Reviews (page 5 of 15)
Really cool stuff, glad this came up. My favourite parts were the drums (samples), jazzy bits, and the Q-Tip feature!!
I was familiar and liked several songs on this album, though I had never listened to the entire album. I was aware that the Beastie Boys started out as a Hardcore Punk group and preferred live musicians with their songs. I was not aware that the breadth of their music covered such a wide range. In addition to the standard hip hop beats, I also heard jazz, funk, and more punk than I was expecting. It was pretty good.
The boys certainly have matured. Their music has more style, more styles, and a lot more instruments. Got some genuine funk and (good) jazz in there. Bodhisattva Vow is by far the most unusual hip-hop I’ve ever heard. Not sure what instrument is in the background on that one. Would never have guessed that Sabrosa , Eugene’s Lament, Ricky’s Theme, and Transitions are from the BBs. Makes me think they might be real musicians as opposed to three goofs from Brooklyn. But they’re still The Beastie Boys. (3.8*s) Don’t try it at home with your Dad’s stereo. Only under hip-hop supervision, awl right?
Second half is awesome! Shabak s of america
Pretty pretty pretty good. Sabatoge is fantastic and makes me want to steal a car.
4/5
A bit too long, but this album is really fckng cool!
Sabotage 🤌🏿🤌🏿
First bit was not my style. Rap and then punk. “Sabotage” I could get behind. When they switched to mostly instrumentals I was way mor on board. Highly enjoyable without all the cheeky rapping.
4 vibes although it was really a toss up between 3 and 4. I can’t really say which songs were great.
OK REALLY COOL ONE. start was kinda meh with a little bit of good songs then the 2nd half got me straight vibing. loved this one somehow...
My son has been doing School of Rock, and the local school had some older (like, young teen) students playing at a brunch at a local BBQ place. Went with the kids, not sure what they'd play, and when these tweens bombed in with the opening bit of "Sabotage," my kids immediately went to get earplugs. Then, eardrums safe, they started bobbing their heads. The kids are all right. I've always been more of a Check Your Head guy, but having listened to this twice in two days this might be the best BB album. You've got just wall-to-wall classic Beastie bangers ("Sure Shot" "Root Down" "Get It Together"), their best crossover-y rap-rock song ("Sabotage"), a couple hardcore throwbacks ("Tough Guy" "Heart Attack Man"), some of their weird, laconic rap stuff ("The Update"), and cool ass instrumental funk tracks. It is true what they say, this shit be cookin'.
A pretty album from the New Yorkers. Not much of a hip hop fan but they have several good songs and show off some influential genres.
Beastie Boys complete! Messy, noisy, maximalist, and diverse in its sound. Super cool to see the trio go zen on the second half of this record. And Ricky's Theme is definitely a Persona 5 deep cut. Length does keep this from being a perfect 5 though.
Two hip-hop albums in a row. In general, I hate hip-hop music, but there are a few exceptions, and the Beastie Boys are one of them. I went on a high school camp in 1986 where we had just one tape played all weekend long—the Beastie Boys' debut album with "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)". Ill Communication is their fourth album, from 1994. I was a university student at that time and had a tape copy of it, mostly due to the banger "Sabotage" and its great video. I must have seen that video countless times on the MTV that was always playing on our student house living room TV. The Beastie Boys originally started as a punk band, and traces of that can still be found on this album through a few short, fast punk moments ("Tough Guy", "Heart Attack Man", and of course "Sabotage"). Next to that, there's a lot of creative sound design, funky guitars, jazz, and rapping. Although I'm still not a big rap guy—and an hour of straight rap is still tough for me to get through—this album is so rich in melodies and all kinds of instruments, and it really rocks. That’s unique; you definitely can't say that about the average gangsta rap album, which I mostly rate a 1. This is a 3.5—not sure yet if I'll round it down to a 3 or up to a 4 stars tomorrow morning!
I love them.
Every Zep might be a five.
I got this the day after Licensed to Ill. There's still a little bit of that youthful, so-called "frat boy" energy but it's also so much more innovative. Much better. 4.5/5
Futterman and flute loop, heart attack man
Really enjoyed it, beats and instrumentals are outstanding! The genre mix with Funk & Jazz samples and raw punk attitude is the thing that makes the Beastie Boys unique is. Did not expect that Beastie Boys would work so well on full album length, but there is no song that is not exciting
Fun angry shouty stuff and some pretty funky songs. I didn't know the Beastie Boys were doing all that.
Good album. Very funky with an interesting combination of musical styles being played with in between more traditional BB styled tracks. 7.5/10
Some classics but also a few misses
I'm torn: Ill Communication is clearly a 5/5 record. But then I like Paul's Boutique even more. So 4/5 solely for that reason.
While some may prefer the more experimental music on Ill Communication, Licensed to Ill is still my personal favourite and comes in at a 5 star for me. I found the distortion was overused on Licensed to Ill, which brought it down to a solid 4 star for me. It was great listening to it again.
The best thing is listening to great albums I haven’t heard for a while
Is it my favourite Beastie Boys record? No. Is it still one of the most interesting hip hop records I’ve heard? Definitely. It’s not typical of the genre, consistently inventive and well produced. A good listen.
Good album.
the old rap style isnt really my favourite but i appreciate how much energy and passion they had in their delivery. I think that alone deserves 4 stars tbh.
Wow dude, that's sick!
Super fun, though maybe a little less good than some of their earlier stuff.
i like it, need more
sabotage is great the rest is not really my style
When it comes to the BB's I cant really listen to a whole album at once Like a Ramones record, it can get a much after three tracks in a row But breaking things down to a couple of songs at a time, makes this a really fun album to hear Great to hear Sabotage and Sure Shot again, but the deeper cuts also have some interesting musical choices that really surprised me Cool - I'll be back for another listen soon
I enjoyed this a lot. A lot of the instrumental songs were really really cool. Q-tip's appearance is particularly fun. A few of the songs had an almost indecipherable reverb on the vocals which was a bit tacky to me.
