1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

419
Albums Rated
3.27
Average Rating
38%
Complete
670 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1950
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
Other
Top Origin ?
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
114
5-Star Albums
83
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
5 2.84 +2.16
Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
5 2.87 +2.13
Viva Hate
Morrissey
5 2.96 +2.04
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
5 2.97 +2.03
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
5 2.98 +2.02
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5 2.99 +2.01
Electric
The Cult
5 3 +2
Skylarking
XTC
5 3.03 +1.97
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
5 3.03 +1.97
Kimono My House
Sparks
5 3.06 +1.94

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
1 3.92 -2.92
Elephant
The White Stripes
1 3.84 -2.84
Dummy
Portishead
1 3.71 -2.71
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
1 3.7 -2.7
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
1 3.65 -2.65
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
1 3.49 -2.49
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
1 3.43 -2.43
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
1 3.38 -2.38
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
1 3.38 -2.38
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
1 3.36 -2.36

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Beatles 4 5
U2 4 5
Steely Dan 4 4.75
Led Zeppelin 4 4.75
Peter Gabriel 3 5
Black Sabbath 3 5
David Bowie 7 4.29
The Rolling Stones 4 4.5
Pink Floyd 3 4.67
Paul Simon 3 4.67
Michael Jackson 3 4.67
The Temptations 2 5
Ray Charles 2 5
Kate Bush 2 5
Marvin Gaye 2 5
Rush 2 5
Miles Davis 2 5
Simon & Garfunkel 2 5
Morrissey 3 4.33
Talking Heads 3 4.33

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
The White Stripes 3 1
Common 2 1
Portishead 2 1.5
Tom Waits 2 1.5

Controversial

ArtistRatings
Todd Rundgren 1, 5
The Beach Boys 1, 4
Neil Young 5, 2, 4

5-Star Albums (114)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo

Neo soul? Neo thanks.

Be by Common

Nope. No. Non. Two Common albums on this list? C'mon!

Kimono My House by Sparks

This is why I've signed up to this list. How have I never heard this? It's fantastic!

Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine

If you like what you hear in the first 30 seconds, you'll like the rest of the album. I did not and did not.

1-Star Albums (83)

All Ratings (419)

Rio by Duran Duran
Jan 23 2025
KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Jan 28 2025
Third by Portishead
Jan 29 2025
Dust by Screaming Trees
Feb 14 2025
Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Feb 18 2025
Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg
Feb 20 2025

Surprised me how much I liked this album. Immediately went down a Bragg/Wilco rabbit hole.

Spiderland by Slint
Feb 26 2025

Why is this on the list?

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Feb 27 2025

I think I dozed off a couple of times

Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Mar 04 2025
Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Mar 06 2025

Neo soul? Neo thanks.

Harvest by Neil Young
Mar 07 2025

Always great

Nixon by Lambchop
Mar 16 2025
Green by R.E.M.
Mar 28 2025
Fragile by Yes
Mar 29 2025

At times it felt like work listening to this album.

So by Peter Gabriel
Apr 15 2025

This is even better than I remember!

Debut by Björk
May 02 2025

This surprised me - terrific album!

Murmur by R.E.M.
May 19 2025
Bad by Michael Jackson
Jun 11 2025
Smile by Brian Wilson
Jun 13 2025
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Jun 19 2025

Didn't like it then, and I don't now.

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Jun 24 2025
Tommy by The Who
Jun 27 2025
Scott 2 by Scott Walker
Jul 07 2025
Dummy by Portishead
Jul 12 2025
Heroes by David Bowie
Jul 19 2025
Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025
B-52's by The B-52's
Jul 30 2025
Ten by Pearl Jam
Aug 04 2025
Third by Soft Machine
Aug 10 2025
Rocks by Aerosmith
Aug 18 2025
Live! by Fela Kuti
Aug 26 2025
Low by David Bowie
Aug 30 2025
Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Oct 01 2025
Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
Oct 15 2025

nope. where is "0" stars?

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Oct 20 2025
Very by Pet Shop Boys
Oct 24 2025
Elephant by The White Stripes
Oct 30 2025
Dirty by Sonic Youth
Nov 05 2025
Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Nov 14 2025

What the sweet hell is this? Have I stepped into Bizarro Music Land? Who did I hurt?

