Its been a minute, but American Pie and Vincent are all time classics
Classic, Big Iron alone puts it as an instant classic, El Paso and Cool Water are equally strong
Marvin‘s vocals are beyond compare, but times I think this album feels a little bit overproduced with a little too much orchestration.
Grew up on this album, launched the band as well as the myth. The End is still haunting
The challenge with The Wall is that, individually, there are definitely some misses. But en’total, this is about as close to a perfect album as it gets. Alongside Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti, it sits right at the top of the double album list.
“Goodbye Blue Sky” and “Mother” hit especially hard in today’s world—chilling, really. “Run Like Hell” and “Comfortably Numb” are iconic, whether you’re listening in context or just catching them on their own. And yeah, “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2” has been played to death, but it earned that status. It still holds up.
The Mrs Robinson cover was all I remembered from this.
A mid tier album with an incredible song.
I don’t know Mark Knopfler can be over praised. His unique guitar style paired with a voice that floats through the songs, giving feel that pairs perfectly with the fingerpicked stings. Sultans of Swing may be the calling card of this album, but Water of Love should also be in your rotation.
The best Michael Jackson album in my opinion, yes, I enjoy more than Thriller. It has my favorite Michael Jackson fart song, don’t stop to get enough. Rock with you is also just a wonderful song
I’ve been thinking this was randomized, to get this the Monday after the final show is pretty coincidental timing
Kick it!
Changed my perspective about rock and rap. I don’t know that someone today would be effected the same way I was in the day, but this was a bridge to me for so much music.
With Ozzys death, yesterday, I was listening to this album in the morning. Of the run of thier self titled debut, Parinoid and Master of Reality, Black Sabbath cemented themselves as the standard others would build upon for the next 55 years. With the lens of the accolades following Ozzys death, it is easy to overlook Tony, Geezer and Bill, and they are all phenomenal. Sabbath is a band to be revisited and closely listen to!
Have you ever been, have you ever been to Electric Ladyland….
I had the US Reprise issue, and feel it’s a complete album, the “bonus” tracks makes sense why they were not on the US version, but it is still such a strong album.
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) and All Along on the Watchtower are the biggest songs on this album, but I absolutely adore, Gypsy Eyes, Have You Ever Been to Electric Ladyland and Crosstown Traffic?
One of the best debut albums of all time. This was a band that had honed its craft in the clubs and walked into the studio with a classic album ready to go.
Bye Bye Love is my favorite Cars song, period, but there isn’t a miss on this album. The B side is every bit as good a the A side.
RIP Ben and Rick
It’s a good album, gets all the flowers, and should, but has never clicked with me. Go your own way and listen
I need someone, a person to talk to.
When Violent Femmes came out I was in my early years of high school. My freshman brain was delightfully shocked hearing the word 'fuck" in a song, and I probably listened to it more because of that than the actual music.
You know I cannot tell a lie
But then I listened, the simple straight forward, bass driven songs, coupled with angst ridden lyrics got me. To this day the Femmes are still in heavy rotation and proudly approved my daughter coming home with this album from RSD a couple of years back. Side one is perfect, and I sing along every time.
I forget what 8 is for
I know there were people in disappointed in Green when it came out. Said it was too Poppy or too janglyly, but I thought it was a great transition album with solid solid songs. I think when you look at the REM catalogue as a hole, it is entirely appropriate for where it sits.
Frank is great at times, but can’t sustain an entire album. Kim carried the extra load with the Pixies
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before
This was my intro to the Smiths and overall still my favorite. Side one is a perfect blend of different styles. Side two is not as strong to me, but forgiven with Unhappy Birthday and Paint a Vulgar Picture.
Still 5 stars
As a longtime fan of The Police, revisiting Reggatta De Blanc is always a pleasure. Andy Summers' guitar work shines throughout the album, delivering unique riffs that really stand out.
Stewart Copeland's drumming is equally impressive, with innovative rhythms that drive the songs forward. Tracks like "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon" highlight their ability to blend rock and reggae effortlessly.
I'm a little jaded on Sting due to his post Police work, but this album proves why he is as regarded as he is.
