1001 Albums Summary

Cool juxtaposition of sloppy, loud, bombastic percussion against the soft and airy vocals and strings. Can definitely sense influences from this album on more modern indie rock. Wayne Coyne's pitch can be grating at times, reducing overall listenability

Great background jazz for focusing, but interesting enough to hold your attention when you do dial in. Very approachable.

Iconic 90s grunge metal, lane Staley's voice is unmatched in the genre

I've always felt as if I was supposed to like REM (and of course I know the words to their singles), but could never fully dive in. This album made me realize why - Michael a stipes vocals and lyrics are too whiney Art Student for me to really dig. It either feels like he's just complaining or trying to hard to be profound/poetic. Music is great and I want to like it, but he just irritates me a bit. All that said, still a quality piece of music and an awesome debut.

Hard to listen objectively as this is on my rotation monthly at minimum; this is your favorite album's favorite album; arrangements are superb, the reprises make it feel like a single piece of music instead of a collection of attempted singles.

Interesting enough to keep my attention, but not my bag baby.

Short, sweet, good toe tapping rocking chair type music, enjoyed it but likely only in small doses

Loved the intro rolling into the cover of only love can break your heart, as well as four or five other tracks. Definitely heard influences from traditional pop artists (esp. Madonna and the Cranberries) and New Wave artists (INXS and Tears for Fears), but I also get hear traces of artists to about to blow up with entry of sample-based House/Dance music into top 40 like Moby and Fatboy Slim. Really enjoyed the album in spite of a couple duds.

I liked this album less than I thought I would, being familiar with a handful of tracks from the band. I enjoyed the energy and the chaotic punk vibe, but not something I'll listen to frequently

Good songs, but too much of it. Woulda been a fantastic 10 track album, instead it was kind of a slog. That said, there were prob 3-4 songs that will make into my rotation., and I recognized the last song from the Harry Potter movie (which always felt really out of place in that scene).

Was already a bit familiar due to the collab album between his son and Khruangbin. I loved this record and ended up listening to another of Ali Farka Touré's records later in the day. Ry Cooder's slide guitar intertwined seamlessly, Ali's voice is rich and soulful, and the riffs get wedged in your head in the best way.

In fairness I'm a big Louie Prima guy already, but this listen reminded me why. The music makes me feel nostalgic for a time that predated me by 50 years. Every track sounds like a party, and yet the vocals, the musicianship, the difficult-to-find line between planned vs ad hoc tempo changes and call/response banter makes it understandable why Louie and Keely's versions of songs done a thousand times are seen as the standard in so many cases.

Probably much better in its time, but I found it pretty unremarkable overall, felt like music that would be playing at a JC Penney. The one Thom Yorke track was somewhat interesting, but I think just because it was a new vocal rather than actually liking the song. Feels like a 2.5.

I am a known Doors-hater, so am coming in biased. That said, I didn't enjoy listening to this album at all. The four tracks from Blue Sunday to The Spy are the low point, just boring music and less profound than he thinks lyrics. Roadhouse Blues slapped the first 500x I heard it, but I'm over it now. Peace Frog is in a similar state. Without the hype around this album and the band in general, I could have seen this getting a 3 but my stubborn ass won't give in to it.

Good, not great, album. Remember Me was a highlight, but the whole thing is nice relaxing easy listening, without the distractions of breaking new musical ground or experimenting with a new sound.

It's interesting, I feel like half (literally 5 of 10) of these songs are classics that get me pumped up and singing the lyrics, and the other half are wholly forgettable. But what's strange is that all 10 sound like pretty much the same song. So why do I love half and not care about the other half? No clue, but the good songs are fucking awesome.

Great if you're into that kinda thing, no denying they're talented vocalists. The album just felt like a lot of less good than the original covers. If you dig Rockapella, this prob your Abbey Road

Wasn't the worst but not something I'd pick up again. I guess it's indicative of the music style at the time, but I find it too generic to enjoy, sounds like music in a CVS.

Would have given it 1.5 if possible, only after learning that Captain Beefheart wrote the entire thing note for note on a piano, and then made a bunch of actual musicians (which he is not) figure out how to play this nonsense on their given instruments. The fact that it's intentional makes it an ounce better but not enough to justify two stars.

Probably super influential and important to artists that I love, but I feel like it doesn't really hold up without putting into the context of "the sixties, maaan". It is cool in that context, but music shouldn't require a backstory to be enjoyable.

Yet another ground breaking album that I've always meant to listen to, and now trust my instincts on avoiding it. It was interesting to hear how Siouxie and the Banshees evolves into this 15 years later, still don't mean I like to listen to it. Would give 2.5 if poss.

Very solid album, enjoyed the difference in flows playing off each other, the warm but crisp beats, and the cohesive feel to the record end to end. What's Golden is a total classic, thin line is a fun song, but not too many other stand outs.

I know she was huge and won grammys and all but this album sounds amateur and sloppy. Album closer was really grating in particular.

Would have been a five star album if not for the number of filler tracks. Masterclass in sampling, Prince Paul is top notch. De La has a relaxed but crisp vibe that balances your focus between the music and lyrics perfectly.

Hard to judge objectively since I know every word having heard this album constantly growing up. I'll keep it at a 4 since it's sort of the transitional album just before they started really breaking new ground. Songwriting is top notch, no duds on the album, catchy ear worms that have you humming them the rest of the day.

