the airplane ride which was perfect because I have always associated this album with travel.
In the past I've rated this one lower but I enjoy it more and more every time I listen to it. Theres so many amazing songs on here such as "Heavy Metal Drummer", "War on War", and of course "Jesus, Etc." which is by far my favorite Wilco song. Its just a pleasant listen from start to finish!
Favorite track: Jesus, Etc.
4.5/5
5
Dec 25 2024
View Album
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
I had never heard of this guy before and I probably could have gone on without knowing about him. Scottish reggae is definitely not a vibe.
Favorite track: Your Love Gets Sweeter (this one is fine I guess.)
1.5/5
2
Dec 26 2024
View Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Listening to this a week after Christmas because I'm playing album catch up at the moment...
What a delight. This album is exactly how a Christmas album should sound. Every time the Ronettes or Darlene Love show up you know your'e gonna get something good!
You gotta be a real Scrooge to not like this album..
Favorite track: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
3
Dec 27 2024
View Album
Destroyer
KISS
Kiss is one of the most overrated bands on the planet. Nothing these guys do is in anyway exceptional, they just trick stupid old people into thinking that they're good because of the way they present themselves with all the makeup and flashy costumes. This band is the definition of style over substance.
As for the album itself... This is nothing more than another generic classic rock album. Its not the worst thing I've ever heard but its certainly no masterpiece.
Favorite track: None lol
1.5/5
1
Dec 28 2024
View Album
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I've never really cared much for the Sex Pistols but I can at least appreciate how influential this album is. It has a few highlights but it can also be very annoying at some points. Overall its just kind of average in my opinion. I think its valid to hate or love this album. What isn't valid is calling this the greatest, or even one of the greatest, punk albums of all time. There are so many better punk albums from this era, I'm so sick of seeing this mediocre album top so many lists. Just because something is influential doesn't necessarily mean it is good..
Favorite track: Anarchy in the U.K.
3
Jan 03 2025
View Album
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
First time listening to Mylo. The album cover and title made me expect something a little more exciting, but that's not what I got. If this is your thing I can respect it but to me this is just one step up from copyright-free YouTube music..
Favorite track: Drop the Pressure
2.5/5
2
Jan 04 2025
View Album
The Doors
The Doors
Another absolute classic! Don't have much to say about this one. If you don't like this album you're probably a pretty boring person.
Favorite track: Soul Kitchen
4.5/5
4
Jan 05 2025
View Album
Orbital 2
Orbital
First time listening to Orbital and honestly they're really chill. This makes me want to listen to more techno music. I could see myself recommending this album to people who are interested in the genre. Its nothing exceptional of course but I don't really have anything negative to say about it.
Favorite track: Planet of Shapes
3
Jan 06 2025
View Album
Parklife
Blur
LET'S GOOOOO!! "Girls & Boys" is like one of my top 20 favorite songs ever! I never get tired of it!
The rest of the album is comparably not as good, but its still a fantastic album overall. I love how quirky/whimsical a lot of these songs are. This is definitely another album that just gets better upon each revisit. Why can't modern pop music sound like this?
"To the End" should be the closing track right???
Favorite track: Girls & Boys
4
Jan 07 2025
View Album
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Hell yea, this is just some good ass music right here.
"Go for your Guns" is my favorite Isley Brothers album, but this is a very close second place. The highlights on this album include "That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2" and "Listen to the Music" as well as the "Summer Breeze" cover which I think I prefer over the Seals and Crofts version. This is a 10/10 perfect cover.
Favorite track: Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2
4
Jan 08 2025
View Album
Wild Gift
X
I've only ever listened to "Los Angeles" by X and I'm kinda surprised this album is on the list instead of that one. I much prefer that album but this one is still pretty decent. It's not quite as punk as its predecessor. It has some nice tunes but nothing too crazy. I didn't mind this one :)
Favorite track: Adult Books
3
Jan 09 2025
View Album
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
"And sus me out"
Pretty much any album by Bob Marley from 1973-1980 is gonna be good and this one is no exception, though I do prefer other albums from this era such as "Catch a Fire" and "Exodus". Listening to this album just feels like you're going through the motions of a Bob Marley album which isn't a bad thing, it's just not as memorable as those other records. "No Woman No Cry" is definitely the highlight here but there's plenty of other tracks that make this worth checking out. If this is an "average" Bob Marley album than it just goes to show how good the guy is at making music.
