279
Albums Rated
3.17
Average Rating
26%
Complete
810 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Blues
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
16
5-Star Albums
8
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stripped
Christina Aguilera
|
5 | 2.87 | +2.13 |
|
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
25
Adele
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
|
5 | 3.53 | +1.47 |
|
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
|
5 | 3.53 | +1.47 |
|
Document
R.E.M.
|
5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
|
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
|
5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
|
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
|
5 | 3.65 | +1.35 |
|
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
|
5 | 3.67 | +1.33 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
Who's Next
The Who
|
2 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
|
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
|
2 | 3.82 | -1.82 |
|
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
|
2 | 3.79 | -1.79 |
|
Odessa
Bee Gees
|
1 | 2.72 | -1.72 |
|
Dummy
Portishead
|
2 | 3.71 | -1.71 |
|
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
|
1 | 2.63 | -1.63 |
|
Illmatic
Nas
|
2 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Oasis | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Gees | 2 | 1 |
| The Who | 3 | 2 |
5-Star Albums (16)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Ms. Dynamite · 3 likes
4/5
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it just nostalgia? Is it the biased extrapolation of one iconic single? Is it the overwhelming relief of the first gasp of fresh air after the endless deluge of forgettable 70s dad rock that has washed over me in the last several days?
NO! IT'S A BANGER
Kelela · 2 likes
4/5
Look. I wrote a review in the office earlier today that said "boring". but I have now listened to it very loud in my ears after 3 pints on the night bus and honestly it's a vibe. Sometimes you just gotta find the right situation.
Cocteau Twins · 2 likes
4/5
What a vibe. Couldn't understand a single word she said but agreed with every one.
Morrissey · 2 likes
3/5
Yeah you know I kinda enjoyed this actually but I am docking one point for being the world's worst spokesperson for vegetarianism.
That's right!! No rules! I mark how I want!!
Randy Newman · 1 likes
2/5
Umm!!?!
As a 90s kid who grew up on a diet of Toy Story and Bugs Life, this is... jarring. I understand this is satire but there is no reason for a white person to say those words and there is especially no reason to hear it from Woody 😭 A swing and a miss from Randy here....
1-Star Albums (8)
All Ratings
Dire Straits
4/5
Great album. A couple of weaker trackers for me but the guitar is unreal. Replayed a few times!
Elton John
4/5
A real party and some mind blowing piano - but a few duds for me (looking at you "Jamaica Jerk-Off"... Obviously a classic overall though
The Pogues
2/5
I can see the objective skill here but this one's just not for me!
David Bowie
2/5
Perhaps I am too obtuse to get understand Art but I just did not get this at all. I'm sorry Bowie 😭 too "experimental" for me
Metallica
3/5
Not the genre for me, especially not keen on this type of vocals but can appreciate the artistry in this. The guitar absolutely slaps! 🔥🎸🤘 Enjoyed listening more than I thought I would but probably won't be coming back to this.
Dirty Projectors
3/5
A perfectly tolerable listen but not a memorable track or emotion in sight. A bit too aware of it's own "quirkiness" to pakc any kind of punch for me. I think I would have loved this in 2009 but unfortunately I heard it in 2025.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Groundbreaking? Yes. Opened on an all-timer and closed on the worst sound I have ever heard? Also yes.
Sister Sledge
4/5
💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
What a party!!
The White Stripes
4/5
Other than one weird moment where I thought I had accidentally started playing some sort of self help podcast aloud in the kitchen, this is wall to wall bangers 🤘
Jerry Lee Lewis
1/5
Musically sure OK rock n roll is cool but "1" is reserved for "should not be on this list" and after googling this dude I am happy to report I am awarding him a grand total of 1. And he didn't even write most of these!
Isaac Hayes
3/5
So smooth! A great listen, the extended cuts and spoken words to music were a bit much for me (I can't be dealing with a 19 minute song) but overall 👍
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Oh man. This one was not for me. I only knew Leonard Cohen from Hallelujah and this is not that. So growly! I could spot the backing instrumental as a really emotive bit of composition so might have enjoyed it more with a lighter vocal style... but I found this tough going.
System Of A Down
2/5
Argh. Too shouty for me! As per my other opinions on heavy metal, some absolutely shredded guitar but I can't stand listening to this vocal style,really spoils it for me.
Paul Weller
3/5
A pleasant and easy listen but I found most tracks a bit forgettable and samey. Wasn't offended but won't be revisiting either!
Elvis Presley
2/5
This is an interesting one. While I love Elvis in general I think this album doesn't illustrate his later best when he stepped into his own music. The tunes here are that classic kind of rock n roll which are usually a fun listen, but he hasn't refined his vocal style yet... And something has to be said about the context from which an album of a white guy making (imo worse) covers of music that originated from Black artists is considered so culturally groundbreaking. His version of tutti frutti is the definition of phoning it in... I'm sorry Elvis!
Queen
5/5
These guys can do no wrong. This isn't even their best album and it's better than everything we've had so far!
Louis Prima
5/5
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!
The sax! The piano! The vocal style and personality! The lyrics! The little jokes! What a great time! I love this!
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Meh - surprisingly forgettable. This was good background music for my drive to work but I couldn't recall a single tune the next morning. Bonus point for American Girl which is a classic.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Ahh, Arcade Fire. I had a real phase in 2010 of listening to Ready to Start incessantly (with msn's "listening to" feature very casually turned on) because I wanted to be seen liking it, but not, as it actually turns out, because I liked it.
Fast forward to 2025 and I have never listened to this album before but found myself walking a familiar path. Whilst professing to be pleased and allowing anyone within a two metre radius to get a peek over my shoulder at the subtly displayed album cover all day, I secretly yearned for the simple pleasure of a singalong banger. No more.
