1001 Albums Summary

Sometimes, I wish Dennis Wilson wasn't just remembered as the Beach Boy who hung out with Charlie Manson. I didn't really enter this album with the highest expectations but it actually sounds really nice and soothing record. Dennis was sort of the Beach Boy who didn't really sing at all but this record really showed the untapped genius that was in that band. Even though it is easy to not stand out when someone like Brian Wilson is not only in that band but also your brother too. He is sort of like how George Harrison was with the Beatles except he wasn't as overshadowed as he was. But I really liked this record and would actually listen to it again. This record just feels like you're on a boat on the coast of California in the summer watching a beautiful sunset with your love next to you. Overall, while not as impressive as Pet Sounds or even Smile, it is a very underrated album and would absolutely listen to it again if I ever get a chance. RIP Dennis, Carl, and Brian Wilson; they were true geniuses of rock and roll. Favorite Tracks: River Song, Dreamer, Thoughts of You, You and I, Farewell My Friend Rating: 3.5/5

Overall, this album to me is actually good. But in general, how I feel about the Beatles after they broke up and went their own separate ways was that they just went from amazing to okay due to the chemistry not being there for them. This was more apparent with John Lennon though. I feel that other than Imagine and a few other songs, the album can get a little repetitive and bland at times. However, the album's lyricism is pretty great but that is to be expected considering it is John Lennon. Other than Imagine, I really liked the song How Do You Sleep? Even though it is a diss track toward Paul McCartney but it's just a great song in terms of composition and even having a Beatle cameo in the form of George Harrison providing slide guitar. But other than that, this album is just pretty good. I think it has its hits and some filler songs that nobody really ever talks about. But I don't think its too overrated to the point where it doesn't deserve it's praise, I totally see where people come from where they think that this is one of Lennon's greatest solo albums. But honestly, I don't think it is so amazing that it clears anything the Beatles ever made. Favorite Tracks: Imagine, Jealous Guy, Oh My Love, How Do You Sleep?, Oh Yoko! Rating: 4/5

The last studio album of the Smiths before their eventual break up at the same time it was released and going onto to their eventual solo careers. As an album overall, it is just okay to me especially since it follows The Queen Is Dead which is their best studio work in my opinion. However, I feel that there is a couple of highlights and one song that really makes me feel this way is Last Night, I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me. It is just amazing from start to finish that really makes you feel heartbreak and sadness. Along with this are the accompanying melancholy vocals of Morrissey and the dreamy jangle composition of Johnny Marr that just make this song the perfect one of the album. It almost makes you feel like you were dreaming that you were with the crush that you really want to ask out and you actually end up becoming a couple, only to realize that you woke up and everything was just that, a dream and your have to take yourself back to reality. But if we're going off the whole album, it is just okay to me. It has one amazing song with the rest that feel more like filler than actual songs like with Meat is Murder and the Queen is Dead. It just feels uninspiring and like they were ready to just get out of the band as soon as possible to me. Favorite Tracks: Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me Rating: 3/5

I think there are some hits and catchy songs, but other than that, the album overall is just okay to me. Specifically, I think that most of the tracks were filler. However, I feel that production, instrumentals, and some of the lyricism done by Michael Stipe are actually good components of this album. But like I said, I feel that majority of the songs have no place on an album like this especially when you have a hit single "It's the End of the World As We Know It" on this album. It's crazy though to find out that this is an 80s album, to me, it defiantly has a 90s sound almost grungy or alternative in a way but defiantly didn't sound like something from the 80s. But to end this review, the album is just okay but does have a couple of songs that I did enjoy! Favorite Tracks: Welcome to the Occupation, It's the End of the World As We Know It, Oddfellows Local 151 Rating: 3/5

A certified classic! This album is pretty good and probably Bruce Springsteen's best at this moment. Mainly, the thing that gets me on this album is the lyricism of Born in the USA (the song). While the poppy tone is there, it is one of the most somber pop songs about an average American coming home from Vietnam falling on hard times. It is one of those American songs that are based on fact rather than propaganda. It is probably one of the best and most clever songs ever written. Some other highlights on this album are songs like Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark of course. But the second song on the album Cover Me unexpectedly sounded really well-done to me in my opinion. Overall, great album and one of the great classics of the 80s! Favorite Tracks: Born in the USA, Cover Me, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark Rating: 4.5/5

I've only listened to a little bit of Neil Young, specifically the song "Rockin in the Free World" which is one of my favorite songs so I was a bit excited to see that this album generated today. In my opinion, this album is also pretty good. I've always recognized this album through its cover art as I've seen it a lot for some reason but never had thought to listen to it. Neil Young in his later career reminds me of Woody Guthrie in a way. Like Guthrie, he was able to break the barrier by mixing country sound with melodic and soothing lyricism. When I was listening to it, I was thinking to myself that mainstream country music today is really a shell of what it used to be. It used to be music that had such meaning and beauty that you could almost feel the air in rural countryside America. There are some great songs on this album but one that was a standout to me was A Man Needs A Maid. It's the one that is clearly different to me because it had an orchestral string section. When the song started out, I thought it was going to be a boring one but the lyrics are woefully beautiful considering it is based on a personal experience that Young had. Also I think the string section fits as well too, it adds a level of emotion to the song. In conclusion, it is a good and well composed album. It is probably the best Neil Young album that needs to be listened to in full. It is one of the classics that the 70s has to offer. Favorite Tracks: Out on the Weekend, A Man Needs A Maid, Heart of Gold, Old Man, Alabama Rating: 4/5

