267
Albums Rated
3.63
Average Rating
25%
Complete
822 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960s
Favorite Decade
Reggae
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
55
5-Star Albums
6
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
1977
Ash
|
5 | 3.03 | +1.97 |
|
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
|
4 | 2.11 | +1.89 |
|
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
High Violet
The National
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
|
Feast of Wire
Calexico
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
|
4 | 2.29 | +1.71 |
|
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
|
5 | 3.31 | +1.69 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1999
Prince
|
1 | 3.6 | -2.6 |
|
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
|
1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
|
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
|
1 | 3.45 | -2.45 |
|
The White Room
The KLF
|
1 | 2.79 | -1.79 |
|
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
|
1 | 2.7 | -1.7 |
|
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
|
1 | 2.61 | -1.61 |
|
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
|
2 | 3.56 | -1.56 |
|
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
|
2 | 3.48 | -1.48 |
|
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
|
2 | 3.38 | -1.38 |
|
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
|
2 | 3.32 | -1.32 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.75 |
| Beatles | 3 | 5 |
| Steely Dan | 3 | 5 |
| Neil Young | 3 | 4.67 |
| Arcade Fire | 3 | 4.67 |
| Led Zeppelin | 2 | 5 |
| Bob Marley & The Wailers | 2 | 5 |
| The Rolling Stones | 5 | 4.2 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Prince | 3 | 1 |
5-Star Albums (55)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Dictators
4/5
This album grew on me the longer I listened to it. They have a real DIY, fast and loose approach to making music and despite maybe coming off as a bit cheesy sometimes it worked for me. Its a really direct line from these guys to the rest of the NY punk scene and pretty amazing this album came out in 1975.
2 likes
Radiohead
5/5
This album was actually my introduction to Radiohead when I first heard it as a 14 year old. It always felt to me like "adult" music, you had to listen closely and pay attention not because of the complexity of the songs but because of the subtlety. It actually surprised me again that this was as intriguing as it was to me when I was young but somehow it hasn't lost a beat. Listening to this whole album in passing again reminded me to dig it out sometime again soon, with headphone and my undivided attention.
1 likes
Janis Joplin
5/5
A masterclass of soulful energy. I think sometimes Janis Joplin gets characterized as a 60's gimmick but really I think she is pure authenticity. This album is short and intense and I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
1 likes
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I feel like Physical Graffiti often doesn't get held in as high regard as the the first 4 Zeppelin albums...which is a total shame. It is a departure from the blues driven, soulful guitar riff porn that they made on the first few albums...but in their place is this sophisticated, deep and quite frankly brilliant 4 sided masterpiece that crosses genres. In My Time of Dying, In The Light, 10 Years Gone (not to mention freaking Kashmir)! I think this is my favourite, and maybe even The Best, Zeppelin Album.
1 likes
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I think Amy Winehouse is a good example of how media portrayal can make or break an artist. What I knew of her was the portrait of an individual struggling with addiction. Though she died from her addictions and joined the famed 27 club I wish I got more coverage of her contributions as a musician. I thought this album was a pretty great blend of new and old styles with just enough of a twist to keep it interesting.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (6)
All Ratings
Radiohead
4/5
Deeper cuts. You can see the transition from early Radiohead (Kid A, The Bends) to the stuff they put out later (In Rainbows).
Interesting and engaging but lacking the hooks / chorus you can find in some of their other stuff.
Blondie
3/5
Ok pop album. Not a good punk album. I don't like pop much.
The Isley Brothers
5/5
Absolute banger. Heavy fuzz guitar tones, funk rhythms and smooth soulful vocals.
The Doors
3/5
Obviously a classic - amazing as a debut album and truly a unique sound... Sometimes the "quirkyness" can be a distraction from the overall enjoyment of the otherwise great songs.
Prince
1/5
At first I thought I didn't get it, then I thought I didn't care for it, then I realized I didn't like it.
Aerosmith
3/5
Felt generic to me... Couple good tunes but sounds a bit to much like radio music to be interesting
The Young Rascals
4/5
Enjoyed this! Psych pop with tasty harmonies and interesting instrumentation.
Queen
5/5
Super entertaining from start to finish with great instrumentation !
Lou Reed
3/5
Gotta be in the mood
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Creative, catchy and cool.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
Soul meets 60's pop. Pleasant and good vibes
Ice T
2/5
Started off feelin' the vibes but over the course of the album lost a little momentum... Not enough "jazz"
Roxy Music
3/5
A new sound for the era, you can hear the influence on newer music.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
A chaotic collage of sounds, styles, influences and impact. I am not sure if the brilliance was entirely intentional but sure that that doesn't matter.
The Beta Band
4/5
Like The Beach Boys but they're just too sunny? Try Beta Band! Like Beck but he's too much of a Scientologist? Try Beta Band! Like Alt-J but wish they were around 15 years earlier? Try Beta Band!
Supergrass
3/5
Thought it was very solid rock and roll album. Worth another listen.
T. Rex
4/5
A rhythmic groovy cornucopia of good tunes!
Alice In Chains
4/5
This album is like a pair of cargo pants. Thick, sweaty and awesome in so many ways yet not fit for every occasion.
Patti Smith
3/5
An upbeat blend of post-punk pop. Artsy and entertaining.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Subtle, poetic and engaging. Brilliant as a debut album. Undoubtedly influenced generations to come.
Jethro Tull
4/5
This album draws you in, just "out there" enough to be unique and special but still familiar sounding.
David Bowie
3/5
Dark and unsettling. I get the significance of this album but didn't enjoy it as much as some of Bowie's music.
Gorillaz
4/5
Catchy and nostalgic. Really enjoyed listening to this again.
Bill Callahan
4/5
Ambitious to put this album together and have it work out so well. The spoken word style vocals and lyrics are held together by a really solid studio style backing band. Enjoyed it from start to finish.
4/5
This album is like the Mono Lisa. You go to take it in and expect to be a little underwhelmed, there is so much hype and millions of people lining up to get in front of it - surely it can't be that good. On the outside it doesn't seem so special, and it's easy to walk right by, there is better art in the back of the Louvre. But if the sun hits it just right, it's pretty freaking spectacular.
Paul Simon
3/5
I am a huge fan of Paul Simon and think he has a place as one of the greats of modern music. So I was initially surprised and excited to listen to an album of his I didn't already know. Excitement turned to disappointment and some confusion. There were flashes of songwriting brilliance but it was difficult to find behind the strong 80's sound which I have a hard time getting behind. There are 4+ other Paul Simon albums I would rank higher than this (maybe they are on here too?) but unfortunately this one failed to deliver.
The Specials
4/5
Really enjoyed this album! Initially thought it lacked a little "depth" but by the end of the album I was all in. Will definitely add this to the rotation.
Elton John
3/5
This was a bit of a struggle to get through. I think Elton John is great at what he does but a few of these songs (and the album in general) dragged on a bit.
Saved by a couple bangers but overall won't dig this one out of the stack anytime soon.
Bad Company
3/5
A little bit cheesy but there is definitely a time and a place for this album. Next time im at the pool hall with a spare toonie in my pocket and nobody in front of the juke box, I'm gonna spin me some Bad Company.
The Undertones
2/5
If I stumbled into a bar in northern Ireland in the early 80's and these guys were playing I probably would have loved them.
Today, this album feels like it's made up of 20 tv commercial jingles. The guitar sounds like it's played through a tiny amplifier and the goofy, quirky lyrics can only go so far. Don't doubt their sound was an influence on bands I love now, but this album didn't do it for me.
John Grant
3/5
This was a strange one. Musically I thought there were moments where it was great. Layers of sound. The lyrics and vocals felt a bit unsettling but overall a pretty intriguing piece of art... That being said I probably won't be digging this one out again.
Nick Drake
5/5
Ethereal. Close to a perfect album, 10 songs complete with intro and outro. Love the production and balance to each of the tracks.
The Smiths
4/5
Solid album from start to finish. Definitely creates an ambience. Love the guitar sounds.
Cocteau Twins
2/5
A little too one-note for me. Every song felt like it was the interlude for the next song but the next song never came.
I would probably enjoy this album more at a different time or in a different mood.
Elton John
3/5
I liked this better than the last Elton John album listened too (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) but still found it to be overproduced. A couple of the songs are great (Tiny Dancer, Levon) but after getting through those two right off the bat, it sort of feels like listening to a Disney soundtrack.
Lou Reed
4/5
I got this album already, earlier through the generator. I rated it 3 stars are reviewed it "gotta be in the mood" a few weeks later I still think this is the case however, any album with "perfect day" on it should not receive lower than 4 stars...
Jimmy Smith
4/5
This is like the Goldilocks of jazz albums! Not too mellow, not too crazy, not too boring not too out there... Feels "just right". This would probably be a very accessible starting point for someone who says they don't like jazz. The organ makes it a little less serious but the musicianship is still super impressive. Will listen to this one again.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Elliot Smith might be the original sad indie dude. Inspiring countless generations of singer songwriters to tap into their emotional side. When I saw this album pop up I was a little hesitant to dig in- it was a bright sunny day and I didn't feel like going down the sad road. I found time later in the day and have to say it was much more well rounded than I anticipated. Could be the American Nick Drake of the 1990's. Yes it is tad sad, but sad isn't bad.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
First time I have listened to this in it's entirety in a long time. Surprised me how messy the mix was but that only adds to the nostalgia. I can't undervalue how much influence some of these tracks had on me as a kid. If I had to be critical it's probably a 4.25 but bonus points for letting me get the led out on my drive to work this morning.
Germs
2/5
I think I enjoyed the Wikipedia article about this band more than listening to the album... Obviously very influential sound, and true to the punk ethos but not a ton of listenability.
Metallica
2/5
Genuinely impressed by the atomic mass of this album - just doesn't resonate with me super strong.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
This album is not necessarily to my taste but still feels objectively awesome. The production, mixing, creativity and diversity in sound is amazing. I just wish the radio didn't crush some of these songs from being so overpaid.
The Incredible String Band
3/5
What a trip!
Adele
3/5
Another one not right up my alley but happy to have heard the whole thing, solid album!
AC/DC
3/5
I feel like AC/DC figured out how to write one song well, so they did it over and over again changing almost nothing. By the end of this album I was definitely ready for something different but do have to give them credit for defining the sound that is undeniably theirs.
Fela Kuti
5/5
According to the Wikipedia this guy had 27 wives and this album was credited with starting a revolution in Nigeria in the 70's. That makes total sense to me because this album is absolutely awesome.
Love the chill blend of jazz horns and African rhythms. I listened to this 3 times yesterday and will probably keep it in my daytime background music rotation for some time to come.
Laura Nyro
2/5
A very capable singer songwriter but a style I find hard to get behind. I can totally picture hearing this live at a bar in Manhattan in the late 60's and thinking it's amazing, but listening to it now I didn't feel drawn in at all.
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
I haven't listened to Arctic Monkeys in quite a while and this album made me think I should. I thought this album was similar to other "super group" releases. Enjoyable as a bit of lore if you are a fan of the original band but maybe missing some of the zest that captured so many new fans in the first place.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
This album is peak Stones. Dark and light, hopeful melancholy. First time I have listened to the whole thing intently and it surpassed my expectations.
The Associates
2/5
First reaction was this was another 80's dance pop album and I was going to struggle to get through it. A few songs in I was a little more intrigued and actually tried to like it but by the end, the drum loops and cheap sounding synth effects bore a hole through my head and I was officially glad it was over. In smaller sample sizes the sound is intriguing and could warrant a higher rating but as a whole this album was a bit of a chore.
Justice
3/5
When I was younger and this album would have just been released I would have hated it. As a young kid into "real music" I felt inclined to automatically hate anything electronic and write it off as being lesser than the music I liked. I can say that as an adult listening to this I actually think it's kind of brilliant. I still don't "love" it, and wouldn't expect to, but there is definitely a lot of talent effort and coordination to produce an album like this.
