319
Albums Rated
2.88
Average Rating
29%
Complete
770 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
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Which era do you prefer?
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When do you listen?
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Harsh
Rater Style
13
5-Star Albums
23
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
Genre Preferences
Ratings by genre
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Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melodrama | 5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
| Punishing Kiss | 4 | 2.41 | +1.59 |
| Sound of Silver | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
| Blue | 5 | 3.49 | +1.51 |
| The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan | 5 | 3.63 | +1.37 |
| Born To Run | 5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
| Grace | 5 | 3.71 | +1.29 |
| Songs From The Big Chair | 5 | 3.74 | +1.26 |
| American Idiot | 5 | 3.77 | +1.23 |
| Whatever | 4 | 2.82 | +1.18 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorillaz | 1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
| Imagine | 1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
| The College Dropout | 1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
| The Slim Shady LP | 1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
| Close To The Edge | 1 | 3.19 | -2.19 |
| Rubber Soul | 2 | 4.13 | -2.13 |
| The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn | 1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
| Sunshine Superman | 1 | 3.09 | -2.09 |
| Music For The Jilted Generation | 1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
| Future Days | 1 | 3.01 | -2.01 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Kanye West | 2 | 1 |
| The Prodigy | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Mothers Of Invention | 2 | 1.5 |
| Eminem | 2 | 1.5 |
| Brian Eno | 2 | 1.5 |
| Miles Davis | 3 | 2 |
Controversial Artists
Artists you rate inconsistently
| Artist | Albums | Variance |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 4 | 1.22 |
5-Star Albums (13)
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Popular Reviews
Dion
2/5
Spotify users: this album is paired with another album called Streetheart. You only have to listen to the first 8 songs (up to Good Lovin' Man) to finish this album.
This was so laborious I'm so glad that it was only 8 songs. It was pleasant enough but so boring and unremarkable I wanted it to be over.
2 likes
Green Day
5/5
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.
1 likes
The Doors
5/5
I mean... come on. It's The Doors. I've always loved them but I've never listened to this album in full and wow was it better than I thought. Each song was interesting and dynamic and absolutely incredible. I could do without "The End" but the album is too good for me to not give it a 5. These guys are absolute legends and I need to listen to this album more.
1 likes
Tom Waits
4/5
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.
1 likes
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
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.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (23)
All Ratings
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
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.
The Cure
3/5
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.
Neil Young
3/5
This album was overall pleasant, but forgettable. I liked Old Man but the rest of the songs didn't stand out.
David Bowie
4/5
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
Beatles
2/5
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
Beatles
3/5
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
Elton John
4/5
This was a fun listen. I've never listened to an Elton John album all the way through but I really liked this one.
Donovan
1/5
This album was a chore. I did not like it at ALL
Gorillaz
1/5
God I hate this band.
The Clash
4/5
This is an incredible album. Combat Rock is my favorite Clash album, but London Calling is an absolute classic
Nirvana
4/5
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.
2/5
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
Coldcut
3/5
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.
Johnny Cash
4/5
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.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
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.
The Who
3/5
This was a fun listen. There were really no standouts, but it's undoubtedly an important album in music history
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
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
Coldplay
4/5
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.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I really liked this one. The songs are fun and it's always a pleasure listening to CCR.
The Coral
4/5
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
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
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.
Frank Ocean
4/5
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
Baaba Maal
2/5
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.
John Lee Hooker
2/5
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
Love
1/5
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.
Yes
3/5
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.
Songhoy Blues
2/5
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.
B.B. King
3/5
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.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
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.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
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.
The Clash
4/5
Love the Clash, this album is great. Such a pleasure to listen to this album all the way through.
Rush
3/5
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.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
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.
ABBA
4/5
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.
Bauhaus
3/5
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.
The Temptations
2/5
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.
Bob Dylan
3/5
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.
Johnny Cash
5/5
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.
Tears For Fears
5/5
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.
David Bowie
2/5
Bowie is obviously an icon, but this album just did not do it for me. It was bordering on just... noise. 2.
Fiona Apple
4/5
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.
Beck
3/5
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.
Tom Waits
4/5
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.
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
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.
Iron Butterfly
1/5
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.
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
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.
The Band
3/5
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.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
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
Beatles
3/5
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.
Justin Timberlake
3/5
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.
Green Day
5/5
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.
Stan Getz
2/5
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.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
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.
Aimee Mann
4/5
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.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
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.
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
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.
2Pac
3/5
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.
Weather Report
3/5
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
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
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
Little Richard
4/5
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
Portishead
2/5
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
The Offspring
4/5
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
Violent Femmes
4/5
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
Richard Thompson
4/5
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
The Who
3/5
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.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
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.
The Byrds
3/5
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
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
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.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
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.
The Prodigy
2/5
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.
Can
1/5
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.
Sade
3/5
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
Ray Charles
3/5
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.
Bee Gees
3/5
This one was fine. Forgettable but fine. I think I like the more disco Bee-Gees songs. Nothing here stood out for me
Nirvana
5/5
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.
The Doors
5/5
I mean... come on. It's The Doors. I've always loved them but I've never listened to this album in full and wow was it better than I thought. Each song was interesting and dynamic and absolutely incredible. I could do without "The End" but the album is too good for me to not give it a 5. These guys are absolute legends and I need to listen to this album more.
R.E.M.
4/5
I haven't heard a full R.E.M. album but I obviously know who they are and love their hits. This album was a lovely listen, start to finish. There was really no weak song, and I actually listened to it twice because I liked it so much.
1/5
Does anyone like this album?? Like why is this on the list??
Everything about this is awful. The title alone is revolting, as is the album artwork. And the music is this garbage nu metal with nothing to say. They also keep saying chocolate starfish which is just gross and reminded me of each painful moment I spent listening to this. I really should have just not done it.
