297
Albums Rated
2.72
Average Rating
27%
Complete
792 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1990s
Favorite Decade
Grunge
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
11
5-Star Albums
14
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Pleasures | 5 | 3.47 | +1.53 |
| Superunknown | 5 | 3.66 | +1.34 |
| Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness | 5 | 3.68 | +1.32 |
| Bad | 5 | 3.8 | +1.2 |
| Is This It | 5 | 3.82 | +1.18 |
| Gold | 4 | 2.84 | +1.16 |
| Disintegration | 5 | 3.85 | +1.15 |
| Ten | 5 | 3.92 | +1.08 |
| Pet Sounds | 5 | 3.93 | +1.07 |
| Post Orgasmic Chill | 4 | 2.99 | +1.01 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | 1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
| Bitches Brew | 1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
| Tubular Bells | 1 | 3.1 | -2.1 |
| Tom Tom Club | 1 | 3.03 | -2.03 |
| Broken English | 1 | 2.88 | -1.88 |
| Time Out | 2 | 3.84 | -1.84 |
| Club Classics Vol. One | 1 | 2.82 | -1.82 |
| American Idiot | 2 | 3.77 | -1.77 |
| Two Dancers | 1 | 2.75 | -1.75 |
| Konnichiwa | 1 | 2.74 | -1.74 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (11)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
The Smashing Pumpkins' magnum opus, this double-album is an ambitious odyssey through the sonic landscape of youth, angst, and beauty.
Partly due to it's length, but also the journey it takes you on, Mellon Collie does not feel like a traditional album.
This is the rare occurrence where a double-album justifies it's length by exploring the full range of human emotions. It's entire structure is intentional (everything Corgan does is). A collage of styles and tones. The progression from day to night, light to dark, hope to despair.
It's the band showcasing themselves at their creative peak. The tracks work together to create something greater than the sum of it's parts.
The excess isn't a flaw. If the album is about the overwhelming, contradictory, messy intensity of being alive, then it had to be this long.
Mellon Collie refuses to be constrained, and the album still feels epic in scale to this day.
2 likes
Prince
5/5
There are great albums, there are legendary albums, and then there’s Purple Rain.
From the moment "Let’s Go Crazy" opens with its electrifying sermon-like intro, you know you’re in for something special. The energy is frantic & raw. The fusion of rock, funk, pop, and R&B is seamless - and Prince doesn’t just play within genres, he bends them to his will.
More than an album, Purple Rain is a moment in time, an artistic statement, and a revolution all at once. It’s Prince at his absolute peak.
2 likes
Pearl Jam
5/5
Decades later, Pearl Jam's debut album is still their most iconic and well-known. A lot of people credit Nirvana's "Nevermind" with starting the grunge movement, but "Ten" was actually released a month prior.
Ten stands out even among Pearl Jam's large discography, because it is clearly the most emotional and cohesive album they've ever made. It's great from beginning to end, not a weak track to be found.
You can feel Vedder's growling vocals carrying so much weight in every song, and McCready's wailing guitar conveys feelings when words can't do them justice.
A cathartic journey that takes you back to the genesis of grunge.
2 likes
Dr. Dre
4/5
Landmark album that vaulted West Coast rap into popularity across the US.
I am a total sucker for the G-Funk Whistle Synth sound that's showcased so perfectly on the hip-hop albums from the early 90s. Then you add in the deep basslines, smooth melodies, and laid-back style, and you just can't help but bob your head along to the tracks.
The Chronic made Snoop Doggy Dogg a household name, and also showcased several others who went on to successful careers. It was a cultural shift and elevated Dr. Dre from a producer to a visionary that set the stage for an entire generation of artists.
2 likes
1-Star Albums (14)
All Ratings
Ramones
2/5
4/10 - Have always loved the sound of the Ramones. Unfortunately they have the same beat/riffs for pretty much every song. Obviously a very influential band, but ultimately they come off too "one-note" to me.
The Band
3/5
influential folk rock album.
Highlights: "Chest Fever", "The Weight"
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
The palpable energy of English youth.
Patti Smith
1/5
One of the most overrated artists of all-time.
The most well-known track (and only single) from this album is a poorly-executed cover of a great song.
Lorde
4/5
Incredible sophomore album. Emotionally-charged vulnerability and quirky pop charm.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Groundbreakingly funky, good arrangements.
The Cure
4/5
Dark, brooding album that essentially established emo/goth rock.
Robert Smith's melancholic voice & The Cure's distinctive guitar sound somehow deliver a wistful sadness that carries from track-to-track.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
2/5
Not the type of stuff I'd listen to normally, but I can definitely appreciate the musical talent on this album.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
An explosive manifesto of audio. Tom Morello's boundary-pushing guitar riffs compliment Zack de la Rocha’s raw emotion on every track. Unapologetically political and a middle-finger to authority in every way, but certainly can be considered among the best debut albums in rock history.
Dr. Dre
4/5
Landmark album that vaulted West Coast rap into popularity across the US.
I am a total sucker for the G-Funk Whistle Synth sound that's showcased so perfectly on the hip-hop albums from the early 90s. Then you add in the deep basslines, smooth melodies, and laid-back style, and you just can't help but bob your head along to the tracks.
The Chronic made Snoop Doggy Dogg a household name, and also showcased several others who went on to successful careers. It was a cultural shift and elevated Dr. Dre from a producer to a visionary that set the stage for an entire generation of artists.
Buzzcocks
3/5
While many punk bands leaned into chaos and confrontation, Buzzcocks were masters of economy - delivering tight, hook-filled songs that are just as angsty as they are catchy. An album that perfectly bridges the raw power of punk with the infectious hooks of pop.
Khaled
1/5
Raï music isn't really my taste.
Joy Division
5/5
Joy Division’s debut album is a haunting and atmospheric masterpiece that helped define post-punk.
The stark, reverb-heavy soundscapes create an eerie and isolating mood, perfectly complementing Ian Curtis’ raw, anguished vocals.
The bleakness and hopelessness are palpable on every track.
Tragically, Curtis’ struggles would cut his life short before the band could fully realize its potential, but Unknown Pleasures remains a timeless and influential work.
Fiona Apple
2/5
Less of an album and more like unconventional poetry. Lyrically, comes off a bit immature to me. It does have some highs and clearly unique compositional choices, but not really the style of Fiona I prefer.
50 Cent
2/5
A raw, hook-laden debut that cemented 50 Cent as an icon of early 2000s hip-hop. Some of these songs were played to death, you heard them everywhere. Honestly, while you can't help but bop your head to many of them, I find the album as a whole to be pretty formulaic and I've heard them enough to last me a lifetime.
Soundgarden
5/5
Superunknown's blend of complex song structures, rich with tempo changes, dissonance, and odd time signatures, show their technical prowess while staying raw and relatable.
Cornell’s powerful vocals, from soaring highs to gritty lows, resonate on every track and provide an emotional punch.
Certainly one of the cornerstone albums of the 90s grunge movement.
