Favorites: You Want It Darker, On the Level, If I Didn't Have Your Love, String Reprise/Treaty
I really enjoyed this and it was a good listen for the warm weather today!
Favorites: Lively Up Yourself, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Talkin' Blues
I wouldn't call it "underrated" but I feel like The Bends is often overshadowed by OK Computer and Kid A (and probably even In Rainbows). While all those albums have different styles, I really enjoy the alt-rock, guitar-focused sound of this album (and the more experimental moments like on "My Iron Lung"). Lots of cool instrumentation and guitar work here (all very good to listen to)!
Favorites: Planet Telex, The Bends, High and Dry, Bones, Just, My Iron Lung
I've always wanted to get more into folk music, so I'm glad I got to listen to this! I've never intentionally listened to Springsteen before but these songs are heartfelt and full of energy and meaning. I like the way this album is simply composed and how honest its vignettes are. Really a beautiful album!
Favorites: Nebraska, Atlantic City, Used Cars, My Father's House, Reason to Believe
This album was beautiful to listen to. I loved the lush strings, bright horns, and, of course, Fitzgerald's voice. It's incredibly composed, produced, and mixed too. But it is extremely long, and after a while the tracks stop standing out from one another, and many of them feel unmemorable (I don't blame it, it's a songbook). Definitely something I'd come back to for certain songs, but I probably won't revisit this project as a whole for a long, long time (is it even meant to be approached like this?).
Favorites: The Man I Love, I've Got A Crush On You, Love Is Sweeping The Country, Slap That Bass, Love Walked In, Prelude II
I've never really gotten into Led Zeppelin which is probably my own fault but whatever. I liked the "chiller" vibe of a lot of these (like Tangerine, That's the Way, etc.). Not really what I expected from Led Zeppelin!
Favorites: Gallows Pole, Tangerine, That's the Way
Lots of crazy shit going on and you know what I'm here for it
Favorites: 3000, Earth People, I'm Destructive, Waiting List
There's just so much raw talent in these songs. Not only in the guitar playing (which, of course, is amazing), but in the other instruments, the production, the lyrics, the melodies... Everything just complements one another so well. I love the effect of the reversed guitar solos on songs like "Castles Made Of Sand" and the crazy panning and bass lines on "If 6 Was 9" too. Anyways, what a great record! I have to listen to more Hendrix now.
Favorites: Spanish Castle Magic, Little Wing, If 6 Was 9, You Got Me Floatin', One Rainy Wish, Bold As Love
While I appreciate the camp-y vibes and the bold performances, this album feels a bit too unserious for me to really appreciate it. I definitely like some of the pop hooks and melodies here, but, overall, it just didn't click.
Favorites: Feed Me to the Lion, Making History
Love the synths, love the vocals. Lauper is certainly great at writing pop songs, and the vibes are just so much fun. Definitely gets a bit slower on the second half, but this has some great songs and is an album I would go to for some good commercial 80s pop.
Favorites: Money Changes Everything, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, She Bop, All Through the Night
I enjoyed this! Kind of Fiona Apple-esque, kind of jazzy, reminds me somewhat of NFR! by Lana Del Rey. Those are both artists/albums that I would go to first for this style of music, but I certainly appreciate this album for what it is and certainly that it won Album of the Year at the Grammy's. I kind of wish an album with this much clear artistry could win again today.
Favorites: Seven Years, Cold Cold Heart, I've Got To See You Again
The best part about this album is definitely Turner's vocal performances, which are powerful to say the least. While a couple songs were enjoyable, this was largely unmemorable, and some of the instrumentals were honestly unpleasant to listen to (e.g. I Can't Stand The Rain... what is with those horn blasts?). Maybe this just isn't meant for me.
Favorites: Private Dancer, Better Be Good to Me
I don't know enough about this style of music to articulate why I enjoyed this, but I did! There's lots of movement in these compositions, and they are filled with energy.
Favorites: Vibraphonissimo, Little Italy
I should probably stop handing out so many 5s, but...
With how much attention certain songs on this album have gotten (especially Wonderwall, which has been overplayed to oblivion), I expected the "deep cuts" from it to drag a lot more than they did. However, although these compositions are not the most original, they are just so nice to listen to, and there is certainly merit in that. The production is great, Liam's voice and delivery scratches some itch in my brain and fits the music perfectly, the melodies are so catchy, and there are some great guitar solos here. And, by the way, Wonderwall IS a great song.
