Nice groovy riffs albeit slightly repetitive at times. Definitely underestimated Rod, but tails off towards the end.
Favourites:
Gasoline Alley
It's All Over Now
My Way of Giving
So so good. Can't decide if it is my favourite Gorillaz album.
Favourites:
Tomorrow Comes Today
Clint Eastwood
Rock the House
19-2000
Slow Country
M1 A1
Loved the interactions with the audience.
Favourites:
Folsom Prison Blues
The Long Black Veil
Iconic sound - very repetitive. Lots of energy.
Favourites:
Blitzkrieg Bop
Havana Affair
53rd & 3rd
Really fun jazzy album. Nice instrumentals
Favourites :
Aja
Home at Last
Josie
Very cool southern sound. Couple of the songs quite reminiscent of Jailhouse Rock.
Favourites:
Lookin' Out My Back Door
Up Around the Bend
Long As I can See The Light
Beautiful album. Simpler and quieter than their later works. Vocals are fantastic. Very difficult to pick favourites.
Favourites:
Candy Says
What Goes On
That's The Story Of My Life
The Murder Mystery
Great easy-listening country album. Wonderful band name.
Favourites:
Christine's Tune
Sin City
Dark End of the Street
Hot Burrito #2
Awesome album full of energy. Much prefer the Iggy mix to the Bowie mix; it's much more in your face and powerful and the bass sounds fantastic.
Favourites:
Search and Destroy
Gimme Danger
Raw Power
Pretty good album, although not all the tracks are to my taste. Stray cat blues sounds amazing but the lyrics don't quite hold up.
Favourites:
Sympathy for the Devil
Jigsaw Puzzle
Salt of the Earth
Awesome album - opening track really draws you into it instantly. Very dramatic almost cinematic, really cool.
Favourites:
Dominion / Mother Russia
Lucretia My Reflection
Flood II
Solid album with a glimmer of what's to come.
Favourites:
All I've Got To Do
Please Mister Postman
Money (That's What I Want)
A truly great album. It's nothing complicated or taking huge risks, but it's done perfectly. Wonderfully produced, the vocals sounds great and there's some powerful lyrics in there. The kind of album that can be played anytime during the year and fit the mood. So close to a 5* for me - unsure if I prefer this or Summerteeth.
Favourites:
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
Kamera
Jesus, Etc.
Heavy Metal Drummer
One of those albums that I can see why it's so beloved, but I don't think ZZ Top are to my personal taste. A couple of great tracks on here and the guitars sound great, but it's just not for me!
Favourites:
Gimme All Your Lovin'
Sharp Dressed Man
I Need You Tonight
My enjoyment of this album kept on growing all the way through the runtime - and I'm sure I'll like it even more on second listen. I could not believe this came out in 1983! I'd have put money on it being mid 90s or later. Very solid throughout.
Favourites:
Add It Up
Prove My Love
Gone Daddy Gone
If it weren't for this website, I'd never be listening to a full Limp Bizkit album all the way til the end. I would be lying if I said I didn't get any enjoyment out of it: it's definitely fun and makes me think of the '99 Woodstock performance the year before this came out. Lyrics are awful but I think that's part of the charm. I won't be listening to it again though!
Difficult to pick favourites because most of the tracks all sound the same to me - but I would highlight Boiler as somewhat of a standout track.
Some really great tracks on this one - such a talented musician.
Favourites:
Sunflower
Wild Wood
Has My Fire Really Gone Out?
5th Season
A product of it's time, the songs all tend to follow the same pattern and structure. Especially the final chorus on each song that's pitched up an octave. Soda Pop and The Beat Goes On do stray from this though. And I will say that the title track is a certified banger.
This was a nice album, easy-listening but didn't blow me away. There were some tracks that I'll definitely revisit but probably not the album as a whole.
Favourites:
La femme d'argent
Talisman
Ce matin-là
It's a cool album! Some really interesting themes but it also doesn't take itself too seriously. Would absolutely revisit this.
Favourites:
School
Dreamer
If Everyone Was Listening
Crime Of The Century
As a long-term defender of her Christmas No1 "All I Want For Christmas Is You", I didn't go into this with a completely negative mindset. But unfortunately, I absolutely hated this album and it did nothing for me. A tedious album that goes down as my first one star. Even the Britney Spears album had the comic relief of tracks like Soda Pop and Email My Heart. Very sorry, Mariah.
