1001 Albums Summary

First ever album served to me by the generator on the First Day of 2026, and… well… where do we go from here? A classic album from a classic year (1995) in which the UK was going crazy with Oasis (as in 2025) and other swaggering laddish Britpop, this album, Radiohead’s guitar album, was going in its own direction entirely. Full of angst, rage, and despair, this album feels immediate from the first shimmering notes through to its final guitar-picked outro, with not a single track letting it down. It feels amazing now to think this was a band struggling with the idea of being defined by Creep and possibly a one-hit wonder band. I say it feels immediate, but I remember in the heady days of discounted singles buying My Iron Lung and the High and Dry/Planet Telex singles and struggling to get into them before plumping for the album and subsequent singles. Like many, it took me a while to grow into this album. This might be, as I said, because 1995 was an exceptionally great albums year, but it wasn’t really until the end of ‘ 96 and beginning of ‘ 97 that I was playing this end to end and really appreciating the musicianship and creativity on the record. Then immediately came OK Computer and that Glastonbury performance I was lucky enough to be at. But that’s another story. Thom Yorke really found his voice on this record and has probably never sounded better. Ironically, in building this album to distance themselves from Creep, they created a kind of post-grunge rock sound that was taken up and amplified, IMHO, in a poor way by bands like Muse and from that another sound to distance themselves from (for a while anyway). A classic. Best songs - All of them. Sequenced brilliantly as well.

Having missed the Chance to go to Live Aid (I was just 15 at that time) I jumped at the chance to go to the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday concert at Wembley Stadium I was just 18 and really thought Music could help change the World. Having negotiated pamphleteers from (I think) the South African Embassy handing out leaflets detailing why we shouldn’t celebrate a terrorist I made my way towards the front of the stage. The Mandela concert was not only in front of a sold out 72,000 crowd but being televised pretty much worldwide and so to keep continuity as well as the main stage there was a small second stage where comedians and smaller artists (or artists not so well known in the UK such as the amazing Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens) etc played whilst the main stage was being reconfigured. Having already seen such artists as Sting, The Eurythmics and a surprising George Micheal, amongst others, out onto that small stage stepped a diminutive Black Women with an acoustic guitar that then very nervously, and with little eye contact, launched into a three song set. Later, at peak time, as we all waiting for the mystery special guest little did we know that Stevie Wonders software for his keyboards had either been lost or stolen and so we were treated to two more songs (including Fast Car) as the organisers hurriedly pushed out Tracy Chapman to cover. This second set would have been conservatively watched by half a billion people. This was, as a music obsessed teen, my first exposure to Tracy Chapman and I’m sure most of that half billion. It genuinely was a standout moment of the concert. I quickly acquired the album and knew it very well by the time I saw her again in September as part of the Amnesty Human Rights Now Tour by which time it was a global hit. Listening back to this after many years, did this deserve the hype and recognition? I think so. The albums songs mark Chapman as an observer of life especially of marginalised society and cover things like race, poverty and domestic violence, with a strong acoustic feel backed with a nicely produced backing band and warm clean bass. The album is nicely sequenced as well, for instance the bleak a Capella of behind the wall being followed by Baby Can I Hold You. I noted that another reviewer described this as Secretary Rock and in my mind nothing could be further from the truth. Released in the Reagan era when Whitney, Dirty Dancing and George Micheal were topping the charts this stripped back, acoustic and overtly political album often promoted in the way the songs were originally performed by one small, black woman and her acoustic guitar was radical. Even if the music is easily digestible the tremor of the voice and the righteous anger draws you in (were they even listening). Listening some 38 years on was interesting. At 18 it was an optimistic call for change but listening back at 56 the Revolution never came that she was talking about. Nobody had to answerer the questions in Why and I imagine behind the wall still resonates with many. If anything the lyrics Love is hate War is peace No is yes And we're all free Feels more relevant than ever in the MAGA generation.

I bought Erykah Badu’s Baduizm when it was released and then loved it so much I bought Baduizm Live when it was released straight away but when I saw this album come up via https://1001albumsgenerator.com I had to look it up to see if I owned it (I did). I also didn’t recall any of the tracks on it so probably didn’t play it that much. Two spins later and I kind of know why. Erykah has a great voice, there are some great musicians on board playing the neo soul music. There are some interesting lyrics. Songs cover breakup, sisterhood and the shooting of unarmed Amadou Diallo by NYC cops. I listened to this album twice today and it was a little bit of a struggle. The album clocks in at just under 72 minutes and I feel it is too long and frankly dragged on a bit. Badu has a fantastic voice but at times I felt the tempo and tone was a bit too similar and a bit Languid. By the time it hit into “…& on” the fourth track on the album I was grateful for the change in tempo and style, and possibly just familiar with the take in the song from her familiar first album. It is about 3/4 of an hour before a duet with Stephen Marley and I was really great fil for another voice no matter how good hers is. On second listen I was impressed by some of the musical styles on display in the mix jazzy, funky, soulful and a little bit psychedelic how it all melded together but maybe it was the day I was reviewing as I still didn’t feel that moved. I do think there is a possible great 45 minute album mixed in this somewhat bloated album that I might enjoy on a different as there are some good tracks on this and I wish I could give it 3.5 stars, but I can’t, so it’s a 3 star review for this one.

