1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

203
Albums Rated
3.53
Average Rating
19%
Complete
886 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1960
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
38
5-Star Albums
5
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
5 2.52 +2.48
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
5 2.66 +2.34
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
5 2.76 +2.24
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
5 2.88 +2.12
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
4 1.89 +2.11
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
5 2.91 +2.09
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
5 2.96 +2.04
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
5 3.05 +1.95
No Other
Gene Clark
5 3.19 +1.81
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
5 3.19 +1.81

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
1 3.5 -2.5
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
1 3.11 -2.11
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
1 3.1 -2.1
Back In Black
AC/DC
2 3.83 -1.83
A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
1 2.81 -1.81
Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
1 2.69 -1.69
The Joshua Tree
U2
2 3.66 -1.66
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
2 3.59 -1.59
Ramones
Ramones
2 3.56 -1.56
Document
R.E.M.
2 3.55 -1.55

5-Star Albums (38)

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Popular Reviews

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino

I liked his voice and playing. Not a huge boogie woogie fan but I liked this

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson

So cool. Incredible combo of jazz and ambient

Electric Music For The Mind And Body by Country Joe & The Fish

I was picking up what they were putting down. I often don't connect with country-rock tinged psychedelia and usually favor either heavier rock or pop influences, but this album has the right shiftless druggie vibes for my shiftless druggie lifestyle!

Horses by Patti Smith

2.5 This twist on Blues-rock was still too blues-rocky for me. The non-stop lyrics kept me from turning my brain off,which is the way I get into a groove listening to avant garde music. It's cool that it was a shock to the system at the time. I didn't enjoy listening to it all that much

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant

Your most annoying friend just got broken up with and you have to spend 51 minutes alone with him

4-Star Albums (73)

1-Star Albums (5)

All Ratings (203)

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Jan 17 2025

More interesting to me as a historical alt/pop rock artifact than an album as a whole. I liked the poppier songs more than the hard rock ones.

Back In Black by AC/DC
Jan 18 2025

Pretty inane stuff. I had trouble with the gauntlet of songs about fucking groupies in the first half of the album. Recording sounds great!

The Fat Of The Land by The Prodigy
Jan 19 2025

There was something cool going on in every song. Too unrelenting for my non-rave lifestyle.

Low-Life by New Order
Jan 20 2025

Loved the last two songs, liked how raw this album was. I could have used less guitar and more synth but seems like this was a transitional record

Hunky Dory by David Bowie
Jan 21 2025

First record on the list that I enjoyed all the way through. Really really like it

Back At The Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith
Jan 22 2025

Some I would have never listened to without this list. I like it, I hope there is more Jazz to come

25 by Adele
Jan 23 2025

Big meh, other than her voice, nothing going on

Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson
Jan 24 2025

So cool. Incredible combo of jazz and ambient

Hot Rats by Frank Zappa
Jan 25 2025

Every song is a gem. Incredible playing

Jan 26 2025

It has its moments, as many highs as lows. Pretty inane lyrics. Closer to 2.5 than 3

Ace of Spades by Motörhead
Jan 27 2025

Would have been 4-stars but need to dock 1-star for pedophilia. I am sure I will have to do this more than once on this list.

No Other by Gene Clark
Jan 29 2025

What a surprise. Total masterpiece!

1989 by Taylor Swift
Jan 30 2025

More of a 2.5. It was fine? A bit of a slog after Bad Blood and I was glad it was over.

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Feb 01 2025

Mesmerizing lyrics, stripped down production. I liked it a lot but a little too heady for me personally.

Feb 05 2025

Good album, but not quite enough going on for me. Would have liked less guitar and vocals and more from the rest of the band

Dance Mania by Tito Puente
Feb 06 2025

Not my style of music, but the musicianship is undeniable

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Feb 08 2025

Great top to bottom

Metallica by Metallica
Feb 11 2025

I was pleasantly surprised, lots to like. This may be their sell out album but they sound great!

