1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

180
Albums Rated
3.83
Average Rating
17%
Complete
909 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1960
Favorite Decade
Country
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Cheerleader
Rater Style ?
53
5-Star Albums
5
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

Top Styles

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
5 2.62 +2.38
Yeezus
Kanye West
5 2.74 +2.26
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5 2.9 +2.1
Black Monk Time
The Monks
5 2.94 +2.06
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
5 2.99 +2.01
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
5 3.05 +1.95
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
5 3.08 +1.92
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
5 3.22 +1.78
Being There
Wilco
5 3.23 +1.77
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
5 3.29 +1.71

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
The Wall
Pink Floyd
2 4.13 -2.13
The Man Who
Travis
1 3.01 -2.01
Dookie
Green Day
2 3.79 -1.79
OK
Talvin Singh
1 2.56 -1.56
Funeral
Arcade Fire
2 3.54 -1.54
Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
1 2.53 -1.53
Tidal
Fiona Apple
2 3.47 -1.47
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
2 3.43 -1.43
Opus Dei
Laibach
1 2.39 -1.39
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
2 3.33 -1.33

Artists

Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Beatles 3 5
Nick Drake 2 5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions 2 5
Led Zeppelin 2 5
The Band 2 5
Creedence Clearwater Revival 2 5
Bob Dylan 2 5
Stan Getz 2 5
Talking Heads 3 4.33
Pixies 3 4.33

Controversial

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistRatings
The Rolling Stones 5, 5, 3, 2, 3

5-Star Albums (53)

View Album Wall

Popular Reviews

Yeezus by Kanye West

first off, fuck kanye. second, this album is very good. i don’t think i had ever heard an album like this when it came out and i don’t think i have since.

All Mod Cons by The Jam

pretty good. i think these guys liked the who as i get a lot of that coming thru the tunes. i think i would like it more on repeat listens. i like the kink's cover. i prefer the less punk-inspired tunes on this one.

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys

don’t think the album started off very strong, first four are pretty whatever. like the jazz influence. root down - jimmy smith. sabotage = classic. get it together, q-tip. like the instrumentals.

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire

i thought this band was bland and overrated when they first debuted, and it turns out i still do. i can't believe a guy who dressed like he thought he was jimmy darmody from boardwalk empire would put out a boring album. i would say "ocean of noise" was the best tune on here, but in an album full of unremarkable and unmemorable songs it gets lost.

4-Star Albums (67)

1-Star Albums (5)

All Ratings (180)

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Jan 19 2026

not my favorite TH album. some good tracks and skippers. psycho killer, don’t worry about the government, love > building on fire, thank you for sending me an angel.

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Jan 20 2026

don’t think the album started off very strong, first four are pretty whatever. like the jazz influence. root down - jimmy smith. sabotage = classic. get it together, q-tip. like the instrumentals.

Tidal by Fiona Apple
Jan 21 2026

surprised how low key it is. criminal is a jam and only song i knew. shadowboxing is good. the rest is not really grabbing me. seems a little dated across the board.

Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Jan 22 2026

fun album. some great samples. some very silly rhymes.

Elvis Presley by Elvis Presley
Jan 23 2026

classic debut. good choice of covers. interestingly not a single original. perkins. charles. little richard. pretty strong even without the singles.

Melodrama by Lorde
Jan 26 2026

green light is a serious jam. not sure about the others.

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Jan 27 2026

great album. as good as, better than pink moon? idk. river man is great.

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jan 28 2026

definitely one of the best/my fav costello albums. others include: this year’s model, king of america, imperial bedroom. special love for later when i was cruel and delivery man. not a bad song on the album.

Skylarking by XTC
Jan 29 2026

idk what i thought xtc sounded like, but it wasn’t this. it's very eclectic. pop. classical. psychedelic. indian raga. jazz. dear god is great. making plans for nigel is a great tune not on this album. i was told to check that out as well.

The Man Who by Travis
Jan 30 2026

radiohead-lite. for when the bleeps and blips are just too much for the MOR inclined. it's fine. it’s for high schoolers.

The White Album by Beatles
Feb 02 2026

top three of the beatles album, placement depends on the day (other two, revolver, abbey road). dear prudence is probably my fav beatles song. paul on the bass and drums. the “throw away” tunes are fun. wild honey pie ftw. #9, could take or leave, love the outtakes too.

The Wall by Pink Floyd
Feb 03 2026

i like other pink floyd albums quite a lot, but i do not care for this one very much. too bloated, not enough memorable parts for me. fairly disjointed. most songs would cannot stand on their own. please stop playing different parts of the wall. "hey you" is a good tune. so is "comfortably numb."

Live! by Fela Kuti
Feb 04 2026

love fela. his approach is pretty formulaic, but it works. hook, horns, jam it out, bring it down, back in for the finale. big fan. have his boxset something like ~50 albums.

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Feb 05 2026

let’s stay together is a pure total jam. the back and forth between la la (al al) is chefs kiss. pretty good bee gees cover. really like the up beat numbers.

Feb 06 2026

a solid album. good choice of covers. jazzier than i thought it was going to be (as opposed to straight up soul, if that makes sense). a good blend of genres, i can see how it would have been a groundbreaker when released.

Arrival by ABBA
Feb 09 2026

good, solid art-pop album. a couple low notes. "my love, my life" is maybe my least fav. the rest are pretty good jams. idk if i would have ended it on "happy hawaii". "dancing queen" is pretty grating at this point with its saturation in pop culture, but that's not abba's fault. "fernando" is a jam. gotta love a couple of swedes singing about mexican revolutionaries.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Feb 10 2026

great album. a real marty scorsese classic. "monkey man" and "live with me" are killer "lesser" known stones tunes.