The Fall
4/5
Surprised to not have known this band, I feel like they deserve to be in the same group of household names as sex pistols and buzzcocks. yet they were new to me. Pleasantly enjoyed the punk vibe and thought they have considerable talent. The drummer shreds, bass lines were steady and lyrics entertaining . Just complex enough to be super interesting and straight forward enough to be legit punk.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
A chaotic collage of sounds, styles, influences and impact. I am not sure if the brilliance was entirely intentional but sure that that doesn't matter
Pere Ubu
2/5
Just when one of these tracks would settle into something that might be identifiable as a "song" and begin to offer some intriguing listening, it would fall back out into chaos. Don't get me wrong, I actually like a little abstract in my music, I just think they got the ratio wrong. 2 stars for creative authenticity.
Neil Young
4/5
This album is a perfect example of how Neil Young can sit on the cusp of both rock and folk / bluegrass music and somehow produce something cooler than either. His sound is so authentic and so his. Although I'm a big fan, I know know the depth of his catalog and I will certainly be adding this one into the rotation.
Eminem
3/5
Like a car crash , this album draws you in. Each song mangers to "push the envelope" a little further making you crane your neck and lean in a little closer, however I'm not sure if it's intrigue or cringe that create this effect. If Eminem wasn't talented I think it might be unlistenable yet somehow this album keeps pulling you along conflicted and entertained at the same time.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Loose, gritty, blues driven old school rock and roll. Sign me up!
Donovan
4/5
Thought this would be good from a novelty perspective but actually thoroughly enjoyed the album at face value.
Blondie
3/5
Ok pop album. Not a good punk album. I don't like pop much.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Not sure what it is but something makes me resistant to Elliot Smith's music.. while I liked this album more than the last that came up, I still find it a little too melancholy and a bit of a buzzkill..
Kate Bush
3/5
I expected this to be a standard 80's pop album and once again learned the lesson not to judge an album by its cover. It did still have some cheesy 80's sounding effects but went pretty hard off script too. Super creative album and feel like it's captured a different take on the 80's female vocal pop sound.
The La's
4/5
When "There She Goes" came on, this album clicked for me.. I was trying to figure out the familiarity but couldn't place it. Definitely has that "American Pie" vibe to it which was basically my bread and butter as a pre-teen so this album really played to the nostalgia factor.
Nirvana
5/5
Maybe one of the best live albums of all time. Amazing to have Nirvana, in the peaks of their success, play on the stage branded by the corporate greed of the thing they hated, and play a setlist of b sides and cover songs. Peak Nirvana and help solidify their iconic status in my mind.
U2
4/5
I used to think of U2 as generic, non-offensive music for the masses. Their success speaks for itself so that might be true, but I was pleasantly surprised by the range of sounds across the album. Definitely super produced and some of the vocal effects seem dated now but overall I thought this album sounded super relevant despite being almost 35 years old.
Wire
4/5
Super relevant sounding album for the age... Never heard of these guys before and I will probably dig this one out again. The mix, effects and even song styles sound like something that would have came out within the last 10 years - definitely ahead of their time.
The Beach Boys
4/5
I thought the second half of this album was better than the first. Although the first few songs really capture the beach boys "sound" at first listen they felt a little shallow and would probably get better the more you heard them like most pop music. The second half I thought showed the real creativity of these guys with so many layers of sound.
Beatles
5/5
The Beatles are in a class of their own and this album deserves a place at the top of any "best albums" list. The only critique I could offer is that it is slightly less cohesive than some of their other albums - I feel like Taxman, Yellow Submarine and Doctor Robert almost sound like they could be from a different era than the rest of the album. The flip side of that though is that your get this incredibly diverse journey of sounds, melodies and themes from beginning of album to the end.
Beastie Boys
4/5
I thought I knew the Beastie Boys a little bit but man was I wrong... Apart from the few radio hits on this album it was a total surprise. The jazz / funk inspired beat tracks that made up the bulk of the album I thought were legitimately great. The in your face, rap punk vocals sprinkled throughout contrasted the musical styles of the backing tracks in a way that was super effective and made me want more.
R.E.M.
4/5
America's Tragically Hip?
Led Zeppelin
5/5
I feel like Physical Graffiti often doesn't get held in as high regard as the the first 4 Zeppelin albums...which is a total shame. It is a departure from the blues driven, soulful guitar riff porn that they made on the first few albums...but in their place is this sophisticated, deep and quite frankly brilliant 4 sided masterpiece that crosses genres. In My Time of Dying, In The Light, 10 Years Gone (not to mention freaking Kashmir)! I think this is my favourite, and maybe even The Best, Zeppelin Album.
De La Soul
4/5
Funky album. A little goofy compared some other similar era hiphop which probably looses points for some but I it was a pretty enjoyable listen.
Burning Spear
5/5
Real solid album. Nothing stood out, but on the contrary the whole album blended into a subtle reggae soundscape. Was sad when it was over.
Duke Ellington
4/5
This is a pretty great snapshot of early days of the Newport Jazz festival. However at times it felt like I was listening to it for the historical value more so to the musical. You could really hear how he was on the cusp of this new jazz sound that took over in the 60's but still rooted in the more traditional ballroom style of the time. Definitely influential and groundbreaking stuff.
Radiohead
5/5
This album was actually my introduction to Radiohead when I first heard it as a 14 year old. It always felt to me like "adult" music, you had to listen closely and pay attention not because of the complexity of the songs but because of the subtlety. It actually surprised me again that this was as intriguing as it was to me when I was young but somehow it hasn't lost a beat. Listening to this whole album in passing again reminded me to dig it out sometime again soon, with headphone and my undivided attention.
Muddy Waters
5/5
A really solid blues album - enjoyed from beginning to end. Muddy Waters is the blues GOAT.
MC Solaar
4/5
Never heard of MC Solaar and I don't know why. He's obviously a big deal and for good reason. I thought the backing tracks were top notch mixing funk and jazz sounds. His flow is super smooth and easy to listen to. I probably missed some of his apparent lyrical brilliance due to the language difference.
Minutemen
4/5
I hear so much of this music in bands that I know and listen to today. I was surprised to not know these guys and glad I now do - feel like I was missing out.
Little Richard
2/5
No disrespect to Mr. Richard but this album did nothing for me... I was only able to find the "deluxe version " which included lots of demo takes of songs- it was a little interesting to listen to at first but by the end felt repetitive and uninteresting.
Living Colour
2/5
This album feels to me like if Tenacious D was a real band. I have to give them credit for rocking out so hard, but aside from exhibiting comically corny pure 80's hard rock ethos the actual music didn't really do much for me.
Fever Ray
4/5
I read that this was Swedish Electronic music and was initially very sceptical when I put on my headphones. I was so surprised that by halfway through the first song I was really enjoying the sound and by the end of the album I was sad it was over. Really cool layers of sound to this album, minimal in parts and super complex in others. I'm not entirely sure what it's all about but I like it!
Arctic Monkeys
5/5
This album is top notch stuff from Arctic Monkeys. While they didn't create the genre of early 2000's Brit-Indie-Pop-Punk they may have perfected it with this album. Bright guitars, fast drums and jazz chords combine for some really fun music. No doubt that I have a bias toward this album from having it on repeat when it came out in 2006 but I stand by my adolescent interest. This music is energetic and fun and has aged perfectly.
Talking Heads
3/5
Quirky and entertaining but no matter how many times I listen to Talking Heads I feel like I just be missing out on something... They are always held up as legends of their time and despite obviously having some really high level creativity I never quite see the brilliance that I feel like other people rave about. This was fun to listen to but I don't think I will search it out again.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Perhaps this made the list because it is the epitome of this genre but I found very little listening enjoyment in this album. Sounded like a videogame soundtrack but without the distraction of playing said game, all you have is the music to pay attention too which frankly kind of sucks.
The Slits
3/5
I like a lot about this album, it's got punk and reggae influences, doesn't take itself too seriously and is a lot of fun to listen to. That being said, after making it through the whole thing I definitely felt like I had enough of their sound and truthfully can't imagine looking to listen to this again, except maybe to show someone else out of curiosity under the pretense of "ever hear anything that sounds like this before?".
Arcade Fire
5/5
When I first heard it, this album defined a sound and introduced me to a whole new genre. This is the epitome of the early 2000's Montreal, indie sound but performed at full volume on an arena stage. Somehow it's both small and massive at the same time. The songwriting is whimsical and nostalgic and every time I listen to it, it brings me right back to hearing it for the first time. I can admit having a huge bias for this album but I stand by it.
GZA
4/5
Solid hip hop album, good example of West Coast sound with lots of rhythms and melodies. Only complaint is that it's a little bit of repetitive.
M.I.A.
2/5
Some interesting tribal style rhythms that keep this album moving along but at the end of the day it just isn't my style.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
It's crazy to me that Snoop Dogg from 1993 sounds almost identical to Snoop Dogg from 2023. As much as he's a character, he's as authentic as a character you could find.
David Ackles
2/5
This album was somewhat entertaining from just how bizarre it was, a mashup of showtunes, church hymns and folk songs, you never know what you're going to get with the next track. That being said, if I wasn't told it was specifically important or acclaimed I would have probably turned it off immediately.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
I usually roll my eyes a bit at the mention of a rock opera but I found this album super enjoyable. The lines between irony and honesty are pretty blurry the DIY feel and tongue and cheekyness of the lyrics kept it light enough to get through the whole double album. At times the music got a little close to being cheesy but I was usually drawn back in by the next song. Happy these guys are on my radar.
Sister Sledge
2/5
Some iconic music on here but hard to really appreciate the disco sound. The slow tracks were not my favourite.
Dr. Dre
2/5
I had always heard that Dr. Dre was a pinnacle figure in early rap but really wasn't too familiar with his music. I appreciated what felt like a missing pieces of the puzzle and hearing how this album helped establish a found that would become iconic and make room for so many other massive rappers - that much is evident. With this context I appreciate this album but really didn't love the overall sound
Motörhead
4/5
Really solid album! First time listening to Motorhead with much detail and it surpassed my expectations. They blend Punk and Hard rock into something similar to Metal but way less corny. Enjoyed this album and will listen to it again.
Joy Division
3/5
I can hear how in the early 80's there was a divide in rock music. One side leaned into the newer pop sound of disco, synth and glam, the other back into the edgy, artsy guitar based music it came from. I appreciate that this is a strong step toward the latter and for that I like it. However I found the album to be a bit depressing as a whole and just a bit more abstract than I was ready to embrace.
Coldplay
4/5
A solid album from start to finish. These guys deserve the credit and recognition they get.
The Verve
4/5
If you drew a Venn diagram with Coldplay, U2 and Oasis I think The Verve would be the space in between all of them. At first I wasn't particularly captivated (due in part by the radio saturation of bittersweet symphony) but by the end of the album I actually think I prefer this album over any of those I have reviewed from the aforementioned bands.
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
I don't know if it's fair to say this album is bad - she has a great voice. But at the end of the day her blend of 80's pop and country is just not a sound I like.
Khaled
2/5
Enjoyed this is as something new and totally unexpected, triggered a bit of a history lesson into Algerian culture which was fun. However not a ton of genuine enjoyability for the actual music outside of the novelty factor.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
A few great jams on this album (feelin' groovy I have had as an ear worm for the last 20 years) but also some kind of strange stuff that feels a bit out of place. Still undeniably brilliant songwriting but as a whole I wouldn't say this album is their best.
Neil Young
5/5
Neil Young has made albums with some different sounds over the years. From acoustic ballads to overdriven garage jams. I think this album might be his best at combining and capturing this range into one cohesive sound. It's still loose and a little rough around the edges but pulled together enough to still feel really thought out and intentional. His messages are strong and political but still buries just deep enough under the music to not take over the whole thing. This is a perfect example of why Neil Young is a living legend and probably deserves more credit than he gets.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I think Amy Winehouse is a good example of how media portrayal can make or break an artist. What I knew of her was the portrait of an individual struggling with addiction. Though she died from her addictions and joined the famed 27 club I wish I got more coverage of her contributions as a musician. I thought this album was a pretty great blend of new and old styles with just enough of a twist to keep it interesting.
Prince
1/5
The best thing about this album is that it gives a very concrete example of what music I don't like.
The Byrds
4/5
A pretty enjoyable blend of pop and psychedelia. Never listened to a whole Byrds album before, despite knowing they were super cutting edge. You can hear the experimentation but it's still subtle enough that it feels like they weren't just trying to push the envelope, they were just trying to make great music.
