Astounding record without a single bad track. The songwriting by McAloon is phenomenally done, and the instrumentation sounds gorgeous. This album could have came out yesterday, it sounds that great. This is another band I had never heard of prior to listening to the track, but this has become one of my favorite listens all year.
The power behind these songs are incredible. The lyrics and political content are so blunt, and the production, while of its time, is certainly top notch. It may not compete with some of the best rap to this point in history, but there is no doubt that this album is significant for the genre.
A very free-spirited and compelling record. It comes off more as an emotional experience, something you have to be relax and be in the right frame of mind for. The first half of the album starts of strong and vibrant, while the back side comes off with more of a slow burn. I think the album length overextends its impact a little bit, and listening to it in chunks would leave just the same impression. 3.5/5
Everything I would imagine 80’s dance-pop to sound like. Some really groovy songs and great sounding synth. A few of the songs stuck and others didn’t, but overall an album I’d throw into some playlists. “Heart” kept reminding me of music from Mario 64.
A treat of an album. There are dichotomous moments of Bjork's perspective in the lyrics: some that feel so personal and directed, and then others so grand and larger than life. "There's More to Life Than This" exemplifies that dichotomy perfectly. An album that flips between techno-pop and avant-garde poetry shouldn't work as well as this does; it's fun, bolstering and beautiful, much like Bjork herself.
You just feel cool when listening to this album. It's in your face and a wave of excitement. A great "cruise with your windows down" record.
A decent 80's pop album. Certainly a product of it's time and something that doesn't sound great going to listen to it now, but I can see how it was popular. Some of the songs could just get annoying and repetitive.
Beautiful voice, and a great soul album.
An album that gets more odd and beautiful as it breathes over time. I want to spend more time with it before I have other words, but it rocks and I’m really glad I discovered it.
No dispute that this album is a staple in the beginnings of the punk scene. It’s fast, raw and juvenile to the bone. While there’s certainly a place for it as one of the most important albums in music history, I’ve got to be in the mood and headspace to really enjoy listening to it.
The album that launched R.E.M into the mainstream. Two of their biggest hits are on this album, and the rest of the songs compliment the big sounds and heavy guitar punch. The lyrics are weird, the humor is goofy, but the music is so fun.
A beautiful masterpiece. Coltrane's expression in this album is conveyed from every complex section to the most subtle of ditties. Pt. III - Pursuance is a spiritual journey. Jazz is not my forte or most expansive genre, but it doesn't take a trained ear to know Coltrane's magnus opus is musical genius.
Certainly not the greatest album by Queen, in my opinion, but a solid guitar-heavy record that brought the band to popularity in the USA. You can really tell the band stretched themselves to make this a very "in your face" and technically complex album. Mercury's range really stays in the upper register throughout the majority of this record, but most the studio tracks will never hold up sonically to the live renditions.
This one just didn't stick. Dream pop is not a genre I spend a lot of time with, but I really liked the synth and bass sound of this record. While it definitely sounds dated, you can tell the music is a precursor to a lot of the sounds we hear from indie pop today. Unfortunately, that's where the fun stops for me because I just couldn't understand a damn word the singer was trying to get through. I get that this was probably intentional and that the sounds of her voice were probably more important, and it sounds like she is a really great vocalist, but it added absolutely nothing to the experience for me. The only word that I could use to summarize is "puzzled".
Fats Domino is a legend, and his piano tunes are toe-tapping in this solid album. Blueberry Hill is one of my all time favorite songs. Unfortunately, at being 65 years old, the album is definitely hindered by its age to stand out.
Great songwriting and guitar on this record. A lot of modern country influences can be heard in the riffs and structure of these songs. I'm a sucker for some good harmonica too, which this is loaded with. For something better though, I would just stick with Bob Dylan.
The Slits know how to throw down and rock. They have a funky sound while still raging for traditional punk sound. Hearing them perform this album opening for The Clash would have been a bonkers show. One of my favorite punk albums.
This is one I will need to listen to a couple more times. There's a lot to unpack from 2Pac in this record, as it is his most personal and self-reflective, and I just was not in the right headspace when I first listened to it. The production of the album, while mudding some lines from time to time, gives a heavy bass tone that pairs well with Shakur's voice. This is the kind of sound I really dig in hip-hop records, as it doesn't overstep and accompanies the raps very nicely. However, a lot the songs started to blur together for me, as there were a few that weren't sonically unique or had lackluster moments. This could have been 100% due to my lack of focus, so again, I'm going to give this another shot one day to give it it's fair due. I know this is one of the most celebrated albums in hip-hop, so it demands better attention while listening.
A beautiful conglomerate of jazz, electronica, R&B...my first introduction to "trip hop," and the best way to start off. Beth Gibbon's voice is sensual, the beats are smooth and the instrumentation is diverse and chaotic. It feels like a more euphoric experience than a record. Something I will definitely come back to listen to.
Favorite Song: Roads
Least Favorite: Biscuit
Malcolm McLaren was wrong to not give fair credit to Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, because they absolutely make this album. The music is so fun and funky that it makes me want to get out of my chair and dance. I could have done without all of the radio interludes, they make this record extremely dated (and a little creepy to be honest, got some rapey vibes from the announcer). All in all, a fun record, but I'd only ever go back to listen to some select songs: Buffalo Gals, Double Dutch, Punk It Up and Duck for the Oyster.
Favorite Song: Double Dutch
Least Favorite: Jive My Baby
This is one on the greatest album of the 2000's decade. There is nothing else that sounds quite like it. You could always point out "Oh, they took inspiration from Radiohead, Brian Eno..." and so on and so on, but Dear Science is such a bigger project that stands out more that the influences that fed it. The electronic/synth undertones with the funky bass is the perfect backbone for the talents of this band. There are so many layers in these songs, but they never feel overdone. I think there's something for everybody in this album, which is its greatest strength. TV on the Radio knew what they were doing when they made this.
Favorite Song: Family Tree
Least Favorite: Really can't pick one...the whole album is phenomenal.
