My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
The Sounds Of India Ravi Shankar	5	2.85	+2.15
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs Marty Robbins	5	3.33	+1.67
Sincere Mj Cole	4	2.38	+1.62
Aja Steely Dan	5	3.46	+1.54
Highway 61 Revisited Bob Dylan	5	3.77	+1.23
Apocalypse Dudes Turbonegro	4	2.9	+1.1
Rings Around The World Super Furry Animals	4	2.97	+1.03

Album	You	Global	Diff
Highway to Hell AC/DC	1	3.66	-2.66
25 Adele	1	3.37	-2.37
Smile Brian Wilson	1	3.06	-2.06
Cosmo's Factory Creedence Clearwater Revival	2	3.92	-1.92
Dookie Green Day	2	3.79	-1.79
Next The Sensational Alex Harvey Band	1	2.71	-1.71
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness The Smashing Pumpkins	2	3.68	-1.68
Superunknown Soundgarden	2	3.66	-1.66
Bubble And Scrape Sebadoh	1	2.65	-1.65
Beggars Banquet The Rolling Stones	2	3.63	-1.63

Nas

4/5

A 90s hip-hop classic, the benchmark of every album from the genre since its release. Timeless production throughout and electric delivery from Nas. This album transports you to 90s brooklyn, but in no way feels dated listening today. No song is unnecessary and the album does not outstay its welcome. Fave tracks: - NY State of Mind - Life's a Bitch - The World is Yours Worst tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Master Of Puppets

Metallica

4/5

Chug chug guitars go chug. Ridiculously heavy and great focus music for all the energy blasted through the speakers. Best played at maximum volume. Best tracks: - Master of Puppets - Disposable Heroes - Orion Worst tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

Lust For Life

Iggy Pop

3/5

Iggy's songwriting peak. Full of attitude and swagger. Does tail off a bit towards the end. Best tracks: - Lust for Life - The Passenger - Tonight Worst tracks: - Turn Blue Rating: 7/10

Hail To the Thief

Radiohead

3/5

Radiohead at their most political and musically diverse, mixing elements of electronic and rock. Few dud tracks in the middle. Best tracks: - Myxomatosis - 2 + 2 = 5 - There, There Worst tracks: - The Gloaming - We Suck Young Blood Rating: 7/10

Hot Buttered Soul

Isaac Hayes

4/5

Beautiful soul. Excellent arrangements and instrumentation throughout. Sounds like it was recorded yesterday. Best tracks: - Walk On By - One Woman Worst tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

Superunknown

Soundgarden

2/5

A decent representation of Grunge in the 90s. Black Hole Sun is a fantastic, near perfect song, however this album does linger on a bit more than it needs to. Also feel like Pearl Jam and Kyuss had done this sound but better before this album. Best tracks: - Black Hole Sun - Limo Wreck Worst tracks: - The Day I Tried To Live - Kickstand Rating: 5/10

Ill Communication

Beastie Boys

4/5

Stupendously hard hitting, genre-splitting production. A very rare example of hip-hop album with instrumental tracks more than holding their weight. Full of energy and vocals slap. Best tracks: - Sabotage - Get It Together - Futterman's Rule Worst tracks: - Heart Attack Man Rating: 8/10

Apocalypse Dudes

Turbonegro

4/5

Surprisingly fun album. Instrumentation, tone and songwriting on this record are all tremendously superb and unique. Completely unexpected from initial reaction. Outro to Humiliation Street is a highlight. Would definitely listen again. Best tracks: - Get It On - Prince Of The Rodeo - Humiliation Street Worst tracks: N/A Rating: 8/10

A Girl Called Dusty

Dusty Springfield

2/5

A nice, easy-listening record, though by no means ground breaking. Definitely not bad, but definitely not the greatest album of the 60s, let alone in the top 1001 of all time. Hard to rank as there is not a particularly bad song on the album. Best Tracks: - Twenty-Four Hours From Tulsa Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 4/10

Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols

Sex Pistols

4/5

Angry, in your face and unapologetic. Influential and ahead of the game in so many ways that nowadays seem mundane given the almost 50 years since release. An authentic album of rebellion, only compounded by it's censorship by the BBC and other radio stations. Music was never the same. Best Tracks: - God Save The Queen - Problems - Anarchy In The UK - Submission Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Closer

Joy Division

2/5

Very dark, depressing and bleak. Hard to find anything deeper than that. Some tracks have decent instrumentation/feel, but for me mostly comes through a bit flat and dated. Feel Ian Curtis's delivery was too abrasive for me, although that may be the point. Best Tracks: - A Means To An End - The Eternal Worst Tracks: - Decades - Isolation Rating: 3/10

Brothers In Arms

Dire Straits

3/5

A good example of 'Dad rock' covering a wide span of genres and soundscapes. Knopfler's playing is subtly brilliant. Some flack towards the end though. Easy to listen to but wouldn't rush back. Best Tracks: - Money For Nothing - Walk Of Life - Brothers In Arms Worst Tracks: - One World Rating: 6.5/10

Guero

Beck

4/5

Exceptional sounding album, each track is gorgeously written and so uniquely fun. Rich soundscapes and glitchy grooves that rival Gorillaz at that time. Very consistent record that went by quickly. Best Tracks: - Que Onda Guero - Go It Alone - E-Pro Worst Tracks: - Farewell Ride Rating: 7.5/10

Exodus

Bob Marley & The Wailers

4/5

Bob Marley & The Wailers records exist in their own universe. Incredibly easy to listen to and at the same time incredibly powerful and hard hitting. A perfection of the sound and genre he helped to cultivate, with some more mellow/smoother tracks as the heavy hitters. A timeless classic, a staple of reggae. Best Tracks: - Natural Mystic - Exodus - Three Little Birds Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Cross

Justice

4/5

An excellent journey of electronic music, paying homage to the 90s dance scene and 70s/80s disco. Each track perfectly blends into the next with beautifully intricate detail. The textures of each synth on every track are uniquely interesting and massive. Best Tracks: - D.A.N.C.E - Phantom (1 & 2) - DVNO - Stress Worst Tracks: - Valentine Rating: 9/10

Natty Dread

Bob Marley & The Wailers

3/5

Reviewed Exodus just two days ago, so feels unfair to rate this earlier, less polished album so soon. This is Marley's first record as the official leader of the Wailers, and is evident that the songwriting lacks the polish of the band at their zenith. This record is consistently good, but lacks any clear high points. Best Tracks: - Revolution - No Woman No Cry Worst Tracks: - So Jah S'eh Rating: 6/10

High Violet

The National

3/5

A pleasant enough listening experience. I am impressed by the extremely lush and uplifting arrangements throughout, but at no point does it particularly move me or go anywhere. Vocals are pretty lacklustre. Best Tracks: - Sorrow - Bloodbuzz Ohio - England Worst Tracks: - Lemonworld Rating: 6/10

Logical Progression

LTJ Bukem

2/5

Pleasant enough to have on in the background while working/driving/doing tasks. Album length is definitely on the longer side, though it does generally keep you entranced throughout. Can see the appeal of this, and is not too dissimilar to the likes of Aphex/Squarepusher at the time. Overall like this, but sticking to a 3 as I can't have this over a whole variety of albums. Best/Worst Tracks: Decided to listen through this album without picking out favourite bits/songs, so N/A. Rating: 3/10