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Feb 12 2025

A lot of cool shit going on here. I think I liked the shorter songs a little more than the Tarkus, but a fun trip nonetheless

So Much For The City by The Thrills
Feb 13 2025

3.5 Deeper than your average The OC Soundtrack indie pop of the time. A bit lightweight but that might be the point.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
Feb 14 2025

I liked a lot of it, wasn't wild about some of it. I think reviews that love it and reviews that hate it are both right. It's legend might be more interesting than the music itself, but there is still a lot to like

Dirt by Alice In Chains
Feb 15 2025

4.5 Absolute monster of an album. Was not expecting to like it so much

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Feb 16 2025

3.5 - Incredible line-up of musicians but it didn't come together for me. Didn't tickle my brain in anyway

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Feb 17 2025

Not for me. Some of the Noise stuff was interesting, but the blues at Woodstock '99 vibe didn't work for me

Horses by Patti Smith
Feb 18 2025

2.5 This twist on Blues-rock was still too blues-rocky for me. The non-stop lyrics kept me from turning my brain off,which is the way I get into a groove listening to avant garde music. It's cool that it was a shock to the system at the time. I didn't enjoy listening to it all that much

Definitely Maybe by Oasis
Feb 19 2025

After initially not loving this and it's sonic mush recording, I was pummeled into submission by a wall of guitars and hooks. I didn't see it coming

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Feb 20 2025

I've never heard a genre of music be created by sarcastically playing a different genre. Loud and weird. I appreciated it more after a second listen

S&M by Metallica
Feb 21 2025

A one-trick pony that lasts over 2 hours. When it works it's pretty cool. When it doesn't it all sounds like an extended riff on Live or Let Die. Too much Load and Reload.

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Feb 22 2025

I feel like this is more historically significant than musically significant and it's only historically significant because it was popular. The other popular hip hop at the time was way more dynamic and sonically interesting.

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Feb 23 2025

I can't give a full throated endorsement of the album because of the amount of racial slurs sung by a white man, even though they are in the service of shining a light on racism and hypocrisy. I really liked this album, loved the message and the music. No song stayed past it's welcome. Breezy listen.

Tellin’ Stories by The Charlatans
Feb 24 2025

I am just starting to understand British Pop. I had trouble getting into Definitely Maybe on this list as well as this album. I realized I was viewing them through the lens of Alternative or Indie Rock and while they fit somewhat in those genres, the currency they are really trading in is Pop. This album surprised me by using British Pop as a connective tissue for a blend of soul, psychedelic, and a little prog even. Very heady. I'm excited to explore the genre more.

A Hard Day's Night by Beatles
Feb 25 2025

I liked the pop stuff more than the rock stuff

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Feb 26 2025

3.5 Album starts out really strong, not enough great songs down the stretch.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme by Simon & Garfunkel
Mar 01 2025

It is amazing how much meaning and pathos are crammed into the lyrics of these beautiful two minute long songs. I really enjoyed actively listening to this.

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Mar 02 2025

A little too much talkbox jamming in the second half for my liking, but has some great songs on it

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Mar 03 2025

Chris Cornell is incredible. Great record

Stankonia by OutKast
Mar 04 2025

So so good! Incredible production! Everything in excess and it all works!

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti
Mar 05 2025

I really dug this. Great synth sounds and pop production.

Smash by The Offspring
Mar 06 2025

Relentlessly heavy while still being upbeat and catchy. So much energy from a band making the music they want to make. Love a hidden track as well

Scream, Dracula, Scream by Rocket From The Crypt
Mar 07 2025

There is something to geek out about in every song. Great grooves and hooks. Really cool use of horns for adding texture to guitar riffs.

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Mar 08 2025

Great songwriter, great voice!

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Mar 09 2025

He's a great pop songwriter but this didn't do a ton for me. Easy listen!

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Mar 10 2025

Great, emotional, story-telling, fun production. Cool ass palette of synth sounds.

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Mar 11 2025

There are a handful of great moments on here, but overall was just ok. The harmonies alone can't carry it. Needs Neil Young

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Mar 13 2025

What am incredible talent! I'm hoping there is more from her on this list!

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Mar 14 2025

Really cool music. Great recording

Blackstar by David Bowie
Mar 15 2025

There is a lot to admire about this album. Pouring your end of life experience into a final piece of art is a beautiful and courageous way to go. Unfortunately I did not like the music. I didn't like it when it came out and was hoping a revisit would changey mind. I'm glad his final statement has resonated with so many people

Fragile by Yes
Mar 16 2025

Fun album. The intense noodling can sometimes ruin the groove, but I think a lot of people are here for the noodling. Sonically pleasing, loved the opening and closing of the album. An artistic statement.

