Great album all around, just a little bloated. The hits on the album are classics for a reason. Some great deep cuts too. Had it been edited down to 18 tracks and it could be near perfect. 7/10
A masterpiece. I don’t listen to this album as much as some of his later stuff and I don’t know why because it’s up there with his best works. So many classic tracks 9/10
I was a huge fan of The White Stripes growing up, but haven’t really listened to much of Jack Whites solo output. Anytime I would hear a track I would enjoy it but not enough to go out and listen to the record. The White Stripes run was near perfect in my opinion so I didn’t need any more Jack White.
While it is a good listen, with solid songwriting, it seems overproduced in places and has a few tracks that I would consider filler. I just find myself wanting to go back to the Stripes more stripped down approach. Sixteen Saltines slaps 6/10
A punk classic. Very familiar with this album as I’ve been listening to it since I was 12. Almost perfect, starts out strong and ends strong, just suffers a little in the middle from being a little to repetitive/samey. But extremely influential and original for its time 9/10
Goddamn I love this album. It’s the perfect introduction to protest music,(it was mine) The opening trio of songs is so strong. This album is designed to get you angry and pumped up and it doesn’t let you down. I’ve seen A lot of people argue about the lyrics being amateurish, but the “fuck you I won’t do what you tell me” is exactly what protest music should be, catchy as fuck and easily chantable. I’m sure Rage could’ve wrote deeper political songs but that’s not what they were about. Ton Morello is such an innovator. We could use more rage in today’s times. 9.5/10
Meh… I can respect that Beck was extremely talented and innovative but to me he is still boomer blues. The first few tracks are pretty good but as it when on I just got super bored with it. I’d much rather listen to some classic blues. Also, it loses points for Rod Stewart. Never cared for his vocal style or vibes. 4/10
The singles, “Novocaine for the Soul” and “My Beloved Monster” are both great, but as a whole the album just doesn’t work for me. Good but not great 5/10
Wow! What a fun listen this was. I’m familiar with some of Louis Prima’s work (Buena Sera, Jump Jive and Wail) but I was just loving the energy on this record. I can’t believe I’ve never heard (I’ll be Glad When You’re Dead) such a great track. All around a wonderful listen 8/10
What a great choice for this list. The sequencing on this album is textbook and perfect. Grand and sweeping and jumping seemlessly from r&b, hip-hop, funk, neo-psych, and rock. Where some tracks would typically come off corny when this varied the heart that Janelle Monae brings to every track shines through. My only knock is the production on a few of the tracks is a little of its time, and it dips just a little in quality in part 3, Still a phenomenal listen. 8/10
Sweet! An album I’ve never heard from a band I’ve heard about for a long time! I honestly was a little underwhelmed. The first half of the album is just okay hard rock, the songs were forgettable for me. The second half of the album gets a little more experimental and definitely benefits from it. “Getting Bright at Night” was definitely a standout track. Also loved the Suicide nod “Meatmaker”
7/10
Fantastic album front to back. I love when Neil gets a little heavier than normal, I’m so this is one of my favorite albums of his. Not to say that the folk songs on here aren't also fantastically written and played. Favorites- Powderfinger, Sedan Delivery and Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) 10/10
10/10 My favorite albums of all time. Every track is timeless. No notes
The Mekons are a hit and miss band for me. They have some great stuff in their catalog but not all of it hits. I get that this was an influential album in its melding folk/country and punk but it’s just misses more than it hits for me. Some alright tracks but nothing worthy of another listen for me. 5/10
Kendrick is the best in the game as far as modern hip hop goes, and this album is his masterpiece. Such a compelling journey from beginning to end. Not a weak track on the album, everything has its place. Still as poignant today as it was 10 years ago. 10/10 My personal favorite hip hop album from the 2010’s.
