1001 Albums Summary

Maybe it was because I wasn’t in a dark and sweaty dance club, or maybe it was because I wasn’t in an altered state of mind or maybe it was a once prominent band just going through the motions on the back side of their career, whatever it was it made for a less than exciting album.

Despite the challenges of a live recording from the 1950’s you can tell the obvious talent of all involved. But jazz just isn’t my cup of tea.

Jack White being Jack White for the first time solo created a wonderfully eclectic sound. I’d only heard a song or two of this album previously. I will definitely listen cover to cover again!

Is a female crooner a thing? If so that’s Dusty on this album. Part Frank Sinatra, part Van Morrison with a Aretha Franklin sprinkled in. All that to say this album is VERY mellow.

Is this a weird and whimsical 70’s trip or a down and dirty hard rock album? Couldn’t it possibly be both?!? The lyrics are sung so beautifully but the words are scary and rough. Oh yeah, and so many flutes! Which sound so soft and friendly but are met with in your face guitar riffs.

This is undoubtedly The Beach Boys. But darker and edgier. Think of it like if The Beach Boys made an album of songs for the Garden State soundtrack.

Many “wait, he didn’t just say what I think he did, did he” moments. Eminem’s lyrics plus Dr. Dre’s beats created a masterpiece that truly changed the pop culture landscape for years to come.

In the original Blues Brothers movie Jake asks the owners of Bob’s Country Bunker what kind of music they have, the wife answers “both kinds, Country and Western”. This album also has both kinds.

All 11 songs on the album have a different feel, a different vibe. The multiple singers coupled with the near perfect musicianship take you on a 40 minute journey. What a ride!

With so many song I was worried, given the genre, that they’d all start to sound the same. They did not. Kudos to the band for that. Another kudos goes to the fact that any of the songs could have been on a late 90’s/early 2000’s movie soundtrack. The lead singer is very much in the PJ Harvey & Alanis Morrisette category.

The Lemonhead’s definitely have a sound, which is to say most of their songs sound very similar. But it’s also the sound of the early 90’s soft alternative music. So if that’s your jam this album is for you.

What in the world did I just listen to? Part Meatloaf, part Twisted Sister. Throw in some Ted Nugent and a little KISS. Maybe a splash of Alice Cooper and even a bit Weird Al. Regardless, I was not a fan.

This album was 6 straight up rock and roll songs and 1 “what the hell did I just listen to”? Shout out to the Stooges drummer Scott Asheton, he should get more love in the discussion about best drummers of all time.

The depth and breadth of this album is incredible. And usually when an album comes out and people say “it was ahead of its time” they usually mean they didn’t like it but are just trying to be polite. But this one actually was. We weren’t ready for where the group went on their sophomore effort. But man is this album brilliant. Both musically and lyrically. It’s entirely possible that this album predicted the future direction of what music would become.

The simplest way to describe this album is fun. Fun music, fun lyrics. And if you like horns you’ll love listening to this one.

It’s the album that changed everything. For better and for worse. It certainly wasn’t anywhere near as hard as their previous stuff. And the lost them some very avid supporters. But man did this album bring them a monstrous fanbase. Enter Sandman gets the bulk of the airtime and love but there are several songs on this album that most bands would love to have in their catalog. Nothing Else Matters, Wherever I May Roam, The Unforgiven and Sad But True all stood out in their own way.

This album was pleasant enough to listen to. Imagine if Jamiroquai and John Mayer got together to make a Radiohead album. But then that album was covered by a wedding band that played during the cocktail hour before the reception.

The Monks sound is in the realm of The Animals and The Kinks. And you can see where they might have influenced hard core punk or early New Wave. All of that and there is a banjo!

This album is very melodic and because It’s Bjork, the lyrics are super creative and unique. But it’s a break-up sung mostly in her native Icelandic language.

Safe to say I was totally surprised by this main. I had no expectations going in other than the album cover and name. Sufjan is mellow, even though many of his song topics are not. This is most certainly an album that is made to be part of a summer road trip playlist.

There is no doubt you’re listening to the Temptations. But make no mistake, this is not your parents Temptations. It is 1969, the Summer of Love after all. These Temptations are heading down a harder, funkier path. A few of the songs, in the title track, sound like they could be from a mid 70’s blaxploitation film. Don’t worry, there are enough classic Temptation's songs in there too.

The sound was quintessential Joni Mitchell. Who might have been Taylor Swift before Taylor Swift. Easy and mellow but filled with a sort of “done wrong” undertone.

This was certainly an interesting concept. Pair a Blues legend with another, somewhat more modern artist and hope magic happens. Sadly magic did not happen.

It’s a debut album that any band would long for. The bands worry about being able to capture their stage energy on tape was figured out. It has many of the elements of what the band would become. Plus one of their early hits (Psycho Killer) that would help get them more broad appeal.

Creative and fun but not blow you away. “Once in a Lifetime” is the standout and you’ll find yourself swaying along to a few others.

The concept here was take two talented people who were near the peak of their creativity and put them in the studio together. Decent idea. If you like spoken word/chants over quirky melodies then this album is for you.

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting but this album wasn’t it. And I think that’s ok. It was a blend of a few different kinds of music. Definitely rock n roll but with very obvious jazz and blues elements.

While her melodies are often simple and straightforward, Tracy Chapman has a unique ability to paint a beautiful and complex picture with her lyrics.

Few albums ever made have a hotter start that this one. Strange Brew and Sunshine of Your Love set a bar that’s hard to maintain. The rest of the album is a mix of 60’s psychedelic and blues. Which is likely more a showcase of the differing desires of the band members.