The only silver lining is getting this album so early as opposed to having to deal with it toward the end of my list. 0/5
Mike Ladd
2/5
I have no idea what to make of this. The songs didn’t really have any story to tell or thing to say, and they kind of meandered and didn’t get anywhere. It was… odd
Beastie Boys
2/5
I wouldn’t call myself a Beastie Boys fan, but I do have a lot of respect for them and they’ve obviously been very influential in the industry. I like their hits, but I didn’t recognize any of these songs when I scrolled through this.
Overall, I’m completely indifferent to this album. It’s not bad, but I just have zero feelings either way about it and it didn’t elicit any emotions from me when I was listening to it. It is completely different from what I expected from a Beastie Bots album though. It was more eclectic and jazzy and it had more layers than most of their other songs. But not a single one was distinguishable from the other. I just… did not care about this the entire HOUR it was on.
I wouldn’t listen to it again, but I wouldn’t turn it off.
Prefab Sprout
3/5
I really liked Appetite (the acoustic version was particularly great) and When Love Breaks Down. The acoustic stuff was definitely what shone through on this album although I don’t think that was on the original release. The album overall was fine. It’s better than middle of the road but not a 4 so a 3 it is.
Funkadelic
3/5
This album was fun but forgettable. I don't listen to a lot of funk, but I respect how formative it was in music history and how many things came from it musically. I wasn't in love with any of the songs, but they sounded decent enough. The instrumentation was nice and the voices all melded together very well - it just didn't elicit any real feelings from me. Also, I couldn't recall a single song once the album was over.
Also, I don't know if anyone else is having this issue but I couldn't stream this on Spotify...
The Icarus Line
2/5
This album just did not do anything for me. It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever heard and I like this genre it was just… noise. There was really no melody or story to tell and I was honestly just waiting for it to be over. I wouldn’t want to hear this again but it doesn’t fill me with dread like other 1s so it’s a 2
Santana
3/5
I was really excited to listen to this because I love the songs that Santana is featured on so I figured I’d love his solo stuff. Unfortunately it was just meh. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t anything remarkable or even memorable. I was hoping for more
Culture Club
3/5
This was a fun listen. I didn’t love it but I really enjoyed it while it was on.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I've never heard a Sabbath album all the way through - I just knew some of the hits. Wow these guys are incredible. The guitar riffs, the energy, the vocals... I got transported back to the 70's the entire time I listened to this. I absolutely LOVED this
Public Enemy
3/5
I'm admittedly not much of a hip-hop fan, and I really only listen to Kendrick and Mac Miller but this wasn't bad. I like the substance of what they were saying in the songs and a lot of their points are still salient today. I appreciate what they were going for and the execution is objectively good.
For me personally, it's middle of the road. I wouldn't rush to turn it off but I won't reach for it again. It's just not quite my speed. Also, the album was LONG! I wasn't expecting that
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
I grew up listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers' hits on KROQ so seeing this album cover was already nostalgic. After listening to this album end to end, I realized that I'm far more of a "Californiacation" person than "Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik" person. This album isn't bad, but there is a decent amount of fluff in it that I think the album could do without.
I very much appreciate the band and how popular they've been for this long. I'm just indifferent to this album in particular.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
This album was probably my favorite of the non-English albums I’ve gotten so far. Clarice was beautiful but the rest were just… fine. So this one is middle of the road
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I'm generally not a big rap fan, but I do love what I've heard from Kendrick lately, so I was excited to get this album. Wow it did not disappoint. Kendrick's unique voice, incredible lyricism, and interesting musicality all combine to make an impressive album. The songs have something important to say, and I love how unapologetic he is. It's evident why he is a Pulitzer Prize winner and I am so glad that he's become mainstream. He's incredible.
Arcade Fire
2/5
I know that a lot of people are huge fans of Arcade Fire, but I never really spent any time listening to them. After listening to this, I don't know why the fan base is so fervent.
This album is DULL. It's not bad, but it's worse than forgettable. The songs are just... there. Not a single one stood out, and I got two songs in, looked at how long the album was, and was relieved that it was relatively short. But still, even it being a 37ish minute album felt too long.
I wouldn't reach to turn it off and I wouldn't be mad if I heard it again, but it would definitely bore me again a second time.
The Birthday Party
1/5
Fuck that.
Duke Ellington
3/5
This is a tough one to rate. Duke Ellington is an electric musician and is a once in a millennium talent. He makes the instruments sing and come alive and I wish I could have been there at this performance taking it all in.
Listening to this album reminded me of why I don’t like live albums. I don’t like the audience cheering or interruptions and the banter from the emcee made an already long album a bit of a slog. Also there were times at the end of the songs that he’d make the trumpet squeal in a really unpleasant and loud and repetitive way that almost made me want to turn this off.
I wouldn’t listen to this again but I’d listen to the studio versions of any of these songs.
John Lennon
1/5
Fuck John Lennon.
Tom Waits
4/5
God I love this weird dude. These songs are definitely on the weirder side, and I am more of a Closing Time and Mule Variations person, but this album is still fantastic. Time, Downtown Train, and Hang Down Your Head are three of my favorite songs of all time. And even the weirder songs are still interesting and aren't overly abrasive. It's always a treat listening to him.
Prince
4/5
This was a fun listen. I really only knew Prince's hits, but listening to a full album was a treat. Every song was interesting and made me want to dance, and Lady Cab Driver really had a lot of interesting lyrics in the bridge. However, I could do without "All the Critics Love You in New York".
I don't think these songs lyrically or musically hit as hard as anything on Purple Rain, but it was still an enjoyable listen and I liked every song (even though some of them were corny). I can't rate this a 3 because it isn't middle of the road, but a 4 seems high. I'll give it a 4 anyway because it's Prince.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Johnny Cash singing about cocaine and killing people in front of a group of inmates is about as hardcore as it gets. His voice sounds incredible, the song choices were incredible, and the best part is that the cheers from the audience didn't distract from the recording but they added to it.
