I definitely appreciate Rick Rubin bringing Johnny Cash back to relevance and the fact that this record introduced his music to a new generation but I find these American records pretty boring. Production is way too clean and just makes me want to listen to old Johnny Cash records.
Duke Ellington is not my really my shit. Big band jazz doesn’t really do it for me. There are some great players on here like Coleman Hawkins and Johnny Hodges but I much prefer them in small band settings. Swing is a style of jazz that I don’t ever listen to. Feels old-timey in a bad way
Stone classic. Point off for The Girl Is Mine and being a pedo. I’m not listening to Thriller itself outside of Halloween but so many of these songs are undeniable.
Never listened to this before other than the singles. Not as bad as I thought it was gonna be but not my thing.
Leonard Cohen’s early albums are completely unique in the 60’s singer/songwriter genre. They are such a vibe to me. Musically they are very sparse and haunting pushing his voice to the front of the record. I’m not a poetry or even a lyrics-first guy but I find his combination or voice and lyrics otherworldly. Listened to this album countless times on headphones while reading or walking around at night. An absolute classic.
First time I heard Steely Dan I was working in a video store and my boss played them constantly. I remember him telling me about some song where they had the musicians practice it repeatedly until it was devoid of all feeling and how he thought that was so cool. Soulessness was not a quality I was looking for in music at the time so I did not vibe. Only years later on hearing some of their songs in a different context did I come to appreciate what they do. That being said I’m still not a massive fan. This record has some obvious undeniably bangers but some pretty weak tracks too imo. Definitely not my band but I can pick up some of what they put down.
Somehow I posted my review of this record as Rob. Hope that doesn’t fuck everything up
I always found Jim Morrison so corny and I can’t get Val Kilmer’s over-the-top performance as him out of my head. This is also the album of theirs that has the most songs I’ve heard so many times I never need to hear them again. Musically I dig it but The Doors are just not top tier 60’s rock to me barring a few ATJs
Perfect for any occasion. Great accompaniment to a quiet evening reading or a hard working day in a factory. Particularly love Negativ Nein and Absteig and Zerfall!
Truly an insane record. Skip Spence basically was the American version of Syd Barrett. Did way too much acid, got kicked out Moby Grape and was locked up in a mental hospital. Made this one record which borders on unlistenable at points but is also strangely compelling. Years ago Beck did a project where he put together a band and did front to back covers of entire albums and they did this one. It’s definitely worth a listen. I will say that I really dig this album but rarely put it on.
Not my favourite Bowie record. Too much sax and back up singers. A few real solid jams though. Right is borderline ATJ territory for me.
Didn’t get into Wilco until the album after this “A Ghost Is Born” and largely ignored this record for years figuring it was too straight forward. This feeling was also based on working in a record store and seeing all the hype this album got and the people who were buying it. Have since completely changed my mind and totally understand why this album is so beloved. I do think some of the live versions on Kicking Television are better than the studio ones but have come to love this album. Point off for Heavy Metal Drummer
Um…nope. Never heard a song by these guys before this. I love 80’s synth pop but this is not good. Singer is too theatrical.
It’s tired and obvious to dunk on Taylor Swift. I appreciate there is genuine song craft here and lots of catchy hooks. Don’t hate it but don’t like it either.
One of the most guitarded records of all time. Listening to this today sent me right back to being thirteen, smoking weed for the first time and chilling in a Scarborough basement with my lifelong bros
I love Nick Drake. Beautiful pastoral folk. Only made 3 records but they all do it for me.
I like this record okay. Beck does make interesting musical choices and though I’m largely impartial on his funkier records I do enjoy the more introspective singer/songwriter ones
Maybe my 4th favourite Neil Young album but pretty much unassailable. Every track is classic. Lots of mellow songs but a few bangers too.
This sucked real bad. Can’t imagine someone putting this on thinking “everyone needs to hear this before they die!”