It’s hard to believe that the same group that exploded onto the scene with Dookie made this wonderfully complex and musical album. From start to finish American Idiot paints a picture, both with music and lyrics, that is so crisp and clear, that it makes you reassess the actual world that you’re living in.

These are unquestionably three super talented women. And there is no doubt they make beautiful music together. It’s just not a style of music (country/western) that does anything for me. But if it’s up your alley then my guess is you’ll love this record.

An extraordinary debut album. By Coldplay standards it’s mellow but includes 4-5 radio rotation worthy songs. Gentle guitars and piano coupled with thoughtful lyrics, and of course Chris Martin’s unique voice.

The artists that make up The Band are complete musicians. And that high level comes through in spades on this album. I mean, how many acts can you name that have 3 different lead singers? “Up On Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” are two stand outs. But really there is melodic beauty in every song on the album.

It’s 1967 so parts of this album are experimental. It’s Jimi Hendrix so there is plenty of other dimensional guitar riffs. “Little Wing” and “Castles Made of Sand” are standouts. Unfortunately Jimi’s genius doesn’t always translate well in the recording studio.

It was clearly Morrissey singing. And “Bigmouth Strikes Again” stands out. But otherwise it could have been any other New Wave album from the mid 80’s.

I understand this album ultimately went 12x platinum. I understand it has 4 singles (Papercut, Crawling, One Step Close and In the End) that were in very regular rotation on the radio. But there are very real times throughout the record that I couldn’t tell if this was Linkin Park or any other Rap/Rock band from the era (P.O.D.. Limp Bizket or even Kid Rock).

The difference between rock and metal isn’t always obvious. Unless we’re talking about Judas Priest. Then it’s very clearly metal. Amazing musicianship and while the Lycia aren’t going to win any awards, Rob Halford’s voice is top tier. Breaking the Law and Living After Midnight are standouts.

What a debut album by what became the quintessential Southern rock band. With standouts like “Tueaday’s Gone”, “Gimme Three Steps” and “Simple Man” plus an all timer in “Free Bird” this album balances hard, bluesy rock with slower ones. All of which puts the talent of the band on display.

This is one of a very few freshman albums that open with a 1-2-3 combo of songs that some bands could wish for in a career. “This is a Call”, “I’ll Stick Around” and “Big Me” are fantastic. The rest of the album is fine. You can tell this is Dave Grohl still using his Nirvana brain when it came to writing songs as there are several, especially later in the album, that sound like his previous band.

With an exception or two this album is in your face rock n roll. What later would be dubbed Metal. And while “Paranoid” and “Iron Man” tend to get the headlines don’t sleep on “War Pigs”. As an opening song it’s a fantastic tone setter for this album.

I will admit to not having heard of this band before. Sort of a bit of Phoenix, with another little bit of the Arctic Monkeys and dare I say a dash of Arcade Fire. This album was pleasant enough. No real singular standouts. But a quality listen, start to finish.

You will find fewer people who are bigger fans of Zeppelin I & II, and with “Immigrant Song” Zeppelin III starts with some of the same in your face rock n roll from the first 2 albums. Unfortunately for me the album really slows down and gets mellow. Which is not my favorite version of the band. “Gallows Pole” will get your foot stomping again. With all of that said “Tangerine” might be my most favorite song from the band, ever.

Yes it was a Beatles album. And a good one at that. But it feels more like 4 talented artists all wrote songs separately and in several cases recorded them separately as well. “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun” and two all time greats but George Harrison. “Come Together” and “I Want You” and vintage John Lennon. “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” and “The End” are vintage Paul McCartney. Then throw in a little Ringo with “Octopus’s Garden” and you’ve got yourself a hit record.

1969 was a prolific year for Creedence, releasing 3 full albums. Green River being the middle of them. Two stood out, Green River and Bad Moon Rising. Otherwise the album was just fine.

This album won the Grammy for best contemporary folk album but it had a more gospel or Christian rock vibe to it. Slow tempo and at time felt you might be in church.

Coming off of a couple of albums that were sort of electronic/dance, All That You Can’t Leave Behind was a return to the pop/rock style that had put U2 on the map two decades earlier. “Beautiful Day”, “Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of It”, “Elevation” and “Walk On” were pretty big hits.

After a long a glorious run of Grunge on both radio and MTV along came a reformed punk band from California. Monster hits like “Longview”, “Basket Case”, “When I Come Around” and “Welcome to Paradise” helped this album be everywhere for about year and help make Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool unquestionably world famous.

You can feel the talent and hear things that have been sampled or borrowed by other artists. But this was not my cup of tea. At times it was just unorganized noise.

It seems an impossible thing to consider, but how does one follow up the most successful album ever? Bad actually came pretty close to matching the previous success! Of the 11 songs on the record, 9 were ultimately released as singles. With “Bad”, “The Man in the Mirror”, “Smooth Criminal” and “The Way You Make Me Feel” be true stand outs.

I do not say this lightly but this album has very real Talking Heads vibes. Many of the songs start slow, then build to the point of a proper rock tune. Then have a little wild musician part. The songs are different enough that it isn’t immediately noticeable. “Wake Up” is the clear standout but several songs will stick in your head for a while.

Rod Stewart has a distinctive sound. And this album put that on full display. “Maggie May” is an all-timer. And “Mandolin Wind” is deeply under appreciated.

For the record I’m a HUGE Gang Starr fan. The combo of Guru and DJ Premier is magic. But this isn’t the album of theirs what I would have chosen for this project. That would be 1994’s Hard to Earn.

Ladies and gentleman, this is a proper rock n roll album. Hard, guitar forward. “Smoke on the Water” is the song that became and all timer. But “Highway Star” and “Space Truckin” are very good as well.

My favorite Beatles work are once they really started to get into Hallucinogenic drugs and started getting creative with the recording process. Revolver (and Rubber Soul which preceded it) were the first results of that combination.

