Reviews (page 3 of 8)
An excellent sort of pop album. Has lots of elements from different genres. Lyrically engaging. Sounds very modern while also showcasing 90s rock themes. A great listen. 4.5 stars
I had relatively low expectations, but enjoyed the album.
The global reviews are tripping on this one. This is a lot better than some of the shit a lot of you give 5s to 🤨
4.2 - lovely album, up my street this
Brings back memories...oh 1993!
A couple songs jump out to me when they play: 4th of July, Put Me On Top, & Stupid Thing. The rest kind of blend together, but are still enjoyable.
Een album dat beter wordt als je het een paar keer luistert. Relaxte singersongwritermuziek, even wennen aan de stem die klinkt alsof ze verkouden is en je zit goed.
The film Magnolia turned me onto this album in the late '90s. Great accessible guitar pop. Absolutely NOT sounding anything like Alanis Morisette, but I can hear why some critics compare Aimee Mann to Elvis Costello (easier to hear lyrics and less spiky).
I knew Aimee Mann first through comedy before her music. This is the first time really listening to her and I liked it. Still a little long and a few songs could be cut to tighten it up. Love the album cover.
Pop. Rock
Easy car music, she has a really nice deep voice. Stand-out: Fifty Years After the Fair
Haven't heard this in ages. I used to listen to Aimee Mann all the time in the early 2000s. I like I'm With Stupid a little bit more but this album has a bunch of great songs too.
Some nice 90s guitar-based stuff, very emotive
Muy buen disco, con una gran voz femenina. Parecido a The Pretenders. Sorpresivamente me ha gustado. Canciones que parecen historias contadas
A disarmingly low-key but exquisitely written collection of songs. The lyrics are well worth paying attention to.
Not my cup of tea. I will never listen to this album again. She can sing well. Production was high. Songs sound nice. It is the kind of album I might give my mentally disabled sister to keep on in the background.
Spent a while trying to figure out why her voice is so familiar, even if her songs aren’t. It’s her guest vocals on Rush - Time Stand Still. Great tunes. Nothing so totally revolutionary, but I could listen a bunch more, by which time the lyrics would get to me. I appreciate Jon Brion and I think I can hear his influence. eg. the horns / marimba on the last track.
After a bit of a difficult run it was a pleasure to hear this - light maybe but lovely songs and a beautiful production.
nice pop, a bit of crunge
I've always loved her music and have not explored this album before, as well as a few of her other releases, so this excellent record is a good prompt for me to dig more deeply into her catalog. Reinforced by what I hear in the outstanding tracks on this record, she is such a gifted writer and composer. I would like to see her get more credit for her lyrics as well as her musicianship. She does an amazing job of balancing edgy and unusual writing and composing with deceptively catchy and pop-like structures. I've never tried it but I have a feeling that's one of the more difficult feats to pull off in songwriting and arranging. Too much in any direction, and it could easily fall into parody or snarkiness, but it doesn't. There's a vulnerability and sincerity in what she does along with the indie-pop-punky-rockishness. Pretty darn impressive.
Big Alanis vibes here, but I would say higher quality song writing. Just a real solid album with clever lyrics throughout. I think Mr Harris was my fave but a lot of good ones.
Really good pop/folk/singer songwriter stuff. Her lyrics are very clever and the backing band is tight. Maybe cutting a song or two would make it even better as I did start to lose interest by the end. Still very solid. Adding it to my collection.
This was a nice listen. I’m not sure it would make my personal 1001 list but I enjoyed it well enough.
I thought this was a really cool album. 1993 is sort of a tough year for me to contextualize for rock, since so much had happened in the previous few years with grunge coming into the mainstream and bringing the rest of alternative rock with it, but perhaps it doesn't matter. This album very much has a timeless quality about it. There's a lot of variety in the music of the album without it feeling incoherent, and her voice and lyrics fit the music perfectly. It feels very intimate 4/5
What a voice!
Bright literate songwriting. Nice contemporary pop music with catchy hooks, driving beats and clean clear production. 4 stars
oh my god I loved this, poppy angst is so so good. Few moments that didn't hold up quite as well but I just had so much fun
This is better than most of the albums I've listened to so far, so while I'm not sure why it's on the albums you must listen to list, it's still a 4 just for being listenable.
Aimee Mann really knows how to write a song.
7/10. You know this only made the list because Elvis Costello likes it, but I did rather enjoy it. Little long, though.
I might be more familiar with Aimee Mann as a podcast guest than as a musician, but I've always thought her to be a warm and intelligent presence. I think this is the type of album that would grow on repeated listens. The melodies are catchy if a little generic, but the lyrics I was able to parse were far more intriguing and honest. I'm typically unable to pay much attention to lyrics on first listen, focusing rather on the song as a whole, but I want to revisit this album while scrolling Genius. I think there's something here.
Before today, I'd never heard of Aimee Mann before, so was unsure what the album was going to be like. Aimee is a singer/songwriter, alternative artist with country influences. She sounds like Sheryl Crow, or Lucinda Williams. Her writing style is awesome, and really spins a story for the listener. The picture painted by her lyrics in the song Mr. Harris (her falling in love with an old dude who is raking leaves, and her mother dismissing it as a phase) was beautiful. Overall, a perfect album for a rainy Saturday. I was able to really listen to this record while sitting and drinking a cup of coffee this morning, it was perfectly suited for that. I enjoyed it so much I listened twice. Favourite songs: Put Me on Top, Could've Been Anyone, Stupid Thing, I Should've Known, Mr. Harris, Jacob Marley's Chain, Fifty Years After the Fair, I Could Hurt You Now, Way Back When Least favourite songs: Say Anything 4/5
First half I didn’t love possibly d/t some anti 90s prejudice but by the end I really started to enjoy it 3.75/5
I had to listen to this a second time, because I felt I was missing something the first time I listened to it. It reminds me a bit of Tracy Bonham / PJ Harvey in some ways, but more in the troubadour-esque feel. Songs like "Fifty Years After The Fair" had a lot more maturity to it than I would expect for a first solo album. The opening number really kicked off the whole album, gave you a good sense of everything. "Say Anything" is probably one of my favorites off of this album. I felt there was a lot more to her voice here than what I was expecting (you know, the girl from 'Til Tuesday...). Hard to believe this is 30 years old. Really good starting album.
first listen great artistic pop record
Jon Brion you crazy bastard
I was actually a little let down by this, not quite as good as lost in space or some of her other stuff, but still some great songs
I don't know what Ben was talking about, this was pretty good.
