A soft-pop rock paragon with the Carpenters as masters of harmony and lush, cinematic arrangements
Favourite Tracks: Love to Surrender, We've Only Just Begun, Baby It's You, They Long to Be (Close to You)
I don't know if it's supposed to be half-urban-funk-rock, half-prog-rock. Confused by the inclusion of military songs along with more relationship-type ones (3.5).
Super groovy guitar! I appreciate how this record helped pave the way for more heavy British blues rock tracks in the late 60s (3.5).
Some moody jangle pop, interesting early example of a drum machine on the last track. I heard elements of this in "Disintegration" which is cool how far they've come. (3-3.5)
Totally Daft Punk's ancestor. Songs are a too drawn out for my tastes (2.5)
Only two tracks! A more subtle jazz rock record than I what initially expected
Bob really has to include at least one cheesy folk-blues song 😭.
This to me is very much a sunrise/sundown record. The last track reminds me of Desolation Row based on its length (2.5-3)
Experiment post-punk-dance with almost spoken-word delivery. Just not my style at the moment.
Frank helped pave the way for most of 2010s R&B with his free-flowing style. I really like the production and its blend of multiple genres from old-school soul to electropop.
bro think she Laufey 🫠
Fire album tho will be dming this to my deceased grandma 🪦🌹
Easy listening of American standards. It’s a nice sunset album. (3.5)
Fast-paced, polished punk with elements of back-to-basics rock.
The Beatles' weird, experimental phase starts here. "Tomorrow Never Knows" is probably one of my all-time favourite "out-there" songs.
A soothing combination of jazzy folk-rock
Straddles the line between Weezer-rock and Britpop! As someone who likes the former, the melodies and hooks are simple(y) enjoyable 🙃
Slow, stripped-down tracks reminiscent of Radiohead. I feel like I'm in a Frieren episode listening to Thom Yorke narrate our journey thus far.
Syrupy quiet storm love songs (3.5)
Upbeat, optimistic rap. It's carefree in a 60s-hippie-Dr. Seuss kind of way. Had to do a double take on that one track tho 🤨
They say sax changes everything, and it most certainly does here. So many tempo and key changes it's as if John is communicating with the divine.
Fits right into some 2000s pop rock, while other songs recycle a bit of his 80s output. It’s your typical Springsteen.
Albums like this expand my musical world, and it's straight up just noisy hedonism. "The Gift" was super grisly.
A precursor of longer rock songs throughout the 70s; karaoke-worthy and somewhat ambitious production (3.5-4)
Repetitive drum machines and loops reminiscent of the 80s. LRD has the hooks but doesn't seem to expand on them as much. It's like having the first few sentences of a chapter down pat, but then the actual plot is lost in the words. (2.5-3)
Busy and full arrangements that feel super intentional. You can hear Brian's artistic endeavours throughout the record, specifically the slow, baroque-heavy tracks that make it sound like a modern-day orchestra. "Let's Go Away For Awhile" scratched an itch.
A lot of the themes in the song seem to continue from "Beach Boys Today!" in that they often touch on topics not common in pop music at the time (e.g. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, I Know There's An Answer)
This sounds like an actual studio album with audience "sound effects"! A fun, head-bobbing record to listen to, especially experiencing frontman Phil Lynott's charisma throughout.
My first non-English record from the generator. First song reminds me of Timbaland's production on FutureSex/LoveSounds. Was surprised by the Imagine cover sung in both Arabic and English. All the other songs blend Algerian and Anglophone music to make a modern, groovy Raï sound. It does suffer from being bloated.
Might be mistaken but it sounds like TØP to my ears but with a more country-folk-rock vibe and a chill vocal delivery. Starts off strong but falters after "Earthquake Weather" (3.5-4)
Sub 100K listeners on Spotify, and for music pretty typical of 80s British new wave. Nothing too special except their lyrics I guess?
The foundation of rock and roll! Very timeless and Little Richard has such passion in his voice, it’s hard not to bob your head and groove.
The drums in the opening track shouldn't slap this hard 😭. A bunch of interesting industrial sounds set to atmospheric tunes, like German Velvet Underground. I thought I would hate this album given it's the second-worst rated, but I can kinda see the vision. I only see it cause I was playing some Roblox games, and it fit the sound almost perfectly.