Goo by Sonic Youth
Nov 21 2025
Aja by Steely Dan
Nov 24 2025
Kimono My House by Sparks
Nov 28 2025

This is why I've signed up to this list. How have I never heard this? It's fantastic!

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Dec 12 2025
Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Dec 13 2025
Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Dec 28 2025
Zombie by Fela Kuti
Jan 10 2026
Too Rye Ay by Dexys Midnight Runners
Jan 21 2026
Isn't Anything by My Bloody Valentine
Jan 28 2026

If you like what you hear in the first 30 seconds, you'll like the rest of the album. I did not and did not.

2112 by Rush
Jan 31 2026

Where do I click 6 stars?

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Feb 04 2026
Teenager Of The Year by Frank Black
Feb 11 2026

Aside from Lyle Workman's guitar playing on some of the tracks (and I'm not going to listen to this again to remind myself which ones), this burbles below the crest of mediocrity.

L'Eau Rouge by The Young Gods
Feb 12 2026

Trent Reznor with a French accent. That's not a compliment.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Feb 17 2026

Terrific album top to bottom.

Rings Around The World by Super Furry Animals
Mar 02 2026

Fine, pleasant even, but I don't know why it's on this list. No ear worms here.

Greetings From L.A. by Tim Buckley
Mar 03 2026

I was exhausted by track 3. There are lyrics here that would make Snoop blush and the vocalizations were like fingernails on a chalkboard.

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
Mar 04 2026

Didn't know what to expect, and things kept coming from different directions. Vocalist has a Ray Davies quality, to my ear. While I likely won't seek it out again, I enjoyed the listen.

The Wildest! by Louis Prima
Mar 05 2026

This is a lot of fun. Sonically it’s terrific, too.

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Mar 06 2026

Great LP, the middle of the fabled trio of albums released in 1969. Some filler - good cover of "The Night Time is the Right Time" and some (meh) instrumentals - but Lodi! Green River! Bad Moon! Enough said!

Fifth Dimension by The Byrds
Mar 09 2026

One or two classics, but quite a bit of what we'd later call "filler." Pleasant listen, though.

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Mar 10 2026

Solid album, but I don't think it deserves to be one of the 1001

Tapestry by Carole King
Mar 11 2026

Never get tired of this album. Iconic cover with Telemachus the cat!

Idlewild by Everything But The Girl
Mar 13 2026

Inoffesive and a pleasant listen, but is that enough to be on the 1001 list? I think not.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Mar 15 2026

A truly great album, foundational for rock and roll. A critic might say, "if you like one song you like 'em all" but it's a fascinating insight into how R&B evolved into more popular rock and roll. Twelve bar blues, tried and true horn call and answers, clever lyrics, and all the fancy flourishes.

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Mar 17 2026

Good lord this is a great album. Dual guitars, fantastic bass, terrific drums, fabulous tunes .. and Huey Lewis on harmonica....? Well, okay? This might be one of the greatest live albums ever.

Vanishing Point by Primal Scream
Mar 18 2026

I've been getting some duds lately.

Mar 19 2026

Really? Another "Brit synth house LP you must listen to before you die." No I don't, and I won't.

I’m a Lonesome Fugitive by Merle Haggard
Mar 21 2026

Not my preferred genre, but I'm open to country music and I appreciate the ability of many players. I don't dislike this, but can only really take it in small doses. Moving on....

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Mar 24 2026

Going into this, I liked exactly one song by The Verve, and that was a song - apparently - by the Rolling Stones. The count remains at one.

War by U2
Mar 26 2026

Fantastic then, and also now. Great all time hits, but the the album tracks - Red Light, Surrender, 40 - are highlights for me.

Maxinquaye by Tricky
Mar 27 2026

This was most definitely not an album I needed to hear. Next please.

The Man Who by Travis
Mar 28 2026

I’ve never heard this album and liked all of this. This is why I signed up!

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Mar 29 2026

Is there a medication you take before listening to Waits to make his voice enjoyable? Is it a conspiracy against me and my tastes? It's April 1, so perhaps April Fools? I just don't get it, and I suppose I never will.

Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Mar 30 2026

I have liked this album since I first heard it when I was 9. But I didn't need to give it another spin this morning.

GI by Germs
Mar 31 2026

Ready for a half an hour of eight notes and "nyah blah rah!" lyrics? This album requires the correct headspace before listening. Perhaps if mine had been different, my rating would have been higher.