Going into this album, I had high hopes because of Raekwon being a member of Wu-Tang and it being a rap story. Also, a lot of the reviews I heard about this album almost make it sound as if it is the greatest rap album to date since its release. But after listening to it, I didn't really think much of it. Honestly, the beats really are great to listen to and defiantly has that Wu-Tang style, it even had little movie scenes as samples in there songs. But it really had a lot of boring moments and it felt so damn long. Also, the lyrics can be really dated, especially some of the sexism and homophobia. Production also feels kind of bland to me, even with RZA producing. It just didn't feel like anything amazing or different, almost as if its just an expanded edition of a Wu-Tang album. Another point that makes me not like this album specifically is its narrative. Narratives in albums aren't a new thing, this was perfected around the 60s and 70s with bands like the Beatles, Pink Floyd and even got transferred into rap with albums like To Pimp a Butterfly or mm...Food. This album seems to lose its narrative mid-album and doesn't really elaborate on the gangster/mafia theming of the album. Also, I don't know if it's me but does Raekwon say "You know what I'm sayin?!" every song. It just was a big pet peeve that I had throughout the whole album, it almost felt like he was saying it every two seconds like it was a catchphrase. It should go without saying that is nowhere near the level of the 36 Chambers but again, basing off the reviews makes it sound as though it is around that. Favorite Tracks: Knowledge God, Ice Cream Rating: 3/5

I've never been a big fan of Jay-Z and always thought his music is just plain boring. This album just kind of proves my point. It really ranges from bland to mediocre to me. I feel that most of Jay-Z's discography other than a couple tracks (ie Hard Knock Life, Big Pimpin') are saved by features with people like Rihanna, Kanye (before his recent situations), or Eminem that have had better songs or better albums as a whole. There are a few tracks that have good beats and good flow but other than that, I don't really see the appeal. I've always heard that Jay-Z is considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Something like that is pretty debatable especially when there is better from the East Coast like Wu-Tang, Biggie Smalls, or the Fugees. But also consider rap as a whole when there was NWA, Tupac, Public Enemy, 50 Cent, OutKast, you get what I'm saying. I always think of Jay-Z more as a business man rather than a rapper today because he really can get mediocre at times. Other than some criticism, I think the production and mixing of this album is really nice and sounds incredibly clean. With the combination of pre-rapper Kanye, Eminem, Timbaland, etc. I think it's what makes the record listenable and palatable because without it, I think it would have been panned all over the industry. But other than that, I didn't really care about this album and I'm not really sure why it is considered to be one of the hallmarks of 90s or 2000s rap when there is defiantly better out there. I just found it really boring and not different from most of the rap game from that time period. Favorite Tracks: Girls Girls Girls, Heart of the City, Song Cry, Renegade Rating: 2.5/5

A solid indie album and a good listen. The only complaint I could have about it is that it is too long (both album and tracks). I feel that it could get too lengthy at times and start to get boring but other than that, I really liked it. I feel it captures the perfect Midwestern sound that indie music has. Music like this feels like listening to bands or artists like Duster or Alex G. It can get a bit melancholy but I feel it is a beautiful kind of melancholy rather than a miserable kind. Almost kind of makes me feel like I'm listening to a 2000s version of Unknown Pleasures, it has that same feel and style but more modern. Great album and totally understand the hype behind it! Favorite Tracks: Radio Cure, Jesus, Etc., Ashes of American Flags, Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm the Man Who Loves You Rating: 4/5

When I was in high school and was sort of gathering what music I really like, I started off with the easy artists with the Ramones being one of them. I used to really like them but now I’m in college and think they’re kind of bland now. Before you stop reading now here me out, I know and understand how influential and important they are to music especially since they are one of the stepping stones to rock music in the 70s like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and even their rivals the Sex Pistols. But I think in the year 2025, their music is just good enough but I definitely don’t think they are the best to ever play punk music. The music itself like the instrumentation is actually pretty good. While simplistic, it definitely is listenable and sounds great even today. The lyrics while at times can be catchy, could also be too simple and even repetitive. While influential, I think the Ramones are good but not as amazing as everyone tries to make them out to be. But I will say this, if there is an album to start off listening to louder/harder music, it’s this one! Favorite Tracks: Blitzkrieg Bop, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend, I Don’t Want To Go Down To The Basement, Listen to My Heart Rating: 3/5

When I saw this on my project today, I thought I was going crazy due to Ozzy's passing, but I think a lot of people got a Black Sabbath album. This album was part of a crazy four album run (this, Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Vol. 4) that absolutely revolutionized music forever. Picking up where Jimi Hendrix left off, this album really helped create an entire genre of music that is still popular to this very day. While lyricism is very simplistic, the instrumentation even today is unbelievably amazing. The mix sounds like a record that could be made today. While not the first work that is considered to be heavy metal with Helter Skelter by the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix's guitar, I would say that its influence stems from Black Sabbath being the first band to solely be a heavy metal act. My only complaint is that the album is a little short with it only having 5 songs (even though two of them is almost 10 min long), but other than that, I think it is one of the most influential and important records in music along with Paranoid. Considering they recorded this all in one day (October 16, 1969), I think that it still holds the standard for the classics. It is even more crazy that this album was able to evolve music forever. This is why I would say that it deserves 5 stars. RIP Ozzy, we love you and thank you for giving us such amazing music! Favorite Tracks: Black Sabbath, The Wizard, NIB Rating: 5/5

I honestly think the album is just okay in my opinion but can get a bit boring and is long too (about 1 hour exactly). I like the new wave/synth pop style that this album has but other than that, it really can get to be repetitive at times. There were some good songs in there but almost felt too atmospheric. Another thing I did like was the Cold War feel to this album but yeah, it wasn't really special or groundbreaking. Favorite Tracks: She's Leaving, Souvenir, Sealand Rating: 3/5

I could listen to Ray Charles all day. I think that his music very soothing and mellow, like something I would listen to if I want to go to sleep peacefully. But I feel that this album coming before albums became a serious thing, it really didn’t do much for me. Albums at the time of this coming out were mainly just a compilation of songs, almost like a greatest hits but with a lot of filler. This was also a time when covers mainly took over the music industry with some of the biggest songs by Elvis and the Beatles being covers before they really brought they’re own songwriting into the mix. There are some good songs on here but I just feel that all this album really is, is mainly filler. But other than that, like most albums at the time, there are some great songs on it. Favorite Tracks: Bye, Bye Love, You Don’t Know Me Rating: 3/5

