112
Albums Rated
3.82
Average Rating
10%
Complete
977 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
24
5-Star Albums
1
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
|
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
|
5 | 3.36 | +1.64 |
|
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
Different Class
Pulp
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
|
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
|
5 | 3.43 | +1.57 |
|
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
|
5 | 3.49 | +1.51 |
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Illmatic
Nas
|
5 | 3.6 | +1.4 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
|
1 | 2.46 | -1.46 |
|
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
|
2 | 3.07 | -1.07 |
|
Electric
The Cult
|
2 | 3.02 | -1.02 |
5-Star Albums (24)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Nas · 1 likes
5/5
I love this album from front to back. Its an album that invites you in to what NY was like around that time. It doesn't overdo it or over stay its welcome either. The lyrics are gritty without needing to be too hard or aggressive. Nas' flow is so fluid on this album and the word play is a thing of beauty. No one song is built to outshine the rest, which makes it feel more cohesive.
Favorite - NY State of Mind
Not-So-Favorite - (if I have to choose one) - One Time For Love
Surprise - Memory Lane
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
Manu Chao
4/5
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
This one surprised me; It's one of those albums that never seemed to fit what I was into at the time. I finally listened to this on my way through Illinois as I traveled back to Tennessee and was drawn in immediately. It feels like a musical or a soundtrack , in all that it cover,but the vocals and arrangements are spot on throughout. It made me want to move back even more than I did at that point.
Adele
4/5
The album that first introduced me to Adele. I've heard her songs countless times, even tried to sing to a few, but I usually can only go a little bit before I want to switch. She's overall just not for me musically. That said this album reminded me that she is a powerhouse. Her songs are strong on this and only a couple didn't hit for me, I'll Be Waiting and her cover of Lovesong.
That
Pixies
5/5
It's weird listening to an album as regarded as this for the first time completely so far past when it has come out. It's cheating in that you can already hear how it impacted artists after that; you can hear those who wanted to be Kim Deal, those who had just as much angst in them as comes out in this record. Each song is so unique, and some are accessible (Here Comes Your Man, Debaser) and some are not as much (Dead, Silver). Still knowing what I know now, this is an album I want to keep revisiting to see what reveals itself over repeat listens
Black Sabbath
4/5
I remember listening to this a few years ago, when I was really discovering Black Sabbath, and loving the album then. At that point, I gravitated to Supernaut ( after hearing the 1000 Homo DJs cover first) and Changes. This time, with my aged ears, I listened again and love different songs on top of those two mentioned. Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener and Snowblind, and Cornucopia as well all perk my ears. I'll be revisiting this one again, along with other Sabbath albums
Sex Pistols
4/5
There is something timeless about the production of this album that makes repeat listens easy. There are some songs I find myself skipping so its not without its faults, but Johnny Rotten sneer shines through and cements himself as one of the definitive punk voices.
Beck
4/5
It's not my favorite Beck album but i do love it. I forgot how well it fits together and how many differ ent directions it takes sonically.
Baaba Maal
4/5
This was really one I could not get into, primarily because of my mood. It's a slower album with a lot of beautiful melodies. I know it is one I would love to revisit on a different day to see how I feel.
Deerhunter
4/5
I had only heard of Deerhunter through them showing up on Indie playlists. At that point in my life, the musical universe had expanded so much, as much as it continues to expand today, into highlighting bands I know nothing of. Deerhunter fell by the wayside as a I chose to follow similar sounding bands like Wilco, Band of Horses, etc. So listening to this album was familiar sound-wise, and it contains a lot of elements similar to the aforementioned bands. It is one I will revisit, especially after finding a few tracks I really like so far in Revival, Fountain Stairs, and Desire Lines. These all sandwiched between the opening and closing tracks that encapsulate this album perfectly.
Parliament
5/5
This album is everything. It's a party, or at the very least it's sets the tone for a good day or night. Each song just makes you feel, makes you move, and is effortlessly cool, even with how tight they sound. It's a joy to listen to this one over and over
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Quite simply, this soundtrack is great blend of funk and soul. It's too early in the morning for me to think of anything more though, so I will leave it at that.
Metallica
4/5
This album was my soundtrack to my walk home from summer school after failing English junior year of high school. The whole year itself was not great, and I finally just let the album in.
It was heavy and angry and I needed that at that point. After that summer school phase though, I never really went through a deep dive again of Metallica until my 30s. I went on instead to find other groups and other bands that I followed for 30 years religiously.
