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

I absolutely loved listening to this album! I've never heard of this band before. A lot of sonic texture on this album. It's a pleasing mix of electronic and acoustic instruments with both digital and analog sound effects. Often creating an almost ASMR effect in my earbuds. Each song has an upbeat hook-laden vocal melody with tight harmonies. Always danceable never repetitive. Both retro and futuristic at the same time. A fun discovery. Favorite song: "Life's a Beach." And, I'm definitely adding "Wor" to my favorite apocalyptic songs playlist!

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.

Should be titled "My Bloody Sleep App." This is what happens when white noise, distortion, binaural beats, looping audio software, and a rogue flanger decide to show actual MUSIC who's boss - and fails. I know this is designed as atmospheric music, but I'm unsure of which planet's atmosphere - as evidenced by the breathless vocalists gasping for air like a pool of koi fish silently begging for bread crumbs. Strengths: There are some guitar chords on here. Weaknesses: They sound like they're lost.

This album was a joy. Highly textured creative music. Released in 1972, some of the quirky electronics are obviously dated but several effects would become production staples for years to come. Eno is obviously concerned with creating an atmosphere with each song. Unlike many later ambient, repetitive bands however, he is skilled at writing a solid hook. From there, he uses unconventional sounds to texture and "fill out" the audio profile in a way that serves the song and tells a story. A terrific album to listen to with headphones. Lots of variety that stands up to repeated listening. Favorite Song: Blank Frank

Five stars. No debating one of the greatest debut albums by any band. All killer, (mostly) no filler. Top notch musicians, open jazz style production, great vocal performance. I'm not a fan of the mid '60s hard stereo pan but whatever.

Wow. Powerful performances all the way. Immediately struck by the massive horn arrangements, and fat saxes. Only a larger than life voice like Otis Redding's could match this bold arrangement. And he sure does! Soulful, expressive, and STRONG. Otis at his best. His song, "Respect," lands much differently on this record than Aretha's later version. It's hard to believe she could improve on the song, but she did. It's a testament to the artistry of them both. Aside from Otis' rather weak version of the Stones' "Satisfaction," this is delight from top to bottom. Favorite song: "Down in the Valley." So funky!

I'm not usually into movie soundtracks that much but this was throughly enjoyable from start to finish. Great compositions, arrangements, and loads of funk. I can see why this soundtrack won an Academy Award. Plus, that soulful voice of Isaac Hayes popping up every so often. Great stuff.

The songwriting and arrangements on this album are top notch (great strings). Terrific team of musicians, includining some fine slide guitar from George Harrison. A musically pleasing album However, while John's first solo album was powerful and authentic, this just sounds like complaining. The songs are strong. John's performance is heartfelt. But the self-centered bitterness of this album removes any enjoyment I might receive from listening to it. John's "How Do You Sleep" scorched earth attack on Paul just comes off as unnecessarily cruel. Not all therapy sessions need to be broadcasted. Favorite Song: "Oh My Love" it's the beautiful, shining moment of this album.

This did nothing for me. I know it's on several top album lists, I just don't know why. Yes, the electronics were somewhat advanced for 1977. The closest thing to a song was "Girl" - but that's not saying much.

The album that showed arena rock still lives. Contains three iconic monster hits. The album owes a lot to the styles of AC/DC and Kiss but with a much funkier swagger or swing than those two bands. Excellent production, mix, and stereo stage. Perfect to rock out to. Slash channels Page a few times. A good bit of filler on this record though, and not a lot of lyrical depth. Mostly typical bad boy stuff. Favorite song: Mr. Brownstone.

I really can't stand Bruce Springsteen but I will give credit where credit is due. This album is a standout. The title track is about as perfect a song can be. The highlight for me, however, is "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out." The horns and fat saxes of the Brecker brothers and David Sanborn joining Clarence Clemons just pushes this song over the top. Can't be beat. Lyrics on the album are great but Bruce is just too damn shouty. He gives me a headache. The real star is Roy Bitton! His piano work on this record shimmers. Roy on piano and Clarence on sax can save just about any song. "Backstreets" and "She's the One" for example, would work just fine as instrumentals. Great band. The epic 9+ minute Jungleland is one of the best closers of any album.

