254
Albums Rated
2.99
Average Rating
23%
Complete
835 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
3
5-Star Albums
3
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
|
5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
|
Funeral
Arcade Fire
|
5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
|
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
|
4 | 2.67 | +1.33 |
|
Take Me Apart
Kelela
|
4 | 2.75 | +1.25 |
|
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
5 | 3.75 | +1.25 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
|
2 | 4.43 | -2.43 |
|
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
|
2 | 4.06 | -2.06 |
|
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
|
2 | 3.61 | -1.61 |
|
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
|
2 | 3.61 | -1.61 |
|
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
|
2 | 3.51 | -1.51 |
|
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
|
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
|
2 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
|
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
|
2 | 3.49 | -1.49 |
|
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
|
2 | 3.43 | -1.43 |
|
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
|
2 | 3.43 | -1.43 |
5-Star Albums (3)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Radiohead
2/5
Much less varied in tone and musical style than "Bends". It fell flat.
2 likes
Britney Spears
4/5
"This album is heavily driven by nostalgia for me so I'll try to divorce my personal favorite memories from it. This is the first album on this journey that I know the album intimately. Of course, this album is bubblegum pop to the core and the entry of pop into the 2000s with ""Baby One More Time"". Along with ""Baby One More Time"" that matches or meets the pop hit is ""Drive Me Crazy"" (crazy that this was made for the movie) and ""Sometimes"". A personal fave of mine is ""Born to Make you Happy"" and I enjoyed ""Autumn Goodbye"". The song ""Email my Heart"" was fun for the novelty of email. There were some kind of blah songs and this album is carried on the back of the few mega songs. This album should get a 3 overall but this is my list so it gets a high rating ha. "
1 likes
1-Star Albums (3)
All Ratings
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Reminds me of a mix of the Strokes and Hives. Take Me Out is, of course, a classic. But I enjoyed the intro song Jaqueline. Lots of good beats and bass underlying the melody. This is a quick listen album at 38 minutes.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Bongos, Bass, and Beats - Superfly is a fun funk/soul soundtrack. The namesake single, Pusherman, and Freddie’s Dead are standouts for me.
Pink Floyd
2/5
The first few songs remind me of Ross Gellar’s keyboard with weird synth sound effects. But the songs with actual musical traits are pretty good. I just don’t get the hype.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
I liked it! I think of singer songwriter, Americana when listening to this. I like the guitar, both electric and acoustic, as well as the keyboards in Carry On. Vocal harmonies are smooth with digestible melodies for easy listening. I may not seek it out but I would happily listen to again.
Gorillaz
4/5
Alternative Digital Hip hop? - Hip hop mixed with electronic sample loops, record scratching, crooning voices, and repetition served to create an alternative digital sound that ushered in musical trends for the new millennium. I like the alternative feel and the genre switching but seek something more upbeat. They said it best themselves in “Left Hand Suzuki” to “…the most important thing is listening, the recording of the music”
The Smiths
3/5
Orange Juice
3/5
Plucky and 80s-tastic
Queen
3/5
Fun Queen album we know and love. This gets more theatrical the further you get into the album. March of the Black Queen is my favorite.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
Really solid live album. Lots of guitar shredding. I also enjoyed the presence of the live performances. It is weird that it is a compilation instead of one concert but whatever.
The Clash
4/5
Edgy, classic punk that's unfortunately still relevant to today's issues. This album scratches my angry “fuck the government” itch. I like the beats and bass lines. Vocals are not polished but you can hear the anger/frustration in the raspy voice that adds to the punk feel.
CHVRCHES
3/5
Mid 2010s synth pop. It reminds me of Passion Pitt and The Naked and Famous.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I was wondering why this guy reminded me of Phil Collins….
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Beatles
3/5
Early Beatles - I love the Mr. postman cover. The traditional rock riffs just ooze early Beatlemania. I can get it - slightly edgier than previous rock and lyrics that made the teens swoon.
Kate Bush
2/5
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
I love the full circle moment of hearing “Music Make you Lose Control” and understanding where the Missy Elliot sample came from. I can tell this album probably pioneered a lot of modern music electronic beats but I still feel like it falls a little flat. However I did feel like there were some ear worms in the bunch.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
2/5
Lots of Spanish/Andalusian, moorish influence mixed with early 90s production. I applaud the effort but I’m not intrigued.
Elton John
4/5
This is a rich, varied, and interesting album. Elton is extremely talented musically and performs with a presence. I get it.
