Fun rock-pop in the distinctive Beatles style. Wouldn't seek this out on my own, but I appreciate the appeal for what it is.
Jangly rock-pop that is clearly a product of its time. Not my bag, but fine for a listen.
Standout track: "People Take Pictures of Each Other"
The guitar solos steal the show on this one.
Standout track: "Peace of Mind"
It's undeniable that this was a groundbreaking, massively influential album. And it's hard not to be pulled in by Little Richard's energy and bombastic delivery. But to my modern ears, most of the tracks on this album sound the same.
Standout track: "Tutti Frutti"
Peak hip hop!
Standout tracks: "It's Tricky", " You Be Illin'"
The standout song on this is "My Back Pages"--a Bob Dylan cover. The original tunes, while surely innovative for their time, do nothing for me. I did appreciate the variety in the tracks, so each song was distinct, but overall this album did not capture me.
What is this album? Is it even listenable?
Standout tracks: None.
Standout track: California Cotton Fields
Surprisingly listenable for a live album--this recording captured JLL's frantic energy in a way that was fun and engaging. I enjoyed listening to this way more than I expected to, even if I'd probably never seek it out again.
Standout track: Money
Really liked the harder side of Queen on display on this album. Would definitely return to this album for further listening.
Standout tracks: Father To Son, White Queen (As It Began)
They really like that one synth patch, don't they? Listenable britpop that evokes the late 90s.
Standout Tracks: Weeping Willow, This Time, and of course Bittersweet Symphony
I was skeptical of this one at first, in spite of the interesting time signatures in the lead track. But by the time it got to Lyke-Wake Dirge, it drew me in. I enjoyed the mixture of folk, medieval, and psychedelic rock, and the tight vocal harmonies. Rounded up from 3.5.
Standout tracks: Once I Had a Sweetheart, Hunting Song, House Carpenter, The Cuckoo
Probably would have enjoyed this more if I paid closer attention to the lyrics, but overall I found this album to be sonically grating.
Standout track: The Mercy Beat
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of glitchy, sensual tunes. Adding this one to my master playlist.
Standout tracks: Pendulum, Kicks
This was a decent album, clearly a product of its time. While it was listenable, I struggle to understand how it rates as essential listening.
Standout track: It Takes More
The sleazy blues-rock sound is not my bag, but it's hard to deny the draw of these iconic rockers. While Mick's swagger is fun, the real star for me was Keith Richards's guitar solos.
Standout track: Sister Morphine
A drum and bass compilation seems an odd choice for this mix. It was pleasant enough to have on the background, but not something that grabbed my attention or that I would reach for again.
The opening track intrigued me, but what followed was a muddle of meandering, low-energy schlock.
Standout track: The Seventh Seal
A solid listen that covers a breadth of heavy social and personal topics. Some of the songs hit harder than others, but Tracy's rich alto voice is a constant throughout. Would give a 3.5.
Standout track: Across the Lines
I was hopeful after a strong(ish) opening, but this album already grated on me by the tired, repetitive roll call of "Hot Topic". Okay, you namedrop Yoko Ono and Gertrude Stein and Angela Davis. We get it. As for me, I don't have a take on Cassavetes, so I guess I'll just never get this band.
Standout track: Deceptacon
I don't consider myself a Beatles fan, though this album may have changed my mind. This is such a musically diverse (and interesting) set of songs, and its influence on other artists is so clear. I already want to go back for another listen.
Standout tracks: Eleanor Rigby, Love You To, Tomorrow Never Knows
Somewhat repetitive, but the Ramones' energy is hard to resist. I would have loved to seen them play live. If only I'd been invited to Mr. Burns' birthday party.
Standout tracks: Blitzkrieg Bop, Beat on the Brat
This was way too mellow for a Friday morning. This style of music doesn't grab me at all. I like some of Dire Straits' later work, but I don't see ever coming back to this one.
Standout track: Sultans of Swing
I enjoyed my first pass of this album but feel like there's depth beneath the surface that should be explored to fully appreciate this work. I've never really listened to the Velvet Underground before this, so I look forward to hearing more of their other albums as well.