Favorites: Roll With It, Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger, Some Might Say, Champagne Supernova
This isn't typically the kind of music I listen to, but I was surprised to hear how modern this album sounds. Some of these songs feel like they could've been released today, and its clear how much Stevie Wonder has influenced so many current artists. Anyways, I'm glad I got to hear this, but we'll see how much I revisit it.
Favorites: Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away, They Won't Go When I Go, Please Don't Go
I honestly didn't get to focus on this much at all, but I liked what I heard! Of course, some of these sound very Beatles-esque, but there's definitely a development in the sound (especially on the second half).
Favorites: Bed Bug Blues, New York Town
I probably won't listen to this album too often, but I'm really glad I got to hear it. Really cool music to listen to, and there's so much talent that must've went into this.
Favorites: Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka, Haq Ali Ali Haq,
I'll definitely have to revisit this! This album has such a cool sound, and there's a lot of interesting things going on here. Love the fusion of Mexican influences with indie rock/folk/jazz/Americana.
Favorites: Sunken Waltz, Black Heart, Attack El Robot! Attack, Guero Canelo, Crumble
Great to listen to the Rolling Stones. Definitely a great collection of songs here!
Favorites: Love In Vain, Live With Me, Midnight Rambler, Monkey Man
Definitely reminiscent of the Oasis album we listened to, but though I enjoyed many of these songs, some of them were just a bit forgettable. Regardless, I think this album gets less credit than it deserves. I was surprised by how almost Radiohead-esque some of these songs were and by the more ambient, drone-y moment on songs like Daylight and A Whisper. There is definitely some great songwriting here. Also, I really love The Scientist a lot... very nostalgic even for me.
Favorites: In My Place, The Scientist, Daylight, A Whisper
I love to indulge in some metal, and I've been looking to expand my horizons, so this album was a great listen for me. There's so much energy in these songs, and so many cool riffs, drum parts, guitar leads, etc. It was nice to hear the punk influences that clearly shaped the sound of many of these tracks. That is to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this, and I'll definitely be returning.
Favorites: Altered State, Under Seige (Regnum Irae), Meaningless Movements
This was very exciting to listen to! I loved the sampling and the multidude of genres explored in here, and, therefore, the beats and the instrumentals overall are just great. The flows are incredible, and some bars in here are so funny or perceptive or memorable. Definitely a bit on the long side; 24 tracks is a lot to listen to and, of course, some were less memorable than the rest.
Favorites: Kilo, The Champ, Beauty Jackson, Heart Street Directions (Skit), Clipse of Doom
Shoutout to the fact that the second the drums kicked in I recognized them from Bleach by Nirvana (which was also produced by Jack Endino and recorded at the same studio). Anyways, surprisingly, I've never listened to Mudhoney before! But this is some good, grungy, garage rock, and I do have a soft spot for that. Love the energy here, love the riffs, and love how pivotal this was for grunge music. Definitely sounds a bit like a band still finding their sound, but that can happen when you're doing something no one's done before.
Favorites: Need, If I Think
Not too much to say about this album, but I loved the combination of jazz and soul in the music here. I'll definitely return to this! Overall, a great listen.
Favorites: The Cisco Kid, The World Is A Ghetto
First time really listening to Soundgarden, and I enjoyed it! Chris Cornell's voice is certainly powerful, and he has tremendous control over it. There are many cool riffs in here, and Soundgarden does a great job at getting so much heaviness across in these songs. It's first half is definitely stronger than the second, but there are admirable moments throughout this album.
Favorites: Let Me Drown, Superunknown, Head Down, Black Hole Sun, Fresh Tendrils
Not really the kind of stuff I usually listen to, but there were some cool sounds in this. This album's a bit same-y after a while, but it's really enjoyable when you get into their groove.
Favorites: In Dust We Trust, Fuck Up Beats, Chemical Beats, One Too Many Mornings
I liked this more than I expected to, which is still, unfortunately, not that much. It's just not really my thing, but I did enjoy some of the pop vibes here. Didn't feel like it did anything that original or unique, and there are other songs that I would rather listen to for this new-wavey sound.
Favorites: Love Is a Sign, I'm All Right
I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. This isn't the style of music I usually gravitate towards, but the songs are energetic and the jams don't feel overly long and aimless. The skill of these musicians is evident throughout the album, and there are so many amazing riffs and licks in here. Wish I had this much talent.
Favorites: Statesboro Blues, Done Somebody Wrong, You Don't Love Me, Whipping Post
Not my favorite sound on an indie rock band, and I definitely don't really like some of the bands who have copied this sound later on. Even though it's a bit pretentious, I feel like this album sounds a bit too commercial for me to really enjoy this vibe. I do like how they were able to combine these sounds into a somewhat cohesive record, though.
