1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

202
Albums Rated
3.68
Average Rating
19%
Complete
887 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1950
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
58
5-Star Albums
7
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
5 2.81 +2.19
Gris Gris
Dr. John
5 2.89 +2.11
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
5 3.12 +1.88
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
5 3.14 +1.86
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
5 3.15 +1.85
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
5 3.29 +1.71
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
5 3.3 +1.7
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
5 3.32 +1.68
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
5 3.32 +1.68
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5 3.33 +1.67

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
1 3.44 -2.44
The College Dropout
Kanye West
1 3.31 -2.31
Close To You
Carpenters
1 3.13 -2.13
The Last Broadcast
Doves
1 3.03 -2.03
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
1 2.79 -1.79
Medúlla
Björk
1 2.74 -1.74
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
2 3.53 -1.53
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
2 3.42 -1.42
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
2 3.38 -1.38
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
2 3.38 -1.38

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Miles Davis 2 5
The Who 3 4.33
Steely Dan 3 4.33

Controversial

ArtistRatings
Arcade Fire 4, 5, 2

5-Star Albums (58)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette

Generational album of bangers and up there with the best of the 90's. Cool stories, great guest musicians, Full House ExBF's, etc. 5 stars and would love to one day see her.

Since I Left You by The Avalanches

Really good album and much different than expected. I'm surprised this is my first time listening to such a great album from 2000. Honestly, the person's voice from The Avalanches is sometimes an instant skip for me. Unless you have great sound quality, it messes up my funk-shui. That said, I loved the album but mostly for the cool, trip hop & hip hop beats. One of my favorite pleasant surprises of the journey so far.

Gris Gris by Dr. John

Fantastic listen. My first time sitting down and going through a full Dr. John album. He'll always be special for the song "Desitively Bonnaroo" for a busker being best-of-street or bon-a-roo. What a cool album and unique sound. Dr. John would have been my jam to see live. Very impressed with the album and listened to it again right after finishing.

The College Dropout by Kanye West

This *was an incredible album but I'm not going to play it. I don't listen to people actively preaching hate. Kanye needs medication.

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees

Wow, this album blew me away. If this was new music this would be my top priority band to see. I'd always heard of Siouxsie and the Banshees but didn't really know their sound. I had about 5 "whoa... this sounds good" moments and banked "Monitor" as a Prime Cut. Funny that in 2025, my itch for new music and 90's rock is met by an album from 1981!

1-Star Albums (7)

All Ratings (202)

Femi Kuti by Femi Kuti
Sep 03 2025

Classic album jam packed with ideas and sounds. Just not my favorite type of music... yet, haha.

Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
Sep 04 2025

Arguably the best Album 1 Song 1 debut ever by a band... "Welcome to the Jungle" right out of the box is unreal. They established a signature sound from their first notes. Had about 4 or 5 bangers with several generational songs. Amazing album.

Tommy by The Who
Sep 05 2025

Classic album am one of the most ambitious undertakings to bust out a rock opera instead of "just" a concept album. Love several songs and has some bangers. Packed with ideas and originality. Great album but more of an every 5-10 years listen for me.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Sep 09 2025

Very forward thinking album and sound. Couple of bangers but liked the whole album feel. She was only 19 in 96 so very very impressive for her age. Got Radiohead vibes from something released in 96 & that doesn't happen much. I think "Tidal" directly influenced Billie's "When we all fall asleep where do Go" & Rihanna's ANTI.

Rio by Duran Duran
Sep 10 2025

Great bass lines. I'd listened to the big songs but not the whole album. It's a classic and has some bangers and productive fillers.

Permission to Land by The Darkness
Sep 11 2025

Great album with a banger and a whole lot that should have been more popular. One of the best rip it rock n roll albums of the 21st century.

Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C.
Sep 12 2025

It's outdated of course but loved it. Hip hop was a blank canvas so rhyming "girl" with "world" or "here" with "there" was still fresh and possible. There are way better hip hop albums imo but this had a few things going... new tech using beat machines like the Roland 808 similar to Kraftwerk & Gary Numan etc. A genre defining sound & one of the first classic hip hop albums.. This is one of the most sampled albums of all time I'm guessing too.

Horses by Patti Smith
Sep 15 2025

Interesting and unique album. Different from what I was expecting & seemed like a great live performer. Gave me Bowie & Elvis Costello vibes. Must be much better live than on album. Not really memorable songs but would be fun to sing if you learned them.

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Sep 16 2025

Great debut album that instantly established their sound and were innovators in metal. Very talented musicians and lotta music, notes, and ideas packed into the album. One of my favorite notes was the huge grand finale on the last song. This would be one of the best live play through albums cause it plays like a concert.

Sep 17 2025

Some great songs and wonderful sounding album. Misses some of their biggest songs but has some classics. On the good songs I love Michael Stipe's voice. Peter Buck on guitar and Mike Mills on bass are amazing.

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
Sep 18 2025

Much more interesting than expected but still wonder if this is a rediscovered flash or truly brilliant album. The double weims on the cover's enough to give it 10 stars!

Colour By Numbers by Culture Club
Sep 19 2025

Good album that's fun to listen to. Several bangers, moderate generational. Unique talent and sound. Very enjoyable.

Sep 22 2025

The Smiths have never been a favorite but wanted to give the album a shot. Not the type of music I like, but can see why people like them... actually, I guess I do like this style just not their music. The Smiths, REM and The Pogues all around the same time & can see the similarities. No bangers.

Dummy by Portishead
Sep 23 2025

Really interesting listen. One of the few things that sounds like Radiohead before Radiohead (Bjork & NIN are others). Had a couple famous songs and very cool trip-hop vibes.

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Sep 24 2025

Very good but think I've heard recent stuff like this so didn't hit as hard as the Fela Kuti album did. I'm glad to deposit his name & sound to my memory bank.

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Sep 25 2025

Lotta ideas and good sounds. Kinda Strokes & Iggy Pop vibes for late 70's and Australia. Had fun listening to it and bet it'd get really good with a few more listens. Not on par with the greats of all time... yet.

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Sep 26 2025

I'd always seen the name but never heard the music. Trent Reznor sounding vocals with a Wilco meets Bush sound. Very underground 90's. Wasn't quite my favorite but am happy I listened.

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Sep 29 2025

Interesting listen and glad I've heard of these guys now.

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Sep 30 2025

One of the best ever. Generational bangers and talents.

Oct 01 2025

Classic songs, all time bangers, one of the best voices of all time at the top of his game. Great album, but 36 min live show has me wanting more. Would have loved to have been at one of his shows! I've seen Leslie Odom live and think that's the closest thing I can get... I love Leslie but he's no Sam Cooke!!! Sam has so much swagger and such a silky smooth voice.

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Oct 02 2025

Interesting listen because I'd always listened to either Loaded or Velvet Underground with Nico (the banana Warhol album). This one was a lot more down tempo and didn't have the bangers. Glad I listened but not my favorite of theirs... yet.

Fuzzy Logic by Super Furry Animals
Oct 03 2025

Another one I've seen a lot and probably dabbled in, but didn't really know too well. Very cool album. One that I'm sure I would have been more into if I'd either had access to more indie music or a friend that turned me on to them. These were the days before Spotify so radio, physical media or word of mouth was it. I enjoyed it and think I'd like it more and more as I learned it.

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Oct 06 2025

Right off the bat establishes Talking Heads style. Jam packed with ideas... they're a band that had something to say, mostly about nothing, but they said it haha. Psycho Killer banger. I'm glad I got to see David Byrne 2nd row at Shaky Knees one year!

Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
Oct 07 2025

Generational album of bangers and up there with the best of the 90's. Cool stories, great guest musicians, Full House ExBF's, etc. 5 stars and would love to one day see her.

Parklife by Blur
Oct 08 2025

Neat listen and first time hearing the whole album. I'm a big Damon Albarn fan from Gorrilaz and some other Blur work. He gives me Beck vibes where he's just a wealth of sounds and musical knowledge. Lotta ideas to put down and I think 15 or 16 tracks. Didn't have the generational bangers but some good ones and covers a lot of sonic ground.

Beach Samba by Astrud Gilberto
Oct 09 2025

Interesting listen and classic sound. Has that Nico style low voice and copa cabana type beats. Short album but had fun hearing it. Ready for a new sound now.

