1001 Albums Summary

Really funky, heard TTC in this

This is exactly what I imagined a white dj from the 90s would make

Really dope use of strings. Lyrics didn't move me very much. Feels like it's just a 30 min jam. Which is cool! But also not ground breaking to me

Very funky album - kinda feels like he was trying out a new sound. I was surprised to find out it came AFTER Purple Rain. Some people say it's better but generally I disagree Highlights: Ballad of Dorothy Parker, The Cross

Was very cool and had some bangers. Interesting to see how they teetered between country/soul on this album a little more than they did their debut. Favorite Songs: Parker's Band, Through with a Buzz

Just general feel good music. The harmonies are absolutely crazy Highlights: Midnite Blue, Lil Darlin

Idc what the people say this was a very fun album with some funky elements. Frampton was having fun with the crowd Highlights: Money, All I Want To Be (Is By Your Side)

This is my first time of the 1001 where I am very familiar with the album, so it's hard for me to take a step back and think critically about it. I tried to listen through and document how many I'd skip. Realized I'd probably only skip love song. She's too damn good. The first half is banger after banger tho. Kinda slows in second Highlights: He Won't Go, Someone Like You

Man. What an album. It's damn near perfect. Absolute elite world building and story telling. Takes you on a journey where you end right back at the start. Forces you think about how we should see the god in everyone. And let's talk about the MUSIC. Wow! Elite use of vibraphone or some type of metalophone percussion - gives it this ethereal floating through sky vibe. I loved it all. This album just makes me want to be better to people.

I don't hate it. It reminds me of a simpler time. The album is definitely painfully millennial (lol). They synths made me feel alot of nostalgia -- feel very true to early 2000s. I just don't think it's necessarily for me. Highlights: As Above So Below, Forgotten Works

This was pretty good. Psychedelic is always fun when done right. Santana is a master and it's easy to tell. I do wish some of the tracks at the end were pushed to the front, but that's a stylistic choice. Highlights: Oye Como Va (ofc), Hope You're Feeling Better (!!!)

About three songs in I realized it was a rock opera - that's on me the first song is literally called Overture. The writing is way better than the music imo, but I do really love the world building. What I can say about this album is that each instrument has a purpose and connection to the albums overall allegory which I thought was really cool: Highlights: Acid Queen, Sally Simpson, We're Not Gonna Take It

Is this characterized as post punk? I really love the grunge influence and you can hear the influence this had on several bands I fw today. Highlights: Black Tongue, Maps

I really try to go into these unbiased but this whole album just feels like it was stolen from black rock artists and repackaged for a white 60s audience. The organ playing was sick tho -- probably my favorite part. Paul Revere had some sauce with that Highlights: Kicks, Shake It Up

This is my first Radiohead album that I've listened front to back. Never thought RH was bad just hadn't gotten around to it. I definitely get it now. V experimental in all the right ways. Creepy but funny. Introspective. But never goes too far out that you don't know what's going on. Well fucking done. Highlights: Pyramid Song, I Might Be Wrong, Life In A Glasshouse

I just know that Brian Eno thought he was doing something with this album. Finished it and had a smug look on his face, knowing he had created...something. I think I'm just not a fan of glam rock. If it's not Bowie it just sounds off. The arrangements were really cool I'll give them that. But I hated pretty much all of the mixes. There were so many times I was like...why is this ONE chime loud. Lyrics were annoying Highlights: Needles In the Candle's Eye

Thank you 1001Album gods for putting this album right after I listened to Brian Eno, because I was easily able to pinpoint why I did not like this album. The whole thing felt like I was trapped in Buffalo Bill's dungeon idk Highlights: Beauty Queen, Editions of You

Really love how Coltrane writes lyrics without writing lyrics. Like it's clear he has a word in mind for his notes. Generally jazz moves me but I don't have the range to critique it, feels like high art where I just let it wash over me. Feels like a bath. So I can't say why I like it I just do

Not a big fan of Bono's voice but definitely dug some of the riffs and the overall themes. Not bad I just think that Bono sounds like he's whining most of the time Highlights: Bullet The Blue Sky, With Or Without You (ofc), In God's Country

I actually really enjoyed this album, I just wish there was more of it. Each track felt like the beginning of an idea that wasn't really developed (except for the final few tracks). This is a really different approach, especially in 70s where songs were like 5-8 min long. The Americana influence is so interesting - like it's very much a British guy making American-based rock & roll but he does a great job of blending both worlds. Lyrics were very solid too Highlights: Man We Was Lonely, Junk, Kreen-Akrore

Was this a good album? No. But did Julian Cope put something cohesive together? Also no. But did he at least keep me interested? Well, no. But did the songs sound like straight Crash Bandicoot loading page music? Yes.

I can appreciate this tbh. I need to do more research on how much he stole some the early rock stuff from black influences. You can definitely tell there are influences there. The lyrics are killer tho. Really love how he plays with pocket -- i guess that's his schtick. Highlights: Maggie's Farm, It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)

Nothing inherently wrong with this one it's just kind of boring. Rock & pop from the 70s/80s gets all this shine but when you really dive in, the whole genre is top heavy. The greats are great, but you have this kinda stuff that is considered middle class and doesn't hold up. I didn't really have much fun after the first few tracks. It became background music that I'd hear in an old record store. Highlights: Do It Clean, Rescue

I'm surprised how much I liked this album. Very cool arrangements and Neil's voice aint half bad either! Was impressed - wish he would have named his tracks better. Everything ain't the blues. Highlights: For The Turnstiles, See The Sky About To Rain

This was a journey! Very Quintessential modulations and beat changes on a dime that I now realize have always been Fiona. Nothing feels sporadic tho. Everything feels carefully timed while and she creates these movements in her song that feel very true to piano. Never felt like I was listening to a 5 min song. Really enjoyed it all around - and to think she put this out at 18??? Highlights: Sleep To Dream, Shadowboxer (ofc), First Taste

