Ill Communication

Pretty good

Dope

Great multi genre upbeat album.

ONE OF THE BEST EVER!!

7/10

Revolutionary

It’s really not for me

super

I like this a little more than license to ill. 7/10

Some cool samples, felt more aggressive than Paul's Boutique. Shoutout "Root Down" off NBA2k9, specifically when playing blacktop.

3.5. Pretty solid.

After listening to this again, I think I've changed my mind to this being their best over Check Your Head. So many bangers. Highlights: Get It Together, Sure Shot, Sabotage

Sabotage is such a banger. The whole second half of the album is so different, but in a good way Fav songs: Sabotage, Eugene’s Lament, Futterman’s rule

Killer all the way through.

Утомили

Banger through and through, my favorite Beasties album.

Very nice, don’t eat the mashed potatoes

good

I like this more than the previous albums from them. sure shot, sabotage, and get it together were very good, it would have benefited from some trimming in my opinion.

Oh man, rolling into downtown Lincoln with this one playing at full volume. I loved the sound and I loved the unique approach to being cool. Holds up so well, just vibing to the great beats and nobody samples like the Beastie Boys. Would be tough to pick a favorite between this one and Paul's Boutique.

Beastie Boys at their peak. Assured, varied and enjoyable. The hardcore tracks on here deserve a mention just because they are great, but this is such a mixed bag, which is why it works. An absolute 5.

If you happen to be at a party hosted by the Beastie Boys, under no circumstances should you eat the mashed potatoes.

Liked 3 songs, but a lot I didn’t like… but those 3 songs were great!

10 stars

Still love this album

3.5

Abysmal

I feel like every album has a few absolutely perfect songs and the rest a bit of filler. Great hooks though.

Not very good, it might appeal to “think they are hard” White American Gangsta’s. But people who like music will see it for the immature rubbish that it is. Fashion is transient, style and quality last.

While not my favorite Beastie Boys Album it is right up there at maybe the third spot. I'm old enough to remember when they came out, I did not know at the time that they started out as a hard core punk band and then transitioned to hip hop. The best song on here though is Sabotage and the music video is just as memorable.

Another album that I encountered from my older siblings’ catalog of bootleg CDs (albeit probably an incomplete rip), so some of these songs have held importance to me at different points in life. “Sabotage” is still one of the greatest rock songs I’ve ever heard. I’ll be listening to obscure jazz albums and think, is that the sample from “Sure Shot”? As a drummer in high school, me and my friends would play “Sabrosa” while pretending to be high because we didn’t know much about drugs or how to get them. Listening to it as a whole work, you can hear such a range of style, ability, and ideas, melding together in an instantly recognizable musical identity. When people talk about rap-rock, they’re usually referring to Limp Bizkit or some shit when they should be talking about this. It’s a long album, and sometimes veers more into vibey background music than a concise, cohesive statement. So it’s hard to compare this to more sparing, perfectionist records, while being fair to both sides. But it’s a pretty impressive album considering half of it sounds like it was sung through a walkie talkie.

I wasn't totally into listening to this album. I saw the tracklist and thought "Far too long. This will surely drag on." I thought about putting it off for another day. The Beastie Boys are meant for a certain time or event. So I chose to put it on while browsing Black Friday Deals and I realized the Beastie Boys are meant to be listened to almost anytime. Suddenly there's only 5 tracks left. I haven't been paying attention to track names and that's a good thing. This album has been one continuous experience featuring the flute (my least favorite instrument but thoroughly enjoyed here), Q-Tip, Biz Markie, a Jimmy Smith sample, throat singing...I mean seriously, what was I thinking???? What a fantastic collection of songs that just....flow..... The second Beastie Boys album I've reviewed and now that I've made it to the end, the second Beastie Boys album to get a 5 star rating out of me. (4.7 but what the hell)

Embarassing that I know pretty much all the words to all the Beastie Boys songs, cuz that shit's lame. Evidence that a good producer can make anyone sound good, which is I guess what has given us Taylor Swift... Try not to pay attention to the lyrics, or to the fact that this is three random white guys picked up to capitalize on the new hip hop craze and sell it to the suburbs. Just let the well-chosen samples and great production carry you through, like the whole BBoys catalog.

Really good mix of classic Beastie Boys sound and decent punk tunes that stand alone on their own.

Classic. Created the (oft-imitated, never duplicated) model of final-word-shouted rhyming. Excellent stuff.

3.5 Stars

The first time I heard "Get it Together," (back in my college days), I thought it was a new song by A Tribe Called Quest - no doubt because Q-Tip is a guest artist, but because it gives more hip hop vibes than the Beastie Boys' usual rap infused with hip hop to me. No matter in the end, as it's a pretty sick song. "Sabatoge" is iconic, "Root Down" will stay looped in your head in a good way, and "Ricky's Theme" is a fun little jazzy number that might make you forget you're listening to the Beastie Boys. This is an amazing example of what happens when a musical artist infuses their style with different flavors and musical personalities. To have gone so high on the billboard charts at the time that it did against other powerhouse artists like Nirvana and Boyz II Men, who were exploding onto is also a pretty remarkable feat, since not everybody purchased rap albums, but a whole lot of people certainly did purchase this particular rap album. I love it!

I like the Beastie Boys as much as anyone, maybe more, and this album is as good as any they released, solid east coast rap from the golden days, but it’s also the 3rd Beastie album I’ve encountered on this list while so many great artists are missing. Just makes you wonder.

This is their best album. Like a lot of 90s albums, it's too long. Despite the wide range of styles. And they're good at all of them. Favorite song: Sabotage

Had it on in the background, but there's something grating about Beastie Boys that never really clicked with me.

Some albums aren’t meant to be dissected, they’re part of your DNA. Ill Communication lands there for me. The Beastie Boys were one of the first bands I ever connected with; I still remember finding my brother’s Licensed to Ill cassette and instantly feeling like I’d stumbled onto something amazing. By the time Ill Communication came along, they’d already become one of those bedrock artists—funny, loud, chaotic in the best way, and constantly evolving without losing the core energy that hooked me as a kid. I can’t pretend to be objective about it; this album is woven into my musical upbringing. I just love it, full stop.

Another album that is in my top 50 of all time. This recording was being played non-stop when it first came out and I couldn't get enough of it.

Classic, everyone should listen.

Just cause I like it doesn't mean it's great. It's a good album, but nothing life changing.

Better than I thought. Sabotage is recognizable and good but there were several others I would listen to again.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Many have tried to combine rock and rap, but I don’t know many who’ve done it as well

Sabotage is a classic! This album is Beastie Boys picking up their stride, but I think they went on to make much better bangers

Dense, funky, in-your face. Continuing the Beastie's development into a musically more complex vehicle. Having said this, I found it difficult to listen to as an album through headphones as it feels like they're hammering the words direct into your skull. There's too much reverb and distortion on the samples and vocals and the beats have been compressed into brad nails. i tried it again on the hi-fi and it wasn't much better. taken a track at a time in a shuffled playlist there are some killer tracks but 1 at a time is plenty

Loads of great beats with a little instrumental filler

Good record. From the days when it still sounded like bands were having fun making them. I saw them live a couple of times right around when this album came out and they were great.

