Whatever

It's okay. Decent first track but fades a bit from then on. Was quite optimistic when it came up, as Aimee Mann sang on Rush's Time Stand Still, but i can't fathom the reason for it being on the list. Feels generic.

01) I Should've Known - 7,0 02) Fifty Years After the Fair - 6,5 03) 4th of July - 7,0 04) Could've Been Anyone - 7,0 05) Put Me on Top - 6,5 06) Stupid Thing - 7,0 07) Say Anything - 6,5 08) Jacob Marley's Chain - 6,0 09) Mr. Harris - 6,0 10) I Could Hurt You Now - 6,0 11) I Know There's a Word - 5,5 12) I've Had It - 6,5 13) Way Back When - 5,5 14) Nothing - / TOTAL: 6,38 (64/100) Current ranking: 534/740

I’ve been obsessed with Aimee Mann since she was the lead singer of ‘Til Tuesday and featured on the Rush song Time Stand Still in 1987. Aimee Mann is one of the great but underrated pop songwriters of the late 20th/early 21st centuries and this is a wonderful solo debut. But it is not her best work. For that, please check out the Magnolia soundtrack and Bachelor, No. 2 released in 1999-2000. 4⭐️

pretty average 90s American singer songwriter fair. Nothing special about this at all.

Best Song: Say Anything. I liked the falsetto in the chorus. Worst Song: I Know There's A Word. Excruciatingly slow and sleepy. Overall: In the history of albums that exist, this was certainly one of them. Nothing of note, either good or bad. I can already feel myself forgetting this.

She kinda lost me on the softer tracks, but a couple of the out and out rockers were cool. Favorite track: I Should've Known

This album is painfully early 90s girl power indie pop rock. Less of an "edge" than Fiona Apple or PJ Harvey, but almost indistinguishable from Cheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, or Natalie Imbruglia. So is it good? Well, it's not *my* cup of tea. There are some catchy songs, in an early 90s poppy sort of way. It veers dangerously close to country a few times with some shitty slide guitar, but overall, it doesn't make me angry. Yet another album that isn't bad, per se, but I cannot understand why it made it into this project. 2.5 stars.

Joni Mitchell of the 90s

> The Beatles

The title says it all, really.

Can definitely tell she tried with this one. Quality is very up and down throughout the album.

Really unremarkable. I could have happily died without listening to it...

P4

“Whatever” is a very apt title. It is inoffensive pop. A bit bland at times, nothing is too exciting. It’s clear that Aimee Mann is a good songwriter and a talented musician, but this album lacks edge. She plays it very safe here. My first girlfriend loved Aimee Mann, so I was familiar with this album. I remember thinking that it was just “okay” then and my opinion hasn’t changed all these years later. She does have far better albums than this though. After my first time getting laid, my then girlfriend put on an Aimee Mann record, so I suppose I associate Aimee’s voice with happy times. I think it’s okay to allow personal feelings and experiences to impact the rating I give to these records, so I think 3/5 is fair.

I think I've literally said 'Gilmore Girls music' before but this is some shit Rory Gilmore would listen to - that being said I liked it

No standout, but not too bad

Say Anything and Jacob's Chain are decent sounding tracks, the rest is kind of generic. I guess there's a reason why I've never heard of Aimee Mann despite growing up in this time period and listening to a lot of music. 2/5

they just dont make music for middle aged women like they used to

My first impression of this album was that it was on the enjoyable side of bland overall. At the time it was released, it would have provided a sunnier feel than much of the grunge-dominated airwaves of the period, which I would have welcomed. But taken out of that context, it sounds very much of its time in a way that most truly great albums transcend. With that said, though, it's not bad music, and I'll give this another few listens to see what I missed on the first run through.

I find Aimee Mann slightly frustrating. She has some stunningly good ones, most notably the ones featured on the soundtrack to "Magnolia". A full album of songs as good as "Save Me", "Wise Up", and her covet of "One" would be an easy 5 stars and one of the best singer-songwriter releases of the 90s. Like many people that was my introduction to Aimee Mann, as well as her producer and collaborator, Jon Brion. Unfortunately, I've never quite found anything as good as those songs, though I'm always hopeful. It's a familiar story listening to her debut album "Whatever". It's a solid debut but it just doesn't grab me the way I hoped it might, the way she's capable of. Maybe there are better albums for me to explore. Maybe this another missed opportunity in this list to have included a better album from a great artist. Having said all of that, it's still a good album. I just wanted more.

This was alright. Worth a listen and some nice vocals. Not sure it warrants a repeat though.

She's no Cheryl Crow, and I don't care too much for Cheryl Crow.

Sounds like something my dad would put on during a road trip to appease my mom after 5 straight Bob Seeger or Jason Isbel albums. Thought it would be a bit more country after the first track but turned out to be mostly 90's soft poprock. It was a fine and easy listen. 6/10

Not bad, not essential. Reminds me of Sheryl Crow, Heather Nova, etc. Not as successful, from the same time, not different enough.

did enjoy this style of music

Yeah it’s generic as fuck, any song could be the theme song or a B-Reel song for just about any melodramatic teen show in the 90s, but to be fair, there was a LOT of that coming out in the 90s. I don’t question this albums place on the list, but it is an incredibly average album.

Not my favourite album. Sounded like very personal story telling, but it didn't resonate with me musically or lyrically. I enjoyed having it on in the background though.

I thought this was bland and inoffensive, there was little to keep me interested. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it doesn’t excite me in any meaningful way.

Meh

Bit harsh to call this "mum rock" when it was written and performed by A. Mann

Good vibes Girl core Love songs Chill

Liked it more than I expected to, but tbf I wasn't expecting much.

Ikke noe for meg, egentlig.

Sounds like 90s films. Better than most singer songwriters I've been given so far

This is one of the best albums you've never heard. Aimee Mann (of Til Tuesday fame) is a really great song writer. The songs usually tell a story and have a great hook. She has a nice voice. "Stupid Thing" was a stand out track for me.

Not amazing but a couple interesting moments (shout out unexpected organ). Lacks any true wow moments but I can see why PTA collabed with her for Magnolia. In 93 this may have been fresh but due to the sheer amount of late 90s early 2000’s singer/songwriter alt rock bloat that followed this album (and surpassed) I give it a 2.5/5

it sounded like the soundtrack of friends

If you asked me to highlight an album that precisely defines middle-of-the-road pop-rock, this is the one I would point to. I've seen the artist mentioned alongside the likes of Sheryl Crow and Meredith Brooks, but to my mind, both of those singers have an exciting quality to their voices that this artist cannot match. The album is inoffensive and pleasant enough to listen to, but the title really sums up my feelings toward all the numbers it contains.

