1001 Albums Summary

I listened to this album while cooking dinner. At first, it wasn’t really my cup of tea, but it gradually set a soothing mood that stayed with me throughout the evening. I especially preferred the first, more acoustic half of the album. Skip counter: 0 Favourite track: My, My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue) Least favourite track: Sail Away

I listened to this album in the car while stuck in traffic. I was hoping it would energize or excite me a bit, but unfortunately it didn’t do that at all. This is an album I don’t see myself playing again. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to this album while running in the park and while driving around in the car. It’s not your typical “go-to-the-park-for-a-run” kind of music, but running to it felt surprisingly natural and pleasant. Her sweet, warm voice is comforting in every possible way and made me notice all the small, beautiful things around me. Dogs sniffing each other’s noses and butts, elderly and young couples sitting together on benches, birds searching for food, the sunlight filtering through the trees — all of it felt more vivid. I’ve listened to a lot of Ella Fitzgerald’s music before, but this album was new to me. It’s an album that’s very easy to listen to, but also quite long. There wasn’t a single track I didn’t enjoy, yet at the same time, none of the songs really stood out to me individually. Skip counter: 0 Favourite track: Hard to choose — there are many easy listens, but none that truly stand out Least favourite track: None; there wasn’t a song I didn’t really enjoy

I listened to the album while cleaning the house. When I first received the album, I didn’t know it, but I was familiar with Seven Nation Army - which i really like - by the band. Unfortunately, the album turned out to be completely different from what I expected based on that song. After a couple of tracks I had to stop. It didn’t excite me at all, not even slightly. Skip counter: DNF

Yeeeeaaaah booooyyyyeeeee! Finally, my first rap album during the One Album a Day Challenge. I was genuinely excited about this one — especially because I already knew the album and was happy to revisit it. I listened to it while mentally preparing for a football match (which I ended up winning), and I have to say: it gave me a serious hype boost before the game. What I love most about this album are the hard-hitting drums and kicks, combined with Chuck D’s aggressive, political flow. Together, they give Public Enemy their signature raw and energetic sound. I also really enjoy the interludes, featuring great samples and sharp DJ cuts by Johnny Juice, along with the iconic “YEEEAAAH BOOOYYYEEE” from the charismatic Flavor Flav. For a rap album released in 1988, this record laid the blueprint for the dynamic and politically charged hip-hop era that followed. I only wish I could have experienced it live back in ’88, blasting through my speakers or coming from the radio. Skip counter: 0 Favourite tracks: Bring the Noise, Rebel Without a Pause (and of course Show ’Em Whatcha Got, which really gets me hyped — I adore that sample) Least favourite track: Prophets of Rage

I listened to Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions while driving around in my car, but it quickly became clear that this album wasn’t for me. I found the vocal delivery quite awkward, especially the way the voice often felt off-key, which made it difficult for me to fully relax into the music. Because of that, I stopped listening after just a few tracks. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to Arise by Sepultura and it’s not something that works for me personally. I can enjoy and fully go all out to one track, but beyond that it starts to feel a bit overwhelming and mentally exhausting. The intensity and aggression are impressive, but listening to the album as a whole is simply too much for me to handle in one go. I understand why this record is highly regarded within the genre, it just isn’t my kind of listening experience. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg, but I turned it off almost immediately. This kind of folk music really doesn’t appeal to me and didn’t do anything for me emotionally or musically. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie, and this was the first time I ever listened to a full David Bowie album. I have to say, it’s an easy and pleasant listen. Nothing really blew me away, but it’s consistently good from start to finish. Skip counter: 0 Favourite track: Starman Least favourite track: None

I listened to Who’s Next by The Who, but it wasn’t for me. I didn’t manage to finish the album as it just didn’t click with me personally. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to Rising Above Bedlam by Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart, but it was really not my thing. I turned it off almost immediately as it didn’t connect with me at all. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to Damaged by Black Flag, but no — this one really wasn’t for me. I turned it off almost immediately as it didn’t click with me at all. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to 461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton. I know Eric Clapton’s music quite well, but this was the first time I listened to this calmer album. It’s an easy and pleasant listen, and I did enjoy it, but nothing really stood out to me. I personally prefer Eric Clapton when he leans more toward a rock sound rather than this more laid-back style. Skip counter: 0 Favourite track: I Shot the Sheriff Least favourite track: None

I listened to Odelay by Beck, but it was absolutely not for me. It didn’t connect with me at all, and I quickly realized this album just isn’t my kind of music. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to Green by R.E.M. I was already familiar with the band through their biggest hits, but this was the first time I listened to a full R.E.M. album. Unfortunately, this one didn’t really work for me. I found the album to sound quite monotonous, which made it feel repetitive and, at times, boring. Because of that, I skipped several tracks throughout the listen. Skip counter: 4 Favourite track: None Least favourite tracks: The Wrong Child, Turn You Inside-Out, Hairshirt, Untitled

I listened to Sound Affects by The Jam, and this was my first time listening to the band. I didn’t find the album particularly good, but it also wasn’t really bad. Overall, it was an okay listen that didn’t leave a strong impression on me either way. Skip counter: 0 Favourite Track: / Least Favourite Track: /

I listened to Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby by Girls Against Boys, but it quickly became clear that this wasn’t for me. I found it boring and headache-inducing, so I didn’t finish the album. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon, but I didn’t finish the album. There was something about it that really bothered me, even though I couldn’t immediately put my finger on it. I think it was mainly the vocal style, combined with the fact that many of the songs sounded too similar to each other. Because of that, it failed to keep my attention. Skip counter: DNF

I listened to Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers while heading to the store to do some shopping. I already knew the album, so it was a fun and familiar listen. It’s an easy and enjoyable album, with occasional spontaneous bursts of energy throughout. There are also several sing-along classics on here — I still knew the choruses and even some lines from the verses, which made the listen even more fun and nostalgic. Skip counter: 0 Favourite tracks: Scar Tissue, Otherside, Californication Least favourite tracks: Porcelain, Emit Remmus

I listened to Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel and honestly expected more from it. While it’s not a very bad album, it didn’t really blow me away or leave a strong impression on me. Overall, it didn’t do much for me emotionally or musically. Skip counter: 0 Favourite track: None Least favourite track: Lead a Normal Life

I listened to A Love Supreme by John Coltrane while cleaning my room, and what an experience it was. The album pulled me in completely — there were moments of energetic, spontaneous jazz dancing where I was swinging all over the place, as well as quieter moments where the beauty of the music brought tears to my eyes. That’s the kind of emotional impact John Coltrane can have. This is truly a must-listen for anyone who wants to get into jazz. Skip counter: 0 Favourite Track: All Least Favourite Track: None

Zeker! Hier is een vlotte en samenhangende review in het Engels: I listened to Hunky Dory by David Bowie, which made this my second David Bowie album in the challenge — and only the second album of his I’ve ever listened to in full. I played it while driving to my parents’ house and found it to be a very pleasant and enjoyable listen. The opening track, Changes, is a perfect way to start the album and immediately pulls you in. Life on Mars? is, of course, an incredible classic that really stands out and lives up to its reputation. Overall, the album flows beautifully and was a joy to listen to. Skip counter: 0 Favourite tracks: Changes, Life on Mars? Least favourite track: None