Punchy and swinging big band music on this album of songs written by and arranged by Neal Hefti who would become well known for some as the man that wrote the Batman Theme. It kicks off immediately with some punchy Brass on “The Kid From Red Bank” before quickly going into a fairly minimalist Piano Solo and it is clear as you go through the album that there is plenty of room for soloing from Basie on the Piano and the Sax and Trumpet players as the tracks progress. Trumpets on Duet (sounding quite wah wah and sleazy in places). Tempo changes from track to track and the album does not outstay its welcome at less than 40 minutes in which a lot is packed in. This is a great album and I can imagine in the pre rock n roll days how exciting it would have been to see a bigger jazz band like this in a hall belting out these tunes at volume. I listened to the original mix and the 1994 remaster and suggest that at least once you pop up the volume (maybe on headphones) and feel the atomic force of this band.

This had never been on my Radar and was a pleasant surprise indeed. I doubt I would ever had heard it without the 1001 albums project. Exquisite piano playing improvisations across an hour from a Live Solo one-off concert really impressed me. Whilst described as Jazz I thought this felt almost classical in many places (though maybe not the whelps and grunts that suggested how much Jarrett was getting into this performance himself). I listened to both the original recording and the 50th anniversary master. This album is a great listen without knowing anything about it but once you start reading the backstory the improvisations take on a whole new relevance and it adds to the overall appreciation of the album. It’s worth a read. No spoilers here. I know some will think the backstory shouldn’t change what you think of the music but for me I am a whole package person and it’s all part of the art. If you’ve appreciated the Divorce Album or enjoyed an album because you knew about creative tensions of the band or understood what pharmaceuticals or personal demons then appreciating the context under how this recording was made is no different. Will I play this new discovery again - Yes

Back in the day when people bought papers and magazines I used to read the NME quite a lot. Mainly my mates unless there was a freebie or so going (as I was all about the Magazines Like Q, Select, Vox and later Mojo). The NME were responsible for helping break a lot of bands and one of the things they used to do was an annual NME tour (Brats, shockwave and so on). They used to have 4 up and coming bands. In 2004 the first band on in the evening and possibly the best IMHO was Franz Ferdinand. Energetic, stylish and poppy you kind of new you would hear them again. The debut album also came out in 2004 and having seen the tour on the 8th February and no doubt having voraciously consumed all of the reviews I would have bought this the very next day when it came out on the 9th. I am grateful to have purchased in the days when ltd releases and bonuses came if you bought early (not in a repackage) so the CD came with a bonus Live at the Paradiso CD as well. The main album is just around 40 minutes of Art School Punk Pop. Yes it does seem to draw influence from bands like Gang of Four and Television but this was the early naughtiest and so having a fresh hound vibrant band like this was great. I seem to remember that in an interview they said they just wanted to make music that Girls could dance to and they certainly did that. Indie discos every wear played tracks like Take Me Out and I imagine they still do now. In fact seeing the, recently on the telly box playing Glastonbury or somewhere they were still playing a fair few from this album and the audience certainly knew the tunes. Whilst making people dance you can certainly tell that this debut album was made by art school kids and they certainly had an image, but that’s what we want yeah? The album is quite varied musically but relies on angular and tight playing structured so some songs switch tempos and move from laid back to punchy and in your face. Perhaps Germanic? It is also lyrically interesting as well and it is certainly a great debut. It does stand the test of time and as it is a debut I would give it four stars. It was good to catch up with it again. For reference the other three bands on the NME tour were The Von Bondie’s, The Rapture (also great) and the headline act Funeral For A Friend

When this popped up I immediately assumed that I would have had this, but no, it terns out that I had Red Heaven and University and had probably come to them via the Pixies and not the other way round. Therefore this might be the first time I had heard this rather good debut album. I immediately thought of Siouxie Sue on hearing the first track of this album but this doesn’t last through the album as Kristin Hersh is quite a versatile vocalist and her vocals twist and turn throughout the album and the addition of Tanya Donnelys vocals works well. It does the loud, quiet, loud quit type vocals so beloved of this period (and grunge) but has much more emotional intensity than just that. This is a great angry and passionate post punk album with great guitar and rythmic drumming and it is easy to see how this would have influenced the Pixies. Well worth 40 minutes of your time and now available as the first 10 tracks of a compilation with great demo tracks and additional music charting the early days of the band. There isn’t really a bad track on the album I really must go revisit those Throwing Muses, Belly and Pixies albums.

