5 stars- A truly ground-breaking and influential record, or one of the finest examples of its genre and time

4.5 stars- An excellent record that I have enjoyed over a long period of time. Usually, but not always, from a major artist in their prime

4.0 stars- A highly accomplished or likeable record, though just a little shy of indispensable (to me)

3.5 stars- The lesser end of the really good stuff. Includes many fine genre records or lesser works from major artists

3.0 stars- Has some good points, judged objectively, but it fails to completely inspire or impress

2.5 stars- Formulaic or generic music which is easily forgotten

2 stars- This is a record which lacks any spark at all for me, but is yet to be actively awful

1.5-0.5 stars- These records exhibit varying levels of cynicism, laziness, excess, underdevelopment, datedness or other musical vices.