245. Steely Dan | Can't Buy A Thrill (1972)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Do It Again
2. Dirty Work
3. Kings
4. Midnite Cruiser
5. Only a Fool Would Say That
6. Reelin' in the Years
7. Fire in the Hole
8. Brooklyn
9. Change of the Guard
10. Turn That Heartbeat Over Again

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Can't Buy A Thrill is a lush album. The music is soft rock. But that seems to simplistic. There's a complexity to this album that makes it seems more like jazz than rock. However, it's definitely not jazz, if jazz means improvisation. This album certainly isn't soft rock either; there are enough guitar solos and heavy drumming to counter that idea.

Ultimately, the music is mature and cerebral. This is rock and roll for the professional class, which might be why it gets classified as soft rock. There's a lot of rock music being made for the hippies-turned-yuppies and most of it is vapid pap, having lost it's rebellious edge. This album teeters on the edge of that leaning more on the side of the latter than the former.

The album is maddening. I want to like it and I want to hate it. I really like how it sounds, but the singers come off as smug and pretentious, like these guys are in on a joke you aren't privvy to and you're an idiot because of it. I do think this album should be on the 1001 Albums list. Like a lot of similar bands at this time, Steely Dan helps to usher in the soft rock nonsense that plagues the airwaves during the 1970s and 1980s.

All of the songs are good. The stand outs are Do It Again, Dirty Work, Kings, Midnite Cruiser, Reelin' in the Years, Fire in the Hole, and Brooklyn.

★★★★★★★★★☆

217. The Beach Boys | Surf's Up (1971)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Don't Go Near the Water
2. Long Promised Road
3. Take a Load Off Your Feet
4. Disney Girls (1957)
5. Student Demonstration Time
6. Feel Flows
7. Lookin' at Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)
8. A Day in the Life of a Tree
9. 'Til I Die
10. Surf's Up

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Surf's Up is an odd album. The music is rock. It's got the Beach Boys' harmonies that everyone is familiar with. However, the songs upbeat, playful and fun as is usual with the Beach Boys. Rather, they've become socially-, politically- and ecologically-conscious. What has the world become when listening to the Beach Boys bums you out?

I like the most of the songs, but the album is all over the place. It's one thing to have something to say about everything, it's another thing to make a point. That's not what's going on with this album. Also, the Beach Boys are a little late to protests.

That's it's an anachronistic album makes it hard to see why it should be on the 1001 Albums list. It's worth listening to just to hear a glum and gloomy Beach Boys album.

All the songs are pretty good. A Day in the Life of a Tree is the odd man out. The stand outs are: Don't Go Near the Water, Long Promised Road, Take a Load Off Your Feet, Disney Girls (1957), Feel Flows and 'Till I Die.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

210. Bee Gees | Trafalgar (1971)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?
2. Israel
3. The Greatest Man in the World
4. It's Just the Way
5. Remembering
6. Somebody Stop the Music
7. Trafalgar
8. Don't Wanna Live Inside Myself
9. When Do I
10. Dearest
11. Lion in Winter
12. Walking Back to Waterloo

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Trafalgar is a grand album. The music is pop and rock. It has a large, sweeping sound which doesn't diminish or overshadow the vocals of the Brothers Gibb. The singing is melodic, powerful, grave and expansive. They really know how to carry a tune and their melodies are pleasant.

Despite the quality of the album, it never becomes as grand and epic as it wants to become. I felt the material could have been more inspiring. The songs, too, suffer from superficial lyrics. I also think most songs were never able to develop to their fullest potential, except for Lion in Winter.

I really like the album even though adult oriented pop music isn't my cup of tea. I do think the Bee Gees are far superior to other singer/songwriter pop artists. In fact, the worst of the Bee Gees is much better than the best of the other artists. So, I do think this album should be on the 1001 Albums list since it's a far better representative of what adult-oriented pop music can be.

Most of the songs are good. I think the stand outs are: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?, Israel, The Greatest Man in the World, It's Just the Way, Trafalgar, Don't Wanna Live Inside Myself, Lion in Winter and Walking Back to Waterloo.

★★★★★★★★★☆

202. Paul McCartney | McCartney (1970)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. The Lovely Linda
2. That Would Be Something
3. Valentine Day
4. Every Night
5. Hot as Sun/Glasses
6. Junk
7. Man We Was Lonely
8. Oo You
9. Momma Miss America
10. Teddy Boy
11. Singalong Junk
12. Maybe I'm Amazed
13. Kreen-Akrore

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McCartney is an incomplete album. The music is pop. McCartney put together this album all by himself with a little help from his wife, Linda.

