Reviews (page 7 of 15)
Sabootaage! Perfect example of how to mix hip hop with rock music.
I typically list Ill Communication as one of my top 3 Beastie Boys records, but its the one I listen to the least of the 3. I don't know that this is any fault of the record, because it slaps. There's cool inclusions of punk that back to the Beastie's humble beginnings, much more 70's jazz, funk, and rock influence, and the inclusions of Biz Markie and Q-tip, all ow which makes Ill Communication feel closest to the free-spirited, freewheeling energy of Paul's Boutique. It's consistently good record that, once again, finds the Beastie Boys gleefully experimenting with their sound.
(2) i liked some of the instrumentals but wasn’t a massive fan on the whole
Again I think just not for me. I think as an album it’s more of a sonic vibe and experience than it is a cohesive collection of songs. Instrumentally I think there are some great moments, specifically Eugene’s Lament.
I remember buying this in high school - because 'Sabotage,' obviously, and being utterly baffled. And disappointed, honestly. It was just... way weirder than I expected. Especially since Paul's Boutique was (and remains) such a classic. This is way more eclectic and experimental, and as such not all of it works. Particularly when you're like 15 and want everything to hit as hard as the single. This is the first time I've listened to this in full in probably 25 years or so. Funnily enough, I have a similar take to teenage me. Basically, this moves Into sound collage mode after the Q-Tip feature, which is the last stand out track to me. That's a shame, because I like the interstitial instrumentals breaking up the proper tracks in the beginning, but the later songs just don't hit like Root Down or Sabotage. If this were an EP, easy 5 stars. Since it's an hour long... eh. At least all the good stuff is front loaded.
Fantastic album. Love to see how these guys developed into more genres as they aged.
Great stuff, these guys were ahead of their time
Check Your Head is probably my #1, but Ill Communication is still a no-skip. I had a "One, Two, Oh My God" poster on my wall. It's never not the right time for the Beastie Boys.
The best!
Not a huge hip hop fan and only know two Beastie Boys songs (Fight For Your Right & Sabotage). I loved this, what a Banger!
Fun mix of punk and rap. Sabotage is great. Started to feel like songs were all too similar towards the end of the album.
Lots of surprises, I was never bored and they pulled off every different genre they attempted. Overall just a cool ass album
Sabotage is a banger but I surprisingly didn't like most of the other songs. I liked the instrumentals though.
SABOTAAAAAAGE.
6 albums today? Serves me right for taking vacation. I can even progress to today’s album (August 26th, 2025) if I’m really feeling bold. I have spent a legitimate 6 hours or so going through all these and giving my uninformed, lazy opinions on records I believe to be mostly terrible. Sam Cooke was a reprieve, although the story of his death has me contemplating whether or not it was another orchestrated hit on influential black nationalists by the US government, or if he really was just a bad dude. Both? This is a Beastie Boys review. Hope it drags me out of this. Sure Shot - Calgary Hitmen goal song in like 2008. It really shows that I only write this for me. Nobody else could possibly care about or get all of my dumb references. Hell, when I stupidly read these terrible reviews back, I barely understand what I’m trying to say. Tough Guy - Throw in a sick punk song. This fucking rips. B-Boys Making With the Freak Freak - This song will be listened to out of respect for completion, but this song title disqualifies it from positive critique in any way. I don’t make the rules. Oh wait, I do. Bobo on the Corner - Just a beat. Not a great one at that. Root Down - Quite repetitive, but this beat is far more fun. The lyrics range from fun to completely braindead, so that’s interesting. Sabotage - Classic alert. For those who would like to see how rap is best mixed with rock music, look no further than this track. Excellent energy. Get it Together - Q-Tip rules so aggressively. Well, he’s actually not all that aggressive, but he’s so good. Perfect feature do legitimize yourself and to ensure that you have a funky song. Sabrosa - Instrumental hip-hop. Not exactly my cup of tea in this case as it feels a little barren. The Update - This continues in the vein of many of the previous tracks. Heavy beats informed by 70’s exploitation films? Those scores? Right? Listen, I can reference Canadian major junior hockey from 2008, but good luck finding any knowledge of cultural touchstones here. Futterman’s Rule - Every time you pass the kosher deli on 7th, you have to skip twice and tip your cap. I don’t make the rules on this one. It’s that damn Futterman. Alright Hear This - No punctuation here. I’m not sure if they mean, “ok. Time to listen to this song” or “this song is mediocre - listen to it.” Both kind of fit. Eugene’s Lament - Yeah, this sounds like it would be enjoyed by a guy named Eugene. Hell, it’s enjoyed by me, and I’m a set of horn-rimmed spectacles away from Eugenizing. Flute Loop - Flute is such a great instrument. Works supremely well here. Continue to loop, gents. Do It - Biz Markie is here and he’s babbling over a bone-breaking beat. Lots o’ B’s in that sentence. Lots o’ B’s, hey? Yeah, uhh sounds like a night at the IN-LAWS. *uproarious studio laughter and applause* Ricky’s Theme - Ricky is apparently a very chill dude. Not the Ricky of Trailer Park Boys fame, I take it. Nobody want to admit they are nine cans of ravioli, but I did while I was waiting for this song to finish. Heart Attack Man - Yeah I think this may have something to do with the 9 cans of ravioli from the previous track. Live by the fork, die by the fork. Or is it live by the fork, laugh by the fork and love by the fork? One or the other. Another fantastic hardcore track? These guys just show off with these interludes. Perfect voices for this genre. The Scoop - Between the updates and scoops, we have to be fully apprised of the situation(s) by now, right? I am certainly feeling like I’ve heard enough! So many similar sounding hip-hop tracks. Shambala - Finally, some throat singing. Bodhisattva Vow - Typical famous people. Always embracing some eastern religion. What about good ol fashioned satanism? Is nobody a fundamental God hater anymore? What happened to those brave church burners? Transitions - This song is about those cool glasses that automatically turn to sunglasses. What a way to end the album. A religious turn and some flagrant product placement. Way to go guys. Really selling out your loyal fans. And by selling out, I of course mean providing a crucial service for! Do you find yourself squinting outside? Fumbling with that prescription singles case, Or worse, leaving behind one or both pairs of eyewear? “I can’t see anything now, I’m ruined.” Well that doesn’t have to be the case any longer, introducing, from the year 2003, Transitions! Now, look like a dork, in and out of the sun! “Hey guys, surf’s up?” “Oh god he’s wearing those glasses. Everybody buddy up and go back to the bus.” Transitions. It’s time to go outside! Uhh this album was good! A bit long in parts and a bit dull in others. But there was enough to keep me going here. Some really special hardcore tracks that I will revisit and some creative beats and performances. Excellent features as well made for some entertaining moments throughout. Keep it coming Beastie Boys, and figure out a new sponsor for next time. That Transitions spot will pay for my bus fare home tonight! Well, almost. 3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Sure Shot, Tough Guy, Sabotage, Get it Together, Do It, Heart Attack Man
10/10
This aged better than I thought it would back in the day. Could say more about my thought process back then. Super solid grooves. My one gripe is that it's too long. Everyone was trying to fill the 70 minute capacity of the cd and I get worn out before it's over. Could've been two albums.
Ok, so this album. I just never got into these guys at the time. And I haven't really since. I think the main reason I just never got into them is because I felt like the people who were listening to them were...assholes. Even just hearing that intro on the first track instantly makes me think of jock dickheads. Either that or annoying stoner dudes who wore aggressively ridiculous pants. But this is a great album and I enjoy listening to it now. These guys really managed to stay in everyone's good graces despite being total dicks when they were younger. With all that said, 20 tracks is a bit much. There's a little bit of fat here that could be trimmed, which would make this a solid listen from start to finish. Who was with me at the Fireside Bowl when we saw whatever-band-that-was and Mike D was there?
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.
I have never really liked the Beastie Boys, except for Sabotage (on this record — but not representative of the album as a whole) and No Sleep Till Brooklyn. I fully expected to give this album a 1. Then, I was pleasantly surprised by the range over the first couple of songs. The lead singer’s voice is pretty grating, but surprisingly (and refreshingly) there are large portions of this record that are solely instrumental. By itself the fact that there are large sections without lyrics elevates the album. This is really a soul-funk-jazz album quasi-masquerading as a Beastie Boys album.
