209
Albums Rated
3.32
Average Rating
19%
Complete
880 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
39
5-Star Albums
10
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
|
5 | 2.52 | +2.48 |
|
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
|
4 | 1.88 | +2.12 |
|
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Sister
Sonic Youth
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
Real Life
Magazine
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
|
5 | 3.08 | +1.92 |
|
The Visitors
ABBA
|
5 | 3.22 | +1.78 |
|
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
|
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
|
Achtung Baby
U2
|
1 | 3.3 | -2.3 |
|
Truth
Jeff Beck
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
|
Pump
Aerosmith
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
|
1 | 2.98 | -1.98 |
|
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
|
2 | 3.86 | -1.86 |
|
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
|
1 | 2.82 | -1.82 |
|
Dookie
Green Day
|
2 | 3.79 | -1.79 |
|
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
|
2 | 3.78 | -1.78 |
|
Take Me Apart
Kelela
|
1 | 2.75 | -1.75 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| U2 | 3 | 1.33 |
5-Star Albums (39)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Manic Street Preachers · 1 likes
4/5
First album from them and I have to say they really live up to their name with this one. Full of energy and outrage over how messed up the world is. Doesn’t feel much better these days either. Lyrically very dense and hard to follow at times but it rewards multiple listenings. This moved up from a 3 to a 4 for me. I think the very 90s grunge production keeps it from being a 5 for me but I really enjoyed this and will likely revisit at times.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds · 1 likes
5/5
What a deep and haunting album. The only other album that gets me like this is Blackstar by Bowie. Being a parent this tears me up and brought me to tears multiple times. Beautiful music with synthesizer use that reminded me of Vangelis. Not an everyday or week listen but very moving and worthy of being on this list
Isaac Hayes · 1 likes
5/5
I love this, so full of funk and long jams. Orchestration is wonderful and his voice is so unique. I only knew him from South Park and the Shaft theme and I am so glad to have heard this now. Timeless quality music
Suba · 1 likes
4/5
Excellent electronic album, love the samba and chill vibe. I would have had this on constant repeat if I was aware of it when it was first released. No filler and great flow. Doesn’t rise to a full 5 stars to me but very close. Would be 4.5 if I could do it.
1-Star Albums (10)
All Ratings
Stereolab
4/5
Love the vocal layering of the first track metronomic underground, almost minimalist feel. Last track has such a good vibe. Very low key fun minimalist electronic pop
T. Rex
5/5
Amazing vibe, just so cool and filled with great hooks. Lots of classics on this one, banger after banger.
Cocteau Twins
3/5
Not my favorite. Pleasant enough and dreamy vibes but just not connecting with it. First song is best
Gorillaz
4/5
Great album, a couple slow spots but the pop hits are wonderful. Def a product of its times
CHIC
2/5
Great album, a couple slow spots but the pop hits are wonderful. Def a product of its times
Arcade Fire
4/5
Solid album, title track is great, album has a couple spots where is loses steam
Suede
3/5
Some really strong moments and great vocals but the production falls flat occasionally and it drags a bit at points, may revisit this one again
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Van Halen
2/5
Heard jump and Panama and hot for teacher a bunch growing up in the 80s and 90s, hard to hear them with fresh ears. Album is ok but just not connecting with me, not enough depth for my taste. If I was a high schooler in the 80s I am sure this would hit different for me
Very much generic drug store music, some good singles but so overplayed and nothing with any teeth, production is very dull.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
5/5
I love this and immediately connected with it. Genre defying in the best way. Such fun energy and captivating hooks. Can’t get enough, where has this been hiding all my life!
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
Lyrics a little cringy at times, I feel like this is either your vibe or not. I am very much not a beach person. Last song is nice but I really just am not enjoying this very much.
Bon Jovi
2/5
Very much Bon Jovi, the singles were all super hits and this album is more of that flavor. Wish there was more variety, just feels a bit samey.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Very good album, powerful harmonies and amazing guitar work. Not connecting enough with the lyrics to give it a 5 but very good.
M.I.A.
4/5
Fun album and very catchy. Paper planes is a classic and this album has a few bangers for sure.
Iggy Pop
5/5
One of my favorites, during a great era with Bowie. Love the flow of this album and how it never overstays its welcome. Great rock album
Sonic Youth
5/5
Super atmospheric and has a brooding energy. Abrasive at times but I just keep coming back for more. Now I need to hear more by them
System Of A Down
3/5
Has some moments here and there but not big on the vocal style and growling. Won’t be coming back to this one often if at all.
Moby
4/5
Some amazing singles here and very enjoyable. Album is a little long and the strictly Moby parts without any strong samples are pretty weak. If it was tighter it would probably get 5 stars
Duke Ellington
4/5
Really good live album, just has a wonderful flow and the solos are excellent. Listened to it twice in a row and it helped me lock in at work.
Paul McCartney
3/5
Enjoyable but uneven and besides Maybe I’m Amazed I don’t think I will be coming back to this much if at all.
