84
Albums Rated
3.35
Average Rating
8%
Complete
1005 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1990
Favorite Decade
Pop
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
8
5-Star Albums
1
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
Different Class
Pulp
|
5 | 3.42 | +1.58 |
|
Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
|
4 | 2.79 | +1.21 |
|
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
|
5 | 3.79 | +1.21 |
|
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
|
5 | 3.8 | +1.2 |
|
You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
|
4 | 2.86 | +1.14 |
|
Disintegration
The Cure
|
5 | 3.86 | +1.14 |
|
BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
|
4 | 2.86 | +1.14 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
|
1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
|
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
|
2 | 4.05 | -2.05 |
|
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
|
2 | 3.62 | -1.62 |
|
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
|
2 | 3.56 | -1.56 |
|
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
|
2 | 3.42 | -1.42 |
|
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
|
2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
|
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
|
2 | 3.35 | -1.35 |
|
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
|
2 | 3.35 | -1.35 |
|
High Violet
The National
|
2 | 3.24 | -1.24 |
|
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
|
2 | 3.23 | -1.23 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (8)
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Popular Reviews
The Beach Boys · 1 likes
4/5
This album is strange in that it should feel more strange than it is.
A pop album with harpsichord, timpany and a horn section is odd. But it all works.
Even the theramin and bike bell/horn in You Still Believe in Me works.
I really cant explain how it does, but it does.
Couple that with the harmonies that sound like being on a beach in some idealised 50s California and you have this album.
Shouldnt work but it does.
Tina Turner · 1 likes
4/5
I think that Tina Turner embodies a quiet female empowerment that she is rarely credited with in her music.
She is a black woman in rock. I and of itself this is an achievement. But add to this that she has a powerful, gravelly and soulful voice that I never tire of hearing.
Tina is the queen of the cover version with three of them on this album "I Cant Stand The Rain", "Lets Stay Together" and "Help!". All of which sound entirely like Tina's own version of these songs.
Add another two absolutely massive hits to the mix, "Whats Love Got To Do With It?" and "Private Dancer" and you have a classic album. Its smooth and soulful with a good balance between piano bar and 80s synth infused rock. One of the albums that I could put on when I don’t know what I want to listen to, because I will always want to listen to this.
(3.600)
1-Star Albums (1)
All Ratings
Nirvana
5/5
It feels like this album started the 90s trend for MTV Unplugged sessions.
I can see why, the audience interaction from the enigmatic Kurt Cobain makes this album feel personal and a bit raw.
Norah Jones
3/5
This is what happens when country and smooth jazz come together. I am really not surprised that it has been the soundtrack to hundreds of dinner parties.
Pearl Jam
4/5
With massive hits like Even flow, Jeremy and Alive on it, you feel like you have heard this album all before.
But it is absolutely worth listening to in its entirety because the overall feeling of this album is a crossover between waining rage and increasing sadness.
Now I know why I bought this on CD.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
2/5
I know I should dig on the vibe and message of this album. And I can see how it has influenced other artists (e.g. Beth Ditto is about 80% Janice Joplin's vocals). But I dont know what it is about this album that I didn't enjoy.
It feels a bit too disjointed or raw or something. I just am not a fan. Probably wrong but that is a me thing.
Stan Getz
3/5
I feel like bossa nova songs have suffered from being associated with campy Austin Powers style comedies or elevator music. This album was fun to listen to and made me think of a chilled out bar where you can get a good rum cocktail. But also taking a 1970s mirror/wood veneered elevator to get to that bar.
The Specials
4/5
I love the upbeat music mixed with furious vocals. The social justice of two tone makes me feel both very happy and very sad in equal measure.
You can hear the late 70s anger and discontent mixed in with some of the most catchy songs ever.
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
I enjoy the female vocals on this album rather than the male vocals.
And there are some mad drum solos on this album.
Overall not bad, but not my favorite.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Folky and full of beautiful harmonies. The feeling of this album is all blue skies and sunshine. Joni is an absolute songbird.
In theory this should be a perfect album, but Joni does this thing with her voice that I really dont like. So I would listen again, but it isnt my favorite.
Various Artists
5/5
So.
Many.
Christmas Classics!!!
I felt like I have heard these songs hundreds of times and I am sure I will hear them hundreds more times.
It takes a special kind of talent to make a song that people will voluntarily listen to every year. Let alone a whole album of them.
Kraftwerk
4/5
This really is the sound of future nostalgia for me. You can hear the 80s midi synth sound coming into focus.
Its full of rich full electronic sounds and could quite easily have been any number of late 80s or early 90s video game sound tracks.
Ramones
4/5
Its big and loud and fast.
All the songs are short and half of them sound like each other. But that is Punk. It is supposed to be fast and furious.
But the Ramones always sounded like they had the Punk feel without the seething vitriol and resentment that the Sex Pistols had.
And there is Blitzkrieg Bop and a cover of Let's Dance. So that makes this a properly kick ass album!
PJ Harvey
3/5
This was a really complex and beautiful album. Full of harmonies and interesting choices of instruments. The heralding bugle was not one of my favorite choices however.
I enjoyed some of the songs like Bitter Branches and Written on the Forehead.
PJ Harvey is an undeniably talented vocalist, instrumentalist, writer and poet.
The only issue that I have with this album is, when am I ever going to want to listen to an album for pleasure when its overt message is the futility and desolate nature of war?
Its very powerful and composed in a truly impressive way. Just, not the album for me.
Gotan Project
4/5
The perfect album to have a kitchen dance.
It fills the room and is charged with passionate feelings of crazy jealousy.
Some of the tracks sound very 90s and have a type of break beat or trip hop style that really suits these songs.
I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did and would absolutely listen again.
