1001 Albums Summary

I was excited for the excuse to spin this on my turntable today. Not surprisingly, I first stumbled upon this album as a kid while going through my dad’s CD collection. It was my first ‘no-skip’ album so it occupied the space as my favorite for a short time. I still look upon it fondly today. Best song is Wasted Time.

This one has been with me awhile. It’s one of the first albums I connected with as a guitarist back in middle school, one of the first I listened to when I started running after college, and still a go-to pick for my turntable today. The groove has always been what pulls me in.

Not my favorite. I was familiar with the opening track but none of the others. Overall this album sounded generic and dragged on far too long. It’s not my favorite genre and this example of it I particularly disliked. I will not return this one.

This is the first album where I was completely unfamiliar. It immediately registered as a British indie rock sound. This is not my thing so I lowered my expectations after a couple songs. In the end, I thought it was well-executed for what it was with 3 - 5 songs I enjoyed including the two featuring Thom Yorke. I would not return to this album, but it was pleasant enough.

I know Lou Reed from Velvet Underground. His influence on music cannot be denied—his music is a precursor to punk and his lyricism pushed boundaries for all genres. Nevertheless, his music is not my taste. It is an example of knowing something is important without myself being drawn to it. This was my first time listening to Transformer, and I have to say, it is my favorite of his with a few songs that clicked with me especially Perfect Day. I am glad to have heard this album, though I wouldn’t revisit it often.

90s hip hop is a blind spot for me. It turns out I knew three songs off the album. This album could come out today and be a huge hit.

I do not mind Talking Heads in small doses. This album is upbeat, quirky, and fun, but it suffers from a lack of variety in its sound with many tracks blending together. While the rhythm section was a clear highlight, there were too many songs I wanted to skip.

This album was a challenging listen. It felt like staring at a modern art piece, unsure of how to interpret it. On-top of the unconventional musical choices, the lowfi production adds another layer of bewilderment.

Incredibly influential, shaping many other albums including the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's, which then went on to influence so many others. The songwriting and production still holds up, even in the remastered version I listened to today. It's no surprise this album is so highly regarded, but I find it surprising the individual tracks do not receive more recognition. Paul McCartney once called "God Only Knows" the perfect pop song, and it's tough to argue with his expertise in song craft. Definitely worth a listen.

I didn’t think I was familiar with Soft Cell, but who doesn’t know Tainted Love? I was pleased to find they are more than a one hit wonder. This album is unmistakably 80s and makes you want to dance.

I remember thinking, "I haven’t heard any jazz yet…" and then I was listening to over three hours of jazz with Ella Fitzgerald. Yikes. Surely one of her albums with Louis Armstrong would have been sufficient, right? But then I started digging into the history. This album is a major milestone, not just for Fitzgerald, but for the Gershwin brothers as well. When this was released, this album was an ambitious project, and it still feels that way today, especially considering its length. It was enjoyable, but took several days. I’m not likely to revisit the whole album again. Personally, I wish her work with Louis Armstrong was represented in addition to this one. Check those albums out!!

There’s a reason no other guitarist has universal appeal as the greatest guitarist to ever live. It wasn't just his playing was a cut above the rest, but his innovation bringing together sounds, genres, and technology to create something entirely new set him apart. Growing up as a bedroom guitarist, I share a common experience held by many before me and many still today—The first time you hear "Purple Haze" coming through the speakers at the start of this album. It only gets better from there. Thank you, Jimi Hendrix.

Despite being familiar with several songs, this is my first time with this album. There’s a lot to be said about the attitude and energy from this music and its influence on bands I like today. I liked it but do not feel compelled to hear it over and over again.

I appreciate how interesting this sounds without sacrificing great hooks. It’s a cool mix of alt rock, electronic, and pop that works. My favorite album from this project so far that I hadn't heard before.

My initial reaction was very positive. I loved the psychedelic pop sound and couldn’t believe I had never heard it before. Then the album took a turn. I didn’t enjoy the back half near as much.

Just sounds like 30 minutes of “Tutti Frutti.” Highly influential for sure, but not something I’d choose to listen to again.

Listenable but forgettable.