Incredible album, filled to the brim with anthems, fantastic production that gives every song a depth/weight that was rare for indie rock in the early oughts. My only criticism is closing the album with the track they did, I feel like it's the weakest song on the album and should have been swapped with Everything is Alright. That said, still on my top 20 all time.

Indulgent, dramatic, stank-face inducing, funky soul r&b thats unapologetically sexy as fuck. Love it, would be 5 stars if it was more accessible and easier to sell normies on.

It was an interesting listen, spotted a couple sample sources, can definitely hear how the entire EDM genre is stemming from this. All that said, it has no human quality to it, and that keeps it from being truly enjoyable. It's like a non fiction book, important and valuable but not something you pick up to enjoy casually.

Kirkland brand rock n roll, sounds like variations of the same riff over and over. If you never heard ACDC before you might like it, but it gets old kinda quick and doesn't include their best stuff.

Sympathy, Street Fighting Man, and Salt of the Earth are highlights, but even my less favorite tracks are solid. Nice cohesive album, ties all the way through end to end. I'll prob listen to couple more Stones albums today, which I think is a true test of how good an album is.

Solid album, more like a 3.5, though I'll say I could see this being a 4 or even a 5 had I discovered it when it was new. At this point it's a little dated and of a specific time, but I definitely enjoyed it. Can hear influences from Bruce, Dylan, and the Cure. Also reminds me of Future Islands, which I like as well.

Some absolute classics, like feeling alright and medicated goo, but felt like there was a fair amount of filler too, lot of very psychedelic 60s british blues, for which you kinda need to be in the right mood. Maybe 730am on the long island expressway isn't the most conducive vibe. Another 3.5, they really need half stars.

Enjoyed it more than I initially thought I would, based on the distance in the first song. If pearl jam is sativa, Pavement is indica - it's like grunge for chill chillers.

Hard to judge objectively, loved the album as a middle schooler but Linkin Park has become kind of a punchline over the years. That said, the songs are well written and catchy, the album itself feels well produced, and this was definitely new ground in 2000. I think it's an honest 3 stars.

Completely meh, very forgettable, not terrible but at least that would have made it interesting. Really a 1.5 but they get off easy.

I had heard them before and wasn't impressed, but this time around it was more enjoyable. Worked well as flight music but don't know that it would keep my attention otherwise. Prob a 2.5 but I'm feeling generous.

This is another band that is loved by people whose music taste I respect, but I just never tried them out. This album was really good, enjoyed the experimental nature of it and was surprised that it was from 2004. Will def check out more

Quintessential 90s brit alt rock/shoegaze, Damon Alban has a great voice and the music is super accessible. I feel like the US knows them as a OHW for Song 2, but they have a lot more to offer. All that said, it didn't blow me away, honest 3.

Honestly without bohemian rhapsody and you're my best friend, this is a two star album, little too indulgent. I'm in love with my car and prophets song are straight up dumb songs.

Had never heard of the band or the album, but I'm a fast fan. Great songwriting, catchy but keeps you interested. Vocals kinda remind me Glen Tillbrook from Squeeze. Excited to dive into the rest of their albums.

The Band has such a uniquely warm and nostalgic sound to them, like it makes me reminiscent of times I wasn't there for. Great album, has multiple bangers on it. King Harvest is a sneaky favorite of mine.

Was better than I expected, but an interlude nearly every other tracks is kinda dumb. Junie was a highlight, but the rest felt a little underdeveloped.

This is an iconic, genre-defining synth-pop album; I think what sets the Eurythmics apart from others is the edge on most of their songs. It's partly Annie Lenox's voice and intonation, but they also love a minor chord. It's a cool juxtaposition between the bright, happy sounding synth instruments and the brooding melodies they're playing.

After the first 4 songs it felt like a 3 star, I liked the crossover of psych, punk, uk New Wave, etc. but it goes on way too long. I'll look into a greatest hits album maybe but I was excited for it to be over by the closing live track.

Arguably one of the best live albums ever, comes out blazing with jailbreak and emerald, Southbound/Rosalie/Dancing is gets your dancing feet going, then Jonny the fox meets Jimmy the weed is unexpectedly funky, sha la la and the rocker are highlights on the backend. Phil Lynott has the crowd in his hand and is debatable the most charismatic bass playing singer. Expected a 5 and it held.

Cool concept, cheesy at times but solid foundation on British blues, rounding down from a 2.5 due to lack reslistenability.

Definitely better than Trans Europe Express (glad we listened to that one first). Obviously the lyrics aren't much to dive in to, but it's a fair deal more melodic and there are actual hooks. Would make great music for an alien invasion.

Great album if you're a teenage ghost haunting a suicide watch ward at a drug treatment center. Songwriting is interesting, I enjoyed some of the more electronic tracks, undoubtedly a thought-out and well constructed album, but it's just such a fucking bummer. I think the fact that I don't like it says good things about the state of my mental health. 2.5 rounded up because I prob would've liked it alot more in the 2000s.

Cool blend of electronic, funk, psych rock, and more. Had never heard of them but will def dive deeper. "Default" was the highlight for me.

Perfect example of why you keep an album short, 40 minutes of quintessential folk rock, another genre defining album. No duds I'm the bunch, Cinnamon Girl is an awesome opener.

