The lyrics are dripping with unrequited love. I learned that this was essentially the first album and the first concept album. The vocal performance is fantastic and the music tends to get better later on the album. Fav track: Dancing On The Ceiling

Frank and Nelson Riddle - a great combo; but this was hard to listen to.

I've since revisited this album on a quiet, rainy Saturday morning. It's good.

I get why this album changed music in 1956. But I can't get over the fact that most of the songs are covers and that Elvis and his crew appropriated African American music for white people. Favorite track: Blue Suede Shoes

Blue Suede Shoes Yes! Elvis ballads - i can live without.

I thought this album was much better than Wee Small Hours. It was more melodic and uptempo. This is what I think of when I hear Sinatra Favorite Track: You Make Me Feel So Young

This album is still a banger. I get why parents hated it and kids liked it in 1957. It's uptempo, full of innuendo, and Little Richards's vocal performance is electric. He sings these songs with lots of passion and emotion. Fav track: Tutti Frutti

This was great. I wondered if my parents listened to Little Richard?

"Oh Why?" is delivered with poignancy that I didn't expect from LR

Some highs but mostly lows. I think this was the first rock album with the four-person line up, so I understand why it's iconic. The hits are great but most of the songs are about 50s teenage angst that I can't relate with. Fav track: Maybe Baby

"Not Fadeaway" could be a Vampire Weekend hit in the 2010s

This is one of the best blues albums. Howlin' Wolf lives up to his name with his haunting vocal delivery. The lo-fi recording also adds to this album's allure. This album is timeless. Whereas the other albums on this list from the 50s sound like they're from the 50s, but not this one. Fav track: Smokestack Lightning

I now understand why Howlin' Wolf was such a big muscial influence. Worth more than one listening.

I hear a lot of Howlin' Wolf in CCR - in fact I think that CCR stole the guitar riff from Smokestack Lightning. The Black Keys were clearly directly/indirectly influenced as well.

Amazing album. This thing melted my face when I first heard it 10 years ago and it will probably do the same 10 years from now. It's a classic for a reason. Nothing sounded like it before but many tried to replicate it after. I don't understand music well enough to know why it's so groundbreaking but listining to it makes it pretty obvoius why. Fav track: Giant Steps

Verry manic. This is music that you have to be in a very specific mood to be able to enjoy.

Another fantastic jazz album. Miles Davis never stayed in one place. He seemed to change his sound every decade, which meant he created a new sub-genre every decade. I love the modal jazz of Kind of Blue. Playing two notes for several minutes on So What was a massive shift in Jazz at the time which had recently gone through be-bob and hard-bop. This is another timeless album. Fav track: So What

This was the first Jazz album that I ever heard. My Grandpa was in the audience during a Miles Davis performance in San Francisco. It was during the era where he played with his back to white audiences and my Grandpa didn't care -- he said the performance was still incredible. This album still holds up as being edgy, modern, and relevant -- and features a tenor sax work from Coltrane.

A true masterpiece. This album is so minimal yet so full of sound. This must have been unreal to listen to in the 50s. I love the sound of the plastic Saxophone. Fav track: Peace

I get that this is highly complex, technical music but I'm just not smart enough to appreciate it.

The opening track comes out swinging. This is a great album and Ray Charles has such a unique vocal delivery. He talk sings through most of it. The horn section is hot and it just swings. It's good but not really an album I'd find myself going back to often. Fav track: Let The Good Times Roll

I did not love some of the arrangements(the orchestrations).

This sounds like Ray Charles trying to be Frank Sinatra. I like Ray, but I am a bigger fan of his R&B body of work rather than this Jazz album. Update: I keep coming back to this album so I've updated it to a 5.

Funk / Soul, Blues

This album gave me chills. Etta sings the hell out of these songs and the orchestration is brilliant. I'll be coming back to this one. Fav track: At Last

Fantastic vocals. What was the target audience for this album?

I didn't really understand this album. It sounded like Jazz music mixed with Mideval music. The recording seems distant with very little low end. I'm sure it's good but not really for me. Fav track: Will O' The Wisp

Listening to this was not relaxing. Was that the point?

I had never heard this album until today. I didn't hate it, but there's nothing really drawing me back to it. I need to circle back and learn more about the context of this orchestral/jazz work.

This is a great blues album from an iconic festival. Muddy plays most of his best-known tracks. It's amazing to hear how tight his band is. I'd rate it higher but I'm not a fan of live albums Fav track: Baby Please Don't Go

Solid performance by the whole band. Give me a beer and a solid beat and i am happy.

It's Muddy Waters singing his standards live without an electric guitar. His delivery is spot on. It almost sounds like a professional studio album, yet it is live.

Funk / Soul, Blues

Soulful and blusey album that I'd never heard. I liked the lo-fi production and the peaking vocals. An analog recording has so much character over digital. I like it but I don't think I'll put it in my regular rotations—too much of a downer for me. Fav track: Don't Want No Woman

"Two steps from the blues" is a great title and reflects the music. Very accessible for the non-blues fan.