Musically, I think this is relatively well constructed with a few interesting things going on. However, I don’t see any evidence of the finesse other reviewers seem to find in either the lyricism or the vocal delivery. It’s just … not very good.
This one feels long and not always memorable. Probably a step ahead in terms of composition and arrangement. But I prefer the dumb samples of ‘Licensed To Ill’ even though that’s probably the worse album. Fav tracks here were the first one and ‘Sabotage’. Wanted to give this 4 stars after watching the music video for Sabotage but I understand that’s not how this works.
I like the Beastie Boys in theory, but don't really want to listen to their music. Does that make any sense? This album was more enjoyable than the earlier Beastie Boys albums I've heard on this list - but I still think it's better in small doses.
Noisy noise
One of the all time classics. Every single second of this album is baked in to my music DNA. One of the absolute best albums ever made.
Yes yes yes a fucking genuine classic after a few days of shit oicks. Played it to death, still sounds amazing 30 years later. A top 10 album of all time for me personally.
raw energy and always waow!
I thought this was a solid hip hop and rap album from the Beastie Boys! They have a very distinct sound that is very recognizable whenever you hear any of their songs. ‘Sabotage’ and ‘Sure Shot’ are definitely two of the standouts on this album but I also liked the experimental interludes inbetween some of the longer songs and how some of the songs had a rock and punk vibe to them. I would jam to this album again in the future depending on my mood!
Бісті Бойз з тих гуртів, що люди можуть називати різні їх альбоми як найкращі і складно буде сказати, що хтось неправий. Для мене є щонайменше два альбому, що подобаються більше за цей. Плюс тут є декілька коротких моментів, де альбом просідає. Плюс повага МСА за вільний Тибет, але ця спірічуал кінцівка музично теж не додає. Безумовно тут є один з найбільших хітів гурту. Та вся ця еклектика по стилям тут дуже яскрава. Дуже крутий альбом, але є кращі у них для мене
Завжди складно вибрати який з трійки Paul's Boutique, Check Your Head та Ill Communication кращий чи скоріше улюбленіший. Якщо дивитися на Бісті Бойз виключно як на реп-гурт, то це дуже унікальна історія, коли олдскул флоу з 80х вдалось протащити в 90ті і навіть нульові. А інших представників фактично і немає, бо Ракім римування та флоу був занадто гейм ченджер. Звичайно тут як завжди намішано купа всього: головний гітарний хіт, трохи хардкор панку, даб, фанк та прифанкований джаз. Через цю різноманітність альбом цікаво слухати і десь перекриває невеличкі нерівні моменти.
Легенди, що тут додати. В цьому списку багато класичних альбомів про які ніби нічо і не скажеш. Ill Communication якраз такий.
Standout Songs: Sabotage Alright Hear This
Brilliant album. Stellar arrangements and lyrics. The instrumental tracks are a standout.
Wel ok, maar weer te veel van hetzelfde voor mij. Zou het zelf niet opzetten
How did they convince people they were good
Already having listened to another beastie boy album from this list, I must say they really rock 4.5/5
This album is so boring and awful. I've tried listening to it twice, and given up twice after a few songs. I'd rather be cutting out my eyelids.
Sure Shot Root Down Sabotage
Look, I gave it a fair shot, by which I mean I tried all the songs and only skipped most of them. The instrumentals were ok. But it’s still a beastie boys album, and that means shit.
Some good songs on there. Instrumentals were cool. Last half of the album wasn’t as good.
This is one of my least favourite Beastie Boys album and yet it's still brilliant. The production is solid throughout, the energy is top-notch as always with the Beastie Boys, and there's a diverse range of musical styles they experiment with on Ill Communication. The only thing I don't enjoy about this album and why it gets a 4 instead of a 5 is the amount of distortion on the vocals. The majority of the songs have vocal effects which take away enjoyment of the listening experience.
Lekfullt men också spretande i väl många riktningar. Den härligt bastunga 90talsproduktionen tycker jag man ska lyfta och 1994 fick man fortfarande både scratcha och beatboxa på en hiphopskiva, fantastiskt! Allra bäst är Root down med sin jamaicainspirerade basslinga och riktiga old school boom-bap. Sure shoot är svår att komma undan liksom gunget i avslutningsspåret. Men det blir lite mycket, en hårdare gallring bland spåren hade den mått bra av. En stabil trea dock, högsta nivån är hög och den känns fortfarande rätt kul Lyssna också på Just D - Tre amigos, De La Soul - De La Soul is dead
En smågalen resa genom punk, funk, hip hop med mera. Topparna är höga och Sabotage är verkligen ett monster varje gång. Gillar verkligen hur bas och trummor låter, oavsett samplade eller live. Kanske lider skivan av lite för många spår och hardcore-punken känns något apart. Å andra sidan skapar den omaka mixen och kasten mellan stilar en helhet på något sätt.
Det var bättre förr. Beastie Boys var också bättre förr.
Lekfullt och funkigt. Blaxploatation-soundtrack, flöjt och punk-attityd. Inleder starkt. Tappar fart under andra halvan. Blir något enformigt när de instrumentala låtarna återupprepar sig. Då är ändå instrumentalerna andra halvans hödpunkter. Skönt sväng rakt igenom. En stark 3:a eller en svag 4:a.
Not what I was expecting, hip hop and then some. A smorgasbord of jazz, funk, even some punk in there. I was obviously familiar with Sabotage but not much else but this was a great listen. Some cool instrumental bits too.
Фанк-панк для молодых и модных. Самое то для нуарных августовских закатов, когда чувствуешь себя самым кинематографичным и крутым хуем на районе.
Ganz gut. Wenn ich mal wieder mehr Hip-Hop höre, hör ich’s mir auf jeden Fall nochmal an. 3,8 Sterne.
One of if not the best of the genre!
Not a lot of albums better than this
Not for me.
Definitely not for me but I’ve heard worse.
Really solid and loved the jazz and blues elements throughout. The thrown in punk too made this album chaotic and all over the place and fun, although i think they could have cut some tracks to tighten this album up. Top tracks: Sure Shot, Sabotage (duh), Alright Hear This, and Shambala. 3.5 outta 5
Rock hip hop is my jam
I gave up halfway through - am I expected to listen to one hour of this?!
It's a solid rock - rap album but the album doesn't sustain the quality of 'sure shot' and 'sabotage'.
Rating: 9.5/10 This album encompasses everything I love about this group: experimental production, great synergy between all of the members, and humorous lyrics. A bit all over the place in terms of style but it still somehow feels cohesive. The instrumental tracks are a particular highlight, so diverse instrumentally and musically throughout this entire album. This album is pretty long but goes by in a heartbeat, which is what makes it so great.
I never appreciated how sophisticated this album is until now. A little punk, jazz, hip hop but a lot of Beastie.
This was a fun one, didn’t enjoy the whole album but there was a lot of cool stuff going on. Sabotage will always be a banger.
The Beastie Boys are one of those bands that probably should get more credit then they already receive. Yeah they've sold tons of records and I believe they are part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (whatever you think of that), but they really are pioneers in different ways and have been pretty influential on many others including Eminem. This album is a prime example of what they are capable of. We've all heard Sabotage and for good reason. That's one of those songs that just hit on all airwaves, whether it’s rap, rock, alternative, or pop. It was just huge in the 90s and arguably one of the best songs of that decade. But there's a lot more to like on this record, whether it is the other song you sometimes hear on the radio (Sure Shot), a collaboration with Biz Markie (Do It), other great back and forth raps, and one cool instrumental (Eugene's Lament, which I loved). I would give this a five, but two things hold me back: 1. Though it's a way more refined sound on this record, this album isn't as good or as complete as Paul's Boutique. 2. There are too many instrumentals on here (Eugene’s Lament as the exception). All the same, a very good album.
The Update stood out to me, I like the double bass part. Q-Tip feature on the album was nice. The album flows really well.
