My dad passed away when I was four years old. He liked to play the guitar and was a particular fan of '60s folk, S&G being no exception. He had a red book of chords and lyrics written down to remember. Scarborough Fair/Canticle was one of them. I will always cherish the fact that my father's love for music shaped my childhood, and as a result, my whole life. This entire record moves me.
Really up my alley, don't know why I hadn't jumped into Bob Dylan's discography. That guitar strumming, that lyricism. His voice is full of emotion and carries the words so well. BUT? He sounds nasally as FUCK. An acquired taste that I have not entirely acquired.
Not bad, not bad at all. "Come On Eileen" is a classic, and the rest (for the most part) blended together - but into an enjoyable mash. Would revisit.
This is really really beautiful. I felt super connected to this record in an almost unexplainable way.
Oh my God. Who let this be such utter perfection? This was really really really good. Wow. The atmosphere. The vocals. 10/10.
Pretty good solid album. I had heard a few songs before but it was nice to hear the whole thing.
Not what I usually listen to, but I'd give it another try. I liked the use of instrumentation alongside the rap!
A great introduction to a band I've heard of, but never actually heard.
Definitely a slow burn album. Some duds here and there, but it grew on me.
Really up my alley, don't know why I hadn't jumped into Bob Dylan's discography. That guitar strumming, that lyricism. His voice is full of emotion and carries the words so well. BUT? He sounds nasally as FUCK. An acquired taste that I have not entirely acquired.
This was fine. I think I expected more, so they seemed like an Eagles-lite but without the pizazz.
Pretty good, better than I expected but you know what? Bohemian Rhapsody is overrated. There. I said it.
A very interesting record. I have not listened to much Malian before.
This is more of a 3.5 than a 3. Some songs were just listenable, but others were quite nice. Reminds me of middle school and discovering the Cure, the Smiths, and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
This was fine. I preferred the other rap-rock album from before. Some good songs, most were meh.
Yo, I quite enjoyed this. I don't know if I'd listen to this when I'm not working, but it was interesting.
This is not what I expected. I kind of liked it. Some tracks were GORGEOUS. 3.5/5.0
Hating Blitzkrieg Bop did not help. The album was a little dull, but at least the songs are short little ditties.
Really quite nice. I should have known I would enjoy this.
Not bad. A bit more avant garde than I expected, considering what I've heard from them.
2.5 stars. Slightly unsettling, but makes for good-ish exercise music.
This was absolutely hauntingly gorgeous. Cohen's voice is incredibly emotive, and the often bare-bones instrumentation really brought that out.
This was fine. Not quite my style, and the songs didn't really stand out to me.
This is really my lane. Gritty vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and folky instrumentation. Sucks that Ryan Adams is such a piece of shit.
Not bad. Reggae in general isn't my cup of tea, but I liked some of the melodies in the album quite a bit. A good chill record. 3.5
This is really really beautiful. I felt super connected to this record in an almost unexplainable way.
A nice album. Nothing of a surprise, given what I've heard of them, but this was pleasant to listen to.
A little quirky at times, but mostly enjoyable to listen to.
This was not bad. Makes for good background music while assembling Halloween goodie bags.
This sounded a bit calculated, which makes sense for prog rock. I think I liked it?
I actually really enjoyed this? Not a single song I disliked on the record, but not quite hitting the 5-star mark YET.
Pleasant to the ears, sometimes repetitive.
Oh my God. Who let this be such utter perfection? This was really really really good. Wow. The atmosphere. The vocals. 10/10.
It was fine. Some parts were enjoyable to listen to. Understandably innovative and pioneering.
Got better as the album went on. Some really good melodies in there.
I have heard the entire discography, and I really like it. Not love, but it's close.
A stunning debut! Very calming for the soul. I had already heard this previously.
Pleasantly enjoyable. Like a fusion between ELO and post-AM Arctic Monkeys.
This did not grow on me over time. The funk-inspired instrumentals were cool, though.
Hm. Quite the atmosphere. For the most part, I enjoyed this album. 3.5
A virtually flawless album that I've adored for years. That medley at the end tho >>>
A lot better than expected. I went into this with some preconceived notions, unfortunately, but I still enjoyed most of the album. The ballads are definitely better than the uptempo.
Is it sacrilegious to say this is better than "Night at the Opera"? Probably. But it is.
Honestly, a lot better than expected. I liked most of the songs.
Brightened up the workday! Not sure if I really enjoyed it from beginning to end, but some songs were nice.
A little chaotic at times, but I suppose that was intentional. Unfortunately it did not help my headache. Kurt Cobain really is something unique, though. 3.5
Absolutely gorgeous. I only wish it was longer. Not quite 5 stars, but a well-deserved 4.
Honestly liked this more than I thought I would! Nice to recognize a few songs as well.
Good background music if I'm at work. If I'm trying to read something, then no.
I liked some songs a lot. But most of it was not for me.
Enjoyed for the most part. Songs didn't really stand out from one another, but they sounded good.
My first full album by Bowie was not a disappointment. More artsy than expected. Pretty good.
I liked it. I respected it. I don't remember many songs standing out, though. 3.5?
Hey, this was actually quite nice! Thought I would find it dull, but I really enjoyed the melodic lines for most of the songs.
Surprisingly good. Not too busy. Good for background.
Yay, another one I've already listened to! Love this album very much. :)
I think I enjoyed it, but not as much as some of their contemporaries.
I put this on while studying, so I wasn't paying full attention. It sounded chaotic AF.
It was nice to hear Roundabout in its entirety. More than just a meme band, I say.
I actually really liked to work to this. Lots of character in his playing.
Unfortunately did not enjoy this one as much as the previous, but it was still interesting to listen to.
Have listened to this tons already during high school! Love this record. :)
This album was excellent. Not a single bad song on the record and I honestly liked how it made me feel.
I enjoyed this. A few songs were standouts, but overall it was pleasant. 3.5
Very 60s-ish. A good thing to listen to on Christmas morning.
It was okay. I liked some of the guitar work on the longer songs. 3.5
I thought some of the songs would drag on but they didn't. Nice musicianship.
Honestly, quite enjoyed this. I liked hearing some songs I hadn't heard in a while, and the style was pleasant to listen to. Lyrical content comes with the rap genre territory.
Appreciated the artistry, but unfortunately did not enjoy it too much, except for a few songs.
An interesting fusion of punk and blues. 3.5
I liked it, but it kind of started to blur together at times.
It was an album. I didn't much enjoy it, but it kept me awake so there's that! 2.5
Those lyrics were deep. The sounds were chaotic at times. 2.5
Better than expected. A pleasant surprise with the vocals. Those melodies were cool.
Not a bad album. I wouldn't recommend for all occasions, but it's fascinating hearing the start of heavy metal.
This was okay to listen to. Only a couple of songs were standouts.
Very lovely. That's all I can say, really. I appreciated the atmosphere. 4.5, not quite 5 though.
Nice to recognize a couple of songs. It was a pretty good album. 3.5?
I didn't hear too much that was groundbreaking. Maybe I expected too much? Still, I enjoyed it. 3.5, not yet a 4.
