88
Albums Rated
3.07
Average Rating
8%
Complete
1001 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
2
5-Star Albums
3
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
|
4 | 2.52 | +1.48 |
|
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
|
5 | 3.63 | +1.37 |
|
Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
|
4 | 2.77 | +1.23 |
|
Bad
Michael Jackson
|
5 | 3.81 | +1.19 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Basket of Light
Pentangle
|
1 | 2.76 | -1.76 |
|
Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
|
1 | 2.73 | -1.73 |
|
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
|
2 | 3.72 | -1.72 |
|
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
|
2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
|
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
|
2 | 3.34 | -1.34 |
|
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
|
2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
|
Sea Change
Beck
|
2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
|
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
|
2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
|
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
|
2 | 3.28 | -1.28 |
|
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
|
1 | 2.24 | -1.24 |
5-Star Albums (2)
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Popular Reviews
Talvin Singh · 1 likes
2/5
Yeah this album sadly wasn’t for me. I understand it’s a landmark for cross genre music, but the bled for me didn’t work too well. I felt the tracks had one idea at the start of them and then stuck with that for often too long. I actually preferred when it leaned more into the traditional Indian instruments rather than the rather bland drum and bass beats. Just find it all a little uneven.
Kendrick Lamar · 1 likes
5/5
This has been one of my favourite albums for a while and it still is. This was the first album where I really saw what hip-hop could be in the highest form, when it’s not just music, but it’s an art form used to explore very real topics and issues. This doesn’t mean it’s an easy breezy listen, and it’s definitely not. It’s not an album you can easily put on and just have in the background. But if you’re willing to give your full attention, and are willing to think about what you’re hearing, it’s a very rewarding experience. It’s such a brilliant exploration of the exploitations that fame can lead to, and how all the money and power can ruin you at your core and make you lose sight of where you come from. I love this.
1-Star Albums (3)
All Ratings
Dire Straits
3/5
I really liked this! Think it started out great and the first 3 track run is amazing. For me personally it dipped a little with the following two tracks, however then picked back up after that. I think in terms of favourite songs I’d have to obviously go with Money For Nothing, and then I really loved The Man’s So Strong. So yeah really loved this, and to me there are points in this album that have the best sounding guitar ever.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Yeah this was a lovely album! The way they sing is very nice on the ear and makes for such an easy breezy listen. I would say after that listen my favourites are easily the title track and The Boxer, but there were no real duds. However I would say it’s an album where I like most of the songs, but don’t know if I’ll revisit it much as a whole, but otherwise very nice!
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
So this one didn’t click for me as much as Bridge Over Troubled Waters, and it’s a real shame because I appreciate the effort to increase the production value and the scope of the songs. But for me personally I feel the intimacy which was such a highlight on the previously mentioned album was lost. I should say I am aware this came before, but I am speaking from the perspective of listening to this after BOTW. There are still good moments with Homeward Bound and The Big Green Pleasure Machine being two fun songs. I don’t know, I feel I’m missing the big picture.
RELISTEN: On a relisten, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme completely floored me and I genuinely don’t know what I was thinking the first time around. It feels so warm and intimate, but there’s this quiet devastation running underneath everything that makes it hit deeper than I expected. The songwriting really takes centre stage and the harmonies don’t distract from that, they just elevate it and make the emotions feel fuller. Even the production stood out this time with every arrangement choice feeling deliberate and kind of beautiful in how restrained it is. I finished it just surprised at myself how did I ever give this a 2?
Michael Jackson
3/5
I liked this, but for me it’s not quite prime MJ. Like it’s definitely good, great even, but it’s not what I come for Michael Jackson for. I think with albums like Bad and Thriller there was an edge he had, that just isn’t present here. However this album is still a blast of a listen
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
So I had a very interesting experience with this. My first listen was probably the exact opposite way in which this album is intended to be listened to. I was busy with work, and kept getting interrupted and starting and picking it up later. So it felt rather monotonous and repetitive. However, I came back to it as I felt I hadn’t given it a fair shake, and the second time round totally eclipsed my opinion from my first listen. This is such a great album to just fall deep into and let it take your hand. It’s definitely not the album to come to if you’re looking for catchy hooks and specific songs, but as an experience as a whole I grew to love it. Also I made a similar point with Dire Straits, but guitars just sounded better back in this time.
David Bowie
4/5
Yeah I really liked this. Just has such an atmosphere to it that I can’t explain. It almost is eerie but there’s glimmers of hope in it. Definitely feels like hes trying to convey that he’s leaving the pop star David Bowie behind. I loved most if not all of the tracks, standouts being The Next Day, The Stars, Valentine’s Day, Dancing in Space and Set the World on Fire.
Goldfrapp
2/5
This did absolutely nothing for me. It passed through me and left no impact whatsoever and I have no idea why. I normally enjoy this style of scenic, gentle folk pop but something just didn’t click with me here. None of the tracks or the album for that matter had an impact. I may completely missing the picture but sadly this just wasn’t for me.
