Nice listen. Hear this band’s influence in a lot of other later stuff I’ve heard. Reminds me how much good music has come out of Scotland.
Need to listen to more Bowie to gain a better appreciation. Nothing boring about this album, but didn’t move me. Probably need to listen again and more intently. I know Bowie and this album was groundbreaking, but, with some exceptions, I don’t love this record. Recognize the great musicianship though.
Really nice listen. Adele has a remarkable voice and it’s just a pleasure the ears. Some catchy melodies too. Not the genre I’m typically drawn too, but in all honesty I just like this record.
Like me this more than I expected. Ozzy could actually sing! Some sweet bass lines and the guitar isn’t just noise. Sabbath really did rock. And there are quite beautiful interludes too. Great record.
Not for me. Elvis’s music grates on me and I don’t think this album is all that good. Maybe earlier Elvis would move me more but this is crap.
Phenomenal album. Top to bottom. Absolute classic. Musically, lyrically… Neal Peart was a genius. This is an all-time great.
Hadn’t heard this one straight through before, but of course had a song or two. Neil Young is always Neal Young… just is what he is. Some bluesy numbers. Solid, but not the pinnacle of Neil Young.
Appreciate learning about this pioneering band in the NYC 70s punk scene. But NOT my jam. In fact I couldn’t get through the whole record. Really grating and irritating. Sounds like they are trying to be funny, but it’s not. Maybe just really dated and hasn’t stood up.
Less pop, more maturity than I expected. Lourde clearly struggling with her stardom on this one. Still has some good beats and hookiness, but a very different album than Pure Heroine. Brooding and introspective and darker. As far as my take… surprisingly good with decent depth. Solid record.
Had never really listened to MIA (other than Paper Planes just through pop culture). Gotta say, I’m impressed, especially since this is the debut album. I’m not a hip-hop connoisseur, and while I like some hip-hop, it’s not my go to music. But this album is good! Groovy, makes you want to move, and feels like something unique. Might have to do a deeper dive in M.I.A.
I saw Brian Eno pop up and got excited. But what a disappointment. This album SUCKS. Annoying sounds, hand claps, and dumb lyrics. Spare me from this one.
Wasn’t familiar with Eels, so was glad for the introduction. Not bad at all. A little vanilla in spots, but a good listen. I’d revisit it. Made me think of Blink 182 for some reason.
It’s the Rolling Stones. What can you say? They’ve never been my personal favorite but hard to argue with the quality. Don’t think this is their best work though.
So I get that this was a big album with big hits that have had staying power. I just don’t like ABBA. Respect though.
Average hip hop. Not bad, not anything special though.
Great record! Somewhere between Oasis and the Beatles in sonic landscape. I’ll listen to this one again.
This band just knows how to do it. Not always in the mood for CCR, but the band is just so tight and to me is quintessential Americana bluesy rock and roll.
Dark subject matters dealt with here. Post-punk sound, and influences of Clash to GnR are audible. Vocals tend to get a little to glam for my taste, but the songs are great and this album is very strong straight through. Torn between 3 & 4 stars.
Moody, sonically beautiful, and lyrically outstanding. Maybe not S&G’s greatest, but still an excellent record. Hear the Dylan influence overtly on A Simply Desultory Phillic. Almost too overt. For Emily… is such a gem.
Just a classic. Not much more to say and hard to argue with the quality of the songs on this one. The music is soothing and pleasant and fusion of musical traditions results in a masterpiece. I’m not gonna give this one 5 stars, but only because it’s not my personal favorite kind of music. But can’t give it less than 4… and wouldn’t argue with 5.
Hmm. Some really good (‘Til I Die and Surf’s Up), and some really really bad (opening track, the one about feet, and the Tree song). Never really understood the critical love for The Beach Boys, but did a bit of deep dive once this album popped up and now I understand better the musical genius of Brian Wilson, even if I don’t love all of the music. There were spots on this record that were sonically beautiful, but some of the lyrics are just putrid. So this one for me was a mixed bag. At times during the listen, I was thinking a “2” at best, but then there was some truly genius tracks, and I was thinking 4. Guess I’ll have to settle in the middle. The 2-3 great songs save this for me and I’ll give it a 3, bordering on a 2 for a third, bordering on a 4 for a third.