Very bright and youthful album, though not quite as polished as their later music. A super fun listen and there are some fantastic tracks on there for sure. The B-side in particular is stacked.
Favourites:
New Feeling
Don't Worry About The Government
Psycho Killer
Pulled Up
Permission to Land! How haven't I listened to this album before? If you hear a song as awesome as I Believe in a Thing Called Love it should be a no-brainer to check out the album. I also love that this track is followed up by 'Love is only a Feeling' and Givin' Up'. A mix of Queen, ACDC, and Metallica, this album is full of energetic bangers and it doesn't slow down. Justin's vocals sound fantastic, there are some wonderful guitar riffs throughout. So much fun.
Favourites:
Growing on Me
I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Givin' Up
I am in no place to judge or rate Bob Marley. He's a legend and this album is great.
Favourites :
No Woman No Cry
So Jah S'eh
Bend Down Low
I know so little about Janis Joplin aside from her name, this was a really nice listen. Punchy, powerful tunes with some great lyrics. A slight country twang too, mixed in.
Favourites:
Move Over
Cry Baby
My Baby
Me and Bobby McGee
Country albums are difficult for me to rate because they don't really do anything for me. I'm sure this is a great country record but I'm not the right person for it.
If there's one thing I've learned about Missy Elliott, it's that she can't stand the rain (against the window). Honestly, I wasn't sure at the start but I was really enjoying it by the end. Missy has won me round somewhat. That being said, my favourite misheard lyric so far was believing she was announcing her bowel issues after smoking some weed: "Pass the blunt on the left hand side, I've got the runs"
Favourites:
Izzy Izzy Ahh
I'm Talkin'
Getaway
I found this quite hit and miss really, but the hits did work for me. Dizzee Rascal is a talented dude.
Favourites:
I Luv U
2 Far
Fix Up, Look Sharp
Really enjoyed this album, confirmed to me that Janis Joplin is just awesome. Her voice is just fantastic, big fan. Bonus points for the amazing album artwork.
Favourites:
Piece Of My Heart
Oh, Sweet Mary
Catch Me Daddy
I have listened to this twice, and absolutely love it from front to back. What an absolutely wonderful album, each track just works on its own level. Such a delight to listen to, I've got to give this my first 5* rating.
Favourites:
See No Evil
Venus
Marquee Moon
Prove It
My first real introduction to Sonic Youth and I've got to say I love it. The noise is just so raw and powerful it makes me want to relisten immediately. Just leaves me wondering why I've never checked them out properly before.
Favourites:
100%
Wish Fulfillment
Sugar Kane
Chapel Hill
If there's one good thing I've taken away from this album it's the burning desire to go and rewatch Father Ted. Honestly whilst I enjoyed this in part, the lyrics and their delivery made me feel icky. "So I suggested. She protested. I persisted til she said Well OK. And I Said WeyHey". Even if the lyrics are meant to be taken as irony, it's a bit much for the full album.
Favourites:
Something for the Weekend
Charge
Songs of Love
This album is obviously fantastic. The first 5 tracks are just so good, and I was pleasantly surprised by the back half of the album which I was previously unfamiliar with. I don't feel I can give it a full 5* but it's incredibly close.
Favourites:
Smells Like Teen Spirit
In Bloom
Come As You Are
Endless, Nameless
It's funky, it's groovy. A lot to like about this. Interesting to see the origin of the 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here' drums.
Favourites:
Happy Feelin'
Yearnin' Learnin'
Africano
It's obvious that this album is quite special. The blend of western styles with African influence is a unique listen, and there are the clear standout tracks. I'm aware there's some controversy surrounding it, and I'm not attuned to all the facts - but I really liked this.
Favourites:
Graceland
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
You Can Call Me Al
Any more Steely Dan albums and I think I might become a fan. This album flowed so nicely from start to finish and was the perfect accompaniment to my walk along the seafront. Just wonderful vibes, but distinctly different from my memory of Aja.
Favourites:
Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Any Major Dude Will Tell You
Pretzel Logic
Can't say I'm a fan of the album cover, but I did really enjoy this. Some really great tracks in there and a couple that show clear future influence on bands like The Strokes. I can't say that the production of this sounds particularly brilliant but I enjoyed it for its raw, unedited feel.
Favourites:
The Passenger
Tonight
Neighbourhood Threat
Fall In Love With Me
Admittedly, I thought this might be a bit of a slog to get through. And whilst I did get a bit tired by the very end of the album, I hugely enjoyed most of it. The lyrics are just beautiful, a gorgeous ode to love and the loss of it. Would love to listen to this on vinyl by a crackling fire.