Howlin' Wolf has got to be one of the best bluesman ever. This recording is of a much higher quality than Moanin' but his emotion is as present as ever. Fav track: Spoonful

I'm hearing Tom Waits in "You'll Be Mine"

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Funk / Soul, Folk, World, & Country

Meanering and derivitive. The first half was interesting but I found it pretty bored and sappy. Ray Charles is a great singer but I found the sounds annoying, especially the back-up vocals. All of which were very predictable. Fav track: Half as Much

This album is hit or miss. Some of the tunes do not lend themselves to the big arrangements(e.g. bye bye love). It shines when Ray plays and sings in his most relaxing style(e.g. your cheatin heart).

Ray Charles is one of my favorite singers from the 20th century. These songs aren't the best and he still nails boring standards like "You are my sunshine". Also, you have to give props to his take on the Hank Williams classic "Hey Good Lookin'" -- it sounds absolutely nothing like the OG version. The point of this album was to take back the country music that was stolen from black singers and modernize it. It's an interesting, edgy concept for 1962.

Folk, World, & Country

Outstanding album that transcends time and culture. This album is as relevant in 2020 as it was in 1963. Dylan is a great storyteller and his melodies are catchy. I'll be adding it to my regular rotation. Fav track: Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

I am not a fan of the folkie Bob Dylan(e.g. Masters of War); but, you cannot deny the quality of the writing across this disc. Don't think twice is just a great song!

I am deeply familiar with this album so this will be the first one I only listen to once. What makes this album great isn't the music (it's not better than anything that Guthrie put out musically) -- it's the songwriting, the social context, and the zeitgeist that Dylan created. This is the epitome of modern day folk music and this album still sounds timeless. Conor Oberst anyone?

The energy of this album is insane. James Brown has such a powerful voice. His band is air tight. The crowd goes crazy for Brown the entire time. The women screaming during Lost Someone adds so much texture to the performance. I was surprised by how short it was but it packs a lot in the 31 minutes. Fav track: I'll Go Crazy

What was it about the early 60's and the girls squealing? This feels like a transition record. I think seeing James Brown live would have been a lot of fun, and his band was tight! But this record did not do it for me.

A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector

Rock, Funk / Soul, Pop

One of the most classic and recognized Christmas albums. Sleigh Bells, Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Christmas Baby Come Home are probably the most popular tracks from the album. Spector's wall of sound is iconic and very 60s. These songs will be popular for at least another 50 years. Fav track: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

I give it four because: 1. it is a Christmas album 2. The production gets tiresome. But taken individually, and mixing in other classic Christmas songs, the songs and production shine!

I remember listening to this album as a little kid. I loved it then and I love it now. This is as close as we'll get to hearing the Fab Four from their Cavern Club days. Amazing album and story. Fav track: Please Please Me

The remastered 2009 version is awesome! I can hear "all" the instruments. Check out the pitchfork review.

This listening endeavor has given me a greater appreciation for this album. The Beatles were truly a band before their time when it came to recording quality and innovation -- even with this early album.

Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica

Fantastic album full of notable hits. This is a very enjoyable listen, especially if you're a fan of Phil Spector's "wall of sound." The Ronettes are one of the essential 60s groups and their music encompasses the decade so well. Fav track: Be My Baby

Lots of good new music in 1963. An album had to have "something" to stand out in the crowd. This stands out. But i am not a fan.

Sonically beautiful but these songs are so played out. I spent too much time at Denny's and McDonalds as a kid and it ruined The Ronettes for me. I have zero interest in hearing this album again.

An interesting listen considering Muddy Waters was known for electric Chicago blues. The recording is air tight and the music is great. I learned that Chess wanted him to do this record since folk music was popular thanks to Bob Dylan. This album was clearly chasing a trend but it's still great. Plus Buddy Guy played on it so that's a plus. Fav track: Good Morning Little School Girl

Can we talk about how creepy the lyrics are for "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl"?

Stan Getz�/�Joao Gilberto�featuring�Antonio Carlos Jobim

Love doesn't even begin to describe how much I love this album. It embodies the swankiness of the 60s in a cool Brazilian/Jazz vibe. Astrud's voice is angelic. The guitar playing is phenomenal and the saxophone is crisp. What's not to love about this album? Fav track: Corcovado

I listened to this album often as a child with my Uncle, so there are some memories there -- but the content of the album as a whole doesn't resonate for me in 2020. Need to read up more on the social context in 1964.

Probably my least favorite Beatles album. Too many covers and some of the vocals are down-right whiny. That's not to say that there aren't some gems. I Want to Hold Your Hand, I Saw Her Standing There, All I've Got To Do, All My Loving and Till There Was You are great tracks. If you like these songs then just listen to the Red album. Fav track: All I've Gotta Do

The covers are performed as if they knew them by heart - i love "you really got a hold on me". "All my loving" is great. The other Lennon/Mcartney songs are well, ok. fyi - i listened to "With the Beatles" as opposed to "Meet the Beatles". "Meet the Beatles was the US release of "With the Beatles".

This is an interesting inclusion because it wasn't the original UK album as the Beatles intended. Nonetheless, this track ordering and the inclusion of the two OG singles make this album much stronger than the original "With The Beatles". For all intents and purposes, this is the first album that American audiences heard (there was another first album, but it was of inferior quality and not supported by Capitol).