Wonderful Rainbow

Lightning Bolt

1/5

This really isn't for me. Hard to tell who this is for. I guess they succeeded in what they were trying to achieve, but can't say it's an enjoyable experience. If I wanted to listen to noise rock, I'd skip this and go to Swans. Only saving grace is the short run time. Best Tracks: N/A Worst Tracks: - Pretty much everything. Rating: 1/10

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Wilco

2/5

An ok, if not a little boring indie record. Mostly inoffensive and safe, but does have one notable highlight. Meandering and boring. Best Tracks: - Jesus etc Worst Tracks: - I'm The Man Who Loves You - Poor Places - Reservations Rating: 3/10

Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs

Marty Robbins

5/5

Beautifully atmospheric, luscious instrumentation, superb songwriting and soaring harmonies. This has everything you need to be nostalgic of a time you've not experienced. Best Tracks: - Big Iron - Cool Water - The Master's Call Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9.5/10

Kenya

Machito

4/5

Fiery, explosive and in your face. The brass on this record is from another world, always hard hitting and beautifully articulate. Combined with the furious percussion throughout results in one of the most passionate, addictive jazz albums of the 20th century. Best Tracks: - Holiday - Wild Jungle - Blues a Machito Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

OK Computer

Radiohead

5/5

The dystopian monolith of 90s rock. An intricately arranged masterpiece that disparagingly looks into the future with pre-millennium angst. Cold, dark, angry, depressed, and so in your face that you are forced to interact with it. Best Tracks: - Paranoid Android - Let Down - No Surprises - The Tourist Worst Tracks: - Fitter Happier Rating: 10/10

Smile

Brian Wilson

1/5

A confused and very inconsistent record. Perhaps this is explained given the context of the original production of the album, but I can't help but think that the many interesting ideas on this are even half realised. This is an album for big fans of The Beach Boys, but not so much the average listener. Best Tracks: - In Blue Hawaii Worst Tracks: - Vega-Tables - Barnyard Rating: 2/10

Armed Forces

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

2/5

A fairly decent homage to the 70s glam rock sound, to the point that this sounds like a "Part 2" to Aladdin Sane, though sadly without anywhere as many highlights. Perfectly listenable, but nothing remarkable. Best Tracks: - Party Girl Worst Tracks: - Sunday's Best Rating: 4/10

Smokers Delight

Nightmares On Wax

2/5

Perfectly listenable chill music to work/relax to. Sound is pretty good, but nothing too remarkable. Would listen again whilst working on a project. Best Tracks: - Groove St. Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 4/10

Grace

Jeff Buckley

4/5

A near perfect singer/songwriter album. Buckley's vocals are pristine throughout from the delicate falsettos to the booming, powerful screams. Each listen is a special experience that leaves you with a new favourite track every time. Does have a couple dud slow songs though. Best Tracks: - Mojo Pin - Hallelujah - Lover, You Should've Come Over - Dream Brother Worst Tracks: - Lilac Wine - Corpus Christi Carol Rating: 8.5/10

The Band

2/5

Some really fun highlights, but also a clear drop off in the second half. I like the authenticity of the sound and acoustic-ness throughout, but some tracks didn't quite hit the mark. Best Tracks: - Across The Great Divide - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - King Harvest Worst Tracks: - When You Awake - Jawbone Rating: 4/10

Led Zeppelin III

Led Zeppelin

3/5

Led Zeppelin at their most subdued, but each song still incredibly well written and interesting. This record focuses on traditional folk once the chaos of Immigrant Song is over, which is enjoyable but leaves little room for Bonham to shine. Best Tracks: - Immigrant Song - Out On The Tiles - Tangerine Worst Tracks: - Hats Off To (Roy) Harper Rating: 7/10

Aja

Steely Dan

5/5

The best sounding album I've heard. Each instrument is crisp and adds a substantial layer to the rich masterpiece of Aja. Horns swell with immaculate precision and drums snap as clean as a whistle. All testiment to the outstanding performances of the session musicians (especially Michael McDonald's vocals) and great songwriting and production from Becker and Fagen. Best Tracks: - Black Cow - Aja - Peg Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 10/10

Suede

4/5

Infectious, exciting and so effortlessly cool. Vocals are so reminiscent of Bowie, guitar sounds like Johnny Marr through a lawn mower, and bass is surprisingly melodic throughout. This is the side of britpop so often overlooked and underrated. Best Tracks: - Pantomime Horse - Animal Nitrate - The Drowners Worst Tracks: - The Next Life - Moving Rating: 8/10

Murder Ballads

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

2/5

Just likes the album cover; cold, bleak and unrelenting. A fun record, but by no means does it offer Cave's best lyrics or songwriting. Stagger Lee is a classic, and the features from PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue are highlights, along with the 15 minute epic O'Malley's Bar only slightly outstays its welcome. Best Tracks: - Stagger Lee - The Curse Of Millhaven - Where The Wild Roses Grow Worst Tracks: - The Kindness Of Strangers Rating: 4/10

A Seat at the Table

Solange

3/5

A consistent record that reaches its peak early with the fantastic 'Cranes In The Sky', and levels out after without feeling it plateaus. The interludes between most tracks are hit and miss, and ultimately doesn't really add anything to the experience. Nothing absolutely extraordinary, but certainly not bad. Best Tracks: - Cranes In The Sky - Borderline (An Ode To Self Care) Worst Tracks: - Mad Rating: 6/10

Surfer Rosa

Pixies

2/5

Pioneers of the garage-indie sound that would takeoff in the following decade. Pixies blast open the door of what an indie rock album can sound like. Sonically gritty, experimental and vast, although far too much flak for this record to be an enjoyable listen, particularly with Doolittle arriving just a year later. Best Tracks: - Where Is My Mind - Cactus - Gigantic Worst Tracks: - Oh My Golly! - Brick Is Red Rating: 5.5/10

Ten

Pearl Jam

4/5

Powerful and intense. If you wanted one album to represent the sound of 90s rock, this would likely be it. The first half strings together banger after banger after banger it could open its own butchery. Ten is early Zeppelin on steroids and protein shakes. Second half does drag it down somewhat, but still enjoyable. Best Tracks: - Even Flow - Black - Jeremy Worst Tracks: - Porch Rating: 8/10

The Modern Dance

Pere Ubu

1/5

The quirky, jagged and unrestrained side of postpunk. Not particularly engaging or impressive, and verges on the downright annoying. Vocals are shaky and incomprehensible, and rest of the instrumentation does not make up for that. Avant-garde sure, but not good. Best Tracks: - Humor Me Worst Tracks: - Sentimental Journey - Laughing Rating: 2/10

Vol. 4

Black Sabbath

3/5

One of Sabbath's most confusing outputs with Ozzy still in the band. The album is mostly good, albeit the listing seems out of place with the gorgeous Changes and FX killing all momentum from the first two tracks. Still good, but not their best. Best Tracks: - Changes - Snowblind - Supernaut Worst Tracks: - Tomorrow's Dream Rating: 6.5/10

Chelsea Girl

Nico

3/5

Too experimental for it's own good in places, but overall a solid baroque-folk record. The fingerpicking guitar is engaging and particularly mesmerising on songs like These Days and The Fairest Of The Seasons. Strings are rich and add so much body to the barebones of guitar and Nico's vocals, which itself is beautifully out of tune and discordant. Best Tracks: - These Days - The Fairest Of The Seasons - I'll Keep It With Mine Worst Tracks: - It Was A Pleasure Then - Chelsea Girls Rating: 7/10