While this may have been one of the first definitive grunge albums, I was not really impressed by this album. Don't get me wrong, the album is good but I feel that it is not as good as the grunge albums that came after especially from bands like Nirvana or Alice in Chains. I feel that it is sounded more like a Sonic Youth record than it did something like the Seattle Grunge bands that came in the early 90s when it was at its height. But then again this was grunge in its infancy rather than what it evolved into. Other than that, I think it is okay on its own. A good song that came from this album is "Touch Me I'm Sick", it almost sounds like an early punk song that would be by Iggy Pop. But again, with grunge only being around for about a few years, it didn't really sound groundbreaking or influential like other albums at the time. Favorite Tracks: Touch Me I'm Sick, Hate the Police, You Got It (Keep It Out Of My Face) Rating: 2.5/5

This album is a bit confusing to listen to. I'm surprised this ended up on the list but I'm reviewing it anyway. I took one look at the album art and knew this was going to be an experience, maybe not a good one but an experience nonetheless. While I am a fan of punk music, I just felt that a lot of this record was just noise. It didn't really feel like music to me, it just sounded like static going on in the background. It has only two songs I found to be palatable but the rest is really just something I can't explain. Yeah, I didn't really like this one at all. I also think the mix sounds horrible too, it sounds like it was recorded in a cave, you can faintly hear the drums, guitar, but the vocals and bass are as loud as they can be. Favorite Tracks: She's Hit, The Dim Locator Rating: 1/5

God damn it, his album is absolutely legendary and punk at its best! It is a classic that will transcend time itself. I also think that the Clash is probably the greatest punk band in history because of an album like London Calling. Between the iconic cover based off of Elvis Presley's self-titled album (also on this list as well), to the amazing instrumentation and lyricism, this album is everything that perfect punk album should be. I just love almost everything about this album from front to back, it doesn't really get boring to listen to it. People like Joe Strummer were ahead of their time, I feel would be very disappointed if he saw how much injustice exists in this world today if he were still alive. While there are people who hail the Sex Pistols as being one of the first punk bands and even calling Never Mind the Bollocks the greatest punk album ever, I point this album to you. I feel that if you want rage and anger of punk but it being musically creative and lyrically deep, this album is for you. Favorite Tracks: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Spanish Bombs, Clampdown, Train in Vain (Stand by Me) Rating: 5/5

I feel that anytime to listen to some Aretha Franklin is almost always fits the occasion. You want to mellow out? She's there. You want to dance or boogie? She's there. You want to cry? Her voice is there. This album is also pretty good in an era when albums weren't the thing or idea they are now. I really love her voice. It just is so soulful and warm to hear her sing the songs that she gave to the world. She really is probably the songbird of her era and an American icon. Favorite Tracks: Chain of Fools, Money Won't Change You, People Get Ready, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Ain't No Way Rating: 4.5/5

I think this album was a little too annoying for me. For most of it, it is just the same beat blasted over and over again. It probably sounds a lot better in a club or something, but when I'm home and listening to this, it just feels weird to me. But if I'm being honest, EDM, House, or club music is not something I really like or care for. In conclusion, I found it to be really repetitive and just annoying to listen to after a while. Again, almost every song is just the same beat looped over and over again for five minutes. It's just confusing to me that they turned this into a whole studio album. Favorite Tracks: Leave Home, One Too Many Mornings Rating: 2/5

This album is just very meh to me. But I'll give it a pass since The Rolling Stones are iconic and they have really stood the test of time. With this album also being the last to feature Brian Jones before his untimely and tragic death, it really set the change in the Stones' sound as it sounds more complex and musically ambitious than any of their other records. Good album but very bland when it comes to other albums by them in comparison. Favorite Songs: Sympathy For The Devil, No Expectations, Street Fighting Man Rating: 3.5/5

It took to album #20 to get to my first Beatles album. With this being the first, I'm very surprised that one of the their weakest albums in their discography made this list. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those people who will say that "The Beatles are overrated" (I'm a big fan of them), but this album can be a bit uninspiring to listen to considering the rest of their work especially in their later years. I just feel this is one of those 50s-60s albums that has a lot of filler with just one single to make it standout from the rest. As much as I love this band and the work they did, this album really is just something I don't care about too much. But hey, in my opinion, even the worst from the Beatles isn't bottom of the pit for me. Favorite Tracks: It Won't Be Long, All My Loving, Roll Over Beethoven Rating: 3/5

I didn’t really expect this album to be anything out of the ordinary considering 2019 was a great year for music, but I would put this album among the greats of 2019. I never knew Michael Kiwanuka before starting this challenge but his sound is almost reminiscent to the late great Marvin Gaye but not too much to the point where he could be seen plagiarizing him. Great album and worth the listen! Favorite Tracks: You Ain’t The Problem, Rolling, I’ve Been Dazed, Final Days Rating: 4.5/5

This sounds like something I've heard before but not sure where I heard it. But I do like how this sounds. I feel though that the songs on this album are a bit long with the longest one being over 11 minutes but it is a good album nonetheless. Also, really has that world sound that I like, groovy and cultured. But overall, it is a good album but can get a bit boring at times because of long track runtimes rather than album runtime itself. Favorite Tracks: Immigrés/Bitim Rew, Pitche Mi, Badou Rating: 4/5

This album for it being 2 hours and 15 minutes is actually pretty good. It can get repetitive and boring at times but still has some bangers considering this is an Outkast album so I expect no less from them. I think it format is really unique as both discs act as separate albums by Big Boi and Andre 3000 so I say it wins on the unique scale. But the music is also pretty good as well Favorite Tracks: GhettoMusik, The Way You Move, Bust, War, Church, Flip Flop Rock, She Lives in My Lap, Hey Ya! Rating: 4/5

