Honestly? A tough listen. Giving it two stars because there was at least one song I kind of dug, and I don't know what else is going to be on this list but...man, it's weird sounding stuff. Edit: having now listened to more albums on this list, fuck this album. One star. Who likes this shit? Weird, weird music. Faves: - Holes - Opus 40 - Goddess on a Hiway

Like a big hug. Super pleasant to listen to, but it’s not without a few slightly more boring “skips.” Big fan though. Faves: - I Feel the Earth Move - So Far Away - It's Too Late - Where You Lead - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Exceptional album for a sunset drive or a bubble bath. Terrible album for every other life scenario. Faves: - Pitch the Baby - Heaven or Las Vegas - Wolf in the Breast

I hate pop music -- this album did not help. I kind of wish "30" was on this list instead, as I've been wanting to listen to that one and even a few quick samples immediately demonstrate significantly more interesting and complex musical choices. "25" is loaded with the simplest chord changes imaginable, and easy, boring lyricism. There are a couple hits here, and Adele's voice is unmistakably fantastic, but this album is a perfect example of why I can never seem to get into pop: it's homogenous, it's risk-averse, and it's just plain uninteresting. Fave songs: - Sweetest Devotion - that's it

Wow. What a fucking album. Complex, powerful, raw, fun, and strong from start to finish. Can't believe I hadn't heard of this sooner. Fave songs: - You Ain't The Problem - Rolling - I've Been Dazed - Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love) - Final Days - Light

Not a particularly memorable album. Enjoyable to listen to, and maybe it was groundbreaking at the time, but I feel like nowadays it kind of just blends in? Fave songs: - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - Une Annee Sans Lumiere - Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles) - Wake Up - In The Backseat

Erm -- yeah, it's a five. C'mon now. I can remember putting on "Black Dog" on my grandparents' jukebox in their basement as a little kid and dancing my little heart out without knowing a damn thing about the wonderful filth Mr. Plant was wailing about. It's just great music. Rock at its best: complex, hard hitting, memorable, with a shockingly beautiful ballad. Thank you LZ. Fave Songs: - Black Dog - Rock and Roll - Stairway to Heaven - Misty Mountain Hop - Going to California - When the Levee Breaks (side note: is this the hottest fucking song of all time..?)

Wow. Turns out I'm a big fan of Amy Winehouse. Incredibly strong and enjoyable vocals, and an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, funk, and electronic. Too bad she was a total wreck. But this album was not. Maybe a little repetitive/boring at moments, but otherwise a hit! Fave songs: - Intro / Stronger Than Me - Know You Now - Moody's Mood For Love / Teo Licks - (There Is) No Greater Love - In My Bed - Amy Amy Amy Side note: it's my understanding that "Fuck Me Pumps" is the most popular song on this album, to which I have to say...really?

Jesus man, this was a slog. Dare I say - mindless garbage? Yet another good example of why I just can never get into popular music. I feel like the point of music like this is the lyrics - the music itself is kept very safe, familiar, and homogenous to make it more mass appealing, and what people really relate to and find interesting is the words. But I feel like...the lyricism isn't even that good?? So what are we doing here??? Fave song(s): - "Doves In The Wind", I guess

You know, I really, truly enjoyed listening to this album. It's right up my alley, and basically each song is fun and catchy, and I honestly think quite good. My main issue is, I wish they fleshed out some of these songs a little more -- each track being only like 2.5 minutes long really makes everything just sort of drift by, and there's no chance for things to land as much as they could. Edit: the more I play this album, the more I really like it. It's really, endlessly listenable. Fave songs: - Confetti - It's A Shame About Ray - Rudderless - Bit Part - Alison's Starting to Happen - Frank Mills (shoutout musical theatre!) - Mrs. Robinson

IMHO, Led Zeppelin was the greatest true rock band to ever have lived. So, this album is solid, and there are some absolutely phenomenal tracks here. I do think it's a much bigger listening commitment than other albums of theirs, and certainly not as instantly palatable. I feel like a lot of the songs (and, truthfully, the album as a whole) kind of overstay their welcome. But at the end of the day, it's still Led Zeppelin, and it's still a triumph. Fave songs: - Literally ALL of side 1 - Ten Years Gone

Goofy ahh album. Honestly super fun to listen to, even though it's totally wackadoo. Fuck it! Fave songs: - Uncontrollable Urge - Mongoloid - Sloppy (I Saw My Baby Gettin') - Shrivel-Up

Really mixed bag for me, and I'm kind of surprised by some of the other reviews here. Some of the songs here are seriously great, some of them I think are fine, and a few are genuinely some of the most painful and tough musical listens I have ever experienced. Like -- what the FUCK is going on with Into The Light?? That legitimately might be the worst song I've ever heard in my life. But, then, Spellbound fucks. So. Yeah. Fave songs: - Spellbound - Monitor - Night Shift

Okay -- I fucking loved this? One of the best examples I've seen of the ART of DJing: hearing new music in old music, and cutting and splicing to get there. Addictive grooves, pioneering art (he did this by himself? With just an Akai MPC60??), and a sonic landscape that just completely transports you. This rules..... Fave songs: - Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt - The Number Song - Changeling - What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt. 4 - Mutual Slump - Midnight In A Perfect World - Napalm Brain / Scatter Brain - Medley - What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt. 1 - Blue Sky Revisit

Goofy ahh music. Goofy ahhh album. Who the fuck wakes up and actively wants to listen to Ska? Specifically white British guys performing reggae? There are a couple vibes, and it moves quickly enough but...boof. Fave songs: - Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think) - Pearl's Cafe - Sock It To 'Em J.B. - I Can't Stand It

What the fuck is with the hate on this album? This is exceptional -- her voice is absolutely stratospheric, the music is diverse and interesting, and everything is so much FUN!! The whole circus thing is weird and I don't think it needed to be as long as it was, but this is a pretty great album overall. Fave songs: - Makes Me Wanna Pray - Ain't No Other Man - Slow Down Baby - F.U.S.S. (Interlude) - Without You - Still Dirrty - Here to Stay - Candyman - Nasty Naughty Boy - I Got Trouble - Save Me from Myself

Not my fave. But, certainly not as bad as I think a lot of these reviews make it seem. The vocals are pretty brutal, not gonna lie. It's decent. Frankly just surprised it's on this list. Fave songs: - The Fun Powder Plot - Hooting & Howling - All The King's Men - Two Dancers (ii) - This Is Our Lot

