I mean, this album starts with one of the best Bowie songs of all time. Starts strong, lost me in the middle, but came back in the second half with Queen Bitch. Kind of sounds like a musical soundtrack at times, but in a weirdo way that is so classic Bowie. Overall, a solid early Bowie work, and a good first album of his to listen to all the way through.
Favorite tracks: Changes, Queen Bitch
Going in pretty familiar with this one already, thanks to my jazz-loving mom & grandparents. Just an absolute masterclass of the genre and one that I see myself coming back to throughout my life. A quintessential album & a beyond deserving inclusion on the 1001 Albums list.
Favorite tracks: Blue Rondo a la Turk, Take Five (duh)
Parliament (and funk from this era generally) always makes me think of my mom, so my rating for this album is definitely biased. However, I can't consciously remember hearing any of these songs before except for Give Up The Funk. This album is groovy front to back, has an interesting intergalactic throughline, and is overall an excellent 70's funk album.
Favorite Tracks: Unfunky UFO, Handcuffs, Give Up The Funk
I just listened to Parliament yesterday, and now they're being sampled in the third track of this album...I live for these connections. ANYWAY - West Coast rap reigns supreme (yes, I am very biased) and this album is a perfect example of that fact. The fact that this album was Dre's explosion onto the scene as a solo artist is nothing short of legendary. A great performance from Snoop across the album as well.
Favorite tracks: Let Me Ride, Nuthin' But A "G" Thang
A bit slow and orchestral for my taste, as I tend to prefer the more upbeat Depeche Mode songs. However, there is some really cool synth work and interesting arrangements that I wasn't expecting. Hoping there is some more Depeche Mode on this list!
Favorite tracks: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove
Been on this album for years now and it ALWAYS hits. Contains some of my favorite Radiohead songs of all time, and this album as a whole demonstrates what RH can produce when they're at the top of their game & everything comes together just right. Arguably the best RH album out there (though I oscillate between favorites) - a top album of 1997 for sure, and a very worthy inclusion on this list.
Favorite tracks: Karma Police, Climbing Up the Walls
I have major respect for Muddy Waters as a forerunner of American blues, as he is an incredibly talented songwriter and guitarist. However, classic blues like this isn't the style of music I tend to enjoy on a regular basis, as it gets a little repetitive for my taste.
Favorite tracks: Mannish Boy, I Can't Be Satisfied
I don't know what the hell was wrong with me in college when I tried to listen to this album and thought I didn't like it...this album RULES. Not sure how I resisted for so long, but it's so classic and formative to the global popularity of punk. Simple riffs, defiant lyrics, and sneering delivery make this an unforgettable listen.
Favorite tracks: Holidays in the Sun, No Feelings, God Save the Queen
I kind of wish I had listened to this album later in my Elliott Smith journey, but not a bad album by any means. Starts off really strong, but kind of lost me by the end. It always takes me a second to get reacquainted with his vocals too, and I find myself having to consciously overlook my normal dislike of overly breathy vocals.
Favorite tracks: Son Of Sam, Junk Bond Trader
Before listening to this I didn't realize how much I liked Ronald Isley's voice, and it is on display here in a superb way. One of my favorite voices from this era of funk, I think. Funky bass lines, masterfully layered instrumentals, and some really excellent covers make for a solid album that I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did. Instantly improved my mood, and I'll be keeping that in mind for the future!
Favorite tracks: You Walk Your Way, Summer Breeze
I was really ready to like this one a lot more, considering the spectacular hits from this album that I've been hearing for basically my whole life. However, I didn't care for the rockabilly influences and found the rest of the album beyond these hits kind of forgettable. I imagine this hit a lot harder in 1978 with its genre-bending. Sorry Debbie, you're a legend, but this just didn't hit for me.
Favorite tracks: Hanging On The Telephone, Heart Of Glass
Having listened to this now, the influence it had on In Utero is unmistakable. The drumming throughout is superb, and there are a couple of complete bangers on here. However, everything got kind of forgettable in the second half of the album, and for that my rating can't be too high (especially knowing that Doolittle is coming in the future of Pixies discography, where I feel they really hit their stride).
