1001 Albums Summary

This is really different and interesting. This isn’t my typical listen. Obviously after Stranger Things, I’m familiar with the opening song. The 80s pop sound that follows on the first half is really interesting. There are some nice slower songs too. But the second half has some wild swings. It’s very out there and not as easy a listen as the more pop centric stuff. Some is great. Love the closing track. It’s really interesting. Tentatively a 3/5 because I just don’t connect to the middling stuff. Maybe a 3.5. 80s synth pop is never something I explored much of, but always find myself actually enjoying some of the sound of this genre whenever I come across it. The title track I think is actually better than Running Up That Hill. It’s so infused with pop energy.

Definitely liking the folk rock sound on the first half of the album. It gets a little “samey” on the first side but it’s a coherent sound through all the songs. Never realized that Neil Young was a precursor to grunge like this. Back half of this album has some harder rock songs and definitely hear how this was influential to grunge. Sedan Delivery particularly. The hard rock version of Hey Hey My My too has that sound. Interesting stuff. Not sure it’s something that would hit my rotation but overall some really good folk rock songs and rock and an album with two distinct sides of the album. Probably a solid 3/5, 7/10 type of album.

Appreciate when an album has a defined sound which this certainly does. That jazzy backing band gives it a fun energy. Was expecting more folky, as that’s my only prior experience with Joni Mitchell. Help Me and Free Man in Paris are probably my two favorite songs. Raised on Robbery is super fun and has that dated fusion 70s sound. Feels like it would come on at a boomer BBQ and get the old folks moving. Don’t dislike anything but not sure I would choose to listen much of this again. Her voice is nice, but the way she sings isn’t always my favorite. Seems like a solid 3/5, 6.5/10.

Certainly a different listen for me as I’ve never fully explored 80s New Wave. Seems hard to fully appreciate without the context of the time in music. But I’m giving it an honest listen, and a lot of that sound just isn’t for me…but it’s still really fun at times. The overly 80s sound just is very dated. The less poppy sounding stuff is somehow maybe better? I like Lonely in Your Nightmare. Alright I lied, some of this is really fun. I view this as pop, not really a “rock” sound. But is it catchy. Hungry Like the Wolf sounds like every 80s music background soundtrack…in a good way? Overall, a fun listen at times, but not necessarily a sound I would regularly return to. I was pretty bored and over it after a few songs. It’s on the border of a 2-3/5 for me. Certainly a snapshot in time. Feels like you can play this and say: this is what the 80s sounded like to a lot of people. Not necessarily bad things, but not sure it’s necessarily a vital listen as an entire album.

First album I’m familiar with and have listened to prior to starting this. This is generally more my speed. Haven’t listened to this in a number of years and it still holds up. Just a great late 60s psychedelic sound. Some great songwriting. First half is just great song after great song. As good as the best of the Kinks, Beatles, Beach Boys of this era. Harmonies and full sound. Needs to be heard with headphones on. Am I nuts or is this a perfect album. I’ve always been a fan of that late 60s baroque sound and this is as good as that gets. Probably a 5 for me. Was a great re-listen.

Another album I’m familiar with. Haven’t listened to it front to back in a while though. Kind of the quintessential classic rock album. That hard rock sound that Zeppelin helped define, with some of their biggest songs. Arguably Led Zeppelin’s greatest album. It’s filled with great songs. Stairway to Heaven never gets old. Love there’s still an element of that lighter folk-ish sound with Battle of Evermore and Going to California. A really great classic rock album. One of my favorites and an easy re-listen. 5/5

Haven’t listened to this album since years ago in college when I was exploring different genres of rock music. This is filled with well known songs that are all huge classic rock hits. Overall, that 80s heavy metal/hard rock isn’t my favorite but plenty of it is catchy. This seems better than a lot of other 80s rock. Some of still rocks and holds up. Kinda album where I love some of the songs, but then don’t like the deeper cuts. It all really rocks out and is really fun at times, but wish it was shorter. By the time You’re Crazy rolls around you feel like this should be the closer. It’s probably a solid 3, maybe can push to a 3.5/4, not sure. Just not my kind of rock really anymore.

Don’t know if I’ve ever listened to this front to back but it’s so good. Wouldn’t call punk rock my favorite genre, but it’s so fun. This album has a distinct sound and is just great. It never overstays its welcome. It’s 35 minutes with 2-3 minute songs that just rock. Best way to describe an album like this is it just rocks out. Love the sound of the guitar in this. So simple in a good way. Way better than the 80s metal sound that comes later than this. Also, with headphones you hear that bass line through every song and it gives it such a great sound. Am I going to choose to put this on very often? Probably not, based on personal tastes. Is it a great album? Certainly. If you told me to put something on that rocks out, this is on the list of what I might throw on. Lyrically it’s so simple. In your face political and anti establishment but not sounding overly angry. Hard to explain, but that’s part of why it works. It feels real. And it’s catchy. Stuck between a 4 and a 5, think I’ll go up.

Never really explored Nine Inch Nails before. Was aware of them(him? Is it just Trent Reznor?) and probably know some of the well known songs, but otherwise not really so this will be an interesting listen. This isn’t my favorite sound. Maybe 12 year old me in 2001 would’ve found this more interesting? It sounds like the music playing at a seedy club where bad guys are about to get shot by the anti hero in a 90s action movie. I don’t think I’m personally angry enough right now to even remotely enjoy this. It’s giving me anxiety. When I got to Closer I realized hey I know this one. So far it’s the only thing I’ve somewhat enjoyed on the album. But still, this guy jeez he’s angry. I listen to my albums in the morning and this is too much. Taking a break. Everytime I get to something that sounds interesting and I think I’m going to like, I just end up not liking what comes next. This is probably going to be a 1, unless something near the end changes my mind. I got to the song title I Do Not Want This and I couldn’t agree more. Overall, I understand some of the talent involved and he’s clearly great at putting together this sound by himself, but it’s not for me. It’s angst and stuck in a specific time that I’m mentally now where near right now. There’s nothing here I would choose to listen to on my own again. Maybe there’s a few songs that are okay, but still it’s overall just not for me and a drag to listen to for me. Overall a 1/5, but I’m sure there’s people who love this.