A really dope album. Love the vintage distortion of the instruments and Jack's voice. Very bluesy in ways that demonstrate an homage to the greats. Eclectic tastes between the two of them. Highlights: I'm Finding It Harder To Be A Gentleman, Fell In Love With A Girl, We're Going To Be Friends (ofc)

It didn't suck, it's just exactly what I'd expect from 5 white guys in the 60s. They were so up they had nothing to actually talk about so they just made whatever the fuck this is. I bet if this shit goes hard at a bingo night in a wisconsin retirement community tho Highlights: Higgle-dy Piggle-dy

The thing about Elvis is that critiques should be largely centered around his voice because literally nothing else about his music is his. His voice is fine -- he uses the same vibrato trick and I guess in that era that would've been cool to hear. But his schtick goes stale for me maybe a quarter into the album. Not really my cup of tea. Highlights: In The Ghetto (ofc), It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'

This is a fun album nothing more nothing less. Why does this remind me of Lou Vega

This album is a journey. I really enjoyed her take on folk - felt very James Taylor meets America. Really interesting use of new instruments and were those synths i heard? I'm not even sure. Also! The opening song is probably my favorite opener of the series so far. Highlights: In France They Kiss On Main Street, Don't Interrupt The Sorrow, Edith and the Kingpin

Idk man I feel like it's some dad in the midwest that busts it wide open for this album it was just generally a little boring for me. Had it's moments but very hard to follow along. Not a lot of variation or diversity and felt like one long thought but not in a good way. Highlights: Rococo Zephyr, Faith/Void (but like not the whole 9 min, more like 2:00-5:00

This is genuinely a fun album. There are so many sounds and parts that I really like. My biggest critique is that I'm not exactly sure the Youngbloods themselves knew what they were going for. It's all over the place, sometimes to its detriment. But I really enjoyed the goofiness of it while also maintaining really beautiful chords. Feels like a forefather of yacht rock at times. Highlights: On Sir Francis Drake, Quicksand

Nina Simone's voice IS the instrument. No one on the album outshines her. Timeless sound for sure and the way she talks about unrequited love be making ME mad lol. Highlights: Four Women, Lilac Wine, That's All I Ask

It's not necessarily bad, it's just a painfully british & 90s album. The divorce dads who go up for this stuff probably swear by it, but to me it's just boring. There are barely any dynamics which make the whole thing stagnant. The swells (or lack thereof) are not significant enough to make me stop for a second listen. The lyrics aren't very imaginative either. It's not a bad album. I swear it. Just not for me. Highlights: So It Goes

This album fucking rips. Top to bottom. The chords are way more complex than I would have thought would come out of this kind of rock band. It rocks but the musicality holds up. Makes you want to head bang even as a jazz enthusiast Highlights: Since I've Been Loving You, Tangerine

This is basically an avengers/who's who of all of the best artists in 2010 entering a world that Kanye built to lament on becoming famous. His vision and message is clear and everything is carefully thought out. It's everything I love about music. Hardly have any notes. It's hard to critique objectively but I tried! There are no skips and the album holds up. He's an awful dude but I understand why his stans refuse to let him go. There's always a chance you might get something like this. He holds the supply. Highlights: Runaway, Dark Fantasy, Monster

Just general good ass jam band music. Would love to hear this shit live tbh. My only criticism is it feels *too* easy of listening at times. But who can complain? Highlights: Shoot You Down, Waterfall

It's definitely an interesting one. I don't even know how I would classify it other than not my cup of tea. It's not as bad as I expected it to be but the everything about is kinda forgettable outside of the lyrics. She's got a very unique style that I can appreciate Highlights: Guilt, Working Class Hero

Judging from the reviews, this album is sorely misunderstood. But to be fair, it's really hard to pin down what Tropicalia is. Either way, you can feel the roots of modern Brasileiro music all over this. It is a very sweet album. Highlights: Clarice, Onde Andaras

Like very oddly rapey. I did not realize how weird this fucking band is because I've only heard singles Highlights: Paint It Black

There is so much britpop on this list and literally none of it is good. Highlights: Startstruck

I'm very glad that I listened to Tommy before this, because while I really enjoyed these songs I think it lacks originality. It leans very Americana, and I sound like a broken record but it's very clear that a lot was taken from Black artists. And while this feels more like appreciation than imitation, idk if they've ever credited their sources (and I tried to check and do my research!) That being said there are definitely bangers. My Generation still holds up. Highlights: My Generation, Kids Are Alright, Much Too Much

Beach Boys, I was not familiar with your game! The harmonies are actually insane and I was not expecting them to get as political as they did. A really cool album with very strong themes - feels like a bait & switch when you look at the title, which is my favorite type of album. Highlights: Disney Girls, Feel Flows, Student Demonstration Song

The music is fire, I just wish he did more world building. With a title & cover like these, I was expecting more outright symbolism. Maybe I missed it! It's definitely one I'll be returning to. The music is very lush and I love the little overtures before each song. Wanted to give it a 5 but I need more story for that. Highlights: When Seasons Change, Blue Monday People

Very very cool psychedelic album. Not much to say other than I really enjoyed and the lyrics were very fun. Sunshine of your love holds up! Highlights: Sunshine of Your Love (ofc), Outside Woman Blues

If I'm keeping it a buck? Very uninspiring. Just 4/4 rock sounds that fit perfectly into a grid. Not bad, not good. Just bleh. No need to return to it. Highlights: Fuckin Up, Mother Earth

It's cool or whatever but it's basically just a collection of loops and while I could imagine this went up at a 90s warehouse party, it's doesn't hold up on a casual listen. Highlights: Right Here, Right Now (ofc)

This is a very sweet but sleepy album. All of the songs could have been like 2 min shorter. Esp the last song like why was that 11 min long. Her voice absolutely carries though. The country/folk sound is undeniable Highlight: Everything Is Free

I dig the sound and it there are some highlights but I'm glad I listened to the other album first. I really appreciated how punk it was and this feels like a deviation from that. Still a solid album Highlights: Heads Will Roll, Runaway

This album is very hard to rate from an unbiased perspective or without context. I get what the critics say about the unmixed, bedroom sound. But the sounds derived in a small VA studio drastically affected the sounds of the 2010s &20s. Even if I were listening to this in a vacuum, it'd be clear to me that this band has something. They mix genres that hadn't been considered before, and serve as a link between modern pop & hip-hop. I get what the haters tho about it's lack of cohesion, though. It's the only reason I can't give it a 5. Highlights: Maybe, Drill Sergeant

Very middle of the road album but I will admit the lyrics were fire. I dig their blend too. Highlights: California Dreamin (ofc), Spanish Harlem

This mf just put anything on this list, huh.

