Brilliant start, consistent album, great album tracks, and a memorable performance of the title track to finish. When Doves Cry is perhaps the most important song to come out of the 80s.
This is not an album I would have chosen. It sounds slightly derivative of Illmatic, but , idk, funkier? Rhymes are good but nothing I haven’t heard before. Great beats with a fresh variety of instrumentation. The message comes through loud and clear- sharing the struggles of poverty and social injustice- and it isn’t painful to listen to. EXCEPT Nelly Furtado’s vocals grated on my nerves - if I never hear her again I’ll die happy. Please don’t include any if her albums!!!
… and High Fidelity rescues me from the proverbial Pit of Despair. This is the kind of old school rap I remember and can appreciate.
The last track (Acetate Prophets) was inventive but unfortunately seemed to drag and I just wanted the album to end about 2 minutes sooner. I am not the target audience or demographic and that leaves me wondering if I just don’t “get” the music or is it the message I am missing? 2 star's
I’m partial to quality vocals. Gordon Gano does not have them. Not that this is a bad record - far from it. I listened to music like this maybe 10 years after it came out, but it didn’t sound dated and still holds up. The bass lines are well composed and the drums keep the music interesting, at times teetering between a hot mess and sheer genius. Back to the vocals, they fit in context with the style of music, so ultimately it’s a reasonable sacrifice to make.
I’m a sucker for quality tracking on an album. The last song on the original side A (Confessions) ends the side with a great instrumental break before wrapping up. I could stop listening here and come back later. Side B kicks off with Prove My Love which sounds like early rock n roll with an edge (Ramones anyone?) and sets up the rest of the record, which culminates in a slow ballad (Good Feeling) that is so very different from everything else, but in a good way. A great end to a solid album.
3 stars
Thom Yorke sounds like an unreasonable man though he claims otherwise on the first track of - what’s this album called? He’s at the end of his rope on Pyramid Song, but that’s okay, because the piano takes care of him.
I am always hesitant to start listening to Radiohead. The music is so complex, and I don’t always want to think too deeply when I listen to an album. But somehow, as I listen to this, it sounds familiar- like OK Computer or Kid A. Yes, I heard and appreciate those, but never gave Amnesiac a fair chance. I’m glad I did. This album holds its own in the Greatest Albums list, just not as high as the aforementioned masterpieces.
5 stars? YES FIVE STARS.
How blue can I get?
No bluer than the King…
5 very blue stars
Couldn’t help noticing that this sounds like the outtakes from a bad Nine Inch Nails or Cure album ( but I don’t think there are any of those). Not one single memorable song, nor any melody worth mentioning. I don’t mind gloomy atmospheric music, but this never feels like there’s a point in listening to. Is that the message here? I don’t know, in fact, I don’t care.
1 unsatisfied star
Very pleasant throughout, punctuated by moments of pure genius. I feel like a true Illinoisan (Illini? Illinoiser?). Multiple complex layers of sound from start to end. Just ran a little longer than I hoped, but I understand why. I might listen to this again.
3 stars
This is album #9 for me on the 1001 albums list. And it might be the first one I don’t listen to all the way through. Not in the mood for psychedelic music today and it sounds like a drug-fueled trip with obnoxious self important hippie losers. I can now see why 1960’s parents didn’t trust America’s teenagers. Ouch.
1 star
If I had heard this when I was 21, I would almost certainly have loved it. It isn’t bad, but my musical tastes have changed since 1991. Could possibly try it again, but I’m not in a hurry. Good rhythms and layering of sound creates a disconcerting edge while keeping it interesting. Album title is off-putting.
3 stars
Vocal quality aside, the music is dark, ominous and almost industrial. You can almost hear Depeche Mode and the Violent Femmes in the cradle here, with the promise of Nine Inch Nails. I can hardly believe this was recorded in 1979, the same year as Siouxsie and the Banshees’ Join Hands (which this reminds me of). Great stuff if you need a little more schadenfreude in your day.
