355
Albums Rated
3.05
Average Rating
33%
Complete
734 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010
Favorite Decade
Folk
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Curator
Rater Style ?
41
5-Star Albums
34
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
|
5 | 2.96 | +2.04 |
|
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
|
5 | 3.09 | +1.91 |
|
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
|
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
|
5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
|
Vespertine
Björk
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Django Django
Django Django
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
Dry
PJ Harvey
|
5 | 3.23 | +1.77 |
|
Feast of Wire
Calexico
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
|
1 | 3.72 | -2.72 |
|
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
|
1 | 3.62 | -2.62 |
|
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
|
1 | 3.58 | -2.58 |
|
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
|
1 | 3.58 | -2.58 |
|
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
|
1 | 3.53 | -2.53 |
|
Dirt
Alice In Chains
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
|
1 | 3.35 | -2.35 |
|
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
|
1 | 3.34 | -2.34 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 4 | 4.75 |
| R.E.M. | 4 | 4.5 |
| Bob Dylan | 3 | 4.67 |
| Led Zeppelin | 2 | 5 |
| The Smiths | 2 | 5 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | 4.33 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Kraftwerk | 5, 2 |
5-Star Albums (41)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Mike Oldfield · 2 likes
5/5
An iconic album from 1973. Part one is a masterpiece, and part two a bit of fun.
Talvin Singh · 2 likes
3/5
The best parts are the classical Indian ones with subtle beats. He takes a lot of risks here and not all of them work, but still a very interesting listen.
Faith No More · 1 likes
1/5
Hilariously bad until it becomes tedious.
The Smashing Pumpkins · 1 likes
4/5
Does well to maintain interest over two hours. Sure to get better with repeated listening. Awesome sound and surprisingly worded range of styles.
Morrissey · 1 likes
5/5
I think I have downgraded previously because it's not the Smiths, but objectively this is a great album imo
1-Star Albums (34)
All Ratings
Rush
3/5
High energy prog rock. Awesome musicianship. Didn't listen to any of the lyrics because it'll be the usual prog rock nonsense. Drifts into jazz-rock for YYZ. Entertaining. 3/5.
Ray Charles
1/5
The big band arrangements on side A are off-putting, but the orchestral arrangements of side B suit his vocal style better. This sounds like an attempt to mold him into a standard crooner, but there are much better singers for that. I don't think we get the real Ray Charles on this record.
5/5
Love everything about this album. Strange to think this was recorded in 66/67, just 3 years after they were a rock and roll covers band.
Eagles
4/5
Hugely popular album from my teenage years. Still had plenty of interest.
Nick Drake
3/5
The least favourite of his winnings for me.
George Harrison
3/5
Thundercat
2/5
With Thundercat I started off thinking it was great. But it's too splintered to make a good album, just a collection of ideas really. It's overwhelming, and towards the end I was counting down the tracks.
Calexico
5/5
It's excellent. A very rich mix of Latin vibes, Americana, country and cool jazz. Complex and accomplished.
Elvis Presley
1/5
My least favourite from the rock and roll era.
Shuggie Otis
4/5
So long as you stop at what is supposed to be the final track, it's a low 4. Lots of imaginative music and arrangements that take you in unexpected directions.
King Crimson
2/5
Didn't land with me
Bebel Gilberto
1/5
This is a pointless reworking of Gilberto compositions by her daughter. All spirit of the original has been lost.
Moby
4/5
Some monster tracks you know plus great sounding slow burners. Before from listening on a good hifi.
Beatles
3/5
With the Beatles - not quite in their stride yet but you can see why they stood out from the other Merseyside bands. Paul and John's voices meld so perfectly and the original compositions are good.
fIREHOSE
3/5
On Fromohio firehose seem too keen to show off their prowess as musicians. The voice is weak and way back in the mix. Impressive in many ways but lacking the songs to bring you back for a repeat listen.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
Everyone should have Thin Lizzy in their collection. Superbly executed hard rock and well crafted songs. Love the dual lead guitar format and driving bass. It's only rock and roll but I like it.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Catching up with Stevie Wonder and Fulfillingness First Finale. A mix of jazzy, funky, gospel-ly, soul music. Not his best I think.
