Love this album. Gems all the way through (except maybe Everyone). Poetic stories in a signature tone - although the falsetto on Crazy Love is also nice. Every instrument and background vocal serves a purpose, and they always seem to weave in and out of the songs in a way that's just right but also often feels subtle and effortless. To me, there's really nothing else to ask for here!
No thanks. Typical RHCP and not even one of their "good" albums. Anything that isn't a single is typically bad and the singles only pass because they're generally catchy and "hey it's a chili peppers single so we have to play it on the radio." But the more you listen the worse it gets. Their generation's maroon 5.
I was pretty excited for this one after Moon Safari, until I realized it was a score and not even a soundtrack. The problem, as an album, is that you end up with snippets of music (with recurring melodies on different tracks, just on different instruments and in different keys) rather than traditional songs. And the music is typically whimsical and easy to listen to but honestly it's a lot of the same orchestral tones, with just a different instruments underneath. Many of the drum parts are fantastic, though. "Dead Bodies" and "The Word Hurricane" stand out. "Dirty Trip" is the least enjoyable track, but also somehow the longest. In all, the way it plays as a score, the redundancies, lack of lyrics aside from a bit of spoken word, and a lack of context from the film are detriments. I can't fault Air for this one and the music isn't "bad" but it just doesn't play well as an album.
This is peak 2Pac and the pinnacle of introspective/conscientious hip hop in the heyday of gangsta and dance hip hop. Lyrics are poetic throughout and I love the contrast of the vividly painted stories of urban struggles against generally calm and chill beats and bass lines. Really not any misses here despite a somewhat long album. Dear Mama and the title track are classics but temptations, death around the corner, and others are underrated. I'm really not even the biggest 2Pac fan but it's hard to not respect and appreciate this album in it's context. Probably a 4.5 because of a bit of a lack of replay value overall, but gets a bump up for historical and cultural significance, and that it's still enjoyable and a classic work, even outside of it's narrowly targeted demographic.
Ok this one's really hard. I enjoyed the contrast of the jazzy and sometimes even whimsical music with the gritty skid row stories in a gravelly delivery. But while sometimes detailed, other times the lyrics were lazy and redundant and when the vocals went from gravelly to gutteral it became too much. Interesting listen though and I was intrigued throughout the album to continue listening for what was next.
Early Gorillaz vibes! Good mix of chill electronic sounds, not monotonous
Classic title track but little else. Several covers, even another version of their same song. Kinda funk, kinda soul, really just background music. Struggled to get through 36 minutes.
Great variety of musical styles and different emotions. Each song was just right. Took me back to the Enchantment Under the Sea dance.
Beautiful melodies and storytelling through lyrics. Wonderful listen throughout
Drum and bass, but jazzy enough to enjoy without the full bass experience. Some of the 7-9 minute tracks did drag on
Captivating musically but lyrics felt like an afterthought and ended up forgettable. Wonderful guitar, especially on title track but after 10 minutes it felt pretentious
More than just "Epic." Great bridge between genres of 80s and 90s. Really enjoyed the War Pigs cover.
Could have been a solid instrumental.
I mean... Two of these songs weren't even top 10 hits? Let's try a little harder next time, Mike.
Several of the beats rocked my block.
Ok this one's really hard. I enjoyed the contrast of the jazzy and sometimes even whimsical music with the gritty skid row stories in a gravelly delivery. But while sometimes detailed, other times the lyrics were lazy and redundant and when the vocals went from gravelly to gutteral it became too much. Interesting listen though and I was intrigued throughout the album to continue listening for what was next.
I dug it! Waaaay ahead of their time. Obviously each song ran long and I get it, but could have tightened it up and progressed through them faster
The profound and thought-provoking artistry of songs like "The Kill" and especially "You Suffer" left me physically yearning for more. My only regret is that I can never go back and experience it again for the first time. But alas we cannot be melancholy that it has passed, only thankful that we were able to be blessed with this masterpiece at all. The rabid Chihuahua on "success?" Was a nice surprise though!
Ugh. Rhythmic noise for the sake of making noise. Just doesn't serve any purpose or have any emotion. The second half of "Glass Museum" was adequate as a song. That, and the fact that it serves as passable background noise, salvages a 2.
