186
Albums Rated
3.66
Average Rating
17%
Complete
903 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970s
Favorite Decade
World
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
24
5-Star Albums
2
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
|
5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
|
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Real Life
Magazine
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
|
5 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
|
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
|
5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
|
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
|
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
|
4 | 2.35 | +1.65 |
|
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
|
1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
|
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
2 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
|
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
|
2 | 3.59 | -1.59 |
|
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
|
1 | 2.59 | -1.59 |
|
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
|
2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
|
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
|
2 | 3.32 | -1.32 |
|
American Pie
Don McLean
|
2 | 3.28 | -1.28 |
|
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
|
2 | 3.12 | -1.12 |
|
The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
|
2 | 3.04 | -1.04 |
|
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
|
2 | 3.03 | -1.03 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
| David Bowie | 4 | 4.25 |
5-Star Albums (24)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
I love this list for inclusions like this. It's an album I would have never come across on my on. Overall it was a great listen. I enjoyed it thourougly. I do doubt this is the best hindustani record out there.
1 likes
Songhoy Blues
5/5
What absolute banger of a recorde. Perfectly mixes an African sound with blues element. Starts kf incredibly strong and holds it till the end.
1 likes
Justin Timberlake
2/5
I can't say that I was looking forward to explore this record. The terrible stereotypical early 2000's cover didn't help either. I was surprised I didn't totally hate this, since it's basically baby-faced Justin putting on a weird sexy voice for over an hour. Why is this album so long? It totally didn't need to be. Especially the Michael Jackson style outro's that just fall flat.
But some grooves were surprisingly cool, they justifie the release.
1 likes
Iron Maiden
4/5
Sure, within the metal scene Iron Maiden might be a basic, accessible choice, but goddamn did they make metal sound catchy as hell.
1 likes
Parliament
3/5
It started of really cool, I was very excited because it was funk, but the album does not hold the fun all the way trough.
1 likes
1-Star Albums (2)
All Ratings
Joni Mitchell
4/5
What a voice. Even though the whole album is similar sounding it seldom gets boring or feels repititve
Prince
4/5
Vibey, great tracks all trough. Though Prince has better projects, but that says more about Prince's genius than about the quality of this double LP.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
A surprisingly multifaceted endavour by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Some interesting songs, some legendary, but also a lot of filler.
Doves
4/5
Very interesting release. First real discovery from the list.
Jack White
3/5
Versatile album, with a lot of good songs, nothing special.
Little Richard
4/5
Explosive half hour, fun all the way trough
Public Enemy
4/5
Angry, on the nose political shouting. The music constatly surprises. Exuberant and thrilling. Unlike anything else. Just a tad too long.
The Byrds
2/5
Pretty uninteresting listen. Not that it's bad or anything. But don't know if it deserves to be included in the list.
Randy Newman
2/5
Late evening stuff. Solid tracks, but nothing special.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
The Rolling Stones are great and this album is that too. Goin' home is a true gem.
Foo Fighters
1/5
I never liked the Foo Fighters and this album changed nothing about that. They're a soulless, mediocre rock group that have long since overstayed their welcome. No track on their debut has any flair, nor any personality. Just some screeching guitars and distortion. Nothing interesting. With tracks sounding so similar, I even found it hard to distinguish between songs
The Beta Band
2/5
It tries a lot of cool things, but doesn't succeed in sounding anymore than mediocre.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Great soulfull record. Burke has an amazing voice. Sounds very much like it's time. Which is charming, but also limiting.
The Police
4/5
Great record, to be honest, not really a miss on it. Knew the police, knew the hits, but the album was a first time listen and it did not dissapoint.
Living Colour
4/5
Another great discovery from the list. Hard rock with a funky twist that sounds impressive and doesn't bore even after all the eleven tracks.
The Hives
4/5
Was suprised to see a compilation album in the list. Ofcourse every track is solid. Would be embarrassing if it weren't. Energetic album from start to finish. Short and powerful. Deserved a higher rating, but I feel like a compilation album in this list is a bit cheating.
Also false advertisement: They're not my new favourite band
Mott The Hoople
4/5
Mott The Hoople was an unfamiliar name, that i'm glad to have discovered. Epic, grand-scale glam rock that dares enough to sound interesting. Was it a world renewing endavour? No, but I will hapily return to this one.
LCD Soundsystem
5/5
This is it! This is why I started the journey through these 1001 albums. To find gems like this. For some reason this absolute masterpiece has been under my radar up until now. Amazing, original, thrilling listen.
The War On Drugs
2/5
The War On Drugs is another band where I just don't get the hype for, sure have some good tracks. I especially like 'Thinking Of A Place', which is not even on this album. But even 'Lost In the Dream' has some moments. Just not many. For an album praised into oblivion nearly 50 minutes out of this one hour project is just mediocre rock soundscaping.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Ever since hearing the wonderful 'I Want You" Elvis Costello has been on my radar to explore, but somehow I never did. So I was very excited to be gifted this album from the generator.
