247
Albums Rated
3.55
Average Rating
23%
Complete
842 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1990
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
39
5-Star Albums
4
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
|
5 | 2.99 | +2.01 |
|
Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
Protection
Massive Attack
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
Cross
Justice
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
|
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
|
5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
|
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
|
5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
|
1 | 2.85 | -1.85 |
|
Ys
Joanna Newsom
|
1 | 2.8 | -1.8 |
|
With The Beatles
Beatles
|
2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
|
Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
|
1 | 2.53 | -1.53 |
|
My Generation
The Who
|
2 | 3.41 | -1.41 |
|
Debut
Björk
|
2 | 3.38 | -1.38 |
|
Sulk
The Associates
|
1 | 2.35 | -1.35 |
|
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
|
2 | 3.34 | -1.34 |
|
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
|
2 | 3.31 | -1.31 |
|
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
|
3 | 4.25 | -1.25 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 2 | 5 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Barry Adamson | 2 | 1.5 |
5-Star Albums (39)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Marty Robbins · 2 likes
4/5
yippee cayeh!
LOVED the storytelling, made me feel like a real cowboy...
This had me feeling like I wish I grew up in the wild west, but then I really thought about it, and how awful that would be, and how I wouldn't have this list, or this album even. So nvm, Im happy to admire cowboy life from an imaginative perspective.
some melodies got repetitive, and there wasn't a ton of depth musically. BUT I really liked the storytelling aspects of this which bumps it up a notch for me.
7.5/10
Linkin Park · 1 likes
4/5
Linkin park takes the stage here with some very literal heart felt lyrics, crazy futuristic sound shapes and lyrical singing combos, some really creative shit here that I dont think everyone will appreciate to its fullest, but I definitely do
!!
The Who · 1 likes
3/5
Better than their debut album thats for sure. The intro for pinball wizard is one of my favorite song intros of all time, great song too, definitely the best on the album. I appreciated the conceptualness of this one, although I wasnt able to pick up much other than Tommy was blind, deaf, dumb and good at pinball lmfao.
The purely instrumental songs were great, I think when it comes to the vocals a lot of it sounds the same, which is the same trap The Who falls into in their debut album.
Some songs annoyed me, and I think its a bit too long for what you get, could be trimmed down.
6.5/10
The Pogues · 1 likes
5/5
Such a fun listen! What a wide variety in one album, all while still feeling tight knit and similar. I find with the Irish/Celtic sound in their folk music, it can sound very similar, using the same instruments, keys, and musical patterns. But these guys kept it interesting for the whole journey.
From the flute, to the random screaming in the background, piping flute, brass and strings, female vocals on I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day. Such great elements used as ways to switch up the vibe from song to song.
This album feels like a window into a whole other world of music that I don't often find myself listening to, but its a window I'm glad was presented to me. Rum Sodomy & The Lash transports its listeners to grassy hills, irish pubs, and cobble sidewalks, (This is what I imagine Ireland to look like) solely with sound. They paint such vivid pictures, and tell such beautiful stories purely through their music.
If you dislike this, I hope the ghost of Christmas past, present and future come to visit you and take you on a journey through time to resolve your traumas.
9/10
1-Star Albums (4)
All Ratings
Method Man
4/5
8/10, 8/10 Jessie, 8/10 Abe
The Beach Boys
4/5
Great Album! Ahead of its time, some stand out songs, some that fade into the BG
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
7/10, Some real bangers on this album. Monday Monday, California Dreaming. Some songs get repetitive due to the vocal harmony style, impressive pipes and layering's though.
Aretha Franklin
5/5
9/10 banger after banger on this one
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
Great album front to back, has some undeniably classic songs. Big Wheels, Turn to Stone, Jungle, Mr. Blue Sky being some personal favorites. 9.5/10, maybe a 10/10...
Cool album art too.
Bob Dylan
3/5
Great lyrics and storytelling, singing from Bob could do some work. Songs drag on, while musicality kinda repeats and gets old. Some real foot rappers though, tombstone blues, from a Buick 6 were some favorites of mine. Good listen through even with my flack.
Paul Simon
4/5
Loved it, perfect album to enjoy a nice sunny day or when youre looking for something mellow yet joyful. Paul brought some heat with his experimentation with different genres. The flute in Duncan goes fucking hard...
CHIC
4/5
Fantastic album, I want your love is a standout for me. Loving the disco vibes but was left longing for more of it in the the last 3 songs, as I felt it kinda slowed down and lost a lil somethin somethin. Also Le Freak is just an all timer, no questions asked.
3/5
Pretty good album, respect for being pioneers with this one, though some parts of it were missing me with the vibe a bit. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds is by far my favorite on the album. Good album name.
James Brown
3/5
Honestly can see why this is on this list, as its quite an amazing live performance truth be told, with some very talented musicians as well. It would have been AMAZING in person I am sure. But as a listening experience in 2025, I think its a little dated (which gives it some personality if you look at it the right way.) Overall though, I think the live quality elements make me unlikely to revisit this in the future. However I will be looking into James Browns other music due to the quality of the music here itself!
4/5
6.8/10 I enjoyed my listen through, pretty good, was thrown off with Exenes vocals at times with the off key, randomness, but at times I thought it worked well. The guitar, bass, and drums were tight. Year 1 was a favorite on the album.
Nina Simone
4/5
9/10, its fucking Nina Simone. Her voice is incredible.
Aerosmith
4/5
Didnt realize how hard Aerosmith went. I think I just never thought I'd like them due to the overplayed songs not being my favorite, but alas, I did not like those songs solely due to them being overplayed. (Back in Saddle, not a bad song, but definitely heard IM BACKKKKK in SADDLE AGAAINNN, one too many times to the point of annoyance). Rats in the Cellar was definitely a favorite of mine.
Napalm Death
2/5
Linkin Park
4/5
Linkin park takes the stage here with some very literal heart felt lyrics, crazy futuristic sound shapes and lyrical singing combos, some really creative shit here that I dont think everyone will appreciate to its fullest, but I definitely do
!!
Louis Prima
4/5
Really fun album, some great humor, musicality and talent involved in this one. Was picturing watching it live while listening and thinking how awesome that would have been. Nothing really quite like it nowadays. Which I think really makes an album this tight and this clean, that much more special (Melbourne Ska Orchestra came to mind in terms of something similar, still a different vibe though).
The Mars Volta
5/5
Well, I think I just have to give this a 5, this blew my mind a few times while listening through. I haven't really listened to much traditional prog rock (if you would call this trad?) But i can say thid was quite the introduction. The album art also really intrigued me, and I can say the music matched in some way lmfao. Like just wild stuff in here. The drums were especially insane in this album. Some legendary names Involved in the making of this.
Bill Callahan
3/5
6.5/10 i did reslly emjoy this album even though I'm giving this 3 stars. Very comforting and warm sound, made me feel cozy, Bill's voice feels like a musical sound hug embracing you lol. There wasn't anything too crazy here though. The 2nd last song did not do this album any favors, don't know what was up with those weird vocals, but it got a skip on my 2nd listen through.
Solomon Burke
4/5
Was good! I honestly dont have much to say lol, really fun album 6.5 or 7 out of 10. Enjoyed front to back, nothing that blew me away.
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Although I gave this a 3, I do wanna say, I really did enjoy this album. But I think I need to rate these albums with the name of this list in mind, ones you must listen to before you DIE. & if I'm being honest, I wouldn't really have that much regret if I was 6 feet under without having heard this soundtrack. I think as far as movie soundtracks go, this ones not even A tier.
HOWEVER, Theme from Shaft, & Do your thing, are two stand outs for me, the groove they kept in the first song on the album was giving me some mad stanky face. The other songs were great and funky and soulful as well, but weren't anything mind blowing.
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Woah, what an album, what a voice! That opening song hit with a force, the gospel choir, and then from out of left field in comes this epic raspy voice.
Definitely one to listen to with headphones, everything just hits a little harder. I also think locking in to the lyrics and knowing the context of this album adds a hell of a lot of substance. (Cohen released this album a month before passing away, created within the final chapter of his life). Definitely a heavy album, dealing with some darker topics, which in a way adds to its power. I could understand how someone would not enjoy this, but personally, I feel like this album very much deserves its spot on this list.
Elvis Presley
3/5
I think Elvis in memphis is a solid album, some great songs burried in there. Lots I will probably not go searching for again :[, no hate though hes got some great tunes, suspicious minds goes off. Also bonus points for being Elvis... like cmon hes like theeee classic music guy. The hair? Iconic. The outfit, im sure you can picture it. Dudes a fucking legend. 6.5/10
New Order
3/5
This album really grew on me, i think it requires a couple of listens tbh. On my first listen of the album and first track my reaction was: 😵💫
Buttttt after I listened to the album a 2nd time later in the day, my reaction was more this: 😎
This album oozes 80s vibes, through n through. The drum machine at first I thought was a bit much, but then as it went on, I think they mixed in some live drumming. The rock/pop aspects of this album were quite enjoyable to listen to, and definitely grew on me. The last 2 songs being my favorites on the album, Vanishing point and Dream Attack.
7/10 but only giving it 3 stars as I dont think it had enough oomph for the extra star. Id give it 3.5 if I could.
Björk
2/5
Bjork, I really wanted to like you, I had heard a lot about you, had even played a couple of your songs before, but to no avail. I just couldn't really get into it. Like I get it, youre different, experimental and have a good voice, but I just dont think its for me. Theres something about the electronic stuff that is often a bit intense, paired with the untraditional vocals, just doesn't musically give me anything to Bob my head to or make me feel anything. I guess I can see why people like this, but I just dont think im a part of that squadron.
Koffi Olomide
3/5
Im not sure I have much to say on this one, but what I do have to say is that the album art is honestly kinda fuckin great in some kind of way, idk. The music? I think it was good overall, a nice listen through. Id be interested to do a deeper dive into music from Africa, as I dont have a lot else to compare him to. Id give it like a 6/10??
The Verve
5/5
My face lit up when that first song came in, Didn't know where that this was where that song lived!
This album screams early 2000s, something about the violins & the constant slow steady beat. Perfect album to walk your dog to on a warm autumn evening as the sun is setting. Pure vibes.
The rest of the album did not let down either, with some bangers sprinkled throughout! Verve just earned a new fan.
9/10
Favorite songs: bittersweet symphony, The drugs dont work
David Bowie
3/5
Surprisingly the first time listening to Bowie, I don't think this was the best album to start with lol. Although I did still like the last 2 songs on the album. Gotta go with the 3 star rating on this one unfortunately. I think its another case of odd vocal patterns, and the off key sounding melodies. The last 2 songs felt a little more connected in terms of the vocals and the other instruments.
Dead Kennedys
3/5
This album is a very mood dependent listen. Low energy? Its probably going to annoy the hell out of you. Angry, high energy, or looking to get hyped up? This album might hit hard.
The high speed drums, singing, and guitar does not let up at all during this listen, which can be entertaining if the mood is right. Bonus points for the edgy song names, which kept cracking me up. I preferred this more in comparison to Wild Gift by X, it felt like The Dead Kennedys leaned further into the punk genre which I appreciated. Would maybe check out more of their music, not sure I'd revisit this album anytime soon though.
Favorite songs: Kill the Poor, Drug Me
6.5/10
Fela Kuti
4/5
Really like the combination of the 2-3 genres here, some great sections in here. Some interesting history behind this guy and this album as well. Enjoyed the listen through.
Favorite song was Zombie.
Tricky
4/5
This album took a turn at song 4, like complete vibe switch in my opinion. I didn't mind the first song, but the beat got annoying after a bit, was not a fan of song 2 or 3. Surprisingly, Hell is Round the Corner came in with some groovy jazzy backing, I was surprised with the sudden male vocals, really liked the slow rapping. Favorite on the album for sure.
Rest of the album kept switching around the vibe song to song, but I didn't bump against much of it compared to songs 1-3.
Overall was fun to listen through as it had a very unique sound. Only listened to side 1, will have to give side 2 a go at some point. 7/10
Bert Jansch
4/5
Actually really vibed with this, Just a guy and his trusty guitar against the world. I took a gander at some of the other reviews on here and the only negative ones were calling this boring. I mean sure, comparing this to a full on band, ya, the energy is gonna be different. This Bert guy is out here making an album with a single instrument and his voice, and was able to keep my attention for 2-3 listen throughs.
These ipad babies are out here giving this album 1-2 stars have gotta fix their dopamine systems. (Hopefully no one in the group gives this 1-2 stars, if so, I'm sorry for calling you an Ipad baby (but not really)).
50 Cent
4/5
Classic. From the Intro song of 50 cent, dropping 50 cents on the counter, to P.I.M.P, In da club, and so forth. Filled with bangers and some other decent songs all the way through. Loved Eminems features on both tracks, especially since I learned that Eminem signed Mr. G Unit, and this was his debut album.
Many men, many many many many many many men many men many men.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Yeee Bruce Spingsteen. First time listening to Bruce, good stuff. Favorite song was Born to Run. 7.5/10
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
2/5
It sounded like the soundtrack to some weird 8 bit European RPG game. It had some moments that were alright, but it was diluted by the not so great parts. Was glad when it ended if I'm being real, just so I could listen to something else, 1 hour of this was too long.