Black Sabbath
5/5
I always thought I liked Sabbath but have never taken the time to really appreciate them. I know people say they are often credited with being one of the first heavy metal bands, I'm sure they have had massive influences on the genre but to me they aren't metal. They are good old rock and roll played SO HARD and it absolutely rocks. One of the only bands that can wear guyliner and sing about the devil and it comes off as completely authentic without a bit of cheese. While it might not be artistically as elite as other 5 stars, I feel like this album is perfect for what it is.
Prince
1/5
I just don't get it! There were brief moments of listenable music at the end of the album but I genuinely found the first 3/4 unlistenable. I felt like I a was being pranked by an eccentric art school friend who told me to come to their show - only to find I was the only one in the audience and they would play an hour of obscure gobbledygook just so I had to sit through it.
Björk
3/5
I can definitely hear how this album and Bjork's sound pushed the genre in some new ways. There is definitely a depth and a real artistic creativity you can hear through the whole album. She blends jazz, ambience and melodic vocals with dance music that definitely sounds like the time and place this album is from. I do get a little tired of some of the more techno inspired stuff which feels like is meant to be listened to in a sweaty dance club more that on a casual Friday morning walk with a cup of coffee- my chosen setting. Lots of intrigue and lots of respect with a few jams but a good chunk of this album isn't really my style.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
I almost don't want to admit it. I listened to too much punk rock and alternative music in my youth to not at least wince when saying it but here goes: "country music can actually be pretty good."
When I listened to this I was trying to justify why I was enjoying it the whole time. I thought to myself, she kind of sounds like Alanis Morissette who kicks ass so that must be it. It's more rock than country so maybe that's it. Or, the bluegrass tones are pretty cool so maybe that's why I like it.
I think in the end I need to get over myself, suck it up and admit that I genuinely liked this album.
R.E.M.
3/5
There were a few tracks that challenged this but mostly I found this album to be somewhat monotonous and boring. I'm not sure what it is - something between the vocals and the over produced drum sound create these droning melodies without enough highs and lows to keep you intrigued. The songs that I knew felt overplayed and cliched and the ones I didn't felt like they didn't have any hook to bring me in. At the end of the day, they are clearly a talented group and I am not surprised they have a cult like following, I just don't get that much of the appeal.
Janis Joplin
5/5
A masterclass of soulful energy. I think sometimes Janis Joplin gets characterized as a 60's gimmick but really I think she is pure authenticity. This album is short and intense and I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
The Dictators
4/5
This album grew on me the longer I listened to it. They have a real DIY, fast and loose approach to making music and despite maybe coming off as a bit cheesy sometimes it worked for me. Its a really direct line from these guys to the rest of the NY punk scene and pretty amazing this album came out in 1975.
Funkadelic
4/5
I like the concept : funk meets psychedelic. Made for a really entertaining listen with a surprising range of styles from minimalist, to blues and heavy rock. Did some reading about these guy's and it sounds like they were absolutely the real deal. I knew Parliament a bit and certainly the name Funkadelic was super familiar to me but digging deeper opens up this whole world of the P Funk Collective and Afrofuturism that seems limitlessly deep and full of lore. I think this is a great example of how music can shape and define a whole cultural movement and these guys deserve a ton of credit for being at the forefront of that wave.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Generally I wouldn't describe myself as an Elvis fan. I find the costumes a bit silly, the lore and fandom to be a little over the top and subscribe to the notion that most of his success was off of the back of underpaid and underappreciated African American musicians and songwriters. That being said this album wasn't half bad! Much more layers to the music than I expected with grand crescendos and arrangements. Still probably not something I will seek out but pretty chill background music after a long day at work.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Few albums are more iconic than The Velvet Underground & Nico. The myth and lore that surround it certainly influence the listening experience but can also be a bit of a distraction from the music. I tried my hardest to listen to this as if it was the first time hearing it and what I found this time around still held up to the high expectations.
There is a raw emotive intensity with the album that draws you in. I find it almost uncomfortable to listen to in bits (the drone of Heroin, Run Run Run) but then it balances itself out with the subtle and poetic songs (I'll be Your Mirror, Sunday Morning). In some ways this album is intimidating and you genuinely have to be ready for it and up for the journey to listen to it - but taking the time to do that I'm still blown away that something so simple can have such a strong effect. I don't know if I "like it" the same way I might enjoy a classic album from the Beatles or Zeppelin... But I do think this album is undeniably one of the best in terms of impact and pure artistic merit.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Unexpected to see this on the list. It is a great album and definitely helped build the genre of indie rock but unsure how it holds up against some of the greatest albums of all time. Strong continuity from one song to the next but also not a lot of diversity between songs.
Coldplay
5/5
A very refined and well thought out album - maybe Coldplay's best. They really nailed down the song formula of starting small and ending huge. I can see if you are not in the mood that perhaps some of the piano ballads cliched dynamics and crescendos could be a tad repetitive for some but there are enough top their hits on this album that this wasn't the case for me. I can also understand the criticism of some - if you're looking for a rock record this isn't it, but if you're up for a nostalgic, super-produced landscape of pop hooks and layers A Rush of Blood to The Head definitely delivers.
Van Halen
4/5
I wouldn't describe myself as a huge Van Halen fan but I think given the right time and place their music is pretty fun. It's light hearted and a little silly but they are talented musicians. I always found it somewhat ironic that they are associated so strong with touch guy / metal / biker culture, to me they are peak suburban 80's pop. In did enjoy this but probably won't seal out much more Van Halen any time soon.
4/5
I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this album. Usually super experimental noise rock stuff doesn't really do it for me but the energy on this album is undeniable. I can only imagine seeing this in a dark and dingy NYC basement bar would seriously blow your mind. Often this genre feels more like performance art than music but I feel like these guys have found the in between.
Slipknot
3/5
I think authenticity is often what can make or break an album. Even if the music isn't my style, if the band is up there doing there thing without trying to sound any specific way or pander to any specific audience I can be won over to appreciate what they're doing. To my surprise I feel like the album Slipknot by Slipknot is exactly that. A couple of the nu metal songs with rapping / turn tables came off as a bit dated and cringy but the bulk of the hardcore metal shredding I thought sounded like a bunch of dudes laying it all on the line just playing their hardest. Their music is dense, intense, a little bit depressing and despite the image that I feel like alot of people would say is a gimmick, I feel like this album anyway, is authentic, late 90's boundary pushing, americana.
5/5
I think what Sgt. Pepper's does best is show The Beatles ability to create a concept album that spans across 4 or 5 different genres, some of them bordering on satire and the whole thing comes of without an ounce of irony. I'm not sure any other band could do this. It's not good because it's bordering on absurd, or good despite being absurd it's somehow both at the same time and still managed to have almost universal appeal and appraise.
I think the song A Day in the Life almost feels like an inside joke at the end of the album. The previous track Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band book ends the opening track with the same name and controls the absurdity and diversity all the songs between then after it wraps up you get perhaps one of the greatest songs ever written (IMHO) almost as an afterthought. It gives the song space and room to breathe at the end of the album to stand out and underline just how amazing it is. I can only imagine the first time hearing this on vinyl and thinking "what just happened? Start it again."
Linkin Park
3/5
I think when this came out it was really a statement on the direction of new rock music. I remember listening to Linkin Park and feeling like it was the most cutting edge and boundary pushing thing imaginable. 25 years later I think it's still unique and genre defining, but it's funny how dated this record sounds now - turns out it was only Linkin Park and a handful of other bands making this blend of hip hop / electronica / metal and the genre stayed pretty firmly in those early 2000's without taking over the whole rock scene. Points of originality and nostalgia but this album didn't quite live up to my how I remember first hearing it as a 10 - 12 old kid.
Billy Bragg
3/5
An interesting album that felt like it was worth a listen. Very loose and casual style. Felt more like listening to some guy play his set at the local pub than a polished album you would expect to be considered one of the best of all time. Clearly a good songwriter - though im sure a lot of the political references were lost on me (in part because most are about 1980's England). Happy I listened to this and have a better understanding of who Billy Bragg is - but falls short for me from having the type of cultural impact I think many people give it.
DJ Shadow
4/5
It took a few tracks but by the middle of this album I was surprised how much I was enjoying it. Some of the drum and jazz samples were really engaging , crazy how much rhythm can be created by samples and loops. I do find myself looking to judge this album a little more harshly as a dj mashup without traditional "musicians" but what it gets docked for this, it makes up for with how cutting edge this album was. I do think there are so many artists now that sound just like this but from my little bit of research, it sounds like Dj Shadow and Endtroducing were the first to do it.
Nick Drake
4/5
Another solid album start to finish by Nick Drake but I do like it a little less than Bryter Layter or Pink Moon. While all of Nick Drake's music is a bit melancholy and moody I find some of the tracks on Five Leaves Left almost a tad depressing and certainly a bit melodramatic. I like the subtle use of strings (Cello Song is my favourite) but on a couple of the tracks the full string arrangements almost take over the song and start to interfere with the subtlety that I want to appreciate in Nick Drake's music. Still fantastic songwriting and a pretty special album by anyone's standards.
Missy Elliott
3/5
Pretty smooth album blending hip hop and r&b. Nothing particularly stood out to be me but it was enjoyable and easy to listen to. Surprised how refined and though out this album sounded both for the age and given the fact it was a debit album.
Jurassic 5
4/5
A solid early 2000's hip hop album. You can hear a ton of influences on this: reggae, funk and jazz. Seemed to me like a very analog recording process, you can hear the studio drums, bass and instrumentation. More loose than a lot of other rap from that era which I liked.
The Cure
2/5
This is not my first try to appreciate The Cure. I know they are often cited as hugely influential and a big piece in the evolution of modern / rock music. However they just don't do it for me. I felt like this album was just dreary, a bit whiny and boring. I know that's not a hot take as dreary is probably exactly what they are going for.. I just feel like if I criticised them any more it would come of as bullying the emo kid... Truth is I like all sorts of "emo" music, the cure just present the genre in a way that almost gets on my nerves a bit. I will still give them the respect they deserve but feel confident I won't be finding any sort of epiphany of appreciation for their music anytime soon.
Heaven 17
1/5
How on earth this made it onto the list of 1000 albums to hear before you die I do not know. I think listening to this album may have actually brought me closer to death. If not closer to death, perhaps just a little more insane. If the intersection of carnival music, elevator music and opera is what you are after this album may be for you!
Tricky
3/5
I remember the first time hearing Massive Attack and feeling like I had just discovered a new genre. They were dark and sophisticated, and felt right out of the underground. I feel like electronic / pop music of today owes a ton to the early pioneers in this genre a.k.a Trip Hop.. that being said I know "Tricky" was just one part of early Massive Attack and I feel like this particular album has something missing. It's almost like they figured out a certain recording / production style, got excited about it, and teased that formula into a whole album. This shines a bit of light into a genre, time and place of music production I don't know too much about and for that I am grateful, but this particular album is a niche or an offshoot of an offshoot and I don't think is quite worthy of consideration for total cultural impact like some of the others on this list.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
While I don't think Natty Dread is actually Bob Marley's best album , it is still hands down a fantastic reggae album from start to finish. It is so easy and light to listen to. There is so much soul and intention is this album, listening to it just puts me in a good mood.
Ananda Shankar
3/5
I enjoyed the traditional tracks but found the cover of the Stones song and Doors songs to be a bit corny. I appreciate trying to bring a foreign style of music to a new audience but those ones came of a bit like a gimmick and I actually thought it brought the rest of the album down. Fun to listen to something different today though!
David Bowie
4/5
A classic Bowie album that really captures his artistic brilliance and spirit. I do prefer guitar driven Bowie over piano driven Bowie. This album has a bit of both but I do get a bit lost on a couple of these tracks (I find "Kooks" to be a bit creepy and unsettling and "Fill Your Heart" also a bit strange) but this album is redeemed by some fantastic songs in "Quicksand" "Changes" and my favourite - "Life on Mars." I think this is close to a full 5 stars if I was judging on creativity but on pure listening enjoyment I give it a 4.
The B-52's
4/5
Not quite funny enough to be a comedy band, not quite genuine enough to be taken seriously. I was a little resistant to this album at first. But by the end of the album I felt like I was in on the joke. Somehow the B-52s find the balance between gimmick and art and I'm here for that.