Listening today I don't feel that angst at all, but listening to the album again I understand the lyrics better and appreciate how tight the instrumentation is, in spite of the bass being kind of hiding in the background of the album.
Still, overall a great album from start to finish
4/5
I've always been aware of War, and have always wanted to like them, but have never really delve into their catalog, and this album gave me a good chance to do so. I can see how it was album of the year.
That said, the problem I have with this platform, is that you get a new album each day, so I can't really get in as many listens as I want to. This is another I will revisit when I can sit with it. But for now it is a solid album
Derek & The Dominos
5/5
This might be my favorite Eric Clapton album, and yes I know he was in Cream as well. This album hits deep with emotion throughout, whether it is Clapton wailing with his voice throughout, filled with heartbreak from beginning to end; or with the guitars. Duane Allman and Clapton have a dynamic throughout the album where their guitars are telling their own stories without hardly any words. Then you add Bobby Whitlock in the background makes each note hit even harder.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
4/5
There is a lot to like about this album:
- It has a great producer in Danger Mouse, who stamps the album with hi
- It has Damon Albarn, who has never been afraid to experiment with sounds and concepts.
- It also has an epic closing track, the self-titled track.
From what I read, this album is supposed to be a collection of songs about modern London life. The sound is cohesive throughout, with no track really overwhelming any of the others. Even the closing track, with as big as it is, isn't hardly overwhelming or mindblowing.
Its a consistent album, similar to Doves Kingdom of Rust album ,where there are a lot of good songs, not a lot of great songs.
It's for that I can't give it a 5 but its also another one I am saving to listen to again, so I may kick myself down the road
I need delve
Prince
5/5
What can you say? Prince was the best; this is peak Prince throughout, so many timeless tracks, I don't even need to keep dabbling on
Depeche Mode
3/5
It's not the best Depeche Mode album, but I really need to delve into the catalog more. I wanted to like this one more than I did. The singles on this album are as strong as they have ever had and this really helped stamp their sound. A lot of songs on the back half fall flat for me, at least at first couple of listens.
The Bees
3/5
This album grew on me with a second listen. I knew a few other songs and those were more immediate. This album has an eclectic mix of songs and it's hard to tell at first listen who they are, and then second listen through you realize it's all them.
I won't give it more than 3 because i need more listens to determine if it's a 4, or maybe if it creeps into 5 territory.
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
What a difference a day makes. I listened yesterday to part of the album and it wasn't just clicking. Maybe it was gloomier out but something hit different when I picked up listening to it this morning. I heard it differently, and even the first opening songs that I was on the fence about sounded better. I am going to save the album for future listens.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Great album minus Graveyard Train. That song just drones on for me.
James Brown
4/5
It's a perfect showcase of how he is live! It is early in his career so you don't get a lot of the hits that were to come but you could tell early on he was special
Beatles
4/5
What can you say? It's almost 5 star worthy but I'll save that for others. This is a great album, iconic in many ways. Are there some fillers? Yes. Is it full of hits? Yes. Being a double album it's tough to be flawless all the way through.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
It's not a bad album. It's an album full of heartbreak. Marvin didn't really set out to do much else other than deal with his divorce through song it seems. It comes through. There aren't really any hits, just feelings. This definitely isn't for everyone
The Triffids
2/5
This one was very underwhelming overall, though the back half seemed to be a little better. I never heard of these guys an probably will not listen again, but who knows. I won't actively avoid it though so that's why I give it a 2 and not a 1
Eels
4/5
This album is a great introduction to them. Lots of melodies that feel like lullabies. It's clear he was going for a sound. One of the best albums of my week this week.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This one has their harmonies but overall it really doesn't do much for me. I had all weekend to listen to this one and didn't listen more than once:
Dire Straits
3/5
This album is anchored by two of the best song intros of all time and the first half of the album is much better than the back half. This is one i have to listen to in a different frame of mind or find out more about to appreciate it
The Cult
2/5
This is an okay album. Rick Rubin keeps the sound consistent throughout, but not my cup of tea sound-wise. I do like Wild Flower as an opener, but most everything else sounds like its just a vehicle for the musicians rather than anything about the music itself. Add to that a bad cover of Born To Be Wild,
Faust
3/5
This one was strangely captivating. It pulled me in so many directions that follow up listens will happen. I gave it 3 because some of it is strange, but like another review said, I can see why the cat got freaked out by it
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Beautiful album and songs. Easily accessible for everyone. I can listen to this over and over
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I love this album. It was the beginning of an insane stretch of music over the next few years, where they hit a slot of great blues/rock n roll roots music. A few standout tracks in Sympathy For The Devil, and Street Fighting Man, but really the sound is what does it for me,
Funkadelic
3/5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
This was an okay album to listen to. Not my favorite of his, but a good solid collection of songs, though some may call it boring, I think of as consistent. No real standout tracks, though the opener Beyond Belief had me doing a double take for a TV On The Radio song for some reason.
