146
Albums Rated
2.91
Average Rating
13%
Complete
943 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Punk
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Critic
Rater Style ?
12
5-Star Albums
14
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Scott 4
Scott Walker
|
5 | 2.81 | +2.19 |
|
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
Debut
Björk
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Arrival
ABBA
|
5 | 3.52 | +1.48 |
|
So
Peter Gabriel
|
5 | 3.53 | +1.47 |
|
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
|
4 | 2.61 | +1.39 |
|
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
|
5 | 3.62 | +1.38 |
|
The Joshua Tree
U2
|
5 | 3.67 | +1.33 |
|
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
|
5 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
|
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
|
5 | 3.72 | +1.28 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
|
1 | 3.66 | -2.66 |
|
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
|
1 | 3.62 | -2.62 |
|
Either Or
Elliott Smith
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
|
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
|
Stardust
Willie Nelson
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
|
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
|
1 | 3.28 | -2.28 |
|
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
|
1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
|
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
|
1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
|
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
|
1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
5-Star Albums (12)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Ramones · 2 likes
3/5
I like the Ramones, have done for years, and always enjoy throwing them on for a spin every so often.
I’m torn between giving this a 3 or a 4, mainly because whilst I like them I also think that a lot better bands and albums exist out there. I can enjoy an album whilst appreciating it’s not the greatest album (or band), or even close to being, out there. So… fun album. Guess I’m giving it a 3.
Bon Jovi · 1 likes
5/5
Not much was bigger in the 80’s rock scene than Bon Jovi - and I loved this album.
Just hearing the opening to “Let It Rock” brought back so many memories and, whilst I seldom but do anything occasionally listen to Bon Jovi these days, I knew most of the albums lyrics.
This is definitely my favourite Bon Jovi album, even though it’s 80’s cheese factor is way up there and the band has done technically better albums. It includes one of my 100 favourite songs of all time “Wanted Dead or Alive” and has some great hits.
Justice · 1 likes
2/5
I quite like bands like Daft Punk, who are certainly in the same ballpark as Justice on this album. I don’t mind this, but I’m not feeling it’s adding much to the genre that’s not been heard a number of times already.
The 13th Floor Elevators · 1 likes
4/5
Never heard of these guys before but really liked this album. May have to check out some of their other offerings.
1-Star Albums (14)
All Ratings
Steve Winwood
2/5
Started off quite strong but went downhill into mediocrity quite quickly.
Arcade Fire
4/5
If we were allowed half votes this would be 3.5, but I’ve rounded up to 4 as it’s certainly not an average 3. It’s a good solid album.
Iggy Pop
3/5
Whilst the album has a couple of my favourite Iggy tracks on it (Passenger and Lust For Life) it’s not one I’d really listen to in full. It’s ok, but doesn’t set my world on fire.
The Verve
2/5
Pretty bland and largely forgettable. Kept having to drag myself
To pay attention to it and let it just be background music.
System Of A Down
2/5
The Blue Nile
2/5
This album doesn’t warrant a score of 1 because it’s technically well done and produced. I just find it sooo boring! So, thanks to its production, it gets a 2 from me. Not an album, or a band, I’ll be listening to again.
The La's
3/5
The album that almost never was. Can’t believe this actually came out in 1990 and was the bands only album. When “There She Goes” came out in 1988 it was really popular in certain circles at our school and a group of us even went and saw them live in 1989 (they were good live but I preferred the two support bands - EAT, and Trash Can Sinatra’s).
The band was splitting up and changing band members so much it’s no wonder the album took years to finish (they recorded it a load with various member changes).
Although BritPop really became a big term in the mid-90’s it was 80’s bands like The LA’s, Stone Roses, and Primal Scream which helped pave the way. Whether they are to be lauded or share part of the blame depends on your taste of course.
This album is alright. It’s inoffensive and has some catchy tunes which atleast makes you “hear” the album as opposed to being background music you forget is on.
Probably preferred The La’s to Cast (who sprung from The La’s ashes).
The Black Keys
2/5
Ah, it’s one of those fairly bland bluesy rock albums. Not really my cup of tea (bet you couldn’t tell that from my opening sentence).
Doubt they’ll be too upset though as they’ve sold millions of albums worldwide.
I’m half way through the album as I write this - and I’ll see it out, but can’t imagine the music will suddenly give me an epiphany and change my mind 30+ minutes.
…Yep, no epiphany received.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
You oughta know that all I really want is perfect album. You’d be forgiven thinking it is ironic that this gets pretty close. Sometimes I wake up to this album and the songs just go right through you. You learn to come to love this LP , and no one can tell you otherwise, certainly not the the Doctor. I saw her live on this tour but there was no crowd surfing, you know - the head over feet kind so common at metal gigs. More the hand in my pocket tapping away whilst singing along to Mary Jane.
In short, top album. 5 stars for Jagged Little Pill.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Some great tracks on this album, me not just Fast Car that originally brought her to international attention.
I’ve actually listened to this album a few times over the years, and it’s still sounds great. Saw her performance of Fast Car at the Grammys last year and she’s got a great voice.
Finley Quaye
2/5
I’d heard the name Finley Quaye but didn’t know anything about him or his music before listening to this album. I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard any of his tracks before, but was vaguely hopeful as Spotify also had him appear on some chill out Ibiza playlists… but I can only guess that was a trancey remix or something.
Now I don’t know much reggae, obviously Saint Bob who is a favourite summer chilled listen. When I worked at Camden Market back in the 80’s a lot of reggae was played, which I enjoyed, but apart from aforementioned Saint Bob I’ve never brought any reggae music myself.
I guess Finley Quaye is pretty good to have made it onto the top 1001 list, but he’s not really my thing. Doubt I’ll ever listen to this again.
The Dandy Warhols
4/5
I knew of The Dandy Warhols but had never listened to any of their albums until this one. It started off reminding me a bit of REM, certainly from the same college roots. The majority of the album is pretty decent and, apart from a couple of tracks which seem to go on a bit too long towards the end of the album, I really enjoyed it. Certainly a band I might explore further.