This entire series of him performing in jails is incredible
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
I had no idea that Clapton started out in this group, I thought he was always a solo act. So seeing that this album is actually where Layla originated was definitely eye opening.
I really enjoyed this album. Each song was easy to listen to and of course Layla is one of the best songs of all time. Some of the songs did go on for a while and while it's supposed to be love songs I didn't feel a ton of passion behind some of them. However, I still really enjoyed the album and listened to it a few times through.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I was really excited to listen to this because I love Sound of Silver. However, this album was a miss for me. The songs objectively sound good, but they just droned on and on. It had me missing the lyricism and storytelling of songs on Sound of Silver which was pretty much entirely lacking here
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
This was a good listen. It’s not a personal favorite and I forgot most of the songs once they were done but she has a great voice and it’s clear she’s lived a lot of life.
Nirvana
5/5
I mean, what can I say about this album that hasn’t already been said? It’s an absolute masterpiece and genre definer. No notes
Jeff Buckley
5/5
This is an absolute masterpiece. His voice, the raw emotion and talent and passion behind what he’s singing, the messaging, the yearning… it doesn’t get better than this. We lost him way too soon
The Slits
3/5
This was interesting. It's not quite my taste, but I appreciate the eclectic mix of different sounds and I love that it's a female band. I wouldn't listen to it again, but I didn't hate it. Another forgettable middle of the road album
The xx
3/5
This wasn't bad, it was just forgettable. It's ambient and overall pleasant, but none of it really stood out.
N.W.A.
4/5
I've only heard Straight Outta Compton and never any of their other songs, so this was fun.
I am not a big rap person, but this was great. Also, "mix em and cook em in a pot like gumbo" is one of my favorite lines in a song ever. I like that they had a lot to say about gang and police culture back in the late 80's early 90's.
While it's not something I'll go out of my way to go back to, it's still really good. It gets a 4 because it's better than neutral and it's far from forgettable.
Milton Nascimento
2/5
This was fine. It wasn’t anything special but it wasn’t bad
Kanye West
1/5
It’s a shame what Kanye has become. I can’t give this a good rating because given all of his antics and the fact that they’re only getting worse, separating the art from the artist is impossible.
OutKast
3/5
This was fine. I like the hits by OutKast but this album as a whole just didn’t do much for me
David Bowie
3/5
Throughout this project I'm realizing that maybe I'm not as big of a Bowie fan as I think I am. I love the hits and some of his songs as one-offs but I really don't jive with his full albums. There will be some strokes of brilliance and then just loud noise. This one wasn't bad, I just didn't really love it
MGMT
4/5
Maybe it's my nostalgia taking over, but I love this album so much. It's just... incredible
John Martyn
2/5
I have no idea what to make of it. This was... odd
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
While Fleetwood is obviously one of the greatest bands to ever exist, this album does not exactly exemplify that. It's definitely not bad per se, it just falls flat when you think about how nearly every song on Rumours was a masterpiece in its own right. Again this album was enjoyable, but it's next to impossible to follow up Rumours even if you're Fleetwood Mac.
The song Tusk is great though.
Ute Lemper
4/5
This one really surprised me. The features are incredible, like Nick Cave and Elvis Costello AND Tom Waits on one album??? And the songs were incredible. The melodrama, the lyrics, the instruments. Wow I loved this one
5/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. Every song is incredible, I am so glad they’re touring this year
Muddy Waters
2/5
I’m not a big fan of live albums or jazz, so this really didn’t do it for me. It objectively sounds good and he’s very talented, it just doesn’t suit my personal taste
Talk Talk
3/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. Every song is incredible, I am so glad they’re touring this year
Prince
4/5
Calling this album anything but genius is an understatement. However… the back half of it does the heavy lifting. It’s obviously an incredible album and a huge milestone in music history but the first few songs fall flat compared to the latter half
Tortoise
2/5
I'm certain I did not need to hear this album. It's purely instrumental, ambient, and just... drones on and on. I don't know why this was included on the list and I'm glad it's over
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Sinatra's voice is velvety smooth and sensual and beautiful. I'm not the biggest fan of this type of music so it did fall a bit flat to me, and I hate the fact that the word "whoopee" was not only in the song's title but in the chorus and repeated. It was a decent album, but middle of the road for me all things considered
Small Faces
3/5
This one was fun. If you were to ask me what an English band in the 70’s would sound like, this is what I’d suggest because their sound is so emblematic of both of those things. It was middle of the road for me in terms of my personal taste but it was an interesting listen
Finley Quaye
2/5
I really don’t know what to make of this album. It sounds like a disingenuous attempt at reggae, almost like the artist was making fun of the genre. I’m generally not a reggae fan but this didn’t help. This certainly didn’t need to be on this list
Keith Jarrett
3/5
It's beautiful, and I love the background story of him requesting a specific grand piano for this performance only to be left with an out of tune baby grand piano. The fact that he improvised this, live, is impressive.
However, it was really just... background noise. So it was hard to get into or have any sort of emotional attachment or reaction to the album.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
There's a reason these guys have a lasting foothold in the music industry and culture as a whole. I'd never heard this all the way through, but wow it was great. I really enjoyed this.
50 Cent
2/5
I had no idea this album was so long. And I really only knew "in da club" and "candy shop" by him.
But this album is why I typically don't like rap. I don't think the songs had much substance and it was just hard to get through. I don't think anything special was said and the actual music is just whatever. I could've gone without this one.
Cheap Trick
3/5
This album was fine. I don't love live albums that have tons of screaming/cheering from the audience, and this one has that. It just takes up too much time when I want to hear the song, not random people from years ago. The band sounded fine, and I like a couple of their songs on their own, so it was cool to hear them played live. But that's about it. It's middle of the road.