Favorites: Too Afraid to Love You, Ten Cent Pistol, The Go Getter
The beginning and end of this album didn't really do much for me, and I honestly didn't like Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 that much. However, it definitely got stronger for me around One of Our Turns, and I loved the more experimental moments, the beautiful orchestral sections, and the use of field recordings throughout the middle of the album. Definitely feels a bit indulgent, which is not my favorite vibe, but there's a decent amount of stuff to love here.
Favorites: One of Our Turns, Don't Leave Me Now, Is Anybody Out There?, Nobody Home
I definitely prefer Cale's more ambitious work, but this was decent for what it is. Some great moments here, but many of these tracks didn't do much for me. Anyways, looking forward to some Velvet Underground later on this list!
Favorite: Andalucia, Macbeth
Honestly got kind of bored of this by the end of my listen. Some cool songs and sounds throughout, but I definitely think some of LCD Soundsystem's earlier work is stronger and more interesting.
Favorites: i used to, call the police
Wow, it's THE album. And I thought it was great! I was surprised by how psychadelic and experimental this got; I thought that with how popular it is it would be much more mainstream, I guess. As on The Wall, I loved the "field recordings" in here and think they really add to the atmosphere of this record. Definitely will have to return for a more intentional listen, but, as of now, I'll give it 5 stars.
Favorites: Breathe (In The Air), On The Run, Any Colour You Like, Brain Damage
I liked this! Not much to NOT like about this, but I loved the overall sound of this and the 60s pop vibes.
Favorites: Son of a Preacher Man, I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore, In the Land of Make Believe
This was my first time really listening to Alice in Chains, and their sound has never really had much success drawing me in. Some cool moments in here, but the vocal style, guitar tones, and overall songwriting aren't really my favorite. I feel like a lot of these tracks end up blending together. Not the worst thing I've ever heard, but it's just not my thing, I guess.
Favorites: Would?
I don't have anything too insightful to say about this, but I enjoyed it! Not sure how much I'll come back to it though.
I think Vedder's vocal performances give this a bit more depth than Alice in Chains, and I feel like this is somewhat more original than some of the other grunge we've listened to so far. Glad to hear some familiar tracks on this... Even Flow is pretty good every once in a while. Still not my favorite rock album, but I was honestly surprised I enjoyed this overall.
Favorites: Even Flow, Alive, Porch, Deep
I was pleasantly surprised by this record! Definitely enjoyed the drone-y, almost early Tame Impala-esque tracks (like Be-In), but also liked some of the simpler pop tracks here. Some funny lyrics here and there as well! However, a lot of these (especially the slower moments) never really caught my attention. Not really the most unique or original sound, but whatever.
Favorites: Be-In, Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth, Cool As Kim Deal
Love how anthemic and energetic this album got at times as well as the variety of instrumentation on here. Not really what I gravitate towards (lots of this style of music sounds similar to me), but Springsteen's voice sets this apart. I'm glad I got to hear these tracks in their full context.
Favorites: Night, Born To Run, Jungleland
Can't say every sound used in this album is my favorite, and there are certainly relics of the 80's pop sound that make this feel outdated. However, the hits are still here, and they'll always be classics. Just fun music that I'll come back to every once in a while, and MJ has such a unique vocal style that makes this so entertaining and really sets this apart.
Favorites: Bad, Man in the Mirror, Smooth Criminal
I have to dive deeper into the Beach Boys to get a better understanding of this album's context, but what I heard wasn't too bad. There's definitely a lot of songs to keep track of, so it got a bit monotonous. However, it's an interesting take on pop music with some unique instrumentation and silly lyrical moments. Not too much to hate, but it's not something I'll come back to too much.
Favorites: Heroes and Villains, Song for Children, Mrs. O'Leary's Cow, Good Vibrations
This was incredibly fun to listen to. The vocal delivery of these lines is so unique and striking, and I love the scream on Shoplifting. I also love the punky vibes against instrumentals where you wouldn't really expect them. This has a very unique sound to it, and it definitely caught my attention.
Favorites: Instant Hit, Shoplifting, Newtown, Typical Girls, Liebe And Romanze - Slow Version
Shoutout Weaver D's (which is closed now, sadly)! This album was great, and I forgot this was twelve whole years into R.E.M.'s career. Everybody Hurts is beautiful, and the rest are just so amazing. Stipe's voice is great to listen to, and I love the instrumentation throughout here. There's so much creativity in this record, and I'm excited to hear more R.E.M. on this list.