4 stars
Working man’s 80s New Wave. Teenage me wouldn’t have even noticed this band (In fact, he didn’t). A fair mix of ordinary pop songs, nothing special here. Cool band name tho. /s
2 stars. (Almost 3? Meh)
“Vincent” is a favorite song in my family. Having said that, I haven’t personally listened to the whole album in 40 years. So it’s with a touch of nostalgia I guess that I listen now. The music itself is excellent folk rock. Somehow though the track order feels a little off? “American Pie” rightfully starts off the piece, but why isn’t “Vincent” the last track? It would tie up so many loose ends of the other songs and leave us with a hopeful melancholy feeling. The same feeling that Van Gogh’s paintings leave me with. A melancholy because although beauty is ephemeral, there is hope that beauty will always be around. Don Mclean seems to have been looking for a silver lining in America and in music. I think I found it here.
4 starry starry stars
Funky and infectious, De La Soul sounds like a natural evolution of hip hop and rap working its way from old school to the more modern sounding rap that Nas would deliver on “Illmatic”. Entertaining to listen to, never dull. But the rhymes include references I’m not privy to since I come from a different culture. I can still appreciate the sound. What happened to De La Soul? They should have been bigger.
3 stars ( 1 for each foot )
Wouldn’t it nice to listen to one of the most influential albums of all time? It has its challenges though, some of the music is quite complex and not what you might expect from a Beach Boys album.
4 stars
Where do I start? Not my favorite genre. Vocals were uneven. Melodies almost nonexistent. Yet this seems well planned. Not my cup of tea, but it could have been a lot worse.
2 stars
If I read this correctly, the Mekons were an early “Alt-Country” band. I don’t even understand what I’m listening to. 80’s punk/new wave with hints of country music? Not for me, but not completely unlistenable. Vocals get lost in the mix, but that may be a blessing. It gets better for me with Flitcraft, which sounds a little like the Pogues before the drinking starts. Country sounds like a surf guitar crossed with Waylon Jennnings’ Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.
3 stars
One of the most recognizable female voices of the modern era of popular music, Nina Simone was a legendary singer and civil rights activist as well. Her legacy cannot be denied. Each and every song here is great, some times painful, some times amorous. The standout song for me is Four Women, describing in first person four archetypes of black women. Their paths through life arduous in different ways, together they are aspects of every black woman. Truly eye opening and poignant. This album truly belongs on the list of albums everyone should listen to.
5 stars
Having been a classic rock fan in high school, I never thought I would ever get into pop music. By 1989, it became apparent to me that the state of pop music was not only better than the 70’s and early 80’s, but was appealing to more young people than ever. The release of Janet Jackson’ Rhythm Nation was a landmark in the pop landscape, bringing a concept album fusing multiple genres with a very danceable aesthetic. Could this have been a unifying cultural touchstone? It felt like it to me. Maybe it was just me discovering a new appreciation for hearing new things, or maybe it was naively believing that the world was getting better. Musically, a very solid R&B base, blending soul, funk, pop, and even hair metal (Black Cat)! Strongest track for me is Love Will Never Do (Without You).
5 stars
Uhh….
Early garage rock. Not good at all. Awful vocals. Awful production. Awful guitar playing. Awful covers of otherwise great songs.
Awful. Did I mention that it’s awful?
1 awful star
Forgot how great a band Queen was. Hard to believe it, but I grew tired of hearing the same songs every day on classic rock radio. It really is even more infuriating when you listen to this album and hear what they DON’T play. Seriously this is a legendary record. A must listen for anyone who appreciates music in all its numerous genres. Probably a top 100 album.
5 stars (any less would be a crime against rock music)
Well, this is different. I figured coming into this album that sweet soulful vocals would not be making an appearance. And I was not disappointed. That aside, Tom Waits really knows how to write evocative and atmospheric music, and his lyrics are on a par with the finest songwriting in popular music. I didn’t think I would be considering more than 3 stars for this, but halfway through, it might be a high 4. Did I just walk down a dark alley in a rainy Asian metropolis , go down a nondescript flight of stairs, knock a secret tattoo, and enter a seedy cabaret of outcast bohemians? It sounds like it…
Did I say 4 stars? Nah, it’s a 5. As good an album as I’ve heard in years.
5 stars
Pleasant enough for a casual listen. Not particularly memorable for me, though there is definitely something there that I think I missed. A little country-style rock clearly influenced by Gram Parsons and the other members of the Byrds. I just didn’t get it the first time around.