I absolutely loved listening to this album! I've never heard of this band before. A lot of sonic texture on this album. It's a pleasing mix of electronic and acoustic instruments with both digital and analog sound effects. Often creating an almost ASMR effect in my earbuds. Each song has an upbeat hook-laden vocal melody with tight harmonies. Always danceable never repetitive. Both retro and futuristic at the same time. A fun discovery. Favorite song: "Life's a Beach." And, I'm definitely adding "Wor" to my favorite apocalyptic songs playlist!

A ridiculous amount of raw energy. A powerful performance. Recorded live in 1963 but, inexplicably, not released until 1985? This set just sounds like pure fun. Sam plows through the hits with an in-your-face presence that commands respect. Excellent recording quality and a solid performance by a terrific band. I've never heard him like this before. I can see why he was such a huge sensation in his time.

"Fast and Bulbous!" Ha ha. This thing is nutty. It took me about 20 minutes to figure out what was going on. It's not music as far as I can tell. That's not to say it's not entertaining. It felt more like a poetry slam. I have no idea why they decided on making it a double record. 45 minutes would have more than sufficed. Obviously, a lot of work went into this. But, I'm not gonna be pretentious and pretend I think this is a masterpiece or that it's an "important album" just because it shows up on lists like this. It may be those things but my mind isn't currently calibrated for this. Today, it's getting one star from me but not because it didn't have entertaining moments. I'd have actually given it two stars had it been a single disk, not a double.

Yes! Some power pop fun. This is a band I skipped when they were around. I actually didn't know I had heard them until "Alright" came up. That song was everywhere back in the day. Lots of hooks and raw energy. The first half of the album holds most of the "pop" numbers. "Caught by the Fuzz" and "Mansize Rooster" are the most notable for me. Back half of the album is more musically interesting. Great stuff. My favorites: "Lose It" and "Sitting Up Straight."

Ah. Classic Prog: The world in which I generally live. This is such a familiar and loved album to me that it's difficult to give an unbiased review. My biggest dislike is the subject matter. This whole album is an ode to lechery and animosity towards Christianity. "Hymn 43," for example, could have been written by the unrepentant thief on the cross. A complete rejection of Christ. On the other hand, this is a musical masterpiece. It's funky enough to have generated several classic rock staples yet proggy enough to keep the interest of the musically inclined. Favorite song: "Cross Eyed Mary" - from tasteful, mysterious flute/mellotron opening to the down and dirty Hammond Organ riff that would make Deep Purple Proud. Funkiest cut on the album. I love it. Musically this album is five stars. But, for me, I have to dock it one star just for its unrelenting blasphemy.

A concept album about nuclear weapons. Begins with India's nuclear testing and ends with Robert Oppenheimer. Tracks rotate through several genres: orchestral, jazz, electronic dance, rap, MOR soft rock, scat. Arrangements featuring both western and Indian instruments and styles. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable listen. I could hear this being played in a coffeehouse or spa. Favorites: "Homelands" and "Tides"

This album seems most like a work tape of song ideas. It's a collection of fun grooves. Most songs clock in at about two minutes, many even shorter. Thundercat is a great bassist. You can most easily hear his virtuosity on the song "Uh Uh." Excellent R&B / Soul numbers on this record. Also contains surprise guest vocals from both Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald. The album's strength is also its weakness: very short songs. For example, if you don't like a song, no problem. It will end quickly. However, that also means when Thundercat latches onto a juicy jam, he doesn't ride it long enough. The song may be over within a minute and a half. The result makes the album somewhat disjointed. Favorite song: "Them Changes"

Solid pop album. Abba was a terrific band and this album just so happens to contain the most perfectly constructed pop song of all time, "Dancing Queen." This record is chock full of hooks that can stick in my head all day. Lyrically, there is some weirdness here. "Dum Dum Diddle" contains one of the oddest rhymes, "you're only smilin' when you play your violin." (she's jealous of the time her man spends with his instrument - best not to dissect that). And I still have no idea what the song "Tiger" is trying to say. Apparently, the single "Fernando" was not originally included on all pressings of this album. That would be tragic as it's one of their best tunes. All in all, this is just a great "feel good" listen by a band that made a whole lot of people feel good.