I have a feeling this is the album of Steve Earle’s I should like the most and I like it very little. Too rooty tootin for me. I also need to mention how much I hate the song where a truck driver calls his son from the road. “Hey little guy, can’t believe you answered the phone. I didn’t know you could that”. Maybe the worst song opening in history
The Buzzcocks are one of my favourite punk bands. Musically it’s more interesting than most punk and I love Pete Shelley’s voice. This record also has a ton of great hooks. I Don’t Mind sounds like it could have been written by The Who.
One of my favourite albums of all time. Totally unique in the New York punk scene. Tom Verlaine’s and Richard Lloyd’s guitar lines never stop swirling and moving. This album was so hugely influential to so much of the music I love but nobody has ever managed to really replicate its sound.
This record was absolutely huge to me when it came out. The Dust Brothers production was incredibly innovative and interesting and the record is funny and strange but it has not aged that well for me. Still is was nice to listen to it for the first time in many years
Another high school record for me that was on constantly. I kinda stopped listening to Radiohead after this record and I know people are fanatical about them but it just didn’t grab me that much. Earlier this year I decided to go back and listen to their entire catalog and see if maybe I was wrong and came away feeling like they are a really good band who is just not so much for me. This record however holds a ton of nostalgia and I loved listening to it again.
Never really got into Earth, Wind and Fire. Mid to late 70’s soul is just not an era I really connect with. Sounds too smooth.
Was aware of these guys but had never listened before. This band is a reformation of the influential proto-punk band Rocket From The Tombs who were around in the mid 70’s. Kudos to them for reforming in their 40’s and going for it but I don’t like it. Singers voice is really annoying. Can’t ever see myself putting this on.
Not nearly as bad as I was expecting. Some really catchy riffs. But I really don’t enjoy the production. This era of rock guitar production always sounds so bad to me. Really clean and shimmery. But it was kind of a fun listen. Lyrics are funny at points. Not my shit but not terrible to me.
On the second song I was thinking maybe this wasn’t so bad. Just like relentless metal which I could enjoy in small doses but then by song four they start integrating conventional nu metal singing elements and I had to stop. If it was just punishing all the way through I would not have hated it
Listened to this a ton when it came out. Never throw it on any more. A few jams but some real cringy moments
Overall I really liked this. Few tunes didn’t do it for me but a couple of classics
I liked this. Only knew the song Gary Gilmore’s eyes which has been on a ton of comps. Definitely not a standout first wave punk record to me but hits in a few spots
Wanted to like this more. Echoes of greatness but ultimately it’s a miss for me. Don’t like the sound despite liking the songs and the voice
I love The Isley Brothers yet somehow have never listened to this album. When I was just getting into soul music they reissued their first 4 RCA records which I bought on cd and have listened to for years but for some reason I just stopped there figuring that by 1973 the albums had diminishing returns. Clearly not exactly the case. Some vibers on this one. Always love any version of the Seals & Croft classic Summer Breeze. Solid
Not a big fan of electronic music outside of a few artists. I wouldn’t be bothered if someone threw this on but would never put on myself
Full of hooks, weird song structures and funny lyrics this is a classic of outsider pop music
Never actually listened to a Metallica record before. Very technically impressive. Did not pair well with reading on my subway ride home.
Kinda reminds me of New Order. Liked some of the songs. I definitely feel like the five star rating system is limiting me here because I like this more than other records I have given a 2 but less than most of my 3s.
I love the production on this record but I do find Common really corny at points. There are a few serious bangers but also a fair number of skips for me. Have def heard it a fair bit over the years but not in a while. I’m gonna give it another listen in the next few days and see if it grows on me more.
About as good as disco gets for my taste. Super funky, killer players, catchy as shit.
First time I’ve heard any of the late era Bowie stuff that critics seem to love. Didn’t do anything for me.
I’m not allowed to listen to the song Bridge Over Troubled Water in my house because it makes my wife sadder than any other song. That being said it is maybe the only song on this album I don’t really like.
