195
Albums Rated
2.9
Average Rating
18%
Complete
894 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
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1950s
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
4
5-Star Albums
17
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 5 | 3.71 | +1.29 |
| Roots | 4 | 2.78 | +1.22 |
| Black Sabbath | 5 | 3.83 | +1.17 |
| Live / Dead | 4 | 2.83 | +1.17 |
| Physical Graffiti | 5 | 3.92 | +1.08 |
| The Doors | 5 | 3.95 | +1.05 |
| Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind) | 4 | 2.97 | +1.03 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fear Of A Black Planet | 1 | 3.34 | -2.34 |
| Phrenology | 1 | 3.25 | -2.25 |
| american dream | 1 | 3.18 | -2.18 |
| The Colour Of Spring | 1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
| Ambient 1/Music For Airports | 1 | 3.07 | -2.07 |
| Ghosteen | 1 | 2.97 | -1.97 |
| Kala | 1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
| Smokers Delight | 1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
| Music Has The Right To Children | 1 | 2.91 | -1.91 |
| Gris Gris | 1 | 2.88 | -1.88 |
5-Star Albums (4)
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Popular Reviews
Brian Wilson
3/5
The album felt very convoluted. While I enjoy Pet Sounds, there seemed to be something missing from this one. Some good songs like Heroes and Villians and Good Vibrations, but other than that just a decent album.
1 likes
The Gun Club
2/5
I don’t think I even have to listen to the rest of this. The lyrics are garbage, it’s pretty generic post punk. The only impressive thing about them is their ability to crescendo and decrescendo but it gets a bit redundant as it’s over used. Wouldn’t listen to again.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (17)
All Ratings
Muddy Waters
3/5
Solid blue album, reminds me of the days at band camp.
The Stone Roses
2/5
Probably wouldn’t seek it out, but not too bad. Good background music. Reminds me of something that would be in the movie Lost Boys.
Metallica
4/5
I don’t listen to Metallica as much as I used to, but to be honest I don’t think I’ve ever heard this album all the way through. Solid Metallica album, heavy great, riffs, but also there was a lot of weird things going on with added instrumental sections and what not? I’ll need to revisit Metallica more. Probably a 3.6/5.
Television
3/5
I really enjoy some of the guitar riffs and bass lines. They seem very ahead of their time.
Although their sound is unique, the music gets a little repetitive after awhile for me.
Beastie Boys
3/5
Another band I’ve mainly only heard the hits from. So far, didn’t really care for much I hadn’t heard other than Sabotage. Get it Together with Q-Tip was a fun track, no idea they could just groove to a Bosa Nova beat for so long like they did in Sabrosa and kinda carried on. The various percussion and string instruments throughout were a cool addition. Overall, I just am not the biggest fan of rap so I cannot rate this higher than a 3.
Kate Bush
2/5
Cloudbursting was cool. Not really my style, not much of a fan but I can see why people enjoy her!
LCD Soundsystem
1/5
Not my type at all. I couldn’t get through it.
Public Enemy
1/5
Not a fan.
The Doors
4/5
I thought it was the classic bluesy doors. Not a lot of tracks stick out to me aside from Roadhouse Blues, Peace Frog, and Waiting for the Sun but that may just be because they’re the only ones I’ve heard before. Had to look up the lyrics to Land Ho! Maybe just classic Morrison lyrics with the dark themes? Entertaining song. Not my favorite doors album, but still solid overall. 3.8/5.
Fairport Convention
3/5
Enjoying so far, good lyrics and instrumentals. I really liked the bass line in Autopsy. A Sailor’s life had some great parts, thought it was a different song but realized it’s actually just a long track. Some parts of the songs are a little repetitive at times, I wasn’t a big fan of Percy’s song upon first listen. The band does kind of remind me of a Fleetwood Mac esque band that never quite had that hit to let them take off. Overall, I really enjoyed the album (at points) and would likely seek them out to listen to further. Nice discovery having apparently listened to them only four times in 2018 before this album.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Rhythm section is always grooving. She has a really good voice, just not my type of music. I’ve heard many versions of Son of a Preacher Man, but didn’t know her version was the original.
The Roots
1/5
Not my type of music. Some of the instrumental sections and singing was nice, but overall the rap ruined anything good about it for me.
The Who
3/5
I really enjoyed the album. Good banter between John and Pete throughout, I still prefer the studio versions of most songs but it was a fun listen.
Slade
3/5
I enjoyed it! Listening to a whole album becomes a bit mundane though. Feel really bad that Quiet Riot got famous of their songs!
M.I.A.
1/5
Wow. I could have gone without this. Expecting the album to be slightly better since I remember hearing Paper Planes a lot back in the day, but no. I’d never listen to this again.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Classic album from a classic artist! Don’t think I’ve ever heard it all the way through before.
