Nothing's Shocking

Not as shocking as expected. I enjoyed it but it verged too close to bland at times.

I think this is ahead of its time, but I just didn't really enjoy it.

Overrated. Is there greatness here? Yes, with Ted, Just Admit It, Mountain Song, & Jane Says, but the rest I just found to be a boring slog.

this is so ass

I used to like one song of this band, over time in retrospect I have become a fan pf their uniqueness in an era full of great band I failed to see Jane's versatility, range and originality. The melting pot of their band members background and cultures using jazz, rock, blues and a diverse generes make this band a one in a million phenomenon whos music should be talked about amd influence bands for the rest of times

I don't have much to say about this album, but it was perfectly fine. Good even! Worthy of some praise, but not a stand-out to me.

I didn’t really care for this. I remember liking the other one of their albums on here a decent bit so I’m a bit surprised. It just felt pretty generic to me, maybe a case of everything coming after it copying them. Either way I didn’t enjoy or find interesting the music. Rating: 2.4

Not exactly my type of music but would listen again. Very relaxing Rock Instrumentals with light vocals

i heard Ritual De Lo Habitual by these guys and i thought it was decent, this was heavier, punchier and just made me feel good while listening to it, it was a great rock album and would say this is best to get into them, really good record.

Some nice jams, but nothing groundbreaking. Terrible whining vocals over riffs that don’t go nearly as hard as they think they do.

I had forgotten how good Dave is

Jane’s Addiction has always annoyed me in that bitch eating crackers kinda way

I tried but I just couldn't finish this. Musically there's some interesting ideas on here, but it often just falls into a soup of quite overbearing noise with the lead vocals being quite grating.

A tremendous album from front to back.

Hangs around nicely in the background, not something I would critically listen to it but it’s produced well and has nice composition. The vocals aren’t necessarily my favorite. It’s passable.

3

LA rock stars. This album was way ahead of its time, loved it from first discovery.

Ah Jane’s addiction to make these reviews a continuation of each other whilst I think Genesis are an example of some talented musicians squandering their talent I think LA Garage rock is examples of guys making the absolute best out of what they have. This is so clearly a late 80’s American record and there are so many moments of clear influence here from the Glam rock of Guns to even some Psych rock. I’ve always loved Perry’s soaring tones and I think by all means this is a a decent debut rock record although I have to be completely honest and say I was hoping for much more boring in places and lyrically weak in others. Still bands like Jane’s Addiction will always live in a tiny soft spot in my heart as just well as just a rock band. They went on to record Strays which is by all means a much stronger album.

I think this is just a good rock album to be honest. There’s great guitar, some interesting variation between songs, softer and heavier riffs. But it doesn’t blow me away as thinking wow this is fantastic. A good, but not great listen overall me thinks

I have to admit I was thinking I would like this album more. It is fine in my opinion and some moments where I definitely really liked it but not something that wowed me. Sorry for the short review but it didn't effect me enough to write more....

I've always been mixed on lead singers voice. The amount of reverb over it has also never made listening any easier. While I'm going over complaints, I also know how the bands female member was treated. Makes liking this kinda hard.

Quite enjoyed this, but I was surprised by the year.

cool album

not bad, didnt realize this album was so old.

Pleasantly surprised by how much I like this one. Not sure if I’ve ever heard a song off of it before. Probably avoided them cuz of the band name and album cover.

Horrible, loud, and noisy!

87/1001 :: Janes Addiction - Nothing’s Shocking Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Jane Says, Mountain Song Rock albums don’t get much cooler than this. This album has such a sexy, weird, mischievous vibe. It can be messy but it’s also crisp and clear. There’s also a lot of tribal tones that make the music simple and primal at times. I snagged this on vinyl about a year ago. Frankly I should listen to it more…

Ted, Just Admit It... Mountain Song Jane Says

I can appreciate what people see in this album, but for me I just find it to be pretty messy, underproduced, and not quite able to commit to any particular genre, which I find only makes it feel even more messy.

3 decent album but nothing except Jane says really sticks out

Their debut (a LIVE ALBUM!!) is SOOOO brilliant. Which created a problem. Their studio albums are like seeing a tiger at a zoo. You know it's an impressive creature capable of incredible feats. But no matter how long you stare, it never does anything incredible. The best thing about the band is the chaos created by their relentless urgency. On Jane's Addiction it's organic and constant; it always feels like the whole thing is about to just fall apart. The chaos here seems orchestrated, affected and almost gimmicky. Also, on that first one you got just enough Perry to wonder at his innovation and psychotic-devil-may-care attitude. Unfortunately, the studio reveals that behind that attitude lies a wholly pretentious ass. (Like Oasis, sometimes the most entertaining thing about this band is the fact that their respective narcissisms destroy the only thing they seem capable of creating.) Finally, the production (the thing that should make a studio album better than a live album) is not great. The mixing is inexcusably inconsistent, the guitar sounds are tragically thin (good riddance solid state amplification!) and the whole thing is way over-compressed (listen to the drums on Ted, Just Admit it; when they are alone in the mix they sound like they're right in front of you, but when the band comes in, suddenly they're 25 meters off across a field. All production involves compression. But it's like make up; there should never be so much of it that it distracts you from the beauty it's meant to highlight.)

This album contains some alt rock elements I like, but after a few songs I started to get bored, and by the end of the album I was really dreading it. The bad kind of boring music. Doesn't go anywhere, monotonous and lacking dynamics.

I think I'm just too old for this shit now days.

It was ok. Some of the singing I was not as impressed by. Songs felt a little silly- there were some good portions of rocking out but beyond that I don’t think I enjoyed this very much.

Fuck yeah

I wasn't totally sure what to make of this album for some reason. It wasn't bad at all but I didn't connect with most of it. I did like "Jane Says" and "Pigs in Zen" most. Possibly an album that could grow on me.

Chaotic but brilliant

** No!

Jane’s Addiction was played relentlessly in the dive bars of Greenwich Village when this album came out. It sounded a little different than what everybody else was doing. I remember thinking it was exciting. Unfortunately now I’m not getting that same reaction to it. Which I suppose makes sense, it’s not new anymore, but also it just doesn’t move me much. Didn’t hold up the way I would expect.

2nd Jane’s Addiction release I’ve gotten on this challenge. Unlike the first album, I didn’t really know any songs prior to going in to the listening experience. It was another fun, solid time from them. 3.5 / 5

I find Perry Farrell's voice insufferable and very hard to listen to for an entire album. Musically, this album kicks. Ted, Just Admit It... and Jane Says are the standouts.

midwest emo always been with us. 3/5

One of my all time faves. Love the songs and the mood. I understand it isn’t for everyone

Mountain song is still pretty cool

Had never heard the whole album! Fantastic!