Awesome album, sounds cozy and warm and familiar. If you like Dylan you love this album, but your prob still like it if you're not a fan.

She has a great voice, but I found the album pretty boring. Her songwriting isn't doing anything profound, even though the music itself is agreeable enough. Feels like an artist for covers, let other people do the hard stuff Norah, you just sing it.

Ton of absolutely fabulous gay anthems, and some unexpected covers that were unique enough to pull it off. Enjoyed this more than I remembered. Prob a 3.5.

Didn't enjoy it, felt like it didn't know what it wanted to be. Didn't finish.

Forgot how good this album was, the Del tracks are obviously a highlight but there's not a bad track here.

Not a fan of 2000s pop due to overexposure as teen with a shared bedroom. That said, she obviously has a great voice. 1h17m feels excessive, could have been trimmed down considerably. 2.5 rounded down due to my PTSD.

I was back and forth on this album the whole time, first song I was out, then flipped back and forth probably 5 times. Ultimately it's a good barometer for late 90s alt rock and interesting enough to hold your attention. 2.5 rounded up bc it took me two months to get around to it and it didnt crumble under the manufactured pressure.

Really enjoyable jazz for a long drive, some of the songs went a little longer than I would have preferred, but that's kinda the whole thing. Would love to listen on a hifi with good headphones. 3.5 rounded down

This album was sick, it feels like the genesis of jazz rap and was the obvious inspiration behind tribe and de la soul and I'd never heard of it before. Enjoyed it front to back.

Another one that I'll probably be on an island for, but I really enjoyed it. Perfect balance of focus/study type beats and head nodders that you could cut a rug to. Music Makers is the only song I had heard before, but excited to listen again.

I had heard a few songs by him and knew he was great, but had been introduced as a contemporary of Fela Kuti and I hadn't realized he played more traditional jazz. This album was fantastic front to back, can't wait to dive deep.

Wasn't expecting much, I knew the two singles but actually enjoyed the album as a whole. The sound is somewhat dated but it's executed well, the songs are catchy while still being heavy, although I could have done without the acoustic versions at the end. Not sure if that was on the original release, but I thinks it's a flat 3 regardless.

This is the jazz album that nerds think every jazz album sounds like. Experimental, unexpected, a little jarring at times, but also I really enjoyed it. Not the most catchy track titles, but will still revisit.

With the 90s house music kick I've been on, I'm amazed this is my first time listening to this album. Loved it front to back, fun sampling recognition, tasty breakbeats, earwig vocal samples. Gonna have to really dig into Fatboy Slim now.

Not worthy of the hype it gets, the songwriting itself on most songs isn't terrible, but lou reed is kind of a douche and Nico does not have a good voice at all.

Finally an REM album i don't hate, the hits slap and the duds dont piss me off, which is saying something. Good driving album, none of the songs dragged on, and the whole thing had a nice full sound to it.

Few interesting songs, especially her version of Gloria as the opener, but otherwise not something id pick up again.

Sunday, New Year's Day, and Two Hearts are all time hits, but the rest of the album is just kinda ok. I didn't hate anything but didn't find anything new either. 2.5 rounded up because bc 3 singles on a 42 minute album is impressive.

As a known Doors-hater, I was surprised by how many of their hits were concentrated to this one release. End of the Night and Take it as it Comes are the weak points of the album (with Alabama Song coming in close based solely on the "little girl" lyrics). But the rest of the songs are all pretty iconic. The end is prob too indulgent but it gets a pass as the song of Apocalypse Now.

Biased nostalgic opinion incoming - loved this debut album when I was 12 and I love it now. Just the right balance of rage/aggression, vocal gymnastics, and weirdness.

When we started this list, Let it Bleed was what I had in my mind as an exemplary 5 star album. Love every song but monkey man is my sleeper pick fav stones song ever, Midnight Rambler is indulgent in all the best ways, and Gimme Shelter and Can't always get what you want are two of the best album openers/closers (respectively) you'll ever come across. It's also crazy how these British twinks are able to pull off the quintessential country western sound. One of the best albums ever, straight up.

Sounds like one long song in the best way possible, vibes are immaculate, vocals get all the attention but the band is fantastic too. No bad songs.

It's probably somebody's cup of tea but that person is not me. The constant vibrato in the guys voice is super annoying. Very little energy to any of the songs, and the lyrics felt like they were trying too hard to be deep. The music itself was ok at some points, highlight was the one song with the female vocalist (I think), but even that song was just ok. Prob a 1.5 but rounded up because it's not Beefheart bad.

2.5 rounded up. Bowies work is so extensive that I could name 20 songs that are favorites, yet with few exceptions I tend to not love more than 2 or 3 songs per album. This met that expectation with Heroes, Blackout, and Secret Life of Arabia. The whole middle section is cool but a little too gratuitous.

Awesome album, enjoyed from start to finish, maybe wished it was even a tad longer.

It was more enjoyable than I expected after hearing the first track. Basslines were way funkier than they had any reason to be, but the rest was pretty standard 80s dance music with an extra flamboyant vocalist. Didn't hate it but not something I'm eager to listen to again.

This is like 3 albums from different genres standing on each other's shoulders underneath a trenchcoat, each style having its place and merit but sort of discombobulated sounding if you're not expecting it. I'm a fan, but this probably isn't even in my top 3 beastie albums. 3.5 rounded down.