Standout tracks: Candy Says, The Murder Mystery
Early on a Monday morning is probably not the right time to appreciate this one. Unfortunately, that's when I listened to it.
Standout track: Please Don't Stay (Once You Go Away)
I listened to this album once when it came out, but never returned to it until it came up on the generator today. It is a solid album, but I think recency bias must have landed it on this list instead of stronger options from Lana's catalog. That said, I will be more likely to listen to it again after this second runthrough. There are some beautiful, melancholy tracks on this album. Was nice to hear Weyes Blood on the "For Free" cover, as well--lovely!
Standout tracks: White Dress, Dark But Just A Game, Yosemite
This album has fantastic musicianship and energy. Lyrically, many of the themes from 1987 still hold relevance today in 2025. The songs themselves have an almost punk feel to them, making me feel hustled along as if in a mosh pit. While I appreciated the individual aspects of the album, however, somehow it didn't coalesce into something I see myself coming back to listen to again.
The poetry was solid. The music, not so much. I couldn't stay awake through this one.
A classic, albeit overrated, album. It has its solid moments, but it also has its weak spots. If I were going to reach for some Floyd to listen to, this wouldn't be it.
Standout track: Time
It was just okay. I never need to hear any of these songs again in my life, and I probably won't because who is Super Furry Animals anyway? Certainly not a band that belongs on a list of albums I need to hear before I die. To think of all the deserving albums that weren't included just so this one could have a spot!
Ahh, Red Snapper--mmm, very tasty! Before the Wheel of Fish landed on this album today, I'd never heard of this group. Their sound fits perfectly in the scope of late-90s/early aughts electronica. It is a decent album, but with repetitive compositions that fail to build, it's hardly essential listening. There are many other electronica acts that I'd listen to before coming back to this one.
Standout track: Don't Go Nowhere (which could aptly describe most of the songs on this album 😆)
Today the generator said, "Play some Skynyrd." So I did. It was okay. This style of rock doesn't do much for me, but it was fine to have it on in the background while I did other things.
Standout track: Tuesday's Gone.
Songs of the American folk tradition from friend of Woodie Guthrie and mentor to Bob Dylan. This was a fun collection.
Standout tracks: San Francisco Baby Blues, Boll Weevil, Bed Bug Blues
I'd give this album 5 stars for Karen's voice alone, but the hokey arrangements on some of the songs bring it down a notch. Still, this is a solid work, even when it sounds painfully 1970. I even enjoyed the groovy "Help" cover.
Standout tracks: Close to You (cheesy, but classic), I'll Never Fall in Love Again, Crescent Noon (those vocals!! 😻), Mr. Guder
Sonically cluttered. Lacking dynamic range. This had some nice moments, but overall was an exhausting listen. And that 12 minute outro...bro, that's what liner notes are for.
Standout track: The Instrumental, American Terrorist
A chronicle of Kendrick Lamar's formative years in Compton. I appreciate the concept and execution of the album, even if I probably won't come back to listen again.
Standout track: Compton
A fun collection of tunes, lots of covers, The Beatles still working to hit their stride. Was listenable, but not groundbreaking. I do wonder if The Beatles really deserve 7 spots on this list. I mean, yes, they're ~The Beatles~, but there are a lot of other deserving artists out there. I digress.
Standout track: Till There Was You (Music Man, ftw!)
I liked this one so much I listened to it twice. It wasn't until the second pass that I realized Bowie was so heavily involved with the creation of this album. This is a completely solid album that I will come back to in the future, for sure. 4.5*
Standout track: Funtime
There are many elements of this music that I like, but they come together on this album like a sonic splat. I find this sound generally unpleasant, an issue I have with most shoegaze music. All that said, this album is okay, but I was glad when it was over.
Standout track: Cherry-coloured Funk
Joan Baez has an incredibly strong voice--that I found unpleasant to listen to. Probably wouldn't come back to this, but I do recognize her talent, even if it's not for me.
This is the second Byrds album I've gotten through this project. I liked this one better than the first, but will not revisit it.
