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

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 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.

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.

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.

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