Beautiful music. Decent lyrics. Although I couldn’t understand any of them.

As The Doors made more music it got darker. Maybe it was the fact the 60’s has turned into the 70’s. Maybe is the fact that they’d found fame. Maybe it was the heavy use of drugs and alcohol. Regardless, it happened. And as the last studio album released while lead singer Jim Morrison was alive, it’s the underlying theme of this record. “Love Her Madly” and “Riders on the Storm” are standouts.

Together Chad and Pharrell are one of a kind. The make tomorrow music that can also sound like yesterday. Sometimes that works amazingly well. Other times it’s a miss. This one feels like a miss.

For about a year Siamese Dream was EVERYWHERE. The video for Today was on regular repeat on MTV and was getting ever increasing play on a more and more radio stations. Cherub Rock, Today, Disarm and Rocket stand out but for me The Smashing Pumpkins songs start to sound the same after awhile.

If I were ever abducted by aliens and was asked what Rock n Roll was I was play them Led Zeppelin II. Hard yet melodic. It’s also a master class by John Paul Jones.

I will admit I had no idea what to expect. But this album was a true delight. Beautiful music coupled with rhythmic singing/chanting. Songs that are 10+ minutes long and change forms a time or two throughout. It was a fun and enjoyable listen.

Just noise. Whoever added this to the list should not be invited back.

This wasn’t my jam but worth a listen. It’s Nick Cave with a dash of Pixies and maybe some Wilco or Arcade Fire. With a splash of Massive Attack.

Amy Winehouse was undoubtedly talented. And this was her seminal album. Amy Winehouse was undoubtedly challenged. And this was the gateway to her massive fame. “Rehab”, “You Know I’m No Good” and “Back to Black” were the big singles. Also Mark Ronson was a producer on this album.

The Vince Guaraldi Trio did the music for Charlie Brown. This was not dissimilar to that.

Kanye West is a genius. But geniuses have been know the flirt with insanity. There is no song on this album that won’t get your foot tapping or your head nodding. And the list of collaborators is a who’s who in music.

Consider this a Public Service Announcement, this album is unlistenable.

The combination of the band and Rick Rubin proved to be legendary. This album blurs genres. Heck it even created some.

Jazz is not my jam but it’s obvious that Miles Davis is on another dimension on this album. While it was an enjoyable listen it just wasn’t for me. But I would recommend to anyone to give it a listen.

For me there were no particular standouts on this album. It was just quality rock n roll from start to finish. That said there were moments that it felt like I could have been listening to a Spinal Tap song. Take that however you want.

Steve Winwood is talented. I consider myself a fan. These songs are enjoyable enough. But nothing that would make this album a must listen to.

It’s hard to say what was peek Beatles but put out a film (a comedy adventure) in addition to an album is pretty bad ass. “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Can’t Buy Me Love” (which was also the name of a movie, just not featuring the Beatles) were the big hits.

High quality from start to finish. An album that is guaranteed to improve your mood.

The B-52’s are most known for their wild lyrics and loud outfits. Both of which are truly next level. But I don’t think they get enough credit for how tight they are musically.

It shocked me to see this album was released in 1989 as Lenny is an artist I associated the late 90’s and early 2000’s. So I guess you can say his sound was ahead of its time.

It’s the Beatles. It’s a double album. It’s got some absolute all-timers on it. Think “Back in the USSR”, “Dear Prudence”, “Blackbird”, and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”.

Lords is talented and makes enjoyable music. I just don’t hear how she’s all that different than some of her contemporaries.

There is a very good chance that if you look up the definition of New Wave that this album is shown as the definition. While it doesn’t contain their biggest hit, and was just before they disbanded and formed New Order, it’s a good listen start to finish.

Stevie Wonder is ULTRA talented and has made some absolute game changing smash hits. This album had exactly zero of them. It felt like a collection of B sides.

Television was not a group I had heard before listening to this album. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a punkier Talking Heads. Definitely worth a listen.

One what I wouldn’t describe as a monumental album David Bowie managed to produce of the all time genre defining songs, Young Americans and Fame. Two songs people would kill to have in a career, he had on one record!

This album is like riding a wave or floating on a cloud. You just sort of get lost in it. Enjoy being lost!

Legendary rock n roll. Guitar heavy, world class drums, a baseline for days and a lead singers voice from the heavens.

Absolutely no sophomore jinx here. Three monster worldwide hits (Head Over Heels, Shout and Everyone Wants to Rule the World).

If you like Arcade Fire then you’ll enjoy this album. But otherwise is was “just fine”.

This album was nothing more than Muzak.

The “house band” for Stax Records was an amazingly talented group of musicians who defined an era with their sounds. Green Onions is an instrumental album full of fun music. I highly recommend listening to it while cooking. You can thank me later.

The Jungle Brothers, and their Native Tongues friends A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul lead a movement of Afro centric hip hop that glistened like a precious metal during raps golden era.

There aren’t many albums that shifted the music landscape but in late 1993/early 1994, with just about an hour of music, The RZA, Method Man, U-God, Rebel INS, Raekwon, Ghost Face Killer, Ol' Dirty Bastard and The GZA, did just that.

The first solo McCartney album was confusing for everyone. Except for “Maybe I’m Amazed” it’s a pretty average album. Which considering the pressure he must have been under and the depression he was said to be going through, it makes sense. A for effort.

Kurt, Krist and Dave changed the musical landscape with the album. And really with “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which is the opening song off this seminal record. The musical world exists with a before Nevermind and after Nevermind. Done was hair metal and Michael Jackson. Here was Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. And thank the good Lord for that.

