Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Another album I didn't realize was that old. Songs that stood out (other than the classics) The New Style and Time To Get Ill. 4/5
Some hip hop and rock. This album goes in multiple directions but I like it.
I made the mistake of reading other user reviews of this album. Presumably by younger generations than I. Released in 1986, this album continued to get extensive air play on alternative radio stations through the 1990s and 2000s (the era in which I grew up). This album was dated by this time period, especially the immature lyrics. It's the sloppiness and almost amateur quality of this album that makes it enjoyable for me. It's got a rough quality that makes it fun in today's world of glossy albums. Perhaps paved the way for future rap rock albums and eventually nu metal. 4/5 for being a classic, however I prefer Paul's Boutique if we're picking a beasties album.
8/10 Holy shit this is a fun record. I didn't remember it being this well put together. 4-21-2025
Pretty great, big fan of some of the songs but some of them are almost skippable?
Still not a huge Beastie Boys fan but this is definitely a better album than Paul's Boutique. Better samples and more iconic songs.
What a great way to “start a career”. Amazing!
A fun classic
Great discovery since its before my time. The beats, the defiance and tone can still be felt in today's rock n roll / hip hop scene. Solid 8/10
Iconic
It's the Beastie Boys, what do you think... Hits the spot when you want it and tough to listen when you don't
Love it of course but surprised by how sparse / pared down the production was - felt much rougher than expected
awesome, loved it the whole way through
What’s not to like, a very good listen. Maybe not as polished as some later albums but a great variety of sounds and a lot of fun!
It’s pretty hard to dislike an album that comes straight in mashing up classic Zep and Sabbath samples. And it carries on in its older skool hip hop and rock mash up, with the Beastie Boys being playful and abrasive throughout. It’s a fun listen but it’s certainly not the first Beastie Boys album I would go to for a fix. I guess it’s on the list as their intro to the world and rap first hitting the mainstream. Let’s be honest though, they get way more inventive and impressive as their career progresses.
Is this the third Beastie Boys album already? Is it justified? I have very split feelings on this album. On one hand, the production & sampling work is UNREAL here. Every beat is so well put together while still sounding so loud and reckless. Tons of little bits of samples and sound effects, fantastic drums and low-ends. The opening “Rhymin & Stealin” sets the tone with the Led Zep sample and caveman rhyme schemes (or screams). The guys have excellent chemistry too! I don’t know if this was around the time of the “jock jam” but this has to be up there in terms of quintessential jock jam albums no? It’s like if LMFAO were 3 white boys in the 80’s, it’s just all about partying and fun and being up to no good. Which brings me to the part that split my feelings on this record. The lyrics. Over and over and over again I’m jamming out and having a great time then *BOOM* an awful word then another song goes by then *BOOM* a problematic sentence. I get it, it was a different time and we are all better now, but it was really bringing an otherwise fun time down a lot. Like, near the two minute mark of “New Style” about being Jimmy Page and liking underage girls…I don’t know if that’s a self-aware lyric or not but cmon. Just cmon. I have a theory that “Fight For Your Right” isn’t just popular because it’s an incredible party anthem to easily scream, but because it’s the song that has potentially some of the least problematic stuff in the lyrics. I’m gonna say my favorite is “Girls” for how silly it is, but I do cringe in admitting it, because the lyrics aren’t good. It’s really nice to know that these guys got a bit more heady and a lot more experimental as time went on, I remember really liking “Bodhisattva Vow” from Ill Communication. If youre looking for anything that isn’t mindless, loud, reckless, sometimes problematic party music - you aren’t gonna find it here. But if you are looking for that? I’m not sure you’ll find a better album for it. The softest 4/5 stars I can give
Wtf are they talking about. Still good listening when you want something "sick". Broad City sampling a bonus!
I like this a lot.
Rhymin & Stealin - 5/5 The New Style - 5/5 She's Crafty - 4/5 Posse In Effect - 4/5 Slow Ride - 2/5 Girls - 4/5 Fight For Your Right - 4/5 No Sleep Til Brooklyn - 5/5 Paul Revere - 4/5 Hold It Now, Hit It - 3/5 Brass Monkey - 4/5 Slow And Low - 3/5 Time To Get Ill - 4/5 Average score: 3.9/5 (rounding up) it's probably nostalgia talking but idgaf
Good album but their later albums are better
Not their best, and some lyrics haven't dated well, but this is still a great album from an iconic group.
Great fun. Very much the playground sensibility of the Beastie's oeuvre though.
No Sleep Till Brooklyn! 🤘
Enjoyed it a lot, found a new fav song actually.
Wasn’t really feeling it, but then I got up to “Girls” and everything after seemed to fall into place. Really loved this album and I wasn’t much of a fan of the Beastie Boys before this.
Love me some beastie boys
Generally a fan, but this is the weakest of their albums and the only one I don't recall owning. They are at their best when they are funky and sampling interesting records. This album has a number of tunes that are straight ahead rock rap, which is the least interesting material they made.
Far from their best but essential to understanding the growth they underwent throughout their career.
Juvenile culture vultures make dirty rap, create hits and turn out to be insanely talented. 9/10 Classic
Quite like
I love the Beastie Boys, and some of my favorites are on this album. I still prefer Paul’s Boutique and Ill Communication though
No i to jest kawałek dobrej płyty. Jakby punk był rapem to byłby tą płytą. Ostra, silna, bezkompromisowa. Byłoby 5/5, ale zwalnia pod koniec i trochę traci na przytupie, staje się monotonna. Ale pierwsze 9 kawałków to złoto. Mocne 8.5/10 z żalem że nie mogę zawyżyć.
Rock samples and wicked beats. Some absolute bangers on here. Love it.
First album, a bit "primitive/rough" but the punch is there. Solid 8/10
Another biiig 'hey I know this' moment. I do want to fight for my right to party but unfortunately I would prefer another soundtrack for my party. I liked it less than their other album I already heard, still catchy for sure though
Very nostalgic. It’s not their best performances nor their best productions but it did change the world.
a blast
Det er ret dumt men det lyder bare pissefed. Virkelig sjov plade. Kan ikke helt holde energien i 45 minutter men close enough.
This album sounds like a parody of every rap record ever. Great songs with guitar as the lead instrument!
86% Best: Rhymin & Stealin; The New Style; Posse in Effect; No Sleep till Brooklyn; Paul Revere; Time to Get Ill Must-Hear? Sure
Cool
Loved the beats. Jammed to a lot of these songs
Great to listen to in the background.
Mostly simple rhyme schemes, but very fun since they don't take any of it seriously. She's Crafty and Fight For Your Right were my favorites, while I thought some of the songs like No Sleep Till Brooklyn and Brass Monkey were too repetitive. The obnoxious voices started to annoy me later in the album, but I liked them at the beginning because they added to the unserious/sarcastic vibe.
I don’t know why but this album surprised me! I enjoyed the rough, grungey, poor vocals, mashed with the background riffs - I enjoyed this!
Great album. Not really my genre but these guys were ahead of their time. Some classics in there on their first album.
Solid
classic and stands up
This album is a party from front to back and top to bottom, it's still relevant today, I mean, not as relevant as it was in the 1980s — I still remember my elementary schoolfriends reciting Paul Revere — but what a trip this is. My only question about this banger of a debut album is the Beastie Boys were around for five years before its release: Do you really need five years to formulate a first-album?
Okay, this is obviously on the list because the first rap lp to hit #1 on the billboard charts was by white dudes. But how does it hold up, especially knowing that Check your head ( #10 on the charts) is a more sophisticated and probably better album ? It's hard to evaluate it now. I was 16 when this came out and "fight for your right to party" was -everywhere-. At the time this seemed snotty and brash and like it was maybe not cool for rich white guys to co-opt rap. The music is more minimalist than I'd remembered. The album is definitely juvenile. But it works.
Good album overall that has some absolute all-time classic bangers. However, some of the less popular songs were a bit annoying, which brings my personal rating down a peg. P.S. One of the dudes sounds like Mr. Poopybutthole from Rick & Morty and it borderline ruins that dude's parts.
