An album I've probably listened to well over 100 times, and one which I credit with making me want to pick up the bass guitar (which eventually lead to playing guitar.) It was the first rock music I can recall where the bass guitar was just as prominent, if not more, than the guitar - really opening my eyes to how the bass guitar could elevate rock based music. I still remember getting this cd for christmas, probably around 2001/2002, and I'd guess it was one of the first 15-25 cds I ever owned. Still a great listen, but these days I might enjoy By the Way more. Back in the day Californication was easily my favorite RHCP record, and still probably ranks in my top 3.

Looking at the cover alone I would have never told you I recognized this as a classic album, showing my amateur status as a hip hop listener. I have scratched the surface of 90s hip hop, Eminem, Beastie Boys, Tribe Called Quest, and of course the rap rock of the 00s. After scoping out the track list, of course I realize what a beast of an album this is, with multiple instantly recognizable hit tracks. Certainly the first time listening to some of these songs I'm already familiar with on good speakers, which gives them much more depth than I recall. Definitely an enjoyable listen, even if it's not a sound I'd likely revisit frequently.

Another one I'm already very familiar with (who isn't??), and understandably is considered an inner circle all time great album. While it's not my favorite Beatles album, its impact on rock music going forward, and the listening experience itself can't be understated. Learning more recently how The Beach Boy's Pet Sounds album greatly influenced this album (and The Beatles Revolver was a significant influence to Pet Sounds) was really cool to read, as I'm now a very big fan of The Beach Boys. The Beatles have always been in my musical DNA thanks to my mother, and they have played a pretty large part in influencing my musical interests and explorations over the years.

Another one I'm already very familiar with (who isn't??), and understandably is considered an inner circle all time great album. While it's not my favorite Beatles album, its impact on rock music going forward, and the listening experience itself can't be understated. Learning more recently how The Beach Boy's Pet Sounds album greatly influenced this album (and The Beatles Revolver was a significant influence to Pet Sounds) was really cool to read, as I'm now a very big fan of The Beach Boys. The Beatles have always been in my musical DNA thanks to my mother, and they have played a pretty large part in influencing my musical interests and explorations over the years.

Another well known all time album I hadn't listened to before. Feels like a pretty smooth transition in some ways from The Who album yesterday, albeit 12 years later. Tracks are short, snappy, catchy, and full of swagger and attitude. I do very much appreciate this album's impact on the music world at the time, and it still holds up listening for the first time in 2025. I still don't find myself gravitating much to punk music, especially when the musicianship remains rather pedestrian on a skill level, in no disrespect to the gigantic accomplishment and impact on music this album was. Of course, I'm a band geek, so I've always gravitated towards the chops rather than the swagger of a musical performance, but I will say that ratio has leveled out a bit as time goes on. Punk rockers would probably kick my ass for saying it, but I prefer the "punk" sound more through the lens of bands like The Police and early XTC, and the punk influence on the thrash metal of the 80s.

This is the first time I've sought out music by The Band, but of course I'm familiar with the band (heh, redundant much?), namely Levon Helm. The only other band member name I recognize is Robbie Robertson, but I couldn't have told you a lick of what he was all about before the revelation of this evening that he was the principle songwriter in The Band. I've entirely avoided Bob Dylan to this point (maybe mostly on purpose, guilty as charged), so my only significant existing connection to The Band is Levon Helm's work with Neil Young, which I enjoy. This album has a really cozy feel, great songs and really convincing performances. It definitely makes sense as to why this is such a universally loved album. Whispering Pines stood out to me as a really good ballad that I hadn't heard before. I get Grateful Dead vibes from a lot of the music, a band I'm already much more familiar with. It was an enjoyable listen, and while I'll likely revisit as well as check out more from The Band, nothing earth shattering or life changing for me at the moment.

I believe I've listened to this at least once, when I did a half-hearted listen through of the first handful of Blur albums a few years back. Can't say I'm too well versed in Britpop-related music, but I do certainly enjoy the sound. Reading how XTC's Andy Partridge was initially tapped to produce really helped me see Blur in a fresh light. Listening with that connection to XTC, even though Andy ultimately did not produce this album, I think makes clear the influence from and the similar style to XTC, some songs much more than others. I'm not sure if I was an XTC superfan when I did the Blur album listens before, but it certainly is opening up my interest in revisiting more. This is probably the first album that has come up that isn't a "slam dunk", obvious all time classic album, but I certainly am not challenging its inclusion on this list, it's a great record. Providing a little kick in my arse to keep exploring Blur's catalogue, maybe sooner than later!