OutKast
3/5
This is a 2 for one artistic special. I would give 4 stars but having 2 albums is just so long for one sitting. I liked having both Rap flavor and then artistic exploration with Andre 3000. I also wasn't expecting Andre’s portion to be a love centered album.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
This is…precious? Cute? It sounds like a time gone by. Which it is, of course. It just harkens to a diner or sock hop with the 50s rock/bluesy guitar. It's overall fine and a quick listen.
XTC
3/5
I like it okay for 80s - it doesn’t speak to me.
3/5
Gritty but also has rockabilly/bluesy vibes
Kate Bush
2/5
I am not a fan of her vocal style. This album wasn’t so much "Sensual" as it was “whispering”.
The White Stripes
3/5
I enjoyed this - I learned the term "Garage rock" with this album. Also didn't know the "I just think we're going to be friends" song was White Stripes
Dr. Dre
2/5
Upon first listen, I don’t love some of the subject matter (it's a lot of "hoes and bitches") but I recognize the high production value, especially for this time period. I get it but it won’t be a regular listen.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
He claimed this album was how music should be made…this is not how music should be made.
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
I love this. It’s wispy country folk from a woman’s perspective. I got the chills from her voice and simple yet impactful songwriting. Slow Burn and Wonder Woman are two standouts for me.
Ray Charles
3/5
Good. It sounds like Ray Charles as Ray should.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Singer songwriter - he’s very quiet and whisper sings sometimes
Pixies
3/5
This reminds me of the Breeders.
Bill Callahan
3/5
Sad coffee house music. But pretty good sad coffee house music. I think the meanings and symbolism are a little above me though. I'll need to research what he was trying to say though. "Faith/Void" was pretty obvious though.
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
I liked it!
Ian Dury
2/5
That is a heavy heavy English accent. I’ve understood that Ian Dury helped bring some lower class problems to light via song. I appreciate what was done and the influence for things later but I just wasn’t a fan of the musical experience.
Jethro Tull
3/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
2/5
I couldn’t finish it.
Santana
3/5
I was hoping for some more famous solos but the band music was well done.
Metallica
4/5
I had heard of Enter the Sandman before but had never finished the whole album. I enjoyed the heavy metal shredding. This is for a specific mood but very cool.
The Zombies
3/5
Happy, Hippie 60s music. Lots of sunshine-y themes. They did "Time of the Season"
The Rolling Stones
3/5
I didn't know "Gimme Shelter" was Rolling Stones. You can tell they were dabbling with a blues/country influence here with the acoustic guitar and piano style. Also their "Country Honk" sounds JUST like Old Crow Medicine Show. But then the album ends with "Can't always get what you want" so this is a weird combo.
Elbow
3/5
Lana Del Rey
3/5
Sad white girl music - this is what I wanted Tortured Poets Department to be.
The Beta Band
3/5
Jimmy Smith
4/5
I enjoyed the jazz keys and sublime little drums under the notes. I'm able to listen to this in the background and nod along wishing I were at a bistro somewhere.
Moby
3/5
I feel like every song is the ending of the first Bourne Identity movie. It’s a moood.
Slipknot
3/5
The subject matter is dark but it fits a certain mood and angst. The musicianship is really good.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
This is a good singer songwriter country album. I enjoyed the pictures her lyrics evoke but they’re also still very honest.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
I don't typically enjoy jazz but I liked this. It was a good middle ground between background music and chaos. It balanced well and the oboe was an interesting touch. C
3/5
Stevie Wonder
3/5
This album has Living for the City and Higher Ground which are classics. I liked it fine.
The Slits
2/5
Disjointed singing style is off putting. I appreciate the subject matter they're singing about but it feels too erratic for my taste.
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Reminded me of a mix of Ben Folds and Death Cab for Cutie. The musical style ranges throughout this album. I didn't listen to the lyrics but enjoyed it in the background.
ABBA
3/5
This is a fun Pop album. I like how all the songs are distinctive from one another but still distinctly ABBA. There are some favorites like Dancing Queen and Fernando but I wasn’t overall wowed like I thought I would be.
Radiohead
4/5
This album feels so ahead of its time. This feels more like mid 2000s alternative rock. It puts me in a mood and I have had no skips. Also the lead singer's voice reminds me of Keane.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Kings of Leon
3/5
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
Initial impression sounds like the Hives with a little bit of mid nineties Ska trumpet. Strokes and Foo Fighters intros?
The Who
3/5
It was fun to hear the back and forth banter between the band and their songs. The speaking portions were quite soft and juxtaposed their rock playing style. It was slower paced than the Thin Lizzy live album but overall fine. I like the slightly more raw sound than their studio recordings but the slow pace didn't add much for me.
