334
Albums Rated
3.49
Average Rating
31%
Complete
755 albums remaining
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1970s
Favorite Decade
Hard-rock
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US
Top Origin
Balanced
Rater Style
51
5-Star Albums
10
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apocalypse Dudes | 5 | 2.9 | +2.1 |
| Joan Baez | 5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
| If I Could Only Remember My Name | 5 | 3.07 | +1.93 |
| Unhalfbricking | 5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
| 3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of... | 5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
| Solid Air | 5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
| Frampton Comes Alive | 5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
| Only By The Night | 5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
| Shake Your Money Maker | 5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
| Live And Dangerous | 5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday At The Village Vanguard | 1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
| Oxygène | 1 | 3.08 | -2.08 |
| Tago Mago | 1 | 2.79 | -1.79 |
| The Low End Theory | 2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
| Getz/Gilberto | 2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
| Moon Safari | 2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
| Third | 1 | 2.43 | -1.43 |
| There's No Place Like America Today | 2 | 3.37 | -1.37 |
| Fear Of A Black Planet | 2 | 3.34 | -1.34 |
| The Man Machine | 2 | 3.32 | -1.32 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | 2 | 5 |
| Simon & Garfunkel | 2 | 5 |
| Rush | 2 | 5 |
| Michael Jackson | 2 | 5 |
| Queen | 2 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 4.33 |
| David Bowie | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Can | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (51)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Guided By Voices
3/5
Goofy album full of 1-2 min songs. But otherwise is listenable enough.
2 likes
4/5
Started out as a 3, but as the album went on I was like "Huh, these songs kinda slap." and continuously added more and more songs to my library from a band I had not even heard of previously. Underrated band for sure.
1 likes
Ice Cube
3/5
Considered giving it a 4, because I did find myself jamming out to several songs that had some funky beats, but then the album just dragged on with a lot of the same. I'm not a huge rap/hip-hop guy, so consuming a whole album is probably going to lose my interest along the way anyways, especially if it's 56 minutes long.
1 likes
OutKast
3/5
Kept checking to see how much of the album(s) I had left to go...not because it wasn't any good, but because why do I need to listen to this for 2 hours??? If you just combined the best songs from the two, you'd probably have a 4 Star Album on your hands, but this dragged on too long.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (10)
All Ratings
Muddy Waters
3/5
Not a huge Blues guy, but you can tell that Muddy Waters (and this album) were a huge hit due to his electric and eccentric take on Blues, something that would lay the foundation for Rock and Roll. For that, I have to give him the highest credit, but at the same time none of the songs from the album truly jump out at me and demand to saved, sung along to, or replayed, save maybe "Got my Mojo Working".
Sade
3/5
Wasn't familiar with Sade before. Hearing this as a debate album is astonishing, as she/they already have a sophisticated, established sound which I have learned to be instrumental in shaping the jazz/pop that defined a good chunk of the 80s. A great album, but the songs begin to sound repetitive about halfway through, with Smooth Operator being the clear standout.
King Crimson
3/5
This album was an interesting trip between "wow this sounds pretty good" to "what am I listening to?". Sometimes this would happen between songs, sometimes in would happen over the course of a singular song. However, that's the spirit of prog rock I suppose, with this album being instrumental to the rise of prog rock, and to my shock, an influence on even Kanye West.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Hard to say it held my attention all the way through, but it's success lies in its melancholy, poetic songwriting, something I may have glossed over. It would also seem that the album hits harder had you already been familiar with the bands previous sound, seeing as this piano-based album was a departure from prior albums. Nevertheless, this was my first introduction to the band and they are now on my radar.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Listenable all the way through, and demonstrates Aretha's vocal prowess, something that I imagine was a big breakthrough in soul/gospel/r&b or whatever you want to call this genre mashup at the time. Might rate it higher if there was more variety in lyrical theme and more original songs.
Prince
5/5
The tracklist, the guitar, the movie, the legend that is Prince. An incredible album that starts so energetically with Let's Go Crazy and finishes so powerfully with Purple Rain. This album certainly not only defined Prince's legacy but clearly helped shaped the 80s and the music industry altogether. Even in songs that don't matchup up to the album's biggest hits, catchy choruses and fierce guitar play makes every song a joy.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Always a joy discovering someone new from the 60s/70s, and one who had me thinking of both Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman. A couple of decent songs, but otherwise the album came across as forgettable.
Dire Straits
4/5
Man, seeing the reviews, it seems people either LOVED or HATED the album. Hate seems pretty undue, as it is a spectacular album. Although the vocals are essentially just a pop-ish Bob Dylan impression, which isn't everyone's cup of tea, throughout the album the guitar work CRUSHES it. Money for Nothing, lyrically, is terrible, and yet the iconic guitar and drums makes it a smash hit. Then you have songs like Brothers in Arms, where it lyrically shines, musically conquers, and Knopfler's somber, raspy, singing actually ties it altogether. Then of course you just have to give credit where credit is due when it comes to cultural importance, with the rise of CDs, MTV, and Dire Straits's impact on the game. Bravo.
Ray Charles
3/5
I want to give it higher, out of respect for the musician/singer that Ray Charles is and his impact on Soul music. However, its not really an album worth running it back for a second listen (which of course I still did). The big band performances are impressive, as well as the piano ballads, and as a sing, Ray is one of a kind. Collectively, I give Ray his flowers, but I only truly walked away with "Just for a Thrill".
Sigur Rós
3/5
Yesterday may have been one of the only days I could resonate with the album, as I lay in the darkness, too sick and too sensitive to light to do anything besides that, and insert some headphones and listen to the album. The melancholic tracks stream over me, sometimes evoking senses of early Pink Floyd, and even a softer, Piano-heavy Coldplay...Icelandic versions of course. The songs are peaceful and intriguing, but is it an album you have to hear before you die? That's debatable. However, if I take it for what it is, an Icelandic post-rock album, perhaps it is a groundbreaking album. For that, I give it 3 stars
Saint Etienne
2/5
Oh, to live in early 90s England, where this type of music is all the rave in the Dance clubs...so glad I I didn't. I get what this band is trying to do, and in some ways they're like an early version of Chainsmokers, but it's just a lot of samples, covers, experiments, and slow jams. I'll have to check out some of their newest stuff to see how they've evolved, but even their hit song from the album doesn't do much for me.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
I maintain that this is not real music, and moreover, this is not a real album. It's just a collection of similar sounding songs that are not meant to be listened to front to back. I don't know if it's meant to be "listened to" at all, but rather heard. Instead it's a 70 min headache of listening to loops and samples that just feel like they're background music to some movie montage or a game of Lazer Tag. Don't even see the dance appeal in these songs either. Will have to give it another try while on acid I suppose. At least Saint Etienne had vocals.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Huge Indie Rock fan, and also love Arcade Fire, so I was stoked to see this after 3 straight "sonic experiment" albums. However, I wasn't awestruck by this album. I much prefer the "Everything Now" sound out of them, and on this one nothing truly stood out to me even after listening a couple times. I hate to give it the same rating as the mellow post-rock album I just listened to, but perhaps I need to give it a third, more intensive listen?