Original. Daring. Experimental. Unlistenable.

Oh wow this album is wonderful. Even though I’ve never heard it before, it felt like I’ve been listening to this my whole life. It brought sunny Holiday vibes to a winter day in the Midwest.

I mean it's Dark Side of the Moon.

JUDAS!

I’ve never listened to a full album by Kanye, but I'm familiar with a lot of his songs, and I usually like them. This album went a bit long for me. On a re-listen, I’d cherry-pick the songs and skip the skits.

There was nothing I disliked about this album, but nothing really stood out either. I liked the psychedelic aspects and its 60s sound. In my view, it was better take on British indie than others I’ve heard. I may revisit to see if any songs connect better with me.

Oh yeah! First time with this one and it’s fantastic. Wonderfully produced, great musical performances, and innovative expansive sounds that elevate the experience. It’s truly different and I want more of it. Don’t sleep on Peter Gabriel’s solo career.

Good introduction to Deep Purple. Overstayed its welcome, but I had fun with it. Look forward to hearing more from them.

Very familiar as I own this one on vinyl. Smooth.

There were songs I wouldn’t mind hearing again, but not songs I would actively seek out. It was okay.

It’s a refined 80s dance album. There’s a few songs that are much better than others, but overall there was nothing bad.

A few strong songs

3 - 5 songs were very strong and the others didn’t do much for me. The deeper cuts may be a victim to the success of the big singles.

Sometimes it’s exactly what you expect. It felt like any other 2000s pop album with a few catchy radio songs among many filler tracks you will quickly forget. I struggled to get through the long runtime. It just was not for me.

Another British indie rock album. Sigh. Not one song I would revisit.

First time with a Prince album. There was a nice blend of genres and it really grooves. On my first listen, I was not prepared for how sexual the album turned out to be but this did not bother me the second go around. Look forward to hearing other Prince albums.

A young band had an idea. What if we make music that’s…scary. The rest is history.

One of my favorite workout albums.

I’m not sure who this album is for but it’s not for me.

I may take this one for granted because I’ve heard it so many times. A great debut.

A bit sleepy, but it was a nice listen. There’s depths to the songwriting that are hard to grasp as a new listener. My sense is Cohen would grow on me.

This is the second album allocated to me that features The Band, the first being Bob Dylan’s 1966 bootleg where they perform as his backing band. To me, The Band is criminally underrated. The Brown Album may not be as groundbreaking as their debut, but it’s my personal favorite of theirs. Music does not get much better than this album folks.

A great story and a cool sound. It felt more like a singular song than an album experience given its short length and similarities among the two tracks.

This didn’t do anything for me. The songs are familiar but this performance is not anything I’d listen to again.

Not going to lie, I was expecting punk rock but instead had my first brush with trip hop. There were a few songs I really liked, some were okay, and others I never want to hear again.

It all blended together.

Ah finally a Beatles album. Their first one with all original tunes. A sign of greater things to come.

Not much more to say that hasn’t already been said on this one. It’s excellent.

There’s a fine line between annoying and charming. I was barely able to finish it.

Great singer but not anything exciting.

This was fun. I liked its rawness and thought the trio was talented.

One hit wonder. Sweet dreams is a great song though.

Whoa this one was cool. Politically charged with similar themes we can relate to today. It blurs the line between jazz, blues, and soul. I would have never found this album on my own. Good listen.

I’m only aware of this style of music through Flogging Molly. Great to hear the original Celtic Punk - and it’s much better I might add. More folk influences, more thoughtful lyrics, and better musicianship. The energetic songs are fun but the ballads are what sold me.

This one caught me off guard. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I have, and I listened to it three times to be sure. The sonic variety, the song arrangements, the range of lyrical themes are all great. But what took it another level is how it stirs up a sense of nostalgia even when I didn’t grow up with this.

5/3 Update - Album continues to grow on me. It has a vibe that keeps me coming back to it. It’s solid. There’s some great tracks, but the album as a whole lacks variety.