Aerosmith
4/5
I haven’t listened to Aerosmith much since I was about 12 or 13. Musically they are great, I love the bluesy hard rocking sound that this album emanates. Yeah, the lyrics are questionable and the innuendos are evident now that I’m older. Being the 10th album by Aerosmith is also quite the feat to put out something to rival the hair metal scene at the time, but yet still keep a bluesy twist on it.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
I really wanted to like being both a country and rock music fan. However, nothing really drew me in as a listener. It was good, just not very eventful and a bit mundane at times. Not sure if I was expecting more of a Neil Young or CCR kind of vibe? But I found this a bit boring. Will give it another listen to see if my opinion changes.
John Cale
2/5
Billy Joel
4/5
Great album, I’ve never listened to it in its entirety before. Need to listen to more Billy Joel
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
1/5
Couldn’t get into it after 5 tracks. Not my style, perhaps I’ll try to revisit it another time when I’m in a more depressed mood.
Parliament
2/5
Give up the Funk was the only thing that saved this album from 1 star. And even then, not really much of a fan of that song either.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Really trying to push through this album, but Hamburger Lady really tested me. That was a very morbid and unsettling song if you can call it a song. The whole album is just distortion and noise with varying crescendos and voices speaking throughout to make it more unsettling.
AB/7A was maybe the only song on the album, but was just an instrumental keyboard and drum track only to return to the creepy ambiance of scientists talking over distortion and other ambivalent noise. Trend pretty much continued on for the rest of the album.
I hated every minute of it, but also somehow feel more fulfilled (??) to know this existed at some point in time.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
What can I say? He’s the Boss. Happy to finally listen to this album in its entirety. Downbound Train is probably one of my favorite songs on this album.
The saxophone solo on the last half of the album is also wonderful.
I feel as I get older I start to resonate more with Bruce’s song writing or can see myself in a similar situation.
Overall, a 4/5 album.
Supergrass
3/5
Kind of sounded like a band The Killers were influenced by. Alright came on and I actually recognized that song, not sure where from though. I feel like this band should have been a lot more popular, they bring a bit more of a punk edge to indie rock music.
Strange One’s was also a good song. His voice on it reminded me of Syd Barrett during the chourus.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
It’s some really damn good piano playing, but it’s still one hour of solo piano. Not really my type of jam.
The Only Ones
2/5
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Love the instrumentals, not so much the story.
Tracy Chapman
2/5
I’ve only listened to Fast Car, which is a great song. A lot of the tracks on here are charged with heavy social and political issues. Some good moments here and there, but aside from Fast Car not really a fan of the album overall.
Nightmares On Wax
1/5
I originally hated it, but then it actually became somewhat okay background music. Then I disliked it again when I managed to tune back into it. Anyways, this is just hold/background music from a place you don’t want to be. Or maybe the Weather Channel? 1 star for the bongos I guess.
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Go Or Go Ahead was the first one that stood out to me. Very theatrical, but very repetitive. Overall, I can see how this can be up some people’s alley, but not my cup of tea.
3/5
It’s there. Failed to impress me, but not bad. Something’s just missing and I couldn’t tell you what it is. There were some good moments, but also some very boring parts as well. Probably wouldn’t listen again and go back to Song 2 being the only Blur song I know.
Solomon Burke
2/5
Nothing really special to me. Easy listening, good blues/soul rock.
Adam & The Ants
2/5
I like the concept, but not something I’d listen to again.
Skunk Anansie
2/5
Wasn’t really my thing, I can see how people might enjoy it. Kind of a cool concept, like some fem rage metal/rock music.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Like many others, I’ve been a casual fan of Black Sabbath, but have really only listened to their first 3 albums. The songs are heavy and crisp with a bit more sludge and doom sound. Still not my favorite Sabbath album, but a great one to revisit.
Tim Buckley
3/5
I’ve never heard of Tim Buckley too my knowledge before. Seems like a very overlooked artist, I’ve been enjoying it so far. Favorite track so far has been Pleasant Street, his vocal range is impressive and oddly enough kind of reminds me of Grace Slick. Maybe that’s a stretch though. I also liked Once I Was, kind of reminded me a bit of a Bob Dylan song with the harmonica. Overall, I probably wouldn’t seek this album out again but I enjoyed listening to it.
Sisters Of Mercy
2/5
Maybe a couple tracks here and there, but overall can’t listen to a full album straight of this. Very 80s, glad I got to hear it once. Probably will not revisit.
