I've never listened to a full Bob Dylan album before. I always thought it would be too folksy for me, but I understand why people are so attracted to his music now. It's raw and super relatable. I could connect really easily with what he had to say. I'm glad this was my first album generated and I will definitely listen to more Bob Dylan in the future. "She Belongs to Me" and "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" were an unexpected favorites on this album.
I struggled to enjoy this album. Unlike the album I listened to yesterday from Bob Dylan where I felt that it was easy to engage with and tune in, I kept having to go back and relisten to songs on this album so that I could properly give this album a listed. Once I finished the initial album, I then discovered that there was a deluxe version which contained several more songs, a second disc containing a recordings of demos and live BBC live sessions, and a third disc containing recordings from additional live shows. I really wanted to give this album and this artist a full opportunity to shine. It isn't that I dislike the Pretenders. I ended up closing out the album during disc 2, but I did really enjoy the Cuban Slide and I am hoping in the future I can revisit this album with refreshed ears.
This is the second Bob Dylan album I'm gotten on the list. It has confirmed that I am a fan. I understand now what people mean when they say that he is a story teller. His music is really captivating and I find it easy to tune into what he has to say/sing.
I remember seeing Ray for the first time. I was quite young and had never been introduced to the artist Ray Charles before. The movie made me respect Ray Charles for everything that he had overcome as an artist (and I distinctly remember my mom saying that the movie caused her to lose her respect for him--polar opposite effect.) I have always loved his music. I find it timeless and butter smooth. The ballads feel like warm hugs for my heart. The jams make me feel like I need to get up and dance. I don't think Ray Charles is one of those artists who is up there on my "car jams" list, but if his music is on, I'm singing along. His songs feel universally known and appreciated and I don't feel that I can dismiss that in my review of this album. I listened to it three times as a part of this exercise and didn't get tired of it. That speaks volumes unto itself.
Until I listened to this album, I did not know who Tracy Chapman was. I had heard her music before, but I'd never heard one of her albums in its entirety and didn't know about her activism. I certainly didn't know what she's won multiple Grammy awards. I knew "Fast Cars", but all of the other songs were new. The track about DV was really powerful and I had to pause and ask myself, "Why are we still dealing with this issue? It's 2026. This album is from 1988." But women's issues continues to be a problem and we are losing more of our rights under the current administration. I loved the musical style of this album, but I think part of the reason this album resonates with me so much is because of the current political climate. Her messages are poignant, wrapped in beautiful melodies and delivered in a way that you can listen on endless repeat.
Until today, I was always under the impression that I did not like Oasis. I think that I've heard "Wonderwall" so many times between Guitar Hero and the radio that it just makes me want to roll over and cover my head with the pillows, but hearing the entirety of this album really made me change my mind. It's made me realize that one song out of context can really give a poor impression of a band. Wonderwall is even on this album. Sandwiched between other songs, I actually didn't dislike it.
When I can, I try to give albums on this list two full listens during the day. I think I was only part way through the front half of listen #1 when I started realizing that this might be my first 5 star album--for a band I thought I hated. As I listened to the album more, I realized and acknowledged that the 5 star rating really does feel right for me. I don't know if it's because I grew up in the 90s, so this is "my era" and I'm nostalgic for it (that'll be interesting to see as time and stats go on), but I just feel like the lyrics and the music settles well with my soul. I'm currently writing these notes on listen #2 and I'm still not finding fault with it. The dog is happily curled up with me on the couch and I can easily envision myself rocking out at an Oasis concert to "Roll With It", turning to the stranger next to me and having that brief but magical concert moment where everything is OK and nothing can stop us from singing and dancing together for the rest of at least that song. That microbubble is good and pure and musical goodness. It's this kind of magic that only good musicians can bring to the table. If it isn't five stars, what is?
I really tried with this one. I gave it two-and-a-half listened, but if it weren't for "Somebody to Love" and "Come Back Baby", I'd be rating this album 1 or 2 stars. The 60s style, psychedelic, "we're high, so let's drift and expand our minds" vibe is just not my thing. The songs on this album that lean more towards rock and blues are the ones I really enjoyed. When I think of Jefferson Airplane, they are the songs I think of, not the airy, whispy, stare-at-the-ceiling, songs. I've always thought Grace Slick had an interesting voice and it sounds great on the album, but I think this is just a matter of not loving the genre.
I gave this album three tries. At best, it is unmemorable--unoffensive, but unmemorable. There are songs on here that I would be willing to revisit in the future, but overall this is not an album that I was impressed by. (Can we also talk about the album cover? Red text on a checkerboard background is way too much.)
