Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Jane’s addiction is not something I have listened to much. I’m generally not a huge fan of metal, but this hits different. The best way I can describe it is imagine the The Cure made a metal album. I will definitely listen to this again. This is either a 4 or a 5 - as I write this review, that still an undecided point. Is that calypso drums I hear in Jane Says?
Up the Beach is pretty good. Atmospheric. Ocean Size is ridiculous but unexpectedly enjoyable. Had a Dad is fairly dull. "Ted, Just Admit It..." I'm seeing a trend emerge - they're pretty dull? Which is impressive to achieve when they've so much going on. Could not finish this album.
I was pretty meh about this.
Kolejny bardzo przeciętny album. Doceniam ballady z tej płyty, bo mają w sobie coś ciekawego, ale reszta kawałków to typowe szarpanie drutów. Ani to wyjątkowe ani poruszające. 5/10
Pretty good hard rock. Not much to say on this one.
Performed like a bunch of little brothers who just learned about sex and cursing. The band is talented - I get Primus vibes at times - but the lyrics and vocals are intolerable.
This album was fine. A bit heavier than I prefer but not offensively so. I'm not a normal listener of Jane's Addiction but know they are a pretty big influence in their genre. Obviously highlighted by Jane Says. 5.25/10 (2.625/5)
No major complaints - expected it to be a bit grungier than this but overall pretty good rock album! Enjoyed the acoustic elements
Boring and absolutely not actual at present time
Nothing's shocking except this cover. 1988 had some positive releases (like Green) but it seemed hair metal was everywhere. This was a breath of fresh air. And now of course porn is everywhere (sister is not a virgin and those images are indeed everywhere on the news). Dave Navarro wasn't a porn director yet, Perry hadn't launched Lollapalooza, seemed all good. Listening today I'm rehearing my initial attraction. Dudes were talented.
Perfect music in the background when cleaning out cat litter trays. Standing in the shower… thinking - I enjoyed that but nothing else made a dent.
This is a repeat—pretty literally—from the last Jane's Addiction review. Which, begs the question... Why include both albums on the list? Is there really a marked difference in the band? I respect this band for creating a sound and boldly showcasing odd song constructions and conventions and strange vocal melodies and harmonies and inventive rhythmic ideas. It's weird and unconventional. The themes of the songs are also pretty bold and Perry Farrell is willing to go places others wouldn't. That still holds true — not to mention in 1988. But I seriously dislike the way the band sounds. Farrell's vocals are difficult to endure, creative and expressive as they are. The double/triple layering and high wail... it's distinctive and difficult to execute, but he always struck me as a petulant whiny git. His recent exploits fighting with Navarro seem to reinforce that. And there's lots and lots of guitar, but I'm rarely awed by it, just aware that Navarro is playing a lot. So, once again, I'm awarding it a 4 though I don't ever want to hear it again. We good?
I've never found these guys compelling. They play hard, but somehow still fail to rock. Navarro's all right, but Perry bores me, and his lyrics are tiresome. They have a couple of songs that are OK and only one great one (Been Caught Stealing), which isn't on this album. Overall: pass.
What's truly shocking is that this came out in 1988. I thought for sure it was early or mid 90s. Yikes. Found myself mostly bored listening to this. Yet Jane Says always perks me up and I tried to discern if it's just nostalgia that drives my fondness for the song. Also hard to listen to this and not think about Perry Farrell freaking out on stage.
It's alright but I won't be listening again. Started doing this challenge to get inspired to listen to new music but nothing is working it seems . Ah, well
I first learned of this group when reviewing Ritual De Lo Habitual last May. That album took me by surprise, and its predecessor - this album - has nearly the same quality.
Putain, 1988. J'avais dix-huit ans, l'âge parfait pour se prendre des baffes musicales en pleine gueule. Le paysage sonore de l'époque, si on y réfléchit bien, était un sacré merdier. D'un côté, t'avais le hair metal qui paradait en spandex sur MTV, avec des solos de guitare longs comme un jour sans pain et des ballades sirupeuses à en faire crever un diabétique. De l'autre, la pop synthétique dominait les ondes, et dans les marges, une scène "indie" commençait à peine à murmurer des choses intéressantes, mais souvent avec les yeux rivés sur ses chaussures. Et puis, du coeur crasseux de Los Angeles, a déboulé cet OVNI : Jane's Addiction et leur premier véritable album "Nothing's Shocking", album qui portait bien mal son nom car tout était choquant là-dedans. Choquant de nouveauté, choquant de danger, choquant de sensualité vénéneuse. Le projet "1001 Albums" a également retenu également son successeur, l'excellent "Ritual de lo Habitual", mais pour moi, et pour beaucoup de gens de ma génération, la première vraie déflagration, la fracture sismique, c'est ce disque-là. Ce qui frappait d'emblée, c'était l'impossibilité de les ranger dans une case car ce n'était pas du punk, pas vraiment du metal, encore moins du funk, et pourtant, c'était tout ça à la fois, et bien plus encore. C'était une créature de Frankenstein musicale, un putain de bordel organisé avec une classe folle. Perry Farrell, le frontman, n'était pas un chanteur, c'était un shaman, un gourou défoncé, un prêtre païen sous acide avec sa voix de hyène haut perchée qui pouvait passer du cri strident à la complainte éthérée en une fraction de seconde. Sa présence scénique, même sur disque, était palpable. On sentait le soufre, la sueur et l'encens bon marché. À la guitare, Dave Navarro et le mec s'est imposé en un seul album comme un des derniers vrais "guitar heroes". Ses riffs étaient lourds, reptiliens, empruntant autant à Led Zeppelin qu'au post-punk le plus noisy. Il pouvait te balancer un mur de son metal avant de partir sur un solo psychédélique qui semblait s'étirer à l'infini. Le mec ne jouait pas des notes, il peignait des paysages sonores tordus et flamboyants. Et puis, il y avait cette section rythmique... Mon Dieu, cette section rythmique. Eric Avery à la basse, avec ses lignes hypnotiques, profondes, qui étaient souvent la véritable colonne vertébrale des morceaux. Prenez "Mountain Song", ce n'est pas un riff de guitare qui vous attrape, c'est cette basse monstrueuse, tribale, qui vous prend aux tripes pour ne plus vous lâcher. Et Stephen Perkins à la batterie, qui ne se contentait pas de marquer le tempo, il dansait dessus, avec des rythmiques complexes, presque tribales, qui donnaient à l'ensemble une puissance et une ampleur incroyables. Cette fusion, en 1988, c'était du jamais vu. Les Pixies étaient bizarres, mais Jane's Addiction était dangereux. Ils avaient ce côté "glam" décadent, ce vice qui suintait de chaque note. Ils parlaient de came, de partouzes, de tristesse existentielle, mais avec une sorte de beauté poétique et violente. "Jane Says", ce morceau acoustique avec son steel drum mélancolique, est devenu l'hymne officieux de toutes les âmes abîmées. C'est le genre de chanson que tu écoutes en fin de soirée, quand tout le monde est parti et qu'il ne reste que les fantômes et la fumée froide. Et comment parler de "Nothing's Shocking" sans évoquer sa pochette ? Cette sculpture de Farrell lui-même, représentant des siamoises nues, la tête en feu, assises sur un rocking-chair. Forcément, ça n'a pas plu à tout le monde. Les grandes chaînes de distribution américaines ont crié au scandale, à la pornographie, à la décadence. L'album s'est retrouvé vendu dans un emballage en papier kraft marron, comme une revue porno. Quelle meilleure publicité pour un groupe qui voulait dynamiter les conventions ? C'était un bras d'honneur magnifique à la bien-pensance américaine, un acte artistique total qui disait : "On vous emmerde, et on le fait avec style." Alors, petit aparté pour les puristes du projet qui me lisent. Oui, le grand livre a choisi également "Ritual de lo Habitual". Et c'est un choix qui se défend car c'est un album encore plus ambitieux, plus épique, avec des morceaux fleuves comme "Three Days", que le livre décrit comme leur "Stairway To Heaven". Mais "Nothing's Shocking", c'est le Big Bang. C'est l'étincelle originelle, le disque qui a posé les bases, qui a montré que tout était possible. C'est la déclaration d'intention brute, sans le vernis (relatif) du succès qui allait suivre. Et ce disque a ouvert la voie à tout ce qui allait suivre dans les années 90. Sans Jane's Addiction, pas de Lollapalooza (le festival créé par Farrell), et peut-être un son différent pour Nirvana, Pearl Jam ou Alice in Chains. Ils ont prouvé qu'on pouvait être à la fois heavy et poétique, brutal et sexy, complexe et direct. Ils ont injecté une dose massive d'art, de chaos et de décadence dans un rock qui commençait sérieusement à s'encroûter. Pour le disquaire en herbe que j'allais devenir quelques années plus tard, cet album était une pierre angulaire. Il représentait cette frange du rock américain qui n'avait peur de rien, qui osait tout, qui mélangeait les genres sans se poser de questions. Il y avait une liberté, une folie et une sincérité dans ce disque qui sont devenues rarissimes. "Nothing's Shocking" n'a rien perdu de sa puissance aujourd'hui. Il sonne toujours aussi unique, aussi viscéral. C'est un instantané parfait d'une époque charnière, le son d'un groupe en état de grâce qui s'apprêtait à changer la face du rock. Un solide 4/5, sans hésitation. Une porte d'entrée vers un monde plus tordu, plus brillant, et foutrement plus excitant.
Definitely my vibe
Not for me.
Had heard of them but wouldn't have been able to tell you what type of music they are. I'm not sure I could now, I thought they moved across genres and I quite liked it but it's ultimately not my stuff.
At least having a female name in a band is some nod towards diversity. Strong case for Perry Farrell's vocals being my least favourite in rock.
Always been in the background of stuff I was listening to and I always meant to give them a listen. Really enjoyed it. Will listen to more of their stuff.
