146
Albums Rated
3.29
Average Rating
13%
Complete
943 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
18
5-Star Albums
3
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
|
5 | 2.92 | +2.08 |
|
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
25
Adele
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
|
5 | 3.38 | +1.62 |
|
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
|
5 | 3.45 | +1.55 |
|
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
|
4 | 2.46 | +1.54 |
|
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
|
5 | 3.59 | +1.41 |
|
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
|
5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
|
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
|
5 | 3.61 | +1.39 |
|
Graceland
Paul Simon
|
5 | 3.72 | +1.28 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bummed
Happy Mondays
|
1 | 2.65 | -1.65 |
|
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
|
2 | 3.56 | -1.56 |
|
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
|
2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
|
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
|
2 | 3.31 | -1.31 |
|
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
|
1 | 2.24 | -1.24 |
|
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
|
2 | 3.19 | -1.19 |
|
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
|
2 | 3.16 | -1.16 |
|
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
|
2 | 3.11 | -1.11 |
|
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
|
2 | 3.11 | -1.11 |
|
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
|
2 | 3.08 | -1.08 |
5-Star Albums (18)
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Popular Reviews
The Mothers Of Invention · 1 likes
4/5
Satirizing mainstream counter-culture and those holding onto conservative values all while showcasing a massive skillset, the album is amazing. It is painting a picture of the sixties in vibrant soundscapes.
I've heard something new on each listen. And the flow of the musical narrative keeps me listening from start to finish. I will need to revisit this one time and again.
Joan Armatrading · 1 likes
4/5
This is what I’m looking for on this list. Never heard of the artist, but from the very first song, the depth of the sound and lyrics had me hooked.
1-Star Albums (3)
All Ratings
Johnny Cash
4/5
Not as strong as At Fulsom, but can listen to it top to bottom. Would love to check out the film and full set list.
Boy Named Sue
Nick Drake
3/5
Beautiful orchestration. Great for a relaxing afternoon walk. I agree that entire album blends from song to song, and while that leaves little room for stand out tracks, it makes for a pleasant straight through listen.
One of These Things First
DJ Shadow
4/5
The vibes off this album are immaculate. Can just put this on and feel. I'm always impressed with quality sampling technique.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
I didn't realize how many hits I knew came from this album alone. Regular radio rotation in the 80s introduced me to the artist, but I never connected that all these songs came prepackaged.
That said, I don't feel an attachment to this as an album. The songs are great, but I'll probably pull up individual tracks when I want rather than play this top to bottom.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Time After Time
She Bop
All Through the Night
Patti Smith
4/5
This album makes me nostalgic for a time and place that I wasn't a part of. Outside of a few singles I'd never really listened to Patti Smith until I moved to NYC nearly two decades ago. It was reading Just Kids that turned me onto her use of words, clashing poetry and prose, to really paint a picture.
This album feels a bit like that as well. Poetry and Punk smashing into each other and mixing and finding a balance.
It reminds me of the art my friends and I make in dingy basements around the city. It's about finding yourself and community by sharing whatever is inside.
Gloria: In Excelsis Deo
Blur
3/5
A few standout tracks, including some that had a lot of radio play where I was living when this album came out.
There are a few tracks that almost dip into the sounds that would eventually be Gorillaz. And the occasional off the wall song that just don't fit in. They intrigue me. But so much of the rest was a wash.
Girls & Boys
Parklife
Method Man
3/5
Strangely, I think the East Coast/West Coast rap rivalry kept me away from this solo album. Enjoyable listen. I do like hearing Method Man outside of Wu-Tang.
Beatles
3/5
Half the songs are covers. Most of the originals have become classics, and I think highly of them.
For an album experience I would love just Beatles songs.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Poetry and Protest; I can hear the Woody Guthrie influence throughout. Truly a great listen.
Blowin’ in the Wind
Girl from the North Country
A Hard Rains A-Gonna Fall
Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright
3/5
I don't think I've ever felt betrayed by an artist when they tried something new with their sound. Either I accepted it, or moved on. Reading about the pushback the Dylan recieved for going electric is crazy to me. The second part of this set where he brings in the rock aspect over the folk isn't jarring, it's just growing.
5/5
Without this being what I classify as one of my favorite bands--and having never owned this album--somehow I'm familiar with nearly every song. And I love them all. The tracks I wasn't familiar with are going to get added to my rotation to see if they become as beloved as the rest.
