1001 Albums Summary

I like rock music from this era, but had never listened to a full album from this band. While I can appreciate what they did here, it didn’t really hold my attention for an entire album. By the end it was just an endurance test (I did listen to the whole thing). One or two tracks were good, but as a whole it was boring.

Very impressive debut album! Probably top 10 debut albums. I just loved the vibe, and feels like a sweet road trip playlist.

Groovy, bluesy, psychedelic, and a bit meandering.

This was a fun blast from the past. I might be underrating it because I listened to it while doing a bike workout whereas it would probably be better appreciated in the evening with a glass of wine.

This one had a cool modern rock vibe.

Groundbreaking for the time. I love the entire album the way it flows. Standout tracks will always be Venus in Furs and Heroin.

Classic! The Doors are so polarizing, people either love or hate them. Jim Morrison was a great performance artist

How is this my first time listening to this album?! It was great; I really like this style of punk.

Not for me.

Good album of modern prog. Rated 3 stars because the overarching concepts were done first and better by Radiohead.

This one just didn’t do it for me. Mellow Gold by Beck did this so much better.

I was surprised by this one, but I loved it! I want this one on vinyl in my collection!

Eagles are so great, I had never listened to this album, and im glad I did. Rating it a three, but really enjoyed the singles.

Great album, would have scored higher if it wasn’t a bunch of covers. Really well executed though

The original! Lots of raging against the machine.

One of the best grunge albums. This one hits hard. Angry Chair alone is a masterpiece.

Solid 60s rock album. I had never listened to a complete Who album before. Hoping there are a couple more to come.

That organ knocked it down to a 2 for me. I could definitely hear lots of metal roots on this on though.

I used to listen to this all the time when I was a kid. A staple in 80’s alternative.

I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. When it got picked, I thought I’d rate it a 2 maybe 3 stars at best. But, for a debut album, it was a really nice foreshadowing of what was to come. Clocking in at an economical time less than 36 mins, we experience the genius that is Eddie on guitar, and coupled with David Lee Roth’s playboy antics and howls, there isn’t a wasted minute here. Consider me “re fanned”.

This actually had catchy, harmonious rhythm. I was pleasantly surprised.

Classic.

Propelled by the title track, it is a fun album that loses steam about half way through, culminating in the disappointing oh yoko.

This one surprised me. I had only heard The Killing Moon (which slaps!) before. Real close to a 4 star

Solid album. I knew more doings than I thought I would. Kind of geek/cool/retro vibe, even at the time.

Fantastic debut album. I’m not a Foo Fighters fan, but in this debut Dave shows off his grunge / punk roots, by writing all the songs, playing all the instruments, and singing. This is FF before they became a dad rock band. I love every song.

This one surprised me. How had I never heard this album before? What is trip hop (I thought I knew, but now want to explore the genre more)? So much variety on this album, it really kept me engaged.

This is not for me. It sounds like a failed attempt at doing an artsy rip off of a Bowie album. Really bad.

Just not for me. The narration was annoying.

This one puts me in the mood to make sweet love to my honey and fuck all night!

Stand out solo debut from Iggy..that version of China Girl was awesome. I loved the overall vibe

This. Album. Rocks! Only 50 or so albums in, but this has been the best find on the list so far. Great variety, pulsing and melodic metal, and the lead singer’s voice is simply amazing.

Trippy, fun, psychedelic

Smooth soul

Good album from Stevie. I might have rated it higher, but listened to this and Marvin Gaye, and Al Green within just a few days, and I’m wanting a new genre.

Not my jam. Too hokey, and soooooo long

Smooth rhymes delivered over a jazzy beat.

The opening title track was nostalgic, and the album kept the good beats and same vibe throughout. Rating 2 stars because this was really a one hit wonder, and it was quite repetitive.

Great opening track in Gimme Shelter, and fantastic closer You Can’t Always get What You Want, songs in between are good, but not great. The Rolling Stones have better albums, I’m still glad I listened to this one.

These are the anthems of our youth. I hadn’t listened to this in years, put it on and could sing along like an angsty 10th grader. Add it up will always be my favorite but I had forgotten how good the rest of the album was, Promise, Kiss off, Good feelings, there isn’t a skip track on the record.

Fresh sounds, clever wordplay, teeny pop late ‘90’s style.

I really like Kraftwerk and appreciate how influential they have been to so many electronic acts to follow. I hadn’t heard this one before, and really dug the vibe. Eating it a 3 because I don’t see myself listening to it again, but looking forward to Tour de France (if it’s on the list). This album is another great example of why I’m doing this project…I never would have gotten around to listening to it otherwise!

The sounds either started out sounding like a Christmas song, or nursery rhyme, at one point I even heard Wizard of Oz, but then they would settle into a chill vibe with soothing female vocals. I really enjoyed this one, but can’t see revisiting it often.