This is my truth. This is precisely the kind of indie rock miscellany that I think I should think is cool but truthfully found formulaic, forgettable and... boring 😭 By the end of the day I was self-medicating with Louis Prima. I am going to be brave and admit this is a 3 for me - and my teenage self should thank me for the growth.
Supertramp
3/5
Tricky. I kinda enjoyed it but I have already forgotten it.
5/5
A real lesson for me. Cohesive as a collection in sound and style, but each song distinct. Musically a great time from start to finish with some 👌 guitar and drums with catchy and energetic arrangements. Lyrically some entertaining and incisive social commentary which in many cases is still relevant today!
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Funky!
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
2/5
They lost me at anti-TV manifesto. This could not be more 90s! Also I am on a hen do and it was a bit embarrassing to play it. 2 🫡
Bee Gees
1/5
Cor, what a slog. Taking up valuable space on this list that could have been filled by the Black Parade. Nil pwa
Dolly Parton
4/5
This is a masterclass in storytelling and obviously a great of the genre. Not a genre I particularly care for, but we all love Dolly. Was a bit disappointed not to recieve any of the classic bangers here (and it was just a bit toooo country for me), but a bonus point for writing all her own songs and for the twist ending of Travelling Man - lol.
The Birthday Party
1/5
Wow! I hated this! DNF
The Allman Brothers Band
3/5
Masterful, and a great soundtrack to my day, but each track blends into the next indistinguishably. Forgettable. Looking forward to attempts to identify a favourite song from this one...
Gang Of Four
3/5
How much 70s post punk is on this list?!
I won't lie my heart sank when I saw this but I enjoyed it more than previous outings in the genre. 3/5 didn't mind listening but will never think about it again.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Good, but felt a bit "background music".
Christina Aguilera
5/5
The birth of Xtina, one of the greatest vocalists to ever do it. There are a few fillers in the middle here but even those are top drawer honestly. Jam packed with hits that changed pop. Each of Can't hold us down, Fighter, Beautiful, Dirrty and especially the Voice Within are all timers, no notes.
Dizzee Rascal
2/5
Argh. I get it - this is pretty insane from an 18 year old who basically invented this brand of UK grime. Mind blowing at the time. Dizzee knows a good beat and has some later bangers for sure but this album isn't for me. The lyrics 🥴
Steely Dan
3/5
Forgettable dad rock (no offence dad).
Fred Neil
3/5
Eh. Perfectly pleasant listen. No impact.
Depeche Mode
3/5
TIL that the Marilyn Manson Personal Jesus is a Cover!
Err. This was a bit monotonous for me.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
I don't know! Another perfectly fine but miscellaneous 70s album!
Deep Purple
3/5
Yeah this was kinda fun. Unfortunately I am so numb to 70s rock I won't be dwelling on it, but I liked the guitar 🎸
Kate Bush
4/5
This is weird, but you can't deny it's original. Nice to have something different!
Willie Nelson
2/5
Oh wow! More 70s! Hot take: I don't think an album of covers should be on the list.
5/5
From the kid shouting "don't look back at Angus" from the back of the car on family holidays, to the teenage boy with a guitar taking it upon himself to treat everyone to unsolicited Wonderwall at a party, to the britpop dad spending £200 on a ticket for the mythical reunion no one believed would come 30 years later... this album exists everywhere you turn. A staple to every brit and an all time classic of course.
Randy Newman
2/5
Umm!!?!
As a 90s kid who grew up on a diet of Toy Story and Bugs Life, this is... jarring. I understand this is satire but there is no reason for a white person to say those words and there is especially no reason to hear it from Woody 😭 A swing and a miss from Randy here....
Scritti Politti
2/5
Sounds like the output of an unsophisticated AI trained exclusively on the Tarzan soundtrack and holiday resort Wham tribute acts
Metallica
3/5
I am not learned enough in Metallica to differentiate this from the previous Metallica album, so, 3 stars.
Ray Charles
4/5
Great voice and a great listen
Gene Clark
2/5
Oh look, another miscellaneous, boring and unremarkable 70s folk/rock album
Carpenters
3/5
I would like to complain to the makers of the "1001 70s Folk Rock Albums by Old Men That You Have To Listen To Before You Die" app I downloaded as there was a girl on this one?
David Bowie
4/5
A better entry from Bowie than our previous but still a little weird for me... Bonus point for golden days though
Ms. Dynamite
4/5
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it just nostalgia? Is it the biased extrapolation of one iconic single? Is it the overwhelming relief of the first gasp of fresh air after the endless deluge of forgettable 70s dad rock that has washed over me in the last several days?
NO! IT'S A BANGER
Tom Waits
3/5
Musically I enjoyed it but his voice is hard to take seriously, kept waiting for him to launch into a Christmas song for some reason.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Maybe it's tricky to write an unbiased review in the circumstances. From my side, other than the hits, I'd never listened to this album through before, but had already seen it called the greatest of all time in popular media.
Verdict: definitely up there. Revolutionary, genre-creating, and melodicallly, lyrically and instrumentally novel, complex... and fun! Has stood the test of time for a reason - there will truly never be another Brian Wilson. RIP to a legend and thank you for the music 🫡⛱️
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Only knowing one song before, I had a narrow expectation of an album full of Septembers (which I wouldn't have hated tbh!) however what I got was a varied, funky, and memorable journey which I had on repeat all day.
Madness
3/5
Was expecting to love this but the singles are definitely the strongest on there! An interesting take on madness but their more mainstream sound is still my fav
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Soulful, thought provoking, timeless
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
I'd usually be dismissive of an instrumental on this list, but I really enjoyed this!
Talking Heads
4/5
I A P P R O V E T H I S M E S S A G E
Nirvana
3/5
Yikes!
