174
Albums Rated
3.32
Average Rating
16%
Complete
915 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
24
5-Star Albums
8
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
|
5 | 3.24 | +1.76 |
|
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
|
5 | 3.28 | +1.72 |
|
Fragile
Yes
|
5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
|
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
|
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
|
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
|
5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
|
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
|
5 | 3.67 | +1.33 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
|
1 | 3.5 | -2.5 |
|
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
|
1 | 3 | -2 |
|
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
|
1 | 3 | -2 |
|
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
|
1 | 2.87 | -1.87 |
|
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
|
1 | 2.75 | -1.75 |
|
Music
Madonna
|
1 | 2.69 | -1.69 |
|
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
|
1 | 2.64 | -1.64 |
|
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
|
2 | 3.54 | -1.54 |
|
The Clash
The Clash
|
2 | 3.53 | -1.53 |
|
...And Justice For All
Metallica
|
2 | 3.42 | -1.42 |
5-Star Albums (24)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Yes · 4 likes
5/5
This absolutely blew my mind. So many rich textures, interesting melodic ideas, and to do all that in analog in the early 70s crazy. It’s hard to come up with words for how much I loved it. They blend classical, Baroque ideas with classic/progressive rock vibes effortlessly. Side 1 is a masterpiece. Side 2 loses a bit of steam, just because it’s more instrumental, but still some fantastic composition.
This may not be for everyone, but if you’re a music geek and enjoy complex music, give this a listen in quality headphones. So much to digest. 5/5.
Brian Eno · 3 likes
2/5
I’m sure some the production tricks and sounds achieved on this record were very cool and groundbreaking in 1973, but most of this just sounds like weirdness to be weird instead of weirdness to contribute to the music.
Lacks any true musical direction or structure. Some cool moments, but they are mostly short lived.
Really makes me appreciate the bands that are able to blend experimental ideas into great songs, because this did not. Overall, I didn’t hate that lots of risks were taken, but it just did not land. 2/5.
Super Furry Animals · 1 likes
4/5
Some very interesting music and blending of genres. The writing is weak in places and I don’t think it quite connects the lyrics to the theme of the record, but the creativity is not lacking. A very interesting listen, especially since this album was released during a period where music was beginning to become a little boring. I found myself liking it more and more as it went along. You will certainly not get bored.
Iron Maiden · 1 likes
5/5
This might be a controversial take: I liked this so much more than the Metallica records on the list. I’m not a metal fan, but I loved this record. The best hard rock/metal album I’ve gotten from this list so far. I knew the two hits prior to listening, but wow, I really enjoyed pretty much every song quite a bit.
Loved the energy and the songwriting. Great instrumentation and a bass-forward production. Wish the vocals were a little hotter/less compressed in places.
Scissor Sisters · 1 likes
2/5
A 2000s mashup of Elton John and The Bee Gees. It’s kind of fun. Hated the Comfortably Numb cover. Overall, I didn’t hate it, but it’s not for me.
1-Star Albums (8)
All Ratings
TV On The Radio
2/5
Some interesting song ideas. Really enjoyed ambulance. Most of the songs felt like they went nowhere. Way too many GarageBand-type loops and high/low double tracked vocals. Interesting at times but not inspiring.
The Smiths
4/5
Really loved this album. Had never heard a single Smiths song going in. Instrumentation and production are fantastic and create the vibe. Great vocal performance. Album is experimental but retains melody throughout. Little to no filler. Very fun listening.
Oasis
3/5
This album did not really push the envelope or innovate in any way, particularly when compared to other albums coming out around this time period. But I found my self tapping my foot along to the beat throughout the listen. Pretty generic and derivative rock, but very listenable and palatable. There are certainly worse albums out there.
James Brown
5/5
Incredible live album. The energy on this record is infectious. The band is tight, and James Brown sounds unbelievably good. I can’t fathom that this is from 1962. I wish this record was twice as long.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Good energy, really enjoyed the songs at the start of the record. Take Me Out is a great song. The record really starts to feel repetitive after 3-4 tracks. Not bad, but gets old.
Charles Mingus
3/5
This music is dense, very complex, and occasionally unpleasant. I actually enjoyed this record more than I thought I would. But I can’t pretend to be able to fully appreciate Jazz, even if this is one of the finest albums in the genre. Glad I listened, probably won’t be listening again.
Kings of Leon
2/5
It was fine. They all can somewhat play instruments. The singer has an interesting voice and delivery at times, although it does get tiring. Overall, not the worst album on the list but far from the top. Very meh.
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
This album sounds incredible. Super fun. Amazing production. Busta Rhymes rips on the last song.
I am not a hip-hop fan, so the songs started to blend together and it got a little long. But this album gets 4/5 for how great it sounds.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
I love the Bakersfield sound and country music in general, so I was pretty excited to get this album. It was honestly a little disappointing.
The writing and instrumentation were a little underwhelming. I enjoyed the listen, but I would have expected an album in this genre to move me more. The songs never seemed to go anywhere energy-wise, even when the lyrics tried to point to a climax of a song.
Overall, it’s decent, but there are significantly better examples of this genre and sound out there.
Johnny Cash
5/5
This album isn’t going to blow you away musically, but it is such a cool snapshot into music history. I love Johnny Cash, I love this record. So much energy and charisma. This record belongs in the pantheon of great American records.
CHIC
3/5
The Byrds
3/5
A forward thinking album that has that quintessential mid-60s SoCal sound. The record sounds like early CSNY demos more than a cohesive album. Enjoyed hearing once, but probably won’t revisit, given there are much more polished records with this concept and sound.
Beastie Boys
2/5
Way too many “White Castle”, “girlies” and “my names Mike D”. I actually came in to this record with a positive impression of the Beastie Boys and enjoyed the hit songs. But man, this was so brutal to listen to. Some of the sampling and beats were cool, but I couldn’t stand the lyrics and rap-singing. I just don’t get it.
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
This one really grew on me over the course of listening. The orchestration is pretty cool. It’s not my favorite music or record ever, but it’s weird and creative, and it holds your attention throughout the listen.
Guided By Voices
1/5
This has to be the most frustrating album I’ve ever listened to. There are 10-12 really cool song ideas in this 28 song record. But the amount of absolute garbage in between is awful. The whole thing just comes off as exceptionally lazy. Couldn’t bother to finish a single song. Couldn’t bother to record it with any sort of quality production. First album I’m giving the 1/5.