David Bowie
3/5
They moody reflective tracks are good, let down by a couple of songs. Not as constantly good as The Next Day
Pink Floyd
5/5
ZZ Top
2/5
Pretty generic
Soft Machine
1/5
A random set of noises that occasionally form interesting music.
Harry Nilsson
2/5
A pretty inconsistent collection.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I can't get as enthusiastic about this album as other people seem to be. The opening track is the hook, but the rest is not so engaging.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
More variety than expected. Authentic, heartfelt lyrics.
Silver Jews
3/5
Love the voice, lyrics and sound of this album.
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
Sublime
David Bowie
3/5
Not real identity to this album. Not a bad album butt but great.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
It's okay, but not an experience to be repeated. If... is quite funny, and the arrangements are high quality.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Good side A, per side B
The Kinks
5/5
A real hidden treasure. Love every song. Somehow they can get away with being as quirky as they like.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
So much good music in here and you just know it's going to grow on you.
Pretenders
4/5
Great album only let down by Private Lives and some filler tracks.
Prince
4/5
By far my favourite Prince album. 9/10
The Flying Burrito Brothers
2/5
Starts strong but soon runs out of steam.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Duke Ellington
4/5
Grounded in the Big Band sound but with decidedly modern solo performances.
The Pretty Things
1/5
Dire Straits
3/5
The Dire Straits' album scrapes 3. A few very strong tracks, and Mark Knofler is pretty handy on the Stratocaster.
Beatles
3/5
https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/the-beatles-white-album/
Rod Stewart
4/5
Objectively a good album with folk infused blues rock.
David Bowie
4/5
Incredible come back after a 10 year hiatus and incredibly 30 years after Let's Dance
Gorillaz
1/5
A waste of my time.
The Beach Boys
4/5
End of an era statement from the boys who's identity was bound to sunshine, optimism and the American dream.
Norah Jones
2/5
If you're looking for excitement look elsewhere. It is very quiet. Whispered lyrics. Brushes rather than sticks on the drums. Unfussy arrangements. Languid. Good songs, but the delivery becomes tedious by the end. Ultimately that meant she just had the one hit album. 5/10.
Queen
4/5
Side one is perfect with great song after great song. The Prophet's song gets side 2 off to a shaky start. Nice recovery with Love of my life. All in all a good album. 8/10.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
On first listen not hitting the spot for me. Many of the elements are there - easy going music with lyrics that demand you listen to them. It's probably the vocal delivery that's not working for me. So a 2 out of 5.
Eels
3/5
Based on the first half, this would be a 9 or even 10. After that, interesting but not to the same standard. 7 over all, which converts to 3 stars.
R.E.M.
4/5
All the energy and sparkle you expect from 80s REM.
The Clash
4/5
Still sounds fresh and relevant. Genre defining.
Radiohead
4/5
I fully respect the fact that so many people love this record. Not their best in opinion.
The Allman Brothers Band
1/5
Generic. Self-indulgent. Good musicianship.
The Human League
4/5
I love Dare. All lyrics are quite inventive and worth listening to. Hooks a plenty. Energy dips here and there but near flawless for me. 8/10
David Crosby
3/5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
An impressive debut with better still to come
Boston
2/5
Track 1 is a classic. The rest doesn't come close. Listening on phone speakers as we're away so probably not giving it the best platform.
Gang Starr
2/5
Wasn't sure what to expect. A bit limited / formulaic. Easy listening, classic hip hop. 5/10 for me.
Robert Wyatt
3/5
Enjoying Rock Bottom much more on a second listen. Love the nonsense rhymes, except they get a bit too repetitive. Some avantgarde jazz edginess here and there. Trance-like. Quite a lot of Mike Oldfield influence along with guitar parts. 7/10.
The White Stripes
3/5
Lots of good individual songs but no overall integrity to the album. Arrangements are bare / interesting. Big drum sound. Deconstructed rock (?)
Queen Latifah
2/5
All hail the Queen - enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Not likely to go back to it.
Talking Heads
3/5
Not their best album, but some flashes of brilliance
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Crazy first half. Weak side B.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Should have checked this album out years ago. It's probably just overlooked because of hit-laden later albums. Ahead of their time.