Loved heart shaped box
HATED scentless apprentice and... Track 4.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Further proof that Simon from misfits was always the mvp.
The end of gods will be gods whew! What a concept!
Cream
3/5
Cool I guess. Forgettable
Morrissey
3/5
Yeah you know I kinda enjoyed this actually but I am docking one point for being the world's worst spokesperson for vegetarianism.
That's right!! No rules! I mark how I want!!
Brian Eno
4/5
Am I on drugs? Is everyone else on drugs except me?
To get the obvious out the way: this is weird. But I can vibe with weird! When you're shooting at this many targets, you are not going to get a bullseye every time, but I respect the audacity to try. Thanks for doing something different Eno!
Nirvana
4/5
Wayyy preferred this to our previous outing. This is the Nirvana that endures for me.
Jeff Buckley
4/5
Gorgeous vocals. I'm normally against a cover on this list but when it's such a different take from the original and (dare I say it) has overshadowed it's predecessor in cultural significance, you have to hand it to him.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Miscellaneous 70s dad rock.
Just kidding. 🤘
The Yardbirds
3/5
This grew on me the second listen around, some fun arrangements but it sounded like a christmas album in places 😂
The Stooges
2/5
Was this groundbreaking? Was all the 70s rock on this list groundbreaking? For me, this was one of the least interesting entries.
Bad Company
3/5
Wow! This is one of the best run of the mill 70s dad rock albums I've ever heard! And I've heard a lot!
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
3/5
Yeah, this was fun! No fault of their own that I missed something by not understanding the lyrics
The Smiths
4/5
Morrisey, the inventor of emo?
I loved this. I don't love Morrisey of course but I loved this. I've no idea if the absurd level of sheer depression the lyrics reached was supposed to be in a sincere or tongue in cheek way, but I don't even care which it is.
I didn't know stop me... was a smiths song! I only knew the mark ronson version but I way prefer this! Also WHAT is going on with girlfriend in a coma?! I don't know but I don't care!
PJ Harvey
2/5
Not for me, verging into *too* grungy and experimental at the expense of an enjoyable listening experience.
Björk
3/5
Some really interesting choices here and cool to listen to something different. I admire the artistry but I'm not sure I actually enjoyed listening to it! Haha
The Youngbloods
3/5
A really pleasant listen, I looped it a couple of times throughout the day and great for my drive to work, but no lasting impression. Couldn't hum you a track the next morning.
Deep Purple
3/5
As before. Slammin guitar. Vocals not for me
Muddy Waters
4/5
Good stuff! Bluesy, great jam and unexpectedly funny lyrics.
Elvis Costello
4/5
Wow, this sucks!!
Just kidding 😉 a fun blend with elements of old school rock n roll with a more modern sound coming through. Can't go wrong!
Steely Dan
4/5
Argh. I can't believe I am giving steely Dan a 4! Am I being brainwashed into loving dad rock by this experience? Is the sheer volume of this genre I have listened to recently giving me a real critic's ear? Or is this genuinely just a great album?
I think I gave them 3 last time and this is no doubt a better outing. Perhaps it's a 3.5 but in the absence of a finer grading scale, here, have my 4 and I won't be taking any questions at this time.
Blondie
5/5
Wow, this blew my mind! Knew a little of Blondie but it's all here and then some. There's nothing else for it, this is just.... COOL. I want to be in Blondie. Loved it.
Kelela
4/5
Look. I wrote a review in the office earlier today that said "boring". but I have now listened to it very loud in my ears after 3 pints on the night bus and honestly it's a vibe. Sometimes you just gotta find the right situation.
Taylor Swift
3/5
A wise woman once said, "we are all Swifties". On some levels, I see truth to this philosophy - the hits are HITS. Blank space, shake it off and style are pop perfection. That said, I'm afraid for me the rest of the album is overhyped. I hated the opening track and found a lot of the lyrics blood curdlingly earnest. Perhaps it is because I am British.
Also, every time I hear Taylor Swift say "you should have been getting down to this sick beat!" my skin crawls. It wasn't even a sick beat!
Meat Loaf
4/5
Cinema for the ears. Great
Wu-Tang Clan
4/5
At first my delicate little heart was offended but I pushed through and appreciated the complexity, artistry and to be honest, vibe. Good for a run.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
I found it a bit twee but seems mean to give this a three as its a smooth listen from start to finish and that's how things were at the time!
Otis Redding
3/5
What's that? Cover albums shouldn't be on this list? Especially if they just make you wish you were listening to the originals?
Sorry Otis 😭
Bobby Womack
3/5
I don't know. Cheesey but good fun
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
The songs are so stylistically diverse, yet there is not a flop to be found between them! So many iconic hits on one album!! So incredible to produce an astounding piece of art from this much tea!!! Neil Buchanan eat your heart out!!!!
The 5 to end all 5s. Thank you Fleetwood Mac for being messy bs who love drama and turning up to the studio anyway. 🫡
The Human League
3/5
I went in wanting to love this because I love Don't You Want Me but the rest of the album tracks haven't got a memorable hook between them. Perhaps it is only with the passing of time that this sound has become cliche, but to me it's giving Pop Goes My Heart - but less catchy!!!
Talking Heads
4/5
Good fun! Listened several times in the day
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Now I get the Leonard Cohen thing!
Turbonegro
2/5
OK road trip music but couldn't distinguish a single song. Formulaic and forgettable
Lou Reed
4/5
Great album. Thought I had never heard this before but knew a few tracks that have seeped in along the way! Rest of the album spot on as well.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
What a vibe. Couldn't understand a single word she said but agreed with every one.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Misjudged this - the same slammin instrumentals as other metal but with a vocal style I can get on board with.