Standout track: Mr. Tambourine Man
I like The Who. I hadn't really heard any of these songs, aside from the singles, but I dug this album. I prefer some of their later stuff, but I'd listen to this again.
It's my birthday, so I hoped the album generator would toss me a banger for the occasion. Nope, it picked a band I don't like, and this album was not an exception. Radiohead is an overrated band, Thom Yorke's vocals irritate me, and overall the album felt steeped in pretension. Ending with a New Orleans-style funeral march was WTF. Ah well, on to the next one tomorrow!
This album had some strong singles, which carry the rest of the album. The dexterity of Christina's voice is impressive, but she keeps it turned up to 11 so much that it comes off as shouty. I think that is the reason I've never listened to her much, but I will probably add a few of these tunes to my master playlist. 3.5*
Standout track: Make Over
I enjoyed this a lot. This isn't my usual fare, but I would definitely listen to it again.
This album hooked me from the first track. Of course I had heard "Oh Boy!" before, but its energy swept me up and carried me through the rest of the album. After finishing, I had to immediately go back for another listen. I think I have a crush on Buddy Holly now.
Standout track: Oh Boy!
So there are synths and samples, which generally I like, but the compositions were a meandering mess. I would not choose to listen to this again.
If I hadn't seen the release date, I would have thought this came from the early 90s, due to its influence on a lot of the alternative/grunge acts of that time. Because of that, I'm glad I listened to this, even if I probably wouldn't seek it out again.
The Beach Boys is probably the first band I was ever aware of, and they were my first concert as a very young child. In spite of this early history, I have developed an association with them and the song "Kokomo", which is something that is hard to forgive. But this album, served up today in light of Brian Wilson's passing, is full of bangers. I really enjoyed listening to this and would definitely come back to this album again. Pet Sounds, FTW!
The Boss came out of the gate cranked to 11, with blaring sax and furious piano. There is an intense urgency that doesn't let up for the entire album. The final track, "Jungleland" should've been a cathartic release, but by the time it came I was fatigued from all that preceded it. Lyrically, the stories did not do anything for me, and Bruce's voice is, well, not pleasant. I really thought I would enjoy this more than I did.
Standout track: Jungleland
This album is an old favorite of mine from my early high school days. Returning to it several decades later, 'Ten' holds up surprisingly well, especially the first half, which is bolstered by a strong opener ("Once") and a series of great singles. I enjoyed listening to this again so much, I immediately had to hear it again.
Standout tracks: Once, Porch, Garden
This one grew on me as it went. It is theatrical throughout, but it has range, and Nick Cave is a compelling storyteller. I may not ever listen to this again, but it was interesting for one playthrough.
Standout tracks: Straight to You; Brother, My Cup Is Empty; Loom of the Land
This was okay. I like Dusty's voice, but overall the music on this album failed to inspire. If only all the tracks had the energy and groove of "Son of a Preacher Man".
Standout track: "Son of a Preacher Man"
This looks like an album I'd randomly pick up at a thrift store. I had never heard of this band before and didn't have high hopes, but this one was kind of fun. I'm glad I got to listen to it, and can see how OJ may have influenced other bands down the line.
DNF. While I don't doubt the virtuosity of Miles Davis and company on this album, I can't abide this cacophonous music.
Enjoyed this album. I don't know if I'd actively seek it out, but I'd be happy to hear it again.
I thought I didn't like The Jam until I listened to this album and realized that I do! This was a solid album that I listened to a couple of times in a row. Would definitely listen to this again.
It was okay to have this on in the background while I did other things. While I didn't mind the general vibe, I found it to be musically lacking when I listened more closely. Meh.
This didn't really excite me, but it was okay.
Standout tracks: In My Time of Dying, Kashmir
This is not something I'd choose to put on, but it wasn't bad to have on in the background while I worked.
Enjoyed this album, would like to go back and give it a closer listen sometime. 3.5 stars.
I liked this, though his voice got on my nerves after a while.