Jazz isn't for everybody, but I would implore everybody listen to this record. There are few musical acts that can obtain the synchronicity between members than that of the Bill Evans Trio. All musicians here are phenomenal and masters of their craft, but to me, Scott LaFaro and his bass are the star of the show. He takes the use of bass in jazz music up to this point and really expands its horizons. It becomes a melodic feature rather than just a background accompaniment. I'm not a jazz aficionado, so the genre takes a backseat in my active listening habits, but this is some of the best sounding jazz I've ever heard.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's voices when they harmonize is the sound of the horns you hear at St. Peter's Pearly Gates. Yes, better than Van Halen. Yes, better than the Eagles. YES, better than The Beatles (sorry, I don't make the rules). There is not a single bad song on this album, and while it's distinctly a folk-rock record, there is so much sound that comes from it that nothing sounds the same. I can see why some think Our House is a little out of place, but to me it adds a lot more diversity to the sound this album represents. Modern folk and Americana artists owe a lot to this band, but specifically this album. This is a masterclass in guitar songwriting and playing. Absolutely one of my favorite records of all time.
Favorite Songs: Carry On, Helpless
Least Favorite: 4 + 20
The Roots are masters of their craft, and they don't pull their punches in this funky and in-your-face record. Black Thought is an absolute poet in his cadence and word choice while he raps, and ?uestlove continues to drop great sounding rhythms that break the mold of the typical "thump and bass." This album has more studs than duds almost 20 years later, but sits in the middle of The Roots great discography.
Favorite Songs: Thought @ Work, The Seed (2.0), Complexity
Least Favorite Song: Something In The Way of Things (In Town)
Electronic music is definitely not my wheelhouse, but I like this album. William Orbit constructs his songs as experiences and tones that portray the context of the titles, and it feels like you are creating scenes in your head as you listen. It's not generic bass drops or fuzzy dubbings that overwhelm you in static sounds. That said, I don't really find myself intensely listening to every song and just leave it on as background music. But it's good.
Favorite Song: The Story of the Light
Least Favorite: Harry Flowers
I'm not a huge fan of CeeLo's voice, there's something about his tone that just reminds me of a squeaky wheel. That said, this album has a hit-or-miss collection of songs. The ones that strive are the ones that really take up the instrumentation and lean into the soul and R&B side of his production. When he tries to rap or do spoken-word narratives, there's just a disconnect that interrupts the flow of the album. Overall, his aura and approach to making this album is just too cocky and self-important, especially for somebody who relies on a lot of featured guests to really add something to the songs. There are fun moments that solidify him beyond a one-hit wonder in his solo career, but beyond that I wouldn't say this is an "album-centered experience."
This is not an album I expected to like as much as I did. "Actually" is the only other album I've heard from PSB, and this is a definite stand-out against it. The lyrics are very introspective and...vulnerable? Neil Tennant sounds like he is professing everything he says in this album, which adds to the cathartics tied with the beautiful music. Synth-pop can come off as slow, sad or boring to most ears, but they construct it with other instrumentation that makes the sound grandiose. And on top of all of it, you get beats that are danceable and fun but layered with melodic-ballad tones. It just further pushes the complexity of this album, and I really enjoy the diversity it brings in sound.
Favorite Song: My October Symphony
Honorable Mention: There's a badass remix/mash-up of Where The Streets Have No Name by U2 and Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Franki Valli in the Further Listening Edition.
Least Favorite: Only The Wind
Pretty decent alternative rock album. Definitely stands out from those of the 90's since it's not as grungy. It takes up roots in the punk genre while adding acoustic guitar flare. The first half of the album has most of the good tracks, by the end of the 2nd half everything starts to feel stale. It falls in the space between stud and dud.
Favorite Song: It's A Shame About Ray
Least Favorite: Ceiling Fan In My Spoon
When I was first listening to this album, I was really about it. But going through it, that "tickle in your brain when you have heard a song before" started going off...and I looked up the tracklist to realize that ALL but ONE of these songs are covers:
Mama Said - The Shirelles
You Don't Own Me - Lesley Gore
Do Re Mi - Lee Dorsey
When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes - The Supremes
My Coloring Book - Sandy Stewart
Mockingbird - Inez & Charlie Foxx
Twenty Four Hours From Tesla - Gene Pitney
Nothing - seemingly an original
Anyone Who Had a Heart - Dionne Warwick
Will You Love Me Tomorrow - The Shirelles
Wishin' and Hopin' - Dionne Warwick
Don't You Know - Ray Charles
Now I understand that covering all the same soul and pop songs was the thing to do prior to the 70's. Hell, The Beatles did it with their first few albums. It just feels a little disingenuous knowing that these songs were pretty well done their first time around (majority by black artists) but Dusty Springfield gets to claim them because they charted higher for her. She does a good job with them, and she has a hell of a voice, so for that I'll give her credit. I just don't think this is the album to put on 1001 Albums You MUST Hear Before You Die. Give the OG artists their due and list their versions.
Favorite Song: Nothing (as it is the only original)
Least Favorite: Mockingbird
One of the albums that gets a lot of credit for being a precursor influence on the 90's grunge scene. The writing on this album takes the popular sounds from classic punk, glam rock and power metal to a darker place, but not quite as bleak as a lot of the genre gets known for. There's not single bad song on the record (although Thank You Boys is more of a bit than a song - it's still a nice little diddy). and the band really mixed up the tones and feelings they wanted to portray. There's a song for every mood, but it's so well done that it doesn't feel choppy or out of place. And the songs just keep getting better as the album goes. A must listen for hard rock, grunge or alternative fans.
Songs I Already Knew: Mountain Song, Jane Says
Favorite Song: Mountain Song
Favorite Discovery: Idiots Rule
Least Favorite: Ocean Size
This was a weird album for me. I heard the opening track, Natalie's Party, and thought..."okay, here we go." And then the next couple of tracks felt like severe letdowns. It's not that they were bad necessarily, Beautiful stood out to me, but it just felt like generic pop-rock. Certainly not an "Album you MUST listen to" material. You could get the same kind of experience from Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, etc. But then Captain's Table kicked in...and this album WENT places. A unique mix of sounds and exploration hit in the middle of the record. The direction went almost R.E.M in style and it really worked. Unfortunately when you hit Cornish Town, things start to slow back down and I lost interest. Certainly not a bad album, it probably sounded great at the time. It's just a little too fluffy and mixed to stand out now.