They can never make me hate you, Anita Baker. You have a right to talk your shit. What they call overproduction, I call musicality & texture. What they call cliche, I call relatable writing. The band behind her was playing behind her. If you are a Japanese city pop snob and you gave this a 1, you are the problem. And the VOICE. Do not ever disrespect the voice. She takes us to church on every track. To my non-white OAAD fam: This 1001 list and the loudest reviewers in the room try to make this challenge inherently anti-black (anti-other for that matter). Don't let them gaslight you into thinking an album is not generational. This is definitely an example. Highlights:The first 3 songs are an elite run. Turn this shit on and I feel like I need to pick up a broom and clean somethin.

Honestly way better than expected. The blends were very cool and almost feels like Frampton-esque jam band. My only problem with it is it feels like it kind of molds together. All the songs are feel like the same rhythm. I still enjoyed it tho Highlights: Moral Kiosk, Catapult

This is literally everything you could want in an album. Words that matter, big band with complex chords, and it just makes you want to dance. You cannot sit still with this album. Highlights: The Whole Thing -- it's really only 4 songs

Definitely not my favorite Stevie album. Very sleepy. But even when his tracks are at their least memorable, the music still takes over and holds up. He even speaks Portuguese on this one! Highlights: You Haven't Done Nothin, Bird of Beauty

I can acknowledge that hip hop was not the best in the 80s, and by all accounts this is likely a good showing for the style of the time. I can also acknowledge this group's effective music knowledge in their sample. That being said, it just doesn't resonate for me. The lyrics fall flat. It's def a fun album but if I'm looking for pre-90s rap, this one wouldn't be one I'd come back to. There's talent there though Highlights: Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun, Shadrach

A little slow in the beginning but the back half of this album fucking rips. Every time I was caught in a headbang they brought me back with the feels. I woulda ran this into the GROUND back in middle school. Highlights: Geek USA, Spaceboy, Luna

Not too sure about this one. A bit predictable, as much of the 80s tends to be, but the words are very sweet and if I needed an album that I think my mom would love I would put this on. Matter of fact, I'm sure she does love this album lol this is from her era. Highlights: Goodbye Sunday

As far as metal goes for me, pretty interesting. My problem with the genre at large is its lack of versatility - all sounds the same to me. But it still slapped during my morning workout Highlights: CIU

Undeniable album. Elite synergy between the band & Bob. The chords won't quit and it feels like he's at his best on this album. So many hits. Highlights: The whole thing is smooth, but the back half has all the goodies. One that doesn't get enough attention tho is the title track, Exodus.

Honestly not the worst just like painfully boring. If you're gonna be psychadelic be a little experimental plz Highlights: How You Love

This was cool. That's about it. Nothing like exceptionally moving about it but could be really good background study music. Highlights: Alice in Wonderland

Honestly just weird? It just skates past a 1 rating because it isn't unlistenable, but just not my cup of tea. I also take pause about someone who can find so many ways to sing about killing women but ok

Not much to say about this one. Very cool blues and distinct voice but also very run of the mill for the time period. Highlights: Feel So Good, Soon Forgotten

This album is a perfect example of the early 2000s movement. Like extreme millennial optimism. It’s fun and taps back into a progressions of the 50s & ups which I really mess with, but doesn’t have much replay value. Highlights: Confusion, Not A Lot To Do

Very hard to rate this because this is unlike anything I've ever listened to. It's this interesting oscillation between the pop music (60s jazz/soul) of the time and her native music in what I'm assuming is Afrikaans? It's interesting though I will give it that. She's a powerhouse singer and what she is able to do with her voice, especially with the percussion of her native language is a real gem that I'm happy to have heard. This was a strong 4 for me until the penultimate track. That shit pissed me off I'm ngl. Highlights: Lakutshn, Ilanga & Suliram

The samples on this album are crazy. This is an album that stands out ahead of all the lame 80s rap that was coming out...I'm looking at you beastie boys Highlights: Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos, Don't Believe The Hype

I don't know why I was expecting a heavier sound. It didn't disappoint, but I've been hearing about Megadeth being super hardcore and a lot of their songs felt melodic. Maybe this is my ignorance with metal showing, but I enjoyed the album nonetheless. Highlight: Devils Island

Pretty boring. Not much to say about this one. 80s pop is very hit or miss Highlights: Happiness is Easy

Really into the timbre of the guitar on this album. Very cool chord progressions. Feels like an inspiration for Turnstile, especially the lead singer. Highlights: Then She Did..., Classic Girl

Very cool and of the times but feels like they were playing with new music tech like drum machines and updated DAWs and they relied on the novelty of that instead of the creativity they're known for. Radiohead is a head above the rest but def not their best work. Highlights: There, There

Once again adding the disclaimer that I am not a metalhead but this album lacks a lot of imagination. The lyrics feel like they were written by the problem student in your 7th grade class who you try to make friends with just on the off chance that he snaps. Band behind the lead singer is just so repetitive it's hard to get into. There is better metal than this.