Barry Adamson
4/5
This record is more a work of art than it is a pure musical album. I was thoroughly entertained and enthralled. The songs and soundscapes are gripping and sometimes uncomfortable. But they almost always evoke a mental image. Really entertaining.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
One of my absolute favorites. Love this record. Generational album, every single is a banger. Creative. Great writing. Easy 5/5.
Def Leppard
4/5
This record is just fun music. The lyrics aren’t the best, the music isn’t overly innovative, but it’s just a fun listen. I had to tell myself not to take this one too seriously, and I enjoyed the listen. 3.75/5.
The Beach Boys
5/5
Brian Wilson was a mad genius. This record really didn’t catch me the first time I heard it many years ago. But with each listen I catch a new melodic hook, or instrument section, or lyric that resonates. Significantly more complex than it appears. Beautiful piece of art. Another easy 5/5.
Peter Frampton
4/5
Maybe not the best classic rock album of the mid-1970s, but I would argue this is the album that best represents the sound of classic rock during the time period. A few extended guitar solos and jams, acoustic ballads, and nice chunky riffs, all with the energy of a live crowd. This album is “classic rock”. Fun listen.
The Rolling Stones
4/5
I’ve never been a massive fan of the Stones’s sound, compared to the Beatles, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, etc. but I appreciated the hell out of this album. Very ambitious, incredibly unique. Lots of Gospel and R&B influence, with many non-guitar driven songs. I can’t quite give it a 5 because it’s not quite for me, but a hell of a record.
Gang Of Four
3/5
Not bad, a little grating at times. I guess that’s punk though. Didn’t hate, didn’t really feel the need to relisten either. I’ll probably just listen to Marquee Moon if I’m craving this type of sound.
U2
3/5
It’s okay. Pretty good songwriting. I can see how the songs are charismatic. But I wasn’t really intrigued musically or by the production. I like Sunday Bloody Sunday, and the last track was kind of cool. Everything in the middle blended.
Wire
3/5
Kind of cool, but it feels like there are 10 albums on this list that sound pretty similar. Not bad, but probably won’t revisit. 3.5/5
Scissor Sisters
2/5
A 2000s mashup of Elton John and The Bee Gees. It’s kind of fun. Hated the Comfortably Numb cover. Overall, I didn’t hate it, but it’s not for me.
Metallica
4/5
Some of the songs felt too long, and the early part of the album felt very repetitive. By the end though I really found a groove with it. And enjoyed the extended jam in Orion. Will probably give another listen while driving or working out.
The Stooges
2/5
Just could not get into this. Was truly not fun to listen to. Innovative for the time I guess, but not something I really enjoyed at all.
Nirvana
5/5
Nirvana just has an authentic musical darkness and danger that is gripping. I don’t usually like this genre, but I love Nirvana. I don’t think this album has the same level of hits as Nevermind, but the album as a whole feels more polished.
Super Furry Animals
4/5
Some very interesting music and blending of genres. The writing is weak in places and I don’t think it quite connects the lyrics to the theme of the record, but the creativity is not lacking. A very interesting listen, especially since this album was released during a period where music was beginning to become a little boring. I found myself liking it more and more as it went along. You will certainly not get bored.
The Incredible String Band
2/5
If I had gone in blind, I would have thought this was a Monty Python’s Holy Grail on Broadway soundtrack. This album should only be listened to in a front row seat at Medieval Times with a Mutton leg in hand.
Okay, it’s actually comical in parts.
God dammit, it’s actually pretty funny to be honest.
Oh shit, is this actually growing on me?
The initial shock and hatred did eventually wear off, and I appreciated(?) this album a bit. Would I actually listen again? Almost certainly not. But it’s weird, and it stands out amongst the monotonous mix of post punk debut albums on this list.
John Lennon
4/5
Very good record. The production sound is unique, it almost has a lofi sound with lots of Spector string layers on top. Pretty cool.
I think this album 1000% benefits from being titled and beginning with Imagine. I think the rest of the album after imagine is good but not necessarily great. It’s hard not to compare to McCartney and Harrison solo music of the early 70’s, which I just enjoy more. However still a great listen.
Linkin Park
3/5
I know of Linkin Park’s hits, but am not super familiar with most of their work. This album definitely had moments that were super cool. I think this album really shines when Chester sings with his actual voice and the band avoids the disc scratching and production effects. The rap sections just seem super dated and detract from the record.
I’m interested in listening to subsequent albums. I think a more mature and refined version of this would fit my preferences better. 3.75/5.
Metallica
4/5
I liked this more than Master of Puppets. Still a little same-y at times, but the production is spot on and the songs kick ass. Great introduction to metal to noobies like myself. This record deserves its place on the list.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Dr. John
2/5
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be locked in a 17th century New Orleans attic with a coven of witches performing a summoning of Lord Beelzebub? Listen to this album to find out.
The music is pretty terrible, but I can’t give something that gives that vivid of a mental image a 1/5.
R.E.M.
4/5
Really enjoyed the listen. Not a whole bunch of notes. Just a really solid cool album. 4/5.
George Harrison
4/5
There are more than a handful of songs on this album that can bring me to tears in the right setting. This has always been a top 3 post-Beatles album for me. George Harrison was an absolute treasure. But…
This album did not need to be this long. Had the first disc been the whole record, I think we may discuss this as one of the greatest records of all time. But a triple LP was unnecessary and unfortunately detracts a bit from the flow of the record. The best 12 songs are an easy 5/5, but unfortunately some parts only get a 2.5/5. Overall, that leaves me at a 4.25/5.
UB40
3/5
The first 20-30 minutes were groovy. I enjoyed reggae as a change of pace from a lot of other records on the list. But after that, it all just kind of blended together and faded into the background. And after another 15-20 minutes I was starting to hope the record was ending soon. 65 minutes is far too long of a run time for this type of record.
Overall not bad, and pretty good as background music. The production is excellent, and the record sounds very crisp. But, in my opinion, not something I would say you have to hear before you die.
Butthole Surfers
2/5
WTF was that? This is terrible, but also…a part of me, deep deep down, was entertained? And I’m ashamed of that.
The Who
4/5
I had only ever heard My Generation off this album. And I’ve heard the James Brown songs performed by James Brown. This honestly feels like a mix of the Stones and Beatles. That 60s British Invasion sound is so apparent, but also this feels fresh compared to some of the contemporaries. I wish my brain could experience the magic of putting this record on in 1965, having never heard anything like this before.
