Dec 30 2024
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I really enjoyed this album, and I see why it made the list. After looking at their history, I'm shocked that they were only together making music for such a short period of time.
Up around the bend is my favorite song, and I really enjoyed lookin' out my back door. Heard it through the grapevine went on a bit too long for my liking, but it was still great.
4
Dec 31 2024
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Disintegration
The Cure
Pictures of you is one of my favorite songs of all time, and I love the Cure overall. But this album kind of drones on and on. It's not bad, but as a whole it's nothing spectacular.
3
Jan 01 2025
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Harvest
Neil Young
This album was overall pleasant, but forgettable. I liked Old Man but the rest of the songs didn't stand out.
3
Jan 02 2025
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
I absolutely love Bowie, but this isn't my favorite Bowie album. This album isn't bad, it just doesn't stand out too much amongst his other works. But regardless, a Bowie album is always a pleasure to listen to
4
Jan 03 2025
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
I'm just not a Beatles fan. They were clearly very influential and prolific during their time, and they inspired many subsequent artists, but they're just a boy band singing about peace and love when they were wailing on the women in their lives at home. Their songs are difficult to take seriously knowing who is behind them. But some of the songs are bops I guess
2
Jan 06 2025
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With The Beatles
Beatles
I liked this album more than Rubber Soul... but I attribute that to this album having more songs from Across the Universe on it. Still not a Beatles fan, but it's cool to listen to the original songs that inspired the songs in that musical. It's fine. Nothing great
3
Jan 07 2025
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
This was a fun listen. I've never listened to an Elton John album all the way through but I really liked this one.
4
Jan 08 2025
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
This album was a chore. I did not like it at ALL
1
Jan 09 2025
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
God I hate this band.
1
Jan 10 2025
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London Calling
The Clash
This is an incredible album. Combat Rock is my favorite Clash album, but London Calling is an absolute classic
4
Jan 13 2025
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In Utero
Nirvana
It's difficult to overstate how important this album is. It's obviously iconic but it changed the grunge genre and the music landscape as a whole. That being said, it's not quite my taste. It's an incredible piece of work, but in terms of listening to it on my own volition, it's not something I gravitate toward. It's an abrasive album, but it's incredible.
4
Jan 14 2025
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The World is a Ghetto
War
I've never listened to a funk album all the way through, so this was a cool experience. I was also intrigued to see how short the album was but that it had a 13-minute and a 10-minute song. It was even more shocking to me to see that "City, Country, City" was a 13-minute long instrumental song?? Overall the album was fun. I don't think I'd reach to listen to it again, but I liked how unique it was
2
Jan 15 2025
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What's That Noise?
Coldcut
WHY is this not available to stream!? I had to go to YouTube to find it and thank god it was there! This album is a lot of fun. I'd like to listen to it in a restaurant or an indie coffee shop or something like that. It's not quite something I'd sit down and listen to on my own or blast in the car, but I did enjoy it.
I do like that "Smoke Dis One" is still relevant today and this album came out in '89. Crazy that not much has changed.
3
Jan 16 2025
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
I usually don't like live albums because I find the applause/cheering/comments from the audience to be distracting, so I was a little disappointed this was on here. But then I realized that it was a live recording of him performing at a prison and I immediately became intrigued. He sounded amazing, but I think I was mostly taken aback at how this was such a big moment in music history and I'm listening to people cheering that were actual inmates at San Quentin at the time. This was a fantastic listen - I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
4
Jan 17 2025
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
I had never heard of this album or group before, so I looked at the "about this artist" section on Spotify and saw that Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys was involved in this group and that it was supposed to be Bowie inspired. The Arctic Monkeys never did it for me, but I was excited to give this a go especially considering a handful of my "One Album A Day" suggestions were Bowie albums.
The album is surprisingly short. The title track was incredible - orchestral and dynamic and dramatic. The rest of the songs blended together (which is my problem with the Arctic Monkeys) but they still sounded good. I can hear the Bowie influence.
I enjoyed it overall but probably won't reach for it.
3
Jan 20 2025
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My Generation
The Who
This was a fun listen. There were really no standouts, but it's undoubtedly an important album in music history
3
Jan 21 2025
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I had to unblock the Arctic Monkeys to listen to this album because I hated AM and was sick of their songs being suggested on Spotify playlists.