Solid. I don't think I like it as much as a lot of people seem to - it seems to kind of drone on, and the album finale is literally terrible. But, it's a very enjoyable listen with a lot of groove and a lot of hits. Makes me feel like I'm in the Matrix. Perhaps the closest I'll ever get to liking reggae. Fave songs: - Safe From Harm - Blue Lines - Five Man Army - Unfinished Sympathy - Daydreaming

A lot of fun, and pretty neat to see some of the birthing grounds of punk as we know it. Rocky Horror vibes. Plus -- it rocks pretty hard! Not the most incredible album I've ever heard, but easy to listen to and great to jam out with. Fave songs: - The Next Big Thing - Back to Africa - Master Race Rock - Teengenerate - Two Tub Man - Weekend - (I Live For) Cars and Girls

Weird ass album, but it kind of grew on me as I listened to it. Soooooo 60s, and sooooo psychedelic, and also was Dr. John white..?? But also, The Big Easy's one of my favorite cities on the entire planet, so you know I gotta put some respect on him for representing. God-awful album cover. Fave songs: - Mama Roux - I Walk on Guilded Splinters

I was actually throwing around whether I thought this should be a 4 or 5 star album throughout most of it. Such iconic songs and a surprising amount of musicianship. And then I heard Mississippi Kid. Holy fuck, what a terrible song. What the fuck are the lyrics implying? Free Bird is absolutely stellar and I still get goosebumps every time I listen to it, but for Mississippi Kid alone it gets a 3. And, at the end of the day, it is still sort of a generic rock album (and boy oh boy are there a lot of those on this list). Fave songs: - I Ain't The One - Tuesday's Gone - Gimme Three Steps - Simple Man - Poison Whiskey - Free Bird

I literally cannot make heads or tails of this album. Is it avant-garde? In which case, is it actually pretty decent? Or are they actually just fucking bad at music? I literally don't know. What genre do you even call this? Utterly baffling. Two stars, I guess. Jesus. Fave songs: - Typical Girls - I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Really cool to listen to. Kind of like the best possible version of slam poetry at times. It's a shame this isn't on Spotify, because it makes it kind of hard to keep track of and return to, but this is definitely a gem. Fave songs: Really hard to do for this one, but special attention to "Very Special Time" and "Song For Bobby Smith"-- man oh man, those are beautiful.

I just...I don't know. Something about this album was just so inconsequential to me. Like, I listened to it, and I immediately couldn't remember any of what I had just listened to. So then I listened to it again. Still nothing. I don't even really know why -- it's not bad? I guess I'm just really not a fan of the David Bowie thing. I can see how people would call it melodramatic, that finale is something else. But for whatever reason it just floats right past me. Fave songs: - We Are The Pigs - The Asphalt World I think??

A couple thoughts about Bob Dylan: 1. If you're going to use a fucking harmonica so much, shouldn't you be decently good at it? I mean Jesus Fucking Christ, I could practice for a week and play every single line on this album. 2. Unfortunately it seems I belong to the camp of hating-Bob-Dylan's-stupid-fucking-grating-voice. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. But if you're a singer-songwriter -- like, if that's your whole schtick -- shouldn't you be able to fucking sing? At all? Holy mother of God this guy's voice is annoying. 3. I get that the appeal of Bob Dylan is supposed to be that he's a "poet." Like woooooow, forget the music, but listen to those lyrics though. Fuck you. They're decent. It's not fucking Shakespeare. Two stars because I can appreciate that this at least took some level of musical ability and intellect. But Jesus man. Fuck you Bob Dylan. Fave songs: - One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later) - Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands

I was expecting to really like this -- I kind of didn't. As I've previously said, I just can't stand pop music (homogenous radio drivel). Turns out this is kind of just the 80s version of that. That being said, I still think it has style, and I do love her voice, so this was a pleasant listen -- but, there just isn't a lot going on here. Shoutout to that hair on the album cover. Fave songs: - Nick Of Time - Love Letter - I Will Not Be Denied - I Ain't Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again - The Road's My Middle Name

Really great listen. Incredibly skillful and really unique. For all I know he could be singing about skinning live basset hounds. Still a total vibe. I'm glad this list introduced me to Jorge Ben Jor! Fave songs: - Ponta De Lança Africano - Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu - Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro - Xica Da Silva - Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado - África Brasil (Zumbi)

Oh man. Really, really good. This is a rare one for me -- I usually don't give much mind to lyrics, and my enjoyment of an album is mostly due to the music itself. Not here. Powerful, powerful words. THIS is poetry in music, and everything helps serve the message Mayfield is trying to get across. The vibe is a little repetitive, but I think the album is the right length to make it work. "So in Love" almost seems out of place, but I don't think it is. There's this constant push and pull in the album of trying desperately to find hope and joy and love in a broken nation that seems dead-set on making sure you never will. So, it works: it's a momentary triumph. And this album as a whole is a complete one. Fave songs: Everything. Edit: upon a second listen, I’m dropping this a bit. Can’t quite get over Mr. Mayfield’s voice. Love him though.

Nick Drake is my favorite artist of all time. "Pink Moon" is my favorite album of all time, and it's not even close. So naturally, I love the crap out of this album, and every single song he ever wrote, and for that reason, I tried to be really really objective when listening this time through. I do think this is his weakest album. Don't get me wrong -- some of the songs here are absolute perfection. "River Man" may just be the single greatest piece of music he ever wrote, taking 5/4 time and making it feel natural, incredibly complex chords and progressions that seem to melt away and feel effortless, and the endlessly fascinating lyrics: "Betty said she prayed today, for the sky to blow away. Or maybe stay. She wasn't sure." But there are also some songs that fall flat. "Way To Blue" and "Day Is Done" feel just a little bit too schmaltzy. "The Thoughts of Mary Jane" feels pretty cheesy. I love this album, but it's not perfect. What it does do is show glimpses of the mastery yet to come. Fave songs: - "Time Has Told Me" - "River Man" - "Three Hours" - "' Cello Song" - "Man In A Shed" - "Fruit Tree" Side note: the lyrics to this song are so impossibly fitting to Nick's own life that it's almost hard to listen to. It's almost as if he knew it would take his death to ignite an interest in his work. - "Saturday Sun"

According to Ozzy Osbourne's obituary in the New York Times, Black Sabbath got their real start because they figured, "people pay money to get scared watching horror movies -- why not music too?" Fucking genius. This album rules, and it's a shockingly complete genesis-of-genre attempt. Horrific, demonic, heavy, dank, and utterly ROCK solid. RIP Ozzy. Fave songs: The whole album.

