1001 Albums Summary

High 2 star album. Love the stripped back vibe of this album, and definitely understand the appeal. I wish there was more going on, and I totally understand why there isn’t within the context of the album. It’s very cohesive, and tells a heartbreaking story when you learn about Nick Drake’s life. There were definitely some highlights on here for me, and I also think that the ending to this album was very good. Drake’s voice is beautiful when in this kind of vibe, and despite the 2 stars rating, this is definitely an album I would revisit and possibly bump up to 3 stars.

Such a cool album. Upon my first listen, I thought some of the songs dragged on a little too long for what they were. There was a lot going on, and then a big pause or repetition before the song should’ve ended. However, with another listen, I don’t think any of these songs actually have that problem. Even though some of them do repeat a lot, they are so sonically interesting throughout and with their solos it doesn’t become boring at any point. The only song that I do feel like struggles with this is Moonchild. The beginning of the song sets up such a cool dreamy vibe and then completely changes into something that is basically unlistenable. I struggle with developing interest for a song when over half of it is ambience or uninteresting guitar. If there was anything I would change about this album, it would be Moonchild’s second half. Other than that, amazing. Mid-High 4 stars.

Low 4 stars. Big classic rock fan, but honestly came in not super excited because I’ve heard these songs a million times. However, relistening to the album as a whole reminded me about all the bangers on this thing. The first half of the album is great, but I felt that the second half was not as consistent. However, some of the songs from the second half have grown on me upon a few listens, and so I felt comfortable bumping this from a 3 to 4 star album. Historic debut album, but I just felt like some of the songs brought it down for me due to boring progression and themes. Great album nonetheless.

Low 3 stars. I really don’t like how whiny the vocals are at times, especially because at other points Patti Smith chooses to actually sing and it’s beautiful. I think what saves this album from being a 2 star for me are the instrumentals. There are some really beautiful and cool songs on here if you don’t pay attention to the vocals. I will say, I get the appeal and how this was seen as groundbreaking for the punk scene, due to how bold it is. Patti Smith is very poetic, but I just cannot deal with her whining and cadence. Makes it boring and hard to listen to, but can respect the history.