321
Albums Rated
3.28
Average Rating
29%
Complete
768 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010
Favorite Decade
Folk
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
30
5-Star Albums
13
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
|
5 | 3.02 | +1.98 |
|
Another Green World
Brian Eno
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
|
5 | 3.14 | +1.86 |
|
Vespertine
Björk
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
|
4 | 2.29 | +1.71 |
|
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
|
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
|
5 | 3.43 | +1.57 |
|
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
|
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
|
5 | 3.52 | +1.48 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Queen II
Queen
|
1 | 3.49 | -2.49 |
|
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
The Real Thing
Faith No More
|
1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
|
The Visitors
ABBA
|
1 | 3.21 | -2.21 |
|
The White Album
Beatles
|
2 | 4.17 | -2.17 |
|
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
|
Rubber Soul
Beatles
|
2 | 4.12 | -2.12 |
|
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
|
1 | 3 | -2 |
|
A Night At The Opera
Queen
|
2 | 3.95 | -1.95 |
|
Want One
Rufus Wainwright
|
1 | 2.9 | -1.9 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Radiohead | 3 | 4.67 |
| Bob Dylan | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nick Drake | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 6 | 4 |
| R.E.M. | 3 | 4.33 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Rufus Wainwright | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 5, 2 |
| Queen | 2, 1, 4 |
5-Star Albums (30)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers · 1 likes
1/5
This is not a great blues album. The original blues music from the US is better than this - as is the British rock music that owes its legacy to blues. This is a pretty generic set of songs. Deserves 2/5 but the pro Enoch comments from Clapton makes this a 1/5
Talvin Singh · 1 likes
2/5
At first I was really enjoying the fusion styles - but then it starts to drag
Nick Drake · 1 likes
5/5
An album I grew up with - beautiful
1-Star Albums (13)
All Ratings
Rush
3/5
Ray Charles
4/5
3/5
Eagles
3/5
Nick Drake
5/5
George Harrison
4/5
Thundercat
2/5
Calexico
3/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
Shuggie Otis
3/5
King Crimson
4/5
At times this was like listening to a Pink Floyd album missing the lead single. I’m left wondering how i haven’t listened to this band more. The more angular tracks sound like they could have been made today - a nice sweet spot between post punk and ambiant that reminds me of Swans or Black Country, New Road. Excellent
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
At times very beautiful , like on Mais Feliz. It’s a genre I struggle with to be honest.
Moby
4/5
Play was a final throw of the dice. Mobys label Elektra had abandoned him after his previous album Animal Rights sold abysmally (an ill advised politics based thrash metal album).
Initially self recorded Play was supposed to be a swansong, a small indie album he was writing for himself. Instead it was one of the most successful albums of the 1990s. The songs were used in a LOT of adverts - over 100 in the US alone. Play Netted Moby $1 Million before a single album had even been sold.
As a result the album received criticism in some quarters for commodifying black slave music (about half the tracks use this in sample). But given the background to this record I personally think it would be harsh not to give Moby a pass on this (I would doubt that was the intention).
Moby has clear talent, and uses samples well alongside his compositions. There are a couple of songs that could have a bit more grit - but where he excels is in the universality of his sound. Half the album is not samples based - and whilst this does not always hit the heights of those other tracks (save Porcelain) the mix of ambiant electronic and dance friendly electro still holds up well.
The final tracks are pretty reflective and interesting. You can hear his sadness in The Sky is Broken & My Weakness.
Honey, Porcelain, Why Does my Heart Feel so Bad?, Natural Blues, The Sky is Broken
4/5
Beatles
3/5
Early Beatles. 1963. Catchy call refrain. Blues riffs. An archetypal Beatles sound. 2 - 3 minute songs. Little minuets. At the risk of being arrested for sacrilege. The early stuff is boy band blues.
Personal preference, I much prefer the later stuff once they let George Harrison loose. That said a few catchy as hell tunes: It won’t be long, Don’t Bother Me, Please Mr Postman (cover), Roll Over Beethoven (cover), You Really Got a Hold on Me (cover) and Money (That’s What I Want) (cover)
fIREHOSE
4/5
Catching up … (another positive one)
Firehose - Fromohio
Never heard of this band, or listened to Minutemen beyond singles
Veering from post punk to Rock n Roll - track by track feels like a different band (replacements, Big Star, pixies, wipers, fugazi). It isn’t perfect, the skipping around (even within tracks) making it hard to latch on to. It also sounds like it was recorded in someone’s back garden (which is also part of the charm).
The DIY ethos / lack of polish and production is ultimately what makes it sounds fresh.
This makes me want to find time to dig into this scene. Bands I’ve heard of but never listened to properly like Mission of Burma and Husker Du.
7/10 (I’m rounding up to 4/5 , because i keep sticking it on , and I think it’s a grower)
Thin Lizzy
4/5
If I’m being consistent this would be a 3/5 in line with Boston, Hotel California, Rush etc. I’ve always had a soft spot for Thin Lizzy though ever since I listened to them on mini disc. It’s also rare to hear a good live album
4/5
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Lovely melodys. I like it when you stop thinking about scoring and it’s just the music. Not big on ballads like, Too Shy to Say, Creepin or It Ain’t No Use. When it’s good it’s very good though. Strong 3
David Bowie
4/5
I mean this is a masterpiece. Madness to compose the music to your own passing. I don’t care if it is pretentious. Genius is not too strong a word. Strong 4
Pink Floyd
5/5
There is no such thing as a perfect album. Oh wait, there is. Universal concepts. A true concept album
ZZ Top
3/5
Blues music. Simple blues music. At times a bit too all American hero. Mid 3
Soft Machine
2/5
There is something happening here. Every time it grabbed me, it immediately tried to run away again. I don’t doubt this hugely influenced a series of better albums. Ahead of its time, but I’m still gonna be mean and 2/5
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Some really nice songs, with great orchestration. Humour is nice, bust as odd as it sounds, i wish he took it more seriously. When he just plays the songs, natural musicianship. Strong 3/5
Arcade Fire
5/5
[The following contains a pretentious review]
For me this is Arcade Fires best album. Even better than Funeral. The Suburbs is a great title for this album … an uneasy sense of settling for comfort. A brooding need for something better. “When all of the houses they built in the 70s finally fall”.
Modern man typifies the feeling - . “In line for a number you don’t understand, like a modern man.”
The lack of absolute anger in this album seems deliberate. A take on the apathy that takes when dreams hit reality.
Is a low 5 even a thing?
Low 5.
Excellent album
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Simple songs, with great song writing. Sunday album 4/5
Silver Jews
4/5
I’m not quite sure why I haven’t listened to this band before. The vocals I immediately recognised from Purple Mountains (David Berman). And interestingly Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) is a member. I now want to hear their other albums.
Glib, low fi
4/5
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Eventually managed to find the correct version of this on Spotify (not the first one that comes up). Very beautiful and calming. Strong 3
David Bowie
4/5
Elements of funk, kraut rock, jazz and blues. Longer tracks, experimental. Bowie claimed not to remember any of the recordings due to his heavy drug use at the time.