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I hate to give this a 4, because it's not as a good as Brothers in Arms (one of my other 4s) but it was more enjoyable than some of my most recent 3s. I've never heard of Siouxsie before, but I actually was digging this album, and from what I've read, was instrumental in ushering in post-punk. Sometimes they had groovy rhythms, with a ton of bass and drums, other times it felt like Siouxsie was just screaming like a member of the Runaways...of course, it is "The Scream" after all. I wound up listening to their songs "Cities and Dust" from their 1986 album Tinderbox, and actually enjoyed that sound of there's a lot more. So credit to this as their debut album, I'm curious to hear more of their discography from the 80s. A fun pick-up for me though.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
This is the alternative 80s/90s rock that I love! Guitar was absolutely shredding throughout, sometimes to a fault, overshadowing the vocals. But not to point where any song wasn't fun to listen to. Was not familiar with Dinosaur Jr. before, although I have come to realize "Feel the Pain" was on Rock Band 2! Funny this album is not a favorite of theirs, I'm curious to see how their sound changes.
Leftfield
2/5
While I felt this was more thorough and comprehensive listening experience than Fatboy Slime's "Better Living...", and seemed closer to EDM as I know it today (despite its '95 timestamp), I still maintain that these are not albums that must be listened to before you die. Do these songs come on in the club and people go "OMG I love Leftfield!" or "OMG I love this album!". I have a hard time believing it, but then again I'm just an EDM hater. Yet I've already gotten 3 EDM albums on this list and it's my goal to take with me at least one song from every album, so perhaps I will be a changed man by the end of it.
David Bowie
5/5
4.5 rounded up, because it deserves more credit than my last couple 4 stars, which were low+key 3.5s rounded up. That being said, this album still kicks ass. Changes, Pretty Things, and Life on Mars, all within the first 4 songs?!? David Bowie began to define his legacy on this album, as early as 1971, and he never looked back. Strange giving this 5 stars bc obviously he would go on to SMASH it out of the park, but my man David Bowie would take over the music industry with albums as unassuming as this. Before you know it he has cornered the game singing about space and extraterrestrial life forms and experiences. Bring it back to Earth, however, his humble piano ballads make this album very digestable before he goes on to be larger than life.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Wonderful album, with a range of different styles and stories that felt like there was a ton of heart behind each song. Felt like the second half starts to fall off a bit, with my personal favorites ringing in early on with La Cienega and Rescue Blues. That doesn't take away from the fact that it's an enjoyable listen all the way through and a worthy addition to this list. I like Ryan Adams so I'm glad to have been opened up to more of his discography.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
A great album, some would even consider monumental for the genre of hip-hop. Several catchy, fun to listen to songs. It's amazing reading about how the collab between Aerosmith and DMC would elevate hip-hop to a much larger audience. It's a shame, however, what the genre would eventually become today as artists don't make music like this anymore (although the same can be said with most classic rock bands). I was close to giving it a 5, given it's enjoyability and landmark influence, but upon its conclusion I didn't find myself dieing to run it back again or replay any song in particular.
Van Halen
5/5
Wow, this was a DEBUT album!?! Van Halen could have been one-and-done with this album and they still would have cemented themselves as one of the greatest rock acts, with one of the most talented guitarists. But we're fortunate enough that they weren't. It's a no-skip album, where Eddie holds nothing back, track after track. What's most surprising to me, is that "I'm the One" is hardly talked about, but it has since become one of my favorites on the album. When they recorded themselves doing a little do-wop skat, followed by an electrifying guitar solo, they had to have looked at each other and went "Yeah, we're about to be the baddest thing in Rock."
Janis Joplin
5/5
Probably a 4.5 rounded up. A superb album and, at risk of overstating the obvious, a tragedy we lost her so soon. I had not realized she died BEFORE she even released her second album. What's more, it puzzles me to acknowledge she was only 27 when she did not look or sound it (I guess heroin will do that to person). Janis Joplin, and her album pearl, seem to be right at the intersection of soul, blues, and rock. And I had not realized how much her backing band actually kinda shreds (most notably on My Baby). Gosh, to hear this record for the first time, knowing Janis had left this world had to have been chilling. RIP.
Gillian Welch
2/5
I'm sorry, but I have to give this a low rating. It just didn't do anything for me, and even for a time when I cleared my mind to be open to soft, slow, singer/songwriter Americana vibes. But the album low-key sucked. It was slow and forgetful and kinda doesn't deserve to be on this list in my humble opinion. Maybe one or two songs were chill and listenable, but as a whole album I hate to say that it sucks.
Miles Davis
3/5
Nice, easy listening to this jazz album. Not typically cup of tea, and it's mostly just background music, but it was nevertheless a more pleasant experience than some of the electronica albums on here. Ought to give this album another more concentrated listen one day.
B.B. King
3/5
The Undertones
4/5
Never heard of this band before, but they had a fun, distinct sound that was a mix of garage band and pop band that made the album an enjoyable listening experience.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I love Joni Mitchell's soft but sweet voice and introspective lyrics that have a way about making you feel something. The album itself, however, falls short of powerful, particularly in the face of high expectations that were placed on it going on. Don't know how to explain it, but the songs collectively enjoyable to listen to, but no necessarily individually memorable. A great album, just not a 5
Bob Dylan
5/5
Bob Dylan hit a home run on this album. Elite singer-songwriter folk music. I can get why he's not everyone's cup of tea, seeing how nasally he can sound, perhaps particularly on this album, but if you don't care for Bob Dylan then you probably don't care for true folk music anyways.
Joan Baez
5/5
This is maybe a 4.5 rounded up, but it was an excellent album full of wonderful folk songs front to back. I thoroughly enjoyed it more than Joni Mitchell's "Blue" which I gave a 4/5, so here we are.
The Cars
4/5
I like the Cars, and several hits on this album that certainly make it noteworthy enough for a 4/5. However, the Cars do get old kinda quick. Couldn't real stand to listen to another playthrough. The album could've benefited from another song that's closer to "Drive" to change it up a bit.
Napalm Death
1/5
It finally happened, I found something worth 1 Star. Thank GOD this was only 33 minutes, and yet somehow it felt like it lasted forever. I will not entertain the concept of "music is a form of expressive art" to justify this album's existence. This genre only exists because drugs and child abuse do, and it's fanbase needs to seek therapy. I thought this would at least be listenable at the gym, instead I contemplated letting the barbell crush me to death so I wouldn't have to finish the album. There were times where the drums/guitar could've been redeemed with some coherent vocals, but instead we got a dog in a man's body who ruined every track with their inaudible barking. I would've rather listened to a clip of my parents fucking.
At no point in your incoherent rambling were you even close to anything that could be considered a decent album. Everyone in this generator is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you 1 Star and may God have mercy on your soul.
Fiona Apple
3/5
It was a solid listen, just didn't really stand out all that much, even after two playthroughs. Maybe a 3.5 rounded down. Certainly was a massive upgrade from listening to Napalm Death.
Spiritualized
3/5
There are some fun songs/sounds here, but ultimately I don't know what purpose Space Rock serves.