Take a Bow
Starlight
Supermassive Black Hole
Map of the Problematique
Invincible
Assassin
Exo-Politics
Knights of Cydonia
Oasis
3/5
Outside of a few tracks I've never heard any of this album. And yet, I've heard this all before. I'm not hearing the "new sound" that initial reviews are so excited for. And whatever the "grunge had died with Kurt Cobain" from JK in 1001 sentiment is crazy. Maybe he was right that the musical landscape in the UK was "barren." I know Oasis despite (or because of) the turbulent relationship of the Gallagher brothers can crank out some hits. I'm just not hearing it yet.
Live Forever
Married With Children
4/5
Huge improvement over their debut. It helped to have them back to back for my listening education.
Finally finding a sound that stands out. Some great hits. And the songs I wasn’t familiar with all still have a charm.
Wonderwall
Don’t Look Back in Anger
She’s Electric
Morning Glory
Champagne Supernova
Prince
3/5
Prince is so gifted, but this album and its experimentation misses for me. The synths too often stand out as harsh against the smoothness of the funk and r&b that grounds the sound. Others are just too long without a significant structural change.
There are definitely some tracks I wasn't familiar with that I'll be adding to my personal roster. And something tells me that this album will likely grow on me with repeated listens.
1999
Litte Red Corvette
The Mothers Of Invention
4/5
Satirizing mainstream counter-culture and those holding onto conservative values all while showcasing a massive skillset, the album is amazing. It is painting a picture of the sixties in vibrant soundscapes.
I've heard something new on each listen. And the flow of the musical narrative keeps me listening from start to finish. I will need to revisit this one time and again.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Blues and Rock truly melding.
Good Times Bad Times
Dazed and Confused
Communication Breakdown
Richard Hawley
2/5
Well, that was pleasant.
I like the final instrumental of Last Orders.
Michael Jackson
5/5
Redefining his personal sound, redefining pop music as a whole, redefining marketing and promotion. The only thing this album can't do is make me like the skit with Paul McCartney in place of a real outro on The Girl Is Mine.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Thriller
Beat It
Billy Jean
Human Nature
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
ABBA
3/5
ABBA can put together an album, and this one has its share of hits. The other tracks are enjoyable, but not as remarkable.
Dancing Queen
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Money, Money, Money
Fernando
Dr. Dre
3/5
The start of the G-Gunk Era. The hits really show off Dre's style and where he was taking rap.
I'm only really familiar with the singles, although it felt like everyone owned this album at the time. The interim skits take me out of the flow.
Fuck Wit Dre Day
Let Me Ride
Nuthin' But A "G" Thang
Bitches Ain't Shit
Elliott Smith
3/5
Great soundtrack for a gray day.
This one has grown on my with subsequent listens. At first it was just lo-fi sad boy music, which is a genre I enjoy, but nothing really stood out. Taking a little more time with the lyrics is what sold me on this album.
Adding to my rotation.
Dire Straits
4/5
This album is asking you to lean in and listen. From the first moments on, barely audible, forcing one to crank the volume or miss out. I nearly did.
These guys play a tight quartet. There isn't a wasted note or moment. The story telling is fantastic.
Sultans of Swing
The Temptations
4/5
This is a Temptations I haven't heard before. Coming in strong from the start with a new funk vibe that compliments their harmonies and new songs quite well. It even gives new life to Heard It Through The Grapevine.
I'm sure Berry Gordy lost his mind when he first heard these tracks.
Eventually the album slides into a more familiar and comfortable Motown sound with only the occasional funk embellishment.
Beastie Boys
4/5
Layers upon layers in this album. With all the blended samples, at times dense and referential lyrics, and many songs not featuring consistent hooks it's easy to get overwhelmed. To catch everything would take going line by line. I can visualize it as a stereographic image: either you see the schooner or you get a migraine.
That's also what it makes it an enjoyable listen. So much more depth than their earlier work. More risks were taken. There is more to discover.
Summed up in their own lyrics:
"The music washes over
and you're one with the sound."
"Expressing my
aggressions through my
schizophrenic verse words"
Hey Ladies
Shadrach
2Pac
3/5
The flow is so smooth, the tales are heartfelt, and the beats fit just right.
Dear Mama
Nina Simone
3/5
Hauntingly beautiful.
Black is the Color of my True Love’s Hair
The Velvet Underground
3/5
I want to sit in the back of a bar and have this entire album played while my friends and I reminisce about the past and plan for the future.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
These tracks are joyous and fun. I love the inventive samples and hooks created with them.