Timeless, Little Richard. So much energy on this one that it’s hard not sing & dance along.

Singer / songwriter skills showcased at peak. This album has big songs, lots of piano, percussion, some sax and of course guitar. Title track is amazing!

She had me at “Fuck and Run”.

Strong Debut album, a bit experimental which I would expect no less from Bjork. The singles are the highlights and Human Behavior is on my favorite lists from this time period.

Better than I thought it was going to be, is this the original blues? If not, a lot of copy / paste going on as every song had that stereotypical blues elements.

I had never heard of this band. A lot of energy, and each song sounds different which keeps the album interesting.

Discovered this band watching High Fidelity, and dove into their main 3 albums for 2 or 3 years. That was about 20 years ago (time flies!) at my writing these notes. It was fun to re-discover this one.

Original, atmospheric, goth!

This one got old quick. Albums with all covers don’t belong on this list. 2 stars because she does have a good voice.

This one brings me back to the good old days. Classic Sonic Youth!

This was a short punchy blues album. Also loved the guest female vocalist near the end. Just as I was starting to wonder how long the album was, it concluded. Great album for a certain mood.

This was my first Primal Scream album. I feel like I’m missing something…maybe you have to see the movie? This album was all over the place. Maybe it grows on you over multiple listens, but I’ll never know. Eating a 2, because there were points when I thought they were on to something only to change directions again

Trippy!

Psychedelic gem!

First time listen and it was okay. I was expecting more, but must have been overhyped. Still a pretty solid album.

What else can be said about this masterpiece?

I’m not sure why this is such an essential album. Rod Steward grates on my nerves after awhile. 2 stars because that first song, lol.

Did we REALLY need to experience this? I’m assuming Back to Black is also on the list and that would suffice for this sound.

New Orfer definitely has better albums, but this was a fun, poppy, new wave listen.

A masterpiece and not even my favorite album by Pink Floyd.

Brilliant!!

A little bit mixed, when it was good it was really good, but also had some pretty bad wtf moments.

Late 70’s country-rock. This was pretty catchy and surprised me how much I liked it. Stand out tracks are West Texas Waltz and Cornbread Moon.

The queen of pop had not yet made a bad album upon this release. In fact, each was better than the last. This was pop queen for several decades, and a slice of her prowess at its peak. Stand out is Express Yourself, followed by the title track and pretty much everything else, (props to prince)!

At times loud, noisy, brash; other times more quiet and endearing, always electric. A little self indulgent at certain points, but who am I to fault this artistic genius?!

This was pretty relaxing, unique music that I wouldn’t normally listen to. I went in thing I’d hate it because I didn’t like the sounds of India album, but this was decent.

Solid southern rock.

I might be underrating this one as it seems like there would be more things to pick up on with repeat listens. At times jazzy, funky, blusey. It was all over the place, which should have worked for me, but somehow didn’t.

Another great Beatles album. It’s hard to imagine rating this less than 4/5 stars. It’s packed with so many catchy short tunes. Stand out tracks are In My Life and Norwegian Wood.

Soulful!

I was looking forward to listening to this, but ended up disappointed. Nothing memorable, no real stand out tracks.

Sounds very similar to many other albums from this time with no real stand out tracks.

After the first two songs I thought this band sounded similar to Flaming Lips, then I read the summary and saw there was a connection. Chill vibe and easy, fun listen.

So retro, yet so fresh at the same time. I’ll be looking forward this one next time I’m in a record store.

Just beautiful! This is the second album in a row that I will actively seek out the next time I go to the record store.

Beautiful album

I grew up listening to old school punk, so this felt like home. Short, compact and punchy.

Great energy on this album. The instrumental songs were all good. The songs with lyrics have the sound of their era, but still somehow sounded fresh.

It had its moments, for sure. 911 is a joke in your town!

Wtf? Someone’s pissed as hell about something, I just can’t quite make out what it is.

If only this was a self parody, it would be genius! Either way, I’ll never subject my ears to this again. Not my jam.

Poppy disco fun.

I’ve really enjoyed this album over the years. I wonder how I would have rated it if I was unfamiliar with the band, and was listening for the first time. Probably wouldn’t be a 5 star because it’s kind of an acquired taste. I first listened to it with the benefit of having my ears accustomed to the unique song structure and overall feel of Kid A. So nice to revisit this one!

Kind of sleazy lyrics set to 70’s soft rock. Loved it!

Average 90’s Brit pop/tock. Not bad, but pretty forgettable and definitely not essential listening.

Nostalgia feel, especially for Tom Sawyer and Limelight. Cohesive sound held the album together.

GOTH!! Like, the kind you dance to at late-80’s goth clubs. This one was a staple.

Average 70s rock

Fantastic debut album. Punk, post punk, new wave, all delivered with Chrissie Hynes’ signature avant guard delivery.