CHIC
3/5
This was a cute listen. I probably wouldn’t reach for it again but it was pleasant
Duran Duran
4/5
I was excited to listen to this one all the way through. It's not my personal favorite, but there are some real bangers on here. It's a 3.5 but I can't say it's middle of the road so a 4 it is
Korn
1/5
Ugh. Well... it's over and I'll never have to listen to it again. So there's that.
Talking Heads
2/5
Maybe I just don't "get" it... but these songs really didn't do anything for me. I know they were avant garde and were doing a lot of interesting things with their music at the time, and I respect them for their innovative edge. None of these songs did anything for me and just sounded repetitive. I'm not a fan
Frank Zappa
3/5
This was fine. Probably my favorite of the albums I've gotten so far that are largely (if not entirely) instrumental. I just didn't love how long and meandering they felt, but the instrumentality is impressive. It's completely middle of the road for me though
Elastica
4/5
I really enjoyed this! I didn't know what to expect but I've listened to it twice through. Some of the songs admittedly did sound the same, but I still liked the album as a whole
Fiona Apple
2/5
THIS is the album that people said was a "masterpiece" back in 2020...? I mean... I guess words don't mean anything anymore if you're calling THIS combination of noises a masterpiece.
I don't hate it, but I just don't see any value in this. There will be an interesting riff or some cool lyrics then... dolphin sounds. Also I'm no audiophile by any means and rarely notice production quality unless it's BAD and here it was BAD. It just sounds cheaply made and I cannot see why people revere this album so much.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
This is perfect 80's synth pop. I don't know how you can't jump out of your seat and dance to this. It's so fun and emblematic of the time and an easy listen. Loved this one
The Smiths
4/5
I know Morrissey sucks but I love the Smiths. While I could do without the sanctimonious title track, I still loved this album.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
I went into this completely blind and was so surprised. The themes are very dark but I loved that each song was different and had important things to say, and it also sounded great. I could do without the final track, but I am so pleasantly surprised by this one.
The Cure
3/5
Listen, I love the Cure but their first few albums were just noise. This album is... teetering on the edge of music and noise. I'm giving it a 3 because it's culturally important but this is not my favorite Cure album by far.
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
I mean... it started out pretty neutral and I was almost vibing with this until "Don't" came on. Jesus Christ what was THAT. This is just noise. Absolutely not.
Norah Jones
3/5
Okay so I really hate the song "Don't Know Why" and it could be because it was heavily overplayed when I was growing up... so when I got this album I wasn't excited at all.
And... my reaction was right. She has a pretty voice but the songs are all so similar and boring and I was just waiting for it to be over. I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't need to hear it before I die.
Slipknot
1/5
Oof. Nope. Not for me. Drums are decent though.
Supergrass
3/5
This one had some fun moments. It’s middle of the road for my personal taste but I enjoyed it for what it is
The Triffids
3/5
This was enjoyable and inoffensive, albeit a little bit long. Nothing special but definitely not bad
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
It’s fine. It’s a bit of a mess but it’s fine. Blues pt 2 was way too long
David Bowie
3/5
The song "Heroes" itself is a masterpiece, obviously. But the rest of the album I could do without... especially the last 4 songs.
Blue Cheer
2/5
This was just... fine. It sounded good but I didn't feel anything while listening to it. Maybe I just don't "get it" but it was meh and I definitely didn't need to hear this album
Anthrax
4/5
I never really liked a metal album until now. Most of the time I feel like it's just indiscernable noise and there is no song structure, but I really liked all of these songs and found that there was something to follow. I would definitely listen to this again - I'm shocked at how much I liked this!
The Beach Boys
3/5
Getting this album after hearing of the passing of Brian Wilson is so bittersweet. The Beach Boys are absolutely incredible.
Wouldn't it be nice is such a beautiful and fun song, and every other song on this was pleasant. They did drone on for a while though and it's not exactly my personal taste, but I am glad the Beach Boys are on the list.
Michael Jackson
4/5
I’m admittedly not the biggest Michael Jackson fan and I went into this thinking I wouldn’t like it at all. But listening to this album all the way through… it’s impossible to not be amazed by this guy’s talent. I can’t give this less than a 4
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
I was optimistic about this one and then the song “who are the brain police” came on and it was just screechy noise. Then it gets a bit better and more listenable but it wasn’t anything special. “Help I’m a rock” is also awful. The last song being almost 13 minutes as well!?! Not a fan, glad this one is done and I absolutely didn’t need to hear this one.
Billy Joel
4/5
I loved “only the good die young” and “Vienna” but a lot of this I could take or leave. It was good and I can’t give it less a than a 4 because it’s Billy Joel but it’s certainly not a 5 for me
Paul Simon
3/5
This is really cute. Inoffensive and sounds good. It didn’t do much for me and I felt pretty neutral about it but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again
Kings of Leon
4/5
Maybe it’s just my nostalgia but this album came out when I was in high school and it’s just as good now as it was back then. It was so fun revisiting this
The Flaming Lips
2/5
This album was a bit of a chore. It wasn’t really anything special and I was just waiting for it to be over. I didn’t hate it… but I won’t reach for it again
Peter Tosh
2/5
Definitely didn’t need to hear this one
Snoop Dogg
2/5
I’m not a fan of this. It was just… hollow? And I hated all of the sound effects. Some of the songs on the latter half of the album were fine but it was nothing special.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
It wasn’t anything special. Definitely didn’t need to hear this one
Fred Neil
3/5
It was fine. Nothing special and not memorable, but I liked the songs as they were happening
Janis Joplin
2/5
I know that she’s an icon and she absolutely deserves a spot on this list and all of her flowers. That being said, I did not like this at all. The wailing went on way too long in every song and got really grating. It was not for me at all
GZA
2/5
Hard pass. The samples they used are bizarre, the songs themselves are boring, I don't care about them inserting stuff from a movie... just no. I don't hate it like most 1's but I never want to hear this again
The Sugarcubes
2/5
Not quite sure what to make of this but I know I didn't like it
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I'm not the biggest Velvet Underground fan. These songs are more like spoken word poetry to a backing track than an artist truly singing. I appreciate how iconic this album is, and the song Heroin is brilliant. But for my taste it's not my favorite.
