What a revelation! I don't think I'd ever heard FC before (maybe vaguely familiar?) and certainly wasn't too excited when I saw the album cover. Ah... now I see the band photo bombing in the background. But man! What a lush, hauntingly beautiful album. I've listened to it 4 times straight through while working today. A perfect example of why I wanted to take this 1001 albums challenge on. Of course I had to go down the rabbit hole of the history of the band, which is rather tragic to say the least. Anyway, a great change of pace from my usual diet of metal and punk. 4.5/5 rounded up to 5. Album 8/1001

If you were a child in the early 80s, this album is part of your DNA. I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in 40 years though. Well-crafted pop. It's fun. I can't deny it. 4.5/5 Album 13/1001

Harrison is probably my favorite Beatle honestly. But this album is waaaaaay too goddamn long. It's as if all of George's pent up frustration with the Beatles stifling his creativity just exploded all over the studio and he couldn't bear to dispense with at least a dozen or so mediocre (at best) songs on this triple album to have one cohesive and interesting record. The quiet Beatle my ass! 2/5 Album 54/1001

When I was in high school I had a punk rock friend who had a leather jacket with "TRACY CHAPMAN IS THE ANTICHRIST!" scrawled across the back. I don't know if he thought that was a good or bad thing. Anyway, Tracy is alright with me. 3/5 #84

Well how about that for my first pick! This is an album I've heard hundreds of times being a huge metalhead as a teenager in the 80s. I absolutely loved this album as a kid and still really like it. I saw them live on this tour which was a highlight of my youth. But as many listeners have noted over the years, the production is terrible with compressed buzzy guitars, clicky drums, scooped mids, and zero bass guitar. Tons of amazing riffs, but honestly the album is a rather bloated affair. Some of the songs really overstay their welcome, especially the title track. End the damn song already! Nevertheless, this album is fun and will always have a soft spot in my heart. I'm not sure I would have included this one in the book though. Ride the Lightning is much better, but sounds too close to MoP sonically I guess. And really, maybe an album by a decent metal band would be more deserving. Voivod? Death? Celtic Frost? 4/5. Album 1/1001

Ray Charles is a legendary figure in modern popular music for a reason. S familiar as I am with him and his music in general, I think this is the first time I've ever listened to an entire album of his from start to finish. It's certainly out of my usual wheelhouse, but it made for a relaxing drive to work this morning. With so little context for this type of music, it's hard to rate it fairly. I find no faults with it honestly. But it's not anything I would revisit regularly. I certainly appreciate Ray's legendary status. I'd probably give it 7.5/10 if the system would allow. But I'll give it a 4 for this format. Album 2/1001

On vacation, so keeping this short. But this is a great album. The Stones in their prime. Loose and rockin. 4.5/5 but I'll round up to 5 on the start chart I guess.

Short review due to being on vacation. CCR are legendary for a reason. I find it difficult to fairly rate albums that are older than me sometimes due to lack of context. I probably wouldn't revisit this album regularly (even though I have a vinyl copy in my collection), but it is certainly not a bad record by any means.

Easy and relaxing. Willie is a national Album 5/1001

I was a 16 year old metalhead when this came out. So I was not jamming on this type of thing back in the day. Aside from the odd music video or two, she pretty much flew under my radar as a musical artist. While this is not my usual cup of tea, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. But it's definitely a relic of late 80s hip hop/house music where high top fades and Africa necklaces ruled the scene. Album 6/1001

I'm vaguely familiar with the Byrds earliest output but didn't know as much about the Gram Parsons country era of the band. I guess a lot of the folk leaning rock bands of the day went through a country phase. Anyway, it was an interesting listen. Album 7/10

What a revelation! I don't think I'd ever heard FC before (maybe vaguely familiar?) and certainly wasn't too excited when I saw the album cover. Ah... now I see the band photo bombing in the background. But man! What a lush, hauntingly beautiful album. I've listened to it 4 times straight through while working today. A perfect example of why I wanted to take this 1001 albums challenge on. Of course I had to go down the rabbit hole of the history of the band, which is rather tragic to say the least. Anyway, a great change of pace from my usual diet of metal and punk. 4.5/5 rounded up to 5. Album 8/1001

Funky stuff. My dad loved the Isley Bros when I was a kid, so this was definitely nostalgic. 4/5 Album 9/1001