Metallica certainly deserves its place on this list. And they are an undeniably entertaining and virtuosic live act. But this album seems like a novelty--if they played a show with my local symphony, I'd want a ticket--rather than a cornerstone of their catalog. While they were probably thrilling live, on this recording the symphonic arrangements are more distraction than embellishment. I'd rather just hear Metallica being Metallica. They don't need any help!
Standout tracks: No Leaf Clover and Human, the two songs that were written for this album.
Was okay to have on in the background.
I listened to this twice. I found it equally grating and entertaining. The music was hit or miss, but I liked Jazmine's voice and the stories told on this album. Is it essential listening? Probably too soon to tell. But did I like it? Yes.
The execution of this concept album fell flat. There were some interesting moments, but overall it was not very interesting, musically speaking.
This album is so groovy. I am not a huge fan of jazz, but when its imbued with Herbie Hancock's funky style it is another story. All four songs on this album are bangers. Had to immediately listen to it again after the first run through.
I knew a lot more of these songs than I expected to. I don't love Jane's Addiction but enjoyed revisiting this album after so many years.
Standout tracks: Mountain Song
Most of this sounded like a second-rate Radiohead approximation. Towards the end it grew some teeth, and the image of the man who Travis could have been started to emerge. But by then it was too late to rescue this album from a solid 2 star rating.
Standout track: Turn
When I saw this was my album for today, I thought, "Ugh. I don't like CCR." But I discovered that I *do* like CCR after all. This is a great album, full of really strong tunes. I even enjoyed their "Heard it Through the Grapevine" cover, which is a song that usually makes me gag. I would listen to this album again for sure.
I was looking forward to this one, but I actually did not enjoy it. lang's voice is lovely, and the early-90s production was spot on, but the songs were largely bland and boring. "Constant Craving", the only song I'd ever heard before, was a standout track, containing an energy not present elsewhere on the album. Very disappointing.
Standout track: Constant Craving
There were moments I didn't like--especially those when the lead singer switched into ~The Voice~ (if you've listened to this, you know what I mean)--but I found the middle section of the album really compelling. Not sure I'd reach for it again, but it was an interesting listen. Rounded up from 2.5 *.
Standout tracks: Up with People, Nashville Parent, The Petrified Florist
My heart is like a wheel / let me roll it / let me roll it to you
With lyrics like that, it's no wonder this is a band on the run.
Such icons of the 80s. Some of the lyrics made me blush.
This album used to be a guilty pleasure for me. It was hard to take the band seriously with Courtney Love's antics in the spotlight. Coming back to it years later, I am able to appreciate the album for what it is--a strong clap back at Love's detractors, from peers to the media to CPS, and a response to her unfair treatment by the press. The music is fierce and the lyrics poetic. There's not much I don't love about this album.
Standout tracks: All of them, really, but if I have to choose, then Violet, Plump, Doll Parts
This had just enough structure to pull me back in every time it went off the rails into chaos. I probably wouldn't seek this out to listen to again, but I can see why it's on the list.
Interesting drumming, but those vocals. Oof.
Standout track: Ratamahatta
This was better than the last Springsteen album I got. With harmonicas instead of blaring saxes, and actual dynamic range instead of bombastic production, it was a less jarring experience. That said, I just don't enjoy listening to the Boss. I can understand why this is on the list, but it is not something I will ever seek out again.
This album was great and put me in a great mood. Would definitely listen to this again.
Standout tracks: Stand!, Somebody's Watching You
This is such a classic. Kraftwerk is just starting to find its stride with this album, which sets the stage for the masterpieces to come. I enjoyed revisiting this from the Autobahn drive at the beginning to the morning walk at the end.
Arguably Kate Bush's second best album after 'Hounds of Love', this album captures a profound longing for human connection and intimacy. Lyrically, the songs are imaginative and prescient, conjuring unexpected scenarios like encountering Hitler at a club or exploring online love before digital dating was comprehensible. Revisiting the album, I'm struck by how well the songs have aged—tracks I once skipped now reveal new depths of meaning, demonstrating the album's enduring artistic power.