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Apr 01 2026

So great it's worth listening to the demo and previously unreleased tracks, too.

British Steel by Judas Priest
Apr 02 2026

Aside from a couple of clunkers (IMO, I know: United, Red, White and Blue), this is an OG banger from track #1. Anyone interested in the blossoming of NWOBHM should start here.

Hysteria by Def Leppard
Apr 03 2026

Perfect 80s metal meets pop.

Rattlesnakes by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Apr 04 2026

Okay ... sure. I've heard this before, but with better melodies and vocals. None of these songs will occupy a single synapse in my brain once it's over. Why is this here? Oh, right, all the Brit Pop goes on the list. If want to listen to Spandau Ballet, or Roxy Music, or the Waterboys, Style Council (you get the point), I'll start there, not here. Next.

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Apr 07 2026

Outlier review alert! As a Canadian, I'm supposed to venerate Young out of national guilt. I must admit that there are a few songs - a couple on this LP - that have buried themselves into my consciousness to the point that I really thought I'd enjoy this album. Well, I enjoyed those two songs (and everyone knows which ones those are). However, if it weren't for the mystique around Young - or, say, if this were one of the, oh, 100 or so Brit pop albums I've listened to over the course of this list - I think we'd all be dissing this disc with comments about the vocals and rudimentary guitar playing. But he's an icon, and so we're expected to squeal with glee upon this album's reveal. To conclude: no squeals, no veneration, no reflexive 5 start review. Here's 2 for those 2 songs, and let's move on, shall we?

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Apr 08 2026

A little uneven, but the great stuff is great.

Apr 09 2026

I was hoping to like this more than I did. Not a bug fan of RT on his own, but some of this LP was enjoyable. Not an album I'd return to, however.

More Specials by The Specials
Apr 10 2026

Utterly unremarkable. I bet people don't agree with me.

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
Apr 16 2026

Nice breath of fresh air in the 1001 mix. Just what I needed this morning.

Guero by Beck
Apr 17 2026

I've never got Beck. Either I'm an idiot, or it's a massive prank on me, but there seems to be a lot of people out there picking up on something indistinguishable to me. Live and let live, but I can only give this a 3 in the hopes that maybe someday it'll all come clear.

Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain
Apr 19 2026
Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
Apr 20 2026

I thought I would enjoy this one, but I didn't. Maybe it's her voice, which sounds Björk-like to me, and I've had enough Björk on this list (are there any of her albums *not* on this list?). I don't see why it's on the list. Mostly forgettable for me.

The Next Day by David Bowie
Apr 21 2026

Great album, largely overlooked when discussing his later catalogue (Blackstar, natch). For those who couldn't get over his Tin Machine era, this is a return to his rock/pop/funk roots.

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Apr 22 2026

I was looking forward to this one, but what a let down. It's a cliche, but how did bands like this get signed? And what does this do for anyone 45 years later except inspire some nostalgia? Next.

Repeater by Fugazi
Apr 23 2026

So this is what got Kurt to pick up a guitar. Sure, I like Nirvana. No, wait, I like exactly four songs by Nirvana. I *think* I could find four Fugazi songs I like, but I don't need to hear this again. Solid 3, but my 1001 albums should be all 5s ... at least in theory.

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Apr 24 2026

Fantastic listen. I prefer this to Bitches Brew.

On The Beach by Neil Young
Apr 25 2026

Look, I get that this list is full of Young aficionados, but 1001 is making me realize I like his music LESS than I previously thought. If any one of us with a guitar and three chords TRIED to get a listen from any label with these songs, we'd legitimately get thrown out on our ass. I know some Young, I didn't know this album, and came away realizing I didn't need to. All love to those who like NY, but it would be a very long pitch to get me over to your side with LPs like this.

Apr 26 2026

I didn't have a lot of time to listen to today's album, and that's fine because this is the one I drew. What I did hear, I did not like, so nothing was lost. The songs sounded like warm up exercises, were instantly forgettable (aside from the ones that were plainly annoying), and the production was terrible. Moving on.

Dare! by The Human League
Apr 27 2026
Apr 28 2026

I don't mind some tracks on this, but I don't see why it's on the list.

Be by Common
Apr 29 2026

Nope. No. Non. Two Common albums on this list? C'mon!

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Apr 30 2026

Not even close to my vibe. Great bass playing, though.