Elvis Costello is simply fantastic. His lyricism is wonderfull his musical arrangments are grandiose, but as a complete album this one failed to keep me interesting the whole way trough.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Bob Dylan is fantastic and there is not a single bad track Blonde On Blonde. But Bob Dylan is also a bit of a one-trick pony. Guitar strumming, screamy off tone singing and a harmonica solo. Don't get me wrong, I love him for it. I just don't think a double elpee is where he shines best.
Eric Clapton
2/5
The whitest dude to ever do blues. For someone who's name is often dropped as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, the man's solo career is simply pathetic. 461 Ocean Boulevard sounds like it was made by an old whiny grandpa, who listened to some blues records and tried to imitate it.
I always get a little sad when listening to his solo stuff, because 'Layla', 'Sunshine of your love' and 'While my guitar gently weeps' are some of my favourite songs of all time. His bland sound on these tracks almost undermines his genius interplays on those previous tunes.
The hit cover of 'I Shot The Sherrif' is just not that good and fails the original, but still managed to be the best song on this thing.
Eric Clapton's solo Boulevard is too unimaginative to enjoy.
The Black Crowes
4/5
A very solid debut record, can't say that I found it very innovative or groundbreaking, but who cares when every track just rocks.
David Bowie
5/5
This is the first album from the list that I also own on vinyl and I could'nt have dreamt of a better one.
David Bowie is peak Rock 'n Roll and 'Low' is peak David Bowie. Side one is an amazing rock record, very instrumental oriented with 'Sound And Vision' as the cherry on top. Side two is an evenly amazing avant-garde soundscaping project that never fails to entertain.
Lou Reed
4/5
Lou Reed is a musician I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I haven't tried to discover. Of course I knew Perfect Day, which is also my favourite track. Lou Reed isn't the greatest singer, but goddamn did he make some killer music.
Dennis Wilson
3/5
Dennis Wilson's music is almost as interesting as the person himself. Pacific Ocean is an album that feels much more like a singer-songwriter album than a beach boys album, although the influence of that group is felt. It's pretty interesting, has its moments, but also some flat out misses and as whole probably isn't as profound as Dennis Wilson thought it was.
Norah Jones
3/5
Great voice, chill music, solid tracks, but the whole time through, I couldn't help but think Norah Jones is just some cheaper Joni Mitchell. Although nothing is wrong with 'Come Sail Away With Me', it misses a spark.
Elton John
4/5
'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' is fun, surprisingly versatile and exciting. I once had the opportunity to buy this one on vinyl, but I didn't, because I thought Elton John wasn't really an album man. Now I know I was wrong.
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Another amazing discovery from the list. God, this album is good. Funky, Jazzy, eclectic. No superlative should be spared for this incredible achievement in Jazz Fusion. After today's first listen I already know it is going to grow into one of my all time favourites.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Sure, within the metal scene Iron Maiden might be a basic, accessible choice, but goddamn did they make metal sound catchy as hell.
Gram Parsons
3/5
I went in blind and it was not what I expected from the cover, but I liked it, the country vibes were great, although nothing special. Don't understand the cult status.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Might just be the greatest pop album of all time.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
As far as my knowledge of Cuban music goes, this was an incredible listen. One hour of pure sunny, sweaty music that I definitely need to give another listen to for a deeper understanding. What an awsome album cover!
Prefab Sprout
4/5
Liked this quite a lot, far more than I expected from a 80's pop record. There were some killer tracks on here, and only a couple of missers. The good way overshines the bad.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2/5
Can't believe that I got two Red Hot Chili Peppers albums in the first 35. I find it even harder to believe the need for two Red Hot Chili Peppers in this list. This album does nothing Blood Sugar Sex Magik doesn't. The first half is ok, with some cool moments, the second half is plain boring. That's just talking about the music, the lyrics are terrible all over. I really hope it's the last Peppers album I'm gonna get.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
The name and cover intrigued me. The length scared me, but the Drive-By Truckers actually manage to hold a 94 minute album. Sounds like an ode to the south, with subtle criticisms throughout, that can make even a non-American feel patriotic at times.
Black Sabbath
4/5
You gotta love the 'random' generator for honoring the recently deceased. Volume 4 is Black Sabbath at its most surprising. With a 'Changes' cover that unexpectedly rocks and some softer interludes that challenge Black Sabbath's rough image. With the recent death of Ozzy Osbourne in mind it almost feels wrong to not give Volume 4 a five star rating but the truth is even though I thoroughly enjoyed the listen and I will definitely return to it, it didn't blow me away
Justin Timberlake
2/5
I can't say that I was looking forward to explore this record. The terrible stereotypical early 2000's cover didn't help either. I was surprised I didn't totally hate this, since it's basically baby-faced Justin putting on a weird sexy voice for over an hour. Why is this album so long? It totally didn't need to be. Especially the Michael Jackson style outro's that just fall flat.
But some grooves were surprisingly cool, they justifie the release.
The Stooges
3/5
'Raw Power' by The Stooges, you get what is advertised. Nothing more, nothing less.
Radiohead
4/5
Even when Radiohead is not at their best, they're still enjoyably transcending.
