10 - The Best of the Best. Transcendent, essentially perfect, important, and more than likely to remain a classic touchstone for years to come.
9 - Very Nearly Perfect. A superlative example of music of any form, a pinnacle of an artist's achievement, and something that all music lovers should hear.
8 - Excellent. Among the best work of the given artist, or among the best in the given genre, though it may only appeal to fans of that genre.
7 - Damn Good. Stands out and is definitely worth purchasing, though it has some flaws.
6 - Good. Enjoyable and should be of interest to fans of the artist or genre, but has specific weaknesses.
5 - Average. Decent, but will probably appeal to fans of the artist the most -- some good individual tracks, some bad; average songs; work that meets expectations of the artist or genre.
4 - Unexceptional. Truly a mixed bag, with some highlights, but not enough to distinguish itself from similar albums or artists.
3 - Weak. Bland, with little to distinguish it or recommend it, even to fans of their particular artist or genre.
2 - Seriously Flawed. Contains major flaws which significantly limit appreciation; very poor work by a particular artist; very poor representations of a genre.
1- Terrible. So poorly written / performed / produced that it is an embarrassment to the genre and the artist who produced it. To be avoided at all costs.