This was sort of enjoyable honestly. Very hooky and melodic, sardonic lyricism, right at home in 1993. Sounds like a more alternative Sheryl Crow (although I guess both debuted around the same time). I don't know how many of these tracks would've been worthy as a single, however. There seems to be an even mix of jangly/upbeat with slower, more emotional ballads. Fine enough for a one-time listen.

me senti muito adolescente nos anos 00 assistindo um filme bem teen ouvindo essa. gostei da vibe.

Tough one to rate, I like her voice, I just don't know if it's the musical style, or lyrical content, but it drags it down a bit for me.

Pleasant listen. A bit forgetful.

Classic gaming man. Didn’t love. It. Certainly didn’t hate it. I love her voice.

Not terrible but pretty unremarkable, won't be listening to that again even if I didn't hate it.

This had ups and downs for me. I liked I should've known and stupid thing. The rest was Meh

Aimee always reminds me of Houmous & Chutneys famous album Companee Librariann. 2.5 4/13 Could’ve Been Anyone

Just ok. While very creative, not really resonating with me.

This was an enjoyable but fairly unexciting listen. The songs are melodic, carefully crafted, and well-produced. It feels like a lot of thought went into the construction of the songs and the production - the balance of instruments, when to have a bridge, when to have a solo, etc. I think I might have preferred something more raw. Saying that, it sounds like she'd dealt with some "stuff" in her earlier, noisier bands, and by this stage, in her thirties, she was embracing her skill and maturity as a writer. I liked a couple of tracks that reminded me of Suzanne Vega. Some of the melodic choices also made me think of Sheryl Crow, although I note this album preceded Tuesday Night Music Club. I'm glad to have heard it, and would happily listen to more of her output. Three seems slightly mean as it's objectively very good, but I wasn't really moved. I'm aware that my threes and fours aren't very consistent!

Boooooooooring.

#744. Pretty forgettable. This is like an opening act for Lilith Fair. 2/5: meh

Bland.

A country album.

started good, got worse

I mean it’s good music but it was a bit too dull for my tastes.

Didn’t think I liked it, but I managed to listen to the album three consecutive times before noticing. I’ll round up from the 3.5 to give it a 4.

Pretty standard early 90s rock album and thats a good thing! There are enough production techniques and ideas that the album feels pretty exciting. It's a bit long, love those 90's CD lengths, but all in all a very solid album

Favorite Track: Jacob Marley’s Chain

Piano heavy slow alt-emo rock from 90s. Good but songs are a little meandering.

feels like it gets repetitive after 4th song

An engaging opening, and album to listen through speakers rather than headphones. The lyrics feel well written and the music is nice jangly 90s indie guitar band pop. However something didn't quite connect as much as it felt it ought to.

Didn’t really grab me tbh. High 2

Well produced, well written, well performed power pop. Missing a standout song to make it a truly good album.

It just happens sometimes, where a vocalist's style doesn’t click with a particular listener. There isn’t much Aimee Mann could have done to win me over. That aside though, the impact of pop rock has to come from the kinetic energy generated between the band and the sugary vocals, but nothing jumps out. I find the elaborate storytelling elements curious but not compelling. It’s all a bit tepid.

Going for a very low 3, Can’t quite give it a 2 as it feels well written and quite listenable, But nothing grabs me at all

Highs and lows

Good tunes, honest hard working songs. But, production falls a bit flat. Generic 1990s stadium rock sounds with some tinges of sincere songwriter efforts. Its good music. Not neccessarily a bad album. Just, for what Aimee Mann is praised for its not all there. I did love her vocal features on Time Stands Sill by Rush. Fuck yeah

Good

Pleasant enough for background listening, but not something I'd jump to play again. The songs aren't particularly distinct or memorable, very "chill hangout" type of music. Lower-range female vocals, acoustic vibes, somewhere between pop and grunge.

“Whatever” sums up my feelings toward this album.

This was okay, Jacob Marley’s Chain stood out as a bit more interesting than many of the other songs. I’ll say 2.5 rounded to 3 stars, I wouldn’t walk away if someone put it on.

This what they mean by "Adult Contemporary" right?

Originally wrote something sassy, but after reading other reviews for the album on this site, decided there is enough negativity being thrown around. Ultimately, I found the music a bit too "safe" and the lyrics not particularly insightful, clever or moving. While I'm not going to listen to it again, this is a totally fine example of the 90s singer-songwriter sound.

A crucial influence on Natalie Imbruglia and Avril Lavigne, probably. Does this really need to be here?

Yeah....a bit meh.

I appreciated the lyrical growth of this album.

Nice voice, but why is this here?

Y’a pas grand chose de spécial, mais après les daubes des dernières semaines, un ptit album pop rock franc et honnête, c’est ça qui me fallait

Some of these other reviews are calling everyone out as misogynists and sexist. But as a white female who was a teen in the 90s and grew up in a wealthy family, I'm gonna call this shit out for what it truly is: Rich, white girl, 90s-teen-tv-show background music. It's AWFUL!! The cover was more promising than the first 10 seconds of this album. All black clothes, Doc Martens, "whatever".... I thought for sure I was in for some good Grunge or Alternative. NOPE! If you like the Friends theme song, you might love this album. Track 10: I Could Hurt You Now is the only redeemable song of the album. If you want GOOD 90s teen white girl music, please check out Mazzy Star, Jewel, The Cranberries, Natalie Imbruglia, etc.

Decent album. Probably nothing I'll revisit.

Poprilično cmizdrav i monoton album s nedovoljno uzbudljivih elemenata da opravda postojanje na ovoj listi.

Vocal genérico e instrumental trivial. Disco dispensável!

popzão noventista com guitarra né nada revolucionário, mas achei bem de boa, até gostosinho em alguns momentos

pop rock noventista bem normalzinho. nada demais, mas dá pra ouvir tranquilim! nao eh exatamente MEMORÁVEL também, mas faz o trabalho e eh isso.

