1001 Albums Summary

Moody and intimate, with hauntingly beautiful guitar riffs tying the album together. 'At The Chime of a City Clock' is emblematic of this. 'Poor Boy', sticks out with its jazz piano and sax solos; its breaks up the flow of the album in an interesting way. Lyrically, some songs are guilty of hippy-dippy mumbo-jumbo; e.g. 'I never saw the moons knew the meaning of the sea... Straighten my new mind's eye' [Northern Sky]. Of the three instrumentals on the album, I did find 'Bryter Byter' to be the weakest. Overall the album was a solid 4/5 Fav track: 'At The Chime of a City Clock'. Added to playlist: 'Hazey Jane II'.

I've heard the iconic chorus for 'Dreamer' before, but fairly sure this was my first time listening start-to-finish. 'Rudy' is a classic prog ballad, highlighting the band's ability to storytell through their songs. 'School' showcases their musical acumen, with its manic pacing and strong beat. Rating: Another 4-star 70s British album - long may they continue! Fav song: 'Bloody Well Right'. Added to playlist: 'Bloody Well Right'.

This album is a regular who's-who of the Swinging Sixties - covers of 'Mama Said', 'You Don't Own Me', 'Wishin and Hopin' and, of course, 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' are performed competently. However it leaves an uncomfortable feeling of whitewashing these black soul tracks. Fav Song: 'Don't You Know' is a spectacular showcase of talent. Added to playlist: 'I Only Want To Be With You' (not on the original pressing) Rating: Three stars - maybe I'm spoiled living in the era of Spotify and singer-songwriters, but a covers album being in the top 1001 albums is surprising

The definition of background music - this album just doesn't do anything for me. Snoozy rythyms, sleazy lyrics; didn't really need every track to be just how horny this dude is. Favourite tracks: Added to playlist: Rating: 2 stars, it's not painful but I'll not listen to this again.

Wasn't expecting this much sax! But The Boss growling down the mic gets old after a while... Favourite track: 'Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out' Added to playlist: 'Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out' A solid three stars

I preferred this to Let's Get It On but I'm not vibing with Marvin Gaye. Favourite Track: Added to Playlist: 'What's Happening Brother'

Weak vocals, discordant instrumentals, depressing lyrics - not for me.

'Ramble Tamble' gets five stars alone.

Idea > Execution

More prog than the popular Queen songs.

Kreen-Akrore could've been brilliant if he didn't breathe all over it.

Dylan croons nonsense over soulful harmonica.

Insatiably horny. Some stellar singles, but the rest really feels like filler. 3 seems harsh, 4 seems generous.

Yes, OK, you are the robots, we get it....

Great variety yet consistent sound throughout, not overly reliant on singles, every track shines.

Immigrant Song and Tangerine the only real stand-outs here for me.

10 minute tracks that feel like they go on for 30 minutes...

Discovering not only a new artist but an entire new genre here...

Nice guitar riffs but god the vocals are just not for me.

Is it a bit basic? Yeah, but maybe I'm a bit basic too.

Look, jazz is never really going to be my thing, but this album is undeniably groovy and stylish. The drums of 'Blues for Huey' were my favourite.

The songs are over before they start. Not sure there's much here, but Blitzkrieg Bop sure is catchy.

Very sharp, atmospheric album.

I might be cranky but it feels like this album is trying to be annoying. It's plodding, repetitive and nonsensical.

It's funky, and probably warrants further listens - whether it'll get them, TBD!

Yep, that's jazz.

Punk B-52s is still B-52s, no thanks.

First full listen to this album, it's clear to see why this is consistently in the conversation for GOAT - and I concur. There's a sonic theme to the album, while each track standing out. The orchestration is just something else.

Not particularly engaging; 'A Sailor's Life' has endearing elements but drags at 11 mins. 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes?' is a charming ditty though.

This is what happens when you let two of the greatest hip-hop artists of the 2000s go absolutely hog wild. Not all of it works for me, and I do prefer Andre 3000's contributions, but I can see why it deserves the nod.

Well-crafted, beautifully sang pop.

High highs (Ms. Jackson) low lows (We Luv Deez Hoez).

Generally really enjoyed, there was a bit of sax wailing that grated a little - I'm not a jazz convert yet.

