Jan 02 2025
View Album
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
DAY 1: At San Quentin - Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash delivered a very respectable performance at San Quentin State Prison, and the performance was made into a live album. While his live album At Folsom Prison is more notable, it does not discredit the importance of this album.
Performing a free concert for incarcerated individuals is a very commendable act to do. You never really know what somebody may be going through. The incarcerated deserve to be treated with dignity, and respect.
Based on the sounds of the audience, they seem to have greatly appreciated Johnny Cash's commendable action of performing a prison concert. Performing a prison concert once is already very respectable, but doing it twice is even more so. Johnny Cash resonated with the incarcerated, and he remains one of the most important figures of country music even to this day, over two decades after his death.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
4
Jan 03 2025
View Album
C'est Chic
CHIC
Day 2: C'est Chic - CHIC.
In this album, CHIC delivered an infectious disco album. I'm no disco expert, but I believe that this album is regarded as one of the most important disco albums of all time. It features the song Le Freak, which may just be one of the most popular and important songs in the history of disco music.
This doesn't seem too life-changing, but considering the fact that an album compilation entitled "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" should feature a variety of different genres, it seems appropriate that one of the most important records of disco music would be featured on there. Disco is not an underground music genre. It heavily dominated the 1970's. Also, genres like Qawwali and Raï have been featured in the album compilation, so it's only fair for an album like this to make the cut.
On the topic on how much I've enjoyed this album, I must say that I really enjoyed it. Disco used to be my favourite music genre when I was around eight years old (I'm not a 1970's kid; I was born in 2007). I continued grooving along, and kept on enjoying myself while listening to this album. Disco is a fun genre and it's a great thing to play when dancing.
Something that I've wanted to get off my chest for a while is the fact that I've observed that disco songs often have forgettable verses, especially when they have memorable choruses. I genuinely cannot recall a single verse from any disco song, besides verses from disco songs that don't have any chorus.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
4
Jan 04 2025
View Album
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Day 3: Green River - Creedence Clearwater Revival.
American band Creedence Clearwater Revival offered a very fun rock album. To me, I find the term "swamp rock" difficult to define and deduce. Upon searching for swamp rock on RYM, I could not recognize a single artist featured under swamp rock besides Creedence Clearwater Revival, and their respective members from their solo works. Well, to be fair, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Dr. John were given brief mentions.
This album features fun bluesy sounds and hippie vibes. Bad Moon Rising, Green River, and Lodi are stand-out tracks, in my opinion. Bad Moon Rising and Green River are very catchy songs, while Lodi is a really pleasant song.
During the latest total solar eclipse, Green River came on the radio, and I had a lot of fun vibing to it! This album is a fun listen. CCR is practically swamp rock. It features an array of memorable songs. It's an important album. It's one of my favourite albums of the 1960's. Five stars.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 05 2025
View Album
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Day 4: Catch a Fire - Bob Marley & the Wailers.
Catch a Fire is an album by the reggae band Bob Marley & the Wailers. Bob Marley is a reggae pioneer. He may just be the single most well-known and important reggae artist of all time. In my opinion, reggae music is a great genre of music to listen to when relaxing.
The lyrics are great. The melodies are memorable. Tracks like Stir It Up are stand-out tracks, in my opinion. Bob Marley is a really inspirational figure, and was a notable activist for Jamaica.
In my opinion, 1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die is seriously lacking in reggae albums. Unfortunately, I did get a little exhausted towards the end of the album, but that's a me-problem, rather than a problem on the album's end.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
4
Jan 06 2025
View Album
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Day 5: Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys.
Pet Sounds is one of the most revered albums of all time. Almost everywhere you look for information regarding this album, it's listed as one of the greatest albums of all time. Unfortunately, I don't really understand why it's as beloved as it is. I'll give it a 5/5 in the second category because of how beloved it is.
I suppose that it is nostalgic for the individuals who grew up in the 1960's. The Beach Boys are possibly in a similar vein as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks. However, I prefer The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks.
It does feel like The Beach Boys had fun in this album. Gosh, I feel bad for not having much to say about this album. It has a lot of nice melodies, and nice songs. Thank you very much for reading my whole lotta nothing.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
4
Jan 07 2025
View Album
Green
R.E.M.
Day 6: Green - R.E.M.
