172
Albums Rated
3.19
Average Rating
16%
Complete
917 albums remaining
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2010s
Favorite Decade
Soul
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
11
5-Star Albums
5
1-Star Albums
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You Love More Than Most
Albums you rated higher than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy | 5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
| Live! | 5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
| Low | 5 | 3.55 | +1.45 |
| Funeral | 5 | 3.57 | +1.43 |
| In A Silent Way | 5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
| In Rainbows | 5 | 3.84 | +1.16 |
| Disintegration | 5 | 3.85 | +1.15 |
| Larks' Tongues In Aspic | 4 | 2.99 | +1.01 |
| The Libertines | 4 | 3 | +1 |
You Love Less Than Most
Albums you rated lower than global average
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get Rich Or Die Tryin' | 1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
| Come Find Yourself | 1 | 2.93 | -1.93 |
| Beyond Skin | 1 | 2.77 | -1.77 |
| Maverick A Strike | 1 | 2.75 | -1.75 |
| Follow The Leader | 1 | 2.65 | -1.65 |
| 1999 | 2 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
| Natty Dread | 2 | 3.58 | -1.58 |
| The Clash | 2 | 3.54 | -1.54 |
| Gorillaz | 2 | 3.53 | -1.53 |
| Unknown Pleasures | 2 | 3.47 | -1.47 |
Artist Analysis
Favorite Artists
Artists with 2+ albums
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Davis | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (11)
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Popular Reviews
Blur
2/5
Not my cup of tea! I thought it was gritty and interesting, but the second half of the album didn't interest me as much as the first. I can now say I know who sings the "woohoo!" song!
1 likes
Steely Dan
4/5
I had heard the name Steely Dan often enough growing up to know they were a band, but I never knew anything more. Curiously, they invaded my pop culture bubble, and I can't help but wonder where the hell I heard their name so often. Aja was a delight to listen to -- from the jazzy groove to the playful feel to the incredibly delicious saxophone.. I relished in every detail! This album was top-heavy for me, but they closed it out with a great track, Josie. Listening to such cornerstone albums now is always fascinating. The sound in Aja feels familiar, maybe because I seek out music with a similar feel anyway, but it is crazy to imagine a world where this was the first of its kind.
1 likes
Norah Jones
3/5
This is a beautifully written album. From the lyrics to Norah’s sultry vocals, it was a pleasant listen. This is the type of music I want to hear at a bar with dim lighting or in a nice hotel lobby. Personally, I didn’t find the album super interesting or engaging, I don’t think I would listen again.
1 likes
The Black Keys
3/5
Decent album. I have a nostalgic affinity for The Black Keys, which biases me a bit. This album has a major slump in the middle for me. The opening songs were a great start, but things got lost and blended together somewhere along the way.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (5)
All Ratings
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
very great production!!!!! my ears were happy
Muddy Waters
3/5
Energetic, vibrant and funky. Ethan & i found it a bit repetitive :( Not my cup of tea entirely but I loved the vibe! Attending one of these shows live would be so fun.
Blur
2/5
Not my cup of tea! I thought it was gritty and interesting, but the second half of the album didn't interest me as much as the first. I can now say I know who sings the "woohoo!" song!
Stevie Wonder
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed my listen. It was perfectly chill and exciting, I loved how full of love this album felt. I really liked getting to hear his little deep vocal/raspy thing he did on some songs -- I am not super familiar with Stevie and I'm wondering if this was a staple of his! I would listen again, no doubt.
2/5
The opener was fantastic, it perfectly guided you into the universe of the album.This album unfortunately wasn't exciting to me.
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
I loved this album! I think this is the first jam band album I've listened to in full. Their flow and ability to create beautiful music on the fly was incredible. I loved the moments where it was just the instruments, they spoke for themselves. I didn't even find myself missing the lyrics! I wish I could have seen this performance live.
Green Day
4/5
This was suprisingly nostalgic! I never listened to the full album, just the popular songs. I thoroughly enjoyed this album, it felt so well done and clean to listen to. Although I didn't listen to the lyrics, I appreciate the storytelling aspect behind it! Using creativity and art to voice what you believe in is beautiful.
The Waterboys
3/5
They lost me in the second half a little bit, I felt like a little hobbit haha. I enjoyed the first two songs the most, they had such a great groove and the fiddle was such a star!
Pixies
3/5
I really enjoyed about half of the tracks! I loved how silly and unserious parts of it felt and appreciated seeing their creativity throughout. I loved the weird instrumentation, I think my favorite was Ana or The Happening!
Serge Gainsbourg
2/5
This was the weirdest thing to listen to but I kinda liked it a little? There were several points where I felt the drama of the story, in part because of things like the orchestra or his vocals. Ethan told me about the story behind the album, which makes the album cover make a little more sense. I don't think I would listen to this again, but I admired the creativity behind it.
David Bowie
5/5
This is the second David Bowie album I have listened to in full and I LOVED it! I was surprised by how much I liked the second half. I had no idea that Sound & Vision was on this album. I really liked What in the World, the synthy and electronic elements throughout tickled my ear perfectly.
Linkin Park
2/5
Not my type of music anymore, although the sound feels so nostalgic. I liked the fun instrumentation with using a cool piano, a fun synth or a good guitar riff. What I couldn't get behind was the lyrcisim and the loudness of it all. It is not my style so it was hard to enjoy. Looking at this objectively, I think it is a solid 3/5. I can admire the production and the relvance of this album when it came out, but I don't think it stands strong.
Taylor Swift
2/5
Meh.
Alice Cooper
3/5
this was truly a creative album! I loved the drama behind every song, even if I didn’t likethe song. There were a lot of little details, like unique instruments or weird sounds, and that made it an interesting listen. I think it also reflects the thought that went into the song creation as well! My favorites were the first two tracks, and generation landslide.