Pretty interesting. Another one of those albums with a few really high-highs, and many low-lows. At its best, there's a real gritty, alternative, powerful edge that's awesome to listen to. At its worst, it's more like Lincoln Park, or Alanis Morissette: melodramatic, desperately-hit-radio-single junk. I also feel like Skin is kind of all this band has going for it. Fave songs: - On My Hotel TV - The Skank Heads - And This Is Nothing That I Thought I Had

Although I would desperately love to be contrarian, it's a five. When like 70% of your album's songs become ubiquitously iconic singles, the album is probably pretty damn good. Songs from Rumours are wayyyy fucking overplayed in advertisements and family gatherings, and yet they still manage to hit. Fave songs: Basically everything, except maybe "I Don't Want To Know" and "Oh Daddy," but special attention to "The Chain" and "Gold Dust Woman." Jesus Christ I still get goosebumps hearing those songs.

Perfect album to have sex to. Bad album to sit down and listen to. With artists and genres like this, I think that's kind of the point. Which pisses me off. But it works. Fave songs: - Hours - Pendulum - Numbers - Kicks

It's alright, decent way to spend 45 minutes. Sort of a Death Cab For Cutie meets Americana vibe? But the band is Irish..? Most of the songs are kind of forgettable -- not necessarily bad, just not too strong. The vocalist definitely taints it for me a lot of the time. Fave songs: - Deckchairs And Cigarettes - One Horse Town - Say It Ain't So (Shoutout Weezer) - 'Til The Tide Creeps In - Plans (Hidden Track)

JAZZ!! FINALLY!! HOOOOOOOLY CHRIST MAN! What a fucking tour de force of the genre, and of music as a whole. It really adds a lot to the listening experience to know what was going on in Duke's mind as the concert rolled on -- missing band members for the opening set, a complex 3-part suite that completely flopped, and then ONE extraordinary solo that got the crowd (and the world) to recognize his place in the industry once again. I kind of thought this would be a long listen, but it wasn't at all -- just like attending a really fantastic jazz concert. (I should mention that I didn't listen to the strange additional studio recordings...seemed kind of unnecessary.) Duke Ellington was a master composer, the band was full of master players, and damn it -- I love jazz. Five out of five. Probably the best album I've listened to so far. Side note: most people (rightfully) bring a lot of attention to Paul Gonsalves' stratospheric solo, but honestly all of the improv across the entire album is exceptional. Fave songs: The whole concert. Everything. Literally can't pick.

Mostly decent, just not for me. Felt sort of forgettable, and as I've said before, just not a big fan of the new-wave-David-Bowie thing. I don't know. I guess I liked it more than I thought I would? Fave songs: - Dumb Waiters - I Wanna Sleep With You - Into You Like a Train - All of This and Nothing

Hooooooly crapfest man. Jesus Christ. I always really reeeeeeeally try to give each album a chance. Give them their due. And I was seriously close to liking this at times. When you eventually settle into the groove, and you see some girl strutting exactly with the beat outside the window of the bus, like, hell yeah man. But damn those moments are rare. I am not a raver. I do not like listening to 2+ hours of the Apple Logic Rave Preset Starter Pack. Fave songs: - Song of Life - Open Up But also all of this sounds the same man, let’s be real

Street lamps. Rain. Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. Lust. Hate. Virtuosity. Cacophony. Beauty. Mental breakdown, vintage style.

Really pleasant listen. Obviously I'm a big fan of jazz, so this one hits -- the one thing I'll say though, is that this kind of feels like a "cocktail party jazz album." Something you'd put on in the background over a nice dinner to look sophisticated. I'm not a huge fan of any album that fades itself into the background -- to me it's generally a sign of fewer risks taken, staying safe and comfortable at the expense of something groundbreaking -- so for that reason it loses a star. Fave songs: - Desafinado - Samba Triste - Samba De Uma Noto So - E Luxo So - Bahia

This was really nice -- this is a perfect example of why I wish we could do half star ratings on this site. Total perfect example of a 3.5 for me. It's really good. Not one I'd return to super often, but fun and easy listening. Not much else to say. Fave songs: - Welcome To The Working Week - Miracle Man - Blame It On Cain - Alison - (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - Pay It Back - I'm Not Angry - Watching The Detectives

I was expecting this to blow my mind, but honestly, it didn't leave much of an impact. My main thing is -- I've always heard people unequivocally say that Jimi Hendrix was probably the best guitarist to ever live. But then, his solos on this album are just...fine? Sort of forgettable, not very emotional, all kind of the same? I'm not doubting his musicianship, I guess I just don't get the hype. It's a pretty normal psychedelic rock album, which is neat, but not the best thing since sliced bread. Lastly: why is Watchtower the most famous song here? It seems like a fine radio hit, nothing miraculous. Maybe this is a hot take, but I don't even think it's in the top three songs of this album. Fave songs: - Voodoo Chile - Long Hot Summer Night - Gypsy Eyes - All Along the Watchtower - Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)

Not a huge fan of reggae or ska. But then, I was vibing. But then, it kept going. This would be good mindless music if I was stoned on the beach. In fact, it would be really good for that. But I don't like mindless music, and I don't get stoned. So. Fave songs: Every single one sounds the same. Sorry. "Concrete Jungle" is cool though.

Oh, Tom. My sweet, sweet Tom. Who gave you a career in music, my friend? Who listened to you push out a constipated duke in the stall next to them and thought, "hey, maybe that noise would lend itself to music?" Lowkey, he is sexy as fuck on that album cover. And lowkey, his voice makes me want to blow my brains across the car Pulp Fiction style. Sweet Tom. Please end my pain. Fave songs: - In Shades (no Tom singing, of course) - Downtown (kind of a vibe)

Albums like this one are why I love doing this -- I've never even sort of heard of J5, but this is easily one of the best hip-hop albums I've ever listened to. The pockets are deep, the lyrics are genius, and the music is just a damn vibe to listen to. Huge, huge fan of this. Fave songs: Basically everything, maybe not "Hey" or "I Am Somebody"

I can get down with the headbang. I didn't mind this, and it was actually a lot of fun to listen to -- but after a while it all starts to sound the same, and it can really wear you down. Pretty generic thrash metal album -- kind of wish there was something more distinctive about it if it's gonna be on this list. Side note: fucking A+ awesome album cover. Metal covers are always the bomb. Fave songs: - Desperate Cry - Subtraction - Altered State - Orgasmatron (lmfao) - Intro (Arise Sessions) - C.I.U. (Criminals in Uniform)

Serious question: what's up with guys in music with the timbre of a garbage disposal who can't hold a fucking tune deciding to front a band? Secondary question: what's up with the fanbases who somehow encourage and actively support this shit? Tertiary question: how the fuck does their work end up on a list of awesome-tactic albums you should waste your time listening to before the merciful release of death? Fuck you David Byrne. Fave songs: - - -

