As a self-proclaimed fan of eclectic and “weird” music, Kate Bush should be right up my alley. Instead, I feel like I’m meeting her in a dark alley and I should run for my life. The album feels like the ravings of a madwoman. The songwriting is intriguing. Her voice is operatic at times and has such a beautiful tone, yet it’s so shrill and unappealing at other times. I enjoyed the second half of the album much more than the first. The songs seem more fluid and their emotion translates well. Overall, I am glad I listened to it, but not sure I’d give it a second listen.

Beep! Beep! Who got the keys to the Jeep? Vroom! This album was the soundtrack to many a night out in 1997. The features alone on this album are monumental, not to mention the beats. Missy’s flow is so smooth and her rhymes combined with Timbaland’s beats made them a hip-hop super duo. There’s just something about 90s hip-hop that hit so hard and left a lasting impression. I’m eternally grateful to have been around for it.

Overall, I liked this album. There are a few standout tracks I really enjoyed. The lead singer’s voice and the driving beats really impressed me. I also enjoyed the varied rhythms, especially within songs. Dynamic.

Love that their voices aren’t actually incredible, but so pure, raw, and real. The harmonies are so nice. It’s fascinating how they figured them out. Wonder why there are so many covers on this album? Cohesive sound throughout the album is very pleasant and listenable. I can see how The Beatles became huge stars. Cute English guys with an extremely palatable sound.

Crazy listening to this on my beats how the beats jump around ear to ear; it’s like real surround sound. Very consistent sound and message. The sampling is incredible; the layering is so artistic and creative. I miss the sound of mixing and scratching and socially conscious lyrics. I’m proud to been around for this album’s inception.

Really like the drummer and how much you can hear him. Heavy production; very large garage band sound. Not sure if I would revisit. I’m enjoying the themes in the second half of the album more than the first half. Overall, I like the theming of the album, but the music is not my typical cup of tea. Overly jangly 60s rock doesn’t scratch my itch. It’s a very consistent sound throughout and not off-putting; it’s dynamic and I appreciated all of the different instruments and their usage.

Melodically surprising and lovely. Feels like what I assume an anime soundtrack is like. Love the production on the album. I feel like I’m walking through a video game. Surreal. Lead singer’s voice isn’t really pleasing to my ear, but musicality makes up for it. My two favorite tracks were the instrumental ones. Songwriting is hit and miss, but definitely a few little diamonds sprinkled throughout.

Yes just isn’t my type of music. I can’t deny the group’s musicianship and say it’s not “good.” It’s just not pleasing to my ear. Their sound is very dated to me. I’m really not into the space age-y rocket-ship type 70s rock. Is that prog rock? If so, I think it’s not my jam. I’m sad to see there are two more Yes albums on the list.

What can I say about this album? I’ve been listening to it in one way or another since I was born. The only track I ever disliked was Oh Daddy and I found it to be more likable on this listen than I remember, although I’m still not a big fan. Other than that, it is an absolutely perfect album. The only negative is that I wish I would’ve been listening to it for the first time ever with fresh ears and been able to feel how much it blew my mind. The familiarity is comforting, but I wish I could experience that initial excitement all over again.

Milquetoast is a good descriptor for Ryan Adams in my opinion. It’s not that he’s a bad singer or musician; nothing really stands out for me to latch onto. I genuinely don’t like his voice. The songwriting is unimpressive. This is the kind of album that just makes me mad. You’d think it would be something I vehemently hate that would enrage me, but at least the hate would’ve made me feel SOMETHING and that I can respect. This album didn’t evoke anything for me. I knew this was gonna be a rough go, and it’s unfortunately worse than I thought. Gonna Make You Love Me, from Sweet Home Alabama, is the only redeeming song that makes this album deserve at least one star.

The album opener and track 9 are sweet reminders of a simpler time. The album’s sound is consistent and the production is immaculate. I really enjoyed the layering of the multiple instruments on each song. I would’ve preferred more singing by the female leads. Some of the beats and melodies felt a bit wasted with subpar singing or rapping and mediocre lyrics. Definitely a certain vibe throughout though and would be a fine album to chill with.