I was sort of dreading the day when I got offered an album to listen to with the words “Jazz Fusion” bandied around it. In the early days of really listening to music I tried to be open minded (still do) around listening and also wanted to listen to skilled musicians. Having an early interest in my brothers Gong records I had heard things like Pierre Moerlen's Gong and indeed had even see a version of Weather Report at Glastonbury but nothing really made me want to posses an album like this as I was left a bit underwhelmed. So what does this feel like listening after 40 odd years. Meh. You cannot doubt the skills of the players but after listening to this album two and a half times I just couldn’t muster any enthusiasm for this album. I know it sold a tonne of records in its day bur so did Bros and I really can’t see how this warrants a place in a “Must Hear’ list. The biggest plus in hearing this, to me, high end elevator music, was that the album wasn’t overly long. Sorry guys but not for me but I might find some fusion I like yet.

After listening to this album I have decided that The Police are a good singles band and an average albums band. I did listen to this a couple of times and it’s OK, but that’s it for me. I don’t feel like I have any need to revisit it again. Looking through my own collection I was shocked to see that I had a CD box set with all of the Police’s Studio albums and. B-sides. I must have bought it in some kind of bargain sale as the fact I didn’t know I had it probably says it all.

This is an album that sounds both fresh and dared at the same time. Dated as the fairly minimal and clean beats along side the rock god guitar samples (and in some cases recorded contributions) put it firmly of an age, but the youthful, dumbass punky vocals and enthusiasm busts out of the record making it feel current and fun. This is a party album from three fresh faced white boys from New York that was a pioneer alongside Run DMC in the rock rap genre that helped break hip hop into the mainstream. I guess Rick Rubin the producer for both acts played a large part in this. I was very familiar with some tracks. You couldn’t avoid the excellent frat boy “Fight for your right to party” at one point, nor “No Sleep to Brooklyn” but the whole album is full of energy and interplay between the boys and it doesn’t outstay its welcome. I did not buy this at the time of release. In the UK stupid newspaper reports had decided to turn the Beasties into some kind of danger to our youth. Before the Beasties Boys had touched down on their UK tour there were false headlines accusing them of dissing kids with Cancer amongst other things and inventing stories to make them public enemy number one. It led to crowds in some places almost wanting to take on the bad boys of rap and in Liverpool famously led to a very short show and the arrest of one of the band for throwing a can at the crowd. That and the fact that a clever parody of the big gold chains that were becoming standard wear for rappers led to Mike D wearing a VW badge, which in turn led to VW cars being deprived of their badges country wide as kids replicated the fashion dominated the headlines. It’s a shame it wasn’t for the music really as it wasn’t half bad.

This is a weird mix of funk, Indian, psychedelia and so on. It was definitely interesting to listen to but the songs were quite disjointed and it didn’t feel like a coherent album. As a soundtrack it might work excellently within the confines of a film but as I haven’t seen the film I can’t judge. Weirdest thing for me was “One Two Cha Cha Cha” which feels a little like an odd novelty record that doesn’t feel quite like it has succeeded in its goal being chucked into the middle of the record. It try’s to meld the Cha Cha Cha Latin rhythms with Indian Music and in the middle of that throws in a disco line with “That’s the way ah ha ah ha I like it ah ha ah ha”. Not all the album is like that some of it feels quite traditional. As I said, disjointed. I can certainly understand how this might be part of a “must hear” list of albums as it is a kind of everything and the kitchen sink introduction to Bollywood. I do think, however, that there might be more joined up flowing soundtracks to be explored. A fun listen nonetheless.

This album is in my personal top 100 for sure. Back when MTV actually cared about the Music that was originally part of its meaning there were a whole set of Unplugged, acoustic, one off performances and I imagine MTV were delighted with getting Nirvana, a band at the height of their powers. They must have been excited to see how the band might acoustic wise translate their songs. Equally some fans of the energetic, loud grunge super stars might have wondered how those songs might translate and if it would be ruined. What we actually got in my honest opinion was a master class in how an unplugged show should be. There was no lazy translation of smells like teen spirit instead Nirvana songs were carefully chosen that played out brilliantly in the mainly acoustic environment and also careful cover versions (and friends) were added that showcased Nirvanas influences. Standout in those covers were Bowies The “Man Who Sold the World” and Leadbelly's Where Did You Sleep Last Night. The band and friends got the brief and so there were no attempts at Rock God drums or anything. Cobain's voice sounds fragile in places and he uses his vocals to bring out a range of emotions (the Leadbelly song a vocal masterclass). This turned out for me not to be an add on live album but an essential release in itself. It was never meant to be a final statement of the band but unfortunately due to Kurt’s suicide it was. I remember this being played regularly as a memorial in the immediate aftermath and I was slightly worried that it wouldn’t get a release lest people assumed it to be a cash in. This album is a great part of Nirvanas small but brilliant output, showed the range of the band and what might have been in the future, equally they could have ruined it all so as a final Album (not just a normal live release) it stands the test of time. I couldn’t give it anything less than 5 stars