The Mothers Of Invention
3/5
This album sounds like a stream of consciousness of a person taking an acid trip.
There are repeat sections that pop up in different tracks, chatting about what is on their mind, snippets of phone conversations and overlapping chatter.
The feel of the album moves from elation to paranoia with upbeat riffs moving into discordant musical phrases.
I liked it, but you REALLY have to be in the right headspace to listen to this.
The Beach Boys
4/5
This album is strange in that it should feel more strange than it is.
A pop album with harpsichord, timpany and a horn section is odd. But it all works.
Even the theramin and bike bell/horn in You Still Believe in Me works.
I really cant explain how it does, but it does.
Couple that with the harmonies that sound like being on a beach in some idealised 50s California and you have this album.
Shouldnt work but it does.
Snoop Dogg
3/5
Its full of obsenity, misogyny, chest puffing and weed use.
Its Snoop Dogg, what else would you expect from an album called doggystyle by Snoop Dogg.
That being said, the songs are good, its funny and the rhymes are really sharp and observant.
Its very much of its time but it has influenced hundreds of hip hop songs and albums so deserves its place at the top table of this genre.
I could have done without hearing Snoop Dogg having a pee though.
Van Morrison
1/5
Vaguly folk-y, jazz-y and messy scat type vocals.
On more than one occasion I felt like there were two asynchronous melodies playing at the same time. Which I didn't enjoy, considering the overall feel of this album is easy listening.
My lasting memory of this album is me thinking 'Is this the same track?'
Could be improved by taking between 1 to 2 minutes off every track. As that time is mostly just noodling anyway.
Not for me.
Afrika Bambaataa
4/5
Full of classic hip hop beats and the classic sound of the TR-808.
You can hear so many artists that are both contemporary and influenced by this sound.
Definitely Herbie Hancock vibes.
But Beastie Boys, Run DMC and even a bit of Nena Cherry.
I wasnt sure I was going to, but I really enjoyed this album.
Missy Elliott
3/5
A mix of rap, gospel and hip hop.
There is a 90s vibe to the whole album that I love because that is when I grew up.
This is definitely Missy Elliot's call for an end to the violence that dominated the hip hop scene in the 90s.
Its also a heartfelt remembrance of friends and colleagues of Missy's that have gone before their time.
I also really like that this is almost as vulgar as Snoop Dogg's doggy style. But unlike Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliot feels that she has to explain why she is being as vulgar. The more thing change the more they seem to stay the same.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Shine on you crazy diamond and Wish you were here are both commonly known to be written for Sid Barrett. Post his drug induced psychotic break.
So I suppose this is his epitaph, in a way.
Full of squashy synth, R&B guitar and experimental sound effects. I especially liked the dystopian story that was played out in Welcome to the machine and the feeling that someone was playing along to the radio in Wish you were here.
I liked this a lot. (4.755)
Judas Priest
4/5
An absolutely classic rock album with two huge hits on it.
Breaking the law, which sounds like the soundtrack to a chase scene in an 80s cop movie.
Living after midnight, which I always forget is Judas Priest. It is a classic rock radio staple. So I always feel like it is more recent than it actually is.
You can hear the influence that this album has had on other rock bands.
United sounds a lot like The Wildhearts. And the punchy guitars and driving drums sounds like Van Halen.
This is much more melodic than it's classic metal album status might make you believe.
I enjoyed it and would listen again.
4.299
Morrissey
4/5
Steven Morrissey's vocals are operatic and the musical feel runs from power pop/rock in Irish Blood, English Heart to full on musical production crescendo big number in Come back to Camden.
Overall you come away with the feeling that Steven is very clever and talented. However he cant seem to get over the fact that people aren't giving him the recognition that he so desperately wants for being clever and talented. If you dissociate the songs from this wail of tortured genius, it is a witty, funny and enjoyable album.
Its just hard to do this.
(3.750)
Blue Cheer
3/5
The sound of this album is all overdriven lead guitar R&B noodling, heavy distorted drum solos and Woodstock era vocals.
Full of freak out, counter culture vibes this is a psychedelic rock album that keeps forgetting what it was doing mid song and uses the opportunity to try out a new song in the middle of the old one.
There is definite Jimi Hendrix and Deep Purple flavour. Which I always found a little slow paced and bit self indulgent.
I dont dislike it. But it wouldn't go on my heavy or medium rotation list.
(2.815)
The Sugarcubes
4/5
I have always struggled to define what Bjork's style is. With the Sugarcubes it is a little bit easier to define. The feel of this album is a mixture of cool/hip punk. The Sugarcubes don't sound like they are going to spit on you. But Einar Om Benediktsson's vocals are, in places, quite in your face. And as you would expect, Bjork's vocals are wailing and mildly unhinged sounding.
There is some off kilter violin and some very The Cure sounding bass in Birthday.
Motorcrash and F***ing in rhythm & sorrow have a decidedly rockabilly feel.
But I think that I enjoyed Deus the most from this album. Because I like the idea that God, with sideburns and a quiff. might put me in a bath and clean me, really clean.
(3.659)
The Cure
5/5
This album set it stall out early. It is going to be melancholic, grand and have a synth 80s feel. I love all of this.
I have to admit I am a The Cure fan and this has one of my all time favourite The Cure songs on it Lullaby. It has the perfect mix of sexy and creepy that puts me on edge. It is a fantastic song.
The overall feeling from this album is a wistful longing for things that have past. It will be going onto my heavy rotation.
(4.850)
Pulp
5/5
This is a beautiful pop album that is full of rage and indignation. It feel Like Jarvis Cocker was working through some very personal issues that have had quite a pronounced effect on him.
With two massive hits on it (Disco 2000 and Common People) you would imagine that the rest of the album might be in the shadow of these songs. They are absolutely not.