RELISTEN: Revisiting this and I liked it a little more than I did before, but I still wouldn’t say I fully enjoyed it. The atmosphere is definitely the strongest part it feels like walking through fog, but that same dreaminess borders on being a bit too sleepy at times. “Happiness” is the clear standout for me. It’s cohesive in sound, but not in a way that builds toward a strong emotional conclusion. Can absolutely imagine it being a great album to fall asleep to though.
Black Flag
3/5
I surprisingly quite enjoyed this. On first listen I was hesitant as this style of harsh, repetitive, aggressive punk music has never really clicked with me, however on first listen this album felt pretty engrossing to me, and a lot less monotonous than I expected. The standout tracks for me were Rise Above and TV Party. Sonically it’s very harsh and grating, and sounds kind of how I imagine a mental break would feel. Although the lyrics at points could become rather repetitive and tedious, the focus on seemingly rebelling against every aspect of life was something I can’t say I’ve heard much. It felt like the band were breaking down every aspect of society and going against it. For the time I can definitely see why it was influential, although the influence may be lost on me, I understand the impact it probably had on the music space in the 80’s. I don’t really see myself returning to it, but I appreciate it.
Various Artists
3/5
This is the perfect album to have on in the background during Christmas Day. It is definitely some of the most soulful and passionate Christmas music out there and I really appreciate the layers of instruments that make each track feel grand. It’s definitely not my first pick for what I’d listen to around the holidays, maybe I’m looking for something a bit more poppy and upbeat, but with that being said I do think it captures the spirit of the holiday excellently.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. For a long time I have acknowledged Snoop as a very skilled rapper but had never actually listened to any of his discography. This album to me felt so fun but had an ominous undertone to it that I appreciated a lot. The standout was definitely Murder Was the Case, but there were no real low points. On the production side, there’s really no notes, Dre really came through on this. I can really hear the influence that many other artists from Cali have taken from Snoop so I guess I have him to thank.
4/5
I loved this album. I think the concept was riveting and very well explored through most of the tracks. There were a couple of tracks where I feel the concept was looser and lost a little but still enjoyable. The standout tracks for me were Yes Sir No Sir, Some Mothers Son, Brainwashed, Mr Churchill Says, and the title track. It feels like something I would like to revisit every now and then.
Air
4/5
I really enjoyed this album. The warm and gentle, yet at times cinematic ambience was lovely to just exist in. I struggle to think of highlights because this felt more like an immersive album to just sink into and let wash over you. It all feels very lush. Listening to this, I can hear its influence in style on other artists and albums I love.
Pentangle
1/5
Sadly another example of an album that did nothing for me. I don’t know whether this style of folk doesn’t connect with me, or whether it’s something else. I find this type of lyricism sometimes to be rather tedious, and I can’t explain why. The instrumentals were all nice enough, although I can’t say I was a massive fan of the vocals. Yeah this just kinda passed through me, nothing really drew me in.
Fatboy Slim
3/5
I thought this was pretty okay, but overall pretty average. It definitely feels like music you’d hear whilst making your way through a club at like 2AM. Definitely not album where I have a lot of standouts but I don’t think that’s what the album was going for. Not much to say, just a cool little album that I don’t see myself coming back to a lot if ever.
Oasis
4/5
For not having understood the hype behind Oasis for the longest time, I am glad to say this album really worked for me. I love how the instrumentals are massive and encompassing, with little space to breathe. This matches Liams aggressive and assertive vocals, which deliver on each track. Highlights were Rock n Roll Star, Up In the Sky, Columbia, SuperSonic, Bring It On Down, Cigarettes and Alcohol and Slide Away.
Eurythmics
3/5
This was pretty great. I love the cold and minimal production, because although distinctively 80’s it felt surprisingly modern at times. My standout track is Jennifer, I loved the cold vocals with the looped synth. The production created this almost abstract and lonely atmosphere which I was a big fan of. It definitely is my type of music
Barry Adamson
2/5
This album started out pretty strong, but eventually for me lost steam. The instrumentals were very well made and the production for the first half kept me engaged, however towards the middle it began to lose me. It did however pick up a little towards the tail end The atmosphere of the album is probably my favourite aspect as it creates this very uneasy feeling, however this isn’t enough to sustain a 55 minute runtime. Somewhat enjoyable but will probably never return.
Dusty Springfield
2/5
This albums is the perfect example for an album where I would say there is nothing distinctly bad or wrong about it, but nothing clicked with me at the same time. It’s completely inoffensive. To me it feels when you’ve heard one you’ve heard them all. This does not mean I think the album has no value, the instrumentals are all very tight and Dusty sounds amazing on all of the songs. I just think maybe this style of soul/ R&B maybe doesn’t always work for me.
