Reviews (page 6 of 15)
This was kind of around in 1997. Smack My Bitch Up was pretty controversial on the evening news as I recall. And the album influenced almost every U2 remix of the era. But it sounds of a time. Not a classic by my standards.
Beats are good, lyrics are concerning. Nice hearing an accent like mine tho. 2.5
Banger. The energy in this album is incredible. This album should appeal to a wide range of fans blending trance dance and rock into one dynamic cacophony.
I was massively into The Prodigy when this was released, following their brilliant sophomore Music for the Jilted Generation. And this really landed in '97, the band opting to move out of their rave and techno beginnings to incorporate elements of more traditional dance music, big beat, rock, punk and hip-hop,. But in the wake of their most successful period, I lost interest in them just a few years later with the follow up to this, Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned where they really leaned into the electro-punk style that had begun with the rise of Keith from dancer to frontman and I didn't return until Invaders Must Die, released over a decade after this. During that time, beyond the singles which you hear everywhere, I hadn't listened to The Fat of the Land and I still really haven't. It's a good album and it deserves to be on here for the capturing of the zeitgeist of the latter half of the 90s and there's some great tracks on here but they tend to be overplayed and the rest of the album dips, especially in its latter half. That'w despite it featuring the smash single Firestarter; iconic for sure, largely based around that video but I was never a huge fan and found it a bit simplistic and then grossly overplayed. If I'm reaching for a Prodigy album, there's 3 I'd choose over this but there's enough quality to return to it, even if it's not held up as well I'd hoped.
A good variety between god damn wtf awful to not that bad
I loved this album as a teen. Turn it up loud for the bass. I remember the Prodigy being seen as the next big thing for music in general, alongside (or was it after?) Radiohead. The energy and key tracks stand up well.
A quintessential edm album with some very famous songs of the genre. Found myself bopping away whilst listening.
always loved this album
i could listen to it again, but it's basically the same thing with different lyrics for the whole album kinda good though for a couple of songs
Time travelling to1997 i was only 17 and i remember as a huge Prodigy fan that i had bought this album on cd and that i had to work hard to raise money to do so.Good memories.Big Beat with a punkish attitude and a lot of great sampling from Liam and Keith's first time doing vocals for 4 legendary tracks.Maxim did 2 i think.The samples in this album are quite eclectic and shows clearly Liam's influences.I'll try to name all of them,as some were not mentioned in the album's credits. Smack My Bitch Up samples Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine (1996),a riff by Kool &The gang's Funky Man,bass and drums of In Memory Of by Randy Weston (1973) and the vocals of Give the Drummer Some by Ultramagnetic MC's (1988).The video caused a small havoc for women's rights as it was considered as a misogynist one.At times you get a meditation vibe especially with the female oriental vocals.A banger. Breathe samples the video Fx from A Game of Chess Is Like a Sword Fight from Shaolin and Wu Tang (1981)(wait,i rated this whole album already!),Johnny the Fox Meets Jimmy the Weed by Thin Lizzy (1976),and The Rill Thing by Little Richard (1970).Punkish addictive vocals by Keith on top.Genius. Diesel Power samples The Fuz and Da Boog by Fuzzy Haskins (1976),P.S.K. - What Does It Mean? by Schoolly D (1985)(wu tang influences again),The Manipulator (Dub Version) by Mixmaster Gee and the Turntable Orchestra (1986).The few secs intro reminded me a bit of Air's Sexy Boy intro.Great oldscool guest rhyming by Kool Keith.This one is more like a hip hop track with heavy electronics.Absolutely fantastic. Funky Shit samples the vocals from Root Down by Beastie Boys (1994),horn sample of the Theme From S.W.A.T. by Rhythm Heritage (1975),The Fuz and Da Boog by Fuzzy Haskins (1976),and the Break! vocal sample from B-Boyz's 2,3,break song.Funky ,aggressive and powerful as hell.Modulation ''show off ''skills by Liam. Serial Thrilla contains a reversed sample of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana (1991),a riff from Selling Jesus by Skunk Anansie (1995),and a sample from Nil by Autechre (1994).I.m pretty sure i hear 4 other samples as well but let's leave it to that,Electro-punkish outcome with Keith on vocals again.Be careful with loudness in this one especially at the end.It's like your laptop is having a seizure haha. Mindfields samples Amen, Brother by The Winstons (1969),basic riff is from Hip's Trip by John Barry (1974)(James Bond OST),King Kut by Word of Mouth feat. DJ Cheese (1985).From Big Beat to Breakbeat.One of my favourites. Narayan guest vocals are from Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker 's fame(somewhere in the middle the Narayan line vocal transforms into a mystic mantra).It also contains samples from Sport by Lightnin' Rod feat. Kool & the Gang (1973),CRYING OUT by Spectrasonics Virtual Instruments (1995)and the amazing piano is a sample from Josephine by The Milwaukee Coasters (1968).I remember back in 1997 that the piano hooked me from the beginning and that instantly made Narayan my top tune from this album. Firestarter samples the vocals from Close (To the Edit) by Art of Noise (1984),the wah wah guitar riff of S.O.S. by The Breeders (1993),and drums from Devotion (The Voice of Paradise Mix) by Ten City (1989).I think i have this one and Breathe as cd singles somewhere..This is the punkiest track of all.I still remember how scary Keith was in the video. Climbatize samples a horn riff from The Horn Track by Egyptian Empire (1991),Won't Get Fooled Again by The Who (1971), and the drums from Air Drums From Outer Bongolia by Jedi Knights (1996) who wanted to sue Prodigy for that ,but XL company of the Prodigy bought the rights from the original song Bongolia by the Incredible Bongo Band ,so they sued Jedi Knights instead,-Ha-.And they were not the only ones.This track is also a favourite.There is a certain funkyness and a hidden psychedelia.Kudos to Liam again for gluing the puzzle in a genius way. Fuel My Fire is a cover of Fuel My Fire by L7 (1994) and has also samples from Katmandu by David Whittaker (1993).Sorry not Firestarter, this one is the punkiest song in this album.Also a favourite and what a closing song! They were named as electronic punks for a reason. 5/5
a classic infectious and banging if a bit one note
Could have sworn we’ve had this before but one I don’t mind listening to regularly. I remember as a kid listening to firestarter on totp and thinking ‘if this is music I want no part of it’ and then hearing again and suddenly being all in. I must have got angrier. Probably a 4.5 that I’ll round up
Not for me
Always knew the Prodigy, but never listened to a full album of their's. I didnt expect to like this album as much as I did! Super energetic and a ton of fun! It does feel like it drags a little towards the back half but nothing to fully take me out of the experience. I'd probably rate it a 4.5/5 but have no issue giving it the full 5/5
Not as good as Music For but still has some great tracks and equally nostalgic
Definitely my favorite British electronica. Probably by a long, long shot.
Awesome!
Very good album, 101 of break beat and drum and bass music and UK music at all.
