1001 Albums Summary

Overall, a really solid album. Of course there are the well-known hits like "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes," but "Don't Give Up" (with the incredible Kate Bush) and "Mercy Street" bring a quieter, softer feel, and the album is rounded out nicely with some synth pop/electronic fun stuff. Great listen start to finish.

To be fair, this album literally made up part of the soundtrack of my childhood, as my mom was a big Billy Joel fan and played it front to back often. These songs are very familiar to me, and in fact, when I was probably three or four years old and my mom came home from the salon with Ash blonde hair while I was used to her brown hair, I reminded her of "Just the Way You Are" when I said "Don't change the color of your hair, just like the song says!" Still, it was a wonderful journey to the past, and I enjoyed listening again today. It's got so many well-known hits.

Fun, peppy pop - lots of fluff, not a ton of substance.

I could listen to this album while hosting a dinner party, taking a good drive, or even just relaxing and reading a book while it plays in the background. Chapman's voice is hypnotic, and these are solid, very listenable songs. Very enjoyable overall.

Although I'm not a huge hip-hop fan, there's no denying that this group and this album features a powerhouse of talent. There are fun, recognizable, and infectious hooks, and intelligent word play in the lyrics.

I played this album so much in college and throughout my early 20s, I practically have it memorized. Amos' powerful lyrics tell great stories - not all with happy endings, but that certainly does mirror what happens in real life. It's a powerhouse of an album considering it's just Amos, a piano, and some backing vocals & instruments... not a full band in the true sense. The focus is always, as it should be, on her skillful piano playing chops and her hypnotizing voice. The first album I've rated as five stars, but for me, it deserves it.

Well, I was disappointed with this. Most of the songs are so stripped down and bare, and sound as if they were recorded in someone's basement. I got the sense while listening that this is what it must be like when your friends tell you, their son is starting a band and they want you to come listen to some of his songs. You'd smile politely and say, "Wow, that's great!" and then go home and think to yourself "meh." Nothing makes me want to listen to these songs again.

Wow! I was instantly fascinated by the classical orchestration in the opening track, and then equal parts captivated and impressed by the rest of the album. I knew I had heard Monáe's name before and it wasn't until I read more about her that I realized it's as an actress from the movie "Hidden Figures," but I don't know that I was aware that she was a singer as well. This entire album was so much fun with its poppy, experimental vibes and its concept album feel. "War of the Roses" sounds like a track ready for the Broadway stage and "Wondaland" and its poppy, upbeat self sounds like something Katy Perry or Janet Jackson, or a contemporary could easily have recorded. "57821" features wickedly gorgeous layered harmonies and reminds me of a 60s folk group. "Say You'll Go" has moments where she's channeling a lounge singer in all the best ways, ramping up into something akin to a movie score. Monáe's range of styles is quite different throughout the whole album, but somehow it all works together and I am so thankful to have found this because it is going to be added to my library for future frequent listens. What a great find! Fans of big voices like Janet Jackson, Adele, Diana Ross, or Whitney Houston, will no doubt enjoy this.

I listened to this album two times in a row, back to back. I was painting our outdoor bench on my patio and it provided a pleasant soundtrack for this task. Did I enjoy the music? Sure, as I tend to like Indie and folk music. Was there anything truly remarkable that stuck out to me on this album and made me say wow? Not really. It was nice background music and I can see myself listening to this album again in the background as I am studying or reading or cooking… But it will not be one that I will seek out all the Time if I'm looking for up-tempo or high energy stuff. It was mellow, it was pleasant enough to listen to, but as for being one of the 1001 albums, I must hear before I die, I was a bit underwhelmed.

There were only two or three songs on here that were familiar to me, but the whole album was really great! No surprise that Black Sabbath enjoyed the popularity it did for so long, and even listening to this album from 1970 in 2025, it's easy to see what solid rockers they were. I will say, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a few more "mellow" tracks from these gods of rock 'n' roll. A great rock album!! RIP Ozzy.

Well, I really wanted to like this. I mean, I really did. Electronica, scrappy West Germans trying to make a name for themselves in the 70s new music scene, ("Now is the time on Sprockets when we DAHNCE!") but honestly, I just found this to be rather redundant/repetitive and a bit of a snoozefest if I'm honest. Listening to other late 70s albums like those by The Police make this seem like a weak effort, and parts of this remind me of the demo tracks that came on a Casio keyboard.

I was in college when this album dropped. I listened to it a fair amount, but haven't heard it in many years until now. I think I had forgotten what an overall strong album this is. It's not something I want to put on all of the time… I would definitely need to be in the right mood for this one, but there's no doubt that Björk was a trendsetter, and if this is an incredibly strong debut album. Is her voice a little bit weird? Yes, but pleasantly weird, if that's a thing.

Wow...um, not sure how to begin on this one. Every song is completely different, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but is a bit jarring when you think that many albums do you have some sort of a theme or a flow to them and this one just does not! There are definitely moments of fun with clever, bouncy lyrics and melodies, and some catchy tunes that could easily become earworms, but I'm not certain that I will return to this monstrosity of an album very often.

As a child of the 80s, I knew Supertramp for radio hits, but this was my first full album listen. Interesting stuff- I'd like to listen a few more times to really gel with it, but my favorites were "Bloody Well Right," which I knew, and "Rudy," which I didn't. This album sounds like the love child of ELO, the Moody Blues, and Steely Dan.

I love this album so much! You can rock out to some tracks (Cherub Rock, Disarm) and relax to others (Soma, Mayonaise). I like that the Smashing Pumpkins' sound is so different from anyone else's, too. Several of these songs were popular, mainstream hits, and I find myself smiling and turning up the radio when they come on even now, many years after the album's release. Even if Billy Corrigan's voice or the whole band's style is not your thing, there's no denying that the Smashing Pumpkins made a big mark on 90s alternative for good reason.

When I got my album selection today, I thought to myself, "Wow...this is the second album from this band, and I have never heard of them?!" Then, I listened, and I see why. It's just meh - these guys would be fitting entertainment for the county fair, but not much else.

I enjoyed this album - "Heads Will Roll" is a fun one. Played it through twice and while there was nothing I can say I really disliked, I also can't say anything stuck out to me as being amazing.

Is this a Clash-esque band? Kind of, I felt like, only less interesting. Does it sound like something from 1979? No way. Would I listen again? Meh...probably not.

How appropriate that I listened to this while driving along Florida's A1A, as the beachy atmosphere and scenery were the perfect backdrops for the album's SoCal-inspired punk-pop. I was excited to get this album because I grew up listening to the Go-Go's, but hadn't heard this fully in a long time. These talented women were true pioneers in new wave music, writing & playing everything on their own, and that ought to be enough to give them a high rating, but the fact is, they also have serious musical chops and solidly earn their rating. Everyone knows and loves the hits "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got the Beat" but tracks like "How Much More" and "This Town" are great examples of how talented the Go-Go's really are. Belinda Carlisle's voice is enchanting, and this entire album will stick with you to create the best type of ear worm .