Ramones
3/5
I like the Ramones, have done for years, and always enjoy throwing them on for a spin every so often.
I’m torn between giving this a 3 or a 4, mainly because whilst I like them I also think that a lot better bands and albums exist out there. I can enjoy an album whilst appreciating it’s not the greatest album (or band), or even close to being, out there. So… fun album. Guess I’m giving it a 3.
R.E.M.
4/5
I think this album was the first time I heard REM. Orange Crush was getting a lot of plays at some of the local Indie clubs, along with It’s The End of the World as we know it and The One I Love from their previous album, Document, that I think is actually the better of the two albums.
Green is a good REM album, not my favourite (that goes to Automatic For The People), but is overall pretty solid.
Eminem
1/5
I’m sorry but the levels of misogyny and takes on peadophilia and general attitude of this album makes it unlistenable. I don’t mind some Eminem tracks but do find a lot of his work pretty terrible - especially in the lyric content and attitude. I did see him live at Reading Festival years ago and he makes a terrible role model. Loads of kids in the crowd with their parents and he’s up on stage making jokes about women, sex and drugs - to be fair that’s less his problem and more the festival organisers scheduling him at a very much pre-watershed afternoon slot. I don’t mind rap and hip-hop but this album should never have made a 1001 best album list.
Deerhunter
2/5
Never heard of Deerhunter before and, now I’ve listened to the album, can confidently say I’ve still not heard them. What a bland album. Didn’t even really notice it was on, and certainly not a song that grabbed my attention. I’m going to have to listen to it again and try and pay attention as first listen was just blah background noise.
Ok, second listen was better as I heard the songs and music. Still found it a rather bland album with no track jumping out at me. Technically not bad though, but as nothing grabbed me it’s getting a 2.
Faith No More
4/5
I first heard Faith No More when We Care A Lot came out. It was an exciting mix that you didn’t really have much of in metal at the time. An album later, and a change in singer, we had The Real Thing which propelled them in the limelight. Epic was a metal and alternate club classic - and I loved the entire album… plus live they were phenomenal. Whilst I really enjoyed The Real Thing my favourite album of theirs was the follow up to this, Angel Dust. Faith No More were pretty groundbreaking in the metal scene at the time - as the vast bulk of the scene was still rooted in the classic metal sound and FNM disrupted that and opened the path to a lot of new bands experimenting with their sound and style.
Black Sabbath
2/5
I’m going to presume there are more than one Black Sabbath album on the 1001 album list, because this is certainly not their best (Paranoid is far better). This is alright, lots of twiddly guitar and riffs. Probably viewed more with rose tinted spectacles, especially now Ozzy has departed.
5/5
This was the first CD I brought. I was a massive U2 fan in the 80’s and think I got this the day of release. It’s probably my favourite U2 album and the last album of theirs that I think was full of great tracks. Post-Joshua Tree there are certainly songs I like but I rarely (or never) listen to entire
Albums all the way through from their later releases.
Paul Simon
3/5
Apart from his time with Mr Garfunkel I’ve never really listened to Paul Simon beyond “You Can Call Me Al” (which you couldn’t avoid when it came out) and (possibly) the “Graceland” album.
This album certainly doesn’t reach the heights of the Art & Garfunkel tracks, but is largely inoffensive. That said, what the hell is “Cars Are Cars”? What bright spark thought that was a good or interesting idea? That song almost made me drop the album to a 2. Maybe it still will, but generally the album is probably a more mediocre average 3. Halfway through my second listen as I write this but none of the songs have jumped out at me (or atleast in a good way - Cars Are Cars certainly jumped out, but more in a road crash sense).
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
I’d love to actually see the full list of 1001 albums at somepoint as they just have left some brilliant ones out so they could include some dubious ones. Sure, Pretty in Pink is a classic song, and there is possibly one other good song on this album but it’s hardly a classic in its own genre let alone of all time albums.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
If I had ever known of The Good, The Bad & The Queen I’d completely forgotten about them until today’s album suggestion. Damon Albarn certainly likes his projects doesn’t he. Shame they mostly sound more-or-less the same.
There is a track I like on this album, but most of it does sound very samey. It’s not a *bad* album, just a little dull.
Dusty Springfield
4/5
I enjoyed this album. I’d never listened to more than the odd song from Dusty Springfield if it was on the radio or a compilation album. She has a good voice, but the reason she ends up with a four, instead of possibly challenging for that coveted 5, is the same as a number of singers and groups from this era - that they end up releasing albums with a load of covers or songs that other artists also do. I know it was for a number of reasons, including radio play, but whilst bands like The Beatles and Rolling Stones were (largely) doing their own thing it’s a shame more singers weren’t able to.
Bob Dylan
3/5
I have never really listened to much Bob Dylan, despite seeing him live twice (both times at festivals). I do generally find his voice too whiney for me, sometimes hurts my head.
I did watch The Complete Unknown, which is a brilliant movie, but came out of it going on a Joan Baez kick instead of going down the Dylan road. He is a good song writer and an icon of the music biz. Flipping between a 3 and a 4 with this one, mainly because I’ve had a headache all day and Dylan really is not an artist to listen to when you have one.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
I’d like to know why this album stands out above any of the other thousands of country albums out there?
It sounds (to a non-country fan) very stereotypical for the scene. It’s getting a 3 from me because it’s technically well done. But as far as the songs, etc, are concerned they could be any country songs as they all sound pretty much the same tempo and twiddly chords. I don’t think I’ll be listening to any more Emmylou Harris unless she somehow gets another album on this list.
Hookworms
4/5
I had never heard of Hookworms until this album suggestion. Whilst I like it, and have now listened to the rest of their catalogue, I’m not sure why they are on a 1001 best album list. It’s enjoyable certainly, but there are better examples of their genre out there. Still, guess I’m glad they were on the list otherwise I wouldn’t have heard of them. Better than some of the other albums that have been featured, and certainly a nice bit of fresh air after the recent 60’s/70’s offerings.