I bought this album as a kid and didn’t like it at all. Nearly 20 years later, here’s my thoughts after revisiting. For me, three things are true at the same time: 1) Hurt is one of my all time favorite songs though I prefer Johnny Cash’s version. 2) Trent Reznor is a visionary and this album is a definite testament to this. 3) I do not enjoy this album. The sound is too industrial for my taste and the overarching concept doesn’t connect with me. Maybe I’ll try again in 20 years.

I don’t mind the political nature of this album - this is what music is supposed to do. My gripe is around the flow of the album. It seemed like every time I was started to feel a vibe, the next track would be spoken poetry with a backbeat. Will not revisit.

Middle of the road rock record.

Lowfi production. Mostly covers and the orginal compositions didn’t do anything for me. Way too many “Wwwooows” screams.

Good funk and soul album.

The coolest Beatles album. It’s the one I want to say is my favorite but they did so many great things. Definitely the most psychedelic Beatles release. Eleanor Rigby is a top three Beatles track for me.

Interesting story but no songs stick out as something I needed to hear. Seems half-baked.

Kirk Hammett talks about how they were going for a ZZ Top or AC/DC groove with this one, and they didn’t care if it was metal or hard rock. Nor do I. My favorite from Metallica and my all time favorite groove album.

Great energy and super fun from start to finish. As a bonus, best album art I’ve seen from the 50s.

Not a big U2 guy and this album did nothing to change that.

I still don’t know if trip hop is for me. A song like Black Steel is up my lane but then Afternath bores me to sleep. Hit and miss.

Without question a good hip hop record from the 90s. It’s hard to rate after one listen especially considering my lack of experience with the genre. For now, nothing grabbed my ear enough for repeat listens.

Awful

Great record.

Least favorite group this project has introduced.

I’m not sure what to do with this one. Some of it is catchy but I mostly feel sorry for Britney. She was only 16 when this came out and the way it was marketed says a lot of sad things about the industry.

I was only familiar with the two TLC songs (scrubs and waterfalls) which are good songs. I couldn’t get into any of the other tracks. I’d consider this group a 2 hit wonder.

A fun one. First half much better than back half.

My favorite from a band I don’t care for much.

Did not enjoy at all

A nice surprise

Best from CCR

Interesting mix of punk and blues with decent production value.

Much better than I expected. Bursting with early 2000s sounds while still coming off as original.

New to me. Genre is up my alley. Short and sweet.

One of the best produced albums I’ve heard. I can’t believe this is from 1992. Although I can’t relate to it, I have a soft spot for this style of hip hop. Great workout album.

The best song isn’t the single…I love this album. This one is an experience and it only gets better as the album goes along. On my shortlist of albums I wish would be released on vinyl.

I was more familiar than I thought going into it. Leans more pop with punk undertones.

Sounds like an early pop punk record. Really fun vibes. I thought it was really good and my wife enjoyed it too.

Strong dislike

I remember how big this album was years ago. It has some great songwriting, but it’s inconsistent.

Yeah…Limp Bizkit sucks.

I skipped over the crazy horse albums when I first got into Neil Young. Not sure why - this is great.

This band is tight and the production value is solid for a 70s live album. I’m just not familiar enough with Van Morrison.

Wow. One of the best concept albums, and the musical performances are wonderful. The story is bizarre, but there’s so much humanity woven into it. Rebellion, consumerism, lust, self-doubt - even humor. It took several listens and a close read of the lyrics for its cinematic qualities to really surface. No doubt this one is out there, but give a few listens before you make up your mind about it.

Not my bag

No shock on this one. My second favorite thrash album from Metallica after Ride the Lightning.

I’ve heard most everything Pink Floyd adjacent including this one. It still has elements of the pop psych songwriting from early Pink Floyd but it is missing contributions from the others to make the songs more realized. This one is much better than his next album and I am glad to see it on the list.

I enjoy listening to white stripes songs more than listening to a full album.

Most of the songs are great, but the lofi production keeps it from becoming a favorite. Side note: One of the coolest album covers I’ve seen.

I liked the overall sound of this one.

Mostly forgettable.

Great fun. The Slider took some time to grow on me, but this one I liked right away.

Best from Billy Joel. Vienna is one of my favorite songs of all time.

Great jazz.

Better than I expected. More a protest album than gangster rap. Good workout album.