They are also too long for my taste. With only the shortest track at just under four minutes, and many in excess of six, I find myself really hyped at the start of every new song because I'd started to check out with the repetition of the previous.
When I have the album playing in the background I'm digging on it.
The Rockafeller Skank
Praise You
The Bees
2/5
In college there was only really one place to get coffee in town, a Starbucks. This album sounds like one of the CDs they would be selling at the counter.
There is nothing wrong with this album. There also doesn't appear to be anything outright special about it either.
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
"Now I'm in the limelight
'cause I rhyme tight"
For a debut album, this is a hell of piece of work. Solid flow, great use of beats, all coming together to tell Biggy's life story.
One More Chance
Juicy
Big Poppa
Animal Collective
5/5
These sounds shouldn't work together, and yet they do.
It’s a kaleidoscope of styles creating a beautiful album.
Ray Charles
3/5
The historical and cultural significance of this album had more of an impact on me than the album itself. Ray Charles put together and amazing team and a beautiful album. It was wonderful to listen to, but I don't see myself revisiting it often.
Paul Simon
5/5
Stellar album. The story telling blends with beautifully orchestrated world instruments and sounds.
The Boy In the Bubble
Graceland
I Know What I Know
Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes
You Can Call Me Al
Under African Skies
Eurythmics
3/5
The title track has been in my ears for as long as I can remember. And I haven’t heard any of these other songs on this album.
I’ve grown quite fond of “Jennifer” after only a few listens! But the rest, while perfectly fine, sound like any other New Wave track.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Happy Mondays
1/5
Every song is drowning in filters, effects, and reverb. All this work was put in to making an album where every track sounds the same as the last.
Not being able discern the lyrics I looked them up and discovered further disappointment. When there's a narrative it's juvenile at best. Most of the lyrics are nonsensical. I can look past that when an artist creates imagery, but there was none to be found.
The rhyme scheme, when one is even attempted, is banal. To make up for a lack in the writing the songs are a collage of repeated phrases and words in one line followed by a lyric so crammed with syllables that the words mush together in the next.
I was pleasantly surprised when halfway through the album I checked on the track listing and realized I'd already made it through the original album release and could put this one away.
Bebel Gilberto
3/5
Brazilian Bossa Nova.
Well constructed songs with beautiful music and vocals.
Great for background at a cocktail party, but it isn't going to be a regular listen for me.
Garbage
4/5
By definition a true Alternative album. Is it rock, pop, techno? Yes.
Dark brooding lyrics and sounds that weave between songs. At times it make me want to light candles and reapply black nail polish. Then I want to hit a club and dance until I don't feel feelings anymore.
This is right in the sweet spot of high school nostalgia.
Supervixen
Queer
Only Happy When It Rains
Stupid Girl
Drive-By Truckers
2/5
"Proud of the glory, stare down the shame
Duality of the southern thing"
Some good ol' Southern Rock balancing a nuanced view of the history and culture it comes from.
As a concept rock opera it lacks range. There are a few stand-out tracks. However, much of the album sounds similar and it could benefit from more variety. I don't dislike a single song but I doubt I'll be listening to the entire opera as a whole again.
The Beta Band
2/5
Every review and comment I came across compared this band to others that I really enjoy. They've included Radiohead, Beck, even Wilco. I can only hear a hint of those sounds in this album.
Most of those reviews also really dig heavily into Beta Band's other albums and the wild experimental sounds they came up mixing sampling, folk, and more. They often name this album as the "accessible" sound. To me it sounds watered down. I guess I'll have to listen to their other work to find out who they really are.
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Like nearly every kid in high school in the late 90s I owned and played this album consistently.
Stepping out of grunge and leading the way into female lead alternative rock, this album hits all the marks.
Glen Ballard's partnership on song writing and production really showcase Alanis Morissette's range. At times raging and powerful and at other sensitive, but always strong.
The lyrics tell clear, strong stories. The light moments are uplifting and fun. The dark moments bring out the teen angst and anger I still feel decades later.
Zero regrets on buying this CD when it came out. I would burn singles off this and give it to a crush tomorrow.
Note: At the end of my listening notes/review I list for myself the tracks I was already familiar with. This is limited to the specific release of a track, so live albums may have songs I know but would not consider myself familiar with that rendition. Familiar for me doesn't even mean I could sing every lyric, name the song, etc. but it clicks in my brain. I know that song.
For this album: Every damn song.
Bon Jovi
3/5
This is an arena rock show crammed onto a studio album. The songs have amazing hooks and high energy throughout. Of course the singles are the strongest examples of Bon Jovi's charm. While the other tracks lack that special something, they're not far off.