Tigermilk by Belle & Sebastian
Mar 17 2025

Pretty incredible that this was a truly independent recording. This story-telling singer songwriter style of lyric isn't my favorite. I definitely liked the brit-pop leaning songs more than the folk-pop leaning songs. 3 days to record all of this with a relatively new band roster. The finished product is a testament to incredible artistic vision.

The Bends by Radiohead
Mar 18 2025

I had no idea I liked Radiohead this much. These songs are great. Big and bombastic but still personal. Arena rock that is simultaneously heady. Great great production.

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Mar 19 2025

I had always heard of this band but wasn't familiar with their music. It wasn't what I expected, but approaching from a jazz perspective helped me go with the flow. Incredible production lived up to the hype, just not sure how I feel about the genre. Another album my them could easily be a 5 but this one is getting a 3.5.

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Mar 20 2025

I had never heard of the genre Sophisti-pop before. Currently not a genre I like, but maybe there are bands that do it differently. This album was way too sedate for me. I'd need something dreamier or psychedelic to be into a full album of songs at a slow tempo with sparse instrumentation. I like the band name and I liked a short organ solo in one of the songs, so there's that.

Pretenders by Pretenders
Mar 21 2025

Mostly fun albeit frivolous

Mar 22 2025

Influenced by the garage rock revival of the early aughts but way more than a carbon copy of the White Stripes like a lot of bands of the era. Finally a debut album from this list that truly impresses and stands alone without the caveat of "it has its faults but let's see what they go on to do"

Achtung Baby by U2
Mar 24 2025

Pretty inane stuff. Sonically pleasing but overstayed it's welcome.

Mar 25 2025

Great samples, a few throwaway tracks. I'm not a huge fan of 80s rap. It's a little rudimentary and plodding, but this album won me over.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Mar 26 2025

It's hard to not give this 5 Stars, but knowing the fully-realized Elephant is on the horizon, makes this proof of concept a 4.5

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Mar 27 2025

I didn't like this quite as much as "Are You Experienced" but its still really good and the titular track is an all-timer

Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer
Mar 28 2025

One of the many albums on this list that was completely new to me AND helped round out my understanding of more current bands I am already into.

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Mar 29 2025

I liked his voice and playing. Not a huge boogie woogie fan but I liked this

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Mar 31 2025

I love her voice and the arrangements were simple but perfect. I like this kind of country, fun selection of covers as well

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Apr 01 2025

The album comes shooting out of a cannon. Big and bold, really interesting sonic choices made with conviction. The lyrics and the vocals stay are incredible throughout, though I feel like the arrangements became a little less eclectic in the second half and bordered on filler. Great album!

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Apr 02 2025

Pleasant enough, with some great playing. Looking forward to getting more Dan

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Apr 03 2025

This album kept growing on me as I listened. It is fantastic!

Apr 04 2025

Lovely album, immaculate vibes. Kept growing on me and ended on the perfect note.

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Apr 05 2025

I loved this album. I have been obsessed with various Ambient and sample heavy electronic albums in the past but have never explored either genre seriously. Another win for me on this excessively long list of albums!

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Apr 06 2025

An improvement over License to Ill in every way. Lush productions without comprising the punk attitude they established

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Apr 08 2025

Challenging and rewarding! Chock-full of artistry!

Apr 09 2025

While I heard the foundational elements of the next 35 years of hip-hop throughout this album, the incessant misogyny and relentlessly in-your-face production wore on me. I do think the second half was stronger than the first. I wish Dre would have been able to produce this.

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Apr 10 2025

I've heard very little Iron Maiden. I was not expecting this album to be so lush, interesting, and full of instrumental sections. The Prog influence and a variety of tempos results in a dynamic Heavy Metal experience I really enjoyed.

Live At Leeds by The Who
Apr 12 2025

A beyond excellent live recording a raw document that is still in incredibly polished because of the musicianship on display

Apr 14 2025

I like the synth stuff and some of the riffs but it's too over the top while still being completely conventional.

Low by David Bowie
Apr 15 2025

Loved it, what a ride!