It's A Shame About Ray by The Lemonheads
May 01 2026

I'd only ever heard the remake of Mrs. Robinson by The Lemonheads so I wasn't sure what I'd be getting with this LP. It's really good - an excellent example of 90s pop rock but on its own it's full of great hooks, some top notch guitar playing, and interesting themes. I'll retun to this one!

May 02 2026

Love XTC, but this isn't their best work. Great listen, in any case.

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
May 03 2026

I don't know this band, but I'm glad I do now!

Gasoline Alley by Rod Stewart
May 04 2026

This is a classic for RS fans. Can't deny the various influences in his music on this album. Not a huge Stewart fan, but I enjoyed this LP.

Butterfly by Mariah Carey
May 05 2026

I doubt I'll ever listen to this again. Noting the immense impact MC has had, it's simply not my preference. Way too much 'oooo-oooo-ooo's' and generic backing tracks for my taste.

Snivilisation by Orbital
May 06 2026

This was awful. If the show Severance had a dentist's office, this would be what plays in the waiting room. If Suno was available in the 90s, this is what it would come up with. Beep-beep-bop ... ugh.

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren
May 07 2026

I tried, but I do not enjoy this. This plays like a series of musicial snippets (think of all those times you've heard artists claim they have "hundreds of songs on tape lying around somewhere") that were strung together into an incoherent whole.

Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra
May 09 2026

This was a weird one, in a good way. What if Mike Oldfield was a member of the Beatles? There you go.

Pictures At An Exhibition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
May 10 2026

I heard it all in the first track ... meaning I didn't need to listen to the whole thing. Perhaps it's age, but I'm losing whatever patience I had for 'real' prog rock. Bring on the next selection, please!

Looking for an archetypal example of 70s blues-rock? Here ya go. Growly vocals and chugging guitars, with some tasty slide here and there. I don't really know much about (the) Faces, but I think I do now. And it's a good time.

May 12 2026

One one tune on Spotify, so my judgment is based on that. But I liked it!

Mott by Mott The Hoople
May 13 2026

I had never heard this album, and I really enjoyed it. Hunter and Ralphs are underrated in the arena of 70s rock. While most of these tunes will not likely ellicit recognition (at least among non-British 1001'ers), 'Mott' is a solid collection of great riffs, cool vocals, and catchy tunes. Personally, I don't get the reflexive "Mott is Bowie-light" comments. Bowie had enough of his own "Bowie-light" releases, so if you want to go there, he's got plenty for you. Mott stands on its own in the pantheon of classic rock.

21 by Adele
May 14 2026

Somehow I think I knew every song on this album and I’m not an Adele fan, really. It’s very good, but I doubt I’ll go looking for it again.

Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division
May 18 2026

I thought I liked JD, but I don't. But I do love New Order. Chalk and cheese.

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
May 19 2026

Great album ... 12 bar blues can get tiring, however.

Kenya by Machito
May 20 2026

If you like track 1, you'll like all of it. But youi'll probably grow exhausted it by track 3.

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz
May 24 2026

I like Lenny, but only about 60% of this LP.

The White Album by Beatles
May 26 2026

Why are the middling reviews of this epic LP at the top of the list? Who could honestly not give this a top ranking? Choose any of the songs that live in your head - and there are multiple ones from this album - and give it a 5 for that alone. This is a brilliant album, one that constantly shows me new twists and ideas each time I listen to it. 5+.

Tank Battles by Dagmar Krause
May 27 2026

Couldn't find it. Judging from the reviews, I missed nothing.

Playing With Fire by Spacemen 3
May 28 2026

I've wondered why several albums are on this list, but this one I think is meant to be a joke. Right? Next, please.

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
May 29 2026

I understand where Agine de Poitrine get their influence. This is a highly technical album, full of masterful playing. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a difficult listen. Definitely how background music!

Risque by CHIC
May 30 2026

One FANTASTIC tune gets almost all the stars here. The rest is, well, okay.

Out of Step by Minor Threat
May 31 2026

If you like D beat drumming, have at it. Unlike bands that broke through (Ramones, Clash, Pistols), groups like Minor Threat stuck to a single formula. Compare Out of Step with Never Mind, which tosses in various genres and styles. London Calling, too. Maybe they are less "punk" but if I had nothing to listen to but Out of Step, I'd be done half way through Side A.