Thelonious Monk
2/5
Monk’s style can be a bit polarizing, compared to more fluid or melodic jazz pianists like Bill Evans or Dave Brubeck. The rhythmic unpredictability gives it a uniqueness for sure.
The Young Rascals
3/5
Captures the spirit of the late '60s. While not every track reaches the heights of the title song, the album is testament to The Young Rascals' ability to evolve without losing their soulful core.
Pentangle
2/5
Interesting folk album. I appreciated the technical guitar skills, but this has a bit too heavy of a hippie vibe for me.
Willie Nelson
2/5
This album features stripped-down versions of various cover songs. Nelson's weathered vocals add a softness to all of them...although I can't say any of them are improvements over the originals.
U2
4/5
U2’s War (1983) is where they stop sounding like just another post-punk band and start becoming U2. Right from the start, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” sets the tone with that militaristic drumbeat and those biting, almost accusatory lyrics. It’s not just a protest song..it feels like a battle cry. “New Year’s Day” follows, and it’s easily one of their best songs, combining The Edge’s icy guitar style.
This is U2 at their most intense and uncompromising, and it still holds up because it sounds like a band that actually has something to say.
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Certainly not an album that demands attention from the listener - quite the opposite actually. Tracy Thorn's effortless vocals lend a sort of elegance and quiet beauty. There’s an emotional richness in the details and the arrangements are subtle but effective. It's not really my thing, and seems like something that should be playing in the background at a cocktail party. Not necessarily a bad thing, though.
King Crimson
3/5
ahhh, the iconic album cover. Certainly a landmark progressive rock album that blends a variety of styles into a weirdly chaotic mixture. While often hailed as a masterpiece, it's not without it's flaws. It meanders a bit too much for my taste, like an overly indulgent jam session that overstays it's welcome.
That being said, it dared to push rock music into new territory, influencing countless artists along the way. It remains a fascinating and essential listen for anyone at all interested in the evolution of progressive rock.
Prince
5/5
There are great albums, there are legendary albums, and then there’s Purple Rain.
From the moment "Let’s Go Crazy" opens with its electrifying sermon-like intro, you know you’re in for something special. The energy is frantic & raw. The fusion of rock, funk, pop, and R&B is seamless - and Prince doesn’t just play within genres, he bends them to his will.
More than an album, Purple Rain is a moment in time, an artistic statement, and a revolution all at once. It’s Prince at his absolute peak.
Songhoy Blues
2/5
Some great guitar skill on display, with some energetic riffs & passionate intensity. I enjoyed the listen, just wish I could understand the lyrics.
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
A sweeping, orchestral folk-pop album that serves as both a musical road trip and a historical love letter to the state of Illinois.
The song titles are a bit absurd, not a huge fan of that choice.
Blending intricate orchestration, folk influences, and Stevens' signature delicate vocals, the album paints a rich, sometimes surreal, portrait of the state.
The Doors
3/5
I've never considered myself much of a Doors fan. Morrison's vocals have never exactly impressed me, although they do seem to compliment their untamed, blues-driven style on this album. The hallmark organ work is undeniably prominent (bordering on overpowering), but it also gives the record a unique, hypnotic energy.
There's a looseness to it, like they knew it was their last ride with Morrison. And Riders on the Storm feels like an eerie, almost cinematic farewell.
Jimmy Smith
2/5
Really enjoyed this album for what it is.
That being said, jazz isn't really my thing.
I could tap my feet to this all night though.
SAULT
2/5
A sprawling collection of politically charged, groove-heavy tracks.
Many feel underdeveloped, as if they were ideas rather than fully realized songs.
SAULT’s secrecy and mystique are intriguing, but when the music doesn’t consistently hold up to the weight of its themes, the result is an album that feels more like a collection of rough sketches than a fully formed statement.
Le Tigre
3/5
Here's the deal. i WANT to like it more than I do.
Why don't I just write this review the way Le Tigre would want me to write it...
Drum machines, cheap synths, riot grrrl screams.
Feminist slogans, basement shows, Xerox zines.
"Hot Topic is the way that we rhyme!"
Old-school samples, Casio tones, DIY design.
Jangly guitars, distorted hooks, radical stance.
Name-checking icons, Kathleen’s dance.
Feminist art, "Lesbians on Ecstasy,"
Julie Ruin’s energy, punk necessity.
Roller-skating, megaphones, party-starting beats.
“Deceptacon” explosion, kicks you off your feet.
Zine-making, mixtape love, East Village streets.
Glitchy noise, tambourine, electro-punk elite.
Politics, protest, queer liberation.
Anti-establishment, girl-powered frustration.
1999, still fresh, still loud.
Le Tigre forever, screaming unbowed.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
a defining album of hard rock. Plant's wailing vocals, Page's searing riffs, and of course Bonham's explosive drumming come together to blend folk, blues, and rock effortlessly.
Not much more I can say that hasn't already been said.
Billie Holiday
2/5
Greatly prefer Billie Holiday's earlier work. Her voice, ravaged by years of hardship, is fragile and weary. Some may find this vulnerability moving, considering this was recorded near the end of her life, but it's a stark contrast to the youthful clarity and smoothness of her classic recordings.
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
Smooth
R.E.M.
3/5
"The One I Love" is the clearly catchy standout track, as a kind of ominously cryptic, almost callous, view of relationships.
"It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" is controlled chaos, a rapid-fire fever dream of cultural references.
This is the album where R.E.M. stops just hinting at bigger things and actually starts becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.
It’s raw, it’s tight, and it still holds up.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Jane's Addiction remains one of the best shows I've ever seen live.. given, that was a long time ago, when Perry Farrell's brain wasn't yet scrambled.
Nothing Shocking features one of their most well-known songs, "Jane Says" - a stripped-down, steel-drum-accented reflection on addiction and regret. However, other tracks capture the essence of the band at their full strength.
It doesn't get much more epic than the anthem of "Mountain Song", instantly recognizable by it's iconic bassline. It feels like it's kicking off the start of some kind of ritual.
Farrell is certainly a unique front-man - a quasi-cult-leader vibe with a mystical, hypnotic, and always theatric delivery.
The band has always brought a sort of primal energy to all their albums, and this one is no exception. Jane's remains essential listening, as an iconic band that blended psychedelic rock, funk grooves, & punk energy in a way that jolted alt rock from the 80's into the 90's.
Dolly Parton
2/5
Great voices, no doubt. Especially Dolly's, which is instantly recognizable.
I appreciate the talent and harmonies, but this style of country music is not my thing.
Nightmares On Wax
2/5
I don't really ever listen to Trip-Hop, but I was pleasantly surprised. Chill album for sure. Won't necessitate a re-listen though.
The Who
3/5
I was initially tempted to rate this album 4 or 5 stars based on "My Generation" alone, because it's such an iconic, raw, s...st..stuttering masterpiece.
However, I like to take the entire album into account, and most of the tracks display a band that's clearly still trying to discover who they are.