I have this album a legitimate chance but it was just a lot of noise that didn’t always seem to go together.

For me, Elliott Smith and several songs off this album will always be synonymous with the movie Good Will Hunting.

You know when you hear an album and you think, this would probably be pretty good if I like this kind of music. This was that kind of album for me.

Achtung Baby was definitely U2 but with a newer and decidedly different sound than we had gotten used to in the 1980’s. Part alternate, part industrial. (Spoiler alert, it a sound they’ll lean into even more over time). While they did have several radio hits off this album it was “One” they was an absolute SMASH.

I had t listened to this album in a long time and I was almost immediately reminded of the “strokes sound”. It’s very distinctive. It’s edgy but safe. Hard but soft. “Last Nite” but the band of the map.

I had no idea who the band was so when I looked them up I saw this album described as “alternative country”. I think it’s more Scottish or Irish punk. Either way it’s not an album I can recommend.

A very impressive debut album. Although it’s often dark and haunting. Tori definitely set the standard for the 90’s female singer/songwriter.

Nails on a chalkboard. Truly. Whoever put this on the list should have their voting rights revoked.

Common was essentially told to go find another label. So when he did he brought some friends (Kanye & JDilla) in to help. What it turned out was something pretty spectacular.

This was a fun album to listen to. Airy and light, which was not at all what I expected.

Most of us only know this album and maybe the band from the song “Get It On”. But this album is more like if Arcade Fire had put out a record in 1971.

Jerry Lee Lewis is an entertainer. Plain and simple. So while his albums and the songs you hear are the radio are fun. Hearing him live is the preferred state.

This is a good album. The version I listened to did not include “How Soon is Now”. Which would have made it a great album.

This album has two high water marks, “Lovesong” and “Pictures of You”, the of which is an all timer for me. But other than that it’s just OK.

It certainly wasn’t the Black Sabbath album I would have chosen but as their first studio album you got a glimpse of what was to come.

The Allman Brothers are a fun listen. They are even better live. The band even said as much. This is extra special as it has Duane Allman before his untimely passing.

Do so much cocaine that you get paranoid. In that paranoia you go on some messed up diet that causes you to get uncomfortably thin. So you rebrand yourself “The Thin White Duke” and make a record. Which ultimately contains one monster hit, Golden Years, and a bunch of cocaine induced nonsense.

This album sounded like Shawn Mullins put out a spoken word record.

I don’t consider myself a Radiohead fan. But I’m Gen X so they were a part of my formative years. And of all of their albums this one is my favorite. That said, other than “The Bends”, “High & Dry” and “Fake Plastic Trees” the albums is just blah.

You’d be hard pressed to find a solo album debut that was better than this one. Singles (that started in the fall of 87 and essentially ran the entirety of 1988) like “I Want Your Sex”, Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", and "Monkey" helped make this album an absolute monster. And set-up George Michael as a global icon.

If you’re looking for upbeat, feel good theme music for your day, then look no further. “The Rockafeller Skank” and “Praise You” were to the two global hits, but every song has a certain foot tapping beat to it.

This was the worst kind of country music, the twangy, woe-is-me, honky tonk.

This one was hard to describe. Maybe if Jethro Tull did a somewhat synth Prog rock album. Regardless, avoid this one if you can.

I can picture this album being played by a lounge singer at bar of an airport hotel. It’s perfect and enjoyable background music.

This was a lot of fun to listen to. 6, 7, 8 minute long songs with great grooves and head bopping, toe tapping beats.

No song is over 3 minutes. Every song is filled with amazing instruments, the centerpiece of course being the piano. This album is part of the foundation of rock n roll.

It feels like where Joy Division left off in the very early 80’s, The National picked up in the very late 90’s. This is a band I had avoided because I thought they were something very different. I’m sorry I missed out for so long.

I kept waiting for this be a joke. Like Spinal Tap or even Weird Al. But no, it was just absolutely terrible glam-prog.

Fatboy Slim is obviously talented. And his music is fun to listen to. But on this particular album, his first, we are not getting a fully formed artist.

For as much lore as Simon & Garfunkel have the lexicon of American music they didn’t actually make that much music together. So any album of theirs is going to be enjoyable. “Homeward Bound” is the standout.

I don’t know what the French word for avoid is. But that’s what I’d do with this album.

First of all, it’s always fun to listen to a mega star before they become the mega star. You can hear the stardom, it’s just not fully formed yet. Given this was pop music released in 1979 it’s heavily influenced by disco and funk. It also has way more love songs than it should.

I was unfamiliar with this band prior to the assignment yesterday. They were described as “Australian post-punk”. Apparently I do not like Australian post-punk.

I can totally see in 1978 when this album was released, that people could imagine that this is what the future sounded like. Also if you’re a hip hop head you’ll definitely notice a few choice samples.

While this isn’t their first album or their most popular it does very like the first time we’re seeing the band that will become a global phenomenon.

This album was wonderful background music to the day. I can’t say any one song stood out. Just solid all around.

It had been more than 30 years since I last listened to this album cover to cover. I remembered it as having a lot of dance or club songs. But it has just as many slower love songs. And as much as Boy George gets well deserved recognition for the bands success don’t sleep on Roy Hay’s impressive keyboard and piano works.

This was not a group that I had heard of before. Other than an oddly placed cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine” it was Middle Eastern house music.

All you need to know is Frank Sinatra accompanied by a Flamenco guitar

Sly is massively talented. Period. End of story. That said he was definitely going through it when he wrote and recorded this album. Standouts include “I want to take you higher” and “Everyday people”.

When I saw 1986 I figured it was some synth pop or new wave album. Boy was I wrong. Hard core, in your face rock n roll!

