1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

148
Albums Rated
3.45
Average Rating
14%
Complete
941 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1960
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
26
5-Star Albums
7
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Teen Dream
Beach House
5 3.26 +1.74
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
5 3.34 +1.66
All Directions
The Temptations
5 3.44 +1.56
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
5 3.47 +1.53
Blue
Joni Mitchell
5 3.49 +1.51
Arrival
ABBA
5 3.52 +1.48
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
5 3.52 +1.48
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
5 3.6 +1.4
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
5 3.61 +1.39
Van Halen
Van Halen
5 3.62 +1.38

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
...And Justice For All
Metallica
1 3.41 -2.41
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
1 3.39 -2.39
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
1 2.76 -1.76
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
1 2.7 -1.7
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
2 3.68 -1.68
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
2 3.57 -1.57
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
1 2.4 -1.4
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
1 2.39 -1.39
Smash
The Offspring
2 3.36 -1.36
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
2 3.33 -1.33

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Bob Dylan 3 4.33
R.E.M. 3 4.33

5-Star Albums (26)

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Popular Reviews

Van Halen by Van Halen

Today I became a Van Halen fan. I had heard some of their songs before, but this album rocked!! Wouldn't say I am typically one for hard rock/metal. This project seems to challenge that belief. Awesome guitar riffs, great hooks, and a brash (but tightly assembled) sound that jumps out at you!

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt

Moments that resonated with me on this one, where Wyatt is crafting soundscapes that are genuinely unique and a pleasure to listen to. Unfortunately most of these moments are then met with odd choices that derail my overall enjoyment

This is by no means gods gift to music in the way some people who wear a dark side of the moon t shirt think it is, but I must admit: Sometimes there is a reason the classics are the classics. The album is bold, almost brooding, and even feels a little avant garde after all of these years. Of course, Pink Floyd’s style of psychedelic rock has stood the test of time, and these tracks rock while also being layered, ethereal and introspective. Essentially the best of both worlds.

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz

I’m a sucker for bossa and this is a perfect entry into the genre

1-Star Albums (7)

All Ratings (148)

Revolver by Beatles
Jan 10 2025

A tricky album because it is neither my favorite Beatles album, nor is it the one I consider to be their "best" (however arbitrarily that would be decided) yet I do believe it to be a masterpiece in its own right. This album is stylistically diverse, including new Indian inspired influences, but still has a twinge of early Beatles flavors. Rubber Soul and Revolver are simultaneously transitionary LPs but also some of the best material the band pulled together front to back over the course of their catalogue. "Here, There, Everywhere", "Good Day Sunshine", "Eleanor Rigby", "Taxman" "And Your Bird Can Sing" are some of my favorites

Jan 13 2025

This is by no means gods gift to music in the way some people who wear a dark side of the moon t shirt think it is, but I must admit: Sometimes there is a reason the classics are the classics. The album is bold, almost brooding, and even feels a little avant garde after all of these years. Of course, Pink Floyd’s style of psychedelic rock has stood the test of time, and these tracks rock while also being layered, ethereal and introspective. Essentially the best of both worlds.

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Jan 14 2025

Hauntingly Intimate. Lyrical poetry & and a beautiful voice, coupled with strong guitar. This album is so tonally specific and it transports me: I feel like I'm sitting in a cottage in the woods in the fall, at dawn, sipping some coffee and burning a candle.

Smash by The Offspring
Jan 15 2025

Not sure I think this album is a 2 straight up, but in the context of 1001 albums you must hear before you die, it feels appropriate to identify it as the lower end. I respect the significance of what this album + Dookie (which is the better project by a country mile, IMO) did for punk pop in the mid 90's but nothing is all that impressive on this LP. Middle school me enjoyed this type of album heavily- and to its credit, the raw, youthful, spit in your face energy is probably far and away its best quality. BUT, rather than being nostalgic, I think I just find myself glad to have outgrown the Green Day/Offspring phase.

Brothers by The Black Keys
Jan 16 2025

Another album that middle school me loved. I still have the CD, even. I do like some of the music here, but the lyrics are kind of weaksauce across the board. Definitely not a bad album. Feels like whitewashed blues pop rock music. I'd liken The Black Keys to being the Target or H&M of Blues Pop Rock, broadly appealing, not much breadth or depth past the surface.