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
Apr 16 2025

How this record fits in the context of Billie Holiday's legacy is noteworthy, but this album didn't do all that much for me on just the merits of what was recorded

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
Apr 18 2025

Way more eclectic than I was expecting! I have never been interested in Led Zeppelin so I now know this was a somewhat divisive disappointment for fans. It will be interesting to see if I like their earlier albums!

Blur by Blur
Apr 19 2025

I have come to appreciate the lack of cynicism in 90s Brit-Pop. This album, inspired by American Indie Rock, adds a counter culture edge but maintains it's pop sincerity.

Apr 21 2025

An explosion of British pop in a huge variety of styles. A little too esoteric to connect with me emotionally, but that may come on future listens.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Apr 22 2025

The first half of the album is nearly perfect. It's simultaneously the ultimate example of the music of it's era but it also expands upon it while connecting it to pop and rock in the 80s. The second half lost me a bit until the final three songs.

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Apr 23 2025

Unfortunately still incredible. Even most of the skits work. The first half of the album is perfect and the second half is more a product of its time than it is flawed.

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Apr 24 2025

I enjoyed this while driving around in a rainstorm but that's about it. I'm not wild about bossa nova, especially played this straight. This being a fusion with electronic music is overstated. I'm sorry that guy died in a fire.

Night Life by Ray Price
Apr 25 2025

Wonderfully recorded, tear in your beer country played with yeoman-like precision and heart

Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix
Apr 26 2025

A true "album" experience. I can hear the influence from this record in a lot of the genres I love today. Excellent album top to bottom. Great songs individually and especially exceptional as a whole.

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Apr 27 2025

I have never listened to an entire Paul Simon album before. Sometimes his Simon-fication of popular music from different countries is tiresome to me. However, listening to a full album there was much more good than bad. I really liked the artists he featured and his lyrics are top notch

Apr 28 2025

I listened to the SACD release of this album. When it hit, it worked really well for me. I admire how experimental it is for a major release, but feels too much like a grab bag. I liked the more ethereal tracks.

Disintegration by The Cure
Apr 29 2025

Five stars through and through. So clearly a cut above the rest, this was an easy one to rate despite never listening to a full album by The Cure. The long instrumentals are captivating, the introspective lyrics connected with me, and the album is thematically driven, without getting lost in the sauce. I love Built To Spill's "Perfect From Now On" and see a lot of parallels. An artist on the verge of breaking big, takes the long way and goes introspective instead of delivering a radio-friendly product.

Station To Station by David Bowie
May 03 2025

The production and music are great, but I found this a little tedious in parts. I think I'm more into rock n roll and ambient Bowie than the crooning wailer. That's not a criticism, just a preference

Guitar Town by Steve Earle
May 07 2025

I liked the Country, Country-Rock, and Americana influenced on the album, but the 80s Pop schmaltz didn't totally work for me, but "Fearless Heart" and "Someday" both won me over

Oedipus Schmoedipus by Barry Adamson
May 09 2025

I didn't enjoy this as much and "Moss Side Story". I liked the more traditional jazz tracks more than the ambient noir this time around. The ambient tracks are still great, I think I liked the blend of Moss Side better

May 10 2025

I've given U2 a chance during this process and the big hits do work for me, but there are way too many long songs with very little going on other than guitar effects and Bono crooning. This one starts out strong but fades fast.

John Prine by John Prine
May 14 2025

An album I have listened to only once prior. Like Paul Simon, the diction in the lyrics conveys a ton of information without getting in the way. Beautiful music with an honorable sentiment.

Celebrity Skin by Hole
May 15 2025

A good power-pop/punk album. Songs are overlong and album is overstuffed. I like the general texture and some great hooks

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
May 18 2025

A little light on content, but a cool artifact of Music History! Great live sound, unique atmosphere

Debut by Björk
May 19 2025

I liked the Electronic tracks the most as well as "The Anchor Song". Overall the album is too discordant and intellectual for me. I think I get what Bjork is putting down, but it's more challenging than I like my tunes.

You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
May 20 2025

Intricately themed and with plenty of lyrical nuggets to chew on, You Want It Darker gives us one last satisfying helping of Leonard Cohen. Definitely read the Wikipedia entry on this one and Greg Kot's review is also enlightening.

