Apr 24 2025
Dummy
Portishead
I don't mind the music, but I would not seek it out. The singer's voice is very grating to me, though. I would not listen to this again.
2
Apr 25 2025
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Excellent guitar work. Some of the songs are better than others. I eventually skipped ahead during "Wars of Armageddon" because it was just unpleasant to the ear with all the screaming.
3
Apr 26 2025
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
I know Joni Mitchell is a legend, and I respect her contributions to the musical world, but all of her songs sound vaguely the same to me. The album is no different. If anything, I like this less than the other songs I’ve heard by her. That said, “Raised on Robbery” was a fun surprise that did stand out.
3
Apr 27 2025
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Very “classic” classic rock sound. I could see how this would have been popular. It is not bad, but I wouldn’t see myself reaching for this. But “American Girl” is definitely a classic.
3
Apr 28 2025
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Awesome music, legendary man. I like how he talks between the songs and treats the prisoners with respect. This whole concept of an album and the others like it are great. And the music is excellent.
5
Apr 29 2025
Thriller
Michael Jackson
I always assumed Thriller was one of the best albums of the decade because I was familiar with the singles. Taking time to listen to it entirely, it is a bit weird. There are some of the best pop songs of the 80s, but mixed in between them are terrible, almost unlistenable songs.
4
Apr 30 2025
Nixon
Lambchop
This is not my style of music. It is very "background" music and reminds me of bad slow jams. I am really not enjoying this, especially when the singer randomly breaks into falsetto. I was glad when this was over.
1
May 01 2025
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Probably not one of her very best, this has a very classic Lana dreamlike feel that developed in her music over the last handful of years. This one feels like each song is kind of the same, flowing into one another. Not bad, but not her best work.
3
May 02 2025
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
I respect what they did for the genre, but I did not love it. It does hit differently in the current political environment.
3
May 03 2025
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
His voice is surely an acquired taste, but there is no doubt he’s a lyrical master. Some truly exceptional songs are on here - “Masters of War” in particular. I liked it more than I expected. Would I seek it out? Probably not, but I’d add a few tracks to a general playlist.
3
May 04 2025
Document
R.E.M.
The music is great. Stipe’s voice is very much an acquired taste though. But overall, I like this album. The stand outs are the singles.
4
May 05 2025
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I respect what Public Enemy is and their impact, but why did I get two albums just days apart? Like the last, they are speaking their mind on important issues. The music is slightly more engaging, but the album feels very long. I almost didn’t finish this one. My rating reflects my respect for what Public Enemy represents, but I can’t see myself revisiting any of this. And maybe I can avoid repeats for a bit?
3
May 06 2025
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
This is an album I know I like because I listen to without being prompted. The most novel of concepts - playing to prisoners about everything from murder while high on cocaine to being executed for crimes. Cash sounds his best, from his calm opening “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” that builds right into “Folsom Prison Blues.” He never looks back. This is a classic album. Cash is a true legend.
5
May 07 2025
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
While contemporaries were rapping about social issues and racism, Biggie goes a very different direction.
2
May 08 2025
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
Released during the 1990s when there were so many amazing female singer-songwriters, Crow always felt on the weaker side to me. Revisiting this album 30 years later (uh, where does time go?), I still feel the same. Her voice is average, even kind of bad at times, and the songs are fairly forgettable. I will take Tori Amos or Paula Cole any day (or The Chicks if we are leaning country). Overall, an average albeit forgettable album.
3
May 09 2025
Dookie
Green Day
I am one of those melodramatic fools that was immediately taken back just looking at the cover. Solid, catchy songs that stand the test of time. I appreciate the musical work (especially the drums) on these songs more than I did back in the 90s.
5
May 10 2025
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Solid album all the way through. Where goth and post-punk meet with Siouxsie’s ethereal voice. I was thrilled to see this one pop up!
5
May 11 2025
Dry
PJ Harvey
Driving female energy. While it feels straight out of the 90s, it also holds up just as well today.
4
May 12 2025
Station To Station
David Bowie
Blink and you’ll miss it - this is only 38 minutes long. While Bowie is never bad, this is not a favorite of mine. Still, it is something I decided to listen to twice to get a feel. Bowie is almost always good. “Wild is the Wind” is a nice ending to the album.
4
May 13 2025
Purple Rain
Prince
This was another album where I expected something more. The bangers are there, and they are great, but some very mediocre songs ride in between those. While not a bad album, I am not aboard the hype train with everyone else.
