This was alright. This band reminds me of one a friend would invite me to go see live. I’d say yes, but only because I needed something to do. The venue is some small little local joint full of college kids and middle aged people wishing they were still in college. When the band comes on I’m already pretty tired. They sound Ok. The jams are good…the guitarist can take the music far out(but not very far out), the singer stays in key and sticks to his own style. Each song has a definite beginning and ending, no real improvisation. Fairly cut and dry. I’m falling asleep hoping the end is near. The last song of the night starts and it’s pretty interesting. “Is this the same track from Bob Dylan’s first solo album? Yeah..I think it is” I think to myself as I enjoy where things are going. Then they go back into their trite over driven guitar solo and heavy drum fills. Bummer. How was the show you ask? Alright, I’d say. Alright show, but I’ll never listen to this band again. (Based on my review, one can deduce that I’ve never heard of this band before. Further post-listen research shows how they were “grunge rock pioneers” and while I do respect that, it does not change my rating of this particular album)

Late 60s pop with a psychedelic, timeless track to finish the album.

Fantastic fuzz with a heart wrenching ballad

Best listened to loudly on a turntable

I respect the voice and production

Fight the power!

Monday Monday…

I like Zevon better

Great album. Will buy.

Very nice. Would buy

Makes me want to drink light beer and party hard

Not for me

Made me feel good

Production, vocals, instrumentals, songwriting…all great. Will buy on wax.

Very good. A bit long.

Listened twice. It was alright. Would buy if it was in the dollar bin

Experimental

Don’t remember enjoying this so much

Need more

Enjoyed this quick one. Would buy

Love it

Meh

Fun album

One of my favs, start to finish

Always enjoy this one

Interesting back story but that’s about it

Not great

Love it, just about every second

Great discovery!

Nice prog rock

Brought me a new appreciation for this artist

Supreme supreme

Pretty good folk rock. Probably would buy.

Very cool

Good sound and harmony, some of my favorites. Just too long.

Far too long. Great production at parts, specifically the first 1/4

Interesting enough

I understand the hype

Funky enough

Pretty good, not bad. Can’t complain

Slaaave driiiverrr

Pretty average blues, well produced with an all star cast.

love this stuff

Great turning point in their career

I’ve never listened to this album from start to finish. Definitely some hip hop classics that were on repeat in my teen years. As an album, this has fantastic production and genre defining lyrics. Love it.

The airplane will always have a place to go between my ears

I never sleep cuz sleep is the cousin of death

Like the synth 80s sound. A few all time greats…one too many ballads for me.

Early 60s JB is the best JB

I’m really not sure why a 59 song set would find its way on this list. It’s not an album, it’s a collection. I give it 3 stars because of the respect I have for the woman behind the microphone and the ever increasing respect for those behind the songs. It’s truly amazing to think of what song writing and composing once was. I listened to this entire thing in an afternoon as I went about my business. It was like a fever dream…

I never truly enjoyed Elton John. He’s a rocker and a great singer/songwriter. There’s much respect to be had. Still, this album will not find a place in my collection

I really was disappointed when I saw this album. I’m looking to use this project to discover new and unusual works that I otherwise would never experience. So, in sum, this is a great hip hop album with excellent production and flow. I enjoyed it and will listen again

I liked this a lot more than I anticipated. Really good guitar work here.

In a previous time I would’ve given this album a 4, maybe even a 5. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s not worth that. Three hits amongst several other unnoticeable tracks makes this an album that defines a generation for some but has little to offer for many others.

I believe this is a much stronger Stone album than the one I reviewed previously. Musically arranged in a way that kept me engaged from start to finish, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t listened to it sooner…creative, slightly innovative, and carries a message connected to a pivotal point in modern America.

I enjoyed some of the guitar work and some of the drum fills.

I listened to this album twice, both times I enjoyed it. More of a soundtrack feel. Probably won’t listen to again.

I had never listened to this album before. I have now listened to it twice, back to back. It filled me with a desire to dance and to be my true self. Exactly what an album should do!

Brought me back to summers as a kid…it could be a 3 star album, but when you look more into Lupe’s life both past and present one realizes just how good this actually is

“Some urged Dr. Dre not to take a chance on Eminem because he was white. Dr. Dre responded: ‘I don't give a fuck if you're purple. If you can kick it, I'm working with you.’” Aside from the skill and creativity of Mr. Mathers, this album features one of the greatest hip hop producers (my personal favorite) of all time. What came before this album for Marshall was rejection and failure. What followed was a national phenomenon and subsequently, national shock and disgust.

Reviewing a second time?

I think if I was rating this in 1993 it would’ve been 4 or 5 stars. Definitely an album that’s a sign of the times.