Now That's What I Call Africa 72!
Love this album. Gems all the way through (except maybe Everyone). Poetic stories in a signature tone - although the falsetto on Crazy Love is also nice. Every instrument and background vocal serves a purpose, and they always seem to weave in and out of the songs in a way that's just right but also often feels subtle and effortless. To me, there's really nothing else to ask for here!
Great listen. Love the energy and the pace throughout the album. A very blues/folk/blue collar vibe. Sympathy is an all-timer.
Pioneers in southern Hip Hop. Empowering and introspective. Mr Wendal is so damn good and unfortunately holds up 30 years later. Unfortunately even though the message stays strong, a lot of the music serves as filler for an album that feels too long. Invokes De la Soul, ATCQ, etc but can't hang with other classics
I'm not sure what's happening, but I like it! A captivating listen, despite not understanding the lyrical piece. Generally fun and funky but both the emotional highs and lows are conveyed very well. In particular, "o medo de Amar" was definitely slapping!
Eh. Primarily covers (although ironically the original version of Respect) that really neither add to nor improve upon the originals. Ad-lib vocals become more annoying and incomprehensible as the album goes on. And I can appreciate that this wasn't remastered and understand that mixing was different in the 60s but some of the highs on the vocals and horns (esp My Girl) were headache inducing.
I loved this one. To me this is one of those albums where everything comes together just right/just enough to make it an easy, enjoyable listen. Smooth soul with a touch of gospel at times and an almost funky r&b vibe at others. Lyrics sometimes rely on phrases that seem cliche now but do so without being cringy or too repetitive. Each song tells it's story without dragging on after that. Great use of supporting vocals, just where they were needed. Listened to this three times and will definitely come back.
Admittedly naive/ignorant of Waits prior to Heartattack and Vine, I left that album wondering if it was a character or sort of an acted out performance. Shortly into Rain Dogs I'm now convinced that's the case but just as I'm starting to immerse myself into this new performance it inexplicably shifts gears and by the end of the album I feel like I'm back at HA&V. And that's not a bad thing, but I'm again left wondering if there's something else going over my head. Also learned about the origins of Downtown Train, which makes so much more sense as a Waits song rather than Rod Stewart. Worth a listen, but to me the entirety of the album doesn't have the same appeal as HA&V.
As a whole, immersive and iconic among concept albums. The story is intriguing, even if the lyrics lack wit and subtlety at times. There are a handful of amazing tracks that stand up as classics on their own, and while they're strengthened by the context of the album they also overshadow the songs that serve more as story filler, and it feels a little bloated overall. A 4.5 for me, but with a decent number of songs that would be passed over individually if not in it for the whole story it goes to a 4.
I kinda hated it up until "Town with No Cheer" and "In the Neighborhood" which were somewhat redeeming. Initial songs felt a bit lazy and uninspired compared to the other albums. After that it was ok. Typical Waits. "Rainbirds" was nice as well. Overall I could have done without, but it wasn't bad enough to warrant a 2.
I was pretty excited for this one after Moon Safari, until I realized it was a score and not even a soundtrack. The problem, as an album, is that you end up with snippets of music (with recurring melodies on different tracks, just on different instruments and in different keys) rather than traditional songs. And the music is typically whimsical and easy to listen to but honestly it's a lot of the same orchestral tones, with just a different instruments underneath. Many of the drum parts are fantastic, though. "Dead Bodies" and "The Word Hurricane" stand out. "Dirty Trip" is the least enjoyable track, but also somehow the longest. In all, the way it plays as a score, the redundancies, lack of lyrics aside from a bit of spoken word, and a lack of context from the film are detriments. I can't fault Air for this one and the music isn't "bad" but it just doesn't play well as an album.
3.5 - A fun listen! The production is incredible, especially for the late 70s. Great use of layering sounds, moving left right back and forth without seeming too busy or competing with each other. Each song was unique enough to paint it's own mental picture. Songs with lyrics in the second half left something to be desired. Would have preferred an instrumental. Very immersive as a whole album experience, but at the same time there are no songs that I'd pick out to go back to individually.
