193
Albums Rated
4.07
Average Rating
18%
Complete
896 albums remaining
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Taste Profile
2000s
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
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Enthusiast
Rater Style ?
58
5-Star Albums
1
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
|
5 | 2.71 | +2.29 |
|
Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
|
5 | 2.76 | +2.24 |
|
Ctrl
SZA
|
5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
|
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
|
5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
|
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
|
5 | 2.99 | +2.01 |
|
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
The Real Thing
Faith No More
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
The Blueprint
JAY Z
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
|
5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Follow The Leader
Korn
|
1 | 2.65 | -1.65 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 3 | 4.67 |
| Queen | 2 | 5 |
| Public Enemy | 2 | 5 |
| A Tribe Called Quest | 2 | 5 |
| Coldplay | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 4 | 4.25 |
5-Star Albums (58)
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Popular Reviews
Ghostface Killah
5/5
Ah, the best member of the Wu Tang Clan. My man is underrated as heck. This album is smooth and cohesive, with incredibly well written and performed raps, and the beats are awesome. It's a classic 90s hip hop album brought into the 2000s with no sign of age. Excellent work.
2 likes
Cream
5/5
This is the most 60s album I've ever heard. And I mean that in the best way. It's a great mix of rock, blues, and psychedelic. Each song, I feel like I'm transported to the late 60s. It's a perfect album to listen with headphones and eyes closed.
1 likes
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
So this is the album that Spin Magazine decided was better than any other album in 1991. Better than Nevermind, better than Out of Time, better than Ten. Honestly? It's good. It's not "Best album of 1991" good, but it's good. It's very well played alt rock music with thoughtful lyrics, and if it weren't for that strange ranking by Spin I'd say this is an underrated gem from the 90s. Each track is strong and it doesn't wear out its welcome. It's worth a listen.
1 likes
M.I.A.
4/5
This is cool, it's not music I'm used to, but the mix of styles really works and makes this album stand out. The lyrics are well written and the beats are mostly striking and pretty damn good. I found my favorite tracks coming in the back half of the album, but maybe I was also a bit jarred by the mix of styles at first. Nonetheless, good album.
1 likes
Nanci Griffith
5/5
This is so pleasant to listen to. Nanci has such a beautiful voice, the instruments hit their marks just right, and her songwriting is incredibly evocative. I can't believe I've not heard this before, because just listening to it once doesn't feel enough. I'm giving it another listen after this, and it gets a strong recommend from me.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
Al Green
5/5
I had heard the title track before but never actually listened to this full album. This album has SOUL like no other. Every track is a pleasure to listen to and it doesn't overstay its welcome. It leaves me wanting more. My buddy Gio also told me about Al's life story, and knowing how much he went through while still pushing on through is inspiring.
A great artist and a great album to start this project with.
David Bowie
4/5
This one had me listening to it a second time, because on the first listen it didn't totally click with me. I wasn't sure what it was, because the songs are well produced and written, but it didn't feel totally right at first. A second listen turned my opinion of it to be much more favorable. This album is David looking back through his life and career, but before he knew he was dying. It's dark and a bit haunting at times, nostalgic and upbeat at others. Not every song is top notch, but the ones that hit (which are in the majority) really hit.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Beautiful, soulful, nothing but bangers. Amy has such an incredible, one of a kind voice, and the production on each track is pristine. I sadly never listened to her music while she was alive, and here I am wishing she was still here today.
4/5
I've never been a big fan of Oasis. Listening to this album front to back didn't quite change my middling feelings on them, however it came close at times. The album starts out really well, but as it goes on the issue rears it's head: tracks going on too long. I can get why people like them as they are, but to me several key songs (Hey Now, Some Might Say, and oh dear Champagne Supernova) could easily have been at least a minute and a half shorter. That said, there's a lot of good here. Wonderwall is still a classic, Morning Glory is a great title track, Cast No Shadow is the best non-single song, Don't Look Back In Anger is probably my favorite, and (even with how epically long it is), Champagne Supernova is a hell of an ender.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
I've never been big on jazz. I've enjoyed my share of Miles Davis, and Dad would put on Spyro Gyra in the car when I was a kid, but it's not a genre I seek out. And sadly I didn't get too much out of this album. It's interesting that this is the most successful solo jazz album ever, and it's certainly pleasant to listen to. But to me, it mainly felt like background noise as I work. Maybe that's the wrong mindset to listen to it but I don't see myself sitting down and dedicating time to listening to it again. It's fine, pretty good, even. Not really my thing, though.
I listened to it a second time. I don't think my score will change from 3/5 but I will say the performance is incredible. Apparently reviews called it "flowing with human warmth," which feels appropriate. It's immensely impressive, but still not my vibe.
Moby
4/5
Electronica is not my usual vibe but this album was a treat to listen to. It's thoughtful, downbeat, and soulful while still maintaining the energy that one associates with the genre. It was cool to hear some songs that I'd enjoyed before but didn't realize were Moby until just now. It's a darn good album.
John Coltrane
4/5
This kind of jazz is more my speed (well, as much as jazz can be) than the solo piano album. Coltrane is a legend, and this album is quintessential jazz. Listening to it, I feel like I'm transported to another time, another place.
Roxy Music
4/5
Never heard of Roxy Music before this, and I found the album a very enjoyable listen. Every element works together in ways both expected and unexpected. It's hard to describe but I'd say it's a... Sophisticated rock sound. The album feels delicately and deliberately constructed, not just like they threw everything at the wall to see what sticks, and it comes out sounding great.
The Avalanches
4/5
A most pleasant and adventurous listen. Electric is still not my usual genre, but this was an interesting trip of an album. It seamlessly flows from higher energy tracks, to funky and groovy, to dreamlike and downbeat. It feels like a journey through the universe.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
This album kicks ass. I seriously need to listen to more music by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, because prior to listening to this my only exposure to them was Maps and the dance remix of Heads Will Rolls (which I didn't know was them). This album covers a lot of bases, and it all sounds great.
Charles Mingus
4/5
I think this project is slowly turning me into a jazz fan. I'd never really given it a chance much before but it's awesome being exposed to such excellent examples of it. And this album especially is one of the best pieces of jazz I've heard, an opinion I'd reached about midway through the third movement. Such beautiful work.
Calexico
4/5
This was cool. The mix of southwest/latin sound with 2000s indie rock is an excellent blend that I want to hear more of. I just wish I had more to say about it than, "It's really neat." Not that I didn't like it in some way, but it kinda left me wanting more in other ways too. Still a very strong album.