Tom Waits
3/5
This was the first album I had heard of Tom Waits, so I think it was a good intro to him. It is probably the most stripped down I've ever heard an album be. I definitely listen again to see how if it changes my feelings of it
Black Flag
4/5
This was an awesome to listen to. I never had heard it, or much of Black Flag, but the sound is one that was so influential. It was awesome to hear something so simple hit so hard
The Temptations
4/5
I love this album with its early funk influences and classic soul that made them one of the best. Cloud 9 sits up there as one of my favorite songs by them and the rest of the songs do not disappoint wituer
Sonic Youth
5/5
This one was so great to delve into but one day is definitely not enough with this album. It is just starting to reveal itself and the journey it took me on needs to be enjoyed again. It's awesome to hear when future artists and albums are shaped by the sound of another. That is definitely the case with this album and this band in general.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
I only got one listen in on this album so I can't really give it more than a 3 right now. After reading more of the backstory behind it, I want to give it a listen in that headspace. The problem with this site is that a day isnt long enough. I'll need to revisit this again.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
I never listen to a frank sinatra album. Frank is always about his voice and his songs more than any one album. I do like this album but it's not something I would choose first to listen to.
Talking Heads
4/5
I love this album. This one isn't about any individual song but rather just the way the songs fit. It's classic Talking Heads and it invites repeat listens from the start. This one was easy to start over once I finished it.
Nirvana
5/5
What can you say about this album that hasn't been said already?
It's angsty, it's raw and polished at the same time, and it helped usher in an era of bands who all felt the same.
The songs themselves can standalone, but together it's a force from beginning to end
The Stone Roses
5/5
Such a perfect album. From the beginning Ian Browns vocals invite you in, and John Squires guitar keeps you guessing. The melodies and harmonies throughout beg for repeat listens and the lyrics want you to sing along with them.
I can't count the number of times I have shouted " I AM THE RESSURECTION"
Always a joy to listen to
The Everly Brothers
4/5
It's a short sweet album. It has a few covers that I really like but there isn't a whole lot to it though
Depeche Mode
4/5
This is the best album by them I have heard so far. The sound is peak and the hits are plenty.
The Police
3/5
This was my first album from The Police that I have listened to. I think my exposure to them was postponed since Sting's solo career was taking off when I was growing up and I find that not to be my style.
Hearing this album feels like it is kind of a segue into that career. There are a few songs I know which are hits. I will note the first half flows really well. That said I think there are other albums of theirs that I still have yet to hear completely, that I feel I might like a little more.
Fugees
5/5
This album was a great weekend album. It’s too early in the morning to write out a full review lol
3/5
Interesting album from someone I have never really given much attention to. It’s not an immediate album but it does draw you in. I think I’ll give it another couple of listens to see what it truly offers
Britney Spears
2/5
Sure, it has one of the most known pop songs of the 90s on it, and sure it launched the career of Britney Spears, but by no means is this a good album.
It’s definitely not for me.
The Saints
3/5
This is just flat out a pretty good rock n roll album. Right up my alley.
I never heard them before but definitely will add to my listening rotation
Holger Czukay
2/5
Not the worst album I have ever heard. But what was that. I am realizing this is a list of albums you “need to hear” and not a best of all time. Maybe you need to hear an album like this to cleanse the pallet kind of like when you have sushi.
Neil Young
3/5
I like this album from the couple of listens I have given. Is it slow at points? Yes. It is also a darker album from him. If these do not suit your style, you really might not enjoy it.
Walk On doesn't seem to fit the rest of the album to me for some reason, but its good enough.
Revolution Blues, and For the Turnstiles feel most immediate and they are fun to listen to.
This one begs for additional listens.
R.E.M.
4/5
Great debut by them; good introduction to the band, but also to that indie sound in general. Albums and artists had come close at that point, but that College Rock sound wasn't really identified until these guys came along. The songs hold up well. Another one I will save for later.