Ugh. James Taylor from Wish. Nothing redeeming or captivating about this at all. Lyrics are entirely forgettable, that is when the singing isn't too mumbly to even understand them. Singing is completely lacking in energy and monotonous. Music is basic and boring throughout, save for some harmonica flourishes. And thanks to spotify for the bonus tracks... We get an alternate (?) version of a song that I couldn't stand the first time, and a dreadful cover of stand by me. I have no idea why this album is on this list.
Good listen. I appreciate the diversity in styles, and generally liked them all. I preferred the tracks with the female vocals. Better Things was a standout. Some of the tracks ran unnecessarily long.
This is peak 2Pac and the pinnacle of introspective/conscientious hip hop in the heyday of gangsta and dance hip hop. Lyrics are poetic throughout and I love the contrast of the vividly painted stories of urban struggles against generally calm and chill beats and bass lines. Really not any misses here despite a somewhat long album. Dear Mama and the title track are classics but temptations, death around the corner, and others are underrated. I'm really not even the biggest 2Pac fan but it's hard to not respect and appreciate this album in it's context. Probably a 4.5 because of a bit of a lack of replay value overall, but gets a bump up for historical and cultural significance, and that it's still enjoyable and a classic work, even outside of it's narrowly targeted demographic.
I love Common, but really this is a Kanye album starring Common. And that's still ok. The production definitely benefits, but it's a trade off lyrically and wears on the concept as the album goes on. The Corner is an all-timer and Be is also fire. The rest of the album is really good but can't quite give it a 5.
Wasn't terrible to listen to, but really isn't music either? Just 40 minutes of nice noises. At one point there was a quick bit of upbeat music that had me excited for a change of pace but turns out that it was a YouTube ad... Best part of the experience.
Super fun and energetic! Great mix of traditional songs, comedy songs, and instrumentals. Holds up really well -especially with so much comedic content - for being from the 50s. Just jazzy enough without being overbearing and a great example of (mostly) using scat and ad libs without being annoying or overtaking the song. Several great tracks but Banana Split is a delight!
Ayy now we're back to the early 80s English post punk... This was good, if it had been just the regular album and maybe a couple of the bonus tracks that were enjoyable. The melodies were a little lighter and even funky at times, which I enjoyed. Unfortunately many of them were just repetitive hooks, rehearsals, and excerpts. But I'll rate it on the merit of the actual album.
The pinnacle of female singer songwriters. This album was really a tale of two sides though. Everything in the first half is spot on - lyrics, composition, energy - while the second half is a combination of songs that are a bit lighter and even somber, along with a few classics that Carole had written for other artists. It's a classic, timeless album but based on the second half I'm going with a 4.5 down to a 4.
Great listen - hard, fast, and raw but still dynamic. "Search and Destroy" is easily the class of the album and it is unfortunate that more of the album can't keep up by comparison. The music and energy/vibe are a 5 but the lyrics become repetitive and even plodding at times. I did also enjoy the bluesy feel of "I Need Somebody." Definitely worth repeat rotations though.
Killer album. Half of it consists of absolute classics but another case of the hits overshadowing the rest of the album. Still a great listen for some throwback rock and blues.
Good listen. More of a modern folk rock. I think it was well done but didn't do a whole lot for me beyond that.
Interesting album. At times it sounds very modern (especially the production) and at other times they invoke the Beatles or the doors. Lyrics are a bit weak at points but the majority of songs are clever and catchy. Probably a 3.5 but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt because it's different enough.
Really enjoyed this one! Very easy listen that seemed to go by too quickly. Guitars were a little heavy and distracting at times but for the most part it was great melodies and composition on an emotional ride through each song without being too heavy or dramatic. Definitely putting this album into the regular rotation.
Eh. This one didn't do anything for me. Just fast and slow versions of the same song. Pretty indistinguishable and forgettable. I liked the last track, which was an instrumental though.
Aaahhhh I really got hooked by this one. Really not typically into Coldplay but I definitely got swept up in the music and the tones and production along the way. The second half of the album was better and convinced me to go back for a second listen. I still enjoyed it but have to admit that it's really flat lyrically and not much substance at all. Just really easy to get caught up in, which makes for good Pop music. I'll say 3.5 since they got me but go with an actual 3 since I know better.