This album did not sound like it came out in 1976. It could have come out today. And there aren’t many albums that would describe as both funky and twangy but this is definitely both.

One of my biggest issues with groups like The Chemical Brothers is that at some point all of the songs sound the same. And this album was no different.

This was like 60’s singer/songwriter 101. Harmonica? Check. Tambourine? Check. Heck I think he even had a harpsichord just for good measure.

The album contains 2 twenty minute songs. But it’s really more like 2 twenty minute journeys through time and sound.

I must divulge that I believe Van Halen to be the most overrated band in rock history. But the boys really did come out firing with this debut album. “You Really Got Me”, “Runnin’ With the Devil” and “Jamie’s Cryin’” set the bar VERY high.

But this 4th album Madonna was a certified global icon. Add this album, with 3 SMASH hits (Like a Prayer, Express Yourself and Cherish) only helped propel her to places only Michael Jackson could understand.

The record company deemed this album “non commercial” and “difficult to market”. And for me, other than Paranoid Android and Karma Police, I totally get it.

When you get an album from one of the OG psychedelic bands you expect the whole treatment. And Country Joe & The Fish brought it! If that’s your jam then this is your album.

Leonard Cohen is talented. But on this particular album it’s sounds like he’s trying to do his best Leonard Cohen impersonation.

The album itself is average, at best. But listening to Mick Hucknall’s voice is totally worth the 45 minutes.

Nick Drake’s voice is a wonderful listen. Very chill, very soothing.

What do you do when you’re forced to leave one of the most influential groups of the early genre of Rap? You do what Ice Cube did, go all the way to the opposite coast and work with some truly established producers and set a new high water mark for your peers to try and chase.

How good was this album? If it were someone’s entire musical catalog they would be over the moon excited.

I understand the cultural relevance of this album and artist. And I understand the genius of the music and lyrics. But I guess listening to this record confirms it, I’m just not a Bob Dylan fan.

It’s hard to explain but somehow this album was both completely unexpected and exactly what I expected all at the same time. It was very smooth musically, great lyrics and a fun listen. But also groovier than I expected. Almost had an Afro-disco thing going on. If that’s even a thing.

I had zero expectations on this one. For no real reason. But what a fun listen. Is this early pop punk? It was like taking some Pixies, mixing it with some Violent Femmes and then adding a dash in the Stooges.

Herbie Hancock operates on a different level than the vast majority of us. This wasn’t an album I’d ever listened to before but it turns out I’d heard countless snippets of the songs over the years as hip hop has been heavily sampling them since it’s early days.

You can see how Dizzee’s lyrical style was the inspiration for many who came after him. But on this album his beats are wildly chaotic that it made several songs difficult to enjoy.

This is an interesting album as it’s grunge adjacent but most certainly its own thing. The female lead is a bit ahead of its time (and a precursor for what’s about to come). And if you like guitars you’re going to love this.

Close your eyes and clear your mind. Now picture Frank Sinatra. And add in what he sounds like singing. That is this album. Vintage Sinatra.

The world got to know Snoop Dogg on Dr Dre’s “The Chronic” so the anticipation for his debut album was sky high. Maybe even higher than Snoop himself. But with “it was everywhere” hits like “What’s My Name”, “Gin and Juice” and “Doggy Dogg World” this album exceeded expectations ten fold. Tracks not to be slept on are “The Shiznit”, an amazing cover of “Lodi Dodi” and “Gz and Hustlas”.

ZZ Top is, well, ZZ Top. They are very recognizable, both in look and musical style. That music is guitar forward rock n rock.

There might be no better named album, ever. The way the near perfect album blends into your day (or does this album have the power to make your day blend into it?!?), that it feels like a tapestry in the background.

If I said 60’s English folk-rock to you this band and album is exactly what you would expect.

It wasn’t made to crossover but it certainly did. “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Around the Way Girl” got tons of radio and MTV play. And songs like “Boomin’ System” and “Eat’em Up L” were funky enough to being played in cars driving up and down the road.

The Smith’s are foundational early alternative/New Wave band that raised the bar for all who came after. But this is not their finest work. In fact, given it was their final studio album you can hear the death rattle in several songs.

Grandmaster Flash, Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Melle Mel, Scorpio, and Rahiem changed the world. And while the album is more known for just a single song, it proved that Rap could be a legitimate music business.

This is another case of the right band making the list but probably not their best album.

I’ve never been a huge Stones fan (which I guess makes me a Beatles guy). Regardless this was really my first time listening to this album cover to cover. And while there aren’t any huge standouts it was a very pleasurable listen.

Everyone seemed to freak out, one way or another, when Dylan went electric. But no one seemed to be too bothered when the Byrds made a country album.

I had heard songs from this album played for years but I never knew they came from one place. This has new been added to my annual holiday rotation.

Any debut album that has 3 legitimate singles that got heavy radio play should be taken seriously. “Time to Pretend”, “Electric Feel” and “Kids” all have a feel of a much more established and experienced group.

This album is often described as the high point of Frank Black’s post Pixies career. Sadly that bar isn’t very high.

The Beastie Boys are a continually evolving sound. With Ill Communication they leaned in even more to playing their own instruments (and away from sampling). “Sabotage” was a MONSTER hit but for me “Root Down” and “Get It Together” were my personal favorites.

This is the bands 7th and final studio album. And they certainly finished on a high note. Sadly this very enjoyable album, and the two years of touring, weren’t enough.

I’m always vexed when an album by a band ends up on here but it’s not their best album. That’s the case with Doolittle. It’s good but not that good.

Siouxsie and The Banshees exist on the darker side of New Wave and has always been an enjoyable listen. But I’ve always found that over the course of an hour (or an album) that each song can start to feel the same.