Masterclass in how to do a whole lot with a little for each organ, guitar, and bass. Listened to this album 3x times today. I can't seem to convince myself to back down from a 5 on this one - no bad songs, ultimate reslistenability, top tier technical talent, wildly influential on the whole of music, how can that not be a 5?

Really enjoyed this album, the whole "love" suite was great, nothing terribly innovative going on here but some really solid blues psych rock. I had only known them for the single Fresh Air, but this is worth further exploring. 3.5 rounded down because six of the ten tracks are an extended cover of one song.

Enjoyed it more than I thought, it's kinda unfair that Deep Purple's sound feels a little corny, since they're one of the first that did it. Feels like the grand daddy to modern metal.

Nice light late 90s sample house, nothing controversial. It's annoying that there's no non-deluxe on spotify bc I'm curious what a not 2-hour long version looks like.

This was a great airplane album, didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at each turn of genre. Really well written songs of totally different styles that still somehow pull together into a logical set.

Really bad from the start, couldn't even get through the first track, though it was the only one I skipped. I'm just finding that I dislike anything labelled as post punk, it feels too derivative and intentionally abrasive/dissonant and it annoys me. 1.5 rounded down since it required a track skip.

There aren't many elvis albums that can hold my attention front to back, but this did it. Long black limousine, gentle on my mind, and suspicious minds were highlights, though I will say that in the ghetto felt a little sketch sung by elvis. Solid album.

Better than I expected, being a self proclaimed REM hater. It was less whiney than a lot of their other stuff, though still just as "intellectual-by-design" which I find a little off putting. The singles, orange crush and stand, are great tracks.

This was an interesting take on honky tonk, with jazz and lounge influences. Wasn't familiar with this album and was surprised to see it given how many hits KD Lang has on other albums. 2.5 rounded up.

Happened upon this album organically and bought it having never heard of it. I love the slough of dancey jazz records that came out of the 50s and 60s rise in popularity of Samba, and this album is a perfect example. Stan Getz has such a distinctive sound/tone to his sax solos, and Byrd's guitar fills it out wonderfully.

Talking heads is so much fun to listen to, you kinda never know what to expect from the next track. Their quirkiness and sometimes silly stuff has really grown on me over the years. This album has a little bit of a lot different vibes, which in itself feels on brand.

They kinda sound like every band and also no other band of the 60s at the same time. I think that's a good thing, at least it was here. It's directly in the center lane of 60s psych / pop / folk, and somehow does a great job at all three.

This is like an album made of only the bad parts of pink floyd. Also making it four 20 minute tracks somehow makes it less accessible than it already was. Feels like a band only pretentious people would admit to liking, now and when they were contemporary.

This album has pretty much all the cure songs that I like, but the album is twice as long as it needs to be. Songs are too long and they easily could have collapsed 8 of them into four with multiple parts. It's understandable how polarizing they are. 2.5 rounded down because the last track was too long, unnecessary, and then they didn't even bother to title it.

Hadn't realized the Byrd's has a country western exclusive album, though I'm slowly understanding that just about every brit invasion band does. This one was quality, but not anything to blow your mind.

Another lovely album from Mr You're, I love how he adapts such a distinctly American sound (the blues) and completely remolds it out of African scales and instrumentation.

Hadn't realized there were so many hits consolidated onto this one album. Peter Gabriel has an awesomely distinctive voice, even if he seems to be a weird off putting dude. Red Rain, That Voice Again, and Mercy Street are cool tracks I haven't heard before. We Do What We're Told and This is the Picture are kinda dumb and bring down what could've been a dark horse 5 star album.

This was not enjoyable, felt he was shouting at me the whole time. Lyrics were dumb, melodies soulless, and conducive only to the most coked out of dance moves.

I had never heard of this artist or album and was pleasantly interested with the first half of the album, but I kinda got a little tired of it by the end. I'll definitely look more into it though, very unique. Kinda wilco meets tom waits. 2.5 rounded up because it's new to me.

The first track was difficult to get through, but it improved a little from there. Feels like this album would be enjoyed by someone who was more familiar with the influences being drawn upon, in terms of Indian music and Bollywood compositions. Not poorly made just not for me.

Par for the course Radiohead, bummer songs that I want to like but just can't. This album feels even less cohesive than the others we've listened to. By the time we get around to a Radiohead album I actually know, I'll prob like it just for that reason.

Exact what you expect from Deep Purple in terms of being a caricature of rock n roll in the best way. Highway Star is a sick opener, though I don't know that the rest of the album lives up to the bar it sets.

Just a kickass rock n roll album through and through, let alone an opener thats become an international sports anthem. The pacing is really enjoyable, balancing the lighter acoustic and minimalist songs with the others that rip right out of the gate with iconic distorted riffs. Jack White is the man.

Funeral/love lies bleeding gives me goosebumps every time I hear it, let alone as the album opener, let alone as the start to one of the best album sides ever. The rest of the album follows through, and it's rare to get an album if this quality as a double disc.

Interesting to listen to in terms of it being a pre cursor to punk and and lots of other modern music, but it can feel a little unfinished at times. I Need Somebody is a cool song, but not much else memorable on the album. 2.5 rounded up because Iggy Pop is a mutant.

I feel like the key take away from this exercise so far is that the Stones are GOATs. No bad songs, let alone half the tracks on this album are absolute classics. Another obvious 5 star.