Great album, beastie boys rule
Was never a huge Beastie Boys fan, but I do enjoy their music, and this album is great
Very interesting jazz/hip-hop album from Beastie Boys. Haven't heard much of their album work before (only the hits), so I can't say I expected such cool production and neat instrumentation from them. Really surprising work from a group that I thought was more one-dimensional than this. Loved the long instrumental segments, the crazy unique beats, and some of the features. The vocal mixing left a little to be desired at times, with the vocal lines almost disappearing behind the beat in some songs. In addition, I've always found the flow of Beastie Boys tracks to be a little lacking, even if the lyricism is generally pretty good. But overall, a much better listen than I expected going in. Would be happy to listen to more from them in the future.
Extremely fun and sonically interesting. A lot of jazz and like 10 genres across this. 4.5 probably but i’m gonna just say 5.
When I saw this pop up today I thought "Oh, that's an easy 5-star, one of my favorite albums of all time." And it remains one of my favorite albums of all time, one I listened to every day for about a year in college. But I haven't listened to it start-to-finish in a long time and I was a little surprised today at how much filler there seems to be on the back side. And it is great filler, to be sure, but the album didn't keep me as locked in on it as it used to. I definitely don't think it's as strong top to bottom as Paul's Boutique, and I never have. But I really feel like this needs to be one notch below five stars, and it pains me to say that. Another victim of the no half-stars problem, I guess... This gets the highest-possible four-star rating from me. And it is probably unfair to compare it to Paul's Boutique, which is a perfect album in my opinion. The front side of this one is perfect too, but the back side has too many instrumentals and songs where they use that voice effect where I can't understand what they're saying. If I go back and look at all the albums I have given 5 stars to, I guarantee I will see at least one that I like less than this album. But I'm choosing to rate this in a vacuum today.
I like the other one better
I was surprised to find out I don’t LOVE love this now, but still love it and these dudes even more.
I always thought I was a Paul’s Boutique guy. But this still hits hard. Back into the rotation.
Super fun
Such a rad album. Super unique with fantastic variety, never boring. Sure Shot, Sabotage, Heart Attack Man are kind of what you expect from the Beastie Boys and again super cool songs. Then Sabrosa comes in as a groovy instrumental. The Update has beautiful lyrics (I think society missed the message on this one). Futterman's Rule is an absolute funky jam and might be my favorite song on the album, love the keys.
Excellent
always blows my mind how many samples are pulled from the beastie boys. just real cool scratchy punk rock rap, no wonder they inspired so many people
Monster classic
look. i love the energy. i love the ideas. i love how its messy as hell. its just not for me
thoughts: jfc this slaps so hard. a q-tip feature?? how have i never heard this before? i love the instrumentals on this as well; even without vocals, it’s definitely a beastie boys sound. all the influences coming together on this one makes it brilliant songs: “sure shot”, “get it together”, “heart attack man” rating: 9.1/10
It’s just hip hop fun. I love their licensed to ill album and this is just a slightly more modern version of their work - and I love their sampling too
For white rappers, I enjoy what these guys do. The amount of influence that went into making this and making it so real to the time it was created is brilliant. Some songs weren't, but it doesn't distract too much from the brilliance of this. Props to my Dad for making me listen to these guys as a kid.
Headier than expected, kind of an unfathomable eclecticism.
Real cool
This is it. This is the best Beastie Boys album and among the top 50 or 100 hip hop and rap albums of all time. The instrumental tracks aren't even out of place. The whole vibe of the album cohesive. The collab rappers fit well. Highly recommend. Essential listening for anyone peripherally interested in the genre or group.
I appreciated the variety of instruments and styles in this album. Definitely more interesting than I thought it’d be.
The Boys are... mellower? Not possible. Less shouty, perhaps. Exploring the funk and the groovier lines, with occasional acts of SABOTAGE!! They never do anything twice, so you can listen to their albums over and over for new sounds. They're musical mad scientists whose growth you can chart over the albums' courses. So fuckin brilliant.
love love love this album. very chaotic, very fun. too long for me personally, but sabotage and root down are peak. 3.8/5
2nd best beastie boys album, couple skips but the instrumental songs are all great and make the album a little lighter which is much appreciated
Really thought an hour of beastie boys would get tiring, but I was gladly wrong. A boatload of fun packed with referential humor and grandiosity. Maybe could be slimmed down a little, but kept my attention very well the whole time
One of the Beastie Boys most accessible albums.
longer than I anticipated but not horrible, not my type of rap
Oddly enough, this was the last album I listened to BEFORE I started my journey with this generator. I remember playing through Ill Communication when I was pondering what other albums I could listen to. It was mentioned that this record was included in the 1001 Albums to Listen to Before You Die book. I looked it up and encountered this generator website, as well as a full list across all editions. After realizing I listened to over 10% of the albums already, I figured going through the rest made sense. That's how I got started. Now, revisiting Ill Communication over a year after I started, I feel a better appreciation for this record. It helped that I was into some of the singles like "Sabotage" and "Sure Shot", but now I can articulate this album for what it is - a culmination of everything the boys had done up to this point. From their early hardcore punk roots showcased on tracks like "Tough Guy" and "Heart Attack Man", to their rap rock fusion on "Sabotage", to their incorporations of samples and funk on "Root Down" and "Flute Loop", to more instrumental playing from the trio such as on "Bobo on the Corner", "Ricky's Theme" and closer "Transitions", their evolution in sound and style is highlighted throughout this record. They even embrace some new directions on this project, such as jazz motifs on cuts like "The Update" and "Futterman's Rule", and even towards the end with the Tibetan monk chants that permeate throughout "Shambala" into "Bodhisattva Vow". Sure, this album is a bit bloated, given how much they accomplish within an hour timeframe. But with the variety throughout this record, and how well-structured each track is, it never felt as if anything was out of place or underdeveloped. That is quite the accomplishment, and I have to give the Beastie Boys credit for that. Ill Communication is a stellar record, worth checking out.
(checks that a few particular verses were by Q-Tip) never a doubt! Good job, Beastie Boys
Raw energy. Then comes Sabrosa. These guys really knew what they were doing, huh. 5 for Sabotage alone, the rest is just magnificent treats.
Nää uudenvuodenpuheet ei vaan kelpaa.
Joo. Ei nää edelleenkään kuulu mun kataloogiin vaikka uranuurtajia ovatkin olleet
Levyllä on hittejä joka nostaa arvion ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ muuten levy on ⭐️⭐️⭐️ tasoa.
Overall enjoyable, Sabotage is still a fantastic track. Enjoyed the extended grooves in between songs
Eclectic, eccentric, fun, funky and, most importantly, effortlessly cool. A hip-hop classic which is much more than a sum of its schizophrenic parts.
I'm more of a Style Boyz guy over the Beastie Boys. That being said, this was a strong Beastie Boys album. I was pleasantly surprised by the numerous instrumental tracks, which were quite good.
Their fourth album. Hip Hop / Rock / Punk / Rap. It's a busy fucking album. Sabotage is a cool track, it also happens to have one of the best music videos of all time. Good production on the album. This is a solid album for sure. It's just that, for me, it had one stand out track and then a bunch of ... meh !
I don’t know what it is, but some rap music. It’s just never gonna reach me. I suppose I should try more. But it just doesn’t do it for me. And I think the beasties are among the best.
It's not my favourite of theirs, which is still Paul's Boutique, but it's probably their best. The length does mean I don't listen to this fully often. Highlight: Flute Loop
I enjoyed this more than I expected to. It's more mature than "Licensed to Ill", and while the vocals don't do it for me still, the instrumental parts are actually pretty good in parts. "Sabotage" is the big track I'd heard before, but I was pleasantly surprised now that I've actually listened to it for the first time. It's really not bad. 3 stars for unexpected enjoyment.
I like the beats and flow but after a while it all feels a bit the same and long.
I am not a fan of rap and this album by the BBs seems to contain all the genres of music I hate. Hardcore punk? Jazz-Funk? Rapcore ? No, thank you. With so many songs on this album they all blurred into one big noise.
I often have a hard time liking hip hop, but this one was quite cool and varied. Great flow and energy
Pretty good album. A couple songs I’ll go back to but overall more of a vibe than an actual great album with songs that stand on their own.