I really enjoyed this record. It’s not as deep or written as well as what the Who, Beatles and Stones would go on to do (of course), but still a great album. 4/5.
The Beach Boys
3/5
This album, in isolation, is fine. Nothing too special. But listening to it after Pet Sounds is actually quite cool. You can hear the pull of Brian Wilson towards the experimental, deeply emotional writing. But the majority of the band and the songs remain in the early Beach Boys sound. A very fascinating transition from old to new. 3.5/5.
John Cale
3/5
I listened to this one on a gloomy Monday morning, while slightly hungover and trying to avoid speaking to coworkers. And the first half of the album just really got that vibe.
Moody and slightly atmospheric. I did enjoy my listen, albeit, maybe because I was just in the right, slightly miserable mood. Overall, not super memorable, but there’s certainly a time and place for it.
David Bowie
4/5
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
It’s not bad. Good rhythms and some interesting instrumentation. However, I can’t help but think that it sounds like knockoff Bowie, after having a Bowie album yesterday. Hopefully that’s not offensive to fans of this genre or band. Overall, pretty good, but not memorable.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
This is instantly going on at the next dinner party. Perfect for a chill night with a bottle a Cabernet and a few friends. No notes. Very pleasant.
The Streets
1/5
There are so many great records that were left off this list. No Chuck Berry, Tupac, or Jim Croce. No RAM from Paul McCartney or Damn the Torpedoes by Tom Petty. I have no clue how this made it over any of them.
This is bad, and not in a cool or interesting way. Definitely one that has me scratching my head.
Michael Jackson
4/5
Quincy and Michael know how to make pop single. The hits off this record are perfection. Smooth Criminal might be my favorite Michael song. I think top to bottom, the album isn’t quite as good as Thriller, but, damn that’s a high bar.
I’m not a fan of a couple songs, so I have to give 4.5/5.
CHVRCHES
3/5
This one was hard to rate. I think there is some really good songwriting on this record. The singer is wonderful. But I really wanted to hear some of these songs without all the overdone electronic synths. In spots it works, but it gets tiring after a while. Give me some analog instruments!
Overall, I’m going to go 3/5. A couple more dynamic changes and some reworking of the instrumentation would probably get me to a 4.
Patti Smith
4/5
I appreciated this record more than loved it. I like the creativity and commitment to really try something new. I don’t really know if I would listen consistently or even again, but I liked what she was going for. 3.75/5.
Radiohead
5/5
I was dreading listening to this record. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. This record somehow manages to be really interesting and experimental and also conveys a strong sense of emotion and melody. The production is clean and excellent. This record is by far the biggest gap between expectation and reality that I’ve had so far. 4.6/5
Sonic Youth
3/5
Very odd at times, very cool at times. I really liked parts of this record and there were times I wasn’t a fan of. I think I have a favorable opinion overall. 3.5/5
Queens Of The Stone Age
2/5
I have heard this record and multiple other Queens of the Stone Age records before, so I am biased on this one.
Decent record. Parts that are pretty cool. But a lot of it is pretty musically simplistic, the songwriting is a little weak at times and the production is fine, but is missing something. Feels like a demo for what they would become.
It’s weird that this is the album from this band that they chose. It’s very immature, but gives you an idea of where their sound is going to end up. I think they have far better records. 2.75/5.
Various Artists
4/5
Beastie Boys
4/5
I really really dislike the Beastie Boys. But I have to admit, the sampling and grooves on this record are cool. And it is incredibly creative and well produced. The rapping and lyrics get quite annoying after 50 minutes, but it’s a cool record. I wish I could just hear the no vocals version of this record.
Liz Phair
3/5
This is an exceptional sounding record. The production is consistently excellent throughout. The artistry is also consistent, without sounding same-y. The writing and vocals don’t really speak to me. I’m certainly not the target audience. But a very enjoyable, pleasant listen.
Iron Maiden
5/5
This might be a controversial take: I liked this so much more than the Metallica records on the list. I’m not a metal fan, but I loved this record. The best hard rock/metal album I’ve gotten from this list so far. I knew the two hits prior to listening, but wow, I really enjoyed pretty much every song quite a bit.
Loved the energy and the songwriting. Great instrumentation and a bass-forward production. Wish the vocals were a little hotter/less compressed in places.
Neil Young
4/5
An album right in my musical wheelhouse. Love the raw sound and the lyrical content is fantastic in most places.
Track by track there are some weak points that bring the album down a few fractions, and as a whole it seems a little filler heavy and almost unfinished as a whole record (37 minutes with two live tracks tacked on).
Old Man, Alabama, and Heart of Gold are absolute classics. I prefer CSNY records, but this one is still very good. 3.75/5 rounding up to 4.
Yes
5/5
This absolutely blew my mind. So many rich textures, interesting melodic ideas, and to do all that in analog in the early 70s crazy. It’s hard to come up with words for how much I loved it. They blend classical, Baroque ideas with classic/progressive rock vibes effortlessly. Side 1 is a masterpiece. Side 2 loses a bit of steam, just because it’s more instrumental, but still some fantastic composition.
This may not be for everyone, but if you’re a music geek and enjoy complex music, give this a listen in quality headphones. So much to digest. 5/5.
Queen
4/5
Freddy Mercury is undeniably an all time talent. So many different voices and even characters in his performance. The record shines when he is the focus and has space to perform.
The record as whole though, honestly, isn’t quite as cohesive as I remember. There are multiple points where it feels like they are just doing things because they wanted to mess around with the studio space instead of it actually serving the record or songs. Brian May’s multi-tracked harmony guitar becomes tiresome after a whole record.
Love of my Life is a treasure. I weirdly loved ‘39. Bohemian Rhapsody is always a treat. Still an all-time classic record, but I do think it sounds dated in spots. 4/5.
Brian Eno
2/5
Very well produced background music. But I don’t really even know how to fairly compare this to other actual records on this list. No real lyrics or songs, just a lot of well produced interesting beats. Didn’t hate, but didn’t really think it was worthy of this list.
Faust
2/5
I had to listen to this record on the same day as an instrumental Brian Eno record, so my patience for soundscape style music is wearing thin.
This record is experimental background music. It’s fine. It’s cool at times, but very boring for an entire record. I don’t think it belongs on this list. Way more deserving records out there.
Alanis Morissette
3/5
I’m not a high school girl in the mid-90s so I’m certainly not qualified to speak on the cultural appeal of this record.