Not my usual. But it's quirky and interesting. Album 10/1001

Finally landed on one of my all-time favorite bands and albums. The first 4 Sabbath albums are unbeatable. Really the first 6 all could have arguably made this list. Heavy, sludge, yet melodic and catchy. Bill Ward is the unsung hero on this record. His powerful yet playful jazzy drumming adds a fun counterpoint to Tony and Geezer's plodding and doomy riffs. Just listen to his tasty fills and high hat work on Snowblind. 4.5/5 Album 12/1001

If electro-pop is your thing, I suppose you could do worse. I would readily admit that Madonna has an album or two worthy of this list. I just wouldn't have thought this latter day effort would be one of them. 2.5/5 (a generous rounded up 3 star rating for the app) Album 12/1001

If you were a child in the early 80s, this album is part of your DNA. I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in 40 years though. Well-crafted pop. It's fun. I can't deny it. 4.5/5 Album 13/1001

Possibly the greatest rebound from tragedy album ever in rock n roll history. It's a timeless hard rock classic. 4/5 Album 14/1001

Funny. I thought I had heard everything by Jimi Hendrix at this point in my life. Apparently I had never heard this album in its entirety, just the hits like Little Wing. Anyway, fantastic as always. Jimi was a master. There are a couple filler type songs, but overall great. 4/5 Album 15/1001

Punk rock at its heart. Irish at its soul. I can't think of any better music to get drunk to! RIP Shane MacGowan. 4.5/5 Album 16/1001

Well, I can't say this one did much for me. Nothing objectionable. Just uninspiring in general. 2/5 Album 16/1001

I'm a Talking Heads fan, but I think they got much more interesting as their career progressed. It's a fun debut though. 3.5/5 Album 17/1001

The album cover seems to suggest something like... From the ashes of grunge's demise rises this Phoenix of mediocrity. The dude's expression on the right side of the photo accurately sums up the band's lack of enthusiasm when making this lame record. They as he might, Billy Corgan just couldn't save this album. And I'm not just some boomer hater. I'm gen X all the way and even saw Hole in concert once in 95. Hell, I even own a Courtney Love signature model guitar. But there is no just reason for this album to be on this list. Blind Melon's 'Soup' was robbed! 1.5/5 Album 17/1001

All the negative reviews for this album are somewhat surprising. There's a bit of filler on here, but it's still pretty fantastic. JSBE laid the groundwork for a lot of the stripped down white boy punk/blues that followed, most notably The White Stripes. JSBE put on one of the most incredible live performances I ever witnessed at The Ogden in Denver in 1996. This isn't my favorite JSBE album (that would be Extra Width), but this is a damn good one. 4/5 Album 20/1001

Someone had a lot of fun on a laptop making this. No actual musical instruments were harmed in the making of this album. Nevertheless, it's fairly interesting at times. Lots of layers, dreamy soundscapes, and breathy vocals. But I suddenly feel the urge to listen a day's worth of death metal now. 2/5 Album 21/2001

Felt like I was on an elevator for 33 minutes. Seriously, it wasn't bad. I just have very little context for jazz or samba. It was warm, pleasant, and organic. 3/5 Album 22/1001

I own this album and I saw PS in concert many years ago. However, this record has not held up well for me in hindsight. I respect Patti as an artist, but I don't find her overwrought vocal style particularly interesting anymore. I'll respectfully give this one a 3. 3/5 Album 22/1001

And Stevie knows that nobody's gonna bring me down 'Cause me and Stevie, see, we're gonna be sailing on the funky funky sound 4/5

Thin Lizzy was a great rock n roll band, but a live album is a curious choice for this list. But the late 70s/early 80s was the golden era of the live album. So maybe it makes sense. I would have much preferred one of their studio albums to have been in this book though. 3/5 Album 25/1001

Another band I saw live once (Lollapalooza 95) but had almost forgotten. I remember their hit song (Connection) and the controversy surrounding their supposed ripping the riff from a Wire song. But I don't think I had ever heard this album before. It's not bad at all. Certainly sounds like the 90s indie rock of the day. As far as female fronted 90s indie rock goes, there were much better options. I can't believe the Breeders don't have one in this book. Decent album. Just not sure it's worthy of this honor. 3/5 Album 25/1001

90s Mehcore. I could not wait for this to be over. Bring on that Napalm Death album! 1/5 Album 27/1001

I've had 90s Brit pop for 3 of my last 4 selections. Mostly forgettable stuff. No thank you. 2/5 Album 28/1001

Great stuff!