Great album, lots of classics!
iconic classic between hiphop punk und rock ein eigenständiges meisterwerk
Een sleutelwerk, die vanuit verrassende hoek meehielp de 'Golden Age of Hip Hop' in te luiden. Deze prille jaren van het genre hebben hun quirks en aandoenlijkheden, maar luister er niet perse graag naar. Het is wel heel interessant om het mee te nemen als startpunt van een evolutie in het genre, en je hoort ook op dit album al zoveel kleine fragmenten van de toekomst. Ook als je binnen hun eigen discografie blijft. Het is allemaal veel mechanischer en rauwer dan bijvoorbeeld hun - hier reeds gereviewde - werk van 3 jaar later, 'Paul's Boutique'. Maar het zinspeelt ook al wel heel erg op dat er zo'n complexe productie aan zat te komen, met het gebruik van samples buiten het reguliere 'black music' spectrum, de gelaagdheid ervan ('Time To Get Ill'), de kwaliteit van storytelling ('Paul Revere'), en de satire ('Girls'). Bedenkende dat dit een paar jochies waren, opgegroeid in een wit punk-wereldje, die samen met de muziek-guru Rick Rubin - zelf ook in z'n kinderschoenen - zo'n revolutionair werk afleverde in 1986 is best ongekend. Maar los van de invloed die het album had - zowel destijds als drager van verscheidene party anthems voor de jeugd, als later als blauwdruk van alternative Hip Hop - is de luisterervaring niet zo plezierig als later werk van ze. Ze wisten later iets beter te doseren wanneer ze de muziek het werk moesten laten doen, en vocaal iets minder dominant te zijn. Een 'Paul's Boutique' doet dat waanzinnig, door een fantasierijke en oneindig vermakelijke soundscape. Hier is het nogal in your face van begin tot eind. Maar dat neemt niet weg dat m'n hart telkens op de juiste momenten wel weer sneller begint te kloppen, met de hoogtepunten prima verspreid over de tracklist. Een icoon, en nog steeds een party banger, en hun eigen springplank naar grotere hoogtes. 8/10 Highlights: The New Style Fight For Your Right Paul Revere Brass Monkey
The original and best accept no substitiutes - only gets 4 as it’s not Paul’s Boutique
A trip down nostalgia lane. It's hard not to smile when listening to these guys rhyme and goof about. "to do the dishes....to clean up my room...to do the laundry"
man these guys had a lot of red 40 before making this album. just running all over the place
Fun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W516wEFmmPE
I grew up with several of these tracks on the radio in my youf. I always particularly loved Brass Monkey and No Sleep Til Brooklyn as a kid just cuz they were really fun and sounded goofy. Growing up is realizing it's still pretty much the same and that's what makes everyone of all ages fall for it, including me. Everything here is kinda stupid, but they know it and lean into it. They clearly were just 'avin' a laff with it but at the same time, it sounds way better than it should be. Not really anything too lame to speak of (other than passing comments and vibes that didn't age well ofc - it was 80s hip hop after all). Just overall a good time, good vibe, and Rick Rubin when he still mattered.
I remember picking this up in a 4.99 CD bin when it was the most angst per buck you could buy. I didn't like it then as much as I do now, strange. Pros: This album gave us Rick Rubin Cons: This album gave us Rick Rubin
Several classics, beats are good, but the songs that use a bunch of samples are kinda weak.
It was pretty much 35 years ago when I first heard this album. I thought it was cool then, and I think it is cool now.
What a silly album. Lots of fun!
Hmm maybe because it was just yesterday I had another mid 80s release - Tears for Fears - but totally different genre same year. I know a few Beastie Boy songs prior to listening, and still know the same ones (Brass Monkey, No Sleep, Fight, etc.) everything else just kind of blended together. Going to give a 4 because it is GOOD, just not LOVE.
Such a fun listen, even the "non hits"are pretty great.
Fifteen year old me would have given this album five stars, added a sixth, put his pencil down, and left the room. He already had a poster of the cover art on his bedroom wall, much to his mother's dismay. Now, almost forty years later, I'm not so sure. Yes, this was the debut of a former Hardcore band (featuring Lucious Jackson's Kate Schellenbach on drums) that adopted the nascent Hip-Hop genre and and delivered it to every neighborhood. The Heavy Metal guitars, Classic Rock samples, and raunchy lyrics made the music appeal to teenagers everywhere. But, is it their best album? No. While they later recanted the misogynistic lyrics and claimed that "Fight for Your Right" was intended as parody, this record displays an immaturity that they would quickly outgrow. When taken as a starting point, this album is important. But, if I were trying to introduce someone who had never heard the Beasties before, I would chose almost any of their other releases. Extra half-star for rhyming "pagoda" and "Abe Vigoda".
I did NOT know the Beastie Boys were a hip hop band... I'm pleasantly surprised. I can't believe this was their first album. Fantastic beats, great energy, good vocals (though nothing too skilled per se, more so just very catchy). They bridged the gap between rock and hip hop so well. This one will definitely be making it on to my daily rotation.
I love percussion that sounds like someone's kicking down my door for 40 minutes. If I could have a fraction this album's energy in my day-to-day, then nothing could best me. The Beastie Boys' variety here is limited, but they do what they do best, and I can't argue with that - nor would I want to. Happy to have been introduced to Licensed To Ill.
- super high energy - funky beats - spannende Instrumentalisierung - muss man aber auch im mood für sein:D
Very basic and the bars aren’t nearly as mic-droppingly awesome as their later works, but there’s no denying the influence this album had on hip hop. Whether it’s the rock-influence, the white boy new stylee, or the use of sampling, Licensed to Ill really was a game changer. 4/5
I am just not a fan of the Beastie Boys. This is the best of their albums for me, even if it is juvenile. But like the rest of their albums, after I get past the singles, I'm just not a huge fan of what's there. That said, there's enough singles on here to get a one star bump from my other Beastie album ratings.
Some really great hits on this one, though not everything ages that well. Looking forward to more Beasties showing up on here.
License to Ill introduced the world to The Beastie Boys, while The Beastie Boys introduced rap to many of the rock kids and helped bring rap to a larger audience. Though primarily rap, you can hear metal and punk influences as well. A hedonistic favorite of drunken frat boys, License To Ill should not be defined by its wider audience. Def Jam helped add form and structure to rap, adding choruses, storylines, and instrumental breaks in a form that often was just a flow over a beat, à la Rapper's Paradise. Themes such as on "Girls" are dated and more narrow-minded than today's standards; even the Beastie Boys grew away from it. I convinced my dad to buy this album for me; not knowing anything about it, I believe it appealed to this Air Force veteran simply because it had a plane on the cover, even though the phrase EAT ME was hidden in reverse on the tail. I thought my album skipped jumping into "Hold It Now, Hit It", and I ruined the transition by trying to force the record to find the groove between songs, thereby creating a new one and fuzzing out the song for a full second. Years later when the CD came out, I found out that the tracklist is supposed to skip to "Hold It Now, Hit It" like that. I ruined a perfectly good LP. Oh well. Knowing many verses off this album was a secret handshake that paid dividends long after its release. Friends would pick one lonely Beastie to be, and we'd rap our parts in class, at recess, at bars, with roommates. Always seemed to be "Paul Revere" or "Posse In Effect." Got to shout out to the opening beat of "Rhymin & Stealin" going hard while they rapped from the viewpoint of modern pirates. The whole album is a fun party.