It's really difficult to try and listen to this album objectively, having listened to it almost daily in high school and countless times since then. Still, I picked up a few new nuggets like the cough and light breathing in the beginning of the title track. This whole album just transports you to another world and shine on feels like the vehicle that takes you there. A great example of when gimmicky production tricks pay off and create a true soundscape. Love this album, king of kings.

I'm already a big fan of this one, to the point my wife hates it. Great pop anthems, somehow captures the vibe of a time that feels familiar but in reality sorta predated my awareness. 4.5 rounded up for Donnie Darko.

I wanna like it but it's just not quite good enough to fully embrace. 2.5 rounded down cuz they're from Philly.

If you take the impact on culture and music as a whole out of the rating (which is obviously tremendous), its not really an album i love. I dont think Elvis's version of any of the standards on here are better than other more authentic versions ive heard. The mix is really low at points, to the point it almost sounds acapella. He's got an incredible voice, but none of the music itself was all that impressive. Its a 5 if you factor in how "important" the album is, but that aside its a solid 2.

Rudy, too hot, up to you, and monkey man are all absolute bops, super enjoyable ska album overall, kind of a standard in my mind. 3.5 rounded down bc I feel like ska requires a pretty specific state of mind.

Classic spector sound, wild to think all these standard versions of the songs were form the same album.3.5 rounded down because it's only got 3 weeks of annual shelf life.

Not a Beatles record ive listend to more than once or twice, but enjoyed it more than i thought i would. Some cool covers that i hadn't really acknowledged before, and always interesting to hear the younger versions of john and paul's voices.

Its interesting how you listen to these songs differently as a complete album, as opposed to just hearing one or two songs on their own, in that i find myself paying attention to completely different melodies and instruments. Lotta hits here, and even the lesser songs are good head nodders.

After seeing it was a husband/wife folk duo, I was less than excited. But I was pleasantly surprised, I thought he sounded a lot like father John misty on a lot of tracks, and her voice is familiar too though I couldn't place it. The last song on the album was my last favorite though, which is gonna round this 2.5 down.

Enjoyed this more than expected, really funky get out your seat type jams. Then We Are Family is just a cherry on top.

Its exactly what you expect it to be, super danceable, sometimes a little annoying, but well produced and super catchy 80s synthy pop.

This isn't one of those albums that's greater than the sum of its parts, its just that the parts are some of the best moments in rock and roll as a genre. Probably the best opener/closer song combo ever, the scream in won't get fooled again still gives goosebumps and is what every lead singer has tried to sound like since. My Wife is the only low point on the album, but it's not a bad song by any measure. Without it in the lineup, this would be my favorite 8 song run on any album.

Wilco is one of those bands I've always wanted to give a fair chance, and I'm glad I finally did. Very atmospheric, ambient, folky, almost like fleet foxes cooler cousins. Im eager to hear more.

I don't know why I had it in my head that this was a good album. It's not the worst but so many uninteresting songs, feels like there was no one there to tell them to trim it down. Very bloated album, and yet I can't remember any one song.

Awesome background music, have listened a few times already but honestly no single track sticks in memory.

Def a little long, the three singles are all incredible, but gasoline, humble mumble and spaghetti junction were all new to me and awesome as well. Favorite skit is Kim & Cookie, was legit loling. 3.5 rounded down bc 74 mins is just too much.

He's obviously talented, but this album sounded like a Traffic/Steve Winwood cover album, which isn't inherently a bad thing. Still didn't really tickle me though.

At least four all-timers, feels like one long song. If you like jazz rock then its a 5, if you dont its a 2.

Yea it's a GZA album - ton of cool kung fu movie samples, wordplay that's better than it needs to be, and simple but cant-not-head-nod beats.

Absolute classic sound and attitude to this album, and a great-looking record to have sitting on your now playing shelf.Comes in hot with a great run to start, though it drops off a bit toward the end. 3.5 rounded up bc Debby Harry is cool as fuck.

Super enjoyable, right up my alley, will never know the name of a song but can see myself coming back to this.

Was not excited about this but I enjoyed it more than I thought. She's got an interesting voice and it's well produced. Don't know that I'd go back for more though.

Album has not one but two separate "three-song-runs" that are fantastic, two mediocre songs and I'd say only one dud with I'm in Touch with Your World. The Cars are a favorite of mine, I love their straightforward approach to songs and the attitude that exuded by the riffs and Rick Ocasek's voice. There's a reason all these songs show up in every movie between 75 and 85, the Cars capture the vibe of the 80s perfectly. 4.5 rounded up bc it's legit a favorite album of mine.

It took me a couple false starts to actually listen to this album, and then was kinda into it through the first three or four tracks. After that though, it kind of wore on me and by then end I couldn't wait for it to be over. 90s deep house is a genre I actually like, but this felt lacking substance.

Sounds like the precursor to a lot of shoegaze and even modern alt indie music. The gibberish singing is kinda weird but I don't hate it. It has a very particular vibe which would keep me from being able to listen to it whenever, but it has its place.

This is absolute center lane Dylan in my mind, and probably his best album to my tastes. It's Alright Ma She Belongs to Me, and Maggie's Farm are personal favorites, not to even mention the hits like Subterranean, Tambourine Man, And Baby Blue.

