I am a person that listens to music based on my moods so maybe that's why I wasn't feeling this album. I thought it was okay. I can see based on 1989 how it revolutionized British music as it was a departure from the music of the day and paved the way for bands like Oasis and Coldplay. Best songs are Waterfall and I Am The Resurection in my humble opinion.
Great album, I really enjoy the instrumental albums as it allows for a deeper study of the instrumentation. Overall enjoyed side one “Shh / Peacefull” the most as it is really a great mix of instruments and much more upbeat. The keyboards and drums are perfection on this track. Side two “In a Silent Way” was slow and that disappointed me a bit but it does pick up in the middle, which I enjoyed, it ends again as slowly as it started which makes a perfect close to the album.
I really don’t know what to say about this album. It is mellow, evocative, and interesting. The guitar and quietly delivered vocals are perfect to set the stage for the emotion that plays out. The style is not really my cup of tea but I can appreciate the sound and rawness of the lyrics. I like songs that create narratives I can relate to and the Portland Oregon references of street names and festivals put me into the song. Favorite songs are Punch & Judy, Alameda, Say Yes, and No Name No. 5
Dylan is an icon for a reason. His ability to write songs with deep meaning through the use of metaphors is what makes him worth listening to. The music may be less embellished than other artists but his lyrics tell a poetic story weaving us from scene to scene. This album is one from his electric period and I personally prefer his earlier acoustic albums but this one is great regardless. Favorite tracks are “From A Buick 6”, “Highway 61 Revisited”, “Tombstone Blues”, and the epic “Desolation Road”.
What can I say with this one… Ella is a the queen of Jazz music but this was a workout with 6 discs of music. Although a lot of it sounds like jazz standards of the era, there are some jems here. Really enjoy Ella’s smooth and no nonsense delivery of lyrics all across the album. I just don’t see myself listening to this again though. Favorites include “Sam and Delilah”.. gruesome, “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off”, “The Real American Folk Song”, “Who Cares?”, and “Stiff Upper Lip”
Not an album I would have looked at but it was good. I like the lyrics and message. The music is also fantastic! It’s a mix of classic Sly and The Family Stone mixed with some Parliament. Plus anyone that can mix in a didgeridoo to the music is awesome in my book. My favorite songs are Music of the Mind, Revolution 1993, Emergency on Planet Earth, and Didgin Out
Having never heard of Burning Spear, I must say his music is great. I enjoyed the Rastafarian sounds of this reggae album along with the social statements and history lesson. I did not know who Marcus Garvey is so it was an interesting read on a somewhat controversial person. I am not sure why this album is a 1001 must hear album. Perhaps this was the start of true reggae as it expanded during the late 70s and early 80s into a more mainstream audience. Nevertheless I did enjoy it. Favorite songs include “Live Good”, “The Invasion”, “Tradition”, and “Jordan River”. Overall a good album but I wonder if this version I’m listening to is the more palatable version that the record label created?
this album has been a favorite since I was a teenager. The heavy riffs of Toni Iommi, the pounding bass of Geezer Butler, Bill Ward’s drums, and Ozzy’s singing make this a classic album in the heavy metal/hard rock genre. Geezer Butler’s lyrics are ominous and timely for the era. Some are still timely today. I can only imagine hearing this album at its release date when music of this type was a rare treat. I love every song on this album but if I narrowed it down, favorite songs for me are “Electric Funeral”, “Hand of Doom”, “Iron Man”, and “War Pigs”
This album was pure 90s slow jam. Don’t really know what to say as it’s not my type of music. It was okay but not overly exciting.
I know nothing about Joan but I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The lyrics are expressive and the music was a fun mix of rock and jazz with some acoustic flair. Favorite songs are “People”, “Down to Zero”, and “Water with Wine”.
I can only imagine putting this on the turntable in 1978. It was obviously a groundbreaking album of electronic music for the time. I am not a huge electronic music fan but it was interesting. I liked “Dead on Arrival” and “Hamburger Lady”, “E-coli” probably the best.