I feel like Mis-Shapes (my personal favourite) is like a rallying call to a very British class war. And that theme continues throughout the album.
By far the most quick witted and British album I have ever heard.
I am so pleased with past me for having bought this when it came out.
(4.759)
Eurythmics
4/5
A mixture of impressive synth, very skilled bass and beautiful vocals. This is a treat to listen to. The massive hit is the title track, which was banned from MTV because Annie Lennox did not appear as either female or male. Which I am sure catapulted the song into mainstream success.
I really enjoyed this album and it reminded me of just how electronic the Eurythmics were as a band.
Interestingly the stand out track for me was Jennifer. It feels like the soundtrack to any number of popular, 'set in the 80s', dramas. You can hear the inspiration for later Bat for lashes songs.
(4.299)
Pixies
4/5
This album sounds like the best group of teenagers that formed a rock band in somebody's garage and just decided to record what they did over the course of a week or two. Then edit together the best bits. Which might be what it actually is.
I found this album with the huge hit Where is my mind? Thank you Fight Club.
It wasnt until later that I realised that this album had another amazing song Gigantic that is more raw and showcases Kim's voice as well as Francis's.
Its raw, melodic, aggressive, fun and catchy. No wonder it has influenced so many others.
(3.899)
Aerosmith
3/5
I was feeling quite excited to listen to an album of Aerosmith songs that I havent heard a millions times.
And this album is in fact a collection of Aerosmith songs that I havent heard before. But it sort of felt like I had.
Here and there you can hear where other artists have been influenced by this album. Like Ian Dury (Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll) from Last Child. Or Tenacious D (Car Chase City) from Rats in the Cellar.
Overall it was good, but didnt make feel like I wanted to listen to it a second time.
(2.780)
Eagles
3/5
I could absolutely listen to this album from track 4 onwards. The complexities of the mysterious lyrics to Hotel California have been pondered over by hundreds of people and it has been played to death. So even just skip on 1 or 2 tracks amd you omw to a pretty good album.
It moves from rock ballad to strip club rock. And that's just from Wasted time to Victim of love.
It filled my mind with images of warm summer evenings and carefree days.
I enjoyed this album, but will probably bring it back out to play in summer. A wintery January day did not do it justice.
(2.650)
3/5
This album opened so well. I loved the upbeat energy and funk of The Cisco Kid and Where was you at. The rich 1970s funk and soul sound comes through strong. I couldn't help but help but tap my feet and get into the rhythm.
City, Country, City starts off well. With a mournful harmonica and funky organ pulling you through. But at the 9:30 mark when there is just bass, bongo and high-hat, it was all feeling a bit much.
Four Cornered Room drags out a bit too. But even though The World is a Ghetto is over 10 minutes long it doesnt feel as drawn out.
A really enjoyable album with a slow middle.
(2.500)
Arcade Fire
4/5
This is rock at is most melancholy. It is beautiful and full of amazing grand instruments. Like a church organ and banks of strings.
It is hard to give a rating for this album because it constructed in such a way as to perfectly convey a feeling of dread, paranoia and ennui.
Win Butler's vocals are so distinctive and powerful that, on their own I find them haunting and I both want to listen to them and run away from them.
Keep the car running and No cars go are both massive, up tempo tunes. And even they are full of sorrow and despair.
(4.250)
Nas
3/5
This album is of its time in both a good way and a bad way.
Yes there is a lot of misogyny, homophobia and talk about gang violence. But in 1994, I imagine that is culture and Nas is living in. Does it make it ok? No. But is Nas talented and is this album smooth and fun to listen to? Yes.
It has a very chilled feel, even though the subject of most of the songs is some variety of violence, threatening or intimidation. The overall feel is an album that you could put on as you just relax on an idle Saturday.
As long as you dont listen too hard to the expletives.
(2.850)
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Undoubtedly this is a genre defining album. It uses so many different themes and musical approaches all in the same style. With big instrumental arrangements in Tonight, Tonight. Grungy guitars in Bullet with Butterfly Wings. Light harp in Cupid de Locke. Heavy over driven guitars and screaming in Bodies. It is clearly a magnum opus for the Smashing Pumpkins. But it is a long musical journey to go on from start to end.
And the slightly buzzing quality of Billy Corgan with guitar accompaniment can get a little much towards the end of Disc 1 (Dusk till Dawn) and the start of Disc 2 (Twilight to Starlight).
But overall I enjoyed this album. Even if it was a mission to finish in 24 hours.
(3.650)
The Doors
3/5
I started this album and was immediately surprised. I thought that I didn't know any of the tracks on this album but I knew Roadhouse Blues.
Then I was expecting experimental rock with lots of noodling and organ playing. But this album is a full on R&B album. Lots of 12 bar blues riffs. You can hear some of the organ but it's not a front and central as I was expecting.
(2.755)
Stan Getz
2/5
This is such an upbeat and happy album.
The uptempo drum brush beat, coupled with the understated acoustic guitar and Stan Getz saxophone right in the forefront sets a warm summery travelling mental image.
It feels like the kind of album to play in a car on a summer road trip or in a bar on a warm still evening.
I also feel like there is a passing resemblence of Desafinado to Fly me to the Moon in its into. The familiarity set me at ease and made this album more accessible to me.
(2.450)
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
There is a very distinctive Midi, Guitar, Piano and Saxophone sound to this album that really describes Bruce Springsteen's music. It is a big rock sounds that feels less aggressive than other rock artists.
There are three massive hits on this album Born in the USA, Dancing in the dark and Glory days. Only one of which I feel that I have heard enough.
The content of this album feels like it is very much focused on reflecting on past days. I can see why this album is very popular with men of a certain age as it could be the soundtrack to a montage of any number of men's lives.