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Jan 17 2025

Wow. This kinda blew me away. As a Neil Young rookie, I've heard some of his greatest hits in passing, but haven't been an active listener thus far. After a couple listens to the LP today, I'm really struck by this album as an body of work. It's clear that the 60/70's had some all timers. Neil's voice is raw and almost fragile, but so well accompanied by the piano, guitars and other instruments that show up here. "Birds" is a song I might need to be played at my funeral... Lots of emotion on this one.

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Jan 18 2025

Late 2000's indie folk goodness. Fleet Foxes is comfortable on this debut. I really like the harmonies and it is sonically pleasing. A couple songs (Ragged Wood, White Winter Hymnal, Blue Ridge Mountains) really stand out, and then the vast majority of the tracklist is just good not great.

Djam Leelii by Baaba Maal
Jan 19 2025

Definitely a new artist/project to me. A little long winded, but I began to appreciate the sounds and things I’m hearing here the more I listened. When I’m typically inundated by US and UK artists, it’s refreshing to try new things out even if it isn’t my favorite

Vulnicura by Björk
Jan 20 2025

Bjork’s music is easily identified as avant garde and cinematic, but is admittedly still a little over my head. Definitely enjoyed some moments on this one, but found it a bit challenging to really dig in and get a full listen front to back. Pretty sick break up album, though.

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Jan 21 2025

The Rolling Stones seem to find a consistent groove on this LP as they play their way through blues, rock, and country inspired cuts. It’s a solid project that has some toe tappers, but I really didn’t feel deeply connected to much of what I listened to here. A little disappointing considering the group itself is so heralded.

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Jan 22 2025

Unexpectedly liked this one a lot.

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Jan 23 2025

Unique, layered , and worth revisiting

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Jan 24 2025

quintessential jazz for someone who enjoys the genre but has very little knowledge of the intricacies

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Jan 25 2025

I get why this album gets the praise it does. It is a wee bit bloated but as a front to back experience it’s pretty magnificent

Jan 26 2025

His voice is not THAT annoying. Just a classic brit (but Anna and I have also been rewatching the Harry Potter series recently so maybe that contributes.) This is just some classic, political, salt of the earth folk. Really enjoyed this and was unfamiliar with Braggs work prior.

Jan 27 2025

Dare I say folk Dylan at his best. High highs on this joint, with some of his best guitar and voice only songs- girl from the north country, don’t think twice it’s alright, a hard rains a’ gonna fall, masters of war, blowin in the wind: just there that’s about half the album! Sure, some fo the other cuts on this LP lack the same strength/staying power, but as a front to back listen they slot in more than fine. The covers at the end are solid, too.

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
Jan 28 2025

Now this is some no frills Blues. Gotta respect Muddy playing “got my mojo working” a second time. Energy really amps up on this album as it goes. Safe to say Muddy Waters has found himself a new fan

Jan 29 2025

first impressions were: this was groovy, White Stevie Wonder!? But ultimately not nearly as great as Stevie himself, and the Jamiroquai frontman kinda seems like a POS after a quick google search.

Scream, Dracula, Scream by Rocket From The Crypt
Jan 30 2025

Not really for me. Shouty but somehow didn't really feel the energy that typically accompanies this type of music. Probably the first album on this list that was truly a slog to get through. Largely forgettable post punk with a couple of decent tracks ("Come See, Come Saw," for example)

Kimono My House by Sparks
Jan 31 2025

Glam. Rock. Vocally pretty interesting, kind of freddie mercury esque vibes with such an unwavering falsetto. I got more into this one as it went on.

Eagles by Eagles
Feb 01 2025

Enjoyable debut from the Eagles. Sees the Country rock group in its infancy, it’s an easy (ironic, given two of the best songs on the album have "easy" in the title), appealing listen on the whole. The best songs on this album are the hits, keeping things safest cuts: "take it easy," "Peaceful easy feeling" But I found myself enjoying songs like "Take the Devil" and "Most of Us are Sad" which were a bit different sonically than what I typically associate with the band.

