Rating and reviewing music is an extremely subjective activity and I myself don't proclaim to be an expert (or a an excellent writer for that matter!). My entire purpose for engaging in this site is to seek out and maintain contact with other individuals who enjoy music and would like to offer opinions on what they enjoy and why. I've found several members whose reviews are both fun to read and informative, providing me ideas for new bands and genres to explore. Hopefully, users with similar musical tastes to my own will use my reviews for a similar purpose.

How I rate things
5.0: An album that I can listen to repeatedly without getting bored, an album that I would recommend to anyone. There may be a minor flaw.

4.0/4.5: An album I strongly enjoy but there are several small flaws or one moderate flaw

3.0/3.5: A good album, something that I can really enjoy if I'm in the mood but otherwise, is good for a couple of listens before it starts to get stale. Few moderate flaws

2.0/2.5: I probably own/listen to this because I'm a fan of the artist and they've released something disappointing compared to other works. Sure, I can listen to it and get some fun out of it but this probably doesn't apply for most other listeners. One large flaw, several moderate flaws

1.0/1.5: I probably have only listened to this album in its entirety enough times to write a reflective and cogent review. I would not recommend it under any circumstances to anyone. Mutliple large flaws

.5: This album should not have been released, listening to it would actually be detrimental to your state of being leaving you angry and confused upon listening. A complete disaster.