Reviews (page 3 of 8)
I’m embarrassed to like this but I really do.
Nee, Danke.
Eh, this was an okay listen but totally forgettable if I'm honest
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...
This had a 2-star quality to it but I honestly got nothing out of it, wasn't impressed by any part of it, and couldn't wait for it to be over. That qualifies it for the 1-star board. Edit 1: These lyrics are so bad.
Ei napannut. 1,5/5.
Sheryll Crow, maar anders.
4 - enjoyed
Had to turn it off because I couldn't stay awake. Incredibly boring. I noticed a lot of reviews pointing out the quality production and song writing. However, it's like a dish made of quality ingredients, but they just boiled the shit and added no seasoning or spice.
Aimee bien, pero faltan hits como los de la BSO de Magnolia
Better than I thought but a lot of the same
Surprised this wasn’t bigger at the time. Reminds me a bit of a more poppy, less wordy, 90s version of Joni Mitchell. Mann’s vocals are very sweet, and the arrangements when the whole band gets involved are generally good. The more solo stuff can get a bit maudlin but not overly so.
283/1001 Aimee Mann - Whatever Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ I enjoyed this a lot on first listen. Just from her vocal delivery there were shades of Carol King and Sheryll Crowe in my mind. Looking forward to delving deeper into this.
No fav song
I don’t think this album is whatever but I don’t see myself coming back to it.
This was awesome pop. I love the laissez faire attitude of everything and the lyrics. I will say, it's amazing to me and I feel like if I heard it when I was a teenager this would be a lifelong classic, however! It's just a little TOO chill girl for me. Like.... this is more non-chalant than I'd like it to be. I am too chalant to connect enough. Still amazing, I'm happy I learned about her.
Nah
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.
I do not get the low reviews here. Whatever came out in the early 90s, so naturally it has that sound, but that is part of what makes it what it is. You also have to remember where Aimee Mann was at that point and the influence she went on to have. She is a brilliant songwriter and that comes through all over this album. It may not be for everyone now, but it deserves a lot more credit as one of those records that really meant something at the time and still holds up far better than some are giving it credit for.
the name of the album sums up my feelings about it
It was okay but too old feeling for my liking
I didn’t know any songs on this. I really only know one Aimee Mann song and one ‘Til Tuesday song. I like her voice, it the songs were kind of boring. I liked 4th Of July the best.
The title of the album is how I feel about it.
The often rocking version of the Carpenters or Joni Mitchell. More of a Sheryl Crow type. Pretty good.
👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
It sounds like the music you would hear in the background of some shitty 90s to early 2000s teen tv drama.
Yeah this is ‘93 I’m not really getting anything out of this, it just feels generic— like “yup, that’s a band playing music with lyrics” I guess I feel “whatever” about this (heeheehoohoo)
A bit boring frankly. Doesn’t have the excitement of other early 90s singer songwriters and her voice isn’t as distinctive as her peers. A couple of good tracks in there, and I like Jon Brion’s contributions on anything.
Reminiscent of Sheryl Crow. Not for me though.
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".
She is the emo 90's Taylor Swift. It is catchy, gen-x vibes about female life. It is poetic and doesn't always follow the exact song formula but that is okay. It is pleasant and real. It is a little down in the dumps at time and somewhat one note but I do really enjoy her lyrics and desire to not be perfect.
Aimee Mann is a Gen X gem. Her songs are bitingly apathetic, catchy as hell, and hit on some deeply poignant feelings. I’m a HUGE fan of hers, particularly her 1996 album, I’m With Stupid, her 2000 album, Bachelor No. 2, and her 2002 album, Lost In Space. In all honesty, any of those deserve to be here more than Whatever, but this album is fine enough. The great thing about Aimee is that you’ll have a good time with her no matter which album in her discography you decide to jump in at. Her solid consistency is one of her greatest strengths. 4/5
I really liked this. She has a lot of power and strength in her delivery, and she’s a great songwriter. My socks weren’t knocked off enough for a 5 but happy to go with a 4.
Loved this since Its release.
General thoughts: A solid, catchy pop-rock album that glimpses some kind of potential. It's up or down at this point. The bad, the mixing was weird, somewhat flat. The lyrics were decent. The good, ballads like 'Jacob Marley's Chain', 'Mr. Harris', and 'Way Back When' are the ones that really stood out to me. The arrangements were cool, and the strings were beautiful; there's a kind of Beatles-esque feeling on this aspect. This spark of genious is more apparent in the second half of he album, Her voice was also cool; it's always nice to hear a female singer with a lower register. I get the image of a 90's Taylor Swift contemporary adult version, lol, with all this love breakup talk, which is kind of tiring for me. I got this along with my first listen to Alanis Morrisette, and they are kinda adjacent. Aimee's performance is less emotional when it's pop, so I feel she has a better delivery on ballads. Her composition is better, though; her songs are more varied and have interesting structures. For 'Whatever' the sum of the parts its bigger than the parts of it, for 'Jagged Little Pill' it's the opposite. Outstanding song(s): Mr. Harris - It's so goofy and dorky and beautiful, I love it Weakest song(s): 4th Of July Cover: Interesting, she gives a totally different appearance compared to her music. Still, it's a cool cover. Real rating: 3.54
The songs on this album reminds me very much of 1990s rom com movies, I am almost certain some of her songs were used for such movies. I remember one song, You Could Make a Killing which was a soundtrack for Cruel Intentions in 1999 which I liked (this song is not on this album however). This album is musically very mediocre and samey. I should listen to her lyrics more carefully because it is praised very much, but at first listen I focused on the music and it's just not my cup of tea.