This album is pretty good. It is melodic and has some of the best Billy Joel has to offer. He is one of a few artists that was able to transcend from the 70s to the 80s but also an artist that was able to perfectly fit that culture. Also Movin' Out is one of the greatest songs ever in my opinion! Favorite Songs: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), The Stranger, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Vienna, Only the Good Die Young, Get It Right the First Time Rating: 4/5

Man, this record brings me back to the transition period between high school to college. During the summer after my senior year of high school, it was pretty uneventful until I came back home from the Jersey Shore to see a billboard advertising the Hella Mega Tour concert that was coming to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, August 2021. I begged my parents to buy me some tickets to go see it and eventually, they bought them and I went. Probably one of the most fun concerts I've ever went to. This was about a week before I started community college. This album makes me incredibly nostalgic to a time that was more simple even if that was a few years ago. I've kind of grown since then and have been seeing how fast life is moving for me. Now, I'm trying to obtain my bachelor's degree and listening to this album really floods back a bunch of memories that I will cherish forever. This album is incredible and listening to it on vinyl is just great! I think Billie Joe Armstrong is a legend for bringing punk back from the dead in the 90s to give us this record and also for giving us American Idiot. I also saw them last year at the same place, just the same as they were in 2021, fun and amazing to watch. Thanks dad for taking me to that concert, love ya! Favorite Songs: Burnout, Having a Blast, Longview, Welcome to Paradise, Basket Case, She, Sassafras Roots, When I Come Around, Coming Clean, Emenius Sleepus, F.O.D. Rating: 5/5

As much as I like Celtic music, I’m not the biggest fan of the Pogues. This album in whole was okay but it wasn’t as impressive and sounds almost like every piece of Celtic music made. There are some highlights in this album but I don’t think it stands out as great in my opinion. Favorite Tracks: Turkish Song of the Damned, Fairytale of New York, Lullaby of London Rating: 3/5

Listening to this album is very soothing. It almost feels like you're sitting on a leather chair with a smoking pipe next to a fireplace. It really gives off a very calming vibe. I've heard the name John Coltrane but never really listened to this music, also didn't know this was an instrumental album but I think it defiantly works as an instrumental album. Good album and would definitely listen to this again! Favorite Tracks: Acknowledgment, Resolution Rating: 5/5

This is an album that is listenable, but I feel that its something only the Boomers can get down to and say it is one of the greatest there is. Don't get me wrong, I kind of like ZZ Top but it didn't feel ambitious or original like most music was back in that day where there were acts like Pink Floyd or David Bowie breaking barriers. But this album is pretty good in my opinion, like the kind of album that you would listen to while driving a Harley bike on a dirt country road, or while your sitting in a highway bar and La Grange randomly comes on the jukebox. Good album but just not really my thing. Favorite Tracks: Waitin' for the Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago, La Grange, Have You Heard? Rating: 3/5

I hate bands that pass off albums like this and they call it music. I don't know how people could listen to this. It is just so distorted and reverb-ed that you can't even understand or interpret what the singer is singing. The guitar on this album is akin to nails on a chalkboard, like literally, go listen to it for yourself and you'll know what I'm talking about. Favorite Tracks: Just Like Honey Rating: 1/5

I really like how this album sounds. It's something that I really like about indie, the guitar, the drone, the vocal tone. But, I do think this album is a bit basic and surface level. There is better indie music out there than something like The xx but honestly, this album is pretty good. Favorite Tracks: Intro, Crystalised, Heart Skipped A Beat, Shelter Rating: 3.5/5

My love for thrash metal goes back to when I was in high school. I would be the kid wearing his battle jacket proudly with all my patches and stuff. This album kind of reminds me of my early days into listening to louder music and for that, I think it is alright. My taste in music has changed dramatically ever since high school, but I think this album is pretty good. Never really listened to Sepultura but I should probably give them a shot. Favorite Tracks: Arise, Dead Embryonic Cells, Orgasmatron Rating: 4/5

If there is any disco collective that is able to stand the test of time, it would be Earth, Wind & Fire. They always tend to release banger after banger and this album proves it’s no different. Also makes me think of Superbad too. But I really like this album. Definitely a staple in the disco genre! Favorite Tracks: Shining Star, That’s The Way of the World, Happy Feelin’, All About Love Rating: 4/5

This album is great. It is a classic representation of rock from the 70s as the genre was evolving. I always think of More Than A Feeling whenever I listen to Boston or think about Boston especially a couple weeks ago when I went to Boston for vacation. I went to Fenway Park too and immediately turned it on. But yeah, great album and a poignant album for dad rock. Favorite Tracks: More Than A Feeling, Peace of Mind, Foreplay/Long Time, Smokin’ Rating: 4.5/5

I always thought Coldplay was meh. Feeling as though they’re just another pop group from the 2000s and they didn’t have anything to offer. But this album kind of changed my perspective. The whole sound on this album is absolutely amazing and the songs sound just so great. I stand corrected on who I was before listening to this. Great album and would absolutely listen to this again! Favorite Tracks: Don’t Panic, Sparks, Yellow, Trouble Rating: 4.5/5

I’m not sure what to really say but this album is really boring. I just kind of want to fall asleep while listening to this album. Favorite Tracks: The State I’m In Rating: 2.5/5

I feel like this is good for an experimental album or a mixtape, but I found it too weird in my opinion. I just feels like a rap album made by an alien or something not from Earth. It also feels as though this album is trying to take cues off of MF Doom but just can't nail down what made MF Doom so iconic. Favorite Tracks: Airwave Hysteria Rating: 2.5/5

This album can be really annoying and repetitive. I never really cared for electronic or house music and this album was one of a few reasons why. Most of the songs are a beat with the lyrics just repeating over and over again. I just never wanna listen to In Heaven ever again. It's like when a kid curses for the first time and never stops like dropping the F-Bomb in a song is not edgy to the point where it has to be dropped on repeat bro. But you know what, Praise You is a great song though. That's all I'll say that is good about this album. Favorite Tracks: Right Here Right Now, Praise You Rating: 2/5