The Associates
2/5
This is the only album that has bounced right off me. I want to give it a higher score based on the synths and instrumentals alone. But the lyrics and vocals do this album no favors. Dunno if it's just post-punk stylings but they don't work in concert with the great synth work, not at all. In fact it feels like they're actively clashing. I'm sure this appeals to some folks, but man it really doesn't do it for me. The synths sounding great are the only thing saving it from a 1/5.
Skunk Anansie
5/5
Two words: Kick Ass! This band is damn good, I'm surprised I never heard them before, and couldn't even find much written about them or this album. The singer is fantastic, there's so much raw emotion in her vocals. The band is playing their asses off. On every track they're all working in perfect hard-rock harmony. Most songs on this album would fit on a soundtrack to Tony Hawk's Underground, and I mean that in the best way.
Queen
5/5
This was already one of my favorite albums ever so this is an easy rating for me. That said, it's always nice to have an excuse to listen to more Queen!
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
So I will preface this by saying that this is a damn good album and Hendrix was a standout and excellent guitarist. But something about this album... I dunno, I don't think it's overrated necessarily, but it's not a full 5/5 for me. Something about the songwriting, I think. It's still satisfying to listen to, though, and a very strong 4/5.
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
This album was... fine. It wasn't unpleasant to listen to, but it didn't leave much impression on me. There were some songs that sounded like proto-Oasis, and it made sense to find out this album did partially inspire that band. Other than that, I didn't find much interesting. The vocals and writing are fine, the instrumentals are fine, the album is... Fine.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
This was a new experience for me, as I've not heard much of Janis Joplin. Her vocals, in accordance with what I'd heard, are excellent, and this album was a good bit of fun to listen to. I still don't think I'm into psychedelic rock but this was a decent listen.
David Bowie
5/5
Classic Bowie. A great combination of rock and pop, and a total joy to listen to. I've heard that there are a lot of Bowie albums that will come up on this list, and I look forward to each and every one of them.
The xx
4/5
This was a very pleasant surprise. The Intro track was the only one I'd heard before (commonly used in reels/shorts and such), but it all felt familiar nonetheless. This album really captures a mood, one I classify as "Driving down the highway in the evening while contemplating stuff." Not necessarily a mood I feel all the time, but for that mood it fits perfectly. It made me wish there was more by the end.
Sigur Rós
3/5
This was a weird listening experience. I'd heard of Sigur Ros before, and maybe had unfair expectations of their music from the hype I'd heard. This album wasn't unpleasant to listen to. Quite the contrary, it felt almost transcendental at times. But in the end I didn't really get much from it. I liked the music fine enough, but I don't feel I'd search it out again.
Baaba Maal
4/5
Listening to this was a really neat experience. I've not listened to music outside the western/developed world much, and this was a very well crafted album. The guitar work on this stands out in particular. Really appreciate this album appearing on the list.
Elbow
4/5
Overall while listening to this album, I felt it was nice, but nothing really stood out to me. The instruments, the vocals, the notes, they all were pleasant and fine. It all just kinda felt... there, for the most part. The track One Day Like This was a treat, though. Obvious to say, given how much it's been played on YouTube Music compared to the others, but it's the real standout.
SZA
5/5
A beautiful album. SZA has some of the best vocals I've ever heard and the production is top notch. There's so much groove, so much soul, so much great flow in the music. It's a lovely experience.
5/5
Come on, it's the Kinks. They're great. Not as appreciated as the Stones and the Beatles, maybe, but they deserve the appreciation. This is classic British rock.
The Verve
3/5
It's an okay album. Obviously their big hit was Bittersweet Symphony, which was good as always. The rest of the album wasn't very notable, though. The songs felt connected and cohesive, but afterwards I couldn't pick one out of a lineup. They're not bad, though not excellent either.
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Joni Mitchell has one of the greatest voices I've ever heard. And the songs on this album are just beautiful. The album has an effortless natural progression, each song is well written and is a beautiful trip.
The Mars Volta
5/5
Holy hell this kicks so much ass. Banger after banger from start to end, high energy extravaganza with a lot of technical prowess. Hell Yeah .
Beach House
3/5
This album was pleasant to listen to, it was well put together, and the vibe from this band is one I can get with. That said, I don't see myself seeking this music out, and some of the album felt like it blended together. It's a fine album by a fine artist. It's very calming, but that's not always what I'm looking for.
Nirvana
4/5
Ah, the Nirvana album they made to intentionally alienate their fans from Nevermind (allegedly). The album has a much dirtier, uglier sound, which is certainly... A choice. It's unconventional but it's still clearly purposeful and every song is distinct. And though I may not like it as much as Nevermind, it's not without it's high points. Heart Shaped Box is one of my favorite Nirvana songs ever, and Pennyroyal Tea is a damn good song where Kurt gets out a lot of his pain. It's an ugly album, but one still with a place.
Louis Prima
5/5
Oh this is a beautiful sound. I forgot how much I love swing, and this man is The King of it, after all. The energy and soul coming through every song is invigorating. Fantastic album.
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Kind of an interesting album. Getting the sequel before the first album in this duology is a curious choice. This is allegedly the darker of the two, and it certainly sounds that way so far. There's a kind of operatic and dreamlike feel to much of the album, which gives it a distinct sound. I don't think I'd seek out this album again but it was quite interesting to hear. I look forward to when Want One is put my way.
Kanye West
5/5
Dammit. This album is a reminder of the better world we used to live in, and subsequently a reminder of how things are awful now. Why'd you have to go off the deep end, Kanye? This album is a damn near perfect hip hop masterpiece. Even with how things turned out 20 years later, it still is a standout work of art. Dammit.
Ghostface Killah
5/5
Ah, the best member of the Wu Tang Clan. My man is underrated as heck. This album is smooth and cohesive, with incredibly well written and performed raps, and the beats are awesome. It's a classic 90s hip hop album brought into the 2000s with no sign of age. Excellent work.
The Smiths
4/5
Ah, another shame. Not because the album is bad, but just, why does such good music have to be made by a jackass like Morrissey? The Smiths are classic, and this album has arguably their most well known hit, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out. So it's a good damn album.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Aww yeah this is beautiful. Is this project slowly making me a jazz guy? This is smooth, funky, groovy, and a true pleasure to listen to.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
This is some excellent 90s nostalgia. I was born the year this album came out so obviously I don't remember it. But still, it feels like it unlocked a memory I don't even have. And the music overall is just great, even 30 years removed from its release.