Actually quite enjoyed this style. Would love to explore more of this British folk rock.
Oh man. I really wanted to like this, but it was chaotic and it gave me a headache. Punk is a genre that I still have not really gotten into, I guess.
Truly a solid record, but nothing groundbreaking. Not quite sure how this group stands out to the rest of the similar sounding bands of the era. 3.5.
Quite liked this one! A lot of the songs sounded similar to one another, but the album was energetic and put me in a good mood, so I'll let that slide.
This was a bit difficult to get through. Drum and bass just isn't really my thing.
Felt like a mix of Massive Attack and Cocteau Twins. So basically I'm in love. Good to drive to btw.
This was such a breezy listen. Such good driving music, too. Also I don't hate Bittersweet Symphony as much now, so there's that.
This was nice. The music was mellow and melodious and it brought me into a good headspace.
This was a pleasant surprise. I thought I would find it too jazzy for my taste, since I find standards to be a bit bland at times, but Sinatra has an excellent voice and that did save things.
Honestly way way better than expected. Groovy licks and energetic vocal delivery put me in a good mood.
I didn't really like this. Sometimes the guitar was nice, but it was odd. And uncomfortable for me.
Super good. The songs put me in a good mood and I really like the instruments.
I really enjoyed this one. It was like... a darker version of the Beatles and the Beach Boys, kinda the way the Wiki page described.
This was chill and moody and perfectly alternative RnB. I really liked it.
Pretty groovy. It was an interesting delve into Afrobeat, which I don't have much experience with. 3.5
Maybe I went into this judging too much. It was a good combination of rock and blues without being overboard. Still not a huge fan of Walk This Way, though.
This was chill, but not too chill. Jazz fusion wasn't as bad as I expected, and the brass instruments really shone through without having an irritating timbre. Also, the cat really liked it. Curled up like the roundest little cinnamon roll.
I really liked it. Early folktronica has a bit of nostalgia feel to it, and the songwriting itself was quite good.
A good combination of energy and just general moodiness. I liked it. Good for exercise too.
This is more of a 3.5 than a 3. Some really beautiful moments here, but sometimes a little too chaotic for my taste. Still, I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed it considering the fact that I got a free song from this album back in 2010/2011 and I didn't like it back then. We love to see the evolution of music taste! Growth!!
Okay, honestly? This was absolutely gorgeous. One of the 5 star surprises of this whole listening process. I expected to be turned off, since Leonard Cohen's voice is an acquired taste in my opinion, but this was melodically so beautiful. Like, it was an EXPERIENCE.
Pretty good. Serj Tankian is a very theatrical singer, but it didn't annoy me.
This was a lot better than the other record I listened to by Prince. I am getting a clearer understanding of why he is so highly regarded. The songs on here just made me feel happy. 3.5, but I'll give it 4 stars.
This was oddly enjoyable. '70s punk has a totally different feel, yet is somewhat familiar to bands like the Ramones. I liked how melodic everything felt. A bit too much organ at times, but maybe that's just my preference. 4 stars.
Look, this was a tough listen. Sometimes the instrumentals were cool, but ultimately, grime just isn't it for me.
Better than expected yet somehow still a bit disappointing. 4 stars, though.
It was alright. Nothing super amazing or standout here, in my opinion.
Honestly? Decadent. I liked the theme that this album had going for it, and given everything I've heard about Nick Cave's voice being polarizing, I thought he sounded great! 4 stars.
A classic. Definitely in the top half of the Beatles albums for me, and a long-time favorite of mine.
This was pretty solid. I had been wanting to get into Supertramp for ages, but now I have a reason to!
Pretty relaxing and lowkey. I liked biking to this one. 3.5 --> 4
This was a long listen, but very worthwhile. I liked the complexity of it at times.
Extremely pleasant to listen to. I like folk in general, and this is no exception. Nearly perfection.
Unique and flavorful, if not a bit chaotic at times. 3.5, not quite a 4 yet.
I know he's one of the pioneers of folk, but it just didn't really stand out to me. Nevertheless, it was pleasant to listen to and I liked the blues influence at times.
A classic I feel glad to have listened to. What a nostalgic sound that I really enjoy.
I liked this a lot more than I expected. First half is stronger than the second. Other than "Pieces of What", this album has solid offerings.
Hm...this is a tough one. I enjoyed it for the most part, but nothing really stood out. I'd have to give a second listen, but would be welcome to check out the rest of their discography since "Just Like Honey" caught my ears first. 3.5?
Not bad, not bad at all. Some songs I really enjoyed, but not too many standouts. I'd say that's a 3.5?
Lush and made me feel at peace. The lyrics threw me off half the time, but the instrumentation, musical arrangement, and vocal delivery saved it every time. So close to being a 5-star album but not quite there.
This was an alright listen. Quick and easy to digest, but nothing special for me.
Honestly, I loved this. It wasn't a perfect 5 stars, but the sound and Billy Corgan's vocals are still excellent and I'd definitely listen again. Solid 4.
This was not bad, but didn't live up to my previous expectations of Elvis.
This was energetic and I wasn't too bothered with the longer song lengths.
Vaguely unsettling at times, but very deeply impactful. 3.5, leaning towards 4.
Quite an interesting record. The first song really captivated me, and I liked that the band decided to really tell a story throughout the album. However, towards the end, I wasn't into it sonically...as much anyway. 3.5.
Chill and vibrant, with many colors. Good background, didn't pay enough attention to songs with lyrics unfortunately.
Unfortunately I wasn't a huge fan. But ultimately this was fine, if a bit forgettable.
This is hard to evaluate. I cannot relate to the subject matter, and the content was indeed extremely heavy. At times I was overwhelmed, but I think that this was incredibly well-done and told a story. Plus, the beats and the vocals (sometimes) were excellent. 3.5?
This was unfortunately more mediocre than I expected. However, I still liked listening to it on the second half. First half was lacking.
Not nearly as horrible as expected, given the fact that it's one of the ten lowest rated records. That being said, I mostly enjoyed the instrumentals. Sometimes they were too gritty, but that's nothing compared to the vocals.
Not sure how I feel about it, so it gets a 3.
This was pleasant, but other than "Golden Hair" not much stood out. 3.5
This may be sacrilegious to say but this was just an okay album for me. None of the songs really stood out, except for a couple of the tracks were incessantly long.
This was full of attitude and I loved hearing some familiar songs. Excellent!!!!
This was a pleasant listen. Not what I expected but I still enjoyed it - 3.5
Pretty solid album with some standouts but not enjoyable enough for 4.
A record I've listened to before. Really quite spectacular. Almost at the Joshua Tree level.
Ooh, this was honestly the definition of atmospheric. Made me feel at peace. Singer is brilliant. 4.
This was nifty and energetic, and also a bit goofy. Definitely an interesting listen.
Nifty tunes. I liked the guitar work and the casual feel of it all. 3.5
Soulful and understated. Not up my alley, but could easily listen again. 3.5
Really liked this one! I don’t remember any specific songs actually but I remember really vibing LOL
This was really good. I liked the style he was going for, and the songs were pleasant to the ears.