Beastie Boys are a group I always figured I'd like if I actually took the time to listen. I started out on a bit of a roller coaster with this one though . . . I was into the first track, and then the next two made me want to hit skip 😅 But then we started going back up, to the peak of Sabotage. Anyway, nothing I really disliked after that, although I was surprised there were multiple instrumental tracks. I debated giving it a 3, but I think the highs are high enough for a 4. Also, did Beastie Boys come up with deez nuts?
Great hip hop but not quite a 5
A much better hip hop album than the weak entry from Ice Cube yesterday. Tons more energy, creativity, and iconic samples/beats as well. YMMV on the Beastie Boys' delivery and rhyming style, but I enjoy it, it makes them a unique entry in the rap pantheon. A fun album that trails off a bit toward the end, but is nevertheless a strong addition to this list. Solid 4/5
Flute Loop and sabotage will forever be etched into every iPod I own
didn’t realize how all over the place this album is (in a good way). sabotage changed my life in middle school and for that i owe the beastie boys everything
I just always like them!
Gravy to potatoes. Luke to Darth Vader. I'm a souped up sucka and I'll see you all later.
You can’t go wrong with the Beastie Boys.
I can’t say I enjoyed every minute of it, but I’ll be damned if this isn’t an interesting, engaging, and innovative album. Also, the song transitions were on point imo, which was probably necessitated due to the fact that the genre changes with basically every track, but even despite that the transitions felt more well done than a lot of the single genre albums on this project.
Some great songs and then some that dragged. But overall I’d still listen to it again.
More of the same? Perhaps…but no one does it quite the same
Hat mich voll überrascht, richtig gutes Album. Erste Hälfte meiner Meinung nach etwas besser aber sonst mega. 4,5/5
Enjoyed this way more than I expected to. (I worry that if I look more into the lyrics i might feel differently)
Listening notes: This is good and all but I don't think these guys have the bars to call themselves 'ill' Vocal effect got them sounding like they're about to order boneless pizza Weird for a hip-hop group that some of their best songs are the ones they don't rap on This production deserves better rapping A SIX point SEVEN on the richter scale????? Deez nuts mention. Lyricism at its finest This is the kind of beat I would expect Mos Def to drop a sick verse on. Shame it isn't This rhyme scheme is about as diverse as an asnac lecture I'm really torn with this album. The production is very varied and always fun to listen to. so much so that if the rapping was in any way interesting this album would be a solid 5. What we get instead is the beastie boys trading sets of four sometimes slightly wack bars with rhymes usually only at the end. This still sounds fine, but knocks the rating down to a 3.8
Classic, and for good reason
Fun hip hop
Some great "songs" throughout this album. I didn't really like Sure Shot, but thereafter I was impressed, even if I don't often like anything out of this genre But this was okay, better than okay. 4 "glad it wasn't heinous" stars.
Geiles Ding, gibt mir mehr als dem Paul seine Boutique.
Viele sehr gute Lieder dabei, aber in Albumlänge fand ich das schon ziemlich anstrengend.
Ihr bestes Album meiner Meinung nach.
Have listened many times before. Love it. Get it Together is all time.
CLASSIC. Not as absolutely transcendental as Paul's Boutique, but still an absolute banger
This album has some of my favourite rap songs (Sure Shot, Root Down), some of my favourite hardcore songs (Tough Guy, Heart Attack Man), and one of my favourite songs, period (Sabotage). The variation in genres is vast, and I like when they funk it up. Alas, the album is a little too much to take in one sitting, that’s why I knockers it down one star
Good time
Vanha tuttuni. Välillä tulee kausia kun tätä luukutetaan. RiP MCA
I use the word “confident” a lot in these reviews but you can just tell these guys are so in control of their vision and craft and are having so much fun because they know that what they’re doing works
Classic Beastie Boys album great hits, good in-between songs.
Heard some before; 3.5; I really enjoyed the diversity of this album, and especially liked the instrumental tracks as well as the hardcore tracks mixed in. A very easy-listening album in parts with the funk, but also still interesting enough to want to listen to it again. Favorite Track: Sabotage
Some generational bangers and had a bunch I'd never heard before. I really liked "Root Down" and "Sabrosa" plus "Ricky's Theme" awas cool. 20 songs and tons of ideas + creativity. I'm ranking this a notch below Paul's Boutique and License to Ill but still an awesome album.
Listening to this after Paul's Boutique was a little disappointing, but it's still an amazing album. 4.5 stars
Ok so these are the Beastie Boys
Such a good album with so much variety and depth of music, plus it has my favourite style of toe tapping rap.
The mix of genres here is so fun to listen to, big 4* for sure
Peak Beastie Boys. Sounds like the best of the 90s across genres, and they laid a blueprint for the next decade, too.
At long last, I get to return to the world of hip-hop and review an album. What did I think of this one? I surprisingly enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Going in, I knew that Sabotage was on the album, but otherwise, I was kind of on the fence since I’d seen a lot of Beastie Boys on MTV Classic and I didn’t really feel the need to dive into their catalog. However, once I put on the album, I was surprised by how much I got out of it. The main strength of the album is the sheer variety of musical styles on the album. They incorporate hip-hop, rock, funk, and other genres that makes sure the sound isn’t stale. They also include several instrumental tracks on the album, such as the violin driven Eugene’s Lament, and the epic Futterman’s Rule, two of my standout tracks. Another great part of this album is the use of live instruments, which creates a unique sound in a genre mostly defined by samples and electronic beats. It also allows for more exploration of different genres as stated previously, such as the heavy and powerful guitar and drums on Sabotage, another standout tracks. Finally, the rapping on this album is second to none, and being a new Beasties listener, I may not be able to pick out who’s who on each song, but I can at least say that the rapping(from I’m pretty sure Ad Rock) feels like a blueprint to Rage Against the Machine and Zach De La Rocha’s vocal style. It really shines through on songs like Sure Shot, and B-Boys Makin’ With The Freak Freak, my final standout tracks. Overall, a surprisingly impressive album, and one I highly recommend to those into 80s hip-hop.
i fear this ate
First album reviewing out of my usual genre, so I don't have much to base it on. But this album was a pretty nice listen. I feel like it was inspired a lot during its era with crunchy rock beats and strong instrumentals, but the rhythm was similar to hip-hop. I don't have much else to say about it other than it was a really good album and would rate it about a 3.5-4. My few criticisms were that it was harder to relate to this style of hip-hop, and there were a few cringey moments that I'm not used to.