I will admit I own no Neil Young albums. I will also admit that I love singer songwriters. As far as Young music, I knew his popular songs from Buffalo Springfield to CSNY, to his solo work. I also knew he was a great songwriter but damn I was not prepared for what I got with this album. It is a masterpiece. I love the slow build from acoustic to electric. The musical switch from ballad to verging on punk and let’s not forget the stellar songwriting. Crazy Horse is an excellent backing band with fuzz toned guitars and epic solos. I never really understood Neil Young’s connection to grunge, but this album gives it perspective. I love every song on this album and will be adding it to my collection. If I have to narrow it down, my favorite songs include “Sedan Delivery”, “Sail Away”, “Powderfinger”, and that epic closer “Hey, Hey, My, My (Into The Blcak”
This album, although not my cup of tea was an enjoyable listen. I rarely listen to middle eastern music so this was a completely new experience for me to hear an entire album. The musicianship was very good and the singing, although I have no idea what they are saying was clear and concise. Best songs were “Allah Hoo Allah Hoo”, “Haq Ali Ali Haq”, and “Ni Main Jogi De Naal”.
Merle Haggard is an American Icon for a reason. This album is a great look into his songwriting. Oddly enough the opening track and the biggest hit on the album is not written by Merle. It is however a great track that defines his previous life as a convict. My only issue with this album is that the first half has the typical 1960s polished Countrypolitan sound which after watching the PBS Ken Burns documentary “Country Music” I hear all the time on these late 50s to early 70s albums. thankfully, we break away in the middle to hear a glimpse of the Bakersfield sound and the outlaw Merle of the 70s starting with “Drink Up and Be Somebody” but that polished sound returns with “Mary’s Mine”. Thankfully it doesn’t carry the whole album. My other issue is the short songs that seem to fade out as they just start getting good. The album did end with a great upbeat tune “Mixed Up Mess of A Heart” that left me wanting more. I love Merle Haggard and this is young Merle at the start of an amazing career so I understand the significance but I feel like there are better albums in his catalog. I like all the songs on this album but favorites are “Drink Up and Be Somebody”, “If You Want To Be My Woman”, “Skid Row”, and “Mixed Up Mess of a Heart”.
David Bowie is another musical icon that I don’t own many albums from. I know the hits from his catalog but have always been a bit stumped on his popularity. Not that the songs are bad, but why he is so popular. This album didn’t really define it any better for me. I did enjoy the hit tracks “Fame” and “Young Americans” along with other non hit tracks like “Fascination”, “Across the Universe”, and my personal favorite from the album, the funk inspired “Right”. Overall it’s a great album but maybe there are better Bowie albums. Although I’m still trying to understand the Bowie mystique.
I’m not really sure what to say about this album. It’s not bad but it is also not my type of music. The instrumentation is top notch but it’s very jazzy and slow. Lots of mood music. I’ve never been a Joni Mitchell fan but the lyrics are great. I just don’t know how I feel about the overall album. I guess it was good but it’s unlikely I would listen again. Best songs are “Coyote” and “Black Crow”.
This is the definitive Iron Butterfly album but let’s all be honest, this album is dated and sounds like a late 60s album. It is not timeless it is very decade specific. It’s a good album all around and one I own. The music is upbeat and that guitar and organ make the album! Best songs are “Termination”, “Are You Happy”, and of course the 17 minute epic title track
Again The XX is not really my type of music but it is an enjoyable listen. The soul sounds of the music provide a a smooth backdrop for both singers. Their harmonies and interplay back and forth on the songs makes the album a cut above other soul albums. Loved the lyrics on many of the songs but the music wasn’t that engaging to keep me occupied and the song became forgettable. Overall I liked it, but how many times I would listen to this album is likely very low. Favorite songs are “Dangerous”, “Replica”, and “On Hold”
I loved this album and everything about it. From Leonard’s deep baritone voice to the instrumentation. The music set a dark brooding tone with each song. It was almost like a film noir for music. The lyrics were fantastic! Songs of loss, love, and longing made it relatable to anyone who has experienced these situations. Favorite songs are “You Want It Darker” (That bass line is awesome), “On The Level”, “Leaving The Table”(That guitar just back there moving the song along and then the solo), “Traveling Light” (The flamenco guitar + violin + back up singers = perfection) and “It Seemed a Better Way” (again great violin and that bass line). I reached the end and as Leonard said, “it’s over now, the water, and the wine, we were broken then and now we are borderline” but lucky for me I can hit play and start all over.
