Oct 06 2023
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
This is an amazing album. Fantastic acoustic guitar here. Easy 5 star album. I bought it on iTunes midway through the first listen its that good.
5
Oct 09 2023
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Transformer
Lou Reed
So far this is not something I am enjoying listening to. The singing seems lazy and it's not very catchy. Maybe it's just not my style of music? Overall this just isn't very good music, lyrics, or singing. It all sounds lazy and is not very catchy at all. Nothing is drawing me into it. Pretty amazed at all of the high reviews and praise. It's like my ears are hearing something completely different. 1 out of 5 is being generous.
1
Oct 10 2023
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Uh oh. U2. I've never liked U2, especially when Apple started forcing their albums onto us. I doubt that will change but here we go. Ok my opinion has changed. This is an ok album. Nothing spectacular but better than the other songs I have heard from U2. 3 out of 5.
3
Oct 11 2023
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
This is crazy. I had never heard of Nick Drake until I began this journey. Now I've gotten his second album (got Bryter Layter day 1) and I am only 4 albums in! How very fortunate I am. This is a very good folk album by Nick Drake. I prefer Bryter Layter after the first listen but this is still a top tier folk album with fantastic acoustic guitar. There is a reason why many artists have cited Nick as an influence of their music. He sings more clearly and understandably in this album which is a positive but I just prefer the overall music composition and instrumentation in Bryter Later more. This is still incredible considering it was released in 1969. Nick was a true talent that we lost too soon. Now I'll just be waiting for Pink Moon! 5 out of 5 folk album.
5
Oct 12 2023
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Blur
Blur
This album is alright. Nothing too bad or great that stands out or is ground breaking. I'm not opposed to listening to it but I also don't think I'll be searching it out again for a relisten any time soon. Solid 3 out of 5.
3
Oct 13 2023
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Low-Life
New Order
Nothing that stands out about this album but also nothing bad as well. The Electronica is good in some parts. Pretty much your standard 80's punk/electronica album. I don't plan to relisten. 3 out of 5.
3
Oct 16 2023
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
This is a great example of the Soul/Funk genre. Plenty of enjoyable music packed into this album. I would definitely relisten to this album. It's just got a certain feel to it, and that feeling is excellent. 4 out of 5.
4
Oct 17 2023
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Heroes
David Bowie
I was born in the 80s but I've never gone out of my way to listen to Bowie. Sure I watched him in Labyrinth and enjoyed the movie and music and probably heard his songs on the radio throughout my life but that's about the extent of my knowledge and listening experience with him. That being said I really did enjoy this album. I was surprised by the number of instrumentals to be completely honest. I mean that in a good way because I enjoyed them all, which speaks volumes of the quality of music if there isn't a need for singing or lyrics. As my first David Bowie listening experience I enjoyed this and would listen again. I probably won't go out of my way to buy the album or search it out for another listen because I get a song in my head but it was still a pleasant listen. 4 out 5.
4
Oct 18 2023
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
Heavy Metal/Thrash. No thanks. 0 out of 5 (1 out of 5 though since a zero isn't allowed).
1
Oct 19 2023
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Uh oh. I'm not even remotely close to a country fan. We will see how this goes. Surprisingly inoffensive compared to the typical modern country album. Well, I am sure there are country purists that will not classify this as country music, which is fine. This might be the first country album I've ever liked. Is this what will prevent me from saying \"anything but country\" when people ask what I like to listen too? Maybe. Someone phrased it differently for me and it makes more sense now listening to this. I had said I do not like country and they replied or \"you just haven't found country you like yet\". I think I do actually like this. Very surprised I do, but happy I gave it a chance. Maybe it's just I like female country singers much more than male? Anyway I wouldn't mind listening to this again. 4 out of 5.
4
Oct 20 2023
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
While listening to the first song my first thought was. What am I listening to? Not a good start, but we will see how this goes. No. I can't. 0 out of 5 (if that was an option) so a forced 1 out of 5.
1
Oct 23 2023
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The White Album
Beatles
This album is ok. I've never really listened to a full Beatles album but I'm familiar with their popular songs. I've never understood the worship around them. I read some reviews that this is one of their weaker albums because it was near the end of the band. If that's the case maybe I will like some of their other albums and start to "get it". As of now its an ok album with a few stand out songs. I don't expect to be doing a full listen again anytime soon. 4 out of 5.
4
Oct 24 2023
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
This album is ok. Nothing amazing. Nothing terrible. Very solid 3 out of 5.
3
Oct 25 2023
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
This album makes me think back to the days of playing Tony Hawks Pro Skater on PlayStation. I think it would fit in well with that collection of songs. Maybe not the strongest showing of punk rock but not terrible either. Since their are other (better) albums with this genre of music I can not rate it higher than a 3 out of 5.
