9/10. An album currently resonating with me right now because I am going through a breakup & dylans songwriting & vocals performances are speaking to me so it was very fitting that this album came up first.
8/10. A classic CCR album & one that I’ve heard before and believe to be my favorite album by them but I’ve yet to hear cosmos factory which most say is their best but I know that album is on here too so I’ll get to it eventually. Just overall a solid southern rock album foundation (even though they aren’t from the south at all🤦♂️)
8.3/10.
Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk is a bold, beautiful , weird, experimental record and there’s much to say about it, I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would, it’s been on my listening list for a while considering rumors is one of my favorite albums of all time, I love the Peter green era stuff as well & I’ve heard that people kinda love or hate this one so I put it on the backburner.
To start most of Lindsey’s songs on here I am not a huge fan of, not to say that they are bad, but I feel like they are forgettable or lean towards being too experimental, but the title track kicks ass & I thought “that’s all for everyone” “walk a thin line” & “save me a place” were great too.
Stevie’s vocals on several songs are some of her best yet especially on “Angel” (accompanied by a killer bass line) & “Sara” and I generally found her cuts to be the best on here.
Overall, it’s a fascinating listen that rewards multiple re-listens, showcasing the band’s willingness to take risks while still delivering the melodic and typical Fleetwood Mac soft rock that we love. Looking forward to hearing many of these tracks again!
6.8/10.
A band that I am familiar with but I have yet to hear an album from them until today, I may have gone into this album expecting to like it more than I actually did , it does have some great songs but it just didn’t resonate with me for the most part.
Favorite: Brainwashed
Least Favorite: she’s bought a hat like princess Marina
8.7/10.
Surf’s up sounds haunting, fragile & everything I didn’t expect The Beach Boys to sound like-in the best way possible. I wasn’t familiar with this record before, and this is the first Beach Boys album I’ve listened to, though of course I’m familiar with most of their popular songs. I’m glad this was the first one of their records to pop up because honestly before this, I wasn’t particularly the biggest fan of their Surf-Style Pop Rock-it just didn’t draw me in before. Now I can say I’m a fan & I’m looking forward to hearing their other material to compare the different styles & eras.
Favorite song: Surf’s Up
Least favorite: Take a load off your feet
8.7/10
Yes is a cool band, I wouldn’t say I love them but man are they crazy talented musicians with such intricate & interesting music. when I’m in the mood to listen to them (usually fragile) they really hit but I’ll admit their songs do sound samey at times.
Favorite song: I’ve seen all good people
Least favorite: The clap
9.4/10
I really made the right call listening to this at night, about an hour before bed - it’s honestly the perfect time to hear this album. It’s so ethereal, dreamy, and sometimes so intimate that it feels like I’m in the room with the band. Between Tim’s acoustic guitar, his breathy vocal style, and the minimal, raw studio polish, it really just sounds like a jazz-folk session happening in some quiet room somewhere, and I absolutely love that.
The only real “complaint” I have is that some of Buckley’s vocal inflections sound a little strange, but that’s genuinely just a nitpick. Over time I might even grow to love those moments. These reviews are mostly based on first impressions anyway, since I’m listening to a new album every day and don’t have time to sit with most of them again until I’m through all 1000+ records.
That being said, this album is amazing. I’d highly recommend it to anyone - and I’ll probably end up pestering some of my friends to listen to it too.
Favorite song: Love from Room 109 at the Islander (on Pacific Coast Highway)
Least favorite: Buzzin’ Fly
7.5/10
I’m not big on REMs style of music, but I do respect them more than I actually enjoy listening to their music, most tracks here with the exception of a few I would not put on myself but wouldn’t be mad if a friend put it on or I heard it played in a bar. I understand they are a pivotal part of Alternative Rock along with bands like the pixies, sonic youth, etc but they are just a band I don’t entirely get, there are some great tracks on here, notably “the one I love” & “oddfellows local 151” though I think the latter drags out a bit. Overall a good band just one I don’t think I will get into.
Favorite song: the one I love
Least favorite: king of birds
10/10
Otis Blue is an essential listen for any music fan interested in the history of music as a whole. Otis redefines the songs he covers here, and the songs he wrote himself are just as powerful & influential. Absolute Classic.
Favorite song: Rock me baby
Least favorite: Shake
5.8/10
Not much to say about this one. There are a few solid tracks, but the overall sound and vibe never really clicked with me, and it just feels like this album isn’t for me.
Favorite song: when will we be married
Least favorite: the stolen child
6.5/10
I mean it’s alright, I found myself head banging to some songs & “all in the family” is actually a guilty pleasure, but man I just cannot get into this band like some of my friends do.
Favorite song: got the life
Least favorite: earache my eye
10/10
My favorite band of all time tied with the Beatles, absolutely love their first record too, I know some people dismiss the blues cuts “you shook me” & “I can’t quit you baby” but I think they are essential to this album & showcasing the bands roots. “Good times bad times” may be the best first song on a bands first record, that E power chord & John’s drumming are just so damn iconic, “dazed and confused” is the song that got me into this band when I was in high school & it blew my mind, especially when I’d get stoned, “your time is gonna come” is an absolute gem that I’ve really grown to love over the years especially when I’m feeling down & need a song to sing along to and get myself going & yeah of course-the rest of the album rules too.
