Rather bland, sounded like an 80s soundtack that needed to sound like soul but just didnt have any.
Very familiar with this one, and ine of my favourites. A real breath of fresh air on its release. Amazing samples, fun rhymes and great beats (that they occasionally drop). Pop it on anywhere, anytime.
I recall seeing the clip for Closer on Rage. It was unlike anyrhing I had seen before, and after a few views I realised it was also unlike anything I had heard before. Eventually I got the album and it did not disappoint. Full if aggression and retrospection it is a damn fine album. I convinced my cousin to buy it in a second hand shop years later, and he liked it until the "god is dead" lyric, being a christian. Also fell in love with Cash's cover of Hurt on a first listen not realising it was a cover. This could release today and be better than a lot of what is around.
Rehab was a great song but is the weakest of this great collection. Not a new sound, but certainly has something to it that is just... different.
First time listening. Know the band for September and Boogie Wonderland. This is much more funk than disco though, abd very well put together. I imagine Prince liked it, can hear the influence. If more 'disco' was like it may have survived.
Very early in their career. Can hear the seeds of what they will become, but nothing really stood out to me. Not a bad album, far from their best. Decemt middle of the road fare.
Less produced and more raw then Back To Black actually make this s better album. They work well as a paired listening.
Never liked this band. Decent riffs. Solos are all flash and no souls. Vocals and lyrics sound like AI trying to be a metal band. Ain't Superstitious... just an awful song. They sound like they agree. Pressured into this by the label?
Just awful. It was 1995, why does it sound like 1987? Just after the 80s production sound boon, when they made everything to sound like it was all recorded on the same Casio. Sounds like something from a cruise. Marinee.
I only knew of Gang Starr from ttheir one song with Prince (which was a great track). Love this early 90s hip hop sound. And its.. easy? Nit as angry as Pubmic Enemy and certainly not as aggressive as NWA. Just a great groove. Love the sample of The Band on Beyond Comprehension!
Always a good listen. Very lo-fi compared to subsequent releases, and full of some raw energy. Grohl is a great songsmith.
I can't believe the only song I knew previously was Alright. I would have thought I'd venture deeper after hearing that one. Love the energy. Has a great Brit sound.
Nice little listen, good background music. First of Weller I have listened to. A little long. Mostly harmless.
Oh wow. Wench, fetch me some meade. Trying to soundtrack Excalibur? It sounds like someone wanted to be part Pink Floyd and part The Who. It is well done though. Great harmonies.
Was familliar with the hits on this one, assumed the rest were filler. Any song on this album could have been a single. Elton and Bernie could sure render a fine tune.
Bowie was a legend, but this album is just... bland. Nothing really stands out. Its OK, but after listening I can't recall one singular song.
There are some generational songs here, ones you never forget..even some lighter tracks are fun, like Cecilia (which feels like a blueprint for Some Nights by ironically, Fun). There are also a lot of tracks that are too light and made for the time, leaving the overall album unbalanced. Still bloody good though.
What hasn't been said? One of the most popular albums from one of the most popular bands. And with good reason.
So good. This was their pinnacle. Well produced. Anthemic. Not a bad track.
The Byrds had some amazing songs, none of which are in here. A solid little album though, but you can hear they needed a little more time to cook.
This was the turning point where Cash went from Legend to Icon. Nit a bad song on it, nit a dry eye in the house. Great covers, great guests. Just a monster of an album.
Classic Bowie. Solid effort. Was surprised by the Beatles cover, hadn't heard that before!
Interesting listen. Has some accoustic Radiohead vibes in spots. Good background album. Doesn't command attention but I feel if I were listening with headphones I would be transported.
Such a strong voice. So delicate one moment, thunderous the next. Always a good listen. A good background album but also a good listen when alone and focussed.
I honestly don't know how this is on this list. Very poor output from them. How can you take a song as soulful as Heard It Through The Grapevine and render it elevator ready. Whomever is attempting the falsetto on this album, please stop. The Temptations have some iconic songs but none of them (or their essence) is here. This is sad. Like when a classic band is touring 30 years later with just the original bass player carrying the name from casino to casino.