Lauryn Hill
3/5
A smooth blend of rap, r&b, pop and other influences. I enjoyed bits and pieces of this, definitely nostalgic and super well produced just not really the kind of music I reach for.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
I pretty classic early pop country / Americana sound. Nothing wrong with it but not really my taste in music. A few of the more the bluegrass inspired tunes with fiddle I liked a bit more than the commercial country stuff.
UB40
4/5
I remember downloading a bunch of Bob Marley on limewire way back in the day. The song "Red Red Wine" but accredited to him was amongst the songs. I knew it wasn't a Bob Marley song and remember being so irritated by this error. I remember finding out later that the guy singing Red Red Wine was actually a white guy not from Jamaica. This whole experience basically made me write off UB40 from that point on.
Untill today. This album was actually great. It might be a bit overproduced, has hints of cultural appropriation, and sometimes comes off a bit corny but I really enjoyed it. I will definitely listen to more UB40, just maybe not Red Red Wine.
Public Enemy
4/5
I think this album does a great job of taking an early version of the sub-genre of gangster rap and substituting themes of violence / guns with messages of politics and social reform. Tons of energy and a raw, intense, feel but still feels somehow positive in it's message. Not always in the mood for this much intensity but in the right time and place I think this album really speaks for itself.
Super Furry Animals
5/5
My streaming service only has a "delux" version of this album which is over 3 hours long. When I first saw this I was overwhelmed and felt like I didn't know where to start. I decided to put the album on shuffle and just listen throughout the day. Glad I did! A wild mix of eclectic sounds and influences - never knew what would come next. Felt like Grateful Dead from the future. 3 hours later and I didn't want the album to end.
The Byrds
3/5
Enjoyable but almost a bit too simplistic. You can hear they are on the cusp of a new sound but for my this doesn't quite deliver. Definitely hugely influential and points for early experimentation but missing a little something.
Growing up, this album on CD was a mainstay in my family's mini van. It was basically the soundtrack to summer road trips, hockey practice or trips to the ski hill after school. I think it might actually be a better pop album than a rock album but there is something undeniably catchy to these songs. I'm sure nostalgia plays a bit factor in this one for me but it's kind of like rewatching a movie you saw 20 times as a kid , there is a certain dopamine hit you get and for me this album delivered.
Guns N' Roses
3/5
An undeniable classic of its genre. I appreciate the pure rock ethos this album exudes but at the end of the day I just can't take Guns and Roses super seriously. I'm sure if I saw them live I would have a lot of fun but an album (even one with 3 of their biggest and best songs) just gets a little tired by the end.
Cheap Trick
3/5
A pretty raw and fun live album. Gives a little depth to the cliche of a band being "big in Japan". I didn't think the recording was very good quality but the band played with lots of energy. Not quite sure if I am missing something that is supposed to seperate this album from the hundreds of other live albums of the same genre and era.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
I do really enjoy old bluegrass music and was happy to learn about these guys. They obviously played a big role in the early days of bluegrass / country music. This album was really interesting from that early history perspective but from a pure listening enjoyment perspective it was maybe a little bit too simplistic and a bit too religious.
Frank Zappa
5/5
So I confess that I had never listened to a full Zappa album before. I knew a half dozen of his bigger songs and had an idea of his persona and larger than life impact on fringe pop culture. After listening to Hot Rats I realize how mislead I was on who this slightly insane individual really was.
I loved this album. It fuses together hard rock, jazz, psychedelia, orchestra music with just a touch of satire. I think the playing on this was absolutely top notch and the pure vision of what this album was supposed to be was pretty artistically advanced. I did some reading on Zappa afterward and realize what I knew, or thought I knew, was just scratching the surface. I will definitely go back and listen to Hot Rats again soon.
Big Black
4/5
A pretty solid punk album. You can definitely hear the influence it may have had on future punk / noise / industrial stuff. Interesting use of a drum machine. I didn't listen close enough to hear (or be effected by) the lyrics but thought the playing and creativity were both top notch!
Calexico
5/5
Really enjoyed this album and the band Calexico in general. They blend such a wide range of music in a way that doesn't feel forced. Their music feels like the score to a daydream or a movie playing in my head. This is the first time I've listened to this album in its entirety and I will definitely go back to it again.
Orange Juice
2/5
Not much of a fan of this album. It felt awkward in bits without much continuity between tracks. The stuff that was a bit experimental didn't quite land and the stuff that was more poppy just felt a bit cliche. Not "punk" enough to be post-punk not "dance" enough to be a disco band just caught somewhere between in obscurity.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Solid album from start to finish. Blends nostalgic early RB and jazz vocal sounds with some really fresh sounding backing tracks. Thought the band and composition was great. Not exactly the style of music I look for but a pretty top notch album nonetheless.
George Michael
2/5
I expected to dislike this more. There's not a ton of substance to this album but there are a couple tracks on this that are undeniably catchy. 80's Pop music may be by definition one of the genres I tend to like the least, and while I wouldn't say I clicked with this album, I don't know if it's fair to say I disliked it. So points for that!
Boston
4/5
The story of the early days of Boston and the genius of Tom Scholz I feel like is a classic story of rock and roll lore. There is no doubt the guy is some kind of genius. I think it's interesting though that his genius plays out in a brand of music that is actually quite generic sounding , almost like it's made for radio play. This is pretty different than the type of genius that create works of art that push boundaries and only appeal to small groups of people. I am not sure if it's actually more or less impressive but certainly unique.
I do think it shines though that this album was somebody's specific vision. It's super cohesive and flows from one song to the next. The guitar and drum sounds are dialed in to match the polished and coordinated songs structures. All of this creates something super easy to listen to and accessible to a massive amount of people. I do think though, that it's missive a bit of creativity or willingness to think outside the box a bit. It almost feels like one of the AI bands that have come up now. Super dialed in and familiar sounding but maybe making a little bit of soul?
Arcade Fire
4/5
The Suburbs is probably the easiest AF album to get in to, it's catchy and has a clear theme, but I do think it lacks some of the mystery and intrigue that their first album had. As a whole I think it's still really well thought out and flows from one song to the next. There are a few songs that I feel like get a little to "disco" and and bass drum stomp that begins and ends one can get a little bit cliche sounding. Overall enjoyed listening to this.
David Bowie
4/5
I do like this album but almost a bit surprised it is on this list. I am a Bowie fan (though maybe not a very good one) and didn't know this at all, which did make for an intriguing first listen. I feel like you have to have some depth of knowledge of Davis Bowie and to have listened to some of his other albums before being able to appreciate this, from an outside perspective it's pretty weird if you don't "get it." It's also pretty evident that cocaine was a big inspiration behind this so maybe that's part of it....
Still solid, super creative, and feels like a part of his whole story but not an album I would particularly rank amongst the best of all time.
Ice Cube
3/5
Nothing really stood out - didn't love it didn't hate it. Definitely not always up for the super aggressive angry gangster rap, this pushed the limits but I still found the album fairly enjoyable to listen to.
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
I'm not sure why I like this album as much as I do. It's incredibly simple and some of the organ bits sound pretty corny, but there is something to it that really works. I feel like it might just be the genuine authenticity that shines through. Apparently Booker T wrote the title track on borrowed instruments in his church basement while he was still in high school. It's kind of the ultimate earworm and I doubt there is a single blues, jazz or surf rock musician who hasn't taken some inspiration from that riff.
Steely Dan
5/5
If you had of asked me 5 years ago how I felt about Steely Dan, I would have said mediocre at best. I thought they were cheesy and missing soul. But somehow over the last year I have discovered and developed a mini obsession with this band. I feel like after years of ignoring them something has recently clicked and now I can't get enough. They somehow combine a super tight, polished sound with infinite creativity. They blend jazz, rock, R'n'B funk and soul into music they sounds equal parts improv and tediously rehearsed. I think Aja is a perfect example of what they do well. There are little hooks and earworms between super out there guitar and horn solos somehow all coming together. I could listen to this over and over and not get bored.
Goldie
2/5
I actually don't hate drum and bass music- I definitely don't particularly like it but the irritability alot of people express when confronted with this type of music doesn't really hit me. That being said, I thought this album was mostly pretty boring to listen to. Super repetitive, not particularly impressive and way too long.
Depeche Mode
4/5
I think Depeche Mode more than any other, captured the dark 80's synch emo pop vibe. The vocals and ethereal keyboard/synth style combine into something super unique. I also think they do a great job of keeping things simple. I think with the advent of all this new synth technology at the time, alot of bands followed a maximalist more is more approach which tends to be the music that ages the poorest. I am not surprised they were / are, as popular as they are. I'm not often in the mood for this type of music but when i am, Music for the Masses will be where I turn.
The War On Drugs
5/5
Over the past 2 or 3 years this has been one of my go-to background albums.The mood is ambiguous enough it's really suiting for any occasion. I love the driving rhythm and reverb soaked layers of effect heavy guitars. Something about their sound is super nostalgic. I also think these guys have found a niche of music that not alot of new bands are still trying to make. Guitar driven rock and roll but with the hooks. It's like if most new bands were painting pop art or graffiti, just trying to grab the viewers attention, these guys are over in the corner painting a landscape.
Neil Young
5/5
One of my new favourite Neil Young albums. I have long been aware that this album existed but had never say down to listen to it start to finish. I took the time to do that twice today and will definitely be digging this out again soon. Niel Young takes the simplest and subtlest approach to song writing but does it with such much raw emotion and intensity you can't help but hang on every note. I felt like this album covered a range of different styles. The opening track Walk On has an almost reggae like up tempo beat to it but by the end of the album Ambulance Blues is just about as raw and emotional as any Neil Young track. Yet somehow the two don't feel out of place on this album that still beautifully comes together as whole and compete.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Crazy how an album of American Blues and R&B covers could be the early beginnings for one of the world's biggest Rock bands. I actually think this album really gives depth to who the Stones are, way back in the early days they were still pursuing this sound that was uniquely theirs, and somehow they sold it to the masses. Definitely not my favourite Rolling Stones Albums but certainly worth a listen.
Slade
3/5
I don't feel like there is anything particularly interesting or noteworthy about this album. Very much feels to me like rock music made for the radio. I don't think it's particularly bad, maybe in the right setting these songs would be kind of fun, but trying to listen to this and offer a critical review I feel like I must be missing something. It doesn't help that researching them, the band's Wikipedia is clearly polished by PR people from the band themselves and paints them like on of the biggest and most influential rock bands in recent history... Which sort of just feel offensive.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Surprisingly modern sounding for an album that came out so long ago. I think Buddy Holly had just about as much I fluence on the modern pop music as anyone. Still fun to listen to, catchy and entertaining
Sheryl Crow
4/5
Pretty solid album, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. No real takeaways or surprises but a pretty easy to listen to.
Skepta
2/5
A niche British rap album, from an artist that doesn't seem to have made much of a cultural impact outside of his immediate scene, that came out 9 years ago. Not sure if I am missing something but I am failing to see how this is on the list of albums I should hear before I die.
Radiohead
5/5
This may be the perfect Radiohead album. It's got a perfect balance of heavy and soft. I think the dynamics of alternating between these intense, guitar driven rock epics and then subtle acoustic songs create the contrast that makes this album so great. I also think it's amazing that Radiohead can make an album like this,a 90's rock record, but also produce some of the most mesmerizing electronic influenced music only a couple years later.
I tend to judge albums on a "cornyness factor" , I hate music that panders to a radio audience or uses overly simple hooks and lyrics. I think Radiohead is the opposite of that. There is so much depth and artistic integrity to everything that they do and The Bends is a perfect example of that. You could listen to this album 100 times and not get bored, hearing something a little different every time.
Hawkwind
3/5
This album had some pretty interesting bits sprinkled throughout but too much nonsense in between to really enjoy it. I think maybe starting with a double live album to get introduced to a space rock band I had never heard of is an ambitious task that most would probably struggle with. Perhaps in a different head space, at a different time, would actually be more intrigued to get in to this and give it another shot but unfortunately I wasn't that sucked in upon first listen and most likely won't go back to this any time soon.