I didn't know he was part of the Wailers! This is my first proper reggae album and despite repeating similar rhythms across songs, the grooves and vocals carried.
The record that laid the death blow to glam rock! Had heard of Smells Like Teen Spirit but never the full album. I'm really surprised how this blew up in the early 90s, when everything popular was either dad rock or mom pop. It was quite edgy for me (ok Polly) but also unserious and playful. That's what I really liked about this record: the sense that it was just three dudes having fun and enjoying the process.
A blend of Latin, urban, and world rhythms. Hearing Khaled's Kenza and ROSALIA recently has made me appreciate the Santana/Timbaland production here.
I've realized that I'm more of a singles dude with these albums. Champagne Supernova and Don't Look Back In Anger are so good, but on my second listen of this album, it's still quite bloated with similar sounding-ballads
Instant Christmas classic with Spector’s orchestral production.
Like most jazz albums set to fancy restaurants but this time with a live audience.
Frat rap full of party anthems that makes great use of the TR-808 and rock beats. Reminds me of Run DMC (3.5-4).
Syd's music sounds less space-y here and more improvised and raw while having those early Pink-Floyd psychedelic lyrics. The music becomes more stripped down and the words free-flowing, as if we're observing his declining mental state in real time. Whimsical, nonsensical lyrics aren't really my thing however so not much stood out for me.
Jangle pop like The Smiths while keeping most of the 80s pop rock sound. They have some sarcastic and witty lyrics.
This soundtrack reminds me of the funkier tracks of the Persona 5 OST (i.e. Tokyo Daylight). So groovy, it's like I'm transported back in the city getting ready to kick ass.
Updated jazz sound for the 70s quiet storm/R&B vibes. Each song sounded very similar to each other.
A softer grunge sound compared to other alternative rock acts. Has some psychedelic moments that give 60s rock an alt feel.
What Are All These Long Song Names, It's Like North English Youth Culture Set to American Rock & Songwriting Is Straightforward... I Love The Drummer He Makes Me Want to Dance/Bob My Head
What did the Nashville sound look like before this? Because this sounds like timeless country to me. This record doesn't overstay its welcome; short and sweet. (3.5-4)
Overproduced music that doesn't gel with its risqué lyrics and Scott's operatic vocals. "Next" is sus 🤨. (2.5)
Tina sounds so confident here; her soulful vocals pair well with 80s pop rock (3.5-4).
Byrds-like folk-rock with more experimentation in other genres (3.5)
Why do they insist on the organs? It sounds more retro than their debut. Jim has a deeper and rough voice here too, which adds to the blues vibes.
The Queen of Soul! Such a wide-reaching voice that touches so many emotions (4.5)
I've noticed that Neil sounds like me at karaoke night, when I'm not too confident to belt out a storng falsetto.
Aside from that, Southern Man's anger comes through its biting lyrics and heavy rock sound. (3.5-4)
Just like Ella's album in terms of sound and lyrics. It's very same-y.
Hearing those messy and noisy guitars remind me of Nirvana. Goes to show how local scenes influence each other. This album has a pretty sick cover. (3.5)
I did think at first it would sound "ominous/dark" because of the album cover. But compared to Nirvana, this is more Led Zeppelin-hard rock. The album doesn't really stray from the heavy guitar-drum sound, so for me it gets repetitive after Black Hole Sun.
A timeless blend of modern R&B and old-school Motown
Blues rock that doesn't take itself seriously, like Zappa and the Mothers of Invention (3.5)
The seminal pop-punk album! I love that it doesn't really take itself seriously.
The bass and guitar work is carrying this record. Disco gets pretty repetitive (especially with how long some tracks are) but the grooves from these instruments made most songs really interesting
Poppy metal music, as what a lot of 80s artists did (3.5-4)
Are they trying to break the Guinness World Record for loudest garage rock? The Sonics beat them to it. This record sounds like easy listening metal as one reviewer put it. There's a bit of punk in there too, but it's nothing too interesting.
Blends Joni's folk sound and lyrics with soft rock and jazz. Her lyrical cadence can be a bit too "runny"/poetic for me at times but the instrumentals are so soothing. (3.5-4)
So this is shoegaze! So much reverb.
