204
Albums Rated
3.34
Average Rating
19%
Complete
885 albums remaining
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2010s
Favorite Decade
World
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
34
5-Star Albums
12
1-Star Albums
Taste Analysis
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Rating Style
You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Walk Across The Rooftops | 5 | 2.86 | +2.14 |
| Eli And The Thirteenth Confession | 5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
| La Revancha Del Tango | 5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
| Miriam Makeba | 5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
| Little Earthquakes | 5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
| GREY Area | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse | 5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
| Siembra | 5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
| Melodrama | 5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
| 25 | 5 | 3.36 | +1.64 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstar | 1 | 3.48 | -2.48 |
| James Brown Live At The Apollo | 1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
| Fear Of A Black Planet | 1 | 3.34 | -2.34 |
| The Man Machine | 1 | 3.32 | -2.32 |
| Loveless | 1 | 3.17 | -2.17 |
| In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida | 1 | 2.94 | -1.94 |
| Out of Step | 1 | 2.92 | -1.92 |
| Only Built 4 Cuban Linx | 1 | 2.86 | -1.86 |
| Atomizer | 1 | 2.72 | -1.72 |
| GI | 1 | 2.54 | -1.54 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Elton John | 2 | 5 |
| Adele | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (34)
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Popular Reviews
OutKast
3/5
I have finally finished it.. not bad at all. Most songs are interesting, and I appreciate the artists’ efforts to marry two albums.
Nevertheless, I still believe there is an optimal length for albums, even though experimental albums like this might require a much longer time to make the magic happen. I understand this is a fermenting process but it is really too long for anyone. No matter how good the music is, I can’t be naturally focused for this long. When I need to tell myself to keep paying attention, I think that’s the turning point.
Music wise, very good, it’s a four star album and a three star album. They do complement each other very well. And it’s commercially successful with some big hits. Overall it’s still a four star album, but I deduce 1 star because of the terrible speaker box ad-lib.
2 likes
Beastie Boys
5/5
This is not the typical genre I’d enjoy. The first 7 songs including their hits made me want to give it a two star.
But things began to change from Sabrosa where I can find my own space to hide from the complications, and get ready for a second wave.
The same goes with Eugene’s Lament. What on earth is this. I love it. I’m having a zen moment while I’m listening to this loud album. The feeling is incredible. The flute loop, oh my, nice hook. This was the point when started really enjoying the album.
I also had to mention Bodhisattva vow. I didn’t check the name of the song when I was on it, but my brain went: “this sounds like what they played when my grandad died”. And then I checked the lyrics and it was about achieving Buddhahood (to reach the end of suffering). At this point I can confirm the boys know what they are doing and have a solid reference on what they want to commute with the audience. Solid 5.
2 likes
Turbonegro
2/5
Amazing intro, I had high hopes. But the rest 55 minutes sound like one single song. The overly enthusiastic and ott sound made it feel like sensory overload, especially when I was not in the high-energy mood. Almost gave me an anxiety attack at work.
1 likes
Tim Buckley
3/5
It’s ok. He does a lot of push and pull, which I didn’t like. Also in many songs, he went very nasal, which again I didn’t like.
Music wise, not bad. Layered instrument is good. But nothing really catchy. It’s a low 3 for me.
1 likes
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
A short happy album. I actually enjoy the yodel in Gang bang. The intro of The Faith Healer sounds modern K-pop for me. Giddy up a ding dong is very playful. It has a simple hook but also has other complex and diverse elements like key change / tempo change. So it’s quite balanced. I liked it.
The problem is the vocal sounds too dramatic, and I can hear his voice cracked on purpose (next). Or at least it sounds in control. Technique wise I think he’s ok, some grits are actually very nice. But most time he just doesn’t sound pleasant. And too many contrived bends. If he was asked to record it a second time I’m not sure if he will feel awkward about the delivery.
In my opinion, if he can just sing in just a slightly more normal way, and maybe use more of his chest voice, it will be much better.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (12)
All Ratings
Boston
5/5
Nice album. Interesting chord progression, great vocal performance, and impressive production in 1970s.
Likes: more than a feeling, peace of mind, let me take you home tonight
Not sure: smokin’ (well technically it’s really good in all aspects, but personally not too sure if I enjoy it ..)
Turbonegro
2/5
Amazing intro, I had high hopes. But the rest 55 minutes sound like one single song. The overly enthusiastic and ott sound made it feel like sensory overload, especially when I was not in the high-energy mood. Almost gave me an anxiety attack at work.
The Smiths
3/5
Am I right that all the songs are within one octave? and I believe about 90% of the notes are between A3 to D4, which makes the album sound very dull.
Apparently this album influenced Oasis and Britpop in the 90s, so it has some value. 2.5 / 5.
The xx
4/5
A good album. Simple but not too boring. The fact that the intro is now still widely used by TikTok/insta/youtube shows its enduring appeal.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
A very good album. Nice vocal performance. Smoothing and beautiful arrangement. The recording is a bit off, and doesn’t really make her voice shine. But it is still a very nice piece of work, considering it was released in 1969.
Beastie Boys
5/5
This is not the typical genre I’d enjoy. The first 7 songs including their hits made me want to give it a two star.
But things began to change from Sabrosa where I can find my own space to hide from the complications, and get ready for a second wave.
The same goes with Eugene’s Lament. What on earth is this. I love it. I’m having a zen moment while I’m listening to this loud album. The feeling is incredible. The flute loop, oh my, nice hook. This was the point when started really enjoying the album.
I also had to mention Bodhisattva vow. I didn’t check the name of the song when I was on it, but my brain went: “this sounds like what they played when my grandad died”. And then I checked the lyrics and it was about achieving Buddhahood (to reach the end of suffering). At this point I can confirm the boys know what they are doing and have a solid reference on what they want to commute with the audience. Solid 5.
The Zutons
3/5
A good album. I like most songs. But I also had a feeling that some singles sound a bit too familiar? Confusion ~= sitting on the dock of the bay? But still a nice album.
Hawkwind
3/5
I opened my window, facing a motorway, then turned on noise cancellation—still sounds just like the album.
But then I realised the album was recorded in 1972 when the motorway was probably not as busy as today. It was a nice attempt and a good imagery work for the space and “future”!
Dagmar Krause
3/5
I didn’t pay much attention while driving..but I could still get the world war ii theme, so it appeared not too bad for me?
I like their simple yet dramatic arrangement. But there’re really nothing outstanding or memorable..2.5/5
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I love sitars and the idea of bringing sitars to rock music. Paint it black is amazing but the rest doesn’t really stand out for me. 3 stars for the album, and 1 extra star if paint it black is included.
James Brown
1/5
I played the album twice. There are tons of repetition of the same “melody” but I can’t really remember any of them. I don’t like screaming either.