John Martyn
4/5
What an interesting album! John Martyn blends jazz, folk and rock from a huge array of influences into something new and unique. After the first song I expected one type of album, but by the end he had somehow traversed across all those genres, weaving together something pretty extraordinary. While at times I thought the experimentation may have distracted a bit from some of the subtle beauty the album had, in the end it all felt cohesive and part of something bigger. After listening to it once I had to put it on a second time to try to understand what I had just listened to. I think if I listened again a couple more times this album could almost work its way into a perfect score. I will probably put this on again soon and definitely won't soon forget this artist and album that someone flew below my radar until now.
Bob Dylan
4/5
I kind of get the fans negative reactions when Bob Dylan went electric at Newport. In one way it's a total bad ass rock and roll move which I respect, and you can't expect much different from Dylan. On the other hand, Bob Dylan with an acoustic guitar is a pinnacle of that specific genre is, and for the most part, it's what I, and alot of Dylan fans want to hear. I know Blonde on Blonde isn't necessarily synonymous with "rock" it's more of a blues album than anything else, but to me it is a departure from the simpler, folk inspire music of his earlier albums. There were hints at the Dylan I love, but from the opening track and slurred singing of" Everybody Must Get Stoned" on Rainy day Women, the tone is set that this is not the subtle, poetic acoustic Bob Dylan you may be hoping for.
Pulp
3/5
I think I would be a little more inspired by a band that claims on their Wikipedia page to be figureheads of the Britpop movement, if I was a little more inspired by the Britpop movement. I didn't find anything specifically wrong with this album , it just didn't grip me as much as I would expect for an album cited as being as influential.
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
Pretty cool, rhythmic album. I like the vibe. It may be a bit of a gimmick but super well executed.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Despite Freebird being a bit of a meme at this point, it still absolutely kicks ass. Simple Man is a bit of a cliche as well but I can get get on board. Tuesday's Gone is in unironically just a great song and sprinkled thought those three rock giants are a handful of other well written and well performed blues inspires, southern rock hits. I almost feel weird about it, Lynyrd Skynyrd have become adopted as a symbol of southern values, many of which is I definitely don't share, but if I try to removed the preconceived notions of what (in the eyes of some) they represent, this is a real solid rock album that absolutely has its time and place and I would love to have as a part of my core collection.
The Kinks
5/5
Funky, psychedelic, funny, catchy and a little bit gritty. I thought I knew The Kinks as a 60's pop band. This album has that but I feel like offers a whole bunch more too. Really dig the sound.
Meat Puppets
4/5
Really interesting and unique sound. I thought the songwriting was great. I am a big fan of both bluegrass and punk music so "cow punk" as I found out it's called, makes total sense to me as a genre! You can tell they're having a lot of fun and not taking things too seriously, while making some genuinely innovative and intriguing music.
It makes total sense why this band is often cited as one of Kurt Cobain's favourites. They push back hard on the status quo but clearly have some deep down musical brilliance to create something totally worthwhile.
Magazine
4/5
I always thought the name of the genre Post Punk was a bit misleading. Most bands or albums that are described as Post Punk really don't feel very connected to punk music at all. Real Life by Magazine somewhat connected the dots for me. I saw this album described as "the first Post Punk album." As an arbitrary classification of a genre that's obviously impossible to prove, but I did hear the lingering gritty vibes of the early British punk scene while listening to this - probably due in part to their close connection to Buzzcocks.
While this album did totally connect the dots for me between Post Punk and Punk music, there were still elements that felt just a bit dated and cheesy. I also think I may be a bit over saturated on this genre at this point , I might have loved this album if I was listening to it another day.
Nina Simone
5/5
Entirely possible I was just ready to listen to some swoony vocal jazz music and this album landed on my lap at the right time, but I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. I know that Nina Simone is often cited as one of the greats, but it's possible she doesn't get enough credit as is.
I also think the musical instrumentation is pretty amazing, the piano arrangements were more complex than I expected, a song in their own. The social impact this album, and Nina Simone's career in general had on the USA and beyond are the deciding factor that this album warrants special status amongst the best.
Steely Dan
5/5
Love the complexity of this album. They slide between jazz, wah guitar solos, gongs, strings and 80s pop rock. I think what I like about Steely Dan is just the absurdity of what they do but somehow wrapping up into a package that's super accessible to a huge range of people.
When I eventually get a boat and spend my sunny Sundays cruising the coast and drinking red wine it will be Steely Dan I listen to.
Steely Dan
5/5
Running out of things to say about Steely Dan but I enjoyed this album just as much as the last two!
The Crusaders
3/5
It took a bit to settle into this album. The first track is long, the lyrics are a bit cheesy and the organ and sax sounds used are awfully reminiscent of elevator music. It also didn't help that this first track was 12 minutes long. But by the end of the album I actually thought the playing was pretty great. They find a middle ground between the busy and calm - just enough going on to keep form being sleepy but still within the realm of "cool jazz."
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Undeniably impressive album. The production was through the roof and I enjoyed the concept aspect to this. Also totally wild it was her first album. That being said it just wasn't really my taste and a couple of the more poppy songs were a tad over the top.
Norah Jones
5/5
Hard to find anything about this album to be critical over... I was only familiar with the the big single "Don't Know Why" which was more nostalgic than anything else. I made the incorrect assumption that this would be a pop album but it seems pretty thoroughly Jazz through and through. Super simple, super smooth an excellent voice and amazing playing. Not surprised this had such wide appeal and is one of the greatest selling albums of all time.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
4/5
Really enjoyed this music and getting a chance to learn a bit about Qawalli music in general.
Miles Davis
4/5
While I have long considered Miles Davis as one of my favourite Jazz musicians, I always felt a little confused by Bitches Brew. I know it is considered by many people to be one of his best, but the chaos of the opening several minutes had previously scared me away. I was excited to try to listen to this again with open ears and I'm glad I did. While I still find the first half of the first album to be a bit chaotic at times, I feel like in the context of the album it gives contrast to the much more subtle second half. Its hard to compare this to more traditional Miles Davie, ie. Kind of Blue. They are vastly different albums, but what I feel like Bitches Brew does fantastically is evoke a feeling. It's eerie, a bit unsettling but also still somehow put together. Experimental and a little bit insane but also rhythmic and a huge step toward music yet to come. I think if I didn't consider this album within the context of his career, I might not like it, but listening to it now I feel it absolutely has it place.
Maxwell
2/5
Nothing about this stood out in really any sort of way. Having never heard of him, I was surprised that Maxwell is as well regarded as he is, but I suppose that's more a reflection of the types of music I do (and don't) pay attention too.
The sound definitely borrows from early R&B which I respect, but feels a bit like some of the soul is missing. It's very polished but what's left has no edge. I can see that if you were a fan of ultra smooth R&B you would probably like this album, but it's really not my jam.
The Only Ones
4/5
Thought this album sounded way ahead of its time. Reminded me of Cage the Elephant, The Libertines or Pixies. Artsy, noisy, alternative indie vibes. Really enjoyed the vocal layers too. I feel like this should be considered one of the original "indie" albums.
Jack White
4/5
Not my number one Jack White album but a solid production from start to finish. I only hope there is much more Jack White on this list , this feels like little bits of all the different sounds / types of songs he is capable of creating but not the best version of any of them.
Q-Tip
4/5
A solid, clean artsy and simple hip hop album. I feel like the super tight bass / snare / high hat drum beats carry you through the whole album. The whole thing feels tight and sophisticated, a style that seems to be hard to find.
Tribe Called Quest we're probably the first group to get me into rap music. I do think Q-Tip is at his best alongside Ali and Pfife but this album still screems old school cool and was a great soundtrack to my drive home today.
Sigur Rós
5/5
I feel like what's so impressive about Sigur Ros and this album is that they have perfected a sound that is evocative, intense, dreamy and engaging yet I feel like it's never been successfully replicated by anyone else but them. Of course there are lots of bands making ambient, dreamy soundscape music but their specific style (and maybe this is because of Icelandic singing) just seems so authentically theirs. I feel like they deserve to be held as the Viking Kings and Queens of this style of music , and this album may be their crowning achievement.
Beatles
5/5
Rubber Soul is like dining at a fine dining restaurant. While both fine dining and fast food may taste delicious, fast food with it's additives and processing will leave you feeling gross. Each track on Rubber Soul adds just the right amount of depth, like a fresh ingredient on the plate, perfectly prepared - no extra BS, not out to impress in any other way than its simple beauty. You can listen to this over and over, each time listening to a different track, the perfectly layered harmonies, surprisingly complex but perfectly balanced percussion, and endlessly intriguing bass and lead guitars. Each part on its own is brilliant, together they create something near perfect.
Extra bonus points for In My Life being amongst my favorite songs (by the Beatles or otherwise) of all time.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I was impressed with how modern this album sounded, Joni Mitchell was definitely ahead of her time. I can head a ton of influence this album has had on new music.
When I think of Joni Mitchell I think of her solo with an acoustic guitar but I was super impressed with the complexity and all the layers of arrangements across this album. I would probably need to listen to this a few times to fully get all the pieces, I most likely will dig this out again soon to do just that.
Frank Ocean
3/5
I really appreciate Frank Ocean for pushing some of the boundaries of pop music, there is obviously some very strong creativity and musical talent that shines through on this album. The songs that worked for me had clear and subtle lyrics. Towards the end there were a few more dance inspired tracks that really didn't do anything for me and I feel like took away a bit from the album overall.
I do think this deserves a spot on the list and overall is an impressive piece of work.
Public Enemy
2/5
I didn't like this album as much as the previous Public Enemy that was rated / reviewed. I feel like the production feels a bit more rushed. There was so much repetition thought each track and not enough variability from track to track. I still find Public Enemy super "effective" in making strong social commentary but this album was a little to "on the nose" for me. Also, the Anthrax feature at the end of the album feels a bit scripted, more like an MTV moment than an authentic musical collaboration.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Her sound is kind of hard to classify, with a whole mix of different styles, this made the album feel a little disjointed to me and lack overall cohesion from start to finish. I also think her singing styles with constantly changing dynamics of quiet to loud was not my favourite.
I did enjoy some of the more blues forward songs at the end and overall am happy to have learned about a new artist.
The Beach Boys
5/5
In my opinion what this album does so well is its use of space. There is so much distinction between each layer of each track, the drums, vocals, keys and strings / horns all have their own space with complete destination but come together so well. It almost reminds me of orchestra music with each section of the orchestra playing alongside each other.
I also think this album is special in its ability to disguise some pretty heavy, introspective and personal themes in pop music that at first listen sounds completely light and airy. The more you listen to the lyrics and learn about the band it almost comes off as eerie at times, a bit like a dark inside joke of presentation vrs reality. All in all I’m fascinated by this album and genuinely enjoy it from start to finish.
Jeff Beck
4/5
Like a lot of people I have somehow avoided listening to much Jeff Beck over all these years. I certainly knew who he was and the big role he played in middle of the British rock era, but I had no introduction or no obvious entry point into appreciating him as an artist. So, I came into this album with apprehension and low expectations. It didn't help the vocals on this were provided by rod steward , whose voice and legacy I have never quite counted myself a fan of, but by the end of the album I was won over. I didn't hear anything on the guitar paying that I would consider revolutionary, so I might still.be missing something but I did hear some very solid blues / rock jams.
By the end of the album I do feel like I appreciate Jeff Beck, And certainly understand the lore around his name and legend just a little bit more but I'm not ready to give him his place on the Mount Rushmore of guitar gods just yet.
Massive Attack
2/5
I can see the significance of this being potentially the first "trip hop" album, it must have had a huge impact on the first groups of people discovering it. Personally I don't like this album as much as Massive Attack's "Mezzenine" which came several years later, or even the Tricky album Mazinquaye both of which sounded more more mature and much more soluble in their use of new and modern effects for that era (loops samples and drum machines.)
Listening to Blue Lines now you can really hear the age of the album, it sounds like it was trying very hard to be cutting edge and new, almost like it was trying to prove some relevance during that era but I feel like it didn't age particularly well.
Iron Maiden
3/5
5/5 for pure rock and roll ethos. I love the attitude and I love the cover art, I just can't help but hear the music as almost a parody of itself. Maybe it's form watching too much tenacious D and spinal tap as a kid growing up but I really have a hard time taking this album as seriously as it is intended. Maybe Im wrong and it's supposed to be a bit tongue and cheek, in which case it's great, but I really think Iron Maiden it's trying to be sincere in their approach to songwriting and unfortunately to me it just comes of as a bit cheesy.