Was expecting to despise this. Turns out I did not. At a couple points, my body just started moving. Is this what tripping on molly at a rave in Oslo feels like? Maybe I can like electronica, and maybe all it'll take is a couple of cutie pie Norwegian goofballs. Fave songs: - So Easy - Eple - Sparks - A Higher Place - Röyksopp's Night Out

Clearly I'm missing something obvious here. Because what the actual fuck. Whaaaaat a suck fest. Were they all taking their first music lessons on the same day? And someone hit record? Looks like someone accidentally plugged their guitar into a toaster. Oh, and by the way, Lou Reed can't sing for shit. Oh, and by the way, Nico can't sing for shit. I return to -- what the fuck am I missing here? Fave songs: - Sunday Morning - Femme Fatale - Heroin - I'll Be Your Mirror

My god, what a gem. Just beautiful music. A ridiculously beautiful voice -- and to think she wrote all these herself. This album is a testament to her mastery, even so early in her career. I admit I've fallen prey to the common tagline: "I'll listen to anything but country!" Boy does this one make me eat my words. Thanks Dolly. Fave songs: The whole album.

Very cool listen. Gotta respect when a band with the clout of The Beach Boys decides to try something new and undefined -- and, they do it well. I don't think it's perfect, but it's very unique and very solid. Fave songs: - Don't Go Near The Water - Long Promised Road - Take A Load Off Your Feet - Student Demonstration Time (side note: why does everyone hate this?? It's kind of a total vibe???) - Lookin' At Tomorrow - Surf's Up

Man, this was a lot of fun. Definitely enjoyed this more than My Aim Is True, and I think this one really showcases what made Elvis Costello great. It's fun, retro, and a total team effort. Freaking awesome cover art. Fave songs: - Beyond Belief - Tears Before Bedtime - Shabby Doll - Man Out Of Time - Human Hands - Little Savage - Pidgin English - Town Cryer

One of my mom's favorite albums. One of my uncle's favorite albums. So, it's always been one of my favorites, too. Literally just seeing the cover art made my heart skip. I fucking love this one. Easily in my top three rock albums, ever. Neil Peart: greatest rock drummer in history. Geddy Lee: perhaps the greatest rock bassist in history. Alex Lifeson: also there. Drags a little with "The Camera Eye" and "Vital Signs" doesn't do much for me. But this is probably the strongest side A in any rock album I've listened to to date. Fave songs: - Tom Sawyer - Red Barchetta - YYZ - Limelight - Witch Hunt

To be honest, I didn't get a chance to listen too closely to this one, but I think I'm okay with that. How much fucking new wave is on this list? It's all kind of the same? Just a stumble away from pop? This was okay. Some good ones. I guess I'm not a Sting fan. Fave songs: - Synchronicity I - Synchronicity II - Every Breath You Take - Murder By Numbers

I really love Rush, but this one didn't quite stand out to me. I think I liked the opener, but at 20 minutes, it's so damn hard to keep track of. And, the tracks afterward feel sort of simple, or maybe sedated, for what Rush is capable of. What I will say, is Geddy Lee's voice has never sounded better to me. Jesus he can get up there. All in all, not one I'll likely return to that often. Fave songs: - There were lots of moments in here that rocked, but I just can't be asked to go back and hunt for what they were. It was good though. - The Twilight Zone - Lessons - Something For Nothing

At three goddamn hours this little chestnut took me a fair share of days to chunk through. But every single time I got to go back to it...bliss. I'm biased here. I love jazz. I love Ella. I love musical theatre. I love the Gershwins. So, obviously I'm going to fucking love this thing. Fantastic arrangements, unbelievably varied and consistently effortless singing by Ms. Fitzgerald, and source song material that's thoughtful and - in my view - never, ever gets old. It's a dream come true, and love is in the air. Fave songs: Nope. It's the whole damn book. A couple fell flat, but who gives a fuck.

Extremely pleasant listen. Total Beatles vibes, but still unique and lovely. Maybe not the most standout album, but this was really wonderful to listen to. Fave songs: The whole album, perhaps maybe not "Butcher's Tale"

Not my favorite Stones album by a long shot. One word comes to mind while listening: sedated. They're talented musicians, and it's a legendary band, so what happened here? It's still good, still an enjoyable listen, but it just kind of...sits there. And doesn't move. Fave songs: Again, it's bizarre because -- I really enjoyed basically every song on this album (save for maybe Jigsaw Puzzle). But as a whole, it's just sort of decent to me at best.

There are some really great songs on this record. Also a lot of mildly-decent-at-best. And what with Van Morrison being kind of a twat, I'm not feeling super generous. Two stars. The saxophone was nice until it wasn't. Fave songs: - And It Stoned Me - Moondance - Crazy Love - Into the Mystic

It's like they're trying to sound bad. Like really fucking bad. Like the opposite of music, whatever that is. No actually, this is what that is. They nailed it. Jesus fucking Christ this is the worst album I may have ever listened to. How do people like this shit? Just fucking burn me at the stake man. Is there a point to sounding like a broken answering machine? Are you trying to defy the music industry? Are you upset at the music industry because they told you what a piece of shit you were? Are you retaliating by being an even bigger piece of shit? Actually the biggest piece of shit imaginable? Fuck you Mark E. Smith. And fuck your stupid fucking middle initial. Fave songs: Fuck you.

This album really forced me to stretch my ears -- I don't usually listen to lyrics too intently. If an album is musically strong, chances are I'll like it. Here, to be perfectly honest, the music itself is really good -- but kind of just good. Nothing too extraordinary there. But when you do listen to the lyrics, mother of god. These cats were cooking man. The flow, the references, the material...solid, solid album. Fave songs: Whole album, but I gotta say: "No Woman, No Cry" is for sure my least favorite song here. Not what I was expecting.

Uhm. Mr. Jacques "Strap" Brel has a decent enough voice, but I think this album is just a little bit too froofy-goofy for me. Fave song: - Tango funèbre (only because of those silly ass noises this man is making. What in the French hell)

That one fucking guy from your high school who tried to sell you his demo CD for $10. Before eventually dropping out. And then 6 years later you look him up on Facebook to see what the fuck happened to him. He's opening for someone else at a pop-up dive bar cabaret in Fort Collins. He also works a day job as an assistant manager at Buc-ee's. Fave songs:

Ah hell, what the fuck do I give this one. Disco is probably in nobody's top-three genres -- MJ makes it fun. There are some total ass-burgers on this album ("Girlfriend", "She's Out of My Life"...) -- "Don't Stop" is a paradigm-shifting, ultra-groovy album-opening masterpiece. MJ was a cock -- also the King of Pop. Is it a 3 or a 4? I'm going with 4 for now. You won this time, Mikey. Fave songs: - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Workin' Day and Night - Get on the Floor - I Can't Help It - Burn This Disco Out No, I didn't include Rock With You. I think it's dated and boring. Sue me.

