Surprisingly good in that Soul/R&B some Hip-hop is not my goal to genre. Concept album, 'educating oneself about love' (fairly long at 77:39). Quite different than the Fugees material, light on hip-hop heavy on soul. Has Carlos Santana as a guest musician. I think what I liked most is the album sounded raw (underproduced) for 1998. Contains radio hit Doo Wop (That Thing)

Solid - country, blues and bluegrass. Really highlight's Ryan voice, some beautiful songs

One of the best Albums from the 80's. One of my favorite albums. Debaser, Tame, Wave of Mutilation, Hey and Gouge Away (also perennial favorite There Goes Your Man)

Great album too many throw away songs to rate a 5, wish there was a 4.5

Great Album from the 90's - I still think they should have dropped one song so there were 10 songs (I know the Mookie Blaylock story) but then they had the hidden track so . . . oh well still one the greatest grunge album that changed music forever

Surprisingly good in that Soul/R&B some Hip-hop is not my goal to genre. Concept album, 'educating oneself about love' (fairly long at 77:39). Quite different than the Fugees material, light on hip-hop heavy on soul. Has Carlos Santana as a guest musician. I think what I liked most is the album sounded raw (underproduced) for 1998. Contains radio hit Doo Wop (That Thing)

Blues more so than rock probably wasn't in the right space

took a few listens to appreciate - wasn't familiar with this album

Funk is not really my genre. I felt like this was an album I could’ve died without listening to.

Well. . . no doubt one the greatest albums of all time. Paperback Writer and Taxman are two of my favorites also Got to Get You into My Life

Always had issue with Muse as I felt they were too forced and just never liked the marketing -was glad to listen to this album start to finish as the album was tight and much better than I expected.

Country, more covers (including Dolly's Coat of Many Colors) but surprisingly good - more bluegrass and traditional (1973) than 90's country which was refreshing and Emmylou has a great voice. I recall not loving Emmylou growing up but Country wasn't my thing.

Very good - surprised to see it in the 1001. I don't feel like this is a true 4 or 5 in terms of albums that changed a genre, so I gave it a 3 (maybe unfair) because I feel like if this wasn't my type of music I would have been less likely to give it a high mark. I also feel like the music is fairly repetitive/formulaic to their other albums - it works great for 'trance' experience but I expect would get boring if they released many more albumes

Pretty sure this is my first 2, which I feel bad about as it's a great fun album from the 80's. A lot of radio friendly pop hits. I just don't see this album that influential and if we are to have a grading curve of any sort I can't give all 4's and 5's

Good live album

This is why the 1001 'challenge' exists - missed this album (don't even remember these guys) even though it is in my genre (1996 was a busy time for me.) Very good album. Loved the song God!, a lot on here. Took a few listens to recognize how good this album is (like many great albums they take a bit of time to acquire a taste.) Wish there was a 4.5 button, just can't justify a 5.

Well. . . how do you review one of the best-selling albums of all time other than a 5? I want to give it a 4.5 as it's not my 'go to' album right now but over the years I've enjoyed this album a lot (most rock fans have.) Remarkable influential album - deserves to be in the topo 25 of all time but for my blog purposes I'm giving it a 4 to save space for a handful of 5 I want to give (feel like every album of 1001 should be a 4 - 5 but grading on a very harsh curve.)

Solid Album I remember in 1979 just loving Van Halen's eponymous debut album and an older kid, whom I looked up to in every way, explaining to me that someday I'd understand why the Doors were a "much better band." Well . . . maybe someday Thad.

So I thought, 'well here's the first album I won't know a single song.' Press play and <BOOM!> Straight in to every 60's heist movie I've ever seen soundtrack. Solid. Not a huge organ R&B guy but much better than I predicted.

So this is my first 1-star album. It's odd too as I really like TLC's radio stuff, including the radio hit Waterfalls. I didn't love the album as a whole (and it's not the explicit content, which I was a little taken aback, I've heard and liked far far far worse) it was the Interludes - they just seem childish and sophomoric, I struggled through them. If I was a tween girl in 1994 I could see this being a lifetime 5 (and for those of you that feel it's a 5 I support you - continue loving it!) I do feel bad - I hope this is my only 1 but I just didn't like this album and I don't think it should be in the top 1001 - still if I hear Waterfalls on the radio (or other TLC hits) I'm still loving the song.

Prog rock gods - reminds me of Moody Blues. Creative for the time, led to an era of 4 song sets . . .

I'm sure for funk fans this was a life changing album but I don't see me listening to it much - glad I had the opportunity to listen

Always liked this album, still like this album. Has a lot of blues riffs from The Faces - great drumming.