3
Oct 26 2023
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
This is a very good classic rock album. A couple of recognizable songs with some extremely recognizable riffs. A great example of the genre. 4 out of 5.
4
Oct 27 2023
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Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Very ok mid 90s hip hop album. Better than rap. 3 out of 5.
3
Oct 30 2023
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
This is an interesting album. I don't know what genre to call it. It's like an upbeat ambient electronica album. Nothing like the dubstep/house music of the later 2000s and is ongoing. It's catchy and can brighten your mood but it's just a little odd and inconsistent for me. I didn't dislike it but I don't think I would say its an album "You Must Hear Before You Die" and I won't be looking to relisten to it again any time soon. 2 out of 5.
2
Oct 31 2023
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
3
Nov 01 2023
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
4
Nov 02 2023
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
It's Jimi Hendrix. What else needs to be said? 5 out of 5.
5
Nov 03 2023
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
So this is classic country. Much better than modern country that is for sure. Still not a huge fan but also not as unlistenable as what country music is by today's standards. I do think I've learned, thanks to Musgraves, that I much prefer female country singers to male as the voice twang isn't as noticeable. Not terrible but also not something I would say is a must hear. 3 out of 5.
3
Nov 06 2023
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Great album stacked with hits. 5 out of 5.
5
Nov 07 2023
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Parklife
Blur
This is a unique album. Not bad but definitely something different than what you typically hear. 3 out of 5.
3
Nov 08 2023
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Fantastic jazz album. This has got to be a jazz standard. I really enjoyed listening to this. 5 out 5.
5
Nov 09 2023
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
This will be interesting as I'm going into this having only heard a couple songs from this album. That means I will be a real unbiased opinion from a millennial that has never given this album a fair shake, but have heard how it's one of the best albums of all time.
Speak to Me: Instrumental. Heart beat sound is an interesting part.
Breathe: Nice song. I can hear a mix of genres which is a nice touch. Not many lyrics which lets the music, well, breathe. Not sure if that was the intention but it fits really well with the song. This is not the extended version so it has a sort of abrupt ending.
On the Run: Huge shift from the last song. Instrumental and very upbeat. This must be what was used in the Chicago Bulls entrance themes in the 90s because that was my immediate recognition. Not a bad instrumental but it changes the flow of the album.
Time: Long instrumental buildup over the first two minutes is very good. Especially considering the time it was recorded. Overall this is a fantastic song great musically, instrumentally, and the lyrics go along great with the song. I was concerned when I saw a 7 minute song, but it cruises along with the right changes at just the right time so nothing over stays its welcome and you don't realize you just listened to a 7 minute song by the time it ends.
The Great Gig in the Sky: Another song with no lyrics but it's still very good. I read about this previously unfortunately so I kind of knew what to expect from the infamous song where the singer was paid 30 pounds. I could hear the emotion she was told to put into the song.
Money: The first song that I have already heard prior to this full album listen. There really isn't much I can say about this song. It's a classic that many people have heard due to it being used in many places.
Us and Them: Nearly 8 minutes of a dream like song. I enjoyed the big chorus part around 2:50. Other than that this song was a lower point on the album for me personally. I think that's because the song kind of dragged on after 5 minutes and just turned into good background music.
Any Colour You Like: Very good instrumental. Nice use of effects and varying instruments on this song. Some times you don't need lyrics.
Brain Damage: The most lyrically heavy song on the album (also has the albums name in the lyrics). Still very good and like the previous song is one of my favorites on the album. A great track for the penultimate of the album.
Eclipse: Short song and sort of an interesting way to end the album.
I must say that I wouldn't call this one of the greatest albums of all time. Maybe the hype sort of killed that for me? It is very good, don't get me wrong, but I've heard 5 albums previously during my 24 days on 1001 Albums Generator that I would consider better than this album. 4 out of 5.
4
Nov 10 2023
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
This is a groovy sounding Jazz album that reminds me of some of the late 70s early 80s comedy movies with Eddie Murphy. Which is good for that time period but feels pretty dated to listen to now. Not terrible not great and not something you must hear before you die. 2.5 out of 5.
3
Nov 13 2023
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Parachutes
Coldplay
Yeah I'm one of those people who like Coldplay. I saw them in concert and it was a really great show. So yeah I'm fine with this being an album "you must hear before you die". It seems like it's cool to hate on Coldplay and shameful to admit that you like their music. Does anybody know why? More importantly why do people care about what you listen to so much? I don't really care, just like I don't care to admit I listen to Taylor Swift every now and again. Anyway there are some very good tracks on here. Don't Panic, Shiver, Spies, Sparks, Yellow, Trouble (first Coldplay song I ever heard), High Speed, We Never Change, these are all good songs. I've listened to these all many times and will continue to listen to them. 4 out of 5.
4
Nov 14 2023
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Not bad. Not great. Pretty meh. Live albums are weird. 3 out of 5.