The only thing that worries me about this album is just how many times Bruce refers to "Little girl"s. But I assume this is him reflecting on his youth when he was age appropriate for these girls.
(3.250)
The The
3/5
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this album, but this wasn't it.
There is a strong 80s sound in this album coming from the synthesizer/drum pad combination. The overall feel is like the indie rock of Ned's Atomic Dustbin or Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine.
Matt Johnson's vocals sound very much like Michael Hutchence in a smooth and easy to listen to.
There is a mix of pop, rock and R&B influences throughout the album.
Heartland sounds like a smooth R&B style song. With full on harmonica included too.
Sweet Bird of the Truth has a revolutionary feel. With included sample of military aircraft radio communication.
As a bit of a Neneh Cherry fan, it was cool to hear her on Slow Train to Dawn.
(3.333)
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Full on blues album. Which is a strange for a band formed in London.
All of the elements are there twanging guitar, saxophone, slow drums and Mick Jagger's wailing vocals.
Two huge hits on this album Brown Sugar and Wild Horses. Both of which I feel haven't been played to death and I was happy to hear again.
As with all blues songs, the world is cruel and times are tough. But I cant help but think that life might be a bit better for Mick if he just cut down on the Coke and Smack. As that seems to be the subject of most of his troubles. Going by majority of the songs on his album.
(2.750)
Solomon Burke
3/5
This album was completely new to me. I didn't recognise any big hits, but that doesn't mean that there are none from this album.
The whole album has a beautifully warm sound that only seems to come from good 60s recordings. But I was particularly impressed with the nice stereo effects that put different instruments on different sides as you listen. This album has been mixed and produced beautifully.
The early songs sound very much like Elvis Presly (but that comes as no real surprise, given where most of his songs came from).
The middle songs start to sound like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke in a really enjoyable way.
Overall I really enjoyed this album and would come back to it possibly even over better more well known soul classics.
(3.333)
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
I always forget just how folk-y Fleetwood Mac's sound is. But it has a real country folk feeling.
This is a massive album that must have been on everyone I know's record shelf in the 80s and 90s. Four massive hits that are still played to this day, Dreams, Go Your Own Way, Dont Stop and The Chain... even though most people don't know that they know the Chain until 3:06.
This album reminds me of growing up and I can hardly believe that it is from 1977. It is a ubiquitous album that seems to have just always been there to fall back on and will be played over and over again on so many road trips and Saturdays.
(4.000)
Joni Mitchell
2/5
I know that Joni Mitchell is very talented and very few people have ever been able to do what she does.
The piano and vocals are objectively very well executed and performed beautifully.
All of the elements are there to make this an incredible album. I personally just don't like it. There is a particular thing that Joni does where she changes pitch as she sings a line that I just don't enjoy. Its a me thing and I understand that. But I have listened to an album that I would not otherwise have listened to. And I didn't hate it. I just don't love it.
(1.750)
The Doors
3/5
Much like Morrison Hotel I came to this album thinking that I only knew one of the tracks, the big hit "Riders on the Storm". But actually I knew a few more than that. I also knew "L.A. Woman" and I was almost convinced that I knew "The Changeling" too, but felt I had heard it performed by another band.
This is much more what I would expect from a The Doors album. There is more noodling and that reverb filter that makes Jim Morrison's voice sound a bit trippy.
Its a more experimental funk and blues album and I enjoyed that more than i thought that I would.
(3.250)
Christine and the Queens
3/5
I got this album when it was released because I really liked the song "Girlfriend" and it was popular at the time. But I didn't really listen to any of the other tracks. Which I now know is a shame.
This is an upbeat sparkly album with really enjoyable 80s squishy synth, a mellow drum and guitar backbone and a surprising use of harpsichord.
I loved the French language versions of the songs. I have always enjoyed listening to songs with lyrics in a language other than English (as a person that can only speak English and then only barely).
A motivating and enjoyable album to help you put a spring in your step.
(3.125)
Michael Jackson
5/5
One of the more controversial artists of all time. I will just focus on the album and leave out any alleged personal life issues.
This album has three massive hits "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough", "Rock with You" and "Off the Wall" alongside a couple of songs that were pretty big when this was released.
Its pure pop, funk, disco gold. All of the songs are catchy and make you tap your feet. Every song is complex, with stereo effects, a wide arrangement of instruments that feel like they have been arranged and mixed to studio perfection.
It is possibly the best disco album ever, I haven't heard a better one yet.
(4.500)
Duke Ellington
3/5
I will have to admit that I do not have an ear for jazz.
I find most of it entirely pleasant and I feel like I can appreciate the skill in producing something that sounds so rich and musically complex but to make it look like it is as second nature as breathing.
But I really don't feel like the jazz bug has bitten me and see this very much as background music rather than the main event. I really couldn't see myself ever feeling nearly as moved as the people at the Newport Jazz festival by this album.
But again, I didn't hate it. And I was more than happy to listen all the way through.
(2.750)
Todd Rundgren
2/5
This is quite a strange album. It starts off as more of an artistic installation style performance piece.
To the extent that I wouldn't 100% have classed it as music.
Eight tracks of between 1:02 and 2:50 duration. All with their own little point but they seem to run into each other. All quite off kilter and not quite melodic. Like little crazy jingles for shops right on the edge of sanity.
It all come to crescendo with "Zen Archer" a more song like track with arrow sound effects throughout.
Then the album seems to start all over again with "Le Feel International" but this time turns into a a mixture of an Andrew Gold-esq Yacht Rock/Yes style Prog Rock mash up.
I don't know if I like it or not.
(2.000)
A completely fine pop/rock album. Lots of guitar driven rock songs with strong lead vocals from Bono.