Not sure how I missed this one from the Bowie catalogue being pretty familiar (and a fan of) most his big albums. Strong 4/5
The Divine Comedy
3/5
Scott Walker influenced chamber pop. Pleasant songs. The humour in the songs is good, occasionally odd. “If you were a horse, I’d clean the crap out of your stable”.
If this didn’t make the list, nobody would have noticed. I do like a crooner mind. Low 3/5
The Beach Boys
3/5
Doo wop doo woo. It’s good, harsh to compare it to Pet Sounds. The Melodys are lovely. 3/5
The Kinks
4/5
This is the closest The Kinks come to sounding like The Beatles. I love the concept of the album - and it succeeds in painting a view of English Village life. The lyrics are not entirely serious, but thankfully it never veers towards novelty music (or being twee).
Great songs and album - even if it occasionally sound like the idealised memories of a brexit enthusiast (as an unnecessary aside Ray Davies was against Brexit)
4/5
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
A long drawn out opening, followed by The One You Love. Great track, tight and inviting.
A lot of the songs are pleasant - no more. It can sometimes feel like listening to Thom Yorke with a less talented group of musicians in support. So he can sing.
I wish he dropped the classical songs completely. Little Sister is just annoying, as is Hometown Waltz. If I’m being honest I was glad when it ended.
He wants two, he can have two. 2/5
Buck Owens
2/5
I’m not a big fan of country music. How was that only 32 minutes. I felt like my brain was dissolving to mush. I get that this “was an important album” - but it’s only influenced music I’m not that into
Pretenders
4/5
Quite a lot of memories from home growing up. The whole album works well. 4/5
Prince
4/5
An excellent album. Incredibly varied and creative. There is just so much here to get hold of, I feel like I need to listen again. 4/5
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
I’m not a big country fan, but the songs are well written. Low 3/5
The Pharcyde
3/5
Passin me by and Otha Fish are classic tracks. At their best a great blend of boom bap rap and saxophone. Annoyingly on some tracks the lyrics lose focus or just slide into purile humour (4 better or Worse / Ya Mama / Oh Shit)
Public Enemy
4/5
The second album release from Public Enemy. I am more familiar with their first.
This is comfort territory for me. Boom Bap rap with solid DJ backing. The rapping is better than most similar efforts from the time (1988 to 1990!) Chuck D and Flavor Flav combining well
Interesting music fact all the excerpts from Incident at 66.6 FM are real. It came from a phone in interview with Chuck D and the radio station.
Dirty Projectors
4/5
Really unique art pop album. It’s very creative - I don’t normally delve into the more sensitive folk music. The vocal combos are extraordinary. The male lead sounds like Antony and the Johnsons. I’m bumping to a low 4 because it is a unique sound palette. I’m amazed how many ppl hate this as well! Haha.
The guitar sound on no intention is a nice surprise - like desert blues. And that is what the album offers to the patient listener, lots of nice surprises.
It’s good ok - just enjoy👌
The Velvet Underground
5/5
What I forgot about this album is just how experimental it is. European Son is near 7 minutes of noise.Heroin starts structured and then falls apart. Even Run Run Run - a stable rock single - is punctured by the lyrics of drug related death “Seasick Sarah, had a golden nose … when she turned blue, all the angels screamed”
Tracks - I’ll be your mirror , I’m Waiting For My Man and There She Goes Again all follow a more conventional pop rock style.
The vocals of Nico also provide great contrast to Lou Reed.
I can both see why this is a seminal release, and why it wasn’t huge in its own era. This is drug counter culture 101.
Both a great album, and madly ahead of its time. Noise rock, pop rock and ambient experimentalism all on one record.
Fiona Apple
3/5
This really makes me want to listen to her other albums. I had only heard Fetch The Bolt Cutters which I slightly prefer.
Her voice is great, maybe a few too many ballads for my liking on this one. You can really hear the sadness in the songs though.
Strong 3
Janis Joplin
3/5
She sings like she has eaten an ashtray. In a good way.
Beautiful soul/rock songs. Not massively dissimilar to Tapestry (Carole King) - maybe less singles. Sunday music.
This drops down from a comfortable 4 to a strong 3 in the end. The second half of the record is not as strong with tracks 7, 8 & 11 spoiling the flow a bit
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
A mix of blues and West African music. I love the way this album just washes over you. I like desert blues , so this is right up my alley.
With a consistent style and no lyrics on most tracks. It doesn’t need to cover an hour. Still, very beautiful
Low 4
Pere Ubu
3/5
The first 29 seconds is pure tinnitus. It stays difficult.
I would like this more if the singing was not so awful. This album is like a deconstructed cheese cake. Good post punk songs wilfully pulled apart to create something smug. Sabotage!
The problem is, they are actually doing something really interesting/good. If only they could hold back a little bit or focus on one consistent style. It is so far ahead of its time: think Sonic Youth, Swans, Black Midi.
Their own bio describes: absurdist … self-destructing melodies, scattershot rhythms, and industrial-strength dissonance.
Talent for sure, but they don’t want to make it easy to enjoy [self destructing being the operative term]. At 3:40 on Laughing - the lead singer makes a stupid sound like an ostrich and then giggles. Even in the context of this album it’s annoying. Real World is much the same.
Street Waves and Chinese Radiation are just great tracks. Imagine it just held that for 35 minutes. The highs are there for sure.
This may the only album to which I award a 3 star that I would happily/gladly never listen to again.
If Pere Ubu lost the absurdist streak and actually sang the songs , this would be a great great band. Alas …
Sentimental journey takes the absurdist style to absolute breaking point. Several minutes of smashing (sounds like) vases. An oboe playing on drone. The synths that evoke - to me - the sound of a dial up modem. The lyrics provided don’t match those sung. “At home, it’s a rug, it’s a window … it’s an [indiscernible noise]. This is not enjoyable. The. Humor Me let’s you off the hook with a good track to finish.
A fascinating album nonetheless. Low 3/5
Ray Charles
3/5
A beautiful set of songs, his voice is so smooth. The big band strings and recording style is now quite old fashioned
Rufus Wainwright
1/5
If he wants a one, he can have it.
Annoying
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
The original rap collective - the careers they respectively went on to have is testament to the skill of the collaborators.
If I could pick just one thing that I love about this album - it’s the production skills of RZA. One of the few albums of this era that also excels as a pure instrumental.
Every element is great though. C.R.E.A.M might be my favourite hip hop track of all time
I wanted to give this a one, because I don’t like it. But I’m a sucker for a well constructed song.
They have that on tap. 2 stars.
This album was quite big at the time 😝
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
The combination of studio synths, soul and Curtis Mayfield is excellent. Occasionally you feel the limitations of following the storyline. Still, really enjoyable
Duke Ellington
3/5
Switched to the abridged version without the M.C. and glad I did. Jazz is not my favourite genre, but even I could appreciate elements of this.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Beatles influenced, psychedelic rock opera. Very creative from a band I hadn’t previously come across. Rock operas normally annoy me, but songs like Balloon Burning / Mr Evasion have a bit more edge to keep interest. Baron Saturday and a few others lose me a little bit with some of the lyrics. Low 3/5
Dire Straits
3/5
Six Blade Knife and Sultans of Swing are great tunes. Little bit strong on the country vibes at times, but this is still a solid album. Hard not to like the licks of Mark Knopfler - great talent. 7/10 (high 3)
Beatles
2/5
If The Beatles had just stuck with the Psychedelic Rock of Dear Prudence and While My Guitar Gently Weeps this would be a great album.
Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da does not belong on any record. Neither does: Wild Honey Pie, Honey Pie, Bungalow Bill, Rocky Racoon or Savoy Truffle. Piggies is the worst one of all with lyrics so bad I can’t be bothered to type them up - awful awful novelty music.
I cannot understand how these songs have ended up on the same album as Blackbird and Julia (a touching tribute to the death of Lennons mum). Naturally the song after Julia is a terrible blues standard song about having a Birthday Party.
Why Don’t We Do it in the Road sounds like Muddy Waters Meets Butlins. There are a couple of experiment tracks: Helter Skelter and Revolution 9. But in amongst everything else these are just lost.
I have no idea how hundreds of millions of people have been tricked into thinking this is the greatest band of all time.
Rod Stewart
2/5
Country style blues over some fairly dull songs
David Bowie
4/5
Considering the 10 year absence between this album and the previous release - the swagger of these tracks is surprisingly unbound.
Valentines Day is a favourite. Hearing this album again, it is better than I remember. Is it as good as Black Star? Or indeed his best efforts from his heyday? Not quite, but it is still a strong return to form
Gorillaz
3/5
Genre bending pop has become mainstream in the last 25 years, so this will not have quite the same impact to new listeners it had at the time.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Madly experimental, politically conscious. A Beach Boys that I didn’t know existed.
Even the big risks work - I really like this. It’s all over the place, but it just has so so much heart - it’s incredible
Strong 4 (one to buy)
Norah Jones
1/5
I’m glad it’s over.
Queen
2/5
You’re My Best Friend and Bohemian Rhapsody are proper tracks. But so so so many novelty songs.
Just stop. Stop. Stop right now. Please stop ✋ 🛑 . Soft 2/3
Rahul Dev Burman
3/5
This makes me want to watch this film and listen to more Bollywood soundtracks. Strong 3
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
I let this one wash over me a bit. That’s the beauty, and sometimes rare for an indie album that doesn’t drag.
It’s good xxx
Eels
4/5
I knew the singles, but surprised how much I enjoyed the album as a whole. Scuzzy guitars, dive bar aesthetic
R.E.M.
4/5
Classic 80s REM
The Clash
4/5
Genre defining punk. The second best clash album. Already more experimental than their peers - and the first full length UK punk LP. High 4 (9/10)
Radiohead
4/5
This is a beautiful album , with a production value unmatched. High 4
The Allman Brothers Band
2/5
A lot of the jamming feels aimless on this to me. It reminds me of Santana, but for some reason I can’t enjoy it as much. Exceptional musicianship, but no content control, or song writing prowess. It’s like Blues if you stripped out all the pain. A band with nothing to say
The Human League
3/5
David Crosby
4/5
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Boston
3/5
Bostons best known opening track is a real groover. Thankfully it doesn’t drop off. And what is most surprising is just how catchy the other songs are. Good fun Classic Rock. Why have one lead guitar, when you can have two playing the same solo in unison. Strong choruses throughout, clapping, drum solos.
Gang Starr
4/5
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Working class hymns, sensitive experimental folk backed by prog synths. The lyrics remind me of a different generation of London-er. It can be a touch one paced - although Little Red Riding Hood Hit the Road gives it a nice uplift (twice). Unfortunately Alifib and Alife both lack a bit of direction and the experimental poetry across both didn’t work for me. There is a lot good about this record, but at one point I did want to kill the watermole 5/10
The White Stripes
3/5
Anthemic, varied. Some great singles and a refreshing level of experimentation. It doesn’t always gel together. Weak 3. I don’t feel harsh because they have better albums
Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, Red Rain
Queen Latifah
4/5
Queen Latifah - All Hail the Queen
Dance to Me is a banger of an opener. The roll call from De La Soul made me laugh (intentionally funny). Track 3 is early house, loads of fun and surprising. The DJ backing is great in general with great hooks and samples (eg Gil Scott on Evil that men Do)
The rapping sounds more dated (exposed) on the slower tracks 6, 11 & 12.
Love the saxophone on this album in general.
The rapping is of its time, but style / flow matches contemporary’s (Big Daddy Kane, Eric B and Rakim, Salt N Pepa etc)
4/5
Talking Heads
3/5
Strong album, very varied. Not as strong as some of their other albums
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Did not click for me
2/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Trying to imagine how this sounded back in 1969 is wild. The use of acoustic guitars is great on Babe I’m Going to Leave You. On heavier tracks like Dazed and Confused Zepplin bridge the gap between late 60s greats like Hendrix/Doors/The Who … and the Rock n Roll of the 70s. An absolute explosion of sound.
4/5
Christine and the Queens
3/5
The singles are excellent. Drops off slightly for other tracks. Having the same album in both French and English is fine. But makes it a tad exhausting if you listen to both back to back. Would have preferred if they just picked 12 tracks and lived with it
I enjoy her sound though. Solid 3/5
Morrissey
3/5
Whilst the opening track is not great (self aggrandising rant) and tracks 6 & 7 also have similar “old man shouts at cloud” vibes. Overall there are more hits than misses on this album, and the singles are great. As always great vocals.
Strong 3
Fatboy Slim
2/5
To anyone under the age of 30. It’s probably hard to understand how big these songs were on release. An era where every dance song had to have a drop. It can be a bit tiring though when the same song has 3 drops. As can the over use of the same vocal sample “what we doin when the fat boy slippin’” “ right about now, with the funk soul brutha”.
This was absolutely giving the masses what they wanted at the time. Thankfully the samples (sampling) is strong, as is the source material.
Praise You is probably the pick of the bunch. If follows the same formula as the rest, but the main sample is extended allowing the song to breath.
You’re not from Brighton / Love Island and Acid 8000 follow a different pattern influenced by the rave era. Only the last of those is strong though.
I expected to enjoy this more. 2/5
Bob Dylan
5/5
A true classic - memorable songs. Effortless
The Shamen
1/5
I’m not sure how this made the list. A weird combo of late 80s style pop tracks with acid house. When Shamen stop singing and just focus on instrumental songs it improves.
Even then - just as you reach an ambient state the bubble bursts again as somebody whispers something daft. I would be more kind on this album and its importance to this era if there was some editorial control. Does it need 3 versions of move any mountain? I lost faith in this one by the end.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Just a great album
The Strokes
5/5
Solid uniform sound, everything you want in an indie album
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Pretty solid album. I like that she wanted to bring back a sound of 70s soul - and Mark Ronson gives good life to it. It doesn’t compare to Aretha Franklin et al. But it doesn’t have to. And that isnt the mission. Well crafted songs and compelling lyrics.