2 stars (will probably go back to reevaluate)
Before they were exiled, the Stones let it bleed. Totally a precursor to Exile on Main Street, Let It Bleed was a gritty, seedy, underground album of exquisite production and virtuoso musicianship. Is there a better opening song than Gimme Shelter? Is there a better classic rock song than You Can’t Always Get What You Want? And everything in between is a sonic journey through a blues-soaked landscape that you’ll wish to never end.
5 stars
A very long time ago, when I was an impressionable college student, I purchased a compact disc: Joni Mitchell’s Clouds. I grew up listening to folk rock thanks to my parents, and Judy Collins’ version of Both Sides Now had always been one of my favorite songs. I remember listening to Clouds and totally expecting something else. I never gave Joni a fair chance. Years later, after getting into Bob Dylan and others, I gave Joni a second listen. This time, I got it and she changed my life. Court and Spark is only one of Joni’s many masterpieces. She opens up her soul and sings with the voice of an angel. Her songwriting is on display here, experimenting with rhythms and harmonies. At this stage in her career, she had started blending in jazz elements and the fusion is pure perfection.
Help Me, I think I’m falling in love with Joni’s music again.
5 stars
I hesitated to give this 5 stars. Four of my last five albums were 5 stars, and I feel like I might be overrating them. But this is such a unique piece of art, like nothing else on the radio now or even when it came out in the late sixties/early seventies. Jim Morrison was a revolutionary artist: he lived and died for his work. I have to respect him and his band for their contribution.
5 stars
PJ Harvey has a unique vocal style to say the least. It takes a little time to adjust to it, but once you’re accustomed, the music and lyrics come together and you have a solid album of alternative pop music. At first listen, I thought she reminded me of Kate Bush and others who followed in her footsteps. But PJ has created her own art here. Reading reviews, I found that this is not necessarily her best effort and she may be worth looking further into.
A solid 3 stars
I was today years old when I learned that Bill Evans was Miles Davis’s keyboardist. It shows here. However, I don’t understand jazz as well as I should. It seemed to miss the horns that made Miles’s music so accessible for me. Still I can’t deny the quality of the performances here.. Great bassist whose name I missed (Scott LaFaro - a true virtuoso). This would work better for me as background music.
4 stars
First impression of the Beau Brummels is that they would not have been out of place at Woodstock. They sound a little derivative of the Beatles, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Their songwriting sounds derivative of Bob Dylan: also not necessarily a bad thing. Ultimately, I like the music which seems to presage the early seventies singer songwriter era, but it doesn’t have a spark for me. Vocals are somewhat forgettable also. I could listen to this again, but I’m not in a hurry right now.
3 stars
👿🩸👑?
🤮🤮🤮.
“Hello? Is this the Catholic Church? My stereo needs an exorcism, please hurry!”
Wow was this not for me…
Great rhythm section, decent guitar work, but the lyrics and vocals were offensive and sounded awful. Thematically as vile an album as I’ve ever heard. And I like the Dead Kennedys.
1 upside down circumscribed star.
But 1 more for at least being quality music.
Note: I listened to the original songs on the original album. In my opinion, the deluxe versions are not what I should be rating.
The Who are without a doubt one of the greatest bands in rock history. My Generation is the band’s first release and it shows here. Two absolutely legendary songs and a lot of tracks that, while excellent songs in and of themselves, do not resonate as well. The Who were still finding their own unique style and would go on to make some of the most original and groundbreaking music of the era. But not quite yet. This is solid rock and roll, though, and certainly worth listening to.
3 stars ( My Generation and The Kids Are Alright are both 5 star songs and should be essential listening for everyone)
Ute Lemper is one of those artists who I have heard the name of, but egregiously have not heard her music before. She knows how to use every part of her voice and interprets songs in a very dramatic way. In fact, dramatic is the perfect word, since Kurt Weill seems to be her composer of choice. This is not typical pop or rock music, it’s straight out of the 1930’s German cabarets, and Lemper’s voice was made for this.
4 stars
I swear, punk music can have decent vocals. Not here. Nope. What do we say to the god of good music? Not Today.
1 star (I mean, what is this awful sound?)