I will start by saying I own this album, listen to it on a semi-regular basis and have always thought of it as a gem. I will finish by saying I was surprised to see it on this list, and when listening to it with the same critical ear and mind I’ve used with all other albums I find it to be a “middle of the road” record. Wildflowers is a 10/10 track with all others being between a 7 and an 8. An easy 4 or 5 star country album, but 3 stars in this concept.

The guitar work on have a cigar is sexier than Barry White’s voice and the guitar work on shine on you crazy diamond is as pure as a Christian 7th grader. The name of the game? Riding the gravy train… Nothing makes me feel as high as a Pink Floyd album. Best enjoyed in a dark room with good sound system or deep in the woods, lost and alone with good headphones. By the way, which one’s Pink?

Dupe

There is a lot going on in this album. A lot. George is able to let out all the songs, melodies and feelings that seem to have been building over a few years. With multiple listens in my lifetime, the thing I gathered most from this one was the tasteful use of the horns. Plenty of rockers, some folky tunes, some poppy tunes, some devotional tunes and one ballad makes for a fantastic collection of post-Beatle music. Probably the greatest Post-Beatle album to be released in 1970. No disrespect to Ringo.

Meh

A hip hop album you can bring home to mother…. Big rhymes, boogie beats, and moving butts! So many classics. I didn’t know if this would be a 4 or 5, been about a decade since it’s gotten a full listen. I won’t let so much time pass between listens ever again.

My favorite band album is “the best of the band”. that being said, I am only super familiar with the hits. It’s amazing how such a potent civil war song can be written a century after the war itself…..

I found it interesting that I was enjoying this album. I think a lot of it was a feeling of nostalgia though, as it really feels like a top 40 pop album from the 90s.

Apple Music categorizes this as “pop” but the drums on all these tracks say otherwise. Great rocking and rolling radio friendly punk you now hear at the grocery store

There were certainly some head bopping musical high points in this album for me. However, when the name of the band is also included on the name of the albums AND the name of the first song, I begin to question the bands creative capabilities…

I’m not sure why I feel like this is a few years ahead of its time. I was 10 when it released, so can’t really speak on the cultural shift it may or may not have created. However, this type of music will always awaken a coming-of-age wanderlust feeling within me.

God dammit the beach boys just rub me the wrong way sometimes. There are moments when it’s their music makes me feel complete and there are then moments when I feel like I’m losing my mind. This album left me with half a brain, feeling like I’m being belittled and sung to like I’m 5 years old. 2 stars because of Brian Wilson

I could see why someone would give this album a 1. The ethos of ramblin jack speaks for itself, but this album in particular is a mere stepping stone of a life that continues to be lived to this day, nearly 100 years later…3 stars for content and novelty.

I had never heard of Barry Adamson before. I thought this album was going to be akin to Spinal Tap or Tenacious D just based on a few of the track names. Within a few minutes I was pleasantly surprised. The tracks spanned several genres and had influences from some of my favorite artists. The production mixed with the weirdness evokes a surreal feeling that I often strangely associate with good music.

Instant classic. Although I wasn’t alive when it was released I’d like to think that’s what people assumed when they heard this. MJ’s voice is so full of expressive emotion that I think any listener can really grasp onto and feel. A voice that, when combined with this production, gets everyone dancing, from toddlers to grandma. Some sleeper tracks for sure, typical 80s love ballads that I don’t particularly care for. 4 stars today. Could be 5 stars tomorrow. This is a close one.

Fantastic production and great rhymes. Went back and forth between 4 and 5, but since every track didn’t grip me 100% I have to say 4

Second time this one came up but the review remains the same. Love it, just about every second

I listened to this with my wife on the way to our honeymoon and now we are getting a divorce. 2 stars for Stipe’s voice

Beautiful music. I felt like this album flowed perfectly. When taken track by track, the music doesn’t evoke the same response. As a whole, it’s a great example of what an album should be.

This was a difficult one for me to listen to without bias. This album really defined my tween years and to this day anytime I think about dirt or doing something easily I hear Anthony Keidis singing from my subconscious. That being said, from the first track the album presents itself as some hardcore shit is about to break out at you. Then Keidis starts rapping. I know it's their schtick, but it takes away from the music for me. I love this album and always will. If it were presented more as an EP, perhaps just with the first 7 tracks, it would be an easy 5 stars. But it's not. I leave it with a 4.

Why the hell must I hear this before I die

This is a great Stones album. When I saw it come up I restrained myself from thinking it was an automatic 5 stars. 4 stars max, I can’t give it 5 stars just because it’s the Stones. Yes I can. Gripped from start to finish. When comparing it to other albums on this project it’s apparent on how good it is, from the social commentary to the slide guitar to the honkin harmonica. Not once did I feel the need to skip a track or see how much longer I had to suffer through a song. Aside from the usual hits, I really enjoy Monkey Man and You Got the Silver.