Call of the Valley by Shivkumar Sharma
Oct 10 2025

Interesting listen for world music. Kinda the first banger yoga album haha. Very talented just not my full time jam. I liked this much much more than what I imagine is bad music from this genre. 1967's pretty early for this. Cool album and bet I'll see it again somewhere.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Oct 13 2025

Bangers up and down & a true set it and forget it album... just press play. The perfect way to wrap up 1999. Grunge had already "died" and remember not thinking they still had a great album in them due to age/drugs/etc. Californication and In Rainbows always stand out as perfect albums released late in a band's career. First time seeing them was Bonnaroo 2006 and think I'm up to 3 or 4 now... the sound is always off... always.

Arrival by ABBA
Oct 14 2025

Good album so far. One generational banger in Dancing Queen and some solid jams throughout like Money, Money, Money & Fernando. This looks to be about 5 albums in for ABBA.. is it their best?!? Welp, closing out with Fernando and Happy Hawaii probably make it their best. I would have to do a lot more listening to know. Good bass guitar keeps things interesting.

Oct 15 2025

Very crazy listen for a few reasons... sonically it's wild, but the influence is crazy. Sounds very, very similar to Animal Collective's "Sung Tongs" (also 2004) and turns out they're both from the same NYC music scene. This album is a direct predecessor for Radiohead's "The King of Limbs" - - the first 2 tracks "Bloom" and "Morning Mr. Magpie" are direct copies of certain parts or beats from Liars. There aren't many things that Radiohead sounds like but this is definitely one of them (Radiohead is waaaay better but they did rip this off).

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Oct 16 2025

Cool album. Sounded oddly both current & vintage. One generational banger and it's the sound of the late 60's. You can tell they did more psychedelic sounds and possibly even loosened their ties & undid a button (not 2). These guys would have made great monks. Cool nerds honing their craft.

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
Oct 17 2025

What a debut album! Crazy to think this was the stuff we were listening to at 10-12 years old haha. Rage is STILL the best protest music, the best rage music, and the best way to blow off some steam & get the adrenaline pumping. Shame we had to miss their 2020 show due to COVID... one of my all time cancellations I wish I had. Several generational bangers and instantly put them on the map. What more could you want?

Play by Moby
Oct 20 2025

Kinda pioneering album and certainly one of the first electronic acts to his mainstream. Moby had been around for years and was relatively famous for those in the know, but didn't break out until this. "Porcelain" is a classic jam and so 90's. "Southside" is one of the best tongue-in-cheek "sell out songs" and banger with Gwen Stefani. Sorry Eminem but now everybody listens to techno so let's go...

Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock
Oct 21 2025

Unreal album and one of the best collaborations. I originally thought the Head Hunters was his band but didn't realize they had their own big career. The sounds made on this album were so unique and creative it's one of a kind. 4 songs 41 minutes is awesome. Can't remember 100% but think this might be 1 song per record side which is crazy. It doesn't have 10+ songs but didn't need it.

If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle & Sebastian
Oct 22 2025

A little different than I was expecting and thought I knew what Belle and Sebastian was about. It gave me Sufjan, Modest Mouse and Broken Social Scene vibes... all after 1998. Good album but not my exact jam. Glad to have the knowledge and move onto the next one.

25 by Adele
Oct 23 2025

Gotta be one of the best In Your Feels albums to sing-cry it out. Generational talent with a generational breakup banger. "Hello" doesn't resonate with me all the way since it's opposite the worst breakup I experienced but see how it's THE song for a lot of people. I like the upbeat songs "Send my Love" and "Sweetest Devotion." Awesome album, well done Adele.

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Oct 24 2025

Interesting album and glad I know more about The Cramps now. Very erratic and whimsical singing that reminded me of the B-52's, Buddy Holly & Jerry Lee Lewis. Creative and fun album but one I think I'm not going back to much.

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Oct 27 2025

Cool album I'd listened to on vinyl but first time revisiting in a while. Love the flute, the musicianship, and creativity. Hobbit Rock! Music for guys who probably don't smell good or bathe in rivers. Some of the most creative lyrics out. You don't see many albums like this simply because it's very hard! This level of creativity and expertise doesn't come around much.

Heroes by David Bowie
Oct 28 2025

Very interesting album and made Bowie even cooler than before. After "Young Americans" song, it was sounding like a typical post Ziggy Bowie kinda Wall St rock vibe.... then out of nowhere, there's about 15 minutes of zen yoga-like sound bath with birds, ancient instruments, and peaceful ambient sounds. Probably the biggest in-album change I can remember and what a bold step for 1977. Yet another genre to pioneer! This album will rank higher in memory and creativeness than enjoyment but glad I listened.

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Oct 29 2025

Great album and love the grandfathers of funk! Generational bangers and jam packed with sonic ideas. Really enjoyed it.

Cupid & Psyche 85 by Scritti Politti
Oct 30 2025

The most 80's thing I've never heard haha. If you want to get smashed in the face with new to you 80's this is it. Also best band name ever.

All Hope Is Gone by Slipknot
Nov 06 2025

I'm actually glad to have listened to this but I do not like this style of scream metal rock. The good: Slipknot are really good musicians and there's a lot of creative musical talent in the album. Good debut album that set the tone of the band. Some singing with the screaming and thrashing. The bad: I just don't like much screaming music... it's either too hard (Slipnot) or too soft (whiny pop screamo). Glad I'm through it and onto the next one.

Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin
Nov 07 2025

Generational talent. Generational bangers. What a voice! Loved her from the Fox97 and Blues Brothers. Better than I expected and figured the album would be great.

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
Nov 10 2025

An album I've been listening to already because I wanted to beef up my Steely Dan knowledge. I'm through to Aja and enjoyed the journey of their sounds. This album ranks up there with announcing their sound from Song 1 Album 1. They open up with "Do it Again" & "Dirty Work" as their first two songs is up there. Throw in "Reelin' in the Years" with some other good tracks and it's a classic. Generational bangers, generational talent, generational creativity.

Nov 11 2025

Reminds me of REM but was coming out at the same time. At the minimum, I'd say REM was into The Pogues both musically and lyrically. Currently, IDLES is a way more raucous version of this. Interesting to have a song with heavy Christmas lyrics "Fairytale of New York" in the middle of an album. Trying to remember other Christmas classics that are from a regular release album?! I like the different style of "Metropolis." I was prepared to give this 3-4 stars but honestly it was delightful and much more diverse than expected. 5 stars!

Nov 12 2025

Other than "Common People" don't know too much about Pulp other than indie-heads love them. Very cinematic and over the top music. Part Bowie, part Danny Elfman. Good sound and album but not my overall favorite.

Melodrama by Lorde
Nov 13 2025

I like Lorde and respect her musically. This was a good album and further proof she has a huge catalogue when most people only know "Royals." No generational bangers but solid album.

Raw Power by The Stooges
Nov 14 2025

"Search and Destroy" as the album opener... whoa! Coming out hot! Short album with only 8 songs & 34 min run time. Honestly, first thing I noticed was how young and un-wrinkly Iggy Pop looks on the album cover. Great sound and apparently influenced a ton of bands. Not quite the generational bangers to get huge rating but good album.

Nov 17 2025

Generational bangers & one of the best albums of all time. Possibly the ultimate singer-songwriter album... at least on the Mt Rushmore. Iconic music & songs that are just as relevant over 60+ years later. Listening after seeing "A Complete Unknown" movie about Bob Dylan helped understand more of the backstory. I'd give more stars if they had them : )

Cool concept album and like the Kinks sound but this one didn't hit for me at first listen. Sounded like Paul McCartney doing a Grateful Dead album. Nothing sounded bad, but nothing caught my attention. Misses out on the Kinks bangers but a productive album.

Peter Gabriel by Peter Gabriel
Nov 19 2025

I've always heard people rave about Peter Gabriel. Favorite artist, videos, or live performances. This was the first full album I've listened to of his and was impressed. Had a lot more unique sounds. This might not get referenced much, but I got big time Lenny Kravitz vibes from Peter Gabriel's singing style. I think Lenny must have been a fan of the music and styled his singing after Peter. I still don't know what was Genesis/Phil Collins/Peter Gabriel from some of the old days, but this was a good, not great album.

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
Nov 20 2025

Really good album and much different than expected. I'm surprised this is my first time listening to such a great album from 2000. Honestly, the person's voice from The Avalanches is sometimes an instant skip for me. Unless you have great sound quality, it messes up my funk-shui. That said, I loved the album but mostly for the cool, trip hop & hip hop beats. One of my favorite pleasant surprises of the journey so far.