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Feb 11 2026

this one is better than let it bleed. funny i should have them back to back. both five stars, but this was is more five stars. killer opening line up with "rocks off" > "rip this joint" > "shake your hips". love "ventilator blues", "sweet virginia", "loving cup", "tumbling dice". "happy" with keef on the vox.

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Feb 12 2026

it's a good little album. "these days" is probably the best known song (penned by jackson browne). other songs written by/contributed to by big name artists - dylan, reed, cale, hardin. she can't really sing, but it's kind of charming?

Feb 13 2026

great prog-genesis album. peter gabriel genesis > phil collins genesis. that said, phil is a beast on the skins. one of progs' great drummers. i've seen the musical box recreated tours of the gabriel years, and they're a lot of fun - this tour does the whole album and then an encore of some earlier stuff. selling england is a better album (and tour) tho. this is how you make a concept album (looking at you 'the wall'). more than a handful of memorable songs, songs that can be played out of context and enjoyed.

Fear Of Music by Talking Heads
Feb 17 2026

i zimbra. cities. life during wartime. heaven. memories can’t wait. classic funky heads. their first truly great album.

Central Reservation by Beth Orton
Feb 18 2026

not bad. has some good numbers. very lilith faire. some production is pretty dated. ultimately not my thing.

D by White Denim
Feb 19 2026

i saw them open for someone, not sure. i remember it being enjoyable enough. i do not remember it being so proggy and eclectic. a good mix of genres happening. can see it appealing to the jam band crowd and the indie crowd alike. vocalist has a ty segal vibe, or maybe it's vice versa? good stuff.

Mothership Connection by Parliament
Feb 20 2026

p-funk. love it. maceo and fred on the horns. great addition.

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Feb 23 2026

some great tunes. same social commentary can be applied to today (timeless?! :/ ) inner city blues is a jam.

All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
Feb 24 2026

hard to say which of the solo albums released after the break-up of the beatles is the best (mccartney, plastic ono band, atmp). personally, i think it comes down to this or pob. although not alive at the time, i would have to think this was the most surprising of them all. even lp 3 is fun. although the rest of his solo career had some definite highlights, this is without a doubt the best of his albums.

Feb 25 2026

not bad. "daydreamin'" is a jam. like the jay-z tune. horrible album cover. and where's the bass in the mix?

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
Feb 26 2026

another good effort from the stones. three real bangers on here ("sympathy for the devils", "street fighting man", "stray cat blues". i don't think it's as good as the next three however. the other tracks, blues meandering, hit a little less than on other albums. definitely starts the shift to the sound i think most people think of when they think 'the stones'.

Murder Ballads by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Feb 27 2026

love nick cave. this "stagger lee" is the best version of the "stagger lee"s. saw him do it live, one of the best performances i've ever seen. fun to imagine a kylie minogue stan buying this album for her two spots and getting this album.

Be by Common
Mar 02 2026

common? the actor? not bad. good production.

Moon Safari by Air
Mar 03 2026

pretty good. “sexy boy” is horrible tho.

Mar 04 2026

a good listen. very eclectic. "sunday sunday" and "oily water" are definite highlights.

Transformer by Lou Reed
Mar 05 2026

while it's no metal machine music, this album is pretty good too. "walk on the wild side" and "satellite of love" are some highlights. this "wagon wheel" is superior to the 'hootie' version, which i was surprised to learn was actually co-written by bob zimmerman.

Being There by Wilco
Mar 06 2026

wilco has a lot of five star albums and this is one of them. i assume at least "yankee hotel foxtrot" is part of this as well. do not sleep on "a ghost is born", "sky blue sky", "the whole love" - those are worthy of five stars as well. in fact, listen to the whole wilco discography. i truly believe wilco is one of the greatest american bands ever (ccr, grateful dead, r.e.m., the byrds, the band).

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson
Mar 09 2026

love willie. one of his best. if you like this one check out: "shotgun willie", "phases and stages". or anything. i don't know if the guy has a bad album, but i haven't listened to all 100+.

Cloud Nine by The Temptations
Mar 10 2026

interesting album. the first half is like funk soul ala later marvin gaye, sly stone and then the second half is back to what you know the temptations to be. not sure about that "grapevine" version tho...

Machine Head by Deep Purple
Mar 11 2026

i think everyone knows "smoke on the water". maybe "space truckin'". surprised to learn this is their sixth album as it doesn't seem to be that polished. makes me think of high school (idk, why - this is the first time i've listened to the whole album) - just sounds like a band that some high schoolers would make - not necessarily a negative here.

LP1 by FKA twigs
Mar 12 2026

some good beats, interesting lo-fi. reminds me of andy stott. ultimately not my thing, but not a bad listen at all.

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Mar 13 2026

i like lenny but i have to be in the mood for lenny. it’s a good listen. maybe for a depressing saturday night in alone. i prefer “songs from a room”, i think.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Mar 16 2026

i've learned about this concert several times. once in jazz band at school. once in college in a music class. once in ken burns' "jazz" epic doc. the sax solo in "diminuendo in blue" is legendary and essentially revamped ellington's career if i recall correctly. it's a good album. a lot of talking in between, which i'm sure was more customary - and good to capture completely in some cases, but a pared down version would certainly flow better. given the original record and the "complete" would still take the "complete" tho.

Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin
Mar 17 2026

that side b hits hard - "houses of the holy", "trampled underfoot", and "kashmir". dang. then elsewhere you have "in my time of dying" and "ten years gone". impressive. surprised to learn that it was padded out with unused material from previous albums.

Sound of Silver by LCD Soundsystem
Mar 18 2026

"north american scum", "all my friends", and "new york, i love you but you're bringing me down" are highlights. solid discography. never listened to "american dream" tho.