It's a little bit singer-songwriter, a little bit americana, all cloaked in the hue of the 90s, a little irony, a little alternative. Aimee's voice is very far up in the mix, but I think that's a good thing to focus on her writing, which is very strong, save a few spots. It's all very earnest, and I like it. Favorite tracks: "I Should've Known", "Say Anything", "I Could Hurt You Now"
Really great, nice mix of styles.
Catchy music. Clever lyrics. Nice.
Not my cup of tea. Not bad, but did not get me interested.
Nice one
Solid if unspectacular, but maybe an album that would benefit from repeated listening. Sounds kind of like a lot of artists I love, so probably someone I could get into. Really torn on how to score this - might as well err on the side of generosity!
This is really nice power-pop. I'm a sucker for jangle under any circumstances, and she just has a great sense for catchy hooks and fun harmonic touches. It starts a little stronger than it ends (the first song is easily the best), but pretty consistent quality. Lots of nice backing vocals, little flourishes on the organ, good stuff.
I need to listen to more Aimee Mann.
Wonderful times less stories, sometimes can date itself in the music
Nice.
You could say I’m an Aimee Mann man
Good album i never heard.
Just made me really sleepy and relaxed but defiantly a relaxed and clam album with Beautiful vocals along with nothing ever to fast but just slow so not too bad
I hadn't ever listened to this particular album which is ridiculous because Aimee Mann is amazing.
Great power pop, unmistakably produced by Jon Brion
Pretty dang solid pop rock country album. Proto-sheryl crow
I like Aimee Mann
Very good
The “til Tuesdayesque rocker that opens the record is a bit off-point in terms of what’s to come which is very polished and utterly winsome songwriter-powered pop. Just a treat to listen to, really, as was the whole career renaissance that followed.
Never heard this but I do love some of Aimee Mann's stuff. I found a lot to like on here. Very lovely.
this album surprised me; i wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as i did. i wish i found this album as a teenager. i would have grown such an attachment, and my former teenage self is mourning that loss. this album is a four, but i know i will listen to this album more. it could easily become a five! the songs are catchy, beautiful, witty. "jacob marley's chain"--everyone knows the reference but it's still fresh and sounds eerie. "i should've known" isn't the only song with attention grabbing lyrics, but this song definitely stood out. there's some great guitar work in here, too. lots of emotions, but it still makes for a lovely, calming listen. so many instruments among the album's personnel! perhaps this is the only album that has dixie cup within its liner notes?
Great voice and writing. Enjoyed her sound.
Some good songs there. Nothing crazy though!
I love pretty much everything about Aimee Mann. Her songwriting, tone, voice,… also she’s quite funny. I know it’s not genius or groundbreaking, but I return to her records all the time.
I just love her voice. Not my favorite of hers, but still very enjoyable.
Prejak album, nadam se da cu je nastaviti slušati, a ne sam zaboravit
Decent pop/rock album with a storytelling style lyricism. Tad bit long but overall catchy enough to warrant 4 stars
Enjoyed
Excellent female singer-songwriter 90s alt rock. Feels like the kind of vibes that are popular again
I'm a sucker for a good '90s alt/pop album and this one hits all the right notes for sure. Really fun. I'm surprised I haven't listened to her more.
Solid country album, has a fun bit of rock and pop in it that gives it a strong identity. Good singer, good music, good vibe 7/10
11/23/2021 Today's Album: "Whatever" by Aimee Mann - This album is very easy on the ears. It sounds like a cross between Fleetwood Mac, R.E.M, and the 3 blonds. That classic rock backdrop with very interesting additions like sharp guitar solos floating around the channels or a variety of synths providing different backdrops. I really like a lot of the melodies here and the songs keep my attention with how they build and how good the production is. There are some slower songs that end up losing me and I think there are a lot of times where the singers vocals just don't really work with what's going on musically, but this is a very occasional problem and often her voice is extremely strong and smooth. This is 90s grunge throwing it back to some classic Fleetwood Mac sounds and I think it works out fairly well. Score: 7.5/10 Solid Highlights: I should have known, 50 years after the fair, put me on top, say anything, I know there's a word, Way back when.
An ethereal, entrancing album, packed to the gills with pleasing tunes and a voice to match.
Aimee man, goed rustig popalbum!
I enjoyed this. I should listen to her more.
Really liked this
4/5
Fun, nothing special though
Great songwriting (sometimes in what would maybe considered the alt-country/roots vein these days, which kind of surprised me based on what I know of Aimee Mann's other work) and trademark observant, witty lyrics.
Aimee Mann is one of those artists that everyone has heard of, but nobody can name a single song by her. She's been around for ages, so presumably she continues to sell and have fans, but nobody is really sure why. It seems silly then that someone like, say, Natalie Imbruglia isn't on the list. Her debut was a massive smash hit, and while far from her best album, it's certainly the one you would include when considering 'must hear before you die'. There's a couple of songs in the middle of the album I'll happily listen to again, but ni standouts, nothing that grabbed me like a pop song should, or stuck with me like something with more substance should. In short, it's fine. It's an album by a person. Some good lyrics, her voice is okay if unremarkable, and the music is tame, pleasant enough, MOR fare. I don't know enough about Mann to say how importsnt or influential she has been - she's basically a non-entity over here outside of her appearance in Buffy, but even that would have had more impact if anyone cared about her or her music.