You're Living All Over Me by Dinosaur Jr.
Jun 02 2026

Oh, the overly compressed distorted guitars! I love guitar rock but this is exhausting. Best tune is a Cure cover, and it's not a good cover.

Jun 03 2026

There are the Gabriel Genesis people, the Collins Genesis people, and the solo people. I guess Banks would say we all should be Banks people. But I'm not a Gabriel Genesis person - love him solo though! This one wasn't that interesting to me. Let's get to Duke and move on!

The Slider by T. Rex
Jun 04 2026

Solid riffs and cool vocals. If you're looking for the roots of 70s rock, here you go. "Roots" is key, though. T. Rex isn't the rock juggernaut they were made out to be - mostly wind up rather than follow through. The cover of Electric Warrior looks like the most monster rock album of all time. But, well ... s'okay, right? The Slider ranks a little below EW for me, which is to say I'm glad I listened to it but likely won't again.

Chore of Enchantment by Giant Sand
Jun 05 2026

An absolute skip. Sounds like your neighbour at an open mic recorded on a mobile phone. Why is this on the list? I don't need to hear this before I die.

Solid Air by John Martyn
Jun 06 2026

I've never heard of Martyn, and I liked this album. For an album released in 1973, this sounds really contemporary. Nice!

Rejoicing In The Hands by Devendra Banhart
Jun 07 2026

Get Jack White stoned'er than stoned. Make him sing his lyrics on shuffle and play the guitar with mitts on. There you go.

Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel
Jun 08 2026

Just great. PG was so much better as a solo artist than with Genesis. And Genesis was so much better without him. Wins all around!

Talk Talk Talk by The Psychedelic Furs
Jun 10 2026

Great song (you know), but just an okay album. I thought I would have liked it more.

Electric by The Cult
Jun 11 2026

Fantastic guitar heavy rock with interesting lyrics and a variety of influences. Awesome then, awesome now.

Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
Jun 12 2026

I thought I would like this more than I did.

Like A Prayer by Madonna
Jun 13 2026

Wasn't a big M fan in the 80s .. I appreciate the music but it still doesn't do that much for me.

The Poet by Bobby Womack
Jun 14 2026

Great find. For my vote, I'd choose either So Many Sides of You or Stand Up as the best cuts, but the hit is If You Think You're Lonely Now ... which is okay. Great vocals, excellent guitar work and an overall good listen.

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Jun 15 2026

Lord. Three WS albums on this list? Let's meet half way and agree there are only 998 albums I need to listen to before I die. Jack Whyte turned me off right away with his "there will probably be a fistfight" comment about getting in the same room with The Edge and Jimmy Page. There are about 1001 guitar players I would've put in that doc before JW. Granted, if you like any of these songs, you'll likely enjoy all of them. I'm still open for that White Stripes song I like. Maybe it's out there somewhere ...

John Prine by John Prine
Jun 16 2026

Prine's great, isn't he?

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Jun 17 2026

Great vibes. Backgrond music? Perhaps, but what's wrong with that? This is really good stuff.

Vivid by Living Colour
Jun 18 2026

Fantastic. Living Color took the best of at least four different genres and put out a solid album of great riffs, cool lyrics, exceptional beats and bass, and killer vocals. This is a great album!

Parklife by Blur
Jun 19 2026

Got it - it's Britpop, so we have to hear it. But do we? I wasn't a fan when it came out, and it didn't grow on me in the meatime.

White Ladder by David Gray
Jun 20 2026

Kinda great, kinda generic ... can it be both? I enjoyed it but wasn't humming anything after I listened to it.

Southern Rock Opera by Drive-By Truckers
Jun 21 2026

Wow. This is truly terrible. Bad reductionist versions of .38 Special, Skynyrd, etc. and nothing memorable about any songs. Same riffs and tone on almost all the tracks, and vocals that grate on eardrums. I’ve complained that this list is way heavy on Britpop but when you came across the pond, THIS is what you chose? Ugh.

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Jun 22 2026

Excellent album by a bonafide genius. The hits are great, the album tracks are delightful .... and what a diverse array of genres/influences. And, wait, this is from *1972*? Good lord. I'm surprised by the # of haters on this list, but to each their own. I loved this.

Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis
Jun 23 2026

I had no idea who this was, or what this album was about. What a great discovery! Funky, groovy, soulful... and over 50 years since its release? C'mon! This is why this list exists.

Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
Jun 24 2026

Not my bag, so not surprised I really really didn't like this.