I feel that there is always good mellow and sleepy mellow. I think this album would be a good middle ground. I'm torn, while I like a lot of the instrumentation on this album, I think it can get a bit boring at times but then again, it does sound great and better than most reggae music is outside of Jamaica or the Caribbean Islands. Favorite Tracks: King, Burden of Shame Rating: 3/5

This would be an album I would listen to while driving down a beach road in a convertible. I really liked this album. Very mellow and soothing to listen to even when I was listening to it on the hectic train ride back home from campus. Just pop this on and think of a quiet place, you'll thank me later! Favorite Tracks: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Midnite Cruiser, Only A Fool Would Say That Rating: 4.5/5

I don't know about this one. I like some of what R.E.M. has done over the years but I feel that this is just sort of something I couldn't really care for. There are some aspects I liked about it but in all honestly, it is weird hearing them in their early days because they started to sound different when they started to really take off in the early 90s. This is early indie that did define the genre but I just don't really find it that groundbreaking. It's good, but not unbelievably amazing. Favorite Tracks: Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Catapult Rating: 3/5

I’ve been feeling a little down recently due to the change of the seasons. I have this feeling of dread and mourning once summer turns into autumn with college starting back up, baseball ending, and going down shore not being possible anymore. But I think this album kind of makes me feel happy to move forward in these seasons. It makes me look forward to football, Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie, and all the things that made me really love fall when I was a kid. It has a very peaceful cottage core feel that I really liked, it's almost reminiscent of early Alex G or even Mac DeMarco (listened to him during my entire first semester in college after high school). This is the kind of indie music that I really like. Favorite Songs: Sun It Rises, White Winter Hymnal, Tiger Mountain Peasant Song, He Doesn't Know Why, Heard Them Stirring, Your Protector, Meadowlarks Rating: 5/5

This one is just really boring and stereotypically 80s yacht rock. I'm not a fan of albums like this. It just feels like the same carbon-copy of plastic pop rock artists from the day. It's okay at best but other than that, it just has nothing to offer at all. No originality nor difference. Favorite Tracks: While You See A Chance Rating: 2/5

I'm not sure how Steely Dan has 4 albums on this list. Don't get me wrong, I like them but to say they are iconic to a point where they have about as much albums on this list as Pink Floyd is a bit of a stretch. That being said, this album is pretty meh in my opinion. It's just the same formula that they've used their entire run so I can't say it really stuck out to me. Yeah, I just think it is really bland, not horrible but not great at the same time. Favorite Songs: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You Rating: 3/5

I found this album to be a mediocre copy of music in the late-60s or just Vietnam-era America. But the only thing I thought was that it really copied off the Doors and Jimi Hendrix even though they made their debuts only a few months to a year prior to this being released. It just sounded uncanny to Jim Morrison or Ray Manzarek's sound that they had on their debut. I think the only good song was the title track be even then, it was too long to justify it's iconic status. It almost feels like copied off homework that is just too much paraphrasing that it is almost plagiarism. Favorite Tracks: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Rating: 2/5

When you have Johnny Cash preforming a live concert in a prison, you already know it is going to be gold. Something about Cash performing these kind of concerts always seemed authentic to me because he always preformed as though he was an outlaw dressed in black. Even though I never really liked country, his music really resonates with a city boy like me. I love these kind of albums that Johnny Cash made. Favorite Tracks: Wanted Man, I Walk the Line, Darlin' Companion, San Quentin, A Boy Named Sue Rating: 5/5

This album was just really repetitive. I liked only a few songs but after a while, I just thought it was too much of the same thing over and over again. It's almost as if it was on repeat. I do like North American Scum because it was in Step Brothers so I'll give a pass but other than that. LCD Soundsystem is a very bland band that I just could never really wrap my head around. Favorite Songs: Time to Get Away, North American Scum Rating: 2.5/5

This one is very tough to rate. I was very excited to see this on my generator today because it is a classic and fun album to listen to. On the other hand, a lot of the songs made on this album are heavily overplayed (really Sweet Child O’ Mine). Like on local radio here in Philly, you hear these songs all the time it would make you go insane. But, does that mean that I do not like this album? Absolutely not! For a debut, it is impressive that Guns N’ Roses was able to make one of the biggest impressions in music history. The majority of songs that came off this album will be played for the rest of time and if that isn’t a testament to this album, I don’t know what is. For these reasons, I can’t help but give this 5 stars. It is classic, hard, and rough! Probably one of the best 80s rock records ever. Favorite Tracks: Welcome to the Jungle, It’s So Easy, Nightrain, Mr. Brownstone, Paradise City, My Michelle, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Rocket Queen Rating: 5/5

I really never understood why Morrissey has so many albums in his solo career on this list. Like, was he that good during his solo career to have 4 albums here? This album was also very boring too. Morrissey was really just underwhelming after he left the Smiths that it even surprises me he is still relevant. Favorite Songs: Hold on to Your Friends Rating: 1.5/5

I’ve never been a fan of the hippie culture and music. I always thought it was too bland. But I’ll be honest, this album is pretty good. It felt melodic in all the right places and felt like a story from that era. In a time of protest the Vietnam War and taking acid, I think that this album is an outlier in the sea of boring that is hippie music. Favorite Tracks: Alone Again Or, A House Is Not A Motel, Old Man, Live and Let Live, The Good Humor Man Sees Everything Like This, You Set the Scene Rating: 4.5/5

I’m gonna be curt when I say this, but this album stinks. I thought it was gonna be a good one because of Where is My Mind (Fight Club baby!), but everything else is just nothing short of a snooze fest. While this album was inspired the big grunge bands of the 90s, I just feel that it was too bland for me and wasn’t that great. I just don’t think this works as a whole album, it had one big hit and the rest of very obvious filler. Favorite Tracks: Where Is My Mind Rating: 2.5/5