Yeah well. Plays of this one would be in the thousands. Far from my favourite from Metallica, but still a good spin.
Sadly I have heard a lot.less of The Jam than a man my age should. Very enjoyable, a great sound for its time. Will be listening again.
Solid output. Not as many stand out tracks but still a decent listen. Great debut.
Surprisingly enjjoyable. The name.Shankar is permanently tied.to.the sitar after Ravi. I had not heard Ananda before. Not the sort of thing I normally listen to. The covers at the start were a bit of fun but after them it shifted gear. I like that it included sitar, and didn't just feature it.
Cracking record. Never heard their Woodstock before. Great harnonies, melodies and instrumentation!
This has some great songs. Awful cover though, looks like it would sound like Cliff Richard. Some real Bowie and Stones sounds.
Wow. Folks talk about Songs In The Key Of Life, but this... outstanding. Certainly need to do an artist dive now and nit rely in the best of...
Smashing debut. Great production quality for its age as well. Live the older era tunes, and you can really hear future Dusty in there.
This is what happens when music manifests into a physical form, gets drunk and falls down stairs. I really tried but made it just under half way. Now cleansing with some Ill Communication.
So this is where The Ramones learned you only really need one riff/melody! So much fun though. Just A Gigalo, sadly, I only knew before from David Lee Roth! Vocals get a little Shel Silverstein at the end! Love this age of music, where peiple sand about banana splits and sime things.
Very lazy songwriting. Pick a sound and drone on it. Maybe the lyrics were good, but honestly I couldn't be bothered listening to them.
Jazz is something I don't losten to enough. This album is almost hypnotic. A great example of the genre.
A guy finds an original Rembrandt and Stradivarius in his attic. Is all excited but then discovers Stradivarius is an awful painter. Artists do not always make good musicians. This is a testament to that.
Interesting. Good harmonies. Desperately wants to be The Beatles but falls very short. Didn't really like or dislike.
This is like Radiohead on Qualudes. Craftsmanship is there musically. I don't mind a bit of sombreness in music. Any of these tracks would be good in a playlist. But as an album it is just too much.
Starts off like Beastie Boys, slowly evolves into Tricky/Portishead. Some great samples and beats. A joy to listen.
Great pop album. Real sexy vibe at times, sultry at others
Criminally underrated album. When talking about grunge itbis oft left out, but it is an important part of that conversation. And better than anything Alice In Chains ever did.
Great jungle for a commercial or moody movie, but really long in the tooth. It gets repetitive and boring quickly, and when it does pivot and change up it is really forced, a little chaotic and uncreative. Oxygene is a much better listen.
I always thought this was a live album and never listened. Woe is me. This is a great album. Good build and book ends.
Not as good as I remembered. There She Goes is still an amazing song, but the test of the album is rather confused. Some real 50s/60s i soired moments that really want to be The Kinks but fall well short.
A classic album. An amazing debut. Listened many times before. That bass on Please Do Not Go though, I was hooked.
Yeah a Christmas staple. Doesn't feel quite so sentimental.
We all know the song. But man it gets boring fast on an album. I think this is where elevator muzak was born. An extra star for the title track though.
First real listen to ELO. Really enjoyed this. Could release it today and still do well. Bit of a Queen sound. Very fun and easy.
Made it half way. Sonic hot mess. Showy and flashy in spots but no real soul, like a Mustaine solo. Trying very hard but not getting there. And the lyrics. Wow. This geta in lists like this because people vote for it to seem cool or musically intelectual, then if you say you don't like it they say you don't get it.
Interesting album, of its time for sure but would rather listen to their first album. Covers were also meh
Not a big Stones fan but this is a banger. Love the honkey tonk influences!
I really dislike Oasis, but love this album. Bit tired of Wonderwall (not their fault, but every person who spent 3 minutes learning it on guitar and decides they could busk their way to salvation) but otherwise just a great album. Such a shame Liam Gallagher is... well just is. How he hasn't suffocated yet with his head up his ass is a crime against humanity.