Stereo MC's
2/5
I liked parts of it. Such as the flute and bari sax as well as the harmonizing vocals. I was a little put off by the name and the description, I guess hiphop and electronic music have shifted quite a bit since 1992. Connected and Ground level were a couple of the songs I liked.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Kate Bush
3/5
I respect her, but I just can’t get into it. Like others have mentioned, the lyrics seem to just wander aimlessly without truly going anywhere. Not enough good instrumentals either to keep me entertained. Just not my style, perhaps paying more attention to the lyrical content the album would grow on me
Kelela
1/5
Only made it halfway through. Every song sounded the same.
The Band
3/5
Haven’t listened to much The Band. The Weight is a great song. Overall, I enjoyed the album and can see many influences in artists I enjoy later in the 70s.
Kanye West
3/5
I see why people like him (or liked him) the beats were cool, his style was unique with lots of story telling. The lyrical content is a bit questionable at times still, but that tends to be the case with rap music. Will probably never listen to again, but I see how Kanye inspired so many other artists at the time and got as popular as he did.
R.E.M.
4/5
It was good, witty and comical at times. My favorite tracks were Stand and Orange Crush. Haven’t listened to R.E.M a lot, but vaguely remember my dad listening to them when I was a kid
PJ Harvey
3/5
This was definitely not what I expected at all. I kind of enjoyed it, an entire album of her was a little much all at once as a first time listener. But I’d definitely revisit in the future.
Ramones
4/5
Album moves quick, some great classic punk songs. Gotta respect it.
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Nothing really stood out to me. There were some cool parts, but also a lot of filler. There’s a few Dinosaur Jr. songs I do really like, none that really stood out on this album to me. Perhaps I should have paid attention more.
Violent Femmes
3/5
Blister in the sun is great
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Not sure why this album is so polarizing to some. It’s a great story and well told, by Bruce. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Favorite tracks are Atlantic City, Johnny 99, and Used Cars.
Soft Cell
2/5
An additional star for Tainted Love. Couldn’t make it past the 30th time they said Sex Dwarf though….
Baaba Maal
2/5
It was groovy, at times. I am not cultured enough to appreciate this though to be blunt.
AC/DC
4/5
Classic album. Don’t listen to AC/DC frankly at all anymore, but they were one of the first bands I enjoyed and helped me branch into more rock and metal music.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
2/5
It was like the country music my grandpa listened to. Then again it wasn’t anything like the country music my grandpa listened to.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
I mean, it’s a movie soundtrack and not a very good one at that.
R.E.M.
3/5
Didn’t like this one as much, kind of all blended together and nothing really stood out. Good background music
Little Richard
4/5
This album was really fun to listen to! I know Little Richard was one of the founders of rock n roll and this album really proved that.
Boston
5/5
This album was really fun to listen to! I know Little Richard was one of the founders of rock n roll and this album really proved that.
3/5
I can’t tell if I love it or hate it. What a weird listen. Like Paul McCartney as the Walrus over an orchestra the entire time.
The Doors
5/5
Love this album.
Kings of Leon
3/5
I feel like I should like it more, but I really don’t. There are a couple good tracks, but overall it’s just really boring and mundane rock music. I’d rather listen to other bands.
Janelle Monáe
3/5
This is one of those albums that despite my lower rating, deserves to be on this list. I can see how this may be a lot of people’s cups of tea. Come Alive was my favorite track I listened to. Janelle Monae is very versatile and blends many different genres. Overall a fun listen, but a little too eclectic for my taste. She does have a good voice though
Miles Davis
4/5
One of the best jazz albums of all time.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
Pretty generic, nothing really stood out to me. Lyrics weren’t great, but she has a good voice.
The Undertones
3/5
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
I’ve heard a couple songs. Of Course Girls Who Wanna Have Fun, Time After Time, but that’s just due to radio play and the grocery store. Don’t tell my wife, but some of these songs are straight bangers. (Ie. She Bop)
Ray Charles
4/5
Really enjoyable album. Ray Charles is a classic and the band is killer.
Dr. John
1/5
This was awful.
Jamiroquai
3/5
I really enjoyed the bass player, I remember listening to them a little bit back in high school but surprised it’s been so long since I have.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
All the songs are classic, for a certain vibe I’d enjoy the album more. Just a lot of Bob Marley to listen to a whole album
David Bowie
3/5
No Ziggy Stardust. It’s alright
The Crusaders
2/5
Glorified elevator music, but I wouldn’t mind being in that elevator. Some real groovy parts, but not something I’d listen to again.
Fela Kuti
2/5
It was interesting. Some cool parts, sometimes it felt it dragged out too long. The song at the Berlin Jazz fest was my favorite.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I can see how this influenced many albums later to come. Lots of distortion, just kinda blurs together.
