Isn't Anything
My Bloody ValentineWhat a perfect album to hear for the first time high!
What a perfect album to hear for the first time high!
What a quirky album, mostly in the best ways. A little all over the place, like the White Album. Definitely not as good as its predecessor, begging the question of great art is best created in the storm of chaos as opposed to its settled aftermath…🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽
Adele’s voice is undeniable; such an amazing instrument. The pathos and nuanced emotion she brings to the tunes is palpable and the songwriting overall solid, but I don’t know… I’m still left at a bit of a distance from connecting with this one. I think I prefer the raw grittiness of 19 over this more polished production, which is maybe polished up a bit too much for me.
Versatile but still cohesive. And enjoyable too, beyond the hit. Easily one I can see revisiting.
More enjoyable than I expected! Went in thinking it would be prog-rock hippy-dippy nonsense that I wouldn’t be able to relate to but no. Favorite was the first song 21st Century Man, with its engaging hard rock leanings.
What a fun listen! And so much more than just the two hits I already knew from their greatest hits compilations. Definitely one to revisit.
I can appreciate the musicianship but not really my cup of tea. Started off slow, and only slightly picked up for me.
This sounded of a piece with their subsequent release, but where that one left me a bit cold, I like this just a bit better. The storytelling, harmonies and overall musicianship drew me in. But not really something I think I’ll go back to frequently.
I liked it more on second listen. The songwriting is what stood out on a second go-round.
Wow, what a surprise this one was! Totally blown away with how melodic the songs were, while still thumping. I’ll definitely be revisiting this one.
I enjoyed it but I think I like his earlier stuff a bit more, at least at this point where I’m working through all of his discography for the first time.
Liked it more than I presumed considering its moody, avant-garde aesthetic. Nice blend of the synthetic, technical vibe of a Kraftwerk combined with the sonically manipulated humanity of Bowie. Need more than a casual listen. Feel like this project being a daily review flows to fast for such an album which needs digging into if it’s not a familiar genre. But enjoyed it enough that it’s worth coming back to.
Surprised myself with this one. As a kid into Pop & R&B as a kid when this came out, I just assumed that it was "punk noise." Man, was I wrong, but since I was only nine I'll forgive myself. Still think I'd lean toward The Clash for my UK-based anarchy and angst (just a touch more melodic and a bit wider genre-mashing skill), but amazing how much this still holds up. Definite will revisit.
An easy 5. Always loved this album since I first heard it years ago, and especially after seeing Van perform it in its entirety at the Hollywood Bowl. He may be a jerk in some of his political attitudes and how he treats people allegedly, but damn if he can’t create magic with his voice and an inspired band playing with him.
Takes me right back to high school when I was all over this. Still holds up! I rank this album second amongst their titanic first three releases with their iconic self-titled first release just a touch better. You have a lot of the developing blueprint of both underground and pop-rap established right here: the different but complimentary flows of Run and DMC, hard-hitting beats from Jay, mixing in a sprinkle of rock stylings and you get a rap album that was accessible for the masses and still had street cred. Fun stuff. And great to revisit; it’d been awhile.
I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed by this one, based on the hype. What stands out is Bernard’s and Nile’s insane playing (especially Bernard’s bass riffing), but really the only standout tracks were the hits I was already familiar with. The rest of the album came off as solid enough filler that was of its time, but mostly forgettable formula tunes. Really, it’s the hits that are all I need from this one.
Another surprisingly enjoyable listen! I had only heard a few of the songs in passing back in the day, essentially writing it off as soft pop for angst college girls, but that’s on me for not giving it a chance. Truly enchanting at moments, extremely cohesive but broad in its subject matter and overall themes. Really a five star gem!
Tough listen. There wasn't anything that drew me in, and all of the songs reminded me of The Doors and/or early Bowie who did this baroque pop/psychedelia style a touch better.
Really enjoyed this one. And completely new to me. Dreamlike melodies... that are dreamy! Will revisit for sure, but a definite pleasant surprise.
Enjoyed it more than I expected considering I’m not a big ambient guy.