I am still trying to get more into jazz. This was an okay listen, and it wasn't necessarily difficult to get through but I'm not sure if I enjoyed it. Still, I appreciate the talent here.
Nothing to write home about, but nothing to whine about necessarily. I don't think this is his greatest work. However, I still found it enjoyable. 3.5 but I'll give it a 4.
This was a grower. I started off not really feeling it, but towards the end, either the songs got better or I got more into the zone. I especially liked the last three tracks. Still, not quite sure if it gets a 4 from me. 3.5.
I am a bit embarrassed that this was my first listen to the whole record. That said, I had extremely high expectations for this album. I am not "blown away" but can definitely understand and appreciate the artistry, and can say I mostly enjoyed listening.
This was quite unique. I am still not sure how I feel about it, but can definitely appreciate the artistry that went into making it.
I liked it more than I thought I would. A few songs I'd come back to, but I would definitely give the whole album another listen.
I've adored this album for a while, and this listen was no different. Nick Drake is really on a whole 'nother level.
This was really nice. I'm still getting used to Leonard Cohen's tone, but I quite enjoyed each and every song.
This was really quite good! Not nearly as heavy as I was expecting, given the Wiki article, but still a good combination of different genres imo.
First time listening to this in full, and I understand why this is on the list. It sounded fresh and interesting, but I wasn't really into the interludes. Still, a solid record for sure, and I'd listen to it again!
Decent tracks, albeit a bit too repetitive for my liking at times. An interesting atmosphere compared to what I typically listen to, though.
Enjoyable!!! Very funky and fresh and it put me in a good mood.
This was honestly gorgeous. A surprising new discovery even though I had heard of Nina Simone. Every song on the record captivated me.
Some really lush tracks on this album, that's the best way I can describe it. I liked it a lot more than the other CHIC album I listened to.
Marvin Gaye's tone is unmatchable. Not quite a 5 for me personally, but you can't deny the grooviness.
So that's where the coffee commercial got it. Anyway, this was a pretty cool album. I enjoyed every single song and would re-visit.
I allllmost want to give this a 4, but maybe that's just the fact that I typically don't enjoy this genre. I think last time I listened to UK rap/garage/grime, I was extremely turned off and only found little value/appeal in it. However, this was slightly melodic and the conversational style of rap-sing actually worked for me.
I saw the word "experimental" on the Wikipedia page and got a bit of a preconceived notion about the album, but you know what? I really really enjoyed this. The melodies, the delivery, the instrumental arrangements. SO CLOSE to a 5 for me, but I'll definitely re-visit and check out more of Tom Waits!
This was excellent to re-visit, as I was an avid fan of the Beatles in middle through high school. Having heard everything at least 5 times already, it was lovely noticing all the little details (usually instrumental licks or riffs here and there) I've missed before.
I liked it, but I didn't love it. It wasn't as heavy-hitting as I expected at times, but quite an alright listen.
All I had heard was "Why Can't I?" but I knew she was a staple of the 90s when it came to rocker females. And rock she did.
I really liked this one! Electronic albums aren't always my thing, but I appreciated the musical influences here, specifically the rock sounds throughout the record. I think I was initially thrown off a bit by the vocals, but it grew on me.
Beautiful! I really enjoyed this one, and will definitely check out more OMD. It's not enough just having "If You Leave" in my music library.
I saw "Jazz Samba" and was intimidated, as I typically do not seek out jazz or samba. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. Great work/walk/chill music.
So glad I got to finally listen to the whole thing! It did not disappoint, and I will add it to my library. Very energetic.
I know the drama with Courtney, but not info to have a real opinion on that so putting aside personal stuff, I have to say I liked this album. Some of the songs blended together for me, but I'd listen again, so I have to give it a solid 4.
Nifty record! I didn't make the connection with Paul Weller and feel incredibly stupid, but good album overall.
Well produced, well played, just not my cup of tea. It was pleasantly listenable, but that's about it.
I was only really familiar with "Little Wing" for the most part, but this was a darn good record. Guitar work was (obviously) very strong, but I did like the songs as a whole.
I've heard this many times before, and it doesn't really get old. In fact, I get to notice little details. That being said, I was a little surprised this was on the list! Not that it's undeserving necessarily. Early Incubus is still great.
Let me start by saying I totally understand why this album was on the list. However, I wasn't always grooving with the songs. This is not a fault of the artist, but just the fact that I probably need more exposure. I really appreciate the fusion of genres here and wish I enjoyed it more. 3.5
It was alright. I can understand why it's on the list, but I liked some of Neil Young's other work more. Still, it was a nice enough listen.
Repetition, but make it beautiful and captivating. I really enjoyed this record.
Ooh, I like these beats! Nice to also hear the entirety of this album instead of just the hits. This kept me going at the end of my work shift.
Really had a fun time listening, but need to revisit to distinguish more songs since the sound was so cohesive it all blended together.
Yep. Enjoyed this one a lot, too. There's a specific kind of '80s pop I am into.
It was great when I first listened about a decade ago and it's still great now. It's not my favorite GD record, but the feeling I get from listening is still unmatchable. The energy is ridiculous.
I feel like this should have been my introduction to jazz. It was cool, it was funky, and it was easy to listen to.
I had heard of this artist before but had never listened to anything of theirs (except maybe snippets). Still pleasantly surprised. This was chill work music, and I did enjoy it.
I don't think I'll adjust to Tom Waits' voice anytime soon, but it's growing on me. Musically, it was pretty great. The vocals did throw me off, though.
Unfortunately wasn't a huge fan of the last song, but the rest was good. I can always throw some love for solid guitar work. Overall I enjoyed it and understand why it made the list.
This gets points for trying out a theme and for having semi-interesting (at times) beats/hooks. Lyrically, I wasn't into it and the skits were honestly giving me secondhand embarrassment.
A good balance of genres here. I enjoyed listening, but nothing really stood out to me. I'll give it a 3.5, leaning towards a 3.
Wow! This was excellent. I really liked their style, and will definitely check out more from them.
There is something powerful about an artist's last record - especially when it is released so close to their final moments. This album is no exception. I really really liked this. Bowie is an artist.
Synths. Synths everywhere. And I loved it. The Sound of the Crowd is SO SO good - I could have that on repeat for hours.
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Very peaceful and melodic without being overwhelming. "Stars Twinkling Within" is ethereal and I would like to live in that track if possible.
First half was stronger than the second half, but I would definitely give this one another listen. The record was lush and Scott's voice was super pleasant.
Fun embarrassing fact: when I was 6 years old I thought the Fugees and Fugazi were the same artist. Anyway, musically I guess enjoyed it enough. The energy was seeping through the songs. But nothing stood out to me. Lyrically, I'm pretty ambivalent. Not sure if I'd be enthusiastic for a re-listen. It was fine.
This is a surprising one for me. I knew of her most popular songs, but never checked out a whole record. This was enchanting and made me want to become a fairy in the forest. Which is impressive considering I was actually suffering in rush hour traffic and sweating like a pig.
Not bad, not bad at all. "Come On Eileen" is a classic, and the rest (for the most part) blended together - but into an enjoyable mash. Would revisit.
