1001 Albums Summary

45 minutes of fantastic, piano led ballads rounded out by Elton's sweet vocals, thought provoking lyrics, and sweeping orchestral sections. The album kicks down the door with Tiny Dancer and then settles on the couch, inviting the listener to sit and stay awhile. While you could sing all of the choruses a few beers deep with arms around your mates at a pub, there's a lot to dig into here. A cover to cover listen might leave you wanting a change of pace, but the songs are begging you to give each of them their own dance.

Van Halen's debut album is one of the greatest rock albums of all time, and is still melting faces nearly 50 years later. One of the few albums on this website where I am lucky enough to enjoy my Dad's original copy on vinyl.

Snoozefest of beige music that could have been made in the 60s. I'd tap my foot to this while stuck in a waiting room, given I forgot my headphones.

Clocking it at nearly 2 hours of experimental jazz, this album is a tough inclusion on a daily listening list. It's difficult to approach music like this inorganically, but this record deserves the accolades its earned over the years and I'll need to find time to sit down with it again. From what I was able to digest I really enjoyed.

My first experience with U2 was the appearance of their album on my iTouch, and generally I've considered them a band that only middle aged dads listen to while working on a car. I won't say my opinion has been swayed much, but I did find The Joshua Tree to be an ok listen. The album kicks off with a great three song run and then peters out as it goes.

A touching album towards the end of a legend's life. At face value, it's a somber collection of acoustic tracks, mostly covers, and there's not much here to come back to for me. I question this inclusion on this list, to be blunt, but I look forward to getting an album from a younger Johnny.

This listen was a lot of fun and I'll be scalping some songs for this year's Halloween party. I can see the cult appeal of this one.

Quintessential Blues Rock.

Approachable, piano led jazz you could have playing in the background or be the main event. Will be looking to pick this up on vinyl.

Lively and funky jazz that demands you give it the attention it deserves.

I don't personally reach for punk often, but was pleasantly surprised with this album. The lyrics give you something to chew on and the music is interesting. Would sit down with again.

Raw Paul from near the end of the Beatle's run. I would say this album offers more in terms of the lore surrounding it than the music itself, but there's some decent cuts in here.

Velvety indie rock that flows together into a nice soundscape. This isn't a flavor of music I reach for often, but I can appreciate it.

Rock on, dads.

Some bands only had one good track in them, and that's ok. Why is this on the list?

I warmed up to this album as it played, but I still can't really embrace U2's sound.

Album full of tradition and heart.

Excellent piece of Brazilian psych rock in the trippy late 60s with a flair of supernatural vibes.

Refined, polished Stevie slinging some love songs. I'm more familiar and a bigger fan of some of his other work, but there's nothing to dislike here.

Screamer of a debut album.

Strong opening that tapers out to a weak finish. It's no Freedom Flight, but there's a few songs worth your time.

An album full of the beige, milquetoast palette of the 90s Americana/Folk/Indie scene. I'll leave this one for the older generations.

Noisey, punkey, shoegazey. I can appreciate the roots of other genres here, but don't particularly care for this album.

Treat of an album from some cats living in the pocket.

Fantastic songwriting and performance. Begs you to listen on repeat and sing along. Absolute rock of an album and instantly became a classic for me.

While the singles here are real showstoppers, an album under 40 minutes can't afford two 7+ minute clunkers. Keep on chooglin.

A big, bubbling pot of gumbo with a dash of voodoo.

About as self indulgent as it gets. This record has crossed over from extravagant to bizarre, but has enough musicianship to not be a total flop.