Logical Progression by LTJ Bukem
Mar 19 2026

this sounds like something i made in my dorm room on fruity loops in college. what is supposed to be remarkable about this album that i need to hear it before i die?

Roxy Music by Roxy Music
Mar 20 2026

eclectic album. the tags in the first track are pretty funny. "the bob (medley)" reminds me of some sort of proto-ween. half of "sea breeze" is horrible and the bass is out of tune.

Marquee Moon by Television
Mar 23 2026

great album. great guitar playing. great interplay. a classic.

Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Mar 24 2026

you can definitely tell this is the first album he did with quincy. some great tunes, i’ve never heard before.

The Band by The Band
Mar 25 2026

love the band. push comes to shove i probably like “big pink” more. but still. great stuff. “rock of ages” is my fave tho.

War by U2
Mar 26 2026

solid album. u2 gets a bad wrap for some reason (bono), but they have classics for a reason.

Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix
Mar 27 2026

the title track is one of my favorite hendrix tunes. "spanish castle magic", "ain't no telling", "little wing", "if 6 was 9", "castles made of sand", all great. maybe don't let noel write a song.

Hotel California by Eagles
Mar 30 2026

are you allowed to do a reprise of a song that immediately came before it? guess it makes more sense if you consider the format. kind of peters out at the end. solid. joe walsh is the best part of the band.

Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath
Mar 31 2026

had to be wild hearing black sabbath for the first time. "n.i.b." slaps. the rest is ok. but big points for kicking off doom.

Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev
Apr 01 2026

i like "goddess on a hiway" and "the funny bird". otherwise this album doesn't really do too much for me. much prefer what they have going on in "the secret migration".

Bryter Layter by Nick Drake
Apr 02 2026

nick drake goes electric. it definitely has a more upbeat feel than the others. pretty sure i heard a few of these first from wes anderson films and the garden state soundtrack.

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Apr 03 2026

it’s a good listen. kevin shields live rig is insane. had to pull out the cd because it wasn’t currently streaming.

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Apr 06 2026

fun album. funky, upbeat. wasn't sure what to expect. surprised to learn i had seen ruben blades in some of his acting roles before.

Moondance by Van Morrison
Apr 07 2026

"moondance" is such a boring song, idk why people like it so much. white bread the album. that said, "caravan" is cool. so is "everyone".

OK by Talvin Singh
Apr 08 2026

i wish i had a copy of the book to see the reasoning behind some album inclusions. i enjoy the "world" music inclusions on the list, if only for exposure - some are flat out incredible (fela kuti), but this seems to be an odd inclusion. world music + techno beats does not an interesting album make.

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Apr 09 2026

love it. great covers. james taylor, doobie brothers, seals & crofts. marvin is a funky guy on that bass. ballads aren’t my fav.

Kilimanjaro by The Teardrop Explodes
Apr 10 2026

i've heard the name julian cope but never the teardrop explosion. this is a new one to me. i like it quite a bit. some good and interesting new wave. reminds me of oingo boingo sans elfman.

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Apr 13 2026

it's a solid album. i knew the hits, but the non-single tunes are good too.

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Apr 14 2026

maybe the greatest american band? certainly one of. not their best (cosmo's factory), but still a five star album.

Bluesbreakers by John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Apr 15 2026

it's fine. it's got the mac half of fleetwood mac on it. none of the covers surpass the originals.

We're Only In It For The Money by The Mothers Of Invention
Apr 17 2026

not my favorite zappa by any means. lyrically the topics are as prescient as ever. i prefer the more jazzy, rock output of zappa - not big on the humor overall, but this album does it well.

The Genius Of Ray Charles by Ray Charles
Apr 20 2026

it's a nice album. it's all covers tho. i suppose modern sounds was too, but i preferred that album. the flow is weird - would prefer big band and ballads mixed throughout.

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Apr 21 2026

great album. love the quiet tunes. "what goes on" is a fun little jam. "murder mystery" is a cool, experimental track. "after hours" is a delightful little number with maureen.

Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys
Apr 22 2026

like "ill communication" the best part of this album is the samples.

Low by David Bowie
Apr 23 2026

great album. mostly instrumental which must have been jarring for bowie fans up until this point.

Abbey Road by Beatles
Apr 27 2026

top three beatles album imo. a great one to go out on.

From Elvis In Memphis by Elvis Presley
Apr 30 2026

it’s good. some really good numbers and versions. the bonus tracks included on this include “suspicious minds”, but was not on the original. inclusion might have bumped it up to a fiver.

Fred Neil by Fred Neil
May 01 2026

the album is good, but his wikipedia article give it quite a lot of context as to its inclusion. very influential to many artists on this list: dylan, crosby, stills, parsons. did not know nilsson was not the writer of "everybody's talkin'".

Maggot Brain by Funkadelic
May 04 2026

eddie hazel. george clinton. bernie sorrel. “maggot brain”, “super stupid”, and “hit it and quit it”.

Dookie by Green Day
May 05 2026

i really do not care for pop punk. “longview” is pretty good tho.

Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
May 06 2026

this album is great. used to listen to it very frequently. this and his mixtape "nostalgia, ultra". not a bad track on either album. highlights include: "pyramids", "lost", "forrest gump", and andre 3000's lines on "pink matter".

May 07 2026

this album is pretty good. the slow numbers are kind of a snooze tho. interesting that the wikipedia for mike ladd and the album is so sparse and it's included on this list.