These rockers are full of vigor, and I cannot relate, for I am merely a sentient blob wasting away into nothingness over time. Seriously, though, this was riot grrrl all the way. Having always had a tough time getting into punk (not into such brash vocals for any gender at all), I actually enjoyed this? Sometimes I liked being able to focus on the instrumentals a bit more, but I think that's just my musician bias showing. A 3.5 that's getting pushed into 4 territory.
This was alright, nothing too amazing. A good chill listen, but that's about it.
A classic! Glad I got to discover more than just the hits here. I understand why my dad loved them so much.
Speakerboxx was better than The Love Below but overall this was funky and fresh and I loved the vibes. Would revisit.
Accessible for metal which isn’t a bad thing. I liked what I heard and Snuff was excellent in particular. Some filler I could have done without but overall good.
I had only heard the final song before listening to this album. FOR SHAME tbh, but I am very glad I am getting to discover Queen's discography. Some real gems in here.
Musicality was present throughout. Sitting by the pool on a warm summer night in the dim light and enjoying some scotch atmosphere, but also reading a large book in the comfort of your living room atmosphere.
I honestly kept on changing my mind about how I felt throughout listening to this album. I liked the traditional Celtic sound towards the end, but the record dragged for me as a whole. This is a bit too weak for me to give it a 4, so I'll give it 3 stars but it is more like a 3.5 than a 3.0.
A classic!! I think I first heard this sometime in high school. "Going Mobile" is really really good in particular - that one always stood out to me, even more so than "Behind Blue Eyes" or "Won't Get Fooled Again". As someone who has listened to the Who's entire discography, this is without a doubt one of the strongest points.
I prefer their sophomore album a bit more. This didn't have the same oomph/wow factor for me personally. I think I just don't like brass too much haha.
A great album. I've heard Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You, and a couple other songs from Dolly, but never a whole record. This was beautiful and enjoyable and felt like it should have been longer.
This was great. I haven't been disappointed by a Cohen record so far. Lyrically, sonically, it just worked for me.
I love the sociopolitical focus. I am not a fan of the misogyny. I really found myself grooving along to the beats and samples. 3.5, almost 4.
I have to give this a 4, even though this album was hard for me to listen through, and some songs (Kim jfc) were honestly almost too violent for me. I'm not into the humor or the not-even-close-to-politically-correct landscape, but I have to admit this record is significant.
This is...not what I expected from Meat Loaf. Having only heard Paradise by the Dashboard Light, this album really surprised me in such a fantastic way. It felt like it was too much at all times, but I was having such a great time listening so I can't complain.
Surprised that I enjoyed as much as I did. The saxophone was SICK. This record basically begged me to have a good time, and although I'd typically roll my eyes, I couldn't resist.
Thoroughly liked this one. I love turn of the century alt rock, and this is no exception.
Some songs didn't really stick with me, but for the most part this was a great album. Very very solid. I can't give it anything below a 4.
This was...alright. I honestly didn't dislike it or like it. Some parts were enjoyable. I tend to like Celtic influences [see: Dropkick Murphys], but I'm still not sold on earlier Celtic punk apparently.
3. I love the Smiths, but Morrissey as a person? A bit difficult for me not to think of that while listening. Slightly uninspired sounding and seemed to drone on at times. It's fine, but nothing special for me, which was disappointing. I was waiting for a spark or a song that really stood out, but it just didn't happen.
This is by no means a bad album, but it felt like it dragged on a bit. This is a 3.5 because I understand why it's on the list, but for me it started to get bloated about halfway through.
Nice! This was full of energy and kept me going during busy times. I didn't have many standouts in particular, and couldn't be bothered to listened to the bonus tracks (version on Spotify is hella long) but still a good album.
I thank this project for introducing me to Cocteau Twins. I have now listened to the entire discography and am left in awe of every record, this is no exception. Beautiful.
Not bad, but way way way too much filler. This could have been 10/11 tracks. Towards the end the songs all blended together as one.
Didn't stick the way Fairport Convention did, but I'd be willing to give it another try to see if anything does. It still sounded very pleasant.
Wow. Much better than I expected. I was not sold on Janis Joplin until now. What a voice. Honestly mesmerizing. The instrumentals were neat, too. ;)
Ah. A little disappointed with this one, unfortunately. Maybe I came in with high hopes, but this didn't live up to expectations. A few standouts (I Want You, Blue Chair) but overall a little forgettable and sounded uninspired/clunky/meh.
I get where they were going here, but I wasn't having a great time listening to this one. A couple of songs were cool, and I liked the energy, but it was exhausting.
There wasn't much I disliked about this album, although not many songs I can list off the top of my head. The overall vibe was something I'd check out again. Very versatile.
This grew on me. It sounded a bit bland at first, but then I think it just clicked for me. A solid album.
Initially, I thought this resembled a half baked pastry. Reading the Wikipedia article helped put things into context a little, but I'd have to give this one another listen to get a bit more out of it.
I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Funk and rock fused into something wonderful. Energetic and kept me going throughout the work day.
This has been one of my favorites for quite some time now. And that's saying a lot since I was about 11 when it came out. Giving it another listen, I don't really feel that different. It's fresh, full of emotion, raw, and honest. And I couldn't ask for more.
One of the easiest 5s on the entire list. I love everything about this, especially the way it makes me feel.
Ooh. Grungy britpop. This works for me. I really liked it overall, and though I don't really have any songs that stood out to me, I think the general vibe and atmosphere that was created was pretty neat.
I know this is a classic, but I couldn't really get into it as much as I had hoped for. That being said, it's a quick listen and not one song lasted too long. A very distinctive style here. 3.5 not quite a 4 yet for me, but I definitely understand why it's on the list.
This made me feel fancier than I looked. Anyway, jazz is a sore spot for me. Her voice was smooth and the instrumentals were overall pretty solid, but the vocalizations and improvisation and general melodic makeup of the tracks - I'm still lost on how to truly enjoy those.
Interesting. Everything started to blur together towards the end, but the energy was pretty good.
Some songs I wasn't a big fan of, but overall this is solid '90s hip-hop. I will say I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I feel like I'm saying that about a lot of albums here, but preconceived notions are TOUGH to overcome!
Almost a 5 for me. This is a very very good listen. I didn't really dislike any song, and most of them I would re-visit in a heartbeat.
Really quite good. I'm already pretty into this sort of music anyway, as folk/rock/indie tend to be some of my favorite genres. I know this might seem boring to a lot of people, but eh, it worked for me, so that must count for something!
Such a great album. Better than the Holy Bible (which I don't remember too much of at this point). '90s Britpop with a bit of a rock lean is a perfect combination for my ears.
This was a nice, chill listen. Some funky beats and enjoyable melodies, but I don't know if I would listen to this for anything but background music. I would definitely have to re-visit, though.
This is raw and powerful, and I get why it's on the list. Unfortunately I just flat-out didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
Aside from Our Lips Are Sealed and We Got The Beat, I don't think I'm too familiar with the Go-Go's. What a shame, because this album was fun and full of sunshine - with the occasional moment that made my heart ache for some reason. Very very nice.