Lenny Kravitz
4/5
Love this albums though it does have some misses on it. It’s album with a little bit of rock, funk, and soul. Can’t wait to listen again
Skepta
3/5
Better album than I was expecting. I heard a couple of songs of his before this. I will have to go back and listen to this again since there were a few I really liked
Ice Cube
4/5
Great debut by Cube. Obviously this album would have received a lot more backlash if it were released today, with the misogyny that lingers throughout, but this album also speaks to issues of race which still hold strong today. Its not a party album, and it was not meant to be. It paints a picture of Cube in the culture he was immersed in, what he was exposed to and grew up around.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
It’s a classic Stevie Wonder album but not his best.
I forgot how many songs I knew that were on this album.
It’s too early in day to say too much more lol
DJ Shadow
5/5
Someone described this as an album that you feel. It’s absolutely the case; since it’s more made up of samples and sounds it kinda lends itself to being that.
It’s all crafted to feeling highs and lows throughout. Nothing here to sing out loud to, but more an album to be in the moment with; to observe your world through the lenses of these songs.
Rush
4/5
What can you say? I mean it's Rush. Everyone has heard at least the intro to Tom Sawyer and others know XYZ and Limelight. The rest of the album fits well around it. The instrumentation is tight with three amazing musicians all playing off of one another. It's worth the listen and worth the delve into their other albums!
Bonnie Raitt
3/5
I did not listen to this album all the way through, but it definitely had potential. It had a pop/easy listening feel, and its been said it was a comeback album for her. I may go back and listen again later today to give it a full evaluation but first few songs were pretty good even though shes not someone i would normally listen to.
The White Stripes
4/5
Love this album; it holds up after so many years just like the rest of the White Stripes material. There is just something special when Jack and Meg are involved as opposed to just Jack with his solo career, which I do not love nearly as much.
Lots of classics throughout, and now I want to revisit the rest of the catalogue again.
Best Tracks - Ball and Biscuit, The Hardest Button to Button, Seven Nation Army,
Worst (and not even that bad) - There's No Room For You Here, Hypnotize
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Nice little album to listen to. I think I agree with someone else that they were at their best with Neil Young there too but definitely nothing to sneeze at with just the this lineup. Lot of familiar songs here.
Billy Joel
5/5
At first glance this album seems like just another Billy Joel album. Then as you get into him, you find out that
- this is the album with only the good die young
- and this is the album with scenes from an Italian restaurant
- and this is the album with just the way you are
- oooh and this one has Vienna too!
Next thing you realize is that it’s a great albun. And that’s how they get you
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Despite everyone saying we should all know Oxygène 4 , ( which I somehow saved in Spotify too) I have never heard of him. I may revisit this at night but so far it was just okay.
The Avalanches
5/5
This album offers up so much to dive into each listen. So many samples that come together to bring this album to life. Every track offering seamless transitions from the previous to the next. So well done, I’m in awe with each listen
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
This was a nice little surprise. Really good background music. I’ll have to investigate who he is and listen to the album again.
Patti Smith
3/5
This was my first Patti Smith album I have listened to. Might even be the first songs I knowingly listened to. I listened twice and a lot of it didn't resonate.
Maybe if I get to know her, Patti Smith, this album will feel different.
It's like high school and right now, Patti is one of the girls I didn't know or found annoying because of how cool she was.
Then I see her a number of years after high school and realize we have more in common than we realized just on the surface in high school. Maybe it's like that? I dunno. I am sure I will go back and revisit this at some point.
Frank Sinatra
4/5
I never think of Frank Sinatra as having albums, but as an album this one is great. Lots of familiar songs but also the ones I was not familiar with were also good
Biggest Hit
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
Biggest Miss
Makin Whoopie
Biggest Surprise
You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me
Nas
5/5
I love this album from front to back. Its an album that invites you in to what NY was like around that time. It doesn't overdo it or over stay its welcome either. The lyrics are gritty without needing to be too hard or aggressive. Nas' flow is so fluid on this album and the word play is a thing of beauty. No one song is built to outshine the rest, which makes it feel more cohesive.
Favorite - NY State of Mind
Not-So-Favorite - (if I have to choose one) - One Time For Love
Surprise - Memory Lane
Johnny Cash
5/5
Johnny Cash has captured my attention for years. Listening to this album now, and even these "American" albums as a whole, it makes you step into his shoes and hear a finality in his voice. The notes that don't hit as crisp as they used to, but he still pulls you in. It's funny that I realize I am 20-25 years older since I first started listening to him. Now as I listen, I realize that some day I will feel that way, and I am not as far away from it as I used to be.