9 What a sick album how have I never listened to beastie boys before can’t believe I deprived myself of this

Total classic.

Chaotic. In the best way. Grandmaster Flash and Run DMC cuts beside jazz riffs and flute loops. Reggae moments from the likes of Lee Scratch Perry, mix with comedy stand-up routines, sheep sounds, and a dog barking "I love you" from a Little Caesars ad. The use of live instruments makes for a proper band energy. This was the ideal coming together of musical interests for me as a teen. Adam Yauch even learned the double bass, lugging it with him on a snowboarding trip to keep his practice up. We switch between hip hop, hardcore punk, funk, jazz and even Buddhist chanting. There's so much going on here, that Liam Howlett was able to create a whole Prodigy song out of a single line: "Oh my God it's the funky shit". Adam Yauch calling out misogynistic rap tropes, and a misunderstanding of their previous frat boy satire directly in the lyrics of Sure Shot, shows the Beastie Boys growing up. Then there's Sabotage. It still rocks with an insane punk energy that makes you want to slide across the bonnet of your car while wearing Ray Bans and short sleeves. It's also home to one of my favourite guitar solos of all time. Pure chaotic energy, perfect for the song. Seriously varied, chaotic, messy, unique, unpredictable and unexpected. Shit, if this is gonna be that kind of party...

Another reason why 90s New York hip-hop is the greatest genre/era of all time (also 70s British rock). First time listening to a Beastie Boys album top to bottom and it was a treat. Did not realize how awesome their production and sampling are and some really beautiful instrumentals throughout the album. A new favorite to add to my list of top hip-hop albums for sure

I was surprised to find that I liked much of this album. I had always thought of the Beastie Boys as attracting young men who slam empty beer cans against their forehead. I was wrong. I appreciated the subdued melodic beats and the instrumentals were engaging.

A lot more depth to this album than I expected. Some bangers in there like Sabotage and Sure Shot, and then not sure I’ve heard Get it Together before but Q-Tip is always a great feature.

This is like 3 albums from different genres standing on each other's shoulders underneath a trenchcoat, each style having its place and merit but sort of discombobulated sounding if you're not expecting it. I'm a fan, but this probably isn't even in my top 3 beastie albums. 3.5 rounded down.

Some good moments - the run from “Root Down”, “Sabotage” and “Get it Together” (shout out Q Tip). I love hip hop and punk separately, and i respect the Beastie Boys a lot, but there’s something about them that never clicks for me in a way that i personally relate to. It’s good music tho, so I’ll go 3.5 rounded up.

The classic Beastie's raps but with real instruments. Amazing lyrics and tunes.

Alright

Excellent album... and that's coming from someone who doesn't like rap. Definitely dig Sabotage and Tough Guy is a nice hardcore song that was surprising to hear. TIL that the Beastie Boys started from the hardcore band the Young Aborigines--maybe that has something to do with my ability to enjoy their music. 5/5

From the first barks at the start of sure shot this is unmissable stuff. The beastie boys always a better proposition rapping alongside each other not together. Root down is a tremendous garage stomp. Sabotage is one of the career highlights, full of vitriol and funny lyrics. Then the album becomes a little bit self indulgent. Always listenable just could do with a bit more editing. One step short of a classic.

Loved it/ way ahead of their time!

Obviously amazing

This really shows off the range that the beastie boys have. Very good album.

High 4, rounding up. Always forget how versatile and nuanced these guys are. And Sabotage is such a banger

A lot stranger than I had imagined. I don't usually enjoy flutes, so props for that.

I mean what can you say? A perfect record. Feel like I should have grown up with it. Maybe that’s why I’m not as excited by it as I’d like to be.

Solid thumps and loved it

One of those groups you know the second one of their songs come on. Distinct sound.

Obviously some absolute bangers, but also a whole lot of filler. Lyrics often a bit ropey as well.

Much prefer to yesterday's album, although track 2 'tough guy' was a bit much for 9am pre-coffee.

I want to give this 3.5, would have been a 4 if they'd limited the lo-fi / mic distortion sound a little..... Groundbreaking album spanning three genres, supported at the time by amazing videos and visuals (Sabotage remains a classic). The tour that followed this was a 10 out of 5 with 4 sets across 3 stages - Mixmaster Mike DJ set, Hip-Hop set, Punk set and Lounge Band instrumentals. Loads of bands and albums are still influenced by Ill Communication.

Sabotage aside easily the less of the two other Beastie Boys albums on this list

What!? Why is Licensed to Ill the only stuff I have to hear everywhere when this exists!?! Insane!!

Loved this. The album is all over the shop, but in a good way. There must be half a dozen genre's showcased, everything from rap to rock to jazz. Brilliant!

Far better than their other album I listened to on this list

Sure Shot // Sabotage // Ricky’s Theme //

Very poor

I can't help but enjoy Beastie Boys... they're always so much fun. This album is definitely my fav of theirs, that I've heard.