Some really good rhythms and beats underneath all the anger….some real talent, unfortunately the anger was coming through a bit strong and overwhelmed the music..so much so the music was lost and all I could hear was aggression..it’s a fine balance but for me that anger was all I could hear after a while.
Once the ink was dried We can say we tried To embrace the love From Jane up above Once the dust settles The reverb rattles This is not for me So not even a three
Nothing Shocking here, just a decent debut album. Starts out a bit rough, but improves as it moves along. Last four songs make for a good lineup to the finish. Thank You Boys (best song)is a nice change of pacer followed by the obvious Jane Says. Who’s Jane? (2.7*s)
A lot of this sounds like scattered noise but there's a few good points: "Ocean Size" for the lyrics and being a good song I didn't expect or know, "Mountain Song" for the bass intro and shredding throughout, and "Jane Says" obviously as the standout track but also for the steel drums I forgot were there. That said, too many other pain points for me: I don't really like Farrell's voice, not enough stand out tracks, overall meh sound, don't like the album art, and too many off-putting lyrics to overcome the good ones. Jane Says it's a 1.85.
Always felt Jane's Addiction was one of the most overrated bands and after listening to "Nothing Shocking," I am not shocked that I still stand by that claim. It's a decent debut, title track stands out with a couple others making ripples like "Idiots Rule" and "Pigs in Zen." The rest is mediocre in my opinion and I think the only reason these guys made a splash in the late 80s is cause they featured a steel drum in an alternative song. Farrelly got an annoying voice no doubt but Navarro can pluck and the drummer is tight on the kit but the real shiner is the bassist. Props for debuts that are worthy enough for the list compared to an artist's 29th album or a live one so it ain't for nothing when I give this album a 2.57.
There was truly Nothing Shocking about this album. It's not a snooze, nor is it anything exciting. I find the biggest hits from it are pretty mediocre. At the same time the deep cuts were also mediocre. I guess that's something to praise? I must be missing something because I've always found Jane's Addiction to be overrated and nothing special. Not sure how they were placed in such high regard but maybe you had to be there when they were breaking. This album is a pretty accurate example of them. Filed in the "meh" department and moving on. 2.17 stars
No strong feelings, good background music at work if I keep the volumn down.
Nine of 1001... I do own Ritual De Lo Habitual via exposure to Been Caught Stealing back in the day, but know absolutely nothing of its predecessors, so am going in completely cold with this one. To these ears, this album is at its best in its more psychedelic, echo drenched moments. The shoegazing, however, is punctuated with more hair-metal flavoured guitar gymnastics and dated alt-funk-rock to much lesser effect. Farrell's destinct modulated vocal style eventually grates due to over-exposure. Nothing's Shocking certainly has its moments, but there is no individual standout track, nor is there anything of great substance to make me want to come back for more. Mostly loud and in-your-face, not necessarily not in a good way. Energetic but exhausting. Intriguing but shallow.
3.09
While I can appreciate this album and the importance it had as a bridge between 80s rock and 90s funk and Rrock bands, I've just never really liked Jane's Addiction.
Nope. Doesn't really resonate.
с каким же кайфом вспомнил игру Marc Ecko’s Getting Up когда услышал "Mountain Song"
I would‘ve liked it when I was 15.
I think went middle of the road for the last album of theirs I reviewed. Some good drums and guitar work, musically it’s pretty decent. Sadly, the vocals start getting a little hard to put up with. I realise they were pretty important for the alternative rock scene, but (although I like it generally speaking), it didn’t wow me.
JA has a few songs that really appeal to me, though overall something misses on the rest. I see the value of the band, but it just doesn't hit my music bone (I think yhats in tge limbic section of the brain).
Ok album, never really got into these guys
I always deemed them as artsy to a fault. Music is good and his voice is perfect for it. I wouldn’t skip it now.
I liked this album better than expected, but the style of vocalization wore thin pretty quickly. This one is a low 3 for me.
Stadium rock
Solid ass 3
Hello! That was good! Not sure what I expected, knowing Jane's Addiction only by name, apparently, but it was better than that. A weird, little niche this music sits in. Dream-Sleaze? Not sure whether I will put this on ever again, but I've had a nice time. A strong 4.
2 stars
Not for me. 1/5
Really not my vibe no cap
At the time Nothing's Shocking was released in the late 80s, there was nothing like it. Musically, vocally, content-wise, even the cover art of completely unique. The closest analog to them was the Velvet Underground, especially the songs about the dark underbelly of urban culture. Therein lies the problem with Nothing's Shocking and Jane's Addiction overall. Like the Velvet Underground two decades before, you either loved Jane's Addiction or you hated them. Very few people had a take it or leave it attitude toward the band and their debut album. Ultimately, this is one of the albums that kicks off the Alt Rock movement that came to dominate the 90s. Songs such as Idiots Rule, Standing in the Shower... Thinking, and Jane Said became staples of Alt Rock radio. It's easy to forget that, when these songs were released, only college radio would play them and no one over 30 listened to them. That is until Jane's Addicition help launch Lollapalooza. Then everyone knew them. Now, they're classics.
NOFM
Quintessential Jawn
A classic with all the hits. I just wish that Perry hadn't gone completely insane and canceled the shows on their tour the day before they were supposed to come to my city
Favorite Track: Jane Says
not an album about drugs or for doing drugs to per se, but an album whose sounds evokes probably the kind of casual use and destitution of being in your 20s. also strange that shoegaze and art rock dont come up in what I’ve read abt this album; I got sugarcubes vibes from idiots rules, ted just admit it was like a fine tuned butthole surfers track
The title sums it up well. Nothing shocking, nothing amazing, just perfectly fine. I liked it, I probably won't listen to it anymore.
It was pretty different from what I expected, but i had fun. Don't think I'm gonna come back to this one, but still a strrooong 3
I am punked
Nothing outstanding but nothing terrible either
The bridge between 80s rock excess and 90s alternative, what was and what would come. "Jane Says" gets all the attention, but "Mountain Song" is the real one here.
Was surprised to hear a little bit of TOOL here. Not a ton, and mostly the earlier stuff, but it was there. That was neat, but not neat enough to give this more than 3 stars. The dude's voice is super annoying. 3/5
So I want to go back and forth from a 2 to a 3.... Jane's Addiction is different and developed a music style all of their own, mixing metal, rock, punk and electronic vibe. There are some really guitar shreds and the drums are good, and some of the lyrics are good making some great songs (Mountain Song, Jane Says). Then other times Perry sounds so whiny and repetitive and the guitar does the same and the songs don't really go anywhere for me....I really wish we could do half stars.
This is probably my favorite Jane's Addiction album. Especially love the bass playing on this album. Up the Beach is just an awesome piece to open the album. Ocean Size is great. Ted, Just Admit it... is a weird song but I like it. It takes 3 minutes for it to start to kick in. And then at 5 minutes they take up another level and end up rocking this out so hard! Standing in the Shower... so funky. Mountain Song, probably my favorite song by this band. Idiots Rule (horns! Yes! no political commentary needed). Jane Says... I played this song in a 90's alternative cover band. I'm a little too familiar with this one but yes, it's one of their best. Love the steel drums with the acoustic. Pigs in Zen... just some really great guitar riffs. Awesome album!
More than anything, I credit Jane’s Addiction with bringing into the world of overwrought hair metal and shiny pop a resurgence of the cool 1970’s style of rockin’ and rollin’ that has an updated late 80’s flair which eventually just became the early 90’s sound overall. In this album, you can hear future Black Crowes, Blind Melon, most definitely Smashing Pumpkins’ first album, Gish, and a thousand scruffy grunge/alternative bands copping a Venice Beach boho style and swarming L.A.’s sunset strip. Again, the 70’s. It’s super cool for sure. The songs are good to great but I wouldn’t place this album on my all time best list. It’s more important to me for being a reset in musical culture. Highlights include: Ted, Just Admit It…, Summertime Rolls, Idiots Rule, and of course, Jane Says.
I liked this a lot better than Ritual de lo Habitual. It felt more raw and genuine and was good solid rock music.
Love this album. Ted just admit it is one of their best songs. Summertime rolls fucking sucks and is the biggest gap in the album and I forget it exists cuz I always skip it. Studio version of Jane says is a little flat and lacks some of the layers of the live version but great album.
Good guitar work and energy. Didn't love the singing. Mellow tunes were good.
Music is ok, idc about the people in the slightest good for them for making history. 3 star
Not my thing. Too chaotic
It's hard to communicate to younger people how influential Janes Addiction was. This album and The Pixies Doolittle were the foundational building blocks of 90's alternative rock.
Have I mentioned that I hate drums drenched in reverb? Yeah? Ok. Well then. Joy of joys, it’s another Jane’s Addiction record. This one is decidedly more 80’s sounding than its follow up. Also not a a fan of the distorted guitar tone here, at least on the rhythm guitar, it lacks definition and it’s a little too thin and trebly for my taste. Or, maybe it’s because the reverb drenched drums are crowding the stereo field. Sounds like they recorded the drums in a cave or a silo or something. Anyway, like I said last time, these guys just kind of sound like a fancy (read: experimental) hair metal band. It’s worth noting that I’m in my forties, so, theoretically, I should have some type of reverence for these guys. Not so. I find them kind of a snooze and bordering on annoying, to be honest. Also, let’s just get this out of the way: Funk Metal is fucking lame. Funkadelic is probably the only band who ever made interesting heavy, distorted funk music. (Yes, I’m including Primus/the Red Hot Chili Peppers/Faith No More/Fishbone, etc in my assessment.) Without fail, it sounds really fucking dumb. While I’m serving up hot takes: “Jane Says” is just the riff from “Over the Hills and Far Away” by Led Zeppelin repurposed. I don’t know why I’m so much more critical of this record than I was with Ritual de lo Habitual. I must have been feeling charitable 8 days ago. I usually try to give a little leeway for bands who are “influential”, but I’m having a a hard time seeing what influence Jane’s Addiction had on music I like. Best I can say is that I appreciate Perry Farrell for starting Lollapalooza, which was cool in the early 90’s, but is a whole lot less interesting today… …kind of like the music of Jane’s Addiction.