Biggest Hit - Hurt
Biggest Miss - (not that I can REALLY choose one) - Sam Hall
Biggest Surprise - Desperado
Leonard Cohen
4/5
I have never been a "fan" of Leonard Cohen. The style was never one that drew me in. This album was given to me after listening to Johnny Cash American iV the day prior. It was a weird one-two punch to start the week. Similar in feeling but Cohen's was more his acknowledgement that he had zero time left and this was his making peace with it. It's a very good album that surprised me.
Biggest Hit - You Want It Darker
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - On The Level
Biggest Surprise - Treaty
Deep Purple
4/5
This is definitely as classic rock as it gets. Deep Purple have a sound that is the culmination of so many of the “heavier” bands from that time. It’s like part Zep, part Cream, part Sabbath, and it goes on. Somehow they found a way to be as influential with their sound. Hit after hit on this album though; will listen to many times
Biggest Hit - Space Truckin
Biggest Miss ( if I had to choose) - Pictures of Home
Biggest Surprise - Lazy
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
One of the albums I had on repeat growing up. It was a perfect mix of rap, rock, rebellion, and just sounds that you couldn't help but want to hear over and over again. I still remember hearing Killing In the Name on the radio and trying to catch it every time I could until I got the CD.
Its weird listening to it now. I do feel that sense of rebellion anymore, but I do understand more what they were raging against. Im sure I'll bust out my Rage mix CDs now to hear my little collection I made.
Hit - Killing In The Name
Miss (if I had to choose one) - Settle For Nothing
Underrated - Know Your Enemy
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
I wont say this is my favorite jazz album. I haven't listened to enough of them to say that. I do love it though and I was thrilled when it came up as my selection. I'm listening to this a couple of weeks out from Christmas and it feels like a holiday album.
Its not a holiday album but it's whimsical in a way that a holiday album would be. The use of the different time signatures (so from what I understand about them at all) seem like they play a part in this.
This album is a good one if you want to introduce people to jazz. It's a good warm up before introducing to the other greats like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, etc. This album is just a little more accessible.
Hit - Take Five
Miss (if I had to choose) - Three To Get Ready
Surprise - Kathy's Waltz
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
This is a great album, plain and simple. I won't pretend I understand what it feels like to live through the political turmoil he endured, the same way I can't ever really identify with 90's New York the way NAS raps about on Illmatic. But the music pulls you in here, just as on Illmatic. Two completely different stories, but both pull you in the same way. Both are super consistent throughout, and beg repeat listens.
Biggest Hit - Exodus (though Three Little Birds is my fav Marley song)
Miss (if I had to choose one) - Guiltiness
Surprise - Natural Mystic
Dr. Octagon
4/5
I have not heard this album in a long time. I forgot how much I love the beats on this album. The only thing I forgot about and I never really like that much or like the little skits in between. I do appreciate that they’re in between the songs and not attached to the songs, but I’m not a big skit guy.
But still a great listen
Biggest Hit - Blue Flowers
Miss - any of the skits
Surprise - Bear Witness
Franz Ferdinand
4/5
What can I say? It's a good album. It has good songs. Does any of it blow me away? No. It could just be me. I do like their songs for a time and then it fades quickly. The one exception to this is the song "Ulysses" which came later than this album.
I would definitely listen again to this, but its not really my favorite.
Biggest Hit - Take Me Out
Miss - Jacqueline
Surprise - The Dark of the Matinee
Liz Phair
4/5
Dusty Springfield
4/5
This was a nice little surprise to start the week. I honestly have not knowingly chosen to listen to Dusty Springfield outside of hearing Son of a Preacher Man. < as an aside, I found myself rapping along with the lyrics of Hits From the Bong by Cypress Hill, since it samples this song, which was kinda fun actually > It's such a classic song, and beautifully sung by Dusty. The rest of the album follows suit. Her voice has this laid back/sexy feel to it, but she hits every note easily.
Biggest Hit - Son of a Preacher Man (duh)
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose one) - In the Land of Make Believe
Biggest Surprise - No Easy Way Down
The Offspring
4/5
This album brings me back to my childhood. It brings me back to sitting in front of my radio, ready to hit record on songs as I find the ones I wanna record on my mixtape. Self Esteem was on these tapes.
Strangely though I never really listened to the whole album. I heard them so often on the radio I felt that covered what they were.
I was partially right. There’s nothing jaw dropping here just good alternative. Lots of songs to rock out to. Songs to understand better now having life experience lol
Biggest Hit - Self Esteem
Biggest Miss ( if I had to choose) - killboy powerhead
Biggest Surprise - Something To Believe In
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
This was a pretty good album on the one listen I gave it. It is one I have to definitely be in the mood for I think; It definitely has a good sound and energy to it. If I was presented this album closer to Halloween, I might have had a different reaction to it. I may go back and listen when I have proper wits about me, based on what I have read about it. That's what I love about this whole list is that it does give you awareness that these albums exist and may trigger a point to go back and listen.