Spacemen 3
2/5
They sound like talented musicians... it's a shame they are wasting those talents on producing whatever this is. This album does not warrant 2 Discs spanning almost 2 hours, that's for sure.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Rolling Stones being Rolling Stones. Although this one is obviously special, because there's so much soul going on in this album, with a certain Blues twang they didn't often replicate. Lots of variety going on here too, with speaker blasting tunes like Rocks Off and more emotion driven tracks like Shine a Light. One of my all time favorite songs that I used to be obsessed with in HS, Tumbling Dice, just never gets old.
John Martyn
5/5
Surprisingly amazing. Seamless listened through 2.5 times, and continuously added most of the album to my personal library. Wasn't sure what to expect, but the album was full of great folk songs each with their own kick.
Jacques Brel
4/5
Surprisingly really nice to listen to. Very emotional, powerful performances that resonate across language barriers. Perhaps it would be 5 stars if I spoke French and understood the lyrics.
Tears For Fears
5/5
Possibly a 4, but my love for Everybody Wants to Rule the World pushes it over. An underappreciated aspect of the album is the smooth transitions between the songs. Didn't know TFF rocked like that. I knew the big 3 of Rule the World, Shout, and Head over Heals, but Working Hour is very underrated. People who hate cliche 80s will tune out, but TFF and this album are great in my humble opinion.
Al Green
3/5
Outside of Let's Stay Together and Mend a Broken Heart, the album was a bit flat, I'm afraid to stay. Maybe it hits harder if you're easy on Soul, but for me it either needs to be emotionally strong, like the two aforementioned tracks, or a bit more vocally and lyrically powerful.
Ice Cube
3/5
Considered giving it a 4, because I did find myself jamming out to several songs that had some funky beats, but then the album just dragged on with a lot of the same. I'm not a huge rap/hip-hop guy, so consuming a whole album is probably going to lose my interest along the way anyways, especially if it's 56 minutes long.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
Man, I just couldn't really find anything redeemable about this album to warrant a 2. I barely finished it, but fervently wanted it to end the entire time. No situation really calls for this type of music, unless you're like some magical swamp creature.
Elton John
4/5
Elton's voice, lyrics, and piano playing is truly something to marvel at.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
I am compelled to give this a 4, mainly because it's better than Boatman's Call, which I gave a 3. There were several good tracks, and a lot more soul and energy in this album comparatively, however, shit doesn't need to be so long. It's hard to intimately connect with the songs in my opinion if there are just so many. But also of note, Nick Cave being my first repeat artists on this list, when I had not even heard of him previously, was quite surprising.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
I mean, not the worst thing ever I guess, but like...I don't want to listen to it again is all.
Def Leppard
4/5
Kind've a forgettable 80s hair metal album. Don't get me wrong, great band and great songs, good enough for 4 stars in my opinion. Just not quite on par with 5 stars given that it didn't leave a lasting impression.
Nas
4/5
A better album, I felt, than the ones I've gotten so far on this list. Namely from song catchy beats and strong lyrics, bust importantly it didn't overstay its welcome.
Lambchop
3/5
Not a terrible listen...just pretty boring.
Tricky
3/5
Ehh, a 2.5 rounded up. Not the album experience I'm typically interested, but they were original, experimental, and, at times, funky and vibey. Not really worth a re-listen though.
Willie Nelson
3/5
At times, boring, at other times, a sensible country-folk album with some heart.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Wasn't feeling generous today I'm afraid. Just didn't do it for me. Not totally unlistenable, just a bit boring.
Supergrass
4/5
A rare album to get 3 listens out of me. Once as my obligatory listen, twice so I could listen a bit more intently, and thrice because I realized during the second listen it actually slaps. At first I thought this was gonna be some Kinks/Ramones kock-offs, but then they began to sound like a 90s version of Twin Peaks, one of my favorite bands of today. The album was quirky, fast, loud, melodic, diverse, and all round pretty fun despite having never heard of them before.
Common
3/5
Just didn't quite hold my attention, namely bc the genre isn't for me, but there were some interesting beats and lyrics for sure. I did like 6th Sense.
Steely Dan
4/5
It's a shame this album had to compete with the release of Sam Fender's new album People Watching (5/5), otherwise I may have given this album some more attention. It was still an enjoyable playthrough that surprised me a bit, as someone who likes Steely Dan, but historically only a few songs.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
I can not overstate the magnificence of this album. This duo reinvented folk music, where songs like the title track, Cecilia, the Boxer, and others explore the realms of other genres, and it's beautifully reflected with a cover of "Bye Bye Love" that shows the sharp contrast of another (still respectable) duo's hit with simple lyrics and melodies, to the grand exploration of music that is S&G. Although Bob Dylan turned folk into a poetic craftsmanship, Paul Simon's songwriting matches, and sometimes exceeds, but with a more phenomenal exploration of sound that becomes more accomplished in his solo career. I actually got emotional listening to this album, as it took me back to a nostalgic era of high school where I learned old school music was more than just hard rock and hair metal, and groups like S&G were just as definitive for their eras and the history of music. Moreover, the songs, namely Bridge Over Troubled Water and The Boxer, the latter being one of my favorite songs of all time, are so emotional and powerful, it's hard not to be overcome. And then hearing a whole crowd of people cheerfully clap along to a song with lyrics that say "Bye Bye Happiness", I feel puts a bow on top of this album that makes the listener acknowledge that "Yep. These guys are legends."
OutKast
3/5
Came close to giving this a 2, but then after giving it a second listen with headphones instead of speakers, I connected a lot more to the music. It's just a bit too long for my liking, but there are a several songs that are a vibe. And other songs that I could still appreciate for OutKast's experimental approach to the genre.
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
I'll call this a 4.5 rounded up. It's a bit long and I imagine several songs come across as repetitive, seeing as, dynamic as they are, ELO has a bit of a signature, consistent sound. However, the album is still jam packed with hits.
De La Soul
3/5
This album is apparently critically and commercially successful, but I'm not sure exactly why. I think it's kind've fun, but it comes across as a bunch of quirky college kids making an experimental hip-hop album. Upon doing some research, I see that it's sampling techniques were very innovative for the genre, which is now a commonplace practice in rap/hip-hop. The whimsical nature backs off of the commonly aggressive approach by other artists, paving the way for alternative hip-hop. I can appreciate these sentiments, and for that I'll bump my rating up a star. But as a listener in 2025, it's not something I'll likely play again.
Steve Earle
4/5
Maybe like a 3.75 rounded up. It's easy to listen to, blues-rock. No song comes on as overbearing, and the album isn't that long, but it's just a Copperhead Road or two short of having enough hits to be a memorable album.
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
Yeah, just didn't do it for me. The album couldn't settle on a sound, and the songs that are meant to stand out just come off as experimental noise.
The Police
4/5
The Police being The Police
The Who
3/5
I'm sure there is some musical genius going on here that I can't understand...but I can't understand it. I love Pinball Wizard, but the whole Opera Rock Tommy story going on here is hard to follow and at times not that fun to listen along to. Would give it a 2 were it not for the enjoyable aspects of Keith, Pete, and Roger that demonstrate their musical showmanship. Perhaps the live performance is better, perhaps you need to actually be locked in and paying attention to the lyrics, but overall not an album I'd request to be spun.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
Honestly, a 1 wouldn't be an inappropriate rating either. It's just ambient music, which I think should exist, for times when you're floating through the cosmos (although personally I would still prefer Bowie or something). However, it shouldn't exist within a list of "must listen albums". However, I'm refraining from the 1 bc that is a rating reserved for the albums that are literally suffering to finish. This one finished and restarted without me realizing any songs had actually switched.