Nice piano music - good background music to put on during a cocktail party… Impressive to know that the artist did this all on the fly and it was improvised. It's interesting enough, but I didn't find the hour-long album to be dynamic simply because it's just piano.

Not my thing. Yes, Biggie's rhymes are impressive, but as a woman, I struggle with too many of the lyrics.

Well, there's almost an hour of my life. I will never get back.

After a while, every song on this album began to sound the same to me. I enjoyed The Cutter but that's probably the only song I would add to a playlist..

I was honestly so excited to get this album today because I grew up on the Beatles and recognize them for their musical genius and sheer impact on the modern music world. However, I honestly tried to approach today's project as if I had never heard the Beatles before. I probably would have marveled at how different all of the songs on this massive album are. They honestly sound as if they have completely different personalities and styles and indeed they do, which is one great way to glimpse the individual personalities of the songwriters and singers. Yer Blues and Why Don't We Do It In the Road are two examples of their solid bluesy style , but then you get the honky-tonk piano of Rocky Raccoon, the bouncy, playful, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Harrison's wicked guitar on While My Guitar Gently Weeps along with its hypnotic sound and vibe, the simplicity and sheer beauty of Blackbird, and the sweeping orchestrations in many songs, especially evident in Good Night. Music critic I am not much to be said which I am missing here but this is when casual observers take on just how incredible this album is from start to finish. I would probably have also remarked that some of the stuff is just super weird, and I might have (accurately) guessed that there was a fair amount of drug-inspired/influenced content on this album. I might've remarked that in some ways, the album due to its track differences, lacks sheer coherence as an album, but further listens would prove to me to be quite wrong, and when taken as a whole, The White Album is a solid beginning-to-end coherent masterpiece. There's a reason these guys have been labeled musical geniuses and a reason they continue to impact artists today. Yes, they're worth all of the hype and this is the first album I have rated five stars in quite some time.

Sounds like a less-polished version of the alternative bands I loved in the 90s.

Sounds like a less-polished version of the alternative bands I loved in the 90s.

My favorite band growing up, and still a top favorite of mine today. These guys are excellent musicians, and both Roland and Curt's vocals are unique and add so much to their songs. Listening to Songs From the Big Chair after so many other recent albums, which I rated only a one or two stars , points out the stark contrast between Tears for Fears and these other bands. These guys are so polished and the studio album is just so tight. Songs flow extremely well from one track to the next. Starting off with the high energy, angsty "Shout" is an outstanding way to pull listeners right into the action on this album Things immediately seem to mellow out with "The Working Hour," but by the end of track two, there's ramped-up energy in that song as well. The album's, most famous song - in fact, probably the group's most famous song - is their third track, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" which still sounds fresh and modern 40 years later. Other notable tracks include "Head Over Heels" and "Mothers Talk," but honestly, I can't really find much to critique on this whole album. It's just so polished and the musicianship and instrumentals are head and shoulders above most of the drivel I've listened to within the last several weeks through this platform. Tears for Fears are touring again in 2025 and if you've never seen them live, they put on a hell of a show! High energy, their voices still sound pretty damn amazing all these years later and their music quality has improved, if anything. Highly recommend you check them out.

I'm sure the 60s and 70s folk purists were upset about this one...they probably were as angsty as Dylan himself seems when he reminds us 300 times that he's not working on Maggie's farm anymore. Little moments like Dylan's laughter at a mis-start on "Bob Dylan's 115th Dream" make albums feel so much more personal and invite us into the fun of creating the music. Also, this album has an unusual amount of lyrics about hotdogs. "On the Road Again" (no, it's not *that* version), "115th Dream", and I'm almost certain I heard them one other time… But really, isn't two mentions about hots on the same album already a bit excessive? I was not looking forward to this album because honestly, I've never liked Bob Dylan's singing. I can absolutely respect his chops as a songwriter and realize his influence on the music and political scene of the 60s and 70s I just can't stand to hear his voice. Still, it wasn't a totally boring album.

Pretty music which would've been much better as an instrumental album.

Not bad but I also would say not amazing. "It's a Shame About Ray" and "Mrs. Robinson" are the only two songs I knew and while I could say each are pretty solid examples of 90s alternative - even the cover of "Mrs. Robinson" has been updated for a fresh spin- overall, many of the song sounded the same to me. It didn't knock my socks off like other 90s early alternative albums from the time may have done.

Well, this was a fun ride! I knew a few Kinks songs but can't say I've heard anything from this specific album and I really enjoyed it! It's so obvious to hear the Beatles influence on many of these tracks, but yet The Kinks' individuality also shines through.

I really love Nevermind, but this album is just screamy and loud and feels to me like the band was just attempting to sound really pissed off all of the time. I was so thankful for "All Apologies" by the time it rolled around because it was a balm to my bleeding ears.

No one out there sounds like AC/DC, and this album is so full of loud, raucous hits, it's sort of crazy. This is the gold standard of hard rock. Solid.

Just a guy and his acoustic guitar. Sounds like it should be kind of a snoozefest, but it's really interesting and the songs are varied enough to keep you listening. It's a great background album for reading, studying, or just chilling.

It's the Beatles. How can I rate them anything but five stars? These guys are the GOAT.

It's Elvis alright, but in just "meh" form.

I knew Dusty Springfield's voice from "Son of a Preacher Man" on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. Strong, soulful, and sassy, so this was definitely an enjoyable listen. I'm not sure I can say that it's groundbreaking or earth shattering since these are cover songs, but it was definitely fun to listen to.

Avoid "Helter Skelter" at all costs. You'll be glad you did. Look, I like some of Siouxie's later works, but this debut album - perhaps save "Hong Kong Garden" is essentially screamy talking to bad music.

Cool vibe and all but I don't need a whole album of dance music.

Pure perfection! Sinatra's velvet voice coupled with these American songbook classics are an unbeatable combination. Put this on the next time you're chilling with some wine or hosting friends for dinner.

A wild ride for sure-boundary pushing, experimental, and highly entertaining. This album made me feel "bad" when I was a fresh-faced 20-year-old college student, dancing and singing along to "Closer" in the club and feeling a bit naughty for doing so. I saw NIN live on this tour and it was a really incredible show.

Incredible concept album that still sounds relevant and timely today.

I'm sorry, ears. I will never again subject you to Tim Buckley's screaming about "speaking in tongues" or his drug-fueled sex songs. This *almost* makes me want to cue up Birthday Party. (Almost.)

Fantastic album that I'm a bit ashamed to say I had never heard cover to cover until this. David Bowie was a true musical genius and it's evident here.

Girl can sing, no doubt. She also writes much of her own music, which is impressive to me.