Is this the greatest Guitar Album in History? I don’t know. Is it the most important Guitar Album I’m history? I reckon it is a strong contender. I probably first started listening to Hendrix in my teens in the 1980s and even then when there was so much rock, metal, punk and so much emerging stuff that I consumed via John Peel etc I thought it sounded fresh, creative and vibrant. Maybe some of this sounds slightly dated now, not all of it and that’s a matter of opinion, but this as a debut Album probably changed the direction of music fundamentally and certainly influenced countless guitarists through the ages. No Jimi, no “insert rock guitarist name here”. And it’s not only great Guitar playing, the Rhythm section of Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding trash away here and add massively to the sound. I’ve also thought that Hendrix is a pretty decent vocalist as well. I wasn’t sure which version of this debut album to listen to. The UK version was released first but omits the three singles that were released first and the US version includes them dropping some other tracks. In the end I opted for the deluxe version which included all of it but it’s 17 tracks still came in at around an hour and didn’t’ outstay its welcome.

This is an OK album but there isn’t much more to say than that Yes it’s nice to listen to, yes it’s impressive that it was mainly made solo on a laptop (but hey there is a tonne of stuff like that on Bandcamp that’s better), and yes it is slightly unusual in the fact that it uses a lot of soft rock type samples. None of that explains why this is in the 1001 records list though

Interesting story around the production of the album and an end to end set of big bombastic and catchy tunes, everyone could have been a single. So an amazing debut album. I still didn’t really like it. It was like a rush you get from over processed food. You start off liking it then you feel flat, empty and a bit off colour Not my thing.

Great album of early rock n roll with 12 tracks of fun in less than 30 minutes

Raucous political punk debut from a hugely influential band. Deserves to be on the list

Fantastic reggae album that still sounds brilliant today. The dub album is also awesome

I’ve had this album for much of my music listening life and it is always good to revisit. It is hard to believe that Bowie was still playing intimate venues when making this album as it is so self assured. It is a sort of concept album taking on the persona of a huge rock stat before Bowie became that huge Rock Star himself (mainly through this album) Only some of the songs sound a bit dated now (not at the expense of the music) and much feels pretty fresh and timeless. Listening to the Arnold Corns versions of some of the songs show that there was a step change in the music style when it came to this album. It certainly doesn’t feel like the music is over 50 years old. The Ziggy persona influenced so many artists and music going forward. I understand that the first time this was seen was as influential as Punk, and as shocking as when Boy George appeared on our screens. 5 star for Music, Style and Impact

Quite a varied selection (not just relentless hardcore) in a fairly structured set of songs. I can see why this was considered breaking new ground and a must listen. That doesn’t equate into a must like for me

Elements of Dub, Ambient and Trip Hop surface in this 1977 folk rock classic from John Martyn. Loving the echoplex guitar and the way his lyrics almost lazily slur into each other. The instrumentation definitely sound a bit dated but still fantastic. I reccomend people seal out some live sets. Johns 1985 set at Glastonbury for example is available on streaming services (yes I was there)

Baby no more times. Unfortunately the generator dished this one up for me on a day I was commuting via bus and I, as a man in his 50s, had a full screen lock screen of a 17 year old American girl on her knees gazing coyly and adoringly up at me (and the bus driver as I lent in to pay via contactless). Cheers random generator dude. Headphones on and shielding my phone from fellow passengers I sat down ready to give this my full and rapt attention. The first song, that had already played as I queued is instantly recognisable. A great into and a really catchy tune. Would we, the great public, known that if it hadn’t’ been for the accompanying video of all-American pigtailed school girl Britney dancing in the corridors? This video played out everywhere, and according to my Reddit brought the staff and punters of one Blockbusters Video store to a standstill. I think the song with its opening base note and “ooh baby baby” would be strong enough without the video, however, I was surprised that the album didn’t open with a ticking clock and a ringing school bell. The rest of the album wasn’t recognisable or memorable. If you’d asked me I would have told you that the second single would have been “Oops I did it again” and the third or fourth the excellent “Toxic”. Instead it would have been something from the Factory Pop mediocre sludge that I think the rest of the album is. Noticeable low lights on the album include the raga tinged “Soda Pop” which was so bad it instantly drew to mind the infinitely better parody song “Equality Street” by Ricky Gervais. Also the soppy ballad “Email my heart” a lazy lyrical song for the kids which I’m sure the writer thought was really clever at the time. Email my heart? No. Mark as spam and move to junk. This was a poor debut album front ended by one great song. Britney deserved much more than this, more care from the writing team and, considering this launched her into fame so fast, more care all round.