Musically, my initial takeaway, I really dislike her voice for large stretches of the record. She has a great voice, but the vibrato and “pouty” effect were grating.
I think the record feels very 90’s and dated. However, I think the actual songs are well written and would still be hits today if redone in a modern way. Not for me, but the hits are good. 3/5
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
I thought the music was pretty good. Nothing that blew me away. However, it did feel very forward looking. I would have thought this was a mid to late 90s record.
This feels like it was probably a major influence on what alt rock would become in the 90s. Undeniably influential to Cobain. I’ll give an extra half star for that. 3.25/5
The Soft Boys
4/5
Note: I only listened to the 10 original tracks on the 2025 remaster.
This is album is awesome. Very unique. Like a 60s pop sound with Byrds/Beatles-esque harmonies at points mashed with a post-punk style and incorporating a lot of psychedelic and experimental instrumentation and progressions. Great production.
Very very cool music. This is the kind of hidden gem I started this experience to find. A couple low light songs keep it from a 5/5, but I really liked this listen.
Kings of Leon
2/5
So much music from the 2000s just feels so sterile. Use Somebody is quintessential “Target Rock”. It’s not bad, very un-offensive and safe, and it accompanies a walk through Target to find some nice throw pillows.
Sex on Fire is a very overrated song. Very boring.
A couple of the deeper cuts were kind of cool. I liked the opening track and the singers vocals. Manhattan was a cool vocal performance as well. But the whole record just kind of lacked an edge or something to make it stand out.
Bumping down an extra star for how creepy a couple of the songs were. 2/5
Judas Priest
4/5
I know the bands’ hits, but have never listened to a full album.
Within a few minutes, my first thought was “this sounds like tamer Black Sabbath” (complementary). Finding out they’re from Birmingham and produced by the same sound engineer as Sabbath certainly comes through.
I think I like early 80s thrash metal. Really enjoyed this record. Not too complicated, but a good listen. Similar vibes to Iron Maiden, which I also enjoyed.
Moby Grape
3/5
Overall, pretty standard 60s California rock. I liked it. Probably won’t be revisiting, but not bad.
2Pac
3/5
I’ve always heard of 2Pac as a rap legend but never actually listened to pretty much any of his music.
Excellent production, super smooth and rhythmic. Can’t relate to lyrics or themes at all. Feels pretty same-y after a few tracks. Very 90’s. Feels a little dated.
I appreciate the artistry and the talent, but not really for me.
Björk
4/5
This might be one of the hardest rankings I’ve had to do.
This record is weird as hell. But it’s also quite beautiful in many many spots. I feel like I want to be frolicking through a meadow high on mushrooms with a cadre of elves.
I didn’t love it, but also as the record went on, I started to really love it. And I’m just really confused. I think I have to rank anything that creates such vivid feelings as a 4. A weird, confusing, guilty pleasure 4.
Would much rather listen to interesting music like this, than a lot of other albums on here.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
Finding time to listen to a new album a day is difficult, finding time to listen critically to a 3+ hour album is impossible. So I’m reviewing based on disc 1. Sorry.
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot. Will be played as background music while cooking or hosting a dinner party. Beautiful voice. Songwriting is hit or miss. Instrumentation is dated, but that was expected.
Can’t give more than 3 stars because of length and the artist do not write any of it.
Elton John
5/5
The first four songs on this record might be the best opening to a record of all time. And I think there’s 42 minutes of material on this double LP worthy of “greatest of all time” consideration.
Clearly there are duds over the course of 80 minutes. But I can’t ding it too much. This record is a classic, the highlights are timeless, and the album 1000% deserves its place on this list. 4.7/5.
Wilco
3/5
The album is a little boring and one note, but I actually quite enjoyed it. Very chill. Gets across a distinct melancholy vibe. I don’t think it is ground breaking, but a pleasant listen. Satisfying indie record.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2/5
I didn’t think the album was the worst thing I’ve ever heard. But I also kept checking every 3 minutes to see how may songs I still had to get through.
The songs are too long, and pretty uninteresting.
Did not really enjoy.
Sufjan Stevens
1/5
Honestly I was pretty shocked to see so many positive reviews of this record. I thought the vocals were unbearable to listen to. The record is so long and all sounds the same. There’s an occasional good lyric or well written song, but I just could not stand the music or the vocals. Sounds too much like mediocre Sunday morning Church music.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
4/5
Great Jazz record. Will be going on the evening dinner playlist. Loved the groove and the unique time signatures. Could hear a lot of different influences on later music. 4/5 and will be listening to their other records.
Neil Young
3/5
Very hard not to compare this to Neil Young’s other works (solo and CSNY). It’s a decent record, definitely has some highlights, particularly in the songwriting. But as a whole, this record just does not quite hold up to his other works. If you’re going to listen to Neil Young there are plenty of other records I would put over this.
Brian Eno
2/5
I’m sure some the production tricks and sounds achieved on this record were very cool and groundbreaking in 1973, but most of this just sounds like weirdness to be weird instead of weirdness to contribute to the music.
Lacks any true musical direction or structure. Some cool moments, but they are mostly short lived.
Really makes me appreciate the bands that are able to blend experimental ideas into great songs, because this did not. Overall, I didn’t hate that lots of risks were taken, but it just did not land. 2/5.
Muddy Waters
4/5
I just love that you can hear Muddy and the audience both loosen up to each other over the course of 30 minutes. This music does feel incredibly dated and simplistic now, but to know this is the source material for so much of what comes after is awesome. Everyone should hear this record and learn a bit about its historical context, even if they aren’t massive blues fans.
T. Rex
4/5
There’s a fair amount of repetitive melodies and ideas on this record, but for some reason I just really vibed with the music. Very enjoyable listen. The record takes a lot of 60s pop and rock ideas and turns them into something a little different. Will listen again.
Aimee Mann
2/5
Have you ever wanted to listen to an entire album of 90s network sitcom theme songs? Very bland music. Vocals, songwriting, instrumentation and production are all just very safe and meh. 2/5
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Fuck yeah.
Sometimes I’m a self admitted pretentious asshole when it comes to reviewing these records. This is not my time period or genre, but I don’t know how you listen to this album and not find yourself turning the volume up to 10.