Let's be honest. The only reason this album, as it is, ever saw the light of day is because Paul McCartney is who he is. That's not to say it's a terrible album because it isn't. In fact, most of the songs are catchy, melodic and fun. However, they are merely fragments of songs, not complete songs. The experimental style label is just a cop out.

Now McCartney is almost able to pull it off not just because he was a Beatle, but because he has great charisma. He is a warm and welcoming kind of musician who has a knack for writing great tunes. So, the desire to suspend disbelief and think this is a complete is strong.

But reality must intrude and admit this is album is far from finished. It has the potential to be a really great album. Paul should've waited. He should have completed these songs and he should've got some other musicians help him make it. Why he didn't is confusing.

This album is worth listening to just to hear its potential. But it has no business being on any top albums list since it's not album in an artistic sense.

There are a couple of actual songs on this album and they are truly real stand outs. They are: That Would Be Something and Maybe I'm Amazed.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

181. The Carpenters | Close to You (1970)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. We've Only Just Begun
2. Love Is Surrender
3. Maybe It's You
4. Reason to Believe
5. Help!
6. (They Long to Be) Close to You
7. Baby It's You
8. I'll Never Fall in Love Again
9. Crescent Noon
10. Mr. Guder
11. I Kept On Loving You
12. Another Song

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Close to You is a vacuous album. The music is pop. This is a very different pop music from the pop of the early- to mid-sixties. The pop of the sixties was about love and crap like that, but it was more innocent and playful and most likely directed toward teenagers or very young adults. This pop is supposedly more mature seemingly directed toward college-age adults or older.

There are some nice melodies, but the music is really soft. The lyrical content is so god awful. It's light and fluffy, saccharine, puppy-love love songs. After having listened to the album, I almost feel as if I've become dumber. That's not to say lyrical content of other artists or albums were deep philosophical musings. Perhaps other lyrics don't take themselves seriously. These lyrics on this album do. Also, perhaps, I sense an intelligence behind most lyrics. There are exceptions, of course. Paul Simon comes to mind, as well as the Everly Brothers.

I don't think this album is essential to listen to. I suppose it might make sense to be on the 1001 Albums list, if this album is charting a new pop music course. Finally, Karen Carpenter has a nice voice. She should have used it to sing more interesting songs.

In spite of the lyrics, there are some decent songs. We've Only Just Begun, (They Long to Be) Close to You, I'll Never Fall in Love Again, Crescent Noon and Mr. Guder.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

171. Scott Walker | Scott 4 (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. The Seventh Seal
2. On Your Own Again
3. The World's Strongest Man
4. Angels of Ashes
5. Boy Child
6. Hero of the War
7. The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime)
8. Duchess
9. Get Behind Me
10. Rhymes of Goodbye

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Scott 4 is an elegant and stately album. It's a mix of rock and pop. Some might say it's akin to lounge music and Scott Walker a lounge lizard, but they would be wrong. Scott Walker is no mere singer; he's a chanteur à la Jacques Brel. 

Indeed, Scott Walker sings with a dignified air. The music is restrained and complements his singing. The bass, which Scott Walker plays, features prominently in many of the songs.

I like this album. It's not as exciting as his previous album on the 1001 Albums list, but it's unique in the context of the list. It's reminiscent of the pop standards singers of the 1950s and earlier, except with a Continental feel. It's worth listening to. 

The stand out songs are The Seventh Seal, On Your Own Again, Angels of Ashes, Boy Child, Hero of the War, The Old Man's Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime), Duchess and Get Behind Me.

★★★★★★★★★★

152. Elvis Presley | From Elvis in Memphis (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Wearin' That Loved On Look
2. Only the Strong Survive
3. I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)
4. Long Black Limousine
5. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'
6. I'm Movin' On
7. Power of My Love
8. Gentle on My Mind
9. After Loving You
10. True Love Travels on a Gravel Road
11. Any Day Now
12. In the Ghetto

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From Elvis in Memphis is an anachronistic album. Almost, that is. Much of the music has an early rock and roll/rockabilly sound. Or maybe it doesn't. Perhaps Elvis is the anachronism and will forever only exist in 1956. However, that doesn't explain Elvis is Back!.

Despite being a decade-and-a-half out of sync, this is a great-sounding album. I suppose that money was no object during most Elvis Presley recording sessions, so it should sound great. No matter, Elvis has never sounded better himself. His singing on this album and Elvis is Back! is very expressive and what was lacking on his debut album.

One blemish to this album is In the Ghetto. Apparently, it was the biggest hit on this album, but I just think it's so out of character for Elvis. He never included (overtly) social or political commentary in his music, as far as I know. He should have sung a gospel song instead.

I don't necessarily think this needs to be on the 1001 Albums list. I don't think Elvis was breaking new ground, instead he was digging up relics of the past. Of course, it could be argued that this album deserves to be on the list because this album resurrected his flagging career. Anyway, it's worth listening to.

The stand out songs on this album are: Wearin' That Loved on Look, Only the Strong Survive, I'm Movin' On, Power of Love, Gentle on My Mind, After Loving You, True Love Travels on a Gravel Road and Any Day Now.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

151. Dusty Springfield | Dusty in Memphis (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Just a Little Lovin'
2. So Much Love
3. Son of a Preacher Man
4. I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore
5. Don't Forget About Me
6. Breakfast in Bed
7. Just One Smile
8. The Windmills of Your Mind
9. In the Land of Make Believe
10. No Easy Way Down
11. I Can't Make It Alone

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Note: The cover on the left was used for the US release and the cover on the right was used for the UK release.

Dusty in Memphis is disappointing album. Actually, it's not that bad. The music is really good, the sound quality is excellent, and Dusty Springfield has such a powerful and beautiful voice. The disappointing thing is that for a soul album, she lacks the emotion that a soul singer needs to put into each and every song. The sole exception may be Don't Forget About Me.

I also wasn't thrilled with her choice of songs. Just a Little Lovin' is OK. The songs written by Gerry Goffin & Carole King, So Much Love, Don't Forget About Me, No Easy Way Down and I Can't Make It Alone, are winners. Son of a Preacher Man and Breakfast in Bed are great choices. However, the two Randy Newman songs, I Don't Want to Hear It and Just One Smile, just don't work. The Windmills of Your Mind is uninspiring and In the Land of Make Believe is boring.

I wanted to like this album more than I did. The stand out songs are the ones mentioned positively in the preceding paragraph.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

116. Laura Nyro | Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Luckie
2. Lu
3. Sweet Blindness
4. Poverty Train
5. Lonely Women
6. Eli's Comin'
7. Timer
8. Stoned Soul Picnic
9. Emmie
10. Woman's Blues
11. Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe)
12. December's Boudoir
13. The Confession

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Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is an uplifting album. The songs are pop. Laura Nyro has a high-pitched, yet powerful voice. The songs are deceptively catchy.

The lyrics border on being vacuous. The music is competent, but it borders on being generic. Any pop album with saxophone and other horns in it is a good indicator that it's not very good.

I'd like to characterize this album as insipid because it really is. (This album really reminds me of all the bad 1970s pop music that I've heard over the years.) However, Laura Nyro's vocals are really good and oblige me to think better of this album. And I did think highly of this album the first time I heard it.

Despite my distaste for the lyrics and music, I do think this album deservers to be on the 1001 Albums list if the list is a list of albums that charted new territory in pop and rock and roll music. This album is certainly something new, although not for the better.

So, for those who like music without any depth or substance, I heartily recommend it. Otherwise, stay clear of it. The stand out songs on this album are: Luckie, Lu, Eli's Comin', Stoned Soul Picnic and Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe).

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

110. The Kinks | The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. The Village Green Preservation Society
2. Do You Remember Walter?
3. Picture Book
4. Johnny Thunder
5. Last of the Steam-powered Trains
6. Big Sky
7. Sitting by the Riverside
8. Animal Farm
9. Village Green
10. Starstruck
11. Phenomenal Cat
12. All of My Friends Were There
13. Wicked Annabella
14. Monica
15. People Take Pictures of Each Other

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The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society is a nostalgic album.  The songs are a mix of heavy rock and roll and pop. The music is conservative, never dull and does what it is meant to do: support the lyrics. The lyrics generally reflect on a past that does not manifest itself in the present, except either in mental or physical memories (photographs): the village green, steam trains, relationships and experiences.

This is one of the finest albums I've ever heard. Ray Davies has a comforting voice. The music and lyrics are catchy, clever and fun. However, some of the lyrics and music prevent this album from transcending the 1960s. That doesn't mean it's not worth listening to or owning, though.

There isn't a weak song on the album, but the stand outs are: The Village Green Preservation Society, Do You Remember Walter?, Picture Book, Last of the Steam-powered Trains, Big Sky, Animal Farm, Village Green, Starstruck, Phenomenal Cat, Wicked Annabella, People Take Pictures of Each Other.

★★★★★★★★★★

75. Nina Simone | Wild Is the Wind (1966)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. I Love Your Lovin' Ways
2. Four Women
3. What More Can I Say
4. Lilac Wine
5. That's All I Ask
6. Break Down And Let It All Out
7. Why Keep On Breaking My Heart
8. Wild Is the Wind
9. Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair
10. If I Should Lose You
11. Either Way I Lose

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Wild Is the Wind is a gritty album. The music does a good job supporting Nina Simone, since the music is all about her singing. She has deep and powerful voice; it's not beautiful, but it's emotional–and that's what really matter.


And it's the emotion which links all these songs together. Without that, these songs become an arbitrary collection. She puts more emotion in one note than most singers put in a whole career. 


The first time I heard this album, I liked it, but it didn't appreciate it. After having listened to it a few more times, I'm just so overwhelmed by the honesty and purity of her singing.


The songs are all great, but the really outstanding ones are: I Love Your Lovin' Ways, Four Women, Lilac Wine, Break Down And Let It All Out and Wild Is the Wind.

★★★★★★★★ ☆☆

66. The Kinks | Face To Face (1966)

Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Party Line
2. Rosie Won't You Please Come Home
3. Dandy
4. Too Much on My Mind
5. Session Man
6. Rainy Day in June
7. A House in the Country
8. Holiday in Waikiki
9. Most Exclusive Residence for Sale
10. Fancy
11. Little Miss Queen of Darkness
12. You're Lookin' Fine
13. Sunny Afternoon
14. I'll Remember

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Face To Face is a polite album. The lyrics appear rather mundane with all the singing about everyday life. The music is mix of heavy songs and pop songs.

The album would have been much tighter if there were fewer pop songs.  As individual songs, they are really catchy and fun, but combined together, they start sounding the same which really makes the album drag. The album is already long; the pop songs make it feel like an eternity.

It's a pretty good album. It's worth listening to just because it really shows how great a songwriter Ray Davies is. He writes catchy pop songs, heavy rock songs and clever lyrics. The stand out songs are Party Line, Dandy, Rainy Day in June and Holiday in Waikiki.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

59. The Who | My Generation (1965)

Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Out in the Street
2. I Don't Mind
3. The Good's Gone
4. La-La-La-Lies
5. Much Too Much
6. My Generation
7. The Kids Are Alright
8. Please, Please, Please
9. It's Not True
10. I'm a Man
11. A Legal Matter
12. The Ox

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My Generation is an unpolished album. The album is loud and noisy and the production quality is low. Those are not bad qualities, just descriptive ones.

The album is uneven, too. There are too many styles that just don't fit together seamlessly. The two James Brown covers don't fit in well, even though they are good songs. My Generation, The Kids Are Alright, I'm a Man and The Ox belong on a separate album. Or perhaps the songs could have been grouped more cohesively.

This album is definitely the start of something new—a louder and heavier rock and roll sound. For that it is worth listening to. Make sure to listen to the UK mono release. The deluxe edition has the UK release in stereo, but it doesn't do justice to the album. The stand out songs are: I Don't Mind, The Good's Gone, My Generation, The Kids Are Alright, Please, Please, Please, I'm a Man and The Ox.  
★★★★★★★★☆☆

57. The Byrds | Mr. Tambourine Man (1965)

Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Mr. Tambourine Man
2. I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better
3. Spanish Harlem Incident
4. You Won't Have to Cry
5. Here Without You
6. The Bells of Rhymney
7. All I Really Want to Do
8. I Knew I'd Want You
9. It's No Use
10. Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe
11. Chimes of Freedom
12. We'll Meet Again

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Mr. Tambourine Man is a lively album. All the songs have a really rich and full sound. Yet, they lose steam right away and it's hard to stay interested. Also, the vocals drone on and on, and sound like they are being sung in slow motion.

This album does not excite me. I don't enjoy listening to two of the three singers. One sounds like he's in on a joke you're not and the other sounds both whiny and smarmy. The notable songs are Mr. Tambourine Man, I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better Here Without You, All I Really Want to Do, It's No Use, Don't Doubt Yourself and Chimes of Freedom.  
★★★★★★★☆☆☆

45. Dusty Springfield | A Girl Called Dusty (1964)

Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Mama Said
2. You Don't Own Me
3. Do Re Mi (Forget About the Do and Think About Me)
4. When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes
5. My Colouring Book
6. Mockingbird
7. Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa
8. Nothing
9. Anyone Who Had a Heart
10. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
11. Wishin' and Hopin'
12. Don't You Know

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A Girl Called Dusty is a surprising album. The songs are mostly catchy, but the highlight is definitely Dusty Springfield's singing. She has one of the more distinctive and powerful voices. She could hold her own against Sam Cooke or Ray Charles.