The Beach Boys
3/5
Easy listening but nothing really drawing me in or leaving much of an impression. Surfs up is nice but this isn’t going to be revisited anytime soon
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Liked this but just not connecting with it on the level most people seem to. LZ has all the elements that I should love but I just never want to listen to them. Immigrant song is the clear stand out here but the album never really hits the same height after.
David Crosby
2/5
Has a moment or two but really forgettable. Just feels bland and I don’t think I will be revisiting
Grateful Dead
1/5
Was hoping for something more interesting. I can get into a long jam but nothing here grabs my attention. Overlong and hard to finish, will not be back to this.
The War On Drugs
3/5
Starts strong but really loses steam and gets so dull. Very forgettable music to me, I just feel like I listened to something that left me with so little after.
The Zutons
3/5
I enjoyed this, not super memorable but the vibe was fun and I would be happy to listen to this again, very easy to digest
The Byrds
2/5
Really uneven and nothing super interesting here for me. Eight miles high as the high point for me but I just didn’t enjoy this sound very much. Psychedelic rock has left this so far behind it is hard to go back
Dion
3/5
I enjoyed this, the production was nice and varied. I could see myself coming back to some of these once in a while. Had never heard of Dion prior to this site.
The Black Keys
2/5
Ok at first but gets so repetitive as the album goes. I didn’t hate it but I just was wishing for it to be over about half way through.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
I love this, just cooler than cool. Venus in furs is still striking and how ahead of its time this album was can’t be understated
Stevie Wonder
5/5
Such a wonderful collection of songs. Superstition is one of the best songs ever made and you are the sunshine of my life is so beautiful. One of the best albums by maybe the greatest of all time
Harry Nilsson
5/5
One of my favorites, just has that special magic flow. Loaded with classics like without you, coconut, and gotta get up. Variety of song styles and nothing overstays its welcome
Scott Walker
2/5
Definitely hear the influence he had on Bowie but I just don’t like this as much as what Bowie did. The singing and songwriting is good but it just lacks that weirdness and fun that I need to draw me in, just some crooning.
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I want to like this so badly but I just can’t get into her style of singing. I love the lyrics she writes and the vivid imagery but her voice just wears on me. Second half is better than first half.
George Harrison
4/5
Very nice tunes. Sprawling and lengthy but really pleasant to listen to, I think the album would benefit from being a bit trimmed for general listening experience but I am sure fans want all they can get. Incredible guitar work
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Wow, this is so good. Normally not a fan of double albums but there isn’t a filler song on here. Like two solid albums released at once. Beautiful, soulful, rich music that is loaded with every emotion available. You know it’s something special when you finish a double album and immediately start it over again.
Pulp
3/5
Nice album, some solid pop that I am surprised wasn’t bigger in the US. Not groundbreaking but very competent. Common people is great
N.W.A.
3/5
The energy of the first two tracks is amazing and really draws you in but I found the album fizzled out as it went on.
3/5
Solid pop with some great songs. It was hard to get through the 90s without hearing a ton of this. Not my thing exactly but I see why they were successful and this absolutely belongs on this list
Tom Waits
3/5
I enjoyed parts of this, I think I will probably revisit this a few times. I get a sense of depth here and I think I need to listen over a period to absorb it properly. Voice is very unique and absolutely belongs on this list. I enjoyed it more than not but definitely not instant love
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Really nice album, sublime and chill. Definitely pleasant and worth checking out. Dreamy vibes
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Wish this grabbed me a bit more. Very repetitive and I really wished for some variety. Not unpleasant but I won’t be revisiting this. Just background guitar music to me.
Nirvana
4/5
Classic album, one of the first cds I got back in the 90s as a kid so this will always have some nostalgia for me but there is a lot to enjoy here.
Tito Puente
5/5
The Beach Boys
5/5
Amazing album, wonderful rich production and loaded with soothing fun music. Immediately grabs you and keeps it going. Wouldn’t it be nice and god only knows are amazing pop songs.
The Cure
4/5
Was going to rate this a 3 but on my third listen and it seems to be growing on me. Nice, pleasant, moody, goth rock. Not blowing my mind but well made and worth listening to and revisiting.
Wild Beasts
4/5
This was great, hadn’t heard of this band before. Amazing unique vocal styling that I am sure is polarizing but I really enjoyed it. Solid all the way through.
Doves
2/5
It’s alright, I didn’t really feel much listening to this. I feel like I should like this more than I do, it seems well done but I can’t connect with any of it and it seems bland.
Maybe listening at the right time makes this album worth listening to but I just have no desire to revisit this.
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Fun energy and the horns give it character but I didn’t find a lot here that I want to go back to. I had a hard time understanding the lyrics so if there was a lot of depth here it went right over my head
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Love this album, one of the first jazz albums I heard as a teen and Take Five made me realize I could be into it. Great throughout and absolutely worthy of being on this list.
The Slits
2/5
I can see why this is important and groundbreaking but musically I don’t think this stands the test of time. The Marvin Gaye cover was nice but I don’t think I will be coming back to this.