Chris by Christine and the Queens
May 08 2026

it's fine. poppy, catchy enough. good production, vocals. i do wonder about its inclusion in the list tho (and this is not a comment only about this album, it's just the most recently released album i've received from this list). clearly with older albums, most were liked when they came out and have stood the test of time as people still like them to this day. with something as recent as this, i wonder why it was included and who was pushing for its inclusion. it's not particularly groundbreaking or anything. there were some solid 2018 releases that i think will stand the time more: sons of kemet (never heard an album like this before), father john misty, boygenius (similar lgbtq+ appeal, themes, musicians) for example. ymmv, this might boil down to personal preference as i am not typically a poptimist.

May 11 2026

great album by the talking heads. love "take me to the river" and "the big country", the other stuff is good too, but they are not quite yet at their peak.

Music From Big Pink by The Band
May 12 2026

"tears of rage", "the weight", "long black veil", "chest fever", "this wheel's on fire", and "i shall be released"?! hoo boy.

Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday
May 13 2026

very distinct voice. not an everyday album, but lovely to listen to at the right moment.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
May 14 2026

"ramble tamble". nuff said. almost a ccr best of album in its own rights.

C'est Chic by CHIC
May 15 2026

funky funky. everyone knows "le freak", but the rest are jams too.

Thriller by Michael Jackson
May 18 2026

great album, although it closes on its lowest note. i will say it is hard to listen to mj sing about a "pyt" these days.

May 19 2026

solid. makes you feel powerful walking around with this in the cans. good rhymes, good flow. classic.

Ramones by Ramones
May 20 2026

fun album. minimalist approach for every to enjoy. "judy is a punk" is an all timer.

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
May 21 2026

a pleasant album. i like frank and the whole rat pat aesthetic. really only one of the 'hits' i know frank for - "i've got you under my skin". i know the song "pennies from heaven", and like it, but i think we can all agree the louis prima version is superior.

Doolittle by Pixies
May 22 2026

what a banger - so many greats. "debaser", "wave of mutilation", "here comes your man", "monkey gone to heaven", "hey", "gouge away". classic, seminal indie rock.

Frank by Amy Winehouse
May 25 2026

a good listen. very unique voice. nice blend of jazz, r&b, crooner stuff.

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
May 26 2026

the best part of this album is mcvie's bassline in "the chain". "dreams" good too. buckingham tunes are solid. the album's low points are christine mcvie tunes. "songbird" and "oh daddy" are not my thing. but i like "you make loving fun". tusk is better.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
May 27 2026

i think this album really starts to take off on track three, "rags to rags". that, "not ready yet", and "my beautiful monster". saw them once. it was a good show, had never listened to them. also never listened to them again until now, but that was before streaming was a thing.

Peter Gabriel 3 by Peter Gabriel
May 28 2026

good album. not his best, but some definite highs - "biko" is a powerful album closer and i've seen him close with it live as well. "i don't remember" and "family snapshot" are highlights as well. i even have the german version of this album. some big players on the album too. fripp, kate bush, phil collins, dave gregory, paul weller.

Street Life by The Crusaders
May 29 2026

it's a nice jazz album. not great. not their best either (its "tough talk"). don't really care for the title track singing.

Bossanova by Pixies
May 30 2026

"velouria", "allison", and "dig for fire" are great tunes. but this album is not as good as the first two - "bossanova" and "surfer rosa".

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
May 31 2026

this rules. i love when afro-(insert genre here) stuff like this pops up. hopefully there’s more. reminds me of tinariwen had a baby with fela kuti.

Movies by Holger Czukay
Jun 01 2026

CAN you dig it. yes i CAN.

Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy
Jun 02 2026

fun listen. apparently not much has changed since 1990. "911 is a joke" - acab, amirite?

Germfree Adolescents by X-Ray Spex
Jun 03 2026

it was an interesting album, punk with sax.had high energy. might be a grower.

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Jun 04 2026

saw them on their next album's tour. i think i won tickets. it was a great show, but for some reason i never really stuck with them. this is a great album. jazzy, tejano, country, americana. dig it.

Live At Leeds by The Who
Jun 05 2026

first, it automatically jumps you a deluxe album version, which can be forgiven knowing how odd streaming services are and what's available - but should be noted. second, the first released version doesn't start until track five and six on the deluxe version, then jumps to tracks 11-14. so what we are getting is quite a lot more filler than originally intended and in quite a different version. i assume it's due to the way the original sets were, but that isn't noted anywhere. an odd choice though to take the well-known, included in the 1,001 best albums list, best live album ever, and put the original five tracks in and then tack the rest on at the end. that said, it's heavy and there is a lot of energy. if you liked this, check out the deluxe version of who's next: life house and listen to disc 4, the new york record plant sessions, live, exhilarating. better song selection, better sound.

Surf's Up by The Beach Boys
Jun 06 2026

great effort for a 17th studio album by the boys (except you mike love, you suck). "long promised road" is great. so is "surf's up".

Teenager Of The Year by Frank Black
Jun 07 2026

i like it. perhaps a bit too long, but maybe not. the variety is good. interesting from the perspective that you can really here what the other members of the pixies were bringing to the band - it wasn’t just francis.

Rubber Soul by Beatles
Jun 08 2026

the turning point for the beatles. they’re starting to experiment and music will never be quite the same. yay.

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Jun 09 2026

great album. was quite obsessed with it back in the day. loved the harmonies. somehow dated and timeless and timeless and dated. enjoyed their other output as well. but i think the best output may have been father john misty.

Trafalgar by Bee Gees
Jun 10 2026

the bee gees are incredible and this is one of their best. most think disco when they think bee gees, but they were much more. early garage rock “i want home”. revolver-era psychedelic. soul tunes. one of the best bands ever. “it’s just way”, “trafalgar”, “don’t wanna live inside myself”, “lion in winter”, and “walking back from waterloo” are jams.