Fun electronic album that takes me back to my teenage years
da isch jo uuuhuere nervös. aber scho no geil. sochli die elektronisch version vo punk oder so? ich bin bi diesel power und finds scho streng zum lose. funky shit heisst so well scho nöd würkli funky sondern afoch breakbeat. es het die ganz ziit so grüsch woni zerst s gfühl han chömed vo minere umgebig aber s sind irgendwelchi drums irgendwo. serial thrilla hani seeehr streng gfunde. mindfields mit em weeeirde sitar? sound was sött das sii? narayan isch jo eeeeewig. wie isch das so erfolgriich gsi? aso ich finds nöd schlecht aber weird ischs scho. okaaaay firestarter isch huuuere geil. mega aggro
uhhh, kenn nur firestarter und omen vo ihne (bi omen han ich erst vor 3 jahr ussegfunde, dass das lied vo ihne isch und han jahrelang s metalcore-cover devoo glost. find s cover aber immerno besser😭) living off the fat of the land mussi sofort ah of mice and men denke hahah smack my bitch up isch abgseh vom titel undem chli komische orientalism teil no hard wnl breathe auno en banger sither laufts eifach chli aber finds no geil zum chli poste entsorge und so, es isch halt chli monoton aber gaht ebe scho au ab THIS IS DANGEROUS firestarter isch SOO en banger papa roach het das e ziit lang live gspielt hahaha chanmer vorstelle, dass s album am stuck chli ahstrengend chan werde, aber will ichs chli mit underbrüch gloset han, hanis na es verhältnismässig villsiitigs album gfunde v.a. live/eifach LUUT stell ichsmer extrem geil vor de "punk"-teil findi jz rein musikalisch weniger offesichtlich, hii und daa e e-gitarre machts nanig punk ABER vom vibe (und amigs gsang und perkussion) cheggi halt s punk-label trz?
I remember really enjoying this album in school
big 3
4.5 Fuck it it's creeping into 5* territory. Forgot how good this was. Funky shit through to Mindfields drags slightly but other than that it's banger after banger after banger. Makes me wish I didn't rinse this dry as a young teenager before my rave days, which are now sadly long gone. The best tracks are the less known ones. Narayan, Climbatize etc. phenomenal stuff.
Literally what was this album??? It’s a no for me dawg
Yah no. Lotsa beats but goes nowhere, really.
While this is a great album that propelled The Prodigy into the big leagues I'm more a fan of Music for the Jilted Generation myself
Teetering on 5. A tense, electronic album with perfect production and pacing. Having vocals on most tracks keep me engaged throughout and the singles brought back memories of a great era. Breathe with me!
This ain’t it
I fucking love this album, it’s in my collection - Keith Flint🙌 RIP
Great album, made the cycle to work pretty intense, just not something I'd typically listen too.
Nahhh lyrics suck for the most part and just not my preference
I must admit there are some cracking, punchy songs on this. It's not my thing but it's well made. Let's not mention some of the lyrics. Probably a 5 on drug infused parties, sitting at home in my sofa it's a 2 for me, with an extra star for punchiness and influence.
I’m sure this music is great when played at a party, but it just doesn’t do it for me when I listen to it. It’s just a bit uninteresting to me.
Great record.
Took me all of about 3 minutes to listen to today’s album. I started the song, listened for about 15 seconds, fast forwarded to the middle of the song and listened for about 15 seconds, and then skipped to the next. I hate electronica and no album is going to change my mind on that.
In the right environment I have no doubt that this album slaps (I.e. - 1am at a rave, at a house party that had the cops called on it, etc..). Sitting at the breakfast table looking at a plate of eggs is not one of those places. There are some banger tracks on this compilation that can get you hyped up in seconds, but again you need an atmosphere that is conducive to noise, movement, and small fits of chaos. Overall I enjoyed the listen.
I take back every time I said an album sounded repetitive in every other review I’ve ever written. If I wanted a man yelling at me over electronic beats all day, I would have kept my high school job at Radio Shack.
Brings back memories of Doug recovering on the couch from the previous nights rave rambling on about "yellow world". Still pretty funny. Other than the nostalgic chuckle not much here for me.
I started listening then I stopped. This album was really popular when I was in grade 11/12… ugh it’s not my jam. I didn’t like the feeling of having to listen to it again.
Good for the time, especially at the age was then, it’s too loud for me now.
Foda demais, me senti entrando em uma balada na Inglaterra nos anos 90, com um puta mohawk colorido. Nem espera a vinda do patasso já me largo em cima do crowdsurf. Com certeza essas música inspiraram várias novas gerações de músicas de eletropunk. Da pra ver que tem umas parada parecida em jogos do needforspeed e tals. Lembrei que samplearam a música mindfields em um loop pra tocar no programa do Celso portioli dos anos 2000, o nome era “curtindo uma viagem” e durante a “prova do vento” tocava essa pedrada (Sim eu fiquei o dia inteiro procurando até achar porque mandei pra um amigo autista que também lembrava). Simplesmente mágico, feliz por esse álbum existir e triste por não ter vivido a época em que isso tocaria nas caixas de som com volume no talo. Parabéns aos envolvidos.
Nostalgia noventista, as faixas deste album remetem aos graficos do nintendo 64, à utopia tecnologica das telas pretas e verdes de matrix. Inclusive, mindfields é tema do mortal kombat, não? muitos loops combinando baterias digital e acustica, muito scratching. Serial Thrilla e Narayan parecem ter influenciado diretamente o album homonimo do Kasabian. a ultima faixa deixou a desejar, parece que o album foi perdendo folego depois de firestarter. a capa lembra um caderno de arame do colégio.
Ouvi de novo pela pressão social, melhorou um pouquinho, mas continuo não gostando. Tô no time do ian! Definitivamente não é meu tipo de música, parece que não vai para lugar nenhum e fica só a mesma coisa repetitiva. Talvez como trilha sonora em alguma cena de filme fique legal mas para "só" ouvir a música não curti não.
SMACK MY BITCH UP. mt insano, superestimulado do melhor jeito possivel. segunda parte do album comeca a ficar meio repetitivo.
Muito bom, só não dou 5 pq achei meio cansativo. Poderia facilmente estar na trilha sonora do filme Corra Lola Corra. AMOOOO breathe e gostei de conhecer o resto.
Comentei o que eu achei desse álbum para Nuno Karam e ele disse o seguinte: "Perdeu uma oportunidade de ficar calado!" Diante disso, prefiro mostrar minha opinião única e exclusivamente por meio das estrelas, sem tecer qualquer tipo de comentário adicional.