First album from an artist I’m completely unfamiliar with. I have heard the name, don’t think I know anything by her. To start off it’s rock heavy. Sound is kinda timeless rock. Could be late 70s or late 90s. Good Fortune is great. Enjoying it through the first half. Her voice has a great sound for rock music. Wow this gets really interesting. The Thom Yorke song is great. You Said Something is fantastic. Loving a lot of these songs. Kamikaze sounds like 90s grunge. For a first listen to an artist I’ve never heard before, I’m really enjoying this. Horses in My Dreams is probably my least favorite song here. A good album needs a re-listen and I think I’ll give this a re listen. This is feeling like a solid 4. Wishes it was a song or two shorter here on re-listen, but think I’ll stick with a 4. Really like it.

Never heard of The Screaming Trees, so this is another first time listen. Enjoying it through the first songs. It has a nice hard rock 90s sound. It doesn’t sound grunge as the big bands of the era, so doesn’t fully fit that label. Isn’t stuck in an era. This is good rock music but also doesn't seem like anything remarkable or special here. But that’s okay, sometimes it’s enjoyable to listen to a solid non offensive rock album. Some keys on songs and backing vocals gives it a nice full sound. I could easily see myself throwing this on or enjoying some of these songs in a rock playlist. Growing on me more as the album goes. Was expecting more a harder sound early and it’s way more melodic. Witness is the first song I don’t really care for. I like the sound that has more of that 60s influence. Traveler is one. After listening to the whole thing, definitely don’t see this as grunge. It’s hard rock influenced by 60s classic rock. A nice sound. Seems like a perfectly fine 3/5 for me.

Never heard of them and no idea what this is going to be. Let’s jump in. First track is….noise? Funny, it sounds way more recent than 1973, like a sound that would’ve came way later. Didn’t think I was enjoying the long opening track but by the end thought it was okay and at least interesting. My main thoughts while listening to this album in general are huh this is interesting followed immediately by I don’t think I like this. Jennifer is kind of amazing. If you told me this song was from an indie band from Brooklyn in 2013, I wouldn’t have questioned it. What a vibe this song has until that crazy instrumental two minute outro. It’s kinda crazy that every song is like hey this is a fun jam and then two minutes later it’s like just kidding let’s hit you with some crazy noise. Hey what if half way through we just hit you with a sax solo. It all feels jazz and jam band influenced. You never know where a track is going to go. I don’t know if this is all good or not, but it’s certainly interesting. Would feel mean to give something so original a low rating, but not sure it all works for me. I think I’ll settle on a 2, because I agree this is an album you should experience, but not sure I will ever choose to experience it as a whole again. But I would absolutely put Jennifer on. Really enjoyed that song.

Janis Joplin! Haven’t listened to a full Janis album in a long time. Such a distinct voice and that fun blues rock band behind her. Love the organ sound that accompanies a lot of it. This is legitimately such a fun listen. It’s just a great vibe. With a hint of sadness behind it all somehow, maybe knowing now how her life was cut short after recording these songs. Move Over and Cry Baby is just a great one two punch to start the album. Two songs that perfectly highlight Janis vocals. Half Moon is as fun as a song gets. Me And Bobby McGee is the standout song here and kinda comes out of nowhere on the second half of the album with a slower acoustic sound to begin it. It’s an all time classic song. It’s a great album overall. Last half of the album seems kinda sadder somehow. And a more focused blues sound. Overall this is a great album. Was thinking it was a 4 while listening, but seems like may be a 5 now that it’s done. Janis Joplin’s voice is so distinct and the backing band here is just great.

This is an album I’m randomly really familiar with. Was recommended this as a great guitar sound when I was in college and spent a lot of time listening to it. The funk sound with late 60s psychedelic rock guitars is a fantastic one. Excited to give it a proper re-listen. Forgot about the feeling you get when that guitar hits a minute in on Maggot Brain to open the album. An all time guitar solo and guitar track. It’s fun and gets real funky right after that opener. Funk rock is great. It’s just fun and Hazel’s guitar solos add something else entirely. A Hendrix inspired 60s sound to a lot of it. First half is all just great funky rock. Everything is catchy. Super Stupid opens up that back half and it’s more of a rocker to me. This whole album has a full sound. Hazel’s guitar sound dominates the track. Might be the best song on the album. An amazing rock song. Amazing guitar solo. A nice concept to just open and close with 10 minute mostly instrumental songs that are completely different from each other. Wars of Armageddon is just an out there jam. A jazz inspired full of energy 9 minute jam. It’s a little too long for the closer but is a fun end cap, maybe should’ve ended it before some of the fart noises come in. This is probably a 5. As good of an album out there and something you’d want to put on when in the mood for an early 70s funk rock sound with some killer guitars. 35 minute albums are perfect length.

It’s like the generator read my review from yesterday praising 35 minute albums and wanted to test me today. Heard of this band because I think some of their music was in a movie or show I watched years ago, but completely unfamiliar with their sound so this will be a brand new listen. Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou! Right in their Wikipedia page. I do like the sound of this Life Aquatic song. Early on in the album and I think I’m going to like plenty of this sound, but maybe not 71 minutes worth of it. This seems influential to the sound of some indie music that came later. Very much atmospheric and spacey. It’s a nice sound, but overall feels more like something I would throw on in the background. There’s nothing I particularly dislike here, but overall the long songs are something I’m less likely to re-listen to. It feels like every song also has a moment where it becomes something else to transition into the following track. That being said, there is a real nice sound to a lot of this. Even if it’s not all entirely for me. I think there’s a stretch of a songs toward the end of the album that I really enjoyed so think I’ll settle on a 3. (Tracks 8 and 9, didn’t like the closer). This feels like the album when you’re in the mood for, it would be great. But I don’t think I would often be in the mood for it. If I need to focus and get some work done, this might be a perfect sound to have on. It’s somehow both original and forgettable.