3
Nov 15 2023
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
Slipknot? Why? I'm currently into folk and acoustic guitar music. This isn't going to end well. I don't understand the need for extreme overdrive unless you aren't good at playing guitar. I also don't understand the whole scream singing stuff and this is muted compared to some of the screamo I remember listening too as an angsty teenage high schooler. I don't understand anything being \"sung\". The drumming is pretty amazing though. Well this just isn't my cup of tea. Hard to call it music outside of the drumming, which is legit very impressive. 3 tracks in and I just can't...definitely not something you need to hear before you die. 2 out of 5 just for the drummer, everything else is a 0.
2
Nov 16 2023
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Tim Buckley after Slipknot is comical. It's also really interesting looking at the reviews of the two and how this album is only very slightly rated higher. This is a huge upgrade after wanting to rip off my ears listening to Slipknot. That might make me a little biased and rate this higher than it deserves. I think that this is a really enjoyable easy listening album. I don't understand all of the hate. Definitely not as good as something like Nick Drake, but I still enjoyed it. Some really good acoustic guitar throughout and some blend of jazz music as well. Gypsy Woman is almost tribal sounding. Not something I would put on and tell my friends to listen to but there are some enjoyable tracks on this album. Tim's voice seems to sound different on some songs, almost like its a fake singing voice which is odd. 3.5 out of 4 and I'll round up this time.
4
Nov 17 2023
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
This is a new genre for me and a new band. The first song was not something I enjoyed at all. Hopefully things get better. The second song was much better. Things improved after the first song but overall this is kind of a mess. Very uninspired music and singing. More noise than music. Very much a meh album. Not awful but something I would have been fine without hearing before I died. 2.5 out of 5 rounding down though.
2
Nov 20 2023
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
This is my second Pink Floyd album ever and my second from 1001 Albums Generator. The first was Dark Side of the Moon and I did a lengthy write up. I'll keep this brief. It was ok. Very overhyped. 3 out of 5.
3
Nov 21 2023
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1984
Van Halen
How is this considered Hard Rock/Metal? I certainly wouldn't classify it as either of those but overall an ok album. I've heard Jump and Panama many times before but the rest of the album is new to me. Overall pretty decent music. I wouldn't immediately try to change the radio station if I heard this but I also wouldn't be seeking it out. Hair metal is certainly was an interesting thing. It was such a huge part of people's identities at the time. I don't think this music would make me grow out my hair and wear rock band shirts but it also isn't something that makes me want to rip my ears off like Slipknot did. 3.5 out of 5 rounded down.
3
Nov 22 2023
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Phrenology
The Roots
I'm aware of The Roots because of Jimmy Fallon. I hate Jimmy Fallon but The Roots have seemed pretty alright. So I guess that is my expectation. Alright. Let's check it out. So my issue with hip-hop is that it is super focused on the lyrics and the music is very much an afterthought. When you listen to the music its basically the same 4 bars repeated for the entirety of the song. That really irritates me. However, this is overall a pretty good album. The music and lyrics compliment it each other and its not the typical overdriven bass you get in most hip-hop. 3 out of 5.
3
Nov 23 2023
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Blackstar
David Bowie
On the second song and so far this all just translates as noise not music. Not liking it. Hopefully it turns around soon. It got a little better but I don't like it. 1 out of 5.
1
Nov 24 2023
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
I did not recognize Tracy Chapman's name or Talkin'Bout a Revolution. I instantly recognized Fast Car once it played and was amazed I never knew the artist for that song. This album released two days after I was born so it's been a long time coming that I listen to it. I've been into Folk and Singer/Songwriter music lately so I'm probably biased while listening to this album but it's the best I've heard in a while from what I've been given. This includes a David Bowie album, The Roots, Van Halen, and Pink Floyd. 3 of those 4 are very highly regarded but the music on the particular albums was either ok or just not something I enjoyed. I like being able to enjoy both the lyrics and music on Tracy Chapman. Does that mean all of the songs are amazing? No. Baby Can I Hold You was pretty bad but overall this is a very cohesive album and enjoyable listening experience. 4 out of 5.
4
Nov 27 2023
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
This was a great album. I prefer this style of music and Joni has a beautiful voice and signing style. Definitely a great new find thanks to this project. 4 out of 5.
4
Nov 28 2023
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Pretty good stuff here. 4 out of 5.
4
Nov 29 2023
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Scum
Napalm Death
The only consistent thing about this experience so far is that I have wanted to never listen to garbage the likes of this multiple times. So far my trash list also includes Slayer and Slipknot. Fucking atrocious stuff from all three. 0 out of 5 (so a forced 1 again).
1
Nov 30 2023
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
Bordering on being utter shit. Only thing saving it is that I have heard Napalm Death, All Hope Is Lost, and Reign of Blood before this. All Hope Is Lost was buoyed by the insane drums. Icarus Line can't say the same here. So while not nearly as atrocious as All Hope is Lost I can't rate it higher or lower than that. 2 out of 5.