Korn
1/5
Good God this sounds like ass. Some of the instrumentals sound okay but this just sounds ugly and crap. Not for me at all, even back when I was listening to nu metal.
Eminem
4/5
Classic Eminem. Is it his best work? I'd say no, but it's a hell of an album. I actually listened to the Death of Slim Shady album recently, so it's cool to listen to Slim's birth. The energy, the hunger, the insults, the no-fucks-given attitude. It's all there.
De La Soul
4/5
Great 80s hip hop. Love the beats, love the rhymes, it sounds like a classic.
Portishead
3/5
This is decent electronic, though most of the album has not been very memorable. The beats are pleasant, the vocals are nice, and there are some cool ideas in there. The better tracks are towards the end, so listening all the way through provides a nice journey. But while the album is cohesive and decent, I didn't find anything outstanding. It's worth a listen, just not repeating listens for me.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
Come on. It's Aretha. It's beautiful. It's soulful. It's excellent.
Genesis
4/5
Genesis was really something else when it was headed by Peter Gabriel. This is some of the most interesting and unique music I've heard. It covers a diverse range of sounds while still sounding cohesive. It's striking to listen to.
MGMT
5/5
2007 was a fantastic year for entertainment. This album was a real nostalgia trip, and it still holds up excellently today.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Darned fine folk rock. But sadly I don't have much else to say than that. I enjoyed this album but I don't expect to be seeking it out much. It all works, it's just not my favorite thing in the world. I've been a fan of Neil Young's music so his contributions are noticed and appreciated.
DJ Shadow
4/5
Oh this is so cool. I'm a fan of this sort of sampling; the ways that recognizable sounds and tracks can be transformed is fascinating. This album is well orchestrated and inventive. Never heard of DJ Shadow before today but I might have a listen through his other work once this is done.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
"Short and sweet," is probably the best description of the album. Not even a full half hour, but it does so much in that half hour. The classic hit "Mrs. Robinson" is great as always, but "America" and "Old Friends" are such good songs too.
Public Enemy
5/5
Public Enemy is the shit. Arguably the most important hip hop group of all time, and this album is a good reminder why. Despite having to rush to redo the album after losing their original tracks, it all sounds great. And it closes with the absolute banger "Bring Tha Noize," with Anthrax, possibly the best crossover of all time. Kickass.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
A damn fine album. Each track is catchy and well written, and Neil is a heck of a vocalist. Each song feels right, and the two long tracks don't wear out their welcome even at 10 minutes each. It's just some really good folk rock.
The Pogues
4/5
I've already had a soft spot for Irish folk music so this is pretty well up my alley. And this band is damned good at it. It's some really enjoyable music.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Never listened to much Dusty, but wow her voice is incredible. It's smooth as butter and oh so soulful. Now the songs themselves are not really what I'd seek out but for what I did listen to, I'm very glad I did.
The Who
5/5
Ah, a beautiful album by The Who. Not only that but one of the first rock opera albums. Fittingly, Tommy is a truly beautiful journey, a delight on every musical front from start to end. It's an album you can get emotionally invested in.
Minutemen
4/5
I dig this. It's a really cool fusion of punk with a few different genres. The lyrics are kinda clunky, but punk isn't exactly known for its artistically constructed prose. Each song is distinct, and at only 1 or 2 minutes for most of them (the longest song falling just shy of 3 minutes) they don't wear out their welcome. It's pretty good punk.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Rest in Peace, Brian. This album has so many delightful songs. Wouldn't It Be Nice is a classic and an excellent opener, Sloop John B is great as well, and God Only Knows has the honor of Paul McCartney calling it the greatest song ever written.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I have to admit, I never listened to Leonard Cohen aside from Hallelujah. My friend told me this album is for Cohen what Blackstar was for Bowie, and after listening I'd agree with that. Right off the bat Cohen's voice is powerful and haunting as it carries you through the album. He sounds like God and the Devil all at once, like he's gone through hell to get to Heaven. Fitting, considering the religious themes in the album. His vocals are interesting, it sounds more like spoken word poetry set to music. I say that in a good way. Favorite songs would be the title track, Traveling Light, and Steer Your Way.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Marley is an icon, but I haven't listened to much of his work outside of his best known songs. This album was nice to listen to, it's got No Woman No Cry on it, and I also like They Belly Full (But We Hungry), Rebel Music, and the title track. I admit it's not completely my style, I don't know if I'd seek out his music necessarily. But he made some good music that is absolutely worth a listen.
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
I'm one of those filthy casuals who only know Come On Eileen by this band. So I have no idea what their other music is like, and as a result the first song on this album is a heck of a surprise. It feels a bit weird. After the first few tracks bounced right off me and left me confused, the rest of the album... I dunno how but it started to grow on me. The music fit with the strange places the vocals were going, and it felt less weird as I got further into it. Surprisingly good.
Yes
3/5
This was kind of interesting. For starters I was floored to find the theme music of the "To be continued" meme. The rest of the song is quite good, as is the rest of the album. It's a unique sound the band has, and parts of the album feel pretty epic in their composition. It's nice... But I don't think it's totally my thing. I can acknowledge how the music is well put together, but I don't feel the need to listen to more.
Cream
5/5
This is the most 60s album I've ever heard. And I mean that in the best way. It's a great mix of rock, blues, and psychedelic. Each song, I feel like I'm transported to the late 60s. It's a perfect album to listen with headphones and eyes closed.
5/5
Ah, another classic 60s album. Sgt. Peppers is the first Beatles record I listened to from start to finish, and it's a beautiful record of some of their best work. From the opening tracks with the well-played "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" to the later "When I'm 64" and the thoughtful ending track "Day in the Life". It's great from start to finish.
Queen
5/5
Ah, early Queen, back in the days when they were more heavy metal. This album would probably be a shock to anyone who's only heard their later work (though it does contain a sort of hint at the direction they'd go, with Seven Seas of Rhye). It kicks ass though. Showcasing every band member's unique talent with their tool of choice. Brian May's guitar work on songs like Ogre Battle is of note, and Freddie's voice is as beautiful in its lower register as it is when he goes HIIIIIIIIIIIIGH. A must-hear album.