Christine and the Queens
4/5
Intelligent lyrics for a pop record. Superb voice. Songs are great in French and in English, so actually worth having both.
Morrissey
3/5
Bad start with America..., unnecessarily abusive. Irish Blood... is a good song, again love/hate, but that's fine when you talking about your own country. Then there's the unfair world, self-loathing tracks. First in the gang... is a stand out track. Overall sounds great if not quite the Smiths.
Fatboy Slim
1/5
Overplayed at the time, no surprises here
Bob Dylan
5/5
A unique mix of traditional, protest and lighter material. A work of genius.
The Shamen
1/5
Not good
The Beach Boys
3/5
Some sublime moments, but does not work as an album for me.
The Strokes
5/5
Even better than I remember. Kind of makes you want to get your guitar out and play along.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Good album. Strong voice. Strong songs.
The Undertones
3/5
It's worth checking out the video for Teenage Kicks. Puts the record into context when you see how young they were. Northern Ireland's answer to the Ramones. Would love to rate higher but quality veres from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Rush
2/5
Loved it at 16, outgrew it by 18. Good to hear again, but just the once.
Oasis
3/5
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
It's fun. Rocked along nicely. Scooby Snacks and King of New York are standout tracks. Glossy production.
The Stone Roses
5/5
Iconic.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
Thought about not voting. I get it he's not a gangster, but brought up in that environment. Still not comfortable with the vibe and language.
Pink Floyd
4/5
Fun, experimental. Fresh. Great production throughout.
Brian Eno
3/5
The first 2 tracks feature Percy Jones and Phil Collins. If you like these you'd probably like Percy's band Brand X, which also featured Phil in the 70s.
The rest of the album is made up of pleasant vinyets and dities. While the approach to song writing may have been experimental, the outcomes are surprisingly conventional. Overall a pleasing listen.
Iron Maiden
1/5
I really dislike this album.
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
Enjoyed the first few tracks but became tedious. Too low energy.
Randy Newman
2/5
I like this guy in small doses. Clearly a talented songwriter, with songs covered by other artists.
Animal Collective
4/5
It's a really good album. Improves with repeated listening, on the evidence of listening twice!
Bob Dylan
4/5
Alpinist in the top tier of Bob's albums.
Machito
1/5
Big band arrangements of this period tend towards the angular and shrill, same with the Ray Charles 'genius' album side 1. The percussion is the best part and the inspiration I guess. Not for me, though.
Morrissey
5/5
I think I have downgraded previously because it's not the Smiths, but objectively this is a great album imo
Beastie Boys
3/5
The Beastie Boys were a lot better than I thought they'd be. A lot of quality and depth.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
I liked the album. Simple and effective with a distinctive personality. They don't have the songs that the Strokes have but it's better than the average White Stripes album. The voice is Great. Last 2 tracks out of character with the rest but equally good. A Strong 3, almost a 4.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Surely a big influence on talking heads. Manages to be extremely odd but very listenable. A creative tour de force.
Mike Oldfield
5/5
An iconic album from 1973. Part one is a masterpiece, and part two a bit of fun.
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Can I Kick It? was a massive hit. This is a stand out track, and I really like the J Cole mix at the end of the anniversary edition.
It's easy going and charming.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
Somewhat generic.
1/5
Put off by the over the top theatricality.
Kate Bush
4/5
Superb voice and songs. Ambitious and brave. Would be even better with repeated listening.
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Authentic and raw.
Ice Cube
2/5
Not my thing
Simple Minds
3/5
Two or three very strong tracks and a fair amount of filler for me. Bass and drums always to the fore with vocals dialled down, except on the singles.
4/5
Some great stadium rocking moments, such as Assassin, SMBH, Knights of Cydonia, Starlight, etc.
The lyrics are a bit meh, but taken in the right spirit this is a strong album, if not their best.
Stereolab
5/5
Spellbinding. I'm a fan.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Sioixsie not hitting the spot (yet) on her debut album.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Lovely sound but ends on weaker tracks.
The Coral
2/5
No coherence, just a couple of good songs.