Really not sure how to rate this. Are they pioneering musicians or just a bunch of dicks making noise? Kuntz is bizarre bit also weirdly likeable. Definitely hear the foundations for grunge. But is this something I’d ever want to just put on to listen to? Sorry, but I think this is mostly just a bunch of moderately talented douchebags who were screwing around and got lucky here and there. Album is also incoherent in my view. Lot of interesting experimentation, but is there a vision? I guess I appreciate that they were pioneers, but seems accidental. Maybe that’s just punk. Not for me though.
Blah. Nothing much to say about this one. Couple of good hits and a decent listen, but nothing special to me about this album. Definition of average.
Some great classics on this record. And a lot of interesting psychedelic music. Definitely belongs on this list. Highlights are all the Grace Slick songs. Embryonic Journey also good. But the other songs aren’t quite as impactful. Strong record that could’ve been a lot better with more Grace Slick. I give the Grace songs a 4 or 5, the rest of the album a 3.
I actually like some of Missy Elliott’s work and I think some of her stuff is really great groundbreaking hip hop. But not this record.
So fusion of jazz and tango. Not much of a jazz guy and don’t even really now what tango is other than a dance. Gave this a try. Certainly wouldn’t have picked to listen to this on my own and probably won’t ever listen again. Kuddos to these guys for doing there thing… and if it’s spontaneous live, then that’s impressive. But it’s their thing, not mine. Zzzz. No thanks on this one.
I mean the record swings and bops and rocks. But do I really like it? Not really. It’s not bad (with the exception of Tutti Frutti which makes me want to smash the music player), it’s just not my thing.
First thought was Nick Drake. Little dodo I know that the album was written for Drake and he and Martyn were friends. Also picked up on on fusion of varieties of genres… folk, jazz, blues, rock. This is a really good record that I’d never heard of and probably wouldn’t have listened to but for this project.
What a phenomenal album. Beautiful and layered and rich and expansive. In my mind I always think of Gish and Siamese Dream as the great Pumpkins albums, but maybe because I hadn’t spent as much time with this one. Glad I relistened. The Smashing Pumpkins are a helluva band.
Flavor fuckin’ Flav! In his prime! Lyrics are sharp, incredible sampling, great hooks and bone rattling beats. Ear worms all over the place and some classics.
Didn’t know this group. And didn’t need to. WTF is this doing on this list? Trying to bring the curve down? Just absolute trash, especially lyrics. Maybe worst record I’ve heard on this list so far.
Avant garde for sure. Lots of experimental sounds. Not really pleasurable to listen too although it has some interesting moments. Also too goofy and absurd for my taste.
Decent record. Doesn’t stand out for me though. Just Ok.
It’s good. Some great… like Imagine.
Motörhead knows how to rock.
I don’t typically listen to jazz, but when I do…
Just doesn’t get any cooler.
First track “The Stars of Track & Field” starts a little slow, and I was about to write this one off, but then it hits its stride. It’s followed by “Seeing Other People” which is super catchy. From there it’s a little up and down. Has some very “Smiths” moments and the last couple of tracks are totally Nick Drake inspired. I’m willing to bet these guys influenced Vampire Weekend too. Overall, it’s a good record. Wouldn’t call it GREAT, but I liked most of it.
Bring on the synths. I used to really love OMD. My first concert, I saw them open for the Thompson Twins. Listening with a more mature ear, I find the synthesizer music a little flat and soulless (despite the religious overtones). The vocals are also more melodramatic than I recall. It’s not a bad record, but not a great one either. And for the period, I feel like there were electronic pop bands that did it better and had more of a lasting impact. Glad to see this one pop up and glad to give it a listen after all these years, but it hasn’t aged all that well. Also, there are other OMD records I connected better with. Feel like this is a 2 even though sentimentally I want to give it a 3.
Well, it's an average pop rock record with the exception of a couple of catchy rockers. But for those, I'd give it a 2.
I have a hard time with Dylan. Music great, lyrics great, but the voice and the intonation annoys me. Leaving that aside, I understand what this man did for music, and this album was a turning point. Just can't give it less than a 4. If only Bobby could sing prettier. Haha.
