138
Albums Rated
3.43
Average Rating
13%
Complete
951 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2010
Favorite Decade
Soul
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
25
5-Star Albums
4
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
|
5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
|
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
|
5 | 3.19 | +1.81 |
|
High Violet
The National
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
Celebrity Skin
Hole
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Stardust
Willie Nelson
|
5 | 3.39 | +1.61 |
|
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
|
5 | 3.41 | +1.59 |
|
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
1 | 3.51 | -2.51 |
|
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
|
2 | 3.75 | -1.75 |
|
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
|
2 | 3.67 | -1.67 |
|
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
|
2 | 3.62 | -1.62 |
|
Mothership Connection
Parliament
|
2 | 3.61 | -1.61 |
|
Heroes
David Bowie
|
2 | 3.61 | -1.61 |
|
Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
|
1 | 2.57 | -1.57 |
|
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
|
2 | 3.53 | -1.53 |
|
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
|
1 | 2.4 | -1.4 |
|
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
|
2 | 3.38 | -1.38 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Beatles | 4 | 4.25 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Neil Young & Crazy Horse | 2 | 1.5 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| David Bowie | 5, 4, 2 |
5-Star Albums (25)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Sonic Youth · 2 likes
2/5
Not easy listening - this is haaaaard. Pre-grungy punk, spoken word lyrics, repeating, thumping guitar beats, dark lyrics, bad singing. It would make an incredible live show, I'm sure.
1-Star Albums (4)
All Ratings
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Undeniably incredible voice. I actually think I like the second disc more than the first. It's not entirely my style of music, but it is incredible for what she does. Christina has incredible range, from powerful, soulful, subdued, seductive, dominating, and playful. Sort of a mixed bag on themes. First song is about prayer, but then there are other, much raunchier songs. Sort of emblematic of the dichotomy of the time, where female pop artists were expected to be chaste, but also sexy. A bizarre period of music in retrospect.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Later punk vibes. Long songs that descend into chaos at times, very little melodic singing, mostly monotone but with feeling. Driving songs. Heavy beats. Kind of good to zone out too. I haven't listened to the lyrics much, but I like the sound. Reminds me of Dinosaur Jr (love) but more droning and heavy.
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
It's fine. I don't speak Spanish and don't particularly care for cubano music, so it's just ok. Probably won't return to it. They do appear to be talented musicians, and I'm sure one who is more into this style will appreciate it, but it's not for me.
Norah Jones
5/5
Good lord. I could get absolutely lost in her sweet velvety voice. Just sit and listen to nothing else and be enveloped. Music behind her is good, but is not so prevalent to overtake her at any point. Her voice is the focus and dominant part of each song, and she's just incredible. Fantastic album, making me yearn for more of voice.
Arcade Fire
5/5
Been a fan of this album for YEARS. The Funeral is by far my favorite of these albums, but this one is also incredible. Easy to listen to, with Win's unique voice and very interesting instrumentation. It just makes me feel some kinda way. From the first note on, I love this album.
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
I'm just not into Cubano music. It's not offensive at all, and the instrumentation and vocals appear to be well done, but I just don't jive with the musical style. Unfortunately I don't speak Spanish, so I can't relate at all to the lyrics. And the musical style elicits dancing, which is not in my blood. To my ears, all the songs sound the same. I didn't make it far into the album before I had to give up. Will not finish and probably will not go back.
The Zombies
5/5
One of my all time favorites. I caught wind of this a few years ago and has been a grail of mine. It is just so well written, catchy, and so much more than just its lone hit single. I love it significantly.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Not easy listening - this is haaaaard. Pre-grungy punk, spoken word lyrics, repeating, thumping guitar beats, dark lyrics, bad singing. It would make an incredible live show, I'm sure.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Pretty great for Reggae. Classical themes of oppression and strife, rebellion and resistance. Good vibing music.
Pixies
5/5
Love it. It's unique and timeless, really. Released in the 80s but the style fits even for today. Sounds as great as ever with each listen. I love the Pixies' style in both not trying to sound great, but still delivering a sound that I want to hear. Songs are fairly varied, but also you can tell that they're the Pixies. I can tell that it's not for everyone, but it's great for me. This album definitely opened my eyes and ears to the genre of 80's punk/pre-grunge that I enjoy.
Neil Young
3/5
It's not bad. Neil Young isn't the most gripping artist, but this one isn't bad. I didn't get to listen as intently as I'd wished, but it's ok. I may try and go back to it.
Ray Charles
5/5
Oh wow. I get it now, how Ray Charles could be such a beloved artist. He is masterful and soulful and commanding, while being subdued. Having not listened to much Ray Charles before, I want to listen to more. The orchestration and vocals behind him are complementary and never overpowering. Such an incredible singer and artist. Genius of Ray Charles, indeed!
The National
5/5
I got introduced to The National about 15 years ago via Boxer, and I have been in love ever since. I was living abroad prior to music streaming, so I had to rely on downloaded music delivered via iPod. Boxer and others were instrumental in pushing me through that time.
This album continues that excellent streak for The National. Terrible Love is an incredible opener, Bloodbuzz Ohio plays on repeat in my brain. Gosh, just so many of these songs are heavily enjoyable, balancing Berninger's easygoing vocals rocking instrumentals so perfectly. The songs vacillate between slow and peaceful to rocking to rocking subdued. For me, Boxer reigns supreme in their catalog, but followed closely by High Violet.