Souvenir was my favorite on the album. 4/10
Gang Starr
5/5
This was dope. I've listened to gang star before, but never through one of their full albums. Love Gurus flow and the producing by DJ premiere is next level. The record scratch interludes were so funky, songs were filled with pure rythym and creative sampling. Their style reminded me a bit of tribe called Quest. 9/10
The Strokes
4/5
Hmmm I could picture myself rollerskating through a suburb and taking out mailboxes with a baseball bat to this album, would fit the vibe perfectly. Not that I would ever do something like that though...
Unless....
8/10 - Good ole 2000s rock <3
Ms. Dynamite
4/5
This was great, gave me classic 2000s pop/r&b vibes. Surprised I had never heard of her before.
8/10
Joanna Newsom
1/5
Using my god given right of the one star to smack this album into the worst of the list category. Sorry not sorry Joanna...
I think the instrumentation was pretty great, but Mrs Newsom came in like a typhoon with her theater kid annunciation and tanked everything to shit. The songs went onnnn and onnnnn... like oh my god, can we wrap it up here. Like I see the vision, but the only way Id listen to this again is if I were drunk off of mead in a tavern somewhere. 2.5/10
Incredible Bongo Band
4/5
If you like bongos, you will like this album. If you dont like bongos... you are in for a bad time...
8/10
The Doors
3/5
First time listening to the Doors. Was solid, nothing that blew me away though, very bluesy. Only song I didn't like was l'America, everything else was pretty good.
Favorite song: Riders of the storm
Overall I'd give it a 6.5/10
Deerhunter
3/5
Different! But I liked it. Was very layed back, but the instrumentation would get weird at times, which offered some interesting dynamics. From those first few drum hits when the album started I thought I was in for a bad time lmfao. But it mellowed out quickly. Overall, had some good and some not so good throughout.
Favorite song: Desire Lines
6.5/10
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Decent, way more bluesy than I was expecting. Some good songs, a lot of songs I will not remember. I feel as though they have not found their sound yet, but not surprised their debut is on this list.
Side thought: I wonder how they came up with the band name, if you think about it its kind of a weird name. Like a bunch of boulders rolling down a hill? 'Yeahhhh lets name our band after that, sick!'
Beck
4/5
Would give 4.5/5 if I could, if I ever got broken up with or was really sad this would be a 6/5. Wanted to look into this album a bit more. He caught his fiance of 9 years cheating on him, with a guy from a different band.. he wrote all 12 of these songs in one week apparently. Even more impressive, due to how layered and complete each song feels. Really enjoyed this and will be checking out more Beck.
Fiona Apple
3/5
This album was quirked out. Fiona has a great voice, but sometimes it gets weird, and I'm not too sure if its good or bad weird, might need to sleep on it... (That laughing at the end of the first song (⊙ _ ⊙ ) )
Loved the drumming and piano though.
I prefer Mrs. Apple when she's singing more ballad like tunes. She has this one cover of 'Pure imagination' from Willy Wonka that's really sweet, her voice under other circumstances reminds me a bit of Lana Del Rey.
Throwing Muses
2/5
I was going to maybe go with a one star, but the fact this was out in 1985 or whatever is worth a star I guess... Again, like other albums so far, its the vocals that kill it for me, just straight up annoying. I started wondering if it's all female led punk groups that I dont vibe with. So I went to listen to Bikini Kill to see, and I really liked their punk vocal style! So I guess its just the singer from Throwing Muses... the instrumentation was fine.
Tina Turner
3/5
Jethro Tull
5/5
I really enjoyed this. The flute went hard as fuck, the piano went hard as fuck, and the guitar went hard as fuck. Surprised I had never heard of these guys before.
Locomotive breath was definitely my favorite on the album. Would definitely summon a hoard of goblins and ghouls to these tunes.
Public Image Ltd.
2/5
This album was the equivalent of performance art in a musical format. From the poetry to crazy sounding chords and musical elements, to the fucking 52 minute interview tagged at the end. Like you're really gonna interview this guy about this?
There was one song that kinda sounded like gorillaz and the poem about religion was actually kinda decent lmfao
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Really enjoyed this! Listened to it on a rainy drive home from Gimli. With the autumn colours, rainy skies, and chilly winds hitting the car, this album was the cherry on top for the vibe. Really loved the added elements such as the Jaw harp, and strings throughout.
Such a huge difference between this albums sound vs. You want it darker (The other Leonard Cohen album we've listened to thus far). Really interesting juxtaposition to have listened to his last album, and then his 2nd ever album next up, sounds like 2 completely separate artists.
Favorite Song: The Old Revolution, Bird on a Wire
8/10
Cream
3/5
Cream? More like in your dreams of getting more than a 3
First 2 songs were absolute rock n roll banger classics, rest was also pretty good too, but became more ambient. Enjoyed it, but as a full album I thought it was lacking a little.
Keith Jarrett
5/5
The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett I think is one of the most deserving of the title "album you must listen to before you die". It is one I probably would have never picked up or even found without this list, so unassuming.
What a performance, I had chills. Just so everyone is in the know if not already, but the backstory behind this whole thing is NUTS.
Jarrett was hired by an 18 year old concert organizer to perform in a opera house in Cologne, Germany for an 11:30 PM show following some other acts. In some confusion, the grand piano Jarrett was meant to play was not delivered to the opera house, and it was found out too close to the performance to deliver a new one (plus it was raining outside).
Jarrett was driving in from Switzerland and arrived very tired, due to the drive and poor sleep quality from the last 2 nights. The guy gets barely anything to eat, since the show time is so close to his arrival. Then gets to the opera house to find out he will be playing this shitty rehearsal piano that has barely any cadence in the high and low sections of the piano (Oh also the pedals didn't work properly). He was about to not play the show, however this 18 year old kid convinced him to play since the recording equipment was set up and ready to go.
To a sold out opera house of 1400 people, Jarrett whips out a 1 hour improvisation performance so that he can play to the strengths of the current piano he's playing. He scrapped his WHOLE plan and improvised, focusing on playing in the middle of the piano to avoid the higher and lower sections that didn't sound good. He then proceeded to blow the roof off with some absolutely beautiful piano playing.
The story here is what bumps this all up for me, there's so much to it, such a once in a lifetime thing to occur, and to get it all recorded and put into the form of an album? What are the odds.
How could I not give this 5 stars.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
Bridge over troubled water came on, and I audibly said 'There is no way they come close to topping this song, they should have saved it for the finale, what an epic ballad'. Sang that song back in the day when I took singing lessons with an older lady named Joy, didn't know these 2 wrote it! Anyway I don't think they topped it with epicness, but they did fill the rest of the album with BANGERS, one after another, Boxer, Cecilia, etc.
9.5 or 10/10
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
Started off pleasant, but I found it got old pretty quick. Same sort of airy vocal style and heavily layered instrumentation that started to blend together a bit. Still an enjoyable listen through! Not surprised this eventually got bumped from the list to make room for newer better albums (this online list has 1089 albums, all albums to have ever made the list are on here).
Favorite song: Go or Go Ahead
6.5/10
Television
3/5
Was good! Probably one of my preferred punk album thus far! (If this is considered punk?) Wasn't my favorite, but it was a vibe. Some days I listen to the album a few times to make a better judgment, sometimes I cant stomach listening to it more than once. But I gave this one 3 rounds, and I didn't get tired of it (although I was doing other shit).
6.5/10
Favorite song: Marquee Moon
Randy Newman
4/5
This sounds like the guy who sang in Toy Story (you've got a friend in me). Wait a second... could it be?? No...
*googles it*
No fuckinggg wayyyytt, IT ISSSSS
Felt like an expansion of that song, an album version of that song with different lyrics. Loved it, hes got such a great voice. 7/10
Pulp
4/5
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Objectively, this performance was tight, cool, sophisticated, and difficult to really understand how much goes into it. I feel as though I would need to fully focus on each of the musicians here and how they are speaking to each other, how they are working together as this super talent of a musical trio, to fully appreciate this to its fullest.
I found it difficult to fully lock in for the full duration of the album. My focus tended to slide after a while, as the music slowly fades in the background again and again. Catching myself again and again, "focus on the music James" I keep telling myself over and over.
The music itself chronically fades into coffee lounge jazz, still, a pleasant cascade of background music. Pleasant being the key word here, I did enjoy this quite a bit. But I guess what I'm getting at is that I lack the musical/jazz knowledge to fully appreciate this album to its fullest. This kind of music I feel like is somewhat locked up behind bars to your average listener, (not to say I'm average), but for most people this would come across as classic ordinary jazz. I do at least know that this is far from ordinary. However, I only have an inkling of the intricacies of this language these musicians are speaking to one another over the course of this live recording. For that I find myself hard pressed to give this more than a 4.
Doves
4/5
Hey ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
What can I say, I'm a sucker for 2000s rock, and the Doves hit the sweet spot, with a bit of their own unique twists here n there. I really enjoyed this one, and enjoyed it even more late at night when its supposedly meant to be played? Some favorites were Catch the Sun, The Man who Told Everything, and Reprise. Kind of gave the same vibes & essence as Coldplay, The Verve, and Soundgarden, although definitely still different.
Will definitely re-visit this one.
Pixies
3/5
I enjoyed this one to my surprise. This one is definitely mood dependent, was not feeling it while working from home, but played it later while I was driving and doing other shit and it sounded better...
Didn't realize they had written 'Where is My Mind?' already knew this one. Solid album even though I'm only giving it a 3, I feel like I've been tossing out 4s left and right... and I don't think this album as a whole hits that level for me.
New York Dolls
2/5
This was like Walmart Brand Rock n Roll in the year of 2025 (Nothing wrong with great value brand at all). Great Value is just fine, and so is New York Dolls by New York Dolls, like c'mon they didn't even come up with an album name. Every single song past song 2 sounded the same to me, so things got old quick. It didn't help that the lead vocalist kept screaming out the name of the song over and over again within each song. Their outfits look pretty cool though, so kudos to that!
David Bowie
3/5
It was ok. I think it liked it better than Black Star??
Brian Eno
3/5
This one was interesting, a few songs I didnt love as much others. But the second half of the album stood out to me. Lovedddd Spider and I, feel like ive had moments in the summer, just staring at a little spider while outside smoking a J lmfao. Reminded me of those moments.
Muddy Waters
4/5
This is what plays in my head when I picture the blues. The guitar absolutely rips on this album. Even though a lot of the songs sound similar due to the style of music, I still really enjoyed my listen through. I have always wanted to listen to some Muddy Waters but have never given him the time of day until now, was not disappointed.
Random side note, there used to be this rib place at the Forks called Muddy Waters, I have a distinct memory as a kid getting nachos there, and I remember them being soooo good, when in reality they were probably just regular nachos with cheese. Anyways, that restaurant was named after this guy, when I thought it was because the rivers in Winnipeg looked muddy. I also say 'was' as it closed down years ago... I will never be able to confirm if the nachos were actually as good as I remember...
Dire Straits
4/5
This was a phenomenal album front to back IMO. I think it definitely has some standout songs, that outshine the rest. Down to the Waterline (The opening bit was super dope, where it dropped into the groove outta left field!), and Sultans Swing. Plus you add in the fact that its their debut album.. Not many debut albums on this list so far that have been as spicy as this one here.
The Jam
3/5
Mixed feelings on this one. The instrumentation was very enjoyable, just sounded like they were jamming, hence the name I guess.
The vocals however bugged me at times, being overly airy sounding, and overloaded with reverb. The vocal harmonies were sometimes very pleasant, however at other times it sounded like they were purposefully singing slightly out of tune (or perhaps not on purpose? 🙊)
Other songs the vocals worked quite well i thought, and to no surprise those were the best ones, The man in the cornershop and Set the House Ablaze were two favorites of mine.
Portishead
2/5
If someone were to come up to me and say "Hey James, you should really listen to this album before you die its soooo good." I'd prank them back by sending them 12 glitter bombs in the mail.
I wish the full album had the vibe of 'The Rip', the synth melodies were super dope and layered on top of each other. The singers style worked well here and felt like it belonged.
For most of the rest of the album I wished there were no vocals, she tanked it hard. At other times, the instrumentation wasnt doing anything pleasant either.
Also, the one random ukulele song in the middle of the album?! Interesting choice, I would like to know the thought process around that one.
4/10
Pentangle
3/5
Sounded straight out of the middle ages, could have convinced me this was released in 1403. I honestly didn't mind it, thought it was pretty good! I thought her voice fit the vibe they were going for quite well, although a lot of people on here would disagree with me. I thought some of the guitar and drum work was pretty cool as well.
Bonus points for the trippy ass cover, honestly one of the coolest album covers on the list thus far!
6.5/10
The Who
2/5
A little bit of Shoo wap shoo wap
A little bit of Ooooo oooo oooo
Oh they're doing it again...
Oh... there they go again!
And again...
Then i realized I was listening to the deluxe version, and theres an hour and 20 minutes to go 🫠
Its not bad music, its just sooooo repetitive. Like out of any other repetitive album on here, this was the worst yet.
There were some good songs! Maybe had I not listened to the deluxe version i would have given it a 3. But this was honestly hard to get through, I just did not care after I hit like 6 songs in.
Favorites being: My Generation, Bald Headed Woman (only on the deluxe version for some reason??)
I guess it sounded too different than the other 12 songs so it was shoved into the deluxe...
5/10 but 2.5 stars cause it pissed me off, so I rounded down.
Janet Jackson
4/5
First time listening to Janet, and was pleasantly surprised! I was unsure at first, and then on came 'Miss you Much'.