Kelela
2/5
The two stars are for trying, because I will always value music that tries to sound different, even if it falls flat on its face, and unfortunately that is exactly the case for Kelela's debut Take Me Apart.
The Temptations
4/5
Cloud Nine is one of those discoveries that will last. At its funkiest the temptations straight up deserve a five star rating. The track Runaway Child, Runaway Wild is a heavenly masterpiece. Only issue is the second half of the album being not as poignant as the first.
2/5
Black Holes and Revelations has some moments, but it's mostly annoyingly over the top. Don't understand the need for a weaker Muse Album to be included.
3/5
It's Bob Dylan, so of course it's good. Some tracks have a great live composition, but if this is the most essential Bob Dylan live performance then I'm disappointed.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
2/5
Besides 'Kicks' and a few other songs 'Midnight Ride' is pretty forgettable.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
Electric Light Orchestra, has an unique voice in seventies rock music. They dared to make more complex structures and were so good at it that the songs remained catchy as fuck. Joy is pouring out the speakers when they pkay.
Having said that, Out of the Blue is not their best, most cohesive project. Still a lot of bangers on it. Mr. blue sky is still an encredibly well know hit and it's well deserved.
I'm secretly hoping their real masterpiece 'Discovery' made it to the list.
Richard Thompson
3/5
Enjoyable folk music.
Tom Tom Club
4/5
Tom Ton Club is a very interesting side project from two of the Talking Heads band members. It's flashy, viby, and quite experimental. It has an unique feel and manages to sound different than Talking Heads, but does not surpass that group by any means.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Wish You Were Here' is my all time personal favourite. It was my first ever vinyl. It introduced me to Pink Floyd. It changed my views on music. It paved the way for my ever growing obsession. It is perfect from start to finish. With 'Wish You Were Here' Syd Barret got the most transcending, most otherworldy beautiful tribute any person on earth has ever received.
The Prodigy
4/5
After hearing the adrenaline filled Dance music from The Prodigy, it totally doesn't suprise me that the nineties ate this up like a big bucket of popping candy.
'The Fat Of The Land' is surprisingly musical. Just a bit too long.
Manu Chao
3/5
It's Latin, It's a vibe.
Don McLean
2/5
American Pie has to be the moat one-hit album ever made, in the sense that it has only one hit. I bought this album on vinyl because I guessed that the man who wrote American Pie (the single), would have something interesting up his sleeve. Boy, was I wrong. Everything that isn't the title track on this album is boring, unimaginative crap.
American Pie though is still a masterpiece.
Johnny Cash
4/5
You got to hand it to Johnny Cash, for doing the same thing twice and killing it both times. At San Quentin is an energetic live album that features more rambling from Johnny Cash than at Folsom Prison, but he gets away with it, because it feels lik he's performing in your living room.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Generally I find Bruvce Springsteen to be a very overrated artist. Sure he had some killer songs, but overall this 80's dad favourite has only two or three tricks up his sleeve. Up-tempo riffs, maybe a sax solo and his rusty singing voice.
This album was proving me wrong, since the first half was surprisingly versatile, but in comes the second half and and all my prejudices were justified again.
Bob Dylan
4/5
It's another Bob Dylan record. It's another great record.
Eminem
4/5
It's hard, in your face hardcore rap. Eminem reaches all the extremes, some lyrics are downright prison-worthy, but there is a certain quality to it all that makes one keep on listening.
Parliament
3/5
It started of really cool, I was very excited because it was funk, but the album does not hold the fun all the way trough.
4/5
Great record, a softer approach to electronica, but very enjoyable.
Johnny Cash
5/5
This is the album that makes one want to reconsider prison.
At Folsom Prison is fantastic from start to finish, the crowd is enjoyably enthusiastic. Johnny Cash only needs a few notes to connect with them. One can feel the energy pouring through the speakers. It all feels so real, so close. 80 procent of this album is filled with prison blues songs and they are all, every single one, entertaining.
At Folsom prison truly makes a play for the greatest live album of al time.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
I nominate A tribe Called Quest for the smoothest vibe in hip hop.
Shivkumar Sharma
4/5
I love this list for inclusions like this. It's an album I would have never come across on my on. Overall it was a great listen. I enjoyed it thourougly. I do doubt this is the best hindustani record out there.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Lady Soul has to be the most fitting album name.
The Verve
3/5
Starting of with Bitter Sweet Symphony is like baiting, because it never gets better than that. Sure there are other moments on this album, but they are few. Can't say there is anything bad on 'Urban Hymns' it is just al around forgettable. And they had no right to make me wait 10 minutes for a hidden track, that wasn't even interesting.
Björk
4/5
Björk is one of the coolest woman in music. In her Debut she is definitely still searching to define her typical sound, but it's already an amazingly crafted record. Great songs, incredible vocals and such a vibe.
The Byrds
3/5
The country vibes were there, it had a flow as background quality, but nothing that really sparked my interest.
The White Stripes
4/5
A great garagerock record. The white stripes are killing with all around vibes and an surprisingly versatile tracklist. Definitely one to go back to.