So much depth, so few instrumenta. Love this album. It was only a couple years ago I got the Citizen Kane reference.
Solid album. Surprised no tracks were bigger in his career. Can't all be Harvest I guess.
Well that was a surprise. Almost didn't listen after that PIL album. It pains me this predates the Beastie Boys, very much wanted to call it a rip off. Good job Malcolm!!
Always a good time with this band. I didn't know most of these tracks, but really enjoyed them!
Hadn't listened to this one a lot before, but really strong output. Didn't feel overly long for a double album.
This doesn't age well. As a product of its time, sure. But so slow and juvenile. Firmly believe they have a pass for Walk This Way.
Like a Mustaine riff this is flashy, overdone and void of substance or soul. One pity star and one for reminding me of Sanford & Son.
I need more jazz in my life, and certainly more Mingus.
Staple from the band. I was introduced through their self titled album but need to listen to this one more...
All over the place but in the best possible way. Fresh and everchanging, engaging and... fun? Some great beats, on pointe rapping, then next minute big band swing. Love it.
There was some great music in the 80s. This is not it.
I got into QOTSA late. Listened to Songs For The Deaf a lot, and the Loke Clockwork blew me away. Not sure why I haven't listened to more. This is a great album but withers a bit in the third act. Not in a real bad way, just a little... indulgent. The last couple tracks remind me of the Sonic Youth I am not fond of, the noise-scapes.
So refreshing and full of whimsy, avoiding the pop tropes of its day.
I tried. Made it through one song and the first 10 seconds of a few more. I am sure this is a great example of ska, but... its ska.
Solid listen. Not something I would normally put on, but also wouldn't turn it off.
They always sound like AI from about 5 years ago.
Seminal album, but sadly one I haven't heard a lot. Love the 90s vibe.
Always enjoy a bit of Dylan, and some staples on here.
Oh man this is killer. And live! In the days before overdubbing and clean ups. A master and his craft!
Its... Beach Boys. I assume more is coming on this list from them as this really is pretty standard fare. Help Me Rhonda was the single, and if that is the strongest track...
Never a happy time, always a good time.
While BloodSugarSexMagic is a no-skip for me, I forget how good this album is. Fades a bit in thr later stages but still great.
Ah Willie. Such a wordsmith. Folks forget what a good guitar player he is. Not just a three chord country guy.
Of all the bands The Smiths is somehow one of them. Like The Ramones everybsong is basically the same formula. Unlike The Ramones they are dreadfully boring.
Great vibes and a great sound. Certainly need more of this in my ears. Loses a star for the Kendrick track. How many 2 Live Crew fans never grew up?
Most folk mellow with age. As a younger man I liked a lot of hardwe rock and metal, Merallica and Slayer... but this sound was lost on me and just noise. Nowadays I really get into it. Been listening to Entombed and Obituary, forgot about this band. Great energy. Song too short though!
Not what I expected at all. Solid jazz turnout. Good background vibe.
Pretty standard fare for its era. Finished listening moments ago and cannot recall one melody or lyric. Also didn't ever want to skip it so there is that. Perfect mediocrity. Its... beige. Really unsure how it is on this list.
They certainly have a sound. Not very dynamic though. Its fine.
Its reggae. At least it is not ska.
Very mellow. Never heard of them and there were no real clues in artwork. Will listen again for sure. Electro synth pop with a great balance, could be great background music or headphones on and get lost in it.
Solid album but produced and polished within an inch of its life. The rawness was the appeal of Live Through This and made it a top 10 of its genre. This is calculated and shined up just right for MTV and American Top 40. Worked as well methinks as it was 12 years before another album. That could have been the objective, but also might just be how Michael Stipe writes.
Man I need more of Eush in my life. This is... epic? Is that the word?
Generally a good listen. A little samey after a while, but good.
An amazing voice. The music and arrangements are really top notch as well.
Fair fare for the era. Withered as it went though. Not a fan of the 80 soundtrack audition and the vocals on the last track were embarrassing.
