1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

99
Albums Rated
3.1
Average Rating
9%
Complete
990 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1990
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
Other
Top Origin ?
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
19
5-Star Albums
9
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

Top Styles

Tap a bar to see the albums behind it

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
5 2.52 +2.48
Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
5 2.98 +2.02
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
5 3.26 +1.74
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
5 3.33 +1.67
Pretenders
Pretenders
5 3.35 +1.65
Parklife
Blur
5 3.39 +1.61
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
5 3.44 +1.56
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
5 3.46 +1.54
Heroes
David Bowie
5 3.61 +1.39
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
5 3.63 +1.37

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Hot Fuss
The Killers
1 3.73 -2.73
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
1 3.4 -2.4
25
Adele
1 3.37 -2.37
Music From Big Pink
The Band
1 3.34 -2.34
Horses
Patti Smith
1 3.31 -2.31
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
1 3.16 -2.16
Pump
Aerosmith
1 3.11 -2.11
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
1 3.09 -2.09
I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
1 2.98 -1.98
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
2 3.79 -1.79

Artists

Favorites

Tap an artist to see their albums

ArtistAlbumsAverage
Radiohead 2 5

5-Star Albums (19)

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Popular Reviews

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads

I didn't like this as much I thought I would. I really like the band, especially when they get funky. But I found a lot of the song kinda square and found myself annoyed by David Byrne's voice after a while. I can't see myself putting this on again and will probably continue to enjoy Talking Heads how I have been my whole life, in small doses. Unless one of the other albums I'm sure are on this list grab me more.

Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill

I never minded their hits but I've always thought of them as a novelty act not to be taken seriously. On first listen, I was pretty annoyed with the nasally vocal delivery and thought the sampling wasn't particularly interesting. I rated it 2 stars. For some reason I decided to give another listen today and I've gotten use to the vocals a bit and found a couple favourite tracks. Uping it to a 3 star.

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies

Just a tip, the original release only has 9 tracks so you can stop listening after Whiskey Woman if you like. I thought this had potential when it started but was never realized. Much like the Stones, a couple good songs and then pretty mediocre.

Dookie by Green Day

I borrowed this on tape for a few weeks when it came out and really dug it. I never ended up getting the album for myself but enjoyed the singles when I heard them. I didn't like anything they did after this but always had a soft spot for them. Hadn't heard this album since back then and thought I would enjoy more than I did. Only a solid 3 stars from me but I get why it's beloved.

4-Star Albums (17)

1-Star Albums (9)

All Ratings (99)

Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones
May 14 2026

I can't even tell how I feel about Sympathy for the devil as a song, I know I don't want to hear it but it could be I'm just sick of it. The rest of the A side I did not care for at all. Totally unremarkable blues tunes. I like the blues but I like it with soul and musicianship, these songs have neither. I was thinking it would be a 1 star rating but the b side saved it. I really liked Street Fighting Man, the least bluesy song on the album. Prodigal Son, Stray Cat Blues and Salt of the Earth (which was the only other song I knew from the album) also made my 1001 playlist. As an aside, Charlie Watts (drummer) was terrible on this! His fills are so basic and many are out of time.

In Rainbows by Radiohead
May 15 2026

I didn't give this album much of a chance when it came out even though I was and am a big fan of OK Computer, Kid A and Amnesiac. Just an amazing album, they really know to set a mood. Impeccable songwriting, musicianship, production. The only song I left off my 1001 playlist was the last song Videotape.

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
May 16 2026

Folk is not a genre I almost ever listen to so I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. I had heard his name before but never his music. It's an absolutely gorgeous album! His voice, while not very dynamic or wide in range, is extremely soothing and he's guitar playing is intricate and beautiful. The album doesn't have a lot of variance in terms of tone or mood but I wouldn't want it different. The vibe is consistent (melancholy but not depressing) and it makes for a very cohesive listen. Stand out songs for me are River Man and Cello Song. Something about the interplay between the vocal melody and guitar part in the later does something for me. Sad to read he died so young. I will be checking out his other 2 albums.