Let It Be by The Replacements
Feb 02 2025

The Replacements show up with some range here. “Androgynous” is not a song I expected and this album but was pleasantly surprised. “Unsatisfied” and “I Will Dare” are solid rock staples. Even the goofy songs ‘Gary’s got a boner’ and ‘Tommy gets his tonsils out’ aren’t bad or lacking.

Atomizer by Big Black
Feb 03 2025

The Beats are creative, but as soon as the singing comes in it loses me. Respect what is going on here but not really for me personally

Ziggy Stardust is a tour de force. Anything Bowie is going to be unique, yet at only 40 minutes, it's digestible and fairly accessible to the uninitiated. The opener, the closer, front to back this is a gem. Without question, a legendary album that just plain rocks.

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Feb 06 2025

Without context, this album sounds like it came straight from the 70/80s. Then I see it was released in 2003! It is very faithful to the genre and takes the best parts of its predecessors. This is a fun, cheeky record. Would be grasping at straws to find a lot of deeper meaning but the album rocks and its an easy and fun listen.

Feb 07 2025

Weird, prog, expansive, grand, self indulgent. I enjoyed it. Definitely not for everyone, but I found it to be refreshing and unique. So many sounds and wacky choices on this record but that feels like the point

Doolittle by Pixies
Feb 08 2025

Unfamiliar with this one going in, a massive fan coming out. This album rocks. Insanely hard to decide whether I love the vocals or the guitar work more. Feels really original and earnest. The various sounds they are experimenting with work in tandem to create an masterful final product.

Feb 09 2025

Love the youthful energy on this one. Beats are interesting, features add nice choruses/accents to the wordplay Lupe is laying down. Nothing wrong here, but missing that x factor to make it a 5 star

Heroes to Zeros by The Beta Band
Feb 10 2025

nothing wrong here, but nothing that moves the needle for me. Bland semi decent Brit rock.

The Clash by The Clash
Feb 11 2025

You can feel the energy boiling over in each song. Raucous stuff right here. Can you imagine listening to this as an angsty teenager? Here I am at my corporate desk job in the USA toe tapping like a buffoon, I certainly wasn't who the Clash were making this for.

Feb 12 2025

This wasn't bad but I have a really hard time believing this is one of the 1001 albums you must hear before you die... To me this is album is the epitome of a CD you had in your car in the 2000s where it would autoplay on your commute and you were like "oh this is solid!" but you never gave it any thought past that. Driving background fodder. Coldplay vibes too

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Feb 13 2025

I enjoy the atmosphere/sonic choices that were introduced by recording in a church. The usage of ann organ winds up being a really unique piece and creates a hollow and distinct sound across several of the songs. This album is 2000’s indie to the core, and while it is a worthy effort, I think its aged a little poorly and at moments feels fairly mediocre compared to other early Arcade Fire projects.

Strange Cargo III by William Orbit
Feb 14 2025

Nothing really to say, not bad, not memorable. With a couple exceptions, ambient music is more about the connection you create with it in my eyes

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Feb 15 2025

jazz at its finest (in my humble opinion) accessible but also just a solid as hell outing. Definitely in the jazz album pantheon and deservedly so

Risque by CHIC
Feb 16 2025

had fun with this one, pleasantly surprising. too often people label a genres like disco as outdated. While disco certainly is centralized to a time period, the music itself stands up isolated from the context with which is was born.

Odelay by Beck
Feb 17 2025

So much I like about this album right alongside so much that doesn't really work for me. Definitely experimental, but pretty longwinded and onerous in spots. I want to LOVE this album, but it's just a like for now

All Directions by The Temptations
Feb 18 2025

Sometimes you stumble on to something that ticks all the boxes. "All Directions" is that kind of album for me. Has funky ass instrumental sections, the vocals are raw and powerful, slower jams, uptempo cuts, and I'm a sucker for doo-wop, no matter the naysayers! This album is a new favorite!

Hms Fable by Shack
Feb 19 2025

This is so mid. And truly the definition of the word. not bad, not good. just okay. I half expect these songs to play in an episode of Scrubs or something. 2000s sitcom written allll over them. Moody, sad, right before the voiceover kicks in.

Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt
Feb 20 2025

Moments that resonated with me on this one, where Wyatt is crafting soundscapes that are genuinely unique and a pleasure to listen to. Unfortunately most of these moments are then met with odd choices that derail my overall enjoyment

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Feb 22 2025

great voice, but it’s a covers album. Knowing that takes away some of the enjoyment

Feb 23 2025

Trying to shed my preconceived notions of "Metal" to just enter and enjoy. They are shredding ALLLL over this album. It wound up rocking, and while I am not necessarily converted, I can appreciate much of what is happening on this LP.

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Feb 24 2025

Got me crying in the cubicle on a Monday morning! Not many can do it like Tracy!

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Feb 25 2025

Devastating. Heart wrenching. Beautiful.

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Feb 26 2025

Such an easy 5, a true magnum opus. TPAB attempts to say so much and do so much in and most all of it works for me. The poetry, the eclectic sounds, the atmosphere and musicality of it all. There's even hits here, which is the criticism I see most unfairly leveled at Kendrick. I also saw reviews saying Kendrick is not a strong lyricist/rapper. Are we joking?? I find myself lost in the story, the experience that gets created, and this dude can absolutely RAP. A prime example of why the album format is so important, even in a streaming age.

Live! by Fela Kuti
Feb 27 2025

Groovy! This was something i was truly unfamiliar with so it was a nice treat to get a chance to listen. Very enjoyable and the energy is electric!

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Feb 28 2025

This album is definitely Elton John. I feel like I LOVE some of his work and then the rest is solid, but doesn't always wow me. Perhaps the glam rock presents an uphill battle since everything is pretty grand and stylized. On the whole a good album and liked the shorter runtime. Really liked "rotten peaches" and "Levon" and "all the nasties" and of course "Tiny Dancer" is a classic. Overall good, falls short of Greatness for me, though

Arrival by ABBA
Mar 01 2025

Is this the music you’re going to catch me listening to week in and week out? Probably not, but it’s hard to deny that iconic nature of Abba. I’m not afraid to say I can get down to most of these tracks and there’s something charming and silly about ABBA in the best ways. Lotta Bops on this one. Fernando FTW

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Mar 02 2025

I’m a sucker for bossa and this is a perfect entry into the genre

Blackstar by David Bowie
Mar 04 2025

Unique in a different sense from some of the Bowie I have come to know and love. You can hear his age here, and the sounds he's playing with are super interesting, but not necessarily something I enjoy 100 percent of the time. Context helps this albums legacy, and even without it, its still a fine piece of work. Just not my favorite Bowie album

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Mar 05 2025

I shamelessly enjoy this. It was easy to get lost in and had me head nodding from beginning to end.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Mar 06 2025

I can respect what is going on here. Hell, there were moments I found mystifying and worth appreciating! However, I can confidently say I would never be scrolling through my music collection and pick this out for a casual listen. That's a personal preference thing at the end of the day though, and as an album I can see how it paved the way for a genre of music that has become popular, so I will settle with a 3/5 here to split the difference

Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Mar 07 2025

eclectic as hell, moments i liked but it lost me here and there

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Mar 08 2025

absolutely slaps. can’t be a 5 bc it’s greatest hits, but damn it were they great!!

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
Mar 09 2025

I think other Deerhunter albums deserve a spot on 1001 over this one. it’s not bad but it feels pretty mild overall tonally. I like indie rock as much as the next guy, but nothing is majorly moving the needle here.

Teen Dream by Beach House
Mar 10 2025

Nostalgia in full force here. 2nd favorite beach house album, but front to back this is a wonderful, mesmerizing experience from the duo and I can always rely on it. Songs work well alone, even better in the context of the LP. An all time favorite 🤩

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Mar 11 2025

personifies the 90’s and 2000’s kids teenage and college years. Evokes those feelings and memories of youth and uncertainty in the most vulnerable ways

Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
Mar 12 2025

Not really a grunge guy by trade but i enjoyed the music here. Very consistent vibe/tone wise but I think it works to the album's strengths.

Alien Lanes by Guided By Voices
Mar 14 2025

lot of little ideas here, fairly enjoyable but feels demo-ish

I don't think this reinvented the wheel in any big way (and it doesn't need to), because PJ Harvey is in her bag on this LP. The tried and true rock influences, the Thom York feature, the weirdness of PJ all work well together.