Another one of those records I wouldn't have thought to put on. Some really catchy funky stuff on here I found myself grooving to. Clearly hear the 70's coming (so maybe this album was a bit ahead of its time?) Not generally into Motown, although I appreciate it. On whole, I'm giving it a 3, but I think there were some moments when I coulda gone 4 on this one. I'd definitely listen again, and it seems like a good record to put on in the background while doing stuff around the house to put you in a good mood.
Pumpkins at their finest. Rich, layered, filled with emotion. The guitars are masterful. Actually, all the musicianship is elite. This record has a little more polish than Gish, but it feels just as raw and fresh. Decade-defining for sure. People talk about Nirvana and Pearl Jam as grunge-defining bands, but the Smashing Pumpkins were right there too, and arguably, the music is more complex and creative. For me, it's the balance of the raw grungy emotion and the artistic precision of the writing and music. This album sounds sooo good, and incidentally it ROCKS! A true masterpiece. 5 of 5.
Listening to albums like this is part of the reason I'm doing this project. I wouldn't have thought to listen to this record and I certainly didn't expect to like it. Thought I knew what Iron Maiden was all about, but I was wrong... at least with respect to this album. It's pretty damn good! Much more melodic than I would've expected and less screaming than I anticipated. In fact, the guy can actually sing. That said, I'm generally not a fan of the heavy metal genre, lyrically it's not exactly poetry, and it's just not really music that moves me personally, so I'm not going to rank it that highly for ME. But that said, objectively, it's definitely a good album. 3 stars.
WTF is this?! First thought based on first song was "Portishead wannabees." the whistle, the snare, the sultry vocals. Then I thought, "are they gonna break into 'Goldfinger'?" Totally 1970s James Bond vibe going on. Is that a theremin I hear? I kinda liked the first song, "Lovely Head." Then "Paper Bag" comes on and I picture a dude in a ruffly shirt plucking a guitar standing next to a lounge singer, and then the strings kick in. Not liking it so much there. Then "Human" comes on and I hear this 70s vibe again and it's got this cool funky horn section popping in and out. I'm liking that one! Then we slow down to the lounge singer jazz + theremin again. And from there on it out it loses me and gets really weird and slow and it drags and then gets annoyingly weird and unpleasant ("Oompa Radar"... just hideously awful). Can't decide whether to give this an A for effort on the uniqueness scale, or an F for being weird just to be weird and for copying Portishead but mostly failing to achieve anything close to the musical greatness of Portishead's best work. Other than a couple of moments (most of "Lovely Head," all of "Human," and I couple of other spots which I found myself being strangely attracted to, on whole I don't really like the album.
Record showcases what a great band the Stones were. Serious blue on this one. Sympathy and Jigsaw are fantastic. The beats in Jigsaw are captivating.
Cheesy. This is no for me.
Pretty cool. Funky and jazzy and a little psychedelic. I’ve heard some other Herbie Hancock I like better (Cantalope Island for example), but this was pretty good. Not my regular jam though.
I’m not the biggest Beatles fan, but this album is filled with gems. Incredibly expansive and really runs the gamut. Some real all time greats (“Dear Prudence”, “Blackbird”, “Helter Skelter”, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” “Revolution” to name a few) Couple of silly clunkers (“Piggies” for example) that I don’t love, but on whole objectively hard to give this less than a 5. Glad to have listened to this one all the way the through.
Oh that voice. Hard to believe Fiona Apple was just a teen when she made this album. The first roughly half the album is absolutely masterful… vocally, lyrically, and musically. That sultry rich soulful voice just pierces right through you. The second half of the album starts to drag a bit and I found myself getting a little bored with the music… although her voice is still amazing. If the second half had matched the first, this would’ve easily been a 5.
Another Belle and Sebastian record? Really? I just heard one from the list. There are thousands of great bands out there yet Belle and Sebastian get multiple albums on this list?! This record was fine… maybe better than fine. Good. Kinda catchy in places and mostly pleasant (despite some dark lyrics). And maybe if I spent more time with it, it would grow on me more. But it just wasn’t anything special to warrant more than a 3.
U2’s crowning achievement. This album is a masterpiece. No one part is greater than the whole on this record. The opening to the record on “Where the Streets Have No Names” is just awesome. The building wave of sound. The crescendo of the Edge’s signature guitars. Add in Clayton’s driving bass, and then the Mullen’s beat comes in. Finally, Bono’s vocals come… soulful and powerful and filled with passion. The band is just so perfect together on this album. “With or Without” has always been a favorite… beautiful song. Top to bottom, there is not a low point on this record. Even the album cover is iconic. May be a “desert island disc” for me.
