Nothing explains the scarcely believable journey this little pub band from Deptford went on than this album. Brothers in Arms isn't my favourite Dire Straits album (in fact I rank it fourth or fifth in their six album catalog), but the worldwide effect it had upon release in 1985 was truly special. Money for Nothing is the obvious standout, with that utterly unique opening riff and Sting's backing vocals (now THAT is a good story), but Walk of Life always puts a smile on my face also. It's a 5, but their 1978 debut album (also on this list) is, in my opinion, their best.

Rambling, overblown mush by a legend who should really have known better. "'Tis a Pity she was a Whore" and "I Can't Give Everything Away" are the only highlights, the rest is largely filler.

Live albums are always fun, and Sam Cooke was possibly one of the greatest singer showmen in history before his untimely death. "Bring it on home to me" is the highlight for me, gorgeous song. Enjoyed this one!

I think of the Libertines the way I think of “The Fratellis”. Do I love “Chelsea Dagger”? Yes. Does that make me want to listen to the rest of their back catalogue? No.

A classic album and for damn good reason. Stevie Wonder is one of those artists who is instantly recognisable and utterly unique. Really enjoyed this one!

Classic album, especially for fans of 80s synths and excess (like me!) standouts - Hold Back the Rain and Save a Prayer for me, deeper cuts than the usual Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf.

George Michael was once a candidate to replace Freddie Mercury as Queen's lead singer. If you haven't heard his version of "Somebody to Love" at the Freddie tribute concert in 1992, go right now. It's phenomenal. This isn't. Faith is a catchy tune...and that's about it.

Can appreciate the craft, but that voice is fucking annoying four tracks in.

An album I'd heard of (the cover art is pretty famous) but not listened to. Really enjoyed it for the most part - especially "Femme Fatale" and "Heroin", two great tracks. This is a great and for good reason.

I enjoyed this. I come and go on Bob Dylan, but there's more energy in this album than some of his other work, and it shows. I was skeptical at first, but ended up listening to the entire album without skipping a track. Solid four for me.

Yeah, reggae ain't for me. The occasional track works, but it isn't an album style thing for me.

The Beatles is my hot-take band. I don't get it. Never have, never will.

Nothing explains the scarcely believable journey this little pub band from Deptford went on than this album. Brothers in Arms isn't my favourite Dire Straits album (in fact I rank it fourth or fifth in their six album catalog), but the worldwide effect it had upon release in 1985 was truly special. Money for Nothing is the obvious standout, with that utterly unique opening riff and Sting's backing vocals (now THAT is a good story), but Walk of Life always puts a smile on my face also. It's a 5, but their 1978 debut album (also on this list) is, in my opinion, their best.

Everything just feels too long and too indulgent. Layla - great song for 2 minutes, drawn out to fuck for 4.

As possibly only Alex knows, Queen had such a hold over me from the age of 15 - 18, it bordered on obsession. At the time I preferred mainly Queen's later work - but time and maturity have drawn me back to the earlier albums. A Night at the Opera is an interesting "mid point" for Queen. The heavy, prog rock style of the first 3 albums is beginning to fade, replaced by the excess and pomp of opera, that became Queen's trademark. What results (and is even more refined in the follow up, A Day at the Races), is a truly special mix of styles, that I don't believe Queen ever got close to again. It's so excessive, so indulgent, but also so fresh, that they absolutely get away with it. My favourite songs on the album actually lean toward "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon," and "Seaside Rendezvous", purely because not a single artist aside from Queen could have pulled them off. You're My Best Friend, and Bohemian Rhapsody are deserved classics, and the rendition of God Save the Queen never gets old. This album is a solid, high four for me.

Not inherently offensive, but nothing special either, this album feels like a window to another time - and I’m sure, in that time, it was much more special. Now it just feels dated, despite the unique sound of “California Dreamin’” - which is all that saves it from a 2 star.