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
May 16 2026

It's ok. I like Cinnamon Girl and the title track. The rest of the album is meh. Good rhythm section in the jam sections but Neil Young's jamming and guitar soloing doesn't do anything for me. I understand it's a very distinct style, with the liberal use of the whammy bar, but his playing is just too basic and sloppy for me. The slower songs, I found myself asking, who is this for? I picture old people slow dancing to it but they were young when it came out! And Neil Young was only 24 when he made it. I just couldn't imagine being in my 20's and liking this music. As a Canadian and Winnipegger it pains me to say, I'd rather listen to CCR.

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
May 17 2026

Did the critic(s) that chose to add this album really expect adult music fans, that didn't grow up listening to this, to enjoy this record? It sucks. The musicianship is subpar, not even particularly good guitar playing, the singing sucks, the rapping is worse. It sounds very juvenile.

Hot Fuss by The Killers
May 18 2026

So bland. There's absolutely nothing interesting about any of the songs. Ooo they have a synthesizer, I hated every synth sound chosen. Watered down "indie" rock for frat boys. Completely devoid of personality. Made me want to slap a "I rather be listening to Hot Hot Heat" sticker on my ass. Hope I never have to hear it again.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
May 19 2026

The timing is great for this to come up. I'm reading the James Brown autobiography and he talks about the earlier days and his revivalry with Little Richard. It's a fun listen, I bet it was the ultimate party record when it came out. The songs are kinda same samey so I'd prefer to listen to an oldies playlist. I added Rip It Up to my 1001 playlist

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
May 20 2026

I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I am a huge fan of Blood Sugar Sex Magic but for some reason never gave this a listen when it came out. Maybe because the singles were mostly mellow or maybe because BSSM is Chilli Peppers perfection and has satisfied me for life. This album's got some funk, Frusciante's guitar work is outstanding, Flea and Chad Smith are obviously a killer rhythm section. I just don't fully jive with Anthony Kiedis' vocals on this (and later material I've heard). The funk of BSSM fits his vocals so well but here the songs require that he earnestly try to sing well and that only works for me in smaller doses. Although, I do like his falsetto on Porcelain. 3.5/5 stars, rounding down 3/5 because I don't think I'll ever put it on for a full listen again. I added Around The World and I Like Dirt to my 1001 playlist

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
May 21 2026

I definitely recognize the first track from restaurant or department store playlists around that time. It's nice enough. I like Bossa Nova, I find it very soothing, but I'd prefer just to listen to stuff from the 60's... like her dad and her step mom. A ton of that 60's stuff was immaculately recorded and really holds up. The electronic elements, for the most part, were not interesting enough to make it a new update to the 60's sound or a fusion like say Thievery Corp. 2.5/5 stars - I won't listen to it again and don't think it should be on this list but rounding up to 3 because I didn't really dislike any of it. I added Bananeira to my 1001 playlist. That tune stands out to me because it's got that 90s-2000s Acid Jazz sound mixed in.

Aladdin Sane by David Bowie
May 22 2026

First time listening through this album. I knew the singles Jean Genie and Let's Spend The Night Together and also Cracked Actor (which I played guitar for once at a Bowie tribute night). I added all 3 to my 1001 playlist. I love the guitar on this album, I wish there were more guitar-focused songs instead of the piano taking up so much goddamn space. Why is the piano so loud? In Lady Grinning Soul it's louder than the vocals! I listened to it twice and enjoyed it more the second time, I have a feeling it will grow on me more if I give it the occasional spin.  

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
May 23 2026

Essential easy listening! My 6 year old said "this sounds like love music"... indeed!

Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings of Leon
May 24 2026

Will give it another listen and perhaps edits this rating and review but on first listen, not for me. Feels incomplete, very basic guitar riffs that just aren't interesting, not jiving with the dude voice either.