The Smiths
3/5
The Smiths are great, but Meat is Murder is one of their weaker albums. I prefer almost anything else they made over this one.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Tusk will forever be the album after Rumours. Surpassing or even leveling that album was difficult, difficult but not impossible.
After Dark Side Of The Moon, Pink Floyd produced Wish You Were Here, which still causes a big debate among fans for their greatest album.
With Tusk however, there is no debate, Rumours is simply better, but that doesn't mean Tusk is bad by any means. For most other bands (many even included in this list) Tusk would easily have been their magnum opus. It is very much deserving of praise on its own.
Slayer
3/5
With Reign In Blood from Slayer you get exactly what is advertised. Fast, trashy guitar play that you could kill, fuck or dismember monsters to. Whatever one's satanloving mind prefers. It's heavy. It's chaotic. It's horror. Could you just imagine 80's moms react to this, hearing it from the basement of their fourteen year-old sweetheart?
It is fantastic at what it wants to be, but not much more.
Deep Purple
5/5
Ar first I did not want to give this a five star rating since I believe 'Deep Purple in Rock' to be there true masterpiece, but there is just nothing wrong with Machine Head. It's an exiting listen from start to finish and deserves every star it can get.
The Fall
2/5
It's been a long time since the generator gave me an album that I did not somehwhat enjoy, but here we are. There are some cool riffs hidden troughout the record but that is the only positive thing I can say about this angry rambling record. Mostly I was looking forward for it to be over.
Ryan Adams
4/5
Overall a gentle experience, with a few heavier songs to break. It was enjoyable, but a bit too long and repetitive in the end.
Hugh Masekela
4/5
Fantastic record. Jazz at it's finest. It's thrilling, it's funky. Just maybe a bit too long
The Black Keys
4/5
Solid all the way trough. The black keys are certainly a discovery to be further explored
Jerry Lee Lewis
5/5
So much energy pouring out of one man. It's thrilling, it's everything a live album needs to be. Makes you wish you were there to feel it for yourself. Rock 'n Roll at its core. Gave me great balls of fire.
Songhoy Blues
5/5
What absolute banger of a recorde. Perfectly mixes an African sound with blues element. Starts kf incredibly strong and holds it till the end.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Siamese Dream is an amazing record. Probably their best. Only couple of filler and a lot of killer.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
While diving through Nick Cave a while back I came across this album, listened to it, but didn't care for it much. Now with a second listen, I respect it more. There are some killer tracks on this.
Still I believe it to be one of his weaker album. Didn't need to be a double album. One volume with a selection of tracks could have been a masterpiece.
The Doors
5/5
The Doors is the best of The Doors. Truly a psychedelic band that sounds like no other in the business. Their debut shook the world and it's still resonating to this day. Every track slaps hard and mixes beautiful melodies with pathos induced lyrics so heavenly. The End in particular is one of the greatest musical pieces of the previous century. Deserves a spot in the top of every list ever made.
Ms. Dynamite
4/5
This had a great groove to it and was actually a solid debut. Even though I couldn't help but think she sounded like the Walmart version of Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Fats Domino
3/5
While Fats Domino comes with the obvious charm of his time, the music is otherwise nothing special. It's good and enjoyable sure. But I feel like musically, there were more interesting things happening in 1957.
The Libertines
4/5
The Libertines by The Libertines has to have the most early 2000's trying to be different looking cover I've ever seen. The music though was surprisingly good. It is not merely a product of it's time but holds up very well. The sound just works
Alice Cooper
3/5
Alice Cooper is one of my favourite personalities in Rock history. A thrilling stage persona with a lot of honesty underneath. Hid music though never made me warm. It's not bad. It's actually solid rock. It just pales in contrast to other rock projects. Still glam rock remains one of my guilty pleasures.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
What a voice, what a performance. It's Aretha Franklin. What else needs to be said?
Britney Spears
2/5
...Baby One More Time (The single) is peak pop music, but the rest of the album is like one long B-side, that isn't really that interesting.
Stereolab
2/5
While Emperor Tomato Ketchup has every ingredient to be the coolest piece of music ever (an English-French collaboration band, a title directly stolen from a very obscure and NSFW Japanese film, a Kraftwerk inspired looping composition of the songs) it bores so very quickly.
Pink Floyd
5/5
If I was forced to objectively choose the greatest album of all time. I would without hesitation say Dark Side Of The Moon.
The Who
4/5
Who's Next features all round great performances from the band. Every sing is great and a few songs are superb. 'Baba O'Riley', 'Won't Get Fooled Again' and 'Behind Bleu eyes' make the others les poignant.
A great endeavor from the band, not their best.
Motörhead
3/5
It's fast, it's trashy, it's Möterhead. A fun album for sure, but not one of the metal scene most essential listens for me. The licks though ar surprisingly versatile.
Magazine
5/5
Went in completely blind. What an album! Another great discovery. Albums like this is why I keep doing this. Great thrilling record. Versatile and very cool.
Joy Division
5/5
Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division was an unique album when it came out and even with all the groups/music it influenced it remains as unique to a modern audience as it did in the seventies. Truly one of music's most innovative bands, Joy Division's short life is dreadfully sad. Though I cannot really see anyone else make this music except for a completely depressed Ian Curtis.