Favorite tracks: Break My Body, Where Is My Mind?
I was SHOCKED at how much I enjoyed this album. Sure, I've been hearing the band's major hits on the radio since before I could talk, but there were a surprising number of "hidden" bangers on this album (clearly I should have been looking). I'm kind of obsessed with Boyd's voice (even though all I can hear in 2026 is Mac Glocky's impression of him). Not a perfect album by any means, but damn was it nostalgic.
Favorite tracks: Consequence, When It Comes, Drive
Often when I'm listening to Arcade Fire, I find myself actively trying to convince myself that I like Win Butler's voice...so not always the most enjoyable experience. This is definitely a fun listen with several songs already in my rotation prior to today. However, in my opinion, anyone describing this album as "triumphant" is drinking a little bit of AF Kool-Aid. There's definitely a generation of people who go crazy for this band, but that's not me.
Favorite tracks: Neighborhood #2 (Laika), Rebellion (Lies)
Goodness gracious, this is an excellent Beatles album - I'm kicking myself for not listening to any in full before today because I was totally missing out! So many bangers I've missed out on, having only listened to "1" for pretty much my whole life up to this point. Yes, I know I'm more than 50 years late to the game, but as a lifelong Beatles enjoyer, this was such a fun listen - clean, simple, and catchy in just the way I knew it would be. A perfect summer listen.
Favorite tracks: She Said She Said, And Your Bird Can Sing, Tomorrow Never Knows (it appears I like Lennon lead vocal tracks?)
Ooooh baby! This gave me goosebumps immediately! Kacey's voice is always so clear and crisp - in fact, the whole production is exactly what I want from modern country music. The definition of lush. I think this came to me at the right time, after my country music stereotypes have softened and I've even become more amenable to pop music. Fills the exact lane that Taylor Swift left wide open for someone far more talented.
Favorite tracks: Slow Burn, High Horse
I have no idea how this made the list. I should have known from the band name alone that it was kinda gonna suck. It sounds like Blur and Flight of the Conchords had a really crappy baby with none of Damon Albarn's genius nor FotC's humor. It's like they're trying to fill a void that Albarn certainly did NOT leave unfilled, so I'm not really sure where this band fits in music history or why it even exists. Giving it 2 stars, but it's more like 1.5.
Favorite tracks (I guess?): [A] Touch Sensitive
As much as I like Steely Dan, this one wasn't really for me. Overproduced & without the swag that SD has. Plus, we already had the core SD discography to enjoy before this came out, and I don't think we needed virtually the same thing as a solo version. The album cover is way more interesting than any song contained within it. At least it was on the shorter side! (Also...how many girlfriends does this guy have? Two songs back-to-back about two different girls is kinda wild.)
Favorite tracks: The Nightfly
I was SO STOKED with this pull today because I've been meaning to listen to this album for so long!!! Wonderfully jangly with the perfect amount of scuzz, this album positively transports you to 1967 NYC. I hate that I'm so late to the game, but at the same time I'm so glad it came to me at the right moment in my life (aka living in New York with a few trips to the city under my belt). There's certainly a reputation preceding this work, and I now know it's for good reason: it's genre encompassing, experimental, and damn near perfect.
Favorite tracks: I'm Waiting For The Man, Heroin, I'll Be Your Mirror
This was...fine? I think I expected more from Dylan as a whole since I have never heard one of his albums in its entirety before, and considering how lauded he is generally. There were certainly a couple of hits here, but I fear his singing style still irks me the same way it has since I was a little kid. Maybe a different album would be a little more my speed, as I assume this isn't the only one I'll encounter on this list. Sorry, but I'm not Dylan-pilled quite yet...
