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.
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