Tom Tom Club
4/5
Crazy good. Genuine find. Experienced as a 4, could become a 5 with time.
James Taylor
2/5
Lovely voice but the material is generally weak.
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
A superb album from the coolest band.
Steely Dan
4/5
Not their best, but still features some string tracks. Polished as ever.
Donovan
2/5
Great opener. The rest is interesting but not a compelling listen.
Nirvana
5/5
Pure joy from start to finish.
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
Not for me.
Black Sabbath
4/5
BS4 is much better than expected with a surprising amount of variety. Fav tracks are Supernaut, Cornucopia, and Under the sun / Every day comes and goes.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
It's the coolest and most sophisticated background music, but that's all it is. Luckily I have a very high tolerance for repetitive music that has no sense of development.
The Who
4/5
Best tracks are the covered and early singles (only on the extended version)
Finley Quaye
2/5
The acquired Jamaican accent is annoying. The singles are okay.
David Bowie
5/5
Piano led and very distinct sounding record from Bowie
Guns N' Roses
1/5
Surprisingly bad given the prominence of the singles.
Sparks
4/5
Unique and highly entertaining.
The Beta Band
1/5
Songs not strong enough to carry ambitions.
Peter Frampton
3/5
Bright live recording. Strong songs and virtuoso guitar playing.
Elliott Smith
4/5
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Very enjoyable. A superb voice.
Wire
3/5
Prefer the more developed songs.
Radiohead
5/5
One of the best albums of all time.
Stan Getz
4/5
Hitting the Cool Jazz sweet spot.
Spiritualized
5/5
Amazing album.
Skepta
1/5
Not into so much boasting, he's really not that interesting
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Nice mix of pop and soul. Lovely voice.
The Go-Go's
3/5
I didn't realise Our lips are sealed (co-written with Terry Hall) was recorded by them earlier than Fun boy three. The rest of the album not quite up to the same standard.
4/5
I have really enjoyed the Spirit album. Sounds like four bands in one, but that's okay. So much music packed in.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Sounds like Dad's hip-hop to today's ears. A fun album.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Not classic Joni but Jazz Pop Joni. Very enjoyable and engaging.
Hot Chip
3/5
The musical palette of Hot Chip is top drawer, so would have loved to give their album a 4. Unfortunately it is let down by weak songs and vocal delivery. 3/5
4/5
Classic album. U2 at their best.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
2/5
Some nice southern rock vibes, but inconsistent quality.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
One of their best. The greatest rock band of all time.
Roxy Music
3/5
I like the band. Some good songs but inconsistent
Paul Simon
5/5
Guitar playing and song writing at it's best.
Queen
3/5
A few strong tracks. Just sneaks a 3
Slade
2/5
Trying to be a hard rock band and not succeeding. Singles good.
Björk
5/5
Expansive sound world and vocals that are strong and vulnerable at the same time. Especially good from Aurora onwards
Foo Fighters
4/5
Good album
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Like the idea of free flowing experimental minimalist music but not enough to hold my attention here
The Jam
4/5
But consistently good. Finishes strongly.
Beck
4/5
Innovative use of layered samples thanks to the Dust Brothers, paired with Beck's nonsense rhythms. Works for me
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
Some strong tracks but things out of steam
Queen
4/5
At their best, and focused on harder rock elements. Now I'm Here a favourite.
Bee Gees
1/5
Poor quality songs.
The Police
4/5
Stuart Copeland is full tilt on this album and drives the whole thing along. Big singles and no real duds.
Grateful Dead
1/5
Not for me, not into completely freestyle improvisation.
New York Dolls
4/5
I like the New York Dolls album a lot. Giving a generous 4 as they have influenced so many great bands.
R.E.M.
5/5
Often my go to album when I want to listen to REM.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Ryan Adams
2/5
Too long, incoherent.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
The blues numbers were a bit generic. Otherwise strong songs and a great voice.
Louis Prima
4/5
Exuberant and wild. Great example of the transition from jump blues to rock and roll.
The Roots
3/5
The KLF
2/5
Sadly, KLF are more interesting than their music.