Live At Leeds by The Who
Jun 25 2026

Absolutely bonkers good. Perhaps the best live rock album of all time? I have listened to this many times but was reminded how fantastic it is. The mix is terrific - bass tone is right up there alongside the guitar, drums are incredible, vocals are bang on, and, well, Pete's playing is at its peak.

Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D
Jun 26 2026

I'm not sure what this is, and I don't need to find out. Next.

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Jun 27 2026

Exactly what I thought it would be. Meh.

Disraeli Gears by Cream
Jun 28 2026

Here's a classic. Glad to listen to it again, as I had forgotten some tracks ... and didn't know others. Great album by three virtuosos.

Elephant Mountain by The Youngbloods
Jun 29 2026

I had no idea what to expect, but really enjoyed this album. I could get by without hearing it again, but I know if I see it in an oldies bin, I'll buy it. Nice choice!

The Libertines by The Libertines
Jun 30 2026

Track 1 started things off with promise, and track 2 wasn't bad. But then ... oh, my. Did I listen to the non-engineered version? Was there a producer? Aside from amateurish songs, the recording was, well, not great at all. This absolutely does not deserve to be on this list. Pass.

Life Thru A Lens by Robbie Williams
Jul 01 2026

Liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I expect it's because RW was never as popular on this side of the pond, so ... we're not exhausted by him, perhaps? I detect a lot of haters who are UK-based...? Anyway, this was a fun listen. Except for Angels. I can't understand the appeal of that tune.

The Fat Of The Land by The Prodigy
Jul 02 2026

Brings back so many bad memories of crap music in its imperial phase in the 90s. Thank god I was too busy with young kids and babies to worry that I was missing out. For my this is largely unlistenable.

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Jul 03 2026

Total 5. It may not have been my favourite album when it came out, but there is no denying its imperial consequences on the music of that era. Really, there's pretty much something for everyone here; personally, I remember hearing Beat It - and not knowing who the artist was but immediately recognizing Eddie Van Halen's solo. I could not understand what I was listening to ... but I liked it. Other tunes have grown on me over the years (Wanna Be, PYT), and others are still completely skippable (Girl is Mine). But, wow, what an LP.

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Jul 04 2026

I've never been a big BB fan, but this was a good listen. A few misses, but interestingly no huge hits. I actually didn't know any of the tunes, but enjoyed it. Not a 5, not a 'must listen' though.

Nowhere by Ride
Jul 05 2026

Hmm. Okay. Not a "shoegaze" fan (Christ! Look at the audience FFS!) but this wasn't bad ... and I understand the list tries to encompass 'all' genres (and if that means including more UK acts, well hey!). But I don't need to hear it again.

Opus Dei by Laibach
Jul 06 2026

Okay, I've been patient with a lot of obscure LPs. But this is garbage. Do better.

Fear and Whiskey by Mekons
Jul 07 2026

I really - really! - thought that I'd stumbled on some awesome lost UK pop gem as Chivalry started. But then, after a mere 17 seconds, some weird ambiant reverb-heavy vocals appeared low in the mix, only to be wiped out by pitchy vocals high in the mix. The rest of the album seemed half-baked. Another selection randomly chosen because of its UK origin, perhaps? Only one of these tunes has broken 300k streams on Spotify. I can't imagine why.

Jul 08 2026

Ah! After a spate of terrible selections, this! So good. How is this 44 years old? Singles are still great, album cuts great listens. Yes yes yes.

1999 by Prince
Jul 09 2026

No Purple Rain, but a great album.

Suicide by Suicide
Jul 10 2026

A complete 'nope' for me. Hypercompressed fuzzed out guitars and excessive reverb is interesting for perhaps one verse, not an entire album.

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
Jul 11 2026

I can't say I dislike this album ... but I don't like it. NIN never grabbed me, and it's not just because it's "industrial." I can appreciate the artistry here, but I'll never listen to it again.

Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
Jul 12 2026

I've never understand Dylan's appeal. Even when the music is interesting to me, I can't get by the vocals. There are a handful of Dylan tunes I like, and none of them are here.

Rattus Norvegicus by The Stranglers
Jul 13 2026

Fantastic surprise ... what this list is all about. I hadn't heard any of these tunes, and skipped none. Not sure I'll go looking for it again, but it was a great listen.