The early/mid 1990’s was a time when great rock music was still being made. Even the radio stations were playing it and dozens of artists had some success. Pavement never achieved the upper echelons of music then. Their songs, at least the ones on this album, simply didn’t compete with the other music of the day. It’s all just okay music, not inspiring or- let’s be honest- not that good. Listenable, but not for more than one time.
2 stars
This might be Eric Clapton at his finest, and maybe Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker too. This is a very solid album from beginning to end, despite the unusual final track. Cream rightfully deserves the moniker of supergroup.
4 stars
Sounds like a lost Beatles album, but without the jangly pop sound that Paul brought to the table. John went and made the music he wanted to make and it shows. Every song is excellent, no skips.
5 stars
Your first record of an artist’s discography should generally not be a live album. This is very true for me and Motorhead. The only thing that comes through this mix is loud guitars and Lemmy’s vocals, neither of which give me satisfaction. Sorry, Motorhead fans, I’ll pass. It’s not awful, just not pleasing to the ears.
2 stars
I have this unfortunate habit of listening to an album, absolutely loving it, then not picking it up for years. Yeah, this is one of those albums. I forgot about the album tracks that are so good like Wasted Time and Pretty Maids All In a Row. Everyone knows Hotel California, but that’s only the tip of a very deep iceberg.
5 stars
Folksy, but subversive. Kind of like an English version of John Prine. I love me some John Prine, so this one was very listenable despite the double length of the album.
4 stars
EDM is not my thing.
2 stars (It was okay, but not something I would listen to again)
Note: I didn’t listen to the remastered bonus tracks (My personal preference for reviewing). I didn’t think I was going to like this, but the angry pulsing punk spoke to me today. Tomorrow’s World reminds me of early Siouxsie and the Banshees, and that’s a good thing. The only thing I knew about Killing Joke before today was from punk T-shirts some of my friends wore back in the late 80s and early 90s. Now I get it.
4 stars
All I really wanted was an album that reminds me what it was like to be a young adult member of Generation X. You oughta know this is the one. It’s almost a perfect album. With one hand in my pocket and the other one playing air guitar, you’d be forgiven for thinking I’m crazy. You learn that this is a great album: it sends me head over feet. I’m no Mary Jane, but I love this music. Not being ironic here… who could possibly improve this album? Not the doctor - Wake Up!
Jagged Little Pill? More like You Can’t Say That On The Radio…
5 stars
At best, it sounds like an average Prince album. At worst it’s just an ordinary soundtrack of the early 90s. Not sure I would listen again.
2.5 stars (Feeling generous, we’ll call it 3)
Prog Rock seems to have originated from this album. It demands careful listening, which I didn’t give it. Later Prog (Genesis, Rush, Yes) all sound okay to me, but I prefer music to be direct and to the point. I would prefer pure rock and roll or pop over this. It’s excellent music, for sure, just felt like the songs took forever.
3 stars
Incredibly creative work here, buuuutttt…
OK, so I like my music to have understandable vocals. Not here. I can handle rap and metal, but there has to be more to it. I can’t figure out if I like this or not. Some songs are awesome (Root Down and Sabotage), while others leave me wanting something more.
3 stars
I’m guilty of overlooking Physical Graffiti. I know how good it is, but it’s a long listen for me (I prefer sub 50 minute albums generally speaking). Nevertheless, this listen was eye opening. I found this music again, and it’s really special music. Almost every track here is a testament to just how talented every member of Led Zeppelin was. I can only imagine what masterpieces could have been if not for Bonzo’s sad, unfortunate demise. I debated whether to give this 4 or 5 stars; and am going with the latter.
5 stars
In the turbulent wake of the most devastating breakup in music history, the former Beatles each released their solo debuts. In my opinion, McCartney and Plastic Ono Band both sounded like Beatles records. Of course there is something missing in each album, the other Beatles. This is not a problem, in fact it’s a good thing; since now instead of one album, we get 3 or 4. This album, Paul’s debut, is an excellent pop record, and very well written. John’s absence in Paul’s songs had begun to be obvious on the last of the group’s efforts, so it is less noticeable here-it was expected. Highlight of the album is Maybe I’m Amazed, one of Paul’s very best songs in my humble opinion. Ever so slightly weaker than John’s debut, it’s still essential and still 5 out of 5 stars.
PS - I think All Things Must Pass was the best post-breakup debut album!