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jun 11 2026

significantly less annoying than white stoner dudes in high school would have you believe. have never listened to a full bob marley album before. it's chill. "stop that train" and "baby we've got a date (rock it baby)" were highlights for me. still not a big reggae guy.

Jun 12 2026

the rapping is good. the samples/instrumentation is pretty interesting in all, but it's just one per song for the most part and therefore every song gets very repetitive. make the album 70 minutes long and it is a slog to get through. less can definitely be more. i think there is some great stuff in here and with some editing it could be better. i also do not know who rap skits are for. i have never heard anyone positively mention a rap skit.

Van Halen by Van Halen
Jun 13 2026

it's no "1984", but it is good. david lee roth is the only lead singer of van halen as far as i'm concerned. "ain't talkin' bout love", "jamie's cryin'", "runnin' with the devil"... these guys loved droppin' the "g". 'reat tunes.

Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Jun 14 2026

“beyond belief” is such a unique, cool song. i usually have to listen to it a few times because i wish it were longer. this is definitely one of declan’s best albums (“blood and chocolate”, “this year’s model”, “the delivery man”, “my aim is true”, and “king of america” are all strong contenders). “tears before bedtime”, “man out of time”, “almost blue”, these are great tunes.

Vulnicura by Björk
Jun 15 2026

there really is no one quite like björk. really well produced. stunning music.

Back In Black by AC/DC
Jun 16 2026

it's a great rock 'n roll record. big, dumb, simple. killer riffs.

Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes
Jun 17 2026

this album is cool when björk is going off. it's pretty awful when einar is doing vocals. it is very dated. "sick for toys" and "fucking in rhythm & sorrow" are truly awful. but hey it brought us björk and that's cool.

Jun 20 2026

r.e.m. is one of america’s greatest bands. certainly of their era. so many classic tunes and albums and this is one of them. “drive”, “the sidewinder sleeps tonite”, “everybody hurts”, “man on the moon”, and “nightswimming” are classics. but the rest are great too - especially “monty got a raw deal” and “ignoreland”.

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Jun 21 2026

love this album. perfect for the pool, a quiet night, for conversation.

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Jun 22 2026

it's a bop. starts out very strong. "zero" and "heads will roll". the rest of the album keeps up. it's a good listen.

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Jun 23 2026

stone cold classic. everyone knows "coconut", and probably "without you" (although they may know the original by badfinger), but the rest of the album is great. all over the board with styles. "down" and "jump into the fire" rock. "gotta get up", "driving along", and "early in the morning" are catchy numbers. big fan. have his box set. surprising this is his only album on the list. if you like this check out: "song of schmilsson" - the most like "nilsson schmilsson". similar, but more brash, adult. "you're breaking my heart" (you're tearin' it apart, so fuck you) and "spaceman". big players on this one. "pandemonium shadow show" - some great beatles' covers and "cuddly toy" which the monkees would go on to record. "harry" - some more great covers, "i guess the lord must be in new york city", "puppy song", and "maybe". "nilsson sings newman" - all randy newman covers with randy newman, need i say more? "a little touch of schmilsson in the night" - all standards.

The Queen Is Dead by The Smiths
Jun 24 2026

it took me a long time to warm to the smiths. i first came to morrissey with "you are the quarry". push to shove, i might prefer his solo work over the smiths, but that's a different discussion. this album is great. the guitar playing, bass and drums are tight. morrissey is a depressed, crooning bitch, which is when he's at his best, to his own detriment as he has made a career of insipid hot takes for the media he claims to abhor. some of the best tunes of their careers: "i know it's over", "bigmouth strikes again", "the boy with the thorn in his side", "there is a light that never goes out". perfect tunes.

Harvest by Neil Young
Jun 25 2026

a classic. neil is the man. buffalo springfield, csny, crazy horse, solo. what a career. perhaps this is the pinnacle? maybe it's "on the beach"? "havest", "old man", "the needle and the damage done", and of course, "heart of gold". incredible.

A Date With The Everly Brothers by The Everly Brothers
Jun 26 2026

great harmonizing from phil and don. nice little ditties "for listening or dancing". saw them open up for simon and garfunkel once. "love hurts" and "so how come (no one loves me)" are highlights. the white bread take on "lucille" is funny.

Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
Jun 27 2026

i'd only heard "somebody to love" and "white rabbit", which are keystones in psychedelic music. but there are some other gems here is as well. slick's voice is powerful and the only person i've heard come close to matching that timbre of it is amber webber from black mountain. "3/5 of a mile in 10 seconds" is a cool tune. i even like the proto-rap in "plastic fantastic lover".

Rock 'N Soul by Solomon Burke
Jun 28 2026

very solid soul output. great voice.

Wild Is The Wind by Nina Simone
Jun 29 2026

a singular voice, to be sure. kind of all over the board, but i like it. and it makes sense having read that it is comprised out "scraps" of other sessions. i have seen the "what happened, miss simone?" doc, and have heard her songs throughout the years, but this the first full album.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Jun 30 2026

i like tom petty. this has two hits, or at least songs that people would know - "breakdown" and "american girl". but it definitely feels like a debut otherwise. glimmers of what would come, but otherwise not fully formed. looking ahead it's very surprising that this is on the list and not "wildflowers". that album is better across the board. i don’t know anyone that would say this is tom’s best.

Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Jul 01 2026

i thought this band was bland and overrated when they first debuted, and it turns out i still do. i can't believe a guy who dressed like he thought he was jimmy darmody from boardwalk empire would put out a boring album. i would say "ocean of noise" was the best tune on here, but in an album full of unremarkable and unmemorable songs it gets lost.

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Jul 02 2026

it's fine. i enjoyed it, but it isn't super memorable. no real standout tracks. no real stinkers. something of a middle ground. great background music. perfectly ignorable, but if you tune in there's enough to like.

Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jul 03 2026

i like it more than "catch a fire". it's definitely more memorable. definitely more political. i'm still not a big reggae fan, but this one seems pretty solid. band seems tighter than "catch".

Jul 04 2026

this is a classic. i opens with an absolutely banger - "21st century schizoid man". there is no denying that. they open with the highlight and it doesn't get any better, but how could it. i wasn't alive, but i can't imagine anyone had heard something like this before. i have the six disc boxset. "moonchild" really drags this album down. "epitaph" and the title track are awesome. "i talk to the wind" is ok. kind crimson is a hard band to peg down. it has very distinct eras and very distinct lineups. and it's hard to pin down "the best". this one could be in the running for its influence, but there are other strong options and ones i like better. the run from "larks' tongue in aspic" through "discipline" is impressive ("larks'" > "starless and the bible black" > "red" > "discipline").

The Rolling Stones by The Rolling Stones
Jul 05 2026

i like the rolling stones. i think they have a few five star albums. this is not one of them. this has to be one of the most unimpressive debuts for a band that would reach their stature ever. one boring original and some mostly boring covers.

Opus Dei by Laibach
Jul 06 2026

first album where i really didn’t know what to expect and the wikipedia blurb does not give you any clues either. after listening to it i’m still not really sure what it is. but i don’t like it.

Abraxas by Santana
Jul 07 2026

"look something is very wrong! i don't want santana abraxis! i've just been in a terrible auto accident!" - lawrence gopnik, a serious man "so hold on a second. so they're called santana, right? but that guy who's singing is not santana." "no. santana's the guitar player." "then how did he get them to name the band after him?" "i don't know, man. maybe he's just a bad ass." "if that's true then that's... amazing." - a conversion, freaks and geeks somewhere between these two quotes lies the truth. as far as carlos goes, we've always heard about his virtuosity, but i am whelmed. he isn't bad. he isn't outstanding. somewhere between these two statements lies the truth. perhaps it's over saturation, but the two well known songs "oyo como va" and "black magic woman" are the least exciting ones on here. "incident at neshabur" is the most interesting. at least it isn't "smooth".

Repeater by Fugazi
Jul 08 2026

it's cool stuff. fugazi has always been a band that i knew of and generally knew what they were, but never listened to. some of the songs are great, and some are ok. the album feels more like a collection of songs than an album based on the flow, but i suppose that is the typical approach with a band like this. pretty raw production.

Band On The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
Jul 09 2026

a classic from paul mac and wings. essentially only recorded by macca and denny laine, and linda (although to what extent who knows), this could almost be considered one of the mccartney numbered albums. people who rated this album a one or two star are daft. one person said there were no hooks or melodies... do you understand how music works at all?! if you don't like "nineteen hundred and eighty-five" you are simple. /end rant of the solo mccartney/wings albums it makes sense that this is one included along with "mccartney", but it's astounding that "ram" isn't on this list instead of or in addition to the s/t debut. i would also venture "mccartney ii" should be included. "temporary secretary" rules. paul mccartney rules. wings rules.

It's Too Late to Stop Now by Van Morrison
Jul 10 2026

this is a good sounding live album. it's pretty difficult to tell it's a live recording unless the audience chimes in. the band is tight. ...that said, i'm still not the biggest van fan. there are some live albums that can justify their inclusion in a list like this, but i'm not sure this is one of them. i'd have to revisit his other albums in the list, but upon first blush, the versions don't seem to be that much different. if someone had dragged me to this concert, i wouldn't be mad at them, but it wouldn't have converted me.

Jul 11 2026

an impressive debut. lots of energy. it's catchy. interesting enough i’d only heard “dancing shoes” but it was a burns vista social club mashup thing. worked really well. the only album i had previously heard was "a.m." which i liked quite a bit. they definitely grew into a bigger sound as they went on. or maybe that was just the "a.m." album? i'd have to explore more of their discography.

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Jul 12 2026

i got this when it came out, having liked “elephant” quite a bit, but i didn’t really like it at the time. it’s better than i remember, but it doesn’t get better than the opening track.

Yeezus by Kanye West
Jul 13 2026

first off, fuck kanye. second, this album is very good. i don’t think i had ever heard an album like this when it came out and i don’t think i have since.

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Jul 14 2026

please god no. not another arcade fire album. is the debut better than “neon bible“? well, it seems catchier. i honestly cannot remember a thing about “neon bible” and it was less than two weeks ago. but i don’t understand the hype. i didn’t understand it while it was happening and i don’t understand it now. what was it that was resonating with people to make it such a big success? i think other, better bands were doing this much more successfully musical. matt pond pa for example. but i guess they didn’t have a violin player?

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Jul 15 2026

man, australia really was churning out the most milquetoast rock in the 2000s. the vines, jet, wolfmother, powderfinger? c'mon. it's ok australia, i still love you. you gave us - the bees gees, nick cave, early tame impala, the sleepy jackson, king gizz.

A Little Deeper by Ms. Dynamite
Jul 16 2026

eh. i've heard this album before (not this exact one, but many like it). the inclusion is confusing as i'm not sure what the reasoning is. i wish i had a copy of the book to get some insight. is it the more social commentary aspect? not really my thing. the a capella track is bad.