Its okay ..
Loved it
Jaaaaaaane saaaaaays, “I like a lot of the music, not so keen on the vocals”
I was a big fan of what turns out to be Ted, Just Admin It.. that was called Sex Is Violent on the Natural Born Killers soundtrack and I still found it chilling on this album. Jane Says is pretty epic and overall I found this album enjoyable enough for 5 stars.
An easy 5 for this one - it was in pretty heavy rotation during my uni days, and that was 10 years after it came out - must have been a revelation to hear it in '88! Love the different moods it rolls through, and the general air of inscrutability. Fave tracks - on these playthroughs, let's say "Ted, Just Admit It..." and "Pigs in Zen", but really any of the other tracks could take the title depending on my mood...
As kinetic as can be and dyanmic AF. Listening 30 years on, it’s not hard to recall how (or why) PF was easily the coolest man in rock and roll for more than a quarter as 80s became 90s. Nobody better blended punk edges and attitudes with more traditional/classic rock tropes and hooks. The key was the energy. And PF’s all-in commitment (vocal and otherwise). A few timeless tracks – the opener, which is surprising in its setting of the tone, "Summertime Rolls," "Mountain Song" and the hits, too (as much as one wants to hate on "Jane Says" for overexposure – and in a decently wide range, too. Awfully close to Ritual in terms of quality and staying power.
This album seems to act as a bit of a bridge between the over the top hair metal and glam of the 80's and the heavier rock of 90's alternative and grunge. It's a good mix. The opening one-two of 'Up The Beach' and 'Ocean Size' is really good and sets the album up nicely. The guitar work throughout the album is brilliant and my favourite thing about the record. Great riffs like on 'Mountain Song', blistering solos like on 'Standing In The Shower... Thinking'. The vocals from Perry Farrell are brilliant. Powerful and over the top, though I feel like they are slightly pushed back in the mix and almost sound slightly not real at times? Maybe they're just that good. Really enjoyed this dark, raw and rough album.
i dont know how i feel about this one
Jane Says hits so hard, still to this day. This album was really ahead of it's time (it came out in '88! I mean, Faith by George Michael was no. 1 in '88 (I just looked it up)). Perry Ferrell is a freaky bohemian addict who made weird music that defied genre. Not sure I love it per se, but I love the spirit and how it felt slightly more like "outsider art" when it eventually got lumped into grunge. Not on this album, but Being Caught Stealing music video is a marvel and is burned into my brain as the most bizarre thing I could see as a child sneaking into watch MTV without my parents knowledge.
Edgelord music for burnouts with undiagnosed ADHD who grow up to fall down the alt-right pipeline after becoming convinced that the earth is flat. That whole non-genre all starts here with Nothing’s Shocking. The hype for this album and the fact that it’s stood the test of time as a “good album” is incredible, because how did anyone tolerate anything on this record, even in 1989?! I would give anything for this band to not only play in sync with each other, but to have any semblance of song structure. Jane’s Addiction truly is just stoned out noodling, and while the bass makes an attempt to hold the center together, even that can’t stay focused enough to create even an inkling of cohesion. The amount of times where random ass instruments came in drove me insane; every quirky cowbell and woodblock made me pull my hair and audibly scream. This chaos is only made worse by Navarro’s flashy guitar, and while I respect his talent, there’s a time and a place for flash– and this isn’t it. But the parts that kill me are Farrell’s atrocious vocals, which sound like a cat getting a rectal exa,, while singing about how ✨radical✨ it is to be broke and drugged-out. And I use the word “radical” to simultaneously mean “politically and socially against the norm” and as ‘90s filler lingo for “cool to suburban children of divorce who can do a kickflip.” Farrell is perhaps the worst vocalist on any record on this list– and among the worst lyricists, too– and it’s never because he’s making interesting choices. No. The man just can’t fucking sing. As if that wasn’t bad enough, I’m then killed again by some of the worst mixing I’ve ever heard on a record in my entire 32 years of existence. I get that there are times when bad mixing can be an aesthetic choice, but this doesn’t sound like that. It sounds like a bunch of stoners who didn’t know what they were doing who went into the studio, turned the dials to whatever felt “right,” and didn’t think twice about it. Every song on Nothing’s Shocking sounds blown out and muddy, while also sounding like every track is almost too isolated and not blended together at all. The mix quality alone ruins the only two songs that even come close to saving this album, “Mountain Song” and “Jane Says.” Now, “Mountain Song” was probably never getting saved, because it suffers from the same composition discombobulation as every other bad song on here, but the mixing annihilates its tepid attempt at cohesion. On the other hand, “Jane Says” IS a good song, but I have NO FUCKING CLUE why the guitar sounds like that, like it’s being played under water. Truly, the mixing makes this actively unlistenable. If Californication started the Loudness Wars that ruined music for almost 20 years, Nothing’s Shocking planted the seeds, and that’s almost worse. Nothing’s Shocking reminds me of the Burnout Band™️ of my generation, Hollywood Undead. While sonic opposites on paper, they achieve the same end goal aesthetically: edgy, non-conformist unfit for straight society so they use their youth to be abrasive and aggressive without any form of tact. It’s music that is supposed to piss off your parents because it’s ✨supposed to✨ sound bad, man! But once you reach legal drinking age, you’re either supposed to have grown up enough to realize that, well, it was just bad, literally. If you haven’t grown up enough by that point and are listening to it for any other reason besides nostalgia, well, it’s probably because you’re buying your weed in a playground parking lot and have a fascination with girls who just turned 18. The generational textures may feel different, but Jane’s Addiction are meant to be outgrown, and despite the trash material displayed on this record, for some reason, they haven’t suffered the same fate. Well, I’m here to say they 100% should have. Sure, man, nothing is shocking, except for how little you’ve changed– see you at the 10 year reunion if you’re not locked up by then.
Le rock de Jane's Addiction, toujours aussi groovy, juste assez dissonant, un plaisir contagieux qui ne se dément pas – à l'avant-garde des années 1990, il me semble.
Wow so revolutionary I’ve already heard it’s style in today’s music.
Alright! It's time for my first impression of Jane's Addiction, a band that I've heard of before and that's about it. I mean, I also knew about that on-stage incident from last year, but let's just move past that (for the review). Here's their debut album, Nothing's Shocking. It's good! This is a solid album right here. I'll start the review with the one part of this album that I'm not a big fan of... the singing. I don't hate Perry Farrell's singing, but it isn't really my thing. It works sometimes, but it can also be a bit annoying at others. It's certainly not for everyone. Fortunately, the other stuff here is great! The instrumentals are pretty cool. Whether they're more stripped down on songs like "Jane Says" or are full-energy like on "Mountain Song," there's definitely enough talent here to appreciate. The writing and theming here is quite interesting, but it definitely works and I'd say it's pretty ahead of its time. I mean, this album was released in 1988, yet it feels like it could've come out like 10 years later or something. The pacing is pretty good. I like the songs, especially the two I mentioned earlier. This album's good, and apparently its followup, Ritual de lo Habitual, is even better and is also on this list! Maybe I'll like that one even more myself. Still, Nothing's Shocking is pretty good on its own. Light 4/5.
Wow! I loved it. Rocked my face off
Thoughts before listening: My favorite album by Janes Addiction. Godfathers of the alternative rock scene who came out of the 80s LA punk scene, but fully indebted to classic rock as well...especially with Perry Farrell's over the top screech and Dave Navarro's lead guitar. I am glad to have a chance to listen again today. Review: Yeah this is a classic for the music that meant the world to me growing up. It really is a mixture of the underground alternative scene and a classic rock, Led Zeppelin style sound. Especially with a song like "Mountain Song" which has become a staple of the genre. Glad to have revisited this today, and the album gets 4-stars.
Solid album. Not entirely my speed. The sound was definitely very fresh, but it just wasn't all my type of thing. Fav song: Summertime Rolls
I feel like I liked this band more in the past. It may just be that I didn't really care for this album.
honestly was a great workout album
This is a great listen.
It’s raw and rough, with a sound that feels loose but intentional. The vocals are sharp and cutting, kind of like an edgier David Bowie, but I still loathe Perry's voice. Some of the basslines remind me of early Red Hot Chili Peppers, but everything here is darker and more moody. It’s messy noodling in a way that kinda works, especially for the time.
Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking Good album, I expected it to be really weird because of the album cover, but to be honest, there are bangers in this album, i'm not going back to listen to this though for obvious reasons, but i'll listen to that one than that fred neil album again, this sounds way more fun and cool (no wonder why MC Ride sampled this for his songs, this goes hard!!). Overall, this is good! 1.- Up the Beach = 9/10 2.- Ocean Size = 9/10 3.- Had a Dad = 8/10 4.- Ted, Just Admit It... = 8/10 5.- Standing in the Shower... Thinking = 7/10 6.- Summertime Rolls = 9/10 7.- Mountain Song = 7/10 8.- Idiots Rule = 8/10 9.- Jane Says = 9/10 10.- Thank You Boys = 6/10 11.- Pig's In Zen = 7/10 FINAL SCORE: 7.9/10
It's like sour warheads in my mouth. Listening to this was painful. Like watered down hair metal. I feel like I need a shower after listening to this prick's gritty jading vocals for 45 minutes. Yuck.
wowzer is that... le ex military opening!?!?!? im feeling a light 8 to a strong 7 on this one bros... (heh, just a bit of music enjoyer humor..) Naa this album was pretty sweet. I wasn't really sure what to expect from an album for which my knowledge was they were sampled by Death Grips but I didn't expect it to be as much of a pure, practically dumb fun experience as this. I was a bit mixed initially on where to grade this for some of the parts where it reared into its neighbouring Hair/Glam metal territory in some of the ways that annoy me for that genre, but something this consistently enjoyable deserves praise
Whenever I hear a death grips sample in the wild I feel like I've just stuck a fork into an outlet. I liked this album. I'm probably not gonna go out of my way to listen to it again. The singer is kind of annoying.