Beach Boys are always pretty good but about half of these songs feel unfinished. Great ideas that needed to be developed. The album is really held up by the songs we all know. That being said, those songs are too good to be denied. Would love to give this album a 3.6 or 3.7, so I'm just gonna round up. Highlights: Wouldn't It Be Nice, God Only Knows

Rush is one of those bands that you never know the name of but has a CLEAR sound. They really take you on an experience. Highlights: Tom Sawyer, YYZ

Very smooth, very simple country songs but I loved it. The steel guitar and the banjo were the stars of the show, but I really dug the storytelling throughout Highlights: Banks of the Ponchartrain, One of These Days

As a Joni fan this is def not my favorite album but it has all the makings of a "good" album. I love how she interpolates snippets of well known works into her folk songs (see: River for the most obvious) and you can't talk about Joni without mentioning CONTROL. That being said the space between a 3 and 4 for me are how captivating the songs were and none of these are captivating so there you go. Highlight: This Flight Tonight

One of the most interesting parts of this 1001 album challenge is being exposed to more music from the 60s, and understanding how much of the pop culture of the times was stolen from black artists. It's not even imitation being flattery, it's downright minstrelsy lol. There is no part of this album that couldn't have been done by Little Richard, or another Motown artist. One might say, listen to this music without bias! Without context! They didn't even make it without black context - half of these songs were literally written by black artists. It's actually very important for these types of albums to be on this list; so music fans hear how toothless and bland music can be when in the wrong hands. Just hootin and hollerin and performing for no real reason.

These guys really dig a guitar solo. The album is definitely not bad just feels they like overused music tropes throughout. It was a fun listen Highlights: Little Wing, Layla

Favorite thing about Jack White is you can really hear all of his influences in his music but it never feels stolen. Always feels like appreciation. This was edging on a 5 for me but I was waiting for one track to blow me away and none really did. That being said, it's still a fire record. Highlights: I'm Shakin, Sixteen Saltines

Not a big fan of 80s rap (i know this is 91 but it's def 80s coded) but Ice-T kinda won me back with the creative lyrics and funny punchlines. This is one of those dope occurrences where the rapper outshines the instrumental. Love how he mixed genres and stayed true to what he knew. I'd give this a 3.6-3.7 but I'm just gonna round up. Highlights: Straight Up Nigga, Escape The Killing Fields, The Tower

Them white people was going UP for Duke at this concert goddamn. So much control Highlights: Blues To Be There, Take The A Train

I've never heard 80s rap like this before. There are the same elements as the rest of them but the way these guys were moving is just so DIFFERENT. Less punchy/more smooth, but not losing the impact in the lyrics. You can catch so many themes and ideas (and even samples) that are now mainstays in the genre. Way ahead of their time. Highlights: Tribe Vibes, Black Woman

This is a really fun album and the beats slap. This community just hates rap but yall mfs cannot fool me this is an album that stands on its own in one of the craziest years of modern music. Highlights: It Ain't Safe, That's Not Me

How can one even think of this album above 3 when, once again, it is a 1960s band stealing the swagger (and sometimes the lyrics) of black artists? The covers on here are just not good and it sounds like an early band just finding their sound. If the Beatles were known for their complex harmonies, you have to also give them a minus when literally every song incorporates the most basic of triads and unisons. Highlight: All I've Got To Do

This is the perfect 301 Nirvana course once you've done your homework with Nevermind & In Utero because you get a more intimate perspective of the music and you can very clearly hear how the band members communicate with each other - both in between the songs but also while they play. We really lost something special when we lost MTV Unplugged but hey this will have to do. Highlights: On A Plain, Pennyroyal Tea

Pretty solid folk album - really dug some of the imagery of the lyrics. Musically nothing special and the chords were predictable but that doesn't make this bad! He does a lot of cool things on this album. Highlights: Church, Black Queen

If there is one thing I've taken away from my first 100 songs of this challenge, it's that I really don't like 80s glam rock. It is just not my thing. I can acknowledge there's some talent here, but it honestly sounds so lame. This is no different. Feels very poserish as opposed to "counter-culture". More generally it's very weird to group this type of music in with punk rock. There really is a visible difference between good punk and whatever tf this is. Highlights: Beating Gets Faster

Damn near perfect album. What a ride this is. I have no notes. Really love that one musical idea they have at the end of each song that just builds in each track until the end. Like dessert after eating your food. Idk. Cool album Highlights: That's The Way Of The World, Reasons

One thing about Sly is he not gon subscribe to your run of the mill mechanics of a song. He's gonna build it the way he wants. Doesn't care about phrasing, doesn't care about where you think a bridge should be. Rhyme scheme doesn't matter, and he'll use whatever tools he wants when he wants. And it all works!! Highlights: Just Like A Baby, Time

This album is basically slam poetry and I hate slam poetry. He was talkin that shit, though! Did not tell not one lie!! Time is a flat circle. So I gotta give him respect for that alone. Highlights: Music and Politics

This was a satisfying listen. You get what you come for. Dude's voice is STRONG and it's clear that a lot of male singers after him used him as the model. Really really clean runs. My main thing with this one is that I would love to see a bit more diversity. Woulda loved an extra fast paced song or 2. I just got tired of ballads by the end. Highlights: Can't Nobody Love You, You Can't Have 'Em All

It is so interesting to see how "heavy metal" has evolved over the years. Because when I listen to this, it doesn't sound heavy at all, but I guess that's sign of the times (and my ignorance on the genre). Regardless, I fuck with this heavy. It rocks when it needs to but then has a bluesy touch throughout. Highlights: Paranoid, Planet Caravan

Really dug the direction in the first half but that second half just lost it for me. Went a more folky direction I wasn't prepared for and I don't think they did the genre justice. Highlight: Mirrorball

THE VOICE. So good. Didn't realize how much rock n' roll was built into this album but it was a pleasant surprise. You can tell why she's called one of the original divas. Highlights: Respect (ofc), Don't Let Me Lose This Dream

This feels like Ray in his prime. He was on there playing them keys like the virtuoso he is. It's crazy he has this full big band and he never gets lost in the sauce. The lyrics really blew me away too. Highlights: When Your Lover Has Gone, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'

This is a very hard album to rate. When it's good, it's great. You can hear the foundations of grime being born and Dizzee has the bars to keep up. But if you look at the album as a whole, it's very busy and messy and not one cohesive work. It's a bunch of cool ideas mashed up together. I can understand that this may be part of the appeal, but it does make it hard to follow. This is one of those times I'd likely give a 2.5-2.7 but I'll round up. Highlight: Stop Dat Also, some of yall reviewers are just antiblack and you should just go ahead and say that in your review so I can skip them.