Elvis Presley
3/5
Doesn’t this album just make you want to rip your panties off and throw them at the stereo?
Well, no, me neither. It’s odd to think that Elvis, and his thrusting gyrating “dance” got so many people all is a tizz. But Elvis was instrumental in breaking the musical mode and bringing rock and roll to the masses. Helping to give the band hole music industry a jumpstart into a more modern age.
This, his debut album at 21, is packed full of hits - the whole album was released as singles in the US - and spent 10 weeks at #1 in the US. It’s a pleasant listen and doesn’t make me want to dive for the off switch (or fling undergarments) towards the stereo. Not someone I’d listen to a lot, but wouldn’t switch radio stations if he came on.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Led Zeppelin were one of those bands I loved as a teen. I had lyrics to some of their songs pinned on my desk cork board. I watched the Becoming Led Zeppelin documentary earlier in the year and recommend it to any fans out there. This album certainly has a few classic tracks on, but is not their best album in my mind. Tracks such as Whole Lotta Love are fantastic, but the overall album probably lands as a 3.
3/5
I like PJ Harvey, and have seen her live atleast a couple of times. This album, whilst still a good album, is not my favourite of hers. Despite including “This Is Love” which is on my favourites list, “Stories From The City…” ranks behind her “To Being You My Love” (1995) and “Let England Shake” (2011) as an overall album.
That’s not in the least to say it’s bad, it certainly isn’t, just that I don’t think it’s my favourite of hers.
Regardless, it was still really nice to play this through a couple of times today :)
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
Not my cup of Caipirinha.
Marty Robbins
3/5
This pretty much gave me what I wanted and expected from the title.
I used to have a few western albums (still love “Rawhide”) which is partially a throwback to the old black & white cowboy serials on TV as a kid combined with background music for the Deadland RPG.
I found this much better than the Emmylou Harris country & western album the other day.
John Grant
1/5
Never heard of John Grant (or his previous band The Czars) but reading his Spotify bio gives me hope that I might like this - or some of his subsequent - albums. Looking forward to giving this a listen…
Well, so far this is pretty tame/medicore. Only half way through so far though.
Yeah, wasn’t keen on this. Have cleared my listening queue of the other albums of his I had initially lined up. Not someone I’d listen to again.
Dolly Parton
3/5
Despite my previous comments about country music I don’t mind some of it. Dolly is definitely one of the best of the genre and this album was a pleasant listen. Certainly also helped by being under 30 minutes, but it also sounds much better than some of the others that have been on this list.
Elliott Smith
1/5
I’d never heard of Elliott Smith before. I wasn’t sure what to expect but found this very dull and bland.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
Probably in a minority here, but I’ve never really listened to Neil Young, and wouldn’t be able to name any of his songs off the top of my head. I obviously know the name, but his music is not the type of rock I’ve ever listened to - a little like The Rolling Stones, which the first song on this album reminded me a bit of.
God… some of this is painful (currently on Farmer John and boy is it hard on the ears)
Had to turn off the final track - was hurting me head.
As a bonus I also started to listen to his “Like a Hurricane” as The Mission covered it. I can safely say that I think the Mission version is immeasurably better in all regards.
Guess I am not a Neil Young fan.
Simply Red
1/5
Now I know we all took the piss out of Simply Red something rotten when we were younger, but apart from the *hits* I’ve never listened to an actual album of theirs… so here goes…
Well, first song is really not my thing.
Second song is better, but I don’t like the live audience and the song isn’t really my taste.
3 & 4 less offensive to the ears. Track 5 back to being shit.
Onto the hits… they’ve grown on me over the decades. Really wasn’t keen when they first came out in the 80’s but they have either worn me down or I’ve developed a warped nostalgia for these two.
Out of the hits and tracks 8 and 9 don’t seem too bad, mind you that might just be because the start of the album was so terrible that these ones actually sound better … having just written that I’ve just hit a terrible midsection in No Direction (possibly a chorus) so have changed my mind and this track is as bad as the earlier ones.
Final track limps things passed the finishing line. On the strength of the two hits this might manage a “2” but given the lacklustre and dismal other tracks I think it might be a 1 from me. Guess I’ll find out tomorrow how I’m feeling about when I get to submit a score. Not one I’ll ever listen to again in any case.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
The opening track is a classic but generally I’ve found EBTG fine background music but they aren’t really my thing. My favourite track of theirs is from a few years later from this album when Todd Terry remixed Missing. Overall fine.
Ray Charles
5/5
Really enjoyed this.
Cream
3/5
Apart from “I Feel Free” (which I annoy on this album) I don’t think I know any Cream tracks.
It definitely sounds like what I’d expect from a 60’s rock album, although is let down by some terrible tracks (the appalling Mothers Lament that shouldn’t even have graced a bad 60’s comedy album).
Turns out I do know more than one Cream track though as instantly recognised Sunshine of Your Love.
Hard one to score for me. Would I listen to this album again? Probably not. Waivering between a 2 and a 3.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Creedence Clearwater Revival, despite knowing the name. I will admit I never knew how popular they were given they are still in the top 200 most listened too artists on Spotify.
Given the recent 60’s rock albums that have been thrown up by this site I did not have my hopes up. Thankfully I was very pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this album. Might even listen to some of their other albums at some point.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
After a few albums of @ 30 mins this one came as a bit of a shock to the system. It was quite daunting, having never listened to a Stevie Wonder album before, to be confronted with a double album running to 1 hour 45 min!
I know a sprinkling of his hits but beyond that it’s pretty much Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise which heavily samples Pastime Paradise which appears on this album.
Overall listening to this brought back memories of the 70’s and surprisingly Sesame Street for some reason?
I quite enjoyed it, but it’s not really a genre or musician that I’d go out of my way to listen to again.
Primal Scream
2/5
I had fairly high hopes for this album for some reason. Possibly due to remembering Primal Scream in their early days being played at a number of clubs I frequented (Loaded and Moving on Up seemed to be everywhere) but this ended up being fairly bland background noise. Was quite disappointed as I was looking forwarded to listening to an entire album from these guys as I’m not sure I’ve listened to any of their albums since Screamadelica and can’t remember that apart from the signature tracks anymore.