It does capture The Who in their most raw, explosive form - just four young musicians out to prove something.
The Streets
1/5
I’ve heard this praised as a concept album masterpiece.
More like a rambling diary set to mediocre beats, with a delivery that teeters between spoken word and uninspired rap.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Sounds like fleeting transmissions from a fractured mind.
Adele
3/5
No doubt Adele has a great voice & rich, soulful style.
The songwriting, composition, production is all solid, however the individual tracks are a bit hit-or-miss for me. Not to mention, it seems to be a theme with Adele that every song is about being a jilted lover. Becomes a bit one-note in that sense.
Also.. if her album "19" isn't on this list, but "25" is, that's a shame. Just my two cents.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Really enjoyable listen.
Blends gospel, blues, soul, and rock into a sound that feels timeless.
Burke's smooth voice is just icing on the cake.
Elbow
3/5
If you're an English artist/band with any talent whatsoever, you apparently belong on an "albums you must listen to before you die" list.
Keep in mind, it's a good album. I enjoyed it. But I can probably think of a hundred albums from the last 25 years that could just as easily replace this one.
Anyways... regarding the album itself - it does have intricate songwriting and good storytelling with a very melancholic feel.
Does well mixing orchestral elements with rock instrumentation, and (from my understanding), this was self-produced by the band, which may account for why it maintains a raw sound.
Elton John
4/5
Widely regarded as Elton John's magnum opus.
Starts off with progressive rock, transitions to glam rock, pop ballads, and even some reggae thrown in for good measure.
Nina Simone
2/5
Exemplifies Simone’s power to turn any song into something deeply personal and profound.
Not really my style, but i respect it.
Dolly Parton
2/5
have always loved Dolly's voice. But the music is not my style.
Herbie Hancock
3/5
a landmark jazz-funk record, and a full-blown vibe
Bob Dylan
3/5
The album that vaulted Dylan from just a folk singer to a cultural icon.
Most of the songs are basically folk poetry laid over basic chords. Effortless simplicity of song mixed with deep, thought-provoking lyrics.
I've personally never been a huge fan of Dylan's voice, or his "talk-singing" delivery, but it's hard to find fault in his songwriting.
Lou Reed
4/5
Transformer opens with the iconic "Vicious," a snarling track that sets the tone for the rest of the record.
The entire album is rebellious energy mixed with vulnerability.
Bowie’s influence is undeniable. It has the flamboyance of glam rock, but with Reed’s voice & lyrics giving it a darker edge.
Walk on the Wild Side & Perfect Day are both standout tracks.. and offer contrasting reflections of life through Reed's eyes.
An iconic album, through & through...and one that makes you feel something different with each listen.
The Beach Boys
4/5
This album doesn’t get as much mainstream love as Pet Sounds, but it’s arguably the bridge between their surf pop sound and the more artistically diverse work that was to come.
This is where Brian Wilson really came into his own, and the exquisite harmonies sound just as great today as I'm sure they did 60 years ago.
The The
2/5
The title track is almost enough for me to give this album 3 stars.
...ALMOST
Billy Joel
4/5
Intimate, yet grand.
It’s one of those albums where every song earns its spot.
Venom
1/5
not a lot of redeemable qualities here
Ryan Adams
4/5
Deeply rooted in Americana, with threads of rock, folk, soul, and country all woven together.
Adams' music always carries a tone of isolation, heartbreak, and loneliness, and this album is no different. He paints a picture of an almost deserved vulnerability.
Adams has his share of critics, and probably rightfully so, however it's difficult to deny his songwriting and talent.
The War On Drugs
2/5
I am an indie rock fan. But this is one of the most sterile-sounding albums I've ever come across.
It's not unpleasant to listen to, but it's like what I'd imagine elevator indie rock music would sound like.
The song "Burning" also clearly imitates the song "Young Turks" by Rod Stewart... i assume that was intentional? Weird.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Lynyrd Skynyrd was just built different. The bluesy, Southern-style rock and intricate melodies set them apart from other bands in the same era.
This album is Southern rock staple, and for good reason.
I Ain't The One, Tuesday’s Gone, Gimme Three Steps, Simple Man, Free Bird... i mean, the hits just keep comin'.
The White Stripes
3/5
Moments of brilliance. The fuzzy riff in Blue Orchid is a thing of beauty.
The album feels theatrical, like a haunted vaudeville show.
It doesn't ALL hit for me. But the highs cancel out the lows.
Richard Thompson
2/5
It's....fine? for folk rock i guess.
Charles Mingus
2/5
Eels
3/5
It's ok. Not a huge fan of the Eels sound, but overall it's a decent album.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
a mix of funk & ballads (and some funky ballads), Stevie never disappoints.
"Superstition" has one of the best arrangements of all-time.
Aretha Franklin
3/5
A cornerstone of soul music.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Enjoyed the guitar work & album as a whole.
Radiohead
4/5
Such a sonically rich album, and yet another evolution from them.
Also contains some of their best tracks. "All I Need" is one of Radiohead's best, even if many people aren't as familiar with it compared to their more "popular" tunes.
Guns N' Roses
4/5
I'm by no means a huge GnR fan, but this debut album by them is iconic.
Welcome To The Jungle, Mr. Brownstone, Paradise City, My Michelle, Sweet Child O' Mine, etc..
The energy, attitude, and bravado are on full display.
Beastie Boys
2/5
If musical legacy were based solely on how many beer-soaked college dudes screamed your lyrics, the Beastie Boys would be gods.
While this album may have helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream, it honestly doesn't hold up well at all, and comes off as mostly juvenile nonsense, yelled to a beat.
To call this their worst album is almost a compliment, because it did pave the way for the Beastie Boys to grow up and eventually create some genuinely good music.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Oozes mid-60s California pop, with lush harmonies, jangly guitars, a touch of folk, a bit of rock, and an undercurrent of melancholy beneath all the sunshine.
California Dreamin' is still a haunting classic.
Not sure about that album cover though, hah.
Cat Stevens
2/5
Not a Cat Stevens fan, but i can appreciate the songwriting.
Sarah Vaughan
2/5
lot of jazz on this list huh?
It's...fine, but not really my thing.
The Replacements
4/5
Adore this album. Also just happens to have my favorite Replacements song on it - "Unsatisfied", which features Westerberg's passionate delivery and gravelly wails...almost to the point of losing his voice altogether.
The entire record is a mix of punk & pop hooks, melding into an alternative rock sound that definitely feels ahead of it's time for 1984.
George Michael
4/5
After leaving Wham!, Michael's debut solo album clearly made a statement, and solidified him as a legitimate solo artist going forward.
He produced and wrote the majority of the album himself, which was rare at the time. It displays his talent as a complete musician, also being able to play piano/keyboard, drums, bass, and various other instruments to compliment his vocals.
Speaking of which, his persona often seems to steal attention away from the fact that he is actually an exceptional vocalist. He delivers technically challenging songs with ease and a rich, soulful passion. He had many duets and collaborations with legendary singers over the years, and was more than able to hold his own.