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
These albums around love trouble have been a bit tough on me at the start of this. This is kinda the best on yet. 3/4
3.7 really cool and smooth, her lyrics are probly pretty deep and meaningful but I wasn’t paying enough attention. Still a nice listen
Very good
Loooow 3. Generic 90s. Lovely voice but really not memorable
Alright, this one's pretty heavily slept on
Average album.
MoR soft pop rock
Не лишённый приятности альтернативный поп рок.
I'm kind of enraged that the average ranking of this album is below 3. Aimee Mann deserves better than that. Her songwriting is among the best not just musically, not just lyrically, but *thematically* -- she explores topics and angles that occur to no one else. The guitar, harmonies, and production here are excellent. The only reason I might give it a 4 instead of a 5 is that I'm not sure it's the one best album to represent her. But it's still a great one, and it represents the beginning of her lifelong dissent from what the record industry thinks artists and especially women artists should be. Yet the misogyny is ever-present. The reviews here rattle on about ex-girlfriends and Lilith Fair as if the discourse hasn't moved on a bit from the 90s, and hell, maybe it hasn't. I don't want to waste more time on it, because if you investigate for five minutes, you'll find that Aimee is one of the favorite songwriters of your favorite songwriter -- male, female, or otherwise.
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
Pretty cozy.
It's pretty good. Didn't blow me away or anything.
I think Aimee Mann is a good song writer, I just can’t latch onto the style here. The style sounds like if you asked AI to generate an adult alternative song with female vocals.
Perhaps because of her aversion to major labels, I had never heard or considered Aimee Mann's solo work, but I'm very glad to have been introduced to this one! Though their backgrounds and career trajectories have differed, I felt some Mary Chapin Carpenter vibes. These songs are literate and heartfelt, and the poetry of Mann's lyrics is beautiful. "I've Had It," "4th of July" and "I Should've Known" are great.
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.
really love the instrumentals and the vocals, might listen to more songs and albums by Aimee Mann afterwards. fav songs were: I Should've Known, Say Anything, Mr. Harris and I Could Hurt You Now. really recommend.
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.
Formulaic, but it's a good formula. Couldn't helped but be charmed.
The first solo album of the lead singer of Til Tuesday. It still cracks me up that one of the best under the radar songwriters of my generation was also behind an 80s one hit wonder. Anyway, AM is a great artist who has flown under the radar her entire (solo) career. This is a great start, an excellent set of songs and an enjoyable listen overall. The production is VERY 90s. They said, oh, lady songwriter? Make it sound like this! And they did. Her later albums were stronger and felt closer to her own sound and voice. But again, great set of songs and an auspicious start to a strong career
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
Hmmm, I didn't know what to expect here. One of the first couple of tracks reminded me of something else and it took another song or so to figure out that I was thinking of "is it like today" by world party, which interestingly was released the same year as this album. At some point in the next song or so I went out to pack the car. Erm, I came back in. I couldn't tell you much about the things I heard when I did though. Listening harder, some of these lyrics are quite clever. But the music is pretty generically nice and dull and the tunes aren't jumping out at me. Her voice is nice. The instruments are nice. The songs are nice. It's all therefore fairly forgettable. I'm at track 10 and I'm off to put more stuff in the car... I mean, it carried on and I continued to not really care. Then it ended.
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
Can’t believe the average rating for this is so low. Yes, it’s simplistic pop rock but the hooks and melodies are immaculate and plentiful. Feels like a lot of the userbase on here seems to look down on stuff that’s too pop, whilst also looking down on anything that’s too “out there.”
Peak Jon Brion and very enjoyable.
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.
Aimee Mann walks a sharp line between pop rock polish and alt-rock bite on her debut, Whatever. Though I knew her later work—especially her contributions to Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia soundtrack—this album felt like an unexpected discovery. Even at its darkest, Mann offsets the weight with a brightness where result is a record that’s at once haunting, joyful, and consistently rewarding from start to finish.
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.
This was ok, but mostly generic background music.
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
Fun 90s listen
Not heard all of this before although I am a big admirer of some of Mann's later work. Excellent record, with distinctive sound and lyrical style already established. I ended up listening to this all the way through twice on the day, which kind of tells its own story. A top artist.