Rock, Stage & Screen

Paul and John really gel on this record. I believe this is the first Beatles album with all original songs. George's 12-string guitar playing is fantastic. Not my favorite Beatles album but definitely a good one. Fav track: And I Love Her

Side 1 of the UK release is just great, side 2 is just good. These guys were still a live band recording this album. John Lennon has the majority of lead vocals - and he shines throughout this album.

This album grooves so hard and the recording quality is amazing. BB King can wail on the guitar and his vocals are full of emotion and passion. Another solid blues album that will be in my regular rotation. Fav track: How Blue Can You Get?

A "blues" record with horns, who knew! But the band is good and so is BB King.

Rock, Folk, World, & Country

I'm updating my rating for this album. I've spent more time with it and really like it. It's historical significance is paramont to rock and roll. The history behind this album is immense and the stories it tells are important to the history of American music. Maggie's Farm and Subterranean are great tracks.Fav track: Subterranean Homesick blues

One cannot deny the quality writing - Maggie's farm, It's alright, Ma, she belongs to me, etc - effortlessly spewing from one person's head.

Is it just me or is "It's alright ma.." still a timely song in Donald Trump's America?

I appreciate Bob Dylan but I can only get into a few of his tracks. Like a Rolling Stone and Highway 61 Revisited were my favorite tracks. I do love the imperections on this album. It's very human. There are times where the guitar strumming is off the beat and Dylan will laugh during a lyric. I love the texture and humanity of it. But I don't think I'd find myself going back to it like other albums from the 60s. Fav track: Tombstone Blues

More quality writing from Dylan. The songs are the reason Dylan is revered. There is no one else like him.

The Cold War Kids songs "We Used To Vacation" has a sweet nod to "Ballad of a Thin Man"

Easily Coltrane's masterpiece. This is modal Jazz at it's best. This album is so unique yet it isn't over the top or bombastic. I understand that it's an acquired taste but it's worth the effort. Fav track: Pt. 2 Resolution

I tried to enjoy this disc; but alas, I am a philistine when it comes to much of the jazz.

KILL IT WITH FIRE. Actually not as bad as some of the other hard bop shit, but man this is headache inducing.

Otis is an amazing singer. It's a shame that he died in a plane crash because this singing was massive. I enjoyed this album. I think most of the tracks were covers but they were still great. Fav track: Change Gonna Come

I need to listen to this again. I was listening to the 2008 remix, which includes a lots of live tracks. I think Otis live is better than the studio tracks.

LOL at the white lady on the cover of the album. I love the Aretha and Rolling Stones covers. Great album front-to-back. Will relisten.

This was an interesting listen. The first half was poppy and upbeat and the second half was meloncoly and introspective. The latter-half of the record felt dated and some of the songs were uncomfortable to listen to. I get why it's on the list though. The harmonies are great and the production is iconic. Fav track: Help Me, Rhonda

I listened to the 2008 remix. "Help me Rhonda" and "Dance, Dance, Dance" are good but the rest of the disc was dreck. Simplistic pop music. It sounded like a Phil Spector production.

To this day, the Beach Boys have such a unique sound. They're not my favorite band, but they're so different from the UK bands that were breaking through at the time. The recording is spectacular and full -- it sounds very modern even in 2020.

Rock, Stage & Screen

Help! has some of my favorite Lennon tracks like Help!, Lost That Girl, and Ticket to Ride. And McCartney's tracks are some of his best like Yesterday and Just Seen a Face. And Harrison's I Need You has one of my favorite melodies in all of the Beatles tracks. Fun fact, for the American release, the Beatles are spelling out NUJV on the cover in flag semaphore. Fav track: I Need You

I listened to th 2008 UK remix. The US release suxs! The writing is top quality and the production is really good. The only filler are the two non-beatles covers.

This album was leaps and bounds ahead of anything else in 1965. The different insturments used give so much texture to this album. The recordings are air tight. Each song is long and diverse enought to leave you satisfied. There isn't a dead spot on the entire album. The only shame is that Sgt. Pepper's is rated higher than Rubber Soul. How? The songs presented here are just better. Fav Track: In My Life

I listened to the 2008 UK remix. Quality writing and production - even Michelle.

Boring, derivitive and unoriginal. I generally don't like hippie music and this albums proves my point. It feels like a copy of the Beatles, especially with the use of a 12-string electric guitar. I can kind of hear Big Star in it, which was cool but beyond that I didn't like it. Fav track: Mr. Tambourine Man

The Byds "Mr. Tambourine Man" sounds like Tom Petty covering the Beatles covering Bob Dylan covering the Byrds covering The Beatles covering Bob Dylan. It's a game of musical telephone that feels so contrived as to not be enjoyable.

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

A great listen if you're into Chicago blues. This album flew by and was generally enjoyable to listen. I could see it being a grind if you don't like the blues. Fav track: Blues With a Feeling

Really Good. I just needed to be in a smokey bar with a sticky floor listening to them.

I don't see how this is an improvement over BB King. It's just a white dude playing that music.

