Planet Rock: The Album

I've noticed that the 1001 albums list seems to comprise of two different types of albums. The first type are those that are those that are timeless, regardless of when they were released and can be enjoyed by multiple generations of music listeners. The other type are those that are historically significant but may not stand the test of time. I feel like this album is in the second category. It might be important to the development of hip-hop and I'm sure that if I grew up with it, the album would hold a special place for me. Listening to it the first time decades after it was released, it only sounds dated. There are some decent ideas on here and it's a pretty upbeat album from start to finish but there's other 80s rap that is far stronger.

Wow. That's legitimately bad. I get that they were going for a "ground-breaking" and "genre-defining" album experience and maybe they achieved it for the time. But it aged very poorly. To a modern listener it just sounds like amateur hour at the college radio station. None of the songs go anywhere or say anything of note. It's an exceptionally empty and repetitive album.

This stuff has been sampled and mapped over so many times, it's hard to think of what this must've felt like, hearing it for the first time. Great party energy, though it did fall into the background. Thought that's probably because of repetition - it alll already sounds so familiar. I'll give it an extra star since, when I was a kid, I thought Afrika Bambaataa and Mr. T were the same person and that seems wrong.

-Renegades of Funk is a banger, but RATM did a better version -Turns out this guy has been accused of sexually assaulting a bunch of boys, so 0/5, I guess.

In historical context this album is very important for electro and hip-hop, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's still interesting to actually listen to today. One of the problems of being the genre-definer is that once everything you do has been imitated, you end up looking pretty generic. A higher rating for significance, but for my personal enjoyment I can't go above a 2.

Honestly if I were rating purely off enjoyment I might not give it 5 stars, but it's impossible to separate this music from how hugely important and influential it was to the early years of hip hop.

Even if I heard this album many years ago, listening to it today was a total discovery. As I checked the site and was about to play it I was readying myself for an old school rap record. To my surprise I was met by something much more rewarding.  First of, all the songs here kind of sound like Rockit by Herbie Hancock, which is not a bad thing at all. They also have a lively feeling to them, as if they were actually played and not sampled. Further research revealed that indeed, many parts were re-recorded rather than sampled from the original recordings Then I am reading that this is the first electro album ever made, a genre I am not really familiar with and that I will explore in the next few days.  And that's exactly what is interesting in this process: either you get a chance to discover something that you had never heard about, or you get a chance to listen again to some classics you hadn't heard in a while. And then there is the possibility of experiencing an album you already knew as if it were your first time ever, rediscovering aspects that weren't there before. Because we too are like musical instruments: the more you listen, with curiosity and open mind, the more you are fine tuned into a better understanding. 

I'm starting to really enjoy the feeling that not only am I aware of my crusty ol bias but it's going away. Or at least I'm able to navigate around it better. This is an album that I would not have given a second thought or dismissed. But this 1001 Albums project is teaching me to take more time. There's a whole world here. It's objectively kick ass what a busy intersection of influence and innovation this album is. Apparently it's possible to like and not like a thing, haha. More and more it feels pointless to rate the art. 2.5

I don't want to live on this planet any more.

Intergalactic paedo-ing. Hyperspace kiddy fiddling. Absolute nonce-sense.

Cool to see the proto-Chicago house AND proto-hip hop here all mixed together. This album rules. Definitely a bit dated feeling but in a "Seinfeld is unfunny" way to a degree.

Dudes talking over lame instrumentals. I had to do push-ups to keep myself invested.

Absolute genius. One of the best to ever do it, and also one of the first. Anyone who claims to love hip-hop, but doesn't know of the founders, is missing out massively. This album in particular makes me want to set up a class teaching the youngsters about the early days and the golden age!