The Cure
3/5
Cool sound, but a bit one-note.
Jurassic 5
4/5
Great flow and some interesting lyrics!
Great motivation music.
Except One of them, that blows.
Billy Joel
4/5
Good fun with some memorable tunes and imagery. A bit on the cheesy/ overly earnest side in places, but eh it was a different time.
Scissor Sisters
4/5
What an incredible debut, some brave and unusual choices (especially for 2004!) and had not realised so many of their iconic singles were from their debut. Almost a 5 but felt the album tracks weren't quite as strong. Great collective though.
Nirvana
4/5
Nirvana's greatest.
Yes
3/5
Couldn't get into this. Middle of the road.
The Electric Prunes
2/5
No impression. No thoughts. Idk. Fine? Normal sounding 60s background jingles.
The Residents
1/5
At first I thought I liked this, but then I realised I hate it.
Pearl Jam
4/5
Rockin'! A bit heavy for me but I get it.
The xx
4/5
I looped the xx's debut endlessly between 2009-2012 like the dutiful wannabe indie teen I was. Some decent tunes but mostly vibey "background music". THIS album - which I wasn't even aware existed! - slaps. They are best for me when then lean more chill than depressing, but I guess I will now be looping this until 2028.
AC/DC
4/5
🤘
Once again, not my usual but I get it.
Green Day
5/5
A masterclass in punk that is not only listenable but absolutely barnstorming. A Difficult Seventh Album that defied a waning rock scene to define a genre. A lyrically delicious singalong for all times. A cultural touchstone for a generation of rock, emo and pop punk kids. A raucous political bang on the head for the Bush/Blair kids that still slaps today. A Night at the Opera for millenials.
.... In case it was not obvious, I was a child in 2004. My dad would not let me put Boulevard of Broken dreams on my mix tape because it has a swear in. (sorry dad I've heard it now). Safe to say I wasn't as culturally aware as I am now. But I'd be willing to bet Billie Joe should have known better to use so many homophobic slurs. That dates it and it's a shame.
Sidebar: Other than that unfortunate aspect, 2004 was the greatest year in pop culture of all time. Mean Girls! Shrek 2! Napoleon Dynamite! MySpace! Motorola Razrs! Mr Brightside! Friends finale! LOST! Usher! Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge! This album!!!!
Eat up Tina you fat lard. This album rules. 🤘
Supergrass
4/5
All day I have been comparing this to Crime of the Century and I have just now realised that that was Super✨tramp✨ and this is Super✨grass✨. Whoops! I wondered when Alright was going to come up!
Anyway I guess the review I had in my head is being edited from "I prefer this to the previous Supergrass album" to "I prefer Supergrass to Supertramp".
... I never said I was going to be GOOD at this.
Steve Earle
2/5
Cheese cheese cheese.
Ice Cube
3/5
Interesting catchy and accessible and some political points that are unfortunately still salient today. Could do without the sexism though.
The Stone Roses
5/5
Oh, man. I missed out on this the first go around, I think I was a shade to young for these guys so it all passed me by, other than Waterfall. A real shame - this is amazing! Dreamlike summer vocals, and a soundtrack to the movie of your day.
Beach House
3/5
Why is all the 00s and 10s stuff we've had such miscellaneous indie wallpaper? I was a sentient being in 2010 and can attest there was loads of stuff way more interesting than this.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Bit run of the mill, messaging more lighthearted that previous outings to the genre, but hey, nothing wrong with some fun beats for the car. This feels very 90s to me so I guess it was ahead of its time.
The Who
2/5
Obnoxiously long. I understand it's telling a story but a lot of it was instrumental and many tracks added nothing narratively. Meaning, however good, this is an auto DNF. It's not a flex to have an album that long, quality must be sacrificed to quantity. Learn to curate! Also, the narrative was weird...
Sonic Youth
3/5
Kinda enjoyed parts of this but hated others. The more musical tracks were enjoyable enough but the album as a whole won't be revisiting
D'Angelo
3/5
A little boring, but super chill and extremely 90s.
Khaled
2/5
Again hard to rate when I don't get the language, which is hardly his fault. At multiple languages at that!
+1 for a take on imagine that is more fun than the original. Bold move.
Peter Gabriel
4/5
It's giving Phil Collins, except.... I like it?
Killing Joke
3/5
One of the more listenable post punk albums we've had!
Bee Gees
1/5
Marginally better than the absolute dross that was Trafalgar, but even still, a 2 seems generous. You should only publish a 7+ minute song if you are confident it's as good as Bat Out Of Hell, and this can't even see the bar.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
The review I was forming in my mind while listening went something like, "one of my favourite non-English language albums so far, although it's giving ✨Sims music✨ in places".
Imagine my surprise when the next track was... actual Sims music. But one of my favourite non-English language Sims tunes, so, go figure.
TV On The Radio
2/5
Inoffensive but uninspiring. In places, it was almost reminiscent of other work from the time, at a reach it was almost giving Bon Iver in places, except...without ANY of the feeling or musicality. There's loads of cool stuff from this era and once again we're served something inexplicable in its place.
Simply Red
2/5
Errr. OK in parts but nondescript. Like AI generic rock.
The Verve
3/5
The verve have a cool sound but nothing here grabbed me.
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Well, the Beatles it ain't.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
A good showing from Echo, but felt the Bunnymen were a bit lacklustre on this one.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Super smooth. Great vocals. Not super earwormy but enjoyed the listen.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Never previously been a huge fan of Dylan's singing style but actually got on board with this. Musically and lyrically smart and interesting, super original, ahead of it's time.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Smithsy, but more boring.
Nick Drake
3/5
Pretty, and surprised by the year - can hear this sound in a lot of 00s and 10s guitar boys.