Tom Waits seems to be quite a polarizing figure in music. I previously reviewed Swordfishtrombones, and absolutely loved it. Checking other reviews, I found that most people despise Tom’s music. I don’t understand why. It’s evocative, clever, atmospheric: almost everything you could ask for in a record. Nighthawks is no different. We find ourselves on a cigar smoke laden, whiskey soaked night at a seedy lounge where Tom is the piano man that puts Billy Joel to shame. I just don’t know how anyone can hate this music. 4 stars (4.5 really)
Several songs in and I feel nothing special coming from the speakers. I noted that the wiki for this album mentions that this may not be the best album to start listening to Nick Cave with. Such is my lot. It’s not the music’s fault; I just wasn’t up to this style of music tonight. Couple that with the fact that this is a double album, not good in this case. So the rating, I’ll be fair and give it a 3. I’m sure it’s better than that, but not for me, tonight.
My familiarity with Wilco is solely based on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which I consider of the finest records of this century so far. Curiously, I never sought out any more of their music until today the gods of randomness blessed me with Mermaid Avenue. At first I was hesitant, but it quickly became apparent that I was enjoying each song more than the last. My rating system starts with an expectation. I expected an above average score, but it kept growing. I don’t think I can give the highest rating, but I will almost certainly listen again and maybe even consider it the equal of YHF. 4 (abd a half) stars.
Quite listenable, but forgettable. Vocals are only okay, and for me that just doesn’t cut the mustard. Pleasant enough, not something I’ll return to. 2 and a half stars
I approached this record with trepidation. I’m certain I’ve heard Marianne Faithfull before (I think it was on Rock and Roll Circus), and I didn’t care for her vocals, and that was before the addiction and homelessness. Her “masterpiece” comeback here is insipid, banal, uninteresting soft rock music. How it won nominations and awards I will never understand. She shows absolutely no emotion on these tracks. At least the Ballad of Lucy Jordan was average. This album does not, in my opinion, belong on this list.
2 stars. Very close to giving it a one.
Yeah, I was afraid of this. I really don’t approve of excessive use of foul language in music. And this is far beyond excessive. It’s a shame, too, because the rapping and the beats are astonishingly good. If the lyrics weren’t so extreme, this would be a solid 5 stars. But it’s too much for me. 3 stars from me.
Great as background music, I really enjoyed the west African vibe. Cool rhythms, jazzy horns, and N’Dour’s exotic vocals create an atmosphere that entices you to listen and feel the music, maybe even dance along. Only issues I have are the length of the individual songs- they can get repetitive, and I feel like the language barrier might make me less willing to listen regularly. A solid 3 abd a half stars.
I expected a lot more than I got out of this album. I remember the Pixies being a big deal at the time, but I never really listened to them. It’s good punk music, but this didn’t sound extraordinary. Hoping for better from their other albums. 3 stars (maybe being generous here)
Oh sh*t, here we go again….
Violence, misogyny, excessive vulgarity once again ruins an otherwise great album. Just 3 days ago, I had to listen to NWA’s Straight Outta Compton. I loved it, except for everything listed above. Same thing here. Only this time, I won’t put myself through it all the way through. I liked NWA enough to suffer, but not Biggie, sorry. I read the reviews and can safely say I’m surprised at how well this was received and lauded for the lyrical content. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by Bob Dylan and other great songwriters. I don’t get it.
2 stars.
What a cool discovery this was! If you told me that this was a Stevie Wonder album, I might have almost believed it. Funky, jazzy, and upbeat and uplifting. I never gave Jamiroquai a second thought after Virtual Insanity. I thought of them as a one hit wonder. This is a solid and enjoyable album.
4 stars
Excellent jazz music, particularly bad album cover (in my opinion). I’m not a huge fan of jazz, but it makes great background music for a casual listener like myself. I am familiar with some of the greats like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald, but Jimmy’s new to me. Glad I got to hear him.
3 stars
I didn’t understand a single word, 1 star. Just joking. I liked the exotic sounds and the vocals were good enough. I can’t explain why I can’t give it more than 3 stars: I just couldn’t enjoy it as more than background music, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be listened to like that. Not really sure what to do with it, but glad I got to hear it.