As a white male in his 40’s I suppose I fit the demographic for Radio 2. Which is what exactly this album does. It’s an inoffensive pop record. Exactly the type of songs that would be played to take us to the 11.00 news. Middle of the road. It’s very well put together and Aimee Mann has a great voice, but I couldn’t help feel that overall there was something lacking. A solid middle of the road 3 out of 5 for me. Standout track - Stupid Thing

Great voice, clever lyrics, but sonically doesn't really go any place interesting.

At times this was really nice and felt like a hidden gems. At other times it just sort of sounded generic and uninteresting

Banal lyrics sung by flat whiney vocals to wandering aimless melodies - this whole album sounded like a toddler singing nonsense to a tune they are making up as they go along.

Watched a superb film in which Aimee Mann provided the soundtracks to last night. Soundtrack was unfortunately better and would’ve got her a fiver. This was still excellent though. Simpsons: Yes

It's just a very generic sound. There is nothing really here that got me excited, I have already forgotten about it.

One of those albums that was pleasant to listen to but I got to the end and forgot what I’d listened to really. Nothing negative, nothing massively positive.

Aimee Mann didn't mean anything to me at first. While browsing through her discography, I noticed that a dear friend had given me one of her CDs many years ago. At the time, I listened to it briefly. Nothing stuck in my memory. And that's how it is with the album. Nice but insignificant. I probably won't listen to it again. 3/5

No. 316/1001 I Should've Known 3/5 Fifty Years After The Fair 3/5 4th of July 4/5 Could've Been Anyone 3/5 Put Me On Top 3/5 Stupid Thing 3/5 Say Anything 4/5 Jacob Marley's Cain 4/5 Mr. Harris 3/5 I Could Hurt You Now 4/5 I Know There's a Word 3/5 I've Had It 3/5 Way Back When 3/5 Average: 3,31 Really pleasant listen.

I enjoyed it, I just can’t justify a 4… I wish I could half point

Sux

We get this but no Sarah McLachlan. Bummer. 2/5

I really enjoyed it on a second listen. I like the cover art as well. Not sure what exactly it does unique to warrant a spot on the listen but still enjoyed my time listening. Rating: 3.3

Lilith Fairy. Would listen again. Hadn’t ever listened before. Solid 3.

Excellent songwriting, of course, but I also love how well she fuses the 90s rock ethos with Magical Mystery Tour circus sounds. I previously only knew one album by Mann and on this one I heard some Laura Nyro-like arrangements that honestly shouldn’t work but manage to sound great. I just wish she dug into more of that funky intro on “Could’ve Been Anyone.”

I found it interesting that I was enjoying this album. I think a lot of it was a feeling of nostalgia though, as it really feels like a top 40 pop album from the 90s.

Au das dut minere musikalische Zukunft ned viel zueträäge und dementsprechend wirds au grad wider küblet. Viel besser als das gester, aber immerno uf de nervige siite. Whatever, Aimee

Easy simple büez. Fast chli early 2000 female pop artist uf viva oder mtv flash backs. Sehr guet isches natürli au nöd gsi. 3 whatevers

Gear: Dunu SA6 Artwork: 👱‍♀️🪦🤷🏼‍♀️ Production: 🧼🧻🤷🏼‍♀️ Music: 🍭🫧🤷🏼‍♀️ Rating: 🤷🏼‍♀️/5

Another one, I’d never heard of. I knew Aimee Mann, but never gave her much of a listen. Some really nice tracks on this one, but probably not one I’ll spin on a regular basis, if I’m being honest.

(3) very kat stratford

3.5 not for me, but solid for her genre

Good.

Nope

This isn't bad...it is just very dated. You can imagine hearing this playing over the speakers at Central Perk during an episode of 'Friends'. I've listened to other Aimee Mann music and this seems like a poor introduction to her music. I'd prefer some Til Tuesday stuff. 2/5

The queen of cynical detachment. She captured a moment, and it was great.

netter singer-songwriter-rock mit toller stimme.

Eine positive Überraschung, sicher nicht das letzte mal gehört!

Looks Aimee Mann’s ‘Whatever’ is better than I thought it would be, and there’s some good songs with hooks on here, but it falls flat a bit for me as well. I can’t quite pinpoint it. It’s pleasant, the songs and playing are both solid, and yet… it’s kind of lacking something?

"Whatever" indeed....

I wasn't expecting to like this album, but felt it was surprisingly solid

Me gusta , recuerda la música de la época esa

No me gusta mucho Aimee Mann. De lo que conozco de ella me parece que esto es lo mejor, pero para mi es un punto medio. Me parece que es una buena compositora pop, pero al mismo tiempo siempre pensé en ella como una Tori Amos con menos talento. Las melodías y las canciones están, pero hay algo, que tal vez sea su ejecución vocal, que se me hace muy normalito. Las canciones de este disco son temas que pienso que podría escuchar en una serie norteamericana de los 90s o primeros años de los 90s, onda Dawson Creek, Scrubs, Smallville o Gilmore Girls, todas series que no me gustan mucho (excepto Scrubs. Aguante Scrubs!) y que por eso no vi enteras. Pero tienen esa vibra, ¿no?: El chico está enamorado de la chica y por fin va a invitarla a salir, pero justo se encuentra con el campeón de football de la preparatoria que le dice a sus amigos que la va a invitar él. Desdichado, nuestro protagonista piensa "Claro, él es para ella. Nunca me prestará atención a mi" y se va, bajo la lluvia, mientras suena esta canción. Y mientras suena el camarógrafo cambia a la chica, que mira una foto del chico, mordiéndose los labios "ojalá que me invite a bailar", etc. Es todo en esa dimensión. Y a mi me cuesta un poco tomármelo en serio. La diferencia con una Tori Amos, es que la tipa le pone una profundidad a las letras que acá ni siquiera comienza a vislumbrarse. Y se nota también en la nula emoción que Aimee Mann manifiesta cuando canta. Es muy perfecta siempre. Yo quiero escuchar dolor, alegría, esperanza en la voz. Algo más que exceda la mera técnica. Las canciones son bastante distintas, con arreglos heterogéneos, pero no puedo superar esa imagen que evoqué antes. Las mejores canciones son Could've Been Anyone, Say Anything, Mr. Harris, Way Back When... creo que tienen algo beatlesco que las eleva por sobre otras canciones. Hay calidad ahí. Eso es lo que no veo tanto en los otros discos que escuché de ella. Y temas como Stupid Thing o I Know There's a Word son todo lo que no me gusta de este tipo de música. Empecé a escribir como para ponerle un tres, pero a medida que fui escribiendo me di cuenta que este disco está más para un dos. Puede trepar a un tres si las canciones me empiezan a gustar un poco más, pero por ahora me aburre mucho como para ponerle más nota.