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Nov 21 2025

Generational bangers up and down the album. Possibly the sound of 80's rock. Reminded me of Sticky Fingers by the Stones from name, banger, etc. I remember getting out of a Sigur Ros show at the Ryman in Nashville the same time as a Bon Jovi show next door. I overheard a woman coming out say "y'all... I can now honestly say I've lived my life!" This is a ton of people's favorite album and artist.

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Nov 24 2025

Wow, this album blew me away. If this was new music this would be my top priority band to see. I'd always heard of Siouxsie and the Banshees but didn't really know their sound. I had about 5 "whoa... this sounds good" moments and banked "Monitor" as a Prime Cut. Funny that in 2025, my itch for new music and 90's rock is met by an album from 1981!

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Nov 25 2025

Pleasantly surprised by this album. I read up on it and says it was the first psychedelic R&B album. A lot more sounds than you'd figure for The Temptations. Cool of them to step out of their box and make a classic.

Electric Prunes by The Electric Prunes
Nov 26 2025

Sounded like a band that lived on Honalee with Puff the Magic Dragon... and mean that in a good way. No real recognizable bangers but loved the creativity and sounds. Some songs were pretty kitschy and whimsical, but the other half were cool jams. I liked it more than expected and will think highly of the Electric Prunes.

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
Nov 27 2025

Good not great Stones album. Judging them a little harder but when you're a top 5 band that comes with the territory. I liked hearing bangers like "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man" but the rest of it sounded a little hokey, country to me. I might unlock a deeper appreciation after a bunch more listens but can use my ear-time better.

Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Nov 28 2025

Very glad I'm familiar with Ladysmith Black Mambazo now. I didn't realize this but they're more famous than I knew... they're the band Lindsey Lohan skips in Mean Girls "But you love Ladysmith Black Mambazo?!?" haha. My take away is that this is probably the best harmonizing band of all time. It's a bit more like a choir than boy band but they sound better than Eagles/Queen/Fleet Foxes/etc. They're featured on Paul Simon's 'Graceland' album and sound like the backing band for the Lion King intro haha.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Dec 01 2025

What a great album. Perfect example that you can make a timeless banger without playing any technically difficult music. They already had every eye in indie music on them after 'Funeral' + 'Neon Bible' and dropped a classic. My favorite is a mega-album I made with 5 songs from Funeral & 5 songs from Suburbs, but both are amazing. I finally got to see them a couple years ago after years of listening.

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Dec 02 2025

Generational bangers & generational talents. One of the best hip hop albums ever imo. Plus, one of the best run of 4 straight songs ever with Girls, Fight for your Right, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, & Paul Revere. I love the album Paul's Boutique but this has the bangers.

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
Dec 03 2025

Big band music from the 1950's. Basie was the piano player and band leader. Worked with Sinatra a lot and had some of the most iconic swing band songs/albums. Very good for what it is, just not my favorite type of music.

Movies by Holger Czukay
Dec 04 2025

Very creative album and was surprised I hadn't heard of Holger before. Reminds me of Herbie Hancock. 13 minute songs, tons of different riffs and melodies, and very out there. I liked it and will keep it in mind as best of it's class.

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Dec 05 2025

I enjoyed the album and they have such a great sound. It's neat hearing Neil Young's voice in there on several songs. I liked the instrumentals and the overall sonic environment the album creates, but no bangers on this one. Generational talents, yes. Looks like Buffalo Springfield did 3 quick albums and split up. Wish I could have seen them live!

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes
Dec 09 2025

Very interesting album. Most sounded exactly like I expected, but had some unique sounds & silky bass lines. There was an almost 19 minute song... holy crap, that's the longest one I can think of. I think this was the wave of creativity before Parliament & Sly took over. Great hearing The Chef in his natural habitat and always thought Isaac Jones was about as cool as there is.

Doolittle by Pixies
Dec 10 2025

I went on a mission to get into the Pixies and see what the fuss was about... and was not disappointed! I've listened to Doolittle probably 5+ times this year and really like the album. I finally get why the Pixies were great and love some of these songs. "Debaser" was my most excited song to see at Shaky Knees this year and I was having the best time of anybody there! Legendary bangers, pretty legendary talents and some of the most influential rock music of my lifetime.

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Dec 11 2025

Generational talent. Generational bangers. Multi-generational impact. I love seeing what an artist's first song release is for "Song 1:Album 1" and this was one of the best ever in "Blue Suede Shoes." Elvis went big for a first album and has all the signature sounds.

Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills
Dec 12 2025

Solid album where you can tell he was just fine on his own without Buffalo Springfield, Crosby or Nash. Opening with "Love the One You're With" was strong & didn't realize that was just his song. This would be a great album for camping.

Dookie by Green Day
Dec 15 2025

Generational bangers, talent and album! Funny story but Dookie literally changed my life. Growing up, I loved music... shocker, I know. My family listened to a heavy diet Fox97, 96Rock and Z93 plus their favorites, so knew all the oldies and most classic rock. I get to 7th grade and start going to PJHS with all these other kids. We have a lock in one night at the church and spend all night playing games & hanging out. My friend Lynn's singing along to a CD so ask what it is and say I've never heard of them... "WHAT?!? You don't know Dookie?!?" Haha. Called out. I realized I didn't know new music & went on a mission to learn it. Been the same way ever since!

Dec 16 2025

One of the most influential albums of my lifetime. Generational bangers, talent and album. Easy to remember release date 8/8/88 - which goes well with the 808 beats! Recognizable faces and voices. Surprised to see this came out after Beastie Boys 'License to Ill' cause thought it was earlier. To me, this album signifies the end of elementary, early hip hop and ushered in gangsta rap as the dominant genre.

Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
Dec 17 2025

Great 1st listen for me and really liked it. Some notes... The first song of Missy's debut album is Busta Rhymes introducing Missy. There's a thank you / prayer at the end before closing out the last song... don't see either of those much. Missy & Timbaland is awesome. This would be a solid album without lyrics but cool hearing generational talents.

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Dec 18 2025

Another part of my Steely Dan 8 album conquest to understand Steely Dan. I think this was my 3rd or 4th time listening to it and it finally clicked. Loved it. and was more about the funky swings than the singing or lyrics. "Botisava" usually hits but first time for "Boston Rag" "Gold Teeth" and the end of "My Old School." My dad's 2 favorite bands are Steely Dan and Grateful Dead. After my first listen of Countdown to Ecstasy, he said "Don't sleep on it!" and get what he means now.

Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
Dec 19 2025

Yeah, boyyyyy! This album really impressed me! Generational talents, bangers and influence. Chuck D's arguably the voice of hip-hop & awesome to hear Flava Flav on there too. Pretty advanced for 1990 and seems like the connector between early rap & 90's hip hop / gangsta rap. Top notch mixing in this album and the rhymes are way more advanced than songs from the 80's. Gave me DJ Shadow vibes & sounded like Beastie Boys level mixing. "Fight the Power" was track 20 and with a little research, seems to be the best track 20 ever, at least top 5.

Transformer by Lou Reed
Dec 22 2025

This is probably the 5th time I've listened to 'Transformer' this year on my quest to know Velvet Underground and Lou Reed better. This is a favorite album of mine now. Generational talent, bangers and influence. I rank this up there with the best debut solo albums after a successful career in a band (up there with Peter Gabriel). I love the fact that David Bowie & Mick Ronson were producers and helped play/sing on the album.

Dire Straits by Dire Straits
Dec 23 2025

Debut album that sets the tone of the band being great musicians. I'd been on a Mark Knopfler kick a few years ago, when he was one of the one Masters of Guitar cartoon characters I couldn't answer. There were 3 or 4 songs other than "Sultans of Swing" that I really liked. Generational talents & banger.

Electric Warrior by T. Rex
Dec 24 2025

Glam Garage rock. Dude is a really good musician... Marc Bolan. I really like the album and would have loved to have seen this live. This woulda been my scene haha. I'd always though Foxygen had T Rex vibes but never realized "Oh Yeah" has strong roots with "Mambo Sun." Very creative, generational talent and some bangers.

Bug by Dinosaur Jr.
Dec 25 2025

I've seen Dinosaur Jr live and have been listening to them for around 30 years, but still don't quite get them. I know they're a LOUD live band, and lots of people rank them as their loudest concert ever. This album gives me "Doolittle" by Pixies vibes for time and early, raw grunge rock. The guy's voice gives me Grouplove vibes & Christian is the only performer that's ever given me Cobain vibes. Influential album but falls flat for me without knowing all the songs & riffs yet.