The album name and cover had me real worried, not gunna lie. I had a HUGE gut reaction assumption that this record was going to be a major pile of crap. But it's actually FUCKING AMAZING!! I love it. Socially conscious, inspired, unabashedly oddball and cool at the same time; all the elements I like blended up into one funky non-stop party groove. And Renegades of Funk... omg that has been one of my favourite RATM songs for decades!! I love hearing the original track, it's so good too! I'm so happy my extremely unfair bias has been proven resoundingly wrong this morning. Zulu nation!!!

Delicious Afro-synth music from the 80s.

The keys on the opening tracks are immaculate; Could have been recorded today; Give me Sun Ra via funk. There's less musical material in the songs here, so it's a listen best left in context: Hip-hop has other realms to explore nowadays. The rest of the scratching and posse-cutting is about what one would expect, adding up to an essential listen with a little filler.

When it comes to this album one thing is certain: the influence this had is imense. Like Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa was a cornerstone in early to mid-60's Hip-Hop. Instead of sampling old Soul and Funk records he used Electronic records from artists like Kraftwerk to create a mix of Electronic music, Hip-Hop and Funk that pushed the sound of especially Hip-Hop like no other album in that time. Does that mean that it is a good album and important to understand todays music? Yes! Is it holding up to what it maybe once was? No, absolutely not! The album opens with the title track: 'Planet Rock'. Already you are hit with a very recognisible sound that in the lead synth that has been used and sample from this many times. The "instrumental chorus" is taken from 'Trans Europa Express' by Kraftwerk. It is a very funky intro to the album and it already shows that the focus isn't lyrical rapping but more the Electro beats that are topped off with a rhytmic vocal structure. And the cover also looks exactly like the album sounds even from this first track. I just feel like, and this is my main criticism with the album, the song is too long. After a while the instrumental just cannot carry the whole thing, I would've needed some actually working verses with substance. Follow up song 'Looking for the Perfect Beat' has a similar problem. It should've been cut down to the half. You do not have that much important stuff to say to stretch the song to 7 minutes, if 3 or 4 would've been enough. I do like the goofy ad-libs in the middle that go: "doodle-doo-doo" or something and the chorus, as well as the overall Funk of this song. And while they might not have found the perfect beat, they at least found the best one on the album. Side A closes with 'Renegades of Funk' that most know because of the Rage Against the Machine cover. It has a nice variety of influences and sound all throughout the song. I think this is the most forward-thinking and influential song on the album although it lacks on certain parts that don't make it entertaining and consistent the whole way through. 'Frantic Situation' opens the second side is the shortest song on the album. The problem is that if the good songs are made over 6 minutes long, the 3 minute songs will likely not have the impact or strength the longer ones have. The song just flies over you without anything really sticking with you. It is pretty much very boring and basic in both beat and rapping. In comparison 'Who You Funkin' With' is a much stronger song. But it sadly cannot live up to anything on Side A. 'Go Go Pop' is probably my favourite on this second half. It is groovy and the beat is really nice although it doesn't achieve the highs from the start. The closing track 'They Made a Mistake' sadly cannot do much either. It gets annoying very fast and even the parts that are interesting do not hold that for long. favourites: Planet Rock, Looking for the Perfect Beat least favourites: Frantic Situation, They Made a Mistake, Who You Funkin' With Rating: light 6 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

Genre: Electro 3/5 An interesting exploration in electro instrumentals with the addition of hip hop vocals, with the song Planet Rock being one of the first singles to truly synthesize the two sounds, this compilation based around that single is a time capsule, showcasing some of the earliest rap singles around. The unfortunate context behind this album, that Afrika Bambaataa (Lance Taylor) is an all-but-jailed, quite prolific sexual offender, does sour some of what's going on. It's always difficult to look beyond sex crimes in art, especially when it deals with minors, so unfortunately this project is stained. However, the music that lies within is some of the most influential and important hip hop music ever produced, and is an essential listen in that regard. Planet Rock, the aforementioned, very important song, is now viewed and listened to as an "old-school hip hop" track, but that does it a disservice. It's essentially one of the earliest songs that set the instrumental template for what would be a whole decade's worth of rap music. The rest of the songs play out pretty much as you'd expect, break beats with the occasional verse and hook, with nothing from the back half sounding particularly exciting. What was exciting, though, was listening to the OG Renegades of Funk, and becoming more and more impressed with Rage Against the Machine's near perfect cover of it. Other than those two big tracks, this album is rather forgettable, unfortunately tainted with nonce behavior, but it's not offensive sonically. This will probably do wonders for those who truly love instrumental hip hop and are interested in its earliest fossils.

