261
Albums Rated
3.01
Average Rating
24%
Complete
828 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1980
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
37
5-Star Albums
36
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
|
5 | 2.98 | +2.02 |
|
Microshift
Hookworms
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Real Life
Magazine
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
|
5 | 3.08 | +1.92 |
|
British Steel
Judas Priest
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
Debut
Björk
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Opus Dei
Laibach
|
4 | 2.39 | +1.61 |
|
All Directions
The Temptations
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
|
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
|
1 | 4.3 | -3.3 |
|
Thriller
Michael Jackson
|
1 | 4.23 | -3.23 |
|
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
|
1 | 3.86 | -2.86 |
|
Bad
Michael Jackson
|
1 | 3.81 | -2.81 |
|
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
|
1 | 3.8 | -2.8 |
|
Dookie
Green Day
|
1 | 3.79 | -2.79 |
|
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
1 | 3.74 | -2.74 |
|
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
|
1 | 3.67 | -2.67 |
|
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
|
1 | 3.57 | -2.57 |
|
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 5 | 4.4 |
| Pixies | 3 | 4.67 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 4.67 |
| Kate Bush | 2 | 5 |
| The Doors | 2 | 5 |
| U2 | 2 | 5 |
| Public Enemy | 3 | 4.33 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 1 |
| Tom Waits | 2 | 1 |
| Morrissey | 3 | 1.67 |
| The Rolling Stones | 3 | 1.67 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 1, 5 |
| Van Morrison | 1, 4 |
5-Star Albums (37)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Red Hot Chili Peppers · 2 likes
4/5
I had it when it came out and liked it, but I was a dumb teenager so what did I know? Now I'm old and I haven't listened to this album in decades until today.
I thought it would be vile. I thought I'd hate every minute of it. Yes, it is cringe at times. The lyrics are a mess. It's too long. Sir Psycho Sexy is an abomination.
And yet, I like it. The music is so good. I have to heed the words of the Beatles here: turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.
The most embarrassing thing about listening to these 1001 albums is admitting to myself that I don't hate the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I still stand by thinking that Anthony Kiedis is problematic as hell, and he's the weakest link.
I'm ashamed to give this a 4, and yet, here we are.
X · 2 likes
3/5
X is fine. They have a specific sound. They're fun. I grew up listening to them.
Anyway.
As a grumpy adult, I liked this album less and less as it progressed. It's the same thing over and over again.
I'm tired.
Marianne Faithfull · 2 likes
4/5
I really liked this. Her voice is raw and angry. I appreciate complicated women who don't easily fit in a box and am always grateful when we come across their albums. We need more representation, damnit!
Serge Gainsbourg · 2 likes
1/5
Creepy and gross. A celebration of child rape. Did Epstein or Trump write this? We need less of this in the world.
Green Day · 1 likes
1/5
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I hate this. I hated it when it came out in the 90s. I gave it another listen, thinking maybe my stance on this would soften and that it would somehow sound better to me now that I am fully fledged and somewhat nostalgic for the music of my youth, but no. I still hate it.
Is this supposed to be punk? If so, it's way too bubblegum. There's something plastic and artificial about it that turns me off from this.
If you like it, good for you. Go for it. It's a miss for me. I do appreciate their political stance, just not their music!
1-Star Albums (36)
All Ratings
Radiohead
2/5
This is the first Radiohead album I've listened to in its entirety. The music is fine, but I do not like the vocals. Very whiny and annoying at times. I wouldn't rush to relisten to this again.
Elton John
3/5
I saw Elton John perform in Vegas and he was great live. I do not consider myself an Elton John fan, but I only really know his big songs. I liked this but didn't love it. There were some really good songs, but also a few clunkers. It dragged a little and was a bit too long. It is certainly of its time in terms of sound, and it can sound a little dated. I wouldn't rush to play it again, but I also wouldn't rush to turn it off.
Michael Jackson
1/5
How do you rate the work of a pedophile?
Music is fun, but very dated. Songs are a bit repetitive and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough is probably the best song on here, and it seems overly long.
All in all, not a bad choice for a rainy Monday morning, but MJ's reputation ruins it.
Public Enemy
5/5
I acknowledge that I am not the desired demographic for this album and I'll get my anxieties about this out of the way first. Homophobia and misogyny are alive and well. Can't we all just get along?
On to the music. It's great. It takes me back to the 90s. The lyrics are still so relevant now in maga-Amerikkka. We need protest music and righteous indignation now more than ever. I feel like we've gone from “fight the power” to “chase the clout.” Consumerism coopted rebellion. I prefer rebellion. More of this, please.
Michael Jackson
1/5
Ugh. This a-hole again. Two MJ albums in my first week. At least I am getting them out of the way.
There are three amazing, strong songs on here: Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean. The Girl is Mine is dreadful and reminds me why I am not a big Paul McCartney fan.
Yes, this album was huge. I was a kid when it came out, and this was everywhere. It has massive cultural importance. There is a lot of talent on it. But ultimately, this is Michael Jackson's masterpiece.
How do you rate the work of a monster? Can we just ignore who the artist is? What he allegedly (but most likely) did to victimize others? There is such a massive taint on MJ that makes it impossible for me to go higher than a 1. Sorry.
The Temptations
5/5
This is not what I thought a Temptations album would be like. I was pleasantly surprised. Very enjoyable listen.
Johnny Cash
5/5
I liked the interaction with and responses from the audience--that makes this album. Songs have a lot of humor but are a little same-same at times. I'm not a country fan at all, but this was fun.
Led Zeppelin
2/5
I always think I like Led Zeppelin until I actually listen to them. Then I remember I don't like them, somehow forget that fact, and get stuck in a "like them/hate them loop."
I get impatient with Led Zeppelin. Some of their stuff is great, it really is. The music is almost always better than the vocals. Their songs seem to go on for far too long. Full albums make me antsy.
Led Zeppelin III is a great example of Led Zeppelin annoyance for me. It starts off great, but quickly overstays its welcome. Immigrant Song is great, the middle lags a bit with some bright spots, but by the time we get to Hats Off to (Roy) Harper, I am exhausted and over it.
Tom Waits
1/5
Music is interesting, but then the singing starts. I am not the audience for this. (Who is? Does anyone listen to this and just love it? Really?)
New Order
4/5
I feel like I've known this music my whole life. The synth and the vocals are a bit dated sounding at times. There are definite elements that remind me of the The Cure, in the best possible way. Pretty good; far from perfect.
Soundgarden
3/5
I was in high school in the 90s, so Soundgarden is one of many bands that makeup the soundtrack of my youth. I wasn't really a grunge kid, but it was inescapable. I haven't really listened to Soundgarden since high school, other than a song here or a song there.
This was fine. It took me right back to my teen years. Because I am now old, I do have more of an appreciation for grunge music. It is still not my favorite. The songs on this all blend in and they feel similar to each other. Much like Led Zeppelin, I think small doses of Soundgarden are fine. Listening to a full album is not my jam.
A solid 3.
Pixies
4/5
Pixies are always a good time. This is fun! Not their best, but still solid.
Jack White
2/5
Not my cup of tea.
Blondie
5/5
Neneh Cherry
2/5
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Derivative and kind of forgettable.
Ella Fitzgerald
2/5
Beastie Boys
3/5
Mariah Carey
1/5
I'm not a fan of the breathlessness of this album. All the songs sound the same. The cover of The Beautiful Ones is just....yikes. Completely unnecessary. Not my cup of tea.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
I'm not a big fan of this type of music. Harmonicas leave me cold. Neil Young's voice is grating. Sure, yes--Neil Young is a genius and without him, we wouldn't have grunge. Whatever.
Could a female artist get away with being this unappealing and annoying? Nope.
Not for me.
Magazine
5/5
I don't know how I haven't heard this before. It's pretty great. Definitely adding this to the library.
Pink Floyd
1/5
I am not the right demographic for this record. What others love about this, I really don't like. This is only 44 minutes long, but my god. I feel like those 44 minutes warped and expanded somehow. A lot of these songs fail to really get going. I am far too sober and it is way too early in the morning for me to appreciate this.
Ok--now to the songs:
Shine on you crazy diamond (pts 1-5): wow. Way too long. Nothing interesting happens, there's some singing, then it is all wrapped up with god awful saxophone. Not compelling. Sax can be grating.
Welcome to the machine: why is there so much synth on this record? I can totally see why there are Pink Floyd laser shows. I suddenly feel like watching bladerunner or a clockwork orange.