In this album, R.E.M. delivered some fantastic alternative rock music. R.E.M. pioneered alternative rock, which may be one of the most common music genres to this day.
It features great and political lyrics which are still relevant to this day. I like the usage of the mandolin. The drumming is also great. The structure of the album is really nice.
Orange Crush is one of my favourite songs, and that song alone warrants at least a 4/5 rating for the entire album. Adding on its significance, along with other factors, I'll give this a 5/5 rating.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 08 2025
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The Coral
The Coral
Day 7: The Coral - The Coral.
The Coral released an album that somewhat perplexes me. It's somewhat difficult to wrap my finger around what I just heard. It reminds me of circus music. I also feel bard music vibes and musical theatre music vibes at the same time.
I can't tell if this album is secretly genius, or just boring and uninteresting. Is this Britpop? It doesn't sound like Britpop. Upon reading the reviews of this album, it does appear that it isn't very well-received. Neither was Kollaps, but that is an awesome album. Well, this album was removed from the list. However, so was Medúlla, and that album is also awesome.
It seems like The Coral have a form of artistic vision that is difficult to see. They feel like one of those bands that you either don't get, or make you salivate over the thought of buying the band members' toenail clippings. Whatever, three stars it is.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 2/5.
3
Jan 09 2025
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Day 8: Trans Europe Express - Kraftwerk.
Kraftwerk pioneered electronic music, and the scene of such music wouldn't be the same without them. A large portion of modern-day music is produced electronically, and Kraftwerk were one of the first bands to ever do that.
Musically, Kraftwerk's music is very simplistic. It's not everybody's cup of tea. Personally, I didn't particularly enjoy Kraftwerk's two other entries in "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" (The Man Machine, and Autobahn, respectively). I had a peer who was obsessed with Kraftwerk, so I had some strange expectations for their music.
Despite the minimalism, this album was a blast to listen to. Something about it is quite simply, very fun. Its title track is notably catchy. I enjoyed its production. It feels like a precursor to new wave music. It's a gas.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 10 2025
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Day 9: Coat of Many Colors - Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton delivered a brief, but enjoyable country album. Dolly Parton's status as a music legend is not disputable. I mean, how many musicians can say that they own their own theme park?
Dolly Parton's pristine vocals add a nice touch to the relaxed instrumentation of her songs on the album. The lyrics to her songs are also really nice.
This is a great album, but it isn't one that I would say is a must-listen. Perhaps Jolene would have been a better fit. I feel bad for giving Queen Dolly Parton three stars, but oh, well.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 3/5.
3
Jan 11 2025
View Album
Music From Big Pink
The Band
Day 10: Music From Big Pink - The Band.
Music From Big Pink is a relaxing album that incorporates elements of country, folk, rock, and several other genres. It's a pleasant album that features a lot of harmonies, organ, and piano. Overall, it's a treat that would be very difficult to hate.
This album mainly reminds me of Traffic and the Grateful Dead. It feels very specific for its time period (the late 1960's), but still has a nostalgic feel that makes it enjoyable for somebody like me, who was only born several decades after its release.
To not beat around the bush, The Weight is a standout track. That song used to be an ear-worm for me, until I randomly stumbled upon the entire song, and learned its name, as well as the band that recorded (The Band, har har). Something about that song just hits all the right spots in my mind. I obsessed over that song for around one week.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
4
Jan 12 2025
View Album
In Rainbows
Radiohead
Day 11: In Rainbows - Radiohead.
Radiohead is the music lover's band. If you look at nearly any community of music lovers, chances are that it will be flooded by Radiohead fans. In fact, you don't even need to look further than 1,001 Albums Generator itself; if you look at the statistics of the Radiohead albums on here, you should see very high ratings for them. Fourteen different users chose Radiohead albums as their favourite albums from the entire project. That is pretty bloody impressive.
Every track on this album has been crafted to perfection. They play with various aspects of music theory, and manage to make it sound very simple, and extremely enjoyable. Heartfelt. Emotional. Melancholic. There isn't much to not love about Radiohead's music.
This album features a lot of iconic songs, and Radiohead is an influential band. I would say that their sound could be easily appealing to people of all ages; there are young children who are Radiohead fans, as well as senior citizens who are Radiohead fans. Here's a set of five stars.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 13 2025
View Album
This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Day 12: This Is Hardcore - Pulp.
