Early stereo recordings were crazy. Bet this is better in mono, but I’ll disregard that. The songs are great of course, but these were still early days and it feels more like a collection of well-crafted pop songs than a proper album like the ones that would follow just a few years later. 3/5.
This will be interesting. I always found high pitched male vocals difficult (there have been few exceptions). Especially if they were also a bit nasal. Billy Corgan was simply not my cup of coffee, even though I liked some of the songs. But in recent years I’ve been challenging myself and those voices aren’t as repulsive anymore. Seeing that the album clocks in at over 2 hours scares me a little bit, but let’s dig in! Ok. There’s a lot to like here. Songwriting is varied. Production is great. But I can’t help feeling it’s a little too long. Apparently dozens of songs that were recorded didn’t make it onto the album. If another few had been excluded, it could’ve been a truly exceptional record. As it is, it’s still good. Funny thing it took me 30 years to realise. 😂 4/5
Such a classic. Bought the LP when it came out. I was 11 at the time. Soon after that my attention shifted to rock and metal, but The KLF will always be a favourite. The second half of the album drags on a bit. Groundbreaking album for its time. Also, The KLF themselves were such an unusual thing to become so popular. Very clever in how they played the music industry. Read up on them or watch the documentary. For that alone (and considering this is about albums you must hear before you die), I will award this 5 stars!
There were three or for songs I liked. The rest was bland. Fine for background music, that’s all. The best tracks were all near the end of the album, but pushed my rating up from 2 to 3.
Great production. Strong melodies. Brilliant vocals. Lyrics don’t do much for me, but I guess songs about love gone cold and not being able to revisit the past are timeless and appeal to the masses. Good album! 4/5.
First album I come across that I actually own a copy of. Great album. Sounds old school and modern at the same time. Song writing and production should both be credited for that. A mostly unfamiliar genre to me, but I find Kiwanuka’s music uplifting, fun and soulful.
I kinda like the sound, but only in small doses. Good musicianship and everything is fine, but after a song or two, I’m not feeling it anymore. Maybe it’s too ”smooth” for me. 3/5.
Early stereo recordings were crazy. Bet this is better in mono, but I’ll disregard that. The songs are great of course, but these were still early days and it feels more like a collection of well-crafted pop songs than a proper album like the ones that would follow just a few years later. 3/5.
Electronic jazz, pop beats, sometimes like a twisted version of Sade. Interesting album. Almost mythological due to Bowie’s death and the record’s eerie sounds. Also written with humour, which helps to lighten it up a bit. Album as a whole doesn’t feel as depressing as it could have. Favourite track: Lazarus. 4/5
I get that it’s an important album for Bowie, but it doesn’t do much for me. I love that Bowie experimented with music and seemed willing to try almost anything to explore new paths. In doing so, it’s inevitable that some stuff won’t be up to the standards set by his best work. I think that’s what we have here, and that the importance of this album is more of an indirect kind in that it led up to the Berlin trilogy. So, important as it may be, as an isolated album it’s a 2/5 for me.
Hip hop with ”world music” influences. Pleasant surprise. Well, those were my thoughts less than two tracks in. After about 5 songs I feel like there’s too much of it left. It’s not terrible, but I wish it was 40 minutes instead of an hour. Quite liked the verse of The Animist though. Reminded me of some older hip hop I’ve heard before. 3/5.
Lively jazz with improvisations. Happy music! 4/5
Funky! I like it, even though it kinda slips in to the background. Then something catches my attention and I listen more actively for a while. Great musicianship. 4/5
There was a lot of rapmetal in the 90’s. Beastie Boys fit into that, but were different in the sense that they were primarily a hip-hop act that included elements of metal and punk. Loud and rowdy, but with a musicality rarely heard in this kind of music. 5/5
It’s aggressive and sarcastic, but also includes some whimsical humour in both lyrics and music. Holiday in Cambodia is a real banger! 5/5
This will be interesting. I always found high pitched male vocals difficult (there have been few exceptions). Especially if they were also a bit nasal. Billy Corgan was simply not my cup of coffee, even though I liked some of the songs. But in recent years I’ve been challenging myself and those voices aren’t as repulsive anymore. Seeing that the album clocks in at over 2 hours scares me a little bit, but let’s dig in! Ok. There’s a lot to like here. Songwriting is varied. Production is great. But I can’t help feeling it’s a little too long. Apparently dozens of songs that were recorded didn’t make it onto the album. If another few had been excluded, it could’ve been a truly exceptional record. As it is, it’s still good. Funny thing it took me 30 years to realise. 😂 4/5
I like Michael Stipe’s voice. Especially when you can hear the words, which is the case on this album. The songs are good without any obvious filler tracks. A very good rock album! The closing track is a real gem! 4/5
This album is like a slug, aimlessly crawling along. I thought 2 hours of Smashing Pumpkins (Melon Collie…) was a bit much, but one hour of Arcade Fire feels much longer. Thought it would never end. A couple of times it livens up and it feels like something’s finally happening, but it just goes back to slug mode again. Zzzz… 1/5
I love Breathless and its intro. The rest is also good. Rundgren takes the music seriously, but is definitely not afraid to have fun with it.