As soon as the organ starts playing during the beginning of "Faith", you get the feeling this won't be your typical pop album.
In fact, the first few tracks (Faith, Father Figure, I Want Your Sex, and One More Try) showcase entirely different styles, while still fitting perfectly with the tone of the record.
Michael has his share of critics, but it's difficult to discredit this album, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year and produced four number 1 singles. It was both a critical and commercial juggernaut.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
Feels like I should be listening to this in a dimly lit trattoria eating spaghetti & sippin' Cabernet Sauvignon.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Gaye tackles a variety of social, political, and racial topics throughout this record. You can hear the anguish in his voice. Timeless, in a somewhat chilling way.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Rich harmonies & sharp songwriting showcase each member’s distinct voice and songwriting style.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I'm a fan of the genre, and enjoy a lot of stuff from The Chemical Brothers. That being said, I feel a lot of these tracks need a little more substance. They lean heavily on repetition, so the listener is left with the same beat for sometimes minutes on end. The tracks that incorporate lyrics seem to provide additional depth, which helps.
The Chemical Brothers would refine their approach on later records, but this one still tastes like it needed a little more time in the oven.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
I suppose it was difficult to follow up Rumours.
In this case, pretty blatantly obvious. Were they influenced by Talking Heads, or was it drugs? Probably both.
As an album that is considered experimental, it definitely succeeded, as it's all over the place. There are some tracks I really like, and some I really dislike. Averages out to a 3/5 for me.
Madonna
2/5
This electro-pop-whatever version of Madonna is...not good.
I remember when this came out, and it wasn't good then either. "Ray of Light" was also played to death.
The song "Frozen" is passable, the rest of it I'd be fine never hearing again.
Shuggie Otis
2/5
I respect this album a lot. Dig the sound. Only a handful of memorable tracks, however.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I've always considered Cohen more of a poet than a musician.
I can appreciate it. I just don't particularly love it.
Nas
3/5
Often considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
Tight, focused, no filler. Just good rhymes and beats.
An icon of East Coast rap.
The Smiths
3/5
Depending on the day & mood I'm in, I either love The Smiths, or don't care for them at all. May be a metaphor for the band in general.
It's definitely not my favorite Smiths album.
That being said, this album is pretty divisive, even among hardcore fans.
Violent Femmes
3/5
Although I'd be perfectly happy never hearing "Blister In The Sun" again, the rest of the album is actually pretty great.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
"Love and Affection" - wow.
Enjoyable listen.
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Definitely an interesting one.
No doubt the song compositions are great. Just not a style that will warrant a second listen.
The White Stripes
4/5
Recorded in just under two weeks using vintage equipment, the album is a deliberate rejection of digital polish and a callback to analog grit.
Jack & Meg White have always been a unique duo. The minimalistic drumming combined with the raw, bluesy guitar works really well.
The fact that just two people can produce this sound is an achievement.
Less is more, some might say. In this case, that saying proves true.
David Bowie
4/5
Bowie was a weird guy.
Leaning into the strange and theatrical, like he's not part of this world, he's just trying his best to understand it.
Life On Mars? is the standout track for me, unsurprisingly. Such a great song. Never gets old.
Changes is maybe a tad overrated, also doesn't help that I've heard it a thousand times.
Oh You Pretty Things & Queen Bitch are pretty great also.
To me, this album marks the point where Bowie showed a clear path to stardom.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
The Smashing Pumpkins' magnum opus, this double-album is an ambitious odyssey through the sonic landscape of youth, angst, and beauty.
Partly due to it's length, but also the journey it takes you on, Mellon Collie does not feel like a traditional album.
This is the rare occurrence where a double-album justifies it's length by exploring the full range of human emotions. It's entire structure is intentional (everything Corgan does is). A collage of styles and tones. The progression from day to night, light to dark, hope to despair.
It's the band showcasing themselves at their creative peak. The tracks work together to create something greater than the sum of it's parts.
The excess isn't a flaw. If the album is about the overwhelming, contradictory, messy intensity of being alive, then it had to be this long.
Mellon Collie refuses to be constrained, and the album still feels epic in scale to this day.
Oasis
4/5
A brash, confident debut.
Has the sound of a band convinced they’re going to change the world...and for a while, they did.
Bill Callahan
2/5
Only reason I didn't give this a 1 is because some of the arrangements are decent.
Some may describe this as "poetic" or "meditative" (aka often code words for boring). Well, there’s a fine line between minimalism and monotony.
The talk/singing varies between passable and horrible. Obvious Leonard Cohen vibes.
I understand the appeal of somber folk albums like this, but this one doesn't jive with me.
The Temptations
3/5
Groovy, enjoyed it quite a bit.
We'll conveniently ignore the fact that it has one of the worst versions of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" I've come across.
The Vines
3/5
Apparently they were frequently compared to Nirvana. Guess I'm not really seeing it. Although I still think The Vines and The Hives are the same band sometimes...so maybe that is a more accurate comparison.
Their style is right up my alley though, and Highly Evolved is a really good debut album.
The Associates
2/5
This record is like a time-capsule transporting you to the early 80's.
Inventive arrangements.
Cryptic lyrics.
Peculiar song structures.
Flamboyance dialed up to theatrical levels.
New wave mixed with experimental pop and clearly a fair dosage of drugs.
While it doesn't exactly hit with me, I respect the ambition and creativity.
The Crusaders
2/5
This was a lot of funk dealt out while having my coffee this morning.
Steely Dan
4/5
Even on Steely Dan's debut album, they were smooth as hell.
John Coltrane
2/5
One thing can be certain - whoever curated this list loves jazz.
This one was chaotically uninteresting to me.
John Martyn
2/5
Hypnotic ambience
David Bowie
3/5
not sure if this would even make my Top 10 Bowie albums.
That being said, that's pretty stiff competition.
The Icarus Line
2/5
sounds like Marilyn Manson took over as the lead singer of Jane's Addiction, and they took away almost all of the song structure.
I listened to this album 2-3 times to see if I was missing something.
Turns out, I was not.
Jane Weaver
2/5
an obscure art-pop album that hardly anyone knows about from 2017 makes this list. Ahhhh, she's from Liverpool, ok that explains it.
Apart from a couple tracks, this album didn't land with me. I don't hear anything that similar artists haven't done significantly better.
I could easily think of hundreds of albums that aren't on this list that deserve a spot over this one.
Boston
3/5
This album may define 70's classic rock.
Maybe a bit of listener fatigue since I've heard most of these songs countless times.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
I'd consider myself a "big beat" fan. I remember how huge this album was when it came out, and it has some great tunes for sure.
"Right Here Right Now", "The Rockafeller Skank", "Gangster Trippin", and "Praise You" are the standout tracks.
While looped beats are a trademark of the style, I do think it gets a little too repetitive a few times, when not enough has been added to keep the sounds "evolving" so-to-speak. All-in-all, great album though.