Nice voice. The second half of the album was the best.

This is an album. Not bad, nothing spectacular. Aimee Mann just reminds me of the Portlandia skit she's in.

5/10

4/10 Favorite: Stupid Thing

Sure, not bad. This is more produced than I remember.

Enjoyed this

Got to the 5th song and realized there's nothing here. It makes me angry to listen to with how bland it is. Absolutely should not be on this list. 2.5/10 (1.25/5)

I liked it more than I thought I would! I’ve never listened to her music, but it made me feel nostalgic. Sounds like something I would have listened to in middle school.

Would listen to this again while cleaning or lifting.

Didn't mind listening at all. Very comfort 90s

Didn't really vibe with this. Not bad but probably wouldn't go back.

Whatever is a confident solo debut that shows off Aimee Mann’s sharp songwriting and knack for melody, even if the album does not always stay consistent. Songs like “I Should’ve Known” and “Say Anything” stand out with their strong hooks and lyrical bite, giving a clear sense of her style. The production is very early 90s, polished but not overly flashy, letting her voice and lyrics stay at the center. The downside is that some tracks blur together and lack the spark of the highlights. It feels like an album that is still figuring itself out, with moments of brilliance alongside safer, less memorable stretches. Still, Mann’s writing voice comes through clearly, and you can hear the foundation of the artist she would become. Whatever may not be essential from start to finish, but it has enough strong material to make it worth a listen.

so i happen to be one of the only people out here who LOVES this kind of michelle branch sheryl crow-esque 90s female "mom rock" type music and this is full of bouncy, fun music that really evoke a time in my life when i was young in the backseat of my mom's car listening to this kind of stuff on the daily. i fear a lot of my deep love for some of this music comes from an appreciation that i had very young, when nothing was "cringe" or "bad" just because it was catchy and a little repetitive. it's got a stars hollow vibe, and i don't even like gilmore girls but i wouldn't be surprised if they licensed a lot of this for the show? a quick google shows it didn't but posthumously made it onto a soundtrack of some sort, so i'll take this as my being psychic. i think a lot of the reviews are kind of mean, this is definitely a product of it's time but it's an excellent pull from a very specific moment in the 90s, in my opinion. just better overall than most of the contemporaries, but if you don't jive with that kind of music, you're going to hate it and think it's boring. that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve it's place! i feel like it's a precursor to a lot of current female artists, too. obviously, looking at the cover, i first thought of phoebe bridgers and boygenius (the bleached white-blonde hair and doc marten's kind of give that vibe to me) but when you boil it down, a lot of our late 2010's to current young female singer/songwriters are still trying to catch lightning in a bottle like this album, and many by michelle branch and liz phair and even alanis morisette (who i argue is kind of the defining female singer of the 90s), did. i'm going to go on and listen to some of her other work, shouts out this list for putting me onto something i love. songs off this that are entering my daily rotation: stupid thing, fourth of july, i've had it, i should've known, could've been anyone.

Sounds like the kknd of band that was invited to the Saturday night entertainment shows that ran on TV when I was a kid. Neat, tidy and doesn’t hurt anyone - and I hate that in music

This sucks.

Alright but not my jam

The track I've Had It was neat. The rest: not so much

I am scrambling to come up with a reason for this to be on the list. It's not even British! It's still boring though! And basic! I can't forget bland!

The production for the first half felt overdone but still a cool listen.

The title describes It pretty well. Not horrible but bland af. Why its this here?. 73/100

I actually liked this album a lot. It reminds me of other cool records. "Stupid Thing" is my favourite from "Whatever". Why isn't "I've Had It" the last song? "Way Back Then" doesn't feel like a closing track. 4 stars for "Whatever".

Liked it.

Achei um álbum mediano, bem no estilo rock alternativo dos anos 90. Depois da metade do álbum que ele começa a ficar interessante. A cantora combinaria mais com músicas mais lentas como Mr. Harris que Rock Alternativo mais cru

Wait, what did I think of this album again? Oh yeah, forgettable.

2.5 stars. Meh pop/rock album. Like a low-budget version Alanis Morissette. Standout is "Jacob Marley's Chain" but real duds like "Stupid Thing" throughout.

This album was really, really dull. It might have been produced well, but god it was boring. It brought to mind a female version of Elvis Costello, dreadful lyrics, shallow music, annoying voice. Even the track length is a snooze-fest, with just about every song the same length. It grew really difficult to identify when one ended and a new one began. I'm going with two stars, but only just.

Not great. Songs don’t stand out as much as other pre-indie singer/songwriters of that time. Was a pretty boring listen

Good album. Never even heard of this artist.

Some really good songwriting on this, let down by the generic 90s pop rock production. Reminds me at times of Elliott Smith, Liz Phair and the Beatles.

Ok 2/5

Whatever you do, get ready to be bored. She sings boring is the only way I can describe her. Almost female version of a dylan without all the other talent.

I only knew "Save Me," and I love her voice and guitar sound, though I found it a bit boring.

Nothing stood out as memorable, but the pop/alternative vibe brought waves of nostalgia. I wouldn't actively seek out this album, but it was an enjoyable listen.

Pretty chilled out album. Reminds me of Lilith Fair artists from the 90's. Great lyrics and vocals with the expected musical accompaniment. I have never heard of her before today so I didn't really know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. It's a little weird that she didn't become more popular in the 90's, seems like there should have been a couple of hits on this album.

No bottom end, my subwoofer is confused

It's not bad, but not really all that interesting either. Kind of just goes along. 2.5/5 Probably won't listen again

++: Put Me on Top, Say Anything, Mr. Harris, I Could Hurt You Now +: I Should've Known, 4th of July, Way Back When, Nothing +-: Fifty Years After the Fair, Could've Been Anyone, Jacob Marley's Chain, I Know There's a Word, I've Had It -: Stupid Thing 5,0/10

Probably speaks to someone, but not to me.

Strong lyrics varied style and fun. Not my usual cup of tea

This was fine. More jangly and upbeat than I was expecting. Didn't quite grab my attention but was easy to listen to. Probably won't revisit.