Despite what my profile might say I Love hard rock, it's just got to be good or else most of the time it sounds milquetoast and bland. This album reminds me of brand new's devil and God not in Genre but in how it has perfected the fundamentals of a genre while keeping it fresh. 1988 for this albums release is crazy. Years before the gunge of the 90s so much so this album isn't characterised as Grunge even though it undeniably is And even further before the hard rock revival of the 2000s with foo fighters and Queens of the stoneage. 9/10 Fav tracks - All of 'em
An important band to lie about having listened to before listening to death grips to impress fellow wankers. In all seriousness, before sitting down for this I had heard Up The Beach and Stop! in high school and thought they were pretty groovy, would later become more familiar with them as previously mentioned. To be honest, I thought there would be a good reason that I had only ever heard 2 songs by Jane’s Addiction. Turns out the reason is I’m actually really fucking stupid. I had a big stupid grin on my face listening to this. I fell off this project a little bit and had to drag myself through listening to the sex pistols and their talentless bullshit, and it was SO refreshing to listen to listen to something played with grit and talent. All the moving parts here are in sync. The album is a full-on assault from Up The Beach to Standing in the Shower…Thinking. It knows when to slow down and give you time to recuperate. The second half of the album doesn’t have the same high energy as the first half but it shows that the band isn’t just noise and aggression. Also the choice of instruments gets interesting along the way, huge shoutout to the horns on Idiots Rule and the STEEL DRUM on Jane Says. In the best possible way, this albums reminds me of what it felt like to play Postal 2 when I was 16. This album is fun as fuck. Highlights: the whole thing
Very unique album for its time. Combining many rock elements and jam like qualities, this album kicks ass
Not really my cup of tea but not unpleasant.
Man. It may be the album cover, the amount of rock albums I've been getting recently, or the general sound of it, but I just didn't jive with it. For the last album of 2024, it's been underwhelming. Anyway, my goal is to listen to one of these every day of 2025 so let's make it happen. SEE Y'ALL NEXT YEAR.
2 stars
Ei yhtään rallia itselle tällä albumilla, mutta kai se kaksi tähteä silti voi ansaita. Ei ollut offensiivisen huonoa.
Nice guitar
I have to admit, I’m pretty burnt out on a lot of these songs, but I still have to give Jane’s Addiction respect for standing the test of time. When they first came out, they were played alongside glam rock and hair metal bands. As that era faded, they seamlessly blended into the grunge movement. Even beyond that, as music continued to evolve, they always stayed relevant with whatever was happening at the time. That’s probably why I’m burnt out on them, these songs have been played for as long as I can remember.
Up The Beach // 2.5/5
Great.
I really like Jane's Addiction, this is a great hard rock record with enough flavours to keep it really fresh and interesting through the whole run time - kind of an updated Led Zeppelin? Has rockers, has jazz breaks, has Middle Eastern inspired passages, has great acoustic tracks with steel pans - it's a good advert for taking swings and having them pay off. I am only giving it a 4 because I think Ritual De Lo Habitual is a better record
They rip at times and I like the tune that has the horns. They should have done more of that! Ultimately, the aggression bags at me and I have to turn it off for a breather. It’s a pretty exhausting album with “Jane says” being the only truly palatable tune.
not bad but its just aint it. These Vocals don't align to my ear preferences. (2.0/5.0)
Nothing's Shocking is a solid album that helped shape late '80s alternative rock. Tracks like “Mountain Song” and “Jane Says” show off the band’s creativity, blending funk, rock, and Perry Farrell’s eccentric vocals. It’s a good record—well-produced and unique—but it doesn’t fully pull me in. I respect it more than I love it. Essential for fans of the genre, but for me, it’s just... fine.
Ok but that’s all
There may have been a time frame in my life where I could have enjoyed this but if so, it's in my rear view mirror. I was getting into some of the bass playing. It's not bad but it's nothing that I would ever seek out. 2.25/5
not super for me but I'm happy to have listened to it... I'm enjoying myself. just not like. racing to listen again.
jane's addiction comes through with their debut album, and they're starting off with a bang. with a decent amount of soft and hard rock tracks, this album, while a bit shocking at times, is a worthy debut. the lyrical content goes pretty deep and some of these songs have kick-ass riffs and fills. there's some jazzband influence as well which i honestly enjoyed. the mixing could be a bit better, and not every song is a winner, but for a debut and especially considering what's to come after all this... it's pretty good for what it is!
Hard to fit this into 1988 - way ahead of it's time. Clear influence on 90s grunge. Perry maybe a dick but the band can really play. Mountain Song and Jane Says Re two quite different and quite brilliant songs. Loved the bass playing and of course the guitar work is outstanding.
sex is violent !!! I did not enjoy this at first... then I settled in and it really grew on me. It's groovy, its screams, and it's got well written lyrics. Summertime Rolls is a good good song.
Simon, I think you’ll deduce the source of this description of Jane’s Addiction without needing any help: \"I've never heard Rush, but that's exactly what I'd imagine Rush to sound like." Perry Farrell’s voice is distinctive, probably a big influence on many later singers who also irritate my ears. This has the dynamics of great hard rock, but not the melodies or riffs, and sounds thin, probably the result of modish production decisions that I will never bother to understand. The cover art is impressively crap and fair to the lyrical content: this does what it says on the tin, tilting towards transgression but finding its nose in a puddle, delivering fiery instrumental work that goes nowhere, unless you count inspiring The Spin Doctors as achievement.
What if RHCP had better musicians but their vocalist was even more shit and punchable? Yes, they would be pretty fucking terrible. I'll tell you what's shocking, the quality of '80s LA bands
Pretty good. More metallic than alternative. Jane Says is a classic. Too bad Perry Farrell is such a prick. Not totally consistent but a decent listen.
It's cliche to say that a band was ahead of its time, but it's amazingly apt in this case. This album was a minor hit when released, but in the 90's it came into its own. Everyone listened. Every shitty cover band had a Jane's cover in their set. Listening to these songs you can hear the influence on other bands. For example listen to Up The Beach and you can hear Tool. Similarly Idiots Rule is a blueprint for Offspring. This album was ahead of its time and helped usher in the alt movement of the 90's and beyond.
Didn't think I'd like it but it was great.
One good song, and a lot of very samey songs that all blur into one. It's not particularly bad, but I'm not going to go and listen to an album of theirs, and I don't understand why some people rate them so highly.
Not bad, one banger.
Another great Perry album from the days he had a slight clue of what was going on.
Spent most of my life not liking Jane's Addiction. Turns out I really liked the overall album. Little jammy for my tastes, but when it rocks out, it's really good.
actually confession time. i love “jane says” as a song it’s such a guilty pleasure. i know it’s so annoying…but it’s CATCHY and i do love a good story song. so i was pretty devastated to see that that song is #9 on this album. it’s not a good enough song to make the rest of this crap worthwhile anyway. the really bloated bass really does appeal to me a lot but i hate those horrible hard rock 80s guitars and of course their shit from a butt lyrics are unforgivable. one thing i will give them credit for—it’s crazy that this album came out in 1988 because it sounds so much like all the dumb fucking shit that every edgy white guy band would go on to produce until at least 2007 or so. like, you could have told me that this was from 1995 or 1999 or 2004 and i would have believed you each time.
I listened to about half / 2/3s of this and intended to come back to it but I don’t feel like it. It wasn’t horrible and not as bad as I expected considering it’s metal from the 80s but I still don’t really care for it.
This sounded really really good. Lead singers voice was quite irritating but shit slapped. I don’t know any music that sounded like this in the late 80s. Maybe I’ll regret this but I just want to keep listening over and over again 4.51/5
Only thing I knew about them was Perry farrells recent on stage breakdown. Felt later songs better, but probably wouldn’t go back
Metal and Punk Fusion.
the voice is marmite but cant argue with the tunes
P indifferent to this
6/10 - It was screamy but somehow I liked it more idk. The voice was more gravely and the backing track was so much better. I liked Idiots Rule a lot and thank you boys was an interesting change of pace.
A bit too heavy for me to really get into it, but I think I almost liked it
A little underwhelmed tbh. Loved some of the songs though but for aw highly as people regard it I wasn’t too blown away.
Listening quietly while lying next to ezra don’t wanna wake him up but wanna listen to an album. Sort of unspectacular but some fun stuff. A 2.5 (edit: marimba and horns came in and made me regret giving getz a 2 cuz this is a true 2.)
I think this was a really cool rock album with horns, flute, and a general psychedelic vibe. My favorite song was Ted, just admit it
a little tired at the end of this album
Wanting to know more about the cover art I fell down a rabbit hole about Casey Niccoli. Oof. Anyway, my college boyfriend absolutely loved Jane's Addiction back in the day, I didn't as much. Listening again he was right. Unlike with Sonic Youth. Still, minus a star for the Casey situation.
Impressive guitar, but a bit like 80's rock. The vocals ... not so good.
Nothing special about this. Don't know why it's an album that must be listened to but maybe I am missing the point. Not really bothered actually
Pretty good 90s electic hard rock. Diverse pallete of subgenres.
I was familiar with the hits from this album. Giving it a full listen- it was about what I expected. Jane's Addiction has a distinct sound but still captures a lot of thr alternative sound that I enjoy in 90s rock. Not much stood out- just a solid album with a clear sound and vision
i could give this a higher score but i had a bad day
Not a huge fan of the mix, too much dist/fuzz
I like this album more now than I did when I had to listen to it overandoverandover in the early 90s. I like the guitar best. I still don't like Jane Says. It reminds me of angsty grunge boys smoking cigarettes. I liked them, I never liked the song.