3
May 14 2025
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
Waylon is a legend, and I knew that I was going to love this. And I did. This is everything that is great about classic country, especially outlaw country. My only regret is that this album is so short (27 minutes), but there is a lot more Waylon out there to listen to.
5
May 15 2025
The Next Day
David Bowie
So much Bowie is on this list that sometimes it feels like it’s about quantity over quality. This album made no impact on me other than the strangely uninspired cover art.
3
May 16 2025
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
So much Bowie is on this list that sometimes it feels like it’s about quantity over quality. This album made no impact on me other than the strangely uninspired cover art.
2
May 17 2025
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
So much Bowie is on this list that sometimes it feels like it’s about quantity over quality. This album made no impact on me other than the strangely uninspired cover art.
2
May 18 2025
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
There is a lot of talk about coming of age, but there was an entire generation of rappers saying the same things, violence and misogyny. That said, the beats were good. Perhaps not something I’d reach for, but not a bad album by any means.
3
May 19 2025
Survivor
Destiny's Child
This album is simply cheesy and does not stand the test of time. Most of the songs sound the same, and I found myself skipping several before they were done. This is another album I can’t quite understand why it is on this list.
2
May 20 2025
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Jazz may be polarizing, but I love jazz. This is a classic, and beautifully done.
5
May 21 2025
A Night At The Opera
Queen
Melodic and fun, this was a great album that showcases why Queen (and Freddie Mercury) are so iconic!
5
May 22 2025
Sister
Sonic Youth
It was not bad, but not memorable.
3
May 23 2025
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
I knew I was not a grunge fan, and this did not help. This is one of the rare occasions I didn’t even finish the album.
1
May 24 2025
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
This is my fourth Bowie album on this list in less than a month, but it’s definitely the best. This is a classic album with familiar tunes and deep creativity. A necessary classic.
5
May 25 2025
1984
Van Halen
This felt surprisingly mediocre to me. I knew the big hits off it (Jump, Panama, Hot for Teacher), but everything else was very unremarkable. I can’t imagine this being an album I’d listen to again.
2
May 26 2025
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
This album left no impression at all on me. I listened to it and completely forgot what it was. That’s how uninspired and boring it was.
1
May 27 2025
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
This is just not music for me. I almost didn’t make it though this album.
1
May 28 2025
Vespertine
Björk
While I like some Bjork, this was not it. All the songs bled together.
2
May 29 2025
The Man Who
Travis
Good enough as background music, but even listening to it twice, nothing stood out to me.
2
May 30 2025
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
It was nice enough but I don’t see it as something I’d revisit.
3
May 31 2025
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
I know that Stevie is a legend, and his music isn't bad, but this one just didn't do much for me.
2
Jun 01 2025
Play
Moby
I actually enjoyed this quite a lot. I knew a few songs what made me feel nostalgic, and then the rest was a good listen. It is one I’d revisit again, which is a good sign.
4
Jun 02 2025
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Very late 60s sound that was pleasant to listen to. I knew the song “Time of the Season” before, and it was a good representation of the album.
4
Jun 03 2025
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I liked some of it, but some of it felt so repetitive. At least one song sounded like the same melody as another with new lyrics. I was a little disappointed bechase I had heard so much hype for this album.
3
Jun 04 2025
Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
To say this was not my thing is an understatement. I almost want to apologize to the other albums that were given a 1 in this journey because this was next level below.
1
Jun 05 2025
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
I very much did not enjoy this.
1
Jun 06 2025
What's That Noise?
Coldcut
I had to find it on YouTube, but it wasn’t bad. I wouldn’t listen to it regularly, but it was catchy and made for decent background music.
3
Jun 07 2025
Back In Black
AC/DC
Not great, but not bad. There were some bangers, but it did kind of feel all the same. And his voice is a lot to handle for 45 minutes straight.
3
Jun 08 2025
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I enjoyed this one a lot. I had not listened enough to this band before, so this was a pleasant surprise.
4
Jun 09 2025
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
It was ok. Some songs were better than others, and all had a similar feel.
3
Jun 10 2025
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Decent, pleasant album with a distinct late 60s sound. It sounded a lot like The Beatles at times, though.
3
Jun 11 2025
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
This was a pleasant surprise for me. I often am not a huge fan of this style of music, but I found this chill and a good album to listen to while starting my day.
4
Jun 12 2025
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
This inclusion makes no sense to me. It feels like background music at best, elevator music at worst. While it probably goes well with the visuals of a 70s film, it offers little for the listener. With so many great albums left off the list, I am astonished this made the cut. That said, it wasn’t unlistenable.