I enjoyed this one. The hip hop and electronica fusion works. Of interest is that I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it in 1986. I'll say my music taste has progressed although some might say the opposite.

No. 298/1001 Planet Rock 3/5 Looking for the Perfect Beat 2/5 Renegades of Funk 2/5 Frantic Situation 3/5 Who You Funkin' With? 3/5 Go Go Pop 2/5 They Made A Mistake 2/5 Average: 2,43 Another influential hip-hop album of this era, that didn’t really age well. Also I had issues with production and mixing. The volume in between songs differed greatly. In some songs in my opinion the beat was way too loud compared to the vocals.

Afrika Bambaataa. Zulu Nation. Touching little boys since the early 80s. I know, separate the artist from the art, but the artist is so vile... "Renegades of Funk" now belongs to Rage Against The Machine, listen to that version instead.

Arent we all just looking for the perfect beat? Edit: I just read the wiki and now I dont know how to grade this album. I didnt know that afrika bambaataa was a child molester which makes it difficult to give the album the 5 star rating I originally made. I'm revising my score to a 2 of 5, keeping a star for being a groundbreaking and powerful work but losing 3 stars for being led by a garbage human. 5/5 - revised to 2/5

Good stuff. One star removed for being a nonce

Not funky enough or hip hop enough for me, somewhere in the bland middle. Some interesting samples and ideas but not a very engaging listen. Another reason why Ronald Reagan's America sucked.

Weird record, def not rock

2.5/5

Oh man. I respect the old school hip hop pioneering here, but I am torn by the stories of dude's offending against the young. No, actually in not torn. Once you know, your know. Would've been four, but knocked down to one star. Not for Afrika, but for the survivors.

disregarding any allegations brought towards afrika, this album is monstrously boring it reeks of all the boring 80s sounds that make me want to fall asleep. i have much better music to listen to instead.

Was initially given Afrika Bambaataa but decided against listening after seeing his numerous child molestation charges. Instead, I chose another random album and was given Gorillaz 2001 self-titled debut album. I was surprised by how forgettable this was outside of Clint Eastwood. It turns out that almost all of the songs I enjoy are from Demon Days or Plastic Beach. 2.5/5

Brilliantly fun— an exhilarating first listen and a groovy second

Irrespective of what happened with him later, this album from a musical point of view is amazing.

Almost 50 years old and this sounds as good as it did back then. An amazing piece of work.

An incredibly important collection of songs not just for hip hop but for electronic music as a whole. It's still a great listen today and those calling this dated should separate the sounds from their own association with the 80s. These sounds are still used and celebrated by djs and producers today so it's not the music that is dated it's the people listening to it! 5/5

Perfect!

Wow! They brought the funk with this album. I heard a lot of familiar beats, used by Kanye, Rage (had no idea Renegade was a cover!!), and I heard a lot of lyrics mimiced by other hip hop/rap artists. This album must’ve been a heavy influence on the hip hop seen. I think I have to give this 5 starts do all that.

Inventive, raw, and exciting. I think these tracks have aged very nicely.

It sounds like typical 80's early rap; I thought of Cherry Hill Gang immediately on the first track (Planet Rock). Reading the history of Bambaata, I was charmed to learn he's amongst the true godfathers of hip-hop with influences and collabs as diverse as Kraftwerk and Johnny Rotten! So many party chants are here; I had no idea where they came from before (Party People! Say we like to body rock the parties!) Honestly this is super cool and I'm happy to have listened.

