354
Albums Rated
3.34
Average Rating
33%
Complete
735 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1990
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
60
5-Star Albums
20
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
|
5 | 2.47 | +2.53 |
|
Scott 2
Scott Walker
|
5 | 2.64 | +2.36 |
|
Follow The Leader
Korn
|
5 | 2.66 | +2.34 |
|
Arise
Sepultura
|
5 | 2.73 | +2.27 |
|
Viva Hate
Morrissey
|
5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
|
Reign In Blood
Slayer
|
5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
|
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
|
5 | 2.99 | +2.01 |
|
Savane
Ali Farka Touré
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
1977
Ash
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
|
Highly Evolved
The Vines
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
|
1 | 3.93 | -2.93 |
|
The Joshua Tree
U2
|
1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
|
War
U2
|
1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
|
Synchronicity
The Police
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
Achtung Baby
U2
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
|
1 | 3.1 | -2.1 |
|
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
|
1 | 2.98 | -1.98 |
|
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
|
1 | 2.95 | -1.95 |
|
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
|
1 | 2.95 | -1.95 |
|
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
|
2 | 3.93 | -1.93 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 4 | 4.75 |
| Black Sabbath | 3 | 5 |
| Metallica | 2 | 5 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 2 | 5 |
| Amy Winehouse | 2 | 5 |
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.25 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| U2 | 4 | 1 |
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1.5 |
| The Beach Boys | 3 | 2 |
| The Byrds | 3 | 2 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 5, 2, 4 |
5-Star Albums (60)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Muse · 2 likes
5/5
Top album! I was never much into Muse until I saw them live. They're amazing live. This is a great album with some top tracks. It's perhaps not as good as Origin of Symmetry, but it's still significant. 4 because it's great, 5 for the haters.
American Music Club · 1 likes
2/5
Started off okay with the idea that it will get better, but somehow it drifts to a rather sombre and mono tone drawl. Disappointed.
The Who · 1 likes
2/5
As some have said, the concept is interesting, but I just can't get behind it. It's a rock west end musical that I don't want to go and see. Pinball Wizard is a colossal track, the rest is just uneventful. It's very 60s/70s and as such isn't for me, it just doesn't stand the test of time. Couldn't listen to it all, I'm not a fan of The Who anyway.
CHIC · 1 likes
4/5
I have mixed feelings about this record. Nile Rodgers is a beast, he has some serious chops. There are some killer bass lines throughout. It’s a good feel record. However, I did feel it was a little too samey, but that’s Disco I guess. And since when was “Good Times” more than 8 minutes long? Some of the songs are excessively and unnecessarily long, which is definitely too much for “Good Times” as it’s over played, particularly at 60 year old’s birthday parties.
With all that said, the album is cool. Plenty of goodness. I can’t give it a full 4, but a 3 is way too harsh, so… 4 it is.
Neil Young · 1 likes
4/5
I started writing a review suggesting it was a little bland, but then I listened again and I realised I like it. The bluesy tracks particularly stand out. I’m going to listen more and really settle into it.
1-Star Albums (20)
All Ratings
Robert Wyatt
2/5
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Bluresque vibe, but the attempt at writing about London doesn’t have the same grunt and power that Blur had in the 90s. Still enjoyable.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Fela Kuti
4/5
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Not a big fan of the 60s sound, but there are some good tracks on the album that highlight the sound we have today for many different genres.
Screaming Trees
4/5
Duran Duran
3/5
Not my favourite band from the 80s, but seemingly one of the most popular from the radio. The bass lines are not to be ignored, but some of the overly complex synth parts overcrowd the guitar, the drums seem a little shallow. Lots of repeated riffs which make each song seem "samey". Simon Lebon's voice doesn't leave much to be desired. I prefer The Cure, Tears for Fears and even Spandau Ballet from this genre.
U2
1/5
*Unpopular opinion warning*. I hate U2, always have. I go out of my way to avoid their music, although I know a lot of their songs having heard my uncle listen to them a lot. Being a guitarist I find The Edge's riffs uninspiring, repetitive and boring. I'm not a fan of Bono, his voice or his lyrics. This album is no exception, I listened to it all, but I got bored rather quickly. I saw another review which sums it ups for me:
"I’ve always thought U2 was an overly self serious band who people who don’t really like music say is their favourite band."
Doves
2/5
Coldplay in a different dress. I tried to like it, but it's a little dull, nothing really grabbed me. I stick to only really liking the one song of theirs "Catch The Sun", which isn't even on this album. I won't stoop as low as 1 star though, it's not that bad.
Elbow
4/5
Almost a four, but not a three. A nice few songs on the album, a couple I've heard before, I do like. Some are mediocre, but still worth listening to. Nice smooth voice, a lot of melody. A lot of people have said Radiohead meets Coldplay, but I'm more inclined to say Coldplay, Oasis, Travis mashup. But what do I know. I listened to it twice and will probably listen again.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Not really for me, I admit, but I won't write off as a terrible album or anything. It's certainly interesting and has a lot of soul. Lots of references to varying artists and genres. I'll give it a steady 3 because it's better than some other stuff I've listened to lately, but I'm unlikely to listen again.
Django Django
2/5
Imaginative and bright, but a little too psychedelic for my taste. I feel there was too much complexity to really enjoy.
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
Terence Trent D'arby, or rather Sananda Maitreya, wrote some of the most classic soul tracks of the 80s. This is a great album with those classic tracks. My favourite, as is most, "Sign Your Name". Enjoyable, despite being a little predictable.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Very interesting concept. Wasn’t expecting the intro to lead into such an energetic trip. Enjoyed it. Didn’t resonate with it as well as some people appear to have, I guess it’s slightly out of my usual style. It’s fun to spot all the different and eclectic styles/genres throughout. Make The Bus was like an R&B, psychedelic Bowie track. I liked Neon Valley Street. Can’t imagine listening to it by choice, but if it was on I could listen happily.
Wilco
3/5
Didn’t like all the songs and I don’t think I’ll listen to the entire album again especially being a double disc. But some tracks were quite good. I enjoyed “Monday”, especially after the sombre and too country “Far, Far Away” which was not to my taste. You can hear the country in most of their songs. It’s a decently put together album but the 2nd disc is a bit unnecessary with nothing significant to carry it. Have to give it a 3 for that.
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Someone mentioned Taylor Swift in the reviews which put me off at first, it was all I could hear and I can’t stand her songs - sorry not sorry. But I got past my ego, and for the better. I’m not a huge fan of Sheryl Crow, I only really like specific songs. But this is a good enough album to get into. It’s easy going, pleasant, easy listening. I did enjoy “What I Can Do For You” and it would be rude to not like “All I Wanna Do”. The chilled jazz country number “We Do What We Can” was nice too. It does seem a rather generic country rock crossover, but it’s well put together and produced properly. Sheryl brought this genre into the mainstream more than anyone else. I’m certain that she was the inspiration for a lot of young girls to pickup a guitar and play, most likely including Taylor Swift. I can hear a lot of newer artists in her sound, she must have been a significant inspiration. That counts for a lot more than what people give her credit for. I’m giving a 3 for this particular album, it’s pleasant, but not wow factor. Maybe some of her other albums are better, but this is at the height of her popularity.
Lightning Bolt
1/5
Not for me at all. I can’t think of a reason to want to listen to this genre. Reminded me of the sound you would hear if someone drives past you with, car stereo cranked high with death metal playing. I won’t lie though, the repetition of the sound and the beat in each song kind of made me stay and bop my head in time. Maybe there was something I liked, or maybe I’m just trying too hard. That said there’s something sinister at work so I’m still gonna give it a 1.
Haircut 100
3/5
Duran Duran with a bit more punch. I like the powerful sax and the funky beats. The drum sound is pretty solid with some decent fills and intros, the guitar tones vary throughout which makes it a little more interesting. Not really sure how else to sum this up. It’s not what I listen to, but I’d rather listen to this than a full Duran Duran album. Given the right mood I would go back to this one, but I don’t consider it essential. Outdated and mediocre, not enough difference between songs so 3.
Fats Domino
4/5
Rock ’n’ Roll, Blues, easy listening, great stuff!! Superb jam for the weekend. Will listen to it again and probably more of his stuff. At least one of the tracks will end up in a playlist at some point. Not really an album though, cheats.
The Beach Boys
2/5
I won't deny The Beach Boys were, at the time, the most popular thing to grace the US and maybe the world, but how long did that really last? It's cheesy, corny and has aged terribly. I gave it a little time, but I just couldn't listen to the whole album. Same boring subject repeated. Feel like I'm at a 60s prom.
Chicago
2/5
I found it rather rudimentary for the most part and Free Form Guitar was a pointless addition. I particularly enjoyed Poem 58 and South California Purples, otherwise nothing really stood out. It’s not really what I associate with Chicago.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Definitely not for me. I found it boring, but listenable.
Gil Scott-Heron
3/5
Not available on Spotify, but found a link from another review (thanks!). Nice mellow jazz blues fusion, good vocals. Not sure I really clicked with the political message, perhaps it’s still a relevant message? Need to be in the right mood for this. That said I did enjoy H20 Gate Blues at least.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Gritty blues and live to boot. Didn’t love every track, probably won’t revisit consistently, but it’s a good live recording. Janis kills it with those pipes and Piece of My Heart is a classic.
Cee Lo Green
2/5
Some good beats, big sound but for hip hop it’s mediocre. Ludacris helped give one track something worth hearing, but otherwise… no!
The Yardbirds
3/5
It's alright. Not a fan of the vocals. I was expecting a bit more from a band with Jeff Beck. Stand out song was Jeff's Boogie. Don't feel it's worth more than a 3.
Beck
4/5
I remember this being released. It's innovative and sounds amazing. I always loved Novocane and Devil's Haircut the most from this album, but I've found the enjoyment in Where It's At much more now I'm "grown".
Moby Grape
4/5
I liked Mr Blues, has a good crunchy tone. Come In The Morning was pretty cool too - soulful and pleasant, and I'm always in favour of a good instrumental to break up the vocals throughout the album. It's not your overly typical 60s rock album, so many other genres mixed in which is great. The guitars are melodic and create a lot of the overall feel, they make it what it is for me.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
I say it all the time, I’m not a big fan of live records and I’m not really a huge fan of Thin Lizzu. I am however a fan of Phil Lynott, especially the tracks he did with Gary Moore, and Phil’s voice is incredible live. I’ve always loved “Still In Love With You” and this live version is magnificent. I enjoyed it, but the mix of songs from different shows and, as I’ve just learned, it was over dubbed knocks points off. It’s a good list of tracks, but maybe a little exhaustive.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
I only know 3 songs by this duo, “Missing”, “Wrong” and “Tracey In My Room” (although the latter two are basically the same). This is a good album, simple tracks with good vocals, but it isn’t amazing. I like the chill house element to their sound, I always liked her voice and there’s nostalgia value so I give extra points for that. I played some of their older records and was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t realise they weren’t always an electronica duo.
The Afghan Whigs
3/5
Lyrics and vocalist are awful, including the female. Doesn’t match the music at all. Shame because I like it otherwise, but I think there are other bands out there that are better overall. I have to give 3 because I like the drums and the backing, but ideally it would be 2.5.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This is a good rock album with plenty of elements from Blues and Soul. A chill vibe, I can dig it. Enjoyed “Graveyard Train”, “Penthouse Pauper” and their cover of “Good Golly Miss Molly”. Will try some other albums.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
You can hear their Blues roots in this album, and you can hear a large variety of influences as well as those that they've influenced. Aside from that there's not really much to take from it. I didn't find it particularly exciting and although I won't say unenjoyable I will say a bit "samey". Mediocre for me.