One of my earlier core memories is being in Kindergarten, 1986-7, and a kid talking about the Beastie Boys and how their brother liked them, and me being confused and saying, "Do you mean the Beach Boys?" I was the oldest kid in my family, so I didn't have that boost that y'all kids with older siblings got. This album takes us back to the '80s, a time of porno mags, Spanish Fly and...Abe Vigoda? The Beastie Boys were in their early twenties when this came out, but all the themes and lyrics are very adolescent. You can hear the pimples. All the juvenile braggadociousness, talking about, "I had a gun 🫢😏" and listing all the people they shot...like, sit all the way down, your goofy ass could never! Or basically singing about wanting a girl to be their bangmaid in "Girls." But I won't front like I didn't enjoy this foolishness. I was (?) also immature, so nothing seemed amiss! I didn't need to dissect it, just let it entertain me. This is when rap (and society?) didn't take itself so seriously, for better or for worse. Yet the production was still on point and helped push things sonically in a good direction. I had a lot of fun listening to it today. 4.5
The early days of hip hop and an iconic album. I can't imagine that this stuff was easy to create with the limited technology at the time. You can just hear the Brooklyn on these tracks and the idea of trying to come up with creative, fun lyrics and sounds just for the hell of it and not necessarily for a paycheck or fame. This is when hip hop was fun. It blows my mind that it's possible that youngsters these days may not even recognize this album as being hop hop.
I'm seriously conflicted on this one. Beasties put a lot of distance between this album and who they are today. It's always "uhh, we didn't even write that song, Paul Revere..." or "I'm sorry, Don't Be a Faggot" was my idea for album title. But you gotta give them some credit for changing and that MCA quote ... "I'd rather be a hypocrite than the same person forever." The thing is this album is really fun, it's really good, the lyrics are something you'd expect some douchey high school kids who were on top of the world to say andn laugh about it. I HATE that attitude. I HATE that shit, but this album is so fun... except that Party song. https://katefustich.medium.com/the-beastie-boys-feminist-evolution-34d371071663
The nostalgia is strong with this one. While I wasn't a huge BB fan back in the day, it was surprising to me how quickly the songs came back to me on this listening. Very catchy beats & rhymes. Some (too many?) questionable lyrics. A 3 if I heard it for the first time today, but it's getting an extra star for yesteryear.
It actually took a modern interpretation of the beastie boys (joey valence and brae) for me to more deeply appreciate what the beastie boys do. Humor dates easily though, and I think a lot of it is just too far gone. 3.5/5
4 out of 5. While not one of my favorite genres this one is possibly my favorite album in it.
WHAT THE HEEEELLLL LE GÉNÉRATEUR M’ESPIONNE, WHAAAA Ok faque je checkais dans la collection de CD de mon père pis j’suis tombé sur un album sans pochette, donc je check le titre (vous voyez où ça s’en vas) PIS C’EST FUCKING LICENSED TO ILL!!!! C’EST QUOI LES ODDS?!!! GENRE 1 SUR 400 C’EST UN INTERVENTION DIVIN!!! Sinon, l’album est cool
This is fun. Wondering about the health of their vocal chords either all that yelling though….
Some more Beastie Boys. This album was packed with songs I had known prior but never knew they were from the BB. Songs like Brass Monkey I enjoyed before, but never put two and two together. Very pleasant and fun experience. Standouts: Rhymin & Stealin, She’s Crafty, Girls, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, and Brass Monkey.
Pretty beasty.
A quite fun and lively genre of metal rock. Gives you a lot of energy when listening on a quiet winter day
The best possible use for Led Zeppelin’s music.
brass funky monkey
Fun!
Those white boys can rap!! 8/10
State of the art 1986 white boy hip hop - puerile, whiny, deliberately offensive, fully committed to the bit
If this album was released 10 years later, I would give it a 3. But because it was released in 86 and how it set the stage for hip-hop music going forward I have to give this a 4.
Ich mein die Songs klingen irgendwie alle gleich, aber der Style ist so einzigartig das ich das hier voll okay finde. Texte haben Humor und der Flow ist super, 4 Sterne
Was looking forward to this. This is good, but not as good as Paul's Boutique, in my opinion. Still very good.
Them white boys crushed that 80s rap
They had a pocket, that's for sure. Iconic from so many angles. Super fun snapshot of NY in this era. Not my thing, but no matter what I could say about this album there's an underlying jealousy, I wish this was a Beastie Boy. 3.5
It's the New Style (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!) No Sleep Till Brooklyn Paul Revere Hold It Now, Hit It Brass Monkey
They have better albums but this was nice too
3 white guys yelling into the mic to make a blend of hip hop/rock music is a recipe for disaster. But nope, this album fuckin slaps.
Such a fun album, turn the treble down; it seems like it was made for cassette tapes
This album is a lot of fun to listen to, and some of the tracks definitely had me rocking out. I'm not going to add it to my Tidal library, but I would happily listen to it again... Therefore, four stars.
• 4/5 • Hardly high art, but fun throughout
This will be my second Beastie Boys album to review, after Ill Communication, which I rated three stars. I think I might have listened to this album at some point, as it's in my Spotify library, but I can't be sure about that. However, it's definitely the Beastie Boys album with the most songs that I'm familiar with. I'm not sure how I'm going to feel about this album as a whole, but it looks like it's time to fight for my right to party on this Friday! I thought this album was really good. It definitely has a different sound and feel to it than Ill Communication, and frankly this album is a lot more fun. This album has a very stripped down, 'do-it-yourself' feel to it, and I think it works really well. The fact that all three of the guys rap over the course of the songs is really unique, but that structure tends to grate on me after a while, as if the songs are completely boxed in by the pace of this three-tiered attack at the lyrics. But when it's not grating, it's excellent, like on "Fight For Your Right," which is easily the best song on the album. "Fight For Your Right" is an absolute blast, with the instantly recognizable "yeah!" that belts out before the equally instantly recognizable guitar kicks in. This song captures that feeling of being a teenager in pre-9/11 America so well, capturing the feelings of teenage life from the mid-eighties to the late nineties. I really like "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" too. The guitar playing and drums are great, and they compliment the rapping really well. As far as the more stripped down songs go, "Paul Revere" would have to be my favorite. The rapping, while juvenile, is really fun and goofy, and the line "I did it like this, I did it like that, I did it with a wiffle ball bat" will live in my head until the day I die. As far as the other well known songs on this album go, "Brass Monkey" is good, but "Girls" certainly didn't age well, but kudos to the guys for addressing the songs in their early catalog that had some pretty misogynistic lyrics. As for the rest of the album, I like the sample usage throughout the album, especially on "Slow Ride" and "Time To Get Ill." My biggest critique of this album is that it tends to be held back by its own structure of having all three guys rap interchangeably, and some of the more stripped down songs feel a little less inspired than some of the more energetic tracks. Still, this album is massively influential and huge part of music history, and while it's not my favorite thing to listen to, it certainly earns a place on this list.
While having basically all of the Boys' biggest hits, I do have to admit that a good number of the other tracks do feel a bit too similar with their beats most likely being the culprit. But it's still a decent listen, nonetheless, so it's getting 3.5 bumped up to 4.
Easily my favourite Beastie Boys
nem mondom hogy minden nap ezt fogom hallgatni mostantol, de ez kiváló volt!
The album cover of the Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill is a striking image that perfectly encapsulates the band's rebellious spirit. Featuring a Boeing 727 with the tail number '3MTA3'—which reads "EATME" in reverse—the design cleverly plays with themes of excess and humor. The starkness of the cover, dominated by the aircraft against a simple background, reflects a raw energy that aligns with their music. However, while it is iconic and memorable, it lacks the intricate detail and artistic depth that some other album covers possess. Overall, it’s a solid representation of the band’s ethos, earning a four-star rating for its creativity and cultural impact. Album artworks rated: 3/1001 Music's alright, too.
Nije mi dobro ko kasniji ali je i dalje antologija.
Lightning in a bottle - RATM meets Wu Tang Clan. This experience can't be faked
Iconic for a reason.
Dla mnie 4/5. Klimat lat 80', rap na mocnych gitarowych brzmieniach, kilka piosenek wartych zapisania, reszta przyzwoita.
License to Ill is such a fun album. Front to back just a joy.
YOUR MOM BUSTED IN AND SAID "wHaT's ThAt NoIsE?!" AWWWWW, MOM, YOU'RE JUST JEALOUS IT'S THE BEA! STIE! BOYS!