I really liked listening to this. I think an older version of me would have especially appreciated the indie vibe here (it's a good one) but perhaps my tastes are shifting. Positive listen. Fave songs: - Quiet Heart - The Devil's Eye - Streets of Your Town - Was There Anything I Could Do? - I'm All Right

This is a lot closer to the kind of punk music I can dig. Solid music, interesting lyrics, fun vibe. Unfortunately a little bit homogenous -- yet another one of those where it kind of just immediately fades away in my memory once it ends. But I liked it! Fave songs: - I'm so Bored with the U.S.A. - White Riot - 48 Hours

There's something here man. I can't quite say what yet. It's weird. Really weird. Like a weirder Genesis, which really just made me want to listen to Genesis. But there's something here. Maybe it's just wacko. But, maybe it's brilliant? Who decides what avant-garde music is good? And how do they decide that? What makes John Coltrane perfect -- and Robert Wyatt just another goober? Not a final rating. Fave songs: - Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road (1 & 2) - Alifib

Drags a small bit with the ballads. But who gives a fuck. Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower Of Power occupy an almost completely isolated echelon of the funk genre, and this album is the perfect example of why. You just can’t. Not. Move. Fave songs: - Shining Star - That’s the Way of the World - Happy Feeling - Yearnin’ Learnin’ - Africano - See the Light

Beautiful. What an incredible talent Ms. Makeba was. I wish I knew more about apartheid, and African history in general. Obviously this isn’t an album I’ll return to every day, but it’s masterful and emotional and perfect for what it is. Side note: I love on an older record like this hearing her clip the mic when she sings most passionately. Nothing like it. Fave songs: Whole album, maybe not One More Dance — the fuck?

I liked this more than I thought I would, and evidently more than a lot of people do. Granted, the millennial experimentalism eventually kind of wore me down. But also, it’s very neat, and there are some beautiful tracks here. Happy to have listened to it. Fave songs: - Cannibal Resource - Temecula Surprise - The Bride - Two Doves - Remade Horizon

My God. This is right up my alley. It’s long, it’s splashy, but it’s also damn fucking good. By my money, there’s a strange mystical beauty to the production, even though a lot of people don’t seem to care for it. Incredible songwriting and musicianship, and unbelievably ahead of its time. Mr. Harrison, you are quite the solo artist.

Woah. This was very cool. Extremely unique. Indie rock meets Mexican house meets flamenco meets pop? Who even thinks to put these things together? But boy, does it work. Another reminder of why I like doing this project. Fave songs: - Quattro - World Drifts In - Black Heart - Pepita - Not Even Stevie Nicks... - Close Behind - Attack El Robot! Attack! - Across The Wire - Dub Latina - Güero Canelo - Whipping the Horse's Eyes - Crumble - No Doze

I love Elvis. Always have, always will. Personally I'm the biggest fan of his '68 Comeback Era, and although I love the early stuff, I even feel like the best of that era perhaps comes a touch later. That being said, this is still so solid and so fun. If I was a young person back in the 50s, I would be creaming my pants over this man. One of the greatest performers to ever live. It's simple, but it's important, and it's damn good. Side note: listening to those goofy excuses for guitar solos on these old tunes always makes me laugh. They really thought they were doing something, huh?

No wonder this album gets hate — when half the list is classic rock and new wave and it’s written exclusively for English toots who grew up in the 70s, indie folk probably makes most of these numbnuts want to choke a liberal. High school me would have eaten this shit up. Current me still mostly does. Pretty beautiful. Wonderful guitar work. Interesting songwriting. Very enjoyable listen.

I liked this. Clearly this was a groundbreaking album, and it's very cool to hear both where they were coming from (Beach Boys pop) and where they were going (legitimate hard rock). It wasn't the most interesting or exciting album, but I enjoyed it and I can see myself liking more by The Who going forward. Respect. Fave songs: - Out In The Street - The Good's Gone - Much Too Much - My Generation - The Kids Are Alright - I'm A Man - I Can't Explain - Bald Headed Woman - Shout And Shimmy - Instant Party Mixture - Leaving Here - Lubie (Come Back Home) - (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave - Motoring

I should hate this. It's everything I've ever claimed to stand against in music: repetitive, simplistic, radio-friendly, and as long as I've heard Billy Joe Armstrong, I've hated that stupid fucking stuffy-nose voice. But it was awesome. All of those things above are true, but also if you turn the volume up to 11, I could win any fucking bar fight in the whole front range. Vibes. Fave songs: - Burnout - Having a Blast - Chump - Longview - Welcome to Paradise - Basket Case - She - Coming Clean - In the End - F.O.D. - All by Myself

Lmao this was fun. 3 stars, fuck it. Fire work, Mr. Lo. Fave songs: - The Art Of Noise - Living Again - I'll Be Around - I Am Selling Soul - All Day Love Affair - Glockappella - Let's Stay Together

Really really good -- for the life of me, I just can't understand why this album wouldn't be included on their discography on Spotify. Always makes these ones harder to listen to and keep track of, but even so, I can tell this is real special. Love me sum funk!

Listening to "Gotta Get Up," I thought, ah Jesus what is this next half hour going to be. And then the next half hour was Gas. This feels like an album where he truly made whatever the fuck music he felt like he wanted to. And he just so happens to be great at all of it. Makes me want to make my own album. Name it Davis Schmavis. Put a photo of me in my boxer briefs on the cover. Little bit of bedhead. Teeth not brushed. But you know that music would be exceptional as fuck. Fave songs: - Driving Along - Early in the Morning - The Moonbeam - Down - Coconut (lmao. Why is this such a stellar vibe.) - Jump Into The Fire - I'll Never Leave You

Hm. Honestly, I was expecting to really love Neil Young. Once upon a time, this sort of music (Crosby, Stills, & Nash; Buffalo Springfield; John Martyn) was all I would ever listen to. Maybe Neil Young is just the worst of the bunch to me? I mean, holy hell, that voice! I consider myself a progressive guy, but - grow a pair buddy! Hooooooly shit, do you ever stop whining! Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the lyrics (actually, I love them) and I appreciate the musicianship, but my god is he insufferable to listen to. Fave songs: - Don't Let It Bring You Down - When You Dance I Can Really Love

This was good. Very solid punk album, and for me, it's a 7. I completely understand a lot of these other comments though -- unfortunately, it does kind of just blend in with the crowd (and it sure is a crowd) of other British punk bands. Fave songs: - One Chord Wonders - New Church - Newboys - Gary Gilmore's Eyes - Bombsite Boy - No Time to be 21 - Safety in Numbers - On Wheels - Great British Mistake

If I could play piano like this - no, if I could IMPROVISE on the piano like this - I would never, ever, ever stop playing.