Violent Femmes
3/5
Raw 80s punk, seems a bit ahead of its time. It's not really for me, but it's an interesting find given the age and the rawness of it. Musically pretty entertaining.
Living Colour
4/5
Funky rock, energetic and fun. “Cult of Personality” hits as hard as it always did. There are some weird tracks with some mixed up genres, such as “Which Way To America”, but their cover of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” originally by The Clash was kick ass. All-in-all I enjoyed it. Lots of powerful bass lines, good guitar riffs and cool vocals. Might not be as relevant as it was back in the late 80s, but it’s still cool.
Slint
4/5
Love this album, something different for my ears than the usual prog rock suggestions. Never heard of Slint. It’s dark and eerie. I can hear Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Tool and some Radiohead there. Very interesting, I’ll listen to it a few more times. Particularly liked “Washer” and “Good Morning, Captain”
Ash
5/5
Own it, love it, always have, always will! Released in my mid teens as I was making my way through the end of school and finding my way into college, right about when I started learning guitar and was infatuated with video games. “Girl From Mars”, “Oh Yeah”, “Angel Interceptor” and “Kung Fu” are some of favourites. All were perfect for my teenage angst, lust and confusion. Solid 5 for this one.
Silver Jews
2/5
Not terrible, but not particularly good either. “Transylvania Blues” was a welcome break from the dull vocals (both male and female vocals btw). Even some of the guitar riffs were questionable a variety of times. Some interesting mix of styles and some weird lyrics. I’ve heard worse, but I won’t venture into any of their other albums. 2 because it’s a bit samey with the vocals, singing style and lyrics.
Klaxons
3/5
Having heard Klaxons before I thought this might be pretty cool, especially having already heard “Golden Skans” and “It’s Not Over Yet”, but I was wrong. Techno indie’s just not really for me, the two mentioned tracks are the only good tracks IMO. It’s mediocre and mostly unentertaining. 3, only because of those two tracks previously mentioned.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
The songs are pretty cool, although a little repetitive. I couldn't get passed the warbling. Sorry.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Couldn't really click with this album. It seems over crowded by too many musical elements, which I find with Imagine Dragons sometimes. "Wake Up" and "Rebellion (Lies) are decent and maybe "Neighbourhood #1" at a push, still sits in the middle at a 3 for me.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
She had such a magnificent voice. A suave, soulful album. There’s a whole lot of musicianship in this record. Enjoyable and relaxing. Incredible.
George Michael
4/5
I’ve always admired George Michael’s musical talent. I have an emotional connection to his music as it will always remind me of my auntie who was a huge fan. This is a good record, “Freedom” was pivotal and I’ve always loved “Heal The Pain”. Lots of nostalgia value from listening to my Parent’s radio every day. “Soul Free” reminds me of Streets of Rage. The reverb becomes a little tiresome in honesty, not sure why it’s required on every track but that doesn’t really take anything away. Although I don’t love every track on the album and I think his “Faith” album is much better, it’s worthy of a 4 without question.
Cornershop
2/5
When “Brimful of Asha” was released it always annoyed me, perhaps it was over played, or perhaps it was the radio remixes they played. The album version is a little more tolerable, but the damage is done. The album just follows the same feel and theme, it’s a tad bland. I appreciate the fusion and creativity. It’s listenable, but I think I’ve had a brimful of this album and I don’t want more.
The Undertones
3/5
This is a good punk album, but it's a little repetitive. "Teenage Kicks" is a classic, it's always enjoyable. Nothing else stands out much. "Casbah Rocks" is raw and fun though.
Holger Czukay
1/5
This is a bit too weird for me, I didn’t get it at all. I’m not saying it’s terrible and honestly I’ve heard worse, but I didn’t enjoy it having had to turn it off, thus I have to give it a 1.
The Specials
2/5
No. I had to work real hard not to skip each track. Not into Ska at all. Definitely not for me.
Slade
3/5
Altogether now "So here it is Merry Christmas...". Oh, never mind then. Wasn't the Slade sound I was expecting. Bluesy, mellow, but only listenable. Didn't get anything out of it really.
Mudhoney
4/5
I like Grunge. Back in the mid 90s my friends and I would sit and listen to Nirvana and Pearl Jam no matter whose house we ended up at. I know of Mudhoney, maybe a few tracks, but never really bothered to give them a proper try. It seems they paved the way for the bigger bands. This is a great album. It’s not phenomenal, don’t get me wrong, but it’s definitely influential. I enjoyed it, I’ll try some other albums.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Joni has such an amazing voice. I recently saw a YouTube video of her singing live in 2022. 79 and she can still pull it off, gave me goosebumps. Great lyricist, great poet, great singer. A nice album. I’m going to have to go and listen to more of her albums today, and because she reminds of Karen Carpenter I’m going to listen to The Carpenters and Neil Diamond as well. (Then on to some Megadeth🤘🏻)
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Not a fan of CCR really, nothing really special for me. Classic bluesy rock, which I would normally love, but it’s got a country vibe to it. Sorry, very mid for me. It was listenable, that’s it.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This is a bit better than the last one I listened to (Exile On Main Street), but it’s still middle of the road for me. I surprisingly knew a few tracks from this album. Doesn’t make me want to try more of their discography. I’ll just wait until I get another one from the generator.
Kate Bush
3/5
Not a Kate Bush fan. I tried, but it’s not fantastic. There’s a lot of emotion in some songs, but I don't think much of her voice. I was going to go with 2, but “Running Up That Hill” saves it, for the only reason that it allowed Placebo to cover it.
Muddy Waters
3/5
Another live album?! I love blues, and I’ve always enjoyed some Muddy Waters. I just don’t do live albums. He sounds good, but quality just isn’t great. The set list is pretty good, I might see how many studio versions I can put into a playlist and run with that.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Having heard “Molly’s Chamber” from this album I had expectations. Soon crushed by the mediocrity of the rest of the album, with the exception of “Spiral Staircase” and perhaps “Genius” at a push. It’s mostly forgettable otherwise.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I reviewed this in another project I have running in parallel. I gave it a 5 then, I’m giving it a five now. ‘nuff said!
The Auteurs
2/5
I can’t place the medley of bands I can hear from this album. Some songs sounded alright musically, but the vocals are just meh. “Don’t Trust The Stars” and “Home Again” were the only listenable tracks. Not for me I don’t think, feels a bit too colourless.
Jacques Brel
2/5
In terms of lyrics, I was lost as I sadly I don’t speak French (yet), but musically and emotionally pretty good although not really my type of music. I can imagine how he was important to French culture. However, it’s another live album. As I’ve said a thousand times, give me a compilation of studio recordings rather than lives. The applause and white noise after each song were very annoying. I had to skip to the next track as soon as it was done. For that I have to give it a 2, although I would give it a 3 generally, I imagine.
Tom Waits
4/5
I won’t lie, I liked some of it. “Shore Leave” was interesting and “Johnsburg Illinois” wasn’t bad. I liked the melancholy feel of “In The Neighbourhood” and “Town With No Cheer”, but the vocals felt a bit forced somehow. Then “Down, Down, Down” and “Gin Soaked Boy” came along which are good blues tracks. Generally I don’t like abstract music, but I can’t write this one off. There is a lot of variety of styles and composition, which is rare these days. The blues tracks had me. I can’t believe I’m going to give it a 4, I’m quite shocked.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
There’s no doubt that Stevie Wonder has done some magical and amazing things for music. “Superstition” is a classic. Sadly the rest of the album was not as magical. I was very disappointed, I thought it would be a great listen. 3 I’m afraid.
Beck
3/5
Relevant at the time, still enjoyable, but not amazing. I do like how he mixes genres.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Prefer LZ IV, but this is still a great album! So many great tracks. 4 for this one.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
A little bland, but listenable. "call the police" was decent, but that's as good as it gets. Not enticed to listen to more.
The Byrds
3/5
Not really into this genre, particularly from this era. “Mr. Tambourine Man” is not a bad cover, but I prefer the original and even other covers over this one. It’s a little boring, but listenable. It’s a good attempt at being like The Beatles.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I appreciate the poetry and the story each songs tells. Some of the tracks are musically pleasant whilst also melancholy. It’s listenable, not bad in the background, but probably requires the right mood.
The Smiths
4/5
I’ve always loved The Smiths. This isn’t my favourite album, but it’s still a great one!! Enjoyed dusting this one off and pleasing my ears.
Caetano Veloso
3/5
Not a huge fan of Brazilian music, but being resident in Portugal and being able to speak Portuguese I’m used to it. Although not really my style, it’s culturally significant for Brazil and deserves to be on this list. Enjoyable enough for more than a 3, but not quite a 4.
Nirvana
5/5
Pleased to get this album, something I can give a full 5 stars without hesitation. This (and all the Nirvana albums) was on repeat throughout my teens. My friends I had a band in school, we would play Nirvana at the school summer show. Great times!
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one. I’d just finished a Nirvana marathon. Moody and enjoyable. I liked it. Thought the vocals were a little repetitive, but other than it’s decent.
Hawkwind
2/5
Okay, I’m starting to think I shouldn’t have two ‘projects’ going at the same time. I already reviewed this and hated it. My colleagues and I have a chat group where we each take turns suggesting a song to listen to. One of my colleagues suggested “Orgone Accumulator” from this album just recently as well. “Organ Accumulator” isn’t half bad. The album has grown on me a little, but I won’t up the rating because I still find it a little boring and repetitive. Lemmy’s bass work is something else though!
The Verve
5/5
I always loved The Verve and this album is amazing. My auntie gifted it to me because she didn’t like it. I saw them live in London, they were amazing. “Bittersweet Symphony” has been over played, but there are so many other great tracks on this album.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Already reviewed this album in a different project. My 5 star rating and review remains the same:
“Unmistakable, undeniable! One of the best albums in the world, ever. Simple as that. Any less than 5 stars for this masterpiece is a sacrilege of the utmost.”
White Denim
3/5
Not bad. Liked the 2nd half more than the first. Enjoyable, but not amazing.
King Crimson
3/5
I find King Crimson a bit challenging. I like prog rock, but this is difficult. Album started off strong with “21st Century Schizoid Man”, but quickly drifted and I didn’t get it until it picked up again with “The Court Of The Crimson King”. But that was it.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Never really been a fan of Harry Nilsson, but I commend him for “Without You”, and there are some groovy 70s tracks like “Jump Into The Fire”. It didn’t blow me away though.
Meat Loaf
3/5
Sorry, but I don't like Meatloaf. There are some great riffs, some good lyrics and he sure can do a ballad. I think BOOH II is a bit better, but neither are really for me.
The Beta Band
2/5
Like many have already stated, I find it generic and predominantly boring. Sounds like there’s another one of their albums on the list which I’m not looking forward to lol.
The Temptations
4/5
Great psychedelic soul album! Soulful and funky. It was a ground breaking album and paved the way for a variety of future Motown artists. Wasn’t a fan of their version of “Heard It Through The Grapevine”. “Hey Girl” is a nice one.
