Solid Album. No Dylan covers, although "5D" was clearly Zimmerman inspired. Strengths: THOSE HARMONIES, great covers of traditionals, David Crosby's gorgeous voice. Weaknesses: Their "jam" fillers (Captain Soul and The Lear Jet Song), McGuinn's "guitar solos" sound like a toddler fumbling around on the fretboard. Favorite Songs: "Mister Spaceman" (McGuinn) and "What's Happening (Crosby), and the CD extra songs "Why" and "I Know My Rider." Rating: 3/5

Solid Album. No Dylan covers, although "5D" was clearly Zimmerman inspired. Strengths: THOSE HARMONIES, great covers of traditionals, David Crosby's gorgeous voice. Weaknesses: Their "jam" fillers (Captain Soul and The Lear Jet Song), McGuinn's "guitar solos" sound like a toddler fumbling around on the fretboard. Favorite Songs: "Mister Spaceman" (McGuinn) and "What's Happening (Crosby), and the CD extra songs "Why" and "I Know My Rider." Rating: 3/5

A pleasant listen. A dance album but not boring thump, thump. While each song picks a beat and doesn't deviate, it's never boring thanks to the variety of textures. Synth arrangements never overpower the acoustic instrumentation. Thoughtful overarching lyrical themes and musical seques between several songs make this an enjoyable, although dystopian, concept album. Favorite song(s): Sprawl 1 and Sprawl 2 Rating: 3/5

A perfect album! The I.R.S. years of R.E.M. were classic. Loved this album since High School. Buck's jangly rhythm, Mills' melodic bass, Stipe's indecipherable singing, and Berry's tastefully expressive beats were unique. Mitch Easter's production is immaculate and open. The piano and occassional cello complete the arrangements without ever being too busy. The album is at times mysterious but never morose. Often joyful and danceable. Peter Buck, one of the finest rhythm guitarists in the world, leaves space to fill. Mike Mills, using his bass as a lead instrument, fills it beautifully without ever getting in the way, taking the spotlight, or neglecting his bass duties. That, paired with his high backing harmonies makes him the secret weapon of this classic combo. Very difficult to pick a favorite song. Favorite high points: "Talk about the Passion," and "9-9." Rating: 5/5

Excited to listen. Many artists I like cite them as an influence. Strengths: This is a guitar album. Two skilled guitarists playing distinctly different lines, satisfyingly panned to the left and right. No wasted notes. Energetic. Tons of hooks. Solid, masterful rhythm section. Clever, poetic lyrics. Weaknesses (minimal): the voice and sparse production may put some folks off at first. I think it's perfect. Favorite songs: "See No Evil" (Sounds like Cars meets Jack White) and "Torn Curtain" (beautiful, garage band prog). Terrific album! Rating: 4/5

A classic albeit schizophrenic double album. Features some of the best, smooth FM pop that Mac would create, mixed with a collection of raw "unfinished demo" sounding tracks from Lindsey Buckingham. I prefer the open, relaxed, less slick, production style of this album over their previous two records. These songs breathe more and feel more spontaneous. Lindsey's tracks, while short and rough, are super catchy. I prefer listening to this album over "Rumours." Strength: not overproduced. Weakness: disjointed Favorite songs: "Sara" and "I Know I'm Not Wrong" Rating: 4/5

Seriously? How am I supposed to give Aretha Franklin, at the top of her game, anything other than 5 stars?! Good grief. This launched two of her biggest hits, "Chain of Fools" and "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman." Strengths: Aside from Aretha just killing it, the rhythm section is top notch: members of Memphis Boys and Muscle Shoals Swampers. Weakness: just too darn short (less than 30 minutes). Favorite songs: "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone" and "Good to Me As I Am To You." Rating: 5/5

Terry Kath era Chicago is the best. This album is chock full of great music, including some of their biggest hits ever. This is the era before the horns were largely sidelined and the record company decided Chicago needed a lead singer. This music is MUSCULAR. No gentle synth ballads here! This is music to trip out to. And there in is a weakness. While this double album gives you ample time to just kick back, mellow out, and float with the stream, it does have some of filler. BUT FREEFORM GUITAR IS NOT ONE OF THEM. This seven minute guitar solo odyssey is terrific! Terry Kath was a monster guitarist. Other jams, however, aren't exactly the highlight of the album. Chunks of the album sound rather dated with the 60's protest songs. Strengths: Solid musicianship, great VIBE, classic hits. Weaknesses: Some dated protest music. Could have been trimmed to a single album (especially the last three tracks) Favoriite songs: Beginnings, Listen. Rating: 3/5

The Police were opportunists. A great combination of top notch musicians "slumming it" with punk (It's Alright for You, No Time This Time), reggae (Bring on the Night, Bed's Too Big Without You), and new wave (Contact, Deathwish) styles that were popular at the time. It got them noticed and put them on the map. The dead giveaway that these guys were miles beyond those movements is their virtuosity. Andy Summers, a seasoned session guitarist, has scads of inventive licks and lush arrangements on this album. Stewart Copeland's intricate drum work is unmatched. With Sting as primary writer and front man, they were a force. Strengths: iconic songwriting: "Message in a Bottle" and Walking on the Moon." Powerful, energetic performances. A fun listen. Weaknesses: Great album but these are heavyweight musicians playing below their weight class. No need for filler songs (and there are a few).

This album is neither inspirational nor aspirational. It is "respirational," meaning at times it sucks and at other times it blows.