Standout track: Never Be Mine
Ugh, this just dragged on and on...and it was only the first song! Nothing about this album caught my attention, with the exception of "Layla", which was definitely the high point. But even that song carried on longer than it needed to. With any luck, I won't be returning to this one any time soon.
Standout track: Layla
I was determined to hate this, but I actually enjoyed it. Musically it had a lot more variety than other albums of this time/genre. I agree with Mick Jagger that this was better than 'Sticky Fingers.'
Standout track: Evil Hearted Ada
This was better than I expected. Not something I'd listen to often, but I enjoyed it today.
Standout track: $1000 Wedding, Ooh Las Vegas
I've heard the title track of this album so many times, but today is when I learned its name. Groovy. The rest of the album is alright, too, though with all of the songs performed in the same style the gimmick wore thin by the halfway point. Still, it was an quirky soundtrack for my Friday.
Standout track: Green Onions
This was okay for a listen, but I'm not sure why it is on the list of must-hear albums.
Standout track: Soft machine
This album was alright. I enjoyed the second half more than the first half, but overall this kind of rock is not my style.
Standout tracks: Say Anything, Jacob Marley's Chain
Standout tracks: Alone + Easy Target, Good Grief
I wanted more from this. I liked the overall sound, but the songwriting made this an unsatisfying listen.
This album surprised me. I can see now what my mom saw in Simon & Garfunkel back when this album came out. I liked all of the tunes on this one and want to go back and listen more closely. This is one I'll definitely be returning to.
This was a fun listen. I don't think I'd actively seek it out, but I wouldn't mind if I heard it again.
Two days after the release of Blackstar, I was zoning out to a radio DJ set, floating somewhere between wakefulness and dreamstate, when the DJ interrupted his program to tell us that David Bowie had died. Denial spewed illogically from my brain. "No, he can't be dead, he just released an album on Friday." He had written and planned the release of this album to coincide with the end of his life. A last gift to the world from a legendary master of reinvention, a symbol of how his legacy will far outlast the limited lifespan of his mortal being. Kind of fitting and beautiful, isn't it?
Sade evokes the tobacco-scented Bonneville my friend's dad used to drive me to school in. The easy listening station he had on in the car seemed to play Sade every morning, so "Smooth Operator" is inextricably linked to the smell of his pipe and the plush seats in that boat of a car.
It would have been a thrill to see Van Halen tour this album, with Diamond Dave's showmanship and Eddie V's virtuosic licks. I enjoyed this album a lot.
Standout track: Ain't Talkin' Bout Love
Meh. Why this was chosen for this list over so many other albums/artists that didn't make the cut is a mystery.
Ugh. The first half was okay, but the fairy tale on side B was just too much.
The first track is pretty good, but after that the MGMT sound wears thin, as does the songwriting.
I used to think I liked Pink Floyd, but I don't really enjoy them anymore. This album tried my patience. At least the cover is cool.
Standout track: Wish You Were Here
This was okay. I'm not really a fan of this style of music or Jack White's vocals, but I can see how this would appeal to some folks.
This was great. Loved the mellow vibe and jazz piano. Then "H2Ogate Blues" came on and took things to the next level.
Standout track: H2Ogate Blues
I had never listened to this album before, though I was very aware of it in the mid-80s when it was popular. Controversy aside, I enjoyed listening to it today, even if I doubt I'll ever return to it.
Standout track: You Can Call Me Al (by far the catchiest and most memorable tune on the album, but also beloved for its classic video with Chevy Chase)
Really? MBV has released three albums, and ALL THREE made this list? This collection of droning, shoegaze non-compositions goes on and on and never gets anywhere interesting. MBV already showed us what they were about in the 1990s, when their sound was novel. In 2013, they had nothing new to offer--and definitely nothing that would qualify as essential listening.
Echo & The Bunnymen haven't struck my fancy in the past, but this album was pretty good. I enjoyed listening to it, though I wouldn't likely reach for it again.
I remember how big of a deal this album was when it was released, but it's really a mixed bag. Most of the songs have goofy lyrics rapped over repetitive funk grooves. But the album does have its surprises, such as the lovely "I Could Have Lied", a standout moment in an otherwise underwhelming group of songs.