Achei melhor que o outro álbum de eletrônica, as músicas parecem ter mais emoção e contar uma história e para ouvir uma ou outra música achei legal Mesmo assim, não gosto tanto do estilo de música pois achei o álbum um pouco cansativo e também parece algo pouco revolucionário
álbum muito foda. começa quebrando tudo com "smack my bitch up". exala agressividade mas não é nada cansativo de ouvir, realmente te incendeia. mais um que deveria ser 4.5
muito doido simplesmente me imagino numa festa fritando ao som dele, demais algumas músicas são meio repetitivas mas mesmo assim tem seu brilho, ouvirei de novo fácil fácil highlight absurdo pro início de Mindfields e Climbatize todinha, transcendi (no off que deixei the prodigy tocando pelo resto da minha noite, curti pacas)
Um álbum sólido na sua proposta. Exala trilha sonora. É exatamente o tipo de música que eu espero ouvir em um filme como "Matrix", ou um jogo como "Tekken" ou "Street Fighter". Tem personalidade. Tecnicamente consistente, muito bem produzido. É difícil fazer um álbum nessa pegada que não fique repetitivo ou cansativo, mas esse não é o caso. Músicas como "Smack My Bitch Up", "Mindfields" e "Narayan" exploram melodias muito interessantes, que fogem do esperado. Nem todas as músicas te prendem, mas nenhuma é realmente ruim. O álbum piora um pouco no final e finaliza com a pior música, o que é um erro. As músicas poderiam ter sido melhor distribuídas. Melhor do álbum: "Smack My Bitch Up". Pior do álbum: "Fuel My Fire".
Não tem jeito, Smack My Bitch Up é MUITO foda. O álbum é extremamente energético e muito bem produzido e me remete a uma vibe urbana muito boa. Fui ouvindo e pensando que o álbum era um setlist pronto com um começo forte e um miolo mais calmo caminhando pra um fim grande, mas a segunda metade dá uma caída e sinto falta de um fechamento melhor resolvido (uma coisa mais pesada). Por mim dava pra trocar a última com serial thrilla (uma das grandes músicas) tranquilamente
OK, I would gladly have died before having listened to this one. Some of these "must listen to" albums just don't click with me...but I'm sure there is someone out there who loves it.
Peak late Nineties. Brings back memories of freshman year in college.
Know & like the three radio hits. Other than that would not seek this out
Except for that one track, it just sounds like noise to me. Not my kind of album.
I know more songs on this album than I thought when looking at the track list. Shows how big it was when it cale out I guess. Its not a bad album, just not a great one for me. They found thwir niche and stuck with it. Ita almost a rock band approach to electronic music.
This is probably my favourite electronic record ever. They blend electro with punk and funk so well, it's just a non-stop bop. Every track just makes me want to jump from my seat. I love it!
Sounds a bit dated now
Bombastic, big sounding album that was the ultimate bridge of heavier rock music with the fast tempo rave/electronic music scenes crossing together perfectly.
Never heard of artist or band coming in, so limited expectations. First song is the type of song you’d hear on an early 2000s sports video game, reminds me of childhood. EDM before EDM. Good opener. I don’t even know what genre this is but I think I like it. Second song is good too, they just throw sounds together but it works. Great guitar on both, subtle but great. Diesel power 🔥🔥🔥. Funky shit is good stuff too, it’s like new age jazz. Had no idea they were making music like this in the 90s. Great transition into serial thrilla. Good song not great. Another cool transition into mindfeilds, right of the bat I can tell this is a good song. Beat is sick. Narayan is very interesting, kind of dark but again good music, but a lot of build up of a lack luster beat drop. I think I’ve heard fire starter before? Stadium song, at least the intro. This song is awesome. No more notes needed. The Climatize guitar/bass wow. Whole song in general again is just really good. Biggest critique is that it could’ve closed with a better song. Overall a really good album that I will listen to again. 4.2 stars.
Amazing
Eh
Electric repetitive music like this is not my jam, there are some fun beats on this album though. I could run or bike to this, it's fast paced and hecticly intense in a good way. But still got tired of it pretty quick
3.5 I listened to this while doing my monthly brain-dead data entry. I felt like I was in a late 90's hackers movie for a second. Solid album
so epic
The crab is the best thing going for this album; it gets 5 stars. The album only gets 2. Techo just isn't my scene.
What makes this album all the more impressive is that Liam Howlett recorded this in his home studio. The balance of loudness with clarity of sound is extraordinary. It should be admired for that alone. But beyond that, it is just a brilliant piece of techno, aggro dance music. It captures a time jn a lot of ways. That includes the first track - which I skip every time. The lyric/title is gratuitous and their dismissal of the problematic nature of it doesn’t fly for me. Every other track is impressive to me.
What an absolutely banging album. The middle of Narayan sent me on a wild trippy ride. 8/10
A good listen, lots of energy, some unique sounds even though most everything sounds the same. Starting to feel dated
Classic anthems! Nostalgia
It was interesting and some parts were interesting but it’s not what I can listen to casually.
Been a while since I listened to this album. Forgot how "high-energy" it was from start to finish. Lots of fat beats and attitude. Great combination!!
*Smack My Bitch Up: song titles to bring home to your family. never heard these guys before but this is sweet, so different from anything I've gotten on the list so far. reminds me of Celldweller or Blue Stahli *Breathe: so so so cool. feels like a precursor to Linkin Park *Diesel Power: bass is fat every song. sick twist on a boom-bap beat. blew my mind drastically fantastically *Funky Shit: boss fight music. synth sounds like that tube toy that you turn upside down Serial Thrilla: it feels like all the different elements should clash but it just works somehow. maybe it works because it all clashes. a bit repetitive though *Mindfields: that first break when the bass drops in goes crazy. still goes a little sick in the head the second time. BEST shot *Narayan: 9 minute song, locking in. The Mars Volta ass vocals. that chorus is gonna be stuck in my head for days Firestarter: came in so much more British than I was expecting. vocals kinda kill this one for me *Climbatize: like this one *Fuel My Fire: like this one too. it's lowkey bad but good bad. the "you liaaaaaaaar WEEooWEEooWEEooWEEoo" part eats and licks the plate clean sounds like so many things I've heard but also nothing I've heard at all. big fan of this album __ SCORE: 8/10 ADDED TO PLAYLIST: Smack My Bitch Up, Breathe, Diesel Power, Funky Shit, Mindfields, Narayan, Climbatize, Fuel My Fire
Iconic - remember when Firestarter was released. Loved it then, love it now.
Not really my thing and I don't see myself coming back to it, but it was nice while I did some chores
Always makes me think of the matrix era. Hack the planet! That kind of thing
Easy and immediate 5 for me. Already knew and loved this album. "Smacked my Bitch Up" into "Breathe" into "Diesel Power" is a fantastic run, and most everything else here is really good too. "Fuel My Fire" is maybe the only weaker spot here.
Not my cup of tea but definitely a good album
Smack My Bitch Up is definitely a classic and the rest of the album is pretty enjoyable. Breathe and Firestarter are jams, too. I think if I were in high school and listening to this, I might have blown out a 12-inch subwoofer and vibrated my mirrors off. It hits pretty hard. Diesel Power might be my favorite song and I had never heard it before. Pretty solid album, electronic but rock sounding. A little repetitive at times, but definitely bobbed my head throughout.
