First Sam Cooke album. I have heard the name before, and I have heard a few of his singles in passing, but this is the first occasion where I listened to an album. The first thing I noticed was the energy in the venue, followed by how raw the production quality is, contrasted by the clean instrumentals. Cooke certainly has a way with words as he carries the energy between songs. In the entire 38 minute run time, I don't think the energy slowed at all. In fact, I was hoping to hear a few more songs before it was all said and done. As mentioned in another review, this album was recorded in January 1963 (just two years before his death), but released in 1985. According to the wikipedia, the record label did not want to tarnish Cooke's pop-soul reputation by releasing the record. They deemed it too raw sounding.

Second time listening to this classic. After moving to Nashville and seeing Brass Against cover much of their songs, as well as interacting with cover bands in the area, I can safely say that I under-appreciated this album the first time I listened to it. I like the lyrical content cause, you know, fuck the government, however I must say it mainly consists of phrases rather than lyrical sentences. This is something I've known for quite some time, but I haven't fully realized until now. I don't think I've listened to another band that does that. Tom Morello has always been an musician that I've been fascinated with. The creativity with his axe knows no bounds. It is interesting to hear his work on this album, knowing the kind of music he's going to make in the next 15 or so years with Audioslave. Overall a great and classic album.

My first Police album, and their fifth and final. I am familiar a couple of the singles (Every Breath, King Of Pain), I was pleasantly surprised with several others that I haven't heard before. I must commend them for carrying the energy throughout the entire album, while also changing styles on more than one occasion. Great vocals, groovy rhythm section. I'm not surprised this is their most successful LP, but I am curious as to why it was their last.

First George Michael album. The only George I am familiar with would be Faith and Careless Whisper, and now Freedom (in hindsight). I had no real expectations going into this one, however I finished it pleasantly surprised. I was afraid it would consist of boring pop songs with a lack of depth and meaning, but it was quite the opposite. I felt like every song on the LP had thought and intention put into it. I suppose the fact that George produced and arranged every song helps with that. The general atmosphere of the album is one that I can appreciate. I'll certainly have to visit his discography again.

I have never heard of The Smiths until now. Absolutely zero preconceived ideas. Upon hearing the first song, my immediate reaction was a comparison to The Cure, followed by Duran Duran, then Echo & The Bunnymen. Unlike Disintegration (The Cure), this sounds more rhythm based than ethereal ambience. Highlights were the title track, Cemetery Gates, and The Boy With The Thorn In His Side. Most of the songs in between these weren't very interesting. I'm not familiar with their discography so I can't say for certain if they served as filler, or if this is what they typically sound like. I don't have a desire to explore more from them, but I'd consider it.

Never heard of him until now, no prior conceived opinions, although I wasn't surprised to find it being a folk album. As a first folk album, it was entertaining. I really enjoyed the lyrical content (wikipedia says Cohen was known as a poet before ever thinking of music). The music itself was entertaining, there were a couple that stand out more than others. Good mix of slower and up-tempo songs. For my first folk album, I liked it pretty well, but I don't think I'll be listening to it again.

I have certainly heard of The Velvet Underground before, but I had never taken the time to learn more about them or listen to their music. I felt like this was a good introduction. I enjoyed the relaxing instrumentals, lyrical content was cool too. I didn't know Lou Reed was involved with them. Pretty good album., nothing too special.

I was let down tbh. I was expecting some sort of pop hits or something I could vibe to, but most of it was kinda lame hip-hop/r&b talking about sex or something. According to the wikipedia she did receive some backlash for the sexual content. Meh overall.

First Genesis album. I am familiar with a few of their singles, but I can't really say had much expectations. I felt like the first half of the album was very slow. I questioned the quality of the production, maybe the mixing, idk but it sounded pretty rough. The second half of the album is a different story, especially the final 6 songs, all of which were great imo. Very long album, but the ending was nice.