This album was ok. Nothing really stood out and made me love 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
If her voice had a bit more meat to it this would be in 5 star territory. Really liked this!
Not really my particular taste but good folk sounds.
She's good! 3.7
I didn't finish this album. Four tracks in, I got a pop album that means nothing to me. There are worse things out there, sure, but this here doesn't need to be on this list.
Different from her Til Tuesday music but I liked it, and the variety. She has a great voice.
It's pretty good stuff. 3.75/5
I don’t understand why this is an album I should hear before I die
I dunno. I wanted to like it. I didn’t like it.
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
It’s a bit boring 2.4
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
A more folk like Amy winehouse. Surprisingly good.
yep. whatever.
I really did not care for this when it began, but then it improved to my ears. When it's mid, it's forgettable 90s rock. When it is better, it has quite poetic lyrics with a sadness that is deeply relatable against quite basic but well-supportive rock tracks. The playing is clearly live, which I appreciate. Overall, not super moving but ok
6/10
Pretty inoffensive but never really got going for me. She was in the Big Lebowski though (and did the soundtrack for Magnolia) so that’s worth an extra star
Though perfectly alright, it never really stuck with me much
90s girl pop. Not my cup of tea but not terrible.
Meh! Will need to try again another time.
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
Yeah not for me.
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
Ugh love. Great production. Really like her voice. Honorable mention: Stupid thing
Artiste inconnue. Pop/rock plutôt agréable (+1) mais pas vraiment original, sauf quelques (trop) rares exceptions (Harmonie plus intéressante dans "Jacob Marley's Chain" par exemple). Par ailleurs je ne suis pas fan de l'accompagnement orchestral sur d'autres morceaux). Je n'y reviendrais donc pas. =>2/5
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
Twee.
sounds like a gilmore girls soundtrack
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.
Aimee Mann Great songwriting and production. I don’t love her voice though. Favorite was “Say Anything”. and “ I’ve Had It” The collaboration with Jon Brion fits so well with their voices and writing styles. I like beatlesque quirkiness of Way Back When.
Didnt really love it but it was kinda well done and refreshing. Super 90’s sounding. Didnt like her voice but the production was good. Say anything was kinda fun. 3.5
I think these melodies are horrific and I’m personally offended by the entire song of Mr. Harris
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.
The book of cinder? Unlikely
What a gem, listened to this twice!
Good songs from any album that was new to me
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.
Pretty boring. Might revisit as only gave it one listen through, but didn’t really grab me.
4/5
whatever by kate buchan
I really liked this. Aimee Mann hasn't really come across my desk before so it was a pleasant surprise! Will listen again.
It's Lilith Faire 1994 and I'm going home early.
Not really my thing, but I don't think I was the type to appreciate this to begin with.
Eh
Meh
Not for me. Can’t understand why this album made this list.
This just is not for me.
This was pretty enjoyable, but I tend to like most lilith fair artists. What I could do without is the casual sexism from the average reviewer on the platform. I've already got the impression that a decent chunk of people on the site are middle age men or closely approaching middle age, but come on guys try and listen to something written or sung by a woman I promise it's worth it
There are so many bad and just unnecessarily misogynistic takes here. It's not the best Aimee Man album, that's Bachelor No. 2, but it's still really solid.
Uf, difícil de escuchar. Sonido gringísimo, tiene "Estados Unidos" tallado en cada canción. Pop noventero de película de bajo presupuesto. Kinda boring and generic, there wasn't anything I enjoyed. Not particularly fond of her voice either.
Whatever, indeed.
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.
Dull
Smart lyrics but found it boring
"Whatever" is the first solo album by American singer-songwriter Aimee Mann (former and founding member of the band Til' Tuesday). Pop, rock and alternative rock are the Wiki-listed genres. Mann had to wait three years to release new material due to her Til' Tuesday record contract with Epic Records. The album was produced by former touring member of Til' Tuesday Jon Brion. Mann sang lead vocals and played bass, guitar and keyboards. Other contributing musicians on the album included Jon Brion (drums, percussion, bass, guitars, organs, synthesizers, keyboards, glockenspiel, kazoo, flute and vocals - Wow!), Michael Hausman (drums, percussion), Todd Nelson (guitar), Roger McGuinn (guitar), Jim Keltner (drums), Buddy Judge (guitars, vocals), Randy Brion ((trombone, euphonium), Mike Sutton (drums), Mike Breaux (oboe, bassoon), David Coleman (cello) and the Sid Sharp Strings). The album had positive reviews noted for hooky songs and evocative lyrics and, commercially, it did not meet sales expectations reaching #127 on the US Billboard 200. The album opens with "I Should Have Known." A weird guitar feedback and random drum intro lead to melodic rock with layered guitar riffs and an organ. Mann sings about the painful hindsight of a selfish partner. Snappy production and a poppy, catchy vocal chorus. A good pop/rock song. A country guitar with a twang is added to "Fifty Years After the Fair." Easy sounding. Guitar accents. Broken promises of the future. "4th of July" is a softer song with an acoustic guitar and a dreamy, lush backdrop with the mellotron and vibraphone. A melancholic reflection of watching a celebration while in despair. Mann unabashedly takes aim at another partner in "Stupid Things." Layered heartfelt Mann vocals. The music and song builds with layered guitars and noticeable drumming by Jim Keltner. The Sid Sharp Strings highlight "Mr. Harris." A tender ballad in which the protagonist goes after an older man regardless of criticism. Mann's vocals are exhausted in "I've Had It." A light marimba beat and bassoon. Buddy Judge add backing vocals and plays the bottles. The music on this album has excellent production, mixing and arrangements with layered and lush instrumentation and lots of instrumentation (guitars, horns, strings, synths, piano, keyboards, organ and percussion. Pop, rock, folk and ballads. Mann's alto vocals are clean, emotional, exhausted and strong. The lyrics cover breakups, broken promises, disappointments in partners, heartbreak, jerks, stupid men and heartbreak in relationships with men and the music industry. This album has high-level, exquisitely produced songs with poignant and sometimes acerbic lyrics highlighted by Aimee Mann's unique and intimate vocals. Highly recommended.