The Police
3/5
Not a bad listen. The Police definitely have a unique sound, at least for the time that they were around. Probably pioneers of the sound, if I wanted to dig into it. The biggest problem I have with most of their songs (and not specific to just these songs but one that I have with many songs) is the tendency to repeat choruses ad nauseum. It's like they ran out of words so they just repeat the chorus over and over and over.
Musically, I appreciate the unique vocals and instrumentation as they are distinct. The songs aren't terribly varied in their form across the album, but just different enough to provide some interest.
Radiohead
5/5
It's a great album. Each song is different but also uniquely Radiohead. This being their first album (I think), you can see this album being a foreshadowing of things they flush out more completely on later albums. For me, this is a thoroughly enjoyable album, but perhaps 3rd or 4th in their catalog.
Leonard Cohen
2/5
It's fine. I've listened to it before, but it was unmemorable for me. I'm not a huge fan of the ambling songs without a chorus or more regular rhythm. It's the Dylan style, where it's just singing and singing and singing, ambling. I just don't care for it. Will likely not come back to it. His voice is just boring.
The Pharcyde
4/5
It's a fun album! Emblematic of the 90s (particularly West Coast) rap ensembles. Everyone has their own style and the beats repeat during the song, but there certainly is enough here to keep me interested. I like their flow and they are goofy enough to be really enjoyable.
Roxy Music
3/5
It's definitely a unique album. It's got a very distinct sound, one that I haven't quite figured out if I enjoy. Several of the songs employed long guitar breaks, which I don't know if I cared for. The singing was very different, seemed to have a sort of pomp about it, but not in a great way. I may come back to this album, but I don't think it's one that I really want to turn to again.
ABBA
4/5
Definitely some bangers on this album! Such an easy album to groove to. Having never listened to ABBA much outside of their more well known songs, I can say that I get it now. Knowing Me, Knowing You, Tiger, Money, Money, Money, and Fernando were especially noticeable. Just fun songs that tell an interesting story.
I will say the decision to start the album with "When I Kissed the Teacher" was an interesting selection. Sort of a weird concept for a song. Well written, but not something that would go over especially well in modern times.
Overall a really great album! I'll probably be coming back to this one and exploring more of ABBA's catalog.
Tracy Chapman
4/5
Such a powerful voice. What a power move to include an a capella track in the middle of an album, and so wonderfully done.
Obviously I've heard the bigger hits, but this is my first time hearing the lesser known tracks, and they contain every bit of her talent as Fast Car. But she's such a powerful singer. Insanely powerful, subdued, and pensive voice and lyricist. I could listen to this album for a while and still be flabbergasted by it. A couple of the songs seem dated to the early nineties, but I feel that is heavily outweighed by the rest of the great songs.
The B-52's
3/5
It's a fun album, but a bit weird. It does tend to repeat itself quite often. I do like the bigger hits, like Rock Lobster. That song is weird, but familiar so it gets a pass. The other songs are fine but not an album I want to consume too often. Great for a dance party. Not so great for a casual listen.
The Verve
4/5
Pretty fun album. It had a good rock vibe but not overly aggressive. Having only been aware of Bittersweet Symphony, I was prepared to be underwhelmed by the rest of the album. However, it was pleasantly surprising how much I enjoyed the album. In fact, I think their sound is a lot more timeless than some of the other bands of that time. Sometimes songs from the nineties feel dated to that time, but this album was pleasant to listen to even now. I will likely be going back to this album sometime soon!
Tom Waits
5/5
This kinda blew my mind. I hate the album cover so I thought I was in for a rough listen, which was almost confirmed by my first listen of the first song. However, the longer I listened, the more I fell in love with this album and sound altogether. Tom Waits is such a visceral, guttural voice and lyricist, rife with age, smoke, mysticality, adventure, and so much more. It's bold to put something out there so 'out there' that is completely unique from everything else. This album is weird and bizarre but infectious. Combining so many different sounds and instruments. Makes me want to further my Tom Waits journey.
The Clash
4/5
It's punk, but in such a very different way. The lyrics and vocal styles are very punk, but instrumentation blurs the lines between punk and various other styles. A brass band is an incredible addition as it adds so much variance to what could be just another punk album. Songs are great and varied, ranging from pure punk to chill dancing beats. It's an enjoyable album, for sure.
Beatles
5/5
Possibly my favorite Beatles album. It's not as experimental as Sgt. Pepper, but not as juvenile (relatively) as their earlier albums. It's just a good album that's easy and interesting to listen to. Is it the Beatles at their best? Perhaps not, but for me it is quite enjoyable.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
I like it. I've listened to a few Stevie Wonder albums and have not been gripped by any of them. This one is pretty easy to listen to. Good beats, great singing, good variety of styles. Showcases his abilities as a singer and also a bandleader.
Eminem
3/5
Undoubtedly, Shady is a great artist. Equally talented and honest, a proven lyricist and rapper. Because it is so well done and familiar to me, I do not dislike this album. However, I cannot relate to the themes as much as I did in my youth. He portrays a lot of anger and violence in this album, which may at one time during my angsty youth phase. I still enjoyed the listen, but it gave me feelings that I didn't care to feel any more.
Willie Nelson
5/5
This is the second of Willie's albums that I've listened to fully, and it goes even fuller to cement my opinion that he is completely original and incredible. This album is fairly mellow (same as the last one I listened to) but less lamenting than Shotgun Willie. It's poetic and beautiful, the right amount of gruff and sense and beauty. I will definitely be coming back to this as soon as I can.