Hmm, I’m very close to giving this a five. It’s surprisingly cohesive under the OutKast banner considering it’s really two solo albums, and it’s so much more than just the hits, but it’s loooong. I can’t help but imagine what it could’ve been if they condensed it down to Stankonia length and produced a tight, 18-20 song album. Still great though; really more of a 4 and 1/2 stars.
I think I expected a bit too much from this one. There’s an awful lot of talk amongst the online music community that all of The Smith’s small discography are essential, five star albums but this didn’t strike me that way at all. I did expect a bit more also after coming off of the joy I got from Morrissey’s sophomore solo project but this one didn’t grab me that way; only a couple of songs pulled me in. One of them was “Meat is Murder”; enjoyable tune with something to say but not going to lie, it won’t make me give up pork chops.
Still in that "jangle pop" vein that I wasn't a big fan of back in the late 80/early 90s. Three stars because there are a few songs that I liked well enough, "My Drug Buddy" leading the way.
It was just “okay”. I wish the music drew me in as much as the themes and subject matter.
Always been a schizophrenic listen for me both now and back in the day. The beats and production were next level, and even the subject matter was important and relevant…but the misogyny is still hard to get past at times.
It’s a banger. Solid throughout, but nothing hits like Seven Nation Army no matter how many times it’s played at sporting events.
I liked it more than I expected considering its iconic status and a presumption that it may be overhyped. Picked up for me in the second half, and I enjoyed the musical variation.
Relaxing “mood music” mostly. I enjoyed the vibe overall.
Much more than the lo-fi, “shoe-gaze” pop that I assumed was Elliott’s typical fare considering his reputation. Solid all-around.
If it wasn’t for some of the dated production that was of its time, I think I might’ve rated this as a five. The songs still hold up (mostly), and Jay’s sparse beats and scratching work perfectly with Run & D.M.C.’s interconnected wordplay. It’s so solid, they basically laid the foundation for many of the rap cliches that survive to this day. Unlike being stale, here at its origins it comes off as fresh and creative.
Nice, “summertime BBQ” vibes.
Enjoyed this one by playing my VMP mono edition which was perfect on a cold, snowy Colorado February morning. This album could ride just on the strength of the well-known hits but it's so much more. Aretha in her prime with a dedicated rhythm section, and solid writing? What else is needed?
What a perfect album to hear for the first time high!
Who knew that you could say “I’d like to dial up some trippy early 70s psychedelic space rock” and have it be legitimately entertaining?
Yeah, left me a bit cold. Some songs were catchy enough on first listen but most struck me as pretty disposable. The writing had a “ad jingle” ephemeral vibe that made it a bit forgettable overall.
This one arrives like a comfy pair of jeans. Dreamy.
Oh, what a winner! Slows down a bit toward the end but such bangers right out the gate.
Definitely some interesting sonic landscapes, and clearly can see how much of what will come started here (thinking of you, Daft Punk amongst many others), but can’t say I’ll revisit often.
Not going to lie, I went into this one with ALL kind of bias, assuming it wouldn’t be my cup of tea because of Kid’s decidedly off putting public persona and comments as of late. But it didn’t take long to forget all that and just enjoy the album for the fun mix of genres and catchy rhyming it provided throughout the entire (long) runtime.
Some moments of creative greatness but overall left me a bit cold.
It started slow but I liked the side b songs quite a bit. The instrumentation especially stood out, but the early 70s prog-rock vibe really isn’t my thing.
A bit long. Loved the soundscapes on a number of tracks but the lyrical content was mostly mundane. “Guko fucking destroyed me” made me chuckle, reminding me of my trip to Japan. Will be nice to visit now and again for the rhythms but came across as a number of demo tracks that could’ve been condensed down to a tighter album.
I’m waking up to the funky side of Talking Heads. Loved this one from the jump.
Maybe it was that I was listening to this in what seemed like the perfect conditions (crisp, morning trail walk with Karma), but I really loved this one. Her voice is amazing, and the themes she touches on throughout still resonate today.
So much fun! A bit dated with the production and pop/alternative vibe but no denying that it was a fun listen.
Totally new to this one and enjoyed it.
I couldn't get over how much they sound like Oasis. Good, but not great; nothing grabbed me immensely but there were a few catchy songs.
