The title track is a classic of epic scale. Love the drum solo. Love the whole song. Side one is so of it's time that it nearly sounds like a parody of psychedelic 60s music. How many times can he say "Girl, I just know I love you"? Side one not as awesome as side two, but still pretty damn good.

Three catchy tracks to open, then 1 that would have been better as a b-side. Descent middle, then a few more good and great ones to finish off. Favorites - "I Wanna Be Adored", "Made of Stone", "I Am the Resurrection." I remember when this album came out. The band hit so big on the college/alternative scene so fast that it kind of soured me on them, though I've always like "Adored." Glad I was given a reason to revisit the album. I wouldn't call it an all-time classic for me, but a solid debut, which helped usher in the Madchester scene to America.

There's no denying Miles Davis' talent, and with so many other huge names (Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Tony Thompson) along for the session, of course this is a top notch jazz album. Little surprised at the choice of album, only because he has others that are more universally well known (Bitches Brew, Kind of Blue, Birth of Cool). The only negative for me was the occasional transition between song parts felt a little abrupt. Aside from that one minor thing, a great listen.

Meh. Just meh. I enjoyed the music, but couldn't get past the vocal delivery. Not an awful album, just didn't get me. Wouldn't listen to again.

My previous experience with Dylan has lead me to believe he is one of the best song writers of all time, but a less-than-stellar vocalist. I went in to this one trying to keep an open mind. Honestly, a good album. The writing, both lyrics and music, is of course top notch, and his voice doesn't distract like I expected it to. Can't say I'd run out and buy a copy, but I wouldn't be upset if someone put it on while I was around.

Ella 5/5. The band 5/5. The songs: 5/5. The only issue, as many others have pointed out, is the length. It's a fantastic set, but I'd be far more likely to put on the "best of" before I'd listen to the whole 3+ hours. Still, that's not a knock on the quality of the full set, more a knock on my own attention span and need for variety.

Always up for the funk. I've been a fan of Jamiroquai since Traveling Without Moving hit during my record store days. Never went deeper until now. Great album, with a couple of absolute killer tracks ("When You Gonna Learn" and "Revolution 1993")

Not a fan of Marcus Garvey (the person), though I understand his status in Jamaican culture. I am, however, a fan of Burning Spear (the living legend). Enjoyed the album throughout. Best tracks (imo) are near the end - "Jordan River", "Red Green & Gold"

There is nothing I can say about Sabbath that hasn't already been said by better writers than me.

At it's heart, it's a bedroom album. A well written, produced and performed album, but not really my taste. I would have loved for the band to stretch out a bit and go a little heavier into the funk, but every song is just kind of mellow.

I've heard of Joan Armatrading many times over the years, but have never listened to her prior to this. Absolutely wonderful album. I'm a bit shocked I'd never heard it even in my record store days. Favorites: "Love and Affection", "Join the Boys", "Like Fire", but then they're all great.

Definitely at the "challenging" end of the musical spectrum. Not for everyone, and honestly not really for me. That said, I do see the artistic merit in the work, so I won't criticize. They created something I couldn't have created. Not going to rush out and buy a copy, though.

I was a little surprised this album started out so mellow. The stuff I've heard before with Crazy Horse has been far more rocking. Great album, though. Just a bit thrown 'cause it's not what I expected. Favorites: "Hey Hey My My", "My My Hey Hey", "Welfare Mothers"

You can definitely feel the joy come through in these songs. To my ears, they all sound a bit too similar. I didn't dislike any of them, and yes I could tell them apart, but being that I'm not particularly familiar with qawwali music, they didn't sound very different. The end result for me, I enjoyed the listen, I get why people love his music, but I likely wouldn't put it on again. Favorites: "Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka"(had a little different sound than the rest, so it stood out)

First, I will say that country has never been a draw for me. There are a few artists that I do like (Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson), and knowing a bit about Merle Haggard's backstory, I can respect the man. The (I'm assuming typical) 60s production on this album kills any chance of me enjoying it. The backing vocals, the steel guitar (a little goes a long way), and worst for me, the abrupt fade outs just when the band starts kicking. For f*** sake, let's hear them stretch out a bit. I'll give it a 2, just because Merle doesn't deserve a 1, but I won't be listening to it again - unless someone has the original master tapes and can release the full songs without the unnecessary fades.