Have a cigar: this one is a little more promising than the rest. It's also the shortest. It's still kinda boring.
Wish you were here: west coast country meets synth. I'm glad I'm not "here."
Shine on you crazy diamond (pts 6-9): oh good, there's more! And this time, it's screechy. I feel like I'm trapped in a boomer's garage while he plays records from his youth, drinks brown liquor, and waxes poetic about his college years. Get me out of here!
Funkadelic
2/5
To paraphrase Columbia in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, "it's ok."
Funk is not my favorite music genre and this certainly isn't my favorite funk album. Some of the songs go on a little too long. It's fun at times. It's boring at times. It's ok.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
It's fine, but not readily available.
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
I've somehow managed to never listen to Sleater-Kinney. I've driven by the exit on I-5 many, many times, but I've never heard the band. I am weirdly just a tiny bit too old for this to have spoken to me. If I were just a couple of years younger, I probably would have loved this.
Music is great. Vocals are...yikes. The songs all sound the same after a bit. I wish there was more variation/range/something in the lead singer's voice.
I'll go with a generous 3 stars, especially since we need more women rocking out on this list.
Morrissey
2/5
Oh god, this asshole.
Putting his whole Morrissey-ness aside, this album is actually pretty boring and mopey. There are a few decent songs (Everyday is Like Sunday, Suedehead), but most are kinda meh.
2.5/rounded down for Morrissey's bullshit.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
There are two camps: the Stones or the Beatles. I'm firmly a Beatles girl.
This was great at times, cringey at times, and just meh at times. It starts and ends so well. The middle is a bit messy.
Gimme Shelter: great opener! Classic.
Love in Vain: oof. After such a great start, this was a major step back. I'm not a big fan of fiddles and such, so that's part of my dislike.
Country Honk: not sure I am buying these English guys singing about good old American honky-tonk. This feels like cosplay.
Love with Me: this is a little better.
Let it Bleed: oh no. I do not like the accent Mick is pulling on this. Yes, you like cocaine. Good for you.
Midnight Rambler: this is fun.
You Got the Silver: felt longer than it's 2:50 play time, but it was fine.
Monkey Man: good music; not sure about the lyrics/vocals. Makes me think of Steven Tyler, which is something I try to avoid doing.
You Can't Always Get What You Want: this song is such a classic. It's great. Perfect. And what a way to end an album.
Overall: Strong start and finish with nothing great in between.
Supergrass
4/5
Noisy Brit-pop. It's fine. Fun if you're in the mood for it. Annoying if you're not!
Kate Bush
5/5
It's experimental, it's weird, it's difficult, it's freaking amazing from start to finish. It might be an acquired taste, but I love this album so much and find no fault in it. A desert island disc for sure.
If you don't like it, go back and listen to it again. Louder. Let it sit. Repeat this process. If you still don't get it, that's a huge loss for you and I am so sorry because you are missing out.
The songs:
Sat In Your Lap: great start!
There Goes a Tenner: so fun and catchy.
Pull Out the Pin: oof...so good. Her voice is incredible here--there's so much power and emotion--and David Gilmour grounds her. I love life!
Suspended in Gaffa: no notes; perfection!
Leave It Open: We let the weirdness in. Yes, Kate, we really do. And it's fantastic.
The Dreaming: such an interesting song. It's all over the place. The structure is fascinating. You hear something new each time you listen to it. The way this bleeds into Night of the Swallow is so enjoyable.
Night of the Swallow: one of Kate's best songs ever. I've heard it so many times and it still elicits an emotional response. Play it loud.
All the Love: it has a hard act to follow after Night of the Swallow, but it holds its own. It has a haunted quality to it. It's a nice layover before Houdini.
Houdini: some people don't like the vocals on this; those people are wrong. This song is a rollercoaster in the best possible way. If you like metal, you should like this. There's so much emotion in Houdini--anger, fear, love, tenderness. It's beautiful.
Get Out of My House: It's raw. It's difficult. There are donkey noises. It's freaking amazing. I feel like this is such a woman's song, coming from such a feminine perspective. What a way to end an album.
The Jam
2/5
The Black Keys
2/5
I've never knowingly listened to The Black Keys, and yet I know some of these songs. It sounds like background music or car commercial music. It does not elicit strong emotions one way or another. Music for the masses! There is no heart here. Way too much college boy cosplay for me to add this to my collection.
Van Halen
4/5
I remember my sister had this cassette when I was a kid. That stupid angel with the cigarettes. Ugh. I was prepared to hate this because I think Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing gets annoying fast and I'm never in the mood for 80s misogyny.
I'm surprised to find that this was...fun? Vapid, but fun. Easy to listen to. I've always had a bizarre soft spot for David Lee Roth, so that helps. Diamond Dave is so cheesy, but in all the best ways. My mental image of him is leaping high in the air, legs spread, shirtless, looking like a crazy man. Thanks, Jump video!
The album is pretty tight and contained, especially at just 33 minutes. 1984 into Jump was excellent. This is not a 5 star record for me, but I did like it more than I anticipated. I still think Eddie Van Halen's guitar style is grating.
Metallica
2/5
My knee jerk reaction is yuck--Metallica. I've never been a fan. My husband is, and said that this is not that bad. A ringing endorsement. So--let's give it a go!
It's clear that they have skill and know what they are doing. I like some of their slower, prettier guitar parts. Orion is interesting. That said, my knee jerk reaction stands. Yuck. I don't love how the songs are composed. The pacing is very Metallica. James Hetfield's voice is what it is.
I'm not the right audience for this. I understand that it is beloved by many, but it remains a hard pass for me. I am not young enough, masculine enough, or filled with enough rage. Thrash just makes my joints ache.
Herbie Hancock
3/5
Gets a little repetitive, but watermelon man is fun.
Talking Heads
4/5
Can’t go wrong with the talking heads
Queen Latifah
4/5
I was an alt-rock girl when this came out, so it was no where near my radar. I've never really listened to Queen Latifah, and I missed out. This is fun! Sure, it's showing it's age but I won't hold that against it.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Every time I hear You are the Sunshine of My Life, I can't help but singing the stupid Minute Maid jingle. (You are the sunshine of my life, Minute Maid!) That commercial is from 1987 and yet it has stayed with me all these years. It ruins what is otherwise a sweet song for me. Stupid Minute Maid!
Setting that aside, this is the first time I listened to a Stevie Wonder album. I thought Maybe Your Baby was never going to end, but I was enjoying it until I had my fill. You and I felt kinda cheesy. The songs are interesting--there is a lot going on musically. Nice dose of politics in Big Brother. Blame it on the sun was pretty. Some good songs on here!
Jimi Hendrix
2/5
I know Jimi is a genius. I just don't enjoy listening to his music. A song here or there is fine, but a whole album is just not my thing. Castles Made of Sand is lovely.
Morrissey
1/5
Ugh, Morrissey yet again. At least give me The Smiths!
This was awful. Whiney. Indulgent. Slow. Boring. Also weirdly dated sounding. The vocals are dreadful and the music isn't even interesting.
Yes, Morrissey. Tell us all about how miserable you are and how terrible the world is, all with your massive privilege. My heart bleeds for you, Morrissey. Life has been so unfair to you. /s
What a wanker.
Jethro Tull
2/5
I get that they have skills and make interesting music. That music is just not for me, and that’s ok.
The Verve
2/5
Like everyone else, I only knew Bittersweet Symphony going into this. After giving it a listen, I feel like Bittersweet Symphony was the apex. It's a pity they started with that, because it was all down hill after.
This sounded like background music. It didn't make me feel anything. It was a bit boring and over-serious. Lighten up, everyone. Shorten your songs and make them more interesting. Forgettable and bland.
The Smiths
2/5
The algorithm is forcing Morrissey on me this month. At least this is The Smiths and not another bleak solo outing. Honestly, at this point, I've had my fill of Morrissey's voice.
This is so much better than the solo stuff. Johnny Marr and the rest of The Smiths are doing all the heavy lifting here. Even with the benefit of the others, I did not enjoy this as much as I would have when I was younger. Now I am unable to divorce my dislike of Morrissey (the person AND the artist) from The Smiths, and this all just seems so incel-adjacent. We can't have nice things anymore.
Please, internet gods--no more Morrissey for awhile!
Pixies
5/5
It's always nice to have an excuse to listen to the Pixies. I get that this is not for everyone, and that's fine. It's unhinged, beautiful, and bizarre. I love it.