Absolutely loved this one! And shocked that I didn't know anything about, and that I had a completely wrong idea of what it was gonna be thinking it was more like Black Flag or the like. So many different touches of various genres but it still stays uniquely cohesive. His voice was a bit mopey but not irritatingly so, and their vocals do blend well together. Her voice was mesmerizing. Definitely will be revisiting this and the rest of there discography.
Yeah… definitely not my jam. Struck me as second-rate Doors knockoffs but missing that Door’s spark of kooky mysticism and general dark mystery. Came off as just endless long-form psychedelic noodling. Maybe they were better live.
Another personally unknown pleasant surprise. Great vocals, solid songwriting (especially on the first half of the album), and a nice mix of genres and presumed influences (I could hear a bit of Queen and My Bloody Valentine). Definitely will be coming back to this one.
Not horrible, but definitely not my cup of tea. A bit too whimsical for me with all the vaudevillian like flourishes.
I forgot how great this album is, not revisiting it for years. It was great start to finish back in high school, and still holds up today. The mixture of elements is perfect: a few absolutely iconic tracks couple with emotionally resonance in the deeper tracks, classic early eighties synth rhythms that don’t sound dated, and top-notch songwriting and vocals. Loved revisiting this one.
Fun listen, though not my typical fare. At 55, I think I missed my window for headbangin', but had enough fun listening that I went for it and ended up needing aspirin for the neck pain afterwards. I'm not sure except for a few songs I'll revisit, but I respect the complexity of the music, specifically the tempo changes. Also liked the surprising depth of some of the lyrics and subject matter.
Didn’t like it as much as I presumed considering the band’s near legendary status as grunge forefathers.
How do you rate a Bowie album on one (or two) listens?? Sure, that could be said for any artist/album but it seems especially resonant with Bowie. On a first listen, I liked a few songs but feel this would especially benefit from repeated listens over weeks/months.
I absolutely hated this on first listen, with a lot of WTF?!? attitude about it… then I listened again with family to share the “WTF?!?” perspective… and they all hated it strongly, but I found it weirdly engaging at this point. Giving it a 3 as I still don’t know what I make of it or if I think it’s “good” but finding I’m at least intrigued enough to consider it worthy to revisit when I don’t know… maybe when tripping on LSD? 🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽
Oh man, an easy five. I knew the hits but damn, not these versions. And whole album was killer; hit like a straight from Columbia pure dose of cocaine. I think it was Muddy and the band being in a great mood throughout; with Muddy’s charisma on high and the band rhythm section being it. Loved it.
This one hit me more as clinical appreciation rather than true love. I can see why it gets much love, especially for it’s legacy as artistic inspiration for bands to come, but that’s about it for how it hit me.
Struck me as the epitome of “meh”. Lots of generic guitar noodling with mediocre songwriting.
Damn, the harmonies! That, and some solid songwriting and tasteful musicianship and I was bought in.
I hear and the punk legacy they helped establish but it’s more of a “hmm” than a “wow!” I think it’s more my issue though due to a first/only listen; many of the tracks are catchy but seem unfinished as if this were a demo tape. Three stars today, but could see with further listens could be higher.
A couple of songs grabbed me but a bit too much jam band noodling for me.
I tried but I couldn’t get into it. I’m sure it didn’t help that I don’t speak French, but even without that obstacle the orchestral flourishes didn’t engage me and the lead singer reminded me of a bad knockoff of Tom Waits without the swampy charisma.
Now, THIS is why I’m doing the challenge! So, so good from 5 seconds into the first cut. So diverse and lush with the arrangements and genre touches. I have no idea what the subject matter is covering throughout since I don’t speak Spanish but he could be singing about killing puppies and I’d still play it, the music is so good.
Impressed with the songcraft and subject matter, and how relevant the topics remain for today’s world, but it kinda reminded me of a lesser Public Enemy. What was missing though was Chuck D’s captivating charisma, Flava’s (often under-appreciated) comedy relief, and probably most importantly, the Bomb Squad’s innovations in production. A+ for the writing though; just missing some of those other elements.
Take some consummate songwriting skills she developed from the Brill Building factory and let her turn it on her personal story instead of writing for others? Yeah, sign me up for that. Fifty plus years later and the album still pops with intimacy and relatability that resonates. Gotta say though, Where You Lead is a little anachronistic listening to the lyrics in 2024. No matter, easy five star album.
