1001 Albums Summary

A nostalgic and shimmery sound that left me waiting at the crossroads of what this album could have been. One thing to note is that four songs on this record were already saved in my library. However, it had been some time since my last listen so my ears came into this fresh. I felt as if the majority of the songs failed to take that next step forward. At times the lyrics and harmonies seemed goofy and repetitive. “Nightswimming” did a good job of encapsulating a sense of farewell to a world that REM had built. REM are legends but this record didn’t quite stick with me as much as I wanted it to. Favorites: Try Not To Breathe, Everybody Hurts, and Nightswimming

Bjork: a pioneer, a pure soul, a dreamweaver. This record threw me around in all kinds of directions. It was so unpredictable yet so cohesive. I felt as if though I was floating above Bjork’s body as she started on her journey through a world so unknown - pouring out every ounce of passion and energy she had to better understand it. It was almost like she looked at me and said “Shhh, just let go and follow me. I will show you a new world.” As soon as I thought the ride was going one way, I was thrown into another realm. I compare it to a video game where I’m in one level and then the next. I bounced around between songs of innocence and beauty to songs that made me want to dance without caring or knowing where I was exactly. Then all of a sudden “Like Someone in Love” comes on and time slows down. It slows down enough to where I can live in the moment. I hear the waves crash and play off of the harp in the background and suddenly everything makes sense. This song serves as a breath of fresh air exhaled into a world of tranquility and freedom. But don’t get too comfortable because then I got thrown into another act of Bjork’s play. It truly felt as if though I was watching her coming of age film. When the album concluded and the opening song “Human Behaviour” restarted - I couldn’t help but picture credits rolling down the screen. What a dream this was. Thank you so much Bjork for such a magical adventure. Favorites: Venus as a Boy, Like Someone in Love, One Day

Smooth as butter. Without A Tribe Called Quest the Hip Hop puzzle would not be complete. This record is full of songs that make you wanna cruise with the windows down. Some even made me feel like I was on a subway going around NYC. Favorites: Buggin Out, Check the Rhme, Jazz (We’ve Got)

A rich and colorful record that had me feeling like I was laying in a field of flowers looking up at the sun. I enjoyed the variety on this record. Like I said, first you feel like you’re laying in a field then at other times you’re dancing by the water or floating through thin air. Along with many records from this era, it just has such a natural feeling to it. You can hear and feel every instrument and touch. Of course I’d listened to California Dreamin in the past as well as some others from The Mamas & The Papas but I don’t think I’ve ever played a whole record through. Boy am I glad I did! Truly a band for the ages. Favorites: Straight Shooter, Go Where You Wanna Go, California Dreamin

On Axis: Bold as Love, Jimi paints outside of the lines with pure chaos as his Stratocaster brushes against an alternative universe. Disruption and distortion is the name of the game on a lot of Jimi’s records but especially this one. I admire his guitar play as I always have since first listening to him in high school. Of course there were some songs that transported me to the many worlds Jimi has created for us music lovers. However, it was hard to sink into this record as a whole. Before I go, I must say - If it wasn’t for Jimi then we wouldn’t have a lot of the guitarists and sounds we hear today. Thank you for that Jimi! Favorites: Little Wing, Castles Made of Sand, One Rainy Wish

I was bobbing my head so hard I hit it against my car door and forgot what I was gonna say… But Korn is Korn. I don’t listen to this kind of music often but I respect the hell out of it. It’s fierce and it’s potent. If you haven’t already check out their version of Blind (different album but) during Woodstock 99, holy shit. Favorites: It’s On!, Freak On a Leash, Got the Life

Ali Farka Toure - I recognized this name and soon figured out that it was in fact the father of Vieux Farka Toure - a beautiful musician himself who is featured on Khruangbin’s “Ali” record. While listening to “Savane”, I felt immersed inside the African culture and world that Ali pulled inspiration and love from. Every song has its own flavor and magic that makes you smile and dance. I really enjoyed the purity of this record, I just might come back for more… Favorites: Savane, Soya, Banga