Was there anything particularly stand out in the album? Was there anything new or groundbreaking in this album? I don't think so. But does that make it a bad album? No.
The first three tracks are criminally over-played to the point that I feel like I wouldn't be too sad if I didn't hear them again. The album version of "Elevation" has a slightly different mix to the single version. But overall it is just a very competent album that doesn't make me feel like revisiting it.
(2.125)
Youssou N'Dour
3/5
This album was so new and different to me, that it motivated me to find out more about Youssou N'Dour and the music that he makes. The style of music on this album is called Mbalax. And if you are like me and you had never heard of Mbalax before. Imagine the combining of smooth rock guitar like Robert Plant, with horns and the Senegalese drum called the Sabar (which you will have heard before in most African cultural music).
This coupled with Youssou's melodic and almost chanting vocals has a relaxing and captivating feel.
I enjoyed listening to and my cursory education into, this totally new to me style of music.
(2.500)
Tracy Chapman
5/5
This is a deceptive album. On the surface it is a pretty laid back acoustic rock album with two MASSIVE hits that have been covered by more people than I can remember. "Fast Car" and "Baby Can I hold you" must be some of the most covered songs ever.
But listen in any amount to the lyrics of any of these songs and you find a call to arms and reconciliation for anyone that has been discriminated against. Tracy is clever, thought provoking and emotionally intelligent. The lyrics to her songs are as relevant today as were in '88. It is depressing how so little has actually changed in almost 40 years.
"Behind the Wall" is brave, heartbreaking and technically perfect. The acapella leaves a silence between the lyrics that is almost deafening.
(4.7)
Tina Turner
4/5
I think that Tina Turner embodies a quiet female empowerment that she is rarely credited with in her music.
She is a black woman in rock. I and of itself this is an achievement. But add to this that she has a powerful, gravelly and soulful voice that I never tire of hearing.
Tina is the queen of the cover version with three of them on this album "I Cant Stand The Rain", "Lets Stay Together" and "Help!". All of which sound entirely like Tina's own version of these songs.
Add another two absolutely massive hits to the mix, "Whats Love Got To Do With It?" and "Private Dancer" and you have a classic album. Its smooth and soulful with a good balance between piano bar and 80s synth infused rock. One of the albums that I could put on when I don’t know what I want to listen to, because I will always want to listen to this.
(3.600)
Talking Heads
3/5
Talking Head have such a distinctive sound and not just as a result of David Byrne's unique warbling vocals. The guitars are always light, sparkly and on some tracks have an almost country feel to them. The drum beats are always uptempo and syncopated giving all of their songs quite a strange urgent but positive feeling. This album is a classic example of this.
I can imagine this being a love it or hate it type thing. I fall into the latter category. I really like Talking Heads style but felt like they just didn't go far enough. To the extent that there are no tracks that stood out other than the Al Green cover "Take Me To The River".
I enjoyed this album, but it wasn't my favourite.
(2.555)
The National
2/5
This is a deep dark indie rock album. It is full of very emotionally charged melancholy songs. It is beautifully arranged and Matt Berninger's vocals are deep, slightly monotone and full of sorrow and regret. His voice sounds not entirely unlike Tom Smith of The Editors or Johnny Cash without the deep south drawl.
Their sound is really quite polished and enigmatic. But its not for me.
I found it hard going listening to 43 minutes of heartbreak and grief. Individual songs would probably be pretty well received. But a whole album is just a bit much for me. It felt like the musical equivalent of a month of grey, cloudy, cold days. And as I live in the north of England, I need all the sun I can get.
(2.125)
Erykah Badu
4/5
Erykah Badu has got a beautiful soulful voice that feels very much like Billie Holiday with a mixture of Missy Elliot for some 90s flavour.
There was only one big hit that I recognised on this album On & on. But it was massive at the time and I feel like I Erykah should have had more successful songs than just this one.
I love the way that the tracks run into each other leading to an overall smooth and funky feel to the whole album.
This is an absolute gem and I will be come back in future.
(3.750)
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Having never been to Brazil, I cant really be confident of this statement, but I feel like Africa Brasil is representative of music in Rio at carnival time.
This album is full of samba rhythm and party spirit and even makes a dancing impaired person like me want to move their hips.
Strictly speaking this is a MPB or samba-funk album, which is a style of music I have never experienced before. It has lead electric guitar and strings. So appeals to a western ear. But add the Cuica (the hooting friction drum that you will absolutely know from other samba or carnival songs), cowbell and funky backing singers and the whole thing is just taken to a rich and fun place.
Would listen to again.
(3.000)
The Smiths
3/5
The upbeat sparkly guitar and drums stand in direct contrast to the somber and cleverly acerbic vocals, in this indie rock album.
This album feels like a well written 80s daytime television theme that is hiding, in plain sight, a venomous hate letter addressed to everyone.
Two big hits on this album "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Stop me if you think you've heard this one before."
It is easy to see why this was a hit with the cool kids of the late 80s. Its funny, sneering and gives you adequate opportunity to stare at your shoes and wonder why everyone else has it so much easier than you do.
(2.899)
LL Cool J
3/5
Full on 90s rap album that feels like a sexier, slicker version of Will Smith.
It doesn't have the hard boiled and angry edge of NWA or Public Enemy. But it does have a lot more humour. I was surprised by how funny LL Cool Js lyrics are, how can you take a song like "Milky Cereal" seriously?
But then again you have a much more serious feeling in "Illegal Search", showing that, even when rap is not taking itself too seriously, it is still the songs of the discriminated against.
I can honestly say that I feel like I have only ever heard "Mama said knock you out" from this album. But I feel like I will be back to enjoy a little Jingling Baby.