Talk Talk
1/5
Not really a fan
Brian Eno
1/5
I swear I listened to it.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Some timeless jazz and pop standards sung by the great Willie Nelson. What’s not to love?
The White Stripes
3/5
Not a super big fan of the white stripes, this album didn’t change that for me. I feel like I should like them, but can’t quite put my finger on why. Just too generic sounding for me I guess?
Brian Wilson
3/5
The album felt very convoluted. While I enjoy Pet Sounds, there seemed to be something missing from this one. Some good songs like Heroes and Villians and Good Vibrations, but other than that just a decent album.
Pretenders
3/5
Wasn’t really a big fan of the album. Sounds like she’s speaking French half the time. Favorite song is Brass in Pocket.
The Smiths
3/5
I didn’t hate it, had some good moments that I enjoyed and some groovy parts. I think he has a cool voice too.
Elvis Presley
3/5
It’s a really good album, I’d listen to it casually. Never listened to much Elvis, but it’s hard to dislike him.
Nirvana
4/5
One of my favorites.
Songhoy Blues
2/5
I want to rate this higher because I really did enjoy the instrumentals. The band is very proficient in playing and the rhythm is nice and tight. I just can’t do non-English vocals and that’s no one’s fault but mine.
GZA
2/5
The samples from Shogun Assassin don’t really seem to serve a purpose? The almost lofi style is different to a lot of rap I’ve heard before, but I just can’t get into rap. The lyrics are repetitive and violent. He’s talented and has a good flow, but as another comment said if this was playing at a BBQ I’d ask them to turn it off.
The Replacements
3/5
For the time, it’s a pretty innovative album. Not a super big fan though, but wouldn’t skip it if it came on the radio.
The Beach Boys
4/5
A lot of great songs on it. But Pet Sounds is still my favorite, 4 stars for Brian Wilson.
Pixies
4/5
Thought it was a pretty good album. Didnt even realize it started over on me before halfway through the second play through. Everything flowed together nice
Love
3/5
It’s like a worse version of The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and Jefferson Airplane all in one. That being said, all but the last track (Revelation) were pretty good. Just not as good as the three other bands I listed. Revelation sounded like a wanna be Iron Butterfly in the means of stretching out the track but yet was just non sensical
Madness
4/5
I’ve only heard Our House before. That was a fun listen all the way through.
Neil Young
3/5
I’d never heard this Neil Young album before. I’ll need to listen to it again to rate it any higher than a 3 though, wasn’t paying attention enough to the lyrics. But it’s not Harvest.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Wasn’t my favorite beach boys album. I like the harmonies, but I think this one is definitely far weaker than Surfs Up and Pet Sounds.
The Adverts
2/5
Didn’t feel like listening to the single/live edits. Just another generic British punk album. Very redundant and boring.
Donovan
3/5
Really only two good songs, but the rest wasn’t bad. I’ll probably listen to Sunshine Superman and Season of the Witch again.
Alanis Morissette
4/5
I forgot how much Alanis Morissette rocks
Willie Nelson
4/5
I really enjoy this album. It has some of the best Nelson tracks he’s ever written such as Can I Sleep in Your Arms and Hands on the Wheel and so many more. His voice and story telling is cathartic.
This album made me have a new appreciation for Rod Stewart. I love the bluesy southern rock sound and although I’m still not the biggest fan of Rod’s voice, it meshed a lot better than his usual more sappy songs that I am used to.
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
I didn’t hate it as much as the last LCD Soundsystem I got on here. Some parts were pretty good and catchy, overall though still not my jam.
Motörhead
3/5
Starting with Ace of Spades was a bold move. There were some high moments after that, but not enough. Motörhead mostly sounds the same to me and while that’s not always a bad thing, for a bad quality live recording it can be. I feel almost bad rating this a 3/5, but the album had no variability whatsoever. Perhaps I’d enjoy it live in person.
The War On Drugs
3/5
Reading their Spotify description, I was really excited to listen to this album. Thought maybe something like Black Country New Road came to mind. However, come to find the description itself was just pretentious. I get hints of Springsteen, Dire Straits, Wilco, The Killers, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, etc. more or less just a classic singer song writer style of the 80s with the early 2000s Indie style. However, these guys bring nothing new to the table. Everything by the artists listed before them is better. Nothing is innovative. The drums all sound the same on every track.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
I’ve never listened to a full Snoop Dogg album before. Had no idea he was that connected with Dre either. The whole G-Funk thing is a really cool sound, I could possibly enjoy this in small doses and in a different setting. But certainly not great for work at 6 AM.
Deep Purple
4/5
This album was great! I’ve never listened to a lot of Deep Purple until somewhat recently beyond their radio hits. From the guitar solos, drum solos, and vocals (especially on Child in Time) this album was versatile and a building block on metal music to come.