Okay for the genre

Bad

Just can’t get into U2. Overproduced arena rock.

There’s better Rolling Stones albums.

Strongly resembles its time, but still a lot of fun.

I remember listening to this when it won album of the year. I didn’t care for it then and I still don’t today.

Not for me

Best example of an artist playing to their audience.

Desert island album for me

A few familiar tunes.

Very dark. A completely different album than I expected from the cure. 9/13 update - keep coming back to it.

My expectations were high and I was let down. Some good songwriting.

Anytime I listen to jazz, my wife asks if I’m listening to elevator music. This time she was right.

Crazy experience. Glad to have heard this one but not something I’d revisit often.

Another good hip hop album from the 90s.

This album had a few bright moments, but I felt it dragged on too long.

Great psychedelic pop record. I first heard it earlier this year and had it on repeat. Recently learned about the story of a “U.S” version of this band that was assembled after time of the season became a sleeper hit. What a crazy story. Fun to revisit this one.

Metallica’s final thrash album. The songs are great, the production is okay. It’s a still a good workout album that I revisit often.

This didn’t excite me.

Better than I expected

RIP Brian Wilson.

Hugely important and all around fun blues record. I think it’s great how Muddy’s set builds off the energy of his audience. Master class.

I’m a huge Dylan fan so that helps. Not one I plan to revisit often.

Yikes. Did not enjoy at all. Nasally vocals. Boring music production. Not for me.

Rush fan

Industrial music is not my thing and this is a particular distasteful example.

First time with blue cheer. I can hear why folks consider this early metal, but Black Sabbath is a much closer representation. To my ears, this sounds more like Cream. I liked it.

Not my taste.

Police fan. Strong discography from top to bottom. Check out all of it!

Springsteen nailed it on this one.

A sleeper. Enjoyed very much and will be back.

The most pop forward Van Halen album. It’s not my favorite from their discography, but I still come back to it.

I could listen to any one of these songs as a one off, but as an album it didn’t click with me. Too same-sy and lacking melody.

Sounded like a lesser-version of Arcade fire. Not for me.

Good songwriting. Sounds similar to the Ramones.

Passively aware of Elliott Smith as his songs are featured in two of my favorite movies (Up in the Air and Good Will Hunting). This was my first album experience. The quality of the songwriting is remarkably consistent and unique to him. There’s a time and place for this, but it’s one I’ll revisit.

My bias is I think alt Country is the most exciting thing happening in music right now. This album is a good and early representation. I hope to see more on this list in time!

Good punk rock record

Much better than the first talking heads album allocated to me (More Songs about Buildings and Food). The genre bending kept me on my toes. Fun listen.

It never occurred to me to discover the genesis of ambient music. I listen to this music for relaxations or focused activities without much thought to the artist behind it. There’s something very charming about the original. I will save this album and revisit.

There were a few great songs but the album felt bloated. I’d cherry-pick this one in the future.

I expected another forgettable indie 2000s album, but happy to be wrong. The vocalist is very captivating - it doesn’t hurt that he sounds a little like Peter Gabriel - and the music is slightly prog-y. Pleasantly surprised.

Prince is a blind spot for me so this is my first time with this album. It’s like the first time I saw the Grand Canyon - lives up to the hype and then some. Phenomenal.

Meh boring and forgettable.

I almost wrote this album off until the instrumental tracks. Still not my favorite Bowie album, but can’t say it’s not interesting.

Late career resurgence for Muddy. He’s still got it at the time of this recording. Great blues record.

Not good at all

Fun listen. Nice to hear a band not take themselves too seriously during their time.

Nope. Bad production value and mediocre songs and performances.

Using any standard, a great album. However, for Ray Charles, there’s several other albums in his discography I come back to before this one. What a talent.

It’s good to hear another band doing the blues in a rock context. Glad to have heard this one but not one I will revisit often.

Cheesy

Overhyped but still very good.

Boring

Reallllly bad

I put this one off for a while. Just not for me.

Dark and brooding with a groove. Great listen.

Another iconic album that was a new listen for me. You can hear that they were on to something but I prefer the later albums from Ice Cube and Dr. Dre.