A lot better than expected! Again, I do have...opinions when it comes to rap and hip-hop, but I like to think my tastes are malleable and not super stagnant. Anyway, I could not get over how much I loved the hooks and the beats. I wasn't paying that much attention to the lyrics, I'll admit that.
I wish this wasn't my introduction to Rush. I really want to like them. On paper, I should be into them. This album dragged a tiny bit for me. It was pleasant and interesting enough, but this just didn't click for me? A high 3, but not yet a 4.
Started getting a bit samey towards the end, but still quite good musicianship. I felt as though the band were really a band, if that makes any sense. I enjoyed it for the most part.
Not really my favorite offering from Missy Elliott, but not bad considering this was earlier in her career. I really liked the beats, but the lyrics...could have been better.
Nice! I was worried I wasn't going to like this one based on the Wikipedia description but was pleasantly surprised by the level of musicianship and atmosphere creation going on here.
I was initially quite captivated, but that gradually decreased by the end of the album. That being said, I still would give another listen. The vibes were interesting here, and this was my first try at LCD Soundsystem (after hearing SO much about them).
True fact - I have wanted to listen to this album in full for almost a decade, but never got around to it. I am glad I finally got to take a listen. Totally worth it, totally up my alley. A few duds here and there so it's not quite a 5, though.
I'd have to give this another listen, but based on first impressions I'm very...underwhelmed. I'm not huge on Iggy Pop's vocals and the rest is just...fine? IDK, normally I have some sort of opinion on albums but I'm just drawing a blank here.
This one grew on me. I'm a sucker for certain types of melodies in folk music, and they were so beautiful I could not stop myself from getting lost in them.
Was this eclectic and fascinating? Yes. Was this (likely) a pioneer for the genre it belongs to? Yes. Did I enjoy this? At times. It gets a 3.
I don’t think I can honestly give this anything lower than a 5. It was an atmospheric, melodic experience that I got lost in and didn’t want to find my way out of.
This is very solid, but I'm trying not to let my nostalgia factor (Dad LOVED '60s and '70s music) affect the score. I enjoyed every track - some more than others - and think this deserves its place on the list.
The songs I already knew didn't stand out so much to me, but the newer ones sounded so refreshing to me. The energy was through the roof and I couldn't help but have a good time.
This is closer to a high 2 just based on enjoyability. However, the group really tried to use exotic instruments and maintain their folk roots, which I have to appreciate. I remember it took me AGES to get into some of the Beatles' psychedelic offerings, and I figure this is similar, albeit a bit worse in its execution.
Lyricism was not the strongest point of the album - the early fusion of rock and rap, paired with the fresh production, is. At some point I stopped paying attention to the words as much because they were quite repetitive, but other than that, a solid offering to the list.
That first track did nothing for me. Fortunately, the record got better as it went on, and I left feeling like it was a worthwhile experience. I liked the overall vibe and would need to revisit again. This is a "light" 4, but still definitely a 4.
My dad passed away when I was four years old. He liked to play the guitar and was a particular fan of '60s folk, S&G being no exception. He had a red book of chords and lyrics written down to remember. Scarborough Fair/Canticle was one of them. I will always cherish the fact that my father's love for music shaped my childhood, and as a result, my whole life. This entire record moves me.
My problem is that it felt very...underwhelming. It didn't sound like it was any different from the other records in the genre. When the songs were great, they were GREAT. But some I would not voluntarily re-visit.
Honestly, this was very close to being a sonic masterpiece for me, but there were moments that took me out of the listening experience here and there. I think I will definitely re-visit this one and can easily see it becoming one of my favorites. From the instruments to the lyricism to the overall atmosphere, I'm pretty much sold.
An undeniable energy ran through this album. Songs started to blend together in my brain towards the end. They sounded pretty good, though.
A masterpiece. I feel every word in my bones every time I hear this album, and it's been a special one to me for a few years now.
By the end, it felt longer than it actually was. However, still a good album and the first half was really melodically catchy.
I hate to not give a 5 to a Beatles album, but this was one of their earlier works where they were still doing some covers and it shows. While I find this record to be short and sweet, there are a few songs that I could do without. Nothing is "bad", but a few songs are skippable if they come on during shuffle mode.
I really liked this one. I think every song took me on a little bit of a journey, which I appreciated. Didn't hurt that the musical style / vocals / lyrics are something I'd typically enjoy.
Went very quickly from "What...is this" to "Yeah I can dig it." Super creative, musically enjoyable, and the details are amazing when you notice them. I'd definitely give this another listen to see what else I pick up on.
The best way to describe this listening experience is that it was incredibly smooth. I'd listen to this again and again and again and again.
I had a great time with this one! Knowing the background of Eric Clapton (+George Harrison), I had very complex feelings going into this listen. That being said, the blues rock eventually worked on me. At first I did feel like I wasn't "absorbing" anything, though.
I don't like Bono. Anyway, having said that, this is a pretty good album. As much as I hate to admit it, this is one of U2's better offerings. I thoroughly enjoy most of the songs but this is not at 5-star status.
Pretty good. Even better when I make the connection with Donald Fagen - nifty! Every song was good, although Barrytown gave me major Beatles vibes. Inspiration is inspiration, though, and I don't think that takes away from anything.
Alright. So. Having delved into artists like Devendra Banhart (thanks to this project!!), this kind of folk didn't surprise me too much. It oscillated between "what's happening" and "ah, yes" for me. It's getting a 3, but I want to give it another listen when I'm in a different headspace.
When the first track started, I was reading some of the background information on Wikipedia. I saw the reviews and thought, no way. As a classical music lover, this both is and isn't my type of music. However, by the second track, I was hooked. And man, that second track was ethereal and gorgeous and captivating. I would not only work to this, but literally just sit in silence to this. Pleasantly surprised.
Ooh! Was a bit nervous for this one (despite really liking Vespertine) but was digging most of the tracks. I didn't really know she had a bit of a dance/electropop feel. I honestly can't find a particular "fault" with this album, but I also can't quite give it a 5 just based on enjoyment / merit. Regardless, this is a pretty damn good first album.
Solid. Didn't dislike any song. In the same vein, didn't LOVE any song except maybe Rainy Day in June, Sunny Afternoon (which I had already known and adored), and Most Exclusive Residence for Sale. Still a good overall album, but I'm sure they have better.
Maybe I was expecting too much, but this album was very middle-of-the-road for me. I felt ambivalent about nearly every track here, despite the fact that I could tell there was effort going into constructing this record.
Pleasant. Even after hearing "Without You" at least a thousand times.
I would listen to this again in a heartbeat, and it is getting saved in my library. Not every song is a masterpiece, but that's okay. I also started to get the vibe that some tracks sound like they could have been made yesterday, which is GREAT. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it sure is mine!
This put me in a pretty good mood. Helped create a chill & relaxed atmosphere, while maintaining an insane amount of musical energy.
Having read the reviews, I was a bit worried. Ultimately, this grew on me. It is repetitive, but part of me feels like that's just the nature of the genre. Regardless, some tracks are really smooth and I'd put them on, not just for background music/study but also to relax. But for the most part, I was very "aware" of the fact that I was listening. I don't always get lost in an album, of course, but I usually don't have the opposite experience of being hyper-aware that I'm listening to an album intentionally. It felt weird. Anyway, this gets a 2. There were moments where I thought it would get a 3, but it's not quite there yet.