Though I don't listen to them as much as I used to, this album reminds me why I loved their music in the first place. If you haven't checked it out in a while, it's definitely worth a revisit!
As a fan of The White Stripes, revisiting White Blood Cells is always a treat. Jack White's raw guitar work and distinctive vocals are front and center, delivering a sound that’s both gritty and captivating.
Meg White's drumming complements Jack perfectly, providing a simple yet powerful backbone to the tracks. Songs like "Fell in Love with a Girl" and "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" showcase their ability to blend garage rock with blues influences effortlessly.
It's definitely worth revisiting!
"Firestarter" stands out, especially since it was used as the intro theme for Norm Hitzges' show on KTCK The Ticket. While electronic music isn't my usual genre, I recognize that The Prodigy are considered one of the most influential groups.
The overall feel of the album can be repetitive to me, but it's well-suited to run mindlessly in the background. If you're looking for something to add energy to your background, without demanding too much attention, this album fits.
Eminem absolutely demanded attention when The Slim Shady LP came out. His style and attitude transcended genres and race divides, effectively widening the audience for hip-hop. Tracks like "My Name Is" and "Guilty Conscience" showcased his smart and biting lyrics. The impact of this album cannot be denied.
Catchy, with big fat guitar. I have always thought T. Rex is a bit over praised based on what people feel Marc would have done if he had lived. That said, "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" is a top tier song, and "Jeepster" is memorable. The rest is fine, but leave no lasting impression. I think this is a you had to be there record.
As a teen when Thriller dropped, I wasn't into pop, but it's hard to say anything bad about this album. Michael Jackson's blend of talent and innovation is undeniable.
With tracks like "Billie Jean" and Eddie Van Halen's killer solo on "Beat It," it bridges rock and pop effortlessly. Plus, who could forget waiting for MTV to air the full Thriller video? MJ didn't just make a music video; he built MTV with that one! Not even my favorite album of his (Off the Wall), but every reason to acknowledge Thriller is one of the greatest albums ever.
If Michael was cool with Eddie, he gets my vote.
John Prine's debut album is a treasure that deserves all the reverence it gets. Prine started out the gate releasing a masterclass in storytelling and wit that has influenced so many of the American artists I love today.
With tracks like "Angel from Montgomery" and my favorite, "Sam Stone," Prine captures the essence of everyday life, weaving humor and heartbreak into his lyrics. His ability to paint vivid pictures with words is simply unmatched. This album laid the groundwork for countless singer-songwriters who followed, proving that authenticity and vulnerability resonate deeply.
Not just an album, but a journey through the human experience. John Prine's legacy lives on in every artist he inspired, making this debut a true classic that still speaks to us today.
Pyromania is a standout album from '80s rock. "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages" were core songs for 14-year-old me. Def Leppard's sound was hard enough for me to "rock out," yet approachable for all my friends.
Their signature blend of hard rock with catchy hooks and polished production was blasting out of the Alpine once I got my license, cruising the parking lots (struggling) to be cool. This might just be the anthem album of the time.
Ritchie Blackmore at his best
"Jump back, what’s that sound?" 1984 was my high school introduction to Van Halen, and it drew me into their entire catalog. While some critics see it as a departure from the hard rock style of their earlier albums, especially with the keyboards and synths, I remain a huge fan of this album. It's nearly perfect!
Tracks like "Jump," "Hot for Teacher," and "Panama" are iconic, but the deeper cuts like "Drop Dead Legs" and "I'll Wait" really shine and showcase the band's versatility. Just listen to Eddie's guitar on "House of Pain" and get back to me! Although I’d still give the edge to Van Halen I, 1984 holds a special place in my heart for its energy and innovation!
Kraftwerk paved the way for electronic music. And Autobahn is unique experience that showcases innovation and creativity
As one of my top 5 bands, R.E.M. fully hit their stride with Document, released in 1987. This album is a standout, featuring iconic tracks like "The One I Love" and "It's the End of the World as We Know It." The blend of political commentary and catchy melodies showcases the college rock sound of Athens.
While I'm partial to their earlier work like Fables of the Reconstruction, Document holds a special place for its energy and lyrical depth. It’s a must-listen for any fan!