Duran Duran
4/5
Admittedly, closer to 3.5 but Hungry Like the Wolf pushes it over. The album is super 80s, perhaps even more so than Tears for Fears, and most of the songs can feel like they're just different verses of the same song. A lot of it can feel predictable and repetitive. However, Duran Duran is still legendary and Hungry Like the Wolf is so good.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Honestly, a really great live album. Sam Cooke is such a great singer/performer and you can just tell from listening to these recordings that his show would be such a blast.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
How many times can I get a truly awful album on a list of "must hear" albums? This is just atmospheric sounds, noises of people and children, and other ambient and electronic noises, which, in my mind, serve no purpose. You can't dance to it, you can't sing to it, can't play along to it, you can't workout to it, you can't relax to it...all you can do is "feel" something about it, and I felt irritated. It amazes me these artists think of these, record em, put it in an album, and then expect people to buy said album.
Lucinda Williams
2/5
Garbage alternate country. Couldn't imagine a scenario where I'd want to listen to this. Not backpacking, not riding a horse, not driving down a dirt road in a pickup truck, and certainly not doing anything else where I wouldn't want my day ruined. Only thing keeping it from a 1 Star is how truly awful some other albums are.
Patti Smith
3/5
I'm glad Patti Smith didn't give up and went on to record "Because the Night". Sorry, the album was okay, and I expected much more from a big name like Patti Smith, but it seemed she hadn't quite figured it out in '75 yet. It was a bit more tolerable after a second listen, yet I only somewhat enjoyed "Break It Up".
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
A decent album for jazz music I suppose
Pink Floyd
5/5
5/5 no notes
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
I think this is 5 Star territory. Or 4.5 rounded up. An incredible debut album, cementing themselves as rock legends. The Southern Rock genre would grow stale on me later in life, but having hits like Tuesday's Gone and Simple Man I think help diversify themselves as more than just hillbillies with guitars, they can also create emotional, timeless ballads. Bonus points for Free Bird.
Mj Cole
2/5
This was a 1 Star up until Crazy Love came on...makes you wonder why didn't they just make an album of similar tracks rather than record Crazy Love and then litter s bunch of nonsense EDM music around it.
MC Solaar
2/5
Difficult to get through
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Very close to 5 territory, just some of the non-hits of the album, and the long run time dragged it down a star. Still a superb album.
David Bowie
3/5
I love DB, without reservation, and this album is his final swan song right before he died, so it'd particularly sentimental. However, it's still a departure of that which I love about David Bowie, the typical glam rock he mastered early on. Of course, he's done it enough to branch out into this genre of art rock/Alt rock. But that isn't enough for me to push it past 3 stars.
The Undertones
4/5
Gotta give this a 4 to remain consistent with the previous Undertones album, Hypnotized. Truthfully, both albums may be closer to 3.5s. I like the Undertones's sound, but I don't think I can tolerate too much of them. Fortunately it was only 35 minutes long. However, I will need to give it a second, fair listen through as this was a Sunday hungover rush listen.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Solid album of Blues Rock covers
The White Stripes
4/5
A 4, bordering on 4.5. Maybe a 7 Nation Army away from being a 5. A number of fun, 2000s Alt rock hits, including some I wasn't really familiar with, but definitely the kind of album you want to see from this list.
Rush
5/5
5 stars seems too high, but this was actually phenomenal to listen to from start to finish. Each track kinda slaps, even though I don't know any of these songs as being Rush hits. Even the first track, which is half of the album, was pretty good. They're noticably good at what they do.
Nico
3/5
Was not a TERRIBLE to listen to, but certainly drags on. Outside of it having a certain 1960s Joni Mitchell-like, folk charm, I've quickly come to have a low opinion of Nico. She's in Andy Warhol's film which leads him to insist that she sing on The Velvet Underground's record, and then she releases a solo album full of songs she didn't write or compose, AND hardly actually sings on. She's mostly just talking. I'm not seeing the talent.
Deep Purple
3/5
I'd give this some credit as at least a 3.5 rounded down. It's good, old fashioned rock music. It's just, unfortunately, also headache music, and frankly not Deep Purple at their best.
MGMT
4/5
Pulp
4/5
Sounded like David Bowie meets the Cure.
The Avalanches
3/5
Better than the other electronic albums I've received so far on this list. Not by a whole lot though, as the genre still sucks.
The Clash
3/5
Love the Clash, but this album was pretty ho-hum Punk Rock.
Pavement
2/5
If "Boring Rock" was a genre, these guys would be pioneers.
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
You're probably wondering why I gave this album a 4, and so am I
Nina Simone
5/5
This isn't an album full of Billboard Chart Topping hits, but it is an album full of powerful, passionate songs that showcase Nina Simone as an incredible, generational singer
The Doors
5/5
Was between a 4 and 5, but options for the 5 for the culture. Jim Morrison is just such a great singer.
Barry Adamson
3/5
I have zero clue what genre this is, or what the point of the album is, but it I give it credit for being incredibly unique with some impressive instrumentals.
4/5
Started out as a 3, but as the album went on I was like "Huh, these songs kinda slap." and continuously added more and more songs to my library from a band I had not even heard of previously. Underrated band for sure.
Steely Dan
4/5
Very good Steely Dan
Venom
3/5
Did not hate it the way I was expecting to
Louis Prima
4/5
A pretty fun and impressive Jazz album that exemplifies the best of the 50s and the talent of Louis Prima.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
The greatest rock band to ever grace the face of the Earth, absolutely crushing it with just their 2nd Studio Album. The talent of Page, Plant, Bonham, and Jones is on full display throughout this album. A masterful blend of rock and blues.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Fleetwood Mac is like sex for the ears.
Beastie Boys
3/5
A combination of "not my cup of tea" and "I'd love to get rowdy to this". Perhaps the album format doesn't suit the Beastie Boys, as the occasional headbanger and teenage angst anthem seems great when not overdone for an hour plus.
The Fall
3/5
At times, boring, at other times weird and boring, and at other times, somewhat interesting. The monotone speech patterns of lead singer Mark E. Smith fails to turn the song into hits. He has his style and sticks to it, effective for what he's trying to do and who he's trying to reach, but it's not really reaching me.
OutKast
3/5
Kept checking to see how much of the album(s) I had left to go...not because it wasn't any good, but because why do I need to listen to this for 2 hours??? If you just combined the best songs from the two, you'd probably have a 4 Star Album on your hands, but this dragged on too long.