On est en 1994. Je bosse à la radio depuis trois ans maintenant. Le grunge est en train de se tirer une balle dans la tête (littéralement), et la Britpop commence à nous envahir avec ses coupes au bol et ses hymnes à la bière tiède. Et au milieu de tout ça, il y a les Beastie Boys. Les Beastie Boys, c'est un peu les rois du monde. Ce sont les types les plus cools de la planète et ils sortent "Ill Communication" et tout le monde crie au génie. Moi le premier, à l'époque, je me suis laissé emporter par la vague. Mais le temps, c'est comme un tamis : ça ne garde que les pépites et ça laisse passer la boue. Et avec le recul, ce disque est un foutoir épuisant. Alors oui, on va mettre un 3 sur 5. C'est la note du "Ouais, c'est pas mal, il y a des tubes, mais est-ce que je vais l'écouter en entier sans zapper ? Non". Le problème majeur de cet album, c'est qu'il arrive après "Check Your Head". En 1992, "Check Your Head" avait été une claque parce qu'ils revenaient aux instruments, ils mélangeaient le punk, le funk, le rap. C'était frais. Deux ans plus tard, ils nous resservent exactement la même soupe, mais en plus long, en plus bruyant, et paradoxalement, en moins inspiré. C'est le syndrome de la séquelle hollywoodienne : on prend les mêmes, on met plus de budget, plus d'explosions, mais on a perdu l'âme en route. Parlons tout d'abord de ce qui fâche vraiment : les voix. Et j'avoue que ça a toujours été mon problème avec les Beasties, mais sur cet album, ça atteint des sommets de pénibilité. Ad-Rock, MCA et Mike D ne rappent pas, ils aboient, ils hurlent. On dirait trois ados qui viennent d'inhaler de l'hélium et qui se battent pour le dernier paquet de chips. Au début, sur "Sure Shot", c'est marrant, c'est énergique. Mais au bout de vingt minutes, cela devient une torture. Ce flow nasillard, monocorde, cette façon de scander les fins de phrases en chœur... C'est d'une répétitivité assommante. Il y a bien sûr l'éléphant dans la pièce : "Sabotage" et je suis d'accord, c'est un monument. Le riff est énorme, la basse saturée est jouissive, et le clip est légendaire. Mais un morceau ne fait pas un album et "Sabotage" a un défaut : il écrase tout le reste. Il est tellement puissant qu'il fait passer les autres tentatives rock/punk de l'album (comme "Tough Guy" ou "Heart Attack Man") pour des brouillons d'étudiants en colère. Ces morceaux hardcore durent à peine une minute trente et on a l'impression qu'ils sont là juste pour dire "Hé, vous avez vu, on écoutait Black Flag quand on était jeunes". Et puis il y a ce fameux mélange des genres qui finit par ne ressembler à rien. L'album est un fourre-tout indigeste. Tu passes d'un rap agressif à un instrumental funk pseudo-cool, puis à un délire mystique avec des moines tibétains ("Shambala"). Sérieusement ? Les mecs se prennent pour des maîtres zen maintenant ? Ça sent le trip de riches californiens qui s'ennuient. Les instrumentaux comme "Sabrosa" ou "Flute Loop", soyons francs : c'est de la musique d'ascenseur pour boutique de skate. C'est sympa en fond sonore quand tu bois des coups, mais ça ne raconte rien. Ça tourne en rond. Money Mark fait mumuse avec ses claviers vintage, ça groove gentiment, mais ça n'a aucune profondeur. C'est juste... cool. Et "cool", au bout d'un moment, ça devient chiant. L'album est trop long avec ses 20 titres. C'est interminable, il y a au moins 30% de gras qu'il aurait fallu couper au montage. Mais comme c'étaient les Beastie Boys et qu'ils étaient intouchables en 1994, personne n'a osé leur dire "Les gars, ce morceau-là, il sert à rien". Résultat, on se tape des interludes inutiles et des jams qui ne décollent jamais. Il y a aussi ce côté "récupération" qui m'a toujours un peu gêné aux entournures. Ils pillent tout : le funk des années 70, le punk, le hip-hop, l'imagerie des séries policières. C'est du collage, c'est du sampling culturel. C'est très bien fait, techniquement c'est irréprochable. Mais où sont-ils, eux, là-dedans ? Quelle est leur véritable identité, à part être des éponges à pop-culture ? Parfois, j'ai l'impression d'écouter une compilation de "ce qui est branché en 1994" plutôt qu'une œuvre d'art singulière. C'est un album de fête, un album de potes. C'est très bien pour animer une soirée où personne n'écoute vraiment la musique. Mais pour une écoute attentive, au casque, ça ne tient pas la route. Ça manque de chair, ça manque d'émotion, ici il y a surtout de la sueur et de la bière. Alors voilà, 3 sur 5, c'est la moyenne supérieure. On ne peut pas mettre moins parce que "Root Down" reste un putain de morceau funky et que "Get It Together" a un flow incroyable grâce à Q-Tip. Il y a du savoir-faire, c'est indéniable. Mais c'est l'album de la stagnation, ils ont trouvé leur formule et ils l'ont pressée jusqu'à la dernière goutte. C'est le genre de disque que tu gardes dans ta collection par nostalgie, ou parce qu'il "faut" l'avoir (c'est dans le bouquin après tout). Mais honnêtement, combien de fois l'as-tu écouté en entier, du début à la fin, ces dix dernières années ? Probablement jamais. Tu mets "Sabotage", peut-être "Sure Shot", et après tu passes à autre chose parce que tu as mal au crâne. Beastie Boys, c'est le groupe qu'on a adoré adorer. Mais avec le recul de l'adulte que je suis devenu (et du vieux con de disquaire qui sommeille en moi), je me dis que c'était quand même beaucoup de bruit pour pas grand-chose. C'est fun, mais c'est vain. Et la vanité, sur 60 minutes, c'est long.

hip-hop, funk, punk, jazz... Mis asi see Beastie Boys on? Imeline. Ta on kuradi imeline. Mulle nii meeldib see album. See on täielik kogemusalbum, üleminekud on nii head ja seda kuulates ei teki mul üldse igavust. Albumi parimate palade sekka kuuluvad kindlasti "Sabotage", "Root Down", "Get It Together" (Questi Q-Tipiga!), "Alright Hear This", "Flute Loop" ja "Transitions". Kõla järgi saab aru, et Beastie Boys inspireeris nii palju tulevasi artiste. Uskumatu plaat.

Cover 5 A while back, maybe two years ago, I actually listened to their entire discography, inspired by the podcast Every Album Ever. EAV is two hosts that listen to an entire discography and then discuss the artist and each album. They rate the best and worst and personal favorites. I found that I actually like The Beastie Boys. Some of their best songs are not radio hits. If you judged solely from their radio hits, you're missing out on a lot. This album is not their best, though. Paul's Boutique is actually pretty amazing but like this album can be too long for it's own sake (and it's first track, To All the Girls is not only laughably misogynistic, it's just not very good). This one's ok, even though Sabotage is one of their best (funnest?) songs. Still, there's a lot on here to consider, including the fact it's an hour-long album. So much of this album is self indulgent and drags the album, especially the second half. Actually more than that. The last two-third, almost everything after Get it Together. This could have been a much better album had they removed six or so songs. It really is about twenty to twenty five minutes too long. That said, there are some good songs, including Sabotage, a favorite of mine, but the majority of the album is so much filler.

Very surprised by my own rating.

🎉 🍆 🥣 🥔

(87/100)

shambala is super kosmiche love the random bursts of genre fusion (most pay off, some don't) q-tip feature is very welcome transitions a fun little jam. these guys are class musicians too, especially how fast and tightly played the punk songs are (quite like DKs)

Banger

Great stuff

I have been surprised by many albums on this list but I think this is the first time I have been floored. This is ambitious, eclectic and absolutely relentless. The rest of it is so good I am (easily) able to look past the occasional thrashy guitar and the nasally vocals.

Lots of their big hits on this - fun album to listen to for sure but I think Paul’s Boutique is still my fav

Хип-хап породнился с панк-роком и ещё кучей всего. Есть интересные очень кусочки. Скорее не моя музыка.

Aaaah, le voilà! Mon album hip-hop/jazz/punk/noise-rock/électronique préféré! C'est fou la quantité de styles interrelié qu'ils ont réussi à tordre et à fusionner pour créer un son à la fois ultra-original et indéniablement Beastie Boys. Voilà, j'adore, allez l'écouter là!

When listening to an album, you want to be able to listen to it from start to finish. I found myself skipping halfway through most songs. I will note, one of their better songs Sabotage is on this album, so it’s not a full loss.

Full of classics, and excellent instrumental transition pieces. Essential Beastie Boys that own their genre.

Pretty good album overall. A tad too long, but I enjoyed it.

Well aware of these guys. Afraid only recognize Sabotage on this one so far after listening to halfway through. A lot of variety here and some cool cameos like Q-Tip, but despite all of that they are just not connecting to me on a personal level yet. Still, despite all of that, must deserve at least 4 stars, very solid interesting music with plenty of ideas and good production.

A little too long, but frankly, having Sabotage on there wins it a lot of points

Nein, das ist nicht meine Musik.

I'd never listen to the whole of it and though I think the album is a little too sprawling for its own good and sometimes extends in unsuccessful corners, the core of the sound and beats is solid and enjoyable.

Solid Beastie Boys. Not my favourite album of theirs but ok.