You Give Love A Bad Name
Livin' On A Prayer
Wanted Dead Or Alive
Talvin Singh
2/5
This album just isn't for me. Maybe drum and bass isn't my style. The whole thing became energetic background music.
Pixies
3/5
A solid alternative rock album that was a clear jumping off point for so many other artists. The cleaner production style to earlier Pixie's albums works especially well in the singles.
The "loud/quiet/loud" style is something I've enjoyed, and I'm happy to have a name for it now. Such a simple and effective way to add dynamics to a song.
Here Comes Your Man
Monkey Gone To Heaven
Hey
Thelonious Monk
4/5
I loved this so much more than I thought I would. I think my favorite thing about this album is that I can't nail down what exactly is working for me. But something is definitely working for me.
Without planning it, I spent the rest of my day and into the evening listening to jazz. I revisited this album a handful of times over those hours. It just keeps giving.
Buffalo Springfield
2/5
Thoroughly enjoyable. However, it didn't rock me back. Solid 60s rock and experimentation brought to us by some great musicians.
Clearly Neil Young and Stephen Stills are talented, and their friendly rivalries pushed them to record some great songs. I even enjoyed Furay's contributions.
This one will have to grow on me.
Kid Rock
1/5
Full transparency, I'm having trouble separating the art from the artist on this one.
I was familiar with the singles. They were heavy on radio rotation for a time. Fun but dumb songs. That was what I always assumed a Kid Rock album would be, but I never felt the desire to listen on my own.
Honestly, the music itself isn't terrible. Some good samples blended with decent beats and serviceable guitar work.
The lyrics and content though are so sophomoric. Kid Rock wants to present himself as a trashy asshole and he is succeeding. Yet, he constantly contradicts this self-image: he only has eyes for one woman, and all his hoes; he's the pimp with all the riches, and only gets paid nickels; the ultimate poor country redneck that struggled and made his own way when his real life background includes being raised on a property with it's own apple orchard and horses.
The imagery is repetitive, misogynistic, and generally what a middle school bully would spout while trying to sound hard.
Bawitdaba
Cowboy
R.E.M.
3/5
There is something about Stipe's voice, a plaintive whine, that sells whatever song he's on. I'm also a sucker for a mandolin.
This album didn't surprise me on the first listen. I'm a little sad about that. Definitely some tracks I'll be coming back to. Overall a well put together alternative rock album when alternative rock was still in it's infancy.
Pop Song 89
Stand
Orange Crush
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
This album is just cool. Plenty of tracks make me want to get up and party. It's like a fun Friday night out at Pyramid from my early years in NYC.
Heads Will Roll
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Not something I like to admit, but maybe I just don't "get" this album.
I haven't particularly enjoyed it, but I'm not upset.
Adele
5/5
When I think of once-in-generation-voices Adele is on that list. My first exposure was a free download on iTunes a million years ago. She hasn't disappointed yet.
At times I thought this album was going to drag and then almost immediately a key change or something would happen and I was right back in.
She's not my usual listen but I cannot deny those pipes.
Hello
Send My Love
Water Under The Bridge
All I Ask
Janelle Monáe
5/5
This is how to make a modern day concept album. It's camouflaging elevated artistic philosophies and avant garde orchestration as relatable lyrics and pop hits.
Suite II is, on vibes alone, so upbeat and danceable that it's easy to overlook the thematic elements being introduced. Suite III adds a nuanced depth and stretches the musical landscape to cover the larger story being told.
Tightrope
Todd Rundgren
2/5
There might be more to get out of this album if I were on the same drugs as when they were recorded.
I truly enjoyed the music. The early flow from track to track to establish the feeling of being on a journey, as were the unexpected musical and stylistic changes that created speed bumps in the road.
Where I was most thrown off was the transition into covers. All were well done, but I changed gears enough to forget the rest of the album. I doubt that was the intent.
Femi Kuti
3/5
High energy, easy listen.
Miles Davis
5/5
What an album.
There’s this little dive in my neighborhood. It’s filled with artists and locals and degenerates and punk rockers holding on from the 70s. And the classic jukebox reflected that. And yet, from time to time someone would put on the entirety of Kind Of Blue and the mood in the dingy place shifted. At times someone would complain. They would always be educated or escorted out.
After hours on a rainy night with a favorite bartender. That’s what this is.
Faust
2/5
This album just didn't come up on the right day for me. I'm not upset by any of the music, but I'm also not really hearing it.
