1001 Albums Summary

I can understand why this album is included on the list, and found it had good instrumentals and somewhat lacking lyrics. Was going to give this a 3, however the disgusting nature of the lyrics (and turn blue, which may be the most off putting song I've ever listened to) dropped this to a 2

It's ok, I'm sure it was somewhat influential when it released but today it just sounds like bland, heavier rock. I can understand why it's included, but it's nothing special

WOW - what an amazing look into what I imagine is a major influence of the 80s/90s punk scene. You can feel the emotion and anger throughout, backed up by a beautiful instrumental mix. The only comment I have is on Smith's shrill vocals, however it should not take away from what is an amazing album

One of the best concept albums of all time, andre 3000 and big boi do an excellent job of mixing in skits with legendary hits such as miss jackson and so fresh so clean, which have aged exceptionally well. They also do a great job in their antiwar messaging, which wasn't exactly popular at the turn of the century when this released 4.5/5, as there are a few tracks that could've been trimmed from this lp

I can understand why this album is on this list, but it's not for me. Nick cave's vocal intonation is grating to me for some reason. That plus the schtick of sing speaking, only to have backing vocals repeat the same line got sick after the third song

Sounds like bland brit pop rock that's 25 years too late for the beatlemania craze. Their main hit single (There She Goes) and final track (Looking Glass) both feel out of place with the rest of the album. Looking Glass was my favorite track, ending the album on a high note, however it couldn't save the remainder of the bland tracks

Throw it on the pile of "I understand why this is on the list, but it's aged poorly". Surprised to learn this came out in 1999 considering the crazy overuse of over manufactured synth. I appreciate it for what it is, but it's just not that great looking back

Amazing album, can definitely tell it created a lot of different music influences. Main thing holding this album back from being a 5 is too much noise/too many instances of nonsense

I'm a huge sucker for good jazz, so this entire album was music to my ears. Knowing some background on Hugh Masekela and all that he did for South Africa makes this album hit even harder. Absolutely beautiful

Imagine a world where John Lennon never met yoko ono, it's difficult if you listen to this album There's a reason you don't hear about any tracks from this album outside of the title track, and it's because they stink. I don't know if it was the copious amounts of drugs, or yoko ono, or a combination of the two, but Lennon couldn't figure out whether this album should be a country hootenanny, or a deep album about loss, or an album about his love for yoko. Only thing saving this album from a 1 is the title track and gimme some trith. And even then, that's being generous considering Lennon's lifestyle vs what he is preaching in imagine

Starts out strong, however lacks the longer the album goes on. Keeps a good cohesive feel throughout, but is average overall

Solid album, can tell how influential this has been since it's release

WOW - went into listening to this with zero expectations, came out absolutely blown away. Unlike any album I have ever listened to before - the closest comparison I can think of is Gnarls Barkley's St. Elsewhere Overall, beautifully melodic, perfectly mixed, and there isn't a wasted second throughout. In the center of it all is Janelle Monae's stunning vocals, bravo! My only complaint - there are a few sound effects throughout which are overdone/almost feel childish, however if that is the biggest complaint, then it feels like I'm almost grasping at straws

Was surprised by how much I didn't like this album. I've heard sledgehammer and in your eyes often and have always noted how melodic they sound, how they must've been ahead of their time when they were released. However it seems that those two songs are the high point of this album - everything else sounds like plain, overproduced 80s/90s drivel

Glad I could listen to an example of the weirdness that is Devo. Somewhat unique entry on the 1001 albums list, and you can definitely tell this was an influence for/rival to talking heads. Pretty good listen overall, although there were a few songs which were a bit too weird and brought this great album down to a 3

Kid rock is like the guy in his late teens/early twenties who hangs out pre-teens/high schoolers - when you're younger he seems like the coolest guy ever, but then when you're in your late teens/early twenties you realize that he's a fucking weirdo and always has been Now, stepping aside on my feelings on kid rock as a person and providing my comments on devil without a cause: it fucking sucks. There are no redeemable qualities to it. In regards to the lyrics, I had to look up to see how old kid rock was when this album released - based on the gross out disgusting "heh women are objects" elements of many lyrics throughout, I would've guessed that he was no older than 13 when this album released, but to my shock he was actually twice that age. The backing music itself sounds like a parody of 70s and 80s traditional country, which I myself questioned how/why kid rock would even consider himself country. Pair that with the worst, most overly produced guitar/drums and you have the shit sandwich that is this album. The only way I could see anyone enjoying this album is if they go into it acting as if it is a parody of country/rap/rock tropes from the past 30+ years, however even then you have to deal with putting this crime against music into your head and I wouldn't wish that against your worst enemy I listened to this album all the way through to you wouldn't have to. If you're still reading at this point, take heed to this warning: don't listen, give it a 1, and spend the hour plus you would've listening to this album to do something productive with your life, like going on a walk or volunteering at your local food bank