Pere Ubu
2/5
I just don't think I get Pere Ubu. I suppose everyone had a limit to their artistic interests and these guys have helped me find mine.
The Zombies
4/5
I really enjoyed this album. At first I thought maybe they were trying to emulate and capitalize off a Beatles or Beach Boys sound but I realized pretty quickly they have a sound all their own. I really liked the use of vocal layering and harmonizing. They do the 60's psychedelic pop sound super well and without any cliche. I also thought for a pop band the lyrics were surprisingly deep and introspective but also not entirely abstract like some psychedelic bands of the era might lean into.
Also bonus points for "Time of the Season" being one of the all time great jams.
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
What a unique and interesting blend of music! Never heard anything quite like it. He uses subtlety really well with tons of room for the vocals and keys to breath and do their own thing. I also thought the live, spoken word style track toward the end of the album was super cool. This was something brand new to me and I really enjoyed this discovery.
The Stooges
4/5
It's like if The Doors went Punk and started using a lot of Fuzz and Wah. I knew the first two tracks (1969 and I Wanna be your Dog) which are both absolute jams. I don't think the rest of the album quite lives up to the intensity of those first two tracks but the vibes and rawness are there throughout the album.
Ash
5/5
I am completely surprised I haven't heard of this band before, this is right in my wheelhouse of one of my most listened to genres. It's a perfect blend of pop-punk, indie rock and really hits the spot. I had to do a little chronology to see where this came out alongside more well known releases of the same genre from Pixies, Built to Spill and Weezer. These guys were right at the fringe of this genre I feel like should deserve more widespread recognition. I wonder if this might have been the case if they weren't from Northern Ireland? But also possible their unique origin location helped them build a sound that was also unique to them.
I love the distortion heavy chug of their guitars, and high-low dynamics between songs. Will definitely slide this one into my rotation of similar music and do a deeper dive into their discography.
David Bowie
4/5
A pretty good example of Bowie's brilliance as a musician and his ability to adapt and change his approach to music. I thought this was a little more mainstream sounding than some of his earlier albums. The production was super well done. I do think polishing his sound somewhat takes away from the Bowie charm and sporadic chaos the he was somewhat known for.
The KLF
1/5
What a bizarre world I just got a glimpse into. I don't expect to like trance music but I tried earnestly to appreciate this album for what it was worth. I found the music to be overly bland, simple and at times boring. I did a quick read up on the band to see if I was missing something as to why they are heald in high regard. Learning more about their process and some of their publicity stunts in the past only helped sour my take on their music. No disrespect and I'm sure somebody loves these guys but to be they came off as overly arrogant, confused and even a bit delusional , it seems to me their approach values self image and status over the music itself.
Tears For Fears
3/5
An absolute massive pop album that you probably couldn't avoid if you tried. While the big singles off of this are extremely catchy and definitive ear worms, I feel they have been played to death and hard to unironically appreciate. The songs I wasn't familiar with didn't feel like they quite stood up to the rest of the album which very well might be a reflection of how massive the singles were. It's hard to pick this apart due to its massive pop culture succes but the music style really doesn't do much for me. Very much synth heavy 80's Pop and while I appreciate the success I don't necessarily love the style.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
This is maybe Bob Marley's most refined and produced album. Despite that, the rawness of his musical style still shines through. I think a lot of people associate Reggae music with being light and airy, singing songs about sunshine and good times. Exodus is a perfect example of how that same sound can tackle some dark and intense themes.
I had this album on repeat for a number of years so nostalgia and familiarity probably play into my feelings a bit but I genuinely believe this is a near perfect album. The setlist reads more like a greatest hits than a studio album. Despite the sometimes darker themes I also think this album is guaranteed to put you in a good mood. While there may be an issue with the fact that Bob Marley is perhaps the only Reggae artist 95 percent of people could name, I do understand why. He is the absolute king of this genre and Exodus may be his crowning achievement. A feat in the history of music and i think this album deserves a place on the top 10 of all time.
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
I enjoyed learning about this artist as a world I feel like I knew nothing about before. I can see how this would have made a huge impact when it first came out in the 70's. Feels very much like "music from the future". However now 55 years later, it still sort of feels like it's trying a little to hard to be cutting edge. I find this more interesting than if is enjoying. I feel like the compositions are a little too simple and there's just not quite enough there to feel all that emotionally intrigued by it. Enjoyed the history lesson and the lore, but the musical product not as much.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
This album has huge vibes and perfectly encompasses the spirit of the 60's counterculture. Loud, ambitious and confrontational to the idea of anything mainstream. That being said, I actually feel like based on pure listening enjoyment it feels a bit messy and lacking clear vision. I know that people don't listen to Hendrix for his songwriting but it feels left out on Axis: Bold as Love compared to Are You Experienced? Lyrics singing and song structure definitely take a back seat to guitar shredding on this album. Which is top notch but not quite enough to keep me fully engaged in the whole album.
Ice Cube
4/5
A surprisingly funky and complex early 90's rap album. Definitely liked this more than some of the other early gangster rap albums I have reviewed. I thought the backing tracks and beats played a huge role in how entertaining this album was. While the lyrics are still cringy and over aggressive at times, the melodic beats balanced the album out and made it feel less overtly angry.
The Who
5/5
When I had a look at the set list of the album (the deluxe version) I was pretty apprehensive. An hour and 20 minutes of live Who tracks, most of which I didn't recognize by name. I tossed the album on and by halfway through I was won over. By the time they got to the My Generation medley toward the end of the album I was looking forward to listening to the whole thing over again. While the who are an iconic band, I have never held them in quite the same regard as some of their counterparts form the same era and genre. I always thought they were just a bit too gimmicky and theatrical for my taste. I found out yesterday that the who live are the version of them I love best. There is just an ass kicking intensity to how they play. Pure rock ethos and this album captured it perfectly.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
I know Dinosaur Jr. are icons of the late 90's stoner rock and grunge scene and have had huge influence on alot of bands I love. The songs of theirs I knew before listening to this album I all really liked. I did hear some bits throughout this album that I liked but as a whole it didn't quite click with me. I think I was waiting for a bit more of a hook in each song. Maybe if I have it another go and had a bit more familiarity with the track list I would feel differently but none of these songs really jumped out as singles. As a whole I thought the album was still super cohesive and played well from start to finish - just missing any standout tracks or sounds that would make me stop to appreciate what I was listening to.
Megadeth
4/5
Having not listened to a ton of Metal in my day, I couldn't give you an accurate description of each Metal sub-genre. But when I started reading about Megadeth, the term Thrash Metal made so much sense as a title for this genre. The playing on this album is so fast and so accurate it is genuinely impressive. I actually really enjoyed this. It also seemed liked it didn't lay into the cliches of metal music as much other bands like Slipknot or Iron Maiden feel like they do, trying so hard to portray the image of what metal music "is". It's clear these guys are borderline psychotic about their approach to music, playing just on the edge of what's possible but still pulling it off exceptionally well. Super impressive and genuinely fun to listen to.
Pretenders
3/5
Nothing particularly jumped out at me with this album. Their sound felt like 90's pop with a strong rock and post-punk influence. A bit too pop for my taste. Feels manufactured "attitude" which can come off a bit less than genuine, but might be more of a reflection of the era. I don't think I am the intended audience for this nor is it too my taste so it didn't resonate with me super well but in all nothing to really pick apart
Neneh Cherry
1/5
Music is supposed to be evocative, to make you feel things. Well if I was reviewing albums on their ability to do that, this album would score high. Unfortunately how this album made me feel was annoyed. There were small bits where the rapping was somewhat interesting or enjoyable but the choruses, singing stole, lyrical content and backing tracks were just beyond irritating. Definitely not my style so I wouldn't expect to enjoy it, but getting through this was a genuine challenge.
Slayer
2/5
I feel like most of these songs followed too specific of a formula and by the end of the album that formula got a bit old. The couple songs on the album that diversified from this a bit and had some tempo changes, melody and different vocal styles I liked more than the rest. The playing style was definitely fast but I didn't find it as a impressive as some of the other metal albums I have listened to, mostly because it was missing an actual clear melody. I also feel like the guitar screaming pinch harmonic sound showed up in every song and felt overused by the end.
Christina Aguilera
3/5
I expected this album to be full bubblegum pop and was surprised at its maturity and RnB feel. A few catchy songs, a few less so. Definitely a bit longer than it needed to be.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Soulful, and perfectly executed album. I will add this one to the list of eclectic deep cuts when I want to listen to something different. I put it on twice today, expecting that some of the charm and novelty from the first listen would wear off by the second time I gave it a go but I enjoyed it just as much. It almost looses a point for being a soundtrack album and at times feeling like it was trying to stay to hard in the mold of the theme of the movie, but if was pulled off so well I didn't mind.
Sugar
3/5
A bit of a puzzle to this album. Nothing particularly jumped out while listening to it, and doing a bit of research into why this album may be considered one of the 1000 greatest of all time turned up nothing as well. Not that it was bad, just that it wasn't particularly unique or interesting in any way. I suppose it was a good example of alternative rock in the mid / late 90's but certainly didn't push any boundaries or define any genres.
The Darkness
3/5
I think this album and The Darkness in general have a time and a place. If I were to see them at a festival for example, on a hot summer day with other screaming fans I would probably get into it. Listening to this album on a quiet Sunday morning was definitely not the time or the place. While they own the cornyness with pride, it's still on the higher end of what is tolerable for me.
Bill Evans Trio
5/5
I have often considered Miles Davis's Kind of Blue one of my all time favourite (jazz) albums. It's definitely the album that got me in to jazz music and the standard I hold other jazz albums too. It's also how I learned about some of the other masters of jazz: Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley who played on Kind of Blue. While I knew Bill Evans' name as one of the other core contributors to that album I have never actually listed to more of his music.
It's clear form Sunday at the Village that Evans contribution to Kind of Blue was super substantial.
This album is soo smooth, refined and subtly perfect, I wish I had discovered it sooner. There is everything you need in a jazz album and absolutely nothing more. It will definitely find a place in my smooth jazz catalogue and I look forward to checking out more of Bill Evans music.
The Roots
3/5
This album seemed like a very impressive and complex production. While the primary music style is obviously rap, there are lots of other styles woven throughout and sampled. It was also interesting to understand a bit more about The Roots as a band - I knew a tiny bit about them in a general pop culture context via late night tv. The pop culture context may be why they actually didn't click with me despite checking a lot of boxes. I get that they are in the niche of "conscious rap" and trying to portray a certain more refined style, but in doing this they almost comes off as somehow less genuine. Maybe if I gave this another shot of would change how I felt but after one listen this album did not draw me in the way I might have expected.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Listening to this album I am surprised that I didn't enjoy the last Iron Maiden album I listened to nearly as much. This album felt raw and real and totally rock and roll. I previously thought that Iron Maiden felt like they were trying to hard, but this felt totally authentic. I will have to go back to see if this is a classic case of first album was their best or if my initial feel around their music was just off. This also felt pretty in touch with blues influenced heavy rock of the era (Led Zppelin, Black Sabbath) which I love, and not trying to be something new just for the sake of it.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
These guys sound like they would have been the best band in their highschool. There is some obvious stylistic comparisons between them and the Rolling Stones with this album coming out the same year as Sticky Fingers, but I do feel like Teenage Head lacks some of the magic that The Stones had. I feel like if someone told me to listen to this album and then informed me they later became a massive success morphing into something huge and more refined I would believe it, but as far as I can tell this is amongst the pinnacle of their success and is them in their prime. Nothing against them and I actually appreciate the music quite a bit, but this doesn't particularly feel like it needs to be considered in the same conversation as other albums under the title the greatest of all time.
Beck
4/5
I went back and forth on this album. At first I found it to be a bit too nihilistic. The slacker / stoner too cool for school vibe was my absolute jam at a younger more impressionable age. Now that approach rubs me the wrong way. I also felt like there were glimpses of a softer melodic style but just when I started to enjoy them they were yanked back and replaced with some jarring vocals - to great effect.