Really pretty music with weird-ass lyrics. "I feel just like Sigourney Weaver when she had to kill that alien guy." "Bittersweet, strawberry, marshmallow, butterscotch, polar bear, cashew, Dixieland, phosphate, chocolate..." "Baby, you are where dreams go to die and I regret the day your lovely carcass caught my eye."

Timeless and oozing with talent and just raw coolness.

Kind of weird, kind of meh.

Wow! This was the first time I've ever played this whole album through – I knew the hits but not the others, and this was a great album start to finish. Honestly surprised it's from 1977 – it feels very modern and fresh.

This is such a great album – wish I could rate it 4.75 stars. Read the notes in iTunes about the re-released Dolby Atmos 2017 version - cool "insider" stuff.

Nope.

Some really great high spots and some really strange low ones. Nyro's voice ranges from beautiful and angelic to screamy and just odd. Solid 3 for me.

Overall, I prefer REM's "Automatic For the People," but this is still a really interesting album.

A hit machine yes, but a best album of all time? It's not like they did anything new...

Not my favorite Radiohead album.

I tried... I really did... Nope. Piss-poor talking & yelling over pretty amateurish guitar licks. Pay special attention to the keyboard on "Two Steps Back." I feel very confident that the keyboard player just took his first piano lesson about 10 minutes before they laid down this track . Next, please. Ultimately, I stopped listening because who needs two hours of this drivel?

The Beatles are in a class of their own - just hearing their tight, interwoven harmonies on "Drive My Car" against a relatively simple instrumentation proves it. "Norwegian Wood" feels ahead of its time, and has complex song development and interesting instruments. Every song on Rubber Soul is different and varied but somehow still work together as a coherent unit. More yummy harmonies in "Think For Yourself" Having recently heard other albums from the time this was released makes others feel like a joke, honestly. This album - and The Beatles - are the OGs.

I understand why this album is as seminal and groundbreaking as it is, and there are several songs I really like a lot, but if I'm being honest, after a while, much of this sounds the same to me.

Personal favorite is "Gimme Danger," although I swear they 'borrowed' aspects from the Stones' own 1969 "Gimme Shelter."

For starters, I had to Google "Shoegaze." Ok, got it. The definition promises a "wall of sound" but this album just sounded amateurish and unpolished, and the vocals are not keeping pace with the music. In the words of Randy Jackson, "It's a no for me, dog."

Kind of cool - never heard of these guys but I'd like to hear more.

Interesting.

Never would've guessed that a disco album would be one I'd return to and say, "Hey, let's listen to this," yet here we are. This album deserves its spot on this list, simply by merit of the number of times pieces of multiple songs have been sampled and used in other music over the last 40 -45 years. It's also just so funky and fun and it made me really appreciate a genre I may have previously tuned out.

I'm generally not a fan of a live album unless it's a concert I've personally attended. Hearing this was fun though, just to see how concert crowds have changed since 1970; there are some cheers and whoops, of course, because it's The Who after all, but the audience mainly applauds at the end of a song, and then it dies out, and the performers can be heard speaking. There's a fair bit of conversation with the crowd, but it's quiet enough that you can hear everything, unlike today at live shows where people seem to always shriek and scream the entire time... Now about the music, it's The Who for heaven's sakes. They put on a really good live show and it's since it's been remastered, the sound quality is outstanding. The songs are solid and tight as you would expect. It's an interesting mix, although not all of the songs are originals. If I could round, this would be a 4.25 but alas, I cannot so It's just a four.

Buckley's impressive vocals take us on a journey through quiet, almost whisper-like moments, to true stadium rocker wail, and to soaring (but very well-controlled) falsetto. I knew and liked two or three of the tracks on here but enjoyed pretty much every other one that was new as well! This is an album I will return to.

This one didn't do it for me. I like some of Public Image Ltd.'s music, but I was not impressed with this album.

Man, I love it when I get a great album on a Friday and can really take my time with it. This album was not new to me, having heard it covered to cover many times before. Love them or hate them, there's no denying that the Eagles are extremely talented musicians and their talent is on full display in this album. There are so many hits within these tracks, and songwriting, deep lyrics, and really strong musical chops all come together to make it work. Personal favorites are "Pretty Maids All In a Row," "Wasted Time," " Victim Of Love," and of course the title track.

Certainly is some cool, funky music but probably not something I think I would pick up and listen to again.

The title track is a banger!! Aside from the pseudo-stuttering (which I've never understood), the vocals are strong, and the song rocks with a harder edge. "Please, Please, Please" and "It's it True" sound much like another famous British foursome of the time, but if anything, this shows that The Who (and the Beatles) were churning out the kind of popular music the fans wanted and is a testament to both bands' talent. Highly enjoyable album and a great debut for The Who.

OK, this was just really weird. While there were elements I found somewhat enjoyable or cool, the overall package just kind of didn't work for me. Some have commented on not liking the lead singer's voice – I actually found it worked. I like the concept. I don't think this is one. I will rush to listen to and it's entirety again if ever. These guys were clearly influenced by prog rock bands that came before them and I can't help but thinking that Twenty One Pilots probably love these guys - while not prog rock themselves, they definitely enjoy similar stylings, the concept album, etc.

Wow! This is an incredibly strong debut! The band gels so perfectly and I'd have an easier time believing that this was their fifth or sixth studio album together, as it's just so solid. And talk about influential?! So many bands and styles took ideas from Talking Heads. Favorite tracks: "Uh-Oh, Love Comes to Town" (fantastic opener), "No Compassion" (cool guitar work and a fun "Howard Dean-esque scream at 1:08), and "Psycho Killer" (classic banger).

I had no idea that this album was as early as it was - I knew "Paint it Black" and "Under My Thumb" of course, but thought they were later 60s if not early 70s. "Paint it Black" is by far the strongest track here, remaining relevant and a strong cultural influence that pops up in movies and commercials nearly 60 years later. Also, it's such a damn good song. I imagine Morrissey cut his teeth on this, leading him to the dark lyrics he would later pen. "Under My Thumb" is a fun little tune with the xylophone, but I never honestly listened to the lyrics closely until now. Um, creepy and completely inappropriate...Jagger sings about how he can be thanked for "reigning in" his former free-thinking girl so that now she "does just what she's told" and is "a squirming dog who's just had her day," and yet scores of women still wanted to crawl into bed with this louse? Yuck! Aside from that vibe, there are some other good songs here, but I can't give this anything more than a 3.

Well now! I love surprises like this fun little album. "Fall in Love With Me"(and then practically every other track) gives Duran Duran vibes, while "Despair" and its sax solo reminds me of Tears For Fears' "The Working Hour" with vocals sounding very much like Martin Gore of Depeche Mode. Enjoyable and clear that although I may not have listened to "Quiet Life" when it was out, some up-and-coming new wave and alternative bands certainly did.

"Buffalo Stance" is the best song here. The rest is rather forgettable.