Carpenters
4/5
This album has some of the best known songs by the Carpenters, and it's very nice to listen to. Karen Carpenter was really something special as a vocalist, and she really shines on each song. The music works well with her vocals, and while I wouldn't normally seek out this music, I'd recommend it.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Oh this is a dang good album, but one I didn't truly appreciate in its time. Franz Ferdinand somehow made an alt rock album that sounds retro and modern all at the same time. It mixes together great. It of course has the big hit Take Me Out on it, but also The Dark of The Matinee, Michael, and Darts of Pleasure are great. I wish the spotlight had stayed on this band for longer, because they're worth a listen beyond their big hits.
Blondie
5/5
Excellent album. I don't know how they do it but every song hits perfectly and they each sound unique.
The Smiths
4/5
Another album of lovely songs by a band with a massive racist as the lead singer. Dammit.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
It's a darn good album. Not all of the songs are ones I'd revisit often, but the ones that hit, hit hard. The best tracks are, sorry to say, the ones everyone remembers, those being Somebody to Love and White Rabbit. But there are other underrated ones here, like Today and Comin' Back to Me. Worth a listen.
Saint Etienne
3/5
This is kind of interesting but I'm not impressed so far. It's very low key on some songs and I find they kinda blend together. Only Love Can Break Your Heart is pretty good, but so far it's the only standout track.
After listening the whole way through, my outlook hasn't much changed. It's not bad, it just doesn't make me feel much of anything.
Beastie Boys
3/5
I don't much care for the Beastie Boys, and while I don't hate them this album doesn't change my mind. Sabotage is the only song keeping this score at a 3.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
I mean, it's good. But the title track is doing a lot of heavy lifting. The rest of the album, while still good, just doesn't have that standout material.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Great album, it's a lovely combination of the late 60s and early 70s and it kicks ass. Starting off with the bangers, Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, and Can't You Hear Me Knocking. The only song I'm kinda eh on is the ending song, Moonlight Mile, but it doesn't ruin it.
Ramones
4/5
Kickass. The original punk band, and the second greatest thing to come out of Queens. The music is fast and intense, and even ignoring the classic banger "Blitzkrieg Bop" there are a lot of real... Well, bops on here. "53rd and 3rd," Judy is a Punk," "I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You," "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend," they all hit. The songs have a consistent sound without necessarily sounding the same. Not every song hits perfectly, I will admit. But with no song going for a full 3 minutes, and most under 2:30, nothing really wears out its welcome. Damn good punk album.
Nanci Griffith
5/5
This is so pleasant to listen to. Nanci has such a beautiful voice, the instruments hit their marks just right, and her songwriting is incredibly evocative. I can't believe I've not heard this before, because just listening to it once doesn't feel enough. I'm giving it another listen after this, and it gets a strong recommend from me.
OutKast
5/5
This is a masterwork. If you've only ever listened to Hey Ya, or The Way You Move, you need to listen to this front to back (better clear your afternoon, though, it's a 2 hour 15 minute double album). This album is a true hip hop epic, in its length but also in its lyrics and production. Every track is filled with groove and style. Several songs feel like a couple of songs combined into one, and I mean that in a good way. It's a journey.
The Band
4/5
Would this be dad rock? I dunno, but my dad likes it. And for good reason, cuz this is pretty darned good rock.
Blur
4/5
I've heard a lot about how Blur is much better than Oasis, but Oasis got popular. While this album is good, I'm not sure that I'd agree with that based solely on this album. It's still good, it feels almost experimental at times and it's played and sung damn well. I think I'd need to listen to more Blur, but I'd be willing to listen to this again.
The Who
4/5
Classic album for a reason. It's a great compilation of some good old 60s rock. Obviously My Generation and The Kids Are Alright both are excellent. But the other tracks are almost just as good: It's Not True, Please Please Please, Out in the Street, Good's Gone, and A Legal Matter. It's not their best album, but it's still good.
Missy Elliott
4/5
Missy is an icon and a great rapper. This album, her debut, maybe doesn't show off everything she's capable of in her rap skills. But as a hip hop album in general? Listening to it, you can totally hear the origins of how the game would change. Timbaland's production in particular is standout work, but Missy is no slouch whatsoever. Her vocals are deep and when she goes off, she shows just how good she can be. Is it my favorite showcase of Missy's? Maybe not, but it's still absolutely worth a full listen.
Aerosmith
4/5
It's a decent enough album (Steven Tyler being a creep aside), but honestly the only song I really like and remember after listening is Back In The Saddle. Joe Perry is a hell of a guitar player.
Lauryn Hill
5/5
Damn, this album is a work of art. Hip hop, soul, and R&B mixed together in such a beautiful package. Lauryn Hill is an incredible songwriter and vocalist, and every song on here is a must listen.
Iggy Pop
4/5
Such a good album by a great artist. Best songs are probably "Lust for Life" and "The Passenger," but every track is well made.
Stan Getz
3/5
This is almost literally elevator music. And that alone should make it fairly bland. But you know what, it's still quite pleasant. It's very smooth and relaxing and it feels like a different time, in a good way. All that said, though, I didn't even notice that this album had ended and that YouTube Music started auto-playing other Bossa Nova songs. It's certainly not very remarkable, as nice as it is.
Black Sabbath
5/5
Rest in Peace, Ozzy. A damn good vocalist who lived and went out like a legend. And this album is a hell of a good one. Even without the factor of Ozzy's death, this is a beautifully dark and atmospheric affair, and arguably the first ever metal album. It's a very well crafted sound, and Tony Iommi's guitar and compositions are memorable and sonically satisfying. For its place in history and for being awesome, it gets the 5 stars
The Undertones
4/5
This is a pretty good punk album. Nothing revolutionary but it's good. I like their cover of Under the Boardwalk, and their songs in general are a lot of fun.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Leonard Cohen's voice is not very... Good. I hate to say it, but it's never clicked with me. On his final album, You Want it Darker, it worked in the greater context of that album. Here it just sounds... Fine, at best. But his songwriting is so beautiful that it makes up for the weaker singing. It's evocative, the stories are thoughtful and artfully written. You can tell he was a poet before turning to music. "So Long Marianne" and "The Stranger Song" are probably my favorites.
Duran Duran
5/5
This album rocks. Rio is a hell of an opener track, and the ever-awesome Hungry Like the Wolf is obviously a classic. The other songs on this album, while not as notable, still have great energy and sound. Save a Prayer and Hold Back the Rain are damn good.
Jeff Beck
4/5
Ah, Jeff Beck. Your favorite guitarist's favorite guitarist. And sure enough the guitar work on this album is awesome. So many inventive riffs and very well played chords. I just wish the rest of the songwriting stood out more. It feels like a modern rock album, which is good, and it's understandable for the guitar to take front and center stage. But the overall songs could be catchier.