James Taylor
3/5
The epitome of mom rock. Safe listening. Has some good parts, but best to take in small doeses if necessary.
Sex Pistols
4/5
For 1977, this was absolutely something new the world had never seen before. Truly the building block for punk and hardcore music to come.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Aside from the obvious, Like a Rolling Stone I have only heard a couple other tracks a few times. Well a lot of people complain about Dylan’s vocal ability and harmonica playing, I enjoy both. His voice is very unique and well I might appreciate a different voice singing his songs, you can’t argue that he’s not a good songwriter. Ballad of a Thin Man was my favorite song in addition to LARS. I also really enjoyed Highway 61. I was not a fan of Tombstone Blues as I felt that it drug on for too long. Also the weird off tune guitar on Queen Jane kind of bothered me, although I understand it was a stylistic decision the track was still too long.
Love
3/5
I thought it was just ok. A generic 60s psychedelic album, I wouldn’t turn it off but I wouldn’t seek it out again.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
I enjoyed it. Nice to have another country album on this list.
Metallica
3/5
I can’t make it through the whole thing. Got to For Whom The Bell Tolls and it’s just too much Metallica at once for me in the mood I’m in. I’ll listen to the other half later. This concert would be fun in person with the symphony, but too be honest I don’t know how much they truly add. Still being a live recording, the album doesn’t really flow well and is just too much fun all at once.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
Not really a big fan of anything aside from Superstition.
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
I like the other Louvin Brothers album better. They are some of the best at harmonizing, mandolin, and guitar plucking. But the album got a little redundant and something I likely won’t seek out again.
Sigur Rós
3/5
Like the Icelandic Radiohead? This album truly needs you to listen to it, when you do it’s easier to appreciate. But it also does nothing to hold my attention there. I’m sure there’s lots of people that will love this, but not for me.
Björk
3/5
A truly unique album that’s all over the place and yet it seemingly flows very well together. Hearing lots of pop, synth pop, electronic, jazz, etc. I loved the jazzier parts of the album, but not too big on the club music part of it. I can see people jamming this at a club back in the 90s and having a good time. Overall I enjoyed listening to this album, but likely would not revisit. I’m curious to see if I can pick up on a song or two out in the wild.
Robbie Williams
2/5
Oh, another Britpop album. Generic and boring music I’d imagine you’d hear at a supermarket in England.
Haircut 100
3/5
This album was actually pretty enjoyable from what I remember, maybe higher than a 3 but I forgot to rate it and don’t really wanna go back to listening again.
Blur
3/5
I don’t understand what British people love about this album. It’s truly a downfall from their great early rockers. I understand this is Britpop, it’s not bad it’s just nothing special. In the right environment I could enjoy a song or two at a time.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
You’ve got to respect Sinatra. Every song is a perfect dinner party jam.
Neneh Cherry
1/5
I’m surprised I made it as far as I did. Turned it off after she started talking about unwanted black market babies. This may be the most dated album I have ever heard, not timeless in the least. Still trying to understand why I needed to listen to this? Who exactly was influenced by this? Definitely not hip hop.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Not really sure how I feel about it… the album was more rock than the last Elliott Smith album I felt. Lyrics are very depressing and he’s so soft spoken it’s hard to understand them at times. Probably won’t seek out again. The opening track Son of Sam was my favorite.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Good background music.
Meat Loaf
3/5
I feel like I remember liking this album? Honestly, it was a little much. Dashboard Lights is a fun track, but everything is over the top.
David Bowie
4/5
I’ve only heard Golden Years prior to listening to this album. It’s clear that Golden Years although catchy, is not the best track. I really enjoyed TVC15 upon my first listen. Stay was probably my favorite track on the album.
Iron Maiden
4/5
It’s probably been 12+ years since I’ve listened to this album starting from the beginning. Run to the Hills has held steady in my musical rotation, but there’s arguably a lot better songs (or just as good) on this album. I’m not a fan of Invaders, but sounds like that’s the common consensus. The chorus on Prisoners is very catchy. The lyrics/theme of 22 Acacia Avenue means for a great story and the guitar is killer in that track along with the drum fills. Of Course the next 2 tracks are amazing as well, followed up with Gangland which isn’t my favorite track but still good. The album ends with Hallowed Be Thy Name and the use of the vocals over the stop time makes for a cool effect, plus one of the best guitar riffs and solos on the album.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
I really enjoy Neil Young, but I’m not too familiar with this album. I’ve only really heard Cinnamon Girl and Down by the River, both of which I really enjoy. The Losing End was a great song as well I hadn’t heard. I also enjoyed parts of Running Dry, but it seemed to be missing something.