Pump by Aerosmith
May 25 2026

Between this and Linkin Park I'm starting to think this is just a random list of albums. No one needs to hear this

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
May 27 2026

Record store employee music. If Joy Division is just too polished for you, give this a listen! I knew nothing about the band before listening. My impression after a few tracks, decent rhythm section with some of the worst vocals and guitar ever recorded. Got better towards the end. I saw another review that said it was almost unlistenable but also fascinating, that pretty much sums it up for me. I did find a track to add to my 1001 playlist, the one instrumental without any guitar, "Socialist"

Pelican West by Haircut 100
May 29 2026

Right up my alley! Might edit this to a 5 after another listen

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Jun 01 2026

I understand why people like this album but it's just not my thing. It's just not musically interesting to me and I find her voice and singing style kind of boring.

Music in Exile by Songhoy Blues
Jun 02 2026

This is what I was hoping for from this list! Something that I've never heard of and is awesome. Absolutely love the guitar playing, such unique and interesting phrasing. Will be adding this to my regular rotation. I haven't picked standout tracks for my 1001 playlist yet but it will definitely be from the first half of the album. Good stuff!

Now I Got Worry by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Jun 03 2026

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is the coolest band ever to exist. This isn't even their best album and it's an easy 5. Rip roaring, no holds barred, rock 'n roll

The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Jun 05 2026

Listened totally blind, had not heard of this before. Ok, Damon Albarn on vocals. The bass is really loud, did they think it would somehow cover up how boring the songs are? Is this a collection of Blur songs that weren't good enough to put on Blur albums? Almost rated it a 1 just to spite the list for wasting my time today but I guess it's not that bad. Didn't hear a song that stood out as good or interesting enough to add to my 1001 playlist and I can't be arsed to give it another go. I adore Blur - Parklife, loved it when it came out and rated it a 5 just a few days ago. Wonder if I'll dig anything else from Damon that, I assume, is on this list.

Talking Heads 77 by Talking Heads
Jun 08 2026

I didn't like this as much I thought I would. I really like the band, especially when they get funky. But I found a lot of the song kinda square and found myself annoyed by David Byrne's voice after a while. I can't see myself putting this on again and will probably continue to enjoy Talking Heads how I have been my whole life, in small doses. Unless one of the other albums I'm sure are on this list grab me more.

25 by Adele
Jun 09 2026

I'm an absolute sucker for amazing, goosebumps inducing female vocals. I have wept many times listening to Aretha Franklin. I get chills from Mavis Staples, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Loleatta Holloway, Jill Scott etc. I feel nothing when I listen to Adele. My brain knows she's a powerful and amazingly talented singer, my body feels nothing. I considered giving it a 2 because it's not offensively bad but I really don't like it, found it hard to get through and really hope I don't have to hear it again.

Among The Living by Anthrax
Jun 10 2026

Musicianship is great, the vocals are corny. Metal is kinda like stand up comedy for me, the old stuff just doesn't hold up. I didn't grow up listening to this so I have no nostalgia for it and would rather listen to something more modern when I'm in a heavy mood (which is admittedly a rare occasion). Ok, they got me on the last song "Imitation of Life", it fucking rips and the vocalist goes into kind of a punk thing. I dig it. Added that to my 1001 playlist and bumped up my rating from 2 to 3

Life Thru A Lens by Robbie Williams
Jun 11 2026

The only thing remarkable about this album is how middle of the road it is. MOR production, MOR songwriting, MOR vocal performance. The drummer is good. Let Me Entertain You is a fun single. Ultimately, I didn't need this in my life and don't think it should on the list. 1.5 stars, bumped up to 2 because my 6 year old liked the first song

Shaft by Isaac Hayes
Jun 12 2026

Put this on my ear buds after dropping my kid off at school and walked home with 100 times more swag than usual. Got home and switched to the vinyl copy I've owned for probably 30 years. I collect Blaxploitation soundtracks and this one was never a favourite of mine and I rarely listened to it. I think this is because when I was younger all I cared about were heavy funk tracks and this has a lot of slower, mellower songs on it. Overall it's really not that funky. Now that I'm older, I appreciate the slow jams a bit more but I still prefer soundtracks with a bit more funk like Superfly, Tough Guys and Together Brothers. I added No Name Bar and Do Your Thing to my 1001 playlist (I may remove the later eventually as it's 19 mins long!). I'm struggling with a rating, thinking a 3 based on the fact I probably won't listen to it in full again. But am I really going to give one of my favourite artist's most famous album the same stars as Anthrax? An album I barely liked at all. No I will not, 4 stars it is.