Favourites:
In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
I Get Along Without You Very Well
When Your Lover Has Gone
Last Night When We Were Young
I really wouldn't consider myself an Oasis fan, but it's got to be said that this album is gigantic. The amount of brilliant anthems on this thing, I really enjoyed listening to this all the way through. That being said, the lyrics are really shoddy a lot of the time. Special shout-out to Champagne Supernova as the perfect closing track.
Favourites:
Don't Look Back In Anger
She's Electric
Champagne Supernova
I rarely attribute perfection to an album, but Illinois comes incredibly close. An absolutely gorgeous 73 minutes of music picked full of so many emotions. Some tracks make me cry, some fill me with jubilation, some are just so very groovy! And the instrumentals sing for themselves. The arrangements and production are top tier, and I can't think of any faults at all. I was already a massive fan of Sufjan and this album so I'm so happy it is on this list, a real win.
Favourites:
Come on! Feel The Illinoise!
Jacksonville
Chicago
Casimir Pulaski Day
The Man of Metropolis
The Predatory Wasp
They Are Night Zombies!
This has got to be the most middle of the road album I've listened to yet. I didn't actively dislike it, but I didn't like it either. Feels harsh giving it a 2* but I can't justify the third star.
Favourites:
The Teams That Meet In Caffs
Seven Days Too Long
This album is a prime example as to why I'm continuing with this project. A wonderfully unique collection of tracks, the last 3 in particular conjuring up some really dark emotions. The use of narrative throughout is cleverly done with some haunting lyrics. The guitars and drums sound fantastic. It is the kind of album that I feel could be bumped up to 5* after multiple listens.
Favourites:
Breadcrumb Trail
Washer
Good Morning, Captain
Gotta give it to Pere Ubu, it's experimental, fun, bizarre, incomprehensible at times. All things I enjoy hearing, and I can't help but have a soft spot for this album. It's not going to be an immediate favourite but it was a lot of fun and I'll definitely revisit this one.
Favourites:
Navvy
I, Will Wait
Drinking Wine Spodyody
I'll be honest, I expected to like this more than I did. I was unfamiliar with the album, and it starts off so strong but the rest of the album didn't blow me away. Maybe I'll change my mind on that within time. That being said - I liked a fair deal of it.
Favourites:
Radio Free Europe
Pilgrimage
9-9
A great Beatles album, a clear step up from 'With The Beatles'. Whilst some of the tracklist doesn't quite hit the mark with me, and I'm not a fan of the closing track, there are some truly beautiful songs on here that definitely raise this album to a higher place.
Favourites:
Norwegian Wood
Michelle
In My Life
I really enjoyed listening to this one. A really great album.
Favourites:
Waiting For The Sun
Peace Frog
The Spy
Indian Summer
I don't care what anyone says, I'm giving this 5*. The whole thing is just such a great time. The blend of latin rhythms with heavier guitar riffs and exciting drums. I couldn't help but smile throughout the whole thing. Beautiful!
Favourites:
Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
Incident At Neshabur
Se a Cabo
Samba Pa Ti
With an album output to match the likes of King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard, it was nice to hear a snippet of John Lee Hooker's humongous discography. However the amount of collaborations on this particular album leaves me feeling as if I didn't get the best introduction to his music.
Despite some nice moments on here, I did find myself a little bored at times. That being said, I can appreciate the artistry.
Favourites:
The Healer
Think Twice Before You Go
My Dream
Listening to this, I am sad that my 14 year old self never got into Slipknot - I'm sure I would have loved it. I went into this with some false assumptions about the style of music, and with fear that I may not last the full 72 minutes of this album. Whilst I didn't particularly love the last three songs and by that point I was willing it to end, I really enjoyed the rest of the album to my surprise.
There are so many great hard hitting tracks on this thing. The drums and guitars sound fantastic, even though I wasn't completely on board with some of the vocals; they just felt a little out of place.
Favourites:
Gematria
Vendetta
This Cold Black
All Hope Is Gone
If you're gonna go for the name "The Band" you've got to at least be pretty decent. And they are better than that, I found a lot to love in this album, and I'll certainly be revisiting it. Plus the album art is great.
Favourites:
To Kingdom Come
Caledonia Mission
The Weight
Chest Fever
After having visited the castle made of sand that Hendrix was supposedly referring to, it's fitting that I listened to this album. It is groovy, funky with some great melodies and lyrics. Hendrix has got it all.