Big Star
4/5
I feel like I should know Big Star better than I do. I know Kangaroo and Holocaust because of This Mortal Coil. Of course there's the whole Alex Chilton song by the Replacements. Somehow I've never actually listened to Big Star.
This is actually pretty good. '70s Americana with a dose of the Beatles. I felt like it was missing something, but I am not sure what. I enjoyed it nonetheless.
3/5
Country music is not my thing. MAGA artists are not my thing. Loretta Lynn is not my thing.
There's so much about this I don't like, but honestly? If it were on in the background I wouldn't hate it. There's something lonely and broken about it that I appreciate, as long as I don't listen too hard to the lyrics or think too much about Loretta Lynn.
This is a tricky one to give a score to, so I'll go right down the middle with a 3, which is generous of me.
Sister Sledge
3/5
Disco music! I was born too late to like disco. It's always been either out of style or overly commercialized. I feel like as a rule, disco songs outstay their welcome. They're overly long and seem so vapid lyrically. I also get that disco was very important for its time, and that it forever changed pop music.
This album is fine. It doesn't speak to me at any sort of deep level, but music doesn't have to. At it's best, the songs on this album are fun! At it's worst, they're sappy and endless (does We Are Family really need to clock in at 8:21?). I'll go with a 2.5 rounded up because I am feeling nice.
I'm still not a disco fan.
The Stooges
4/5
I saw Iggy Pop at the HFStival at RFK Stadium in July 1993 (RIP, WHFS!). He was dreadful. He jumped around the stage and screamed a lot. That's all I really remember of his performance. The kids today would call it cringe.
I liked this more than I thought I would. It's full of testosterone and is perfectly named. For being released in 1973, it holds up rather well.
Kraftwerk
3/5
This was obviously very influential for a lot of bands. It’s interesting, but a bit repetitive and boring. Good background music. Makes me want to listen to Tubeway Army.
Steely Dan
3/5
I like it more than I thought I would, but I wouldn't rush to listen to this on repeat. I like the music a lot more than the lyrics/vocals.
Hookworms
5/5
I have never heard of Hookworms, so everything about this was new to me. I'm surprised to say that this was very enjoyable. Look at me--liking music from the current decade! Way to go!
That said, who are these people? Is this really one of the top 1001 albums ever made? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I still liked it.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
I initially clicked on the 50th anniversary deluxe edition and wanted to cry at the thought of listening to 3+ hours of CSNY. Thankfully, the non-deluxe version was still an option. 36 minutes is much better.
This is that weird time period when everyone was doing their version of country/folk, which is not my musical preference. I'm surprised I liked some of these songs, especially Carry On, Helpless (though Neil Young's vocals almost ruin it), Our House, and 4+20.
Fela Kuti
3/5
If it weren't for this project, I would have never listened to--or heard of!--Fela Kuti. It's good in the background. There's a lot going on and when it's all working, it's a lot of fun. When it's not coming together, it gets a bit repetitive.
Blur
3/5
It's ok, I guess?
My Bloody Valentine
4/5
I always pass over the two other "My..." bands to get to My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, so I've never listened to My Bloody Valentine.
This sounds like the 90s. Makes me want to listen to The Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, and Type O Negative. The music is a bit too noisy/fuzzy for me to love it, but I don't hate it. Decent background music while working.
Van Morrison
1/5
oh god I hate this so much. van morrison's voice is grating and this is making me angry. I don't know how people find this to be beautiful. can't they hear his voice? make it stop.
Duke Ellington
1/5
Jazz is not my jam. This is very big band-y jazz, so it sounds very dated (it is!). I like some of the aspects of the big band influence, but ultimately, this didn't win me over. I am still not a jazz fan.
The songs go on too long and are too repetitive. I think it might be less annoying to experience it live, but the repetition can be maddening. The high squeaky notes are infuriating. Music is supposed to make you feel something--I don't think frustration is the feeling they're going for, but that's what I feel listening to this.
The live aspects of this album (the intros, the cheering, etc.) don't bother me like they do others. It's kinda neat to hear the old school way of talking that was once common in the USA.
The Clash
4/5
As a rule, I very much enjoy Thatcher-era music, and this is no exception. It's fantastic! There's a lot going on and yes, it's a bit long, but it all works.
R.E.M.
4/5
I really like R.E.M. I often forget they exist and then stumble upon them and have the realization that their music is very, very good.
Murmur is where it all starts. It's jangly, mumbly, and excellent. It's not my favorite R.E.M., but it's a relaxing listen.
Nice way to start the week!
The Sonics
3/5
This is loud, screamy, and fuzzy. Not entirely awful, mostly because it's short (12 songs; 29 minutes). I can totally get that this was influential on a lot of subsequent artists. Too much screaming for my taste.
Hanoi Rocks
4/5
I want to hate this, but I can't. And I'm not happy about it. It's weirdly fun and catchy. It's a big old mess and it's all over the place. Is it a joke? What is happening?
The Beach Boys
1/5
Brian Wilson died yesterday.
Growing up in the 80s in the mid-Atlantic, The Beach Boys were music from another time and another world. They seemed so removed from my modern life, representing a sun-soaked naivety that was outdated and vaguely embarrassing. As I got older, the rot at the core of their saccharine exterior became better known: the drug abuse, the alcoholism, the weird connection to Charles Manson.
Other than the big hits, I've never stopped to open The Beach Boys time capsule. I am not a big fan of their sound. Their lyrics on this album reflect a dated perspective. Their songs are about high school and "chicks." It's all a little creepy.
It's of it's time. They were a defining band. It's ok in the background, to create an atmosphere, but this album didn't do much for me.
Coldplay
1/5
In extremely small doses, this is....ok? As a whole, it's long, it's boring, it's same shit, different song. It's overly earnest. There's not a shred of humor or lightheartedness here.
The first song was fine. The Scientist is dreadful--maybe if they picked up the pace, it would be better. Chris Martin's droning on and on is too much. Clocks is overplayed. I feel like Coldplay is U2 at their worst.
I'm sure there is more Coldplay in my future 1001 albums journey, and I am not looking forward to that.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
I enjoyed three songs on this (Stand!, Everyday People, and You Can Make It If You Try). Some of the others went on too long for my taste. I appreciate the lyrics and social justice aspects of this and can certainly see why it's important and on the list.
Air
4/5
I really enjoyed this one. Great for creating an atmosphere. Very easy to listen to. Makes me want to play Katamari Damacy.
Jeru The Damaja
1/5
This is not my thing.
The Roots
1/5
This is not for me.
CHIC
3/5
Peak disco. Felt a little long at times.
Boston
4/5
Ok,. Boomer!
I am surprised to say I like this. It's very much "dad rock," but I found it fun, engaging, and easy to listen to. I could see listening to this on a road trip.
Joy Division
2/5
This is ok. At times, I really like it. The music is good. The vocals are not my favorite. The situation surrounding this album is sad and makes the songs more poignant. Not something I would listen to regularly.
Mercury Rev
3/5
Another album where the music is better than the vocals. Interesting, but not quite my thing. I don't love it when signers are off key.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
My husband loves CCR, but I am not a fan of swamp rock. CCR always makes me think of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band, which creeps me out a bit. I do like John Fogerty's politics for the most part.
There's still so much swampy southern country-ness going on in this album, but somehow it's not awful (except for Ooby Dooby). Ramble Tamble is excellent. I like the tempo shift in Lookin Out My Backdoor. Run Through The Jungle is dark and kind of spooky, in a good way. Heard It Through The Grapevine is a decent (but long!) cover of a song I don't particularly like.
There are a lot of "best of" songs here. So many of these songs are used in commercials that I feel like I now need to go buy an American-made truck.
I'm still not a swamp rock fan, but I'll give this 3 stars and move on with my life.
Rush
2/5
Boring. I was not in the right mood for this. Doubt I will try again, though.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Short and sweet. The song production sounds a bit dated, but that didn’t detract too much.
Love
4/5
What is this album? And why do I kinda like it?
It seems extremely unserious. It reminds me of The Doors, The Dead Milkmen, and lots of other, diverse bands. It makes me laugh and feels weirdly happy. The last song is overly long. The album cover is a hoot. What's up with that Han Solo dude?
Anyway. I would never have organically come across this album. It's fun. We need more fun things in the world.
Calexico
4/5
This was a really nice listen.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Not short enough! I am not a fan of this dude's voice.
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
Still not a jazz fan.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Get it, Aretha!
Kanye West
1/5
I do not listen to nazi music. Skipping this.