I had to quickly get acquainted with which part of the 90s music scene we were in with this one, and after I adjusted, I found this okay. I think I expected a different vibe based on the cover. Aimee's voice isn't necessarily my favorite, but her songwriting skills are pretty great for a solo debut. Still, there was something about the clash between hard rock guitars & her vibrato that just didn't totally work for me. It felt a little too disparate, in the same way that I sometimes have issues with artists similar to this. I really want to like this kind of 90s music, but I'm not quite there yet. Favorite tracks: Could've Been Anyone, Put Me On Top, Say Anything
Nice 90s adult contemporary. Your Meredith Brooks, Liz Phair, Michelle Branch type. Not a lot to say- it’s pleasant, if a bit long. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whatever indeed
It was fine, nothing outstanding tho
Mysalbum som mest gled i bakgrunden. Inte riktigt något speciellt bra eller dåligt. Ganska standard album men som det var ju inte liksom inte dåligt
This is lovely but forgettable.
I love a lot of Aimee Mann songs and albums but have never heard this one. It's interesting to hear her first album. She has definitely grown as a musician and songwriter and this isn't as good as most albums that follow it. Still glad I sat down and listened to it.
Better than I expected. Some lovely bass lines, and a nice bit of life to this album. I wasn't gone on the production as the vocals didn't seem to sit right with the music.
Aimee Mann is one of our most underrated musical treasures but while this is a decent outing it’s not even her best album
Yeah, whatever.
6/10
Aimee Mann has a distinct and gorgeous voice. I'm glad that her voice is in our world. I only wish these songs had more strength to them, something that would help me remember them.
I am a fan of Aimee Mann, and I went into this album expecting to chalk up a baseline 4 with a possible 5. The odd thing is, I did enjoy listening to the album as far as it goes. And surprise surprise, it was immediately forgettable. She is a wonderful artist with a profound voice (vocals and artistic), but at the end, I kind of just felt like "whatever." In retrospect, I do think Aimee's music works better in context of a film like Magnolia, or scaled down in an acoustic set or in moments.
An album filled with songs that want to be acoustic but are forced to be electric for some reason (likely commercial). Mann has a beautiful voice but it's too soft in the mix here and the subtleties that she could bring to the album are lost in competition with basslines that are overplayed and layers of instruments that feel superfluous and stifling and well...dated. When you're making music with thoughtful lyrics and sensitive soul, less is almost always more. As it is, we get "I Know There's a Word", "Jacob Marley's Chain", and "Mr. Harris" which are great but actually serve to illustrate what we're missing instead of highlighting what we actually have. I suspect if this album had come out a year later on the heels of MTV Unplugged, Mann would have been given the space she needed to breathe. I enjoyed this album but I can't help but think what might have been if things had been dialed back a bit on the rockier numbers.
Forgettable 90s pop
I did like this album a little bit, the vocal harmonies are quite nice and it’s beautifully recorded, but there really are moments that make me go “whatever”
I was pretty non plussed by the album. It was fine, but it didn't grab me. If I was going to describe it, I'd probably describe it as an album that thinks it is too cool for school but is not really
Perhaps will like after a few listenings
Maybe I recognize the name a bit but not familiar with the songs. It's ok but there is a bit of country twang in there that I don't care for and doesn't seem to be mentioned in the styles.
Pleasant album
Typical 90’s sound: a bit country; a bit pop.
I love her and her voice but this is not a good album. Or rather, it's good enough, but not outstanding in any way. Why did they pick this one? Again...this committee who picked the albums are just hipsters trying to pick obscure things because they think it makes them cool. Newsflash: it does not make them cool. I'll give it a 3 just because it's her...but seriously...WHY THIS ONE.
Another fine album, another 2.5 (round to 3 since some songs were fair I guess)
A solid solo debut. I’ve mostly enjoyed what I’ve heard from Mann and I know she’s highly respected among songwriters that I love.
It was ok like nice to listen to but can’t really say more than that
Some nice tunes on here. She has a good voice. First time listening of any of her work. Undecided about her music will need to listen to other LPs
damn man, the 90s produced so many good Women artists. I feel like some of these songs were in films I cant remember, she's got some catchy songs throughout but cant see myself revisiting this like I can with artists like Alanis Morissette. Aimee does sound a little bored on her vocals but maybe its just matching the album title. Overall an enjoyable enough listen.
Aimee Mann is a fine song writer but I’ve never really connected with her music. This album being called Whatever is quite apt because that’s how I felt after listening to it
This was overall a pretty good album, especially if you're into that 90s alternative female singer-songwriter scene. This album takes me back to the 90s and reminds me of the kind of music my younger female teachers were listening to back then. It's definitely for the crowd that enjoys artists like Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, and Tori Amos. One thing that sets this album apart, though, is that Aimee Mann was probably a little ahead of her time. Most of the other artists I mentioned didn't really break through until the mid 90s, while this album came out in the early 90s. Not really the style of music I normally enjoy, but it was good for what it is.
It was fine. Didn’t love it but didn’t hate it.
I had heard that Til Tuesday's lead singer had a solo career, but this is my first time listening to Aimee Mann. The fact that she's wearing all black and Doc Martins on the cover tell me that this should have fit perfectly into my high school world. In two listens I'm finding that the songwriting is really quite good and the songs well performed. What I am struggling with are the production choices made here. This album sounds dated, but it seems to me that it would have sounded dated upon its release in 1993. The glossy production would have felt much more at home in the mid-eighties rather than nineties, and unfortunately I feel like the music often looses its edge that it could have had with better production. This could have been a high four pushing five, but as it stands it's a high three.
From the start I thought this might be another album that sounds like Jagged Little Pill and I was excited. It goes off in more unique directions from the first track then I expected and doesn’t completely maintain it’s edge, which I think has both it’s benefits and drawbacks. I wanted to feel great about this record, but there are too many uninspiring moments and missed opportunities across the back half, especially. I still like the environment and what is going on here songwriting-wise, I just feel like the product could have been a little more complete based on the skill Aimee demonstrates here in flashes. I wonder if she executes such a project later on in her career, maybe we’ll find out. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: I Should’ve Known, Stupid Thing
My kind of thing, but not my thing
Vähän hajutonta ja mautonta iskelmäpoppia. Aika "Whatever" levy omaan korvaan, not good, not bad, just mid.
