1001 Albums Summary

1 listen. Favorite track: Southern Man

1 listen. Favorite Track: Jealous-Hearted Man

Two all-timers in one tracklist. I’ve loved the title track for years, and I’m glad this gave me reason to listen to the whole thing. I love the combination of the smooth, soulful instrumentals with Al’s restrained but wonderful vocals. With so few weak or wasted moments here for me, this pushed five stars, but I just didn’t fully fall in love with enough of the other tracks. 2 listens Favorite track: The Title Track

Listened to this a couple years ago in preparation for the biopic but didn’t remember much. Enjoyed it more this time around. 1 listen.

No familiarity coming in beyond Thom Yorke. Loved those tracks and found myself enjoying the energy and style overall. Will continue to listen and give more time in the near future. 2 listens

Still pretty good, but didn’t capture me all that much or leave me feeling overly inspired to return. This might be a style I need some time to warm up to. Definitely some enjoyable moments though and woah that closer will be on repeat for weeks. 1 listen Favorite Track: Is This Music?

I think Kiss Off might haunt my nightmares… but I kinda rock with it. It’s probably not the only track that would fit that description either. I can’t imagine many situations in which I would say “You know what I want to listen to right now? That Violent Femmes record”. Appreciate the weirdness though, and some moments on the back half nearly won me back. This one always kept me guessing and usually wrong. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Promise, Good Feeling

I didn’t get to this one until late last night, but I feel that only added to the magic of Nina. It’s past time I listen to a full project from her and I’m so glad I finally did. The impact and boundary-pushing nature of what she’s doing here is immediately evident, along with it’s immortality. One of the most enjoyable moments for me when listening to music is catching a sample of a modern track I love or vice versa. Here it happened twice, with the iconic The Story of O.J. (Jay-Z), sampling Four Women, demonstrating Nina’s influence pushing all the way into the 2010’s and then, even further, one of my favorite recent The Weeknd tracks, Given Up On Me, beautifully sampling the title track just last year. This shines a lens into the lasting influence of her music, while listening to the album itself makes it clear how strongly it stands on it’s own, even today. Emotional, experimental, and brilliantly executed, this makes Nina sound like a godmother of soul itself. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Four Women, Wild is the Wind

This glam rock style hasn’t done a whole lot for me thus far. Maybe one of these projects will change that but this one wasn’t the one. 1 listen

Left a really positive first impression. The noise and punk elements created a dark intensity that I’ll be excited to return to. 1 listen Favorite Track: Schizophrenia

Similarly to Exodus, enjoyed this more on return than I did a couple of years ago. Great stuff. 1 listen Favorite Track: Stir It Up

This project was especially welcome after a couple of fantastic international releases and my first real exposure to music beyond our borders this past year. Joyful and expressive, the listening experience here is just simply a good time. So much musicality to go with passionate performances. Some of the string and drum lines are incredibly infectious, especially that melody in Pitche Mi, which was pure bliss to my ears. 1 listen Favorite Track: Pitche Mi

As well-loved a project as any that I somehow hadn’t gotten around to listening to until now. I can’t speak as much as others to it’s impact but the sound and quality of every instrument and the vocals are clearly top drawer. Incredibly energy on top of it all makes this one I’m excited to spend more time with and I expect it to only grow for me. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Breed, Come As You Are, Smells Like Teen Spirit, In Bloom

What a departure from OK Computer. I have the utmost respect for creatives who refuse to rest on their laurels. It would have been understandable if Radiohead had simply attempted to create an OK Computer 2, if not surprising based on what we know about them now. Instead they chose to push themselves, keeping many elements of their sound but using them in a completely different way. Here they create a bizarre combination of their outstanding art rock base, forays into electronica, and a heavy dose of ambient soundscapes to craft a world that is both atmospheric and a bit haunting, at times. The record starts on the highest of notes with the opener, which I was surprised to recognize the beginning of. The use of the supernatural-sounding vocals with the synths creates a wonderfully strange array for Yorke to sing over, with these elements cutting in and out, always keeping the listener on their toes. I found the title track to be a bit more plodding and less satisfying but builds nicely towards the end. The National Anthem is a standout, sporting a killer bassline written by Yorke when he was just 16. It’s the perfect backdrop, along with the epic drums, for the chaotic explosion that is to come. I have no words for the moments when the horns enter. If this wasn’t enough, How to Disappear Completely is next, a track so emotive and beautiful in both the vocals and the backing instrumentation. I felt the way the different string instruments are used to create both the sweeping sections and the ambient atmosphere on this one to be brilliant. Treefingers offers a nice break after the weight of the previous track, sounding like a breathtaking open-world video game. Things settle into a nice groove heading into the back half. The excellent, driving Optimistic concludes with a smooth outro that abruptly transitions into In Limbo but somehow manages to sound like it all might be part of the same song with the jazzy part dropping significantly in volume and a woozy keyboard taking over and guiding another sweet track paired with a slow, buzzing guitar line. Idioteque, one of the most experimental tracks, has been one of the hitches for me. The sample and drum machine combination are weird and super creative, I just haven’t connected with this one as much as it lacks the beauty of some of the others, aside from Yorke’s vocal performance, which offers some powerful moments, as it often does here. This one is growing on me slowly though, and does, however, present another wonderful transition into Morning Bell, which is in some ways unassuming, but well executed and a good warm-up for Motion Picture Soundtrack. This glittery closer provides the emotional release the album feels as if it requires, as the tight grip the project holds over the listener, keeping them in this foreign world, loosens and falls away. This was an experience unlike many others that I’ve heard in terms of the atmosphere it builds and the creativity used to do so. I have no questions as to why this isn’t for everyone, but I appreciate that a band on top didn’t take the easier route and make something that would be. That is the difference between a great musical act and a special one, for me. I wasn’t around to speak for the perception or impact of the band at the time, but how I see it is that OK Computer proved Radiohead was capable of the incredible, while Kid A cemented them as legends. I had every intention of giving this a 4 but I think the fact I felt compelled to describe my appreciation for this album in such detail is a sign. 3 listens Favorite Tracks: The National Anthem, How to Disappear Completely, Everything In Its Right Place, Optimistic, Motion Picture Soundtrack, In Limbo

I’ve enjoyed Blue for awhile, but never explored Joni’s catalog further until now. This style speaks to me with it’s unpredictable production as a backdrop for potent lyricism only enhanced by Joni’s voice and performance. Folk music that is anything but repetitive or ever short of ideas, it feels like the work of a one-of-one creative. The standout feature might be the storytelling though, which demands return to this to grasp those stories fully and piece them together, but with Joni I imagine they come together beautifully. Exploring her emotional state through her music in the way she does, Joni does one of my favorite things in singer-songwriter music, throwing out a hook to explore more. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Song for Sharon, Title Track

Woah. I knew little about this band coming in and this was not really what I was expecting. What this was was close to the dream experience for me when doing this, finding something I wasn’t familiar with, nor particularly expecting to like, and falling in love with it. I enjoy everything about this. The energy is incredible, it’s electric and then some. The fusion of styles here sound frankensteinian in the coolest way, sounds that weren’t all put together this well before this but combine to create something epic and monstrous. The vocals are great, reminding me of the Beastie Boys and, more recently, Joey Valence. I’m not quite as into the more metal tracks but even those I enjoyed much more thaj expected. I’ve struggled to enjoy groups like Deafheaven in the past because I can’t endure the sound of the screams but I much prefer how it’s done here personally. All of this would be enough to love it and that’s without a word being spent on the power of the lyrics to go on top of it all. I’m not all that well-versed in the genre yet overall, but this may quickly become my favorite rock record of all time, as long as nothing else on this list has something to say about it. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Take the Power Back, Bombtrack, Know Your Enemy