Violent Femmes by Violent Femmes
Jul 17 2026

violent femmes. hell yeah. milwaukee, wisconsin. hell yeah. such a good band. you don't realize how many femmes songs you know until you're at a show and recognize all of them. this album is awesome. everyone knows "blister in the sun", but "add it up", "kiss off", "please do not go", and "gone daddy gone". "good feeling" is such a good way to end the album too. "gimme the car" is a great bonus track. BUT i think their follow-up, "hallowed ground" is their best. and proto cowpunk, alt country. check it out! and check out "add it up (1981-1993)" a best of comp that contains a bunch of their best not included on any studio albums.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Jul 18 2026

it's raw and energetic. jack white seems to be at his best with limitations. i would say this is the second best white stripes album ("elephant" is the best). my jack white trajectory: he's cool > "elephant" > these last white stripe albums have a handful of good tunes > raconteurs is cool > all your vinyl stuff is pretentious and i like vinyl > ignoring solo records > enjoying his political stances > reviewing his album on 1,001

Jul 19 2026

another milwaukee-related group. like most of the hip hop albums on this list so far, i appreciate the samples and construction of the songs more than the songs themselves. it was an enjoyable listen tho. i really enjoyed “mr. wendal” and “u”.

Jul 20 2026

i like country music overall (not pop country, or bro country or whatever the fuck is on the radio) and had only heard of joe ely. this is a fun record and a solid country album. maines is tearing it up on the pedal steel.

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Jul 21 2026

would do it to it. also james jamerson.

Rum Sodomy & The Lash by The Pogues
Jul 22 2026

bono has really let himself go... first - i wish this site/experiment was a bit better at pulling the original album than it is. there are a lot of people complaining about this album being 18 tracks long (it's not). but i understand it is based on what is currently streaming. second - this is fine. the production is on the rawer side, which i think works for what it is - a rowdy time in an irish pub at three in the morning. the songs are solid, i like the reinterpreted traditionals and the covers. but ultimately, i am rarely in the mood for irish music.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Jul 23 2026

very funny that wikipedia doesn’t know which number album this is for fela. i have the boxset of all of albums somewhere… i bet they know in there. big fan of fela. i don’t like this one as much as the live one with ginger baker on this list tho. it is still great however. my favorite of his is “afrodisiac”. all jams.

Tical by Method Man
Jul 24 2026

i liked this one a lot more than raekwon's "only built 4 cuban linx". we'll see if it holds against the other wu-entries on this list - "liquid swords" and "fishscale". "bring the pain" was the highlight. liked the beats. good rhymes. who first learned of method man from limp bizkit's "n 2 gether now"? lol.

Led Zeppelin III by Led Zeppelin
Jul 25 2026

perhaps their most varied album? every song is a classic, except for maybe the closer, but it's a fun psychedelic way to end the album. it rocks. it's laid back. it's got banjo and pedal steel. it's got norse mythology. what more do you people want.

My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello
Jul 26 2026

killer debut from declan mcmanus. “alison”, “less than zero”, “red shoes”, “welcome to the working week”. bangers. no doubt i will be rating this higher than most just like his other albums on this list.

1989 by Taylor Swift
Jul 27 2026

“you could've been gettin' down to this sick beat” <insert white girls clapping> i do actually think this is a pretty solid pop album. but that part is hilarious. i’ve heard all of these songs before but not these versions (ryan adam’s cover album).

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
Jul 28 2026

i like it. the playing is solid and so is the group, i only wish i liked the songs more. chances are, if i’m putting on a coltrane album it is going to be “giant steps” tho.

Let's Get Killed by David Holmes
Jul 29 2026

alternate title: david holmes presents the best of dvd menu music vol. 2

All Mod Cons by The Jam
Jul 30 2026

pretty good. i think these guys liked the who as i get a lot of that coming thru the tunes. i think i would like it more on repeat listens. i like the kink's cover. i prefer the less punk-inspired tunes on this one.

Jul 31 2026

motörhead is a band that döes öne thing and döes that thing very well. and that thing is play blistering röck n' röll. the öriginal album is tight, but i alsö really like the bönus tracks thru "bite the bullet"/"the chase is better than the catch", (ör "the chase is better than the crabs" as lemmy calls it ön the album, löl) beföre it starts rehashing with the same tunes fröm different nights. sölid.

At San Quentin by Johnny Cash
Aug 01 2026

it's cool he played at prisons, but the "at folsom prison" album is far superior to this one. this album is primarily slower songs and banter. very interesting that of all his albums, two live ones make the cut (along with an "american" entry). if i had my druthers, i would remove this one and slot in "bitter tears: ballads of the american indian" - a collection of songs about the native american diaspora and addressing their harsh and unfair treatment by settlers. many radio stations refused to play it, controversial at the time.

Is This It by The Strokes
Aug 01 2026

classic. can’t say i’ve really kept up with the strokes, but this was a jam.

Parklife by Blur
Aug 02 2026

eh. i don’t know if i’m really a blur guy i’m finding out. maybe it’s the wrong day, but i don’t find this all that appealing. i think it’s fine. the only song i find memorable is “girls & boys” because i knew it - but i don’t really like it. it is eclectic, i’ll give it that.

Palo Congo by Sabu
Aug 03 2026

it was a good listen, but perhaps there is some bigger cultural reason for its inclusion on the list as i've heard albums like this since. unlike other 'world' entries on this list, i don't know if i would revisit it often.

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Aug 04 2026

great album. perfect for a hot summer night or poolside or whatever the heck else you want.

Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan
Aug 05 2026

finally some dan, man. this album is so good. they all are. idk what it is about the dan, but it takes a bit for you to get and when you do you really do. pre-studio as an instrument steely dan, walter becker's bass tone is so on point its crazy. skunk's guitar and pedal steel, suh-weet. has some great lesser known songs: "king of the world" is awesome, the bass, the synth solo, hodder's kit. "pearl of the quarter" has great steel playing - so underutilized in rock/jazz. "your gold teeth". the only negative is a personal one, and that is that i am such an avid "live in america" listener, that "bodhisattva" falls a bit flat from that live version (this is not a detraction overall). the would reach higher heights that i'm sure we'll get to on this list, but no notes. also - "show biz kids" sample alert - super furry animals "the man don't give a fuck".