Early alt album. Didn’t get it or it till much later. Still packs a punch though

Still good

I didn't expect what I just listened to. I knew one or two Jane's Addiction songs, kind of alternative from the '90s, but this album is the other way around. It is very heavy, more like hard rock, very well produced, with awesome songs. From the first to the last track, everything is worthwhile.

Christ, those vocals. Definitely an acquired taste, and most definitely not to my taste. It's just such an overpowering part of the songs it took me concentrated effort to try and enjoy the great instrumentals. I feel like I would love this if I listened to it at least once or twice more, but for now its ehhh 6/10. Favs: Up the Beach; Summertime Rolls; Ocean Size

That first song sets the up the rest of the album.

Groupe inconnu. L'accompagnement est réussi, avec de belles lignes de basse et des chorus guitare intéressants. Et la batterie n'est pas en reste. Par contre le chant n'est pas au même niveau ... Je ne suis donc pas sur d'avoir envie de l'écouter une seconde fois. =>2/5

You know Perry Farrell was one of the last people to be with Taylor Hawkins before he passed? And that he's a notorious drug addict with impulse control issues? Yeah, Perry Farrell sucks. "Godfather of alternative" or not, he's done more bad than good.

I have somehow never heard and heard all these songs before. If you like one song you’ll probably like them all as they are very similar, at least vocally. Instrumentally they do differ and I appreciate that the rest of the band was trying to have some varying sounds to the lead singers very distinct singing. Crazy that they found their sound on their debut album. 7/10

This is one of my favorite albums ever. Impossible for me to listen to with new ears because I know every word and every riff and lick. Yes, this is an album everyone should hear at least once, 5 times, a hundred. Perry does have a bit of a nasal voice, unique. And I get why some people might not like it. But he is a very good singer. He can milk the notes, change the words to fit the music, and brings good emotion. As a songwriter, he's fantastic! Amazing imagery and insights as to what it is being human. Dave Navarro is a singular guitar player. He can shred, can vibe, can make you have all the feels. Stephen Perkins is a wild drummer with great timing, and a hypnotic tribal aspect. (Check out Banyan, too.) Eric A. is often noted as a bass player's bass player. He finds a groove, in the pocket, and just draws you down into it. This is smart music, driven by a frenzied youth determined to make you feel something. I want to write a thousand words to get you to listen to this, but nobody reads that much (and it's late and I'm tired.) This is a 5 of 5 album, a 98 of 100 album, and an album you should listen to a few times to make sure you're hearing it all. Because there's always a lot going on here.

10/10 intro song, perfectly captured vibe. I do wish it went straight into the next song from it instead of a fade out, it would be electric. The ending was kinda weak, Jane Says feels like, dare I say, the least interesting song on the album

I was expecting to love this - definitely liked it?

Original and daring at the time, it was good to hear this album again. I preferred Ritual, but there’s no doubting the energy and recklessness here. Some great tunes, one or two that could have been omitted which is why I didn’t give it the full five. I never liked the production either - always thought it sounded a little stale for the most part. Nonetheless, an original and interesting album by a once original and interesting band. They bettered it with their next record though.

Obvs stand out track is Jane says but idiots rule and standing in the shower thinking are good too.

Nothing shocking. But as they say, nothing is.

I get the sense that I'm not quite picking up everything this is putting down. It's weirdly dense, kind of in the way that early Modest Mouse songs are weirdly dense (I'm not entirely sure that this comparison makes it full circle, but I really can't think of a better one). It's a sprawling kind of dense, where like songs are busy on a moment to moment level *and* they seem to kind of chug along in a weirdly expansive way. The tone is also pretty unique, like this is definitely on the grittier, darker end of alt music, but in like a weirdly accessible way, and there are also moments here that are surprisingly pretty. Like Ocean Size and Jane Says, the latter of which has some really neat steel drum playing too. I think rhythm is generally a standout here, like the drums on Ted, Just Admit It... and the basslines across the album, Mountain Song is a good example. The guitar playing is also very good, I just don't have it quite pinned down yet. It's very much alt rock, but with a somewhat classic style "Hard Rock" edge, including almost metal style guitar solos. And Perry vocals are stand outs too, he's an intense performer, and his lyrics seem raw, and very personal. There are some incredibly blunt mantras across this thing ("God is dead", "Sex is violent", "Some people should die"), and they are delivered with enough conviction that they hit harder than they usually would. Like I implied at the beginning, I haven't fully gelled with this one, but I still get *a lot* here. This thing is a little darker and a little weirder and a little more eclectic than it seems, and it's an essential alt rock classic. This isn't my first time trying this one out, and it won't be my last. Jane's Addiction had some real lightning in a bottle during their surprisingly brief existence, and I feel like it's a matter of time before I fully get to the bottom of it.

12 year old me would have loved this. 45 year old me really like most of it

Forgot how strong this album is. Some really great writing on this one and an indicator of what was to come.

Muito bom!!!!! 3,5!!!

I got into Jane's Addiction in the first half of the 90's with Ritual, but this album has IMO their best song (Mountain Song) on it. It's a good album.

This is #day391 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… well, the record title speaks for itself, or does it? I can definitely hear how '90s alternative rock and nu metal stem from this one. I liked the overall sound at times, but I don't find the album as a whole particularly enjoyable. Perhaps it's the vocals that are somewhat off-putting, or maybe something else, I don't know. I've also got to agree that the album artwork hasn't stood the test of time. This is a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day392.

Yeah this album sucks dude; there's no way around it. I really thought the guitar could save it, but the lead singer is just so goddamn annoying. There's no cohesion and it doesn't know what it wants to be while simultaneously bringing nothing to the table (other than singing about pissing in the shower). I was just waiting for this one to be over after the first 5 minutes.

Trippy 90s metal pop…some good hooks.

I get it, but good lord that voice...

If Grunge was Punkers under the influence of Metal, then Jane's was Metalheads under the influence of Punk. These guys won me over instantly - before I ever heard their music - with the Velvet Underground reference/tribute in "Jane Says" - not that it sounds like VU, but VU had numerous songs with the same title concept - Stephanie Says, Candy Says, Caroline Says. In the context of an American rock scene dominated by LA bands like Guns N Roses, a band coming out of that same LA scene but borrowing from the VU was huge deal for all of us who didn't have the hairdo necessary to be a metalhead. And in the years between when Nothing's Shocking came out until Nirvana's Nevermind came out, it was impossible to find an open mic where Jane Says wasn't played at some point, often probably more than once. If you wanted to be the cool guy at an open mic, you sang Jane Says. And between inventing Lollapalooza, which provided a generation with its own Woodstock, and the fact that it seemed like every band formed between this album and when Nevermind came out had a two word name where the first word was a woman's name, you have to give these guys credit for being hugely influential on American culture of the late 1980's-early 1990's. Which is impressive when you consider that they only had a few above average tunes and that they were widely known for being truly monumental pricks. For example, as I type, they are at risk of being sucked up into their own assholes, as they have all sued each other for millions of dollars for perceived slights that literally no one else gives a shit about.