Dec 26 2025

Good album for Christmas, but this one belongs in the "good music / bad people" record bin. I read up a bit on the Wrecking Crew because I know Carol Kaye was a monster on bass sessions.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins
Dec 29 2025

Classic album that was the sound of my childhood. This is the most ambitious album I've listened to in the first 100. It covers so many sounds and genres. Reading up on says Billy Corgan wanted this to be the Smashing Pumpkins White Album so had 28 songs and made a jambalaya of great music. 4 generational bangers, generational talent and generational influence. I thankfully got to see Smashing Pumpkins play at the Fox Theater in 1998 from the 2nd row!!! Far left in front of the bassist D'arcy. It was for the Ava Adore album one after Mellon Collie but still got the see the bangers. 5 stars & one of the best 90's albums & albums period.

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Dec 30 2025

4 bangers, generational talent and one of the best breakout albums for an artist going "solo" or in a new direction from their big famous band. I thankfully got to see Paul McCartney in Orlando & headline Bonnaroo 2013. Probably the best concert I've ever seen. He played 38 songs! 38 at 72 years old. Here's just a taste... Grande finale Hey Jude into Encore 1 with Day Tripper & Get Back. Encore 2 Yesterday & Helter Skelter. Encore 3 the Abbey Road ending medley... Perfection! I'm giving this 4 cause PmC's held to the highest of standards & this isn't with his 5 stars.

Dec 31 2025

Generational talent & bangers! The 3 song run of "Candle in the Wind" "Bennie & the Jets" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is about as big as you can get. The bass in GYBR is one of my favorites to play. Throw in "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and some good other tunes and you have a legendary album. I got to see Elton at Outside Lands 2015 and was incredible. Rocketman is probably my favorite of the recent wave of music biopics. Amazing talent & album.

Goo by Sonic Youth
Jan 01 2026

Equally worse and better than expected. They had certain parts that sounded cool but never a full song imo. My anology is this... "The first fish that climbed out of the ocean to try walking on land was nowhere near as majestic as a dolphin or later a horse but was very important to the process. Sonic Youth is that blob fish that's necessary but not as good as what came before or after." I've even seen Sonic Youth and was bored haha.

Triangle by The Beau Brummels
Jan 02 2026

Better than expected for a band I'd never really heard of. I liked a couple songs and thought it was good psychedelic music for the 60's. "It Won't Get Better" and "Nine Pound Hammer" were my favs.

Moondance by Van Morrison
Jan 05 2026

Wow, pretty impressed even knowing it's a classic. What a start... "And it Stoned Me" to "Moondance" to "Crazy Love" with "Into the Mystic" as song 5. My favorite song was "Everyone" which holds a special place for me as the outro to The Royal Tenenbaums (top 3 movie for me). The album was surprisingly upbeat most the time. Short album at 10 songs 38 mins but was loaded. Generational talent, bangers, and influence. Has to be one of the top 5 to 10 singer-songwriter albums of all time.

Fun listen that had a few more sounds than expected & great tones. Generationally unique talents, bangers and influence! Johnny Rotten's voice is the voice of Punk to me. This ranks up there with one of the top handful of protest albums as well and trashed the country, Queen, fascist regime, and record label EMI. The influence is the big one here. Paired with the Ramones a year earlier, they set the stage for Punk for years & the music still holds up. Rrrrrright?!?

Jan 09 2026

This is the album released before 'Fear of a Black Planet' which I really liked. This album had more bangers but I like FoaBP. I think 'It takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back' is like 'License to Ill' and 'Fear of a Black Planet' like 'Paul's Boutique" and all those albums match up to around the same time. They even have "Party for your Right to Fight" as a nod to the Beastie Boys.

Jan 12 2026

Legendary album. Generational talents, bangers and influence. Aside from having all of Queen's hits on one album it's amazing. Some songs get a little frumpy, probably riding the Paul McCartney wave of boppy songs with Beatles/Wings. I think "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the greatest song of all time for what it's worth. Never seen Queen but played the hell out of them on Guitar Hero haha.

On The Beach by Neil Young
Jan 13 2026

Solid sounding album with no real low points. Doesn't quite have the songs for me to love it but liked the vibe and sound of the album. I got notions of Jack White and Beck 'Sea Change' from Neil Young's voice & acoustic style.

Leftism by Leftfield
Jan 14 2026

I went in completely blink and didn't know what genre, decade or type of album I was getting. Very nicely surprised! Leftism is an electronic music album from 1995 that has huge influence. Sounded like a direct line to many of the electronic acts I've seen like Polo & Pan, Deadmau5, Swedish House Mafia, Knife Party and more. Sasha & Digweed featured Leftfield in one of their famous Renaissance albums (first 2 tracks too). This was very enjoyable and you can see the influence up and down electronic music.

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Jan 15 2026

I'd heard of the Dirty Projectors and they were featured a lot in the NYC indie music book Meet 'Me in the Bathroom' so this was a fun listen. The album and best song were both ranked #2 behind Animal Collective's 'Merriweather Post Pavilion' and "My Girls," which I love. Super creative and love that they make interesting music rather than radio-edited pop hits. Not my exact favorite songs but liked a couple. Glad to move on knowing more about them.

Woodface by Crowded House
Jan 16 2026

I was excited to hear more of Crowded House as I really got into "Don't Dream it's Over" again last year. 1 banger in "Weather With You" and really like their bass player. This album didn't do it for me though. They sounded like most the average music in the 90's. The 1991 release date means they're a bit earlier but still sounds average. I like it to be more psychedelic, heavy, indie or unique sounding. I'm sure it's a classic that's a lot of people's favorite but won't be going back too much.

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Jan 19 2026

This was a good listen and saw Frank Ocean headline Bonnaroo for the 'channel Orange' tour. This actually has generational bangers and influence. I'd known Frank Ocean since the Odd Future days and this is a brilliant album. He acts like he's scrolling through radio stations as the song switches and has some intros/outros/setups that are very creative. Reminded me of Marvin Gaye and think this greatly influenced Anderson Paak's vocal cadence. Frank was the first person in the hip hop community to be bisexual/gay and broke a lot of ground for acceptability in the genre. This album is legendary for the generation and really enjoyed it.

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Jan 20 2026

Long time coming to listen to this one. I put the headphones in for this for the full effect. I surprisingly recognized the first song but that was about it. Legendary talents with generational creativity and influence. Jazz isn't my usual genre but can appreciate the skill that went into making this album. Davis apparently only told the musicians the modality or scales to work within and then let everybody improvise the rest. With historic greats like John Coltrane (sax), Cannonball Adderly (trumpte) and Paul Chambers (bass) they made a classic.

Jan 21 2026

Unfortunately, one of my least favorite albums I've listened to and didn't do much to entertain or expand my musical knowledge. I guess I know I don't like Doves now so that's a positive. Sounded like this CD was the jam of the author and figured they'd get bigger. Not that original and was boring compared to other options.

Medúlla by Björk
Jan 22 2026

Wow, bad back to back with Doves. I like Bjork. I've seen Bjork. But this album was not for me. I pride myself on being able to "find the music" and stuff like Panda Bear/Animal Collective, Radiohead deep cuts, & Sylvan Esso are 3 of my top 10 favorites. But this was just like practice noise and layered nonsense. It reminded me of Andre 3000's flute album that was super boring not because of the flute, but because it was super boring. I need more for my "music" than this.

Darkness on the Edge of Town by Bruce Springsteen
Jan 23 2026

Going rogue on this one with a lower score. Yes, this is a generational talent and yes it's lyrically amazing... it's just not my sound preference and is very predictable dad-rock. I've seen Bruce live and had an incredible time (won 2 tickets, limo ride, and dinner at PF Changs for winning a Guitar Hero contest back around 2009!). The album just falls flat for me.

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Jan 26 2026

Classic voice and a generational banger in "Cry to Me." No real complaints just doesn't have the tracks to make it a classic for me.

Jan 27 2026

Very cool album and what a voice! I actually knew Marty Robbins from a playlist I made a few years ago called 'Best Story Songs' and had "Sante Fe" on the list. He has the voice you picture when you think of Western songs, just like Johnny Rotten has the voice of Punk. It's crazy how much Chuck Berry, Elvis, and the Beatles changed things for music. Great listen and is a leader for the genre but not my favorite type of music.