Mar 16 2025

Unique. Had trouble with the vocals at times. So spoken wordy and while it didn't necessarily take away from the music, I think it made it more eerie then it may have intended to be. Instrumentals were cool though and I appreciate that this sounds like nothing else I've heard so far on 1001

Remedy by Basement Jaxx
Mar 17 2025

I just can't really envision a place and space for this other than where it is played: the club, being out. I guess in that sense it's not bad, but I'm not throwing this on during my day or around the house

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Mar 18 2025

I could listen to Frank for days. The crooning and easy way that Frank glides over these delightful accompaniments is calming. It's a 5 for me for nostalgia and the feeling it evokes, but I wouldn't argue that it's diverse or pushing the envelope so I expect others will have it lower. Not everything needs to be groundbreaking though, and having a vocal giant like Sinatra sing a bevy of love songs is a match made in heaven. It's timeless and effortless. The greats are the greats for a reason.

Mar 19 2025

I became a rap fan towards the end of middle school (circa early 2010's.) As a Midwestern privileged white kid, you would think Eminem and I would be a match made in heaven- which was the case for many of my peers. Truthfully, I really never gave Eminem a shot. Heard him on the radio, but avoided him in pretty much every other respect. To me, he was the fox wearing, monster drinking, type of rapper, and my preppy adjacent sensibilities couldn't jive with it. However, listening to this- I have a much greater appreciation for Eminem. Can't say I love the super aggression, and the slurs/horror core rap is sometimes pretty intense. Topically this is pretty foreign, but I suppose I could say that for a majority of albums I do enjoy in the rap genre. Where this project shines is in the melodies, rap flows, and the instrumentals. The hooks are catchy, the content is original as hell, and Eminem is not afraid to be himself and piss of the masses. Wouldn't say I am a fan of Eminem, but I can say that I definitely have missed out not listening to this album prior to today.

The Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers
Mar 20 2025

Charming, alt country psychedelic. I enjoyed this one and it was pretty unexpected

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Mar 21 2025

I do love stepping into the mind of George Harrison. And having had this LP on Vinyl, it was beautifully crafted/sectioned for that format. This double album is a holy grail of beatles solo material and deserves its recognition as such

Mar 22 2025

So I think this is one of those projects that has great ideas, and I can see why people would enjoy it. For me, though, it's just not engaging enough. I don't mind repetition, but some of the ideas here just don't get the fully baked treatment that others do. It's not super consistent as a whole.

Aja by Steely Dan
Mar 23 2025

My office lobby plays steely dan a lot, specifically Peg- and I do have this album on my iPod so i'm pretty familiar with the group. I think I might like Pretzel logic more as an album, but there is something weirdly comforting about Steely Dan's music. It's kinda samey but in a way I enjoy. Perhaps it is more background music for me than a show stopping group, but I am hard pressed to produce something I don't like about the album/group

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg by Jerry Lee Lewis
Mar 24 2025

The energy is electric on this one. Its a succinct 22 minutes that had me locked in from front to back. On the other hand, this dude is an ALL TIME fuckbag. Pedo, racist, you name it. So... The 22 minutes I just engaged with the music were good though, so I'll give the scumbag that.

I like many of the songs on this album, and I am a fan of Bob Dylan. But my guess is that this album belongs here more as a cultural/historical impact. Listening through here, I don't feel that this stands apart from his typical studio albums in terms of musical prowess or execution. It's a good live album listen, but with bootlegs kind of being a thing of the past in the easily sharable/searchable digital music age, I don't see why this would deserve to be on the list over other full length studio projects of Dylan's.

Mar 27 2025

I love Sinatra, and I love Bossa. Yet for some reason this didn't blow me away n the way I might expect it to. I think Bossa just doesn't totally suit Sinatra's style: honestly

Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C.
Mar 28 2025

can appreciate it for what it is. definitely can see and respect how it sewed the seeds, but in 2025- i’m not necessarily getting down to this

Mar 29 2025

Throughly enjoyed this one. Hard to believe these were country songs. Ray charles is so soulful in his singing, breathing fresh new life into the songs. Slightly long/repetitive over the two discs but a near 5.