Coldplay
4/5
Clocks had a chokehold on everyone in the 2000s. It’s still so mystical and emotional sounding like a lot of this album. This one holds a special place in my heart.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Very unusual orchestra! Very string heavy (violins and guitars) with few to no lyrics. 1970s and drug influenced but not overwhelmingly so. I did get unnerved by discordant notes but it matched the title themes quite well.
Kraftwerk
3/5
Well, I now know where Daft Punk got their sound from. This feels like a slower carbon copy of the synth from Daft Punk. They were the real pioneers!
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
I like the slower beats and relaxed vibes. The singers are very good.
3/5
Steely Dan
3/5
I thought steely Dan was going to be more singer songwriter but the funk beats were cool to listen to. Some longer solo performances but spirited!
Miles Davis
2/5
It's not that he's not talented but the fast jazz stresses me out. I just not be very sophisticated. I like the slower stuff but I kind of feel like I'm in film noir.
Baaba Maal
2/5
I wasn't a huge fan at first but this grew on me. Despite not understanding the lyrics I did enjoy the repetitive drum beats. It ended up being soothing. This is not something I am going to probably ever listen to again but I am glad I did.
Sebadoh
3/5
Pretenders
3/5
I enjoy this! I love the guitar riffs. It's edgy, musical, and cool girl 80s rock.
Eminem
2/5
He's so angry! He's painted a clear picture of why he's this way - bullies, doubters, haters, and homelife. He does have a lot of problematic themes (repeated calls to kill/hating women/misogynistic lyrics ) but he's oddly aware of it? I'm not sure if the acknowledgment of it is satire or just pure acknowledgement for better or worse. He's good at his craft and when he sinks purely into satire it's fantastic but you can tell he is diving into his demons through the music. Unfortunately, that won’t be enough for me to listen to this again.
a-ha
3/5
Album with "Take on Me" - good vocals and range!
Sigur Rós
3/5
Ethereal, evocative and Icelandic. I didn’t understand a word of it but it felt moving - like a movie score.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
This was a short album. It reminds me of if the Zombies wanted to become the Who. This was much more muted than I was expecting. I wasn't wowed.
The Who
3/5
This was a double album of what felt like a Rock Opera. The concept was an extended album regarding Tommy's life. Pinball Wizard is on this one. I liked it overall but it is too long for me for an active listen.
Billy Joel
4/5
This was so well done. The music was well thought out and good. It changed pace and styles quite a bit. I liked hearing his proficiency in voice, piano, and guitar. Very good!
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I enjoyed this better than the Innervisions album. It felt lighter and joyful. I love Sir Duke.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
I liked the stripped down nature of this album. This is either guitar or piano which makes the songwriting feel more intimate. I'm not going to lie I get distracted by her high notes in the first listen but it didn't bother me in the 2nd listen and I could focus on the songwriting. It was unique but not reaching or trying too hard. I enjoyed the song ""My Old Man"" in particular. "
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Shoegaze and noise pop? I feel like I like this style more than other psychedelic rock/pop genres. I like that this has 90s rock sound but wish it was less noisy ha
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Duke Ellington
2/5
He is talented but jazz stresses me out. I preferred the more structured songs with vocals like ""Day in And Day Out".
Supergrass
3/5
Alternative rock with heavy keyboard
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Smooth voice but this is only a 4 song album. It was part jam band in “Walk in By” and the songs lasted a loooong time. It’s not my style.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
I like the quiet nature of this album.
The Cure
2/5
The drums are all sounding the same which makes me think the songs sound the same.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Rock and Roll defined. I love the hard rock guitar and the fact that even the long songs went by fast. The musicianship was great and emanated the spirit of hard rock.
Paul Weller
2/5
His voice is nice - kind of raspy. But I'm a bit bored.
Maxwell
3/5
This was such a palatable concept album about love and sex. I enjoy the funk inserted into the album and was hoping for a bit more. However, I like the lovey dovey journey we as listeners went on.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
"This was fun. I can see where it's listed as having some ""Soulful"" roots. I've only ever known ""Come on Eileen"" and it sounds on brand. "
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
"I love the beats. Most songs were a lot of fun. I knew the ""Everyday people"" song already. "
Queen
4/5
"Brighton Rock" goes so hard with its guitar shredding. I enjoyed the overall tone of this album with its stronger hard rock influences.
Laibach
1/5
Sounds like an old spooky video game score. I am struggling to finish the album and to understand the stylistic choices. It's such an assault to the senses. This is a low budget musical score for the orcs walking out of Mordor and they ran out of funding.