Such a great album, with no real duds. I even like Mother, haha.

First Queen album! Love the band, but usually listen to the greatest hits. This was good, I just felt like most songs just ended and the transitions weren’t really there. It didn’t really flow for me despite loving the band and the sound.

This man creates a mood. A melancholy mood, like no other.

Phenomenal album, still hits so hard over 50 years later. Still very relevant, too.

At first, you can hear a fresh, wild energy. Then, so much repetition. Repetition between songs in mostly the same beat and within songs where the same lyrics are just repeated over and over again. I myself will not give this a repeat listen.

I feel compelled to listen to this again in the near future while at the same time not thinking it is spectacular.

Ah, Frank Zappa - mostly annoying but at times genius. I can definitely see how this would influence bands like Ween, Dead Milkmen, or even Butthole Surfers.

This was more psychedelic than I thought it would be. Good trippy bohemian style pop. The 3 singles really carried the album, with the other songs seeming mostly muted, especially at the end.

What a debut! I knew almost every song. Guitar driven new wave with synth isn’t necessarily a recipe for success, but this was executed perfectly.

That was a whole lot of guitar pickin and fiddlin. It was definitely something different in this sea of Brit pop & rock. It was pretty dang long though.

Me and my fellow teenaged siblings used to sing “unhappy birthday” to each other on our respective anniversary around the sun. So, I can’t help but harken back to on those days while listening to this gem by the Smiths.

That vibrating voice was really grating and distracting making this one unlistenable for me. I did somehow listen to the whole thing though, never again!

Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy! Oh man, rest in peace! This is hard. Great album, bluesy, guitar driven and those drums…! Not quite at the Paranoid level, but so close.

This sounds very much the same as a lot of other bands in the same era. A lot of repetitive lyrics within the sounds, song 2 sounded like a rip off from “Breed”, with repeats of “she said”. Overall, not very impressed with this band despite really liking Husker Du.

My first Bowie! I’m sure there have to be many of his other albums on this list. This one is solid, but just doesn’t rise to the level of “top x to represent this artist”. It’s still Bowie though! I’m glad I listened.

Cee Lo can throw down some rhymes, no doubt. It as also cool to see him assume different styles of rap throughout the album. My “beef” is that it was a bit bloated, and feel like at least 3 songs could have been culled, and the most of the remaining songs could use a 15% edit/trim.

Well, that was mediocre at best. Not sure how this album from 2018 made this list.

A spirited man on a piano bellowing out tunes. I was cool with it for like 3 songs (helped by the famous opener “tiny dancer” - never realized that song was over 6 minutes, good lord!), but got old quick.

Initial listen gave me a solid tour of late 70’s punk/post punk scene. Rating a three…I’m way behind on my list, but when I catch up I’m definitely giving this one another listen or two (along with PJ Harvey).

I saved this one for a road trip, and was so glad I did. Just a groovy vibe throughout. I feel like George Harrison is an underrated Beatle.

You can really hear the seeds of punk evolution on this album. Fantastic inclusion on this list, but it also highlights how they missed including this bands debut (Damned x 3).

It’s well produced, I’ll give it that. But, this isn’t anything new and certainly isn’t essential listening. Feels like the ‘bohemian’ aspect of this music hit just the right nerve upon release, but like the name of the band, this feeling is fleeting, and easily replicated by other recordings.

This album while not offensive, so very samey, and very woah, woah, whoa-ey. Fine background music for trending cafes, but plenty of other, better albums that would satisfy the mood of this one.

I liked how this album had "harder" songs on it, and I really like Queen singles, but I have yet to find a "good" Queen album.

Classic Marley. This music is so chill and generally upbeat. Makes me want to vacation in the Caribbean. Good background music

Just a gal and her guitar, singing about first loves, and Elvis Presley. Very slow, very boring.

Hardcore 90’s hip hop. I really liked how each rapper came out with their own style and just threw down their rhymes. Culturally significant, but not really my genre and I doubt I’ll ever give it another spin.

Prince was such a funky genius!

This was my second Neil Young album so far, and this one was so much better than Tonight's the Night. I could actually see listening to this one again if the right mood struck.

That was fun, looking forward to this on vinyl next record store day.

Interesting album, but a bit uneven. There were a lot of cool tracks, but also some duds...I think that gravelly voice works really well but can also be grating at times.

I was really stoked when I drew this album. Love the funky trumpets, and eclectic jazzy feel, songs to clap along with, etc. But the live format didn’t really do it for me. Too much distracting background noise and screaming.

Great music for a rainy day. While very good, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as most of his other work.

This is everyone’s favorite Cure album, but I actually think more than a couple of their earlier ones were superior. To be clear: This is a GREAT album and I enjoyed revisiting it.