Some good songs. Good beats and rifts. Some “shouty” tracks that remind me a little of Rage Against the Machine
Unequivocal classic full of bangers, even if I find the voice a little grating at times. Shambala and Sabotage highlights
Fantastic album
hard not to give this 5/5
It’s rock, it’s rap, it’s funky, it’s fun.
N word confirmed
a lot of fun! highlights: tough guy, root down, sabotage, heart attack man (feb 26 2026)
Truly a great album, never gets old
Me donne le goût de varger dans un mur
Wow, c'est de la que ca vient le son de Joey Valence and Brae! Intéressant mashup de différents styles (hip hop, jazz, punk, throat singing??). L'instrumental reste toujours frais et j'ai bien aimé l'espèce de rap question-réponse. Agréablement surpris!
my favorite album by the Beastie Boys, but I’m not a fan of the Beastie Boys. I like this album because it’s got so much music variety but their voices start to great on my nerves after a while and this is their longest album, so…
Rating: 4.8/5 Short Review: Genre soup. Lyrical mayhem. Buddhist breakbeats. A beautiful, unfiltered audio collage that shouldn’t make sense but does. Favorite Track: “Sure Shot” – because that flute loop is eternal, and the moment it hits, your serotonin goes feral. Consistency With Me: 8.8/10 Why: I love the chaos. I love the cleverness. But I don’t get sweaty. These boys sweat. They move. I… observe. Still, there’s enough subversive intelligence and anti-authoritarian monk energy in here that I feel spiritually represented. ⸻
This album generator keeps doing the same thing to me. It gives me albums by bands I really like, but I’m still unfamiliar with the album I get I listen to a ton of Beastie Boys, but mostly Paul’s Boutique and Licensed to Ill. I figured out that I was comparing albums to other albums by the bands I liked. I listen to today’s Beastie Boys album three times and loved every second of it.
As far as hip-hop goes, this is a fun album. Tough to the ears with so much shouting and longer than I'd prefer, but diverse and tasteful in motives and samples (espetially in the second half) enough to provide a good experience for a non hip hop fan. Best tracks: instrumental ones.
Ahead of its time combining punk elements with hip hop. Standout was “Sabotage” but also loved the instrumentals “Eugene’s Lament” and “Flute Loop”.
This is one of those albums where they made rap music that was just a bunch of words and the beat repeats forever in the background. I am not a huge fan of that, I think possibly because that slightly predates me, but instead I prefer the rap songs that have a more melodic vibe. Overall, not a bad album, but I am just not that excited about it.
Some really good songs, pushing a 4 maybe
87% Best: Sure Shot; B-Boys Makin' with the Freak Freak; Root Down; Sabotage; Get It Together; Sabrosa; Alright Hear This; Flute Loop; The Scoop Must-Hear? Sure
They just let anybody make music huh
I HATED the Beastie Boys first album. I thought it was annoying and irritating and they were just brats. I assumed they’d just rinse and repeat, because why wouldn’t they. But they didn’t, and made some really cool albums with fantastic production and instrumentation, and some very witty lyrics. This album isn’t my favorite of theirs, but it’s a very enjoyable listen with lots of interesting styles.
The end (I imagine) of the Beastie Boys era on the Project, and it's not done loads to change my overall opinion of them. That is that they're a very good, but quite irritating band who don't really do loads for me. Sabotage is a banger to be fair, especially the opening 20 seconds or so. It's good this, but I generally was hoping for more.
Classic
While a great album for the Beastie Boys, it was a mediocre example of the hip hop scene at that time. Gang Starr’s Hard to Earn, Jeru the Damaja’s The Sun Rises in the East, and Organized Knofusion’s Stress are arguably better representations of mid-90s East Coast hip hop.
Enjoying hearing earlier beastie boys
Some really amazing songs. I think there are too many I didn't love to give it 5 stars but 4 stars for sure.
Also "Sabotage" natürlich n geiler Song, aber Himmel war der Rest von dem Album anstrengend zu hören. Alles der gleiche Einheitsbrei oder vollkommen chaotisch
Ich schreib 1:1 die gleiche Bewertung wie beim letzten Mal: Auch, wenn unpopular opinion, ich finde die haben zwar interessante Stimmen, aber der Flow und alle zusammen, klingt einfach wie gröhlen auf ner Party. Einige Lieder sind cool, aber ich finds einfach häufig nicht schön und anstrengend zu hören.
Los Beastie Boys son un grupo esencial. Fusión de Rap y Punk, pioneros del éxito masivo y apertura del Hip Hop. Este, su cuarto álbum es el mejor. Superada la sorpresa de su excitante debut, la maestría del incomprendido Paul´s Boutique y el difícil tercer disco, con este la rompieron merecidamente. Sabotage es una explosión que aún hoy en día hace imposible quedarse quieto. Hay más, Sure shot, Get it together, Sabrossa, Root Down... rock, hard rock, jazz, étnico, rap, hip hop...
A refinement of their sound they made on Check Your Head rather than a reinvention, probably their best post Boutique album.
Dope.
I’d give 10stars if I could. An absolute fave.
All bangers
This was a cool album. For all their bombast and partying lyrics, the Beasties were extremely accomplished musicians. I've already listened to Paul's Boutique on this list, which is quite different in how much it uses samples, so having a more punk and jazz infused album coming soon after shows how much they experimented their sound. The production all comes with their usual intense and vibrant rapping. Plenty of highlights including Sure Shot, Sabotage, Root Down, Flute Loop, and some cool instrumentals as well which add some pacing I enjoyed.
4/10
Ehh too reperitive. All the songs felt the same after a while. I do like sabotage though 3/5
soo god
i love a lot of these songs but i'm not going to play this end-to-end too too often
Obviously a new sound, definitely a vibe.
My concept of what Beastie Boys is was skewed. Was not expecting riff tracks. Sabotage is THE Beastie Boys song.
Top notch
A musical experience. Not entirely songs but a vibe
"Sure shot" and "Sabotage" are all time greats. I also liked the mellow beats from "Ricky's theme" and "transitions". However, the album as a whole is too experimental for me.
Q-Tip is the best part of this. the hardcore punk callbacks to their roots are cool. the jazz-funk is not. i don't really care for the Beastie Boys despite their importance, unfortunately deserves to be one of the 1001? probably not compared to their first two, which are also on the list
I don’t think I’d ever listened to a full Beastie Boys album, so I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the blend of genres. I immediately thought, “this sounds like Odelay,” with its mix of hip hop, punk, jazz, funk, etc. The Beastie Boys were definitely an influence on Beck. Plus, Odelay was produced by the Dust Brothers, who also did Paul’s Boutique, so it’s all making sense. I can hear the through line. Odelay was only 2 years later, but it sounds much more modern. I don’t know a lot about the technological developments at the time but I do think there was big difference in how music sounds from the early 90s vs mid/late90s. That’s one of the fun things about this 1001 albums randomizer. Sometimes by chance we get thrown 2 albums in the same week that have a connection.
This is a tough one. I love the instrumentals on this album. There's so much variety. So many great beats and style switch-ups and catchy little bits. They use some very inventive samples and cool live instrument bits. It's all genuinely great. And kept me entertained for the full hour. But holy shit, i hate them as rappers. Their flow is like a woodpecker hammering my eardrum until there's nothing left but a bloody socket. Especially when they're trading off lines between the 3 of them... that shit is cursed. It's so fucking annoying. It feels like a lonely island sketch, in a bad way. I honestly think i'd rather listen to sandberg do his beastie boys impression than the real thing. Their flow is terrible and repetitive. I don't get it. I know they're known for being influential new york rappers, but honestly the tracks where they go in a rock direction and do more singing/shouting, are wayyyy better. The hardcore tracks on this are highlights. Even sabotage with it's sing-song rap style works so much better (and i am so sick of this song, but vocally it was a highlight). Anything that deviates from their horrible dated 90s rip rippety rap flow, is a welcome change to my ears. I honestly wish there was an instrumental version of this record. ORRRR i think a bunch of better rappers should take the instrumentals from this album and do something else with them. I think there is potential for a great rap record here... you just need to mute the beastie boys. But damn... they are good producers. They should be making beats for other rappers.... anyone other than themselves. It's honestly crazy that they are seen as great rappers. i don't get it. I know they started as a hardcore punk band... maybe they shoulda stuck to that lane. I think they're pretty good at it. But sadly that's not the universe we live in. Highlights: Tough Guy - hardcore track Sabotage - reluctantly it's good Sabrosa - cool instrumental The Update - a track with rapping i actually liked. It had a different slower vibe and flow. I enjoyed it. Reminded me of a ween track. Futterman's Rule - another cool instrumental Eugene's Lament - cool weird experimental string based instrumental Heart Attack Man - cool hardcore punk track - they're good at this style. it's abrasive but catchy. Shambala - i like the gregorian chant sample? Neat. Low-lights: Any track where they rapped a lot.