There is a large bias towards British music, and Britpop in general in 1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, so it is refreshing to hear a Britpop album that seems to be doing something rather different than the traditional Britpop band o' geezers n' lads.
It has a nice and dark atmosphere. The guitars have a really interesting sound. The lyrics are really interesting. I was intrigued by the instrumentation in the songs from this album.
The title track is a stand-out for me, personally. It features over six minutes of mysterious and gloomy bliss, with strings and piano. It progresses really nicely. Overall, the album could've been a little shorter than it actually is.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
4
Jan 14 2025
View Album
L.A. Woman
The Doors
Day 13: L.A. Woman - The Doors.
I am generally quite fond of hippie psychedelic rock albums, and this album is no exception. It's greatly bluesy. There is organ in this album. Hell, yeah! This album is a very interesting listen.
Something about Jim Morrison's vocals quite simply hits just right for me. They sound effortless, yet quite soulful. It's really sad to know that he passed away only a few months after this album's release. He was far too young to pass away.
The structures of the songs on this album is very nice. Some of the songs are softer than other songs on this album. I like songs that make me feel nostalgic about a time long before I was born, or even before my parents were born at all.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
5
Jan 15 2025
View Album
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
Day 14: Dig Your Own Hole - The Chemical Brothers.
The Chemical Brothers are an integral aspect of the big beat genre, a genre that derived from break-dancing music, or breakbeat. To put it quite simply, take a hip-hop track, add syncopation and polyrhythms, and add some pretty freaking epic instrumentation.
The music from this album would be an awesome addition to nearly any party. While I very much prefer The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers have still produced some awesome music that can easily put one in a very good mood. I'm not sure what type of hole I'd be digging, since I'd be lifted up high instead of being dug low.
I absolutely enjoyed listening to this album, but it doesn't really feel like a must-listen. I'm sure that it changed the lives of many individuals over the last three decades, it's just that I feel like Exit Planet Dust is enough from The Chemical Brothers for the "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" album compilation.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 3/5.
4
Jan 16 2025
View Album
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Day 15: Ready to Die - The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie, Biggie, oh, Biggie. He is often revered as the G.O.A.T. of hip hop music. I am much more of a metal fan and a prog fan than a hip hop fan, so I cannot exactly dispute how much of a G.O.A.T. The Notorious B.I.G. truly is. My favourite non-metal rap album is probably Stankonia by Outkast or Raising Hell by Run-DMC, but that is frankly irrelevant when discussing this album.
Biggie has a great flow. The production of the tracks is very cool. The album is definitely a difficult listen, as it features a liberal quantity of violence, misogyny, and sexuality. That is not to say that it deteriorates the quality of the album.
In my opinion, the tracks Juicy and Big Poppa are standout tracks in this album. It's a shame that Biggie's output was so small, and that this is his only non-posthumous album. It probably would've been great if Biggie were still alive today.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
4
Jan 17 2025
View Album
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Day 16: Axis: Bold as Love - The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
The name "The Jimi Hendrix Experience" is not an arrogant label; they were quite the experience. Jimi Hendrix was one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He has inspired many individuals to pick up a guitar, as well as many guitarists to put down their guitars upon realization that they cannot play guitar quite like Jimi Hendrix.
The psychedelia in the music is so intense that somebody like me, who has never done actual psychedelics, can still feel the effects of this album. To add onto that, I was playing Minecraft while listening to this album (perhaps I should've put it aside during the listen instead), and it really made the experience much cooler.
During Hendrix's brief four-year career, he changed the world of music for the better, and the effects of his impact can still be felt today. The Jimi Hendrix Experience may only have three studio albums, but there is always a lot to discover inside of them.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 18 2025
View Album
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Day 17: Lust for Life - Iggy Pop.
Iggy Pop is an icon in punk music, and this album is a collaboration with David Bowie, who was one of the greatest musicians to ever live. That alone somewhat warrants an inclusion in the "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" album compilation.
This album feels very "Rock 'n' Roll". It has the energy of punk music, and nicely-crafted music. Unfortunately, the music somewhat slipped off me. Personally, I'm not a fan of punk music. However, that is not to discredit the album at all.