Prince made music that was well ahead of its time. Listening to this album that came out in 1982 felt like it could have come out in 2002. And yeah, in several songs there were, what felt like, unnecessary sex noises. But hey, that also worked in 2002.

There is a character named Corey in the classic 1989 movie “Say Anything” who rights an unhealthy amount of songs about her ex named Joe. That what PJ Harvey sounds like to me.

It’s hard to believe that before this album Billy Joel was known as a one hit wonder (Piano Man). But this, his 5th studio album has, by my estimation, at least 5 all time Billy Joel classics.

I could not get into this album. It seemed like noise for noise sake.

As the history of hip hop goes, there was before Run-DMC first album and after. That’s how seminal this record was.

There is no mistaking Jane’s Addiction for any other band, especially once Perry Farrell starts to sing. This album has two true standouts, “Mountain Song” and “Jane Says”. Otherwise it’s pretty pedestrian. A shoutout to Dave Navarro’s guitar skills on “Pig’s In Zen”.

“Take Me Out” is the monster hit on this one. Everything else is just pretty ok. But, cover to cover, it’s a fun album to listen to.

This was a fun listen. No standouts, just quality live music.

One of the best parts of listening to Stevie Wonder is that it’s undoubtedly Stevie Wonder. Sure his music stylings change over time but you always know it’s him. This album contains two all timers: “Superstition” and “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”. Both would be hits even if they came out today.

I had never heard of Nick Drake before. A pretty sad story actually. He’s “your favorite artists, favorite artist”. And wasn’t appreciated until after his untimely passing. You’ll likely recognize the first song, “Pink Moon” from commercials.

A drum machine. A synthesizer. A lead singer with an amazing voice. 11 songs that are pretty average.

If you appreciate the art of crate digging, then you’ll really enjoy this one. He’s a DJ, but not the dance club kind.

I will admit that I had no idea what to expect. It was like the B-52’s and Joan Jett had a baby. It was a very listen and truly exceeded all of my expectations.

Any album that contains 3 mega hits deserves to be on this list. Even if the rest of the album is average at best.

I wouldn’t call myself someone who listens to Black Flag. In fact the first time I heard of them was during the Atari’s 2003 remake of “Boys of Summer”. They are just not my cup of tea. But they could be yours.

In the onslaught on the Grunge movement this album, while popular, really didn’t get it just due.

Someone please tell me how a group with barely one song, a dance club hit at that, makes it onto this list?!?

This album, chef’s kiss!

This was my first Jesus and Mary Chain experience. Enjoyable listen but no singular standout.

An NYC guy dropped an album on what would become the hardest day in NYC history, 9/11/01. I know this was his 6th studio album but Jay-Z was still very much on the rise. It has a couple of songs that have become some of his biggest hits.

It’s HARD to have a better debut album than this one. “Blister In the Sun”, “Kiss Off”, “Gone Daddy Gone”, and “Add It Up” have only gotten better in 40+ years since the record dropped.

This is an average album by a good band. Ultimately, this is an early album from a band still figuring out who they were going to be.

Willie Nelson’s music is not my cup of tea. But I do recognize him as an American icon who deserves every respect.

This album contains the bands most famous song, Epic. And a spectacular cover of Way Pigs. But otherwise is mostly forgettable.

I definitely had a preconceived notion of what this was going to be before I listened. Yes it’s electronic music but it’s super melodic. Fun background music for your day.

How there is a Queen album out there that I hasn’t heard a single song from is beyond me. But these were all pretty average so that must be why.

The text book definition of Revolutionary (anti establishment) rock n roll music.

The influence of Sonic Youth can be felt throughout the alt rock resurgence of the late 80’s and early 90’s. And this album only adds to that. The high water marker in Kool Thing.

Syd Barrett has an interesting sound. It’s like if Paul McCartney wrote songs that Ringo Starr sang.

A Brazilian Beatles wannabe that sounded like it would be perfectly placed in a Wes Anderson film.

Think next gen new wave, but on the darker side, with a definitive rock edge.

I’m not the biggest Springsteen fan but there is a beauty to Nebraska. But I prefer the harder rock of Born in the USA.

This could be based on 100,001 albums and this one still shouldn’t have made the list. Avoid this one at all costs.

In a musical world that was dominated by Michael Jackson’s Thriller came R.E.M.’s first studio album. And they could not have been different. Michael ruled Top 40. R.E.M. rules college radio. It was truly a sign of what was to come.

Because U2 released a few different monster albums across several different decades, it’s hard to say which one cemented their legacy. But for it was Joshua Tree. It’s “slower” by U2 standards but songs like With Or Without You, Where the Streets Have No Name and I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For ruled the airwaves and maybe more importantly, MTV.

Heart of Glass and One Way or Another stand out to me. This album and band set the tone for what was to come. The capably bridged the New Wave and Disco eras.

A collaboration album with many bluegrass and country/western artists might be someone’s dream album, but it certainly isn’t mine.

As a Talking Heads fan this is probably my least favorite album. But it’s still better than most.

Top to bottom you’ll be hard pressed to find a better album anywhere in musical history. And 741 weeks on the Billboard top 200 is confirmation of that.

This is quintessential 70’s Prog rock. But it also has meaningful elements of what Peter Gabriel’s solo work will sound like. And what Genesis will sound like after he leaves.

For years I’d thought this was a pretty good album but nothing could compare to Blood, Sugar, Sex Magic. After another listen, my first cover to cover in years, I’d say Californication flirts with the same stratosphere.

As someone who grew up listening to 80’s and 90’s hip hop I’m most familiar with the songs from this album, like “Walk son By” and “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” from them being sampled by my favorite artists. And I’m probably most aware of Isaac Hayes as playing Chef of South Park.