Add this to the list of albums I never checked out because I knew exactly what they sounded like and I was right. It’s hard because it’s not unlistenable but it’s just really not music I care about or would ever put on. Time to rethink my rating system…..
This is the first record I ever remember listening to. A Hard Day’s Night was my favourite song when I was 4 or 5. Now I rarely listen to these early Beatles records but there are quite a few songs I love on this one. I Should Have Known Better and Tell Me Why are standouts for me.
Got some mixed feelings on this one. Genius of Love is obv an ATJ and there’s a couple of other bangers but I find a few of the songs hard to listen to. Respect it but don’t love it front to back
I was working in a record store when this album came out and I remember people freaking out over it which was slightly mystifying to me. It’s true there aren’t many albums made now that channel classic soul sounds but I don’t think this is groundbreaking. It’s tough cuz I love her voice but I don’t love these songs.
I dig Portishead and all their offshoots. This album in particular is tied to a specific era for me but I think it has aged well.
Didn’t bother me but didn’t move me. This record is very beloved in some circles but I never took to it
I have serious Rolling Stones fatigue after years of having it put on at numerous social gatherings and workplaces but it is hard to deny how perfect this record is. Straight vibe front to back.
She can sing and this is very listenable but it makes me long for the original versions when she does soul songs. I kinda prefer the poppy girl group ones on this.
If pressed I would probably say Curtis Mayfield is my favourite musician of all time. The Impressions and the first 5 or so solo albums he made are all perfect to me. Listened to this on my stereo full blast while reorganizing my soul CDs today. Undeniable
I’m a big fan of the first three Bee Gees records which pair their signature harmony singing with psychedelic pop songwriting. This record is a bit too straight-forward overall for me but there are some nice harmonies and a few great songs
Joni did black face on stage when she performed Furry Has The Blues.
Sarah Vaughan isn’t one of my favourite jazz vocalists but I found this record pretty decent overall. Liked the atmosphere and the spare group playing behind her.
Like the spirit of this record but the songs are lacking majorly
Never been a huge Pet Shop Boys fan but I like Neil Tennant’s voice and they have a few good songs none of which are on this album imo
I love Will Oldham’s frail voice and songwriting. His early albums as Palace Brothers/Music and the first few Bonnie Prince Billy albums are entire worlds filled with sad, desperate stories. I See A Darkness is haunting and strange. Have never stopped listening to it since it was released.
Some great moments on this record but a few stinkers. Almost perfect but not quite
I remember liking this album when it came out. It’s an interesting departure from Blur and Gorillaz for Damon Albarn. I like the use of Fela Kuti’s long time drummer Tony Allen and Paul Simonon from The Clash. Definitely was surprised to find I still dig it. Not groundbreaking and I’m surprised it’s on this list but very enjoyable for me
Never been a Queen fan outside of a few songs. Not sure if this is some LOTR fan music but I really wanted to like Ogre Battle. I did not.
I understand why this record is on here but I just can’t listen to it anymore. Me and my friends play a game called “Never Rap Wack” where we try to freestyle as badly as possible and I realized one of our go-to rep flows was early Beastie Boys.
According to Apple Music there are 5 essential Paul Simon albums. I don’t necessarily agree with their picks but I agree with the fact this is not one of them. A few innocuous easy listeners but some real cringers too
An all-time favourite for me. The album where Sonic Yoith managed to perfectly fuse noise and pop songwriting.
I really like some of the directions this record goes. Tons of great musical arrangements. Will relisten for sure.
Man was this really beautiful. Have listened to a fair bit of Ravi Shankar but am largely unfamiliar with other classical Indian music. Gonna add this to my library. 4 stare after one listen but I feel like it’s a record I will go back to multiple times
Spent my entire music store career arguing about Elvis Costello with people. I think he’s the most overrated artist that musicians and people whose taste I respect truly admire. I think it’s boring, corny and derivative.