This was another ok album. Not really anything to say though. Worth a listen without the extended instrumentals, covers, and alternate versions.
While I was happy yet not surprised to see Be on the list, this album was definitely not expected. It's a good listen - I prefer the Questlove production - but I had to remind myself several times that it was Common and not Q-Tip. Really could have been an ATCQ tribute album. The Light and Sixth Sense are strong tracks but the album lacks an overall flow and several songs try too hard to be edgy compared to some of Common's better lyrical work.
Quick-hitting, high energy pop album spanning new wave, disco, and funk at times. The Look of Love is an underated banger, and there are a few other great tracks for a relatively shorter album. Great job of getting in and out of songs without dragging on, and no wasted time trying to be gimmicky. Probably a 3.5 but getting the bump for being a guilty pleasure listen and the replay value.
Never had sought out this whole album but I'm glad that I found it now. The production is killer throughout. 20 dollar could be the sneaky best track, and I get that you could either love or hate mango pickles but for me it was awesome. Some of the distortion/mumbling is distracting at times but if you take away bamboo and hussel this is a strong album from front to back.
I'm not sure what else you could want here, unless you take issue with concept albums or the cliche of "OMG dark side is the greatest ever." The second half of the album is right up with anything else ever, for me though.
I enjoyed this one all the way through. Consistently great from song to song despite variety in style, complexity, subject matter... Each song is also it's own experience without taking away from the overall album. Definitely worth another spin!
Started out well enough as the music was smooth and intriguing but then eventually just became redundant and plodding. None of the vocals did anything for me and the male led tracks were basically like monk chants. Last song was terrible and really wrapped up the whole thing on a sour note.
Very diverse but it all rocks! Ahead of their time at some times and a great throwback to invasion rock at others. Some of the songs get repetitive lyrically but they're generally catchy and most are under three minutes long. Refreshingly, nearly all of the album was different than There She Goes, even if it is a good song on it's own.
I like the sound. It wasn't bad. It did start to get a little tedious and redundant around Frankenstein though.
Intriguing and often mesmerizing, although the occasional odd lyric feels out of place with the tone of the album. But well done and I was hooked throughout.
Usually don't get as hooked for what would be "background" music otherwise but this was really well done. There were enough subtle flourishes and nuance between songs to keep it interesting and even the long songs didn't seem as long. Blatantly French, but that added an element. Also invoked Gran Turismo soundtrack vibes.
Really loved this at first! Great sound and energy. Toward the end there was the Chipmunk sounding song and it dropped off from there. Would definitely still listen again.
Loved this album all the way through. Several gems that I hadn't heard before. Enjoyed the contrast between the male vocal tracks and Grace Slick songs but wish there was a better balance because of course she absolutely killed the two big hit songs.
I especially enjoyed the first few songs that had more of a hard, raw guitar sound. I would definitely take a full album of that. The rest was a bit hit and miss but I still enjoyed it. A definite 3.5 but I'm not as eager to replay the whole thing like I typically would for a 4.
Just not for me. Most of the songs were very similar and consisted of a few words softly repeated over a basic melody. The title track is ok but it plays like a medley of four to five different songs and I would have preferred if they kept up the energy. The last song brought some energy back and was probably the best on the album but I could have done without the uncomfortable gratuitous grunting.
Started off well enough but I lost interest after a couple of songs. It was ok enough to listen to but not as good as a lot of 3s. The remixes definitely did not help.
Ok enough I guess but just basic and monotonous and the irritating screeching and scratching was annoying. And never Nico.
Songs were way too boring to be that long. A little change of pace here or there would have been nice. Almost a 1 honestly but not bad enough that I wanted to turn it off.
Good for a listen through. Loved the energy, at least in the music. Although many of the songs were indistinguishable. Vocals were generally lazy or spoken which kinda killed the vibe for me. Also could have done without the longer tracks that devolved into distortion and screeching etc.
This is the Elton John that I like. The music is great and generally robust and the storytelling is wonderful, albeit mostly sad. But the emotion is conveyed well. Several songs that were new to me received a second listen.