These early Elvis Costello albums produced by Nick Lowe are magical. The raw "Basher" production suits these songs. This is the scrappy, street-smart Elvis singing pub rock power pop. Lots of musical hooks and searing, sarcastic, yet poetic lyrics. The album seems to get better with each listen. Bruce Thomas' bass playing is absoutely killer. A great sophomore record that reinforced Elvis as a great songwriter. Favorite song: Lipstick Vogue. It's a tour de force!

Man, this album is boring as heck. I tried to like it, especially since I enjoyed the "Suburbs" album. But this just sounded repetitive to me. And what's worse is that it feels like that was the plan. Each song is crafted in such a way that it could be sung as an anthem. Simple slow chord progressions with simple refrains. My mind just sees the lighters (or cell phones) waving in the arena. AND THAT'S NOT A BAD THING AT ALL. It's just that this album felt like a string of that same sort of song. Meh. Favorite song: "My Body Is A Cage." A legitimately excellent song.

LOVE this album! This is the first time I've even heard of this album. It's also one of the reasons I chose to make my way through this 1001 Albums challenge: to discover classics like this. This contains a master class in how to make a cover song your own, not once but twice. "Walk on By" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" are epic both in length and in substance. The open, almost luxurious arrangements here will make this a repeat listen for sure. I always knew Isaac had a terrific vocal style. I'm quickly learning of his very satisfying arranging too. Rating 5/5 Favorite song: "Walk on By."

I envy those who attended this concert. Their experience was over in a couple hours. It took me three days to get through this album. It was dreadful slog. I found it repetitive. I love space but the silly little nonstop "space sounds" got on my nerves. When they launched into the spoken word "Space Poetry" I thought for sure this was Spinal Tap! There are just some bands that are popular in the UK that just don't click with the average American. This must be one of them. This went to number 9 on the UK charts. Yeah this didn't do it for me.

All killer. No filler. No matter what I'm currently listening to, I know I can put this album on as an instant audio palate cleanser. The album starts off like gangbusters with "Let the Good Times Roll" and keeps the pace up with the massive horn arrangements and high energy big band. But, as the album continues on, the music gets more soulful and jazzy. The string arrangements are absolutely beautiful. Ray Charles is just the epitome of soul. There are so many great songs on this record but I suppose my favorite is "Just for a Thrill."

Relentless, straight up, no nonsense rock n roll the way nature intended it. Thin Lizzy's harmonized dueling lead guitars are on full display with some of the juiciest riffs throughout. Phil Lynott was the essence of cool. Terrific frontman with silky smooth voice, funky bass, and commanding presence. The album cover says it all. This live album starts strong then just keeps picking up stream, snowballing to a crescendo. It's intense and is a must-have record. Favorite song: "Are you ready?"

The overall vibe of this album was fantastic. I love the 60's Motown inspired arrangements and orchestration. Most of the time this was great fit for Amy's strong, husky vocals. However, this treatment doesn't work as a "one size fits all" on all songs. For example, The Meters styled trap kit drum sound was perfect on songs like "Rehab," "You Know I'm Not Good," and especially the reggae styled, "Just Friends." However, that sound is just too weak for big Shirley Bassey type numbers like "Back to Black" or too distorted and one dimensional for the more jazzy swing songs like "Love is a Losing Game." There were a few other miscues where the music simply didn't fit Amy's vocals at all. The most glaring example is "Tears Dry On Their Own." The music was clearly a direct homage to Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." However, Amy's melody and peformance, while executed wonderfully, simply sounded like it was meant for a completely different song. The vocals, in that case, worked against the music. Those are just quibbles. This is an enjoyable album. But, they indicate that this record had the potential to really showcase the variety of styles Amy was capable of. Instead, while wonderfully performed, the songs began to sound a little too much the same by the end. Regardless, Amy was a force to be reckoned with. She had a great talent that, tragically, was taken from us too soon.