I knew this song from this reel I saw a while back of 5 middle aged ladies dancing in this red carpeted, oak panneled basement. This sounds weird now that im typing it out... but the video was fucking awesome, wish I could send it here. Their moves were very average at best, but that's what made it so good. They were slaying the house down, boots mama.
Anyways the song was a large part of the video for me, so hearing the OG version was a crazy occurrence. Usually I dont love 80s drum machine kinda stuff, but this album went hard!
Nick Drake
4/5
Hauntingly beautiful from start to finish. Such intricate layering of guitar, piano and a series of other instruments.
This kinda reminds me of Bert Jansch but like better.... I really appreciated the variety of different moods this album had to offer.
Favorites were: Way to Blue, Cello song, Man in a shed (loved the piano and guitar on this one), Fruit tree had some beautifully written lyrics, and Saturday Sun was a great way to end it off.
8.5/10
Paul Simon
4/5
Banger of an album, I don't think its my all time fave of Mr. Simon though.
Rythym of the saints, the album from 1972, and There goes Rhymin Simon I think rank higher than this one personally.
But still a banger album none the less.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
I think some of the songs were a bit abrasive with the high pitched scratchy noises going on as well as the couple of songs where he was screaming. Enjoyed the songs where the Decibels and pitch weren't spiking to uncomfortable levels all for the sake of being a bit edgy.
Bonus points though for the album art, album title and band name. All very funky and creative, I'm into it. Wish I was into it more so I could say "Yeah I'm big into Dinosaur Jr. these days".
6.5/10
The Byrds
4/5
Absolutely no drugs were involved in the making of this album...
Well... until Tribal Gathering that is where things start to get FUNKY. By the time the Dolphins Smile comes in, we are on the come up. Space Odyssey hits and its like *Mimes a Mind explosion with hands*. Moog Raga tip toes in and now we are peeaaaaking. Then we slowly start to come down within the remainder of the album, which are all really pleasant songs.
I wonder which instrument the horse was playing? Was he on drugs too? I have questions...
Anyways, this album is like a drug trip in itself from front to back. Also knowing the fact that they started with 4 members and ended with 2 by the end of it is kinda wild. Interesting to hear the little blip at the end of the album from the live recording, the drummer, producer and lead singer arguing with one another. Dope stuff, will be returning to this.
8.5/10
Laura Nyro
3/5
This album had its moments. At times Lauras voice was quite beautiful and then the next second she switches to falsetto and her tone to this alternate sound which was incredibly annoying (I.e The song Timer). I think this is a clear case of less is more, and sometimes Laura, you need to quiet down, sit down and let the instrumentation speak for itself.
Wellll, she did not do that, every waking inch of this album was filled to the brim with her vocals. Very overbearing and unnecessary.
Favorites were Eli's Comin' and Stoned Soul Picnic (that chorus is soooo catchy).
6.5/10
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Easy 5
This album is such a journey from front to back. So much musical talent and creative liberties within just 45 minutes, hard to put it into words. I first heard Chameleon and Watermelon man a couple of years ago after I was enticed by the super dope and memorable album art. Filled to the brim with funk, jazz, rock and crazy fuckin solos.
9.5/10
M.I.A.
3/5
Personally, I think this album was really fun overall. It had its dips, and songs that weren't working). But when the bangers bang like the stars on this album do, they can carry the rest of the album on their backs.
Some favorites being Boyz (feat JAY-Z), Mango Pickle Down River (feat. The Wilcannia Mob, 5 9-14 year old indigenous boys from Australia lmfao), and of Course Paper Planes.
The features from Afrikan Boy and Rye Rye on Paper Planes on D2 are dope. I ventured into both of their discographies years ago through that song. Rye Rye especially having such a unique cadence that I really dig. Not to forget about you M.I.A, you're good too I guess.
This would score a 4 for me if I was dancing or groovin on my feet to the sick drum patterns and unique instrumentation. But if you're sitting down or just chillin, its a 3.
I was sitting down for most of it, so... I'd still give it a 3.5/5 though, as it had me moving around. Rounding down for the fluff in here.
Syd Barrett
2/5
I was going to write a mean funny review here, but I think I should change my perspective knowing the backstory to this album.
Syd Barrett was the front man for Pink Floyd for 3 years before ending up with health issues due to overuse of LSD. Look up the backstory, pretty wild and also very sad as he slowly lost his marbles. This was the album he released after getting the boot from the other members. The album I feel slowly falls apart the further you get into it, although there are moments that actually sound alright.
Its an interesting album to listen to knowing the context of what happened, a very sad album to listen to as well, especially knowing how good Pink Floyd went on to be. However it was not very enjoyable to listen to unfortunately.
4/10 sorry Syd.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
Paul showing that he was a key player to the Beatles song writing abilities. I feel like there's a metaphor hidden somewhere within the name 'Band on the Runway if Paul is on this new journey in his new band the Wings, on the run towards something. Maybe making a name for himself without the rest of his old band mates.
Filled with anthems, beautiful harmonies, chord progressions, and lots of great variety while still feeling cohesive.
I feel as though it just doesnt quite hit the je ne sais quois for me. 4.5/5 rounded down.
Miles Davis
4/5
First time listening to a full Miles Davis album while paying closer attention to whats going on. Feel like I've heard so much about this guy, so it was cool to finally listen to a full album. Enjoyed it quite a bit, interested in hearing more ofnhis stuff now.
Album art seems intense for what the music sounds like, that stare goes straight through my soul.
8.5/10
Baaba Maal
3/5
Fun album! Can get a good sense of the vibe without knowing what he is singing about. Nice to see some more world music pop up on this list. The drums in African music are always so so good, this album did not disappoint. Was really into the vocal style as well.
Gidelam and Minuit were faves
7/10
Nirvana
3/5
In Utero blasts away with metaphorical darkness, grunge, and aggressive sadness. It definitely takes you on a ride, through some softer (only in comparison to other songs) more enjoyable tunes like Heart-Shaped Box, Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle, and Rape Me. Then it hits you with some pretty intense songs such as Milk-Tea and Tourette's, both in lyrics and sound.
First time listening to a full Nirvana album. The album art reminds me of the 2025 Frankenstein movie by Del Toro (side note, highly recommend the movie btw, out on Netflix tmmrw)
album was 7/10, Frankenstein movie was a 9/10
Thelonious Monk
3/5
This was nice, at some times very nice.
Best enjoyed when drinking a martini, by a marble fireplace, dressed in some fancy attire.
Not that I did any of those things, but if I did, it would have achieved maximum niceness.
Jurassic 5
5/5
Flow so buttery, you could make enough croissants to supply the whole neighborhood. The sampling? So inventive and rhythmic. At times I got so into the groove and rhythm patterns I forgot it was a rap album, hopping in and out of the beat throughout the album, offering smooth transitions from song to song. With each song you are delivered a unique flavor, and the random Nelly Furtado feature on Thin Line?!
This might be crazy, but the last song on the album really stood out to me, Acetate Prophets, absolutely zero lyricism, but the sampling?! An instant head bopper, pulling you in further and further with every new sample integrated into the hypnotizing beat.
Probably the best rap album on the list listened to thus far. Really cool album art too, diggin the vibes.
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
Can somebody tell me which one Franz Ferdinand is?
Bass player perhaps? Is Franz even in the band?
If i focused more, Id have more to say, was listening mostly whole making waffles, and it improved the waffle making experience. Great voice, great guitar, and Take me Out is an absolute classic.
The Flaming Lips
5/5
Such an odd, dreamy, melodic, hypnotizing yet charming album. Theres a lot of depth to this album, within the storytelling/conceptualness of it, as well as the messages within the poetic lyricism. The whole vibe of this was just really awesome, fun, and creative.
I cant imagine how you would hate this album or this sort of music, like I could see if its not your thing. But hating it?! Its just so inoffensive, and innocent. The drums are dope, and the evolving synth additions and sampling here and there add a lot of depth to the already great instrumentation. Anyone hating on Yoshimi needs to get kidnapped and delivered to the Pink Robots...
Its kind of reminiscent of some sort of weird old anime, with this vitamin eating karate girl fighting giant pink robots to save the world. I imagine the first 3 songs as this lead up to this epic battle, (which is interesting to be within the front of the album) ending with the battle in Pt. 2 of Yoshimi battling the pink robots. Then it sorta goes off the rails into some sort of weird lovely side quests.
The album art also helps to give you a picture of what this album could look like if it was visualized (the pink robot with legs coming out of its stump legs is just so creative and weird). Just sort of adds to the whole package.
Favorites were: Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt 1 & 2, and Do you Realize??
9/10
Hugh Masekela
4/5
This was a really great jazz album! Was not expecting to like it as much as I did based off the album art and name hahaha, guess you can never trust an album by its cover!! It was just so much more funky and fast paced than I would have guessed. Amazing trumpet playing, as well as the piano solos were absolutely baffling.
Favorites were Part of a Whole and Maseru
8.5/10
Def Leppard
3/5
This sounded like I just listened to power 97 for an hour and 2 minutes. But with that being said it did make me want to grab a leather jacket, some hairspray, and some ripped jeans and a lighter and wave it around in the air (the lighter not the jeans).
This was 80s rock to its core, Tres Clasique, either love it or hate it. I sit somewhere in the middle. Due to some of the songs like Pour some sugar on it or whatever, just kinda annoying. I guess its still undeniably a classic song, just overplayed to shit within media, so its kinda ruined for me.
Can almost hear the New York Dolls (#Throwback) a bit within their sound, maybe Def got hit with some trickle down effect of their music, or perhaps even some direct inspo.
Love Bites was 100% my favorite, so good! The buildup and then the payoff, like WHAM BHAM thank you MAM. I DONT WANT TO TOUCH YOU TOO MUCH BABBBEYYY, just makes me want to belt out to the heavens, like cmonnnn.
Also their drummer has one arm?!?! That deserves some bonus points.
7/10
Abdullah Ibrahim
3/5
This was pleasant. Comparing this to the other jazz albums as of late, this one didn't stand out as much. But that doesn't mean its bad, I think all of these different jazz albums bring a different flavor within the whole album. But there is some overlap within some of the songs. The flashy songs stand apart from one another and are what make each album different.
I was expecting something more fusioney with the vibe from the album name and cover, but it ended up being quite tame, which was a bit disappointing.
Not my favorite, not bad though. 6.5/10?
The Who
3/5
Better than their debut album thats for sure. The intro for pinball wizard is one of my favorite song intros of all time, great song too, definitely the best on the album. I appreciated the conceptualness of this one, although I wasnt able to pick up much other than Tommy was blind, deaf, dumb and good at pinball lmfao.
The purely instrumental songs were great, I think when it comes to the vocals a lot of it sounds the same, which is the same trap The Who falls into in their debut album.
Some songs annoyed me, and I think its a bit too long for what you get, could be trimmed down.
6.5/10
Traffic
4/5
Enjoyed this one!
Loved the flute, wish there was more though.
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
I liked some of the songs, too long over all I think. Gave me the vibe of seeing a country rock band at a local festival in a good way. DIY Country rock vibes, was digging the vibe at times, other times I wished they leaned more into the twanggggg. The more country sounding segments I appreciated more than the standard rock sound, which sounded extremely standard.
I actually really liked the album art for this, loved the style, simplicity and appreciated the human touch it had.
7/10 if I was driving along the highway, 6.5/10 in the right mood. 6/10 on a regular day...
Norah Jones
4/5
Norah Jones sweeps in, grabs your hand, and says "Come away with me!" She tugs as she pulls you through a curtain onto a stage, you're blinded by the bright lights. You look to your left, Norah is sitting at the piano singing. On your right, a huge crowd in an underground speak easy, each table with a small candle lit. She then proceeds to sing this entire album.
That's how I imagine this album was made.
7.5/10 very pleasant, very easy listening.
Deep Purple
4/5
This album was sick, big fan of Deep Purple. Child in Time is a hell of a song.
8.5/10
Queen
5/5
Wow, guess I've been sleeping on Queen for all these years, this album was pretty incredible from front to back, with a few luls, but the luls were still nothing to scoff at.
Quite the vessel for Bohemian Rhapsody, which I dont even think was my favorite song on the album, but is undeniably one of the most classic songs in existence if you ask me.The prophet song filled the favorite spot for me, as well as Death on Two Legs. Loved the harmonies and melodies on those two.
Just a really creative, outgoing, fun album, a handcrafted work of art if you will. A collection of songs definitely worth listening to before you die.
9/10
The Associates
1/5
This was awful.
This is the kind of album that scares people away from this list. Especially after listening to Night at the Opera by Queen. I either do not like new wave music at all, or this list is just filled with bad new wave albums.
Kind of wish I could discuss the inclusion of this one with the creator of the list. Like even if its a 'stepping stone', it sounded like the sad part of a subpar musical that goes on for an hour. But the singer is putting way to much oomph into everything, and the instrumentation is totally doing its own thing, like they are both deaf to one another. Actually had to skip certain songs, because I honestly couldn't take it, they were difficult to get through. Plus the songs were going nowhere, and you could tell they were going nowhere, so why endure it.
blah blah, its experimental... blah blah...
wellllll it sounds bad... soooo....
Great name for the album though, surely put me in quite the sulk.
1.5/10
U2
4/5
George Jones
3/5
Well Im also not the biggest country fan, but in recent years, Ive sort of found myself enjoying corner pockets of the genre. That being Orville Peck, or a little bit of Keith Urban. As long as its not main stream country, or pop country, that shit is not my jam.