Black Sabbath
4/5
I really like this album. While it doesn't have the punch and popular songs of his other albums, it still provides a great flavor of what Black Sabbath is. Short, powerful lyrics; hard rocking guitar solos; empty space left for feeling the music; and hard rock.
It's a pretty good album to listen to, albeit short. A couple of the songs tend to linger a bit long with the guitar solos, but it's not unenjoyable.
David Bowie
5/5
I listened to this album before and remember not being terribly impressed. However, having put it on just now, I immediately started to be entranced by the rhythm. It really is a fun album to dance to!
Bowie is not the greatest singer of all time, and I don't purport that he would say otherwise. He sings fine, and his vocals match the musical style well, but he's not on the Mt. Rushmore. He's one of those artists whose gravitas outweigh their native talents. He's got so much confidence and creativity that it doesn't matter how well he sings, because the listener is just enveloped by him. That's how I feel about this album. It's not got the most obvious talent or composition or complexity, but there's just something that makes me want to dance when I hear it.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Definitely one of my favorite Kendrick albums. Iconic flow, incredible style. Really sets himself apart from everyone else with this album.
David Bowie
4/5
Potentially my favorite of Bowie's albums. Not quite as "dancy" as Young Americans, but more of a rock vibe.
I proffer again that Bowie is not a great singer (in that I don't think he has a great voice), but he is a phenomenal artist and musician. Has great instincts for when and where to be different.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
4/5
Pretty fun live album. Janis's voice is paired well with the band and other singers. Has some classic, well known rock songs, but even the non-hits are entertaining. I would definitely go back to it!
Suede
3/5
The album has grown on me. At first listen, I thought it was a bit too "crooner-y". He's got a loud and powerful voice, and uses it forcefully. But it pair so well with the hard-hitting electric guitar solos that I think I can excuse it. It's sort of a mix between The Cure and Muse. It's a good rock album. I don't know that I'll listen to it that much further beyond this review, but it was reasonably enjoyable.
Antony and the Johnsons
4/5
Quite a haunting voice, backed by beautiful, melodic instrumentation. The piano and strings are lovely, peaceful, and serene, which contrasts well much of the messaging of the lyrics. It is obvious that the artist has put a lot of personal messaging in the songs, which is further exemplified in their vocal style.
Themes of longing for change and wanting are evident in the lyrics, and you can feel some of the desperation in their voice. Heavy vibrato but so much control. The piano is relatively simple, but so beautiful.
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Such a talented singer and artist. One of those that could had an extended and varied career (a la Lady Gaga) but was cut short due to drugs like so many tortured artists before her. She has a beautiful and powerful voice and produced some wonderful music, especially on this album. Each song showcases her as the primary focus, and everything behind her compliments her well.
This album is not a particular style that I gravitate toward naturally, but I'm happy to listen to it on occasion.
Pixies
4/5
I, for one, really dig the Pixies sound. It's dark and visceral and loud, but also energetic and powerful and also subdued. I can see why Pixies were such an influential sound for later bands.
While this album is not my favorite by Pixies (hellooo Doolittle!), it is still a great sampling of their sound. I could listen to it again and again.
Beatles
4/5
It's a good, early Beatles album. I was more than a little surprised that there was a good number of covers on the album, which was not bad, just unexpected. I feel the Beatles did a decent job in paying homage to the original but providing their own spin.
Overall, not a very good album. Doesn't quite have the boppers of their other, more well-known albums, but still has good, decent songs.
Having listened to a number of Beatles albums (this was my first time listening to this particular one), it's interesting to see their progression throughout their discography. With the Beatles undeniably has their earlier sound, which is what started their stardom - and for good reason! There's not much that can be said about The Beatles that hasn't been said already.
Megadeth
4/5
Just a constant, fast-paced barrage of drums and guitar from beginning to end. So energetic and frenetic. Had my head moving for most of the album, like a forced headbanging. Singing was just fine, but the instruments are what shine in this band. Wailing guitars and steady drum beats are what make this album special.
I don't think the songs are varied enough to really be able to differentiate between them. The album itself is monolithic, with each song blending fairly cohesively into one another. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it's actually pretty entertaining.
Gram Parsons
3/5
It's fine. I don't particularly care for the dual singers at the same time on nearly every song. It's not an offensive album, but also not particularly gripping. Sort of going for that Neil Young/John Denver vibes, but doesn't quite have the same staying power as either of those. It feels dated, and not something I would particularly enjoy listening to for longer than now.
MGMT
3/5
I like it! I was, of course, familiar with their hits, but I found myself enjoying their other tracks just as well. Not something I would listen to regularly, but it's a fun listen on occasion.
Queen
4/5
A good sampling of Queen's abilities. Not as popular as other albums, but this is the album that brough Bohemian Rhapsody to the world, so it's worth a good listen.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Obviously, one of the most heralded albums of all time. My only issue with is it is that there is so much oversinging that it's hard to suss out what is being sung at any time. It's an album requiring multiple listens to really get the feel of the musicality.
Message-wise, it seems to be a solid fare. I get tones of civil unrest and pining for something better. I'm sure when it came out it was revolutionary. Hell, it even rings true these days as well.
I can see myself going back to this. Nothing about it is offensive and largely a beautiful offering.
The Sonics
4/5
Took me a bit, but I definitely see the appeal. Sort of a complementary sound to the bigger hits of the time, the Beatles, Stones, Kinks, etc. I can tell that many punk and grunge bands derived their sounds from this band.
I wish there weren't so many covers on here. Their original stuff is pretty good and fun, albeit dark AF. I am curious to know how Strychnine was received back in the day. And The Witch. Both are unique songs, but don't seem to jell with what I image the 60s were like.