Melodically, I was super into this. Lyrically, it was pretty solid but I have to admit I wasn't paying as much attention because the music sometimes captivated me so much. A few songs here and there that didn't stick for me, but I'm sure a re-listen will do just that.
Really really great record here. Lyrically, there were moments that I enjoyed. Musically, from the beats to the production, this was solid AF. Not quite at the 5 star mark for me yet, but this was better than College Dropout (the only other Kanye album I've heard).
I acknowledge that this was solid more than I enjoyed it. Some songs were a bit much for me personally. However, their stuff tends to grow on me, so I'm sure I will appreciate it more with time!
Dreamy. So so dreamy. I think I need to pay more attention next time, but I got utterly lost in it all.
At first, I was not really into it. But then the album picked up for me after a few tracks. Skin & Sky Fits Heaven are beautiful. Pleasantly surprised, as this is my first ever listen to a whole Madonna album.
Heart of Gold has always been one of my favorite songs, so I'm happy about finally listening to the whole album. A Man Needs A Maid will...take some getting used to. But everything else was solid, from the instrumentation to the vocal delivery. This is more a 4.5 than a 5, but I can't NOT give it a 5.
This was fine. Certain tracks just dragged for me, but overall it was an okay listen and I think I'll have to accept that soul is still a rough genre for me to really get into. Ah. Some day.
"Raw Power" is aptly named. I could not turn away from this while listening. I am anything but ambivalent when it comes to this type of music. Fortunately, this was a good one.
I digged this. It was chaotic and all over the place yet I liked every moment? Yep.
"How Could I Be Wrong" came in and slapped me in the face for some reason. The whole album was really great. I didn't want to stop listening. I think this type of music is one of my favorite sounds of this project, to be honest.
Rock. On. This was energetic as all hell and I am totally here for it. Lyrically, it was not life-changing, but that is fine. I was head-banging anyway.
I don't know if it was the mood I was in, but this album was absolutely amazing. The attitude, the guitars, the drums, the lyrics. All of it just really spoke to me. Yes x5000.
I remember discovering Cat Stevens as a high schooler. Best decision I ever made. This has been, and still remains, one of my favorite albums to put on when I'm having a bad day.
Not a single bad song on the record. I don't think I can give this a 5 yet, but I was really digging the sound here. Much better than my initial dive into Van Halen (1984).
I wasn't really feeling much until the second half of the album, which was very strong IMO. It wasn't so bad that I was going to try to stop listening (I haven't gotten to that point with that many albums yet) but I felt so-so until a few songs in. Sometimes, that's all you need.
This was decent. 3.5, not yet a 4, so I'll go with 3 for now. I'm not sure if I would put this on if I wasn't working/doing errands/chilling. But I definitely recognize what they were going for and can respect that. It just didn't click for me much.
Every song held its own, and I no longer hate More Than a Feeling. So that's a plus.
This was a pretty damn good album. I'm still learning to appreciate reggae more, and Bob Marley makes it super accessible, so I can dig it.
I should like this a whole lot more than I do. Bare bones instrumentation. Storytelling. Melodically, I wasn't totally captivated, though. Some songs hit me in the chest while others were a bit of a slog to get through. 3.5, but I'll definitely add to my library for future listens.
I went from indifference to not enjoying it to weirdly vibing with it. Lots of interesting musicianship - I'm just not sure if I was into it. It's a 3 that could potentially turn into a 4 with several more listens.
Mellow. Grunge. A touch of nostalgia despite the fact that I'm a very young millennial and hadn't heard of this group before. Love it.
I swear I will come across a 5-star Bob Dylan album one day. This came pretty damn close but it didn't hit me just yet.
Classic. Nothing much else I could say, really. Every song on this record was phenomenal. Probably my favorite Bowie album.
This was fine. After Hunky Dory, I was honestly let down, unfortunately! However, this is perfectly okay background music and was pleasant enough for a single listen. I don't think any songs really stood out to me.
I enjoyed every single song on the album, but none of them are giving me strong emotions just yet. I don't think this will ever reach 5 territory, but it is so solid I can't give it anything below a 4.
Lyrically, this was clever as hell and I loved all the cultural references. Hill's delivery was dope and stood out tons. The beats were neat to listen to, and the samples held up throughout the years. A very solid record that I would gladly re-visit. Nearly 5 for me.
I don't know what to make of this. It was interesting and pleasant enough, but I don't know if I would enjoy this so much as tolerate it if someone just had it on in the background. Will have to try again sometime in the future.
There is good metal out there, and this didn't sound like it. Genuinely a slog to get through, from the bad production to the lead's vocals. The music itself was uninspired and bland at times, but ultimately the best part of the album. The music + the influence keeps me from giving this a 1. Like, I *get* why this is on the list, but really? Y'all couldn't pick a better representation? Also I turned on the lyrics because I was having a difficult time understanding and tbh I wish I hadn't done that.
A classic. There were a couple of songs I recognized, but for the most part this album was new to me. This is right up my alley, and while some songs didn't quite "click" upon first listen, I enjoyed it overall.
This is the kind of jazz influence I can dig. I'm a fan of folk/singer-songwriter in general, and this album really hit the spot for me personally.
Throughout this bloated record, I had moments of "oh yeah, I'm digging this guitar, I can totally headbang", but for the most part I felt like the only thing this album did was make my dishwashing slightly less dull. Pleasant enough of a listen (minus the spoken word...I personally wasn't into that) and at times unique. I might re-visit some songs or try this again at another time in my life.
A timeless sound. "Mother Nature" is really really good, as is "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". Would re-visit.
First half > second half. Like, I had a very fun time listening to the first half. I wish I felt the same about the whole album, but it was still a pleasant enough listen. I can't quite give it a 4, but it's a 3.75 in my mind so it's VERY close!
I can't believe I hadn't heard this album before. Sunshine of Your Love didn't even sound all that familiar to me. Anyway, this was bluesy and psychedelic in perfect amounts. It worked well. I hate Eric Clapton.
I am a little biased because I play piano and love it so much. But this jazz improvisation was absolutely gorgeous and I have heard so much of Jarrett before that I was worried my expectations wouldn't be met. They were surpassed. Lovely.
This was okay? Just okay for me, really. I think a couple songs were pretty neat, but the rest I'm not sure I'd revisit. The overall vibe was fine but nothing extraordinary here.
This was smooth and soulful and exactly what I needed today. I can see this being on regular rotation.
Unfortunately not my favorite Joy Division record. I wanted to enjoy this much more than I did, but still found it pleasantly haunting and wouldn't mind giving it a re-visit somewhere down the line.
Every song here was a hit. Sometimes I preferred the French versions, sometimes I preferred the English versions. But I could put this on repeat and not tire of it. Sounds super fresh.
I guess I'm a sucker for '80s/'90s beats when they're done well. This was a pretty good one. 3.5
I thought I wasn't going to like this, but the energy sold me. I couldn't get over how vibrant and melodic this was, even if the vocals were sometimes "not my style".