Syd Barrett
2/5
The best thing that ever happened to Pink Floyd was Syd Barrett's departure.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Surprisingly good 80s music you never knew existed
The Byrds
3/5
It's definitely The Byrds, just not definitely that good. But it still feels important somehow.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Aretha is a certified bad bitch
Django Django
2/5
This album just really didn't hit. Mostly boring, with hints of listen-ability, back to boring. Couldn't latch on to any one song in particular.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Might need a few more listens to appreciate it, but I'd have to remind myself "This is The Velvet Underground, it's supposed to be legendary". There is something charming about Pale Blue Eyes, Candy Says, and some others on the album, but kind've only because I know it's The Velvet Underground.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Down By the River was good, but that's about it I'm afraid
Morrissey
4/5
Much better after a second listen. I find that there's this fascination to The Smiths/Morrissey that gives their music a cultish vibe to it, which you need to separate yourself from to objectively listen to an album like this (and knowing this is the first of many in this list), but that 80s Post-Punk/New Wave music is rather charming (pun not intended), especially when done with careful effort as Morrissey does. I know he's trying to do Rockabilly/Glam Rock here, but his voice is forever intertwined with that New Wave sound.
Kelela
4/5
Was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Glad an album like this is on the list.
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
An interesting, sonic journey to say the least. It's a shame hip-hop/rap isn't this fun and zany anymore, it's all about being hard. Still though, not my genre.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Was going to give this a 4, to be conservative in light of giving Bridge Over Troubled Water a 5 (Because surely they can't both be 5s), but then banger after banger had me switch up and go back to 5. It's a great album, not as iconic as BOTW, but pretty spectacular in its own right.
Paul McCartney
4/5
This is a historically significant album that deserves to be on this list for a number of reasons. For one, it's the debut album for the Hall of Fame solo career of the legendary Paul McCartney. Second, it's the first post-Beatles breakup album to come out which is historically significant for marking a change in the music landscape and a transition into the 70s, as well as all the controversy and divisive feelings surrounding the breakup. Thirdly, it's a pretty good album. Obviously a little unpolished perhaps, but seeing that's a landmark album for DIY and lo-fi, it stands to be a noteworthy album for the list even without the name McCartney attached to it. Songs like Maybe I'm Amazed testify to the albums lasting impact.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Who are Pet Shop Boys fans? Like, I'm happy to hear West End Girls or It's or Sin, or some of their other hits as they come on in an 80s playlist, but listening to their music at nauseum seems like self-torture. It's way overdone, cliche, 80s British synthe pop, and the singer really isn't that good if I'm being honest. I think they spearheaded this genre, so I can respect the Pet Shop Boys and their albums. But I prefer them one song at a time.
U2
3/5
U2 just isn't a spectacular band, and when I hear them come on it's usually met with a feeling of "Ugh, not these guys." Not a terrible album, I just find those guys to be overrated.
Neil Young
4/5
A heartfelt, honest album that is exemplary folk music. Neil Young perhaps at his best, despite some albums kinda just like an old man groaning. But Heart of Gold is phenomenal.
2/5
Sometimes I feel like I'm too generous with giving out 3s to albums, because I come across underwhelming albums and usually give it a 3 if I'm not a fan, but then I hear albums like Wild Gift and realize that I do know the difference between a 2 and a 3.
The Fall
2/5
This album lacks what at least "The Infotainment Scan" has, which was some decent instrumental work. Both, however, are plagued by boring vocals.
Deep Purple
4/5
Deep Purple at its best, and 70s rock at its peak. I personally can't stomach too much Deep Purple, because they are a little bit too on the nose for 70s rock, however, I can really appreciate a hard rock album like this one.
Michael Jackson
5/5
I think this is in the territory of 4/4.5, but I'm pushing it over the top as I think it's merely being overshadowed by Thriller. It's a bit cliche 80s pop, but it's arguably only cliche bc MJ mastered the sound. The album, too, is full of bangers either way.
1/5
Easy 1 Star, next.
Solomon Burke
4/5
Really good for Sam Cooke impersonator
Björk
3/5
Points for creativity, there's obviously a uniqueness to the music going on here. It's just not all that appealing to me commercialy.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Overrated, overproduced girl pop. But it's very accessible, and at times, catchy and nostalgic. So I won't give it a 2.
Arrested Development
5/5
This is one of the best hip-hop albums I've ever heard. Where other hip-hop albums fail by lack of musical diversity, this album has so many different stories and vibes to it. And upon further listening, I find the songs more and more enjoyable to listen to. It's probably a 4, but almost all of my 5 albums are rock, so I could use a token Hip-Hop album in their.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Extremely short, which is a knock against most albums. Feel like you're not getting your money's worth if it's not at least 30min. Otherwise, wouldn't it just be an EP? However, the tracks are pretty good, underrated, hard rock Black Sabbath songs, especially Wicked World.
Frank Ocean
4/5
Never cared much for Frank Ocean, aware of the fact he's had a lot of hype around his name, especially during the 2010s. I was initially dismissive of the album, but a few of the tracks stood out as R&B hits, especially "Lost". I've actually got that one one replay right now. His voice reminds me a lot of Prince, were Prince to have switched genres.
R.E.M.
4/5
Classic R.E.M., not much more I can say about it.
Beatles
4/5
Album is listenable the whole way through, and doesn't totally pigeon-hole itself into purely 60s British Psychedelic rock. There's enough diversity, particularly with the Beatles' exceptional rotation of singers. However, I refrain from giving it a 5, as it doesn't aim to break away from the norm in the way that later Beatles albums would. And while the same can be said about the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme album which I gave a 5 for S&G, that album was full of lyrical masterpieces, whereas this album is still very much short, radio pop hits. Great album though.
Magazine
4/5
Was pleasantly surprised by this album, from a band I've never heard of, adding several songs to my library. Vocally and lyrically, it goes with the status quo of post-punk, but instrumentally it was very unique and appealing. Close to a 5 Star album, but there are enough ho-hum songs that kept it at 4.
Mercury Rev
3/5
A vocalist away from a 4 Star, shame.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Both an interesting album with a lot of enjoyable arrangements. Yet, also a somewhat forgettable album, even after two listen throughs. However, the enjoyable parts are enough for me to push it from a 3 to a 4.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Love some good melancholy, but unfortunately, that's all this album had to offer. And it wasn't emotionally capturing enough to feel like iconic melancholy, the type you'd want to listen to the entire album for or yearn for. Decent chill music I guess though.
4/5
An interesting listen. Great, unpretentious underground music that would slap in an intimate concert setting, but not quite captivating enough that you would recommend to your friends and play when you're up on Aux. Felt like a British Pat Benatar
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
A fun, sonic journey full of surprises such as: A 14 minute track that's a banger throughout, finding out who sings the song "Relax" and that it's been banned by BBC in the 80s, a surprisingly good cover of Born to Run, and more.
The Who
4/5
The album is a tad dated, and a tad cliche when it comes to 60s British Invasion. However, it's enlightening to see how The Who were able to distinguish themselves off the bat, especially to a softer band (up to that point) like the Beatles by pushing the boundaries on each instrument, especially the Drums. Keith Moon's unconventional drumming for a 4 piece band in the 60s seems like a turning point for hard rock and punk rock. In a way, The Who may be the first punk rock band, especially given the Youth Rebellion Anthem that "My Generation" becomes. For historical purposes, it's a 5 Star album. Musically, maybe 3.5 So a solid 4.
David Bowie
5/5
I'm a fair weathered Bowie fan for never listening to this album front to back. Musically, this is a 4 Star album. Solid songs, but no career defining hits. Culturally, however, this is a very very important album, if not just for the iconic album cover/lightning bolt. Plus I'm a Bowie simp. 5 stars.