It’s not fair at all, but listening to this after Ritual De Lo Habitual made that album seem a little worse by association. I’m not sure what changed between their first and second albums, but Nothing’s Shocking feels like it doesn’t have that spark, that restlessness, and that variety that made me enjoy Ritual so much, while also highlighting the elements that work against the band, most notably Perry Farrell’s vocals, which sound incredibly adolescent on this album. It’s a shame, what with the explicit Velvet Underground influence, and how much I’ve liked their other work, I wanted to like this better
I would argue the cover is actually quite shocking. A good rock album in my opinion, fun guitars and so on. But prob not a revisit for me.
I could just put the same comments as for the last Jane's Addiction album. Basically, I don't know why I don't like them more - right era, right genre, right attitude. I *think* there's just something about Farrell's vocal stylings that doesn't work for me.
the perfect marriage between the decadent, bombastic 80s rock and the cynical, brooding 90s rock yet to come this isn't completely to my taste (perry farrell's voice is... a lot), but "ted, just admit it..." is phenomenal and it's easy to listen to this record and understand how it felt big and important for people
An all time favourite of mine. Heyday of Jane’s Addiction. Varied sounds and songs throughout. A real art project.
Going to actually lean 4 with this. It’s like a 3.5 for me but I really like this vocalist with this sound, it creates a pretty unique effect that consistently worked for me all the way through
I remember disliking this band as a child listening to the radio but as an adult I thought it wasn't so bad!
never knew this band but enjoyed this enough
Favorite Track: Jane Says
Not a fan.
I didn't enjoy this album very much. I thought the instrumentals were good not great and I thought the vocals were very run of the mill. I didn't find any songs catchy or worthwhile. Not for me I suppose.
I didn't realize this came out in 1988; it's such a 90's album that I guess was pretty ahead of its time. It's more than proto-grunge, it's straight up grunge but it's unique in the genre. Perry Farrell has a divisive voice, but I always though it fit perfectly with Jane's Addiction's heavier tracks, which most of this album is. Even in "Jane Says" I think it works, works great even. Dave Navarro's guitar work is just right. He's got enough of a funk feel in his playing that it fits with the syncopated drum and bass work without sounding just like someone through an electric guitar at an 80's band. I know he's a weirdo (and so is Farrell) but I've always liked his playing in any band he's been in. I like that "Standing in the Shower Thinking" is like the alpha version of "Been Caught Stealing", which is basically the same song but better and cleaned up. I think a lot of people attribute that particular style, sort of a weird grunge/ska/funk mashup, to Jane's Addiction in general. It's less funk than RHCP while still having a good groove, and Farrell is a better singer than Kiedis. That's not really all of them though; immediately following is "Summertime Rolls" which drags on a bit like "Ted Just Admit It" but it displays the range of the band well. "Mountain Song" is what I really like about the band in general; heavy ass groove with Farrell going nuts on the mic - it's where his voice really matches up with everything else going on. I think Jane's Addiction is underrated as a formative band of the grunge era, maybe because Perry Farrell is an egomaniac and Navarro was probably better known for being the "worst" guitarist for the Chili Peppers and being on reality TV. I've liked this album for a long time before realizing how old it actually is, and that makes it even more impressive for me.
Wow, this very 90's album came out in the 90's. This is the first time hearing most of this. Other than surprising me at work with the cover art nothing here really stood out. Jane Says was always an unzippable song on the radio but a little too much of the whiney singing made me a little relieved when the album was over.
It's okay. It strikes me as something that was probably radical at the time, a trend-setter, but now it is most relegated to background sound. It was cool, but not really cool enough to be something I'll likely ever return to.
This was fine. I don't think I'd heard anything beyond "Jane Says" before, and I don't think I'll be seeking out any more Jane's Addiction. 3.0
Same year as pixies is super interesting. Pretty sure Pearl Jam, nirvana, blind melon and most 90s alt acts are just Jane’s addiction cover bands? Also who knew Jane was gonna be talked about!
you can hear that there are at least two guys in this band not wearing shirts
Something is shocking: Dave Navarro has made not one but two albums that I like a lot. Despite them having a lot of the trappings of indulgent rock music I usually don’t like. Dave Navarro, for God’s sake!
I didn't care for it
A strong three; I enjoyed this quite a lot, though maybe not quite as much as Ritual de lo Habitual. Only song I was familiar with was Jane Says; that's the strongest on the album.
Awefull
Quite conventional? There are variations, but it's not experimental/messy enough. Like the album title, there's nothing shocking (a disappointment). I like the instruments and I think I enjoy the latter half more. The album cover, however, is one of the worst of all time. I doubt whether I will come back to it often. I feel like it's a exact 3/5, but the website won't rate decimals so I'll say 2/5 because on a second thought, I don't favor the vocals much.
great hard rock with a solid amount of alternative influence
This is pretty good. A bit inconsistent.
I love how grudge this sounds. A little too heavy for my liking.
My fave was Jane Says
4/5. A heavy rock album that brings back that sense of late 70's and 80's rock. I do not like it when artists take up the exact sound of other bands but I think they sound unique enough that I could differentiate between their sound and their influence. Each song is pretty banging, including the slower and more spacey ones, but there are some I would skip just because it doesn't keep my interest long enough. This was a well-made album front to back but not perfect. The main downside are the lyrics which do not provide much substance here. Best Song: Mountain Song, Ocean Size, Jane Says
This is like Alice in Chains and Violent Femmes rolled into one. I love it.
Learned about these guys after Nirvana, so in the timeline of my memories I lump them with 90s alt rock. Then i remember they started in the 80s and it blows me away. They’re not 90s alt rock; they helped inspire 90s alt rock.
Well this ones definitely going to get a 5 from me. Mainly for nostalgic reasons. But it is a great album. Today I learned Had a Dad ,was sampled in NINs Ringer finger. I had no idea. John told me. Nice piece of trivia there.
Their top hits r good, but only 1 on this album
Less screaming would have been nice
Knew of this band, but never listened to them. Was expecting something different from ‘hard rock’. This was eclectic and I liked it.
4/5
Fortunate to have caught one of their very last shows last month before they imploded. And what a great show it was!!
Jane's Addiction's debut album and a fine introduction to their alt-rock stylings. Stand out is of course Jane Says, but listen out for Summertime Rolls too.
This is pretty good. From that era where the 90's bands still sounded like 80's bands but a lot darker. Was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable this is. It may not make the circle of an all time favorite for me, but I added a few tracks to playlists and would happily give this more spins
It's strange how something released in 1988 can sound much more outdated than other albums on the list that are more than 60 years old, but that is what happened with Jane's Addiction for me. I can see the qualities, and 1 or 2 songs are still great, but the album as a whole is a product of the 80s and should be kept there.
Honestly kind of boring beyond a few tracks
It's not my type of music but I respect it. They also sound like they gave the red hot chili peppers some inspiration. The best tracks here are the slower ones.
At the time, I thought that this album was a bit overrated, and listening to it again a couple of times now confirms that. I also can't see the need for both this and Ritual de lo Habitual to be in the 1001. But it is a good album and so gets 4⭐
Very solid and ahead of its time.
Having received this album after Farrell and Navarro’s now-infamous onstage scuffle that resulted in the cancellation of their tour, I suppose nothing IS shocking. And that goes for these songs too: perfectly fine in 2024, but probably more hard-hitting in the 90s.
Well this is timely with all the news around Farrell fighting with bandmates on stage during their reunion shows... I've never had any motivation to reach beyond Jane's Addiction's radio hits, but that ends today. The best thing to say about Farrell's voice is that it is "distinctive." Perhaps overdosing Offspring in my youth has conditioned me for the whiny falsetto, but I really don't mind it. This album was more entertaining than I had any right to expect. Latent punk with a hair/glam-metal sheen that's been bundled up into something we now call alt-rock. There's plenty of delicious guitar work here and the drums help to enbiggen the songs. This also had more variety in tone than I expected. Had a Dad sounds just like an Offspring song (Me and My Old Lady). Some weird funk exploration on Idiots Rule. Country-twanged psych rock on Summertime Rolls. Then there's the bright acoustic Jane Says complete with steel drum (obvious single treatment -- this plays a few dB higher than the rest). All said, I really did enjoy this one and will be back again. Solid 4 / 5
3 stars. They okay. Jane says is a overplayed song
Is the guy running this doing these things on purpose? Foo Fighters right after Dave Grohl news and then Jane's Addiction right after their fight? Would be a crazy coincidence if it's not intentional. Never really listened to JA, but it reminds me a bit of Alice in Chains, just a little less metal and a little more alternative. They still have some fairly punchy basslines, but the album as a whole is a bit lighter in tone. Good album.
Glad this came up a week after Jane's addiction got in a fight on stage and cancelled their tour. Would have been quite the scene at a concert to witness. Always found the singer to not really fit with the band or something like that, can't really explain it but his voice is just a bit off putting. The songs themselves though were pretty standard but good 90s rock. Thank you Boys was a funny little jazz number that I didn't expect.
I'm actually liking this a lot more than I expected to. The worst part of it is Farrells voice, but I suppose it works on some songs. Bumping this up because I was never bored at all and really liked some of the lesser known songs as well as the hits.
Very weird mix, unique but not enjoyable
Big echoey 80s rock. A bad time for music production
No
A cool genre mix here. A few songs are just ok though.
I have to admit, I’m pretty burnt out on a lot of these songs, but I still have to give Jane’s Addiction respect for standing the test of time. When they first came out, they were played alongside glam rock and hair metal bands. As that era faded, they seamlessly blended into the grunge movement. Even beyond that, as music continued to evolve, they always stayed relevant with whatever was happening at the time. That’s probably why I’m burnt out on them, these songs have been played for as long as I can remember.
Another of my all time favorite albums. Jane Says, Ocean Size, Mountain Song, etc. This album was a few years too early for the world to totally respect it, but it’s still great 36 years later.