I only know of Aimee Mann through Magnolia and what I know I like. This album was more upbeat and poppier than I was expecting and sounds very 90's. Whilst I really like her voice none of the tracks really resonated with me in the way Wise up / Save Me do from Magnolia as they were generally all a bit too jaunty and poppy.
Love me some Aimee Mann, but this album is not as dynamic as her subsequent efforts.
3.5
plinky plonky
Most of the songs are of the bitter breakup variety. The lyrics are fairly witty and the music is catchy in a pop sort of way. I added “Could’ve Been Anyone” to my playlist.
Average white woman indie alt rock from the 90s. This could be any of number artists that I grew up with. Just blah. 4.5/10 Top song... Say anything
great voice, great singer songwriter vibes but not anything that really puts it over the top.
Pleasant. Better than I expected. I like the sound of the Guitar. Especially on '50 Years' Rest of album is a bit shite. Fuck Jacob Marley. Generous 3.
Mellow early 90s music from the “alternative rock” station archives; I remember "I Should've Known" from the radio at the time. Her singing is good, lyrics often interesting, and accompaniment well played. One or two of the tunes reminded me of things from Mary Timony’s most recent album, which I like a lot. But the arrangements here weren’t as interesting to me, which I suppose could be a function of this having come out in 1994 rather than 2024. There unfortunately weren't any surprises for me on this record, just lots of chill, nice 90s alternative radio songs; and I don’t think this unchallenging music showcased her lyrics well enough for me to keep my attention. It was a nice listen, though.
The production was pretty good. I really liked the harmonies, but I’m indifferent on the main vocals. It’s definitely very 60s inspired. A bit wimpy at times, but I liked what it was going for.
A nice album, that is probably 3 songs too long
I enjoyed it. Música de final de películas vibe, me gusto su voz.
good album good songs
Такий типовий гітарний поп-рок 90х. Музика яка грає в ромкомі десь на другому акті, коли герой\героїня йде по місту і думає про щось. Нічого не маю проти, повертатись до цього альбому не буду.
This one was kind of a "not quite but almost" album for me... definitely didn't hate it, some songs I almost kind of liked, but nothing that ever resonated big. A lineup of 3.5-star tracks. There's a background vocalist on "Say Anything" who sounds distractingly similar to John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants.
Fine
Decent album that had good production. Sounds a bit dated, but not necessarily a bad thing. Rating: 5/10 Favorite Song: Could’ve Been Anyone
3 sterne
This was better than expected, I was ready to rate it 2 stars as a generic 90s album, and while it is a bit generic, it was more enjoyable than I first imagined :)
3.5
3.5
I thought this was okay, but I've definitely heard much better material from Aimee Mann that wasn't on this album. "Stupid Thing" and "I Should've Known" probably the highlights here, but I thought it was kind of uneven outside of that and probably a little long for what it is. 3 stars.
Pleasantly pleasant for about 20 minutes and then it kinda turns to stodge. Jacob Marley’s Chains is the first song to feel like a chore. The early 90s was a good era for songs about Jacob Marley what with Muppets Christmas Carol coming out the previous year but this one of hers does drag somewhat. The author of this list should ‘wise up’ and put the Magnolia soundtrack on here instead.
Aimee Mann! Voices Carry ... never actually listened to her albums. Positively disposed. Enjoyed her appearance in that Portlandia sketch. It gives me no pleasure to say that the production / sound is very 90s (not a compliment) and the songs are just pretty generic, even boring. It's ok, has its moments, but ... I don't anticipate ever listening to this again.
I like Aimee Mann a lot. But not this particular album. There are so many of her later solo albums I'm really fond of. Some of the cuts on here are great, but I think she needed a little time to get her solo work together so I wish they had picked a later album of hers.
Title pretty much sums up my thoughts on this one It’s far from bad; her voice is pretty nice for a bit, and the variety on this one is solid enough. The more upbeat tracks (Fifty Years after the Fair for example) are nice and definitely suit her style a bit more. Usually doesn’t affect my rating much but the title and album art are great, conveys the vibe pretty well Album left a pretty awful first impression; funny that the first 20 seconds of the first song made me think this album was gonna be absolute garbage, but it was all uphill from there. I don’t think there was a whole lot that wowed me, the range just isn’t there. Just ok vocals, just ok instrumentation, just ok theming, the list goes on. It’s better than I thought it was gonna be, but I really can’t see myself listening to this one again. I could see a version of this album that would be great, but there’s just a bit too much missing for it to really elevate it
I’m basically only familiar with Aimee Mann through Magnolia, so it’s a limited window of top material paired with a fantastic film, and so I can’t help but be a bit unfazed by this? It’s definitely of its time, in that early 90s “female pop-rock singer-songwriter” sound and vibe, but with Aimee Mann’s particular downbeat songwriting and her laidback vocal stylings, which largely did not sway me. There were two songs that picked up for me (Mr Harris, I Could Hurt You Now) but largely it just sort of came and went… didn’t feel like my cup of tea particularly amongst its contemporaries, and didn’t feel like it stood out enough. I can’t say I wouldn’t try another one of her albums, which means I think this was an odd choice, but also I’m not in a rush to do that because this one was Just Alright.
A very low 3. I normally like female vocalists and maybe with more listens I'd dig this, but it was a bit nondescript. I've also never heard of her which says a lot
3.5 Everybody loves Aimee Mann!
Itj så verst.
This is a three for me but a very strong 3.