Favorite tracks: Tangled up in Blue, Idiot Wind, Shelter from the Storm
When I told my boyfriend I was listening to this, he said, and I quote: "I regret to say there is no reason to listen to the entire Tubular Bells record (sorry, British)." Having now listened to the entire thing, I can confirm he is in fact correct. There are a couple of interesting parts, especially in Tubular Bells - Pt. I, but everything kind of goes off the rails in Pt. II. Definitely not going to listen to it again & can't say I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
This overall was pretty middling, while also being better than I expected. I think younger generations have a preconceived notion about Rod Stewart that's unfortunately pretty negative and certainly undeserved. This has a bluesy feeling that reminds me of some of the more jangly Led Zeppelin tracks. His growl is unmistakeable, and few others can make a mandolin rock as much as he does.
Favorite tracks: Every Picture Tells A Story, That's All Right, Maggie May
Goodness gracious, this is so deliciously jangly! I have a feeling I'll be on my 4th or 5th listen by the end of the day today. The first track hooks you immediately, and don't you dare think for a second that its grasp will falter for the next 28 minutes. This is my first Byrds album, and I'm so glad that's the case - it's the perfect blend of so many of the genres I am into at the moment. Gorgeously layered vocals and 12-string Rickenbacker shimmer weave their way into a genre-bending masterpiece (is it psychedelic? Folk? Pop? Rock? Country? The world may never know.) I positively LOVED this, and need it on vinyl expeditiously.
Favorite tracks: Artificial Energy, Change Is Now, Tribal Gathering
I mean, it's the Beatles - how can I not give it a high rating? I'm feeling very lucky to have gotten two Beatles albums generated this early on in my 1001 albums journey, not to mention two that I think will likely become my forever favorites. I think I still prefer Revolver, but you can hear how their sound is actively transitioning in this album toward what they would achieve in their subsequent album. As much as people tend to highlight Norwegian Wood, I personally think the short & sweet In My Life is the true masterpiece on this album - in my opinion, it's one of the best Ringo contributions on any Beatles song.
Favorite tracks: Drive My Car, Nowhere Man, In My Life
I'll be honest, I was a little tuned out while listening to this one. Unfortunately, I don't think that speaks well to this album as everything kind of blended into one for me. I know that cohesiveness is sometimes what makes for a great album, but in this case I think it instead led to something pretty boring and one-dimensional. It made me realize that I think Metallica is kind of corny, and I don't think I'll be a metalhead any time soon. 2.5/5
Favorite tracks: Enter Sandman (yes I know this is a basic choice, and yes I did know this one beforehand)
I learned today that this album was recorded in my hometown, so this review is certainly going to be a bit biased. As a PNWer who was born to love grunge, I'm bound to be a fan of a Dave Grohl project (not to mention the fact that this album is solely his). This was a fun listen as someone who's been a casual Foos fan and hasn't heard much of their earlier stuff. The drums are killer (as expected), and this is definitely a pivot from Dave's grunge roots toward something much more rock-centric, but one that's welcome in my book. 3.5/5
Favorite tracks: Good Grief, Floaty, X-Static
This album cover really paints the 2-tone movement in a terrible light & unfortunately left a bad taste in my mouth from the jump...
I really wanted to like this one, but I actually found it quite boring. Everything beyond "Our House" was pretty flat & forgettable (and I only remember that one because I've been hearing it my whole life). I can see why this song is the only one that caught on in the U.S. It wasn't quite as peppy as I expected from a ska band, and I was left feeling disappointed. 2.5/5
Favorite track: Our House
Apparently I'm really not a new wave fan like I thought I was? I'm really starting to get sick of all of these albums that only charted in the UK. This was quite annoying to listen to (why do none of the beats actually line up?). These guys really thought they were doing something profound and experimental, and instead it's just straight up not good. Let's just say I got excited when I realized I could skip the last 7 songs on the Spotify version of the album since they weren't part of the original release.