Great opener, no duds, nice and short, Steve Winwood's voice, tasty sax licks -hard to criticize this one in my mind. Also interesting to listen to a guitar-less rock album, wonder how many of those there are here.

Would enjoy more if I knew french, but the beats, the flow, and the vibe were all great.

Great way to make trad Irish music accessible to a rock and international audience. Really enjoyed it, even if you have to be in the right mood

This felt like a lot of nothing, didn't have much substance. It wasn't trout mask jarring but still wasn't enjoyable

Cool to hear all the introductions and crowd reactions... for the first 40 mins or so. But as much as I enjoyed the context, it made a long album really drag. Maybe it's a 'you had to be there' situation, but the improvisation and super duper high notes were far less enjoyable in my car than in 1964 Newport, Rhode Island. 3 knocked down to a 2.5 for being too long, and rounded down because I'm not listening to it again.

The production quality really sets such a mood and makes you feel like you're in the room with them. The whole album is such a vibe, especially after learning the backstory. This was already one of my go to records, so hard not to call it a 5.

I honestly wanted to like this but absolutely couldn't, just the most grating uninspired industrial house you can imagine.

Got off to a good start with everything in its right place, and but starts getting ambient before it's built a solid enough foundation. The only other song I particularly like on the album is Idioteque. Everything else was too melancholy to enjoy. Another attempt at liking Radiohead thwarted by the way their music sounds.

The good tracks are classics, but a few of them drag. All Apologies is a top tier closer though.

Helluva an opener, and at least four tracks on here that are absolute classics. Overall album length is spot on too.

I'm probably the outlier but I liked this one. Weird and ambient but still accessible enough to enjoy.

Kind of the miles davis standard in my mind at least. I listened to this one many times so hard to remove bias but I really enjoy it. Not really an album most would listen to on the way to the bar, but in the right setting there's nothing better.

Incredible album front to back, super cool blend of genres and eras, just the right amount of bite while leaving it open to downshift into some country and western type songs.

Eagles haters obv won't like it but this is total center lane California rock. The three hits are great, but the b sides don't really stand out. Always felt like the eagles were a greatest hits type band.

Another genre-definer, every track is worth its weight, his best album in my opinion.

Way ahead of its time, Epic is obviously their one hit and it's awesome, but the rest of the album is a super quirky mix of metal, funk, and something that vaguely resembles jazz. Best cover of War Pigs I've heard, easily the most faithful version of ozzys voice while still making it very much their own.The Real Thing and Woodpecker from Mars were two new found highlights.

The tremolo is super annoying, interesting album to be from 1972, definitely ahead of its time, but I do not like to listen to it.

Really far out there, would definitely appreciate it more under the influence of psychedelics. 2.5 rounded due to lack of accessibility and because I like their other stuff more.

Really enjoyed, very good at nailing the dancey vampire vibe without being off-putting.

Starts off extremely hot and kinda gets a little softer with every song, still a solid album overall, you don't get to to hear much experimental funk on this list.

Willies got the best great even though it's not great voice. Some very cool voters here and he's just so easy to listen to. 3.5 rounded up.

Think about how ridiculously good an album has to be for a duet with Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney to be one of the most forgettable songs. Not much to say here that hasn't been said, but can't imagine flipping this thing on for the first time, and hearing the run of Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean. Gotta be top 5 three song runs.

Running up that hills has a cool sound to it (other than being played out from ST), but the lyrics make very little sense. There's a couple other cool sounding songs, but most of the album is boring and filled with cheesey 80s keyboard sound effects

Masterclass in sampling, bafflingly complex layering of sound effects, tv/film snippets, and frequently totally contradicting music styles to form something entirely new and yet somehow nostalgic.

Auto-5 since my music tastes are essentially formed with this album as the foundation. Fresh listen confirms it.

Albums like this are strange to review because they are so engrained in a particular moment in time, for better or worse. The line between nostalgia and dated blurs here, but it's still a super fun album to listen to for the first or hundredth time, but not really in between.

This was really enjoyable, super funky and new sounding. Will dig in more

An album I've listened to many times, so had to be intentional about being objective. I definitely enjoyed it for the arrangement and production, but the lyrics were overly sentimental at times and the overall vibe is a little full of itself. 3.5 rounded up because in spite of what I just said, I've listened to the album no less than 100x (albeit sleep music much of the time).

Right up my alley, tim maia meets fela kuti- groovy jams, anthemic choruses, awesome percussion

Interesting enough to keep my attention, and definitely some cool explorations, but it was just a little too erratic for my liking. I know they have other albums I've enjoyed more so 2.5 rounded down.

I wavered on this one a bit but ended up enjoying it in the end. Dear God was a solid album closer, if a little on the nose. The super theatrical tracks weren't really my favorite, but they were interesting. The drums on a few tracks really had me hooked in.

Top tier s&g album, america, hazy, and Mrs robinson are my top three in that order. 4.5 rounded down because I wouldn't listen to the album as frequently as the rest of my 5s.

Killer three song combo to kick it off, but definitely feels front loaded overall. That said, I enjoy the musical journey this album takes you on - starting with smooth synth and slide guitar, into screaming distortion against stings show choir soprano, and then back to light hearted organs and rock a billy guitar. And then the rest of the album kind of swings the pendulum around those handful of genres. I can hear the argument that the albums too long but not for me.