A couple of excellent songs in a genre that's very hit or miss for me. Rating is really a of 5, 4, and 2
Como escreveu alguém numa review: "This isn't a rap album with jazz and funk influences, this is a jazz album with funky raps played over it." Embora não seja muito a minha praia, reconheço muito o valor. Conseguem fazer uma ponte entre "estilos de música de rua de metrópole" do funky dos 70 até o rap dos 90, conversando com o rock de perto. Grandes. Sabotage, Sabrosa, The Scoop, Transitions, são excelentes.
Very fun, similar to other beastie boys albums, I like the songs that show theor range. The second half of the album is great.
#410/1001. Basically on Check Your Head and this one Beasties changed from Sample-based production to live instruments, exploitation funk gives and even hc punk. And I guess that is what makes this whitey very happy. This probably is my favorite BB album. Will hard to choose between PB boutique and this one. But when they began their gig in Ruisrock with Sure Shot I was howlin' for Julie. ( Btw. Money Mark also performed - with them on stage and later with his own show which was great - at the festival, as did Björk - Jon Spencer unfortunately had to cancel). The album is a jam, features quite a lot of instrumentals and extended grooves, which is sometimes a relief since their rap delivery can get a bit annoying - well I suppose it is meant to add well.
Now here’s a beastie boys album I like. Really fun samples! They’ve straight up got a punk song on here!
Interesting style, more rap like than expected
Yep
Instrumentais incríveis. Toda batida é ótima, uso criativo de scratches e samples, escuta bem divertida e cheia de vida. 4/5
An excellent mix of hip hop and rock influences. The lyrics can border on cheesy at times, but that is part of the fun. Also, I know this isn't exactly breaking any new ground, but sabotage is a banger.
This is a pretty good album and kind of sets the template for all their future work, but they can never quite reach the brilliance of Paul's Boutique again. Bonus points for Q-tip.
Didn't like it. Relistened. Like it a lot. Fun album
Lots of good and interesting stuff here but nothing as surprising and ground-breaking as Paul's Boutique or Check Your Head. Also, a bit too much flute and various other noodlings.
Simply for the joy it has brought us
Great
Get it up ye
When Sabotage came on I got so hyped up I was tempted to drive into a ditch out of excitement
85
Plutôt sympa
Sabotage est un putain de classique, et le reste de l'album a vraiment des sonorités très intéressantes et du bon flow rappé. Un peu dommage c'était long sur la fin
Stone cold banger. Funky, jazzy, fun.
- oh hell yeah, this shit rules
not much to say. great record
Listened previously. Expectations: HIgh - Verdict: Great - The Beasties are just awesome. An incredibly cool sound with the real instruments coming into such a chaotic hip hop sound. The opening 8 tracks are fantastic. Some of the instrumentals are really, really good. Sabrosa and Futterman's Rule are both brilliant, as is Eugene's Lament. Ricky's Theme continues the trend of excellent instrumentals. Shamble into Bodhisattva Vow is a great section. Overall a great album that pushes in so many directions while remaining cohesive.
Had this on cassette back in the day! Fun sprawling album, are these guys any good at rapping? I don't know. When Q-Tip shows up, he easily outclasses them. Bloated for sure, but the nostalgia is strong with this one. Zero memory of the last few tracks though. 3.5 rounded up Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes, 88/334 (26%) Will I get: Already have
Futterman's Rule instrumental is sick Faves: Sabotage
Man, definitely not the "Licensed to Ill" B-Boys, decent stuff.
Damn I knew they used to play their own instruments but I had no idea they had such funky MMW music. So much more than sabotage!
Liked it. Way more instrumentation than I thought back in 94. Didn’t realize Sabotage was so old. Covers a wide array of beastie boys styles.
I thought I'd sorta like Beastie Boys but I ended up sorta really, really liking it. Did not expect a Buddhist bent to it.
On of my favorite Beastie Boys albums, although the Heart attack Man hardcore songs could go. I know it’s a callout to their roots, but feels a bit out of place. Sure Shot is a particular favorite, love the flute sample: https://www.whosampled.com/Jeremy-Steig/
I love this record! The opening with Sure Shot is gold. Sabotage takes me right back to loading moving trucks at Dan’s Van in Somerville. It may be a couple songs too long but almost all the tracks are bangers.
Beastie Boys - Ill Communication Hadn’t heard this one before other than the singles sure shot and sabotage. Enjoyed it on the whole especially the instrumental jazzy tracks and the Tibetan throat singing! Average song score 3.75 Standouts: Sabotage, Shambala ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This record has such an interesting start, seamlessly shifting right from rap to punk to funk. It keeps you on your toes. "Eugene's Lament" had a really cool 60s vibe to it, adding a nice vintage texture to the tracklist. Of course, "Sabotage" is an absolute powerhouse and stands out as one of their all-time greats. The energy on that track alone is unmatched. It's awesome how they can pivot from heavy, distorted live instruments right back into old-school hip-hop without missing a beat. They really mastered the art of making a chaotic tracklist feel completely cohesive. It's a fantastic, sonically diverse album that shows just how versatile they can be. Favorite song: "Sabotage"
ayyee oldschool rap
This album is so good. While listening I felt pure energy and fun the whole way through. The Beastie Boys nailed the fusion of genres again — mixing hip-hop, punk, funk, jazz samples, and that signature raw attitude into something that feels completely natural and cohesive. The lyrics are raw, clever, and full of personality, and everything on the record is done really well. The beats hit hard, the flows are tight, and the whole vibe is confident without trying too hard. In general, the Beastie Boys just never miss. They’re one of those groups that are consistently great, and Ill Communication is another strong example of why they’re legends. It’s fun, creative, and full of life.