Jamais écouté avant. Totale découverte d'Aimee Mann pour moi, dont j'avais vu passer le nom sans jamais aller écouter ce qu'il y avait derrière. Rien que pour ça, faire ce projet vaut le coup. Que dire en revanche de cet album ? Pas grand chose, finalement. Sans aucune fausse note (ce qui est impressionnant pour un premier album, il faut bien le dire), les morceaux de Whatever ne comptent pas pour autant de chefs-d'œuvre. Pour le dire plus simplement : tout est réussi, à condition peut-être de ne pas être allergique à son style pop-rock en ligne directe des années 1990. mais rien ne transporte non plus l'auditeur, qui profite d'une écoute agréable, parfois charmante, mais n'en sortira clairement pas changé. Mais finalement, la simplicité et l'efficacité sont aussi des qualités, alors pourquoi ne pas se laisser tenter ? Top : Stupid Thing Flop : I Know There's a Word
I really love the songs, but Jon Brion is throwing way too much at the production here. There's too much noise surrounding some amazing songs, and it makes this a tough listen; if there were a stripped back version of this I'd enjoy it much, much more. Still, there's so many good songs that it can't go fully down the list. But this makes me want to listen to other work instead, and not this.
Didn’t really do it for me.
I’m basically only familiar with Aimee Mann through Magnolia, so it’s a limited window of top material paired with a fantastic film, and so I can’t help but be a bit unfazed by this? It’s definitely of its time, in that early 90s “female pop-rock singer-songwriter” sound and vibe, but with Aimee Mann’s particular downbeat songwriting and her laidback vocal stylings, which largely did not sway me. There were two songs that picked up for me (Mr Harris, I Could Hurt You Now) but largely it just sort of came and went - didn’t feel like my cup of tea particularly amongst its contemporaries, and didn’t feel like it stood out enough. I can’t say I wouldn’t try another one of her albums, which means I think this was an odd choice, but also I’m not in a rush to do that because this one was Just Alright.
It's versatile and it sounds pleasing through it all, but the songs do bear the feeling of "not being anything special"
Enjoyable album with super catchy hooks from a unique and enjoyable voice
AOR/MOR - surely not alt rock? Can see there’s a market for this - just not for me - really didn’t like some of the production here - eg Mr Harris - overdone to the max. Hints of Suzanne Vega in Jacob Marley’s Chain. Needs a bit more rawness or noisier guitar. Don’t hate the voice - soothing and clear. Just not enough all round to grab me. Could be generous and say 2.50000001.
Plenty of Beatles-y flourishes but overall a bit bland. July 4th song for July though...'Murica! Liked the "writing was on the stall line" - rest didn't really move me one way or t'other.
It was alright. Not much to say about it. Better than I imagined it to be.
eh, kinda pmo but some parts were ok i guess
The younger, angrier version of me probably would’ve hated this. The older, fatter version of me quite enjoyed it.
Didn’t know she had anything other than the rush cameo. Decent
Easy listening
I think Aimee Mann is really cool. Her music though maybe I'm a bit more lukewarm on.
Not too bad
Es como un folk-blues. Está bueno.
An album that feels like it belongs with the sad scenes in an early 2000s rom com where the main characters have split up, it’s a nice album nicely melancholy
Ok, I guess? Production on the first few tracks very similar to Fiona Apple with the mellotron etc - I think its the same producer? - only without so much angst and aggression, which is a shame. I felt like her vocals were...unpushed? Like she was singing without properly opening her mouth or pushing her vocals. May be a production choice, but it left everything feeling a bit subdued and lacking in emotion. Songs were fine with a few nice lyrics, but a few that didn't age well (any time I hear 'Age is just a number' I cringe). Didn't hate it, but i'd file it with Meredith Brooks or Deep Blue Something or any other 90s REM influenced one hit wonders. Just scrapes a 3
It's good. Not for me. But, I get why you like it if it's yours.
Title was pretty much how I felt about this. Maybe I need to give it another chance but it didn’t feel like much happened 3
Helt grei pop.
It was trully whatever
Very easy listening, though nothing really standing out for me
I only knew Aimee Mann from Magnolia; this collection feels like a very radio-friendly step below that. There's a level of sheen that rubs me the wrong way, despite some solid songwriting and lyrics.
Nice debut album. Lyrically good song writing and enjoy the bend of strings and French horns on a couple of tracks.
Very good album, haven't heard of her music before this. Great vocals, amazing songs and an album you can listen to, anytime.
Talented artist
I know her name but that’s all. This reminds me of Sheryl Crow. I hate to say it but think I need to listen at home on good speakers. I’m way more of an audio snob than I thought I was. The sound affects if I like an album. When I put this on good speakers rather than through headphones I liked it more. The music on after it was great.
My previous exposure to Aimee Mann's work was covers that I liked less than originals, and a preformance on Buffy. That said, I liked this more than expected.
whatever is about right. she looks way too cool on the album cover to be making music that sounds like this tbh, i was disappointed. i was pretty unmoved and will turn to tori amos and liz phair for my auntie music sorry aimee (and sorry to auntie rachel z''l for implying that but i think i'm right) forgettable as hell. fav: say anything
Good album, as a fan of her music I somehow never heard this one before.
Missed her whole thing at the time. May december shit. Some goes pretty hard and even if the lyrics are a bit ... twee? at least she was writing real songs.
This was nothing crazy, but I wasn't bad. There were some tracks I enjoyed more than others. Favorite track(s) I Should've Known Put Me On Top Say Anything
Oof, more of a 2 but I am going to give it a 3 because I like Jon Brion as a producer/composer (just watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind again this year).
I was always think of Portlandia when I think of Aimee Mann. Despite what Fred Armisen says, I do not think Aimee is a super great singer. I really liked "Fifty Years After the Fair," it sounded like Elvis Costello. The last three songs felt endless in a bad way.
Cool divorced mom rock. She’s happily remarried now, but still keeps this CD wedged in her car’s console between some hand sanitizer, a melted Kind bar, and a pack of cigarettes.
Notables: - I should've Known - I've Had It
This was pretty solid, but got to be a bit much pushing an hour runtime, cutting 10-12 mins would have been a good sweet spot for me. Really loved her voice, reminded me of someone that I just can’t place.. 3.25/5 will be looking into her catalog a bit more, I could see myself liking her work a lot more with time
Me sentí en gilmore girls
It was fine. Not much more to say than that. Whatever.
3.5 I like it but not too much
90’s Rock ⭐️Fifty Years After The Fair
It’s a bit long in the tooth, but there’s some good alt rock bops here.
It was whatever.