My second Zeppelin album on this list and one I’m familiar with from years ago, but haven’t listened front to back in a long time. Filled with so many great now classic rock songs. Such a defined sound for a band to have for a debut album. Great guitar solos, great vocals. Kick ass drumming and bass play. What else could you want in a classic rock sound. Definitely one of the greatest rock albums of all time, especially influential in so much that came later, and only Zeppelin’s first album of a string of greats. Love the Blues sound mixed with their energetic hard rock. It’s great. It doesn’t have some of that whimsical folk acoustic Tolkien inspired sound you hear on some later albums, but this really doesn’t need anything like that. There’s really nothing bad here. An easy 5 for me on re-listen. And makes you just want to listen to more Led Zeppelin.

Album and artist I’m unfamiliar with so this is a first time listen. This is okay. Kinda enjoying it but nothing is blowing me away. It’s punk inspired with a slower and more early 80s sound. Through the first half of the album, my main thought was this is fine. Nothing here sounds particularly remarkable, but certainly sounds like early 80s British rock music. I was hoping it would get a little more fun, but never really gets there on the second half either. It’s hard to tell if this is influential to the later sound, or if this is a beginning sound for a band that gets better, because so unfamiliar with this band and generally the genre. But that being said, on its own it doesn’t wow me. I think I would be stretching to give it higher than a 2.

One of the few Springsteen albums I think I’ve actually listened to as a whole, excited to give it a proper listen again as it’s been a long time. Springsteen is great because the serious lyrics behind his songwriting here are accompanied by the most mainstream pop inspired rock and roll music. It’s filled with hits and great songs but the sound is very “dad rock” at times. But it’s all very good. You get these deep great tracks on the first side like Cover Me and Downbound Train and I’m On Fire. That more serious sound is Springsteen at his best. Like No Surrender is the perfect example. It sounds like a pop song but the story being told through the lyrics is so great. As a whole it’s really good. You get to the second half and it’s just well known classics like Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark. But something about that overly 80s pop sound behind a lot of the songs makes me like it a bit less. I’ve been giving a lot of 5s, this might be a notch below at a high 4, but it’s hard to argue against a 5. It’s all so catchy and the storytelling really elevates it all. Seems like would be a very easy re-listen.

Something different. When I explored way more hip hop back in college for a while, this came across my radar but don’t remember it except for Killing Me Softly, so excited for a re-listen. Always liked that old school 90s hip hop sound like this. Ready Or Not is the first song I recognized again and it’s great. Love the sound of this style of hip hop. A simple beat, a great hook or chorus, some great production. All simple but elevated somehow, with one song going seamlessly into the next. This is all so good. Fu-Gee-La is awesome. Just a really fun easy listen. Not always or often in the mood for this kind of music, but I almost always enjoy it when I do listen to it and this is about as good as that old school hip hop gets. Overall, album feels a song or two too long? But nothing bad here, so hard to complain. Not sure it’s an album that would regularly enter my rotation and I gotta stop giving 5s too lightly. This feels like a solid 4.

Only know T Rex from Bang a Gong that would hear on classic rock radio/playlists over the years. So this will be a brand new listen. It has a fun classic rock sound. All stuff you can move to. Love the Bowie-esque sound on a lot of it. Some of it has a bit of a silliness about it. But even the parts I don’t like as much are still a super fun listen. An album with a defined sound throughout. Really good. Something I would love to listen to again. Without being entirely wowed like this is a new classic. Very comfortable 4/5.

Never heard of this band or album. Another first time listen outside of my normal style of music. Don’t hear anything special about this through the first songs? It’s clearly punk but not that early fun late 70s punk. It sounds more 90s/2000s obviously, but still not fully the catchy style of pop punk that would emerge. It seems to alternate between something I’m kinda enjoying and something that I don’t like. I particularly don’t like his voice. There are some songs that rock a little more and get to a more fun point. And some of the horns are fun. (Is this Ska? I never really knew what ska was). But overall there’s a very generic sound to this that doesn’t stand out. I would probably never choose to listen to anything on this album ever again and will forget it in a day or two. I’m sure there are plenty of people who like this music, just doesn’t do it for me at all. Especially this guy’s voice. Something I don’t like. Wavering between a 1 or 2, but it also overstays its welcome so probably going down. One thing is I fully reject the notion that this is some sort of must listen album. Even others I didn’t enjoy had a special ness to them that this doesn’t have. 1/5

This is from 2018 and I have no idea what it is and never heard of it. So another first timer. It starts as weird dance electronica, okay. Pretty early on, I get some MGMT vibes, and it’s pretty good. Synth heavy throughout the album. Very 2010s indie rock sound. It’s kinda psychedelic at times. These long synth openings lead into some good rock music. Nothing blows you away, but I like a lot of the sound. Sometimes it does seem to get a little repetitive and certain songs feel to drag longer than they should. That being said, a lot of fun indie music here. Kinda that spacey vibe with the synths but surprisingly rocks at times too randomly. This feels like a solid 3, and something I may choose to revisit again. The compositions of a lot of the longer songs lead them to be less catchy than they could be, as they seem to meander a little and create more of a vibe. And sometimes that vibe really works.

Only know Peter Gabriel from his hits so know a few songs here but never listened to an entire album of his. Such an 80s sound. 80s pop music, mixing between some ballads and more pop heavy songs. Don’t Give Up is a great duet ballad. Nice song. Really don’t like some of that 80s production synth/drum beat sound, but that’s not specific to this album. It’s prominent throughout a lot of this though. The pop hits are fun. Sledgehammer is a funky 80s jam. Overall, not a lot of my favorite sound here. Gabriel had a nice distinctive voice though that helps a bit. And the songs are lyrically deeper on the ballads, making them usually more interesting than the funky pop songs. Unfortunately there’s such a dated sound to a lot of this. But I guess that’s part of its charm 40 years later. Some catchy pop songs, some nice ballads but overall not my favorite sound. 2/5

An album I listened to years ago but never really stuck with me, so will practically be a brand new listen. I always enjoyed The Who, but they never regularly stayed in my top tier really. First double album here. A concept album “rock opera.” It’s a really interesting concept and The Who have a great sound. It’s fun to have a story told through a long form musical like this. It very much feels influential to rock musicals that came later, not just albums. Sound wise it’s early British Invasion rock with a harder sound. Almost has the feel of something more recent than 1969. It’s hard to be negative about this because love the concept. Some of the songs are great too, even though it all feels a little long and over done. Does it need a 10 minute underture? But the way it “tells a story” feels very original. Even though lyrically, it’s easy to lose some of the story at times. Pinball Wizard is clearly the standout track here. Christmas, and Go to the Mirror, annd the closing track are probably my two other favorite parts of this. It’s funny, while listening I thought it felt a little too long but by the end I’m like that was fun. It’s great at times. 4 feels too generous? 3 feels too low. I’ll go generous. This feels like an album that should definitely be experienced.