Soundgarden
3/5
This is too similar to Nirvana while being less good so it comes off unfavourably even though it's decent. I'm sorry 😭
Portishead
2/5
Spooky ghost music for cool spooky teens
Mercury Rev
3/5
I really enjoyed this even though some of it sounds like ride queue theme music at thorpe park
Pretenders
4/5
This is rock and Chrissie Hynde is the coolest. Bye ✌️
Happy Mondays
3/5
Medium Tuesday. Expected more fun than I got, but a reasonably good listen.
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
Mumbly, depressing, and like the vocal can't decide if it wants to cone out.
David Bowie
3/5
Argh. I'm sorry. I know the conect behind this but I don't think that gives it an auto 5 as a piece of work. It's certainly a haunting and introspective bit of art considering Bowie presumably made this knowing it would be his final work. I appreciate that and at the same time I still found the style, lyrics and listenability of the whole thing to be extremely hard work. It's a historical piece for sure and at the time it came out reviews were all impossible to extract from the context of his death only a few days later. Almost a decade in, assessing the tracks with a clearer mind, this is far from his best musically, perhaps to be expected given the circumstances.
Public Enemy
4/5
Absolutely packed with beats, each song distinct in its sound and story, and an absolute party at that. Imagine hearing this in 1988 🤯
Led Zeppelin
4/5
I wasn't expecting it to be so... Funky!
The Byrds
2/5
Hi!! I don't think cover albums should be on this list!!
The Isley Brothers
4/5
Extremely pleasant!
The Doors
4/5
Wow, great album, never really listened to the doors before. "70s rock" but enough edge to keep it cool. 😎
Love
3/5
Very mixed bag. Some fun instrumentals. Terrible wavery vocals. Some funny, and some cheesy twee lyrics. Thought my phone was broken at one point.
Aerosmith
2/5
Tricky. Good in places but generic in the majority. I hate Walk this Way, and also Steven Tyler has done some questionable stuff... If you're interested in 70s dad rock, rest assured this list had a plethora of alternatives.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Some slammin' riffs. Sure, every song sounds exactly like the boys are back in town, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Leonard Cohen
3/5
This is the third Leonard cohen album we've had so far and it's not the best (4) or the worst (2) so.... 3.
Def Leppard
2/5
This sounds like a parody or TV rock.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Operatic without being cringe, and absolutely 🔥. Four stars. Is this list turning me into a discerning metalhead?
Faith No More
3/5
Fun! Never listen to again.
Janis Joplin
4/5
Great vocals, jammy, varied, good time
White Denim
4/5
I wanted to be annoyed with this when I first opened it because I'm starting to become frustrated with the choices of 21st century albums in this list, this was my era and so far we've had mostly left field stuff rather than what I would consider the bigger more culturally defining moments, many of which I think have been omitted.
That said, I came to this list to broaden my horizons, and you know what, this was a surprisingly really good time! Pyschadelic, long instrumentals that kept me hooked, different and sure of itself. An education.
ZZ Top
4/5
Surprisingly good fun!
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Pretty, but pretty boring.
Fats Domino
5/5
What a great day. This is perfection from start to finish.
3/5
Some bits great, other bits rough. Really couldn't decide on this one!
Tom Waits
2/5
The problem is, I hate his voice. I think there was probably some interesting stuff here musically but unfortunately, I hated listening to it due to his voice.
The Boo Radleys
4/5
You know what, this bangs. And it's doesn't even have wake up boo on it.
David Bowie
3/5
I really thought this was finally going to be a Bowie album I really enjoyed. I'm sorry. It seems from this exercise I have discovered that I had previously misunderstood what the majority of his work actually sounds like, just basing my opinion on the most famous singles. Those still slap, but unfortunately, they are his very best. The body of the albums is... offbeat, creaky, and weird. I can sometimes be on board with weird, but in this case, it's hard to vibe with.
Ray Price
3/5
Smooth, but didn't stick with me.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Inoffensive, but miscellaneousand jangly.
B.B. King
4/5
WAHOO!! they don't make music like this any more!
Def Leppard
3/5
Is it generic? Yes!
Is it a bad listen? No?
Doves
3/5
As far as inexplicably self-indulgent (but actually incredibly miscellaneous) 00s indie background fuzz goes, this isn't the most egregious, but others have done it better.
GZA
4/5
Super smooth and a more chilled, less pearl-clutchy (to those inclined) offshoot from the WTC (which I also enjoyed!). Found myself riding along in a daze with appreciation for the masterful control of flow layered over offbeat and otherworldly backing, but could have done without the movie samples which lifted me right out of it, jarring.
The Temptations
4/5
Funky and smooth in equal measure. A good time but minus one for a rendition of heard it through the grapevine that doesn't slap anywhere close to as hard as Marvin Gaye's. If you're gonna do a cover you have to do it better!
Ananda Shankar
2/5
Odd and insistent on a style that didn't go anywhere. Say it louder for the people in the back - if you're gonna do a cover, it has to be better!
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Some stuff to love here, but this is, of course, a DNF.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
I'm sorry, I have to speak my truth. I do not understand the chilis. I have never been overly into them but went into this album knowing how beloved it is and hoping my eyes would be opened.
And I still don't get it!! I'm sorry. The backing instrumentals on pretty much all tracks rule but the lyrics are juvenile, the vocals are terrible, and the rapping is exhausting.
Under The Bridge is an all time classic, I will concede. However that was 4 minutes out of a total 💥79💥. Come on guys.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
I think this is ahead of its time, but I just didn't really enjoy it.
Todd Rundgren
3/5
I found this really hard to rate?! Swings between a some interesting and varied sounds to boring 70s miscellany. A reasonably pleasant day but ultimately forgettable.