The Stranglers
3/5
Pretty good for a British punk album. I really enjoyed the song Peaches, sounds so familiar to me but I can’t place where I’ve heard it before. Lyrics are a little outdated.
Django Django
3/5
I felt like they had potential, but nothing really stuck out to me.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
The Allman Brothers could jam. I’ve not listened to their live recordings much, but have been discovering more of their music. Mood specific for me for sure, but when that right mood hits you can get lost in the whirlwind of blues guitar and just let loose.
Boards of Canada
1/5
Well this may just be the worst thing I’ve listened to.
Black Sabbath
5/5
First of all RIP Ozzy, the world lost the GOAT. I can’t imagine hearing this album in 1970, that would have been absolutely wild. The sludginess of Geezer’s bass is amazing, Tony Iommi’s Riffs are unstoppable, this album is the first true metal album and is a masterpiece.
Jurassic 5
3/5
Not a big hip hop fan, but this was actually a pretty fun listen for me. Early 90s rap was sure of a hell lot different than today
Foo Fighters
4/5
Maybe it’s the Seattle in me, but Foo Fighters have always been a guilty pleasure of mine. Yes, they are generic, but they reinvented the word generic. The fact that Dave Grohl played and recorded every instrument on this album makes it that much more special. Although, I probably would have picked a different Foo Fighters album myself. Weenie Beanie is still one of my favorite tracks.
Iggy Pop
3/5
It was a fun album, never heard it before. Didn’t realize Bowie was involved until after the fact, but I could definitely heard the Bowie influence on it.
Fats Domino
3/5
Blueberry Hill is a great track. Albums sure to get anyone swinging! That being said, not really sure the context id listen to this in.
David Bowie
3/5
Album started off strong. I really liked Young Americans, but was not a fan of the following track Win. Fascination was okay, I enjoyed the cowbell. The next couple tracks as well were just okay to me as well, they have the signature Bowie sound but are kind of generic. I’ve heard Fame a lot before, but I didn’t really care for it. Perhaps my sour mood kept me from enjoying this album this morning, but I feel like it’s the weakest Bowie album on this list. 3 stars.
The Gun Club
2/5
I don’t think I even have to listen to the rest of this. The lyrics are garbage, it’s pretty generic post punk. The only impressive thing about them is their ability to crescendo and decrescendo but it gets a bit redundant as it’s over used. Wouldn’t listen to again.
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
This was like nothing I normally listen to. I thought it was a pretty good album overall, the dude has a nice voice and the parodies good. The album just isn’t really my style, but I can see why people would really enjoy this if they are into the genre. Maybe a bit James Brown esque in there too?
Sepultura
4/5
Probably best album opener I’ve heard in awhile! Love the rhythms, love the instruments. Thought the song in Portuguese was great. I should have skipped the last song though… 13 minutes of rubbing some metal.
King Crimson
4/5
This album was the defining moment of Prog rock and a metal. Truly a classic, some song better than others. But I want to listen more.
System Of A Down
4/5
Not my favorite SOAD album, and I’m honestly surprised this one was chosen over Toxicity or Mezmerize. But I’ve known some of the songs for years, never really listened to the whole album. It flowed really well together and was a fun listening experience and throwback to my middle school years.
The Soft Boys
3/5
I enjoyed parts of the album.
Radiohead
4/5
I’ve never been a big fan of Radiohead, I feel like I’ve tried many times to get into them. Using this album to listen to with some good quality headphones as my latest attempt.
Airbag was a good opening track, I like how it was more guitar focused. I really enjoyed the track Subterranean Homesick Alien, I can feel myself relistening to this one. Exit Music and Let down were let downs for me, I can’t seem to like that one. Found it super repetitive and wanting to fall asleep. The album picked back up again with Karma Police. This song is very catchy and has some moving lyrics, I know a lot of fans hate it, but it’s one of my favorites by them as a surface level listener despite being somewhat repetitive as well. Not really sure what to think about Fitter Happier, not a fan though. Electioneering has great guitar and I love the cowbell on this track, this song almost sounds like a different band completely. Possibly my favorite one thus far into the listen, reminds me of MUSE. Climbing up the Walls has such a creepy drum sound to it that I really enjoy. This song is a lot slower than the last and doesn’t flow as well as I feel like it should, I almost wish the tracks were swapped in the order of the album, but then again I haven’t listened past this yet. No Surprises gives me sort of a Beatles/Lennon vibe. IMO it would have been a good album closer. Lucky is another creepy track, something with the guitars and this weird droning going on the whole time too, not musically inclined to make it out. But the song you can tell is very well written. The Tourist is another slow album course type of song. Has a little bit of some jazz elements to it, but the song draws out a little too long.