Ok, yeah, I get it now. This CD is incredibly fun. I've heard all the singles before. But hearing it now as a cohesive whole (a couple times) I totally get it. Its loud, dumb, and super-fun. Like, super-fun. Also super-dumb. Parts of "Girls" are pretty blatantly misogynistic, and the CD overall is incredibly juvenile in terms of themes ("Fight For Your Right" is clearly written from the perspective of a kid living with his parents). But I could rock out to this all day. They sound like they're having a really fun time, sampling Led Zep riffs and complaining about their moms.
20/11/24 Some parts were boring, but for the most part, I enjoyed this album.
4.5/5. These three white boys from Brooklyn are so much fun.
recognized some samples, classic rock-rap fusion, "LETSGOO" kind of vibe top tracks: the new style, no sleep til brooklyn, fight for your right
Yummy blend of rap, rock, and punk. Some elite samples on this. Goofy in places but in a good way. Great flow between the three of them
Rhymin & Stealin' 4.3 The New Style 3.3 She's Crafty 4 Posse in Effect 3 Slow Ride 3.2 Girls 3.5 Fight for Your Right 4 No Sleep till Brooklyn 4.4 Paul Revere 4 Hold It Now, Hit It 3.1 Brass Monkey 3 Slow and Low 3.1 Time to Get Ill 3.3 Score: 3.553846154
This was the first time I listened to this album in one sitting front-to-back. Thoroughly enjoyable and groundbreaking for it's time, this Beastie Boys album is fun and playful and completely nostalgic.
The heavy misogynist and frat boy vibe is a bit over the top, but was welcomed by many back in the day. Still a nostalgic and fun romp through what was rap back then.
Such energy. Continues my concept that multiple people rapping with and over each other is better than single rappers.
I like the Beasties. If I were able to gather all my favorites of their songs, I could probably come up with a couple 5* albums. But given that we're doing a different project, I'm going to give this one 3.5* rounded up to 4*.
Seminal album in more ways than one. Never gets old for me.
The original. Only 4 stars since because Paul's Boutique is a 5.
after listening today for the first time in a few years I can say that it holds up fairly well. It’s definitely dated but it still sounds great. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-license-to-ill-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I don’t know exactly what it is about the Beastie Boys, but it’s rare that their music doesn’t me smile. I can see why some might not like them - I’m not one of those people, though. This album pretty well exemplifies what I like about them: pure, dumb, bombastic fun. 3.5 rounded up
Chad
Alfa
The second this album begins, you know you're off. To something special
It's difficult to rate this album fairly, knowing that there were so many better albums yet to come. There's some standout tracks that have lasted the test of time, and others that are just not great. I eagerly bought this album when it first came out, but it ended up getting relatively little play, to the point where I couldn't even remember half of the first side. When I first listened to this I was much more interested in the rock part. I think I only had any interest due to the Slayer links (Rick Rubin and Kerry King). In hindsight, it's also a great hip-hop album in it's own right. I'm going with 4 stars.
I cannot remember when I last listened to this album, too long obviously. The Beastie's style was just raw, punk and fun. Solid album that still stands up today. Stand out tracks: - Rhymin and stealin - Girls - Fight for your right - No sleep to Brooklyn - Hold it now, Hit it - Slow and Low - Time to get ill
I remember when this came out; nothing had ever sounded like this before. I appreciate the black origins of hip-hop and the samples they used, based on music that inspired them to become musicians themselves. White kids growing up listening to Led Zeppelin and CCR obviously had different musical interests early on, but converged with hip-hop, bringing their own flavor to an emerging genre, while still using similarly-styled lyrics/cadence/flow. This might be the first album on this list I recognize as a true "essential." I hope to hear some of the earliest hip-hop albums on this list too. Also, name another album with more singles than this one.
It’s a fun album
This was a great album. First time listening to it form front to back
4 - knew and liked the famous songs. The unfinished production wasn’t my thing but it was obviously super creative and the start of a genre
the beastie boys are a guilty pleasure for me. “hold it now hit it” is my fave off this album
3.5
Two Banger "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" plus some more solid tracks add up to a nice rockish🤘🎸 hip-hop album in best Run D.M.C. style. Hard for me to decide between three and four stars. 3,5
Classic
It’s hard to say, the songs honestly feel like jokes a little bit because I’ve heard so many parodies of this type of rap. It is actually pretty fun though, and has No Sleep til Brooklyn and Girls and a couple other familiar songs
3.5 rounded up The hits are good, everything else was kinda more of the same (in a bad way)
Angsty, energetic, makes me feel out of breath after a whole album. Lot's of iconic tunes that seem to have a staying power others in the genre just didn't achieve.
Not my fave, but classic
Beastie Boys are very influential and are still considered one of the best hip-hop groups of all time. On the New Style, wtf did he sayyyyyy "like Jimmy Paige, the girlies that I like are underaged...". The beastie boys' drum kits are so funny, it's just so late 80s hip-hop. hahaha these guys are wild, they almost called this album "Dont be a Fa**ot" lmfao what the
Honestly one of the best of all time. Makes me feel like I’m in high school
As with the second Beastie Boys album this pleasantly surprised. Never have been a massive fan of the Beastie Boys but this is a classic. From start to finish it’s pure hype. Amazing samples, great lyrics and just plain fun. I can see why the second album was so controversial as it is a pretty massive shift from this.
An iconic album with some solid hits, but otherwise pretty sparse tracks. It reminds me of a folk singer with just a guitar. They have a single beat and their vocals. Maybe not only one beat, but the track sounds fairly bare. All in all, though, a great first outing for the group. Lyrics were enjoyably cheeky, production was solid (young Rick did not disappoint), and they have a pretty unique style that helps them stand out—among other things . . . 4/5
Great album. Great beats.
4.5
Classic album. Being their first album, they came out strong with this one.
I was between a 4 and a 5, and I've gone 4 because the later albums we did were slightly more diverse. It's really splitting hairs though, this is still great.
I mean, it's the Beastie Boys. It's kind of hard to not enjoy the anti-swagger that these dorks have. They're aping a bit from Run-DMC, but I think it just shows you how early in the game it was. It's fun, juvenile, and the beats are still great almost forty years later. Favorite tracks: "No Sleep Til Brooklyn", "You Gotta Fight", "License To Ill", "Paul Revere"
Beastie Boys love white castle... so many references in this album. Great jams on this album Girls, fight for your right, brass monkey. Brings me back to high school. This gets a nostalgia 4 stars.
Not sure if the "point" of this album was to sample a ton of other songs as a riff off the "licensed" naming of the album, but I like the songs they chose to sample. I always appreciate BBs rapping style of switching off words with one another. Do the Beastie Boys make the best music in the world? No. Do I enjoy the high energy funky beats with lyrics that don't take themselves too seriously? You're damn right.
I feel like I'd be such a huge Beastie Boys fan if I was old enough (or even born) when some of their classics came out. The hits hit hard and the rest I was bumpin' to. Love all the random ass samples this has. Still have had 3 Beastie Boys albums and no Intergalactic :(
I like a little Beastie Boys on occasion
A foregone logical conclusion pushed to its extreme with stunning and hilarious results. Still, if you end up being the first ones there, you may as well show that it was plan decades in the making. And for producer, Rick Rubin, who had flirted with the fusion of hard rock and rap before, it certainly was. MCA, Ad-Rock, Mike D would have you believe that they're simply young, dumb, and full of cum, until you take a step back and realize that their wordplay, niche references, and memorable flow belie something much deeper with a greater understanding of storytelling craft. It's a shame that the audience at the time (and maybe for years after) didn't understand that they were being rightly skewered and parodied, but I can't quite blame them since the humour and levity are boundless here. Imagine living a life with so much privilege that the only right that you feel is being infringed on is your right to party. Yet, the statement works were removed from its subtext. A thrilling way to introduce yourselves to the world and show that you're only getting started. Incredible album art. A-
I have a lot to thank the Beasties for. Firstly, my kids grew up with a 1961 AMI jukebox living in the loungeroom (almost a third child). But it wasn’t until I put (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)/Paul Revere on the jukebox that they thought I might be anywhere approaching cool (for 5 minutes, anyway). Secondly, I have to thank them for their early indy 12” releases which I discovered one day, in abundance in one of those anarchist storefronts in Botany Road Alexandria(The Black Rose, maybe?) I would visit it every week & buy a few, take them back to the record store I worked in, & mark them up substantially. They were flying off the shelves, and then, one day, the guy behind the counter recognised who I was & refused to sell them to me. My argument that nobody else was buying the bloody things & at least I was contributing to the cause didn’t wash. Oh well. Anyway, it wasn’t long before my kids had introduced me to this album &, together with the great film-clips of many of these tracks that I saw on Rage, I became very familiar with it. Fight For Your Right & No Sleep To Brooklyn are outstanding. And I love Girls & Hold It Now, Hit It. I listen to these songs now & it immediately reminds me of what living with a teenage boy was like. “Best porno mags”? You’re telling me. Four Stars.