A good album with some standout tracks. Satsifaction being the most popular. That track is timeless. The distortion on Keith's guitar is iconic. It's clear that the Rolling Stones took a more blues-based approach to their music compared to the Beatles. I guess that 4th chord makes a world of difference.(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

I listened to the 2002 re-issue. I was prepared to not like this disc. But i was suprised. This is the Stones doing there best R & B. I enjoyed Bill Wyman's bass. i have a new respect for Brian Jones.

As an album, I'm not a fan but the listen was enjoyable. There are some good tracks here but nothing to really draw me back. I do like the bluesy, raw recording and vocals. It's also interesting to hear Jagger's vocals wavering in the lower register as he starts exploring different parts of his range.

Rock, Blues, Pop

Not my favorite Stones album but it has some great blues tracks. I think Mick's vocals are OK but Keith's guitar playing is killer. Fav track: Heart of Stone

A fun, whimsical nod to southern blues without being contrived.

An enjoyable listen. This album has a ton of edge and punk sensibility. You can hear the rebellion in the vocals and music. It's not as tight as a Beatles album. The bass solo in My Generation, I believe, was the first in popular rock music. This album represents this time so well. Fav track: My Generation

I never understood why the Who was referenced as an R & B band, until now. But it was a poor R & B band, the sound is really heavy with not much swing. I give it a four only because of "My Generation" and "the kids are allright".

This album sounds more modern than 1965. It could easily be a 90s alt-rock album.

I'm giving this record a 2 because it had 2 good songs and one of them was a cover of Smokestack Lightning. The fact that Clapton and Page got their starts in this band says a lot about their talent. I just wasn't really into. Fav track: I'm a Man

I never "got" the yardbirds. After listening to this disc(Beck & Clapton) - i still do not get the yardbirds. I liked "Heart Full of Soul", "The Train Kept-A-Rolin", and "Smokestack Lighting"; othewise, I am not a fan of their sound.

How is this album not on Apple Music?? Something about this album, from the opening track, is different from the rock albums we've heard on this list thus far. Some songs work and others don't, but it is undeniably influential to the rock music that would come in the latter half of the decade. Visions of The Doors in these melodies and progressions.

Extrememly bluesy album. I was surprised by how much I liked it. Dylan's voice can get a little annoying at times. However, his harmonica playing is so good. Fav track: I Want You

How many more Bob Dylan albums are on here? Seven?! Jesus...

Not my favorite Dylan album. Individually, the songs are great but back-to-back-to-back - i lose interest.

Name an artist that has a greater collection of iconic and influential album covers. I'll wait.

Enjoyable listen. Cream was definitely doing something different compared to their contemoraries. This album was very blues heavy. It's impossible to listen to one of these albums without hearing a Muddy Waters or Howlin' Wolf cover. Fav track: I Feel Free

Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton ("The Beano Album")

John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers

Rock,�Blues

Eric Clapton was everywhere in the 60s. It's kind of annoying actually. I appreciate what he's done for the blues but I can only hear so much blues rock before I go crazy. This was a good album and it definitely helped shape "dad rock" as we know it. Fav track: Hideaway

It is hard to listen to this with a fresh mind and to ignore his later discs(e.g. Derek and the Dominoes). Eric with another british blues band.

Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul

So much soul and groove going on in this album. I've said it before but what a shame that Otis died early. His voice has so much texture and feeling, it's pretty amazing. I gave this a 4 because I felt like the b-side was a little weak. Fav track: Try a Little Tenderness

I listened to both the original mono recordings, along with the 2016 Remaster. The 2016 Remaster shines. This is a quality recording with a quality band and quality vocals. Dang it - just good.

I have a better appreciate of the Watch The Throne sample in "Otis"

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme

Rock, Pop, Folk, World, & Country

Probably the best folk duo ever. The harmonies on this album are amazing and the songwriting is rock solid. Simon and Garfunkel take me back to a time since passed. This album has a lot of timeless themes especially with the final track of Silent Night juxtaposed over a new broadcast. Things weren't so different then compared to now. This isn't my favorite SandG album but it's great. Fav track: Homeward Bound

Small doses only. Singing is great, topical material does not hold up(e.g. "A simple Desultory Philippic"). I would never think about buying this disc.

This is a pretty good Sufjan Stevens album. Surprisingly political and modern.

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

This album embodies everything that I love about 60s doo wop and R&B. This album is buttery smooth. What's even more incredible is that the music and lyrics were written by the band and not by a ghost writer or publisher. I'm going to add this one to the regular rotation. Fav track: Going to a Go-Go

One of my favorite albums. Pet Sounds is better than Sgt. Pepper's, and I'm a huge Beatles fan. The production was progressive for the time and it still holds up today. I do think the two intrumental tracks are missed opportunities. Wouldn't It Be Nice

The famous songs, "God only knows", "Sloop john b", "Wouldn't it be nice" are classics. I admire the fact the Brian Wilson was the musical force behind this disc(it is impressive). The production is a continuation from the previous Beach Boys disc but turned up to 11. But the lyrical maturity does not match the musical production. This is not on my "desert island list" of discs.

