1001 Albums Summary

Berlin-era David Bowie teaming up again with Iggy Pop, this time, with Iggy Pop taking the lead. Opens with the iconic drums and bass of the title track. Subverts poppy chords on Passenger. Would give 4.5

Much quieter Springsteen than Born in the USA, Nebraska continues on I'm the tradition of Bob Dylan with the singer-songwriter with a harmonica, and the outlaw country of Johnny Cash, with heavy blues influences. Lots of themes of criminality and moral murkiness. Some of the tracks like "Open All Night" could have used the full E-Street Band treatment, but it might have felt jarring on this quieter record.

The album might be more impressive had I been more familiar with Cheap Trick's catalogue. "I want you to want me" and "Surrender" hold up and the latter half of the album has stronger energy than the front end.

The album transitions out of the Beach Boys' surf rock with more complex pop songs on the A-side and ballads on the B-side. Lyrics like, "When I grow up to be a man Will I dig the same things that turn me on as a kid?" And "Will I look for the same things in a woman that I dig in a girl? (Fourteen, fifteen)" didn't age well.

The title is self-explanatory: Otis Redding gives his soul spin on classic tunes.

Not a lot of bells and whistles — just a straight up rock album.

The Clash meets Talking Heads.

Frantic energy, yet polished production. Slurred, yet passionate vocals. Guitar and vocals drenched in effects.

Rejection of fame. Moments of jazziness.