As I listened to this album, I realized that while I'd heard a number of their songs, I'd clearly never listened to the album start to finish. What a strange debut! They definitely refined and matured their style and sound over the years since, but I'm really impressed at how distinctive and wide-ranging they were on this album. I'm also impressed how few duds there are; the back-to-back tracks "The new style" and "She's crafty" aren't all that impressive, to me at least, but everything else has a great mix of bombastic energy. And pretty cool that they got Slayer's lead guitarist to play on "Fight for your right" and "No sleep till Brooklyn" (and apparently appear in the videos too). I think my favorite of the previously-unheard songs is "Hold it now, hit it" (and the video too).
Loved this album when it first came out and I think it's aged pretty well, some misogyny aside. I love the generational references, e.g. Abe Vigoda (!), the Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves chant, the line about White Castle fries. Unique and accessible--tough combination to achieve.
the guys love white castle more than harold and kumar
This is a lot of fun and makes me think of Fry from Futurama. Lovely
Have listened to the majority of this album before this project but forgot how good it is - overall quite liked it but felt as tho I didn’t want to really listen to it this day - second favourite beastie boys album next to Ill communication
Listened Before? Y This one is HOT. I love this early Beasties record. Only Paul's Boutique beats it out IMO. I love the original instrumentation mixed with sampling, something they did as well as anyone. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Girls, Paul Revere
The band that terrified VW owners and spawned a generation of wiggas. Rappin through the injustices of white middle class Jewish life. Would have been completely tone deaf if it wasn’t for the tongue in-yer-face’s cheek. Great fun!
Absolute blast.
Some lyrics haven't aged great but there are still some absolute bangers on here.
Beastie Boys' debut. It sounds dated, a bit cringew8orthy, and no where near as good as their later work, particularly 'Paul's Boutique'. There's some toxic masculinity (which they later apologized and repented for), it was maybe the music of 1980s fratboys, and it ushered in an era of terrible rap-rock artists. Despite that, it was completely groundbreaking and undeniably fun. 'No Sleep Til Brooklyn' and 'Brass Monkey' especially still hold up as some of their best ever songs. Despite some filler, it's still ranked among the best debut albums of all time.
The Beastie Boys started out at their illest and wittiest and never looked back.
The B-Boys stylin' and profilin'. No one had heard anything like this in '86. Some of the songs' misogynoir reads much more cringy than it did back then. (Like slipping drugs in a girl's drink in Brass Monkey.) But it still kicks for the most part. Samples all over the place. And plenty of wit. Good stuff.
I enjoyed it
Pretty good
Rating: 8/10 Great album overall. Absolutely love the energy and sampling throughout, although this album is a bit obnoxious and has some underwhelming songs. The Beastie Boys improve with their lyrics, flows, and more interesting production later on in their career but this a great start to a great band. Favorite songs: Rhymin & Stealin, She's Crafty, Girls, Fight For Your Right, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, Hold It Now Hit It, Brass Monkey, Time To Get Ill. Worst song: The New Style.
Great record with a lot of good ideas. I always smile while listening to it.
Really good first album, they get so much better too.
For the longest time in regards to my fandom of Beastie Boys, I avoided this album. Its supposed juvenile styling and how basic and unrepresentative it seemed in comparison to the successive albums were good enough reasonings for me to not give Licensed to Ill the time of day. But there may have been another, more latent reason why I didn't listen to this album: it's omnipresence across hip-hop. Through bits and pieces, I would encounter certain soundbites from songs off here on other records, which makes me not only think about its influence on hip-hop but also its position for me as a listener. Is it the Beasties' finest hour? Certainly not but it is a worthy turning point for a genre not just honing the craft but finding its footing as a dominant force in the industry. There are plenty of instances throughout that showcase the innovative musical choices made that had no regard for copyright or sample clearance that would come to haunt the genre later on, despite it appearing rudimentary for modern ears. As for the Boys themselves, they would become pigeonholed by the jock idiot stereotype perpetrated by the album's biggest hit (still good albeit overplayed) and would work tirelessly hard to overcome which, fortunately for them and us, would allow them to bestow upon us their potential as one of the best groups of their generation. And that's all because of the new style. Favorites: Rhymin and Stealin, The New Style, She's Crafty, Posse in Effect, Fight for Your Right, Hold It, Now Hit It, Brass Monkey.
Prob my fave album of theirs but that's because of the hits, their style gets too repetitive/annoying for me to consider this a 5/5.
remembered this as repetitive and rudimentary if fun...surprised to find its actually dynamic, muscular, playful...production somehow deeply of the late 80s but ahead of its time in willingness to get tacky/cantankerous...the Boys do their thing, never been more endearing 8/10
Excellent, good fun.
There's a Beastie Boys 5 star album in here (I think, with reservations) but it's not this one. While "License To Ill" has every right to be on this list, and maybe my review should feature *context*, I go with what its music is doing to me at face value and boy, is it long.
Highschool!
Harddd
This was good fun!