Rings Around The World by Super Furry Animals
Jan 28 2026

2 Super Furry Animals albums in my first 100... I think this author was a fan! Very creative album that sounded at different times like The Beatles, Lenny Kravitz, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Crosby Stills & Nash. I didn't find myself singing much or with songs on my mind, but enjoyed the listen.

Jan 29 2026

I was excited to listen to an album by Brian Eno and David Byrne but this was a major disappointment. My standard for what constitutes "MUSIC" is higher than when this album produced. I've said before I'm fine with having to "find the music" ... if eventually it's music. None of this was worth the payoff. This sounded like recorded practice or releasing an album of throwaways. I get it's different, but that's not music to me. Each song was so repetitive I felt like I was caught in a dream and time stood still. It's like both guys wanted to out simplify each other and just released whatever came out. Disappointing.

Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons
Jan 30 2026

I knew this one from it being a favorite of my dad and listened a year or two ago. I had fun listening again and think he has a great voice. Very Willie-esque, Eagles, Buffalo Springfield Americana sound and like the songs with Emmy Lou Harris. Lyrics hit harder when you know he overdosed around the time of the release.

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Feb 02 2026

Cool listen and he has such a classic early rock n roll sound. I grew up on a heavy diet of classic 50's, 60's and 70's so knew a lot of these well. Randy & Spiff on Fox97 "Good Times, Great Oldies" haha. Some generational bangers but wasn't an all timer.

Feb 03 2026

Pretty good album that I'm sure I'd love more with time & listens. I love David Byrne's creativity and Tina had some awesome bass lines on this one. This album reminded me of the Zoolander quote Hansel said about who inspires him... "Sting. The fact that he's still making music. I don't listen to it. But I respect he made it." Haha That's kinda how I feel about this album. I don't necessarily like it but I like that they made it.

Larks' Tongues In Aspic by King Crimson
Feb 04 2026

Wild album with 14 min songs and a style I call Hobbit Prog. King Crimson remains probably the most far far far out there band and this album hammered it home. Listening expands your mind like a primitive art show in the Dark Ages. Packed with creativity and talent so going 2 stars.

Junkyard by The Birthday Party
Feb 05 2026

Crazy sound and wild album. Reminded me of "Ace of Spades" style rockabilly and was an intense listen. Musical & creative but not the music for me.

Feb 06 2026

Some generational bangers and talents on this one. Rod Stewart was making granny music when I was a kid, but he was a legendary frontman back in the day. I really like Faces and this had some of their sounds with added mandolin & acoustic guitars. "Maggie May" and "Reason to Believe" are classics.

Sea Change by Beck
Feb 09 2026

Amazing album and one of my favorite change-of-pace albums that's outside the artist's usual style. Beck's always been a favorite and saw him at the 2006 Bonnaroo back-to-back with Tom Petty! "The Golden Age" and "Lost Cause" are perfect songs, and "Lost Cause" has gotten a lot of people through breakups. Beck can do it all. This album proves it.

Back At The Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith
Feb 10 2026

I'm glad this album's on the list and really enjoyed listening. Jimmy has that perfect electric keys sound. It instantly reminded me of the same organ sound as Delvon Lamarr & their swing reminded me of Booker T & the MG's. I'll be listening to this one again which I don't say a lot.

Take Me Apart by Kelela
Feb 11 2026

I liked seeing a newer album & artist (2017) and was completely unfamiliar with Kelela. Not bad music just not my style. Smooth modern R&B's not my exact jam but like some of it. This fell a little flat for me and didn't have the draw of Frank Ocean or Childish Gambino songs.

Synchronicity by The Police
Feb 12 2026

Excited to have his as a listen and really like the album. I'd heard it before from recommendations but didn't know it was the fifth & final album from The Police. Favorite song is by far "Synchronicity II" and used to play the hell out of it on Guitar Hero. Awesome band and album. Generational talents and bangers.

Feb 13 2026

Didn't realize this was the debut album of Arrested Development. I thought they timed out the distance between albums but it's actually the length of time it took for them to get a record deal. To wait that long and drop a classic like this out of the gate, bet they made those other record companies feel like idiots. Generational talents and bangers. Tight group dynamics and smooth, interesting music wins this for me. This is my favorite style of hip hop and loved the album.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Feb 16 2026

Great listen and was neat going to the debut album. "Radio Free Europe" was the star song and a great nominee for Album 1 Song 1. This established their sound and set the table for some incredible albums. I got to see REM's 40th anniversary of EP 'Chronic Town' with Mike Mills (bass) & Peter Buck (guitar) special guests Chris & Rich Robinson from Black Crowes, Darius Rucker, Fred Armisen, Puddles the Clown and more. David Cross emceed & went off on the crowd for the Braves moving to Cobb haha.

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Feb 17 2026

One of the greatest album of all time, if not the greatest. It can stand alone as a rock opera and love how they weave themes throughout the songs. I've always thought Pink Floyd made the best full listen, start-to-finish albums. I don't think anything else can stand up to The Wall. I've listened before but was blown away with how many creative & recognizable songs it has. This will likely be my #1 of the 1,001.

Close To You by Carpenters
Feb 18 2026

I was excited to check this out and was very disappointed. I've seen videos of Karen Carpenter destroying the drums and this couldn't be farther from that level of excitedment. First off, they just did a bunch of other people's songs and second, ever cover was way worse than the original. I can't see how this ranks in the top 500 albums and it's just a glorified cover band?

Feb 19 2026

Amazing debut album. I like the 1st song was "I ain't the One," 2nd song "Tuesday's Gone" and 3rd song "Gimme Three Steps" so 1-2-3. Gotta have "Freebird" up there as best ever close out to a debut album... and then just saw "Whipping Post" was also close out for Allman Brothers debut so good company to have! Wish I could have seen them. Generational talents and bangers. Oh... I saw a guy once 15 years ago yell "Play Freebird" ** 5 second pause ** "... by Lynyrd Skynyrd" haha, thanks for the full reference!

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Feb 20 2026

Interesting and glad somebody made this cause it's art but very primitive. There needs to be some first lowest form of sounds and music. This is as good of non-music as there is I guess.

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Feb 23 2026

It's hard to have live concerts on as albums but will allow it because this list isn't the 1001 "Best" albums, it's 1001 diverse musical offerings that will expand your horizons. It's neat to hear 1 person, 1 instrument, 1 album. Not my exact jam but enjoyed the playing and creativity. Takes a lot to go play for an hour straight by yourself, I'd imagine.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
Feb 24 2026

One of the best ever. Generational talents and bangers. Extremely high hit rate and just some damn good songs. If you throw in 'Silver Springs' it's about as good as you can get.

Boston by Boston
Feb 25 2026

Generational talent and bangers. One of the best ever debut albums and the whole thing is loaded with back-to-back great songs. I heard it took the guy a long time to get a record deal so just kept making songs by himself until he'd built a classic. This can trade songs back n forth with any debut album and win.

Foxbase Alpha by Saint Etienne
Feb 26 2026

Cool album of French ultra lounge, and especially good the night after a Wax Tailor show. Forward thinking for 1992 and laid out or enhanced the pattern for this type of music. I had a song on my Double Takes playlist which is always a good sign, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart."

Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth
Feb 27 2026

This was the best Sonic Youth experience I've had. You can really see the bones of the 90's built on these sounds. It's still very rough but progressive and talented.

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Mar 02 2026

Love me some brother Willie. Crazy this was his 18th album. And wild that he's written so many country songs but some of his most famous are covers. Love the voice and sound.

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Mar 03 2026

What can you say other than this is some of the best music by the best rock musicians ever. Led Zeppelin I & II is my call for the best start to a career ever (maybe Hendrix?). The back to back of "What is and What should never Be" with "The Lemon Song" is in strong contention for best back-to-back bass songs ever. Bad ass album.

The Chronic by Dr. Dre
Mar 04 2026

This album had some generational bangers and talents. It struck me the wrong way though. Seems like this started or further cemented the trend of featuring a guest artist on every song. I think only 3 were solo Dr Dre and some of those were joke or setup songs. Maybe killed the rap group too cause then everybody went solo. Great album & very influential... but was it for the best?

Trans Europe Express by Kraftwerk
Mar 05 2026

One of the most influential groups of all time. Kraftwerk are basically godfathers to electronic music and the backbone of hip-hop beats/samples. I've actually seen Kraftwerk at Ultra Music Festival. Very cool show and glad I was able to see them!