This is the first album by an artist that I was 100% unfamiliar with. Never even heard of the guy. I'm not the biggest hip hop fan in the world, but I don't hate it either. But this album grew on me as it went. Not sure if it should be in the book necessarily, but certainly worth a listen. 3/5 Album 30/1001

Oh wow! This is one of my all-time favorite albums by one of my all-time favorite bands. You don't have to twist my arm to get me to listen to the Minutemen. This is their masterpiece. 5/5 Album 31/1001

Beautiful. Soothing but melancholy. A little unfocused at times, but thoroughly enjoyable. 4/5 Album 32/1001

I dunno. Between Kurt Cobain's name drop and being featured heavily in Oliver Stone's 'Natural Born Killers,' there seemed to be a big push by many to make Leonard Cohen a household name. But he always came across as super cheesy to me. I would give this a 1, but I'll go with 2 to be fair I guess. Maybe I'm just not sophisticated enough to grasp the genius in his work. 2/5 Album 33/1001

This album had its way with my ear holes. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. 3/5 Album 34/1001

Extraordinarily forgettable. 2/5 Album 35/1001

Fantastic album. Stevie Wonder in his prime was a force to be reckoned with. This one was worth a second listen. 5/5 Album 36/1001

I enjoyed it more than I expected to. Rap and hip hop are not my usual, but I've learned to appreciate it more over the years. This is definitely worth another listen. 3.5/5 Album 36/1001

Oh no! Why 1001 albums? Why? 0.5 /5 Album 38/1001

A classic! Punk gained a lot of respect with this record. 4.5/5 Album 39/1001

Not bad at all. I just find a double live album a difficult way to jump into an artist's legacy. I'm certainly familiar with Van Morrison, but I don't think I have ever heard anything beyond his hits. 3/5 Album 40/1001

This album came out my freshman year of college. The underground music scene had been bubbling up to the surface for several years earlier with bands like Jane's Addiction, Pixies, The Cure, etc. But Nirvana kicked the whole damn door down and paved the way for the alternative music wave that swept the world in the 90s. People like to piss on Nirvana's music and legacy a lot these days it seems. But this album was huge and Nirvana was very important. Still is. 4.5/5 Album 41/1001

Dreamy and pleasant for the most part. But it tends to lose focus at times. Album 42/1001

I have not listened to this album in a very long time and was surprised that I still know most of the lyrics. AIC was more straight metal than most of the bands who were labeled "grunge." It's a hauntingly ugly and depressing album. But the vocal harmonies can be rather beautiful at times. They were definitely a force in the 90s and I understand went they made the list, but they are not one of my favorite bands of that era. Nevertheless, this is a solid album that I'm sure sure I'll check out again some day. 3.5/5 Album 43/1001

I just listened to this album a few weeks ago after the passing of David Johansen. I love this album and it did not hurt my feelings to listen to it again. Album 44/1001 4/5

I don't have a lot of context for this type of music or this era in general. It all sounds well and good I guess. 3/5 Album 45/1001

Bjork is Iceland's national treasure. Love her voice, her delivery, and quirky personality. Had a bit of a crush on her back in the 90s. I could listen to her sing the phone book. I kinda prefer the Sugarcubes to her solo work (minus the annoying male singer) in general, but this album is great. 4/5 Album 46/1001

Somewhat generic and slick pop music. Not my cup of tea generally. But there's no denying that Adele has a fantastic voice which at least elevates it above most typical Top 40 schlock. The song Rumor Has It always brings a smile to my face because it brings up memories of my oldest son (when he was a toddler) singing the chorus as "Oma Has It," which is what he calls his German grandmother. 3/5 Album 46/1001

I like Neil Young fairly well and BS is kinda his introduction to the world. That being said, this album is mostly underwhelming to me. Nothing objectionable really, just not too exciting and the production seems rather flat even for the 60s. 3/5 Album 48/1001

Not my favorite Led Zeppelin album, but very good nonetheless. 4/5 Album 48/1001

808 beats and misogynistic rhymes for days. Yeah the lyrics are goofy and cringey more times than not, but it's still a damn fun album. And I believe the Beasties have more than atoned for their sins in subsequent releases. It's dated and the next few albums are much more interesting and timeless, but License to Ill is still a gas to listen to again after all these years. 4/5 Album 50/1001

Very familiar with this one and always a fan of the Pixies and Frank Black's other projects. This is my favorite of his solo albums. But it's a shame that the Breeders are nowhere to be found in this list. At least I don't think they are. 4/5 Album 51/1001

Not bad. A little sleepy at times. I think I would prefer Wilco minus Billy Bragg. 3/5 52/1001