Peak era of Stevens. Great album, no skips.
Such a range of sounds and styles. I recalled the hits but enjoyed discovering the rest of this one.
Sometimes barren and desolate, sometimes soaring with hope. This album is the full gambit and will never get old or tired.
Very hectic and at times self indulgent. Technically very proficient but not something I would not listen to very often.
Of all the bands from the 80s this is one of them. So very boring. This is what ChatGTP would give you if you asked it for an 80s sound.
Yeah just a little iconic. Last if their best years (not that the successors were bad mind you). Love the energy.
Yeah alright settle. Known the name for quite some time but for some reason always thought she was more of a folk singer. This was a very pleasant surprise. Lots of soul and heart. I imagine Jeff Buckley was a fan.
Was raised on Defenders Of The Faith and now regret not branching out. Hard to believe this was '79. Very well produced for the genre then. Loves it!
Better than I remembered, it's probably been 30 years since I have listened. I will need to listen to their initial run, up to and including a fitting finale with Rattle & Hum. Achtung Baby was quite a departure, and I don't mind the sound, but man there was a soul in this music.
Pretty standard Bowie fare for the era. Still good, but doesn't really pop.
Great turn out from Neil. You know the guitars are plugged in when you see Crazy Horse is in the house. Some great tunes, but I always thought Down By The River was a little long...
After the hits you forget how good these guys are. When I stop and think about it, there is no filler in the early years. Great stuff.
I had forgotten this one. Not my everyday vibe, but certainly a good listen at the right time.
I know the name but have never listened. This first track is perfect whilst waiting for my morning commute, the sun just starting to breach the darkness of the hills in the east. The vocals are somewhat... Dylan? Odd stresses and stretches. The first track lingers a little longer than I normally like, but again in this morning setting it fits. Like the song is giving me time to wake up and catch up. On to track two, this is a bit more upbeat and awake, much like myself. Dylan is still in there, now wrestling with Rick Ocasek. The overall sound now is young Springsteen but in 2014 and not 1974. I suspect this is the tone for the rest of the album. (PS it was, and very Tom Petty, still a good listen)
The world needs more Zappa. I need to listen to more.
Very of its time. Certainly hasn't aged as well as something like Graceland or Purple Rain.if ever there is an 80s film festival in a high-rise this album is playing in every elevator. This was a warning way back when that a great video does not a good song make.
Yeah it's a great track, and a great go to song in certain scenes etc but a whole album of basically the same is a little much, even if only a little over half an hour...
Sometimes I enjoy the lengthy soundscapes Sonic Youth birth, but I really need to be in the mood. Dirty hit the nail on the head, captured the sound but didn't overstay their welcome. This album has the sound but ironically like a daydream it is a little aimless and wandering. And that is a good thing if you are in the mood.
Feels like a best of. Just so well put together. I can see why weezer got Ocasek to produce their first album.
As a live album this was alright. Not a huge Thin Lizzy fan though. Mostly harmless.
I remember when this came out. Was such a breath of fresh air. Within a few months it was in every cafe on earth (and must be somewhat responsible for Putamayo becoming a label). Such an amazing live experience as well. I have you to find a mood or time this album is not appropriate.
Nothing really remarkable here. A couple covers that lacked the energy of the originals. Not bad, just... Background. Mostly harmless.
Such a good album, but wanders a bit at the end. I recall the wee hours watching Rage and seeing these guys. Perfect for when you got home and were winding down!
I know it's April Fools Day but still. Band had one shitty single that was popular in Manchester clubs for about 8 minutes on an album two years after this. I tried to listen to as much as I could, but even for its time this is a very sub-average album. I assume the follow up will be on this list as well then as it has that one song on it some people once knew. So I guess I have that to look forward to.
Never understood the appeal of this band. The one half decent song is only memorable because of the Johnny Cash cover.
Was alright. Nothing really stands out, I am sure they will on here again with a better album. Mostly harmless.
Zep never really disappoint. Kashmir alone gets it over the line.
Good fare from Declan. Hope The Juliet Letters is to come.