I was never much interested in this artist — I don’t think I am or ever was her target audience. It’s not bad but it does nothing for me.
Aimee Mann has a fantastic voice and is a great lyricist, but this is one of those early 90s albums that's too long for its own good. By the time it's over I feel like a few of the songs should have been cut from the tracklisting as to make a more cohesive and coherent listening experience.
Very Sheryl Crow-esque. Nothing particularly bad about this album, but no standouts either
I can't lie the age gap song went kinda hard and I love the name Aimee but this was mostly pretty mid
It’s nice
this feels like peak mid music. Nothing really stands out but nothing is bad either. It is just above average music for me personally. 3
glad it exists, not for me
One of the interesting things with this list is the sonic whiplash effect caused by the random nature of the albums picked every day. Yesterday was experimental industrial noise, and today is some pop-rock from Aimee Mann which is perfectly fine, but just not very exciting. It was a pleasant listen but I don’t think any of the songs really grabbed my attention or stuck in my head apart from perhaps Jacob Marley’s Chain or Way Back When which has a nicely plinky-plonk piano vibe reminiscent of the Kinks or the Beatles.
It's just fine. Not for me, but not as despicable and awful as a lot the other reviews seem to imply. Favorite Song: Mr. Harris
pleasant enough, I am unsure why it's on this list though.
I see the appeal here: Mann has made a Cubist divorce album, viewing the demise of the relationship from every possible angle, cycling through every stage of grief, analyzing every nuance of emotion involved. She can't help but be psychologically accurate with this much observational data to work with. And the tunes are always at least decent and sometimes better - as on the soaring highlight, "Mr. Harris," in which Mann falls for an older guy on the rebound who reminds her of Jimmy Stewart. And I can definitely respect how influential this blend of MOR alt-rock with a vague country twinge has been (Sheryl Crow, for one, basically copied this sonic template for her first two records). But I can't shake the sense that something isn't landing; this may be one of those "you had to be there" works that resonates best when your personal circumstances match Mann's (romantic and professional breakups, specifically). I guess I should be grateful that I don't get it just now.
2/5
"Whatever" is a good title for what is just a lukewarm, poppy album. But Aimee's vocals are nice to listen to with their urbane, folksy quality that make you feel like you're at a friend's house. After my first listen though, I did not feel the need to analyze a specific song for its lyrical complexity. It was just ok.
I will be generous towards this record’s ranking since I fell deeply for Mann’s songs in the film Magnolia. Earlier Mann released the excellent I’m with Stupid, which this album preceded. I am hoping Stupid ends up on this list, or it will be a puzzling choice as Mann’s lone representative on this list. The album does not get to its best material until the second half, perhaps the B side. “Put Me on Top” had Mann’s special quality of pop rock. “Jacob Marley’s Chain” made me wish I knew more about the literary reference. “Mr. Harris” with its tale of a May-December romance had characters that were flawed and endearing. Those highlights lifted the record. On too many occasions something kept the songs from finding their way to my heart and mind. I felt like this was an artist who was not quite ready to let it all out. She seemed on the verge of cutting or moving lyrics, huge pop sounds, a personal acoustic ballad, yet she could not get there. I read an interview years ago where Bob Dylan said Chrissie Hynde needed to listen to more country music. He did not explain his advice, but I might offer the same to Mann 30 years ago. The pathos of country would have pushed these songs into a more powerful heart on the sleeve recording. I am not sure what exactly allowed Mann to pull that off on future albums, but not here. I found the musicianship particularly bland. The guitar solos actually worsened several songs, which seems nearly impossible to do. I could point fingers at her musical collaborator and producer Jon Brion. After all, he played the bulk of the instruments on the album. Ultimately, it is Mann’s record. She was no novice having been in the business for a decade. Having left ‘Til Tuesday to go out on her own, Mann receives lavish praise from me for her other work, so she is on the hook for this less than stellar album.
Good for what it is. Among other 90s girl rockers, I'd rank it low, but still sonically pleasing. Picked up in the second half for me where songs seemed for distinct. "Jacob Marley's Chain" was a favorite and one I'd definitely listen to again. I liked "Mr. Harris" and "Stupid Thing" but others didn't stick out to me. Maybe another listen would show greater highlights, but didn't seem interesting. Nothing loathsome, just forgettable.
she did not lie. this really was just whatever
Не моё прям
Lovely at times, a bit of a snore at times. My past exposure was song exploder for patient zero that I only vaguely remember so I’ll revisit. Nice for a sort of dreary post rain walk with Augie, but I think it would hit better on a drive to the beach or when I’m feeling less bleak
Cool songwriting. I feel like this could be a good double feature with Sheryl Crow. Total 90s Mom Rock. Not really my thing, but I respect it and enjoyed it!
Real smooth pop music like a buttered knife through the brain.
Not the most interesting alt rock album ever but has some cool songs for sure, the first half tends to be better than the second
Its not bad but i kinda don't like her voice
I put it on in the car and it kinda just rolled by and didn’t really catch me. It felt a little overdone in that Nashville session player type of way. I would like to revisit it and or listen to some of her later stuff cause I’ve heard it rocks. 2.5
before this i was really only familiar with the stuff she did for the magnolia soundtrack, which i love, especially Save Me. some really excellent songs here but there's a more than a few that just miss the mark for me. but i'm a sucker for that overproduced 90s alt rock sound. favorites were I Should've Known, Put Me On Top, and Mr. Harris. 3.5
Sonically this feels like generic 90s alt rock for most of the runtime, although it starts to get a bit more interesting near the end. Lyrically it's stunning. With albums like this where there's such a huge gap in quality in the different elements, my default is to just rate it a 3, but I feel like I'll come back to this one.
Sounds very much of its time. Make of that what you will.
i liked this, had some really good songs
A solid album, even without any monster hits on it. Easy listen all the way through,
My wife watches lots of US TV shows involving crime or hospitals, they tend to be glossy and involve musical montages soundtracked by songs that explain the emotional state of the characters. This album is essentially the Ur text of those montage soundtracks. Melodic, rich expressive lyrics that tell stories we can all understand. It’s let down a little by the oh so early 90’s production and the more stripped back songs tend to be the best.