Beatles
4/5
Ok, pretty much the definition of a classic album. I always preferred The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, and this album has probably one of my all-time favourite Beatles tracks on it (Eleanor Rigby).
I do find Yellow Submarine quite jarring these days - but I think I associate it with being a kids song.
Overall a brilliant album, and twittering between a 4 or a 5.
Lauryn Hill
1/5
I quite like some of The Fugees tracks so was interested to hear this.
Hasn’t grabbed me initially though, but only part way through my first play through. That said, I’ve already fast forwarded a couple of tracks so it’s not sounding overly promising…
Going into this I really hoped I’d enjoy it, but sadly I haven’t. Whilst it pains me in many ways I’m going to have to give this a lonely 1.
Hole
2/5
I don’t mind a few Hole songs, and own one of two albums. Haven’t really listened to much apart from he odd song here and there for years though.
Went into this one looking forward to it, but found it quite disappointing.
Mekons
2/5
I’ve never knowingly listened to Mekons before, although I know the name.
On my second listen atm, and am on the fence. Really liked “Trouble Down South” but finding most of the tracks poor to mediocre so far.
Yeah, the Mekons aren’t doing anything for me apart from that one track.
Fred Neil
2/5
No idea what to expect with this one. It was alright, but more background noise and fairly forgettable.
That said I really liked the final track, “Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga”. That probably increased my score for this one by a point alone.
ZZ Top
4/5
Listened to this a couple of times over the weekend and whilst none of the tracks jumped out at me it was overall a pleasant listening experience.
I only really know ZZ Top from their two big 80’s albums (Eliminator and Afterburner) and haven’t really ever listened to them beyond those - and even then not often and probably not in the last decade or two.
I liked this album.
It’s now Sunday evening and I’m on a ZZ Top kick having queued up Eliminator and Afterburner on Spotify 😂
Pink Floyd
5/5
I’m a big Pink Floyd fan so have listened to this album countless times over the years. Love them and love this.
The White Stripes
4/5
Used to listed to White Stripes quite a bit it the early 00’s and this album starts fantastically with the brilliant “Seven Nation Army” which instantly gets you in the mood for more. Whilst the album might not deliver on the high expectation left after the opening track, there are some great tracks in here such as “The Hardest Button to Button”. Others such as “Black Math” and “There’s No Home For You Here” keep the album moving in the right direction.
Whilst not a perfect album it has got some great material in here.
Brian Eno
3/5
I have on occasion listened to Brian Eno’s ambient albums, and absolutely love a number of albums he’s produced for other bands (especially U2 and Talking Heads). He is undoubtably one of the greatest “creatives” alive today when you look over everything he’s done or been involved with. I do find a lot of his own material more “background noise” than outstanding and memorable. This album has a great team of musicians, and is certainly not bad - whilst also not being really good. So it’s a solid 3 from me.
Ryan Adams
2/5
I know the name Ryan Adams but have never knowingly heard anything by him before now.
It does make me wonder why albums like this become so popular. There has been so far, and I’m halfway through my first listen, nothing groundbreaking, new or interesting to make him a superstar. I guess that might be a reason in its own right if people feel comfortable with a middle of the road album that feels familiar and safe. For me, I find this very mediocre and dull. It is well produced though. Let’s see how the second half of the album grabs me.
I think one listen is more than enough of this. Very much doubt I’ll be listening to anything else by Ryan Adams again. Nothing new to find here.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Well, I guess the good news is that I made twice through this album- which hasn’t always been the case with some of the suggestions on this list.
I was never into Sonic Youth and after listening to this album I don’t think my opinion has changed. They are ok, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to them. Struggling between a 2 or a 3 for this one.
Bob Dylan
1/5
The last time a Dylan album came up I had a headache and his voice didn’t help that at all. This time I don’t have a headache, but boy am I getting one.
I just really find his voice too whiny and whilst I can appreciate he made a massive contribution to culture in the 60’s and is a musical icon - I just don’t like his voice. There was a reason I ended up binging Joan Baez after watching The Complete Unknown and not Dylan.
Not sure I can finish this album.
Scott Walker
5/5
I’d forgotten just how good Scott Walker is. So pleased this album came up as songs like “The Seventh Seal” and “Hero of the War” are amazing lyrically and great to listen to. On my second listen and loving it, and will be going in to a Scott Walker listening hole this afternoon I feel :)
John Cale
2/5
Wasn’t sure what to expect with this, and not overly sure what I listened to in all honesty.
Not a bad album, but didn’t do much for me. Certainly didn’t hate it, but nothing stood out for me… although Antarctica Starts Here probably was my favourite track.
Keith Jarrett
2/5
Given the write up about this being a double album I expected it to be a lot longer than a shade over an hour - and only four tracks.
This is a completely forgettable album. Fine as a bit of piano background music - although not keen on the live aspect (clapping and cheering gets in the way of the ambiance). But this is certainly not what I’d consider a “jazz” album and am amazed it was the best ever selling solo jazz album in history (or atleast for the time). It’s more just a classical piano piece - and an unobtrusive one at that.
Tempted to give it a 2, but given the jarring clapping and the general forgetfulness of the entire album it’ll could end up with a 1. That said, it’s not dire like some albums have been… hmmm… maybe back to a 2 then.
George Harrison
3/5
They don’t mind throwing you in the deep end with some of these! 28 songs and over 2 hours of music?!?
Let’s hope it’s good (or atleast tolerable…)
Almost a third of the way through and it’s fine, but more background music for me. I did recognise “My Sweet Lord” though. So far so non-offensive.
The album was perfectly fine. I’d only really heard some of his 80’s solo material as it was in the charts as a teen. You can tell the styles are still fairly similar even though they were about 15 years apart.
Not one I’ll be putting on any playlists, but didn’t mind listening to it.