It doesn’t captivate me throughout , but some clear highs
Low 4/5
The Undertones
3/5
They were called the Irish Ramones by some, and they sound like it. The lead vocals are great as well.
If I’m being picky, by 1979 other punk bands were doing more in the space (and this is harsh because they were so young on release).
I am giving this a strong 3. Because even though I consistently enjoyed throughout, there aren’t enough memorable tracks to keep you coming back.
Rush
2/5
Can I tell you a secret …
I hate rock operas
Oasis
3/5
Rock n Roll Star - good statement of intent song for a debut album
Shaker Maker - not sure this aged as well. The Coca Cola advert music bit jars against an otherwise ok song
Live Forever - this is well written. Noel Gallagher showing a bit of talent. Hard for me to enjoy with fresh ears given how many times I’ve heard this belted out karaoke style. Good single, madly over played
Up in the Sky - is more interesting. Stone Roses influenced rock. Meaningless lyrics. Wish the whole album went with this sound
Columbia - this is pretty forgettable, sounds like Heathen Chemistry. It’s not bad but it’s not good either
Supersonic - again over played. But this is probably as strong as they get. The low sludge guitar works on this. Nonsense lyrics but not annoyingly. Chorus is good
Bring on Down - kind of forgettable. Nice vibe to second half of the song. A couple minutes of rock no singing
Cigarettes and Alcohol - best song on the album alongside Supersonic. Sure it’s a set format pop song. But it’s anthemic in a way that doesn’t grate for me
Digsys Dinner - sounds like a demo take. Absolute garbage.
Slide Away - Noel can write. Loses it a bit on the bridge. Refreshing to get an attempt at some reflective lyrics. Ends up getting shoe horned into a big chorus though “ Slide Awaayyyy”
Married with Children - sounds like something Blur would write. Makes you realise why Liam doesn’t sing on the quiet songs
Strong 3/5
Fun Lovin' Criminals
2/5
Some of the tracks have good backing. The rapping lets it down. Not sure why they cover Louis Armstrong
2/5
The Stone Roses
5/5
What a signature sound. Ian Brown vocals over Johnny Marr style guitars. The bass and drums sound like veteran session musicians 20 years deep - not kids. A fully formed debut.
They might have had a lot more content this good had they not signed an awful recording contract. A lot of bands have tried to sound like the Stone Roses since, and none of them have lived up to it.
The album is already perfect and then I am the resurrection and Fools Gold kick in to finish. It sounds like a greatest hits. Unreal
5/5
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Listened to this twice, the second playing clicked. Damn is still my favourite, but this is strong throughout and a real grower. Would recommend listening with the lyrics.
The backing is just first class as well.
9/10 (round to 5/5)
Pink Floyd
2/5
I was just about giving this album the benefit of the doubt up until Grimble Gromble the Gnome. It’s a low score, but there will be several other Pink Floyd albums on this list to get a 5 ⭐ from me
Brian Eno
5/5
Hauntingly beautiful tracks like The Big Ship and Everything Merges With the Night. Elsewhere machine noise experimental compositions like Over Fire Island.
Somehow this still works as a coherent album and not an explosion of ideas. The vocal tracks are an unexpected treat.
5/5
Iron Maiden
2/5
Picks up around The Number of The Beast and Run to the Hills. The message on Run to The Hills - where the original settlers of the US are savage murderers and not heroes at all - is pretty punk.
Overall though, this kind of hairspray metal is not for me. Fantastic musicians who are great live. But I am not the target audience for this.
Hallowed be Thy Name at the end is a strong final song.
5/10 (2/3)
Cowboy Junkies
2/5
This album felt longer than 52 minutes.
Slow country ballads. There was a bit of edge to it at points - but not enough. It’s all a bit one paced.
Sounds like if Norah Jones discovered drugs
Randy Newman
2/5
Soft 2/5. Occasional satire without interesting opinions. Schmultzy laid back style.
Animal Collective
4/5
Hugely interesting experimental electronic indie
Bob Dylan
4/5
Excellent and varied album. I slightly prefer Highway 61 and Bringing it All Back Home - but we are getting picky now. Some great songs
Machito
2/5
The percussion is what keeps this going. The rest absolutely sounds like an album from 1957 - and big band jazz is usually not for me.
Morrissey
4/5
Probably his best solo album
Beastie Boys
4/5
Creative genre busting rap. No other act could make this album. The backing track is good enough to be an instrumental. The collective element always adds a little extra to their tracks. High 4
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
A high 3, the second half of the album really picks up
Pere Ubu
3/5
I will never like his vocals, but this is strangely less difficult than their follow up The Modern Dance. That’s all relative though. This is still startlingly experimental and ahead of its time.
It sounds like if Talking Heads made a horror film soundtrack. Uncomfortable pace and style shifts, absurdist lyrics and constant discord.
This is music that demands to be listened to. At its best it’s brilliant.
What I can’t get over is the album release date. It sounds so modern to me, like it was made 20 years later. To my ears this sounds like deconstructed post punk.
Strong 3
Mike Oldfield
3/5
Inventive and no doubt genre changing
A Tribe Called Quest
3/5
Smooth jazz rap. What is not to like. I slightly prefer their next 2 albums, but this is still strong. High 3 (7/10)
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
1/5
This is not a great blues album. The original blues music from the US is better than this - as is the British rock music that owes its legacy to blues. This is a pretty generic set of songs. Deserves 2/5 but the pro Enoch comments from Clapton makes this a 1/5
2/5
This is more 80s than any 80s album ever. I feel like I’m there. And I want to leave.
I’m going 2/5 for sheer dedication to the aesthetic. Albums like this are fearless. Instrumentation is nice. But I would never play it again.
Kate Bush
5/5
I had forgotten how good the non single tracks on this are. It works so well as an album and is more experimental than I remember. Put simply, it’s brilliant
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Great lyrics and strong song writing elevate strong, but standard, indie fair
Ice Cube
4/5
It is amazing how little has changed since this album was made. Both in it sounding ahead of its time, but also in terms of the political back drop for black Americans. Really good album
Simple Minds
3/5
This is a bit too poppy in the 80s synth genre for me. Still got me nodding along though on a few tracks. Low 3/5
2/5
People are always accusing Muse of aping Radiohead. But this album is pretty varied stadium rock: Depeche Mode, Queen, Coldplay and System of a Down all come to mind - but never all at once. The looping synth arpeggios are nice. Matt Bellamy is very talented. But I just can’t help but find them annoying. 2/5
Stereolab
5/5
Kraut rock influenced post punk, synths and wild tempo changes. Really glad I found this band
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3/5
Veers between punk and post punk. I like the sound but at times this album feels bare - like a band still coming to terms with themselves. Mirage and switch are lovely, the best elements are definitely where they lean into the reverb MBV style.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
To state the obvious Marvin Gaye has a beautiful voice.