I've listened to this album too many times to be able to hear it as if it's my first time, but I hope first-time listeners enjoy it as much as I did and do. :) Whenever I hear songs from this album, particularly "Jane says", I think of when I got convinced by a friend to see some unknown (to me) American band playing in Edinburgh (apparently on October 1, 1990), and I was floored by how much everyone was into the band and singing along and the whole experience. And "Mountain song" also conjures up a long drive back from a fun but exhausting mountain bike ride in the not-quite-Cascades hills south and east of Seattle, and a friend played the song in the car's crappy stereo system, and the driving bass into fit the setting and mood perfectly. I'm confident that the songs, and the album as a whole, aren't nearly as great as I want them to be, but it's hard to hear the voice of reason when you're cranking up "Standing in the shower...thinking", "Pigs in Zen" and its ilk. In fact, I'd have given this album a rare five stars, except that I just now read a new height of asshattery by Perry Ferrell related to this album, where he demanded 50% of the royalties for all the lyrics, and an additional 25% of the remainder for his "musical" contributions. And Warner Bros. caved and utterly screwed over the rest of the band. It's a bit shocking that "Ritual de lo Habitual" even got made, frankly.

a mix of highs and low, highs being Jane Says and the first two songs and lows being the 7+ minutes of someone screaming sex is violent and the pigs in zen ramble.

Pretty mid, I didn't get much from this. Familiar with Mountain Song and Jane Says, but found them both underwhelming in this context. 2.7/5

This was good but nothing super stand out about it. I'm not sure if I'd listen again but I enjoyed my time with it.

Nothing's Shocking and nothing interesting

Nothing’s Shocking - Jane’s Addiction I never caught hold of Jane’s Addiction at the time - I was more blues rock / hard rock / thrash so they were never likely to float across my deck. I knew Been Caught Stealing, of course, and liked it, but any other stuff I’d heard I dismissed, with Perry Farrell’s voice not helping. Listening to this today I was very pleasantly surprised. It’s a really good, melodic, and driving record, and Dave Navarro is a hell of a guitarist. I still don’t like Farrell’s voice a lot of the time, but this is a really good album.

Jane's Addiction es una banda que me gusta, pero no tanto, y nunca entendí el appeal para que sea nombrada en todas partes como una de las grandes bandas de rock. ¿Tal vez sea porque es una banda de rock mainstream que se animó a rockear en la época de peinados raros y glam estilizado? Puede ser, pero Guns N' Roses también, y son mucho mejores. ¿Precursores del grunge? Pero si Pixies y Dinosaur Jr. ya existían. En fin, no lo entiendo mucho. Tienen, sí, un elemento de psicodelia que no era tan común en el rock mainstream de los 80s. Kudos por eso. Nunca me terminó de cerrar la producción del disco, pero lo que creo que siempre va a alejarme de esta banda es la voz de Perry Farrell. Me irrita mucho el chabón. Por otro lado, las guitarras de Dave Navarro me parecen espectaculares, y creo que no me aburren en ningún solo tema. ¿Se imaginan si a Navarro le hubiera tocado estar en una banda con un cantante que no fuera insoportable? Es como esas personas que siempre entran en relaciones donde el hombre les pega y les trata mal. En fin. El disco me parece que es muy parejo. No tiene TEMAZOS que destaquen, pero tampoco tiene BASURA. Si te gusta la propuesta de la banda esto te va a parecer un discazo, y si no te gusta te va a parecer un dispositivo para torturar disidentes en Guantánamo. Para mi están bien pero con un cantante que no soporto, así que le pongo tres estrellas. ¿Mejores canciones? No sé si tiene mucho sentido porque, como dije, todo el disco es muy parejo, pero voy a mencionar Mountain Song como mi favorita; Ocean Size y Summertime rolls como las mejores; e Idiots Rule como la peor.

4 1/2 stars

definitely a necessary listen, but not one that i particularly liked

First time listen. Had like their later albums, and th8is is good as well. Novel threads and Beats - pretty cool.

Amazing that this was 1988. Easily stands up today.

Enjoyed this album more than the other Jane's addiction one we had, was a bit rockier, slightly less funk. The vocals in place reminded me of the guy from 'A' which is a big plus for me, A have a song called Jason's addiction so they must be aware of the parallels. Only knew mountain song before listening but think I'll come back.

Going in a new musical direction will upset fans of 'the old stuff', but not innovating is just as bad. Producing the same songs over and over (looking at you, pop music [in general]) leads to really bland, music-by-committee. This is neither groundbreaking, nor a complete rehash of Ritual de lo Habitual. BUT IT ISN'T FAR OFF. More guitar distortion, and the bass has been cranked to 11. Otherwise, squint and they are the same album. Summertime Rolls was good.

Another Jane's addiction album hey. I think I enjoyed this one more than the last one we had. Some great bass. Probably a bit more rough than the previous one. It feels familiar to me but I can't put my finger on who I think it sounds like. I get the offspring in parts, then there's early rhcp, maybe faith no more? I like all of them though so no complaints. Doesn't sound like it's 80s. 4

🍑

What fascinates me about this band is how much of an impact they had establishing a base between a hard rock sound and an alternative energy. With only two albums, they made a huge mark on the scene and then dipped. Jane's Addiction's first record is a true testament to electricity in performance. While I don't enjoy every bit of this, I hear something big happening throughout. This record is a mess, but one that isn't afraid to swing its big dick around and scream a little louder. I have my respects. Perry Farrell needs help (7/10, 4/5 on this scale)

Not bad, but didn’t catch me. First album of f this challenge for me.

Instrumentally good, vocally weak. There is a certain energy to it all though, not bad. 3/5

All I can think about is lollapalooza even though I've never been

I really enjoy alternative music and this album is right at the start of when that genre had shifted away from punk and college rock, into what it would ultimately become in the 90s. This is a bit before alternative truly became popular though. It isn't a complete record, but it’s very good. No doubt that there are some definite highlights on this album, such as the back half of Ted, Just Admit It. The playing on this is excellent. Mountain Song and Idiot's Rule are similarly very good, the latter of which gave me an early Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe. That said, all of these songs have a bit of a problem. That problem is Perry Farrell, if we are being honest about it. His has an inferior voice, almost whiny at times. In short, his singing just isn't that good. It's too bad, because Dave Navarro's playing on this is excellent, even amazing at times, as is the rest of the band. They are just held back at this stage by Farrell. The sole song where I thought he truly added to the music is Jane Says. Other than that, he is generally a detractor from the sound, rather than enhancing it as a great frontman should. All the same, there's more than enough meat on the bone on this record for anyone to give it a spin, especially given that it is at the forefront of the alternative movement.