Second Neil Young album here on this list for me. Another new listen, not really familiar with this. Neil Young has that weird voice that you hate at first and then stats to grow on you. I would never say it’s good, but it conveys the right kind of emotion a lot of the time. This is all pretty solid. Very bluesy rock. Really liking a lot of it as I listen. A tone of real sadness behind every song. Some steel guitar giving a hint of country on some of it. This is a good listen. The parts I’m really liking make me think may be the version of Neil Young I like the best. Nothing groundbreaking or monumental here but just some good music. Not sure if it’s interesting enough to be a solid 4, but it’s close. Think I’ll settle on a 3.

Heard of Blur, never listened to a Blur album. Very catchy. Very British. Girls & Boys is repetitive and too long, not a fan of that song. You hear some of that 60s British invasion influence but it’s all more pop-centric. A lot of it is real fun. Kind of prefer when they go heavier into that more 60s sound. End of a Century is great and probably the stand out on the first half of the album. Theres a handful of more 80s pop songs that kinda don’t fit with a lot of the rest of the sound. And also some random harder rock songs that break away from that more 60s influence. It’s a fun album but seems a bit disconnected at times, all over the place. I think it’s a fair 3. Some of the songs I really enjoyed outweigh some of it I didn’t care for.

Second album from The Clash on this list and one I’m only slightly familiar with from years ago. Excited for a relisten. Hear such a more complex sound than The Clash album I listened to a few weeks ago. That was just straight up punk. This is like so much more. It’s really amazing the growth from their debut album. This rocks and is so good. The reggae influenced Rudie Can’t Fail is so damn fun. There’s a classic Rock n Roll behind some of these songs. Fused with punk background. And some of that New Wave sound that developed later. The kind of album that proves that the best music doesn’t conform to one genre. This is just great music. The first side is great and it’s crazy that the great songs keep coming too. Back end of the album has a gem like The Card Cheat. And ends with Train In Vain, one of their most catchy mainstream songs. I think this is an album I’ve long over looked and never gave a proper listen. But this is probably the best thing I’ve “rediscovered” doing this list so far. Makes me want to go back and give lower ratings to other albums it’s so good. 5/5 and a new favorite that I think I will listen to again soon.

This generator is weird because through the first 28 albums, I’ve gotten 3 Led Zeppelin albums now. Through the first half, it’s really good. Some of that heavier hard rock Zeppelin sound. Seems like there’s some more evolved sound here than early Zeppelin. Stuff like Trampled Under Foot and Kashmir. Doesn’t seem like the very top best of Zeppelin, but definitely a lot of variety to their sound on this album that early Zeppelin didn’t have. Like a lot of double albums, it feels a little too long. But Ten Years Gone is on the back half and is one of the best songs on the album. Overall, really good. At its best a clear 5, but then not does feel to drag a little which might knock it to a 4. None of those last few songs feel essential to the album. Could’ve been a 5, but I’ll settle on a 4.

There was a time when I listened to this. Really only remember the hits. Highway Star and Smoke on the Water. Guess we’ll see how I like it now. This is fun and rocks. Highway Star is a great rocking opener with Awesome guitars. That solo! After that, there’s a defined heavy metal/hard rock sound throughout the rest of the first half, with guitar riffs and solos dominating the sound. This all sounds like stuff Jack Black would love, and I’m not knocking it. Smoke in the Water is a classic and rightfully so. Great track. One thing this album has is just great guitar solos on every track. Lazy just rocks. Really good. I think this is a solid well deserved 4. Part of me was pushing it to a 5, but don’t know if it gets there for me.

Don’t know this kind of metal music well at all. Generally dislike it, so would avoid it. We’ll see. Oh boy. This guy is growling. Do not like. These lyrics are garbage too. There is a track titled Murder. Is this supposed to be cool or edgy or angry or something? A guy with a chain wallet somewhere loves this album though. Don’t like his voice. The guitar solos are the only thing worth a damn here and they’re not worth the price of admission. Not for me. I’m sure there’s talent here, but this style of music with such miserable lyrics is just as far from my style or anything I would enjoy. That being said, I understand the inclusion of an album like this on this list. To show a genre of music if this is the best version of that. Just can’t enjoy it. 1 for me.

I only know Taylor Swift’s music from the handful of popular hit songs that would’ve come across my radar, and even that is minimal. One of the rare newer albums on this list and a reason I wanted to do this, to discover things I would never put on myself. That drum machine beat on a lot of it makes it sound generic pop music sometimes. Early on and Champagne Problems is one I particularly liked. That’s a really good ballad. It all feels somewhat generic soft rock/singer songwriter/or pop style of music. But there’s a catchiness to a lot of this, even though it’s a slower album. Some lyrically interesting songs. And it seems deeper than typical “pop” music. There’s certainly a sound behind a lot of the slower songs too where it works well. But something about the sound makes me wish it was less produced and more raw. They’re interesting songs though! I can’t say I really dislike it all. One gripe is a lot of it is slower and doesn’t seem to have a lot of variety in the sound. It’s also a few songs too long. It doesn’t feel like it needs to be 15 songs and an hour long. Overall, I’m somewhere between a 2 and 3. I don’t think it does enough to get me excited to make it a 3. Cut the bloat, make it 40 minutes long and this is probably an easy 3 from me. Feeling generous today so went up.