Meh Maybe I’ll try this again but I remained disinterested during my listen

Good album but not their best

Great live album that I will revisit again

Magnificent

This might have been groundbreaking or influential at the time and/or artistically challenging but it was boring and didn’t interest me

Good album

Masterpiece

A bit overblown. Not good and not back

Spent a lot of time with this album. Was a great album then and still is today

I don’t think that this is groundbreaking and having listened to this about four or five times between Feb and June 2026 it hasn’t really grown on me

Great early country music which my wife accurately described as old cowboy film music.

Great album. I’d forgotten how natural a rapper Tupac is and whilst I am very familiar with All Eyez On Me I was not familiar with this album

A great pop album full of well known songs. However I can’t imaging myself reaching for this myself, Michael Jackson unarguably being a talent, it just doesn’t resonate with me

Great fun and the title track is an absolute classic. I don’t really enjoy playing through most soundtrack albums though even if I appreciate the skill and the history

A good Punk Album which, although a knew a couple of songs, I hadn’t heard before

I can imagine all this spawned but I might have to listen a lot more for it to mean anything more than interesting to me

This starts a bit slow but then becomes really engaging. The extended/delux version was pretty good as well

Really nice and mellow album with a great sound (bearing in mind this was all recorded live on a microphone or two in an old church.

Who really cares who you might think they ripped off. At the time I was young and going to multiple gigs a week Elastica came around. They were great, the album was great and not having listened to it for some considerable time I still think it is really good.

Never really listened to Kanye much and don’t really plan to now bearing in mind his general attitude and maybe mental health state. However this album shows that at one point he was a real talent before it all got to him. He was sadly one of the worst Glastonbury headliners that I can remember (whereas Kendrick Lamar was one of the best)

Great mellow, hypnotic, warm and interesting songs from the Beta Band. Not my favourite in the Beatas and Steve Masons output but it is hard not to like it Excellent headphones music.

OK but didn’t fully capture my imagination

Great Jazz Album with some funky Organ playing and decent Sax as well

Good but having played it back after a number of years I don’t think it is amazing

What a great Neil Young album. Really surprised to see that I don’t own this. Something I plan to rectify. Sublime

Pretty decent album that could turn into a 4* with repeated listens

Not my favourite from the Wu-Tang collective

An OK album but it didn’t blow me away. Maybe it requires more listening

Sublime folky sounds

Haven’t listened to this for a while and had lost interest in U2’s later output as it had felt stale a d seeing them or hearing the odd track it all felt a bit pompous and stadium overblown even on record. However the Feb 26 EP wasn’t bad at all and so I was curious as to what I would think of this Album which re-defined U2 and probably delivered what I think was the best stadium gig experience I’ve ever seen (Zoo TV and Pop gigs were fantastic) On listen back this album is still a classic. Fantastic songs, variation in them, U2 guitars still and the warm thudding bass. Bono seldom sounded better. It isn’t just a relic of pop and rocks past, it still passes muster today.

Great album that doesn’t sound that dated

Fantastic from beginning to end and an album that shows off many sides of Neil Young

Not yet quite sure what to make of this album other than the fact that I enjoyed its weirdness. Definatly one to play a couple of times again to see if my feelings for it grow or it it was an interesting distraction.

Hadn’t listened to this for some years and I am asking myself “why not?” Sublime and one of a kind with great vocals and instrumentation

Good solid post punk album. I can’t get the “this is where it all started” type vibes, probably because I have listened to a lot that followed it. If it was the pathway to many more bands then kudos to them

Good but not great

Fantastic Album with minimal filler (especially as it is a double). Production values are high as well

It is great hearing the evolution of hip hop. Sometimes I prefer the older stuff.

Quite bluesy and good fun. I think a 3.5 from me but if I had to chose I would up it (which I did)

Didn’t quite hold up as the 5 star album Ionce thought this was

Great bluesy rock

Great album of Irish themed pinkish material with flavours of other European music filtering through

Good honest music

Great fun album and the production from Rick Rubin is excellent.

Definite hints of the Beta Band in their which isn’t a bad thing

I don’t need to say anything

A great debut band that I was lucky to have seen at the Bath Moles gig that you can find on the Super Deluxe of this album. Lots of great Indie pop from these emerging youngsters

For a debut album this is pretty impressive. I think people of my age maybe overplayed Brothers In Arms as a way to show off their new CD players and as a result I’ve probably been aware but not explored much Dire Straits. This makes me want to listen to a bit more

I’ve been listening to a lot of early Dylan recently (through the open window bootleg series, first albums, gaslight cafe etc) and listening to Dylan invent himself and his sound. Getting this album in my list jumped me forward a couple of years to a time when I think we reach peak Dylan for the first time in many times. The man who is comfortable in exploring and exploiting traditional music and rocking out. A man who followed his muse pretty much uncompromisingly just to see how it went It is weird to think that many of the songs on this album were unknown to the Manchester audience that night and odd to think that anyone might decide to boo him. A great album from front to back. I have the whole box of these 66 shows to wade through at some point and I’m looking forward to it. I wonder if the actual Royal Albert Hall concerts will sound as good and as charged as this one?