Daft Punk
4/5
Groundbreaking album with Around the World and Da Funk being true classics in the genre. Album has a couple slow spot and lulls which keep it from 5 stars for me, their later albums are better.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Thought I liked Beastie Boys more than I do. The loved the samples and instrumentation but I just found all the vocals grating and obnoxious. A song on occasion seems ok but listening to them for a whole album was too much for me.
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/5
I love this, never heard of this at all. Feels painfully relevant 33 years later. Beats hold up and it feels more modern. Solid flow and powerful, I want more of this!
Wilco
5/5
This grew on me so much after listening a few times. I went from thinking this was a 3 star album to now thinking this is solidly 5 stars. Beautiful music full of emotion and rich production. If you find this album boring as I did at first give it another chance or two and you might be well rewarded.
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Bass was great and the only thing I enjoyed here. Vocals were awful and ruined what might have been enjoyable. Listened to this twice and disliked it more the second time. Not going to revisit this anytime soon
Alanis Morissette
4/5
Really great, heard the single a bunch in the 90s but the whole album is solid with great flow. She is a fantastic songwriter
Nick Drake
4/5
Beautiful album, just great acoustic music with rich production. Easy to connect with and pleasing.
Dolly Parton
2/5
These songs seem well done but I just can’t connect to this genre. Lots of themes of heartbreak with country sounds. Not unpleasant but nothing I see myself coming back to any time soon.
Adele
3/5
Amazing vocals but the problem with reviewing an album like this is the hits have been played to death and the over-saturation makes it really unenjoyable to listen to. If I could hear this album fresh without hearing any of it before I would probably love this but it just doesn’t hold my interest at this point. Lovesong was nice, I hadn’t heard that before
The Mothers Of Invention
2/5
Very odd and unlike many albums I have heard for better at times but mostly for worse. I just didn’t get into the music itself and the skits/bits weren’t entertaining enough to overcome this to me. I appreciate them having some fun but I just don’t see myself wanting to listen to this regularly. Twice through was enough.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Great album, iconic sound. A must listen to hear the origins of metal and just great rock music. I slightly prefer the original album but this is a great follow up.
50 Cent
2/5
In Da Club is still solid but most of this is silly and hard to take seriously. Not my thing
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
Fantastic album, I listen to this regularly. It has a vibe that is hard to find elsewhere. Danceable, catchy, and fun while keeping it cool
Nina Simone
5/5
What a wonderful voice, so much character and so unique. Great album, I had only hear Bowie’s cover of wild is the wind prior to this and I definitely prefer Nina’s version. Four women is great and Lilac wine is haunting.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Really solid and fun to listen to. Full range of lively danceable and slow chill out music. Not blowing my mind which keeps it out of 5 star range but very good.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Ok at times but not super interesting after all these years. I am a fan of Lou Reed but I don’t see myself coming back to this. I think it is a step down from the magic of their debut. Not bad but not memorable
David Gray
2/5
You couldn’t escape Babylon in the late 90s so I didn’t come into this expecting much and I didn’t find much either. Inoffensive sound and fine but nothing memorable or great here. Production is good but I just felt so bored.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Relaxing album, upbeat and nice big band feel. Franks voice and delivery really works here. I think the only thing keeping this from a full 5 stars to me is the lack of anything really personal in it, if he had written these I think it would have been better
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
Nice jazz album, I added a few to a chill playlist I have but not really connecting with this deeply. Seems very well executed but I won’t be coming back to this often. Tuang Guru was my favorite from these.
Deep Purple
3/5
Child in time was amazing and the real standout here, the rest was pretty forgettable/generic sounding hard rock to me. Not bad but I will only be revisiting one song on here.
Le Tigre
3/5
Deceptacon was great but didn’t find myself wanting to come back to this one. Good energy and I like the spirit but just wasn’t doing much for me.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
First album from them and I have to say they really live up to their name with this one. Full of energy and outrage over how messed up the world is. Doesn’t feel much better these days either. Lyrically very dense and hard to follow at times but it rewards multiple listenings. This moved up from a 3 to a 4 for me. I think the very 90s grunge production keeps it from being a 5 for me but I really enjoyed this and will likely revisit at times.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
I love this album, my first album from Kendrick and it just has a wonderful flow that hooks you. This is what an album is supposed to be, just wonderful production and always mixing it up to keep your attention. Every song on this is great and I need to listen to more of his stuff.
The Verve
2/5
This was so boring and generic sounding. I wanted to like this but it just dragged and dragged. I wish I could hear what fans of this hear but I don’t think this belongs on this list. So forgettable, avoiding 1 star because it isn’t painful or abrasive, just so bland
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Very neutral on this for good and bad. Vocals are nice and almost Bowie esque but it definitely takes the magic that an artist like Bowie would infuse into his music. I don’t love or hate anything on this, not unpleasant, it has a couple good moments but not memorable either. Solid 3 star average rating for me.
Underworld
4/5
Always enjoyed this album though I do think the one previous should be on here instead. Songs do go on for a very long time but it generally works. I think you either will think this is great or you will be bored to death with it and I like this a lot more than I dislike it.