Not sure I’ve explored this in its entirety, but have definitely rocked out to CCR over the years. Think I had a greatest hits album once. This is all so good. Loving this. Great 60s blues rock/roots sound with hint of country. Great lyrics. Fogerty is awesome. His voice is one of those where you know immediately you’re listening to Creedence. Bad Moon Rising starting off the second half is great. Then it’s followed by maybe the best song on the album, Lodi. It’s as fun and easy of a listen there is out there. Not sure if anything really transcends it to next level 5, but a clear solid 4. Gotta say, what a relief to get a short nice album sometimes.

Finally a Jazz album on this list after about a month. One I’m not familiar with. This is all fine. Simple backing jazz band with some nice vocals. Nothing is overly wowing me but it is a very nice listen. Her voice is great and really elevates some of these songs. I imagine this would be great to be in the room listening to. I thought it was starting to get a little tiring, but then realized I was already near the end of the album. It’s all very fun though. Especially the last song, which ends it on a fun high note. She seems to be having a great time singing these songs. Can hear it in her voice. I’ll give this a 3.

One of my favorite albums of all time and one I’ve listened to a lot. Goes against my generally liking shorter albums considering it’s triple album. George Harrison’s sound here is one of the best. He took a collection of songs that include a bunch he never recorded with the Beatles and had great production on them. I know some think they’re over produced. But that’s what gives it such a great full sound. It’s literally great song after great song on the first 4 sides. Beware of Darkness is the 10th song on the album and starts the third side! The type of great song to lead off an album. When it hits you in a listen, you think how can this still have so much more left. It’s a remarkable song. And the album has plenty left. As always, excited to relisten to this again. Going to listen to both the 2014 remaster and 2020 remix. Over recent years, I prefer the new mix as it’s a clearer sound and George’s vocals have a crisp quality to them. There’s a muddled sound on the original that is part of its sound and charm though. Easy to forget how much of a rock jam Wah Wah is. Great song. Probably one of the best examples of that wall of sound. It’s literally great song after great song. Personal faves are Wah-Wah, What Is Life, If Not For You, Let It Down, Run of the Mill, Beware of Darkness, Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp. Only knock on it is that the third album jam is unnecessary but it still all rocks. As a double album, it’s perfect. It’s the best solo album by any Beatle ever. And one of the greatest albums ever recorded. A true masterpiece. Easy 5/5 for me. This re-listen will have me throwing this on a bunch now. It’s one album I’ve revisited so much and never grows old.

Never listened to a full Ray Charles album before, only familiar with a handful of his more popular songs. Jazzy big band songs on the first half. His voice is great. Has a timeless sound to a lot of this. This is the kind of music that’s very easy to listen to. It’s all very fun. Back half is a lot slower, which seems to highlight the piano and voice more. I think I prefer these ballads, as fun as the first half is. They’re very good. Overall, hard to rate something like this. Wouldn’t normally want to put this on, but did enjoy listening to it. And it makes me want to explore more Ray Charles. His voice is so great and the back half really lets it shine, but the more big band stuff is kinda forgotten by the time you’re at the end of the album. Feels like a solid 3, not sure it did enough for me to get to a 4.

Never heard of this. No idea what it is, except after checking out the wiki, I’ve heard of Frank Zappa. This is so weird and making me laugh. It does have some of that 60s aesthetic, yet it’s just crazy. This is for psychedelic drugs right? This sometimes listens like a modern parody album. Sometimes it sounds like a straightforward 60s rock record. I don’t know what to make of it. It’s mostly fun and I’m enjoying it at times. But it’s wild at times. The shorter songs make it an easier listen. Especially when a more straightforward song comes on. This drags by the time you get to the last few tracks that are experimental noise. Severely wipes away the fun feeling. This is a 2 for me.

I know Traffic from the handful of songs that would come onto classic rock radio over the years. Not sure I’ve ever listened to a full album, but generally enjoy their sound from the little I know. Enjoying this early on. Kinda bluesy 60s rock with some great fun guitars. There’s a hint of 60s psychadelic rock behind some of it. There’s a bit of a funky/jazzy sound on a few songs too. A clean 60s classic rock sound overall on a lot of it. It does seem to lack a cohesive sound, but that might be part of its charm. Vagabond Virgin starts the second half and has a unique sound from a lot of the first half with a heavier flute use. Kinda really liking this overall. When you think it’s finding a groove, it kinda throws you off with a slightly different sound which still manages to keep your interest. Nothing overly blew me away but enjoyed it overall. Feels like somewhere between a 3 and a 4. It’s on the high end of 3, but didn’t wow me as a whole, despite liking a lot of the songs. Not sure if I’ll listen again and decide if it earns the 4, but settling on the 3 for now.

An album I’m very familiar with from years ago. On a string of a lot of 60s rock for a few albums in a row. Excited for this re listen, always a big Hendrix fan. This album is filled with a number of Hendrix’s best. Can practically be considered a greatest hits. What an album. That guitar heavy psych rock of the late 60s is pretty much defined and perfected by Hendrix with this sound. On relisten it still rocks and despite these all being classic rock classics, it never feels overplayed. Hendrix’s guitar dominates the sound but his restrained vocals and the hard rocking drum and steady bass make a full sound here on every track. It’s a great band overall. The harder sound on a lot of it feels innovative. It’s kind of raw yet refined, I don’t know how to explain it. And the songwriting is full of depth. Perhaps Hendrix is underrated in that regard because he’s so renowned as a guitarist. The Wind Cries Mary is a wonderful song. I don’t know what else there is to say, as easy a 5 that there is. Just about a perfect rock album.

Love David Bowie, but I feel like I’ve explored his music through playlists/greatest hits more than listening to full albums. Not sure I’ve ever actually listened to this front to back in its entirety. Full album wise, really only familiar with Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust. Enjoying this a lot through the first half. It’s all very Bowie but seems to be a little disjointed. Favorite songs on the first half are Drive-In Saturday and Panic in Detroit. Bowie telling a story with style in both songs. Second half starts strong with two songs that are full Bowie glam rock: Time and The Prettiest Star. Love these two and then I don’t really like their cover version of the Rolling Stones song that follows. The Jean Genie is catchy and funnily enough sounds like it’s somewhat influenced by the Rolling Stones with that blues guitar riff. It’s good but not among my favorite Bowie songs though. But then the album ends with the really great Lady Grinning Soul. It’s piano heavy and atmospheric in the best way. This album is great. A few songs I don’t think work as well as the best of it though. It’s a solid 4. Don’t think it’s a 5 like some of Bowie’s best but it is a great listen.