Not a bad album but I’m a bit perplexed as to why it’s on the list. The gentle guitar and vocals on most tracks makes for a great dylanesque sound. The lyrics are real and delivered straightforward weaving a story to the music. The album shifts to more blues at the end but still flows smoothly. Favorite songs are “Dreams By The Sea”, Over the Hill”, and “The Easy Blues”.
I’m not sure I understand the allure of The Police. I’ve listened to this album 5 times and I still walk away not impressed. The music is good, Sting’s vocals are great, the songwriting is okay. I’m just not a fan I guess. Overall good album but must hear… not so sure. Favorite songs “Wrapped Around Your Finger”, “Walking In Your Footsteps”, and “Every Breath You Take”.
This could possibly be the worst album I have ever listened to… his whiny voice drives me nuts. The music is okay but one listen is all I could take. If there is a favorite song, I guess it’s “House of Cards”. It would be great if someone else sang it
This is a female empowerment album that skirts R&B, Pop, and Soul. The music is well done and the lyrics tell a story of female relationship challenges along with female perspectives on sex. I enjoyed it even though it’s more poppy than the soul and R&B I enjoy. Favorite songs are “Pick Up Your Feelings”, “Price Tags”, and “Girl Like Me”
Good overall album. Not a huge dance music fan but this had some great beats and some good vocals whether singing or rapping. Favorites are “African Dance”, “Feel Free”, and “Back To Life”.
Good album. As a Dylan fan it is great to hear the crossover from Acoustic to Electric. It was a complete shock to the fans of the time and getting an opportunity to hear it is special. That being said, this is from a bootleg and it shows. Sound is not very good.
It’s a dance record with lots of samples going on. Not my cup of tea in any way shape or form. I made it through one listen but at the halfway point I was checking to see if it was almost done. Nothing I would listen to again.
This is the second Joni Mitchell album on this journey and I can confirm I’m not a fan. Her lyrics are inventive and well written but I just don’t like her voice. I didn’t hate the album but I also wouldn’t go seek this out and listen again. Some of the music is almost easy listening. At least the music picks up on the second half. It was fun to hear Cheech and Chong on “Twisted”. That was a surprise. I would like a more acoustic album for the next Joni Mitchell album. I’m sure another will appear on this journey at some point. Favorite songs on this album are “Raised on Robbery” “Twisted” and “Trouble Child”
I’ve heard the name Devendra Banhart but hav never listened to his music. I was pleasantly surprised with what I heard. It was a great album of folk music. These are the type of albums I like. Vocals and guitar with some backing accompaniment here and there. The songs are simple yet well constructed with well developed with unique lyrics. The lyrics are definitely artsy and advant garde. Some of Devendra’s enunciations are a bit odd but overall it’s a solid performance. My only real complaint is the production that sometimes leaves an odd fade out to a song due to the quiet ambient noise that is in the studio. Favorite songs are “There Was Sun”, “This beard is for Siobhan”, “The Body Breaks”, and “Insect Eyes”.