Can't really tell one song from another.
A lot of the songs sounded the same, not in a good way
4.1 1x catchup 9/24/24
Genuinely enjoyed this album.
Cold turkey. Don’t really like Farrell’s vocals and the songs are okay at best. Also for some reason the steel drum on “Jane Says” is really distracting to me.
I just can't. I really tried to get into it. Maybe it's the low sound quality or the unclever and weird lyrics. At best they sound like a worse version of Blind Melon. Most of the time they sound like an annoying hair band without a clue. This was painful.
### **Album Review: "Nothing's Shocking" by Jane's Addiction** Released in 1988, "Nothing's Shocking" marked Jane's Addiction's first major-label album and became a cornerstone of alternative rock in the late 80s and early 90s. Fusing elements of punk, metal, funk, and psychedelia, the band — led by frontman Perry Farrell — delivered a raw, eclectic, and provocative sound that was both groundbreaking and controversial. ## **Lyrics and Themes** "Nothing's Shocking" is a provocative exploration of societal taboos and personal introspection. Perry Farrell's lyrics are often surreal, juxtaposing mundane life with hallucinatory visions. His words capture a sense of rebellion and dissatisfaction, often touching on controversial topics such as sex, drugs, and social norms. 1. **"Ocean Size"** — The opening track presents a theme of longing for freedom, using the ocean as a metaphor for the vastness and power of liberation. Lyrics like “Wish I was ocean size / No one moves you, man / No one tries” reflect a desire to transcend limitations and societal constraints. 2. **"Had a Dad"** — This track takes on a more personal tone, delving into themes of loss and abandonment. Farrell’s vocals convey both anger and confusion, mirroring the disillusionment of discovering that paternal authority (or even divine authority) may not be as infallible as once believed. 3. **"Ted, Just Admit It..."** — Arguably one of the most controversial songs on the album, "Ted, Just Admit It..." tackles the topic of media sensationalism and society’s obsession with violence. Inspired by serial killer Ted Bundy, the lyrics critically examine the voyeuristic nature of modern culture: “Sex is violent / Love is violent.” 4. **"Jane Says"** — This song stands out for its simplicity and emotional weight. A semi-autobiographical narrative about a woman named Jane who struggles with addiction and dreams of escaping her troubles. The repetitive chorus of “Jane says / I'm done with Sergio / He treats me like a ragdoll” resonates with a raw honesty, encapsulating both the tragedy and resilience in the face of hardship. 5. **"Pigs in Zen"** — The final track explores a mix of cynicism and defiance, with lyrics reflecting a disdain for superficiality and hypocrisy. The titular "pigs in zen" symbolize the blissfully ignorant, those who are content in their ignorance while the world around them is chaotic. ### **Pros:** - The lyrics are bold, introspective, and often confront uncomfortable topics. - Uses metaphor and narrative effectively to convey a range of emotions and ideas. - Offers a critique of societal norms and personal struggles, making it both thought-provoking and relevant. ### **Cons:** - Some lyrics can be seen as too obscure or indulgent, potentially alienating listeners who prefer straightforward messaging. - The frequent use of controversial and graphic imagery may limit its appeal to a broader audience. ## **Musical Style and Composition** Musically, "Nothing's Shocking" is a dynamic fusion of genres. The band seamlessly blends hard rock, funk, psychedelia, and punk, creating a unique sound that helped define the alternative rock genre. The album's structure is deliberate, balancing aggressive tracks with more melodic and introspective ones. 1. **Guitar Work**: Dave Navarro’s guitar playing is central to the album’s sound. His style is marked by a combination of heavy riffing, intricate solos, and melodic passages. Tracks like "Ocean Size" and "Mountain Song" feature aggressive, distorted riffs that capture a raw, primal energy, while songs like "Summertime Rolls" showcase a more delicate and ethereal side, characterized by clean, shimmering chords. 2. **Bass and Drums**: Eric Avery's bass lines are a driving force on the album, offering a dark, pulsating rhythm that gives the music its distinct groove. His bass work on "Ted, Just Admit It..." is particularly noteworthy, providing a hypnotic undercurrent that complements Stephen Perkins’ dynamic drumming style. Perkins’ percussion ranges from tight, rhythmic patterns to more free-form, experimental beats, as heard in "Up the Beach." 3. **Vocals**: Perry Farrell’s vocals are another defining element of the album. His voice oscillates between a nasally croon and a high-pitched wail, capturing both vulnerability and aggression. Tracks like "Jane Says" feature a more subdued and emotional delivery, while "Standing in the Shower... Thinking" showcases his manic energy. 4. **Production**: Produced by Dave Jerden and Perry Farrell, the album’s production is deliberately raw, maintaining a live, almost unpolished feel that enhances its intensity. The use of dynamic range — from the quiet, contemplative moments in "Summertime Rolls" to the explosive crescendos in "Mountain Song" — adds depth and emotional weight to the album. ### **Pros:** - Innovative blending of genres, creating a unique sound that stood out in the late 80s music scene. - Excellent musicianship, particularly Navarro’s guitar work and Avery’s bass lines, which add complexity and texture to the music. - Raw production enhances the album's visceral impact and authenticity. ### **Cons:** - The unpolished production may feel dated or underwhelming to listeners accustomed to more polished soundscapes. - Perry Farrell's vocal style can be polarizing; some might find it too unconventional or abrasive. ## **Influence and Legacy** "Nothing's Shocking" was a seminal release that paved the way for the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s. It challenged the prevailing norms of both mainstream rock and the underground scene, blending disparate styles in a way that was both accessible and avant-garde. 1. **Cultural Impact**: Jane’s Addiction emerged from the Los Angeles rock scene as a band that defied categorization. "Nothing's Shocking" stood apart from the glam metal that dominated the Sunset Strip, offering a darker, more experimental take on rock music. Its success helped lay the groundwork for bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, who would go on to define the grunge movement and reshape the rock genre. 2. **Musical Influence**: The album’s eclectic mix of styles influenced numerous artists across different genres. The integration of funk rhythms, punk attitude, metal aggression, and psychedelic textures can be heard in later works by bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More, and Smashing Pumpkins. Jane’s Addiction's willingness to explore unconventional song structures and sonic experimentation opened the door for more adventurous approaches in rock music. 3. **Visual Aesthetic**: Beyond its music, "Nothing's Shocking" also made an impact with its provocative album cover — featuring nude conjoined female sculptures with their hair on fire, designed by Perry Farrell himself. This sparked controversy, leading some retailers to refuse to stock the album. The cover art reinforced the band's image as fearless provocateurs willing to challenge social taboos, a stance that resonated with disaffected youth. ### **Pros:** - Played a significant role in the development of the alternative rock genre and influenced numerous artists. - Helped break down the barriers between mainstream and underground music scenes. - Provocative imagery and lyrics added to the band’s mystique and cultural relevance. ### **Cons:** - The album's experimental and genre-blending approach may have limited its immediate commercial appeal. - Controversial themes and artwork faced backlash and censorship, hindering its initial reach. ## **Themes and Artistic Vision** "Nothing's Shocking" is thematically cohesive, focusing on the idea of breaking societal norms and confronting uncomfortable truths. The album's title itself reflects this ethos — nothing should be shocking, and yet, everything is. Jane’s Addiction embraces paradox and contradiction, urging listeners to look beyond appearances and question their assumptions. 1. **Rebellion Against Conformity**: The album consistently pushes against the idea of societal norms and conventions. Tracks like "Had a Dad" and "Pigs in Zen" express dissatisfaction with established structures, whether they be parental, religious, or societal. 2. **Exploration of Personal and Social Dark Sides**: Many songs delve into the darker aspects of human experience, from addiction and abuse to existential questioning. "Ted, Just Admit It..." and "Jane Says" confront the pain and confusion that accompany these issues, creating a stark contrast between the beauty of the music and the darkness of the themes. 3. **Sexual and Artistic Freedom**: "Nothing's Shocking" is unabashedly sexual and provocative, using both its lyrics and album artwork to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream music at the time. This theme of artistic freedom is woven throughout the album, highlighting the band’s commitment to authenticity and self-expression. ### **Pros:** - Cohesive thematic vision that challenges social norms and conventions. - Bold exploration of controversial and often neglected topics. - Encourages listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and question their assumptions. ### **Cons:** - The focus on taboo topics may alienate more conservative listeners. - The confrontational approach might be perceived as gimmicky or gratuitous by some. ## **Production and Sound Quality** The production of "Nothing's Shocking" was handled by Dave Jerden, known for his work with bands like Talking Heads and The Rolling Stones. Jerden’s approach to the album was to maintain a balance between rawness and clarity, capturing the band’s dynamic energy while still making the music accessible. 1. **Dynamic Range**: One of the strengths of the production is its use of dynamic range. Tracks like "Summertime Rolls" feature a build-up from soft, melodic passages to more intense crescendos, providing a sense of progression and movement. This dynamic approach gives the album a sense of depth and emotional weight. 2. **Instrumentation and Mix**: The mix highlights each instrument effectively, allowing Navarro's guitar work, Avery's bass lines, and Perkins' drumming to shine without overshadowing each other. The bass and drums are prominent in the mix, giving the music a solid foundation, while the guitar and vocals are layered to add texture and complexity. 3. **Lo-Fi Aesthetic**: The album's sound retains a lo-fi aesthetic that aligns with the band's raw and unpolished image. This approach may not appeal to all listeners, but it complements the album's thematic focus on authenticity and rebellion against the polished production of 80s rock. ### **Pros:** - Effective use of dynamic range adds depth and emotion to the music. - Clear instrumentation and mix allow each band member's contribution to stand out. - Lo-fi production complements the band's raw and unfiltered style. ### **Cons:** - The raw production style may feel dated to contemporary listeners used to more polished soundscapes. - Some tracks could benefit from a more refined production approach to enhance clarity and impact. ## **Conclusion: Pros and Cons of "Nothing's Shocking"** ### **Pros:** - **Lyrically Provocative**: The album challenges societal norms, explores dark themes, and offers introspective narratives, making it thought-provoking and relevant. - **Musically Innovative**: A genre-blending mix of rock, funk, punk, and psychedelia that helped define the sound of alternative rock. - **Cultural Impact**: Paved the way for the alternative rock explosion of the 90s, influencing numerous bands and reshaping the genre. - **Bold Artistic Vision**: A cohesive thematic focus on breaking taboos and embracing artistic freedom. ### **Cons:** - **Polarizing Style**: The unconventional vocal style and raw production may not appeal to all listeners. - **Controversial Content**: Lyrics and artwork may limit its appeal due to their provocative and taboo nature. - **Dated Production**: The lo-fi aesthetic might feel outdated to those accustomed to modern production techniques. ## **Final Verdict** "Nothing's Shocking" is a landmark album that pushed boundaries both musically and culturally. Its influence on the development of alternative rock is undeniable, and its bold exploration of provocative themes remains compelling. While it may not appeal to everyone, its innovation, passion, and raw authenticity make it a vital listen for fans of rock music and a testament to Jane's Addiction's enduring legacy.