I was never a massive fan of Smashing Pumpkins. Listened to Siamese Dream when it came out and went back and checked out their first few record because of that. They def have some jams. But I remember feeling fatigued by them when Mellon Collie came and out and never bothered to listen it. The singles were played constantly and didn’t really appeal to me and Billy Corgan kinda annoyed me so I figured why bother. I think it’s too late for me to hear this album for the first time. There’s way worse music out there but it’s another case of my built-in impressions coming in colouring my reaction.
Smooth as shit off a ducks ass
Message in a Bottle slaps despite Sting’s put on Jamaican accent. Rest of the records doesn’t move me.
Like some of the music, hate when Beck does his sing/rap thing.
Never really given Roxy Music much of a listen. Pretty enjoyable. Not the biggest fan of Bryan Ferry’s voice but I love Brian Eno. I was unaware he was only in the band for the first 2 albums.
Another classic Sonic Youth album. Their earliest attempt at making accessible music and easily one of their best. This is the first in a run of nearly perfect records for me. 1987 was a really weird year for music. The biggest albums of the year (The Joshua Tree, Appetite For Destruction and Hysteria) were omnipresent meanwhile in Indie Rock the sound that came to define so much of the genre was established by Sister, Dinosaur Jr.’s “You’re Living All Over Me” and R.E.M’s “Document” among others.
I know how highly regarded this record is and I do like it but it’s just not 100% my thing.
Couple of serious bangers. Sounds like if Parliament made a rap album
Got into these guys relatively recently after doing a deep dive on 80’s synth pop, new wave and new romantic music. They have a couple of solid albums but this might be my favourite one.
Lambchop is such an interesting band to me. I had heard them described as alt-country but they constantly experiment and hop genres. My favourite record of theirs is Flotus where Kurt Wagner runs all his vocals through Auto-Tune giving the whole album a completely unique sound. Nixon isn’t one I listen to a ton but it was their breakout album where the experimenting really starts. Definitely enjoy it for the most part.
Bruce Springsteen is the other artist who in addition to Elvis Costello I have been repeatedly told I should appreciate over my years working in record stores. He’s never done anything for me although I will admit my dislike has mellowed with age. This album has two of the songs by him that I think are somewhat undeniably catchy, “I’m on Fire” & “Dancing In The Dark”. I don’t love the sound of much of the record but this was more listenable to me than Bat Out Of Hell.
Nothing really stands about this record to me. Sounds kinda like cookie cutter Britpop. Maybe it’s better than I’m giving it credit for on one listen but I feel fairly safe saying it’s not for me
I mean it’s hard to hate an album with lyrical mastery like “my nuts on your tonsils while you’re up there rapping at your wack ass concert”. Dre isn’t a great mc but the beats on this record are top notch.
This album has a ton of sentimental meaning to a lot of people I know. I have several friends who grew up with this record being regularly played by their parents and have lots of memories tied into it. My parents were not really big music people so I don’t share that experience. I heard this album much later in my life and was somewhat mystified by its beloved status. It’s definitely better than Hearts and Bones but I don’t really enjoy it. I dislike the production. The drums sound really terrible. This also was the beginning of so much terrible global fusion music.
Could really do without the sax but I love the sound of this record. Super warm. Heard Sade being played a fair bit recently due to a co-worker that’s a big fan and I understand why her records are considered classics. They really set the template for modern smooth soul. I used to find that cheesy but think I would now say I’m a fan.
Pretty hard to get through. Atmospheric and strange though
Not for me. Kinda boring. Vocals are corny
I like Bowie’s Berlin trilogy but prefer low to this record. I find this phase of Bowie’s career where he is working with Brian Eno and Robert Fripp to be amping his most interesting. Like the cold industrial sound and use of synths and electronics. Also find it interesting that the album has a vocal side and an instrumental side. Adventurous work from someone who was a massive star at the time
Title track is an ATJ. This record choogles.