Our Aim Is To Satisfy

Red Snapper

3/5

Really impressive evolution of the Trip-Hop sound born in the 90s, blending in House and Jazz elements for a really surprising listen, that doesn't really go stale given the 57 minute runtime. The bass and drums are prominent throughout and always interesting. A nice paveway between Portishead and early Bonobo. Best Tracks: - Don't Go Nowhere - I Stole Your Car - Belladonna Worst Tracks: - Some Kind Of Kink Rating: 7/10

Music From Big Pink

The Band

3/5

Really good rustic folk-R&B-rock, which oozes personality. I've recently reviewed the Band's self-titled album, and for me this record is more consistent and has far more highlights. The organ on Chest Fever is a particular high point. Best Tracks: - The Weight - Chest Fever - We Can Talk Worst Tracks: - The Wheel's On Fire Rating: 7.5/10

Beggars Banquet

The Rolling Stones

2/5

Three very good songs on this record, surrounded by a lot of flak. Where Sympathy For The Devil, No Expectations and Street Fighting Man shine in originality and drive, the rest of the record falls into a lull of bland country rock confusion. Best Tracks: - Sympathy For The Devil - No Expectations - Street Fighting Man Worst Tracks: - Parachute Woman - Prodigal Son Rating: 5/10

Superfuzz Bigmuff

Mudhoney

2/5

From what I can see online, this was an EP of 6 songs, so will review only these and nothing else from the deluxe LP. What's left is pretty brutal noise rock/early grunge. Mudride is the highlight from this, everything else is mostly formulaic proto-grunge, basic songwriting. Best Tracks: - Mudride Worst Tracks: - Need - Chain That Door Rating: 3/10

Deja Vu

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

4/5

A near perfect album, with the fantastic harmonies as expected from CSN, an extra heap of grit added by Young's, and superb songwriting as usual throughout. Best Tracks: - Our House - Helpless - Carry On Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Superfly

Curtis Mayfield

3/5

Super smooth tracks with tons of soul, swagger and siky guitar licks. Pusherman and Superfly are the obvious highlights, but the instrumentation is lush throughout. Momentum in the middle of the soundtrack does dip though. Best Tracks: - Pusherman - Superfly - Little Child Runnin Wild Worst Tracks: - Eddie You Should Know Better Rating: 7/10

Coles Corner

Richard Hawley

4/5

Surprisingly superb and well balanced album. From slow, orchestral coroners to energetic, jangly Country-inspired songs, each track has a wealth of breathing space to relax and enjoy the textures. Hawley's vocals are superb in baritone grit. This is a time vessel of ageless songs. Best Tracks: - Just Like The Rain - The Ocean - I Sleep Alone Worst Tracks: - (Wading Through) The Waters Of My Time Rating: 8.5/10

Cosmo's Factory

Creedence Clearwater Revival

2/5

Some decent highlights on this record, but also quite a lot of tracks that don't feel that inspired. Travelin Band for example takes a cookie cutter Little Richard template, but doesn't take it anywhere. The longer tracks like Ramble Tamble and cover of Heard It Through the Grapevine at least show some experimentation, but overall lacks the punch of earlier CCR. Best Tracks: - Who'll Stop The Rain - I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Ramble Tamble Worst Tracks: - Travelin Band - Ooby Dooby Rating: 5.5/10

On The Beach

Neil Young

3/5

Neil Young at his most laid back and acoustic. The last half especially is particularly slow and contemplative for a Young album. Not necessarily my favourite of his offerings, but by no means bad. Best Tracks: - Vampire Blues - Ambulance Blues Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7/10

Imagine

John Lennon

4/5

The Zenith of Lennon's post-Beatle career. 'How Do You Sleep?' features some of John's poetically bitter lyrics and superb guitar work from George. 'Imagine' and 'Jealous Guy' are undeniably classic songs. The lesser known album tracks are also fun in their own right. Best Tracks: - How Do You Sleep? - Gimme Some Truth - Jealous Guy - Imagine Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen

3/5

Springsteen at his most commercial and accessible. The singles on this record stand the test of time, though a few of the remaining songs are quite forgettable. Best Tracks: - Born In The USA - Glory Days - Dancing In The Dark Worst Tracks: - Working On The Highway Rating: 7/10

The Undertones

3/5

A really fun, manic and compact album given the number of songs on offer. All tracks offer something new and interesting, while never overstaying their welcome, rarely past the 3 minute mark. Best Tracks: - Teenage Kicks - Wrong Way - I Know A Girl Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7.5/10

Highway 61 Revisited

Bob Dylan

5/5

A timeless classic from the most tumultuous period of Dylan's career. The integration and experimentation of electric instruments provide outstanding highs from the brilliant singles, to the outrageously bold title track. Hard not to like anything from this record. Best Tracks: - Like A Rolling Stone - Ballard Of A Thin Man - Queen Jane Approximately - Desolation Row Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9.5/10

Rock Bottom

Robert Wyatt

2/5

Extraordinarily avant-garde for the time - in this record alone you can hear blossoms of sounds perfected a decade later by artists like Talk Talk and Kate Bush. The Pink Floyd-ness from Nick Mason's production also hits you in the face throughout. For me, the vocals are too wobbly, too nonsensical and too high in the mix for me to return to this album. Best Tracks: - Sea Song - Alifib Worst Tracks: - Alife - Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road Rating: 4.5/10

Trafalgar

Bee Gees

2/5

The Bee Gees before they got their funk on. What is offered is par for the course 70s rock which I don't find too engaging. Sure, the songs seem lovely enough, but I really don't feel anything while listening to them. This may be something I'll have to revisit later on to truly appreciate. Best Tracks: - Trafalgar - It's Just The Way Worst Tracks: - When Do I Rating: 4/10

Home Is Where The Music Is

Hugh Masekela

3/5

Hugh Masekela is a giant of the African jazz scene. This record exemplifies this, with tons of character and dynamics. No two songs sound the same and the 70 minute run through is a breeze. Best Tracks: - Maesha Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7/10

A Night At The Opera

Queen

3/5

Has all the ingredients to be an all-timer record, though Queen never seemed to be able to complete a fully coherent and consistent album. Where Bohemian Rhapsody is on the greatest songs of the modern era, a lot of album tracks seem only to have been made to pad it out. Many seem to be based on the sickly sweet songs written by McCartney during the end of The Beatles. Ending on God Save The Queen is a bit much too. Best Tracks: - Bohemian Rhapsody - Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To...) - You're My Best Friend Worst Tracks: - Good Company - Seaside Rendezvous - God Save The Queen Rating: 7/10

Rock 'N Soul

Solomon Burke

2/5

Some good 50s soul. Very impressive voice, but songwriting and instrumentation aren't exactly outstanding to make this a great album. Best Tracks: - Cry To Me Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 5/10

Dry

PJ Harvey

4/5

Up until now, I'd not yet heard an album from PJ Harvey that gripped me. This however, is gritty, ballsy and fearless. A lovely alternative to the grunge that enveloped rock music at the time - the compositions are unique and engaging, the guitars are jaggedly rich. Best Tracks: O Stella Sheela-na-gig Fountain Water Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8/10

Paranoid

Black Sabbath

4/5

Legendary album with tons of variety, from the groundbreaking doom of the opening track, to the numbingly mellow 'Planet Caravan'. A concise offering of 8 tracks that don't outstay their welcome; Osbourne, Iommi, Butler and Ward all have amazing highlights throughout. Best Tracks: - War Pigs - Paranoid - Planet Caravan - Hand Of Doom Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