I never was a Judas Priest fan back in the day. Didn’t love them or hate them, so never listened to this album until now. Hearing it for the first time, almost all songs are bangers and had a very nostalgic feel for me. Like every song was so familiar, probably heard as background in smoky pool halls during my mid-spent / misfit youth. Brought me back to that time! The drums, that guitar, and signature vocals really make for a cohesive album.

This one started off strong, and I thought this would be a 4 star album. It's still a strong album, but to me Neil Young straddles being earnest, soulful, singer / songwriter with coming across whiney. A couple of these songs tipped too far into the whiney to award 4 stars.

Timeless soul classics!

This record really challenges song structure conventions. I’ve loved it from the first listen, and this was a great excuse to give it another listen.

Nice album, benefitted from a resurgence as the lead single was a key song in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.

I couldn't really get into this one. I mean, it wasn't BAD, but it just felt like a collection of songs with no coherent theme. Also, kind of same-y with a lot of other bands of that era.

Such an excellent, chill vibe. I really dig this group. One of the best discoveries so far in doing this project!

This one surprised me in a very good way. Tempted to offer 5 stars on this one, but I think that could only be justified with several re-listens. One of the stronger 4 star ratings I've given.

This one was "quieter" than I was expecting, but had a nice vibe.

Not sure if even a NIN remix would help this one. It’s also a shame because she does have a beautiful voice.

Mid 90’s brit pop/rock poorly done.

Dad's yacht rock done right!

This was like listening to Boys Noize, while waiting for NIN to play during the Peel It Back Tour.

average techno-y album. decent background music, but I don't see actively seeking this album again.

Good harmonies, and representative of rock music of that era, but just so bland.

FUNK!! Love it!

Mostly chill instrumentals sprinkled with female vocals and a few low key male raps. I don't think I'd consider this a MUST listen...I don't regret listening to it, just wouldn't seek it out again.

Rock 'n Roll at its finest! Every song on this album is a hit, and for good reason.

This takes me back. I remember when Fell In Love With A Girl came out, and saw them play at a small gig in D.C. At the time they sounded retro, but on this listen it was almost post modern. Timeless appeal. Jack White us a musical genius!

Standard rave music; I guess good for background music when working, but there are better sounds for even that.

Definitely a cool vibe and fitting a certain nostalgia/ melancholy mood. I didn’t realize going in that it was a double album. What starts out as a cool vibe, just ends up dragging by the end.

solid live album.

I love this album. Every track brings me back to being 12-14 and full of life, while also discovering so much new and interesting music. Still very relevant today.

This was a wonderful discovery and perfect for my mood when I listened. I can see how most would hate this though.

Solid punk album. This is what I’m here for!

Grunge era skater punk!

Groundbreaking album and so influential for so many bands to come!

Great pre-punk addition. Can hear the influence on subsequent punk acts in every song (including the album closer LA Blues).

I haven’t listened to anything from these guys in years. But, I always thought I kind of liked their radio hits. Unfortunately, there are only two on this album and not even their best. Almost all of the songs are too long by a minute. I think with some editing and removal of the first song this would be a decent album.

Very coherent, consistent Bowie style glam. What’s not to love?

The world needs more female lead punk rock bands!

I enjoyed this folksy 70's ride!

Jethro Tull! I was excited for this one, and it started strong but was really just okay-ish by the end.

I had no idea what to expect going in to this one, but was pleasantly surprised. It has a really cool, jazzy feel throughout, overlayed with a Stevie Wonder singing style overlay.

To me this is another view of the gritty L.A. that G ‘n R’s Appetizer for Destruction introduced, but more bohemian. Just a perfect snapshot of the time, yet still sounds so fresh. Giving it a five even though drugs and excess have seemed to have beaten Perry. Still pulling for you, bro!

nope, not my style.

Fucking unbelievable that this came out in 1973

You know what you're getting with Frank. This was cozy.

Janis! Bluesy JJ!

Bland

This album starts off with the Americana banger, American Pie, which is a such a great sing along classic. The album drops off a cliff after this song into boring dribble-drabble that never really recovered. The slight exception is The Grave near the end which I would have rated stand alone 3 stars. Giving this album 2 stars feels generous.

LA rock stars. This album was way ahead of its time, loved it from first discovery.

Kind of okay for background music, but overall pretty disappointing. I don't see actively seeking this out again.

Legendary trip hop. This is the album so many others tried (unsuccessfully) to surpass.

This is not the ABBA that I’m familiar with. Weird, but I mean that in both good and bad ways. There were a couple songs near the beginning that I really dug, the album held me for at least 4 maybe 5 songs, then, there was a series of stripped down singer/songwriter ish songs that seemed to deviate from the then modern synth driven beat. It sort of fell apart, tried to redeem itself at the end but didn’t quite make it.