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Mar 06 2026

The 3 Isley Brothers added 3 guys to the group to fill out their funk sound and give the album the '3 + 3' title. About half the songs were covers but didn't really matter to the sound. Very good funk album with some guitar shredding. They had a lot of sounds over the years but this is probably their best.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Mar 09 2026

One of the foundational albums rock n roll-pop were based on. Seems like 1955 is about when Elvis, Chuck Berry & Little Richard hit & this album officially came out in '57. Some generational bangers and would love to have seen Little Richard live.

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Mar 10 2026

Really good album. Even better knowing it was their debut. Wish I'd known more about Supergrass in the 90's. I really liked the first song "I'd like to Know" and the pace of the album.

Mar 11 2026

This one has some bangers! Cool concept for Big Boi & Andre 3000 to each do an album. Beastly one too at something like 40 songs & 2 hours 15 mins. I still remember singing "Hey Yeah" at the top of my lungs, dancing on the couches with everybody, the summer of 2003, when I stayed at Furman living at the TKE house. I've seen Outkast before (Big Guava 2014) and saw Big Boi come out for his "Big Grams" partnership with Phantogram at the Tabernacle.

Club Classics Vol. One by Soul II Soul
Mar 12 2026

Interesting peek into the late 80's early 90's club music scene. "Back to Life" was the jam back in the day. This album must have heavily influenced hip hop and electronic music. I think Disclosure's sound is from this era.

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Mar 13 2026

The best thing about this album is that it proves you don't have to be amazing musicians to make incredible music! Nothing is technically advanced or difficult to play, but it all just works. Music of the people and songs that sound great on your 1st listen or 100th. This sounds like it was released this year and it's 20+ years old. Generational talent & bangers. Amazing debut album and set the table for an awesome follow up.

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Mar 16 2026

I liked the concept a little more than the songs but solid album. Bruce recorded 17 songs by himself on a tape recorder and 10 of them ended up being this album. Instead of the band filling them out, they decided to leave it as is and just have a solo Bruce album. I wish more bands did that but guess that would just be a solo album these days.

All Directions by The Temptations
Mar 17 2026

Great album with some generational bangers. Couple of great things I learned. The lead singer didn't want to do Papa was a Rollin Stone cause his papa was a Minister. He said he was raised right and his dad was a stand up guy, so didn't seem right, but glad they did! Also, heard talking about today's hiphop "40 guys... 40 mikes... back in the day... 5 Temptations... 1 mike!"

Pelican West by Haircut 100
Mar 18 2026

Much better than expected. Favorite fact I saw about them was that they say around one day coming up with band names for hours and went with the one that made them laugh the most. Haircut 100 is an awesome band name. Really, really good bass player. Reminded me of Duran Duran.

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
Mar 19 2026

Happy to see a lesser known indie band from Atlanta on there and really like Deerhunter. I saw them at a Shaky Knees a few years ago. Awesome set and I ran up to be up close for "Desire Lines." I'd love to meet Bradford Cox at some point or see them again soon.

Chris by Christine and the Queens
Mar 20 2026

Another cool new indie band for the list. I really like Christine's first album that had "Tilted" on it & played that video for friends. This had a high hit rate and enjoyed pretty much every song. "Damn (what a woman must do)" was my favorite of this one but dropped a few onto my 1001 Prime Cuts playlist.

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Mar 23 2026

As a bass player, everybody always talks about how awesome Phil Lynott is as a frontman. I liked this being a live show so you could hear the dynamics of the band and crowd. The dual lead guitars is such a great sound.

Live At Leeds by The Who
Mar 24 2026

There have been a lot of live albums lately. They're not studio albums but let you see the band operate with the crowd. I don't include live albums or greatest hits in the greatest albums discussions but it's cool these are on the 1001 list. Amazing band that ranks among the absolute highest at ranking for their instrument. I liked hearing the Rushmore parts on "A Quick One, While He's Away" and "Happy Jack" a lot.

Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
Mar 25 2026

Didn't realize this was Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. This album was way better than I anticipated. Most of my favorite bands are very Beach Boy's heavy on influence (Animal Collective mainly Panda Bear, MMJ, Grizzly Bear) and I always thought that was Brian's influence. I get way more Panda Bear & Animal Collective from Dennis Wilson actually. He covers a ton of sonic ground and had some very interesting sounds.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Mar 26 2026

Psychedelic classic! I really liked the last 3 songs and put "Termintor" on the 1001 Prime Cuts. Iconic sound and surprised to see they're American as I thought they were British. Keys on some songs sounded like The Doors but came out a year after. Incredible bass player & guitarist. 17 minute album cut of In-a-gadda-da-vida is ambitiously awseome.

Country Life by Roxy Music
Mar 27 2026

Cool listen and liked "A Really Good Time" the most. An album you usually recognize from the cover getting publicity. Glad to have finally knocked this one out.

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Mar 30 2026

More than anyone possibly ever, Prince just has that "it" factor. I didn't know this album or these songs but loved it. He covers a LOT of ground musically and you can tell just has the music pouring out of him. 16 songs and over an hour 15 mins. Covers a lot of ground musically. "Housequake" was the most Missy Elliott song I've heard, not by Missy. "The Look" came out a year before the more famous "The Look" by Roxette. Very progressive yet sounded incredibly 80's. Awesome listen!

Songs Of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen
Mar 31 2026

One of my musical idioms is that I'm not a lyrics guy but realize their power. To me, Voice and Lyrics are 2 intruments just like a songs guitar, bass, drums, keys, etc. You don't have to have lyrics & you don't have to understand them. BUT, lyrics have the most power over any other instrument when done correctly. This album is a 0.0 on music, voice, instruments, skill, & originality, but (probably) a 10.0 on lyrics. I'm sure this would be rated differently if I listened to it 10 times, but don't have that in me. You can see his greatness but more as a poet imo.

Lam Toro by Baaba Maal
Apr 01 2026

Cool artist. This is not my favorite style of singing, but the music behind it sounded good at times. I liked the last song "Minuit" the most.

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Apr 02 2026

Interesting time capsule album cause you get to hear Johnny interacting with the prisoners, guards and announcers. Crazy he was only 36 years old at the time of the concert... he seems so much older! Had some classic songs and some there were really funny & unique. All things considered 5 stars.

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Apr 03 2026

Psychedelic music from people who don't look like they take psychedelics but definitely sound like they do.

American Idiot by Green Day
Apr 06 2026

Probably going a little lower than most people on this one. The first 5 or so songs are all recognizable bangers. This one just felt a little soft & lower level than what I like to listen to. I kept thinking it reminded me of other, better music and went Beatles to Bowie to Clash to Ramones back to Beatles back to Clash, etc. Half of the album sounded like it was made by the That Thing You Do band, the Wonders (O-needers).

Blonde On Blonde by Bob Dylan
Apr 07 2026

Going to go lower than most on this one too. This is all the worst parts of Bob Dylan imo. I don't like the frumpiness of Circus Music Dylan or the intestinal heaves of his voice going UPPP and doooooown. I'll take 'Freewheelin' Dylan' any day of the week over 'Blonde on Blonde.'

Gris Gris by Dr. John
Apr 08 2026

Fantastic listen. My first time sitting down and going through a full Dr. John album. He'll always be special for the song "Desitively Bonnaroo" for a busker being best-of-street or bon-a-roo. What a cool album and unique sound. Dr. John would have been my jam to see live. Very impressed with the album and listened to it again right after finishing.

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton
Apr 09 2026

Couple things that stood out. This came out in 1974 and has the cover of "I Shot the Sheriff" which came out only 1 year earlier in 1973. I thought that was a longer gap. Also, this sounded like Clapton in the 80's but it was '74. Didn't realize he changed that much so fast after Cream.

The Visitors by ABBA
Apr 10 2026

I didn't know many of the songs but had an enjoyable listen. ABBA has a way of just working. Talented people making interesting music that pop-polished for enjoyment.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
Apr 13 2026

Massive album at 17 songs and about every single orchestral arrangement you can think of. Saw some reviews that were like "Jeff, we get it. You like the Beatles." haha. Generational talent and some quality bangers. I thought this would have been closer to the 60's than 80's, so a little later than expected. The song "Believe me Now" is THE most Daft Punk song I've heard from the 60's or 70's. Super creative, awesome album.