Supertramp
4/5
I absolutely loved this. The themes of alienation and loneliness and the exploration of fear of differences is so interesting and is explored through instrumentals and lyrics that perfectly match the theme. While listening to the title track I genuinely had a moment where I audibly said “this may be the best song I have ever heard”. The only album so far that I have immediately started again after first listen. Definitely one of, if not my favourite album on this journey yet. Wow
The Doors
4/5
I loved this. It’s kinda weird and trippy but also extremely catchy and each song really gets you stuck in a groove. I really like Jim Morrisons delivery, and matched with the dark psychedelic instrumentals, it’s quite transfixing. I loved hearing Alabama Song, which I recognised from The Worlds End but had no idea it was by The Doors. It’s a weirdly erotic album which creates this scene while you’re listening that really affected me. Loved it
Ghostface Killah
3/5
This was pretty good. I loved the heavy baselines and dusty drums. These matched with Ghostface Killahs superb and energetic delivery made it a very enjoyable listen. As someone who normally sometimes doesn’t like skits in albums, these ones were actually really funny, and did a great job of planting us in his world. By the end I would say I was a little worn out as I didn’t find the last stretch as entertaining as the first. However I still enjoyed this, but I don’t see myself returning to it. Highlights were, Shakey Dog, Kilo, The Champ, R.A.G.U, and Be Easy.
CHIC
4/5
This was really fun! I think it perfectly executed what it intended to do which was to be an album that just makes you want to dance. For the first leg I was absolutely in love but I would be lying if I didn’t say the second half fell off a little for me personally. It wasn’t bad by any means, I think it might have just began to get a little repetitive. I do however think all the songs are at least good, and it’s a very breezy album to get through. Really good stuff though, favourites are probably Chic Cheer, Le Freak, Savoir Faire, Happy Man and I Want Your Love.
Neil Young
4/5
As a documentation of Neil Youngs grief this is rather effective. The apparent intentional messiness and sloppy playing matched with the emotionally heavy lyrics really portrays a man struggling in real time. This all makes the album feel deeply human and honest. For this I really appreciated it, however I do not so myself returning to this much.
Robbie Williams
1/5
Yeah this completely fell flat for me. This for me felt like a diluted version of what Rock bands were doing at that time but a little more poppy and clean. I feel like someone with as big a personality as Robbie has, this album is pretty bland and by the books. This is one I for sure won’t be returning to.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
This was good, but I want to like it more. I like the album most when Stevie commits fully to a certain mood or idea especially tracks like Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away, and They Won’t Go When I Ho. A lot of the groove-based songs are nice but emotionally don’t move me much, which is why the album as a whole doesn’t stick, even though I respect it.
Peter Frampton
3/5
I get why Frampton Comes Alive! is liked by so many, but it never fully pulls me in. The performances are great and the crowd energy is warm, but I feel like I’m watching a great night happen rather than being emotionally involved in it. The talk box is cool, the songs are solid, but nothing really lingers once the applause fades. An album I respect more than I feel
Rush
4/5
I like this, but it’s an album I respect more than I actually love. It’s impossible to deny how locked-in it is. The guitar work really carries it for me, all clean textures and sharp timing, with everything feeling carefully put together. There’s a very controlled, almost mechanical confidence to the whole thing, like the band knows they’ve got this from the first second. When a groove settles in and just goes, it’s genuinely satisfying. Not perfect and not fully my thing, but you can absolutely feel why people like it.
The White Stripes
2/5
This felt like a weird detour of what the White Stripes are good at, to something nowhere near as compelling. The switch from guitars to piano and marimba didn’t open the album up for me — it mostly flattened the energy. Jack White’s theatrical vocals feel more like a bit than a breakthrough here, and they rarely land with much weight. A couple songs stick, but most of it just drifts by without leaving much of an impression. Not bad, just oddly forgettable.
The Smiths
4/5
This feels warm and resigned, almost cathartic in how comfortable it is with itself. It sounds like a band that’s stopped fighting endings and instead decided to just do what they do best one last time. There’s a strange mix of nostalgia, peace, and bittersweet acceptance running through it, like an epilogue that doesn’t need to announce itself. The album feels smaller and quieter than I expected, but that restraint makes it hit harder, especially hearing it as my first full Smiths record. It didn’t overwhelm me in any special way, but still somehow gripped me from start to finish.
Peter Tosh
3/5
This album was such a breezy listen, but I also really respected the messaging the songs had in their writing. The sharper and angrier writing that tosh has while still making the songs have layers back vibes is very impressive. I respect it a lot as it was risk to leave the Wailers and approach a solo career being so outspoken. I appreciate it more than I love it, but still this was great.
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
2/5
As important as this album may have been for the history of hip hop in terms of shifting hip-hop towards social realism and commentary, I cannot say I enjoyed this album very much. To be fair I think this is just due to it being a product of its time. Although the production is stellar and I actually appreciate the minimalistic style, the performances from the rappers themselves in my opinion leave a lot to be desired. Awkward deliveries and stale lyricism is often carried by really nice chemistry of the group. I know for a fact without this we wouldn’t have people like Kendrick Lamar, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Ella Fitzgerald
3/5
As a massive listen this was incredibly daunting, but treating the discs like chapters kinda helped. The Nelson Riddle arrangements all sound great, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit that they did get rather repetitive by the end. However Ellas voice does not get old, and is incredible all the way through. I enjoyed the lyrics and thought they were actually very sharp and clever. This album did land with me however due to the sheer size of it, I can’t see myself returning.