Pearl Jam
5/5
Awesome. Not much else to say. With such beloved songs like Alive, Jeremy, and Even Flow, this is a damn good album. Pearl Jam rules.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
It's some good music and I can see how it was influential to a lot of music created throughout the next few decades. My favorite tracks include Pale Blue Eyes, and I'm Beginning to See the Light. It's not my favorite music from this era, but it's quite good.
David Bowie
4/5
Even if this isn't my preferred Bowie, it's still Bowie. The music is unconventional but still well-composed and nice to listen to.
Radiohead
4/5
I never really got into Radiohead before, but I know that a lot of people absolutely love them. This was a decent album, I will admit. It was a unique and soothing experience to listen. But going off this one, I don't totally see the hype. It's still good enough for a 4 star rating, but not really something I see getting me obsessed with them.
Fatboy Slim
4/5
This was damn good. Tight mixes and just excellent DJ work. Every sample works near perfectly.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Ah, I forgot how much I love A Tribe Called Quest. This is a powerful, groovy, and impressive debut album. There's so many banger tracks before you even get to "Can I Kick It," and the great raps keep coming after that. Tribe is one of the greatest of all time, and this is a true gem of an album.
Hawkwind
3/5
I'm not a big fan of live albums. Concerts are fun to attend in person. But the noodling, jamming, and overall messing about that happens at them is nowhere near as enjoyable when listening to a record of it. This album doesn't really change my mind, but there are still some impressive things to note here. The instrumentation is great, every one of them stands out, and I do get the idea that Hawkwind were kickass to see live. I don't have the same praise for the vocals, though, and it's a ridiculously long album for something I'm not really that into.
Linkin Park
5/5
This is the album that formed my early taste in music. Just about every LP album is important to me, but this one in particular hits different. Damn, what an incredible debut.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Okay, I kinda said this already on Ill Communication, but it's kind of a big ask for me to like the Beastie Boys. As influential as they were, they just don't really click with me overall. That said, this has "Fight For Your Right," and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn," which even I can't deny are bangers. For that, and that alone, I might give this a 4/5.
Parliament
4/5
I never would've thought a funk album with sci fi themes would work but damn, it does. This may not be Parliament's best work but it's good. Give Up the Funk is a classic song by itself and does a bit of lifting for this album, but it's still worth a listen for funk fans.
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
So this is the album that Spin Magazine decided was better than any other album in 1991. Better than Nevermind, better than Out of Time, better than Ten. Honestly? It's good. It's not "Best album of 1991" good, but it's good. It's very well played alt rock music with thoughtful lyrics, and if it weren't for that strange ranking by Spin I'd say this is an underrated gem from the 90s. Each track is strong and it doesn't wear out its welcome. It's worth a listen.
Beatles
4/5
This is probably the most famous Beatles album ever, and yet I feel it's not the best. The best song on this album is the opener, Come Together. But after that it's kinda all downhill. There's not as many memorable songs for the rest of the album. I suspect the album's cover art is what makes it famous more than the songs themselves. That said, I can't in good faith say any songs are bad. It's still classic Beatles.
Joan Armatrading
4/5
I don't have too much to say about this except that it's well-written, well-sang, and well-played singer-songwriter fare. I'm surprised I never heard of her before, but this album has me interested in hearing more.
Depeche Mode
5/5
This was awesome. I'd only listened to Personal Jesus and Enjoy the Silence before, and I had no idea that Depeche Mode kicked this much ass. The front half of this record, aside from Personal Jesus, was honestly not the most impressive, but the album escalated and built as it went, and I appreciate the entire album as a whole. Definitely listen to it.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
I can certainly appreciate the hard work that went into this album. Knowing the state that Robert Wyatt was in, convalescing after being paralyzed by an accident, and still trying his damnedest to make this album, does affect my view of it. I can appreciate that this album sounds like no other music I've heard, which was partly its intent. That said... This doesn't appeal to me. The songwriting is unconventional and striking, but like a broken computer. The instrumentation sounds off; it sounds too improvisational and not improvisational enough, if that makes sense. It doesn't really come together aside from the story behind it.
Michael Jackson
5/5
If I could give it 6 stars I would. Just about every one is banger after banger. This album and Bad are like the Holy Grail; we will never see pop albums of their kind again. Almost every song is legendary, sounding crisp and clean and smooth as butter. Damn this is such a great album. So hard to pick a favorite track among all the legends, but I think I'd have to pick Beat It and Human Nature.
Faust
3/5
This is... Interesting. I don't know exactly how I feel about it. I like it and don't get much from it at the same time. It's decent music with some very strange choices. One song lulled me into a false sense of security with light guitar and vocals, then suddenly blared an Amber Alert-sounding alarm in my ear. It's bizarre. I can't say I dislike it. I also can't say I would listen to this again.
Janis Joplin
5/5
Another reminder of what a loss the world suffered when Janis died too young. Her voice shines brightly on this album, which already features some great blues rock. Of particular note are her performances on Half Moon, Mercedes Benz, and the standout Me and Bobby McGee. Beautiful voice with some soulful rock.
David Bowie
4/5
A solid album from Bowie. Shifting away from glam rock and going for a more groovy and funky sound is a tough move to make, but Bowie makes it look effortless. The opening and closing tracks (Young Americans and Fame) are probably the best, but in between them are plenty of decent funk and R&B songs.
ABBA
5/5
I owe you an apology, ABBA, I was not familiar with your game. This is a fabulous album which made me have fun, think, and even feel emotions.
Paul Weller
4/5
This is a good album. It sounds like something my dad would listen to, in a good way. It has a feel of 70s folk rock, it's well composed and well written. I admit I wouldn't probably seek it out, but I wouldn't skip if it came on again.
Jane Weaver
3/5
This was a pretty interesting listen. The sound is like a folk rock / electronica vibe, and Jane has a good voice to match the material. It's not exactly groundbreaking, but it's a well made album.
Coldplay
5/5
Ah this takes me back. Early Coldplay was excellent, and this is a great album. It's thoughtful and damn well written. Best songs for me (sorry to be basic) are The Scientist, Clocks, and In My Place.
T. Rex
4/5
Groovy, rockin', and a pleasure to hear. The guitar shines especially on this album. I could see myself driving down a long highway to most of these songs. It's some quintessential 60s/70s rock.