Alice Cooper
3/5
Listening to two Alice Cooper albums back to back made for an interesting comparison! Million Dollar Baby felt camp/theatrical, whereas School's Out feels like a typical rock album. I enjoyed the songs that felt jazzy and let the instruments shine. My favorites were blue turk and public animal #9.
The Offspring
3/5
Never in my life have I listened to the Offspring before! I was blown away by the energy this album brought. I loved how they led you into the world of "Smash" with the title track and followed it with the energy you may or may not have been expecting. Treating an album like an experience is what I like to see, and how it should be. I couldn't help but move while listening to this album, bobbing my head back and forth and all. The first two songs capture (what I assume) is the band's strongsuit, delivering a lively performance. I loved the surf-y vibe in Come Out and Play. I enjoyed the drums + guitar on this album the most :)
Lauryn Hill
4/5
An incredible classic with so much influence in the world of r&b. Even though I am not a music officianado, I have seen firsthand how many artists have incorporated some aspect of this album into their music. Legends like Kanye, J. Cole, and The Doors all paid homage to this album.
I loved the harp in "Superstar", the piano laced throughout and enjoyed the guitar in "To Zion"! Listening to this album for the first time in a while gave me some rose colored lenses I think. While there are only three songs I would add to a playlist, I can appreciate the story behind the album. Some of the songs felt really similar, but it felt excusable because of the substance in the lyrics.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Ethan has loved this album for as long as I can remember. Every time I hear "Suzanne," I think of him. Like the rest of the album, this song embodies a beautifully sad feeling. It is full of love but a touch of somberness, almost like the feeling you get when you remember you will never get a moment again, or a sort of nostalgia. That feeling is evoked for me time and time again throughout the album. It is the combination of humble instrumentation, his soft voice, beautiful lyrics, and fluttery backing vocals. Although I am not a fan of folk/spoken word adjacent music, I really appreciate this album. My favorite track was "So Long, Marianne".
Prince
2/5
It is always interesting to hear an older album reference a year that has already happened for us, but is so far in the future at the time of the album. The opening track dreams of partying in 1999/2000, what were their expectations of those years?
This is the first Prince album I have ever listened to. The first track made me want to tease my hair, wear bright colors, and wear a pair of huge earrings. Many of the tracks carried this same groove. While the songs were fun and playful, much of this album felt gimmicky to me. Between the synths and voice effects, mixed with the songwriting, I felt it was all made to catch my attention, which it did, but it did not stick with me. This album was made to make people dance, and I am sure it was revolutionary at the time, but it did not feel super interesting to listen to, especially on my second go-around. It was long, some songs dragged, and I felt like everything blended.
The first two tracks were my favorites, I would not listen to this album again though :(
King Crimson
4/5
Elton John
3/5
My First Elton John album ever! I enjoyed tracks 1, 3, 4, and 5 the most. His use of orchestral instruments is my favorite thing, I think. I admire a less traditional (if you can even say that) approach to pop. There are beautiful elements and details in a lot of the songs, specifically thinking of the little organ in Razor Face or the strings in Indian Sunset. I feel like I got a little lost in the second half, something was missing for me and I can't put my finger on what. Regardless, Elton John is an iconic name, and I can start to see why. There is grandeur behind his songs, AND he seems to be a big personality with great fashion taste. That is going to breed a powerful celebrity!
Fela Kuti
5/5
Listening to this groovy album was the perfect way to start my week. This album has an infectious groove, you can't not move your body when listening to the first two tracks (or really, the whole album). Black Man's Cry was one of my favorites. Hearing the vocals combined with the perfectly timed instruments lights me up! The production on this album is so incredibly crisp. Each song flows beautifully, to the point where I didn't even notice how long some of the songs were. I could listen to this album nonstop, because it is one of those albums where you hear something new on each listen.
Big Black
3/5
I am not a fan of loud, noisy music. I tend to find myself craving a song that brings me peace or something that makes me want to groove. That being said, I really appreciated the creativity in crafting these trailblazing sounds, resulting in a raw/gritty sound. The guitars were crazy -- I loved the sound of Passing Compassion. Even though this wasn't my style of music, I grew to appreciate the production, the lyrics, and the incredible guitar + drums interlaced throughout. I don't think I would listen to this on my own, but I enjoyed the experience.
Pulp
4/5
There was incredibly delicious guitar throughout the whole album, and my ears were happy listening to the instrumentation on each song. I described my feelings about this album to Ethan, saying that parts of each song excited me, but I didn't love the whole song. This was especially true on "Dishes" and "Help the Aged." My favorite songs were "The Fear," "Party Hard," "I'm a Man," "A Little Soul," and "Like a Friend." The energy in the album was contagious, I appreciated the moody British sound. The color palette of the album cover perfectly captures the feel of the album. Rating this a four because I would listen to it again and I added a few songs to my May playlist! I do however wish the album was shorter :(
Meat Loaf
3/5
"Bat out of Hell" made for such an entertaining listen. Has this been turned into a live action stage play yet? It not, someone needs to get on it. I don't think I would listen to any of these songs on my own, but I would surely not complain if they were on. I loved all the changes in instrumentation or timing on a song to give it a different feel or help tell the story. The grandeur was felt behind each song!
The Verve
3/5
The White Stripes
3/5
Kraftwerk
2/5
This was a fun little listen. The first song reminded me of a song Ethan and I would make while going about our day, it felt unserious and entertaining. I think the album was a 2/5 stars because it was simple. I am obviously not a music savant, but I think the electronic music I am used to has more going on, so this fell a little flat. I really enjoyed tracks 1 + 3, the others were forgettable. I appreciate how foundational this album was for electronic music!
Gorillaz
2/5
This fell very flat for me. Aside from the well-known songs, I wasn't interested in much else. The spacey feel was fun, though!