Classic, dirty, electronic dance masterpiece. 5/5
Banging techno album. Would give it 4.5 stars if possible.
Mescla sons afrcans, arebs amb coses modernes. Hi ha poca veu. Pero original.
i kinda like it, but, i need to turn it off before i go insane
Unreal energy, great blend of electronic dance and rock influences, whilst packing a serious punch. There is so much to like about this album. It’s just let down slightly by some middling tracks that fall flat and a touch too much repetition.
I can still remember tuning in weekly to watch "Top 30 Hits" on Irish television (RTE Network 2). The black and white "Firestarter" video with Keith Flint is one of my earliest memories. I was fascinated. Nearly 3 decades later this shit still bangs. Got to see them once before Flint passed away and that was wild. 4/5.
Smack My Bitch Up - It's alright, not exactly going to be my genre but solid for what it is. Also, dislike the lyrical concept. 5/10 Breathe - This is up my alley a bit more. Liking the bass and vocal lines, and the drums fit in nicely. 6/10 Diesel Power - LOVE the rap on this. Energetic yet simple, and good! 8/10 Funky Shit - Not much to comment about on this record, eh? 6/10 Serial Thrilla - I just love the accent man. 6/10 Mindfields - This a vibe. 7/10 Narayan - This one's one of the best so far. Like the vocals, instrumental goes hard too! Incredible until you realise it's 9 minutes long. 7/10 Firestarter - Already know this track relatively well. Solid, solid, solid. 8/10 Climbatize - Not half bad. Like the composition and the little shaker drum thing. 6/10 Fuel My Fire - I like this one. Not much to say elsewhere. 7/10
BANGERS but tend to sound the same as time goes on but its dancable 4/5
It's more than 3 stars. 3.67
3.8 Way better than the title suggests. The crab did not disappoint.
Not something I would think I would normally like. Good Stuff though.
This starts off well enough (bar the obvious lyrical 'issues'), and Diesel Power is an absolute banger – far and away the best tune here. But I drifted off not long after that an forgot this was even on. Maybe sat at my desk is not how this was meant to be experienced, but all got a bit repetitive a few tracks in. Half a great album, but could have done with more...something.
I wasn't really in the mood for this, first thing. But I persisted and gave it a spin. It's all very familiar. The beats build up, the bass kicks in, you go apeshit crazy. It's not exactly a home listening album. You need to be mashed off your head and stumbling into a ditch to really appreciate. Sadly those days are long behind me.
At last! After a few weeks of soul, folk and rock, an album that makes me truly FEEL something! Settle down people with smutty minds - you know what I mean! It's loud and intimidating but you want it louder. You want to be immersed in the aggression and strange, unsettling sounds and sequences and it reminds you of all the things that piss you off and how fucked up everything is at the moment. And you just bounce all over the place before emerging at the end, completely regulated. It's just genius! Apart from the three singles, Narayan and Climbatize are brilliant and bookend Firestarter brilliantly. There's no real filler to be honest. A consistent stomper! Thank you.
GOLD GOLD GOLD! Hab die Jungs anfangs NullerJahre auf dem Gurten gesehen und mich zu Tode getanzt. Pure Energy...so einmalig, was die gemacht haben!
Name seit eppis aber no nie gross gloset. Halt huere Edgy… Its giving shadow the hedgehog und tribal tats. Standout Tracks: Smack My Bitch Up, Funky Shit & Narayan
Not as good as it thinks it is
I know every single note of this album. The CD lived in my player for days in college. Beyond the controversy that the band loved to court, it's an absolutely awesome, asskicking album. Still holds up almost 3 decades later. Must play at max volume.
OMFG what an album.
oh yes
I can see being into this at specific times, but generally not for me.
Wow. I did not expect to like this album as much as I did. It comes out of the gates hitting the gas and never lets up. Dynamic and exciting electronic with heavy rock elements that hypes you up and sustains interest throughout. Highly recommend. The singles and "Diesel Power" are highlights.
No. Sucked in the 90s too
There are so many bangers on this album. The music is driven, fast and energising.
Ok I was ready to hate on this because I typically don't care for electonica, with soem notable exceptions. But this is a great groove.
intense and v 90s
Smack my bitch up!!!
There are some good tracks, but I just can't get into the general Big Beat sound and because of that, don't really like any of the radio hits. I found myself enjoying the remixes on the deluxe version more than the full album.
Amazing, one of the albums of my life! Forgot how good smack my B up was!
Banger after banger after banger.
FUCK YES this is like if every game on the og xbox was turned into album. idk if that makes any sense but that's the best way i can explain this album
Totally not my style. But I'm glad to know a new band 🥸
Amazing album that has that mid-90s fun dance music feeling. Lots of good samples. Vocals all sound like they would scare your parents if they heard this coming out of your room. Breath has an iconic synth bass line
underrated album cover
Banging
3,5
British Daft Punk! Makes me want to rave 🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀
bekende schreeuw zooi
This is probably the first electronica album I actually somewhat enjoyed. Punk influenced, fast paced, and heavy, this album exists for x-games montages & tony hawk games.
Sounds like the worst music on a 2002 Need for Speed playlist.
Einfach nur geil. Auch nach fast 30 Jahren noch.
Really enjoyed this album! Great fun mix of electronic and rock!
Awesome. Very fun and nostalgic.
Did not enjoy this.
Ég umbreyttist í tánings Lindu sem var að sjálfsögðu algjör töffari!!! Mikil nostalgía
Glæsileg plata. Frábær lög en flest aðeins of löng. Þess vegna fær hún 4 stjörnur en ekki 5.
Vraiment banger
The album that saw metal heads throwing shapes, and ravers jumping into circle pits. From the outrageous sample from Ultramagnetic MC’s Give the Drummer Some, hooking Smack My Bitch Up, to the literally incendiary Firestarter with the distorted guitar and pounding drum beat, via the hip hop beats of Diesel Power and the trippy Mindfields, Fat Of The Land is a landmark crossover album that Liam & the gang have never bettered. RIP Keef- the best rave dancer turned singer and the literal life of the party.
This is such an unexpected banger so many ways ive heard these songs without knowing it came from here
More like the fat of the beat, ye-haw!