We Are Family

Sister Sledge

4/5

Elegantly funky, fantastically energetic and effortlessly cool. It takes a lot to outshine Nile Rodger's guitar playing, but Bernie Edward's bass mastery steals all limelight on this record. Every song is super fun and well written. Best Tracks: - He's The Greatest Dancer - Lost In Music - We Are Family Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

Can't Buy A Thrill

Steely Dan

4/5

Witty and audacious. Can't Buy A Thrill pieces together multiple genres to create an authentically unique sound. Becker and Fagen's songwriting is daring and flawless, Skunk Baxter and Denny Dias' guitarwork borders on the impossible. One of the best debut albums of all time. Best Tracks: - Do It Again - Dirty Work - Reelin' In The Years - Fire In The Hole Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Playing With Fire

Spacemen 3

3/5

Understated album with many interesting soundscapes. Definitely sounds like a follow up to the late Talk Talk albums and a precursor to the Post Rock boom in the 90s, both of which I adore. Huge, distorted guitars contrast the relaxed and hazy synths. Another surprising find. Best Tracks: - Suicide - Revolution Worst Tracks: - I Believe It Rating: 7/10

Live And Dangerous

Thin Lizzy

2/5

Huge fan of the energy and performance of all musicians involved in this album. Lynott's bass and vocals are impeccable, and guitars never hit a bum note. What lets this down is the concept - a mishmash of archived live footage around the world, overdubbed (who knows to what end) to smooth out the kinks. The whole spirit of a live album is therefore totally eroded to a compilation album with a few cheers between tracks. Best Tracks: - Massacre - Suicide - The Boys Are Back In Town Worst Tracks: - The Rocker Rating: 4/10

Blue Lines

Massive Attack

4/5

9 tracks of bliss, brooding and groove. A heavenly marriage of electronic and analog music, blending hip-hop, R&B, dance etc into a whole new identity labelled Trip-Hop. The dark, nocternally atmosphere does not falter - I love the thumping bass and smorgasbord of voices. Best Tracks: - Safe From Harm - Be Thankful For What You've Got - Five Man Army Worst Tracks: - Daydreaming Rating: 8/10

L.A. Woman

The Doors

3/5

One fantastic, ethereal track in Riders On The Storm - an extraordinary well written, performed and produced masterpiece. Most of the remainder, however, does little to replicate this - while the technicality doesn't drop off, the formulaic blues structure very much does lose it's magic after 5/6 songs. Best Tracks: - Riders On The Storm - L.A. Woman - The Changeling Worst Tracks: - Hyacinth House - Crawling King Snake - The Wasp (Texas Radio and the Big Beat) Rating: 6/10

Stankonia

OutKast

2/5

Bloated, inconsistent and middling. While the highs of Ms Jackson, Red Velvet and So Fresh, So Clean are enough to keep you engaged for 3 minutes at a time, there is a lot on here which simply doesn't. Do enjoy the wide range of features on this though. Best Tracks: - Ms Jackson - So Fresh, So Clean - Red Velvet Worst Tracks: - Gangsta Sh*t - Stankonia Rating: 5/10

They Were Wrong, So We Drowned

Liars

3/5

This album is LCD Soundsystem if they recorded in a Medieval dungeon. Hilariously funny song titles, and unexpectedly groovy tunes that forbode the uneasiest of atmospheres. Love the integration of birdsong and animal noises on certain tracks. Bleak, raw, and uniquely experimental. Best Tracks: - They Don't Want Your Corn, They Want Your Kids - Flow My Tears the Spider Said Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7/10

Aladdin Sane

David Bowie

4/5

A beautifully dense and encompassing record that expands Bowie's Glam sound from Ziggy. The songs on here feel more matured and well-rounded than his previous album. The title track and Lady Grinning Soul for example exemplifies Bowie's songwriting personality moreso than anything before. I always seem to return more to the album tracks on this album than anything. Best Tracks: - Drive-In Saturday - Time - The Prettiest Star - Lady Grinning Soul Worst Tracks: - Let's Spend The Night Together Rating: 8.5/10

Under Construction

Missy Elliott

2/5

Very dated early noughties RnB and Hip Hop record. Not necessarily bad, as there are some tracks that sound great, and the many features on here add something unique to each song. However, that's about it for the positives - Missy Elliott seems to talk a lot about not a lot - whether lyrically or in her many meandering monologues. Many beats on this also are too reminiscent of early 00s nightclub fillers. Best Tracks: - Bring The Pain - Nothing out There for Me Worst Tracks: - Intro / Go to the Floor - Pussycat - Play That Beat Rating: 3/10

Bat Out Of Hell

Meat Loaf

2/5

Melodramatic, operatic, and as huge and bombastic as it is quiet and sensitive. This album has a lot to offer, but rarely connects for me. While I can't fault the performances, this is all too over-produced and over-written for my taste. Best Tracks: - Paradise By the Dashboard Light Worst Tracks: - You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth - For Crying Out Loud Rating: 5.5/10

Behaviour

Pet Shop Boys

2/5

Nice enough sounding semi-electronic music, if a little formulaic. This sounds like a Pet Shop Boys take on New Order/Depeche Mode, with the integration of guitars throughout. Being Boring is by far the best track, though the remainder doesn't really offer too much else. Best Tracks: - Being Boring Worst Tracks: - My October Symphony - The End of the World Rating: 4.5/10

Siamese Dream

The Smashing Pumpkins

3/5

Incredibly meandering offering that ranges from some of the best written tracks of the decade, to bloated, overly complicated middling songs that seem to never end. The guitar tones are superb and rich, though there's only so many 6 minute songs this can be used in before the trick is truly worn out. Best Tracks: - Cherub Rock - Hummer - Soma Worst Tracks: - Silverfuck - Geek USA Rating: 6.5/10

Hard Again

Muddy Waters

3/5

Enjoyable blues by one of the masters. Guitar and harmonica is fantastically soulful throughout. Best Tracks: - I Can't Be Satisfied - Deep Down In Florida - Mannish Boy Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7/10

Dare!

The Human League

2/5

While I can't deny the great songwriting of the obvious track, this album really does make you work for it. Tracks 2-8 range from boring to downright unlistenable. If Don't You Want Me wasn't on this record, this wouldn't have been remembered by the end of the 80s. Best Tracks: - Don't You Want Me - Love Action (I Believe In Love) - The Things That Dreams Are Made Of Worst Tracks: - I Am The Law - Open Your Heart Rating: 3/10

Liege And Lief

Fairport Convention

4/5

One of the most underrated bands of the 20th century, and so glad they are on this list. Beautiful music that doesn't just stick to the folk roots - the elegant composition of Richard Thompson allows the band to delve into some more bluesy/rocky ventures. Sandy Denny fails to miss a note on her final Fairport album. Best Tracks: - Matty Groves - Farewell, Farewell - Tam Lin Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8/10

Rum Sodomy & The Lash

The Pogues

3/5

Boisterous, loud, energetic and infectious. The Pogues hurl Irish folk into the 20th century with a shove, seamlessly blending punk and tradition into a superbly original sound. Best Tracks: - A Pair Of Brown Eyes - Dirty Old Town Worst Tracks: - The Old Man Drag Rating: 7.5/10

Lady Soul

Aretha Franklin

5/5

Effortless groove and energy by the Queen of Soul. From the high charting classics to the deep cuts, this album is about as perfect as you can get. Aretha's performance is sublime. Perfect for a sunny Sunday Morning. Best Tracks: - Chain Of Fools - Niki Hoeky - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9.5/10