I get that the production is cool and Aimee Mann can write some catchy tunes, but this album just felt kinda meh and forgettable. It's well-made, for sure, but it's missing that special something, that real emotion or risk that other artists from the time had. Some tracks just sort of blend together, like coffee shop background music. It's decent, with some good songs here and there, but it didn't really do much for me. Compared to the raw energy of Ani DiFranco or Tori Amos or Fiona Apple, this felt a bit too safe and clean. It's a solid piece of 90s alt-pop, but it didn't stick around in my head.
How do you rate albums that you don’t hate but you know you’ll never listen to again? 2 seems fair…..whatever¯\(ツ)/¯
That's SO GOOD. i like her storytelling and sound of her voice. Guitar solos are diabolically awesome. 4 stars only because I can suit this album only to some specific moods and situations
This artist's name seemed familiar to me, but I didn't recognize any of the songs on this album. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it, it was calming and pleasant.
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.
good
I thought the beginning of the album had some ok songs, but the end was definitely a slog. This just isn’t really my type of music, but for 90s soft rock it was fine.
Nice twang and overall fine, but pretty average for this list
It’s ok but don’t know why it’s on this list
This album was... Fine. That's all. Not offensive, but also not particularly interesting. Unlikely to listen to any of it again.
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
Felt very much of its time
I have always liked Aimee Mann. This album was just pop enough for me to like it all the way through. I like her voice, songwriting and the production.
I enjoyed: “Say Anything” and a couple other tracks but this album was not particularly my vibe.
Groovy
Solid 90s vibe
Can't say that this stuck out as anything amazing
Whatever
The country comes through strong
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
Not a bad record, I'm just not that enthralled by her stuff. Again, at the risk of sounding really mean, I'm gobsmacked at some of the mediocre stuff that has made this list.
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
Aimee Mann gets way too much hate in these reviews, so I'm here to offer a controversial take: Aimee Mann sounds like a pop/rock version of Shania Twain. Not only are they similar vocally, but her songwriting... The lyrics, the melodies, the arrangements, it's all there. If you told me that this album was Shania Twain's attempt to write a pop/rock album under a pseudonym, I'd believe you. I personally think Shania Twain is a great songwriter, so this ticked a lot of those same boxes for me! One small gripe though: In the song "Way Back When", she sings: "They'll shoot you down like you was Al Capone". Al Capone was very famously arrested for tax evasion - he was never shot down.
This album has opening act on the B stage at Lilith Fair energy. I should've known...
This album grabs your attention early with a strong opening track, but it drops off after that. That being said, it's still a good album and is enjoyable, but as albums on this list go it is a little on the weaker side. I would be willing to check out more of Aimee Mann's work. Favorite track: "I Should've Known"
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.
I really liked this. It had elements of some of my favorite things about songwriters like Tom Petty and Elvis Costello, but with a style all its own. This is one I would come back to often I think. 4/5
Liked this more than I thought I would. It's pretty catchy and I liked the hooks. Good job, Aimee. 3.5/5
She is one of the most underrated artists of all time. I adore everything she does!
Favorite song: Jacob Marley’s Chain
Album name says it all
If you haven't lived through the evolution of music - the 60s, 70s, 80s....- you could well come to an album like this and find it to be very good. And you wouldn't be wrong. But to come to it for the first time after a lifetime of highly distinctive and ground breaking sounds it didn't seem to have much about it that's very innovative or unique. The production sound and arrangement of each track is excellent though. Quality. And a second listen was starting to win me over for sure. Mr Harris is a great track, for example.
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
Funny 'Whatever' is what I said after listening to this album. Not the artist that is going to make me like rock folk.