Well, this came out of nowhere. It looks like I can like 80s pop, if it's done right (done like this, that is). The hooks are spot on, basically zero songs overstay their welcome, and it manages to definitively stay within its niche without getting repetitive. I think the end of the album leaves something to be desired, but when the rest of it is this fun, I've gotta give credit where credit is due. Thanks, Duran (Duran).

In general, I feel like this is sort of just noise for the sake of noise. That being said, there are a few moments where I think they pull even that off. Sonic Youth is sonically interesting, and while I wasn't a huge fan of this album, I am interested to see where they go later in their career. Fucking awesome album cover tho. Fave songs: - Shadow of a Doubt - Starpower - Madonna, Sean, and Me - Bubblegum

One of my favorite albums, ever. And, subjectively, one of the greatest albums, ever. Jeff was a once in a lifetime talent. His voice was beyond extraordinary, and to this day I don't think it's ever quite been matched. His effortless, balletic navigation of his Brobdingnagian vocal range; the raw emotion he miraculously injects into every syllable of his work; masterful songwriting, complete with covers that actually do something new and meaningful. Oh, and all of this was even stronger live. I'm always struck by a lyric in Mojo Pin: "Born again from the rhythm / Screaming down from heaven". And he is. It shouldn't have been this way. His death was a fluke, a complete unlucky accident. I suppose all we can do is be grateful that he strove to accomplish as much as he did in his short life, and revisit his work every so often to let him be reborn -- and scream again.

Perfect example of an album that may not be one of the best-ever made, but certainly deserves a spot on this list. Unless you grew up in this era, music like this is probably nobody's favorite -- but it existed in such a big way, and it influenced so much down the road, that I think it would behoove anyone to give it a shot. It's a super pleasant listen, albeit extraordinarily repetitive (how many songs are we gonna do in 3/4 exactly? About love and loss? With the same parallel harmonies?). Also, I can't say the Alabama and Kentucky love letters have aged particularly well. But, it was unique and I think important. Fave songs: - I'll Be All Smiles Tonight - Let Her Go, God Bless Her - What Is Home Without Love - In The Pines - My Brother's Will

I won't sit here and say this is actually secretly a stellar album because "art, man." However, they did take a risk with it, and it was certainly ahead of its time, and lord knows I've never heard anything quite like it. By my money, "Frankie Teardrop" is really why this album is on here, and probably what makes Suicide matter at all. I'm not going to say it's a good song, but it does make you stop in your tracks and listen -- which counts for something. It's haunting, disconcerting, and at times downright terrifying. A lot of musicians could probably never pull that off if they tried. Fave songs: Yeah, no.

Verdammt, diese deutschen Jungs haben einfach gemacht, worauf sie Bock hatten, scheißegal was, oder? Still could not even begin to describe what the fuck krautrock is, even after a full listen. Interesting enough though, certainly didn't hate it.

Yet another classic in my family. This has always been an interesting album to me, seeing as it's filled with some basically perfect songs, and some real duds. But, at the end of the day, I'll always give it the benefit of the doubt. "So Far Away" is poignant and understated; "Money For Nothing" has the greatest song intro basically of all time, followed by 5 minutes of perfect satire; "Walk of Life" may be the most uplifting song ever; "Why Worry" is straight up beautiful. Can't say I would relisten to the other songs here very often, but it's still a damn good album.

Another bizzarro pull. Went from thinking it should be a one to thinking it should be a four over the course of two songs. Let's be real. This is some weird shit. And most of it does not land. That being said, there are at least three tracks here that had me driving with one hand on the wheel feeling like a G. So. I give it a two. Fave songs: - Planet D (Portishead Remix) - Wilmot - Tow Truck - Theme

At first I really wasn't sure, but boy did it grow on me. I feel as though with this album, I finally understand what exactly alt-rock, and punk rock are, as well as why they appeal. It gives voice to the fringe, unapologetic in its anthems of The Weird. You don't care about the world, and this music doesn't care about you. And there's a strange comfort in that. Basically liked the whole album, maybe not Bone Machine or River Euphrates.

Really, really strong, and undeniably a powerful album top to bottom. Not to mention, it's a ton of fun. Very cool to hear the OG spots that other artists sampled/imitated in the years to come. It has that quintessential early-hip-hop-DNA which is phenomenal, but I think it perhaps reached a more diverse/nuanced/enjoyable iteration in the years and groups to come (my own opinion). Either way, I loved this.

Woah man. I guess I...love britpop? The fuck? There's something smack-dab perfect here for me. It's gritty and alternative while still emphasizing the musicianship needed for truly good music; it's aggressive, but it doesn't take itself too seriously; it rips along at a sprint, but takes some time to lean back as well. Supergrass, you have my love. A+ album cover also, it's weird and fucked up and kind of weirdly pretty.

Elton John's work is so gaudy and dramatic to the point that a deep, dark piece of my soul can't help but always be pissed off. But, I probably need therapy, because there's no denying that the musicianship is off the charts. Even on a lyrically stupid-ass fucking song like "Indian Sunset," I found myself vibing to the music underneath. And, you gotta put some respect on the few blokes in rock who had the guts to shove a piano into the genre. Fave songs: - Tiny Dancer (duh) - Levon - Razor Face - Madman Across The Water - Rotten Peaches

Is this something I would ever possibly listen to on my own if not for this project? No. No it is not. And frankly, I probably won't listen to it again. That being said, there's no denying that music like this is permanently popular, and great swaths of America look back on this stuff with total nostalgia. Why? I think the lyrics are really timeless, and there's something enticing about a regular guy singing simple tunes about something as simple and ubiquitous as the Loss of Love. Beyond that, I suppose it's a country thing that I'll probably never understand (and maybe never want to). Fave songs: - I've Got a Tiger By the Tail - Wham Bam - If You Fall Out of Love With Me - Fallin' for You - We're Gonna Let the Good Times Roll - Streets of Laredo - A Maiden's Prayer - Memphis

I don't think anyone can in good conscience say that Kendrick's not at the top of his game. Is this my favorite music to listen to? No. Is every single song perfect? Also no. But his lyricism is just unmatched, and this album woks extremely well as a full package. Perhaps this is bold to say, but I think hip hop today has devolved with a lot of modern rappers, opting to boast about the easy topics. An album like this is right down the line of the original mission statement -- music for social change, to bring light to the dark corners of our underserved communities. Fave songs: - Backseat Freestyle - The Art of Peer Pressure - good kid - m.A.A.d city - Real - Compton

I'm not totally sure why I wanted so badly to hate U2. I'm also not sure why I expected to. I had to really, REALLY fight my bias on this one. The reality is, these boys cooked here. Maybe it pisses me off because it has that 80s tendency to lean ever closer to radio-pop. But they're still talking about strong stuff, and the music itself really works. So, I'm sorry, Bono. I would also apologize to the Edge, but Jesus fucking christ that's a stupid name, so, no.