Aimee Mann doing Aimee Mann things. Not her best work, but deserving I think to be on this list. I read through a bit of the reviews and I'm beginning to think that some people are not understanding the exercise of this journey. My view is to rate the album relative to this group of 1001+ albums... not relative to music of all time. If that was the case, this would get a 4... but my rating here is a 3, which to mean its an enjoyable listening experience, but doesn't open my brain that much. Gotta love the classic Doc's shes wearing on the cover too...
Aimee bien, pero faltan hits como los de la BSO de Magnolia
Better than I thought but a lot of the same
I don’t think this album is whatever but I don’t see myself coming back to it.
I'm gonna do what I wish more reviewers on this site.Would do?And that's set aside.My own personal feelings and just judge the music.And the album and the artist for what they are. So I could say a bunch of things like, how this is mom rock, and how this just isn't for me.And how it's a little bit too clean and country flavoured to suit my tastes, and all this would be true. However, the record exhibits phenomenal songwriting, incredible instrumentation and downright perfect production. It's a beautiful work.It's her debut which is very impressive.And it's worth at least three stars, even from somebody who will never think about it again.And certainly never listen to it again.
Ysäri perheleffa vibat. Ihan kuunneltava ja sopiva viikonlopun hitaaseen aamuun.
I remembered her name but not a song of hers. Now I remember. She did that early girl with a guitar that was common in the 90's. It's not bad if you enjoy the genre. It's the wrong day for me but overall it's not a bad album. A bit too polished but eh that's a personal opinion.
Blind album and artist. Some tracks were definitely more interesting than others. Just wish it could've had that the whole time and it would have been a definitive 4.
the name of the album sums up my feelings about it
It's OK, but I don't see what all the fuss is about. My favourite track on the alnum was "Jacob Marley's Chain".
I don’t hate it, but I won’t rush out to buy it on vinyl. Really dug one song and the next was a no thanks. Very 90s sound. That made me happy
Loooow 3. Generic 90s. Lovely voice but really not memorable
Average album.
Great voice and some good songs.
Great voice. Overall tones and mix sounds locked in the 90s, but in a good way. Nice album to reflect on. 3.2/5.0
Crazy how many bad reviews this has for such an average inoffensive album. I don't know how it could conjure such strong feelings one way or the other tbh. It was fine.
Uma voz legalzinha, e a capa é linda, mas o disco em si é bem mediano. Não chamou a minha atenção em momento algum. Mas não tem nada de ruim nele. Acho estranha sua inclusão na lista, mas ao menos não é algo repugnantemente ruim, só um disco meio chatinho e sem muito a oferecer. Mediano. 3
A good album, I liked I should've Known and Say Anything the most.
Almost every time there is a single album from an artist on this list, it's the wrong pick. This is at least the tenth example I've had so far. This is a solid album, but Aimee Mann did better on at least a couple of occasions. Favourite track: I Should've Known
A good name for the album. Perfectly nice, and a few songs really stood out (Jacob Marley's Chain is something I'll listen to again). But otherwise it was relatively generic American sounding rock (albeit refreshingly led by a woman). Some of the appearances of horns and other instruments made things more interesting, but not enough.
This was fine
Very generic 90s pop. Toyed with a 2 but decided to be generous
Pop with a bit of alt rock mixed in. It was ok but generic. Middle of the road.
A fairly solid 90s pop album
Went back and forth a lot during this mainly because each song seemed to change genres. At first I was thinking some 90s grunge-ish, then maybe some country, but then a crazy guitar solo dropped. By the end I was pretty engaged just wondering what will come next. Couple standouts I liked more than others.
If someone asked you what '90s female pop sounded like, you could easily play them the first half of this record and it would be as good a representation as Sheryl Crow or Sarah McLachlan. The second half of this album however became very introspective and very, very slow. All the songs here are polished and sung well, but I think maybe her voice being a little more unusual than the mainstream artists may have kept this from reaching those heights.
Its alright
I just read one of the reviews that says this is the Gilmore Girls in an album and now I can't unsee it.
Good a bit country a bit alanis morisette enjoyed it
Pretty good first solo album from Aimee Mann. Her songs can get a little repetitive. I liked the last few songs of the album the most, particularly I Know There’s a Word and I’ve Had It.
i like aimee mann! i like her music for magnolia better. may watch that tonight
Not really my particular taste but good folk sounds.
Yes, send me all the women!! +0.5 for KT Tunstall nostalgia +0.5 for writing Stupid Thing and Say Anything about my ex
Wanted to love this more than I did...whatever!
felt like this was a cosmic blessing for PTA’s Oscar fortune
Not a bad debut. I enjoyed Mann’s songs on the Magnolia soundtrack so this was definitely worth checking out. A few standout moments I enjoyed but overall there are a lot better 90s indie darlings out there. Favorite track: I Know There’s A Word
6/10
Though perfectly alright, it never really stuck with me much
Fuzzy drums tend to crowd the vocals and guitar, but this indie pop/pop country/indie country (?) sound is so familiar to me. Little bit of Sheryl Crow and The Chicks. Really liked Say Anything! Actually liked this album more as it went on, more than I thought I would, especially the more energetic high tempo stuff. Skipped some of the slower ones. 3.5
I love jolly white women from the 90s
Poppier than I remember, but not bad.
The first half of this record was mediocre at best. The second half was where it really shone. Favourite Track(s): Say Anything, Mr. Harris, I Could Hurt You Now Least Favourite Track(s): Put Me On Top, Stupid Thing
I was excited to see an album by Aimee Mann because I'm a big fan of her Lost in Space album from 2002. She certainly improved as an artist from this album to that one. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't very memorable and the vocals are a bit weak. Still, was happy to hear some of the early work and remind myself to listen to more of her other albums when I have the chance.
I knew of Aimee Mann from 'Til Tuesday (and from being one of the few outside artists to ever appear on a Rush album), but wasn't really familiar with her work. Her voice is a little reminiscent of Chrissie Hynde, but without as much snarl in it. Nice harmonies, great production, thoughtful lyrics.