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
Always like Aimee Mann!
It was only legal to name your album “whatever” between 1991 and 1996 so Aimee got lucky she hit the sweet spot. This sounds like a debut album, certainly something there but the songwriting isn’t quite good enough to hold my interest, I skipped forward through a lot of songs at about the 2:30 mark. I honestly have no idea if this is supposed to be her masterpiece or if she peaks on her second or third album, I hope it’s the latter.
2.5 Didnt really pull me in and sounded a bit generic.
Have you ever wanted to listen to an entire album of 90s network sitcom theme songs? Very bland music. Vocals, songwriting, instrumentation and production are all just very safe and meh. 2/5
Very Sheryl Crow-ish. Not bad - a new discovery for me. I’d listen to more
Probably one of the most underrated artists
Catchy, interesting songs. Nice album.
Vocals very Susanne Vega like at times. Of course, Amie Manns voice on Time Stands Still pre-disposed me to like this. I like.
Really wanted to like this, and suspect that if I'd listened at the time I'd have been a fan, but coming in in 2026, I've heard a lot of this done better by other people. Sadly felt too AOR with awful guitar solos.
Track 1 "i should've known" - me gusto la cancion, pero me confunde. No termino de entender si es el tipo de cancion de la que me olvido a la semana o si me va a nacer querer escucharla. Me dio vibras a mañanas soleadas, definitivamente es una cancion que escucharia mientras cocino el desayuno. La outro me gusto mucho, siempre el efecto de la voz distorsionada bajo el agua (si se aplica bien) eleva la cancion para mi gusto. Comienzo normal. Track 2 "fifty years after the fair" ⭐️ - el riff de guitarra me atrapo. "We got decades ahead of us to get it right, i swear" damn. Hopecore o depressioncore??? "I live in tomorrow town" (same). "The damage we do by the hopes that we rise / but how beautiful it was, tomorrow / we'll never have a day of sorrow". Wow la letra. Puso en palabras poeticas cosas que yo no puedo. Track 3 "4th of july" ⭐️ - muy loco pensar que antes lo normal eran canciones de 3 casi 4 (o mas) minutos y las cortas eran de 2. Aimee Mann tiene un talento con las palabras. No cito partes de la letra pq toda esta letra es hermosa. Pone en palabras cosas que a mi me cuesta poner. Track 4 "could've been anyone" - "i lost my place in the sun / well, never mind / it could've been anyone". Noto repeticiones que hacen la cancion pegadiza. Esta bueno el mensaje, como que saca importancia sin minimizar los hechos. Dice "hiciste tal, intentaste mejorar pero pudo haber sido cualquoera", cualquiera puede hacerlo. Asi lo interprete yo. Track 5 "put me on top" - meh. Olvidable y no tengo comentarios. Track 6 "stupid thing" ⭐️ - uuuuh, esa intro con el instrumental chill me gusto. Bien dramatico el instrumental (en terminos de este album). Me gusta. Vibras de novia o casi algo desepcionada de un chabon con el que estuvo 2 o 3 meses, qn sabe igual pero esas vibras me da. El instrumental y la guitarra son joya. Track 7 "say anything" - mhm mhm, mas drama en el instrumental. "Say anything cause i've heard everything". La continuacion de stupid thing, estoy segura. Igual tira factos. Creo q no es una cancion que favorezca su voz, por momentos suena forzada? Es una miniminisa incomodidad que siento, gusto personal. Me gusta mas su voz en registros bajos, es hermosa. Y, personalmente, el instrumental me termino decepcionando cuando tomo ese rumbo full rock, no es mo gusto pero entiendo pq seria la cancion fav de alguien. Track 8 "jacob marley's chain" ⭐️ - buena guitarra, este es el registro de voz que me gusta en ella. ESTO ES LO QUE ESPERABA DEL INSTRUMENTAL DE SAY ANYTHING, GRACIAS. Que mierda es una cadena de jacob marley? No la entiendo pero por respeto al productor y compositor toma una estrella. Track 9 "mr harris" 🥀 - a ver, contame quien es mister harris. "His hair is white but he looks half his age /.../ and i might be stupid to think / love is love, but i do /.../ my mother's calling / she tries to tell me / a father figure must be what i want / i've always thought age made no difference" ......... Me estas incomodando, y sabe que te estoy juzgando con cariño (no). Terribles daddy issues. Igual same. Creo que esta cancion representa pq pintar algunas situaciones de forma mas poetica le hace un favor a la cancion. La letra es TAN literal y directa que incomoda. No me gusto para nada. (En serio le puso el apellido de su dilf a la cancion por dios) Track 10 "i could hurt you now" - shiver me timbers 🥶. Me burle y tiene buena intro. "This is for the time that i lost / the death of who i thought i was / the things in which i cannot believe / for fear i'll wear them on my sleeve", tiene talento describiendo traumas no superados o struggles. Track 11 "i know there's a word" ⭐️ - me gusta el titulo, a ver si le hace justicia. Le hizo justicia. Todo lo que tengo que decir. Track 12 "i've had it" ⭐️ - LA PERCUSION Y EL PIANO. SI, GRACIAS. Em la letra? Gracias por ponerte a describir sentimientos en lugar de a un viejo. Track 13 "way back when" 🥀 - final debil. Demasiado feliz comparado a lo que venia hablando? Siento que quiso hacer shock value por contraste. Hay algunos efectos en el instrumental que hacen sentir a la cancion infantil, sobre todo al final. Por que esta el efecto de sonido de escape de tom y jerry??? Rompe con todas las emociones y experiencias adultas de las que venia hablando, pero estaria bien si la "infantilizacion" del track hubiese sido mejor. No me gusto Siento que a su voz le quedan mejor las valadas en registro bajo con toques agudos que no esten en foco protagonista. Describe muy bien algunas cosas... otras no... me gusta cuando habla de intentar superar, de no poder superar, de vivir en el momento. Se nota que es algo que piensa mucho por la forma en la que describe las sensaciones y sus pensamientos. Me gusto, no me parece la gran cosa el album. A su vez no es un genero que me guste mucho. Definitivamente es pop rock, no pop. Thats it.