In general I am not a huge fan of some of the stuff people label Prog Rock or fusion. It feels emotionless. Lots of good musicianship but it feels the worst of rock and jazz rather than the best This album hasn’t changed my mind

Not bad but I don’t think deserving of being on a 1001 albums list

Quite a diverse and fun album

Absolute classic album

Great Rock Album. Beyond the obvious tracks Inthink the album is as good, if not better as I hadn’t been saturated by them

A gentle album that is also still quite diverse. One in my collection that I hadn’t heard for a while

Great album and PJ Harvey was really something to listen to and see around this time. Has stood the test of time

Great Indie/Pop album

Good live blues rock but I can’t imagine myself returning to this album

Five Star Funky

Pretty easy listening but an excellent voice and good music

Utter classic. Not a bad song on it. The deluxe versions are great as well

Decent album of its time that still sounds good beyond Party Fears Two

Possibly Nicks greatest album. I love this

I have this and it is inventive and fun but it is too long. Even if you split the albums out it is too long. There is one great 40-45 minute album in here or maybe 3 more average 40-45 minute albums.

Fabulous and funky album. A discovery for me

Sublime

I didn’t mind this, it was quite listenable, but it didn’t grab me and say this needs to be in your library

Not bad but doesn’t make a list of “Must play again”

Great album. Normally I’m more keen on Saxophone led Jazz but this is a really cool album

Wow. I’ve avoided Elton John to be honest over my music listening and collecting history. Too much new stuff to explore and the legacy stuff, of which there is loads, has always prioritised other people first. Sure I know some songs and new there were some great tunes but I also knew there were over played and over bombastic stuff that I wasn’t really keen to add to the collection. I wouldn’t have known where to start. This album might now be a gateway drug. Fantastic songs, fantastic playing and not the showboating I was expecting. Such was the enjoyment I had that after I finished listening I started some of the tracks on the super deluxe edition and started looking on line to see if there was a deal. This is a find for me, hiding in plain sight, and I imagine an influence for Father John Misty

Really surprised how much I enjoyed this great live album

This was a lot better than I expected. In my youth I was a little prejudiced about English reggae as I thought it all very pop compared to Jamaican beats (in fairness this was in the time of Musical Youth, latter UB40 and there was a lot of ska and 2-tone around). This is a good proper Reggae album with an English feel and I wish I’d given it more time when my Brother seemed to have got a copy many years ago.

Good to hear early Sonny Rollins

Really funky and fun (and ahead of its time). The additional tracks on the deluxe edition are worth it as well

Always good to hear a little from one of the Pioneers of Electronic Music

This is good (except for the bland Imagine Cover”. Maybe I liked it more as I’m playing on a hot day and it reminds me of foreign bar music.

It’s OK but not amazing. I recognise the influence it had, the fact that it was the first album with songs all written by the Beatles (Lennon/McCart ey to be precise) but it doesn’t take away from the fact that some of the songs are a bit pedestrian

Not sure why this is on the list. It is inoffensive but nothing really sticks out that would grab me, feels innovative or annoy me tbh

This is a slightly schizophrenic offering in which it is easy to guess that the writer may have been influenced by haluconegenic substances. The album veers through a number of styles across its nearly sixty minute length. I can see how this may have influenced a number of people and how some people think it may have influenced things like Purple Rain. It isn’t;t however necessarily that listenable in some places. Great as a historical document but it won’t necessarily make it to my regular playlist

Interesting album.

Re listening after a long time this is still a great album. It was one of those that set the bar running in rap showing that the format could travel in multiple directions

I really quite enjoyed this industrial metal type thing (which is probably in the area where I dislike offerings more often than not). Perhaps the fact that I can’t understand the lyrics helps here but this might get listened to again.

I’d goo 3.5 if I could

This kind of vocal is the thing I least enjoy. Sure you have a great voice and sure you have good range but there is no need to warble through it on every line and sometimes one word. All luxuries should be used sparingly. Not anywhere near as bad as Mariah Carey though

This album and music to me is timeless and hard to beat.

He might well be a complete dick these days but this is still a great album

I can hear the talent but apart from the obvious Mrs Robinson this album did nothing for me really

I bought this the day it came out and despite the fact that not every song is a 5 star song the cohesive whole of the tracklist makes it a 5 star album for me. I have to be in the mood for Brett though as I think his vocals can grate sometimes

I have always blown a little hot and cold with Goldfrapp as the music and vocals are good but I have been left a little empty by it and it feels like something else should be there. This more folky album isn’t lacking in anything. It is great end to end and not a bad track on it.