Favourites:
Spanish Castle Magic
Wait Until Tomorrow
If 6 Was 9
Castles Made of Sand
A stellar album; I listened twice through and would happily listen again. There's so much to love about this, and it's immediately obvious why Ms. Dynamite has the reputation she does. Brilliant stuff.
Favourites:
Dy-Na-Mi-Tee
Put Him Out
Sick'n'Tired
Now U Want My Love
Listening to this album, it really feels like I should like it a lot, but something just doesn't click. It's got all the components to be a great listen, and I did enjoy parts. Maybe it requires multiple listens, I'm not quite sure.
Favourites:
Get Duffy
If They Move Kill'em
Trainspotting
I was both surprised and happy to see this album pop up. As much as I like it, I really am not sure if it is deserving of a place on this list - there's just too many great Bowie albums.
I have a soft spot for this one and I feel it definitely got overshadowed by Blackstar. But 'The Next Day' is really great. It's a more straightforward Bowie album as they come, and it really really works, well worth a 4* rating with a lot of fantastic tracks.
Favourites:
The Next Day
Where Are We Now
If You Can See Me
You Feel So Lonely You Could Die
It's a fun album, a little hit and miss for me. But the hits a really good! Plus they have got great hair.
Favourites:
Tooting Bec Wreck
Lick Summer Love
Back To Mystery City
This album hits you wave of passion and energy right from the off, and this doesn't let up for the whole 1 hour runtime. Some wonderful tracks in here, not least the closer which featured in Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing". A power house of an album.
Favourites:
Pollywanacraka
Burn Hollywood Burn
Fear Of A Black Planet
Fight The Power
An objectively great album, but for some reason not quite to my taste. I like the vocals and the energy on a lot of the tracks.
Favourites:
To Be Someone (Didn't We Have A Nice Time)
The Place I Love
...Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Another album that I'm slightly surprised at its' inclusion on this list. It's a very good album, and the similarities to Nirvana are most notable here. But I feel like there are better Foo Fighters albums that warrant a place. That being said, it's raw and grungy, and most tracks hit the spot.
Favourites:
Alone + Easy Target
Floaty
Exhausted
I don't often find myself in the mood to listen to Michael Jackson, so this one took me a while to rate. But on this album he is undoubtedly at the top of his game, and it's very consistent throughout. Hee hee!
Favourites:
The Way You Make Me Feel
Man In The Mirror
Smooth Criminal
Yeah this is a good fun punk album, it's noisy and ferocious as you would expect. I must mention Anti-Pope as a particular standout, some brilliant lyrics that don't leave any room for the imagination. A wild ride.
Favourites:
I Just Can't Be Happy Today
Anti-Pope
Looking At You
I have never listened to this album before, but I was familiar with over half of the tracks - this thing is just full of hits. I can't say I'm overly keen on the title track actually, but nonetheless it's a brilliant album, and is deserved of its reputation.
Favourites:
Cecilia
So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
The Only Living Boy in New York
"I hit him back...with my pet rat!". What a great lyric.
I really liked Disc 1, but Disc 2 was just fantastic. A great punk album, with the added brass backing, I'm super happy to have listened to this.
Favourites:
I Can't Do Anything
Genetic Engineering
Germfree Adolescence
The Day The World Turned Day-Glo
The first Radiohead album on this list, what a great day this is. I am surprised at its inclusion, but I'm very happy that this gave me another reason to listen to this; an album that I definitely have overlooked. Its wonderfully dark and unsettling throughout, with the most creepy/macabre lyrics of any Radiohead album. The first 6 tracks are all fantastic in their own crazy ways, and the closer is maybe my favourite of all, with it's awesome saxophone accompaniment. There are a few tracks that don't quite hit for me so I can't be giving this a 5*, but it's remarkably close and definitely an overlooked album in their discography.
Favourites:
Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box
Pyramid Song
I Might Be Wrong
Life In A Glasshouse
Honestly, I was expecting to dislike this. And after the opener I thought I had predicted correctly. But from 'Speakin' Out' onwards comes a run of tracks that subverted my expectations. The soft piano melodies are fantastic, and Neil's voice sounds really great on this, full of passion. And of course there are the wonderful harmonica instrumentals that can't be missed. Consider me surprised, I'll be returning to this one.