This grew on me after encountering it a few years ago. While being a master of soul, Stevie expands his sound so much here and adds a heavy dose of funk and flare to the sweetness he was known for as a teen musician. 72 was the year he fully came into his own, with two projects where he demonstrated what he was truly capable of. I have a soft spot for artists who do it all, not only the vocals but nearly all the instrumentation themselves, as he does here. It’s fully his artistic vision and a great early release, certainly not the last we’ll be hearing from him here. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Superstition, Maybe Your Baby

My first exposure to any R.E.M. and it definitely made a good impression. Just about everything they go for here works for me in some capacity. I enjoy the folksy tracks, I enjoy the more conventional tracks, and I enjoy Stipe’s vocals and lyricism over all of it. Stand shouldn’t be allowed to be as catchy as it is. Excited to listen to more of their work. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: I Remember California, Stand, Pop Song 89

Hail To the Thief is another display of excellence from Radiohead. The band moves back closer to elements of traditional musicality here after the forays into otherworldly ideas that Kid A and Amnesiac make. There is still plenty of experimentation and sonic exploration here though, mind you. The lyrical themes, subject matter, and metaphors are as interesting as ever and Yorke’s incredible vocal performances that vary dramatically set the stage perfectly. There are some slight missteps this time around toward the middle, however, namely We Suck Young Blood and The Gloaming falling below the rest of what’s here. While this record may lack the high highs of some of their previous releases, there remains top quality and musicianship, mixed with the band’s outstanding ability to convey and delve into human emotion, all throughout the tracklist. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: A Wolf At the Door; Sail To The Moon; A Punch Up at a Wedding; 2 + 2 = 5; There, There; Myxomatosis

A somewhat interesting project, thought felt a bit dull in the end. I can see the moments from this that may have come to be influential, some of the vocals on earlier tracks are really fun, but the back half is nothing special and the project comes together as something not all that standout. I love a good long track, many of the best are, but We Will Fall is one of the most plodding snoozers I’ve ever heard. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: I Wanna Be Your Dog, No Fun

Pleased to see a challenging and experimental project like this one show up here. There are so many different ideas sonically that it is difficult to fully digest at first for me, but with a concept like this that feels necessary to Reznor’s purpose with this project. It feels impossible to come to a conclusion after a day as the lyrics and concept of something like this needs time and examination to see if it clicks. I could sit on the fence with this one, but overall I enjoy more here then I don’t and much of it rocks. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Mr. Self Destruct, Closer

This was well executed and I don’t have many gripes to speak of, it just didn’t interest me a whole lot and I may not return to it. 1 listen Favorite Track: Waterloo Sunset

My first exposure to early post-punk, this project had me interested at first and then lost me a bit with the lack of risks or switch-ups, which I feel it was in need of. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Dumb Waiters, Pretty In Pink

Heading in, I was only familiar with Willie through, admittedly, Beyonce. That to say I’m not particularly interested in country music generally, but I quickly came to understand why he’s loved, though, with this project. The music lets the story take the lead here, but not without some beautiful instrumental breaks and interludes that aid it. A brilliant concept constructed in a manner I’ve never seen before. With it being written around a cover surrounded by a mix of others and his own inclusions, all wonderfully executed by Willie, this is a special country album. 2 listens Favorite Track: Can I Sleep in Your Arms

A fantastic release from front to back from a group of incredibly talented musicians I look forward to hearing more of. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Country Girl, Carry On, Our House

Impressive all-around, great brit-pop, with quality production, passionate performances, and cool lyricism worth diving into further. 1 listen Favorite Track: Design for Life

Well executed, but didn’t appeal to me as much as other international albums I’ve enjoyed over the past several months. The spare instrumentation lacked much to make me come back. 1 listen Favorite Track: Tropicalia

Pretty spectacular. It was cool to learn how out there a project like this was when it was released, providing a greater appreciation than simply listening to it with contemporary ears. This is stacked, despite only being eight tracks, making it a challenge to pick favorites. A project that is difficult to poke holes in, holds up impressively, and seriously pushed for top marks. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Hallowed Be Thy Name, The Prisoner, Run to the Hills, Children of the Damned

The biggest album this world has ever seen and for good reason. Michael and Quincy executing pop at it’s finest here and the number of huge hits on this tracklist reflects that. As always, this was fun to return to. I can’t imagine what it was like around the globe when this dropped. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Beat It, Billie Jean

There were moments here I did find interesting and enjoyable, but the rougher ones just pull it down and make it a challenge to return to. The vocals are the element holding everything else back the most. The first track is downright bizarre and not in a fun way. 1 listen Favorite Track: Les enfants

This had a sweet vibe but struggled to remain engaging and intriguing as it went along. 1 listen Favorite Track: Death Sound

First Dolly album for me, not the sort of thing I typically gravitate towards but was intrigued simply because of how loved she is as a person. Many sweet moments, straightforward throughout, and rock solid as a whole. 1 listen Favorite Track: Title Track

Enjoyed most of what the band did on this record with a wide array of interesting tracks that all had their moments. Didn’t fall in love with much but it was fun anyways. Looking forward to hearing more of their material. 1 listen Favorite Track: The Warmth

An enjoyable introduction to Lenny’s music. It feels like his sound isn’t fully formed here, but I was certainly fond of what he was going for. The instrumentation and vocal inflections are engaging throughout, creating plenty of fun moments, even if some tracks drag a bit. 1 listen Favorite Track: Title Track

From what I’ve learned about Bob over the past couple of days, this may be an odd place for an introduction, but I was certainly left impressed nonetheless. I can see why many don’t appreciate his music as much in a vaccum today, as his sound is so influential it was destined to be outdone again and again. It’s clear Bob was not only willing to consistently push himself musically, but puts every ounce necessary of songwriting and lyrical focus into the songs here. It took some time to get into it but with the right artists that patience can pay off. Some of the best storytelling I’ve heard in a while will not only bring me back to this but push me to explore more of his catalogue, it’s overdue. 2 listens Favorite Track: Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream, Subterranean Homesick Blues

Here they are. In my opinion, the perfect place to start with them as their fame reached well-documented dizzying heights ahead of this release. The band begins to truly find themselves here, with Lennon and McCartney writing all the material here, elevating the results and impact. There’s a nice flow with all these short but not half-baked tracks. Not my personal favorite of theirs but still very good. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Can’t Buy Me Love, If I Fell, Title Track

This was pretty incredible. I’ve rarely ever listened to live albums, but this one was special. It’s an enjoyable listen throughout even without knowing the story, but that only enhances it. The sort of experience that reminds you that the potential music has to be something magical is more than just a cliche. 1 listen

This was fine. Not as noteworthy of a 60’s release. Not an unenjoyable listen but not pushing the envelope either. 1 listen

Took a little time but did click. This is beautiful and well-executed and on a different way in each track. From the power of the title track, to the harmonies on The Boxer, to the fun on Keep the Customer Satisfied and so much more, this is sweet. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Keep the Customer Satisfied, Title Track, The Boxer