Johnny Cash
3/5
5 Stars if I'm a prisoner at San Quentin and get to attend this concert. 3 Stars if I'm just a listener at home.
Can
2/5
1 Star was very much in consideration, but there at least seems to be some talent going on here.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
I honest forget what I listened to in this album. I just remember it didn't move me, which was disappointing since I've heard the name "The Flaming Lips" thrown around here and there prior to listening to this.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
This was both enjoyable to listen to, yet also uninteresting and non-memorable. Each song was like a muffled Smashing Pumpkins song.
Metallica
3/5
Just noise and aggression for the most part.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
I bet hip-hop fans eat this up. Personally, I don't. Not bad though for the genre.
Mylo
2/5
Some entertaining sounds for sure, particularly towards the end, but ultimately not good music.
Peter Frampton
5/5
I've given worse albums 5 Stars, so this one is for the culture, and respect to a Live Album that's actually great and preferable to studio songs.
Crowded House
4/5
I'm behind on albums, I just know this was a 4.
R.E.M.
4/5
Definitely a 4
4/5
Super underrated album (In the sense that I literally never heard of this band before), as the songs were pure, groovy, 80s bops. Hooked right away with the first song and maintained interest throughout.
David Crosby
5/5
This was surprisingly super good. Bluesy, soul, rock, folk, and tons of personality and lyrical talent. Will need to give it a re-listen for sure.
Van Morrison
5/5
Van Morrison absolutely crushes this album. Definitely a no skip album, but nearly an all hits album. Songs are melodic, fun, enchanting, catchy, and varied.
Cheap Trick
3/5
Love Cheap Trick, and have seen em a few times live now, though obviously not as good as this album is live. However, its a better concert than it is an album. Though "I Want You..." will infinitely be better Live than the studio.
Kate Bush
3/5
Not horrible, just worse than expected, but enough to remain above a 2 I suppose, but still an insult to other albums that I ranked 3.
Eminem
3/5
Quirky rap that Eminem is know for, at times fun, at times uninteresting.
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
Really didn't do much for me, but probably deserves a more attentive listen.
1/5
Sometimes you should be asking "Why?" and not just, "Why Not?".
Elliott Smith
4/5
After the last Elliott Smith album, I thought this would be some more dry melancholy music, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that it's a bit more damp, melancholy music
Metallica
4/5
Infinitely better than the last Metallica album, and a full album of what might be described as "head bangers". This fit my gym workout very nicely, and imagine it's hailed as a staple metal album. Not quite my genre, and the album lacks enough diversity to be truly iconic (maybe shy one Enter Sandman), but still a quality Metal album.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Third Nick Cave Album. Who would've thought a guy who I never previously heard of would be so well represented in a list of the most essential albums. And given how much I liked his newest album, I'm guessing there's a spot saved for it on the next list. That being said, super interesting guy/songs/music, but this album didn't quite capture me fully.
Miriam Makeba
3/5
This was really interesting, I don't know if it was in 4 Star territory, because I wasn't compelled to save multiple songs, nor do I feel the need to listen again, but it was refreshing and unique.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Average 60s folk, but pleasantly surprised to hear Angie at the end, which I had only ever attributed to S&G before now, but sure enough, isn't a Bett Jansch original either.
Kanye West
3/5
For a hip-hop/rap album, it's actually pretty good. However, it's least enjoyable listening to it knowing Kanye goes on to be a Nazi.
Beth Orton
4/5
This was full of great songs. Yet another example of a complete unknown (to me) artist that surprises me with an album full of great songs. Dang near 5 Star territory.
Milton Nascimento
4/5
For an album of Portuguese songs I couldn't understand, I added a surprising amount of songs to my library. Some of the melodies and instrumentals were catchy and vibey, I imagine this would have hit even harder of o could understand the lyrics.
Bill Evans Trio
1/5
Honestly...hot garbage. Not even enjoyable background music, as there are constantly two or more instruments clashing. And yet there's 68 minutes of this. Was gonna be generous and leave a 2, out of respect for it being somewhat listenable, but one of the few albums I genuinely just had to call it quits on. If you heard one song on this album, you've heard em all.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Michael Jackson hits that I did not previously know were hits, including hits that I did know were hits.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Phenomenal southern, blues rock instrumentals up and down.
Brian Wilson
3/5
Largely forgettable, but then again, I was listening on the airplane where I was drifting in and out of sleep. But obviously the album wasn't doing much to keep me awake. Truthfully, I don't remember much about the album so I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt with a 3.
Paul Simon
4/5
Paul Simon is the goat. Some songs that are a bit of a bore, keeping from a 5 Star rating. But several classics here as well.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
A very unnecessary album if we're being honest. Don't need to listen to 10 songs of straight African acapella. But it feels racist to give it a 1, so here we are. Cool that this is produced by Paul Simon though.
John Grant
4/5
Damn near a 5, especially as I listened for a second time and started to connect more with some of the nuances of this album, such as unique lyrics, but vocally and melodically it also was surprising as I added several songs to my library. Songs that were added were still listenable.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Early, Mid Stones Album, but with a few classics.
Radiohead
5/5
Wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did, but I added nearly every song to my library. Excellent musicianship, emotional vocals, without any one song trying to be a pretentious, radio hit.
CHIC
2/5
This is basically just disco filler music. I can get downtown Good Times, but after reaching minute 6 and hearing "These are the good times" for the 20th time, I realized I wasn't listening to real music.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Slightly groovy, but also a tad forgettable.
Otis Redding
4/5
Not an album I'm eager to download each song to my library, only because it's mostly a cover album, but Otis just always slaps. A voice from Heaven. He does justice to a lot of these covers, and produces the original Respect.
Elvis Costello
3/5
This was tolerable, yet a bit scattered. Had no clue what each song was about or was trying to tell me.
Ice Cube
4/5
Ice Cube proves himself as a wordsmith and a story teller, on top of a talented rapper. Overall, and impressive and engaging rap album. However, my main critique is the same as the previous Ice Cube album, which is that it drags on.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Not unbearable, and it's only 36 minutes. Otherwise, this does not offer a lot of value in my life.
Turbonegro
5/5
One of the most surprising albums I've heard on this list, as this Norwegian hard rock band blew me away. One of the best hard rock albums I might've ever heard, and to top it off, they have a David Bowie cover in there as well.
Skunk Anansie
4/5
A really cool listen, was indeed a post orgasmic chill.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
All I Wanna Do seems pretty bland to me, and surprising to see it's her most popular song when I don't think it's even her best song on this album. A testament to the need to listen for yourself.
Nirvana
3/5
The Man Who Sold The World is a treat to listen to, and I acknowledge that this performance is a significant part of music history, but without the appeal of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain (and his recent suicide) attached to the album, it's just kind of whiny grunge.
Eagles
4/5
Classic Eagles. Not quite 5 Star territory, but the album is vintage American rock
T. Rex
3/5
A couple good songs, but overall a meh feeling glam rock album.
David Bowie
3/5
When I was in college, I got wine drunk, blacked out, and my only memory was sitting on the couch and crying while Heroes played in the background. David Bowie had only died a few months prior, and the song was enough to move me to tears. The song will forever hold a meaningful place in my life, however, ranking the album anything higher than a 3 would be blatant Bowie bias.
