This is not my jam at all but this man is a legend and his influence must be acknowledged. Also for Hypnotize alone (I know it’s not in this album but still) - 4 stars
This review is heavily influenced by nostalgia from a very long road trip that involved a limited number of cassettes. This album being one of the best options. I listened to this album MANY times that trip and I don’t think I’ve listened to it since. Great album and memories. Water if love was always my fav on this album.
This took me several listens to get into BUT it totally grew on me. Not sure I prefer the live album but what a great show it must have been!
It’s fine. I kinda like it but there are better albums from this time - including from the Foo Fighters
So.many.hits!! I think my favourite part was the texture in his voice. You really notice that compared to many vocal recordings - it’s sounds like you are right there
I really liked this album - minus a couple of song. I loved the layers of sounds, varying tempos and beats. A psychedelic jam session - in a mostly good way
Lots of iconic beats and melodies on this one. Rap is not usually my jam but I must give some credit where it is due (but the blatant misogyny is so tiresome and blah).
I realize I like dancy Stevie Wonder more than the style of this album. However I do appreciate the influence of gospel music in this album.
Billie Jean, thriller, beat it and wanna be starting something are all incredible - which is why despite being 44 years old - everyone still know them. For those songs alone 5 stars. I am not a fan of MJs slow has but am overlooking them for this review
I can’t believe how many times you listened to this!! I like the music, I like her voice but I am just not into the rambling melodies. Perhaps it will grow on if I listen more but…
Song 2 was a favourite of mine when it was released. The rest of the album doesn’t have the same energy but I still quite enjoyed it.
Not my fav BUT I can recognize genre greatness when I hear it
I don’t even know what to say. I do not like this style of music at all. It was painful.
I like some songs but mostly it’s okay
Loved this - very sad I missed his Coachella set rhis year
It started horrendous and got a bit better. But overall I would probably leave the room if this came on.
Ooh I am loving this album!! I had never heard of this band before but definitely will keep listening to them!
It is interesting to compare this to all the diversity of sound, speed and style in hip hop now. Legends if course
I didn’t pay much attention to the lyrics but I like this album way more than I thought I would. I remember them mostly from being on Big Shiny Tunes 2 and I didn’t really like them then (while listening in my teenage room) - but in a club setting this album would be awesome.
The first song is horrid. However the rest of the album does get progressively better. Still the first few song are rough.
I saw Fever Ray in 2010 when she was touring with this album - it was quite the show. She is certainly different but also somewhat hypnotic. I like this album quite a bit but still I’m not sure I would seek it out again - so 3 stars
Calming and chill - reminded me of Cafe Aquarius.
I don’t live industrial music BUT this band is clearly quite unique and culturally significant - so an extra star
What a treat! Thank you!!
How did I not go to the Xtina / Justified concert when I had the chance!!!
Love the hits!
Great album - so much fun to dance to
I’m giving it a 2 because I like the creativity and some of the songs are pretty fun to listen to. A key factor weighing into my rating is that I have seen them live before and they were horrible. The worst show I’ve ever seen. No melodies were played - it was just people making sounds on instruments. It was intentional… and it was not pleasant. So this album also far surpassed my expectations going in lol
I wanted to like this album but it wasn’t totally my jam. Initially I was going to give it 2 stars but it started to grow on me so I rated it a 3. Also taking into consideration their contributions to music and modern sound.
First songs I have recognized this far! The singles from this album are really great and I would say have stood the test of time. The rest of the album is meh however the vocals are excellent and I know this was a unique sound they helped pioneer.
Judas Priest was not on my bingo card for my commute today BUT I must say solid album. I certainly arrived in a better mood than when I listen to podcasts on current affairs. Rating it a 3 as it’s not my type of music but respect.
One of my favourite bands! LOVE this album!
Great album - with some very cutting and still relevant social commentary.
3 starts because some songs were meh but overall great hooks, lyrics and super creative.