This cover belongs in a museum under a sign that simply says "THE '90s." I like Aimee Mann, though mostly for the Magnolia soundtrack. I haven't listened to much of her solo stuff. This is charming but probably not something I'll revisit (though I liked "4th of July" and "I Should've Known).

Really good songs, really good 90s music. Every song sounds like it could find itself on the soundtrack of any given 90s movie. She writes a fine song and has a really nice voice, it just isn't that interesting of a voice. I'd listen to it again, but I won't seek it out.

Really good, but hardly essential listening.

Not my usual type of music. Pretty good, but not sure I would put any of it on my playlist.

The music is very good, and the singing is quite nice.

Meh. Fine but boring.

This certainly wasn't difficult or offensive to listen to, but it all seemed pretty generic to me. All of the songs on the album sound like the filler songs on an album with three banger singles. I actually don't think I'm going to go further than track 6

Rating: 4/10 Nah.

She’s got a great voice. I will seek her out again.

Whatever. An apt name for a boring album. Answered the question of “what if PJ Harvey had no charisma and droned a bit more”. Not necessarily a question I needed an answer to. It was fine for parts but dragged on and couldn’t get into it.

Sadly not really worth many words. I could easily list numerous similar better artists from 90s that I would have considered average let alone the best stuff from era. Not good enough! Fine but why bother.

Inoffensive porridge that I feel like I have heard a thousand times before. Like porridge, I started off finding it dull but perfectly pleasant but by the end of the 50 minute bowl I was finding it hard to stomach. There is absolutely nothing special about this. The music is bland and her voice isn't particularly great. Generic American singer/songwriter album from the nineties. Another "why is this on this list?" moment from me.

Corny Pop with very pitchy vocals

Good, upbeat, fun easy listen

Not bad, a bit mainstream for me but easy to listen to

Usually these generic through-away bland albums are from the UK, I had to double check that she was American. Look, I love the 90's it is probably my favorite decade of music, but this just sounds like the watered down version of every band that got forgotten about once the 90's ended. Looking through her music, it looks like she had some hits off of the Magnolia soundtrack, but this album didn't really seem to do much, so I swear to god if this was only chosen because Elvis Costello mentioned it once. Overall, this isn't a bad album, just a very forgettable, and bloated one. Low 3.

Yet another album on this list that is perfectly fine, but I just don't understand what warrants this being included. It's a mid-90s coffee shop album. Not controversial, not particularly interesting, etc.

Very apt album title here which echoes my thoughts on it. It's an inoffensive enough, but wholly unremarkable and attributable to its time moody pop rock / singer songwriter album. She has a good, pleasant voice, and to its credit, in a lyrical sense, this avoids being as sappy as I was worried it could have been. Ultimately though, and maybe I'm just being a miserable bastard of late, but I can't fathom any existence or parallel universe which would necessitate this album's inclusion. At least I've broken away from the one-star rut (briefly? Who knows).

Whatever - Aimee Mann I was not excited for this at all. Mostly because I’m not a huge fan of all 90s albums having 14 songs each 5 minutes. Which this album is kinda guilty of but it’s really good. I loved the opener and straight until track 5 is excellent. Honestly there wasn’t an actual negative moment in the whole record I felt

71/100. A well-produced debut with solid songwriting. Could benefit from trimming a few tracks for consistency.

Bit bland at times. Very 90s.

Okay, but i can't recommend it. Was kind of boring.

Sterile, boring, radio friendly slop. The cover is awesome so I'm bummed. But I'd expect to hear this at my dentist office

Whatever

A nice pop rock album from the 90's. Loved it.

Lyrically very interesting.

I wasn't sure if I should give this a 3 or a 4, but based on how long I was deliberating and how kinda-interesting I was when I just flipped through the songs again I think I've deemed that this one might be one that opens up more on multiple listens and deserves a 4 Standouts I Should've Known Stupid Thing Mr. Harris 3/5

My thoughts exactly.

I guess a lot of folks either weren’t around or don’t recognize this is what things sounded like in the 90s. Production and songwriting are the focus of this album and those are both done well. I’m not saying it’s great, but it’s good for what it is - basic.

Boring.

Wonderful singer/ song writer

This just reminds me of the soundtrack to any mid-90s Ugly-Duckling-Removes-Glasses-and-Becomes-Swan movie. It’s ok.

Over Produced, Songs just kind of sound banal. Not bad but nothing that I found exciting. I can't even say I could dance to any of these songs. Unremarkable. Banal. Boring. Where's the passion? This is not rock or roll. This is just (indie/alt) pop, but pop first/foremost. Good songs: I've had it (still boring though) Bad songs: Put me on top Okay Songs: Stupid Thing, Say Anything, Jacob Marley's Chain, Mr. Harris, I could hurt you now, I know there's a word, way back when

While it wasn’t completely unbearable to listen to, it was boring. I don’t get the hype.

I really enjoyed this. Unsurprising because this is the music that I grew up listening to as a teen

I love Aimee Mann

Not bad

I don’t want this to come across as a lazy review, I genuinely listened to the full album 3 different times. And I just took nothing away from it. Like it made no impact, I don’t remember the songs, I don’t remember the lyrics, I don’t even remember what she sounds like. This album is just so powerfully underwhelming. I don’t know what else to say other than I don’t think this album is for me.

Highlight Song/s: I Should've Known, Fifty Years After The Fair, Could've Been Anyone and Mr Harris I previously heard of Aimee Mann from the song 'Voices Carry,' she has SUCH an amazing singing voice. The tracks on this one are some solid poppy alternative rock tunes. The vocal melodies are amazing. However the backing tracks are a bit underwhelming, they're just quite frankly unexciting. which is totally fine as the singing is spectacular.

410/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑

There are some really elegant songs here. Particular towards the end of the album. "I know there's a word" and "I've had it" both back to back standouts. I can appreciate the creativity and thoughtfulness that's gone into her solo debut. I do feel that though pleasant, it is quite forgettable for the most part. Won't return to it but an interesting listen.

Not really my type.