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
I knew this album was going to be great just from the opener. Margo's vocals are breathtaking throughout the album, bringing out the emotional depth of each song. The album felt intimate, like we were being let into her world and feeling everything with her. I was impressed to learn that this album was recorded in Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity, not in a normal studio. The blend of the instruments and Margo's vocals with the acoustics of the empty space was beautiful. I loved tracks 1, 3, 8, & 10 the most. The rating was going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for me, but I decided on 3 because, although I would listen to it again, a lot of the tracks blended together for me.
Cat Stevens
3/5
This album is not exactly my style. It is a calm, cute, and quaint album, which is not my typical vibe. Overall, I think the album felt a little sleepy, which is why I had a difficult time maintaining my interest. The guitar was my favorite part of this album! I also liked the somber violin in Sad Lisa. My favorite song was Longer Boats, I feel it captured the lighthearted and fun nature of the album.
Steely Dan
4/5
I had heard the name Steely Dan often enough growing up to know they were a band, but I never knew anything more. Curiously, they invaded my pop culture bubble, and I can't help but wonder where the hell I heard their name so often. Aja was a delight to listen to -- from the jazzy groove to the playful feel to the incredibly delicious saxophone.. I relished in every detail! This album was top-heavy for me, but they closed it out with a great track, Josie. Listening to such cornerstone albums now is always fascinating. The sound in Aja feels familiar, maybe because I seek out music with a similar feel anyway, but it is crazy to imagine a world where this was the first of its kind.
Joy Division
2/5
I grew up seeing this plastered on t-shirts from Hot Topic, H&M, Forever 21, and similar retailers. Yet, I never had any interest in listening to the album, especially after Ethan told me it was overrated. It was different than what I expected it to be. Unknown Pleasures was gritty and raw, with a great collection of drums + guitar + bass + synths. Unfortunately, I do not think this album is my speed. Punk is a genre I don't frequently dabble in because of the vocal style. That being said, the instruments and production made up for my dislike of that aspect. I would not listen to this again but appreciated my time with the album!
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Nitin Sawhney
1/5
The opening song really interested me with it's R&B flare and electronic elements. As the album progressed, I became more and more disinterested. I can't quite pinpoint what it was, but it fell flat for me. I don't think it was cohesive and don't believe that the experimentation was done well -- it just felt weird.
Beck
3/5
I really enjoyed the energy in the first half of the album! The vibe was very carefree and fun, I could see myself blasting this by the beach with a beer in hand. I wouldn't say I am a Beck fan, but this album had a handful of songs I would happily listen to again. The experimental elements looped in with the rock/hip hop vibe is my favorite part of the album!
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
What I assume to be the traditional sounds of South Africa echoed loudly throughout the album. I could easily imagine people being gathered around and singing these songs a cappella. I admired the creativity required to create a fully a capella album, you have to find new ways to use your voice and body to create the sort of fullness you desire. My ear picked up on some of the little mouth sounds, like the smacking of lips or a lip trill, and I wondered how they decided on those effects. However entertaining, I don't think this album was anything super special to me. Many of the songs blended together, it felt like each song melted into the next. This is something I would play if I wanted an inoffensive piece of music to be in the background while I cooked or hosted people, not something that calls me back to listen again.
Beastie Boys
4/5
This album is a bunch of dudes having fun and being unserious; it has an infectious feeling of carefreeness and jovialness. I love listening to music when you can tell that the people singing are having a good time, passion always makes things sound better. I am also heavily biased on this album, being that it will always remind me of my husband, Ethan. When I hear songs like She's Crafty or Brass Monkey, my mind immediately cuts to him. For both of these songs, I couldn't help but smile as I listened because of how much fun they were. I was obsessed with the subtle guitar riff in She's Crafty, I've never picked up on it before. While this isn't my style of music, I have a deep appreciation for this album! I love imagining that the sound of this album encouraged boys to misbehave in the 80's, what a time to be alive!
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
The sound of this album was beautifully executed -- the punk/rock/gothic sound echoed throughout. Looking up pictures of the band solidifies their commitment to the aesthetic and movement. Knowing that this album was influential as it was does not surprise me in the slightest. That being said, this album didn't stand out to me. I enjoyed my listen very much, but there wasn't any song that I LOVED, thus, my rating of 3/5.
Blondie
3/5
Heart of Glass and One Way or Another were songs I had only ever heard in covers, listening to the originals did not disappoint! While I haven't heard much of Blondie, it is easy for me to understand why they were so popular in their era. The sound was energetic and paired perfectly with the crazy aesthetics of the 80s. There were a lot of songs on here that I liked as a whole, but loved specific pieces of them. What comes to mind is the guitar outro in Fade Away and Radiate, or the guitar solo in the middle of Picture This, or the fun organ in 11:59. I liked around half the songs, I would listen again!
Kanye West
5/5
A classic album from one of my favorite Hip-Hop/Rap artists. I would say 90% of this album is no-skips for me, it is that good. Kanye's sound is satisfying to me because it combines my favorite things: playful and real lyricism, inventive and colorful beats + samples, and a perfectly curated feel for each song. My least favorite songs are 'Blame Game' and 'Hell of a Life'; I would happily listen to everything else.
Les Rythmes Digitales
2/5
This album sounds exactly like what you would expect it to by looking at the album cover. I don't particularly enjoy electronic music anyway, but this felt especially droning at times. It was the same thing over and over again for each song :( My favorite tracks were Music Makes You Lose Control and Hey Your What's That Sound.
Van Halen
3/5
Van Halen is a name I know solely because of Eddy Van Halen's reputation as a great guitarist. I can't say I have ever heard any of his songs on purpose. The guitar and drums were prominent throughout my whole listen, I especially loved it at the beginning of Top Jimmy. Jump, Panama, Hot for Teacher and House of Pain were the songs that stuck with me the most. Everything else was not memorable. I did enjoy how unserious this album felt with the lyrics, bursting with angst and sexual frustration, it was very reminiscent of the Beastie Boys album we listened to.