Linkin Park
1/5
Hated this album when it came out when I was in high school and still can’t stand it after 25 years. I just find it so corny and the production is lacking authenticity. Record scratching while trauma dumping is so silly and pulls me out of it. The vocals are grating and the song writing is so repetitive, if you like one song you will probably enjoy the rest but I don’t. Even nostalgia can’t help save this for me
Talking Heads
5/5
One of my favorite bands so I am biased. Love everything on here and can’t get enough of their unique sound, no one else sounds like them. The ones after this with Eno’s involvement are even better but this is solid all the way through
SAULT
4/5
Really solid, hadn’t heard of Sault before but it certainly is a powerful listen and if you are into political music like I am you will enjoy this. Solid beats and mixed it up enough to stay interesting. I think the album could have used some trimming to make this a full five stars but I think four stars is fair.
Garbage
4/5
Definitely enjoyed Garbage in the 90s but haven’t heard in a while. Solid pop with some industrial/EDM/triphop elements mixed in. Mansons vocals are great, just finding the production a bit dated at this point.
Jimi Hendrix
3/5
Loved the last two song and Gypsy eyes was fun but I didn’t connect with this the way I wanted to. Just felt very unfocused and jammy. Maybe I will like the other Jimi albums more but not huge on this
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I so want to like her music but I can’t deal with her style of singing. She writes amazing songs with moving and evocative lyrics but I just can’t get enjoyment out of it. Maybe one day I will like her stuff but I think I have to accept it isn’t for me.
The Beau Brummels
2/5
Hadn’t heard of this album or group and I don’t find it interesting at all. It may have been worth checking out back in its time but this just feels so dull and has aged poorly. Just feels like such generic 60s psychedelica with nothing compelling or memorable. The only positive is that it isn’t a long listen and that it isn’t abrasive. Maybe I am missing something but I can’t find it today.
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
4/5
Really enjoyed this, short collection of tunes that are charming and easy to listen to. I see why he was a big deal despite his short career. Nothing mind blowing but it is hard to find fault here, very charming.
Billy Bragg
3/5
This was ok, I have a soft spot for politics in music so that helped this a bit. Some solid writing throughout and I can imagine the voice is tough for some but I didn’t dislike it. More interesting than a 2 but not reaching the level of 4 so at a 3 this sits. Probably won’t revisit much but glad I listened.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
This was pretty underwhelming. I am not a fan of this era of big hair rock music and this was no exception. Very dumb lyrics and nothing really fun or catchy. If you aren’t going to be smart you should at least be fun and this wasn’t for me. I don’t see any reason to revisit this one. Not as bad as one star but I suppose two stars is fair since it wasn’t painful
Paul Simon
5/5
This is a wonderful album and not a single lackluster track. Each collaboration adds so much to Paul’s style of music and elevates this to timelessness. I have listened to this for a few years now and never get tired of it. Easy 5 stars.
Scritti Politti
2/5
Did not like this, normally 80s pop can can fun but this was a slog despite it not being very long. Didn’t care for the singing voice and didn’t find anything memorable about the songwriting.
David Bowie
5/5
I love everything Bowie did so I am biased but this is a great record. Full of funk and very relaxing to listen to. Win and fascination are my favorites from this but the only track I don’t love is the across the universe cover. I will continue to keep this in my rotation, just never gets old
Cowboy Junkies
4/5
I am glad I gave this a couple listens, at first I thought it was beautiful sounding but I didn’t connect with it. Now I get it and think it is a beautiful coherent album full of emotion. The vocals are stunning and works perfectly with the band. I am not typically a country music person but I like this quite a bit.
Boston
2/5
This was so corny and had most of what I don’t like in bad rock. The lyrics were not thoughtful and it had so much clapping. I have heard most of this way too much on classic rock radio and the few songs I hadn’t heard were more of the same. I won’t give it one star because I am reserving that for truly painful experiences but this was not a fun listen.
The Blue Nile
4/5
This was interesting, I find the songwriting lacking but the production and actual vocal quality was pretty solid. The first two tracks were the best for me, it is almost like Bowie and talking heads had a love child but not as good as either of them at their best but this is very enjoyable. The arrangement is complex and I find a lot to enjoy with this.
R.E.M.
3/5
This is a nice album, I had only heard it’s the end of the world and the one I love before and they remain my favorites from this. I was hoping to connect with other songs on here or feel it on a deeper level but it wasn’t happening. This is solidly a 3 for me, good album but nothing I will be coming back to often.
The Band
2/5
I didn’t enjoy this much at all. Whispering pines was the only song I mildly enjoyed. They may be talented musicians but I just didn’t connect with or enjoy these songs. I may be too much of a yankee.
Destiny's Child
2/5
I liked survivor but not really enjoying this very much. I can tell they are all talented but I can’t find a way to connect with this. Not for me
Miles Davis
5/5
I love this, it is amazing to get to hear multiple master musicians improvising jazz sessions. It’s like you get to be a fly on the wall. It isn’t easy to digest and I definitely understand why this won’t be for everyone but the complexity makes it interesting to go back to and hear something new each time.