I own this album on vinyl and pulled it out for a fresh listen. Disclaimer, my father is the world's biggest who fan so I grew up listening to the who on repeat and I'm biased towards liking the group. I've always been conflicted on how to feel about the who. Part of me feels they are a vanilla 60s-70s rock group who relies on gimmicks such as creating their own "rock operas", not too far from a band like Rush. However, another part of me has always enjoyed their stuff as music that "rocks" - I look for music that is loud and which I don't have to think much about, a la foo fighters. Having been a few years since I last listened to Who's next, I went into listening to this album thinking I would feel the latter: it's classic Rock that's fairly unassuming. However, from the opening instruments on baba o riley to the final guitar chords on won't get fooled again, I was reminded why the who is more than just plain classic rock - every track has its own unique layer of instruments, commanded by Keith moons overarching drum beats. I come to understand as well how they were so popular in the 60s and 70s, as their mix of various keyboards, synths, and guitar effects throughout each song must have been truly revolutionary considering music at the time. As I listened to the main singles (baba o riley, behind blue eyes, won't get fooled again), I was reminded why the who is still fairly well known today - their music has staying power and has remained culturally relevant even 50+ years later. If you played any of these tracks to the average person, I guarantee they would at least recognize the music; it's used in popular media today, whether in various car commercials, or as the opening theme to CSI miami, or by the famous blue man group live cover performance. Above all, the who made catchy, enjoyable music that is rhythmically sound. This listen brought me something that I hadn't thought about in prior listens: the overall message/theme of the album of the cycle of young people starting a political/social revolution, only to see once they've become old that the change they brought forth was similar to what they originally fought against, and is now being uprooted by the next generation. This contributes to the album's staying power as being so well known, as it is as relevant today as it was 50+ years ago. As I listened to this album, I realized that my like of the who is actually a love of the who. I thoroughly enjoy every part of who's next. To me, the only thing holding this album back from being a perfect 5/5 is the forgettable nature of some of the in-the-middle tracks (my wife, getting in tune), however listening to this tracks still sparks joy and brings me back to the fact that the who has been and always will be a group that rocks

Solid album in which I enjoyed the consistent industrial sound. Short of 5 stars as it drops off at the end

Confused as to why this album is included in this list. Sounded to me like mick jagger and friends singing about doing drugs but with a more country sound. It feels generous to give this 3 stars, however there are redeemable qualities - a few good tracks (can't you hear me knocking, brown sugar, wild horses), plus an ensemble of differing instruments saves this album from being bad

Impressive that this includes music from 30-40 years ago, aged very well and can see the influences that led to so many DJs to follow. However for me this is short of a 5 as it is just a random assortment of tracks, rather than a cohesive album

Very instrumentally sound, very catchy throughout, must've been revolutionary when it released however sounds very plain by today's standards. Short of 5 stars as the tracks don't feel very cohesive

Very few pieces of media make me feel the way that Lost in the Dream made me feel. Took me back to the summer between high school and college, that in-between time where my friends and I felt invincible. Where independence could flourish. Where responsibilities were completely tossed out the window, and stress didn't exist. Maybe the last time where it truly felt like everything was going to be alright. What else can I say about this album that hasn't already been said. It's a masterpiece. The instruments are masterfully mixed. Nothing feels out of place. The folksy, alternative, atmospheric sound is perfect. My first exposure to the war on drugs, and definitely not my last. First album on this list that made me want to drive to my nearest record store and look for this album

Listening to this made me feel like an in-the-midst-of-puberty middle schooler, and no that isn't a compliment to Van Halen. Only thing that saves this album from being 1 star is the masterful guitar and drum work of Eddie and Alex van halen

Aged pretty poorly given synth pop falling out of favor in the 90s. In general the album feels pretty jumbled and disjointed, the thing that prevents it from being 1 or 2 stars is the staying power of the hits included on this album, especially considering many different groups (Weezer, Lorde) covering everybody wants to rule the world in the 2010s

Pretty plain, standard folk music. Songs feel somewhat disjointed/random/non-cohesive. What helps the album is hearing the passion in Joni Mitchell's voice, you can feel the energy through that

It's fine. Lyrics are decent, beats are on par for mid-90s rap. Ranking this a little lower given the context of this being "1001 albums to listen to before you die", as to me this feels like a plain rap album from one of the members of wu tang