Not familiar with Tim Buckley at all. Jazzy folk rock on the first song and enjoying this one. It’s different. Liking that jazzy backing. It’s got a strong element of like soft rock, but his voice is great. Buzzing Fly seems like a really good vocal song. Third track brings the album to a screeching halt. Slowed down and dreary for a few songs. Gypsy Woman is at least interesting as a jazzy improvisational piece with just strong vocals in and out of the track. But it does seem to drag a few minutes longer than it should. Overall, I like the originality of a few of these songs, even if they seem to go on a little too long, but disliked the slowed down boring tunes. And that vibraphone gives some of it a cheesy soft rock vibe. Maybe this reaches a 3. Just doesn’t wow me but it does intrigue me. Settling between a 2 and 3.

This is the second album from them I’m encountering on this list. I think I just don’t really love this genre of 80s rock. It’s all solid, but nothing really excites me. I found the two opening songs to be okay. This seems to be more fun as a whole than their earlier effort I’ve listened to. But it does slow down a little for a few songs and don’t really love their sound when it’s slow. As a whole, I feel like this band is fine. If one song would pop up on a playlist, I wouldn’t mind it, but doesn’t interest me enough for an entire album. Their songs tend to go on a little long too. This album is a 2. I don’t remember much about the first album of theirs I listened to, and this seems in line with that.

Never listened to a full Fats Domino album before. This is going to Spotify as a compilation, so guess that’s the most complete version of this album. This is fun. Just easy to lost in. Old school rock and roll blues that would probably be called oldies these days. Never unhappy with something like this playing. Blue Monday and So Long give you the old school blues vibe but with the rocking band behind. Feels timeless as a sound, yet somehow dated too. Not sure how to explain. Overall, this is fun. Not sure I would choose to specifically put on this collection of Fats Domino songs, but wouldn’t mind shuffling some of these into a playlist.

Best part of this project is encountering music you once loved but just haven’t listened to in a while. Can’t remember the last time I chose to specifically put on Cream, always enjoyed this album and their sound. Clapton, can’t beat that guitar sound. Just perfect tone. Albums kicks off with a few of their best songs. The Bluesy rocking Strange Brew and then Sunshine Of Your Love with that classic guitar riff. Album kind of evolves after those two. Bluesy psychedelic rock with nice harmonies, all dominated by that Clapton guitar. A real definitive sound of the late 1960s. Second half beginning with Tale of Brave Ulysses, an absolute gem. Feels like almost every song works and some are truly great. I just always loved that late 60s psych rock sound. I think the more traditionally blues rock Take it Back and weird vocal final song may be the lowest points of the album and even they’re a fun listen. This is at least a 4 and it feels like this might be a 5. Its peaks are great and love the sound throughout. Really just the last two songs that aren’t on the level of the rest. It’s short and sweet too as an album. We’re Going Wrong is an underrated jam. Went up, not sure it’s really a perfect 5, but it’s a low end one.

Very familiar with all Beatles albums, including their solo work. Been a while since I listened front to back, but several of these songs are regularly in my rotation on playlists. As great as Lennon and McCartney were together, they were also capable of creating great solo music. John Lennon is great here. Not sure if as a whole it’s his best, but it still holds up a lot. Jealous Guy is still one of my favorite John songs, and one of the best things he did after The Beatles. I feel like the first three songs of the first half are great then loses some momentum. It comes back strong for the second Gimme Som Truth is John doing better with political music. George Harrison’s guitar kinda makes the song though. Overall, there’s a distinct Lennon sound on all of this. That atmospheric piano like Oh My Love. That snarky attitude on How Do You Sleep? Crazy to have such a mean spirited song after starting an album with Imagine, but that’s all John for you. That song is a vibe and a jam. Oh Yoko is a perfect pop rock with Beatles-esque catchiness. Probably the second best on the album after Jealous Guy. Great album. Despite being a little up and down at times and wild tone shifts, it’s really good. I’ve been giving a lot of albums I like 5s, and think I have to start being a little selective with some 4s. This seems like a low 5, maybe a high 4. Really enjoy the highs of this album.

Not really familiar with Joy Division. Never explored them at all. It’s kind of a harder rock sometimes punk, guess they call this post punk. Some of it has a bit of that distorted sound on the guitar with a heavy drum and bass. Overall this has a solid sound, but also is pretty dark and dreary at times. Some of these songs are just depressing. Some have a bit of a Doors vibe randomly but mostly a garage rock sound. I liked the opening track, New Dawn Fades and Shadowplay. Some of the darker sound I don’t really enjoy. It’s just not fun. But a few of these songs are really good. Can hear the influence of this on some later bands that would emerge in the 90s. I’m debating between a 2 and 3, but think the better stuff gives it an edge to a 3. It’s got some great guitars. I wouldn’t mind throwing some of this on a playlist. There is a slowed down distorted vibe on a handful of songs that doesn’t click at all for me, but like enough of it.

Never listened to a Cyndi Lauper album but recognize a few of the hit tracks. Excited to explore something different for me. Part of the charm of this list. 80s synth pop rock! That drum sound the synth, it’s all here. It’s actually a very easy sound to get into, but one that I don’t typically choose to throw on. It has a very 80s sound of its time. Part of the issue is that an album like this grows old on you quick vs encountering these songs on a playlist or radio. When pop music is good, it’s unbelievably catchy. Can’t deny that here. The hits are hits for a reason. It’s filled with an energy through the whole first half. I think Time After Time is the stand out. She Bop is also great. This is really fun. Probably as much as I would enjoy 80s synth pop like this. Thinking a solid 3. Gets a little weirder near the end, but overall it’s fun creative pop music. Was debating a 4, but feel like the back few songs fell off a little.