I had never listened to a full Talking Heads album before and my goodness was I missing out. It could have been the setting but I listened to this while cruising Costco. The guy in front of me in line was losing his mind (so weird that the queue was long on a Saturday afternoon….) but I was having a great time bobbing along to this album.
In terms of dramatic rock piano ballads - Meat Loaf is at the top of his game… perhaps even the creator of the genre. With lines like “you’ve been so cold Im crying icicles instead of tears” - what more could you want. Did he inspire the series Twilight - given some of the werewolf themes perhaps. I could have done without “paradise by the light of the dashboard”… awkward first time in a car but as a rock duet ballad… huh. For the record - I will forever associate Meatloaf with Noel forcing us to listen to the extended 12 minutes version of “I would do anything for love”. Perhaps the longest 12 minutes of my life. Also who knew it was a duet.
I had never heard of this band and at first was not into it. However as I got to the later tracks I quite enjoyed it. Doubtful I will listen to it again but there was some good guitar solos and melodies.
George Michael is obviously a pop legend with a great voice and an excellent ability for composing catchy songs. This album seemed quite personal and was enjoyable to listen to but I was missing his biggest hits (aside from freedom). Ultimately not my fav.
I realize upon listening this that while I knew what Iggy Pop looked like - I didn’t know anything about his music! Recognized a few songs, like a few more, some had questionable lyrics, but ultimately I enjoyed the music.
Delightful! I listened to this while taking a walk and it felt like my life had the most amazing soundtrack in that moment. The musicianship and complexity of the music was incredible to listen to. A true pleasure.
I was not familiar with this band but it was cool to see how much they have influenced other band I am more familiar with. I could really hear it through several of the songs - notably (for me) was “My New House”.
This album made me want to curl up next to a window to watch the rain, sip on tea and work in a puzzle. A delightful soundtrack to a quiet moment alone. Will remember this famous duo when the occasional arises soon
CCR!!! What’s not to love??!!!?
Interesting read about the origins of many of the song lyrics. The lyrics still resonate today and evoke almost universal themes of childhood memories, freedom, strife and longing.
I liked this album and would listen to it again - I especially enjoyed the vocals. Elbow is a band which I’ve been around but have never delved into - I will be checking out other albums.
I enjoyed the hits and a couple of the other songs. Not sure I would throw this album on again. In terms of being a U2 fan - I think I’m a greatest hits fan. Though choice between a 3 and a 4…
I like a few Bowie song but in general it doesn’t really resonate with me. I understand he was very influential but it isn’t something I would reach to put on.
I like several of the song quite a bit - however not a love. It does tempt me to look back at some of her earlier albums.
I like the music but I am not a fan of the vocals - they make every song sound so similar.
I have always been underwhelmed by the main single off this album. I ended up not really paying much attention to Lorde since that first big hit she had. But I will say I liked this album more and more as I listened to it. I liked the later songs more and some of her lyrics really capture heartbreak in a very poetic and unique manner.
I’m not a huge R&B or Christina fan BUT it is hard to argue with the fact that she is an incredible singer. Having previously only known the hits in this album, I was impressed with some of the other songs (although still not really my style). Solid 4.
Much better than the album art led me to fear. At first listen I was very underwhelmed but upon a second go - I liked it more. Reminds me of so many bands from that era but more subtle - as in no catchy hooks. Is that subtle or just not as good… perhaps both. I am torn between 2 or 3…. But I’m feeling generous
I wish I had liked that but I didn’t all
I liked this album. I didn’t love it I liked it enough that I’m looking forward to listening to album that came out after this!
That album was great!! I have never heard of Love but I loved it!! Will definitely listen to that again. Also interesting is that it was one of the first racially mixed rock bands.
My goodness that VOICE!!! Am I in a cloud with a martini?? In a James Bond movie?? Or somewhere on the French Riviera with an orange wine in hand - who knows… but this album made me feel like I was in an alternate (and very relaxing) world.
I’ve always been a solid 3 on REM. I like some of their hits but never really my fav.
I’m going with a 3. I liked it, it was enjoyable to listen to. Would I reach for it again… perhaps.