Doves
4/5
I listened to this a few days ago and forgot what it sounded like. Fuck it, 4 Stars.
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
No skip territory, but a lot of the style is repetitive. That being said, the style is great. Arctic Monkeys, in my eyes, are one of the first modern rock bands that was making rock cool again, branching away from the soft emo rock era of Nickelback, Fall Out Boy, etc.
Nick Drake
4/5
Got a soft spot in my heart for music that sounds like this. However, it's a bit short and stylistically repetitive.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Was gonna give this a 3, bc I was expecting only a few good songs amongst this double album. But was surprised to hear a few bangers I wasn't familiar with, and also learned Gangster's Paradise is nearly an exact copy of Past Time Paradise.
Digital Underground
3/5
Honestly, decent hip-hop. But I was ready for it to be over after only a few songs. That's more of a reflection of long form rap/hip-hop and my music tastes than it is of the band, though.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
Perhaps a bit generous on this, but I was pleasantly surprised with this album from a band I've never heard of, with minimal Spotify traction. No huge hits, but a lot of the instrumental work was pretty impressive.
Alice In Chains
4/5
A superb Grunge Rock piece, perhaps a 5 within its Genre, but a bit repetitive in tone. Missing perhaps a Man in the Box or Nutshell to push it over.
The Black Crowes
5/5
This is a weak 5, in the sense that it's listenable all the way through, with mose of the Black Crowes top hits, but the Black Crowes just generally lose their appeal after a few songs.
Gram Parsons
4/5
This was surprisingly very good. Country as it should be.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Decent, but forgettable.
Thin Lizzy
5/5
One of the greatest live albums I've ever heard. Expectations were low, just because I'm typically not a fan of live recordings, but God damn can these guys shred live.
Steve Winwood
3/5
Steve Winwood has such an awesome, distinct voice, and this makes for some easy, casual listening, but it's too easy on this album. Nothing really stands about in the same way that Valerie and Higher Love do.
Bauhaus
2/5
Confusing, unappealing, but at times intriguing.
Rage Against The Machine
3/5
Good for punk mental or whatever genre this is, but was a bit too anxious of an album.
Girls Against Boys
3/5
Some surprisingly good songs in here, but ultimately misses the mark of good, complete music.
Rush
5/5
Songs 1-4 are an absolutely elite lineup. Hearing YYZ makes me realize I'm right to dish out as many 3s as I do, because that's what musical talent really sounds like.
Soft Machine
1/5
Had high hopes for this album, after stumbling upon a reddit post claiming this to be a remarkable album, with multiple people agreeing...only to find it was just a sonic mess. Started out as a 1 Star album, then tracks 2-3 showed some flashes of musical talent, only to wash back down to a 1 in the end. This is the worst side of Prog Rock in my mind. Should call it Regressive Rock.
Talking Heads
3/5
An album of all Talking Heads songs is a bit aggravating, I'm not gonna lie. They have a fun, quirky sound that makes for listening to some of their hits a cool experience, but listening to mostly mediocre tracks, trying to find the one that kinda hits, is a bit of a chore.
Madness
3/5
Our House is a certified banger, but otherwise I'm the album is okay Ska Band.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
I don't remember this album much, seeing as I was mowing the lawn to it, but I do remember that it wasn't memorable.
Pearl Jam
5/5
Fuck it, 5 Stars. Excellent grunge with so much nostalgia factor, some of Pearl Jam's biggest hits, a a wide range songs from hype to somber, ties to Rock Band 2, an iconic album cover (imo), the clip in my head of Jesus skateboarding through the sky with Even Flow playing, and how hard Black hits.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Can only stand so much Pet Shop Boys.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Got this album the day after Ozzie died :( Don't know if that's coincidence or if the algorithm knows what it's doing, but giving a 4 out of my respects.
Love
3/5
Love is a super underrated band, and Alone Again Or is such a beautiful piece, but outside a couple classics, most of the album is average psychedelic rock.
Cocteau Twins
5/5
This feels like music porn, a real treat for the ears. Not every song is a hit, but the album has so much replayability, especially when it starts with Cherry-Colored Funk.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Something calming, and soothing about this, even if I only walked away with one song for my library.
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Was very surprised by this. Expecting some country-rock/pop, with maybe one good song, but the album proved to be very dynamic, with a number of tracks that are worth saving.
Sex Pistols
4/5
Not everyone's cup of tea, but in appreciate for classic, British punk, I feel this holds up well enough.
The Adverts
3/5
Getting back to back 1977 English, punk rock albums was a bit surprising, and a bit tiresome. Some decent songs, but the album kind've dragged
Muddy Waters
4/5
Solid album for a Blues record I'd say, though not a ton of songs I'd hold on to.
Tito Puente
2/5
Sadly didn't find myself dancing a lot to "Dance Mania", partially because I find this genre of music very vexing. Probably need a few more margs to get into it.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Gosh, Elvis Costello is seriously so mid.
American Music Club
3/5
This was good, but in the way that you go to a bar that has live music and you think "Hey, these guys aren't bad."
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Serious Bob Dylan predecessor type vibes...perhaps that's why this is an important album/artist?
Iron Maiden
4/5
For metal album, kinda kicks ass.
Jean-Michel Jarre
1/5
Just noise
The Velvet Underground
3/5
The band, album, and cover art are all iconic...but the album falls flat, and at times is a bit annoying. To like the Velvet Underground is to like easy going, low tempo music, which can be appreciated, but the album grows weary on the listener.
Beatles
4/5
A critically acclaimed album for sure, full of white, but lacks direction, synchronicity, and is a tad long to be considered a perfect album.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
RIP Buddy Holly, but this isn't an album I need to hear again tbh
Bob Dylan
5/5
60 years old and still slaps
Motörhead
4/5
This album went really freaking hard, would've loved to seen them live.
Fats Domino
3/5
Blueberry Hill still has listening appeal, but otherwise the album is a bit dated.
George Harrison
4/5
Way too long of an album, but chalk full of hits that showcase Harrison's brilliancy. Good thing he was freed from the Beatles.
Soundgarden
4/5
Great grunge, but a bit long, and tad repetitive. It's got Spoonman and Black Hole Sun, so obviously a classic, but my own appetite for Soundgarden perhaps keeps it from 5.
Guided By Voices
3/5
Goofy album full of 1-2 min songs. But otherwise is listenable enough.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Let it Bleed is interesting, it opens and closes with two of the most iconic Stones songs in Gimme Shelter and Get What You Want, but in between are a bunch of country/blues-rock tunes. The overall theme and direction of the album is missing, but still an iconic one for sure.
The Pogues
2/5
Won't catch be listening to an album like this unless it's St. Patrick's Day.
New Order
3/5
I love that New-Wave, Post-Punk 80s sound. The New Order just weren't the best at it, comparatively. Not in this album anyways.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I'm a biased Led Zeppelin fan, I have every album downloaded to my phone, and consider them all to be mostly no-skip albums. However, PG is one of the weaker entries, despite hits like Kashmir, so it would be unfair to call it a 5.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
A unique album, with interesting songs. Perhaps worth a re-listen, but looking back wasn't very impressionable.