The Mars Volta
3/5
Progressive rock concept album. I think it’s a solid album.
Erykah Badu
3/5
Neo Soul. I like her voice and production quality.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Eh, it didn’t do much for me. It was a lot slower than I was expecting.
Radiohead
2/5
Much less varied in tone and musical style than "Bends". It fell flat.
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
Boring hotel music.
Kelela
4/5
This is some cool girl vibe music.
Marilyn Manson
3/5
This is a creepy and unnerving album but it was well executed without screamo vocals. I was unnerved by the lyrics and also felt like it was a grab bag of weird words. Especially the use of "worm". And it dropped a hard r??? I was not expecting that. I can't imagine I will listen to this ever again but I can see how an audience may like this.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
The Doors
3/5
Very bluesy. I didn't know the doors got that bluesy. Not my cup of tea but well done and keyboards always slap.
Blue Cheer
3/5
Hard rock 70s. The guitar reminds me a lot of Jimmy Hendrix with the whammy bar.
ABBA
3/5
"This has a more robust feel and tone than ""Arrival"". I read that this is a more mature album that previous ones and I would agree. It still sounds like them though "
Django Django
3/5
Indie/alternative rock. This started strong but then it got a little less rock for me. I liked it but not loved it.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Björk
4/5
"Her high notes remind me a little of Sia. The music production also sounds like early 90s with house beats and drums which is fun. I love ""Like Someone in Love"" for the harp and slowly floating music over the live theme. There were different styles and a lot of range. Better than I expected. "
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
I think this album is good but a little overrated.
Ramones
4/5
So pleasant. It still feels punk but musical. Blitzkrieg Bop really is a bop.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I like that this album laid the framework for his other more famous stuff like “You've Come A Long Way Baby“. I particularly liked “Michael Jackson”.
The Kinks
4/5
Fun, whimsical, and light album. This feels like 60s/70s without being too weird.
The Cure
3/5
More variation in drums/bass than the previous one I listened to (Pornography).
Calexico
3/5
Iron and Wine/Trampled by Turtles vibes? Indie folksy guitar and singing but some Western themes with the trumpets. And then jazz?
Arcade Fire
4/5
I love the inclusion of the organs in songs. Indie moodiness is still there. I love the song "Intervention".
The Beach Boys
3/5
This feels like a grown up Beach Boys. I like the topics they tackle and then the hits that came from that album.
Stan Getz
4/5
What a lovely listen! The jazz wasn't too complex and quite soothing. It made me want to be on a bistro patio.
Arcade Fire
5/5
This indie rock album has an epic quality to it - the guitar combined with the old timey keys and violin makes it feel important. I also love that a few songs will switch the pace from slow to fast. I've always liked the range of emotions I feel when this album.
The Sabres Of Paradise
2/5
"Electronic. It has some ""tin"" like sounds almost like they were the beginnings of Dubstep. "
Gang Starr
4/5
I enjoyed the smooth, old school beats. It reminds me of a Tribe Called Quest.
Gang Of Four
3/5
More good basslines and guitar. Overall this was fine. This also reminded me of the Strokes.
Talking Heads
3/5
I like the faster pace and sound of the electric guitar but I don't love the lead singer's delivery. I know that's kind of his thing but it's not mine.
Miles Davis
4/5
This is more like it! I like the more structured jazz band set up. Not stressful but still talented.
The Byrds
3/5
Country Rock - I don't know if I would have initially called it country rock but it sure can be countrryyy. It has all the instrumental makings of country rock with country style themes like Christianity and country life.
The La's
3/5
This album has one of my favorite covers of all time - There She Goes. It's a good album.
Moby Grape
3/5
Late 60s rock - it fits the genre. Nothing too crazy about this album.
Nirvana
4/5
Grunge pared down. I like hearing the convos between songs and then the real, raw, and on point performances. They went with some covers and lesser known hits too which is cool. This felt just as much in their element as a big on stage performance.
Beastie Boys
3/5
90s rap - I enjoyed the overall feel and production but the 90s era lyrics do feel a little goofy (even with recognition that this was a different time). Still a fun listen though.
New York Dolls
4/5
This really reminds me of if Kiss and the Ramones had a baby. I love this.
Hugh Masekela
2/5
I like the afrobeat behind the jazz but that is about it. It's another album where I recognize the artistry but I just don't enjoy it.
Mj Cole
2/5
Boring electronic club music. It's inoffensive but blah. I could leave it behind.