My rule of thumb is that if I notice that your song is 10+ min long, then the song should not be 10+ min long. Unfortunately, Tim has several of these. Not saying they're not good but he drags out a lot of ideas that become stale quick. Highlight: Gypsy Woman

This is exactly what I feel like a psychedelic rock album is supposed to sound like. Run of the mill folky guitars and generally a laid back tone talking about some shit I don't fully understand but had fun listening to. Highlight: Today

Prime cleaning/studying music. Very sweet and soulful - not many surprises here but I really did enjoy the listen. Would run this back anytime I need to straighten up my apartment. Highlight: Minor Chant

This might be one of my faves I've listened to so far. You can't call this anything but masterful, but it also finds space to be experimental, funny, captivating, alladat - in the name of funk. I did not once think about how long these songs were. They kept MOVING. Highlights: Who Says A Funk Band Can't Play Rock, Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis, Maggot Brain

There was some real yearning going on on this album. Like 80s/90s level yearning with hyperpop & almost synthwave sounding melodies. It oddly works. My thing with Twigs is that it feels like she gotta get her weird aesthetic out of the way before she blesses us with chords. I don't hate it but sometimes it feels like sonic edging lol Highlights: Hours, Pendulum

Let's get the most important thing out of the way - Diddy does in fact ruin this album. I would actually fuck with the skits more if Diddy was not on them. He cannot act and he cannot voice act. Even if you strictly judge him on this without the context of him being weirdo, he lacks creative talent and his presence on this album was strictly a business decision. Now if we're talking BARS? Strictly BARS? Biggie holds up. They are crass they are vulgar and some are downright unacceptable, but he's leaning into the punk side of being a growing artist. Shock value for sure. You can take out some of the misogynist bars for sure, I can't lie. Also the beats are so insane. Even on the remaster, there's a real grasp on black music history on this album. Would give it a 4.6 or 4.7 if I could, but here we are. Highlights: Juicy (ofc), Big Poppa (ofc), Everyday Struggle,

This shit is millennial drab. It's a bunch of songs with this odd buildup that goes absolutely nowhere. Just sonic edging for about an hour. I really wanted to like it because I myself am a millennial but there are literally no redeemable qualities to any of these songs. Hate to see it.

This is a really cool album and it gets a 5 for sure but I think it's interesting how he comes in so hot with 1999 and Little Red Corvette, 2 bangers in their own right, only to come back to Earth for like 3 songs. I was chasing the high of the first 2 songs for like 20 minutes. I ALMOST gave the album a 4 but he brought me back with the last 4 tracks. Well played, Prince. Highlights: 1999 (ofc), Lady Cab Driver

Brian Eno strikes again. I was trying to figure out why this shit didn't resonate with me and then I found out he was on it. There are some cool parts but some of the ideas don't feel fully fleshed out. Some feel way too busy with a bunch of extraneous instruments/sounds. Idk. It just ain't it to me. Highlight: Subterraneans

Bowie albums back to back! It’s nice to compare an Eno-less album to an Eno-produced one. The Eno-less one is way better. Way more focus on the lyrics and a traditional rock sound. Still gets experimental without just trying shit for no reason. Feels intentional Highlights: Panic In Detroit, Prettiest Star

Classic rock is just a club of mostly white boys playing around with musical ideas that black people developed & mastered decades before. Van Morrison is no different. It sounds good but loses points for being imitation and not actually building off existing musical tools. I can’t in good conscience rate this high. That doesn’t mean there aren’t highlights though! Highlights: Wild Children, Caravan

This album is a good bow on the indie, jazz-rock fusion albums of the 2010s. Really loved the textures of this one, and especially dug how the lyrics inform the music and vice versa. At times it almost feels ambient. Highlights: You Aint The Problem, Hard To Say Good bye

If I found this album when I was 16, it would probably be one of my favorites. This album is for the sadboi's sadboi. They lyrics are so fucking good. They're so fire sometimes I forget that I think the lead singer's voice is annoying. And they sprinkled in a little rage too. Can't complain. Only reason this doesn't get a 5 is that it should've been 2 separate albums. Idc. No reason for it to be this damn long. Highlights: Here Is No Why, Thru The Eyes Of Ruby

Without any context or pre-reading, this feel like one of those pioneer albums that a lot of albums look up to. It's very raw, very authentic - especially the lyrics. I dug the saxophone throughout - hadn't really heard that on a punk album before. Highlights: Let's Submerge, Plastic Bag, Germfree Adolescence

I actually really love the lo-fi sound of it. I really do. And there are some good songs sprinkled in. The problem is that most are pretty bad or unfinished. Keep the sound finish the songs you may be looking at a 4 here. Highlight: Closer You Are

What is the distinction of punk & post punk? I see how this sounds like post punk but also feels like it clears way for a lot of shit that I like now? Either way I rly dig the mixture of classic rock ideas and punkier lyrics. Highlights: I Am Damo Suzuki, My New House

A bit more focused than their later work - and I actually missed the randomness of the 2nd album. Weird to listen to that first. But they were on a mission with this album. They had some shit to say. Highlights: Hit It and Quit It, Back In Our Mind