Favourites:
Borrowed Tune
Mellow My Mind
Tired Eyes
Probably the earliest I've ever listened to one of these, purely because it's a phenomenal album and is perfect for a gentle morning listen. 27 minutes of bliss. The songs on here are just so beautiful, the guitar picking sounds magical, and the lyrics are so simple and meaningful. I feel like I could just listen to this and sink into a fluffy pillow.
Favourites:
Pink Moon
Place To Be
Things Behind The Sun
Parasite
From The Morning
Awesome album. Possibly too long, but you get a real mix of flavours throughout. Some tracks had a great funk and rhythm, others delivered hard flows. I felt great listening to this and will definitely be revisiting some of my favourite tracks.
Favourites:
Ms. Jackson
Snappin' & Trappin'
B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)
This album is an absolute banger, and I feel no shame in giving it a full 5*. The iconic black and white album cover. And the strongest of starts to an album with 'Hanging On The Telephone' followed by 'One Way Or Another'. And despite how strong this album starts, it never really lets up; I would even argue that the end of the album might be even better! Just an all round brilliant time and I would feel guilty giving it less than full marks.
Favourites:
One Way or Another
I Know But I Don't
Will Anything Happen
Heart Of Glass
I'm Gonna Love You Too
This is a really great album, each song has merit. Fiona Apple's voice sounds great and the lyrics are thoughtful and emotive. Even though the whole album is good, 'Never is a Promise' is truly superb and deserves a special mention, a wonderful song.
Favourites:
Shadowboxer
Criminal
Slow Like Honey
Never Is a Promise
I think I got whiplash from listening to this off the back of a run of brilliant albums. Maybe I was just hot and tired when I listened to this. I really dislikes this, which surprises me somewhat because the blend of punk, hip-hop, and pop sounds so interesting to me. But unfortunately I just didn't get anything from it and found it actively annoying at times. Sorry :(
Favourites:
Thrasher?
It's jazz. I'm not scared of it. I enjoyed the listen, and despite not knowing a lot about jazz, I feel it was a pretty good album. That's all I have to say. There's only 4 tracks so I can't really pick a favourite.
An interesting album, one that I wished I liked more! It has so much that I like, but I don't think it has clicked yet. Maybe I'll come back to it and realise that it is better than I thought.
Favourites:
S.F. Sorrow is Born
Mr. Evasion
Walking Through My Dreams
Well I've been waiting for this one, and it rightly takes its place in the exclusive 5* category of my list. What a phenomenal album. The opening 4 tracks have got to be some of the best on any album, with Weird Fishes / Arpeggi being my most common answer to the question 'What's your favourite song?'. All I Need is probably the weakest track on the album for me but when a song of that quality is the weakest then that speaks for itself. Maybe my favourite Radiohead album?
Favourites:
15 Step
Bodysnatchers
Nude
Weird Fishes / Arpeggi
Reckoner
Jigsaw Falling Into Place
This is a proper mixed bag! I'm not a massive fan of Queen, but this has some of my favourite and least favourite Queen songs on it. "It's always a hit or miss so take your aim" perfectly sums it up. I must give a mention to Leroy Brown because, although I didn't like it, it was a great listen and I was not aware Queen had a song in this style.
Favourites:
Brighton Rock
Killer Queen
Stone Cold Crazy
Really enjoyed this one. Can definitely draw some similarities to Young Fathers, the rhythm and energy that flows throughout. Big fan of this.
Favourites:
Halfway Home
Golden Age
Shout Me Out
DLZ
First time listening to this in full and I've got to say, I didn't dig it as much as I thought I might. On the scale of my enjoyment of Nu Metal bands on this list, Linkin Park would currently sit comfortably above Limp Bizkit but with some distance behind Slipknot's 'All Hope Is Gone'. 2* feels harsh but I can't justify the third I'm afraid, sorry LP!
Favourites :
With You
Crawling
In the End
I'm not a huge ACDC fan I'll be honest. This album rocks but it's just not quite for me. It absolutely deserves a place on this list, and the double hitter of Back In Black and You Shook Me All Night Long is awesome. But outside of that I can't say that I personally got a huge amount of enjoyment from this.
Favourites:
Shoot To Thrill
Back In Black
You Shook Me All Night Long
This is great, a nice introduction to Afrobeat. Made my commute to work rather nice indeed, can't be in a bad mood listening to this stuff.