As I listened to this album, I struggled with how to rate it. It's not bad, it just sounds like plain, boiler plate, no frills, 80s country. However, in the spirit of this generator, I remembered that this is supposed to be "1001 albums to listen to before you die", and if I had never listened to this album, I can honestly say that it would not have impacted my life either positively or negatively. As a result, it makes me mad that this seemingly average album is even included with the "1001 best albums" when there are likely many albums that could have been included in its place

Going into this I didn't have a high opinion of the smashing pumpkins - as a millennial it felt like they were the butt of many jokes, their main singles from the 90s were horribly overplayed on the radio, and they just seemed lame. However, this album pleasantly surprised me. Although the main singles (tonight, tonight, 1979) might seem eh on their own, listening to them for the first time with the rest of this album makes sense; these songs fit perfectly with the ensemble that is Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness Musically, this album is absolutely beautiful - while it seems like such a wide range of instruments used throughout to back Billy Corgan's distinct vocals may seem like it's doing too much on the surface, it is absolutely the glue that holds together this masterpiece. Two main surprises from this album are its ability to stretch over a wide range of genres (and hitting those genres very well, especially each of the more grungey/metal tracks), and the feeling that, even at slightly over 2 hours, none of the tracks feel out of place, or that theres something missing. Understanding too that this album is meant to emulate the wide range of emotions one goes through during their teenage years into their early twenties, the juxtaposition of loud, angry music with light, atmospheric tracks works perfectly. Overall, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is a perfect album. I never at all expected this from the smashing pumpkins, but color me impressed

When I first saw the album cover I thought, cool this sounds like some alternative band I've never heard of. Boy, was I wrong My first DNF. I made it through the first 7.5 songs and felt it was safe to stop as I probably would've died of shock if any of the last 4 tracks were any different from the first 8. I really don't understand why this album is on this list. The lyrics are corny, the instrumentals are horribly overproduced pop of the 80s. I legit had to look up this group to make sure it wasn't a group that spoofed cheesy 80s romantic songs There aren't any redeemable qualities to this album. As each song went on, I longed for this album to be over. I questioned how anyone could willingly listen to this and enjoy it. I can honestly say I could've gone the rest of my life without listening to this album and nothing would've changed

Starts out a bit eh, improves as the album goes on. The last few songs are what elevate this album from a 2 to a 3 I understand that this is one of those "influential" albums that led to a number of grungey offshoots in the 90s (nirvana, pearl jam, etc), however it doesn't hold up well in the 2020s, particularly because all of those bands in the 90s emulated the pixies's sound and were a step better

First half of this album is very very good - not perfect, but Bowie does a fantastic job of making weirdly beautiful music, especially in the title track, "Heroes". Although many often tried to imitate him, no one could truly recreate what made Bowie, Bowie Not sure if it was his heroin-addled brain, or him smelling his own farts, or both, but the second half of this album completely falls off. Although some of the atmospheric instrumentals do well to save this from being a total disaster, Heroes really goes from a great album to faux-artistic crap

Pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoy this album. Guessing it's one of those "revolutionary" albums that was the first of its kind when it released. Vocals and backing instruments are very good, Buckley does a great job of mixing everything together and making a "wall of sound"

It's pretty solid house music, feels like the transition between aphex twin/daft punk and swedish house mafia/Skrillex

This is a very well made album - I enjoyed the frenetic pacing throughout, as well as the smooth transitions. Only thing holding this back from 5 stars are the multiple occasions in which the pace is too frenetic, leading to this album sounding more like noise and less like music

Average album that has good instrumentals and vocals. Nothing special

Full disclosure, I am a RHCP fan, especially their 90s-00s stuff. Went into this listen expecting greatness, and was not disappointed. Front half of the album includes songs that are still regularly played on the radio today, and which I enjoy. It was the back half in which I hoped would hold up, and I ended up liking it more than the greatest radio hits of the past 25 years. As a whole, listening to this album as a youngish adult hits home. The thought of striking it out on your own, in a big stunning (and scary) place such as California is what I'm sure a number of people tried in the 90s, as they continue to today. What this album uncovers, through alternating frenetic loud jams and quiet soft ballads, is the seedy underbelly and how easy it is to get sucked into that. By the end, you can hear and feel the disdain and disappointment of trying to live like you're invincible, and having to admit that you've failed. Say what you will about the questionable backgrounds of the members of RHCP, say what you will about their post-stadium arcadium music, but Californication holds up today as it did in 1999, and it's a beautiful album that tells a story so many have experienced

I'm convinced this is what the US military forced torture victims to listen to at Guantanamo