Beck
3/5
Some good songs but does not make a good album
The B-52's
4/5
From the intro to Planet Claire, we're transported to a different sound world. Great stuff.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Grace Slick's contributions shines out. Otherwise okay.
Baaba Maal
2/5
Horror of a production.
Air
3/5
Some excellent moments, but a little low key overall
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Deceptively clever. Really takes off from Identity.
Love
4/5
Alone Again Or and Andmoreagain are iconic.
Portishead
4/5
Small Faces
3/5
A lot of nonsense with a few flashes of genius
Terence Trent D'Arby
4/5
Great songs, great voice
The Waterboys
4/5
Waterboys at their best
The Pogues
4/5
Lots to love here
Coldcut
3/5
Great reminder of the beginnings of house music. Not really my thing but an entertaining listen nevertheless.
Muddy Waters
2/5
Gets a little boring hearing lots of 12 bar blues with no real distinguishing features
Elton John
1/5
Elton has much better albums
The Cure
5/5
Disintegration is epic, glorious, dreamy, melancholic, reflective, dealing with grief, disappointment and hope.
Unfulfilled with previous pop success, Robert makes a deliberate attempt to produce his masterpiece. Each track lays down a musical pattern through a long intro that stands on its own. Reminds me in some places of Cocteau Twins and other places of New Order.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Elvis at his best
The Libertines
2/5
Only a few songs landed with me.
Neil Young
4/5
Much better than I remembered.
Butthole Surfers
1/5
Not for me
Burning Spear
4/5
Great album. Roots reggae in a minor key.
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Great singles, and side 3 works as a series of linked tracks. Overall too long.
Steve Winwood
3/5
Dated, but has some appeal.
The La's
3/5
Jangle pop heavily influenced by 60s music
New Order
3/5
Disappointing. Lacking strong songs
Björk
4/5
Original and contagious. Bjork has no fear.
Maxwell
1/5
Annoyingly bland
Kraftwerk
5/5
Amazing to think they made this music 50 years ago. Hugely influential and just brilliant.
Fleetwood Mac
2/5
A pale reflection of Rumours
Justin Timberlake
1/5
Entirely derivative. Sweet voice, slick production. Weak songs.
Brian Eno
3/5
Solo album in Roxy Music era. Experimental and works well on many tracks.
Gram Parsons
3/5
Loved hearing Emmylou Harris on second vocals. An interesting mix of clean country and soft rock.
AC/DC
3/5
The lead track would be worthy of led Zeppelin, the rest more run of the mill. Vocals unrefined.
Wilco
3/5
Competent crossover country rock album.
Elis Regina
1/5
Didn't work for me.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Superb album. Not competently joined up as singles added to side two. Still great.
Scott Walker
2/5
I'm not a huge fan of crooners. For some reason the songs didn't land for me.
Aphex Twin
2/5
Some good music here but so long it inevitably became background music
Aimee Mann
3/5
Well produced, well written, well performed power pop. Missing a standout song to make it a truly good album.
Lauryn Hill
4/5
Unexpectedly good.
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
Some classic tracks but then a lot of filler.
ABBA
2/5
Only serves to confirm that Abba are just a singles band.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Stacked full of hits from his best period.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
An interesting listen but not something I would come back to.
Sam Cooke
3/5
Atmospheric. A great showman.
Mj Cole
2/5
Not my thing
The Smiths
5/5
Brilliant album
The Verve
5/5
Rock ballads and psychedelic rock are a great combination here.
Alice In Chains
1/5
Butt for me. Sounded like Nirvana but still didn't engaged me.
The Specials
4/5
Genre defining.
Belle & Sebastian
3/5
Better than their second album in my opinion
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
3/5
Entertaining but not something I'll come back to
Van Morrison
2/5
The level of improvisation drives me mad
The Doors
4/5
Surprising number of blues tracks. Only just realised that Riders on the Storm is based on the 12 bar blues.
Gene Clark
3/5
Simply lovely
The Specials
2/5
Not so special.
Miles Davis
1/5
Not my bag
Elvis Presley
3/5
Classic era, very enjoyable
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
Excellent musicianship but songs have not stood the test of time
Joe Ely
3/5
Great sound
Willie Nelson
1/5
Disappointing
David Bowie
4/5
Butt his best but still good
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
A surprising album. Very different from Everything must go. Glad it was included.