Huh. Mostly industrial, but a few songs sounded like circus music? Very French. The growling vocals were annoying. It's not "Scum" bad but there's not much here.
Really loved parts of it and really hated others. I'm not crazy about Syd's vocal style and the rehearsal bits were annoying but there are still a handful of great songs to salvage
Meh I get it. They're edgy. Kinda catchy at times but not memorable
Good listen. Great energy. Funky and jazzy. Didn't really get into any of the lyrics, primarily political? I was digging Revolution but then it drug in way too long. Several songs were just too long. But not bad.
Liked it overall. I notch up from "background music" for the energy and it was mostly engaging. There were a couple of really solid tracks but I also didn't care for the ones with the vocal clips looped on them. Art, I guess. 3.5 though
This one really does rock! Good hard punches without overdoing it and some great solos. Rats in the Cellar and Nobody's Fault stand out.
A couple of ok songs and a few painfully bad ones. Started out pretty meh then just got worse. Very 1999.
Ooof. This is bad. And not bad meaning good but bad meaning bad. Passin Me By was absolutely lightning in a bottle and that along with some ok beats can salvage a 2. Lyrically it's terrible, sophomoric, and misogynistic and I would say it didn't hold up well but I don't think it was much good to begin with.
Oh this is good! Solid rock without having to try too hard. Fun listen. Not really any misses and songs don't drag on. The whole album together gets a but similar but not enough to drag it down.
Garage band performance art. Not as annoying as Daydream Nation but somehow still worse.
Great set of songs to be relevant to the unique audience, and the storytelling (even if by the nature of the music or when borrowed) is excellent throughout. The live element benefits the recording, and Johnny's interactions and tangible rapport with the inmates make it somehow fun. Great mini set of lighter relief songs on the middle, highlighted by Jackson.
Really liked the music but the incoherent and repetitive lyrics really killed it for me. There were a couple of decent songs at the end to salvage it though.
This one shreds! Great metal without trying too hard and still great music. And every song hits! Incredible album. Hallowed, Run to the Hills, and Prisoner were standouts, but zero skips. Immediately listened a second time.
Ugh a 2.5 I guess. Some of the music was really good and ahead of it's time. Some was just screamy and mumbly and annoying. Nothing memorable lyrically. At least the songs were short but that doesn't speak well too the quality of the album.
Another solid album that rocks hard. Early grunge. A few great songs, especially toward the end but not consistent throughout. A 3.5 but will listen again so I'll bump to 4
A 2.5... ok enough for a light listen. I liked the depth of the music, in both the different instruments as well as the accents of blues, Indian, Caribbean, Spanish etc... Most of the songs in themselves were repetitive and sometimes too long. Plus not being able to take away anything lyrically and the spoken/chanting vocals knock it down for me. And was generally kinda over it by the end.
Short album, primarily covers... "Papa" was only enjoyable song but didn't need 12 minutes of it... Just meh for me.
Like a county Little Richard with less flair
4.5 - love it musically. Strong, raw punk rock! The legacy and influence is unquestionable. Lyrically it is what it is by design, often simple and light. A handful of great songs but not consistent in quality despite being a short album and altogether the sound eventually gets redundant.
4.5 - deeper and more complex by comparison to the Ramones, but ultimately wasn't very intriguing (to me) lyrically and although there were a couple of standouts I didn't feel the consistency to make it a 5.
Good listen. I can appreciate the music but it's all pretty similar. Makes more sense if it's considered a concept album but would have still liked more variety. A 3.5 because I don't feel like I need to listen to it again. But the piano solo on the title track made me want to drive off of a cliff, and the disappointing "let's spend the night together" cover have me leaning down to a 3.
I liked it for what it is. Still able to invoke emotion despite being light and generally simple. I did like how the vocals seemed to be singing to each other like a dialog, but after awhile it was just a lot of the same.
Another one that I can appreciate but just didn't like. Yeah Clapton can play guitar and some of the piano and keyboard is nice but it's all just one long jam session with boring and repetitive blues lyrics.
2.5 - interesting enough to start with, as a concept album with the commercials and radio sound. Peaked at "I Can See for Miles" but fell apart after that. By the last few songs I was just waiting for it to be over.