I really love the energy the beastie boys have. It is such a nice pairing of punk and rap and not in the terrible way. Some of the instrumentals on here are sleeper hits, some of them are sleeper boring. Obviously Sabotage is an all time song but Sure Shot has been on rotation since I was like 12. Great album but not tickling that masterpiece status for me.
Mega aż mi się nóżka ruszyła i poleciałam w tany! 8.6/10
Beastie boys can do no wrong.
Very nice
11-year-old me was obsessed with Sabotage when this came out. 43-year-old me also digs the shout out to Jimmy Smith. There's a lot to like on this record. I had no idea they made songs like Sabrosa, Futterman's Rule, or Eugene's Lament.
Tough Guy was honestly pretty good. Always a fan of Beastie Boys if the mood is right. Obviously Sabotage is premium song too. Unexpected had never heard Heart Attack Man before, exceptionally good it even made my liked songs.
Funky rap type shi
Interesante descubrimiento, sinceramente por la portada pense que iba a ser otro tipo de musica, hubo una cancion que ahora no recuerdo el titulo que me hizo recordar al estilo de Nujabes, muy buen descubrimiento sinceramente.
beastie boys are ALWAYS a hit
Best wel vet
This reminds me of my school years! A good one.
Some absolute bangers on this album. Maybe a few too many musical interludes.
You know this is way more funky, experimental and expansive-sounding than I was expecting. The actual music and production on this is excellent, and I’m glad that they do so much across the album. I wasn’t expecting actual punk-rock (or Tibetan Buddhist chanting over 70’s funk-wah pedal either to be fair)… but it works! Big respect to the Beastie Boys. I’m starting to understand just how influential they were, and also how justified that was.
This is another album that I know the singles, but never listened to the entire album, despite having heard the previous album many times. My initial impression is that this is not a dramatically different album than Check Your Head in terms of its basic aesthetic palate: we're getting some straightforward hip hop, forays into funk oriented hard rock and punk and some instrumental moments that explore elements of soul and r&b. Like its predecessor, the album tends to get a bit more eclectic and experimental as it goes a long, bringing in more instrumentals and oddball tracks. A couple later tracks bring in an interest in Buddhism, that on paper feels like it might be a bit cringy, but the mix of sounds actually works pretty well. Transitions is not a bad track, but is an oddly downbeat ending to the record. I tend to find myself feeling the same way about both albums, having a feeling that this album could have been a little shorter, without really being able to label the track that really needs to be cut. This represents the band continuing to build on its strengths and leads to a very good album.
Beastie Boys' energy is unmatched. This is a rap-rock fusion album done right. 8/10
Some of the lyrics are juvenile, sure. But nothing else sounded like this in 1994. And there are so many bangers here. If “Sure Shot” and “Sabotage” won’t get an album to four stars, what will?
Sabotage still rocks
I was pleasantly surprised with this. Don’t except them to have songs that didn’t sound like their typical thing
White boys need to get in the garage and start making music like this again
Really liked the jazz songs. Iffy on the rock ones but still a great album
Classic punk hip-hop, I rock with it Fave track: Sabotage
My first time listening as an album. Very eclectic with many different instruments and styles. I do not see how they fit together. Minus 1 for that and being rap. 0 songs added to playlist.
Diverse sampling. 4.3/5
Still holds up!
Love this album. Heavy rotation.
Not my fav, but a lots of good tracks on this one.
This album has a great feeling to it that just makes you want to drive around with the windows down. Its atmospheric, while still having that edge to it that youd expect from a 90s hiphop album. Best track: The Update
really awesome samples with unique music videos, grear flow but their voices can get a bit much after a bit
Really fun, always like jazz and rap fusions
Ive heard about the beastie boys but ive never actually listened to their music, though i did learn that apparently ive already liked one of the songs off this album lol. I like this a lot tho. Ive learned im a big fan of the classic 90s rap, something about a good beat. I also really dug the different musical tones in this - i read on wikipedia they were influenced but a lot of different artists incl miles davis. Didnt love all the distorted voice effects but i did appreciate that there was variety - it didnt all sound the same. I think i saved three songs: sure shot, alright hear this, and sure shot. Already had sabatoge in my liked songs.
Au début j'étais peu impressionné, du rap un peu générique, et la voix des gars m'énerve. Je suis pas non plus le plus grand fan du rap basé sur les loops. La 2e partie m'a plus intéressée, j'ai l'impression que c'était plus funky/groovy. Et j'ai compris que les gars savaient jouer de leur instrument. On va leur donner un 4.
Wicked album
I like it
This album was surprisingly awesome. I'm familiar with their hits like Sabotage, Brass Monkey, No Sleep Till Brooklyn but I assumed they were kind of a one trick pony and a whole album would get old fast, but boy was I wrong. It's hard to catch every bar, but just the diversity in styles and beats make for an interesting listen. Love the funky/jazz instrumental tracks between hyped rap songs, shows they put thought into curating this album as a full experience. Q-Tip knocks it out the park with the feature.
Quite an impressive range on this album. Not everything hits, but most of it is pretty good.
great exploration of a lot of genres, i liked paul's boutique when we got it but i like this way more. awesome guitars / awesome funk sound
Love all the genre bending on here. Licensed to Ill being the big one (kind of) gives a very skewed perception of what this group was actually capable of.
Learning that Beastie Boys used to be punks explains a lot about their musical style. I ended up liking this a lot more than I expected, but I think it has more to do with the jazz breaks than their raps.
Good old Beastie Boys. Wasn't really into them at the time, but they've weathered quite well. A bit of fun. Can't believe it's 32 years!
It's been a while since I poured through this one, and it's such a fascinating record. The Beasties had gone from the biggest frat band in the universe to suddenly pushing the limit of live band rapping and teaming up with the impeccable Mario Caldato on the production. There's a LOT going on and it doesn't always work, but at its core this is the Beastie Boys mixing all their favorite music in a blender into a beautiful concoction that helped other producers explore deeper hip-hop territory.
Great production, fun listen
Great album, and it would be a 5 if it was about 6 or 7 songs shorter.