There are Beasty Boys sounds I like, but I didn't enjoy this very much. Props for an openness to experimentation but it's still rap music.
A really good album… that could have been two spectacular albums. I know the Beasties always create really eclectic albums - hell, “Paul’s Boutique,” anyone? But this album does not mix the bangers and the more avant garde pieces well at all. That said, I love this album, but it falls off a cliff in the 2nd half.
I like sabotage and nothing else about this album. Not my thing
To my shame despite living for a year with a massive Beastie Boys fan, i dont think i’ve ever listened to an actual album in it’s entirety outside of ‘To the 5 Boroughs’ (which is far from their best). Having already being bitten several times by albums popping up that i assumed (mistakenly) i’d love this one had me worried. However finally this one confirmed my preconception and i thoroughly enjoyed it. It perfectly soundtracked a very sunny summer morning. Sabotage holds a particular place in my heart from going to the alternative club nights whilst at school, safe in the knowledge that at some point you would get the double hit of Sabotage and Killing in the name of and everyone would just lose their shit.
Never again.
I can absolutely understand why you might not like the Beastie Boys. The rapping is nasally, they shout, and finish EACH others SENTENCES! But I was a teenager with access to MTV when Sabotage was released and I watched that music video thousands of times but never got bored of it. While Sabotage and Sure Shot are probably the high points of this album, I still really like the rest of the record so.... 4/5
Top tier shit
There's some cool stuff on here, some genre defining moves, and also a lot that should have stayed on the cutting room floor to leave a stronger overall impression.
Really digging the instrumentals
I love BB but I really listened on headphones and think all of the live feel really comes through. I can’t give it less than 5 based on my love of their epic Letterman performance of Sabotage
Honestly, this sounds like a collection of B-sides dropped from other projects. No cohesion ordirection; jazz rap, funk, punk, psychedelic jams, chanting, 90s hip hop... The list goes on. None of it is particularly bad, but the song Sabotage isn't able to keep this whole album afloat. 2/5
Gee man I sure love instrumental tracks in my rap album. Legendary hits from this band but their albums ooze with filler.
License to kill is just a better album. Sabotage is a banger though
bass + hiphop = good album more bass + hiphop = great album my experience in alt-hiphop in a nutshell good album - 8.5/10
Sabotage is an undisputed classic. However, prior to this project I’d never listened to this album. 1994 UK wise for me was the year of Trip Hop, an interesting connection to the mix of sounds on offer here from the Beastie Boys. Was Tricky influenced, giving rise to the heavy Black Steel’s inclusion on Maxinquaye.
A lot of short songs. Great beats, on the funky/punk side of hip hop. Some great songs like Sabotage and Sure Shot.
I remain a Beastie Boys sceptic. For every classic, there’s an instrumental that just leaves me a bit cold. Sabotage is one of the best songs ever made, but nothing else compares unfortunately.
I love Sabrosa, what a cool bass-led jam. And Ricky's Theme! Who would have expected this from the band that does Sabotage... not me! So smooth and funky. Yo! and the bassline on The Scoop is awesome... I didn't know they could do this. Really incredible.
This one was arguably better than the previous one. I liked the instrumental songs. It's still not something I'd listen again though
Pretty decent old hip hop album 3/5
Nope
this may be controversial, but i found the more heavy-overdrive/"punk" esque the songs were, the less i enjoyed it. i mean it literally makes me sound insane
Jazzy vibes and I like it
7/10
Не самый худший хип-хоп альбом, есть некоторое разнообразие. Но всё же 2 из 10.
Time to go make some mashed potatoes.
Classic
Some outstanding songs on this album.
Not what I was expecting after only listening to Paul’s Boutique from them but this was actually amazing, much better in my opinion. They did loads of random genres and did them all so well, every song for me was really good and had so much variety, even some random punk interludes. There were also loads of really smooth transitions between songs which made it a much more seamless album experience. Vocals were also messed with in a cool way for a few songs although sometimes making it a bit harder to hear the lyrics. Q-tip feature aswell is nice addition. Overall, genuinely blown a way a bit, not quite a perfect 10 though (close enough though). 9.5/10.
I reckon this might might be peak Beasties. Extremely hectic, broadly eclectic, full of good energy. Solid New York record, a melting pot of genres, influences, and collaborations.
Has an energy that doesn’t let up but changes its color.
I don't much care for the Beastie Boys, and while I don't hate them this album doesn't change my mind. Sabotage is the only song keeping this score at a 3.
Solid early 2000s rap with their unique style, classic rap album
Eu entendo que eles estavam querendo ser mais experimentais e buscar explorar influências mais amplas deles, mas a primeira metade do disco é bem mais coesa do que a segunda, além de ser um álbum muito longo. Eu também tenho uma dificuldade com essa coisa deles de buscarem essa imagem de "macho durão" sendo que são só uns malucos brancos que deram uma roupagem mais palatável do rap pra um público branco.
I've always felt a bit meh on the Beastie Boys despite their seemingly universal regard. this album was super fun to listen to with a good beat, but I don't think I would seek it out specifically
Straight from the start there is a lot going on. The first song sounds vintage beastie boys, before a quick fast guitar led song. The album then has a lot of variation in music styles as well as format. It makes you feel more part of who the beastie boys are beyond just the songs. On the right day this all hits one score higher.
Creative genre busting rap. No other act could make this album. The backing track is good enough to be an instrumental. The collective element always adds a little extra to their tracks. High 4
The Beastie Boys were a lot better than I thought they'd be. A lot of quality and depth.
There’s so much going on throughout this record. It’s a smorgasbord of genres, styles, instrumentation. Sure Shot has Jazz flute, tight smart looping production, with a traditional rock drum kit. This transitions into Tough Guy which turns into straight up hardcore punk, which is possibly the most successful mode on this record. The instrumental tracks, particularly Eugine’s Lament and Sabrosa, featuring a prominent double bass, adds some engaging left turns and sophistication to a record which in other ways is full of reckless charm. The only downside of its sprawling nature is that it does not quite know when to end. You don’t begrudge the hour long run time too badly, because of the various strange and surprising avenues they take you down, but I think it could have been even more effective if it was a little tighter.
Loved this LP, a high 4 for me, the rap style isn’t quite to my taste which keeps it from a 5, the mix of rap, hardcore punk and jazzy jams is -chef’s kiss-
I've said it once, and I'll say it again. I like the Beastie Boys vibe. I think the music is great. This didn't possess the same amount of "Greatest Hits" that Licensed to Ill had, but I liked the music better overall. I really enjoyed a handful of these songs a lot. My issue with putting the Beastie Boys above a three star is that, at the end of the day, they are not tremendously talented. They do just shout their lyrics, as much as I hate to say it, which almost takes away from the music at times. This album didn't have nearly as much of that as the first one I rolled, but it still occurs at times. I still think this is quite good, but I can't justify putting it any higher than a three.
Hell yeah! Ill Communication! To me, this was the Beastie Boys at their weirdest and most creative. Check Your Head is still my favorite album but the journey you go on throughout Ill Communication is pretty sweet. I have to admit I didn’t appreciate this album as much as I should’ve back in the day. While I loved Sure Shot, Root Down, and Sabotage, I overlooked some of the deeper cuts. But that is where the magic lies on Ill Communication. I love that there is a song talking smack on Bill Laimbeer (Tough Guy). I enjoy all the Ma Bell and Knicks references. There is funny moments all over the album. But there is also great substance in some of these songs. Ill Communication is just an all around great record. This is an extremely strong 4 rating. 4/5
What a pleasant surprise. I've always liked The Beastie Boys, but this was way more eclectic and varied than I would have guessed. Highly enjoyable.