Is every song perfect? Definitely not. But the pacing of the record is great, the hits are all time classics, and overall just a great listen. 5/5
Van Morrison
3/5
Never been a big Van Morrison fan. No doubt he has a good voice and is a talented songwriter, but most of his songs are pretty much identical. His music just never really hit me the same as some of his contemporaries. This record is decent. Well produced, great energy, and the band is tight. Could have done without the 12 bar blues songs. Definitely got old after 30 minutes.
It feels weird a live album like this was included. I don’t think this record is essential listening by any means. Feels like something hardcore fans would love, but someone listening through this list didn’t need. 3/5
Harry Nilsson
3/5
A kind of fun album. Not really my thing though. Did not really speak to me.
Eminem
4/5
I haven’t heard this one since high school, so very interesting to get to hear it now as an adult.
The very obvious elephant in the room: the lyrics and content have aged poorly.
But the actual musical elements are great. The creativity and production remain interesting throughout the record.
I’m going to give it a very guilty 4/5, because I really did enjoy a large portion of this record.
Black Sabbath
4/5
RIP Ozzy.
Great album. Not a metal person, but sabbath just hits a spot very few artists of any genre can. Truly always a great listen. The writing on this record is definitely a more mature version of Sabbath.
Highly recommend the 2021 remaster over the 2014 remaster. Even then, the mastering and production are slightly flatter with less low end than some of their previous works.
Overall, this is an essential album that everyone should listen to. I do think Paranoid is superior in sonic quality and songs. So I am giving Sabbath Volume 4 a 4/5.
The Libertines
4/5
Did not think I would like this but was very pleasantly surprised. Definitely feels like it should have been released in 1984, instead of 2004, but really enjoyed the blending of genres and post-punk sound. Surprisingly good find.
Julian Cope
2/5
At its best, an eclectic mix of experimental genres. But it feels very disjointed and over indulgent. Didn’t need to be as long, the songs didn’t really connect in a meaningful way, and parts felt like a stoned dude messing around with recording software in his basement.
Fugees
5/5
This record sounds SO good. Smooth as hell, insanely good production, great flow. Lauryn Hill’s vocals are incredible. Beyond impressed with this record.
Definitely outside my preferred genre to listen to, but any one who appreciates music should listen to this one.
Suede
3/5
It’s fine. But how many records with this sound do we need on the list? Sits pretty comfortably into the whiny British alternative sound without pushing too many boundaries. Has some high moments, but wasn’t particularly inspiring.
Overall, I didn’t hate it, didn’t love. Thought it was well produced, but pretty derivative and safe. 3/5.
N.E.R.D
1/5
This album blows. It’s bad hip hop combined with bad pop combined with bad rock combined with terrible lyrics.
Wonderful place was the only pseudo-redemption.
As an American, this record made me truly believe no good American music was released in the early 2000s if this is what’s on the list.
Truly hated it. Couldn’t even finish multiple songs. Hard to find many positives for me. 1/5
The Slits
3/5
Really different than what I was expecting. It gets better as it goes along too. Very surprised at how much I vibed with this. Very fun album.
It was unique and had very good production. Melody lines and vocal trackings were very interesting, and somehow both pleasant and a little gritty. The panned vocal effects were cool.
Not sure if I’ll revisit, but not at all bad. 3.5/5
The Doors
4/5
Very tough to listen with fresh ears. I’ve heard every song on this record many times.
Jim Morrison’s voice and the musical stylings of the band are hypnotic. I’m not a person who thinks Morrison was a poet of his generation or anything, but the man had charisma.
Good listen. Didn’t really develop any new opinions. But fun. 4/5
3/5
Good but nothing too special. Enjoyable but fairly forgettable. No overly strong opinions one way or the other.
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Pretty crazy this is from the early to mid 90s. Sounds incredibly ahead of it time. However, just not really my vibe. 3/5
The Who
3/5
Tons of energy and some great playing, but I just find myself enjoying Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead more if I’m going with late 60s live rock music.
Picking this live album just seems like an odd choice for the list. It doesn’t seem instrumental to the classic rock zeitgeist.
John Lee Hooker
2/5
Kind of wild that this is the blues representation on this list. No Buddy Guy, SRV, Albert King. Hooker is no doubt a legend, but this record feels pretty watered down and commercialized. Honestly verging on boring.
As a blues lover, this one was a tough listen honestly. So many better records to put on here, and this one just feels so phoned in and inauthentic.
Throwing Muses
1/5
Go to YouTube and search in a doghouse to find the actual record, it’s not on Spotify.
But honestly, you don’t need to do that. This is awful. Some nice instrumentation at times. But the singer is awful. The songwriting is terrible. This was borderline unlistenable. 1/5.
The Notorious B.I.G.
2/5
Every song sounds the same. Good flow, production and beats, but god the lyrics are horrible to listen to.
This whole album is a relic of its time, and I don’t think it translates well 30 years later, unless it gives a sense of nostalgia to the listener. Really just wanted it to be over after about 20 minutes. 2/5
Ride
3/5
Not bad, some cool textures and effects. But it just fades into the background. There’s probably 50 albums on this list that I would confuse it with. 2.5/5
Metallica
2/5
This is the third Metallica record I’ve listened to now. And I think I can pretty confidently say I don’t get the hype. Most of their songs just aren’t that good. Many sound like the same repetitive riff and singing for far too long. Why are these songs 7+ minutes?
Production is terrible. One guitar tone , no bass, and a metronome drum kit for an hour.
One is awesome. Always liked that song. Amazing what a little dynamics will do for a song. Would skip everything else on this record.
2/5.
John Lennon
5/5
This is a beautiful record. I loved it. I’ve always been more of a Harrison and McCartney fan, so I had never done a full listen of this record, but this one really blew me away.
Working class hero is brilliant, Love is beautiful, God is one of the best written songs of all time. A wonderful blend of dissonant anger with melodic beauty mixed throughout.
Everyone should listen to this record. 6/5.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Kind of cool. Definitely had a soundtrack vibe. Definitely had a porno soundtrack vibe in spots.
Not the best record I’ve heard, but it was cool. 3.4/5
The Stooges
2/5
I get this was instrumental in defining a new genre and musical direction, but I just can’t get there. Not for me.
The production is also super weak, and doesn’t live up to the ‘Raw Power’ title at all. No low end to be heard.
Pere Ubu
1/5
Nah.
I will begrudgingly give it credit for some of the interesting musical ideas. But I loathe everything about the vocals. Just because you can be weird in a vocal booth doesn’t make it music.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
4/5
Some really beautiful songs mixed in with some late 60s pseudo-psych filler.