I understand why this album is on this list. I had never heard of the artist before and enjoyed my one listen. The accaplla track was surprisingly enjoyable and the last track really stood out to me. Overall, not my go-to genre or time period. Bias aside, 3 stars.

Every album is a time capsule and this project is a time machine. Once again I'm presented with an artist I had never heard of and once again I'm left knowing why. There are moments on this album that I found myself enjoying, some good bass lines. I really only enjoyed one track "If You Loved Me At All". Otherwise it was forgettable...for me anyway.

When listening to this album, I googled "Kanye West Magnum Opus" and the first result was reassuring. Beautiful and twisted...what a great way to describe this album and this artist. More adjectives can be added to describe this man after it's release in 2010...but to keep the focus on the album... The production, the features, the hype behind it and the hype that came from it...it's legendary and no more needs to be said.

If this was mainly an instrumental album it would have been a 4 star album for me. However John Martyn’s voice does not mix well with my ears. I really enjoyed many of the tracks musically. During my second listen found myself skipping over them once Martin began singing. Production wise, the digital album sounded great on my stereo. I’d be interested in getting an analog copy…but not interested in paying more than $5 for it.

What a cool find. I really enjoyed this album from start to finish. The band is tight and the songs work really well together. “Getting Bright At Night” was the highlight for me.

I'm in Boston town, in some restaurant I got no idea what I want Well, maybe I do but I′m just really not sure Waitress comes over Nobody in the place but me and her Well, it must be a holiday, there's nobody around She studies me closely as I sit down She got a pretty face and long white shiny legs I say, ("Tell me what I want") She say, ("You probably want hard boiled eggs") I said, ("that′s right, bring me some") ~Bob Dylan, The Highlands, 1997 Bob Dylan…the voice of a generation…. Kidding aside, this is a nice mature Dylan album. It has everything I would expect from him over the last 30 years. Chill, relaxed and gritty with tales to be told and revelations to be had. My favorite lyric comes from “Trying To Get To Heaven” I’ve been walking through the middle of nowhere Trying to get to heaven before they close the door 1997 Dylan was so much older then….he’s younger than that now… (sorry) 4 stars for the stories that are told.

In terms of jazz, this is a fairly accessible album featuring odd time signatures. I think the DBQ are a solid group and play quite well together. They create a structured fluidity throughout this entire album. Personally I know all the tracks well enough and this was far from a first listen for me. “Everybody’s Jumpin” has always been a favorite of mine. As an album I think it’s a perfect example of jazz in the late 1950s and still holds up to this day.

"But there's always something rewardin', about every CeeLo Green recording" ~ I Am Selling Soul What a sweet find. I really enjoyed just about every track on here. Childz Play was probably the biggest hit for me. I really had no expectations going into this one. I judged a book by the cover and thought it would be sappy soul from the "Crazy" and "Fuck You" guy...some of his early stuff before he became a big star. Man, was I pleasantly surprised. What a talented individual. There were 2 out of 18 songs that I didn't care for. It's a thin line...but ultimately it's a 4 for me. 4.8 if I could.

This album makes me want to wear leather chaps and a poncho, sport hairy sideburns and cruise down the road on a 1967 Honda Dream. Bluebird is such a rocker, I’d argue more of a rocker than Mr. Soul. The mix on broken arrow is a bit choppy. It almost feels as if the Springfield attempts “A Day In The Life”. Perhaps this was the Springfield’s Sgt Pepper response…it would be on par for 67. Nitpicking aside, 5 stars.

Started enjoying it at “The Promised Land”. Sounds like a Zevon song. And then I listen to “Factory” and realize it’s not. It’s a Springsteen song. Good songwriting here. He’s got a unique style. Personally I don’t care for his slurred singing. It takes a lot of the magic away for me. This is my first listen of any Springsteen album and I look forward to hearing what all the hype is about. 3.4 stars, rounded down to 3.

One cannot deny the power this woman’s voice. For this listener, many of the songs come off as cheesy...corny...and all other adjectives related to perishable foods. I really really enjoyed the song "Understand". That's a 5 star song, no doubt about it. However just about every other track left me underwhelmed. In terms of talent, this woman is somewhere between a 4 and a 5. In terms of albums (and albums one must hear before they die) this record is somewhere between a 2 and a 3.