Favorite track: No Woman No Cry
3.5/5
3
Jan 10 2025
View Album
Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
I was happy to receive this album because I had tried to listen to it awhile ago but didn't finish it because I wasn't in the mood for it at the time, so it was about time I revisited it... Turns out I likely never will be in the mood for this. It's got a decent bluesy sound with some nice moments here and there but otherwise it's pretty unremarkable.
Favorite track: Sex Beat
2.5/5
3
Jan 11 2025
View Album
Frank
Amy Winehouse
While not as strong as its predecessor, "Frank" is still an incredible debut album which proved to be even better revisiting it for a second time. "Stronger Than Me" is my favorite song here. Not only is it a great intro to this album, it's also a great intro to Amy Winehouse in general. The Frank Sinatra and Bossa nova influences really make this album feel special.
Favorite track: Stronger Than Me
3.5/5
4
Jan 12 2025
View Album
The Blueprint
JAY Z
Nice! I've been waiting for a hip hop album :)
For a long time I considered this to be a perfect 10/10 album. Since then I think its dropped to maybe just a 9/10 but its still phenomenal in my opinion. The production and samples are top notch and Jay's bars here are so damn good. "Heart of The City" and "Never Change" are some of my favorite Jay-Z tracks. The song with Eminem makes me cringe a bit but so does everything else Eminem is involved with. Overall though this is the best Jay-Z album as well as one of the best hip hop albums of this era.
Officially beats "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" as the best album I've received so far.
Favorite track: Heart of The City (Ain't No Love)
5
Jan 13 2025
View Album
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
For a while I've been meaning to listen to "TNT" which was the album Tortoise released after this one so this was a nice introduction to the band. This is just a nice chill album. Perfect for a snowy day like today. kind of reminded me of Fishmans which is a favorite of mine. This album didn't knock my socks off but I could see myself revisiting it.
Favorite track: Djed
3
Jan 14 2025
View Album
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi's best album in my opinion. Lot of classic songs here. "Purple Haze", "Hey Joe", "The Wind Cries Mary", and "Are You Experienced?" are all bangers. Similar to Jimi's other albums I wish this was a little shorter but otherwise this is an all timer.
Favorite track: The Wind Cries Mary
4
Jan 15 2025
View Album
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
This has been on my list for a long time so I'm glad I finally had an excuse to listen to it.
This did not disappoint at all. The hype surrounding this album is completely valid. This album has moments where it is fun and dancy then other moments where it is genuinely very beautiful. This album really is a journey. I can't believe it took me this long to this... better late than never I guess.
Favorite track: Since I Left You
4.5/5
5
Jan 16 2025
View Album
Phrenology
The Roots
I like the Roots quite a bit but this album has never really impressed me that much. There are plenty of solid tracks here but overall its nothing special when compared to many of their albums that came before and after this one. "Undun" deserved this spot on the list.
Favorite track: Sacrifice
3
Jan 17 2025
View Album
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I respect Elvis Costello as an artist and I respect anyone who enjoys his music however I personally do not like his stuff. His vocals just kinda annoy me I don't know. Upon relistening to this album my opinion on it remained consistent. I think it's easy enough to sit through thanks to how short it is and some of the songs like "Alison" are alright. This is about as positive as I can feel for an Elvis Costello album.
I just realized that Costello has 6 albums on this list which is just wild to me... I feel like 2 or 3 would've been fine but 6?? I better mentally prepare myself for listening to that much Elvis Costello music.
Favorite track: Alison
2
Jan 18 2025
View Album
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
🦀!!