Biggest Hit - Carcass, Hong Kong Garden (though the Apple Music version doesnt list this on the 1st CD)
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose one) - Helter Skelter
Biggest Surprise - Jigsaw Feeling (after the intro, this one hits you in the face)
Ananda Shankar
3/5
This album was an interesting one since it’s out of my wheelhouse musically, but the opening track was so good.
The cover of Jumpin Jack Flash engaged me from the start and it felt like it could be used in a movie score somehow. I can’t explain it. The rest of the album didn’t grab me as much.
Biggest Hit - Jumpin Jack Flash
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose - Sagar
Biggest Surprise - Snow Flower
Ramones
4/5
I mean if there ever was such a direct introduction to a band and their sound, this is it. From start to finish, you hear songs, while they do sound similar, all stand on their own. I mean punk has never been about complex melodies or lyrics, so coming in and listening with those thoughts in mind, you can understand it and get behind it easier. It's an album thats easy to listen again because it is so short.
Biggest Hit - Blitzkrieg Bop
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Loudmouth
Hidden Gem - Let's Dance
Nina Simone
4/5
Such a beautiful album, though a few songs do not grab you immediately. I think because of the way it's put together, with tracks left over from other sessions, the cohesion isn't entirely there, but that doesn't stop the tracks from shining. The arrangements are minimal at times, which is good because its lets Nina's voice be the star. Her voice is deep and resonating throughout but soft at times. I'll be saving this one off for future listens on that quiet Sunday morning.
Biggest Hit - Lilac Wine
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose one) - If I Should Lose You
(Not So) Hidden Gem - Four Women
Wire
4/5
Great little album that I don't think I ever listened to. Fits right in with The Clash and other post punk of the time. Fuzzy guitars, help tell the stories on each song. It's short and sweet, with some songs you wish stayed longer than they play at. When I hear Three Girl Rhumba, I hear Connection by Elastica (at least that little intro) This one is right in my wheelhouse.
Biggest Hit - Pink Flag
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Lowdown
Hidden Gem - Ex Lion Tamer
David Bowie
5/5
It's weird. I have heard Bowie all my life. His songs play at key points in movies and TV shows, his songs come on the radio at the right time, and there is always some sort of list or article or media piece about him where his countless songs are brought.
All that to say, I have never listened to this album all the way through before. I have heard most of the songs before, no doubt, just never listened to it all.
It's a great album as numerous others have written. Lot's beautiful moments throughout the album, but that front half is loaded in my opinion.
This one was easy to repeat listening to after I heard it all. It's one of those I'll be listening to for awhile now.
Biggest Hit (limiting to one) - Life on Mars?
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Kooks, this one just doesn't fit as well for me.
Hidden Gem - Oh! You Pretty Things
The Boo Radleys
3/5
This album is a nice surprise. I had never listened to them before but love how ecclectic their sound is. I love how the sound jumps around from Reggae, to some Britpop/Shoegaze, and into some orchestral type sounds that remind me of Mercury Rev. This is one I will come back to at some point to give it the much needed multiple listens.
Biggest Hit - Barney (and Me)
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - One Is For
Hidden Gem - If You Want It, Take It
The Police
4/5
Arcade Fire
5/5
I love this album. I don't love the Win Butler though, so I spent a good time away from listening to Arcade Fire. This album is a complete album, with songs that pull you in all throughout. From the opening title track, through to Sprawl II, its a journey in the banality of suburban life. Lots of tracks I identify with as my younger self, and other ones I appreciate and acknowledge the sentiments but still will find myself living that suburban life they describe, without much an issue.
Biggest Hit - Deep Blue
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - City With No Children
Hidden Gem - Wasted Hours
The Electric Prunes
3/5
What a weird but cool album. I had never heard of these guys, but so it was a pleasant surprise to start, and then has a few valleys in-between the peaks. I love the sound, that 60s rock psychedelia, so its cool to listen to.
Biggest Hit - I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
Biggest Miss - The King Is In The Counting House
Hidden Gem - Try Me On For Size
Miriam Makeba
4/5
This is a lovely album! I was really taken back by her voice. Even the music, which normally isn't something I would gravitate toward, I loved hearing it.
It's uplifting but has some quieter tender moments throughout too. I will definitely save this one off for future listens.