Trois fanfarons qui ont un sens inné de la cadence et du punch. L’arrière-plan musical est très découpé, construit, réfléchi, au contraire de hip-hop de cette période, aux boucles répétitives
3.5☆/5 07.04.2024
"Licensed to Ill," the debut studio album by the Beastie Boys, released on November 15, 1986, stands as a seminal work in the evolution of hip-hop. It holds the distinction of being the first rap album to top the Billboard 200 chart, marking a pivotal moment in the mainstream acceptance of the genre. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album merges hip-hop with rock elements, creating a distinctive sound that has influenced countless artists. Here's an in-depth review focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with an analysis of its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics on "Licensed to Ill" are a mix of braggadocio, humor, and irreverence, reflecting the youthful exuberance of the Beastie Boys—Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "MCA" Yauch, and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz. Tracks like "Fight For Your Right" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" are anthems of teenage rebellion, capturing the defiant spirit of the mid-80s youth culture. - **Pros**: The lyrics are catchy, memorable, and full of witty wordplay. They showcase the trio's dynamic interplay and their ability to craft verses that are both humorous and provocative. "Paul Revere" is a notable example, telling a fictional tale of the group's formation with a backwards beat that complements the narrative. - **Cons**: Some lyrics haven't aged well, featuring themes and language that would be considered offensive today. The juvenile humor and occasional misogyny reflect the era's cultural norms but might alienate contemporary listeners. ### Music Musically, "Licensed to Ill" is a groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and rock. Rick Rubin's production emphasizes heavy guitar riffs, booming 808 beats, and innovative sampling, setting the stage for future rap-rock collaborations. - **Pros**: The album's genre-blending approach was innovative for its time. Tracks like "Rhymin & Stealin" sample Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks," showcasing the group's knack for recontextualizing rock classics into hip-hop frameworks. The use of live instrumentation on tracks like "No Sleep Till Brooklyn," with Kerry King of Slayer providing the guitar solo, adds a raw, energetic edge to the album. - **Cons**: The reliance on rock samples can make some tracks feel repetitive. Additionally, the heavy guitar riffs and aggressive beats might not appeal to hip-hop purists who prefer more traditional, sample-based production. ### Production Rick Rubin's production on "Licensed to Ill" is minimalist yet impactful, characterized by its clean, hard-hitting beats and innovative use of sampling. Rubin's influence is evident in the album's rock-oriented sound, which distinguishes it from other hip-hop records of the time. - **Pros**: Rubin's production is crisp and powerful, giving each track a distinctive sonic identity. The album's raw, stripped-down aesthetic allows the Beastie Boys' personalities to shine through, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience. The use of samples is creative and varied, ranging from classic rock to funk, enhancing the album's eclectic sound. - **Cons**: The minimalist production style might feel dated to some listeners accustomed to the more layered and polished production techniques of modern hip-hop. Additionally, the heavy reliance on rock samples can overshadow the group's lyrical and vocal performances at times. ### Themes The themes on "Licensed to Ill" revolve around youthful rebellion, hedonism, and humor. The album captures the spirit of the 80s with its focus on partying, defiance, and a carefree attitude. - **Pros**: The themes resonate with the teenage experience, making the album relatable and accessible. Tracks like "Fight For Your Right" and "Girls" are anthems of youthful exuberance, capturing the spirit of rebellion and fun. The album's humor and irreverence add a layer of charm and personality, setting it apart from more serious hip-hop records. - **Cons**: The focus on partying and hedonism can come across as shallow and repetitive. Additionally, some themes, such as the objectification of women on tracks like "Girls," are problematic and reflect outdated cultural attitudes. ### Influence "Licensed to Ill" has had a profound influence on both hip-hop and rock music. Its success helped pave the way for rap to be accepted by mainstream audiences and demonstrated the commercial viability of the genre. - **Pros**: The album's innovative fusion of hip-hop and rock has influenced countless artists and genres. It opened the door for future rap-rock collaborations and helped legitimize hip-hop as a commercial force. The Beastie Boys' success also paved the way for other white artists in hip-hop, challenging racial boundaries within the genre. - **Cons**: The album's influence on the commercialization of hip-hop has been a double-edged sword. While it helped bring the genre to a wider audience, it also contributed to the commercialization and commodification of hip-hop, leading to concerns about the genre losing its cultural and political roots. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros 1. **Innovative Sound**: The fusion of hip-hop and rock was groundbreaking and helped distinguish the Beastie Boys from their peers. 2. **Catchy and Memorable Lyrics**: The group's witty wordplay and dynamic interplay create a fun and engaging listening experience. 3. **Impactful Production**: Rick Rubin's minimalist yet powerful production gives the album a distinctive sonic identity. 4. **Cultural Relevance**: The themes of youthful rebellion and humor resonate with the teenage experience, making the album relatable and accessible. 5. **Influence on Music**: The album's success helped pave the way for hip-hop's mainstream acceptance and influenced future rap-rock collaborations. #### Cons 1. **Outdated Themes and Language**: Some lyrics and themes haven't aged well and might be considered offensive or problematic today. 2. **Repetitive Elements**: The reliance on rock samples and heavy guitar riffs can make some tracks feel repetitive. 3. **Shallow Content**: The focus on partying and hedonism can come across as shallow and lack depth compared to more serious hip-hop records. 4. **Minimalist Production**: While impactful, the minimalist production might feel dated to listeners accustomed to modern production techniques. 5. **Commercialization Concerns**: The album's success contributed to the commercialization of hip-hop, leading to concerns about the genre losing its cultural and political roots. ### Conclusion "Licensed to Ill" is a landmark album in the history of hip-hop, blending rock and rap in a way that was innovative and influential. The Beastie Boys' dynamic interplay, catchy lyrics, and Rick Rubin's impactful production create a memorable and engaging listening experience. However, some themes and lyrics haven't aged well, and the album's focus on partying and hedonism can come across as shallow. Despite these drawbacks, "Licensed to Ill" remains a significant and influential work that helped pave the way for hip-hop's mainstream acceptance and continues to inspire artists across genres.
Not my first outing with the Beastie Boys, it’s a bit enjoyable but Ill Communication is the better album. This album still has some good songs though.
Wish i had heard this first time round but thought that they were some sort of novelty boy band ( thanks The Sun) This is a lot more wider ranging musically than i every realised.
8/10. The beats are awesome. The rapping can be super fun/funny - but overtime their voices can be a bit much/annoying for me. But very fun album.
Classic
Very much enjoyed a re-listen of this classic. It hasn't aged as much as I feared and for the most part* is still a very fun listen. * But 'Girls' is still an insta-skip for me. Just terrible.
Listening to it was great. I had a hard time not giving it a 5 for nostalgia's sake but rated it honestly and attempted objectivity. There really needs to be half stars.
classic
It's been a while since I've listened to this one. Interesting that it's the 2nd Rick Rubin production in a row. Still fresh and funky. Although certainly not perfect, almost all of it works. I admire its try-anything approach and the assured production. Hip hop has moved on and hit new heights but this album is foundational. "White Castle fries only come in one size"
Fun album of my youth. Complete nonsense but still fun.
I had the good fortune of a long solo drive to focus on this album. As familiar as I am with these tunes, it felt like I was hearing it fresh for the first time but with the comfort that nostalgia brings. Kick it!
Already listened.
Girls might be one of the most annoying songs ever made and why do they say their names so much? 4 stars
All time classic. 10th grade me is happy I had this one.
4-
good
This was a fun one, good vibes with lots of memorable tracks and I was really impressed with how they pulled off the mix of genres in a unique way. “Fight For Your Right” stood out for me but they were all really good to be honest.
Great album, holds up with a lot of bangers still to this day
Timeless songs. Some I knew well and didn't realize they were from their debut album. Crazy samples, hilarious lyrics.
liked. More upbeat. a bit shouty
Some bangers on this one!
The album and songs of my senior year in high school. Love the Beastie Boys. This album is all about fun, cool rhymes, great samples, and partying. MTV was at it height and the Beastie Boys were made for that channel. To me, these are some timeless songs. Love this album.
on the surface, just guys being dudes, having fun and rapping about white boy shit. Some serious bangers in here, really remarkable for a debut. It's kind of ass but also there is a lot of skill and talent when you take it more seriously. Don't love the BBoys but have to give credit where credit is due on this one.
Rhymin & Stealin - 4 The New Style - 4 She's Crafty - 4 Posse in Effect - 3.5 Slow Ride - 3.5 Girls - 3 Fight for Your Right - 5 No Sleep Til Brooklyn - 5 Paul Revere - 5 Hold It Now, Hit It - 3.5 Brass Monkey - 5 Slow and Low - 3.5 Time to Get Ill - 3.5
aged horribly
For whatever the Beasties are more fun than eye rolling to me. They still have questionable lyrics at times but there’s this ever present sense of goofiness that I enjoy. 4/5
Rhymin & Stealin, Fight For Your Right, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, Slow and Low and Brass Monkey
Great
I'll probably listen to this a few more times for it to really sink in. I've only ever listened to Beastie Boys singles and their Anthology back in 2013 super casually. This was a really fun listen. I can't list favorites yet, need a few more listens. All the tracks are sick except maybe Paul Revere. Maybe it will stick on a second listen.
Great album from my youth. I have heard it a thousand times but can listen a thousand more!
First song is super fun with a good beat (if you ignore all the gun lyrics lol). The New Style again is just so fun. Good beat. Fun lyrics. Dang, why do all these songs have such a good beat, but the lyrics are like focused on guns or misogynistic? She's Crafty is so good, but has a lot of slut shaming. Maybe I just need to put myself into the mindset of someone in 1986. Ok this has gotten funny now, so I think I might like it :) Posse in Effect is another good one. All great beats. Loving the vibes because it is funny and laid back. I always thought Girls was kind of a yucky song, but I know they are trying to be funny too. This entire album is juvenile (which might be what is holding me back), but still good and fun. I really had fun listening to it overall.