I think this album is alright but I never really think of the Temptations when it comes to their full-length studio albums. In their early days and like mosts artists/bands during that time, they were known for their hits and singles. Songs that were played on the radio a lot and listened to by almost everybody. But this album is still pretty good and innovative for its time and really pioneered funk as well! Favorite Tracks: I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Runaway Child Running Wild, Love Is A Hurtin' Thing, Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go), I Gott Find a Way (To Get You Back) Rating: 4/5

For a soul album from the 90s, I think the vocals and the instrumentals were good. However, I feel that this album is incredibly boring. It just makes you wanna fall asleep. Not to mention, it is pretty long. It is okay for a debut but I feel as though D'Angelo could've shorten it a bit because it feels as though a lot of this album is filler. Favorite Tracks: Brown Sugar, Jonz in My Bonz, Lady Rating: 3/5

This is a weird album to see here. I really don't know how to feel about it. I don't know if I like this but I don't know if I dislike it. Honestly, I'm just in the middle when it comes to this album. I really like the composition and instrumentation of this album. The mythical backing orchestra sounds really great, almost like the soundtrack of Skyrim. But I really don't like Joanna Newsom's vocal style. It almost sounds as though she is trying her best to emulate or copy Bjork or Kate Bush but isn't really there at all. Yeah, all I can say is the instrumentation is great but really absolutely don't like the vocals, it probably could've done without them. Favorite Tracks: Emily, Cosmia Rating: 3/5

This album is a classic to me. It was one of my introductions to David Bowie and is even the first album on vinyl that I own by him. I will say that the B-Side of this album is incredibly boring and lackluster but that A-Side to me is amazing! Also, I love it just because it has and is named after one of the greatest songs ever written. Bowie in the 70s is an artist that almost impossible to emulate. His run throughout that decade produced a lot of great albums like this one, Ziggy Stardust, Low, Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, etc. But for the A-Side and Heroes alone, this is definitely gonna be a 5 for me. Favorite Tracks: Beauty and the Beast, Joe the Lion, Heroes, Sons of the Silent Age, Blackout Rating: 5/5

Beck is boring. That's all I gotta say. Favorite Tracks: Devils Haircut, Novacane Rating: 2/5

Every time I see an EDM or House album on this generator, I dread listening to it. I never really liked music like that because it can be really repetitive and annoying to listen to. This album differs from all of them. It's weird because while the genre can be really annoying, there might be just one album that sets itself apart from it and it's this one. It's not on my top 10 of all time but it definitely ranks higher than any electronic album would. Also, the cover is iconic and Breathe is one of the greatest songs ever. This is a great album that should be representative of 90s rave music. Favorite Tracks: Smack My Bitch Up, Breathe, Funky Shit, Narayan Rating: 3.5/5

This is a bit of an outlier when it comes to Fleetwood Mac. It is not as amazing as their first album or Rumors, but it is a good album nonetheless. I think it is a little more experimental than their previous work, like there are a few weird tracks within the album like "Not That Funny" which is okay but can really seem weird for Fleetwood Mac to make. But, it also seems as though they are trying to emulate some of their songs from Rumors like Think About Me sounds great but is eerily reminiscent of Go Your Own Way. Another critique I have is that it feels as though this was an album that was created for the sake of being created. Like, this was something that was pressured onto them by their record label, it felt as though some of the songs were weird rather than the deep songwriting and composition that Fleetwood Mac is known for. It just feels like it was made with haste rather than with love. Also, it doesn't help how Lindsay Buckingham tried his best to emulate new wave and post-punk bands at the time which didn't really translate well in this album and just sounds plain weird. But overall, the album is alright but I'm surprised this made it on here rather than their self-titled album because that is an amazing album like Landslide and Rhiannon alone makes its place on here deserved but I didn't make this list. Favorite Tracks: The Ledge, Think About Me, Sara, Storms Rating: 3/5

This is okay. Not great, but its okay. I just don't get how we could call this her album when this album is just made up of features (11 songs on a 17 song album, yes I counted). I don't mind features either, rappers do it all the time but to have more than half of it being features at that point is ridiculous. But it could also be a tad bit boring too, like it is a record that I just didn't really find that appealing. I know that Missy Elliott is considered to be high up when it comes to respectable rappers, but I didn't really find the appeal. Her beats and flow are just way too mellow and dull. Yeah, just boring in my opinion. Favorite Tracks: Hit 'Em wit da Hee, Sock It 2 Me, Pass da Blunt, I'm Talkin' Rating: 2.5/5

I mean, it was good. But I'm surprised that this album ended up on this the list rather than Breakfast in America. I just don't get it. But it was a good album nonetheless and enjoyed it. But I should also say it can sound a bit dated. It really is the 1970s in one album. But also has a little bit of influence from Pink Floyd and other rock artists/bands from the time, you could definitely tell. But other than that, it was good on its own and wasn't as weird as I thought it was gonna be. Favorite Tracks: School, Bloody Well Right, Hide In Your Shell, Dreamer, Rudy Rating: 4/5

Yeah, I'm not sure what to expect when I get these weird and obscure albums on the generator. It really is not great. I don't know, I don't really have much to say, it's just really long and dull. It's just a snoozer, that's it. Favorite Tracks: Pristeen, Promised Land Rating: 2/5

A pretty good disco album is something I don’t really say often. Disco was a passing trend and it died pretty quickly. It was also pretty cliched and the culture really couldn’t fit the chaotic 80s. But honestly listening to this, I couldn’t really see too many flaws. Even removing a great song like We Are Family, I think it can still be good as a standalone album. The beats and groove are really amazing to listen to and of course the fact that Sister Sledge came from the iconic Chic. Yeah, this album was pretty good! Favorite Tracks: He’s the Greatest Dancer, Somebody Love Me, We Are Family, You’re a Friend to Me, One More Time Rating: 4.5/5

