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
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.
First time truly digging into a Stevie Wonder record and I must say it was a pretty great time. Really enjoyed the variety of these tracks. From heartfelt ballads to songs that make you want to tap your feet and start dancing. I would give this a very strong 4, not quite a 5, but great overall. Thumbs up
I think I liked this a lot more when I was in high school. Can’t say it aged well 25 years later. There is something here, but I’m not sure I like it. Handful of good tracks. Bitch Please 2. Stan. Real Slim Shady. The Way I Am. Weighed down by a lot of shit. Strong 2/5
This falls squarely in the realm of I kind of like it, I appreciate the musicianship and everything going on. But ultimately it’s not for me and I’ll probably never listen to it again. 3/5
Cool record. This type of music is a bit outside my wheelhouse, but I enjoyed it. Love the story behind it as well. 4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Had always heard good things, but was hesitant to dive in. These songs are hauntingly beautiful. Excited to hear more of their stuff. 5/5
This was really cool. Little bit punk, folk, and slightly proggy. Felt very DIY. 4/5
Great album to put on in the background while playing Slay the Spire. I approve. 4/5
While there are a couple of skips here and there for the most part this album is full of bangers, which offer a variety of different sounds from different genres. Love this double LP. This is Zep at their most adventurous and I am here for it. 5/5
I guess I’m a PJ Harvey fan now. 5/5
A cornerstone of extreme music and all things heavy. An album which asks not if we should play fast, but instead how fast can we go? As a fan of this sort of music, and I can admit it’s not for everyone, I adore this record. 5/5
This was pretty good. I really enjoyed the first half of this record, but the second half was a bit disappointing. Prefer his other records thus far. I give this a light 4, as I think I’d rate it closer to a 3.5. Certainly not bad though. Good album overall.
A lot of people criticize AC/DC for their simplicity, but I would say there it something to that. Malcom Young is criminally underrated as a rhythm guitarist and oft overshadowed by his brother. While not quite as reaching some of the highs of some of the other albums of the Bon Scott era like Let There Be Rock. This album is still quite good. 4/5
Not bad, but I’ll never listen to this again. 2
Made the initial mistake of putting this on in the background while gaming last night, so decided to give it a second shot before receiving my next album early this evening. And boy am I glad I did. This album was wonderful and truly took me on a journey whilst listening. Focusing in on the music and lyrics flipped my initial thoughts on this record. Byrne and Co create such a unique auditory world. So many twists and turns listening to these tracks. Glad I gave it its due! 5/5
Well this is certainly an interesting one. Obviously there is very much a darkness here. The context surrounding the album and its creation gave me a morbid curiosity going in. While I don’t get every certain reference in the lyrics, the ones that I do certainly add to what’s happening. Great musicianship. I do feel like this record does go a bit too deep at times for my taste. I think I’m feeling a strong 4 on this one. Curious about the band and hearing more.
Not my favorite REM this far, but pretty good. Did find some of the tracks a bit boring compared to others. Strong 3
Absolutely fantastic record and show. So much energy on display here. Truly a wonder snapshot of the scene in Harlem both musically and culturally at the time. 5/5
Love this album. Knew this coming in. 5/5
Of Metallica’s incredible 5 album run, this is the one I put just a slight notch below the other 4. It’s great but the prog elements cause it to lack the focus of the others. Also, the bass. I know it’s a meme, but it needs to be mentioned. Still I give it a strong 4
Complicated one this given the artist’s recent opinions and controversy. Do I like Ye as a person? Absolutely not. Is this record good? Yes, it is phenomenal. One of the best in the genre since the turn of the century. It’s the classic debate of the artist vs. the art they create. Given the intention behind this list and musical journey, of exploring these sounds and judging just the music I feel compelled to give this a 5. That being said don’t get it twisted, fuck Kanye the person,at least as of this moment, fuck fascism, and fuck Nazi’s.