The Stooges were some of the most rocking artists to ever live. They contributed to the pioneering of punk rock music. I truly wish that I liked punk rock more than I actually do. I'm not even a fan of London Calling.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
4
Jan 19 2025
View Album
The Real Thing
Faith No More
Day 18: The Real Thing - Faith No More.
This album is a very fun metal-adjacent album, but is it an essential listen? I'd say otherwise. Metal music is my bias, so I definitely enjoyed this album very much. However, I really do not find it to be an essential listen, especially when you take some of the snubbed metal albums into consideration.
Among the albums in "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", there is no TOOL, Dream Theater, solo Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Death, Opeth, or Exodus. The list goes on. I'd find those artists to be significantly more essential for the selection of metal music in the album compilation than Faith No More.
The Real Thing is a fun album with various fun songs. I enjoyed it very much, but it is nowhere near one of the best metal albums I have ever heard. I have an issue with the arbitrary selection of metal albums in the album compilation. At least Sepultura is on there twice.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 2/5.
3
Jan 20 2025
View Album
Zombie
Fela Kuti
Day 19: Zombie - Fela Kuti.
Zombie is an album by Fela Kuti, who singlehandedly created and pioneered Afrobeat music, and may be the most recognizable Nigerian musician of all time. The album is a very innovative album that explores a plethora of ideas.
The album features four tracks. Each of its tracks is longer than twelve minutes. Each track goes in various different directions. The album is politically-charged, as Fela Kuti fearlessly criticizes the military in Nigeria. It is really impressive that an album like this was released back in 1977.
This is a very ambitious album. It still holds relevance to this day. It can resonate with people from all over the world. I wish that "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" featured more albums like this, for I'd rather listen to this than generic Britpop.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 21 2025
View Album
OK Computer
Radiohead
Day 20: OK Computer - Radiohead.
I'm only on day 20 in this project, yet I already got *the* OK Computer album assigned to me. OK Computer is an almost universally-beloved. Heck, nine users who completed their generator projects declared this album as their favourite album among the 1,089 albums.
At first, the hype surrounding the album intrigued me, but now, that I've listened to it, I can confirm that the album does live up to its expectations. The musicianship is stunning. Every single song on the album is a masterpiece on its own.
I don't really have anything to say about this album that hasn't been said over and over again, so I'm just going to say that this album truly is one of the greatest albums that I've ever heard. This album is one of those albums where 95% of people either love it, or are contrarians.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 22 2025
View Album
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Day 21: Led Zeppelin III - Led Zeppelin.
Led Zeppelin Album 1/5.
Ah, yes, The Led Zeppelin tetralogy. Led Zeppelin burst into the music scene like fire. Their run of four self-titled albums is impeccable, and I cannot think of any artists besides Peter Gabriel who came close to having a run of four self-titled albums like that. Some time ago, I believed that the most essential music one must listen to is the Led Zeppelin tetralogy (I now believe that The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd is even more essential than the Led Zeppelin tetralogy).
The third album of the tetralogy is often regarded as the weakest one. However, I find it very difficult to rank the four albums, for they are simply so amazing. Led Zeppelin III features both Tangerine and Immigrant Song. Both of them are among my personal favourite Led Zeppelin songs.
I love the more folksy structure of the album. It is very dynamic, and it flows very well. As usual, the instrumentation is fantastic. I believe that everybody should listen to Led Zeppelin's first four albums at least once. What a collection!
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 23 2025
View Album
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Day 22: Appetite for Destruction - Guns N' Roses.
Guns N' Roses Album 1/1.
Here we go with another really fun album! Guns N' Roses made a great introduction to themselves in their debut album by opening it with the fiery number, Welcome to the Jungle. Over the course of the album's 53-minute and 29-second runtime plays various catchy hits to give one a good time.
I don't particularly find this album to be a must-listen, and it is somewhat corny, but I did enjoy it very much. I am quite biased towards hard rock and heavy metal. Although, Axl Rose's vocals can be an acquired taste, and their music may feel overplayed if you've spent a long time listening to rock music on the radio.
I recall that my father loved Guns N' Roses. You may love them. You may hate them. Their music has an essence to it such that it simply feels great to listen to it every once in a while. This album is a very good way to mark one's debut into the world of music.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 3/5.
4
Jan 24 2025
View Album
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
Day 23: Arc of a Driver - Steve Winwood.