Favorite Song: Streets of Kenny
Least Favorite: Comedy
Brian Eno is so interesting for all of the different sounds and space he likes to explore. His first solo album is really centered around a mix of glam rock and "art pop" that seemed to be the avant-garde sound of the time, picking up where he left off with Roxy Music. However, a lot of these songs take influence outside of those genres and bend them to fit a thematic record. "Cindy Tells Me" for example takes the framework of a Beach Boys-esque pop song and throws in a psychedelic approach by adding in distorted guitars. This isn't the space that I most celebrate Eno as an artist, but it's also uncharted territory for me. It's music that takes time to sink in. Overall, it lays the groundwork for one of the most brilliant producers the music industry has ever seen, and it's a really fun album if this is your type of wheelhouse.
Favorite Song: Baby's On Fire
Least Favorite Song: Drive Me Backwards
I get that this is an album celebrated by many people, I just couldn't buy into it. Lo-fi is not an aesthetic choice I usually find pleasant, and this record is not an exception. It sounds dirty and obnoxious. On top of that, having extremely short songs that change up your sound every 30 seconds to 2 minutes is too spontaneous for my taste. It makes the album come off as unfocused and rushed. There may have been a point to the way this album was produced and put together, but it just completely missed me.
I don't even have a favorite song, none of them stuck with me.
Van Halen let everybody know what they were about from the get-go, and this album is a tight 35 minute roller coaster. The sounds from this record took everything rock and roll was about in the 70’s and turned it up to 11.
It’s just flat out an album with personality. Eddie’s Frankenstrat guitar creates a wicked, heavy sound that has become iconic in rock. David Lee Roth’s power and swagger as a frontman can be FELT in these songs. Alex’s drumming is legendary, technical and has it’s own unique “closed” sound. Michael Anthony’s background singing is so “chimey” and in-line, and his bass just drives an already high energy tone.
We got one of the greatest guitar solos of all time in Eruption, and a slew of hits that have stood the test of time in musicianship. While it may feel a little dated in terms of lyrics and taste, there’s no denying this absolutely an essential album in music history.
Songs I Already Knew: All of them
Favorite Song: Feel Your Love Tonight
Least Favorite: Ice Cream Man (it’s fun, but can be a little cringe and just doesn’t have the power of the other songs)
A British group that decides to defy expectations by laying fiddles, harmonicas, and country guitar hooks onto a punk-rock foundation should be praised and applauded when it is done as spectacularly as this. Although the war-time themes of the songs would expect you to have a brooding, dark tone, the songs are actually really fun and catchy. I never thought I would hear an album like this, it's an underrated gem.
Favorite Song: Country
Least Favorite Song: Psycho Cupid
Getting the obvious out of the way, this album is like London Calling's older cousin. For all the similarities that may come from the both of them, The Jam jogged and paved the way so that The Clash could run full sprint. The music is high energy like most punk, but the production is pretty clean so that you get the full effect of all the instruments, especially that groovy bass. I know some punk fans prefer dirtier and unpolished sounds, but you can't deny that the production on this makes it a GREAT sounding record. It's not constantly in your face either, the band knows when to sit back and let certain sections breathe and play out (English Rose, In The Crowd). It holds up as some of the best punk to come out of 70's Britain, but unfortunately it will always have to live in the shadow of London Calling.
Favorite Song: Down In The Tube Station At Midnight
Least Favorite Song: Mr. Clean
It's fine, just not really my thing. I know EDM/IDM takes a certain production talent and it's certainly not bad music, it just isn't something I would listen to recreationally. It makes for great computer work/study music, but it goes on for far too long and the loops hardly do anything interesting. It's much more of a situation vibe/atmospheric record which is something I can appreciate. I will say that the back half of the album, starting at Bocuma, is the most interesting. The first half did little to entice me.
Favorite Song: Roygbiv
Least Favorite: The Color of the Fire
In a decade where grunge and alternative rock dominated the scene, Frank Black keeps to his roots and delivers an album that is full on punk. Sure, it's got some dated sounds from the time, but it is full of energy, gnarly sounding guitars, and manic singing. Honestly, this was my first listen of a solo Frank Black album, and I'm not totally engrossed in The Pixies to know how this holds up, but I know I liked it. The production is pretty consistent, if sometimes bare, and it could have been trimmed up a little bit to make the track list a little more tight, but it's still a great hour of fun.
Favorite Songs: Headache, Fiddle Riddle
Least Favorite: Thalassocracy
There's always moods for every genre, and Arrested Development bring a positive, uplifting light in their debut album while tackling very real (and still very relevant) issues regarding race and the government. A lot of rap's power usually comes from anger, especially in a lot of gangsta rap, but the way Headliner and Speech flow in their statements with the upbeat rhythms and harmonic samples is so memorable. It's hard not to take away the influence that their inflection and delivery might of had on Childish Gambino. One of my favorite rap albums of the 90's.
Favorite Song: Mr. Wendel
Least Favorite: Children Play With Earth
I'm a big fan of David Holmes work on the "Ocean's" movies, so when I saw this album come up, I knew I was in for a treat. This album almost feels like a movie within itself, the tellings of the lower class of NYC and the diverse scenes that make up their landscape. You get the dialogue snippets from unusual characters, and dance beats that breath life like Time Square itself. Thinking of this as a film score certainly enhances your experience with the record even if electronica isn't your wheelhouse, much like it isn't mine. Having a 007 Theme remix in there certainly helps too! Overall though, it's not something I would listen to recreationally.