Indie female rock

Soft vocals. Country rock like Sheryl Crow

Surprised this album is from 1993, feels like something that could easily slot into the late 90s as music that would get picked as a track for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode. At points almost verges on Shania Twain type country, but never fully commits, and it adds a nice twang to some of the songs without being too much while also maintaining that 90's more upbeat alt sound. Not quite sure how I feel about it though. I like it, but I don't know if I like it enough to go back to it in the future. Maybe if I'm looking for that specific late 90s vibe. Will say at 52 minutes, it's probably a tad on the long side, and could have used a song or two being cut. Side note after I wrote the review: Apparently she was actually on an episode of Buffy, performing her songs. I called it, lol.

Aimee Mann is a clever lyricist with a good voice. This album confirms my appreciation for her music.

surprisingly liked this a lot will endevour to look for mor albums

Didn't grab me at first, after a couple of songs felt more intrigued. Typical 90's sound and agreeably very Gilmore Girls-ish.

This album was alright. I enjoyed the second half more than the first half, but overall this kind of rock is not my style. Standout tracks: Say Anything, Jacob Marley's Chain

Nice

What a boring, generic album. Very skipable! a quite liked the cover.

Not good, not terrible. This album is well titled as "whatever"

great album. bought it when it came out what a voice

I feel like someone told this lady that she has a nice voice at a bar once and she decided to make an entire album. The melody she uses is borderline childish. Her tone is ok at best and the quiet backing instrumentals to highlight her voice are laughable. What a boring entry to this list. After looking at the wiki no wonder I disliked it, Elivs Costello was mentioned. Ok her voice has gotten worse as the album has gone on, it’s like she is making up the lyrics on the spot, oh it’s bad. 2/10

Some of these are lyrically nice ("4th of July," for example). Her voice is good. The overall vibe is a little run-of-the-mill, though. Lost love and moping about and whatnot.

Not enjoyable for me

Magnolia will always make me love Aimee Mann. I think she’s cool, a great songwriter, and an important presence for 90s music. Those things are true on this album, but I unfortunately think the sound is just a little outdated. It doesn’t really connect like it used to. No shade and maybe another album of hers will get in there like the songs on Magnolia do.

3’5

I bought her album Bachelor, No. 2 when released. Filled with hooky folk tinged songs like Red Vines and Susan, I was impressed. Except for the orchestral gem Mr. Harris, this album is different. Less hooky and a bit rambling I found the songs to be a bit monotonous and vanilla. This being her first album I look at it as her finding her way as a songwriter.

Eh. Not bad but nothing memorable

I don’t understand how this album even made it on this list. Mediocre.

I can't tell if this is a step up or down from 'Voices Carry'

I generally like Aimee Mann, but this was a little folksy for me.

Whatever? Yeah, that seems about right. This album's fine. It doesn't really speak to me, but I also know that there's nothing particularly bad about it. It's a fairly standard 90s pop rock album. It has good elements, but I don't think the whole package does much to stand out. Why is this on the list anyways? I'm not saying that to be dismissive, I'm genuinely curious as to the justification for this specific album's inclusion. What does Wikipedia say about the album? Well, Elvis Costello liked it. Of course. It all comes back to Elvis fucking Costello, doesn't it? He's talented, yes, but he does NOT need to have this much of a grip-hold on this album list. Apparently Aimee Mann's songwriting has also been compared to that of ol' Declan. I can kind of see it, I guess. The writing on this album isn't bad, I'll give it that. The music itself isn't bad either. It sounds good. But that's just about it. It's not bad. I can't criticize this album too much, but there's not much high praise to give either. It's a real jack of all trades, master of none situation. Everything on this album works, but nothing excels. It's also a bit long for my liking. I will say that Aimee Mann has talent. However, I personally don't vibe much with this album personally. It's decent. Light 3/5.

Alanis Morissette wishes she was Aimee Mann. The first half of the album is a bit samey, but the second half slows things down and there’s some good tracks. Left me hoping to hear more of her on this project.

It definitely has the singer/songwriter album vibe. Not bad.

Приятная музыка, вокал, но ничем особым не цепляет

I like Aimee Mann. She has always been there in my life, but never has a major presence. A good album here, a highlight single there, always understated in the background of my musical mind, but always a comforting presence. This, her first solo album, has several of these good songs. No life-affirming moments, but always comforting to return to. Key tracks: 4th of July Stupid Thing I Know There's a Word

Very 90s sound

Growing up in the 90s I listened to a lot of music and enjoyed much of it. Although Aimee Mann was not on my rotation I feel like I have heard her a thousand times before with artists like Gin Blossoms, Sheryl Crow, and other staples of 90s alternative pop/rock. The song writing is not bad and has some really decent hooks. There always seems to be a light dusting of country influence during this time period in the bridge or the short guitar solo. Unfortunately her vocals are mixed too far forward and often feel like a recording of a well sung karaoke track. As I progressed deeper in the album the songs blend together with no real differentiation between. I have gotten bored.

Ok so I got a lot of this album and appreciated how it made the most of its 90's sound pallet. I have a lot of little nuggets and moments to go over, so let's get into it (I ran my first marathon today and this album got the buff of being listened to while running so i was extra attentive). First of all, " Fifty Years After The Fair" doesnt have Tom Petty on it, but holy shit is that not a one-to-one impression of Tom Petty on backing vocals during the chorus??? It bugged me so much trying to figure that one out. Interesting song, just really threw me for a loop. "4th Of July" is when I'd say this record really perked my ears up and started to play itself out of my dread that this would be just another 90's rock/acoustica album. This is the first instance of some of the more serious, forlorn songwriting taking effect. "Stupid Thing" is probably the microcosm of this albums message as a whole - going through some breakup/bad shit and just being so done with it all. Also sonically picking up on how this could be a starting point of a line you could eventually draw to todays tastemakers like the Boygenius girls. "Jacob Marley's Chain" had an excellent, simple guitar into and a memorable topic that got a little more existential than the songs so far. I LOVED the grand percussion line that made everything sound a bit like a circus show march. "Way Back When" had a great ending, including the secret ending after some silence. But I have to go back to "Mr. Harris". What was this. WHAT was this??? In the midst of songs about personal strife, relationship failure, and general disappointment, Aimee Mann hands us a song about...wanting to marry a much much older man??? Who she really loves?? And that's maybe not even the craziest part. The wild thing is that this song is really, REALLY good! That woodwind section over the piano melody at 2:20 into the song is beautiful. This whole song is shockingly beautiful. I got shades of "Desperado" by The Eagles, which is like the highest praise I can give a piano ballad. It was just such a neckbreaker to hear a song was earnest and gushy as "Mr. Harris" buried behind 8 prior songs the opposite of hopeful about love. I will forever be equally puzzled and happy that she kept this one in the back pocket. I think I have to give this one a soft 4/5. "Mr. Harris" really pushed it over the line. I wouldve liked a bit of variation both in tempo and song topics, but that's about all I can nitpick. Good hidden gem!