Trying to describe it a friend I played a few minutes from different songs and appreciated them more than when I was listening straight through. And I can't tell if that's a reflection on me at this moment or on how the entire album is.
For the time being, it's not right for me. I believe it will grow on me. I'll come back to it on another day and see what's changed.
3/5
Punk rock and poetry. Most punk I've experienced is really lacking on the lyricism. Not this album. Although, in classic punk rock style, its often a challenge to actually hear the lyrics.
Guided By Voices
2/5
Jamming in a garage with my friends. That's what this reminds me of. The joy and freedom.
It was probably more fun to play than to listen to.
I like the overall vibe of this album, but I'm didn't find myself attached to much of it.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
For a band so messy, this is a surprisingly clean and well constructed album.
Around The World
Scar Tissue
Otherside
Californication
Germs
3/5
This is some great punk rock. It's barely controlled chaos.
I'm glad it was pointed out to me check out the lyrics. Otherwise I would zero idea what I was missing.
I wonder if I had ever seen them live if I would feel the same way.
Frank Black
2/5
This is a group of talented musicians having fun together. Every song is solid. I like that the styles vary and yet they all still blend well enough into a album.
At the same time, none of them stick out to me as something I need to hear ever again.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
This album might be the closest I'll ever get to experiencing the Summer of Love.
I dig the sound. But it's the singles that really blow me away. Most of that comes from the powerful vocals from Grace Slick. The other vocals on the album feel diluted in comparison.
Somebody To Love
White Rabbit
Amy Winehouse
4/5
I’ve heard plenty of radio play over the years, but this is my first listen through of an Amy Winehouse record.
Without being able to describe how or why I can definitely agree that she has an it factor.
Maybe it’s the voice. Maybe it’s the arrangements. Whatever it is, it works.
Blue Cheer
3/5
It's a cool experience to hear one of the transitions of blues to rock to heavy metal.
Outside of the historical context, it's also a great rock album. Gritty enough to played in basement club covered in band flyers and graffiti but paired with piercingly clear vocals.
Simon & Garfunkel
5/5
This is such a beautiful album. All of it: harmonies, arrangements, poetry. Even the damn cover art is pleasant.
This could have crossed the line from sweet to saccharine, but there’s the right amount of melancholy and longing to keep it heartfelt and true.
Scarborough Fair/Canticle
Homeward Bound
The 59th Street Bridge
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Swan song from quite the artist. I've always thought of Cohen as more of a poet than a singer. This album is no different. Dark tones and subtle humor as he reflects on his final days.
Django Django
4/5
Tight harmonics, catchy beats, and inventive sounds.
This album is so much fun to listen to.
Fugees
4/5
What a trio. Although my favorite tracks are always fronted by Lauren Hill. This whole album is a balance again the gangsta rap that was dominating my High School
Ready Or Not
Fu-Gee-La
Killing Me Softly with His Song
No Woman, No Cry
Arcade Fire
3/5
I think I’ve only heard Arctic Monkeys mixed in with pop radio. For whatever reason I associated them with a brighter, happier tone. This is sadder album that maintains its momentum through sheer force of will, and some driving beats.
The composition is solid and it left me wanting to know more about the band. I’ll have to give this one a few relistens.
Keep The Car Running
Intervention
No Cars Go
2/5
I bet going to this show was a blast. I'm not connecting to it. Some splashes that grabbed my attention, but not enough of them. The history and how controversial this release was surprised me. It feels middle of the road.
Billie Holiday
3/5
Truly iconic voice at the end of her life.
5/5
Hugely influential and instantly recognizable.
Never owned the album myself, but I've heard every track many times. And I think the entire album as a whole more than once as well.
Norah Jones
5/5
45 minutes of sweet nothings being whispered in my ear... Did I just fall in love with Norah Jones?
Soulful, sultry vocals over beautiful arrangements. This album reminds me of what it feels like when you first start falling for someone.
Don't Know Why
Genesis
2/5
Maybe this would be better as a film, because as a concept album I wasn't following the narrative at all.
Outside of it being a concept album, the lyrics and music don't readily blend. Much of it is too long and too far out there for my taste.
Elastica
3/5
I was hoping for more. Overall, a solid 90s album. I definitely would have purchased based on Connection alone. And then I'm sure that other tracks would have grown on me over many relistens. I bet I only come back for the single.
Connection
Talking Heads
3/5
This is almost like the entire 80s sound distilled down to one album. Which is crazy considering it came out at the start of the 80s. These guys clearly had their finger on the pulse.