This is certainly not my favourite electro album from the 80s (would prefer for example Newcleus: Jam on Revenge or Egyptian Lover: On The Nile or Whodini: Escape) and it is a collection of singles from mainly 82-83 ..does it count an album? But these singles were highly influential so I can the point, and it is good that there is at least one electro album in the list. score: 9/10

Nice

So funky. So many samples.

Revolutionary release.

Fucking fire

Interesting listen.

Normally don’t care for rap but this had actual Music!! 🎶 loved it!!

Today's album is super early hip hop, like Grandmaster Flash or The Sugarhill Gang. This album is super important to the evolution of modern hip hop and rap. These songs have been sampled any times, and have influenced so many artists. Interesting side note: Planet Rock (the song) features samples of Kraftwerk's song Trans-Europe Express. These aren't traditional samples, however, as DJ and producer Arthur Baker met with Afrika Bambaataa and decided that instead of just playing a recording of the Kraftwerk tune, they would recreate it. This was done without Kraftwerk's permission, so the band approached the record label, and got royalties awarded to them for sales of the single. Afrika's version of the song (Planet Rock) was sampled and featured in an episode of Trailer Park Boys (I've Met Cats and Dogs Smarter Than Trevor and Cory). In the episode, the boys open an illegal night club in the park. Cory and Trevor are put in, charge of promoting the club around town, and hand out flyers at a gay bar called The Empty Closet. This leads to J-Roc's Crib being full of dudes on opening night. This song is being mixed in the background on opening night. Sampling another artist without asking for permission sounds like another episode of Trailer Park Boys called Who's the Microphone Assassin where J-Roc bootlegs songs of rap artist Detroit Velvet Smooth and calls it "cross promotion". It's also interesting that Rage Against The Machine's song Renegades of Funk is a cover of an Afrika Bambaataa song. I had no idea. This is a super solid album. Too bad Afrika Bambaataa is accused of sexually assaulting a bunch of kids. Favourite songs: Planet Rock, Renegades of Funk, Who You Funkin' With?, Looking for the Perfect Beat, Frantic Situation Least favourite songs: if forced to pick, They Made a Mistake 5/5

Funktastic! 5 stars.

Good

This album rocks

Absolutely world class hip hop. So much going on! There isn’t a single weak track on the album 4.6

cool

FUCK YES!!!!!!!! The sound of my childhood. 10000 stars!

A retro futuristic concept of a Zulu Nation out in space with an avant garde sound that is both funky and techno, with some of the most memorable early hip hop tunes to booth? This album is a masterpiece and it’s also super fun.

This is where it all began. Prior to listening I had not realised how ingrained in our collective consciousness, this album was. You may not know or like that genre but the chances are you are already familiar with the work.

HAIKU REVIEW Old school MCs serve Kraftwerk and break beats making Something much bigger

One of the originals and one of the best

Iconic, elemental

Last year I bought a cheap Sanyo music centre, and unexpectedly it came with a few recorded cassettes. One of the cassettes was a recording of a radio show from 1984. It was an interesting blast from the past, especially some of the news reports throughout the radio show. One of the things I thought interesting was a claim from some scientist about how breakdancing could contribute to hair loss. Yeah honestly, if this was the sort of thing that people were breakdancing to back in the mid 80s, I can see it. I thought this was a really fun album, and judging by when it came out I can imagine this had an influence on both hip hop and house music going into the late 80s and 90s, while interpolating and drawing influence from Kraftwerk. It's undeniably aged, but I don't care. This was just a really fun and groovy album. Favourite: Planet Rock

I get it. Fantastic

I rather enjoyed listening to this. Clearly a source of a lot of beats and samples.

Cool.

afrikaaaaaaa

This record will make your dick bleed so much, that it will force you to tear it off and feed it to a baby chimpanzee for supper.

é bronca

Really interesting and unexpected

OMG, This album feels so 80s. I thought of the Superbowl Shuffle on one of the songs (Renegades of Funk, I think) and although I wouldn't listen to it again intentionally, I wouldn't skip it if something came on my playlist. And the album art!