(3.125)
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
There are few artists that make me think of the American deep south like Creedence Clearwater Revival. John Fogerty's wailing vocals are so distinctive and have been emulated by many.
The big hit from this album is "Bad Moon Rising". Full of twanging lead, acoustic guitar, cymbal and stamping bass drum. It feels like it might be being performed by the most talented one man band you have ever seen. But it never fails to get my tapping my feet.
This album feels a mixture of blues, 60s rock and country. Blended expertly to never dip too far into any of these genres, but manages to showcase the best of each.
(2.625)
Pink Floyd
5/5
Despite having a father in law that is quite heavily into Prog, I have never actually listened to this album. And I have also never synced it to the Wizard of Oz and got high. But after listening to it, maybe I will.
It is pretty much what you have got in mind when you think of a Pink Floyd. Its dark, unsettling and full of beautifully constructed soundscapes.
"Time" is a fantastic study of the monotony of life but learning to reflect on what you have an make the most of it before it is gone.
Where as "Money" sounds much more like an earlier version of Pink Floyd. with a bluesy bassline and less conceptual despair.
Where as the sombre piano, Clare Torry's wailing vocals and the spoken words of Gerry O'Driscoll and Patricia Watt in "The Great Gig in The Sky" provide a reflection on the central concept of the album. Mortality, death and time.
Its a very high concept album that fully deserves its almost legendary status.
(4.575)
The Go-Go's
4/5
A properly fun Punk/Pop album. More punk that mainstream Bananarama but maybe a little bit less than Blondie. The Go-Gos have an up beat guitar driven sound, with Belinda Carlisle's melodic vocals giving a fun and enjoyable feeling to the whole album.
All of the songs are enjoyable but the stand out hits are "Our lips are sealed" and "We got the beat". Both of which I enjoy very much and would happily listen to as part of my day to day playlist.
I have to admit that I have always enjoyed an all female band. I just think that they are cool and the Go-Gos have cool in spades.
(3.750)
Santana
4/5
I am pretty sure that Carlos Santana is the most famous latin music artist in the world and yet I had only heard of one of the songs on this album. But when I listened to it I knew three. "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen", "Oy Como Va" and "Samba Pa Ti".
There is an interesting mix of musical styles in this album. The latin guitar, timbales and cowbell is present, as you would expect. But there is a definite psychedelic rock feeling at the start of Black magic woman and Hope You're Feeling Better. With some distorted synth organ and vocals making it feel a bit like Arthur Brown. But then you have Incident at Neshabur that starts like Duke Ellington has briefly taken over, then Iron Butterfly takes over.
None of it should work, but it really does. This is a hybrid album and I like it.
(3.500)
Beyoncé
4/5
This is a quite a dark album and feels like Beyonce's rallying cry to women everywhere to at the very least explore the way in which an inherently patriarchal society impacts their aspirations, expectations and sexuality.
The audio clips included in the song give a pointed insight into Beyonce's struggle to be recognised as talented and successful artist.
As a white man, this album is not really made for me. But it allows me to explore the way in which a marginalised group feels by the everyday actions of people that look just like me. And it doesn't feel great.
A very powerful album, masquerading as a beautifully arranged pop album.
It is easy to see why Beyonce is a global superstar.
(3.900)
Roni Size
3/5
A true classic and Mercury prize winner from my youth. It is a perfect example of the 90s feeling of being on the cusp of a technological revolution and things were changing fast. Breaking away from past traditional music making systems and moving into computer assisted rhythm production through sampling and painstaking waveform manipulation.
I can appreciate the skill and talent that has gone into this album. It is a very technically accomplished piece of work. And I know that is what I say directly before saying "I personally don't like it".
But that is not the case here, I like it very much. Just not in every situation. I think that I have to be in the right headspace to enjoy this album.
Which is the case for most albums. But it is particularly noticeable with this album. I assume that is because of how different it is from other less sample based forms of music.
(3.125)
The Band
3/5
I try to listen to each of these albums twice where possible. As I feel like in the past, I have been quick to judge an album. Normally this is me not enjoying the album, then later coming to appreciate its merits.
Music From Big Pink is exactly this for me. The first time I listened to it, I was entirely unmoved and had that have been my only listening I would have written it off as an uninspiring drudge.
However on second listening I have been able to appreciate the beautiful harmonies of Danko, Helm, Manuel and Robertson. And also identify that this is quite an unusual sound that has influenced hundreds of bands. There is a Soul/Gospel/Rock and roll fusion taking place that will touch all areas of popular music for decades to come.
For me, it was well worth repeated listening.
(3.375)
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
A funky 70s soul album full of everything that you would expect: strings, powerful deep bass, bongos, sax and jazz brush drumming.
Its dramatic and feels like a blaxploitation Bond theme. Which in a way I suppose it is.
The thing that really jumps out about this album is Curtis Mayfield's beautiful vocals. He is just so incredibly smooth. Even though he is singing about a drug dealer or some form of underworld criminal activity, he brings a level of cool to it that makes you feel like it is all relaxing and chill.
I feel like this is absolutely the type of thing that goes well with a chilled evening at home.
(2.800)
Miles Davis
2/5
I dont think that I can appreciate instrumental jazz music. I can see the talent and skill required to play the fun and playful sax, the dominant trumpet, the catchy swing jazz drum beat, the seductive double bassline and the joyful piano... but ultimately one track runs into another and I find it hard to distinguish between the end of 'Freddie Freeloader' and the start of 'All Blues'. Because 'Blue in Green' has provided a link between the two songs.
I appreciate that the album is essentially one piece broken up into themes. Which I understand. But I feel like maybe that I am expecting something to stand out to me within each of the the themes. And it doesn't.