I know the album is historically important and I fully respect that. But sorry I am the mistake, not the album. I’m just a basic person whose attention span has been fully polluted by all the TikTok videos in 2025. I know it’s bad but it’s happened, and still on going.
Right. So, my very honest opinion: rubbish. One star.
Supergrass
2/5
Weird chords. He can sing though.
Megadeth
4/5
Amazing fluid guitar solo on Tornado of Souls. It was a wow moment for me. The album reminds me of playing little fighter 2. I’ll just blast a “tornado of souls” to slay all my enemies. Err.. cringey but secretly gratifying..
Björk
2/5
I actually liked one of her songs before. But this album is confusing and so long.
My first thought after listening: global warming is a big problem. it can affect people’s mental health now.
Talking Heads
2/5
Sometimes weird sometimes just mediocre. Nothing stands out.
David Bowie
3/5
Not too bad. But nothing really excites me either. Was fun listening on my way home.
I knew this album was old, but the production was a bit disappointing? At some point I found it almost impossible to hear his voice. I remembered I turned up the volume couples of times but still can’t hear him clearly. (I was comparing it with Boston by Boston - 1976) Musically, I think the album is beautiful and refreshing. A nice 3 star.
Brian Eno
4/5
I think it’s a nice album. It matches the artist’s personality very well so it doesn't sound contrived. Musically, I like the melodies - they don’t sound old. There are some light hearted elements that can still be appreciated today. But I do notice that they sampled some weird sound.. For example, in the beginning of <Here Come the Warm Jets>, I could be wrong but I feel it unnecessary to put some extra dingdong chimes. It’s barely noticeable but once you know it’s there it just becomes a bit annoying…
David Bowie
3/5
Nice album. It was pleasant to listen to. But waking up this morning, I don’t remember anything specific about the album anymore…
Björk
3/5
I’m confused. I can make myself like it, but should I? Well the album encouraged me to think hard, 3 star.
The Temptations
4/5
A very pleasant album. Very good production and vocal performance. I did expect a bit more from them, tho this is really good.
Miles Davis
4/5
A nice album. I enjoyed it. It’s hard to make music like this now. It ages really well.
Radiohead
3/5
At some point, this feels like Björk..
Beastie Boys
3/5
They can do better.
The Monks
3/5
was tying to imagine how it would have sounded like if it was made in the 80s or later. In the album, drums just sound like someone was hitting a plastic stool..
Rush
3/5
Very nice album. I enjoyed it. Leaning towards 4. I didn't why I was waiting for a very pop catchy green day style song…
Ray Charles
4/5
His vocal performance is a strong 5. The album is beautiful too. At the end some songs gave me a feeling that it’d be a pity to not include them, but they just won’t contribute much to the album. But overall it’s still a very pleasant listen.
Beck
3/5
It’s good. But it’s not something I will strongly resonate with. Also I find it not very memorable. Maybe it can be a 4 if I spend more time on it.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
The bassline of Jacqueline sounds a bit like <Here come the warm jets> (by Brian Eno)! Take me out is just so outstanding, yet blended into the album smoothly. Love a natural centrepiece in an album!
Arcade Fire
4/5
There are plethora of interesting elements in this album. Tempo swift from 3/4 to 4/4, layered accordions/choirs/strings, modal shifts etc.
I like some depth of an album, and I also like that they don’t fixate on death. But I’ll have to say.. I’m very picky about vocal performance.. and their primitive voice does affect the enjoyment a bit 😂
5 stars for the album, and -1 for vocals.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
It’s good. I thought it was released recently, but it was an old one. Personally I didn't really enjoy the album. I can’t really point out what’s “wrong”.. could be lack of dynamic shift or harmonic movement.. could be the attitudes.. it’s like going into a nice well decorated hospital. I don’t hate hospitals, but the way the doctors and nurses look at me puts me off.
Public Enemy
1/5
They tried hard. But it was still dull. Also, I was driving when I played the album. Got tricked by some unnecessary sirens!! And many other strange sounds that made me doubt if I had some issue with my car!
D'Angelo
3/5
When I saw “brown sugar” I was expecting brown sugar bubble milk tea with cinnamon sea salt pumpkin spiced cream on top. But I was given a cube of brown sugar in tap water. Still good tho. I like the vibes and his vocal performance.
Blue Cheer
2/5
It’s an easy and short album. I actually listened to it four or five times, and it grew on me a bit. It didn’t really feel that old, and I liked the melodies of most songs.
Then I did a bit of research, and I found I like Summertime Blues by Eddie Cochran more..Blue Cheer changed it a lot but it still hit differently when you knew there was an original which was better.
And many sound tracks are not synced..I get that the technology was not there yet.. but at least make it less obvious..
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
Very nice! It’s a very pleasant album. Nice music, good production and arrangement. I appreciate it’s a well planned, not a jam album. I am not a fan of harmonica but it blends perfectly well into the songs because of the well-thought arrangement.
Neil Young
5/5
I love an introspective and honest album. Many songs really touched my heart. Music wise, lots of interesting instruments (love banjo in old man), beautiful melodies, etc.
This album has cleansed me. At some point I just wanted to say “Thank you, Neil Young”.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
This album has a very good story behind it. It was so nice to learn more about the culture and how music creators reacted to the “Exile”.
Music wise, I’ll have to stay true to myself and I personally prefer more well thought out music than jamming music. I could feel the energy, but without checking the story behind, it was a bit difficult for me to get naturally instinctively focused on the music. Still good but not yet a four for me.
JAY Z
2/5
I could imagine it might have been very good in 2001, but some hooks and beats do sound a bit old for me. I was not really paying much attention tho. Could have missed some good arrangement or details.
Michael Kiwanuka
5/5
Beautiful work. Wow
Fugees
5/5
Classic. Good vibe. Is creepin by the Weeknd created based on Ready or not? This album is timeless.
Funkadelic
3/5
It’s all fine until the last song. Hesitating to give it a four but I don’t like screaming.. It’s a very brave to put two 8-9min tracks, and the album is just 37 minutes long. I like the first two songs.
Pulp
3/5
Feeling a bit excluded.. they are having a party but I am not invited 😢. also it sounds like more like narration than singing. I could tell this was on purpose but not really my type of music. Not a huge fan of head voice either. Music wise it’s not bad. still a good listen
Doves
4/5
I really like one of the guys’ tone (from the second half). The repeated melody of catch the sun is exactly the same as one line of an old (released in 1994 but still quite popular now) Chinese/cantonese song, which put me off a bit. But I still liked the song and I also liked the man who told everything. In general this album matched our mood very well as our bus drove through the mountains under the rain!
The Divine Comedy
4/5
It’s actually not too bad for me. The lyrics are cringey.. especially the middle class heros.. but I believed he created this album purely to entertain people not just because he thinks it’s cool. And it kinda worked.. people have strong opinions about it. One star is better than 3 stars. -1 star is as good as a four.