Good but gets tiring after a while.
Beastie sounds
🚨
Fun little album,some v interesting and different songs like Shambala
I preferred the instrumentals. didn't touch the sides.
Never again
Not there best! Track with Q-Tip is phenomenal Sabotage is one of the best beaten songs of all time
Getting to be a trend: this album was early heavy. But the big boppers from this album--"Sure Shot," "Root Down," and "Sabotage"--lift 'Ill Communication' up. The whole album is pretty enjoyable, even if it gets a little background music-y towards the end.
Great shit.
--Sure Shot...grand opening statement --Tough Guy...short punk track. meh --B-Boys...a lot of interesting ideas but never quite comes together for me --Bobo...short drum break --Root Down...funky and fun. Great stuff --Sabotage...Classic --Get It Together...slows things down a bit. Great groove and rhymes --Sabrosa...funky instrumental. Very nice --The Update...I'm not sure I love this song but it's kind of fascinating. Off-balance but precise at the same time. --Futterman's Rule...Another funky instrumental. I really like the fuzz these guys are able to produce --Alright Hear This...sounds too much like Sure Shot but keeps the groove going --Eugene's Lament...another instrumental. I appreciate the left turn but it doesn't really fit with the rest of the album --Flute Loop...It's exactly what the title says and it's great --Do It...decent but overshadowed by similar but better tracks --Ricky's Theme...instrumental. feels like a track I would keep on while using the bathroom. Nothing that interesting happening --Heart Attack Man...another pure punk song. I like how heavy it is but otherwise it's just okay --The Scoop...I was afraid the back half of this would just be a repeat of the front but this track feels like it's bringing something fresh to the table --Shambala...is that Mongolian throat singing? Sure, why not? --Bodhisattva Vow...the throat singing continues and it's fantastic. Banger --Transitions...another uninteresting instrumental. Should have ended on Bodhisattva Vow
While Paul’s Boutique had the Beaste Boys throwing everything at the wall to see what stuck (This is a compliment, I like that album a lot), Ill Communication is a lot more focused, and more mature (well, about as mature as the Beastie Boys are gonna get). The album is a lot more cohesive, but don’t worry, there are still infectious beats, off-the-wall energy, and some good old fashioned Beastie Boys trade-offs. There are even some fun guest appearances, like Q-Tip from Tribe and Biz Markie. I liked this one a lot, maybe even more than Paul’s Boutique.
I enjoyed the album as a whole, the instrumental music was really great.
Wow, this is pure early high school for me. Jim Kutnow, a huge early Beastie Boys fan, brought this tape to school and we all got into it. I know every word to Sure Shot (at least I try to rap along) and still play it often. Sabotage is of course the huge classic, though I get one bad taste in my mouth from it -- from JJ Abrams using it in such a silly way in that Star Trek movie. But then I remember the incredible cop-based music video and love it all over again, it's incredible. As high school turned to college, I enjoyed more and more of the deeper cuts on this album, and I loved hearing some of the songs when I saw them in the old Philly Spectrum on tour with Intergalactic. This is, perhaps, one of the first albums I felt nostalgia for as I got just a bit older. Now, it brings me back to more rebellious days in a beautiful way.
3.5 - some of the beastie boys stuff is just unintelligible to me , but when its good its good
We liked it a lot but he sounds like Morty. So 4 stars max.
Favorites: Sure Shot, Sabotage, Get It Together I'm not sure if I'm sold on the Beastie Boys completely, but I thought this was pretty good. It certainly has its highlights, but seeing the group keep their signature style going during the g-funk era of hip hop is really cool.
njae
Great
sin inter´s para mi.
Every second of this record is something awesome. For them to move from the grimy rap to punk music to laid back funk is mind blowing. Nobody does it like the Beasties.
I understand the significance of this album. But this sounded quite messy these days, blend of old-school boombap and punk.
A classic, a lot of hangers on got into Beastie Boys starting here, while the tried and true were into Paul's Boutique and Check Your Head well before. Great to hear some of the punk roots throwback and more of their own instrumentation.
Beastie boys supremely talented. They are very good at what they do and that including actually playing their instruments. The album is funky and catchy and the instrumentals are placed just right and are worthy in their own right. These guys were geniuses.
The influences pulled from and genre's covered/sampled is incredible from this album. They're never lacking in energy and always manage to keep my attention throughout the album. I'd listen to this again in a heartbeat.
My boyfriend loves it - not my kind of thing but I can appreciate the vibe!
381/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Better than I expected but again, long instrumentals aren't really my thing.
I love the two singles on this album, but the rest just doesn't do it for me.
i’ve never liked beastie boys for their lyrics and voice but the backing tracks are amazing
I’m sure it makes me very uncool but I found this unbearable
Shit, if it’s gonna be that kind of party, I’m gonna stick my dick in the mashed potatoes. 5/5 Highlights: B-Boys Makin’ With The Freak Freak Bobo On The Corner Root Down Sabotage The Update Futterman’s Rule Eugene’s Lament The Scoop
## In-Depth Review of *Ill Communication* by Beastie Boys **Ill Communication**, released in 1994, marks a pivotal moment in the Beastie Boys’ evolution—an album that fuses their punk origins, hip-hop mastery, and a restless urge to experiment. It is a sprawling, genre-defying work that both encapsulates the group’s past and signals their future, standing as one of the most influential and eclectic albums of the 1990s. --- ## Lyrics **Lyrical Content and Delivery** The lyrics on *Ill Communication* reveal a marked shift from the Beastie Boys’ earlier, more juvenile party antics to a mature, conscious, and often playful sensibility. The trio—Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA—trade verses with remarkable fluidity, their voices blending into a “perfectly unprecedented stew of consciousness”[1]. The album’s opening track, “Sure Shot,” sets the tone with energetic boom-bap and a now-famous apology for past misogyny, signaling a new self-awareness and responsibility[2][3]. Tracks like “Bodhisattva Vow” and “Shambala” reflect MCA’s (Adam Yauch) embrace of Buddhism, with lyrics that explore spirituality and compassion—virtues rarely addressed in mainstream hip-hop at the time[2]. “Update” tackles environmental issues, further demonstrating the group’s willingness to address real-world concerns without sounding preachy[2]. Meanwhile, “Get It Together” (featuring Q-Tip) and “Root Down” display the group’s love of wordplay, pop culture references, and classic hip-hop braggadocio. **Themes and Tone** - **Self-Reflection and Growth:** The group acknowledges and apologizes for their earlier misogynistic lyrics, showing growth and maturity[2][3]. - **Spirituality and Activism:** MCA’s Buddhist beliefs and environmental activism are woven into the album’s fabric, most notably on “Bodhisattva Vow” and “Update”[2]. - **Playfulness and Humor:** Despite the heavier themes, the Beasties never lose their sense of fun, with tongue-in-cheek rhymes, absurdist humor, and clever wordplay throughout[1][4]. - **Pop Culture and Hip-Hop Homage:** The album is littered with references to music history, movies, and hip-hop culture, celebrating the trio’s influences and peers[4][1]. **Pros:** - Mature, self-aware lyricism - Blend of humor and seriousness - Wide thematic range **Cons:** - Some listeners may find the spiritual and activist themes less engaging - Occasional lyrical repetition --- ## Music **Genre Fusion and Instrumentation** *Ill Communication* is a masterclass in genre-blending, drawing from hip-hop, punk, funk, jazz, rock, and even world music[3][4][5]. The Beastie Boys’ punk roots are evident on tracks like “Tough Guy” and “Heart Attack Man,” while “Sabotage” stands as a manic rap-rock anthem driven by live instrumentation[4][5]. The album’s jazz influences shine on “Root Down” and instrumental cuts like “Sabrosa” and “Ricky’s Theme,” featuring lush grooves and inventive arrangements[1][6]. The group’s transition from sample-heavy production to live musicianship is a defining feature of the album. Money Mark’s keyboards, Ad-Rock’s guitar, MCA’s bass, and Mike D’s drums create