Hmm, très hétérogène à mon goût. Bien aimé la rythmique et les sonorités de Breathe notamment qui m’a pas mal embarquée, mais j’ai trouvé de manière générale pas mal de loop pas très « propres », avec souvent une structure qui m'a paru bancale, et des egotrip injustifiés (eg. Diesel Power). Ça a l'air d'avoir été dans l'esprit underground / rave de l'époque, avec quelque chose d'assez innovant dans ces sonorités brutes, agressives qui étaient dans l'esthétique qui parlait j'imagine (dont le caractère peu lisse est cohérent avec les moyens de l'époque), et que leurs clips / paroles / image de groupe incarnaient. Et je suppose que musicalement ça a peut-être pas si bien vieilli dans un contexte où les prod de musique éléctro sont ultra quantifiées et lissées, bien loin du temps du sampling manuel - une des raisons sans doute de mon impression de "trop brouillon". Intéressant en tout cas de savoir qu'ils ont été très influents dans l'histoire de la musique éléctro. Sans doute aussi quelque chose qui s'apprécie davantage en rave que tout seul dans sa paire d'écouteurs, à voir en contexte mais je reste sur un 2 subjectif.
beaucoup de choses à dire sur cet album, mais commençons par le plus simple : incroyable. j'écoute de plus en plus d'electro donc je crois que cette recommandation est tombée à pic pour redynamiser mon quotidien musical! je connaissais pas du tout the prodigy, même si la couverture de l'album me disait quelque chose (couverture que j'ai adorée d'ailleurs), donc je suis un peu allée me renseigner, et je recommande vivement de regarder la vidéo yt du tutoriel qui explique comment Smack my Bitch Up (le son qui m'a intriguée dès le début) a été conçu. le travail sur les samples (et le nombre / la variété de ces samples surtout) est juste incr! et pareil pour Funky Shit qui est vite devenu une de mes écoutes pref, je trouve que les 3-4 premiers sons de l'album sont ultra addictifs et après on reste pour le plaisir. un solide 4 pour moi :)
Highlight Song/s: Breathe This is a lot more enjoyable than than previous album I'd heard of theirs (Music for the Jilted Generation.) It is very texturally rich, not as monotonous as Jilted Generation. I really like the vicious vocals in Breathe, Serial Thrilla, Firestarter.
Decent
Yes, clubbing in the nineties!
It got real Funky real quick
still holds up 26 years later
These guys are silly.
Cracking album. Makes me wish I could still go to raves.
"Firestarter" stands out, especially since it was used as the intro theme for Norm Hitzges' show on KTCK The Ticket. While electronic music isn't my usual genre, I recognize that The Prodigy are considered one of the most influential groups. The overall feel of the album can be repetitive to me, but it's well-suited to run mindlessly in the background. If you're looking for something to add energy to your background, without demanding too much attention, this album fits.
A novel and thrilling mix of breakbeats, rock and industrial that has become not-so-novel and honestly a bit exhausting by the sixth or so track. Nifty crab though.
Another famous work -- may be biased here again since know it from my teens if not from the childhood -- never knew the electronic music might strike like this, and still holds its power after all this years.
Interesting meeting of genres, this album is pretty stacked with hits. Some great textures and sounds to be had here.
After suffering through other 90s British electronica like Orbital, Chemical Brothers, and Fatboy Slim's first album, I was very skeptical of this one, however it turns out it's... not that bad? Most of the songs badly need an editor but they have beats and are catchy, Breathe is a banger, and Mindfields was a key song on The Matrix soundtrack that I listened to nonstop in middle school. You couldn't get away with that title of the first track in 2025 though.
Good album.
No. I hate this.
This is brainless party music, best enjoyed while rolling on ecstasy at a rave in 1995. It's a time capsule of mainstream electronic music 30 years ago, and I still like some of the beats and production.
Two pleasant surprises in a row after being accustomed to being unpleasantly surprised by the deep unpleasance of full albums of artists that I was never that into (ie RHCP, Motorhead). Not necessarily something I'd put on the old turntable but if I were the kind of person that went to gyms where they blare music, this is better than 90% of what they play.
Every track has great loops and beats but they ultimately suffer from the same fatal flaw: they repeat too much for too long Still, for its time, the production value is great and the sound must have been mesmerizing. This album also played a special role in my teenage years (a decade after it was released) so I’m willing to forgive some flaws.
Probably the most well known album of The Prodigy and for good reason in my opinion. High energy and solid songs throughout
Nineties Funky Sh@#* 🤯
This is not my typical genre, but I listened while at work today and it was very motivating. I like it for background music.
Not good
Man this is a banger. Taking rave and acid and adding a dose of industrial noise, anger and metal and turning all the dials up to 11. This could have been a mess but it turns into a seminal album where every track is brilliant and there is no filler. Yes, you can take offense at the lyric sample from the first track and no one defends it. An all time classic
Bad.
Better every listen
Pretty forgettable with the exception of "Smack my Bitch Up"
From the first note, clearly not my thing.
I've never listened to this album (28). Good in its genre, which is not mine.
A tremendous return to form for The Prodigy. From the opening strains of Smack My Bitch Up to the mystic rhythms of Narayan this is a pulsating journey into the minds of a group at the absolute peak of their power.
Brilliant
4.5
Du classique, du mythique <3
Best Song: Firestarter I was stuck between a 4 or 5 and went with 4 simply because the relistenability of this is only when in a certain mood. A great 90s album full of bangers. 4/5.
Ah, the promise of 90's Electronica. It never hit as predicted but it was fun while it lasted. This kind of aggressive almost dangerous techno infused with big hip-hop beats, rock, and more is a solid album.
Hørres ut som fontaines DC har komt ud med ein "no piracy" reklame. Serial Thrilla e et fønny navn. Savne någe catchy, dette e litt for gjevn musikk te å vær veldig outstanding... MEN, d e jabnå så dræge! Beste sang: Serial Thrilla
Альбом неплох, я и до его полного прослушивания слушал немного меньше половины альбома. Но в целом я не фанат такого жанра. Довольно агрессивный и как мне кажется однообразный бит, к концу альбома перестал нравиться, даже стал раздражать. Наверное кроме этого, особых недостатков я не заметил. Отмечу отличную работу Лиама Хоулета с семплами, за что я, впрочем, и люблю prodigy. В целом, не зацепил, но альбом достойный, потому поставлю 4.
Perfection
Biggest hits but not the best Prodigy album; that is Music for the jilted generation. Not really an album band
Just No!!! I will give it 1 star because there is no way to give it 0 … this is noise with a beat… doesn’t Even come close to qualifying as music. 1 Star (really 0)
Not an album to think too hard about, Fat Of The Land is wall to wall bangers. This is some techno that has a little crossover appeal with the metal and punk worlds, The Prodigy just approach the genre (big beat in particular) with so much visceral energy and muscle. And they manage to keep this energy through songs that could be a little repetitive or annoying. But the grooves go deep enough, the drums hit hard enough, and the vocals are powerful enough that it works. I have very few complaints: I guess Smack My Bitch Up wasn’t exactly made in the best of taste, but so little is communicated verbally that I have a hard time staying mad. Aside from that there may be a couple songs that drag a little bit, but there aren’t any skips. This is most likely the peak of it’s microgenre and pretty much essential listening.
This album definitely transported me the late 90s. Not really my style of music. A lot of it had great energy/was fun sounding. I would give it a 3.5 if possible.
Based on the cover I thought this would have the dancing crab meme song. It did not
Somewhat repetitive to my ears, nothing special sounding to me.