Honestly I don’t like the song American Pie and never have. Despite this, I have been forced to listen it so many times that I know all the words. It is so popular (I dont know why) that in many occasions I have even sang along for social cohesion purposes. The rest of the album is fine but I must give this whole thing a 2.
I WANT to like this but I’m struggling…. I did appreciate the odd hiss / cat sound!
What a testament to their incredible musicality - how they blend so many different styles of music is really something quite special.
First I thought this was going to be Scott Weiland from STP - and then it was this…. Not a fan of this at all.
Started very rough but half-way through I was loving this! Early start of psychedelic rock!!
It’s good but also the same sound on repeat
Delightful! Felt like I was at a hip tapas bar living my best life. Really enjoyed it!
Props for Tainted Love but ultimately the rest is pretty blah and kinda weird
Love this sound, like the album but their second one is really the masterpiece
I like it but wish I loved it.
I don’t love this album BUT I respect the influence they had. Fav song - man with the x-ray eyes.
This a dark album - I understand it is a character of sorts he is playing. I think the anger and misogyny hints at quite a bit of his early life experiences and is a dark take on a reality that is not as far off as we’d like to think. Less stars because I would never listen to this but Eminem is very skilled
From Eminem to Everly Brothers - hard transition. It is a nice sound, some odd lyrics but clearly they were quite gifted musicians.
I quite like this style of music - which is becoming blatantly obvious as go through the journey.
I liked Whiskey Woman and everything after that.
Admittedly I had never listened to many of the Temptations songs before. I really loved it - the vocals are incredible.
I actually thought this album came out in the late 90s. I don’t love this style of alt rock but give them points for being early to the sound. Fav song was Bughouse
This album came on and immediately I thought WOW - now this is a well produced album with tight songs and Chris Cornell’s AMAZING voice! I rocked out to this while wandering around London Drugs having a fabulous time which continued as I partied all the way home. GREAT album!
That Sloan concert was awesome! Can’t believe you guys walked out! I LOVE this album - so many great songs.
Given how male-dominated popular music has been, especially rock or alternative, as exemplified by this list - PJ Harvey get major points just for her courage and the i spurs ruin she gave so many other female artists. Great album.
I just can’t with Rufus. I don’t like his music (although I acknowledge the interesting compositions) and he always just seemed so arrogant. This is about the music not the man - so 3 stars.
I have always enjoyed this album and this style of music. With legend after legend on this one - it’s almost too much awesomeness to bear.
So catchy - I still have Rio stuck in my head!!
I have become a Neil Young fan through this journey. For ages I wasn’t a fan of his voice but I get it now and can’t wait to listen to another album of his.
I know the hits but I’m not sure I’ve ever actually listened to a Dylan record before in its entirety. I really liked this one and many of the lyrics remain relevant even today.
It’s important for all the 40 year olds with kids to remember how incredibly moody and angsty we all were. I forgot how much “woe-is-me” nu-metal l/alt rock there was!!! Were we actually the worst? Also ice cube - wtf?? Giving it a 2 because it is layered, has creativity and a tune. Not my fav but no way the worst on this list
One of my favourite bands of all time
Lots of their big hits on this - fun album to listen to for sure but I think Paul’s Boutique is still my fav
I just cannot with Kate Bush. I want to love it but I can’t.
Largely fuelled by nostalgia for a past life and a sense of freedom that came from my youth - this album brings me back to some beautiful memories. I can almost feel the joy of singing along with strangers I had just met travelling who became quick friends. This album is a real joy (even without the flashbacks).
Firstly - Hit me baby and Crazy are awesome pop songs. And I love pop music.
Secondly - this album is very representative of 90s pop and is well produced. There were some other songs I liked outside of the hits too.
Thirdly - I have a lot of empathy for Brit and remember quite clearly how she was glorified, grossly sexualized (queue endless questions about her virginity) and also trashed. She was so incredibly famous at such a young age. I cannot think of another example of someone that young and intensely famous. I also feel for her for her mental health and all the vultures who have encircled her since she got famous (including her family). She was such an amazing performer with that real star quality. It is so hard to find that. I wish her well.