I did like some songs but I wasted my time listening to “nothing is”, which is literally just the same section repeated for 3 whole minutes. That turned me off from the rest of the listening experience. (2.5-3)
Bits of electronic rock with some sociopolitical messages; it's giving Radiohead and religious space-opera.
Must have been one of the heaviest things to listen to in the 70s. Not as melodic/hook-heavy as their next album but prog-like.
Back-to-blues. Isn't really my thing but I can appreciate the rhythms and electric sound
He sounds more of a crooner and soul singer here and I love him for it.
Interesting to hear a blend of 80s production and the guitar-heavy folk sound. It does get repetitive very quickly (2.5-3)
Has all the classics (I’ll give you a pass Maxwell), the beautiful medley, and the heavy blues. A bonafide, melodic classic!
It's just like a lot of British punk, nothing too special, except the singer reminds me of female Johnny Rotten and the saxophones. It's a pretty fun record but still at time same-y
Learned Afrobeat = African styles + American jazz. This live-ly album has such energy.
Slower and more expanded production but has all the parts of their sound: Kurt’s hushed voice, the guitar work, the quiet-loud sound, and noise. (3.5)
What was the guitar arpeggio in "Eruption" 😲? Never really heard the guitar being used as a piano like that. All in all, this is some tuff, melodic dad rock that probably kickstarted 80s glam metal.
I like the concept and the vibes of the record but there are not many melodies to get hooked on. It's very much all over the place with the ambience. That said this is a good candidate for a "headphones" album.
First ever PJ Harvey album! I'd love more reverb on her voice. The songwriting is stellar and angsty, reminding me of Liz Phair. The production to me is like a mix between 90s alt-rock and Dire Straits' debut (3.5-4)
Second time around, I get the hype. The songs' lyrics and atmosphere are reminiscent of these modern times. It's kind of surprising how we're living in a dystopia in the big 26. Thom seems disappointed and isolated with the world around him, I can't help but feel the same when listening to this too.
Nick Cave’s lyrics are a mix of spiritual and moody. I like the lounge/guild-hall ambience but I don’t hear any catchy melodies. Plus his vocal delivery seems safe and monotone, I feel like I have to try twice as hard to detect emotion (not you Green Eyes, I can tell how you’re feeling 😭) (2.5-3)
Has a campy surfer rock vibe to it. It's wacky and zany in a 60s space-age kinda way. I don't know what Wikipedia means when it says "kitschy", but I love how they updated retro sounds with modern arrangements. Also, the guitar work here is fantastic, really pairs well with the overall vibe they were going for (3.5-4).
Neil, Joni then Leonard? I get to listen to all these Canadian classics for the first time thanks to this generator!
His poetry works well with the lyrical cadence, and it’s just him and his guitar so I really have to try harder to focus on the lyrics. I like how he doesn’t put too much flourish; it’s just him and you in this audial room. (3.5-4)
This was from the 2000s? Sounds like they used retro equipment to make some simple yet effective back-to-basics rock. I can hear the influence this has had on a lot of indie rock and pop!
This reminds me of New Order's dance-rock aesthetic combined with some indie/garage rock influences here and there. I love the grooves and rhythms. They're putting me in a trance!
(I love reading the reviews of other albums here! Merci au reviewer français aussi qui écrit les reviews académiques avec plein d'histoire! Je suis inspiré d'approfondir ma connaissance avec cette langue.)
Definitely know Eilieen! But haven't heard anything else. Hearing those violins, it's like they splashed "Celtic" everywhere; like they were trying on every form of pop rock and soul trendy at the time. Still found this record lively and fitting with my music taste
It's noisy and edgy but the sound is like contained in a chaotic atmosphere set to a rhythmic beat (3.5)
More upbeat than the other jazz records I've listened to. Very improvised. it's like the trumpet is scatting (3.5-4).
Sounds like any other album from the 90s that leaned alt/jangle-rock. He definitely doesn't sound as operatic here compared to the Smiths, which fits nicely with the sound. It's not bad, but not much stood out to me either.
Hip hop samples could definitely be heard here. Vocals slap as always
Such a groovy disco record; MJ proved he called the shots.
Beatles-like psychedelia, but they went beyond with a whole story. Some parts sound heavy for its time, and I appreciate the ambitious production (like they're scoring for a modern King Arthur), but it's not something I'd put on repeat often (3.5).