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Mar 30 2025

Wish we had gotten more from Joplin, but grateful for this all the same

Green by R.E.M.
Mar 31 2025

I remember I had out of time by R.E.M on CD in middle school. This doesn't really sound like I remember them sounding. This was good though and I though the front half was especially strong

McCartney by Paul McCartney
Apr 02 2025

Paul did some good work on this one. Not earth shattering or meeting the highest highs of beatles, but its clear his songwriting chops have never been a fluke

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti
Apr 03 2025

Holy Cliche! This album feels super one note and is oozing with pop. Not bad but not something I can see myself revisiting. It's like synth Armageddon!

You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Apr 04 2025

This was haunting and very intimate. I thought I would be perturbed by Cohen's voice but it really didn't bother me. Crazy to think about an artist reflecting on their life and their impending death.

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Apr 05 2025

One of the last great Bob Dylan Albums. Feels like he's in his element here doing all of the things that have made him so great for so long

Celebrity Skin by Hole
Apr 06 2025

Ya know I think this one is better than I thought it would be. Grungey, weird, and alt rock to the core. Not typically a genre I'd be gravitating towards, but it wound up being something I found upside in.

Abbey Road by Beatles
Apr 07 2025

What more can I say here about this Abbey Road that hasn't already been said. The album speaks for itself in so many ways. The true "Last" album of the Beatles, with some of their most memorable and profound works. "Something" "Come Together" and "Here Comes then Sun" are all incredibly iconic songs that each feel so different. Cuts like "I want you (she's so heavy)" and "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" are just as important and memorable. The medley starting with "You Never Give Me Your Money" and finishing with "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight"!! This album does all the things I want it to, the legacy has cemented itself as an incredibly important work, and to me it's the quintessential Beatles album to introduce to anyone unfamiliar. This is the culmination of the Beatles.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Apr 08 2025

I am a passive reggae fan, and this is the exact kind of reggae (and amount of raggae) that I desire. Hard to speak to the technical merits of the album, but on a surface enjoyment level, I dig this record

The Rolling Stones by The Rolling Stones
Apr 09 2025

Good album, but not the stones best by a country mile. Covers album. etc. Obviously, I LIKE what I'm hearing, but nothing about this screams 1001.

Diamond Life by Sade
Apr 10 2025

Groovy, vocally seductive and the bass lines and jazzy flair kept me interested from beginning to end

Apr 11 2025

More of the REM I remember, but man, I really loved this. I don't know what it is but the music feels so comforting

Amnesiac by Radiohead
Apr 12 2025

Solid outing but not my favorite radiohead album. Listenable though and better than initially gave it credit for upon this revisit

Brutal Youth by Elvis Costello
Apr 13 2025

I feel like Elvis falls somewhere in between Buddy Holly and Rivers Cuomo in terms of vocalists. Not really as interesting as either of those two, but certainly as distinct. Not really familiar with his discog, and while I felt this was a pretty inoffensive effort, it also didn't blow my socks off. Would be interested to hear more from him, and I could see this one growing on me, but it doesn't feel like the strongest introduction

Apr 16 2025

A slower, more reflective piece of work. A fairly poignant listen in 2025, but wasn't something i think I'd be throwing for tons of repeat listens.

Safe As Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Apr 17 2025

This was some weird shit, in a good way

Van Halen by Van Halen
Apr 19 2025

Today I became a Van Halen fan. I had heard some of their songs before, but this album rocked!! Wouldn't say I am typically one for hard rock/metal. This project seems to challenge that belief. Awesome guitar riffs, great hooks, and a brash (but tightly assembled) sound that jumps out at you!

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Apr 20 2025

culturally significant but listening today it’s not necessarily the strongest by todays standards. Dre’s production is stellar, but Snoop has never really been an all time lyricist.