Music wise, it’s not too bad?? I do like all the theatrical elements. And I love IT crowd, so this is a four for me.
Bon Jovi
4/5
Sounds like J-Pop for me for some reason! Love most songs, especially let it rock, and wanted dead or alive. Sometimes I felt there’re too much grit.. sometimes I was just impressed by his belting technique..he could easily reach D#5, and I believed he could still go much higher than that. Im being picky but many songs are more like ballad? It lacks one unique element to push it to five. It’s a nice album but what about his artistic personality and originality. It’s a perfect commercial album but this doesn’t make it a five. Still very very good tho. I enjoyed it a lot.
Sarah Vaughan
4/5
very enjoyable jazzy music. Good vocal techniques. At first I didn’t quite like her deep vibrato but very soon I realised it suited the music so well. Plus she has a very nice tone! Easy 4 star.
Frank Zappa
2/5
experimental..ad hoc-ly. They created some tension and discomfort but didn’t give me the solution.. I felt lost sometimes.. I might need to pay extra attention to appreciate the album but I didn’t want to. I prefer lying in my bed to be pleased. I like that it still has some jazz gene.
Faith No More
3/5
The album was actually not bad at all but I really disliked the vocalist’s contrived nasal voice..he doesn’t have the most recognisable tone but he can sing! He doesn’t need to pinch his vocal cords that much when he wants to sound different?
Music wise, not bad at all. Liked woodpecker from mars where he didn’t sing!
The Cars
4/5
A nice one. I could be wrong but I think it’d be more tasteful if the vocalists could do more emotive delivery. Most songs are indeed very good but many times I just wish he could do it differently, like one or even two keys higher, to align with energy.
But in general, a very very good album. Catchy songs and it really feels timeless.
Minor Threat
1/5
Personal choice: I like more polished music..
U2
3/5
An ok album. I guess I’m so used to pitch perfect production.. some off pitch vocals were a bit jarring.
OutKast
3/5
I have finally finished it.. not bad at all. Most songs are interesting, and I appreciate the artists’ efforts to marry two albums.
Nevertheless, I still believe there is an optimal length for albums, even though experimental albums like this might require a much longer time to make the magic happen. I understand this is a fermenting process but it is really too long for anyone. No matter how good the music is, I can’t be naturally focused for this long. When I need to tell myself to keep paying attention, I think that’s the turning point.
Music wise, very good, it’s a four star album and a three star album. They do complement each other very well. And it’s commercially successful with some big hits. Overall it’s still a four star album, but I deduce 1 star because of the terrible speaker box ad-lib.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Ok.. but nothing stands out. Not gonna lie, his voice is a bit rough. 2 stars for me but I do like Adele, so I’m feeling generous.
Kraftwerk
1/5
This album sounds like I’ve been stuck on hold with HSBC customer service for 36 minutes.
Culture Club
2/5
I like his tone. Very nice production too. Music wise not the best but it’s ok. I like it’s a miracle more than Karma Chameleon.
I really liked his voice at first but then I realised he was a bit too soft sometimes.
Elton John
5/5
Was a bit hesitant about 5 stars for a similar reason to the Bon Jovi’s album (slippery when wet). Also I really thought there was no such thing as a 5-star buffet..but maybe this album breaks the rule. I really liked his biggest hits. Very tasteful and commercially successful. And I think if he debuted again today with this album, he will have become very big again. So I guess I was wrong, it is a five star buffet!
The Clash
3/5
It’s ok. Not really my type of thing. But I still like that the entire album is around the same big topic. And for some reason.. I really like listening to the “cheat cheat” song. Especially the two cheat cheat. fun.
Killing Joke
3/5
It’s not bad. I was overtaking cars. vibing with the album.
Santana
5/5
Truly amazing considering the album was released in 1970. Latin percussion was really tasteful. Nice vocal performance and impeccable production. He knows what he’s doing and understands where the boundaries are. I can imaging him tryna woo a nun but still always in awe. A very solid timeless album.
Jane's Addiction
4/5
I really liked it. The guitar is nice. Vocal wise it’s raw at the right amount, so it’s not jarring (well because it was tuned to pitch perfect). He can be extremely nasal but still sound not contrived…and then switch to mixed belting seamlessly.
Some melodies are relatively memorable but not too repetitive. It also has some level of details I won’t be able to pick up while driving. Love summertime rolls, mountain song, ocean size, Jane says. A very pleasant listen!
The Temptations
4/5
Very enjoyable. Nice tone and vocal techniques! He effortlessly hits G5 in “I gotta find a way”. From how the vocalists sing, I won’t be able to guess it was released in 1969 at all.
Music wise, it has some variety around a theme. Love some layered percussion too. And I truly appreciate shorter albums now. If I skip the 8.5 minute song, it will hit differently.
Nas
5/5
This album sounds hyperfocused. Love his flow and jazz piano loops. It creates a perfect “Those who crouch the lowest, jump the highest.” vibe. Love the quiet ambition. Definitely a five.
Ryan Adams
3/5
It’s not too bad. I like the first half of the album. It feels refreshing. Nice tone. But the second part becomes a bit boring and a bit too long. It’s like when you go out for a walk, the most exciting moment is when you open your front door.. but the walk itself is actually mediocre. So maybe not quite a four. But a solid 3 for me.
Otis Redding
5/5
Superb vocal techniques. Most songs are covers? I did some research and found that he died at the age of 26?.. I wanted to rate the album without thinking about it but I just can’t. I wish his soul is as free as this album.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Yes it is an exceptional album. Love “in the flesh”, “goodbye blue sky”, “young lust”, “stop”, and “run like hell”. Also captured “isn’t this where we came in” moment when I turned up the volume on a quiet Thursday night.
It’s also a very very long album. But all songs are enjoyable. So I don’t really know what I expect them to do to make it shorter. Nevertheless, I’m still debating on a five because of its length.
The very last thing I did after I had spent over 20 hours on this album was to check when it was released. I told myself it’s a five if it’s dropped before 1980, and a four otherwise. And it was released on 30 November 1979.
Maybe it is indeed the special one for me. It’s a 6, and -1 for its length.
Miles Davis
4/5
It helped me focus on work. Feeling very productive. Nice.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Not bad. Actually quite good amongst 70s albums. It’s very exotic for me at first, and I can tell the artist put his efforts to make it diverse and interesting. I do like Taj Mahal. Can’t understand the lyrics but I do think it represents the album Africa Brazil?
John Coltrane
3/5
Not bad. Classic jazz music. But I can’t think of a perfect moment that I could immerse myself into the album. It doesn’t help me focus on my work, neither does it help me feel relaxed. When I tried paying extra attention to the album, it was just not that interesting either..