The Specials
2/5
The two-tone genre is, unfortunately, not my style. It felt a little too noisy for my liking. What stood out to me throughout the album was the reggae influence with the more rocky-y guitar/drums, that is not something I have ever heard before! The creativity in pioneering a new genre is freeing, I imagine, and I got that sense from this album. While the music and vocals didn't scratch my brain how I'd like, this was a listen outside of my comfort zone which I appreciate.
Miles Davis
5/5
Geneuinely one of the most beautiful albums I have heard so far. The album carried you through a lovely journey, full of soul + emotion, each song lingering with you. I would happily listen to this over and over again!
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
The start of this album is perfectly jovial, embodying a deep sentiment of playfulness and rhythm. It was a strong start to the journey that lay ahead! My favorite thing about this album was how well a mood was created for each song. The production, the vocals and the instrumentation was incredibly well done (from my novice perspective). Piano Joint leads you into an existential, spacey, thoughtful place with soft vocals and orchestral instrumentation. One of my favorite songs was Final Days -- it embodied a deep nostalgia and a feeling you would get as you watch the highlight reel of your life. Overall, a well done album with obvious talent behind it!
Sade
4/5
News to me that Sade is a group and not just Sade! The band did an incredible job on this album, evoking a great jazzy feel. Smooth Operator as the opener was absolutely incredible, the first couple of songs were a fantastic introduction to the band. Sade's vocals are incredible!
Dead Kennedys
2/5
A fun and noisy album, but listened to this on a day that was not what i was looking for. Not my style, but I enjoyed the craziness behind it!
The Beach Boys
3/5
This was a very easy album to listen to! Learning that The Beach Boys inspired the Beatles makes so much sense. It is a lighthearted listen! I don't really love a lot of the songs on their own, aside from the well-known hits, but I still enjoyed the album.
The White Stripes
4/5
I thoroughly enjoyed my listen. Seven Nation Army always brings me back to ASU football games in undergrad. My favorite thing about this album was the guitar; there was sure to be a catchy riff on most of the songs, serving as your tether to the song. I wasn't a huge fan of the slower songs, but that is personal preference. I really admired the silliness and creativity in songs like Little Acorns.
Miles Davis
5/5
Wow, this was genuinely one of the most magnificent things we have listened to thus far. Ethan shared that this album was the birth of Jazz fusion, which is just why I love this album so much. The electric guitar and electric keyboard did something for me! I fell in love with the drums in the first song; they were pristine in their execution as the trumpet came in and out, the keys adding organ-y interruptions throughout. The star of the show for me, though, was the title track. I loved the piano(?) that welcomed you into the song; it felt like glitter. The guitar was so beautiful, too! My favorite part of the song was the very end portion, where things went quiet and were way more relaxed. The soft trumpet with the glittery keys is out of this world.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
A fun pop-y, dance-y album! I did find the songs ot be repeitive and they were not my usual style, which is why the rating is what it is :(
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
2/5
This was an incredibly weird album, the Stevie Wonder song was an interesting experience. The opening track and title track were my favorites, everything else felt a little too weird for me.
Depeche Mode
3/5
The first three songs on this album, were really great! However, I feel like the rest of the songs on the album, struggled to stand out. Everything melted together for me. I will likely not return back to this album, although I do feel they did well fitting into the synth pop scene.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
This is my first time listening to Joni Mitchell, and wow, it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed that her vocals were the main focus of every song. Her voice and at times echoey sound reminded me of the Trinity Sessions album, which I also really loved. Joni's storytelling is incredible; every song has a purpose in the overall album narrative.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Great folky rock. This was a strong 3.5 for me, but going to have to round it down to a 3. I wasn't a huge fan of the slower songs, personal preference.
50 Cent
1/5
I did not need to listen to this before I died, I think. An interestingly nostalgic listen, such a sign of the times.
Soft Cell
2/5
I did not enjoy this album :( It contextualized why this band was a one hit wonder, IMO! There were a fair amount of songs that I really enjoyed parts of, but the rest fell of somewhere.... and I think that encapsulates how I feel about this album. Aside from Tainted Love, the only other song I enjoyed was Say Hello, Wave Goodbye.
Metallica
3/5
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
This was a great listen for productivity! I enjoyed having this is background noise. While I think the trio had great talent and chemistry, the music itself did not wow me. The difficult thing is that I am finding myself comparing this to Miles Davis for some reason. Kind of Blue felt more engaging than the songs on this album.
The Triffids
2/5
I am left wanting more from this album. It felt like something was missing; I did not find it super interesting to listen to. I wasn't the biggest fan of the vocals or the production. The album felt very 80s, negative connotation. While I do think the emotions behind the lyricism were captivating, the music and vocals were not doing it for me.
The Zombies
4/5
Another band I have never heard of before! The album art is so enticing and does a great job of encapsulating the journey the music takes you on. The first half of the album felt like it blended really well, I found myself getting carried away by the music and when I looked at my phone, I was on a different song than I was before. I don't know if this album has any songs that I would be dying to listen to again, but I did enjoy a couple of them. This is more of a listening experience that a song album, if that makes sense.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
I didn't quite finish listening to this album, but I thoroughly enjoyed everything I heard. The rock elements with the dream pop flair and moments of metal scratched an itch in my brain. Tonight, Tonight was one of my favorite tracks! This album was very long yet, it felt cohesive. I would listen to this again!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
A musician who was extremely impactful during his time, searheading the rock and roll genre as we know it. With the rich history behind his story, I can't help but appreciate his work. However, I am not a huge fan of his sound. I found his voice to be incredibly unique and appreciated how he used it in a non-traditional way. But, some of the songs felt like filler, with only a few sticking with me. It is an okay album.
Cornershop
3/5
This album had a strong start and end. As the album progressed, I was taken on an unexpected journey of electronic, indie-esque music with an indian flair. I appreciated the blending of Western and indian influences, I wish that it was a little more consistent on the album. I don't think I would listen to this album again, aside from resisting the songs I enjoyed.