Vulnicura by Björk
May 21 2025

Too intellectual, but not heady. I feel there is some comparison to Bowie's more esoteric albums but Bjork's music is unapologetically rough around the edges and unsettling. I can see how that's a major part of the appeal. For me, it feels like art designed to be unraveled and examined, which I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not being into, but it's managing to not scratch a single musical itch for me. Overall it's not for me, but I'm glad her art and it's audience found each other.

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
May 23 2025

A really nice record that sounds great. Excellent production and good songs

Songs From A Room by Leonard Cohen
May 26 2025

I'm glad he was able to create the stark album he wanted his debut to be. As much as I like his lyrics and appreciate his artistic vision, I like the songs with more production instead of less. I also missed the dreamier tone of his first album. Still a worthwhile listen!

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
May 27 2025

A good collection of pop songs that showcase Cyndi Lauper's incredible voice. I liked the ballad tracks the most.

Sail Away by Randy Newman
May 28 2025

This one didn't hit for me as hard as "Good Old Boys" but I like the way Randy Newman approaches song writing and, as always, he brings killer musicians to play on the album

Time Out by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
May 30 2025

Great playing, great recording

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
May 31 2025

Not much to say, it's Sinatra. This doesn't do all that much for me, but nothing wrong with it

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Jun 01 2025

Good vibes, really liked "Why Must I Cry"

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Jun 02 2025

A beautiful album that doesn't take itself too seriously. Especially a treat on SACD

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
Jun 03 2025

Incredible album! I love the intention and message behind the recording process.

Fever Ray by Fever Ray
Jun 04 2025

An incredible balancing act of minimalist and maximalist elements. The result is otherworldly yet familiar.

The La's by The La's
Jun 05 2025

Lovely little nuggets of guitar driven pop. I really appreciate the lack of musical cynicism in Brit-pop.

Young Americans by David Bowie
Jun 07 2025

Bowie doesn't do much here. The production is great, but overshadows him. Putrid cover of "Across the Universe"

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Jun 08 2025

I only knew Yeah Yeah Yeahs from "Maps" and had no idea they had a synth heavy album. Karen O's expressive vocal performance and lyrics took this record to the next level. I wish they kept their foot on the synth-pedal all the way through the album, but the final three tracks aren't without merit thanks to O.

Play by Moby
Jun 10 2025

I don't know if you can make music this earnestly without sometimes stepping over the line into second hand embarrassment. I thank Moby for his service.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Jun 12 2025

Solid rock album with pop sensibilities and a punk edge. A couple classic tracks as well

Smile by Brian Wilson
Jun 13 2025

I am so happy Brian Wilson was album to put this project to rest with a result he felt good about. There are some lovely little nuggets of psych and champer pop in here that I really enjoyed. The doo-wop pop orchestral arrangements don't land with me, but I'm glad this exists

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Jun 14 2025

Like if the grand finale of a fireworks show lasted for and hour and ten minutes. Which is as cool and, at times, as boring as you'd think it would be. The playing on the album and the quality of the recording are there to fall back when times get tough.

Dirty by Sonic Youth
Jun 15 2025

My least favorite of the Sonic Youth albums I have listened to. It feels like it's serving too many masters at the expense of the ambient and noise elements I like the most. A touch of pop, a touch of grunge and experimental songs. I see how this album and the three before it creates a road map for Alt Rock deep into the early 2000s but this one didn't hold me from start to finish.

The Modern Lovers by The Modern Lovers
Jun 16 2025

I have a soft spot for "angsty guy in a garage upset about a girl or the absence of any at all" music. Some of the songs on this album scratched that itch, others were the kind of defiant 70s dirtbag music (a genre that I have now learned is called proto-punk) I haven't been a huge fan of in the project. Bucking the system by writing the most simplistic songs possible with radically inane lyrics, doesn't resonate with me. I did like those sadboy songs though, so who am I to judge?

Parklife by Blur
Jun 17 2025

All style and frill that pummeled me into submission and completely won me over

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
Jun 18 2025

I was surprised to see how acclaimed this album is. I was relieved when Dylan himself said he doesn't like the recording. There are some good songs on here, though I much prefer the folk ballads to the blues tracks. I feel emboldened in my feelings considering alternate takes, live performances, and songs that didn't make the record are some of the most treasured versions of these Dylan's late 90s output.