An interesting album to say the least for a guy who has a pretty interesting background (read up on him before the listen). This album is pretty ahead of its time, but not in instrumentation, in messaging and protest. While protest music did exist, this one really antagonized Fela Kuti's country of Nigeria and their military specifically. It was a brave and bold stance for Fela Kuti, considering the aftermath of this album's release. With the messaging in the album, it infuriated the Nigerian government so much to a point where his mother got killed by the military, his village being destroyed, and his studio getting destroyed. Fela Kuta was an activist at heart and a musician by soul, these events really showed what he was willing to do to expose a corrupt and authoritarian regime. But, I think I would be remiss if I didn't mention how great this album sounded. It's groovy and head bopping in all the right ways. It is a pretty inspiring listen and definitely something you should listen to as well because I had a good time listening to it. Favorite Songs: Zombie, Mr. Follow Follow, Mistake Rating: 5/5

I never really got the appeal of Iggy Pop or the Stooges at all. I just really don't care, especially since they come from the Detroit area which is well-known for producing some amazing music. Like Motown alone, the Stooges is really something that is pretty much static in that respect. Do I see their influence? Yes, I know they influenced punk music and heavier music that came after this album. But, do I think is album is great? No, the sound in this album is noise. There are a couple songs that I do like and find listenable but the rest is mishmash of TV static. Yeah, this album is not for me. Favorite Tracks: I Wanna Be Your Dog, We Will Fall, Ann Rating: 2.5/5

I was reading one of the reviews on here and there was a person talking about Jersey. I live a state across in Philly and was reading about how much the state has to offer. I never really thought about it but Jersey is not bad at all. Listening to people like Springsteen make Jersey seem amazing compared to other states that are hyped up around the USA. He always spoke for us Northeastern USA folk and an album like this really shows that as well. It's weird saying that because a lot of the album sounds like it should've been made by an artist from the Midwest but honestly, Jersey is a weird but underrated state that crosses so much when it comes to culture. With it being a stones throw away from NYC, Philly, the shore, the mountains, farmlands, etc, it sort of represents it all. Great album and a classic from the Boss! Favorite Tracks: Badlands, Adam Raised a Cain, Something in the Night, The Promised Land, Prove It All Night, Darkness On the Edge of Town Rating: 5/5

Nu Metal and Alternative Metal are two genres that could either be really good or really "douchebaggy". Sometimes you get a mix of them, sometimes you one or the other. But man this album really borders douchebaggy. It does have a mix of hits or shits in my opinion. Incubus is a very boring band that I could care less for and it confuses me that this album even ended up on this list. This album sounds as though it was made for the one guy in the 2000s that would dress up in a red Yankees hat like Fred Durst, have frosted tips like Mark McGrath or wear Fox Racing clothes unironically. It is just an out of style album with one song that is replayed over and over again on the radio. Favorite Tracks: Privelege, Consequence, The Warmth, Drive Rating: 2/5

I think that we should sort of stop equating longer with better. This album is pretty boring to say the least. If you wanna make a good album with a length runtime, make it as cohesive as possible. Also the songs were pretty annoying and almost pretentious. Like, what the hell is Aumgn? An 18-minute non-song of a guy messing around with a soundboard in a cave? In that case, than that's what it is. It is way to experimental that it doesn't even sound like music, it sounds like a unearthed demo soundtrack for A Clockwork Orange or a Kubrick film that was made before he became a famed filmmaker. Sorry for the long complaining but I just do not like albums like this. It gets to a point where experimental turns stupid and this crossed that barrier. Favorite Tracks: Paperhouse, Oh Yeah Rating: 1/5

This album is alright but nothing really much to note. It just doesn't really stand out to me because The Cramps sound a lot like the Misfits or True Sounds of Liberty down to the guitar tone and the vocal style. It's that early goth and horror punk sound that is well known with bands like the ones mentioned. It is sort of an enjoyable album at times but only for a few songs, the rest are painfully boring and dull. Like it just something that I'm not really fond of at all. I just don't really get who the Cramps are for. Vampires? Zombies? Frankenstein? It's literally like what we as kids thought was scary and horror that just seems really soft at best. Favorite Tracks: TV Set, I Was A Teenage Werewolf, Sunglasses After Dark, Strychnine Rating: 2.5/5

I feel like other than Gimmie Shelter, which is probably one of the most iconic and great songs by The Rolling Stones, the rest of the album is really lackluster and boring. I never really think to much about The Rolling Stones or Mick Jagger, just never was a big fan of the band. While they have some great songs, this album and most of all their catalog is really bland. It just feels as though that after Gimmie Shelter, all of it is just filler and fluff that is unnecessary. While an iconic title, it is just something I didn't really care for. Favorite Tracks: Gimmie Shelter, Let It Bleed, Monkey Man Rating: 3/5

When I was listening to this album, I asked myself "Can this album, while as long as is, be amazing?" I have to say, it was one of the most beautiful and spiritual albums I have ever listened to. George Harrison created one of the greatest albums at a time when the greatest band ever broke up. It is sort of healing to listen to it as it felt as though he had moved on from those times and went on to become a great solo artist. Harrison is always hailed as the "Quiet One" of the Fab Four. He was an incredibly talented musician but was sidelined because he was also in a band with John Lennon and Paul McCartney respectively. But not to disrespect there talents, but I feel that the few songs he did were prolific for the Beatles. While I know this has been said before, the only bad thing about this album is the "Apple Jam" record (the third disc). I just feel it wasn't necessary to have it. It's not horribly bad but it is pretty boring honestly and didn't really add anything to an already great album. But this album was the best thing that Harrison did to prove his amazing songwriting abilities after the Beatles. I just feel it was the album that proved that he could be something bigger than the Beatles or himself in someway. It was a way of saying he's moved on and doing his own thing now. Sometimes I still wish he was still here. But at least he was able to give us some of the greatest music ever written. Favorite Tracks: I'd Have You Anytime, My Sweet Lord, Wah-Wah, Isn't It a Pity, What Is Life, Behind That Locked Door, I Live for You, Beware of Darkness, Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll), All Things Must Pass, Art of Dying, Hear Me Lord Rating: 5/5