Interesting and does sound like something I would've listened to when it was released if I had known about it. There are a couple of songs I would return to, but this will not be making its way into my daily playlist. Just a good solid three for me.

As with so many Beatles songs, the title track is really a song within a song (within a song?). It's unique and when done well, as McCartney and band mates do here, it's very interesting and appealing. I'll be honest and saying that I've always considered myself a Beatles fan but not really a Wings fan. Wings to me just feels hokey and theatrical, but I was pleased that I listened to the whole album and can say well yes, while it is still those things, there's also some really quality music which was made. It's not a five for me, but it did earn a four.

Didn't love this one - it had some nice moments, but it just felt like they were cramming as much dark, angsty stuff as possible onto one album.

Like many other reviewers have noted, these guys are pretty much a grimier, louder version of The Stones. Reading that their gender bending outfits and makeup were not well received made me chuckle because I guess New York wasn't quite ready for that sort of thing yet, but hang on for a decade or so and the glam rockers are going to make it cool. Music wise, it was just 'meh' for me. Some easily-forgettable stuff that I would have turned the channel on the radio had I been surfing and stumbled upon it. Giving them three stars because it does sound as if they majorly influenced many others and that's certainly worth something.

Oh boy. "Imagine" is as awful as other reviewers warned. The instrumentation sounds like part-Karaoke backing track, part-1985 Casio Keyboard demo song. The vocals are doin' too much. This song cries for simplicity, and we don't see that here. Apart from that, I absolutely found some fun bops on this album! "Trigue Lycee" is poppy, bouncy, and has a great bass line alongside brass and bright Middle Eastern vibes. Enjoyable! "E'Dir E'Sseba" gives early 80s "end-of-disco" feels, and honestly, it works!

I like these guys. This is the kind of music. I usually listen to so it seems kind of unfair reading them this way, but I liked it very much. Simple as that.

I can't believe I've never heard of this band and I'm honestly shocked that Television didn't become a bigger hit - their sound was very much ahead of its time and in some ways it still sounds fresh and modern today in 2025. The title track was my clear favorite. It's got an infectious hook that repeats several times throughout the song, and I've already added it to my iTunes library. I'm looking forward to giving this entire album another good listen but even on my first quick run through, it's a solid four.

The first time I heard "Get it Together," (back in my college days), I thought it was a new song by A Tribe Called Quest - no doubt because Q-Tip is a guest artist, but because it gives more hip hop vibes than the Beastie Boys' usual rap infused with hip hop to me. No matter in the end, as it's a pretty sick song. "Sabatoge" is iconic, "Root Down" will stay looped in your head in a good way, and "Ricky's Theme" is a fun little jazzy number that might make you forget you're listening to the Beastie Boys. This is an amazing example of what happens when a musical artist infuses their style with different flavors and musical personalities. To have gone so high on the billboard charts at the time that it did against other powerhouse artists like Nirvana and Boyz II Men, who were exploding onto is also a pretty remarkable feat, since not everybody purchased rap albums, but a whole lot of people certainly did purchase this particular rap album. I love it!

Nope. Too much- a double album, weird lyrics, smacking of pretentiousness...to be fair, I did not listen to more than the first three or four songs, but that was all I needed.

Meh.

I'm familiar with The Strokes, but not this entire album. Thankfully, that changes today! The title track has a cool, funky bass line which loops through the song, and the guitar solo in "The Modern Age" proves these guys are no hacks. The whole album is a treat and a really strong debut. Solid 4 stars for me.

"Any Major Dude" sounds like the poster child for 70s mellow ballads, and I'm all here for it.

I'm disappointed in this album - guess for me, Lennon's magic is at its best when among the rest of his former Beatles bandmates. "Working Class Hero" is a good & thoughtful ballad, but there wasn't a lot on this album that excited me.

Gillian Welch's voice is pretty and unique, and while there were some parts of this album, I really enjoyed, overall it was just a solid three for me. It's one I would like to go back and give a full listen to another time, however.

So these guys remind me of several things: 1. The band you would hear in college when you went to that dive bar that sold $.050 draft beer on Tuesday night. 2. The clearance albums for sale for $3.99 each in the bin at the record store featuring an assortment of bands you've never heard of and now you know why. 3. The band that somehow makes it into some kind of talent competition, but it's the first one eliminated. I'll pass. The lead "vocals" are bad, u less you like toneless speaking to music. The music is average to below average. It doesn't work together for me.

Just so good.

Powerful. Sassy. Raw. Aretha Franklin remains the undisputed Queen of Soul, and an album like this proves it. "Respect" alone is a five-star track, and it really says something when the writer of a song reveals that a cover artist did a better job on it and then he did.

Not really my thing, although I do respect that they wrote some powerhouse hits that other bands covered much more successfully. Still, nothing on this album blew me away or made me say these guys deserve to be on this list.

Oof. I'm sorry ears. Ok, so the vocals are just weird. "What Can I Do?" is perhaps the highlight of the album, as it has different lead vocals and this singer sounds a but like the dude from The Fray. But...the other songs are sung with such breathy, falsetto vibrato as to be distracting. The primary lead singer has an almost theatrical quality (for an off-off-OFF Broadway show) and honestly would not make it past the first round of auditions on American Idol. Does it havesome beautiful piano and instrumentation? Yes, but that's not enough to salvage the album in my view. iTunes classifies it as alternative which made me excited when I saw that because generally that's a genre I prefer, but alas. "Free At Last" is just a minute of someone talking about telling Jesus they're FREE AT YAST while a Morse Code operator works diligently in the background. (I didn't listen closely enough but I'd bet dollars to doughnuts he's tapping out a frantic S-O-S signal.) Try to avoid if possible. Don't believe me? Play "Spiraling" first and save yourself the trouble of the full listen.

I feel like the Rolling Stones fall into two categories for me – stuff of theirs I think is groundbreaking, really awesome, and showcases their talent, and other stuff that makes me think they're overhyped, just average, and not my jam. This album is the latter.

I feel like the Rolling Stones fall into two categories for me – stuff of theirs I think is groundbreaking, really awesome, and showcases their talent, and other stuff that makes me think they're overhyped, just average, and not my jam. This album is the latter.

Black Sabbath are undeniably heavy metal gods- even to someone like me who wouldn't normally listen to an album like this and who really just knows the big, famous hits. The album hooked me and it was a fun listen . "Supernaut" has this cool little bridge that reminds me of Zeppelin's "Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp." I really like "Snowblind" - it may be my favorite track.

This was an excellent album I never knew existed! Somehow I missed this - could've been that 1991 was the yeat I graduated high school and then started college...