Felt like a short, but sweet album at 7 tracks, but when I looked it up, the total run time was actually about 39 minutes. This was a wonderful jazz album. If these songs would have come on in my normal music rotation prior to today, I would have been just as pleased. It's kind of the apotome of why I like 1001AG so much--it introduces you to music you didn't know was out there. So TIL that there is another music group out there that I like and need to delve deeper into. Was this a 5⭐ album for me, no? Was it a solid 4 that made me smile and jam along for a few listen throughs? 100%. My two favorites were "Blue Rondo a la Turk" and "Take Five". They were absolute jams and I look forward to them coming up back up in my regular rotation of Liked Songs again.
This album makes me concerned for Thom Yorke. Like, is the poor guy ok? He sounds like he's just been shot up with Novocain before walking into the studio to record. Then the combination of music, album cover art, and lyrics on this album make me feel like I'm trapped in dystopian pit of despair (and not in a cathartic, good good way.) The first time I tried to listen to this, I had to turn it off and walk away from the computer. I really disliked it. I had to come back several hours later with a fresh mind in order to give it another fair shot. Now I really borderline hate it? It took my full attention to get through the whole thing in one sitting. My hope is that there are better Radiohead albums on this list because this one is for the bin, not The 1001 list. If someone can please explain what I'm missing about this album being "so good", please do. I don't see why anyone would put this album on the Top ### lists or give it all the awards it's received. I lived through the 2000s and I didn't see it to be worthwhile then. It's 2026, I don't think it's worthwhile now.
Album's saving grace: "Life In a Glasshouse" 🎺
(Album #10!) When this popped up, I was legitimately excited. Ziggy Stardust is such a beloved album and David Bowie is such an iconic figure in pop culture and music history. Until today, I'd only ever heard songs from the album, never the whole thing, so it was really interesting to see how the album's story unfolded and how much more robust the music was when I sat down and listened to it holistically. Previously, I did not care much for most of the "famous" songs on ZS, but I think listening cover-to-cover and a few birthdays under my belt have given me some perspective about the messages and storytelling. Bowie was always "cool" for me growing up, but in the last few years, I've really started to understand just how much of a genius he was. If only we could go back in time and figure out how to keep the world from falling apart after he died. :(
Surprisingly unremarkable. Not even worth my standard second listen. I'm surprised by how unmemorable I found the album given this band's importance and progression in music history. If 2.5 were an allowable rating, that's my honest opinion--neither bad nor good. It's just meh.
I had no idea just how many hits came off of this album. I've always appreciated Led Zeppelin, but it just seemed like hit after hit after hit kept coming up in queue. I really enjoyed this as a workday jam album and was able to add some songs to my Liked Songs list that were apparently missing (ex: Misty Mountain Hop). Definitely enjoyed listening to it a few times over and would definitely listen to it again in the future. Not a 5⭐ album, but certainly up there in the rankings--like a 4/4.5?
Classic album that is absolutely deserving to be on this list. I don't consider myself to be a hardcore Doors fan, but it's hard to deny the impact that their music has had on the world. And this album makes a for a great workday soundtrack. I'm glad that I finally sat down and listened to this one cover to cover.
Thoroughly enjoyed this album. Second time I listened, I realized that it gave me some Cory Wong vibes, but was kind of surprised that this albums was released all the way back in 1979. If feels really modern, not almost five decades old. 100% recommend. Pretty much the entire album went onto my Liked Songs list.
Definitely not my favorite album. In the right setting, it works, but it's not an album that I would ever listen to on its own. I actually had to make a point to come back and finish it this morning before reviewing. I got bored enough that I wandered off--a first since I started 1001AG. To be clear, it was **not** the messaging in her music. I thought the lyrics and her messaging were great. It was the musical style that didn't click with me. If all the tracks had rhythms of "The Emperor's New Clothes", I might have been more tuned into the album, but I think it was just too lowkey for me. Messaging good. Jam-ability, not as good. 3 for the fact that I'd be willing to revisit it down the road and didn't hate it.
I enjoyed listening to a live album. I grew up listening to the Allman Brothers, so this album was a bit nostalgic. Listening to it as an adult and with a more inclusive world view, however, it's hard to separate the South from the southern rock. Like, why are we calling songs "Whipping Post"?