Never checked out The Stranglers before. Only knew a few of their songs. Nothing on this record particularly stood out to me. Kinda run of the mill punk with nothing to drag me in. It’s fine
It’s so weird that this is one of the biggest selling albums of all time. None of Peter Frampton’s solo albums come close in terms of sales. Quite a few songs I recognize but none I would ever put on
Holy shit do I ever fucking hate this
The record that made teenage white boys everywhere angry although I’m not sure they knew what they were angry about. I must admit I was one of them although I cannot listen to this album at all anymore.
I’m a huge Robert Wyatt fan. The story behind this record is particularly wild. After being the drummer in the influential psych and art-rock band The Soft Machine Robert Wyatt started recoding more experimental music under his own name and with a new group Matching Mole. He fell out of a window in a tragic accident and became paralyzed from the waist down. Dealing with extreme depression and the life altering injury he changed his primary focus to playing piano and using synths. This record was him working through his depression and coming to terms with his new situation. He has continued to make strange and beautiful records for the last 50 years.
Lame rap rock record that wasn’t cool when it came out. Had one hit single that people know. Completely baffled why this in on this list. Sounded derivative and boring when it came out and time has not been kind to it.
Not a go to record for me but I do enjoy it. Lots of bangers.
Another 90’s British record that probably was meaningful in some way in England but never really caught on here. There are a few records from the Manchester scene that I like but these guys don’t do it for me at all
Had to listen on YouTube since it’s not on streaming. Really nice soul record with some spiritual jazz backing. Must add to the collection.
The Go-Betweens are one of my all-time favourite bands. Formed in the 70’s by 2 friends who met in an arts program they made super literate pop records influenced by punk and art rock. This album is widely considered their best but is not my personal favourite. Recorded 10 years into their career they had abandoned their punk edge and focused on writing catchy and melancholic pop music. Not a perfect record but it contains some of their best songwriting and I have a ton of affection for it.
This is probably the third time I’ve tried to listen to this album after having it recommended to me various times over the years. I just can’t do it. Springsteen’s voice irritates me and musically I find it pretty uninteresting
When I was a kid I watched the Chum Countdown every week. I was obsessed with pop music and loved to hear songs I like climb the charts. When this record came out it felt like it had a single out that was charting for an entire year. I remember being angry every time I would hear the opening of Sledgehammer cuz it meant I had to sit through 5 minutes of Peter Gabriel for yet another week. I actually put this record on a few months ago out of curiosity and found that I can tolerate it more now but I really hate the way the keyboards and drums sound. In Your Eyes and Don’t Give Up are guilty pleasures
Some great tunes on here but it’s clear they hadn’t quite found their sound
Couldn’t escape this record in my childhood and still find it very grating
Not the fucking Eagles man
Big band Jazz isn’t really for me. I don’t hate it but would never put this on
There’s some catchy songs on this but overall it was a miss for me
Never been hugely into Hendrix. I think it’s largely because of my aversion to electric blues in general. I do enjoy the more soul & rock tracks on this record though with a few exceptions.
One of my all time favourite Christmas albums. Could listen it to it year round if it wasn’t weird
Nirvana trying to consciously get rid of all their fair weather fans made a record mostly free of catchy hooks and clean production. Steve Albini makes this record sound sludgy and angrier than Nirvana probably even intended. I definitely wasn’t sure what to make of it when it came out but years later I have a greater appreciation.
Not sure how this generic bullshit is essential listening but ok
I think I have listened to a few PJ Harvey albums over the years but they have never done much for me. I think this is her first album. Has some ok moments musically but I don’t love her singing. I suspect I may like her later records better
One of the all time great soul albums. Listened to it hundreds of times and never get sick of it. Part of a nearly perfect 5 album run by Stevie.
Some serious bangers, a few stinkers. Still a classic though
Big fan of David Berman and I’m a bit surprised that this is the album on this list ahead of American Water or Natural Bridge but still very happy to seem them included.
A classic from one of the greatest voices ever.
I was always more a Funkadelic than a Parliament guy but this is a super fun record. Some of their most classic tracks
Not my favourite Nick Cave record. I prefer the period immediately following this where the songs are still dirgey but piano based and more introspective
