Sounded ahead of the curve for it's time, outdated by the mid 80's, then like it could have been released in 2016. Too unengaging instrumental in the second half.
Best Song(s): Sound and Vision
Further Listening: Yes
Very tight, well played, well composed songs. Considered revolutionary at the time and still remains as a good example of late 70s - early 80's garage/punk rock, but doesn't hold the same impact today.
Best Song(s): Police & Thieves
Listen Again: Yes
I don't get it.
Best Song(s): N/A
Listen Again: No
Electrofunk Rock n' Soul. So close to a 4, but personally it's a little to explicit for my prudish nature.
Best Song(s): 1999, D.M.S.R., International Lover
Future Listening: Mostly yes
2010's hipster indie rock, sounds like Dire Straits and Springsteen. It has the potential to grow on me
Best Song(s): Suffering, Burning
Listen Again: Yes
Typical Beck album, loses momentum for a good portion towards the middle. At it's best when pulling from different cultural soundscapes.
Best Song(s): Que Onde Guero, Missing, Earthquake Weather
Listen Again: Probably not
Good mix of style throughout to keep the ears engaged. I really like the drums on this album, a little more forward and punchy, which is good because the guitar can be a bit grating on some tracks.
Best Song(s): This Is a Call, Big Me, Floaty
Listen Again: Yes
Half this album can still be heard on the radio, which does take off some of the sheen. Of the 1990's punk that went mainstream, this is the most aggressive, which isn't as much my style. The songs can start to blend together during the 40 minute runtime, but enjoyable still.
Best Song(s): Nitro, Bad Habit, Genocide, Come Out and Play, Self-Esteem
Listen Again: Already Owned
The album starts off strong with the songwriting and warmth of CSN. But by the second half, the songs seem to become more repetitive and/or aimless musically, and lyrically basic. Overall, it sounds dated without being timeless.
Best Song(s): Love the One You're With, Church, To a Flame
Listen Again: Probably not
80% of these songs are about kissing. Not objectively bad, but it's just too adult contemporary for me.
Best Song(s): N/A
Listen Again: No
I can't understand why this album is on the list.
Very cool, very smooth, and I can appreciate it but it's just not for me.
Best Song(s): Girl from Ipanema
Listen Again: Probably not
Great album, not a bad track in here. It's an interesting listen when you notice how stripped back the songs are, only including what is best for the song. There are a fair amount of arrangements here, as was so prevalent in the 90's, but I think they are all fitting and tastefully done.
Best Song(s): The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight, Everybody Hurts, Sweetness Follows, Nightswimming
Listen Again: Already Owned
I've been hearing this album on the radio for decades so it's a little hard to separate the music from the memories, but after listening to it critically, it's just alright. I lyrics are the highpoint, and I like the more social conscious first half over the love song heavy second half. But some of the songs are a bit jammy and I'm not the biggest reggae fan.
Best Song(s): So Much Things To Say
Listen Again: No
I know Elvis Costello can write songs I like, but there was nothing on this record I connected with.
Best Song(s): N/A
Listen Again: No
Full of grooves and attitudes. All the best songs came out as singles, the rest are alright.
Best Song(s): Thriller, PYT
Listen Again: It's Inevitable
Interesting juxtaposition of the darker, moodier lyrics with the seemingly pleasant acoustic arrangement. I could see myself giving this a 4 star 20 years ago, but as it sits now, it's a 3. Im not a big fan of his voice and I like the more electric tracks over the acoustic guitar/piano tracks.
Best Song(s): Son of Sam, LA, Lost and Found
Listen Again: Yes
Lyrically very strong, but the beats and backing tracks aren't as strong. Very heavy on intro/outro/skits, which can add atmosphere to a record buy can also break up momentum. Lauryn Hill really shines through.
Best Song(s): Zealots
Listen Again: Yes
Radiohead for your mom. This band is very capable of writing a great song, but again, I enjoyed them more often when they bring out the electric guitar over the bare acoustic tracks. I personally really like the drumming throughout the album and there are some interesting bass lines included too.
Best Songs: Shiver
Listen Again: Yes
I gave it a shot and it's just not for me. I just can't get into the bluesy Rock featured predominantly on this album, and the more Rocky blues songs just aren't interesting enough for me to latch on to.
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again:No
Lyrically, I know this album isn't for me but I still dug the socially conscious aspects of it even though some of it can come off a little preachy. And a lot of the beats and mixes are fun and positive.