Lmfao. What the actual fuck. I could get behind this if it was intended to be avant-garde opera. I can dig some Schönberg. But this isn't that. They're brief little nuggets of moderately atonal German crap. And by the way, Ms. Krause's voice is nothing to shake a stick at. No wonder you can't find this on Spotify. Jesus.

I just really don't get the Bowie hype. I think this album was fine. It seemed very normal to me for something from 1971; some hits, some duds, and a slightly-grating, high British tenor voice. Maybe the magic is in his later work, but I don't really see it here. Fave songs: - Changes - Life on Mars? - Quicksand - Fill Your Heart - Andy Warhol

I may need to revisit this one. Frankly, I thought it was okay -- for whatever reason, the sort of eye-opening epiphany "Surfer Rosa" brought me just wasn't present here, and it just felt simpler, noisier, and less put together. I get the argument that they perfected alt-rock here, but maybe that's just not up my alley. Not a final rating. Fave songs: - Tame - I Bleed - Here Comes Your Man - Monkey Gone to Heaven - La La Love You - No 13 Baby - Hey

There were some seriously great songs here, and some that just immediately faded away. Struggled a lot with whether to give this a 3 or a 4 -- I think it's sort of a generic 70s rock album, but I also feel like it's a pretty darn good 70s rock album. That said, I'm going with 3. There's just enough here that's decent at best. Fave songs: - Love Lives Here - Stay with Me - Debris - Too Bad

Damn. Cheap Trick can rock pretty hard man. This is just some by-the-book quintessential Classic Rock, but I think a rather good example of it. Clearly Tokyo was creaming their pants over it, and in a way I was too. Memorable songs, quality musicianship, and a willingness to get lost in the sauce. Vibes. Fave songs: - Lookout - Big Eyes - Need Your Love - Ain't That a Shame - Surrender - Clock Strikes Ten

"'You're all just pissin' in the wind. You don't know it, but you are.' And there ain't nothin' like a friend who can tell you you're just pissin' in the wind." What the actual fuck Neil Listen, I liked three songs here. I also really didn't like five others. I'll admit, I've heard worse music in my life. But I just can't be fucked to look for whatever the hell it is in this album that makes people rate it well. I think Neil Young is whiny and sluggish, and this one did not help with that perception. Fave songs: - Walk On - For the Turnstiles - Motion Pictures (For Carrie)

Honestly man? This was a major vibe. Certainly my favorite electronica to date. On the one hand, this is absolutely music that I could expect to hear playing in a Gap in some mall in a suburb. Then again, there were times I was seriously grooving. I’ll take that as a win. Fave songs: - Valley of the Dolls - Sunworshipper - Drop the Pressure - Rikki - Otto’s Journey - Musclecar (Reform Reprise) - Zenophile - Need You Tonite - Emotion 98.6

Monk may not be my favorite jazz pianist of all time, but there’s no denying his mastery of the form. For some reason, there’s always just been something about his playing that doesn’t grip me and capture my attention like, say, Oscar Peterson or Keith Jarrett. That being said, this was a joy to listen to, and any record with Monk and Sonny is a damn good record in my book. Fave songs: - Brilliant Corners - Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are - I Surrender Dear - Bemsha Swing

My junkie queen. As someone who loves older music, Amy's work is kind of a dream come true -- it's deeply influenced by it, while still making it modern, accessible, and just damn good. By my money, "Back To Black" is perhaps a little safer than "Frank," but I think this is a result of her finding her niche, and choosing to just stick in it and master it for one full album. It's extraordinary, and endlessly re-listenable.

My heart skipped a beat when this showed up. Radiohead is my favorite band of all time -- I think their musicianship is just entirely unmatched -- and having listened to their entire, winding discography (and loving basically all of it), Kid A is still one that stands apart and above most. I would give my left nut to go back to Y2K and listen to the first few seconds of this album for the very first time. I imagine already being a fan: loving the alt-rock niche that they had perfected, loving Thom's strange but enticing lyrics, and loving most of all their willingness to push the boundaries. Ok Computer was an indie rock slam dunk. New Radiohead release? Awesome, I can't wait for more. But no. It's something completely, entirely new. It's electronic, it's dark, it's hypnotic, it's confusing, and yet it makes perfect sense. "Everything In Its Right Place" is, without question in my mind, the greatest opening track on any album, ever. "The National Anthem" is scathingly political in a quietly terrifying way. "How to Disappear Completely" may be the most depressing song I can ever remember hearing, because of Radiohead's ability to give sound to that which has long thought been too dark. "Treefingers" is pure hypnosis, "Optimistic" is the most terrifyingly pessimistic song on the album, and the praise goes on and on. It takes a lot of courage for a band to decide that their success is not enough, perhaps not even earned -- that there is more artistry to be discovered if they start from scratch, and dig deeper. So much courage in fact, that I can't even think of another band off the top of my head who did it. But Radiohead did. And they nailed it first try.

One of the greatest jazz fusion records ever cut. Alongside "Bitches Brew" and "Heavy Weather," it's easy to see why this stuff took off. Watermelon Man is ridiculous, and yet it grooves so damn hard. Phenomenal.

You gotta put some respect on Missy. Ask anyone to rattle off as many female rappers from the 90s as they can -- who are they going to come up with? Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott...and the list ends? Brutal. She broke a lot of ground with this album, against a lot of odds. All of that being said, I gotta be honest -- this is not the best hip-hop I've ever listened to. I think she really came in to her own a bit later in her career, and while this was a pivotal record, I don't necessarily think it's extraordinary. Sorry Ms. Misdemeanor. Fave songs: - Hit 'Em wit da Hee - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) (shoutout Ann Peebles!) - Beep Me 911 - Pass da Blunt - Friendly Skies - Izzy Izzy Ahh - Gettaway

Rock and roll patient zero. Not only is this a deeply important album, but it's also freakin good. Little Mr. Richard's got some pipes on him. Now, I can only listen to mostly-the-same 12-bar blues for so long, but luckily this little nugget only clocks in at like half an hour. 4 stars.