Although at times it sounds like unreleased demos, it's important to state how much I loved this album. Throughout, it puts you in an atmosphere of dread and despair, and holds up surprisingly well despite essentially being the blueprint for metal

Can understand why this album is on here as it was likely the blueprint for many rock artists over the following 50 years, however this album didn't age particularly well and there's a reason you don't hear much about blue cheer today

Disclaimer, I am a huge QOTSA fan, so it might be my bias showing but this is a fantastic album. I went in expecting a less polished version of rated r or songs for the deaf, however this album itself has its own sound that is enjoyable throughout. For a band that rarely misses, this album is a hit

Picking up on certain influences picked up by Janelle Monae and Kendrick Lamar, which is impressive as this album holds up well on its own. Throughout, nothing but melodious peace and wonderful transition from song to song. The funky/jazzy beats allow this album to shine

It's solid, but nothing special. Has a bit of an identity crisis in that it can't decide whether it wants to be more country or more rock, but for Tom petty's first album it's decent. Enjoyable, but ultimately forgettable

Sounds like a Beck cheap knock-off. Some good beats, but I'm not sure why I had to listen to this album before dying

While yes, I also feel U2 are pretentious assholes, I'm not going to let those feelings affect my rating. Bono may be a massive piece of shit (the world's largest if you believe south park), but I can't imagine a world in which you tell the history of the past 100 years of music without including U2. Sure, their music is bland and not necessarily revolutionary, however it clearly struck a chord with someone considering how popular they were in the 80s and 90s and how ingrained they've been in pop culture for the past 40 years. In terms of this album - it sounds bland, sounds like there isn't much going on, it feels "safe". I appreciate the message it's putting forth, and very much feel it belongs on this list overall, however I'm not going to act like it's anything but average rock

Disclaimer, I'm biased as I'm a big fan of the black keys Very solid, very enjoyable album. I love their sound, and like how well they convey the feelings of being lovesick throughout. I think the album is a big bloated, as you could cut a number of tracks from the back half and it wouldn't lose value

Pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album, you can very clearly hear the influences which led to rap/hip hop albums with skits popularized by Kanye and Kendrick Lamar in the 2000s/2010s One of those rare 90s rap albums which has the combination of great lyrics with great backing music On top of everything, it's an album that has aged well despite being 30+ years old

It's been a few years since I last listened to this album all the way through, so I'm glad it popped up within this list In my opinion, this album is the perfect example of "lightning in a bottle" - the gallaghers put together and released a wildly popular album that, at its core, is very very good, a success they tried and failed to replicate in the proceeding 6 albums they released. This is also a great example of an album that aged like fine wine - it's been 30+ years since this album originally released, and sounds as if it could've been made yesterday. Culturally, it seems to be an album that refuses to be killed off. You still hear people making the "anyway, here's wonderwall" joke. You still hear a live musician at your local bar playing Don't look back in anger (personally, it's one of my favorite songs to perform on karaoke). In the time since what's the story morning glory released, the gallaghers may be the butt of many jokes for being pretentious assholes, however that shouldn't take away what they created with this album. Surprisingly, I went into this listen last remembering it as an average album, and coming out thinking this is a very well done album

I understand that REM is a big part of the 80s/90s music culture, but this album just...isn't good. It amazes me that a group with such little care for music theory (i.e. use of basic guitar chords in favor of riffs) was so popular for so long

I get that this has historical significance, but from judging it in 2026 as an album it's nothing but Mayfield sing/speaking over a backing track for 35 minutes

Sounds like a shittier version of alanis morissette. It's good, but I don't know why it's on this list

Some bias going in, as I'm a fan of a tribe called quest and really enjoy their first and most recent albums. However, this album blew me away - amazing lyrics, perfectly mixed sound, left me wishing there was more

ELO walked so Queen could run Second album on this list I've listened to so far which I would consider "most perfect" - no corners cut throughout the production process, makes you wish for more in the best way possible. Can't begin to imagine how revolutionary this album sounded back when it released in 1977

It's a solid album, not one of the greatest but definitely important considering it's cultural impact

David Bowie try not to ruin the back half of a great album with drug-fueled introspective music challenge (impossible) (Ok, the cliff that this album fell off of was not quite as steep as the one that Heroes did, but it was still enough to take this album from a 4 to a 3)

Crazy to see this released in 1969...not my cup of tea but at least +1 star in that it was a heavy influence for traditional country artists to follow

Solid album, even though some of it melts together/is fairly forgettable

+1 for importance to music in general, but man this aged like milk in the desert sun

+1 star for the album's importance to modern music in general, however I don't need to listen to an album full of backing tracks/sampled music before I die