Favorite Song: My Mate Paul
Least Favorite: Caddell Returns
In my opinion, this is one of the more lackluster Beatles albums. Side 1 is pretty decent, especially opening with It Won't Be Long, and All My Loving is an early era staple. It tried to act as a superior follow up to their "Please, Please Me" and just doesn't have the same energy or powerhouse track list. While the majority of songs are originals, there are hardly any that hold up in the scope of The Beatle's catalogue. The covers are also subpar save for "Please Mister Postman" and "Roll Over Beethoven", but they are better served in the original recordings. I can appreciate it for propelling Beatlemania even further, but as a creative work it just doesn't do it for me.
Favorite Songs: It Won't Be Long, All My Loving
Least Favorite: Devil In Her Heart
Just a fantastic kick-back and play around guitar record. One minute you are jamming to a kick ass blues-style solo, and the next you are hearing beautiful confessions from the neck of a 6-string. You can tell this was an album Weller really wanted to make for himself, it's so different from anything he ever did with The Jam or Style Council. To me, this solidified his place as a rock legend. His lyrics and storytelling are Paul Simon and Joe Cocker level, and there's just so much instrumentation that goes into these songs that sound like they came straight out of the 70's. The whole album is a work of art, there truly isn't any bad song that I could name.
Favorite Song: All The Pictures On The Wall
Least Favorite: Foot Of The Mountain
Coming in as a Joni Mitchell newbie here, but this was MUCH more palpable than Summer Lawns (not a great starting place if you are just getting acclimated). Quite bluntly, this is a beautiful album with fantastic jazz arrangements. I would say that that the backing band, made mostly up by members of The Crusaders and LA Express, are the stars of this album, but Mitchell's songwriting and singing is just magnificent. A great album to kick on for a dinner party or a cozy fireplace.
Favorite Songs: Raised by Robbery, Free Man in Paris
Least Favorite: The Same Situation - I sort of get lost and disconnected when this song plays.
The more I hear from Arcade Fire, the more I love them. I was only 8 when this album came out, so I never got to hear it fully. But WOW, this record is packed with so much emotion and catharsis. Touching the subjects of death and mortality are something that artists either do very plainly because they are too general, or very deeply because they've actually experienced or thought about it in a personal moment. This album is the latter, by almost all members of the band, and they really put their heart into being expressionists. The sounds can be overwhelming and anxiety ridden - but in a beautiful way that makes sense and reflects the stages of grief we all must someday face.
Favorite Song: Une Annee Sans Lumiere
Least Favorite Song: Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)
I simply can't say anything about this record that hasn't be said before, it's one of the most iconic albums of all time. It's the magnus opus of The Beatle's career, and the concourse of sounds that come from this album are so spectacular. It starts with one of the most iconic, rocking songs in their catalogue and ends with a grandiose medley that is so rich is lyricism and composition that it's almost cinematic. George Harrison and George Martin are the rock stars of this album. If you can't get into this album, The Beatles are not meant for you.
Favorite Song: Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End
Least Favorite: Her Majesty (I know it's a hidden track, but it should have just ended cleanly)
This album tackles a broad spectrum of subjects and does it in really unique textures. For example, criticism of the US military in "Sweet Bird of Truth" is given a funky backbeat with sharp spoken-word tones. Self-reflection on what it means to be successful, infidelity and insecurity in a relationship, and the political power of Britain amongst the rest of Europe are just a few of the other topics covered in this album. While the lyrics and themes can be heavy, the music is fun and well made.
Favorite Song: Heartland
Least Favorite: Angel of Deception
Dennis Wilson really goes the extra mile on his only solo record. Though his voice took a turn to a grainy and harsher tone (no thanks to the drugs and alcohol), he fills these songs with a Joe Cocker-esque soul that still compliments well with the signature background vocals from Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston. The instrumentation is absolutely gorgeous on this record, with plenty or strings and organ to fill your ears with vibrant, grandiose harmonies. For fans of Pet Sounds - this is a must listen to album.
Favorite Song: Time
Least Favorite: Thoughts of You
I can appreciate psychedelic pop music, and I'm sure Animal Collective is a great act. I was excited to listen to this record because I saw it hyped as "one of the greatest albums of the '00 decade." Throughout listening to it though, I had very little to be excited about. "My Girls", "Blueish", "Brother Sport" are the defining moments of the album, but beyond that things start to blend and loose track of structure. The electronic vibrato that wavers in the background for every song never seems to dissipate - it's a constant state of drifting. For me, it just overshadows a lot of the other textures trying to cut through. I suppose this what excites the majority of this albums fans though, and this is the type of feeling they look for. It's just not an experience that catches me. I don't need catchy hooks or harmonic melodies to get me interested into the album, but when everybody compares this work to the psychedelic era of The Beach Boys, it's hard not to prepare for that. Overall, a fine work, but nothing I'll revisit.
Favorite Track: Blueish
Least Favorite: Daily Routine
You've got to be bold to turn down making an album with Jimi Hendrix, but when you create an album like this it's easily justifiable. Shankar didn't want to make a straight sitar-guitar focused album, he wanted to truly blend the Indian classical music he was accustomed to at home with the western psychedelic wave that was flourishing in the 60's. Fun rock hits and Moog synthesizer tones really make this a unique and interesting album that I think everybody truly needs to hear at least once in their life. It's peaked my curiosity on Indian music, and I'd say it's accomplished the goal Shankar had when creating this record. While this album isn't the origin of raga rock, I'd say it's the heart of it.
Favorite Song: Metamorphosis
Least Favorite: Sagar (The Ocean) only because of it's slow start and it's a pretty long song. It's still a great piece, just not one I'd revisit as much.
Rap and hip-hop isn't my inherent wheelhouse. I didn't grow up listening to it, I don't listen to a lot of modern hits, and most of what I listen to is make or break for me. This album just CLICKS with me, though. The smooth, jazzy backbeats, the atmospheric and melodic instrumentation, Phife and Q-Tip's fun and flowing lyrics...it's just the perfect rap album in my mind. It's influenced so many different artists today: Kanye, Pharrell, Dr. Dre, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Kendrick, Dave Chapelle...there's hardly any entertainer or artist that isn't inspired or owes something to this album. Everything from its structure, emotion, and production is top notch.
Favorite Song: What?