The Verve
4/5
Reminds me of Coldplay, U2, and Oasis mushed into one. I love and was already familiar with ""Bittersweet Symphony"" but I have been happy to hear the rest of their album.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Air
3/5
Electronic - If Moby did a soundtrack and slower with fewer samples. At times there were some James Bond type strings and other times were almost churchy organ notes. I can see how this could set the tone of a Sofia Coppola movie.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Cute! I enjoyed the word play for the love songs
Beck
3/5
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Rock and country vibes. The musical talent is good but some solos were a little long.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Southern Rock - All the good stuff…. It has a mix of accessibility and musicality with toe tappers and power ballads all with poignant storytelling. Free Bird has an ethos around it that few can match.
The Prodigy
3/5
Electronic - Less interesting than Fatboy Slim but more interesting than MJ Cole
Rush
3/5
This was fine. The instrumentals were good and you can tell they are talented but it doesn't do much for me.
The Cars
4/5
Solid album. I like the late 70s rock and can see how this would be (and remains) popular.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Loved this! I l can hear the hard rock but with unexpected punk influences. The dual guitars were super cool and the shredding sessions weren't grossly long.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
I think for the time especially, the samples were great, unique additions. I like the chill vibe for hip hop.
Megadeth
3/5
So much shredding. They are very talented but it is a lot to take in. However, the lyrics are quite good!
Black Sabbath
3/5
Their debut album. Musically it's very good but it doesn't spark the same joy as the Paranoia album.
Fairport Convention
2/5
English folk singer/songwriter - this was good and reminded me of Joni Mitchell but it fell flat for me.
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
The overall theme tied up on a cohesive album was great. You can tell Kendrick is really passionate describing growing up in Compton and his experiences. The production value was good. I can see how this is a classic.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Funky jazz - I like the funk-Afro beats under the jazz solos and it wasn't too speedy/stressful. I wasn't a huge fan of the 16 minute drum solo though.
Scissor Sisters
3/5
It was lively. I liked it but didn't love it.
The Blue Nile
3/5
This album honestly isn't bad but I don't like that every song just has some seemingly random bell or note that doesn't belong. Sometimes I feel like they sound a little like U2.
The Cramps
3/5
David Bowie
2/5
Not impressed - depressing lyrics the sound hasn't matched the hype
David Bowie
3/5
This is much better than the previous David Bowie album I listened to. The funk beats were fun and this was much lighter in tone.
Jack White
3/5
This debut album has some hallmarks of Jack White's vocal style and plinky piano keys with the guitar. I liked it fine but I wasn't blown away by it.
Dion
3/5
The Black Keys
3/5
I liked this less than their Thickfreakness album but it's still enjoyable.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
This album had Kashmir. While I don't typically love long songs I did feel like these were easier to absorb.
Frank Ocean
4/5
I've heard this before and didn't appreciate it when it came out. Going between the structured lyrics and songs to more smooth but formless makes for a fun album. It's got themes but the album is a vibbbeeee
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
This feels grungy and remeniscinent of the time. The vocals were kind of growly. I enjoyed the moodiness.
Nina Simone
3/5
I liked this album for its emotion that Nina displays her audience. Its beauty and pain in the lyrics are echoed in the voice and piano.
The Doors
3/5
This was okay. Love Her Madley came off this album which is great but I'm not into the more bluesy sound.
Dolly Parton
4/5
This is an endearing album with classic Dolly flair. Coat of Many Colors is Dolly's favorite song for a reason.
Prince
3/5
This was fine. A lot of it sounded very similar to me. Housequake was fun.
Underworld
2/5
Electronic - not enough variation and the songs lasted way too long. Especially for the songs that sound alike.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Scott Walker
2/5
What a strange album… He has a Tom Jones type of voice but has a song about how dogs are better than women. His voice sounded good but huh?
N.W.A.
2/5
I don't like the production value as much as Dr Dre but I like the fuller picture of police treatment in this. More "hoes and bitches" though. Apparently, it was necessary.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I love her voice and old jazzy style. I'm sorry she couldn't grace the world with more of her work.
The Hives
3/5
I enjoyed this compilation of the bands first 2 albums. I love the fast pace and punk ish tones but it still comes across as fun to me
Supergrass
3/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
The Doors
3/5
Keyboard solos for dayyysss
The Strokes
3/5
I like the uncomplicated sounds of this album. It was fun.
Sex Pistols
3/5
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
I'm not in love but it sounds soothing. It kind of reminds me a little of the smiths mixed with the cure or the pixies.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
Yes
3/5
Progressive Rock - Jam band-esque with long instrumental. A lot of the strumming also feels kind of folksy. This is the least offended I have been by super long solos due to the variation in the sound.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
If Frank Ocean decided to pursue Rock - very cool, moody, and artsy.