The Verve
4/5
Unpopular opinion but I liked this more than Urban Hymns. A bot front-loaded, but still a great record.
CHVRCHES
3/5
One of the most pop sounding albums I have encountered on this list. It isn't really my thing. But even I can hear that it is very well made and the musicallity is definitely there.
JAY Z
4/5
The Blueprint by JAY-Z is a solid record form start to finish. But since it is being held as one of the best hip hop records of all time, I was underwhelmed. The Blueprint is overall really tame, especially in terms of musical innovation.
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Son of a preacher man is an all time favourite and Dusty Springfield is a great singer. Most of the album is very mediocre though.
4/5
This totally doesn't sound like an album made in the Sixties. It so punky, so energetic. Having a live recording as your debut album is a bold move, but totally encompasses the personality of the band. The total setlist might not be the strongest, but the attitude and innovation make up for it.
The Temptations
3/5
All Directions definitely has some killer tracks, but the pacing of the albums is a bit off in my opinion. All in all I was underwhelmed by this supposedly all time favourite funk record.
Kate Bush
4/5
Hounds of love features some of Kate Bushes biggest yet it is still very experimental at times. It doesn't always work, but it's daring and great.
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
'Want One' started off very strongly, I really thought I was in for another big discovery. The wow-factor doesn't hold till the end though. Most tracks are good and enjoyable. The album as a whole leaves things wanting. But it is one I will turn back to shortly.
Madonna
3/5
While I can get behind the inclusion of an album like this (It's Madonna and she's doing something different than usual) it's not a groundbreaking sound or anything. It's certainly a vibe, but no song really stands out. Pretty mediocre.
Pixies
4/5
The Pixies... when you are like me and for a long time only knew them from the banger end song from Fightclub, discovering their roughness when finally deciding to listen to a whole album was a fantastic experience. Thanks to this list, I relieved that moment a little.
They have such an unique sound and I really wanted to give their solid debut a five star rating for rawness alone. It is just so rough around the edges that I can't, but I love them.
When an album has a great cover, I normally say it so euh... yeah this is a great cover and it's not only because it features an awesome rack.
Louis Prima
4/5
Louis Prima, where have you been in my life up to this point? How come I never found you while surfing through fifties classics. Truly undeserved. There's humor, there's musicianship, there's rock 'n roll, there's jazz, there's blues.
Sure the entire tracklist might not be the strongest compilation, but what a joy to listen to. Definitely checking more of his stuff out.
King Crimson
5/5
This was not a King Crimson album I would see as essential for a long time, but I just didn't listen to thoroughly. It is beautiful, genuinely beautiful. So experimental, so chaotic, yet at the same the it feels cohesive. Larks' Tongue In Aspic is exactly what Progressive Rock is all about, what music is all about
Death In Vegas
4/5
Solid album, really entrancing electronic rock. I haven't got much to say. I enjoyed. I'm glad I discovered it, but it didn't blew me away or anything.
Run-D.M.C.
4/5
The generator is on a roll. A great hip hop feature with incredible production and catchy songs. Run-DMC's debut is one that stands the test of time.
Kraftwerk
5/5
Kraftwerk are the pioneers of electronica. Every album has something, but Trans Europe Express might be there most cohesive effort, even if it doesn't feature their biggest hits. It is one of their most hypnotic/Transcending. I would take the Trans Europe Express to anywhere.
Ps: Listen to the German version, it feels so much more authentic.
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
Another cheaper version of Ms. Lauryn Hill to enter the list. The music is pretty cool though. Real vibes throughout with nice harmonics and an effortless flow.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Well, somehow I misread the information on Raising Hell and mentioned it being their debut. Mea Culpa. The Generator is here to correct me within two days, by giving me their real debut album. Also since notes are unchangeable, my mistake will be on this site till the end of the internet.
Now for my thoughts on Run-D.M.C. real debut. It's quite good. Obviously getting two albums from the same artist in such a short time makes for an easier comparison. And this album's rating will suffer from being less good than Raising Hell. But that doesn't mean the album is bad. It has a some bangers on it and is overall a great tasty snack before the dinner to come. An Amuse-bouche as one could say.
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
Surrealistic Pillow is as good as psychedelic rock gets. All the songs are interesting and on top of that 'Somebody to Love' and 'White Rabbit' are genuine masterpieces. What an incredible voice does Grace Slick have!
Fairport Convention
4/5
Fairpoint Convention is another band that I was completely unfamiliar with. A very welcome discovery, some songs sound angelic and others sound like a living room jam session. It's definitely an album that features a group searching for it's sound. That doesn't mean however that the album is not very enjoyable. On top of that, A sailor's life might even become one of my favorites, it has such an incredible composition.
The Bees
4/5
This was a big surprise. It's such a warm album and within it's warmth it's actually a versatile effort. I never knew which song would come next. This is an album I will definitely return back too. It felt quite unique for a rock album released in 2002.