Favorites: Try Not To Breathe, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, Everybody Hurts, Man On The Moon, Nightswimming, Find The River
Definitely wish it was a bit shorter, but there are still so many great songs in here. Speakerboxxx was amazing, and I love how many ideas are in there, the overall energy (which is incredible), and the amazing writing and flows. The Love Below was a bit more inconsistent for me. Some tracks felt a bit more outdated, and, overall, it didn't hit as well for me. There are still some great tracks in there, though, especially towards the end! Overall, pretty good.
Favorite Tracks: Bust, War, Bamboo (Interlude), Last Call, Hey Ya!, Love In War, Dracula's Wedding, My Favorite Things, Take Off Your Cool
Wow, really just banger after banger here. I can definitely hear this album's influence in like... early Gorillaz and so many other great bands. Never really a slow moment in this album, and the production just sounds amazing and definitely ahead of what I expected. So many cool ideas explored here too, and all of them were done so well. Every time I really focused on it, it was still steaming ahead at full speed. What an incredible feat.
Favorites: Brand New Cadillac, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, The Guns of Brixton, Wrong 'Em Boyo, Four Horsemen
I honestly found this pretty compelling. So many unique, abrasive, and industrial sounds here, and I love how they were combined with some "normal" instrumentation. And then, the howling vocals were there to bring it all together. I can definitely hear how this has been a basis for more contemporary noise (and non-noise) music, and what they did here definitely sounds intentional. Obviously not something I'd want to hear all the time, and I definitely have to be in the mood for it, but this was really interesting to listen to.
Favorites: Draussen ist Feindlich, Kollaps, Sehnsucht, Hirnsage, Futuristischer Dub
This is probably one of the better British punk albums I've listened to. I enjoyed the variety of instrumentation here, and there are some evocative (and provocative) lyrics in here. I do think, however, it could've been a bit more unique or maybe abrasive? I'm not sure. It's unfortunate that London Calling was only a few days ago, because I definitely enjoyed that more compared to this album, but this was still decently good.
Favorites: Peaches, Down in the Sewer (Medley), Choosey Susie
I've been on a big Beach House kick recently, so this was perfect timing! While this isn't my favorite Beach House record, it still exemplifies why I love this band so much. It's just hard to find current bands who make dream pop like this so well! I'm not really sure what makes these songs (and Beach House's music in general) so beautiful, but I really just love Victoria's haunting voice and the lush, shimmering instrumentals behind it. Everything just melds together in such a satisfying way. Anyways, I can't wait for them to come back with new material, whenever they do. Also, shoutout to my 4th-grade science teacher who introduced me to them (with 10 Mile Stereo, in fact!).
Favorites: Zebra, Norway, Walk in the Park, 10 Mile Stereo, Take Care
Definitely a bit more "poppy" and Beatle-esque than I expected! There are some great songs in here. Not much to really dislike, either.
Favorites: Carry On, Teach Your Children, Our House, 4+20
I definitely enjoyed the hits more than the rest of this, but there are beautiful moments throughout this album. I used to love "Rumour Has It," and it still is such a great moment in this record. Adele's voice is so powerful and filled with emotion, and I think that that sets this apart from a lot of the "mainstream" pop (if this really counts as that kind of pop) from this time.
Favorites: Rolling in the Deep, Rumour Has It, Don't You Remember, Someone Like You
Did not listen intentionally enough to give this a 5, but I probably would give it that once I return. I loved the sounds they explored here, and it definitely sounds very influential to a lot of the bands I love.
Favorites: Androgynous, Unsatisfied, Gary's Got a Boner, Sixteen Blue
Didn't expect much from this album from it's brief description, but I actually enjoyed this overall! Some great pop melodies and instrumentation on here.
Favorites: Perfect Skin, Rattlesnakes, Forest Fire
Oops. I meant to give the last one a 4. They captured a vibe I really enjoyed on "Forest Fire," and I was pleasantly surprised by the rest of it! (Favorites: Perfect Skin, Rattlesnakes, Forest Fire, Four Flights Up)
Anyways, this album was also pretty good. Not something I'll return to ALL that much, as this music is not what I usually gravitate towards, but overall enjoyed the vibes.
Favorites: That Lady, Listen to the Music, Summer Breeze
Some decent songs here, but this just wasn't my favorite. It didn't feel like it explored anything very unique or original, which could've been fine, but it just feels like it goes on a bit too long. Even Hotel California, which is probably my favorite track here, lacks the development I'd like a bit more of towards the end. Still a good song though.