It’s like they are trying to be the Darkness but aren’t as good. Seriously though I think I mildly liked one song on this album and the rest of it I can easily pass. Never liked Queen really, this is more palatable than some of the later stuff but still does nothing for me

Music for the MAGA generation. It’s not even good.

Most know the story that this tool decades to make and Brian Wilson’s struggles. To me it still doesn’t feel complete and like a series of work in progress ideas around Beach Boy tropes like the Harmonies etc Despite all that I really quite enjoyed it. I’d give it 3.5 stars but I can’t but it is on the good side of middling.

Fun but not brilliant

Quite interesting but it seems quite long. Sometimes when an album seems longer than it is it is because it drags a bit. A little to much autotune type vocals for me

Really enjoyed this and will be back for more

When I saw the negative reviews I knew I would enjoy this 😆 This is a straightforward down tempo chilled instrumental album. Yes it does would like background music, the sort of thing that you would hear in some beachside summer bar with its “Ibiza” vibes (I’ve never been to Ibiza). Good music doesn’t mean you have to have complex stuff that requires concentration or virtuoso soloists that you think you have “discovered”. It doesn’t have to have lots of lyrics on teenage angst by the new “people’s poet”. Sometimes it can be laid back and easy to absorb, something to enhance a mood. I think that this is one of those albums. Being called smokers delight I must admit I was expecting something more sunny, particularly with the green and red cover. It is more electronica Perfectly reasonable album but I’m not sure why it should be in the 1001

This is an album I listened to a lot 40 plus years ago but haven’t revisited in a long long time. It really is a great rock album maybe Jethro Tulls best or one of the best. The modern Steven Wilson mix is well worth a listen as well

Timbaland beats still sound fresh. Missy is more interesting than most.

Dill as ditch water formulaic r’n’b shite Apparently has a message in all the wailing vocals

I’ve decided that I really really like Joni Mitchell.

Yep pretty good but not astounding

Great folk rock and an unusual voice.I enjoyed

Pretty good if you don’t mind the jaunty threats to kill in the misogynistic song “Run For Your Life” It’s weird to think they were already six albums in when releasing this and were forever transforming.

Very easy to listen to pop album with songs beyond the well known hits. Nowt wrong with this but personally I’m unlikely to revisit it

It’s good. I’m not sure it’s great. I would have given it 3.5 based on my first listen and know it is the sort of thing that will grow on me with repeated listens but I’m not sure I wanna give him the royalties

This was OK but not amazing. I wonder if I would mark it up with repeated listens as the harmonies are good, but not Beach Boys good)

Not bad shoegaze music but you have to be in the right frame of mind to absorb it imho

Well I need to mark this one down as requires further listening as I see from the reviews how polarising this album is. I felt neither the love nor hate whilst playing through this. Maybe further listens would change this but it was a bit background music for me

Classic old country. I ‘likey

This is a good album. Didn’t know Lenny got God.

This album is the pleasant waft of bakery bread that is pumped through to the door as you enter the supermarket. Once in, you are only left with chemical smells from the toilet and the clean-up in aisle 4. Not put off, you trudge through the endless aisles, all harshly lit by the over-bright fluorescent lighting, one of which is flickering and will induce a migraine if you stay too long. Oh, look, here is some processed fodder from some high-end brand with limited-edition packaging. I must buy that. Oh, look, here is some buy two get one free stuff; let’s pile it in. Don’t forget the impulse items at the end; you really need that sauce that will linger at the back of your cupboard, best before date long gone. Eventually, you stumble our blinking into the grey outdoors with a bag full of stuff, lighter in pocket and wondering where the time went, only to find you are hungry but have nothing in your bag from which to make a satisfying meal. I saw this band one early on in their career on a minor festival stage. I think I bought the first album. Neither thing is memorable, and that tells you a lot. Pleasant to listen to once, but I know it would annoy the hell out of me if I listened again. This is what happens if you ask ChatGPT to make you a stadium rock album when all your previous queries had been about Star Wars. See, you can get through one of these reviews without mentioning Radiohead. Oh, shit.