Public Enemy
3/5
I only gave this one listen, but in that one listen, I found myself wishing that this was A Tribe Called Quest instead. Their voices were not my favorite, however, I did enjoy their unserious/political approach to lyrics. It is a true time capsule! This album showcased great rap and energy.
Buck Owens
3/5
I found this album to be charming, cozy, and vulnerable. Authentic country music like this is not something I have listened to on my own. As most are, country is not my favorite genre. My perception of this genre has been cringeworthy, cliche, simple yet annoying for some reason. I found myself leaving that perception behind as I listened to this old-school, authentic display of what founded country music. The honest and self-aware lyrics were interesting, many of them oozing with love. The instrumentation was enjoyable too.
Arcade Fire
5/5
I felt like I saw an Indie god while listening to this album. Nearly every song felt perfect. The instrumentation felt so intentional, it was hard not to pick up on every subtle detail. The lead's vocals sealed the deal for me, I loved getting to hear the woman's voice on a few of the songs too. I would listen to this over and over again, I can't believe I have never heard this album before! Packed to the brim with energy and talent, this album made it to my perfect albums list.
Talking Heads
4/5
There were moments on this album that were very reminiscent of David Bowie's music. I enjoyed the weirdness woven throughout the album and appreciated the high energy it brought. The opener did a great job building the dark, funky, quirky ambiance. Overall, I would happily listen to this again but I don't think I would go out of my way to play it again.
Van Morrison
4/5
This year, I have fallen in love with live albums. Starting with Natalia Lafourcade's (not on this list), then to Fela Kuti's and now this! There is a magic behind hearing an artist perform on stage in front of their fans, this live album encapsulates that. The energy was infectious. While I do feel like the album is a little long, I had a great time listening to the band jam & the vocals. I'm teetering between a 3 and a 4, but landed on a 4 because of the instrumentation and funky soul of the album. :)
Fugazi
3/5
Punk is not usually a genre I seek out or enjoy listening to, but this album is an exception. I didn't find the vocals to be as "punky" as they usually are, which was a big plus. But the thing that made this so enjoyable for me was the interesting composition and hard-to-miss drums on every song. The lyrics/vocals weren't the forefront, but it all works well together instead.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Kendrick Lamar
4/5
I have a nostalgic attachment to this album and Kendrick, so I am biased towards its greatness. I had always listened to rap but never like this. This album has a creative, intentional spirit behind it with storytelling like no other. The only flaw in this album for me is that it is top-heavy and long the first half is a lot more memorable in my opinion. Wesley's theory is the perfect opener and is everything I love about Kendrick.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The Byrds
2/5
this album felt lackluster. the strong start quickly fizzled out and it all blended together for me.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Heavy metal has never been on my radar. It is something that has been around me in recent years, as my husband is a fan of this style of music. This list has cemented my taste in a lot of ways, but has done a great job of exposing me to albums I would have never listened to. This album is one of them. War Pigs, Paranoid, Electric Funeral and Iron Man were by far my favorite tracks. The mixing is great, with Ozzy's voice working well with the heavy instrumentation. After listening, I read through the Wikipedia page, where I learned that the title track was written in 25 minutes and got a peek into their writing process. The inspiration and creativity behind the band is evident, and is a reason they are so widely known to this day.
RIP Ozzy.
Miles Davis
3/5
A pleasant listen, but falls flat compared to Kind of Blue and In A Silent Way. I loved learning about the role Miles played in the birth of Cool Jazz.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Simon & Garfunkel
3/5
my first Simon & Garfunkel album! They know how to create an atmosphere in a song, I noticed it initially with the song Patterns. The guitar work was incredible, although a few songs were lackluster for me.
Malcolm McLaren
2/5
weird pick. this album reminded me a lot of Beyond Skin, but this one was executed much better.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
King Crimson
4/5
Compared to the other King Crimson we listened to, this is way more chill and ambient. I found it easy to listen to the long songs. Many of them were very entertaining, even if I wouldn't listen to them on my own. Every song was packed with energy and noise in a digestible way, and in a way that gave each instrument it's own moment to shine. I couldn't help but bounce my head along to every song and wonder what inspired the creation of each one.
Norah Jones
3/5
This is a beautifully written album. From the lyrics to Norah’s sultry vocals, it was a pleasant listen. This is the type of music I want to hear at a bar with dim lighting or in a nice hotel lobby. Personally, I didn’t find the album super interesting or engaging, I don’t think I would listen again.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
I saw the vision, did not like the execution personally.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
Personally, I am not a fan of folky music. It doesn't satisfy my ear in the way other genres do. However, getting to know more about the backstory for this album really increased my enjoyment of it. I'd like to think the album was a step into his consciousness or his existence up until that point. There are songs that are so lively and full of energy, and others that feel unsettling. All this being said, this album isn't something that will stick with me too much musically. The story stands out more than the music!
Bob Dylan
3/5
Not a big fan of Bob Dylan's voice, which made it difficult to enjoy the album. I appreciated the storytelling in his lyricism; it felt like a lot of the songs had a punchy little message to convey.
Parliament
3/5
My first official funk album! The energetic grooves on this album deeply entertained my ears. I don't think I would have listened to this on my own, but I really enjoyed having it on.
Queen
4/5
I loved getting to see Queen's "rocky" side. I didn't grow up listening to classics like Bohemian Rhapsody and had very little exposure to essential artists like Queen. This album showed me why they were so renowned. Their theeatrics and dramatic approach to song writing is what I love about them. Many of the songs feel like a true moment, something you want to listen closely to. The opener did a great job of setting the scene. The journey of a "rocky", displayed in "Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon", to a more delicate sound, like in "'39", was really interesting to me. Many elements stayed consistent, but it made the album more engaging to have different levels of energy.