The Cars
3/5
Strong start to the album, then fades.
2/5
Interesting but not something I would put on.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Eclectic, strong voice, great singles. Entertaining throughout.
Faust
1/5
Not for me
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
US version is best, including early hit singles.
Fairport Convention
3/5
The first British folk roll album. Beautiful voice.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Singer gems in there but not an album you're likely to put on ever
Frank Zappa
4/5
First ever jazz rock album. Maintains interest throughout.
Tim Buckley
3/5
I like the turned percussion. Fabulous voice. All a bit drawn out and low energy though for me.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Faultless production and musicianship but just missing some stand out songs. Love the country numbers.
ZZ Top
2/5
Rocks along nicely but many weak songs.
Sebadoh
2/5
Starts out promising but then pulls in too many directions
Faith No More
1/5
Hilariously bad until it becomes tedious.
Nina Simone
3/5
Nina Simone is a superb pianist and vocalist with one foot in the fifties. This album lacks coherence, and was apparently made up from left over studio recordings from previous albums.
Gillian Welch
5/5
Need artist to me. Unique style, great songs and musicianship. Looking forward to hearing more of theory music.
Nico
2/5
The flat tone and delivery works only for a few tracks before it started to grate on me.
Mudhoney
3/5
They make an awesome sound. Unfortunately the vocals are relatively weak and the songs do not mean through
The Stooges
4/5
Classic proto punk. Menacing, raw and powerful.
Neil Young
3/5
Not his greatest but very listenable
The Cardigans
2/5
Talking Heads
4/5
Remain in Light is an unusual album, the 3rd and last to be produced by Brian Eno. More or less consistently, there are no chord progressions or development of any kind within each song. Rather, a groove is established and maintained, a patterned background onto which melody and lyrics are placed. The music is compelling without the sense of progression.
I like it a lot, though it's not my favourite of theirs.
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Singles are awesome and overall sounds great
Taylor Swift
2/5
Singer good songwriting but I find her voice irritating.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Love the setup of a live studio recording. Neil is on top form
U2
4/5
Classic era U2. Unrefined, raw, relevant.
Alanis Morissette
2/5
Her student voice works fine on singles but not for a while album.
David Gray
4/5
Packed with hits. Good song writing
Yes
5/5
Probably my favourite prog rock album.
The Sonics
3/5
Similar material to The Beatles at the time but with more of an edge.
Richard Hawley
2/5
Started off liking this - nice voice - but after a while realised I'd stopped listening. It's just too bland.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
A legend. Clean cut and simple.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Does well to maintain interest over two hours. Sure to get better with repeated listening. Awesome sound and surprisingly worded range of styles.
Ash
4/5
Incredibly accomplished given that were so young. The singles are well known and stand out, but the whole album rocks along nicely
Leftfield
3/5
Some great tracks such as Song of Life and Open up, but a lot of ordinary material sonic the way.
Stevie Wonder
5/5
#1 album of 1976 and my favourite from Stevie. Chock full of amazing tunes right up to, but not including, the last 2 tracks, which would have been on the b side of the accompanying EP.
Dwight Yoakam
2/5
Buenos Noches almost sent me to sleep.
A conservative revival of a conservative strain of a conservative genre.
Some nice fiddle playing here and there.
ABBA
3/5
This album is quite good. Although I'm not the biggest fan of musical theatre, abba seem to have perfected the format albeit in album form. Fabulous production adds a gloss to everything.
John Coltrane
3/5
Got into the vibe for parts 2 and 3.
Songhoy Blues
3/5
Blues music with an African accent
Kraftwerk
2/5
Side one is quite strong and almost a complete work. The other tracks are only okay. Didn't quite work as an album.
Lightning Bolt
2/5
Okay, but unlikely to play again
Johnny Cash
2/5
Johnny Cash is cool, so you'd like to give a good review. However, many of these covers do not work.
The best tracks are the unknown (to me) country songs.
Lucinda Williams
4/5
Lucinda Williams is an interesting artist, and I will return to listen to her other bolded albums. A more authentic sounding Sheryl Crow.