System Of A Down by System Of A Down
Jun 19 2025

A glimmer of what's to come shines through at moments on this album. While I like the raw aggression of this version of SOAD, this album feels bloated despite being only 40 mins. Still good!

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Jun 20 2025

Wow wow wow wow wow. Get on board and go for a ride!

Queens of the Stone Age by Queens Of The Stone Age
Jun 22 2025

There are two versions of this album. The original 1998 recording makes a lot more sense to me genre-wise, than the remaster with added guitar tracks and additional songs. I like the aggressive guitar work and the interplay with the drums is awesome. The vocals don't do much for me. Docking an additional star because Josh Homme seems like an abusive shithead

Jun 26 2025

I really like the production on this album. A light touch that leaves room for Eminem to dominate each track. Despite leaving room for Em, the beats still have an impact. The lyrics have ages the most poorly. Misogyny and homophobia aren't the poignant social statement that uses to be I guess (eye roll).

Go Girl Crazy by The Dictators
Jun 29 2025

One of the first punk bands to have fun doing it! This is a breath of fresh air in the early days of the genre compared to the rebellion through incredibly discordant and inane music of some of their peers in NYC.

Pink Moon by Nick Drake
Jul 03 2025

I liked this a little less than his first album, but it's a really solid set of songs. Beautifully performed and recorded

Raw Like Sushi by Neneh Cherry
Jul 04 2025

I really liked the programming and pop hooks, but did not love the rapping (nothing against rap, I'm only against her rapping)

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
Jul 05 2025

One of the best debut albums I have listened to. A new genre, fully formed out of the gates and absolutely ripping!

Is This It by The Strokes
Jul 12 2025

It may be nostalgia that accounts for the fifth star, I can't be sure, but this album is an all-timer. Very of its time, yet the melodies and and hooks are so dialed in, I think it has entered and deserves its place in the rock canon.

The Clash by The Clash
Jul 13 2025

I have no idea what these blokes are saying, but I like their style!

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Jul 16 2025

The third Sonic Youth album I have listened to and this is the one that hit for me. The long instrumental sections with great guitar interplay were my favorite parts of Goo and Dirty and this album is chock full of them. Both Thurston's and Gordon's vocals don't do all that much for me; lyrics or performance.

Jul 17 2025

A handful of really good songs. I found the second half of the album to be a bit of a let down. It stayed sonically pleasing throughout but I didn't connect with a majority of the songs. A couple songs will make it into my rotation and I would like to hear more from Simple Minds, especially a live album. 3.5

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Jul 19 2025

Beautifully arranged and performed pop standards. Willie's delicate voice shines!

In Utero by Nirvana
Jul 21 2025

I get how it's impossible to listen to this album and not think about Cobain's death, but I think viewing it as some sort of evidence of a tortured soul is a little overblown. It's just a very heavy album, with some noise elements. The kinds of albums Steve Albini produces or The Melvin's make. Hell, even Sonic Youth has tracks as discordant and loud as In Utereo and no one is saying Thurston Moore is spiralling and in need of help. It's art, it's confrontational art in the context of pop music, but I think this is the album Nirvana wanted to make. It's not some unintentional howl of pain, it's a heavy genre of music that all the members of the band dug. Anyway, I liked it.

The Gershwin Songbook by Ella Fitzgerald
Jul 22 2025

I didn't expect to be charmed by so many of these songs. It's an exhaustive (and exhausting) historical record of the Gershwin Songbook performed to perfection.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
Jul 23 2025

After listening to this I feel like Billy Corgan is still being punished for being the only Alternative artist in the 90s to admit to caring and daring to try his hardest. This is one of the greatest albums ever. It's scope is audacious, it jumps from genre to genre, and yet it feels like a cohesive work. Mammoth, personal and also a little overwrought, but it's not embarrassed

Jul 25 2025

I've learned that I dislike the sound of almost every Celtic instrument and this album features them all. I feel guilty not liking this album because it seems like a very earnest endeavor and reflects a lot of passion. Alas, it's not enough.

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Jul 26 2025

Some great moments carry this album, but it feels like the kind of cultural moment where you just had to be there.