4.5

Not for me

A solid 3. Nothing amazing, nothing dreadful

They are correct that nothing was Shocking on here, but there wasn't anything that good either.

Jane's Addiction are just solid mid tier stuff. Not bad, not good. Technically music in all the ways.

Fast, raw, and gritty. Drums are punchy, guitar riffs are hot, and Perry's voice is firing on all cylinders. "Jane Says" is iconic but far from the most interesting track on this album.

Favorites: Idiots Rule Jane Says Thank You Boys The first half is really not for me. It seems like when they're done screaming out, the second half of the album is there for you with some more thoughtful tracks.

Not totally my cup of tea but I respect it. Was cool to hear the little swing tune and the tower of power horns on a song.

This was definitely an improvement from their first appearance in this selection with "Ritual De Lo Habitual" which was a bit of a let down. The album was stylistically more favorable in this case, and the vocals while could have been improved for certain didn't impact the album too much. I would give this a very strong 3.5/5 which will be bumped to a 4.

2nd JA album and once again I'm just not feeling this album. Really dislike the vocal. Based on other reviews on here this seems to have stood out in 1988 but in 2025 it's certainly not a timeless listen. Wouldn't re-listen, wouldn't recommend. 2/5.

4.5

This album is comprised of a number of good songs, a few duds, and a couple of bangers. It also feels a little all over the place, which might be the vibe they were going for. I don’t know if I said this before, but Perry Farrell’s vocals kind of get on my nerves after a whole album of him. Instrumentation is fine, songwriting is memorably creative, lyrics are recognizably this band. I don’t hate this album or any of the songs, I actually quite enjoyed it, but, I don’t feel quite as strongly as Jane. 4/5

tirando mountain song que eu gosto por memória afetiva da minha adolescência jogando guitar hero, o disco é só um pega trouxa e não é tão inovador assim

Pretty solid album, probably ahead of its time. High 2s

Not bad

Personally its just an alright album. Don't really care for any of the songs buts its alright

8/10

It was good, just not good enough for me to add anything to a playlist

Heading into this blind, not sure exactly what to expect, reading "Up the Beach" and... what an intense, slow moving mind-fuck to start a project off with. Afterwards I was able to check myself and understand the vibe, of course I've heard Jane's Addiction before. Perry's vocals are carved into the back of my mind. We're gonna be listening to low-key angst. Slightly funky, definitely on the produced-hardcore side. It's a flavor and if you're feeling like sticking it to the man but not really, this would be the soundtrack I'd put on. I was real happy for the intro to Ted, Just Admit It, and then it turned into the mood again. Maybe I'm too into jazz. It's not a bad album, just not something I'd typically feel like putting on. 2.9/5

Boobs

Good-at least the cover

If only they’d been as big as Nirvana, we might have avoided all the lumpen grunge whining.

Not really for me

First listen at age 61. Had been put off by the offensive cover. Liked it. The bond rocks throughout.

First run standout tracks: Ted, Just Admit It..., Summertime Rolls, Jane Says Second run: don't feel like I want to listen to it again anytime soon Fun facts I've learned while listening to the album: pioneers of alternative music, those are nude sculptures created by Farrell and his girlfriend, and the only thing that stood in their way was themselves. I rest under the umbrella of alternative. I grew up watching Nirvana videos on MTV and have heard Jane says on the radio more than I can count. After reading some of these reviews, I, too, wish I could have been there to feel my mind melt upon hearing it for the first time. Although I didn't experience that, I can respect what this album represents. And honestly, "Jane Says" still hits as good now as it did back then.

Standing in the shower thinking about gender is a favorite of mine too

I don’t like Perry Farrell’s voice. I only knew Jane Says. This was not for me.

Tykkään tunnelman goottiuden vivahteesta ja haluaisin tykätä levystä enemmän, mutta mun mielestä tämä oli aika tylsä! Tasapaksu. Mehevät soundit kyllä.

Sounds like my brother’s room when I walked down the hallway in 1996. Great grunge, with some melodic elements that remind me of Led Zeppelin. Favorite track is “Up the Beach”.

Not really my thing, but lead to some good songs on spotify, "Jane Says" is a song that i've heard before. first time hearing any other of their songs

DEATH GRIPS MENDTIONED!!!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️💀💀🍆🍆 This really is just RATM for hippies huh? Based tbh Damn why they write a song about me? (I am a hog in harmony)

Wasn't feeling this one

Wasn't really my jam.first couple of songs were fine but their sound wore on me and I dnf'd

Is felt like a strange combination of hair metal and the band Wheatus. It was just fine, nothing really stood out to me except the strange placement of a mysterious brass instrument

I will admit, there's almost no band out there that sounds like Jane's Addiction. However, their sound is just not for me.

I didn’t think I liked Jane’s Addiction but this was really relaxing

Nothing special.

Perry Farrell's voice is one of a kind. This is very different than I was expecting, more rock than alternative. The Ted Bundy recording is an odd choice. I thought I was getting an album of Caught Stealing...this is much better. There has maybe never been a better example of someone writing a song of just whatever they were doing than Standing in the Shower...Thinking. At this point, I like the music and the vocals are kind of distracting. May distracting isn't the right word. His voice gives every song a similar quality. Jane Says is the hit.

I can't imagine why anyone would put a Jane's Addiction list on any list of recommended albums, but here we are. The guitar work here is often great, but I like absolutely nothing else about this.

Best Song: Mountain Song

Nothing special here.

Way better than the other album that’s on the generator. They will never become my favourite but this is really really good rock music.

Tim Burton + Phil Spector Good one

Good, slightly forgettable

Music for try hards by try hards 1.5*

I don’t understand why someone would put this on. It’s all over the place, there are no hooks. Can’t seem to decide on a genre but not in an interesting way. Jane Says was the only decent song for me. High 2.

The only thing that stands out about this is Dave Navarro's playing. Perry Farrell's voice is grating. It's good alternative hard rock but not special.

Psychadelic parts were the coolest (like in Jane says)

na nekim pjesmama dobar bas. sve u svemu bezveze

Before the Chili Peppers hit it big and before grunge destroyed everything, Jane’s Addiction had a moment as potentially the biggest band in the world. There’s something charming about the mix of skate punk, hippie imagery, hair metal licks and weird funk vibes that grows on you over time. No, it’s not good, and ultimately this is a greatest hits band. But you can sense the energy in the room as these dudes light everything on fire and shine really bright for half a second.