The Colour Of Spring by Talk Talk
Apr 21 2025

This is probably the Gen Z Disney movie watcher in me, but I half expected Phil Collins to come barreling at some point on this one... For real though, I was rocking with this one, it's pretty grandiose and really sits nicely with lots of piano, organ, and strings where I would've expected synths. Some light research indicates this album comes at an interesting time in history for talk talk, and was a bridge album for the group in terms of sound. Ironically, I feel like this seems like it would be the best the group has to offer, so I'd be skeptical of hearing them commit to a different type of style on other albums.

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Apr 22 2025

Now THIS is a banger. Starts strong, ends strong. Reggae bliss. The first Marley album I got on 1001 was really good, bit exodus is top to bottom GREAT. Easy 5 for me.

Punishing Kiss by Ute Lemper
Apr 23 2025

"It's a no from me dawg" I can see what others are saying about the bond music theme, except this is just worse- both less interesting and vocally it feels like a choir teacher trying to show her students her talented and serious she is. Which, speaking from my own choral experience, never impressed me. There's no way all of this is done with sincerity... The "If sex were an Olympic sport we'd have won the gold" bar on the case continues is an outright meme.

Le Tigre by Le Tigre
Apr 28 2025

Super original, sometimes silly while also feeling very true to the band and honest. I appreciated the spoken word and randomness on many songs.

Low by David Bowie
Apr 29 2025

weird, ambient, fun, a collection of sounds that never lost my interest.

Blue by Joni Mitchell
Apr 30 2025

melodies that are still stuck in my head. vocal emotion and range. A favorite

Music by Madonna
May 02 2025

Madonna *Probably* deserves to have an album on the 1001 list. For the life of me, though, I wouldn't agree that this is the correct selection.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
May 03 2025

Arcade Fire's Heyday is such a specific moment in history. They wear so many of their contemporaries on their sleeve and yet to a generation of folks who were teens and college aged at the time of their highest cultural relevancy, they were like no other group, keying in on a moment in time and feelings that were waiting to be unleashed in the cultural zeitgeist. In many ways this is quintessential iPod music. That being said, I was like 9 when this came out, so I don't have the same nostalgia to rely on. It's a good record, all in all, from my vantage point, but doesn't blow me away

May 04 2025

Really pleasantly surprised by this one. Felt like it had the potential to crash and burn, but wound up being very enjoyable

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
May 05 2025

Weird as fuck. In a good way, I guess? I didn't dislike what I was hearing, but I was a bit confused

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
May 06 2025

Led Zeppelin is one of those bands that Gen Z kids know of because their uncle or history teacher loves them, but haven't actually listened to (other artists that fit this could be: Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Clash, Sex Pistols) As someone who fits this stereotype, It was really my first legitimate listen to a Zeppelin album, and boy, was I blown away. I hate the "Music used to be better" trope, but I do have a hard time listening to this and not yearning for an era of music gone by. This just rocks.

Elephant by The White Stripes
May 07 2025

Jack White never fails to impress me

1977 by Ash
May 08 2025

I enjoyed this listen. But nothing stood out to me. Perfectly fine

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
May 09 2025

A masterpiece

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
May 10 2025

This shit is heat, not my the greatest MJ album but has all the makings of a good one.

Murmur by R.E.M.
May 11 2025

only 100 albums in, 1001 has taught me that I am an R.E.M. fan, I guess. Not exactly what I expected, but I am not complaining

Henry's Dream by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
May 12 2025

doesn't move the needle for me a ton, super durge-y and depressive. I do find it to be listenable and interesting within that context, but it's not my cup of tea generally

Boston by Boston
May 13 2025

I've definitely heard a chunk of this album before. To the Gen Z listener, these familiar songs are less "overplayed" and more "I've heard that in a movie/tv show!" However, that doesn't mean that the record is perfect. It is a highly enjoyable collection of tracks, though- with thunderous guitar melodies and groovy vocal harmonies

Pornography by The Cure
May 14 2025

melancholy and enjoyable

Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds
May 15 2025

Sonically i am a fan, but this is very Dylan cover band. not a ton of originality here

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
May 16 2025

wait... this fucks!