Sister Sledge
4/5
This is some disco I can get behind. It has funky riffs and danceable beats.
Thinking of You
We Are Family
Kacey Musgraves
2/5
If it weren’t for her voice and maybe a few lyrics, I wouldn’t classify this is country as all. This is just pop. It doesn’t even have jangly guitars!
Fiona Apple
3/5
More more of a jazz influence than I was lead to belief by the only single I knew from this album. Definitely still has that 90s angst to it, but I found it much more low key and relaxing than I expected.
Criminal
The Flaming Lips
4/5
While not a true concept album, this one definitely benefits from a top to bottom listen through. Themes and tone are consistent throughout.
The overall vibe of hope surrounded by love and loss hits the spot.
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1
Do You Realize?
The Go-Go's
4/5
Wow, this is not the beach day pop that comes to mind when I think of the Go-Go's.
The punk influence really holds the album together. The girl pop vocals layered and harmonized on top create a wonderful contrast in their sound.
Our Lips Are Sealed
We Got The Beat
Incubus
3/5
I like the general sound of this album. I do wish it was more dynamic. The songs that really hit for me had more range and made a change from the other tracks. Every song contains the same elements, which unifies the album, but also allowed a lot of the songs to blend together.
Stellar
Drive
Pardon Me
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
I found this really pleasant to listen to.
4/5
This is what I think of when I think of U2. It's the sound I grew up with. All existing in a time before the iTunes debacle.
Where The Streets Have No Name
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
With Or Without You
Bullet The Blue Sky
In God’s Country
Spacemen 3
3/5
I'm finding this to be really helpful background music while I let my mind do other things. It has the right balance of forward momentum to not let me completely zone out and repetition to allow for just that.
Grateful Dead
3/5
I keep coming back to Grateful Dead to give them another chance. I think it's a talented enough group, with good stories and great vibe. And I just can't connect to them.
Ripple
De La Soul
4/5
This is a great hip-hop album. The songs all have a fun exterior wrapped around something real at it's core.
The beats and production are fantastic. While the sounds is of its time, it still holds up. A classic for a reason.
Wilco
2/5
This one didn’t hit.
Eagles
4/5
This album put me in a great mood. Perfect for a sunny Spring day.
The band is tight. The lyrics and song construction, harmonies, all work together.
Take It Easy
Witchy Woman
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Joan Armatrading
4/5
This is what I’m looking for on this list. Never heard of the artist, but from the very first song, the depth of the sound and lyrics had me hooked.
Solange
3/5
I liked it. Didn't love it.
Nanci Griffith
3/5
This is some beautiful country.
Kings of Leon
2/5
Solid alt-rock. But nothing really jumped out to me. I only know a handful of Kings of Leon songs and they all had more drive behind them than this entire album. Where is the late night scream it in the bar songs?
The Bucket
David Bowie
4/5
Considering the length of each track I'm surprised that this didn't drag. Each track offers up some variety, with a through line of both hope and melancholy.
Golden Years
TVC15
Bee Gees
3/5
This is Bee Gees like I never imagined. All I've ever heard before was the high energy disco. The country/folk sound is surprising.
The Cars
3/5
I feel like every Cars song I know is on this one album. There absolute hits. But the other songs are kinda filler.
Good Times Roll
My Best Friend's Girl
Just What I Needed
Moving in Stereo
Jeff Buckley
4/5
Beautiful album. I see why people are upset that this is his only studio album before his death.
Very soulful voice, nice arrangements. It really gets under my skin.
Hallelujah
TV On The Radio
2/5
Delightfully weird, but I don’t think I’ll be revisiting.
Kate Bush
4/5
First half of the album had me wondering where all the experimental and cutting edge sounds I expect from Kate Bush. And then there they were.
I love her voice. Literally and as an artist.
Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
The Pogues
3/5
A cursory listen left me with the feeling this album lacked variety. Truly glad I came back to it. The pace and energy ebbs and flows wonderfully. The introduction of new-to-the-Pogues instumentation and styles really break up the punk Irish folk tracks.
I've probably listened to most of this album out of order (and possibly repeated) over the course of an NYC St Patrick's weekend while behind the bar and not even realized it. Listening in one go is a different experience.
Fairytale of New York
Van Morrison
4/5
Silky smooth with just enough of an edge. This is just joyful.
Moondance
Crazy Love
Caravan
Into the Mystic
Billy Bragg
3/5
I can't tell how I feel about this one. Every few tracks popped out.