Instrumentally, this was fascinating and pleasant. I'd like to have this on in the background at all times if it weren't for the vocal interruptions.
Lots of good renditions here. I really like the sound of Johnny's voice in this record. While it's nice to sometimes make a cover sound true to the original, I like that authentic feel of switching it up every now and then.
So I read about how influential this was. I struggled to have any thoughts during listening other than "Hm. Those vocals are a bit too unpolished for me. Guitars are cool, though." I feel like I *should* enjoy this more considering its role in history, but proto-punk (dare I say punk in general?) is a weak spot of mine. I wouldn't turn it off but I'd have to cherry pick certain songs to re-visit unless I were doing some chores where it fades a bit more into the background.
I just finished listening and the whole time I felt like I should have enjoyed it more than I did. Live albums can be hit or miss, and unfortunately, despite his energy, the quality and the audience (plus my general feelings about the music itself), this wasn't great for me.
"Eleanor Rigby" was one of the first Beatles songs I heard. "She Said She Said" and "Here, There, and Everywhere" are two of my top favorite Beatles songs of all time. The sounds here are just the perfect blend of innovative and familiar. I get a sense of nostalgia listening to this record even though I was born in the 1990s. :)
I want to give this album the praise it deserves but am at a loss for words. This was a really enjoyable and unique listen. Seven Nation Army, while definitely good, is sitting among the greats with these other songs. There's nothing here that I would skip, but might need another run through before I declare it a 5.
Metallica is extremely accessible to me, and I have mixed emotions about metal half the time. But this was perfectly intense and melodic. I have to admit I wasn't paying too much attention to lyrics, but that'll be on the agenda during the next listen. :)
"What Have I Done to Deserve This?" is a pop masterpiece. Overall, the synths were immaculate, and this is the peak of '80s dance-pop. What a catchy, poignant and ridiculously calming (for the soul) record. Except "Shopping". That was not the greatest thing.
Some really sweet harmonies, even if tonally it wasn't always pleasant. Guitar work and mandolin work were quite lovely. I'm a sucker for murder ballads. Recording quality was hit or miss. 3.5, but closer to 3 than a 4. Not sure if I'd revisit, but if it comes on shuffle I'll listen.
Ridiculously energetic, to the point it's downright infectious. This is much better than his regular albums. I would have loved to be at this concert. Unfortunately, I was born in the '90s, and Jerry Lee Lewis is an utter creep. So there's that.
I have a soft spot for this album because I watched this movie so many times at the height of my "Beatlemania" (hey, we were all cringy high schoolers once). That opening chord on "A Hard Day's Night" is legendary. However, for the album as a whole, its weak points are just a tad bit too skippable and uninspired ("You Can't Do That" being one of my least favorite Beatles songs). That being said, "I'm Happy Just to Dance With You" and "If I Fell" are absolutely stunning and some of my favorite tracks.
Interesting beats. Melodically, it was a hit or miss. Lyrically creative. I'm not sure if this was my taste entirely, but I found myself fascinated to see what came next.
Modern pop country at its finest. Comforting and warm but never sleepy. Sticks with you for quite a while.
What an important album from the 80s. I can't believe I had only heard two (2!!) songs by George Michael before this. Anyway, a couple songs were meh, but the overall consensus from my brain was that this was a pretty good listen.
I had a difficult time rating this one. Honestly, this was a solid offering and I was aware that the music was "good" enough, but I simply couldn't enjoy it for some reason.
I found this quite beautiful. Reggae is a genre I don't have much experience with, but Bob Marley has always been pretty darn good to me. Very accessible and very enjoyable.
A couple of duds, but overall a very good album. The production is very clearly '80s, but it sounded pretty solid to me. Note: I am somewhat ambivalent towards Michael Jackson but have been on both ends of the spectrum.
The whole album was extremely energetic, but while some songs were catchy and groovy, others sounded a bit like a middle school talent show act that everyone uncomfortably claps for. Will have to try this one again. 2.5, but I'll give it a 3.
Very very interesting. As a listener, I couldn't always predict what was coming next, but it always made sense. 3.5, but close enough to a 4.
I really enjoyed what I heard here, but especially "Down To You" - God, what a gorgeous track. Overall, combines folk/rock/jazz in a great way. Jazzy enough to make it interesting, but not too jazzy that I lose interest (I am still trying to appreciate jazz more but I can only digest it in small doses for the most part).
Pop perfection. I simply did not want this album to end. I'm a sucker for a good melody, and boy did this record deliver that in spades.
Ah, U2. Such an interesting discography, and yet this album is probably still my favorite. Fun fact, I used to hate "With or Without You".
Before this listen, I knew him as the guy who sang "Hallelujah" on the Shrek soundtrack. I gotta say, I'm impressed. I feel like he's probably a bit polarizing, but I enjoyed what I heard. Sometimes it dragged, but for the most part it tugged at my heart strings. The opening track is probably my favorite.
This one caught me by surprise. I loved the '80s pop that slipped into the hip-hop. The songs were catchy as hell.
The reggae-influenced stuff tends to be hit or miss for me, but this was definitely a hit. I found myself shamelessly vibing to (nearly) every track and could see myself listening to this entire thing without stopping.
A nice one! Better than I expected. This kind of genre is one that I appreciate but often have difficulty enjoying. However, the melodies here really worked for my ears.
I hate to rate this so low, since Elvis Costello has other records I absolutely adore, but this...was not great. It was dull for me, and for once I found myself annoyed at his vocals. Other than a few tracks, I wouldn't revisit.
Not too bad. Reggae is meh for me right now, but the instrumentals were cool. Wasn't a huge fan of the vocals personally.
This music transported me to an earlier time. I think I do have a preconceived notion with this type of music genre (big band/jazz...even blues/swing/etc...not sure if it's an anti-brass sentiment in my brain lol). However, this was truly quite enjoyable.
I am SO glad this popped up because I've been meaning to listen to Aphex Twin for the longest time, but I didn't really know where to start. Most of this was repetitive - ambient seems to be that. However, what really shined through were the moments where it didn't FEEL repetitive and it felt like getting lost in space. Now that was pretty neat.
First half was better, but overall an enjoyable listen. I think it hasn't really "clicked" for me yet, but I'd give it another try for sure. 3.5 overall, but I will give it a 3.
I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did. It still stands that Bob Dylan is an excellent storyteller, and a fantastic songwriter, but his vocal tones are borderline unpleasant at times.
I listened to this album as I went for a walk. As the last song ended, the sun was setting. It was beautiful. This type of music is right up my alley, and I was not at all disappointed.
I loved loved loved the production and instrumentals here. If you want a chill, cool, yet moody atmosphere, this is it.
Sometimes the feeling of appreciation reigned over the feeling of enjoyment. Overall, I liked the jazz/rock fusion that they had going on. I still am not into horns. Highlights: Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, Someday.
Eclectic. Interesting. I don't know if I liked it. There were some tracks I would come back to, but as a whole? Maybe I'll try that again sometime in the distant future. Maybe.