Bubble And Scrape

Sebadoh

1/5

Another 90s lo-fi indie rock album that this list seems to love. There's some elements to note - the first few tracks have a few interesting guitar work. Everything else, though, is just banal vocals and experimentation that goes so far as so it is trying too hard. Best Tracks: N/A Worst Tracks: - Fantastic Disaster - Telecosmic Alchemy Rating: 2/10

Step In The Arena

Gang Starr

3/5

Some good early 90s hip-hop, though nothing outstanding. The production is consistently interesting and inventive for the time, and well worth the 50 minute run time, though I can't say the vocals are worth it. Best Tracks: - Form Of Intellect - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7/10

More Songs About Buildings And Food

Talking Heads

3/5

Some worthwhile highlights on this record, as you'd expect with Talking Heads. 'Take Me To The River' is a fantastic cover, and is a great example of Byrne's dynamic and versatile vocals. There is quite a lot of flak on this album though, which makes the overall experience bloated and muddled. Best Tracks: - Take Me To The River - Thank You For Sending Me An Angel - Found A Job Worst Tracks: - With Our Love - The Girl Wants To Be With The Girls Rating: 6/10

...The Dandy Warhols Come Down

The Dandy Warhols

2/5

A kooky, experimental side to britpop that I never know existed. Even more surprising that this band is not from Britain, yet they still tap into the driving sound and mumbled vocals pretty well. Some cool sounds on this, though the run time is too long and many songs lead to nowhere. Best Tracks: - Be-In - Orange Worst Tracks: - Hard On For Jesus - Not If I Were The Last Junkie On Earth Rating: 5.5/10

Nevermind

Nirvana

3/5

I'd never listened through a Nirvana album before this - can't say I've missed too much. Everything worth merit is already well known and well lauded, 'In Bloom' and 'Something In The Way' the best examples. The album tracks are pretty one dimensional and do little to flesh out the record. Best Tracks: - Smells Like Teen Spirit - In Bloom - Something In The Way Worst Tracks: - Endless, Nameless - Lounge Act Rating: 6.5/10

Sincere

Mj Cole

4/5

A really surprising find. While technically a house/dnb album, I find that the songwriting verges the gap between Massive Attack and Aphex Twin, injection so much soul into the electronic music experience. A true perfection of production - every drum beat is clean, bass is punchy and melodic, the harmonies are rich and complex, and the instrumentation is insanely creative and worthwhile. Best Tracks: - I See - Sincere - Rough Out Here - Slum King Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Songs In The Key Of Life

Stevie Wonder

4/5

An all-time classic, and even more rarely, a double LP that doesn't overstay it's welcome and would be hard to find any flak. This album is songbook of American culture and music in itself. Stevie Wonder at the peak of his songwriting prowess, sprinkling elements of world music throughout. Best Tracks: - Sir Duke - As - Another Star Worst Tracks: - Pastime Paradise - If It's Magic Rating: 8.5/10

Music From The Penguin Cafe

Penguin Cafe Orchestra

2/5

Such an odd sounding record with a few beautiful sounding highlights. Most of this is very 'Avant-garde', in not a particularly great way. As an experience, this album doesn't really end up anywhere or leave much of an impact. Some decent points, sure, but not particularly worth a relisten. Best Tracks: - The Sound Of Someone You Love Who's Going Away and It Doesn't Matter - Chartered Flight Worst Tracks: - From The Colonies Rating: 4.5/10

Coat Of Many Colors

Dolly Parton

4/5

Superb country to listen to while contemplatively looking out of the window on a rainy day. While Dolly Parton steals the show with a fantastic vocal performance, the instrumentation is the real driving force on the album. It sounds so authentic. A good lap steel guitar never misses. Best Tracks: - Traveling Man - Here I Am - Coat Of Many Colours Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

So Much For The City

The Thrills

2/5

Pleasant enough indie record that doesn't really try too much to sound authentic. Although I can't find much to fault, any memory of the album is vanished as soon as the last track finished. Best Tracks: - Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far) - One Horse Town Worst Tracks: - Say It Ain't So Rating: 3.5/10

A Hard Day's Night

Beatles

3/5

The Beatles' first album of original material, and a turning point of their songwriting in a more mature and experimental way. The strike of that iconic chord is testament to the shift of Lennon and McCartney's musicianship that would become much more obvious later on. Harrison, although mostly absent on lead vocals, adds enough vibrancy with his jangly guitarwork. While this album has some significant highs in the Beatles' timeline, it's by no means my favourite, and not very consistent. Best Tracks: - A Hard Day's Night - If I Fell - And I Love Her Worst Tracks: - Things We Said Today Rating: 7.5/10

Fleet Foxes

3/5

Very pleasant autumnal record with gorgeous vocals and harmonies. 'White Winter Hymnal' is the obvious highlight - the circling, hypnotic verse builds and builds until only the gorgeous vocals remain. While everything else is a step down to this, the album is still atmospheric and consistent to keep you engaged. Best Tracks: - White Winter Hymnal - Your Protector - Blue Ridge Mountains Worst Tracks: - Meadowlarks Rating: 6.5/10

Vanishing Point

Primal Scream

2/5

Forgettable offering from Primal Scream with only a couple of notable moments. 'Trainspotting' is interesting enough for its duration, but it doesn't exactly grab you in the same way previous albums from the band had. This is a Tesco value Boards of Canada/Air. Best Tracks: - Trainspotting Worst Tracks: - Star - Stuka - Get Duffy Rating: 3/10

James Brown Live At The Apollo

James Brown

2/5

Not as fiery and rambunctious as you'd expect from a James Brown live album. Although usually ranked as one of the best live albums of all time, I don't find too much variety on here. Brown is going through the slower, soul hits well enough, though there is nothing on here that knocks me off my feet. Best Tracks: - Medley - Lost Someone Worst Tracks: - Night Train Rating: 3.5/10

Sweet Baby James

James Taylor

4/5

Sweet, rich folk from one of the masters of the genre. Taylor's unique picking patterns and harmonic choices are probably at his peak on this album - before he went into the more poppy/lively direction. A shining example of singer-songwriting of the decade. Best Tracks: - Fire and Rain - Suite for 20 G - Anywhere Like Heaven Worst Tracks: - Oh Susannah Rating: 8.5/10

The Sounds Of India

Ravi Shankar

5/5

As informative as it is beautiful and entrancing. Ravi Shankar was a master of the Sitar as Miles Davis was to Trumpet, and Freddie Mercury to vocals. From this record, it is clear to see why he is so influential to the sound of the 20th century. Best Tracks: - Sindhi-Bhairavi Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9.5/10

Channel Orange

Frank Ocean

2/5

I like this album, but I certainly don't love it. The highlights are fun, but the whole experience really doesn't blend well for me - too stop and start to maintain a consistent sound/theme. I do appreciate the range of sounds he's attempting though. The vocals are too high in the mix for my taste. Best Tracks: - Pink Matter - Thinkin Bout You - Bad Religion Worst Tracks: - Sierra Leone - Monks Rating: 5/10

Led Zeppelin

3/5

Revolutionary, iconic, genre-defining. There's a lot to love off I, it's a great introduction to some of the most talented musicians of the 20th century. 'Good Times, Bad Times' for example hides so many virtuosic elements within the first couple minutes - Bonham's ridiculous fills, Page's manic solo, and Plant's passionate wailing at the end. What drags this album down for me are the record fillers - the huge singles are the only songs I'd go back to for this, and unlikely that I'd redo the whole album anytime soon. Best Tracks: - Good Times, Bad Times - Dazed and Confused - Communication Breakdown Worst Tracks: - You Shook Me Rating: 7.5/10