Best Songs: People Everyday, Mr. Wendal
Listen Again: Yes
I really enjoyed the album, especially when Harrison's distinct guitar style mixed with slide and steel guitar country influences. I listed to it on Spotify, which included some of the 2014 remasters but appreciated more of the stripped back original tracks in comparison (eg Beware the Darkness).
Best Songs: My Sweet Lord, Isn't it a Pity (Version 1), Let it Down, Hear me Lord
Listen Again: Yes
More blues tinged rock I just can't get into. Not bad but nothing engaging for me. I wasn't a fan when these singles were on the radio either. The last song was slower, almost like Mazzy Star, which I kind of liked, but at 50 minutes in, it's too little to late.
Best Songs: These days
Listen Again: No
I enjoy Talking Heads, but this album sounds too immature to me. David Byrne's use of his voice is the most interesting component, while a lot of the instrumental work a bit boring and subdued. The more energetic tracks also happen to be the best but it's a few and far between.
Best Songs: No Compassion, Psycho Killer, Pulled Up
Listen Again: Not Really
I like S&G but I don't think this is their best. The song selection feels a little disjointed, which doesn't make for a good album, and even some of the vocal arrangements aren't as tight as you'd expect.
Best Songs: Scarborough Fair, Flowers Never Bend in the Rainfall
Listen Again: Probably Not
This album was fine, but nothing particularly stood out to me. It had the dance qualities of new wave but there just weren't any hooks for me. I think it's a matter of other bands doing it better, including themselves.
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
This is one of my favorite albums. The music is my kind of 90's alt rock with sharp lyrics. Despite her voice not being able to hit all the right notes (All I Really Want), she still pushes herself, creating a very earnest and slightly unhinged recording that lends itself to the subject matter. But then on tracks like 'Mary Jane', her voice soars, proving her control over her artistic vision.
Best Songs: Every Track, No Skips
Listen Again: Already Owned
I had to check myself on this album. I've never owned it, and it's been years since I was in to "classic rock", yet I knew every track by heart. The guitar riffs, the drum beats, the vocals, the organ. Despite the small amount of 70's cheese, I think all of these songs are objectively well written and expertly performed. It's the epitome of arena rock. There's a reason why this whole album can still be heard on the radio. Going in I didn't expect to rate it so high, but it's just a fun listen, even if some of it is nostalgia based.
Best Songs: Every Track, No Skips
Listen Again: Yes
After seeing the cover art and the track listing, I was a little concerned about this album. But after the first song it was plainly obvious how much of a influence this band was on early American punk rock. It almost has a cheap trick crossed with the Ramones sound. The production and musicianship all lend themselves to that proto punk scene. The worst part of the album has to be the drumming, very sloppy. But I was surprised by the rather competent guitar and bass work. I can appreciate the historical importance of the album but I don't think I will ever need to listen to it again.
Best Songs: Master Race Rock
Listen Again: No
This album is a mood, and not one that I'm in today. There was too little variation between songs. Every syllable sung is so slow and elongated that everything just blends into itself.
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Not a fan of freeform jazz and this album didn't change that. The piano work was pretty stellar though.
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
I was waffling between 2 and 3 stars. There were a couple of good songs, but the album really dips in the middle.
Best Songs: Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away, Too Shy to Say
Listen Again: Probably not
I did not enjoy this album. While it wasn't offensive, it was wholly forgettable. Nothing sounded new, or better than what it was trying to emulate.
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
I dig her voice and her unique delivery. Her lyrics strike a good balance between poetically abstract and unsubtly on the nose. And I can't say no to some rockin' piano.
Best Songs: Silent All These Years, Leather
Listen Again: Yes
The only song I've heard off this album was Solsbury Hill and I'm not surprised. It's covers multiple genres, but nothing really stands out.
Best Songs: Solsbury Hill
Listen Again: No
I can get into dream/psychedelic/indie pop, but this one didn't provide enough of an engaging soundscape for me. In fact, this album felt like it just dragged on and on, a lot longer than the 45 minute runtime lead me to believe. It might require another listen.
Best Songs: He Would Have Laughed
Listen Again: Maybe
I remember when this first came out and everyone ragged on it, but I never gave it a listen. Now that I have, I can officially declare that it's not very good. The symphony only detracts from Metallica. To my ear, it makes all the songs sound slower than their original recordings, and when you're listening to a thrash metal band, speed it kind of the key. I do think something like this could work, but in order for that to happen, the arrangements would need to be seamless, like they were always meat to be there. To me, this ain't it. A lot of the time, it sounds like movie background music.