Better than expected but my expectations were really low.

One of my mom’s favorites.

Yes please more Stevie Wonder from his classic period.

Black Sabbath’s cocaine album. This time marks one of the more entertaining chapters in their history. I’m in the camp the first six Black Sabbath albums represents one of the best runs of any band period. Vol 4 is the most dynamic from this era. It has heavy riffs, hard rock blues motifs, jazz-timing, psychedelic sounds, a piano ballad, and an acoustic track. From this standpoint it’s the most accessible sabbath album. RIP Ozzy Osbourne

No thanks

More of a fan of the live versions of these tracks

First time with a Radiohead album with big expectations. It had brilliant moments where I understood all the rave about them. However it felt underwhelming as a full album. It could be more a grower than a shower but I’m unlikely to find out.

Top 5 favorite metal album for me and my favorite from Megadeth. Don’t sleep on their other releases though.

Good soul music

Second album I had to source from YouTube. I recognize context matters and this was influential for its time. But I never want to hear anything from it again.

There’s a great album here somewhere - needs a tighter runtime.

Much better than expected. First industrial album I’ve liked so feeling very surprised. It’s raw, it’s different, and doesn’t let up. Has repeat listenable qualities for workouts.

Instant dread finding out there’s a second arcade fire album on the list. I don’t understand the mass appeal. It’s overproduced and same-sounding throughout. Not my thing.

Lowered my expectations and it turned out okay.

Atmospheric music with some real beautiful moments. Not sure when I would listen to this again in full as it runs a bit long for what it is. Worth the listen though.

First half is great then it drops off

I couldn’t get into it. Sounds like demo tapes to me. I’m learning lowfi production isn’t really my thing.

Dirty grunge

Interesting

Nostalgic, I owned this CD as a kid.

It was okay. Drones on too long.

Underwhelming background music

Iconic but not sure it’s timeless. Production sounds a bit dated.

I want to like this album more than I do. Falls a bit flat for me.

Fun

This sounds ahead of the times today. It was a good listen.

A great debut. Almost perfect if not for the end dragging on too long.

I forgot how many great songs are on this album. Side one is phenomenal. Side two is good but ends with a banger. I think if you cut 2 songs from the second side, this would be an all time favorite.

Pleasant 60s album with a few standout tracks. Better than the monkees but falls short of the ‘giants’ from this era everyone knows and loves.

Sounds like a rainy day

Middle of the road

One of my favorites from the grunge era

Talented but oh so boring

Not as good as In Rainbows. Has some interesting moments, but more filler.

It’s been so long since I’ve last heard this! Such a surprising record with varied sounds throughout and a loose concept that’s more thematic than story-driven.

Pleasantly weird

Decent soul record

Didn’t do anything for me

Not my jam

1/2 update - this one has grown on me.

Expectations very low only being familiar with Def Leppard radio tunes. Turns out the deeper cuts are wayyy better.

Quite possibly the most relaxing album I’ve heard. Love it.

I misread the cure only being familiar with their radio hits. They are far from the bubblegum pop group I thought they were. This is the second album allocated to me from them and the better of the two. Really enjoyed this one.

Forgettable

Well done but leans too far disco for my taste.

Eh sounds like the beginning of indie music.

Insanely talented

Nice

Not a stranger. Great album.

There’s some nice songs.

Similar vibe to the cure albums on this list but more ahead of its time. I really liked this one.

Pretty same-sounding throughout

Interesting

Underwhelming. Bowie has much better stuff.

On my radar for a long time but first experience with full album. It’s great - will come back.

I get the hype

Better than the smiths

Wow this was really well done.

Not for me

One bummer of this project is when you get allocated albums from artists you loathe. I gave it 3 songs and confirmed I still dislike the smiths.

Frequent favorite for me

It’s not THAT bad but it is bad.

This one was fun

My favorite from Bowie so far

Pretty good. Don’t see a need to revisit.

It’s an easy listen but forgettable.

Pantera is one notch above slayer for me. Still not enough melody to revisit full albums often, but occasional song on a playlist hits just right.

Amazing talent. My favorite from Adele and one of my most listened to albums on vinyl.