Steve Winwood album 1/1.
On the surface, it's an inoffensive pop rock (or, as a lot of people call it *gag* yacht rock) album. However, I cannot help, but absolutely love it. A lot of pop rock music from the late-1970's and early-1980's has this type of feel to it where it feels very simple, but it's unbelievably enjoyable.
I like the jazzy elements in this album. I like the melodies of the songs. This album reminds me of the works of Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel, and I LOVE both of those artists very much. This is such a smooth and enjoyable album.
Unfortunately, I wouldn't really consider this album to be an essential listen. This album would probably not impact anybody who doesn't already love the type of music that is played in this album. I'd replace it with a Phil Collins solo album. I find it crazy that there isn't a single Phil Collins solo album among the 1,089 albums in the generator.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 3/5.
4
Jan 25 2025
View Album
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Day 24: Kind of Blue - Miles Davis.
Miles Davis Album 1/4.
Kind of Blue is one of the most pleasant and exquisite albums of all time. Miles Davis was a virtuoso on the trumpet. It works as background music that makes one feel much more alive, and music that makes you stop and listen. It's not necessarily for every possible mood, since I don't think that this would fair well for a moshing party. Who knows? Perhaps there have been jazz aficionados who moshed to this album as if it were Slayer. However, I digress.
This album features collaborations with six other important figures in the world of jazz music: Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, James Cobb, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and on one track, Wynton Kelly. The collective of talented musicians makes the record feel much more alive.
The section for albums from the 1950's among "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" is considerably lackluster, but at least it contains this gem of an album. Individuals with all sorts of tastes in music have sung its praises. Even if you don't like jazz, you probably would be able to realize that this is a pretty bloody awesome album.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Jan 26 2025
View Album
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Day 25: Rock 'N Soul - Solomon Burke.
Solomon Burke album 1/1.
This album is undeniably soulful. It's also very 1960's. Well, that is to be expected, considering that this album is called "Rock 'N Soul", and it was released in 1964. Alright, to not beat around the bush, I was not too impressed with this album.
It's not really distinguishable when compared to other soul powerhouses of the time. I prefer artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Sly Stone. Looking at RYM statistics, it doesn't appear that Rock 'N Soul has been too resonant, since it's only the 151st-top album of 1964 alone.
This may be a hot take, but when it comes to soul music, I prefer live albums. This album feels like it misses the energy of a live album. I enjoy hearing the audience screaming with joy like what can be heard in James Brown's Live at the Apollo.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 3/5.
3
Jan 27 2025
View Album
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Day 26: Definitely Maybe - Oasis.
Oasis album 1/2.
Oasis may be the most recognizable Britpop band of all time. This album is a fairly pleasant and energetic album. While I do prefer (What's the Story?) Morning Glory, this album is still a nice listen. This is a great album, in my opinion.
The Gallagher brothers don't necessarily have a reputation of being peaceful with each other. I am quite glad that they have made music together at all. I'm aware about an upcoming Oasis reunion tour. I find the lyrics of several of the songs on this album to be quite silly.
This is unrelated, but I used to like imagining a random modern-day pop song sampling the song "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" by T. Rex, and screaming "Oh, my god! They sampled Bang a Gong (Get It On)" at the radio if it were to play. When Cigarettes & Alcohol began playing, I thought to myself: "Oh, shit! A popular song that samples "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" actually exists!". Anyway, thank you for reading my empty review.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
4
Jan 28 2025
View Album
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Day 27: Funeral - Arcade Fire.
Arcade Fire Album 1/3.
When I listened to Arcade Fire for the first time, I was disappointed. I expected them to be a metal band. Their name gave me the same vibe that the names of the bands Dream Theater, DragonForce, Nightwish, etc. gave me. However, that is not to say that Arcade Fire is bad because of that. In fact, I'd say the opposite.
This album feels like a symphonic opera. The vocals are very powerful, and the instrumentation is very satisfying. Among the three Arcade Fire albums in the generator, my favourite one is Neon Bible, but this album is also really nice.
This album has a lot of depth. Despite it being a debut album, it feels like Arcade Fire has decades worth of experience. This is something that I'd expect from a band that's been around since the 1980's. Sadly, Neon Bible and The Suburbs have both been removed from other editions of "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". I sincerely hope that this album doesn't suffer a similar fate. I'd rather listen to Arcade Fire than Kid Rock.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
4
Jan 29 2025
View Album
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
Day 28: The Rising - Bruce Springsteen.
