Spin Alternative Record Guide: Album Reviews and Scores

Spin Alternative Record Guide’s album reviews that count toward B-Side Breakdowns: 327 reviews of 327 albums, going back to 2003, each next to the album’s Breakdown. 327 of them come from Wikipedia ratings boxes, mostly for older albums.

Record guide (book)

Top critics

Rob Sheffield 42 reviews
Eric Weisbard 25 reviews
Simon Reynolds 10 reviews
Johnathan Gold 8 reviews
Ann Powers 7 reviews

See all 30 critics

165 reviews with no named critic yet.

What it reviews

Rock 45%
Metal & Punk 22%
Indie & Alternative 12%
Pop 9%
Hip-Hop & Rap 6%

By the numbers

73average score it gives, on the 0 to 100 scale (327 reviews)

54%of its reviews score an album 75 or higher

21points: how far a typical review lands from its own average score

How its scores spread

0–4945
50s22
60s28
70s55
80s70
90+107

Its top scores

The SlitsCut 100
PavementSlanted and Enchanted 100 Eric Weisbard
Gang of FourEntertainment! 100
FlipperAlbum – Generic Flipper 100
Brian EnoAnother Green World 100
Cheap TrickCheap Trick 100
Joy DivisionCloser 100 Evelyn McDonnell
Black FlagDamaged 100 Eric Weisbard