I had a colleague years ago who only listened to The Beatles. His theory was that they were the only band he ever needed due to their complexity and talent. Being a musicophile, I never got that. I mean, I liked the Beatles OK, but I didn’t get the hype. With this being my second Beatles album through the generator, I can safely say I get it now. Revolver is throughly enjoyable. It houses three of my favorite songs of all time. I love the production, the variety of instruments and sounds, and the way each Beatle’s personality shines through their individual contributions to the whole. The themes are simple, yet timeless. I can’t wait to delve into more of their albums.

Bob Dylan? Not a fan. Let’s see if this album changes my mind … Halfway through, my mind is still firmly anti-Dylan. I feel like Dylan’s writing is an inside joke. Like there’s some real substance there, but I walked up in the middle of a deep conversation and was given no context, just made to listen to the remainder. I think you just really have to like Dylan’s voice to truly appreciate him. I just don’t. It’s like nails on a chalkboard to me the majority of the time (he has a few songs I can listen to without desiring earplugs). The musicianship on the album is undeniable. There’s some great guitar work and excellent harmonica. None of that trumps Dylan’s voice. Unfortunately. My mind continues to be firmly anti-Dylan. Oh lord, do I dare look to see how many Dylan albums are on this list?

I thought I knew who the Cocteau Twins were. I thought they were a semi-obscure 80s band with a hit I loved. I was completely wrong. The first track has me knocked back with intrigue and enraptured. This is the most creative album I’ve heard in a long time. It sounds like it could be the soundtrack of my dreams. The lack of true lyrics really elevates the music to a realm all its own for me. Halfway through the album, and I already want to listen to it again. It’s scratching some insane itch I didn’t even know I had. I’m blown away. This album makes me want to dance forever. The album sounds like a precursor to Cirque du Soleil show soundtracks. I hear so much of bands I love in this album from The Cure to The Cranberries. It’s like a musical hug. THIS is why I took on the 1001 albums challenge: to discover depth and be moved musically.

How did I miss this album in the late 90s? Perhaps I was meant to miss it in order to discover it during my late 40s to channel my perimenopausal rage. I’m here for it! Deep bass seems to be connected to the deepest part of my soul and gives me life. I think the first half of the album is the best. The beats and production blew me away. It kinda hit a lull after track five. Overall, it’s still pretty interesting though.

This album feels like 1982 is reaching forward into 2025 to give me a long-lost childhood hug. There is something so comforting about these tight beats and great samples that harkens back to a simpler time. The nostalgia is much needed.

Wow, the album opener kinda starts it out off-kilter. Thank goodness Dancing Queen swoops in like Will Smith from Men in Black with that memory eraser. The harmonies on the album are gorgeous and ethereal. However, the melodies get old quickly for me; it feels dated and overproduced at times. I don’t think it’s a bad album; it’s just not for me.

This album is silky smooth and satisfying. His voice, the beats, lyrics, and timing all marry so well to create a vibe. I really enjoyed the first two tracks. The album dropped off a bit for me on the last two tracks. Overall, I can see why it’s on the list. Impressive, cinematic, and full of soul. Giving it a 3, but really it’s a 3.5.

I had no idea what to expect from this album. I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s so unique and creative. This is the kind of album I wished to discover via this project. I’m looking forward to hearing more of their work.

This is my first full Black Sabbath album listen. I’m familiar with their hits, but not much else and wouldn’t say their music was my cup of tea. The musicianship on this album is incredible and Ozzy’s voice is otherworldly. I have a love-hate relationship with the lyrical content, which is why it wasn’t a five-star album for me.