Michael Jackson
5/5
I love this album. For the longest time I hadn’t listened to this and now
I have no idea why. Compared to Off The Wall, and Thriller, this has a much sharper and harder edge, obviously showing Michael Jackson wanting to move more towards a sound of his own, rather than following his families footsteps. Loved that he’s embracing his own style and that a lot of the lyrics reflect that. The increased guitar work and influence from rock is so good, and makes everything just that bit punchier. With this though, you still have moments of tenderness like Man in the Mirror, which really is the emotional centre of the album, discussing how he’s changed, hopefully for the better. For all the influence this has on some of my favourite artists such as The Weeknd, this albums legacy cannot be understated, and having finally listened to it, it loved up to that legacy.
4/5
This was great, I had heard this a while back but I appreciated it a lot more this time around. I like the idea of a fictional band where they feel they can experiment more. I liked the topics they covered lyrically, and I thought the themes of loneliness and escapism were explored really creatively. The emotional core hit surprisingly hard on this album with songs like She’s Leaving Home and A Day In The Life. Especially A Day In The Life, which is such an interesting song, with the way it pits John and Paul’s worldviews against each other. Beyond all that the music is just really fun and creative and is a great quick listen. Loved this.
1/5
I get that this is probably avant-garde and creative, but I’d be lying if I said any of it worked for me. I would say I like jazz but I’ve never been a massive fan, so with that in mind I was hesitant already, however finding out this was an almost reinvention of it, scared me more. This was abrasive in all the wrong ways, and although the tracks were all very short they all just blended together for me, as dismissive as that may sound. Put simply it was an experimentation that didn’t work for me.
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
This is such a fun and well produced pop album. It’s so grand and glossy that it gives it this cinematic sense which I always enjoy. The use of strings, vocoders, and layered vocals really amp up the energy and shows how committed the band was to making the album as big as be, they committed fully. Yeah this was great.
Prince
4/5
Yeahhhhhh this an amazing album to come back to after a short break. The way in which Prince evokes the mindset of although the world is crumbling around us let’s dance, is incredible. The blend of R&B, pop, rock and new wave is sensational and the playful sexy energy of the record is so enticing. The instrumentals are so textured and intensify the emotions that Prince is evoking. Although this is a dense album, at no time did I feel the runtime. It should also be said how funny Prince is, and I mean like chuckling during songs. Whether it’s his sharp wit or vocal choices, it has a surprising comedic effect. Looooooved this
The xx
2/5
This really did very little for me. I have two tracks which I semi liked and they were the opener Dangerous, and Replica. Other than that this style of music just doesn’t seem to be for me. The subtle and beats and baselines are fine, but the vocals to me just felt so bland and generic that it was hard to stay attached to each song. The singing really did absolutely nothing for me, and I was kinda counting the tracks until the end. Yeah just kinda boring.
Kanye West
3/5
This album is strange to me because it feels like something I should love but for some reason there is a disconnect. I think it’s a very creative album but for some reason it just doesn’t click with me the way I want. I will say the production is of course excellent and has so much personality and at this stage in his career he still is very charming. But not enough for me to ever return intentionally.
Talvin Singh
2/5
Yeah this album sadly wasn’t for me. I understand it’s a landmark for cross genre music, but the bled for me didn’t work too well. I felt the tracks had one idea at the start of them and then stuck with that for often too long. I actually preferred when it leaned more into the traditional Indian instruments rather than the rather bland drum and bass beats. Just find it all a little uneven.
OutKast
3/5
This album was good but id be lying if i said i liked it as much as i wanted to. The loud and funky production is great, and the contrast between 3K and Big Boi is really fun, but maybe it was just me, but I felt it was lacking the bangers I wanted out of it. Maybe that’s my expectations getting the better of me but I still felt a little let down. I still liked it a fair bit, just wanted a little more.
50 Cent
3/5
This album walks such a fine line of being extremely braggadocios whilst also highlighting a very real fear of death, that comes of very genuine. The hooks on this album are pretty catchy and 50’s cold detached delivery on most of them is spot on. This paired with the Dre production is a pretty stellar combo. In Da Club is still probably one of the best and most fun rap songs ever. I like how blunt he is on this album, and his lack of flashy lyric flourishes makes him incredibly endearing. Solid album.
Keith Jarrett
4/5
The fact that none of this was written in advance and that Keith Jarrett just made this up on the spot on stage is incredible alone, but the fact that along with that it’s very good is just astounding. The fact he was able to create such emotive motifs and compose them in thin air is incredible, and I found myself constantly impressed by the emotions the music would conjure. That first track really is something, and definitely the emotional core of this album, but that doesn’t mean the other ones are bad. So impressed by this.