Incredible opening 3 songs, then about 15 forgettable minutes of album tracks. Then Moving In Stereo… I thought I heard this before, but a cursory search of Youtube was fruitless. This was absolutely the standout track after the trilogy of classics at the start. Segueing into the last song, All Mixed Up, it was worth waiting for. I contemplated giving this 2 stars because of the very mediocre middle section, but the concluding tracks changed my mind completely.
3 stars
I’ve said before that I prefer shorter albums in general. Despite that, the songs on The Rising are skillfully written, performed, and produced, which I find is typical of Springsteen’s catalog. There are some great tracks here, although nothing can compare to the earlier eras of Born To Run, Darkness On The Edge Of Town, and The River. That’s to be expected. The Rising has a more mature sound than those records; it makes sense because Springsteen and his band have been through a lot since those early years. Worth the listen, but I think I will stick to the Seventies for now.
4 stars
Other reviewers have generally criticized this as an overindulgent mess. It’s not quite that bad, but it lacks something. Some of the album was recorded live, but apparently some was studio work? If that’s the case, the producers were on more psychedelics than the band. The extended jam on Who Do You Love really wasn’t terrible, in fact it’s an interesting document of the San Francisco scene in the late Sixties. Sadly, they weren’t the best band to document that. Overall, I would say the album is worth a listen, but will not make my rotation any time soon.
3 stars for some decent guitar solos.
Another blast from the past, I remember Terence Trent D’Arby sounded like he would be a megastar, exploding onto the music scene with Wishing Well. Unfortunately, he didn’t live up to the hype. Despite incredible charisma, his music failed to make a lasting impact on popular music. Not sure why, maybe it’s because he was overshadowed by His Royal Badness, Prince. They seemed to have moved in the same circles, perhaps even being friends. But in that very large purple shadow, D’Arby got lost in the shuffle.
There’s quite a bit to unpack on this record. Maybe the reason for his fall into obscurity was due to the music being so diverse. There isn’t really one specific genre here. Certainly soul and funk, but a little jazzy stuff and even an a cappella song showing off his vocal chops: the songs are all unique and not formulaic at all. That can be an indication of genuine talent, or it can be a failure to establish a musical identity. I’m leaning toward the former.
3.5 stars
This album lived up to my expectations, having never heard it before. It’s upbeat, happy sounding, and maybe just a little erratic. When you hear it, you have to start dancing. A breath of fresh air compared to the other alternative music on this list. They may not be the best musicians or make the best music, but at least they’ll make you smile a little.
Powerful sets by one of the greatest bands in rock history. Few live performances can match this masterpiece of 1970. It does sound somewhat dated to me and misses the songs that came a year later on Who’s Next. Still a strong contender for best live album in Classic Rock.
When I saw Alice Cooper on the playlist today, I realized I had never really listened to him (them?). Now that I have, I’m not blown away by anything here. The music is great. The vocals are great. The theatrics are great. There’s something lacking in my opinion. Not that it’s bad. I just don’t agree that this was music everyone should hear before they die. Great for teenage boys, but my musical tastes have matured far beyond this. I suppose you could compare this to Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell, but in that case the music and singing and songwriting are much better.
3 stars
Why didn’t I know that there’s a young female version of Busta Rhymes in the UK? She’s extremely talented at rap! The content is not as objectionable as some of the other rap recordings I recently reviewed and that is a breath of fresh air. I can tolerate some use of foul language, specifically the n word, as long as it’s not constantly used in every song. It’s a distraction from the actual content and rarely is necessary. The amount of that language approaches but doesn’t quite cross that line. Let’s say 3.5 stars
As someone who doesn’t care for techno music/electronica, I find this rather soothing to listen to. Contrary to my opinion of the genre, this seems more approachable and, even - dare I say it - interesting? It’s not enough for a careful scrutiny, but as a background, it’s great.
3 stars.
I was nervous about this, having read about the reputation of Trout Mask Replica. This is actually not bad, in fact it is rather accessible, despite the muddy vocals. But I don’t think I’ll ever come back to it.
Electricity is weird, but it’s still music, albeit experimental.
Let’s say 3 stars.
In my opinion, Oasis were, so very briefly, the closest we ever got to hearing what the Beatles would have sounded like in the Nineties. More working class than their predecessors and more angry, but still showing signs of the excellent songwriting, quality vocals and instrumental work, and even the strife between the members that eventually led to their demise as a cohesive unit. This might be their best album, although I’m biased as it was the first I heard.