The second time I listened to it, it felt completely different. The mix of sounds and styles, and the complexity felt like they came together to be super effective and artsy. Like a neon sign buzzing in a window. This time around I was up for it, the fuzz of the vocals, the sharp synth sounds and nonsensical lyrics all felt perfectly in place.
I suppose a third listen would be in order to settle the score but unfortunately I don't have time so will have to go with my gut. This album was good, maybe even very good, but it is shoved in you face and if you're not in the mood it just feels a bit sour.
Sabu
3/5
It's obvious "Sabu" was one of the quintessential Congo players of his time. He has played sessions with some of the era's best jazz musicians and was even given the opportunity to front his own band. How exactly a Congo player can be a band leader is a bit of a curious situation but I think it only adds further intrigue to this album. While I enjoyed this, I am not completely sold that this album on particular stands out amongst other similar Latin Jazz recording of the time. After listening to this I ventured down a short rabbit hole of vintage Latin Jazz and thoroughly enjoy the sound, as a jumping off point this album makes sense but I do think there are probably other recordings that could be considered just as significant or influential.
Ute Lemper
2/5
It's hard to give any review to this and not acknowledge my strong aversion toward musicals. Since a young age I have always been the kind to fast forward the songs in musical Disney movies and generally avoided any invites to attend a Broadway style show. I think one of the reasons I don't like them is the tendancy for the vocals to always be oversung. What I like in music is honesty, authenticity and often subtlety, three things that this super polished genre often lack. Some of the songwriting on this album deserves credit and I can't pretend that there is not real talent in being able to pull something like this off musically, it's just really not for me.
Lorde
3/5
Melodrama is the perfect name for this album. it definitely captures the spirit of young teenage angst , and from afar seems to take itself way too seriously. I can see how this might appeal to some but to me it did come off as a tad predictable and at times downright boring.
OutKast
4/5
A surprisingly entertaining album given the length. The super diverse blend of funk, rap hip hop and pop actually kept my interest throughout the whole album. I think it was a very bold choice for them to release a double album, split cleanly down the middle to feature each artists half of the material , but the concept somehow worked. All the music is still related and feels cohesive but you did get somewhat refreshed transitioning from one album to the next, trying to detect different influences and changes in style. Some tracks suffered from some of the painful and sometimes cringy cliches of this genre that left it feeling a bit dated at times.
The Notorious B.I.G.
3/5
I really wanted to like this album. I know it is one of the quintessential defining east coast rap albums. The song "Juicy" has everything you could want in a rap song and reflects the whole story of this album perfectly, a rags to riches story, the underdog, the glitz and glamour. My problem was, that aside from that track and a couple others, I felt like a lot of the rest of the album got in the way of this story. I do really like the way Biggie raps, his relaxed flow ties the genre back to the early spoken word jazz and funk style from the 70's, but the gangster, meanest guy in the room persona gets a little bit tired and feels like it takes up too much room on this otherwise iconic album.
Eurythmics
3/5
From what little I knew of Eurythmics I expected more of a dance / disco / pop album. Sweet Dreams is such a massive hit with such a specific and iconic sound I also expected the rest of the album would be more similar. I was surprised at how experimental this album was, it sounded more post Punk / industrial than pop or dance to me. I did like some of the experimentation and was surprised that this album held my interest the whole time. All of this surprise aside , the album still didn't resonate with me super well on any emotional level. It felt objectively interesting but from a distance, happy to know more about Eurythmics but unlikely to look to listen to this again.
Santana
5/5
The vibes on this album are world class. I am a huge fan of Santana's ability to blend together Latin influences, rock and blues. The playing on this is super well done and the album as a whole comes together perfectly. The only criticism I can come out with is that I wish it was longer.
Hüsker Dü
4/5
A few tracks on here stood out as catchy, energetic and fun to listen to, I found a few other tracks a little bit overly simple and at times a bit repetitive. I think if this was reduced down by 25% it would be that much better. I do definitely like the sound, a blend of punk, rock and early indie. Some very earwormy choruses and raw, no bs playing. Despite have some idea who they are, I hadn't listened to Husker Du before and this album is definitely giving me another to want to dive a little deeper into their discography.
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Before I started my 1001 albums journey, I would have confidently said that 80's British synth pop would rank amongst my least favourite genres. I am not sure if I am softening on this take or if I have just been so saturated with British synth pop that I have had to resort to categorising it in to stuff I really don't like and stuff that I find tolerable. I still don't think that I like British synth pop but after listening to Depeche Mode, Eurythmics, Tears for Fears, New Order, The Cure (the list goes on) I am left to feel that some I definitely appreciate more, and almost none of it is inherently bad, so I am left in this sort of paradox that gaslights me into considering that maybe I really do like 80's British synth pop... Then I hear a song like "So-Hard" by Pet Shop Boys and I revert to realizing this genre really is not for me. Can't wait to see where I end up in two years time when I can say I have listened to ALL the Synth Pop!
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
A Tribe Called Quest was the group that got me in to rap music. When I was younger I had a pretty strong aversion to rap. Most of what I knew were the huge top 40 songs and party music: Eminem, 40 Cent, Soulja Boy ect. I found most of it predictable and commercialized, and generalized almost all of it as "bad" music. When I heard Tribe Called Quest, "Can I Kick It" which featured the Lou Reed bass riff and a rock inspired drum beat I was pretty instantly hooked. I quickly devoured Midnight Marauders, and became a fan of the tribe. That album introduced me to this album and Low End Theory became one of the seminal albums of my 19th - 20th year. I haven't listened to it in a while and I am happy to say it completely holds up. What these guys do is still so incredibly unique in my mind, they rap about themes outside of the traditional rap cliches and sample creative beats that incorporate jazz, funk, rock and RnB. They push and blend the genre but in a way that comes off as completely authentic despite having huge mainstream success. Low End Theory is an early HipHop masterpiece and deserve it's place on the rap music Mount Rushmore.
The Byrds
4/5
This is the third Byrds album that I have listened to and reviewed via the generator and this is by far my favorite. It has several super catchy "hits" but is also layered throughout with some pretty great experimental psychedelia. Proof that an album can have both mainstream pop appeal and push the boundaries of the genre in all sorts of new directions. While I was initially a skeptic, I do feel that The Byrds deserve the respect that so many people have for them.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
4/5
After reading the short Wikipedia write up I immediately drew the comparison with Syd Barret, which seems to be a comparison a lot of people make. While Syd Barret absolutely deserves his place in the lore of Rock music, I actually found this album by Alexander Spence to be a more enjoyable listen than most of Syd Barret's music. I think perhaps by the standard of the time, and given the context of how this album was produced and also released it's fairly unique. But I do think the playing style and musicality sounds pretty relevant, contemporary and not that obscure, actually quite similar to the mid-west inspired indie, shoegazy music I listen to a lot of (Wilco, Dope Lemon, Barr Brothers...)
The Band
5/5
I love the fact that perhaps THE most influential Americana album is almost fully Canadian.
I grew up with this music, but think for most of my life I've taken it for granted. It actually took until listening to it yesterday in its entirety , and doing a little bit of reading on just how influential it has been, for me to register how significant The Band really was. The hits on this album speak for themselves. Not many songs have influenced pop music embracing bluegrass inspired harmonies as The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Up On Cripple Creek may have the funkiest honkey tonk vibes of any top 40 songs ever. Then there are the subtle ballad tracks that showcase The Band's exceptional songwriting. All of it come together perfectly for form an album that is perfectly well rounded. This album makes me want to sit out under the stars at a campfire and I love that feeling.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
A couple of my favourite Stones songs ( Under my Thumb, Paint it Black) alongside a few tracks that I couldn't say I care for nearly as much. The Rolling Stones are the masters of their raw, loose, blues inspired rock and roll and on Aftermath you can really hear them come in to that sound. I did feel like a couple tracks came off as messy sounding with a looseness that actually distracted from the song, the rhythm was top notch but not a ton of melody. I also felt like the songwriting on one or two tracks felt a little bit too much like they were trying to imitate the blues scene they drew inspiration from a little too much. This is still a very solid record judged by any standard but in my opinion isn't quite up to the level of where the Rolling Stones would eventually go.
The Doors
4/5
I think this album captures what The Doors were as a band. While the psychedelic inspired sounds of some of their earlier stuff off of the albums The Doors, and Strange Days is probably a more recognizable sound to a lot of fans, I actually think this version of the hard playing, heavy blues and shouting vocals is what The Doors do best. Jim Morrison was a poet, but he was also at home, drunk in a biker bar, and I feel like L.A Woman encapsulates that version of the band super well. At times this is a little depressing, a little dark but that's sort of the point - if you lean into it and embrace the aggression of this album it's pretty clear why these guys got as big as they were. There's nothing on here that screams musical genius to me but as a tough and rowdy early 70's California blues album, L.A Woman definitely delivers.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Happy Sad was a super interesting and intriguing album. Tim Buckley delivers on his goal of making an album that is completely new sounding - I actually think he might of created a new genre here. It starts off subtle and introduces you to some sounds : jazz chords, xylophone, subtle soft vocals. The concept seems to make sense at first, "Happy Sad" is a kind of juxtaposition of different feelings, living simultaneously on-top of one another. After the first few tracks he leans into the sound a little harder. Bigger crescendos and less subtlety in the vocals. By the end of the album he's in a sort of free fall, singing in and out of falsetto with and without words. The whole thing is super effective and definitely what I signed up for to discover new music. The only catch is, do I like this? That's a whole seperate question.. I appreciate the heck out of it, and enjoyed listening to it, but did I find the music pleasant? Not necessarily, I was probably too engaged in trying to understand what was going to happen next to really enjoy it on the level of great music.
This scores super high for creativity, and I am quite glad to have heard it, but don't think I will specifically listen to this again any time soon.
The xx
5/5
This album is a modern classic. The songs all use subtlety, quiet and minimalism to create an ambience and mood that lasts the whole album. Each song blends into the next and by the time the album is done it feels like you wish it would keep going. I feel like this is a great example of an album with no bad tracks and that it should be appreciated in its entirety. I also think the synth-electronic sound that they stumbled upon in making this album and used across all of the tracks has had a huge impact on modern music but it feels to me like The xx may have been the first ones to get it right quite this well. I'm sure this also received additional points from me for the nostalgia factor as this was in heavy rotation for a couple years of my life, especially effective in calming the anxieties of a dark and foggy maritime winter.
Caetano Veloso
4/5
Very cool Brazilian music! Love the use of percussion to create such a groove. Tons of interesting instrumentation and different song types on this album.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
Pretty funky and interesting album. I appreciate that these guys don't take themselves too seriously and seem to be having fun with their music. Also a cool blend of rock, rap and other influences that felt very original. All that being said the music didn't resonate with my personally very strongly and probably won't put this on again any time soon.
Buena Vista Social Club
5/5
After listening to Caetano Veloso, the Brazilian jazz fusion that came up in the generator a few days ago, Spotify automatically suggested a next album - which was this one by the Buena Vista Social Club. It actually led me to rate Caetano slightly lower than I may have, just because the music I was now listening to with Buena Vista Social Club was just soo good. In comparison Caetano needed a lower ranking.
This album is perfectly executed and produced. There are so many layers of depth to each song. There is so much warmth and joy in the music style, I feel like listening to it put me in a good mood. I wonder if maybe others may feel that this album is overproduced or a little too refined for "traditional" Cuban music, but to me the level of refinement was impressive and makes me feel that this album should be a staple of my "world music" rotation which I will definitely go back to.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
This album takes an automatic 5 stars from me! I have put this on many times before and often puzzled over why it felt so unique and intriguing. I didn't know until today that it was a masterclass in unique time signatures which the music nerd in me loves. But it's not just an impressive album, it's also a really enjoyable smooth listen. I think this is a great starting point to get in to jazz music. Another example of the biggest, most successful albums often having that success for very valid reasons, that they appeal to many different types of people, myself included.
Elvis Costello
3/5
I went back and forth on this album a couple times. There were parts I liked a lot, and there were some parts that felt were almost silly. I feel like Elvis Costello definitely knows what he is doing as a songwriter and an entertainer. Likely these somewhat silly bits are actually done with full intention and to a great effect. If I listened to this a few times, I think there is a good chance it would grow on me and generate I higher rating, but after one listen I'm not quite convinced.