Boston
4/5
The first half of Boston's debut is peak classic rock. Every song is catchy and the solo's slap. It's uncanny how good it is. But the second half of this album isn't. Not that it's without it's moments, but it's just kinda meh at times.
The Strokes
4/5
What an iconic cover. Is This It by the strokes is an album I've known for a long time, but never really explored. Does it live up to the hype. Well the a certain point, yes. It isn't astraight five out of five, but it is an incredible record. It's sound is unique and a great melt between rawness and beauty.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
As a huge fan of Leonard Cohen, I'm Your Man somehow managed to remain under my radar. And apparently it's one of his most commercially successful ones. I knew take this waltz and that was about it. Because I have a deep appreciation of his early minimalist work, but this album is a nice change of pace. It's very good, but there are three albums I would see as more essential from him. Firstly Songs of Leonard Cohen, then Songs of Love And Hate and finally Various Positions. I hope these are also included in the list.
Grant Lee Buffalo
4/5
Definetly one of the more interesting alternative rock efforts of the widespread of those albums in the early nineties.Grant Lee Buffalo's debut is dreamy yet raw, heavy yet soft. The title track 'Fuzzy' is one to keep in the history books of rock for one of the greatest usages of distortion
Frank Ocean
2/5
I don't get the hype with Frank Ocean, really I don't. What is everybody seeing in this shit that I am not? Sure I can give credit for the somewhat interesting instrumentals, but Frank's whiney whispering/singing/talking gets so annoying so quick that it destroy them completely. I was looking forward to 'end' if I'm honest.
Les Rythmes Digitales
1/5
Feels to much like a mixtape of a local wannabe DJ trying to convince others of how cool his tunes are than an actual album. It's not my really my genre but still I can enjoy the musical innovations of big Nineties dance outlets, like The Prodigy and Faithles. Les Rythmes Digitales doesn't even come near those, actually he might be the polar opposite. Even the Cover looks amateurish. The cover actually might be the only pioneering aspect of this record, since it looks like AI, which obviously did not exist in 1999.
Tim Buckley
3/5
It is chaotic and all over the place, but enjoyable even if he uses the same trick in every song. At a certain point his always screaming or making sex noises. Really an artefact of the peace and love generation.
While listenable, the greatest thing Tim Buckley ever produced migth still be Jeff Buckley.
Eagles
4/5
Well, well Hotel California... Lauded on release and still a staple of classic rock, but often deemed a unimaginative choice when it comes to favorites. Sure it's not the wildest most progressive record from time period, but it's still phenominal. The opening track is a mysterious theory-inducing hit that hopefully will never be forgotten. One of the most recognisable sounds ever created and the album doesn't stop there. It goes on with pretty much banger after banger, even the ballads are solid. Until the end, which carries it's only misser, The Last Resort, the only slow ballad that sounds more whiney than anything else. Should it pop up on so many best of all time lists? For it's initial impact alone, one could make a case that the answer is always and undoubtetly yes, even when it might not end in my personal top 100, if I were ever forced to make one.
David Bowie
4/5
The second installment in David Bowie's Berlin trilogy is definitely worth checking out. 'Heroes', the title track is of course an all time favorite and the rest is at least interesting, with some phenomenal moments all throughout. Heroes is almost as good as Low.
Pentangle
4/5
Truly a different sounding album. It's by no means flawless, but the medieval feel is more than enjoyable. One can see it's influence on bands like Jethro Tull
Ice Cube
3/5
The predator is politcal and on the nose. Definetly an important album within America's troubled history. It's worth listening for the 'preaching integration, but practising segregration' quote only. Though musically I feel like it's one of the weaker hiphop albums in this list. It's cool, no doubt, but pales is in comparison with projects from (for instance) Public Enemy.
Billy Joel
4/5
A solid album by Billy Joel, that deserves it's place in this list.
Bob Dylan
4/5
It's Bob Dylan and it's another great album. All his albums in this list are solid, but dor me Bob Dylan doesn't have a straight five out of five album anywhere. Even though Highway 61 Revisited is probably his best and features personal favorites like Ballad of a Thin Man and Like a Rolling Stone, at certain points the album still somewhat drags.
The Clash
5/5
London Calling is an album I've never fully checked out until now and today I learned that was a big mistake. London Calling is very versatile and yet so very punk, so experimental yet so catchy. A double LP that never bores!
Elvis Costello
4/5
Elvis Costello's debut is a little rough around the edges, but still a very cool and versatile endavour.
Soundgarden
4/5
Soundgarden's Superunknown has a few tracks worthy of Grunge fame, but the album as whole, while solid, doesn't compare to bigger bands in the genre.
John Lennon
4/5
John Lennon still likes to scream when he's going solo. It is a very interesting album, with a lot of experimentation that works. John Lennon's solo work deserves a place in music history, even if it's somewhat obnoxious or pretentious at times.
Mekons
4/5
Quite a lovely album with cool experimentation on it. Some forgettable parts here and there, but overall an intersting experience.