Look, I'm all for powerful, opinionated, musically talented women who had to be scrappy and fight their way onto the male-dominated music scene, but this... well, it ain't it for me."Birdland" is nine minutes of gorgeous piano and Patti Smith whine-talk-singing all over it. For several measures in the middle she sings the same damn note for what seems like an eternity. "Free Money" seriously reminds me of a Tori Amos song- that may be the only redeeming quality this album has. PH WAIT - now that we've reached the middle of the song, Smith is back to the whine-talk-singing on the same note again. Nope. I just don't get it. Vocally, she just isn't strong. Poetically more so, but not enough to save this for me. "Kimberly " features more one-note singing. Is this Smith's schtick?

Well, even on albums like this which are not my favorite ("Across the Universe" - Yuck!), it's still David Freaking Bowie and makes others sound like amateur hour. This is most definitely not a soul album- may be "soul-ish" at best. "Fame" is the obvious stand out track for me, with "Young Americans" next. Other songs are ok - nothing to write home about, but also nothing to make me want to switch to the next song...well, apart from "Across the Universe." *shiver*

David Bowie deserved all the accolades and recognition he received. He was a master at so many musical styles, and this album is a great example.

Some very cool licks but also some very cool licks over and over and over again.

Overall fun but the lead singer's voice annoys me at times.

Some cool music and some which to me feels kind of meh. This is my third Arcade Fire album, and I'm not certain that they all warrant a spot on this list.

"She's Calling You" was my favorite track, probably because it was more alternative and less punk metal-leaning. I have read several reviews where people said they loved the vocalist. Eh...are we listening to the same thing? Sometimes yes, his voice does sound cool and suit the song well but much of the time it's all over the place, screamy-whiny-shouty and just weird. Ok, and the song recorded over the phone while he was in jail – cool story and all if you're into that sort of thing, but I think the overall effect sounds amateurish. I really tried with this one, but the only impression I'm left with is that it's not for me and now I need some Tylenol.

A whole album of sitar solos just isn't for me.

"Baba O'Riley" is an intense, energetic, thrill-ride and a kick-ass way to begin an album! It still sounds fresh 50+ years later - that's impressive! "Bargain" has moments of both hard-hitting rock and stripped-down honesty and rawness that make it a great second track.

You know what, I really enjoyed this one. I got this album on the day I had to return to my job as a high school teacher after winter break. I wasn't really feeling it, but enough of this music kicked me in the ass and was an enjoyable listen so it helped my morning run more smoothly. "Messiah Ward" got two back-to-back plays and was immediately added to one of my playlists.

Yes it's groundbreaking and yes, she was 19 and yes, there are some really good beats and hooks on here but all in all, as much as I love Queen Latifah, this is just average.

Good album? Yes, I enjoyed it. One of the top 1,001 of all time? Uh....nope.

The grown-up, more relaxed version of the Pet Shop Boys. Great album, still just as talented, but more music that you can chill out to instead of play as you host a dance party.

Great album! Of course I knew the hits, but the rest of the tracks are very strong too. Tom Petty could play the guitar, there's no denying that. "American Girl" should get you grooving - it's infectious and fun.

So I was disappointed with this one. Initially, since I received this album on a Monday morning, I thought, "Yessss! Some Parliament will kick me in the ass and get me moving with some funk!" I cued up my wireless speaker and started track one, "P-Funk (Wants to Get Finked Up)" as I hopped in the shower. Well...hf the track is just talking, and the rest is extremely repetitive and not the funky jam I was expecting. One fun lyric does stand out from track one: "Doin' it to ya' in the earhole." Also, wear your sunglasses! On to track two, "Mothership Connection" which started strong, and seems more funky & groovy. I also learned that Warren G took a nod from this song when, in "Regulator" he sings "...will you let me ride?" The sunglasses reference is back! Track three, "Unfunky UFO," tells you that "You've got all that is needed to save this world from a funkless hell." Well. I'm probably not up to that task, but thanks for the confidence. Great groove in this one! Track five, "Handcuffs," is completely misogynistic - "Do I have to put the handcuffs on you mama? Do I have to keep you under lock and key?" or "Do I have to keep you barefoot and pregnant to keep you in my world?" or "I don't care 'bout looking like a chauvinistic kinda whatever..." Uh... it's not funny, it's not cute, it's inappropriate plain and simple. Finally, we arrived at track six. "Give Up the Funk" was the classic Parliament sound. I was needing on a Monday morning to get the energy flowing. I was dancing around my bathroom and singing and honestly, this is the highlight of the album for me.

I'm actually surprised to see such a decrease in popularity in this album over time. Overall, as a concept, I think it's still really, really strong. I wish there were a way that I could read it 4.5, but I will round down to 4. The mere fact that this has been redone and covered and turned into stage shows, etc. should automatically earn it a few stars, and then when listening and picking out some of the really difficult guitar licks or hearing Keith Moon's incredible drumming, or listening into the disturbing (but super creative) lyrics that somehow all come together, it's easy to see why I rated this highly.

This just really isn't my vibe or my jam. I'm not a country fan so I went into this telling myself to listen for technical precision and great lyrics and strong music. Sure, I got a good deal of all of that but it still just doesn't trip my trigger and this is not anything that I will return to. By the way, a couple of tracks made me feel like I should be sipping a margarita and eating chips and guac at the local Mexican place so maybe that's why I felt hungry after listening?

The grown-up, more mature, Beach Boys - still some amazing harmony and brilliant instrumentation and playing, but now instead of just singing wistfully about a cute surfer girl or catching the perfect wave, they've got real things to say. They were socially conscious, and this album was one way to express those thoughts. I thoroughly enjoyed this album!

Great album! The harmonies and arrangements alone make this pretty perfect.

Meh. Pleasant-enough background music but just meh.

I like getting a new album from an artist with whom I'm otherwise largely unfamiliar. Burning Spear was new to me and I dis enjoy it. Music with a message - reggae isn't just fun party music evoking an island restaurant, although I'd venture a guess that most people who say they like reggae are only familiar with Bob Marley's greatest hits album from their college days. If that's the case, they need to listen to this and pay attention to the lyrics.

Sounds like the soundtrack to the 70s. Trippy, tight guitar, that vibe that says let your mind expand and just see what happens. I was really only familiar with the hits on this one, but the whole album to me was a great and very enjoyable listen. Glad it came up in my rotation today! Solid four stars for me.

Dolly! That clear, beautiful voice alone earns her at least 3 stars. I did think it was very funny to hear in the first song that she was singing about her dear mother, making her a beautiful coat, then hearing that her same dear mama stole her man! Ha!

Eh, nothing special here.

I like Robbie Williams' voice and there are parts of this album that I enjoy a lot, but I also feel like he thinks a whole hell of a lot of himself and it certainly isn't anything that I'd consider one of the best albums in the world.

If Frankenstein had clinical depression and recorded an album, it would sound like this, but might actually be better. "Green Eyes" is the only track you really need to hear to determine if you want to subject yourself to the rest of this drivel, and trust me, you won't want to.

Part gritty social commentary, part goofy silliness, "Revolver" is yet another example of why The Beatles remain so popular and influential today. They were (are) musical geniuses.