Banger after banger after banger. I don't feel I even need to listen to this one but I did. Because it's a modern classic. I first got into the Prodigy when they were doing Experience. In fact I saw them live with a bunch of ravers doing that album. When Music for the Jilted Generation came out, we listened to it incessentantly. It's fascinating to hear the progression through those two albums to this one which was so innovative. There are some iconic tracks on there (Smack My Bitch Up, Firestarter, Breathe) but my favourites are some of the less known ones (Diesel Power, Narayan). This album brings back so many memories but it's also a complete good time. Couldn't be anything less than five stars.
Better than Coldplay
Sublime
This is a banger, featuring some absolute classics.
The album as a whole still holds up after more than 25 years. Albeit, not something I'll likely listen to again.
Memory Lane-Start dieses Album, hat stark angefangen, aber dann Songs gebracht die mir so gar nichts sagten. Klang mehr nervig und nach Einheits-Brei
Hat seinen Platz und gute Momente, für mich persönlich aber nicht meine favorisierte Musikrichtung.
The Prodigy are legendary, and this is probably their best album. The grooves on here are insane, truly some of the best electronic music to come out of the UK.
This is insane
Great album!
I knew the opening track. I would never have voluntarily put this on, but now I might. It’s pretty good. For some reason I want to hate it and I don’t know why. Buts it’s too much fun to hate. 😂 Serial Thrilla has a great groove!
I didn't get much out of this one. Most of the songs were too long, I kept getting distracted and starting over. Just don't like it.
La techno, paura. Che gaso. Voglio il vinile.
Every time I see an EDM or House album on this generator, I dread listening to it. I never really liked music like that because it can be really repetitive and annoying to listen to. This album differs from all of them. It's weird because while the genre can be really annoying, there might be just one album that sets itself apart from it and it's this one. It's not on my top 10 of all time but it definitely ranks higher than any electronic album would. Also, the cover is iconic and Breathe is one of the greatest songs ever. This is a great album that should be representative of 90s rave music. Favorite Tracks: Smack My Bitch Up, Breathe, Funky Shit, Narayan Rating: 3.5/5
Far to intense
An unexpected 4 for me. The first track is clearly problematic and I rather it wasn't there even if the music behind it is good the lyrics were bad then and have aged poorly. But ultimately I have to go on the quality of the rest of the album and it really encapsulates the rave sound of the time.
I don’t hate it, but at a certain point they all sound the same. Would be better if I was on molly
A bit headachy. Heard a lot of songs that I sort of knew (eg Breathe)
Album I listened to many times, but not a classic by any stretch
Damn. Makes me want to smack my bitch
Didn't know punk electronica was a thing, but it makes sense... I've listened to this album once before some years ago, and my reaction is largely unchanged: it's not bad, the amen-break-style backbeat throughout makes it all feels a bit repetitive and samey, and I can't work out whether "change my pitch up, smack my bitch up" is misogyny or just a fun way of saying "I'm doing this, let's goooo". I will say that starting this one immediately off the back of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" - a transcendent free jazz odyssey that is a cry to God himself as his saxophone prays and preaches... and suddenly being hit with "SMACK MY BITCH UP" was a weird time. I feel like I should be learning something about perspective from this, but I really have no idea what.
Irgendwie nicht so meins
Not my favourite type of music but I was 11/12 when this came out and I liked a few tracks and how they reminded me of the whole electronic/techno vibe of the late 90s.
2/5 electronic music is not my thing
A classic!
It only took 32 days, but we’ve finally arrived at an album that I actually own a copy of! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve given The Fat of the Land a spin and I’m super into breakbeat at the moment, so I went full poggers when I saw that this LP as today’s assignment. Weirdly, I don’t honestly have that much to say about TFOTL. It’s just sick breaks with pretty memorable hooks! Every track is distinct, but also feels like it belongs alongside the other tracks. The album is also a tight 10 tracks and there really aren’t any stinkers in the bunch. I guess the only bit of negativity I feel about this project is that the songs are fairly long and generally pretty repetitive, so if you’re not feeling a specific idea, it’s going to get old real fast. I’m very used to repetitive dance music and even I felt like some of the tracks went on a smidge too long. That aside, The Fat of the Land is a great listen and a perfect time capsule for late 90s rave music. Keith Flint really shines here too – rest in peace, twisted firestarter. Highlights: Smack My B**ch Up, Breathe, Funky Sh**, Narayan, Firestarter
YOU WOULDN’T DOWNLOAD A CAR
Overall this album is front and backloaded with some amazing songs. The 1-2 punch of SMBU and Breathe is hard to beat. And Narayan though to Fuel my Fire is a strong way to finish. Issue is the songs in the middle are a bit of a step down. However, can’t deny the strength of those other tracks. Huge amounts of energy throughout. RIP Keith.
Man I'm feeling pumped!
🔥
🗯 Testosterone-fuelled electro mayhem — glowsticks, ecstasy, breakbeats, and danger in every drop. The Prodigy’s third album was their world-conquering moment, the first with Keith Flint up front in full firestarter mode. Three utterly perfect singles (‘Firestarter’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Smack My Bitch Up’) turned them from rave outsiders into global icons — the dangerous face of turn-of-the-century electronica. Listening now, it’s like stepping into a skanky London nightclub circa 1997: sweat dripping off the walls, dancers still going after a days-long trip, the air thick with drugs and big beat bravado. It’s one part Kool Keith’s scatological genius, one part Rage Against the Machine-style intensity, all funnelled through beloved samplers and Liam Howlett’s brain-melting beats. Sure, it sounds of its era — but honestly, not much holds a glow stick to a massive big beat banger in full flight and this record mostly holds up. Dangerous then, nostalgic now, still pretty damn irresistible. Verdict: Essential (if only for remembering when dance music terrified your mum) For fans of: The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Rage Against the Machine, sweaty basements and strobe lights.
A dream come true.
Total banger of an album.
I thought it would be better. I just can’t seem to get behind it.
Hey, this album. I've seen this cover around before, but I've never heard of the actual band. I have an inkling that this is going to be a dance album. Yes, I've come to this conclusion entirely because of the crab rave music video. Yep. About what I was expecting, though I like my brand of late-90s techno a little more subdued than this. That being said, this isn't half-bad. Some cool drum breaks and alright electronic tones make for a decent of-the-time listen. The vocals are somewhat of a let down, however. Very cheesy and jarring. The tracks also have a nasty habit of going on for way longer than they needed to. "Diesel Power" is a good tune. Big fan of the echoing ambience, and the lead synths have a lot of kick to them. I'm ambivalent to the rapping segment, but for what it is, it's alright. "Funky Shit" is a decent follow-up. Another characteristically 90s electronic track, though that's by no means a bad thing. Big fan of the cool drum breaks, and the electronic embellishments are, again, quite decent. The siren sounds near the end of the track are a cool way of closing it out. "Naryan" is pretty cool. Very solid instrumental - I'm a big fan of the intro, and those drums do a decent job of carrying the rest of the piece. "Firestarter" is a familiar song - I've heard this one before. Needless to say, it's the strongest track on the album. All of the loose ends are tied together, the drum breaks are tighter than ever. The vocals aren't half bad, and I especially dig the sample during the chorus. I'm checking the book. Topped the charts in the UK and America. Wikipedia reveals that this album is critically acclaimed, though that mostly appears to have been during the time. This thing topped the charts just about everywhere, damn. I'm not too crazy about the actual music of this album, though as a time capsule of the era I think it occupies a solid niche. I cosign this inclusion.