While I find most modern rap music unbearable, I sometimes do enjoy the older stuff. Step In the Arena has a nice, laidback sound that I like. Apparently, it has been called the best hip hop album of all time. I wouldn’t know, but will agree it’s a great album. 4/5
A fun album with a touch of punk that I enjoy now more than when it was first released. 4/5
Lovely, melancholy album. Great melodies and production. 5/5
I’m a casual jazz listener and can’t always tell the great from the very good. But I can tell there are some special moments recorded here. Put your phone away, pour yourself some of your favourite beverage and make sure nothing will disturb you over the next 45 minutes. (The album on Spotify has a ton of extra tracks, including multiple takes of the same songs. You don’t want that unless you specifically want to study differences. For the original release, check the track list on Wikipedia and make a playlist with only those tracks) 4/5
Not really a genre I usually enjoy, but there’s a musicality that reminds me of 80’s stuff, variation in song structures and lyrics that aren’t misogynistic, narcissistic bullshit. Great album! 4/5
I was young when this came out and Britney was everywhere, but everything about it was the opposite of anything I was into or wanted to be associated with at the time. Now I’m a grown man and not much has changed, except that I think I’m now able to listen more objectively. The songs (well, some of them) are actually pretty good. The lyrics utterly ridiculous. There are moments when Britney’s voice sounds pretty great, but others when she sounds like a creaking door. In 1999 I would have taken stars away from this if I could. In 2025 I’m feeling generous and I’ll give it two. Could have been more if the lows hadn’t been so low. 2/5
Everyone knows at least Part IV of Oxygène. It’s also the most conventional track here, with its melodic hook. The rest of the album is quite ambient with long, sweeping chords and notes. I discovered by chance that it’s a great album to sit down with on a Friday night with a nice beverage at hand. 4/5
At first it seems like just another one of those indie bands that are just so indifferent and sarcastic about everything, but this is actually a mildly clever and entertaining album. Musically speaking it’s not amazing, but it manages to stay interesting. The vocals are nothing to write home about, but do the job. The lyrics deal with some serious stuff, but also find room for more lighthearted passages and little jokes. It’s three stars from me. Props to the band for sticking to a run time of 35 minutes - some of the albums on this list are just way too long. 3/5
Nice album. First time I hear it, but won’t be the last. 4/5
Numetal really didn’t age well (imo). Slipknot is one of very few exceptions. It’s a very good album. I was considering five stars, but there’s one thing that holds it back. I find the album a little too busy. It’s like they’re trying to squeeze in as much quirkiness as possible to show what they’re about or what they’re capable of. Yngwie Malmsteen famously said ”How can less be more? More is more!” Well, I guess these fellas agree. I personally think there’s something to be said for contrast and dynamics. Even in metal. 4/5
This starts off with the three singles in a row. Makes you think it’s a Greatest Hits album. Those three are proper classics. 5/5 for me. After that opening section, we don’t come back to five star territory until we get to Exit. Everything else hovers around the three star mark. So what’s a fair total score? 3? 4? Probably 3.5, but that’s not an option. 4/5
Starts off a bit dull, but picks up during Revolution Blues. Still a couple of generic moments after that, but also some great stuff, like the title track. Peaks at a four, but because it’s a bit uneven… 3/5
This is pretty good. They have something to say, but aren’t afraid to use comedy to say it. Enjoyed it and might listen again. 3/5
When I saw the name Kanye West, my first thought was ”oh noooo!” Listening to it, I like some of the melodic parts. Long sections of the album are complete nonsense though. Like many albums on this list, it’s too long and would’ve benefited from being 20-25 minutes shorter. It’s somewhere in the region of 2-3 stars. After much consideration, I’ll be generous and give it three. 3/5
Nice, chill album. Doesn’t fully grab my attention all the time, so not five stars, but a solid four! 4/5
Nice, soft album. Arrangements are pretty much flawless (there is a full band on this one) and work great with Drake’s voice. Having a hard time deciding whether it’s a four or five star album. 4/5
WTF is that voice? Is he eating food while recording his vocals? Completely ruined by that ”singer”. Also, why on earth do I need to hear this before I die? Was going to add a star because the music was pretty cool, but I had to switch off after 4 tracks. Couldn’t stand it. So no extra stars for you, G. Love & Special Sauce. 1/5
As I’m going through all these albums, I’m discovering that I like rap and hip hop from the 80’s and early 90’s more than I would have ever liked to admit. Here’s another example. I dig it! 4/5
The title track will always remind me of Pulp Fiction. I guess that’s a generational thing. Good album, but too ”smooth” for my taste. 3/5
It’s not terrible, but sounds a lot like a hundred other British bands from the 90’s. 3/5
Such a classic. Bought the LP when it came out. I was 11 at the time. Soon after that my attention shifted to rock and metal, but The KLF will always be a favourite. The second half of the album drags on a bit. Groundbreaking album for its time. Also, The KLF themselves were such an unusual thing to become so popular. Very clever in how they played the music industry. Read up on them or watch the documentary. For that alone (and considering this is about albums you must hear before you die), I will award this 5 stars!