69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields
Jul 28 2025

An album of love songs about love songs paying loving tribute to many genres while still maintaining a unique, dark, sense of humor through it all. The album is a mixed bag, seemingly by design. Not afraid to go for the cheapest rhyme. Sometimes eye-roll-inducing but often incredibly pleasing, the way only a stupid lyric can be. As I was thinking this, Stephin Merritt said it better than I could: "A melody is like a pretty girl Who cares if it's the dumbest in the world" After some googling, that lyric appears to be a riff on a song written by Irving Berlin. It is a good reminder that I won't even scratch the surface of this album's depth on a single listen. Undoubtedly a masterpiece to Merritt's fans, and still worthwhile for the rest us, despite its excessive length.

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Jul 29 2025

I listened to this in the most optimal setting I an imagine: driving to work at 3am. It hit all the right notes. On a deeper level, I love how much musicianship is on the recording. Little trills and flourishes which points to the kind of creative collaboration that is necessary for a great album.

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Jul 30 2025

This was bad. The broadest possible socially conscious pop/hip hop. Any message rings hollow due to a cravenly boring commercial sound.

Jul 31 2025

An explosion of genres, creativity, positivity, and catchy hooks. A love letter to musicians and the people that are affected by their music. This album is full of wonderful surprises and keeps pulling more tricks out of its bag through the very last track.

Rio by Duran Duran
Aug 03 2025

The rounded off SpongeBob of albums. I liked "The Chauffeur"

Document by R.E.M.
Aug 05 2025

I'm not getting R.E.M.. This is the second album by them I've listened to and I think I get them less than before. The lyrics are somewhat engaging and there will be a stray melody here and there that connects with me, but I'm not finding much to latch on to.

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Aug 06 2025

Great recording, excellent playing, wonderful voice! Ain't nothing wrong with that!

Aug 07 2025

Some above average psychedelic rock. I'd throw this on anytime of day. Looking forward to more Spirit of it's on the list!

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Aug 10 2025

This "challenge" has given me a much deeper understanding of the genres of music I like and the ones I don't. I like a lot of things about this album and the blend of genres Elvis Costello is playing in (Garage, punk, pop), but the overriding pastiche of "Rock And Roll" the genre from the late 40s and early 50s with capital Rs and a fully spelled out "and" is a quality that doesn't connect with me. It makes sense that an artist feels a connection to the music of their parents generation, but it holds no special place in my heart (or ears).

Goo by Sonic Youth
Aug 11 2025

I like the raw energy of this album. The noise and ambient stuff works for me more than the experimental and no-wave stuff. I'm hearing the Lou Reed and Pattie Smith influence which I am not that into. Still an enjoyable album over all.

Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Aug 13 2025

Very aurally pleasing! Calling it great background music isn't fair because it does reward a listener for leaning in, but it is also great background music

Headquarters by The Monkees
Aug 15 2025

Enjoyable Pop with a touch of that fun late 60s weirdness. I'm glad The Monkees were allowed some creative control over their music even if it's not all that essential.

Dookie by Green Day
Aug 19 2025

I've listened to this album so so many times. I love all the instrumental sections, often times near the end of songs, they add a new melodic wrinkle and some energy before one last time through the chorus. It all just works!

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Aug 20 2025

Some cool stuff here, but it's smothered out by an unrelenting early aughts pop veneer on a lot of tracks boy band crooning, Black Eyed Peas style conscious rap about everyone getting along. Without knowing this bad well, and only listening once, it feels like they were trying to hard for a crossover hit. Which they might have succeeded at as far as EA Sports is concerned.

Transformer by Lou Reed
Aug 21 2025

This record surprised me by leaning into some pop sensibilities and using them to elevate the confrontational aspects of pink and No-Wave. Lou Reed harnesses his ghost writing experience for his own artistic ends instead of turning his back on the whole shebang like other artist in the scene.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Aug 22 2025

I wish this was my first R.E.M. album from the list. I only knew them as "very important" and the subsequent albums go down lots of interesting rabbit holes but this album lays bare all of the wonderful musicianship. From a genre perspective, it is unbelievable that this album came out in 1983. I stopped trying to parse the lyrics and enjoyed the band.

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Aug 28 2025

Radical, groundbreaking, and understated. Do yourself a favor and fully commit to the ride.