Least Favorite: Ahh...this is so hard...Show Business? Everything is so good, though.
Least Favorite: Sagar (The Ocean) ... only because of it's slow start and it's a pretty long song. It's still a great piece, just not one I'd revisit as much.
Depeche Mode is certainly not for everybody, and even me in particular moments of time. This moody, brooding, dark sound of euphoric synthesizers and keyboards makes for great atmosphere music, and can be a really cool experience just listening in the dark or with mood lighting if you want to create your own little at-home show. Everyone other song on this album is a hit for me, and not including the 2006 Remastered bonus tracks, this is a pretty front heavy album. I honestly don't know enough about the band to put this up against any of their other works, but from my understanding this is a more mature album to leave for later if you want to get into them. I'll certainly revisit it once I do.
Favorite Song: Never Let Me Down Again
Honorable Mention: Behind the Wheel
Least Favorite: Nothing
I'll confess that I had never heard this full album before, even though I was well acquainted with the hits and show staples that came from it. I never considered The Rolling Stones to be a band that had full album masterpieces like The Beatles, but this record certainly changed my mind. It just kicks ass song after song, and there is so much going on with the brass and sax in some of these tracks. Of course it's a great guitar album, but you can tell from the writing that the band wanted it to be more than that. There is so much influence from American country music, folk, jazz and blues, and The Stone really used those genres to help diversify their life show. From beginning to end, it's an album with style and swagger.
Songs I Already Knew: Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, Can't You Hear Me Knocking, Bitch
Best Song: Wild Horses
Favorite Discovery: I Got The Blues
Least Favorite: You Gotta Move
A beautiful, messy dive into the mind, life, and relationships of SZA. The album is aptly named, as it touches so many aspects of what control means...what does it mean to be in control? What do you get from it, or what do other people get from having it over you? Is it worth it? So many thoughts and ideas radiate from SZA's confessional record. With the emotional and narrative strength she harbors, the production and music is as equally strong. And there lies a deeper layer of control, to have such a strong presence musically while covering subjects of infidelity, betrayal, the struggles of womanhood and youth...it's so richly done. There's definitely a lot to unpack, and sometimes the album gets lost in certain moments, but it feels like an album that only ages and matures with each listen. The Kendrick feature was a little weak for me, and some sound choices were a little underwhelming, but overall I really enjoy this album. It makes you think. Consider me a fan.
Favorite Songs: Prom, 20 Something
Least Favorite: Wavy
You know you've got something special when you have an album that's outselling MJ and Prince at the time, nonetheless one of the best selling albums in the US. Faith is a mature journey of exploring sexuality and vulnerability as a male in a stark contrast from the approach that glam rock and pop at the time was taking, while also coated in the not-so-subtle internal struggle that GM was having with his own sexual identity. He pushes boundaries by making light around the taboos of sex and religion that conservatives were afraid the youth of the time were "falling into". The self-titled lead track itself is a timeless, fun piece that gets you energized, and remains one of his best to this day. The rest of the record definitely sounds dated, albeit fun and enjoyable, but doesn't hold up against the longevity against the MJ and Prince records that George wanted to rival. You're definitely getting one of the best pop records of the 80's, but it's cursed with staying a product of its time.
Favorite Song: Faith
Least Favorite: Hand to Mouth
I can appreciate this album for what it did in bringing racism, both systematically and individually, and the attitudes about rap, impoverished individuals and urban culture to the forefront. However, I can't really get past the blatant sexism that Ice glorifies. "It's A Man's World" tries to make a light and parody those attitudes, but it just comes off as a cringy and thoughtless attempt. Music becomes a timestamp of the attitudes surrounding it, and this record definitely personifies that. The sexism didn't age well, but it certainly is relevant in the same racist issues America still has today.
Beyond that, the music is brilliant. It's not my style or preference in rap, but I can appreciate it for what it is. You can see that Ice Cube was really the driving force in N.W.A because these songs hold up pretty well against that content. He's his same aggressive, in-your-face narrator that wants you to feel his anger.
Favorite Song: A Gangsta's Fairytale
Least Favorite Song: It's A Man's World
This is one electronic album that has actually grasped me and made me interested throughout its entirety. A lot of these songs do exactly what they want you to: get up, dance and have a fun time listening to it. It's really well produced and include interesting, diverse instrumentals. Unfortunately, the repetitive lyrics of electro-dance music is just not something that sits well with my brain, and these tracks take that up. Less is more for me with this genre, but a lot of these songs give off immaculate energy and enjoyment.
Favorite Song: Music makes you lose control
Least Favorite: Hypnotise
A very pleasing listening experience. This indie folk record contains a whole lot of contrasting moments in them from a tonal perspective, but it all fits into a beautiful conglomerate of zen from start to finish. I find myself of Ed Droste's voice over Daniel Rossen, but I find it super interesting how they share the lead vocal role. It's something you rarely see in bands today.
Favorite Song: Two Weeks
Least Favorite: Hold Still
I'm all about positivity in music, and that's exactly what Bob Marley & The Wailers exemplify on this record, at least in tone. While managing to keep that funky, upbeat backbone that reggae is so widely recognized for, they tackle some serious issues on this record including poverty, political control, religion and Jamaican society. There are some moments that become slogs and you sort of lose focus on where the song wants to take you, but just getting lost in the jam is part of the fun. Half on the songs on this record stand up against Marley's best work, the rest sort of get lost in themselves. Overall, an above average album that I'd go back to listen to again.
Song I Already Knew: No Woman No Cry
Favorite Song: Lively Up Yourself
Least Favorite: Rebel Music
I can't really put the textures and feelings of this album into words. It's a psychedelic trip meets fabulous glam rock to create a genre bending punk rock album. All the way through, the guitar tones give you a fantastic grittiness that never let you forget what kind of force this band is, but you get some sweetness with beautiful melodies accompanied by robotic synth and drum samples. Gruff Rhys has an unconventional voice for a lead singer, but that just makes the songs on here all the more unique. No two songs sound the same, and the journey that the tracklist puts you on will make you see how this is classified in the category of "art rock."