A soothing Pop Rock record with that classic mid 90s twist. Some songs didn’t really do it for me, but I did enjoy a handful. Favorites: You Oughta Know, Hand in My Pocket, Ironic

A classic debut album that catapulted Queen of the Stone Age to the Grunge Rock forefront. I’m a big fan of grunge. However, QOTSA isn’t my go to in this genre. There wasn’t a great enough balance between distortion and melody. I enjoyed the album but it didn’t resonate with me as much as I wanted it to… Favorites: Regular John, If Only, How to Handle a Rope

Are we sure this is from 1001 albums you should listen to before you die and not 1001 albums you should listen to if you want to die?

While listening to this soulful and enriching record, I could picture Dylan sitting in a chair playing and pouring out every emotion into his six string. Maybe even in one sitting. The record transported me into the studio onto a floor pillow as I sat and admired Dylan’s musicianship unfolding in front of me. Sounds that resonate with every living organism on earth. You can feel the trees, the water, the wind, the human spirit and even some pain. Thank you Bob Dylan, you are a legend. Favorites: She Belongs to Me, Mr. Tambourine Man, Gates of Eden

Close your eyes and get comfortable in the rocket ship as you glide through Elton John’s universe. Once you land, you might just meet a mad man across the water. Favorites: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Madman Across the Water

As the marquee moon reflects off of the television, I see and hear beams of surf rock, garage rock, and punk rock. I’m sure this record was very fresh and unique for its time. However, it didn’t quite blow me away - I did have fun listening to a handful of these songs though. FWIW, the lead singer’s vocals remind me alot of Talking Heads… Favorites: See No Evil, Marquee Moon, Guiding Light

Cool record and objectively great, but just not my cup of tea. Legacy band and frontman so I tip my hat but just really not in love with this kind of rock. Favorites: Toys In The Attic, Sweet Emotion, You See Me Crying

I like The Who but this is just meh. Sounds like your average dad rock concert. Don’t get me wrong, live albums are cool even though majority of reviews are saying live albums suck. That’s just not true. However, this one is boring.

First heard of Grizzly Bear when I was younger - my friends and I would always watch the Ready, Able music video because of how weird and interesting it was. The record was cool. Didn’t blow me away but I could vibe with it! Favorites: Two Weeks, Cheerleader, Ready Able

Not gonna lie, this was a fun record. It honestly sounds more modern than 1960… Gives off a sunshine rock, surf rock vibe and a touch of Folk. Better than expected. Favorites: Made to Love, Always It’s You, Love Hurts

Follow the Fleet Foxes on a journey through this magical forest that Pecknold & Co have created. His vocals blow with the wind, fly with the birds, rustle with the leaves, and glisten on the water. Truly a beautiful otherworldly experience. I can almost see this record serving as the score for a 90s/2000s cult classic fantasy film. All in all, it’s a record that connects you with nature in a way. The angelic and golden vocal melodies/harmonies play off of the rich and organic instrumentation like sunshine beaming off the tree tops. Well done Fleet Foxes. I was familiar with you as a teenager but I may have to revisit your catalog after this gorgeous work of art. Favorites: White Winter Hymnal, Your Protector, Blue Ridge Mountains

Led Zeppelin is Led Zeppelin but this record didn’t really blow me away or anything. Guitar riffs were kind of repetitive in most songs. Objectively, it’s cool but yeah just not what I’d seek out. Favorites: The Rover, Down by the Seaside, Ten Years Gone

Meh

Meh

Objectively I think this is a really cool record. Beastie Boys are a generational talent and pioneers. Favorites: 3 Minute Rule, Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun, Car Thief

You can tell this is a Frank Zappa side project.

I really enjoyed pieces of this record. It was raw and truthful. Some songs came off as too “country” for me. However, some of the more folky leaning songs were very soothing. Favorites: The Dolphins, I’ve Got A Secret, Faretheewell

A soothing New Wave/Jangle Pop record. The shimmering guitar riff on Perfect Skin gave me feelings of what modern New Wave would develop into. Vocals remind me of The Cure and Echo & The Bunnymen as well as many of today’s New Wave and Post Punk artists. Vocal mix could be a little better but it works for what they’re going for. Production is uplifting and bright yet gothic, a nice blend. Favorites: Perfect Skin, Charlotte Street, Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?