The Monkees
3/5
This was ok, nice simple pop songs. Nothing too deep or interesting and all short. Nowhere near the Beatles in terms of quality. Listened to it twice and just not really sticking with me or something I plan to revisit
Green Day
2/5
I never could get into Green Day and this listen continues that trend. I don’t care for the whiny vocals and the repetitive power cord use gets old and makes all the songs sound very similar. I can enjoy punk music but something about them never connected with me and feels lame. Wish I could hear what other people seem to get from this.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
What a deep and haunting album. The only other album that gets me like this is Blackstar by Bowie. Being a parent this tears me up and brought me to tears multiple times. Beautiful music with synthesizer use that reminded me of Vangelis. Not an everyday or week listen but very moving and worthy of being on this list
Gillian Welch
5/5
I love this, I really don’t think of myself as a country enjoyer but I immediately loved all these songs and immediately put it back on again. Soulful, sparse, and beautiful music. If some music is hollow this is the opposite of that. Timeless and beautifully done, a revelation for me. Instant 5 stars
2/5
This was so dull to me. I know U2 is disliked by many but I don’t dislike them for being socially aware, I think it is a good thing to strive for generally. I wanted to like this but I have heard the first three songs way too much over the past 35+ years and the others didn’t really do it for me. Last song was ok, at least a bit more interesting. Very dull and lifeless music with overdone vocals, nothing interesting to think about or leave you with an impression.
Dolly Parton
4/5
Nice album, she has a wonderful voice. I really appreciate a shorter album without any filler. Didn’t connect on a super strong level but every song was nice and charming. Might revisit from time to time.
Everything But The Girl
1/5
I feel bad giving this a 1 but it is so so boring and uninteresting. She has a great voice but it is wasted here. This was hard to make it through - kept waiting to see why this was on the list but that moment never came.
Isaac Hayes
4/5
This was very good, just nice chill funky music loaded with strings and horns. Added a bunch to my chill music playlist. I had only heard the theme song and I am glad to have gone deeper with this.
Earth, Wind & Fire
4/5
Nice album, full of funk and uplifting music. Loved the instrumentation and it really was just a fun vibe. Nothing super deep or thought provoking but not everything needs to be
Thin Lizzy
3/5
This was pretty fun but a bit bloated. When they get cooking it is fantastic but not every song has the needed quality and while the dual lead guitars and the harmonizing is nice it doesn’t make me want to come back to it.
Neil Young
2/5
Didn’t really care for this. Albuquerque and lookout Joe were enjoyable but I really just don’t enjoy his vocals. Maybe it is an acquired taste but I just don’t get it. Band sounds fine but I can’t enjoy the music because of this. Listened twice and didn’t click with me.
Elton John
5/5
This was brilliant, all the singles hold up despite massive airplay on classic rock radio throughout the US. First track was stunning and very cool, I love those analogue synthesizers he used. Spans all moods and really comes together well despite the longer length.
Julian Cope
4/5
This was definitely a bit of a grower, better as I listened more times. Varied sounds and instrumentation throughout that keeps it from sounding bland despite its longer length. Not connecting enough for a 5 but I think this is a solid 4.
The Cars
5/5
Classic new wave album, can’t really find a fault with this. Not super deep but solid pop with perfect synth use. Doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Magazine
5/5
Love everything about this. What a special timeless album, just the right about of weirdness with the energy to match. Great synth use and feels to me like if you made the cars a bit more punk and a lot more weird and I am here for it.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
Amazing album, a classic for a reason. Loaded with hits that have absolutely stood the test of time. Not a weak song on this and just about perfect throughout.
Paul Weller
3/5
I am a little torn on this one, listened to it three times and it is very well done and produced. Solid songwriting and performance but maybe lacking some special spice or something truly memorable. I don’t see myself listening to it regularly but I think it is very good when in the right mood.
Isaac Hayes
5/5
I love this, so full of funk and long jams. Orchestration is wonderful and his voice is so unique. I only knew him from South Park and the Shaft theme and I am so glad to have heard this now. Timeless quality music
Elastica
3/5
A little bland at times but not bad. Quick poppy songs with some punk influence. Connection was immediately recognizable to me, definitely heard it a bunch before. Nothing really great to stand out here but solid at times. Not likely to revisit much, I listened through it twice.
The Band
2/5
Not feeling this very much, they seem to be solid musicians but I just don’t enjoy most of this. The weight, chest fever, and long black veil were standouts but I could do without the rest.
ABBA
5/5
Wow, I didn’t realize I was going to like this as much as I did. Glad this is on the list, have no idea if I would ever have heard this otherwise. Not a mediocre song on this, just all synth bangers with pulsing bass and rich vocals.
Elliott Smith
3/5
There really needs to be a term for a solid piece of music that is well done and written and I can’t really find any faults with but I just don’t enjoy it as much as I think I should. I may revisit this another time but currently I can’t give it above a 3. RIP Elliott
Simply Red
3/5
Better than I expected but not blowing me away either. Has some nice moments but it is definitely corny at times. Very 80s sounding and chill music, my fondness for the era and its sounds helps. Can’t really give this more than a 3.