Started really really well with the first song “Soul and Fire” (conjured Pearl Jam ). “Two Years…” also good. Then downhill for a stretch. But then some gems in the last half. “Homemade” another highlight. It’s raw garage rock, and I appreciate and enjoy a chunk of this album. But some of it just doesn’t sound great to me. Hear the Dinosaur Jr overlap for sure. I do think maybe if I spent more time with it, it could grow on me more. I listened once and was leaning toward a 2. On second and third listen I’m easily a 3 and maybe a high one at that.
I like a few tracks. Not the best not the worst.
Who knew Cookie Monster songs in German? Weird, unique, and interesting for sure. But not for me.
Dated. Repetitive. Lacks depth. And I don’t appreciate dance music.
Absolute classic masterpiece. So good front to back. Bowie was a true artist. This record is the gold standard for concept albums.
Don’t think I knew of Raekwon. Nothing special. Average gangster rap.
Classic Americana. So many great songs on this album.
Shockingly good. I saw this pop up and was initially disappointed because I assumed I’d hate it. But listened to it (twice) while working out and it was pretty good. Powerful, rageful but also melodic and ear wormy in spots. Not saying this is the best metal I’ve heard, but not bad at all. I’m not a metal connoisseur though, so maybe it’s not as decent as I think it is. But I’m giving this a 3 for a solid good album for the genre.
Disjointed amalgam of genres and sounds. Doesn’t seem like this band knows what its voice is. Some of it works better than other parts, but on whole, it loses me. Need a sense of mood or sonic theme for an album and this one lacks either. A miss for me.
I forgot how much the Foo Fighters tried to sound like Nirvana at the beginning. This is a good record for sure, but I couldn’t help thinking they were desperately trying to continue Nirvana… except it’s poppier and lacks the raw emotion and angst of Nirvana’s music. Torn between 3&4. 4 for listenability, but 3 for musical quality/originality.
“Skip” isn’t just the name of the artist, it’s what I shoulda done with this album when it showed up for my daily listen.
Diana is particularly putrid. Dylan wannabe? War in Peace is kinda cool and psychedelic. There were a few Ok tracks in the back half. Otherwise, lame.
This one was interesting. I can hear how the album influenced a lot of artists. The mix of echoing vocals with the repetitive music is at times captivating, or maybe mesmerizing is a better word. But, at other times, I found the repetition… well… repetitive. I’d like to listen to this one stoned. I think it would enhance the record.
I note that REM covered Ghostrider. That was cool to hear the original because I had no idea whose song it was.
On whole, glad I got to hear this, but not something I’d likely just pick up to listen to.
Quintessential folk Dylan. Despite not loving his voice, hard to deny that this is clearly a classic. I think probably also my favorite Dylan album (or maybe Blood on the Tracks)
Delicious hip hop. Never heard this album before. So groovy and funky smooth. Loved it.
It’s fine. Chrissie Hynde is cool though.
Good stuff. Just doesn’t get me excited enough for anything more than good.
So I really like a lot of the Byrds stuff. They were an influence on my favorite band, R.E.M. While I recognized a few cuts, I don’t think I’d listened to this album in its entirety before. I hate the first song, “So You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star.” Totally grates on me. Then you get some more psychedelic and experimental stuff than I was expecting, and at first didn’t sound like the Byrds sound I think of … jangly folky pop rock with a 60s vibe. But I stuck with it and there are some absolute gems on this record. My Back Pages is amazing.
Oh Shit! Fun listen. Reminiscent of De La Soul in some ways, but edgier. Lot of humor, but serious messaging underneath. The music is good too!
Ugh. More Elvis. I just don’t get it. He didn’t even write the songs. I tried. I really did. Just absolute saccharin. Lacks substance.
Brilliant. The quiet chimes and then the crash first notes of Plainsong get me every time. The music is rich, mournful, and sometimes even foreboding. The sound of the whole album is seamless. The lyrics are poetry. Nothing else I’ve ever listened to sounds like this masterpiece from the Cure.