George Jones however I did not hate! I think because its of a different time, before country became what it is today. I really enjoyed the song The Grand Tour, it was very ballad like, with some grandeous sounding measures.
Also really liked the pedal steel guitar, which is such an interesting instrument that can usually only be found within country, and is almost associated with the genre (except for a few exceptions, looking at you Spongebob).
Anyways, I enjoyed this, would listen again if I was in a twangy mood.
6.5/10
The Pogues
5/5
Such a fun listen! What a wide variety in one album, all while still feeling tight knit and similar. I find with the Irish/Celtic sound in their folk music, it can sound very similar, using the same instruments, keys, and musical patterns. But these guys kept it interesting for the whole journey.
From the flute, to the random screaming in the background, piping flute, brass and strings, female vocals on I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day. Such great elements used as ways to switch up the vibe from song to song.
This album feels like a window into a whole other world of music that I don't often find myself listening to, but its a window I'm glad was presented to me. Rum Sodomy & The Lash transports its listeners to grassy hills, irish pubs, and cobble sidewalks, (This is what I imagine Ireland to look like) solely with sound. They paint such vivid pictures, and tell such beautiful stories purely through their music.
If you dislike this, I hope the ghost of Christmas past, present and future come to visit you and take you on a journey through time to resolve your traumas.
9/10
The Stone Roses
4/5
This music was wayyyy ahead of its time, if you had played this for me and not have told me it came out in 89' I would have guessed its release year in the 2010s. Dreamy, inventive, and unlike any other rock album coming out in the 80s in the UK.
I'm at a crossroads of giving this a 4 or a 5, as although these guys are clearly pioneers of that dreamy, ethereal kind of rock (that I really adore) it doesn't have that special something that the other standouts do.
With saying that this is one I will definitely be re-visiting. The 2nd half of this album was especially lovely.
8.5/10
Travis
4/5
Interesting getting this one right after the past 2 albums. These guys are also Scottish, but carry a totally different vibe from The Pogues, and have a very similar sound when compared with the Stone Roses, albeit this album coming 10 years afterwards.
Very enjoyable easy listening pop rock, with that classic 2000s rock sound, with some standout songs such as The Last Laugh of Laughter, Luv, and Slide Show (with a cheeky little secret song after that long pause of silence). Kudos to Here4theSnacks for speaking out on secret songs, as I would usually just end it before letting the silence play out!
Also fun fact, these guys named themselves after Travis Henderson. A character from the movie Paris, Texas, which I watched earlier this year back in Oakville with my roommates. Really, really great film. Would recommend if y'all are every looking for an oldie to watch with a great storyline, and superb cinematography.
3.5 stars rounded up, due to some of the songs really hitting for me.
7.5/10
Grateful Dead
3/5
Ahhh what a classic album. The Grateful Dead have greatly grown on me over the years. Ive always loved their vibe, the name, the art, the little rainbow bears, the skeleton musicians, all fantastic. I remember soooo wanting to love their music so that I wasn't a poser if I were to ever get one of the trendy bear shirts (I never did, but maybe now I can!!). I remember first listening to one of their albums and just thinking wow, this is do mid...
But after letting their tunes simmer for a few years, I now love their sound a whole lot more. Ages like a fine wine. Was a pleasant surprise seeing this one pop up.
Truckin is a favorite of mine, and so is Friend of the Devil, banger songs. But the rest of these fade together into the equivalent of driving across Manitoba, lovely but kinda plain at times. But still lovely, great and close to my heart.
7/10, 8.5/10 if I were a semi driver.
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
God this was insufferable.
"Stephin Merritt was sitting in a gay piano bar in Manhattan, listening to the pianist's interpretations of Stephen Sondheim songs, when he decided he ought to get into theatre music because he felt he had an aptitude for it" - Wikipedia
The only thing Stephin has an aptitude for is pissing me off. What a egocentric thing to do, listening to someone else singing love songs, and think 'Oh I could do that! Let me write 69 of them and put them on an album'. What a gimmicky way to get on this list, and so undeserving of it. It especially pisses me off that he probably thinks his album is good because its on 1001 albums to listen to before you die.
This should be on the a list called 1001 albums that make you want to die. The only reason I finished listening to this is for the completionist inside me. Also 69? Really?! Are you 12 Stephin?
1/10
Santana
5/5
What a treat after yesterdays album (69 love songs, really did not like it). Not sure if im giving a 5 for the juxtaposition, or if it really is just that good.
Pretty sure Abraxas was just that good.
Latin music mixed with psychedelic rock? Hell yeah brother.
Album art might be one of my new favorites. Trippy af!
9/10
Ghostface Killah
4/5
Groovy buttery flow, funny skits, cracking up at the one of the kid cussing out Ghostface, and then the next song being about the strap. Enjoyed it, some classic old-school rap and hip hop.
8.5/10
Dinosaur Jr.
4/5
Dinosaur JR. got down n dirty in this one, so grimey!
Super interesting and different stuff, carving out their own style, that I am appreciating more after this one. Liked it way more than the other album on this list, Bug. But kind of want to revisit now.
One favorite was the song Poledo, so bizarre, with the section that kept switching from major to minor chords, drawn out, hovering between notes. Creating comfort and then discomfort in the next moment, then finding the major chord, then losing it again.
7.5/10 not something I'd listen to all the time, but I respect it, and love the creativity and uniqueness.
Al Green
4/5
Lotta soul on this one, that ones for sure.
The Divine Comedy
3/5
This sounded like some sort of weird musical. The highs were high, the lows were mid.
Favorites were Something for the Weekend, Songs of Love, and Theme from Casanova.
7/10? Maybe?
Korn
4/5
Picture this, Korn performing this album as the opener for a T Swift concert.
Hip hop meets Heavy Metal meets Grunge? Is that what they call Nu Metal? Sign me up either way..
So, Freak On a Leash, I really love this song. If you haven't seen the music video, PLEASE go and watch it, it's absolutely nuts, worth the watch. In terms of the songs the interludes balance the more hardcore sounding stuff, and the tension they build and then release with a pungent GO, so good... makes me want to punch a mailbox and kick a trash can over. Much respect to Jonathon Davis for the metal scatting too. The other songs don't amount to what this song does, but there are some other head banging moments.
The opening bars for Reclaim My Place, and Justin are awesome. Sometimes you just want to scream 'What the FUCK' and 'FUCK all this BULLSHIT", then drop into some thunderous metal chords on the G tar. These songs do that. Its great, it scratches that inner childish delinquent.
Anyways, I get why people wouldn't like this, its dark in its themes, grungy, abrasive, angry, and edgy. But if you over look some of those things, indulge a little bit, bang your head a little bit, you're in for a good time.
Album art is great too, ties in with the music video for Freak on a Leash which is cool. Love to see they commissioned some 2D animation for it.
Album gets a 7.5/10. Freak on a leash gets a 9/10.
John Cale
3/5
Childs Christmas in Wales, and Paris 1919 were good (the song not the album). The rest of the songs were good/fine, but honestly forgettable.
Not much else to say...
The typography on the album title is nice...
Beatles
2/5
Yeeesh.. So generic sounding, they clearly are finding their footing stil. Songs are clones of one another with the soaring harmonies, similar melodies, and themes surrounding love... cant you think of anything else to sing about guys?
The album cover makes them look way too edgy and professional, compared to the actual sound of the album. False advertising if you ask me.
Its fine, its easy listening, but honestly I'm getting kind of sick of this type of sound that keeps popping up on this list. The later beatles music is just so much better, no contest. This probably deserves a 3, but Im giving it a 2 just to humble them a bit.
5/10
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Some interesting moments on here, but overall was a delight to listen to. Some of the acoustic versions were nice too, but I think the electronic elements and other instruments added a lot that you sometimes lost in the acoustic side.
6.5/10
Skunk Anansie
5/5
What a voice, wow. So rarely do you find bands like this with such a great female lead vocalist, great control and range. Lots of little flourishes throughout from her that really added, alongside the fact that you could hear her emotion through her voice, very powerful, especially on certain songs.
Favorites were Secretly, Good Things Don't Always Come to You, The Skank heads, Tracy's Flaw, and We Don't need who you think you are. Lots of favorites lol... But they were just all so good! Disc 2 I don't think I cared as much for, but wasn't part of the original album, its still fine, but not nearly as polished as Disc 1 felt.
Lots of overall range in the sound of the songs, wavering from heavy to soft and chill. The random DnB inserts were fun lol, I originally thought it was going to be a Drum n Bass album when the first drum lick kicked in.
9/10 good find on here! Never heard of these guys before.
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Saw these guys at Winnipeg Folk Fest a few years ago now, sat in the rain with my poncho and mini lawn chair with my mom and a family friend out in the fields of bird hill park, had a great time even though I was soaking wet!
It stopped raining by the end of the show, and was able to dry off back at the campsite.
Anyways that was a good time, and so was this album. I may have searched for some of their music back then, but never sat down with an album. Which I definitely should have sooner! Would be an even better album within a certain chill setting, maybe involving some rain or a cloudy day, next to a fire of some sort, maybe cup of tea in hand. Who knows!
8/10
MGMT
4/5
I'm conflicted on giving this a 4 or a 5, there are quite a few songs on here that are timeless and infinitely replayable. Time to pretend, Kids, The youth (Really weird but funny music video for this one), and of course Electric Feel. I really really love all of these songs, they have that je ne sais quoi. The back half of the album is good as well, but wasn't as good compared with the first 5 songs.
I think its funny how MGMT originally wrote Kids, Time to Pretend, and Electric feel as a sort of joke. Showing the world that pop hits follow a certain formula, and then these songs end up hitting the jackpot in popularity. Shows to go ya that hits really do follow a certain formula to a degree and with enough musical talent, precision and a bit of luck, you can hit it big in the music biz.
Also, it kind of sucks that MGMT hates these songs of theirs and don't like playing them, and everyone hates the music that they actually want to make lmfao, (which is way more experimental than the stuff on this album).
I think instead of trying to be above the industry and too cool for mainstream hits, they should embrace the simpleness and success of these songs a bit more. Like be happy with your creative endeavors, even if it isn't something you particularly enjoyed doing. IDK, just interesting to think about.
8.5/10
The Human League
3/5
Its the album with Dont you Want Me, anchored right after 9 songs I will probably never seek out again.
Idk i like the synth, as well as the last song, but not really my style otherwise. Vocals throw me off a bit.
Album art is kind of crazy... those eyes...
👁👄👁
5.5/10?
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Ehh not my thang, I guess not the worst thing in the world, but I'd plainly just prefer to listen to anything else thats not in this genre.
4.5/10 as some of it was interesting, made me think.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
First time listening to Joni. Came out of the gate really strong on this album, she's a great singer and had some discretely really good backup instrumentation on some of these songs.
Felt like it ran out of steam a bit come Just Like this Train. Honestly didn't love the last few songs, she turned into the female version of Bob Dylan. No chorus', direction or structure with the way she was singing.
Favorites were Car on a Hill, Court and Spark, Free man in Paris.
7/10
Brian Eno
3/5
Honestly kinda of nice for a change. Although I feel like this music is almost kind of liminal sounding if I actually heard it in an airport, I feel like it would feel slightly off for some reason...
Could see this being played at a spa, a massage clinic, in a water themed video game level or maybe even an aquarium.
Little bit haunting at times... for listening sake, not sure if it had to go on for as long as it did. For ambient sake the length was solid so that you dont have to loop it as often lol.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Really enjoyed this one! Lyrical style was dope and a bit unexpected with the RHC I was already familiar with. Lil bit of this n a lil bit of that, funk excerpts were dope.
8.5/10
Coldplay
4/5
The Scientist is a go to karaoke song for me not gonna lie here, love that tune. Been listening to Coldplay for a long time, but have never listened to this one all the way through. Big fan, was teetering on giving a 5, but unsure... So nostalgic for me, so I kind of tune out all the hate with my rose coloured glasses.
Peeped the global reviews, and sheeeeesh, so divisive. Either love it or hate it, seems like few sit in the middle. Its so inoffensive, which I find a bit funny with how much people shit on Coldplay. There is some undeniably great singing, melodies and harmonies on here, with some delightful & simple piano playing to accompany it.
Clocks & The Scientist rise above the rest for me.
8.5/10
The Soft Boys
3/5
Liked this more than I thought I would. One look at the cover and name of the band gave me I wasn't sure what was coming my way... felt like the Byrds met the Beetles, met Marquee Moon by Television.
Old Pervert sucked, not a good song, don't know how that made it on over some of the bonus tracks. Didn't listen to the whole bonus section, but a few of them were pretty good.
Favorites were: Underwater Moonlight & Queen of Eyes
7.5/10?
Crowded House
4/5
Don't have too much to say, nice easy listening all the way through, had me coming back for more even though it wasn't doing anything too crazy. They honestly didn't need to do anything crazy and I'm glad they didn't, although the little secret song segment at the end of the album was nuts lol.
Felt like I had heard Weather Man somewhere before... deep in my memory that chorus had been heard before. Favorite song on the album for sure.
10/10 album art, really liking this one, something about the grin... Love the painting quality it has. Definitely a new favorite album cover.