The best Beatles album and the best album on this list. Revolver does everything that Sgt. Peppers did but first. The only thing it isn't is a conceptual album, which I think makes it better. The songs are cohesive and each member of the group made massive contributions to the album. Fav track: Love You To

If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears

The Mamas and the Papas

This album is just a little too 60s for my taste. I understand why this album is iconic but I thought most of the tracks were just OK. California Dreamin' is a fantastic track though. It doesn't even sound like it was written by the group. Fav track: California Dreamin'

This is full of good song writing and singing. The production is mid-60's classic mass marketing. I heard the Beach Boys and the Monkees on this disc. I am not a fan of all the strings.

The Mothers of Invention

Electronic, Rock

An interesting listen. There were some high points that criticized American culture that I liked but most of it was weird, avant garde stuff. Not bad just challenging to listen to. Zappa is an icon for a reason and he went out there, way out there. Fav track: Hungry Freaks, Daddy

Some tracks are very experimental, while others sound like parodies of their contemporaries

Listening to this was tiresome. I quess it was on the list because it was a parody of the fifties and early sixties, and that was a novelty?

Pretty good album. Paint It Black and Under My Thumb are standout tracks. This album is sonically diverse with lots of unique intruments. I learned that this album was inspired heavily by Rubber Soul (no surprise). I liked the music but most of the lyrics were derogatory toward women. I guess that's just how things were in the 60s. I did like that all of the tracks were originals and that this was a turning point in The Rolling Stone's career. Fav track: Under My Thumb

There are some leaps forward in terms of sound, though some tracks feel stuck in the general 1960's vibe.

Bill Wyman was a big part of their early sound and i like it.

What an odd album. The tracks are absurd and all over the place but they're fun. I can hear a lot of influence from the Beach Boys in the production and harmonies. But the real star of this album is the bass guitar. It's one of the first albums from this era where it is brought more to the front. Fav track: Boris the Spider

It sounded like a Who disc(because of the rythm section) but forgettable.

Boris the spider is the most metal song I've ever heard. Also, how about that cover of "Heat Wave"?

Another boring album by the Yardbirds. I guess I just don't understan the cultural impact of this band. They're just a little too 60s for my taste. Fav track: Over Under Sideways Down

Completely innocuous and unremarkable

This must be the Jimmy Page version of the Yardbirds. I heard Led Zepplin, Fleetwood Mac(with Peter Green) and the Faces in this disc. This sounds like a band searching for an identity.

This album is dramatically different sonically than their 1965 album. They still sound like a band chasing something rather than creating something unique. I still see it as a more interesting release than Having a Rave Up.

Funk / Soul, Blues

Crazy good album. It's especially good if you like the Blues. I've always been a fan of Albert King but I never listened to this album from start to finish. You can tell that his guitar playing inspired a ton of players and bands. Fav track: Born Under a Bad Sign

A seminal blues album; you can even hear strong influences on Stevie Ray Vaughan on Laundromat Blues.

A good disc. This is worth listening more than once.

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Outstanding album with a massive cultural impact. Respect kicks off the album with loads of energy. I'm giving it a 4 because I wouldn't consider it a go-to album for me but it's really good. Fav track: Respect

This is really good. I loved the production(e.g. the horns).

I just need a Bob Dylan greatest hits album to be happy. All Along the Watchtower is great. I can only take so much of his harmonica playing before I go crazy. Fav track: All Along the Watchtower

"And don't go mistaking Paradise For that home across the road". It has been many years since i have listened to this disc. Listening to the Dylan discs in sequence has given me a much better appreciation of it.

What a grind. The first track was actually pretty good and had me excited for the rest of the album. But then it went downhill from there. The Neil Young tracks are the only good ones. Fav track: Mr. Soul

Decent album; some tracks feel like they're copying the Beatles, while other (Broken Arrow) sound almost like King Crimson

Competent. Deriative from current popular trends.

This album launched an entire generation of dad bands and Guitar Center noodlers. The shift in sound this album created is staggering. I don't think you'd have Led Zepplin or Black Sabbath w/o this album. Fav track: Sunshine of Your Love

Lousy song writing.Why were these guys so popular?

So 60s. This album embodies 1960s San Francisco. The lyrics are dripping with references of drug use. The album's overall mood is downtempo and chill. I like this album. I think it's one of the best from the 60s. Fav track: Somebody to Love

Good song writing from all members of the band. I am no fan of the production(lots of echo).

Some damn good Blues harmonica going on in this album! If you're not a fan of the blues then this one will probably fall flat. But Little Walter is another one of those bluesman who died to young but left a lasting impression on the genre. I plan on giving this one more time. Fav track: My Babe

Such a better take on psychedlic rock compared to the Byrds. I enjoyed the Spanish influence and acoustic guitar throughout the record. This record is dreamy and lofty with roots in world music. One of the best albums of its time. Fav track: Alone Again Or

Take out the violins and keyboards, and it sounds ahead of its time

Pretentious Art Rock. I give it a two because it was the first of its kind.

Enjoyed the unique/innovative instrumentals but not the vocals.