Absolute 5 - Probably my favorite Beatles' album (most of the time -depends on mood) I remember listening to my mom's "North America" version which did not contain "Drive My Car", "Nowhere Man", "What Goes On" and "If I Needed Someone" all of which are fabulous songs (I guess they were on the next North American release). I really don't understand how you could just cut those songs for a whole continent and expect people to wait but . . . I guess those were different times. The album is MUCH better including these 4, and excluding "It's Only Love" and "I've Just Seen a Face" which belong on Help! and do not match the musical style of this album. "Norwegian Woods", "Nowhere Man", "Michelle", and "In my Life" are all in my favorite Beatles' songs of all time. Also "Day Tripper" and B-side (technically double A, calling both sides the A side) "We Can Work It Out" were released as singles during the Rubber Soul recording time period but not included (as was the style then) on their albums. Add those two songs and there is no doubt this was the Beatles at the peak of popularity.

OK so . . . the album is about 50% the first song - the parts that sounded like Kidsmoke (Wilco) I liked a lot, the parts where it sounds like their studio equipment was breaking down and they said, 'Fuck it, keep recording' I liked a lot less. Had they just stuck with the heavy bass line I think I would have really grooved to this album but . . . At one point they appeared to have snuck in the some naval sub pinging sonar for some reason. I feel like this is one of those bands you really have to spend some time with to fully appreciate. Didn't hate, don't love it. Do love Wilco! Closest contemporary in the genre that came to my mind is God is an Astronaut.

Punk Rock classic. I think about how many of these album "challenges" I've given a 3 to because I didn't understand the genre and just didn't have enough listening time to give it enough rotations For everyone giving The Damned a 3 - I forgive you ;-P

I don't like this album nearly as much as I should and I'm convinced it's the cigarette imagery messing with my subconscious. Also the way this album was marketed was super annoying in 2006. . . I try and love this album but I just can't.

Great album, pulls me into NYC in the 90's which is some outstanding writing (lyrics) but it's not a place I want to be pulled into. I don't want to live Nas' experience too often but definitely rates a spot on this list. "Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft", Mary Schmich.

Solid - country, blues and bluegrass. Really highlight's Ryan voice, some beautiful songs

Hard album - angry album. I can see why people would love this album. It would take me too long to get into it. I know when I love an album I haven't heard before as I'll play it again on the way in to work and this morning I really wasn't feeling it.

This album gets better with time - I used to find Radiohead whiny pretentious bitches, still find Radiohead pretentious. . . but less whiny . . . enjoyed the album in it's entirety far more than the sum of the parts.

I feel like Kanye's earlier work should have been represented (probably is) - not a bad album but there is only so much Ye I need to listen to before I die.

5 - for so many reasons 1.) This is a live album and it sounds better than most studio albums, admittedly MTV (unplugged) had a lot of experience recording live 2.) This is acoustic (well . . . mostly, acoustic through an amp) and amazing 3.) Kurt is so put together (considering) - integrating conversations, the Meat Puppets (they were touring with) and random banter with his band and guest Lori Goldston 4.) ONE TAKE. Only two days rehearsal - amazing Considering Kurt's mental state it's just amazing this came together at all and wasn't a disaster.

I expected Madonna albums - I did not expect a 2000's album . . . I like a lot of her stuff, Like a Virgin era. She's a lot better singer and musician on this album and I'm sure in 2000 it was important development for her to stay current and relevant (and selling, I believe this album was a commercial success) but it's not my favorite.

A great album but I prefer the originals more in general. This album is mostly impressive due to the longevity of Cash's career (67 albums over 50 years.)

Blues really isn't my genre but it's a good recording and good album the man was extremely talented.

3.5 This is a punk album I sorta missed - I think if I had spent a lot more time with it, I would have gave it a 4 or even 5 but as a missed classic I'm not going back to this so I'll go 3. Wish there was a 3.5

3.5 Top notch for Rock "Opera" but still. . . Rock Opera Always thought this album was pretentious (nonetheless radio friendly) pop bubblegum; that is fun for a bit, tastes great at first but quickly loses flavor and you spit it out and move on. However I really did find that enjoyed this album FAR more in 2025 than 1977. Some of the lyrics are almost childish, and not in a fun camp Rocky Horror way - which annoyed me then but doesn't now. Jim and Todd Rundgren really set up Poor Fat Marvin (aka "Meatloaf") who's voice is actually far better than I remember it. Another solid 3.5, can't quite bring myself to give it a 4. I really do think this album wouldn't have sold a million though without Rundgren who is FAR under credited for it's success. (And as the story goes neither Jim nor Meatloaf really ever made anything off this album . . . though I image they negotiated better on 2, 3, and 4. . .)