Stereo MC's
3/5
This whole album sounds like the opening credits music to a 90's British crime movie. I am a fan of 90's British crime movies, but I do often feel like those long opening sequences, usually a car driving around rainy London at night, last just a little bit too long and can become tedious as you're waiting to the movie to start. This album wasn't offensive in any way, I actually found myself grooving along to a couple of the tracks, but it definitely is a bit too long, and a predictable.
Arcade Fire
5/5
I was initially surprised to see this on the list. We reviewed Funeral, Arcade Fire's debut album a couple months ago. That album in my mind is one of the quintessential indie albums of the early 20's. When I remember Neon Bible coming out, I didn't like it nearly as much as Funeral, but listening to his now I have no idea why I thought that. This album has all the theatrical intensity that Arcade Fire were known for with a little more focus in each song, a bit more upbeat, and absolutely huge crescendos, booming vocals and layered string arrangements. I know at some point in their career, Arcade Fire take a turn toward more rave / dancehall modern disco stuff(which I don't like nearly as much), but Neon Bible is still a perfect example of what made them stand out as a band and put them on the radar of music lover all over the world. Another album which im sure nostalgia plays some part in my bias, but I really enjoyed listening to this album as much as some of the other 5 stars on this list.
Erykah Badu
3/5
A well-produced, well executed and robust album in a genre that I really don't care all that much for. This is a bit of a theme as I try to navigate my way across 1001 albums....
I do see the appeal to this album, it's genuinely impressive and Erykah Badu is a very talented musician. The vocals are top notch. I think there was some experimentation on this album that worked well, it pushed the RnB genre forward and went outside the box. All this said, it didn't necessarily click with me in a way that leaves me wanting to come back for more, despite being happy to have heard it and genuinely impressed by it.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
4/5
What an album! Can't imagine there are going to be many on this list which will be quite as divisive, far out and generally wild as this one. I played it at work for some coworkers and it generated a pretty great heated conversation about the merits of art, modern art and experimentation. As a piece of provocative art this absolutely succeeds. There is just enough sustenance in the chaos to keep the listener engaged but it's still pretty thoroughly chaotic. You can definitely hear the influence on punk music but it also borrows from jazz, classical rock and beyond. Now would I readily put this into my rotation of "good music" I go for again and again? Absolutely not but I really enjoyed the experience of listening to and learning about this. I will round my rating up based on how affective this album was but acknowledge that there is a whole lot of context required to appreciate this album as much as I have.
Einstürzende Neubauten
2/5
This one was somewhat of a struggle to get through. Not because I didn't appreciate what they were doing, the influence and diy attitude are things I really enjoy. But at times the intensity of this album and the length together felt like the upper limits of what is tolerable to me for a causal listen. I think if I went to a performance art show and this was the backing track I would think "makes sense, I like it" but to try to listen to this as a stand alone album the way I would listen to my favourite music I have to admit I don't really get. I appreciate they are the godfathers of industrial music and this album in a lot of ways fascinates me but I can't in good faith review as "music that I really like".
Jeff Buckley
4/5
The first song lured me in under the misconception of some late 90's grunge inspired indie rock similar to Radiohead or Smashing Pumpkins. I knew of Jeff Buckley somewhere in my mind but couldn't place where. When I read the Wikipedia I remembered the story of his tragic death and also his version of Hallelujah. As the album went on I kept waiting for more intensity and noise but more of what I was getting was emotional intensity and subtlety. I did like this album and would probably like it even more if I was listening to it in a different mood. He is definitely a very talented musician and songwriter. There were some really creative elements thought the album: tablas, choirs, strings arrangements... But overall I found I was waiting for more of the rock elements that lured me in , in the first place. Still an impressive and unique album in many ways and I will probably try to give it another listen sometime soon.
Stephen Stills
4/5
The first half of this album sounds a lot like CSNY. You can really hear what Stephen Stills brought to that band. His style of super rhythmic acoustic guitar with positive easy going melodies is super synonymous with the sound of the late 60's and early 70's in my mind. Great music to listen to while sitting outside on a summer day. The second half of this album sounded alot more experimental to me. I can only imagine Stephen Stills pitching some of these songs to CSNY with the rest of the band looking on, puzzled ... I still enjoyed these tracks but they did feel a bit out of place on this album. There wasn't the same emotional intensity that CSNY may bring together, but in all an enjoyable and super smooth acoustic album.
Django Django
4/5
Wow, this may be well over 10 years old, but being my first time listening to Django Django this feels like a fresh new find. They are playing with some modern synth and computer based recording techniques but those don't overpower the actual songwriting and simple guitar and drum rhythms. This album totally pulled me in. It's super hypnotic and "trippy" but without the cliches of that often overplayed genre. I enjoyed listening to this and will check out more of these guys.
Pink Floyd
5/5
This album is an absolute behemoth of rock music. Not just in its levels of success, but also in its complexity (not to mention the length). I think alot of people would give this an automatic 5 stars, but I actually find a fair bit to be critical of. It certainly is indulgent and at times can feel a bit pretentious. The overly theatrical rock opera style, is one I personally have never been a fan of. And Roger Water's singing voice, as he portrays the "main character" of this epic can at times be a big irritating.
If any other band tried to pull off this album, given all those criticisms, I would expect the album to be a flop, but somehow, Pink Floyd absolutely pull this off. I listened to the album in two parts yesterday and then watched the movie The Wall after jits for good measure. After spending this much time taking it in, Im pretty much in awe at any being able to pull this off, or even have the audacity to try.
It is still probably my forth favourite Floyd album, but The Wall deserves all of the credit it gets.
Holger Czukay
4/5
The opening track with the heavily accented "get cool in the pool with me" was not exactly the type of hook to get me into an album. I was bracing for a tough listen, but pretty quickly the bass grooves and synth tones pulled me in to a trance. By the time more vocals came around it totally made sense to me and I was thoroughly enjoying my time. This feels like the type of music I would make given (a little more skill) and all the recording toys on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I'm not sure where it stands in term of "greatness" but as experimental, groovy German pop it certainly accomplished its goal.
Red Snapper
2/5
Nothing particularly unique or interesting about this one... Fairly smooth, driving beats, but I fail to see the cultural significance, creativity or emotional intensity that grant other albums a place on this list.
ABBA
4/5
Felt more like a Disney or musical album than I had expected, but ABBA's pop sound is pretty undeniably catchy. The lyrics on a couple tracks were borderline too cheesy, but taken at face value I think they achieved what they set out to do in making this album. Not my taste, but I am won over by how they can make me appreciate a genre or music I really don't care much for usually.
Pulp
4/5
What an entertaining album! Between the intense lyrics, dramatic themes and gritty raw execution this album drew me in on the first track and kept my interest throughout. Different Class, which we reviewed a couple months back, was the first time I had really listens to Pulp despite vaguely knowing about them for years. I liked that album but quickly forgot about it, probably a reflection of how much new music I have heard since then, but also possible it had something to do with it not making quite as strong an impression on me. This is Hardcore is the the realm of album that feel a little bit like you can't look away, waiting to hear what the next track will bring. By the end of the album the volume knob had crept up and writing this now I am considering going in for another listen. If I spent more time with this album I think it is likely it would grow on me more, and may warrant a 5 star rating.
The Stranglers
3/5
I feel like Rattus Norvegicus is the type of album you really have to buy into,.to appreciate. There is nothing to me that particularly stands out as especially unique or special (except possibly how much organ they use....). They're not especially at the top of their game as musicians, they weren't the first ones to create this genre, and the songwriting isn't amazing....yet there is some endearing quality to this album. They obviously don't take themselves too seriously and seem to be having fun playing. I think if I really tried to buy in, or had a friend who told me this was their favourite album ever and I had to give it a listen, I might come a way feeling more inspired or impressed. After one listen the whole thing just falls a little bit flat. Though I will probably have the song Peaches stuck in my head now for some time to come..
The Offspring
4/5
This album is like a slice of greasy take out pizza. Not particularly well done, potentially bad for your health but ingested at the right time and place it absolutely hits the spot. I listened to this loudly, in headphones, while working out on an exercise bike and that felt like absolutely the right time and place for this album. I think the simplicity of the formula - chugging guitars, double beats on the snare drum and high nasaly vocals, compliment eachother and become something bigger than their parts. Like the pizza, I probably wouldn't want to dissect this album too closely, nor would I want to eat this while craving something more wholesome, but in the right time and place it does its job.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
What to say about Marvin Gaye... This album started out a little slow. I read briefly about the concept for this album, chronicling Marvin and his wife divorcing, this sad theme and the slow start to this album made my initial impression not super positive. It felt a bit sleepy in general. Marvin Gaye's singing style is also a little bit all over, he sings outside of the melody of the song, he has an impressive range but sometimes this wild style can feel a bit much.
By the middle of the album I felt a bit more of a jazz feel and a bit more lively which I did like more, but by this point I was almost too warm out by the length. Overall not the best listening experience, despite recognizing some true talent and realizing why so many people hold him in such high regard, this wasn't quite for me.
Radiohead
5/5
What I think is most impressive about this album is how Radiohead masquerades as a traditional Rock Band, playing conventional instruments and songwriting techniques to create singles which get played on mainstream radio. They do this while also being able to use that format to create something like Ok Computer - this ridiculously complicated, thick, heavy artistic masterpiece. I remember hearing the song Paranoid Android for the first time when I was younger and getting into his type of music. It was an eye opening experience for me to hear how complex, complicated and intricate rock music could and somehow still fit into this relatively mainstream and excepted format. When I listened to the rest of the album it also hugely impacted my appreciation for listening and appreciating albums in their entirety. Each song has its own place on this album, each note its own place in the song, and the whole thing comes together to balance itself out. It's definitely not for the front of heart, theres a lot of anxiety and emotional intensity that comes through the album, but it feels like by the end it achieves a sense of resolve, saying to the listing. "Yes, this world is a messed up place to be, yet here we are together and we're going to be ok."
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Actually by the Pet Shop Boys feels like it has been sterilized - with all sounds put through the 80's mixing table and rendered into their digital core, void of any heart, feeling or musical substance.
Moby
3/5
From what I understand this was once a pretty cutting edge contribution to the electronic music genre, today it feels a little bit boring and mundane. I don't think it has aged badly or feels dated like a lot of other electronic music, it just doesn't necessarily sound that special or unique... This might be more of a reflection of Moby being well ahead of the trends, I think a lot of popular music of the last 25 years has borrowed from this sound and Moby probably deserves credit. To me this is a solid album done in a style that doesn't excite me too much.
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Some day, maybe with professional help, I may get to the bottom of my strong aversion to 80's pop music. For now, I will acknowledge and respect this intense emotional reaction, without quite understanding it. I tried to maintain an open mind listening to this, but I actually find in doing so I am more irritated by it. Something about the "over singing" layered on-top of the super cheesy 80's drum sounds, paired with the general bravado that the artist truly believed with is one of the greatest albums of all time.... To each their own, I don't want to yuck anyone else's yum, but this album is very much not my taste in music.
The National
5/5
When I saw this album pop up, I was at first surprised. I expected that The National would have at least one album on this list, but in my opinion Boxer and Trouble Will Find me were "better albums". I listened to this trying to find some criticisms that would reaffirm this idea but as the album went on I changed my mind and now maybe think High Violet is The National in their peak form. They have definitely found their style on this album, the dark, low, Leonard Cohen-esque vocals, airy, reverb heavy guitar and synth and the super tight and surprisingly technical drum bits that hold it all together. The only criticism I can really find is that they lean into this style so hard, there is not a ton of variation or experimentation on this album. For them though, it kinda works as one song carries into the next, before you know it the album is over and you are wishing for more.
Queens of the Stone Age
5/5
This album kicks ass!
Femi Kuti
4/5
Of the 250+ albums I have reviewed on here over the last several months, Zombie by Fela Kuti, is one of the most memorable ones. The music on that album was so outside of other albums I had listened too that it made a strong impact on me. I was excited to listen to this album, Femi Kuti's debut to see how he carried on his fathers legacy. Femi Kuti is super ambitious on his arrangements, using horn sections that almost felt like big band music, and layer after layer of rhythms and instruments. I actually thought at times there was too much going on and too much production on this album and that I might enjoy it a bit more if It was just a bit more subdued, but I did enjoy this quite a bit.