7/10
Honestly couldn’t get through this
Aimee Mann is an artist I didn't give much attention when this album came out (which may have been the year I was most actively connected to new music in my life, tbh). Her lyrics are good, but the supporting music failed to really catch me...
Not really enjoying Aimee's vocals. There are some lovely instrumental arrangements but honestly, Aimee's voice drowns a lot of them out. But ya know, Whatever.
Nice voice and some good lyrics.
She's over-bored, and self-assured
Aimee Mann's Whatever? The title says it all. This album is musical shrug personified, polite, competent, instantly forgettable throwaway pop-rock that evaporates the moment it ends. After one listen, I finally get why her CDs turn up so reliably in the dollar bins at every flea market and thrift store across America: nobody's holding onto them.
364/1089 - I sorta knew Voices Carry before going into this and wasn't looking forward to it based off of that. After listening: pretty standard competent pop rock. Not sure why it's on the list.
If I could give this negative stars I would
Good but nothing really memorable for me.
If someone asked what 1993 sounded like
Ikke for meg…
Beaucoup trop américain, j'ai l'impression de regarder une série TV
LOVED the first track and was convinced this would be a 5 but it really fell off in the middle :(
Meh not my vibe but nothing terrible
None of her most popular songs on an album by an artist I’ve never heard of. With good reason
Aimee does a great job on her debut solo album. I hate to reduce artistic expression by using the word craft, but equally it would seem egregious not to acknowledge just how well these songs are crafted. The later half of the 80s spent with ‘Til Tuesday meant she knew what she was doing by the time of Whatever. That experience, and not being afraid to read a book every now and then, provides us myriad atypical points of view within these accomplished tunes. Chuck in some melodies for your memory bank and you’ve got a solid start to the journeyed career that was to follow.
Decent enough
I enjoyed it at the time but really couldn’t remember much of it after. Maybe it needs another listen.
2/5 Didn’t find this album all too memorable or interesting.
7/10 Best songs: I Should've Known, Stupid Thing, Say Anything, Jacob Marley's Chains, I Could Hurt You Now A singer-songwriter from slightly before Lilith Fair who I've heard of before but never listened to. Located somewhere between folk, country, and alt rock, but done well - not just guitar, but a great backup band. That being said, the album kind of sounds like every other album from this period, albeit a bit stronger and with some really great moments here and there (harmonies & guitar solo in Say Anything, etc). I wonder if Mann is attributed to be a founding member of this type of music? Hmm. Anyways, I do think this is a very solid debut.
Extremely 90s. This was not for me. But she's talented.
Maybe I'm just too whimsical, but I hoped this album would lower my average score (4.0 at the time of writing). But I kinda liked it a little. Giving it a 3 because I still don't like pop all to much. Writing away my high average score due to small sampling bias.
boring
Well, I heard it, I didn't die, though there were moments in this one where I didn't care if I did. Maybe the most perfectly named album ever. Bo-ring. Just nothing really memorable here, and her voice does nothing for me. I don't usually get annoyed by lyrics that rhyme, but for some reason here it gets on my nerves.
Love me some Aimee Mann, but I think I prefer other works of hers to this.
It was alright and had its moments, but the entire just made me want to go listen to Jagged Little Pill instead.
So very 00s or 90s rom com filler songs
Just entertaining Rock!
