1001 Albums Summary

Firstly, Summer Breeze is the only Isley Brothers song I knew before listening to this album and it’s banger for driving on an open road when the sun is out. The rest of this album I could take or leave. Good for some Friday evening background music for winding down and not much else. 2.5

I thought I liked the Cure. Maybe I don’t… Had to resist the urge to skip the songs which I found to be repetitive. The highlight for me was definitely A Forest which I really enjoyed when the beat kicked in. 2.0

It’s impossible not to dance when you hear ‘I Bet You Would Look Good on the Dancefloor’. Classic indie rock with a Yorkshire twist making it unbeatable. Mardy Bum is one of my favourite songs of all time because we can all relate to when ‘you’ve got the face on’. Also shout out to the introduction of ‘When the Sun Goes Down’ which is iconic! ‘Up up and away’ a brilliant debut album but not my favourite Arctic Monkeys. A fabulous 4.5 from me - it has some of my absolute favourites but also a few songs I’m not fussed about.

I do like the variety of music styles on this album, some up beat with some folky and country vibes creeping in later in the album. Drive My Car is undoubtedly very catchy and I like the melody in Norwegian Wood. Unfortunately this is far from the best of the Beatles and Run for Your Life is problematic enough to nearly ruin the whole album for me. It’s a 2.5.

This was an exciting new discovery for me. I enjoyed the raw, under stated nature of this album - a guitar and a voice. The rhythm of the title song was definitely the highlight for me. It’s an album I’d revisit. I enjoyed Nick Drake’s voice but I probably prefer music with a bit more vocal range. It’s clear how Damien Rice has been inspired by Nick Drake and his vocal range with soft and strong is more appealing to me. I would also like a bit more lyrical complexity than this album offers. For me it’s a strong 3.5.

I feel very torn about this album. I love the lyrics across these songs but find the musical style a bit hit and miss. The rockier and piano moments worked better for me. I struggled with the parts which sounded like they should be featured in a cheesy (and a bit sleezy) romance scene in a Roger Moore James Bond movie. I would definitely revisit this album and think I would come to love many of these songs. My initial favourites were: Movin’ Out, Just the Way You Are and She’s Always a Woman. A solid 4.0 for me on the expectation that I’d grow to love this album after a few more listens.

Nah - not my favourite genre and this certainly isn’t the best of its kind. Just a bit meh for me. 1.5

Middle of the road for me. Strength of Strings was the highlight. I didn't hate but wouldn't rush to revisit. A 2.5

Is it just me or is there musically a fine line between psychedelic rock and Christian camp music? The bells and percussion don’t do it for me. Having said that, I enjoyed the more musically complex songs. Stronger at the beginning and end of the album. Time of the Season is the only song I knew and I do like it but it’s very different to the rest of the album - a lot smoother. If the rest of their album were like this it would be better overall. A 3.0

I love Bruce Springsteen so much. He’s my ultimate, and that voice is just epic. Born in the U.S.A. isn’t my favourite album of his, but it’s still an excellent record. Controversially, I actually think the title track is a bit overrated. Musically, it’s far from his best, but I do love the anti-establishment sentiment behind it, which runs throughout the album. Dancing in the Dark, though, is one of my favourite songs of all time. “Wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face” — honestly, what a lyric. I never get tired of it. I’m on Fire is another absolute favourite, and Glory Days is just brilliant. It might not be my number one Bruce album, but it’s packed with incredible songs, that unmistakable voice, and all the heart and grit that make me love him so much. The Boss, always. Rating 4.5

This isn’t really my genre so I’ve tried to give it a couple of listens and a fair chance. It’s definitely grown on me and I can see how this would have been ground breaking when it came out. A couple of tunes I recognised. Wasn’t keen on the Queen remix but generally it made me want to break out the dodgy dance moves. Raging: 3.0

Hit and miss this one. Lady Jane is a classic but overall the album (and particularly Going Home) drags. Wasn’t a fan of the country moments Rating: 2.5

I like the Beach Boys but think this style of music should remain in the past rather than being revived in the 00s. A bit too chaotic. Would be well placed at a fairground or on a kid’s tv show. Rating: 1.5

A new discovery for me. I really enjoyed this album and it’s definitely one I’ll revisit. Found myself humming Heart of Gold after listening. Highlights: I actually enjoyed every song on this album but especially the opening track and The Needle and the Damage Done. Rating: 4.0