😂😂💯

This is the third day in a row with a rap album. Each day it’s from a decade earlier and each album is better. The lesson: old school hip hop is the best hip hop and all the newer stuff stinks. Anyway, classic rap from back in the day, fantastic stuff. I miss the old MCs.

unexpectedly entertaining. Apparently I have a thing for old school Rap/R&B/Whatever this is.

## In-Depth Review of *Planet Rock: The Album* by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force Afrika Bambaataa's *Planet Rock: The Album*, released in 1986, stands as a pivotal moment in the evolution of hip-hop and electronic music. This album not only showcases Bambaataa's innovative approach to music but also encapsulates the cultural and social dynamics of the time. The collaboration with the Soulsonic Force brings forth a unique blend of hip-hop, funk, and electronic sounds that would influence generations of artists. ### **Musical Composition and Production** *Planet Rock: The Album* is characterized by its groundbreaking use of synthesizers, drum machines, and samples. The production, primarily handled by Arthur Baker and John Robie, merges elements of hip-hop with European electronic music, drawing significant inspiration from bands like Kraftwerk. - **Instrumentation**: The album prominently features the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which has since become a staple in hip-hop production. This machine's distinctive sounds—robotic handclaps, deep bass kicks—create an energetic backdrop that defines much of the album's tracks. - **Production Techniques**: The recording process was innovative for its time, utilizing simple studio equipment to create complex sounds. Baker and Robie employed techniques such as layering synthesizer lines and manipulating vocal effects through digital delay units like the Lexicon PCM41. This resulted in a sound that was both futuristic and deeply rooted in the street culture of New York City. - **Tracks Overview**: - **"Planet Rock"**: The title track exemplifies the album's ethos with its infectious beat and catchy hooks. It combines rapping with rhythmic chants that encourage listener participation. - **"Looking for the Perfect Beat"**: This track continues the theme of exploration in music, blending various genres to create a unique sound. - **"Renegades of Funk"**: A remix that highlights Bambaataa's ability to reinterpret classic funk elements within a modern context. ### **Lyrics and Themes** The lyrical content of *Planet Rock* often reflects themes of unity, celebration, and cultural pride. Bambaataa’s lyrics serve not only as entertainment but also as a call to action for listeners to embrace music as a means of expression and community building. - **Cultural Commentary**: Songs like "Who You Funkin' With?" feature lyrics that celebrate hip-hop culture while also addressing social issues faced by urban communities. Bambaataa’s background as a leader in the Zulu Nation informs his message of positivity and empowerment. - **Engagement with Audiences**: The call-and-response style prevalent in many tracks invites listeners to engage actively with the music, fostering a sense of community during performances. ### **Influence on Music and Culture** The impact of *Planet Rock: The Album* extends far beyond its initial release. It played a crucial role in shaping not only hip-hop but also various electronic genres. - **Electro Movement**: The album is often credited with helping to establish electro as a distinct genre. Its innovative use of electronic sounds paved the way for future artists in hip-hop, techno, and house music. - **Legacy**: Many contemporary artists cite Bambaataa’s work as an influence on their sound. The techniques developed in this album can be heard in modern productions across genres, from pop to EDM. - **Cultural Significance**: Bambaataa’s role as a cultural ambassador for hip-hop helped elevate the genre’s status globally. His emphasis on peace and unity resonated during a time when urban violence was rampant, making his message particularly poignant. ### **Pros and Cons of *Planet Rock: The Album*** #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The fusion of electronic music with hip-hop created a new sonic landscape that was ahead of its time. - **Cultural Impact**: The album not only influenced musicians but also contributed significantly to the broader cultural movement surrounding hip-hop. - **Engaging Lyrics**: Bambaataa’s lyrics promote positivity and community involvement, making them relevant even today. - **Timeless Tracks**: Many songs from this album remain staples in DJ sets and are frequently sampled by contemporary artists. #### Cons - **Limited Commercial Success**: While influential, some tracks did not achieve significant commercial success compared to mainstream pop at the time. - **Niche Appeal**: The heavy reliance on electronic sounds may alienate listeners who prefer traditional hip-hop or funk styles. - **Sample Controversies**: The use of Kraftwerk samples led to legal issues that overshadowed some aspects of the album's legacy. ### **Conclusion** Afrika Bambaataa's *Planet Rock: The Album* is more than just a collection of songs; it is a landmark achievement that encapsulates the spirit of innovation within hip-hop culture. Its blend of electronic beats, engaging lyrics, and cultural significance has left an indelible mark on music history. As we continue to see its influence in modern genres, it is clear that *Planet Rock* will remain an essential part of the narrative surrounding hip-hop’s evolution.