5 stars
Overproduced Joni Mitchell wannabe. What a shame. She has a decent voice. At least she picked the right artist to be inspired by. Pleasant enough, but the production gets in the way of the music. Even though it sounds stripped down, the overtones are annoying and frustrating to me. Is that auto tune I hear?
2.5 stars
I can’t be the only person who thinks this would be one of the greatest bands of all time if it weren’t for Anthony Kiedis. His vocals, in my opinion, ruined an otherwise perfect instrumental album. Of course, this is only one man’s opinion: I also despise Steve Perry’s whiny voice for ruining Journey. I still like this and could listen again and likely will. Flea’s bass is absolutely amazing, as are Frusciante and Smith.
5 stars for the music, and -1 for the vocals
4 stars
Ah, this is a special album for me, I discovered the Pogues while at college, and it rekindled my love for Irish music and punk music at the same time. The first 3 tracks are the perfect introduction to the band, and then you get to hear one of the best Christmas songs you’ll ever hear. It’s really an amazing album all the way through. My favorite track may be Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six, a scathing political song about injustices during the Troubles inflicted upon innocent men by the British justice system.
PS: RIP Shane McGowan
5 stars easily
Another artist I’ve heard about but never listened to their albums. I was expecting something experimental and am not disappointed at all. It might be that there is so much going on here I don’t know what to think about where this music is came from. It’s not like anything that came before it, and it seems to have influenced many other artists. At first listen, David Bowie comes to mind, but he had a sensibility about him; his music was more accessible to a newcomer to experimental pop music. Roxy Music drags you along for a wild journey through lots of disparate sounds ranging from rock and roll to what can only be described as noise. I think maybe I could get into this with further listening.
3.5 stars
Four albums make up the Stones’ greatest era of albums, and this is the thorny crown on top of all of them. In my opinion, it is the best rock and roll record of all time. It’s a dirty, gritty testimonial to the seedy side of British culture at the time, a response to Sergeant Pepper that resonates more with a commoner like me.
In a year filled with legendary albums, this is the shining light 😉
Easiest 5 star rating ever.
The album that began a legendary 4 (or 5) album streak that has never really been duplicated. This is the Stones reinventing rock music, molding it into something bluesier, but still rock and roll. And I like it. Underrated track: Salt of the Earth
5 stars
This is an album that I would have loved as a teenager. Unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of owning it at the time. Call me crazy, but I never really liked Ozzy’s vocals. Now I hear what I was missing. It works well on this album, and presents early heavy metal at its finest. There’s a little bit of a psychedelic vibe here, but the real focus is the Led Zeppelinesque blues rock that defined early heavy metal. Today’s metal bears little resemblance to this, but it evolved from it, for better or worse. Hint: (It’s definitely for the worse)
4.5 stars
I was surprised that this had such a low rating on this project. It’s solid indie rock, it’s not offensive, it’s got a decent sound to it. I don’t know how others rate albums, but this is very listenable and I could see it in my playlist rotation.
4 stars
Marty Robbins had a beautiful voice. I almost feel that he wasted it on cowboy music. Nevertheless, this is a great body of work, filled with classic country music’s legendary songs. El Paso alone is one of the most famous country songs, and that was before Breaking Bad. You get both versions here, the single and the album version with an extra passage. Big Iron leads the album off and showcases Robbins’ unique vocals. He had a way with expressing the emotions in the songs that may have justified a career in pop or even (dare I say it?) classical music. Anyone else singing these songs would barely have been noticed, Robbins made them essential listening and earned a spot on this list.
5 stars
Is Mark Knopfler copying BB King, or is his guitar sound an homage? I suppose it could be both, either way, the music is heavenly and heavy at the same time. I’ve always thought Knopfler was one of the most underrated guitarists, but listening critically to his music, I hear King’s influence. Although the vocals are weak, the songwriting and excellent guitar work more than make up for it.
4 stars
3 songs in and nothing jumps out as being special so far. It’s just ordinary Eighties punk, but maybe influential, I guess. I think maybe the Violent Femmes did it better. Ok for a one off listen, but doubt it should have been included on a list like this.