This sounds like phoebe from friends
It's exactly that: whatever
The Good: Excellent catchphrase! The Bad: That it refers to the artist attitude while recording this album. The Ugly: Wha’evah… I had a bumper sticker that read Whatever when this album came out… I loved that bumper sticker… I did not love this album. As a matter of fact, while listening to this all I could think about was what the fuck am I listening to, and why is this fucking album on the list? 2026 has not started off with a bang for me, that’s for sure, as, as this is the third album where I am struggling to wonder if it is worth more than 1*… Why is this on the list? Nothing on it made it special… worse, I can’t seem to find it on any top list mentioned. If you head to udiscover.com and check out their top 71 albums for 1993 then you will find 71 albums I’d rather be listening to than this shit… Guess that’s the nail in the coffin for Aimee… 1*
Is dit een popalbum? Of een poprock album? De vocals van Aimee zijn best wel prima, muzikaal is het allemaal niet heeeeeel spannend maar opzich wel vermakelijk. Ik irriteer me voor geen meter aan de zang, en het is instrumentaal gezien gewoon totaal niet aanstootgevend ofzo. Dit is voor mij wel een beetje een beige album, voor zover dat kan natuurlijk. Een album dat zonder enkele problemen gedraaid word in de H&M, de Primark en elke andere tent die gewoon niet al te aanstootgevend wilt zijn. Ja nee, album afgeluisterd en er springt niet echt iets uit. Ik heb iets als FAVO opgeslagen wat ik op het moment ook echt wel leuk vond, maar eerlijk? Ik zou het nummer niet kunnen herkennen als je er nu weer 5 af zou spelen. Het is allemaal niet zo spannend, maar gewoon wel prima. FAVO: Say Anything
sympa 3*
eh, I really wanted to like this more but it was just kinda disappointing I liked could've been anyone but the other songs kind of just blurred together I like this style of music usually but this just wasnt the best example of it 2.7 stars 5.4/10
This sucked. It’s like Mistki or Weyes Blood if they were bad and couldn’t keep a tune. Boring songs and even more boring instrumentals. I had trouble finishing this album and had to skip a few songs because I just couldn’t take listening to the same thing over and over again. The music wasn’t unlistenable I’m sure people like this but man is it unimpressive.
While I liked it better than I expected, I still feel rather 'Whatever' about the album as a whole.
Totally fine but I’m perplexed by the acclaim.
It was ok, but forgettable. I can’t really think of much to say about it. Favorite song: Mr. Harris
Добро качество на записа Яко драма Не може да пее като цяло
I'm more of a Liz Phair gal
At first I thought this was decent though very middle of the road and “safe” but it’s actually pretty joyous.
Solid songwriting and voice, but at a 3.5, I’m swinging this down to a 3.
A low 3, in my opinion. It was fine, but the album seems to be aptly named.
This was quite dull. Some singer-songwriter albums are fantastic, but many fall into the traps of songs that sound the same and forgettable lyrics. "Stupid Thing" was the highlight, but everything else blended together. I've heard some things from Aimee Mann before that I enjoyed, but this album was not it.
Pleasant Competant singer songwriter stuff. With nice melodies and a few good lines.
Not bad, singer songwriter vibes but her voice isn’t anything special
Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill blew everything up in 1995, but by 1993 standards, there's some pretty edgy female singer-songwriter stuff here. I think that's important context. This record shows a remarkable range of songwriting for a woman who would have had that range closely monitored (at best) or heavily restricted (at worst) by an industry that only wanted to hear a certain perspective from women. Fortunately for Aimee, her "razor-sharp" lyrics are nestled into "sunny, surreal melodies" which make them a little more palatable for a wider audience (shoutout Rolling Stone for those descriptors). Some of this feels a little dated now, but songs like "Fifty Years After The Fair", "Stupid Thing", or "I Could Hurt You Now" sound exactly like what you'd expect from a pop-rock album in 1993. And you also get 'acoustic guitar music' like "4th Of July" and "I Know There's A Word", piano music like "Mr. Harris", and blush worthy double entendres like "Put Me On Top" (nope, Aimee swears it's not actually about that!). There's even some horns on "Way Back When"! That said, it's difficult to pick out an obvious radio banger, and that probably held this album back. Overall, this is an impressive debut solo album worth of the praise it gets (and probably more), and I say that as someone who's definitely not a singer-songwriter person. "I Should've Known" "4th Of July" "Put Me On Top" "Stupid Thing" "I Know There's A Word"
Belanglos
Ugh. I think I was born 5 years too late to get any enjoyment out of this. Aimee Mann is fine but she’s really not for me. Never liked her. This whole album sounds like covers of Wings songs. Also I’ve never been sure if the piano player on Ally MacBeal was or wasn’t Aimee Man. Two stars.
Really enjoyed this one. Unknown to me, but definitely my sort of thing
This is a remarkably accomplished debut album that introduces the world to an incredible singer-songwriting talent in former Til Tuesday lead singer Aimee Mann. Because this is her debut, it still hangs on to some of the new wave stylings of her former band, interspersing those with the adult alternative ballideering that would become her calling card. It's not groundbreaking, but its hard not to marvel at the terrific songwriting and incisive lyrics.
i defer to the title to explain my review
i mean yeah, whatever, pretty bland innit i mean we have other talented female musicians like, theres a lot of kate bush and patti smith and fiona apple and tori amos on the list and we need some other talented woman and gender non conforming musicians in the next few editions of the list. 3/5
The listening equivalent of the tatt in my mother-in-law’s house.