This one was a pleasant surprise, as I never really liked the Prodigy. I think as a kid I found them a bit scary, cause of the Firestarter video. A pretty decent album, if a bit repetitive. But that's the point, I guess, as the album decent seem to be made for sitting down and listening. Punky attitude and very much Johnny Rotten inspired from Keith Flint. I was also surprised that there was a more standard rap track! The drums were very much the highlight! I got lessons at BIMM from the Prodigy's live drummer! 3.5 again but I'll give it a 4, as it was also better than the other 3s.
Superb. Cannot fault this. Just brilliant from beginning to end. I was worried it wouldn't hold up having two huge singles right at the beginning but it really did. No filler. Structured like a perfect live set. Crab.
This album still absolutely kicks it. So fun and bolshy. Of its time in a fun way. Nostalgic for me for several periods of my life, and I think also just a solid album. Well structured. Entertaining. Well put together, exciting, mid-90s (popish, rapish)rave. Playing at shock value in a way I find myself throughly respecting looking back at how rave culture was perceived at the time. Tbf this came out a month or two before my 15th birthday when i was already obsessed with their hits off this and Music For The Jilted Generation, and loving it in that teen way and then again later as a raver through my late teens, 20s and 30s defo plays into it, but yeah. It does exactly what it sets out to do with aplomb. Banger.
I'm torn on this one. I don't much care for techno music, but I enjoy some of their hits. But in the end, it just gets repetitive.
Good background music for focusing. Don't really think i'd listen to it in any other way.
It’s great but very of its time. Doesn’t hit like it did in the nineties unfortunately.
This definitely feels very 90s, but also kinda like rap. Which might be apt.
Holds up.
Really good production. High energy. Listened 3 times
I remember when I thought this was the most intense, in-your-face shit I had ever heard, and it scared me a little. Now it's just a good electronica album from the 90s--but no one should receive accolades for naming a song "Smack My Bitch Up," in any decade.
I had remembered the first song from somewhere, just by the title. I was ready to not like it. But saw myself feeling it.
Like it didn't love it. Great for a dance party though.
I kind of expected this album to be better because Breathe is such a banger. But this was kinda boring. Even the first song, which made me recoil when I saw the title — it’s clear they chose it simply to provoke. Eye roll. Honestly it feels kind of pointless reviewing these electronica albums outside the context of a rave. Highlights (exactly as expected) - Breathe, Firestarter
I think there are 2 scenarios where The Prodigy works: 1) You're on a dancefloor on some form of uppers and losing your mind OR 2) You're watching a movie set in the late 90s and there's a club scene and you need 15 seconds of a song that's gonna immediately communicate to the audience the exact era/vibe of this club scene - firestarter would be the song of choice. Outside of those 2 scenarios, I find their music pretty boring. Even the big songs didn't do much for me sitting alone in my apartment trying to work. I was just bored. It wasn't even good background music for working. It just felt monotonous and grating when not on a dance floor. Sorry to all the ravers out there.
An album very much of its time. Aggressive dance music with lyrics to match. Don’t get it twisted, this was cringy then too and played well to the same audiences. The music’s ability to make you want o shake it is undeniable though.
Wasn't my kind of thing, but I can appreciate the talent there.
Decent songs, very video game ost sounding but something I probably will never come back to
A fun album with a touch of punk that I enjoy now more than when it was first released. 4/5
not for me
Kinda boring, just beats, annoyed me at certain points
This album came out at the arse end of UK rave crossing into 90s lad culture. The result is aggressive, misogynistic and unpleasant, and feels like you are about to be punched in the face by a drunk geezer in an England shirt. I like some of the music, but I really can’t cope with the lyrics or the way they’re sung. I get that the late Keith Flint is now seen as a sort of cuddly grandpa figure but he’s not very likeable on here.
Opening an album with such a track is something. It really feels like punks playing electronic music in the most agressive possible way --- and it works, feels like a punch in the guts. The truth is, it's pretty entertaining. And there are gems hidden in this album (Narayan, Climbatize) when they set back a bit and let a more progressive feeling taking over. When it comes to Big Beat I have a preference for the Chemical Brothers, from which The Prodigy are clearly the pissed off bigger brother.
9/10
90s big beat electronic music.
Wel goed, maar niet voor ieder moment.
How can you deny this album's awesomeness???!!!
Maturing is realizing you like The Prodigy a lot more as an adult than you thought you did in 1997 when you were 12 years old. To be fair, I always thought “Firestarter” was a cool song.
So stoked I got to see them perform live this year.
Great album cover
Epic!
Cool 90's vibe
Bockt aber bisschen lang 4/5
Reminds me of being driven around town by my brother in the late 90s. I think this is a pretty good album in a genre I don't really enjoy all that much. Great album cover though... and there was an anniversary reissue where they edited tons more crabs into it?
A very solid good time is all I can describe this album as. I've certainly heard better electronic albums on this list but this one jams thoroughly as well. In contrast with many albums on this list, this album is feels backloaded, with the second half being a lot more enjoyable to me than the first.
a little bit aggressive, a little bit annoying. mostly the later.
it's giving the background music in the bring it on sequels
Hated this then, hate it now
Stands up pretty well, especially if you were alt in the UK in the 90s/00s.
3.8
I felt bludgeoned listening to this. I it 2 stars because I recognize that the group are technically proficient at bludgeoning.
I don't think electronic dance music is completely unnecessary but this is boring and annoying.
hell yeah
Great alternative alvum from 97. Considered their best.
Way better than I expected, but it still feels like one of those “you had to be there” albums.
Outstanding
Six months later I come back to this album. Is it good? Maybe. Is it a bit problematic? Yes. Does it remind me of a time and place? Kind of. But I think I came to the prodigy late, perhaps ten years after their 90s peak. So this is a 3.
Iconic
really awesome can tell it has influenced alot
Not my cup of tea, but I can definitely understand why it was/is so influential for the genre. Had I been driving while listening to this album I would’ve easily gotten a speeding ticket.
Not bad. Basically just feels like action movie soundtrack, which I don't dislike but I'm not like super into.
Listened to it once and then most of it a second time. This was solid. Energetic but not over the top. Some standout tracks. There is a little nostalgia factor here as my brother had this album when we were kids. 3.5 but on the 4 side.
Still as great as it was when I first heard this in the 90's! The energy is intense.