Purple Rain by Prince
Jun 13 2026

I've been on a journey with Prince lately, listening to his discography front to back, making a playlist of anything I like even a little bit. About a month ago Purple Rain came up, I hadn't listened in full in decades. First listen I thought, wow this has quite a few stinkers for such a classic album. Second listen I thought, well they aren't stinkers but still probably skips. Now listening a 3rd time a month later, where'd the skips go? No skips. Darling Nikki is my least favourite but not enough to skip. I Would Die 4 U is my favourite on the album and might be my favourite Prince song. Before today's fresh listen I thought I would be rating it a 4 but it's a solid 5.

Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
Jun 14 2026

I never minded their hits but I've always thought of them as a novelty act not to be taken seriously. On first listen, I was pretty annoyed with the nasally vocal delivery and thought the sampling wasn't particularly interesting. I rated it 2 stars. For some reason I decided to give another listen today and I've gotten use to the vocals a bit and found a couple favourite tracks. Uping it to a 3 star.

Sheet Music by 10cc
Jun 15 2026

The lyrics are dumb, the music is dorky. Sometimes they have a cool groove or part but it'll last 8 bars and they'll switch to being dorks again. Silly Love starts off great, love the fuzzed out guitars and dry 70's drum tones. I thought, this is your chance boys, don't fuck it up. And then they fucked it up with dumb lyrics and a corny bridge. So much potential but just not for me.

Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis
Jun 16 2026

A perfect album. Recording quality is unbelievable for 1959. If you're going to own only one jazz album, this is a good candidate.

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Jun 17 2026

Never been a fan but also never really gave him a chance. I liked it more than I thought but still not my thing. I think I'd probably like it a lot more if it was recorded in the 70's. The thin, sterile 80's production kinda ruins it for me. A lot of the songs end up sounding like bar band music just because there's no warmth or character in the production. I will definitely never play this again which usually would mean a 2 or 1 star rating but I really agree with its place on the list and fully understand why it's an important album for americans. I'm glad I listened to it. Cover Me is the only song I liked that I hadn't heard before. His singing is different on that one, not the typical strained thing he normally does. I also like the singles I'm on Fire and Dancing in the Dark.

Tommy by The Who
Jun 18 2026

My first The Who album on the list and the first I've listened to in my life. It's basically just chords and drum fills?

Duck Stab/Buster & Glen by The Residents
Jun 19 2026

More record store employee music. There's a lot of interesting sounds happening here, especially for 1978 (is that a Roland GR-500 guitar synth on Elvis and His Boss?). But I prefer my weird music to still be enjoyable. Definitely won't listen again but similar to PiL, I'm glad I listened to it. I'd rather stuff like this be on the list than over produced, commercial pop music and hey, it's only 35mins! Added Kraft Cheese to my 1001 playlist for the crazy synth sounds.

Transformer by Lou Reed
Jun 20 2026

I've always loved "Take a walk on the wild side" but first time listening to this in full. I dig it quite a bit! Usually I'm very turned off by singers that can't sing well but I don't know, his voice just works?

Roots by Sepultura
Jun 21 2026

I was disappointed in this. I generally like scream style vocals in metal but these vocals seem a bit put on during some parts, like a caricature of metal scream vocals. Doesn't do it for me. The guitars are the most disappointing part, almost nothing interesting happening. They seem like pretty run of the mill, drop d chugging metal parts that I could probably play (and I don't play metal at all). Not that every moment needs to be a flashy display of technical proficiency but maybe sometimes? Or at least something interesting? The drummer is the stand out and I like the way the drums sound a lot. I guess the simpler style makes it more accessible and that's why it was such a huge seller? I use to do sound at a metal venue and I feel like most local Toronto bands I saw out play these guys.