1/5

Flipping between the completely forgettable and downright offense to the ears. There's really not a lot to like from this record - no particularly new or interesting instrumentation, no engaging lyrics, no songwriting to note. Maybe it's very of it's time, but this making a top 1001 albums seems like an April fools joke. Best Tracks: N/A Worst Tracks: - The Faith Healer - Giddy Up a Ding Dong Rating: 1/10

The College Dropout

Kanye West

2/5

Breakout album from one of the most controversial people of the century. Musically, there is really nothing to hate, though would point out that 'Last Call' is unreasonably long to close out the album. Disregarding this, Kanye's nostalgic production is engaging enough, and has some highlights, though these aren't high enough to write home about. Best Tracks: - Spaceship - Slow Jamz - Two Words Worst Tracks: - Last Call Rating: 5/10

You Want It Darker

Leonard Cohen

3/5

A beautifully dark capsule of a dying man's final thoughts on faith and death. Cohen's aged, raspy voice is so raw and full of expression and emotion, he captures every word with grace and meaning. This is more focused than the other album released in 2016 by a dying legend, though I never find that I return as much to this than I do Blackstar. Every song is deep, profound and moving, though I don't love it as much as I expect to. Best Tracks: - You Want It Darker - Treaty - Steer Your Way Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7.5/10

Screamadelica

Primal Scream

2/5

Bold and experimental, with some highlights that defined the decade. A good shake up of what a psychedelic rock band could be. Many songs do go on for more than necessary though. Best Tracks: - Movin On Up - Loaded Worst Tracks: - Inner Flight - Higher Than The Sun Rating: 4.5/10

Live Through This

Hole

4/5

Fun, dynamic and not too serious 90s grunge. Not something I would have sought out independently, but I appreciate the energy of the record. Really engaging and a nice range of sounds and composition. Best Tracks: - Gutless - Rock Star - Plump Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8/10

Ágætis Byrjun

Sigur Rós

4/5

Ethereal, dreamy, other-worldly. One of post-rock's 'Mount Rushmore' albums - an unapologetically authentic and unique voice and mood in such a broad space. I can't understand the song titles, or the vocals, but I can understand the beauty of the words being sung, and the uplifting power of the music. Best Tracks: - Svefn-g-englar - Flugufrelsarinn - Olsen Olsen Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

Jazz Samba

Stan Getz

3/5

Soulfully smooth, laid back jazz. In it's 35 minute run time, Stan Getz transitions between a whole range of Brazilian sounds, pioneering the Bossa Nova genre. Best Tracks: - Desafinado - E Luxo So - Bahia Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7.5/10

Immigrés

Youssou N'Dour

4/5

Scintillating rhythms, haunting vocals and infectious bass. This record is a melting pot of traditional and 20th century Senegalese music, merging armies of fierce, driving percussion, with the bass heavy pop/rock sound sound spreading around the continent at the time. Best Tracks: - Pitche Mi - Badou Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

1984

Van Halen

2/5

Dated and uninspiring. Most songs go nowhere except a Van Halen guitar solo, which, on paper is enjoyable, I found predictable and dull. The integration of synths are shaky at best - 'Jump' is decent enough, but the songwriting is so lacking - really hanging it's hat on the guitar. Best Tracks: - Drop Dead Legs Worst Tracks: - Top Jimmy - I'll Wait Rating: 3/10

25

Adele

1/5

Over-produced, over-perfect, over-written. Not one error on this album in the worst possible way - every possible human element has been air-brushed and facelifted, removing all possible flaws. I find that an odd choice for such a dour and downcast album, though this may be a snapshot of pop music at the time. Adele's performance isn't bad at all, though this does not fix the fundamental flaws of this album. Best Tracks: - Sweetest Devotion Worst Tracks: - Send My Love (To Your New Lover) - Water Under The Bridge - Million Years Ago Rating: 2/10

Automatic For The People

R.E.M.

3/5

Some pretty good highlights on this album which cemented R.E.M into 90s rock. 'Try Not To Breathe' and 'Ignoreland' are the best outside of the massive singles, though there is nothing too much to add on top of those. This band mostly does one thing well, but at least repeated 10 times across an album. Best Tracks: - Try Not To Breathe - Ignoreland - Man On The Moon Worst Tracks: - The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite Rating: 6/10

Happy Trails

Quicksilver Messenger Service

2/5

Experimental and interesting, though the attempt does not usually pay off. The first 6 tracks are pretty fun though, an unusual assortment of compositions playing off similar ideas. Everything else is either bland, or in the case of 'Cavalry', too long and unnecessary. Best Tracks: - Who Do You Love (Medley) Worst Tracks: - Calvary Rating: 4.5/10

Mask

Bauhaus

2/5

Moody, creepy and avant-garde. Some of the songs with drive and momentum are really good, though there are too many that end up nowhere and lost. Particularly when they went on about fishcakes. Best Tracks: - Hollow Hills - Kick In The Eye Worst Tracks: - 1. David Jay 2. Peter Murphy 3. Kevin Haskins 4. Daniel Ash Rating: 4/10

Exile On Main Street

The Rolling Stones

2/5

The Stones were great at making singles, but not good at all at making an engaging, encompassing record as their contemporaries could. Exile On Main Street is the shining example of this - 18 songs but not a lot to remember for this. Nothing offensive on this, but many forgettable tracks best left in the past. Best Tracks: - Happy - Let It Loose Worst Tracks: - Turd On The Run Rating: 5/10

Dire Straits

3/5

Mostly laid back guitar grooves from a pioneer of the instrument. 'Sultans Of Swing' is a classic, and the remainder is a bit more slow, though still proficient and exciting. Best Tracks: - Sultans Of Swing - Southbound Again - In The Gallery Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7/10

Rings Around The World

Super Furry Animals

4/5

Dynamic, crazy, beautiful. With no prior experience with this band, I was blown away by the scope of sounds and craziness of the songwriting. Ranging from slow, melancholic folk to ear bleeding, brain spinning IDM within 5 minutes, Super Furry Animals are still able to pull it off in a massively fun and exciting way. Lead singer also sounds a lot like Damon Albarn. Best Tracks: - Alternate Route To Vulcan Street - No Sympathy - Fragile Happiness Worst Tracks: - Receptacle For The Respectable Rating: 8/10

...And Justice For All

Metallica

3/5

Quite a bit more 'progressive' than I'd expect from Metallica - multiple genre and tone shifts within songs that last a minimum of 6 minutes. The songwriting and guitar work are still great, though some of the production is a little too tinny for my taste. Best Tracks: - ...And Justice For All - One - The Frayed Ends Of Sanity Worst Tracks: - To Live Is To Die Rating: 6/10

Lost Souls

Doves

4/5

A great selection of dark, luscious tracks that are so densely packed with layers. Just really good indie music throughout - nothing too much to it in the most simplified terms. Could have done with cutting some of the fat from the run time. Best Tracks: - Firesuite - Sea Song - The Cedar Room Worst Tracks: - Melody Calls Rating: 8/10

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

Lupe Fiasco

2/5

Production on this is good, if a little dated and of it's era - a halfway between the maximalist Kanye, and the RnB/Hip Hop hybrid of the early 2000s. My biggest gripe is the lyrics - Lupe is clearly a talented rapper and delivery is mostly OK, but his writing is really not for me. A select few have somewhat interesting wordplay, but is mostly very simple and predictable. Best Tracks: - Daydreamin Worst Tracks: - American Terrorist - Hurt Me Soul Rating: 4/10

Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin

5/5

A behemoth of an album. Loud, playful and boisterous, while at the same time quiet, serious and sombre. Where I find the album tracks on most Zeppelin albums are somewhat lacking in comparison to it's hits, II keeps you fully engaged with little room to breathe. Best Tracks: - What Is and What Should Never Be - Moby Dick - Ramble On Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9.5/10

Electric Warrior

T. Rex

3/5

I love the atmosphere and grooves this album sets from the first song - 'Mambo Sun' is a great opener, and a fantastic spectacle of the T-Rex sound. Other than the two other obvious picks, I am struggling to find any further highlights on this record. No bad, not amazing. Best Tracks: - Mambo Sun - Cosmic Dancer - Get It On Worst Tracks: - Girl - Rip Off Rating: 6/10

Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche

Koffi Olomide

2/5

An OK offering of bright beats, though does nothing to effectively showcase the Congolese roots or drive the African sound into the 90s. After the first two tracks, there is very little to talk about. Best Tracks: - Papa Bonheur Worst Tracks: - Porte-Monnaie - Obrigado Rating: 4/10

The New Tango

Astor Piazzolla

2/5

A very interesting sound and well worth the exploration. Some of the most adventurous instrumentation you could expect from a jazz album. While the recording does mostly capture the energy of the live performance, some of the tracks do outstay their welcome, and the 1 hour runtime does seem a bit excessive. Best Tracks: - Operation Tango - Vibraphonissimo Worst Tracks: - Laura's Dream Rating: 5/10

Stardust

Willie Nelson

4/5

One of my favourite cover albums. Willie Nelson nails the laid back, acoustic, twangy sound that fits so well in the slow, contemplative jazz standards he covers. Not a bad song on this, and perfect for any quiet time spent alone. Best Tracks: - Stardust - Georgia On My Mind - Unchained Melody Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8.5/10

Rejoicing In The Hands

Devendra Banhart

2/5

Semi fun acoustic music for the most part, but nothing much to write home about. I don't absolutely hate it, though I'm definitely not fussed about anything on here. Best Tracks: - Todo Los Dolores Worst Tracks: - Dogs They Make Up The Dark Rating: 4/10

Fuzzy Logic

Super Furry Animals

2/5

Second album by this band in just over a week. Would say I was much less take by this than their later release 'Rings Around The World', it feels far too "ELO knock-off" than something original from the band. The first half of the album breezes by without really sticking, but once the songs get longer in the second half, it's too little too late. Best Tracks: - Long Gone Worst Tracks: - Gathering Moss - Frisbee Rating: 4/10

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Beatles

5/5

Alongside 'Help!', this is the joint first record I bought using my actual real money, and would hazard to guess that I've listened to this album more than any other. Still, while I like to think I know this record inside-out, there's always something amazing and fresh I find on every listen. The outrageously intricate clarinet on 'When I'm Sixty-Four', weaving effortlessly around McCartney's lyrics, the lush harmonies on 'She's Leaving Home', the hypnotic percussion on 'Within You Without You', the beautifully melodic bass on 'Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite'. And the mammoth-sized cherry on the top of this behemoth cake, the best album closer in the history of music. All of this is wrapped up and packaged in one of the most iconic album covers of all time. The cover prepares you for a sonic experience like no other, and Sgt Pepper's absolutely delivers. Best Tracks: - A Day In The Life - When I'm Sixty-Four - She's Leaving Home - Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 10/10

KIWANUKA

Michael Kiwanuka

4/5

A lot more of a complex and rich album than I gave credit for on first listen when it was released. Kiwanuka's sometimes delicate, sometimes beaming vocals add a completely distinctive layer on top of gorgeous, soulful, glitchy, electronic prog-soul ballads. Best Tracks: - Rolling - Living In Denial - My Hero - Final Days Worst Tracks: - Light Rating: 8/10

Clube Da Esquina

Milton Nascimento

2/5

Some catchy tracks on here which expand on the Brazilian samba sound, although there are too many songs that go nowhere. Best Tracks: - O Trem Azul - Paisagem Da Janela Worst Tracks: - Pelo Amor De Deus Rating: 3.5/10

Modern Life Is Rubbish

Blur

3/5

A surprisingly consistent and interesting album from a band I don't really think of as an 'album band'. There's plenty of different sounds on this - of course the early 90s grunge-esque scene, but also some pleasantly slow and relaxing tracks. 'Miss America' harks back to Planet Caravan in a lovingly fresh way. I like this album, but not completely in love with it. Best Tracks: - Miss America - Blue Jeans Worst Tracks: - Pressure On Julian Rating: 6.5/10

Melodrama

Lorde

2/5

A nicely produced record, though a lot of the songwriting is very run of the mill. I found it hard to be impressed by any of the instrumentation or performances on here. By no means bad though. Best Tracks: - Homemade Dynamite - Green Light Worst Tracks: - The Louvre -Writer In The Dark Rating: 4/10

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

The Smashing Pumpkins

2/5

The answer to the question: "How many songs can we fit on a record, and really not get away with it?". I rarely find double (or in this case triple) albums worthwhile - in most cases they're released after the peak of an artist's career when their creative shackles are loosened and allowed to do whatever they want. If Billy Corgan had skimmed this down to the best 10/12 songs, this would be a belter of an album, but in this format, I can only imagine die-hard pumpkins fans enjoying the whole thing. Best Tracks: - 1979 - Zero Worst Tracks: - XYU - We Only Come Out At Night Rating: 3/10

Sail Away

Randy Newman

3/5

Really impressive when Randy has a whole band behind him driving the song - very reminiscent of the best songs from 'The Band' - bluesy, groovy and broody. His solo piano songs are OK, though for me feels like the prototype Tom Waits model before Tom Waits appeared. Best Tracks: - Last Night I Had A Dream - Drayton, Ohio - You Can Leave Your Hat On Worst Tracks: - Sail Away Rating: 6.5/10

Slanted And Enchanted

Pavement

2/5

Gritty and abrasive. Some of the best examples of the indie-90s-noise rock genre I've heard so far, though I still don't think it's for me. 'Here' and 'In The Mouth A Desert' offers the most interesting hooks on here. Best Tracks: - In The Mouth A Desert - Here Worst Tracks: - Fame Throwa Rating: 5.5/10

Highway to Hell

AC/DC

1/5

Not really my thing. There is a time and place for some of AC/DC's biggest singles, Highway To Hell being one of them, though I've never been enticed to listen to an album of theirs. Having done so, I'm even less inclined. Feels harsh to rate it one star, but I can't find much to enjoy in this. Best Tracks: - Highway To Hell Worst Tracks: - Girls Got Rhythm - Walk All Over You Rating: 2/10

Teenage Head

Flamin' Groovies

2/5

Clearly heavily inspired by the Rolling Stones. Not a bad thing necessarily, but would expect something more interesting than a Stones knock-off album to make this list. Best Tracks: - Whiskey Woman Worst Tracks: - Evil Hearted Ada Rating: 4/10

evermore

Taylor Swift

2/5

While I appreciate the attempt at a transition away from standard pop, I still find that Taylor Swift's songwriting really grates on me. Generally, I like the sparse, folky and ambient nature of the tracks, but the lyrics and structure don't do it for me. Some cool features on here but not enough to warrant a relisten. Best Tracks: - Coney Island Worst Tracks: - Champagne Problems - Happiness - Marjorie Rating: 3/10