Stereo MC's
2/5
Overall, this was an alright album. I didn't mind having it on during my workday. In fact, it felt like the perfect thing to listen to while completing tasks. The repetitive nature of some of the songs felt grounding in a way, it gave you something predictable to follow, with some quirky additions every now and then. This album wasn't very memorable to me, but I wouldn't mind if it were on.
Al Green
4/5
Talk about strong openers! Let’s Stay Together is an immaculate song. It’s timeless and perfectly sensual. The perfect vibe for an at home dinner date or making dinner with a beautiful sunset shining through your windows. Al’s vocal and soulful talent made this an album I would happily listen to often. My favorite tracks were the opener, Judy and What is This Feeling. I would LOVE to be alive when this was released.
Burning Spear
2/5
My thoughts on this album are similar to Connected by the Stereo MCs. It was easy to listen to in the background. The simple lyrics and repetive nature made it difficult for me to want to keep my attention. I appreciated the sentiment behind many of the songs because I have a deep admiration for people using this art to convey a message that it’s important to them. This album is an interesting window to history, but musically, it’s not for me.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This is an incredible album and perfectly satiates what I look for in a pop/rock album. My favorites are The Chain and Dreams!
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
I admired the lyricism and the prettiness of many of the songs, but this album was just too slow and somber for my taste.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I am having a hard time rating this album. Undoubtedly, it is an angsty album full of raw emotion. What is keeping me from rating this a four is my personal preference, I think. I wouldn't reach for this album personally. However, that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the iconic songs like All I Want, Head Over Feet, Hand In My Pocket, etc. I enjoyed the silliness/goofiness in some of Alanis' lyrics and vocals, you can tell that she knows exactly who she is and knows her style.
Jeff Beck
3/5
Loved the rock-y sound!
Iron Maiden
4/5
This was a solid album and marks my first official listen of an Iron Maiden album. To be honest, I was not expecting to enjoy it so much. I don't typically like any songs that are intense and heavy, but the guitar and drums were so good that I didn't find myself thinking that it was too much. I loved the gritty feel of the album!
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
I was not expecting to like this album as much as I did. I knew a couple of the hits off the record, although I can't say I have had much else from them. This album was energetic and perfectly rock-y.
Suede
3/5
This was a decent British psych rock album (which may not mean much from me, an amateur in this genre). It had a gritty sound to it; I was particularly a fan of the production for this reason, because I felt it was done well. The guitar was a star throughout the album! My favorite tracks were The Wild Ones, New Generation, and The 2 of Us. My main critique is that this album is very long, and not for good reason in my opinion.
Boards of Canada
3/5
I was going back and forth between a 3 star and a 4 star. Ultimately, I don't think I would seek this album out again, which is what led to my decision of 3 stars. That is not to say I did not enjoy my time listening -- the production felt crisp and the atmosphere the album created was entrancing and weird. The samples used throughout were really creative.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Gritty, rock and southern are not words that I would have ever used to describe Kings of Leon. In my head, they are the singers of "Sex on Fire" and that is it. It was neat to hear such a different sound from them. I enjoyed this listen overall, and reall enjoyed the guitar throughout the album.
The Doors
4/5
Classic, pure psych rock. I'll admit, the album got a little weird for me at times but the instrumentation always kept me tapped in.
The Pogues
2/5
Slayer
3/5
Technically, I really enjoyed the album because of the powerful drums and gnarly guitar. I don't tend to like intense music, though, so that reflects my rating of the album.
The Style Council
3/5
I did not think I would hear jazz and hip-hop on the same album. This piece of work was odd but enjoyable -- although there was consistency in the funky groove, I found myself wishing we got more of the jazzy elements. I could have done without 'A Gospel' and the second-to-last two tracks, I think. "My Ever Changing Moods' felt so Stevie Wonder inspired!
PJ Harvey
4/5
Wow, this album was bursting at the seams with angst and rage. Her raw vocals paired with the ear-pleasing guitar and drums made for an energetic listen. The production complemented the raw, grungey nature of the album. would listen again in a heartbeat!
Lou Reed
3/5
I feel like I am missing something with this album. It seems to be widely loved and appreciated, but I couldn't get to that point myself. I listened to this album three times and felt unsatisfied. I think Lou Reed's voice isn't for me. When I found myself enjoying the gritty guitar or the piano, I was brought out of it by the playful and unserious lyrics and Lou's voice.
Radiohead
5/5
Don't listen to this album if you have any tinge of sadness. I can assure you, it well send you into a deeply melancholic state. That fact is one of the reasons I love this album -- feeling is so beautifully created by Radiohead and felt by the listener. The most profound embodiments of nostalgia, sadness, and acceptance are interlaced throughout the album. Musically, this is pristine to my ears. Production is extremely well done and the fun components throughout each song were making my heart sing. I loved the addition of a Xylophone (?), keys, electronic doodads, and big builds <3
Stan Getz
4/5
I want to cook a pasta dish in my kitchen while listening to this. The garlic is fragrant, the golden hour light is pouring in through the windows, my husband is nearby and we are both dancing and moving to the music -- life is good. That picture is what I think of when listening to this. The album felt simple and well done! I haven't listened to much of the Samba jazz genre, this was a great introduction.
Thin Lizzy
3/5
The great guitar is what carried this album for me. It was energetic and lively, but not anything super special. I enjoyed it but won't be revisiting it.
AC/DC
4/5
Hell yeah. If I were growing up when this album came out, and also happened to be an adolescent boy, I imagine I would feel mischievous and badass listening to this. Listening to this felt easy, which made me understand how AC/DC is the Pop artist of the rock genre. Their songs on this album were structured similarly, which felt repetitive at times, but was still enjoyable.
The White Stripes
2/5
i want to like The White Stripes, but they just don't do it for me. It may be the leads voice or the genre itself, I'm not sure. The first two songs were fun and full of energy, but the rest of the album felt meh. I found myself liking parts of some songs, but they were missing something that kept me from giving it a like.
