1001 Albums Summary

Quite a good listen. Iconic jazz that lives up to the reputation. Nothing too flashy, just really solid musicianship throughout. Take Five is the obvious standout and for good reason, it’s just a great track. Worth your time.

Really enjoyed this one. Feels like you’re watching a theatre production the whole way through, there’s a real drama to it. Every song carries weight and it just keeps delivering. Indian Sunset is my favourite on the album, it’s a beautiful track. Glad I gave this one a listen.

Wow. Just incredible. The range and depth of the jazz paired with Ella’s voice takes you on a journey that genuinely transcends time. The orchestration is rich and full, Ella floats over every note like she owns them, and the whole thing somehow sounds timeless sitting here in 2026. A true classic that earns the title without even trying. If you haven’t listened, just put it on and let it take you somewhere.

This album is an absolute vibe. Herbie Hancock, a true legend of jazz, delivers a jazz-funk fusion record that just hits different. Only four tracks but each one runs about ten minutes and every second earns its place. The grooves pull you in and before you know it the song is over and you’re already wanting more. It never drags, it never rushes, it just flows. A genuine classic.

Didn’t really resonate with me. A few standout moments though. The demo for Paranoia Blues is better than the finalised version in my opinion and the keyboard outro on Congratulations was a highlight. Peace Like a River is my favourite, the raw guitar and tapping on the body of the guitar gives it an honest stripped back feel. Paul Simon has a great voice and it really comes through there. Other than that I didn’t find it all that captivating.

Big Bowie fan but this one didn’t fully land for me. A couple of highlights though. Sound and Vision is great, love the swinging style of it backed by a funky bass line. Subterraneans is the other standout, that mellow sax with the atmospheric synth underneath creates something really ethereal. Other than that it sits pretty far down my list of favourite Bowie records.

Beautiful background music for a classy jazz bar setting and honestly that’s about the only place I can see myself putting this on. It’s just too low energy and slow for me to go out of my way to listen to it. Sarah Vaughan’s voice is stunning and there’s a smokiness to it that I found slightly off putting if I’m being honest. I appreciate the talent though, it’s just not really for me.