Miles Davis
1/5
Over 90 minutes of jam sessions cluttered by so many instruments that is borders on incoherence. More of an endurance test than anything.
Excess just for the sake of excess is not innovative.
Van Morrison
3/5
Solid album through & through
Steely Dan
3/5
Unmistakably unique, Steely Dan brings it again.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Iconic.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
Now THIS is my type of country.
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Interesting album for sure. A mix of covers & originals, with various styles showcased.
Nilsson's version of "Without You" is a prime example of a cover song that is considered better than the original. His composition of it has basically become the version most people are familiar with.
"Coconut" is just absurd playfulness, but obviously a fun & catchy tune.
"Jump into the Fire" is the standout track for me, personally.
Nilsson's talent on full display.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Stevie Wonder's only double album - full of great tracks.
John Lennon
2/5
Drive Like Jehu
3/5
gotta admit, more stuff I liked here than i disliked.
Little Richard
3/5
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
1/5
Sometimes the joke just doesn't land.
The Beach Boys
5/5
A masterpiece that redefined music.
Brian Wilson's lush orchestration, innovative studio techniques, and the intricate harmonies create a soundscape that broke all kinds of ground at the time, yet still feels timeless today.
Radiohead
4/5
a step forward in the sonic evolution of Radiohead, and a preview of the brilliance yet to come.
Genesis
3/5
Progressive rock is not really my thing, but there were enough positives to keep me interested.
Crazy how different 70's Genesis was from 80's-90's Genesis.
Skepta
1/5
I knew this was going to be a British album as soon as I didn't recognize the artist. Exceptionally mediocre.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Enjoyed it for sure.
They don't all hit, but there are enough that do.
Fav track: North American Scum
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
A haunting elegy.
Certainly not an album everyone's going to enjoy, but the bleak beauty it delivers is hard to ignore.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
At the heart of this, there are some good blues tunes.
Unfortunately (intentionally) it is if they are mocking music and embracing weirdness. Which wouldn't necessarily a bad thing, IF it was done in a progressive or interesting way.
I'm also not a fan of the gravelly vocals used on a good number of the tracks.
There is some deranged genius here, but I guess this is the result you get when you let the drugs do the talking.
William Orbit
2/5
Seems the UK bias is on display again. If someone told me this was royalty-free music, I'd believe them.
I enjoy electronic music, but apart from 1 or 2 tracks, this did nothing for me.
Fugees
3/5
This album was huge in 1996. Stylistic & rhythmic personification of cool.
Their rendition/cover of "Killing Me Softly" received a ton of attention and was played...everywhere.
"Ready or Not" is the best song on the album though.
Mike Oldfield
1/5
Shocker, another British album that really has no reason being on this list.
As a horror fan, I certainly can respect that the music was used in The Exorcist...but this doesn't even seem like an album - it's essentially just a long progressive-instrumental recording. And one that gets weirder (and worse) the longer it goes on, mind you.
Soul II Soul
1/5
More British bias. No reason for inclusion on this list.
Pretty sure most of the stock beats were included on Casio keyboards you could buy in 1993.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Simon is a great lyricist & poet, but apart from a few songs in their catalog, their folky music has never really grabbed me.
Best track: Homeward Bound
The Thrills
3/5
For the record, I like this album a lot. I remember listening to it quite a bit when it came out.
That being said, I don't really understand why it is is included on this list, as I don't see it as particularly significant culturally or musically. More British Isles bias, in my opinion.
Soft Cell
2/5
Tainted Love is a certainly a classic, although we've all heard it a billion times.
Say Hello, Wave Goodbye is also pretty great.
The majority of the rest of the album though...yikes. Guess you had to be there.
Carpenters
2/5
the album that made Karen Carpenter into a household name.
It's a dreamy, soft-pop album that doesn't resonate with me at all, but I can appreciate the talent to a degree.
3/5
Paul Simon
2/5
ah yes, the songwriting genius that is Paul Simon brings us classics such as..
"Cars are cars, all over the world
You can drive 'em on the left, drive 'em on the right
Susceptible to theft in the middle of the night"
maybe if there were 10,001 albums on this list, I'd consider including it.
The Soft Boys
2/5
I'm starting to think that every band to ever come out of the UK is on this list.
The Smiths
3/5
Sometimes I love The Smiths, sometimes I hate The Smiths.
Averages out to a 3 for me.
Beatles
3/5
Not among my favorite Beatles albums - there are a few timeless hits though.
Minutemen
2/5
unique, funky, punky.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Iconic
Nirvana
5/5
Brash, raw, and redefined music.
Supertramp
2/5
Simple Minds
2/5
This is a little too "new wavy" even for me.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
"Fast Car" is one of those truly great songs.
Even though Chapman was only 23 when this album was recorded, her voice has a weariness to it, that perfectly fits the tone of the record.
David Holmes
2/5
Why?
The UK bias on this list is actually wild.
It's not that it's bad. In fact, I'd rather listen to something bad/different. It's just that it's a pretty mediocre example of the genre.
Beatles
3/5
Rubber Soul veered away from the pop flavor of their previous records, and was a bit more genre-blending.. mixing folk, soul, and rock.
Songs like "In My Life" show a musical maturity that would become more apparent in future albums.
Marianne Faithfull
1/5
People must have been really polite in the 1970s, because apparently nobody explained to Marianne that her voice was absolutely shot.
She was 32 when this album was recorded...she sounds like she's at least in her late 60's. Don't do drugs, kids.
Faithfull herself described it as her masterpiece. Yeah, it's a piece of something alright.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Classic.
Iconic.
Hypnotic.
Psychedelic.
Listened to this album quite a bit growing up, it had been awhile since I have heard it again in full. It's considered one of the greats for a reason.
Tom Tom Club
1/5
"Wordy Rappinghood" may be one of the most annoying songs ever created, and that's saying a lot.
"Genius of Love", with it's catchy hook, is really the only redeemable track on this album - and even on that, the vocals are questionable at best.
The rest of the album ranges from just weird to awful.
Bert Jansch
3/5
A lo-fi, minimalist album that feels truly authentic.
Has a raw and timeless quality to it.
Just a man, his guitar, and his stories. And I'm all about that.
The Smiths
3/5
As uncompromising and provocative as ever, The Smiths' second album lays it all out on the table.
Interesting that one of their most well-known & beloved songs "How Soon Is Now?" was only included on the US release and not the UK version.
Public Enemy
3/5
Listening to this is like jumping into a time machine.
Obviously an influential hip-hop album. Some of the beats can get a bit tiresome, but the energy of this record is on another level.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Aguilera has an incredible voice, that's never been in question.
This is a blatantly rebellious album that incorporates R&B, hip-hop, and completely shreds the teen pop image she had prior to this.
I am clearly not the target audience, but I can appreciate it for what it is.
Faith No More
3/5
Hey, this is proof that Faith No More has more than one song.
"Epic" is the song everyone familiar with rock music knows, and has probably heard hundreds of times... but exposure/airplay for other tracks was virtually nil.