"Whatever" de Aimee Mann, la primera vez que escucho a esta artista. Sinceramente, lo siento como un pop rock sin más, típico que se pondría en la radio del coche, con un montón de instrumentos en sus canciones. Alguna son más acústicas y otras más rockeras. La verdad que escuchando esto y comparándolo con Bob Dylan, es definitivamente mejor que Bob Dylan jeje. No me ha parecido algo de otro mundo y tampoco tengo mucho que comentar sobre cada canción, ya que a la vez que lo escuchaba, estaba haciendo otras cosas. Mis canciones favoritas fueron "4th of July" (jeje 4 de julio que pasa ese día) y "Way Back When". Le daré un 6/10, sin más.

Super mediocre y aburrido 4.9/10—>2/5

Pues a ver ns, me gustó la vibra y tal, me recuerda un montón a the cramberries pero no me destacó nada ninguna canción. Tampoco lo escuché muy detenidamente.

It's just a not very interesting album and way too long

Фув наконец-то нормальный альбом, хотя говно, но пахнет вкуснее

3.3/sounds like fiona apple

Very rooted in the 90s.

Love her work. This particular album is new to me.

I really can’t imagine why this album is so low rated on this site. It’s pretty consistently great from front to back. Wikipedia suggests that Aimee Mann often writes songs about underdogs, and I think that’s an apt depiction of this album. It’s very up-lifting. It makes me happy, and her soothing voice is very pleasant to listen to. However, she also just absolutely rocks as well occasionally, like in my favorite 2 songs on the album “I Should’ve Known”, and “Say Anything.” This isn’t boring at all, some of the other reviewers are out of their minds if they truly believe that “Say Anything” isn’t a fantastic song. Plus, the guitar riffs in songs like “Stupid Things” are just incredible. Great album, hopefully a solid 4 star review will balance out the negativity surrounding this one a bit. :-)

Aimee has a strong voice. These are nice enough songs that my Mom would probably love but the lyrical content isn’t something I care about and the music itself isn’t exciting enough so it just feels dull for me like the soundtrack for a Christian television show or some shit. 2 stars

Couple of tracks I recognised, a nice album for the background, but that's about it.

Nice bit of ‘90s nostalgia, in terms of sound anyway. I had never heard of Aimee Mann but the sound of this album is very familiar. It didn’t hold my attention for the duration though.

Someone else said this sounds like the album version of Gilmore Girls and that’s pretty apt. I’m not a fan but I understand why someone would like this. It’s pretty well-crafted ‘90s pop rock, clever and hooky in places but like the Doc Martens the artist is wearing on the cover art, it’s a little too extra for me.

Better than I remember

Beautiful voice. Listened as I worked.

Not her best, but Aimee Mann is as clever and sardonic as you can get. The Jon Brion sound on this does have a bit of a dated feel, but you can't deny they know how to arrange a pop song, with a heavy Beatleseque tone without being slavish about it. If you dig this, check out Sam Phillips (wife of T-Bone Burnett) from the same era--clever lyrics and singalong harmonies.

The bad and boring kind of 90s pop

2/10 This sounds like a distillation of 90s pop-rock with all of the edges sanded off. I mean, it’s ok if you’re out shopping for dungarees at Top Shop, but as a ‘must hear’ album, I just don’t really get it. Her voice isn’t great, both from a control, or from a tonal point of view. It sounds like a mediocre open mic singer-songwriter that’s been given a decent budget to hire a band of pros, but made sure that she kept the reins on so they don’t do anything too interesting. With that in mind, I’ve no real idea why so many of these songs are over 4 minutes long. Aimee Mann’s fans are probably now all 50 year old women with ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ etched into bits of driftwood adorning the walls of at least 50% of the rooms in the house they kept in the divorce. It’s pretty well produced, although her vocal is a bit high in the mix and perhaps a little dry in places, which doesn’t help her. The band seems very competent too. It’s not offensively bad or anything, it’s just uninspired and dull. And way too long. I Should’ve Known - What a strange intro. Sounds like they forgot to trim off the bit where the band were pissing about before they started recording. 30 seconds in and the 90s appear. It’s got that 90s toe tapping rhythm to it, but it is bland. It’s also too long. Fifty Years After The Fair - This is twee and her slightly nasally voice that she doesn’t have great control over just helps it to sit in ‘mediocre pub band’ territory. I think she probably loves REM. 4th of July - I think this is supposed to be an anthemic ballad, but it doesn’t have a discernible hook. Meandering. Could’ve Been Anyone - The first 10 seconds sounded like something different might be happening. Then the song started and it was just the same stuff again. Real middle of the afternoon small stage at a festival stuff. Put Me On Top - I think she’s trying to do some more interesting stuff here with a few of the transitions, but this is the most blah 90’s chorus makes sure we don’t forget that this isn’t actually interesting. Stupid Thing - Boring thing. Say Anything - This actually sounds like the band are trying to do something a bit more exciting in the first half, but then it just gets worse and worse. The ‘I’ve heard everything’ bits are so so bad. Jacob Marley’s Chain - Sombre song referencing Victorian literature - check. Plodding and repetitive. Mr Harris - I think there’s a half decent song in here actually, the execution just isn’t right. Vocal isn’t strong enough and is also too high in the mix. I Could Hurt You Now - Strange verses that sound like it’s trying to be ‘dark’. Chorus is more bland pop-rock. I Know There’s A Word - That word you’re looking for? Boring. I’ve Had it - There are places where she just doesn’t hit the notes. This is another really boring one. Way Back When - Certainly not the worst verse on the album. A bit of whimsy that’s not too twee, and then the chorus is just rubbish. Forget what I said. The outro is way too twee. Piss off Aimee.

Voice of an angel

Decent album, but not nearly as good as Bachelor No 2.

Любимая музыка какой-нибудь Кейси Масгрейв. Я с трудом вижу сходство с героями инди-фолка, как утверждает спотифай. Песни, пожалуй, ок. Лучшая песня - Stupid Thing.