Deep Purple
3/5
I liked it for the first three songs but it just lingered a bit too long, the drum solo on the mule never seemed to end. Great musicians and solid performance but I just didn’t like it as much as a deep purple super fan might have.
Violent Femmes
4/5
Great album, catchy punk acoustic sounds. Short and sweet, no filler here. Blister in the sun and gone daddy gone are absolute classics.
Throbbing Gristle
4/5
I really enjoyed this, abrasive and harsh at times but really interesting and ahead of its time. Reminds me of Chrome who I am also really into. Challenging music and definitely not aiming to be pleasant but I really appreciate what they were doing here.
Suzanne Vega
2/5
Some solid songs (small blue thing and the queen and the soldier) but not super interesting in general. Nice voice and good song writing but just not my thing.
Kelela
1/5
This was disappointing, I really wanted to like this but it just felt so uninteresting. Nice voice and good production but just so boring, I was waiting for this to be over by the third song. I don’t know what it is but it almost felt soulless to me, missing something
Public Enemy
5/5
Such a great collection of bangers. Aged super well and it is always fun hearing Flava Flav! I wish the topics weren’t as relevant today as they were in 1990 but here we are. Powerful message
Traffic
2/5
First two songs were solid and the title track was interesting but the rest didn’t really leave a great impression. Good musicianship but lyrics not really hitting.
Mekons
3/5
This was truly interesting and unique. Not necessarily great but it definitely gets points for standing out from the crowd. I think it deserves a 3, won’t revisit much but for sure worth hearing and not bad
Adele
2/5
She is so talented but I just don’t enjoy listening to whole albums of her music. I think it is just too many huge powerful songs with intense production all non stop. I think a good album needs some ebb and flow and it’s just nonstop emotional anguish. Great voice but just not for me.
Big Star
2/5
This was underwhelming, first two tracks were ok but I expected it to get good at some point and never really got there. Not terrible but very forgettable.
Jeru The Damaja
2/5
Nice vinyl old school beats in this but not feeling much otherwise. Not bad but I don’t think this is very memorable or worth revisiting. Da Bichez has aged poorly
Girls Against Boys
4/5
This was good, the vocal style felt unique with super breathy strained style and the guitar riffs felt a little more interesting than typical grunge/rock of this era. I like this more than I expected and while not perfect I am glad I listened.
Radiohead
4/5
Solid album, not their absolute best but it really works well in spots. Aged well and definitely worth the time. There There, 2 x 2 =5, and We Suck Young Blood are classics.
Justice
4/5
I loved this back in 2007 and it still holds up pretty well. A side is much stronger than B side which keeps this from a 5 but this is a wonderful electronic album styled as rock music. Justice is top tier electronic.
Supertramp
4/5
Really solid, good mix of prog and pop. First three tracks are strongest to me. Great production
The Stooges
4/5
Great album, super early punk rock and doesn’t overstay its welcome. Iggy is usually great and this is a great example of why.
CHIC
2/5
Good times was solid but the rest was not my cup of tea. Some decent funk at times but so forgettable. Did not make me want to dance
Billy Joel
4/5
Very nostalgic for me growing up in the 80s with parents who were huge on Billy Joel. Quite a few classics on this, hard to give it just a 4 but I don’t think it connects with me on the level I need for a 5.
Solomon Burke
3/5
This was pleasant but I can’t say I will come back to this much, worth hearing for the history but not enough meat on the bone for me.
Nirvana
4/5
I hadn’t heard this before in its entirety and I think I enjoy it more than Nevermind. It feels like they were on an interesting path and I wish we could have seen where they went next. Definitely like the less grungy sounding moments more like All Apolgies, Heart Shaped Box, and Dumb.
Aerosmith
1/5
I hate this, it is hard to believe the same band who made Dream On or Sweet Emotion also made this. I struggled to finish this. Terrible lyrics, hated the production, nothing redeemable about this to me.
The Smiths
3/5
I feel like I should either love or hate this but it is just ok. First three songs are the best to me but I don’t think this is amazing or particularly deep. Not unpleasant but won’t be craving to listen to this.
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Not as strong as some of their other albums but not bad. Not feeling the lyrics on most of these and not a fan of brown sugar.
The Kinks
2/5
Did not really care for this, sounded so generic and did not hook me. Not abrasive but I kept waiting for it to get good and it never did.
Minor Threat
3/5
Pretty solid but I am not super into this genre. Definitely doesn’t overstay its welcome and has the right energy. I can see how this must have been very influential.
Bee Gees
2/5
I loved How Can You Mend A Broken Heart but found the rest very bland and forgettable. Certainly talented vocalists but just didn’t deliver something special aside from the opening track.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I like this more than sticky fingers. Gimme Shelter and You can’t always get what you want are absolute classics and timeless. Not every track hits but when it does you can see why the Stones are the legends they are.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
This was interesting but not for me. I found the lyrics a bit too dense and while they sounded illustrative and thoughtful it was all just too much and went over my head. I just couldn’t connect with this and would like to revisit another time.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
I actually liked this, I haven’t been into her other albums but this one has enough experimental sounds, jazz, and synthesizers to get me hooked. I think this allows me to see what her greatness is, thank you for this one being on the list.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
This was good and has some amazing classics on it but not on the level of future Paul Simon solo albums. I love the synth sound on Save The Life of My Child and Side B was mostly great but I just don’t fully get most of Side A.