Yay finally not a man's album!
149/1089 definitely giving me a pop-rock Weyes Blood vibe which i enjoy quite a bit. An album I’ve had a good time listening to and will definitely come back to at some point faves: I’ve Had It, Way Back When, I Could Hurt You Now, Say Anything, Stupid Thing, Could’ve Been Anyone, Fifty Years After The Fair 79/100
A primeira música é fixe, o resto eu não gostei sorry 💔 não é para mim
This is not really for me, but I feel like Aimee Mann is probably so cool.
*Solid singer/songwriter album *Very 90s sound but that's not a bad thing
the lord is testing me
3,4. Good highs for me, some underwhelming sounds. A 4 for the lyricism. Great writer!
90's pop rock. The opening track grabbed me a little, but I quickly became bored with this album. Pity as I really wanted to like this album . Good voice and overall good production but nothing worth remembering
I enjoyed this album, decided what I'd rate it and looked up other reviews. Still sticking to mine.
Not for me.
I've always kinda dug Aimee Mann but this is the first album I've listened to of hers. I like it but it's not something I would porbably put on. She is clearly talented but it just doesn't seem to be music for me. Glad to have listened to the album.
Did I really need to hear this before I died? Maybe not. It's mediocre, standard pop (edging on pop rock) of its age. Incredibly samey. Listenable, but mostly forgettable.
no comments, meh
Just didn’t speak to me. Bit too mainstream and wasn’t keen on her boice
Not convinced at first but got caught by her voice and melodies, consistant throughout the album
Certainly not bad, but of the wave of 90s female solo artists on here, this is one of the less memorable in my mind. 2.5.
not really made for me Will I listen to again: 0%
nah it's like normal but it's good btw
Did not finish. Aimee obviously has a nice voice and the album is fiiiiiiiine... but not for me. I was about 5 songs in and I realized nothing had stuck out to me at all. Sometimes you just have to give a skip.
Music I’d expect from a nine toed woman that likes lingonberry pancakes
This is fairly tepid, non-committal pop. I have no idea why this is in the list.
You know that once scene in cars where Mac is driving on the highway and the fun cars pull up and play music and its like slow jazz or something and Mac gets tired and goes "Sleepy tunes"? That is how I would describe this album. SO boring.
Her til' tuesday days are forgiven. A formidable songwriter.
Not my scene really. Well made and all
5710
Solidt men lidt generisk, lyder meget 90'er. God stemme
Jeg kan egentlig ret godt lide Aimee Mann, det her er måske den mindst gode plade jeg har hørt fra hende (og den der lyder mest som om alle mulige kunne have lavet den)
Pretty easy listening. I enjoyed it.
There's some talent there but overall the singer and the recordings are really unpolished and sound like it all needs much more work. The songs were a bit generic.
There is something about this is just not great that I can't quite put my finger on 2.5*
Reading some of the reviews here you’d think Aimee Mann was personally responsible for the fly in their beer. This is above average pop-rock. The production reminded me of Fiona Apple so I looked it up- yup! Same guy. This isn’t the best album I’ve heard from this project but it’s fine. THREE STARS
Not thr type of music that resonates with me. I am sure her fans enjoy it too the fullest!
This is a fairly generic pop rock album. It was pleasant enough, but I don’t expect to remember any of the songs a week from now.
The first song was pretty catchy but I turned it off after 2 or 3. Maybe my own fault for not giving it a chance but here we are
Do I give this two stars because it sounds like the soundtrack to a high school show, or one star because according to Wikipedia Elvis Costello is a fan? One star it is
1993 fue el año de Sheryl Crow, pero debería haberlo sido el de Aimee Mann, con mucha mayor calidad en todos los sentidos (al menos no robaba canciones a sus compañeros). Ya después vendría el huracan Alanis, y aún más el de Fiona Apple, pero eso es otra cosa. Aquí nos encontramos con un buen disco de Rock. Desde la soberbia inicial I should´ve Known hasta el luminoso final con Way back when, pasando por esa joya que es Fifty Years After the Fair, nada menos que con Roger McGuinn. Put me on top y I Could Hurt You Now son buenos ejemplos de su buena mano compositiva. I´ve had it es otra de las mejores. Me gustan más Gillian Welch y sobre todo Neko Case pero Aime las mira de frente no por debajo, sobre todo desde su aportación a Magnolia. Las referentes podrían ser Chrissie Hynde o Bonnie Raitt, y eso no es poca cosa. Un disco por el que no pasa el tiempo, es más cada día envejece mejor.
Don’t see what’s so great about it
Pleasant but forgettable