Fuck you for making me listen to this garbage. Shit album by a shit human 0/10
D’Angelo has the voice of an angel… A very sexy and sexual angel but still. And this angel has only granted us 3 albums over 30 years and each one is a gem. I’m not as familiar with his debut as the other two but this one didn’t disappoint. The jazz instrumentation isa gorgeous accompaniment to D’Angelos passionate and soulful vocals. The production is a little dated for the early 90’s R&B which is the only knock I’ve got land that’s just compared to the timeless production on his other albums, so a pretty high bar. Best tracks- “ Brown Sugar” “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker” 8/10
It’s not a bad listen but rather boring all things considered. I’m not trying to be ageist, but when rockers start getting older their edge begins to soften and the music tends to become a little milquetoast. Not 100% of the time, but unfortunately that’s what has happened here. Again, it’s not that anything in here is bad, it’s just why would I listen to this when I can listen to “Nebraska”or “The River.” It did become a little of a slog towards the end. Best tracks “Lonesome Day” “The Rising”
4/10
Quiet and understated. Beautiful and haunting. 7/10
Favorite tracks- “Three Hours” “Cello Song” “Man In a Shed”
Wow! This album kept surprising me! The first track was solid, the next two were kinda meh for me but by the synth-funk breakdown at the end of “Guilt” I realized this was something a little more special. The rest of the album is super strong, I am sold. Marianne Faithful sounds so effortlessly cool. The album cover is fitting because of her raspy vocal delivery, I imagine her holding a cig in the recording booth while pumping this out. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Broken English” “Guilt” “
Not my thing… I can appreciate Eddie Van Halen’s virtuosity and innovation with the guitar, Eruption is definitely my favorite track off this, but this album was the prototype for all hair/bro metal to come afterwards and I can’t forgive it for that. They do it better than most, but hair metal is a genre that takes everything I love about rock music and does the opposite. Most of this just comes off corny to me. 3/10 Favorite tracks- “Runninv with the Devil” “Eruption”
Not my cup of tea, the whole project comes off dull and forgettable to me. I found myself really wanting it to be over 3/4 into the album. Still Emmylou’s voice is uniquely beautiful and her storytelling is on point so not a 1 star. 3/10
Nice! What a great eclectic bunch of rock songs. I’ve loved Song #2 since I was a wee child. It may be a little nostalgia but that song will never fail to pump me up! A few of the songs don’t really land for me but still an overall fantastic outing for Blur. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “ Beetlebum” “Song #2” “On Your Own”
Man, I love this challenge for moments like this. If I’ve already heard the album I always go in with a rating in mind and I love it when a re-listen here completely changes my opinion. I remember listening to this years back and thinking, “It’s alright classic rock” but on a re-listen I was so wrong. Every single track on this album is near perfect. Such an epic run of tracks. Theatrical and grandiose, and the hooks all hit perfectly! 10/10 Favorite tracks- “Bat Out of Hell” “All Revved Up With No Place To Go” “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”
Scratching my head over how this ended up on this list. It’s not a bad album per se but it extremely forgettable generic “alt rock”. It’s not Kid Rock bad though so I’ll give it two stars. 2/10
Joy Division’s erratic little brother, Best thing John Lyndon’s ever been a part of
A whole lot of ding dang fun! 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Clint Eastwood” “19-2000” “Tomorrow Comes Today”
This one’s not on Spotify but I hope that doesn’t deter anyone from listening to it. I had it on vinyl so I was good but it’s on YouTube if anyone else needs it.
Hot damn, when Gil Scott Heron and Brain Jackson get together magic happens and this album is certainly no exception. A gorgeous jazz/r&b album about the tumultuous times for the black community in the midst of the civil rights movement in the 70’s. 8/10 Favorite tracks “The Bottle” “H2Ogate Blues”
Now that’s what I call dad rock vol 20! A pretty good collection of hard rock from the 70’s. Nothing exceptional here but not a bad album either. Just straightforward rock n roll. The perfect length for a rock record too imho.5/10 Favorite tracks-“Can’t Get Enough” “Don’t Let Me Down”
This band should be bigger than they are. I had only ever heard “Another Girl, Another Planet” and I don’t know how but this is right up my alley. You can hear the influences of tons of punk/indie/twee from the 80s. Great listen! Favorite tracks- “Another Girl, Another Planet,” “Breaking Down” “Creature of Doom”
Air’s brand of moody understated electronic music works extremely well in soundtrack form. Wonderful album, I just wish there were a few more tracks with vocals because the opener is such a great song. Favorite tracks- “Playground Love,” “Highschool Lover, “Dead Bodies” 8/10