So strange, but somehow captivating. This was fascinating in the “I can’t look away” sort of way. Hard not to relish, in a way, how much this must have scared people in it’s time. Heck, the closing track scared me a little. Despite the avant-garde nature being it’s biggest strength, there was no lack of strong conventional elements present as well. All in all, the weirdness won me over. 1 listen Favorite Track: Trouble Every Day

Another rock solid reggae release with some cool early 80’s flare. It is a bit too long for something that lacks variety sonically as much as this. Reefer Madness is an all-timer name for a track in the genre. 1 listen Favorite Track: Food For Thought

Expected to love this and I did. Excels on just about all fronts, even if some songs towards the end don’t quite match up with the rest, everything is still strong. Pushing 5 stars. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Sad But True, Enter Sandman, The Unforgiven

This wasn’t magnificent, but I like this sort of thing and found it to be catchy and enjoyable. 1 listen Favorite Track: Title Track

Moments of magic and explosives in equal measure. I’ve heard some of Santana in passing and enjoyed it, but this surpassed all my hopes. A beautiful creation here that I’m looking forward to enjoying for years to come. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Incident at Neshabur, Hope You’re Feeling Better, Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen

Solid folk rock that I found to be more interesting than not. A few highlights help to counterbalance some of the less exciting moments well enough to find myself in favor of the project. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Darkness, Darkness, Quicksand

More British Invasion. An important band who’s debut is just okay. Not super into this, the covers are pretty weak but some decent tracks in here. 1 listen

A cool, colorful experience. Definitely worthy of returning to at some point. 1 listen

Great stuff all the way around. Excellent punk but that’s far from everything, as they touch on a variety of genres and succeed at just about everything they attempt. There were some moments I couldn’t get quite as into but could see them growing on me with time. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Title Track, Lost in the Supermarket, Train in Vain, Brand New Cadillac

The final album before his tragic passing, Figure 8 is grand, bright, yet also thoughtful. All the different ideas here lyrically and production-wise create a powerful release in every way. I immediately fell in love with this one. Looking forward to hearing more of Elliott’s work, even if I know that this has a different tone to much of his previous music. Pushing a 5. 2 listens Favorite Track: Can’t Make A Sound, Son Of Sam, Junk Bond Trader, In The Lost And Found, L.A., Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud

Fun British Folk Rock that made for good listening. Lots of fun moments to enjoy on this one even if I’m not sure it’s the sort of thing I’ll come back to. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Matty Groves, Come All Ye

So groovy, so smooth, so 70’s. Wonderful stuff from a wonderful group of musicians. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Shining Star, Title Track

Some weird, inventive stuff on the first half but struggled to keep my interest all the way through. Definitely some forward-thinking instrumentation but I didn’t enjoy much of the vocals. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: If There Is Something, Re-Make/Re-Model

Influential and ahead of it’s time, being recorded all the way back in 1949 and 1950, this early work from a loved legend possesses an obvious importance. It didn’t necessarily come off as any of sort of spectacular listen today, but it was still a consistent, enjoyable experience all the same. Davis is both an important figure and true craftsman whom I’ll have mentally earmarked with anticipation for when later works of his appear on this list. 1 listen Favorite Track: Jeru

Interesting and eclectic, even if it doesn’t end up something perfectly satisfying, 1 listen Favorite Tracks: I’m Glad, Zig Zag Wanderer

Well done overall. Plenty of nice harmonies and storytelling, mostly. 1 listen

My introduction to Bowie is, what I assume, an atypical release from him, but a wonderful listen nonetheless. He uses the music beautifully to convey the struggles of this difficult period of his career and you can really hear how his circumstances at the time influenced the production and writing. Both sides of this are individually intriguing in their own right and fit together well too, with the brisk art rock tracks devolving into strange, emotional instrumentals that make this a defining experimental rock album that still holds up. One of the most interesting projects yet, for me. Could fall in love with it but it would take some time. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Sound and Vision, Speed of Life, Subterraneans, Be My Wife

Glitzy, classy, but hasn’t aged with all that much grace. Some standout moments for sure, entertaining, but just solid as a whole. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Poison Arrow, All Of My Heart, The Look Of Love, Pt.1, Tears Are Not Enough

I was looking forward to coming back to this one, a beautiful record that’s worthy of the love it gets. A heartwarming story surrounding it, beautiful sax and instrumentation, and a fun flow to it all in such a small package. It’s still my favorite jazz recording of the ones I’ve heard, though admittedly, that isn’t many. 2 listens

I don’t know much of this style and what it’s trying to imitate, but it lead to mixed results for me. Threw alot at the wall and some things stuck but it isn’t special enough as a complete project to come back to it. Some fun, high-energy moments though, which I usually can’t help but enjoy a bit at least for that. 1 listen Favorite Track: Title Track

Here we go, I’ve been hopeful and excited to get some OutKast on here, and this is a very interesting, polarizing record to talk about, nead the end of their discography. I’m a big fan of OutKast’s work, this being the most commercially successful of their releases, yet never my favorite, largely because I love hearing the duo work together. That conclusion is less shade to this album and more a credit to my favorites of their projects, which sit among my favorite hip-hop records of all-time. Yes, this is long, but it’s really two albums, and with some mental gymnastics with how it’s constructed, I can get on board. Big Boi, the less iconic member, was never any slouch, he’s a tier below the greatest of rappers, and he proves here he can carry a full disc on his own. The flow, creative vision, and ability is on full display here, as Speakerboxx is a special southern hip-hop release with awesome tracks all over. Then there’s Andre, who digs as deep as ever into his experimentation and ideas with a record that’s only loosely connected to hip-hop but cool and super entertaining with a historic run of tracks towards the middle. It may be unfair, but I struggle not to compare the group to themselves, and this is an awesome release I enjoyed more this time around than ever before, but not quite enough for a perfect score yet. 2 listens Favorite Track: Roses Honorable Mentions: She Lives In My Lap, Hey Ya!, Bowtie, The Way You Move, Reset, Prototype

Some pretty good alternative. Not something I expect to return to much but enjoyable nonetheless. No tracks particularly stood out to me. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: April Skies, Happy When It Rains, Cherry Came Too, Fall

I struggled to give this my full time and energy, knowing it would require a true exercise in separating the art from the artist, especially with this being Morrissey’s first solo work I’ve heard. I just couldn’t get into this. It’s not poorly executed lyrically or musically at all. Morrissey is his poetic self on here, without a doubt. I just had a lack of personal interest, today, in what he had to say, which were mostly fair and sharp criticisms from a man worthy of just as much himself. Time to move on from this one. 1 listen

I love everything about this album. The energy and musicality brought here has little to no competition for me. It succeeds at all the sounds it fuses, but if categorizing this as a pop record, I can’t think of another that I’ve heard that matches it. I only enjoy it more now than when I first heard it a couple years ago. The closer is one of the first tracks I would think of if asked for music magic. Timeless. Not a bad word to say about this, making it the easiest to score yet. 2 re-listens Favorite Tracks: Title Track, Let’s Go Crazy, When Doves Cry, The Beautiful Ones, I Would Die 4 U

Enjoyable new wave synth stuff. Didn’t catch that I new this group’s biggest hit until after the album, well, we all do. Had a good time listening to this but it’s not special, just sticks to what it does well. Multiple tracks could have been shorter. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime), Promised You A Miracle