I have to admit, on first listen I found Dusty in Memphis quite old-fashioned, and the style of music didn't immediately grab me. However, after a couple of listens I definitely started to warm to it and found myself enjoying it on its own terms. I think the more soulful tracks are where the album really shines, particularly when Dusty shows a bit more variety in her vocals, which makes the songs feel much more exciting and engaging. Son of a Preacher Man and Breakfast in Bed are both absolutely superb. I love how effortlessly sexy they are, and there's something about Dusty's delivery on these tracks that really draws me in. Not an album I instantly fell in love with, but definitely one that grew on me, and I can see myself enjoying it more with further listens. Will defo be revisiting this one. Rating: 3.5

I'd never heard any of the songs on this album before, so went into it with no real expectations. Overall, it's a solid album and a very easy listen, but equally there wasn't anything that particularly blew me away or felt hugely memorable. What I did find interesting was how much you can hear the beginnings of the American indie pop sound that would become so popular in the 90s and 00s. Some of the melodies and guitar sounds feel surprisingly familiar, and one of the songs literally sounds like the intro to Stacy's Mom! I can definitely see how this album might have been quite ahead of its time and influenced a lot of what came later. Nothing bad here at all, and I can appreciate its place in music history, but ultimately it's just an okay album for me. Rating: 3.0

Every song on this album is far too long. Otherwise I enjoyed the vibe. Rating: 3.0

Another completely new album for me and one that I absolutely loved! Elizabeth Fraser's voice is superb and really makes the album something special. I was getting definite Cranberries vibes at points, particularly in the way her vocals float over the music, and I loved the dreamy and atmospheric. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars is that it does feel a little too much like background music at times. As much as I loved the overall sound, there weren't quite enough moments that really grabbed me or demanded my attention. That said, it's a gorgeous album and a really enjoyable discovery. Rating: 4.0

Another completely new album for me and one that's very far outside my usual taste in music. I've never really been a fan of heavy metal, so I wasn't expecting to enjoy this anywhere near as much as I did. However, it's pretty clear why Metallica are so highly regarded, and if this is heavy metal at its best, I can definitely appreciate the genre a lot more than I thought I would! What I found particularly impressive was how cleverly they move between softer, more melodic moments and the really heavy stuff. The way some of the songs build up and then suddenly explode into something much more intense is brilliant, and gives the music a lot more variety than I was expecting. The Unforgiven, Wherever I May Roam and Nothing Else Matters were particular highlights for me, and I loved how they showed different sides of the band's sound. Rating: 3.5

Having listened to this album, I have to admit I'm feeling pretty indifferent about it. I thought the first half was fine and there were some enjoyable moments, but nothing that particularly grabbed me or made a lasting impression. I think I also made the mistake of listening to the outtakes, which really put me off towards the end. I found them quite jarring and didn't particularly enjoy the experience, which probably left me with a slightly more negative impression of the album overall. Rating: 2.5

My first jazz album for a while and a pleasant change from what I've been listening to recently. I can definitely appreciate the musicianship and the lovely, relaxed atmosphere throughout. I'd be very happy listening to this in a nice cocktail bar whilst sipping a martini, but I'm not sure it really has a place in my home. An enjoyable listen in the right setting, but probably not something I'd choose to put on regularly. Rating: 3.0

I think I just didn’t get it… Rating: 1.5

Possible I’d warm to this more after a few more listens. Thought it was fine but I didn’t find any of the songs particularly memorable. Rating: 2.5

Pleasant enough and maybe I didn’t give it sufficient time but don’t have much to say about it. I would listen to it again which makes it a 3. Rating: 3.0

I came to this album as a Madness fan already. I didn’t know every song on this album but I knew a few. The ones I already knew are definitely the stronger tracks on the album: Our House (possibly their best song), Tomorrow’s but I enjoyed the album in its totality. The complexity of the music is great fun and thematically interesting, nostalgic and very British. Rating: 4.0

Fu-Gee-La - this song transported me right back to the 90s and made me very happy. Love this cover of Killing Me Softly. The songs where Lauryn Hill is front and centre are the better ones. Overall enjoyed this - a very nice surprise. Rating: 4.0