I checked the global reviews and saw so many 5-stars. I just can’t with Bowie. Heros is good but honestly I like the covers better (yikes I know). I want to like Bowie but I just don’t.
I knew who Emmylou Harris was but I was not familiar with her music. I really love her voice and as well as the beautiful bluegrass / country music. The songs did start to all sound the same after a bit of- but I loved the sound. Will definitely listen to more.
This is my first time listening to a full Tori Amos album. Crucify, Tear in your Heart and Little Earthquakes were standouts. She was another trailblazer in a musical world filled with of male musicians. Although not totally my style, it is an incredible first album from a very talented musician. The lyrics still hit hard - especially crucify.
I am in a dark bar, domestic beer in hand, you can still smell the smoke stuck to the walls from years ago… perhaps an old-school legion. The place is packed with folks of all ages. There is a live band playing CCR, the singer is surprisingly good, and the dance floor is alive. And repeat for the last 50 years. Hit after hit - 5 stars for sure.
I always thought this band was similar to My Chemical Romance and well… I was very wrong. A lively lo-fi rock album.
Nostalgia for the simple times for random folk music stages at festivals - check. Do I also feel like I listened to 27 variations of the same song… like a working demo tape… also yes
I love the music and was bobbing along in the intro of the first song and then the vocals started and I remembered why I dont listen to joy division.
I thought to myself - where is the CanCon here!!! And then the rock legends Rush ascending onto the list. Rush, for most is a divine band. Personally, I oscillate between cringing at Geddy Lee’s vocal and being in complete awe of his range. WHO sounds like that!!?? But this record overall is so tight with perfect guitar rifts and solos - it is pure rock gold. Normally 4 stars but a bonus star for being Canucks.
Let’s start with every song is at least one minute too long. Ironically I think Paradise (not for me) was one of the better songs on the album. I like the first hit for about 2 minutes and then I’m done. Overall - I have never really liked much Madonna music after her album “bedtime stories”… with some exceptions (like confessions on the dance floor). In general a solid meh AND please can no one ever cover “American Pie” ever ever again. I actively despise that song and am bitter that I know all the words due to its high radio playtime when this came out.
Absolutely zero notes. This album is phenomenal and I had sadly forgotten that fact. Her voice is a truly an instrument on this record and I feel like I’m being brought further into her inner world with each bar.
I was not familiar with this band - which is odd because I really liked this style of alt-rock growing up. It’s like a mix of Oasis and Tom Petty - I really enjoyed it!
I have really enjoyed becoming more familiar with Bob Dylan's catalogue - I didn't like this album as much of others. The ongoing joke about him strumming and rambling /mumbling on - was true for several tracks on this. But I still liked it :)
At first I thought this was a bad Brazilian take on Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band but it totally grew on me!! Very cool album!!
While I’m 100% here for all the fun 90s/2000s nostalgia - this album reminded me how insufferably angsty my generation was.
I LOVE the song “Holes” - everything else I kinda like. I actually seem to like it less upon the second listen… not a great sign. But a 4 because I really really like the first song
In this age of hustle and bustle - it was nice to mentally sit in a swinging basket chair and just chill.
I had never REALLY listened to Black Sabbath before - EPIC album. Especially the first half.
I suffered through this album. It seemed like an indulgent musical theatre album set to expire random sexual themes of Ute’s life…. I have no idea. I just know that I was not the target audience
Girls & Boys was the first time I had heard same-sex relationships referenced in a major song before (granted I was like 12 - so I may have missed some things). And to have it referenced in this genre of music was pretty cool and says a lot about the band at the time. Some other interesting commentary int heir lyrics as well on this album. This sound is awesome and was quite different from anything else on the radio at the time. Shout out to song 2 by Blur ( not on this album) but still an epic song (like girls and boys) that has stood the test of time.
I own this album. It is excellent and absurd in all the best ways.