Germs
1/5
If I was a vine or tendril from the upside down world in stranger things, I would love the album. Such a happy life in a xeno world. But no, not for me. I like it clean.
My Bloody Valentine
1/5
Have you ever had jellied eels with m&ms on top? I hate it. The same feeling for this album.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Very interesting. I believe that they have a very good foundation to produce intricate and serious music, but they chose heavy beats and the most straightforward way to present themselves. This makes them different from other DJs, as they are making brainwashing big beats by their artistic choice not because they could only do loud basslines.
I do like praise you, love island. Very fun to listen. Also it’s realised in 1998, very impressive.
Bob Dylan
3/5
A very nice and chill album. His voice is way better than the other albums. The only “problem” for this album is the harmonica is so loud. Too loud. I had to turn the volume down a few times.
Massive Attack
2/5
Weather storm is ok.. but not sure about the other tracks.
When you saw an old secret decommissioned biological lab, you went “oh what a shame”, but you also knew it was not going to work at all. That’s probably when I’d like to revisit the album again.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
It’s ok but not too memorable at least for first time listeners. They use semi tones a lot..but I don’t think this makes the album sound pleasant or any different. I can tell they must have put some efforts but it just didn’t work very well. The recording and production are a bit off for me as well. Simply stacking multiple sound tracks and put the reverb to the max won’t make it sound better. I could be wrong but this won’t be my personal choice..
Iron Butterfly
1/5
?
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Very nice. Love “the art of peer pressure”, “Bitch, don’t kill my vibe”, and “good kid”. And most tracks are really well written and produced. Also appreciate that he is a calmly emotional story teller. The arrangements complement his tones so well, the string at the end of bitch don’t kill my vibe is a piece of pure gem. This album is full of thoughtful details. Very tasteful.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
He survived an assassination attempt before he recorded this? I liked <Jamming>. When he goes "Jamming Jamming", I thought he was calling my friend's name (Jiaming..). Fun. But I guess reggae is just not really my favourite type of music? They all sound like someone's in a themed park dressed up in cartoon uniform holding a candy floss some extent...very bouncy...
Wild Beasts
2/5
I don’t like deep vibratos. Falsettos are weak and no support. Sorry terrible lead singer. Music is meh.. but I’ll have to say the production is solid. It makes a less appealing album appear “better”. Every-time I expect it can get better because of the production. Even though it didn’t, it helped me finish the album. Otherwise I couldn’t even finish it..
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
5/5
I really liked it! I guess I’m not familiar with Latin American music at all. Without the background of the existence of other albums/artists, this is amazing amazing. I enjoyed tight percussions a lot, argh, the chord progression as well, very tasteful.
The Beach Boys
4/5
A very nice album. Soothing melodies and very relaxed vibes. I know it’s supposed to be more about reflection than melodies but I have no knowledge about what they were reflecting on..chords are nice, and overall it’s really nice for a 70’s album.
The Kinks
3/5
he can sing. Not the most recognisable voice but still a nice tone. He could do emotive delivery within his relatively narrower vocal range.
The album itself is just ok. The 2/4 lilts in The Village Green Preservation Society remind me of some march-like patriotic rhythms. The phenomenal cat’s intro sounds like Tom and Jerry. I can’t tell if I like it or not, it’s just an observation. I have a very neutral feeling about this album, I define this as a perfect three.
The White Stripes
3/5
Blue orchid is so good. I wish the lead vocal could do better though. Such a nice song. Also liked the marimba in the nurse. Reminds me of the nurse who got fired because she stripped off for her patients. Overall it’s a pleasant listen but I’m not sure if I like his voice…-1 for vocal performance.
Raekwon
1/5
A lot of talking. Repetitive and dull beats. Maybe make it shorter and then we can aim for a two star.
Mj Cole
2/5
The album is not written to connect with the audience. Not written to entertain either.
Music wise, strange but academically novel??? There are indeed some key change, rarely used or maybe “weird” chord progression..I can see they wanted to make the innovation not too jarring.. so they simplified their music so we could notice the “difference” more easily??
Logically, it’s self-contained. But I am not really sure about their motivation and where they wanted to lead us to. Style over substance. Overly “minimalistic”. And it is just not good enough to make an impact in a short term.
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Is Pharrell Williams influenced by him? He can sing no doubt. But I’m not very convinced by this album. The melodies are not the catchiest. And the arrangement is a bit dull. It sounds almost the same for all songs. Luckily it is short. So I was not triggered.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Piano. Good but it was recorded long time ago. So the sound quality is a bit off. It needs some AI remastering.
R.E.M.
5/5
Very nice. I loved it. He doesn’t have the strongest or the most showy vocal techniques but it works perfectly for his own music. He sounds like Neil Young’s spiritual cousin. So nice. Everybody hurts just reminds me of the video I saw recently. People who like sad music are not chasing griefs. They are drawn to the subtle relief that comes from hearing sadness articulated more beautifully than they have even been able to say themselves.
Big Black
1/5
Dear future me,
Trust me you won’t like it!
2/5
Every track starts with the same instrument and tempo. The recording is not good. Understandable as it’s quite old. It’s like sea anemone. It tries to go everywhere but can’t go far in any direction.
a-ha
3/5
First song is a big hit and it’s nice. The rest is just ok. You don’t have to listen to this album before you die but it’s still nice.
Beatles
5/5
Too good. Replayed many times and don’t wanna move on. Love all songs.
Fela Kuti
3/5
Ok saxophone album.
Elliott Smith
3/5
To be honest, not very memorable. And he’s not doing much vocally. But understanding that he suffered from depression and died at age 34 from suicide, it hits slightly differently. At least arrangement and production are very good.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
I could be wrong but it seems that Mr. Costello really likes clenching his throat when he sings. And he focused so much on consonants. Sounds a bit contrived. Music wise, it’s ok. They’re making efforts to entertain.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Not too bad! I liked Milk. But the others I’m are not too sure.
Green Day
4/5
A very good album. I like pop punk, they know how to make exceptional pop punk albums. They are the definition, revolution, and evolution of the genre. And we all know they can do better. So 4 for this one!
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
It’s not bad! It’s not like cooking a steak that you need to know when to turn off the stove. This album is like cooking chicken. It has to be 100% cooked. And the deliciousness depends on how you season and marinate it. So the repetitiveness makes sense. Chicken has to be fully cooked! The album is flavourful, lots of different instruments. Vocals are tasteful too. Everything is there because of their artistic choice.
KISS
3/5
It’s ok. Encouraging in a strange way… the songs are about dying in a car crash? But it just sounds so exciting and motivational. If I don’t pay attention to the lyrics, it will have given me a “oh yehhh letsss gooooooooo” vibe..
