If I could rate this more than 5 I would. This review is not without bias, as it truly is a revolutionary album in more ways than one. It’s an album I would consider as one of the most influential for me and one I would take to a deserted island if I could only take one. Zach may have lost his way a bit, but this album none the less drives its point forward with hooks, lyrics and pure rage. So few bands would dare to deliver an entire album based on social justice. Perfect album for the times now more than ever.

Amazing recording deserving of a re-listen despite not being a Dylan fan.

Pretentious? Sure. Anything new? Nah…it’s called old school for a reason. But J5 has flow for miles. Hard to argue with this album landing on this list.

A surprising good first album.

If I could rate this more than 5 I would. This review is not without bias, as it truly is a revolutionary album in more ways than one. It’s an album I would consider as one of the most influential for me and one I would take to a deserted island if I could only take one. Zach may have lost his way a bit, but this album none the less drives its point forward with hooks, lyrics and pure rage. So few bands would dare to deliver an entire album based on social justice. Perfect album for the times now more than ever.

xx is undeniably a beautiful album, if a bit indicative of the sound of that era. Hard to argue with the idea that if you have the best ingredients, even a simple recipe can become something magical. xx exemplifies that concept in so many ways.

A few good “hits”, but as a whole this album has not aged well.

Well produced, but unless you are into panty dropping music or in the mood to get it on, it’s hard to take the overall album too seriously.

I recognize and appreciate the cultural relevance of this album. That said the album is a bit of a slog to get through as it’s not a very cohesive album. The first few tracks are memorable anthems. The rest of the album is sadly forgettable.

Billy Joel is unquestionably talented. However I find his music becomes very samesie real quick. His reliance on tempo shift into jangly little ditties, for me, often ruins an already good song. I find he can’t confine himself when he needs it most. To many songs are ruined by his need to burst into a keyboard piano mash. Piano bars had their day, so perhaps did Billy Joel.

This album epitomizes college rock from the 90’s. It was an album that everyone in college listened to and felt like they were in on something amazing. It was lauded like it was the 90’s version of Sgt. Pepper. In the end…it’s an ok album, nothing special. Their one breakthrough song is a cover which doesn’t say much for the rest of the album. It has been for the most part left behind and there is a reason for that. We grew up and discovered that our pretentious idea of music matured, and our belief that this album was something special gave way to the reality that it’s an ok album.

A bit raw. A bit contrived. But still Zepplin and was a sign of even more greatness to come for them.

Absolutely no sane list, even one with a hefty allotment of 1001, should include two albums by The Prodigy. Will echo what I said of Fat of the Land…it hasn’t aged well. This album even more so. Poison though….

I’m sorry. I just can’t get into Costello’s voice. He projects through strained vocal cords, and the rest of the time he just sounds like a muppet trying his best to sound like Dylan.

Not a country fan but I do enjoy me some Willie Nelson. He manages to tackle standards like only Willie can. This is a charming album. I won’t likely listen to it again anytime soon, but I’m not mad that I did.

Can’t deny the technical wizardry this band always seems to convey. Nothin quite like them.

Not into Latin/Rumba music? Don’t know what it is? One listen to this and you will be hooked. Intoxicatingly energetic. Just be sure to put on your dance shoes before you listen.

I would not consider myself an Elvis fan, but none the less, it’s a tightly produced and fun album. Hard to deny it’s rightful place within this list.

Perhaps the most tolerable Elvis Costello album? Not a ringing endorsement by any means. Still not a fan.

Funk at its finest.

Blur has always circled the periphery of my musical universe. Apparently this was the case for lots of Americans as well. While Girls and Boys saw airtime, songs like This is a Low never got the attention they should have. That song alone redeems this band in my estimation. What once I thought was a goofy britpop band, upon listening to this album in full, completely reversed my impression on how deep they really are. Candy crunchy on the surface but with a ton of layers with a deeper dive into the album. Almost a 5. That good.

Even non-country fans can find something to love with the album. Ever poignant as always.

The sheer amount of material here and all of it at worst intriguing and at best timeless. 5 outa 5 all day long.