I am a huge CSN/Y fan, and I found myself enjoying this record upon close re-listening, but my mind also kept drifting to how much more I looked Deja Vu. 3.75/5.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Some really brilliant songwriting in parts, mixed with very pleasant production. Very folky and chill as you would expect, but had some energy as well. Was definitely surprised by how much this record spoke to me.
Don't generally like Simon and Garfunkel, but I did enjoy this listen and will probably revisit.
Megadeth
5/5
If all metal sounded like this I would be a metalhead.
This album kicks ass. Fantastic. Great mix of shredding and dynamic changes. Interesting vocals keep you invested. Drumming and guitar are absolutely top notch. 5/5.
The Clash
2/5
If you’ve ever heard a clash song, you’ve heard this whole record.
It’s not bad, but it is exactly what you’re expecting, which made it very boring for me. 2/5
Beck
3/5
Had low expectations going in, but was actually pleasantly surprised. A really cool, unique record. The sound feels like mix of 90s style grunge with a modern twist. Not my favorite ever, but a good record.
Björk
2/5
A lot of this just sounds like a weird ASMR YouTube video as opposed to music.
Her Debut record on this list is significantly better. This one is just odd. 2/5.
Marvin Gaye
5/5
Great record. So smooth, emotional, and well written. A very cool record.
For me personally, I don’t know that it reaches the heights it’s consistently rated at. But an absolutely great record nonetheless. I would love to have a nice vinyl pressing of this one for my collection. 4.5/5.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Personally, I think Billie Jean is one of the best pop songs ever created.
But it’s pretty telling that if you scan these reviews, about 5 different songs from this record have received that opinion.
I think that’s all you need to know to rate this record. 5/5.
Pearl Jam
5/5
Any album that is outside my normal listening genre that can make me feel such strong emotions has to be a 5.
So many great songs. The record feels coherent without being samey. Production is not quite A+ in spots, wish there was more low end, but the songwriting and instrumentation more than make up for it.
If the lyrics to Black were written as a poem in the early 20th century, I think people would consider a classic work of American literature, it’s so poignant and beautiful.
Easy 5/5.
The Fall
2/5
Not the worst thing ever, but incredibly dull and boring. Very little sets this apart from 20 other albums on the list. And a lot of those records were released 5-10 years prior to this.
Don’t know how something this unremarkable made this list. 1.75/5.
OutKast
4/5
This is just some fun music. Perfect album to get on Friday.
Production is super cool, lots of really unique ideas and textures. Not all of it is perfect, some of the more traditional rap songs are a little weak. But overall, very fun.
Steely Dan
5/5
A top 3 Steely Dan record for me. I could listen to My Old School on repeat. Show Biz Kids is hypnotic. And Bodhisattva is just rock n roll and jazz fusion magic.
As with all their records, pristine production. Songwriting and lyrics are fun, although still inconsistent compared to later records. Instrumentation is top notch. May not be everyone’s favorite, but I’ve always loved this record.
Paul McCartney and Wings
5/5
Fantastic record, with a nearly perfect A side, some all time great hits, and some of the best bass playing you’ll ever hear. Somehow, I feel Paul is underrated as a bass player.
The final two tracks do bring it to an odd conclusion, but I think there’s easily enough substance here to make up for it. Pretty easy 5.
Eagles
4/5
Great debut record, with multiple classic rock staples. Is it soft and a little formulaic? Sure. But I can’t listen to these songs and this record and not be in a better mood. And that’s definitely worth something.
In a way, I think I prefer the chill early Eagles sound to the more heavily produced records that would come later.
4/5
The Magnetic Fields
3/5
This is kind of a tough one to rate.
First off, I actually really liked some of the songwriting here. Some of the lyrics and concepts are very well written and unique. The breadth of musical influence on this record is also very entertaining.
I do feel like a quality producer would have cut this down into two really good albums and cut the album-worth of subpar material.
Overall, because it’s hard to listen to 3 hours of music as a unified piece of art, I have to go with a 3.5/5 but round down.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Probably the tightest rhythm section I’ve heard on this list. Any musician who wants to learn what playing in the pocket means, this is your record.
On top of that, the lyrics, subject matter, emotional delivery and backing harmonies through out are so genuine and real.
Really loved this. No one else should attempt reggae, because it won’t be as good as this. Not quite a 5 for me, because by the end I had hit my reggae limit. 4/5.
The Darkness
3/5
Kind of rolled my eyes at first, but honestly pretty fun album of you don’t take it too seriously. Enjoyed the interpretation of a lot of familiar tropes/sounds.
The Pogues
4/5
One of the biggest surprises in this list so far.
This album is awesome. Incredibly unique and great musicianship. I mean a Celtic folk instruments with a phaser? How can you not appreciate that.
I think my favorite thing about this record is how re-listenable it is. So much variety and energy. 4.25/5
4/5
A very groovy, incredible sounding record. For me though, I just don’t quite get the hype to place amongst the best ever.
A very solid 4 star record in my opinion.
Justin Timberlake
2/5
Very meh, and unremarkable. Not necessarily bad, but very little that pulls me in. Typical of the time period.
The Go-Go's
3/5
I really liked the album to start. A fun, fresh sound. I’m sure at the time it was even more unique.
But as the album went on I found myself getting a little weary of the sound. A lot of the songs have a similar tempo, production style, and sound.
Still think it’s pretty good, and deserves somewhere between 3 and 4.
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Fun pop record. Not really my thing, but I enjoyed the vocal performance and the lyrics. The synth instrumentation was pretty well done.
Kind of starts to blend into background music after a bit. Would probably enjoy more in a night club in NYC as opposed to my work office on a Thursday morning.
3/5
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
That first 30 seconds of voodoo chile in nice headphones gave me the chills. It’s like you’re in the studio with Jimi.
Overall, I thought a very powerful record. Plenty’s of jazz noodlings and jams. Could definitely have been a single LP. But since Jimi released so few records, I found myself enjoying the extended jams and songs.
The Pharcyde
3/5
This is truly not the genre for me. But it was a fun album, and I much prefer this lighter hearted hip hop to the other 90s rap that I’ve encountered on the list.
3/5. Won’t revisit though.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Not bad, but gets pretty repetitive and old after 20 minutes. I thought Catch A Fire was exponentially better.
Definitely not Marley’s best work in my opinion.
Boston
5/5
There can’t be many debut records where essentially every song has become a radio staple 50 years after the release.