I know what he’s going for but it just fell short for me. Now some songs are fun and listenable but most were somewhat redundant. The 60s and 70s were a beautiful and timeless era of music but this 67’ record doesn’t quite hold a flame to any of it. At times the instrumentation felt promising but it never took that next step and the vocals followed suit. I could see people ordering this cup of tea but not I. Favorites: Hallucinations, Phantasmagoria in Two, Morning Glory

I kept waiting for this record to take off but it hung around at square one. Very very interesting and unique. However, it teetered on the fence between snooze fest and captivating and well - I fell onto the snooze fest side.

Love The Allman Brothers but this record wasn’t anything moving to me. There were some beautiful moments here and there but nothing that got me hooked. The studio version of these songs are sooooo much better… Favorites: Stormy Monday, In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed, Whipping Post

I can get down to this kind of music, but this record? Nah… I know it’s from the 50’s but the songs just feel incomplete.

A raw and nostalgic record where you can hear and feel all of Pac’s emotion. He was truly a wizard with his words and delivery. Grew up listening to a lot of old hip hop so it was refreshing to catch back up on Pac and his craft. Favorites: Me Against The World, So Many Tears, Dear Mama

No doubt about it, Jack White is one talented musician. His vocals are impeccable and guitar play is just as good. However, this kind of Alt Rock just isn’t for me. I mean it’s very early 2010s sounding but still - just a repetitive and generic sound overall. The slower songs stand out a little more than the typical upbeat alt rock songs. Maybe I’ll check out some more of Jack White cause I see his name everywhere even today (2025) but this record wasn’t my favorite. Favorites: Love Interruption, Blunderbuss, Hypothetical Kiss

I know of Black Flag for two reasons - 1. I went thru a punk rock phase and 2. I know they’re one of John Frusciante’s favorite bands. However, this record didn’t really move me at all…

There were some really cool songs sprinkled into this record. I couldn’t see myself listening more than once but I respect the individuality from song to song.

Classic album from a generational band. To be honest, I respect their sound and the mark they left on the rock world. However, this kind of rock has never really been my style and for that reason it’s not getting a 4.

Infectious choruses and driving instrumentation. You can take this record anywhere. Some songs put me by the beach while others put me on a night’s drive. I’m a big fan of New Wave/Synth Pop/80s Alt and this is right up my alley. Of course I’m familiar with Duran Duran - however, I’ve never played a record of theirs in its entirety. Truly a legacy band of the 80s and onward. Favorites: Rio, My Own Way, Save a Prayer

This record makes me feel like I’m in third person - driving a convertible thru San Andreas smoking a joint. I’ve always loved Snoop. This record is pretty cool, it has that nice laid back feel while remaining energetic. Favorites: Tha Shiznit, Who Am I, Doggy Dogg World

Don’t get me wrong, The Who is a legacy band. However, this record doesn’t really move the needle for me…

Nice jazzy record

Classic feel good record here. Neil Young is a treasure. Favorites: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Don’t Let It Bring You Down, When You Dance I Can Really Love

This record walks a fine line between being refreshingly fun and redundant.

If you took a scoop of the Talking Heads and a scoop of the Gorillaz and then a splash of MGMT and threw that all into a typical 2000s alternative blender, you’d get this record. Surprisingly, I didn’t mind the taste at all. It’s not something I’d drink every day but I enjoyed it enough to appreciate it. Favorites: Tell Her Tonight, Take Me Out, Come On Home

The Cure, a band that would go on to inspire and influence generations of musicians and everyday people. I’m truly thankful for the mark this band has left on the music industry. Some may see them as pioneers while others may not be aware of their legacy’s influence. Even though this isn’t my favorite record of The Cure, it’s still a very enjoyable listen. Favorites: Play for Today, In Your House, A Forest