Led Zeppelin is an everything band. They do rock ofc but they got blues, folk, experimental, sometimes even r&b etc etc in here. They do it well but the jack of all trades rule remains true with them. That doesn't mean this album isn't good! It just didn't crack through to being a 5 for me. Highlights: Ramble On, Bring It On Home

A folkier Van here, for sure. I dig the direction and at times I really vibed with the lyric/guitar mix. But it's just something about his voice that doesn't do it for me. Feels performative. Highlights: Beside You

Let me start by saying that I did not listen to the 3hr/6 disc version of this bc there is literally no reality where I would do that shit. Any of yall who attempted the full one, I am in awe. But also have questions...bc I know you're lying. In any event, the "Best Of" version which was 45 min was really beautiful. Voice like silk. Still holds up. I would've loved an extra up tempo Gershwin number on here but it's fair to say that Ella is at her best when she is yearning or brooding. Highlights: But Not For Me, They Can't Take That Away From Me

The first half is WAY better than the second half. Tiny Dancer does a lot of heavy lifting but you can still hear a man developing his sound on this album which is very cool. I tried asking myself what I would rank this album if TD was not on here, but that's not a fair assessment. I guess it's somewhere in the middle. Highlights: Tiny Dancer (ofc), Madman Across The Water

There's nothing groundbreaking about this album. It's still good, though. This is what you want to hear while you sip a cold IPA in Williamsburg. There are some really cool chords in here, which hold up the bad writing a bit. Highlights: Angryman, Sky Holds The Sun

This is so bad. This album sounds like I do when I'm trying to imitate what white people music sounds like. The chords are so basic. The elements he uses to sound edgy are so corny. It's just a weird swirl of cringy patriotic one liners and divorced dadisms. How long did it take him to write this? This does sound 9/11 inspired bc it is as terrible as 9/11. This is so bad.

I'm not in the camp that live albums shouldn't be on the list, but this is a bad live album. The acoustics leave a lot to be desired, they're making lame jokes, and ultimately the music didn't really slap at all.

Every pop star thinks they're MJ till MJ walks in the room. I tried to avoid picking highlights that were singles but I didn't realize how many fucking singles are on this album! Either way I went with: Just Good Friends, Leave Me Alone

Very interesting to see the difference between their earlier albums and this. Way more jazz chords as opposed to the folk. I think they maneuver them both pretty well but there's just something missing. Can't put my finger on it. Highlights: Peg (ofc), Home At Last

There are so many well known singles from Innervisions that sometimes I forget that they belong to an actual album. What's more interesting is that I learned that the ballads that I may have found annoying, perfectly fit in between all of the known singles. They feel like setups and give the album real movement. Highlights: Golden Lady, He's Misstra Know-It-All

I had really high hopes for this album based off the first song which I thought was kind of cool. What followed was not cool. I'm really not a fan of the weird post-punk, goth sound of the 90s. It feels very performative. I dig goth music in general just not this.

Very smooth, very folky. The title single does a lot of heavy lifting here, but there are some really interesting parts. His sound feels very reflective of the times. Ultimately it feels like really really good background music. I could bike through a field to this shit, but nothing more. I forgot I was listening to it at times. Highlights: American Pie, Everybody Loves Me Baby

There's a bunch of divorced dad rock on this list but this is my first instance of divorced mom rock!! Wild. Honestly not bad. Love the unabashed feminism that shines through each track - this feels like an album that influenced many after it. My biggest hangup is that at times it feels like this weird mix of melodic spoken word, which isn't my favorite. I can understand why this made the list. Highlights: Shatter, Johnny Sunshine

I love sad Beck. He kept all of the complex instrumentation and honed in on words that make you feel. This one of those albums that make you sad to be in a happy relationship because you know these would HIT if you needed them to. Highlights: Guess I'm Doing Fine, Already Dead

Actually a very solid album and not at all what I was expecting. Another album that feels like a precursor to run of the mill Williamsburg Indie. But I really did dig the harmonies. Nothing incredible, but really solid. Highlights: It's Not The End of The World, A Touch Sensitive

It's always interesting to see how music people categorize early electronic music. Is it dance? Not really. It's not ambient either. It's its own thing for sure. But in any event it's definitely music I like waking up to. Highlights: Eple, A Higher Place

Very weird and rapey would not recommend.

I was honestly very into the ambient section in the beginning before it went punk. Then i settled into the punk and didn't hate it either. To be real, this album would be way better if there weren't any voices at all on it. It had potential but just kinda fell into being mid. Highlight: ISI

As someone who has never understood the Beatles hype, I *can* see the appeal here. There are a lot of fun songs where, if I had not already been exposed to several black bands who did these elements better, probably would have blown my mind. The hits hold up and definitely feel like foundational pieces for future pop music but again, it's just not original to me. But for a moment, I'll even let go of that context. I can listen to this without any background and still be unimpressed. There's just not a lot of imagination in the texture of the music. Everything is expected. It's good just not great. Highlights: Come Together, You Never Give Me Money

Cat Stevens has a voice I didn't know I knew. Such a staple of folk music and his voice is so distinct! The album felt light and was an easy listen. Sometimes with folk I find myself wanting just a little bit more - like some type of uptempo or jazzier break (I know this is dumb but it's just how my ear is tuned). Either way this kept me interested front to back. Feels like a 3.7. Highlights: Hard Headed Woman, Wild World

Listening to this was a tug-of-war between hate/love. Sometimes the yell/scream lead nature of the lead vocals felt like a joke but sometimes it felt very cool and very punk. I don't know where the line is between the two. The music itself is held back by the vocals and it's a real shame. Highlights: There's A Moon In the Sky

This album fucking rips. When there's a super hit on the album everybody ends up forgetting about the rest of it but goddamn this shit holds up. I love how they used the organ throughout. The lyrics are so punchy and thoughtful. The lead just flows through. I just love everything about this Highlights: Your New Cuckoo, Lovefool (ofc), Step On Me

This album is not bad but painfully British like damn this is real beans on toast ass music.