This is the album that really put the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the map. The music here ranges from punk to funk to classic rock. I love the way the songs vary from track to track but still carry the Chili Peppers vibe. Rick Rubin’s production here is top notch and shows why he is one of the best music producers around. Lyrics range from serious to fun. I don’t know if I appreciated it the same when it came out but at my current age, I enjoyed every song on this album. If had to narrow it down, I would say favorites are “The Power of Equality”, “Breaking The Girl”, “Suck My Kiss”, “Sir Psycho Sexy” (that bass line rocks)
Eminem is by all accounts one of the most talented rappers alive. His way with words and his vocal delivery make this album great. He really shines on his first full length album. He showed that a white man from Michigan could rap as good as any west coast or east coast rapper. I love every song on this album as he introduces us to the world with “My Name Is” and explores themes of mental instability, violence, being poor, and self depreciation. The music production from Jimmy Iovine and Dr Dre is perfection. I like the whole album but to narrow it down, favorite songs are “Guilty Conscience”, “Rock Bottom”, and “If I Had”
I’ve never really listened to Susanne Vega and after this listen, I can say I was not missing much. The album is okay but there is nothing here that seems worth hearing again. The music is good but underwhelming. The lyrics are okay but the singing is not my preference. This is something I hear on an elevator or in a grocery store as background music. Favorite song is “Some Journey”.
This is a solid album to start the career of Fiona Apple. Side one is full of some great songs that are well produced with some good lyrics. Fiona’s attitude comes through in the vocals and makes for a biting satire on certain songs but then she settles into a more calm and agreeable tone on others. The second half of the album falters as it slows down and lost me a bit. Favorite songs are “Sleep to Dream”, “Shadow Boxer”, and “Criminal”.
This is the beginning of one of the proverbial American bands of our generation. The album is rough in places but shows what Tom Petty and company are capable of. I thoroughly enjoyed the album even with its less than stellar production qualities. Favorite songs are “Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll”, “Hometown Blues”, and “American Girl”.
It’s interesting that critics view this as the first concept album with its observations in English culture, social classes, and the music industry. I find it to be an upbeat album with great musicianship. The songs are short but the lyrics have a sense of satire on certain songs. Favorites include “Dandy” and “Session Man”.
This album is a masterpiece. It introduced the world to Gangster Rap. It introduced the world to Dr Dre, Eazy E, and Ice Cube. The days of simple raps about parents and fun ended with an album that is a social statement on minority life, poverty, crime, and racism. It also introduced a musical production that defined a style for decades. I love this album and every song on it. The band could never reach this level again and fell apart after two albums. If I had to pick favorites, it’s the opening track “Straight Outta Compton”, “Fuck The Police”, and “Express Yourself”.
I’m not sure why this album is a must listen but I suppose it is for the improvisational stylings of Keith during this hour long concert. It is not bad but not anything I would listen to again
I like it but I have no idea what they are singing about. Music was fun and album was enjoyable.
I have not listened to this album in its entirety in years. I must say it is excellent from beginning to end. The songs all meld together great so it feels symmetrical as you weave from one stpry to another. This album shows the talents of all the songwriters in the band and highlights the great playing from each member. Favorite songs are “Victim Of Love”, Life in the Fast Lane”, “The Last Resort”, and of course the title track.
I have been a Dire Straits fan for a long time and this album was my gateway back in the 80s. Although I haven’t listened to this album in its entirety in years, it was refreshing to hear it again. As with all Dire Straits albums, there are some great rockers and then some very jazzy and folk like tracks. You have to be a dedicated fan to appreciate all of the styles Mark and company present. I love the changes from hard rockers like “Money For Nothing” to jazzy numbers like “Why Worry”. It’s a great album from start to finish and it contains one of my favorite songs of all time “Walk of Life”. Other favorites are “Your Latest Trick”, “One Man’s Too Strong”, “So Far Away”, and of course “Money For Nothing”
I have listened to this album at least 5 times and I guess I just don’t get it. It has some great elements of soul and funk but the concept story is not for me and nothing here seems overly new or exciting. It’s a female Bruno Mars. Why is this album on the list? I have no idea. I did enjoy certain songs but this album isn’t for me. Favorites include “Tightrope”, and “Come Alive (War of the Roses)”
I have never heard of Portishead and upon listening I was not overly impressed. The music is okay but I’m not a huge electronic music fan. There are some bright spots but overall the album seems very dreary. I found a few songs I would listen to again but overall I don’t think I would listen to the full album ever again. Favorites are “Magic Doors” and “We Carry On”
I have honestly never listened to this album in its entirety before. I knew the hits and that is about it. After listening I was pleasantly surprised how good this album is from beginning to end. It has great energy and never slows down. I. Really enjoyed this album a lot and will add it to my collection. Favorites are “Bad Habit”, “Not The One”, and “Come Out and Play”.