This album is fine, which is a huge step up for me from other Arctic Monkeys songs/albums. I wouldn't walk out of a bar if they were playing this, but I wouldn't automatically turn it off. No standout songs, but they were all pleasant enough
3
Jan 22 2025
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Parachutes
Coldplay
I liked this album a lot. I've never heard it all the way through, just a couple of songs. It's really beautiful and I can't believe it came out in 2000.
4
Jan 23 2025
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I really liked this one. The songs are fun and it's always a pleasure listening to CCR.
4
Jan 24 2025
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The Coral
The Coral
This was a fun one. I'd never heard of the album or the band so I went in blind. Every song was so interesting and dynamic and I was never bored listening to it. I could actually see myself playing this on my own if I'm cooking or just doing things around my apartment. Really happy with this one
4
Jan 27 2025
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
I've never listened to any RATM that wasn't "Killing in the Name Of". This was an interesting listen, and very appropriate given the political climate we live in. Music wise, it isn't my cup of tea but I understand why it's on this list and agree that it should be here.
3
Jan 28 2025
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I tried listening to Frank Ocean a while ago and it didn't do it for me, so I was excited to give this a listen. I absolutely loved it and I am so glad this was suggested for me. It's not exactly a genre I spend a lot of time in but every song was so well done and well orchestrated and just easy to listen to. Big fan of this one
4
Jan 29 2025
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
This album was forgettable. I'm glad that there's diversity on the list, but it's hard to connect with songs in a language that isn't at all similar to what you know. It was fine background noise but I almost forgot I had it on. It's not bad, it's just not memorable.
2
Jan 30 2025
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
I really don't understand why this album made the list. It's not horrible but it's certainly not a must-listen when there are thousands of other albums out there. The Healer sounds like "on hold" music. It's not something I'd rush to turn of, and it was pleasant enough, but I don't care if I hear it again
2
Jan 31 2025
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Da Capo
Love
I looked up the background of this album and found the story of the band interesting. But the story was more interesting than the album itself. The album isn't necessarily bad, but it's just forgettable to me. The last song is what gave this the 1 star. It being 18 minutes seems like a bizarre choice. It's just a long jam session (which sounds fine and they're objectively talented) but it's just odd to listen to on an album and the random out of place screaming in the middle of it was jarring and distracting to the musicianship being presented. I like the theory that it was potentially to mess with the record label for not letting them break a contract. That being said, I wouldn't reach for it again.
1
Feb 03 2025
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Fragile
Yes
This one was forgettable as well. It was pleasant and I enjoyed listening to it enough, but I wouldn't recognize it if it was played anywhere. I wouldn't turn it off, but I wouldn't reach for it again.
3
Feb 04 2025
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
My second African-language album on this list. I'm glad that there's diversity on the list, but like Lam Toro by Baaba Maal, it's hard to connect with the songs. The music itself is fantastic - I love the guitar riffs and musicianship but I wouldn't reach for this again.
2
Feb 05 2025
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
This album was good, but I just do not like live albums generally. I'll probably listen to the studio version of each of these songs though. They sounded nice, the cheering is just distracting.
3
Feb 06 2025
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
When I tried to listen to this on Spotify all of the songs were blacked out?? So I had to listen to it song by song on Youtube.
I really liked "A Minor Place" but the rest of the album was okay. Nothing really memorable other than that one song.
3
Feb 07 2025
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
I've never heard of this band or album before, so I went in blind. I really enjoyed this!! It's fresh and fun and enjoyable without being too abrasive. It was so different to anything I've listened to but I'm really excited to listen to more of this.
4
Feb 10 2025
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The Clash
The Clash
Love the Clash, this album is great. Such a pleasure to listen to this album all the way through.
4
Feb 11 2025
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2112
Rush
The album opening with a 20-minute song was... a lot. It objectively sounded nice with great musicianship, but it all blended together and didn't have any discernible themes or hooks or melodies. It was just really cool sounding guitars. This isn't an album I'd reach for again but it wasn't bad. Another middle of the road one for me.
3
Feb 12 2025
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I've surprisingly never listened to Elvis Costello ever so it was a cool exercise to listen to this full album. I enjoyed it. Nothing was a standout, but the songs were pleasant and I could see myself listening to these at home. I wish I could give this a 3.5 because it's not quite a 4 but it's not middle of the road like some of the others.
3
Feb 13 2025
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The Visitors
ABBA
This album was so much fun. It's not my favorite ABBA album, but even an ABBA album that isn't my favorite is still a delight. Slipping through my fingers will never not choke me up, and the visitors was a fun listen. Really enjoyed this one.