The Modern Dance by Pere Ubu
Jun 22 2026

Similar feelings after listening to PiL and The Residents... Not mad it's on the list and I'm glad I listened but will definitely never play it again and generally think it stinks. In the songs that are actually songs and not just avant-garde weirdness, I like the rhythm section and guitar. The vocals and everything else ruin it. I added Street Waves to my 1001 playlist because it's the most listenable track. Oh, the album artwork is spectacular!

Jazz Samba by Stan Getz
Jun 23 2026

It's good but with Getz/Gilberto on the list, this seems unnecessary.

Live! by Fela Kuti
Jun 24 2026

Listening to the first few seconds of the first song I was thinking, fuck yeah, why don't listen to more Afro beat?! But that quickly wore off and I remembered it just doesn't jive with me. I don't really know why. I've been exposed to it a lot by touring in a funk band and my band mates playing it in the van. It has all the elements I like, it's funky, it's got horns, lots of percussion, great guitar riffs but for whatever reason it just doesn't grab me. Also, what are we doing putting a 16 min drum solo on an album?

Harvest by Neil Young
Jun 25 2026

Had a bit of an aha moment about Neil Young and music in general listening to this. This is the second album of his I've received and I think there's like 5 more coming. I listened through once and didn't dig it other than the songs I knew, especially Old Man (which is definitely my favourite Neil Young song). A Man Needs A Maid particularly bugged me, it's so over the top with the strings and what the fuck is he even singing about needing a maid? It bugged me enough that I looked it up and found some other people complaining about it on Reddit. The discussion around the lyrics was really interesting. Perhaps it's a break up song, he's so heart broken he doesn't want to open his heart to another woman and is cynically saying "maybe I'll just get a maid"... He's belittling the woman that broke his heart in order to cope. Perhaps it's a tongue and cheek jab at himself. He's uncomfortable with his new place in world with fame and fortune. He's got no real problems to work out anymore and he's making fun of himself for toiling over the decision to get a maid... With over dramatic music to go with the joke. Someone mentioned he was dating an actress, Carrie Snodgrass, at the time and she had played a maid in a movie which he mentions in the last verse. So the whole song is about meeting her, she's the "maid". All that from a song I don't even like. I used to not care about lyrics at all, music was mostly about the musicianship, vocal delivery, the groove, riffs etc. But as I get older I've noticed lyrics more and when listening to music with my 6yo daughter, I find I am often trying to explain to her what the song is about as a way to pique her interest. Maybe I'm ready to explore music that might not be that interesting to me musically but might be fulfilling lyrically. I listened again with this more open minded spirit and enjoyed it a lot more. Maybe I'll turn out to be a Neil Young fan afterall... Maybe even Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen!

Public Image: First Issue by Public Image Ltd.
Jun 26 2026

I'm only 45 albums in and this is my second Pil record, please be the last. Like their second album, this one is better in the second half but only marginally. Johnny Lydon has no musical instincts whatsoever, he's anti-music. Maybe that's the point? I don't know but I feel bad for the other guys I'm the group doing some cool shit like Fodderstompf and then have it totally ruined by juvenile wailing.

Crosby, Stills & Nash by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Jun 27 2026

The vocal harmonies are nice but they do it way too much. There are songs that are entirely sung in three part harmony. I find it distracting and hard to connect with what is being sung. Overall, middle of the road, kinda samey, background music. Pleasant enough to get a 2 from me.

Os Mutantes by Os Mutantes
Jun 28 2026

Weird AND enjoyable! I was enthralled by the sound of the recording, they use tape saturation perfectly and like I don't think I've heard in another recording from as early as 1968. Most of the time when they get weird it's not just to be weird, it really feels like they're trying to experiment for the benefit of the listener. The whole album is a trip and I'm packing my bags for another go.