Hole became popular when I was not fully invested in rock unfortunately. I was headfirst in the line-dancing, concrete-cowboy country scene. I knew Hole’s hits, but that was all. Too bad I missed this album in 1998, but I think music meets you when you need it most. Courtney’s voice alone sounds like what the voice of perimenopausal rage would sound like and I’m here for it. It was interesting to find that Billy Corgan wrote on this album. I can definitely hear his influence. A solid album that I’d definitely listen to again and picked up another couple of favorite songs from.

I feel so incredibly blessed to have been alive when Prince was on the scene. There has never been and never will be another artist like him. Multi-instrumentalist, vocal range out the wazoo, and unparalleled creativity. He was magical. The only downside to this album is the artwork.

This album is just OK. The musicianship is respectable and the lead singer’s voice is interesting. However, it is terribly lacking in the lyrical department: too many shallow, repetitive lyrics. I feel like the singer is trying so hard to sell the songs, but they have no depth or soul. I’ve heard this style done way better with way more substance. Feels like a third grader could’ve written this album, which is a shame because I really enjoyed it sonically.

I’m a die-hard Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers fan. This album is interesting because I can hear the makings of what the band became when they were fully fleshed out and at the top of their game. Petty’s songwriting is exceptional and I throughly enjoyed it throughout the album. The only reason it’s not a five-star album for me is that I know their potential. It’s about a half-star shy of brilliance, which they achieve with later albums.

I’m not sure what I think about this album. I don’t hate it, but I’m not sure I like it either. The beats and rhythms are certainly interesting. Some of the lyrics are good. However, it’s not something I would revisit or necessarily feel I even needed to hear.

Not my kind of music. The album cover art is the only thing I like about it.

Metal is one of my weakest genres. I only know some of the biggest hits and that’s about it. I enjoyed the drumming most on this album. The musicianship is outstanding. I just can’t get into the lead singer’s voice. The sound is incredible for a live album. I can’t imagine how insane it sounded in the venue; must’ve blown some people’s ears off!

Q-Tip is one of my favorite rappers. His flow is so mellow and smooth. I enjoyed the album, although I felt some of the songs were a bit too long. It’s definitely an album I’d put on in the background for a nice vibe on a chill night.

As a self-proclaimed fan of eclectic and “weird” music, Kate Bush should be right up my alley. Instead, I feel like I’m meeting her in a dark alley and I should run for my life. The album feels like the ravings of a madwoman. The songwriting is intriguing. Her voice is operatic at times and has such a beautiful tone, yet it’s so shrill and unappealing at other times. I enjoyed the second half of the album much more than the first. The songs seem more fluid and their emotion translates well. Overall, I am glad I listened to it, but not sure I’d give it a second listen.

This R.E.M. album brings me back to a very specific time in life. Michael Stipe’s voice is like a phone call from my younger self that I’m dying to answer just so I can be back in that space one more time when things were simpler and life felt endlessly possible. As I swim through nostalgia re-listening to this album, I find it still holds up.

I expected the popular sound of The Smiths when I put this album on. The first couple of tracks took me by surprise as they’re much harder rock than I assumed they would be. Morrissey’s voice contrasted with the heavy guitar and drum rhythms is so pleasing. I’ve never listened to a full Morrissey or Smiths album before. After hearing this album, I’ve come to realize that I could listen to Morrissey sing all day long. His voice is such a tender, beautiful instrument (a stark contrast to what I know of his personality). I loved the lyrical content of the album as well, and thoroughly enjoyed the musicianship.

As a child of southern parents, I’m pretty sure I was born with southern rock running through my veins. One brand of which is certainly The Allman Brothers Band. Let’s put it this way: I can’t remember not knowing their music. I don’t know if one can accurately judge something that’s seemingly part of their DNA, but I will try. This album is so crisp and tight for a live album. It must’ve been killer to witness live! The musicianship is incredible as well as the vocals. I’m gonna knock it down half a star and rate it 4.5 because I’m jealous as hell I wasn’t there.