5 singles from an album usually means the album was good and did well. In this case it also cemented Soundgarden as Grunge royalty.

Punk, rock, reggae and even a little ska, that’s what the Clash gave us on this genre defining album.

This album was full of songs that sounded like they could have been the themes songs to cancelled 90’s TV shows.

George is not my favorite Beatle. And he was obviously sad and going through some things when he made this album. It’s also much more mellow than you’d expect.

This is 40 minutes of punch you in the face rock n roll! If that’s what you’re in the mood for then this is a 10/10. If it’s not, that’s on you!

Johnny Cash has an incredible ability to for from singing about killing somebody or doing cocaine to a love song duet with his wife or a song about the Lord. Having this be a live album, where he could show off the range plus having it the prison that’s the focus of his most famous song in a total bonus.

Even Help Me Rhonda, which was the biggest hit off the record sounded like a B side. Very formulaic. All very similar.

Not many artists came out swinging on a debut album quite like Kanye did. It’s almost like he didn’t expect to get another chance.

I’m always surprised at how melodic Iron Maiden is. That doesn’t make me enjoy it anymore. But it’s a fun thing to re-realize.

Raw Power is the perfect name for this album. That’s exactly what it is. And I can only imagine what the live show would have been like.

Honestly, this was just a lot of layered noise. Nearly unlistenable.

The album had two high water marks, “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”. Otherwise it was VERY heavy with early 70’s singer/songwriter with a guitar blah.

While this might have been “classic” Temptations it wasn’t an all time album. It had one big hit, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”.

Electronic music that somehow felt exactly like the precursor to Moby and Fatboy Slim.

There aren’t many albums that changed everything. But this is one of them.

30 minutes and 38 seconds of pure American rock and roll. Breakdown and American Girl are the standouts. But honestly, there’s not a stinker in the bunch.

The song American Pie is obviously an all timer, but not many remember the other songs on the album. Most of which is average at best. But Vincent was enjoyable.

This was a fun listen. Very early 90’s pop English house music. Connected and Step It Up are the standouts.

Pink Floyd does whatever Pino Floyd wants. And it usually turns out pretty epic. So how do you follow up Dark Side of the Moon, with two 12+ minute songs separated by 3 amazing songs that have only gotten more popular since its release.

If you like Amy Winehouse or Jill Scott you’ll enjoy this.

Quintessential, pre-electric Bob Dylan. Acoustic guitars, complex lyrics and a youthfulness that hasn’t been beaten down yet.

When someone says “classic Neil Young” this is what they mean.

Otis Redding singing cover songs did not disappoint.

Most people know the Tom Tom Club as “the other members of Talking Heads”. And they the likely also know “Genius of Love”. Their music is creative. But overly repetitive.

The Doves sounded like the store brand version of Coldplay.

This is quintessential Ray Charles. With a stringed orchestra. None of his biggest hits appear in this but all songs will get your toe tapping.

I won’t go so far as to say this album was ahead of its time. But it’s one that was good when it was released. But has only gotten more appreciated over time.

For about two full years Mariah Carey and this album, especially Honey and Butterfly were EVERYWHERE!

Consider this a must listen. 7-8 songs that still thrive 50+ years later.

Pioneers in what later became known as Trip Hop, if you like funky bass lines and deep base with some pretty chill lyrics, some sung, some rapped, then this album is for you!

It felt like an entire album when different beats, rhythms and synth were being played behind the same lyrics.

Albums and artists that changed everything deserve a special place of this list. And that is true with this quintessential Beastie Boys album. Interestingly the did it again later on in their catalog.

Because of my dislike of Courtney Love I cannot give this other fine record a fair score. Fellow Gen Xer’s will understand.

A must listen 70’s rock n roll classic.

If it were possible for me to give this album 6 stars I would. It’s a true must listen for anyone who considers themselves a fan of music.

This was high quality late 90’s rock. That said, it sounded like it could have been a Foo Fighters album.

While this is not Beck album I would have chosen for this list, it’s a melodic and fun listen.

28 million copies sold. 3 smash hits (You Give Love a Bad Name, Livin’ on a Prayer and Wanted Dead or Alive). It’s an absolute must listen.

This was Cream before Cream. So if you’re looking for some blues and vintage Clapton, this is for you.

A couple of all timers are from this album, Paint it Black and Mother’s Little Helper.

If Bossa Nova is our thing than this is the high water mark.

Portishead is nothing if not consistent. So if you like Portishead, then you’ll enjoy this one. I do not enjoy Portishead.

This was the first time I’d explored this far back in the Pink Floyd catalog. And while you can definitely hear the elements of what would become one of the biggest bands in the world this one is SUPER trippy. Very late 60’s/early 70’s psychedelic.

This was their first album so their sound wasn’t fully formed yet. This had elements of the Clash, early U2 and REM.

Nick Drake has a timeless sound. This album, which came out nearly 60 years ago, sounds like it could be a new release today.

Sensual, chill, heartfelt. This album is 45 minutes of acoustic pop at is near finest.

Liz Phair was hot. Had an edge to her. And rocked hard. Everyone fell in love with her. Once you listen to this album you will too.

Not the Neil Young album I would have chosen for this list. It’s his average work. At best.

An absolute MONSTER of a debut album that helped redefine southern rock. And it had 4 singles that got regular MTV and radio airplay for what felt like 2 years. “Jealous Again”, “She Talks to Angels”, “Hard to Handle” and “Twice as Hard”.

In an era that saw an over abundance of high quality music, the album stands out. Alice In Chains was more Guns n Roses than Seattle Grunge band. And that hard edge showed.

It’s like if punk rock was in a Wes Anderson movie.

After listening to this album you are definitely going to feel sad. And maybe even a little mad. It’s the dark side of New Wave.