I see both sides with Radiohead. Especially with this album. It definitely is groundbreaking and makes me feel alot of things, but I can also acknowledge that Yorke sounds whiny af throughout. It kinda gets on my nerves and sometimes makes me dissociate. But maybe that's the point? idk Highlights: Everything In Its Right Place, Optimistic

Idk yall this kinda rips. I'm learning more about thrash through this list and this is the kinda shit that I'm glad I've come across. What's lost in all the discourse about the album though, is how much these guys were SPITTIN from a political perspective. Love the lyrics. Highlights: One World

I checked the reviews immediately after I finished this album. I knew exactly what I'd find. The reviewers in this community hate black artists, female artists, and experimental artists. So there's no surprise there's so much hate when you have an artist who is all 3. I'm not even a huge Kelela fan and hadn't heard this album in full until today. But it's hard to deny this album's impact on pop & alternative R&B in 2026. You can hear so many ideas born out of movements created for this album. Most of all, Kelela's voice just doesn't quit. She has a 90s sound that is made for house but she uses it in so many different ways. Too fire. Highlights: Jupiter, Onanon

Suuuper interesting folk album. You have to have the right voice for folk, and he has it 100%. Guitar complements really well. I wish this album was like 7 songs though.

While this type of 80s sound isn't necessarily for me, the impact of the album is felt throughout the whole decade. I actually really fw the first half of the album - it gave me chills - but I realized that's because of the Prince influence. She even covers one of his songs. Second half was kinda a snore fest. Highlights: When You Were Mine, Time After Time

I wanted to hate this album. First song is cringy as hell. But there is some serious music going on in here that I can't get over! Didn't need each song to be 10 minutes, but I enjoyed some of the jazzier chords he threw in here. I'm sure there is some deeper meaning in what he was trying to say, but I couldn't hear it bc his voice was annoying. Highlights: Oh Lord, Give Us Money

This is run of the mill white people music. Not bad not good. Real cool country elements. But nothing really stood out. Highlights: Sultans of Swing

I've never listened to this album in its entirety, but goddamn. This is a full body of work. The skits are intentional, the textures are DEEP, and the flow by Snoop and every feature fit so well into the beat. No one was doing like Death Row in this era. So good. Highlights: Lodi Dodi, For All My Niggaz & Bitches, Ain't No Fun

I was really expecting to hate this but they really won me over. Not my normal genre of music at all but it's clear they were way ahead of their time with some of these filters & musical decisions! This was a fun listen for sure. Highlights: Cuckoo Cocoon, Hairless Heart

The top of the album made me think this was gonna be pretty bad but he pulled me back about halfway in with the folky vibe. Really love that 70s Americana sound - does this count as yacht rock? It kinda sounds like yacht rock. Sidenote: Why the Bob Marley cover. Wtf was that. -.5 for that Highlight: Please Be With Me

Really dug this. There's so much world building without an actual plot. At points it feels cinematic. But I was too busy vibing to the music to really listen to the lyrics. I'll run it back at some point but either way, this is a fun album. Highlight: Hide In Your Shell

This was actually a very enjoyable album! Was surprised when I found out it was a debut. Was also surprised that I knew more than one song. Highlights: Fooled Again, American Girl

As mentioned before, my rule of thumb for jazz is to let it wash over me and see if I feel gross afterwards. I left feeling refreshed, so it's a good album. Highlight: Group Dancers

Here come the racist reviewers of 1001 Albums coming to hate on another classic albums. Too many bongos? FOH This is a fire album and the drums set it off. This feels foundation for reggaeton in terms of syncopation. It's crazy how much they fit in the pocket. The lead voices are so casual but strong. Absolute heat. Highlights: Choferito-Plena, Rhapsodia Del Maravilloso

Generally a snorefest as most 90s alternative rock is, but there was some highlights and some interesting musical elements. Some chords took me by surprise and for that you get a bump, REM. Highlights: Ignoreland, Find The River

I didn't realize that this was a rock opera until like the last song, which leads me to believe that it's not a very good rock opera. It sounds like glam pop to me and that's genuinely my least favorite genre. The saving grace was the last song and if more of the album sounded like that I woulda liked it more.

I am so serious when I say that this sounds like the same song 14 times. Same lyrics, same baseline, same guitar licks. It's not bad it just gets stale after a while. Highlight: TV Dinners

This was such a fun album I don’t understand why everybody was giving it so much hate. Loved how many vibes it tied into one. Hella elements used I couldn’t tell what genre it was for half of it. A few bangers too. Not bad. Highlights: 3AM Eternal, Build A Fire

First couple songs are FUNKY and I dug it real hard but then they moved into smooth jazz and it felt a bit out of place. They get back to it by the end but I started off thinking this was a shoe-in for 5 and was let down a little. Highlights: Street Life, My Lady

I swear man, the British are responsible for some of the best but ALOT of the weirdest fucking music I have ever heard. This shit is not good. The fact that this shit has over a 3 and some other albums struggle to break average shows me how flawed yall opinions are. Who is the target audience for this type of music? I am so serious rn.

Prince has the expert ability of making really complex instrumentation sound really, really easy. Same with the way he writes songs. The more you listen, the more you find. Highlights: Darling Nikki, I Would Die 4 U

Very surprised with how much I liked this album but it was great lifting music this morning. I've said it once I'll say it again, metal used to be way fucking cooler up till like the mid 90s when it became unintelligible. Real storytelling going on here which I can appreciate. Highlight: 22 Acacia Avenue, Hallowed Be Thy Name

LOTS of bangers on this one idc what anybody says. Really love the dancehall & 90s reggae elements added in, though it does feel a bit like appropriation. At least he does something with it! *shrugs* Another album that clearly influenced a lot of modern shit so it deserves a few flowers for that. Highlights: Yo Yo, Red Alert

Willie does more with 33 minutes than a lot of the artists on this lists did in an hour or more. Concise but impactful. The music is the foundation but the storytelling was way more important. Highlights: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain, Can I Sleep In Your Arms

I really thought "Baby's Got Sauce" would be able to hold this shit up. It does not. It cannot. I liked the novelty of the song back when I was a kid but listening to a whole album of this dude do his best impression of what he thinks black people sound like was just terrible. Idk why you would even put this on. Like what function was playing this back in the 90s? They need jail.