This record plays like a greatest hits record. It may not necessarily be my favorite classic rock sound of all time, but there’s no denying the level of songs throughout. Got to be a 5/5.
Kate Bush
3/5
I would think this was a modern pop record if I was blindly given this. It is incredibly modern sounding even though it is nearly 40 years old.
Overall, I just don’t really love pop music. Although this is some odd, very weird, experimental pop. Parts sound like a movie soundtrack. Very unique and interesting, but probably won’t listen again.
That’s enough for 3 stars, even though I personally didn’t totally enjoy.
Cheap Trick
2/5
There’s been a lot of pleasant surprises for me on this list, this was the opposite.
This is so generic and boring. The rhythm section had no groove. The drummer was particularly stiff and lacked any feel. Songwriting, outside of the two hits, was really quite poor.
I had fairly high expectations for this one, so I’m writing based on expectations. 2/5. There’s just so many better live albums from the 70s.
Lucinda Williams
1/5
I’m not really sure why this record is on the list? No part is noteworthy. Aggressively horrendous lyrics. Average instrumentation, vocals are pretty dull, no real dynamics to the record, and no real risks taken. Joy may be the worst song I’ve heard yet on this list.
I think you could substitute any studio singer and band in Nashville and you could get the exact same generic pop country sound.
I do actually like country from this era, but not sure why this is the representation. This record absolutely blows. 1/5
Funkadelic
4/5
I am just a sucker for that late 60’s/early 70’s analog sound. This record sounds fantastic. Has a loose concept about it. Some stellar instrumentation.
I can definitely understand why some may not love it, but I’m a big fan. Just some cool, experimental, psychedelic, far out funk rock. 4/5
Circle Jerks
3/5
Didn’t love, but also didn’t hate. Good angry music. 15 minutes was the perfect length, wish more artists knew how to not wear out their welcome.
Madonna
1/5
Wow, I hate this era of music.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Extremely biased. One of my favorite albums of all time. The harmonies can bring tears to my eyes.
Absolute masterclass in songwriting.
6/5.
50 Cent
3/5
Not bad, but the production is pretty rough. For this genre I would say it’s on the better side for me. I like it more than other rap records on the list.
Anthrax
3/5
Yep. That’s thrash metal. I will give them that vocally, there are elements of punk in the performance which at least separates their sound a little from others in the genre. But it still feels like every song is literally the same.
That being said, it’s not terrible. But I don’t get how people can listen to this over and over without getting bored. 3/5
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Love the production and the groove. Snoop Dogg has such a unique sound and flow.
I think the album shines when it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The violent/gangster songs just blend in with the other rap songs of the era.
A very high 3/5.
Also, do we need that high pitched, theramin type sound on every track?
Fela Kuti
4/5
This is exactly why I started doing this album a day exercise. I would never have encountered this outside of this list.
Awesome album, with so much groove, and more importantly, passion. Hypnotic, and yet, remains super fresh throughout the long tracks. Gonna be giving this many more listens.
Muddy Waters
4/5
A perfectly produced record. I feel like it sounds amazing and still captures the raw energy and sound of Muddy Waters. Excellent blues record. Maybe not something I’ll listen to every day, but a fun listen every once in a while.
Arrested Development
3/5
Parts are kind of funky, and get me vibing along. But then, a lot of the songs, and especially lyrics, are just super dated and corny.
I was not alive when this came out, so I don’t have a nostalgic feeling for the record. To me, a lot of it starts to sound like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme.
I get what they were going for, and it’s certainly not terrible. I did really like Mr Wendal. But, as a whole, it’s pretty dated and doesn’t hold up. 2.8/5.
Elvis Presley
4/5
I liked this record. Didn’t love it, but really liked it. The production is pretty inconsistent. A lot of weird added reverb to his vocal performances. The bass player is absolutely cooking, sometimes a little too much.
I’m a big fan of Elvis, and listening to this album, knowing it’s later, less energetic Elvis, has me excited for the records from his prime.
Portishead
4/5
Hauntingly well produced. Has a very rich yet minimalist sound. Weird and experimental, yet still quite pleasant to listen to. A very nice surprise. 4/5.
Dion
3/5
Definitely a Phil Spector production. Large string arrangements and lots of sound on most of the tracks.
The first two songs are good, and pulled me in. I do feel like it lost steam over the next few tracks though. I enjoyed the two songs that were acoustic with simple arrangements. Very good vocal performance throughout.
Overall, pretty standard 70s soft rock/pop. Enjoyed but nothing too groundbreaking. 3/5.
Willie Nelson
5/5
This record emits the nostalgic feeling of sitting in a living room of an old split level on a Saturday evening, and Willie is just singing you songs by the fireplace. Incredibly pleasant. Timelessly cool.
It takes a ton of balls to put out a record with this little production. This album is so different than pretty much anything else I’ve heard on this list. I don’t think all the songs are out of this world. But the vibe of this record is truly unbeatable. 5/5
Neil Young
4/5
Some unbelievable lyrics and perfect production and instrumentation. I was not familiar with this album and I think this is now easily my favorite Neil Young record. Will be looking for this one on vinyl.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
3/5
A well produced and pleasant sounding record, that is completely forgettable. Certainly wasn’t a bad listen, but this one will almost certainly be something I look back at my listening history and can’t pick out a single noteworthy moment.
Sleater-Kinney
2/5
Started with my volume at about 65%, and had to turn it down 5% with each subsequent song. Man those vocals are grating.
Overall production is good, and I get what they were going for. But it just gets really annoying really fast.
De La Soul
3/5
It’s a fun hip hop record, with some really cool samples. A Steely Dan sample in a hip hop song is not what I had on my bingo card. However, I just can’t get into this old hip-hop. It just sounds so dated and of a specific time period. Just not quite for me.
Janelle Monáe
5/5
If I was given this blind I do not think I would be able to guess the era. It sounds completely unique and atypical to almost any decade.
The end of Say You’ll Go incorporating Clair De Lune stopped me in my tracks. Absolutely gorgeous.
An immense amount of creativity. Weirdness, beauty, and everything in between. Absolutely blown away, especially based on expectations. I think I need to listen 5 more times to even comprehend the whole piece.
5/5
MGMT
4/5
This record is all time nostalgia. I’m not generally huge fan of electronic music, but this record is quite pleasant and has a few bangers throw in.
Amazing how many of these songs I already know, and have actually stood the test of time. I can’t believe Kids was barely a top 100 single at release.