Arrival

ABBA

3/5

Heard across the country in town halls, country hotels and renovated barns at every wedding reception - a testament of the unbelievably wide net ABBA cast across the UK audience. The melodies are meticulously composed, infectious and difficult to get out of your head. This band & album are the epitome of 'innocent fun', which is great for parties/discos, but isn't quite gritty or meaty enough to keep me engaged for the whole record. Shame that I can't include 'Fernando' on this listen (as it was not on the original release), I expect the rating would've gone up 1 or 2 half points if so. Best Tracks: - Knowing Me, Knowing You - Dancing Queen Worst Tracks: - When I Kissed The Teacher Rating: 6/10

Doggystyle

Snoop Dogg

2/5

The production (for the best), and the lyrics (for the worst) are very of their time. I love the smooth, groovy and glistening synths and bass on this, though there aren't many highlights that blow me away. Snoop is fantastic as a feature on a song, but not really what I'm looking for for a whole record. Best Tracks: - Gin and Juice - Gz and Hustlas Worst Tracks: - Lodi Dodi Rating: 5/10

The Slim Shady LP

Eminem

3/5

Iconic production and delivery from one of the best rappers of the 21st century. Some dated themes and lyrics, but overall really enjoyable and energetic. Best Tracks: - My Name Is - If I Had - Role Model Worst Tracks: - Just Don't Give A Fuck Rating: 7.5/10

Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret

Soft Cell

2/5

An album so middling, I lost all motivation to keep up my somewhat decent momentum from earlier in the year. For the good of the first couple of decade defining Tracks, it very quickly descends into untamed chaos. 'Sex Dwarf' will not be played again unless for some weird joke. Best Tracks: - Tainted Love - Seedy Films Worst Tracks: - Sex Dwarf - Chips On My Shoulder Rating: 4/10

Physical Graffiti

Led Zeppelin

4/5

One of my favourite double albums - each track is cohesive and doesn't outstay it's welcome (impressive with the behemoths of 'Kashmir' and 'In My Time Of Dying'). This is Led Zeppelin at their songwriting peak - the highlights of the album are so high, where not one member misses even a quarter of a beat. The lows right at the end of the album are relatively unimpressive given the first hour. Best Tracks: - Trampled Under Foot - Kashmir - Night Flight Worst Tracks: - Boogie With Stu - Sick Again Rating: 8.5/10

The Clash

3/5

Raucous, loud and so in your face it hurts. A pretty decent debut, though I can't help comparing this with the later efforts of 'London Calling' or 'Sandinista'. I wish I could love this album as much as I do these two, but man do so many of these songs sound so similar. Best Tracks: - I'm So Bored With USA - White Riot Worst Tracks: - London's Burning Rating: 6/10

The Low End Theory

A Tribe Called Quest

4/5

Revolutionary sound blending vintage jazz bass lines with complex hip hop production and rap delivery. Not my favourite album of theirs, though the importance of the record can not be understated. Best Tracks: - Buggin Out - Everything Is Fair Worst Tracks: - What? - Infamous Date Rape Rating: 8.5/10

Morrison Hotel

The Doors

4/5

Exquisite songwriting and individual performances on a more understated album from The Doors. While it doesn't have any obvious lead single offering, I find Morrison Hotel to be the Band's most consistent and interesting works. Their variety of instrumentation and sounds are a highlight. Best Tracks: - Waiting For The Sun - Roadhouse Blues - The Spy Rating: 8/10

Metallica

3/5

Metallica's most radio friendly record. While you can't argue that the songwriting is still exceedingly strong, and the hits from here are more popular than their other albums, I still can't help but lament the "smooth-around-the-edges" hard rock sound this record took in comparison to the exciting, bold thrash from their beginning. If I'm listening to a Metallica album, it's not for the acoustic slow ballads, as good as they are on this record. Best Tracks: - Enter Sandman - Holier Than Thou - The Unforgiven Worst Tracks: - Of Wolf And Man - The Struggle Within Rating: 7/10

Dookie

Green Day

2/5

An overall fine selection of tracks with a few notable highlights. The energy is undeniably fun, and drumming is intense and impressive. Unfortunately, the songwriting and instrumentation is somewhat lackluster. Even considering the short runtime, the album still outstays it's welcome by a fair few songs. Best Tracks: - Longview - Welcome To Paradise - Basket Case Worst Tracks: - Sassafras Roots - Emenius Sleepus Rating: 4.5/10

Darkness on the Edge of Town

Bruce Springsteen

4/5

A slower than usual offering from Springsteen. The piano is thrown into the limelight as the key driver and harmonic backbone of the tracks. The Boss' vocals seem more wistful and hopeful. Best Tracks: - Badlands - Something In The Night - Streets Of Fire Worst Tracks: - Factory Rating: 8/10

Scissor Sisters

3/5

No matter how gorgeously and precisely written the first two tracks are, I find all interest quickly fades after the Comfortably Numb cover. Everything after this seems flat in comparison to warrant a full relisten to the record. Laura and Take Your Mama are exceptional tributes to Elton John and glam rock. Best Tracks: - Laura - Take Your Mama - Filthy / Gorgeous Worst Tracks: - Tits On The Radio - It Can't Come Quickly Enough Rating: 6/10

Fear Of A Black Planet

Public Enemy

4/5

Brash, in your face, aggressive, and certainly not dated considering this was released over 30 years ago. Lyrics still hold up, the beats are interesting and melodic, and flows are sophisticated and hypnotic. Hard to see many flaws with this one. Best Tracks: - 911 Is A Joke - Welcome To The Terrordome - Revolutionary Generation Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 8/10

Signing Off

UB40

2/5

Harmless, but not exactly notable. I don't feel this record pushes the boundaries it could've. Everything seems very middle of the road and not particularly exciting. Best Tracks: - Food For Thought Worst Tracks: - Strange Fruit Rating: 3/10

Pornography

The Cure

3/5

Atmospheric, desolate and glacial. While I don't particularly enjoy Robert Smith's vocals, I have to admit they do work very well drenched in reverb over these brooding, slow, booming songs. I couldn't give this more than an 8, but appreciate why this may be some people's favourite of the list. Best Tracks: - Cold - The Hanging Garden - The Figurehead Worst Tracks: - Siamese Twins Rating: 7.5/10

War

U2

3/5

Overhated until the point of currently being underrated in this age. U2 at their best are seriously good songwriters and impressive instrumentalists. War contains enough to keep you entertained, though it's not quite at the band's peak. Best Tracks: - Two Hearts Beat As One - Sunday Bloody Sunday Worst Tracks: - Drowning Man Rating: 7/10

Songs Of Love And Hate

Leonard Cohen

2/5

A fantastic poet and lyricist, but not really a songwriter that grabs my attention. It feels like enjoying Leonard Cohen is done moreso with the brain than the heart. While there are highlights on this, the lack of dynamics or exceptional instrumentation result in a 48 minutes that go by at a plodding pace. Best Tracks: - Diamonds In The Mine - Joan Of Arc Worst Tracks: - Dress Rehearsal Rag Rating: 5/10

Innervisions

Stevie Wonder

4/5

My favourite album from Stevie Wonder. He catches each groove perfectly on this one, and produces his most interesting stuff songwriting. Best Tracks: - Living For The City - Higher Ground - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 9/10

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