Radiohead
3/5
Considered one of the best albums of the decade, I never really understood why. It’s okay, but I loved the Radiohead of the 90s. “How to Disappear Completely” and “Morning Bell” are good, the rest is just too different from what I associate with Radiohead. The chill out vibe is kinda cool, but I can’t say it enough, it’s just not the Radiohead of the 90s.
The Libertines
4/5
Never really bothered with The Libertines and as I’m not a fan of Arctic Monkeys I didn’t think I’d like this one, but I do. The tracks are all interesting and have individuality in every aspect. I really liked “Music When The Light Goes Out”, “What Katie Did” and of course “Can’t Stand Me Now” which is the only one I already knew from this album. I think I’ll listen to it again and maybe have a listen to their other albums.
Hüsker Dü
4/5
Not sure on this one. It started off great, but the production is a little rocky. Sometimes it seemed a little samey. Doing some research I find they were overshadowed by REM, but were influential to other alt rock bands. I can hear that. I get some elements of Goo Goo Dolls and Hootie and The Blowfish.
A few songs I really enjoyed, but particularly "Bed of Nails". I just wish it had a little more variety. Being their last album it makes me curious about their other work. I can't take anything away from the album though, it's decent enough for me to keep listening, but it's only just a 4 because sometimes I had to drop the volume.
Morrissey
5/5
I don't care for controversies and the things people say or do. People are free to do or be whatever they want. Music should bring us together, it not tare us apart. Morrissey and Johnny Marr basically hated each other, but they still created great music.
Morrissey was great in The Smiths, he's great on his own (albeit with some help from Johnny and the others). This is as enjoyable as any Smiths album. Done.
Incubus
5/5
The inevitability of reviewing an album twice when you have two projects at the same time is dawning on me rather hard lately. I reviewed this exactly 2 weeks ago. I was shocked at the amount of 1 star reviews it received, was going to give a 4, but gave a 5 because, “it needs it (and ultimately deserves more than the 1s and 2s that it seems to be getting)”. So, I’m doing the same. Sue me.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Not a fan of this. I don’t really like Arctic Monkeys, so I wasn’t expecting much. It’s listenable, but there’s something I don’t particularly enjoy about it. Think I can live without it.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Not their best, but absolutely phenomenal in every aspect otherwise!
4/5
Wasn't expecting this punk rock gem. A good fit for a Thursday afternoon, post-work slump!
The Byrds
1/5
Not for me at all. I don't like country even when mixed with other genres. I've softened to some types of country music, which is usually a bit more hard rock than it is country, but this particular kind of country is just a big no for me.
Fugazi
3/5
Not bad. Enjoyed a few tracks, but wasn’t blown away.
Pavement
4/5
Guitars and percussion are pretty good, vocals aren’t always the best but they stack up pretty well in the mix. Various influences shine through which sparked my interest with each song. A decent alt-rock, grunge, album.
Pentangle
3/5
I dreamed I was camped beneath a tree, singing songs of peace to a symphony of harps and lutes. A bong in my right hand, a tambourine in the left. Then the album ended and my coding nightmare returned. I wouldn't go as far to say I liked it, it just wasn't really my style. Some tracks were relaxing and enjoyable enough, some were bit too strange.
Rocket From The Crypt
4/5
Forgot “On A Rope” existed. This is a solid punk rock album. Enjoyed it.
Van Morrison
3/5
Another live album?! FFS! I literally just reviewed a live Deep Purple album. I like a bit of Van the Man, but I just can’t do live albums. Gets a bit boring after a while too. Arrangements and quality are mostly good and it’s way too long. As I’ve said a thousand times, give me a compilation of studio recordings.
Listenable, so it gets a 3. Only just though.
Anita Baker
4/5
Didn’t love every song, it’s mostly forgettable, but I enjoyed it. There’s some kick ass bass and “Sweet Love” is a top track. It’s a high 3, low 4.
Mudhoney
4/5
Good grunge album, plenty of punch to it. I could definitely learn to love this album, but I wouldn’t give it a 5. Intrigued to hear more of their discography. I imagine they’re underrated, and outcast by Nirvana.
Roxy Music
2/5
Not really for me. Never liked Bryan Ferry’s voice.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Not a fan of new wave. The poetry in his lyrics are undeniably great, but his voice was sometimes hard to listen to. Some songs were pretty good, but others were completely not. It was listenable at least, but not really for me. However, I was generally compelled to listen to the lyrics to see where it was going, and to discover the next track and what possible genres it would combine. For that I give it a 3.
Turbonegro
4/5
This is pretty good. Never heard of them before. Some of the lyrics are bit _simple_ but sometimes that's okay. Musically pretty fun and well done, I can dig it.
Can
3/5
I do try hard to listen to this genre, I know I should like it, but it’s too challenging. I’ve heard worse so I went with a 3.
The Vines
5/5
Heavy inspiration from Nirvana for sure, but I wouldn't classify them as the "second coming". I saw someone mention Oasis, and now I hear it. This is a great album, I really enjoyed it. Going to delve through their discography and see what else is out there.
The Band
2/5
Not for me. Don't particularly like the fusion of rock and country. Barely listenable.
Bee Gees
2/5
I hate the Bee Gees. Their whiney high voices irritate me. I was surprised to hear that they have normal voices too. I didn't hate this like I thought, but it's from an era I'm not particularly fond of.
Elton John
2/5
Right after the Bee Gees, I get Elton John. I hate the Bee Gees and I hate Elton John. Nothing worthy of reconsidering in this album, I still very much dislike Elton. Sorry.
Joy Division
2/5
Not for me, sorry. I thought I might like it, but I didn't. Quite happy to forget about it.
Jack White
3/5
Not bad. Groovy and instrumentally rich, but it didn't blow me away. Listenable, but perhaps forgettable.
John Lennon
2/5
If he was alive today, do you think he’d drink Stella? Anyway, not particularly fond of Lennon. “Imagine” is overplayed and I get the sense of a darker meaning behind “Jealous Guy”. 1/4 of the Beatles deserves more than what I’d give I’m sure, but I can’t stretch to a 3 so I leave it at 2. Nothing amazing here.
Metallica
5/5
Bored of the haters. I love MetallicA and I love this album. Everyone should own it and worship it, whether you like metal or not. Less than 5? PAH, I think not, Metal up your ass!!
Minutemen
5/5
Finally!! Something that has actually wow’d me in a way I would never expect. I’ve heard “Corona” before (Yes of course from MTV Jackass), but would not have been able to tell you who penned that song.
The rest of the album is simply kick ass. The fusion of genres but keeping the punk sound is incredible. It’s a jazzy, funked up punk record. The bass really slaps, the drums are right, vocals on point. Really enjoyed this album!!
Neil Young
4/5
I started writing a review suggesting it was a little bland, but then I listened again and I realised I like it. The bluesy tracks particularly stand out. I’m going to listen more and really settle into it.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I like Peter Gabriel, but I’ve not a huge fan. You can hear Genesis throughout this album. “Sledgehammer” and “Don’t Give Up” are classics. The rest of the album is alright, but nothing to go back for.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
I like this, there's some good tracks. Not a fan of CCR and I think I prefer "Bayou Country" than this.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
As previously reviewed last month, still rings true after listening again:
““Tuesday’s Gone”, “Free Bird”, “Gimme Three Steps” and “Simple Man”. 4 pure classic tracks. Loved “Mr Banker”. No brainer… 5!”
New York Dolls
3/5
Good enough punk record, but nothing amazing. Can take it or leave it.
Traffic
4/5
My original review:
“Groovy 70s Rock. Not really into it much, but I liked a few tracks and they were usually less jazzy. Sometimes the flute was a little psychadelic which I wasn’t keen on. Generally speaking it’s decent, but not particularly for me. - 2”
My new review: Interesting 70s, Jazz-rock vibe. I seemed to resonate better with it this time, and seemed to get into it particularly towards the end.
Joy Division
2/5
I think I like it a little more than their "Closer" album which I recently reviewed, but it's still not for me. I feel like I should like it, but the vocals aren't that great and it's repetitive. Musically it's alright, sometimes I get some The Cure vibes (whom I love), but it's more experimental than that. Will pass.
Queens of the Stone Age
2/5
My original review back in January still stands:
“I like QotSA, but this album seemed a little repetitive. I really like the overall sound, but the repetition is not for me. Sometimes it's bearable, other times just not at all! I think other albums are better.”
Quicksilver Messenger Service
3/5
Not the best, but far from being the worst. Psychedelic rock typical of the late 60s/70s. Jazzy, bluesy, noodly kind of rock. Listenable, but rather too long.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Not much to say on top of all the other reviews. It's a colossal, classic. 5 stars without listening, 6 because I listened to it anyway. No? Ok, 5 is it.
The Doors
3/5
Never really bothered with The Doors, so only know their more famous songs. I personally didn’t get much from this album, but it’s perfectly listenable with a few good tracks. Just not really for me I guess.
The Beach Boys
3/5
I just can’t listen to The Beach Boys without hearing that awful squealing “round, round get around, I get around, oooeeeeeeoooo”. The album started like I presumed it would and I then assumed it would continue that way, but I was wrong (kind of). Somehow became a more Beatles like attempt. “Student Demonstration Time” was certainly a lot better than their usual drool, “Feel Flows” wasn’t half bad. I’d forgotten I was listening to The Beach Boys until I was brought back to reality with “‘Till I Die” and the title track. Listenable, just about.
Tom Waits
4/5
Just like the previously suggested Tom Waits album, I kinda liked it. I was a huge fan, some tracks were not for me, but overall it has something. "Dirt In The Ground" is a good one, "Jesus Gonna Be Here" is some kick ass blues.
Kate Bush
2/5
Like I said in a review of another Kate Bush album, I’m just not a fan of Kate and her voice. There are some interesting ideas in this album, but with no “Running Up That Hill” to save it this time there’s nothing for me. I particularly disliked the tracks where she over abused and annunciated the British Cockney accent. Doesn’t suit her style.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Not for me this. It’s calm, pleasant, easy listening, but forgettable.
The Darkness
5/5
I got this in my other "project" last month. It was a true blessing. I had previously disliked The Darkness, but have since changed my mind.
Having listened again my original review is unchanged, I actually like it more.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
I love this album! It's dark, gritty, raw and has some serious lyrics. I've always enjoyed the grittiness of Nick's voice. "Red Right Hand" appears throughout my Spotify history.
Really liked "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry" and "John Finn's Wife"
Dennis Wilson
3/5
Don’t really know what I think of this one. It’s definitely underrated. There is a good variety of tracks, some chill, some melancholy. Not all songs are for me, still very Beach Boys (naturally) and it’s a bit long.
Bee Gees
1/5
The last Bee Gees album I reviewed received a 2 from me. It was tolerable because it wasn’t their overplayed whiney crap. This is not tolerable. It’s boring, unrelatable, droned on and shouldn’t be on the list. I stopped listening at track 7, “Somebody Stop The Music”. I took it as a sign.
CHIC
4/5
I have mixed feelings about this record. Nile Rodgers is a beast, he has some serious chops. There are some killer bass lines throughout. It’s a good feel record. However, I did feel it was a little too samey, but that’s Disco I guess. And since when was “Good Times” more than 8 minutes long? Some of the songs are excessively and unnecessarily long, which is definitely too much for “Good Times” as it’s over played, particularly at 60 year old’s birthday parties.
