Vega has an interesting style that's unique with vibrant lyrics/stories, but the production between the talk-sing style and instrumentation doesn't always allow each track to shine. And, at times, the instrumentation drowns out the intimacy of her lyrics. The back half of the album provides more air for her voice and lyrics to breath especially on 'Some Journey' and 'The Queen and the Soldier'. There's definitely a Simon and Garfunkel / Bob Dylan / Leonard Cohen influence here.
Tracks of notes: Marlene on the Wall, Undertow, Some Journey, The Queen and the Soldier (the standout).
Eclectic alt-rock at it's finest. Thought provoking lyrics and surprising instrumentation. Each song, unique in their own right, blends together forming a flowing soundscape through the project.
Stand-Outs: Susan's House (interestingly crafted piece; the sample from Gladys Knight works so well), My Beloved Monster, Flower (country vibes with angelic background vocals), Manchild.
Definitely get the artistic value and futurism of this album, but it does not land for me as a listener probably due to my personal genre tastes. Lots of avant-garde house music fusing a variety of genres to create a new sound. The album seems like I'm listening to Bjork experiment in her studio and transitioning from idea to idea until something clicks. The journey is worth the listen even if the music doesn't speak to you personally.
Stand-Outs: Like Someone in Love (of course, it's a Jazz standard with a harp rendition, pretty cool), Violently Happy
It's a noteworthy accomplishment for Alanis to represent such emotional and dark themes through an up-beat, mainstream pop driven instrumentation. The album is a collective statement and fierce representation of her artistry within the rock genre. There is no doubt that Alanis is one of the most unique and distinctive singer-songwriters in modern music history, which this album solidified.
Stand-Outs: All I Really Want, Perfect (understated song), Head Over Feet, Ironic, You Oughta Know
Epitome of a classic Country record. George may be the best voice to ever record Country Music and his arrangements allow his voice to evolve to a godly state. As a full album, this set of songs is overshadowed by The Grand Tour and a couple other solid songs whereas the rest sometimes drop into the background.
Stand Outs: The Grand Tour, Once You've Had the Best, Who Will I Be Loving Now
The album's A side (first 3 tracks) are a powerhouse statement for R&B with incredible instrumentation and vocal arrangements. Going into the B side, the power of the first 3 tracks overwhelm the quality of the remaining 5 tracks. Some feel uninspired.
Stand-outs: Run Charlie Run, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
Approachable ska, soul-rock album. Not really something I personally enjoy, but the album was fine.
Stand-outs: International Jet Set
I get why people like the Stones, but the vast majority of this album just runs together and the lyrics are challenging to hear. It seems like the mix is too equal and it just isn't working for me.
Stand-Outs: Happy,
Solid alternative rock album with gritty songs and intriguing instrumentation.
Stand-Outs: Bailed Out, Idiot Brother
An insanely great debut album. Thought-provoking, raw lyrics with infectious hooks combined with an understated voice that blends into a well mixed band. There is a commonality between the songs in how the band sounds, but each song lives on it's own and has their own character. Every component has a role to bring these songs to life.
One of my favorite albums. Don't think there is a bad song on this album.
Stand-outs: Mardy Bum, From the Ritz to the Rubble ,Riot Van, Dancing Shoes
An album that defined a new sound for rock music. Mellow, artful guitars with complex framework within the full band. Sultans of Swing comes late into the album after the band already states their style and unique mix of rock, blues, jazz, and country. Mix all of this with Knopfler's vocals that reflect the gritty tones of Dylan and you have a recipe for a great record.
Stand-outs: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing
Cohen has an incredible way with words and his talk-sing manner fit perfectly with within this context. The focus of the album are the stories.
Stand-outs: Diamonds in the Mine, Joan of Arc
This is a timeless record that deserves the accolades for it's impact on future iterations of rock / folk music in song structure, arrangements, and harmonies.
Nearly every song is a single that stands on it's own merits (only Songbird and Oh Daddy have aged as misses on the album), with multiple songs becoming the standard bearers for defining 'classic rock'.
Notable Songs: Dreams, Never Going Back Again, I Don't Want to Know, Gold Dust Woman
Beautiful, eclectic indie pop album. Everything fits together and is meaningful with each second passing. Each song has a life of their own and presented in their own take. A musical journey of an album that set up an unique, intriguing sound from this group.
Stand-Outs: The State I Am In, We Rule The School
A beautiful, mellow soundscape. Not dominated by Miles' trumpet, but is controlled by his mood and vision for our to arrange an ensemble.
A collection of some of the most notable songs within the Simon & Garfunkel collection. Bookends, Old Friends, Overs, Fakin' It, At The Zoo, Hazy Shade of Winter, and Mrs. Robinson.
KISS can produce hits and duds all in one album, luckily this album covers 5-6 of their most iconic songs. This band is just not as good on studio albums, but their guitar riffs come shining through. This album suffers from a bad mix and weird decisions (school kid sounds in God of Thunder).
Stand-Outs: Detroit Rock City, Beth, Do You Love Me
This album is a straight vibe. Great intersection between rock, jazz, and new age sounds. Album is a collection of art.
Stand-outs: Deacon Blues
Masterpiece of a singer-songwriter album. Don't think Carole knows the definition of a "skip". Every track is layered with unique, beautiful arrangements that fit he storytelling.
Way Over Yonder is a great song that is hidden behind the numerous timeless hits on this record.