Beep! Beep! Who got the keys to the Jeep? Vroom! This album was the soundtrack to many a night out in 1997. The features alone on this album are monumental, not to mention the beats. Missy’s flow is so smooth and her rhymes combined with Timbaland’s beats made them a hip-hop super duo. There’s just something about 90s hip-hop that hit so hard and left a lasting impression. I’m eternally grateful to have been around for it.

I’ve never heard of this band before. Who are these guys? Why aren’t they more famous? Is this middle-aged mom rock? Why do I like this so much? Seriously, the vocals are soft and sweet, the lyrics are pretty, and the rhythms are catchy. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the music because the album cover gives off clip-art vibes. This kind of discovery is why I started the project. I’m now off to listen to more by these guys.

The juxtaposition of talking so eloquently about God and then covering real-life scenarios the way Kendrick Lamar does is really interesting. I can tell he is a guy who wrestles with God and his faith. It’s so rare to get cultural commentary this authentic and raw. The dexterity with which Lamar writes and raps is incredible. I can see why he is so lauded. This album truly made me think. It’s deep, heavy, introspective, and such a fabulous commentary on culture versus self.

I’m completely illiterate when it comes to prog and/or art rock. Is this just experimental music? I’m not sure what to make of this album altogether. I feel like it might be better understood or at least experienced under the influence of something psychedelic, but that’s not my vibe so it feels a bit lost on me. I find myself wondering who this album appeals to and who are King Crimson’s biggest fans. I’m thoroughly intrigued at the intended and chosen audience.

Electronic music is not one of my favorite genres. I often find the repetitive nature to be infuriating to my brain. There are some decent beats on this album, but nothing that really wowed me. I’m not going to say it’s bad because it’s not. It’s just not for me. If Red Snapper’s aim was to satisfy, I better go grab a Snickers bar because this album didn’t do the trick.

I’m only 36 albums into this project and I’ve already been given both Motörhead albums. I’m unsure whether the generator thinks I am a metalhead who will be greatly enthused or rather realizes I am a leadfoot with a penchant for pop who’d rather get the metal out of the way up front in anticipation of more gentle genres. I can’t deny these guys rock. The musicianship is excellent. Lemmy’s voice just doesn’t do it for me. More Motörhead, ma’am? No thank you. I’m all done.

Franz Ferdinand is nondescript music in my opinion. So many mid-2000s bands sounded similar and I can’t tell them apart nor do I want to. I don’t gravitate to this style of music and find myself really bored with it. I mean, it’s fine. That’s the thing that kills me about it: it’s just *fine.* I’m apathetic to it; it doesn’t rouse me in any way. I’d rather music cause complete hatred or intense ecstasy. I need to feel *something* when I listen to music. Otherwise, what’s the point?

This album was just fun to listen to. I appreciate the fact that the rhythms and sounds are varied enough to not feel like it’s one long song. The only downfall is that I couldn’t understand many of the lyrics, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the album whatsoever. I just had to read along on Apple Music while I listened. With that said, Joe Strummer can yell-sing at me any old time; I love his voice!

I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said before and said better. Led Zeppelin is one of the most solid rock and roll bands to ever exist. It’s like they captured lightning in a bottle with all of their individual talents coming together in an explosion of sound and style. No disrespect to Plant or Jones, but it sounds like a competition between Bonham and Page on who could ultimately sound the damn coolest. For me, they tied. Bonham’s percussion on this album blew my mind while Page’s guitar work blew up my skirt! Plant’s vocals are just the icing on the decadent, absolutely delicious cake.

The Pogues are a new band for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this album and literally wanted to dance almost the entire time I listened to it. Celtic music in general is so beautiful to me, and this album elevates it. The instrumentation alone on the album made me feel so many things. The vocals just added to that experience. I’m looking forward to delving further into their discography.

The Undertones are another fun discovery from this project. I’ve never heard of them, but I’m a fan now. Many of the tracks felt like songs I would hear in beloved 80s movies. Feargal Sharkey’s vocals are interesting, but his goatish vibrato toes a thin line between lovably quirky and utterly annoying. Sonically, I greatly enjoyed this album. I never knew I was such a fan of Irish punk!