Really like this album. Not your everyday reggae. Groovy, chill, and cool. Something I’d never heard of and probably would never have listened to. This is one of those hidden gems I was hoping to find by doing this project.
Neil Young’s best in my opinion. So many classics on one record. Harvest, Heart of Gold, Old Man, Needle & the Damage Done… brilliant music, lyrics. And his unique voice is at its best on this album. This one is a 5.
Always thought of KD Lang as country but she’s really not, despite the country western music influence which is noticeable. I couldn’t help but think of the classic crooners like Frank Sinatra when listening to this one. Her vocals are fantastic. Don’t love this kind of music, but it’s a quality record for sure.
Angry, somewhat offensive, raw, and completely badass. Some fun old style raps in there too. The social commentary mixed with the dope beats… just great. These guys were the gold standard.
Billy Joel could write a song! Scenes from an Italian Restaurant showcases it all- one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. She’s Always a Women is another highlight. Packed with hits and songs everybody knows. Fantastic record.
Sinead’s voice. So emotionally powerful, haunting and beautiful. I hadn’t listened to this album in many years (& not sure I ever really sat down and listened to it straight through), so I’d forgotten what a powerful and gorgeous record it is. Listening to Black Boys on Mopeds made me sad to think that all these years later, the world is dealing with the same issues, and sadly, perhaps things are even worse now. But leaving aside existential human problems, and also leaving aside what I think about Sinead O’Connor’s actions and statements, the music is undeniably special, and this album is a gem.
I love this record… mostly. Mark Knopfler is one of the most underrated virtuoso guitarists of all time. The guy’s playing is incredible. Money for Nothing (except the guitar riffs which are beyond cool), So Far Away, and Walk of Life (the first 3 tracks) are the low points for me on this record. The back row-thirds of it is awesome. I used to listen to the last 6 tracks of this record to calm myself at night in high school and college. It’s beautiful and the guitar is otherworldly.
Björk is absolutely one of a kind. The soundscapes she creates in this album are so interesting and beautiful… sometimes strange, sometimes warm, sometimes unsettling. And then her voice… oh that instrument. It is wild and passionate and incredibly unique. And I love it.
Visions of You is a cool start to the record. Stirring backing vocals by Sinead O’Connor. Base lines are signature Wobble and are definitely the star of the record. I liked it. Nothing mind-blowing, but mostly good tunes and well worth the listen.
I vacillate between annoying & genius when I listen to the Talking Heads. What is going on inside David Byrne’s head? Can music be both repetitive and surprising? That’s my reaction listening to this one. Some gems for sure. The beats mixed the droning unmistakable Byrne vocals. The music sure is interesting. Some moments I’m tempted to hit skip, some moments are mesmerizing, and sometimes I’m just bobbing my head and wanting to dance around in an oversized suit. Mixed reaction summarizes my view of this record, but it’s an impressive work of musical art one way or the other.
This was the beginning of the downturn for me with U2. Maybe a couple of good songs, with “One” being the best, but overall this album is not breaking any new ground, and it lacks the passion of U2’s earlier music. Almost feels like they are going through the motions… & beginning the shmaltzy cheesy phase. Nothing really terribly bad about it, just not great.
Now I remember why I don’t listen to Megadeath. It sucks.
Started off big thumbs down for me, but I stuck with it. “Drew Barrymore” and “Prom” were smooth. The record nicely blends r&b, rap, electronic and her voice is rich and lovely. But the music doesn’t move me in any particular way, and I’m not connecting with it. The lyrics are… uh…
Want to give this a 2, but feel like it at least deserves a 3. But it’s my list. So I listened to Drew Barrymore and Prom again, and those are good songs. So I’m bumping it up.
Smooth. Stevie Wonder defined easy listening. That synth/organy sound is awful though. Is that the clarinet? Not a fan. Total elevator music sound. Am I ever going to consciously choose this? No. Is Stevie Wonder classic? Sure. And everyone knows the hits. But it’s really not all that great.
Too theatrical for my taste. I appreciate some of Queen’s work, but this record is much of what I don’t like about them.
Bluesy. Overall…. Eh. I’m mean I guess it was better than I expected. I do like La Grange though. Probably deserves a 3, but I don’t really like it
WTF!!! What a surprise! This is kinda awesome! No idea something like this existed. Sonically rich and powerful. Always respected what Metallica does, but this is a new level. Genius to pair their music with a symphony orchestra. Result is a musical experience like none other. Started to drag a little in second half… it’s looong. But interesting listen!