Elliott Smith
2/5
It's not a terrible album, but his vocal style is dated. Every song has layered vocals, and it gets tiring. Musically it's fine, but it's very indie. I probably won't seek it out any further.
Jorge Ben Jor
4/5
Surprisingly fun listen. Upon seeing the title and album cover, my mind went to the Cubano albums that I was given previously that I did not care for.
However, this one is quite different. I can't understand any of the lyrics, but I do enjoy the groove a good bit. Each song has a good groove, easy to make me dance. Each song has a very full and original sound. I would have appreciate some variance in the tempo of the songs, as they all are right about the same tempo. But this also provides an album that is easy to groove to, front to back.
O Plebeu mellows things up a bit, but still a very similar groove to the other songs. Shoutout to the cuica in many of the songs here.
Fats Domino
3/5
It's a fun album to listen to. Fats has a really enjoyable voice. And while I'm not necessarily drawn to the mid century swing, it's pretty enjoyable. I can see why it was popular.
That being said, it's not something I seek out. It's enjoyable to listen to occasionally, but not one I'll choose to return to often.
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
WTF did I just listen to? It's only relation to music is that it uses instruments and voices, but that's about where the similarities end. Just a bunch of formless, shapeless noise. Not enjoyable, and something I'm only forcing myself to listen to because of this group.
Frank Sinatra
3/5
The Stooges
2/5
It’s ok. It sounds a lot like the some of the other pre-punk bands of the time. There was one song on the album - an over 8 minute song - that took it down a star. Probably won’t care to listen to it again.
The Velvet Underground
5/5
Very awesome sound of the time. Classic album that sticker with you for a long time. Haunting, playful, and beautiful. I love the dirty guitar, perfectly matched singing, and perfectly complementary bass line. Nico adds just enough to the Velvet Underground here to make a significant difference.
Pink Floyd
5/5
I mean, what can I say that hasn't been said a billion times. It's a great album, one for the ages. It's catchy, inventive, funny at times, pensive, and just extremely well done musically. Would listen again.
Gorillaz
4/5
It's a seminal album for me, one in which the CD was gradually worn down due to repeated and wanton use. I'm back to my college days.
It's a fun and funky album, mixing just enough hip-hop and dance to not feel one-note. Fantastic music, singing, rapping, beats, everything.
While it does hold a special place in my heart, I can't say I enjoyed revisiting ALL the tracks once again. Clint Eastwood, Rock The House, 19-2000 all are easy listens. I would finish each song every time. Some of the others, I'm ok to skip. But overall it's a very favorable album for me.
Blur
4/5
It's a very cool album. I really enjoyed the cockney accent and its effective use. Reminds me of punk albums of old, but modernized, of course. I enjoyed listening to it several times, and will gladly go back to it in the future.
Jamiroquai
3/5
Pretty entertaining. Great funky dance beats, but a few too many instrumental tracks. For me, the lead singer is the feature, so having so many instrumentals just deducted points. I would definitely listen to other of their albums, but maybe not this one, in spite of the tracks that I did enjoy.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
In many of the songs, it seems like they're trying to say something deep, political or societal. Reading on the background of this album, it seems that the bandmembers were all undergoing a lot of internal turmoil. I can sense that in the music and singing, for sure.
It's not an unenjoyable album. They are all talented musicians and artists. Sort of a post-punk, brit-pop, pseudo glam rock vibe.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
This is a hard album for me to review, not because it's a bad album or that it's polarizing or anything that would drive me one way or the other. The word that came to my mind when listening to it is just "eh". It's not bad, I'm just not interested in it. Neil Young is old man music. He and Crazy Horse are crazy talented, both lyrically and musically, but I just don't care enough about it. Sure, they can put some licks together, but I'm just not interested enough to enjoy it. It's fine.
The Fall
2/5
Yet another British post-punk band, sounds so much like the others. The only difference is that this album is perhaps even MORE one-note than the rest. Each song is monotonous and droning, lacking anything that keeps me interested. Would be a 1 star, but adding another star for at least being musical.
The Boo Radleys
3/5
First listen, I did not enjoy. It was just another Britpop band from the mid-90s. However, subsequent listens proved me wrong and I really started to enjoy the sound. A few of the songs really grated me and I either had to skip entirely or miss the end. I liked the songs that I liked, and hated the ones that I hated.
Jean-Michel Jarre
3/5
Turned out better than I expected. Listened to it while working, and made good focus music. Very sci-fi and spacy, but doesn't hammer you over the head with it. It just kinda exists in that space. It was good enough to listen to the whole album.
N.W.A.
4/5
Definitely one of the original and seminal works of gangster rap, undoubtedly. One of the things I enjoy most about the west coast groups is that each rapper has their own identity, style, and flow. Dre, Cube, Easy E, all have distinctive voices that add to the mosaic of the album.
Theme-wise, it is rough to listen to because of my different upbringing. They are obviously coming from a place of strife and turmoil, leaving me unable to relate, but not unable to appreciate. They are fighting against something that has actively worked to oppress them, and it seems that this album is a sort of release to permit people to talk about those things that a collective people were experiencing at the time (and still do). This album did not create a movement, but gave voice to a movement. The opinion on the outcome of that varies, but regardless it has added fuel.
Stylistically it's good, albeit dated. It feels very much like a hip hop album from the 80s. It does not feel revolutionary in that regard, but it is extremely well done. I'd listen to it again, for sure.