It’s funny how a single record can anchor you perfectly in time. The Beastie Boys dropped Ill Communication in May of 1994. If you're hitting the big 5-0 now, you were 19 when this came out—right in that chaotic, thrilling window of starting college, leaving home, and trying to figure out who you were. For me, the DNA of this album is permanently tied to dorm rooms, surviving upstate New York winters, and feeling completely invincible. Looking back, the genius of the Beastie Boys is that they grew up right alongside us. We had the obnoxious, beer-spilling anthems of Licensed to Ill when we were in middle school. But by the time '94 rolled around, Mike D, MCA, and Ad-Rock had fully transformed. They weren't just shouting into mics anymore; they were picking up their instruments and creating something entirely new.
Another surprise from the list. I thought I knew what the Beastie Boys were all about, especially after getting License to Ill a couple months ago. But this was a bit of an eye opener. It spanned quite a few genres and showed a lot more depth than I would have expected before listening. As someone who was already a fan of Sabotage, my favorite segment here was surprisingly the three song span of Sabrosa-The Update-Futterman's Rule, which I found really interesting. The tracks were unexpected on what I figured would be a straight up hip hop album, covering more subtle ground and including a lot of instrumental sections. Expanding on that, I think the instrumentation plays a big part in why I like this album as a whole. It's less sample-driven and more real performance, with those performances stealing the show most of the time. There's rock, punk, funk, jazz, and more. The vocals are there, but feel more equal with the music rather than trying to outshine it. The way it comes together really works for me. On the other hand, my biggest issues with this album are first that it is very long and second that it never really attains greatness. It runs just under an hour and contains 20 songs. I wouldn't really call anything on here filler, but it still didn't feel like that length was necessary. Instead, it made it feel a bit disjointed, almost like there were two albums forged into one. Part of that also probably comes from my second point, as most of the album hovered around good without really going beyond it. If there was a more pointed focus, they may have had more high-quality moments. There is a lot here to make me say this is a really strong album, especially given how different I found it from my expectations. At the same time, I don't think it reaches the level of a great album, and the length makes relistens a little unlikely. It sits on the edge of good/very good for me. Overall: 3.7/5
I really liked some of the songs
Me gusta mucho la mezcla de estilos que tiene. Es como una aventura por la ciudad acompañada por diferentes tribus urbanas en un solo disco.
Got very jazzy at the end but I liked it
I liked them all. But somehow the whole was less than the sum of its parts. I dont know why. I would happily listen to any of them again, just not all of them together.
This really rocked. I liked the Ocean's 11 vibe that some of the instrumental songs gave off. Sabotage is a Elite song as well. What a classic.
Buncha bangers
Oikein menevä levy, kuten Beastie Boysilta voi odottaa. Hämmentävä sekotus hiphoppia/räppiä ja punkkia. Tuskin menee suuresti kiertoon muuten, mutta mukava tämä oli kuunnella.
The weak link in tr Greatest 5 album run in music history, but it has Sabotage.
Yes! My favourite Beastie Boys album! A brilliant start to my day. Loud, audacious, fantastic.
A really solid album and I really enjoyed hearing them start to utilize live instruments along with the samples to give it more of a rock feel.
Better than I expected, could listen to it as background whilst on holiday. There were quite a few foot tappers.
This is what NYC sounds like in my mind.
This album was so much more diverse than I was expecting, and I particularly loved a lot of the instrumentals - they had a fun vibe and good groove. Not sure what I can add to Sabotage except to say it deserves all if its fame and probably more. I wanted to keep playing it on loop when the album finished because what else could bring more fun to my saturday night of school work. Unexpectedly punk album? The Update and Sure Shot were especially cool
Not quite as good as Paul’s Boutique but pretty damn good!
damn bboys i was not familiar with ur game
Not my usual genre at all, but I surprisingly enjoyed my time listening to this one. Very rhythmic and flowy.
Bon et de bons souvenirs! Un 4 +
High energy and a lot of fun, wasn't always vibing with the lyrics but all in all this was pretty good
Not for me. But I can see the importance of it
Muy bueno
Sure shot - 5 Tough guy - 4 B-boys makin' with the freak freak - 4 Bobo on the corner - 3 Root down - 5 Sabotage - 5 Get it together - 5 Sabrosa - 3 The update - 3 Futterman's rule - 4 Alright hear this - 4 Eugene's lament - 4 Flute loop - 4 Do it - 3 Ricky's theme - 3 Heart attack man - 4 The scoop - 4 Shambala - 3 Bodhisattva vow - 3 Transitions - 4
26/04/2026 I never gave Beastie Boys a chance before until this challenge. This is my second album of theirs. Fuck a duck, I really like these guys. Spotify listeners: 8.2 million
I was introduced to Beastie Boys with "License to Ill" and this is a very different album. Much more old school rap, with some punk and musical interludes that I didn't expect. Definitely showcases their talents as one of the great rap groups of our time in a a slightly more serious way than "License to Ill" Highlights: "Sure Shot" and "Sabotage"
basic хип хоп альбом, мне нрав, но треков перебор для меня, не вывоз
Okey, bra start med sure shot. yea though guy va litt for bråkat, ikkje så bra. B-boys making with the freak va meh ok, høres ut som hiphop blanda med lydian bestikket lage når du skrape det på tallerkenen. Bob on the corner va grei - ingen lyric. Root down høres bra ut, mer hiphoppy, men ikke det beste æ har hørt - oh litt jazz ellr? Sabotage høres bra ut, yeah resten hørtes bra ut, rydda rommet til albumet og skippa bare en sang.
este disco representa a mi yo de 15
This is a classic and iconic album that transports me back being a teen in the 90’s. I was heavy into grunge at the time, but the Beastie Boys were such an integral part of popular culture that’s it’s impossible not to have been influenced by them. There’s so much creativity and depth to this album, and I love the jazz influences. The vibes are fun and funky and I couldn’t help but smile and bop along. Great album!
Τέρμα καλό
Can’t go wrong with the beastie boys
A banger of an album.