All hail The Sovereign of the Guild of Calamitous Intent! Best: "Young Americans" (an absolute classic) Worst: "Can You Hear Me" (string section made it sound like it was intended for Barbra Streisand)

I was over half way through the album when I realized I couldn't recall a single lyric or note from what I had already heard. At no point was I wanting to stop listening, but also at no point did I want to listen closer. It was just. . . forgettable. At least up until "Blue Motel Room". The lyrics in that one were so cringe inducing. "Hanging on your boom boom pachyderm"? "tell them you've got Gerrrrman measles"? Yeah, this one's not for me.

The title track is a classic of epic scale. Love the drum solo. Love the whole song. Side one is so of it's time that it nearly sounds like a parody of psychedelic 60s music. How many times can he say "Girl, I just know I love you"? Side one not as awesome as side two, but still pretty damn good.

Not much to say about this one. I liked it. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Some songs verge on trip-hop (which I like), but others got a bit too typical modern pop. Did like the interplay of the two singers. Favorite: "Brave For You"

Loved the title track. Loved the closing track. Everything in between was great writing, great lead vocals, but overproduced. Unfortunately, that has long been the case for Leonard Cohen. I haven't listened to him since the 90s, and that's the main reason. Disappointing.

Loved the music. Not so much the vocals. At times they were ok, but he seems to purposely not enunciate on certain songs, and it distracts from the music. I'm assuming that was his artistic choice, but it just didn't work for me. Really wanted to like this one, because like I said, the band was kicking.

Here's one I've listened to many many times in my youth. Honestly, I'd have to say it's my least favorite of Police albums, but that's not saying it's bad. Just not a good as their previous efforts. Favs: both title tracks, "Oh My God", "Tea in the Sahara", "Murder by Numbers" Worst (by far): "Mother" Liked "Walking In Your Footsteps" back in the day, but today, lyrics are clunky and heavy handed. Music is still good, though.

Not a bad song on it. I haven't listened to this one as much as OK Computer or Kid A, but it's still a favorite.

Modern R&B has never done anything for me. The old stuff from the 60s and 70s - absolutely! But the newer stuff just doesn't click with me. I gave this album a try, having never before heard of the artist, and, still not my thing. She me be talented, but to my middle-aged ears, it was just generic background noise.

I remember when this one first came out. Didn't listen to the whole thing back then, but always liked "Back to Life." Nice to hear the whole thing. Not a flawless album, but an enjoyable one. Favorites: "Back To Life", "Feel Free" (Do'Reen has a powerful voice)

Not doing much to change my opinion of Dylan. Still can't deal with his voice, and some of the songs on this one are much more poorly written than what I've heard from him before. This is the beginning of the "Dylan Goes Electric" thing, so I get the importance of the recording, but damn it's a tough listen for me. Dreading the (I'm sure) many more Dylan albums on this list.

Much as In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was of its time, You’ve Come A Long Way is very much a 90s album. A good 90s album. I could listen to any of the songs any time, but the album as a whole I probably wouldn’t. Interesting that this was our follow up to Soul II Soul. They’re both dance albums that would be great in a club, but without folks shaken’ what they got, they’re a bit less interesting.

Joni Mitchell, from everything I’ve heard, is a wonderful person. Nothing against her. Her music, on the other hand. . . There’s a special ring of hell made just for me where they play her music on repeat. This album is well produced and varied, and I hope to never hear it again.

This is why I wanted to take part in this project. I’ve heard of Banhart before, but have never listened to him. His voice is a bit quirky at times, but it works well with the somewhat minimalist music. Reminds me a bit of Tallest Man on Earth or Keaton Henson. Loved this album. My only issue is that several of the songs are too short

An interesting one. Back in the day, it would be an instant 5 stars. Given what I know now about the personal life of one of the band members, it's hard to separate art from artist. When I can do that, it's still an amazing album. Rick Rubin's input took the band to a whole new level. Maybe a touch too long overall, but a mighty good listen.

I gave it a try. I did. But, god I fucking hate Eminem. As much as I could get through was just a misogynistic mess (in my opinion).

A good album. Not something I'm going to run out and buy, but I'd have no problem listening to it again. The only major negative is the vocal delivery on the opening track. An odd choice, but that's ok I guess.

I've heard this one several times before, but not for a while. Some of my coworkers at the record store loved it when it came out, so it got played quite a bit back then. I've always liked the opening track, "Sleep To Dream", but other than that didn't remember much of the album. I've always felt Fiona Apple has a lot of talent, but also has an ego that is much larger than the talent, and that keeps me from paying much attention to her career. Going purely from the music, and laying aside her personality, it's a good album. Solid songs, well produced and well performed. Fave is still "Sleep To Dream", "Criminal" is pretty good. I found "Shadowboxer" and "Never Is A Promise" lyrically pretty week compared to the rest.