Just such an epic album not only in how influential and ground breaking it was, but just the sound is so raw and unabashedly experimental. Does a great job of being both musically captivating and a far out psychedelic trip out soundtrack, where most of the time it's one or the other. Really cool to bring it all home with watchtower and voodoo chile (again). A perfect example of an album where you wish you were around for the release to take it home from the store and listen for the first time over headphones in your bedroom with a joint.

Pretty standard early punk, does the job it sets out to do. Not particular standout tracks, but none that were annoying either.

This was my first Megadeth album and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The stretch of five magics through tornado was top tier metal.

4 bangers, 4 mid tier and an intro squeezed into 33 minutes is pretty impressive. Was sitting at a 3.5 until I'll Wait came on.

His voice and style of incorporating Irish trad rock with country western is so unique that it makes it hard to rate him against his contemporaries. Very easy album, nothing grating or annoying and while some of the songs were questionable (just a hobo?), the title track, all over now, and cut across shorty were the highlights for me.

Feels like run dmc is the missing link between the origins of and the expansion of rap sub genres in the 90s. Also feels like jam master jay is less impressive now.

Tried to remove all bias walking into this one, and surprisingly I'm still tempted to put it at a 5. No wasted space on the album, every track kicks you in your ass. Can't imagine a better set of music to start/participate in a riot.

Peak cream if you ask me, which feels like splitting hairs given they only existed for like 2 years. Feels like the origins of heavy metal, just in the amount of power coming through two guitars.

I was all over the map on this one, wanting to rate it as low as a 1.5 and as a high as a 4 at different points. I settle on a 2.5 rounded up because of how genre defining they are but not really a band I'm ever in the mood to listen to for a full album.

An album for all seasons, can just as easily sit next to a fire with a cup of hot chocolate as you could sip lemonade in a hammock. I guess beverages are the common denominator, but in any case it's a great listen. It's hard to tell which songs are standards like had to be you, vs which just have that similar nostalgic feel to them even hearing the first time, which in my opinion is a good thing. 4.5 rounded down bc Ray Charles has so many other songs I love not on this album.

I had the same excitement to listen to this album as I did Megadeth, since I never really gave either band a full listen, but was disappointed. They've got a similar vibe but it feels a little more reckless and more blindly aggressive. Feels like splitting hairs with Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer probably sounding indistinguishable from each other to a lot of listeners, but I do think I enjoy slayer the least of the three. 2.5 rounded down bc I was kind of annoyed by the end of the album

Really solid album, lot of cool artists featured, and the rest is classic John Lee hooker blues. Super easy to listen to, great walking music.

After the three song combo of living, golden lady, and higher ground, it was really a question of how this can be less than 5 stars. I was not able to come up with an answer to that question, especially after all in love and don't you worry. Exemplary high water mark on this list.

Fully expected sterile, german, early synth kraftwerk (found out later they share some members) style music - and didn't get that at all. This is almost like two mini albums smooshed together. Side A is soothingly ambient, experimental without being abrasive, and almost doesn't even sound from its time. Definitely hear some influences on Sigur Ros (which is not a statement I thought I would say during this exercise). Side B was far closer to center, and while it wasnt the best Krautrock I've heard i definitely dug it.

Just as gay as you'd expect, and it works. A little longer than it had the strength for, but it's got a consistent vibe, sold production and catchy riffs.

Quality pop songs, catchy riffs, but it feels like there's something missing for me to call it a great album. Like I enjoyed each of the songs for the most part, but it didn't feel like it was contributing to anything, not greater than the sum of it's parts.2.5 rounded down because I can't recall any one specific song that stood out.

I liked at least some of every single track, but also every song just rode out too long. Made me nostalgic for driving around the rainy streets of Liberty City in GTA 3, 2.5 rounded up for that reason.

Front heavy but solid album overall, especially the closer Carrion. She has a (unintuitively) similar voice to Michael McDonald, in that it's somehow high and low at the same time, in sure there's a more intelligent way to say that. Feels like 3.5 rounded down because the b side was relatively forgettable.

If you like blues, you love this album. I do and I do.

Didn't expect to like this album but I did. It's certainly not my go to style or genre, feeling like a precursor to Gaga, in this cabaret esque vibe.

Really well arranged. A few fun covers. Good album closer. All that said, feels like music for people that don't do drugs. 3.5 rounded up

Kinda the prime example of how far out psychedelically you can take funk, which is awesome. The title track tells you right off the bat what you're getting into. Awesome three track combo with get to that, hit it, and your folks. The wars of Armageddon at the end is like the only way to outro an album that starts the way it does.

Listened to this some time ago and forgot to review, what I remember of it was that it was theatrical and weird, but not grating or annoying. I felt like it was a concept album for someone who isn't me. General memory of it is vague but positive, so feels like a 2.5 rounded down for being unmemorable.

First time with this album and enjoyed it, even without a single song standing out over the rest. It was just what you expect from Arctic Monkeys, so I guess you could criticize it for lack of doing something new. 3.5 rounded down because although I couldn't really think of a criticism, I also couldn't think of a highlight.

Went into this pessimistically but didn't dislike it as much as I expected. That said this album brought me to the conclusion that my taste in punk is irrationally picky. I don't know why I don't like this but I do like Ramones or Dead Kennedys, but this feels half baked or maybe just too early on for me to fully enjoy. 2.5 rounded down bc j won't pick it back up.