Overall, I enjoyed this album front to back a lot more than I thought I would. The B side IMO is a lot stronger than the A Side. The singers voice is sort of whinny, which might be why I’ve never been able to get into them as long as I have. Listening with headphones you could really tell the individual notes and sounds, you could probably listen to this album 100 times and find something new every time. I don’t think I’ll be doing that, but I respect the ones who do. I want to rate this a 3.5, but I’ll give an extra half star for the cult following Radiohead has produced in their career.
4/5
Album starts off strong and just gets right into it. Peak drug Beatles era
Depeche Mode
3/5
The album started off really strong with Never Let Me Down Again, the synths and drums were pretty cool at first. Then the album just progressively got weirder, maybe 2 stars, but giving 3 for what I imagine the cultural significance was of this album for a lot of groups.
The Smiths
3/5
I enjoyed the funky guitar and bass riffs. Not so much the whoo and hoot of Morrisey.
The Temptations
3/5
They really know how to groove and funk. The lyrics of Run Charlie Run caught me off guard, but it was a very groovy song. Papa Was A Rollin Stone was the only song I’ve heard before and I really enjoyed this funky version, reminded me of a Herbie Hancock song. Not a fan of more of their slow doowop stuff such as I Ain’t Got Nothin’.
Khaled
1/5
Made it to Imagine.
Ash
3/5
Never heard of them before, came out strong out of the gate. First 3 tracks were great, after that the album kind of got a little boring and blurred together. Still solid 90s rock album.
Talking Heads
3/5
I really enjoyed a few tracks. Some of my favorites were Animals and Life During Wartime. A lot of these songs were very unlistenable though if I’m being honest, this album seemed like a lot of deep cuts from the 3 or 4 songs I know.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
There was some good tracks, towards the end I kind of got a bit bored. But nice to listen to for awhile other than just their hits.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
I’ll probably never actually listen to this whole album. Picked 5 Ella tracks to listen to and she’s one of the best to do it.
The Human League
2/5
2 stars for Don’t you Want Me.
Santana
4/5
I didn’t have the highest expectations for this album, but was blown away. From only hearing Black Magic Woman, I now think that’s the weakest track on the album! The guitar is fantastic, love the Latin beats and percussion. Will definitely be listening to more Santana in the future!
JAY Z
2/5
Good beats. Perhaps the blueprint for writing arrogant and braggadocios lyrics though. I wonder what Beyoncé thinks about all his girls, girls, girls?
The Boo Radleys
2/5
Not sure why this album is on here. Not bad, but very forgettable. Kind of band you’d see at a college party in the late 90s.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Take Five is an amazing song. Everything else was remotely forgettable, nice background music.
Bill Callahan
3/5
I fully expected this to be an alt-country album, however it was not even remotely close to that. Dude has no range, some of the songs are nice, decent lyrics, can’t tell if it’s supposed to be deep or just about birds and trees. Not sure when I’d listen to this again, but something new I’d never think to listen to prior to this list. Just wondering why this album was picked above so many other modern albums.
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
I didn’t really care for this a whole lot. There was some good parts. I just found it boring.
Grateful Dead
4/5
Haven’t listened to much Grateful Dead, I keep trying to get into them. But maybe better to just stick with the BMFS train at this point. I thought Dark Star was a bold choice to start the album off with a 23 minute song. Every time I felt the song going somewhere it got turned back down or mellowed out, rinse and repeat for another 10 minutes. The end of St. Stephen flowed into The Eleven so well, I thought it was the same song. The Eleven really jammed, I enjoyed it. Wasn’t too repetitive and drums were killer in the track. I enjoyed the shouting part in Turn on your love light and then how the song decrescendos before slowly building back up again. Feedback was not my favorite track, sounded exactly like that. Maybe interesting if you’re tripping, but that’s about it. Album had a good closer. Overall it was a good album, but not what I expected for this monumental jam band.
Wu-Tang Clan
2/5
Like others, I appreciate the cultural significance of this album. I find the skits cringe to listen to and the kungfu style a bit stale. The beats get repetitive and the lyrics are just violent, yet real. Maybe that’s the appeal, but as a white boy from the suburbs it’s not my taste. C.R.E.A.M. Is a classic though, 2.5 stars.
Richard Hawley
2/5
Not my thing. Quite a boring listen, I did think this album was a lot older than 2005 though.
Dr. Dre
2/5
Cool beats. Lyrics are violent and misogynistic of course, plus he really likes talking about his dick. Makes me wonder what would have happened if gangsta rap never occurred?
4/5
I see why country purists praise Loretta. She’s got such an amazing voice and control over each song. Not necessarily my vibe, but I respect the hell out of it.
FKA twigs
1/5
This is honestly awful.