I really wanted this to be a better album. I tried listening to it 3 times and each time it was wholly unmemorable. When I would go "Ooh, I like this", the album had ended and Spotify had rolled over to another artist. This happened more than once. I really try to give all albums a fair shot. This one just isn't going to be on my likes list. Sorry. :(
This album was pretty okay. This isn't an album I would go and seek out again, but I also wouldn't be upset if it was on in a waiting room or something. It's the first time I've had an album on this list where I'm giving the album a decent rating, but the songs really feel stuck in the era which they were made. I'm not sure what to make of that, but (again) I don't hate it. Probably not going to seek out a Smiths album in the future, though.
I saw Van Morrison and went "An icon, this will be good." It was just OK. I didn't feel that there was a whole lot that on this album that I *loved*. It was fine, just not to my taste. Would give it a 3.5 if that was an option because I feel like the songs and album content-wise are probably a 4 for someone who enjoys the style.
This album felt more like storytelling through songs than a traditional album. It wasn't what I was expecting (I was expecting Radio Single Arcade Fire), but I thought it was pretty good. Only giving 3 stars because I probably won't listen again, not because it's anything against the album.
Really smooth, enjoyable album. Found it to be really good 'background music' while I got chores and life-stuff done around the house. It's one of those albums I would be really happy to listen through at the coffee show with a nice warm latte and a good book.
I mostly felt like I was just waiting for this album to be over. I didn't feel a connection to it and heard a lot of "waa, waa, waa, waap." I understand that it's a genre and maybe on a different day I would have enjoyed it more, but it mostly felt like meh. If it had been on the radio or a playlist, I would have skipped pretty much, if not all, of the songs on this album. It feels unfair to give this album a two, but I'm not sure it deserves a solid three. So the question is--which number does it get?
I honestly had no idea who Supergrass was, but when I heard some of the singles on this album, I immediately recognized them. It's always interesting to me when I "know" a band, but have no idea who they are. Honestly, really good album. Worth additional listens.
When I initially started this album, I didn't give it my full attention and thought it was sort of meh. Second listen through when I was more dialed in, I really enjoyed it. Not a 5-star gem, but would go back and listen again. I enjoyed Jeff Buckley's voice on some songs, but found others to be sort of whiney. Would hop around the album next time instead of a full listen-through.
Pretty OK album. I listed through it a couple of times and I liked it, but overall I didn't think it was that super memorable for the long run. If it came back up in my rotation in the future, I wouldn't be mad, but nothing to write home about. Certainly interesting.
Poor dog, I was grooving to this album with noise cancelling albums and almost missed that he was asking me to go outside. Good album, really enjoyed it.
**Any album that I don't finish gets a 1. I tried. I had to turn this one off. It was too much of a slog.** I remember when it came out. Hitting play brings me right back to that year, that radio station, what was going on during that time—but I don’t like this album. It just feels really noisy and overproduced which is strange because the album is stacked with talent. I was excited when this album came up in queue, but yeah…not a fan. (And of course a 1-star album ends up being 90 minutes long, too.)
Thought this was a nice album. Good for listening to during the work day and overall pleasant on the ears. Great voice. Definitely reminiscent of the late 1980s, a music era that I really enjoy. Thought there were some good stand-out-ish songs, but nothing major. Also nothing major in a bad way. Found myself bopping along a few times, but couldn't tell you the names of anything at the end of the day.
Generally good music. I like the Talking Heads (am actually thinking about going to see Jerry Harrison play with the Violent Femmes in a month or two), but this album isn't my favorite. A SOLID 3.5, but not quite a 4.
Quintessential 90s grunge. I've been lucky enough to see The Nirvana exhibit at MoPop and this takes me right into that space. Such a loss with Kurt Cobain. I understand why this album is on the list--the live version of Nirvana's music is intimate and raw. Cobain was actually known for being somewhat shy--I feel like that comes out through this recording. Definitely worth additional listen-throughs in the future.
I've seen Dwight Yokum live. I know he has good music. Most of the songs on this album aren't the ones I would call 5 star. Are the quintessential 1980s/1990s country and do they immediatelyhold a place in my heart just because of that? 100%. Are there better DY albums that could have made the list? 100%.
Album was OK. Gave it multiple listens and didn't find that there were any stand-out or memorable songs for me. Wouldn't turn it off if they came on the radio, but not really my thing.
I don't know how controversial my opinion is, but I'm not the biggest Beatles fan. Their music is iconic and continues to make a lasting impact on music internationally, but Abbey Road as an entire album just isn't my favorite. This is really one of those times I wish we could rate 1/2 stars because I think this is a perfect instance of 3.5 stars. It isn't a 3 and it isn't a 4. But like... do I rate it a 4? I typically round down, but...yeah. There are so many classic songs on here. It's undeniable.