Tom Waits
3/5
Album is full of these smokey, raspy songs with jazz and blues undertones that I think make it very unique, but not necessarily full of hits. But I do like 16 Shells.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
For a lyric-less jazz album, I'd give it high marks. And Take Five is pretty good, objectively speaking.
N.W.A.
3/5
Admittedly, this was hard to get through. A lot of aged lyrics and beats. Only 3 stars for the culture.
Eagles
5/5
Incredible stuff. Several Eagles hits that I never listed to before, and then of course one of the most well-known songs ever.
Gang Starr
3/5
Hip-hop that is preferable to NWA. Fun beats, like in Check the Technique. But still too many songs for me.
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
Also preferable to NWA. Wasn't as Gangster Rap as I thought it would be, but Method Man was rather...graphic.
Joe Ely
4/5
I was expecting this to be much worse. But it's a country/honky tonk album that actually slaps. How I wish more Country sounded nowadays.
Todd Rundgren
4/5
I hate albums that are this long, but I have to give Rundgren his flowers, there were plenty of feel-good, rocking songs on this album. They don't all distinguish from each other very well, but still fun to listen to.
Hanoi Rocks
4/5
This was kinda random, Finnish, 80s hair metal, but it left a really good impression on me. All the tracks were well done and fun to listen to, and not something you can say about most hair metal.
Boston
5/5
Absolute master class. Dare I say, the greatest debut album ever.
Charles Mingus
4/5
Extremely sophisticated noir jazz that makes you feel damn cool.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Essential folk rock that still holds up.
David Bowie
4/5
First time I ever listened to all of Low, and though it didn't produce many chart toppers, this was one of Bowie's sonically best projects. It's on display in Sound and Vision, the most accessible song, but songs like Warszwa also take you on a musical journey. I found it superior to the Heroes album.
Supertramp
5/5
My surprise of the week is rating this formerly unbeknownst album (to me) a 5, for each song featured a lot of talent and re-listenability.
Grateful Dead
4/5
Really easy going, chill, and fun Grateful Dead, just shy a few hits or diverse tracks from a 5
Gene Clark
3/5
Good folk music, just not necessarily worth recommending to others.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
Wanted to rate this higher, as I like a lot of Biggie Smalls, including several tracks on this album, but almost all of the lyrics are about having sex (including a gross soundbite of a BJ), killing people, and finally, killing yourself.
Stan Getz
2/5
A bit boring and forgettable.
Beatles
3/5
The Beatles are always very listenable, perhaps from the familiarity that comes with hearing John/Paul, but the Beatles' earlier stuff just falls short compared to their later stuff.
Paul McCartney and Wings
5/5
4.5 rounded up. McCartney solo career is best encapsulated by this album and the two lead tracks, with a strong supporting cast throughout the album. Some songs are notably weaker, but altogether it's a great listen.
Alice Cooper
4/5
Was never a huge Alice Cooper fan, but this was a genuine pleasure.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Arcade Fire
3/5
Arcade Fire is a bit of an acquired taste. They've got some good songs, but can also lose your interest.
The Strokes
4/5
The Strokes are great, but the album goes through too many waves for a 5.
Morrissey
4/5
Surprisingly pretty good
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
This would be a 4 for most artists, and it's still a good listen for Bruce, just falls short of expectations. Though there are some pretty good songs here.
Radiohead
3/5
Travis
3/5
Roxy Music
2/5
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Willie Nelson
4/5
Steely Dan
4/5
Stan Getz
3/5
Air
2/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3/5
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Billy Joel
5/5
6/5
John Cale
3/5
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Sparks
4/5
Dr. John
2/5
Circle Jerks
2/5
The Who
5/5
Can
1/5
Incubus
4/5
The Specials
2/5
Le Tigre
3/5
Queen
5/5
Rod Stewart
4/5
Lou Reed
4/5
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
The Young Rascals
4/5
Queen
5/5
Roni Size
2/5
3/5
Kings of Leon
5/5
The Go-Go's
4/5
Silver Jews
2/5
Emmylou Harris
3/5
John Coltrane
3/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Björk
2/5
The Kinks
3/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
The Cardigans
4/5
Metallica
5/5
Funkadelic
4/5
Cat Stevens
5/5
Certified hood classic
The Associates
3/5
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Cee Lo Green
3/5
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Garbage
3/5
There were some good songs for sure, but the album as a whole wasn't too inspiring.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Great Alt rock with a lot of listening diversity
The Beach Boys
4/5
This was full of underrated Beach Boy hits. Didn't know a single one, and mostly had thought the Beach Boys were strictly surf rock, but this far different from what I typically know them for. Great record.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
4/5
At its peaks, the album is a 4. Fun, explosive garage blues rock. At its lows, the album is a 2. But the peaks outweigh the lows, so I'd peg it at 3.6, rounding up to 4.
Public Enemy
2/5
Just absolutely mediocre, non-catchy, forgettable beate
Randy Newman
3/5
Toy story guy sings other songs. Admittedly some good ones.
Fairport Convention
5/5
So unexpectedly good. Beautiful British folk. Who Knows Where the Time Goes is an underrated classic I've never heard before, and the rest of the album compliments well.
Coldplay
4/5
A little soft, but admittedly some beautiful pieces.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Stevie doesn't miss. There is certainly some Stevie Wonder fatigue after listening to so many of his songs. If you've heard one album you've heard me all. But still great music.
Japan
4/5
This is basically the blueprint for Duran Duran, and new-wave in general. Surprisingly really good.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
Cute harmonizing blue grass country...but too hillbilly and dated for me to want to hear again
Pixies
4/5
Fun 90s space rock
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Strong Alt Rock debut from Jane's Addiction.
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Great guitar work, some fun songs, but mid vocals
The Mamas & The Papas
4/5
The Mamas & The Papas are one of a kind. They perfected these harmonizing songs and their music holds up so well from the 60s.
Van Morrison
4/5
Van Morrison is so good. This would be a 5 if I weren't comparing him to himself.
Anthrax
3/5
This is such mid thrash metal, the guitar is so repetitive and the vocals are bland. Anthrax has done better before as well as after. Somehow this record is a hit for them. Wasn't the worst thing to listen to, otherwise I'd rank it lower
The Residents
1/5
You can tell they were trying their hardest to make God awful music
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Decent Jazz I don't need to hear again
John Prine
3/5
Just a more redneck Bob Dylan.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Album a little long but there's some good songs mixed throughout
Iron Maiden
5/5
Excellent Heavy Metal debut
Soft Cell
4/5
Super cliché 80s, but the saxophone really elevates this album, and some of the hits are still fun to listen to in 2025
The Byrds
3/5
The Byrds, I'm afraid, are super one dimensional. They've got some licks that are ahead of their time, but their harmonizing gets old. Wish they would cycle lead vocals some more like the Beatles.
Dusty Springfield
5/5
Dusty has the voice of an angel. Son of a Preacher Man is a total bop, but she crushes every other song with so much soul and emotion. Very underrated singer.
4/5
Incredible musicianship here, with a lot of enjoyable funk that makes you not care if the songs are 13 min long
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Easy, melancholic alt Rock.
The Coral
4/5
I don't know what I just listened to, but it was chaotic, worldly, and fun