This is the second EATB album I've gotten in three days. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did 'Porcupine'. This album is a letdown melodically, vocally, and with the overall songwriting.
Standout track: The Pictures on My Wall
Enjoyed listening to this, though I don't see myself ever reaching for it again.
Ah, Fatboy Slim--the sound of 1998. While I didn't love the singles at the time, I did appreciate their music videos (especially Spike Jonze's dance troupe in the "Praise You" clip). Listening to the album as a whole, I can appreciate the FS vibe, even if it is not something I would actively choose to put on.
This was an odd album. Some of it enjoyable, some of it annoying af, none of it to be revisited by me.
This was not the right soundtrack to my morning, which was already laced with pre-dentist jitters. I didn't dislike this, but I couldn't get all the way through and don't see myself ever coming back to it.
It took some effort to separate this from all of the indie try-hard acts that borrowed from Eno's sound in the early part of the century. Once I could focus on the music for what it was, I quite liked it. Nothing left a lasting impression on me, but I got the sense that it would require multiple listens to truly appreciate the depth of this album. One day I'll need to revisit this more earnestly.
Standout tracks: St. Elmo's Fire, The Big Ship, I'll Come Running
This started out strong but then devolved into more white men singing the blues. It lost me at that point.
I liked the first few PJ Harvey albums but then stopped following her in the late 90s. Last year I saw her live for the first time and was first introduced to some of the songs from this album. Listening to the album in full for the first time today, I appreciated this evolution of PJ Harvey's sound and getting to hear these songs again in their original context. This is one I'd definitely come back to.
I hadn't heard of this artist before, but I really enjoyed this album. I can see adding this to my collection.
This album's production and ambition outpaced its songwriting. There's rarely a memorable moment on this heady journey through the 'burbs. I don't see myself choosing to drive this way again any time soon.
Standout track: Ready to Start
I'd previously only consumed AC/DC casually, one song at a time, so I didn't appreciate how repetitive and grating they would be in album format. Each song is its own joke, often off-color, repeated ad nauseum for three minutes or so, you know, to make sure you get the joke. I couldn't bring myself to finish this.
This album is so much fun and brings back lots of memories of the late 90s. It is one I return to from time to time and always love hearing it.
Enjoyed this more than I expected.
I had never heard of this band before, but this was an interesting album.
Not what I expected.
Standout track: Human Cannonball
I didn't like this in 1994 and don't like it now.
I didn't like this in 1996 and don't like it now.
P.S. Why isn't Placebo on this list??
This was better than the last Neil Young album I got here, but it still was not for me. The man is prolific, but his songs are so boring.
Oh, ha ha! The album generator trolled me, giving me an album that wasn't actually on the list just to make me suffer! There's no way this was actually on the 1001 album list. Right?...Right? Oh, I see.
Standout track: I was going to say "The Case Continues" because I liked its 5/4 time signature, but then I got to this disqualifying lyric: If sex were an Olympic sport, we'd've won the gold
Oh well, on to the next!
Pretentious, indie folk rock that I wanted to hate but enjoyed a tiny bit.
Boring, late-90s singer-songwriter chick rock with a country flair.
This album tried to put me to sleep. It wasn't terrible, but it was not for me.
I like their overall sound, but the songs were forgettable.
A thoroughly enjoyable album that I would like to listen to again.
There should be more Banshees on this list!!
I liked this one less than their eponymous. It starts off strong, setting up a synth-heavy sound in the first two tracks, and then it falls off the rails. While their self-titled set up standout moments for Eddie Van Halen's licks to shine, they were often lost in the chaos of this work, and I found my attention wandering throughout the middle section. There is redemption in the last two tracks, but when it was done I was left wanting, the promise of the album's start unfulfilled.
Standout tracks: Jump, Girl Gone Bad
Flat, boring, cringe lyrics, WTF saxophone.
Standout track: Pretty In Pink
I enjoyed this one even more the second time through.
Britpop is SO overrepresented on this list.
This was NOT what I was expecting from Alice Cooper. Who knew he was in to show tunes???