4
Feb 14 2025
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Mask
Bauhaus
This one was an interesting listen. I've never heard anything like this before and each song was dynamic and fun to listen to. There are no real standouts and I didn't feel emotionally connected to any of the songs. It's not quite my taste, but I enjoyed the experiment of listening.
3
Feb 17 2025
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Like most people, my only knowledge of the Temptations was My Girl. I was excited to take a listen to this, but it was just... forgettable. I'd give it a 3 if it weren't for the whining in "Runaway Child, Runaway Wild". That was grating and awful and I just had no interest in it.
2
Feb 18 2025
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
While it's not my favorite Bob Dylan album, it was still an enjoyable listen. There were really no standout songs, which is why I went with a 3 instead of a 4. I prefer it when the songs are more him "singing" than just straight up talking, but this one had some cute moments.
3
Feb 19 2025
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
My first 5/5 album, 37 albums in. Cash's renditions of these songs are absolutely beautiful. Tear Stained Letter has been one of my favorite songs for a long time, and obviously his cover of Hurt is divine. But listening to this album end to end was such a treat. I loved this one.
5
Feb 20 2025
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
I cannot believe that this album has so much perfection crammed into such a short collection. This is the sound of the 80's and there's a reason why everyone knows and adores these songs. 5/5, not a single thing to dislike about this one.
5
Feb 21 2025
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Low
David Bowie
Bowie is obviously an icon, but this album just did not do it for me. It was bordering on just... noise. 2.
2
Feb 24 2025
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
This album was such a pleasure to listen to. It's sultry and jazzy and beautiful and NOT what I expected at all from what I've heard about Fiona as a person over the years. I tried listening to fetch the bolt cutters when it came out and I really didn't like it but this album is a lot more accessible. I really enjoyed it.
4
Feb 25 2025
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Odelay
Beck
This was a fun listen. I've never spent a lot of time with Beck's work other than a handful of the popular songs. This album was really interesting with cool instruments and refrains and his distinctive voice. It's not exactly my taste and I don't see myself listening to it regularly because of some of the more abrasive portions of some of the songs.
3
Feb 26 2025
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
I absolutely adore Tom Waits. He's written some of my favorite songs of all time, but I'd never heard anything from this album (which may make me a fake fan). Sometimes his songs can be unlistenable though and abrasive. This album was a good happy medium between his raspy abrasive voice and listenable melodies. It's not my favorite Waits album, but it was definitely enjoyable and I could see myself listening to it on my own.
4
Feb 27 2025
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
While I appreciate that Youssou worked with Peter Gabriel on “In Your Eyes” this album isn’t it. It's great to see diverse artists and different languages on this list, but I find that they are hard to connect with. This album is not technically bad but it’s just so far from anything I like and I didn't find any part of the songs that stood out. The songs were also ridiculously long. It's getting to the point where I now dread seeing fully African language albums on here because I don't hear any memorable melodies or refrains or anything to get me into the album. Not a fan.
2
Feb 28 2025
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
This was... fine. I know psychedelic rock had to start from somewhere and it was nice to hear some of the origins. What's giving this the one star rating to me, though, is the 17-minute song at the end. This is the second album I've gotten through this project that's done this and I really don't enjoy it. It's hard to have a song go on that long and for it to not just... drone. There were also these weird sounds at the 11-minute and 14-minute marks that sounded almost like someone was taking a razor blade to a guitar string or drilling something. It was just unpleasant and not in an avant garde way but in a... difficult to listen to way. I'm glad this one is over.
1
Mar 03 2025
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
This is the most recent album I've gotten on this list so far. This one was okay. Not quite my taste, but not bad. I wouldn't turn it off but it's another forgettable album.
3
Mar 04 2025
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
It was fine. Enjoyable enough, but middle of the road. I don't remember a single song from it and I just listened to it twenty minutes ago.
3
Mar 05 2025
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I had no idea that Janelle was a music artist, I just knew of her from knives out. This album was enjoyable. Some of the songs were vibey and fun but a lot of it is pretty unremarkable. I don’t remember a single song after having listened to the album in full and none of them did anything for me emotionally. The album also just seemed to drone on and on and I was looking forward to it being over. It’s middle of the road but I’d give it a 3.5 if I could
3
Mar 06 2025
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The White Album
Beatles
I'm going to start this off by saying I'm not a Beatles fan. That's largely because the fan base is annoying and I don't think a lot of the Beatles fanboys have their own opinions and they just parrot what they think other people want to hear about the Beatles so it puts me off of the band as a whole. I also think John Lennon is irredeemable and listening to him sing about any form of "peace and love" is revolting giving how violent of a person he was in his personal life.
