5.0 (10.0/10.0) Rating: This an album that both resonates with me at a personal/emotional level, as well as one I feel is a classic in its given genre. Oftentimes, it is a record that has completely altered the way I perceive music, or even myself. Often they are not always albums that everyone will see as an outstanding 'classic', but they are alternatively close to my heart. Alternatively, they are just that: classics.

4.5 (9.0/10.0) Rating: These are just below the threshold of a 5.0 rating. For the most part, the same description carries into this category, yet these albums just barely miss the mark of 'perfection'. Otherwise, it may just lack the emotional pull that many albums in the 5.0 category carry. Either way, albums of this rating are, for all intents and purposes, what I would call 'classics' in my personal canon.

4.0 (8.0/10.0) Rating: These are albums that deliver superb overall quality, bringing originality and excellent songwriting to the table. Typically I give this rating to some of the best releases of the current year, as I oftentimes feel that a 4.5 rating is extremely hard earned for newer albums. Not due to quality per se, but in acknowledging that time and place are of utmost importance when examining art. Essentially, we can't know how it will hold up, or if broader significance is attainable. Regardless, this album stands on it's own as one of outstanding quality.

3.5 (7.0/10.0) Rating: Albums in this category are above average and well executed, but fail to 'wow' me in the same way higher rated albums have. These records are 'good' and enjoyable, but do not stick out from the pack in the same way as 4.0 or above. Emotional pull, songwriting execution, and originality are major factors in my ratings. Often, albums of this rating significantly lack in one category while being great in another. These albums also remain full of potential genius, perhaps executing this in part, but remain inconsistent or just short of their goal. Many times, this rating applies to a more sub-par release in a discography of an otherwise excellent, genre defining band.

3.0 (5.5-6.0/10.0) Rating: Releases in this category are aggressively 'average'. They do not do anything especially well, or especially bad. There are some standout tracks that reach 4.0 quality, but none that really exceed that, nor is there any consistency in quality. It is a solid release that has enjoyable moments, but not one that I find pops out from the rest. However, it is a release that others may resonate with others much more than me. In other words, it is not 'bad', but not exactly my definition of 'good'.

2.5 (4.5-5.0/10.0) Rating: This is reserved for relatively poor albums, which have some shining moments but overall fail to provide a rewarding listening experience. They are dull, unoriginal, and lacking emotion or intelligence. There is still enjoyment to be found, but nowhere near enough to warrant much more than a couple listens, if that.

2.0 (3.0-4.0/10.0) Rating and Below (0.5-2.0/10.0): Here the line between good/bad in my personal canon is drawn. However, I do not reserve many releases to 2.0 or below, as I try to see value in any release I hear. Yet, these releases are void of originality, quality songwriting, emotional appeal, or really anything else I find important in music. It can be genuine art, yet one that I feel has failed, or music that I cannot even justify being art. As the ratings decrease, the criticism only gets harsher. 1.5 rating becomes the essential bottom of my rating system, with 1.0 and 0.5 being reserved for induced vomiting.