New Wave, which I usually like, but this was really annoying and too long.

The Beach Boys are psychedelic on this one! Groovy.

Solid rock album, highlights were the singles. Good preview of what they would become with the next album.

smooth as silk

This album had a really cool vibe. Chill, after hours type trip hoppy feel. Mostly female vocals, but some cool integration with male rapping voice. When I learned that Tricky was part of Massive Attack, I wasn't really surprised because of such a similar vibe. Although, I have to admit I have preferred the two MA albums on this project better than this one. Still very solid.

Classic Bowie. This one really holds together as a cohesive album and one that I definitely want to revisit as I had only heard a couple of songs before. Thoroughly enjoyed, even the mostly instrumental second half.

This is such a fantastic album, not one skip track. I hadn't listened to it in a few years but loved every moment. It was on heavy rotation for me for several years.

This was such a great surprise! I misunderstood that it was the band Firehouse and delayed listening to it for a few weeks. I really liked the light punk sensibiliities and compact delivery.

Need some cheese with all this whine

chill funk. I enjoyed the vibe and appreciate this addition to the list.

This album does a good job of showcasing each individual band members talents at various part of it. Pretty standard prog album though, nothing too groundbreaking.

This is one of my favorite REM albums and takes me back to my carefree childhood days. Improved production and clarity of Stipes lyrics were dramatic steps up from prior releases (although I enjoy those prior releases a lot too!)

These guys have a lot of talent. Cool light rock / blues vibe from these artists from Africa.

Such an awesome strong start! Was great to hear the vibe continue throughout, a little mid lull, but solid finish. New album on my rotation: unlocked.

I usually don’t like cover albums, but something about the Willie Nelson delivery and crisp production combined for a great rainy day vibe.

Classic Beatles! Great collection of poppy 60's rock.

One of my favorite Rolling Stones albums, just such a rocking vibe throughout. At times jazzy a bit bluesy while maintaining a good hard rock feel

Solid hard rock entry. I enjoyed this one more than their debut. Smoke on the Water, Never Before, and Highway Star are the standout tracks.

My first full Bob Marley album, was as expected. Good vibes

Gritty gangsta late 1950's country!

A good late 60’s singer songwriter, reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, but less dark and bleak. A bit of melancholy but more of a nostalgia feel.

Beautiful album, not at all what I expected. I didn't even know to expect a female lead singer. I'll be looking to add this to my vinyl collection soon.

This album was perfect for me today. Walking in to the office, bracing myself for a chaotic Monday at work, and to hear the soothing voice of Stevie bringing me back to the things in life that really matter.

Darker than I thought it would be. A couple of songs were reminiscent of Joy Division. Pleasantly surprised!

Better than I was expecting. I mean, I knew Somebody to Love and White Rabbit were both fantastic, just wasn’t expecting such a cohesive album. Groovy!

Had long, boring lulls.

I’ve loved this album since it was released. Creative breakthrough! The hits just kept coming. Lodi Dodi is my all time favorite but there is a lot more to like.

Whimsical album that seemed to constantly straddle being interesting-arty-novel and downright annoying.

This one was all over the place and at first I hated it. The second half was pretty strong and by the end, I thought it was great. I think I’d benefit from repeated listens. Given the mixed bag, rating it a strong 3.

Solid foundational metal album

Just what you would expect, nothing more / nothing less. The radio hits held this one together.

basically unlistenable

Sublime

Pretty catchy, probably would rate higher if I understood the lyrics.

This was a good poppy, new wave, with a bit of jazzy elements. Our House was the standout track, but a couple others were pretty good too on second half of album.

Nope, nope, nope. That Voice…!

Hugely influential album, often praised as the bands best (but I know that Surfer Rosa is better). “Loud quiet loud” and “voice as an instrument” really play out on this album as does the juxtaposition of gruffy Frank Black to the sweet Kim Deal. Just a phenomenal album that I still get excited to listen to today.

Hokey, corny, cheesy, late 90’s tropey, but I kind of enjoyed it in a strange way.

Dismissed as a one hit wonder, this one flew under the radar. Beautiful voice well produced good song construction.

Very chill indy music done well. Not as strong as the other two albums I have heard from this band.

Strong opening that was hard to live up to. Overall pretty solid early 70’s singer songwriter.

Would pair nicely with some Molly.

Average Brit rock from the 90s, saved by song2

I find that I like ska in small doses. I was definitely ready for this one to end about 2/3 of the way through. Shout out to A message to you Rudy (Sublime sampled), Do the Dog, and Concrete Jungle.

There is just something about the art rock vibe of Talking Heads that resonates with me. David Byrnes’ chunky delivery, the pulsing drums, jangly guitar, driving baselines all come together as musical bliss to my ears.