Despite clearly being a very good album, it loses marks for the jumpscare at the start that instantly put me in a bad mood. Also, it really isn't a good one to listen to after having been through a big breakup; all the love that Ray Charles describes just makes me feel sick. That being said, I can appreciate the artistry despite it not being quite for me.
Favourites:
Just For a Thrill
Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
I really love this album. It's very dreamlike and I feel as though I'm floating in space when I'm listening to it. Not the cold, empty, lonely space, but more of the moon and shooting star kind of space.
Favourites:
Svefn-g-englar
Flugufrelsarinn
Ny Batterí
I've always loved the song 'Just Like Honey', but for whatever reason I've never explored The Jesus and Mary Chain further. I'm very happy to find on this album a lot of other tracks that are in the same style of Just Like Honey; I love the hazy electric guitar sound and the vocal style. I'm surprised to hear some of the more noisy tracks on here too, it made for a great listen.
Favourites:
Just Like Honey
Cut Dead
You Trip Me Up
Something's Wrong
I feel pretty underwhelmed after listening to this. 'Dreaming Of You' is such a wonderful song, and so I had really high hopes for the rest of the album. Maybe it deserves a second listen but I just didn't get on with most of the tracks here. Can't work out why it deserves a spot on this list!
Favourites:
Dreaming of You
Waiting for the Heartaches
Skeleton Key
Wow, I really really loved this one. The fact that I was both willing and able to listen to it twice in one day is telling. It just sounds impeccable right the way through, and I couldn't help but groove along the whole way. It slows down a couple of times, notably for the track 'Comin' Back To Me' which is a really beautiful song with wonderful lyrics. So happy to have come across this one!
Favourites:
Somebody To Love
Comin' Back To Me
⅗ of a Mile in 10 Seconds
Embryonic Journey
Another really great album. This one hooked me immediately with Roundabout, an absolutely terrific track. I expected it continue in the same vein, but it actually changed gears quite a lot throughout. Great album that could go up in my ratings with another listen.
Favourites:
Roundabout
South Side Of The Sky
Heart Of The Sunrise
America
I have found so many great artists/albums through this list, and now I have also discovered an irrational dislike of Elvis Costello. Can't quite put my finger on why I'm not a fan, despite this album being so highly regarded. It's alright, it's fine. I'm familiar with Oliver's army, I didn't really enjoy it this time, however. Strange one.
Favourites:
Senior Service
Green Shirt
Glamorous Indie rock and roll is all I want. It's a really great album, albeit with a few duds scattered in there. So many great hits. However, immediately after this album finished, a track from Sam's town played and reminded me as to why I prefer that album. Hot Fuss is great nonetheless.
Favourites:
Somebody Told Me
All These Things That I've Done
Change Your Mind
Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll
Sure, she's got a great voice and then execution of these covers are very professional. But it's incredibly difficult to rate an album full of covers. A strange inclusion on this list. Tricky business.
I knew I'd like this album, but not as much as I did. Such a brilliant collection of songs, a fun, drunken, folk-punk ride. RIP Shane MacGowan.
Favourites:
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
Bottle Of Smoke
Fairytale of New York
Medley
The Irish Rover
South Australia
An interesting inclusion on this list, and I've got to say that the album cover alone is worth it - I love it. It's a really fun jam, but I'm not blown away by the album as a whole. Still a really good listen. The alternate versions are very quirky, and the song 'Ever Since the World Began' is itself an interesting phenomenon.
Favourites:
Lost Woman
Over, Under, Sideways, Down
The Nazz are Blue
What Do You Want
Similarly to 'The Next Day', this is a great Bowie album but I'm not sure why it necessarily deserves a place on the list. It's a softer, more easy listening album. A really chilled listen, but there's just so many Bowie albums that are better and more interesting! Not to take away from this.
Favourites:
Young Americans
Fascination
Fame
This stuff is great. Obviously I was familiar with the title track but I was so pleased that the rest of the album delivered in providing some really interesting, funky stuff. I can really hear the influence on the likes of St Vincent and Fever Ray amongst others. Also it was a great album to accompany on my first ever 10k run; the perfect mix of steady rhythms.
Favourites:
Love Is a Stranger
I Could Give You (A Mirror)
Jennifer
Monkey Monkey
When the first song started playing; 6'1", I thought I was in for a great album that I'd really love. I really liked the style, and the sound of it. But unfortunately of the 18 tracks, only about a quarter of them I really enjoyed. So many tracks feel like they're on the cusp of getting somewhere only to slump back into a slower pace which left me wanting more. Still, a worthwhile listen.
