1001 Albums Summary

I already considered this one to be an absolute classic. Nothing has changed here. 5 out of 5

My second favorite Beatles album. Easily a 5/5. No skips. Highlights are all of side 2. I love the sequencing leading up to the end. This album shows what the Beatles are all about.

Solid record. Was lucky enough to have a copy of this on vinyl from when my Dad gifted me his collection. I find some of his other work to be a bit more compelling than this. 4/5

This is an album that I feel has not aged super well. There are some undeniable great tracks here. Sharp Dressed Man is a great single. But I feel this childish, cheesy nature when hearing some of these lyrics. In the heavy blues rock genre I have heard much better.

First ELO listen outside of Mr. Blue Sky. Fantastic listen. Lush, layered arrangements and performances. Catchy songs. The best compliment I can give is it makes me want to check out more ELO.

Love everything about this one. The rhythm section pairs perfectly with Santana’s leads.

Ok. I do not completely hate this, but I certainly do not like it. There are passages of music here that I find somewhat enjoyable. But the lyrics are so pretentious I can’t give this more than a 2/5 on principle.

This was just ok for me. In reality I’d go closer to a 2.5, but I just found it to be kind of boring. There is much more interesting Psychedelic rock in this era that is ultimately just better.

The album where Dylan went electric did not disappoint. I tend to really enjoy this era of Dylan. Lyrics are meandering in a fun way.

One of the reasons I started this journey was to find cool music that I had never once heard before. This album met the criteria. I was entranced by this from the first minute. It doesn’t quite reach a 5 for me, but it is damn near close.

Quintessential southern rock. Banger after Banger. No disrespect to Free Bird, but Gimme Three Steps might have one of my favorite riffs of all time. Easy 5!

As someone with very little exposure to electronic based music, this was quite an enjoyable listen. Perfect music to put on in the background while building a Lego set or doing chores. While not as exciting as some albums on this list, I still felt it was solid. 3/5.

Had never heard of this band before and was completely blown away by this record. The performances are captivating and nuanced. The lyrics were meaningful and poignant. Loved the Americana/folk rock inspired influences. This makes me want to listen to more The War on Drugs. 5

Another blind listen and was met with som bluesy folk rock. Did not know that he wrote “everybody’s talkin”. Thought it was the other guy. Really enjoyed this one! 4/5

I really had to separate my impressions of this band from when I first heard this album in the late 2000s and approach this with a fresh set of ears. I did not like it then. Now I think I appreciate it what’s going on here a bit more. I don’t love it, but I certainly don’t hate it. I’m feeling a 3 on this one. It’s grown on me a bit with this listen.

This was pretty good to me. This sort of music isn’t really in my wheelhouse, but I enjoyed it well enough. 3

Enjoyable listen. Nothing special though. Biggest criticism would be that many tracks sounded sort of samey to me. Also gives music my parents would listen to vibes. Pruning a few tracks would likely benefit the record. This was fine though. Nothing I downright disliked. 3/5

Very good album. Only Prince can do what Prince does. Always take his competence as a musician and guitarist for granted. Highlight is the final track. Adore the riff on the airline stuff. Not as good as his peak records, but very solid. 4/5

Very solid record. Songs and ideas feel fresh for the 80s. Vocal performance is grounded and meaningful. Can hear what would soon become 90s alternative. 4/5

I guess I’m finally having one of those moments with this journey. I literally picked this up from my local record store and listened to it for the first time earlier this week. Well time for a second listen I suppose. Obviously the record’s reputation precedes itself and man did it not disappoint. Fantastic songwriting/storytelling. Excellent musicianship. Love the science fiction aesthetic. First time I’ve listened to a Bowie record in its entirety. The proof is in the pudding, this album is a masterpiece. 5/5

I was not familiar with Bragg before this, but I must about I’m intrigued to hear more.

Not my kind of music, but not terrible. 2/5 for me

Enjoyed this. Thought the performances from the drummer and bassist were top tier. 4

This one probably represents the number one reason why I decided to do this thing in the first place. To find really cool, awesome stuff that I had not ever heard of or listened to before. The album itself it breathtaking with heartfelt song writing. The musicianship is grounded. This is the type of country that I love, not the dog shit modern pop country that I so despise. I’m sure I’ll run into some of that stuff on the list at some point, but for now I’m treated to one of the best country records I have ever heard. This listen makes me want to hear more from Emmylou Harris and check stuff beyond what is on this list. If that doesn’t deserve a 5, then I’m not sure what else does!

Coldplay huh? I think a younger version of myself might have hated this. Me at 39, however, is a different story. Maybe this is just a good record. I’ll admit I never really gave this a fair shake as a teenager. This was cool. 4/5

Very solid record. 4/5

An absolute classic. Feel like it sets the stage for what’s to come from guitar music in the coming decade. Amazing performances all around. 5/5

This was not what I expected at all, but in a good way. I guess I never really knew or realized that Blondie were responsible for some of the absolute bangers on this record. Was also unaware of the power pop and punk influences on the band. Good stuff! Not quite a 5 for me but a solid 4.

You know younger me definitely fit into the “I hate ABBA” stereotype. An older wiser me appreciates this so much more. I’m not in the 5 range, but I am feeling a very solid 4 for this record. Dancing Queen and Fernando (yes I know this was not on the original release) are undeniable bangers. Several other tracks are catchy disco pop. 4/5

Look this is far and away my favorite Dylan album. No skips. My favorite song in Memphis Blues Again. Pinnacle of folk rock. I could write paragraphs about why I adore this record, but I’ll keep it simple and just give it a 5.