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Jun 29 2026

I want to like this album so bad but I don't. I remember checking it out when I first got into jazz fusion in the 90's and it didn't click for me back then and it still doesn't now. Give me something to latch on to... a groove, a repeating riff, a head or even a fucking chord progression. They just meander the whole time. In a vacuum, I'm rating this 2 stars based on that I will never purposely listen to it again. But I'm adding half a star for how revolutionary it was at the time and how much it influenced a lot of my favourite music... The jazz funk fusion of the early to mid 70's. And half a star for the bitchin artwork.

Dummy by Portishead
Jun 30 2026

One of my favourite albums from the 90's. Absolutely perfectly produced, love Beth's voice, all the guitar work, DJ Andy Smith tasteful cuts. Easy 5 from me.

Oxygène by Jean-Michel Jarre
Jul 01 2026
I See A Darkness by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Jul 02 2026

I'm not against melancholic singer songwriters (I gave Nick Drake 5 stars) and I was even in the right mood but I can hardly believe how terrible this is. I forced myself to listen to the whole album as an exercise in enduring torture. I assume he played every instrument because everything is played so amateurishly there's no way he hired these musicians. Fucking brutal. Worst album out of the 50 I've gotten so far.

Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman
Jul 03 2026

First 2 songs are fun and interesting. After that it just sounds like poorly recorded and not particularly remarkable Indian music.

In Utero by Nirvana
Jul 04 2026

I was a big fan of Nevermind when it came out but didn't really give this a chance when it came out, I'm not sure why. It's good. Nirvana will always feel like music for teenagers to me so I probably won't listen to this again (and Nevermind didn't stay in my rotation past my teens) but I will always have a place in my heart for them.

Teenage Head by Flamin' Groovies
Jul 06 2026

Just a tip, the original release only has 9 tracks so you can stop listening after Whiskey Woman if you like. I thought this had potential when it started but was never realized. Much like the Stones, a couple good songs and then pretty mediocre.

Sea Change by Beck
Jul 07 2026

The production and mixing are impressive, it really sounds amazing. Unfortunately I find it a bit boring. I much prefer fun Beck.

Slippery When Wet by Bon Jovi
Jul 08 2026

There's nothing here outside of the 3 massive hits.

Music From Big Pink by The Band
Jul 11 2026

I knew I wasn't going to like this but damn, it's a 1 star album for me! It's so fucking forgettable even the big hit sucks fucking rocks. The only glimmer of hope was the organ riff in Chest Fever... Alright you pussies let's rock! But nope they had to fuckle it up with that weak ass chorus and a bridge that literally sounds like the little bits of wind left in a fart that finally fully escapes.

Songs From A Room by Leonard Cohen
Jul 13 2026

Need to give this another listen but for now 3 stars

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Jul 14 2026

Where is my mind? Is a masterpiece, there rest is only OK for the most part. I have many friends that will be disappointed in my 3 star rating but c'est la vie. Maybe it'll take a few listens to get to know and enjoy more.

Wild Wood by Paul Weller
Jul 15 2026

Mid. Boring. No place on this list. The only half interesting moment is "Holy Man (reprise)"... Why not bring that vibe to the full song?

Talking Book by Stevie Wonder
Jul 16 2026

All time favourite Stevie album and probably in my top ten favourite albums over all. A masterpiece

Sunshine Superman by Donovan
Jul 19 2026

Damn, I might be a Donovan fan. If it weren't for Legend of a child named Linda and Guinevere it might be a 5 star album for me. Interesting factoid. In The Fat Angel he sings "Fly Jefferson Airplane, get you there on time". I wondered if the band got their name from the lyric. Found someone on Reddit saying the band was named after a dog and the lyric is also referencing the same dog (which was hanging out at the studio he was recording at)

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Jul 20 2026

Today I learned that psychedelic music doesn't really need to have anything psychedelic about it to be considered part of the genre. I always associated the term with trippy experimental sections or long hypnotic jams that would enhance a mushroom trip. With this album art I assumed "time of the season" would be the toned down single and there would be all sorts of crazy psychedelia but to my surprise it's just a MOR 60's pop/rock album somewhere inbetween the Beach Boys and the Beatles. Putting all that aside, the songs are really strong! I dig the lead singers voice and the musicianship is very solid as well. I didn't love every song but enough for me to want to listen to it again and give it's a strong 4 stars.

Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Jul 22 2026

I listened to their hits when I was a young lad but never got into them fully. I got The Zombies 2 days ago and remarked how they're exactly inbetween the Beatles and the Beach Boys. That made me listen to Pet Sounds for the first time just yesterday... I had it on in the background. I had always heard how influential it is but I was underwhelmed listening to it. Low and behold I get it today. So I have given it another, closer listen. I like some of the themes explored in the lyrics, songs like You Still Believe In Me and I Just Wasn't Made For These Times will stick with me. But overall the music just doesn't connect with me and I've narrowed it down to: 1. The vocals. Every line is doubled by a second voice and just like my problem with Crosby, Stills and Nash harmonizing everything, I find it hard to connect with what is being sung... just seems less personal or something. Also, the vocals have no soul.... I mean he's baring his heart and soul in the lyrics but the delivery has no emotion behind it. He's literally singing "sometimes I feel very sad" ... do you? Because a robot might as well have sung it. I also generally don't love the sound of Brian Wilson's voice, I find it a bit whiny. 2. The wall of sound. I think maybe I just don't like the Phil Spector thing. It makes all the songs kinda sound the same and anything interesting happening in the instrumentation gets mashed together. Nothing stands out, nothing is ever really featured, it's like a swamp water Slurpee... Might be sweet but is ultimately unsatisfying. Couple other notes. I enjoyed the instrumentals! And I'm baffled by all the love for Sloop John B, one of my least favourites on the album.

Dookie by Green Day
Jul 23 2026

I borrowed this on tape for a few weeks when it came out and really dug it. I never ended up getting the album for myself but enjoyed the singles when I heard them. I didn't like anything they did after this but always had a soft spot for them. Hadn't heard this album since back then and thought I would enjoy more than I did. Only a solid 3 stars from me but I get why it's beloved.

Dear Science by TV On The Radio
Jul 24 2026

When people recently started using the term "industry plant" I thought of TV on the Radio... When these guys hit the scene it really felt like they were being shoved down our throats by critics and as a good hipster I did my best to swallow! But I couldn't, it's just so mediocre. Hadn't thought about them since then so I listened with fresh ears and yeah, it still sucks. People comparing them to Prince?! Bowie?! Huh?! At best they sound like a shitty U2 (and they got pretty shitty in the later years!) I really dislike the vocals, the weak "funk" guitar riffs and the songwriting in general. And the cover art! Fuck it, I'm going all the way down to 1 star

Get Behind Me Satan by The White Stripes
Jul 25 2026

I got the White Blood Cells CD when it came out and dug it, didn't really follow them after that. This Get Behind Me Satan album is very mediocre, so much so that I listened to WBC for the first time in 20 years to see if I still like it and I do, it fucking rocks. Perused the other later albums and they also rock. I think this might be their worst album. Not sure why it's on the list!

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jul 28 2026

Southern Rock perfection (other that Graveyard Train being too long). John Fogerty is more John Fogerty than ever on Born on the Bayou. A solid 5

Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes
Jul 30 2026

During the release of Bjork's first 3 solo albums, she was one of my top 3 favourite artists. I bought this and other Sugar cubes CDs but could never get into them. I just don't find the songs to be well written, interesting or memorable. 2.5 stars, rounding up for Bjork.

Songs For Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra
Jul 31 2026

My 6yo said "why are you listening to Christmas music" and was baffled to learn it wasn't. It's the only time we listen to Frank Sinatra in this house. It all sounds the same but that sound is great and an undeniable vibe. 3.5 stars but rounding down for once.