This is a band that definitely created its own lane.

College for me. These melodic rocking songs that sounded like nothing before or after. Killer debut album.

Pretty rocking for some far out hippies.

Weird cover

Super good album. Perry seems like a nightmare to work with but from a musical standpoint, this rocks.

One of the best by one of the best

His voice gets on my nerves. The music is ok.

I liked the steel drum in "Jane Says," but otherwise I felt like I was being screeched at.

Favorite track: Jane Says Other picks: mountain song, summertime rolls, ocean size

The intro and the random song that spirit shuffled to were my favorites. Hmm. 3.

I was expecting to like this much more. Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5

Good alt rock

This sounds exactly like the bridge between 80s glam and 90s alternative. It was pretty nice.

Never hear about them but really nice.

Me ha dado un poco igual

I didn’t like this in 88 when it was released and it didn’t grow on me. Navarro can play. That’s the positive.

Lemppari: Jane Says Vähiten lemppari: Had a Dad

This was a pretty decent album, Janes Addiction was never one of my favorite bands, I was always more of a hits guy, but this was pretty good!

Enjoyed this more than expected. Can remember this being played in many bars/clubs late 80s early 90s.

There is signs of potential with this album but only a couple of songs stand out at all. 3 stars or C-.

Iconic sound and influence from this band. I remember first hearing them when I was young and thought it was such a taboo sound because of how grimy and grungy it was. This record continues that mood, and I'm all for it. Perry Farrell has such a distinct voice that will always resonate. I like this one.

Music that feels like it’s made by people who *know* they’re cool. But, there’s nothing more uncool than trying to act cool.

5/10

I liked the music a lot more than the annoying vocals. 3 stars on the strength of the music

Album 829 of 1089 Jane's Addiction -Nothing's Shocking (1988) Rating : 4 / 5 I’m not super familiar with Jane’s Addiction beyond the radio staples, but this album really grabbed me. Their sound—a mix of alternative rock, art rock, funk, and a bit of metal—just felt familiar in a way I can’t totally explain. It’s raw, theatrical, and a little chaotic, but in a way that’s totally up my alley. I can see myself coming back to this one. Bold, weird, and full of energy. I get why it the list.

I knew a lot more of these songs than I expected to. I don't love Jane's Addiction but enjoyed revisiting this album after so many years. Standout tracks: Mountain Song

I’m very nostalgic for this album cause I was a kid when this album was huge. And I think it’s another one of those albums where it’s painfully of its time but that’s not always a negative thing. This is undoubtedly my favorite Jane’s Addiction album but that doesn’t say much cause I’d say as a whole I’m not really a fan of theirs. And I’m not really fond of the lead singers vocals. But despite that I do enjoy this album. The only other negative thing I’ll say is that the only half of the album I like is the second half. But that second half is pretty great.

I really didn't enjoy this much at all. The instrumentals were mostly fine and relatively enjoyable, but the vocals were really not too my taste. I struggled to finish it, though that's also due to me not loving this type of music

Pretty nice and innovative with crazy lyrics and awsome rhythms.

3.3 I liked it but wasn't listening super closely. Heavier than what I was expecting. I will give it another go at some point,

I like Summertime Rolls. Good vibe, slushy guitar soundscapes. Jane Says is really good. Nice sounded acoustic guitar driving the song with a few different instruments. Strong second half to the album

Jane's first "real" release under a major label. This pretty much introduced Jane's Addiction to the real world, yet nobody took notice until Ritual De Lo Habitual came out a few years later. By far, this is a very ambitious album but it's outstanding. Perry Farrell's lyrics and singing are the perfect harmony to Dave Navarro's amazing guitar work. Still think he's one of the most underrated guitarists ever. This album ranges in styles, but psychedelic fuzz rock is a good description for most of it. Get stoned and listen to it, and you'll get it. 4.25/5 Can't Miss Tracks: Ocean Size Ted, Just Admit It... Summertime Rolls Jane Says

I dig it. Vocals could be a little off putting for some but it adds to the grunge experience.

Preferred the back half of the album

wow I didn't know they were SUCH trash

Jane's Addiction was a band that I had to warm up to when they first arrived on the scene, but they're now indispensable in my listening repertoire. True innovators of their time.

Jane's Says is solid

40/1001. Another "yes I've had it for the last 35 years" albums. So what did this listening reveal? That at least the spotify version had extra song(s?) which just made the whole worse? Let's just ignore that. I got introduced to Jabe's Addiction in LA during my exchange year, but didn't manage to see any of their shows. Either they were sold out or at 18+ places. But they were happening there back then. And for some reason (drugs? Artistic disagreements?) they also lost it quite fast after Ritual de lo Habitual, which in 1990-91 was constantly on my turntable. But slowly this album has grown past it I think, hard to say, they are both great. They really know how to make more delicate and fragile sounding, slowly growing songs. But also the rock-funk-groove and energy is there, with a sound like no other. And after 30-35 years it still sounds fresh as fuck.

This one did not do it for me. I can see why people like them and high school me might have. DNF.

Mountain, Ocean, Had a Dad and Jane Says are classics. It's close to a 5 but I'll just give this a 4.25/5.

Still does nothing for me. Borders on annoying.

Surprised I hadn't listened to this album before - would have been awesome to see JA live.

Mountain song & Jane Says are very fun songs, other than that it all kinda blends together.

Major props for this band putting out an album in 1988 that sounded like nothing else, merging metal and alternative. Mountain Song and Jane Says are five stars. That said, Perry Farrell is so annoying.

Nothings shocking… and thats the problem.

Pretty interesting songs. This is a rock album that I could tolerate.

The first time I came across Jane's Addiction was through Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (again, GTA has always shaped my musical taste, ever since I was a kid). In the game, the classic Been Caught Steeling plays on Radio X. I love this song, but I had never stopped to listen to a full album by this band. When I saw it was a Jane's Addiction album I thought "huh, could this be the one with the GTA radio song?" NOP, it wasn't. But it's a very fun album, from a time when the term "alternative rock" meant something. 4 stars is fair.