I get the impression this is an album with some really sophisticated lyrics and storytelling, but it's difficult to fully appreciate that on a first, second or even third listen. I suspect it's one you'd need to spend a lot of time with, really studying the lyrics and listening repeatedly to get the most out of it. Unfortunately, I can't see myself doing that, and on the surface this style of music just isn't really for me. I can appreciate that there's a lot going on here, but ultimately it didn't particularly grab me. Rating: 1.5

The opening song on this album is tremendously awful and really put me off from the very beginning! Thankfully, it does get better as it goes on, and there are definitely some more enjoyable moments. I don’t particularly like his voice so the mellow songs where it’s more prominent like Pristeen and Promised Land were less fun for me. Won’t be adding this to the re-listen list. Rating: 2.0

Love when the generator surprises! I went into this album with pretty low expectations, having never heard of the band, but that changed almost immediately when I absolutely loved the quality of the opening track! I think having such a prominent female voice feels quite refreshing for this genre in this period and definitely added to my enjoyment. Somebody to Love and White Rabbit are both absolute classics that I recognised straight away and loved, but for me Embryonic Journey was my highlight! What a brilliant track. This album was a real surprise and one I enjoyed far more than I ever expected. Definitely one I'll be adding to the playlist going forward! Rating: 4.5

Lots to enjoy on this album, particularly A Hazy Shade of Winter and Old Froends. Superb lyric writing and interesting melodies. Rating: 3.5

Not a great album. There were definitely some enjoyable moments, particularly People Hold On and Stop This Crazy Thing, both of which would absolutely get me up on the dancefloor! However, I did find parts of the album a bit meh. Overall, a bit of a mixed bag. Some great dance tunes, but not an album I'd be rushing to revisit. Rating: 2.5

I have nothing good to say about this… Rating: 0!

There are songs on this album that I actively disliked: ‘Tis A Pity, Sue. Both jarring. I can appreciate how experimental this album was and I liked Girl Loves Me but overall not good. Rating: 2

I love the title track and the album is very easy listening but not much on here which would make me desperate to revisit it. Rating: 3.0

I really wanted to like this but I won't be playing again... Rating: 1.5

Lovely voice and some good melodies. Not enough memorable songs for a higher score. Rating: 3.0

I wanted to give this album a couple of listens to see whether The Cardigans were more than just a one-hit wonder. It goes without saying that Lovefool is a great song, but what about the rest? I actually think the second half of the album is stronger than the first, with some really catchy tracks like Iron Man, Losers and Choke. However, whilst there are definitely some enjoyable moments, I struggle to understand why this album deserves a place on this list. Ultimately, I found much of it to be fairly generic pop music. Perfectly listenable, but nothing particularly special or memorable beyond a handful of songs. Rating: 3.5

I'd only heard Tighten Up before, which I've always loved, but this whole album was an absolute revelation for me! Fantastic from start to finish, with some brilliant guitar throughout and genuinely not a bad song on the album. I loved the energy and the overall sound, and it's definitely one I'll be coming back to. I was seriously tempted to give this my first 5-star rating, but I'm going with a 4.5 purely because there aren't quite enough big singalong tunes for my taste. That said, a superb album and one of my favourite discoveries so far! Rating: 4.5

Hadn’t heard this before. Enjoyed the first few songs but didn’t find the album consistently good. Rating: 3.0

I can’t put my finger on why, but I didn’t enjoy this album. Maybe the tempo and vibe. Rating: 2.0

Another completely new album for me and one I absolutely loved! Superb from beginning to end, with such an interesting, fun and unique sound. I loved how they combine classic rock with elements of folk and even jazz, making the whole album feel really varied and exciting. The introduction to Locomotive Breathe is a particular highlight, with that beautiful soft piano building into something much rockier. Brilliant stuff! I've only listened to the album twice, so I suspect there's a lot of lyrical complexity that I've not fully appreciated yet, but that's all the more reason to revisit it. A fantastic discovery and definitely one I'll be listening to again! Rating: 4.5

I can absolutely recognise that this is an objectively excellent 5 star album, with some genuinely world-class songs. Stairway to Heaven, The Battle of Evermore and Going to California are all superb, and for me Led Zeppelin are at their best in the softer, more melodic moments, particularly when they build into something much rockier. However, despite appreciating just how good this album is, there are still a few songs that don't quite give me the feels. Unlike some of the albums I've been discovering for the first time, I've listened to this one plenty of times, so I feel I can give a pretty settled opinion on it. An undeniably brilliant album, but just not quite a 5-star experience for me. Rating: 4.5