New Order
3/5
Mix of new wave and electronic pop. Perfectly listenable but without any truly outstanding tracks.
Various Artists
3/5
Christmas classic
Beatles
5/5
The first truly exciting Beatles album.
UB40
4/5
No need to qualify this as 'white reggae'. It's a really good reggae and dub album in the political tradition.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Without merit of any kind
Jack White
4/5
One of his better albums. Quite varied. Kept the flag flying for guitar based rock music.
Ian Dury
2/5
Strong singles, but a succession of novelty songs grates.
Lenny Kravitz
3/5
A shame the strongest track Stay with me was spoilt with orchestration. Otherwise generic.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Combining rock and hip hop works well in places but can't sustain a while album. Ends up a bit like a novelty act.
The Crusaders
3/5
The Crusaders serve up easy listening jazz fusion.
Deep Purple
3/5
Great opening tracks but then Child in Time spoils the vibe and it never fully recovers.
The Smiths
5/5
Smiths at their peak
Beth Orton
2/5
I'm not a great fan of the voice. Put me off listening to the lyrics.
Randy Newman
2/5
The tunes are predictable and while he's clever with the lyrics, it's not what I'm looking for in an album.
The Afghan Whigs
1/5
Not for me. Not sure this should be on the list
Coldplay
5/5
Classic
Talvin Singh
3/5
The best parts are the classical Indian ones with subtle beats. He takes a lot of risks here and not all of them work, but still a very interesting listen.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Not his best album, but interesting all the same. Some very raw and edgy content showing a different side.
Blondie
4/5
Blondie's // is full of variety, from cute pop to new wave and disco. Full of hits and no real duds.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
The Adverts
2/5
Spirited and youthful. Honestly not something of return to.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
2/5
Consistent with other CCR albums, a couple of killer tracks booked out with generic blues. I'm in a harsh mood.
The Temptations
3/5
Papa was a rollin' stone is a classic. The first and last tracks are also strong but apart from that a mixed bag.
Dolly Parton
4/5
High quality country selection for a cosy quiet day in.
Culture Club
4/5
Forgot all about this album. Not a particular fan at the time but must have heard it loads. Sounded great this time round.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Promising debut with much better to come
William Orbit
2/5
Starts well but peters out so it's almost not there.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Not bad writing but not good enough too break through.
George Jones
1/5
Lame
David Bowie
3/5
Same vibe as Low but not as successful for me.
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
Long and boring
The Kinks
3/5
One really strong track, otherwise quite pleasant.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
One of the best folk rock albums of all time.
Liz Phair
3/5
Plenty of attitude, nice raw sound and loads of great ideas. A bit long and sprawling.
Goldfrapp
3/5
Felt Mountain has a couple of really strong songs - Utopia and Lovely Head. Overall a nice sound.
TLC
1/5
Not for me
The Temptations
2/5
A fair selection but not adding up to anything memorable.
Morrissey
4/5
An album of strong highlights of not fully consistent.
Isaac Hayes
2/5
Unusual and ahead of it's time. Not an album for repeated listening. Some cool arrangements, though.
B.B. King
4/5
Love the big band backing, and both the vocal and guitar delivery are excellent.
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
Liked the spacey, echoey slow parts, reminiscent of early Verve. Lost it towards the end and could have been better without last 2 tracks.
The Dictators
2/5
Not funny but not too annoying.
Metallica
3/5
A few strong tracks. Not my thing.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Singles great, the rest variable quality but always listenable.
The Louvin Brothers
3/5
Made me smile all the way up to the murder. That rather spoilt the mood.
Eagles
3/5
Pulling in different directions, but some fine harmonies and a couple of classics.
Hole
4/5
So glad that you could make it into the 1001.
This is radio friendly Hole, and a great sounding album.
Radiohead
5/5
The first of a remarkable run of albums, the most successful since the Beatles. They are all brilliant and show different aspects of their developing talent.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
The Beta Band
3/5
This one's better than Heroes to Zeroes with well put together songs and arrangements. Something I can't put my finger on stops it being a compelling listen though. The last track is supposed to be funny but isn't.