Miles Davis
2/5
I'm not cool enough for this, and that's ok with me.
Mike Ladd
3/5
Didn't hate it; didn't love it. Wouldn't seek this out again.
Neil Young
3/5
Would be so much better if Neil Young didn't sing these songs. His voice is not my favorite. Extra point for Southern Man.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Pleasant, but dated.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Pretentious.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
How have I completely forgotten about this album? It's fantastic. Welcome back!
Supertramp
4/5
Supertramp is always fun!
Iron Maiden
3/5
Killers is my favorite Maiden album and I prefer Paul Di'Anno's vocals (sorry for my unpopular Iron Maiden opinion).
There are some really fun/excellent songs on here (Run to the Hills, Number of the Beast, Hallowed..., Prisoner); there are other songs that are a slog (Children of the Damn is the epitome of all the things I don't like about Bruce).
The Zombies
4/5
Very much of its time. Very easy and enjoyable. Nice way to start a week.
FKA twigs
3/5
I am aware of FKA twigs, but I have never listened to FKA twigs. This was not bad, but it also didn't stand out to me. I wish she would drop the falsetto and belt it out a little.
Green Day
1/5
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I hate this. I hated it when it came out in the 90s. I gave it another listen, thinking maybe my stance on this would soften and that it would somehow sound better to me now that I am fully fledged and somewhat nostalgic for the music of my youth, but no. I still hate it.
Is this supposed to be punk? If so, it's way too bubblegum. There's something plastic and artificial about it that turns me off from this.
If you like it, good for you. Go for it. It's a miss for me. I do appreciate their political stance, just not their music!
Pixies
5/5
I love this! This is my favorite Pixies album. It is perfect from start to finish.
Stan Getz
2/5
Jazz really isn't my favorite. This would be ok in the background. Not something I would be drawn to otherwise.
Paul McCartney and Wings
1/5
I love the Beatles, but they are not without fault. I really dislike the sappier Beatles songs, and those songs are almost always McCartney songs.
Band on the Run feels like an album full of McCartney's worst instincts. No sir, I don't like it!
Tim Buckley
2/5
This one was different. At times I hated it. Other times, I found it interesting. He makes some curious vocal choices and reminds me of Jim Morrison. I wouldn't rush back to this particular album, but it wasn't the worst thing I've ever heard.
The Beta Band
1/5
Nope. Not for me. Instantly forgettable.
Next!
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Better than I expected. It's not my style of music--I am not a twangy country girl! There wasn't a lot of variety in the songs and it was a little irritating at times. Completely fine for background music in the right setting, though I am not sure what that setting would be. I'll give it an extremely generous 3 stars, with bonus points for the stupid band name and ridiculous cover art.
The Doors
5/5
This is neither the best nor the worst Doors album. They’ll always be 5-stars for me. One of my favorites.
The Flaming Lips
1/5
I'm glad that's over with. Apparently everyone loves this, but I fear that it is not for me. It just fades into the background. I dislike Wayne Coyne's voice and the music does nothing for me. The longer it went on, the more I disliked it. Everything sounds off key.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
There's a lot going on here. It's giving Elvis, the Stones, the Cramps, the Ramones, CCR, and god knows what else. It's simultaneously good and bad. I'm not entirely on board, but I guess I can see the appeal? I'll go with 3 stars--right down the middle. I've never heard of Flamin Groovies before, so I guess I learned something today.
Depeche Mode
4/5
I’m not sure how I never jumped on the Depeche Mode train. Younger me should have loved this. Adult me thinks it’s pretty good and enjoys the nostalgia of Depeche Mode’s sound.
Paul Simon
1/5
I like some of the actual music on this. Not the lyrics; not the singing. Allergies, song about the moon, and cars and cars are embarrassingly awful. The best song was The Late Great Johnny Ace. The rest were forgettable.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1/5
Southern rock gives me the ick and this is the epitome of southern rock. Hard pass.
Lauryn Hill
2/5
I know that people love this. I do not.
Eminem
1/5
Imagine a world where misogyny wasn’t profitable. We’re not in that world. I get it: you all hate us.
Basement Jaxx
1/5
This is not very good. Repetitive. Too long. Entirely bland and forgettable. Not sure how this is an album to hear before I die. This kind of music has been done better by others.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
I feel like I don't really have a handle on who The Stones are as a band. I only know their big songs. Their music is so-so to me. Brits going for bluesy, honky tonk americana. Not my favorite. This album was ok; I wouldn't reach for it again.
Beatles
4/5
My first Beatles’ album for this project. I love the Beatles. This is uncomplicated and unpretentious. It’s just fun and showcases why the Beatles were so huge.
The Band
2/5
I'm instantly turned off by folksy, country, southern sounding rock. Songs that include fiddles and lyrics about "dixie" or "creeks." This is not for me, but others seem to enjoy it.
Serge Gainsbourg
1/5
Creepy and gross. A celebration of child rape. Did Epstein or Trump write this? We need less of this in the world.
Tom Waits
1/5
The success of artists like Tom Waits is proof to me that the patriarchy is alive and well.
David Bowie
4/5
This one is hard to rate. I don't know if it's so smart that I don't get it, or if there is not really much there to get. It's an interesting album, especially with Bowie's death surrounding its release. I've listened to it twice and have yet to form a solid opinion about it. I'm going with a 4 because it's Bowie's goodbye to the world and it's fascinating.
Prince
4/5
It's dated. It's overly long. The songs are ridiculous. It's Prince.
Carole King
4/5
We need more women on this list.
Arcade Fire
2/5
I like Funeral a lot. This is not Funeral. It's inoffensive and tends to boring. You can put it on and completely forget that you're listening to something.
Soft Machine
1/5
4 songs; 1 hour and 15 minutes. Oh boy.
2:30 into the first "song" and I am not sure I have the patience for this. It's quite annoying. Oh wait...now there is actually music? Not just random noises? I hate this so much. Facelift? More like face meltingly bad, am I right?
Even after the disaster of the first song, this is so not my thing. Maybe things improve when the singing starts? Nope. It doesn't.
Annoying from start to finish. People actually like this?
Louis Prima
5/5
This is fun! And funny!
Sure, it's not my favorite genre of music and yes, it definitely sounds like the 1950s, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a good time.
Hugh Masekela
1/5
The algorithm is giving me a lot of jazz lately, and I'll be so happy when we move on to something else. Jazz is not my thing. Sure, there are skilled musicians doing their best work on this album, but it is just not for me.
T. Rex
5/5
I've somehow managed to never really listen to T Rex--apart from Bang a Gong. This was a nice start to the week. Even though it's from 1971, it doesn't feel dated. There's nothing wrong with this one.
George Jones
1/5
Not my thing. I don't like the twang of country music. At least this was short.
Mudhoney
3/5
It's noisy. It sounds like a lot of other bands. I did not listen to all the demos and extra nonsense on the extended/deluxe edition, and it still almost outstayed it's welcome.
I didn't hate it; I wouldn't rush back to hear it again.
Best song: in 'n' out of grace
The Prodigy
3/5
I'm listening to this while working, and as background music, it's pretty great. Not sure I would love it as an album I'd just sit down and listen to. Everything sort of blends together and it is fairly repetitive.
Arcade Fire
4/5
I forgot how much I like this album. Taking off a star for the sex pest allegations. Otherwise, this is so beautifully crafted.
Judas Priest
5/5
One of my husband's all time favorites. We saw Priest a few years ago and they were great, though for me the highlight of that show was Saxon. Rob Halford is a super decent human, and we need more people like him to be elevated.
All that said, I am not a huge Priest fan. It's fine. It's just not my thing. I like the idea of them more than the actual music. It's hyper masculine. The lyrics are silly. The music is aggressive. The vocals are wild.
I'm giving it a 5 for my husband and because it is hugely influential. It's probably more of a 3 going on my personal taste.
Elvis Costello
2/5
At its best, this is boring, bland, and inoffensive. At its worst, this is derivative, annoying, and trying way too hard. One or two Elvis Costello songs are fine, but 15 songs all together makes for a monotonous listen.
Fairport Convention
4/5
Don't judge an album by its cover!
This was better than I expected. Very Jefferson Airplane. Lush and lovely.
Laibach
4/5
Very industrial sounding. Makes me think of Ministry, Skinny Puppy, etc.--all of which I like.
This is certainly better than some of the albums in this project. It's interesting and I wouldn't have come across this organically. 3.5, rounded up.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
Imagine being surprised that RATM is political. The people who don't get it are probably the people that need to hear it the most.