Sure, some of the lyrics are a little silly once you get beyond being 16; they ain’t writing Shakespeare here, but damn if it ain’t a fun time. The Angus brothers bring it and Brian Johnson deserves props for relatively seamlessly replacing Bon Scott’s growl effectively. Love it for being wholeheartedly what it is: pure Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Kinda let down by this one after all the hype over the years.
Ah, Beck! Love him as you never know what you’re going to get album to album in the best way possible; truly one of the few artists that can authentically jump amongst multiple genres and still keep things cohesive. This one isn’t my fav, but it’s still a winner.
I just didn’t like this one. I couldn’t get into any of the songs, and the lead singer’s voice was grating for me throughout. 🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽
Stone cold classic that is still as fiery and relevant in its subject matter (unfortunately) as when it first came out. And its still one of the most perfect mixes of rap & metal ever, like peanut butter and chocolate.
Interesting listen. Definitely get a sense of the Iggy & Bowie connection after listening.
Stevie’s a Mount Rushmore level artist for me so this was an easy five. Often considered one of the “lesser” albums during his Imperial Era (that for me starts with Music of My Mind and continues amazingly all the way through to Hotter Than July), Fulfillingness’ is just as stunning as Innervisions before it, just in a different, more laid back and romantic vein. Whole album is banging from the songwriting, Stevie’s voice, the expert musicianship and more complex and jazzier chord progressions we get here beyond the normal pop music fare. And the background singers! Really stood out to me on this listen. I absolutely love this album.
The musicianship really stood out, but at least on a first listen or two, only a couple of songs clicked.
Didn’t enjoy this much. Sonically sounded very dated, and I wasn’t a fan of much of the lyrical flow or production style. Seemed like a poor version of P.E.’s the Bomb Squad, with the horn squeals. The uplifting subject matter was nice but damn, Gangsta Rap had this beat on producing jams.
What a quirky album, mostly in the best ways. A little all over the place, like the White Album. Definitely not as good as its predecessor, begging the question of great art is best created in the storm of chaos as opposed to its settled aftermath…🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽
Kinda “meh”. Expected more bangers considering its legendary status.
Appreciated B.B.'s voice more than his guitar on this one. And the audience was into it. Nice listen.
Just not my jam.
Beautiful album. Van may be a jerk in real life based on many documented reports, but all that goes away for me when he starts singing. Combined with the backing band, they reach moments of transcendence. There’s just enough filler for me that it’s just short of classic status, but there’s much love for this one.
Liked this one! I think it’s just a bit closer to acoustic, singer/songwriter Neil which I know and love than his Godfather of Grunge stage which is more unfamiliar to me but some of that is here too which is cool. Maybe this is a more accessible “gateway album” for his later stuff?
I can appreciate the musicianship and the lead singer’s voice was angelic and pretty but damn, I felt like I was at a Renaissance Fair surrounded by elves, dwarves and fairies and badly wanted to escape.
A quirky album with some interesting soundscapes but not many songs really "sparked joy".
Maybe it’s because it’s a much-needed 70 degree day after weeks of shitty cold weather when this one popped up for me, but I was feeling it. The horns! Nice, surprisingly adventurous guitar work at moments too. I can see coming back to this one on many a summer BBQ.
Man, what a great album! Wife and I were able to see Elton on the second to last US show at Dodger Stadium for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2022 and it was absolutely amazing. Only bad moment was I was literally taking a piss as Elton began the opening piano riff and lyrics for Rocket Man; I couldn't rush back to my seat fast enough. It did make something pretty clear: besides Paul McCartney, I can't think of many performers that could theoretically play a full concert on two consecutive nights and not really have to repeat a song due to having SO many hits. I love the early, more folksy Elton from his first few albums, but here's where he blossomed into the ENTERTAINER in all his glorious, over-the-top and totally flamboyantly engaging artist that's the other side of his persona. He nails both sides of himself, with some not too shabby help from long-time partner Bernie. A true gem of an album.