The Boo Radleys
2/5
I think I’m discovering I’m not a shoegaze guy. This to me was pretty boring and it never really gripped me. When it would get a little more psychedelic or experimental it had me, but it would then veer back to the indie sound which I found extremely bland. It’s all produced well and the instrumentals are nice enough, but never more than that. And these types of vocals are just not for, they don’t stir any type of emotion in me. Yeah won’t be coming back to this.
Basement Jaxx
3/5
As someone who has not really engaged with house that much, I really enjoyed this. I liked that it blended house with other styles like funk and pop, maybe made it a little more accessible. I like that these feel like songs too rather than just continuous noise, the songs have structures. It is just a really fun album, don’t imagine myself coming back very often but I enjoyed my time with it.
The Lemonheads
4/5
This just feels really cozy in this low-key, quietly sad way, and for some reason it hit me as weirdly nostalgic even though I don’t have any real history with it. It’s super understated emotionally, like it never fully lets you in, but that kind of works in its favour. The short songs fly by and honestly make it easier to sink into rather than feeling rushed. Lyrically it’s simple and honest, with little lines that catch you off guard instead of trying to be deep. Sonically it’s pure early ’90s slacker-indie charm. By the end I wasn’t blown away, but it just sat with me and is quietly great and very easy to come back to.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This is one of those albums where I can understand why it’s considered great, but it didn’t really land for me yet. I liked the idea of it more than the actual listen, it’s loose, warm, and grimy in a way that feels very intentional, but also kind of exhausting. A lot of the songs blurred together for me, with Sweet Virginia being the one that actually stuck and felt genuinely charming. There’s a sleazy, lived-in vibe that I really liked and was almost comforting, but the messiness sometimes tipped into feeling unfocused rather than immersive. I didn’t hate it, I just wasn’t in the right headspace for a double album like this. Definitely one I’d come back to on a different day, because I feel like there’s more in there than I caught.
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
This album felt empty in a way that’s both bleak and strangely peaceful, like sitting alone with someone and them confessing the things they’ve done,?and not knowing what to say. It’s an album that doesn’t try to comfort you at all, it just lets these broken, unlucky characters talk, and that honesty is what makes it hit pretty well for me. The recording style feels essential, like you’re overhearing confessions that were never meant to leave the room. It plays more like a short story collection than an album, like every song is another life quietly falling apart. I didn’t “enjoy” it in a normal sense, but I respect it a lot for what it had to say about America at the time. I’m glad I listened, even if this feels like something I’ll only come back to when I’m in the right headspace.
King Crimson
4/5
This is extremely impressive in a way that doesn’t try to blow your mind, it just quietly earns its status. The songs still hits insanely hard, especially knowing it came out in 1969, but it’s Epitaph that had me the most engaged. The whole album has this mythic, almost medieval atmosphere that makes it feel like its own world rather than just an early prog album. “Moonchild” drags a little, but not enough to be overly annoying and it still fits the mood more than it hurts it. Compared to modern albums, it’s rougher around the edges, but that is exactly what makes it compelling as it helps build the atmosphere I previously mentioned. I’m now kicking myself for having put this off for so long.
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
This is smooth and undeniably well-made, but it didn’t fully grab me emotionally on first listen. The grooves are solid and super clean, even if I kept wanting a bit more bite or edge at times. It definitely feels like an album, though a few tracks stand out more than the rest rather than everything hitting equally hard. I really respected the rhythm section and the overall polish and how locked in and effortless it sounds, I just wasn’t totally pulled into its world yet. That said, it feels like a grower more than a miss, the kind of record that probably clicks harder once you live with it a bit. I get why it’s a classic, even if I’m not fully there with it yet.
Big Star
3/5
This album feels fragile, messy, and extremely human in a way that’s both compelling and draining. It’s the kind of album that leaves you emotionally exhausted, not because of big dramatic moments, but because of how quietly it sits in its sadness. The raw production works in its favor most of the time, giving the melancholy this lived-in, bruised feeling, even if the strained vocals can be a bit much and some songs blur together tonally. Nothing immediately jumped out at me on first listen, but the overall mood is what lingers. By the end, I felt calm yet weirdly comforted, like the album had emptied itself out and left me in the quiet. It’s a pretty mess, one I respect more than I’m eager to return to.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
This is one of those albums I can respect more than I can love. The instrumental work is genuinely solid, there’s texture, layering, and some really nice moments buried in the distortion, but the vocals just didn’t click for me, and that ended up holding the whole thing back. It feels sincere, and I can tell it meant everything to Billy Corgan, but I’d be lying if I said it fully engaged me. There’s ambition here and I get why people call it iconic, but it never quite pulled me into its world. For me, it lands more as respectable than essential. For now, in my opinion it’s a tad overrated, however this is one I’m going to give another go in the future
Julian Cope
4/5
This is one of those albums that really pulls you in at first. The rock-leaning tracks had me straight away, but it does lose a bit of momentum in the middle. When it slows down, the songwriting doesn’t feel quite as sharp, and the length starts to show. That said, even when it’s a little messy, there’s a clear vision running through it especially on the more political or groove-driven songs which are easily the strongest moments. I didn’t feel like there was one huge statement screaming at me on first listen, but the atmosphere is strong enough that it feels like something that could open up over time. Weirdly, a couple of tracks even reminded me of Cave World by Viagra Boys with that slightly unhinged but purposeful energy. It’s not flawless, and it drags a touch, but I’d definitely revisit it.