A band I’ve heard mentioned alot, especially around here. This is really fun 80’s stuff, even if it’s not what I’d typically gravitate towards. Creative blends and ideas that are welcome and easy to appreciate. Some of the prettiest moments appear near the end, closing the record on an excellent note. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Save a Prayer, Title Track, The Chauffeur

This was pretty good and worthy of credit, for me. Great guitar and energy across it but without many standout moments. While I think this is a strong album, I’m left wondering, again, if this interests me all that much. That division made this a tough rating. When in doubt, I guess I’ll choose to be exclusive, highlighting the albums that capture me while listening and leave me wanting more when I’m done. 1 listen Favorite Track: Jane Says

The album between the ones which I expected to be my introduction to Jimi, but I can’t complain about this one. So much talent oozing out of every aspect, from the guitar, of course, but also the voice, diverisity of sounds, and lyrics. So well done all-around, so many enjoyable, groovy tracks, great stuff. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Little Wing, Spanish Castle Magic

From an artist who’s name I barely recognize, I was impressed with how this sounded from the start. The band does an excellent job and there was a nice classiness to this. Van sticks to what he does well and doesn’t deviate much from that. Definitely a pleasing listen for me just wish it was a little tighter but it is a live album so that can happen and you just have to live with it, I suppose. 1 listen Favorite Track: Ain’t Nothin’ You Can Do

Solid 70’s rock, that’s about it. Not really what I’m into but this was totally fine with some decent moments. 1 listen Favorite Track: Title Track

It doesn’t feel as if an album like this one can actually exist. For something to be so bold, impactful, accessible, and universally loved is a feat few pieces of art in any form manage to reach. I could speak at length about it without saying anything that hasn’t already been said before. It is a joy discovering new music with this project, but seeing an album pop up every once in awhile that you’ve known and loved for years and are reminded that you can just start listening to it whenever you please is another type of joy in itself. One of my favorite records of all-time, it didn’t take too long after Talking Book to reach this one. This is Stevie’s magnum opus. A huge double-album that never drags or hits a bump, it’s filled with glorious compositions that range from upbeat, funky classics (Sir Duke, I Wish, As), wonderful, slower, emotional moments (Love’s In Need Of Love Today, Knocks Me Off My Feet, Joy Inside My Tears), potent, poetic lyrical professions (Village Ghetto Land, Black Man), and so much more. I’d likely be able to pick out twelve tracks or more that I’d put over my favorite track from most of what we’ve heard so far, and I say that only as a credit to this. It doesn’t require any explanation, just a listen, and the reasons it’s considered such a classic just hit you like tsunami waves. A masterclass in writing and musicianship, this project has little in the way of competition in it’s stratosphere. It may have none. 1 re-listen Favorite Tracks: As, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, Summer Soft, Love’s In Need Of Love Today, Another Star, Sir Duke

So much cool, weird stuff on here. One of my favorite 60’s projects yet. I can definitely see why this is such a loved classic. I’ll have to come back to this a few more times soon; I expect my appreciation to only grow the more I return. 1 listen Favorite Track: Light My Fire

I found this to be pretty boring, honestly. Fine enough lyrics and the band is alright but this sort of thing is hardly interesting to me and I can’t think of any reason why I’d put in on of my own accord. 1 listen

This is a strange pick. While I respect the attempts to experiment and innovate here, aside from a few moments, it’s not well-executed. If it’s influential, that’s only from a handful of picked pieces of ideas. All due respect, but why is this considered to be something particularly important to listen to beyond those who are really into this style, specifically? I worry about what kind of albums missed the cut for this list to make room for one like this. 1 listen

Fun, catchy salsa with plenty of character. A collaboration that’s full of heart and endeared a genre to me that I’m not all too familiar with. A bright, positive impression here. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Plástico, Title Track, Pedro Navaja

Immediately won me over with a guitar riff in the opener that’s sampled by Kendrick in one of my favorite albums of all time. The grooves didn’t stop after that, rolling through the whole thing and making for great listening. 1 listen Favorite Track: That Lady

Some fun, interesting moments but some pretty grating ones too. I appreciate some of the switch-ups. Starts much stronger than it ends. 1 listen Favorite Track: I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)

Now this is what I’m talking about. One of the primary examples thus far of a band completely unknown to me releasing a gem that’s excellent all-around. The guitar playing is fantastic and would completely steal the show if not for the rest of the production, along with the passion and lyrics from the lead singer, holding their own as well. Every track offers something unique and undeniable, giving us plenty of sonically interesting and purely catchy moments that work well together. A super strong release that could still grow on me yet. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Title Track, Venus, See No Evil, Torn Curtain

A passionate and powerful live album with a great atmosphere. The live element shows a rawer side to Cooke then we hear in his singles and all for the better, in my opinion. A wonderful talent and figure lost too soon. 1 listen Favorite Track: Having a Party

I was not expecting a 2011 release here, let alone one I was completely unfamiliar with. This was fun, often frenetic, but overall inconsistent. Some tracks stood out with their cool, interesting ideas and some were in one ear and out the other. I liked the blend of a jam band sound with psychadelic moments. Pretty intriguing as a whole. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Is and Is and Is, Street Joy, Back at the Farm

Every time I hear Kings of Leon, I feel like they are trying to do the things that make a great band without actually having the chops or ingenuity to execute on that level. There were plenty of decent moments from this debut, but they always leave me wanting more. Not entirely my thing, admittedly, but I still have heard better ideas in this genre than this. The screaming moments don’t suit them, so I prefer the tracks where they are more subdued. Probably an indication there that the performances from the lead singer were not my favorite. Still almost ranked it higher because most of it is totally listenable. I just don’t see myself reaching for this one. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Molly’s Chambers, Red Morning Light, Talihina Sky

Outstanding. This was a joy to listen to from start to finish. Magnificent instrumentation, variation, and infectiousness. On top of the tracks themselves, the whole thing being mastered to perfection is what seals the deal. Every song, particular in the first half, manages to be so high-quality and engaging while being unmistakable for one another. The first album here I’ve loved this much with no prior knowledge of the artist or band. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Walk of Life, Money for Nothing, Title Track, Your Latest Trick, So Far Away

Good Blues Rock and excellent work from Clapton. Hard to deny the quality even if the record can drag a bit. Nice Little Wing cover amongst the strongest part of the album, the back leg. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Layla, Bell Bottom Blues

I have a soft spot for Steely Dan. They’re bringing their brand of just fun, catchy pop rock here and much of it hits the mark. I wanted to be higher on it but found I was focusing too much on the tracks and moments I did enjoy while ignoring the fact that half of this I had little interest in at all. Some good tracks to pull out but after the first four or so it tailed off a bit. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Night By Night, Title Track

The debut of a band I’ve heard of but never heard anything from. This was cool and eccentric, plenty of weird, interesting instrumental ideas and vocals from Byrne. I didn’t necessarily love anything all that much but the influence and quality are difficult to deny. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Pulled Up, Psycho Killer

Wow, this was a trip. This project is often difficult to digest, yet alone analyze, but it bleeds ambition. With a chaotic blend of genres and of the west and the east, Cornershop manages to make a messy, potentially bloated project altogether interesting, which is easier said than done. If the strange, hypnotic trip hop instrumental tracks and the best folk and hip-hop inspired tracks had been mixed and, possibly, sequenced better, this had the potential to be something special. Against my better judgement, I enjoyed most of the tracks and the general idea and direction here, so I’m in favor of this perplexing experience. The best tracks I expect to return to regularly (the cool Beatles cover included), which I can’t say all that often with the number of different tracklists I’m experiencing weekly now. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Brimful of Asha, Good to Be on the Road Back Home, Sleep on the Left Side, Candyman, Norwegian Wood - This Bird Has Flown, Good Sh**