Came into this one completely ignorant and finished smiling for the most part. Loved some of the soundscapes and spot and vinegar lyrics but it drags a bit toward the end being over an hour and fifteen minutes long. Could’ve benefited from a bit of editing, me thinks.
Everyone talks about being blown away by this in the late sixties, but what’s amazing is it still is able to do the same in 2024. I knew the hits, but after listening to the whole album, I’m struck by how many next level recording techniques were all over the album. Also, of course Jimi’s guitar playing was the star of the show, but other highlights for me were Jimi’s singing, and Mitch’s drumming. The whole group were no slouches. A classic for good reason.
I love Jack’s guttural songwriting, blues based riffing, and overall punk aesthetic. Amazingly creative to be sure. Meg’s drumming? Eh, not much of a fan. I get the same punk, “I don’t know how to play my instrument but it ain’t gonna stop me since I have something to say” vibe, but it just leaves me wondering how these songs would go off with a more accomplished backbeat holding the song down. Points for going for it, but yeah…
Some interesting songs and nice instrumentation throughout, but not something I see revisiting.
Some albums are clsssics for a reason. I should’ve been up on this decades ago, but was a close-minded teenager when it came to music genres at the time, focused more on Pop and R&B and assumed Rock wasn’t my cup of tea despite recommendations to not sleep on Bruce from a good friend. Should’ve listened to him; would’ve had decades of joy from appreciating this one.
Props for the accessibility of the songs. Way catchier than expected and I really liked the soundscapes and arrangements. The screeching “rage vocals” wore a bit thin but I think mainly because it became a rap/metal cliche that’s a bit played out today, but pretty innovative here considering the times.
I expected more. Years of hype. The hits/known songs are beasts, but a bit of filler too. Researching the album it becomes apparent this was incomplete due to Janis’ death and I think that’s where some of its legacy comes from.
Shocker: I like Iron Maiden! Surprised by the catchy melodies and complex arrangements with changing tempos.
I liked the angst, frequent rhythm changes, and overall musicality.
Amazing album! Honestly, I think I’m giving it a 4 because I know of the brilliance to come from the group.
Loved the Harmonies! But nothing but a song or two grabbed me emotionally and stood out.
This was a hard one for me. I like some of the Punk aesthetics and mixing of genres provided throughout, but none of the songs "stuck" with me. Maybe a first listen problem; I get the sense if I wasn't doing this challenge which zooms along at a breakneck pace, this one would benefit from multiple listens, but I'm grading it for where it stands for me now.
Underwhelmed by this one.
Twelve minute version of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”? Sign me up! Also, gotta admit I did a double take and a chuckle hearing Otis sarcastically singing “The n****s are coming!” to call out the racist culture of white flight very common at the time (and continues to today). Funky music with a message that resonates is always a nice combo.
An amazing album. I consider this still in MJ's "imperial stage" where it was gonna sell no matter what, but he's continuing to develop here especially with his vocal techniques which started with Off the Wall. His voice is a literal rhythm machine all on its own. I used to think differently; that this was a minor adaption from all that he had already shown with Thriller: you have several songs that could be considered similar in tone/genre (a rock song, a ballad with a guest artist, etc), but the talent and world-class production and arrangements are so top notch. It holds up.
This was a hard listen. Not many songs clicked, and the lead singer’s voice was grating. Even the most accessible song which is good, the cover of “Just Like Heaven” isn’t as good as the OG. Just meh overall.
Culture appropriation or good music? I hear the arguments for the former, but land in the latter camp.
More meh than I expected
Not top tier Bruce from the 70s/80s, but close.
Wow, wasn’t expecting this type of songwriting or lush production from this mashup of British indie pop artists. It brought the 60s Burt Bacharach vibe in good way.
C’mon, an easy five. I’m all for “the Beatles discover weed” era and the gem of an album it produced. Deeper and more introspective songwriting combined with a growing appreciation of leveraging musical instruments and motifs that expand beyond the “traditional” subject matter and song craft as had been popular to that point? All for it, and welcome to the future.
Eh, didn’t like this one much. I couldn’t connect with any of the songs.
A bit of a dud for me. I only liked the (overly) familiar hits for the most part. It was kinda cool to hear the audienxe reactions; so tame compared to modern shows.