2
Dec 05 2023
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
I should hate this...but I don't. It's in a weird place of music. Sometimes it seems like it's going to go really hard and it does but it's also good music unless some of the other crap I've heard. I can't quite figure it out. I don't hate it but it's also something I would never start listening to on any sore or regular basis. Hard to rate so I guess 3 out of 5.
3
Dec 06 2023
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
Musically this is fantastic. Very enjoyable to listen to with the varied instruments used. I wish I could also appreciate the lyrics but I'm ignorant and only know one language. I am tempted to purchase it as I do believe it is that good and something I would enjoy listening to multiple times. 4 out of 5.
4
Dec 07 2023
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
I don't hate it. Which means this confirms the sentiments I've had about country music my whole life being wrong. That sentiment was that I hated country music. Turns out I just hate the modern twangy country. Particular male singers as well. I just really dislike everything about it. After two classic country albums and a modern female country singer I liked, I now know that my dislike of country is more narrow than I thought. I won't be searching out Willie Nelson any time soon but I also know that it is tolerable. I can certainly see why some people love this stuff but that's a little to far for me. 3 out of 5.
3
Dec 08 2023
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
This is a funky album that I really enjoy. Once in a Lifetime is a classic song. There is so much 80s about this album and I love it which is surprising considering it was a 1980 release instead of later in the decade. That being said it's a rather inconsistent listening experience. Really good and a great way to take in 80s music if you are looking for that but overall I'd give this a 3 out of 5.
3
Dec 11 2023
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
This is ok easy listening. 3 out of 5.
3
Dec 12 2023
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Van Halen
Van Halen
It's funny this is rated as Hard Rock and Metal. Maybe it was back in the day. I've heard many of these songs before and it's alright. Maybe it was big for its time because of the guitar skills? Anyway decent album. 3 out of 5.
3
Dec 13 2023
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Not bad but I was surprised to see a release date of 2008. I was hearing late 90s and early 2000s while listening to this. 3 out of 5.
3
Dec 14 2023
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
This is wildly different than anything else I have heard from this project so far. That doesn't mean its bad but definitely a welcome change of pace. It does feel a bit dated though and has moments of greatness followed by things that are not so great. 2 out of 5.
2
Dec 15 2023
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
This is a fantastic album. Most songs are ones that I am not tempted to hit the next button on. That means I like what I'm listening to. This is something certainly worth owning and listening to so it deserves it's place on this list as "an album to hear before you die". This is an easy 4 out of 5 compared to the crap I have heard before it.
4
Jan 24 2024
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21
Adele
I am very familiar with Adele because she had so many singles on the radio for this album. I honestly was not a fan of those singles at all. So I'm surprised to hear the other songs on the album and I actually like all of the better than the ones they chose to release as singles. This album still isn't really my style but I can respect and appreciate her impressive vocal talent. That alone will increase my ranking from a 2 to 3 out of 5.
3
Jan 25 2024
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
I wouldn't say this is bad but the language barrier, for me personally, really prevents this from being "something you need to hear before you die". I know it's ignorance on my part not knowing Spanish but I know there are millions more like me. Musically its really good! Classic Mambo/Guaracha music! The language barrier just brings it down for me. Struggling with rating between a 2 and 3. Since I know I'll probably never listen to it again I think I'll go 2 out of 5.
2
Jan 26 2024
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
I am familiar with Ravi because of his collaborations with George Harrison. So originally when I saw Shankar I thought this was his music. I didn't realize this was his nephew but at least I knew I would be listening to Sitar music. However, it wasn't really my jam. Extremely talented player and interesting music but not something I will revisit. 2 out of 5 stars.
2
Jan 29 2024
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Meh 2 out of 5.
2
Jan 30 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Coldplay. I'm guessing if I were to look at the reviews people are going to hate on them because it is cool to hate on Coldplay. Their earlier stuff like Rush of Blood to the Head are good. I don't care that the popular opinion is to talk shit about them. I enjoy their music. There are several stand out songs on this album: In My Place, God Put a Smile Upon Your Face, The Scientist, Clocks, Green Eyes. So yeah this is good listening and all of the "cool" haters can eat my shit. 4 out of 5.
4
Jan 31 2024
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Coldplay. I'm guessing if I were to look at the reviews people are going to hate on them because it is cool to hate on Coldplay. Their earlier stuff like Rush of Blood to the Head are good. I don't care that the popular opinion is to talk shit about them. I enjoy their music. There are several stand out songs on this album: In My Place, God Put a Smile Upon Your Face, The Scientist, Clocks, Green Eyes. So yeah this is good listening and all of the "cool" haters can eat my shit. 4 out of 5.
4