With all that said, the album is cool. Plenty of goodness. I can’t give it a full 4, but a 3 is way too harsh, so… 4 it is.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
My last review of this album:
"It’s Jimi, come on people! I’m not writing some lengthy review of what we all know as a masterpiece."
'nuff said!
Kelela
4/5
Soulful, big sound R&B. Very enjoyable with high volume and plenty of bass. Wasn't always compelled to listen to the lyrics much, but I feel the production and blend of genres is something to revel in. Will listen again. 4 stars, but a high 4.
Mekons
1/5
No, no, no. Someone pointed out that it "threatened to be good, but that never materialises". This is spot on. I gave up towards the end, I couldn't take any more of the slow "Cotton Eye Joe". A weird start to my weekend.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Can't quite put my finger on this one. I can hear some elements of Foo Fighters more mellow tracks and maybe some Ash. Anyway, it's not half bad. I can think of some times I could listen to this purposefully, but it is a bit samey.
Hookworms
3/5
Interesting. Some catchy beats, but overall not something I would go back to.
The National
3/5
I listened and it started off well with a good build up. I listened some more hoping for a peak, but it remained at the same line. It's decent, but I was hoping for something more.
Grateful Dead
2/5
Ok finally some Grateful Dead. I've never really given them much thought other than their popular tracks because I'm not a fan of their style. I've been told to give them more of a chance, so I was glad to get the opportunity... then I rolled my eyes when I realised it's a live album.
I don't mind it. The first track, I mean, more than 20 minutes long? I gave up with that one, too noodley nonsense. There were a couple of good bluesy tracks, but usually too long and full of unnecessary jamming. Quality wasn't bad, but live albums are just a no for me.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
I reviewed this on Feb 14th 2025. Having listened again I have nothing additional to say, this is simply a masterpiece.
Previous review:
"Not everyone loves Jimi, but I do, and this was the first album I heard. I’m always awed by his magic fingers and that unmistakable tone, after all tone is in the fingers. The blues, the rock, the riffs, all great. The influence he still has to this day makes not only this album, but his collective work that much more impressive. This unforgettable experience can’t be mistaken for anything less than a 5."
The Stooges
3/5
I should like this, I know I should, but something doesn't seem to appeal to me. I really didn't like "Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell" or "Raw Power". The rest was alright.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Not really into Elvis or the genre for that matter. The late 50s and 60s doesn't give me much. Whilst listening I could imagine all the girls swooning and screaming the first time they heard it. It's commercial, produced to generate image and money. Some songs are pretty good, don't get me wrong, but I don't believe Elvis had much input - just his image and that sultry voice. The song writers and studio artists were in top form.
With that said, I enjoyed it. It doesn't really tickle my fancy so to speak, but it's enjoyable and seductive. It's hard to fault the voice, the blues numbers, the typical rock and roll of the era.
The Soft Boys
3/5
Not bad. I can see how it would be influential to the indie and alternative rock scene. Stone Roses, Seahorses, Shed Seven...
Some songs were pretty great, others mediocre. Interesting lyrics.
Carpenters
5/5
Really glad to get this one today. Most of my childhood was spent listening to The Carpenters. My mother loved them, she had the most extensive collection of their records, tapes and CDs. I know the lyrics to pretty much all of their songs. Even driving 3 or 4 hours to our holiday destination we would listen to The Carpenters. Shall always remind me of my mother.
Karen's voice is so lovely, their musicianship is amazing. Shame to have lost her so early. This is a great album, with some wonderful tracks. There is some bias, but I don't care, it gets a 5 anyway. (and I'm a metal head)
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Never been into Rolling Stones. Some songs are classics, but none from this album, it's mostly all covers. Entertaining, but nothing really stands out for me. "I just Want To Make Love To You" I skipped, it's a terrible cover.
Syd Barrett
1/5
Not for me. Spangly guitar strumming, inebriated, hippies that can't sing. I think I may have been alright dying before hearing this one.
Rod Stewart
1/5
Can't stand Rod Stewart. The title track "Gasoline Alley", is a dreadful start and doesn't really get any better from there. Repeated, boring, unimaginative lyrics, and vocals that are just grating from the start. All I can think of is his overplayed song "Maggie May" which makes me wonder why it's overplayed in the first place.
10cc
3/5
Was I expecting too much? Obviously I know of their most played track "Dreadlock Holiday", "I'm Not In Love"... etc, but that's about all I do know of 10CC. It started out well with "The Wall Street Shuffle", but then it felt like I was in some Rockified musical west end theatre production. Perhaps the heat is getting to me on this unusually hot May Friday afternoon. "Baron Samedi" is pretty decent and there is some decent musicianship, otherwise that's it.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Like others have said - it's like a ball rolling up the hill, but just doesn't quite make it. Bland when all is said and done.
American Music Club
2/5
Started off okay with the idea that it will get better, but somehow it drifts to a rather sombre and mono tone drawl. Disappointed.
1/5
I'm sorry, but I don't like U2. Never have, and it seems I perhaps never will. For me they're like marmite. Glad to see I'm not the only one. There seems to be a clear indication of love and hate in the reviews. Did I listen to the entire album, no I didn't.
Each song is like the other. I'd like to say it's mostly owed to Bono, but it really isn't. The Edge, at least for me, is an overrated guitarist relying on that overused delay. They have a distinct sound that is just boring and eye rolling. Bono's voice doesn't agree with me either.
Bill Bailey said it best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8dZwXnMrRU&pp=ygUOdTIgYmlsbCBiYWlsZXk%3D
Def Leppard
4/5
Previously reviewed this as a 4 as I don't believe this is their best album. It is a great album, but a 4 is sufficient.
The Who
4/5
This is one of their better albums, particularly because it's not a live recording. My previous review gave it a 4, I think I'll stick with that.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Previous review, still stands:
"This is a classic album at their peak of funk rock. Expert musicianship all round. Not my favourite of theirs, but career defining. Their top track is there in all its glory. It still sounds fresh and relevant."
Herbie Hancock
4/5
Groovy, well thought out Jazz. I liked it. There were a few quirks, but overall I think it's worthy of at least 4 stars.
Ali Farka Touré
5/5
I really appreciate the art in this record. Mixing blues with traditional African music is pretty genius to be fair. It’s raw and somehow incredibly delightful. This is something that deserves to be heard and deserves its slot on this list.
Solange
4/5
This was unexpectedly good. Each song is better than anything Beyonce has ever done. It's smooth R'n'B with a genre cross into some other styles. Enjoyable, but some of the chit chat gets annoying.
Steely Dan
4/5
I've always considered Steely Dan a rock band with some crosses into other genres like jazz and funk. I don't love this album, but it's listenable. The era is not really to my liking.
The Who
2/5
As some have said, the concept is interesting, but I just can't get behind it. It's a rock west end musical that I don't want to go and see. Pinball Wizard is a colossal track, the rest is just uneventful. It's very 60s/70s and as such isn't for me, it just doesn't stand the test of time. Couldn't listen to it all, I'm not a fan of The Who anyway.
Barry Adamson
2/5
It's like it's aspiring to be something, but doesn't know how. There's no real substance here, cattywampus musings from a composer.
The Beach Boys
1/5
Interestingly I got this the day after Brian Wilson passed. RIP.
I've reviewed a couple of their albums from this list already, one got a 2 star and the other a 3. I just can't stand the vocals mostly. The "ooooh oooohs, "aaaah aaaahhhAAAAAAs", "ooooh eeeees" and high pitched shrieking are too much. It's almost comical.
Like I said in a previous review, I can appreciate they were the most revered boy band and the girls went limp listening to them, but their music needs to stay where it was, it has no place in the modern world.
Booker T. & The MG's
5/5
Green Onions is a great track, the album also. Never listened to the full album before. Superb!
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
Eric Clapton is a beast of a blues guitarist, no different in Derek and The Domino. Aside from their live records this is their only album. It's a phenomenal album. Who can mistake "Layla", "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" and their rendition of "Little Wing" as anything but pure greatness? The ending track, "Thorn Tree In The Garden", is sublime.
Radiohead
4/5
I said in my review of "Kid A":
"The chill out vibe is kinda cool, but I can’t say it enough, it’s just not the Radiohead of the 90s."
However, there is something more with this one. It's similar to "Kid A", but with elements from their pre-Kid A venture like "OK Computer". Pretty decent, but it's still not the Radiohead of the 90s.
Yes
3/5
Was excited to listen to this one, but was disappointed. "Roundabout" is a great track, the rest is your typical boring 70s prog rock with noodling and jamming.
System Of A Down
4/5
Original review a couple months ago with 4 stars:
"This is a good album. I never really branched beyond their more famous tracks. Each song is as good as the others I already know."
Having listened again it seems fitting, I'll stick with that.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
4/5
Funky, jazzy, fun rock with some bluesy elements. Thoroughly enjoyed "And When I Die" and "God Bless the Child". Didn't realise that I knew "Spinning Wheel".
Wilco
4/5
Enjoyed this one. They have a good sound. I actually really enjoyed "Jesus, etc." and "Pot Kettle Black", which had elements of The Cure. I believe people understate this album. It's not "boring", but I can see how some don't like it.
Pixies
4/5
Beyond "Where Is My Mind" and the associated album "Surfer Rosa". This is a good alt rock album, enjoyed it more than I thought. No particular song stood out, but as a whole it was mostly enjoyable.
Deep Purple
5/5
Original review:
“ Classic album with a bunch of classic hits. "Smoke On The Water" being the definition of their career. Top album.”
Still a top album, still a 5.
Ian Dury
3/5
"Hit me, hit me, hit me"... was hoping for more of that, but I was naive in thinking I'd get that from this album despite having "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" in all it's enjoyable splendour. I didn't recognise any other songs.
It's very 70s teenage angst, but I guess a lot of Ian's songs are based around some sexual connotation. Something about it pulls me in, but it's not amazing. Musically it's well done, but Ian's over pronounced cockney voice gets a bit old and the lyrics aren't particularly great. "My Old Man" for instance has some great jazz guitar licks and the drums on "Clever Trevor" are pretty sweet (although basic), but the lyrics aren't inspiring at all. 3, because he was born around the corner from where I lived as a kid and the tailor in "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" has my name.
Eurythmics
3/5
Eurythmics... I can't lie, I thought I'd get more from this than I did. I claim ignorance, I only know their singles, I've never listened to any of their LPs and I didn't know that their biggest hit, "Sweet Dreams" was released in 1983 nor would I have believed this is their 2nd album.
Anyway, with what I know of them I expected more or less the same. Other than the title track, "Love Is a Stranger" and "I Could Give You (A Mirror)" it's a mediocre LP. I'll stick with a "Best Of".
Ryan Adams
4/5
It's music people, we're not reviewing the person. It's not a bad album, some good tracks, some bad. "Oh My Sweet Carolina" and "Come Pick Me Up" stand out for me. "In My Time of Need" is enjoyably melancholy.
Stereolab
3/5
This is pretty decent, crosses some genres at times. I had a French album yesterday too which was an ear opener. Besides my lack of understanding of the French tracks I liked it. Musically it's good, vocals are very well done. Enjoyable, different and pleasant but not something I would go back to again I doubt. There are some mediocre tracks and some great tracks. "The Noise of Carpet" is good. 3.5, but not a 4.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
Solid indie album. Didn't love every song, but "Maps" and "Black Tongue" are bangers. "Pin" was pretty ace too.