They do blend styles into what is essentially a funk-rock sound. "Epic" is the standout track for a reason, but the rest of the album holds together decent enough as well.
Wilco
3/5
Wilco fits the mold of a band I SHOULD really be into...but they always come off so milquetoast to me. They're inoffensive, approachable, relatable indie rock.
I've actually listened to them quite a bit over the years. But I can't say I've ever been particularly into them.
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
Musically actually pretty solid & well-produced.
Would probably help if I understood French. Although maybe not, considering the subject matter.
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
There are times i can tolerate, even enjoy, some MBV.
Overall though, this album ain't it.
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
Solid album overall. Never been a huge fan of them, but the duo did create some great & iconic songs, several of which are on this record.
Standout tracks: Save the Life of My Child, America, Mrs. Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter
Black Sabbath
4/5
Certainly in consideration for one of the best metal albums ever.
The Go-Betweens
2/5
I have often heard The Go-Betweens compared to The Smiths.
Might be a fair comparison, but The Smiths were never this boring.
There are a few tracks (like "Streets of Your Town") catchy enough that I can see the appeal...but as a whole, this record is pretty mediocre.
The talk/singing love songs to simplistic guitar doesn't really do it for me.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Some good tracks here for sure. I've actually never been a huge fan of "In the Ghetto", but it's really more of a societal anthem than a crowd-pleaser.
I guess several greats (like "Suspicious Minds") were actually not on the original release, but added as bonus tracks on a later reissue.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Wasn't familiar with this album, but was pleasantly surprised.
The self-proclaimed "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (as they reference it countless times) show what East Coast hip-hop is all about.
Pearl Jam
5/5
Decades later, Pearl Jam's debut album is still their most iconic and well-known. A lot of people credit Nirvana's "Nevermind" with starting the grunge movement, but "Ten" was actually released a month prior.
Ten stands out even among Pearl Jam's large discography, because it is clearly the most emotional and cohesive album they've ever made. It's great from beginning to end, not a weak track to be found.
You can feel Vedder's growling vocals carrying so much weight in every song, and McCready's wailing guitar conveys feelings when words can't do them justice.
A cathartic journey that takes you back to the genesis of grunge.
Paul Simon
4/5
A classic for a reason. Simon's best work.
Great production & mixing as well.
Minor Threat
2/5
Coming in under 22 minutes, it's a pretty quick listen.
Hardcore punk has never really been my thing, but I was surprised to see this was from 1983. Sounds ahead of it's time for sure.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Sure, "Come On Eileen" is good - I suppose why we've all heard it a thousand times. The rest of the album doesn't do much for me.
Van Halen
3/5
Van Halen's debut album gets straight to the point.
Eddie's guitar work is sublime, and David Lee Roth's energetic vocals compliment it well.
The first four tracks are all very strong, although one is a Kinks cover.
The album shreds, and on the right day, I could give it 4 stars. But in my opinion, the majority of the songs don't hold up to the first few. Fun album though.
Fav Track: "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love"
ZZ Top
3/5
If there's anything I know... some rowdy stuff has happened while this album was playing.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Yacht rock, and this album is one long boat ride.
King Crimson
2/5
King Crimson has much better albums than this, so not sure why this also needed to be included.
Elvis Costello
3/5
The United States Of America
2/5
1968 was a different time, wasn't it?
Without being indoctrinated as a flower child, I would not have been a fan of this back then, and I'm certainly not a big fan now.
Also, that's the best they could come up with for a band name?
The Sonics
2/5
As soon as I heard the opening track (The Witch), i thought to myself, "ok, I'm gonna like this."
Little did I know, the majority of the rest are covers, and mediocre versions at that.
I am into garage rock, but I'm not into this.
Skunk Anansie
4/5
Admittedly, I was not very familiar with Skunk Anansie before listening to this record. But this is a great addition to this list, really a fantastic album. The lead singer has a powerful voice and sings everything with conviction.
Great feeling when you discover a band that you've managed to overlook for so long. Looking forward to exploring more of their catalog.
Beatles
4/5
Ranks up there with my favorite Beatles albums.
Will stand by the opinion that "Yellow Submarine" sucks though.
Public Enemy
3/5
Solid enough album. Not exactly sure why there needed to be 3 Public Enemy albums on this list, but ok.
2/5
I can appreciate the talent here. I do like some classic country, but this is not really my style.
The Police
2/5
Apart from "Message In A Bottle", I did not jive with this. The way they do reggae doesn't work for me.
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
These guys managed to learn to play instruments and sing a little. Shame about the songwriting part though.
British bias strikes again.
Gillian Welch
3/5
Talented singer. Appealing, simple country tunes.
The Temptations
3/5
Funky.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Unmistakable voice.
Typically not a big folk music guy, but this is a good album.
"River" sounded familiar. The 90's song "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle uses the same melody, thought that was interesting.
The Monks
3/5
Crazy that this was recorded in 1965.
The Stooges
3/5
Influential, chaotic rock
Depeche Mode
3/5
"Never Let Me Down Again" is one of my all-time favorites from Depeche Mode.
The rest of the album has a few peaks and valleys, but nothing particularly standout in my opinion.
Beatles
4/5
Not much I can say about the album that hasn't been said. A classic for a reason.
Fats Domino
2/5
Common
2/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This album is bookended by two phenomenal tracks. Gimme Shelter is probably my favorite Stones song, and one of the best songs of all-time, in my opinion.
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" is an ambitious quasi-ballad that turns into a rock anthem, complete with choir-backed vocals. A perfect closer.
Rock, blues, and even country blend together on Let It Bleed, and the Rolling Stones manage to make it all work.
Tricky
2/5
Am pretty familiar with Tricky, as I remember listening to some of his stuff back in the early 2000's when he was collaborating with Ed Kowalczyk.
I didn't like his stuff back then, and nothing has changed 20+ years later.
I'm never quite sure if he's trying to do electronica, hip-hop, or rap...(i guess maybe it could be considered "trip-hop"). Either way, very few of his songs are appealing to me at all.
By the time I got to the penultimate song (Strugglin'), I thought to myself "that song name is very apropos".
Kanye West
3/5
Ambitious album with several iconic tracks and a seemingly endless amount of collaborators.
Rush
2/5
Never been a Rush fan.
Have heard this album many times, and my opinion did not change after listening to this album in full yet again.
A Tribe Called Quest
2/5
No sure why multiple ATCQ albums are on this list. But I guess they wanted to throw their debut album on here also, for some reason.
It's a lengthy album, and I counted at least 10 different tracks that use sampling from other songs/artists. Certainly a common thing these days, especially in rap/hip-hop, but takes a lot of originality away, if you ask me.
Funkadelic
2/5
Well, the group had a good time making this at least, that's abundantly clear.
The Flaming Lips
3/5
I can get down with the Flaming Lips once-in-a-while.
This is one of those times.
The Doors
3/5
I've never been a huge fan of The Doors, but it's pretty clear this is their magnum opus. And obviously a strong debut album.