I was so happy to see that crab show up. Not only because this is one of my favorite album covers ever, but also because this album kicks ass. This album is pure adrenaline.
Favorite track: Breathe, Smack My Bitch Up
4
Jan 19 2025
View Album
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Another album I went into not knowing anything about.
The concept of creating a soundtrack for a nonexistent film is kinda neat and I think Adamson pulls it off here because I can kinda see this being a real soundtrack. Jarvis Crocker of Pulp on the opening track was a pleasant surprise. There are a couple other decent songs but overall its not terribly interesting.
Also the album generator classifying this as a rock album is kinda silly.
Favorite track: The Sweetest Embrace
2.5/5
3
Jan 20 2025
View Album
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
It's the king of dad rock, the boss himself Mr. Springsteen.
Admittedly I've never really been that into Springsteen's stuff but I'm hoping that after relistening to his albums I will begin to appreciate the guy. Especially since this album because to my understanding this is generally considered his masterpiece.
So that didn't happen. I think I enjoyed it a little more this time but i definitely didn't blow me away or anything. I enjoyed the singles though.
Favorite track: Thunder Road
3.5/5
3
Jan 21 2025
View Album
xx
The xx
Never listened to this band apart from a few random songs here and there.
This album is pretty chill. I probably would've really enjoyed it back in high school but its not something I would choose to listen to now.
Favorite track: Crystalised
3
Jan 22 2025
View Album
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
Brian Emo.
Favorite track: On Some Faraway Beach
3.5/5
4
Jan 23 2025
View Album
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
Very likely the worst record on this list, like I seriously can't imagine anything else on this list being worse. It's insulting, annoying, and way too long. I never want to hear Kid Rock's stupid voice ever again.
Favorite track: ...
0.5/5
1
Jan 24 2025
View Album
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Even though I'm not as into indie rock as I once was, I still think this is a great album. The first four songs on this album are fantastic. After that it kinda slows down but its still consistently good. The perfect coming-of-age album imo.
Second best Arcade Fire album after "Funeral".
Favorite track: Modern Man
4
Jan 25 2025
View Album
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
"I talk tuah wind"
Such a monumental record, like this is THE prog rock album. I can't imagine what it was like listening to this in 1969, it would've blown my mind. Hell, it still blows my mind 56 years later.
Right from the opening track you know you're in for a ride. "21st Century Schizoid Man" is absolutely electric, one of the best songs that the prog rock genre has to offer. Then you got "I Talk To The Wind" and "Epitaph" which are both fantastic. "Moonchild" is where it loses me for a bit. Not that its bad or anything I just can only take so much experimental prog bullshit before tuning out. Fortunately The album finishes on a high note with that incredible title track.
The whole album as a package is very satisfying even down to the legendary album cover. As someone who has never been huge about King Crimson I can safely say "I get it now". I think this is the first true 5 star album I've received so far. It's just that good.
Favorite track: 21st Century Schizoid Man
5
Jan 26 2025
View Album
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
The Pixies had an insane run of albums from 1987-1991. It's possibly one of the greatest album runs in the history of music. Even though I prefer the two albums that followed (Doolittle and Bossanova) this is the album that really cemented the band as one of the greats.
While its not as consistent as Doolittle, there are still plenty of fun and memorable tracks here. Some of the stand outs are "Bone Machine" and "Gigantic". Of course then there's the elephant in the room.. This album contains one of the greatest songs of all time. "Where Is My Mind?" is one of those defining songs that really changed the game. The second half of the album just cannot compete with it or even some of the other songs from the first half, but there are still a few notable tracks. Overall Surfer Rosa is a very punchy, fun album that I have a lot of appreciation for. I just love the Pixies so much man so any excuse to listen to them is a treat.
Favorite track: Where Is My Mind? (I mean what else could it be?)
4.5/5
4
Jan 27 2025
View Album
Calenture
The Triffids
Believe it or not, but there are so many actually good albums from the 80's. I don't understand inclusions like this on this list.