The blueprint for all metal to come after. Still holds up and one of my favorite metal albums of all time only passed by Paranoid. 9/10
Solid Brit-pop album. Solid bunch of rock songs, nothing exceptional here aside from one track “Alright” which is a wonderful pop tune! 7/10 Favorite tracks-“Alright” “Mansize Rooster” “Strange Ones”
Not my favorite Beatles record. Of course it’s got some classic tracks but it’s also got a handful of songs I would consider stinkers- “Michelle” “What Goes On” “Run For Your Life” Highs are really high but pretty mid album especially for the Beatles. 6/10
Beautiful stripped down, only Bruce and a 4 track. 8/10 Favoirte tracks- “Atlantic City” “Jonhhy 99” “Sate Trooper”
Wonderful listen! All the twists and turns in Djed, the minimalist electronic sound and is great and then it just jumps at you with some great free jazz and post rock. Great stuff 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Djed” “The Taut and Tame”
Eh, I don’t really agree this should be on the list. There is better psych and rock from this era. I’ts not a bad or annoying listen just pretty meh. 4/10 Favorite tracks- “Super Bird” “Love”
Chaotic, noisy and fantastic. Kim Gordon’s tracks on this all stand out as top tier. Only thing preventing this from 5 is a few songs on the second half are just not quite perfect. 9/10 Favorite tracks- “Silver Rocket” “Total Trash” “Cross the Breeze” “Kissability”
This one hasn’t aged super well, but there are still some solid ideas here. The first half I found a little boring but starting from Radio 7 I started to really dig some of the grooves he chews creating. 6/10 Favorite tracks- “Slasher’s Revenge” “Freaknik” “Don’t Die Just Yet”
Dig some of the krautrock grooves they’ve got going on here but does this really deserve a spot on this list? Some good tunes but nothing super influential or original going on here. It’s better than two stars but in the context of this list I think I that’s what Iit deserves. Favorite track- “Opener” 4/10
British band makes one of the most iconic/influential southern rock albums. The Stones at their most unhinged.9/10 Fav tracks- “rocks off” “ ventilator blues@
Fun punky Irish tunes! Some of the tracks blend together or are interchangeable but I still enjoyed the whole listen. I think this band is at its best when it’s trying something new as the typical formula wears a little thin. Still good time though. 6/10
Favorite tracks- “Fairytale of New York” “Fiesta” and “Worms” ( I want a full version of this song) ( you kinda get a spiritual successor with the Viagra Boys “Worms”)
The energy on this love record is off the charts which is to be expected when talking about Jerry Lee Lewis. Fantastic choice showcasing the raucous brand of rock in roll he was famous for. Great stuff and we love a 20 minute record. Short,sweet and to the point. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Great Balls of Fire” “Lewis’ Boogie “ “Long Tall Sally”
Nice dream pop album. I remember when this came out and it’s accurate about it being an influential record. Lots of pop and indie of today took its cues from this record. Some of the songs blur together and just aren’t interesting enough to keep my attention but this is for the most part a solid 2010’s record.
Sabbath has still got it here but by now the formula isn’t as novel or exciting as it was on the first few records. Still got the riffs, still got the mood and it’s got a few departures from the sabbath formula with one “Changes” working out really well for them. This album for me is where the quality in Sabbath material starts to drop a little though. 6/10 Favorite tracks “Changes” “Supernaut” “St. Vitus Dance”
One of the GOAT’s. Every single track is a classic. No notes 10/10 Favorite tracks- “Hiney Chile” “Blue Monday” “Mardi Gras inNew Orleans”
Franz Ferdinand is a good band, just a little generic in the context of this list. After my past two albums, Black Sabbath and Fats Domino, Franz Ferdinand just isn’t on the same level. Perfectly fine 00’s alt rock, but nothing groundbreaking… I’d rather listen to Television… 4/10 Favorite tracks- “This Fire” “Darts of Pleasure”
This one started off really strong and kind of tapered out by the end. By no means are the ballads on this album bad they just don’t hold my attention like the wilder first half. Starting off strong with “Feel,” the next five songs are great. After that it’s a bit hit or miss for me. Still a solid record. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Feel” “In The Street” “ Thirteen”
The energy and adolescent punk attitude still ooze out of every track here. One of my favorites in my youth it still holds up. Great introduction to punk record. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “No Feelings” “Sub-mission” “Pretty Vacant”
This one was a vibe! I had grew up hearing of Tricky and I may have heard a song here or there but I never revisited him as an adult and I feel like I missed out. Some of the production certainly dates this album to the 90’s but it doesn’t stop with the surprises, I never knew where it was going to take me but I was here for all of it. Great stuff ‘ 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Ponderosa” “Hell Is Round The Corner” “Aftermath”