Fela Kuti
4/5
Never was politcal music so incredibly groovy. So glad to have explored this album. Was gonna give it five, but every song on this does the same trick in terms of structure.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
While Layla is an all time great song and many tracks are a solid 4 out of 5, it is overly long. Especially since it is just Blues rock track after blues rock track. Get in the mix a horrible Little Wing cover and Derek and The Dominos' albums really isn't the strongest even if it is still miles ahead of any solo work from Clapton.
The Byrds
4/5
My personal favorite of the three Byrds albums that have been in this list so far. I do beleive there is no way we actually need three of them though. It's an experimental rock 'n roll sound that has many cool moments and feels cohesive.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
It was nice, but a bit underwhelming for what is essentially a supergroup.
The Pharcyde
4/5
Great hip hop record. It musically surprised me at various points
Mike Oldfield
5/5
Mike Oldfield was nineteen when he decided to pick up every instrument he could play and created a 50 minute instrumental symphonic rock piece of art that many labels deemed unmarketable, but ended up as one of Virgin Records biggest commercial hits. Take my five stars.
Ps: I started collecting records when I inherited two separate collections and Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells was the only record in both of them. So to this day I have two copies.
David Bowie
3/5
While The Next Day certainly is a collection of great Bowie Tracks, and I like them, his albums feels like an unnecessary addition to this list. All who love Bowie shouldn't sleep on this album, even if it's for from his essential. It pales in comparison to Blackstar, the true all-timer from this Bowie Era.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Praise You is the only song worthy of eternal fame. The rest of the album has moments, sure, but it's more of the same electronic nineties stuff and I would take The Prodigy above Fatboy Slim any day of the week.
David Bowie
5/5
At first I was dissapointed to get a Bowie Album so soon again, but Aladdin Sane won me over song by song. If the quality is as high as this record, they might all be Bowie records and I wouldn't mind. Peak.
Wire
4/5
Often cited as a big influence on postpunk. This Album is not only influential but also a great listen all around. Really cool sound with a lot of cool moments.
Paul Simon
5/5
Not a single miss on this album. Graceland mixes the African sound with singer-songwriting so effortlessly. Truly an all time great.
Faith No More
3/5
It has some moments, but it's far from the most interesting release in it's genre. The closing instrumental track was surprisingly good though.
Mylo
3/5
Let's not destroy rock n roll if this is the alternative...
It's not bad, it's just nog outstanding by any means.
Saint Etienne
3/5
It has an intersting vibe, but it also drags for far too long.
Metallica
4/5
A very enjoyable project by Metallica. I'm not deep enough into there discovery to know wether it's their best or not. I think it is surely one of the more finer albums the genre has to offer. One is a song for the ages.
Hot Chip
3/5
A bit too long to keep one's attention, it ain't bad, just nothing especially good
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Even while I would consider Led Zeppelin III one of the weaker albums in Zeppelin's original run. It still miles better than many other albums in this list. Quality song after quality song.
Joni Mitchell
4/5
Did not know anything about this Joni Mitchell album for some reason and it is a shame. Her ethereal voice goes so well with court And Spark more jazzy tone.
OutKast
3/5
For sure overly long. The Love Below is at least twice as interesting as speakerboxxx. But when that half starts, the music really kicks. Very cool and funky. Suffers from it's overload. A shorter version could have been perfect.
Blur
4/5
Parklife by Blur has a lot going for it. I like eighty percent of the songs. Boys & Girls is so surprisingly funky. Could have been a straight five out of five, if it wasn't for some obvious filler.
I'm ashamed to admit that for a long time I only knew blur from song 2, but there is much more to the band, which I'm slowly discovering over this past year.
Dolly Parton
4/5
They are not doing anything new or groundbreaking, but goddam these ladies can harmonize! Such a lovely album that just perfectly delivers what is wants. Without this list, I would have never known these incredible singers collaborated, but I'm so glad did. I will definitely return to this on.
Queen
4/5
Fantastic record, quality songs from beginning to end. Another album that proves that Queen is much more than just a hit singles band.
Aphex Twin
4/5
It's fantastic as background music. Dreamy and chill. Just a an album that achieves what it wants to achieve. Might not be the most interesting thing, but still enjoyable.
Shack
2/5
Hms Fable, while it at first glance seems to spark an interesting vibe with it's opening track, quickly bores. Truly one of the most mediocre inclusions on this list. I can't see how this album should be here at all. It's not unlistenable, far from it, but still. This is one inclusion I'm going to rightfully rant about, if I finally get to know which albums didn't make the cut.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Every time a Sabbath album passes in the generator, I'm always tempted to hand out the next five out of five. They really have such strong albums. It's mainly because of my undying love for Paranoid, an album which I think is even slightly better, that I'm unable to give the top score, even when it's probably deserved.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
Nothing Shocking is an apt title.
Pere Ubu
4/5
This has such an unique style. When I first started this journey to the book, I actually thought most albums were going to be like this one. Experimental and not for everyone, but things you should at least hear once, in order to get an idea of how widespread musical innovation can get. I love this inclusion after many of the 'safer' albums. Is it good though? Well, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Sure the experiments don't always land, but when it does, a new realm of post-punk created.