Did the physical release have a sticker that said "Hey Ya and 2 hours of other"? Overcooked and overstuffed.2 stars for Hey Ya though.
My first exposure to Animal Collective. Was a bit more 'out there' than I expected, in a good way. A lot of arrangement twists and turns. Not as far as Flaming Lips (which can be isolating) but certainly strays from mainstream. Like Architecture In Helsinki.
Could have been 4 in or 5 stars were it not for the little scenarios scattered throughout, as was the style of the day (which I never understood the appeal of). Even the lode star track, Killing Me Softly, is ruined by this as it closes out. This track was going great while Jean and Peas let Hill do her thing. Leans heavily on references. I doubt any youngling today knows why squeezing the Charmin is an act of defiance. Some good beats packed around some covers, not as great as people remember.
What hasn't been said?
Well... run For Your Life is certainly problematic... a bit of filler but a solid output.
Somebody love these women! So many sad songs! But soooo good. Sometimes 'supergroups' really miss the mark (often due to our own expectations). This does not. Banger of an album with some great talent on show, but no showing off.
First time listening. Love the energy. A bit long in the tooth after a while though.
I always thought Shiny Happy People was on this album. Glad it wasn't. This is a much better album than I recalled. Night Swimming is their best track.
Such a good album. Really strong start. Just... Sexy. And in a world of electronics and synths you can tell it's Prince in just a few seconds. There was just something elevated somehow.
This opening track... I find it can open almost any playlist you may want to create. There is never a bad time for it. The National Anthem is a modern jazz classic. It's a little bit or miss otherwise. Idioteque is amazing. Hard to really get a handle on this album. Even at its low points it is still enjoyable, and tracks individually excel. But as a whole I am just unsure somehow, but also feel the fault is mine not the album's.
If there is a Muzak Museum somewhere this is playing in its elevator. No soul, radio friendly beige designed for soccer mums. Assume it pairs well with margaritas in a bowl and Lonely Lost Reisling.
Solid jazz album. Love the older recording here, sounds like you are in the room.
All the elements for me to dislike. Repetitive songs. That pop punk radio friendly sound. Lyrics you can't quite decipher or make sense of (especially when they pronounce massacre mass-a-cray). They even took there name from Paul McCartney (an alias he used when checking into hotels). Yet.... Somehow it all works, and works well. I just can't sit still (or be downtrodden) when listening. And for a debut this album is so refined it feels more like a best of. Two years before Never Mind The Bollocks you can see what McLaren was aiming for (though he missed the target by a country mile).
Fun album. I remember everyone at the time talking about the guy from Blur doing this. Good vibes and timeless.
Better than expected with the name. Decent 90s hip hop.
This band is technically beyond compare but they are not showy about it. Freebies, Simple Man and Tuesday's Gone on one album gets it on this list and the other tracks keep it here.
Great voice. Good songs. Surprised she isn't mentioned more with the women of country.
Man there is a lot more to Stevie Wonder than the Isn't She Lovely era. So much funk it's almost angry. It's phunk.
Just an amazing voice. Nor surprising with her lineage. Anyone that can do THAT to Hank Williams is ok in my book.
First one not on Spotify. I knew of these guys from their kids album (There's A Moose On The Loose!). It worked better in that context. This sounds like someone calculated all the elements of popular artists in the mid 90s and tried to blend them together. It has moments, but overall doesn't really gel.
Very clean and calm. Commuting through suburbia at six in the morning with the sun licking the edge of the sky is a great time and place for this, but I am not sure when else is. Whilst the music is soft and soothing the voice is like a sharp knife cutting through the serenity. That may be the point, but not knowing what is being said may be to its detriment. This is a very good album but sadly not for me.
Mostly harmless. Instantly forgettable but not offensive.
Couple of guys from Canada and a drummer from the south give birth to Americana. This album changed things. So good, and their best is yet to come.
The best from his small but impressive catalogue. Such a voice and a talent, such a sad tale. Always enjoy this one.