Anyway.
Politically, RATM is right on. I'm glad this music exists, that it is unapologetic in its messaging, and that it is something young men will be drawn to. Now more than ever RATM's messaging is relevant and needed.
All that said, this is not for me. I'm not the target audience. I don't really like Zack's vocals and it's a bit repetitive. I'm going with a 4 because it's important; docking a star because of the repetitive nature of it all.
Deep Purple
3/5
Deep Purple is fun--in small doses. This was fine. Great music. Too much screaming first thing in the morning on a Monday. They're over the top and a bit much at times. Every song feels overly long. Still, fun enough to get a 3.5, but rounded down.
Richard Hawley
2/5
This didn't work for me.
Some of the music was pretty. I don't like this guy's voice, and hearing it for song after song got old. I don't think he's quite the crooner he thinks he is. Maybe someone like Brendan Perry would have better results.
There's a lonely, nighttime feel to it, but with a weird hint of cowpoke country-western that made it unintentionally comical at times. Overall it feels sleepy.
A relatively benign, completely forgettable album.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
It's not good when you get to the halfway point and wonder how much more of this you have to endure.
I've never been a fan of the Pet Shop Boys. I think I might have been too young when they were popular to really "get" them. I don't seek out their musical aesthetic. Neil's vocals grate on me a bit.
I don't mind synth, but this album sounds dated and cloying. I appreciate that others like this, but yeah. It's not buying with PSB is selling.
Being Boring, So Hard, and To Face the Truth were mildly interesting. My October Symphony was dreadful. Jealousy was too over the top to be taken seriously. On to the next!
Air
3/5
I never listened to Air before this project, and I can say that they're a find for me. I quite enjoy their music.
Since this is a score and not a soundtrack, the tracks are short, like little quick bullet points rather than fully fleshed out ideas. It's perfectly fine for background music, but I am not sure I'd enjoy it as much if I were just listening to it without other distractions.
The music is lovely and Air is good at what they do. Giving this a 3 because of it being a score and not a soundtrack.
Otis Redding
4/5
This is very nice. I only know Otis Redding from Dock of the Bay, which is overplayed, and from the opening line of Runnin' Blue by the Doors (poor Otis dead and gone...). This album is lovely. I like the horns. It's got a nice, warm feel to it.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
This is an important and hugely influential album and absolutely should be on this list. The music is iconic.
Some songs are better than others. If I never have to hear the misogynistic bullshit in Hey Joe ever again, it will be way too soon. Yes, let's just make an absolute banger that glorifies violence against women. Hardest of hard passes. On the other hand, I really like May This Be Love, Manic Depression, and Third Stone from the Sun.
I personally get tired of this album about halfway through. A little goes a long way.
4 stars
5 stars for its importance; -1 star for popularizing Hey Joe
SZA
1/5
First a disclaimer: I am not the target audience for this. This is not for me, and that is perfectly fine. If you like it, good for you. Art is subjective.
So yeah. I do not like this. It all blends together into a sound that I just don't find interesting. Autotune is a travesty and there is so much of it on this that I just can't. What does SZA really sound like? We'll never know!
Lyrics are not great. Music is not great. Vocals are irritating. It all feels very manufactured and synthetic. SZA could be a robot and it wouldn't really change things.
Johnny Cash
4/5
This is a really interesting album. Some songs worked better than others and a lot of it sounds the same after a bit. I could have also been edited down a bit. The Cash originals are better than the covers.
It's emotional, haunting, and melancholy. This is as much a Rick Rubin album as it is a Johnny Cash album.
3/5
X is fine. They have a specific sound. They're fun. I grew up listening to them.
Anyway.
As a grumpy adult, I liked this album less and less as it progressed. It's the same thing over and over again.
I'm tired.
Nine Inch Nails
4/5
1994 me would give this 5 stars. I love this when it came out and saw NIN live several times.
2025 me is tired and annoyed. So much whining. So much noise. A 3 at best.
I’m meeting myself in the middle and going with 4 stars. Yes, it is annoying at times, but it is also great at times.
The Doors
5/5
I love The Doors.
Sure, Jim Morrison was a mess and was way into his own self-perceived greatness. His poetry is cringe, as the kids would say, but I don't care. I still love The Doors.
This album is perfect from start to finish. The lyrics, the music...it's just *chef's kiss.* The other members of The Doors seem to keep Jim in check, and the result is iconic.
This will never not be a 5-star album for me.
Janet Jackson
4/5
I liked this so much more than I thought I would!
Sure, it's dated. The interlude gimmick doesn't always work. Some of the songs are laughably bad (Livin In A World). But when it all comes together, it's pretty fun. Highlights: Rhythm Nation, Escapade, Black Cat, Someday is Tonight.
3/5
I just realized that Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova are three separate songs. They're not all the same thing! Or are they?
Clearly, I am not a big Oasis fan. Actually listening to this from start to finish didn't change my perception of them. It's meh. Very same-same. Not terrible. Kind of whiney. Not interesting enough to rise above 3 stars.
Aerosmith
4/5
I don't want to like Aerosmith. Steven Tyler is such a creep. I'm not a big fan of their honkey-tonk, American Rolling Stones aesthetic.
Despite all of my misgivings, I'm disappointed to say that I think I like this album. Back in the Saddle is a great opener and the songs are just sort of fun.
I'm giving it a 4 and am questioning my musical taste.
The Who
2/5
Wow--this is a lot to get through.
I saw Tommy in London in the 90s. As a musical theater experience, it's fine. The album that inspired it all? Ugh. Not something I would ever listen to again.
The best I can say is that it's interesting. It's certainly a concept. I'm just not invested and nothing about the music is making me care. Some songs are too short; others are too long.
I know this is important, but I just don't connect with it.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Ok, Boomer. It's fine. A bit samey at times.
3/5
Decent for background music, but not something I would seek out.
The Hives
2/5
The good: it's fast and it's got a lot of energy. The bad: it's sort of forgettable and it overstays its welcome a few songs in. It's also a "best of" album, which shouldn't count for this list.
Silver Jews
2/5
Oof. I do not like this guy's Kentucky-Fried mumble voice. The music is fine; the female vocalist is fine. The success of this album clearly rests with the lead singer, and for me, it's a massive miss. This is not a voice I want to listen to. Insufferable.
The Cars
5/5
Super solid album. It may not be my favorite album in the world, but it's a lot of fun. I know so many of these songs. I like the way the songs are structured. Yes, they tend to get a little samey, but that happens with most bands. The Cars have a sound, that is for sure. Feels like a best of because there are no real stinkers here. 5 stars!
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
This was fine but I doubt I would seek it out. Obviously important, but it also sort of blended into one big song for me. I'll be generous and give it a 4.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
The good? An album featuring a woman! That seems to be rarity on this list. Christina Aguilera has quite the voice.
The bad? The production--it's dated and distracting. It's overly long. The songs are not my thing. It's distracting and annoying after a few songs.
I'd like to hear what Christina Aguilera could do with different lyrics, better producing, less pop. She's the type of signer that would turn the Star Spangled Banner into a 20-minute long melisma slog.
2 stars from me, dawg.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Country is a tough genre for me, but it seems like the older it is, the better it is.
I like that this is short. It's evocative. I feel like I should be riding a horse through the dusty west, sleeping under the stars, eating from a pot of bean that's dangling over a campfire.
A tad bit slow and tedious at times. This is not something I would have ever listened to if not for this project.
Bee Gees
2/5
What in the world is this?
This is not the Bee Gees I was expecting, but it does confirm that I don't particularly like the way the Bee Gees sing. This is very warbly. The vocal style is just bad. The disco Bee Gees are all falsetto--this is all vibrato.
This album is taking itself entirely too seriously. Some of the music is good. It's almost interesting, but it is overly long and suffers due to the singing.
Bad Beatles ripoff. Strange/cringy lyrics. Some really awful songs (Marley Purt Drive, Edison, and Melody Fair is a particularly dreadful string of music). Whisper Whisper is bizarre. What is happening in this album? How did the Bee Gees survive this mess?
The first song lasts about three hours, and the record just keeps going from there. Endless.
Two stars for being weird.
Nirvana
3/5
I was in high school when Nirvana became big. They were massive. Teen Spirit was unavoidable. I have a natural tendency to not like things that are popular. The more popular it is, the more wary of it I tend to be. All this to say: I really hated Nirvana. I didn't care about Kurt Cobain. I had other things to do.