So by Peter Gabriel
May 18 2025

I saw a review that said something to the effect of "Phil Collins if he was talented." That is a shit take, but I do enjoy Peter Gabriel and this album. It's a little bit too cheesy white guy 80's music to truly blow me away, but I did enjoy the track list and I'm certain that had I been alive at the time, I would've enjoyed this album a even more within the context of its release

Snivilisation by Orbital
May 19 2025

I think they might have had some good ideas on this one. but the execution leaves much to be desired

Disintegration by The Cure
May 20 2025

At first i was not super excited for my second The Cure album in less than a week. But boy I was wrong. This was like a wave of sound and emotion. You can truly be transported by music like this. It's raw and honest. Pictures of you just could easily be in the soundtrack to the indie film about your first high school relationship. Classic!!

Clandestino by Manu Chao
May 21 2025

Music I would've never heard without 1001, and music I enjoyed! Will return to this one. Feels lighthearted and had me dancing at my desk

Done By The Forces Of Nature by Jungle Brothers
May 22 2025

Groovy, certainly experimental for the time and I really liked the house and Jazz influences

The Dreaming by Kate Bush
May 23 2025

Yea it was weird and I definitely wasn't digging portions of this joint. But I would be remiss if I didn't point out that there are some things that work for me and I think the commitment to exploring unique sounds is ultimately a win in the long term for music and for Bush

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
May 24 2025

"In the end" is a meme, but kinda listenable But man, the rest of this is just wack.

The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips
May 26 2025

Yoshimi clears but I still liked this one.

Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin
May 28 2025

Another BANGER! Zeppelin you've done it again!! (except this was the first one)

The Next Day by David Bowie
May 29 2025

I like Bowie, and I've appreciated the 3 other albums of his I've heard on this list so far. Unfortunately, this album doesn't stand up alongside the other ones I have listened to. Call it Bowie fatigue, but I truly think this album doesn't have much business being on a 1001 list. An excellent return from Bowie late in life, yes, but not reaching the heights he'd found on previous standouts.

Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
May 30 2025

Best Nick Cave album I've listened to. Which I suppose isn't the highest praise given I didn't really enjoy the first one, but this one feels much grander, while still capturing that melancholy dirge-y vibe Cave seems to gravitate toward

Ray Of Light by Madonna
Jun 02 2025

Why do I feel like Maddona fits in the category of "the name of the artist is bigger than the music itself?" (Probably because I am 24...) Anyways, Experimental Madonna. Way better than "Music" Madonna. It'll do.

A Date With The Everly Brothers by The Everly Brothers
Jun 04 2025

Funny, cheesy, harmonies, not much substance and sexist in today's age, but sonically pleasing to the ear.

Bad Company by Bad Company
Jun 05 2025

Fairly simple enjoyable rock music. Nothing bad here, nothing that blew me away either.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Jun 06 2025

While not on the level of Doolittle for me, it still manages to capture what I found so enthralling about the pixies with some great guitar line and funky lyrics and vocals.

Dookie by Green Day
Jun 07 2025

Dookie often serves as a touchstone for music listeners, reminding them of a younger, rowdier time in their lives. I myself had a Green Day phase, and remember the era fondly. Washed in nostalgia, it's hard to be objective about this album. I appreciate that Dookie is very earnest in its hedonistic immature approach. Some subsequent Green Day works don't feel very authentic. I think this is some of their strongest work. Sure, you can poke holes in this record, but it accomplishes the goals of disheartened teen record anthem particularly well. I can't help but enjoy these handful of tracks.

Berlin by Lou Reed
Jun 08 2025

Emotionally raw, vocally reminiscent of others who couldn't realllly sing but have immense musical talent. Hard to not to appreciate what Reed brings to the table here, despite it feeling very different from his previous solo work.

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Jun 09 2025

White boy music- in a good way. Shoutout CS&N, I was born 30+ years after this album came out but it still hits and feels timeless more than 50 years after its release.

Hotel California by Eagles
Jun 10 2025

This album is divisive. Which is fairly ironic as the Eagles themselves seem to be laid back and easy going. You either like it or you don't, I suppose. 9 songs (really 8 songs and a reprise) on this one. I happen to enjoy pretty much all of them. I'll give this one a high 3 low 4.

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
Jun 13 2025

I really do enjoy this. Something about the Beach Boys that just makes me smile. Nothing too earth shattering on this record per say, but it is a fun one

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 96% of albums. Average review length: 224 characters.

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