Favorites: Hotel California
The first track is incredible, of course, and I love how many cool sounds they packed into this album. Definitely gets a bit slower on the second half, but whatever. Lots of interesting stuff in here, and it all sounds great too.
This was decent, and I didn't really hate any of these songs. I guess I'd rather listen to Gorillaz/Blur/The Clash/The Verve though.
Favorites: History Song, Three Changes, The Good, The Bad And The Queen
I haven't listened to much Thin Lizzy so I wonder what I'd think of a studio album by them, but this was pretty good for this style! Great vocal performances throughout, and some incredible guitar parts too.
Favorites: The Boys Are Back In Town, Are You Ready
Unfortunate that M.I.A. ended up how she did, but this album was great. I can hear this album's influence in some of my favorite artists' work (e.g. Charli xcx). This record has such a cool vibe and it was almost addictive for me; I love the more experimental moments as much as the more accessible tracks. Love the influences she pulls from too.
Favorites: BirdFlu, Mango Pickle Down River, 20 Dollar, The Turn, Paper Planes
It was nice to revisit this album... I think what sets this apart is how introspective and honest it is. The way Kendrick tells the story of his childhood is so nuanced and gives so much perspective into his experience growing up in Compton. It also just sounds great, and I love the range of Kendrick's lyrics and delivery.
Favorites: Backseat Freestyle, Poetic Justice, m.A.A.d city, Compton
This was kinda cool, I guess. Nothing really caught my ear though (save for a couple tracks). Maybe need a relisten? I don't know.
Favorites: Light My Fire, I Looked at You, End of the Night
This is a beautiful album, especially with the context of Anohni's journey. I love how this album explores her singular perspective, and I really admire her evocative lyricism and her voice (both singing-wise and narratively). My small critique would be that there could be a bit more variety in the tracks as the album progresses, but overall, this is a moving and exquisite work of art.
Favorites: For Today I Am A Boy, You Are My Sister, Fistful Of Love
The first time I heard this album, I wasn't terribly blown away. But coming back for a more intentional listen, I really appreciate what this album accomplishes. Even though this is their debut album, R.E.M. already nails down a unique sound, which also happens to be very good. Still not my favorite R.E.M. record, but this is still very impressive!
Favorites: Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Laughing, 9-9, Shaking Through, West Of The Fields
Clearly Shankar has a lot of talent and an incredible ear for making beautiful music. I loved the little explanations of what he was doing with his instrument/music throughout. Nothing much to say other than I was excited to hear a style of music I hardly encounter otherwise.
Favorites: An Introduction to Indian Music, Dadra
How can someone write music this amazing? Joni Mitchell's music has always felt magical to me, and this album really encapsulates her ability to tell incredible stories in a way that is just so outlandishly beautiful. This is so inspiring and a shining example of what artistry and musicianship can be.
Favorites: My Old Man, Little Green, Carey, Blue, This Flight Tonight
Lots of incredible songwriting in here, and I love the vocal performances. Definitely want to return to this and give it a better listen!
Favorites: Like a Rolling Stone, From a Buick 6, Queen Jane Approximately, Desolation Row
Nirvana has always been one of, if not my favorite band, and this is probably my favorite album by them (or at least the one I return to the most). I love the more abrasive sound they found on this album, and Kurt Cobain's songwriting feels the most mature and introspective to date. And although he denied that these songs have any "deeper meaning," his lyrics here are beautifully written and shine a light into his struggles with fame, addiction, fatherhood, and life overall. Disregarding the lyrics, Steve Albini's production is flawless -- the guitar, the drums, and the bass all sound incredible. And, as always, the band is full of energy, with Kurt's voice tying it all together perfectly. Anyways, this is a perfect album, and all of these songs are ingrained into me (I probably could recite most of the lyrics by memory at this point). I wish we could see what Nirvana would do after this. RIP Kurt Cobain, you made some great shit.
Favorites: ALL (some special shoutouts: Serve The Servants, Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle, Milk It, Radio Friendly Unit Shifter, Tourette's)
Nothing too revolutionary, but some of these were real bangers. I think they could've been a little more creative with the riffs and some of the songs sounded pretty similar, so that's my main criticism. But overall, this was an okay listen, and I'll definitely return to some of these songs when I'm in the mood for them.
Favorites: Mouth For War, Walk, Fucking Hostile, This Love
This style of "indie" has never been my favorite, but this wasn't too bad. It sounds like a lot of other music I've heard though, so I guess that's not the best thing. Anyways, not much to say about this, but it was okay.
Favorites: Red Morning Light, California Waiting, Molly's Chambers, Talihina Sky