A good album. Would take a few listens to decide if it is worthy to be in the 1001

Good Garage Rock. It is interesting that this had such an influence on Punk and New Wave bands in both USA and Blighty

Pretty average to be honest. There must be much better from the era than this

Having been bored by Bad Compny in the previous days lottery this was a surprisingly good antidote. Very good heavy rock that is of a short length so it doesn’t outstay its welcome

Very good and varied album and one for me to add to my collection

Good blues but not exceptional

Back in 1984 I had the pleasure of seeing Fela Kuti headline Glastonbury. My first introduction to Afrobeat music and one of my first introductions to live Jazz (although I had seen Weather Report that day. It was great. I mainly remember his many wives being out in the crowd (so much smaller in those days obviously). They were trying to buy Dope from the local dealers and laughing in their faces at the prices. Anyway. This album is great with four nice extended pieces to get you in the groove. I enjoyed it

Recognise it was a classic early Kraftwerk but they have done better

Listened a couple of times and it did start to grow on me but I think I need to hear a bit more before I come off the fence. Nicely produced. Not sure about the lyrics yet. Her vocals are an acquired taste. This is probably where further listens will tip the balance as to whether this grows more or irritates me.

This is a great album. I nearly gave it a 5. Sinatra gets great plaudits (and deserves it) but others like Ray Charles not so much

At under 35 mins long this is a good fun listen to a blues great. Yes it is a little samey. Then again some people have tracks that last nearly as long as this album

Pretty fine album this 3.5 stars for me

Good new wave/pop album but I’m not sure I will go back to it

Great album end to end that makes me want to listen to more Lou Reed

A great album of scuzzy and lazy rock n roll

I first tried to get into Bruce Springsteen in 1986 when a Neighbour bought the live album boxset from money he got in compensation for an accident and I taped it. Having bought Dylan’s Biograph the year before I figured (and still do) that a career spanning boxset is a good way of getting into a musician. I thought it was OK but not fantastic. Didn’t listen to it much. I have tried over the years to get more into him including streaming albums (& I bought Tracks and Live in New York City), I have even seen him in Concert. I always think, that’s OK but I probably wouldn’t reach for it over other things on the shelf. Giving this album a listen I realise I probably like Springsteen more as I get older however the feeling still stands that if I bought this I wouldn’t reach for it much. It is another 3.5 stars for me but whilst I have normally rated those as a 3 I am edging more towards the 4 on this. Maybe I will buy it if I see it in a Charity Shop (I believe those Born in the USA might call them thrift stores).

Great mix of Indie and Americanaon this album. This is on my shelf but I probably haven’t listened to it for nearly 30 years so it felt both like a new discovery and familiar at the same time. Played this through more than once and I think it will be back in rotation now

I understand if Radiohead aren’t your favourite band but I don’t understand the haters. Radiohead give some good accessible music that isn’t just boom bap, boom bap 1, 2, 3 and 4 stuff. This album is fantastic end to end. I even reccoment]d OKNOTOK to get the b-sides. Brings back memories of the legendary Glastonbury Festival performance that I was lucky enough to be at and the later South Park gig that I also attended. 5 stars for sure and not even my favourite Radiohead Album. If you mark this below 3 stars then I disown you :p

I’m not trying to be contrary or controversial in my markings with this. The musicianship is good. The vocals are OK. If I heard a band playing this in a bar I would tap my feet and nod my head. I might even enjoy bits.I might even nod if it was on the radio or jukebox. It isn’t offensive to my ears. It is just that I would NEVER reach for this if it was on my shelf. It does nothing for me emotionally and I can’t ever imagine playing this by choice. There isn’t a single track I’d put in a compilation or playlist.

It would be 3.5 if I could

Lively concert with noisy audience participation which puts you in the room in 1963. Pretty damn good with all the changes you might expect between a polished studio set compared to a raucous throaty live show. I find it bizarre that somebody would award this 1 star based on the idea that a live show has imperfections because you can’t do take after take. That’s the point in my mind.

Somewhere between a 3 and a 4 this. Always good to hear The Doors but not my favourite album by far

Not as good as it thinks it is

Have no great insights to offer it is just good fun Rock

This has the one Santana track I could name which turns out to be a cover. Nice Latin beats and guitar work 3.5 for me

Great beats

5 star classic but not as good as King of America

Better than I thought it would be if I’m honest

This album sets the way that Elvis went in the 70s Vegas residencies. More soulful, more mature and a tad sentimental in places. In my youth this seemed to be the most derided period of Elvis. It was cool to like the 50s Rock n Roll, it was OK to like the 68 comeback special (the beginning of showman Elvis) but the stuff that led to “Fat Elvis” and schmaltzy Elvis were considered very uncool. I disagreed then and do now. This is a classic and my 5 stars comes with the added bonus track of Suspicious Minds. Obviously the classic “In the Ghetto” is on here but the album is pretty much a good listen from beginning to end.

Great album. If you get a chance try and track down the Brandford Marsalis version of A Love Supreme on the Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool compilation album.

Good pop album but not as good as LWP

A solid 3 and a so what from me

Maybe this is a harsh 3, I don’t know, but it is good but not great imho. I parlayed it again this morning to see if I’d changed my mind, it feels like a morning album, but I hadn’t Never really bought the Cardigans at the time nor dug all the Nina Pearson hype. Very listenable but that’s it

Great dark album.