Getting an album you love makes you feel bad knocking any other album While it contains some of the Boys’ most iconic songs, Ill Communication is disjointed. I wish they put it out as 3 albums, a higher energy rock/punk album, a sampling album like Paul’s boutique, and a funk album like later, mid 00’s boys. This album overall doesn’t feel like it works as well as an album as each song individually. It well demonstrates their expanding sound, and they’re clearly still the Beastie Boys, but it feels rushed in a way their other work doesn’t.
for me, the album is a 3, but "Sabotage" alone is a 5, so we'll call it a 4 and move on
I've never really listened to anything Beastie Boys aside from No Sleep, but a video of them performing Sabotage on some late night show popped up for me a few days ago and it made me interested in listening to them. Lo and also Behold they were the album of the day not even a week later. I had a good time with this one and will definitely be checking out more of them in the future
The shrill, scream-y Beastie Boys sound has never really been my favorite, so I did not look forward to this album. I ended up being pleasantly surprised, however. Loved the jazzy samples, percussion, and instrumentals on this one. I checked to make sure I was listening to the right album 3-4 times around the middle of it. This one will need another listen.
The best Beastie Boys album, IMO. Hard to find a bad Q-Tip feature, but damn this one is good.
A bit too long but Beasties are stellar.
The most unique, all-encompassing hip hop album out there. Here, the Beastie Boys have made it to their late 20’s and are seeing the bigger picture of music and how they fit into it. Ill Communication is a love letter to the genres that inspired them, and a gift to the next generation. We’ve got punk tracks that bring us back to the group’s roots. Some core Beastie Boys raps with Sure Shot and Root Down. Sabotage fuses these genres together, and is why it still makes me want to run through a wall. Tons of great samples. Collabs with Q-Tip and Biz Markie. Inventive hip-hop techniques. But what’s even more unique on this album are the instrumental jazz, funk, and world tracks like Sabrosa, Futterman’s Rule, and Shambala. They’ve used a bunch of samples throughout, but these songs are creating new hooks to sample and rap over. What makes this record so special is hearing an iconic group putting out hits while also generating fresh and unexpected stuff.
One of the best hip hop albums
It's pretty good. Beastie Boys obviously have good flow, but some of the tracks are far too overly stylized, beyond the point of recognizable words. It has little to do with the vocals, but more-so the vocal filters. It like the beats and most songs, there's just the rare song that doesn't quite hit for me. The style is undeniably East Coast, which is not my preference, but this album is probably nearer the top of the pile for me as far as EC rap goes.
Muito divertido
Love the jazzy parts!
distinto muy burno
Classic that I have not listened to in ages. Some real bangers that I completely forgot about. A bit too long since their schtick can get repetitive but I feel that way about every Beastie album.
Much better than I expected. Several songs I thought: these guys are really good. And most of the he songs I liked. The ones with more rock content I didn't like that much. So, overall, a pretty good album. 4/5.
Amazing album, so much stuff happens there: punk, hip-hop, funk, jazz, samples, noises, flutes?
I enjoyed quite a few of their songs. I relisten to some of them actually.
Strong showing from the Beastie Boys. You can tell they have a lot of love and respect for hip hop as a genre, and brought their own unique sound and perspective to this album. Overall- good album. Probably in the 3.5-4.0 range
wo..wow!
Good album I liked it. The beastie boys sound like you're listening to them underwater and has a slightly edgy vibe feel to it. Sabotage is a great song, but most of the songs on the album hit well. 8/10
Argument to be made this is their best work from a creative standpoint but I do think I'd choose Paul's Boutique over it if pushed
Sabotage is the only one i had heard from the album before reviewing.. Sure shot : The sample definitely carried the song throughout, but its not a bad hip hop track - After which we switch up to more of a punk rock / hardcore vibe; decent but not too memorable. Root down: Funky track with nice instrumentals, the vocals dont really do it for me though, a bit too repetitive for me. Get it together, great hip-hop track, nice lyricism. Overall I liked the hip hop and instrumental parts better than the punk-y tracks. 4/5
8/10
Comes out with some bangers before tailing off at the end.
I completely underestimated the Beastie Boys for, like, my whole life. I always liked a few tunes, but assumed they were just sort of fun white dude hip hop in that traditional 80s basic 2-and-4 flow style. Nah, these dudes were innovators and true artists. Great album.
Found this site and the book through listening to Streets 2nd album again after a conversation w my friend on the bus. Disinterested in this way of listening to music but never hurts to explore stuff so and craving a schedule during my dissertation period. Have already listened to this album numerous times; big Beastie Boys fan the bridging of their earlier Punk sound with the Hip Hop sound into this cool hybrid album makes an awesome listening experience. Finding out Adam Yauch was buddhist really added to my listening when I came up to Bodhisattva Vow. My thesis and general philosophical ouvre is founded upon much Buddhist thought and I think it will stick with me through my future career and eventual scholarshiphood.
Nostalgic and maybe a lil corny but still a great listen with some surprisingly diverse tracks
Rap, groove, and Buddhist chants
the attitude, the eastern influences, the genre bending... A classic. love it when they let the music doing real communication.
Stupid fun.
Best: The update Overall rating: 8/10
Einige Songs sehr sehr geil. Wenige gar nicht
Favorite Track: Sabotage
It’s alright, it’s beastie boys
4.5
Pretty good
This is a Sure Shot. Get It Together and listen to this album. Do It.
So I like the sound, i loved the mix of rock with some good synts and a touch of techno (how i see it)
Fun, nostalgic :)
veel bangers ma ook af en toe een liedje da k echt ni bien vind
4,5
This is an iconic album from my youth, and I think it holds up with great beats and hooks. Remembering the legendary "Sabotage" video certainly doesn't hurt
I had heard of Beastie Boys before, but knew very little about them. I had no idea what their genre was or what they really did in the music industry. This album was a pleasant surprise and a great introduction to the group. I enjoyed the versatility of the tracks, including the number of instrumentals scattered throughout, adding variation. The changes in genre for the backing tracks also add another layer to the tracks. There were several tracks that I really had fun listening to. However, there have to be some honourable mentions for creativity, such as Heart Attack Man and Shambala. Favourites: Get It Together Alright Hear This Flute Loop
Doesn’t match up to Paul’s Boutique, but it comes real close.