Bruce Springsteen Album 1/5.
Given The Rising's inclusion in "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", along with four other Bruce Springsteen albums, Robert Dimery is likely a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen. I won't lie, I really loved listening to this album. However, compared to Bruce Springsteen's other albums, I don't really see the purpose of this album being included in the list.
Born to Run and Born in the U.S.A. are very significant albums. Darkness on the Edge of Town and Nebraska are also great albums whose status on a list of must-listen albums could also be debated. However, this album is a weak inclusion. Don't even get me started with how many excessive Elvis Costello and Morrissey albums are in the list. Let me give you an example: I'm a huge fan of Dream Theater. I would absolutely consider their albums "Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory", "Images and Words", and "Octavarium" to be must-listens. However, when it comes to albums like "The Astonishing" and "A Dramatic Turn of Events", while I do absolutely love those albums, they aren't must-listens, and they probably wouldn't impact anybody who doesn't love progressive metal music.
Anyway, about the actual music itself, Bruce Springsteen is a really talented songwriter. The instrumentation of the album is really nice. It has a feel that would probably resonate with a lot of people. The album gives me an idea on being American, despite being from Canada.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 2/5.
3
Jan 30 2025
View Album
Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Day 29: Third/Sister Lovers - Big Star.
Big Star Album 1/2.
This album feels bloated, and somewhat unmemorable. At first, I thought that I would need to use YouTube to listen to the album, until I realized that it is on Spotify. Something about the listening experience of this album is just so oddly confusing.
Their album "#1 Record" is a fun power pop album. Third/Sister Lovers seems uninteresting. However, upon reading several reviews of this album, it appears that this is simply an album that you either get, or don't get. I mean, a lot of albums are already like that anyway.
I think that the cover of Femme Fatale from this album is quite interesting. Gosh, I probably just didn't get a good listen from this album. I feel like I'm missing something from it. I'm reviewing this album at 9PM. Okay, three stars it is. Sorry.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
3
Jan 31 2025
View Album
Dookie
Green Day
Day 30: Dookie - Green Day.
Green Day album 1/2.
I DID IT ALL FOR THE DOOKIE (C'MON) THE DOOKIE (C'MON), SO YOU CAN TAKE THAT COOKIE!!! Wait, sorry...wrong thing.
Pop punk is a less-abrasive punk sub-genre in comparison to classic 1970's punk rock. However, it does not necessarily mean that there is less angst involved in the music. While I'm not a fan of punk music, I'm very glad that a new generation of punk music has been spawned in the 1990's.
Green Day, along with bands like blink-182 and Sum 41, have fronted the 1990's pop punk scene. I find cheerful melodies paired with angst-filled lyrics of pop punk songs to be quite interesting, and they feel very nostalgic. I like it.
Personally, I prefer American Idiot over Dookie. I feel like if you grew up listening to Green Day, you wouldn't grow out of their music, and this would feel much cooler. I, however, grew up listening to P!nk. Anyway, there's quite a bit of variety in this album, and I like that.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
4
Feb 01 2025
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Day 31: The Suburbs - Arcade Fire.
Arcade Fire album 2/3.
This is the second Arcade Fire album that this generator assigned me this week. The album felt a little bit bloated, but overall, it is still a good listen. For some reason, I'm not too fond of its title track. It's the first Arcade Fire song that I've ever heard, and it opens this album. I just don't get its popularity.
Beyond the title track, this album is a gas. It features indie rock that has been constructed in a beautiful and somewhat poetic manner. Despite being Canadian, I don't really listen to any Canadian artists besides Rush and occassionally Céline Dion. I'm probably missing out on a lot of stuff like this. From what I've seen so far, Arcade Fire are a great band.
I find it shameful that this album was removed from later editions of "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", despite dreadful listens like "A Grand Don't Come For Free" and "Logical Progression" staying in the book. I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sure that most people would rather listen to Arcade Fire than whatever those aforementioned albums.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
4
Feb 02 2025
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Day 32: If I Should Fall From Grace With God - The Pogues.
Pogues album 1/2.