4.5 Man I really love this album and it's hard for me not to give it a 5 as I could listen to this album any week of the year and enjoy it. It's so smooth it seems like it's a 15-minute album (it's 33:28 to include the cover of Ms. Robinson but exclude bonus materials.) Have to say two songs (eponymous and the cover) almost warrants a 5 but I was also somewhat surprised to see this album (one of my personal favorites) on a list of the most influential considering some they skipped. Don't be too upset Lemonheads - I love you just trying to be fair to 'others' :-P

3 I've always felt like White Stripes was a band I could really get into if I just had the time - still feel that way. Solid album but not currently something I'd revisit frequently.

4.5 Love this album. 14 songs which all seem full and complete delivered in 15 minutes. It's amazingly efficient. Frankly I shocked this album made the list but I think I should reframe my expectations from "1001 Best Albums" to "1001 most Influential albums" I had this album on a bootleg (record cassette to blank tape) cassette as a kid and loved it. I figured out if I ran as hard as I could I cover the 2.9 miles from school to home in 15 minutes and 25 seconds. This was only possible if the walkman was playing Group Sex.

Psychedelic Soul is just not my genre in general. I'm positive The Temptations body of work is WAY above of 2 but this album just isn't something I want to revisit (which is my criteria). I didn't hate it but I feel like they must have a better album.

5.0 This isn't even my favorite (The Queen is Dead) or 2nd favorite (eponymous) or 3rd (Stangeways, Here we come) but still definitely 5.0. When I get to The Queen is Dead I am ranking it a 5.5 because it's the best album ever! Note - if TQisD isn't on this list. . . this project is OVER!

3.0 Thought I'd enjoy this album more than I did. Probably would (frequent note by me) if I listened to it 20 times but only had time for 3 listens and just couldn't get into it. Not bad, but didn't love it - 3

3.0 Thought I'd enjoy this album more than I did. Probably would (frequent note by me) if I listened to it 20 times but only had time for 3 listens and just couldn't get into it. Not bad, but didn't love it - 3

3.0 I liked XTC in the 80's I remember this album more favorably then than I do now. Just OK. I love some of their other radio hits. Probably would love it more in 1988 but my tastes have changed a lot since and a lot of people since have improved on this sound. Still a solid and fun album.

4.5 Love this album just saving my 5's for truly massive drops and I feel like I'll hold off.

2.5 I got Dry by PJ Harvey about 20 albums back and gave her a 3 (rounding up) so I figured a 2 rounding down was fair. Dry she was angry and powerful and I really see why some people may have that album in their top 20 (not me but. . . ) This album was more contained but also more boring. A plus is her vocals have improved. She's got a powerful voice and is an amazing songwriter but I just can't get into her stuff. Same comment as Dry I think with time I'd come to like her stuff more but I don't have that kind of time.

2.5 Not a bad album but not something I would revisit. Most songs sound a lot like Up on Cripple Creek

4.5 One of the most influential punk albums of all time. Really do wonder what would have happened if they continued to record. Conflicted about giving it a 5.0. If every song was like Achary in the UK I think it would be a 6. As is a few songs are too repetitive.

2.0 This album didn't excite me. From the guys that broke the radio with You Really Got Me in 1964 it's a disappointing album. Note - I'm really not into concept albums or rock opera - if you like either or both. . . this may be your album.

2.0 OK somewhat apologetic for the 2.0 - I'm not a funk guy. Maggot Brain (song, not album) is phenomenal guitar work by Eddie Hazel. During this period, I don't think anyone was using the wah peddle more influentially except possibly Hendrix. HOWEVER - not enough to save this album from George Clinton and the heavy LSD influences. I didn't live through the early 70's but the rest of this album ESPECIALLY Wars of Armageddon is a bad acid trip which I did NOT need to listen to before I died. Still 100% agree this is probably one of the most influential albums of all time (especially for guitarists not just funk guitarists but everyone. There is no doubt a lot of what Prince and others did in the 80's in pop trace to this song.)

1.5 Not a big Psychedelic rock fan in general but add the circus element into this and it's just not aging well. I think at the turn of the 70's there was a lot of experimentation (and not just with LSD) going on in music and this was considered creative and influential. I just don't see me listening to it again (listened twice to see if it grew on me, it didn't. I think this is the 'way out there' music that takes a long time to grow on you without chemical aid)

3.5 43:45 in it's original release. Trance really. Shoegaze. Good album - must be listened to in headphones (hard to appreciate otherwise). This is meditation music. A hike or a sauna session. Usually I do not like albums in the "psychedelic rock" genre but those were the years 68-72, the reboot of psych rock I'd actually describe as Trance and/or Shoegaze. There are times Trance is quite a mood enhancer and I feel like this may be one of those albums although I somehow missed the band entirely in the 80's

3.5 (4 side) I'm giving it a 4 mostly because it's one of the most known albums of all times. I greatly prefer Rubber Soul which is a controversial pick as best Beatles album. I think Abbey Road general captures that spot due to 1.) A much better title - Rubber Soul (a nod at sole and something blah blah) 2.) A much better cover - one of the most iconic photos in history. I dislike the Rubber Soul cover shot from underneath and the bubble font 3.) timing - Beatles were at their peak Still almost everyone would agree great album

3.5 Dream Pop - short - 10 song release 37:38 This album was the grandparent of Dream Pop and Shoegazing - moved the industry for this reason a lone I lean to a 4. However, I've always dislike Elizabeth vocalizing in nonsensical syllables - seems lazy. For a long time I thought they were French and not Scottish.