Overall, this was a very nice blast from the past, that actually had some teeth in the deep cuts. Could be nostalgia, but I’m giving this one a 4.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Is this like, a soundtrack to a vampire Broadway play?
Very odd. Can’t say I really got it. It did grow on me slightly as it went on. But not really something I’m gonna repeat. Was a bit of a slog to get through.
2/5.
Nas
3/5
Pretty good rap record, with some recognizable songs. Enjoyed.
The Charlatans
3/5
Completely fine, but so exceptionally boring. The whole album sounds like songs that didn’t make it onto an Oasis record.
Just too many of these bland UK bands on this list. They aren’t bad, but there are so many unique artists that should have made the list instead.
The White Stripes
4/5
Really great rock album. Weird, heavy, and just unique. Had obviously heard seven nation army, but not much else off the record.
Has that element of a great record, where the sound is consistent throughout but doesn’t get repetitive.
Very impressed. 4/5.
John Coltrane
3/5
I am fairly new jazz listener. I really enjoy piano and guitar-based jazz music. I think I’m still trying to get there with horn and saxophone-based jazz.
This was a great background record for work. But I don’t know if I can quite say it’s something I felt strongly towards. I can absolutely tell the musicians are world class. But it’s a little too freeform for my personal taste. A very high 3/5.
Killing Joke
3/5
I don’t necessarily think this is good, but I do think it is shockingly modern sounding for 1980. I can see how this was widely influential to a lot of artists who came later.
It has a very unique sound, particularly for the time period. Not my thing, but I can appreciate the influence.
Bee Gees
2/5
Really odd choice to be on this list. It’s like a cheap Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Beatles cosplay record. I think the Disco Beegees records are fun and definitely indicative of a specific time period. But this was not good and also didn’t feel important.
It’s very odd that the Beegees are on this list 3 times, and none of those albums are their popular work.
Ray Charles
4/5
A record that deserves a high ranking based on the barriers it broke and its place in American history.
Musically, it’s all quite pleasant. Ray Charles has a beautiful voice. Certain songs like Hey Good Lookin are quite amazing. I do find myself wishing there was more piano from Ray throughout. The style does get a little old after an hour. But still a timelessly important album, with some legitimate musical chops. 4/5.
Marianne Faithfull
3/5
The context and the story behind the artist and the album are significantly more interesting than what is on this record. I think knowing the story made me more sympathetic to the songwriting, odd vocals, and droning sound of the music. I’ll give it a 2.8/5, because I think the story is worth knowing, even if the album is pretty meh.
Stereo MC's
3/5
Kind of funky and fun in parts. I think it would be better as an instrumental type record. The British rapping will never sound good to me.
Definitely would not say this is in any way essential listening. 2.6/5
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Tusk is kind of the anti-Rumours to me. Rumours is instantly pleasant, catchy, coherent and full of hits. Tusk takes some time to digest and is very inconsistent in terms of theme and sound.
Rumours is the anger, passion, and immediate emotion of a great relationship going sour. Tusk is the hangover and the struggle to put the pieces back together. But something about that grows on you. I find myself enjoying Tusk a little bit more every time I listen.
It’s bloated, and some of the middle songs are forgettable, but I think as a whole Tusk deserves more credit than it gets. 4/5.
Erykah Badu
2/5
As I was listening I realized that this just completely faded into the background. Like, I don’t recall a single thing I listened to.
I have legitimately zero opinion or memory of listening to most of this. Absolutely felt nothing. 2/5.
Joan Armatrading
3/5
This album SOUNDS amazing. The production is unbelievably crisp.
I think it definitely lacks some solid songwriting and melody creation, because even though I found myself in awe of the sonic quality, I didn’t find myself loving the actual songs. Very little catchiness to the writing.
Overall, pretty cool. Definitely enjoyed listening, but don’t know if it quite makes it into my regular rotation. 3.4/5.
Dolly Parton
3/5
The album mostly sounds like one 38 minute song. Not a whole lot of variety or dynamic changes. But it is one extremely pleasant 38 minute song.
Excellent vocals and harmonies, and very clean production. Won’t be everyone’s favorite, but I don’t know how you could hate this either. An extremely pleasant 3.4/5.
Carole King
5/5
Hard to rate this objectively. One of the first 3-4 albums I bought on vinyl. I’ve really just loved this record for quite a long time. I wish I could be blown away by this with fresh ears again.
I wish pop music was still like this. Soulful, airy, positive, instrumentally driven. The songwriting is so strong.
If I had to nitpick, the production does feel a little flat at times. But as a whole, this record feels timeless. I think these songs would still be hits if released today.
4.75/5.
George Michael
3/5
I can understand why this hit big commercially, particularly in the 1980s. I certainly think it has merit. But I’ll never be a big fan of this horny, R&B pop sound. Just not my bag.
Brian Eno
3/5
I think Brian Eno is just one of those artists that checks a lot of boxes to being an artist I should enjoy, but I just can’t get there.
Decent album, with some weirdness and musical creativity. Moments of musical beauty throughout. But it just doesn’t click as a complete piece for me. I think the back half is stronger.
Overall, I’ll give a 3/5 and maybe it’ll click for me someday.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Always a hoot. Top 5 band for me.
I’ve probably heard this record 50 times, and I still internalized a lyric I had never really paid attention to before.
Pink Floyd records are like great psychological thrillers, there’s always something new to discover and gnaw on with each new listen.
Doesn’t quite get me to where Dark Side does, but can’t be any less than a 5/5. Will probably listen 3-4 more times today.
Air
4/5
Extremely tasteful vibe music. Air is an appropriate name for this band. Ethereal, ambient, and enjoyable.
Incredible focus music. Will be added to the rotation. 4/5.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
A really funky good listen. Some all time songs.
However, the fact that most of the best tracks are covers does bring it down a notch. I think the covers are really cool reimagined versions, but still would have liked more original material. Summer Breeze might be better than the original though.
I thought the production was just okay. Felt a little flat and cold to my ears today.
A high 3/5.
Queen
4/5
Absolutely prog-tastic. Favorite Queen album to date. Every single track flows so beautifully to the next.
It’s indicative of what the Queen sound would become, but I think it maintains a lot of the weirdness and creativity that their commercially successful songs sometimes lack.
I’m shocked I had never heard any of the songs on this album. The songwriting isn’t as strong as the later records, but I really enjoyed this version of Queen. A very high 4/5.