Method Man
3/5
This was pretty good, really solid in spots and has a dark atmospheric vibe throughout. Tical and release yo delf were the highlights for me. Nothing mind blowing but fun to listen to.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Solid pop music and fun to listen to but not really super memorable. Very 80s sounding in a good way.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
3/5
This was pretty good, had never heard of Alex Harvey before. Not a bad glam rock offering but a bit inconsistent, gang bang and giddy up a ding dong were not great while The Faith Healer and Next were standouts to me.
Steely Dan
4/5
Nice smooth album. Jazzy and chill, very enjoyable. Don’t like enough for 5 stars but a solid 4 for me.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Liked it but didn’t love it. No songs rise to greatness for me and I wish the songwriting was more interesting. Atmospheric and worth hearing but not mind blowing.
Jeff Beck
1/5
Really didn’t care for this. It might have been innovative in the late 60s but I just can’t get into this. Not a fan of this blues guitar work and the Stewart vocals do nothing for me.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Very good but so long it is hard to consider compared to other albums. A great voice and some classics in here but it just drags if you attempt to listen in one sitting
Jimi Hendrix
2/5
Still not really into Jimi, I wish I was but I can’t really connect with this on a deep level. Great musician but not my thing. Castles Made of Sand was my favorite of the bunch
Sam Cooke
4/5
What a fun album, this is the definition of charisma. Sam is so entertaining and you can’t help but be caught up with his enthusiasm. I wasn’t born when this was recorded but it feels like it beings you right to that club in Harlem.
Brian Eno
5/5
Beautiful album, one of my favorites by one of the greats. Such a rich lush sound and I love this era. This man influenced so many of my favorite artists and everything he touches seems to be made better by him.
Kraftwerk
5/5
Classic album for good reason. Such a vibe, early techno and hypnotic to listen to. Very enjoyable and no bloat to be found.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
My first album from him and I liked it, great energy and thoughtful lyrics. Not mind blowing but there is something to be said for a solid album with song variation and quality throughout. Solid 4 for me.
Pink Floyd
5/5
A classic for good reason. My favorite of theirs is Animals but this is epic and well deserving of its legendary status. Comfortably numb and the trail are my favorites from this. Doesn’t even feel bloated despite its length.
Beastie Boys
3/5
I liked this more than Paul’s Boutique but still not my thing. A couple decent songs but Brass Monkey is still terrible, hate that song. Rhymin & Stealin was the standout to me. I appreciate the innovation in this but the yell rapping just doesn’t work for me.
4/5
Excellent electronic album, love the samba and chill vibe. I would have had this on constant repeat if I was aware of it when it was first released. No filler and great flow. Doesn’t rise to a full 5 stars to me but very close. Would be 4.5 if I could do it.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
Very good album, full of heart and great songwriting. Glad to have heard this, have not heard of her before. Not a bad song here.
The Divine Comedy
4/5
This is great, entertaining and full of great powerful songs. Silly at times in the best way. I hear the Walker influence but I like this more. Something for the Weekend and Becoming More Like Alfie are the standouts to me.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
This was nice but I think no matter how good the performance there is a limit to how much I will enjoy a piano solo performance that goes for over an hour. Certainly well done and the best playing I have heard but it doesn’t make me feel as much as other kinds of music.
Lou Reed
5/5
Great album, I listen to this a few times a year. This is my favorite of his albums and is loaded with classic songs. Few other albums have this melancholic lofi poppy sound, hard for me to even describe this.
Elis Regina
4/5
Nice album, I like the chill samba sound and she has a great voice. If I could understand the lyrics it would probably be a 5, not her fault but I just can’t connect with it on that super deep level.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
This is just so good, lush arrangements and deep heartfelt lyrics. Very enjoyable and I keep playing it over the past few days since it was assigned. No filler, just wonderful music that holds your interest throughout.
Deerhunter
3/5
This was ok, had some interesting sounds and reminded me of a less good Radiohead in spots, just lacking the charisma and depth. Decent indie rock but not top tier.
Robert Wyatt
4/5
Really solid, the synthesizer use in this is outstanding and just has a very unique sound that stood out from other 70s rock albums. Very glad I listened to this.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Excellent hip hop with sampling that sounds way ahead of its time. Very enjoyable and first thing I have heard from them. Solid 4
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
A classic album with song real bangers. The vocals really sell this and make it what it is, just full of soul and heart. Green River and Bad Moon Rising are some of the best ever. Never gets old.
Syd Barrett
3/5
This is definitely an interesting album as a Pink Floyd fan but it isn’t fantastic. Some good moments for sure but it feels like a mess and very unpolished. This is both a good and bad thing but I am glad it exists.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
This was ok, liked the first half much more than the second. First two songs were the standouts to me. Nice and chill but nothing really pulling me back to it.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
2/5
Not huge on blues rock like this but the vocals from Janis elevate this a large amount. I wish we could have heard more from her over a longer period of life. Piece of my heart and summertime were the stand outs to me here.