Hard not to like and a great Sunday album. Only slight reservations about being a bit one pace with 2 tracks ostensibly the same on 30 mins. What a nice sound though. Low 4/5 (7/10)
The Coral
2/5
The best parts are a 60s garage rock pastiches. Overall though this is still filed under landfill indie in my mind
Tom Tom Club
3/5
I actually found the rapping on the first two tracks a bit annoying. So for me it only really gets going on track 4 of 8. On On On On is amazing. Without the slow start I would be high 4 but I’m going high 3 (7/10)
James Taylor
2/5
Average quality material about cowboys and that. He can play and sing , but says nothing interesting
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
Packed full of hits - a definitive electro indie album. More cow bell!
Steely Dan
3/5
I think it would be hard for Steely Dan to make an album I hated. It’s a mix of blues on lead guitar, jazz sax and funk bass that is pretty unique to them as an act (and feels uniquely American).
For me though - this isn’t as strong as Cant Buy a Thrill or Aja. The second half has some skippable tracks that are almost instantly forgotten as soon as they end. East St Louis Toodle-oo should be deleted. I can’t give this more than 3/5
Donovan
3/5
The psychedelic / spiritual songs with Indian instrumentation are good. But in between those are some forgettable folk songs / fantasy tracks about Arthur and the round table that don’t really work for me.
I would recommend stopping at Celeste where the original album ends - as Superlungs My Super Girl is a creepy song about a 14 year old.
Overall - some good tunes, but this doesn’t hang together well as a full album.
Nirvana
5/5
Seminal album
Buena Vista Social Club
3/5
I enjoyed this. My favourite jazz album on the list so far. Strong 3/5 (7/10)
Black Sabbath
4/5
Black Sabbath sound is a lot closer to Led Zepplin than I thought. Wish I had checked them out sooner. This album is apparently one of the weaker of their first 5 albums. It’s still a low to mid 4 - so expecting big things from the other Sabbath albums on the list. Supernaught was a particular fave
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
I am going strong 3 for this. I could happily put together a playlist for Nightmares on Wax that is a strong 4. But over the course of 70 mins this album is slightly too relaxed for my tastes. I full understand that they are making trip hop albums that are very deliberately lounge - but I prefer the tracks that focus on hip hop elements to ambient jazz
The Who
3/5
Maybe I didn’t have the patience for this one today. I listened to the short version which includes three covers over six songs. The live element was at times quite raw, without much crowd noise, so I didn’t feel it added very much. Ultimately it still scores ok because of the talent of the band. 3/5
Finley Quaye
3/5
The singles are good, and made him briefly well known. The rest of the album is a solid, but less memorable set of reggae tracks.
I could probably listen to a lot more like Red Rolled and Seen / Maverick A Strike dub tracks.
David Bowie
5/5
A stripped back Bowie, and the first of his great albums in my opinion. Excellent
Guns N' Roses
2/5
Surprised by the poor quality of the non single album tracks. Lyrically in particular. The glam in glam rock I can also do without
Sparks
3/5
Joyful, catchy - slightly glam for my tastes - but excellent really. Strong 3
The Beta Band
3/5
They didn’t need 2 Beta Band albums on the list. This one notably less popular than The Three E.P.’s. Luckily for Beta Band I quite like aimless indie music. The vibe of this band I like. I would say though that the production quality was poor - so understand why the band regret doing it themselves. 3/5
Peter Frampton
3/5
Low 3 - well recorded - he clearly has talent. But in truth I was bored by the time the 80 mins finished
Elliott Smith
4/5
Long term fan. Is it his best album? Maybe - it’s all good, very good. Strong 4 / 5
Emmylou Harris
2/5
There are worse albums on this list I will give 3/5. But I just don’t like americana and that Dobro sound in particular. Particularly lyrics about rhinestones and other things too boring to mention
Wire
4/5
Solid 4 a great album from start to finish
Radiohead
5/5
A perfect album
Stan Getz
3/5
Smooth smooth smooth
Spiritualized
3/5
Somewhere between the slowcore drone of Low and the gospel rock of primal scream lies spiritualized. Personal preference for the slower psychedelic shoe gaze tracks as the upbeat songs just don’t quite go hard enough for me. Awarded a high 3 but could easily go to a 4 with multiple listens. Annoyed this didn’t click for me as there is clearly a lot to enjoy
Skepta
3/5
Probably going high 3, Ladies Hit Squad and some of the skits stop this short of a 4/5. Would prefer socially conscious lyrics of Dave. But that says more about my personal taste than this album and the genre. This album is crucial to defining modern sound of grime. That’s not me and Man are both bangers
Dusty Springfield
4/5
If there is a fire going and it’s nearly Christmas this is a strong 4. In summer on headphones high 3.
Should I score this down for all the covers … she does put her own spin on the tracks.
This would be a nice record to own as I could see myself playing it. It lends itself to that format. Low 4/5
The Go-Go's
4/5
This is so much fun. Sometimes pop sometimes new wave but with the infectious spirit of punk in the song writing style. One to consider buying on vinyl. Very enjoyable 4/5
3/5
A wide range of sounds without ever really falling in love with any of it. Can still see why it makes the list
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Very influential with a couple of great singles. I did find the second half drag a bit though
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Although this album is good - especially the lyrics - it just doesn’t quite hit the same level as her other albums enjoy. So I’m going high 3
Hot Chip
3/5
As much as this is an entertaining listen - i do hope we get some slightly more experimental electro post 2010. Still enjoyable
2/5
Some great song writing, but I just can’t really enjoy U2 anymore
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Mixed feeling on this. I enjoyed : Ramble Tamble, Run Through the Jungle and Who’ll Stop the Rain
Ooby Dooby, looking out my back door and My Baby Left Me I did not enjoy one bit
Low 3/5
Led Zeppelin
4/5
LZ1 I preferred. Only because of a couple of tracks that sound like classic rock as opposed to Zepplin sound. This is being picky though. When they combine acoustic in the mix like Ramble On is when they are at their best for me. Great band 4/5
Roxy Music
3/5
I don’t know Roxy Music particularly well. This was way more experimental and interesting than I expected. The bass playing is excellent. Top tracks, The Thrill of it All and Out of the Blue.
This kind of New Romantic style is not for me in truth. I did enjoy it. But not as much as others will. Interesting to see how earlier albums compare with Eno in the line up. 3/5
Paul Simon
4/5
This album always follows by effortlessly. My second favourite solo Paul Simon. Strong 4
Queen
1/5
Today’s album is more prog rock fantasy than rock opera fantasy - I don’t enjoy either. All that talk of misty castles and ogres really brings me down.
Low 2 from me because of the commitment to the fantasy aesthetic.
Slade
1/5
It sounds like an album of filler tracks without the singles. Perfectly sound songs and production - but they don’t really have anything to say as a band - apart from wanting to be rock stars.