This album feels and sounds like and indie/alternative rock version what the "Let's Make A Deal" 'whaawhaa' sounds like. Not my style. Definitely something I'm going to change the radio station on if it comes on the airwaves. (Also, why are the worst albums the ones with the longest songs? And always over an hour long, I swear.)
Really enjoyed this album. It was my first non-English album on the list and it was an absolute treat. Makeba has a beautiful voice and I would love to explore more of her work in the future.
This album took me several tries and several restarts over the course of a few days to get through--which is surprising because I understand The Rolling Stones' roots and influences. I do love the blues tones of this album. Their earlier work is more fun in that aspect and I think it deserves more love, so it was fun to have this album on the list. Overall, I think this album just needed more of my attention than I initially wanted to give it. If I could, I'd give a 3.5 and not a 4, but it's the Stones. You kind of have to round up.
Beautiful, soulful album. I don't normally feel that I can understand and hear an album's story, but this one was clear and the message vulnerable. I listened to this while I was working and it really kept me centered.
Hit after hit after hit. I've always been a Willie Nelson fan, but this album was a reminder of just how many hits he's written and or sung. I'm guess that us cowboys and cowgirls are a little more biased in favor of this album, but WIllie Nelson's so famous and so well-known, it's hard not to have an opinion going into it. I honestly thought this was going to be a 5-star for me, but it slowed down toward the middle of the record. Solid, solid 4.5.
I didn't realize that I had heard The Undertones' music before until I heard this album. "Under the Boardwalk" was actually the theme of my junior prom. (I know...bad idea if you're trying to prevent teen pregnancies, right?) Overall, I found the album to be a good listen, but nothing super special. If the music was on the radio, I it would be hit or miss if I changed the station. Would probably be something I kept on if I was on a road trip or if I was feeling more nostalgic. Hard to believe the album is more than 40 years old. The 80s was only 20 years ago, man...
Whole album felt really noisy. The tracks that didn't include all the feedback and squealy guitars were so much more enjoyable. I feel like this band is talented, but this music just isn't my style at all.
I looked. I was 37 seconds in when I decided that this was probably going to be a good album. And I did. I really, really enjoyed the entire album. Until listening to *Sunshine Superman*, I had never heard of Donovan Leitch, but wow--he is a super important person in music history. And talented. I'm glad he came up early in my 1001AG (#47?) because this album is the framework for the 60s psychedelic era. I doubt he set out to change music history forever, but can you imagine being that person?
This is the second Common album I have received so far. This album was released five years after Like Water for Chocolate. No matter how much I tried, I could not get through LWFC. This album, Be, I want to give two or three more listens. It is amazing to me how in the course of a few years an artist can change and fine tune in such a way that everything and snap together and fall into place. I was really bummed when I didn't love LWFC because I love Common's work. Be reminded me of all the things I love about this artist. Common is an incredible storyteller and musician and I hope that there are more of his albums on the list.
Another one of those 3.5 star albums. I really enjoyed the rhythm and the flow of this album. I'm not sure if it's because this is the era of music that I "grew up", so there's nostalgia, but it just feels right. I want to acknowledge potential bias there. But Pharrell Williams is also known to be a very talented producer. This wasn't an album on my radar, but I really enjoyed it. Glad it came up on the list.
I love live music. I particularly love live music when you can tell that the musician loves what they do. This was a great album. I wish I could have been there to enjoy it in person. Everything had movement and life--not all live albums do, but this one held up. (Hope this isn't a spoiler, but the drums at the end were RADDDDD.)
This is a low 3, high 2 for me. I really enjoy Steely Dan's music, but based on how I've been rating other bands' albums, this one must be skewed down. I grew up on this music. It's in my blood, but it doesn't have that punch like some of the other Steely Dan albums do. I'm giving it a 3 because it hurts to give it a 2... (Literally, lyrics are going "Don't you think it was wrong? as I wrote that. Come on, universe. I'm trying...)
This album is such a joy. A slow start with the first track, but after that it's nothing but upward and away. With the original version of "Respect", his cover of "Satisfaction" (which was a cover cut very shortly after the Stones' release), and so many other hits, this album is great for easy listening, chores, cruising in the car. Whether you realize it or not, Otis Redding has helped you build memories in your life. Everything about 7this music is lovely. We lost such an incredible musician way too soon when we lost Otis Redding.