I didn’t realize how many of these 90s Britpop rock bands there were. I always just thought it was Oasis. It certainly sounds very much like a take on Oasis. Early on and it’s fine. This kind of music is always an easy listen and pleasant, but sometimes struggles to find anything distinct about it. There’s a generic quality to it. But it’s still catchy at times and there’s some good songs. I think it kind of slows down after the first few songs as it’s hard to hear much variety in it. Nothing is really a banger type song that grabs your attention, even if it’s all fine. I think the first 4 tracks are the best, and then I liked Only Teethin on the back half of the album. I don’t dislike any of this, but it seems generic so I think I’ll go a 2. Debating up to a 3 because it’s all just fine. But not sure it deserves a spot on a list like this.

Second Deep Purple album in first 50 days. Never listened to this one front to back. Seems like classic early Heavy metal. There’s a great sound here if you’re in the mood for this. It rocks and is fun. Doesn’t have the memorable hits as Machine Head, but overall it’s a fun listen. Very guitar solo heavy with long stretches of that. It’s teetering on a 4, but right now I think it’s a 3. It’s fun, but may not be the most memorable album. But anything here would be great on a hard rock/classic playlist. My favorite song is probably Child in Time.

Other than Clint Eastwood, not sure I know much of this. I’m sure there’s a few other songs I’ll recognize as they were huge when Clint Eastwood came out. This is fun and different. Feels very different than the Blur album I’ve listened to for this. Definitely not that Britpop sound. The album sucks you in with the first four songs, all solid and giving off a vibe and teasing all the subtle hip hop influences then hits you with the banger that is Clint Eastwood, a full blown alt rock/hip hop jam. Great start to an album. It slows down for a few songs after that but definitely stick with that vibe. Comes back strong when Rock the House comes on, followed by 19-2000, both solid tracks. I think this is a solid 4. Loses some momentum in the middle but has a great unique quality to it.

Another 80s English rock band I’m unfamiliar with. Going to listen to the original 10 song album first the sake of this. There’s a lot of bonus songs on streaming. Early on, and definitely an interesting sound. It’s like 80s post punk rock meets 60s rock. Really fun sound. This is fantastic. The kind of unheard of music I was hoping to find on this list. Really enjoyed the first half. The second half doesn’t pack as much a punch. It’s fine, but feels like a little bit of a fall off. There’s really a mix of punk and 60s psych style harmonies. It’s a great sound. The album ends strong with two great songs at the end. Underwater Moonlight might be the best track and it closes the album. This is a solid 4. I was debating up to a 5, but think it has a little lull in the middle that prevents it from fully getting there for me and overall doesn’t have that extra wow factor. But a really enjoyable listen.

I remember hype around this band in the mid 2000s, but don’t think they ever connected with me. I remember listening to some of the Dear Science album. Curious how I feel about this now. There’s an interesting sound. Not sure I fully love it. Staring at the Sun has a nice catchy indie rock sound to it. Overall, a lot of the songs have a background noise quality to them. Nothing is bad, but it’s also not fully grabbing my attention. There’s a soulful funky quality to some of the vocals here and it keeps it interesting with that noise heavy sound. Feels like a 2. It’s unique in ways that are admirable but it just doesn’t wow me at all. It feels like maybe an album and style that would grow on you over time. I wonder if I gave this a few listens how I would feel about it.

It feels like every other album I’ve gotten lately on this list is an 80s British post punk band I never heard of. Let’s check this out. It’s just very punk to me. Not necessarily my preferred sound. But this is fine. There’s nothing remarkable or distinctive here. Sounds like somewhat generic later punk to me. Enjoyed Barmy. Can’t understand what he’s saying and there’s a muddled quality to his voice on some songs that isn’t pleasant. Albums seems to vary between fun punk and boring nonsense. Hard to judge something that has some highlights and could’ve been more refined. But guess that’s punk and that’s part of the point. Don’t hate this but the fact that it’s an hour long, with wild swings from good to not great makes this a 2. Could’ve seen a tight 35 minute album that could be a solid 3 here if it cut some of its excess. But this isn’t it. Some fun punk songs though.

Familiar with Janelle Monae and may have come across some of her songs, but never this album as a whole. Soulful funky dance pop with some rap. That’s what I’m getting here. Very fun. Very different from the usual albums I’ve been coming across here. Every song flows into the next. There’s a defined sound on a lot of it and it’s high energy music. Then slow atmospheric song like Sir Greendown comes on, which reminds me of an old school Bond song. There’s a lot of that here. This album sucked me right in. This is the kind of music I would love to explore more of. Guess I’m a new Janelle Monae fan. Tightrope! What a jam. The slower ballad songs after the heavy dance pop songs really stand out. Oh Maker is great. There’s a mix of genres. Come Alive is like a post punk rocker. Treating this like two sides for each suite, and the first half is practically perfect. There’s such a mix of genres. It’s all funky and soulful but then there’s rock and rap and everything. It’s great. Her voice works with every sound. There’s killer funky guitar behind a lot of this. The album ends strong with a few of those Bond theme sounding songs. Just a great unique album with every song and genre working. What a discovery. This is a 5 for me. Sometimes you listen to something that’s outside your typical listen and that’s where something really blows you away because you don’t know what to expect. This is great. I hope everyone who encounters this gives it a fair listen.

ELO okay. Never listened to this one, but familiar with their popular hits and I know I listened to the album with Fire on High. Catchy Prog rock? This is going to be fun, but not sure how much will be too much. Some really good harmonies and instrumentation. Overall, it’s very fun. You hear the Beatles and Beach Boys influence with the harmonies and a way more 70s aesthetic with a prog rock sensibility. Almost Queen-like except dancier and more orchestral at times. Through two sides, feels like a very good defined album. Another two sides feels excessive but we’ll see. Okay, Side three is good too. I wish this was two albums for conciseness. But it all works. Every song is good. Don’t dislike the sound at all. At some point it feels like too much but there’s enough variety to keep it all interesting. Especially when you’re deep into this thing when Mr Blue Sky comes on. A banger. Feels like the album could’ve ended there. I’m tentative on a 4 here. ELO is better than they’re given credit for. There might be a trimmed down 5/5 album here but they went excessive. By the end of it, you’re kind of worn out. Last side is totally unnecessary. I’m a 4.