It is all enjoyable, but it could quite easily be background music and I wouldn't notice.
I know that makes me unable to understand what this music is trying to say. But maybe I just don't speak its language.
I would listen to this album again, but probably only to create a relaxed air whilst I was reading.
(2.250)
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
This is a 60s, acoustic guitar and harmonies album. Its has a few blues-y moments here and there. Like at the start of "I Call Your Name". But the overall feeling is mostly folk-y or swinging 60s mop-top style rock.
The big hit from this album is "California Dreamin'". And there are a handful of other familiar songs too.
This is a fun album, full of enjoyable riffs and uplifting vocals. All four voices in the band compliment each other so completely that you cant imagine any of the songs sounding any other way that as they do on this album.
I enjoyed this album, but I dont think that it is my preferred style. Im not 100% sure I would listen again. But not because I dislike any of the songs. I just dont love them.
(2.500)
The Stooges
3/5
This is a loud and full on Punk Rock album. It feels fresh over 55 years after it was released. No massive hits from this album, but the song that I knew the most from it was "I Wanna Be Your Dog". And that was from an advertising campaign. But I suppose that speaks volumes about just how relevant and fresh this album still sounds.
All of the instruments sound raw and as though they have never been played at anything less than top volume. It is almost impossible to me that this album was released only three years after "If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears" by the Mamas and Papas. They sound like they are from different planets and I have to admit I would prefer to be on the planet that this album comes from.
That being said I could probably do without listening to "We Will Fall" again. I don't understand why you would choose to give 30% of this album to a bit of an odd chant. But I suppose that is what you do when you are figuring out your voice.
(3.125)
The Faces were celebrating or stealing music of black origin in this album, you decide.
This album is not a direct honky-tonk blues album. But all of the elements are there: 12 bar blues in the bass, jangly piano and blues vocal from both Rod Stewart and Ronnie Lane. Add to this that "Memphis" was written by Rock and Roll legend Chuck Berry and I come back to my original question. When a band of white guys from London put out an album that is so heavily influenced by music of black origin, is it a celebration or is it stealing?
I am inclined towards the latter. But I dont know if this is because I am not a Rod Stewart fan and I find the lyrics to this album leaning towards the misogynistic. Not that I haven't found albums of questionable gender equality enjoyable (See Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle). I just feel like Rod and the boys seem to display a sort of laughing contempt for the girls that they so want to sleep with and kick out of their life. I'm just not into it.
(1.900)
2/5
I frequently confuse The Kinks for The Beatles. And this album, for me, is a very clear example of how these two bands can sound very similar.
Both have a 60s rock sound that is still influenced here and there by rock and roll artists of the time.
I think that I recognised "Victoria" more than any of the other tracks. But I wouldn't say that I was particularly familiar with that song.
Even after a couple of listens, I dont feel like I have very strong feelings about this album at all. It is absolutely fine and if it was playing at a friend's house or in a pub. It wouldn't want to male me leave but it also wouldn't make me ask who was playing. I'd just assume that it was a Beatles album that Id never heard before.
(2.000)
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Saxophone, Hammond organ and drums are the star in this instrumental jazz album.
I have to admit that this style of jazz always makes me think of the end credits theme from the sitcom "Bottom".
However, unlike that upbeat little tune, this album feel much more laid back and relaxed. I enjoy this album more than the other jazz albums that I have listened to so far. I still dont have an ear for jazz and as such most of the songs feel very similar.
(2.500)
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I really wanted to love this album. Partly because I enjoy rock and Led Zeppelin are considered by many to be one of the most influential and well regarded rock bands. But also partly because people that I know and respect really like Led Zeppelin.
But unfortunately it was not really for me. Robert Plant's vocals are truly incredible and perfect. But I find his straining high pitched voice challenging to listen to for a full 40 minutes.
The solos are really over indulgent and tracks like "Moby Dick", just feel really off putting to me. I understand how much talent is required to do it. But it still feels like a slog to get through it.
My take away from the album is very much in this vain. Its really impressive and showcases a wealth of talent. But I'm not sure I want to spend my evenings listening to it.
(3.000)
The La's
4/5
This is a Britpop album that seems to be rooted more in the "Hard Days Night" spangly guitar era Beatles sound.
The massive hit here is "There She Goes" which was absolutely everywhere in the 90s. However it has been a while since I have listened to that song and it is easy to see why it was so popular. Its just so catchy and nostalgic without being maudlin.
There is a rich sound from the other tracks with warm rich rhythm guitar and upbeat drums. But there are also interesting additions like tambourine, wooden and block. So the overall feeling is bit of a mix between Baggy and Folk rock.
I can see why this was always promoted by HMV as one of those albums that you should buy.
(3.800)
Air
4/5
This album is full of haunting and experimental electronic soundscapes.
Some songs like "Cemetary party" and "Ghost song" have a Pink Floyd feel to them. Whilst always keeping the light angelic feel that I think is a constant motif of Air's work.
I love how mysterious this album feels. As though it is hinting at revealing a secret that you might not want to have ever found out.
I had no interest in watching "The Virgin Suicides" but after listening through this album a couple of times, I might put it on my To Watch list.
(3.955)
Hugh Masekela
2/5
The combination of keyboard, drums and trumpet on this album made me think of the incidental music on the Peanuts cartoons from the 60s and 70s.
And again I understand the joy that this music brings to people. But I find it a little bit too franetic and noodling.
This is especially demonstrated in the track "Blues for Huey". With the only saving grace (for me) in this track being the person who says laughingly "Call an ambulance".
Its not really for me.
(2.125)
Miles Davis
2/5
I can appreciate how Miles Davis is different to Hugh Masekla or Duke Ellington.
I can appreciate how THIS Miles Davis album is very different to 'A Kind of Blue' or 'Collector's Items'.