The Birthday Party
2/5
Like listening to a garage rehearsal through a tin can on a strong. I like it well enough but doubt I’ll listen again.
Pink Floyd
5/5
Complete album experience. There are stand out hits, but listening top to bottom is a great adventure.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
This is rock. And blues. And passion.
k.d. lang
3/5
Far more jazz influence than I knew about. A little bossa nova thrown in too. Based on the single, the only track I knew, I expected a little more folk/country and rock influence. The overall tone hit me as yearning for that true love. I suppose that's fitting as this album came out the same time the artist did.
Constant Craving
1/5
This is the strangest 1 star ranking I think I'll give. I don't hate it. There are moments in the second half of the album that I almost respect and understand. But so much of it is just noise to me.
The research it forced me into, trying to understand where this sound is coming from, kept me interested enough. And I'll probably share this with a select group of friends.
It is nothing if not a conversation piece.
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Just delightful. There was a light rain this evening and I couldn't have chosen a better sound track.
My ear isn't trained well enough to get all the nuance out of this trio as I'm sure some others can. But all the same, I found myself engaged and moved.
Abdullah Ibrahim
4/5
Great jazz album. Compositions are inventive and beautiful. It put me in a great mood.
The Jam
4/5
This is true punk. Would love this set at CBGB’s.
That’s Entertainment
OutKast
3/5
Danced my ass off to this in high school.
So Fresh, So Clean
Ms. Jackson
B.O.B. - Bombs Over Baghdad
The Band
3/5
The has such a relaxing, beautiful vibe. Quality songs and great imagery and story telling.
Up On Cripple Creek
Cheap Trick
4/5
This is a hell of concert! So much energy and drive.
I Want You to Want Me
Surrender
Skepta
3/5
Absolute banger. Solid flow, creative loops.
Always impressed with a self produced album that sounds this good.
B.B. King
3/5
I always think of B.B. King's guitar playing first, but this reminded me that he has rich and inviting voice as well. In true bluesman fashion he tells stories of desire and heartbreak.
Klaxons
3/5
This hits like the best of early 2000s indie pop. i enjoy it. But it doesn't hold the same nostalgia for me that would put it on top. I'm sure I'll listen to it again, but if I forget, I won't miss it.
The Police
3/5
I liked this more than I thought I would. The first half of the album isn't very strong. That may be from the contributions of Summers and Copeland. It may be from the new experimentation that Sting was playing with. Either way this doesn't pick up until Synchronicity II.
Synchronicity II
Every Breath You Take
King Of Pain
Wrapped Around Your Finger
The Smiths
3/5
This album is at it's best when The Smiths are driving the beat and energy in opposition to Morrissey's sometimes languid and listless voice.
Bigmouth Strikes Again
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
Death In Vegas
2/5
Most of the tracks blended together at some point. It sounds like a Radiohead rough draft; like how people write demos for more popular acts.
Sufjan Stevens
4/5
This took me by surprise. I assumed this would be an early 2000s pop adjacent album.
Instead, it's an experimental concept album with a quite a lot of depth. The orchestration alone makes this a stand out. I wonder if the stories attached to the concept hold up as well.
Chicago
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
It's the beginning of the sound that I think of when I think of The Boss. And like many beginnings, it has it's missteps. Too many of the tracks feel overloaded, trying to cram in too much of the studio sound. I think it detracts from the strong story telling and strange allure of Springsteen's voice.
Born to Run
Neil Young
4/5
A clean, beautiful, heartfelt album.
Heart of Gold
Old Man
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Compared to the other work of Cohen that I'm more familiar with, this was a bit bland. Almost forgettable.
Haircut 100
2/5
A New Wave one hit wonder. They should have marketed as a disco group. That's the strength of the album and where all the fun and energy is. Although I can imagine how that might underperform in the early 80s.
Love Plus One
James Brown
4/5
The Hardest Working Man In Show Business does more than funk. I have been educated. What a great example of an album that I needed to hear.
The roots of James Brown's future sound pops up from time to time. Especially in the medley sections. But the sound he pumps out for this audience is true RnB and Soul.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
This is some some EDM/electronica. But that’s not for me. I find it most engaging when the reporting ate broken up with catchy, hooky lyrics, or overall changes in structure. Too many track feel like they are on repeat.
Block Rockin’ Beats
Kelela
2/5
Well produced, with a lot of polish. Beautiful vocals. And it just didn’t connect for me.