These boys are so beastie
Bravi Beastie Boys, mi siete piaciuti anche questa volta :) 4/5 perché non me la sento totalmente di dare 5/5. (Comunque amo alla follia la recensione di Dade)
This music is a lot of things. Massively influential, irritating, obnoxious, fun-loving, etc. A friend of mine and I got Beastie Boys banned from our band room in high school for repeatedly playing Brass Monkey and Girls on the xylophone and bari sax.
It's better than it should be and better than what they put out after. It's a fun party album even if the vocals are annoying
Certainly not every lyric survives almost forty years, but this remains an impressive album -- one I've appreciated more over the years.
Middle school me gives this a 5. Adult me gives it a 4. Listened to this album a lot as a kid.
Not my favorite Beastie Boy album but solid.
It’s crazy how good of a debut album this is. The relationship between the beasties and Rick Rubin soured after this but they’re bringing the best out of each other. That being said, as we’ll see with ensuing albums, they had a whole different level of best ahead of them. But that never happens without this album and all the fame and attention which followed.
Good album. Very influential for its time.
Rad album, I really dig the use if samples and the production in general is not crazy intricate but very hard hitting. The vocal delivery is iconic.
I had fun
Beastie boys are Laidback as fuck 4/5
They did better albums, and they did smarter albums, but this is so much fun.
Frat hip-hop/hard rock by excellence. Some of these songs have aged terribly, but they keep their teen-like energy levels. Also, the samples and original instrumentation are just right.
definitely not their best album but it is still very fun. 7/10
My dad loves beastie boys and Kerry king (who did the no sleep till Brooklyn ) is part of slayer which is my favorite thrash metal band. Its Very retro which i like. The level of NYC its giving that it makes me want to go to my local NY Pizza shop. this was a great album. not perfect but great. Favorite song: Brass Monkey Least Favorite song: Hold it now, hit it 8/10
I didn’t realize a few things: 1) this album is as old as I am 2) it’s a really hot debut 3) I don’t dislike them/this album as much as I thought I did 4) the whole backing track approach is basically classic rock Please forgive me. I know I was wrong/uninformed before.
Fun album with great energy. A teir
Aw yeah, this shit is fantastic. More of a rock and roll album than a hip hop album, it doesn’t matter, it’s all fantastic to listen to. Every song on this record is great, many of them have been staples of my road trip playlists for years. Even though I’ve listened to this album tons of times, one thing that didn’t strike me until this listen is how much they talk about White Castle: they bring their dates to White Castle, get kicked out of White Castle, sneak alcohol into White Castle, praise White Castle’s fries, and juxtapose White Castle and the Nile. Actually, “Slow and Low” is a cover of an unreleased Run-D.M.C. song where the only lyrics they changed were to remove self-references to Run-D.M.C. and replace them with Beastie Boys and White Castle.
Experimental and fun.
Lil samie but a lot of fun
Although I think they improved with later albums, I'm never going to give the Beastie Boys less than 4
I’ve never quite understood why the Beastie Boys are held in such high regard. At least, that is, until now. It’s not because I haven’t heard half these songs a million times, but rather because going through this list has put context around them for the first time. I always assumed this album came out in the early 90’s. When it popped up, and I saw 1986, it made me realize that, at the time this came out, it was so fresh and different and way ahead of its time. Ultimately, it’s still the same old whiney and grating Beastie Boys, but context is everything and that makes me appreciate them more. And No Sleep Til Brooklyn will Always be a banger.
incredibly fun album and still a very genre-defining and breaking album - the combo of guitars with boom bap beats that were often too slow or too fast. very cool.
Album 392 of 1001 Beastie Boys - Licensed To Ill Rating : 4 / 5 Some awesome references. How can I not like something that references Abe Vigoda? I'm not big on the sampling and this is full of it but what they've done with it is pretty good. While it may not get my musical juices fully flowing, it is very entertaining.
Schnoddrige Rhymes und Heavy-Gitarre - ich habe mich richtig über das Album gefreut. Dann noch die „Gassenhauer“ Fight For Your Right und No Sleep Till Brooklyn. Einfach gestrickt, viel gute Laune ;-)
Look, I can't give a review on this, because I feel compelled to just say "Beastie boys are so Homestuck core" and I don't want to have to live with that
Catchy, and obviously a classic, but to me it's almost comedy music? The problem is the years and years between Licensed to Ill, the jokes at the Beastie Boys expense, and modern sensibilities. Used to this was more risque and now it's kids bop - in theme, not quality.
Of course the rapping sounds dated, this is seriously early in hip-hop's history, but it's undeniably influential. What the technical rapping skill lacks, they more than make up for with chemistry, humour, and the booming beats backing them up. A few serious classics in the middle of the tracklist, it makes for a fun listen overall despite the negatives.
I haven't been a 15 year old boy for several decades but this sure made me feel like one.
Yeah…this rules. Not my favorite music ever, but holy shit, it’s so damn good. 4/5
This album is completely groundbreaking and then they toured with Madonna? Wtf. I still stand by my no more than 3-4 Beastie Boys tracks in a row for me, so albums are tough. I don't need 3 dudes taking turns hollering at me for an hour. Still rips!
First time through this one I didn't like it quite as much as I'll Communication which we did earlier. On my second listen after I learned this was their debut album, I liked it much more. This is one of those classic, laden with hits albums that once you know it you finally get all these references that you've been missing!
Minus 1 for misogyny and weak rhyme schemes
Immature and juvenile -- absolutely. Fun -- absolutely. Hard to believe 3 white Jewish boys could make such an impact. Most of the self-referential lyrics are pretty ridiculous but they did somehow come up with an all time great party anthem. That raises this up to a 4 from me.
Fun and another great use of sampling. Obviously this is intentionally goofy and their voices can be grating on the ears but the songs are well constructed. My faves are Brass Monkey and No Sleep Till Brooklyn. Would get a 4.5 but I don’t feel this really should have a 5.
the goodfather of hiphop albums
Forgot about some of these songs. The Boys stand up to time well. Their contributions to early hip hop are undeniable. This album is damn good work. I added Slow Ride to my playlist. That bass takes me bake to woofers in the trunk.
That was fun!
YOU GOTTA FIGHTTT
First rap album I ever purchased and a genre classic
Brings me back
6.5 or a 7 out of 10 I think. It reminds me of something Michealangelo from the Ninja turtles would listen too or dole merchants from the 80s would act. They pretty much say the same 10 things repeatedly but I think it’s honestly pretty catchy and the guitar riffs go hard. Would listen to a few songs again. Favourites were shes crafty and No sleeo till Brooklyn
heh...whimsical lyrics... paljon sampleja rock-tyyppisestä musiikista... zeppelin referenssejä, heh pedofiilejä.. olipas kiva albumi tänään.. ei kuitenkaan mitään mitä normaalisti menisin pistämään kuuntelemen, 80-talet puoliväli rap rock fuusio. listan ensimmäinen albumi oli näiltä kavereilta, annoin sille 3 tähteä. hyvä että objektiivisuus oli alusta asti, sillä tämä parempi mutta ei 5 arvoltaan.. goofy ass.. capricious fellows no sleep till brooklyn
Спасибо Стражам Галактики 3 за то, что я наконец-то ознакомился с Бисти Бойз. Ставлю 4, т.к. пятерочки полетят за следующие альбомы, где они переизобретали сэмплирование, делали музло на инструментах сами и просто разъебывали. Тут они просто в жанре тусовщиков из хардкора
Phenomenal debut from true trend setters. No other group like them at the time or to date.