Aguilera’s voice is undeniably great. But she doesn’t believe in holding back. Ever. There’s just way too much wailing and never ending vocal runs. She pushes her voice to the point of shouting the whole time. Also, the songs aren’t that strong. 78 minutes is unbearable for me. Half would have been plenty. But hey, that’s just my opinion. 2/5
It’s ok. I never thought they lived up to the hype.
There are parts of this album, like Vökuró, that are simply beautiful. But even the ”worst” tracks here are interesting and grab my attention. An album I must return to. Oh yeah, call me a weirdo, but Ancestors is the coolest thing I’ve heard in quite a while. Björk, Björker, Björkest! 4/5
”Hot For Teacher” would have been fun and cocky if it were written by teenagers. But it’s not, is it? No, it was written by a bunch of 30 year-olds. Dumb, cynical, or both? Other than that, it’s a fine album. Songwriting is not the most exciting, but the playing is great. I never put it on, but always enjoy it when I hear it. 4/5
It’s not horrible, but I didn’t get the hype when I was 14. I still don’t get the hype when I’m 45. A few songs have good, sing-song friendly choruses, but a lot of bands have achieved that. A typical 3/5 rating for me.
The story behind this album is way better than the album itself. I get it. It’s meant to sound fun and clever at the same time. Assembling a bunch of quirky sounds, arranging them as ”movements” and reusing phrases between songs to make it all seem ”connected” is not enough! In case it’s hard to follow the lyrics, here they are: Aaaaawaaaaa Na-na-na, La-la-la, Do-be-do, Aa-aa-aa, Ba-ba-ba Ooooh Baaaahhh, mooooh, wooh Aaah-aaah-oooh-oooh Naaa-nananananaaah Cha-cha-cha Surf’s up! Mm-mm Aaaaah-do-do-do-doodoo Aaaah-a-a-a-aaaah Oooh, nom-nom-nom Oom-bop-bop 2/5
Obnoxious, loud and played as fast as possible. 28 furious songs in 33 minutes. Side A and side B are essentially two different bands (only the drummer is the same), recorded a year apart and with very different sounds. I love it! You might not, but I bet it’ll make you feel something. 5/5
When I was a kid I had a crush on Björk. But every now and then I found her too quirky which (for some strange reason) made me feel embarrassed. Now, that probably says more about me as a teenager than about Björk. But listening to Vespertine after all these years, that’s what’s coming back to me. I get drawn in. Her voice and the way it’s produced makes it feel very up close and personal. Then there’s suddenly a moment where I feel like it’s too much and I snap out of it. I quickly get lured right back in and the process repeats. 4/5
The music is not as cheesy as the title and cover might suggest. Several nice compositions. But yet again, we’re dealing with a double album that should have been a 1 LP release. 3/5
Spoken word accompanied by a jazz quartet. I enjoyed the story telling, but probably won’t listen again in a long time. 3/5
Argh. Sometimes it’s a 5/5. Sometimes it’s a 1/5. I’ll give it a three, but this isn’t a middle-of-the-road album. 3/5
After a long run of truly mediocre albums, Schmilsson pops up. This is great pop-rock. Some of these tracks are fives, but as a whole the album is a solid 4/5.