The Doors
4/5
How on Earth is Morrison's voice this powerful and soulful. He sings like a 50 year old!
Album is great, really a treasure! Lots of great tracks here, from the more well known to the lesser. I enjoyed it top to bottom. Can't give it TOP marks, but I will happily listen to it again. Might even seek it out on vinyl!
Belle & Sebastian
4/5
Pretty good and entertaining! If I had grown up listening to this band, it would likely be 5 stars. I will say it didn't quite have enough sticking power for me to give it full marks, but it was good enough that I will likely go back to it and maybe eventually give it a 5. But for now.
Mike Ladd
1/5
First impression: overly stylized, pseudo rap something. It's not horrible, but it's also not revolutionary or all that good or enjoyable. Bland, and just too much digital modification. I have no idea what any song is about. Rapping is also very monotonous and dull. I'd guess East Coast.
Songs are too long. They often start one way and end another, but not in a pleasing way. Each track comes with a realization by the listener like "oh, I'm still listening to this song?" It's not a great album. It's not the worst music that I've ever heard, but I can't give this good marks. I don't care to ever listen to it again.
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
It's fine. I did not know the name of the most famous song until now. It's been used in movies and trailers for decades, but I had not heard it outside that context. I'm not sure I want to hear more from this band either. It's fine for what it is, but not superlative.
Blondie
5/5
GREAT listen. I didn't think I would enjoy this, but I really did. Every song was a banger. I will gladly listen to this one again.
PJ Harvey
5/5
I didn't get to listen to the whole album, but the majority that I did listen to was AWESOME. I reeeeally dig her sound. The rawness, the power, the grit, was very enticing. Definitely drives me to listen to her more. I will absolutely go back to this album.
The Vines
3/5
It's ok. Their song Get Free is one that I recognize, but otherwise not a terribly memorable album for me.
Brian Eno
2/5
Not my thing. Very spacy and ethereal, but also not super interesting. It's like the music that plays in the background of a B-level early '00s movie about kind aliens or something. Definitely not one for me to seek out, but not offensive.
The Black Keys
5/5
Wicked album by a band keeping the spirit of rock alive. I don't know their names or anything about the, but I know they make great rock music. Just a good collection of gritty rock.
Metallica
4/5
Classic. It’s not my favorite metal, but this album is undeniably in the canon of the genre. Great listen, plenty of hits.
Otis Redding
4/5
Great great soul album. A timeless album, for sure. Would happily listen again.
Drive-By Truckers
4/5
Surprisingly enjoyable! At first, the southern rock tone put me off a bit, admittedly without hearing or understanding the lyrics. Then the track Three Great Alabama Icons came on and it got me really looking at who the band is and what they had to say. Very interesting in their deliberate delivery and musical style. I relistened to the album then with a different perspective and it was definitely something different. Would listen again!
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
It’s a great album by Paul, but it’s not as great as Ram. This was much less experimental - except for the penultimate track - than Ram, and I missed that boldness a bit. It’s still worth a hearty listen, for sure.
Parliament
2/5
Not a big funk fan. All the songs sounded the same and kept droning on incessantly. So much repetition and just overall not that interesting to me.
fIREHOSE
3/5
Seemed to be a good album, especially on the back end. But I did not have a chance to give it as much of a review as I'd wanted. I might return to it some day.
Ute Lemper
1/5
I gave it a fair try to listen to it, but it's definitely not my speed. It's fine. She's a good singer, and the music is decent lounge music. I just don't care a lick about it, tbh.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1/5
Life's too short to force myself to listen to Neil Young. Hard pass.
I did actually listen to some of it. It was not good. Dude has a crazy Native American fetish.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Definitely enjoyed it. Classic rock and it's clearly for a reason. Awesome vibe, singing, musicianship. Just an enjoyable rock album.
B.B. King
4/5
My only problem with the Blues is that the the songs are all very similar. Similar theme, similar tempo, similar vocal styles. However, that being said, BB King does something special with it. He's an incredible band leader and musician, truly one of the all time greatest guitarist in the way that he just commands the instrument.
Blues, I think, is something that almost has to live on a live album. To hear the crowd's reaction to everything that BB is saying and playing makes the experience much less abstract. He's there with the people, speaking to them. I don't think the album would be the same without that crowd.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
3/5
How intriguing! It really makes me want to do something nefarious the Prime Minister of Malaysia...
But really, it's a pretty decent album, besides the one song I recognize. First parts of the album sound similar, but other parts are quite different. It's pretty good. While being almost wholly '80s, it's not so dated that it's played out. It still seems fresh in spite of familiar sound styles.
The White Stripes
5/5
An all time classic. Speaks to my younger self, but just as relevant now. Superb musicianship, just and absolute commander of the guitar.
Echo And The Bunnymen
2/5
Just middling. Echo sounds so much like every other 80s britpop bands. Not really much to set them out.
Lorde
4/5
Great fare from a beautiful singer. She has her own style and really shines well in this album. She has a great, understated voice that is really enjoyable to listen to.
Beck
3/5
It's a good album, with several memorable tracks. Beck's style and musicianship is undeniable, being both unique and familiar. Many of these songs and themes I've heard since the album came out in the 90s, so I am at least familiar with the hits. But it's just not something I find myself longing for. I'll listen to it occasionally, but feel no need to seek it out.
Barry Adamson
2/5
It's ok. Very cinematic, with non-rhythmic tones placed strategically to tell a story, of sorts. Although no words are spoken, drama is created, romance is implied, and it's able to tell a tale from front to back.