This was a bizarre but fun album. How can joyful African and Carribean reggae jams NOT be fun. Mix it with some early hip-hop and a "framing" structure of each track being played on a New York morning show or something - complete with call-in listeners. Definitely an interesting listen on my morning commute. This was the era when all these "World Beat" styles mixed with post-punk and new wave, much moreso in UK than USA. I was pleasantly surprised to see Trevor Horn's involvement in this production. It kept me listening. I could see playing this as background music at a party - but really, that's about it. An enjoyable spin.

This is the first rap album that has come up for me on this list. It's also the first British rapper I've ever heard. He has quite a different sound than the stateside variety I'm most familiar with. I've also never heard of "grime rock." In other words, I just don't listen to rap. It's not really a go-to genre for me. I do enjoy the some of the beats and I always play "name that tune" when it comes to identifying famous samples. In the case of Dizzee, it was fun to hear Billy Squire rocking out in the middle of this album. I also got a kick out of the 8 bit Atari sounding electronic music and beats. All in all, I'm not a good judge of this style of music. So, rather than rate the album based on its importance or whether it's best of its class. All I can do is rate whether or not I'm likely to give it another listen. I am not.

It was fascinating to hear all the the musical elements that would feature heavily on the following year's acclaimed Pet Sounds album coming together, in earnest, on this. This is the transition album. As such, there are some great stand out moments. "When I Grow Up to Be a Man" with its harpsichord, and bass harmonicas and Phil Spector style arrangement was a harbinger of things to come. This is "Wrecking Crew" at their peak powers. But, the expansive "Kiss Me, Baby" and "She Knows Me Too Well" take things to the next level. It's painfully obvious Brian has graduated from this group. In an alternate reality this is where he begins to enjoy solo projects and songwriting for and with other artists. Instead he suffers in an effort to fit all his creativity into the Beach Boys box. There are some great numbers sung by Dennis Wilson on here, including my favorite on the album, "In the Back of My Mind." The lush arrangement is just sooooo good! Not a perfect album but a darn good listen!

Wonderful album from a blind spot in my musical knowledge. This is the first time I've heard of Nina Simone. I thoroughly enjoyed this record. Thematically, this is a very deep poetic album but musically every song is easily accessible. From the first track I expected a boogie woogie album. However, the album took a dramatic turn with the second song, "Four Women." So, was this gonna be jazz. Nope. Even though the arrangements were stark and typical of traditional jazz combos, the song structures were more akin to pop songs. Identifiable hooks kept my attention and was just the sugar necessary to take any bitterness out of lyrics. Her voice is unique. I've never heard such a quirky vibrato. It works for her. It lends enough emotion to the performance to ensure the lyrics sound authentic. My favorite song: "Lilac Wine." A wonderful discovery.

All Hail the Queen. I gave "Lady Soul" five stars and I just gotta give this one five too. What a difference a year makes. While "Lady Soul" was a slammin' - funky album, this one has a much more open, vulnerable, yet confident sound. This is, in my opinion, peak Aretha. So many good songs! "Baby, Baby, Baby," the title track, "Dr. Feelgood." But my favorite is probably the extra-groovy "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream."

This is a fun album. The only way I can describe it is "Nine Inch Nails" but fun and happy. The band uses loops - lots of loops! But, they are always tasteful, interesting, and used in service to the music, never in place of it. The loops add degrees of texure where needed to best effect. While this music is largely electronic and "locked to the grid" it still manages to stay funky. Best examples are "Golden Age," "Red Dress," and my favorite "Crying." Real guitars and organic instruments mix it up with the synths. The album features a variety of styles: Dance ("Dancing Choose"), Ballads ("Family Tree"), and even a Pop Anthem ("Lover's Day"). A good listen.