I've never listened to In Utero in its entirety until today. And I can see that I didn't miss much. There are a few OK songs, but to now middle-age me, this is just shouty and loud for no real reason.
I can hear the bands that made them, and I know they are hugely influential. Now that I live in the PNW, I have more of an appreciation for grunge. I'm giving this a 3, not because I love it, but because anything less would just be me being playing into my unfair and snotty "if it's popular, it sucks" way of thinking.
On to the next!
Queen
4/5
Listening to this is making me realize I've never listened to a Queen album. I only know their big hits.
This is very Queen. Operatic. Overwrought. Opulent. Original. (What other O-words can I use to describe it?!)
When it works, it's great. When it doesn't, it just seems a little silly.
4 for flamboyance!
PJ Harvey
3/5
I like PJ Harvey, but I've never listened to this one before. It was interesting and I think it demands another listen. I just don't particularly look forward to doing so.
Garbage
3/5
I am the right age for Garbage, but I somehow avoided them until today.
This is fine. Very 90s. There are few good songs on here, but the rest get a little samey and boring.
Always happy to hear a woman's voice, but I don't feel like I missed anything by having not listened to them all these year.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I'm so embarrassed to admit that I actually like this. I liked it when it came out a million years ago, and I still like it today. I know all the problems with it (namely Anthony Kiedis).
I want to laugh at this like all the cool kids do, and yet here I am. Still liking this; still wanting to hide in shame for my questionable music tastes.
5/5
Iconic for a reason.
Neil Young
4/5
Not my usual thing, but there were some nice moments on this record.
John Lennon
2/5
I love the Beatles. Always have; always will. I have also never liked a solo project from a Beatle. John Lennon is insufferable, especially on his own. There are a few halfway decent songs here, but overall it's just not that good. 2 stars.
R.E.M.
5/5
This is just such a lovely album, and I don't think it's even my favorite REM. Automatic 5 stars!
Brian Eno
2/5
This is such a weird album to rate. I kind of like the idea of having ambient music. This just leaves me cold, though.
Pantera
1/5
To quote Lisa Rinna, "ooh, you're so angry."
Fuck Phil Anselmo and all the other shitty racists out there.
Dennis Wilson
5/5
My review is only for the first twelve songs on the deluxe edition of this.
I'm surprised to say I really enjoyed it. The songs are interesting, but they also all seem to end just as I'm getting into them. I like the vibe of this.
Common
3/5
Rap is not my thing, but that's ok. I do like the music and the production, even if the actual rapping part just doesn't send me. 3 stars.
Alice In Chains
3/5
There's a lot going on here--some of it I like, some of it I find irritating. For me, it's just too much all at one. It's overwhelming.
I can see why people love it: the music, the vocals, the atmosphere of it all.
I can also see why people hate it, for all the same reasons.
What a sad existence Layne Staley had.
Taylor Swift
1/5
This is my first time listening to Taylor Swift.
This is some ultra-processed garbage. The faux-earnestness, the affectation of it all. It all just seems so soulless. Inoffensive. Beige, bland, and ready for mass consumption.
no body, no crime is one of the worst songs I've ever heard. I don't buy any of this. Poor little billionaire. This is just so artificial.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
This morning's conversation with my husband:
Him: "What's your album for the day?"
Me: "Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service. It gets a 2.81 rating."
Him: "Never heard of it. What genre?"
Me: "Rock. Psychedelic Rock."
Him: "Oh. Then you'll like it."
22 years of marriage and the man knows me. I did, in fact, like it. Not sure why, but it was decent music to have on while working. Much, much better than the Taylor Swift I suffered through yesterday.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
AC/DC
2/5
Here's the deal: this is iconic. Everyone knows at least a song or two on here. If you ever go to a sporting event, you're bound to hear a riff from AC/DC.
It's just so....stupid.
The music is much better than the singing. Don't pay attention to the lyrics because wow--they are dumb. Every song seems to overstay its welcome. It's all big, loud, and mind-numbingly stupid. There is no subtlety here.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
I remember listening to this in high school. It's such a warm and lovely album. Makes you feel happy and hopeful!
Joy Division
4/5
Joy Division isn't my favorite, but they're important and interesting. The influence on other bands is obvious. Ian Curtis has a super unique voice, and it fits the overall emotional state of this album well. Certainly worth another listen and a spot on this list. For now, it has me wanting to listen to Type O Negative of all things!
Depeche Mode
5/5
I don't know how I missed Depeche Mode. I always knew their big songs, but never actually listened to their albums. This is really good. Beautifully crafted music. Excellent!
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
OMG there are actually 69 songs on this album. What is the actual...?! I don't have the attention span for 3 hours of mid-music.
This dude's voice is something, and it isn't something good. They clearly have some musical skill, but I don't want to have to wade through all of this to find a gem or two.
This is too self-indulgent. Certainly not worth a second listen. Learn to edit.
Donovan
4/5
Some of these songs were really good. I hated Legend of a Girl Child Linda with a burning passion.
Overall, it's dated. But it's also a snapshot in time. They don't make music like this anymore!
The Adverts
3/5
This was ok. It all kinda blended together, but there were some interesting songs. I've never heard of The Adverts, but I was 2 when this came out, so I guess that makes sense.
Spiritualized
3/5
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. It felt overly long and rather repetitive. Oh well.
The Rolling Stones
1/5
Misogyny, racism, and ephebophilia all wrapped up in one song. And that's just the opening. Yippee. There are so many songs in the classic rock sphere that also relish these subjects and wow, is it exhausting to not be a white man in this world.
Brown Sugar aside, I've never been a fan of the Rolling Stones. I don't like their sound and the artificiality of it all. Mick Jagger's voice grates on me. Wild Horses would be a lovely song if someone else sang it. Can't You Hear Me Knocking is amazing until Mick opens his mouth.
I guess I am not the target audience for this. I get that it's beloved and considered iconic, classic, etc. Some things are best left in the past.
Nice sock, dude.
The War On Drugs
2/5
The songs are overly long. There's nothing really wrong with them, but they're all sort of underwhelming and forgettable. If beige were music, it would be this. Fine for background music. I feel like I'm at a pretentious coffee shop. You shouldn't strive for your art to be inoffensive. And yet, here we are.
Kraftwerk
4/5
I have avoided Kraftwerk for all these years. The music is interesting, if not repetitive. It is hugely influential, and I'm glad there's weird music out there for weirdos to consume.
Iggy Pop
2/5
Lust for Life and The Passenger are both pretty great. The rest of the songs don't compare. It's....ok, I guess? But bordering on creepy thematically, so I don't think I'd go back to this over and over again. Sorry, Iggy. It's not for me.
ABBA
2/5
Oh god, not ABBA. My husband and I made the mistake of seeing Mama Mia (the musical, not the movie). When it finally ended, we looked at each other and said, "wow that was dreadful." I thought the ABBA fans surrounding us were going to to assault us. What a rabid fanbase! We survived and left the theater intact. My dislike of ABBA only intensified.
Yes, there are some super catchy, sorta fun in the right atmosphere songs on here (Dancing Queen, Knowing Me Knowing You, Money Money Money, Fernando). But if you don't really love ABBA, 42 minutes of Arrival feels like a slog.
ABBA seems to have a limited song structure. "My Love My Life" sounds too much like "Fernando." Any song by any artist about getting it on with a teacher or student creeps me out. "That's Me" weirdly reminded me of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now." What the hell is going on with "What Did It Have to Be Me?" What in the 1950s doo-wop is this?
ABBA is good for the big hits only. The rest is just entirely unnecessary. I still don't like ABBA.
Metallica
2/5
Not for me. I get there is some artistry here, but wow--I hate this. The song structure, the singing, and all the Metallica-y aspects of it just leave me cold. This also feels very dated. On to the next!
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Jazz and scat are not for me, but that's ok.
Sarah has a lovely voice and is funny and engaging with her audience on this recording. It's always interesting to hear music from a much older time when things were different. That said, I wouldn't seek this out for future listens.
Wild Beasts
1/5
Yuck.
The background music was bland, but otherwise ok. The vocals were god awful. Falsetto should be used sparingly and for effect. It was just annoying and distracting on this.
But the lyrics? Yeah. That's where this goes into icky territory. They were really, really bad. This feels like the music of "performative/matcha males" before that term was even a thing.
Not for me.