So much better than Licensed to Ill. Sabotage is still a banger, a sort of avant-garde hip hop punk track.

Very consistent, but doesn't contain my favorite Beastie Boys songs

Totally fine and bearable when they shut the fuck, high 2 low 3 Fav song: Futterman's Rule maybe

This was an unexpected gem

This album is a vibe start to finish. RIP MCA.

Fairly inconsistent tracklist; wasn’t a fan of the switching from punk to jazz rap. Some tracks and a good bit of the instrumentals however were pretty good and helped pull the rating up.

The Beastie Boys are very nostalgic for me which might give this a higher rating than it would otherwise. While some songs hit hard others I would rather skip and I think that has more to do with nostalgia than the genre or the songs themselves.

a lot of ...screaming? Highlight: Sabotage (second half)

Ad Rock come and rock the sure shot! Fresh like Dougie when I get my specs and on the microphone I come correct Timing on the clock when I rock the hip hop Top notch is my stock on the soapbox! 10/10

Amazing

Having known a bunch of the hits, my first full BB album was Paul's Boutique. I didn't care for it. This is a significant improvement, containing at least a couple of bangers. I appreciate the variety on offer and it sounds great, but as you would expect for a 20 song album, it begins to drag and grate. There's an awful lot of fluff in the middle, there is no need for there to be so many instrumentals, and the whole toddler having a high pitched tantrum vocals feel repetitive sooner rather than later. Cut this to twelve tracks and I'd be happy to give a four star score.

Despite Sabotage being one of my karaoke jams and dream wedding walk-up song, I had never listened to this full album before. Long story short - I fucking love the Beastie Boys.

1. Sure Shot - 7 Solid hip hop track with a brilliant flow and beat. Excellent opening track. 2. Tough Guy - N/A Too short to be rated. 3. B-Boys Makin' With The Freak Freak - 8 Love the chorus on this track and the effects on the voice on them. Quintessential hop hop. 4. Bobo On The Corner - N/A Is like an interlude. 5. Root Down - 3 Bit too repetitive and not really a track that goes anywhere. The bass is enjoyable but lyrically is extremely weak. 6. Sabotage - 11 An all time classic. The mix of the heavy rock with hip hop sound is outstanding and executed flawlessly on this track. 7. Get It Together (feat. Q-Tip) - 8 Solid song. Q-Tip being cued in and his rap is particularly enjoyable but the verses are really enjoyable as well. The background instruments are brilliant. 8. Sabrosa - 5 Decent instrumental track with a good beat and some brilliant bongos on it. 9. The Update - 6 The piano interjecting is very good as is the bass on the track but the effect on the vocals is too strong and it detracts from the lyrics and overall enjoyment of the song 10. Futterman's Rule - 6 Decent instrumental with some great guitar and drumming sounds. 11. Alright Hear This - 5 Brilliant intro but the actual main part of the track is a bit of a pass over song. It's just not as strong as what else is on the album. 12. Eugene's Lament - 2 Not a good instrumental track. 13. Flute Loop - 6 Nice short rap with some really good scratching. 14. Do It (feat. Biz Markie) - 6 Another decent rap with a good beat. Biz Markie doesn't make as big or huge an impression as the track featuring Q-Tip, but it's still solid. 15. Ricky's Theme - 7 Very good and chill instrumental track. Belongs on any lo-fi playlist. 16. Heat Attack Man - 1 Awful sounding track. Like a punk track more than anything else. 17. The Scoop - 6 Decent rap. The bass is really the star of the track here. The effects on the vocals are a little too much here again. 18. Shambala - 6 Good instrumental that builds well and transitions brilliantly into the next track. 19. Bodhisattva Vow - 6 Pretty much the same issue as The Scoop although I feel like the song doesn't start with the effects on it as much. 20. Transitions - 6 Very funky track with some great sounds on it. Decent way to end the album. Average Rating: 5.83 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 2.92 Rounded Up: 3 Stars

Banger…

Haven't spun this in awhile. Sabotage is one of my favs. Was cool to hear the RATM influence in Heart Attack Man.

Some classics but some absolutely unlistenable garbage.

Extremely cool amalgam of hip-hop, punk, jazz, and rock. I've always really appreciated their diversity as a band, and that's on display in spades here. 4/5

Ok this was really cool. My impression of the Beastie Boys has totally changed.

Top tier

Half pints of raspberries on sale for a buck 88 so you might as well buy a couple.Some of these songs feel like raspberry seeds stuck in your teeth. The back half is like sweet seed free relief.

Great album! One of a few bands that successfully experiment and change over time.

Sabotage will forever be a millennial anthem.

The funk instrumentals were nice, the hip-hop songs (especially directly into the microphone) - not so much. Not exactly my thing, to be precise.

Not what I usually listen to but cool fusion of Hip Hop and Punk-ish elements

From the first flute riff of ‘Sure Shot,’ this one had me. If I were walking up to the plate in a major-league ballpark, that’d be my entrance music. Ill Communication captures everything I love about music — groove, energy, experimentation, and joy. And I have to smile hearing ‘Root Down,’ knowing its DNA traces back to Jimmy Smith — the organ master behind Back at the Chicken Shack. Then there’s Sabotage — the track and video that proved the Beasties could turn sheer chaos into art. It’s still one of the most iconic music videos ever made. I just love these guys — their blend of musicianship, attitude, and humor is unmatched.

An eclectic mix of hip hop, hardcore, funk, a Latin jazz flavor from Bobo on percussion and dicks in mashed potato. As a whole, it’s a little on the long side and some of the instrumental excursions I feel could be trimmed or removed. I like this best when it’s big beats, funky samples and killer rhymes and there’s plenty of them on here to make it a great album

Sabotage is a great single with an equally great video. Nothing else on the album reached that level but there is still a lot to appreciate. There is variety, the flow between them is fantastic, like when old friends catch up after a long time and just slip into the old rhythms, and they have an such iconic sound that it really could be no one else, which, given the amount of music that is produced, is quite an achievement in itself.

I’m not convinced that if sabotage hadn’t such a great video that there wouldn’t be as much attention on them. Something about them grates on me a little - don’t like the pseudo shouting rapping, and although I appreciate the blend between rap and more punk/rock instrumentation, just isn’t my thing.

It's great. Love the mix of genres.

Thoroughly blown away by this one. Caught myself doing the stank face multiple times, especially on some of the (multiple, amazing) instrumental tunes on the back half of the record. Sure, "Sabotage" is a killer track, but I dare say that track was my least favorite part of this album (possibly just due to listening fatigue) in favor of the more funky/jazzy tunes scattered around. Was blindsided by those sounds, in the best way possible.

old school mit jazz/funk-samples .. I like it.

Skater Sound! Das waren noch Zeiten.

Will add sabotage and get it together to my list for sure. The instrumentals are banging too!

Un peu trop boom boom

Possibly my favorite album in 7th grade. A wild journey through a cabinet of mid-90s curiosities guided by three loud, Jewish New Yorkers.