Nick Drake
4/5
Rich production, good songs. Curious choice of instrumentals but not unpleasant.
The Mars Volta
2/5
Started out with this album thinking high 3 trending 4, but ended up a high 2. It's just too much to digest.
a-ha
3/5
Hooks galore, outstanding singles, entertaining throughout
R.E.M.
5/5
REM made some great albums in the 80s and 90s, up till this LP. This would end up being the pinnacle of their output; their masterpiece.
Tracks complement each other perfectly to provide light and shade - perhaps a bit more shade than light. The vocal performances are honest and sincere, and perfectly project the joy, despair and hope of the first class lyrics.
Arrangements are more complex, with much use of piano, organ and strings. Some will miss the fact that they no longer sound like a four-piece, and the masterly way in which they managed limited resources, say as on Fables of the Reconstruction. Some will miss the jangle of Green, or the obscure murmurings of Murmur, but for me, these are all part of the story that unfolds and leads ultimately to this album.
Pantera
2/5
Liked the basic setup of syncopated riffs / grooves and simple production. Vocal style wears after a while.
Screaming Trees
4/5
The album is a grower. Good voice and interesting mix of influences
Traffic
3/5
Rich in textures. Early progressive with jazz, folk and blues overtones.
Bob Dylan
5/5
So many good songs here in the story telling tradition. One of his very best
Paul McCartney
2/5
Rushed release. Kind of interesting but also a little disappointing.
Jungle Brothers
3/5
Radio friendly hip hop. Some nice sounds and quality production.
Cat Stevens
4/5
He has a strong, distinctive voice, the songs are good and the arrangements are simple and effective - love the double bass.
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Commercial and easy listening.
Sisters Of Mercy
3/5
Nice vibe, voice annoys after a while.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
I don't really get Velvet Underground.
Janelle Monáe
4/5
A solid 4 for me. Really took off from Sir Greendown. My favourite moment was when Say you'll go morphed into Debussy's Clair de lune.
Very ambitious and mostly successful. Obviously a very talented artist.
The Style Council
2/5
Green Day
5/5
Much better than I expected. Lots of humour, and punk energy in commercial form.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Public Enemy
3/5
Radiohead
5/5
The highs outweigh the few lows.
Cyndi Lauper
2/5
A couple of absolute belters on this album, but the rest is highly variable. Honestly would never think of replaying this.
R.E.M.
4/5
Murmur is important because it is an early example of Jangle Pop and the first in a run of near perfect albums. The playing and arrangements are first class but the songwriting is inconsistent at this stage.
PJ Harvey
5/5
PJ Harvey's debut album is excellent. The three piece band with Polly Jean on guitar and vocals is so strong. Every track is really interesting, raw and engaging.
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Liking it so far but need to hear on a speaker system, to big for headphones?
The Killers
4/5
Big Black
2/5
Jethro Tull
3/5
Some great sounds, would have liked to hear more of that fabulous for playing.
Django Django
5/5
Django Django still sounds fresh and I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.
Metallica
3/5
I enjoyed today's Metallica album a bit more than their eponymous LP, but still a 3. Probably the max for this genre for me.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
My Dad was keen on big bands and the swing era, so today's album taps into some childhood nostalgia. The arrangements are brilliant and I love how minimalist the count's playing is.
Soft Cell
2/5
Not for me
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Okay but not exceptional.
Eric Clapton
3/5
I can't get to excited about Eric Clapton. Everything on here has been done better elsewhere. Let it Grow is good.
Television
4/5
Red Snapper
2/5
Van Halen
3/5
Van Halen is an entertaining listen. Extraordinarily virtuosic guitar playing. Catchy songs with very simple arrangements.
Madonna
2/5
American Pie of every bit as bad as I remember it, but it's still the best song on the album. The album really stands on its production which is excellent, but can't sustain interest for a whole album. So it starts off feeling like a 3 but ends up a 2 for me.
Germs
1/5
Not for me
Hole
3/5
Preferred her subsequent album
Alice Cooper
2/5
Starts strong but ends disappointingly. Elected is the highlight.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
The singles still sound strong. Very much a producer led album. Runs out of steam so has plenty of filler including pointless covers.