The weirdos of an already weird genre, I’m all here for Faust’s eccentric brand of krautrock. Love this record. 8/10 Favorite tracks-“ The Sad Skinhead” “Jennifer” “Giggly Smile”
Great neo-soul/funk record. Instrumentation is tight and Badu’s songwriting and vocal performance is top tier. Almost a little too laid back and understated in places if kind of drags a little in the middle but the strong start/ finish on the album kept me interested and engaged. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Didn't Cha Know” “Bag Lady” “Time’s a Wastin”
Weird and wonderful 8/10 Favorite tracks- “When I Grow Up” “Triangle Walks” “Coconut”
7/10 Favorite tracks- “Happy Alone” Joes Head” “Molly Chambers”
If we were talking about the whole package it would be an easy 10/10. If we are talking about the album minus the visuals it’s a little bloated in places. Still a fantastic listen with lots of great songs but falls just short of perfection.9/10 favorite tracks- “Another Brick in the Wall pt1” “Hey You” “Run Like Hell”
I really liked the few tracks on this one that I liked and kinda wanted the rest to be over, even found a few of them grating. 4/10 Favorite tracks- “Victoria” “Nothing to Say”
I’m certainly not the target audience for this one. It’s competent and varied enough that I can’t give it one star but I this one was a bit more of a chore than usual. 3/10
“I make fight music for high school kids”- Eminem
While Em is a talented lyricist, I think every track on this made me cringe. If it’s not the sexism it’s the homophobia. Anyone who says they “don’t give a fuck” that much is obvi bothered. 1/10
Nah, this isn’t it. Generic and forgettable. 2/10
Fun and funky. Hard not to dance the whole time it was on while cleaning my house. 8/10 Favorite tracks-“Mothership Connection” “Supergroove….” “Give Up the Funk”
Another one of my favorites from the stones. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Gimme Shelter”
First half of this album is perfect and I can definitely see how it started a musical uprising of sorts for generation x. The second half isn’t quite as strong with a few filler tracks but still a great listen front to back. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Come as You Are” “Breed” “Lithium”
I was a fan of this one, one of those bands that people have been telling me to listen to, only ever heard Psychocandy. I really enjoyed this one though. 7/10 Favorite Tracks: “Darklands” “Down on Me” “Cherry Came Too”
Amazing album from an amazing band. It starts off huge with “I Zimbra” and doesn’t stop until it’s over. Some of my favorite songs from the greatest band to come out of Punk/New Wave. 10/10 Favorite Tracks- “IZimbra” “Heaven” “Drugs”
The Captain’s debut album is a lot less experimental than his other works, opting for a more blues/50’s R&B sound. While I prefer the oddities on Trout Mask more the straightforward approach works pretty well for Captain Beefhart as well with Van Vliets’ gruff voice suiting the styles well. The best stuff in here is when they get weird with it though. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Dropout Boogie” “Electricity” “Abba Zabba”
If I had heard this in the 90’s when it was released I think my little mind would have been blown. Hearing it now some of it sounds a little dated but it hooked me in the second half. And I didn’t want it to stop by the end. 6/10 Favorite tracks- “10th and Crenshaw” “First Down” “Next to Nothing”
I don’t know what it is about X, but they have never really clicked for me as someone who grew up in the punk community. Los Angeles is a certified banger but not much on this album got me excited. Pretty corny throughout aside from a few bright moments. 4/10 tracks- “We’re Desperate” “I’m Coming Over”
Amazing album. The Cure’s magnum opus. 9/10 Favorite tracks- “Pictures of You” “Fascination Street” “Prayers For Rain”
I like this album just fine but to get this the day after Disintegration, it just makes the Bunnymen’s version of gothic pop seem like kiddie stuff. I feel bad because I am a fan of the album and have been for a while but in this context I’m giving it a 5/10. Favorite tracks-“Silver” “Thorn of Crowns” and “The Killing Moon”
Pretty good 70’s country. Dolly was in her prime here. Admittedly some of this does blend together for me but it’s still a fine (quick) listen. 6/10 Favorite tracks- “Traveling Man” “Here I Am”
I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Kate Bush has such a unique voice both artistically and literally and I adore her entire output and this is her masterpiece. Split in to one half some of the best pop tunes of the 80’s and one half experimental genre dabbling, this one is right up my alley. Not a misstep on here, such an amazing listen every time. 10/10 Favorite tracks- All
I’m sure some people love 7 minute rock drum solos… I’m not one of them. 3/10
It was an alright listen. Had me nodding my head throughout. 6/10 Favorite tracks-“Mad Cyril” “Wrote For Luck” “Bring a Freind”
I knew and appreciated the hits but hadn’t listened to this album so was hoping for some gold. Outside of the hits it was a mixed bag, some throwaways for sure but I did enjoy the weirder edge on the two closing tracks.7/10 Favorite tracks- “Time After Time” “She-Bop” “He’s So Unusual”