4/5
Ray Charles
3/5
Sultry, romantic and energetic. Enjoyable listen, but much of the album felt the same for me. Big fan of his voice and the personality he brings to the music, but I don't think I see myself reaching for this again.
The Black Keys
3/5
Decent album. I have a nostalgic affinity for The Black Keys, which biases me a bit. This album has a major slump in the middle for me. The opening songs were a great start, but things got lost and blended together somewhere along the way.
The Clash
2/5
This was a bit of a stinker for me. The music didnt feel exciting and I found some songs to be quite repetitive. I'm not a music savant, so maybe this comes down to a pure taste difference.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2/5
Finley Quaye
1/5
Screaming Trees
3/5
ominous, emotional and loud.
Janis Joplin
3/5
Her vocals were incredibly unique and her talent was very apparent. It is a shame she was gone so young. The chemistry in her band is a reflection of her ability to bring energy and creativity into any space.
Deep Purple
4/5
I was surprised that I liked this album so much! The quirky elements added throughout the album made it such a fun and interesting. Listen. I was pleasantly surprised by the keys added into many of the songs, I’m not sure if it was an organ so forgive me if I’m wrong. The drums were enthralling. This album is the perfect thing to listen to on a heavy weightlifting day at the gym.
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
Confident and smooth! I would relisten to this, especially on a slow evening when I am cooking or crafting, or during a sunset drive.
The Byrds
3/5
The first three songs were a strong way to open the album. I felt my attention fade as the album went on. While listening to much of the album, you get the sense of a happy and carefree feeling -- this is something you would listen to on a road trip in a convertible, with the beach nearby and the sun in full power. I wouldn't find myself reaching the album again, but I found it decently pleasant. It felt reminiscent of the Beatles at times.
MGMT
3/5
This is a tough album to rate, personally. The first half feels so strong compared to the second half. Time to Pretend and Kids were anthems of my youth as I discovered the indie genre. Both of these songs and Electric Feel are timeless for me, and the nostalgia attached to them is so special to me. Ultimately, this album is between a 3 and a 4 -- I really didn't enjoy the second half and feel that would deter me from listening through the full thing again, so I will have to go with a 3-star rating.
The The
4/5
Weird but entrancing. I tried to think about how to mentally categorize this album, and I couldn't -- the variety in sound/genre was fascinating.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
If only the quality of music stayed this good! The album is completely new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is great british rock! My rating is teetering between a 3 and a 4, rating it a 4 because I could see myself revisiting this album again.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Wow. I am by no means a metal fan, but this album was stunning. The guitar alone is enough to make this a 4-star album. Reading that Ozzy was 20 years old at the time this album was released was equally as jaw-dropping. How did such a young mind create a perfectly ominous, intricate and revolutionary album?
Willie Nelson
3/5
Words I would use to describe this album: earnest, quaint, simple, romantic, smooth. This isn't my type of music, but it was a really pleasant listen. It felt like a warm summer breeze; the love was oozing out of it at points. The simplicity/stripped-back nature of some of the songs made for an intimate listen.
Paul Simon
2/5
Not a very memorable album and a little bit of a snoozefest.
The Stranglers
2/5
A silly, quirky listen. I enjoyed the organ, synth organizer, and guitar throughout. The organ added a spooky feel at points, which paired with the album cover, may have been what they were looking for. This album lacked something for me though, I don't know if I would listen to it again.
R.E.M.
3/5
I wish I liked this album more! Today's album was the first time I have ever consciously listened to R.E.M. Not going to lie, I am not the biggest fan of Michael Stipe's voice. It wasn't until my fourth listen that I finally started getting used to it. The music itself was interesting; it was a unique combination of folky elements and a rock sound. The journey of the album felt pretty up and down for me. The beginning of the album was a strong start, but some songs, like "The Wrong Child" and "Hairshirt", really took me out of it.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
Such a wonderful album. It is brimming with whimsy, emotion, precise storytelling and so many little production details. The simplicity in this album is what makes it so magnificent to me. The only thing keeping this album from being a 5-star review is the length. I wish it were a bit shorter because it would encourage me to revisit it more often.
Metallica
3/5
Pretty middle of the road for me. A long album will always have an uphill battle for me. I am not familiar enough with Metallica's discopgraphy to enjoy these arrangements as much as I could. However, it was a pleasant listen. The orchestra is undeniably talented and you can feel the energy/excitement from the band as they play these songs live in this way. Knowing how musically talented they are, I know they were geeking out at playing this show for their fans. If someone threw this one, I wouldn't mind but I don't think I would seek it out.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
1/5
I was confused at every turn on this album. Not sure if it was just me, but it felt like such a hodepodge of music with no central theme or storytelling. It felt messy, one-note at times, and uninteresting to me. How did this end up on this list?
The Beta Band
2/5
This was okay. It had a strong start and tapered off towards the end of me. Not super memorable, unfortunately.
Radiohead
4/5
Radioheaad just knows how to make an emotionally packed tune. It is incredible to me how they can create such complex feelings in their songs. Let Down is by far one of my favorite tracks on this album because it embodies a deep sadness but packs it into a beautiful song. It brings up so much emotion for me every time I listen to it! The rest of the album is great, with only two low points.
Queen
4/5
Hell yeah! I have never heard Queen sound so rock-y. I got a taste of it with their other album on this list, A Night at the Opera, but this really showcased their genre versatility. I was shocked to hear such heavy guitar and instrumentation with a band that I primarily know as being theatrical and whimsical, but I thought it suited them well. I was a bigger fan of the first half of the album compared to the second half, but I enjoyed this overall. I would listen to it again :)
Fatboy Slim
2/5
My life remained the same before and after this album. I found it repetitive and a bit annoying at times. Electronic music like this has the potential to be so much better and more intricate! The redeeming factor was the sampling. The sampling was creative and fun!
Dolly Parton
3/5
Pearl Jam
4/5
Incredible guitar, great vocals. I wasn't expecting so much emotion to be packed into each song!