Ok, so this was all over the place for me. I had heard of Meat Puppets due to their later song "Backwater" which was a huge hit when I was in college. Other than that, I didn't know anything about this group. The instrumental "Aurora Borealis" is cool and gives Grateful Dead vibes - I played it twice and added it to my "Just Chillin'" playlist immediately! "Climbing " was less eagerly received - awful vocals and just sloppy. "Oh, Me" has some shaky vocals as well... and the more I listen, I believe I understand why I liked the instrumental track so much...Honestly, of the singer wasn't so bad, I'd have enjoyed "Oh, Me" (and likely many others) a lot more. Oh boy. "Lake of Fire" just cane on. I had no idea this was by Meat Puppets. I knew this song but always laughed at it because of the shitty vocals. I just can't take it seriously. Blessedly, "I'm a Mindless Idiot" is another instrumental, and - surprise, surprise- another's awesome jam! "The Whistling Son" begins with more awful "singing" but thank goodness he can at least whistle well. Another reviewer wrote that "The lead singer can't sing for shit." Indeed. Because of this - and despite how otherwise cool and edgy this album is, and how ahead of its time it is for 1984 - I'm ranking it 2 stars.

I respect the talent here, and I do like some bluegrass, but this is waaaayyyy too much folksy, twangy, chattin' and chewin' bluegrass for me.

I hate this so much. Screaming and yelling > actual singing, which takes talent. This is "music" for thrill-seeking young people to blast on their car stereos as they speed in an attempt to sound cool and badass.

Yes, it's David Bowie, and yes, this has Ziggy Stardust and Suffragette City, but it's not my favorite Bowie album. It's not bad by any stretch – just more like a 3.5 or 3.75 for me. I'm rating it a 4 since those would both mathematically round up.

Wow. Equal parts rock and edgy mixed perfectly with tender and thoughtful. U2 always have something to say, and they do it perfectly through their music. They are very, very talented songwriters and musicians, and "Joshua Tree" is a prime example. I don't give out a whole lot of five star ratings, but this is definitely one that has earnef it.

Another great R.E.M. album! No doubt these guys are talented songwriters. "It's the End of the World As We Know It" has become so infused into popular culture that on the strength of that singular song, this album should probably receive high praise. Fortunately, there are other tracks which support that rating, too.

"Deacon Blues" and "Peg" are the standouts for me and perhaps it's because they're the two I know best. I like Steely Dan but I have to be in the right mood or frame of mind for Steely Dan because otherwise it's too much. Like I prefer to hear Steely Dan mixed in on a classic rock radio station because I know after one of their songs is over then I'll hear Hotel California or some Led Zeppelin. Nothing but Steely Dan is honestly a bit much.

Not my vibe. I much prefer "Breathe" to "Smack My Bitch Up" (and as a woman, I detest that title), but like most industrial / electronic music, it's extremely repetitive and gets a tad boring after awhile. No thanks.

"Thorn of Crowns" is just odd. Sounds like the band was just goofing around, making noises and playing with the echo features on the recording equipment. "Killing Moon" is their big hit here, and is the strongest track. I could say more, but it isn't necessary because this is yet another album that makes me question why it made it on this list.

How long did it take for Stevie Wonder to file a restraining order against the group after he heard "Dreamin'"?

Her voice and lyrical storytelling alone made this very enjoyable for me. I was not familiar with this album, but enjoyed "Coyote" and "Amelia" the most. Great album and one that I will check out again!

Norah Jones' silky, smooth voice is entrancing. "Don't Know Why" is my favorite track, and when this album came out in the early 2000s, it brought some "supper club class" to the popular music scene. This a great album to play during an intimate dinner (plenty of references to love and passion), or even solo when just sipping some wine and enjoying quiet time.

One of the better electronic/dance albums I've heard as of late but on the whole, still just a three for me.

Really great!! Love her vocals and her soulful style.

Amy Winehouse sings about three things on this album: being drunk or high, hooking up with some random person (often while being drunk or high), and regrets about things she's done or lovers she's lost (likely due to being drunk or high). I'm not saying there isn't some really good stuff on this album – there certainly is - and her voice is very soulful and at times quite pretty, but it can also be very brash and jarring, and she comes across as a bit entitled and whiny so it's not really my thing. Her life was indeed tragically cut short because of her addictions, and that is a shame, but this is not necessarily an album that I will return to.

Some pretty iconic songs on this album – these guys are consummate professionals, and Clapton's voice is perfect for rock.

The more mature Beastie Boys. Some complain that this is too far from their gritty rap roots, but I disagree, as this to me feels like they've grown into their sound and are choosing more varied styles to sample. It shows they've leveled up, so to speak.

I liked hearing this album! I was familiar with Paul Revere and the Raiders, but had never heard more than a few of their hits. These guys are really talented, I believe we're overshadowed by the giants of the era, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones...

There seems to be a lot of hate for this album, which I don't understand. I knew of The Black Keys, and was familiar with a few of their songs, but this was my first listen to a full album of theirs and I actually really enjoyed it! Good, bluesy rock - definitely worth more than 1 or 2 stars!

Ewwww, David!

Smooth and easy, this is "classy" music about sex.

While the cover art confuses me..."To a Flame" is all lush harmonies and layered orchestral arrangements - it's a relaxing, almost trippy groove. I loved it! "Love The One You're With" is well-known but is also a strong song with the harmonies you'd expect from Stills. Overall, a great listen! 4 stars.

I mean some of it was OK, but I honestly did not listen to the entire album because it's rather repetitive and not really my thing.

Really fun 80s new wave/pop romp! I am honestly surprised this didn't spawn more hits than "Love Plus One." While certainly not a five-star album, I really enjoyed it, and found there to be a lot of fun, upbeat tracks to keep me interested.

Music to drive fast to, or to crank up and scream along with when you're pissed off.

Maybe I just don't get it. Also, not a fan of Lou Reed's voice. My favorite part of this album is the Warhol cover.

Simply meh.

Pretty stripped-down, with simple acoustic guitar and Nelson's signature voice. Easy to listen to.

I'm a bit indecisive on how to score this one. On one hand it's The Doors and features the hits L.A.Woman, Riders on the Storm, and Love Her Madly. On the other hand, there's some strange stuff on here (L'America?!) and I realized I don't really love Morrison's voice. Based on the hit value alone, I'm going with 3.

I was raised in the 80s on the Beatles, as my mon had been a huge fan in the 60s. Reading that Pretty Things had Beatle-esque and Who-like vibes was intriguing, but before I listened, I thought there was no way I'd like this because I'd never heard of them. Now that I have listened, I have no idea why more people haven't heard of them! This is great!! It's a strong concept album that unfortunately happens to be the victim of poor recording, but the harmonies - much like the Beatles- are tight and there are many bright spots in the overall album. Listen to the beginning few notes of "The Journey" , "Old Man Going" , and "Mr. Evasion" and try to tell me that The Who didn't "borrow" this when writing Tommy. Bet ya' can't .... Favorite songs are "Trust" and "Loneliest Person", but there's a lot to celebrate here. Just a shame this group wasn't more well-known.