The Cars
3/5
It was cute. I only knew “just what I needed” but I enjoyed the rest enough. It’s middle of the road though
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
I enjoyed this. It reminds me of Depeche Mode. It was easy to listen to but nothing spectacular
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
This is a true neutral. It wasn’t bad but it did drone on and on and became a bit of a chore towards the tail end. He sounds fine it just didn’t do anything for me
Arcade Fire
3/5
I know that a lot of people love Arcade Fire and they have a great legacy... but I just don't get them. Maybe I'm not cerebral enough or whatever but it's just indie boys. Not bad but nothing special.
The Police
2/5
This album has some great moments then ruins them. It’d be a 3 if Mother wasn’t such a horrible cacophonous mess
Lauryn Hill
3/5
I’ve seen this album cover multiple times and had never heard it so I was excited to be able to do so. This is cute, easy to listen to R&B. So many of the songs droned on and on and got really repetitive.
Overall thought, it wasn’t anything spectacular but I didn’t mind it.
4/5
Wow they don’t make them like Loretta Lynn anymore. Beautiful voice, the songs are well written, and I enjoyed every minute. I miss country music like this.
But also… girl leave him.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
This one was a bit of a slog to get through. She has a great voice, just none of the songs really spoke to me
Orange Juice
2/5
This one was fine, nothing special but I just don’t get why it’s even on my here
Air
2/5
I don’t really know what to think about this one. I didn’t hate it but I don’t want to hear it again
DJ Shadow
2/5
This is some nonsense that a college guy living in an on-campus apartment would put on in the background while trying to make a move on you. It's not bad but it's just empty and soulless.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
I really liked how vibey the music was while the lyrics spoke on so many important and progressive issues. It's not my personal taste, but I'm glad that they're on the list.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
The first and last songs are amazing. The middle is just meh
Orbital
1/5
It’s an hour and a half of bizarre on hold music (except for Quality Seconds which was just weird in the mix of the rest of the songs) and bad techno. It’s just… nothing. I don’t know why it’s on the list but I don’t want to hear it again.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I always think I'm not a rap fan and then I listen to Kendrick and realize that I actually do like it. This album was a lovely listen and it's funny to see that he had a song with Drake back in 2012 and then everything in 2024 went down. Although "Sing About Me I'm Dying of Thirst" went on way too long, I still really liked this one. I liked To Pimp a Butterfly more, but I still enjoyed this one
Japan
2/5
This was a big bizarre but ultimately forgettable. Not quite my style but it was an enjoyable enough listen that I finished it
Parliament
3/5
While I deeply respect funk music for its contributions to music as a whole and how innovative and important it is in music history... I just really don't like it personally. Give up the funk is a fun song, I just don't need an entire album of it. But it wasn't bad, I just don't love it
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
I’ve never listened to a full Tom Petty album and was excited. But this was just… fine. I definitely prefer his hits to full albums
The Yardbirds
3/5
This is fine. It sounds the same as most of the rock music during that time. It's not bad, it just doesn't stand out to me at all
Miles Davis
2/5
Well... that really was 7 20-minute experimental jazz songs back to back... that all sound the same with no distinction at all between them...
Ash
3/5
It was fine. Nothing spectacular. I forgot most of the songs once they were done but I wouldn’t mind hearing them again
Eminem
1/5
The violence, misogyny, and homophobia in this album completely overshadow any and all talent he displays. I’m far from a prude but there is no artistic reasoning for or any value whatsoever in his vitriol here. He’s just repugnant but people like him because... can do so creatively and with multiple rhyme schemes within a line? This was not good. No thanks.
1/5
How is this even on the list? It’s just 40 minutes of nonsense experimental jazz that sounds like a migraine. This is awful
Sonic Youth
3/5
It's fine. Dissonant angsty music with some power chords. Nothing bad but nothing really remarkable. I don't exactly want to hear it again but I wouldn't hate it if it was on
Elliott Smith
4/5
God I love this sad bastard. I can only imagine what he was grappling with throughout his lifetime. This album is so intimate and raw and beautiful and I love it so much
Stevie Wonder
4/5
While I knew that Stevie was one of the greats, I've never taken the time to sit down and listen to a full album. I was a little annoyed that it was an hour and 44 minutes, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I can't believe how many songs I recognized! His voice is incredible and every song was beautifully crafted and rich and just a lovely listen. This is why I do this project - so I can visit albums that I've never taken the time to visit and hopefully finding gems in things I've overlooked. This was wonderful.
Black Sabbath
3/5
I can't believe we lost Ozzy man...
As for this album, it was fine. I like Panic better, but it's never a bad day when you're listening to Sabbath
Kanye West
1/5
I can't give a literal Nazi anything other than one star.
If he wasn't so repugnant, I'd give this a 3. It's fine, it's nothing amazing.
Blondie
4/5
I absolutely love Blondie
Steve Winwood
3/5
This was an enjoyable listen. Some of the songs went on for a while but I still enjoyed listening to this. It’s not quite a 4 but it’s still nice
Miles Davis
2/5
Maybe I'm just not cerebral enough for jazz music but so much of this just sounds like elevator music. He's obviously incredibly talented, but I can't imagine putting this on and spinning it just because I love it so much. It's fine, nothing special
Adele
3/5
I've always loved Adele's voice but her music never really did it for me. "Hello" was vastly overplayed and over-memed and I just can't take it seriously anymore. Water under the bridge is probably my favorite on this album, but overall I can take or leave this
The Monkees
3/5
It's cute, inoffensive soft rock music. Nothing bad, nothing too outstanding.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Xtina has an absolutely incredible voice and I was pleasantly surprised to see early 2000's pop on this generator when it's so Brit pop heavy.