Yeah I do not like the gruff shouts of Tom Waits over often discordant tones. "Midtown" notable for having the most discordant tones, but no shouting.

Groovy, enjoyed it more than I expected, and was pleasantly surprised a new (to me) song made the playlist over the more famous tracks.

How did they make an album about my parents fighting? Therapy session through sound...

Perfectly pleasant listening, but the album tracks are truly album tracks.

I can appreciate the creativity, but this is just too raw, too garage for my tastes.

Stoner rap with tongue firmly in cheek. But it's not just "ya mama" jokes, The Pharcyde are real yearners - Passin' Me By a real standout heartfelt track. Beats great throughout. Maybe this one will grow on me, and likely gets a re-listen.

I can appreciate this album being noteworthy for its influence on folk revival, and likely being major players in the 'stomp clap' that is to come, but this album did very little for me.

The musicality of the synthesizers is plain to see, the songs are sonically cohesive without feelings particularly same-y. Very enjoyable listen.

10 modern Eurovision-winning ballads about the transgender experience. The melodies are lovely, the lyrics simple yet moving. But I cannot stand Ahnoni's voice; the constant warbling vibrato makes me uneasy.

Gorgeous cosy tracks, angelic voice over gentle guitar strums.

Enjoyable gangster rap. Horrendous cover art.

More Ray Charles please, less dad prog-rock and weird punk records nobody remembers.

Funky beats, and the vocals go and ruin it.

This is a generous two-stars; Kraftwerk are just not to my tastes at all. Repetitive droning over hammering techno beats gets very old very quickly. There's no subtlety or light-and-shade, you get what you get (and in my case, don't enjoy it particularly). Was dreading this after the last Kraftwerk recommendation, and got on with this one even less.

One of the Beatles albums of all time. No real duds, that's the nicest thing I can say...

No surprises here - solid guitar riffs

Some really nice tracks that just have too much art-pop accoutrements. Didn't need that much moaning ta.

Liam Gallaghers vocals don't do it for me, but the songwriting is quite special.

Already knew I loved this one going in.

Madness cultivate a unique and funky sound, capturing mundane British life.

I didn't have a bad time with this, but equally it doesn't feel like there's a huge amount to return to.

Dad rock through and through. Inoffensive but uninspiring.

Really lovely discovery through the 1001 Albums process. Highly atmospheric, simultaneously harsh but mellow. Dreamy but alive. A true "album", as it is way more than the sum of its tracks.

I wouldn't mind if this was playing while I was on hold, but I won't choose to listen to it again.

So that's what Sufjan Stevens sounds like. Hope he finishes the 50 States series one day...

Starts off really strong - Smooth Operator and Your Love is King are certifiable bops, but the rest of the album feels underdeveloped.

Tina's vocals are immense on this solid pop-rock album. The tracks are rather repetitive, and the title track is especially egregious.

It's 60s "Rock and Roll" alright, but I don't think it will stick in my memory for long.

Stopped at the track 'Girl'. They didn't need to be doing all that. Saw that there was a ten minute track up and quit. This feels far from essential listening.

Prog folk? Sad storytelling, introspective. Can see myself returning to this one.

There are six The Rolling Stones albums on this list, I feel like this one could have been cut. Perfectly fine, but to my ear ordinary, rock and roll.

I think the Geneva Conventions have something to say about recommending an album with "Drivin'" on it...

I preferred this to Bossa Nova but still not seeing what everyone else does when they listen to Pixies.

Two songs don't make an album; while 'That Lady' and 'Summer Breeze' are strong singles, the rest of the album feels distinctly like filler.

Pretty unspectacular R&B - not sure how this made the list?

Gorgeous album. 'Criminal' that in my nearly thirty years (as long as the album has been out) this hasn't come up. About time!

Becoming more of the Queen I recognise than 'Queen II' - still some mad prog tracks ('The Prophet Song') but ''39' and 'You're My Best Friend' shows the diversity I like in Queen. Good album.

Groovy electronic music. Long repetitive tracks that are probably a bit too "in your face" to be ambient but there's some motifs from that genre here.

Sexy French poetry over rock beats. Would probably be more appreciated if I spoke a lick of French.