2/5
Yenno, I respect this... its kind of like one big middle finger to any and all structure of traditional music, they should call this fuck you jazz. The most inaccessible form jazz can take, if not of the most inaccessible forms of any genre. So in a way, that makes me kind of like it... gives me a smirk when I think of this pissing some people off. Finding joy in their momentary misery hahahaha. Was I miserable while listening to this? At first yes, and then I just sort of went along for the ride.
Did it sound good? Definitely not.
Did it make me smile at times? It did!
So I have to give respect where respect is due in a way. Plus, there were no horrific vocals which honestly makes a big difference for me. 4/10
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Love the Brazilian, western fusion. Quite the album to listen to while driving home through a blizzard and shoveling 2 feet of snow off my driveway.
Loved the cuica (monkey drum) but at times I thought they could have done without it. Less is more and in this case they had too much of it.
7.5/10
Siouxsie And The Banshees
2/5
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
This album peaks at song 2, Heads will Roll in my opinion is such an outlier on this album. No other song even comes close to matching the energy of this song. The rest wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't great.
Unfortunately one thing that's become clear over the course of this journey thus far is that a single song can't carry an album. Zero, Dull Life, and Hysteric managed to buff things up a bit, but overall weren't enough to even things out across the track list. It kind felt like they weren't fully committing to either high energy or really low energy sad vibes. Just like a lukewarm level somewhere in the middle, which led to an ambiguous tone within each song.
7/10 (Heads will Roll gives a full extra point)
The Police
4/5
Massive Attack
5/5
So I guess this is good trip hop... This music was like the embodiment of the word cool.
Subtle yet effective usage of futuristic sounding samples, integrating them into the beat, and sometimes just sprinkling them in here n there. Vocals kept things interesting, while the beat and instrumentation kept steady throughout holding it all down. Each song had its own thing going for it, whether it was the piano, singing, or rapping.
A very slow n steady wins the race kind of feeling to it all. So if you're looking for something high energy, find somethin else. If you are looking to melt into a puddle on the couch, this might just be the album to listen to.
9/10
Dexys Midnight Runners
3/5
Vessel for Come on Eileen, every other song just seems like a not as polished version of the one hit wonder on the album.
Its not bad per say, just not as good as C.O.E. it sounds like the singer just sings the same thing over and over in a slightly different order of notes and just changes the lyrics.
Various Artists
3/5
This christmas music was good but won't blow your mind or anything...
Phil Spector on the other hand... He might just blow your mind...
Played this in the car with my family on the way to grandma's house. The fam jam seemed to like it? Although my dad said Darlene Love sounded too nasaly for his liking lol.
Sigur Rós
5/5
Beautiful, Dissonant, Creative, Cold yet warm at the same time.
This music falls into the vein of stuff that I just absolutely adore.
The fact that its Icelandic also makes it so much cooler to me.
9/10
John Martyn
3/5
Enjoyed this! Little bit more interesting than just a straight up folk album, some blues, some electronic experimentation.
Listened twice through but nothing was super memorable other than the first song for me.
Got groceries up in gimli while listening to this late in the eve.
7.5/10
Red Snapper
4/5
Some interesting sounds and electronic noises to make some really cool beats. Some songs are ones I wouldnt revisit regularly but are still really neat.
Others were replayable bangers such as Keeping Pigs Together and Bussing
Judas Priest
3/5
I feel like you gotta be in the right mindset and scenario for this music. Like pumping iron in a gym, this music is perfect. A fast n steady rockin guitar rift with some crazy guitar runs and solos. They definitely don't stray far from the mold for this one, each song sort of falls into adjacent circles of a ven diagram for metal, and joyous hairpin metal.
Breaking the law is a fucking classssic, love that song, and there are defs some head bangers in here.
7/10
King Crimson
5/5
Bangin, love everything about this, wish this had more recognition than the song that sampled 21st century schizoid man...
Was looking forward to this one popping up. Love how theres a bit of everything on this one, from more fast paced sections, to slower rythyms, to creative experimentation.
9/10
Tom Tom Club
3/5
First two songs were catchy, the whole thing was a bit odd. But particularly really enjoyed the 2nd song. Think I knew that one already from social media....
The Byrds
3/5
I don't think this was as good as the other Byrds album that came up on this list. This one felt less cohesive overall, and not as polished. Still very much in their style and feel, and I stand by a psychedelic weird version of the beetles.
Really still enjoyed the weird little moments here n there, like the high pitched helium voice and the interesting modulated guitar sounds.
7/10
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Gahh think i have to give this 5 stars, maybe 4.5 if I could.
This is peak classic rock, bringing sick guitar solos, drum solos, thos whiney orgasmic vocal sounds, it has it all on here! Kinda sick of Whole Lotta Love, however the interlude on that song is tight, and I kinda forgot about it till I listened through this time. Ramble On is another one ive heard a lot, but surprisingly still find very enjoyable to listen to.
This one is a classic that deserves its praise, and who am I to not deliver said praise to the almighty rock gods of the name of Led Zeppelin.
9/10
Nas
4/5
This album is a straight classic, Ive heard these songs many times before but dont think I have listened front to back.
Sick flow, catchy riffs, clever rhymes. The instrumentation has a certain twang to it that gives the whole album this gangsterish edge and attitude.
8.5/10
Devendra Banhart
3/5
Honestly kinda liked this, so much respect for someone able to pull something off with mainly just vocals and guitar. He has a certain cadence to his voice and style of singing that I think could turn people away, but he is singing in tune mostly.
Kinda had a DIY quirky feel to it, like it could be a soundtrack of a film like Juno (never seen it but it looks like it'd fit for some reason...)
Liked a few of the songs which maybe I'll use to kick off a folky/singer songwriter playlist.
The White Stripes
3/5
I feel as though this album opened with an absolute banger, that being Blue Orchid. and just continued to drop off until it finished.
I will need to give this a 2nd listen though as I was distracted with work as well as being a bit sick... (Cursed holiday flu)
I will say though, Meg White is a phenomenal drummer.
7/10?
Violent Femmes
3/5
Not the best album to listen to while you have a raging headache lol.
Listened to this one fairly recently by the recommendation of Gnarly-Owl. I think at the time Wild Gift by X was the album of the day and we got on the topic of the punk-esque genre. Which I think the Violent Femmes is adjacent to. The guitar on here is way better than any of the other punk albums that have popped up on this list thus far. First song is one I have known for years, although not sure from where.
Will have to revisit in the future when I do not have strep throat. Some of the lyrics on this were weird and very thirsty...
"But I look at your pants and I need a kiss
Why can't I get just one screw?
Why can't I get just one screw?
Believe me, I know what to do
But something won't let me make love to you
Why can't I get just one fuck?
Why can't I get just one fuck?
I guess it's got something to do with luck
But I waited my whole life for just one..."
Dudes gotta download tinder... jeese...
Rod Stewart
3/5
The Black Crowes
3/5
If you told me a year ago I'd be leaving a review for Shake Your Money Maker by the Black Crowes at 5am on a Friday I'd call BS. But here we are...
This one grew on me after 3 listens, but really only rhe back half where it feels like they really start to lean into all of the instrumentation more. The back half sits at a whole other level for me, whereas the front I find super mediocre.
I think on first listen after the first 3 songs (with the exception of the guitar and piano solos at the end of Jealous Again) I was ready to write it in as another super mid rock album that somehow made its way on to the list. So I kinda started to tune out.
But on 2nd listen the back half started to actually sound really good? So I listened again, yup front half was slow and annoying (ie JEALOUSSSS JEALOUSS AGAIINNNN JEALOUSSSS JEALOUSS AGAINNN JEALOUSS JEALOU.. we get it dude... oh my lordddddy) but the 2nd half actually kinda starting with Seeing Things when some female vocals came in, it actually starts to sound like really good bluesy southern rock! Pianoooo, organ, acoustic, electric, so much fun and a real good showing of that southern soul when it comes to the rock genre, ending off with a banger of a song Stare it Cold. Where are the 2 biggest hits on this thang, why in the 2nd half of course!
Was about to write this off as another twangy bangy buncha bar music, glad I gave it another shot though.
Front half 5.5/10
Back half 8/10
Unfortunately two halves do make a whole as we all learnt in kindergarten. & 6 songs dont make an album unless you're a jazz musician.
So this one gets a 7/10 from me.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Might as well call these guys the back-scratch boys cause they're scratching itches left and right.
Talk about a dope fuckin album, sheeeeesh. Ive been a big fan of Sabotage ever since rockband, but never ventured too far into their music.
I think i can appreciate this way more now compared to when I was a Wee lad screaming on the rock band mic and slamming the plastic drums. Some jazz, rock, rap, hip hop, a bit of grunge. It all melds so well together and flows like a smooth river front to back. *chefs kiss*
Also the random Qtip feature is the cherry on top. Will be revisiting this one many times to come.
9.5/10
Beck
4/5
Solid album, big fan of the variety on here, while Becks voice keeps it all together, vibed hard to this. Already a fan of his after Sea Change, but Guero is a totally different genre comparatively.
Fun fact the album artist is from Winnipeg!! Marcel Dzama, now a famous New York artist, started his journey here in the 204, my mom recognized his artwork when I showed her the album. I'd love to start doing more album artworks myself, even just for fun. Maybe just choosing an album I like and designing a new cover.
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Was feeling a bit down today, this throat infection doesn't seem to want to let go :/
This album was a real unexpected pick me up, from its happier moments to its slower sad sounding moments, both very welcomed. It made me feel better.
A great reminder for me just how grateful I am for music, especially these days. Such a powerful thing when it hits, can lift our spirits or help us emotionally in so many different ways.
Although certain albums can do the opposite hahaha (Looking at you 69 love songs).
Metallica
4/5
Phenomenal album.
Some very high highs on here, those being Enter Sandman, Holier than Thou, and my personal favorite Nothing Else Matters. That song gets a 10/10 from me, love the melancholic sound, then slowly building into a sort of righteousness and then in comes this epic ballad of a guitar solo later in 🤘.
The one thing I really liked about this compared to other Metal of the same genre and age is that Metallica knows how to push n pull, which makes those forceful driving guitar sections drive so much harder than if they were going at it for the duration of the album. Compared to someone like Judas Priest, where it felt like there was only one speed, a 40 lb boulder taped to the gas pedal sort of speed.
Juxtaposition and range adds a LOT to an album, and this album had both, although, I was still wanting just a bit more range by the end of things. I think what's holding me back from giving this 5 stars is that lack of diversity, as some of the songs did seem to follow a similar formula. But I could potentially see this album growing into a 5 with more listens.
There's something about the album art and song names that I also really liked. It all had an ominous vibe to it which added to the overall packaging of the album.
8.5/10
Simply Red
2/5
More mediocre britpop from the 1001 album gods. I found this uninspiring, and bland. Like the equivalent of unseasoned chicken and mashed potatoes. Palatable but no substance or spice to it, left me wanting more.
There were hints of blues and jazz in here which were nice, but honestly were just kinda there at points, and weren't really tapped into all that much. Listened to this 2-3 times and I can't even recall any of the melodies or songs.
-1 point for the weird chalk boy on the album cover, unsettling.
5/10
Queen
4/5
Solid all the way through, fantastic within the first 5 songs. The way Tenement Fuster links through Flick of the Wrist into Lily of the Valley, is *chefs kiss*. Wish they continued that throughout the album instead of just with these 3 songs. Even though Killer Queen has been overplayed within my life span it still feels fresh and is enjoyable to listen to! Which I find is rare for overplayed rock songs.
Each song I did find had its own flavour, however the vocals did not, by the end of the album I was honestly getting a bit tired of the voice effect that always seems to be on Freddies voice, paired with the background harmonies, sometimes I kind of just wished Freddie would sing solo, no voice effects, with changing up his emotional cadence a bit more. I think thats a trap Queen falls into across a lot of the music I've listened to thus far. Each song has a solid idea that differentiates it from the rest but they're pulled back a bit too close together with the operatic vocal patterns.
The 2nd half is also not as strong as those first 5 killer songs. I overall enjoyed Night at The Opera more than this one.
8/10
10cc
3/5
Ehhh first 2 songs were pretty good, but the rest faded off into amnesia. Although still enjoyable, nothing really stuck with me except for the 2nd song, solely due to having heard parts of it before. Definitely still some good vibes though, appreciated the kinda gimmicky and humorous vibes. Think it was just a bit too all over the place, more like a bunch of singles thrown together to make an album rather than a cohesive track list.
Song 2 on the album, The Worst Band in the World is sampled by J Dilla in his song Working on It, which was kinda cool to piece those two together.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Mama say mama sam ma poosaaa
Mama say Mama sam ma poosaaa
Mama say Mama sam ma poosaaa
I dont know what hes saying but it is music to my ears!
So many outstanding, arguably perfect songs on here, Wanna be Startin somethin, Thriller, Beat it, Billie Jean, Human Nature. Like these songs stand strongggg on their own, but together, pshhhhahh, talk about a behemoth of an album. The other songs are great too. Its clear Michael's pursuit of perfection really is something you dont see on other albums, and is something that I have to respect. Not many artists out there that compare to the king, if ANY.
Thriller might be one of my favorite pop songs of all time, bar none. Plus the music video, gahh, I love it.
Anyways, im getting off track, the album, its great. I was looking forward to a Michael album coming up, as ive never listened front to back on one of his. Looking at the other albums of his on the list, I have a feeling this one might be the top one for me. Just so many great bursts of creativity in here, the singing is top notch, the synth, the variety from going from more love pop to this deep cool type of pop, back to a softer style to close it off. All while making you want to get up and dance.