If not Prince at his best, it’s Prince at his very close. While a bit unruly at times, most artists could only dream of being able to put something like this together. All his flair, energy, and unparalleled talent gift us with an explosive experience that I never want to end. He deserves all the credit he gets. 1 re-listen Favorite Tracks: Little Red Corvette, Title Track, D.M.S.R, Let’s Pretend We’re Married

A strange, entrancing project that isn’t quite like anything I can remember hearing before. The result of the risks and leaps taken here is a complete, well-executed psychedelic journey. Amongst all the weird effects are many highly enjoyable, sticky musical passages. I actually do hear some similar DNA to Damon Albarn and his creation, Gorillaz, at points, which I can only appreciate. Funnily enough, one of the tracks here happens to sample one from The Stooges’s self titled from before. I look forward to exploring this further and I expect my appreciation to only grow. It’s all smiles in my corner. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Shoot Doris Day, Presidential Suite, It’s Not the End of the World?, Juxtapozed with U, Run! Christian, Run!, (Drawing) Rings Around The World

I love just about everything the band does on this album. It combines wonderful instrumentation with genuine emotion throughout, offering just about everything I could want. So excited to spend more time with this beautiful record. 1 re-listen Favorite Tracks: Paranoid Android, Let Down, The Tourist

This was pretty Bandwagonesque… esque. I feel similarly about this record but prefer the melodic moments there to the more post-punk focus here. Just not something I’d reach for on my own. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Hoover Dam, If I Can’t Change Your Mind

The Beatles last-recording together, Abbey Road is the ultimate swansong from the most famous band of all time, even if it didn’t end up being their final release. This most recent listen has left me with as great an appreciation as ever for this record, which I’ve only heard a handful of times up to this point. It’s such a positive effort from such a negative time for the group as they were falling apart, making it all that more impressive to me how they managed to make it as cohesive as it is. Though I don’t have the special connection to this album yet that so many do, it simply offers me many of my favorite Beatles tracks and some of my favorite musical moments ever. I need to spend more time with the fascinating, dizzying second half medley, but I find it enjoyable throughout. The transition from Golden Slumbers to Carry That Weight is one these favorite musical moments. The first half offers the majority of the rest, from Paul’s vocals on Oh! Darling to the second half of I Want You and it’s juxtaposition with Here Comes The Sun at the pivotal core of the project to George’s instrumental break between his verses on Something. Abbey Road is up there with the most joyful of listening experiences and is probably my favorite Beatles record for now. 1 re-listen Favorite Tracks: I Want You (She’s So Heavy), Oh! Darling, Here Comes The Sun, Something, Come Together, Carry That Weight, Golden Slumbers, Octopus’s Garden, The End, Maxwell’s Silver Hammer

The Strokes are a band I’ve wanted to check out for awhile, so I was excited to see their debut appear here and was pleased with the results. This is just so well done from front to back, such an impressive debut. The Strokes have a great feel for their sound from the start and it allows every element and track to fit pretty seamlessly. The energy level of the guitars, drums, and vocals is beautifully balanced on each track, allowing the record to be fun and gritty while maintaining a cleanliness that keeps it just in control enough at all times. I couldn’t have asked for much more. The biggest standouts happened to be the biggest hits in this case, for me. Definitely will return to this and looking forward to hearing more from them, no notes. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Last Nite, Someday, The Modern Age, Hard To Explain

We only have to jump a couple of weeks ahead to get to this one. I connected with this album significantly more than their other record we heard. I want to spend more time diving into the story because I enjoyed the sound quite a bit. This was zany and entertaining throughout with far more memorable moments. Maybe I’ve just gained an appreciation for The Kinks and would enjoy their previous work more now but at first glance this feels like a real development in their sound and direction. Some of these tracks were a real journey. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Victoria, Australia, Shangri-La

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s a woozy and jittery project that explores and experiments with so many cool psychadelic ideas throughout. I love the inventiveness being paired with plenty of earworm passages, forming a formidable tandem that brings these tracks to life. The lyrics I caught were intriguing as well and worthy of a closer look. The second half didn’t quite keep up the momentum of the first but was interesting nonetheless. An excellent display all-around and a great first impression, for me. I could see myself bumping this up after another listen or two. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: My Girls, Summertime Clothes, In The Flowers

Another example of good folk rock, much like Fairport Convention. It’s always moving in interesting directions sonically and is impressively composed. This isn’t a genre that has captured me enough to listen to it in my free time, though. 1 listen Favorite Track: Hunting Song

Bowie strikes again. Just about at rock bottom at this point with the state of his addiction, marriage, and mental health in disarray, he managed to put together a sparkling record all the same. It begins with a magnificent, two-part epic, the longest track of his career. It’s difficult to pick a favorite between the groovy march in the first half and the dazzling, upbeat second. Golden Years is the worthy hit that follows, with Bowie bringing all his best stuff and putting it into a tight package. Word on a Wing is wonderfully performed and emotional, while TVC15 is just 70’s fun with great keys. Stay starts slow and is guns blazing the rest of the way with Bowie effortlessly managing the momentum. What a journey I’ve had with Wild Is the Wind over the last 18 months, beginning with hearing it sampled by one of the biggest pop stars of the modern era, being introduced to Nina’s original, and now experiencing Bowie’s incredible cover. He does such a magical song such justice and truly makes it his own, what a gem of a track. With just six songs he puts together a highly memorable album despite the obstacles in his personal life, bravo. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Title Track, Wild Is the Wind, Stay

Harvest is a more accessible, exceptionally produced record for Young. He puts his talent on display again, maybe even more coherently this time. The harmonica passages are fantastic. I’ve enjoyed just about everything he’s been involved in that I’ve heard so far. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Heart of Gold, Words (Between the Lines of Age), Old Man

The Roots have always been one of the most forward-thinking and often underappreciated hip-hop acts. Phrenology is an example of them pushing themselves sonically and while it’s a bit messy and not every risk pays off they still manage to bring so many new, fresh ideas to the table and this record was a great time as a result. Black Thought and Questlove are on top of their game as always. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Break You Off, Thought @ Work, Rock You

Kanye is not the first, and won’t be the last, highly questionable character on this list and that’s probably a gross understatement. I’d completely understand anyone who wanted to skip this one entirely, I myself don’t really listen to his music anymore but if this is going to give me the chance to I’ll certainly take it. Thankfully this is pretty straightforward, just reviewing the album itself. In my view, this is one of the greatest hip-hop debuts, if not debut albums full-stop. I don’t have anything but praise for this project. Kanye was in and around hip-hop and other genres, primarily working on production and making a name for himself in the years before he dropped this, most notably work on Jay-Z’s classic The Blueprint. He references this and talks about his journey up until this point on Last Call. This allows Kanye to enter his debut as an outstanding producer and already on the path to one of the greatest samplers ever with his chipmunk soul sound, sampling classic R&B and Soul tracks into magnificent hip-hop beats. These samples even complement the lyrical themes he’s going for on these tracks. There are so many excellent examples here but Spaceship’s sample of Distant Lover by Marvin Gaye might be my favorite. On top of these beats, Kanye displays entertaining, clever, and funny lyricism throughout. His flow and the way he enunciates his words gives him a certain grip over the listener’s ear that’s hard to describe. He sounds genuine and self-aware here, making it clear why he and this record were such a cultural phenomenon and he became so loved by so many. I can’t imagine what it was like when this revolutionary project dropped, offering something so different to what most hip-hop releases sounded like at the time. Even the skits and interlude moments here I found highly enjoyable as they build upon the album’s dedicated themes. The whole thing is littered with classic tracks and memorable moments. If I had been exposed to Kanye sooner, I could have seen this becoming my favorite album of all-time. In a way, I’m pretty relieved that didn’t happen. 1 re-listen Favorite Tracks: All Falls Down, Through The Wire, Jesus Walks, Slow Jamz, Family Business, Two Words, Spaceship