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The album had a strong start but I felt myself lose a little interest in the middle part. Regardless, each song was packed full of weird stuff and what I call ear candy -- things that make your ears perk up and tune in. Whether it was hypnotizing riffs, subtle vocals or weird sounds, you will find something that sticks out to you as you listen.
The Smiths
4/5
As an indie rock lover, it baffles me that it took me so long to listen to The Smiths. I thoroughly enjoyed this album and would listen to it again happily! This is the best vegan album I've ever listened to.
Kacey Musgraves
3/5
I mean, this is an okay album! Aside from the hits, not much else stands out to me. I struggle to enjoy albums where a majority of the songs are lowkey and emotional. The album is not life-changing by any means, but is a good album to listen to if you like chill country/pop songs about love.
Bert Jansch
3/5
Little Simz
4/5
John Lennon
3/5
There were some unexpected groovy/funky songs on here. It was a decent listen, not something I would reach for again.
CHVRCHES
3/5
This was a nostalgic pull. I remember being on Tumblr when CHVRCHES released this record, Gun and The Mother We Share were on repeat. All in all, this is a decent pop album! It is punchy, energetic for most of the listen, and has quirky synths to serve as ear candy. The album had a strong start and had lows (mostly the slow tracks). I'm teetering between a 3 and a 4, but ultimately landed on a 3 because I have to be in a very specific mood to listen to this album again. However, I enjoyed my listen and revisiting my angsty teen days.
The Police
3/5
This was weird at points, but in a fun way! The unique instrumentation and reggae influences contributed to the quirky feel. A few tracks fell short or were forgettable, namely Mother and Murder by Numbers.
David Bowie
3/5
I am not the biggest fan of Daid Bowie's voice, unfortunately. :( This album was packed with incredible guitar and drums, I loved the instrumentation of the songs so much.
David Bowie
4/5
This was my favorite Bowie album so far! I think I prefer the rock-leaning sound over the glam sound. Usually, David Bowie's voice is not my favorite. This album was different; his voice blended much better with the music. I especially loved the piano woven throughout.
Beatles
4/5
I was surprised by how many songs I knew from this album. Maybe it is because my husband is a Beatles fan, or because they were actually popular, who knows. Each song was short and sweet, making this a quick and easy listen. The love songs were sweet. The songs' silliness and playful nature lent themselves well to the pop elements too.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I've never consciously or voluntarily heard a single Bruce Springsteen song. However, I now understand why he is such a well-known name! This album, musically, does a great job at combining americana/country/jazz in such a refreshing way. While I am not the biggest fan of his vocals, I appreciated the instrumentation. I found the cadence in his song structure interesting, although I don't think I could verbalize it after two listens.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Beautiful, emotional and MAN is Frank an absolute simp. The love and adoration absolutely oozes from each song. His lyricism is poetic and elegant, proven to make anyone fall in love with you. While I found this album incredibly beautiful, 85 all felt really similar and that made the album feel incredibly long.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Jovial and playful, I liked Pet Sounds more though. :)
Neil Young
4/5
I found myself wanting more of the sound created in Walk On, but that is because I am not a huge fan of slower tunes. The mixing on this album was great; it had a crisp sound to it.
3/5
Groovy. The album slowed down towards the end, but the music remained entertaining to me. Cisco Kid and Where Was You At were my favorites because of high energy.
The Pharcyde
2/5
Tom Waits
2/5
The voice…… I could not get over the voice. Musically, the album was great! But I found Tom’s voice to be incredibly distracting. Getting pockets of what his singing voice sounded like confused me even more, because why is he using his raspy, gurgle voice instead of his singing voice? I’m not sure. I wish I liked this more.
The Sonics
3/5
Fun and rocky with a playful element. It reminds me of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Thinking about the setting in which this album was released in makes it much more enjoyable. Ahead of its time, but not something I would reach for.
Air
4/5
What a curious listen. I loved how chill this album was and I liked the elements throughout -- like the sound of nature or the perfectly quiet synths mixed with the vocals... beautifully done.
Soundgarden
4/5
Wowwweeeeee! Chris Cornell has an incredible voice, I was thoroughly impressed. I’m not usually a fan of grunge because the vocals aren’t usually up my alley, but this was a great redemption of the genre for me. Great instrumentation!
Amy Winehouse
5/5
What a powerful soul Amy was. Her vocals were incredible, each song felt silky. I would listen to this again and again!
The Libertines
4/5
I have never heard of this band in my entire life…. but wow. Talk about them capturing the early 2000’s with their album cover! The album had a strong start and remained pretty consistent, with a few songs here and there that I could do without. I loved the surf-rock elements throughout, but they did garage rock/indie rock justice.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Unexpected to hear Led Zeppelin have a folky sound, but I kinda dug it. I was surprised at the soul behind some of the songs.
AC/DC
3/5
Hell yeah. I wish I was a teenage boy listening to this in the 80s, I would have been a menace. The album is perfectly AC/DC — the unserious dramatic elements, great guitar and staple vocals… it is great. I think I slightly prefer Highway to Hell, but this was still a great listen.
Beatles
5/5
Hell yeah. This was a heavy hitter, by far my favorite Beatles album so far,
Ray Charles
3/5
Similar to Frank Sinatra, this album is sensual, smooth and romantic. I loved the sultry feel with the orchestral elements but I didn’t find it super interesting.
Korn
1/5
Have you ever seen someone wear something that just doesn't fit their personality or aesthetic?? Like they are trying to force it, resulting in a cringe outcome? That is exactly what this feels like, mixed with a man trying to peacock and say shocking things to assert his dominance. This was just bad. It fell flat, but it did give me a good giggle every now and then.
The Cure
5/5
thank god i didn’t find this during the peak of my tween tumblr days. i would have been insufferable. i thoroughly enjoyed this album, i find the subtle 80s synths fascinating with such a moody album.