Woah... I know this is a character but like this didn't age well for most. If we take a moment to distance ourselves from the subject matter, I admire Eminem's mastery of wordplay and tone. He nails the acting for Slim Shady between playful and confrontational. If we just had the instrumentals, I'd instantly be hooked on the beats. Definitely could have been "slimmed" though.
The trio works realy well with each member, singing parts of their tracks; beats remind me of ATCQ. Skits revolve around ghetto East Coast life
This is a nice mélange of country and soul, but bro leave that falsetto alone 😭.
When it's arranged with just those two sounds in mind, it's a nice album, but they decided to add some downs. For example, I don't personally vibe with the lyrics and the lack of melodies in the more ambient, chamber-pop tracks like "Petrified Florist".
Ziggy Stardust's adult contemporary side quest. Lots of 50's rock pastiches and all around fun, campy vibes (3.5-4)
If David Bowie got his start in the 90s and wrote 5-min songs I blanked out on...
100th Album... still no So 😢
This was probably the 60s lofi study mix. I love how the guitar and the saxophone blend so seamlessly here. I probably wouldn't listen to all the songs in one sitting but they'd make good interludes for my playlist (3.5-4).
I think this album clicked for me in the third listen. I get why Rumours is so popular for Gen Z. Hearing the lore behind this album makes me appreciate the emotions of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. The harmonies really add to it. Personally, it's just catchy pop rock. That's pretty much 5 stars in my books (4.5-5).
P.S. Why did they remove Silver Springs???
I really shouldn't have listened to this on the bus for my first listen; a new take on rock (and early punk) was unfolding in my very ears! The drums on Five Years are so sample worthy, Bowie sings in a higher register here, and the arrangements are quite consistent. Starman being popular on Tiktok made me like the whole concept of "Ziggy Stardust" more.
P.S. Also TF? I just listened to some songs off this record literally the day before
Eclectic like a mix of gangsta and conscious hip hop to psychedelic rock. The rhymes flow like quickly-melting butter. The album kinda gave me whiplash cause it's all over the place.
I'm really not sure how to evaluate this. It's like they're doing the splits: one leg on catchy pop lyrics and melodies, the other on alt-rock styles. It must hurt stretching your "musical" muscles like that for so long. For me personally, stick to either side or find a way where you can stand instead of splitting (3.5).
A Canadian I've never heard of! Did not know what to expect on my first listen. I just don't know how this fits in the bigger "1001 Albums" collection. Even if it necessarily doesn't, I still enjoyed this album. k.d. has such a lovely voice that brings out her emotions (3.5-4)
Is it just me or does George's guitar sound like modern indie-rock/jangle pop? It makes this album have even more of an introspective, "folklore" vibe that was part of his public image. I think both of these qualities have made "All Things Must Pass" one of those foundational indie influences. I personally love hearing the melodies, vocal harmonies, and chord changes, and there are some nice head-boppers in between the slower songs. I guess that's what happens when you're a Beatle, music is second nature to you. As for Apple Jam though, let's just pretend it's bonus Harrison DLC (4-4.5).
Dusty's voice is gentle and sweet, though I guess I expected some of Aretha's passion. Maybe the soul here is not all-encompassing, it's finding beauty in the small moments.
I know about the National cause Aaron Dessner worked with Taylor Swift during her indie-folk era, but this is the first time I've listened to his band. I realize this kind of music is not for me. I don't hear a lot of melodies, hooks and chord changes, so it's not personally captivating. It's as if the music is just settling, like soda after the fizzle. (2.5-3)
Imagining Prince laying down some sick guitar solos right now...
This record fits itself right into the 80s canon. Those synths, guitars, and reverb drums pair well with Prince's heartfelt singing. His vocal deliveries give off a joyful, almost manic vibe to the songs. Plus extra point for "Purple Rain" as it sounds so much like an 80s "Mayonaise". (4-4.5)
Kendrick really knows how to tell stories. Love the contrast between the chill beats, the realities of growing up in Compton, and the religious motifs. Super immersive too! (4.5-5)
Sounds like an updated 90s version of psychedelic rock. I do like the pop-rock melodies more than the drone tracks. There was also like kind of a Weezer vibe to it. (3.5-4)