This is what "Forever Changes" should have been

This was the first time I listened to this album. I knew Syd Barret was out there but you can tell in this album. It sounds nothing like any other album in 1967. The beginnings of prog rock are here. I liked Interstellar Overdrive the most. Super cool track. Fav track: Interstellar Overdrive

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Not the number one album in my list. I think Revolver and Pet Sounds are better so I'd but this at number 3. However, it is a great album. I just don't think the songs are as good as those on Revolver. It's a shame that Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever didn't make it on the record. Fav track: A Day In The Life

I was wrong. This is the number one album. And as this disc is McCartney driven, it has to be his best disc. This sounds like nothing else that came out in 1967. The tone is always interesting, clever and adds to the music. Give the lads and George Martin loads of credit.

Better than the first album but not great. They rip off the Beatles multiple times in this album. The tape reverse is the most obvious nod to the Beatles. Fav track: So You Want to Be a Rock n Roll Star

Country(Southern Cal) rock is here. These guys did a good job covering Dylan songs. David Crosby is not a good song writer. My Back Pages is good!

The Doors are a weird band. I like the hits but everything else is just ok to me. I don't like the lack of low end and the synth gets to be a little too much. People are strange is a good track though. Fav track: Love Me Two Times

I like the two radio hits. Actually, I like some of the other songs(e.g. when's the nusic's over). Morrison had a good voice(when not screaming) but the stream of conscious lyrics suxs.. I like the organ playing, wierd guitar parts, etc. But there is filler on this disc.

I didn't hate it and I was surprised by that.

Light My Fire and Break On Through are the best tracks. This is a good album for passive listening. I only need the Doors's greatest hits to scratch the itch. Fav track: Break On Through

This is not relaxing music, it feels amphetamine driven. This not one i feel compelled to revisit.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

This album is very "cocky." The guitar playing and tone is outstanding and refreshing compared to what most artists were doing. Hendrix is heavy and bluesy but he's neither. It just rocks. My only gripe with this alum is its length. Lots of filler tracks. Fav track: Purple Haze

Wierd production, very metallic. But this disc was interesting.

I've never listened to a Jimi Hendrix album, just the individual songs. This was a special treat. I love the raw vocals and the gritty guitar tones. These songs could be hits in 2020. Also, Lenny Kravitz is the biggest Jimi Hendrix ripoff I've ever heard in my life.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Again, another cocky and heavy album for its time. This album feels much more like an album versus a compilation. I think many artists from this time released too much music. Fav track: If 6 Was 9

The guitar playing was interesting. Some of the drumming sounded like Kieth Moon. Little Wing, Wait until tomorrow and Up from the sky were good. The problem with Hendrix is you can be impressed with the playing(i.e. how does he make it sound the way he does) but not with the band.

Not what I expected. The guiitars were super clean compared to what I was familiar with. Waterloo Sunset was the best track. It's meloncholy and nothing like the other British bands from the time. I'd compare the Kinks to The Who over any other band. Fav track: Waterloo Sunset

Not my cup ot tea. Ray Davies is a story teller and the Kinks a vehicle for Ray, but not a band.

So I guess the Kinks kind of liked Paul McCartney?

Interesting album. The diversity of instruments was unexpected. It reminded me of a VU or Lou Reed record. I felt like they were trying to be the Beatles. It didn't hook me and was kind of grind. Fav track: Let's Spend the Night Together

I give the UK version of this album a solid 1. It's a terrible recording and tracklisting. The American version is much better. Yes, they're trying to approximate the Beatles and other bands from the 60s .. but this is The Stones. They are clearly outside of their comfort zone and that makes it interesting to me.

The Velvet Underground

I love the Velvet Underground but I tend to gravitate toward Lou Reed's solo work. This album is out there and presents the listener with a new perspective on psychadelic music. At times, this album feels mideval with it's drone and bass drum. Fav track: Sunday Morning

Avant-garde rock music. I ready to give this disc a four until i heard "European Son". Heroin is a great song!

This is one of the greatest concept albums ever. I love the self awareness the Who had in '67 to make an album that criticized corporate influence in art and culture. I don't think the song are particularly great alone but as a collection they work. Fav track: I Can See For Miles

I listened to it twice. I can see for miles is great(of course). Mary with the shaky hand was funny. The tunes are good. As a concept album, the bits between the songs sounded like filler to me, and to me it was just a big fu to the record company.

A modern, innovative concept album. I loved the "Summertime Blues" cover.

With songs like Chain of Fools and Natural Woman, this album is a certified classic. Aretha's vocals are like nobody else's. This album grooves and is very entertaining. I only gave it a 4 because I wouldn't find myself adding it to my regular rotation. Fav track: Chain of Fools

Great singing, song writing and production. Chain of fools, a natural woman, etc. i was all good!

Big Brother & the Holding Company

I had never listened to this album before but it was a solid listen. Janis Joplin's voice is so gritty and soulful. It's a shame that she died so young because she could have made more great music. Summertime and Piece of My Heart are standout tracks. Fav track: Piece of My Heart

Odd record. A bar band with a singer who has a big voice. It must have been great live, not so much on record.

Interesting intrumentation. I like the classical music approach. This album is all over the place. I heard jazz, psychedelic, blues and classical music. A few songs stood out but not enought that I'd want to hear it again. Fav track: I Can't Quit Her

A modern sounding record. I loved you more than you will ever know, without her, and something going on stood out. The Modern Adventures of Plato ... is pretentious. This is a solid record - this is 3.5 but not a 4.