Favorite tracks (maybe?): Bap De La Bap
I am certainly a little sick of the two big hits of this album, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the other tracks! The instrumentals are really tight and fun, and though I almost wish it was someone other than Cyndi who got to sing over them, it still worked for me. This was exactly the kind of 80's girl pop that I enjoy, as it has just enough edge to it that I'm not rolling my eyes from it being overly saccharine.
Favorite tracks: Money Changes Everything, When You Were Mine
I will NEVER get tired of Zack de la Rocha going "UH" in every goddamn RATM song. In my opinion, this album goes unbelievably hard. The slap bass? Absolutely. Aggressive vocal delivery? Hell yes. Tight drumming? Oh yeah. A sprinkle of a guitar solo? Now that's the cherry on top. Some will say this is repetitive, some will say RATM *are* the machine, but I seriously could not care less. This album rules, and I can't believe it took me 27 years to appreciate it fully.
Favorite tracks: Bombtrack, Killing In the Name, Settle for Nothing
You know what, I quite enjoy some classic rock from time to time, and Aerosmith really delivered on this one. I never in my life thought I would be voluntarily listening to an Aerosmith album, but I admittedly had some fun with this one! There's nothing like a little blues guitar to soothe the soul (maybe not everyone's soul...but you get the point). Short and sweet, this album was rockin' in exactly the way I expect from Steven Tyler & company. 3.5/5 (rounded up because I had a great time)
Favorite tracks: Last Child, Combination, Sick As A Dog
As a child, listening to this on repeat on my first iPod courtesy of my mom's iTunes purchase, this album would have been an easy 5/5. It is mercilessly funky, incredibly produced, and SO fun. However, in 2026, I can't in good conscience separate the art from the artist, so I can't rate this as anything other than a 1. (And, might I add, it's unbelievable we're in the midst of an attempt to launder a pedophile's image with a flashy biopic.)
Having heard quite a few songs from TVOTR, it was really cool to go back in time and see how they debuted on the scene. I'm a bit obsessed with the early 2000's Brooklyn indie scene, and TVOTR is no exception. This album is experimental, droning, dark, and even hypnotic at times. I'm a big fan of Tunde's voice, so I'm definitely not as worked up about all the a cappella stuff as other people. Anyway, I really enjoyed this, and I'm hoping for more TVOTR on this list!
Favorite tracks: Staring at the Sun, King Eternal, Don't Love You
Yes, I am from Seattle. And yes, I adore Nirvana and will never rate this album anything lower than a 5. It is *the* grunge album in my book, and it is absolutely required listening. Love you and miss you, Kurt <3
Favorite tracks: In Bloom, Lithium, Drain You
What a great start to the week! Despite containing what I believe are two of the greatest TH songs ever, I think this is my second favorite album by them. Full of great grooves and very evident Fela Kuti influences, this is such an experimental and unabashedly weird collection of songs (which, as a lifelong TH fan, I will eat right up).
Favorite tracks: Born Under Punches, Crosseyed and Painless, Once in a Lifetime
Marvin evidently has a lot of feelings about his divorce, and from my perspective, it's just straight up groveling for over an hour. Since the theme doesn't change at all from song to song, it begins to feel quite a bit one-note. Like, we get it, you're upset your wife left you and you can't (or won't) understand why, where did the love go, et cetera et cetera. Usually I like Marvin Gaye too, so this was a bit of a letdown. 2.5/5
Favorite tracks: Time To Get It Together, You Can Leave, But It's Going To Cost You
I had more fun with this one than I expected! Of course, I went in knowing a few songs from this album, and those are still my favorites, but there were a couple others that I enjoyed as well. I didn't care for the content or the quantity of interludes, but otherwise I thought this was pretty fun. The 90s R&B/soul sound really hits for me sometimes.
Favorite tracks: Creep, Kick Your Game, Waterfalls
This album somehow made me bored and overwhelmed at the same time. The guitars were a bit screechy for my taste, and they were paired with an overuse of overdrive that I really didn't care for. I have once again been reminded that I will not become a metal fan any time soon.
Favorite track (if I had to pick one): Hollow (only because there's finally no raspy screaming for one second)