2.5 stars
Decent Bebop music, but didn’t understand what made it distinctly South African. Or Afrobeat. Great jazz horns, but basically copied American jazz of the 50s & 60s.
3 stars
For someone who discovered Hank Williams’ music as a young man, this is amazing. Gram Parsons mirrored Hank’s life too closely: getting addicted to drugs and alcohol at a young age, producing a great body of work in a short time frame, then tragically losing the battle with the addiction at too young an age. The music he left behind was revolutionary and influential, even if many others on this project failed to understand it.
4.5 stars
This one doesn’t fit in any genre. It has a unique sound and style to it. The album starts off strong with a very spacey, almost psychedelic title track that uses counterpoint and interpolates Elvis Presley of all people; and also uses a very common chord progression that everyone knows (Pachelbel’s Canon). And it works really well. A bit on the repetitive side, but it doesn’t detract from the overall creative flow. I’ve never heard anything like this before and probably won’t again. This is truly a unique experience. Unfortunately too much droning for my taste.
3 stars, but totally worth the listen.
Another senseless loss at far too young an age, Janis was a little lady with a great big voice. No one this side of Ella Fitzgerald could belt out music like Janis did. This is probably her best album, with her lone number one “Me and Bobby McGee” and my personal favorite “Cry Baby”.
5 stars
Erykah Badu is an eclectic artist who fits in her niche very well. So well, in fact, that her music is quite listenable for those of us who may not opt for her particular style. The orchestration is different from standard popular music, incorporating flutes and African percussion, creating a unique sound that combines well with the soul music at its heart. I enjoyed most of the album, but can’t say I’d go back to it.
3 stars
Despite her voice being ravaged by time, Lady Day still had “it” in her golden years. The big orchestra behind her helped make a difference.
5 stars
My first Bowie on this project, and one of my favorites too. Although I confess that I haven’t listened to it many times, I bought it on CD about 20 years ago, listened to it, loved it, then promptly forgot about it. I have listened a few times since, and it confirms my first impression. Bowie began redefining himself with Hunky Dory, and never stopped. That makes each album, era if you will, unique and memorable. I don’t know how many Bowie albums are on here, but this one definitely deserves a spot. Huh, I just looked it up - He’s got 9, the most of any artist. (Lennon, McCartney, and Neil Young are tied, but include group and solo projects, Bowie stands alone)
5 stars
It has to be noted that disco does indeed suck.
Now that the elephant is out of the room, this is, indeed, Michael Jackson, and it is, indeed, an amazing album. Michael was a rare artist that could survive and even thrive despite the genre being so incredibly banal and unoriginal. This is not his best work, but completely shows off his showmanship, voice, and talent in an excellent light.
As you may surmise, I am not a 70’s dance music fan, so it should come as no surprise that I am only rating this 4 stars, but if I were a critic, it would earn the fifth quite easily.
4 stars
I hadn’t heard this before. I thought it sounded like an early 80s new wave record, but wasn’t surprised to discover that it was a mid 70s punk album. In my opinion, the two genres shared similar sounds, if not themes and attitudes. Musically, I liked the variety of songs, changing tempos and melodies. It kept it from droning, which some punk bands would tend to do. Overall, I enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
Even before you hear a single note, you know that this album will be revolutionary - the cover is one of the most striking visuals ever. And then you hear the music. I can’t imagine what this album did to the jazz scene, because when I grew up in the 70s, fusion was everywhere. But before that, you’d expect Miles to play Bebop. Of course, he invented that, too. I don’t know if it’s everyone’s cup of tea, but I do know it should be heard.
5 stars
Ahh, the notoriously long album on the list. It’s okay though, because I could listen to Miss Ella all day and all night. She was a generational talent with an absolutely recognizable voice. We were taught about her in school (A-Tisket A-Tasket), and she was such a memorable singer that I wish I had started listening to her sooner.
Did I listen to the whole album? Does it matter if I take my time enjoying it over several days?
5 stars
Brash and bold, the New York Dolls defined American punk music and it’s evolution into new wave. This is the sound of New York in the 70s. Blondie and the Talking Heads among many others owe something to this band and album. Maybe not the definitive American punk band (The Ramones are that), the music certainly has influenced the genre.
3.5 stars