Never heard of this, or this band. Early on, and has glam rock vibes, kinda funky with some funk guitars and bass. It has some of an indie dance rock sound on a lot of it, with a throwback vibe on some. I’m enjoying it but it does seem to be a little bit of going through the motions on some of these songs. The Comfortably Numb cover is like a straight electro disco song which I don’t particularly care for. Mary is probably my favorite. It’s a nice ballad, reminiscent of 70s rock. Some Elton John vibes There’s a fun vibe throughout all of this. Not disliking anything. But not sure it’s anything essential listening. Fun though. I like the throwback classic glam rock vibes and then a dance rock synth-over sound comes in that I enjoy way less. Somewhere between a 2 and 3. Was losing me but maybe won me back by the end. I’ll go 3. It’s an enjoyable album, but I’ll argue it’s not essential. But it’s fine.

I enjoy a lot of older U2, and know the few hits from this album but don’t know it well. So practically a brand new listen. Album opens strong with two solid U2 now classics. Stuck in a Moment is particularly great. In general, it’s a bit more pop sounding than 80s early U2, but the opening two songs definitely provide a nice start. Although I guess U2 always has a bit of a pop friendly sound. It’s just easy to listen to. Bono has a such a comforting quality in his voice. Hard to dislike this. It’s really 4 solid songs to start. It slows down a bit but still has solid songs to the end. This is a good album. Not sure it’s great past those first few songs, and it’s not U2’s best. But makes you want to listen to more U2. Solid 3.

Another British punk band I never heard of. It’s very punk except with some added significant saxophone. They’re all short rockers that rock out. Her voice is suited for punk rock. I’m very in the middle on this but am definitely enjoying it. Seems like good early punk that influenced later New Wave 80s bands. Like a lot of punk, it gets repetitive at times. But I’m still liking it. I think the title track is my favorite song with the slowed down style. Stands out from a lot of the rest of the heavier punk sound. This is all pretty solid. Didn’t really wow me, but a good 3 for me here. Some songs are super fun.

I remember Moby from random songs, so will be curious what an entire album sounds like. This is a vibe in a good way. Electronic dance pop music with soulful elements. Really interesting. Some of it has more of a positive sound and some of it is slower. Definitely like songs like Natural Blues. That’s really good. Some of it is also slower and ambient and doesn’t work as well for me. This is really interesting. A little long I’ll say it’s a 3. At times it feels transcendent and brilliant then it sometimes drags on and something comes on that doesn’t work as well. This deserves a spot on this list. Not sure it’s all for me, but some of it is really good and it’s certainly original.

Pet Sounds, a classic I haven’t listened to front to back in a number of years. That baroque sound with perfect harmonies that influenced so much of the music of the late 60s and later. Starts off with one of the album’s best and most well known songs. So much depth to the sound of these songs. Between the instrumentation and harmonies. The songs are all short and to the point that there never feels like a wasted moment. Love a succinct album with defined sound like this. First side ends with a great fun Sloop John B and then side two begins with arguably one of the greatest songs of all time: God Only Knows. Starting off side 2! Just overall? There’s so many great tunes and it’s a great album. It may only have so much mileage as it’s not as “catchy” as similar sounding albums of the era. But shouldn’t use that against it. I still think it’s all great. Those harmonies are just endless. It’s such a defined sound. I think some of the slower ballads may actually be some of the stronger under appreciated songs. You Still Believe in Me and I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times are two perfect examples. This is a 5. Not going to nit pick. I’ll admit my personal preference is that it’s not as good as some of the 60s similar era/similar vibe albums of the Kinks, Beatles, and Zombies. But it’s still about as perfect an album from its era. And the best songs sound great on relisten. You Still Believe in Me just blew my mind on relisten. Just a gem of a song that I hadn’t heard in a long time.

What a cruel list to give something like this the day after Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys. Talk about a contrast. Going to give it a fair listen though, as I do everything. But don’t anticipate being a big fan. Early on, and it’s just loud and somehow whiny industrial sounding metal. They call this nu metal, and it’s one of those genres that I can pick out when I hear it, even if I don’t really understand it. Very late 90s angry vibes. I remember Freak on a Leash and it’s certainly a better sounding version of this sound. Catchier. There are a few better songs that have less of an ugliness to them. Got The Life is better than a lot of the rest of this. As a whole though, this album is noisy and unremarkable and unlikeable. You get past those few first songs and there’s such a sameness to it all. And it’s 70 minutes long for some insane reason. Isn’t for me. 1/5. Probably as far away from anything I would choose to put on. Finishing listening was a chore.

Never listened to this specific album. Their later album, Songs For The Deaf is one that dropped when I was younger and enjoyed at that time. Sound is late 90s/early 2000s hard rock to me. Guess these are considered stoner rock, but it all seems to melt into just the overall hard rock genre for me. Theres a bit of a distinct sound of his voice. It’s solid early on, nothing overly special to me. But a solid rocker. Some good riffs and great drums. Very 70s heavy metal influenced at times, can hear that Sabbath influence on it here and there. It seems to be missing something as a whole from the later Queens of the Stone Age I remember. This is all fine, and a good entry on the list for some genre variety, but surprised if this is the choice over Songs for the Deaf. It’s kind of weird in that it grows into the sound a little and you enjoy it more as the album goes, yet it still somehow feels kinda repetitive at the same time. You Can’t Quit Me Baby seems like the standout on the back half of the album that gives it a little spark of variety. If it had some more that stood out more, can see this as a 4, but think it’s a solid 3. Good and a fun listen, but not special enough.

Another one of those 80s/90s bands I’ve heard of and never really explored. Some good guitars and that distorted sound early on. Feels 90s modern yet throwback garage punk rock like. It’s really interesting and feels unique, but also can see how a lot of this distortion heavy guitar influenced 90s alt rock and grunge. It all feels like a punk band creating their own sound. The heavy feedback and distortion is a bit too much for my liking at times, but it is all part of a clearly defined sound that so many bands lack. That being said, it’s not all for me. It seems to tire out in the last few songs soo. Liked the beginning a little more. It’s somewhere between a 2 and a 3.