Four long prog-rock songs? Yes.

I echo with many others perform may have already said: Ms. Gilberto's voice is beautiful and while the soft rock and samba vibe of this album is kind of chill, the parade, music, and the weird kid song definitely kick it down a notch. There's nothing on this album that makes me want to save it or return to it or play it again so...

Strange and "modern" Bowie. Very different from his earlier, more well-known hits. To me this just isn't Bowie.

Unbelievably iconic, full of hits, and just plain badass. Anything this jam-packed with so many chart-toppers and this relevant decades later is worth five stars!

Campy, theatrical, over the top, even silly at times, but so much good fun! Also, lots of solid musicianship and composition- let's not forget the genius of Jim Steinman and his amazing writing and scoring. As I was listening, I wondered why there has never been a Meatloaf musical because this album seems like it was scored precisely for one. Turns out, in 2026 there is one in development! About damn time.

I like Morrissey, but I like the Smiths better. Aside from "Suedehead" (one of my favorites!) this whole album feels rather mediocre if I'm being honest.

I'm glad I heard this album! All I knew of The The before this was the song "This is the Day" so I am happy to expand my knowledge of this group and their songs. Lots of politically relevant and socially relevant songs for 2026 even though this is from 40 years ago.

Aside from the very strange, twangy, a cappella opener, this was a nice easy listen. Nothing extremely noteworthy, but there are some very pretty harmonies.

Really interesting jazz! In all honesty, I only listened to the first few songs, so I'm not certain my rating is a fair one, but I did hear enough to know that I liked it.

Very strong debut, based on a simple fact that nearly half the songs were pretty big hits.

Well. That was...something! (And not something good!) Was this recorded in an underwater basement studio? The quality is so poor, I think it was. I'm taking a cue from the band and their song "Don't" which should've served as my warning; the first lyric is a strangled, yelled "WHYYYYYYY?" Exactly. Questioning "WHYYYYYYY?" this album made the list in the first place.

Absolutely not.

I got this album on my birthday and the best gift I could give myself is to choose something else to listen to today. (I swapped this out for House of Music by Tony! Toni! Toné!)

Really strong concept-like album. Radiohead is cooler than all of us.

It's lovely bossanova. I enjoyed it - makes for great background music.

Classy. I love Anita's voice.

Favorites from the American songbook – what's not to love? Should we talk about the incredible talent of the Gershwin Brothers with the witty lyrics of Ira and the beautiful, fun, energetic music of George, or should we focus on the unparalleled and simply genius vocals of Ms Ella Fitzgerald? Either way, the combination is solid gold. I loved starting my Monday morning off with this album set, and although I only got to listen to three of the records, I saved it to my iTunes library and I'm confident in my five star rating that this is an absolute gem.

The sheer fact that this album contains so many samples which were seamlessly mixed together is amazing. I really enjoyed this, never having heard of the Avalanches before.

I just really don't like Lou Reed. He cannot sing, he's not for me, and even though "Take a Walk on the Wild Side" is a pretty cool song, I just can't with the rest of this drivel.

Full-on five stars. Musically, this album is gritty and dirty, but due to the talent of its band members, it's also tight. I was a freshman in college when this album exploded onto the scene. The sheer impact it had on mainstream music alone should make this worthy of five stars. I can think of no better anthem for the 90s then "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

Really enjoyable! Felt like I was at a tropical beach club or vibing in a Caribbean restaurant. I don't know that I'll play this on heavy rotation or anything like that because it's not the music. I generally listen to, but I'm glad I learned about it through this project.

I actually really liked this album, even though I had to sift through ads on YouTube to enjoy it. It feels like a "grown-up" XTC - still some quirkiness, still some meaningful commentary, and still some slightly odd but thought-provoking lyrics, but I like the orchestral edition on a couple of songs and thought the scoring and music was very interesting. I'm bummed out. I can't get this on iTunes to add to my library.

Pretty iconic stuff- the Elton John & Bernie Taupin combo produced some crackerjack hits over the years.

I'll be honest in saying that hip-hop is not my preferred genre, but this album is full of great loops and smart lyrics. I enjoyed it far more than I expected.

"Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows"are the big hits here, but the entire album is rich with the Beach Boys' amazing layered vocals and harmonies, and the vibe the whole time is pure California cool. A fabulous album!

For some reason I have the unexplainable urge to dress in my acid wash jeans and neon t-shirt, lace up my roller skates, stuff my pockets with quarters for the arcade, and head for a fun day at the roller rink. Fun nostalgic 80s music, yes, but a top 1000 album? Um, no.

I really like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but man, I was never able to get into Alice in Chains. I even saw them live at Lollapalooza when I was in college and I fell asleep during their set. There may have been some intoxicants involved to help with that but still. I also never cared for Layne Staley's voice much.

Iconic!

Some good tracks- "Relax" is still a banger after all these years! I was pleasantly surprised with the cover songs, also, especially "Born to Run."

After about six songs, I was done. Felt like I was listening to the soundtrack for a kids' show or Disney movie. (Not exactly the "get up and go" tunes I prefer in the morning.)

A great album to listen to on the patio with warm breeze and some cold beers; the islands feel within reach. Don't be fooled, however, into thinking this is just light, island-inspired fun, because like always, Marley brings a serious message to his music.

"Bittersweet Symphony" alone should pull a high ranking, but the rest of the album has a feel-good, mellow, 'everything is gonna be ok' sort of vibe which makes it solid album.

Pleasant enough music to put on as background noise or to play while trying to fall asleep. Nothing groundbreaking or original, however.

Completely forgettable, but pleasant background noise occasionally punctuated with strange sound effects

Meh. I've always thought Neil Young's voice was kind of whiny. There are some moments of enjoyment on this album, but all in all, not one of my personal faves by a long stretch.

Beck smashes together different instruments, musical styles, sound effects, and lyrics, and yet somehow it just works. Some of (many of?) his lyrics make no sense, and it seems as if when he was writing he thought like this: "I need nine syllables in this line And now I need ten syllables right here." The result is actual lyrics like these: "I packed my suitcase then threw it away. I fell asleep in the funeral fire." (Derelict) "She's got the lily white cavity crazes. She's got a carburetor tied to the moon. Pink eyes looking to the food of the ages." (Novacane) "Heads are hanging from the garbageman's trees Mouthwash Jukebox Gasoline" (Devil's Haircut) But...when I'm listening to it, I can't explain it, but I really like it! It's like even Beck's weird shit just sounds so good and seems more put-together and "polished" than other similar artists of the time. It's a more professional mash-up and it's obvious that he knows what he's doing.

Decent background music.