Pretty run-of-the mill mum -rock. Wasn’t bad

Nothing caught my ear and made think yeah this is really good! All a bit bland.

I'd give this 3.5 stars, but I think bumping it to 4 is good for this scale, as there is nothing bad with the songs or presentation, and there is a fair amount of "experimentation" (for a pop rock album) and just good songwriting. It's not entirely my thing, but I could see myself putting it on in the future, if I want something that is upbeat and just well-crafted music.

This is the most Gen X album title and artwork possible. It's OK. File under: Nick Lowe-core. Some different instrumentation or production might help Aimee's songs shine a bit brighter. She's a great songwriter and solid performer.

Definitely could have died without listening to this

This didn't really add anything when you have PJ Harvey on the list.

P4 Halland-rock. Snällt och småtrevligt.

Low 4 Really surprising

Carole King-esque. Enjoy the listen, but I won't likely repeat.

a very specific mood. Not a bad one, but a very specific one. 4th of July could give the new moody girlies a run for their money.

Bland cookie cutter pop. Makes me wanna change the station.

Like a less inspired Fiona Apple, which sounds meaner than I intend, but I liked this (3.5/5)

"Whatever" the lyrics are, the music was too dull to enjoy.

This is a good album. And I could see liking it more upon second and third listens, which I’m planning on doing. Really liked “I’ve Had It”

Meh. Nothing good but completely inoffensive.

This sounds too formulaic to me.

Whatever! It was cool :)

Was that Tom Petty?

Leuk, niet bijzonder goed maar wel gewoon goed goed

Neither of any interest or any annoyance. The album came, played and left...next!

This sounds like every other white solo female artist from the 90s. Bland and boring. I think you have to have no balls to enjoy this.

Mid Vocals and production are just so boring

Fairly generic 90s pop rock. Aimee Mann is a fantastic vocalist that feels almost boxed into this album by very generic songs. Would love to hear her cover Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen, something more sophisticated that she could absolutely do well. Top tracks: Could've Been Anyone, Stupid Thing, I've Had It

Lovely. Really my first experience with Aimee Mann even though I’ve known about her for decades. 3/5

Quite 90s

Sounds like the early 90s in the right ways

really really solid!!! i love her lyrics in general and i liked how many of the songs on this album seem to be about her wrestling with her identity outside of the context of her former band…i just love when musicians write songs about being musicians LOL… i also like hearing a “grittier” (eh), slightly more coltish iteration of her style…all the foundation is there for the forthcoming genius of work like *bachelor no.2* and the *magnolia* soundtrack, it just hasn’t fully evolved yet!! and i think it’s cool that she was nearly 40 by the time she truly hit her stride as an independent musician. fav tracks: 4th of july; jacob marley’s chain; i know there’s a word; i’ve had it

really enjoyed that! i don't think these songs packed as much of a punch emotionally for me as some of her other songs from later albums but this is a lovely debut album that previews that type of wit and melodiousness that comes through even more in her later work.

I mean I fed myself for years on bands like Till Tuesday and have always had a special place for Aimee Mann in my heart. I had not heard this album and had kind of dropped her off my radar, simply by life and time and all that normal sort of stuff. But I am grateful for the re-introduction as I like her just the same as I used to and am glad to be able to add her back into my playlist. Good on the 1001 generator and even better on me!

Well written 'tambourine on the 2 and 4' pop rock. Nothing wrong with it. A little boring though.

Fairly bland, 90s singer-songwriter fare - pretty forgettable. I’m not sure what qualifies this album for the list given how many almost identical records there are out there. I kept expecting to hear one I recognised that would whisk me back to some memorable time and place but it didn’t happen. It was perfectly nice to listen to but it probably won’t occur to me to listen again.

Off the cuff remark: Lovely voice. Nice Pop tunes Already familiar with the album. A "classic"? No. But Decent pop. Standout Track: I Know There's A Word Revisit?: Already have.

So mediocre it took all my energy just to write these thirteen words. Like something that would come out of a university songwriting class. Professional but a bit soulless.

One of my all-time favorites.

Solid listen, just didn't really connect with it.

Songwriter Rock featured by Nick Hornby.

Cover - kinda grungy looking lady w grungy text Inside - fairly bland pop music Just didn't grab me

Vanilla. Talented but as middle of the road as it gets.

👎🏻

Tio pop

Better than I was expecting. Not particularly for me with hit and miss songs on the country rock to pop-rock scale, but a pleasant enough listen that I kinda enjoyed. Still don't feel thaaaaat strongly about it though.

Nice songs and a good voice. Voice has a little bit of the Kim Wilde about it I thought (albeit with an American accent), and a cute wobble that gives it a lot of character. Seems to be getting a lot of 'meh' on here which is surprising me - though maybe not with this crowd. Not that it set the world alight (probably why I've never heard of her across the pond) but there's not too much wrong with this. Looks good in Doc Martens too. A very pleasant 4½

Quite good. Started rocky ended more chilled 7/10

Crazy how an album called "Whatever" was mediocre beyond belief!

I can't even fathom why this album exists. What was the motivation for making it? It's totally soulless and completely devoid of all creative passion. But what's even worse than this generic pile of garbage simply existing? The fact that someone who thought they knew a lot about music then decided it belongs on a list that's meant to represent the greatest albums of all time.

Excellent

This captured the 90s well. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5

I think of this as straightforward 90s country-pop. It's pretty generic-sounding, but the compositions are still strong and sound good. Reminds me of the Indigo Girls without the two-person harmonies – and for that reason, it's strictly inferior (because its sound is more anonymous). Possibly Sheryl Crow-esque too. Aimee Mann's voice is clear, warm, and perfectly suited for the musical style. The production is excellent, even given its relatively recent release. You can hear the multi-tracked self-harmonised vocals, the backing instruments, the imperfections (which are great in moderation)... A bit long, though. And the songs aren't different enough from one another to justify an above-average runtime. Shoutout to the tone-deaf reviewer who called this album "mom rock bullshit". If that's all you have to say about a record that's objectively more than that, man, why are you even doing this project? 3/5 Key tracks: Stupid Thing, I Could Hurt You Now, Way Back When

I like Aimee Mann better when she's being really depressing.

1+ Stars (3/15)

3.5/5

Nice voice, music ain't bad either but for me the glue doesn't stick...It justifies why I've never heard of her before!