This album gets a 2 rating becuase there were 2 good songs on it. Fav track: White Room

If Cream had concentrated on covering standards from the blues(e.g. Crossroads), they would have been great. As a band playing their own songs, they suxed. Bruce did write a few hits(e.g. White Room), but he and Ginger Baker were not consistently good song writers(imho). I enjoyed Crossroads and White Room, Spoonful was just a jam, but the remainder of the disc is not good.

The 40 minute live drum solo on Toad (Live) is different

Dr. John, the Night Tripper

Jazz, Rock, Funk / Soul, Blues

The first and last tracks were the best. Interesting instrumentation. Fav track: I Walk on Guilded Slinters

This was an eclectic mix of New Orleans jazz, blues, and rock. I think these were songs about food but not sure. Gris Gris and Mama roux were two tracks that stood out for me.

Not as bad as I had imagined it would be. This felt complete and very experimental. I'll have to give it another listen. Fav track: Born Cross-Eyed

Folk, World, & Country

An imperfect album that's perfect. The candor on this album is just fantastic. Cash puts it all out there in a disobidient and irreverant manner. You can tell that he was a rebel and a proponent of the working man and not the system. The songs are great, too. Fav track: Cocaine Blues

Fun, semi-spontaneous, with interesting songs

This is some toe-tapping music. Folsom Prison blues, Cocaine Blues, 25 minutes to go,Jackson,etc. To bad the production did not match the performance.

Easily the most iconic live album of all time. The crowd work is peak Johnny Cash. Also, I love the prison telephones ringing in the background and the announcements during the set.

I was excited to listen to this album. One of the best and ranked pretty low if you ask me. How is Gris-Gris higher? Fav track: Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay

Sitting on the dock of the bay - nuff said. Great production. Great vocals.

An icon of 60s music with one of the most recognizable tracks in all of rock—Mrs. Robinson. S&G go together like PB&J. I never felt like their solo work was better than when they were a duo. Fav track: America

Two great songs(i.e. America and Mrs. Robinson), vocals and production are really good for the other songs. These guys sound great together!

Not my favorite Band album but The Weight is such a great track. Fav track: The Weight

The Weight is iconic! These guys always worked best as Dylan's backup band(not sure why).

What else can be said about this album? I think it's better than Sgt. Pepper's. Ringo got screwed on this album. Don't worry, John could have a 9 minute track about nothing. Fav track: While My Guitar Gently Weeps

A great disc. Three song writers, 4 vocalists, one avant-garde musican, one musical genius, and a smart producer. Part of the beauty of this disc is the song sequencing - the listener never gets bored. My favorite tracks are "Happiness is a warm gun", "Sexy Sady" and "Back in the USSR".

I swear the Byrds copy everyone and follow the trends. This album is a total rip off of Johnny Cash and the Nashville scene. They talk about prison and heartbreak. This album proves why I'm not a fan of this band. Fav track: You Ain't Goin' Nowhere

Proto Americana! You ain't goin nowhere, The Christian Life, Hickory Wind are some of my favorites.

Easily the best Byrds album on this list. But it's still a bit of a dog. You can tell they were influenced heavily by The Beatles. The raga track was just a bad rip off of George Harrison. These guys couldn't help but copy and follow trends. Fav track: Goin' Back

I get it , David Crosby is a really good harmony singer; otherwise, i pass on this disc. i did like Wasn't born to follow.

Rock, Funk / Soul

The Drifters made idyllic music for the 60s. Listing to this album, it makes you wish you had grown up in the 60s. Everything is bright and cheerful. But in reality, the 60s was one of the most challenging decades. I found the juxtoposition of the music to the culture fascinating. Fav track: There Goes My Baby

While the songs on this album are good, there's really only about 3 of them, with variations of each filling out the album

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

A long but enjoyable album. This thing shreds from top to bottom. It's no wonder that so many people immitated Hendrix. He's a legend for good reason and this album solitifies it. Easily his best album because of its inventive guitar playing, wonderful tone, and well constructed songs. Favorite track: All Along The Watchtower

I liked this(except for the Noel Redding song). Crosstown traffic, along the watchtower, voodoo chile, etc - these songs are interesting and not just because of the guitar playing.

The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society

A refreshing listen. Espcially compared to the Byrds! The Kinks had an edge and creativeness that was much different from their British contemporaries. This album was good but I wouldn't put it on my regular rotation. Fav track: Picture Book

As a singer, Ray Davies does not have great range; consequently, all his songs sound the same(unless there is a catchy melody). I did like "Picture Book" and "Last of the steam-powered train".

The Mothers of Invention

Electronic, Rock

This album is essentially unlistenable. The only reason I'm giving it a 2 is because it's so unique and different. Nobody was doing what Zappa was doing. I don't really like it but I can appreciate it for what it is. Fav track: Absolutely Free

Not on Spotify. I am ok with that. I found this on youtube . I suppose this was edgy social commentary in 1968. Listening to this disc was tiresome. I give it a 1, only because it is on the list of discs.