All Mod Cons by The Jam
Jul 14 2026

Liked it when it came out, love it now. See what time and experience can do? Nice!

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Jul 15 2026

I'm not a Young fan, but this is a album I would definitely listen to again.

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Jul 16 2026

Truly awful. After three in a row that were great, I guess I was scheduled to reveal a bust. I don't know why I need to listen to this.

The Age Of The Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets
Jul 17 2026

This was a fun discovery. I didn't know this group or any of their tunes, so I went in cold ... and enjoyed it!

The Specials by The Specials
Jul 18 2026

This got tiring quickly. Not a big fan of ska - or the British version of reggae pop - so I wasn't expecting to like this much. People were very, well, purposeful about it liking this genre back in the day

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Jul 19 2026

This is not the Stones era I like. Meh.

Connected by Stereo MC's
Jul 20 2026

First track I figured I wouldn't like the album, but then it got good ... then outright boring. On balance, it's not a bad LP, but it doesn't deserve to be on this list.

The Coral by The Coral
Jul 21 2026

Sigh. Another UK act, largely unknown outside the country. At 400+ out of 1001, I'm noticing a trend (!) ... which appears to be exposing mostly British artists to the rest of the world, with *just enough* from the rest of the globe to keep us non-UK yobbos in the mix. But - again! - does this need to be heard before I die? No. It's not terrible, even a little interesting. But after a few tracks, it's largely forgettable. On the global point, has anyone done a breakdown of where these LPs come from? What's the mix?

Jul 22 2026

Awful. An album for those who thought grunge was too musically complex. We knew the kids who said they liked Pavement, which I read as code for "I don't like music."

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Jul 23 2026

Look up 'chill' and you'll see this. For the right mood, it's kind of perfect, and today was that mood. Nice to see some Cdn content

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
Jul 24 2026

Excellent. Where were these guys when I was listening to all their contemporaries? I knew of them but never tripped over them let alone went looking for them. Still sounds fresh. Great LP.

Django Django by Django Django
Jul 25 2026

I didn't *dislike* this album, but it sounded pretty much like one song blending into the next. I didn't know DD before this, and likely won't encounter DD again.

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jul 26 2026

I thought I liked this more than I did. Aside from the hits, this was a miss. Chooglin' is 5 min too long, and Graveyard is filler. These guys released 5-6 albums in 3 years, and this one shows that it coulda been merged with another. JF is a great songwriter, and a terribly underrated guitar player. He's also fantastic in concert. But it's evident why a lot of the back catalogue stays back.

New Forms by Roni Size
Jul 27 2026

Is this on the list just to make people like me angry? Bang bang whap whap beep beep buzz = garbage. I could NOT listen to the whole thing, so there's a teeny tiny chance it redeems itself, but I would vote hard that it doesn't.

Smokers Delight by Nightmares On Wax
Jul 28 2026

Hmm. More Brit content. And more garbage. As soon as I saw it was a DJ album, I lost my objectivity. Good lord this is boring.

Mama's Gun by Erykah Badu
Jul 30 2026

Hit and miss. Some tunes were chill; others just annoying. So, it's a pass on balance, and definitely not deserving of this list.

Crime Of The Century by Supertramp
Jul 31 2026

Fantastic album - textbook answer to question "how does a prog group modulate to pop music?"

Rip It Up by Orange Juice
Aug 01 2026

I just don't know. Meh(?). Is this a rip off of Talking Heads? Classic or derivative 80s pop? Don't ask me. Also, don't ask me why it's on this list, 'cause it should not be.

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Aug 02 2026

Unquestionably the best from the AC group. Great pop tunes - Elected, No More - weird stuff - Freezin', Sick Things, Love the Dead - and a surprise ... Mary Ann! This album scared the bejezzus out of me when it came out (I was 5 and my brother loved AC), and then it stuck with me. Excellent selection!

Pretenders by Pretenders
Aug 04 2026

Where is the 6/5 ranking? OMG this is one of my all time favourites. This is a fantastic album and James Honeyman Scott is one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. Absolutely love this album, and while it's not something new to be introduced to, I am so happy to see it here.

Aug 07 2026

Excellent album. Why The Kinks were relegated behind the bigger UK bands of the era I'll not understand. So glad this one was including in the list!

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie
Aug 10 2026

Good album. Not one I really knew, though it's iconic.

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 42% of albums. Average review length: 140 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.