Interesting album and one I have never listened to before. I knew the Zombies and their main song “Time Of The Season” and that’s about it. I must say this album is good. I like the 60s pop sound and this albums experimentation with different keyboard sounds. The album has an interesting production back story and the band broke up at the time of the release so it’s a shame no one saw this band play live. Overall I enjoyed the album but don’t know if I would listen to it regularly. Favorites include “Friends of Mine”, “Beechwood Park”, and Time of The Season”.
This album is pretty good. Never heard of the Flamin Groovies or listened to them to my knowledge. From what I’ve read, Flamin Groovies played a role in the advancement of power pop and have been called one of the forerunners of punk rock. Listening to this album I can hear some of that. Really it’s just a good grooving garage rock album that interprets blues in a true rock and roll fashion. It was a fun listen and quite enjoyable. Favorites include “32-20”, “Doctor Boogie”, and “High Flyin’ Baby”
This is the typical pre Dylan folk album of the 50s and early 60s. There is no youthful energy. The instrumentation is bare and the production is not the best. There are some okay songs here but these types of albums put me to sleep. I did enjoy Bert’s guitar playing. It is more intricate than most folk singers and especially so on the second side of this album. Overall it was a forgetful album that did not impress me much.
Not really sure what to say about this album… not bad but now really good either. It sounds like 90s British rock for the most part. The songs are well structured and produced. Just not hearing anything that knocks my socks off. Only song I fell in love with is “Cheapskate”. Otherwise it is a forgettable album to me.
All I can say is this album is fantastic. Fogerty and company know how to make a great rock and roll record and this proves it. Great covers, great drawn out jams, great short songs, and great politically charged songs for the times. There is just something special about how CCR sounds and the way they play. Lots of hit singles from this album too. A rarity for a large sum of bands. I can’t pick a favorite set of songs cause I like them all
Another great album that is just perfectly cohesive. All the songs flow smoothly and the lyrics are great. The album doesn’t age like some that you can tell when they were made. I know there is a loose story to the album making it a concept album of sorts. The songs are punk, poppy, rocking, and introspective. You get a bit of it all here. I haven’t listened to the whole album in more than a decade and I forgot about some of these songs. I like every song but if I narrow it down, favorites include “She’s A Rebel”, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, “American Idiot”, and “Wake Me Up When September Ends”
I have never heard of this band so I was going in blind. I must say it is a mellow album but I am kinda digging the ambient music this album offers. The singer has a beautiful voice and it moves well with the music. Lyrics are about love, loss, and heartbreak for the most part. I can’t say I would listen to this album over and over but it’s good. I will also admit I fell asleep listening to it the first time but that ambient sound just relaxes and put you in a place of rest. That can be a good thing depending on your mood. Favorite songs include “Wrong” “Big Deal” and “Flipside”.
This album is really about the music. The lyrics are simple on most songs where phrases get repeated, granted they compliment the music but there is nothing here that tells an involved story with the exception of a rap on “Diesel Power” and “Fuel My Fire”. The beats and mixes of instruments and programming here are engaging, fun, and clever. The album will not relax you but it will allow you to get out your aggression or dance till you are exhausted depending on your mood. I really enjoyed this album more than I thought I would since electronic music is not really my thing. Favorites include “Breathe”, “Diesel Power” (What an amazing rap), “Minefields”, and “Firestarter”
Classic bluegrass is what this album is all about. The musicianship is top notch and the stories here are all about life, love, heartbreak, tragedy, and death. This is the definition of country music songs for many years to come. I love a good story and there are so many here. The melodies of the brothers just add to the beauty of this album. Favorites include “Let Her Go”, “God Bless Her”, “In The Pines” (one of my favorite bluegrass songs), and “Knoxville Girl” (Brutal).