I'm far more of a Britney girl than I ever was a Christina girl, but I still liked this album. I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it, but it was fun for what it is.
Wilco
3/5
This was fine. Pleasant enough but entirely forgettable. I can’t remember a single song or refrain that I just listened to
The White Stripes
3/5
This was.... fine? I was expecting more from THE White Stripes but this was just... middle of the road? Nothing too special here
Sleater-Kinney
2/5
I love that this list included Riot Grrl music because I do think there is a heavy male bias in this list. While this isn't an album I would spin on my own, it was still refreshing to hear this.
Kelela
3/5
She has a pretty voice, but each song is rather nondescript and nondistinctive. It's fine and pretty but nothing that's a standout
The White Stripes
3/5
I guess I don't like the White Stripes as much as I thought I did. This is the second album of theirs and it's just... okay. Jack's voice is fine but after multiple songs it gets old. Like they're not bad but they're definitely not my favorites. Also, "Aluminum" was just straight up noise
Basement Jaxx
2/5
This is as close to a 1 as you can get without being a 1. I don’t hate it enough to be a 1 but I don’t like it enough for it to be anything more than a 2. What even is this
Malcolm McLaren
1/5
This is some white people culture vulture shit. And I also dislike world music so... yeah no
The Associates
2/5
This started out fine but just got weird. 80's synth pop is all fine and dandy until you add bizarre, dissonant and almost nonsensical Morrissey-like vocals that don't have any substance or depth. Not a fan of this. Plus it's WAY too long for how unimpressive it is
The Rolling Stones
3/5
It's fine. I know the Stones are one of the most recognizable groups in music but this is just... fine?
Sam Cooke
3/5
It’s a live jazz album which are two things I usually don’t like. This gets 3 stars because his voice is beautiful I just wouldn’t reach for it again
Genesis
2/5
I really don’t know what to make of this. It’s… odd. I know it jump started the careers of Peter Gabriel and Phil Colins but this is just rock-based weird circus music to me..? Ugh
Eagles
4/5
The hate for the Eagles is forced. This album is lovely and practically ubiquitous - everyone knows Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane. Parts of the album were a bit boring, but these guys are great and I loved listening to this all the way through.
Scritti Politti
2/5
It’s like they took all the fun away from Wham! and made this. Definitely didn’t need to hear this
a-ha
3/5
It's a cute 80's synth-pop album. Starting with the strongest track does make the others pale in comparison, but it was still a fun listen. I wouldn't reach for it again but I definitely wouldn't mind hearing it again.
Pink Floyd
1/5
Weird experimental sounds. Not a fan. Thank god it was short-ish.
Pixies
2/5
I wasn’t a fan… it just sounded weird for the sake of it and o was just waiting for it to be over
Arcade Fire
4/5
I’ve never been a huge fan of Arcade Fire but I really liked this one for what it was. I didn’t love every song but I liked enough of them to be impressed.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This was just... fine? It's my first Elvis Costello album on this list but apparently there are about 6 or 7 more waiting for me. What about this guy is so special that he's so overrepresented? This album was fine, it wasn't revolutionary and it was a bit dorky at parts but what am I missing?
Queen
3/5
Ugh... listen I'm not a Queen fan but it's not because they aren't talented, it's because the people that practically orgasm on sight after hearing the band name likely haven't had to use any critical thinking skills in their real lives so they just parrot what they hear.
This album was fine. It had some fun songs and the talent is palpable. It didn’t do much for me but I didn’t hate it
Stevie Wonder
3/5
It's pleasant-sounding pop gospel music. It wasn't my favorite but I enjoyed listening
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
It was cute. Nothing really notable but it was a pleasant listen
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Ambient, repetitive, inoffensive, unremarkable. I’d play it at a dinner party or wine night for people who think they’re worldly
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I have never been a big Velvet Underground fan but this one really surprised me. I am so glad for this project getting me out of my comfort zone because this was a great listen
Pavement
4/5
I was so happy to see this on the generator. I really like Pavement and this album was fantastic
The Dictators
2/5
Not much substance with this one…
Nick Drake
3/5
Pretty and pleasant, but forgettable
Morrissey
2/5
I love the Smiths and I’m aware Morrissey is a twat but because of the writing in the Smiths songs I’d expect some substance out of a solo album…
This album muses on politics with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. It’s just…
Not good. I wanted better.
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
I appreciate their place in the industry… but I just don’t like their music. And this album was L O N G
The Youngbloods
3/5
I am aggressively indifferent about this one. It was pleasant enough but I don’t need to hear it ever again
Radiohead
2/5
I really don’t see what’s so special about this album that it had to be included on the generator. Radiohead has some decent songs but none are present here. It’s dissonant but forgettable…
Amy Winehouse
4/5
It’s tough to give this any less than a 4. I don’t really listen to soul music and I probably wouldn’t buy this record but… it’s Amy. A generational talent and with such a tragic but memorable story. It’s a good album it’s just not my taste. But respect to Ms Winehouse
Dead Kennedys
2/5
I know these guys are THE punk icons but they almost sounded SKA in this album. Drug me was unlistenable but overall it was fine but I didn’t love it
Eminem
2/5
I don’t get the appeal of this guy’s music. He has some good songs like Lose Yourself but this album is largely devoid of those types of songs. The song with Dido was good and the real slim shady is funny but ugh. Glad this one is over
The Zombies
3/5
It’s like The Beach Boys are trying to be psychedelic and British but only have half the talent. It’s not bad it’s just meh
Van Halen
4/5
This was fun. Some of the songs were a bit boring but overall I enjoyed listening to this. There's something so nostalgic but timeless about these songs and I can see why they've stood the test of time.