Biggest Hit - The Click Song
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Lakutshn llanga
Hidden Gem - Nomeva
Isaac Hayes
5/5
Such a great album. I remember my dad introducing me to this album as a kid. I remember hearing it but not appreciating it.
I eventually hear the single version of Walk On By and I was like "okay, I hear it now"
Fast forward to my twenties when I revisit this album and hear the full Walk On By 🤯
It's a feeling that keeps through the record. Are there only 4 songs? Yes. Are they long? Yes.
Do they take you (as someone else put it best) a journey? Yes
Each one tells a slightly different story musically. Lots of heartbreak in the album but told majestically through the mind of Isaac.
I usually try and choose a hit, a miss, and a hidden gem but really each song can be any of those if you are not familiar with long songs, or its not your style. I love the journey it goes on.
Van Morrison
5/5
I forgot how good this album is. I mean the first half is non-stop hit after hit. The back half is lesser known but it is so even throughout with the quality. The pain, the joy, the optimism all shines at different points. It's a short album with no one song overstaying its welcome. This one is a good background album, or one you can immerse yourself in as a soundtrack of your life.
Biggest Hit - Into The Mystic
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Everyone
Hidden Gem - Brand New Day
Wild Beasts
2/5
Admittedly I only gave this one a quick listen due to the speed of the day. I liked bits of it but admittedly it started off very sketchy and almost scared me off. It hits a stride part of the way through but ultimately its too hit and miss for me to want to listen to the whole album. I may just listen to a song here and there. It does make me wonder how other albums sound though.
Biggest Hit - Empty Nest
Biggest Miss - The Fun Powder Plot
Hidden Gem - We Still Got The Taste of Dancin On Our Tongues
New York Dolls
4/5
This is just a good ol' rocknroll. Its not perfect, in fact its messy but thats good. I love how it hits you in the face right at the beginning of the record and then paints a picture of a small music scene around that time. Definitely a far stretch from the pop of that time. Its punk, glam, and everything else that maintstream culture wasn't. I will have to listen to them more than I currently do. Right now I have only heard a few songs, but that changes after listening to this album.
Biggest Hit - Personality Crisis
Biggest Miiss (if I had to choose) - Pills
Hidden Gem - Frankenstein
Pulp
5/5
A+ album; One of the best of the 90's. One of the best of BritPop. It embodies the sound and spirit of BritPop. It's an album I can listen to over and over without even noticing but noticing every note.
Biggest Hit - Common People
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E. - only because that is way too much to spell out in a song.
Hidden Gem - Monday Morning
Fleet Foxes
4/5
Such a beautiful album to listen to. When you think of albums to listen to on a Sunday morning, this album comes to the top of the list. The harmonies wake you up just as the sun is coming up. This is one I can listen to regularly.
Biggest Hit - White Winter Hymnal
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Meadowlarks
Hidden Gem - Quiet Houses
Tracy Chapman
4/5
I had never listened to this album, and really had not given Tracy Chapman much though. Fast Car was the first song I heard by hear when this album came out, and i was like 9 years old so I hardly identified it, preferring more the popular stuff at the time.
Listening to it now, it sounds fresh to me, because its with mature ears that I can understand the messages she is trying to send through the albums songs. The messages ring as true today as they then, which says so much more about how things do not change and in some ways get worse..
Biggest Hit - Fast Car
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - IF Not Now....
Hidden Gem - Across The Lines
Heaven 17
2/5
This is another entry as to why this album was on the list. I get it's 1001 Albums you NEED to hear, but there has to be an explanation why. Maybe the book uncovers that? I dunno.
Anyway, this is very early synth-pop and you can hear it. Maybe it;s on because it defined the genre? I dunno.
All I know is I could not get through most of this album. The synths and drums were good at points and caught my attention, but the sum was not greater than its parts.
The Doors
4/5
The Doors are one of those bands I never tie myself to one album, there were just so many songs that I like, that I forget half the time which album they are from.
That said, it was good to sit down and listen to this one. I had not listened to much of The Doors recently, so it was good to get into listening again.
Biggest Hit - Roadhouse Blues
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Indian Summer
Underrated Gem - Peace Frog
PJ Harvey
4/5
This was a solid album! I listened to only one other PJ Harvey album ( that was on this list) and this one was much better and more cohesive.
The album experiments a lot, but with the production it somehow contains all the sounds.
Biggest Hit - Rid Of Me
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - man size sextet
Underrated Gem - Missed
Bob Dylan
5/5
I won’t go too deep into this one. It’s simply one of the best Bob Dylan albums for me. It’s a must listen. So many tracks to even mention but he’s in peak form here.