Nice nice definitely like the last couple songs more but could see the rest being cooler in a better setting

I love an 80's electronic cowbell.

At the risk of sounding insufferable, this fucking slapped. 4.5 if I could.

I liked it. Very classic, and I can definitely recognize pieces of it.

Electro classic. Personal favourite is Frantic Situation 4/5

Enjoyed the first half a lot. Glad to have heard it Rating: 4.0

Might have been 5 if not for me failing to separate art from artist - fun music

PLANET ROCK! PLANET ROCK!

The first big electro/hop hop crossover. And it hits brilliantly on the front. But by the end, it's getting very samey

Some really good songs on here and Planet Rock is such a fun element of my musical youth.

Interesting album. I am positively surprised. I would describe it as HipHop-Funk. Reminds me of MC Hammer

Super classic, sounded great.

i had so much fun with this one! 3.5

Yo! This album has amazing beats and was super fun to listen to. Old school hip hop and funk together is a magical combination.

Knew of Africa Bambaattaa. Maybe even mentioned a few times in conversation growing up, but never purposefully listened to them. Wow. Genius! So great on so many levels.

Some great sounds from hiphop was truley experimental. Nice funk combo

Proper old school, great stuff.

A milestone in music making, but it hasn't dated that well.

Party in my ears + Kraftwerk. I’m in.

Old school funk

Great party album!! Took me back to the block parties in the early 90s!

could i write poetry to this? y

Hip hop roots. 4/5

I liked it a lot!

Funky

This is the encyclopedia of hip hop samples and extemporaneous soundscapes from the 80s. Possibly the most influential beats?

The pioneering electro sounds, drum machine rhythms, and danceable grooves across Planet Rock make it one of the most monumentally influential records in the origins of hip-hop, electronica, and other contemporary genres still sampling it today.

East coast hip hop and electro. Such a crazy unique album, at least for me. I am not too well versed on the origins of hip hop but this definitely sounds like early hip hop. Great electro beats really carry this album, they're simple and sometimes annoying but they somehow just work. Vocals are also great, good production lets them shine. I don't want to give the album too much praise just because of how influential it seems to have been, I want to judge it just on how I enjoyed it. I liked this album enough on its own, some songs were a little long, beats got a little old in those. It's really cool just to hear how fair hip hop has come, especially with the other essential hip hop albums I've heard so far. May revisit for a couple songs or to show other people. 3.5/5

# Playlist track - Planet Rock # Notes - Very cool to recognize the hook from "Planet Rock" from pretty much everywhere. When I went to find an example and figured out it's originally from Kraftwerk's Trans-Europe Express. - That sample instantly throws my mind to the late 90s and early 2000s. - I do understand the folks that find the album a bit repetitive and that it didn't age too well. You've heard it a thousand times, but in other places. - Insane cover art!

this is real old school breakdance hip hop. seriously this is the kind of music where there's two teams composed of young men in flashy streetwear flipping and spinning at one another for hours on end. one may be initially turned off by the slightly corny plinky-plonky synth arps but this album is full of classic bombastic programmed beats and crazy stabs.

Early warm hiphop. Very much appreciated