Shit slams
I can’t really every know if I like the beastie boys or not but I do want to listen to this album more in depth sometime
Alright. Maybe I haven't given the Beasties as fair of a look as I should have. I'm actually starting to like some of their work and appreciate there broad musical range a bit more. Enjoyable album, if a bit long. Might give a listen again.
Angry, angsty, noisy energy. Enjoyed the whole composition but nothing standout, beyond perhaps sabotage?
I usually don't like this type of rock, but this one just works. It's pretty good!
No more beastie boys for a bit Better than the other album though
4/5 Favorite Songs: Sure Shot Sabotage Futterman's Rule Transitions
Some of their best stuff is on here, though none of it in the second half
I don't like hip-hop in general How strange...
This was all around better than their debut honestly. Will def return to it.
This album does a fantastic job of mixing the jazz-influenced hip-hop popularized by groups like A Tribe Called Quest and the hardcore punk origins of the band. Overall a great album, would probably listen again, maybe not all in one sitting though. Standout tracks IMO are Sure Shot, Sabotage, Heart Attack Man, and Root Down.
Such a complex album, multiple musical styles sometimes in the same song, but they are cohesive and the samples and live playing just set a real atmosphere. It’s cool and like the soundtrack to the best party you’ve ever been too. It could have done with a bit of editing but that’s a minor gripe
Incredible beats, I love 'Sure Shot', and 'Sabotage' is unbeatable. Great album all around.
Mon premier album de 1001albumsgenerator.com. Beaucoup d'énergie, j'ai envie de sauter dans tous les sens et de casser/créer des trucs en rythme avec ces titres. L'esthétique des clips est hyper inspirante, les couleurs, le montage, le storytelling. Il y a quelque chose de réel et de rafraichissant. J'aime bien les vocalises du début de Get it Together. Certains titres me rappellent ceux des films Osean's, d'autres mélangent des sonorités d'autres cultures, surtout la deuxième moitié de l'album :) Top titres : Sabotage, Get it Together, Sabrosa
I generally enjoy a lot of Beastie Boys work, this one just didn't really hit for me this time around. It starts off good with the first few tracks that really get the energy pumping. I do like how Rock-filled this one was compared to earlier work. It does kind of lose focus as it goes on, the songs just go by without really being memorable, the Shambala and Buddha songs aside.
A bit of everything, really interesting
This isn't exactly for me but it's perfect for the people it's for. If there's any version of the Beastie Boys that clicks for me, it's this one. I'm slightly rounding up just because of how hard Sabotage hits when it comes in.
I love this album. It has a bunch that f huge, well known bangers on there obviously, but what I love about it is how it lets you take a breath every now and then, and then proceeds to rip your head off. I love the punk songs that make it in here, as well as the heavy instrumentals across a lot of the tracks. A fun album and an awesome nostalgia hit
GRAN ALBUM
Great to finally get to listen to this classic. Iconic gritty sound and an early case of using odd samples (like the little goat screams on the second or third song). Some good classic early hip hop vibes. Enjoyed the spotify radio station that came from it too.
Good not great Beasties. When I listen to them I tend to stick to the first two albums, but they were pretty darned consistent throughout their career— great samples, madcap lyrics, interesting melting of genres. Love the Q-Tip feat. on this one, plus no on can deny the iconic spike jonze “Sabotage” video!
They give you a new general vibe with each new record, yet stay true to the roots of what made them great. They got Sabotage on this one, which leads heavier into the rock than the rap. It's a bit of a trip and is still one of my favorites of al time from them. This album still isn't quite as iconic as License to ill, but it's still very good.
Cool album.
There's everything in this album. It's classic hip-hop with influences from, punk rock, jazz and just great flow. I really like this mix and this feeling.
Tämähän oli erittäin hyvä. Räppiä, punkkia ja hyviä sampleja.
Might go on a touch too long, but so many great songs. 4 1/2 stars.
Listen all you'll its a Sabotage!
6 days ago I had Beastie Boys - Licence To Ill. I think that album was a little better, more even. This is definetly a good album too, but it has a little more fillers compared to hits. Sabotage is the bands strongest song, and there’s quite a few other good ones. Favourite songs: Sabotage, Sure shot, Flute Loop.
molto molto interessante come album, purtroppo non l’ho ascoltato tutto però particolare
Mi ha gasato non poco questo mix di rap hip hop e rock
Super fedt men efter lidt tid bliver jeg også lidt træt i ørene af det. Men i små mængder holder det 100%.
Cool 90s HipHop with Rock elements. Never heard of that group before but actually really enjoyed that album. Some tracks better than others but in general cool though.
Maybe my least favourite Beastie Boys album I’ve heard so far, but still a very fun listen. It’s energetic, quick, and not too serious.
My communication is ill cuz I can't think of what to say.
9/10 yeahh boiiiiiiiii
AYYYYYY
80* Stakkels kartoffelmos :/ Ekstra nostalgi point for at være soundtrack til besøg hos mine ældre fætre i Viby, hvor der blev spillet LOTR på PS2 mens vi blastede beastie boys og jøden.
Nobody fused hip-hop and rock influences better than these guys.
I used to listen to this cassette on repeat in my car around ages 23-25. It holds up real well (and MUCH better than Licensed to Ill, which really grossed me out on relisten). This album showed everyone BB were actually a great *band* and they had serious musical range. They somehow blend rap and rock (without sounding like lugheaded "rap-rock") with jazz and funk in a coherent way. 3 other thoughts... -I've heard "Sabotage" a million times, but it really is a great song. I can't think of a single other song by any other band that really sounds like it. -I've gotta give a shout out to The In Sound From Way Out, which is their highly underrated instrumental album that came out shortly after Ill Communication. -"Get It Together" might be the best thing they ever recorded.
Fire. Loved the copious amount of instrumental tracks. 4.5.