Do I like it? Not particularly, but I can see what the album is going for. It elicits imagination from the listener. It's well done in that regard, and I'm surprised it's not a movie soundtrack. I don't think I'll want to listen to it much beyond today, but it's ok.
Kings of Leon
4/5
Surprisingly enjoyable! Having been tangentially familiar with KoL from radio play back when, I never gave their album a full listen. However, now that I have, I think they have way more depth than has been attributed to them. They are talented musicians, with great feel for rock sound. I like their hits, but surprised more by their B-sides!
Beck
4/5
I liked it more than Odelay. The beats were more mature and conducive for movement. I felt like I could dance to this album more than others I've heard from him. Overall I liked it, but I know it's not going to be a go-to for me. I would be happy to hear it again.
Jack White
3/5
Jack White is undoubtedly one of the premier rockers of the time, through and through. This album, similar to his White Stripes work, is just pure rock and roll. His voice is nothing great, but it's absolutely perfect for the sound he produces.
The Go-Go's
3/5
It's a fine pop album. Styled on the heels of Fleetwood Nicks, a female lead with sharp bass lines is the name of the game. The Go Go's do it fairly well, with inoffensive vocals and musicals. It may have been groundbreaking in the day, but it's not super revolutionary in retrospect. It would be a fun album to have a carefree dance to. Not something I would seek out on the reg, but I would absolutely pull this album out for a lively party.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Really a fantastic album. As a 90s rock kid, this album perfectly encapsulates (for me) the air of distrust and angst that had been simmering in parts of society that had before gone unspoken. This album gave words to that anger and distrust. They certainly were not the first - gangster rap had expressed similar tones nearly a decade prior - but this album gave those words to a new group of people.
The music on this album is a perfect blend of vocals and band. Zach and Tom play off each other incredibly well - a hard blasting, fearless voice coupled with expertly crafted and equally fearless guitar riffs.
It makes my angry 90s kid heart glad to hear it again.
Bob Dylan
2/5
Dylan is overrated, significantly. He's not a good singer, and his songs amble. Has a decent cover here and there, but I don't care for his original stuff, ESPECIALLY this late in his career. Pass.
Suede
3/5
Second Suede album of this list for me so far, which isn't great. I think they're a fine band, but do they merit 2(+?) albums on the list? I'm not so sure.
I want to hate this album so much. I want to say that I'm tire of Britpop and am ready to rate every Britpop album a 1.
But for some reason, I can't do that with this album. It's somehow not terrible, and even endearing at times!
My biggest gripes is the squeaky voice part at the beginning of nearly every word, and the overly repetitious chorus on several songs (Animal Lover, for one). I didn't hate it, but I also probably won't go back to it any time soon.
Charles Mingus
5/5
Absolutely love this album. First few times I listened, it didn't grip me, but with more listens it became so much more that what I had expected. Every instrument has its place, albeit in unexpected ways. On first listens, it may seem like nothing coalesces, but to me it's more about how the instruments are doing their own thing, coming together occasionally with perfect unity.
It's like dancing, where each dancer is doing their own thing, but occasionally they all come together to dance as one. Every listens presents a new thing to focus on.
James Brown
4/5
Pretty great sound. He's got confidence in spades, that's for sure. He feeds off the energy of the crowd, for sure. It's almost like the lyrics and what he says is far secondary to the performance and the energy. He's a great and talented singer, but the draw is the totality of the performance itself.
This album works great as a live album. I don't think it would be as enjoyable without hearing the sounds of the audience. It's still great, but the synergy is a requirement for this album. It's obviously less polished than a studio album, but that just adds to its appeal.
The La's
3/5
Actually pretty decent. They are a one hit wonder, but I don't think that discredits the rest of their tracks on this album. I enjoyed most of them.
Green Day
4/5
Good rock album. It comes across as punk, and the messaging seems to be in line with that. Doesn't quite have the grit that historically punk albums had, but perhaps this was the start of a new evolution of the genre. It was certainly more main stream.
Overall, it's a good fare. Due to all enormity of radio play, I knew every word of the hits. But that doesn't take away from their goodness. They are done well and still have some meaning. I did enjoy it and might go back to it someday.
Billy Bragg
3/5
Prior to listening, I had read some previous reviews. I disagree with most of them. This is not such an egregious album to merit the vitriol, but I also don't feel it to be a masterpiece. I didn't mind his cockneyed vocal style, nor his musical subject matter. I thought the songs were quite enjoyable.
I think there will be a time soon where I could explore more of Billy's repertoire, and perhaps even come back to this album and improve the rating. But this is where I am at today.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
2/5
It's, ok. A very flashy frontman backed by a perfectly competent band. I would say the song themes and lyrics are not spectacular. But it's got some groove. Prior reviews have it rated pretty bad, but it's not the worst thing I've ever heard.
Bob Dylan
2/5
I just cannot get into Dylan at all. I've listened to a number of his albums and a recommended playlist from a friend and big fan, but I just don't jive with. It's long and ambling, nearly stream of consciousness singing that ultimately falls flat for me. Of course I've heard the hits, but the other tracks just aren't interesting. He may be one of the more influential artists of all time, but I just don't enjoy listening to him at all.
Really that's the thing that drags this album down for me. The instrumentation - while often out of tune or misplaced - may seem like a detriment, but I like that overall aesthetic. It's just the lyrical/vocal style that I don't enjoy at all. It's too linear.