Sugar
3/5
It kind of reminded me of Foo Fighters a little. Overall, a fun rock album with interesting vocals.
The Streets
2/5
Concept rap (more like spoken word) album with a strong English accent. This is pretty goofy sounding but I got more invested the longer I listened. It has an air that someone has enough money independently to hire a producer and create an album. I will admit the idea is good, and the journey was harrowing with a breakup and losing that 1000 quid.
Portishead
2/5
I thought this was going to start out like the Virgin Suicides soundtrack, but then it took a different direction. It has slower paced songs with a beautiful voice but the production had a lot of clanky sounds. It made for some interesting faces when I was listening on my long drive thinking my car was falling apart. It may suit a certain introspective mood. Not for me and especially not while driving.
David Bowie
3/5
This was a fun listen, particularly with "Life on Mars".
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
I liked the harmonies with the melody. It was more of a San Francisco, 60s musical style which I enjoyed. "Somebody to Love" is excellent.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Another solid southern rock album.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Another groovy late 60s band. "Groovin" is the hit that I know and have heard everywhere but never knew it was them. They sang on happy and sad topics so it didn't feel entirely like the "world is the best" groovy feelings.
Ash
3/5
I really liked the variation of guitar sounds and the musical progression from major to minor keys. It was an interesting sounding rock album. Another late 90s rock winner.
Miles Davis
2/5
Jazz - Yet again, I recognize the cultural importance but man I cannot get into jazz
The Beach Boys
3/5
I enjoyed Pet Sounds more but this was an interesting breaking away from their signature, "Surfin USA" sound they got famous for. The topics were also broader. It was an interesting take and change for them!
The Auteurs
3/5
Whispery, 90s English rock band. I liked this album but it didn't wow me.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Super Bluesy but it's not heartbreakingly bluesy. I'm not going to cry into my BBQ with this album. However, I did not love the 5 minute drum solo.
3/5
A debut live album? Punk precursor in the late 60s. I like hearing some historical beginnings but the super long guitar solos don't do much for me
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
It's okay. I've never understood the hype around Bruce Springsteen but for those who enjoy him this still follows his style.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
This is a very cohesive album both in style and title. It holds 2 of their better known songs "Give it Away" and "Under the Bridge". This album was okay. It just didn't spark joy.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
I like this better than jazz but I'm not sure how this big band type style is more significant than other band styles.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
This is a short album but each song feels equally as important as the last. "Stairway to Heaven", "Black Dog", and "Rock and Roll" are some famous titles.
Nas
3/5
Smooth and lyrical, I enjoyed the flow
Rush
3/5
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Solid album - especially for being the debut. You can see how they got so famous.
M.I.A.
2/5
I like the Sri Lankan influence but not a fan of just the noises. Paper Planes is a banger and the only good song.
Spiritualized
2/5
Shoegaze - This was less offensive than the previous shoegaze band I listened to. But I found I have enjoyed this band when they sing but not when they play everything all at once.
Mudhoney
3/5
90s rock - nothing super notable about it but of the grungy-ish side of things. It's good.
Dire Straits
3/5
Based on the cover I thought this was going to be more country but there were some famous 80s songs I recognized. I was pleasantly surprised.
4/5
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I like that this album is less bluesy than their debut album. You can tell some of the progression. I like "What is and What Should Never Be"
The Specials
3/5
Ska Revival - this is my first ska revival album and it was interesting. I definitely wasn't sure if it was ska or just reggae at first. I like how the songs were catchy but also tackled interesting subject matter.
Rod Stewart
3/5
Kind of a heartbreaking album. Whoever he was hung up on really got him strung along. Despite the interesting subject matter, I need more interesting musical hooks.
De La Soul
4/5
Hip Hop - Late 80s hip hop was playful sounding and certainly unique. They have a "sound" but it wasn't repetitive. I like the late Tribe Called Quest feature on the album. The simulated orgy track though was….uh….something…. I would listen to this album again.
Beastie Boys
3/5
"They had a lot of variation of style in this and drew from lots of genres which is interesting. I can get and somehow also can't believe that ""Sabotage"" carried this album. Even the instrumentals were really good but I wasn't expecting long , lyric-less songs. "
Neneh Cherry
2/5
I don't love this era of pop production. The sound to me is uninspiring. I do think the sexual subject matter explores all through the topic. But I didn’t love the album.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Inoffensive. I liked the last song "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five"
Turbonegro
3/5
Norwegian Rock Band - hard rock with some punk influence. I like the sound but the Norwegians have included enough phallic references I wonder if a middle schooler assisted with the lyrics. Overall, I enjoy the listen/tone.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
I really enjoyed the garage rock revival. I see why people like this band.