1.5. - looking hard for a reason to but give it a 1 because I hated it, but I guess there's something there... Even if it's the same show, boring, mumbling, uninspiring singing and guitar for the entire album. It's like one long terrible song. At least there's a little harmonica?
Pretty good listen. Loved the energy and the depth of the instruments. Good variety of styles too. Holds up today while still managing to throw back to older psych rock and ahead of his time to some of the 90s funk rock. Pretty basic and repetitive lyrically though. Probably not a repeat listen.
Groovy jams. Very signature sound. Sultans of swing is the clear standout. The rest is mostly ok. Some great guitar solos.
Meh? It was good? Easy listen but not too memorable. A little soft to be "notorious" but I did like the throuple song and how the guns in the war song sounded more like lasers.
Love this sound and it's very well done here. Easy repeat listen. California Dreamin is clearly the best track but really all of the other originals hold up in quality. All of the songs are a great length and stay engaging throughout. Several covers but still well done and enjoyable. Do You Wanna Dance is easily the class of that group. Easy 4 for me. Awesome for a debut album.
Familiar with the name but really but sure how I haven't really listened to them before? Loved this though!
No thanks. Typical RHCP and not even one of their "good" albums. Anything that isn't a single is typically bad and the singles only pass because they're generally catchy and "hey it's a chili peppers single so we have to play it on the radio." But the more you listen the worse it gets. Their generation's maroon 5.
I know... For all of the times that I bang on albums for repetitive, simple lyrics... But it's funk? And I want my funk uncut? But it's so good, and light years ahead of their time. Musically a 4.5, lyrically a 2-3, replay value 4.5, and 5 for legacy and influence. I can't give this one less than a 4.
Hmmm this is a tough one. Overall I guess I didn't "get" what they were going for. Feels like a super ambitious mashup, but sloppy. I really liked some of the parts when they played it "straight" like Run Christian Run and the first part of No Sympathy. But I could do without almost all of it. 2.5
Aside from the iconic title track I wasn't really into the funk portion of this one. The rock tracks on the second half were well done and enjoyable though. Saved the whole album after that horrendous ten minute poop song.
Just a lot of the same sad song. A good listen, still. Generally beautiful music with sad and soft (sometimes unintelligible) vocals. A bunch of the songs also did the gimmicky devolve into distortion at the end. A couple of songs had my attention but none were really engaging or memorable.
Good listen. Great production and cool vibe throughout. Not bad lyrically, it's Q-Tip, but also nothing memorable at all.
Really great for a live album! Several hits, great vocals and energy, great ad-libs and crowd interaction. Would definitely listen again!
Killer. Several great hits and pretty much every other song holds up well. A lot of them do sound similar, but that's really my only criticism... And what's wrong with that when they rock so hard?
Huh. This one really caught me by surprise! I love the sound, and it's really clean and well done! Never felt tedious or redundant at all. Got some good Jefferson Airplane, James Gang etc vibes... Would definitely listen again!
Interesting. Dynamic. But terribly engaging but I enjoyed the music. Lots of moods.
Black is my favorite track from the album. Probably an all time top 10.
I listened to this a few months ago on a recommendation from a friend and thought it was great then. I enjoyed it even more this time through. I struggle to pick a favorite track because I really enjoyed all of them and each one stands up well on its own. Maybe "Girlfriend in a Coma," which is ironic because I singled it out as an oddball the first time. I like this more than I remember liking The Queen is Dead (which is also fantastic) probably due to being not quite so dark overall.
I generally love Van's music. This one was worth the listen and felt more personal than some of his other albums but just lacked the enthusiasm and energy overall. Many of the songs were a bit rambling and seemingly aimless at times. Not bad, just... Incomplete? Felt like a warmup or practice album for what was to come on Moondance.
Tolerable? I liked the music on a couple of songs but a lot of times it was just too much - grating, distorted, screaming... I know that's what it is. Just not for me I guess. Certainly not "Scum" bad though. Hero was a pretty decent track.