Michael Jackson
1/5
Michael Jackson is complicated. On one hand, he made iconic, groundbreaking, influential music. On the other, he was most likely a child molester and a very fucked up person for so many reasons. So how do we judge him?
For me, MJ is not my cup of tea. His music is too full of hee-hees, hoo-hoos and his weird, signature vocal tics. Every song on this album sounds horribly dated. The big pop songs are catchy and were hits for a reason, but listening to an entire album is repetitive.
I understand the cultural importance of this and why people give it a 5. If you take the child molestation out of the equation, this is only a 3 for me. But we can't separate the artist from the art, so it gets a 1.
Kate Bush
5/5
Perfection. This is an all-time favorite of mine and I feel like I find something new to love about it with every listen. I’m not going to wax poetic about it or try to convince you to like this. You either get it or you don’t.
Holger Czukay
2/5
Well--it's different. This is not to say that it is good. Songs are too long and just not something I'd want to listen to again.
Nico
1/5
Did people really like this? Because it's kind of awful. Bad music. Bad vocals. Bad production. Nico was a shitty person. This is a shitty album.
Various Artists
4/5
A decent Christmas music! I'll have to remember this next year when everyone wants to listen to Christmas music and I'd rather do anything else.
The Temptations
4/5
I'm always pleasantly surprised by The Temptations. Best songs: cloud nine and runaway child, running wild
Nina Simone
3/5
I am still not a jazz fan and I acknowledge that I am not cool enough to love this album. So be it.
Beatles
5/5
I listened to this so much as a kid and I can't imagine life without it. There is so much going on here and others have said more eloquent and thoughtful things about it. It's perfection from start to finish.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
Eric Clapton
2/5
Yes, he is talented. He's also vile. His entire career has been ripping off black artists, so of course he's a disgusting racist. There are better things to listen to. This album is one giant yawn.
5/5
I love this so much. The only song I don't like is She's Leaving Home, and that's mostly because it's one of the cringy, overly sentimental Paul songs (sorry, Paul!).
I adore Within You Without You.
This is just so filled with incredible music. I can't imagine a world without it.
Janis Joplin
5/5
This is not my favorite type of music, but you cannot deny Pearl's greatness--or the impact of Janis Joplin.
I appreciate the authenticity of this. This feels real and gritty compared to today's artifice.
Songs are iconic.
It is hard to listen to Janis without feeling sad and wondering what things would have been like if she didn't die so young. Alas.
Gene Clark
2/5
I was surprised to find myself singing along to With Tomorrow, but then realized that This Mortal Coil covered it (beautifully, of course).
This is not my cup of tea. I guess if I were on a really long road trip and ran out of other options, this would be a decent pick.
Kind of slow and a bit too folksy for my taste, but otherwise inoffensive. I was going to be more generous in my star rating, but the overuse of harmonica changed my mind.
Peter Frampton
2/5
Ugh. That awful talk-box effect! This is just not for me. I get that these songs were influential, but to me, it's just too long, too dad rock.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Another dude who can write decent songs, but cannot sing the songs. Give all of these songs to other artists, and they'll be much more enjoyable. I just can't with this.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
I could have done without the overly long, extremely awful intro to By The Time I Get to Phoenix. Yuck.
The rest was fine. Good instrumentals. Songs were way too long and some of the production sounds dated at this point.
De La Soul
5/5
I am not the target audience for this album, and that's ok. My expectations were low but then I listened to it, and hey! This is a ton of fun. I feel like fun and joyfulness are missing from a lot of things right now, so finding it in this album felt like a Monday morning gift. A surprising 5-star album for me.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
4/5
I had to listen to this on Spotify. Since I won't pay for Spotify, my listening experience was not optimal.
Anyway. I liked this, probably more than I should have. Yes, it is a bit pretentious, but it was different and well done. The Sinead O'Connor track was lovely. (RIP, Sinead.) This was a nice listen while getting my work done.
Now--get it on other streamers so I don't have to suffer through Spotify again!
The Replacements
3/5
I always want to like the Replacements, but it never comes together for me. Some of the songs in here are great. Others are just noisy.
Public Enemy
4/5
"Now the KKK wears three-piece suits." Ain't that the truth. Except now, we also have rappers cozying up to maga and no one seems to care about anything anymore.
Full disclosure: I am not the target audience for this and I am not a rap fan. That's all ok. I can still see how important this album is. Fear of a Black Planet is better, but I'm still glad this exists.
What I said for Fear of a Black Planet also fits for this: We need protest music and righteous indignation now more than ever. I feel like we've gone from “fight the power” to “chase the clout.” Consumerism coopted rebellion. I prefer rebellion.
Eagles
2/5
Ugh. Too country for my tastes. All Eagles criticism is valid.
Nirvana
5/5
You could not avoid Nevermind when it was released. It was massive. I hated it.
But now that I am older, I have a better appreciation for Nirvana and the juggernaut that is Nevermind. Every song on here was an instant classic. It was culture-altering. Giving it anything other than a 5 seems like a poser move.
Fun hockey fact: The Seattle Kraken use the "I like it" part of Lithium as their goal song, so I half expected to hear the chant of "Let's Go, Kraken!" when listening to it.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
This is equal parts awful and amazing. The awful parts are kind of fun, though. Despite some truly cringey songs, I kinda loved this. Taking off a star because of Coconut.
Gram Parsons
4/5
It's twangy country, which I hate. But something about this was...good? Did I actually like this? I think so. Who am I?
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
During election season, it seems as though Wu-Tang Forever political yard signs pop up in the suburbs and I can't help but roll my eyes and assume that the people displaying them are upper middle class white men who will never be negatively impacted by politics. Enjoy your privilege, you edgy cool cats.
Hip hop is not my favorite genre. I get that Wu-Tang seems to be universally beloved and that this is culturally important. For me, this sounds vaguely dated and increasingly annoying as the record unfolds. It's not for me, and that is perfectly ok.
2 stars for personal enjoyment
4 stars for cultural importance
Nanci Griffith
3/5
The Monks
4/5
Portishead
2/5
This was not great. Wishy-washy vocals. Irritating sound effects (Machine Gun made my ears hurt!). I grew up with industrial music, but this was just too mopey for my tastes. I think I totally missed the point of this or I'm just not cool enough for it. Whatever. It seemed to drag.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Surprising in some respects; a little too Jesus-y in others.
James Brown
3/5
Another problematic artist.
Things I like about this: the cover art; the very short runtime of 31 minutes; the old-fashioned production (horns are fun!).
Things I don't like about this: James Brown's screaming; the audience noises; the old-fashioned production (horns are annoying!).
I'll go with a 3 and move on to the next.
Nirvana
5/5
I was not a Nirvana fan back in the day. I actively avoided them, writing them off as popular and therefore bad. Now, decades later, my stance toward Nirvana has softened considerably. I cannot see this as anything other than iconic and completely of it's time. One of the easier 5 stars I've given here.
Beatles
5/5
I've loved this my entire life. Even the clunky Paul songs (Here, There, and Everywhere and Got to Get You Into My Life) aren't as cloying as his songs on other albums.
Tomorrow Never Knows is so, so good. There's a scene in Mad Men where Don Draper comes home and finds this album in his apartment. He turns it on and we see him react to Tomorrow Never Knows. It was a great TV moment that showed the culture clash that was to come in the mid to late 60s.
I digress. Everything about this album is perfection. No notes, except to say Eleanor Rigby terrifies me as I age.
David Bowie
3/5
This was a very average album. Nothing really stuck out for me. There are so many better choices than this.
Pink Floyd
5/5
It's sort of a perfect album. I don't even like Pink Floyd that much, but this one is a such an easy 5. It progresses so beautifully and is so easy to listen to.
Funkadelic
3/5
Started off as a boring album, mellowed out into an OK album, ended on annoying. I'll go with 3 stars since overall is was meh.
Massive Attack
2/5
This is mostly a miss for me. Kind of tedious. Boring at times. I wouldn't rush back to this album any time soon. Sorry.
Gotan Project
3/5
Fancy background music. Makes me want to plan an art heist.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
I had it when it came out and liked it, but I was a dumb teenager so what did I know? Now I'm old and I haven't listened to this album in decades until today.
I thought it would be vile. I thought I'd hate every minute of it. Yes, it is cringe at times. The lyrics are a mess. It's too long. Sir Psycho Sexy is an abomination.
And yet, I like it. The music is so good. I have to heed the words of the Beatles here: turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.
The most embarrassing thing about listening to these 1001 albums is admitting to myself that I don't hate the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I still stand by thinking that Anthony Kiedis is problematic as hell, and he's the weakest link.