The Bends by Radiohead
Apr 14 2026

154 albums in and finally got a Radiohead album! My favorite band and know the album well. I love The Bends because it shows the different directions the band could go sonically. 12 songs with imo 3 grunge bangers (Bends, Just, My Iron Lung), 3 beautiful slow songs (High & Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, Blackstar), 3 airy-dreamy nightmares (Planet Telex, Nice Dream, Street Spirits) and 3 kinda off kilter boring ones (Bones, Bulletproof, Sulk). I think 'Street Spirits' in the best song and always reminded me 'Blackbird' by the Beatles. I read that Paul wrote it and had to step back and almost admire the power of the song he'd just written. I think Street Spirits is that song for Radiohead and showed them anything is possible... next up was OK Computer!

Fromohio by fIREHOSE
Apr 15 2026

Pretty sure I'd heard of fIREHOSE but never listened. They hit that pre-90's I just missed for being a little too young. I really liked it and think I'd have been a fan back in the day. Pretty funny album too. They have a song called "Let the Drummer Have Some" that's just a 1.5 min drum solo. Later in the album there's another drum solo song aptly called "'Nuf that Shit, George," haha. Very enjoyable and fIREHOSE is cool in my book.

Who's Next by The Who
Apr 16 2026

One of the best albums of all time. Generational bangers and talents. This is my 3rd Who album of the journey and the best imo. Opener/Closer combo of "Baba O'Reilly" & "Won't Get Fooled Again" is perfect. IMO, the scream YEEEEEEAHHHH by Daltrey and the power slide by Townsend are the best scream & powerslide in rock n roll history! Surprised that this was in 71 so came out after Beatles broke up and 60's were over. Thought it was a little earlier for some reason.

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Apr 17 2026

Listened to Massive Attack several times now from the challenge and just going back cause I liked it. I'd listened to this after the first one we heard. Awesome album and super influential for all trip hop music to come. One of the major influences of Radiohead and the rest of the 90's.

Apr 20 2026

What type of music do you play here? "Both types! Country and Western." One of my favorite lines from Blues Brothers which has Ray Charles! Taking old school country tunes and jazzing them up for the big band style. I saw a review say this was a "Reverse Elvis" and did a great job of bringing people together. Classic with generational talents.

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Apr 21 2026

This is the sound of the psychedelic 60's. This is the bass guitar and Janis is the voice you think of when this music comes to mind. I liked "I Need a Man to Love" and "Flower in the Sun" the most for the lesser-known songs. I'm on a hot streak but another 5 stars.

One World by John Martyn
Apr 22 2026

Pretty cool album and glad John Martyn's on my radar now. Got some Caamp singing vibes and liked the dreamy, airy parts. Lot of creative sounds with some experimental artsy songs.

Apr 23 2026

This was so 80's & came out the same year I did. Sounded like Boy George as Four Loco Circus Ringmaster. If this was a joke, then very well done. I guess the name's a take on ABBA but I don't like ABC as a band name, pretty boring. The bassist can jam and sounds like they lifted "Time After Time" from "The Look of Love, Pt 4."

En-Tact by The Shamen
Apr 24 2026

I was wondering how we got from Kraftwerk to 90's electronic music and bet it was The Shamen. The album was all sorts of 90's cheesy, but that's the beauty of it. This was like the Sonic Youth of electronic. Had some good sounds but no super bangers.

Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
Apr 27 2026

Super influential album, especially back in the day. I remember listening to DJ Shadow on my Dell DJ (digital jukebox, lol). I think the Beastie Boys heavily influenced DJ Shadow and he was a major influence on today's high-sample mixers like Girl Talk.

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Apr 28 2026

This *was an incredible album but I'm not going to play it. I don't listen to people actively preaching hate. Kanye needs medication.

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
Apr 29 2026

Classic Stevie. This album's songs come in 2 settings: funky or silky. I like the funky ones the most. I read bass stuff all the time and remember a good quote. Someone said the best bass player of the 70's was Stevie Wonder's left hand. His funky bass sounds exactly like Thundercat's *signature sound.

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Apr 30 2026

Not my favorite but can see how some people would like it. They had an odd mix of Mexican and Indian sounds which you don't hear much. Sounded old but is also much newer than anything classic (2004). One song sounded like Eminem with Sublime doing Bollywood so it was all over the place.

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
May 01 2026

Classic album that helped launch & cement careers. I didn't realize they set it up as flippin through the radio stations kinda like Frank Ocean's 'channel ORANGE' and others. Some of the funniest & most offensive music ever made, by a funny & sometimes offensive person.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
May 04 2026

Going from Duke Ellington to Snoop Dogg was quite the change and what a difference 40 years makes! Interesting to hear the most popular style of music before Elvis/Chuck Berry/Beatles. Sped up jazz with big beats and fun solos. Not my favorite music but interesting to hear this slice of Americana. Set the tone for a generation that 'if you become a great musician, you'll be successful & famous.'

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
May 05 2026

Classic album. Didn't realize it was their 5th and final album. Also, it was released in 1970 which means all their music was from the 60s and not mid-70's. I was thinking this would just be slow songs and was pleasantly surprised by a few upbeat ones. Jenny, Lil Jenn & I saw Paul Simon headline Outside Lands and it was incredible. Him doing "The Sound of Silence" just him - Man & a Guitar - was an all-time memory. Also, I've met Art Garfunkel before! Helped him rent a car back in my ERAC days. Told him about Uncle Art and that my Mom & Dad called him "the voice of a generation." You could tell he was very pleased to hear the compliment.

Either Or by Elliott Smith
May 06 2026

Everything you think it would be with a few more energetic songs than expected. You can just tell it's Elliott Smith & he has such a true sound. I love "Needle in the Hay" (not on this album) in Royal Tenenbaums.

Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey
May 07 2026

First time sitting down and listening to PJ Harvey and have to say I was impressed! Sounded like Patti Smith & the Banshees even though she still had Siouxsie vibes. Super creative album and can see a lot of influence coming from this in '92. The "Highway 61 Revisited" cover was super cool & liked "Rid of Me" and "Yuri-G" the most for songs.

May 08 2026

Neat listen that I'm sure gets better with repeated sittings. You could kinda tell he's caught between making traditional electronic songs and radio-style cousins to EDM (which wasn't even a term when this came out). This signifies a shift in electronic away from early 90's longer dance songs to more pop friendly electronic bops. I've seen him multiple times and he's one of my absolute favorite party DJ's. The guy just gets good music!

That's The Way Of The World by Earth, Wind & Fire
May 11 2026

I'm lucky enough to have seen them at Bonnaroo one year and was an amazing show. This album is a classic and loved the bass from Verdine White. Massive influence on hip hop & funk artists.

May 13 2026

The sound of my teenage years. Came out when I was 13 and have heard these songs a million times. I love some of these songs, mainly "Don't Look Back in Anger" & "Champagne Supernova." I remember singing "slowly walking down the hall" in the halls of Peachtree & Dunwoody so that's cool. Also, I've been to this album cover location. I was in London visiting and wanted to pop into a cool record store. Hung up they had the album with a red arrow "YOU ARE HERE" and circle showing the street. It's not Abbey Road but I'll take it... haha which I guess is the PERFECT way to summarize Oasis!

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
May 22 2026

Another very entertaining music-comedy-slice of Americana album from Cash. This one is the live version of "Boy Named Sue" and the picture of him flippin the bird at the camera crew for blocking the inmate's view.

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
May 25 2026

This was a shocker to me only due to the date... I did not know Elvis had new music in 1969 that turned out to be classics! I knew he played through the 60's & 70's but thought his music was generally from the 50's. To learn that "In the Ghetto" came out a couple of years after Sgt Pepper blew my mind. Classic album that started a mini Elvis renaissance.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
May 26 2026

Talking Heads is one of the ultimate acquired tastes I need to develop. Like Steely Dan, I figure "if you listen, it will come" so just keep putting them on. I've seen David Byrne live but wish I'd seen them to get the full effect!

Felt Mountain by Goldfrapp
May 27 2026

I'm glad I listened so I can bank Goldfrapp's sound. It's a whole album of Bond Movie songs... you can only do 1 or 2 of those at most. I kept wanting them to sound more like Portishead but respect the 2 person setup like Sylvan Esso. They own the one sound but needed more.