The first track kinda interested me but rest of it was nothing special
eh better than the other rock albums I had, but would not relitsten to any of these pieces
It was ok. I used to like this album, but I found it more annoying than likable.
Kind of wacky punk rock album. I enjoyed some of the songs, but for me, the vibe didn’t quite match what I like. I think I knew the song Jane Say’s from Rockband or Guitar Hero. I liked the jazz song near the end. Funny. Standouts: Ocean Size, Ted, Just Admit It…, and Jane Says.
Classic, again wasn’t really into them when they were out was only 2 when this hit. But I appreciate what they were doing and have done.
Mwah, teveel geschreeuw Heel vluchtig geluisterd Sommige nummers leken wel ok Vooral standing in the shower Geef vooral een rating zodat ie in mn lijst komt Zou m eig opnieuw moeten luisteren om t een reele kans te geven maar mn 1e indruk is medium
Solid record Al the way through.
too screamy but still alright
Not great Wasn't a fan Like 2 songs were ok
I wish every song could've been as good as Jane Says.
There is some good music on this album, but I remain intractable on Perry Farrell's singing style. Simply not for me, but I do love Navarro's guitar and Eric Avery's bass lines. Pigs of Zen, Mountain Song, and Jane Says are the tracks worth listening again. 3/5.
Same jams on this one. Still holds up. 3.5+
Meh album. Bad 80s rock in my opinion. There's a couple nice songs, but I found it exhausting listening to this. **
One of THE classic rock albums that I've never got around to listening to in full. I actually enjoyed this more than I thought. The fact that this is their debut album is also incredible. The sound is familiar but also very original.
HARD ROCK!!! GOD PLEASE NO!!!
This shit rocks man, the sonics on this entire album are just incredible. The opener kinda threw me off with how slow burning it felt but hearing it all come together was amazing. One of the best melodic, visceral, and thrashing hard rock albums I've ever heard. Best - Up The Beach, Ocean Size (MPF), Had a Dad, Standing in the Shower... Thinking, Summertime Rolls, and Jane Says Worst - NONE 4.75/5
i guess i sollt des mögen aber iwie bleibt nit viel hängen
Evolved sound from 80s glam metal. Nice thanks.
..
Not bad but not good either.
Never given a full listen to one of their albums. Some decent songs but nothing special.
Täähän on tällästä vihasempaa rhco:tä. Ei huono muttei superhyväkään 3/5
Sitä hyvää kasari alt-rockia!
Rating: 4/10 The vocals are awful, instrumentally I don't think it's that great either. I respect that they experimented with a lot of different styles but I don't enjoy it.
dear diary, today i learned that i don't like yell-singing in music, especially not if the lyrics are thin
I've never really felt drawn towards getting into Jane's Addiction but I enjoyed this a lot today. Very solid record.
Good 90s rock. Jane Says is one of the best recorded songs of the time, and I enjoy Perry Farrell's vocals.
Can't go wrong with Jane's Addiction. Great album start to finish. Brings back a lot of memories.
Good compositions but the singing is irritating. Music festival music. 3.4
didn’t impress
I liked the song about being in the shower but every other song is like “we said this crazy thing… are you shocked?!?!”
The instrumentation was ok the vocals weren't great.
3.5 Grungy, sounds great, classic songs
Sounds like early 90s grunge, but still from the 80s, sounds ahead of its time. Clean, different (for its time), I didn't not enjoy it.. 3* Not higher because not a sound I super enjoy and was a little repetitive. Vocals sound whiny after a while. Idiots rule had some brass, which was cool. Thank you boys seemed random, but then I remembered albums used to do this, have this off track toward the end that didn't match anything else. Highlights: mountain song, jane says
# 283 : A lot of people liked it, but not my cup of tea. If I had to pick one track it would be "Mountain Song"
Decent album. The lead singer has a unique voice that definitely helps add to the charm but I wouldn't call the music groundbreaking. Jane Says is the only song I knew coming in and probably the only one I would put on by myself.
A strong 4-4.5 but there's a few duds on here keeping this from being a full 5/5.
Mmmm not sure
jane says
Jane's Addiction's Nothing's Shocking, released in 1988, is a pivotal album that laid the groundwork for modern alternative rock. The album bursts with power and energy, seamlessly blending punk, metal, and psychedelic rock into a sound that was groundbreaking for its time. Perry Farrell's emotive and intriguing vocals give the album a distinctive edge, moving effortlessly from haunting whispers to intense wails. Jane Says stands out as a sweet and catchy song, featuring poignant lyrics about addiction and longing that have resonated with listeners for decades. The album's raw energy and innovative approach are evident in tracks like Ocean Size and Mountain Song, which showcase the band's ability to fuse aggression with melody. While some tracks verge on overindulgence, the overall impact is one of bold creativity and ambition. Nothing's Shocking challenged musical conventions and inspired countless artists in the alternative scene. Its fearless exploration of themes and sounds helped redefine what rock music could be. Even decades after its release, the album remains a powerful influence, continuing to captivate new generations with its intensity and authenticity. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 6 STAND OUT TRACK - Jane Says
p603. 1988. 1 star, Shouty American guitar rock with no tunes, a whiny lead vocalist, and nothing much to say. "It's just corporate dick rock. It's Van Halen with different makeup artists." - Dave Barbe.
I heard “Jane Says” for the first time sometime while I was in high school, around 2002 or so. At the time I was just exploring a wider range of music after growing up in a very conservative Christian household, and Jane Says is one of those songs that just stopped me in my tracks. It was obviously a song about addiction, which I was just learning about, and everything about it blew me away from the steel drums to the implicitly sad lyrics. It’s far from the only good song on Nothing’s Shocking. Every track is good to great, and it’s a rare “alternative” album that sounds cohesive throughout. Mountain Sound in particular is a jam. It’s Jane Addiction’s masterpiece and one of the best rock albums of the late 80’s.
Two very cursory listens. Sounded good based on those, but no song jumped out as exceptional. Will definitely revisit... someday.
Dit was awesome
Classic
I tried to get into this album for years shortly after it came out. I've always found his voice to be grating and jarring. It's just not for me.
Another record that I can see has great historical significance, pioneering a proto-Grunge sound, but which I personally think is terrible.
cool
I've kept this on rotation for a week now and every time I hear it, I really enjoy it. They nail the dark and moody, they nail the rhythm section and I love how it's produced. It's also a huge influence on what came next - the alternative transition from 80s hair metal to 90s/00s post-punk that doesn't have to veer into punk or grunge. It's another pleasant surprise and welcome discovery. It's probably a 4.5 but I'm feeling a little generous and will definitely be adding this to my collection.
Was going back and forth between enjoying the variety and thinking they had *range*, and enjoying the variety and thinking they were just throwing spaghetti at a wall to see what would stick. It's a lot of music packed into one album. The rare album where I liked the back half better than the front. Cannot believe they manahed to ride this and their follow up album to relevance into the 2000s.
they were always peripherally available and interesting, but i never got into them. there's some very fun things here, but i think all of it was better done on their second album and in their other bands
For some reason I always thought Jane's Addiction was a precursor to Maroon 5?! I don't know where I got that misconception. This was alright. I wouldn't listen again.
having not listened to them before this project, i think i like jane's addition. i disliked the one song that i knew, but into the rest. 2.5
In my opinion, truly nothing is shocking about this if you're looking back at it and are someone who's been involved at all in an 'alternative' subculture. It made me think about how Jane's Addiction played at a music festival I attended and most of their press coverage after the fact was about how they'd had people perform a suspension act (so like, hooks pierced into their flesh and lifted up on a wire) which is certainly A Thing To Do but just didn't strike me as the most boundary-pushing concept to do in the 2010s. Maybe I'm missing the context. It's fine!
Jane saaayss, this albums pretty bad
Wasn’t as good as the last JA album, but still a fun romp.
Not their best but still a 5 star album
This was just annoying.
Good one
Jane's Addiction regressed! This is way more arresting and interesting than Ritual de lo Habitual! Brilliant!