Paul Simon
3/5
Thus is kind of cute. Not in a dismissive way more in a “this is quietly charming and self-aware” way. It’s playful and thoughtful without ever trying to feel monumental, and I actually liked that it didn’t aim for some huge, cohesive statement. The stripped-back production makes everything feel human and lived-in, which works in its favour. It’s not an all-time, life-changing album for me, but it’s the kind of record you throw on and slowly warm up to more each time.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Thisis at its best when it leans into that heavy rock edge. I felt those riffs have real weight, and when the band snaps from acoustic calm into distortion it genuinely hits. The dynamic shifts are the secret weapon and I songs never sat still long enough to feel safe. There’s something bold about how directly it tackles religion too as it doesn’t feel edgy for the sake of it, it feels pointed. It’s not trying to be smooth or cool or overly smug, it’s jagged, theatrical, and a bit confrontational.This feels like one of those albums that gets better the more you sit with you, and I’m excited for my next listen.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
This was decent but I just think The Rolling Stoens aren’t my thing, as much as they are for other people. The production is definitely dated thin, almost skeletal, but there’s something I like about it, how direct and unpolished it is. Mick isn’t fully Mick Jagger yet but you can hear him figuring it out in real time, which is interesting. I didn’t really clock the covers while listening, which says a lot about how naturally they work within this blues sound. Their version of “Route 66” is the one that actually sticks and I enjoyed. Overall it’s cool, historically important, but more of a stepping stone than something I’d return to regularly.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
This was warm in a way I wasn’t expecting. It’s gritty, but somehow quite comforting and has this sunbaked feel I really enjoyed. The whole thing has this down-to-earth presence, like it’s not trying to be anything it’s not, just exist honestly in its own space. Nothing feels overly polished or theatrical but it still feels very confident. It’s the kind of album that values feel over perfection, and that warmth carries it more than any individual moment. And I mean I don’t have to say much about Free Bird.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2/5
This wasn’t for me at all. For me it felt sloppy, repetitive, borderline and overindulgent but somehow I feel that was the point. The guitar tone is easily the best thing about the album and honestly carries most of the weight. But the songs just go on and on and on (no pun intended). This isn’t helped by the fact that Neil Youngs vocals really do nothing for me and are actively grating to my ears. There are flashes where it feels alive and massive, but it never quite locks into something I’d actually return to. I know I’m in the minority for this but it’s just not for me.
Magazine
2/5
This is clearly well made and you can hear the precision in it but it never really pulled me in. The jagged guitars are the strongest part for me but Devoto’s vocals just didn’t connect. It’s cohesive in sound, but not in meaning as I felt it never builds toward a bigger emotional payoff or leaves you with a defining feeling. Motorcade is the one that stuck however, I did like that one. Overall it was okay and completely listenable, but not something I’m actively looking to return to.
The Yardbirds
2/5
I can appreciate what this did for psych and hard rock, but listening to it now, it just feels very by-the-books. You can hear the blueprint being laid down, but nothing really jumped out or demanded my attention. A lot of it feels more historically important than actually exciting to sit with in 2026. It’s just not got the chaos or atmosphere I gravitate toward. Respect the influence, just not something I see myself coming back to.
Beck
2/5
This sadly didn’t work for me. Now this is my first Beck album, and I am aware that this is a very different album tonally for him, and from what I heard I may actually like his other stuff but this felt just to bare for me. The calm and reflective tone is pleasant but I wouldn’t say there is anything that grabs my attention or sucks me in. This being a breakup album the mood is very low and that is clear through the delivery, but this to me came across much more flat than emotional. I felt no real emotional arc through this, and the meditative moments just weren’t pulling through for me. I think in time I will revisit this as I am aware there may be something I’m missing. I really hope I enjoy his other stuff.
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
This was completely fine. I liked a lot of the string instrumentation going on in this, it was very unique to this album and I wouldn’t say I could think of many others like it in that way. The blend of styles on this is nice, but I wouldn’t say be lying if I said it all worked as songs sort of blended with each other in certain ways. I’m not sure I was a fan of the vocals, as much as I appreciate the vulnerability of them, it did begin to get a little tedious. Yeah some good tracks but won’t be revisiting
The Zutons
3/5
This was nice but I would be lying if I said by the end it wasn’t just going through one ear out the other. Everything is well constructed and I actually enjoyed all the vocal performances, but sadly this feel into the trap for me that a lot of British Indie bands do, that is that all the songs begin to sound the same, and the album overall has no real identity. Still fairly nice tho.