ELO sounds like no one else. I enjoyed this one overall, but it's a bit sprawling. 3.5/5 Album 53/1001

Harrison is probably my favorite Beatle honestly. But this album is waaaaaay too goddamn long. It's as if all of George's pent up frustration with the Beatles stifling his creativity just exploded all over the studio and he couldn't bear to dispense with at least a dozen or so mediocre (at best) songs on this triple album to have one cohesive and interesting record. The quiet Beatle my ass! 2/5 Album 54/1001

Goddamn it! If I get another double album or "live" album from the 70s, I might be done with this challenge. Good songs for the most part, but the piped in crowd noise is ridiculous. 2.5/5 Album 55/1001

Not bad. It's just w duke that doesn't to much for me in general. 3/5 Album 56/1001

I was in my early 20s when this album came out, but somehow it flew under my radar. I remember the video for Criminal but that's about it. Anyway, this was a pleasant surprise. Fiona is definitely a talented singer and songwriter. Pretty amazing she was 18 when recording these songs. 3.5/5 Album 57/1001

A classic album. One I've enjoyed many times before. Definitely a huge influence on bass forward punk bands like the Minutemen. 4/5 Album 58/1001

Dated but nostalgic. 2.5/5 Album 59/1001

There were far better albums in 95 to choose from. Retake parts grunge, new wave, and meh. 2/5 Album 60/1001

There's nothing particularly wrong with Ella Fitzgerald. She sounds just fine. But freakin' 3+ hours of this? Man, you can't be putting damn box sets in this list. That's horsesh!t! 2/5 Album 61/1001

A 3+ hour Ella Fitzgerald freakin' box set yesterday and a 2+ hour Duke Ellington album today. Nothing bad about them, but damn! Would it kill you to give me a 40 minute Black Sabbath album this week? 3/5 Album 62/1001

Alice Cooper was pretty campy, but fun. I can't see me revisiting this all too often though. I appreciate its place in the development of later heavy music forms. 3/5 Album 63/1001

I am a fan of The Boss as a person and enjoy his music casually. Same goes for this album. 3/5 Album 64/1001

Enjoyable enough. 3/5 Album 65/1001

Dinosaur Jr is one of those 80s/90s indie bands i just never spent a lot of time with. Seen them live once and have always liked them. Anyway, this is good but not great album. I'm sure I'll revisit it though. 3.5/5 Album 66/1001

Lou Reed has influenced a lot of artists I really like but I haven't heard of ton of his music other than the "hits." This album definitely has some strong moments, but drags on a few songs. I'd definitely give it another listen or three. 3.5/5 Album 67/1001

Nick Cave is an artist I am reasonably familiar with but need to spend more time listening to. Bad Seeds and The Birthday Party. Good stuff! 4/5 Album 68/1001

A nostalgic listen for sure. I was never one for Brit synth pop though aside from a bit of Depeche Mode from time to time. I prefer Joy Division, but this ain't bad. 3/5 Album 69/1001

Very 80s. I remember the hits very well and they're still good. The rest is so cheesy and dated it's hard to take seriously. But Annie has a great voice. 2.5/5 Album 70/1001

Decent sleepy time music. 3/5 Album 71/1001

This is, in fact, one album I did not need to hear before I die. 2/5 Album 72/1001

I do love noisy music. But I usually like noise wrapped in a more coherent package a la Sonic Youth. But this was a pretty exhilirating listen. I'm intrigued. 3/5 Album 73/1001

I'm an Amy fan, but Back to Black is much better. 3/5 Album 74/1001

This dude is not without talent, but many of the songs just seem to meander off into space with no real direction. The stream of consciousness lyrical style wears thin after awhile too. It's my first time listening to Ocean. It's decent enough I might be willing to check out more from in the future. But this particular album is a one and done for me. 2.5/5 Album 75/1001

Mr. Loaf was a bit campy, but his theatrical take on rock n roll could be a lot of fun at times. 3/5 Album 75/1001

I'm a pretty big Bowie fan, but this album is fairly mediocre. Golden Years is the highlight for sure. 3/5 Album 76

It's not without some high points. But overall I just can't get into modern hip hop. 3/5 #77

I'm gonna give up on this challenge if I keep getting 2000s pop music. Nothing wrong with Adele or anything. Just on a run of pop albums lately and looking for something more challenging. 3/5 #78

One of the more interesting and controversial pop stars of the 90s for sure. 3.5/5 #79

I'm not a huge fan of Springsteen's music, but I am a big fan of the man himself. So I'm giving The Boss an adjusted score of 4. 3/5 for the album. 5/5 for The BOSS! #80