The Prodigy
3/5
I think I picked this up the day it came out. I had the previous two albums and had always enjoyed the band, both on record and live.
This album certainly includes a few classic Prodigy tracks - and Firestarter was massive at the time. Almost 30 years later it doesn’t sound as fresh as it used to though. Still liked it, but you can tell it’s of a certain era.
Björk
5/5
Heh… I was only playing this a few days ago :)
What can I say? This is a phenomenal album and has some really great tracks on it.
I’m always amused she won so many awards for “best newcomer” for this album as I’d been listening to her for years in the Sugercubes - and she had released albums before then with other bands too (her first album was when she was only 11 years old!).
This, and her following “Post” album in 1995, are both great albums and still sound fresh today. Love them.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Ah, classic album and another with lots of fine memories.
Public Enemy
3/5
I’m quite pleased this one has come up. It’s an album I’ve always intended to listen to but never got round to. I know a couple of the songs but am looking forward to hearing the entire album.
Overall I quite enjoyed it, but it did begin to blend together a bit. Ideally I’d like to give it some more listens, and probably will do later when I have some more time.
As mentioned at the start, glad this one came up.
Pixies
4/5
This is another album I was only listening to a week or two again.
This is a great album and has some classic tracks on it - several of which already appear on various playlists I’ve made.
I really like this album, but as tempted as I am to give it a 5 because it has some of my favourite Pixies tracks on, I think overall its more of a 4.
Cocteau Twins
4/5
Whilst I wasn’t listened to this album I have been listening to a lot of the Cocteau’s “Heaven or Las Vegas” again in the last few weeks. Heaven was the first Cocteau Twins album I brought and is still probably my favourite of theirs.
Treasure is a lovely album, and really enjoyed listening to it again.
Suede
3/5
Another great band, who are still going today (enjoyed their latest album, Antidepressants, which came out this year). I tend to listen to “Coming Up” more than their other albums, with their debut “Suede” next on the list, so haven’t listened to this one for a while, despite it having The Wild Ones on which is a great little track.
Looking forward to revisiting this today.
Still not my favourite of theirs, but a good listen.
Pavement
3/5
I never got into Pavement but an old girlfriend used to like them. I have actually seen them live once or twice (at festivals - without said old girlfriend though). They are ok, but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to them.
Pearl Jam
3/5
I had this album when it came out but was only an occasional listener of Pearl Jam. I quite like some of their tracks, but probably wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to them.
I saw them live at Reading Festival (mid 2000’s I think) and, again, I found them ok but nothing special.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
This was really my first discovery of Peter Gabriel through “Sledgehammer” when it was released as a single and the video that seemed to be everywhere. I remember getting this on cassette and loved it. Despite the Sledgehammer and Big Time singles being my introduction my favourite tracks on the album were (and remain) Red Rain and Don’t Give Up. So has remained an album I still listen to almost 40 years since its release. Great album.
The Velvet Underground
4/5
I’ve only very vaguely dabbled with The Velvet Underground so don’t really know their albums. I must say I can hear how influential there were on the punk/post punk scene. Track 2 (The Gift) could be right out of a Bauhaus album for instance.
I really like the spoken word/ poetry to music aspect of The Gift.
I liked the whole album more on the second listen and it probably helped bump it up a point.
2Pac
2/5
Very surprised at how timid and light this album is. Much more melodic than I’d had thought it would be - quite poppy. I can see why it was a commercial success.
Ends up being very background noise though.
I think the only track of 2Pacs that I recognise is “California Love” which isn’t on this album.
Love
2/5
I have never heard of this group, although I know “Alone Again Or” as The Damned covered it. I also see Love are actually still around and touring the UK in April 2026.
The album is pretty unobtrusive, to the extent that it sort of played through without me really realising. Second listen I tried to pay more attention but it became background music again. Certainly not a bad album, but one I already can’t remember.
Jimi Hendrix
2/5
Ok, but not one of my favourites from him.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Enjoyed, but not as much as some of his other albums. Born to Run is a classic song and worth it for that alone.
The United States Of America
4/5
I’d never heard of the band or their album before today. It’s certainly a rather odd recording, but one I found pleasantly entertaining on the first play through.
It’s also grown on me further during the second play. Definitely very experimental but I like it.
Sly & The Family Stone
2/5
This was ok but not really my thing.
Blur
4/5
I wasn’t a fan of Blurs earlier material but the Parklife album was the first I enjoyed, with the trend continuing over their next two albums.
It certainly was helped by the opening track, “Girls & Boys” as well as the title track, “Parklife”. But there are plenty of good songs to be found here.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
This pretty much vanished into the background. Couldn’t say if it had a standout track to be honest. Don’t think it’s a bad album, just a bit innocuous.
Kraftwerk
3/5
I thought I’d like this a lot more than I actually did. It was alright, but I can only really remember one of the tracks and all the rest just seemed to zip on past me like cars on the autobahn with no speed limit. Shame, had hopes for this one.
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
Haven’t heard this one for decades. I remember dancing s as had dinging along to “On A Rope” around the indie and rock clubs so well.
Quite liked listening to this album again after so long, but it’s not one that will work its way back on to my playlists anytime soon… well, apart from “On A Rope” which was already on my 90’s club playlist anyway!
Willie Nelson
3/5
I don’t how long the regular version of this is as I ended up listened to the Expanded Edition which had 19 tracks - although still only came in at under 43 mins.
The songs are certainly not long ones are they!
It was fine, but not something I’d go out of my way to listen to again.
Van Morrison
3/5
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Van Morrison. I’ve never knowingly listening to anything by him but might have seen part of a set at a festival (or not, but I think I may have…).
This was a lot more soulful and very radio friendly, much more than I had been expecting it would be.
Good for VM as I’m sure it helped make him a lot of money and cement him in the public consciousness, not so good for me as it’s quite timid and middle of road.
Elton John
4/5
I always think I don’t like Elton John, but then hear his 70’s output and realise just how much of his music I actually know and like.