Straight punk rock

It’s fun. Nothing more, nothing less.

Woo band firing on all cylinders. It’s been a long time since I last heard this. Good listen.

Too much jam

My favorite from the boss

I had no idea Ronald Reagan played with Buddy Holly.

Always a pleasure to hear this one

I’m on team no compilation albums

Good jazz but too long

I don’t listen to Curtis Mayfield enough

Great singer. Good songs. Big 80s production.

Did nothing for me

Paint it black is great. Otherwise, it doesn’t feel like they’ve arrived quite yet.

Ah not my favorite band and least favorite album from them so far.

Already a fan. He doesn’t have a bad album. Glad to see this here.

Dated and not my taste

This is my favorite Radiohead album so far. A lot of interesting instrumentals anchored in great songs.

My 3-month old really likes the song don’t dream it’s over. This is my first album experience with them. Decent.

Just okay

I’m sure it’s a masterpiece but not for me.

Influential. Thankful for what he inspired but did not enjoy.

A little campy for my taste.

Beautiful album. You’d think the culture references wouldn’t age well but still felt relevant today.

My personal favorite from the doors

Nope

Sounds timeless. Great album experience with a few recognizable tracks from films I’ve seen.

Fun

Not for me

Decent soul album

Not for me

Not for me

I go way back with this album. I don't feel a need to listen to it at this point in my life, but I've had great times with it.

I don’t think I needed a second album from this artist.

Oddly intriguing

I enjoy Coldplay more as a singles band than an album band.

A standard jazz fusion pick. It’s good, but there’s others that are great

What a grand band. This was crafted like a live set but produced beautifully in the studio. I will return and listen to more Santana. Great album!

Ahead of its time. Enjoyed this one.

Great musicianship but I had hard time connecting with this overall.

Yes it’s too long, yes it’s overproduced. But the songs are incredible. George Harrison is my favorite Beatle. I prefer living in a material world to this release but still glad to see this one here.

Not for me

If this project does nothing except introduce me to Peter Gabriel’s solo career, it will be a success.

REM is always missing that something extra for me.

Lovely listen

Good music but fake audience was strange.

Decent! More psychedelic than I expected.

More of a song artist for me

Makes me want to listen to more Nick Drake

Phenomenal. On my radar but first time through the album.

Already a fan of this one. I had this CD as a kid. Wonderful to revisit.

Allocated this one shortly after the crosby, stills, and nash debut. Young adds some songwriting prowess but this didn't take me the same way. Still very good and will revisit.

Terribly dated

Surprised I have never heard this one. Enjoyed it

My favorite hip hop album of this project so far.

Entertaining! Only Tom Waits could pull this off.

Long time favorite

Unlike anything I’ve heard before

Did nothing for me

My favorite punk rock album allocated so far.

Good vibes and a lot of fun

Blah did not enjoy

Bloated and one note

Listened to this with my wife on Valentine’s Day. Ohhh yeah

Another great offering from Joni

By far my favorite Brit pop album allocated so far. Love the guitar sound.

More of a ‘playlist’ artist than album.

A lesser version of Coldplay

Better than I expected but still not for me.

Became a fan of Elliott smith because of this site. Figure 8 blew me away when it was allocated earlier. I’ve been through his whole catalog and this is one I return to frequently (although XO is my favorite). Yes he has a rep for the sad boy vibe but his talent as a multi instrument player and songwriter is the real highlight.

There’s parts of this I liked but it dragged on

It didn’t resonate.

Fun and talented group

Right band, Wong album. Check out the dirty South or Decoration day.

Not for me

Background music

It was fine

Proof the Beatles were great before they were phenomenal

Not a stranger to this one. It’s worth a listen and its influence is very high. But it always runs long for me.

Not for me

Not one moment wasted

Nope

Enjoyed this one more than I thought I would

I really liked the high funk tunes but didn’t care as much for the slow ones

Highly original, great pop music

I’m a huge Bob Dylan fan and this was the first album I heard. No question this one is filled with iconic songs but there is some filler. Dylan would go on to release more cohesive albums later in his career. For what’s it worth, don’t think twice is a top contender for my favorite song of all time.