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Aug 01 2026

First time I knowingly listened to Kendrick Lamar is when the famous Drake diss track first came out (had a neighbour give me all the tea so I was curious)... I thought it was a joke song. I thought the delivery was silly and the song in general very amateurish and had no hook. Now it's one of the biggest rap hits ever released so just goes to show what I know about rap music. After that I decided to investigate further and I listened to this album and was pleasantly surprised it's got some funk! And some real musicians! Still totally not my thing but I respect it.

Horses by Patti Smith
Aug 02 2026

Just over 80 albums in and this is the second worst album so far (Bonnie Prince Billy being #1). Her vocals are as grating as Johnny Lydon to me. I made it through it but barely

Slipknot by Slipknot
Aug 03 2026

Listened to this setting up for my 7 year old's birthday party 😄. When ever I get a heavy album I get excited because I like heavy music sometimes but don't know anything outside of a few albums that have entered my rotation over the years. I've been disappointed for far (Seputura, Anthrax and Megadeth have come up). I was VERY pleasantly surprised by this! First song, I thought fuck yeah this is exactly what I'm talking about. The vocals (which are often a point of contention for me with heavy music) are perfect. Wait and Breathe... Hmmm vocals have taken a turn into shitty numetal territory where the singer actually tries to sing and it sounds stupid and whiny but this is the only song where this happens. The band is tight as fuck, love the guitar playing... Kind wish there were some solos but I found the riffs and effects cool and interesting. I even liked the DJ, I found his contributions to be quite tasteful. Solid 4 stars from me and will listen again.

OK Computer by Radiohead
Aug 04 2026

I still remember walking into Musiplex on Portage Ave. in Winnipeg in 1997, listening to the first few tracks of this at the listening station and buying this CD. Hard to explain how magical this album was back then, especially the front half of the album. I'm writing this while on listen to Subterranean Homesick Alien... Absolute bliss. Added it to my all time favourite songs playlist.

Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
Aug 07 2026

Kinda bummed at all the 2 star ratings I've given but there is so much mediocre stuff on this list. The songwriting here is forgettable and often very samey in more than just vibe but also chord changes and melodies. On the last song I checked to make sure it wasn't playing another version of an earlier song... I swore I already heard it. Don't love the singers voice but it might be the way it was recorded? Often it sounded like it was recorded with a laptop mic with crazy amounts of hiss coming through only when the vocals happen. Added Happiness to my 1001 playlist, it's the only memorable song.

Aug 08 2026

I bought this CD when it came out and was into it. I still love it but I have to reckon with the fact the fact I would probably rate this 2 or 3 stars if I hadn't already been a fan. Back in the day, you bought an album and listened to it no matter what, afterall you paid $20 for it! And albums in general benefit from repeated listens. Makes me wonder if any of the albums I've rated 2 or 3 are actually a 4 after repeated listens

Achtung Baby by U2
Aug 11 2026

U2 was my first favourite band when I was a kid. This came out when I was 14 and I had mixed feelings about it since they changed their sound so much. I bought the CD and got into it but it was never my favourite. 4 stars out of nostalgia

Heroes by David Bowie
Aug 12 2026

Every non-ambient/instrumental song is a banger. I generally enjoyed the instrumentals, not every moment but most of it. Added The Secret Life of Arabia to my 1001 playlist

Aug 14 2026

Yikes! Somewhere in the back of my mind I had the thought that The Kinks might be a band I'd really like if I explored their discography. This album sucks, there must be better Kinks albums! The songwriting is lazy or just bad, the vocal and musical performances are lazy, the recording/mix is lazy. Didn't notice a song that stood out as anything but not bad.

Clube Da Esquina by Milton Nascimento
Aug 16 2026

Groovy album with interesting songwriting. Kept me engaged til the end.

Court And Spark by Joni Mitchell
Aug 18 2026

Might bump this up to a 5 eventually, I really dig it

Wordsmith

Reviews written for 77% of albums. Average review length: 408 characters.

Other

Album origins are grouped into three buckets: US, UK, and everything else. “Other” means the artists you rate highest are from outside the US and UK.