This is album that really showed something new come the 1990s. Especially since right after 1990, things really came to change and this was no different to music. It is a new sound, however, it is just incredibly bland and dull. It also feels really long and dragged out. Electronic music to me is not the best music out there and again while an album like this was probably revolutionary in the early 90s especially coming out of the 80s, in 2025, I think it doesn't really break any barriers. I do like the album cover though, I think it's iconic. Favorite Tracks: Safe From Harm, Unfinished Sympathy Rating: 2.5/5

Pretty classic in my opinion. Queen is probably the pinnacle of rock in the 70s. They were revolutionary both in rock sound (Brian May's guitar) and operatic singing (Freddie Mercury's impeccable vocals). I think this is a contender for Queen's best studio album in my opinion. I didn't really think it was going to start out great but man did it impress me listening all the way through. Great album and defiantly worth the listen. Favorite Tracks: Brighton Rock, Killer, Flick of the Wrist, Now I'm Here, Stone Cold Crazy, Bring Back Leroy Brown, In The Lap of the Gods... Revisited Rating: 5/5

It is surprising seeing an album by a band as great as Minor Threat so lowly rated. But I guess people have different tastes. I think hardcore punk is great, but also consider that this album is by the pioneers of hardcore punk. I probably would have rather seen one of their compilations on here especially since some of their classic songs are on those, but beggars can't be choosers. Anyway, this album is pretty good and one of the staples within punk rock. Minor Threat is just something that was different within that community. Considering that some of the better hardcore bands were coming from the West Coast or just California, Minor Threat came from the East Coast (specifically Washington DC) and really brought the whole genre here and influenced other bands in the East Coast to be created like Bad Brains or even the Beastie Boys to some extent. I think bands like Minor Threat are influential in their own way. This album doesn't really have any bad songs that I could think of and really is sets the attitude that hardcore punk had in the 80s. Favorite Tracks: Betray, It Follows, Think Again, Look Back & Laugh, No Reason, Out of Step Rating: 4.5/5

I didn't think it was going to be that great but honestly, it is not bad. It is something I'm actually really shocked that I enjoyed. It really sort of nails that 70s funk sound really well for it being a 90s album. I also really like that sort of jazzy funk sound that is present in a song like "When You Gonna Learn?" It is definitely a good dance album that is actually pleasant to the ears. Definitely an unlikely winner for sure. Favorite Tracks: When You Gonna Learn?, Too Young to Die, Music of the Mind, Emergency on Planet Earth, Blow Your Mind Rating: 4/5

This album is just plain weird. I really like the instrumentation and the lyrics and I don't know if it's just me, but does this guy sound a lot like Thom Yorke? Like truly, I honestly this was some weird Radiohead album or solo album by Thom Yorke under a pen name. I just confused the whole time listening to this. It just that droning vocals. That works for Radiohead but with that sort of music style, it just sounds too complex and convoluted if you know what I mean. Favorite Tracks: Peach Trees, The Art Teacher Rating: 2/5

Oh man, been waiting for this one for a while! I'll just say it because why not, this is an album of perfection! I think the first time I listened to this album, I was about 8 or 9. Even since then, Metallica has been one of my all time favorite bands. It's hard to find a band that was so young make an absolute classic twice (this one and Ride the Lightning)! It is crazy how much this album really changed the trajectory of the band, even more so since on their European tour for this album, Cliff Burton died. It is an album that really shifted the direction of Metallica forever. But, while I think that Ride the Lightning is probably their best album, Master of Puppets is for sure tied with it. I just think on a musical level, this album can't be beat. While I really favor Jason Newsted for his energy and live presence, it is still really devastating that Cliff wasn't there for their later projects because he really was almost like the third guitarist. Like the way he played bass was unbelievable. Seriously, who else other than Les Claypool or Lemmy could solo on a bass? But anyway, this album is metal perfection. Even though I've listened to it so much in full, I still gasped the moment I saw it on the generator. It is incredibly entertaining and something that everyone should listen to. Trust me, it is quite the experience and I love it to bits and pieces! Also, I don't think I have had an album yet on this generator where all the songs were my favorite from the album. But could you blame me? It's a flawless album in my opinion. Favorite Tracks: Battery, Master of Puppets, The Thing That Should Not Be, Welcome Home (Sanatarium), Disposable Heroes, Leper Messiah, Orion, Damage Inc. Rating: 5/5

It’s okay, but I’ll never really understand why this album is considered to be really groundbreaking and influential. It’s really just a mix of “a little bit of this and a little bit of that” and that’s it. It really just is the barrier of listenable to mid to really weird. I don’t really like much psychedelic rock because its structure is a little weird and noisy. While I think that the album cover by Andy Warhol is pretty cool thinking about, this album can be creative to some but to me, it sounds pretty uninspiring and distorted. Favorite Tracks: Sunday Morning, Femme Fatale, Heroine, I’ll Be Your Mirror Rating: 3/5

I started listening to Elliott Smith the first time I watch Good Will Hunting. Ever since then, I kind of associated his music with that movie. This album kind of strays away from that but honestly, it still has the same vibe as Good Will Hunting. It is something a college coffee house would play in the background. Indie music that is soothing but could also be summed up as a little basic too. Honestly, there were hits but I wasn't really as into it as I thought I would. Favorite Tracks: Son of Sam, Somebody That I Used To Know, L.A. Rating: 3.5/5

Okay, I get why everybody hails this album. It is definitely a classic, but honestly, I wouldn't say it is one of my favorites to ever be made. Again, I really understand its classic status, but I think there is a lot more creative and amazing songwriting that came out during the time. Also, the album's songs tend to be really overplayed. Like the majority of radio stations in my area really play the hell out of Black Dog or Stairway to Heaven (the dreaded guitar riff). But honestly, this was a good listen and one of those albums you tend to look forward to on this list. Favorite Tracks: Black Dog, Rock and Roll, The Battle of Evermore, Stairway to Heaven, Misty Mountain Hop, When the Levee Breaks Rating: 4.5/5