David Bowie
3/5
Ah, Harry Styles dad. hahahaha.
Not really in to Bowie's music, and this is not at all what I was expecting. It's funky and cool, but so many other artists and bands did the genre more justice. I wanted rock to be honest. "Somebody up There Likes Me" came close, but no cigar. I already know "Fame", I don't really like that track.
Simply Red
4/5
My mum always listened to Simply Red, I remember when "Stars" was released she had it on repeat. I'm certain I could still sing all the words to each song back-to-back.
Anyway, I digress... This is a great album. "Holding Back The Years" and "Money's Too Tight (To Mention)" are top tracks, but there are some other greats in there too. Some with funky beats, others jazzy and down tempo. There may be a few that aren't amazing, but overall It's enjoyable.
3/5
Better than the last Bowie album. "Starman" is a classic, the rest is okay, nothing truly worth remembering.
Why is he visiting Kanye in his album cover, is he a time traveller? (sorry, I'll get my coat)
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
One of their greatest albums, no doubt. Fat and funky bass licks, superb funk rock guitar riffs, great vocals and drums you can vibe too. Some of their best hits. It's an all around winner.
Paul Simon
2/5
Disappointing and rather boring really, I expected more. It feels like a bunch of pop songs the local British Legion pub would have the one man band play in the background while everyone is getting pissed up.
The acoustic tracks are much better, but they can't save it a this point.
Garbage
5/5
This is a classic album from my teenage youth. "Only Happy When It Rains", "Queer" and "Stupid Girl" are phenomenal singles, the opening track "Supervixen" is the perfect start and final song "Milk" is a magnificent come-down. The album is meaty and powerful. Love it as much as I did in my teens.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
You can't hate anything MG has done. The are some elements here that get a little repetitive, mostly the theme, but overall it's suave, cool and soulful. Nothing more than what you'd expect from the mighty MG. 4 because I wanted something more, but I get just about got what I expected.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
"Oh Boy" takes me straight back to holidays with my parents and sisters where the arcade had a coin push machine with a 50s/60s theme that played a short clip of the song at regular intervals.
"Oh Boy" and "That'll Be The Day" are classics, the rest is very generic Rock 'n' Roll but it's enjoyable.
The Temptations
5/5
The musicianship here is fundamental. It's groovy, funky and soulful. Songs like "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" are an experience and a music lesson. This is a brilliant album with a variety of greatness. You can't take anything away from The Tempations on this one.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Not really for me, but it was an interesting experience.
Steely Dan
3/5
Similar to my review of different Steely Dan album; The cross into Jazz and funk is interesting, but it's not really my bag. Never really liked this era or Steely Dan for that matter. It's perfectly listenable, 3.
Richard Hawley
4/5
Never heard of this guy before, was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting some mediocre alt rock yawn fest and instead an easy listening record. Has a classic 60s feel with a modernised twist. Didn't like every song, but enjoyed it all the same. Made me feel calm and happy somehow.
Sigur Rós
3/5
Ethereal chill vibes. Sometimes a little repetitive, yes sometimes rather challenging. Overall an interesting and pleasant listening.
Nina Simone
5/5
Powerful, soulful, blues-jazz. What a voice. Sublime musicianship, true poetic lyricism. Beautifully crafted music.
I'm in the "I can't stand U2" camp and it was a real grind to listen to this. I can't listen to Bono, The Edge creates such boring, repetitive riffs usually drowned in delay and/or some other effects that are uninteresting or appropriate for what they're playing and even Larry's drum patterns are child's play. Not a song worthy of listening to on this album, and no, I didn't listen to it all.
Bon Jovi
5/5
Original review is spot on!
"How my teenage angst and young broken heart are thankful for Bon Jovi. “Cross Road” never left my ears, and that compilation album wouldn’t be half what it is without “Slippery When Wet”! It doesn’t surprise me to see so many low ratings from the haters, just makes me love it more… 5+"
Girls Against Boys
4/5
Usually this kind of noise rock wouldn't be for me, but it's far more intricate and I think this is overlooked. I liked it from the first track. Nothing changed my mind, it continued to entertain me. It's dark and broody.
Ministry
2/5
My original review still stands:
"Each song starts strong, but the loop of the same riff gets boring. No real progression. Got fed up pretty quickly."
Only positive I can think of, is that it makes me want to play Mortal Kombat or Killer Instinct for some reason.
Slayer
5/5
Original review: "Slayer are top, killer album, no question! The drum work is superb, the overall musicianship is amazing. Guitar riffs are bad ass. Particularly like "Criminally Insane"."
Was a 5 then, still a 5.
Ozomatli
3/5
Something different, but I didn't love it. The Latin twist gets a bit boring. Listenable and relatively enjoyable.
Sisters Of Mercy
4/5
Darker, Gothier, The Cure with a twist of Bowie. Others have mentioned Meatloaf, but I can't hear it. "Flood I" reminded of Goldeneye on N64 for some reason. "Lucretia My Reflection" goes hard, "This Corrosion" is pretty ace too.
Nico
1/5
Not really for me, her vocals are grating and difficult to listen to. Shame, because some (just some) of the guitar is well done. Maybe if you're tanked on Cocaine and Weed and covered in daisy chains you can dig this.
The Police
1/5
Look, I don't generally like The Police. They've never appealed to me. I don't know what this album is, it's not at all what I expected, although I can't say I had any real expectations.
"Mother" doesn't belong on this album. Radical nonsense. It's too way out for me. I hate "Every Breath You Take" because of a traumatic time during the release of P. Diddy's "I'll Be Missing You".
I guess that's it. Sorry.
1/5
if The Beatles' kids were forced to start a band together with the album recorded and produced by The Beatles, you'd get this. They'd then split up, disown their parents and start a revolt for mass burning of their parents records, tapes, CDs and DVDs, with all remaining royalties given to The Rolling Stones.
Medicore, barely listenable in my opinion.
The Stooges
4/5
Not a massive fan of The Stooges or Iggy Pop, but they're okay. "Down On The Street" is a pretty huge track. I like "Loose", it's a raw and solid track. "Dirt" is a good Blues-rock track.
It's not a bad album, overall mostly enjoyable. Plenty heavy for the era.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Started off well, but got a bit samey in the middle, drifts off after that. Too long so it gets a 3. Shame really.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I had a Beach Boys album the day after Brian Wilson died, now I have a Sabbath album the day after our beloved Ozzy passed.
My original review still stands:
"Arguably their best album. Ozzy is phenomenal. Instant 5, just add volume."
Additions:
Ozzy rules, no question. I had this on repeat in his memory. Worth every minute of my time. The godfather of metal he shall forever remain.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
I know of MBV, but don't know their music. It's noise-alternative-pop. Not bad, but not really my scene. "when you sleep" isn't bad.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Hoped for more here, there are some tracks by EC that I've liked. This was a mediocre album with nothing much to give than background music. Samey and underwhelming.
Radiohead
5/5
Their best for sure. Absolute banging classic, so many top tunes. 6/5... no? fine, 5 then.
Pantera
4/5
Why original review sticks:
"I like Pantera, I’ve listened to a few of their tracks and have some of them in my playlists. Not really listened to much else, so this was relatively new. I liked it. It was powerful, heavy and angry. 4 stars for me, enjoyable enough."
Gene Clark
3/5
Can see how people enjoy it, but it's not really for me. Country/folk doesn't tend to sit that well with me. As some have said, if you grew up with it it's probably great, otherwise it's more of the same. Listenable if nothing else.
Marilyn Manson
5/5
I remember this being released and the hype about it. It was a great album then, it's great now. Always loved "Tourniquet", enough to give it 5 stars. I saw MM at Big Day Out festival in Milton Keynes back in 1999, was a great day. Bit strange, but a great show nonetheless.
The Beau Brummels
1/5
Started off weak and somehow got worse. There's something decent behind some of the music, but the vocals are shocking and warbley. Rocky, folk, whale blubber built on magic mushrooms and tree hugging, cocaine sniffers. Boring.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
"I'm gonna make love to you woman, gonna lay you down by the fire" is now stuck in my head and "Hot Buttered Soul" makes me think of the deepfake Gary Busey "Hot buttered Sausage" meme.
All joking aside, this is a very soulful album with some interesting lyrical twists. I prefer the single edits, the others are unnecessarily long. "One Woman" is smooth af. I skipped the interview, no time for that.
I hoped for more, I can't lie. But it's alright.
The 13th Floor Elevators
1/5
Psychedelic is no lie. Typical, experimental, 60s nonsense. Is the record warped, is Ralf Harris in the background with his wobble board, or did an alien join their band whilst smacked up on opium? In the words of Mr. Mackey "Drugs are bad, m'kay"
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Same as I said of my review of LZ III
"Not their best, but absolutely phenomenal in every aspect otherwise!”"
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Another 60s album. I don't get along with much music from the 60s, same can be said for Country and Folk. This has all 3, with some twangy rock attempts. The guitar reminds me of the music at some festivals in Stardew Valley. Sometimes felt I was at a redneck wedding. Didn't take anything from this, I let this Burrito fly right on past. 2.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
From one 60s album to another. Like I said in the review of the album prior to this one - "I don't get along with much 60s music". Even more so when it's middle age sounding shit like this. Where are the lutes? Sat expecting a jester to come dancing around my room begging for mercy from the king. Lyrics are nonsense. Not sure I will get the lyric "He can't dream well because of his horns" out of my nightmares for a while. Not for me, sorry.
The Beta Band
3/5
Didn't really wow me or anything, wasn't particularly memorable. There was that 'one' song, that was it.
Rush
3/5
I don't mind a bit of Rush, but Gaddy's vocals are a bit much after a while. Musicianship is pretty good overall. Doesn't blow me away though.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Folk music isn't really for me. This has an interesting twist of indie rock that gives it some colour, but it still lacks something. I tried to find some delight buried deep beneath the surface, but the surface is thin and watery. Samey and slightly unimaginative.
Throwing Muses
3/5
This is a weird one, I couldn't quite my finger on it. It's as if Cyndi Lauper joined The Cure but she was on guitar as well. But something else is missing. Anyway, it was kinda cool sometimes and other times a little bland. Occasionally I thought it was repetitive.
Everything But The Girl
4/5
Wow, there's a lot of hate for this one. I remember "Missing" being released as a teen who thought he was in love and used the line "like the deserts miss the rain" in a postcard I sent back whilst on holiday. She laughed at me, but I digress, that song isn't on this album. Neither are the other two I know, "Wrong" and "Tracey In The Room". Amazing that I've actually heard their spectacular cover of Crazy Horse's "I Don't Want to Talk About It" and even "Goodbye Sunday".
I didn't love EVERY song, but there were a lot of decent tracks on this album. Some jazzy, some poppy, some just easy listening.
I remember reviewing another album of theirs, "Walking Wounded", which I gave a 4 and this one is better. I like Tracey's voice, maybe not so much Ben's. I can't go above 4 though.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
The intro is solid. Not enough people do intros any more, and when they do they're usually just awful. The outro is also on point. Great stuff.
