Reviews by dave_the_rave

Like a prayer is the stand out and a classic but the rest was middling pop. Expected more from the Prince collab. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

Kate Bush is the first thing that has popped into my head. Album starts strong and then goes on an eclectic journey through London's 80s/90s club culture. Very cool album. The list has thrown up a gem I should have heard already. 4/5.

Music that's nice to cook your dinner to on a Friday evening to or breakfast on a weekend morning.

Seems to have been revolutionary at the time so props to the producer. It just doesn't blow my mind in 2025. 3/5.

If this had been cut from 2hrs to 1 hr it could have been 5 stars. On the first disc you have a 9min song that in no way justifies the length or a place on the album. The self-indulgence really let's this down along with some melodramatic lyrics. It's a shame but you also have a bunch of timeless pieces on this album.

I like The Smashing Pumpkins and have seen them live. Originally had this as a 4 but 2hrs is just too much and the 2nd disc is a slog at times. 3/5.

You know when you can hear a certain time though music? This just sounds like the early 90s to me.

This just isn't for me though. It all kind of sounds the same and it's not something I would seek out or listen to again. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

I can see why it's on the list. Not for me though. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

Similar to my In Rainbows review I often find it hard to understand what Thom is saying. It's a stylistic choice and not on every track but I'm not reading lyrics to understand what someone is trying to say.

Overall it's a hit and miss album, some big highs followed by lows. I liked it but it definitely runs too long, 2-3 weaker tracks could have been cut. I preferred In Rainbows overall which was a 4 so I'm going 3.5/5. Raising to 4.

Slightly depressing, nothing outstanding, vocal is hit and miss. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

I'm 3 mins into the 2nd track and thinking this is solid. We'll see how I feel after the 76th minute when I firmly believe the sweet spot for an album is 40-50mins.
Yep it's a solid live album. Don't see it being for everyone and wouldn't consider it mandatory listening. 3/5.

I was worried when I saw New Wave but this is decent and no over reliance on synths is a win.
Pretty cool album, surprised it had commercial success since it's pushes the boundaries and I wouldn't have expected that to be popular with the masses. Singing style gets a bit repetitive though. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.

Bob can't sing. That is clear. I know the 1001 includes people based purely on songwriting but I'm not dissecting Bob Dylan lyrics upon a first listen. Feels like you'd need to force yourself to listen 10 times and read the lyrics to be a Dylan fan. “Like a Rolling Stone” is a great song though. 3/5.

Easy listening classic. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.

Killer Queen is super catchy. Rest of the album is solid but I think Queen just aren't my jam. 3/5.

Didnt leave much of an impact, maybe I'm getting used to psychedelic rock. Last track was pretty cool but I wouldn't be seeking this out again.

2.5/5. Raising to 3.

Pretty good, nothing mind blowing and it doesn't have my fave Isley Brothers songs.

3/5.

It's fine, his better work is yet to come. You need to be there live to really appreciate it.

3/5.

Anyone giving this a 5 needs their head checked. Putting Suede in the same bracket as the Beatles, Fleetwood Mack, Nirvana or Stevie Wonder is crazy.
Average Britpop.
2.5/5. Raising to 3.

I find it hard to understand what Thom is saying. It often washes over me. It's a stylistic choice and I'm not reading lyrics to understand what someone is saying. Never been a die-hard Radiohead fanboy but I definitely appreciate the artistry. 4/5.

Side note:
I loved the pay what you like concept. This was before Spotify took over and let's face it, in 2007 the majority of people my age were using torrents etc. to access music. To put this endeavour into context. This is album 132. If I was to pay for all of those back in 2007 at 20 a pop I'd be down 2640. Now I pay my monthly fee to Spotify and in my eyes we have the democratisation of music.

Timbaland's production is great but overall it's an average 90s rap album. It's overhyped and you could question it's place on the list, especially when there is another Missy album on the list.
Runs too long and has too many duds. 2/5.

A talking heads side project?

I was wondering why this is a must listen then "Genius of Love" came on. Now thats an iconic song that I've listened to in full and only ever heard sampled.

Stopped after Under the Boardwalk. Even that felt too long. Anyone listening to the Spotify Deluxe version I recommend the same unless you want remixes and extra long version of songs you've already heard.

2.5/5. Raising to 3.