Gotan Project
5/5
A very nice jazz album. Nice alto voice though much singing in the album. Rich arrangement and very diverse instruments. Fun chord progression. It has all elements that I often like.
There’re some moment that I wish it could give me more than just a jazzy vibe. Plus this album lasts a bit too long. Man needs a climax to finish off. Still gratifying. I enjoyed it a lot.
Traffic
4/5
Why so many people must die? Ok he is the corn king. Fine. I would be really grateful if it’s true. But I probably just don’t like the idea of self sacrifice especially when there is no scientific reason.
Music wise ok. A short album. Actually very good vocal performance but not produced well. It sounds very raw.
5/5
Knights of Cydonia (live at Rome Olympic Stadium) is my all time favourite muse song! Super massive black hole is just perfect too.
Tears For Fears
5/5
Very good! Loved shout. Everyone wants to rule the world is very nice too. Classic. His vocal is not my favourite, I hear a lot of low larynx. But it fits the music so well. The attitude the energy is a perfect match.
I really like shout. It’s popular it’s artistic it’s so tasteful. Some albums have one or two strong tracks as well but I’d still doubt if one or two tracks make an album 5. Like Franz Ferdinand’s take me out is undoubtedly a masterpiece but would it make the entire album a five? Shout is slightly different. It serves as the foundation of the album, it stands out itself, but also helps me appreciate the album as a whole. It’s the motive of the album, it’s the highlight and it is the great blueprint of the album.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
They’re trying very hard to make it different. But it didn’t work. Many times I thought he was out of tune…remove the vocal Melodie’s it’d probably be a 3?
Queen
5/5
Bohemian Rhapsody is definitely the highlight. Also liked love of my life. There’re lots of registration changes. He is very good at head voice and mix belting, and he makes it sound effortless. But can also be a bit too theatrical sometimes.
It’s still a five! Liking the album doesn’t make you gay!
Pantera
2/5
heavy metal. Lots of screaming not a fan. Also just a heavy metal album nothing goes terribly wrong.
Tim Buckley
3/5
It’s ok. He does a lot of push and pull, which I didn’t like. Also in many songs, he went very nasal, which again I didn’t like.
Music wise, not bad. Layered instrument is good. But nothing really catchy. It’s a low 3 for me.
David Bowie
4/5
It’s very good, but not in its best shape. If his voice was produced just slightly better, the entire album would have been much much more pleasant.
Music wise, very enjoyable as well.
Little Simz
5/5
Really good. Liked the flow and the beats. Very diverse and tasteful music. Definitely loved 101fm. So nice to hear some traditional oriental element (guzheng and yangqin in the traditional Chinese do re mi sol la scale) in western music.
Also now I know who Michael Kiwanuka is! Very talented artists, both of them!
Black Sabbath
4/5
Classic. Heavy riff driven. Most songs are very catchy and very memorable. That being said, they are also way simpler than most 4/5 star album we have had so far. And it’s not minimalist by design. They tried making the album comprehensive and deeper. It’s more like an unpolished stone that changed the landscape - not a jewel cut to perfection.
Röyksopp
3/5
Not a big fan but it’s ok? The best way for this album is to turn the volume to the lowest before you sleep. Soothing..
Goldfrapp
4/5
It’s ok.. was not really paying much attention but nothing too bad. And overall it’s a pleasant listen. I enjoyed it, very peaceful. I was booking my tickets to Hawaii, and I had never paid so much on flight tickets. But the album gave me the confidence to press confirm……thank you. I’ll try remembering this moment.
LTJ Bukem
1/5
Don’t know what this is! Don’t waste your time again. 3 hours 30 minutes instrumental mix. Some tracks are just ok but not worth the time checking them again.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Overall it’s a pleasant listen. She did a lot of registration changes. Her voice is good but does sound a bit old school. I still really like her voice though. Music wise nothing really stands out but nothing goes wrong either. The album is reasonably diverse and well produced (considering it was released in 1974..).
Is Phoebe Buffay based on Joni Mitchell???
The Kinks
3/5
Not very memorable. But a very happy album..
Beck
4/5
Actually I liked it. It felt it very special and different at the beginning. I do like derelict. Especially the instrument arrangement around 2:00. But it also pushed me a bit too hard. After derelict, my brain was completely switched off and can’t really take more “novel” stuff. And then the fire alarm sounds later on in the album just sounds terribly annoying.
It’s a hard one. It almost worked for me. I’d say it’s four for me. At some point I did feel I was in the middle of some sort of channeling process, which was very good. But then the fire alarm went off, shite, terrible😣
Ice T
2/5
A bit dull. A rap album. Some track he just raps without any beats, and it just feels a bit dry. Plus it’s a bit too long.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
4/5
A short happy album. I actually enjoy the yodel in Gang bang. The intro of The Faith Healer sounds modern K-pop for me. Giddy up a ding dong is very playful. It has a simple hook but also has other complex and diverse elements like key change / tempo change. So it’s quite balanced. I liked it.
The problem is the vocal sounds too dramatic, and I can hear his voice cracked on purpose (next). Or at least it sounds in control. Technique wise I think he’s ok, some grits are actually very nice. But most time he just doesn’t sound pleasant. And too many contrived bends. If he was asked to record it a second time I’m not sure if he will feel awkward about the delivery.
In my opinion, if he can just sing in just a slightly more normal way, and maybe use more of his chest voice, it will be much better.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
I think it’s not too bad. A child’s claim to fame and expecting to fly both sound really familiar for some reason. Very Neil Young. Overall, it’s a very short album, very nice music. I’m not tied of him yet! So a four for me!
The Byrds
4/5
Not bad at all! I really enjoyed My Back Pages. Listening this album on the way to a very quiet park on a Sunday afternoon. Super warm outside but we chill in the car with aircon on. I’ll remember this.
The rest is just ok. I definitely dislike the noise in CTA-102 though. So it’s a weak 4 for me.
Throwing Muses
2/5
Too long. I really struggle with super long albums. Maybe I have ADHD. Her voice sounds like she’s too nervous when she recorded the album. Arrangement is fine. It appears to have some diversity but actually it’s just too long!!!
Stereolab
3/5
It’s good! It has the “everybody must be good at something, for me it’s cooking crumble” vibe.
The intro of cybele’s Reverie is very nice. Almost tricked by it. I thought it’d be a serious song but no. Very lighthearted.
Singing is a bit meh. But it suits the album. The only problem is too long. The album is somehow diverse, but it doesn’t need an hour.. make it 30 minutes it’d be a good four star for me!
The Vines
3/5
Good. Some interesting chord progression. Very good vocal techniques? I think he can easily do 1-2 keys higher. But he chose not to. When it gets higher, he used grits and head voice. Not my favourite but it works for this genre I guess.