This album also really reminds me of the Scissor Sisters (especially Social Disease) which gives it big plus points.
Pleasantly surprised at how good this was.
Rod Stewart
2/5
I’ve never been much of a Rod Stewart fan. I probably recognise a number of his hits, but he’s not someone I’ve ever listened to beyond radio play.
I find him ok, but it’s not really my thing.
Nick Drake
3/5
I was looking forward to this as I know a few people who highly rate Nick Drake but I had never listened to him before.
I was a bit disappointed with the first playthrough, but I think that was probably because of my expectations. I certainly enjoyed the second listen a lot more and also checked out another of his albums. Overall I think he’s ok but not someone I’ll be adding to my rotation.
Aerosmith
2/5
I actually know very little from Aerosmith. I listened to Permanent Vacation (1987) when it came out, and a lot of Pump (1989) as that included one of my favourite tracks (Janies Got A Gun), but never really explored their back catalog. I remember being surprised to learn that “Dream On” was originally theirs as I only know the version from The Mission and didn’t know it was a cover for several years. Aerosmith are probably a band I should go back and listen to their early albums.
As far as “Rocks” is concerned it sort of flew past me when I played it. Wouldn’t be able to name a single song that stood out. I am now, however, listening to their self-titled debut and “Dream On” is such a cracking track.
1/5
I like some Kinks tracks, although they are not a band I listen to much.
Certainly the first couple of tracks on this album so far are so poor I’m glad they weren’t my introduction to the band.
Finished the whole thing now. Pretty dreadful throughout. Very disappointed as I had looked forward to this when it came up.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Another band who I know the hits from but have never done a deep dive into an album before.
Whilst certainly being of it’s time it still sounds pretty fresh, so you can tell it was really well produced.
It’s inoffensive and quite light pop so plays along pretty nicely in the background, whilst not being background noise like some albums.
Skunk Anansie
1/5
I really liked Skunk Anasie’s first two albums and saw them live quite a bit in the mid-late 90’s. I sort of moved away by the time this album came out though. I know I owned it, but can’t remember much about it so kind of listening to this afresh.
I am now reminded why I may have moved away from them at the time and also why I don’t remember this album. Shame.
Steely Dan
3/5
Knew the name but couldn’t name any of their songs. I did recognise atleast one of this album though (Reelin’ in the Years).
I’ve never really been into this kind of rock sound. It’s fine, but I find it pretty bland. Album was ok, though not enough to make me want to listen to any more.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Yet another band I know the name of but not the music.
Very lightweight so far, quite melodic. Not bad, but more background noise for me than anything else - and I have a lot better albums that can do that for me. Was absolutely fine, but not a band I’m bothered to listen to again.
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
I’d never heard of Sarah Vaughan before. Jazz is a little like rock in that there are so many different styles in the genre it ends up being a fairy wide catch-all name and you’re not sure what you’ll actually end up listening to. I like a lot of “jazz” but more the old classic jazz, noir and the newer doom jazz. I’m not keen on the experimental jazz as a rule.
Sarah Vaughan is at the very commercial end of jazz, almost so much that a lot of it doesn’t even really sound all that “jazzy”. I enjoyed her and certainly wouldn’t change songs if she came on - but not sure I’d necessarily go out of my way to listen to her again.
Stevie Wonder
2/5
I quite enjoyed the last Stevie Wonder album that came up, even if I did feel it was quite twee in places. So don’t mind diving into another of his.
This one was ok, but no where near as strong as “Songs in the Key of Life”. Sort of flew by as background music without anything standing out crying for attention.
Bon Jovi
5/5
Not much was bigger in the 80’s rock scene than Bon Jovi - and I loved this album.
Just hearing the opening to “Let It Rock” brought back so many memories and, whilst I seldom but do anything occasionally listen to Bon Jovi these days, I knew most of the albums lyrics.
This is definitely my favourite Bon Jovi album, even though it’s 80’s cheese factor is way up there and the band has done technically better albums. It includes one of my 100 favourite songs of all time “Wanted Dead or Alive” and has some great hits.
Ananda Shankar
1/5
Ok, the wiki entry has be interested to hear how this one is. I know Ravi Shankar but nothing by his nephew.
This is beginning to sound more like elevator or telephone hold music to my ears sadly.
Quite pleased that has finally finished. Not one for me, even if it is apparently one that made the history books for some reason.
Röyksopp
2/5
Looking forward to reacquainting myself with this album, been a few years.
So Easy is instantly recognisable from a zillion chill out compilations and is probably the best track on the album along with Eple - which is a shame as they’re the opening two tracks.
As much as I really wanted to like this album I found it overall quite boring, which was a shame.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Despite having seen him live I wouldn’t be able to name an Elvis Costello song off the top of my head. I certainly recognise a number when they are played, but am not sure I’ve ever listened to an album of his. So this will be a first…
A couple of ok tracks but largely unremarkable.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
Not an album if heard before. It was ok but certainly not my favourite of his.
The Replacements
4/5
Heard the name but no idea what they sound like. Here goes.
Enjoyed it, probably would have enjoyed seeing them live too back in the day. Not sure it’s overly original (but maybe it was for the time) as I’ve heard a number of bands that sound very similar over the years.
Still, good album.
Queen
4/5
Queen … you know, I’ve never really done a deep dive into Queen. I know all the hits (and there are so many of those it makes you feel you know Queen!) and I loved the “It’s A Kind Of Magic” album. Used to listen to that loads when it came out and still throw it on every so often today. Some Queen songs rank up their amongst my favourites… but I’ve only ever owned their Greatest Hits album and It’s A Kind of Magic… possibly the Flash Gordon soundtrack at somepoint too… probably heard some of the others round at friends houses though.
Starts off so-so with a bit too much guitar twiddling in Brighton Rock but Killer Queen is a fantastic track.
Tenement Funster is a good track but surprised me as it’s not how Queen sound like in my head. More Led Zep overtones than Queen. (Ah, because Roger Taylor is singing it)
She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettos) sung by Brian May is another of my favourites here… which makes me think I’m enjoying their less sounding non-Freddie Mercury “Queen” tracks over Freddies more “playing to type” tracks here (apart from Killer Queen which is really ace).