This was new to me. I can’t understand a single word, but I’m really getting into it all. I love the sound. This will be spinning again. 4/5
Meh. Music is boring and singing is often weak and a bit out of tune. Seems uninspired. 2/5
I listened. Thought it was alright. Can’t remember anything I heard. Generic. 3/5
Great album! Made with no intention to perform the songs live, which allowed them to make use of all the possibilities of a studio at the time, pushing the limits of what ”could be done” on record. There are a couple of tracks I could do without - mainly Yellow Submarine, which I mostly find annoying. That knocks a star off. 4/5
Despite several WTF moments, I enjoyed this a lot. I don’t know if British prog rock ever manifested itself more strongly and unashamedly than this. Great stuff! 4/5
Great album. I think I’m slowly becoming a DM fan. 4/5
It’s a very good album, but not as amazing as the hype would have you think. Then again, we should all take hypes with a pinch of salt. 4/5
Never heard this before. Didn’t know what to expect exactly, but expectations weren’t particularly high. I’ve read some reviews and I can see why this is not for everyone, but I really liked it. Sure, these aren’t conventional ”songs”, but the sounds and the repetitiveness combined with the occasional groove drags me in. Regiment - wow! 5/5
Big band vibes and Charles’ voice. Gotta love it! 4/5
Beautiful album. Also, if you have this on in the background while assembling furniture from the big Swedish store, it will protect you from having a meltdown. Ask me how I know. 5/5
A few very good songs, but a lot of bland ones too.
I love everything about this album, and it really is a record everyone should hear. Solid five stars!
Not really my kind of thing, so not sure how to write a fair review. I can tell there’s good musicianship. Some of the songs have some melodies that are alright. I’ll just give it three stars. 3/5
Most tracks are familiar of course, but never actually listened to it before. To my surprise, I like it. I mean, I already knew Moby was capable of producing some good stuff - The Lonely Night is an amazing song (largely due to Mark Lanegan’s contribution, but still) - but I never paid attention to Play. I’m giving this five stars and feel like hunting down that Lomax collection he gathered so many of the samples from. 5/5
This is not for me.
Never been a fan of The Cure, but they’re good in bite sized portions. The dreamy atmosphere of this album appeals to me. I particularly liked Last Dance and Lullaby. The album is a little too long though. 3/5
Is this where Britney Spears found inspiration for her creaking sound? I don’t know, but one of the singers on this does it too. I find it mildly annoying. The production is quite good. The lyrics are laughable. Waterfalls has a catchy chorus that I remember from back in the day, even though I was in to some very different music. It’s a two for me. 2/5
Love it! 4/5
Half electric rock, half acoustic folk. Great! There are some individual songs that are worthy of five stars, but it’s not quite consistent. Therefore, the total score is a four. 4/5
Still sounds quite fresh after all these years. Or, well… I guess I might think that because I’m old as hell and this feels like it was only just released a few years ago. 4/5
My wife and I met around the time this was released. She was a fan. Needless to say, listening to it now is a trip down memory lane. That’ll affect my rating. If I had heard it now for the first time and without any personal attachment, I don’t think I would have found it quite as interesting. So it’s three stars for merit, plus one for the good stuff that came with it.
This might have been innovative and perhaps even a bit edgy in 1967, but it hasn’t aged well. 2/5
This is a prime example of the type of rap music I don’t like. Since the music is shit, I’m forced to listen to the words. But that just makes it worse. I don’t understand how this can be popular. Are there many people who can relate to this? What I wrote might sound harsh, but I’m not going to give it a one star rating. Those are for next level crap like Arcade Fire and that horrendous Special Sauce album with the singer who sounded like he had a mouth full of food. Sorry. Rant over. 2/5
It was ok. 3/5
The best hour of music anyone released in the 90’s? I think it might be. AiC in the 90’s were such a unique band. Started off as a metal band. Marketed at the time as part of the grunge scene. Moved (seemingly) effortlessly between those spheres, but never truly appeared to be part of either. They made three brilliant albums and two haunting EP’s, with Dirt as the centrepiece (musically and chronologically). The album begins and ends abruptly. In between we’re treated to a rollercoaster ride of high energy rockers and emotional ballads - always with a looming sense of danger and destruction. On Dirt, the band seems to be at a crossroads with one way going to the decadent but fun parts of the reckless rock n roll lifestyle, and the other to ultimate disaster. By their next release (Jar of Flies), they had picked their path. Sadly, they were indeed heading towards disaster. Mike Starr was forced to leave the band and Layne Staley descended into darkness. Neither of them is alive today. It would take many years before the band eventually resurfaced in its current form - a different band, but still great. 5/5