This is my first exposure to Kate’s music beyond Running Up That Hill, which had such a huge comeback and boom in popularity, particularly with my generation, when it played a pivotal part in the show Stranger Things in 2022. That song is wonderful and well-loved for good reason and after listening to this album it seems Kate is just an amazing artist if this is anything to go by. She is a creative in her element here, producing all of her music herself at this point and pushing boundaries in doing so. Her fun production, performance on the keys, and her vocals blend in such a cool way on each track, ever dynamic. Her vocal talent and performances complement exceptional storytelling as well. This album was pretty accessible but had some more avant-garde moments sprinkled in as well, highlighting Bush’s creativity, such as the soaring bagpipes in the opener, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who was instrumental in discovering Kate, performing an experimental guitar part throughout Rocket’s Tail, and the Bulgarian Trio Bulgarka featuring prominently with their powerful, haunting vocals across the record. This was a great introduction to Bush and I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Title Track, This Woman’s Work, Rocket’s Tail

I’ve seen alot of love and praise for this album before but It struggled to connect with it much this first time through. It is, admittedly, not something I’d normally gravitate towards but it’s starting to grow on me as I’m appreciating the lyrics and many of the musical passages more. The vocals are hit or miss for me at times, often offering what I wouldn’t expect, but Partridge’s talent is clear. This is a genre I don’t have much familiarity with so I’m curious to see how this album compares to others like it. I’m finding the majority of tracks here to be more enoyable the more I hear them. The seasons theme is pretty cool, I’m looking forward to exploring it more thoroughly. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Ballet For A Rainy Day, Grass, Dear God

It was cool to finally hear something from Eno, the grandfather of ambient music. This is a collaboration between Brian, who was an original member of Roxy Music and worked on David Bowie’s Low, and David Byrne, the lead singer and co-former of Talking Heads. This was a pretty trippy, experimental experience that had plenty of interesting moments and ideas. I still felt underwhelmed at times and this isn’t something I’d be likely listen to again but it was cool to hear what two of the most important minds in music at the time were able to create together. 1 listen Favorite Track: Regiment

This was an excellent introduction to Björk for me. Her ability and willingness to blend and attempt different musical styles all on her debut, no less, was impressive. She is an incredibly talented and avant-garde vocalist on top of this, breeding a fascinating combination. I find her passionate, intense vocals and unusual phrasing to keep me consitently engaged and invested, especially when she’s messing with so many different genres. Some of the production is just so lovely and fun. There was even more jazz and dance-pop than I expected, but oddly she’s plenty capable working with both. It’s not a seamless pairing by any means, but it could have gone much worse. Venus as a Boy is the clear standout for me and I’ve been listening to it all weekend. I’m really pleased I finally got to hear some of her music and I’ll be excited when her name appears again. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Venus as a Boy, Human Behavior, Come to Me, Big Time Sensuality

A fun little record with bite-sized moments of folk rock, psychedelia, and experimentation. I definitely jumped to conclusions about this record from the album cover but the experience is far less country-oriented than you would think from it. It’s experimenting and coolest moments are subtle so I think this is one where appreciation for it could grow with time. 1 listen Favorite Track: Goin’ Back

I’ve only ever heard of Supertramp’s Breakfast In America before and had no idea what to expect heading into this. The musicianship here is simply outstanding across the board. Cool progressive ideas appear throughout but don’t prevent this from being accessible and just enjoyable to the ears from the first listen. This may be a style and band I need to explore more of because I had a great time with this record. They just do so much right and so little wrong all while managing to try different things and bring a unique sound and elements to each track. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Title Track, School

Led Zeppelin is another band that I’ve never heard a record from up until this point. I’ve heard Immigrant Song many times before, so much so that I sort of have to get it out the “overplayed” area in my head. It is a driving, high-energy track that opens the record on a great note. I was convinced I was going to completely love this album four or five tracks in. The production is outstanding, the intensity and cinematics had me in awe, and Plant’s performances added everything I could want and more. Unfortunately, the last few tracks of the record were a step down in every way and this inconsistency knocked it down a point. No more than that, though, because the high highs were so impressive. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Since I’ve Been Loving You, Friends, Immigrant Song, Tangerine, Out on the Tiles

Had to go to youtube for this one. Jungle Brothers are the lesser known of the three primary groups involved in the legendary afrocentric hip-hop collective Native Tongues. Their style is very much up my alley. Still, I hadn’t listened to any of the Jungle Brothers despite enjoying De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest records, the two most iconic groups from the collective, which also included Queen Latifah. The Jungle Brothers debut was actually the guiding force of the collective and their first release. This second record is fun and offers plenty to enjoy but is simply less consistent and iconic then the De La Soup and Tribe records of the time, which I can’t help but compare it to. It is also a bit repetitive for being an hour long. The posse cut near the end, though, where all three groups get together, is an amazing moment and the strongest track here by far, in my opinion. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Doin’ Our Own Dang, What “U” Waitin’ 4?

A live album from a group of clearly talented musicians who largely don’t execute their ideas with as much cohesiveness and direction as I would have liked here. The jam band style creates a cool improvisational environment but also holds back the record many times from being something greater. Loses steam and the second half has a couple tracks that drag without being engaging enough to justify their length. I enjoyed most of the psychadelic elements again, though, and appreciate the strange nature of them. Fun for what it is. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Who Do You Love - Pt. 1, Who Do You Love - Pt. 2, When You Love

I attempted to listen to this with an open mind but most of it sounds how I was afraid it would, pretty predictable and boring to me. There are some fun ideas early on that aren’t well-built upon. Generally, this record only gets safer as it progresses. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Cornbread Moon, Boxcars, Fingernails

The duo known as Steely Dan, along with the assistance of a large crew of top-tier musicians, craft a wonderfully developed sound on Aja. It’s a step up in every facet from Pretzel Logic for me, namely musicianship, maturity, consistency, and focus. The mixing and engineering do plenty of heavy lifting as well. The record sounds so clear and high-quality for the time. It took a little time, but I really came to enjoy this one. It’s just pleasing and enjoyable throughout. It may not be all that eccentric, but it doesn’t have to be. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Black Cow, Deacon Blues, Title Track

On Daydream Nation, Sonic Youth continues their pioneering of Noise Rock that they displayed on their 1987 release “Sister” which I enjoyed. I still enjoy much of the distortion and unconventional melodies here, but there are less standout moments and the length of the album is a detractor in this instance. I’m not sure how often or soon I will return to this, to be honest. They’re definitely a cool, influential band, though. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Candle, Teen Age Riot, ‘Cross the Breeze