3.0 Long double album 7 songs 73:27. "Krautrock" a term I've never heard. It was good to hear this was done in the early 70's. Reminds me of Wilco. A lot of it was the sound track to a horror house, pulsating, building dread. Not terrible.

3.0 Never been a huge The Black Keys fan and never understood why, still don't. The first 4 songs sounded much better than I remember from radio play in headphones and I thought maybe I'd been unfair. The next 14 though were just too repetitive and I couldn't get into it. I can see why people like them but for me I'm going three (album I enjoyed but don't think I'll revisit)

4.0 Coldplay (early Coldplay) is one of those rare bands that got better with age. At first I thought they were just ripping off Radiohead but after 24 years I have come to appreciate this album much more. I've always thought Coldplay was a "better Radiohead," actually I'd prefer if Radiohead just swapped out Tom for Chris as Tom's voice is annoying and whiny for such an obviously influential band. I really enjoyed early Coldplay (this was their 2nd studio release). I believe Clocks (even though they were sued) is one of the best songs ever written from a music theory (and execution) perspective.

2.5 Didn't like the album at first sounded like standard Knarls Barkley Cee-Lo stuff. The 2nd half of the album was more personal and I enjoyed more.

4.0 I like Billy Bragg, but not enough to give this a 5, very influential but I never thought he had 'one great album.' This album is good as he collabs more (Johnny Marr, Bob Dylan etc.) I really like a few songs on this album. Ideology (and the 2006 alternative) still as relevant today 40 years later. With the 2006 reissue, edited to a single disc, I think this, in a theoretical world, could have been a 5. Deportees (Woody Guthrie), The Tracks of My Tears (Smokey Robinson) etc. and edit out some of the 'filler' but the rules of 1001 albums are 'original release format so. . . . 4

4.0 Surprisingly good. Not speaking Songhai I have no idea what the lyrics are but I assume they are strongly political. Many songs (including a titled song) include Mali. I believe they are technically Tadaksahak speakers which is a dialect of Songhai but their beats and hooks come through beautifully. I found myself singing in Tadaksahak.

3.0 New Wave meets Ska. I like the music, the horns are not annoying, Rowland's voice is. Just not into this singing style but didn't hate it as much as I thought I would, kinda Rocky Horror Picture Show

4.0 Came to like this album more on repeat listens. Only criticism is Suzanne is a bit pretentious in her lyrics, feels like she is trying too hard, but it was her debut album. I appreciate her trying. Straight Lines and Marlene on the Wall had the best hooks. I liked Small Blue Thing and Some Journey.

3.5 Probably one of the most important recordings in East Coast Hip Hop - but my rating scale is a 4.0 is an album I want to return to and just don't see me returning to this album. I did enjoy the album, Flavor Flav is extremely repetitive (maybe this is intentional) with the 'yeah boy' and 'cold medina' stuff but Chuck D is excellent.

3.5 Struggled with the rating, felt maybe a four but other than the radio hits I've heard hundreds of times I didn't like much else on this album. I think I decided Strong Enough is my favorite song on the album (which is odd as I didn't love it on radio play.) Finally settle on my rating system that this is a very good album but not one I would necessarily want to invest time listening to again, though I wouldn't at all if someone else had it on in the background. May still come back and upgrade to a 4

4.0 Classic metal album, possibly the most influential of all time.

3.5 Not bad - I didn't really know any of these songs and I do like some of Dwight's radio hits but it was a solid 'full album' that plays out loosely as a concept album

4.0 Hip Hop classic from three Jewish boys from the Bronx. Timeless and classic.

3.5 I owned this album and heard of this band ONLY because in the Marine Corp a buddy of mine meant to buy a Firehouse (glam rock band out at the same time, a lot of radio hits). He couldn't find the one he was looking for and bought this album by mistake. He immediately said, "what is this shit!?!" and, since I was known for eclectic musical tastes, it wandered down my way. I Liked it then - still do. Note - if you're a Firehouse fan - I'm guessing this isn't your project - just sayin' but I can see why Firehose ins't for you :-P

3.5 I get for many this isn't their style but Bakersfield country wouldn't exist without Buck. No buck no George Strait or Alan Jackson. Steel guitars are great. It was a legendary album and influenced genres far beyond country (especially to include rock).