Favourites:
6'1"
Help Me Mary
Never Said
Canary
It's good stuff - the kind of album that probably deserves multiple listens to appreciate. A lot of it captures a moody tone, with slower beats, and then there's tracks like 'One Day Like This' that is just a certified banger.
Favourites:
The Bones Of You
Mirrorball
Weather To Fly
One Day Like This
I have a suspicion that all the jazz records on this list will get a 3* rating from me, because I always enjoy it but I find it difficult to differentiate between great jazz, good jazz, and bad jazz. To me, it's all just jazz and it's always a fun time. But I can't say much beyond that. Love the piano playing on this particular record.
A great introduction to MC Solaar and a thoroughly enjoyable album. Despite the French mostly passing me by, I was still able to grasp a gist of the lyrics. Would be the perfect soundtrack to a sunny walk through Paris. The beats and melodies just worked for me with some standout tracks in particular.
Favourites:
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
Victime de la mode
L'histoire de l'art
Caroline
"It's gonna be a GLORIOUS day" - my thoughts when this album popped up this morning. This is an absolute masterpiece, packed full of wonderful tracks. It beautifully conveys feelings of anxiety, panic, acceptance, sadness, with Thom's haunting vocals sounding particularly brilliant on the last few tracks.
Favourites:
Paranoid Android
Exit Music (For A Film)
No Surprises
Lucky
The Tourist
What a great soundtrack to my Monday morning - definitely woke me up. Was really nice to listen to this one properly; Bossanova gets overshadowed by Doolittle and Surfer Rosa. But it's a really great album, comes at you hard an fast with great riffs. The album as a whole is very good I do think what stops it from reaching the heights of those other albums is that for me, there aren't any massive hits. It's missing the 'Debaser' or 'Gigantic'. But still brilliant.
Favourites:
Velouria
Ana
All Over The World
Down To The Well
I'm learning quite quickly from this list that I am just not a fan of country music. This definitely has merit, but it just ain't for me.
Favourites:
Guitar town?
This was a pleasant surprise. This style of music is right up my street, and I'll definitely be returning for multiple listens. It takes you on a journey, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
H>A>K
Modern Kosmology
Slow Motion
Valley
Today's album is from Randy Newman, who is most famous for his Pixar soundtracks for the likes of Toy Story and Monsters inc. And right the way through this album you can hear the same bright, shimmering piano and melodies. I couldn't quite disassociate from the Pixar connection, and for me it did feel like listening to a whole movie soundtrack. It's fine - if a little sickly sweet at points.
Favourites:
Last Night I Had A Dream
You Can Leave Your Hat On
Frank Zappa is obviously a name I have heard quite a lot, but isn't someone I've ever actually listened to. Man, this album rocks! What a jam. Really really good fun, and the song titles are some of the best I've heard too. Great little jazzy number to end it off. Nice one Frank.
Favourites:
Peaches En Regalia
Son of Mr. Green Genes
The Gumbo Variations
Well I'm getting lucky with the amount of Radiohead I've had so soon: 4 albums from my first 101. Kid A is really fantastic, it feels cold and anxious, gloomy and atmospheric. Despite its' brilliance, I do feel that it doesn't quite fit into the legendary bracket of The Bends, OK Computer, and In Rainbows. I will still give it 5* though as it is incredibly effective at what it does, and there's a few absolutely wonderful tracks in there.
Favourites:
The National Anthem
How to Disappear Completely
Idioteque
Really nice album, love the style of guitar playing throughout. Super talented and happy to be introduced to Ali Farka Toure, I head his son is talented too.
Favourites:
Savane
Soya
I belong to the unfortunate percentage of the population to have listened copiously to "Rumours" without bothering to give their follow-up album a listen. Thankfully this list has forced me to do so and it is really rather good; even for a first listen in which I probably wasn't able to give my full attention to the second half. It is longer and has a wider range of tracks, that I'll definitely be giving another listen.
Favourites:
Over & Over
The Ledge
Sara
Tusk
Hell yeah. What an awesome, crazy album. This one was so much fun, from the weird circus intro to the psychedelic Thomas the Tank Engine sounds later in the album. Absolutely brilliant, loved the chaos. I was completely unaware of this albums existence, such a fun ride.
Favourites:
The American Metaphysical Circus
The Garden of Earthly Delights
Love Song For The Dead Che
You Can Never Come Down
Great album cover. I've listened to this before, and although I do really like it - I can't quite understand the amount of love it gets. It's wacky, with a great theme, and overall I'd probably give it a 3.5 stars so I'll be generous and bump it up to a 4.