Faith No More
5/5
This was awesome. I'd heard Epic before, but never delved into other songs. Faith Now More is a kickass band, it turns out. The opening track, From Out of Nowhere, is an electric song that pumps you up for the whole album, and there's so many more awesome songs to go with it. Falling to Pieces, their cover of War Pigs, and the aforementioned Epic, it all rocks hard.
The Strokes
4/5
Speaking as someone who's not looked much into The Strokes, I quite enjoyed this trip down 2000s alt rock memory lane. The music is bright, upbeat, and (dare I say) grooving. Julian Casablancas's voice is well suited to this, even if I can barely understand him most times. Last Nite is probably the best on the album but there's a lot of good there aside from it.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
I enjoyed this but probably not as much as some of the other electronic/DJ music that I got introduced to in this project. It's well made but it feels like it's just for a scene I'm not part of and don't have much interest in joining. Some tracks go for a bit too long and some feel repetitive. Block Rockin' Beats is probably the best track, which is unfortunate that it's the opener and it's all downhill from there. It's fine.
Gorillaz
5/5
A hell of a debut album. Gorillaz rule, and this album is not just great, it changed the game. Gorillaz had so much influence over music in the 2000s that the album deserves a place in a museum. Best track for me is, sorry to be basic, Clint Eastwood, but Tomorrow Comes Today and 19-2000 are close behind. There's a lot of good musical experimentation here, give it a listen.
Johnny Cash
5/5
A damn well done live album. This got me thinking more musicians should play prisons these days. But more than the cool setting, it's a great showcase of Johnny Cash's live work. He was such a great performer and songwriter. His banter with the inmate crowd here and there is so natural, and his music as always is great.
Kate Bush
4/5
Right off the bat this album gets to a... Striking and unique start. I've heard that Kate Bush music was a bit weird, but this was a surprise. It's not like any other music I know, and reading that it's considered her most experimental album makes a lot of sense. I'm not sure how exactly I feel on it just yet. It's well made, and it's not unpleasant. But it's hard to get past how weird the music is.
After listening to the album again and thinking on it, this is good. It's not really my thing but I appreciate the weird, there needs to be someone making weird music and I am glad that someone as good as Kate Bush is making it.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
I liked the other Dusty album I listened to, but this... I dunno, it just didn't do much for me. Maybe because the songs were largely covers, and I have heard the originals and like them more. Dusty still is a great singer, but this one just doesn't work for me.
Elvis Costello
4/5
This was great. The mix of different rock genres works great on this album, with elements of rockabilly, punk, and classic 60s style rock. Elvis Costello has a damn good voice for this and the instrumentation is on point.
Elvis Presley
4/5
I enjoyed this, but probably not as much as I thought I would. It's good music, well written and well sang. Elvis was a heck of a performer. But I dunno, something didn't entirely click with this album. It was good, but not phenomenal.
Nick Drake
4/5
Especially after learning about Nick Drake's story, I don't know what it says about me that a lot of this album speaks to me. It's kind of heartbreaking how beautiful some of these tracks are. I feel like it can be a soundtrack to my lower moments, as weird as that may be. Favorite track would be "From the Morning," with its hopeful nature of taking the good with the bad in life.
M.I.A.
4/5
This is cool, it's not music I'm used to, but the mix of styles really works and makes this album stand out. The lyrics are well written and the beats are mostly striking and pretty damn good. I found my favorite tracks coming in the back half of the album, but maybe I was also a bit jarred by the mix of styles at first. Nonetheless, good album.
Nina Simone
4/5
This was very good but for some reason it doesn't hit with me the same as some other albums in this era and genre. I like Nina's voice, and the songwriting is beautifully done, but I think the music just doesn't totally appeal to me for some reason. She's still getting 4 stars though, she's a powerful presence.
Tito Puente
5/5
This is a great bit of fun, if mambo is up your alley this is a must listen. This had me dancing around my apartment (and I can't dance). Great times
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Another album to make me wish I'd listened to more Amy when she was with us. She blends so many different styles in a lovely mix, and her songwriting is honest and, well, frank. It's a very good collection of songs.
Talking Heads
3/5
I've heard a lot of good about the Talking Heads, and I did enjoy most of this album. That said, I did not love it, and I don't think I'll be listening to it again. It's competently made and mostly sounds good. But some of it just doesn't do much for me.
The Shamen
3/5
This isn't bad. But it's not for me. The genre of rave music isn't really my thing and while I don't dislike this, it's not an album I'm keen to listen to again.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
This was cool, and a pretty good blues album. You can feel the soul coming through even if you don't speak Malian, and the instruments work is well done. I feel like I'd love to hear this music in a movie.
Little Richard
5/5
An excellent rock album. Little Richard was the ultimate old rock n roll performer, with an energy that couldn't be matched. This album is a damn good time in 12 quick songs that never wear out their welcome.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
It's good rock and roll, but I dunno, something about it didn't totally stick with me. I think I've been spoiled listening to amazing rock albums over the years and maybe this one didn't feel as impressive? Maybe I was over hyped and was expecting a life changer? I dunno. But it's still good.
Beatles
5/5
The Beatles' most chaotic album, and one of their best. There's definitely some weird stuff on here but it's all damn well written and exceptionally well played. The weirder stuff is also mostly outnumbered by the good here, with the best being the opener Back in the USSR, the odd but fun Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, and the barn burning later track Helter Skelter (which I wish had been the closing track). Great album.
Roxy Music
4/5
Like the previous Roxy Music album, it's well made, but it doesn't stand out much for me. I enjoyed it but I don't think I'll be seeking it out.
Big Star
3/5
This is alright. It's fairly well made 70 alternative rock, but it doesn't really connect with me. I don't know why, but it might be the disparate styles across the album. It felt somewhat randomly assembled and I just don't get it. It's decent, but maybe just not for me.
Metallica
5/5
This album is a big contribution to me having tinnitus now, from listening to it blaring in my headphones so much. It's still a great album, one of the most quintessential metal albums ever. On a more recent and critical listen, I wish they balanced out the songs more, as the front half of the album is so loaded but the back half, especially the last three songs, aren't as impressive. Still, it is a headbanging good time with probably the best opening track to any album ever.
Sonic Youth
3/5
This was... Good. But I got this album hyped up to heck for me, saying it's legendary and influential. I can feel the influence it has on alt rock, grunge, etc. but I just kinda hear it and go, "Oh, yeah this is pretty good." Maybe if I had heard it otherwise, without hype, my score would be higher.