Somewhat interesting hip hop, but wasn't particularly groundbreaking

new wave, artsy pop music, very influential and ahead of its time. Why wasn't this band more popular? I know they had more than one single, but they still come across as a one hit wonder. Maybe too gay?

This is the culmination of U2 in the 80’s. The first half is so good, with a lot of good songs on the second half as well.

This is an often overlooked quintessential 90s staple. Shirley Manson delivers over wide range of hard rock if the time, sometimes feeling grungy next proto industrial back to hard rock and moody lounge.

pretty chill. Peak with self titled, but cool background music.

After the 3 album run The Bends, Ok Computer, and Kid A / Amnesiac, this was a let down. With this Re listen, I do appreciate the artistry of composition.

Hardcore 90’s rock. Pretty good, but nothing really standout

This is not a top album from this band. Gone are the goth / industrial intrigue, replaced with late 80's guitar riffs. Still a solid band for the era!

This seems to be everyone’s peak REM, but to me it is a little bit too well produced. I like my REM a little more raw. This one does have a couple of bangers and really like the way it ends. Those last 4 songs are so epic, especially Nightswimming!

Rock and roll!

Slow, sleepy. I do think this one would grow on me with repeated listens, unfortunately my re-spin list is already long and this is way way down.

Solid metal album.

Enjoyable synth pop.

I thought that I really like Bjork (casually having not worked my way through her catalogue though loosely familiar with her body of work). This one never really took off for me though. I kind of see the appeal it would have for some, but just not for me.

Nostalgia! Man, listening to these jams brought me back to my bad ass youth. I felt so fucking cool listening to this album, although I does fee a bit dated.

This was actually much better than I was expecting. I was prepared to hit 1 and move on; don't know why that name somehow made me think of a bad rock star early 2000's. Anyway, different artist, different genre.

Solid indie, great female lead!

Good voice and vibe, but kind of same-y

Wtf? I’m being generous in my rating here.

This really is peak U2, they were never more re-inventive than this. The Fly alone mints this album but round it out with the rest and ifs just pop rock perfection.

This is actually the first Dylan album that I have actually listened to. Definitely strong singer songwriter props, which scores high in my book, need to fully acquire that nasally voice to move up. I see from other comments that this is just the start or a BD journey throughout this list. Let’s see if he moves up or down from here.

Interesting, yet he is nowhere near as good solo compared to pixie catalogue.

Amazing album, I really love early Talking Heads. Same quirky band just a bit more raw.

This was pretty cool. I was turned off by the cheesy cover, but the pre-punk, 70's rock vibe really worked.

I was totally prepared to rate this a 1 going in, based on very limited exposure to the artist. But, after giving this a listen, I found it to be smooth, soulful and romantic(?). Not bad. Not my genre and a little inconsistent, but overall very solid.

Classic Metallica! Those first four albums hit so hard for me. I know all the criticisms on low tuned bass, and I agree. But this album slaps. Every song rocks. Maybe it just brings me back to days of being a young 13 year old badass unaware that grunge was about to break and my entire life outlook about to change

I like Bowie, but this wasn’t anywhere near the top of his output.

Not my genre, tried really hard to keep an open mind, but that voice…

Not my genre, tried really hard to keep an open mind, but that voice…

I can see how this is kind of different, just not for me.

Surprised by how good this album really is! Perfect representation of peak 70’s country.

Always considered this artist a one hit wonder. Nothing really stands out here.

Mature band still putting out great music. This one delivers in the trademark yet re-invented sound.

Indie!

I could hear Arctic Monkeys here…that saved it.

This was such a wonderful, chill easy rock album. It was perfect for the work I was doing while listening. It was a little bit same-y, which I usually don't like, but somehow worked for this album.

It is a crime that this is the only TP album on this list! Not his strongest, but an amazing debut.

Amazing voice, great biography…heroic, really. I clicked along during the click song. It’s just a lot to listen to in a foreign language.

This was the pick me up album on the indy scene at the time. Still holds!

This is the height of FUNK. SuperFUNK

Dark and quirky, yet typical Tom Waits. Unlike so much else on this list, so at least it has that going for it.

I wasn’t really blown away with this one.

Received on Christmas Day, my first since I started…Album #261! Perfect for today, obviously.

Crazy to me how these all/mostly covers albums were so popular at the time, crazier still that they would be included in top album lists, and craziest of all that I found myself enjoying this album. I mean, I see it for what it is, but bonus stars because she has a killer voice.

Groovy! This was also “fresh” in an inexplicable way.

Metallica reinvented themselves with this album and broke into the mainstream. Personally, I prefer their catalog through …And Justice For All, but at the same time it was good to see a bit of creative growth (cough: sellout :cough).

Easy listening..better than I expected.

One of my favorite bands, this album just outside my top 5 SY albums.

I wasn’t expecting so much jazz infusion and I just loved it.