Slade did not need to be on this list
Björk
5/5
An impossibly beautiful album. I finally found a space quiet enough to listen in full and it was worth the reward. Low 5
Foo Fighters
3/5
Heavier tracks are better, forgettable in parts
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
Willfully avant garde. Never dull. Then suddenly startlingly beautiful. Strong 3/5
The Jam
4/5
The sound of the Jam is never in question. Arguably there best album. Slight dip in consistency of tracks
Beck
3/5
I enjoy the layered sampling style. Innovative at the time. Tracks are hit and miss - as is the rapping. Highly creative though and excellent in places
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
Makes me wonder why the combination of soul and indie is so rare. Lovely sound
Queen
4/5
Sheer Heart Attack is my favourite Queen album so far … comfortably. It’s the least silly. And on tracks like Brighton Rock they sound like a proper rock band. Brian May proving he could have been amazing in virtually any band of the day. Lyrics are way better also - no warrior elves on this one - which means I get to actually enjoy Freddie’s brilliant voice. Leave it in the lap of the gods is almost pink Floyd esque in the second half. This album flirts on tracks like Stone Cold Crazy with a much heavier sound. Bring Back That Leroy Brown is the only weak track.
Low 4/5 (which I did not expect)
Bee Gees
1/5
I wanted to score this higher - because I think the idea of writing a concept album about a ship at sea is pretty noble. But I was so bored by the end. Also, for some reason I can’t work out, the production quality is really bad. On my headphones my ears kind of stung even at a lowish volume. It might everything being in the treble. Vocals, violin and acoustic. The vocals sound like they are singing directly into a portable fan. Every bad Beatles track - but worse than that.
The Police
3/5
The singles are great. Some dips on the rest of the album though
Grateful Dead
3/5
Grateful Dead has surprised me. This sounds like improv jazz but with guitars. I tend to find these kind of albums self indulgent. But this is enjoyable. The players are in complete harmony.
I like that this sticks to a pyschadelic sound rather than blues (I like blues … but white jam blues can sound like blues with the soul ripped out).
The Doors comparisons are valid. I also like the sung elements (not the strongest vocalist if being picky).
All that said 1hr 13mins without any singles to break it up does test me a bit. Strong 3/5
New York Dolls
4/5
Sounds like if Ziggy Stardust fronted the Ramones. For this to come out in 1973 - before punk was even a term - is astonishing.
R.E.M.
4/5
REM (pre Out of Time) seem to have a knack for writing catchy songs that are hard to sing along to. They avoid the traditional ABABCAB verse chorus bridge structure, in a way that keeps you guessing.
Green is rich with empathy and warmth, but also introspective and insecure. Paranoia lies in the lyrics and clashes with that classic 12 string rickenbacker shimmer. No other band really sounds like REM.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
I definitely feel Exodus is stronger than Natty Dread in terms of consistency. Last track is weak, first half of the album is better. High 3 / 4
Ryan Adams
2/5
This dragged on for a while. I vaguely remember him sounding less dull. Not for me 2/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Best CCR album so far, definitely falls in the classic rock category. Strong 3
Louis Prima
2/5
I wanted to like this - ultimately couldn’t get into the style - even if lyrically he is quite funny
The Roots
4/5
Enjoying Phrenology today. It is interesting to listen to a rap album that is (mostly) sample free. Live instrumentalists make the whole thing sound fresh. Frequent style shifts between hip hop and neo soul. It is a deeply creative mix of songs.
The KLF
2/5
I’m glad I listened to the KLF album. I think that whole early rave era you had to be there. It hasn’t aged well. 1989 is a bit too early in electro timeline for me. 2/5
Beck
3/5
Not as strong as his other big albums in my opinion. Low 3/5
The B-52's
3/5
With the exception of the lead track (Rock Lobster) I really enjoyed the sound and aesthetic of the B52s. Deducted a point for the nonsense lyrics , whilst fine in small doses over a whole album drags. High 3/5
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Excellent tracks , this is peak 60s pychadelic. High 4/5
Baaba Maal
2/5
I wanted to like this, but I can’t get past the cheap synths. This could sound so much better
Air
4/5
I had forgotten how many of these songs I remembered. This stands out from other similar records from the time. I guess because it is full of surprises and works as an album. Strong 4/5
X-Ray Spex
3/5
Enjoyable punk, saxophone is a good add
Love
4/5
I like the psychedelic 60s sounds. Poor lyrics hold this back a bit. Low 4
Portishead
4/5
One of the best trip hop albums of all time. High 4 very enjoyable
Small Faces
2/5
I couldn’t get past the story intros. If they could re record this album without the lead single (Lazy Sunday), delete the story intros and just let the tracks bleed into one another. Then this is would score much higher
Gonna have to give this 2/5 though. I can’t abide the silliness
Terence Trent D'Arby
2/5
Unfortunately I couldn’t quite get into this. Clearly a good singer but this is very 80s in a way that didn’t work for me
The Waterboys
4/5
Fisherman’s Blues was great. The kind of album you can just let wash over you. I didn’t even mind Stolen Child, as earnest as it was, my cynicism didn’t take over (no tears shed though). High 4/5
The Pogues
3/5
Good mix of punk and folk. Maybe loses a bit of focus. Strong 3
Muddy Waters
4/5
The 12 bar element has its limitations - but nobody does 12 bar blues better than this. Low 4/5
Elton John
2/5
This is not his best album, Bernie Taupin in particular having a nap
The Cure
4/5
A classic album, 1hr 12 feels quite long when shoe gaze, but plenty of great moments on the journey. Strong 4
Elvis Presley
3/5
A slightly later Elvis, more depth to the songs than purely blues rip offs. Recording quality is excellent particularly on the soul tracks. A couple of hits at the end as well
The Libertines
4/5
You can hear why the Libertines were a cut better than the rest of the landfill era bands. It might not have aged as well as it could, but the story telling shines through. Brings back a lot of memories but by no means a seminal release. Low 4 out of 5
Neil Young
4/5
Less spectacular than some of his other albums. Still can’t get enough of his style. Low 4
Butthole Surfers
2/5
The first half of the record I liked. Decent experimental rock, not dissimilar to Sonic Youth. Second half ruins it though, just descends into purile nonsense. I actually think the last track about sexual assault and depression is quite considered. But this doesn’t really land because of the tracks that immediately precede it. Strong 2/5 (5/10)
Burning Spear
4/5
Classic reggae. This album is quite repetitive, but strong songs and great to relax to. The lyrics are great as well. Low 4
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Strong 3. Very enjoyable album, over long
The La's
3/5
Good but, not memorable really. Low 3/5
New Order
4/5
Flew by. Dank synths, high bass and 808s. Lavely. Elegia is a personal highlight. 4/5
Maxwell
2/5
Just all quite one note. Too smooooooth for me I’m afraid. Maybe with more variation. I don’t know 🤷♂️
Kraftwerk
4/5