I really like Aimee Mann, and was excited to see this on the list, but whilst i remember the album cover not enough of the songs are memorable and when spotify took off onto similar songs i was reminded i prefer her later work a lot more
I was very intrigued to get this album, as I have the song “save me” by aimee already liked and I knew that she had a great voice so I was excited to listen. The voice holds true, I think she sings beautifully although I will say the lyrics and overall album just didn’t speak to me. I was cooking to it and nothing really jumped out at me as special. Yes, it was pleasant and there are no gripes but I’m just not sure about it. The strange game-like sound effects at the end also threw me off, it didn’t seem to fit nicely.
I only really know her from Magnolia soundtrack (which is great but mostly because it tracks the great movie) and Voices Carry. Seems like the female Elvis Costello - extremely well crafted baroque pop. But unfortunately that can be kind of boring. Definitely a 90s NPR flashback.
She has a great voice. Soothing 90's soft rock.
Pleasant enough listen, inoffensive if a little uninspiring. Unlikely to revisit but wouldn’t turn off if on in the background.
Not really my thing, but I don't think I was the type to appreciate this to begin with.
Meh
First time listening to her solo music. And there's something very charming about this album. Or I just like the 90s too much 3/5
Aimee Man had a cameo in Portlandia as herself. Album was good, reminded me of Liz Phair. High 3
Kinda sounds like an edgier sheryl crow. Lmk if that's a crazy take. We have had so many mediocre albums in a row and I'm getting sick of this shit
This is fine enough but not stand out.
It was almost too 90s
Cool album. First couple of tracks in particular stood out to me. I like Aimee’s voice on the more folksy/country tracks generally.
It was alright. Not really my style of music, but it sounded like sepia tone 90s.
Good album with a couple standouts. Didn't do too much. Not overly catchy, which is a plus. Emotional, but not overly dramatic. Had some cool moments that reminded me of Between the Buttons by the Stones. Good find.
I think the best songs were Jacob Marley's Chain and I've Had It. I didn't think the rag-timey piano fit Way Back When.
Aimee Mann is a really cool person. She's always been unique and true to her own style. I wish I liked her music more. But I just don't.
This is some good old straight ahead, slice of life American pop rock. It sounds great, the lyrics are engaging and erudite without being pretentious, and the songs are catchy. This kind of stuff isn't typically my cup of tea, but I'll admit I enjoyed the listen. I think Aimee's lyrics and song structure elevate it above a more generic sound. And I love any project that features an organ. 3.5/5 for me. Solid, not transcendent.
Nice twang and overall fine, but pretty average for this list
90s Mom core.
This is a smart, well-crafted record that knows exactly what it’s doing. The songwriting is solid, the production is tasteful, and there’s a clear point of view throughout. Nothing feels lazy or accidental. You can hear the care in the arrangements and the precision in how the songs unfold. That said, it never really hooks me emotionally. I respect it more than I feel it. The restraint, which is clearly part of the appeal, also keeps it at arm’s length for me. I’m glad I heard it, glad to understand why people hold it in high regard, but it’s not something I’m itching to revisit or dig deeper into. Exposure appreciated. Canon placement understood. Personal rotation unlikely. Rating: solid 3
I foresee this album really hitting me at some point in time. Unfortunately right now it's just okay
Groovy
Solid 90s vibe
Easy listening soft rock for the provincial cocktail lounge.
This is cool. Kinda hit or miss, but cool. Never heard of Aimee Mann before. I'm not a big fan of the country twang that this has on it. Maybe it's more of a southern pop rock than country but it's definitely in that world for better or worse. The arrangements are good, though I do find the lyrics a little cheesy at times. I think her voice is used a lot better on a couple of these songs than others, which is unfortunate because it definitely rocks on a few of these tracks, such as Say Anything, particularly the chorus. Everything about this record is so close to being great, but it just doesn't quite get there to me. It is produced well, I'll say. 3.0/5
Whatever is an album i thought was pretty enjoyable. Judging by the album cover photo, I honestly thought that this was gonna be a more punkish album but even though while the album had some punkish elements, it was very much a pop rock album. This honestly kind of disappointed me since i like the former genre way more than the latter but i didn't think that this sounded bad at all. There were some pretty enjoyable songs on offer and Mann's vocals were honestly the best part about this album having a wide range with them which gave them kind of a country feel which i rarely like, but i like it here. It's not great indie rock but it is good indie rock and i enjoy indie rock so i enjoyed this album. Best Song: I Should've Known Worst Song: Way Back When
Not my favorite solo Aimee Mann (Magnolia) but I still dig her voice.
Overall enjoyed this album. High points where: I Should’ve Known, Fifty Years After The Fair and Stupid Thing.
Favorite song: Jacob Marley’s Chain
I can imagine many of these songs as background music for a ’90s American high-school movie: four kids on the quad, tossing the pigskin around, talking about prom, summer break, and all the other usual clichés. In other words, this felt like mediocre ’90s pop-rock.
This isn’t bad by any means, but it just doesn’t really do it for me.
Some o these songs could be good soundtracks for a 90s or early‑2000s rom‑com TV series
Not quite as magnificent as her work on Magnolia...
Meh
I mean this is 90s pop rock at its core and for what it is I enjoy it but nothin more than that I guess. It slowly becomes homogeneous and less interesting with each song. I feel conflicted because I don’t think it’s bad but it’s not my favorite but it’s far and above a lot of bad music I’ve come across so it’s just average and that’s okay.
What a surprise, older me liked this immediately... younger me standing off to the side, petulant look on his face. I am adding this one to rotation. Great sound, studio band sounds terrific of course, but Aimee's vocals are spot on for the most part and the songwriting is decent enough.
Fair. There's a constant tension between my love for Aimee's voice and my disinterest in most of the lyrics and tunes
2.5 Didnt really pull me in and sounded a bit generic.
Very Sheryl Crow-ish. Not bad - a new discovery for me. I’d listen to more