Funkadelic
4/5
After having a string of albums that I’ve either been indifferent, or not liked, this was a fresh breath of air and probably one of my favourites so far on this journey. This blend of psych rock, and gritty funk really pulled me in and I loved it. The first track may be my favourite song out of all the albums I’ve listened to so far, I loved how long the guitar solo was, and it almost felt like an emotional arc. This came out during a tense time in America and you can feel like this is a reaction to the tension. There’s a despair that lies in this album that was pretty enrapturing. Yeah loved this, very happy.
Arcade Fire
3/5
This was pretty good. I liked the sense of anxiety that runs through this album, almost like realisation that the world isn’t what they thought. The church organs mixed into the instrumentals at points were my favourite as they gave the tracks a certain gravity that they needed. My Body Is A Cage is an absolute standout with its big grand emotional finish. I would be lying if I said the theme or the lyrics engaged me the full time, but I had a nice time.
Bee Gees
2/5
At the beginning of this I was actually pretty intrigued. The opening track had me hooked and it was sounded like something I would never expect to hear from the Bee Gees. However, as it went on the tracklist became incredibly inconsistent. This album really worked for me when it leaned into the dramatic production matched by the harmonies of the vocals. These moments felt massive and I loved it. However for every one of those, you would get 3-4 Beatles like songs that really had nothing memorable going on. And I must say, occasionally I could feel the vocals grating at me, just a little. It’s all pretty listenable tho, but for me nothing special
The Who
3/5
This was okay. Again, I feel I say this a lot, I liked it but I see myself never coming back to it. I liked the use of early age synths, but for me, nothing in the songs really stuck, other than the first and last 2 tracks. The middle I found to be very samey and a little bland. May have to try again at some point.
Elton John
4/5
This was great. I’d obviously heard the big singles and bangers from this album, so it was a nice surprise to find out there are songs on this album like or just as good as those famous ones. Elton’s voice really works for me as a singer, and this mixed with the sharp songwriting always kept me engaged. Yeah loved this.
Brian Eno
2/5
Not much of this worked for me sadly. I liked the idea of using recordings and tapes of news casts and such but I found it began to get a little tedious. I know this probably is in part to thank for the use of sampling found in hip-hop today but it definitely has improved since this. I did appreciate the sound influences from around the world but these moments were often overshadowed by the monotony of the accompanying beat. As influential as it may have been, wouldn’t say it’s for me.
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
I enjoyed this but it’s not something I see myself returning to. It definitely has a lot of great grooves and rhythms, and is extremely danceable, but for my taste it’s not something I would ever causally just throw on. I really appreciated the different blends of styles and genres between African and South American music, but for me personally they never came together to create anything wholly memorable.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
This has been one of my favourite albums for a while and it still is. This was the first album where I really saw what hip-hop could be in the highest form, when it’s not just music, but it’s an art form used to explore very real topics and issues. This doesn’t mean it’s an easy breezy listen, and it’s definitely not. It’s not an album you can easily put on and just have in the background. But if you’re willing to give your full attention, and are willing to think about what you’re hearing, it’s a very rewarding experience. It’s such a brilliant exploration of the exploitations that fame can lead to, and how all the money and power can ruin you at your core and make you lose sight of where you come from. I love this.
Gorillaz
3/5
I have such nostalgia for this album and some of the songs from this are some of my favourites ever. With that being said, Gorillaz made much better music after this. However I still enjoy this album a lot and as a debut it showed a lot of promise. The characters this album is able to convey is so cool and I love the band and there designs. It is so weird looking back at this as it has a very dark, grungy tone which nowadays is so far from what they’re doing. As a start for their career, this was great.
Alanis Morissette
2/5
This is such a frustrating album to me. I think the songwriting on this is great. It’s identical very clever, funny, and insightful. However, the vocal delivery on this album does not work for me at all. It feels like an imitation of someone who thinks they’re a good singer. It’s a shame cause if that was great, this would probably be like a 4. With that being said, Ironic is still a banger. Shame
The Doors
3/5
I have very similar feelings to this as I did to their debut. I like it a lot, and The Doors as a band seems to have a vibe that I gravitate hard to. As the bands farewell statement, I’d say they went out strong, with a more bluesy approach it feels a lot more mature. Yeah liked this a lot, want to give it a relisten tho, as I think my rating will go up.
Beatles
3/5
This was all lot. I suppose The Beatles succeeded in what they were aiming for, as this album is extremely chaotic. There’s tons of experimentation and genres flying about and at times it was honestly exhausting. You definitely feel the length of this thing, I wouldn’t say it flys by, but it’s not to say I didn’t enjoy a good amount of it. There are numerous stand out tracks, and most surprising of all is, I absolutely loved Revolution 9. This is an album that I definitely will have to relisten, but it’s a weighty task.