Why have I never heard of X?! This was such a fun romp through post-punk & California new wave. It's polished (as much as this genre of music can be) and is varied enough to be interesting at every track.

"Roundabout" and "Long Distance Runaround" are standouts. The beautiful & skillful classical acoustic guitar on "Mood For a Day" put me in a good mood for the day as I listened while getting ready for work.

I really, really enjoyed this album! You know it's funny, I had a copy of this on CD when it was first released because of "Lovefool," but other than a few plays in its entirety, it was not a CD that I returned to years ago, and I subsequently forgot about it. Listening yesterday showed me how my musical taste have changed 22 year-old me may have only listened to it a few times and thought 'yeah this is pretty good,' but 30 years later, I'm really digging it and listened to it twice in a row. I appreciate it for its variety, good writing, good musicianship, and just catchiness of many songs. I am glad to have rediscovered it!

Definitely some interesting stuff and also some stuff that I thought was kind of meh and weird.

I mean sure Brian Eno is a big name, and there were parts of this album that were interesting and enjoyable, but there was a lot I was able to just kind of tune out, so I was disappointed

Great album! Obviously knew the hits, but it was fun to hear some more solid bluesy rock by these boys. Fogerty's voice is perfect as the front man. Also this cover looks like something the anti-drug coalition would have used in the late 60s. "Don't get high on drugs kids - get high on music and nature instead!"

Good blues / jazz. Aretha definitely did a better job on "Respect" (with which Otis himself agreed) and I didn't care for his cover of "Satisfaction," but still, he's got a terrific blusey voice.

Easily forgettable. Nothing special here, and twangy country is not my thing.

Baez's voice is clear and ethereal, and I appreciate her singing and songwriting. She's truly a voice for the 60s and 70s. Also, today I learned she wrote "House of the Rising Sun."

I want to start with the disclaimer that I have never considered myself a Neil Young fan. Sure, I respect his songwriting abilities and agree with his political sentiments, but unless he was harmonizing with Crosby, Stills, and Nash, I didn't care for his voice. That all changed for me today. Getting this album on a weekend meant I had longer to listen. Rather than dismiss it as "just another Neil Young album," I gave it a good, honest listen. Then, I listened again. By now, I have played the album through at least five times, have downloaded it to my library, and have added some songs to various playlists. The harmonies and gentle melodies are mesmerizing, and of course "Southern Man" gets right to the point, to which I say bravo! "When You Dance I Can Really Love" is my favorite track - alongside "Southern Man," as I tend to prefer songs in minor keys. So glad I got to hang out with Neil Young this weekend, and that he helped to change my mind about his artistry.

Supergroup? More like Supermeh. This was nothing at all more than mediocre

Sinead's voice alone should earn stars. It's clear and beautiful, and it can be angelic but it can also send a gut-punch of a message. I bought this CD in high school because of "Nothing Compares 2U" and remember being slightly disappointed that the rest of the album wasn't like that however, that's high school naivety. I'm listening to it now as an adult with fresh ears, and recognize that she was pretty dMn special.

Enjoyable to listen to - made me think I was at some Irish pub somewhere. Another reviewer said this sounds like Dylan meets Dave Matthews, which I think is an extremely appropriate comparison! Yes, it's enjoyable music but do I think it's one of the thousand and one best albums of all time?… That's quite a stretch.

At times good, at times not. The lead vocals on "One Love" are AWFUL.

I really enjoyed this! Kind of a chill vibe, nice background while reading, gardening, cooking whatever… some people commented on Drake's voice and said they did not like it, but I found it to be rather soothing. I really enjoy finding albums just like this which I never would have discovered otherwise.

Never heard of these guys, but I really liked this album! I would definitely listen again or check out their other work. I would rate this at about a 3.75 which I will round to 4.

Aside from "Beautiful," I would say this is utterly unremarkable.

I mean, this was perfectly pleasant to have fun in the background, but it's probably not something I'll return to. It just felt mediocre!

I thought this was a pretty cool album actually. I missed it when it first came out because with the ages of my children at that point, I was listening more to things like The Wiggles and the Dora the Explorer soundtrack. Still, I thought this was edgy and fun, and I definitely heard bits of the Strokes and Cake and Bowie influences. Highly enjoyable four stars for me.

A tight album music-wise, but sounded awful a lot like pretty much everything else that was just starting to happen. I can't say it's original. Still, a 4 star album.

Angsty, driven, loud, and in your face. I had never heard this whole album, but in my 20s when the song was released, I used to crank "Killing in the Name" and scream along with the chorus because I felt like I had some right as a 22-year-old to protest the perceived ways society was wronging me. This album was better and stronger overall than I truly expected. I'll play it in its entirety on those days when I have a conflict to work through or I'm feeling undervalued at work.

This was pretty mediocre Brit-pop. Sounds like lots I've heard before.

It surprised me how much I actually liked this one. Good melodic, hip-hop with some actual singing and not just straight rap and interesting beats and sounds.

Sure, Yes was very influential in the prog rock scene, but this is just really not my jam. Three really long songs on one album?… Even if the music is great, I need a little more variety. I respect their musicianship and creativity, but this is just a middle three for me.

Bluesy and soul-filled, and honestly, a really solid album!

My mom played this album a lot when I was growing up, so I was quite familiar with it, but I can say that it stands the test of time. King's songwriting is superb and this album spawned so many hits both for herself and for those who covered her songs, it's truly part of the American landscape of popular music.

Some good tracks, yes. Some snooze-worthy tracks, also yes. But groundbreaking? Nope.

Cult of Personality is a total banger. The rest is fair to middling.

Just not a fan of these guys.

I can't put my finger on why I like ATCQ so much: is it the smart lyrics, the jazzy beats, the hooks...probably all of the above, but I love this album. Solid 4 for me.

Interesting - I enjoy Kate Bush's voice, but sometimes don't want to hear it for an entire album. I did download the first song to my library, however.

This is not really The Cure that I grew up with since I started listening to them around Disintegration. Still, I enjoyed it – was surprised at how much of the album is instrumental or has very few vocals. Almost reminds me of what you put on in the background for your dinner party or if you were studying. I see that it is at times moody and smacks of the dark, Goth Cure that we've all come to know and love, but overall I found this to be a bit more relaxed, and G-rated Cure.

I mean it's Hendrix, so that should automatically add a star or two. Little Wing is pretty amazing but the rest of this album didn't really grab me the way others from this list have done. Rating right in the middle with three stars.

I'm very stingy with my 5-star ratings, but honestly, if I could give this 4.5 stars, I would! This whole album is a vibe of mellowness, dreamy, ephemeral chillness. I downloaded the entire album to my library and will be saving it for the nights when I need to unwind or when I'm sitting on the back porch sipping on some wine with a friend. It would also be a pretty awesome soundtrack for an afternoon nap.

Dreamy, trippy, and relaxing.