Is it worth 4 stars because I really liked 3 tracks? Not sure. Guess I’ll find out in the morning when I rate it.
Cat Stevens
3/5
Ah, Cat Stevens. Great artist. Looking forward to this one.
A nice album with some good tunes.
Enjoyed, but not as much as I may have expected.
Queen
4/5
Two Queen albums in the same week? Hello algorithm?!?!?
Ok, let’s see what the A Night At The Opera brings us apart from “You’re My Best Friend” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” which I know so well.
Louis Prima
3/5
Killing Joke
4/5
Killing Joke are an odd one for me. I’ve known them for decades, have seen them live, but have only ever owned one of their albums and rarely actually listen to them. So going back to their debut was interesting and fun for me as I’m not sure I’d listened to it before, although I knew a few of the songs.
I enjoyed this and will probably go and give more of their catalogue a long over due listen.
Erykah Badu
2/5
Never heard of her or this album before now. Currently half of way through and whilst I couldn’t name a single outstanding song yet it’s quite tame for background music. Certainly not something I’d listen to again as it stands, but will listen to the second half to see if it picks up.
Tom Tom Club
2/5
I’ve never heard of Tom Tom Club, but given they are half of The Talking Heads I’m quietly hopeful.
Ah, ok, I have definitely heard them before as the opening track is a classic 80’s tune. Wouldn’t have been able to say name of song or band, but instantly recognisable. Also the highlight of the album sadly, as nothing else comes close.
I can certainly see some of the Talking Heads influence but the album doesn’t really hit any spots apart from the opener and maybe the Under The Broadwalk cover. I am surprised at a number of the albums on this journey as many wouldn’t get anywhere near my best of list.
Green Day
5/5
American Idiot is one of my top 100 albums, and I’ve certainly enjoyed a lot of Green Days over the years.
I probably don’t listen to their earlier albums enough, especially as American Idiot is my “go to” of theirs and I only listen to more if I’m on a Green Day binge.
Dookie is a fantastic album though, and I’m really pleased it came up. Especially as a weekend choice as it meant I had plenty of time of replay it :)
Willie Nelson
1/5
An album of pop covers from a country legend? Ok.
Some albums are hard to play through when all you can do is think of all the music you’re not listening to in order for you to be able to rate it correctly on this app.
This is so dull and I’m only on track 4. Atleast the album is under 40 minutes but, oh boy, the last 15 minutes have felt like all morning so far…
Ah, the relief when the album has obviously finished and a song you enjoy from one of your actual playlists comes on to ease the pain…
The Associates
1/5
Another band I’ve heard the name of but know nothing about.
The write up made them sound like they could be interesting and right up my alley.
Maybe an alley.
One with cats on heat.
Bloody awful - and I’d have thought I’d have been in the target audience for this one given the era.
Gah!
It’s a shame 1 star is the lowest option.
Dion
1/5
No idea what to expect here. Never heard of Dion. Cover doesn’t give me hope… but we’ll see…
Well, the opening track isn’t too bad. Certainly better than the last couple of albums that have been suggested by this app.
Problem I’m having with this album so far is if I don’t concentrate on it I forget it’s playing. Guess that says a lot…
It’s not a bad album, just a little characterless and bland.
Halfway through and pointless me continuing with this one. None of it is sinking in and unless I try and focus that it’s even playing it just disappears.
Can’t even call it good background music, because you forget it’s even playing.
Nothing “technically” wrong as it’s not awful - just very very bland. Despite not being horrendously bad it’s still getting a 1 from me because of it completely fails to make any impact and is entirely forgettable.
Pixies
3/5
Doolittle is my favourite Pixies album by some way, but this is a good listen and it was nice to revisit it. However it’s only getting a 3 from me - which feels a little harsh but I gave Doolittle 4 when that came up, and Bossanova ain’t no Doolittle.
Snoop Dogg
2/5
I don’t think I’ve ever listened to Snoop Dogg. I’m really hoping it’s not too misogynistic, etc, as some rap albums from this era have not aged well. Guess we’ll find out if I get through it. Like it so far though.
The beats are good, the rhythm is good, his voice is good. Generally this was a good listen - only let down by some of the lyrical content which drops the score. I know it’s a thing in a lot of rap music, especially from the 90’s, but it nonetheless irks and loses points from me because of it.
David Bowie
3/5
Only 6 tracks? Well, this one won’t take all that long to listen to a couple of times!
A “perfectly fine” album. Nothing really special, although Golden Years is a good track. Not one of Bowie’s best.
Pentangle
3/5
Ah, Pentangle. I actually discovered them a couple of months or so back and really liked them. I have listened to this album fairly recently, but here goes for another spin…
I like this album but it is not one of theirs that bowls me over. Still a solid 3 though.
D'Angelo
2/5
I only managed 3 full songs in this and then skipped to snippets of the rest of the album.
Not my thing at all. Found it very bland and very very blerg.
I’m giving it a 2 instead of a 1 though because the production on it is great. I just don’t like the songs or style of music.
Nina Simone
2/5
I quite like a bit of Nina Simone. This was fine. Didn’t find it revolutionary or extra special though.
Amy Winehouse
2/5
I’d never heard her debut album before now.
…
Well, she certainly got a lot better.
Charles Mingus
2/5
Not my thing, and I quite like a bit of jazz. Just not this type apparently. Wasn’t terrible, just a bit boring and non-descript.
Q-Tip
2/5
Fine but forgettable.
Justice
2/5
I quite like bands like Daft Punk, who are certainly in the same ballpark as Justice on this album. I don’t mind this, but I’m not feeling it’s adding much to the genre that’s not been heard a number of times already.
David Bowie
3/5
Bowie doing Bowie. Not his best, but still quite good.
Ali Farka Touré
4/5
Really enjoyed this. Very pleasant soundtrack for a sunny Tuesday afternoon. Especially liked Soko Yhinka. Glad this came up as never heard of him before. Also nice to have a bit of world music appear on this list.