Had never listened to the group before, only heard of them as a band Kurt Cobain likes. This is the experience I was hoping for wot this list, loved the album so much that I listened to two more directly after. Great blend of grunge, psych, and just solid ass hard rock.

Never listened to the full album, but it feels like one long flashback to the 2000s explosion of dance music with daft punk and deadmaus blowing up, this could arguably be the third leg to that stool.

Solid ass CCR album, no annoying tracks, bad moon rising is a classic, and it was cool to hear a couple live versions at the end.

Had heard the name but knew nothing of him. It's like pop music for theater kids, but it's definitely really well done. His voice felt somewhere between a less whiny Thom Yorke or the singer from Muse. Songwriting was solid but definitely too long.2.5 rounded up bc I would see what else he's got.

One of my personal favorite albums, and my opinion remains unchanged after this listen.

So many good little songs on this album, you never tire of them cuz they move by quickly, and each one has its own little vibe. You can hear a ton of different styles and influences as well, but they're all somewhat subtle.

I went in knowing the album well and assuming a 5 but listening with critical ears, it's a little over the top on the hippy front lyrically. Ton of classics though, the vocal performance is ridiculous, and there's some really good instrumental jams there too. 4.5 rounded up.

Solid set of Curtis Mayfield-ass music, if you're into that kinda thing, which I am. That said no real stand out tracks in particular.

I can understand someone who loves Paul Simon being really into this album, as it's kinda him just doing little explorations. But I found it disjointed and feeling unfinished. Lyrically, it's 50/50 songs taking themselves too seriously (rene and margarite, Jonny ace) or not seriously at all (allergies, cars are cars). 2.5 rounded down bc I can't imagine choosing to listen to it again.

Call it cliche, this is the gold standard for albums in my mind. So much variety in terms of song vibes, but constructed such that it builds and falls perfectly. All the little 'moments' line up just right - the intense, thunderstorm-esque back half of she's so heavy cutting abruptly to here comes the sun, the crickets carrying over from your money to sun king, the little reprises and drum solo in carry that weight, her majesty, etc. - to make the whole thing feel cohesive without relying on a lyrical or genre-based theme. And on top of all that, the whole thing is wrapped in so much nostalgia having been raised on this album, as I'm sure many others share. 5.5 rounded down, and bias acknowledged, nothing is topping this.

Genre defining album, minimal filler, and at least 3 absolute classics. Pushed from 4 to 4.5 because this album was on my weekly rotation in high school, but rounding down all the same.

Walked in totally blind and really enjoyed it, was thinking 4 for a good portion but it went on a bit long so I'm saying 3.5 rounded up, even though I never actually tired of it. Gidelam was the stand out, an absolute bop.

Rush is super polarizing but this is one of the more accessible,albums, which isn't saying much. Tom Sawyer and Limelight (and less so YYZ) are probably the only songs many people know of Rush, I didn't realize they were on the same album. I enjoyed it for sure and would listen again.

This thing was a fucking journey, first half is a contemporary (at the time) rock cover sampler, then it shifts gears into cinematic strings and symphony arrangements (which were really enjoyable). I guess it's a three, but I could defend a 2 or a 4.

Great vibes, agreeable melodies, awesome bbq album.

Absolute classic, arguably better than most beatles albums.

I was worried that I would disappoint my expectations and rate it less than the 5 that my nostalgia (and music critics at large) wants to give it. Nope, totally agree with the hype, in spite of some dated skits/interludes. So many classics, feels like every other song.

Very middle of the road album for me, I didn't hate any songs, but none stuck out either. True 2.5, rounded down since I can't pick one as a favorite.

So many iconic little hooks across this album, but I have to say I could have done with less (not necessarily none) of the feedback and ear scraping bullshit. That aside, this slaps hard with nostalgia and feels vital to the essential late 90s music catalog. Side thought: Beck is LA's (delayed) response to NYC's Beastie Boys.

First two tracks are the obvious standouts, rest of the album was fine with no obvious 3rd place. Its definitely best listened to in a very specific mood, but revisitable nonetheless.

Bias acknowledged, I can't understand how someone who enjoys rock n roll or soul music from the second half of the twentieth century could not love this album. Top tier opener/closer combo, and not a single dud in between; the iconic, all-in style of singing almost distracts you from how tight the band is playing.

Definitely not easy listening, but I didn't dislike it as much as other experimental, avant garde type albums on this list. Kind of a satire of contemporary music and culture, but having not lived during that era it feels like I'm missing some of the joke. 2.5 rounded down for lack of relistenability.

Makes sense that the opener is the only single, as there isn't much of a standout among the rest of the album. That said, it was all good listening and not as jarring or avant garde as you might expect their deep cuts to be.

Really enjoyable album, listened to it back to back with fat of the land and hard to pick a favorite but I think this falls just short of the other, 4.5 rounded down.

I want to like them, and I dig their weird vibe sometimes, but a full album is just too much bryan ferry.

Maybe I'll have this take on every rush album, but it's great if you're into that kinda thing, but I can imagine it being a slog if you don't like prog rock.

Can't think of another live album where the artist has the entire audience so squarely in the palm of his hand. Makes you want to be there.

Jazz rap at its finest, benchmark album

Quintessential metal, gold standard, blah blah

Even better than I had hoped it would be, everything you want from 90s drum n bass, jungle, British techno.

2.5 rounded up for the first two tracks