Interesting, especially his spoken explanations. Glad I heard this. Shankar is obviously a maestro in his genre. I’d heard Indian and sitar music but never really spent as much time really listening. I do think this record absolutely belongs on this list. But after a few tracks, the music got very repetitive.
The music is fine. Maybe even good. But why did I need to listen to this? It’s absolutely nothing special. It’s like a poor man’s western Elvis. And I don’t like Elvis.
F*** yeah! Pixies! How to describe this? It’s just so good! I
If you have to say you are sensational, you probably aren’t. And this band is definitively not. They sound like a joke. Absolutely horrid.
This album rocks! The bluesy guitar riffs are masterful. Punch you in the gut drums. Meg and Jack White hit you in the face with their music and it’s just awesome!
Leonard Cohen is a poet. No other way to describe him. While unconventional, the tone of his voice is so moving and rich. But it’s undeveloped on this early record. I’ve listened to plenty of Cohen’s music, but I wasn’t familiar with this album. You can hear the potential with the benefit of hindsight. His voice hasn’t quite developed the signature quality it eventually does on his later records. Still a good album that I liked. The sparse musical arrangements and moodiness create a sonic space to get lost in. But this is a far cry from Cohen at his best.
Respect Prince and like a lot of his music. Not this album though. Given his illustrious career, why THIS album made the list is beyond me. I mean gimme Purple Rain. But the music is still good and there’s a lot to listen to here.
Repetitive repetitive repetitive. Read some stuff about this record being one of the most influential of the last 40 yrs or something. Maybe something about it was groundbreaking in the 70s but that doesn’t mean it’s still any good. I mean I was impressed with my kids’ artwork when they were 3 and 4 years old, by now looking back 15-20 years later, those drawing sucked. Hahaha! I do understand that these guys used new instruments and essentially created electronic music. That’s impressive and got it hand it to them for creativity. Still don’t like the music or the record.
Not usually much of a jazz fan but this one was fun and groovy. Really found myself liking much of it. Nice discovery for me.
Possibly Dylan’s best work.
Really interesting music and a fascinating record. At least on first listen. Indescribable from a genre standpoint. Think I need to be in the mood for this, but it was really groovy. Usually not into the predominantly instrumental stuff, but I liked this. Not like anything else I’ve ever heard. Debating between a 3 and 4. Feel like the newness of it is tempting me to rate it a 4, but if i listened to it repeatedly, it would probably be a 3.
The weird and wild world of Waits. Listening to this is likely staring at a car wreck.. you can’t look away. Do I really like it? I don’t know. Definitely original. And he sure is a poet. But as far as the music goes?
60s pop cheese. Momo Told Me is a good one, but overall this is not for me.
I’ll start by saying Marvin Gaye is awesome. But, while liked a few of the songs on this record, it wasn’t my favorite. I’m saving more stars for a record of his I like better.
Didn’t need to hear this before I die. Nothing about this that I liked. Giving it a 2 instead of a 1 because Sinatra.
Never heard of this band before. Pretty good. Fun sound.
It’s fine if you like this kinda thing. I don’t.
Don’t get the Elvis Costello love. I mean he’s Ok, and there are a couple of good ones he’s done (I do happen to love to Allison, but that’s not on this record). Just not that enthused by this. Sorry.
Fiddles. Lots of fiddles. Banjo. Lots banjos. Pickin and slidin. Fun lane change.
Aptly named record. Lyrically musically… This is great! Didn’t think I liked Arcade Fire, but guess I’d never really spent enough time listening. I couldn’t stop listening to this one. A “discovery” for me in the sense that I will definitely be returning to this album!
Way too glam. Maybe it’s just the vocals that I really don’t like. The music isn’t actually that bad. But I will pass thx.
This feels a little self-indulgent. Just goes on and on and on. Frankly i just lost interest. Certainly some interesting experimentation (although not as much as early Genesis) and a couple of tracks I thought hit. Understand this is a concept album, but didn’t really know what the concept was. Ha! Also always love Peter Gabriel’s voice. Probably being generous with the rating here due to my Peter Gabriel bias. Could’ve easily given this a 2.