In a clas of their own, even if that class sounds like the class clown sometimes
I was a sophomore in a new school when this came out - so many people were into this album, but being a new waver that was familiar with Run DMC and a few other rap acts, I didn't quite get this, partly because of my dislike of metal when I was younger. A few years later and Paul's Boutique comes out, and I could totally groove with it and subsequent albums, and never felt the motivation to listen to this album in its entirety. Today's the day that changes. The more funk (and maybe to a lesser degree) punk oriented albums Pauls Boutique. Check Your Head, and Ill Communication appealed to me more, and having listened to those end to end in the 90s, I can look back and have more of an apprciation of what they presented in their debut. Definitely more rough around the edges music-wise with all the sampling and scratching, and with Rick Rubin at the helm it was perhaps inevitable that there would be a more harder-edged sound. But their clever wordplay was there from the beginning (and perfectly fits in with subsequent albums) with most of the songs - Fight For Your Right kind of being an exception - but it took me this long to have the perspective that the song I wasn't impressed with was meant to spoof the very audience it was the biggest hit with. My faves are Rhymin and Stealin, Posse in Effect, and Hold It Now, Hit It.
Will need to get back to it
Liked it
Great album. So many bangers. Problem is when I think about it, I’m not sure it’s even in their top 3 albums? Or maybe even top 5? But how many of them will appear in this list? Consistently brilliant albums! 4.3
Had a lot of the hits and some I didn't realize I knew. Those songs are dope. Otherwise a little repetitive/not totally my scene. Even the songs that weren't for me were fine though
This isn’t really meant to be thought hard about, or maybe you can think hard about it after half a case of piss flavored light beer. It’s stupid and fun and stupid fun. We were all young, sweaty, and cringeworthy as hell at some point.
Man, a classic that I had never listened to all the way through. Loved it. Interesting to hear all the classic songs sampled in there.
A classic, though Beastie Boys style has become somewhat of a nerdy/lame characterization of itself. No Sleep Till Brooklyn and Fight For Your Right remain classics.
Energetic east coast hip hop/early rap rack. Beastie Boys are always a load of fun to listen to. Humorous lyrics layered onto fun beats and samples makes it a blast to listen to when playing a game or something, but listening on it's own can get old. Brass Monkey is timeless, and many of the other songs on this album are great, but it's pretty apparent this was their first album. It's quite, I don't know, stuck in its time. Their next few albums are way more enduring. Somewhat of a classic, in that its the first album from a legendary group. May revisit a handful of songs.
Just good ol' nostalgic fun, this one. It's so goofy.
Paul's Boutique is objectively the better album, but this one gets a big nostalgia bonus from me.
Starts weak, ends strong
https://youtu.be/xUsOJrw5PJE :D
I have my ups and downs with this album. The idea of listening to it comes across as uncomfortable given the fratty-boy vibes and lyrics. But when you press play and listen to all the samples, the delivery, the energy, you really enjoy it. Love Paul's Boutique even more, but this one is not bad: 7/10
To my shame, despite having been listening to the Beastie Boys for years, I still can’t tell Ad-Rock and Mike D apart. License To Ill is a great record, it rocks hard, the braggadocio is infectious, and it’s just fun to listen to. However, it’s a good showcase of an artist still trying to find their feet. They were trying to parody unthinking Jock Jams with tracks like Fight For Your Right, but it was the jocks who initially adopted them, which I think always bothered them, because they were a weird weird group of people, artsy and funky and more sensitive than they let on. I mean, what jock would have the balls to mix the Mr Ed theme with a Led Zep song? They went on to better and more representative things, which is the only reason this is only getting 4 stars. It really should be a four and half. This album’s great, but it’s an origin story, and the later instalments were even better
Claaaaaaaaassic
Distinctive and fun, has some anthems. Not an all time favourite of mine but a great album and a must listen
Peak Beastie Boys is mid-90s for me - so while I absolutely love them and their fun and playful antics, Licensed to ill is not my favourite album. I appreciate this album carries much more over from their hardcore punk band days, plus making beats was pretty different and experimental when this album was made (mostly on cassette tapes). I've always loved that they are musicians rather than only MCs - so it's still a great album and there are some incredible tracks for a debut! Fave track: No Sleep til Brooklyn
Solid album, very nostalgic
February 21, 2024 HL: “Brass Monkey”, “Fight For Your Right”, “Rhymin & Stealin”, “She’s Crafty”, “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” That funky monkey
This album may feel inevitable now, but in 1986 it broke down the last door separating Hip-Hop from mainstream success. The Beasties would build a legacy light years more evolved than the juvenile hijinks catalogued here, but they surely never equaled the sonic impact of “Licensed to Ill”—the beats and production still jump out at the listener. Their follow up, “Paul’s Boutique,” already showed next-level innovation, but if that record was their New Testament, then “Licensed” was their Torah, their stone tablet offering on which their legacy was built. Some of the content is indefensible and the group themselves have disavowed parts, but the intentions aren’t malicious even if misguided and the beats and flows are fresh. They became better men and artists, but the brash youngbloods on this record captured lightning in a bottle that helped kindle a hall-of-fame career.
When I was 12, this was a constant tape, along with RUN DMC. Both are equally responsible for why I love noisy guitars. It's weird to think how I got from this to the VU in five years (Bowie!). The Beastie science is totally present, but the knowledge in much of it is the lizard beer brain of it's time. Still, the samples and beats slam, and hint at the riches to follow. Bust it.
It’s silly and o love it.
I liked it
Rick and the boys made a super fun record.
Can't help but love the Beastie Boys. They never take things too seriously and always sound like they are having a good time. Great album with lots of good songs.
<3
A Classic.
Sick album. Can't understand how it was produced in 1986. Addictive hooks and lines. So fun to listen to. Towards the end, energy goes down a little bit, so I'll drop one star.
Listened to this album a ton when I was younger. Still a good album but doesn't quite withstand the test of time.
Very fun album to listen to. Not a fan of the more rock-ish ones, and it can tend towards a lot of the same material, but it's just playful and goofy most of the time. I enjoy storytelling, and a big fan of the instrumentals, scratching, and vocal interplay.
Tasty beats but definitely an album made in its time. Girls was a low point. The rest of the album was fantastic.
Awesome, irreverent, and sassy. However, while pretty good, it’s not nearly as good as Paul’s Boutique, which is a classic
I really didn't expect to rate this one so highly, I'd heard bits of it back in the day and didn't really enjoy it but now I can appreciate what a fun album this is.
The punk community, being one of the first to embrace the upcoming Hip Hop scene in New York, shares quite a lot with its neighboring genre. This is greatly highlighted in this 1986 Beastie Boys record. The production highlights the punk and hip-hop elements in some of its best moments "Party for your Right" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" as well as the first two tracks. Weak drum machine beats (like the reverse 808 on "Hold it Now") and mediocre scratching are unfortunate flaw I have with this record. MCA, Ad-rock, and Mike-D have distinguished and enjoyable vocals. MCA has a more raspy cadence while Ad-rock (RIP) has a higher pitched, more nasal, "whiny", and sarcastic delivery. They're almost constantly bouncing off one another on these songs. Songs often burst into messy, college-dorm-bumbling drunk-like chants...not complaining it adds to the charm and it's what makes the Beastie Boys, the Beastie Boys. Yelling while delivering these lyrically witty, snotty, and "rebellious" lyrics about partying and girls is the reason you may love (or detest) this record. "Party for Your Right", may be the most notable song on the album. Despite it leaning more towards its punk origins with snotty lyrics sounding Descendents-esque, the hook and riff make it a unique hip-hop track. The short solo is also strikingly enjoyable. Certainly a highlight. Same sentiments for "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" My favorite song has to be "The New Style", the way they rhyme here is incredible over these electric guitar interjections. I love the way the beat switches near the end with the howling-chant vocals. It also has one of the chunkier beats and is riddled with hilarious one-liners and punch lines (that one Jimmy Page line). The biggest flaw would be some of the weaker and more repetitive and uninteresting production and sample choices like "Girls", "Brass Monkey" and "Slow Ride". The closing "Time to Get Ill" on the other hand has a colorful mess of samples while still managing to sound cohesive and enjoyable. 7/10
rocky hip hop cool
Love the unique percussion throughout
Saved 9/13 of the songs. I’m not too familiar with Beastie Boys but this album was incredible and will consider listening to their other projects in the future because of it