David Bowie
3/5
Not as much of a standout as Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust but still good. My favorite song was ""Watch That Man"".
Saint Etienne
2/5
Repetitive early 90s electronic? It was mellow but boring.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
This has some chaotic songs but the tin-y guitar was very prominent. I didn't love it.
Leftfield
3/5
Slow electronic. I recognized “The Song of Life” from the Lara Croft Movie soundtrack.
Public Enemy
3/5
"This had more production range than I was expecting. I liked the samples and even the one song without words at all. However, the topics they cover are intriguing and thoughtful. I liked the album. I could have used fewer ""Yeah, Boii"" inserts but eh I know it's Flavor Flav's thing. "
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Dream pop - I had a hard time actually understanding the lyrics but I did like the floaty quality of the music. I can see similarities between Chappel Roans ""The Subway"" in both music and singing voice.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
I didn't know she was the one who did "You Don't Own Me” song. I like her deeper toned voice. Overall, an easy listen album.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Britney Spears
4/5
"This album is heavily driven by nostalgia for me so I'll try to divorce my personal favorite memories from it. This is the first album on this journey that I know the album intimately. Of course, this album is bubblegum pop to the core and the entry of pop into the 2000s with ""Baby One More Time"". Along with ""Baby One More Time"" that matches or meets the pop hit is ""Drive Me Crazy"" (crazy that this was made for the movie) and ""Sometimes"". A personal fave of mine is ""Born to Make you Happy"" and I enjoyed ""Autumn Goodbye"". The song ""Email my Heart"" was fun for the novelty of email. There were some kind of blah songs and this album is carried on the back of the few mega songs. This album should get a 3 overall but this is my list so it gets a high rating ha. "
Pulp
3/5
This album has a funny, comical vibe to it. The singer can't wait to not only get you, but also your mom, into the sack and makes it known. I enjoyed the song ""A Different Class"" , ""Pencil Skirt"", and ""Disco 2000"". This was a fun and felt silly.
Bob Dylan
2/5
So much harmonicaaaa. I'm not into the super bluesy sound.
Tina Turner
3/5
I love her energy, storytelling, and performance you can feel throughout the album. I enjoyed "Private Dancer" of course along with the cover of "Let's Stay Together" and "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby."
Beatles
3/5
Destiny's Child
3/5
This feels very early 2000s from the production to topics. I knew of "Survivor", "Independent Women", and "Bootylicious" from the radio already but "Independent Women pt II", "Nasty Girl”, and "Fancy" are all new to me. The outro song is sooo weird with how reverential to god it is and it almost feels passive aggressive to the former members of Destiny's Child with how much they praise Michelle (the newest member and replacement member). I hate that I can hear some clear skill differences between Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle. They all sound great together but it makes so much sense why Beyoncé has done what she's done in the pop music space. I liked this album but it felt like a product of its time.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Her singing isn't great or technical but she brings the party. We know the iconic "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and can't imagine group gatherings without it, for better or worse. "Time After Time" is the real standout on this album but there is a fun range of songs and styles. "She-Bop" is poppy and bouncy while "Witness" has some Reggae/Ska inspired guitar. "All Through the Night" was a sparkly, fun song. I really enjoy the album but wish her vocals were more tuned in. This would get a 4 or 5 from me otherwise.
Alice In Chains
3/5
This has a harder rock tone. I loved "Them Bones" and the talent on guitar.
Robert Wyatt
1/5
DNF - I would be embarrassed to watch the car crash that is this music if I saw it in person. Between the key changes mid melody, the 3 minute "whoa" during "A Last Straw", the discordant non-stop trumpets in "Little Red Riding Hood Hit the Road", it's just painful and indecisive. Robert Wyatt's album has a distinct identity and it should be hidden away.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
"This album is a toss up - I have heard critiques that this is boring. I can see how that could be interpreted as the music does seem to follow a pattern and it doesn't have much style variation. However, the sounds and voice is perfectly pleasant. Maybe as background music or a song in a movie score? I did love the song ""Judy And the Dream of Horses"" due to the fact it reminded me of Tina Belcher from the cartoon, Bob's Burgers. Overall, it was unique in its ""Belle and Sebastian""-ness but I could take it or leave it. "
The The
2/5
I know this is post-punk but I was hoping for more…punk sounds?
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Latin/salsa music - I really enjoyed this. My rusty Spanish helped me a bit to understand some lyrics, particularly in "Plastico". The whole album made me dance in my seat. Lots of fun beats!