Not heard of this band. Started really strong. Great arrangements and instrumentation, but that waned quickly. The overall sound is ska adjacent so that's no good. The songs seem to be covers of good songs by a local pub band. The bones are there, but it doesn't work.
I never understand why good musicians gather together and refuse to make something coherent. Yeah yeah it's a fuck you to the 'industry', and you are cool because you are avante hard or whatever. Just don't make me listen to it.
So many good songs here. Even the non-singles hit the spot. An incestuous success.
Great beats, good samples. Wish there was instrumental versions. It's a shame. I know it's revered and seminal yada yada but not really for me.
Such a voice and talent. Very chill album.
Apart from the singles this is surprisingly mediocre 80s fare...
Exceptional debut. So original, even now. Musically amazing, it can be deep and then whimsical.
So very 80s... But it was 1976. So ahead of his time.i imagine this didn't set the world on fire when it dropped but picked up steam over the years. Apart from that though there isn't really a lot of substance here. There are better Bowie albums, I assume they will all show up here eventually. Curator must be a Bowie fan. I wonder who missed out so this could be included.
Why is this not known more widely? Sure they were not prolific, but this first album was a blueprint for the next two decades of good music. Tom Verlaine should be a household name.
Not heard if this band. This album not on Spotify, 5k followers... I know people with more than that. The expectations is high then, being this obscure or niche and still in this list. Even if they were not high, this album would not meet them. Not a bad album, but unremarkable in every area. Even taking into account when it was made it is very mediocre. If I get to the end of this list to find this was included and Julian Cope was not I swear I will sue somebody. If I saw this band in a bar in the 90s (maybe I did) I wouldn't leave, but I wouldn't remember them either.
Alright I guess if it was a soundtrack to a cartoon. Decent beats.
Much better than their first album (which is odd as they had Steve Albini produce the first one). Shoegaze at its best.
I never used to like Coldplay, all songs sounded like Yellow to me. Viva La Vida was different, and unblocked my ears. Between Clocks and The Scientist this is certainly worth Al listen, and the rest is alright too.
Not a reggae fan. Slightly better than ska. But what I really don't like is somebody famous for singing about 'one love' or peace but beats his wife and his girlfriend. Gets one because it can't get none.
Brimful Of Asha was a bit if a thing in its day, but this album is just very mediocre and long. A novelty Beatles cover just feels desperate.
Mostly harmless. Probably a fun afternoon recording it. Nothing really stands out, or tries to change up the same of it all. Tether tried but ended up stepping back in line.
I am sure this was quite something in its day, but now is just very long in the tooth, and kind of unfocused which is not a good combination.
Always thought this was after Harvest! Another solid effort from Neil, he rarely disappoints!
As a child of the era I am embarrassed to say this is my first time hearing this. Not my last though. Great 90s sound, post Seattle. Like early Nada Surf.
Such a beautiful album. Love how Stars Of Track And Field builds from almost nothing. There is never a bad time to listen to this album, surely their strongest.
The sound is very dated, but the music is timeless. A lot of tracks from this era are almost comical, but this album is still a good listen today.
Whomever had the idea that hip hop albums in the 90s needed 'intro' tracks and little story skits scattered throughout has a lot to answer for. Lauren Hill nearly got away with it, but her songs were much better and bought a little leeway. Why a band with a one hit wonder novelty song about an answering machine ends up on a list like this is baffling, especially when when it isn't even on this album. Some decent beats and a bit of fun but there is much better around (start with Arrested Development).
Solid output. Love how even the non-singles tracks are always good. Great album closer as well.
Decent demos. Could make an OK album when it's done.
Annoying as fuck right out the gate. 'Time becomes a loop' on a loop. How clever. Y'all come up with that at recess? Oh now track two starts with a voice over loop. This is going to be a long hours and five minutes. Ugh. Yeah if you use the same BPM on every track it makes it easier for DJs to mix and sample in da club. I am sure if I was on the right drugs this would be enthralling, but then so is is the back of your hand in that state. Otherwise it's insipid and pedestrian. But yeah put it on the list, representation and ribbons for all I guess.