It's better than a 3 but not quite a 4 for me, but I'll give it a 4 because it's better than neutral.
Alice In Chains
3/5
I enjoyed this one. Pretty run of the mill grunge.
The Doors
3/5
I really love the Doors, but this album was lackluster for me. It's always a pleasure listening to them, but this one just fell a bit flat.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Respectfully… why is this on here?
Funkadelic
2/5
I don’t know what to make of this but I cannot see why so many people like this album. I’m glad it’s short.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
This album is fine. I was hoping for more from them but it’s not a bad listen
Devendra Banhart
2/5
I guess psychedelic folk is the best way to describe this... it's odd. I was fine with it but when I got to Poughkeepsie I really didn't want to listen to the album anymore. Some of the songs after were decent, but I just did not love this one. Glad it's over.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Wow this was a beautiful album. I admittedly love country music and sad music in general so this is right at the intersection of my taste. I really enjoyed this one
Pantera
3/5
While it's not quite my taste, I still enjoyed listening to it. I'm also glad to see some more metal representation on the list. Overall it was fine, I wouldn't go out of my way to reach for it again but I wouldn't turn it off if it was playing
Fugees
2/5
It was fine, not spectacular. I don’t believe I absolutely needed to hear this in my lifetime. I also just cannot stand “Killing Me Softly” so that was obnoxious to sit through.
I’ve also realized I don’t like it when albums have skits interspersed within the songs so I didn’t like when this album had that.
Buzzcocks
3/5
It’s a cute new wave punk album. Nothing spectacular but I enjoyed it enough
2/5
This album is why people make fun of him. I love some Bob Dylan stuff but this was just…. Evidence of all of the jokes people make about him
Led Zeppelin
3/5
This was fine but forgettable
Harry Nilsson
2/5
It would be 3 stars because it’s just fine… but that coconut song is enraging so this gets a 2
The Undertones
3/5
This was a fun post punk album. Nothing special but enjoyable enough
The Black Crowes
3/5
This was cute inoffensive dad rock
U2
4/5
U2 at their best. I know they're easy to clown on especially when they had that album automatically downloaded on everyone's phone... but this album is incredible
Moby
3/5
Are all of the songs just repeating the same 4-8 lines…..? Yes. Yes they are.
Also why is this album so LONG..??
It gets 3 stars because 2 felt too low but genuinely what is this
Joni Mitchell
5/5
God this woman’s voice is just transcendent
Boston
4/5
God these guys bring back a huge amount of nostalgia. I loved this
Joni Mitchell
3/5
This one is much more disjointed and meandering than Blue. Although those songs didn’t have a ton of structure, they still were easy to follow. This one was still beautiful, but a bit more of a ramble than an album
Super Furry Animals
2/5
The songs range from okay to just… noise. No thanks
D'Angelo
3/5
His voice is beautiful and the songs are chill and easy to listen to. It's just... not my taste at all
Kraftwerk
2/5
Just... boring nonsensical electronica. I'm glad that there's representation for this genre on the list, but that's where my glee stops
Dire Straits
3/5
This was an enjoyable listen. It wasn’t super memorable but I liked it
Suede
2/5
Smiths wannabes
Queen
4/5
I’m generally not a big Queen fan (their fans are obnoxious and act like Queen invented music itself and just compete for who can be a bigger try hard for them) but they’re objectively good and successful. Most of this album wasn’t my taste but I can’t give an album with bohemian rhapsody anything less than a 4. It’d just be disrespectful
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
It's fine... it just sounds like a group trying to be like the Eagles or the Beach Boys. But California Dreamin' is a good song
Todd Rundgren
3/5
It's just... regular 70's pop that turns into background noise. The album was a slog at almost an hour and a half. I definitely didn't need to hear this, but it wasn't bad
The Prodigy
1/5
Now what on earth is THIS..? Absolutely not
Radiohead
4/5
I haven't really taken the time to listen to a full Radiohead album, but I'm glad I listened to this one. It's sad and dissonant but still enjoyable to listen to all the way through. I enjoyed this a lot
Ian Dury
2/5
This is the single most British thing I've ever heard (derogatory)
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
This baby can be left in the corner indefinitely
Pulp
3/5
I enjoyed this enough but it was forgettable
Tim Buckley
3/5
This was middle of the road for me. Nothing bad but not super notable
Killing Joke
3/5
It was decent enough but nothing stuck out to me. Some of the songs went on for a very long time but I liked the post punk sound
Ride
3/5
I liked Vapour Trail, Beneath, and Taste, the rest was whatever. Nothing spectacular
The Cure
3/5
It is much more experimental than other Cure albums. I liked it enough but don’t love it
David Bowie
3/5
While Bowie is a legend, his full length albums just don’t quite do it for me
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
Genuinely, why do people go on and on about Frank Zappa...? This is the second one of his albums/projects I've gotten on this list and they've both been painful listens. The first song on this album is just creepy, enraging noise. What is this garbage?
Depeche Mode
4/5
I love these weird dudes. Some of the songs went on a bit too long but Personal Jesus, Policy of Truth and Enjoy the Silence are masterpieces
The Beta Band
3/5
This was fine but forgettable. I listened to the whole thing and can’t remember a single song
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
WHERE ARE YOUR FRIENDS TONIIIIIIIIIIIGHT
The Isley Brothers
3/5
This feels like funk music for people that don't like funk, which is me. It was decent enough
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I really loved this album. I like Leonard Cohen a lot, but I'd never listened to any of his albums all the way through. This was sad and slow and beautiful and a bit weird. I loved it
Talking Heads
3/5
Respectfully why do people go on and on about these guys? They’re fine but nothing special
Grateful Dead
2/5
Decent enough but painfully boring. This 45-minute album somehow felt like it was 2 hours long. No thanks
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
This album has some great songs, notably Closer and Hurt, but overall it's just not my taste
Brian Eno
2/5
Just… noise. It’d be a 1.5 if I could give it that but just… no
Radiohead
3/5
I liked OK Computer better but this was enjoyable
Brian Eno
1/5
These dudes are just... trying too hard to be weird. This isn't good. At all.