Call me unAmerican but I’m not a Springsteen fan. And this album in particular bores me to death.

This album has very strong hints of what was to come. Brass In Pocket is the highlight.

The pinnacle of an uber talented entertainer. “What’s Going On” and “Mercy, Mercy Me” are two all timers.

Rhythmic African chanting is not my jam.

Nevermind 1001, this one is more like 101.

For me Crowded House was one hit wonder from the 1980’s. So it was news to me that they released music in the 90’s. This album sounded like it could have been a Squeeze record. Enjoyable enough but not what I expected.

You got glimpses in what was to come on future albums.

This was most certainly an ABBA record. But it didn’t have any of the classic ABBA sing alongs.

Given how funky Stevie got during his career, and especially on this album, it surprises me he wasn’t sampled more in hip hop.

It’s so interesting to me how nearly all Queen albums sound so similar. Some have hits, like this one with Killer Queen while others don’t.

This is the hip hop album that kicked down the door of mainstream music and culture. And with good reason.

Not my cup of tea but there were hints of Iron Maiden in there for sure.

REM has been college radio darlings for a while, and they’d been gaining popularity in mainstream radio. But this album catapulted them into stardom. And with good reason.

How do you possibly follow up one of the biggest records ever made? You make In Utero? Where you ramp some things up and tone other things down.

Sometimes, not sounding like anyone else can be a bad thing. But occasionally it can break new ground and help you stand out from the crowd. That’s what happened with Digital Underground on this album. Unique and creative lyrics. Funky beats and samples. And a truly one of a kind alter ego.

Of all the System of A Down albums I’m not entirely sure why it was this one.

John Coltrane and this trio of musicians are uber talented. And while this isn’t my musical genre of choice, it’s impossible to not feel the genius that’s unfolding in your ears.

Similar to when the Beatles stopped touring so they got much more creative in the studio, the album represents Steely Dan making a pivot to having the group that recorded records and a group that toured. It meant for a rotating cast of the best musicians coming and going when they were needed. It also meant for some next level sounding music.

This was not a group I’d heard of and from the cover art and group name I wasn’t expecting groove heavy techno.

There was an animated Disney movie soundtrack quality to this album.

Tainted Love was a SMASH hit. The rest of the album is decent early 80’s newish wave.

You can feel the connection between artist and audience. And considering the audience, it’s incredible. Plus, it’s maybe the perfect rendition of A Boy Named Sue.

The silkiest and smoothest music ever recorded. “Smooth Operator” is an all timer.

Lauren Hill is a top 3 all time female MC but also has the voice to go against Whitney and Mariah. This album reset a musical genre. And sadly showed what was possible but never happened.

If you are Gen X then you remember exactly where you were when you first heard/saw Fiona Apple

This is a fantastic album. Well balanced, with a variety of songs to fit most any vibe.

This album is rock n roll royalty. It’s also hard to fathom that this was the final album with David Lee Roth as the lead singer.

Everything Yoko Ono touches gets worse. There are no exceptions.

I don’t consider myself a CSN fan but I was amazed at how many of the songs from the album I had heard. They’re a band that just makes good music.

Yes it’s Sabbath. No it’s not any of the Sabbath songs you want to hear.

Peace Frog is one of my all time favorite Doors songs. And while it sounds fun and airy, the lyrical content is deeper and deserves understanding.

A fantastic rock n roll album that happened to come along at the perfect time for MTV.

Needle mover within pop culture

Steely Dan makes good music. Even if it’s not your kind of music.

Pantera makes absolutely no apologies for who or what they are. So if you like punch you in the face, straight ahead rock n roll this one is for you.

I’m surprised Roxy Music wasn’t more popular. They had massive talent, especially Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry. They were essentially forefathers of New Wave.

“2nd wave” ska might be my favorite but this isn’t my favorite Specials album.

I will admit to be caught off guard by this one. It’s way more rock n roll than I expected. Amazingly talented musicianship.

This was one I had never heard of before and wasn’t sure what to expect. It turned out to be a fun listen. It felt like a modern Echo & The Bunnymen.

This album, mainly 4-5 of its songs, were absolutely everywhere for about 2 years straight. Cementing the band as a global powerhouse.

Peppy on hold music.

XTC can change up a song in the middle. That didn’t happen enough on this album. Dear God is the real standout.

Elvis was a hero to most But he never meant s- to me you see Straight up racist that sucker was Simple and plain Mother f- him and John Wayne

Jimi is best live. Which is hard to capture for an album. But this one does of good job of getting close.

Brown sugar is an amazingly perfect name for this album as nearly every song matches that description. This is making babies music.

Musical theatre music isn’t my jam.

On the cover of the album it said “Afro-Cuban jazz” and that couldn’t be a more fitting description. Most songs felt like they could be in a George Clooney “Ocean’s” movie score.

Electronica is not a favorite of mine. And this one was extra mellow at times.

As singer/songwriters go, David Crosby is top shelf. Plus he has a bit of rock n roll in him. This album has all of that on display.

The making of this album had to be an incredibly emotional experience for Brian. And if you like the sound of The Beach Boys, and don’t mind some experimental stuff, then you’ll like this one.

I saw this band described as “space rock”. I didn’t know what that meant but listening to them, it made a ton of sense.

The Kinks are one of my all time favorites. And while this album doesn’t have any of their “hits” it’s full of fun Kinks songs.

A proper 80’s club record. Good luck trying not to tap your foot or hum along.

I wasn’t aware that PJ Harvey kept making music after her groundbreaking early work in the 1990’s.

The lead singers voice is very recognizable (and fantastic) the “dance music” it’s set to is fine.

The debut album from a punk band that was foundational for so many bands that followed.