Overall, it’s a great album from a punk band that turned to hip-hop in an attempt to reinvent themselves. What’s impressive is how they can jump from a super aggressive track straight into a jazz interlude entirely played by the band.
For the first half of this it was a solid 3 (Sabotage is just excellent, the rest was a bit touch and go) but the second half is so consistently good that I think I may need to put this in frequent rotation... It may deserve a 4 when all is said and done In any case, the whole thing just exudes love for music and on that I'm on board with the boys
this record was fun FUN! it really rocks ROCKS it's so diverse VERSE It blew off my socks SOCKS
Unique sound. It is always fun to listen to Beastie boys.
For a long time I've considered the Beastie Boys to be one of the most overrated bands ever. And I really didn't like Paul's Boutique at all, and Intergalactic was an instant radio station switch each time it can every 30 minutes in 1999-2000. Listening to this makes me reassess.
really chaotic and funky, ill give it to them
Достаточно неплохой альбом с фанково-джазовым звучанием и даже эдакими вкраплениями панка. Мне показался достаточно затянутым и длинным, мне кажется, стоило остановится примерно на 13 треке. В альбоме также понравились приятные инструментальные перебивки, что, как мне кажется, весьма необычно для хип-хоп альбома.
This album continues to slap hard. Not as great as Paul's Boutique, which keeps growing on me, but good. The line "the disrespect to women has got to be through..." still brings stinging tears to my eyes.
Dope album, fun to listen to and a great blend of punk and hip hop aesthetics. Favorite track: Ricky’s Theme
This is the first time listening to a full Beastie Boys album for me, I had only known their singles over the years. I was surprised at how musical this is, with instrumental tracks and all. I also didn’t realize they did the music side too, thought it was just the vocals. The variety here was nice too, like the punk tracks thrown in there too.
PHRESH
At times I forgot I was listening to the Beastie Boys; I thought this was a step up from Licensed to Ill.
Another classic that was played a lot around the house growing up, it’s Ill Communication by the Beastie Boys. Favourite track: very hard to choose, but to be contrarian, I’m going with Root Down.
Bursting over with different NYC sounds, like trying on one hundred different headphones in a Tower Records. And it all sounds amazing. Massively eclectic stuff, this and Check Your Head are a massive maturation as stylists. The whole thing is seamless, really great stuff. Almost makes me envious but then I remember, I never played music Favorite Tracks: Tough Guy, B-Boys Makin With the Freak Freak, Sabotage, Get It Together, Futterman's Rule, Bodhisattva Vow
A top notch hip hop record with lots of groovy and funky detours in the way of instrumental interludes. The songcraft is peak, and even though the lyrics could use some work, the detail in the production is still absolutely fire and makes up for any of the repetition in that department. I will say that sometimes the aforementioned detours do take me out of it sometimes, but the highlights are phenomenal.
Banger of an album! Like a lot of albums of that time, lots of interludes that are a bit of a miss. Strong songs, great lyrics and absolute stellar beat!
Fun, rowdy. Bit more punky in places than I expected.
Beastie Boys are just fun. Their sound evolved but the fun was the constant.
Honestly…I groaned when I saw this come up this morning but I’m enjoying it wayyyy more than I thought I would. There’s some jams on here; shocked but 4 stars
I enjoyed Sabotage, and the fun rage that I enjoy in today's rap artists like Rico Nasty. But the best parts of the album were the non rap/hip-hop tracks, like Eugene's Lament and the jazz samples.
Beforehand I always Beastie Boys music a hit or a miss. Sometimes it’s catchy as hell (YOU GOTTA FIGHT. FOR YOUR RIGHT. TO PARRRRRTAYYYYY) and then other times it just gets on my nerves because I find it annoying. There’s some real gems in here that aren’t Sabatoge. I thought the instrumental track Sabrosa was awesome with that bass line. Actually I loved all the instrumental tracks. I think they were the highlight for me. I thought it brought a lot of depth to the album adding in a nice jazz touch and a break from the craziness that the MCs bring. Loved this record. Really shined a light and it brought on a new respect to the Beastie Boys
Really cool album, teeming with ideas. Proto nu metal, funk, all kinds of great stuff. I do have to say the vocal delivery is only meh so four stars I guess.
Heck Yeah!!
Sabia que os Beastie Boys são uns dos pioneiros do hip hop. Não sabiam é que eram tão criativos e que misturavam vários géneros. Mas se pensar bem até faz sentido. O hip hop naquela altura ainda quase não existia, portanto tinha de nascer de algo. E o rock, o punk e o funk (por exemplo) foram algumaa das bases. Finalmente ouvi um album deles e gostei!
The coldest group of white boys since the Vikings
Alright Beastie Boys, coming back from Paul's Botique with an album I actually like more. Fair. You've earned your 4.
I eat the fuckin’ pineapple Now or Laters
goeie mix van stijlen... gaat verveling uit de weg door geen hele plaat te rappen... meer van dat!
buen mezcla de géneros, buenas vibras, no skips.
way better than i remember
Rap, hip-hop, samples, white boys screaming, catchy melodies and a lot of scratching. I'm in. Plus, Sabotage is probably the best introductory song to any stage act, ever.
Paul's Boutique et Check Your Head sont des écoutes essentielles. Celui-là pourrait laisser sa place dans la liste. 3.75 étoiles
From Root Down on I was obsessed. I loved this album, especially the percussive elements and balance between fun punky numbers and jazzy tracks. Futterman’s Rule was so sick, and Eugene’s Lament had my jaw on the floor. So unexpected, so surprisingly refined, and well done. I liked that this album had a focus on the music than the vocals/lyrics more so than the last Beastie Boys album I listened to on this list, Paul’s Boutique. This is like a more mature version, still with fun vocals and group dynamic, but more reserved and punchy.
C'était vachement bien et bien surprenant
Franchement pas mal
Songzeile: Talking shit about a mile a minute Put the wax on the table and let the DJ spin it Well, excuse me, motherfuckers, can I beg your pardon? I'm gonna see the Knicks at the Madison Square Garden alles gesammelt und gemixt und selbst Epigonenarmeeauslöser geworden - zu recht