Talking Heads
3/5
A lot of good songs, but too much to take in at once. Got a little repetitive for me after awhile.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
I found this to be very boring
Baaba Maal
1/5
I don’t appreciate music enough I guess to care about this.
1/5
I thought I made it a lot further than I did before I quit. JFC, this was bad.
Supertramp
4/5
I love Supertramp. This is the epitome of the 70s sound imo.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Always cracks me up that the best Southern Rock, swamp rock band is from California. This album is amazing though, quite a few tracks I’m not too familiar with. Booglin is great. Sound just reminds me of the Vietnam war.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Such an innovative album (concept wise) not the best Cash songs on this album, but for a live album it cannot be beat. The banter alone throughout the album is amazing and this is truly one of a kind. I think I may enjoy it more than Folsom Prison.
Le Tigre
2/5
Just more Riot Grrrl music. With slightly more electronic elements to it
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Started off strong! Was a good album, not something I listen to a lot, but that whole NY garage revival scene is a fun niche genre.
Steve Winwood
3/5
Good dad rock.
Franz Ferdinand
2/5
I’ve only heard Take Me Out from this album before. Turns out it’s the only one I really like. 2.5 stars.
Neu!
2/5
First two tracks I felt like they were building on something, but it wasn’t quite there. The next 4 tracks were a lot less space rock/psychedelic than the first 2 and I didn’t really care for it. E-Musik was a finale, but all in all not much occurred.
4/5
Honestly, this was a fun record. More on the jazzy side of psychedelic compared to the Doors or Jefferson Airplane, but I’m shocked this is the first time I’ve heard of this band. Definitely one of my favorite finds so far this project.
Pavement
3/5
I can see the foundation pavement laid for similar bands in their genre, however that doesn’t mean a whole lot when I’m not too fond of the bands that were inspired by Pavement in the first place. Nonetheless, kind of cool to see the launch point. I just don’t think this is something I’d listen to again.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
It’s a toss up between this and Led Zeppelin 4 for my favorite albums. Just an amazing record straight through and sure is bluesy.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Well that was sad and boring.
Gillian Welch
3/5
I’ve heard of Gillian Welch, but only a couple songs. The music is sad and reminiscent of Americana. David Rawlings accompanies her well, but sometimes the music feels like it’s missing something. Perfect front porch jam though, but definitely something I need to be in the mood to listen to.
David Bowie
3/5
I like Bowie, but this was even weird for him. Saxophone was nice. Some interesting lyrics, but like others have said probably wouldn’t have been remembered if it wasn’t the fact it was the last album before he died.
The Stooges
4/5
Pretty crazy album for 1969. I don’t know much about Iggy Pop and the Stooges, but enjoyed every track aside from We Will Fall.
George Michael
3/5
Gotta respect George Michael.
The Damned
4/5
I had no idea what to expect listening to this. Although apparently in 2017 I listened to one track before (what a missed opportunity). This was entertaining from the beginning with great instrumentation, crisp drum fills and heavy guitar riffs. The keyboard solo in I Just Can’t Be Happy Today was a welcomed addition. Lyrics throughout were very punk/rebellious, anti-religion. Smash it Up was probably my favorite track.
3/5
U2 has always been very forgettable for me. Not awful. Just not my favorite.
Nas
2/5
Better than most modern rap. I like the jazz elements and it’s cool Nas’ dad was the trumpet player on some songs. I just can’t relate to the music.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Honestly, he’s a pretty good lyricist. Never listened to a full Kendrick album as it’s not really my thing, but for modern rap he’s up there. I see why people enjoy it, but I’d rather listen to something else.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
I guess I’m not too familiar with the hate on Eric Clapton. Remind me why he was cancelled again? I think this is a solid blue album, the blues themselves can get very repetitive but it’s a fun little jam session at times. Some of the lyrics are a bit outdated.
Elton John
3/5
Tiny Dancer is a classic. Good album overall, lots of ballads.
The Killers
4/5
First half of the album is amazing. All bangers, but the album quickly falls off. Still, this has some of the most recognized songs and brings back good memories for me and many people
The Auteurs
2/5
Wasn’t really my thing.
Johnny Cash
4/5
No one can cover a song quite like Johnny Cash.
Beatles
3/5
Definitely not my favorite Beatles album. But a good example of the swooning teenagers and the beginning of Beatles Mania.
De La Soul
3/5
I mean, it’s fun. Just not really my thing. The skits are entertaining and it’s a lot different than most other hip hop I’ve ever heard.
Gorillaz
3/5
I just don’t get how popular this group got only to be mostly forgotten.
Neil Young
4/5
Southern Man is such a great song. I love the distortion of the guitar in it. I also really enjoyed When You Dance You Can Really Love.