Ozomatli
3/5
This has a little bit of everything. Great blend of latin, alt rock, hip-hop, maybe even hints of jazz and R&B. Absolutely able to put this on and just enjoy.
Sex Pistols
4/5
Quintessential Punk album.
God Save The Queen
Anarchy In The UK
Eels
3/5
Average 90s alt rock album. Some inventive sampling/cross genre sounds, but nothing that feels like it breaks the mold.
I like their sound. But this came out in the middle of my musical development. I still enjoy the single.
Novocaine for the Soul
American Music Club
3/5
Ray Charles
4/5
Joni Mitchell
3/5
This album kinda defines the Singer/Songwriter style. A beautiful voice singing of love and heartbreak over paired down instrumentation.
California
River
Steely Dan
3/5
Clean sound. Not my vibe.
Moby
4/5
This album was like a soundtrack of the end of high school. It was in every tv show, movie, and ad campaign. Pretty sure I only knew one or two songs from radio.
A little Moby goes a long way. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of tracks. A few were tedious but most just made my wretched morning commute feel like a cinematic moment.
Porcelain
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad
South Side
Bodyrock
Natural Blues
Nine Inch Nails
5/5
NIN might have been my introduction to industrial. This was a step beyond the distortion and ennui of grunge to almost self rage.
This isn't an everyday listen. But it really does find a way to connect - either through nostalgia, or memory - to that teenage self doubt and anger and aggressive need to accept the hurt and express it if for no other reason than to feel alive.
Heresy
March Of The Pigs
Closer
Hurt
Talking Heads
2/5
This is the first time I'm hearing the songs that are supposed to Psycho Killer. And I don't they are anywhere near as catchy or stand on their own in any significant way. Talking Heads have so many 80s hits that I was hoping for something that grabbed my attention. But it wasn't on this album.
Psycho Killer
Queen
4/5
Always a surprise on a Queen album. Maybe it’s my musical theater background, but even the weirder tracks I just find delightful. Then the next song often ends up being a rock classic with a huge sound.
Admittedly, there’s more whimsy than rock on this one. I’m not disappointed.
You’re My Best Friend
Bohemian Rhapsody
The White Stripes
4/5
I’m always impressed with what Jack White comes up with. Suck limited resources, but a great sound and album.
Blue Orchid
My Doorbell
The Denial Twist
Take, Take, Take
Eric Clapton
2/5
This was rather dull. I usually love blues. And it can even be slow. But this just plodded along and didn’t offer any delightful surprises.
I Shot The Sheriff
Coldplay
3/5
Why is there so much hate for Chris Martin and Copldplay? They've never been my favorite group. But the produce some solid work.
This album hits like any great lo-fi. Tempos are relaxed but don't drag. Lyrics are moody, but not trying too hard. I'm digging way more than I thought I would.
Don’t Panic
Sparks
Yellow
Trouble
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Bjork had a band before she was Bjork. And the only thing that stood out to me was that she doesn't really need them. They didn't add much to her sound excepting live instruments over samples and synths.
So it's a different Bjork, but not a better Bjork.
Birthday
Green Day
5/5
I'm surprised how many tracks I'd forgotten over the years. Some came flooding back on this listen.
This was one of my early introductions to punk of any kind. Before Green Day I was mostly listening to grunge and other alternative. This borders all those sounds so well.
The lyrics and stories were also relatable in my teen angst. It became a heavy hitter on my walkman.
Most remembered:
Longview
Welcome To Paradise
Basket Case
She
When I Come Around
All By Myself
The Darkness
3/5
A fun, but inconsequential, listen. In a positive way. I Believe In A Thing Called Love will probably be stuck in my head for the rest of the week. I won’t remember any of the other songs. But the energy and style is so enjoyable.
70s glam rock from the early 2000s. Enjoyed the whole thing.
I Believe In A Thing Called Love
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
The good and the bad, in my opinion, that this sounds like any other early 2000s R&B / hip-hop album.
Nothing really stood out as innovative. But I caught myself grooving and nodding all the same.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
I know just enough about time signatures to be impressed by the concept. But that’s not what anyone listening to this album for the first time will likely notice.
The composition of the pieces are articulate and satisfying. The quartet is well balanced, solos and accompaniments.
The vibe is positive.
Blue Rondo a la Turk
Take Five
The White Stripes
5/5
Hard hitting indie rock from a married duo pretending to be siblings. So many contradictions, but the sound they came up is fantastic. It worked then and it still rocks.
Seven Nation Army
Ball And Biscuit
The Hardest Button To Button
The Air Near My Fingers
Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine