Deep dive into the RollingStone top 150 albums of all time: S1E1
I'm taking a deep dive into mainstream records I've missed via the RollingStone Top 150 albums of all time list. This initial installment looks at 141 to 150.
While I think I have good music taste, I've realized that I definitely don't have mainstream music taste...which I think hinders this site a little bit (in terms of relatability), though I know a lot of people who do read, do appreciate the new music recommendations. That certainly keeps me going.
With that said, I do occasionally wonder if I've missed out on something by not listening to much music in the mainstream, especially full albums. It's easy to catch individual songs on the radio or through other avenues, but complete works from these artists? Not so much.
I thought it would be a good experiment to take a look at the RollingStone top 500 list publishing in December 2023, specifically the top 150, and listen to albums I've never heard before, with the hopes of finding something I missed out on...
I'm planning to break this list down into groups of 10 in order to not drag this out too far, while also allowing enough time for a focused listen of those new-to-me records. I'd also like to give a full pass to albums I've heard before, but not in a while or completely.
As far as my "hot take" goes, I am going to use a 5-star rating system that will follow this key:
- ★★★★★ = loved it, should probably be higher on the list
- ★★★★ = liked it, seems like it's ranked appropriately
- ★★★ = it's OK, not my thing but I get why people like it
- ★★ = overrated
- ★ = don't get it at all
The first edition covers albums 141 to 150...looking at the list: I've written about the Pixies and Led Zeppelin during my Crucial Tracks feature and One Last Wish project, so those don't need any introduction. The only albums I haven't listened to fully are Eminem (shock!), Blondie, Jeff Buckley, and John Prine – so we'll start with those.
The RollingStone list: 141 to 150
- Doolittle by Pixies (Listen)
- Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen (Listen)
- s/t by The Velvet Underground (Listen)
- Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin (Listen)
- The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem
- Parallel Lines by Blondie
- Grace by Jeff Buckley
- Channel Orange by Frank Ocean (Listen)
- s/t by John Prine
- Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen (Listen)
The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem
Released in 2000; #145 in the RollingStones Top 500 list and #80 in Apple Music's Top 100 list.
My take: I, of course, have heard Eminem a ton. I've never been a huge fan or listened to 100% of any album before this exercise.
Is he talented? Yes. Is this one of his best albums, if not his best? Yes. I get why people like it and why it's ranked where it is...a full listen didn't convert me into an Eminem fan, though. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
Parallel Lines by Blondie
Released in 1978; #146 in the RollingStones Top 500 list
My take: Another album I've heard songs off of, but never the entire thing in one sitting. Blondie's third album is their breakthrough into the mainstream, combining glam, punk, and new wave into a radio friendly masterpiece. I didn't love the entirety of every song, but every song has at least one awesome section you can also hear in today's music. A hugely influential album.
If this is #146, I will need to have high expectations for the next 145 records. Favorite tracks: "One Way or Another", "Hanging on the Telephone", "Will Anything Happen", and "Heart of Glass".
Grace by Jeff Buckley
Released in 1994; #147 in RollingStones Top 500 list
My take: Prior to this listen, I had only heard "Hallelujah." Wow, just wow. "Mojo Pin" kicks off this album with such power. Kind of folk, crossed with Led Zeppelin and maybe early Radiohead? Such a powerful, soulful voice too. (Though it can be hard to take on some tracks.)
All in all, this is a very good album. I'm sold. I'd give it a 4.5 on the scale, if I could. It should definitely be higher, though I wouldn't quite put it in my 'Love' category. Favorite tracks: "Mojo Pin", "Grace", "So Real, and "Lover, You Should've Come Over".
If this is #147, what the heck do I have in store for me?
s/t by John Prine
Released in 1971; #149 in RollingStones Top 500 list
My take: the first 100% new listen of this batch. To me, it sounds like if Jimmy Buffet or Neil Diamond played Dylan songs. Not sure this is for me, but I can understand why people like it. The album definitely improves in the second half – it seems like he developed more of his own personality and sound by the end. I'd probably pick "Angel from Montgomery" as my favorite track.
Thoughts on these albums or the ones I already knew? Personally, I think Doolittle, Physical Graffiti, and The Velvet Underground are a little low. Maybe one of the Springsteen albums too, though not sure which one. I haven't browsed ahead in the Top 500 list, in order to not get ahead of myself, so we'll have to see how that initial reaction fares.
Stay tuned for more! I will try to keep a regular cadence with these over the next few months.