The Idiot by Iggy Pop
Aug 06 2026

iggy does bowie. or is it bowie does iggy? a great collab released under iggy's moniker. a definite departure for james newell osterberg jr., his first after the stooges' collapse. highlights include "dum dum boys", "mass production", and a far more raw "china girl" than what bowie would go on to record. but the whole record is great.

The Real Thing by Faith No More
Aug 07 2026

i've managed to see mike patton twice by happenstance. once opening for tool with tomahawk and once at a poorly attended, one-time festival with peeping tom. since then he's popped up on my radar on a few john zorn records. tomahawk - decidedly not my thing in 2002, but have never revisited. peeping tom - a fun watch and i have a copy of the album, but it hasn't been a thing i've listened to since 2006 probably. it does have some cool collabs (rahzel, dan the automator, kool keith, massive attack, kid koala, norah jones, dub trio). the live group also had rahzel dub trio. john zorn - hell yeah. anyways, faith no more... i'd only ever heard "epic", so i assumed it was all rap rock. it is definitely not that. "epic" might be the least exciting tune on the album. it's far more eclectic and veers far more towards metal and rock. "zombie eaters" and "the real thing" are great tunes. an instrumental is an odd way to end the album tho, imo. the "war pigs" cover is a fun bonus.

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Aug 08 2026

will will butler finally have a win with win butler? please let this be the last two arcade fire albums. … ok it is better. serviceable. more catchy and memorable tunes - even in some cases if it is for annoyance (ro-co-co anyone?!). i stand by the claim that other less notable bands were doing this better.

Time (The Revelator) by Gillian Welch
Aug 09 2026

such a good album. “april the 14th part i” is one hell of a song. so is “everything is free”. they hit. great song writing. killer harmonies. great pickin’. have been lucky to see gillian and dave rawlings live twice.

Lost Souls by Doves
Aug 10 2026

i’ve heard of doves. i never heard doves. i didn’t think doves sounded like this - crying our otherwise. i must have confused them with one of the many avian-monikered bands out there. pretty good. a little psychedelic. a little shoegaze-y. would listen again.

Aftermath by The Rolling Stones
Aug 11 2026

not my favorite stones by any means. but it is solid. “under my thumb” is great. other personal highlights are “mother’s little helper” and “i am waiting”. the u.s. version with “paint it black” is cool too. certainly gives this album another single.

Throwing Muses by Throwing Muses
Aug 12 2026

unfortunately the debut doesn’t seem to be on my streaming service so i tracked down what i could elsewhere. and i listed to what was linked as well. i think the music is pretty good, and poetry interesting, but the vocals are hit or miss. it’ll be humming along pretty well and then the vocals will throw me for a loop that isn’t really doing it for me. maybe on a different day.

Aug 13 2026

the album isn’t bad. i am confused how this album became so popular it made its way to SNL for the iconic moment tho. that , i was three at the time. i thought i was gonna hate this album due to the first track being a slog, but i really liked “i am stretched on your grave”. third track was again a slog. but i liked the rest too. well, except when everything kicked in on “last day of our acquaintance”.

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Aug 14 2026

i liked it. a band i had heard of but never listened to.

Sea Change by Beck
Aug 16 2026

a classic breakup album. a heart so broken it removes the funk from beck.

In Utero by Nirvana
Aug 17 2026

my early teens were spent with this album on repeat. it’s raw. digestible. powerful. it still holds up. it's not often that a band successfully tries to capture a more unrefined sound after a smooth mega hit. easily their best.

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Aug 18 2026

very solid “debut“. some absolute classics. falls apart at the end after “vamos” imo. “tony’s theme” is also forgettable. the rest tho, incredible.

Odelay by Beck
Aug 19 2026

from sad beck to funky beck in four days... surprised to learn this is his fifth studio album. i’ve seen beck twice and it’s a great show - especially the information/puppet tour. this is solid and very eclectic with a few of his better known songs, but it isn’t may favorite - night vultures is too good to not be on this list. although i’m not mad at any of the inclusions.

Aug 20 2026

side one - the audacity of having a song called “introduction” and then the album goes “does anybody really know what time it is?" which has two intros?! three intros?! my gawd. side two - listen. side three - even more audacity with "free form guitar". giving almost seven minutes to guitar wankery. insane. side four - sounds from the democratic national convention. jazz rock is cool. horns are cool. stop pretending it isn't.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears by The Mamas & The Papas
Aug 21 2026

counterculture lite. "california dreamin'" is an all timer. "monday, monday" is pretty good. the rest is fairly forgettable hippy sappy dreck. even the beatles' cover is so boring you don't even realize it's a beatles' tune. nice harmonies and production tho.

Aug 22 2026

the beats are good. the rhymes are clever and juvenile. the lyrical content is rough. welcome to 2000. mtv is playing britney spears, n*sync, eminem, "the thong song", "back that azz up", p.o.d., limp bizkit, papa roach and blink 182. america is truly a melting pot. luckily 9/11 would happen soon enough and sort it all out and we would all be better off in our relatively fast ascension into the christo-fascist, techno-surveillance pearl clutching landscape we've been in ever since (less an eight year reprieve, give or take) where country songs about jesus ruling america and our hearts play as the background to the doings of white losers that internalized the surface level message of these songs as whole their personality. as fortune would have it, we've elected them all. frosted tips and puka shells have been covered by ubiquitous red caps and replaced by a crucifix. was this the last time music was dangerous? certainly this pervasively and explicitly in the cultural zeitgeist.

Cheerleader

Average rating: 3.83 (0.47 above global average).

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.