Killer album! Great all the way through. Crazy great and clean for 60s punk - riffs, solos, bass lines, drums, all of it! Maybe a bit light lyrically but it's a punk album? And a nice contrast to much of the heavier and/or anarchist punk at the time. Also clean vocally. I'd listen pretty much any time. Only other exception is the lack of standout killer tracks.
Decent listen. Several hits that were fun, most of the others were ok but a lot of the same sound.
Probably merits a 3-3.5 because it's light outside of the hits but based on influence and my own enjoyment I'm feeling like a 4.
It sounds great, and incredible vocals obviously. Just not a lot there for me past the title track.
Very bjork... The music was generally interesting but I could do without her for the most part. Cool in the background I guess
I love the sound and the energy but it was ok. Nothing really outstanding for me but a couple of good songs.
Meh. More noise masquerading as music. Too long. Some of the drums were cool.
Eh? A bunch of the same non-descript soft alt rock. Nothing really memorable or engaging at all. Not really "bad" to sit through (it was short) but also nothing redeeming either
The pride of Athens! Solid album. A couple of tracks that don't quite seem to fit in but really strong and enjoyable throughout, and with the two big hits. Holds up very well after almost 35 years.
Bummed that I had to sit through this boring, unenthusiastic performance art. Ugh.
This one really caught me by surprise in a positive way! I don't even know what it is. It's not terribly catchy and I'm not even sure how "good" it is but I really liked it both times through. Ended strong on the last track!
Well this goes straight to the top of my "knew they were critically acclaimed but never sought them out" surprise list. And another one that I can't find anything that I don't like and nothing else that I would ask for. Listened three times. Every song hits. Noticed the bass lines and drums a lot more in the repeat playings. Great energy without being screamy or annoying and lyrically great without being complicated or pretentious. Definitely checking out the rest of their catalog now.
Edgy spoken word and whispering over droning, monotonous, and lazy riffs. Tracks are six to eight minutes long. Way too long. Garbage.
I liked this one! Probably a 3.5 but I was into the psychedelic sound and it was deep and complex. Plus there was something a little extra/different with it. A few good stories in the songs and they were all solid until the last one. Would listen again easily so I'll bump up to 4.
Eh a 2.5 but I guess not that bad. Songs were unnecessarily long but musically it was ok though. More like a long jam session.
Huge credit for cultural, social, and political relevance. Also a gateway and a huge jump in production and quality between 80s and 90s hip hop. The whole thing runs a bit long but the message and concistency holds up. Chuck's delivery is also one of the best. Terrordome is probably the best track even if 911 and fight the power are more popular and relevant.
Very well done with lots of instruments to enjoy. Nice diversity of styles between songs too. Even with that, I was a little over it by the end despite being a short album. The high energy songs were engaging but the couple of slower ones really killed the vibe for me. No vocals, obviously.
Glossy pop rock. At this point in their career it was purely for MTV and radio. I'd heard the first eight or nine tracks before without ever listening to this album. It's not bad. Just a lot of light radio singles. Elevation is very 2000.
Frank. We get it. He's handsome with a lovely, smooth voice for a guy in the 50s. This album is sixteen songs and 50 minutes of him crooning about heartbreak and rejection over barely-there lounge music. Insert Jennifer Lawrence "ok" gif here. But worse than that it's just the same song over and over and over again. Three or four of them were more than enough for me. Sixteen is ridiculous.
Good listen, musically. The album seems incomplete between the short and fading out tracks, general lack of lyrics, and different concepts on each side.
Beautifully dark and strong without being dramatic and overpowering. The drums especially after fantastic throughout. It's a bit repetitive but that's not a problem when it's all great.
Easy 4. Love the music. That's a 5 for me. Would listen anytime. Lyrics are a bit soft and/or repetitive or a bit eccentric at times. That's my only qualm. I'm bordering on a 5 but not quite. Great bass lines.
Hmmm interesting but didn't really do anything for me. After I few albums I guess I just don't "get" Bowie. Sounds great though?
Poppy county blues. Pretty solid for what it is. Stronger vocally and lyrically than musically though. Pretty consistent and enjoyable throughout save for a couple of the twangier songs. The familiar Have a Heart and the title track are the standouts. Easy to listen to though and a nice change of pace, even if it's not something that I'd normally seek out.