9/10
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Not a fan of this guys voice, the only good part of this album was when he stopped singing during Vogue Lipstick and the sick drum solo came in.
Just another mid repetitive 70s rock album, the only good thing about this coming up is that its one more average rock album on this list out of the way. Feels like we are getting a lot of these as of late...
So many albums that I have given 3s are so much better than this, so this gets a deserved 2 from me.
Even gave it a 2nd listen just to be sure, and the 2nd listen was worse than the 1st.
3/5
This was a rhythmic assault on the ears, and not in a bad way.
In a weird way this was refreshing after so many mid-poor 60s/70s rock pop albums. Quite the contrast, there was a lot of dissonance and noise on here, but throughout it was all kept steady by interesting percussion (IE the random water glass tapping on 'They Dont Want Your Corn' had me bopping my head.
In a world of perfectly composed songs with clean lyrics and melodic rythyms, the Liars come in with middle fingers up. Making an album inspired by witchcraft on some mountain in Germany, adding to it all, this was recorded in a cabin in the woods somewhere in New Jersey, creepy...
Not something I would return to listen to, other than the song I mentioned above, it was a bit more melodic and a bit less grating than the other songs. The other songs were a bit much for an actual everyday listen. But I really kinda respect how out there this one was. I understand how a lot of people would HATE this. But I think it requires 1: certain mood, 2: some openness to the inventiveness that this took on, and 3: and a bit of patience for some of the more jarring moments, (BLOOOD BLOOOD BLOOD).
Had I listened to this before I started this project, I doubt I would have the same feelings, and I would probably smack this with a 1. However even only 150 albums deep, I feel as though my eyes have been opened a bit more, and I have learnt to appreciate noise, and creative endeavors when it comes to generating said noise, and then composing said noise into an album.
6.5/10
ZZ Top
4/5
Yesss sir, ZZ Top coming in hot with some top tier bangers. Waiting for the Bus and La Grange are both 10/10 songs for me, so funky, groovy, catchy, and with some fun lyrics to boot. Like cmonnn that break in La grange is legendary, bumm de du de du de bummmmm de du de du de dummmmmmm de du de du deh duu dedelehhhh!! You know exactly what Im talking about here.... the melody played in your head as you read that.
This album was short n sweet, so I gave it quite a few listens throughout the day. I wasnt 100% sold on the slower songs, felt like they were missing some of that driving force and funk that the quicker songs had, although they were needed to break things up, just coulda used a lil more somethin somethin.
The guitar on this album shreds hard, even through some of the slower, bluesy moments. Plus nothing overstays its welcome either, with a runtime of only 33 minutes, they get in n out and leave you wanting more (atleast I do, gonna check out some more ZZ fosho)
8/10 overall
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Marvin got groove, but also talks about Jesus a bit too much... Just let me enjoy the tunes man, save it for Sunday.
I could see this one growing on me over time though though, some of the instrumental sections were tight.
The The
3/5
Very 80s, Very new wave, but not terrible.
Also really not my favorite.
I was definitely not infected with the The The (that looks like a typo but it ISNT)
Rush
4/5
Another top notch rock album popping on by to say what the fuckkkk is up.
I never realized this was so divisive, reading some of the review on this one is definitely worth while. Especially the one at the top, dude definitely smoked some Zaza before writing that one, respect.
I land in the party that loves rush I guess! Was a fan of this. Especially YYZ, Camera Eye, and Witch Hunt. Im a sucker for rock that integrates synth and does it well, Rush does it well IMO. The synth break in YYZ gives me goosebumps, I love the chord progression, especially the last ascending chord on the bar. Glorious, just hits it right on the nose!
I dont mind Geddy Lee's voice, in fact I enjoy it and find it very unique. It falls within that kinda falsettoey metal voice genre, that is not easy to do.
Some points where I feel like its lacking, therefore brings it down to a 4 for me. Although still very strong throughout, dont get me wrong.
8/10
Wilco
4/5
One of those albums where at first I wasnt paying close enough attention and I would only tune in when it would get dissonant and weird. But on a more focused relisten, this was actually really lovely, with some really cool creative flair with the samples and noise thrown in at certain parts to keep it quirky and weird at just the right amount.
Apparently this was quite the recording process where they ran into people quitting, the record label refusing to release it at first, and then the band getting the rights back or something and finally putting it out there. Glad it got released, was definitely a great listen.
Arcade Fire
4/5
I have a soft spot for Arcade Fire and Indie rock of this genre. Neon Bible as a concept is an interesting one, speaking on the parallels between Christianity and commercialism.
Lots of interesting elements like the organ on Intervention, and the backup choral voices on a few of the songs. Win Butler has a way with imbueing his singing with raw emotion, he's very good.
Its crazy to me that people call this music boring or indie bullshit. Like is your dopamine system that fucked where you need a minimum of 130 BPM to enjoy music? God forbid a vocalist adds some variation and emotion into how they sing. People just love to be haters, just to vomit their negativity onto 90% of everything they touch.
I'll give this an 8.5/10
John Lee Hooker
3/5
This album starts off REALLY strong with the Santana feature, really liked the next few songs too. But then it fades off into nothingness. Felt as if all the instruments got taken away one by one, and by the end of the album it was just Johns voice with a Hi-hat and bass drum left... Great voice and all, but the back half of this album is truly what boring music sounds like.
The songs where he doesn't have anyone else featuring are prime to put you to sleep. Not a good thing when the only time the music really dips is when there's no backup from other musicians.
Apparently John Lee Hooker is a blues legend, so I will have to check out his other music as I'm sure he has some good stuff. But this album was a real snoozer overall (other than the mentioned tracks).
6.5/10
Black Sabbath
5/5
\m/(-_-)\m/
Fuckin Metal dude
Each song meticulously placed within the track list, seamless transitions between songs and within. Not a dull moment throughout the whole thing.
9/10
Kraftwerk
3/5
This album made me feel like a god damn robot. I guess thats why they call it Man Machine. Makes you want to do the robot. In fact it had me doing the robot while making lunch.
Impressive for the year of release, this was uncharted territory of Electronic music, mad props. Kraftwerk crawled so groups like Justice and and Daft Punk could run (Is that the saying?) With all that being said, this lacked polish and the vocals & drums sounded dated.
Favorites were The Robots, and Metropolis.
6.5/10
The Stooges
3/5
Wow, didn't know the 3 stooges were this good at makin tunes!
Comedians, and musicians. Not something you see everyday!
3 stars for all 3 stooges.
Tangerine Dream
4/5
Suggested scenarios/environments to listen to this album in:
- being abducted by aliens
- traveling through space on a spaceship
- in a submarine
- solving a mystery
- in a planetarium
- staring at a lava lamp while really high
- staring at the stars while really high
- being really high
- deep in the jungle
- doing work on a moody day
- Searching for ghosts
I was a bit annoyed at first with the song lengths and repetitiveness, but this grew on me by the end. Sometimes its nice for the song to be long and a bit repetitive.
Ahead of its time, and the history behind the making of this adds to it for me.
7.5/10 but hitting it with a 4
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Not my favorite of Leonards albums thus far. Felt like the other albums we've had thus far just had more to offer. To be fair I wasn't paying all that close attention to the lyrics on this one, which I think is important with his music, as storytelling is a key factor.
But one mustn't forget about the instrumentation and I felt as though it took more of a backseat on this one aside from So Long, Marianne, which was by far my favorite on the album.
Also, the wailing on the last song was unnecessary Leonard... whatever that was... Idk...
Anita Baker
3/5
I went from thinking this was alright, to liking it, to thinking it was alright again. I think it has its moments, but it all felt very similar to me. Only thing that was changing was the tempo.
Something happened in the transition from Arethas genre of soul to this 80s sounding type of soul, it lost something along the way. Or maybe it just gained that 80s feel... This isn't bad, but I just think theres a lot better soul music out there.
6.5/10
The Byrds
2/5
Interesting album from the Byrds, very unlike their other two, was not the biggest fan of this one. It wasn't terrible, it just really wasn't great. Especially their inventiveness and psychedelic aspects on their other albums. Nothing stood out, not one song. I also would like to add I am not a country hater, there is good country out there. But this was cookie cutter country, just bland and nothing to really grab the interest of the listener.
I will say, its interesting to listen to in comparison to their other albums. Gives you a wider window into the artist as a whole, which to be honest I kind of like in a weird way, even though I didn't particularly enjoy the album.
5/10?
The Pogues
4/5
Didn't love this one nearly as much as Rum Sodomy and the Lash. Still was a pleasant listen through, just not as polished and not as much variety. Kinda stayed on a similar wavelength front to back, that joyous either fast or slow paced classic Irish folk sound.
Plus 1 star for the song about worms though, that was a banger.
Elvis Costello
2/5
Glad this came up so I can check off another one of the Elvis Costello off the list of the 6 albums on this list that I have to listen to, 2/6 now.
I just don't like his voice, its mixed too loud within each track, like he's screaming at me. Its rare that I find a voice annoying honestly (unless its punk) but this guy just, idk, I don't like it. Because of this, I can't even hear the other instruments, which I'm sure are great!
My aim is true with this 2/5 stars Elvis, how bout that.
Steely Dan
4/5
Big fan!
End of Your Gold Teeth was crazy.
Also bonus points for the cool album art lol
8/10
Dusty Springfield
3/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Used to watch this podcast where one of the members said that listening to CCR gave seriously bad luck, and that was the only prior reference point that I had to them. No bad luck for me thus far! But I guess if anything shitty happens to me in the next few weeks I can blame it on listening to this album I guess...
Pretty good! Was surprisingly familiar with some of the songs and melodies, not sure where I have heard them before though.
7/10
Eagles
3/5
Marty Robbins
4/5
yippee cayeh!
LOVED the storytelling, made me feel like a real cowboy...
This had me feeling like I wish I grew up in the wild west, but then I really thought about it, and how awful that would be, and how I wouldn't have this list, or this album even. So nvm, Im happy to admire cowboy life from an imaginative perspective.
some melodies got repetitive, and there wasn't a ton of depth musically. BUT I really liked the storytelling aspects of this which bumps it up a notch for me.
7.5/10
The B-52's
4/5
What an odd album... if this album were a person it would be a quirky 13 yr old girl who wears silly bands, band T's from hot topic, ripped skinny jeans, and has a musically inclined older sibling so they have the music taste of a 36 year old man who smokes cigarettes, wears oversized thrifted flannel shirts and still reads the newspaper.
All that being said, it goes hard, even if its weird and super niche. Like at times it was like sneaking around spy music, and other times they were just screaming aquatic animals at me. That's some crazy range... (The Who should listen to this to get some ideas on what musical range is).
Sometimes I wish the girl was screaming less, but c'est la vie.
8/10 (bonus points for rock lobster)
The White Stripes
4/5
Elephant opens with the strongest track, and probably their most popular song.
Personally I dont think any other song comes close. The White Stripes have a continuous angsty distinct sound, that continues throughout the album, dilling in the middle to softer less angsty tunes.
I appreciate their range and continuity from song to song but I honestly dont love their slower more melodic stuff. I think it just lacks something special or unique. What makes these guys unique is their strong bass lines, screaming guitar and heavy drumming and if you take that all away you are left with some poetic hooky lyrics and some decent guitar playing, not much to write home about in my opinion.
The white stripes do their thing quite well, but they kinda only do their thing, and I get tired of that thing by the end of the album. But im still laying down the 4 stars, as they still aim and hit their musical target well. I appreciate the wholeness this album has that a lot of albums within the rock genre lack.
7.5/10
Air
4/5
Hmm, teetering between 3 and 4 stars for this one. I think i would have liked this better as an album and not a soundtrack. I think sometime the nusic purposefully fades into the background, whereas there are also songs that come up to the front, those are the best ones. I think if the whole album was up at the front, it would have been a better experience front to back.
Still some really interesting stuff going on. The first song was amazing, wish it kept that vibe for the whole thing.
Also im kind of digging the album art.. its wierd, kitchy, and very early 2000s digital graphic art.
Kelela
2/5
Was fine, idk, felt like she was trying to do too much and in trying to do too much did nothing at all, knaw what I'm sayinn? Like the production was polished as hell, the vocals polished too. But I think this falls into this genre of modern day music, where the skill is obviously there, like the people behind this album know what they're doing. But at the same time, that gets in the way of the artistry, and just becomes this jumbled mess of technical bullshit. I find a lot of modern white funk musicians fall into this trap lol. But so does Kelela, I just... IDGAF lol, lost be by like the 2nd or 3rd song, and I tried to re-listen to give it a 2nd chance, and I just got sick of it again...
Again its not BAD, its just not for me... less is more, and this was definitely just.. a lot.
5/10
Arcade Fire
5/5
I know this one is going to grow on me over time so im giving it a 5. The suburbs tops Neon Bible musically (imo), being a lot more subtle and less over the top. Plus I can relate to the meaning behind it lot more. That of growing up in the suburbs in western society, and trying to escape that pre-packaged lifestyle it can bring to those who are nurtured by it.
Kept growing on me with each listen through, finding something to appreciate within each song whether it be one of the instruments, a melody, the lyrics, or all of the above.
Favorites were Rococo, Empty Room, and Sprawl 2.
9/10
Stereo MC's
3/5
Some highs n lows, had to download it so I could listen to it on the plane lol.