I really like the Byrds. I admit, I cannot fully explain why but I find their songs soothing and very enjoyable. Call me basic - I don’t care. I’m going wild here - 5 stars
I only knew two Travis songs before listening to this album. At first I found it a bit bland but it grew on me (like the Byrds did years ago).
This album is one of the best rock albums in my opinion. I love it all. And personally, it takes me back to a very specific moment in a road trip that reminds me of the best parts of young love, feeling free and youth. Things I like to be reminded of.
I like Willow and Champagne Problem but the rest is meh. I do see how this could be an amazing album if you are going through a break-up, one of those ones where you sing along while crying and driving in your car. However I’m not in that frame of mind. I will say this Taylor has just got better since this album
I forgot how good this album is! Truly it deserves 5 stars for Wonderwall alone. Not because that is the best song but because I have personally witnessed it bring people from around the world together in joyful sing-along at hostels many times over. Perhaps - some of these international political conferences could use a little Wonderwall sing along. There is no way it would make things worse.
I had seen the name before but had never listened to them. I really enjoyed this album - one of my favourite finds in this musical journey
What is this album doing on this list? Honestly. This album is conceptually chaotic and just bad.
While I don't love this style of music necessarily, I will say Amy's voice was just incredible. So deep and full of swagger, emotion and grit. A true talent gone too soon.
I LOVED this album when I was young and getting into music. I still have the CD somewhere. Nina just seemed so cool to me and I loved her singing style and general vibe. Are all the song fabulous, no. But I still think this is a great album and points to Nina for taking up space in a genre dominated by men at the time.
Not my favourite Beck album (cue Midnight Vultures” but certainly another solid one!
No notes. She is incredible.
Just an incredible album - hot after hot and for good reason
I had this album when it came out but it has been years since I listened to it. Stellar album from start to finish - love their creativity and the layers of sounds and musical styles
After listening to so many random albums - I appreciate CCR more than ever
I generally associate Sonic Youth with with 2 minute guitar feedback interludes. Which I would give a 0 / 5 to. But this album was void of those and I actually liked it. Also - they are pretty iconic as a band.
What a treat - I forgot how much I liked Gillian Welch’s sound. Nice to have some Americana folk on here too.
Culturally a huge album at the time. What do I like? Really only the hits. Everything is everything will always be my fav.
Fake Plastic Trees alone makes me rate this a 5. I always loved that song - this whole album is representative of the unique sound Radiohead brought to the scene during the mid-nineties. And I love it.
I like Life on Mars. Of the 4000 Bowie albums I’ve listened to on this journey - this is the best one but honestly not a fan.
This album really reflects the sound of the early nineties alt-rock but it’s just not as catchy as some other notable groups nor is it her best album. Sadly a 2 for me.
This album is one of my favourites from the 90s -there is something about the guitar mixed with Corgan’s voice that just strikes the perfect balance.
At first I found it a bit boring, then it felt like another version of Sargent Pepper’s - and then I started to really like it. Solid 4.
It is so interesting to see the collaborations in these early hip-hop records - I mean kraftwerk - wow so cool. As in life, we create these narrow genres but really the beauty and creativity lies in collaboration. That being said - not my fav akb but I respect trail blazers.
The Beastie Boys” style is almost charismatic - as you just want to join the party and be in with their crew. This album is just so fun to listen to and while it doesn’t have all their hits - I really like the samples and how they weave so many melodies and instruments in with their raps. It is playful and their sound instantly identifiable.
I know a handful of Springsteen song but I’m starting to understand why he is the boss. Enjoyed this!
I had no idea that REM was active this early. Clearly they were early architects in the alternative rock sound and this sounds like an album that could have easily been released 10 or 20 years later. Love this genre - respect given!
I could only find the title track. And well…
I mean it’s Prince. A musical genius. Fav song - it’s going to be a beautiful night.
I would like to listen to more albums by this group - love the mix of styles and melodies
I like that they took a sound from the 50’s/60’s and made it almost kitsch in a really fun way. But not my fav.