Iron Maiden
3/5
Don’t get me wrong, this album has some cracking tracks (Phantom of the Opera is fantastic) but overall it is the weakest of Maiden’s early albums. As a debut it certainly set the agenda, but is miles away from Number of the Beast or Piece of Mind.
Was enjoyable to listen to again - and ended up propelling me into re-listening of a few of their classic 80’s albums - but doesn’t get beyond a 3 for me when I put my nostalgia aside.
Madonna
4/5
I do enjoy this album, and the Frozen video is as great as I remember it being.
I actually like quite a lot of Madonna’s output over the years and this album is as a nice change in direction with William Orbit producing. Certainly added a nice electronic element to her repertoire which had been more pop orientated for much of her career.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
4/5
Very enjoyable. I have listened to a little Count Basie in the past but will have to check out some more.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Been a while since I heard this. Still a great live album.
The Who
4/5
Never really been much of a Who fan. Know a few of their songs (who doesn’t) and even saw them live - I think performing Tommy in Hyde Park with loads of special guests in the 90’s. Was a bit too windy though so sound was pretty poor.
Anyway, never listened to this album before so here goes…
It’s a lot tamer than I thought it would be. Quite good, although can have the tendency of merging into background music if not careful. A lot better than I thought it would be in any case.
Ok, spoke too soon, “Tommy’s Holiday Camp” should warrant a drop of atleast a point - what a terrible piece! Yuck!
Goldfrapp
2/5
I was listening to Goldfrapp a few weeks ago, but am not sure I’ve ever listened to this album. If I have it didn't leave an impression on me as I can’t remember it.
I was a big fan of their earlier albums though so happy to give this one a spin.
I now know why I can’t remember it. I probably have listened to this before, but it had the same impact on me. Sadly quite forgettable and not as good as earlier albums. Saddens me to give this such a low rating.
Boston
3/5
Yes, this album has some very recognisable hits. Yes, it’s hard not to sing along to them.
But, it’s very, very tame and middle of the road. It’s getting a 3 from me because of the hits but it’s so inoffensive and bland that it is largely background noise.
Nirvana
5/5
Loved this when it first came out and still love it today. Great album.
Dire Straits
3/5
Sultans of Swing is defined the standout track on this album. It’s an alright LP but not the best Dire Straits album. Sultans is a 5* track, but it’s on a 3* album.
Michael Kiwanuka
4/5
I don’t know Michael Kiwanuka and don’t think I’ve ever heard any of his music before. So far, a few tracks in, he’s pretty good. Very light, but not bad on the ears at all.
Second listen and it’s really grown on me. I love the retro sound he employs. Really nice album.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
4/5
This is actually a pretty good album. I’d never heard of the band before but they have some good tracks here, and a few a that feel a little more experimental than many of the other artists around at the time.
I initially thought this would just be another of the apps background albums that is over before you realise it’s playing its so bland. But this got an enthusiastic second listen from me. Impressed.
Elis Regina
2/5
Not my thing, sorry.
The Flaming Lips
2/5
I may have liked this a little bit more had I listened to it on a different day. As it was I came to it after an extended journey into some really old school sounding industrial bands a friend recommended me. This album, on the back of those, just felt so tame it jarred. I was never a big Flaming Lips listener in the first place as they’ve never really been my thing. Sadly, they continue to remain not really my thing.
ABBA
5/5
I openly admit to having a guilty love of ABBA but even if I didn’t … wow… what an album!
Talk about having an album overflowing with talent and top hits!
The 13th Floor Elevators
4/5
Never heard of these guys before but really liked this album. May have to check out some of their other offerings.
Solomon Burke
4/5
Really enjoyed this.
Michael Jackson
3/5
I’m not sure I knew anyone who didn’t have this album, even if they claimed not to. Was certainly the first/only MJ album I had and it’s filled to the brim with hit after hit. This is definitely one of the most iconic albums of the 80’s.
Even without pressing play the music is coming to me just by reading the track listing.
Looking forward to relistening to this after a very long time.
Strangely I found this quite dated and not as good as I remembered in the end. Still has some cracking songs on it, but a number I had fond memories of didn’t stand up.
David Bowie
3/5
Quite enjoyed this. Heroes is obviously the big hit from the album but I also really enjoyed the instrumental Neukoln a lot. As a whole it’s a solid album, but not one I’d probably throw on to listen to in full.
Sigur Rós
4/5
I’ve always enjoyed a good Sigur Ros album. Great stuff.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are phenomenal live. I saw them twice back in the 00’s and they blew me away both times.
I don’t listen to them as often as I probably should these days. I throw “Fever To Tell” on every so often but don’t think I listened to their last album (Cool It Down - 2022) at all, so will have to remedy that in a bit.
It’s Blitz is a great album. Really enjoyed getting reacquainted :)
Bill Callahan
1/5
Didn’t know Bill Callahan before this. Not my type of music. Found it incredibly dull and boring and actually annoyed me so much I didn’t finish it.
Deep Purple
3/5
Alright, but I’ve never been much of a Deep Purple fan.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
2/5
I didn’t find this one as good as the previous Creedeence Clearwater Revival album that was suggested. That one, Bayou Country, made me want to seek out more from the band. Had this been the first album of theirs that I listened to if have just moved in without a second thought. Disappointing.
Prince
3/5
The 10-year old me and one of my sisters made a dance routine for 1999 and knew all the lyrics. All these years later and just the opening chords brings back the lyrics… although I won’t try and remember or replicate the moves…
Also pretty sure we didn’t understand all the lyrics, or connotations, at the time.
This is the first time I believe I’ve listened to the album the track was on.
Apart from 1999 and Little Red Corvette I’m not sure if I’ve heard most of the tracks here. Overall I wasn’t all that impressed. It’s ok but certainly no Purple Rain.
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Generally finding this rather bland and not inspiring - but I did like Black Maria. Album not really to my taste though.