Favourites:
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt 1
In The Morning of The Magicians
Do You Realize??
It's a solid debut from Peter Gabriel. It's one of those situations where I can appreciate the artistic talent and vision, and can completely see why someone would love this album; but it's just not really for me. And that's okay.
Favourites:
Solsbury Hill
Waiting For The Big One
Here Comes The Flood
An iconic album. That little tinkly melody at the beginning of "Wouldn't it be Nice" just can't be beaten. The sound is instantly recognizable and there are some really wonderful tracks. It feels like this album is universally recognised as a perfect piece of art, but for my personal list I don't feel I'm able to give it 5*.
Favourites:
Wouldn't it be Nice
I'm Waiting For The Day
God Only Knows
I Know There's An Answer
I usually don't like albums like this, but man has Mr Hawley won me over with his smooth silky voice. I often find this sort of stuff sickly sweet but some of these tracks were really beautiful, the voice perfectly complementing the instrumentals. It's romantic in a sleepy, dreamlike fashion and I really liked it. The closing track in particular was very atmospheric, and gave me the feeling of dying and passing on to another life. Top marks.
Favourites:
Hotel Room
The Ocean
Born Under a Bad Sign
Last Orders
Wow I did not expect that. As an avid fan of horror movies, I suppose this is pretty close to the music equivalent? The gravelly voice with eerie lyrics and uncomfortable sounds in the background. I found some enjoyment in this, with a few brilliant tracks in there but 53 minutes was a stretch too long for my liking. It's quite a demanding listen so I won't be revisiting this anytime soon, but I appreciate it's uniqueness and style nonetheless.
Favourites:
All Stripped Down
Who Are You
Whistle Down The Wind
How can anyone dislike The Zombies, what a great album. Lots of brilliant little tracks in there, just lovely.
Favourites:
Care of Cell 44
Brief Candles
Time of The Season
Probably the closest a jazz album has come to 4* on this list. It's a really great vibe and served as a wonderful soundtrack for the coffeeshop in the morning. Really liked this one.
Listening to this I am immediately transported to a hot and sweaty room, my ears ringing the next day. It's energetic and angry, I liked it a lot.
Favourites:
Thirsty And Miserable
Police Story
No More
Damaged I
Yeah I'd listen to this again and again. Real fun stuff that makes you want to dance. It's groovy and funky with some great beats but still retains a darker edge. Very nice indeed.
Favourites:
Fine Time
All The Way
Run
Vanishing Point
Yeah this is a killer album. The pure energy is fantastic and there are some top tier tracks on this one. No wonder this album is so recognized. By the end I did sort of get tired of his voice unfortunately but that's just me.
Favourites:
Out Ta Get Me
Paradise City
Sweet Child O' Mine
A nice enough album, but one that never really grabbed my attention. There were a few standout tracks though:
Roadrunner
Hospital
Dance With Me
The guitar riff at the start hooked me instantly, and by "Androgynous" I was sold. This song in particular is truly beautiful, a lovely sentiment with great lyrics. Really awesome album, happy to have found it.
Favourites:
I Will Dare
Androgynous
Unsatisfied
This one felt a little bit of a chore unfortunately. I just don't think I'm a massive fan of The Rolling Stones, and once I had heard the first few tracks, I knew what the rest would be like. Not that there's anything explicitly had about the album, it's completely fine.
Favourites:
Tumbling Dice
Torn and Frayed
Ventilator Blues
The first track sounds like the soundtrack to the most difficult mario kart level.
This album cover pisses me off. Tim's silly smiling face over the yellow background just makes me irrationally angry. Can't believe he wasted his time recording this shit instead of being a father to little Jeff.
In actuality, it's not a bad album and he's clearly a talented dude.
Favourites:
Pleasant Street
Hallucinations
Once I Was
I fuckin' hate the Eagles, man. Gotta agree with the Dude on this one. Not wholeheartedly, but I really didn't get much from this album. Take It Easy is a nice opener though. The bird sounds on Earlybird annoyed me a huge amount.
Favourites:
Take It Easy
Peaceful Easy Feeling
It's Stevie Wonder - a nice album but didn't make me fall in love. Some of the songs are a little sickly sweet that I couldn't decide whether I loved or hated them.
Favourites:
Visions
Living For The City
Higher Ground