Black Flag
2/5
I know this sort of music eventually got us to green day, and for that I thank them, but the less I say in addition to that, the better.
Depeche Mode
3/5
If the Smiths and LCD Soundsystem had a baby, that baby would be Depeche Mode. And I am not mad at it.
Run-D.M.C.
1/5
While previously I was not well versed in the art of rap, this album list has made me quite a connoisseur, and therefore I can state with fair confidence that this particular one is rubbish.
Simplistic, full of itself, no interesting musicality in the backing track to speak of, not catchy, memorable or with anything interesting to say.
The Avalanches
1/5
Sounds like a Year 7 playing random keyboard sound effects in music class.
Eminem
2/5
Yikes! Sorry for me classics, but a little too offensive for my delicate little heart. Heh
The Stranglers
3/5
Me listening to the first 5 tracks of this album :🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱
Peaches: 🤘🍑🤘🍑🤘
Rest of the album: 🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱
.... later realising I was thinking of "millions of peaches" by presidents of the united states : 😢😢🤦🏻♀️😢😢
The Style Council
3/5
But what Style is it???????
I think there is a reason most albums/artists stick to one genre and that is to hone their craft in that area so it comes out great. While I somewhat enjoyed the variety in my fly by through every genre on planet earth today, it was too much of a gear change with no cohesive voice or vibe, and let's face it, others are gonna do it better if you're just having a dabble.
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Picture this: you're 17 and dating a boy who is a little *too* into Belle and Sebastian and looks a little *too* like Frodo Baggins (does correlation imply causation?) Anyway. As a result you write them off for years, and when you finally do listen to a full album, it is exactly the sort of miscellaneous soft indie movie music you expected a pretentious frodo baggins-lookin teen to like and nothing more. Fairly enjoyable to listen to but a bit dull.
Now, this isn't their fault, but on the second track I thought it really kicked up a gear and was tapping along like wow this is awesome! But it turned out I had pre-queued a track by The Blue Stones. 🤘
Bob Dylan
5/5
Lyrics? Great. Melodies? Great. Arrangement? Great. Social commentary? Great. Yeah. Absolutely great.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Wow, best of the 2010s we've had so far by a country mile. Impossible to pin on a genre.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Weird. Some fun, some pretty bad.
Sade
4/5
Smooth, ahead of its time and funky in the narrative.
Michael Jackson
2/5
Torn on this because are we separating art from artist?
Luckily this album isn't actually that great, so problem solved.
Opens on a banger and miscellaneous in the afters.
CHIC
3/5
Oh man. This was a real let down. I only know the hits and it turns out that's all there is to know. The rest was filler.
Neil Young
2/5
Some of this is quite funky (for dad music) and others of it is jingly jangly nasal ennui.
Van Halen
3/5
Almost comic rock but the inventors of this type of 🔥 guitar
Bob Dylan
4/5
A different vibe from Dylan here but I still liked it! Can see what influence this had on a lot of stuff I liked decades later!
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Sorry, a movie soundtrack? We are allowed movie soundtracks?!?! Can I have pirates of the caribbean?
Patti Smith
3/5
Great opener, a bit downhill from there, but enjoyed overall!
Bert Jansch
4/5
Yeah, liked it. Chilled, but engaging, and with a sound that obviously impacted a lot of stuff that came later.
Pavement
2/5
Yeah, I don't hate this, but it didn't grab me at all.
Heaven 17
2/5
Yeah I listened to this about 3 times over the course of yesterday and this morning I could not hum you a tune or even remember what the genre was. It was just noise to me for some reason.
Nas
2/5
Since I am now a rap connoisseur, I judge this as far superior than some we have previously had (run dmc) but a way off the incredible flow of eg. wu tang clan and its offshoots. Certainly raised an eyebrow of the old man at the toll booth when I rolled up this morning though. Heh.
Bonnie Raitt
4/5
Today I learned that Bon Iver's "can't make you love me / nick of time" is a cover of not one but TWO songs by Bonnie Raitt, and I would like to file my formal apology that I did not know of this wonderful lady and her incredible artistry.
Thanks to Bonnie Raitt and for this list for doing exactly what it's supposed to do today. :)
The Byrds
3/5
Pleasant. Not earth-shattering.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
Some fun beats but the lyrics are soooo cringe 🙈
The Kinks
3/5
Fun and relaxed vibe and ahead of its time (I think) but a bit background music-y for me today.
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Some fun stuff but the extended instrumentals were exhausting.
The Fall
3/5
I don't know... This was weird but I Linda enjoyed it!
Bob Dylan
3/5
Didn't captivate me as much as Dylan's others!
The White Stripes
5/5
Yep. This bangs from wall to wall.
I'd like to apologise to the Whites for not giving their other album a 5. We'd only just started the list so I wasn't calibrated properly.
The Band
3/5
Pretty fun. It's giving "toy story" more than randy Newman! Heh.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Gorgeous vocals. Like listening to honey.
Steely Dan
3/5
Imagine, IMAGINE, being so into Steely Dan that you can muster four separate opinions about four separate albums. Baffling.
Tim Buckley
3/5
I don't think this is Tim Buckley's fault but the genre overload of this sort of thing in this list makes it impossible to listen objectively without feeling like you've hear it all before.
Pretty, but forgettable.
Common
2/5
Cool vibe if you don't listen to the lyrics. Otherwise uncool.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Yeehaw! 🤠🎸
Megadeth
3/5
This errs on the "too heavy" side of heavy metal for me. Once again I'm writing the same review for this genre: the instrumental backing is awesome (bonus point for the many and varied 🔥 riffs here)... but the vocals and lyrics make me wanna pull my headphones out of my ears. And throw them in the river.