Blur is a band I feel like I’m supposed to like. But I just don’t. They are certainly not bad, and I don’t dislike the is record. It just does absolutely nothing for me.
Good and solid w/ a couple slot standouts and a few clunkers
I find this music extremely irritating. Nails on chalkboard. I hope I never have to listen to this again.
Don’t know anything about this band. Screams California (but apparently they are Irish?). First off, I really don’t like the higher pitched slightly whiny vocals. Lyrics are bland. Music that’s not all that interesting and borders on cheesy in spots. They sound like a dumbed down Soul Asylum on happy pills. One Horse Town was almost catchy and not too bad. But overall this is a loser for me.
Led Zeppelin truly is one of the greatest pure rock and roll (and blues) bands ever. There is not a weak link. Each of the musician is an absolute master at their craft… Plant, Page, Bonham, Jones. Just unreal. And this music has stood the test of time. Just as relevant and perfect as it was when it was created. And this album… can you beat the opening cut? Immigrant Song is an absolute beast!!! And the record just keeps going. From the blues-y perfection of Since I’ve Been Loving You (preach Jimmy Page!) to the raucous fun of Bron-Y-Aur-Stomp to the beauty of Tangerine. Just amazing.
Rock. And. Roll. Steven Tyler’s vocals are one of a kind and Joe Perry slays! Rock on Aerosmith!
Supposedly MC5 is this great hard rock band. At least based on this record I disagree.
Steely Fan is fine. Never really moved me though. This album is no exception.
Bold and original. A fun listen. Birthday is a highlight. Love Björk’s vocals…her voice is just an absolutely unique instrument.
Hadn’t listened to it straight through before. Hard to put aside strong negative feelings about the artist. But, it’s an Infinitely listenable album. I’ll give it a a 3 but I want to give Clapton a negative 10.
Solid. Janice Joplin cranks! Love those vocals. Great guitar too. Very solid.
Interesting. Makes you want to move, but gets a little repetitive. Good though for electronic dance music.
Lush and enjoyable. Musically interesting.
Blues, jazz influenced rick. Musical craftsmanship very good. But nothing excited me about this
Snoop Dogg in the mother fuckin’ hay-ouse. This is this shiz-nit.
Rolling in the Deep and Set Fire to the Rain are killer. Adele is just a force. The voice is so rich and beautiful and powerful. But overall, I felt like a lot of the other songs were just okay. Adele is the kind of artist I just want the greatest hits from.
She’s a talented singer. But this sucked.
Raucous start! Liked it right out of the gate. Dark. Cool. And in places, even beautiful (Loom of the Land) despite the sometimes unsettling lyrics.
Love this album. Red Rain, Mercy Street, In Your Eyes all slay! This album was absolutely the height of Peter Gabriel’s genius. Maybe it’s because I listened to it on repeat as a teen, or maybe because it’s genuinely a masterpiece…. In my view one of the all time greats and a defining album of the mid-eighties.
Hypnotic. Darkness in the vocals always, but not the music. It’s that dichotomy that is one of the aspects of the album and of Joy Divisions music generally that is so intriguing.
Could this be any harder to listen to? I tried… I really did. This should’ve been the last album on the list because then if it killed me listening to it (which it almost did) at least I could have said I listened to all the albums I was supposed to before I died.
In all seriousness, kudos to this group for being sonically experimental. It’s just that the sounds are so uncomfortable and unpleasant that any value in the experimentation is drowned out by the discordance.
First off, Bowie’s fingerprints are all over this record and that’s a great thing. POP’s energetic vocals are a strength. Lust for Life and The Passenger are my favorite tracks, with the latter an all-time favorite. Always think of the Trainspotting soundtrack when I hear the tune Lust for Life. Also a good thing. All around, an excellent record that showcases Pop’s and Bowie’s strengths as post-punk artists.
Mid. Not as good as later stuff.
The coolest of COOL. It’s one of 2 jazz albums I own. Just jaw droppingly great. I don’t even like jazz, but this record is undeniable perfection.
Epitome of soul. Smooth, soulful, even joyful in spots. Can hear the southern gospel influence in his intonation and vocals. All around a great listen. Can’t not like it. Al Green may be my favorite soul artist.
Some good l. Some not so good. A bit cheesy and dated.