David Bowie
2/5
First half is good, but then it devolves into something much less. It starts out with great tracks: good and great songs. Then it just changes at Sense of Doubt to something much different. The tracks aren't bad, in and of themselves, but it's just not what I'm looking for in a Bowie album.
I really liked it beyond that. The older I get, the more I appreciate Bowie. He's not the best singer in the world, but his gravitas drives everything. The tracks where he features gives good vibes, well done and interesting. But I'm not too much one for instrumental interludes, particularly where (apparently) the artist is trying to paint a picture of his perspective of a singular moment in time - one that I was not alive to experience. So perhaps those tracks are more relatable to people that were around at the time, but for me, now, they don't hold any meaning. To me, it's just a needless break from what I really want to get from this album.
I often think about what an album would be like if I heard it played live. I would love half of the concert, but then the rest of the time I would 100% be questioning my life decisions.
Goldfrapp
2/5
It's ok. Very European. It's mild and sometimes interesting, but mostly forgettable. She's a very lovely singer, but not a memorable voice. At least, it's not utilized in the most memorable way. I very likely won't seek this album out again, but it's inoffensive so I won't be upset to hear it again.
Michael Kiwanuka
5/5
Perhaps the best surprise album I've heard so far! Just a phenomenal sound that I really wish I had experienced before. Smooth, melodic, poignant, and makes me want to take in so much more. I honestly can't think of a single bad thing to say about this album, and it needs to be admired more.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Absolutely smashed it out of the park. Beautiful and engaging throughout. One of the best on the list so far.
Neil Young
2/5
He may be a good song writer, but goodness I just don't like him. There's something about his musical style that doesn't jive with me.
Megadeth
2/5
It's fine, but monotonous. Every song sounds basically the same. Hard to tell what is a good track because it's just monolithic.
Cat Stevens
4/5
Pretty great folk album. I enjoy most of the songs on here, but a few I could care less about. Overall really good and enjoyable, and I'll gladly play again many times.
Pearl Jam
4/5
Great, classic grunge. Hard hitting at times, but also poignant at others. Great sound, was instrumental in stoking the raging fires of the movement.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Not the best MJ offering. Probably the most dated of his catalog, leaning very heavily into disco. Has some good songs, but mostly a pass for me in favor of Bad or Thriller
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
It's good, but droning. It's like Talking Heads on meth. Constant, repeating, heavy repetitious beats with occasional singing. Mr. Byrne must be proud that the next generation is taking their exhausting methods to new technologies.
Adele
3/5
Adele obviously has a beautiful and powerful voice, and I do think her songs perfectly showcase that. She is soulful and deep, and can also be subdued and poignant.
I can't say this is my particular type of music that I enjoy on my own, but it is good in its own rites.
The Teardrop Explodes
3/5
It's ok. Reminds me a lot of The Police. Very emblematic of the 80s Brit New Wave sound. It's inoffensive, but not terribly memorable due to a sound that doesn't do enough to differentiate from other bands of the time.
Really, I'd put it as a middle of the road fare. It just doesn't do enough to stick with me, but it's also not the worst. I'd never heard of this band, and I don't think I've particularly missed out.
Shuggie Otis
2/5
Didn't listen to it all the way. I'm not into funk or 70s music too much, and this was not remarkable enough for me to care.
The Temptations
3/5
It's good. Fine, even. Not really my vibe, but it's hard to go against the Temptations.
R.E.M.
4/5
It's good. Got some classics on it, but their sound does not feel dated, really. I'm a semi-old man, but I feel like the music isn't as dated as some other stuff from the time.
Hole
5/5
Wow! I didn't know what to expect beyond the hits of this band, but I was kinda blown away by this. It was phenomenal. It's not often that I want to purchase a physical copy of these albums, but this one I definitely do. The songs are poetic, rocking, smooth, gorgeous fares. I admittedly have never given Hole proper shrift, having only the media-biased view of Courtney and her more controversial persona, but she has some mega talent here. It's a solid album, for sure!
3/5
It's ok. It reminds me a lot of the Jon Lovitz-led band from the movie "The Wedding Singer". It's sort of hammy and EXTREMELY 80s, lots of synth, poppy bass lines, subtle backup singers, dramatic lead singer, and all the other classic hallmarks of quintessentially 80s bands.
It's not the worst thing I've ever heard, but it's also in no way timeless. Some albums from decades ago are still extremely listenable and relatable, but something happened in the 80s that just glues certain bands to that decade. This is emblematic of that. It's not bad, it's just from a decade's style that I don't care much for.
Sufjan Stevens
5/5
Incredible album that I've known and loved for decades. A beautiful fare with themed songs that tug on the heart strings and give hope. John Wayne Gacy Jr. and Casimir Pulaski Day are two of my favorites.
Bill Evans Trio
2/5
It's ok jazz, just not terribly interesting jazz. It's background music, with nothing commanding that I pay attention. Everyone is doing their own thing, not super cohesively, so I could garner different things with each subsequent listen. But really, it's not enough to keep me terribly interested. I also cannot differentiate between songs. They all make just one lump of music that is indistinguishable from the next.
Beastie Boys
4/5
It's pretty good. Beastie Boys obviously have good flow, but some of the tracks are far too overly stylized, beyond the point of recognizable words. It has little to do with the vocals, but more-so the vocal filters.
It like the beats and most songs, there's just the rare song that doesn't quite hit for me. The style is undeniably East Coast, which is not my preference, but this album is probably nearer the top of the pile for me as far as EC rap goes.
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
Odd music, but far from the worst. That was my prevailing impression, just that it was odd. I could probably see myself appreciating it at some point, but it's not striking enough right now for me to continue.