This is an interesting album. It reminds me a lot of the B-52s but with a more robust rythym section. Really love the groove of the bass and drums on a lot of the songs. Definitely some danceable music here. The lyrics aren’t straightforward but there are some themes. Who doesn’t like a song about stops on the Metro? I have mixed feelings about the singers. They sound almost juvenile and the singing is kinda buried in the mix when the samples are definitely not. Otherwise it is not a bad album. Just not sure if I would listen to it again. Favorites include “Deceptacon”, “Phanta”, “Let’s Run”, “My My Metrocard”, and “Friendship Station” (Love that backbeat).
Another band I have never heard of. I don’t hate the album but it’s not a favorite either. I’m trying to understand its relevance on this list. My guess is because it is a precursor to the 90s British alternative sound that came out with later 90s bands like Oasis. The music is solid. I enjoy the crunching guitars that are prevalent on all tracks. The singing is also good. Production is a bit sloppy with the guitars way higher in the mix than all the other instruments. The guitars even over take over the vocals. The lyrics at least are well written with some meaning but they don’t capture my attention enough to stay focused. That could be because of the poor production mix also. If I found a used copy of the album on CD, I would add it to my collection but I wouldn’t seek it out and buy a new copy. Favorites include “A Good Idea”, “Hoover Dam”, “If I Can’t Change Your Mind”. “Man on The Moon”.
It’s an alright album but not really my preferred music.
This is classic 60s bubble gum pop. I imagine for its time, it might have been the beginning of this type of music. It was an enjoyable listen but very dated. Better Kinks albums were to come.
I enjoyed this album even though my Spanish and French are almost non existent. Lots of great music and singing over a well produced album.
This was an extremely long listen…. The album is very dated and perhaps for its time, it was groundbreaking but now it’s just dated. The idea of a cartoon band was novel and the idea that Blur Fromtman Damon Albert had a creative outlet to let Loose is great but the album gets boring after a while. Best song is probably M1 A1 which sounds like a variation of Pink Floyd.
What a great album. Isaac Hayes is a soul legend and it shows! I love these long drawn out soul jams. The music and production is spot on and Isaac’s lyrical storytelling is phenomenal.
I must say I have never listened to Mercury Rev unless it was on the radio and I didn’t know it was them. I was pleasantly surprised! I actually really enjoyed this album and its unique musical sound. It surprised me from the beginning but kept me engaged. The music and lyrics are interesting and well organized. The singer’s voice is not something I would usually enjoy but it fit with the music well. Fun listen and I will have to check out more from this band.
Smile isn’t a bad album but I am not sure why it makes the list. Maybe because it was never released in its original form by The Beach Boys. It’s alright but not sure if I’d listen again.
Enjoyed this album a lot. Definitely atuck in its time but fun. Lots of good music and lyrics. T-Rex rocked the guitar and gave us some great glam rock.
Fun album but basically a lot of covers. Really good covers of old blues songs that influenced the Stones but still a covers album. Fun listen but likely won’t listen again anytime soon.
I’ve loved this album since it came out in 1994. It is very heavy and full of energy. The production is great and the lyrics touch on multiple subjects. I like all the songs and wish I still had my original 1994 clear vinyl LP that I sold off at some point around 2009.
It is said this was the Temptation’s first foray into psychedelic soul. I am very happy they did. I loved this album and enjoyed all the music, harmonies, and lyrics. Well worth many more listens!
I love Elvis music. I think this album has great production, good music and backing vocals, and the classic pre-drug Elvis voice. A great album from beginning to end.