Favorite Song: Frisbee
Least Favorite: Bad Behaviour
A star-studded album that is one of the early greats of modern blues rock. While it's half-loaded with covers, you just can't deny the spin Jeff Beck and his legendary band put on them. These are some of the most talented players in the game, and to create a record like this in 4 days is insanity even if half of them aren't originals. And an instrumental jam with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones AND Keith Moon?! I mean, come on. Listen to this record, and enjoy the ride.
Favorite Song: Blues Deluxe
Least Favorite: Let Me Love You
Riding off the high of "Rumours", Fleetwood Mac all decided to do something a little different. Literally. Lindsey, Stevie and Christine all sort made their own different songs and sort of just put it together as a Fleetwood Mac album. In theory, it shouldn't have been something that works...but for Tusk, it absolutely does. It highlights the creative strengths of each writer, and gives us a strong double album that solidifies this lineup beyond a one-trick pony. Stevie gives us strong ballads, Christine gives us uplifting possibilities, and Lindsey is a mad scientist creating sonically-based monsters.
Songs I Already Knew: Tusk, Sara
Favorite Songs: Storm (Stevie), Think About Me (Christine), Tusk (Buckingham)
Least Favorite: That's All For Everyone
A funky, jam-filled album from a crazy talented singer. Straight up, this record will make you want to dance and sing like a madman. The guitar and piano riffs are groovy, there's a disco-based rhythm section, and Womack brings heat to his voice that you can feel in your soul.
Favorite Song: If You Think You're Lonely Now
Least Favorite: Secrets
This isn't an album of any The Who hits, aside from "I Can See For Miles." Before hearing the album, if you had told me that it was the most recognizable song on the album, I would have told you I wouldn't care for the rest of the tracks. And while this is nowhere near my favorite album by them, it's a cool concept record that plays with the idea of consumerism and pirate radio in the 60's. It's also a point where The Who starts to grow musically from the typical pop-rock sound and delve into more psychedelic-art material. Certainly something to listen to for anybody who enjoys the band, but probably not a record you would find yourself listening to a lot compared to the rest of their catalogue.
Songs I Knew: I Can See For Miles
Favorite Song: Odorono
Least Favorite: Heinz Baked Beans
If you haven't heard at least half of these songs, you've never turned on a classic rock radio station before. These songs are widely played in the US to this day, and I would be lying if I said I'm not burnt out on "Pour Some Sugar On Me" or "Love Bites." They're still bangers, and Def Leppard certainly accomplished their goal of creating an album full of hits, but after being acquainted with this record for so long I think the variety in their sound becomes thin. The 62 minute duration doesn't help either, it kind of stretches out the record more than necessary. It would have been better if they just straight up cut "Women" out and started with "Rocket", and I would say "Don't Shoot Shot Gun" is the weakest track on the record that could be cut. Maybe rearranging the track list on a playlist could spruce it up too. I never listened to "Gods of War" before this listen, and it's the sleeper. Super cool song.
Overall though, this is still a fun and enjoyable album. In terms of 80's rock, it's truly different from a lot of sounds of the time due to the use of the Rockman amp and drum samples. The guitar parts weren't played to have flashy rifs, they were crafted to create beautiful harmonies. The digital audio bits and "robot-like" sounds just add another cool layer. It shows its age by trying to showoff a "sound of the future," but it still holds up.
Songs I Knew: Animal, Love Bites, Pour Some Sugar On Me, Armageddon It, Hysteria
Favorite Song: Armageddon It
Honorable Mention: Gods of War
Least Favorite: Don't Shoot Shot Gun
Despite how unbearable the Gallagher brothers have become, this is a pretty kickass album. I'm not the biggest fan of Liam's voice, he just sounds a little stale to me, but I think the direction the band takes their music sort of makes it blend well. With something to prove for their debut album, Oasis comes out on top to give you a straight rock and roll album that brings that exciting live crowd energy right through your speakers. It espouses fun, positive sounds that were definitely a contrast to the popular dark, despairing tones grunge was emanating.
However, I think the album is very one dimensional. It doesn't deviate much from the sound it creates in the opening track, and while that's not necessarily a bad thing, it doesn't make it a great record that I would really want to listen through again. Songs start to blend together in my mind, and you can tell they sort of took the foundation of some songs and expanded on them later for their popular hits. I'll probably just play some songs here and there as I want. Overall this album seemed like it was a bigger deal for the UK than the US with bringing back Britpop and rock to popularity, so it doesn't hold cultural significance for me.
Favorite Song: Live Forever
Least Favorite: Shakermaker
Those who dislike this album will argue it is incomplete and somber. And while I certainly agree that it is though things, I think that’s what makes it beautiful. Springsteen had some unplugged demos ready to go for his next E Street Band album, but decided that this is the way he wanted Nebraska to be put out. And although it is bare on instrumentation, “simple” is the worst word to describe this album.
Lyrically, he covers serious topics like death, crime, corruption, familial bonds, and finding hope. Very heavy stuff, all from the perspective of average people who are the product of their environment. He presents it with such naked vulnerability and the tiredness of a blue-collar worker, that you feel a sense of compassion for some of these blemished characters. Springsteen draws you into these stories with beautiful presentation, you get an emotional stake in these stories. To me, it’s a true songwriter album accompanied by beautiful composition that is presenting a story of connection and redemption; even if its full of characters that have little redeeming qualities for the surface.
Favorite Song: Nebraska, Reason to Believe
Least Favorite: Johnny 99
The baby boy of rock n’ roll’s only album. It’s undeniable the influence that Buddy Holly and the Crickets had on major rock stars today, and it’s just as easy to see the influences that Elvis, Bill Haley and Hank Williams had on him. This album is full of great pop hits of the 50’s, and anybody who is a fan of that style will love this record. I quite enjoy it myself, but it’s hard for me to find the whole record holds up to bodies of work that came out in the 60’s and beyond. Expect fun, early breakthroughs, and timeless tunes when listening to it.