I'm ashamed to give this a 4, and yet, here we are.
Talking Heads
4/5
Even an average Talking Heads album is above average. This is nice, even if it doesn't set the world on fire.
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
I really liked this. Her voice is raw and angry. I appreciate complicated women who don't easily fit in a box and am always grateful when we come across their albums. We need more representation, damnit!
Van Morrison
4/5
I was certain I would hate this, since I’m not a fan of Van Morrison’s voice. This was a pleasant surprise. Lots of good stuff here; a nice listen.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Ugh. This is a chore to listen to. Cohen's voice does not do it for me. I feel like he's another man who can write a killer song, but cannot sign it. Avalanche and Famous Blue Raincoat are the standouts, though I prefer the Tori Amos version of Raincoat.
Derek & The Dominos
2/5
Ironic that I could not wait for Keep On Going to hurry up and end. I guess that's how I feel about this album. It's ok, it's is not my cup of tea. Clapton is so damn problematic. Layla's a banger though. So yeah. 2 stars?
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
Fun, if not a bit generic.
Fela Kuti
5/5
I really liked this. I'm craving politically-charged music at the moment and this scratched the itch. 5 stars.
Björk
5/5
I haven't listened to this in forever. I forgot that I love this. Songs are weird, fun, interesting. Reminds me of a specific time in my life. Nice to get reacquainted with this album.
The Sugarcubes are also great. Might have to do a deep dive into Bjork's catalog!
The Killers
3/5
My memory of this album is better than the reality of it. It has the big hit songs that are fun, but the rest of the songs don't match up. It feels like they're throwing everything they have at every song, but the results aren't all that great. I was initially leaning with a 4, but it outstayed it's welcome and I'm landing on a 3.
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Whenever I think about the Butthole Surfers (which isn't often), I can't help but hear the Dead Milkmen say "there's a time for taking and a time for giving, but ripping off the Butthole Surfers is how we make our living."
I'm not so sure about that, but I do prefer the Milkmen to the Surfers.
This is what it is: loud, experimental, a little out there. If you like it, you like it. If you're not in the mood for it, it will be annoying. It's not my jam, but I'm glad it exists. We need more weird things in this world.
U2
5/5
I haven't listened to this in decades. When I was younger, I went through a U2 phase, so I tend to really like their older stuff. This is great. Full of really good songs.
Current day U2 is...yikes! I don't even know how I want to describe them. Embarrassing. Overly serious. Pretentious. Not very good.
But old U2? It just hits different, and War is pretty fantastic.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
Ugh. I guess this is appealing to some, but to me it comes off as juvenile and exhaustingly misogynistic. Production is top notch. Lyrics are...well. They are what they are.
Snoop Dogg is such a strange character. He bitched about the existence of gay people in the media because he would have to explain same sex relationships to his grandchild. Really? The same man on this album? He's also been cozying up to Trump and MAGA lately. He just doesn't make any sense.
Anyway. Back to this stupid album. It gets a 2 from me because I find it as exhausting as I find Snoop Dogg's public persona.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
I guess I am not familiar with Stevie Wonder. I was born a little too late or I'm from the wrong demographic. I've never really listened to him, except on here.
This was a surprise. I know that it is universally beloved, but now I know why. the songs are interesting. They're fun but not fluff. I don't love long albums and was worried when I saw the playtime, but then I found myself listening to it all over again.
Easy 5.
Yes
2/5
Yes, they have talent. Does that talent translate to something I want to listen to? No.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
This sounds like a lot of other bands. There's nothing awful here, but it's also just not all that good. The situation with Richey Edwards is sad and casts a pall over this.
Steely Dan
4/5
I liked this more than I thought I would. It's fun. It's easy. Not my usual, and not something I would seek out, but it was pretty good. 4 stars
Violent Femmes
5/5
This takes me back to my teenage self in the 90s, even though this came out in 1983. There's something unnerving about Gordon Gano's voice and all the songs are vaguely sinister. It's all so good. I can't give it anything other than 5 stars.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Apparently I like Stevie Wonder. Who knew! Anyway. This was lovely. Left me wanting more. 5 stars!
Slint
2/5
Pretentious. Just fucking sing already. This mumbly grumbly spoken word is so annoying. The music is good but so repetitive. It all blended together for me and it was just not pleasant.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
This was all over the place. When it hits, it really hits. And when it misses, it's a slog. I didn't love the covers. I appreciate the impact of FGTH and they deserve to be on this list. Relax is an all time banger.
Waylon Jennings
3/5
It's country, so I didn't love it. I also didn't hate it, so that's a win. It was short. I liked some of the music. The country twang is always off-putting, but this would be fine in the background. 3 stars.
Public Enemy
4/5
I am not the biggest fan of this genre, but I always like when I get to listen to Public Enemy. I appreciate the social and political messaging. We need more of this energy from musicians.
George Harrison
3/5
Sometimes artists benefit from a really good editor. This is much too long and there is way too much to wade through. The good stuff gets lost. Sometimes less is more.
Brian Eno
3/5
Background music.
Peter Tosh
3/5
It was fine, not super memorable. We get it...you like weed. Cool. Still, it was easy to listen to in the background.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Nice. I am not a fan of jazz, but this was pretty good. Accessible. Easy. Nice to have on while doing other things. Bonus star for the doggo on the cover. (4)
5/5
It’s so easy to hate U2. At their worst, they’re too serious, too preachy, too earnest in the ways of affected rich men, too shit. But you can’t deny that this album, like their earlier albums, is objectively good. The three opening songs make this almost feel like a “best of” album. Once you get past these behemoths, the remaining songs are intriguing and extremely listenable. I’ve always liked The Joshua Tree. It’s not my favorite by U2, but it’s an undeniable 5.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
This was a fun listen. Well produced. An all around good time!
Arctic Monkeys
2/5
This does nothing for me. I don’t love the singer’s voice and find it irritating after a few songs. I guess i completely missed out on the hype around this band, because most people seem to love it. I am immune to its charms.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
1/5
I do not like this mumbled, whiny music. It never takes off. Never changes its tone. It is unrelentingly dull. If beige were music, this would be it. What gives with all these mealy-mouthed men lately? At least it was short.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
This is totally fine but also very of its time. Bonus star for Kate Bush.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
I don't understand who this music is for. It sounds like it's trying to evoke the gool old days that never really existed, but the lyrics go in a different direction. Maybe that's the point?
It's a huge miss for me.
I know it's important to some people. It was big in the 80s, when I was a kid. I could not wait for this to be over; it is not for me. Sorry, Bruce.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
This has been a super busy week for me. I am coming off of back-to-back 12-hours days spent in a soulless conference room. Now it's Friday, and my album for today is this.
I'm tired. Too tired for ELO.
It's ABBA? It's the Beatles? It's Queen? It's Peter Frampton's awful Talk Box? Whatever it is, it is entirely too much and entirely too long for me right now.
I like parts of this. Mr Blue Sky is happy and I'll always enjoy it despite myself. But as a whole, this is all just too much for my current mood. There's something so cheesy about all of this.
I think it's important and should be on the list. I'm not sure I'm the audience for this today of all days, when I need something more gentle.
Giving it a super generous 3 stars for being weird and for Mr Blue Sky.
Oasis
4/5
Much better than I anticipated. Cohesive, enjoyable album.
Morrissey
2/5
Ugh. Morrissey. Again. If you've heard one Morrissey album, you've heard them all. There's usually a decent song (two if you're lucky) and then back to Morrissey being miserable.
Radiohead
2/5
I know that this is loved by critics, but I don't get the appeal. I cannot get past Thom Yorke's voice and everything felt bleak.
Nick Drake
3/5
I think I liked this one, but I also feel like I didn’t give it a proper listen. Going with a 3 for now but I think it’s probably more interesting than that. I need to throw on some headphones and sit with it a bit.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Better than I thought it would be
Beatles
3/5
I love the Beatles in their later years. Early Beatles is too saccharine: fake, sweet, cloying. For personal enjoyment, this gets a 2. For importance it's a 4, so it's going to land in the middle with a 3.
Beastie Boys
3/5
The nostalgia factor is high with this one. I had it as a kid and listened to it endlessly with my Walkman. That was decades ago.
This is my first listen to the full album as an adult. It’s still fun and dumb and full of posturing and misogyny.
12 year old me gives it a 5. Adult me wants to tell these overprivileged boys to grow up. A 3 seems right.