Damn good album. I have the same complaint about it that I’ve had with a few others on this list. What’s with the quick fades? Let the songs breathe a bit. Let the musicians jam a bit. Several of the tracks on this one clock in at less than 3 minutes with a fade ending. Maybe that was done to make them more likely get airplay? Bad decision if you ask me. The songs were too good to be so short.

Enjoyed the album, but still have that same criticism. Fade outs before the songs feel finished. Would love to hear the full takes of many of these songs.

Having not grown up in the same situation as rappers of this era, I’ve never listened to much of the music, but always had respect for the likes of NWA, Public Enemy and the like. After listening to this one, I actually have less respect for NWA. I was expecting some hard hitting tracks, but what I got was, by today’s standards, rather sophomoric repetitive lyrics with forced rhymes about being the greatest, and not caring about anything else. I stopped counting how many times someone said “I don’t give a fuck”. Bottom line, I get that it was a massively influential album, bringing in the Gangsta Rap era, but listening to it without that in mind, it just comes of as juvenile.

Forgive me for not being eloquent, but I enjoyed the shit out of this one. Jarrett is a supremely talented pianist.

I’ve grown to like some world music over the years. Can’t say I know enough about the style to give a wordy review, but I can say I liked this one.

Ah, the Eagles. I was a big fan back when I was a kid. Been a long time since I’ve listened to this one, so it was interesting to revisit. I’d say “Life in the Fast Lane” still holds up, as does the classic title track, though I’ve heard that one so many times I don’t really need to hear it again. Everything else on the album is a bit too mainstream 70s yacht rock for my current taste. Well written and immaculately produced, but not what I’d listen to today.

I first heard this album shortly after it was released. Listening to it again now, my opinion hasn't changed much. Monae is a very talented musician. I like the concept of the album. It constantly feels so close to a great album, but the production seems to strangle the life out of every song. I'd love to hear some more raw demos or a rougher overall mix. So close, but it just ends up bland in the long run.

Love Portishead. Haven't listened to this one as much as their first 2 albums. I'd say this one is worthy follow up to those.

I heard this album upon its release back in my record store days. My reaction back then was, "Wow - this is absolute crap!" Listened to bits of it again, just to see if my opinion would change, and no. How an album of such generic reductive punk-but-not-too-punk, like this one gets on a list like this I don't understand. All of the bands that Offspring are ripping off deserve to be listed as influential, but this band doesn't have an original idea anywhere to be found. Utter dreck.

This one, like the Iron butterfly we had a while back, is so 60s it’s nearly a parody. But I don’t mean that to sound like a bad thing. It’s just very set in its time. Obviously the big hit here is “Time of the Season”, and it’s probably the best track on this, but I did like many of the others as well. Many songs feature vocals that start to verge on Beach Boys territory- but only if The Beach Boys didn’t annoy the piss out of me. Bottom line - I like it. Not enough to run out and buy a copy, but I’d listen to it again.

Did we really need yet another 6+ minute cover of "Louie Louie"? Other than that, though, I did enjoy this one. A solid garage rock jam.

This one's a bit of a grower. The first few tracks hit me like a fairly standard 90s Brit Rock album. A good one, but nothing too special. After a while it started to grow on me. By the end I was really enjoying it. Might have to go back and listen again. Maybe I'll like the first few tracks more the second time.

Brilliant album. My only negative would be the cover of "Ooby Dooby". I was never a big fan of that song, and didn't really need another version. Still an overall great album, though.

My relationship with Green Day is complicated. I loved Dookie when it came out. Wasn't overly impressed with the follow ups. Had pretty much given up on them by the time this one came out. These days, everything I hear from them just makes me think they're a group of aging musicians who are trying to hard to act like they're still teenagers. Awesome as Fuck? Father of All Motherfuckers? I know I'm getting old and jaded, but Jesus guys, act your age. Rant over. What about American Idiot? I'd heard the big singles ("Blvd of Broken Dreams" & "Wake Me Up When Sept Ends"), and wasn't overly impressed with them. Other than that I'd only listened to the album once or twice many years ago and didn't remember much about it. Today's thoughts: Its not bad. Still don't really like the big singles, but several others are quite good. The title track, "Jesus of Suburbia", "Homecoming" all good extended concept rock. Overall a good listen. Still won't bother with the recent stuff, though.