Adele
5/5
Having listened to many albums in the list, I can appreciate this album better. It is one of the best albums by one of the best artists in our generation. I liked many albums in the list, but so far this is one that I can relate the most. Can’t believe it’s been 10 years now. 25 grow old with me.
Mekons
2/5
Is this a therapeutic album for the artists themselves? Doesn’t do much for me.
Vocals are not produced. Tracks are not even synced well. But somehow I can imagine if someone covered this album and produced it well, it might not be too bad.
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
A very short live album. I really enjoyed it. amazing vocal performance. Falsetto, grits, belting, all very good. It was recorded in 1964? So I assumed no editing? Which was very impressive.
I liked your cheating heart. The other songs do sound the same, but at least they are all short, so was not bored. It’s like an old photo, it ages well and it captures the moment very.
T. Rex
3/5
Not a fan. The vocal was a bit on the weak side. Grooves are ok. The arrangement is actually good too. But the album is like a bottle of flat coke. Pump it up man.
The Cardigans
3/5
They tried many things. Lots of key changes, bends, and some unusual chord progression. But sometimes I find it overwhelming. There are too many “novel” ideas in one song. And sometimes the disharmony is not really “resolved”. Instead they just switched to a completely different direction. Many times I feel the disharmony is gone but the discomfort is still there.
Lead vocal is relatively recognisable. Very good. She sounds amazing when she tries belting! But often she goes more breathy.
Overall this album has a 5 star potential but it lands at 3 for me.
David Bowie
1/5
How is this rated 3.5 globally? Am I deaf? Sorry I am not a fan of deep and slow vibrato. The only good thing for me is his voice. He does have a nice tone but that’s it.
The Pharcyde
4/5
From soul flower to passin me by is so good. I like when rappers are not afraid to sing. Very rich music. I enjoyed it.
John Prine
3/5
Nice folk songs. Can be a good vibe if you’re in the mood. But I was at work so didn’t do much for me…
Lorde
5/5
Oh I love melodrama.. dynamite supercut liability green light sober writer in the dark I like them all. A very good ballad album.
Frank Sinatra
5/5
I really liked it. Amazing arrangement and perfect vocal performance. A very good jazz/pop album. It was released in 1956, and in 2025 I can still appreciate it.
The B-52's
2/5
Terrible voice. No control over vocal cord at all, extremely casual and nasal. It doesn’t even deserve an honourable mention.. so I won’t give it a one star.
Adele
5/5
Loved one and only, and of course other big hits too. Rolling in the deep and set fire to the rain does feel a bit crafty for me. But this is largely because of too many terrible covers. The original version is full of vitality. Strangely someone like you has millions of covers as well but it’s always a perfect Adele song no matter how bad the covers are. Overall although I like 25 more than 21, it’s still a five!
Giant Sand
2/5
Too long. Too slow. If you want to sink deep, this is the one to go.
Missy Elliott
3/5
It’s ok. Some good beats. I am being picky about the presentation and can be very wrong about it; but quite often I can’t focus on the rapper because of some sharp percussive elements, or the synths competing with the voice. if someone can EQ it, it will be much better?
Music wise, it doesn’t breathes dynamically like some really good rap albums we have had so far. Some tracks are just looping and they don’t contribute much. It’s more like “hey look I’m just chilling here I’m so cool” instead of expressing anything informative. Overall it’s an enjoyable listen. But yet not a 4 for me.
Badly Drawn Boy
4/5
They are really using different sounds quite well. They included instruments and sound effects but all themed the same way.
If the album was polished slightly better, it would be more pleasant for listeners. Not sure if it’s Spotify but “this song” is really rubbish with left and right channel switching.
Vocally he sounds very calm, which suits the music very well. It adds a nostalgic feeling to this album. Some tracks sound like sometime you’d hear in a good rusty lake game. Overall, a very pleasant listen.
Tom Tom Club
2/5
Too long… can be fun if you’re in the mood. When 3D technology was not yet there, many games were made 2.5D. This album gives me the same feeling.
Madness
2/5
Very good album cover.
Music wise, lots of semi tones I don’t like. They have a framework to write songs which I don’t think I can connect with.
Elvis Costello
3/5
Bad album cover.
Singing is a bit off for me. He can sing but he sounds a bit too deliberate. Less mask would be better.
Music is just ok. Relaxed. Short album. Nice vibe. Just happened that I know one Alison, but it doesn’t mean my aim is true ..
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
It’s quite good. He doesn’t do much vocally but he delivered a load ton of emotion. A good album if you need somewhere quiet to dwell on anything.
Suede
4/5
I like this album more than I should. Normally I don’t like lead vocal being too nasal or too dramatic. He used lots of cries and falsettos which I normally don’t like. But somehow I could feel how much they must have loved their own music. His presentation suits their style quite well.
I do like the next life. When you start talking about the next life, it suggests you may well like your current life, and you want to experience it again. It’s an enjoyable moment for me.
Simply Red
4/5
I like it. On the edge of being too long but overall it’s still pretty good. Good vocal as well, they sound very casual but the notes are already very high. And they do a lot of runs. It was a really good surprise for me.
I could be wrong but I think except for heaven, every other tracks are 4/4. And many songs have almost the same bpm. So not quite a five.
Gang Starr
3/5
Ok. a good hip hop album. Chill and relaxed. some beats are actually quite good as motifs. In my opinion, if they can expand a bit more than just repeating the beats, it’d be much more diverse and fun to listen.
Mariah Carey
3/5
It’s ok. She sounds very good. Breathy, loads of runs, registration changes, and belting. Vocal-technique wise, it’s very strong. Her voice is very recognisable as well. But too much flex. It does remind me of the vocal coach in X factor many years ago. Ariel Burdett. Academically, she’s ok. but no one will like to listen to that.
Music wise, not good either. Very mellow ballads. Pretty standard song writing and 90s pop-star production.
Pere Ubu
1/5
They tried hard. Very experimental with different sound effects etc. But sorry not my thing. The high frequency sound in the beginning was very annoying and irritating. What’s that for? Well, at least it’s a short album.
Singing might’ve been inspired or coached by a sheep I don’t know. But a nice brave attempt. In the history, we also need to see what has backfired and failed hard.
The Fall
4/5
Surprisingly good. Obviously very bad singing. But music is good, some tracks have the potential to become bigger hits if they are covered by the right artist. The original singer is just being himself. Well he can’t really sing, but somehow his voice still works for his own music. At least I can still tell the music is good. And this is probably the best he can do. Imagine if Mariah was the lead vocal, would it actually be a lot better? Probably not if her voice runs from Pacific Ocean to South Africa.
And I genuinely think it’s a good complete album. Go and see Spain, not Australia. I like it.
M.I.A.