Most of the songs are about love. That seems to be the running theme through most albums. Singing about love isn't the problem, it's just that the lyrics are often so sappy. But there's some more serious songs like You Don't Own Me. Do Re Mi is a catchy yet tiresome. Mockingbird would seem to fall into the same camp, but Dusty's vocals are outstanding. Don't You Know is a a real show-stopper.

This is a really good album. Dusty's voice is stunning. I was not expecting this album to be as good as it is. It certainly took listening to it several times to appreciate it. The album's only weakness is being uneven. Mama Said, You Don't Own Me, When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes, My Colouring Book, Mockingbird, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Wishin' and Hopin' and Don't You Know are the stand out tracks. 
★★★★★★★★★☆

42. The Beatles | A Hard Day's Night (1964)

Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. A Hard Day's Night
2. I Should Have Known Better
3. If I Fell
4. I'm Happy Just to Dance with You
5. And I Love Her
6. Tell Me Why
7. Can't Buy Me Love
8. Any Time at All
9. I'll Cry Instead
10. Things We Said Today
11. When I Get Home
12. You Can't Do That
13. I'll Be Back

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A Hard Day's Night is a fantastic album. It's full of simple, but catchy songs. Musically, the album is consistent, yet full of variety. There are songs that have a hard edge, there are slow songs, and there are upbeat pop songs. Thematically, though, every song is about love and relationships. It's time for that ship to sail.

I considered the first Beatles album to make this list to be a game changer. This album suggests the Beatles themselves are game changers. In the context of the 1001 Albums list, the Beatles are on a different level from everyone else. I suspect that remains true regardless of the list.

This album is worth listening to over and over again. It always sounds fresh. There isn't a bad song, but the exceptional ones are: A Hard Day's Night, I Should Have Known Better, If I Fell, And I Love Her, Can't Buy Me Love, Any Time at All, Things We Said Today, When I Get Home, You Can't Do That and I'll Be Back. 
★★★★★★★★★★

31. Ray Charles | Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (1962)

Wikipedia entry

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Tracks

1. Bye Bye Love
2. You Don't Know Me
3. Half as Much
4. I Love You So Much It Hurts
5. Just a Little Lovin' (Will Go a Long Way)
6. Born to Lose
7. Worried Mind
8. It Makes No Difference Now
9. You Win Again
10. Careless Love
11. I Can't Stop Loving You
12. Hey, Good Lookin'

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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music is a pleasant album. Ray Charles covers a dozen country and western songs—a bold and risky move for a soul musician! He could have alienated his fans and not won over any country and western listeners. But, Ray Charles is a charismatic guy and it always comes out in his music. So, of course his experiment worked!

He certainly gives a few of the songs a rhythm and blues twist, but with the others, he stays true to their origin as country and western songs. The more lively songs such as Bye Bye Love and Hey Good Lookin' are great. The slower songs are well done, but some of them are a drag on the album.

It's definitely an album worth listening to. The songs that really stand out are Bye Bye Love, You Don't Know Me, Just a Little Lovin' (Will Go a Long Way), It Makes No Difference Now, You Win Again, I Can't Stop Loving You and Hey, Good Lookin'.
★★★★★★★★☆☆

20. Ray Charles | The Genius of Ray Charles (1959)

Wikipedia entry

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Tracks

1. Let the Good Times Roll
2. It Had to Be You
3. Alexander's Ragtime Band
4. Two Years of Torture
5. When Your Lover Has Gone
6. 'Deed I Do
7. Just for a Thrill
8. You Won't Let Me Go
9. Tell Me You'll Wait for Me
10. Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
11. Am I Blue
12. Come Rain or Come Shine

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The Genius of Ray Charles is a superb album. Half the songs are vibrant and lively pieces, while the other half are soulful ballads. And while the music is great, they wouldn't be as outstanding without a singer like Ray Charles. He is so charismatic that he easily convinces you that the emotion and feeling in his singing is sincere.

While the first group of songs on the album are undoubtedly excellent and are more exciting, lively and easier to connect with at first blush, it's the ballads on the last half of the album that will leave a more lasting impact.

This is another album that I will never tire of hearing. All the songs are excellent, but the absolute stand outs are: Let the Good Times Roll, Alexander's Ragtime Band, When Your Lover Has Gone, You Won't Let Me Go, Tell Me You'll Wait for Me, Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin', Am I Blue and Come Rain or Come Shine.

★★★★★★★★★★