I've never heard of this band before and I never would have if not for this album generator. They're really nothing special imo. The lyrics are very cringe at times and David McComb's vocals are kind of annoying. It's not terrible, but its certainly not worthy of being on this list.
Favorite track: Unmade love
2
Jan 28 2025
View Album
The Bends
Radiohead
I <3 Radiohead.
I like "Pablo Honey", but this is where Radiohead locked in. There are a lot of great tracks on here "Planet Telex", "Fake Plastic Trees", "Just", "My Iron Lung", "Street Spirit", etc. I'm really burnt out of "High and Dry" from listening to it all the time in high school but it stills hits. Album cover is fantastic, probably my favorite Radiohead album cover. This album is tight.
Close to a 4.5/5 but there is definitely some filler here so I'll just say its a 4.
Favorite track: Street Spirit (Fade Out)
4
Jan 29 2025
View Album
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
This was my first Pet Shop Boys album. It made me fall in love their music.
I still think it holds up as one of their better albums. Dusty Springfield's feature on "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" works surprisingly well, its one of the highlights from this album. I also really enjoy "Rent", "It's a Sin", and "Heart". A lot of the lyrics on this album are kinda corny but I think that adds to the charm of it. To me this is synth pop gold. Overall I prefer "Behavior" and maybe even their debut, but I'll always like this album and I think it deserves to be on this list.
Favorite track: Rent
4
Jan 30 2025
View Album
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
I recall not really liking this album the first time around so I'm happy that it clicked more this time.
I have a lot more appreciation for this group, they were really ahead of their time in many ways. Their blend of punk and glam rock is really cool. Also the drag is cool as shit. Unlike bands like Kiss, I wouldn't say these guys are completely style over substance but their appearance is definitely a large part of their appeal. Regardless this is a solid album with a good share of quality songs. Its still not really something I'm crazy about but I salute the New York Dolls for their service. 🫡
Favorite track: Frankenstein
3
Jan 31 2025
View Album
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
The term "so bad it's good" isn't usually used to describe music, but this is an exception. This is objectively a very bad album. Its raunchy, its juvenile, Fred Durst's vocals are pretty annoying, but god damnit its fun. I don't know man, I don't mind it. Its sort of a guilty pleasure of mine I guess. It's certainly not a very good album but compared to that Kid Rock album this might as well be nu metal gold. I mean what other band has dedicated a song to Ben Stiller? Only the brilliant Mr. Durst would do that.
Favorite track: My Way
2
Feb 01 2025
View Album
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
I love soul music but I've always thought that Ray Charles was kinda overrated. Don't get me wrong me was very talented and he had a nice voice but most of music is just so dull compared to other artists that came after like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. That's how I would describe this album, DULL. Charles plays it safe, he makes quality music but doesn't do anything interesting in my opinion. I appreciate and respect Ray Charles but there are so many other soul musicians that I would rather listen to.
Favorite track: Just for a Thrill
3
Feb 02 2025
View Album
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
50th Album!!
Muddy Waters is the real deal. I don't always love blues music but Muddy has such a distinct vocal and guitar style that makes his music really enjoyable.
Favorite track: Mannish Boy
3.5/5
3
Feb 03 2025
View Album
Imagine
John Lennon
Oh John,
John Lennon is a difficult figure for me. I think that without him the Beatles wouldn't be nearly as good as they are, yet he's not that great without the rest of the Beatles. I much prefer Paul and George's post-Beatles work. A lot of John's solo music is uninteresting to me or even obnoxious.
My feelings on this album are overall positive. The title track is by far the biggest song from this album as well as Lennon's solo career as a whole. Most people either think its one of the greatest songs ever made or they think its overrated whiny crap. Personally I'm somewhere in the middle though I would agree that its probably the best song on the album. I think if you separate "Imagine" from John as a person its a really nice song. The other notable song is the bizarre Paul McCartney slander on "How Do You Sleep?". Why does this song exist? Like it sounds fine but the concept of a Beatles diss track makes me roll my eyes. The rest of the album is made up of hits and misses. It never becomes unlistenable or anything but it also never blows me away. Until I relisten to "Plastic Ono Band", this is still my favorite post-Beatles Lennon album.
"Merry Christmas Yoko"
Favorite track: Imagine 💩
3.5/5
3
Feb 04 2025
View Album
Arrival
ABBA
Abba is one of those artists that make great songs but not necessarily great albums. This isn't an exception to that but it seems like one since the biggest song on this album is so legendary. I am of course referring to "Dancing Queen". Easily the most popular Abba song but also one of the most iconic pop songs ever. Few songs have left as much of an impact on popular culture. My 16 year old sister who doesn't listen to any music from before she was born, likes Dancing Queen, because how can you not? It's that timeless. You throw that song on an album with "Money, Money, Money" and boom you got a classic on your hands. It doesn't even matter if the rest of the songs are good (most of them are pretty good anyways though).
Favorite track: Dancing Queen, Money, Money, Money
3.5/5
3
Feb 05 2025
View Album
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
This is the first GREAT Beatles album in my opinion.
Like the rest of the planet, I prefer the later Beatles albums more than the early albums but I still think there is a place for their more poppy music. Its more simple than the later stuff but I find it charming in a way similar to other music from the early 60s. This album is loaded with classic tunes and on top of that its nice and short. A real easy listen!
Also the film that accompanies this album is really fun!
Favorite track: And I Love Her
4
Feb 06 2025
View Album
American Pie
Don McLean
🇺🇸🥧!
"American Pie" is another one of those larger than life songs that has really solidified itself into American culture. I wanna say it's overrated, but I'd be full of shit. It's a great song. It deserves its status as the go-to campfire song. I was expecting this album to be nothing more than "the album with American Pie on it", but I was pleasantly surprised. Why did nobody tell me how good "Vincent" is?? There's a handful of other quality songs here too. The singles obviously steal the show but overall this is nice little folk album. I'd even go as far to say that if this a Neil Young album it would be one of his more average releases.
This has been the most difficult album to rate so far. For now I feel confident its a 3.5/5 but I can't decide if I should round up or down. I think I'm gonna go with a 4 but it's definitely not as good as the other 4 star albums. I wish I could give half stars grrrrrrrr.
Favorite track: Vincent
3.5/5
4
Feb 07 2025
View Album
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
This is the kind of thing I wanna get more of from this generator!
Unlike other punk bands, the Adverts are are more light and catchy. It's something I would recommend so someone who wants to get into classic punk music but is intimidated by the heavier stuff. The wikipedia description calling them equal to the Sex Pistols and the Clash is pretty funny.
Favorite track: One Chord Wonders
3
Feb 08 2025
View Album
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
This is an essential 80s rock album. Its got everything you could need. You got the MTV mega hit "Money for Nothing". You got ballads like "Your Latest Trick". "Walk of Life" is a perfect roadtrip song. Then topping it all off with the fantastic title track as the closer. Dad's everywhere triumph!
Favorite track: Walk of Life
4
Feb 09 2025
View Album
The Joshua Tree
U2
...and here's another essential 80's rock album.
This album starts out with one of the greatest 3 song runs of any album ever. "Where The Streets Have No Name", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "With Or Without You" are all some of U2's biggest singles. I wish these songs were spaced out more because the album definitely loses some momentum after "With Or Without You". Other than this one pacing problem this is still a fantastic album. The rest of the songs can't really compare to those hits but they are still quite good sometimes great. I especially enjoy the last two songs on this album "Exit" and "Mothers Of The Disappeared". At the moment this is my favorite U2 album.
Favorite track: Exit
4
Feb 10 2025
View Album
More Specials
The Specials
Usually this doesn't matter but I really feel like I should have listened to the first Specials album before listening to this.
I don't think this is bad. There are a lot of good moments on this album but equally as many annoying moments unfortunately. Maybe I'll revisit it after listening to their first album but I doubt I'll really change my opinion on it.