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
So odd. Perhaps if I was a man in southern USA and into inexplicably long filler tracks about drinking beer which blend indistinguishably into one another I might get it. But I'm a woman in the UK who prefers music with any kind of notable features. And so I didn't get it.
Pixies
3/5
Only knowing where is your mind, I had the wrong idea about pixies. That's definitely them at their best, but I'm glad I stuck this out. Improved as it went along and a thoroughly decent "weird rock" entry.
The Who
2/5
Uhm, weird. I pay for Spotify so I don't have to listen to ads.
Dr. Dre
3/5
You know, I had snoop ft. His good friend dre the other day and I didn't really enjoy it. This is dre ft. his good friend snoop and to my ears it is the same album. But for some reason, I really enjoyed it today. Maybe I'm just in a different mood.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Today I learned "love the one you're with" is not a will young original!!!! 🤣😂😅
Some great guitar but a bit twee and one-dimensional in other places.
Radiohead
3/5
Good??? Depressing??? Masterful??? Boring??? Who could say???
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Yikes! And not in a fun way! My ears hurt but I'm intrigued?
3/5
At first I was like, oh no! (when I turned it on)
And then I was like, this is a story. (when poison arrow came on 🕺🏼)
Black Sabbath
2/5
Eh. I liked black sabbath last time but this one isn't for me.
Shack
3/5
I was prepared to hate this on account of being "misc rock" but you know what. I enjoyed it. I will promptly be forgetting about it, but I don't think it deserves the hate it's had in the reviews.
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
Wow. Haunting in places, and surprisingly funky in others! Not exactly a fun listen but hats off to this. Sinead O'Connor knew exactly what she wanted to say and always delivered it with a punch. The honesty here is visceral. The sheer nerve required to make ethereal exquisite art from pain. Rip Sinead you were a real one.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
This is great, I was going to give a 3 but after reading the back story, a bonus point for being 🤯improvised🤯 on a bad piano. Pretty mind blowing. But I'd argue this this is more classical than jazz and as such I'm not sure it's place is on this list?
Gorillaz
4/5
Funkytown. Weird and wonderful. 🦍
Portishead
3/5
I get the pitch here, but this just doesn't nail it for me. Needs a stronger vocal to achieve the arty ethereal vibe I think it's trying for.
R.E.M.
4/5
Wasn't keen on the first track but man did it pick up after that! So many classics! Such a great use of a distinctive sound
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Melancholy, straightforward, but so evocative. Why am I nostalgic for a city in a time I will never meet? It's all-american and yet somehow relatable on every level. That's the power of Springsteen.
Ice T
2/5
Hm. Not for me, but probably my third favourite Ice after Cube and Vanilla, so, bronze medal I guess.
Moby Grape
4/5
Wow!!! I love moby grape!!! Thank you list!!!
U2
2/5
This is so generic. Good lord. It sounds like the music they play in superdrug because they don't want to pay for the real stuff. I have never forgiven U2 for the un-deletable "free album" that appeared in my meticulously curated iTunes against my will, spoiling the vibe and not going away. The assumption that we would be grateful for this because it's so amazing?! The reason it was so egregious is because it was so mid!!! Anyway, this is like that.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Funky and fun. One of my favoured instrumentals so far though I still prefer a few words!
Jacques Brel
3/5
I enjoyed trying to apply my gcse French to this. Verdict : fail. But that's more of an indictment of the British school system than Jacques Brel.
Solomon Burke
4/5
Man. They don't make music like this any more. Imagine being in the clerb when You're Good For Me drops. What a time.
Billy Bragg
4/5
I only knew Billy Bragg from his politics (which I kinda rate) so was nice to hear he also makes music which I kinda rate. You go Billy.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
OK, I thought cocteau twins was a vibe the first time around. It still kinda is, BUT, the concept of a second entry has caught me completely off guard. This is the same, does it deserve a place on this list?! Is it more groundbreaking or different than the other one?! Some might say, is this necessary?
Air
3/5
I can see what they're going for here, I'm glad I stuck it out because there was some interesting variety of stuff, but I think this falls into "too experimental to be fun" for me...
Beatles
4/5
The problem with the movie "yesterday" was that it was supposed to be believable that in the modern day, amid a sea of modern music which was inspired by the Beatles + 60 years further development, that anyone would still be bowled over by the beatles' original tunes if they heard it for the first time today.
Well, that was me today, and I had a lovely time but I wasn't necessarily bowled over.
Of course, the Beatles DID actually do this first at a time when there was nothing like it, so kudos for that. I guess you had to be there
Gang Starr
3/5
Smooth as butter and some great sharp lyrics.
N.W.A.
4/5
Lol. I loved this, but my dad is going to hate it.
R.E.M.
5/5
Right. This is helped massively by the apocalyptic banger to end all bangers, the end of the world as we know it, which could have listed the score on its own, but the rest of it is wall to wall bops too. TAKE MY 5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
One of my preferred instrumentals I guess? No hey boy hey girl though is it!
U2
3/5
Ugghhhhhhh we had U2 the other day. Leave me alone. They still aren't good. 😠
Prince
2/5
Boston
4/5
Any album that starts with more than a feeling isn't going to be a bad album is it. It's almost too strong an opener so I guess it was all downhill from there but I still had a blast.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Thriller, beat it and Billie Jean are bops, the rest is mid honestly.
The Offspring
4/5
I can see you have to be in the right mood for THIS, AND BOY WAS I!!!!!!
Already a great time and then self esteem hits? Directly into my veins please and thank you.
Pere Ubu
1/5
Yikes!
Buck Owens
3/5
This isn't my genre, and perhaps I was just in a good mood, but I low key loved this.
Various Artists
3/5
OK, these are great Christmas songs. Is an album of well known Christmas songs suitable for the 1001 albums you must listen before you die? I mean I guess if it's possible you've never heard them before...