4/5
Very good. I like it when a rapper can sing. It’s a very nice genre fusion album. Many beats are good. I like percussions as always. But I’d also understand if people recon the beats appear a bit too simple or repetitive. They’re not really layered well. But the simplicity matches the energy she brings in. Overall, it’s a pleasant listen.
Donald Fagen
4/5
Good jazzy vibe. Nice vocal. But nothing really surprises me. Also some pop element (the drums argh, simple chords etc) does weaken the jazzy power. Maxine is my favourite track. It is very tasteful and it’s both jazzy and poppy, 6/8 among all the 4/4 songs is also very refreshing. Overall a pleasant listen, I enjoyed it.
Patti Smith
2/5
Her voice is good. But music wise it’s a bit boring and nothing stands out, at least for me. She did try spicing up the album by more emotive delivery. But her brokenness ended up sounding really unnatural and unnecessary.
Queens of the Stone Age
3/5
I don’t like the first five songs, they sound the same. Very simple stuff, repetitive swings that do not evolve at all. From the sixth track it becomes more interesting (the bronze). More surprising riffs, much more catchy melodies, and much richer arrangement.
But overall this is not my favourite type of music. And the lead vocal is on the weaker side for me. Many tracks are not really interesting. If they can make the album shorter it’d be very different.
David Crosby
3/5
A very nice album. It has a good mixture of many genres. Nothing really stands out but every track is above a certain standard. Not sure if I will come back to the album but it does sound pleasant. A real good 3.
Not bad at all. Loved it. Love lives here, stay with me. I like most tracks. A very pleasant listen.
Miriam Makeba
5/5
we loved it. Good melody amazing vocal performance. Very diverse and interesting album. Love the first 4-5 songs. And the rest is also very good. Will definitely come back.
Sparks
2/5
Not the most enjoyable melodies or chords.. they are trying to be creative and different but sorry doesn’t work for me.
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Nothing really stands out but at least it sounds pleasant most of the time. If I listened the album in a quieter environment I’d appreciate it more.
The speaking in the first song was a bit strange, but imagine if it was a Japanese anime song, would it bring in more zen vibes and would I feel more relaxed?
Vocal wise not good either.. she is just slightly off pitch but this makes me feel very uneasy. Overall I do think the album has some potential but it was not completed in its best shape.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Very pleasant listen. I like slow pacing albums. I liked come pick me up. His voice suits the music very well. Not over or under produced. Ed Sheeran sounds like him just a little bit.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
This isn’t the genre I’d personally enjoy but the album is not bad. Many tracks do repeat themselves a lot but this kinda works. I didn’t feel they tried too hard to make me remember anything.
+0.5 stars for Going Out of My Head. A very weak 4 for me.
Randy Newman
3/5
I was not paying attention to the lyrics. It was enjoyable. They can be disguised as satire I’m not too fussed about that.
Malcolm McLaren
4/5
Ok it has everything. The quality is ok. Mostly hiphop. Did without me (by Eminem) reference buffalo gals? A nice listen.
It might appear to be a ”Window of the World” album but it’s actually not too bad.
Lambchop
3/5
Hmm I don’t really like albums recorded at someone’s toilet. music wise it’s a bit boring. It’s not terrible on a lazy Friday but doesn’t do much either.
Grateful Dead
4/5
Smoothing country music? Layered acoustic guitar. Nothing really stands out but all tracks are quite enjoyable. Cosy.
Pentangle
4/5
Ok folk. Is it in Dorian scale? It’s quite good. I like it. It has the brightness, but the melody isn’t too catchy. Between 3-4 for me. I’m feeling very generous recently so I’ll give it a four.
Ray Price
3/5
The first track is much more like jazz than country. Or jazzy pop. Rich arrangement, nice vibe. His vocal seems fine but I will put it on the weaker side. He’s theatrical but his vibratos don’t seem to be very natural?..deep but quick.. Also he doesn’t have the tendency to emphasise on interesting parts of the music. Night life has a lot of places for singers to flex, but he didn’t use any of the chances. But he belts good. When he reaches his mix belting range, it sounds very satisfying. But with limited tools in his skill set, it gets boring very quickly. I know how exactly he will sound at each note.
The rest is just ok, almost the same intro / theme for many tracks but with some nuances.
Overall it’s still very pleasant. it’s a nice album, good music, and ok vocal. After all it’s still a country album, it was just the first track makes me see the album in a different way.
The Blue Nile
5/5
I like it. Very good. I can see their efforts. They created a tiny space for whoever can connect with them to linger for 37 minuets. And themselves will be inside that space forever. Whenever you need them, you know where to find them.
Very peaceful music, a bit slow but I like it. It matches my frequency.
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
I like it. chill and relaxed. Nothing really blows my mind, not memorable at all, but it’s enjoyable. It is a rare album that I can enjoy more when I turn down the volume and let it run as some background music. (It is not a bad thing.. I know it kinda sounds like it is). When I turn down the volume, the bass stands out more and it helped me focus.
3/5
not bad. His voice can be produced better but it was recorded in the 70s so it gets away with that. Or it might have been much better if he had put his microphone closer when they recorded it.
Music is ok. Nothing too catchy for the first time, but you can tell they are writing good music that they’re quite happy about.
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
It’s ok. Nothing too bad or too good to point out.
Ash
3/5
When they finished writing a song, did they listen to it and thought: oh let’s make it a bit weirder, so we’d appear “cooler”?
Goldfinger definitely sounds like that. Very strange choices for chords at several random points. Most tracks have pop genre but some are weirdly mutated to something else.
His voice and his tone are actually good and somehow can be recognisable. This pulled the album back to a 3 for me.
Gene Clark
3/5
strength of strings ok. All tracks are good. I liked it a lot when I listened to it for the first time. But the second time, I found it a bit boring. Good for driving.
Hot Chip
4/5
It’s ok… released in 2012, I thought it could have been produced better. Vocal sounds dry, not been eq-ed, and a bit pitchy. But some layered harmonies are overly produced. Maybe this was done by their choice, but it was not too pleasant for me. Also the album is on the verge of being too long.
However, the music is ok, flutes ok. Look at where we are very good too. All tracks are themed around their own style, yet very diverse too. So overall it’s a good 4 for me.
Aphex Twin
2/5
Ok background music.. doesn’t do much for me though. A bit too long too. Can’t really focus too well when it’s on either… so a two for me.
Beyoncé
3/5
It’s ok. To be very honest not too catchy for me. Her runs are pretty good. Good production and arrangement. Overall an ok album. A bit too long.
Wilco
4/5
I liked it. Red eye and blue. Far far away. Got you. Misunderstood. Sunken Treasure. All good. Many emo tracks.. loved them. He can sing. Not the most technically talented vocal, but he deliveries loads of emotions very naturally in his own unique way.
This only problem is double album doesn’t really work for me. Why double album.. it makes it very long and diminish the fun.