I've not heard this one before. I like "Back To Black", but this is a great debut album and for me is possibly better. I'm sure that's an unpopular opinion. I just think this is less tainted and less smeared by the additional struggles she had after this (yes I know she was always troubled). "Back To Black" has more of her top hits, but "Rehab" IMO is not great nor is the title track, perhaps both overplayed, "Valerie" is not as good as the original (yep, sorry). "You Know I'm No Good" is my favourite on "Back To Black" which is much more like this album style.
Her voice is incredible, and song writing ability at the age she released this is nothing but amazing. "(There Is) No Greater Lover" is one of my favourites, but there are a lot of brilliant tracks including (but not limited to); "Fuck Me Pumps", "Brother", "What Is It About Men", "Help Yourself"...
It's jazz/hip-hop with soul, a touch of melancholy and vintage vibes. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Metallica
5/5
Previous review: "Tremendous album from a tremendous band. Spent many hours learning the riffs and solos. “Orion” alone deserves more than 5 stars, but hey-ho."
Being a huge MetallicA fan I'm not going to give it anything less than a 5. There's not a song I don't like on the album, but Orion is most superior. Listened to the album a couple of times for good measure.
The xx
2/5
Hmmm... I could hear some UK Garage elements which I didn't expect. Not heard of this band at all. Vocals are not great, lyrics are uninspired and music is repetitive. Not for me, effortlessly boring. Probably doesn't need to be on this list.
The Byrds
2/5
Another 60s album. Doesn't please my ears, I'm not a fan. Sorry.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Tired of the political bullshit people throw around to give him a bad rating rather than listening to his music and accepting it as what it is. Same for other artists. Whether they did wrong is irrelevant, was/is their music good? I hate Taylor Swift, but her music not the person. I'm sure she's a lovely person, I don't know her nor do I care. I still listen to R Kelly sometimes. Sure he's a monster for the things he did, but that doesn't take away the enjoyment his music gives me. Sue me. We incarcerate those found guilty, but also those found innocent these days. So it makes no difference, haters gonna hate.
I never knew MJ personally, obviously, but I know his music and I love it. This is a great album, deserves to be here. He was a musical genius. Troubled, yes, but a genius all the same and he pathed the way for many other artists.
"Liberian Girl" remains one of my favourites, "Dirty Diana" also, but "Man in the Mirror" not so much, perhaps it's the fact that it's the one song that Michael didn't write. I remember the amazing video to "Leave Me Alone" on MTV. Genius. "Smooth Criminal" will hold a special place in my heart as it reminds me of sitting with my best friend from primary school watching "Moonwalker" over and over again and begging our parents to rent it from the video club again. It also reminds me of the Sega Mega Drive game "Michael Jackson's Moonwalker" and that amazing spin he does as the first level starts, the coin flip into the air that falls into the jukebox and starts playing "Smooth Criminal". The same with "Another Part of Me" which plays at the title screen that you can't help singing along to instead of pressing "start"... played that game to death.
Parliament
4/5
If you looked up "Parliament" in the dictionary you should find "maters of funk". Shame they didn't choose a less political name.
Serious funk in this album, bad ass bass lines and groove. Being a fan of Dre's album "Chronic" I was pleased to hear a lot of the samples he took played in full.
Very enjoyable.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Some classic tracks on this album, and some great ones I've never heard. "Sir Duke", "Isn't She Lovely", "I Wish" being so major for Stevie and "Pastime Paradise" being pivotal for Coolio.
It's an enjoyable album.
Motörhead
3/5
Original review - "Great selection of songs from their vast array of bangers and they sound great live, but I just don’t do live albums. I didn’t listen to it all. Quality isn’t great, I would just rather listen to a collection or playlist of the studio recordings. I can’t give a 5 for that reason, but I can’t go lower than 4 ‘cos it’s Motorhead."
I love Motorhead, but Motorhead or not, I'm not knocking it down to a 3. Live albums should not be on this list. :(
Wild Beasts
3/5
Interesting. Musically it was enticing, but sometimes the vocals were way out. I like "Two Dancers (i)" and maybe "All The King's Men", not much else. Was alright though.
The Black Crowes
5/5
Previous review:
"This was the album I needed, I had no idea! I know their top hits “Hard To Handle” and “She Talks to Angels”, but I’ve never paid them much attention. What a mistake that was, this is an amazing blues rock record and I’m glad to have discovered it. So many great tracks, didn’t skip any - starting on a high and ended on one. I WILL listen to more of their discography."
Still a great album, and yes, I have listened to more of there discography since. 5
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Hmmm... Finally a 60s album I actually enjoyed. Dusty had a sultry, throaty voice. I can imagine the influence she had on so many other singers. A few classics I recognise, wasn't expecting to like this one at all.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
Blues explosion? I think not, maybe "fusion".
There are some bluesy elements I like to some songs, but I was expecting something slightly different to this. A few of the guitar riffs are well done, but lyrically and vocally a misfire.
I think I've heard "Wail" somewhere before. I liked this track for the most part, but the rest I could happily pass without much thought. It wasn't terrible, but not to my taste and way too long. 2.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
She had an amazing voice, sultry voice. There are some true classics on this album. Enjoyable soul record, but didn't blow me away.
Traffic
3/5
Better than some of their other albums, but not great by any means. plenty of good blues and jazz influence here. It's alright for an Austin Powers movie maybe.
The Band
2/5
Another 60s album, just not into it. There are some nice blues elements, but the mix of rock, folk and country just doesn't please my sound holes. 2.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not a big fan of Dylan. This album is a little bland. There's a few good songs. I've always liked "Make You Feel My Love" and "Not Dark Yet" is pretty good. Otherwise, it's listenable but nothing amazing for such a prominent figure in Rock and folk.
4/5
Wasn't ready for this. Funkiness goes hard. Enjoyable stuff.
Bob Dylan
2/5
Because I had to catchup from the weekend albums I ended up with two Dylan albums on a Monday. Just don't really like Dylan, and I don't really care for the lyrics much either. Sorry.
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Instrumentally it goes hard, some superb riffs and drums. Didn't love the vocals, but it worked. There's a raw quality I like about it. I was getting a bit of early Goo Goo Dolls, there was something else but I just can't figure out that it is. Enjoyed this one.
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
<sarcasm> Hoorah, just what I wanted, another live album </sarcasm> Not really a fan of Jerry Lee Lewis as it is, "Great Balls of Fire" drives me insane, it's such a cheesy, overplayed, song. The part in Top Gun with the song is cringey. I can't deny he had some revolutionary tracks, even definitive perhaps, but I don't want to hear any of them live. He has some real energy, but as always the sound quality is lacking. 3 because I'm being kind.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
Decent blues album with some elements of Bluegrass (IMO). Good sound, good vocals. For a 60s album, I'm shocked. Deserves at least a 4 for being a good album in the 60s.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Classic album with some great tracks! Never given the time to go through the whole thing, glad I have now. Gonna go back for more another time.
Brian Eno
3/5
Weird yet typical sounds of the 70s. Not bad, but nothing magical.
3/5
Not really into noise rock, but this isn't bad. I found some entertainment in it, but it's still not really for me.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
like Elvis Costello, but towards the end I'd had enough. Decent enough, but a bit samey. Disappointed overall.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Yeah, I don't like Rod Stewart, "Maggie May" does my head in. I don't hate him though, this isn't a terrible album, but I didn't really like it. it's listenable, I can just about tolerate it.
5/5
Top album! I was never much into Muse until I saw them live. They're amazing live. This is a great album with some top tracks. It's perhaps not as good as Origin of Symmetry, but it's still significant. 4 because it's great, 5 for the haters.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
The funkiness doesn't stop. Interesting and quirky. Enjoyable, but I didn't love it tremendously. 3.
Sebadoh
4/5
Grunge in the right era. Probably overshadowed by Nirvana and others. It's a good mix of Nirvana and Meat Puppets with a sprinkle of early Foos. "Sister" reminds me of "Big Cheese". Not bad at all, but there were some tracks that were very bland which knocks some points off.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
I listened to and rated her debut album "Frank" just last month. I said "I like "Back To Black", but this is a great debut album and for me is possibly better" and gave it a 5. I probably agree with that, but I think I like this album a little more than that statement suggests. "You Know I'm No Good" is my favourite Winehouse track by far, "Tears Dry On Their Own" is probably second. I think "Rehab" lets the album down, I just don't like that song. Nevertheless, I will give this one a 5 too. It deserves it.
The Zutons
3/5
I just reviewed Amy Winehouse's album "Back To Black" prior to getting this one. She did the vocals to Mark Ronson's cover of Valerie, originally by The Zutons, which of course everyone knows and damn well should ;) I was disappointed it's a different album because I really like that song and think it's way better than what Mark and Amy did it, although they did a good job.
Anyway, I digress... Don't know Futons incredibly well. I've previously heard "Pressure Point" and "You Will You Won't". This isn't a bad album, I think it has some of their most known songs but it's not much more than a standard offering for the sound of UK indie rock in the 00s. Perhaps their timing was off, or perhaps their exposure was marred by lack of originality? I admit I do prefer Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand and even The Kooks a bit more. But they all have similar kind of sounds. It's not a bad album, by any means.
Radiohead
5/5
I didn't need to enable the "Airbag" before reading the reviews of this one, a lot of haters so "No Surprises" really, but still a "Let Down". Better watch out for the "Karma Police", they'll come for you and have you "Climbing Up The Walls" like a "Paranoid Android". Take yourselves to a distant land and be "The Tourist" like a "Subterranean Homesick Alien" and feel "Fitter Happier" for a while. Perhaps you'll get "Lucky" there as you go "Electioneering" with the locals, or maybe you'll be unlucky and they'll be playing "Exit Music (For a Film)" as you travel down the alleys of a back street, hiding from the gangs that don't speak any tongue you recognise.
Pathetic, I know.
I love this album, perhaps not as much as "The Bends" or "Pablo Honey" but it's still worthy of its entry on this list. Still worthy of a 5.
PJ Harvey
3/5
There's some hate for this one. Seems like Marmite, but for me it was middle of the road. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it.
Linkin Park
5/5
Wow, second selection in a row that shares a clear divide between love and hate. "Marmite" I used in my review of yesterday's album, and this is much the same it would seem. I'm in the love camp. Always enjoyed this album, and probably always will. So many bangers. So much angst and energy. Top album!
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Yet another with a barrage of hate. Ah well. I like Bonnie, she has a melancholy, soothing voice. This is a good album. Not as groundbreaking as her single "I Can't Make You Love Me", but good nonetheless. A good mix of blues, country and pop. Pleasurable experience.
Primal Scream
3/5
Primal Scream have never really interested me much. It's a weak album with nothing much to give, mostly forgettable. 3.
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Has some potential. I can see the eclectic few really enjoying this, but I found it a little unbearable after a few songs. Musically is alright, vocals are just not. 2.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Listenable, but nothing amazing. "Month Of May" is a good track. Mostly the same kind of beat and sound, non variable.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
I reviewed this in Feb, nothing really changed I'm afraid:
"Certainly an experience, not great prog rock IMO (are some songs even considered prog rock?). Couldn’t really get into it. Maybe with the right mood, maybe when I’m older? I don’t know. Just not for me, sorry."
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Someone has already said it, but it begs reiterating - This album is far better than anything Lennon croaked out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a massive Beatles fan (though the White album is groundbreaking), nor am I a massive McCartney fan, but this is good music. I know a few of these tracks and I'm convinced that they had a huge influence on some indie pop/rock bands of my teen years.