Elvis Costello
3/5
This has a lot of older rock and roll feel but also almost some punk vibes.
M.I.A.
2/5
This feels a lot like her Kala album with similar production elements. It does feel more like cohesive music and probably really cool for 2005. Once again, I am not into it that much.
Richard Thompson
2/5
Storytelling/Singer/Songwriter - mostly just boring. Some of the storytelling was nice like the title song but it was just kind of eh
The Shamen
3/5
Early 90s Electronic - some of this felt very dated and then I heard some electronic beats that I'm sure influenced the genre. Apparently, this band became a rave staple. My favorite song is "666 edit".
David Bowie
3/5
"Golden Hour"is on this album. Overall, it sounded good but it didn't wow like Ziggy Stardust did.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
The song is iconic but this album is great. It all has feeling and emotion and sets the mood. I love "Keep Getting It On" as an accompaniment to its famous companion song along with "If I Should Die Tonight".
Goldie
2/5
More boring electronic.
New Order
3/5
Pleasant 80s rock. I like the 2 songs with the synth sounds.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
"1960s Rock - the band behind ""Piece of My Heart"". There is a lot of feeling and stage presence from Janis Joplin even in the recording. This is a 3.5/4 Stars for me.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
The album with "Heads Will Roll". I liked the indie feel and can see why it was Grammy nominated for the alternative category.
Happy Mondays
2/5
Late 80s - did not enjoy nor finish.
Tom Waits
2/5
Hilariously, this album titled ""Bone Machine" sounds like what I imagine a drunken skeleton from a cartoon movie singing that he lost his jazz bar. Or maybe a grungy cat come to life. Either way, the lyrics become much more comical with the visuals.
Sabu
3/5
This is an album where I can tell they are good at what they do but I don't think I could tell a difference between them and another conguero. I don't think I'd listen to this again but I am glad I heard it.
Joy Division
3/5
I loved how the album started with "Disorder" so I'm sad the rest of the album wasn't like that. Overall, it was fine.
David Bowie
3/5
Some of the songs on here are real strong - like "Heroes" or "Secret Life of Arabia" but then the 2 instrumentals, while a good tone shift, were too long and didn't do much else for me. This album was fine.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I figured the album title was just a title only but nope - this album is nothing but murder and death. It's pretty morbid AND it feels lazy with the multiple repetition of names "Mary Bellows", "Elisa Day", and "Stagger Lee". Even our Queen Kylie Minogue can't redeem this l album. I'm curious how you can make a full album of this…."
LL Cool J
2/5
He talks a lot about having not having cheesy lyrics for someone who refers to himself as Mr. Goodbar.
Soundgarden
4/5
Same album with "Blackhole Sun". The rest of the album holds up to the song. Super solid harder rock and a solid album.
U2
3/5
Sade
2/5
This album has the song "Smooth Operator". Described as "Sophisti-pop", this album is mellow in sound and non-controversial in topic since it's mostly about love and relationships. I feel like this album was ahead of its time in this genre but it's not for me. It reminds me of elevators and doctor offices.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
I'm not sure this album qualifies as music. So far song 1, Tanz Debil, is nothing but trash can noises and the occasional German word for "shit". Steh Auf Berlin is a drill, metal drums, and distorted radio noises. There is also a lot of just screaming in general. "Gastarbeiterdub" is by far the most interesting song as it reminds me of foundations of electronic music, but then come the drills again. It doesn't help my review is this album that I don't know German, but the album's "rough punk" sound and style of "music" isn't helping me want to understand it in any capacity.
Pearl Jam
4/5
Really good album and a debut album at that. It has a consistent rock energy despite having a REALLY hard time understanding Eddie Vedder. I liked Even Flow and the intro to Deep in particular.
Various Artists
5/5
What. An. Album. This song is nothing but holidays bangers from top to bottom. This album is only 34 minutes but it packs a party punch with the strongest performances coming from Darlene Love. I played this album in the background while opening presents on Christmas Day and it added the perfect ambiance while remaining interesting. This is the exact uplifting but fun and musical experience I seek from an album, let alone a holiday album.
The Pogues
3/5
"Irish folk/punk. Some of the music is reminiscent of folk-take stories but then other songs are super cheeky and more punk leaning. I imagine this band influenced Dropkick Murphys or Flogging Molly. I find it interesting that they sing a lot about other places but still sounds distinctly "local". I think the overall vibe would be if Hobbiton had a rowdy biker bar.
Pixies
3/5
Still has the edgy Pixies sound with the hit ""Where is my Mind?"". Another good album addition.