U2
4/5
It’s ok. To be honest, could be just me, but many of their songs are just something playing in the background..but +1.5 stars for “one”.
Gram Parsons
3/5
It’s all pleasant but it also stops at being average country music. I’d lower one or two keys for many tracks for him. His voice shines between C3-G3 ish, e.g., Brass Button is a good range for him.
Tangerine Dream
2/5
Sorry wrong timing.. listened to this when I hit the gym. Feeling seasick…
Linkin Park
5/5
Thank you! Still at the gym. Didn’t realise he’s got such amazing voice. 100% 5 stars. Plus 1 more star for crawling.
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
I really liked some Indian/south Asian elements. It gave me some zen moment..
Just checked the background of the album. I believe the intention/motifs were way bigger than what the album actually delivered. My type of music is about everyday life, happiness, sorrow/emotion reliefs, helping me to focus, etc. all about positivities. Nuclear weapons.. global warming etc won’t fall into any of the categories. Music wise it’s just ok. South Asian music is good but it is not AR Rahman level good. 3.5 for me.
Ute Lemper
3/5
It’s ok. A bit wonky but nothing too crazy. If it was a sport i can be the judge.
Laura Nyro
5/5
One of the best vocalists I have had so far from the list. Smoothest registration change. Very solid chest voice. Head voice not the most beautiful (nothing about her techniques) but also very very good. 5/5 vocal performance.
Music wise ok. Her voice is way more impressive than the album. 3 star album, +1 star for her incredible voice, and +1 star for her immaculate techniques.
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
It’s ok. A bit too long. The jamming part is good if you like it. I am not a fan of improvised music but this is decent. Also the album also has well produced tracks too. So it’s a pleasant listen overall. The jamming becomes a bit unnecessary for me but it could just be my personal taste.
The Undertones
3/5
He’s got a good voice. I like it. But what’s wrong with the vibratos…anyway. Music wise ok, pleasant. Very happy.
Sheryl Crow
2/5
She doesn’t sound good in the album. Could be the production or her techniques. Music wise it’s just ok. Nothing too special. Poppy but not catchy. Pretty mediocre for me.
Blur
4/5
Blur is a vibe. +1 star for beetlebum I do enjoy it.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
I like it. She’s got a very bright and beautiful head voice. Very agile and athletic voice as well, yet she doesn’t over use the agility. Music wise, amazing song writing. Some melodies are well structured. I can’t tell whether “my old man” is Lydian or Dorian or just minor in the bridge, but the colour palette changes as the music flows. Very tasteful.
Simple production, guitar, piano, but it doesn’t feel boring at all. The last time I saw Richard, I can hear a whole story behind the song. Very impressive. This is my standard for a five!
Cypress Hill
4/5
Very good. Liked Tres Equis. Very nice arrangement. Many layered instruments but it doesn’t feel all tracks are fighting each other. A good hiphop album, nice vibe, nice beats and nice flows. Rhythms are just a bit repetitive and straightforward, and I guess it was designed to be simple.
I like an album that doesn’t set the target to be super high, and lands perfectly on what they want to achieve.
Steely Dan
5/5
very strong opening! I really liked Rikki don’t lose that number. And Barry town. It gets a bit boring for the second part of the album, but it’s still ok. Also a very short album. Production wise, amazingly fresh for a 70’s album. Can’t complain.
A very low 5 for me. Enjoyable.
Jeru The Damaja
3/5
Ok. Come clean sounds cool. A good hip hop album. Beats and hooks are mediocre tbh.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Very good. Classic. He can do better. Still very impressive. Good music good vocal good production. Arrangement is classic but I feel it aging just ok now! A low 5 for me.
Tori Amos
5/5
Not bad. I like it. Plus 2 stars for silence all these years. This random song hugely influenced mandarin pop as well as Cantonese pop. The rest of the album is just ok.
Slayer
2/5
yeeeeeeh cling clang duang. Slay. 35 min heavy metal? hyperthyroidism moment.
The Triffids
2/5
Borderline pass. Nothing stands out tbh. Another album recorded in someone’s bathroom. Music wise also very mediocre. Has some poppy elements but not catchy at all.
Elton John
5/5
Very good. I like pianos. He can go very deep in writing songs. The lyrics are good too. I took me a while to understand what “wine will flow into the land and feed my lambs” means. Very poetic, I really like it. Just being very picky about his delivery because he can sing very well, but I do feel he recorded the entire album just in an hour? Not as emotive as I thought it would have been. Nevertheless, it’s still an amazing album.
John Lee Hooker
3/5
It’s a nice blues album. Nice arrangement and production is good too. But not my favourite type of music that I can resonate with. This album gives me a similar feeling when I first heard of grafting… it works.. and should probably be impressive, but I am also not very sure at the first glance…
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
Good but I think it’s overrated. It’s a pleasant listen but nothing really stands out. I don’t remember much on the next day. But overall still good, very good production, and good arrangement, and good voice. It’s like the anime demon slayer. Many people love it. It has the best CGI, amazing bgm, huge production, burnt tons of money. But the core storyline is fairly mediocre.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Actually not too bad when they’re not trying to seek medical attention by making music. Family tree, red dress all good melodies. They can make some good music with some polishing. Also reminds me of Brian Eno which I liked and didn’t like for the same reason.
DJ Shadow
3/5
Good background music. Strong 3?
Prince
4/5
It’s not bad at all. Very diverse music. Liked slow love, hot ting, sign of the times. I love when artists do not try brainwashing the audience yet the melodies are catchy, interesting and fairly easy to remember. Very pleasant. He also has a good voice.
The album ticks many boxes but it doesn’t impress me with something unique to it. So not yet a five for me.
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
Good singing. Music ok. Happy. Terence Trent D’Arby? Sananda Maitreya? If you let me stay is good. Nice tone and techniques. Very satisfying mix belting.
Dire Straits
3/5
It’s ok but is it this good? It does feel good might change my mind if I come back again.
The Hives
4/5
I was trying to find if I liked them before. I like the lead vocal and for some reason the album really suits my mood recently. Good punk rock. It’s like the Greek aubergine lasagna, it’s different and special and very good too. But it’s also very close to your daily life, you can have it every day and then get sick of if, and you stop having for a year or two and then you realise you might still like it. That’s what this album gives me.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Not bad at all. Happy music, a short album. It ages well. Singing still sounds good. I enjoyed it. It’s like a book with an amazing cover. But it has only two three pages. Contents are good but short and a bit on the surface. It’s beautiful but not yet a masterpiece for me!
Beatles
3/5
Ok but they can do much better. Not as catchy or eye opening as the other albums by them!
Green Day
5/5
Oh yes!!! Been waiting for this moment!!! Wake me up when September ends has always been “Chinese national anthem” for us. (Independence day is Oct 1). Love holiday too. Ah so good!