Koffi Olomide
1/5
Not a fan of this, made me bored and didn’t feel like dancing. Was just waiting for it to end.
Beastie Boys
3/5
I like this more than the previous albums from them. sure shot, sabotage, and get it together were very good, it would have benefited from some trimming in my opinion.
Hüsker Dü
3/5
This grew on me quite a bit but I definitely think they could have cut about half the songs and this would have been a classic album. I have a definite preference for the Mould songs and plan on listening to the earlier stuff and his later work as part of Sugar.
The Cure
3/5
Tried a few times and just didn’t like this as much as I hoped I would. It is dark and atmospheric which I enjoyed but I just kept waiting for something to grab my interest. Definitely dragged on too long at points. Don’t hate it but I liked their earlier albums a bit more.
Steely Dan
4/5
So solid and just so jazzy. Doesn’t overstay its welcome and just delivers great music with some catchy hooks but never gets boring.
U2
1/5
Just so boring, I really can’t connect with U2 on any level and I just find all the lyrics, singing, and guitar riffs to be soulless. Having Eno attached to this should have helped but this just wasn’t for me.
The Clash
3/5
Short and very solid. Groundbreaking music at the time and while it isn’t blowing my mind in 2025, it is hard to find fault with this. Janie Jones and Police & Thieves were the standouts to me.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Really good, his vocals are just perfect and add so much to each of these songs. What a wonderful cover of I heard it through the Grapevine. So many of these songs are classics.
Elbow
4/5
Definitely reminds me of Coldplay but better and more impactful. A couple really great songs on here and I hadn’t heard of Elbow before so I am glad they are on the list.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
This was stunning, I love this sound and it reminds me of Bowie during the late 70s. I am so glad I listened to this, I definitely need to hear more from Gabriel. So captivating from Intruder all the way through Biko. Need more like this!
Queen
3/5
This was pretty solid, definite preference for the A side. Brighton Rock, Killer Queen, and Flick of the Wrist were th standouts to me.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
This wasn’t great for me. Wasn’t super lengthy but it really dragged and didn’t connect with any of it really. I just don’t know what they were going for here. Not horrendously bad but really not my thing.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
3/5
Glad this was included because they have a very unique sound. Very hypnotic to listen to but I don’t find myself wanting to come back to it much yet.
Various Artists
5/5
It is confusing and odd to listen to a Christmas album produced by a murderer but it is really good music and I can’t deny it. Every track feels rich and I enjoy the wall of sound technique here. Full of classics.
Yes
4/5
This is very good, prog rock that aged very well. Not quite on the level of their next albums but still very good and listenable.
Willie Nelson
3/5
Really solid covers of a bunch of great songs. Not mind-blowing or anything but I can’t fault this and he does a great job making them his own.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This was really good, short, sweet, and full of emotion and range. Every song was solid and this is certainly timeless. Great intro to dusty for me.
The Doors
5/5
It is amazing how solid they were on their debut, so many classic songs and long jams. Blues influenced and the organ really makes this sound.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
A psychedelic classic, just so lush and full of heart and soul. This and yoshimi are just mind blowing and worth spending time with. Very human and just great.
Ice Cube
2/5
I liked track 2 mainly cause of the energy but this isn’t for me. Good beats and flow but the lyrics have aged poorly to say the least
Joy Division
5/5
So dark and so grim but really amazing. I love new order and joy division and this record is just so ahead of its time. I definitely have to be in the right mood but it really works.
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
This wasn’t terrible but it is a bit boring and long. He plays and sings well but I just don’t find any of this really interesting or fun.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
This grew on me the more times I listened. Hard times, it’s like that, and 30 days are the standouts to me. Early hip hop made well.
Stan Getz
5/5
I really found like I like Samba and this is no exception. Just smooth, relaxing, and beautiful. Perfect chill music.
Bob Dylan
2/5
This may have been historically important but it doesn’t do much for me as a first time listener in 2026. His voice doesn’t bother me and the songwriting is solid but it just bores me and I was looking forward to it ending. Not unlistenable but not something I plan to revisit.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
This great throughout. Band on the Run is the standout for me and really shows just how talented a songwriter he is. Don’t get bored at all and each song provided something different.
Def Leppard
2/5
This was definitely corny but it is fun at times. I didn’t hate this but I can’t give it more than a 2. They get on a roll here or there but a couple good moments does not make a great album.
Duran Duran
2/5
I liked this a lot more decades ago, it’s solid synth pop but doesn’t excite me much at the moment. Maybe I have heard it too much years ago.
Thelonious Monk
3/5
Very good, nice smooth jazz. Relaxing to listen to and added a few to my chill playlist but probably not planning to listen to the album all that much.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Just didn’t connect with this. I don’t dislike his voice but I found myself counting down the songs until the end and this isn’t a good sign. I have definitely heard worse but this will not be the album that makes me a real fan of Elvis Costello.