a dynamic, organic sound that distinguishes *Ill Communication* from its predecessors[5]. The instrumentals aren’t mere filler; they showcase the band’s musicality and willingness to push beyond hip-hop’s boundaries[4][7]. **Notable Tracks:** - “Sabotage”: Explosive rap-rock with a legendary bassline and iconic video[6][5] - “Sure Shot”: Classic boom-bap opener with jazz flute loops[3][4] - “Root Down”: Funky, jazz-inflected homage to Jimmy Smith[6] - “Get It Together”: Playful, loose collaboration with Q-Tip[4][6] - “Sabrosa” & “Ricky’s Theme”: Instrumental showcases of groove and musicianship[6][5] **Pros:** - Inventive fusion of genres - Strong live instrumentation - Memorable hooks and grooves **Cons:** - Some instrumental tracks may feel like interludes rather than fully developed songs[7] - The eclecticism can disrupt album flow for some listeners --- ## Production **Approach and Sonic Texture** Mario Caldato Jr. co-produced the album with the Beastie Boys, crafting a sound that is simultaneously raw and polished[6]. The production builds on the template of *Check Your Head*, but with greater confidence and depth[7]. The beats are crisp, the samples are expertly chosen, and the live instruments are seamlessly integrated, creating a “rolling, pan-cultural, multi-cultural groove”[7]. The album’s sonic palette is broad: lo-fi funk, soulful jazz, Latin rhythms, and punk energy all coexist. The mix is dense but never cluttered, allowing each element—be it a flute sample, a distorted guitar, or a funky bassline—to shine[7][5]. **Innovations:** - Blending live instrumentation with classic hip-hop production - Use of jazz and funk samples alongside original performances - Creative mixing and layering of vocals **Pros:** - Rich, layered production - Cohesive despite genre-hopping - High replay value due to sonic variety **Cons:** - Some may find the production less groundbreaking than *Paul’s Boutique*[8] - Occasional over-reliance on instrumentals[7] --- ## Themes **Key Themes Explored** - **Maturity and Redemption:** The group’s apology for past behavior and their embrace of more responsible themes mark a significant evolution[2][3]. - **Spirituality:** MCA’s Buddhist beliefs inform both lyrics and mood, bringing a sense of introspection and peace[2]. - **Activism:** Environmentalism and social consciousness are present, especially in “Update”[2]. - **Genre Fluidity:** The album itself is a statement about breaking boundaries and refusing to be pigeonholed[3][4][5]. - **Celebration of Hip-Hop:** Through collaborations, references, and stylistic choices, the Beasties pay homage to the culture that shaped them[4][6]. --- ## Influence **Impact on Music and Culture** *Ill Communication* was a commercial juggernaut, returning the Beastie Boys to the top of the charts and cementing their place in pop culture[6][5]. The album’s fusion of genres influenced countless artists across hip-hop, rock, and alternative music. Its embrace of live instrumentation presaged the rise of bands like The Roots and the use of live bands in hip-hop performances[5]. “Sabotage” became a cultural phenomenon, its video (directed by Spike Jonze) setting a new standard for music video creativity and humor[6]. The album’s willingness to tackle social and spiritual themes paved the way for more conscious hip-hop in the mainstream[2]. **Legacy:** - Inspired genre-blending in hip-hop and beyond - Elevated the use of live instruments in rap - Helped legitimize alternative hip-hop as a commercial force - Remains a touchstone for artists seeking to blend fun, activism, and musicality --- ## Pros and Cons | Pros | Cons | |-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Bold, genre-defying fusion of styles | Some instrumentals feel like filler[7] | | Mature, self-aware, and sometimes profound lyrics | Album flow can be disrupted by stylistic jumps | | High level of musicianship and live instrumentation | Not as revolutionary as *Paul’s Boutique*[8] | | Strong, memorable singles and deep cuts | Spiritual/activist themes may not appeal to all | | Innovative production and mixing | Occasional lyrical repetition | | Cultural and musical influence remains significant | Eclecticism may alienate some listeners | | Playful, humorous, and energetic throughout | | --- ## Conclusion *Ill Communication* stands as a landmark album, not just in the Beastie Boys’ discography but in the broader landscape of 1990s music. It’s a record that refuses to be boxed in, blending punk, hip-hop, jazz, funk, and more into a cohesive, endlessly replayable whole. Lyrically, it marks the group’s coming of age, balancing fun with responsibility, and spirituality with irreverence. Musically, it showcases their growth as instrumentalists and their willingness to experiment. While it may not reach the sample-collage heights of *Paul’s Boutique*, *Ill Communication* is arguably the Beastie Boys’ most accessible and complete statement—a vibrant, influential, and still-fresh classic that continues to inspire artists and listeners decades later.
Great album
Enjoyed listening to this album again. Some good songs!
All time classic
I thought I wouldn‘t like this album but I was wrong. There are many very interesting tracks to discover and this band certainly belongs to the most influential ones in the 20th century.
Not my style
I'm a big fan of this record and of Check Your Head. Really unique material, great samples, cool guests.
It was what I imagine JPEGMAFIA would sound like back then. I like it, it's hard and mellow, half hard punk and half straight jazz. Great album
Iconic Sabotage Futterman’s rule
banger
10 Word Review There's a reason it was one of my first records. Overall Score: 90 / 100
They have better albums than this
Felt less groundvreaking than the 84
second best
8.5/10 - Whilst Paul’s boutique is often touted as the greatest beastie boys album, Ill communication truly feels like it transcends genres. It feels like a natural follow on for the beastie boys, each track feels fresh and new, whilst still maintaining that signature beastie boys sound.
Not my fav New York rap group sabotage goes hard tho
High energy Some of the songs are banging There are a few skips though and monnof the tunes are as good as sabotage which is an absolute bop Rappers voice can be annoying and it's hard to tell the difference between them. All around pretty fun high energy album
This is a fantastic album; in the top tier of Beastie Boys albums. Love the mixture of hip hop, punk, and jazz-funk.
👎🏻
The beats in this album are sublime. I liked the verses as well. Tracks 1-10 are nearly perfect. There are some alright punk songs on "Ill Communication". The instrumental tracks don't fit the album too well. 4 stars for "Ill Communication".
Had this album when I was younger for Sure Shot only. This time I enjoyed that and the interludes the most. I know many enjoy the Beastie Boys, but their vocals don't agree with me.
Hmmm, so on one hand this album is awesome.... They take rap and make it uniquely their own. I don't always want to consider them rap, because it is just so different but all of the elements are their. Mixing, sampling, rhyming, beats, etc. Its all there and done well but without sounding like anyone else. They have some awesome lyrics as well. Yes they are for young pot smoking white folks, but they are still really good. They are controversial but in all the right ways and not the bad ways. Shoutout to Sabatoge...awesome song. I even liked the musical instrumental breaks in between, Futterman's Rule was awesome! It is a chaotic album...and not always in a good way. Some bits weren't bad but just felt out of place (Ricky's Theme and Shambala). They have great lyrics but at times they were so distorted you couldn't understand them. Overall it was a good album and one that deserved to be on this list, but its not perfect.
The first four Beastie Boys albums are imprinted on my soul. It's impossible for me to separate the connection I feel to their music from a subjective fresh listen. This is a great album and I love it more than mashed potatoes.
The Beastie Boys make music for skinny pubescent white boys who like skateboarding, weed, and being extreme. They are far cooler than your average white rapper(s). Sabotage was brilliant in 1994, and it remains brilliant today (that video too). Get It Together travels right into A Tribe Called Quest land, and again…brilliant! Sure Shot is great. I enjoy their incorporation of jazz, house and funk in spots, and their sound overall is aggressively New York. At the end of the day though, the Beasties are too all over the place for this to be a focused masterpiece. When they abandon the vibes and go for hard rap or punk, as on Alright Hear This, Heart Attack Man and Tough Guy, I tune out.