Their trademark organ used on essentially every track gives it a psychedelic bluesy feel.
Slayer
3/5
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Crazy this album was made in the 60's, sounds much more modern.
Chef can sing a lil bit!
Maybe a little weird that there are only 4 tracks, but it's a very creative and well-produced record.
Queen
4/5
A genre-blending orchestral album.
Obviously highlighted by Bohemian Rhapsody, but some other really good tracks as well, with the typical Queen weirdness mixed in.
Freddie Mercury is clearly in peak form, with group harmonies also showcased on many songs.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
I am an electronica/techno fan, and I like some of Basement Jaxx' stuff, but not really sure why this album is considered required listening.
Some of the samples they use are actually pretty annoying, to be honest.
The Damned
3/5
Enjoyed it for the most part.
Fav songs: Plan 9 Channel 7, Smash It Up Pt. 1 & 2
4/5
The album title is a bit of a mouthful, but that's about all I can say negatively about this.
Although he has some other great albums, this remains Bowie's best record.
Stan Getz
2/5
Can appreciate the musicianship.
Not my thing though.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
This has gotta be one of the most 80's albums ever made.
Had never listened to it in full before now, but it is...certainly something.
For starters, I didn't care for all the cover songs.
I think "Relax" sounds dated and was mostly a product of the time.
Prince
3/5
A double-album with some great tracks & some mostly forgettable ones.
Green Day
2/5
This album sadly marks the death of Green Day for me.
And I consider myself a pretty big fan of their 80's-90's stuff. I learned to play drums largely from playing along to Green Day records.
Some people will say they sold out.. which I think is a bit harsh. Essentially it's just when they became popular in mainstream circles. It's sorta crazy that this was the first introduction many people had to a band that had been together for over 15 years at this point. When suburban moms start listening to your punk band, I think it's safe to drop the "punk" moniker.
The songs on this album were radio-friendly enough that they became played to absolute death.
The political theme of the album certainly is a reflection of the increased divisiveness of our society. Technically, the album is fine. But I've heard it enough times to last a lifetime.
Wild Beasts
1/5
As soon as I see an artist I don't recognize on this list, it almost always ends up being a mediocre British band.
Mostly hated it. Vocals are awful.
Prince
3/5
A scandalous album, it's clear Prince was at peak horndog mode at this point in time.
Crazy that the year 1999 probably felt so far into the future when this was written.
"Little Red Corvette" is probably my favorite on this album, but it's a fun listen all the way through in it's entirety.
Saint Etienne
2/5
Another day, another English album that doesn't make any sense to include on this list.
Frank Zappa
2/5
Don't hate it, but don't particularly like it either. Progressive rock & jazz have never really been my thing.
Best Track: Willie The Pimp
Manu Chao
2/5
Queen
3/5
a breakout album for Queen.
As is the case with many of their records, there are some amazing songs and some that you're not sure how they ever made the album.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Iconic album from the always dramatic ensemble. Various writing credits, with each member sharing in the success. A classic for a reason.
Kraftwerk
2/5
Listen, i appreciate electronica. And I don't mind Kraftwerk. But this is not something I'm really ever going to ever choose to listen to.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
I found out I don't really care for JT.
Apart from "Cry Me a River", not a big fan of the rest.
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Sometimes there's a fine line between "experimental" and "trash"
Nirvana
4/5
Authentic.
Really shows off the range & talent that Nirvana had.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Easy enough listen.
Arguably good if you're into this sort of thing. Unfortunately I'm not.
2/5
British bias strikes again. There is no reasonable argument for including this album on this list.
The orchestral arrangements do add a whimsical element to an otherwise very pedestrian album.
Blur
3/5
Everyone knows the "one song" off this album.
I'm more familiar with Blur's catalog, but I have never listened to this album in it's entirety until now. Glad I did.
Maxwell
2/5
Didn't know "love-makin music" was an actual genre...but it appears we have found it.
Traffic
3/5
Solid record. Never heard this entire album until now.
The Young Gods
3/5
Did I love it? No.
Did I hate it, like apparently most others? Also no.
Seems like a pretty ambitious album for 1989. Does not sound 35+ years old.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Musically, I like it. Although I have never been a fan of Alex Kapranos' vocals.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
Her debut album is raw & jazzy, but ultimately lacking the soul & bravado that she would bring us on "Back To Black".
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Clearly one of Wonder's best albums.
Just 9 tracks, but many of them are classics (and required listening).
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Not sure if I love or hate Bruce sometimes.
I can tell you that today I didn't particularly enjoy listening to this.
Anthrax
2/5
Never been the biggest metal-head. This didn't convert me.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Not my favorite SW album, but it is pretty groovy nonetheless.
4/5
The Allman Brothers Band
2/5
Sometimes less is more.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
not a fan of this particular lo-fi recording style. It just sounds bad at times, to be honest.
Supergrass
3/5
Never been a huge fan of the most well-known song on this album "Alright".
The rest of the album is passable.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
John Fogerty is an American treasure.
He is also the only person I'm aware of to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
"Proud Mary" is one of several amazing tracks, but unfortunately one that is probably known more for it's cover version popularized by Ike & Tina Turner. The original is better, sorry folks.
Hookworms
2/5
As soon as I saw the band name, I thought to myself "I bet this is British."
Lo and behold, that is indeed the case.
They remind me of a discount version of Passion Pit (who doesn't have an album on this list btw).
Björk
4/5
Not a perfect album, but it's really, really good.
Bjork's debut record (appropriately titled) after The Sugarcubes disbanded, went on to start her very successful solo career.
The timpani on Human Behavior and the general composition of that song in particular is incredible.
Kraftwerk
2/5
I actually have a lot of respect for Kraftwerk being so influential and groundbreaking for electronica music, a genre I enjoy.
But this is not something I'm pretty much ever going to choose to listen to.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
2/5
At least this is jazz with decent structure.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Have there ever been 8 better tracks put together? I don't think so.
Easily one of the best albums ever made.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Enjoyed this more than I expected.
Sounds ahead of it's time for 1981.
Beth Orton
2/5
Beth is an English singer, so as is tradition, she gets added to this list by default.
The album is pretty decent, and Orton has a fairly unique voice. Vocal style seems to be a throwback to Joni Mitchell.
Gang Starr
2/5
Did U2 really need 4 albums on this list?
I can make arguments for including the other 3, but this one does not need to be here.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Not something I'd listen to every day, but can't deny the talent.
The Monkees
2/5
I remember watching The Monkees tv show on Nick at Night (or something like that I imagine). Apart from being a Beatles knock-off band, they clearly had their own talent, and were quite popular for a while.
I listened to the Deluxe Version (which contains 36 tracks and is an hour longer), and I actually prefer many of the songs that weren't included on the original album.
If we're talkin' about the original 14-track version, I wasn't too moved by any of it.
The Cure
5/5
Robert Smith at his creative peak.
Melancholic and beautiful, it still sounds timeless today.
Miles Davis
3/5
Well this was refreshing, since I really disliked the last Miles Davis album I listened to.