I don't always like Nick Cave albums, but when I do, I like them a lot. This is one of those that is just so great! Consistent, moody, edgy throughout with great energy.

This was just the perfect album for today! Friday, Jan 2, 2026, first day back at work (from home) after being off for two days over the holidays and catching up on old emails and planning the year with this as background music. So therapeutic! This project has made me discover how much I love the Basso Nova vibe!

Honestly,, I was kind of dreading listening to this, so it was all the more surprising to actually enjoy it. It was really pleasant background music. I wish I understood the lyrics.

Some really great songs, songwriting, and instrumentation. I hadn’t listened to it in years, and was pleased to see the peaks are still there: Black Mirror, Keep the Car Running, Intervention, (Antichrist superstar blues), are all fantastic! Not quite as good as their debut, as it has its pretty average parts too.

After reading a little about this album I was interested in how this would play out unfortunately, there weren’t really any stand out moments and it was pretty boring. Sad story about the artist, though.

DK is my favorite punk band and this album is so epic! Despite being punk music, this is a lot different than other punk acts at the time. More like “alternative punk”, with distinctive vocals driving bass (see California uber alles and Holiday in Cambodia) and variety in lead guitar. Lyrics are a bit sophomoric, but it’s what I grew up on!!

My 3rd Arcade Fire album…I pulled them in order. This one starts and ends very strong, but with such a lull in the middle, it makes it kind of a drag to get through, especially given the length. I was a huge fan of their debut, and own these first three albums, but the trend for me was 5, 4, 3. This project had me dust all 3 off and nothing has changed. I haven’t even followed the band after this release, but now mildly curious to check out their more recent output. So, at least there’s that.

I found this to be a beautiful album. Soulful, jazzy, bluesy, all delivered through a beautiful voice. I really dug it.

So well produced and every song is a banger. Quintessential 80’s pop rock. SHOUT!

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would and even recognized several songs (I’m not a country fan). That said, the production was pretty bad.

Classic Cure. This is my favorite album by this band. So dark and gloomy…those drums!

Another Brit rock band, this one from the mid 90’s. I actually really enjoyed the variety of this one and was fun to sing along and re-visit a couple of the hits. The album flowed nicely and was just the right length. Still not overly memorable, and certainly not higher than 3 stars.

No, no, no

Kind of chill, kind of annoying, totally forgettable

Nostalgia 5! This brings me back. Not even my favorite album by this band.

A lot better than I thought it would be. Also arising different and better than Pimp a Butterfly

At little bit uneven yet fun listen.

I had forgotten how many singles came off this album. Mid 90s this album was everywhere.

Such a fun, nostalgic album to listen to. I really enjoyed re-visiting this one. At times deep yet playful throughout.

Pretty chill, tango music I guess?

I listened to this album and then read the reviews and was surprised to see it was released in the 60’s. It was okay, I liked the song cadence up until that last song, which just went on forever!

So annoyingly meandering both across and within songs.

Early Beatles standard offering of short poppy rock tunes. I prefer later Beatles albums, and with some many from their catalogue already on this list, this one felt like it could be dropped to pick up something / anything else.

This one had a quiet and then loud rawness about it that just resonated so well.

Cheesy 80s music at its worst.

Grew up on this album without knowing that I grew up on this album.

Interesting addition to the list. I really liked it, and I’m glad I gave it some time.

Jack White is just so effortlessly cool! His song writing, musicianship, poppy hooks with layers of guitar, piano, and multiple other instruments, all delivered with his distinctive voice and inflection just works so well every single time.

Minus one star for the length, definitely could use some trimming. Plus one star for Beautiful People. Separating the art from the artist, this is a decent album expressing very dark emotions and mindset

Funky, but seemed copycat.

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would based on a scan of the reviews.

This was pretty chill. The disposable vape probably helped a lot.

Beautiful voice, great late 60’s vibe.

Fantastic Album, I think this is my favorite Bowie album, so consistent and so many bangers.

Nothing too horrible, but also nothing special

This is by far the best album of his, I mean, I grew up loving “Heart of Gold”, but for some reason, I just can’t stand an entire albums worth of the man’s voice. I mean a song or two, I’m all in; just amazes me how quickly I’m all out.

Beautiful album, peak Sabbath, peak Ozzy!

Another great discovery! A helpful reminder for why I’m doing this list.

Average Dylan, very distinctive voice / harmonica combo here…a bit too much for such a long album. Could have been trimmed down a bit.

I get the context, but this is just boring to me for the most part.

I was soooo looking forward to this and it just didn’t deliver as I had hoped. Generously rounding up to 3, but only because Battery wasn’t slaughtered.

This was pretty original and I’m sure “alternative” of the time. Probably at least +/- 1 after a couple relistens.