3.5

I think I do like the follow up a bit more than this. I do like the rawness of this one, but I feel *Habitual* may be a bit more sharper and focused. There are parts of this album that can see the 90s coming, but sometimes the production screams late 80s. Even though I absolutely love "Moutaun Song" it is the most 1988 rock radio ready song on the album. The gated reverb in the drums of "Ted, Just admit It" is also more akin to the 80s than 90s killing any future vibe it might have. On the other hand, there's the incredible "Jane Says" which could sit really well with the early years of 90s alternative. Then the bad ass bass line of "Summertime Roll" feels way more 90s than late 80s. I do like this album quite a bit, but there is something just holding it back from the four spot. 7.8/10 ★★★½

Nothing bad, nothing spectacular. 3 stars

Jane's Addiction has always been one of those bands whose legacy sort of outweighs my actual enjoyment of their music. It's kind of easy to forget how much these guys shaped 90s alternative rock. They brought in a lot of the hard rock elements 80s alternative bands like R.E.M. and the Smiths deliberately avoided. They definitely walked so the big alt-rock bands of the 90s could run. That being said, I definitely don't think the songs are as great on this one. "Mountain Song" and "Jane Says" are both classics, but after that it gets a bit thin. There's some other relatively solid tunes, but also a few clunkers, which isn't great for a relatively short album. I think they'd get better on their second album. 3.5 stars.

3.5

A nice skanky smorgasbord of rock, funk, folk and psychedelia with themes of sexy sex, drug shooting and serial killerness. Feels a little more turbo-charged than their 2nd album Ritual de lo Habitual plus also with the tastier album art. High 4.

В моменте полная ерунда, не смог дослушать. Вокалом напомнило Warrior Soul. Слушаю уже не в первый раз, вернусь позже

Very important band. Probably underrated in Europe. Both albums from their first run are on the list. I think only this one belongs. It has all the hits. The awful voice is buried in the mix better. The songs don't feel as long. It's older and just plain better. Favorite song: mountain song.

Unique I guess but not my thing

Top

Yet another of rock's greatest debuts. 5

A bit uneven, but also samey. But some good stuff too.

It was fine. Stand out songs: Summertime Rolls Mountain Song Jane Says

Jane’s addiction was good but this wasn’t the album for here.

I loved Jane's Addiction. I bought Ritual the day it came out. I saw them play live at the Hordern Pavillon in 1989 (one of their last dates before splitting), and I have played this record a thousand times. The scope and drama of this album is extraordinary. It feels wild and dangerous and bohemian and unconstrained, which is a lot of what rock and roll should be. The rhythm section is powerful and heavy and swinging, but it is Navarro's guitar work that really lifts the record into something special. His lead playing was really unusual for the 80s in that he doesn't rely on "typing" his way through solos. I really love the music on this record and have listened to it a lot over the years. But... Perry Farrell is an arsehole. He has a track record of exploiting the artistic input of others (especially younger collaborators) and taking credit for their input (including 62.5% of the royalties for this record, which is seriously unbalanced). It's true of bandmates, collaborators and 'muses' (a term commonly used to belittle women's artistic contributions). I am increasingly uncomfortable with the appalling behaviour of artists like Perry Farrell. I'm not sure whether it is worse when they celebrate their philosophy openly in their art (Jane's Addiction, Led Zep, Marilyn Manson) or when they hide behind a mask of faux sensitivity (R. Kelly, Ryan Adams). Farrell has moments of "sensitivity" (eg. 'Jane Says') but he is pretty open about his philosophical approach. I am increasingly uncomfortable when he repeatedly yells things like "Sex is violence" -- what once seemed like a bohemian embrace of untamed sexuality now seems like it is the mating call of a sexual abuser. I fear people were terribly mistreated. Christgau thought that Farrell was a poseur, a wannabe Alice Cooper, and history shows that this type of posturing often distorts people's behaviour to the point that they become the character they play (see also: Marilyn Manson). I am hedging my bets here; I fear that Farrell has done really terrible things, and there is certainly enough already in the public domain that indicates that he is a pretty toxic human being, but we haven't seen a full-blown Manson/Diddy/Weinstein moment for Perry yet. But it wouldn't surprise me if we did, and then I might need to reassess my consideration of this album. So I am still rating this with 4 stars -- 5 stars for the band, and one off for Perry Farrell.

Shockingly bad.

Hadn't listened to Jane's Addiction but could immediately hear its influence on One Hot Minute. The album is repetitive and I got tired of listening to it before I finished it.

Great consistency. My first time listening to them properly. Shouldn't have waited this long. Onto my want list

Good instrumentals, it's a shame that Perry Farrell is the vocalist.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pas mal du tout et au final assez varié !

Very cool album. Great instrumentation. Interesting an often fun lyrics.

Quite liked it most of it except Perry Farrell's voice which grates on me.

Liked this - obvious Zepp influence but updated with a more Alternative Rock sound - this was, indeed, a Lollapalooza of an album.

Admit it, the highlight of this was seeing the animated ladies with the big boobies and fiery hair seated on a double rocking chair on Spotify. Anyone who says anything else is a big fat liar. Lots of the kind of shouty American alt-rock I generally have no time for and I particularly disliked the vocals. But….I rather enjoyed a few of the more laid back and experimental tracks (summertime rolls being the best of the bunch) and I’m always partial to a brass section so it was thumbs up for the energetic idiots rule. It’s an intersting enough album, it’s alright of a listen, it’s just not my thing. Glad I’ve heard it, but won’t be exploring further.

Amazing record.

Not really my thing. Bit too off-the-wall…

pretty great

You better believe I used to have the television show “Ink Master” on pretty much round the clock. When I see Dave fuckin Navarro (also of random Tim & Eric cameo fame) on this band page, you know that’s all I could think about. Did he play on this album though? He did. Wow. Truly a dedication to living mas. Not a band I’ve heard a lot from, so this is a new world for me. Regarding this review, will I leave a large chasm of unfinished thoughts and horrible typos in this review? The anser is almost assuredly Up the Beach - Intro track. Nothing really happening in a good or bad way. Fine. Ocean Size - These vocals are very distinctive. I did know that about the band. Love how this song kicked in. Kind of lulled from there but there were cool moments here. Had a Dad - Grown men referring their father as “Daddy” has always been odd to me, but hey. Maybe it’s a punk thing. This is a nice alt-rock song. Sweet riff, and lots of variety. Great energy here and we’ll lay the responsibility for the dopey lyrics on the punk influence. Yeah let’s go with that. Ted, Just Admit It - Whoa. Saying the name of the album in a song that isn’t named after the album? These guys mean business. Honestly, this is pretty great. It almost sounds like what thrash bands were trying to do in the mid 90s. But they just sounded like washed up thrash bands. This sounds really fresh and urgent. Standing in the Shower…Thinking - I’m glad he ended that with thinking! I shudder to think that he wasn’t being productive. That should be every person’s worst nightmare. I need to be increasing shareholder value or I might as well just fade away. Dystopian propaganda aside, this song did suck. Summertime Rolls - This song refers to the weight I gain in the summer because I refuse to go outside in the sweltering heat. I wish I could refuse. Especially now that summers will continue to get hotter. This is uplifting! Anyway, the song is boring. Mountain Song - We’re so back. That is, we’ve been jolted back into a semi-alive state after the last song. Decent track. Idiots Rule - Boy howdy, they sure do. Did he say Cheetos have their way? Like the lame, lazy, millennial “insult” levied at the fascist sympathizing talking head to our south? Oh. Cheaters. Yeah idiots really are in charge, and unfortunately for a lot of people, idiots make up most of the voter base. I mean I think an idiot composed much of the weird horn section of this song. Jane Says - This band seems to have an inside track on the world of this “Jane” character. Who is she? Why is she so interested in this band? I’ve definitely heard this song. It’s repetitive and a little grating. Thank You, Boys - Well done lads. Pigs in Zen - Fat animals? We’ve got em. Silly, futuristic (for the time) funk metal riffs? Yup. I like it. Kind of insane, but I suppose the idea of enlightened hogs doesn’t lend itself to reason. This wasn’t half bad. Certainly wasn’t full bad either Pretty cool in spots and never really that unpleasant. After U2, it sounded like hearing music for the first time, but I am a professional unpaid and unread music reviewer, so I didn’t let that effect the listen. And hey, I didn’t even mention Ink Master. Oh well. Dave isn’t the funny one anyway. Get me an Oliver Peck album and we’ll really get some quotables. Lines that fit the GOD DAMN SHAPE. I love trash. 2.5-3 HIGHLIGHTS: Had a Dad, Ted, Just Admit It, Pigs in Zen.