Lightning Bolt
2/5
I've heard worse.
I've heard a lot better.
Described by some as "a truly challenging listening experience".
I didn't find it particularly challenging to listen to, but I don't mind noisy rock. A few decent tracks, but most of the album was just ok for me.
Portishead
3/5
Sometimes I can get down with Portishead.
I noticed their 1994 album (Dummy) is also on this list, and deservedly so.
I'm not so sure THIS album deserves a spot, however.
The Birthday Party
1/5
Redeeming qualities? Couldn't find any.
De La Soul
2/5
Mercury Rev
2/5
Sounds like a band trying to sound like the Flaming Lips.
Brian Eno
2/5
Some good stuff here for sure, although experimental ambient/pop is not really something I ever actively choose to listen to.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Dusty's always had a great voice.
"Son Of A Preacher Man" is an all-timer, but most of the other tracks stand on their own also.
Dr. Octagon
2/5
haha, i don't know what this is. But I had never heard it before.
The lyrics are... quite graphic.
Beats are actually decent - got Insane Clown Posse vibes. I found it more comedic than anything.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
I have generally enjoyed Belle and Sebastian's music, despite a somewhat disdain for the twee pop sound.
Janis Joplin
2/5
Never been a big fan of her voice. No apologies.
Air
3/5
Heaven 17
2/5
Randy Newman
2/5
There are a few amusing or decent tunes here & there, but the whimsical musings of Randy Newman have never connected with me.
3/5
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Gil Scott-Heron
2/5
Duran Duran
3/5
Derek & The Dominos
4/5
Clapton is considered a guitar god for a reason.
"Bell Bottom Blues" is a very underrated track, and "Layla" is one of the all-time epic greats.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Fela Kuti
2/5
Tina Turner
2/5
Never been a fan of Tina Turner, or her voice.
Listening to this album only solidified that opinion.
CHIC
2/5
Obviously famous (infamous?) for "Le Freak", which is...fine. Catchy, but a victim of overexposure.
"I Want Your Love" is the best track on this album, however.
The Yardbirds
3/5
If I was a teenager in 1966, I would have been a Yardbirds fan.
M.I.A.
2/5
We all know "Paper Planes", and I thought I liked that song. But this album gets progressively more annoying the longer you listen to it.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
One of the best rap albums of all time.
The Go-Go's
3/5
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Common
2/5
Common strikes me as a guy who thinks he's much better than he actually is.
Grateful Dead
2/5
It's...fine?
I've listened to my fair share of Grateful Dead over the years. Just not my thing.
Elvis Presley
2/5
This somehow sounds 20 years older than it actually is.
Not my favorite Elvis album.
Hole
4/5
Hole is so underrated. Great album.
Sade
3/5
Sade does sensual jazz and r&b better than anyone.
Garbage
4/5
Great album. The fuzz bass & guitar riffs in general are pretty exceptional.
Shirley Manson's dark, seductive vocals give the record a brooding quality.
A 90's alt-rock classic.
Santana
2/5
I appreciate the talent, but I've just never gotten into any of Santana's music at all.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Sometimes I forget how amazingly talented MJ truly was.
"Man in the Mirror" is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Tag on songs like "Smooth Criminal", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Bad", "Dirty Diana", etc.. and you have an all-time classic album from arguably the greatest performer in history.
Nico
2/5
Back then, they gave anyone a microphone who wanted one.
At least Nico with the Velvet Underground has... the Velvet Underground.
As far as her solo stuff is concerned, I think it's mostly just sad listening to a drug addict either glamorizing or reminiscing about their own transgressions.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
2/5
Not my thing, but altogether seems like a decent jazz album.
Wilco
3/5
I've always been torn on Wilco. Love some of their stuff, but most of their catalog is so-so to me.
There are some of those great songs on this album however, so it's a 3/5 for me.
The Police
3/5
Never been a big fan of The Police, but they do have a few great songs.
Goes without saying that "Every Breath You Take" is the standout on this album.
The Beta Band
2/5
There is no rational justification for including this album.
But the fact that this band has not one, but TWO, albums on this list is just absurd.
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Another obscure UK band, shocker.
The album is ok, but absolutely nothing about it seemed particularly great to me.
The Strokes
5/5
This album transports you into a small, grimy venue nestled somewhere in NYC...cigarette smoke lazily wafting & drinks clinking at the bar.
You're not sure if the guy taking cover at the door was an employee or not.
A distorted voice is cutting through the noise, the bleary-eyed singer crooning into a dented microphone that's been duct-taped to the stand.
The simplistic, gritty guitar riffs seem to indicate that these songs weren't exactly intended to be played sober.
The old wood floor is sticky, but it doesn't stop the people from tapping their feet.
The rest of the evening may be a bit of a blur, but the pieces of the night you do remember are special.
Nick Drake
3/5
Have always loved Drake's voice, and his songwriting strength really shows on this album.
The Clash
2/5
Have never liked Strummer's voice, and that's unfortunate because musically I do dig some of their stuff.
Primal Scream
2/5
An eclectic blend, that's not near as deep or as great as people claim it is.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
The ambitious double-album was entirely written in just three and a half weeks, which is insane to think about considering the musical complexity & orchestration on many of the tracks.
The most well-known songs like "Turn to Stone" and "Mr. Blue Sky" are standouts of course, but this album is honestly packed with quality.
Kate Bush
2/5
A little too whimsical for my taste.
Kate Bush should have exactly 1 album on this list, not 3.
Def Leppard
3/5
I'm never quite sure if Def Leppard is glam metal, rock, or pop. I guess that's what leads to a lot of their appeal, they are accessible to people in multiple genres.
This album in particular has a lot of mainstream appeal due to the sheer radio-friendly and approachable songs on it.
Neil Young
3/5
Have never been a fan of Young's voice, but the musical craftsmanship on this album does enough heavy lifting to make it redeemable.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Guess I have my fill of melancholy emo indie music for the day.
Smith's stuff is nice enough to listen to, in small doses.
Donovan
2/5
It starts off promising with "Sunshine Superman", but it's all downhill from there. Actively disliked most of the songs apart from that one.
"Season of the Witch" is not a good song. Have to imagine the only reason it's somewhat popular is because of it's connection to Halloween.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
While I like this album, I don't see a real good reason why Fatboy Slim needs to have 2 albums on this list.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Believe it or not, even though this was released in 1971, it was their 17th studio album. It definitely has a darker tone overall, previewed by the cover art, which looks like something out of a nightmare.
It's not my favorite record of theirs, but the beautiful harmonies add to the melancholy feel of it.
Gorillaz
2/5
I remember how popular this album was when it came out.
I didn't find the music or their corny cartoon characters particularly compelling back then, and it certainly hasn't aged any better.
The fusion of hip-hop, rock, and rap isn't exactly unique, but they branded themselves a certain way to be more appealing to a broader audience.
Although this is their only album on this list, it isn't even their best. That nod goes to Demon Days.