Elton John
4/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
This is a funky jukebox although I feel his vocals could be a little stronger. Ahead of its time though
John Lennon
2/5
Today I learned John without Paul is like Meg without Jack. Sorry John. RIP to a legend - but the Beatles are where it's at.
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
If you want a nuanced, full and faithful adaptation of my experience of listening to this today, simply to go youtube and type in "jerry human music".
Japan
3/5
I'm not mad at this. It was cure-y in places and Bowie-ish in others. But less good.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Loved some of this, thought quite a few tracks were a bit basic, and a few bordering on... worship music vibe? Not my fav, but it's still Springsteen, so it's a head and shoulders above half the contenders here.
The Who
2/5
Pro tip: don't start an obscenely long self indulgent two and a half hour multi disc album with your best track. It's allllllll downhill from there. Ain't nobody got time for that.
Love
2/5
Ahead of its time!
In that I thought obnoxious 18 minute single tracks came much later.
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
Great vocals, great backing. Was that a flute? Count me in.
Yes
2/5
Wow! I almost started to miss generic dad rock!
For real this is giving nothing.
Mylo
3/5
This is an interesting one, because I actually really enjoyed it but I also definitely could have died before listening to it and it would have been fine.
Taylor Swift
3/5
I'm sorry. I've tried my best and I just don't understand the hype around Taylor Swift. The plot of every single lyric being a broadly old fashioned take on pining after a man. The grab at some kind of "artful" with the all lower case. The attempt to reference otherart and culture but the insistence on misunderstanding the meaning of the road less travelled! Lol. The melodies and vocals are fine but not "most powerful artist currently on planet earth" good. I just don't get it.
Sidebar: is this the only bon iver entry on the list? A tragedy if so. 😭
Little Simz
2/5
"I'm a feminist but..." I HATED this. Sorry.
The Prodigy
4/5
Yee ha. This is great hype music. Falls apart a bit on closer inspection but who cares!
Massive Attack
3/5
Funky, but made me feel nothing.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
This is my favourite of the flurry of Elvis Costellos we have had recently. Is it because it is a tiny bit more funky? Is it because I have Chemistry Class on my science themed playlist? Are green shirt and olivers army classics? Or are they just classics to my dad? I don't know, but they are classics to me because of this. 🤠
Adele
5/5
So great. If there are any 5s on this list, this has to be one of them. And it's not even her best album. The vocals, the melodies, the vivid evocation, the piano, the variety of vibes, the number of stand alone bangers. And she was only 25!!! 5 squared. So yeah it's a 5.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
This is another one I expect was ground breaking at the time (?) but on today's light was mid. Perhaps this is unfair, but either way I will be forgetting about it forever.
Orbital
2/5
There used to be an account on twitter called Art Decider where people would submit weird creative works that they were having trouble discerning between genius or garbage, and these would be duly designated as Art or Not Art. Since Twitter is now a hellscape and the account is defunct, let me help with this one.
Not Art.
Bauhaus
2/5
I forgot to write my review during the day yesterday and this morning I have woken up and completely cannot recall it at all. No impact.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
Sure, maybe this is an acquired taste. Special thanks to the TV show Skins and the 2009 Facebook protest campaign to knock Joe McElderry off Christmas number 1, for helping me acquire it. And oh boy does it still slap today.
Oasis
5/5
Barnstorming. Not their best album but on the distribution of this list, still easily cleared the bar of 5. A great time!
Madonna
3/5
I was geared to hate this and I had to assess why once I listened. Because I had legitimate reasons to think her pop was mid? Because she was already daring to be an Elder Pop Woman when I encountered her as a teen?
On any case, I didn't hate this as much as I anticipated. Well done Madonna. Some of the opening tracks were good fun and Ray of Light itself is a banger. Fell down a bit later on but I'd already deemed it a 3. Turns out you can't get that kinda generational staying power in an industry stacked against you unless you have at least a few songs that go off.
Nick Drake
4/5
Gorgeous. Can hear the influence on other stuff I loved as a teen, bright eyes, city and colour - that this is from 1972 is unbelievable.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
If I lived in the bayou, I think I would love this. But I live in Oxford. Heh.
The Police
2/5
This was quite grating and very clearly thought it was more meaningful that it was. I'm looking at you dinosaur song.
Grizzly Bear
4/5
Enjoyed this. Never heard of it but would have put money on the year 2009 from just listening. The most 2009 album ever made - not a bad thing in my opinion. :)
De La Soul
4/5
Oh man. I loved this. If you're not concentrating it's one thing (which I liked) and if you are concentrating it's another (which I loved). Hip hop with a side serving of silly. Rap for the whole family. So happy I now know the Greatest Secret.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Really good.
PJ Harvey
3/5
I preferred this to her last outing, but I just don't understand pj Harvey.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Once again, my moral dilemma fading away as I realised this album is much more mid than it's best tracks suggest it might be.
The Doors
4/5
Me listening to this for the first time :
😱
The Specials
4/5
Thank you!! This is what I come to the list for!
KISS
4/5
I really enjoyed this because I thought a kiss were a parody band. Then someone at work told me it's not a parody. But the question is, what is parody in art? Doesn't all art imitate life? Why is art imitating art any different? Am I having a gene simmons-based existential crisis?
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Very pleasant but every song melded unidenitifably into the next.
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
The only thing I can say about this is that I wasn't disappointed. And that's because I looked at the name and knew in advance I would hate it.
Jane's Addiction
2/5
I know some people who are super into Jane's Addiction, so I thought I might be super into Jane's Addiction. Alas. It was not to be.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This had me realllyyyyy confused about what were covers and what weren't. We all know my opinion about covers being on this list, but, I had a great time.