My love for ZZ Top runs longer than their beards. I may have been a young’un when this album came out, but you can bet I was rocking out to it (while not understanding most of the lyrics, thankfully)! I distinctly remember watching the Legs video on MTV and thinking how cool their fuzzy white guitars were. This album was a nice nip of nostalgia and a reminder of why I love these guys. The rhythms, vocals, and their overall style still holds up for me decades later.

I was so excited to get a disco album. I knew Chic’s biggest hits. I mean, who could escape Good Times and Le Freak? However, I had never listened to any of their albums. Now I know why. Good Times is the only standout track on the album for me. The rest just felt too similar or overly repetitive lyrically. It would be fine as background music as it’s non-offensive and generally danceable, but I like my disco front and center in my face daring me NOT to dance to its temptingly infectious grooves. My rating is actually 2.5.

The Smashing Pumpkins are one of my favorite 90s bands. Billy Corgan’s voice is so expressive. I love the contrast between his vocal angst and softness along with the contrast between his vocals and the instrumentation. The songwriting is poetic and dreamy while the rhythms are raw and heavy. It’s nearly a perfect album for me save for Silverfuck, but I’m rounding my actual 4.5 rating up to a 5 because the rest of the album is just that good and the cover is iconic.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of Beach House. I noticed I like many of the artists that Apple Music tagged as similar, so I was excited to give this album a listen. Several of the song intros are gorgeously gauzy. The lead singer’s voice is really interesting; it reminds me of Alison Moyet. I found the lyricism to be poetic and moving. The lush lyrics combined with the dreamy arrangements make this album such a vibe, perfect for basking on the beach or cooking up some cuisine. My actual rating is 3.5.

This is my first exposure to Lou Reed besides Walk on the Wild Side. I don’t hate his voice, but I don’t love it. I’m not even sure I can say I like it. I will say his voice is pleasant at times on this album, but not enough times for me to really enjoy it. I don’t typically like it when artists incorporate spoken-word delivery. All that aside, sonically, this album is achingly beautiful. I might’ve gotten more out of it if it were a fully instrumental album. The concept is strong throughout the album though and I felt as if I were watching a film with my eyes closed. It’s gut-wrenching when you get to The Kids; I almost had to turn it off. As far as a concept album goes, I would probably give it close to five stars. It moved me in the same way a thematically deep movie does where I’m glad I saw it once but I probably couldn’t sit through it again. I definitely wouldn’t revisit this album. It’s too heavy for my hypersensitive nature. However, I’m glad I listened to it and allowed it to take me on its tragic journey.

This is my second Cocteau Twins album. I was excited to receive this album because I was completely blown away by Treasure. The one thing that really irked me about this album was the alternation between songs with actual lyrics and songs with simply vocal sounds. This back and forth made the album feel inconsistent; it’s almost like two different albums intermingled. It really pulled me out of the ethereal dreamscape vibe I expected. Honestly, this album sounds uninspired. Much of the music seems to drone on and gets lost in sameness. The vocals have beautiful moments, but they feel overly layered on several tracks and don’t allow Elizabeth Fraser’s voice to shine through like it could/should. I’m truly disappointed in this album. I expected greatness and instead heard mediocrity. Thank goodness I have Treasure to fall back on.

Nirvana was a cultural zeitgeist. You couldn’t escape them in the early 90s. I vividly remember watching this MTV Unplugged episode. I’m a huge fan of almost anything acoustic, so this album really scratched an itch for me. The musicianship is top notch due to the enormous talents playing on it. I really like that the album includes some of the banter, which makes me feel like I’m right there with the band presently. The standout about this unplugged album is how interesting and colorful Kurt Cobain’s voice really was. The inflections and tones he displayed in this performance introduced me to a Kurt Cobain I didn’t know; a more emotive, tender singer. Too bad we lost him so suddenly. My actual rating is a 4.5, but I couldn’t justify bumping it up to a 5 due to the covers.