2
Jun 13 2025
Smile
Brian Wilson
I really wanted to like this one, but it just felt like songs for kids. The highlight was hearing “Good Vibrations.” I don’t even know what this album was supposed to be really.
2
Jun 14 2025
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
This album is very much a product of its time. It’s weird to me people complain it sounds like Nirvana. Aside from being a principal of that band, it is also grunge of the era. As I am not a big fan of grunge, this album didn’t make me swoon, but it was good enough and I definitely didn’t hate it.
3
Jun 15 2025
Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
This album doesn’t deserve the basement ranking it has. It is not softly melodic, nor something I would reach for on my own, but it is unique and creative. One can hear how it influenced later artists of the industrial genre. I wouldn’t pass this off as entirely noise, and honestly it had a lot more to contribute than some of the trivial garbage I’ve gotten on this list.
3
Jun 16 2025
Kid A
Radiohead
I am not typically a fan of Radiohead, and while I wouldn’t say this album made me one, it wasn’t bad. It was decent background music. I appreciated the chill on a Sunday morning.
3
Jun 17 2025
Murmur
R.E.M.
Solid indie rock from an influential band.
4
Jun 18 2025
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
I do like CSN, but I prefer their later stuff. This album had lovely harmonies, but it was kind of forgettable.
3
Jun 19 2025
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
While it feels like every rap album has way too many gunshots, this was catchier than most.
3
Jun 20 2025
You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
Morrissey is not a likable person, but he is no less talented. This album has some in your face songs from the start, but it is a good album.
4
Jun 21 2025
The Joshua Tree
U2
This is a terrific album that brings a lot of nostalgia. As a child I thought because it was called The Joshua Tree that referred to a single mystical tree, that there existed only one Joshua tree. It amused me to remember this visiting Joshua Tree National Park as a child. :)
4
Jun 22 2025
...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
It started out slow, got much better, but the last song “The Creep Out” did not do things for me, at least positive things. This album wasn’t bad. I wouldn’t reach for it most likely, but I also appreciate how much it sounds like a product of its era.
3
Jun 23 2025
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
This was one of the few albums I didn’t even finish. It was corny and hard to take seriously. From reading the Wikipedia, I guess it’s unique enough to make the list, but I don’t feel inspired to hear it again.
1
Jun 24 2025
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Ethereal and lovely, this wasn’t the right album for a sunny summer day, but it was still nice. I wish we could do half stars because it’s more 3.5 for me.
4
Jun 25 2025
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
It was cute, perhaps a little too cute. I found her voice annoying at a point. Not bad, not great, very middle.
3
Jun 26 2025
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
This was a decent album, especially for background tunes.
4
Jun 27 2025
Phrenology
The Roots
Solid sounds here. The highlight was “The Seed (2.0).” I liked this overall more than I expected. I wish there were half stars to rate things because I would give a solid 3.5, but it’s not quite a 4 for me.
3
Jun 28 2025
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
In addition to being too long, this was just not a good album. Prince has some good songs, but this is the second album I’ve gotten by him that makes me think the majority just are not.
2
Jun 30 2025
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Catchy for sure, I feel like they have such a distinct sound that the songs can run together a little. I really liked when they did songs in Spanish. They’re unique for sure and I respect their place in hip hop.
3
Jul 01 2025
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
This has a very 70s sound. It also strangely sounded a bit like The Beatles or Queen, two bands I like a lot, but yet I didn’t really like this very much.
2
Jul 02 2025
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
I like new wave, so this album was fun. The clear highlights were “Tainted Love” and “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” but it was a decent album overall.
4
Jul 03 2025
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
This brought back a lot of memories. I knew a few songs on the album, and the rest of the album as a whole I enjoyed a lot. This is one where some songs ended up on my playlist and I could see myself reaching for it again.
4
Jul 04 2025
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
I guess it was kind of catchy, but I couldn’t figure out if it was serious or a drug-fueled project of cultural appropriation. This was truly bizarre. I cannot really understand why it is essential listening, but I am finding 80% of this list to not be particularly essential.
2
Jul 05 2025
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Supremely listenable, this was a great one to have on in the background for a variety of tasks. This is an album I could see myself reaching for again.
5
Jul 06 2025
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
It wasn’t terrible, but I didn’t need two parts for sure because everything pretty much all sounded the same.
2
Jul 07 2025
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
I had higher hopes for this one, but it just didn’t do it for me. The songs were kind of boring and ran together.