I'm guilty of enjoying Depeche Mode through singles and never digging into their full albums. This one is loaded with mega hits but it's all incredible throughout, albeit short. This is another one of those albums that I would think people would describe as "I wish I could listen to it for the first time again" and I'm really enjoying that part of this experience each time that one of those rare gems comes up.
A 3.5 for me. I really enjoyed it because of the style and sampling. No vocals, but the way that the samples were used still helped to tell a story with each song. It did feel just a bit repetitive and long at times. Deep and complex sound without being too busy.
Hmmm interesting listen. This is another one that I didn't "get" or like as much as I feel like I should appreciate it for the quality. The first five or so songs seemed like the same long song and then it was just all over the place. A lot of it didn't resonate with me but a few songs stood out - Tightrope, Come Alive, and Neon Valley Street specifically. Her voice is beautiful though, and I enjoyed it more as the album went on. But I can't say that I would sit through the album as a whole again.
After 150+ albums there have been many that I've been familiar with and a handful or so that I've owned but this is the first that I knew every second of, back and forth. I love this album. I really enjoyed and had sentimental ties to the first Fugees album and remember the anticipation for The Score. It exceeded all expectations by miles and for me it is a top ten hip-hop album of the 90s if not all-time. Dynamic production in a variety of styles, intelligent and purposeful lyrics, and great interaction and balance between group members. Everything that Lauryn does on this album is remarkable - vocals and lyrics. While Killing Me Softly does stick out a bit from the rest of the album it is also beautiful in it's simplicity and still adds value to the whole album that already has a classic hit on almost every other track. The in-between songs are also strong without exception and there's no filler. My only criticism would be with the skits but they tie together and preview the upcoming songs along with keeping with the style of groups like ATCQ, De La Soul, etc. The album is a great transition and contrast from the more violent and vulgar hip-hop that was popular in the mid-90s. The sound still holds up today, 25 years later. I've listened through this dozens of times and would every time, any time without hesitation. It's unfortunate that this would be their last album as a group but they nailed it and secured an absolute all-timer.
More of a 2.5 but just not much there. Very 80s and it's all very similar. Buffalo Stance was cool for some pop nostalgia but I didn't need six minutes of it. Meh.
Here's another one that I could write paragraphs about. This album, along with Licensed to Ill and LL's BAD, were the foundation for my love for hip hop. I'm certain that I'm far from alone there as Raising Hell was the first platinum hip hop album and with the smash success of the Walk This Way crossover. For me, this album is as much about Jay's DJing and Rick Rubin's production as it is the rhymes. Granted, they lean heavily on the hard guitar riffs but once again it's a case of "is too much of a great thing a bad thing?" Along with the commercial breakthrough legacy of this album it's also a landmark transition from earlier 80s hip-hop in how clean and precise the production and scratching is. Compare and contrast to Paid in Full, for example. It's an 80s style but still easily holds up today. Four undeniable classics right at the top, along with the title track later, lead the way in making this an easy top 5-10 hip-hop album of the 80s. In fairness, some of the later tracks don't stand out as much on their own but that's a hard ask when up against so many hits. Still solid enough to hold it all together. It has to be a 4-4.5 for the music, but for influence and legacy, sentimentality, and personal enjoyment this is a slam dunk 5 for me.
Hey it's the Doors... Moody and brooding blues and rock. Good speed and energy without being overwhelming and a couple of solid hits. It's good. A lot of the same thing. Probably wouldn't listen through the whole thing again.
Most of the beats are really nice, and the production is really clean too. That's about all that salvages a 3 for me. I just finished it and already can't really remember or differentiate any of the songs. Just "edgy" lyrics in an unconventional delivery with an accent. I'm sure there's probably some good content in there but I didn't catch it the first time through and won't bother to try again.
Modern folk sound. Sounds good for what it is. I was digging it in the beginning but that faded after halfway through. I recognized Answering Bell from the Bridesmaid movie.
Pretty solid. I really enjoyed it. More of a traditional reggae sound than most of their hits that I'm familiar with. I was really excited when they first song had more of a modern reggae dub sound but it seems like that was the only one. A bit repetitive and long at times but a solid 3.5 for me.