I recognized more of this project than I was expecting going in, despite having heard the album name before. Many songs here were very familiar despite not knowing their names, I had definitely heard them in passing. Like several songs of that nature, surprisingly, I found when actively clicking to listen to them myself I really enjoyed them despite not thinking much of them when hearing them out in public. This album is built up of many songs that go for a similar vibe, which may be part of why it was once difficult to differentiate them, but I’m here for it and I can’t help but enjoy what Alanis is bringing to the table here. This felt like it fell on far over on the strong end of the singer-songwriter spectrum that I’m not always all too fond of. It seems many of these tracks became very popular very quickly, building a cult following for Morissette as people fell in love with this, her debut. I can often see the appeal with artists who gain fame this way, with often relatable and accessible music being at the heart of it, without becoming part of the “fandom” myself. All that said in that long-winded setup, Alanis is the exception to these “rules” when it comes to singer-songwriter music and cult followings. If I were there for the release and hype that followed Jagged Little Pill, I think I would have been all in myself. I love all the catchy moments and choruses, Alanis’s vocal talent paired with her intensity and inflections, and all the fun and powerful lyrics and attitude that go with it. I think I’m realizing I love much of what she does for the same reasons I so enjoy someone like Hayley Williams, both for her work with Paramore and as a solo artist, today. I even enjoyed and appreciated the haunting hidden a capella track at the end. Some tracks definitely stand above others; this isn’t the most consistent project I’ve ever heard. I also don’t feel that it has some of the elements that other albums have had that causes them to take many listens to grow on me with time, it’s much more of a “what you see is what you get” experience. I’ve grappled with the score I should give this because I don’t think this is revolutionary or something that should be revered as a top classic by all, necessarily. What I do think is that this is just about everything I could hope for with this process, finding an album I may have never listened to in full if not having been directed to do so, that I’ve fallen in love with and expect to return to often. This isn’t the first and won’t be the last of these projects I’ve had this experience with, but I’m still excited and grateful every time it happens. I may be lucky, in a way, that I wasn’t around to hear this in 1995 so the biggest hits aren’t as overplayed for me, even if I recognize them. We’ll see how it ages, but this album rocks right now, I have it on repeat, something I don’t do all that often. This might have been the perfect time for me to hear Jagged Little Pill for the first time, at least it certainly feels that way today. 2 listens Favorite Tracks: Ironic, You Oughta Know, All I Really Want, Right Through You, Hand in My Pocket, Head Over Feet, You Learn, Forgiven

This is my first Stones album and I was looking forward to my first exposure to one of the most famous, revered, and influential bands of all time. There aren’t that many times anyone gets to experience that. Unfortunately, I was hardly moved as a whole by this record. I’m assuming there’s better to come with The Stones, as this was the first albun made up of all their own material. Maybe there is something I’m not getting but I thought that, while innovative for the time, certainly, I didn’t fall in love with the tracks here much more than what we’ve heard in the late 60’s. They are well-performed and have some catchy and high-energy moments, but the inconsistency is an issue and nothing blew me away. On top of this, there is some serious misogyny going on and while it’s the 60’s, it certainly doesn’t make me want to listen to it now any more. I might be being a little generous in the end, but there are plenty of solid songs that sound alright for the mid 60’s and some lyrics that aren’t hard to listen to are actually good and interesting. Not exactly taken with this project though. I’m curious what, if any, Stones album will capture me and show me why they’re so loved. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Mother’s Little Helper

Out of the 60’s psychedelic albums we’ve heard I think this is one of my favorites. This was punchy and fun throughout with some great grooves and performances. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: You’re Gonna Miss Me

This was quite an intense and, at times, confusing listen. Firstly, much of the musicianship, imagery, and group vocals are top quality, establishing a great base for this project to build upon. Despite this, I felt sometimes as if the unapologetic ambition attempted to bite off more than it could chew. While there are so many cinematic moments with grand instrumentals and storytelling, it’s unruly as a whole, and a handful of tracks and passages truly fall flat. Fable of the Brown Ape is the best example. There is just so much going on and it stays engaging enough for a double album but still goes on too long for how much I enjoyed it. This is exacerbated by the fact that I feel confidently that the first half is better on just about every front. I could see myself just listening to Abattoir Blues and skipping The Lyre of Orpheus in the future. Even so, the first six tracks do most of the heavy lifting there but they are so good. Despite some clear criticisms the majority of the tracks here are strong and interesting, leaving me feeling pretty positively about my experience if still conflicted. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: O Children; Hiding All Away; There She Goes, My Beautiful World; Messiah Ward; Get Ready for Love; Easy Money

Recently listed to my first Springsteen album, Born In The U.S.A. on vinyl on a Fourth of July trip and certainly enjoyed what I heard, including some classic tracks I already knew. With The Rising we find him much further along in his career but still employing strong American themes with the post-9/11 focus here. The quality of instrumentation and performances are still there and overall I like most of what I’m hearing, just good stuff. The songwriting is mature and pretty impressive. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Lonesome Day, Worlds Apart, Title Track

This is a very cool, influential electronic piece that I’m sure was incredibly important for the increased use of synthesizers in music. It’s metallic, out of this world, and beautiful in both some of it’s boldest and softest moments. It can be a bit straightforward and repetitive but there is some beauty in the simplicity and much of it is as a result of a phenomenon we’ve seen before, that it led to the music that would eventually make it sound a bit outdated and therefore can’t entirely be blamed for said shortcomings. I find it hard to deny it’s executed to a high degree, however, and it certainly makes me want to explore the genre further. It’s mix of boundary-pushing experimentation and accessible grooves made this a winner, to my surprise. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Neon Lights, The Robots, The Man Machine

A solid record with interesting neo-psychedelia and drone elements. Not something I was overly taken with or opinionated on. I was surprised that Any Way That You Want Me was left as a demo I thought it had serious promise. The way these discs were structured and sequenced on spotify was odd and I skipped through much of what followed Lord Can You Hear Me because I believe that’s the original closer. I didn’t really enjoy the album overall. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Come Down Softly to My Soul

There were certainly plenty of examples here as to why Simon and Garfunkel are so loved. I connected with a few myself, particularly some of the wonderful harmonies and thoughtful lyrics around some serious and interesting topics. I’m still not sure it’s something I will reach for, though I’m not sure why. It may take some time to see as I’ll definitely be returning at some point. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Scarborough Fair, Homeward Bound

I’ve heard ZZ Top before in spurts but never a full record until now. I liked aspects of this more than I expected, the guitars in particular were often. great. Aside from a few moments, though, this was still nothing spectacular, just good Southern Rock. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: La Grange, Waitin’ for the Bus

I had a similar experience here to that which I had with Kid A, surprisingly, where I unexpectedly recognized the first few seconds of the project. The Title Track offers one of the most iconic instrumentals of all time. For this being the earliest album on this list so far, some of the other instrumentals are pretty strong too and ahead of their time. It’s repetitive, but effective and a cool listen for what it is. 1 listen Favorite Track: Title Track

This was pretty enjoyable and gets big points for energy. Almost bumped it’s rating up. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Title Track, Motor City Is Burning

There is some truly special lyricism going on here. Cohen proves himself to be quite masterful at pairing his words with his delivery to convey such powerful, often uncomfortable emotions. The instrumentals mostly provide a fitting, adequate background while Cohen’s voice is interesting and regularly adds to the feelings and environment of these dark tracks. This was a cool listen that I’m looking forward to diving into deeper at some point. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Avalanche, Famous Blue Raincoat

This is about as good as I’ve heard when it comes to blues. Add in that this is excellent as a live album experience and you have a real success here. King is so talented, the guitars and his voice are outstanding and the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm only adds to it all. I loved the build-up and conviction paired with the audience’s reaction to the last passage of How Blue Can You Get, what a night it must have been. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Sweet Little Angel, How Blue Can You Get?