Blijft niet echt hangen. Intentie blijft vaag waar het toch een bekende band naam is doet het mij niet zo veel

I've never been a huge Jane's Addiction fan, but this album is undeniably good. It has a very big sound to it that places it firmly in the late 80's/early 90's alternative rock sound, and recordings of Perry Farrell barely do the raw power of his voice justice, but it all works together. 3.4/5

I was talking some shit about Jane's Addiction because I think they're a mid band. This album sorta disproved that for me. I think this is their strongest album I've heard. Lots of good songs, and the others are decent enough to not skip. 3.75/5

A real back and forth between well thought out songs and some real messes. A mix of hair metal and early 90’s alt rock, not a bad album, just a little too much at times. “Idiots Rule” is a good song, especially with the horns added in. 3/5 Might listen again

Das war nicht wirklich meins, weder atmosphärisch noch irgendwie interessant, schwanke zwischen 1 und 2 aber das Albumcover gibt einen Stern abzug.

Wasn't in the mood

This was pretty good for the genre that it is.

I thought I would like this more.

🥶

I knew I was going to like this the moment I read the genres and descriptors for this album on RYM, and unsurprisingly, I did. Great riffs, incredibly fun and engaging songs. Definitely not the peak of music, but this is a "dumb fun" album done extremely well.

> the Beatles

it's fine. better than i thought itd be

A classic, back when Jane's were really good.

I really liked it. The guitar is nice. Vocal wise it’s raw at the right amount, so it’s not jarring (well because it was tuned to pitch perfect). He can be extremely nasal but still sound not contrived…and then switch to mixed belting seamlessly. Some melodies are relatively memorable but not too repetitive. It also has some level of details I won’t be able to pick up while driving. Love summertime rolls, mountain song, ocean size, Jane says. A very pleasant listen!

I knew Dave Navarro from his stint with the Chilis and always meant to give Jane’s Addiction a proper listen. Very classic Alt-rock sound with some grunge and punk and funk to it.

jane's addiction is one of those bands i really want to like... but just don't. I think Jane Says is a fine song, Mountain Song also stuck out on this album as a front runner. I will say, I really like Dave Navarro (the guitarist). I think his solos and guitar licks are awesome, throughout the album. he's super talented and even on this debut album, he really gets to let that shine. I think what draws down Jane's Addiction is the lead singer. I can't understand a god damn word that Perry Farrell sings. on any of his songs. i catch like two words in the chorus and thats kinda it. it takes me out of the music completely when i have a hard time just following along. feels bad giving this a two, but i don't see myself going back to JA much in the future.

The general style is fine, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the singing and I felt a little bored part way through the album. Not so great for me.

I forgot how hard mountain song goes! Such a jam. The rest of the album jams pretty hard too.

Not a whole lot of variation in the sound, but that’s not any new thought I’ve had about Jane’s Addiction. Definitely enjoyable, the songs just blend together in places. Thank You Boys wasn’t a song I was expecting to be on the album, either.

This didn't do much for me. I don't really remember the next day, and I wasn't crazy about it while listening. I'm glad I listened to it because I've heard about Jane's Addiction in the background of conversations before. I won't be going back to it though.

note to myself: this is really not my thing, esp not the artwork. summertime roll was kind of nice tho, i enjoyed that one. which turns out, was the only song i even remotely enjoyed.

The atrocious album cover confirms that 'nothing's shocking' - its blaring image of sexual violence no longer astonishes or appalls. But the music is, to an extent, shocking, not b/c of its content but b/c it weds heavy metal to a nascent alternative movement. True, other 80s acts like Dinosaur Jr. and the Pixies showcased similar dynamics, but not as forcefully or as plainly as Jane's Addiction: this isn't slacker intelligence or nerdish obscurantists treasuring the odd for odd's sack. This is, simply put, hard-hitting rock 'n' roll. Just listen to Perry Farrell's purpose: 'I want to be more like the ocean / no talking / all action.' The issue is, Farrell tends to talk too much, even if he's plain as muck, and there's only one eternal, superb track: 'Jane Says.'

Not bad, little hard and light rock.

One of the greats.

poor Jane I wonder what she was addicted to :(

Loved them back in my rock clubbing days but this hasn’t worn so well. Severely lacking in actual tunes and Perry’s voice is annoying

High energy, dumb as hell, relentlessly chasing new thrills - like the labrador of bands. Halfway between hair metal and grunge, this is hard rock in party mode, full of wah wah guitar shredding, huge vocals that are more charismatic for being pretty technically limited, and some 80s LA surf punk funk (ala social distortion) from the bass and drums. The recording sounds awful, super muddy and sludgy, doesn't make the most of the cool rhythm guitar sounds. A 35 minute best of combining this and Ritual with the love version of Jane Says would suffice for Jane's Addiction.

It sounds like some of the best and worst of the 90s rock sound they helped create. No doubt a creative album for its time but it does just sounds a bit... Uninteresting? It rocks but in a restrained way which I think may not have been intentional. I actually think Perry's vocal style fits / helps create their brand of music. I can see why it was such a stir but I can't say I was overly impressed.

Just what I like

Initially not a fan, but grew on me. Really can't say I'm keen on the vocals though.

So meh that I forgot about the other Jane’s addiction album I had already rated so meh.