R.E.M.
3/5
It was pleasant enough but nothing special
Randy Newman
2/5
With how blah this album was, I'm floored Disney even gave this guy a chance to do songs for their movies. His work for Disney was great, whatever this is.... not so much.
The Replacements
4/5
I really like the Replacements, but I hadn't listened to this one before. I enjoyed this one a lot even though I'm still partial to Tim and Pleased to Meet Me. I wasn't a huge fan of "We're Coming Out" but "Unsatisfied" sounded a lot like the other Replacements songs I've become familiar with and like the sound of.
This gets a 3.5 but I'm rounding up to a 4 because it's better than a true neutral/middle of the road but I don't like it as much as other 4s.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
This was fine. Nothing spectacular, just pleasant enough background music. Down by the River and Cowgirl in the Sand went on way too long
Rod Stewart
3/5
This was fine. Nothing special.
Metallica
2/5
This is why I hate live albums… there’s so much missing. Why are they cheering? What’s occupying the crowd visually while these ten minute long instrumental songs are happening? I don't mind the combination with the string orchestra and I think it's a good idea executed as well as possible, but a live album isn't the best way to enjoy this performance.
Like it sounds fine but this was too long of an album for what we get just hearing it and not seeing any visuals
Pavement
2/5
I really liked Crooked Rain Crooked Rain, so I was excited to get another Pavement album. But this one was... lackluster. It didn't have the Pavement sound that I liked from Crooked Rain and Harness Your Hopes... also Conduit for love was annoying. It wasn't a bad album I just didn't really vibe with it.
Steely Dan
3/5
It was fine. Pleasant but forgettable
2/5
Background music for a cozy bar for obviously pretentious but still cool people. Nothing special and unremarkable but inoffensive and ambient with some weird electronic moments at times
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
It's fine, nothing special. Completely forgettable but I didn't mind listening to it
Van Halen
4/5
This was a fun, quick listen. It's more of a 3 but I'll round it up to a 4 because it was better than truly middle of the road
Peter Gabriel
2/5
I really only know "In Your Eyes" so I had some expectations going into this album but not really a lot.
The songs are a bit... bizarre? Why does the first song have weird xylophone motifs throughout..? It sounds misplaced.
The album isn't my favorite it just seems like he's trying to be cool and it comes off weird
Dion
2/5
Spotify users: this album is paired with another album called Streetheart. You only have to listen to the first 8 songs (up to Good Lovin' Man) to finish this album.
This was so laborious I'm so glad that it was only 8 songs. It was pleasant enough but so boring and unremarkable I wanted it to be over.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Listen, he can’t sing for shit but I love this album (except for Down the Highway but whatever)
Miles Davis
2/5
I know Miles Davis is THE jazz guy... but I just don't love jazz. It's an extremely important building block for so much music and maybe I'm just too stupid to understand it but it doesn't do it for me
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
The first half of the album is nothing but banger after banger and the second half is just… unremarkable
Underworld
2/5
I’m just so not the demographic for this. It’s fine I guess but 15-minute electronic songs are just not interesting enough for me to listen to 7 of them in a row and enjoy them
Thelonious Monk
2/5
Another jazz album. It’s fine, it’s decent background music but I definitely didn’t need to hear this and it’s not my favorite
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
It’s fine background music for a restaurant or hanging out at a fair or something but this definitely didn’t need to be on this list
Bob Dylan
2/5
I love you Bob but I’m going to beat you over the head with that damn harmonica
The Roots
2/5
It was fine and easy to listen to until !!!! This was certainly neither my genre nor essential listening.
Lorde
5/5
This album is a masterpiece, and it's insane that she was so young when she made it. My nostalgia might be clouding my judgment a bit here, but it is just such a perfect snapshot into life in 2017 and Lorde grapples with and beautifully describes themes that are so familiar and painful. I love this album so much
Kate Bush
3/5
This was fine but not my favorite. I appreciate that she’s eclectic and interesting and experimental. It works for some songs and doesn’t in others but I’m glad she’s on the list
The Jam
3/5
It’s fine. Inoffensive and nothing special
Blur
3/5
It started out fun then the debt collector sounded like straight up clown music which I hated and it kept getting weirder throughout. Overall it was fine though.
Holger Czukay
1/5
That was certainly a combination of sounds that someone recorded.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
It’s pretty and easy to listen to. Nothing too remarkable but I liked it enough
KISS
4/5
This was a fun listen. I like shout it out loud a lot and Beth is beautiful
Foo Fighters
3/5
This one was fine. I do love the Foo Fighters but this album was just meh
Booker T. & The MG's
2/5
It was fine. The first few songs were good but it dragged, even with it being a short album. The schtick got old quick
FKA twigs
2/5
Pendulum and Closer are cool I guess but the rest is just blah
The Who
3/5
The Who is fine, but I didn’t need to listen to this live album. It’s not bad I just don’t know why this is on here
The Sabres Of Paradise
1/5
This is an atrocity
Stan Getz
2/5
It’s pleasant and easy to listen to. Not my favorite and it was just background noise
1/5
Nothing redeemable about this one
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Not my taste but still a decent listen. Nothing special
The Smiths
4/5
Big fan of the Smiths, enjoyed this one
Aerosmith
3/5
This was an enjoyable listen. The songs were fun and were just nondescript dad rock. I wouldn’t seek this out but I wouldn’t turn it off if I heard it on
Hugh Masekela
2/5
I just… really don’t like Jazz apparently
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
The music was fine but her voice got grating after a bit. It’s a 2.5 but I’m rounding down