This is an album I’ve always heard about but have never listened to.

Starts out really strong but weakens towards the end.

I have this album on vinyl.

Not a fan of the musical style, but I recognize that they’re talented.

Five stars immediately. One of my favorite albums of all time.

A few decent songs but most didn’t interest me.

Understanding it’s from 1997, it still sounds unfinished and flat in many spots. I expected more.

Lots of great classics with a few duds.

One or two “ok” songs for the late 80s/early 90s but nothing that stands out other than Cult of Personality.

This album is too much of the same sound. I enjoy the style, but hoped for more variation.

A concept album where none of the songs are related. Love that.

Such a great album. I’ve been an Octo fan for many years. Pro tip: read the lyrics while listening.

The music was much better than I expected but the singing didn’t do it for me.

It’s ok. I’ve heard this album a few times over the years and the individual songs too many times. I even saw Meatloaf live once. Too much of a gimmick or something for me.

3.5 rounded up to 4.

Pretty decent. Not his best stuff.

Enjoyable

Talented Artist and poet.

Even though I had this album in 1994, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to it straight through. It’s much better than I remembered.

Meh. It probably sounded better in 1998.

The first song was about 66.67% too long. The rest was too similar and just ok. Nothing here to revisit.

Meh. They sold out after Dookie.

It “live” but not truly live.

Disjointed

An important classic for sure but not really my thing. In 1982 it could have been a 5 for me.

Unimpressive and one-dimensional. Hard pass.

Beautiful, powerful voice. 5/5 stars for that. Of course the music isn’t my favorite and, as most music these days is, the focal point is the vocals. To me, vocals should be a supporting role to the music and nothing more. The music and instruments are much more important.

Ugh. The album that initiated the downfall of Metallica as a respectable heavy metal band. They changed their producer, changed their sound, sang f’ing BALLADS, and sold their souls just to cash in. Sure, they made a lot of money but at the cost of losing many original fans. I guess I can’t blame them. Sellouts be sellin’ out.

No thank you. Really difficult to listen to. It’s a jumbled mess that manages to essentially sound the same throughout. And that’s not a good thing.

So close to 5 stars. Just misses on a few songs.

I appreciate jazz and free flowing jam sessions but this is just a train wreck.

The Who were a great band but their “live” music was even better.

Familiar and interesting with an unexpected (and unsatisfying) ending.

It isn’t bad. It helps to be an angsty teen when you listen

The more talented Elvis.

If I never hear the song Hotel California ever again in my life I would be totally happy with it. The song Try and Love Again was decent. Probably because I haven’t heard it 10,000 times before.

I had very low expectations and they were soundly met.

Wild West End was a pleasant surprise. I’ve heard Sultans of Swing many times before. The rest was ok.

I’d like to give a 3.5. Better than average, but not quite a 4

I was very pleasantly surprised. This is an album I will listen to again and come back to.

The Queen is dead. Long live the King!

I like Elliot Smith but his music is always the same. Good stuff, mostly.