R.E.M.
4/5
This is a much more somber and dark affair from R.E.M. that hits pretty well. I guess in the state of the world today, the somber music kind of feels validating. It's very well made too, and the brighter moments aren't absent. Man on The Moon is on this album, after all. Probably my favorite songs are Everybody Hurts, Drive, Man on the Moon, and Nightswimming.
Mylo
3/5
This was alright for Electronic. I usually find this genre to be mostly not for me, and some of the things I don't have interest in were on this album. The beats were not too high-energy (for me, a good thing), but they sometimes verged on forgettable or boring. There are a couple of good songs here though. Drop the Pressure and In My Arms we're both good times. I just wish they weren't the main bright spots. But then again, I'm not really an electronic person.
Spacemen 3
3/5
Yeah, psychedelic rock isn't really my genre. This isn't bad but it's clearly for an audience I'm not in. The songs either sound weird for my tastes, or they start off good and then drag on too long. For psych rock and space rock fans, this is a pretty good one. For anyone else, it won't change your mind.
Prince
5/5
Ah, what a great album. It automatically gets a high rating for having my favorite song by the man, I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man. The songs are all very well composed and played, with some seeming like Prince is just showing off how damn good he is. It's good, then, that he's REALLY good.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Good album. I don't know what else to say, it's just some good old rock music.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Ah, that's some good outlaw country. It's well written, rougher in sound, and Willie has a great voice. Favorite track probably is the title track, Red Headed Stranger, followed closely by Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.
Blue Cheer
3/5
This is interesting. Some of these songs are like a prototype of heavy metal, with the heavier and grittier guitar sounds. That said, being a prototype, it isn't totally there, and some of it sounds a bit samey. The overall blues rock isn't bad, though, and it's interesting to hear seeds that would grow into heavy metal later.
Wire
4/5
This is a more palatable post-punk album than Sulk by The Associates. There's more recognizable punk stylings and it's... Well, it's listenable, and fun.
Randy Newman
3/5
It's a fine album but I don't think I can really get into Randy Newman's music. He's a good songwriter and musician, but I find his voice too goofy to take seriously and his style of music doesn't totally work for me.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Is this the greatest masterpiece the legend Isaac Hayes ever made? I dunno if it totally surpasses the glory of Chocolate Salty Balls, but it's still great. It's a record I'd put on to introduce Isaac Hayes's music to someone. Rest in Peace to a Legend
The Smiths
4/5
It's not my favorite Smiths album but it's still The Smiths. Unique writing and lyrics that feel dreamlike to listen to, with pleasant instrumentals. Morrissey is still a piece of garbage, though.
Animal Collective
2/5
My first thoughts listening to this album were: "Wow, someone in this band listened to a lot of MGMT but didn't understand what made it good." There's some interesting sounds here but it's not all connecting for me. I get it's experimental, and not every experiment will be successful. The stuff that's good is fewer and farther between than the stuff that's just weird.
Van Morrison
4/5
Not my favorite Van Morrison but it's a good Van Morrison. Melodic, well written, and the man has a good voice.
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
4/5
This is an interesting album, combining sounds from various parts of the world. I like how everything feels like it actually goes together, but just never was before. Maybe that's not totally accurate but there are a lot of elements here which sound awesome played together.
The War On Drugs
5/5
A great, moody album. Maybe moody isn't the right word but the somber feeling that communicates the pressure of depression, it's expertly portrayed on this album. It all sounds excellent, and the album is an introspective one without being too sad to listen to.
Coldplay
5/5
A beautiful album that transports me back 25 years. It's a delightful blend of piano and guitar on each song, and Chris Martin's voice compliments the music perfectly. Any of Coldplay's first three albums are gonna get a 5 out of 5.
Giant Sand
4/5
This is a pretty cool sounding album, it's decently written and is just some good alt rock
Pantera
2/5
Pantera are a band I never cared much for, but it'd be hard for me to argue that the instruments don't sound kickass. I never got behind the singer's voice, though, it honestly brings it down quite a bit for me. If you want an album that typifies Pantera, this is probably the album. For me, though, there's loads of much better metal bands and albums.
The Beach Boys
4/5
A beautiful and distinct somber affair that remains recognizably Beach Boys. The music is very well composed and the lyrics are introspective and darker. It's not what you'd expect from the Beach Boys, but it's a really good album.
Frank Ocean
5/5
An excellent album. Beautiful mixes, poetic lyrics, and great vocals by Frank Ocean. It's a great time, and one I listened to front to back twice.
Talking Heads
4/5
It's good, but I don't think Talking Heads are totally my thing. This album has Psycho Killer, which is good, but the other ones were mostly just alright. Nothing on this album is bad, mind you, just not quite as good as this band had been hyped to me.
Van Morrison
3/5
It's a live album. It's fine, but I have the same problem I usually do with live albums. Either a live album sounds not as good as the studio record (and not as good as if you were there, either), or it sounds the same as the studio versions of the songs (in which case you're essentially just listening to a playlist). This is the latter. There's nothing inherently wrong with it but aside from crowd applause occasionally, you wouldn't even know it was live. It's not bad at all, just not notable.
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Eh. It's an electronic album, so... Still not really my thing. It isn't changing my mind on my issues with electronic. Jump n Shout is fun, at least.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Top 10 albums ever made. Maybe top 5. Maybe even top 3. This is some of the greatest, most beautiful music I have ever heard, and Dreams in particular is one of my favorite songs of all time.
Steely Dan
3/5
It's pretty good despite not being my genre exactly. It's some pretty good jazzy rock, but I don't think I can pick out a song as particularly great.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
It has Superstition on it. That alone gets it a high score. Stevie is one of the greatest funk and soul artists to have lived and this album is a wonderful trip.
The Zombies
4/5
It's some good 60s rock, and very atmospheric.
The Cure
3/5
I like it but not as much as some of the other Cure songs I have heard. It's a more somber affair, it sounds like, and it doesn't really click with me at this time. Maybe a reevaluation later will make my opinion more favorable. For now though, it's alright.
Stan Getz
4/5
This is almost literally hold music or elevator music. And it probably says something about me getting older that... I actually quite like it. It's soothing and very well made, and it's really good for focusing or background noise.
R.E.M.
5/5
Great album, not much else to say. Some damn good alt rock from the 90s, and just overall a total banger.
James Brown
4/5
It's a live album, which I'm not a fan of. But more importantly, it's James Brown. The man can make doing your laundry fun. And every part of the performance is damn perfect, the instruments, the vocals, it's all good.