Big jack white fan so I'm going into this a bit biased Second quarter of the album is a little weak, however it improves as it goes on. 4.5/5, only thing holding this album back is a little too much focus on the folksy side and not enough on the bluesy side

Pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Sounds like talented musicians making really good, at times experimental, music without caring whether or not it's mainstream. Short of being perfect due to the back half being a bit disjointed from the front half, however that shouldn't take away from the fact that this is a great album

Would have given it a 5 if it weren't for burnin giving me a literal headache. Once that broke me out of my daft punk listening reverie it allowed me to realize that, while this is good, it's a bit disjointed and sounds more like a debut album rather than what we became to know as peak daft punk

Not sure why I need to listen to a traditional country bob dylan album before I die

This was a bizarre album to rate...first couple of songs sounded like (poorly aged) late 80s/early 90s rock, until Surprise! You're Dead! Turned it into a cheap Metallica knock off. Generously giving 2.5 stars bc the war pigs cover is decent

It's a wonder Dylan has had so much staying power with the number of craptastic throw away albums he released in the 70s. Jesus what is this album doing on this list

So many thoughts on this album, especially knowing the backstory and understanding when it was released. Was the first ever unplugged session on MTV which was "plugged", in that kurt cobain required the use of an amp for his acoustic guitar so that he could use a foot pedal in conjunction with his music MTV pissing off the band in many ways, such as begging them to play more singles (come as you are was the only at-the-time single played), preferring that they don't play as many covers (could you imagine a world without the man who sold the world, lake of fire, and where did you sleep covers?), and pushing cobain to perform an encore even though he told producers many times he didn't think he could give a better vocal performance than he did with where did you sleep last night The band being nervous in general about performing live with stripped back instruments, then performing the entire set/album in one take The bands request to include bouquets of stargazer lilies (often included at funerals), meant to signal a transitional period from a heavier grunge style to a more folksy, stripped back style. Adding everything together, nirvana produced one hell of a performance which would unknowingly be one of their last. Every second of it sounds perfect, even with all of its minor imperfections, and left me wanting so much more

Went into this album thinking my favorite song would be smoke on the water, came out with it being the one I liked the least (but still really, really liked it) It amazes me that this album has flown so far under the radar for the past 50+ years when talking about all time greats. Sure, there might only be 2 known songs on here, however every track is performed so well, each having multiple solos that sound amazing Shockingly, this album is the most perfect I've listened to so far. 5/5, no further notes

Was surprised how much I enjoyed this, considering I didn't like her other album on this list. Appreciated that her raw sound and emotional vocals really created a whole listening environment, 3.5/5

-be the eagles -create one of the all time greatest songs with one of the all time greatest guitar solos -pump out 8 other tracks that are the most plain, middling, easy listening rock ever -profit Now I understand why the dude hates the fucking eagles, man. I too would be pissed if I heard hotel California on the radio and felt compelled to buy the album, only to be horribly disappointed by every track proceeding the title track

Somewhat distinct sounding vocals, otherwise fairly common sounding run of the mill 60s music. Why is this on here?

If this list is going to force me to listen to a 2.5 hour long album, at least make it something interesting and not boring British pop rock that sounds like it released 10 years too late

At least a little more interesting than the other Dylan albums on this list, which isn't saying much. +1 for it being a bit more personal/emotional, whoever it amazes me he was able to make a career out of pumping out numerous verse chorus verse albums

I'm an MGMT fan so there is a bit of bias in this review I've listened to this album multiple times, and wouldn't even consider it the band's best musically out of their discography (that would be Congratulations), however upon a fresh listen I will say that, in terms of message/cohesiveness, this is easily #1. Covering the theme of growing up/looking back on childhood, while including some fantastic beats/mixes along the way, is impressive for a debut album

Surprised at how much I enjoyed this, and clearly had a major cultural impact with clear early blues and rock themes that would go on to influence many. A bit repetitive at times however hearing the signature Little Richard wooooo made this listen worthwhile

Shocked at how much I like this? Felt like a mix of vedder with folksy beck, and a touch of Bowie and the doors? Short of 5 stars because of martyn's proclivity to mumble his lyrics but still good nonetheless

3.5/5 It's somewhat enjoyable (and definitely more emotional and stripped down than their other album on here), but I just struggle to understand what impact this album, or even REM in general has on music

Solid enough reggae album, and understanding some of the background gives this +1 star from me

Yet another bland brit pop album on here. Giving it +1 star in that it's slightly different than the rest, but I can only take so many oasis wannabes

Truly an amazing album, one of the most perfect I've listened to so far. So melodic, flowy, absolutely beautiful, and so sad knowing the fate Gaye would eventually face in his death