I will probably be undownloading it very soon.
The songs without vocals were highlights lol.
Neil Young
3/5
I was looking forward to this due to the name, since im in Mexico. But this was honestly not very good beachnmusic Neil... why are you so sad on the beach!
This is like sad boy folk fest music. Pretty good at that, but very deceiving...
First time listening to Neil, was nice!
7/10
R.E.M.
3/5
I feel as though id have to re-listen to give a more accurate review, but tbh i think thats just how the list goes. Somedays there more effort and time to listen more in depth, and some days you just gotta skim through.
Other than its the end of the world and the one I love, I dont think was anything too crazy to write home about?
Love the end of the world as we know it though, feels like theres a lot of albums on this list that just house these one hit wonders, so its interesting to hear the songs that accompany them.
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Honestly id have rated this higher if they just chopped off all the fat and left the juicy meat. That being In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. Phenomenal song. Watered down album.
Harry Nilsson
4/5
This album is awesome possum. Wilson Schmilsson it a great dayum name. With some clanger bangers throughout. Coconut schomoconut came on while I was talking a walk down the beach. Lerfect perfect schmune tune for the occasion.
7.5/10
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
R.A.T.M Falls into a category of music I like to call rich chocolate. Its sooooo good for a few bites, but after a whole bar, you kind of get a bit overwhelmed.
That being said, this album SLAPS with a capital S L A P S. So much angst, power, and raw emotion. Really makes you want to just go out there and toss a molitov cocktail into an Amazon warehouse (Fuck you Bezos). The lyrics are provoking, rhythmic and stylish. The guitar and drums has this momentum that carries you from front to back. Its just all so good. Just in small bite sized listens (once or twice through is plentiful)
9/10
4/5
This was dope. Soulful 2000s rock, nicr vocals, nice instrumentation. Flows together nicely, almost too nicely... didn't even realize the album had restarted until I was 7 songs deep on my 2nd listen.
Kinda gives me Verve vibes, especially when the male vocalist chimes in.
Elvis Presley
3/5
The better Elvis. Still not great overall, but atleast hes got a great voice unlike SOME other Elvis' on this list....
Favorite song was Fever.
5.5/10?
Boards of Canada
4/5
Bonus points for being so interesting. Actually really enjoyed it, although this calls for a certain vibe. Couldn't and wouldnt want to listen to it all the time. But the random samples used within the rythym was kinda cool. I feel as though the album name ties into the style of music as well, that it being a unique genre of music birthed from other electronic music.
7.5/10
Janelle Monáe
5/5
Yeah, this gets a 5 from me.. On first listen I thought the only dip was Wondaland, then on my 2nd listen, I thought that the song actually fit quite well. No bad songs on this album. Plus the first like 6-7 songs just have this untouchable energy to them.
I love all of the meticulous details throughout, with the spurts of classical and sci-fi. Really engaging with the storytelling aspects that top tier albums have, very artistic.
I feel as though this is what the Kalele album was trying to be... (or whatever her name was) But Janelle just did it WAY better. Every song had intention, rather than just being all of this over produced mumbo jumbo.
Will definitely re-listen at some point, really enjoyed this one.
9/10
Barry Adamson
2/5
This album was the most all over the place album I think I have ever listened to... Was like funk, then electro lounge then scary ambient music? Apparently they were writing this music for a movie soundtrack that didn't exist, but if the movie did exist, I am not sure it would be very good.
Some of the songs had me grooving! Such as: Set the Controls For the Heart of the Pelvis (interesting song name lol), and Achieved in the Valley in the Dolls (Also weird song name). But as an album, there was no cohesion, no glue or transitions from song to song. Nothing to hold it all together, and I'm all for variation within an album, but the songs should flow into one another and make sense within their position in the album. Felt like you were trudging through a field of cacti when going from song to song, just harsh and kinda painful.
As an album this kinda sucked, as individual songs, some were pretty decent, (except for the scary ambient shit lmfao). Idk... Interesting I guess, but will likely never listen to the album front to back again.
5/10
Garbage
3/5
Definitely not garbage, more along the lines of recycling or compost in my opinion. Enjoyed it, but a little forgettable. Some stick outs were Only Happy When it Rains, and Stupid Girl.
Waylon Jennings
4/5
This was some good country... and I am not a big country guy (excluding Orville Peck, love that guy). This is what country should be, and what most modern country no longer is. Bluesy, soulful, folky, with a bit of twang mixed in that carves itself into the country category. Really enjoyed it, the last song on the album being my personal favorite.
I'd say it still sits at the lower end of 4 stars for me, but I think this will probably be some of the best country we get served on this list (Happy to be proved wrong though!)
7.5/10
Gorillaz
5/5
Been waiting for this one. Gorillaz are a all time favorite of mine. So many hits on this one, 5/4, 19-2000, Clint Eastwood, Re-Hash, Tommorow comes today.
Have always admired the lore abd the creativr direction from Jamie Hewlet, artist of the characters and creative director for the look of the art. Have always admired his style and get inspiration from an art book of his that I own! He draws this comic called Tank Girl which is super dope. Check it out, you will see parallels between the arts types of both separate projects.
Id say Demon days, and Plastic beach are just as good as this one if not better (probably better imo). A few other favorites are The Now now and their brand new album The Mountain, all different flavours but all so good, so groovy, and so fresh.
As you can probably tell, Ive listened through their discography haha and this album ranks near the top. (Top 5 of atleast)
9/10 for me, easy 5 star. Will always be a big fan of the stuff they put out.
Lightning Bolt
3/5
There were moments where I actually was kinda into. More near the front, those being Assassin's, Dracula Mountain (fitting name) and 2 Towers. Back half got a little less accessible and more noisy, especially the last 2 songs hahaha (30 000 monkeys was also fitting).
I really liked the driving force they had in certain songs, just carrying this intense bass and drum rythym for long sequences. Had me rocking out. When it felt more disjointed and noisy, there was less to hold on to and just kind of had you dragging behind.
I see their vision, recognize why this is inaccessible to most, but respect it whole heartedly.
6.5/10 overall
(front half I'd give a 7.5/10)
Funkadelic
5/5
Yeahhh, Maggot Brain just kinda slaps. Super funky, super groovy and kinda far out there.
I've known of this album for a while now, & back when I first listened to it I don't think I appreciated it as much as I do today. Pretty sure the first time I listened to this I was on the comedown from a mushroom trip and I just looked up psychedelic music on apple music and this came up.
My taste has developed a lot since then, and I appreciate certain details in music that I used to just gloss over. This album has a lot of those details sprinkled in like little treats here n there. (Like the random wet shits on Wars of Armageddon lmfao).
9/10
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Solid as hell, unsure where it stands next to Zeppelin 2, I think i might have enjoyed that one overall slightly more? Hard to say though will have to go re-listen.
Song 2 and 5 were not great if im being honest (Rock n Roll, and Misty Mountain Hop) they felt like kinda generic rock songs that didnt have anything special going for them. However the rest of the songs did. Especially Stairway... love that song, how it builds is just so pleasing. Rest of the album is perfect... Im gonna round up to 5 stars just for stairway to heaven, but Id give it a 4.5/5 due to the album dropping off (for me personally) for a quarter of the album.
8.5/10
Steve Winwood
3/5
Meh, too much 80s synth and drum machine in here.
JAY Z
4/5
Jay Z hey? I honestly haven't put much time into thinking of, or listening to the guy, and see him more as a record label owner, and husband to queen B than an artist himself lol.
He has a very recognizable voice and lyrical style that I don't think is anything super special, but definitely still has some flow to it. I do think he repeats similar deliveries over and over throughout which leads to songs blending together. Especially those where there isn't anything too interesting happening with the beat or instrumentation.
The songs where there are features, or backup vocals are definitely the more memorable ones, which doesn't vouch too hard for Jay Z himself. Those songs for me were Izzo, Heart of the City, and Renegade.
I still think this was an enjoyable listen front to back, just nothing too crazy special compared to other rap/hip-hop albums on this list.
7.5/10?
Pet Shop Boys
2/5
Honestly didn't really care for this, why does it seem like the synth was just so forecefully used within the 80s, like god, its downright horrendous at times. I was kinda leaning 3, but honestly -1 for the bad synth patches, just sounds cheesy. I'm curious to listen to other Pet Shop Boys, and see if I feel the same.
At the very least these guys sparked a curiosity in me. As much as it probably sounds like I am not the biggest fan, I guess they had some intriguing moments on here...
5.5/10
The Kinks
4/5
This was pretty good! Enjoyed it.
Goldie
4/5
Lucky for me, I'm a big Drum n Bass fan alongside Jungle. This was some tight Jungle DnB, have listened to many 1 hour playlists similar to this. Cool to hear one of the first jungle albums ever made. Cool jazz influence throughout, as well as some fun piano riffs here n there.
Didn't realize how polarizing DnB is, this music just scratches an itch for me, especially if I'm getting some work done, or doing some animation. Picks up the pace of things, helps with focus and speed.
8/10 I will be returning to this for sure.
Talking Heads
3/5
Honestly not my favorite from the heads. I prefer their later albums, I think the style of singing on this one is just not for me. Other than Psycho Killers, I wasnt really a fan of many of the songs due to the talk singing.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
An all timer, if I'm giving Zeppelin to 5 stars, I gotta hand it to my man Jimi as well. He Hendrixed all over this thang.
Interesting mixing on this, I find the guitar is kinda quiet, as well as the vocals. But the whispering on Purple Haze felt like it was right beside me, felt like Jimi was in my damn ear!
Besides the mixing, the music just goes off, Jimi is cataclysmic with his guitar solos. At times it sounds like this guy is bending space and time with his guitar rifts, seriously wicked.
9/10 I know this will grow on me over time, so just fast forwarding a bit to where this is an easy 5 star for me.
Morrissey
3/5
Super meh on this one, learned a lot about this Morrissey guy through a bit of research though. Divisive, interesting fellow it seems. Not much of an opinion on him tbh, but Morrissey's character aside, the album was nothing special. I didn't love his floaty lyric style, and slightly odd & concerning song names... Plus those piercing blue eyes and dark brows on the cover are piercing straight through to my soul, and not in a good way...
5.5/10?
Deee-Lite
3/5
I was kind of expecting to like this more than I actually did with the description and crazy album art. But this feel quite a bit short. There were some decent songs in here though, I enjoyed Deee-Lite Theme, as well as Groove is In the Heart.
Listened while doing work on a kinda miserable/rough day. Did not improve my mood, but it also didn't make it worse... so take that as you will.
The Cardigans
5/5
This is one I have known of for a while now. Back in like 2018 I was doing a lot of hot yoga with my friends Jackson & Wyatt. I remember one day before a hot hatha (we called them high hatha's as we would get stoned beforehand lol). Wyatt told me about this album called First Band On The Moon by The Cardigans, that he found on this very list! I don't think he was listening through the list but maybe just going through and trying out a few at random. Cool to think back on, as I had sorta forgotten about this, and now here I am 200+ albums deep into said list.
Anyways, at the time, I thought this album was decent, maybe would have given it a 3 or a 4, but still I added the whole thing to my library. But over the past 8 years, this album has come up again and again when shuffling through my music. To the point where I now LOVE these songs, like each one to me is so recognizable and unique. There is not one song on here that sounds like another, yet they all feel very similar to one another at the same time. I find Nina Perssons voice very calming, this is on top of the instrumentation being whimsical and creative. The music feels like a warm embrace from your favorite old wool cardigan.
Favorites: Step on Me, Lovefool (Fuckin classic), Losers, Iron Man (Black Sabbath tribute?), and Choke.
9/10
Miles Davis
5/5
Kind of a perfect jazz album more like it.
So many subtleties and little brilliant moments throughout that require a bit of focus to pick up on. Such great control and mastery of all their instruments. Each pushing forward and pulling back as they feel their way through the music. All the while the drumming quietly sits in the back tying everything down into a steady stream of bliss. The drumming is so steady it almost fades into the background like Homer spimson fading into the bush.
Easy to have this type of music fall into the background, and if that happens you Kind of lose out on the subtle beauty that jazz brings. This was an album where it was easier to fully pick up on the playfulness of all of the instruments coming together.
9/10
Afrika Bambaataa
3/5
I surprisingly knew one of the songs on this one from a reel of the sesame characters animated dancing in the club. That being the 6th song on the album, and the only one worth listening to in my opinion. The rest of the album I found sounded dated and not great... That last song though... so catchy... Makes me want to get down n dirty with some sick robot dance moves.
5.5/10 lol
Jeff Buckley
5/5
I think Jeff holds title for best rendition of Hallelujah for me with the one from Shrek sitting right behind (Rufus Wainright I think).
Crazy to learn how he died... so sad.. To think what other music could have come after this one had he not decided to go for a swim... crazy.
RIP to you my good sir Jeff, the music you left behind is quite a treat.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Kraftwerk
2/5
Might have been the day or mood I was in, but this one just didn't hit. If you are going to make electronic music that repeats itself into trance like musical passageways, then the sounds and electronic instruments you're implementing NEED to be soft and easy on the ears. Too sharp or higher pitched and you run into issues where things get annoying fast.
A good example of this done well in my opinion is Tangerine Dream. Repetitive melodies and rythyms, but done with soft ambient synths. Or Timeless by Goldie, might have some more impactful drum hits, but the patterns don't overstay their welcome. The music switches gears to keep the listeners attention, keeping things interesting.