Kraftwerk are at their most timeless when ambient with minimal lyrics. For that reason I slightly prefer Trans Europe Express. This is still strong though, and Neon Lights is a particular highlight. Crazy ahead of its time. 4/5
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Very influential, with a few great tracks. High 3/5
Brian Eno
3/5
Solid if inconsistent. I love the last track. In fact the other than the first song - the tracks without lyrics are the best. Solid 3
Wilco
3/5
Slightly over long album. Strong alt country rock
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
The acoustic sound is great . A classic
Scott Walker
4/5
Lovely - how can you not love that sound. 4/5
Aphex Twin
4/5
So far ahead of its time. Rewards commitment from listener … but then - it is ambiant music
Aimee Mann
2/5
Didn’t really grab me tbh. High 2
Lauryn Hill
5/5
A modern classic - the production is unreal as well. Lauryn Hills talent is amazing
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Fun party record
Stevie Wonder
4/5
What a sound - arguably his second best album
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
Deep raw emotion. Strong 3/5
Sam Cooke
4/5
Would be amazing to be there. Low 4/5
The Smiths
5/5
Lyrically perfect. What a duo with Jonny Marr as well. As a good as ever
The Verve
4/5
Classic 90s brit indie
The Specials
4/5
The specials - strong 4. Such an important album. National Front was big in the mid/late 70s. So mods aligning behind a sound and a vision of the UK as multicultural is pretty cool. Great tracks as well
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
My favourite Belle & Sebastian
Van Morrison
4/5
Classic Van Morrison. Solid 4
The Doors
4/5
Lovely sound, slightly inconsistent. Low 4/5
Gene Clark
4/5
The lowest of 4s. Beautiful sound, but I can’t remember a single song. And I literally just finished listening to it
Miles Davis
2/5
Atonal music is always a tricky listen for me. This is wildly experimental - and I just wish it clicked. Not my favourite era of his. High 2/5
Elvis Presley
3/5
My favourite Elvis so far
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Low 3. The quieter tracks and far better. Second half of the album drags a bit
David Bowie
3/5
Not my favourite Bowie album but still some good moments
The Cars
3/5
Loved the sound but didn’t grab me
3/5
Strong 3 . Great sound, second best album from them
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Lacks big singles. I love the instrumentation though. 3/5
Faust
4/5
What a treat. A krautrock experimental ambiant album. Never gets boring. A hidden gem
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Era defining rock n roll
Fairport Convention
4/5
Great folk album, very influential. Low 4
Todd Rundgren
3/5
Solid pop gems. Bit dull. Low low 3
Frank Zappa
4/5
I had no idea what to expect. This was a real treat, drums holding together a variety of styles from funk to free form jazz. Solid 4
Tim Buckley
4/5
More sad than happy. At times hauntingly beautiful, but not gripping enough. Low 4
Stephen Stills
3/5
Really great sound, but somehow drifts a bit as an album
Dr. Dre
3/5
I’m surprised I didnt like this more. Production is immense. It lacks the charm of other classic releases from the era. I feel like NWA and Public Enemy go harder. I definitely prefer Dre’s rapping to Snoop (always struggled to get on board with his lazy style). It still has great moments - but it’s a high 3 from me
ZZ Top
2/5
ZZ Tripe
Sebadoh
2/5
If Nirvana made an album with the objective of being dropped by their record label. The maddening thing is every 4th track is great. The rest sounds like band practice at 6th form college
Faith No More
1/5
Bad Guns N Roses .. when they rap it hurts me
Nina Simone
5/5
😮 you can’t fake that pain, it’s like audio history. At a time when America is trying to delete its past. It’s all right there. And more than that it’s really really good music 😮
Gillian Welch
2/5
More country
Nico
4/5
Her voice is unique, and I like that. Her lyrics deadpan - they certainly don’t sell the lifestyle of Warhol and company as attractive. 4/5
Mudhoney
3/5
Likeable grunge, but one tempo
The Stooges
4/5
Has stood the test of time. Raw Power is what it is. The Iggy mix is better
Neil Young
3/5
I think this is one of Neil Youngs weaker albums to be honest - it’s still not bad mind
The Cardigans
3/5
Pleasant and original, a bit too sticky sweet in places. 3/5
Talking Heads
5/5
A classic
The Chemical Brothers
4/5
Pure adrenaline start to finish. High 4
Taylor Swift
3/5
It’s nice, but just that. Low 3/5
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Enjoyable garage jam tracks from Neil Young
U2
3/5
So much better than expected. I would say this is their best album. Post punk and experimental backing. Strong 3
Alanis Morissette
3/5
Lots of memories and big pop hits. The non singles tracks are just not of the same quality though
David Gray
4/5
Bumped up from a 3 for sentimental reasons
Yes
4/5
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Unpretentious prog rock. You can hear they are having fun. I found it quite a relaxing listen actually
The Sonics
3/5
Very solid 3 , raw pop rock
Richard Hawley
4/5
I do love a crooner, great songs
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
A different era. Still enjoyable
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Fantastic variation - 2 hours length stops this being a high 4. Great album though
Ash
3/5
I don’t mind the album … but I can’t see why this makes the list. Mid tier Brit pop rock
Leftfield
3/5
A proper electo album. The length at 2 hours and spoken word elements only drawbacks. High 3
Stevie Wonder
5/5
At its core this is a political album with a dance beat. I’m rarely a fan of double albums, but this is one of the few that justifies its length. A great talent and a great person. Low 5
Dwight Yoakam
1/5
This was never going to be for me. I feel less intelligent for listening to it
ABBA
1/5
I have never really liked ABBA. So an album minus the hits is not going to be for me
John Coltrane
3/5
I struggle with jazz normally, but I enjoyed this.
Probably warrants more, but to my ears 3/5
Songhoy Blues
4/5
Sounds like joy. The raw enthusiasm is infectious. I was slightly obsessed with this album when it came out. Really glad it made the list. Strong 4
Kraftwerk
4/5
You can really feel the band eeking out every bit of potential from the technology available at the time. A concept album about the autobahn is really unprecedented in 1974. A confident debut and my second favourite Kraftwerk album. The title track is particularly mesmerising - this track feels like ambiant music 4 years before Brian Eno coined the term. 4/5
Lightning Bolt
4/5
Wonderful Rainbow is a low 4 for me. It took me a while to sync into it (two minutes in I was not enjoying!). But weirdly I ended up finding it relaxing. At times it’s like noise ambiant (if such a genre can exist)
Johnny Cash
4/5
A tale of two halves. The first seven songs are just excellent - in particular the two original songs and hurt. Some of the covers on side 2 just don’t match that quality. It’s still Johnny Cash’s voice though. Low 4/5
Lucinda Williams
3/5
Would like a little more alt and a little less country. I didn’t mind it though
New Order
3/5
Not my favourite New Order album, but still good by ordinary standards.
Various Artists
4/5
Solid 4 - the best Christmas album I’ve ever heard
Beatles
2/5
One hook, one idea, next song. Blues without soul or pain or anger … Rubber Soul is the perfect name for this album.
