A true classic. The Beatles at their prime, in my opinion, mixing the best from the early and the late era of the band.

The definition "a rock band with horns" is only partially adequate, because the sonority of Chicago goes way beyond what you would expect from a rock and roll band, even in the late 60s. That said, all those horns can be a little too overwhelming.

I don't know much about rap, so The Notorious BIG is a name I had heard of, but didn't anything about him other than that he is a rapper. Though he has this tough attitude, his lyrics are actually quite sensitive. It takes a lot for someone to admit suicidal thoughts, even more so for someone to wonder if their mother would have preferred an abortion. The album is really well produced too, kind of a loose "rap opera".

Though I love the Kinks, it's been a while since I heard this album the last time. Things here are still on a middle ground - the sound is all pop and catchy, but the lyrics are contemplative or analytical. As someone who doesn't have an Anglo-Saxon background, it is delicious to dive into the mid-20th century British world it provides.