1001 Albums Summary

Opening track (Young Americans) - it's an all-timer. The best of sax with lyrics that make no sense to me. Fame - also amazing. The others - much less memorable and, despite repeated listenings, are not sticking with me.

It's a quality lounge album - would work with a comfy couch, a book, and a whiskey. Sweet life is a standout. Super Rich Kids is a bop - A+ beat and rhymes. Lost is great! Pink Matter - A+ Andre 3000 appearance.

I initially was turned off by this album, but admittedly (more for my own conscience), I was in and out of the office as I was listening to it. But "The Weight" is an all-timer of a summer song. There's some A+ organ on this album - the opening of Chest Fever for example. Ultimately, it's got great production and at least one all-time song, but it's just not for me.

I'm vaguely surprised that I've never listened to this whole album, but I think it feel in between the era where I listened to pop radio, but actually had the means to purchase and play my own collection of music. That said, this is 5 stars of pop greatness by one of the absolute legends. Everything is just so sing-alongable: "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", "Time after Time", "She-Bop", "All Through the Night". And songs I hadn't heard, "When You Were Mine" and "Yeah Yeah". Easily a 4 star...and, based on its influence, a debatable 5 star.

I tried - so many times. It's just not my jam. Sorry, S&G!

Listen, I get it - it's full of samples and beats that have formed the foundation of so many of hip-hop's classics. But much like I don't need to like the taste of a raw olive to love the taste of olive oil, I don't love this album. I respect it and all it's given us....but I don't love it.

Straight banger. Another album I had never listened to, but found some quality tracks. Also, it lead to a great Spotify playlist...

Hard no on this one.

Really fun album - it came up immediately after Dwight Yoakam and was a real palate cleanser.

This pains me - 5 stars

Just amazing - it darts from style to style with so many emotionally resonant songs.

Not my jam, but clearly dripping with dread and culture.