Saying this is just an MJ imitation album is a lazy take. Of course it does. This is ac Pharrell & Timbaland album and they did in fact shop a good amount of these songs to MJ beforehand. They're also both inspired by Quincy Jones. I didn't want to give this a 5. I really didn't. Mainly because as stated, JT just kinda showed up and took direction from 2 of the greatest producers of the early 2000s. That doesn't diminish the fact that he excelled vocally with the direction he was given and he does deserve credit for that. And at the end of the day, P & Timbo are just that good. This really should be like a 4.7 but 5 it is. Highlights: Cry Me A River, Take It From Here

This was actually so beautiful. The movement in each song kept me interested even though they were all so long. Felt like a crisp soda. Highlights: Minawa, Maseru

Beach Club Backround Music. Likely better if high.

This album rips. It's got so much soul. You feel every word. Chris' voice is so unique - it's the only voice that can pierce thru that type of band. Which brings me to my next point. This album is LOUD. Like just so much noise. I'm all for distortion and I understand how it plays into 90s grunge but I feel like some of the chords just get so muddy it's hard to follow. It's my only knock against a great album. Highlights: Black Hole Sun, Fall On Black Days

Really cool album. Fun shoegaze elements. Not much to say about this one I enjoyed it but nothing really HOOKED me in. Was waiting for a banger that never came. Still had fun tho Highlight: All I Need

Genuinely, honestly, truly don't get the hype. This is some dr. seuss ass music and I mean that in a derogatory way. Lots of weird elements that do not fit well. I've always heard about George Harrison going to India to learn more about the sitar and thought that was cool. But in practice, it honestly just sounds out of place. I understand they were world building but honestly, the themes not doing it for me. Sorry, try again. Highlight: A Day In The Life

Lyrics are absolutely fire. Very cheeky but very strong and meaningful. I really dig Bob but my problem is I can’t keep my attention for an hour when he uses like 3 strumming patterns and barely any other instruments. I could really mess with a 7 track album instead. It kinda dragged toward the end. Highlight: Masters of War

Brian Eno & your shitty production style, we meet again. I like being a sensible, educated, well-rounded hater, so I’ve been desperately searching for anything of yours that I halfway like. I did not find it on this album. This music sucks. Just like the other Eno produced albums on this list I’ve heard so far. The streets say ambient music is where you shine. I hope to find refuge there one day. Until then, I will continue to sift through this dumpster you call a catalog.

The rock opera is a lost art, for sure. This one doesn't really hold up for me though. The themes are there but not hammered home enough through the lyrics for me to remember anything past the overture. I actually really dug the overture - I did not realize it was a 20 min song until like 12 min in, which is impressive. I just feel like they could've done more with the B-side Highlight: Overture (ofc)

I actually think I'd really enjoy a book of poems by Leonard Cohen. The words are very meaningful, very strong, very fun. I do NOT need this shit set to music. It becomes a snoozefest. I just realized that I will have to endure 4 more of these albums to get through this list. Wish me luck! Highlight: So Long, Marianne

I was really excited for this one because I've never run a full Madonna album. Sorely disappointed, though. Kinda just sounds like a middle aged woman trying to connect with the youths. Bunch of cheeky sounds of the time wrapped up in a body of work. I actually don't hate the exploration and trying new things, but my GOD are the lyrics bad. They lyrics are absolutely terrible. Who were the writers?? The title song does a LOT of heavy lifting. It's an undeniable banger. It almost dragged this up to a 2 but alas, fell short.

After being subjected to The Spins, Paul Rever & The Raiders, and even the first Beatles album, I have finally reached the model they worked so hard to emulate. The peak of mountain top they spent their careers trying to climb. Let's get one thing straight: they all failed. They could literally NEVER be Little Richard no matter how hard they tried. It's also the fact that he cleared them a full decade before those albums even came out. He has more energy, more soul, more complexity, more everything. His band is way better. The words sound like they're being sung by someone who understands them. The star of the show is his VOICE. He's doing runs on this album that singers today could never replicate. You can't teach this stuff. This was such a fun album - thank you Little Richard for saving me from the white mediocrity of the 60s rock n roll on this list. Highlights: True Fine Mama, Oh Why?

What was really interesting about this album was how you can maintain movement/interest in each song with diversity of percussion. I feel like a lot of the chord progressions were similar but I was never board because I was hooked on the drums the whole time Highlights: Y Tu Que Has Hecho, Candela

There is someone, likely born in 1965, who probably goes up for this album. Unfortunately this is not me. It's an interesting album reflective of the time but consequently missed the mark in being timeless. The good songs prop this album up big time. "I Want To Wake Up" is a legitimate song that I will actually go back to. But most parts of this album are just not for me. Highlight: I Want To Wake Up

This is just the right amount of weird. No notes Highlights: In The Mouth A Desert, Here

Critiquing 80s hip-hop as a fan of the genre is really fucking hard. If you take this album at face value, it's kinda ass. The beats and the flows get boring and old very quickly. The lyrical content just does not hold up against the test of time. But you'd only tell half of the story if you don't acknowledge that some of the rap tropes that we find cringey and cliche in 2026 were brand new when they were adding them to this album. You don't get Tribe or Black Sheep or Naughty by Nature or any of your 90s faves without Run beatboxing poorly on the track in 1986. This album in itself is so sample-able. There's definitely magic on this album. It's like hieroglyphics on the inside of the pyramid wall of hip hop history. Highlights: Walk This Way, Perfection