In Our Heads by Hot Chip
May 28 2026

I've seen Hot Chip a few times and know them pretty well, but this was my first full listen to an album, I believe. Better than expected and I figured it'd be pretty good. Most Hot Chip songs to me have 4 of 5 things working for it but doesn't quite all the way. This one had several 100%-ers and enjoyed the creativity overall.

Harvest by Neil Young
May 29 2026

Neil Young's all over this list and know he has a million classic albums. I think this will end up being my favorite. Amazing singer-songwriter album and some of these songs are just so imperfectly perfect. Reading about how he wrote this basically lying down for 2 years at his ranch recovering from back discs issues/surgery makes it hit harder.

Blackstar by David Bowie
Jun 01 2026

I thought this one might be coming and the Blackstar was like "BOOM" monolith when it popped up. I've always seen people swear by this album. I've seen many tattoos of the Bowie star. And it's from the era of Bowie I don't really know yet. I think this is the taste I most want to acquire. I really liked it. More art than music. Reminds me of "The National Anthem" by RH expanded to a prog album. Another massive win for Bowie!

Odelay by Beck
Jun 02 2026

"Oh, delay..." the album that took years & years extra to make. Great joke from Beck off the bat. One of the classic albums of growing up. 4 mega hits and solid rest of the catalog. I always remember Odelay as a barometer for rating albums... you get to 4 mega hits and that's a classic album. I love Beck. Seen him... maybe 4 times now including the Bonnaroo What Stage b2b with Tom Petty. Beck's encore was the a puppet show of exactly dressed mini-versions of the band playing on a tiny stage. One of my favorite days of music ever.

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Jun 03 2026

I know he's a legend but found this a little slow. It's missing that "it factor" that makes it really good. Background music for a Jamaican lounge.

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young
Jun 04 2026

Another Neil Young album to add to the growing list. I actually liked this one a lot more than expected and knew over half the album. You can see he's building an impressive list of albums from Buffalo Springfield on. Acquired taste sometimes with the voice & pacing but incredibly solid songs. Guy knows how to write a song & put out an album.

Freak Out! by The Mothers Of Invention
Jun 05 2026

This will be one of my unexpected favorites of 101-200, possibly the whole thing. I really enjoyed it! They covered a lot of sounds and loved the variety of styles. It was funny and smart. "It Couldn't Happen Here... I checked a couple times" and some of the protest songs were amazing. What a smart, talented guy and biggest thing of all... 1966! This came out BEFORE anything else psychedelic counterculture. 5 stars & would have loved to see them live.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Jun 08 2026

Generational talent and bangers. I always thought this was his 1st album but not true. Said it debuted his slide guitar style. I always loved George because he could play any style. He didn't get locked into one rhythm pattern or sound. All those 10,000 hours playing ever cover song known to man paid off.

Jun 09 2026

Before we get started, I love this album & think it's one of the best pieces of art this century. I'd heard of Wilco & got a song here or there but wasn't till my cross-country road trip after college that I got this album. I was visiting Cousin Vickie in Chicago & had an amazingly fun time being a new adult in the big city with her. She asked what I was listened to and got out her big book of CD's (a staple in those days). "You have Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, right?!?" and gave me the album (burned cd haha... another staple). It was the PERFECT soundtrack for driving across America. Progressive, risk taking Americana that's fresh and still sounds great.

Tapestry by Carole King
Jun 10 2026

I had this album all wrong and thought it was just some sing-songy, soft music. I checked the track list and saw a bunch of famous songs so then thought it was a cover album. I checked the facts and learned Carole wrote or co-wrote every single song, and was finally releasing them herself. I'm all about coming up with songs yourself so this is the creative situation I like the most.

Fishscale by Ghostface Killah
Jun 11 2026

The back-to-back of Carole King & Ghostface Killah gave me a laugh. Good album packed with solid songs & lyrics. I liked most all of it and can tell he was an awesome member of Wu-Tang. I used to play as Ghostface on the Def Jam Wrestling video game.

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Jun 19 2026

Another Steely Dan I've finally gotten the hang of. I did a down-n-back listen of their first 6 albums and now get a few of them here. Solid album and am starting to get why people said they had 6 straight bangers.

1984 by Van Halen
Jun 22 2026

Very impressed with this album and you can see why they were the favorite band of a generation. I think if you put all the guitarists in a March Madness bracket, it'd end up being Eddie Van Halen vs Stevie Ray Vaughn for the title. Some deeper songs gave me Rush vibes which never got before. Awesome album.

Sunday At The Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio
Jun 23 2026

Good live jazz album that's special for a sad reason. The bass player, 25 year old phenom Scott LaFaro, died in a car accident only 11 days after the recording. The bass was the best part of the recording and sorry to learn of another young bassist like Cliff Burton passing by car accident. It's a 5 star album just not my favorite music.

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Jun 24 2026

VERY impressed & already have this on for a 2nd listen. I'd said before that most of what you heard from rap/hip-hop was done first by the Beastie Boys. I am now going to include De La Soul in there too. This sampled everything (School House Rock, Hall & Oates, etc) and sounded super fresh. You could hear their influence on 90's & 2000's songs and was like "that's Arrested Development... that's ICP... that's Frank Ocean" etc. Respect to De La Soul, that was awesome.

Jun 25 2026

Arguably the sound of my teenage years as these hit from 16-19 years old for me. I never owned this or any Eminem album but didn't need to as you heard them all the time. I didn't expect this many bangers. The first half was loaded and the second half ended up being arguably better. One of the best hip-hop albums imo and part of an amazing 3 album run.

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Jun 26 2026

Pretty cool album with some highs and lows. This listen gave me exposure to John McGlaughlin and finally made me get his deal. The standouts are the electric instruments, experimentation, and deviation from a standard jazz quartet/quintet. Most every song had a couple times they really got a good groove going... and then they changed it up. I think the bass players (Dave Holland & Harvey Brooks) stood out the most to me. This rating is for the whole shebang of artists, album art, creativity, and music.

Diamond Life by Sade
Jun 29 2026

Funny story but I know this album well. I won some sort of contest as a 8-10 yr old kid and got to choose a wrapped present... I got "Diamond Life" on tape, haha. I remember listening to this on a Walkman! I recently read a post asking "Does any artist have a perfect entire catalog?" Tough question if you're not a homer for your favorite band. I saw Sade as a top option & this is a good start. Every song is perfect for what it's trying to be. Loved the bass.

Jun 30 2026

Fun listen after having almost 200 albums under my belt on the challenge. It's noticeably better and just loaded with creativity and generational bangers. "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" are the only things that would make it better. Closing out with "A Day in the Life" and hearing the final chord ring out is such a special moment! It's in my handful of best songs ever and especially for multi-part songs. PMC's my favorite musician ever and he was a stud on this album. Some favorite memories was seeing Paul play a 38 song set at Bonnaroo loaded with Beatles, Wings and solo songs. And seeing Ringo & Friends with Mom & Dad. They made it 64 together (even 74 now!) which is another special moment.

Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D
Jul 01 2026

I saw NERD back in looks like July, 2002 as part of the free On The Bricks shows at Centennial Park. They played Rockstar & Lapdance as the first two AND last two songs... and think the whole set was maybe 6 songs so definitely weird to hear repeats. But free show and they wanted people to hear the hits (before video phones haha). This 2nd album was a LOT better than the first and when people could start to tell "there might be a lot more to Pharrell's music than this."

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Jul 02 2026

I completely forgot this album was between 'Funeral' and 'Suburbs' messing up my Mega Album idea (that 5 from each is the best mega album possible). This one has never done it for me. Reminds me of Flat Bruce Springsteen... "No Car Go" and "Keep the Car Running" were the best but not in my top 10 Arcade Fire songs. Loved seeing them live though!

Arc Of A Diver by Steve Winwood
Jul 03 2026

Pretty much the sound of the 80's to start the decade. Winwood was the man and recorded everything on the album himself.

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Jul 06 2026

Interesting glimpse into the world before rock n roll! Great songs and especially liked hearing "Anything Goes" after liking the same-titled musical. It's perfect music for what it is but not my favorite style. Also, funny how old people think new music is always so sexualized, but every single song was about swingin' or makin' whoopie.

Dusty In Memphis by Dusty Springfield
Jul 07 2026

First time listening to the album and liked it. Dusty has an amazing voice and love her band... I have a guitar named Dusty, which is more dust than Dusty-related. "Son of a Preacher Man" is a 10/10 perfect song for me and one of the best basslines I've ever played.

Cheerleader

Average rating: 3.68 (0.35 above global average).

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.