2
Jul 08 2025
Arrival
ABBA
Fabulous and just what I needed for a Monday morning. I often forget how much I enjoy ABBA until I listen to them. No skips, and I even put it on twice.
5
Jul 09 2025
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
This was very dull and sounded like a mediocre Bowie album. I like new wave and wanted to like this more, but it just was not it.
2
Jul 10 2025
Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
This was a very mixed bag. Some songs I kind of liked, but then there would be a song of discordant noise that brought everything back down. I don’t fully understand the inclusion of this one on this list.
2
Jul 11 2025
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams is just not a nice person. From the public stories to even personal interactions from friends who have gone to his shows, he is mentally unstable and unlikeable. But, sadly, he makes really good music. It makes me feel bad to rate this so highly, and maybe it would have been even higher if he wasn’t such a raging douche canoe.
4
Jul 12 2025
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
It was easy to listen to, but didn’t do a lot for me. It also did not age well, particularly the misogynist tones throughout. For example on “One Woman,” it is not a second woman making you do wrong. You have autonomy. You are doing wrong. And that rant before “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” had more than a few eyebrow raising lines. It also made me wonder if this song would be over by the time I get out of Phoenix. I just don’t think Chef’s music is for me.
2
Jul 13 2025
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I like their distinctive sound, and the singles on this one were definitely the highlights.
3
Jul 14 2025
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield has an amazing voice that helped pave the way for artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele. This album is full of her beautiful voice and nostalgic sound. It was a winner for me.
4
Jul 15 2025
Diamond Life
Sade
Very much the definition of easy listening. It wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t really my thing.
2
Jul 16 2025
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
I felt like I wanted to like this more, but it felt very bland to me.
2
Jul 17 2025
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Billie is a legend with a voice of satin.
4
Jul 18 2025
The La's
The La's
The best part of this was when it was over Spotify’s algorithm played Pulp. That’s Britpop I want to hear, but I wonder if it’s even on this list. This was another album I don’t understand why it made the cut. I suppose it sounded like generic late 60s Brit rock and whoever made this list has a massive thing for that.
2
Jul 19 2025
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
At times this sounded like low rent Arcade Fire, which is the most generous thing I can think to say.
2
Jul 20 2025
Protection
Massive Attack
Not my style, so it is hard to rate it really.
3
Jul 21 2025
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
Donovan is the classic 60s hippie sound, and I am mostly here for it. (I just wish he had been a better dad to his kids, but that’s not what we are here for.) There are some ultimate 60s bangers on here, starting with the title track and right through to “Season of the Witch.” There are also a few duds, but even those have a special sauce that feels all entirely Donovan.
4
Jul 22 2025
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
I respect the concept and the meaningful lyrics, but I just struggle getting into this style of music.
3
Jul 23 2025
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Fun album
3
Jul 24 2025
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Excellent rock by legends. RIP Ozzy!
4
Jul 25 2025
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Fun, classic hip hop.
3
Jul 26 2025
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Some people love jazz, some people hate jazz. I love jazz, and I loved this album. It was a pleasant surprise to get.
4
Jul 27 2025
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Catchy as hell, but I couldn’t stop thinking about what a horrible person he was.
3
Jul 28 2025
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I am a jazz fan, but this didn’t quite get me there. I am not a huge fan of the Hammond B-3 organ sound. But it wasn’t bad by any means.
3
Jul 29 2025
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
One of my least favorite things is falsetto. I also just don’t feel 70s funk. So, this album was a no for me.
2
Jul 30 2025
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
This was an album I expected to like quite a bit, but I could not handle her voice after a while. It actually hurt in headphones. I know she is a legend and all, but it was more than I could handle.
2
Jul 31 2025
The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
Very much meh.
2
Aug 01 2025
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
This was fine. It was better than I expected, but not something I’d go back to revisit.
3
Aug 02 2025
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I thought I might like this album, but there was so much straight up noise that I got annoyed. I found this album made me angry after a point, and it is one of the very few albums I did not even finish. Hard pass.
1
Aug 03 2025
Electric
The Cult
Boring. I can’t even remember if I finished listening. One song sounded exactly like an AC/DC song
2
Aug 04 2025
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Powerful and still relevant.
4
Aug 05 2025
The Doors
The Doors
Very good album. Solid music.
4
Aug 06 2025
Sound Affects
The Jam
Enjoyable. I’d listen to this again.
4
Aug 07 2025
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Excellent album, especially the title track.
4
Aug 08 2025
Disintegration
The Cure
One of the greatest pieces of music ever made. This is 10 out of 5. Best album on this list.
5