But the issue for me is that, even though I can differentiate between these different styles and types, none of the different types stands out to me as better or more unique than another.
I enjoyed the dreamy intro to 'In a Silent Way' and I enjoyed the tippy tapping of the drums in 'Shhh / Peaceful'. But I can't seem to find what makes jazz enthusiasts love the genre so much.
(2.000)
Dead Kennedys
4/5
This is a loud punk album, with fast short rebellious songs about how things are no good. Which is pretty standard for punk. But what sets this album apart from other punk albums is Jello Biafra's warbling spooky vocals. It works so well and makes their songs so much fun even though the guitars and drums sound like you might end up in the middle of a mosh pit being trampled to death.
Some American punk, like his album, feels like it is heavily influenced by the rockabilly scene and in a couple of tracks like 'Ill in the head' it feels like we move into psychobilly and had me thinking about the Killer Klowns from Outer Space soundtrack.
I enjoyed this album and would listen again. Its a real party starter for me.
(3.666)
Gillian Welch
3/5
On first listening I hadn't realised that this album is just guitar, banjo and Gillian Welch's voice. Each song sounds so rich and full that I almost didn't notice that, in fact the songs are quite raw and stripped back.
This comes in direct contrast to the overlapping, contrasting and quarrelling sound of the past few jazz albums in this list (very well done list writer).
This is how I imagine country music came into being. Just a person with an amazing voice singing songs about things that they know about and being able to relate that to others.
And nothing is more relatable than sorrow and heartbreak. And this album has both of these in vast amount.
I enjoyed the beauty and clarity of this album. But may not be able to listen to it regularly on account of how much emotion that it conveys.
(3.456
Peter Frampton
4/5
I think that it would be criminal to not start this review with "Everyone back in the day had Frampton Comes Alive". And if you are between the age of 40 and 50 you will understand why.
I had been told when I was growing up that live albums were to be avoided, because you dont hear the song as the artist intended it to sound and there are crowd noises included. But as I have got older I have questioned this. Surely music is made to be performed. So a live album IS closer to the way the artist wanted this to sound.
In this case Peter Framton sounds studio sharp. The band is on point and all of the songs sound pretty impressive. I have definitely heard gigs that did not have this level of mixing and sound craft.
So what is the sound of this album?
If you have never heard Peter Frampton before he is a mellow rock superstar. Catchy guitar riffs and big drum finishes.
I love when Peter Frampton makes his guitar sing. It is amazing. He is a properly talented guitarist.
The big hits here are "Show Me The Way", "Baby I Love Your Way", "Do You Feel Like We Do" and a cover of "Jumping Jack Flash".
As a child of the 80s I was much more familiar with 90s Big Mountain cover of "Baby I Love Your Way" and although I still find that version more nostalgic. I MUCH prefer Peter Framptons version.
This is a classic album for a very good reason.
(4.123)
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
This is full on 80s synth rock album. Loads of squashy synth sounds mixed with guitars and drums. Cyndi Lauper has a punk rock voice that is similar in sound to Toya Wilcox or Claire Grogan. But unlike those two Brits, Cyndi Lauper has a New York punk scene sound to her voice that makes it sound that bit more cool. Well at least to me, mostly because I am from the UK and when something is from somewhere you arent from, it makes it more cool.
Big hits from this album are "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" and "Time after Time".
I really enjoyed this album.
(3.950)
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
This is a funky jazz combo.
Heavy bluesy baseline with some electric organ to really bring the funk levels up.
I have known the song "Green Onions" for a long time, but wasnt sure about the rest of the album. But it is a fun uptempo instrumental album. Full of impressive riffs and classic.
I really enjoyed the cover of "Twist and shout" it feels playful and fun.
Because of its more bluesy feel I enjoyed this album a little bit more than "Back at the chicken shack". But it has a similar sound.
(2.750)
Van Halen
4/5
A full on 80 stadium rock classic. Full of face melting guitar riffs and Dave Lee Roth's trade mark suggestive and giving it all he's got vocals.
At one point, I did imagine that Marty McFly in a radiation suit was melting my brain with his walkman during the track 'Eruption'.
I also got a feeling of 'Hot for Teacher' from 'I'm The One'. So you can see where that hit evolved from.
Absolute stone cold classic cover of 'You Really Got Me' that reminds me of my days playing 'Guitar Hero' instead of actually learning how to play the guitar. So many wasted hours.
Overall, I can see why Van Halen became absolute rock gods and a generation of young men wanted to be in the band.
(4.000)
Motörhead
4/5
Its big, loud and aggressive. But that is Motorhead.
Fast paced guitar and drums coupled with the most gravelly vocals rock. This is the most classic thrash rock album ever. On account of it having the most famous thrash song in all history on it, "Ace of Spades".
If you were to make an entry into the dictionary of what metal sounds like I am pretty sure that "Ace of Spades" would be included in that entry.
When Lemmy sings it feels like he is accusing you of some personal slight against him. And I wouldn't have it any other way. This album was made to be played at top volume so you can absolutely rock out and annoy everyone in an area of one square mile.
I love it.
(4.250)
Baaba Maal
2/5
I enjoyed the instrumental aspects of this album. The electric guitar compliments the acoustic guitar. The Kora, balafon and (I assume) Sabar all come together to form a rich and enjoyable sound that sets a really relaxed tone.
The thing that I find most disagreeable about this album is some of the qualities of Mansour Seck's voice. I fully appreciate that this is probably mostly as a result of me not growing up with that particular type of Afro/Islamic singing voice. But I find the wailing quality of that style of singing a little grating after a while.
This is, of course, my personal preference and I am sure that this is an excellent example of this category of singing.
(2.125)