A solid offering of bluesy folk rock. Not quite a 5 for me, but it's still up there. Personal Favorites: Up On Cripple Creek, Whispering Pines, Jawbone
A pretty decent record. I like Annie Lennox's vocals a ton, so that swayed my vote a little bit. Some songs I could do without (This Is The House, I'm looking at you) but overall I enjoyed this. This is a 3.5 for me but gets pushed to a 4. Favorites: I Could Give You (A Mirror), Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Jennifer
So, this was an interesting offering. Did I like it? I...don't know? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Oh, you have no idea how much I'm a sucker for electric pianos. Anyway, I really digged this album. Neil Young's sound is growing on me a lot. A couple songs dragged for me, but even the worst tracks here are still pretty damn good.
Such a classic album. I'm glad I finally got to listen to every single track because I'm so in love with this sound.
It's a little hard for me to explain why I liked this so much. Upon first listen, I spent some time paying attention to lyrics, but for the most part my ears focused on the music and the vocals - and those were just very very pleasant for me to hear. This has a TON of potential to become one of my favorite albums, and I'll definitely check out more of the National...it's something I've been putting off for a while.
God, I'm such a prude. Felt a little uncomfy with how Prince was singing to me LOL. Standout tracks: Little Red Corvette & Something In The Water (Does Not Computer)
This was a somewhat enjoyable listen for me, which is saying a lot considering my general feelings regarding metal. Vocals aside (I'm not into them and the lyrics aren't much better), the guitars were rad. Especially on the tracks that weren't as...heavy.
Vocals were not entirely to my taste. Lyrics were sometimes okay - I liked the occasional storyteller feel. It was a little bland at times, but overall I enjoyed the sound and just felt like something was missing? Normally I'd give this a 3, but there were so many moments I fell in love with musically that it gets pushed to a 4 even though it's more like a 3.5.
Yeah, I liked most tracks. Since this was his debut record, it was very reminiscent of The Smiths. The guitar work here is really pleasant. Still don't like Morrissey, though.
Very upbeat, sonically a bit different from what I would typically enjoy. The listen-through went by without too much thought, but it wasn't bad.
"All I Ask" is so hauntingly gorgeous. Glad I got to re-visit this album again! As much as I love 21, this record's definitely up there as well.
Really enjoyed this listen for the most part. Will I ever not knock a point off for Dylan's vocal tones? Maybe. But today is not that day.
This didn't quite click with me. I didn't mind it, but most of the songs passed without notice until the album had finished. Will try again sometime in the future, though.
Her voice is so incredibly emotive and powerful that I would listen to her sing nearly anything. I still hate "Chain of Fools", though. 4.5/5 --> 5.
I don't really like Nothing Else Matters, and it was a little - dare I say it - boring at times. However, this album was overall pretty catchy, even if not super groundbreaking, and I'd listen to this in my spare time if I were cleaning or something.
Kate Bush is a phenomenon. I am in love with every second of this album, and it's near impossible to explain how I felt after listening. The atmosphere that was created is absolutely stunning and I have literally zero hesitation about giving this a 5.
3.5, and I really was on the fence between 3 and 4. The problem with this album was, even though I enjoyed The Clap, most tracks I found myself enjoying little moments instead of the overall sound. It was interesting, sure, but that unfortunately doesn't always translate to enjoyment. I would definitely use this as background music but would need to listen more carefully if I wanted to appreciate it more.
My millenial ass (born in mid '90s) did a fucking double take with those lyrics on track one. What a way to start the record. Other than that, it was musically fine, if a bit borderline...boring, almost? I don't know if there really wasn't that much to offer or if I just need to try this one again.
Some parts were coffee by the fireplace, while other parts were strolling down the street in studded leather. A good balance, I'd say.
When I was little, I hated "Head Over Heels" for some reason. I think it was the introduction to it. Now, though? I love that song and really enjoy driving to this whole album. Pretty close to pop perfection.
Despite 'D.A.N.C.E' being a pretty big hit, my 12-year-old self must not have heard it that often because I barely recognized it. Funny thing, though - it definitely wasn't my favorite track on the album but it was the one that was stuck in my head for hours after listening. I enjoyed the instrumentals more overall - I actually found the songs with lyrics to be ironically lacking. Newjack in particular was IMMACULATE. I'll definitely put this on repeat.
My initial reaction to this album is "Wow". I know this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the way Joni sang every word had me convinced. Plus, the musical arrangements were just absolutely lovely. I could sink into this album for hours on end.
Belle & Sebastian just don't miss. A superb little album that is cozy as hell. Good for your rainy day needs. Or for any day really.
That Rolling Stones cover was a waste of time on an otherwise (fairly) enjoyable listen. This album did not change my life, and there were times I wondered "do I actually enjoy this or am I just listening?" Maybe I'm overthinking and this album had its moments but I ultimately just thought it was fine overall.
I really liked Brain Dead and Do It Better. The album was pleasant to listen to, and not much "bothered me" but not too much stood out. A 3.5 is really more accurate than a 3 or a 4 here, but since that isn't an option and I'm having a good day, it's a 4.
I feel like I'm playing Stellaris, and I mean that in the best way possible. This kind of music keeps my brain active but I also feel very at peace.
Sometimes, when I'm listening to entire albums, I might take a break in between songs if I'm busy or need a drink or whatever other reason. This is a record where I felt like I literally could not do that. Not by law or anything like that, but just that it didn't feel right to interrupt this musical thought process. Previously, I had only heard Time and Money, so I was a little surprised by the nature of this record - more progressive rock, more experimental, more psychedelic than I expected. But everything was sonically pleasing (at least to my ears) and that production was super crisp and clear. Also, it was not entirely predictable - and I don't mean that as an insult to songs that are predictable, as that can be comforting in itself, but there is something oddly pleasant about not being able to always predict the next line in the melody. Almost like a hand stroking your back or a first sip of a good wine. Some cool choices made here and there which kept my interest. No song overstayed its welcome and it all had a nice flow. No doubt a 5/5 for me.
Overall, this was a good album for focus. Not excellent by any means, but it does the job (while you do your job). I didn't really have any moments of "wow, this is really nice!" but felt fine the whole time so it's getting a 3. The most 3-ish of the 3s I've given, I think.
I like the Who, but this live album was a little middling. If I happened to be at the concert, it would probably be a different feeling, but live albums usually don't do it for me.
This was a pleasant surprise. There's not much to say but I quite enjoyed this listen. I'm sure the words might come to me later, but for now - solid record. Highlights: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1, In the Morning of the Magicians.
I've heard SO much about this band that I maybe went in with super high expectations. Therefore, I was a little disappointed. That being said, this was a decent album - it just didn't have very many standout moments to me.
Aretha is as soulful as you can get. For enjoyment purposes, this would probably just get a 4 for me (this isn't an album I would put on repeat necessarily and it doesn't emotionally change me too much), but because of the significance of the artist / record, it gets pushed to a 5.
Solid moody folk. Not my favorite from Smith, but it's definitely up there in terms of quality. I think this is my rainy day music, where I'm curling up with a good book and a huge cup of tea, and my cat is next to me.