“THIS Album…” with William Hann

Album Challenge - NME's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

“THIS Album…” with William Hann

Show Notes

What happens when you try to listen to 500 of the greatest albums ever made… in just a few months? In this special episode of This Album, William Hann kicks off an ambitious music challenge inspired by the NME 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list — aiming to listen to every single album, in full, before summer. No skipping. No shortcuts. Just pure music discovery. The 500 albums challenge explained How to listen to 4–5 albums a day First impressions after starting the journey Discovering new genres outside indie & rock Early standout albums & surprises Can you really appreciate an album in one listen? Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city Outkast – Stankonia Bruce Springsteen – The River Billie Holiday MC5 – Back in the USA Foo Fighters The Beatles Frank Sinatra …and many more from across decades and genres. 500 albums Full listens only Deadline: before Truck Festival Can it be done?

And more importantly — what will it change about how we listen to music? With so much music out there, it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone. This challenge is about: Expanding your music taste Revisiting classic albums Understanding what makes a “great” album 00:00 Intro – Not your usual episode 02:00 The 500 albums challenge explained 08:00 First albums & early reactions 15:00 Standout artists & surprises 25:00 Can you rate albums after one listen? 35:00 Should YOU try this challenge? Have you listened to the NME Top 500 albums? Drop your favourite albums in the comments. Music podcast episodes, album deep dives, and unique music challenges every week. 500 greatest albums of all time, NME 500 albums list, music challenge, best albums ever, album review podcast, music discovery, classic albums, indie rock, hip hop albums, music podcast UK #MusicChallenge #BestAlbums #NME #MusicPodcast #AlbumReview #IndieMusic #HipHop #ClassicAlbums #MusicDiscovery

More from “THIS Album…” with William Hann

Oct 22, 2026

For episode 104 I'm joined by one of the biggest guitar bands of this generation, it's The Snuts!

Oct 15, 2026

For episode 103, I'm joined by Radio royalty. From Absolute Radio, it's Ben Burell!

Oct 12, 2026

"The very first “post-surf” band. This London four-piece (extended to five on stage) was formed in 2021 when Connie came to London from France and met Archie (bass) from Worcester and Steve (guitar) from York. They blended their influences so seamlessly that they had to invent an actual genre to describe their sound. “Post-surf” is a pun to the “post-punk” dominion over the London scene of the past decade, alluding to the twist operated by these boys: post-modern themes in their lyrics and reflections on the chaos of modern life, but the warm and soothing sun of 60s California on the surface, embodied by their trademark four-part harmonies, surf guitars, and inexplicably strange chords. Their first album, a series of haunting ballads expunged in an effort to shave down their growing catalog, was released in 2025. “Poorly Planned Missions… Executed Worse” features ten tracks dripping with the band’s sonic identity and commitment to writing a song that sounds like it could never be written twice. Having opened for acts like The Big Pink and The Molotovs, they are gearing up for the release of the much louder follow-up to their debut, a cinematic whirlpool of indie bangers, introduced by their brand new single ‘Neverknows’.”

Oct 8, 2026

For episode 101 I’m joined by a modern pop phenomenon - it’s Maddie Zahm!

Oct 1, 2026

For episode 100 I'm joined I'm joined by a massive guest, from the actual, literal, bloody Maccabees.... it's Orlando Weeks!

See all episodes →