The concept of The Pogues is really genius; they somehow managed to seamlessly combine punk rock with traditional Celtic folk music. It is a combination that feels like something that shouldn't work, but somehow does. The Pogues pulled it off very well. They released the angst in their spirits while simultaneously honouring their culture and heritage with the incorporation of traditional Celtic folk instruments.
The lyrics to the songs on this album cover a variety of topics, and each of them are paired with lively instrumentation, and punk rage. It feels slightly confusing, but the music is very touching, and very fun to listen to. Despite how different and unique this album is, I'd find it hard to believe that there are people who dislike this album.
I am extremely grateful that Robert Dimery decided to highlight them (not to mention that he did it TWICE; with this album, and with "Rum Sodomy & the Lash"). The Pogues are getting their dues paid. The music on this album is timeless, and generations of individuals deserve to hear the innovation that takes place in this album.
Personal Enjoyment: 5/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 4/5.
5
Feb 03 2025
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Day 33: Pretenders - Pretenders.
Pretenders Album 1/1.
In my opinion, female-fronted punk is typically much more enjoyable than male-fronted punk. Something about female vocals raging to punk instrumentation feels quite satisfying. I don't typically have gender preferences when it comes to music genres.
Contrary to what their band name suggests, The Pretenders feel very genuine. There is a lot of attitude. There is a lot of energy. There is a lot of angst. The vocals are great. The lyrics cover interesting topics, although, they aren't exactly "deep".
Unfortunately, the instrumentation didn't feel very special. I found other female punk albums to be much more interesting. For example, "Nunsexmonkrock" is all over the place in a good way, and has a unique variety and charm to it. I wish that Nina Hagen was included in "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die", because her music is incredible.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 3/5.
3
Feb 04 2025
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The Band
The Band
Day 10: Music From Big Pink - The Band.
The Band Album 2/2.
Like with Music From Big Pink, The Band's self-titled album is a very pleasant album that combines elements of various different genres. It features a lot of really enjoyable harmonies, and the instrumentation is quite pleasant.
Sadly, The Band's final surviving member, Garth Hudson, recently passed away. Now, this album, along with the rest of The Band's work, feels a lot more haunting. Nothing is inherently scary about this album, but the knowledge that every sound that you hear on this album comes from the dead is somewhat scary to think about.
I didn't find the experience listening to this album to be very deviant from the experience of listening to Music From Big Pink, but I do have a slight preference for Music From Big Pink. I think that only one album from The Band would have been enough for "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". The inclusion of a Phish album would have been rather interesting in lieu of this album.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 3/5.
4
Feb 05 2025
View Album
Raw Power
The Stooges
Day 35: Raw Power - Iggy and The Stooges.
Iggy Pop Album 2/3.
Stooges Album 1/3.
Raw Power is an ambitious and revolutionary album. It's often described as a proto-punk album. It was a major influence on a lot of punk albums that came after it. It is quite a recognizable album. If the instrumentation were slightly tweaked, it probably would have been a metal album.
I've listened to both the Iggy mix, and the Bowie mix. Personally, I prefer the Iggy mix. In both of the albums, the production is rather an acquired taste. It's quite abrasive, which is a large contrast from some of the squeaky-clean productions of today's music.
I'm not the biggest fan of punk rock (or proto-punk rock), but I really like this album. I love its energy. I love how heavy it is. Despite the rather confusing production, it does provide some charm to it. As the album title accurately suggests, this album is very raw, and it has a lot of power.
Personal Enjoyment: 4/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 5/5.
5
Feb 06 2025
View Album
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Day 36: Lost in the Dream - The War on Drugs.
War on Drugs album 1/1.
I can hear a potential influence coming from 1970's rock music. However, it does not feel as authentic or nostalgic. It's somewhat difficult to remember what happened in the album at all after listening to it. Bruce Springsteen is a significantly more interesting artist form the Heartland rock scene.
The music seemed to fade into the background. It's a lot better than some of the mainstream pop music that came out around the same time, but this album still isn't too impressive. I find the selection of new albums in "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" to be quite arbitrary. There are so many more important albums that came out more recently.
Unless I am mistaken, this album only survived in the 2016 edition of "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". While a lot of great albums suffered the fate of removal from the list purely for being newer albums, I do believe that it was an appropriate action to take for this album.
Personal Enjoyment: 3/5.
How Much It Belongs Here: 2/5.
3