Great noisy rock album, really liked this one.
das andere war besser
Surprised by this album. Best tracks are Had a Dad, Standing in the Shower Thinking and Jane Says 3/5
I actually had never heard of this band, and honestly, what the heck? How is Jane's Addiction not more popular? (They freaking slap!) The first thing that really stood out was the clear, rockstarry guitar sound. Sounds like a combination of Brian May and Jimmy Page – notably, two all-time greats – with just a touch of psychedelic distortion. The guitar playing here is insanely good. Big shoutout to Dave Navarro. The bass and drums are also really solid, playing tightly and packing a big punch. The mixing is really clear, allowing all of these instruments to shine. And Perry Ferrell does his classic-rock screaming over that, merging some pretty hilarious lyrics with a weird multitrack semi-melodic gig that sometimes works in the band's favour. But the multitracked vocals can also bea little distracting; they make Ferrell sound a little messy and it can be hard to make out the lyrics. But who cares, really? It's (alt)-rock-n-roll, bro. In fact, what impressed me the most was just how many excellent tracks there are here. The songwriting is nearly off the charts, falling just a little short in terms of melody but making up for it with thick, complex rock textures that keep the listener engaged and guessing. Also, the band gets away with lengthy tracks like Ted Just Admit It and Summertime Rolls. I hardly even noticed the length, really. I was enraptured. Addicted. Haters might even call me Jane. 5/5 Key tracks: Up the Beach, Ocean Size, Had a Dad, Ted Just Admit It, Standing in the Shower Thinking, Summertime Rolls, Mountain Song
Can't say I could pick Jane's Addiction out of a lineup before listening to this album but I liked it, and might actually recognize them now at Thursday night trivia at the local.
Bueno
Wish I was ocean size they cannot move you no one tries no one pulls you out from your hole like a tooth aching a jawbone I was made with a heart of stone to be broken with one hard blow I've seen the ocean break on the shore come together with no harm done It ain't easy living I want to be as deep as the ocean mother ocean Some people tell me home is in the sky in the sky lives a spy I want to be more like the ocean no talking all action Yeah, this is an amazing album. 5/5
Ich konnte nur die Hälfte der Songs hören ("This video may be inappropriate for some users.") aber das war in diesem Fall nicht schade. Grunge und ich, wir werden nicht warm miteinander.
Great album full of original psychedelic aesthetics and bangers that didn't have much competition. In fact their only competition sonically was early Chili peppers and still they were quite different. This one is one I'm familiar with but have to revisit more, great times.
A pretty mediocre album imo. Maybe in context of the time it was released it's good, but I find it quite dull
Jane's Addiction received less mainstream attention than some of their contemporaries but the music was almost just as good. In a sense it fits, the more abrasive and cutting sound that they had painted them as underground icons - sort of like Sonic Youth? It's a testament to the variety of GOOD music from the late '80s to the '90s. Standouts are Had a Dad, Ted, Just Admit It... Jane Says, and Pigs in Zen.
I have always liked Farrell’s voice and Navarro can flat out play. They were ahead of their time so giving them a bump in ratings to a 4.
I think it was a decent album. I understand the dislike towards his voice but overall a bit surprising and unexpected because I probably was expecting hard rock
If this was made in a vacuum then I would give it a 3. However it was not and therefore will be receiving a 4. This is because this was such a unique sound when it came out. It changed the course of music and pushed it towards grunge and away from crappy, worthless pop and the hair metal. Personally I really don’t mind Farrell’s voice I know that can be a sore spot for some people. Dave Navarro is an absolute baller on the six string which was awesome to listen to. Also I loved the drums, they really helped propel the album along.
still hate the cover art & Farrell's voice I find whiny after about 3 or 4 tracks. great guitar & sound-especially considering this was 1988 & hair metal was still in play. 3.5 stars
Alright, nothing special Top tracks: Idiots Rule, Jane Says
Wild for 88. Kinda starting to bring in a new sound to rock. The vocals get annoying, but not enough to turn away.
Fantastic record. Perry Ferrell is an acquired taste I'll admit, but once your in. This is innovative for 93 let alone 88
- interesting cover art that’s for sure - great as music for work/readings - some superb guitar - personally disagree with ‘sex is violent’ but yknow that doesn’t take away from the music - vibe of ‘Jane Says’ is far more acoustic than the rest of the album; I suppose it makes sense that it’s their top song? - solid rock album i would say, good variation through it - 3/5
no thank you
Dos o tres temas y lo saqué
Enjoyed this, will listen again
One of the easiest 5*s for me in this list.
"Nothing's Shocking" is the debut studio album by Jane's Addiction, originally released in 1988. Funny, I just got another influential album yesterday coincidentally also released in 1988 in Mudhoney's "Superfuzz Bigmuff". I mentioned in my review of that album that by the late 1980s, rock music was in need of a change from the hair metal and synthpop that dominated the charts. Superfuzz Bigmuff was a catalyst for what was to come with grunge in the 90s. That's also the case here, but for more alternative styles of rock. In fact, I feel as though Jane's Addiction was even more of a perfect catalyst for change in this era of music. Mudhoney really stuck to their punk roots and returned a project that was not as digestible to, say, most hair metal or pop fans. What Jane's Addiction did very well with this album was blend alternative, pop, funk, and a few other genres to generate a (somehow) more marketable record. The obvious standout on here is the pop gem "Jane Says" but other tracks also carry their weight such as the dub-influenced "Ted, Just Admit It..." or the funky "Standing in the Shower...Thinking". That being said, I think this record falls short in some areas where their follow-up picks up on. The production on here is not the best. The drums are overly boomy and give off a Phil Collins vibe at times. Dave Navarro's guitar tone also sounds a bit...dry? IDK but the production is a bit distracting. I also feel like some of the lyrical content on here isn't as strong as on their follow-up. Still an enjoyable listen that absolutely deserves a spot on this list.
This is what I signed up for
An all time favorite....AND they just started making music again :)
Don't like the voice, otherwise ok
Probably at least a 3.5. Interesting time capsule - almost hair metal meets grunge. A real transition time in music.
This album is OK but nowhere near as good as "Ritual". It has the right sound (vocals / guitar), but the songs just don't hook me nearly as much.
This and the previous Jane's Addiction are pretty interchangeable. The singles are good, with the other songs not quite rising to that level.
Even with how groundbreaking this still sounds, I don't know that it personally rises to the level of listening to anything besides the familiar hits.
I would like this album more if i was younger. It's too much noisey for me at this moment
Ágætis rokk og ról.
Lots of good stuff, and energy
Every time I hear some Jane's, I think to myself that I really need to make a point and see live. This album no exception. Right from the start with Up The Beach, I vision this is the opening to a concert that just rocks your world. I already have about half this album downloaded so very familiar with this album and it does not disappoint, if you're a fan. And I'm becoming a bigger fan with every listen. I rocked out to Jane's all weekend, drinking beers in my redneck pool. Great sound and great energy. My favorite tune is Pigs in Zen, but this album contains a number of songs that are just great listens. Personal goal is to see these guys live in 2024. I went back in forth with my rating, but after downloading most of this album and spending the weekend listening to these guys, I'm giving this album, this band a solid 5. Hell, after listening to the next couple albums, I went to and rocked to Jane the rest of of work day today too. See you somewhere in 2024........... 5
5 I have a few complaints to lodge towards this list about the number of times some artists have made it on (while others I have yet to see at all), but including both of Jane’s Addiction main studio albums is such a W decision that I’m almost willing to forgive the fact I’ve listened to Neil Young five times. I mean, come on, this album rips - it’s just banger after banger after banger. Like, forget all the cheesy hair metal stuff out there, this is the exact kind of thing that makes me fantasize about being up on stage rocking out. It kicks off immediately with an absolutely epic opener in Up the Beach (which is how they open their live shows as well), before transitioning to Ocean Size, a fantastic track that never fails to hype me up. The way the song slows down with its acoustic strums just to have Perry’s wail cue the rest of the band back in at full force - crack to my ears every time (the kicking in of the drums on Summertime Rolls also has a similar effect). And for the most part, the album never slows down from there. I swear, I go back and forth on my favorite song from the album all the time - one day it’s Ocean Size, the next it’s Mountain Song, the next it’s Summertime Rolls, the next it’s Ted, Just Admit It…, all proof that this album is loaded with highs, though Ted in particular is one that only somewhat recently won me over after having seen it live. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it many times again - fucking incredible live band, even still now (or at least in 2023 when I saw them). In fact, I can’t help but visualize the performance every time I listen to Ted now, what with all the lights, pyrotechnics, and dancers coming on in conjunction with the buildup of the song. Honestly, it’s one of the greatest live experiences I’ve ever had, and while I know it’s a pretty messed up song topically, I can’t help but adore it. Sex is violence! That all out of the way, I can’t go on without mentioning Jane Says. For as much as my favorite song here changes, at the end of the day, I have to admit it’s the band’s finest moment. It’s a very simple song in concept, but it’s catchy and charming as all hell in execution, especially the lyrics. “Jane says, ‘I've never been in love’/No, she don't know what it is/She only knows if someone wants her” is probably my favorite from the song, but also, it’s so incredibly hard to resist screaming out “SHE CAN’T HIT” along with Perry. That all to say, I’ve actually gone on to appreciate the live version just a bit more, but no matter how you want to slice the song, I truly think it’s the band’s masterpiece and quite possibly one of the greatest songs ever written (at the very least, it’s the single greatest use of steel drum). Now, if you’ve followed my past reviews (if you’re still reading this, I assume you’re a loyal fan), you may have noticed I previously mentioned in my Ritual de lo Habitual review that I would consider this album a 4.5, and the reason I meant that at the time was largely because of the songs Standing in the Shower…Thinking and Idiots Rule. Well, truthfully, I still don’t love the songs (I particularly hate the lyric “The water hits my neck and I'm pissing on myself”), but listening to the album now, I ultimately don't think they detract from the overall greatness in any way, and they’ve certainly never stopped me from putting it on. I mean, they’re not songs I’ll probably ever seek out to play on their own, but in the grand scheme of this album, I think they fit in fine. Though I’ll say this - I do think Idiots Rule grew on me just a bit with this re-visit (fun fact - Flea plays trumpet on the song). Always a blast listening to this one - truly an alternative rock masterpiece in my opinion, and the fact that I found myself so excited to listen and then kept listening to it after I had all of my thoughts written down is proof in my mind that it’s deserving of the full 5. I’m so glad it made it on this list, but now I’m annoyed I have to wait around for them to come back to LA.