Public Enemy
5/5
Great rap album by one of the greatest groups of all time. This one has some awesome 90s beats and the lyrics are in your face and well written.
The Go-Go's
4/5
A very fun album of upbeat poppy rock songs. I don't think I listened to a ton of The Go-Gos but this is a great album and it makes me want to hear more. Obviously "Our Lips Are Sealed" is a classic but I also very much enjoyed "Lust to Love" and "We Got the Beat"
Christina Aguilera
5/5
I don't know why I never expected a Christina Aguilera album to be here, and I don't know why I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. It's a VERY well put together album, with clear influences from pop, jazz, R&B, and swing albums. It's a delightful listen.
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Some more classic 90s hip hop. Classic beats and rhymes by Q-Tip and Phife. It's got some great lyrics that mix profound social commentary with clever humor and wordplay. Definitely a must-hear for old school hip hop fans.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
More sweet singing and beautiful songwriting from Joni. That said, I don't think I like this album as much as the other Joni album I listened to through this project, Court and Spark. There's something missing for me from the earlier parts of the album, I think. The back half of the album is excellent though.
The Offspring
5/5
Kickass album that starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. There's loads of great songs here: Gotta Get Away, Self Esteem, and of course Come Out And Play (which was the first Offspring song I ever heard). The album is very well constructed with just the right amount of not-polished. It still feels scrappy and indie, which adds to its appeal.
4/5
I have mixed feelings on U2, but this is a pretty good album, from before they fully became the music of soccer moms. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "With or Without You" are the standouts, but "Where The Streets Have No Name" is probably my favorite.
The Blue Nile
3/5
It's a very atmospheric album, and the instrumentation and the lyrics are quite nice. This isn't my usual type of music, though. And while I enjoy it fine enough, I don't see myself coming back to it much. It feels like a very somber album that would be good for low moments.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This album starts off with Sympathy for the Devil. That alone gets it a high score. But it also makes it a tough act to follow. The rest of the album is good, but none of it measures up to one of the greatest songs of all time.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Classic blues, in fact if I were to recommend a quintessential blues album I'd probably go for this one.
The Stranglers
4/5
Pretty good 70s rock. I'd never heard of these guys before but I enjoyed listening to them on this cold, rainy day. It feels like early Queen, in a good way.
10cc
4/5
Some very interesting and vibrant 70s British rock music. This is a pretty damn good album, and not one I expected from 10cc, who I only previously heard a few songs from.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
5/5
This was a really fun surprise. It's a blues rock album from a Scottish band, and it kicks off to a great start and keeps the energy up the whole way through, and it doesn't outstay its welcome. A rocking good time
Air
4/5
Atmospheric, diversely colorful, and pleasant to listen to. I don't like most electronic music but it's nice to hear one that has a vibe of a movie soundtrack. It feels like the songs are telling a story.
Sister Sledge
5/5
This is a beautiful album and it makes me wonder why disco died. From the very first notes on the opening track (and my favorite), "He's the Greatest Dancer," the groove is in and it does not leave. It's an album that makes me years for a genre that died years before I came into the world.
The Icarus Line
3/5
I didn't dislike this as much as I thought I would. Post-hardcore (good gosh there's too many genres) is a flavor of music I don't really care much for. But the harder punk elements and dirty production mixed with some more palatable. That said, I hesitate to say I like it. It's just not really for me. It's a fine 3/5.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3/5
Eric Clapton is a hell of a guitarist (almost more than he is a racist twit). But this wasn't an album I'd say is his finest work. It's good, don't get me wrong. But I have heard better from him, and honestly I found myself not realizing a new song had started a couple times.
The Prodigy
3/5
Look, I understand the influence The Prodigy had on music. But they're still an electronic group and it's just not really for me. Lots of electronic music sounds repetitive and these tracks, while well produced, are no exception.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5/5
Awesome. Vibrant, grooving, catchy. And most of all, fun.
The Police
4/5
Amazing album, especially considering that Sting and Stewart Copeland actually fought during the making of it. There's only one thing that can keep it from 5 stars, and that is... Mother. What the heck was that? It's so jarring, coming in the middle of an outstanding album, and so completely unlike any other Police song. If you take it out, the rating would probably be 6 stars out of 5. It doesn't totally ruin the album, but dangit Andy, you brought the rating down.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Classic Dylan. Like A Rolling Stone is an overplayed song but there's a very good reason why: it's great. I think Tom Thumb's Blues and Desolation Row are my other two favorite tracks, but this is just a damn good album from front to back.
4/5
Some damn good 90s Brit pop rock. Interesting songwriting and great instrumentation are abound in this album.
Taylor Swift
4/5
Probably Taylor's best album she's ever made. And that's completely un-ironic, this is a good album. It's got some of her best and most thoughtful songwriting and a very atmospheric instrumentation. Especially along with Folklore, it's a lovely listen. Honestly it makes most of the rest of her output a bit disappointing, knowing she can do work this good when she really wants to. But for what it is, it's a good pop folk album.
The Cars
4/5
Some classic 70s rock, and a damn fun album overall. Just What I Needed is gonna be played in commercials until the end of time, and it still is great. Sadly not every song is on that level, but it's a lot of fun to listen to nonetheless.
Elton John
5/5
Elton John can do no wrong musically. Tiny Dancer is the standout hit from this album but each song is an excellently constructed trip. The title track is also excellent, but my favorite is probably Rotten Peaches. Just a great album.
Iron Maiden
5/5
Killer album (not to be confused with the album after it, Killers). Early Maiden is a bit of a different experience from the more polished and epic works of the Bruce Dickinson era, but there's a real kick and even charm in their first album, grungy sounding as it may be. Paul Di'Anno is a great singer, and the metal is indeed heavy. Favorite track would probably be Charlotte the Harlot, but the dark and kickass instrumental track Transylvania is a great one too.
JAY Z
5/5
Ah, some beautiful hip hop work. Is this Jay's best work ever? Damn, it might be. It's smooth and soulful with incredible bars. Probably my favorite track is Heart of the City. Fitting that the best produced track came from a young and hungry Kanye West. But even with production from some of the best in the industry (including Timbaland and Bink), Jay still owns the spotlight here.
Various Artists
4/5
I don't think I want a gift of any kind from Phil Spector. It's a shame, cuz these are some classic Christmas songs from some of the greatest R&B soul artists of the time.