That being said, I tried to go into this whole album with an open mind. I do love some Beatles songs, but overall I find their performances of the songs... empty? And there was definitely some of that here.
What bothers me about the songs on this album is a lot of them have tempo/rhythm changes within the song which is jarring and unpleasant to listen to. There seems to be little cohesion within the song itself. And I feel that way about the album itself too. Why is the Birthday Song on the same album as Helter Skelter and Dear Prudence? It just feels nonsensical. And it's not done in an interesting way, it just felt like they had lots of different songs left over and threw it on this one. Also, Revolution 9 is one of the worst songs I’ve ever listened to.
That being said, the highs are really high. Dear Prudence, Helter Skelter, Blackbird, and Revolution 1 are masterpieces and that can't be overlooked. I’d give this a 3.5 if I could but I’m going with 3. The lack of cohesion and how bad Revolution 9 is pushed a potential 4 down to a 3.
3
Mar 07 2025
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
Why on earth is this album on the list but so many other (objectively better) albums are nowhere to be found..? This album isn't bad, but it's just a mediocre pop album by a mediocre pop boy. Nothing crazy and certainly not something you need to hear before you die.
3
Mar 10 2025
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American Idiot
Green Day
This is a perfect album. I love that Green Day has been fighting the fight against our fascist government for as long as they have, and they haven't switched up, not even once.
Every song on this album is dripping in nostalgia, amazing instrumentation, cool lyrics, and just pure talent. I absolutely love this album. 5/5, no notes.
5
Mar 11 2025
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
My first entirely instrumental album. It's fine, but forgettable. I put it on and kind of just tuned it out. I wouldn't rush to turn it off, but I don't care if I never hear it again.
2
Mar 12 2025
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
This album is absolutely sublime. It's perfect. Such an encapsulation of brilliant songwriting, musicianship, production, and the time period. Even though Jungleland is 9 minutes long, I don't mind it because it is so well done. I love this album so much.
5
Mar 13 2025
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
I really enjoyed this album. There were no standout songs but I enjoyed the melodies and how distinct the early 90’s sound was. I wish I could give it a 3.5 because it’s not quite a 4 but I enjoyed it more than other albums I’ve rated a 3.
4
Mar 14 2025
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
This was an enjoyable listen. Obviously Hendrix is one of the greats, and his talent is almost incomprehensible. This album in particular didn't have any songs that really stood out to me, but each song was fun to listen to. It's a 3.5 but I'll give it a 4 because it's not as truly "middle of the road" as my other 3 albums.
4
Mar 15 2025
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
I was excited to listen to this one because I don't think I've ever heard a single Wu-Tang song. I'm also excited to see a hip-hop group on this list because it can lead so Brit pop heavy. I know how important Wu-Tang is culturally and their contributions to music and the culture can't be undermined. All that being said, it's not quite my style. I understand why it is on this list, and I appreciate that it is, I just wouldn't listen to it again. They also seem to say their group's name in every song which makes me laugh. It's not bad though, and I wouldn't turn it off if I heard it It's a solid 3.
3
Mar 16 2025
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Me Against The World
2Pac
As embarrassing as this is, I've never listened to an entire Tupac album, so I was very excited to listen to this. I'm also glad to see something on the list that isn't rock or pop and especially glad to see it be rap. The album was really enjoyable. I like his musicality, and the lyrics show that he clearly has something to say. He's one of the greats for a reason, and I completely agree that he should be on this list.
That being said, it's not my personal taste. It's a true 3.5 because it's slightly better than the middle of the road albums, but I don't like it enough to purchase it or listen to it on my own. So I'm giving it a 3.