Wilco
3/5
I quite liked this. It’s an album I want to give another go around because there’s stuff I feel I missed. The range of genres in here is quite fun, and it being a double album, really leads to the feeling of a band just experimenting. Yeah just quite nice, not much to say.
Slint
2/5
I really need to try this one again, because as it stands it did not work for me. I get the point of the songs is to build suspense, but the build to me felt monotonous and whispered lyrics did nothing for me. This helped by the fact that when the drops came they were incredibly underwhelming, just left me with nothing to chew on. But I fear I’ve missed the point of this record. I’m gonna listen again at some point with fresh ears, and maybe a little more patience
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
So from my last experience with this band, my hopes weren’t high as they didn’t really connect with me, and sadly I landed in a similar (perhaps slightly more positively leaning) position. I just really do not like the singing style of the lead. What I’m sure is passion, comes across as angst. The instrumentals are all very good, and the arrangements are really full of life. I also enjoyed the opening, and how it basically conveyed this albums manifesto. But yeah those vocals really hold it back for me.
Public Enemy
2/5
Okay this sadly wasn’t anything too special to me. Obviously the messaging and themes this album tackles is very important, however for my taste the delivery of these topics comes off incredibly dated when listening to today. I did enjoy the chaotic and all-encompassing production, and the sampling lays a very clear groundwork for why followed in hip-hop. Yeah sadly for me, just wasn’t something I’d put on.
Supergrass
3/5
I enjoyed this way more than I expected to. When I saw this was Britpop I was unsure, as sometimes that genre really does not connect with me. However it really did on this one. I like the theme of exploring outsiders, and the songs feel like anthems for them. The album seems to get a little more experimental structure wise as it goes along, which would occasionally catch me off guard but I grew to like it. Just a lot of really fun songs, liked this.
Laura Nyro
2/5
This was always gonna be a tough sell for me, as the genres it’s mixing are none of my favourites, and although I didn’t enjoy this all that much, I still respect it. I did enjoy the constant shifting of pace and tone of the songs, kinda kept you on your toes a little, and the singing across the album is superb. However, for me, it does unfortunately fall into that category of albums where each song sounds the same. Now this may be because of the same subject matter being covered on a lot of these songs, however to me it felt like the arrangements all began quite similarly. I respect this, just not for me.
Barry Adamson
4/5
I really really enjoyed this. I love the concept for this album so maybe that carried it a long way, but I feel the execution let that concept shine. It really does sound like something you’d hear in a film noir, and the structure helps this idea. Even no there is no story told, it feels like you’re making you way through one, which I absolutely loved. It feels like it has the rises and falls that a movie would almost structured in acts. There are tracks that are definitely better than others, but on the whole this was great
The Velvet Underground
3/5
So as one of the apparently influential albums ever, and such a recognisable cover, fair to say this album had a reputation before I listened to it. Having done this series though I have learned to temper my expectations, and I’m glad I have learned that as if I hadn’t I think I would have been very disappointed in this. This was fine. I’m beginning to think I’m not as impressed by this type of music as the general music listener, but I respect it for what it is. There is nothing absolutely awful about this, but I wouldn’t say there was anything that really really pulled me in. It to me was just super okay. I will relisten to see if anything changes, but as of now it’s cool.
Björk
3/5
So I had had little to no experience with Björk before this album, but I quite enjoyed this. This feels like a weird place to start with her though as I’ve read this was kind of like a reset for her. I like the club energy that this album has, and maybe starting with the less weird stuff might have been the move. Her voice is so strange but can be really captivating with its sudden emotional changes, and her almost theatrical tone. Yeah this was pretty good
Elliott Smith
2/5
I really really wanted to like this but I just didn’t. Having heard so many artists I love like Phoebe Bridgers credit Elliott Smith as being a massive inspiration, I expected to find a similar love in his music and I just didn’t. I think the main thing holding me back is his vocal delivery. I really really don’t like this whispery nasally way of singing, I think it’s very grating and can ruin otherwise well written songs. But even to that point, I found the writing incredibly underwhelming. I don’t know, maybe I didn’t connect with the lyrics because of the vocals, but something just was t reaching me. Very disappointing.
Metallica
4/5
I absolutely loved this. This album felt like cold calculated anger, and the songs almost to me felt like they were structured like rants, with pace changes and shifts. Although the songs are long, they never dragged for me and I was constantly engaged. I just loved this I don’t know I don’t have much to say, just good stuff.
Jeff Beck
3/5
This was absolutely fine. I’d never heard Rod Stewart at this point of his career, and he sounds great on this, in the more blues based songs. His voice suits the instrumentals on this album very well, Jeff Becks emotional playing really suits Rod. They match each other very well. It was pretty decent but nothing I’d rush back to.
Pulp
4/5
This was my first Pulp album, and I really enjoyed it. I liked the slow moodier tone, and there’s a kind of sleazy tone I quite liked. The arrangements are pretty lush, and some are quite cinematic. Can’t really explain why, I just quite liked this.