Killing Joke
3/5
I should probably give this a higher score since it does something unique. I get the whole punk meets ambient vibe. The difficulty of acheiving that blend. It just wasn't really for me
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
The vibe is there. Soul really isn't the hardest genre to listen to, since it always has a certain groove to it. But besides the enjoyableness that stems from it's genre definition I didn't find much else in Superfly.
Pretenders
3/5
The pretenders has an intersting tone. It is a quite unique tone on top of that too. But that uniqueness is laced with mediocracy. Wich maked the whole thing a weird cocktail. But I'm glad to have found an alternative to Blondie when it comes to rock outlets with a epic female lead
Boards of Canada
2/5
Getting this only a week or so after Aphex Twin, doesn't help this snorefest score. Sure it's meant to be somewhat ambient but still it has so little to offer.
Common
4/5
Loved this style of rap. The brightness of the background soul pared with the hard political message make a surprising but enjoyable mix.
Slint
4/5
I felt bad for rating the Killing Joke not as high, since it felt unique. Then Spiderland comes along and that rating is justified. Spiderland is feels even more unique than that album. Truly an unheard sound. Great record.
Eurythmics
4/5
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) is one of the few synthpop hits even I can put on replay without being bored by it. I was very curious to check out the full album, which i hadn't done up until now. Great record, with many surprising moment, when that sax gets thrown in on a few song, chef's kiss. A very nice album everyone should check out.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Bad is Michael Jackson's real masterpiece, not Thriller. every song on this album works. Surely some are more iconic than others, Man in the Mirror, Smooth Criminal and the title song Bad, just to name a few. Those high points might not be as genius as the high points of Thirller, but Bad doesn't have any real stinkers.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
With high power and a solid performance from start to finish, Thin Lizzy's Live and Dangerous takes up a well deserved spot in the list. Even if the music itself is not the most interesting.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
than fifty years after it's release Marin Gaye is still making sure people just Get It On. A rare album about sex, that actually achieves steaminess.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Wasn't in any way blown away by the album, but I liked it. Some great tracks, the hit single 'The Killing moon' is one to cherish.
The Allman Brothers Band
5/5
Completely encompasses what a live album should be. Stellar musicianship, jazzy experimentation and a flow to be jealous about. At Filmore East is the pinnacle of performance.
Portishead
5/5
It's Dummy by Portishead. One can make a case for it as best Trip Hop album of all time. A favorite of mine from the first time I listened to it. So dreamy, so perfectly wonderful.
Fiona Apple
4/5
Fiona apple has a great voice and the songs are there, but it noticeably a debut.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Thought is was really interesting at times. Another solid 4/5 album that didn't make me fall in love with it, but was nice to listen top.
R.E.M.
4/5
Just great Alternative rock. The hits like Drive, Man on the Moon and Everybody Hurts. are amazing and the rest is solid too.
The Boo Radleys
5/5
I was hooked from te opening song. One of those rare discoveries that deserves a five start rating
3/5
It has a certain vibe to it, which is quite original, but i'm not sure if I liked it. The Rolling Stones cover was interesting, but did not blow me away
T. Rex
4/5
Really liked this record. Didn't know anything about it, but recognized one song. I am returning to this one soon.
Slipknot
3/5
I deliberately waited to listen to this album until my girlfriend wasn't home since she would loose her minde if I served her one hour of slipknot. While I was not excited to dive into it, since it is also not really my thing, the album surprised me with some stellar musicianship. Like these guys can play, for sure. Still one hour is a longtime for energetic screaming.
Lou Reed
4/5
Very interesting release from Lou Reed. Fully on par with Transformer. Inventive and melodic.
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
Great voice and nice songs. Nick Of Time has no real flaws. It won't blow you away either. Just a good album.
Oasis
3/5
Man, I'm gonna get hate for not liking these boys. I think their pretty mediocre. Don't even know why they are the most famous Brit Rock outlet. Sure I enjoy some songs. She's Electric and Some Might Say are even personal favorites, but as a whole, I don't find Oasis that interesting. Their debut didn't convince me otherwise. Has some nice songs, has some filler. Has some inventive moments, has some boring ones too.
System Of A Down
4/5
Some time ago I listened to Toxicity, because well, one of the most famous Heavy Metal album's form the late nineties. But I didn't really like it that much. So expected not too much from their debut, other than an amazing cover, but the musicality really surprised me. From the start the band competently exploits Serj Tankian amazing vocal ability. Suffers from being a bit too long, but definitely worth checking out.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
Amazing album that dares the put it's most experimental side in the front. Loved it, almost till the end. It loses some of it's quality and flow in the last couple song which makes 'Welcome To The Pleasuredome' just lose it's perfect rating by the smallest margin.
The Specials
3/5
Main, I love some ska, but The Specials couldn't hold my attention the whole thing true. The opening track was phenomenal, but quickly thereafter the quality was lost.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Soulful, jazzy performance, but most of it's charm comes from it being 'old' music.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Interesting at times. But probably won't return to it.
Tito Puente
4/5
I don't know enough about this genre to know whether it is a good choice or not, but I loved it.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Can their be another album that sounds so good and yet is so experimental. I really like this album. A classic, may it never be forgotten.