I've heard this one many times before. The best I can say is it just exists. It's not exactly bad, but not particularly good either. It's an easy one to ignore when they play it overhead at work.

Heard this album many times at the record store. Always liked it. A bit stuck in its time, but then that was my time too. Would be more of a 3 1/2 if we could give half stars.

Didn't hate it. Not something I'd likely go back to, but it was alright.

Didn't think I was going to like this one, but it grew on me. Sounds like a group of (musically talented) friends having fun in the studio. Lo-fi and eclectic. I dig it.

An easy 5 for me. Loved this album since it came out. The Beaster EP (recorded at the same time as Copper Blue) is awesome, too. Faves: "If I Can't Change Your Mind", "Hoover Dam", "A Good Idea"

I've always liked Beck. Always liked his everything-but0the-kitchen-sink approach to music. Definitely a talented guy. This album I wasn't too familiar with. I've seen the cover many times, but never heard the music before. I liked it quit a bit. Not sure I'd buy a copy, but wouldn't mind the songs popping up on my playlist. Favorites: "Girl", "Broken Drum", "Rental Car"

Some good songs ("Do You Remember Walter", "Johnny Thunder"), some not as good, and some WTF? ("Phenomenal Cat", "Wicked Annabella") Overall, just OK.

Not a bad album, just not something I'd listen to again. It's rare that a world music album hits me, and this one didn't.

This one's not as long as the Ella Fitzgerald Songbook, but by the end it kind of felt like it. At no point was it bad - but it just kept going. Might have been a stronger album with a little bit of editing.

A great album with a great story behind it. Isaac (at the time a songwriter and background musician) didn't want to make the album, so he demanded total creative control - and this was the result. Interesting that he was known as a songwriter and only put one original on the album, but he sure makes the covers something completely different from the well known versions. Loved it.

I was listening to these guys back when their first album, Yerself Is Steam, came out. Still love "Chasing a Bee." I remember when this one came out. It was such a different sound for them. The band had matured quite a bit since those early days. It's a good record. My only issue is that, though the music is more mature and (dared I say) mainstream, the singer's vocals are a bit jarring. It worked well on the early weird stuff, but not as much on these tracks. Still not too bad, though. Favorites: "Opus 40", "Goddess On a Hiway", "Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp"

I get that Wilson is considered a musical genius. I've always hated the Beach Boys "constant wall of harmonies" vocals. It seems his approach to music didn't change at all over the years. He have been a genius, but to my ears this was torture.

A classic. Not sure I've ever listened to the album as a whole before, but I knew just about every song by heart.

So, the group that would go on to be considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time apparently started out as a very by-the-numbers cover band. There's only one Jagger-Richards composition ("Tell Me") on this debut, and it's by far the worst song in the batch. Many of the covers are just bland as well. It's certainly not an un-listenable album. It has some good moments. Loved the tremolo on "Mona." I've never been the biggest Stones fan, though I've also never disliked them. I find it hard to believe this is anywhere near their best, though.

Not quite as great as Louder Than Love of Badmotorfinger, but still a really good album.

I've always been a fan of 60s and 70s soul music. Particularly the Motown and Stax catalogues. I hadn't heard this one all the way through, but knew several of the individual songs. A solid album - the first after the departure of the legendary David Ruffin, and the first to venture into psychedelic soul. Enjoyed the whole album, but I'm hoping we get another one at some point, as I really like both their earlier "classic 5" era, and their later, more psychedelic era. This one was more of a bridge between the two.

Not bad. Never been a huge Presley fan. Never listened to a whole album from him before, but this wasn't bad.

I'd heard really good things about The National in the past. I was hoping for the best, but I can't say this one blew me away. It was alright, but didn't really get me. Liked: "Bloodbuzz Ohio", "England" Really didn't like: "Lemonworld"

As stated before, I'm not a big fan of country music. Nor am I a fan of 70s country production. Thankfully, this mostly avoided the terrible wall-of-backing-vocals, excessive slide guitars, and unnecessary string sections. Well, up until the last track, which is so schmaltzy with strings that Jennings should be ashamed to be on it, but I guess he isn't since it's the only song he co-produced, and noted on the front cover artwork. Overall, it's just ok for me. Nothing I would likely revisit, but it wasn't a pain to get through either. Best: "Black Rose", "Low Down Freedom" Worst: "We Had It All"