This is painful. The duet with Fred Sanford is mildly amusing at least. 1.5/5 #81

The hits are definitely catchy. The rest is mediocre 2000s pop music. Not unlistenable. 3/5 #82

This album was a pleasant surprise. It slaps! As the kids say. 4/5 #83

When I was in high school I had a punk rock friend who had a leather jacket with "TRACY CHAPMAN IS THE ANTICHRIST!" scrawled across the back. I don't know if he thought that was a good or bad thing. Anyway, Tracy is alright with me. 3/5 #84

The amount of live albums I've had to listen to so far on this list is really annoying. That being said, I love this particular live album and have listened to it thousands of times. I was 21 when it came out and it really takes me back to a really great time in my life. The funny thing is I think the Meat Puppets songs are the standouts here. 4.5/5 #85

It's OK. 3/5 #86

80s vibes. Besides 'Money For Nothing' it's not especially memorable though. 3/5 #87

This is an example of an album I'm likely rating higher than my level of actual enjoyment. I think it's a very well performed and produced Brit hip hop record. It's just not something I'm all that interested in. 3.5/4 #88

I appreciate it as sound art, but it's not particularly musical. They certainly had a profound influence on industrial music. 3/5 #89

I agree this album is revolutionary and historically significant. But I'll be damned if I don't find it downright boring most of the time. It's obvious The Flaming Lips are heavily influenced by this album. 3/5 #90

I haven't listened to Led Zeppelin in far too long. I had nearly forgotten how much I love this album. Essential listening for sure. 5/5 #91

This couldn't be over with fast enough. I had to follow this up with 5 straight hours of death metal to purge it from my brain! Bed a zero stars option! 0/5 #92

Brilliant album that I've listened to 100s of times over the years. Quite refreshing after that dud I had to listen to yesterday. 4.5/5 #93

This was the first album I ever purchased (on cassette) with my own money. I was 9 years old in 1982 and PMRC warning stickers were a few years off in the future. I loved this album so much and listened to it constantly. As I'm listening now, I realize that I still remember nearly all the lyrics, even the really filthy stuff! I probably learned about the birds and bees listening to this one. I remember my family taking a vacation road trip to Florida and I was sitting in the backseat listening to this cassette on my Walkman when mom suggests we put it in the car's deck so we could ALL listen! Um... no thanks mom! I'm kinda tired of listening to it now. 😆 Over the years I became more of a metalhead and later even a hardcore punk fan. But I've always remained a huge fan of Prince, even though I don't listen to his music all that much anymore. I still believe this is a brilliant, if not a bit foul, album from one of the greatest artists in modern music. Prince is deeply missed. 4.5/5 #94

Hell yeah! Reliving my youth. I saw Megadeth live on this tour (with Overkill), the first real metal concert I ever attended. I was 14. I was a thrash metal kid the rest of the 80s before burning out in it by 1990. But I do love to revisit these old albums from time to time. This one is certainly a classic of the original wave is thrash. 4.5/5 #95

Kraftwerk are one of a kind. This was an inventive album and a touchstone for the burgeoning electronic music world. But they would do far interesting things in the coming years. 3/5 #96

Good stuff! I need to listen to more Elvis Costello. 4/5 #97

I'm a casual fan of Rush at best. But there is no denying these guys' technical prowess as musicians. True Rush fans would disagree, but this is the only album of theirs I consider essential. 4/5 #98

I feel like this is the only album Frampton is really known for. I kinda groaned a bit when it popped up. But honestly, it's pretty decent. It's rare that a live album garners as much attention as this one. 4/5 #99

Milquetoast 80s pop rock. Not offensive, but certainly not exciting. Bonnie has a great voice though. And the bass player has solid chops. 2.5/5 #100

As a college student in the early 90s, this was crossing a band in regular rotation. After I (temporarily) grew out of my metal and punk rock phases, bands like R.E.M., Pixies, Sonic Youth, etc ruled my world for a few years. R.E.M. was also a favorite of my wife's. She's a UGA alumnus, should I expect anything less? Document is solid and catapulted them into stardom. But it's not my favorite R.E.M. album. 4/5 #101

I didn't hate it. 3/5 #102

The Police early albums are solid and this LP is no exception. There are a couple of mediocre tracks, but for the most part this album slaps (as the kids say nowadays). 4/5 #104

Decent. Didn't hate it. 3/5 #105

As ubiquitous as these songs were in the late 80s, they're actually pretty good. 4/5 #106