A phenomenal grunge record all-around. This has all the intensity, distortion, and dark imagery I could want from Alice In Chains. I’ve heard tracks from the band here and there but this complete work demonstrates their excellence at what they do more clearly to me. This album thrives off of a crushing nihilism that allows it to explore it’s themes from an angle that is as interesting as it is emotionally brutal. This definitely pushed receiving top marks, I may get there soon. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Them Bones, Rooster, Title Track, Rain When I Die, Down In A Hole, Would?, Junkhead, Dam That River

A pretty live album that sounds better than I would have expected. The songs are sweet and Sarah’s voice is wonderful, stealing the show. 1 listen Favorite Track: September In The Rain

I was not expecting my first Queen record to contain no tracks I recognized. These tracks still offers Queen’s quintessential sound but with a fair bit more inconsistency than I was expecting. There’s plenty of quality and interesting tracks here but I’m not entirely sure if it’s my thing or if I will return to it, honestly. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Seven Seas Of Rhye, The March Of The Black Queen, Father To Son

U2 offers just about what I expected here. Pretty awesome, recognizable tracks towards the start that are built for the big arena followed by a mix of less worthy but still good stuff. Brian Eno plays a significant role here in building the atmosphere and all for the better. This definitely sounds like some of their best work from what I know about the band. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, With Or Without You, Where The Streets Have No Name

This album offers a classic but also slightly unique rock sound to what I’ve heard thus far. There’s no doubting that it’s fun and that’s enough for me to be pleased with this listen. This album really peaks at the middle, I feel, with a strong pair of tracks back-to-back being the standouts. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Stay with Me, Debris

The third album in MJ’s famous trilogy, Bad is such a strong inclusion even if not as spectacular as Off the Wall or Thriller as a whole. This project includes some great tracks that, for a lesser artist, would be their defining moments. Of course, we’re talking about one of the best pop artists to ever do it, so it’s great, if not quite at his peak. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Title Track

It’s been cool to hear my first three Springsteen albums in the last month and they are all from different decades and a total of four apart, incredible longevity is clearly on display. I’ve gained plenty of respect for Bruce the more I hear from and learn about him. He excels here once again, with great storytelling, instrumentation, and energy. This was a super straightforward analysis and I have no complaints. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Born to Run, Jungleland, Thunder Road

This album makes quite an impression before you even start listening, both the title and the album cover are incredibly interesting and draw you in in the best way. The music itself is cool and well-executed in it’s own right, with the band giving us a blend of different takes on alternative rock that are generally quite enjoyable and intriguing. This is definitely something I’ll return to and is a nice find for not having any familiarity with it or the band. I wasn’t as certain about how much I liked some of the ideas as it progressed compared to how strong it started. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Little Fury Things, Kracked, Sludgefeast

Wonderful Rainbow is an interesting, experimental noise rock record that tries plenty and often comes off as forward-thinking and creative. The quick, distorted nature of tracks like Assassins is pretty exhilirating and wild. There was definitely more than one moment when my eyes grew wide and I thought “Wow, I’ve never heard something quite like that before”, which is usually a compliment and is here, most of the time, at least. I’m still not sure if this is something I’m entirely interested in seeking out more of, it’s not exactly a pleasant listen, but I had a relatively good time with this record all the same 1 listen Favorite Track: Assassins

This Scottish band delivers a unique yet familiar sound with their self-titled debut that I found to be pretty enjoyable overall. As a first impression, this almost feels like a brighter version of the self-titled from The Strokes we heard somewhat recently. It’s more fun and danceable, but I think I’m still a little less into this sound overall. It isn’t by much though now, as this is growing on me as I listen more. I love the riff in 40’. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Take Me Out, 40’, Auf Achse, Jacqueline, The Dark Of The Matinée

A moderately interesting techno release, one of if not the first I’ve heard. Cool, interesting soundscapes with some good moments but some boring, repetitive ones here and there as well. 1 listen Favorite Track: Sad but True

This was a cool, weird listen. The use of the piano, organ, and woodwinds is unique, I’m not sure I’ve heard them used in combination like this before and it is fun in most spots. I’m not sure that I can say this blew me away or that I’ll reach for it again but it’s possible. 1 listen Favorite Track: Glad

Despite not being super into blues or southern rock up until this point, I can still appreciate that this is a great live album and some of the best in this genre that I’ve heard. These are musicians at the top of their game, in their element, jamming to their heart’s content months before tragedy would fall upon the band. Even if some of the tracks drag a bit they’re engaging enough to generally be worth the time. This is a great representation of an iconic live album and it’s well-loved for good reason. I could see this being a band who’s music I explore more as their sound is more interesting in this space than most, to me. The tracks here, at least, are quite an adventure. 1 listen Favorite Track: Whipping Post

I’ve enjoyed Jack White’s solo work this decade and I was excited to go back and hear The White Stripes early work. This was, simply, no different, I enjoy everything about their sound and Jack’s performances, remarkably consistent from album to album and here from song to song. I actually recognized a couple of these, We’re Going to Be Friends, for one, though it is a bit of an odd fit here I must admit. The quality is undeniable from front to back, though, even if it’s bite-sized without many huge standouts. I think I’ll listen to most if not all of their material at some point. 1 listen Favorite Track: Fell In Love With a Girl

This is one of those cool albums that was the true beginning and debut of a genre, in this case, trip hop. The beats are smooth and hypnotic and serve as a sweet backdrop for the soulful performances. I certainly don’t love everything but I can get behind most of the ideas. This is catchy and classy. 1 listen Favorite Track: Safe From Harm

Gene Clark, formerly of The Byrds, builds on some of the cool ideas we heard from their record with his own twists and refinements added in. I can appreciate the musicianship and how he blends this country rock sound, it leaves us with plenty of enjoyable moments. All in all this still isn’t entirely my thing but it’s closer than just about anything that is this country adjacent, I actually enjoyed a few tracks much more than I expected and this could move up someday. Clark was undoubtedly a great musician and visionary in his own right. I can see why this became so loved when it was rediscovered and that’s pretty cool. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Strength of Strings, Title Track

This is a challenging, downtrodden record that I wasn’t feeling upon first listen. After giving it some more time I’m appreciating more of the nuances and emotional approach of this project. I want to come back to it and dive into the lyrical focus more at some point, maybe in the colder months. I feel like there is something quite interesting going on here in the uncomfortable, almost too realistic human emotions though it may take some time to fully connect. 3 listens Favorite Tracks: Jesus, Etc.; I Am Trying to Break Your Heart

A beautiful album that offers, power, hope, and necessity in equal measure. Being home to one of my favorite songs certainly doesn’t hurt, as well. I’m happy for any encouragement to return to it. 2 re-listens Favorite Track: Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Title Track

Too smooth for this earth. 1 listen Favorite Track: …Til the Cops Come Knockin’

This certainly made me realize I haven’t heard nearly as much of Carey’s music as I assumed I had. It was about what I expected, she’s very good in this lane and has a wonderful voice. Pretty cool to hear her sample Mobb Deep on The Roof. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: My All, Honey, The Roof (Back In Time)