This is one of my favourite albums from the 90s. Together with Check Your Head they are revolutionary. It was inspiring how three pretty mediocre musicians with maximum creativity made something that was hip hop, punk and trippy jammy at the same time. I do find the jamming interesting, especially with the inclusion of DJ elements, but could do without “Flute Loop” and a few others. Not a perfect album, but great.

a so called true classic. Sabotage just blew me away back in the days. Both the song and the video

Objectively great, I just wasn't really feeling it on a Monday morning. The sampling on here is something else, I didn't realise they were quite so pioneering

It’s a belter, always fun emphasising words like a fourth beastie boy

It’s got everything and sounds like nothing else. Flute Loop gets me every time.

"They had a lot of variation of style in this and drew from lots of genres which is interesting. I can get and somehow also can't believe that ""Sabotage"" carried this album. Even the instrumentals were really good but I wasn't expecting long , lyric-less songs. "

So I always thought that I could only tolerate the Beastie Boys in small doses. Listening to this album, I think that might still be true, but they recognize that too. Instead of an onslaught of repetitive beats and lyrics, they space the songs out with interesting and unique instrumental tracks. The songs are designed to flow from one to the next. Genres and bent, flipped and thrown across the album, dashing from punk to jazz to funk to rock. And amazingly the whole package works. It’s a solid album and one that I think everyone really should listen to, if only to adjust their perception of the music the Beastie Boys truly made.

Always just had this filed away as the "Sabotage" album, but there was plenty of other good stuff here! "Root Down" and "Get It Together" were very good as well, and it was funny to where Prodigy got the Funky Shit sample from. Generally this album was more jazzy than I expected, which some straight up punk songs

Dosta čudan album, ne sjeda mi, iako ima par dobrih trenutaka. Čudan mix žanrova a ništa konkretno. 2/5, 4/10

Considerably more mature than the other, but still has plenty of laddish moments. Leaned more into the MC thing, which was fun. Had some adult instrumentation in some stuff (Ricky’s Theme) which was a neat little surprise. Overall better than the last. Maybe less fun, but significantly more mature.

tough guy e root down são muito boas! SABOTAGE OBRA DE ARTE caramba, e a última faixa tem uma mensagem muito legal, se chama bodhissatva vow, gostei muito do album!! tem uma mix muito boa de ouvir, foi uma ótima surpresa nota 8/10

Going to work, driving my parent's car that will eventually be impounded for no payment, dancing all summer long, Montse, blasting Sabotage in front of Petrushka's.

Original hip hop with hardcore punk. Whoever lived in the 80s must remember the chaos;)

I want to hate this album for its influence on the cesspit of 90s nu-metal but it's high-key just really good. Beastie Boys were hugely impactful on the breakthrough of hip hop into the mainstream and earnt their success with genuinely fantastic experimental beats and solid rapping. This is a great album

This album is AWESOME. I had already save a song from this before but didn’t know the rest was even better. These honkies know a thing or two about instrumentation and sampling!

A very fun and engaging hip hop album with a lot of variety (some of it Isn’t even hip hop). This album has a lot of influences, and every track sounds different. So despite it being on the longer side, you have no idea how the next song is going to sound, and it stays engaging the whole way through. The lyrics are fast-paced and also enjoyable. I wouldn’t say there anything outstanding about this album, but all the songs are consistently good.

Totally vibing to this. Even liked the non vocal tracks.

Solid album, Beastie Boys have always been innovators when it comes to their sampling.

Never listened to them before, solid enough album, sure shot is a banger, sabotage hugely out of place but a top song of course

Fun one...another that I didn't listen to completely end to end despite the fact that I have listed to Sure Shot/Sabotage/Get it Together a million times a piece. 3.5/5

I kind of liked an instrumental track on this album, but I guess I'm just not into this kind of hip hop.

Great instrumental tracks

Belongs on the list. A fun, original record. I think I have to rate on the sprawl rather than the hits though. It's obvious they had so many ideas and couldn't hold back. I don't know what I would have left of but this doesn't hold for an hour. Editing to 40 could have warranted 4 but it's a three for me.

Definitely like the hip hop and funk leaning songs more than the rock leaning ones. Pretty fun, I see why they were the frat band of the time.

Do they sound like a human being when they rap as opposed to a member of the muppets? MCA - yes. AdRock- no. Mike D - maybe. This album is 20 songs?!?!??? “Shiiiit. If this gonna be that kinda party I’m gonna stick my dick in the mashed potatoes!” Classic. Ok but do they have to always sound like they’re rapping through a bullhorn? “Sabotage” is amazing. Takes me back to watching the video a thousand times in high school because MTV practically had it on a loop. But AdRock, man:…..this dude’s voice is so annoying. I can manage it for a song or two but an hour him is asking a lot. THREE STARS

This album is just incredible and I wasn't prepared for the range. The mix of funk and jazz elements makes for incredibly unique beats and the Beastie Boys do an awesome job of at times taking the backseat to the beat and letting it play. I really like the beat for B-Boys Makin With the Freak Freak. That weird little goat/sheep baaaah sound with the beat is weird and I like it. Not sure how else to describe it. I love that this beat is just all over the place, but it's perfect for the Beastie Boys only somehow. I loved the transition from Shambala to Bodhisattva Vow. Shambala is basically an instrumental introduction and Bodhisattva Vow starts the vocal track. Really cool idea and I loved that we got to enjoy Shambala in this state. Heart Attack Man caught me off-guard as well as it's just pure punk. I love that they made this a "live instrument" album rather than traditional looping. I enjoyed the regular tracks more than any of the singles. The Singles are 100% Beastie Boys, but the album tracks really allowed them to explore a really cool hip hop sound using live instruments and it's just awesome. Makes me wish there was a Wu Tang and Beastie Boys collab album.

Classic in illin'

Favourite Track: Sabotage, Get it Together

Amazing first half, felt some of the second half of the album was filler. 5 stars for the first half, 3 for the second

Pretty fire and like catchy and stuff i like Q tip too

My second favorite Beastie album. Perfect cover to cover

Nossa, eu curti muito esse álbum, vei. Os caras são bons. Não sei se era o comum da época ou se houveram inspirações entre eles, mas em alguns momentos me lembrava do RATM enquanto escutava. Enfim, achei muito bom, adorei conhecer!

This could easily be half as long and be a front-to-back classic. But even at a bloated 20 tracks, there are enough bangers on here to make this one of the Beasties' best and an iconic album of the era. (And I appreciate the instrumentals more now than I did in 1994.) FUN FACT: They recorded this, and I think all of their '90s output, at a studio like five minutes from our place in LA. G-Son Studios, represent.

Very pleasantly surprised by this. Was a bit of a BB-hater since being forced to listen to Intergalactic - which I did not care for - by local Columbus radio every 30 minutes for a few months around the turn of the millenium. The music is great, these guys can play and compose. Definnitely the best Beastie Boys I've heard.

I'm a big Beastie Boys fan and although I think Paul's Boutique and Licence to Ill are way better, Ill Communication is solid, although maybe a bit disjointed. It also seemed a bit dated. On the plus side, it's just FUN and the beats and music are super solid. It's full of hidden gems like Sabrosa and Futterman's Rule. Better than average, but not a star album

True 90s shit, fr.

Kompletni mi nie siadł. Nie spodobało mi sie połączenie hip-hopu z jakimiś takimi bardziej rockowymi brzmieniami. Ricky's theme spoko bo brzmi jazzowo. Ale nie dla mnie ten album.