Its newest 200 reviews

	Critic
The LemonheadsLick	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	73	2007
BuzzcocksLove Bites	Barry Walters Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	84	2006
FlipperGone Fishin’	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	65	2006
MobyMoby	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	86	2006
Billy IdolCyberpunk	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	10 1/10	44	2006
The Only OnesEven Serpents Shine	Jim Walsh Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	83	2006
Neil YoungLanding on Water	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	43	2006
Neil Young and Crazy HorseRagged Glory	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	86	2006
New York DollsToo Much Too Soon	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	82	2005
The Jesus and Mary ChainDarklands	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	84	2005
The ReplacementsHootenanny	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	78	2005
WipersOver the Edge	Grant Alden Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	88	2005
WipersYouth of America	Grant Alden Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	83	2005
L7L7	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	65	2005
BlondiePlastic Letters	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	73	2005
StereolabMars Audiac Quintet	Neil Strauss Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	81	2005
The SlitsCut	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	89	2005
Wire154	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	89	2005
The HeartbreakersL.A.M.F.	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	81	2005
N.W.A.Niggaz4Life	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	76	2005
TelevisionAdventure	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	86	2005
PrinceControversy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	82	2005
MotörheadIron Fist	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 2/10	65	2005
The ReplacementsPleased to Meet Me	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	84	2005
Culture ClubColour by Numbers	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	78	2005
AC/DCPowerage	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	63	2004
L7Bricks Are Heavy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	83	2004
Black SabbathTechnical Ecstasy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 2/10	48	2004
FugaziRepeater	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	78	2004
David BowieDiamond Dogs	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	76	2004
MotörheadBastards	Johnathan Gold Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	70	2004
The ReplacementsDon’t Tell a Soul	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	73	2004
PavementSlanted and Enchanted	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	85	2004
Cocteau TwinsGarlands	James Hannaham Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	58	2004
Talking HeadsFear of Music	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	96	2004
DanzigDanzig III: How the Gods Kill	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	72	2004
Talking HeadsTalking Heads: 77	Jeff Salamon Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	86	2004
Dead KennedysPlastic Surgery Disasters	Gina Arnold Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	74	2004
KraftwerkRadio-Activity	Simon Reynolds Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	86	2004
Gang of FourEntertainment!	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	98	2003
RamonesEnd of the Century	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	65	2003
Brian EnoAmbient 1: Music for Airports	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	83	2003
Brian EnoBefore and After Science	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	92	2003
Billy IdolRebel Yell	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	85	2003
Bad BrainsI Against I	Natasha Stovall Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	91	2003
Red Hot Chili PeppersBlood Sugar Sex Magik	Bob Mack Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	84	2003
CrassStations of the Crass	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	67	2003
De La Soul3 Feet High and Rising	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	92	2003
The Germs(GI)	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	83
Fripp & Eno(No Pussyfooting)	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	80
N.W.A.100 Miles and Runnin’	Greg Sandow Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	56
Prince1999	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	89
Depeche ModeA Broken Frame	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	50
BuzzcocksA Different Kind of Tension	Barry Walters Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	84
ABBAABBA: The Album	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	73
MotörheadAce of Spades	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	84
RamonesAcid Eaters	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	65
Pet Shop BoysActually	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	81
David BowieAladdin Sane	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	86
FlipperAlbum – Generic Flipper	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	89
Queen LatifahAll Hail the Queen	Evelyn McDonnell Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	76
The JamAll Mod Cons	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	91
MobyAmbient	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	67
Brian EnoAnother Green World	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	100
BuzzcocksAnother Music in a Different Kitchen	Barry Walters Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	81
MotörheadAnother Perfect Day	Johnathan Gold Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	47
ABBAArrival	Barry Walters Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	80
Roxy MusicAvalon	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	86
AC/DCBack in Black	Natasha Stovall Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	91
Bad BrainsBad Brains	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	92
Sonic YouthBad Moon Rising	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	62
Syd BarrettBarrett	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	63
Dead KennedysBedtime for Democracy	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	53
Lou ReedBerlin	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	84
Duran DuranBig Thing	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 2/10	47
LL Cool JBigger and Deffer	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	67
Iggy PopBlah Blah Blah	Mark Rubin Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	53
Richard Hell and the VoidoidsBlank Generation	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	84
BlondieBlondie	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	79
Tom WaitsBlue Valentine	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	73
MotörheadBomber	Johnathan Gold Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	67
Body CountBorn Dead	Greg Sandow Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	56
Too ShortBorn to Mack	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	60
The B-52'sBouncing off the Satellites	Johnny Huston Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	65
Dinosaur Jr.Bug	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	80
The CarsCandy-O	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	84
WireChairs Missing	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	92
Cheap TrickCheap Trick	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	87
Beastie BoysCheck Your Head	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	88
Joy DivisionCloser	Evelyn McDonnell Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	99
The ClashCombat Rock	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	74
Lou ReedConey Island Baby	Neil Strauss Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	82
Sonic YouthConfusion Is Sex	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	61
Stone Temple PilotsCore	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	62
The B-52'sCosmic Thing	Johnny Huston Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	70
Roxy MusicCountry Life	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	90
The AdvertsCrossing the Red Sea with The Adverts	Jonathan Bernstein Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	85
The ClashCut the Crap	Mark Sinker Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	40
Cypress HillCypress Hill	Chris Norris Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	86