Randy Newman
4/5
I liked this a lot more than I initially thought I would. Randy's voice is not the greatest, but it's familiar and he's got a way with words. I really do think I will come back to this, if I can remember it.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Depeche is a good music to listen to when you're wanting interesting and dark background music. It can be monotonous and droning, but not in a bad way. More like a brooding, pensive way. I liked the album and might go back to it again, but not quickly. I'm not necessarily drawn heavily to it, but I enjoyed the experience.
Janelle Monáe
5/5
Having heard this album since it came out, I think this is an absolute masterpiece. Janelle Monae is an incredibly talented artist. Beautiful voice, true performer, unique style, and just an all around delight to experience. Got to see her at a small show several years ago, and she was electric (lady)! She's small but she filled the space, commanding everything and everyone. A true powerhouse.
When she first came on the scene, she was always wearing a sleek tuxedo and pompadour. Her style was unique and incredible. She's since mellowed out a bit in her career and personal style (with equally great effect), but back then she was a dynamo. Energetic and full of life.
I love the composition of this album so much more than her others. It's bizarre, unique, and interesting.
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Ravi is obviously incredibly talented. He's a master craftsman with the Sitar and understanding of form and function of Indian music. I even appreciate the music lessons interspersed through the album.
Something I learned while listening to this album is that you can't come into it expecting common Western song forms. The tracks are long with minimal refrain, each track progressing linearly from beginning to end. Much of it shares style with each adjacent track, which isn't necessarily bad, just lack of repetition. Having only previously experienced Indian music tangentially, it seems to be a hallmark of the style, so I can't fault it.
As far as Indian music goes (that I've heard), it's top tier. Expertly played and has its own beauty, even unconventional to my ears. It is ultimately, however, background music. Something to get lost in, but does not require full attention by the listener. I could try to find common themes/patterns throughout the song, it's just amorphous.
Destiny's Child
2/5
Let's be honest, this is a Beyonce album. The other singers are there, but it's a Bey album, to its detriment, I think.
While Queen Bey has incredible talent and vocal range, I don't think it does enough to peel this album away from the era that it was arranged. It SOUNDS like an early 2000s album. There are just too many hallmarks of the time to make it timeless, which is what I think makes an upper echelon album.
I would love to hear more from the other singers. It's not a great album in and of itself. Even though this album was insanely popular during my prime music listening age, I just don't think it has aged well.
Jane's Addiction
3/5
It's not bad, but not something I want to listen to all that often. JA certainly has a very unique and easily distinguishable sound. Nobody else sounds like them.
I wish I were able to give this album more time to listen, but I must move on.
Beatles
4/5
Honestly, what more can be said that hasn't been said a thousand times? It's site-wide rating is well-deserved.
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
It's fine lounge music. I don't mind that I can't understand most songs. Bebel's voice is fine, but not superlative. It's fine for lounge music, but not much beyond that. Not something I would seek out as requiring my attention.
I feel like there was a period in the mid-late '90s that made lounge music more mainstream, and this album feels like its at the tail end of that. Nothing standout, but serviceable for the time.
Elbow
3/5
I wish I had given it more time yesterday than I did. I liked what I heard a fair amount. I may go back and revise the rating at some point, but I think it's a fair offering.
Slade
2/5
Oh I do not like this at all. "The Whole World's Goin' Crazee" is one of the least pleasing songs I've ever heard. I smiled when it finished, not 'cause it happened.
The album is Glam Rock at its worst. Contains the same elements as other, far more successful bands, but not superlative enough to stand out. Just unattractive grunt-singing and not great voices. They may have been pioneers or something like that, but they are far from being good.
Janis Joplin
4/5
I really liked the album! Janis has such a unique and powerful voice, but it's not like a comparable "great" singer. It's more that her vocal style is perfectly suited for the genre and instrumentation, more so than most. She fits like a glove into the songs, such that any other singer would be intensely out of place.
I really liked this album as a throwback, and would happily listen again. I may not add it to my regular rotation, but I will go back someday.
Beatles
4/5
Once again, what more can be said about this Beatles album that hasn't been said before. I think it's potentially the most cohesive album, but it no more or less excellent than other albums. Lots of classics.
I used to think this was my go-to Beatles, but I think it has since been replaced. I shan't divulge what has replaced it, on threat of death.
Pere Ubu
2/5
I mean this with all of my heart:
...meh?...
It's quite a different album, which I have no problems with experimenting and doing things really differently. This album doesn't follow much form and is often meandering, blurring the lines of rhythm and cohesiveness. Even a few of the songs were really enjoyable!
But ultimately, this album doesn't do enough to make me care about it. It doesn't make me want to dance, nor sway, nor listen to the words, nor sing along. It's just seems to exist for itself in the void. And I'm not really into that part.
Ice T
3/5
It's fine. I'm not a huge fan of his vocal style, but his lyrics are on point for the time. I can't say it's terribly relevant to today's time. It's fine.
Album cover is atrocious. Just bad.
The Crusaders
3/5
Not bad, for background music. I was able to listen to most of it while working, with minimal distraction. I can't say that I enjoyed it, but I can say that it didn't offend me. Middle of the road in my book.
The Cars
3/5
It's ok. I'm not the biggest fan of The Cars, but it was ok.
Supertramp
4/5
Surprisingly enjoyable! I didn't expect much out of Supertramp, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was neither straightforward disco (which I was expecting) nor bland early '70s rock. It was a fun combo of the two. I will definitely be going back to this one.