You really have to try not to take yourself too seriously when listening to the Beastie Boys, and then you'll be alright. Ill Communication is a lot of fun - lots of angsty bangers and catchy beats. On this re-listen, I caught a lot of really clever production I'd never paid attention to; maybe these guys deserve a more careful listen than I initially thought. The beats are stacked with cool funk, jazz, and soul references that keep things extremely musical. Sure, it isn't the sort of music winning Pulitzer prizes, but that's not what these guys were about. At the same time, this record is surprisingly sophisticated if given enough attention.

é um album de hap rock americano ne, achei ok? as letras são interessantes

sabotage and tough guy are the only standout tracks. not shitting on beastie boys, but old school hip hop is kinda flat and generic. mightve been great in it's time, but nothing out of the extraordinary now. cool samples tho. rating: 1/5 vinyl? no

Can't beat a beastie.

Beats were groovier than I expected, didn't age that bad

You can't, and you won't, and you don't stop.

oh hell yeah

The high points are incredibly high ("Sabotage" is a fantastic rock song) but a little too long to give it 5 stars. Favorites: Sure Shot, Root Down, Sabotage

honestly fire have never listened they want to listen again and favorite ones for big playlist

Right on! The very much underappreciated Beastie Boys. Great stuff, 3.5 stars! BB's were at their creative peak and huge nationwide in 1994. They were at their loosest and coolest when they were jamming on the instruments and noodling around. The opening sounds of the dog and the flute are classic 90's, takes me back to a carefree broke-ass time, and sets the stage for the record. "Sure Shot" (63M listens) has a certain undeniable energy, a great way to kick things off. Then you jump to "Root Down" (23M listens) which is pure coolness. Finally, "Sabotage" (500M listens), which gets the listener amped up (and the video is still the greatest of all time). Throw in glue tracks like "Get It Together" (31M) with Q-Tip, "Sabrosa" (15M, funky stuff!), "Futterman's Rule", & "Flute Loop" (35M) and you a weirdly cohesive record. There are some throw away tracks for sure ("Heart Attack Man", "Tough Guy", "Eugene's Lament", "Ricky's Theme") but it's a view inside the band as they grew into musicians not just rappers/entertainers. You got punk songs, hip hop tracks, high energy, a dash of weirdness, a few great instrumentals, all this makes for a solid disc and a trip down memory lane! 3.5 stars, not 4 (due to the throwaway tracks).

I‘ve been in love with this album ever since I listened to it for the first time in 1994 and I couldn’t believe that it would still click immediately after all these years. One of the most original, unique and innovative Hip Hop albums out there, with lots and lots of excursions into different styles and genres. Awesome production as well. Definitely one of my favorite albums of all time

Quite simply.......crap start to finish

As delightfully free-associative as Paul's Boutique was, I think this album - which seems to seek to draw a throughline all the way through American music, from jazz to funk to punk to hip-hop - might be even more ambitious. I also think it's not quite as good as Paul's Boutique (or Check Your Head, for that matter). But the highs are still incredible - "Sabotage" will be played at high school pep rallies for the rest of time (likely with the f-bomb intact).

Really enjoyed this. Liked every song. Going with five although that might be too generous. Will need to listen to again.

The in sound from way out. Great instumental jams and Sabatoge still rips.

Lots of variety on this album. Strong start but fizzles out down the stretch IMO. I wish they had more funky/groovy jams like Bobo & Futterman’s Rule. High 3

I was happy to see this one on the list and it was good but doesn’t really stand the test of time for me.

Listened to this a ton when it came out. Never throw it on any more. A few jams but some real cringy moments

Sabotage is a jam, but a jam I’ll probably never put on myself. Some other cool songs on here but also a bunch of crap. It is kind of interesting to see all the variety on this record. Too long though.

Happy to get some Beastie Boys on this list. This sound has made a resurgence in recent music, and I'm glad to have dug into the roots. Favourite Track(s): Transitions, The Update, Sabotage Least Favourite Track(s): Tough Guy, Bobo on the Corner

I think if it was just sabotage 11 times it’s be 5 stars. I liked how weird they got compared to their original sound but can’t say I can remember any other songs.

My brother and I shared a room for the first 18 years of my life and he's a major Beasties head. I was absolutely tortured with their music for many of those years. Hearing this today, it isn't too bad. I dig the two hardcore songs. It could definitely be trimmed down a tad.

Some good vibes and the hits are bangers. Overall, feels like a lot of the same over and over.

Hard to review this it's definitely fun. I'm not sure where I have it ranked in the beastie boys discography maybe 2nd? What an interesting discography and well curated legacy and this album does a lot to cement that. Love the addition of punk tracks and Sabotage is iconic.

I love the Beastie Boys. It’s fun, good lyrics, and the beats have some good variety. Standout tracks are Sure Shot (what an opener!) and Sabotage. I like that although there are many tracks, it was tight and just under and hour

Man the addition of actual musical instruments, the varied genre inspired tunes and the Beastie Boys made for a fantastic album!

Okay. Good.

Couldn’t finish it. Too noisy and it’s not for me. Made me feel irritated. I guess I’m old now.

Sabotage probably one of the best songs that year, great clip as well...couldn't get enough of it...Opener with sure shot very good but after midway the standard droooooops a bit for me..album could have been way better if shorter and 1 or 2 extra iconic tracks...

Don't have to listen to this one, it's my favorite Beastie Boys record, and my first 5 star review.

Interesting mix of instrumental songs and tracks that are uniquely the Beastie Boys. It mostly works, but does drag towards the end of the album. "Sabotage" is just such a good song. Really shows of their style. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again

1. zhot - 1.5 2. guy -0 3. freak - 1.5 4. Bobo - 0 5. Root - 1.5 6. Sabotage -2.5 7. Get - 1.5 8. Sabrosa -1 9. Update -1.5 10. Rule - 1 11. Hear - 1.5 12. Lament -1.5 13.flute - 2 14. Do - 0 15. Theme - 1.5 16. heart - 1.5 17. zcoop - 1.5 18. zhambala - 1 19. Vow - 1 20. Transitions- 1.5

Sabotage!

This is the best beasties album, though it is difficult to choose just one.

Best Beastie Boys Album Best Songs: Sure Shot, Tough Guy, Sabotage, Get it Together, Heart Attack Man 9/10

*i love you* YOU CAN'T YOU WON'T AND YOU DON'T STOP (I got this when it came out, and have always loved it)

Holy Beats

I DONT LIKE THE BEASTIE BOYS!!!!

1994. Senior year of high school. The sound track of my life.

Very experimental and jazzy. I prefer License To Ill by far, but this still slaps.

Really good, both quality and quantity are present here. Bonus points for the Mongolian throat singing.

Yay! Finally a hip hop album that I liked! Beastie Boys are cool

20 songs is too many. Some I enjoyed but ultimately not my thing

This is my 3rd favorite Beastie Boys album. I don’t listen to it much anymore but every time I do it gets better. Side 2 is amazing with great instrumentals. This is also MCA’s best work. Standouts include Get It Together, The Update, Futterman’s Rule, Heart Attack Man, and Bodhisattva Vow.