This was alright. This band reminds me of one a friend would invite me to go see live. I’d say yes, but only because I needed something to do. The venue is some small little local joint full of college kids and middle aged people wishing they were still in college. When the band comes on I’m already pretty tired. They sound Ok. The jams are good…the guitarist can take the music far out(but not very far out), the singer stays in key and sticks to his own style. Each song has a definite beginning and ending, no real improvisation. Fairly cut and dry. I’m falling asleep hoping the end is near. The last song of the night starts and it’s pretty interesting. “Is this the same track from Bob Dylan’s first solo album? Yeah..I think it is” I think to myself as I enjoy where things are going. Then they go back into their trite over driven guitar solo and heavy drum fills. Bummer. How was the show you ask? Alright, I’d say. Alright show, but I’ll never listen to this band again. (Based on my review, one can deduce that I’ve never heard of this band before. Further post-listen research shows how they were “grunge rock pioneers” and while I do respect that, it does not change my rating of this particular album)

It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks.... This album is comparable to hearing your grandfather pick out his 70 years of experience on Earth. Singing of his youth, songs that he himself wrote, and songs that were passed to him over the many decades of trials and tribulations. I understand American IV: The Man Comes Around to be a meditation on 20th century American music. The American spirit is palatable here...one of suffering, grit and entitlement. Personally I didn't care for "Personal Jesus". But when listening to it, one is reminded of the story told of Mother Maybelle Carter after first hearing "One Toke Over The Line". She thought it was a great song, mainly because of the "Sweet Jesus" bit and knowing nothing of the fact that it was a song about smoking too much weed. Cash covering Depech Mode is weird. But I'd like to think he wouldn't care what I thought (Damn your eyes!!!). I'd like to think he covered these tracks because he liked them regardless of what popular opinion was at the time, just like Mother Maybelle before him.

I believe this album is best listened to alone on an overcast day. A day where the sun and the rain fight over control of the skies with the wind presiding over it all.

Nick Drake is dreamy folk singer. The frequent use of strings behind his soft voice and pronounced guitar style makes an album which promotes a feeling of peace and serenity for this listener. I don’t believe much else needs to be said for this album. It truly speaks for itself. Although, one could argue that “Bryter Layter” sounds like elevator music and “Sunday” sounds like hold music. Perhaps if the flute wasn’t included I would have a different opinion (Sorry Floutist).

Already recieved this album, my review remains unchanged

A fantastic mix of fuzz and songwriting. There’s a great blend of chaos and synchronicity throughout. The fact that Cobain wrote 11 out of these 12 songs impressed me and verified what I had read about his legacy in the music world. I think the most interesting thing about this album for me is that I had never thought I’d listened to it in full before, yet I know every song included here. “Dumb” and “All Apologies” are A+ in my book After a full listen while reading a bit about the songs included on the album, this listener is left with 4 stars of nihilistic angst.

This is the second time this album came up for me and I feel my review changing. Original review 8/17/25: Interesting back story but that’s about it Revised 11/4/25:I really enjoy Malibu Bay, it stuck with me since the first listen a few months ago. This time around perhaps I’m more open minded or in a different headspace, but someway somehow the album got another star out of me. Good energy, would buy on wax…but not for more than $5. Disclaimer: I only got two hours of sleep last night. That may be the reason I enjoyed this more.

Repetitive sampling but it’s done in a pretty creative way. I was mildly enjoying this throughout, so it gets a mild 3 from me.

A nice album for thrashing and bashing. I enjoyed a few tracks and thought that musically this album represented its genre very well.

In middle school there was a kid with mohawk, skin tight black jeans, combat boots and an Iron Maiden shirt. He saw my Bob Marley shirt and gave me the “name 5 songs” bullshit. I named them and said the same thing to him. We became friends for the rest of our school days. He turned me onto Iron Maiden. Later on he also tried to turn me on to heroin but I declined. He went onto have a successful military career and is doing well. I work at a grocery store. Anyway.. I’m not the biggest fan of the singer. Every other member of this band is stellar. They are tight throughout. “Number Of The Beast” and “Run To The Hills” are two songs that I’ve listened to for two out of my three decades on this earth. I’ve always liked them. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is pretty cool too. I’d say it’s a 3.6 but I’ll round it up to 4 because of Brian.

I’ve never seen shaft, but before I hit play I knew what the theme sounded like. That alone should say something about the cultural significance of this album. The first half didn't really move me. Many of the instrumentals seemed too funked up. The second half though...that got another star out of me. I enjoyed tracks 10-14 very much. Do your thing was far too long.

I very much dislike falsetto singers on metal music. I will never “get it”. Perhaps it’s because I’ll never be able to sing like them. For example, I really enjoyed “Growing On Me” Justin Hawkins went there. If it weren’t for this project, I would’ve stopped listening right then and there. This album seems like a nostalgia grab for people in 2003 that wished it was still 1983.

I love Quincy Jones. Combine him with the talent of Micheal Jackson and you get high potential for 5 star music. By track 6 I was starting to feel it may just be a 4 star album, but it finished strong and pulled me back in.

When I saw the cover I thought I would have mixed feelings. I can usually take or leave this type of stuff. But then I hit play. The attitude from all the members is palatable. This listener was filled with emotion throughout and was reminded (once again) that sometimes the best thing you can do in this life is not take it so seriously. Play a simple riff, sample some old audio, and sing about your metro card. Life is too short, man!!!