Favorite song: good times bad times
Least favorite: black mountain side
7/10
I enjoyed this album & it is actually the only who album I have not listened to that is on this list. the songs themselves are mostly strong, and memorable, even when I wasn’t fully locked into the narrative. I also feel like I didn’t quite listen to it properly the first time, this isn’t a record you can half-absorb. That said, it feels like an album you don’t totally get on first listen. The concept is dark and intriguing, but I think it needs time (and probably a few relistens) to fully click. Definitely one of those records that makes you curious to go deeper- I kind of want to watch the film and come back to it with fresh ears.
Favorite song: Pinball wizard
Least favorite: Underture (literally an unnecessary extended version of “sparks”)
9/10
It’s been a while since I’ve listened to this album, & yeah, it still kicks ass- especially playing bass along to it, Roger Glover’s lines are so damn tricky.
Favorite song: Highway star
Least favorite: Space truckin’
2.9/10
Pure dissonant-psychosis music garbage ranging from “unlistenable garbage” to “almost kinda listenable until he starts singing garbage” the most listenable song here is probably “pa ubu dance party” and I do like its reggae vibe and has minimal screeching vocals but even when those vocals do come in it feels hostile to human ears.
This album was an absolute chore to get through and I genuinely had to split it into 2 listening sessions, as when I first started listening I was on a walk and decided I’d rather enjoy my walk & listen to music I actually enjoy, then today I listened to the rest of it driving to get food so I could sort of have it as background music without fully assaulting me. I will not be listening to this again nor will any song be added to my playlist of my favorite songs from these albums on this list. I’m 15 albums in & this is the first genuinely bad album I’ve gotten.
Most listenable song: Pa ubu dance party
Least favorite: the rest of the album
7.1/10
As far as live albums go, I really don’t get why this one was added-not to say it was bad, but in my opinion for a live album to be included on a list like this, they should be absolutely iconic and/or include live versions that are superior to the studio versions, and I’m just not getting that here for the most part with the exception of “child in time”.
Favorite song: Child in time
Least favorite: The mule
8.8/10
Don’t have too many notes here, Great album, essential listen.
7.5/10
A record where the historical importance is impossible to ignore. You can clearly hear the blueprint for early rock ’n’ roll and pop- rolling piano lines, easygoing swing, and melodies that shaped decades of music after it. That said, the age shows: the sound is dated, and across the tracklist the songs blend together a bit, sticking closely to the same formula. Still, even when it feels samey, the charm and influence carry it. this is foundational stuff, and it earns its place because of that.
6.5/10
I was pretty much unaware of the artist besides knowing her name, so I didn’t have any expectations going in and there was definitely some solid songs on here but towards the second half of the album it gets a bit boring and a handful of songs here drag on a bit too long or repeat the chorus one too many times.
Favorite song: solidify
Least favorite: I shall believe
5/10
Boooooring
Favorite song: 5th season
Least favorite: moon on your pyjamas
9.5/10
I’ve never met anyone in my life who’s said they don’t like Michael Jackson’s music, and that alone says everything about how damn good it is. I prefer Thriller by a slight margin, but Off the Wall is still a near perfect album. The songwriting, & grooves make it feel timeless, and I genuinely believe it’ll stay relevant for many years to come.
Favorite song: Rock With You
Least favorite: She’s Out of My Life
6.6/10
I mean it’s alright but for the most part it just sounds like diet smiths, and If I want to listen to the smiths, I’ll go ahead and listen to the smiths.
6.8/10
Actually a solid early 70s record but it definitely is too long and there are some filler songs on here. Not something I think should be on an essential listening list but oh well.
Favorite song: Move around
Least favorite: Jesus gave love away for free
10/10
An absolute masterpiece in every sense of the word. Easily a top 10 album of all time for me & honestly, it might even make my top 5. I don’t know what else can be said that hasn’t already been praised to death; it’s just that good. Every song feels essential and the emotional tension is unreal. If someone told me this was their favorite album of all time, I wouldn’t question it for a second. And as far as breakup albums go? Nothing even comes close.
Favorite song: Dreams
Least favorite: Songbird
7/10
A nice, sweet, and short listen that’s easy to sink into. Some songs that don’t stick for me, but the album’s relaxed, understated mood makes it an easy and calming listen. More soothing than striking, but still very rewarding in its own way. It would be great on a walk in the park or while studying.
Favorite song: Needle of Death
Least favorite: Dreams of Love
5.5/10
I love Pink Floyd and they’re easily a top 20 or 30 band for me, but I am not a fan of this record. There are a few tracks I really enjoy “Lucifer Sam” and “Flaming” especially, but Syd Barrett’s style just isn’t my thing overall. You can hear early hints of what Floyd would eventually become, and I respect how influential this ultra-psychedelic sound was, but personally it’s not for me.
Favorite song: Lucifer Sam
Least favorite: Bike
6.9/10
Pretty charming late 60s soul album, definitely will add a few tracks to my playlist but it isn’t groundbreaking.
Favorite song: I need your livin’
Least favorite: I heard it through the grapevine (not bad but I’d rather listen to other versions)