One of my college roommates was very into the Beastie Boys, so they were playing a lot in those days, but I never took the time to really dig into their music catalog myself, aside from their hits. So now that I have one of their full albums under my belt... Pros: They are very talented rappers and performers and lyricists. They have a great energy that always comes through in their music. It's hard not to like them simply for who they are. The album had a lot of great variety too, and I liked the blend of punk and hip-hop and even some jazzy feels in the instrumentals. Very well produced too! Cons: The voice distortion was annoying. It's hard to hear what they're saying when they're making their voice so fuzzy. They write great lyrics, but then I can barely understand a lot of them. Their voices are also kind of a lot sometimes, and honestly, I liked the song with Q-Tip best because his voice isn't so harsh. And I could actually understand him. I was surprised by the number of instrumentals on here, but also I kind of liked them because it was sort of a way to relax after a big song and big voices. I especially liked the one with the violin. Overall, this is still a great album from an iconic group, I have mad respect for the Beastie Boys.
I wasn’t into hip hop or rap back then, but these guys were so good. Enjoyed this album
Does it have too many sounds and songs? Absolutely. Is it a mishmash of sounds and occasionally cringe lyrics? Absolutely. Is it one of the greatest albums of the 90s and the Beasties at the height of their powers? Absolutely. Five fucking stars.
I thought I knew the Beastie Boys a little bit but man was I wrong... Apart from the few radio hits on this album it was a total surprise. The jazz / funk inspired beat tracks that made up the bulk of the album I thought were legitimately great. The in your face, rap punk vocals sprinkled throughout contrasted the musical styles of the backing tracks in a way that was super effective and made me want more.
I’m currently hungover and I knew this album was either going to immediately get on my nerves or bring me back to life. Luckily, I’m ready for round two!
4.0 - Very Good
Familiarity and nostalgia breed fondness. While License to Ill was on constant replay in HS and hits like Sabotage, Intergalactic, Make Some Noise (and related videos) held my attention over the years, this album never really stuck for me. My impressions today: it lacks the catchy lyrical interplay/finishing each other's lines prominent in their earlier material, the megaphone effect on much of the vocals distracts, and the 3-4 "punk" songs (Tough Guy, Heart Attack, Update) don't fit. But there are several gems, particularly the back half: Get It Together, Sabrosa, Shambala, Eugene's Lament, and Ricky's Theme stand out. Sesame Street, 70's cop shows, and 80's sitcoms romanticized NYC life - housing projects, fire hydrants spraying summer streets, people always on the move, etc. and this album extends that aura. Not as good as License to Ill but many more hits than misses. 4/5
Yeah nah. Not an album I'd love to place on my turntable. The sound too angry and aggressive.
An alright album, I liked Futterman's Rule the most.
not my style? it’s for guyz in the hood ig XD
Sure Shot is a great song to start an album, a great song period. Tough Guy is just a little reminder of their punk roots. This is a long rap album, almost an hour. There are 20 songs though, a lot of them really interludes. Sabotage was the hit and had the iconic video. It is a truly great song though. Even the anticipation when the pause comes and then the music comes back in is great. I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle is an amazing line. The guest spot from Q-Tip on Get It Together is perfect for the band and perfect for the song. Sabrosa feels a little bit like them just having fun in the studio but it works, it feels like the background track for a Guy Ritchie movie. This album feels more like both an experiment and a return to their roots as a band. I think the instrumental tracks are good, if not single worthy, and add to the album. Alright Hear This is underrated, this is a great song. Do It too. I always though Shambala was a really cool song...like the Tibetan Mike Tyson's entrance music.
These silly guys sure can groove
I was not expecting the nice instrumental music Inbetween the yell rapping. The instrumentals were good until they got repetitive.
Loved it, solid classic 90s hip-hop
Surprisingly good. I still can't tell whether Mike D is a lyrical genius, or whether he's just shouting incoherent nonsense through a loud hailer, but musically really good.
Good variety 👌
so much depth here. yes they rap but also they’re a jazz and punk influenced jam band?
Fine, I'll listen to one of my favorite albums for the thousandth time. Thanks. While I'd heard most of Licensed to Ill and "So Whatcha Want", I didn't own any Beastie Boys album until this one came out. That's probably because I had to buy this one for myself, a decision made after hearing "Sabotage". After listening to the entire album a ton of times, I worked my way back through their discography, plus thanks to "Get It Together" I found my way to A Tribe Called Quest. I love the eclectic mix as they hop genres, while also doing their fair share of playing live instruments. Plus, unlike their first couple of albums it doesn't sound dated. There's a good flow between the songs from start to finish, the lyrics are consistently excellent, and it puts me in a good mood. It also wound up being their last great album in my book, so I'm very glad it's included here.
1994 produced Emperor's genre-defining record "In the Nightside Eclipse", and yet here we are with another cheesy Beastie Boys album. 2.0/5.0: Disappointing
i have similar thoughts on this as i did the previous beastie boys album. i thought this one had a lot more interesting instrumentals that relied less on sampling(as far as i could tell). the length is still a problem, i was ready to bow out a little less than halfway through.
It's the only rap album on this list that I liked.
Very distinctive sound (sounds like they sing into a can) I joined the BB hype albums later, but Sabotage is on my ‘get aggressions out’-playlist 🤘
not my style
I like the instrumentation and many of the samples are interesting, but I really don't like the vocals at all. I've had to skip through some tracks. I like the instrumental tracks quite a lot though. Overall I would not listen to the album again.
i am rating this a 1 because not going to lie this sounded like total bullshit. i do not really understand why this has such high ratings but it probably appeals more to male listeners. definitely not going to listen to it again and no disrespect to this hip hop group but no thanks, not for me. this entire album just had random sound collages and different remixes in between tracks, too randomized hip hop for my taste. 👎👎👎
I have a love hate relationship with these guys. I LOVE some of their songs and the rest all sound the same. I think it's the vocal distortion they use for everything. Makes me wish they would of had a few songs with clearer vocals. They have some track that are just beats, very well done. It's a more mature album overall. They are still party music. This album brings a little bit for everyone yet works. It's not going to be in rotation for me but it's an album I will pull out every so often.
appreciate it. ground breaking. not my thing exactly
Favorite track: Get it together. Overall score: 3,4/10
This is so profoundly annoying that I don't have words.
A couple of outstanding tracks and you can tell the groove they were in. Is that good or bad? Up to you.
Classic album that has a wild ass mix of different tracks. Beastie Boys started as a punk band and some of that is in here. Classic pass the mic. Funk and turntablism. Weird world music samples. Really just a fun album despite some anachronistic cultural insensitivity.
daorinha :D
Fuck yeah
78/100. good and dynamic album, blending tight beats with a mix of rap and rock. It strikes a balance between being heavy-hitting and smooth
4/5
I get that it was a big departure for their sound but I don't think it was quite as revolutionary as some reviewers seem to think. That said, there is damned good music on this album.
Not my most favorite Beastie album, but still some good rhymes on here and a bit of new style for the guys.
A great band with a great funky rap style
Fantastic album. Much better than Licensed to Ill and better than Paul’s Boutique. The songs are fun, they sound really good, the group isn’t taking themselves seriously at all which is refreshing. Love the instrumental type tracks sprinkled throughout, mixes up the album quite nicely. “Sabotage” has one of the greatest bass riffs of all time and I will die on this hill.
yesssss. there is SO much more to Beasties than "You Gotta Fight" (it's really one of their weakest songs). love this album-they touch on all kinds of sounds, move away from the heavy samples, but still keep their less than serious lyrics.
I like their other albums more but this is fine. The muffled lyrics thing is kinda weird and unnecessary. Sabotage is a jam
Obsessed w this album.
Fun, but not as good as Check Your Head. Some really good grooves, some noise.
Didn't like this album when it first cane out. It was too experimental. "Sure Shot" and Sabotage were great but a lot of the other blues, funk inspired stuff felt out of place. Now hearing it year later I think I have a better appreciation for this album than I once did.
Did not listen to
Not my style, kinda noisy, but fond memories. More meaning now than as a middle schooler
Better than the other Beastie Boys album on here. Some tracks weren't just shouting!
Disse mener det de sier. Mye greier, en del tøft.
No words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This makes me feel like a wannabe man, love it
loved it! didn't expect rap, definitely added to my rotation
apprehensive already. wow. really enjoyed as an album all together. back half hit hard at the gym.