👎

this was fun, good ol rock n roll

A generous 3. Just an awful voice

Does not hold up... Jane Says and 10 other tracks

Cool riffs, interesting lyrics, great drums, high energy - what's not to like? Definitely belongs on this list too because this album really changed the direction of alternative music for the next decade.

Listenable.

Good

A hard hitting listen with some really good ear worms. It was well sequenced and had quite a bit of musical variety. Some of the songs were duller than others, but all around this was impressive and I'll listen again in the future. 3.6/5 - > 4/5

Started out kinda meh with Up The Beach. Ocean Size was also mediocre, but had some good guitar shredding. Had A Dad was also fairly forgettable. Then the album just took a turn for the worse. The rest of the songs were annoying and repetitive. Only one that stands out is Summertime Rolls. Best song: Summertime Rolls

pretty sick fun when it was rocking most of the way through, fun when they cooled it down a little for Jane Says, fun when whatever Thank You Boys is happened

o.k. but nothing remarkable on.

Gave it a few listens, nothing really sunk in immediately but I didn’t hate it and it was a decent listen. Didn’t hate, didn’t love it. Listening to this much rock in this project compared to usual (which is none) has definitely strengthened my prior opinion of it - I don’t really *hate* it, I enjoy and appreciate the strong guitar and drum presence, but I don’t find myself seeking it out.

"Jane Says" still hits the spot, but it’s doing all the heavy lifting. "Mountain Song" is catchy — if you don’t think too hard about what the hell Perry Farrell’s even saying. "Idiots Rule" feels like someone punched him in the face and he never recovered; who hurt him? Navarro’s guitar keeps things interesting, but "Summertime Rolls" is straight-up trash. A few gems, a lot of filler.

Some good stuff but nothing I found essential. My suspicion is they’d be great to see live. 3/5

4/5

2.75

Tie two cats together at the tail, throw them over a clothesline, record it and put stadium reverb on it, and it would be better than this album.

Interessante, ma non particolarmente eccezionale.

Flashback!

Nothing shocking.

Nog een cool album. Ken Jane's Addiction niet zo goed, maar dit was wel de moeite om eens te beluisteren. 3.2

Idk why this is described as indie rock.. it’s not

one of the most important bands in the alternative music movement in the late 80’s and early 90’s. fantastic debut album from the mercurial perry ferrell and the boys. unique vocals, insightful lyrics, crunchy guitars and a slid rhythm section. different, but never boring. highlights: “standing in the shower… thinking” “mountain song” “jane says”

i listened to this a lot in my teens. It still holds up

Trailblazers. One of my first alternative/punk rock albums. Love it.

This album was good. The solos and guitar tones were really interesting. Overall I think this album was fine, but nothing insanely impressive or ground breaking here for me. However, the bass is a highlight for me. Super interesting bass lines. "Mountain Song" is obviously the highlight Liked Songs: "Had a Dad" , "Standing in the Shower...Thinking" , "Summertime Rolls" , "Mountain Song" , "Idiots Rule" , "Pigs in Zen"

liked songs: Up The Beach, Ocean Size, Idiots Rule I'm not a big fan of Perry Farrell's voice. The music is pretty good. 3.5

Great soundscapes and some of my fav guitar work, both lead and bass. The first half is stronger than the second, as a whole its a very good album.

30 years of blasting this one out. No need to listen to give the 5

Didn’t gel well with many of the songs outside of 1 or 2.

A classic case of we have one great song but we have to make a whole album

A classic!!!

Cool

I thought I knew about Jane’s Addiction. I’ve seen the headlines, just like everyone else, and I’d built up an image in my head of the band as a sort of sub-Pearl Jam early 90s grungey rock outfit. Nothing worth writing home about, I thought. I was pretty disappointed when this album came up. But do you know what? I was pretty wrong. This album is much more interesting and weird than I’d given it credit for. I think I’m maybe a bit old for it (?!) but had I found it when I was a teenager I think this band would’ve been my entire personality for six months.

I’m probably overrating this, but I really enjoyed it. I knew Jane Says, but everything else here was new to me. Favorites were Ocean Size, Ted, Just Admit It…, Summertime Rolls, Idiots Rule, and Jane Says.

Enjoyed this more than expected, although the vocals are a it sulky teenager after a (short) while. The more rhythmic elements = good; the heavy rock stylings = bad.

Very trippy in places. It's an experimental album. The band have the time and space to explore before big label expectations. It all got a little too Rock God for me.

Somewhat familiar with Jane's Addiction. Perry Farrell's voice is hard to mistake after all (love his work in Porno for Pyros too). This was probably novel for the time, as alternative rock was sort of finding its mold around the mid to late 80's. Though I can only take Jane's Addiction is small doses, if that makes any sense. Good, hard alt rock that can get a little grating.

Lotsa echo and Perry Farrell wailing, so good

Hmm, I’m not exactly sure where I come down on this one. I didn’t dislike it, and it’s pretty cool in some ways - it sounds ahead of its time - but also on the verge of being irritating. “Jane Says” was the only song I’d heard from this album, and it’s definitely the standout.

Nice. Solid guitar playing

Nice raw album

Mmmm... heard them Live last year at a festival....wasn't convinced...after hearing the album still not convinced...sometimes the voice of Perry attracts me, but more often it's annoying me...

This album wasn't really bad, but it felt like a chore to listen through.

Not super memorable

Very cool and psychedelic take on Alternative Rock that actually sounds very modern by 1988 standards. I honestly prefer their follow-up, also on this list, so I'm not so sure this is an essential listen for everyone. Key tracks: Ocean Size Jane Says

not as good as Ritual De Lo Habitual a generous 3 stars

Pretty fun rock album

Pretty iconic album cover and good music.

Jane's Addiction remains one of the best shows I've ever seen live.. given, that was a long time ago, when Perry Farrell's brain wasn't yet scrambled. Nothing Shocking features one of their most well-known songs, "Jane Says" - a stripped-down, steel-drum-accented reflection on addiction and regret. However, other tracks capture the essence of the band at their full strength. It doesn't get much more epic than the anthem of "Mountain Song", instantly recognizable by it's iconic bassline. It feels like it's kicking off the start of some kind of ritual. Farrell is certainly a unique front-man - a quasi-cult-leader vibe with a mystical, hypnotic, and always theatric delivery. The band has always brought a sort of primal energy to all their albums, and this one is no exception. Jane's remains essential listening, as an iconic band that blended psychedelic rock, funk grooves, & punk energy in a way that jolted alt rock from the 80's into the 90's.

Raw and Hard!

Great debut. Not every song is a banger, and some of the lyrics can be a bit juvenile, but sonically its hard to fault.

I quite liked the second half of the album.

nah, I just hate Farrell's voice.