Goatanuma sample spotted

Both of the previous Beastie Boys albums I’ve had on this list have been fun but obnoxious. I thought I was just not a fan and groaned when this came up. However, I’m pleasantly surprised! This album is eclectic as hell and its adventurous spirit is palpable and very creative. I love how present the rock, punk and jazz elements are. And even the vocals and lyrics (which in earlier albums could be described as “yelling dumb jokes”) have been toned down in the mix and are much more palatable. And I’d never have expected instrumental tracks on one of their albums, but the ones on here are groovy and vibey. I’m very happy, this is awesome. Must-listen #217.

This album lives in the shadow of the 2 preceding albums, but it's great & probably deserves more accolades. Sure, it's bloated, but that's a product of its time more than anything.

I have heard of the Beastie Boys but never a full album by them. I was pretty surprised by how much I enjoyed their music since I didn't had any high expectations going into this album. There are great tracks in Ill Communication and never did I feel bored or uninterested in listening to it. I have replayed many after my initial listening session. I will definitely save this album for future listening. For the surprise and the enjoyment this album gave me, I will give it a 4.

Something else this record, incredible stuff. Blend of everything and anything. Legendary

Love reliving it!

This album is really great, so many ideas, so many sounds, all packaged up into something charming and fun. When I listen to an album from front to back, I always want there to be a journey of concepts explored, and this album did that very well. Production was fun, vocals were fun. Overall, like a 4.5/5.

why would I choose to listen to this? it's fine.

Well, I of course have heard a few Beastie Boys songs before this. My least favorite of the bunch was always Sabotage. Hearing the whole album this song is on makes it make much more sense. I did not enjoy this at all. Why so many instrumental tracks? Also, why do they feel the need to say their rapper names in every verse? I know who you are by now, Ad Rock. The song with Q-Tip was fine. I thought more favorably of the Beastie Boys an hour ago.

Loved it.

8,3/10

Kolejny klasyk który mi kiedyś polecił tata. Niby nie moja muzyka, ale buja

Jeg var overbevist om at der var noget galt med mit lydsystem, fordi lyden var så dårlig. Beasti Boys har lavet et album der skal blastes ud en boombox og ikke rent faktisk lyttes til

I've never been a fan of beastie boys idk it's a me problem

Never listened to one of their albums before and not really my thing but this was good

This is a no-brainer - wholeheartedly agree!

Nah

I can appreciate that this was less abrasive as the previous album. Obviously familiar with Sabotage. Liked some of the filler stuff in between, but lets be honest, I will still never gravitate to Beastie Boys on my own time.

not normal beastie boys, instrumentals

Excellent album, the video for Sabotage is an all time classic.

It is surprising to me that I didn't listen to this one until now. It is a very different record and a standout in their discography, the hits are amazing and Sabotage is timeless. Was not expecting many instrumental songs and that proves their musicality and talent. Great recordand easy to digest.

Pleasantly surprised a few times during this album.

Was this level of mic distortion en vogue in 1994? I found the first few tracks difficult to enjoy because of this. Lyrics were impossible to hear. I actually recognized “Sabotage” but didn’t attribute it to Beastie Boys in my mind. “Sabrosa” was a cool instrumental interlude I wasn’t expecting from BB. The strings in “Eugene’s Lament” really surprised me. Other standouts for me were “Root Down”, “Get it Together”, “Do It”, and the real treat at the end (if for nothing more than uniqueness), “Shambala” & “Bodhisattva Vow”. Overall this was significantly more diverse than I was anticipating. Great listening.

3.2

Absolutely groundbreaking. Still holds up. Amazing stuff.

Meh.

Good album definitely different with more instrumentals than i expected

Legendary...

There was a lot of rapmetal in the 90’s. Beastie Boys fit into that, but were different in the sense that they were primarily a hip-hop act that included elements of metal and punk. Loud and rowdy, but with a musicality rarely heard in this kind of music. 5/5

Nada con hip hop será mi regla. Si señor.

What a delight to hear this again.

Not for me. Too much shouting.

It's a nice trip into a fusion of like 5 or 6 different genres. More jazzy and punk than hip hop at certain points, it feel cohesive as an album nonetheless. Some bangers, especially "Sabotage", and some funny and memorable moments throughout. That being said, it did not stick with me (with the focus on 'me'). I feel like I should like it more, but I don't, and honestly do not feel the desire to listen to it in the near future. It is not a bad record, by any means, just not one I'm particularly fond of.

Would be 2 stars but sabotage bumps it up

I think I like The Beastie Boys!

Feel like they were smoking a lot of weed when they recorded side B

Some music is just noise. I'll give them Sabatoge off this album, but the rest just gives me a headache. I will say, I did fight for my right to party eight years earlier, which I think was the best song this group ever released.

Some decent early hip hop moments and RATM style vocals but quite a long album with many other styles.

Classic Beastie Boys sound, but it’s nowhere near as innovative as Paul’s Boutique or as fun as License to Ill.

I much preferred "Licensed to Ill". I just couldn't get into this album in the same way.

classic

Me ha gustado mucho Sabotage pero el resto no me ha llamado la atención aunque me gusta el estilo gamberro de este rap.

Not a big rap fan. This album was okay. It was interesting to hear how they incorporated all the different musical styles into their songs. The instrumental tracks were cool.

Thought I would enjoy this more, the rap songs were the best, punk rock songs sounded juvenile.

I loved every minute of this. So much variety and not a bad track in the bunch. A little jazzy, a little funky, even a little thrashy (and Buddhist monks?? Why not!) Was going to give it 4 stars but… tbh it’s one of the few albums in this project that made me say, "I hope it’s not over yet." Listened before: no Listen again: already did!

Hip hop isn't my thing. Yes, clever lyrics and samples and things. The result just leaves me cold or annoys me, though.

Jazz interludes were interesting but the rest doesn't work for me

Moro moro :D en kyl osaa yhtään sanoa tykkäsinkö vai vihasinko. Vokalistin ääni rupesi vituttamaan mut instrumentaaliset välibiisit oli erikoinen ratkaisu. Sabotage oli tuttu biisi tältä albumilta joka oli ihan hyvä. Pakko antaa vaan kaks tähtee ku punkki on paskaa :D

No juu, tääkin on tällasta mid tier taustamusaa. En kyllä välttämättä huvikseni kuuntelis, mutta ihan mukava oli junassa istuessa kuunnella albumi läpi.

Haistan spraymaalin ja kuulen rullalaudan soinnin ja leveiden farkkujen kahinan. Tätä pitäisi ehdottomasti kuunnella kannettavalla cd-soittimella tai korvalappustereoilla. Mukavaa poljentoa ja kovia hittejä. Aitoa ysäritunnelmaa, mutta ei silti ihan saavuta neljää tähteä. Oikea arviointi mahtaisi olla 3,5 mutta käännetään se vielä toistaiseksi tuohon kolmoseen

A brilliant album, part of the triumvirate with ‘Paul’s Boutique’ and ‘Check Your Head’ - if slightest weaker than those two. Filled with great tracks (including ‘Sabotage’), on its release this album got me into the band - and I’ve been a fan ever since. Essential listening.

A blast! I think this is their best album. Every sound, every instrument played. Everything just sounds great!

Very surprising. Positively so!