Rock, Funk / Soul, Pop

One of the better Rolling Stones albums. There is a lot of variety on this record from folk, pop and blues music. This album feels organic and cohesive. You can tell that Keith Richards explored a lot of different music styles in this record. It's one of the best albums on this list. I'll be listening to it again. Fav track: Sympathy for the Devil

Yea - the Stones have found their niche as song writers! This is the first modern sounding Stones disc. Back in the day, song sequencing was important - so the two best tracks on the disc lead off on side 1(i.e. Sympathy for the Devil) and side 2(Street fighting Man).

The Velvet Underground

That was something else. I had never listened to this VU album. It's mostly feedback and noise. I can see why it influenced so many bands. But it's not my favorite VU album. Fav track: White Light/White Heat

I think this is the first album on this list that I ended early (about halfway through the last track). Mostly just noise.

This is art, right? Sometimes it takes time to appreciate art. It is a ballsy disc(especially for 1968). I smiled listening to "The Gift".

Solid album. You can tell this bad was influenced by the Beatles but it's clearly different. This sounds like an Oasis album. I really liked how poppy and upbeat it was. Plus the recording quality and harmonies are fantastic. Fav track: Time of the Season

I gagged on this disc. "Time of the Season" saved this disc. These guys missed the psychedelic bandwagon by one year.

Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, World, & Country

Much different from his popular music. With Van, you either love him or hate him. I like his music. I thought this was an enjoyable listen. It felt like a song cycle. There's a lot of anguish and heartbreak in this record; it sounded like a Damien Rice record. Fav track: Astral Weeks

I often forget to look at the placement, instead focusing on the chronology. I am frankly baffled to see this so high on the list. I enjoy Van Morrison, but this album is boring, borderline forgettable.

Great vocals - but all the songs had the same great vocals. I got bored.

Blue-eye soul at it's best. Reminds me of Van Morrison. The real gem of this album is the Muscle Shoals Band. Fav track: I'm Easy

The variety on this album was a welcome respite from the homogeneity of Van Morrison.

Another good disc. Very listenable. "i'm Easy" and "Loan me a dime" are my favorite tracks; but, really not a bad track on this disc.

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

Better than I expected. But I tend to like weird music. I was dreading this album but I think I kinda like it. It's like anti-music. This is more blues and avant garde than anything else. I knew Beefheart was out there but this is another level. Fav track: Abba Zaba (from Safe as Milk)

Just weird for the sake of being weird; consider "The Crazy World of Arthur Brown" for something a little more refined

This is beatnick poetry with a backing band that leans towards jazz.
Some of the lyrics are funny.
I do not have a favorite track and I doubt i will ever listen to this again.
I give this a 3 due to the fact that this is art and 60 years later, there is nothing that sounds like this.
My Favorite song titles: "Dachau Blues", "My Human Gets Me Blues", "Shes Too Much for my mirror", "When Big Joan Sets Up", "Ant Man Bee"

Creedence Clearwater Revival

An emblimatic album of 1960's culture. You can't watch anything about the Vietnam War without hearing Fortunate Son. This is just a great album. Fav track: Fortunate Son

Pretty darn good, especially "Effigy," which almost smacks of 90's grunge (except for the vocals, of course)

I liked this disc. "Effigy" was a bit of a stinker(imho). My favorite was "Feelin Blue". John Fogerty has talent.

Rock, Folk, World, & Country

An enjoyable listen. This album is makes a pivot in rock music that would go on to influence much of poular music in the 70s. Fav track: Wooden Ships

I wanted to give this disc a 5 but could not. The singing and production are worthy of a 5;
however, not all the songs are a 5. "Guinnervere", "Pre-Road Downs", and "Lady of the Island" are not great songs, even well produced as they are. Favorite tracks are "Wooden ships" and "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes".

Rock, Funk / Soul

One of the best albums on this list. Everything from the cover to the tracks is perfect about this piece of music. How good is Windmills of Your Mind? Wow! I can't say enough about this album. Fav track: The Windmills of Your Mind

I am told this is an all-time great disc. It might be to my un-trained ears. Lots of well - known song writers contributed to this disc so the material is not an issue. I blame my lack of enthusiam for this disc on the production; i could do without all the strings .My favorite tracks are "Son of a preacher man", "No easy way down", and "so much love". "Breakfast in Bed" was covered by squeeze and was a hit. "The Windmills of your mind" was a mid-70's hit for someone(i can't remember who).

Rock, Funk / Soul, Folk, World, & Country

Solid album, even thought I'm not a huge Elvis fan. This album sounds like a Tramp Shining, but I think that album is better. The bass guitar is killer on every track. Fav track: Spacious Minds

The instruments often sound like they're trying to emulate The Beatles, but that doesn't quite work for Elvis's voice.

Good disc. Good backup band. Great vocals. No weak material. This Elvis would have been fun in concert.
My favs: "Wearin' That Loved On Look", "ill hold you in my heart", "in the ghetto".

This band is so hit or miss with me. I like the early stuff but by the end of the 60s it was just derivited. Fav track: Volunteers

This was a good disc.
Get rid of "Hey Fredrick" and "Eskimo Blue Day" and it might be a great disc.