Favorite Songs: That’ll Be The Day, Not Fade Away (I’m a sucker for a Bo Diddley bit)
Least Favorite: Tell Me How
A creative blur between sensational dance music and indie, art rock guitar sounds. It may seem like an odd combination of genres, but to me it's almost the personification of the atmosphere of early 90's UK. I can visualize a shabby dance club with a small band in new wave outfits performing Step On, God's Cup and Loose Fit with a dance pit around them. And then the band switches it up, and gives you a punk rock show that isn't changing any of the tones they've been playing for the club. It may be super niche or an adjustment to really latch onto, but this was easy for me to enjoy and pick up. This record represents a distinctly different corner of what rock was doing during the 90's.
Favorite Songs: Step On
Least Favorite: Donovan
This album is exactly what I needed to hear at the time that I did. This is a record that takes you through a journey of emotional and geographic artistry. The instrumentation is not over the top, it’s precisely structured that the artists play to each other and never leave an empty void in their sound (even in times of silence). The accompanying keyboard is such a nice addition and shake-up to the traditional piano jazz sound. This is probably one of my favorite jazz records ever, I never want it to stop.
Favorite Song: Inner Crisis
Least Favorite: Legitimately don’t have one…
A prophetic, innovative record that has stood the test of time 24 years later. The lyrics captures modern America's addiction to technology, consumerism, media consumption, and political scandals to a T. Between the bands variety of tones in their instruments, shocking reverb to barebones, the influx of strings, and the poignantly placed electro-techno samples, there is a ton of sounds to absorb from this record. This is bold, true Radiohead. You could listen to it 100 times and still discover something new, it never goes stale. It may be a little passé to hold this record in such high esteem on the internet, but it truly is one of the greatest to ever be made. I think it will only age better with time.
Favorite Song: Paranoid Android
Least Favorite: Climbing Up the Wall
I’ll admit that I’ve never heard a Joni Mitchell album before, and I came into this album with absolutely 0 background. After giving this and her top hits a listen, I can see where she was essential in bringing modern folk/Americana to the forefront of popularity. However, I’m not sure if this was the best album to introduce me.
For all the fantastic lyrics and singing on Joni’s part, the accompanying folk-jazz blend was just a little too avant-garde. The album is truly unique and by no means bad, and I can tell it’s an album with layers that will take a couple of listens to soak in.
Look no further if you want to see why Prince is such an acclaimed icon and music star. Although not as popular as Purple Rain, and with less recognizable hits, this album is Prince at his most talented. He sings mostly in the upper register, and you can truly hear his range as a vocalist shine through. On top of that, he did a lot of the instrumentation and sampling himself and it’s just impressive to see this project done by mostly one mind.
I had never heard this album before, and I couldn’t stop listening after my first time through. Partly because it was so fun, but also because this album flourishes with every new listen. The songs are jams from top to bottom, and there is legitimately not a bad song. Some songs are minimal on instrumentation with focus mostly on Prince’s lyrics, a lot of which are politically charged and focused on the end days. There are some moments this album can lose focus, and if you don’t focus enough you may have questioned what you just listened to. Nonetheless, it’s a masterpiece from one of the all time greats.
Favorite Song: I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man
Least Favorite: It
A notable "spiritual sequel" to License to Ill, Ill Communication displays the progression of the Beastie Boys artistry. Not only have the raps and production of their songs developed over time, but their ideas of what the genre can sound like also expanded. In "Sure Shot" open with a jazzy flute solo, lay down a backtrack, and do their signature scheme in a lo-fi soundscape that is very prominent in the rap, hip-hop and electronic music of the modern era. It's those type of ideas that are one of many reasons I would say this album is ahead of its time.
They keep their punk rock roots intact with the rest of Side 1, running a suite of punk-rap bangers starting with Tough Guy and ending with the widely famous Sabotage, the notable single of the album. All of these sides are not as widely energetic or loud as their previous hits, but I think it's a nice contrast to showcase how subtleties in dynamics and sound filters can keep a record more interesting.
Q-Tip from ATCQ and Biz Markie tag along on the record and share some call and response verses between the Beasties, showcasing classic, but aggressive, comradery that rap is so widely known for. Their features on the record are stellar.
The second half "experimental jazz" side of this record isn't usually what I come to the Beastie Boys for, but they decided to do what they want in true B-Boy fashion and knocked it out of the park. To take inspiration from Miles Davis and just create a hip-hop jazz soundscape that focused on the talents of each member beyond their rap skills was something I'm sure turned off a lot of fans, but to me is a testament to their legacy as an all-time great group.
Favorite Songs: B-Boys Makin' With The Freak Freak, Sabotage, Get It Together, Sabrosa, Shambala
Least Favorite: The Scoop
Finally got back around to listening to this record after my initial listen in August. I certainly wasn't in the right mood or mindset during that first go, and since then I've listened to it multiple times in chunks, but this is my first full re-listen.
Just like I said in my first review, there's STILL a lot to unpack from 2Pac in this record, as it is his most personal and self-reflective record. He talks about his upbringing, criminal history, violent skirmishes, and the relationship he has with those most important to him such as his mother. However, this isn't a record that he's making for himself, it's like multiple letters going out to his fans, family and friends. The production of the album is mostly warm and cozy, each track has soul-esque instrument lines accompanied by a heavy bass tone that pairs well with Shakur's voice. The beats are pretty intuitive with the tone that 2Pac approaches in his voice. This is the kind of sound I really dig in hip-hop records, as it doesn't overstep and accompanies the bars very nicely.
I still think the record has the tendency to get lost in itself due to its runtime. It keeps a pretty hot streak for the first three tracks and then it gets a little lost with its identity, trying to recede back into hardcore hip-hop and keep with the formula of the time instead of sticking with the personal direction. I personally would get rid of the last two tracks and "Temptations" and be satisfied.