A Girl Called Dusty by Dusty Springfield
Aug 29 2025

I am always very skeptical of blue-eyed soul but it seems like Dusty was a real one. Despite not being a huge "Rock n' Roll" fan, her incredible voice carried the album along with the ballads and soul arrangements.

evermore by Taylor Swift
Sep 04 2025

A chalk outline of a folk record. A strange modern choice for this list to go along with Adele's "25". Is this album only interesting in the context of Taylor Swift? I think my biggest issue with her records is instead of sweetening her music with pop production, it feels like it is dumbed down. I don't like being in league with the people that don't like Taylor Swift. I wish everyone would find more interesting music to obsess over .

Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Sep 06 2025
Music by Madonna
Sep 19 2025
Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
Oct 12 2025

Maybe the most well known, or at least most commercially successful piece of property experimental music. This was my first time listening to the whole thing. I really liked the more avant garde sections as well as the more traditional guitar work. I did not expect the last section to sound so much like "Jib Jig" from Donkey Kong Country 2.

Group Sex by Circle Jerks
Oct 13 2025

High energy that won me over by the end. Just barely didn't overstay it's welcome. Hit the Over on .5 songs about vasectomies.

Oct 14 2025

Speakerboxxx 5/5, The Love Below 3/5. Exquisite production on the whole thing. I was surprised I didn't like The Love Below more, but the hits still hit.

Happy Sad by Tim Buckley
Oct 16 2025

A great rainy day album until the interminably long "Gypsy Woman" acts as the equivalent of a 12 minute long highway rumble strip. Hey! I'm trying to get some sleep while I'm driving here! Honk! Honk! ;p

Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
Oct 17 2025

Breakbeat is a really cool fusion of genres and this album was a lot of fun. My favorite part of the album were the slower sections. It brought a nice change of pace. I wish there was more of that variation through the entire album.

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Oct 20 2025

A wonderful, confidently understated album that gets big when it has to. A Scottish take on the Jangle Pop genre.

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Oct 21 2025

A little bit of everything, sometimes all at once, and always engaging (and of course incredible production).

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Oct 25 2025
Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Oct 28 2025

A blues based album I liked! If I may re-use my review of The Clash: "I have no idea what these blokes are saying, but I like their style!"

Electric Music For The Mind And Body by Country Joe & The Fish
Oct 30 2025

I was picking up what they were putting down. I often don't connect with country-rock tinged psychedelia and usually favor either heavier rock or pop influences, but this album has the right shiftless druggie vibes for my shiftless druggie lifestyle!

Queen Of Denmark by John Grant
Oct 31 2025

Your most annoying friend just got broken up with and you have to spend 51 minutes alone with him

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
Nov 01 2025

Somewhat uneven in concept but consistently excellent in execution

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Nov 02 2025

Better than I thought it would be, but still not great.

Shadowland by k.d. lang
Dec 18 2025

Lovely compositions but a tribute to a style of music I don't have much interest in. A little too sleepy and creating a loving tribute with no twists doesn't have the same magic as the original artists of the genre.

Dec 31 2025

All of these electroacoustic latin jazz albums are starting to wear on me. Not a sentence I ever expected to write. At least I'm expanding my horizons of musical knowledge.

Jan 07 2026

I thought this would be a slog for some reason, but I was very wrong! I got real real high and laid down with headphones on, gave it the ol' college try, and I was rewarded with an incredible experience! It took me places!

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan
Jan 08 2026

A really cool blend of genre, style, and an incredible voice

Melodrama by Lorde
Jan 09 2026

I'm not a huge fan of the signature Antaonoff sounds, but it is always incredibly well produced. Lorde brings an edge that balances the glistening synths. The art-pop tracks worked more for me than the pop-pop tracks, outside of Green Light which is my favorite song on the album. There was a lot more to chew on with this record than I expected!

Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Jan 11 2026

When your crowning achievement is influencing Ratt and Motley Crue, you especially can't have a song about fucking a virgin into submission. I was most offended by the 50s rock pastiche.

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Jan 12 2026

Pretty sedate stuff and musically uninteresting for long stretches. The draw is Morrissey's lyrics but that only goes so far for me.

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Jan 13 2026

I think he's the one we want. He's got a nice thing. He's not bad with the singing and the playing and the shaking of the tochis.

Wordsmith

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