I also noticed someone said that they always thought the chorus was "Man on the run"... so did I. As a young kid listening to Iron Maiden I also thought the bridge to "Jet" was "Iron Maiden" lol.
I'm hardly going to listen to the album frequently, but it's still great.
Shack
3/5
Generic brit-pop. It's alright, but not in 1999. Other bands did it better, earlier and moved on. It's not bad by any means, but probably not worth being on this list.
Gary Numan
4/5
I remember seeing Numan fly at an air display when I was a kid. He achieved some great things in his life, kudos!!
I like some of the songs on this album, but I admit not all are that good and it does get repetitive, I guess that's the nature of this music. You can't fault Gary's breakthrough electronic synth techniques and sound though. The blend of electronica with electric guitar is truly very well done.
SAULT
4/5
This is a solid album with plenty of soul and a generous helping of funk. Not sure I'll listen again, but it's undoubtedly a well written and produced album. Might venture into the rest of their discography.
Peter Frampton
2/5
I reviewed this in April:
"Another live album, smh and eye roll. I like Frampton, he has some top tunes. The recording isn’t half bad I can’t lie, the audience are just unwanted noise for me. He is good live, can’t take that away from him, even though his vocals aren’t always great. As someone else already said “It didn’t have to be a live album”. But it is."
Sick of the live albums at this point.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Decent, well recorded, well produced. Musical geniuses for sure. Some classic tracks and solid funk rock sounds, huge soul. 4.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
Miles betterer[sic] than the last Costello album I reviewed. Know a few more of these songs too. Great lyrics, great arrangements, musical genius. Someone mentioned he's "overrated", but I think he's incredibly underrated. Deserves better than the reviews I've seen.
Soundgarden
5/5
Shocked to see the hate for this one, but I shouldn't be surprised. Soundgarden were massive in the 90s, and rightly so. Musically great and Chris' vocals are top. This is a great album with some classics.
Brian Eno
2/5
The beginning of "Mea Culpa" made me think of StarFox on SNES.
I tried, but I couldn't get into it. There's a certain 'je ne sais pas' about it, but overall it wasn't for me. I did find "Regiment" quite good though. 2.
Alice In Chains
5/5
This was always a great album and remains to be so. Top Grunge-metal band always pushing the boundaries. Drums are tight, bass and guitar riffs huge. Some big tracks here, "Would?" is a banger! 5.
Stephen Stills
3/5
At first it was alright, bearable, but then It turned sour and I was skipping tracks. From Bluesy, country, rock to almost pure country and then it glides back out. It drifts back in a couple of times. It's not a bad album, but I found it mostly bearable not something I'll go back to again. Bit too long as well.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Possibly the best of Bob's discography. Know a few songs from this album. I don't really enjoy Dylan much, this one is okay.
Tori Amos
3/5
There's something I enjoyed about this one, not quite sure what. It was good enough to listen through, but I admit I did get a bit fed up towards the end craving something else. Tori has a great voice, it's melodic and calm. Listenable.
The Smiths
4/5
Not their best album, but still great and pivotal enough. I've always liked The Smiths and Morrissey, there's something in his voice. Maybe he's just unique enough to find loveable.
John Lee Hooker
5/5
I love the blues and I enjoy JLH, I'm kinda pissed I didn't know of this album. So many great tracks, some with great artists. Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray... This is a great blues album!
Scott Walker
5/5
I loved this. Had no idea I was going to enjoy it like I did. Comparable to Neil Diamond whom I also very much enjoy. Massive voice, huge musical sound, the strings are out of this world. Well produced. Really enjoyable.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Not much to say about this one. It's not bad, doesn't really break out of the norm and started to get a little mundane at the end. "My Body Is A Cage" brought me back in a little.
My original review some months ago, I gave a 4:
"Well, I'm surprised. I don't like Rod Stewart, "Maggie May" grinds me to the point of needing to smash the speakers to pieces. But he's tolerable in this. The other vocals are okay too. Musically very enjoyable. A pleasant selection for a miserable, rainy, Friday."
Funnily it's Friday again, but not at all rainy. I liked it a little more than last time I think, but it's still Rod Stewart.
Aerosmith
3/5
Original review a few months back still stands, 3:
"Aside from a couple of tracks including “Walk This Way”, it’s rather generic and mostly forgettable. Not their best album at all. Midway house for me."
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Difficulty one. Produced well, but a majority of the tracks just didn't click with me. Opening track, "Carry On", and "Woodstock" were good. "Deja Vu" wasn't bad either. That was it though for me.
Genesis
2/5
Look, I like Genesis with Peter Gabriel, but I prefer Collins as front man. All their top hits are from Collins. This double concept album is a no from me. I've always meant to listen to it, but I couldn't. Today I jumped and fell quite miserably. I'll have to go and listen to their _normal_ stuff for a while. Disappointing, bloated, terrible, story telling. Sorry.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I've always struggled with Leonard Cohen, no exception here. This was, for the most part, pretty good... but it's very sombre and melancholy. I guess that's the point. Interesting, oddly enjoyable, but too drowsy.
Fishbone
3/5
Not really for me, but I can see how others have liked it. It's quirky and is most definitely a world apart from the others in the same genre. Fun and enjoyable enough to listen to.
ZZ Top
3/5
My previous review still stands. Can't get into it really.
"Other than “La Grange” and “Jesus Just Left Chicago” I wasn’t overly bothered. I’ve never been much of a fan of ZZ Top."
The Adverts
3/5
Not really into punk much, but it's decent enough. Nothing earth shattering though.
Tears For Fears
5/5
It would be a sacrilege to give this anything but the full 5 stars. "Shout" was massive, I remember singing it in the back of my dad's car on my way home from my grandparents house on a Friday.
I appreciate them more now. The atmospheric guitar and solos are sublime.
Some great tracks here, each one deserves a 5.
R.E.M.
3/5
Not a massive fan of REM. Aside from "Orange Crush" and maybe a couple others it's midway for me.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
There are a lot of bangers on this one, real classics. That doesn't hide the fact that there are some crappy ones too, including some not so great covers. "San Jose (The Way)" for instance, is terrible. As others have mentioned, the 2nd part of the album drops off at bit. Those classics hold it up a bit, but not enough for me to give it a 4. High 3 perhaps.
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Not bad, but generic punk with a slightly grating voice after some time. Gave up before it finished. Punk isn't really my thing to be fair.
Supergrass
4/5
I've always found Supergrass overrated. Tracks like "Alright" and "Pumping On Your Stereo" are overplayed and cringey IMO, though I do like "Moving". This album changes my opinion of them entirely. Vocals are great, guitars and drums are well balanced. It's energetic and brilliant.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Usually find this era of music not quite to my taste, but this one isn't half bad, or at least better than their other albums I've reviewed. Still only a 3 though.
Elliott Smith
3/5
I remember listening to his "Either Or" album just recently and reviewing it. This is similar, but has some differences. I get Beatles vibes with some Badly Drawn Boy. It's not bad, but not really my thing.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Right look, I think Cyndi Lauper was great, she did some great 80s pop tracks and I agree with what some others have said, she's far better than Madonna. "Time After Time" is a timeless classic. It's typically 80s, mostly not my scene, but reviewing it for what it is at face value, it's great.
Suede
4/5
I know this album, but very well. I was never a massive Suede fan, I preferred other similar bands at the time, particularly Shed Seven, Ocean Colour Scene, Cast, The Seahorses and The Bluetones. This is a good album though, just find his voice a little annoying after a while. Deserves a 4 at least.
Eric Clapton
4/5
I don't care for the politics, I'm here for the music. It's a great album, Eric doesn't fall short of an incredible musician. He's played with some of the best from the blues genre. A enjoyed it enough.
Brian Eno
2/5
Vocals and lyrics didn't appeal to me, it's listenable but forgettable.
Paul Weller
5/5
This is a legendary album from a legendary musician. Disappointed with some of the reviews, but we can't all love the same thing. How boring would that be. I love this album, it's a 5 from me.
Common
4/5
It is a little long as others have said, but it's a great album with some good content. Nice beats, jazz fusion, challenging themes and mostly decent rapping. It's old skool with a twist. I quite like it.
Country Joe & The Fish
3/5
It's alright, nothing mind blowing, and certainly not the best of Psychedelic rock. I'm not even a fan of said genre.
Doves
4/5
This is a good album, undeniably so. I remember when it was released. I worked part-time at Woolies whilst studying at college. The guy that ran the "entertainment" department was a big fan and had it in the shop a lot. I remember thinking that the first half of the album just isn't as good as the second. I stand by this statement after listening today. "Catch The Sun" is remarkable and while "Firesuit" is decent, it doesn't have the same clout.
Beatles
3/5
It feels harsh to not give a better review for The Beatles, but I'm not a fan of either The Beatles or the era of this music. Some songs are good, others not so much. It's not their best work.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
Hmmm. Not really for me this. "The Faith Healer" wasn't bad, but the rest was just muffled crap. The songs were better musically than vocally and even lyrically. Shame really.
Dire Straits
4/5
I'm not the biggest Dire Straits fan, but Mark Knopfler is a god, simple as that! Unique sound, incredible technique. Great album, pretty key for guitarists and musicians alike.
Tom Tom Club
3/5
Some funky grooves on this album. Got a bit fed up after a while, it's way too long, great musicianship though. Can't go beyond 3, because it's not really my thing, although relatively enjoyable. Couldn't stomach Disc 2.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Top album now, top album in the mid 90s. Her top tracks all here. I remember buying this album, I remember loving it and I know I still love it now. "You Oughta Know" remains my favourite from this album.
Judas Priest
5/5
Original review from my other "project"
"Classic metal album! "Breaking The Law", "Living After Midnight"... man, what a cool album."
Not wrong, still a 5.
Skunk Anansie
5/5
5, all day long. I previously reviewed this 6 months ago, but I'll review it again.
Having listened to SA throughout my teens, this is far from new to me. Each of the songs are amazing, nothing is below greatness. "Charlie Big Potato" is a massive hit with big sounds and thought provocative lyrics. Just that song alone is enough to obtain a 5. Can't go wrong with this album!
Queen
5/5
You can't dislike Queen and this is a great album. Perhaps not considered their best, but for me it's phenomenal. Serious hits like "Killer Queen" and "Now I'm Here" are here along with other amazing tracks like "Stone Cold Crazy", "Brighton Rock" and "In The Lap of the Gods (Revisited)". You can hear Brian's Red Special singing in all its glory. Superb stuff.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Vocals got a bit boring after a while. It's not necessarily a bad album, but nothing sticks out. It's like a not so good version of Keane.
Korn
5/5
Previous review
"Shocked to see so many 1s. I listened to this album a lot throughout my mid teens. I still like it now. I prefer Limp Bizkit, but they're a great band that jilted a generation."
Not worthy of a "1". It got a string of 5s throughout 2023 and 2024, but then dropped to a 4 for quite a while. Still sad to see so many 1s, but still a 5 for me, of course.
Meat Puppets
4/5
Okay, so I know Meat Puppet because of Nirvana. The tracks on this album that I've already heard, both as covers by Nirvana and the originals, are great tracks. There others are good, but not as good. The country elements in some songs is not for me at all. I'd give a 3, but their influence on Kurt Cobain and the covers we got from Nirvana thereof allows me to give me a 4.