Black FlagDamaged	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	88
DanzigDanzig	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	67
DanzigDanzig 4	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	68
The Human LeagueDare	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	90
David BowieDavid Bowie	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 2/10	60
Sonic YouthDaydream Nation	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	100
De La SoulDe La Soul Is Dead	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	78
Leonard CohenDeath of a Ladies’ Man	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	63
BjörkDebut	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	79
KissDestroyer	Jason Cohen Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	85
KraftwerkDie Mensch-Maschine	Simon Reynolds Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	91
PrinceDirty Mind	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	98
SlayerDivine Intervention	Greg Sandow Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	77
Green DayDookie	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	90
MinutemenDouble Nickels on the Dime	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	93
KissDressed to Kill	Jason Cohen Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	73
Duran DuranDuran Duran	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	75
Patti Smith GroupEaster	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	85
BlondieEat to the Beat	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	77
CanEge Bamyasi	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	96
MudhoneyEvery Good Boy Deserves Fudge	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	75
Neil Young and Crazy HorseEverybody Knows This Is Nowhere	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	88
Hüsker DüEverything Falls Apart	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	68
Sonic YouthEvol	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	82
Alice in ChainsFacelift	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	63
Black FlagFamily Man	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 2/10	40
John CaleFear	Ann Powers Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	85
Napalm DeathFear, Emptiness, Despair	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	68
Eric B. & RakimFollow the Leader	James Hunter Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	85
Roxy MusicFor Your Pleasure	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	85
Tom WaitsForeign Affairs	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	66
Dead KennedysFrankenchrist	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	60
Red Hot Chili PeppersFreaky Styley	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	70
Neil YoungFreedom	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	88
PrimusFrizzle Fry	Chris Norris Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	73
Napalm DeathFrom Enslavement to Obliteration	Chris Norris Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	78
Nick Cave and the Bad SeedsFrom Her to Eternity	Simon Reynolds Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	78
The StoogesFun House	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	97
CanFuture Days	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	95
The Smashing PumpkinsGish	James Hunter Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	83
The ClashGive ‘Em Enough Rope	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	78
Lou ReedGrowing Up in Public	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	53
Neil YoungHarvest	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	83
Neil YoungHawks & Doves	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	68
Cocteau TwinsHead over Heels	James Hannaham Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	84
Richard ThompsonHenry the Human Fly	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	79
Brian EnoHere Come the Warm Jets	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	91
David BowieHeroes	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	89
AC/DCHigh Voltage	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	64
AC/DCHighway to Hell	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	87
Kate BushHounds of Love	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	93
L7Hungry for Stink	Natasha Stovall Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	78
David BowieHunky Dory	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	95
The UndertonesHypnotised	Jonathan Bernstein Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	81
Leonard CohenI’m Your Man	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	87
Black FlagIn My Head	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	70
The JamIn the City	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	84
EurythmicsIn the Garden	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	48
Bad ReligionInto the Unknown	Jonathan Gold Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	58
Pet Shop BoysIntrospective	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	78
WipersIs This Real?	Grant Alden Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	80
Public EnemyIt Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back	Michael Eric Dyson Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	100
Siouxsie and the BansheesJoin Hands	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	53
Nick Cave and the Bad SeedsKicking Against the Pricks	Simon Reynolds Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	80
Iggy PopKill City	Mike Rubin Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	74
Run-DMCKing of Rock	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	76
KissKiss	Jason Cohen Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	78
KraftwerkKraftwerk	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	63
RamonesLeave Home	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	91
Lou ReedLegendary Hearts	Neil Strauss Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	75
The ReplacementsLet It Be	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	95
AC/DCLet There Be Rock	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	78
Duran DuranLiberty	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	20 2/10	40
Beastie BoysLicensed to Ill	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	95
Kate BushLionheart	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	57
The Velvet UndergroundLoaded	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	91
The ClashLondon Calling	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	97
XLos Angeles	Rob Sheffield Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	92
KissLove Gun	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	70
PrinceLove Symbol	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	78
The LemonheadsLovey	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	57
David BowieLow	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	94
Iggy PopLust for Life	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	88
LL Cool JMama Said Knock You Out	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	85
Roxy MusicManifesto	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	74
MotörheadMarch ör Die	Johnathan Gold Read the review via Wikipedia	40 4/10	55
Public Image Ltd.Metal Box	Simon Reynolds Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	98
DescendentsMilo Goes to College	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	88
CanMonster Movie	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	84
XMore Fun in the New World	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	88
Talking HeadsMore Songs About Buildings and Food	Jeff Salamon Read the review via Wikipedia	90 9/10	90
Red Hot Chili PeppersMother’s Milk	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	50 5/10	61
MotörheadMotörhead	Johnathan Gold Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	70
John CaleMusic for a New Society	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	85
Black FlagMy War	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	30 3/10	57
Talking HeadsNaked	Jeff Salamon Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	78
Sex PistolsNever Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols	Eric Weisbard Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	99
Black SabbathNever Say Die!	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	70 7/10	58
Kate BushNever for Ever	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	60 6/10	67
Hüsker DüNew Day Rising	not named Read the review via Wikipedia	100 10/10	96
Lou ReedNew Sensations	Neil Strauss Read the review via Wikipedia	80 8/10	78