I was originally going to give this two stars, but the more I listen to it the more I warmed up. I can dig industrial music, but Trent reznor's particular style leads to some messed up music for messed up people. While I'm not that messed up, I can still appreciate his use of instruments and sounds that are probably very mundane in nature, but are so unnatural to hear an everyday life that your mind thinks up the worst possible image. That being said I'm sure the music videos to accompany these songs did not help.
It's loud, noisy, silly, and a little edgy. It's worth a listen if you like early garage rock, but I don't think I need to go back for another go around.
Best Songs: Love Came Tumbling Down
Listen Again: Probably not
I like Sam Cooke, and this album makes me want to be there. I think that's about the highest praise you can give a live recording. His singing was spot on, but crowd work could have been better.
Best Songs: Not that kind of album
Listen Again: Yes
This one got me on the right day. I like moody shoegaze so I'm familiar this album. Throw this on in a dark room, headphones on, laying flat on the ground, chill out.
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: Yes
It was alright. Loved the sound, and the singles are classics, but the rest of it is just kind of slow and dour.
Best Songs: Heart of Gold, Old Man
Listen Again: Wouldn't be against it
I'm getting to a point where I'm not sure if I actually like Michael Jackson or if I've just been indoctrinated over the years. The hits are good (maybe?), but all the other tracks sound like over produced filler.
Best Songs: Off the Wall
Listen Again: No
I didn't dislike it, but the after a while the songs sound too similar to stand apart from each other. Loves vocals were the biggest drawback on the album, but that just made the vocal harmonies sound that much better.
Best Songs: TBD
Listen Again: Probably
There were some moments I was feeling it but for the most part, I couldn't find the groove with this one. A little more on the psychedelic end of shoegaze. And the vocals are too forward for how weak they are.
Best Songs: Dream Burning Down, Today
Listen Again: No
Great album. So many layers that make it worth multiple listens.
Best Songs: Reaching Out, Rocket's Tail, This Woman's Work
Listen Again:Yes
The album opened up strong with the first track; odd time signature, interesting. Then it fell off till the last track for me. Not a fan of the lead singer's delivery and whatever processing they put in it for most of the tracks.
Best Songs: A View From the Afternoon, A Certain Romance
Listen Again: No
I wasn't feeling for the first couple songs. It's a throwback to 60's rock, some psychedelic and some garage. But towards the middle they get a little heavier and it hits it's stride.
Best Songs: Alright, Lose it
Listen Again: Yes
I didn't connect with any of the songs on this album, and since this is a double album, it made it feel like a double drag having to slog through it.
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Heroine
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Most of them
Listen Again: Already owned
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Underwear
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Biko
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: The Man Who Sold the World, Lake of Fire, Where Did You Sleep Last Night
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: Sleigh Ride, A Marshmallow World, Christmas
Listen Again: Once a Year
Best Songs: Sidewalk Serfer Girl, No Sympathy
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: Israel
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Maseru
Listen Again: Sure
Best Songs: Phantom of the Opera
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: Prove My Love
Listen Again: Probably
Best Songs: Who Is It?, Oceania, Mouth's Cradle
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: National Anthem, How to Disappear Completely
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Imagine, Crippled Inside, Jealous Guy
Listen Again: Maybe
Best Songs: Giles Farnby's Dream
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: Atlantic City
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Day of the Lords, New Dawn Fades, Dead Souls
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: N/A (Not that kind of album)
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, Bennie and the Jets, Sweet Painted Lady, Roy Rogers
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: Grand Ol' Opery Song, The Precious Jewel, The End of the World, Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: My My, Hey Hey
Listen Again: Probably
Best Songs: Ocean Size, Mountain Song
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Clampdown, I'm Not Down
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: Running With the Devil, Eruption
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: We'll Let You Know, I Know it's Gonna Happen Someday
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: Not that kind of album
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: Bell Bottom Blues
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: (The whole thing's a groove)
Listen Again: Probably
Best Songs: Heroes
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: On a Rope
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: The Way You Make Me Feel, Just Good Friends
Listen Again: Maybe
Best Songs: Roundabout
Listen Again: Probably
Best Songs: Not that kind of album
Listen Again: Yes (must buy)
Best Songs: Streets of Fire
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Living For the City, Higher Ground
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: Tiny Dancer, Levon
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: Tonight Tonight, Zero
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: Dirty Work, Reelin' in the Years
Listen Again: Probably not
Best Songs: (No bangers, but enjoyable overall)
Listen Again: Yes
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: N/A
Listen Again: No
Best Songs: Running Up That Hill, Hounds of Love
Listen Again: Yes