Deerhunter
3/5
Run of the mill indie rock, nothing fabulous
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Yeah, again I'll say it - I'm just not into The Rolling Stones at all. The era is not my favourite either. Another album that doesn't contain anything great for me, certainly not at their peak here IMO. I really like Keith Richards, amazing guitarist. I think he wasted in TRS.
Gene Clark
3/5
I don't often like folk, but this was better than the usual drivel offered. It wasn't amazing by any stretch, but it was easy listening and listenable at least. A little samey and mono tone, but have heard worse.
Steely Dan
3/5
Just like other Stelly Dan albums I've reviewed, I don't find anything here particularly enjoyable. It's just not my thing. Not terrible and completely listenable.
Cream
3/5
Original review:
"Decent enough, but wasn’t overly moved like I thought I would be. Started and ended strong, but the middle lacked a bit of character."
Feels mostly the same.
Manic Street Preachers
5/5
The last album with Richey. Not my favourite album, but superb all the same. It's amazing how they've flourished continuously throughout the years, maintaining those political views, moulding a different sound without Richey, yet somehow holding on to that familiarity that would make you believe he's still playing with the band. Top band, top album.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Pretty decent, some challenging and expertly portrayed themes throughout. Slow, moody and atmospheric when compared to Super Fly. I like the gentle grooves, the strings and the emotion which is amplified by his falsettos.
It's thoughtful, soulful and silently devastating. A good listen.
Blur
5/5
This is a monument to 90s Brit Pop and a pivotal album for Blur. I love this album and I love Blur. They were key to defining the sound and an era of music that inspired other genres. You aren't obliged to like it, people gonna hate regardless, I don't care.
Lou Reed
3/5
I've never liked Lou Reed, this album is no exception. I made an exception for the one he did with MetallicA as I'm a huge 'tallicA fan. There are a few tracks on this one I'm familiar with, but I don't much like those either. Skipped a few tracks. I can't deny his legendary status, whether I understand it or not, so it gets a 3.
Ryan Adams
3/5
Most certainly too long, but it's not terrible. Not a fan or Ryan Adams though. Some pretty decent songs, not the solely country ones.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Pretty good stuff! Soulful, mellow, entertaining, pleasant and full of variety. Enjoyable.
Sepultura
5/5
Original review:
"Top metal album! A lot of influences can be heard. Was the perfect anthem for my Friday."
It's not Friday this time, it's Wednesday. Much needed to give me a kick to get through the rest of the week! Obviously still a 5.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Not massive on Peter Gabriel, but this isn't a bad debut album from his solo venture. "Solsbury Hill" is obviously a great hit, but the rest overall are mediocre. Wanted to give a 4, but it's not quite enough for that.
Laibach
3/5
Not sure how I feel about this. I love metal and hard rock, they're my most listened to genre, but I just couldn't get into it. It's like Rammstein from the 80s with Arnold Scwarzenegger providing vocals. It's interesting, but I don't think I'll listen again.
Gram Parsons
1/5
Not for me at all. I've said it so many times now, I'm not a fan of Country (yes, there are exceptions but Gram isn't one of them) and mixing it with rock is blasphemous. Didn't listen to it all, I couldn't.
Rush
3/5
My original review was a bit harsh perhaps:
"I’ve never been a fan of Rush, probably because I don’t enjoy the vocals at all and the lyrics are garbage. Even musically I find this rather unendurable. The guitar riffs are mediocre and samey. Nothing grips me at all, not even “Tom Sawyer”. I can’t stand “YYZ”, and I like most instrumentals. Was glad when the album ended so I could put something decent on. I’ll give it a 2 because I didn’t turn it off and because it’s relatively short which reduced my torture."
It's true, I'm not a fan of Rush, never have been and don't think I ever will be. "Tom Sawyer" is okay and I don't think the album is 'unendurable'. Perhaps I was in a pissy mood. Still though, I think there are much better bands out there. It gets a 3 this time. Who knows, maybe it'll grow on me.
James Taylor
3/5
It's pleasant and charming in a certain way, but I don't really dig folk rock. Listenable at least, but I won't be going back.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Did I really need to hear this before I died? Maybe not. It's mediocre, standard pop (edging on pop rock) of its age. Incredibly samey. Listenable, but mostly forgettable.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I like some Nick Cave, but this isn't great at all. It's not bad by any means, but not for me. Usual melancholy, poorly delivered poetry.
Julian Cope
3/5
Some good tracks here, but vocals did not agree with my ear 'oles. It's long too. I liked "Safesurfer", at least until the vocals kicked in.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Original review, couldn't have said it better myself... oh wait
"Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-knees, I love it. I won’t lie and tell you I was a huge fan of GnR back in my teenage years, I was more into Nirvana and MetallicA. But this is a top album. Sometimes Axl’s voice grinds me and the dead awful dancing in their videos is cringe worthy, but you can’t take that away from this ground breaking record. Slash paved the way for many guitarists and remains to be one of the must influential pros out there. His blues prowess gives their tracks some really oomph, his solos are not to be sniffed at. The sound and energy is ace. With so many top hits in one album and all songs being enjoyable you really can’t give this less than a 5, whether you’re a fan or not. Come on!"
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
It's not awful, but it's not great. Found it listenable, but forgettable.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Decent indie rock with some punk on the side. Enjoyed it, but not sure how often I'll go back.
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Interesting. Superb deset blues rock fusion album. Genre bending, language transcending goodness. Will have to check the translated lyrics, but the sound is raw and expressive.
Sonic Youth
3/5
Second Sonic Youth album in 2 days. Like the first one I reviewed, not sure how often I'll go back to this (if at all). It's less punk than the last one, a little more noise rock, but the indie rock elements still shine through. I liked "Shadow of A Doubt", reminded me of The Cure a little. The album is okay, I preferred the other one.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Serious grooves on this, love the sample of Dre's sample of Isaac Hayes. Clean, funky and very enjoyable. Some don't like her vocals, but I think they're well suited to the groove.
Beyoncé
2/5
OK, I get it, she's a superstar, everyone loves her, blah blah. But I only tolerate Beyonce, I've never found her music particularly inspiring. Her sister, IMO, is way better and completely overshadowed. I won't deny she writes well, probably has some good production game, but like I said I tolerate her nothing more.
Supertramp
3/5
I like Supertramp. Songs like "The Logical Song", "Give A Little Bit" and "Breakfast In America" are exemplary tracks that inspired a new generation. This album however, is just not for me. Listenable, but a bit dull. Sorry folks.
Cheap Trick
1/5
Original review below, no change I'm afraid
"I like Cheap Trick, I love rock and under some circumstances live recordings. But this isn't a good live recording. Some classic tracks on the album, some of which are their most recognisable, but overall I wasn't impressed with this album. The sound was off, some of the songs are too long and boring. Was glad it ended, the shrill of the recording was too much."
The Black Keys
3/5
Not bad, but nothing truly inspiring.
Eagles
4/5
Well, seems like Eagles need some love here. I actually have a soft spot for them. An uncle of mine, rest his soul, was a fan. I've always liked "Take It Easy", which now reminds me of him. It's a cool album, I don't think it's worth 2 or below. I'll give it 4 because I can :)
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
RATM are the shit! Tom Morello is not the best guitarist in the world, despite what some might say, but the riffs he chugged out for this album slap. This is an unmistakable killer debut album. Full of powerful, genre fusing, raw political angst. Zack's vocals are gripping and heavy. It's a sound revelation. How dare you give it less than a 5.
Pixies
4/5
This is a significant album with some quality tracks. "Where Is My Mind?" is an undeniable classic, what they're most known for. The opening track "Bone Machine" is another great one. The album is full of clear indications of Kurt Cobain's influence from Pixies.
Sade
5/5
You can't knock Sade, really people?! He voice is like pure gold silk threads caressing your mind. A lot of key tracks on this album. it's smooth, jazzy, just enough pop and that cool jazz is to die for.
Barry Adamson
2/5
Weird. Not for me! It felt pointless and disoriented. Not even listenable, aside from "Everything Happens To Me" and maybe "The Man With The Golden Arm". Perhaps I have too small a mind and lack sufficient education/culture to get it.
Kings of Leon
4/5
I remember this being released and the world tour that followed. I had tickets with a couple of "friends", but there was a lingering jealousy I had between one of them and my wife. I stopped listening to them because of this issue I had. Somehow still haunts me today, I'll never know the truth... anyway... This was a huge album for KoL, "Sex On Fire" and "Use Somebody" were massive singles. Their follow-up album didn't have as much clout. This is a decent album, but I can't shake my jealous disposition and the weird feeling this album brings me.
SZA
4/5
I know SZA because my kids listen to her (yes they are older so kids don't chastise me for allowing under age kids listen to this). I've never ventured into more than her top tracks. This is a great album. Some good beats, great melodies and she has a good voice. She does a good live show.
Tina Turner
4/5
Not a fan of TT, but found this better than I expected. She was a prominent woman in rock and roll and this album shows us why. Her powerful voice and catchy hooks are enjoyable and familiar. I couldn't help sing along with the ones I already knew. Can't say I'd listen again, but credit where credit is due and all that. Besides, it's better than some of the other stuff we have to endure on the list.
Beatles
5/5
Not a Beatles fan, but this has always been and will forever be a masterpiece. No-one can convince me otherwise.
The Pretty Things
2/5
More 60s psychedelic, drug fuelled, bollocks. Not a fan.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Well. I initially thought that the finger style guitar and the lyrics were not so bad either, but I changed my mind after 4 songs. The vocals drone on worse than the instruments. Yet another 60s boring record.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
It's alright, but others did it better. 3.
Can
2/5
I thought it might get into it, but it was the reverse. Seemed to start okay, then I got bored after a while. There's a certain chill element to it, but I'd rather listen to something else.
Steve Earle
2/5
Nope! Country + folk = Not for me!
I won't lie there were a couple pf tracks that were tolerable (Maybe "Good Ol' Boy"). I won't listen again.
Carole King
5/5
Carole King is an amazing songwriter. This is album is proof of that. It's exquisite and shines through her most well known songs as well as those that are not to popular.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Experimental, but decent. Garage, punk, rock with some noise to boot. I liked it, but I admit I didn't love it. There's something that wanted me to go back for me.
Paul McCartney
4/5
Can't say I'm a fan of McCartney, but he's a phenomenal songwriter. It's not an amazing collection of songs, but it's still pretty cool.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
I've said it before, I like a bit of Nick Cave, but I don't love him. I feel like I perhaps should like him more, but I find some of his tracks a little too sombre and vocally lacking. It's good enough for a 4 though.
U2
1/5
I just can't stand U2. I don't like Bono, not because he's a douche, but because his vocals don't do anything for me. The Edge is a boring, overrated guitarist. Larry is not a great drummer either. The last album I reviewed I didn't even listen to (primarily because I knew it would be shit, they just got worse in the 00s), I thought I'd at least try this one and regretted my decision immediately. I barely jumped through some of the tracks. I know a lot of the tracks on this album anyway because my uncle was a fan. "One" is crap and I'm sorry, but "Mysterious Ways" is worse. There's nothing for me here.
The Clash
3/5
Not really a fan of The Clash, nor punk for that matter. I don't mind a bit of punk though, and this definitely fits that description. I've always liked their song "Should I Stay or Should I Go", but this doesn't have the same feel. There are some great songs here though; "White Riot", "London's Burning" to name a couple. Probably not their best work though.