Completely out of left field. A pretty darn tidy rock record, and one I'll probably listen to a lot more. Maybe not the most musically incredible, but damn it I liked it. "The Softest Hammer" kind of sends this album out like a fart in the wind, but otherwise I think it's darn strong.

The first ever example of true "ambient music," i.e. music that you're literally not supposed to listen to -- just put on in the background and forget about. This goes against everything I believe about music, but at the same time, this was utterly pioneering, and Brian Eno kind of perfectly accomplished what he was going for...? This would probably make me feel rather peachy in that hellish purgatory of LAX. But also, when the purpose of a piece of art is to ignore it, and it happens to be really good at making itself so forgettable and invisible that you inevitably ignore it...can we seriously call it great art? Maybe? Fucking hell.

A really tough one to rate. On the one hand, it's clearly more complex and ambitious than "Dookie," and it's a well thought out, tight package. On the other, I kind of just...like it less? Maybe Green Day was just better suited for stupid fun pop-punk, and they really never needed to bother with trying to go deeper. Probably sacrilege for me to say, but it's how I feel at this point. I also think having seen the fucking god-awful stage musical version of this album didn't help me going into this. Fave tracks: - American Idiot - Jesus of Suburbia - Holiday / Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Are We the Waiting / St. Jimmy - Wake Me up When September Ends - Whatsername - Too Much Too Soon - Shoplifter - Governator

A little too twangy for my taste. I can get behind country when it's truly gorgeous or historically significant, but this to me feels like neither -- sort of just run-of-the-mill farmhouse lovin'. I get the sense that a lot of people in America would probably call this album their favorite yet; I also get the sense that every single one of them would be the worst person you've ever met. All I'm saying is, maybe there's a reason it's a country music stereotype to only ever sing about your wife walking out on you. Fave songs: - Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through) - The Weatherman - She Told Me So

White man battles racism with scathing American South satire but can't help himself from dropping the hard R seven times in one song

I was really expecting to be floored by this -- but I wasn't? Don't get me wrong, it's certainly good, and I can understand why it's considered essential listening; I just found a lot of the tracks to fall seriously flat, and boy does it sure sound dated. I don't know. Not for me, I guess. Fave tracks: - Wouldn't It Be Nice - That's Not Me - Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) - I'm Waiting For The Day - Sloop John B - God Only Knows - Here Today - I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

Damn. WAR can hang. Like probably everybody else here, I only knew "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends;" both solid songs, mind you. But this album's a feast of groove, all a lot of fun to listen to -- somewhat funky, somewhat soulful, somewhat reggae, somewhat latin. Major vibes.

Took me an embarrassingly long time to realize some of these lyrics were in French. I didn't hate this. Clearly, Stereolab were great at building soundscapes, and every single song starts with a fresh approach that's interesting and enticing. But then, they just sit there for 4 minutes, and do nothing. Every. Time. I'm not the biggest fan of electronica anyway, but especially when it sits in this odd middle ground where it's not supposed to fade into the background, but it's not supposed to be captivating all the way through. I also feel like these melodies are just relentlessly weak, and when you pair all of that with lackluster vocals, what are we even listening to? Fave tracks: - Cybele's Reverie - Spark Plug - The Noise Of Carpet

Wow, man. By far the most controversial album I've listened to so far, and it's not even sort of close. There's so much to say about this guy, it's hard to know where to start, and it's even harder to know how to rate it. Turns out, Marilyn Manson was a pretty shitty guy. Wow. Shocker. But I'm going to separate the art from the artist for a bit. At the end of the day, this thing was freakin one of a kind. He was writing music about things that no one - NO one - would ever think of touching. And he was loud, unapologetic, but most of all, wickedly intelligent about it. It's not brainless "hail Satan" shock-rock, even though every POS, spineless, white American politician tried to make that the narrative. It's something that challenges your thinking, your emotions, and your morals -- is that not the definition of art? Not to mention, this music rocks. Hard. And by the way, I don't think playing Grand Theft Auto and listening to a song a couple times are going to singlehandedly turn you into a national security risk. So, I'm giving this album my most surprising 5 to date. Sue me. May Mr. Manson thoroughly enjoy his court-mandated community service.

Radiohead, I love you. Realistically, this is probably the weakest RH album of the ones that have been included on this list. Even still, it's a 4. They're just that good, man. How extraordinary is it that a group of extras from the Kid A sessions, wisely deemed inappropriate for that album, could be smacked together in a release of their own and STILL be a certified platinum masterpiece? Fuck me man, these guys were incredible. And no, it's not perfect: it does feel less cohesive, there are a couple duds, and the energy never quite builds like you'd want it to. But it's intelligent, haunting, depressing, and downright good music. Thom Yorke, have my babies. Fave tracks: - Packd Like Sardines In a Crushd Tin Box - Pyramid Song - Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors - You And Whose Army? - I Might Be Wrong - Dollars and Cents - Life In a Glasshouse

I was reeeeeeeeally tempted to slap a one star rating on this puppy and look the other way. Two hours long, not on Spotify, all obscure electronica. Fuck me. But, in actuality, it kind of bangs. Yes, it's boring. Yes, it's basically just beats after beats after beats. But it's also kind of a mindless vibe, and in a weird way, the absolute best music I've ever had for running. In conclusion, I would play it at the gym, and I'd play it on any run, except actually I never will because I'm not sitting through those YouTube ads.

Holy 80s! This is not soul, and it is not rock. It is 80s pop. And that's okay! Except actually it's not. Damn, I don't like this music. He has a nice voice and there are certainly some hits here, but woof man, this was a pretty lackluster listen. Fave tracks: - If You Let Me Stay - Wishing Well - Dance Little Sister - Seven More Days - As Yet Untitled

I enjoyed listening to this, but...I don't know man. There's something simultaneously overblown and overly simple about Arcade Fire's music, not to mention pretentious. It's a good listen, but not something I find myself drooling over. Fave tracks: - Keep the Car Running - Windowsill - My Body Is a Cage

Bob Dylan, goddamn you. It's no secret that I hate this man's stupid, music-less, grating voice. But I really tried this time around to listen to his lyrics, to push past the pain and appreciate why everyone seems to love him. And unfortunately it worked. When you really tune in to the stories he weaves in his songs, it makes you hyper aware of just how shitty most other lyrics are. His work really is deep and thoughtful, and this album in particular ties that to some pretty pleasant music underneath it. So, it works for me. I still hate your voice. I still hate the way you play that fucking harmonica. I now hate that you've made me realize how banal regular song lyrics are. But I have to hand this one to you. Cheers, Bobby.