Deep melancholy as would be expected. Not as strong as some of his earlier work, but the man is just a pleasure to listen to.

This is why I’m doing this project. I really enjoyed this album, so interesting to see this band was a pioneer of glam.

A lot of lush layer guitar arrangements creating atmospheric composition. The songs are all a bit too long though.

So many other bands in this category should have replaced this album for this year.

Sweet love, sweet Jesus this was smooth.

So melancholy yet hopeful.

Early U2 are my favorite version of the band.

This was really strange and never really clicked for me.

A male female duo delivers pop lyrics back by a synth beat. Sounds cooler than it was. Needed more 80’s synth new wavey…could have worked.

Typical Dylan, but this one didn’t seem to grate on me like most of his does around the 3/4 mark.

Bluesy, indie, fresh — I appreciated this album. Solid 3.5 and feeling generous I’ll round up.

Expecting to hate, but this was pretty good.

This was really enjoyable background jazz while doing yardwork.

Being familiar with Public Enemy, I knew what to expect, but was surprised at how fresh a lot of it sounded. Very cohesive album.

I really enjoyed this fun, jazzy album. Made me want to dance, but I was driving…

I was not expecting this, but what a quirky delight!

Solid album, held up by the familiar singles.

My least favorite Beck album. But, it’s still Beck…

This clicked with me. Nostalgic Romance vibes.

This was an interesting addition. Being a double album, it was a bit long, but I dig the story of self recording 3/4 of the album himself.

This is the classic rock that I grew up with!

Mostly boring. It did have some unique sounds like birds tweeting. Not my jam.

This album was held up by the singles, nothing much else to see here except the off kilter boring first song or the off kilter quirky interesting closer. The singles are only just ok

Bluesy, bar rock! I can smell thick cigarette smoke, that spilled half pitcher of beer, pool stick chalk…

Cash is King. This was brilliant and pretty darn funny too.

I had never listened to an album by this band. I really dug it. This is what I came here for, will put this on my rotation.

I didn’t connect with this one, quite the opposite.

Nothing overly exciting nor offensive. Avg rock sound.

This album goes well with a pina colada on beach vacation. Generic background music for doing the limbo on too much rum. Not really for every day listening and quickly turns to background music

Average

Strong Bowie album! Short and sweet, but packed with that unique Bowie charm.

Nothing wrong with and it has a chill lowkey vibe, just nothing too special either.

Groovy slice of 70’s.

A masterclass in groovy beats covered in clever, relevant, pop culture / cool snapshot / time capsule dripping in effortless cool, samples galore…what’s not to love?! This was so far ahead of its time it still feels fresh today.

No, no, no

Good musicians and I’m glad I listened, just not for me.

Pretty chill album, got a little boring in the middle, not bad just not memorable.

Another perfectly fine album that is completely forgettable.

Smooth and jazzy as ever.

Wtf?! + 1 star for concept, + 1 for drums, + 1 for all other instrumentation, -1 for incomprehensible lyrics delivered via annoying voice. Wtf?!

There is just something comfortable about listening to this music that’s hard to describe, while also being a bit inventive for its time.

So deliciously dirty. My only complaint is a lot of the songs could have been trimmed down a bit. No denying the man was a musical genius.

This band really knows how to craft catchy tunes. Off the peak of Rumors, this is still a great album.

I like this one way more than I thought I would. Generally not a big Rush fan. I don’t hate them, just think they’re over hyped. This probably hit my mood just right.

This is a big sample loop nothing burger

This had so much more variety. Surprisingly theatrical variety, but I dug it. Kicked off by such an epic perennial.

Rod Stewart grates on my nerves after awhile. Which is why it really surprised me that I like the second half of this album. Everything from Maggie Mae on was pretty good.

Blah blah blah

This one really surprised me in a great way. I listened to it in two very different settings and it worked so well. This was instantly my in my top 3 Beatles albums.

A few standout songs, but pretty average listen overall.

Funky and soulful all in one. Great addition to this list.

This was a strange one.

I was waffling between an 2 and 3, leaning heavily towards a 2 due to the repetition and no real distinction between other hip hop acts of the time. Further reflecting this evening, and you know what? It was a good day. I wouldn’t have had that depth of thought without having listened this earlier in the day.

LL Cool J is so tough on this album.

Excellent at its several peaks, but over the top misogyny (even for its time) drops it.

Nothing special but nothing overly offensive to the ears either. I like their hits, but didn’t see any on this album.

Definitely unique…kept me on my toes

Every once in awhile there was a small spark, but pretty boring overall.

Hard to believe this is a sophomore release, it seems like a greatest hits album. Seems like this poor 21 year old has experienced a lot of heartache for someone so young…must have started early.

Okay-ish

So boring!

A good pop rock album representative of its time while also pushing the envelope a little.

Love Zeppelin albums, while great a bit mid by their standards