Wow that was bad
CRAB RAVE GUY???? it's not but I respect the image
Should be an option for zero stars. So interesting to me that so many rate this so highly. Different strokes.
i am not sad to have missed that the first time around.
uhh. i’m not sorry i missed this the first time around.
** Not my pair of shoes
Ah, The Podigy. If you're a person of a certain age you may remember Wipeout on the PSX with a pretty great soundtrack including music from The Prodigy. Great samples and synth sounds layered for maximum ear candy.
This isn’t really an album review, I just want to say that The Prodigy are amongst the best live performers I’ve ever seen. I hadn’t listened to them much at all when they came on stage at T in The Park in 2015 and their set blew my mind, so much energy. I went to see them again that same year, where they were supported by Public Enemy. I still wouldn’t say their my favourite group or that I’m into this kind of electronic music, but when you’re 18 and drunk and in a field, there’s truly nothing better.
Firestarter is the lullaby what German parents sing to their children. 😍 https://youtu.be/zcOhrtAFc-Y?si=LiuUQRmCBvabrpni
When this album came out it was huge. Everyone was listening to smack my pitch up and wearing shirts and baseball caps with ants. Music video aired only when the sun went down and of course cassettes with Mr. Crabs on the cover.
Snap my picture 📸
Never really listened to a full Prodigy album, love a song here or there but otherwise the genre is not quite my cup of tea, still a decent album
It all sounds the same and it's all very monotonous and terrible
Ok so for some reason I never really got into this, or the Prodigy in general, at the time. I’m still not sure I would have got into it back then but listening to it now I’m regretting not listening to it sooner. So the singles are instantly recognisable but I hadn’t expected to like as much of the rest of it as I did. In fact I think I preferred more of the album tracks than the big hits themselves. Overall a very good record.
A step up in quality and thrusting Keith Flint into the limelight saw The Prodigy elevated into the big time for this album. The brilliant singles of Breathe and Firestarter are stand out tracks but some real gems in Mindfields and Narayan too. Brilliant live and a unique blend of dance and rock - all hail The Prodigy.
I very much doubt there is an album that sounds so big, energetic, and in your face as this on this list. Combines punk, rock and dance in a beautiful way no-one has bettered….yet. Is it their best album, well it’s got the most hits, so maybe. Does it matter, not really. It’s not cerebral, it’s purely to get you pumped, feeling big, and dancing. And it delivers big time. I get it’s kind of hard to understand this if you haven’t been exposed to it (or repetitive beats in general) in its live setting. Listening to this album I’m back in the Brixton Academy a few years ago, with them doing their first gigs after Keith’s death. I have NEVER experienced a vibe, the togetherness or energy like it (and I was sober). The whole place, and I mean everyone, front to back madly going for it for 90mins (would never happen for a rock band). Sweatier than a teenage boys forehead after viewing the Littlewoods catalogue lingerie section it was.
This is really good festival dance music. Beyond that, it’s also pretty listenable in other contexts. Varied influences include Rap-Rock (like Rage…). Some parts brought me back to The Matrix I (they were part of the soundtrack). An impressive album I’ll listen to again. A four.
When I was given another The Prodigy album earlier, I decried that it wasn't their smash hit The Fat of the Land, and said I'd give this a 4*. So, it's a 4*. But it earns it. Starts off with the smash hits and keeps the party moving through the run time. This was the peak of electronica in the late 90's. Big time influence, all the hits, and I like it. Sorry, The Prodigy, you lose the 5th star for the lyrics of Smack My Bitch Up and being a hare to monocromatic. 4
Seems like something that would be good as music to an action or racing scene, maybe. Unfortunately, my commute to work was not nearly eventful enough to warrant such an accompaniment.
Felt like I was in a tunnel the whole time with all the fading in and out. Classic 90s indie action movie music.
Although I know I've heard many times two of their hit singles from this album ("Breathe" and "Firestarter", both with great videos), I'm not sure how I neglected to buy a single Prodigy album all these years, especially because I've always enjoyed this kind of sound from the likes of Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method, even Fatboy Slim. Aside from the aforementioned singles, I also enjoyed "Funky Shit" (with its Beastie Boys reference) and "Mindfields", and was surprised that "Smack my b**ch up" wasn't quite as horrible as the title might suggest (although it's definitely not a title or lyric that was *ever* a good idea, no matter how inflammatory they wanted to be). I'm not entirely sure that we need two Prodigy albums in this collection, but I'm glad we got this one.
Yeah, well, it was a thing I listened to. Not awful. Not very interesting.
4/8
Would have loved to hear the whole album live
Interesting! Add n to x does this much better
If I wanted bland pablum i would have gone to the grocery store. Not Kid Rock levels of bad cause you'd at least need a brain to comprehend how awful this tripe is.
I listened to this album a lot when it was released, but revisiting it now, I realised that it was me trying to be like the cool kids. It's a really good album but it's just not my jam. Climbatize is great, and the L7 cover is fun.
The matrix/you wouldn’t download a car music. Good for workouts but a little repetitive/mindless, personally. Can be lots of fun and a good vibe in the right setting
Not my style of music but I liked it more than I thought I would.
01) Smack My Bitch Up - 10,0 02) Breathe - 10,0 03) Diesel Power - 10,0 04) Funky Shit - 9,5 05) Serial Thrilla - 9,5 06) Mindfields - 9,5 07) Narayan - 9,5 08) Firestarter - 10,0 09) Climbatize - 9,5 10) Fuel My Fire - 9,5 TOTAL: 9,70 (97/100) Current ranking: 13/659 I'm the trouble starter, punkin' instigator Psychosomatic, addict, insane Blows your mind drastically, fantastically Oh my god that's some funky shit!
Fantastic album. The tracks are contagious, adrenaline pumping to cosmic, kind of the pinnacle of the genre for me.
Catchy and enjoyable in pieces, but 56 minutes is a lot. But at least it’s uptempo. Also lyrically….questionable.
I've always found that with a lot of the big UK dance albums of the 90s that they often have really strong singles, but the rest of the album is kind of ok. That really isn't the case for The Fat of The Land which feels absolutely stacked with blistering dance tunes. Even just listening to it at my desk it loses none of its energy and raw power.
What is it about people in the 90s absolutely loving electronic/techno music that just drones on and on? At least this one has some lyrics here and there, but damn this was a hard one to get through.
Imagine listening all the way through that 9 minute song
Nice surprise - grunge techno that reminds me of 90's. One song features in Charlie's Angels movie.
Not my cup of tea. It is hard for me to find a musical harmony in Rave music.
Explosiv, kompromisslos und stilprägend: The Fat of the Land liefert mit Tracks wie „Firestarter“ und „Breathe“ einen aggressiven Mix aus Rave, Punk und Breakbeat. Ein Meilenstein der 90er.
Good stuff but didn't click fully.. Smack My Bitch up is a classic and this listen I really latched onto Narayan. I see the genre influence but if I'm craving some breaks I'd go somewhere else. Another album with the caveat that it could grow on me over time 3/5