I think Kraftwerk kind of failed to do this throughout some arguably longer songs on this album. Wasn't as fun as their previous album either. Tried to give it a 2nd listen to see if I was just imagining things, but I unfortunately don't think I was... quickly switched off to something else.
Kraftwerk is not my cup of tea when it comes to electronic music.
5/10?
Teenage Fanclub
4/5
This wasn't bad! Kinda felt like some kind of early emo music at times. Like just hints of it sprinkled through which I was kinda diggin. Wasn't anything too too crazy to make it really stand out, but I did enjoy the listen through enough to listen to it twice. Will probably re-visit at some point.
Randy Newman
2/5
I did a double take at first, then I was like, nawwww Randy from Toystory?! No way man, he wouldn't say that... Surely not Mr. Newman! Mr. you got a friend in me!?
15 Seconds later..
👀👀👀👀👀
Yeeeesh. Randy man, you can't say that! I know it was 74', a different time, and like a satirical commentary on racism... or whatever.. but that shit did not age well my friend (in me).
The rest of the album kinda just went onn, and onn, it all sounds the same. I liked Sail Away, and thought this one might be a little different than that one. But the only difference was that Randy is droppin N bombs left and right, on Good Old Boys.
4/10
Alice In Chains
4/5
Dope, very Accessible grunge music. Great vocals, great lyrics, definitely for times when you've got angst and want to accentuate said angst with some tunes.
8/10
CHIC
4/5
Its disco time baby...
U2
3/5
Talking Heads
4/5
Liked it better than the last one, still not my favorite from them. But pretty sweet overall. There are some really interesting sounds on here, definitely sounds like lots of experimentation goin on with their sound. Really liked the first song I Zimbra.
Wild Beasts
2/5
Idk about this one. It was passable I guess. After some of the past few good albums, this one just falls flat.
The Lemonheads
4/5
Digging this. Very nostalgic, very 90s sounding. Really liked the simplicity, and just raw vibes throughout. Definitely ends on a high note with the addition of the Mrs. Robinson cover.
I really appreciate music that can transport you to the time in which it was made. This gives that window in some odd way, like it just exuded this energy, flashbacks to what it must have felt to listen to this on release date. (It was a little bit before my time). Although I missed listening to it back when it was released. I am glad this popped up as a little underrated gem on the list.
This could easy fall into the river of albums that sit somewhere in the middle at a 3. But I personally think it deserves a little more love than it gets.
The Cure
3/5
Im unsure of where I sit for this album. I want to like it, but I dont know if I fully do.. I think theres a drag to this album that kinda carries through everything. The lyrics drag, the beat drags, the lead singer looks like hes in drag? I have this feeling of this album hooking me along by the scruff of my neck and just dredging me along for a ride. It kinda sucks you in at the same time, into this zombie like haze as the melancholic music smuthers you as you go along.
The synths though... they take it down a bit for me at times. Overpowering in their 80s glow. Leaves a bitter aftertaste that im not the biggest fan of tbh.
Joan Armatrading
5/5
Adele
3/5
Adele, Adele, Adele i feel bad for you girl, every album you write it seems as though you are going through some deep shit. Like I would honestly kinda love if you wrote your songs about something else... see what you come up with.. like what'd you have for breakfast? Rolling in the deep coulda been rolling in the hashbrowns, Hello? Rename it scrambled eggs, atleast then maybe itd be a bit more interesting.
Dont get me wrong, I love Adele, she has an amazing voice.. but I would rank 21, and 30 much higher than 25. Even though they're also all about love and heartbreak, they have a bit more oomph.
25 feels like its reaching for 21's success and depth. 30 feels like it went back to not trying so hard and in turn the songs have more of a creative edge and uniqueness.
25 is like Adeles awkward middle child.
There is one song on here I did really like, thay being A million years ago, and even then it still doesn't amount to the love I have for 30, and 21.
Wasn't bad, her singing is great, this album just feels a bit plain compared with her other albums that im already well familiar with (especially 30, love that album)
Maybe im just talking out of my ass and none of this makes sense, but Im sticking with my ass guns here and giving this one a 6.5/10.
Looking forward to listening to 21 thats also on this list, and I will be listening to 30 sometime soon as its not on this list and it makes me feel like I'm a mid 30s mom who loves wine, chocolate, and screaming loudly at my son lil Jimmy at his hockey games.
Didn't realize i had so much to say here about Adele lol...
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Timbaland pulls a lot of weight with the production, which is honestly top notch. Cry me a river and rock that body are nostalgia bombs for me, sure to get a wave of "ohhh shittt"s if you throw this on in a room full of millennial or early Gen Zs. Past that, nothing to write home about.
JT is clearly inspired by MJ but just doesn't come close unfortunately.
Definitely has some significance within the year and time though, and can sorta see why its on the list, although definitely one you could miss out on and be fine lol.
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Really enjoyed this, however, it is really long... but most of the songs are really good, I wouldn't say there was no filler... but still some top notch stuff. Big fan of the album art as well.
8.5/10
The Birthday Party
2/5
It honestly sounds like the dude on the album cover is singing.
I broke the rules, I judged this book by its cover, and I was honestly kinda right on the nose with how I thought it would play out. The album cover looks like how this sounds, kinda gross, messy, and crazy. But like a touch of whimsy in there too somehow... (like a weird fucked up whimsy)
Not really my thing, kinda struggled to get through it all. I feel like this music is made for a certain type of person, a very niche audience, and a specific setting (thats not sitting at your desk doing work). So honestly, if I was at a dirty grunge bar in the outback of Australia, this would kinda hit...
Massive Attack
4/5
I am now a certified Massive Attack fan, I don't know what makes me certified, other than that I am certain that I am a fan. I personally think Protection ranks above Blue Lines, and Mezzanine also sits above Blue Lines for me. However seeing how this was their debut, it still ranks high for its inventiveness and authenticity. These guys helped carve out a new genre, and I gotta give em props for doing so.
8.5/10
Barry Adamson
1/5
Idk about this one chief...
The 1001 gods have clearly never seen a real film before, all the movie soundtrack albums on the list only exist for fake movies... (i guess Im just referring to Oedipus Shmoedipus... but that one was also not good) Just pick real movie soundtracks dammit, those ones have the best tunes (Music from Shaft, Virgin Suicides). All these fake movie albums are just way too out there, and would never really fully work for any actual visuals. I guess unless you were making an art film lol.
Didn't care for it, will probably never seek this out again, and will probably forget about it by the time were through.
There are worse albums that I have heard on this list, but this still gets a big fat UNO from me me.
DJ Shadow
5/5
This was sick! What a gem.
The album title, art, and sound all fit together perfectly, and I cant put my finger on why exactly, but it just does... and its extra cool that it does...
Anyways, this is right up my alley and had me wondering... IF you guys were to guess what I would rate this album before knowing my score whether or not you would guess correctly...
Which had me trying to guess what ratings this was gonna get from all of the regular raters! So... here are my guesses, I think I will get atleast 1 guess right...
Kori - 5
Ksigz - 4
Brahm - 4
Here4thesnax - 3
Classically trained musician - 5
GnarlyOwl - 4 (Im not confident in this guess hahaha)
Christian - Did not listen
We will see how many ratings this does actually get from the group. Its not the most eye catching of albums, however the music itself begs to differ.
9/10
Hot Chip
4/5
Familiar with Hot Chip! But not with this album. This gave Talking heads vibes, but like more modern and more electronic pop than Talking Heads. They both just have this oddly quirky vibe to them, and sometimes they get too quirky to the point whete the music becomes not great lol. The song Day & Night gave those vibes to me... skipped on my 2nd and 3rd listen through.
Solid otherwise! Let me Be Him was my fave on the album.
8/10
David Bowie
3/5
Fugees
5/5
Ahhh this was really good. teetering on a 4/5 for me. I think the highs are just so good on this album that Ill give in.
Those being Killing me softly with his love, Ready or not, The score and Fu Gee La. Love the melody progressions from Lauryn Hill, plus her bars are cleeeannnn. So clever, fun and flowy.
8.5/10
(Killing me softly is a 11/10 for me)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Honestly was having a not so great day and this made it worse lol..
Just..the singing... not good.. reminiscent of other albums Ive rated low for the same problem...
Hard to try to focus on the instruments when Im listening to the vocals, but they sounded fine when I could get through.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Bruuuuuceeeeee, you rock my world dude. Such a consistent sound across this album and born to run (although I think I liked Born to Run more). The tunes are great, although some of the more filler-y songs I find get a bit formulaic, sing the song title for the chorus with some grandios chords, maybe some strings and brass in there too for extra flavor. Again not bad, just repetetive. However, sprinkled throughout his albums are these absolute flavor bombs that break away from his regular mold. Songs like Worlds Apart, The Rising, and Paradise. Without these gems, I think the album wouldn't be nearly as good.
8/10
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Stadium Arcadium & By the Way rank higher for me, but Californication still gets a bronze. Fun album, sick guitar riffs, love the vocal style and variation.
I find it funny how people hate on the lyrics. Yes the lyrics dont get too deep and are pretty silly at times but who the fuck cares. Like honestly, too many artists are out there making lyrics about all this deep shit, all about loveee, all about being sad cause you got beoken up with, all about blah blah blah. Like go read a poetry book or some shit instead of expecting deep lyrics from every damn song on every damn album that has lyrics to begin with.
Anthony uses his voice to its fullest potential by rapping, singing, belting. He's using it as an instrument and paying attention to sylables and rhyme schemes and flow, the lyrics make enough sense to not just sound like pure random gibberish. Go listen to Mr. Dylan puke out haiku lines, or go listen to a Kendrick album if you want some deep meaningful heartfelt lyrics.
You listen to the RHCP to rock out, to groove and get into some lovely melodies, fast paced lyrical styles, crazy good bass & guitar riffs, and the vibes.
9/10
4/5
Idk how ive never really heard of these guys before. They sound so so similar to the Beatles in a lot of ways. But I guess they also got overshadowed by the Beetles in a lot of ways.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
I'm ja ja ja jammin, jammin, jammin! Such a feel good album, with a couple mega monster hits to top this thing off. Honestly the front half was my favorite part, the songs I was less familiar with. The Heathen, Exodus, and Jamming are so so so good. Light one up for Mr. Marley!
Iron Maiden
3/5
It was good! But I honestly don't think I liked it as much when comparing to Metallica, and I gave that a 4. I really liked it, but it all sorta blended together a bit into just one big metal album. I mean I guess that what this is... doi. But like thats all it is, doesn't have much more to it. I'd be curious to dive into their later stuff like the Run to the Hills shit to see where they get to later on.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Liked it more than the last Nick Caves album. The backing vocals were nice and help offset my distaste for Nicks singing abilities. Find out next episode (album) whether Nick Cave continues to exceed expectations!
Elton John
4/5
I always imagined Elton holding this tiny little ballerina or breakdancer in his hand while he sings Tiny Dancer. I wish I had a pocket sized dancer I could fit in my pocket...
My buddy Jackson used to sing this song but would say Tony Danza instead, don't know why, but always cracked me up.
8.5/10
Justice
5/5
*As James refreshed the page, a black cross popped up on screen which immediately transformed his mundane expression into a wide grin*
This is an all time fave of mine, and has been for a longggg time. Sits snuggly amongst my top 10 albums ever. I can't even remember where I first saw or heard this, I think my brother might have put me on it back in middleschool or early highschool as he had the CD. Nostalgia aside though, this album is a perfectly crafted electronic masterpiece.
There isn't a single moment or song on here where the energy dips, not one. Shuffling the tracklist would be like reaching into a box of crayons, whatever song you get is going to be a completely different colour, but they're each still branded with that classic Crayola look which gives them a welcomed cohesion. Compared to yesterdays Elton John album, where if you were to reach into an Elton branded box of crayons, the only colour you would pull out would be a shade of orange. (Is this a stupid analogy? Feels like it works... so I'm going with it...)
The transitions are tight, each song flowing into the next, which is rare to span the entirety of an album. If you were to play them on their own they still work just fine. The layered synths and electronic sounds are simple, yet so complex once the intricate drum patterns come in and start cutting up the rythym, paired with interesting sounds being used to keep it fresh as the melodies repeat themselves.
If this album didn't make your head bob, or make you feel like you want to D.A.N.C.E either your paralyzed from the neck down. Or you have absolutely 0 taste and only listen to generic pop & rock music in which case you should be ashamed of yourself.
10/10 no questions asked. Fight me.
Pixies
4/5
Enjoyed a lot more than their previous album, no songs in particular stuck with me, but as a whole I really enjoyed it. Was in a bit of a pissy mood today and this kinda accentuated and softened it at the same time.
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
Kinda gives me a more electronic focused talking heads kinda vibe. Digging it!
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Isaac Hayes
4/5
The song with the long name was a standout, Im too lazy to go back and type out its name.. song number 2 lol. Wasn't a fan of the 8 minute monologue, but other than that pretty solid. Good funky vibes.
7.5 shiny bald heads / 10 shiny bald heads
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
Hmmm, generic compared to most of the last 200 some odd-ish albums.
6.5/10
Scritti Politti
2/5
Yeesh, idk why but this gave me like major weenie hut Jr vibes, not even sure what that means. But it kinda fits..
Sounded like that overly joyous person who enters your vicinity when youre pissed off. They did nothing wrong, but their joy just kinda grinds your gears. This album was that.