Biggest Hit - Sooner or Later
Biggest Miss ( if I had to choose) - Temporary Like Achilles
Underrated Gem - Visions of Johanna
Elvis Presley
4/5
Yes this is the debut album from Elvis, but similar to how I feel about Frank Sinatra, I do not hardly own any Elvis albums, not in the way I would own a Bob Dylan album. Elvis to me was always more about the singles and the performances than any album he could ever have made. Having said that, there are exceptions, especially when it comes to the live stuff.
Anyway this is a good, if not basic, debut. It's the beginning of his pre-war sound (though I prefer his later voice). There are a lot of gems on here with it being a short album.
Biggest Hit - Blue Suede Shoes
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry
Underrated Gem - Trying To Get To You
Randy Newman
3/5
I'll be the first to say I'm not really a Randy Newman fan. Sure we love the Toy Story stuff and Short People, but never really gave much thought to him otherwise.
This album does offer more tender-hearted offerings; sad at points. What I love about this album is that it does not overstay its welcome. There are twelve songs? I think (depending on the version) and they all stop when they need to. They are like Randy just sat and sang out journal or creative writing entries he was going to write for the day. It worked surprisingly well.
Biggest Hit - Sail Away
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear
Underrated Gem - He Gives Us All His Love
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Kanye West
4/5
As my girlfriend said, there are better Kanye albums. This one was a shift toward his more current sounding albums, at least I think.
Its a tough album to review, because Kanye himself is so polarizing. Its a battle of art vs the artist. I don't "love" Kanye enough to tie the two together. He's clearly mentally unstable but he can still put together a collection of songs. Do I still want to go back and listen to College Dropout? Sure, its a classic album. Do I like songs from this album and other Kanye albums? Yes
Do I believe in what Kanye believes? Hell no.
Biggest Hit - Black Skinhead
Biggest Miss - I Am A God
Underrated Gem - Blood On The Leaves
The Rolling Stones
4/5
This is one of the best Stones albums, it's right in the pocket of when they could do no wrong. That whole era for many bands (66-74) was a perfect time musically. Anyway, this album is a treat from front to back.
Biggest Hit - Gimme Shelter
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - You Got The Silver
Biggest Hit Honorable Mention - You Can't Always Get What You Want
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
What can I say, a lot of people like this album; for me its not my favorite of theirs and I never could get into RHCP like others could. At the point this album came out, it kind left a bad taste in my mouth with the overplay they were getting, for songs that weren't and still aren't that great. You can say what you want about musicianship, but it all just feels like it exists to me. I'll be happy if I never hear another song about California thanks to these guys.
Biggest Hit - Scar Tissue
Biggest Miss - Emit Remmus
Bonus Hit - Parallel Universe
Brian Eno
2/5
I couldn't do this one. It was definitely not for me. I realized the Ambien is derived from Ambient, which coincides with the sleepiness I felt. I get that it helped definite the genre, but when I am listening to these albums on my drives to and from work, this is not my first choice.
That said, I think if I put this on at work, which I still may do, I may bump this up a star.
Dion
3/5
This was really nothing me, in a good and bad way. I didn't love any song on here. But there was something about this album where I have feel like I have heard each song somewhere before (cover not withstanding) but the overall sound felt very familiar different than other 70s soft rock. I'm feeling generous so I'll give it a three since it was easy to listen to the album in spite of not liking any songs.
Biggest Hit - Your Own Back Yard
Biggest Miss - He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
Pretty Good Too - Good LovIn Man
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
I have no idea what I was listening to or what I was supposed to get from that. I never understood an album less than this one.
I have not listened to Frank Zappa before, and this was not the impression I was hoping for when delving into his collection. I'm sure his solo stuff is different (crosses finger)
The Velvet Underground
5/5
I will keep this short since I am writing this on Monday morning and am tired. This is a great debut from a great band. There is a lot to love here, and a lot of influence just from this record alone, that impacted how a lot of artists modeled their own sound.
Biggest Hit - Waiting For The Man
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - The Black Angel's Death Song
Bonus Hit - Venus In Furs
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Until I read the entry for this album just now, I did not realize this was her debut. It's a good album, showcasing her vocal range. You realized with the ease she hit her notes that she was going to be something special. I didn't care for most of the music on most of this, but the vocals saved a lot of the songs. Just the way she sang her notes, it kept me wondering what she would do next.
Biggest Hit - Take the Box
Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - In My Bed
Hidden Gem - Amy Amy Amy