The thing I like about this is that is captures the live energy of James Brown. The thing I do t like is all the yelling and squealing. Brown was an elite performer, but the music is not my taste.
What do you get when mix a little very light disco, some easy listening, a touch of subpar jazz and pipe it in lot an elevator? Answer… listen to this album.
Hate the way this one starts with Kiedis’ god-awful rapping. But then it gets good. Some great melodies mixed with Flea’s funky energetic bass. Couple of beautiful chill numbers too. Just grooves and rocks and then you get doses of the Chili’s signature funky rock, punk, etc. A little of everything yet the album still feels like a coherent work of art. There a few spots that annoy me… mostly again when Kiedis raps. But overall, even though I’m not personally the biggest Chile Pepper fan, this is great album and I did enjoy giving it a full listen (not sure if ever heard the whole thing front to back in one sitting before).
First thought. I hope this improves. Second thought, ok. A little better. But Could there BE more synthesizers? 80s just before 80s. Third song… get on with it. Where are we going? Vocals are somewhat robotic. Failing to find much depth. By M.E. I am annoyed. This is not good. Observer sounds familiar. This must be the “hit.” I can’t wait for this to be over. I’ve heard the future… and this is not it. Oh wait… Cars! Now I know why Observer sounded familiar. It’s the same riff. There is certainly a consistent sound on this album. I’ll give it that. Otherwise this album sux.
Very cool hypnotic grooves and beats. Just makes you move. Not what I’d typically listen to, but this is great.
With the exception of the absolute banger, Take Me Out, this album is kinda mid. It’s fine, and the music is certainly not bad. It’s just nothing special. Again though, Take Me Out is undeniable. For that song alone the album can’t get anything less than a 3.
Highest quality folk. Little green… beautiful and melancholy.
The album is lovely and the storytelling is masterful.
Without knowing anything about the band or album, I’m gonna guess it’s influential because it was punk fronted by a woman. If I liked punk, I suppose I’d like this. But I don’t and I don’t. It’s not that it’s bad at all, just not my taste. And it didn’t grow on me as I listened. I just wanted it to be over with.
Pleasant sounding music. Eclectic blend with touches of bossanova, jazz, electorinc, guitar. But nothing that screams greatness. Worth listening to and glad it was here because otherwise I’d never have heard it. But maybe better as background music.
The gold standard for 90s hip-hop + gangsta rap. Masterfully produced, infectious beats and samples, and Dre is flat out the Man. Been awhile since I’ve listened to this one, so was great to revisit this after so long. It’s still just as awesome as I remember it.
The best think about this album is the title. Spot freakin’ on. If I were stoned when I listened to this, I probably would’ve thought it was genius. I wasn’t.
Certainly inventive and some of the songs are infectious. Praise You obviously a classic. Not really my thing, but respect for this one and I kinda liked listening to it.
I mean it’s Christmas standards from some seriously good artists. Can’t hate it. But also can’t rave about it.
Funk, disco-y and pure 70s. It’s probably considered great for the genre, but I really really don’t like the genre.
Nine Inch Nails crowning achievement. The anger and rage is so visceral on this album. The music is abrasive and raw, yet it’s also a technical masterpiece. Not the kind of music I can listen to often, but when the mood is right, this album is really pretty incredible. Nothing else really compares to it. Also, side note… pretty incredible arc to Trent Reznor’s career. From this to scoring movies and winning Academy Awards. Quite an accomplished musician.
Beautiful and interesting. Can’t draw comparisons to anything else… very original. This is the kind of record I think could grow on me the more I listen to it. The coherent sound is atmospheric and minimal, but there’s a depth in the music and lyrics that is pulling me in. Giving this one a 4… a lot based on the potential to blossom for me on repeat listens. And I will most certainly return to this one to get to know it better.
I knew Kate Bush, but hadn’t listened to this record in its entirety. Of course I know Running Up That Hill, and it’s a great one, so no initial thoughts with that tune. But then 2 more songs in, and I’m thinking “”Eureka! Kate Bush was Björk before Björk was Björk!” So many similarities in the way Bush uses her voice as an instrument to the way Björk does. Really cool. Anyway, lot to like here, but some I didn’t (Waking the Witch was like nails on a chalkboard). Bush was truly an innovator in pop and the stuff she did set the stage for many to follow.