Olihan mielenkiintoinen lätty, yllätti. Ysäri haisi nokkaan asti, kuten muutama muukin on maininnut. Musiikillisesti sisälsi reilusti toisistaan poikkeavia biisejä, joten melkoinen sekametelisoppa tämä oli, mutta ei välttämättä huonolla tavalla. Osa biiseistä oli tuttua Beastie Boyssiä, kuten Sabotage, Get It Together ja Sure Shot. Levyllä oli mukana myös yllättäviäkin raitoja, kuten svengaava Ricky's Theme ja Transitions (josta tykkäsin kovasti). Albumi tasapainottelee sekavan ja monipuolisen välimaastossa, sisältäen kaikkea hip-hopista jazziin ja sitä kautta punkkiin, mutta jollain oudolla tavalla tämä nivoutuu mukavasti monipuoliseksi paketiksi. Arvosana pyörii kolmosen ja nelosen välimaastossa, mutta fiilispohjalta kaatuu loppujen lopuksi neloseen.

Kivan letkeesti albumi jolkotti raidasta yski raitaan kaksikymmentä. Laittaisinko levyn soimaan uudestaan alusta loppuun, niin todella epätodennäköistä, mutta olisinko mielissäni jos levy soisi samalla kun kesäpäivänä heittelisin korista niin todella. Muutamia hyviä kappaleita, mutta muuten aika perus varmaa Beastie Boyssia.

One of the things I appreciate the most about the Beastie Boys is that they incorporate their own instrumentation with their samples. To my ear, this makes for more complex and ultimately interesting music than many hip-hop bands. Being previously unfamiliar with this record, there is musical complexity to this album that I was expecting, especially in the latter half of the record, which I preferred. While a hip-hop pervades all tunes providing continuity and a cohesive vibe, there breadth of the music underneath that is super fun. Punk, check. Jazz, yep. Latin funk, we got that. Buddhist monks, unbelievably yes. I don’t know why I had dismissed this band previously, but I was wrong. There is some masterful mixing on display on this album and some absolute bangers. Good stuff.

This felt like it dragged a little at times. I wasn't personally a fan of their delivery style at times (voices came off as too "screamy"). The good parts were strong though.

Les Beastie Boys sont sans doute parmi les plus identifiables des MC, et leurs pièces se démarquent aussi par leur originalité et leur côté irrésistible. En ce qui concerne cet album, plus il devient weird et instrumental, plus j'aime ça, même si leur appréhension de la musique du monde demeure superficielle.

Meiningistä huokuu 90-luvun rennompi ilmapiiri, jolloin markkinavoimien kuristava koura ei ollut vielä jokaisen kaulan ympärillä. Hauskan letkeät välibiisit rytmitti hyvin muuten menevää poljentoa. Pari paskaa biisiä mahtui, kuten esim. Heart attack man, joka ei sopinut kokonaisuuteen millään tavalla. Kovaa paskaa 4/5

Ei se ihan lähteny lentoon. Instrumentaalit oli levyn paras anti.

Ai helvetti, tää on niin kova levy et mielellään kuuntelee uudelleen ja uudelleen!

Levy ei ole kuin tunnin mittainen, mutta kokonaisuus on niin moniTAHOINEN, että otetta kaikesta on vaikea saada. Noin niinkun saundillisestihan tämä maittaa ja esim. sapotaasi on kyllä sellainen hitti, joka kestää aikaa ja kuuntelukertoja. Kyseessä ei ole mikään progelevy, mutta kokonaisuuden hahmottaminen on näin vähällä kuuntelulla hankalaa, vaikka sinänsä esim. selkeä tuotannollinen idea tästä välittyykin. Olen paria piistin ja poissin rieskaa kuunnellut ja ne eivät tainneet ihan näin sillisalaattia olla. Varsinkin levyn toinen puolisko, jossa instrumentaalifiilistelyiden määrä lisääntyi hymyilytti, kun ennakko-odottama oli puhtaasta räppilevystä. En tiedä sitten onko biisejä sommitellessa kaapista löytynyt uusi purkki pillereitä, joilla fiiliksen sai maalailevammaksi. Tästä kokonaisuudesta voisi olla hauska nähdä joku ”näin se tehtiin” -dokumentti. Nyt kuitenkin sinänsä hyvästä levystä jää sekava kuva.

Ihan toimiva, joskaan ei kuitenkaan sen kummemmin säväyttänyt. Ehkä myös inan liian pitkä kasuaalille ensikuuntelulle

Shambala on kova kurkkulaulubiisi. Itseasiassa jos koko levy olisi tehty kurkkulaululla, niin olis ehkä parempi.

Onhan tuossa ihan hauskoja bassokuvioita ja kekseliästä musisointia, mutta vähän kappaleet tuppaavat toistamaan itseään liikaa levyn läpi.

Ysäri oli vahvasti läsnä. Pääasiassa hyvä meno, mutta tässäkin oli vähän outouksia. Sitä taidetaan kutsua taiteeksi

Aika monotonista meininkiä, biisien vaihtumista ei oikein tahtonut edes huomata paria poikkeusta lukuunottamatta. Välillä tulee vähän Rage Against the Machine mieleen, niissä melkein levyn parhaat hetket. Ehkä taustamusana menisi, mutta enpä usko että tähän levyyn tulee enää koskaan palattua. Ei ihan pelkkä Sabotagen hauska musavideo nyt kyllä riitä. Oikeastaan vähän semmoista kamaa, niin melkein mikä tahansa biisi voisi mennä yksittäisenä kappaleena jonkun Ostos tv:n "Fairly good songs of the 90's" -levyn biisien joukossa Aquan Dr. Jonesin ja Santanan Smoothin välissä pienenä välipalana, mutta kyllä jo kaksi biisiä putkeen kuunneltuna alkoi olla vähän liikaa.

If you don’t like this album then I don’t like you. A solid 60% of the vocals on this sound like they were recorded inside a metal bucket and they’re great. Jazzy, funky, punky greatness.

HOLY SHITTT this is amazing. Ill revisit this constantly cause what the hellll also added songs to playlists which is rare in this challenge

If a genre of music existed that was purely called "trash", this might be it. The distortions and such just sound like low-quality instrumentals, and...the vocals... this is that "I talk over music" genre of 'rap'. I am not really surprised to find that 'Sabotage' in particular was featured in a loooot of low quality US media. I stopped at track 10 (out of 20) to listen to literally anything else. Normally I try to at least get the idea of the rest of the songs even if I really don't like the album, but this is just garbage.

Please make this album stop...

Understand its cultural value. Not my favorite genre.

fuck you this slaps every song slaps ong holy shit tf is those instumentals they fire af

all-time classic don't try me

4/5

nigggaaaaaaaaaaa tf is thhgggaaaaaaatattttttttt goooddddddaaammmmnnnn

Not for me but I get it

True classic

Amazing record. So diverse in sound. Rap meets punk meets jazz meets funk.

My favourite Beastie Boys album, they were not losing their brand, style or identity but they were blessed with a bit more maturity across the tracks which brought the very best out of them. Classic.

Pretty good, sabotage is a killer track. The song with q-tip is awesome. The rest is a little bit f-ill communication

Good good 4.2

4.1