Having said that - this is decidedly better than the White Album and thankfully … doesn’t have any novelty songs. A few decent tracks as well
High 2/5 - my favourite Beatles album so far
Drive My Car - catchy and kitsch , “beep beep m beep beep yeah” (2/5)
Norwegian Wood - pleasant, short, lyrically basic, nice sitar (3/5)
You won’t see me - forgettable, paint by numbers rock (2/5)
Nowhere Man - similar to the previous track, to me it sounds basic (2/5)
Think for Yourself - Swinging 60s, like a beach boys song that didn’t make the cut (2/5)
The Word - hate the production, like the song. That walking bass line is great. Would love to hear the kinks cover this (3/5)
Michelle - more experimental and interesting, even if I don’t like the chorus … Paul threatening to write a good one here 3/5
What Goes On - country blues, lyrics of its time RE woman. I do feel for John L a bit (2/5)
Girl - objectively bad lyrics, harmonies are good (2/5)
I’m Looking Through You - simple but classic, better (3/5)
In My Life - even I can admit this is a great song (4/5)
Wait - catchy, not memorable (2/5)
If I Needed Someone - trippy, pyschadelic … I like this. Production is too clean. But this is a strong song (4/5)
Run for Your Life - a song about murdering a girlfriend if she ever cheats somehow finds a way to be dull (2/5)
UB40
3/5
Solid reggae and dub album. Early UB40 is decent. Strong 3
Throbbing Gristle
2/5
I’m not quite sure how they made this album - so a small amount of respect there. Ultimately I was glad when it ended
Jack White
4/5
Blues Rock with introspective lyrics. Enjoyable. Low 4
Ian Dury
2/5
Too much novelty music for me. Annoying, sorry
Lenny Kravitz
1/5
Bland lyrics, white noise and repetitive themes. Lenny Kravitz was writing AI rock music 35 years ahead of its time
The voice reminds me of Rod Stewart
Beastie Boys
3/5
My third favourite Beastie Boys album and yet still a high 3. Just a bit less consistent. Still some great moments
The Crusaders
4/5
There is depth to this. The jazz / soul combination is great on this
Deep Purple
3/5
Solid, can hear similarities to Zepplin and Sabbath
The Smiths
4/5
Unpopular opinion of preferring Strangeways and the not album proper Hatful of Hollow. Love this though. High 4
Beth Orton
3/5
Very pleasant without ever smashing me in the chops. Low 3
Randy Newman
2/5
A bit of a chore tbh - not sure he warrants two albums on the list
The Afghan Whigs
1/5
A lot of moaning about a girl who still loves him after an affair. Followed by moaning about how she no longer loves him after an affair. He is unhappy with both
Coldplay
4/5
The only Coldplay album that I like. Enjoyable 4/5
Talvin Singh
2/5
At first I was really enjoying the fusion styles - but then it starts to drag
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Not my favourite by him, quite varied
Blondie
4/5
Flew by, great pop hits back to back. Low 4
Joni Mitchell
5/5
Amazing to unwind to, so glad to have finally heard this. Low 5
The Adverts
3/5
I like it - nice solid 3 (borderline 4)
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Best CCR of the lot. Low 4/5
The Temptations
4/5
Apart from track 2 an absolute pleasure. Motown and funk. 4/5
Dolly Parton
3/5
Not my bag - but excellent performers
Culture Club
3/5
More enjoyable than expected, great voice. 3/5
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
As an album, lacks the punch of his best singles. 3/5
William Orbit
3/5
I can’t quite work out if the album gets less engaging as it goes on. Or I become less engaged with the album. I was loving the first three tracks - but after a while it just flattens
The Beau Brummels
2/5
It’s nice folk pyschadelic, but nothing really jumped at me. High 2/5
George Jones
2/5
Not a country fan
David Bowie
4/5
For some reason the atmospheric tracks don’t quite hit me as hard as they should. Still it’s Bowie, so it beats most things. Low 4/5
Drive-By Truckers
1/5
Makes me glad I didn’t grow up in the Deep South
The Kinks
4/5
Solid kinks , low 4/5
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
I liked this a lot. Surprised I hadn’t heard it before. An excellent folk rock album. Solid 4/5
Liz Phair
4/5
Shoe gaze rock that feels very 90s … in a good way! 4/5
Goldfrapp
3/5
I like trip hop to be trip hop. Too much oom pah, classical and cabaret in this. Low 3/5
TLC
4/5
4 great tacks (creep, waterfall, the prince cover and the last track) and some solid R&B in between. Low 4/5
The Temptations
4/5
I think I’m just going to like everything they do. Motown just sounds like happiness
Morrissey
4/5
Similar quality to Vauxhall and I - very strong outing
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Such a beautiful album. Genre defining and ahead of its time. It didn’t need 8 minutes of narration on track 4 … but I’ve decided to waive that to score a low 5 / 5
B.B. King
4/5
Big band blues with BB King front and centre. I slightly prefer a more raw unrefined blues … but … this is good and slick. At times it reminds me of Ray Charles. Needless to say BB King is very talented. Low 4/5
The Dandy Warhols
3/5
I’m going high 3 for Dandy Warhols, a lot of variety. The shoe gaze bits and when the keyboards kick in are the best bits. Feels a bit disjointed at times
The Dictators
2/5
Awkward lyrics. Doesn’t quite land for me
Metallica
3/5
The more melodic songs probably better suited to me. I did like Metallica pretty well when I was younger. 3/5
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Just didn’t quite grab me - even if this is a pretty solid album
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
The lyrics to Knoxville Girl are unhinged. Living in the south sounds like trauma to me. This album is simply charming for the most part. And yet 45 minutes felt like a life time
Eagles
3/5
Eagles albums just drift past me. Pleasant but no surprises
Hole
4/5
Hole are underrated - which is odd as they are pretty famous. Scuzzy 90s. My second favourite album by them … but still low 4/5
Radiohead
5/5
90s britpop indie , but better. This album would still be big even if Radiohead never recorded another thing
The Beta Band
3/5
Their second best of three albums. The trip hop / slacker indie combo is great even if they lose a little direction every now and then. Last two tracks don’t add much. High 3/5
Nick Drake
5/5
An album I grew up with - beautiful
The Mars Volta
3/5
The quick shifts in style, timing and urgent screams probably aren’t for me on balance. It deliberately loses coherence and creates a feeling of unease. This maximalist approach deliberately puts you in the mindset of a person struggling [in this instance from substance abuse].
There is a very real humanity to this album, and my overwhelming feeling is to feel sorrow for its subject. Raw and experimental
a-ha
3/5
Enjoyable 80s pop , that surprisingly works as an album beyond the two main singles
R.E.M.
5/5
One of my favourite ever albums
Pantera
3/5
Growing up o/s of Metallica I would generally avoid anything with scream vocals. Partly, I think, because bands like Slipknot were so popular at the time. This made me miss bands like this. I probably missed the moment, but the energy is good. Low 3
Screaming Trees
3/5
Nineties indie . For me it didn’t have any stand out tracks
Traffic
3/5
This sounds like three different albums. The first two tracks which combine jazz and English folk rock probably jumped out for me the most. Overall this is a very high 3 (possibly warrants a 4)
Bob Dylan
5/5
Classic Dylan - great story telling . Low 5
Jungle Brothers
3/5
I love the background tracks and the positive messages. The lyrics for Acknowledge Your Own History are still relevant today. Highly influential and creative.
Having said that I prefer the golden era rap that follows this - and Alat times this sounds dated (but it is coming up 40 years old so no big surprise). Overall a high 3
Lupe Fiasco
4/5
Refreshing to hear some post 2000s rap on this list. The production is great and I love the indie/emo undertones which remind me of N.E.R.D. Did it need a 12 minute outro? Possibly not. Low 4