3
Mar 17 2025
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
I'm generally not a jazz fan at all, but this was a fun listen. I probably wouldn't reach for it again, but it was pleasant enough to have on in the background. I could imagine hearing it at a coffee shop or a quiet little cocktail bar
3
Mar 18 2025
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I love Sujan Stevens, but I admittedly haven't listened to one of his albums all the way through until this. This isn't my favorite album by him, but it's still so good. His voice, musicianship and lyricism is so good and I love the themes that he covers in his songs. I loved this one
4
Mar 19 2025
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
This album really surprised me for the better. I know Little Richard is iconic, but I can't believe I've only heard snippets of Little Richard's songs and never them in full. This album was so much fun. His voice is incredible and electric and each song is interesting. It's clear that he inspired many musicians that came after him. While I'm not the biggest fan of this genre, this changed my mind. I could see myself listening to this on my own. 4/5
4
Mar 20 2025
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Dummy
Portishead
This album is just not my cup of tea. I had heard the song Glory Box before, but beyond that I had no idea what this album or artist were about. It's not technically bad, but it's just not something I would ever listen to. I would reach for something else, and if I heard it (and was able to control the music wherever I heard it) I'd change it to listen to something I liked more. Neither the music nor lyrics resonated with me and I was just looking forward to it being over. 2/5
2
Mar 21 2025
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Smash
The Offspring
I grew up with the offspring and always loved them (particularly Americana) but I’d never listened to this end to end. I really enjoyed this one. I know some people don’t consider them “high brow” but they have their place in music and have done so successfully. Self esteem is an absolute bop and their little musical intros and outros and interludes are funny. I would for sure listen to this on my own
4
Mar 22 2025
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
This album was great. I enjoyed every song and obviously blister in the sun is iconic. It’s not quite a 5/5 but it’s a solid 4.5
4
Mar 23 2025
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
I really liked this one. It was folky and slow and the songs were absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad the generator introduced me to this one
4
Mar 24 2025
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Tommy
The Who
This wasn't my favorite. It wasn't bad by any means, but I just couldn't recall a single song once the album was over. And I genuinely like the Who so this review makes me sad. It's truly just a middle of the road record for me.
3
Mar 25 2025
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
I had never heard of Joan Armstrong before this (maybe that's embarrassing to admit but whatever) so I went in completely blind. This was a lovely album. Her voice is sultry but warm and the music doesn't distract from it but it is so complimentary of her voice. I am so glad this project introduced me to this album, I will definitely listen to it on my own.
4
Mar 26 2025
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
This album started off incredibly strong but ended up droning on. I know that the Byrds are iconic, but this album was middle of the road. 5D was great but the rest of them kind of blended together. Also, the 16-minute long instrumental version of John Riley was a choice. It was cool hearing this casual conversation but maybe it just didn't resonate with me because the album wasn't my favorite and I don't have any emotional ties to the band
3
Mar 27 2025
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
This album was enjoyable, but forgettable. I am so glad to see blues/jazz represented on this list, and completely agree that this album belongs on this list. However, for my personal taste, the songs drone on and none of them really stand out or are distinctive. It was a nice listen, but I probably wouldn't revisit it again.
3
Mar 28 2025
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
I feel like it droned on for too long and that the songs were difficult to get through. I was looking forward to the album being over and had to take breaks. I can't quite put it at a 1 because there were some decent parts to some of the songs and this one doesn't give me the feelings that my 1 star albums do, but if I never hear this again it'd be too soon. 2/5.
2
Mar 29 2025
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
I genuinely don't know what I just listened to. I didn't hate it, but I cannot put my finger on what exactly it is. I do like that there is electronic music representation on this list and it was cool from a music history sense to see where some of today's modern EDM came from (although the true origins is disco). It is far from my personal taste though. Some of the songs went on for far too long and I don't remember a single one of them even though I just listened to it before writing this review. I wouldn't reach for this again.
2
Mar 30 2025
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Future Days
Can
This album was just bizarre and I'm shocked I got through this. It was just noise. And why are each of the "songs" so long? A 20-minute "song" to close out the album..?? I have no idea why this is on the list. I'm glad this one is over. 1/5.
1
Mar 31 2025
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Diamond Life
Sade
This one was middle of the road. She has an absolutely beautiful voice and the music itself is well done. Smooth operator is very recognizable and I enjoyed “when am I going to make a living”. The rest was forgettable and it’s not something I would spin on my own
3
Apr 01 2025
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
This wa enjoyable. I wouldn't reach for it again but I would like to hear this in a coffee shop or at a jazz bar or something. Ray's voice is beautiful and he's a legend for so many reasons and he absolutely was a genius. I like that the generator has a lot of jazz representation despite being Brit pop heavy and this was a nice change of pace. However, for my personal taste, it's middle of the road.
3
Apr 02 2025
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
This one was fine. Forgettable but fine. I think I like the more disco Bee-Gees songs. Nothing here stood out for me
3
Apr 03 2025
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Everything about this album is perfect. Starting off, I usually hate live albums, but this one is magic. I loved hearing the band's more "stripped down" performances and they all sounded incredible. The audience wasn't obnoxious or heckling the band so much that it took away from the album as something to listen to. And it's just... Nirvana at their best. I absolutely loved this one.
5