Favorite Tracks: Me Against The World
Least Favorite: Death Around the Corner
The Beastie Boys follow up their debut album with a record that goes way harder in an urban, hip-hop sound. With clever, well-crafted lyrics, deeper drum tracks, and the greatest use of sampling for any album ever, this record solidified the rap trio beyond a one-trick pony. Paul's Boutique capitalizes on creating moods and moments rather than just being an in-your-face banger record that its predecessor was, which is why I don't think there are recognizable "hits" to the layman listener. Don't let that fool you from thinking there aren't energetic tracks, some of these tunes have the freshest, most advanced production I think an album could have for the 80's. It feels like the Frankenstein's monster of hip-hop with each B-Boy contributing unique and chaotic writing that translated into something beyond anybody's imagination.
It's a record that was simply ahead of its time. The ending "B-Boy Bouillabaisse" suit feels like a fire mixtape within an even fuller album, and anybody that listens to rap or hip-hop that utilizes samples can look to this collection as the influential obelisk.
Favorite Songs: Shake Your Rump, The Sounds of Science, Hey Ladies, Shadrach
Least Favorite: Egg Man
A great follow up to the phenomenon that was Thriller. It provides a more introspective theme and took a more grounded approach in terms of production, in my opinion, even with the focus on more digital sounds. The synth tones makes this sound like a truer, albeit a little cornier, 80's record, but it's still stacked with hits that transcended beyond the decade. It's incredibly hard to believe that MJ was able to dominate the 80's and the transformation of pop music with only two albums. Regardless of your opinion of him, Thriller put MJ on the docket and Bad sealed his legacy as an all-time great.
Favorite Songs: The Way You Make Me Feel. Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal
Least Favorite: Liberian Girl
A great fusion of different punk styles throughout this long but powerful collection. This album never gets boring or redundant, and it's one of my favorite punk records.
Not really my thing. There's some great instrumentation and production work on this album, but unfortunately the vocals just get on my nerves for most of the songs. It seems like a really emotional record that is layered in a unique way, certainly unlike anything I've heard before, but it just couldn't peak my interest enough to be invested. If you can get past whiney and repetitive vocal parts, this could be a great record for any listener. It certainly seems like a precursor for bands like Radiohead, My Morning Jacket, and other art/experimental rock bands.
Favorite Song: Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road
Least Favorite: Alife
Dylan is a mixed bag to me. There are select works when I think his monotonous tone, offbeat cadence, and bluesy instrumentals really work to produce some of the best folk-rock songs in history. In other songs, I find these elements either lacking or too harsh, and it really puts me off. This album perfectly reflects that sentiment.
When it hits it stride, like in the run of Visions of Johanna --> One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later) --> I Want You --> Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again. It feels REALLY good and like this record is shaping up to be a masterpiece. His masterful writing, the bluesy instrumentation, and even some effortful singing comes together to make a album that really is more than the sum of its parts. There are just a few harsh tracks on this record, like Rainy Day, Plenty of Time, and Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat that hold it back, not because they don't fit with the product as a whole, but they usually lack a component that elevates it. In those songs, I feel like Dylan tries to overcompensate with either harsh harmonica tones, extra dry and drawn out notes, or silly phrasing.
Overall, I like this record and some select songs, but there are a few too many tracks that wouldn't have me consider this one of the best albums ever made. I'm not enticed to listen to the whole project front to back.
A Tribe Called Quest came out swinging with this phenomenal, genre-changing record. It was positive, experimental, well-rounded, and exclusively different than anything that rap and hip-hop was known for in the early 90's. The foundation of jazz music paired with modern hip-hop rhythms is exceptionally beautiful and joyous to listen to. Each member is a master of their craft, and though Q-Tip was more of the frontrunner than he was in later releases, you can tell each songs was given the proper treatment by every member's role. I just get pure bliss and comfort from listening to this record, even if it doesn't hold the spot for my favorite ATCQ album.
Favorite Songs: Footprints, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo, Can I Kick It?, Mr. Muhammad
Least Favorite: Rhythm
If Sticky Fingers is the Stones' "Rubber Soul", this is their "Abbey Road." This is by and far the greatest record they have every put out. It's a left turn that veers into an Americana-gospel inspired record while maintaining a quality rock n' roll sound that pulls emotion from every corner of the room. There are some songs that could have been cut for precision sake...but that would detract from the wholesome experience afforded by Exile. Even when certain moments feel out of place, like "Shake Your Hips" or "Turd On The Run", you'll be able to reflect on the bigger picture crafted by Jagger, Richards and the gang and get swallowed back into an experience few records have been able to give in the past 50 years.
Favorite Songs: Tumbling Dice, Sweet Virginia, Loving Cup, Shine A Light, Soul Survivor
Least Favorite: Turd On The Run
Back when I was 13 and discovering classic rock for the first time, sure, this album kicked some ass. It's never been my favorite album by them, nor is it even my favorite from the Bon Scott era. It's an album loaded with power and insanity, as usual by the very talented Young brothers, but its nothing with flavor or variety. Anybody who's listened to at least 5 songs by AC/DC can tell you almost all their songs sound the same, and beyond the guitar solos, there is nothing complex about their compositions. Night Prowler is the closest we get to something that sounds slightly different than the other songs, with it's ominous tone and swing-like rhythm, but ultimately it sort of course corrects into that signature, crunchy sound AC/DC is known for.
Highway to Hell will always be the anthem that millions will associate with hard rock, you can't deny the legacy of that song, nor this album. For the impact it had on the hard rock/metal genre, especially coming out of the 70's, and for the fun this record gives, I won't say it's bad. But I find it insanely overrated against other albums of the year: Overkill by Motorhead, Van Halen II, Evolution by Journey, Dynasty by KISS, Candy-O by The Cars, or Pinky Floyd's The Wall.
Favorite Song: Girls Got Rhythm
Least Favorite: Touch Too Much
I get that this is an album celebrated by many people, I just couldn't buy into it. Lo-fi is not an aesthetic choice I usually find pleasant, and this record is not an exception. It sounds dirty and obnoxious. On top of that, having extremely short songs that change up your sound every 30 seconds to 2 minutes is too spontaneous for my taste. It makes the album come off as unfocused and rushed. There may have been a point to the way this album was produced and put together, but it just completely missed me.
I don't even have a favorite song, none of them stuck with me