Favorite track: Hey Little Rich Girl
2.5/5
2
Feb 11 2025
View Album
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
>Thriller
Michael's best album in my opinion. Also one of the best, if not the best, disco album ever made. "Rock With You" is infectious, easily is my favorite MJ song. Then there's "Off The Wall" and "It's the Falling in Love" which are top 10 for me. Plenty of other great songs too. There are a few low points but for the most part its pretty consistent. This album makes me wanna hit the dance floor! 🕺🏻
Favorite track: Rock with You
4.5/5
5
Feb 12 2025
View Album
Real Life
Magazine
This is an album that has been on my radar for a couple months but until now I hadn't heard any of it. I wasn't aware of this album's connection to the Buzzcocks which is a band I really love so this was right up my alley! This album is incredibly energetic and catchy. The synths here are to die for. The highlights are "Shot By Both Sides", "Burst" and "Parade". This is my favorite first time listen from this challenge so far. I'll definitely be returning back to this album within the coming months.
Favorite track: Burst
4.5/5
5
Feb 13 2025
View Album
The Last Broadcast
Doves
I can see where the Coldplay comparisons come from but in my opinion this is not nearly as good as anything Coldplay was releasing around the same time. I listened to this twice and I don't know its fine. Not particularly interesting in any way and certainly no Coldplay.
Favorite track: There Goes the Fear
2.5/5
2
Feb 14 2025
View Album
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
This album is great I just wish there were some cool-ass dolphins on the album cover idk.
Favorite track: Mud in Your Eyes
3.5/5
3
Feb 15 2025
View Album
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Hell yea 😎
I remember listening to this for the first time and giving it a 3/5. What the hell was I on?? It's still not my favorite Metallica album, but its a damn close second. There are no skips on this album. Seriously one of the most consistent albums I've ver heard, every song is as good as the last. Makes it really difficult to pick a favorite from this album.
Favorite track: Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
4.5/5
5
Feb 16 2025
View Album
Stankonia
OutKast
BREAK!
I feel like I've been giving out 5s like its nothing but I just love music and THIS right here is music.
Stankonia is one of the defining hip hop albums of the 2000s, this thing has classic written all over it. It's got legendary singles such as "B.O.B.", "So Fresh, So Clean" and most of all "Ms. Jackson". These are all amazing and a lot of the B-sides are really great too. Outkast has a handful of great albums, but this is definitely my favorite. If you don't like this album I can't imagine you're that fun to be around.
Favorite track:
4.5/5
5
Feb 17 2025
View Album
Kimono My House
Sparks
This one is slowly growing on me.
Favorite track: Thank God It's Not Christmas
3.5/5
3
Feb 18 2025
View Album
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
The title track is kinda overrated in my opinion but afterwards the album gets really good. "The Passenger" has always been the stand-out to me. That song and others are absolutely dripping with David Bowie magic.
Favorite track: The Passenger
4
Feb 19 2025
View Album
Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
One of the many cases on this list of "right artist, wrong album" (also see Gorillaz, System of a Down, Queens of the Stone Age, etc). I'm not sure why this album was chosen over "Zen Arcade" or "New Day Rising" but I'm just glad Hüsker Dü is represented at all. A W for Minnesota as far as I'm concerned.
Favorite track: Ice Cold Ice
3
Feb 20 2025
View Album
Da Capo
Love
I've only ever listened to Forever Changes by Love. This album seems worse than it really is when compared to that classic but on its own its still not great. There are some interesting sounds here and there but nothing really groundbreaking. This album is only 36 minutes long but it feels longer due to half the album being a single improvised track.
Favorite track: Orange Skies
3
Feb 21 2025
View Album
Debut
Björk
I've been waiting three weeks for another 90s album...
While not the best Björk album, I do feel that this is the best introduction to her music. It's more accessible than a lot of her other album's, I can definitely see how this would be her most successful album.
Favorite track: Like Someone in Love
3.5/5
4