I'm not very well versed in rap, but this was more or less what I expected from a classic 90s rap album. I was surprised that I really liked it, there are some songs that I would definitely listen to again and I think it merits another closer listen when I can focus more on each song. Also noted a couple of verses that I recognized which surprised me. Track #10 (The $20 Sack Pyramid) threw me for a loop and will be a skip.
This album is certainly more my thing than The Chronic, but I wasn't gripped by it, especially throughout the first half. It was great music to work to but part of the reason why is that nothing stood out and grabbed my attention. I thought it was vaguely reminiscent of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel, one of my favorite albums of all time and so I found myself wishing I was listening to that instead. Props to Wilco for including a couple of longer songs, I tend to love a 6-7min+ track.
Listened to this one out loud with Kate who described it as "more country than [they] were expecting." Not sure that I took away the same conclusion, but again was underwhelmed by this one. Nothing wrong with it, but once again, not gripping.
Definitely my favorite so far. Fun guitars, made me want to dance more than Aftermath. Obviously, started off strong with Seven Nation Army but unlike the albums from the last 2 days, individual songs on this one stood out to me as I was listening, even if I was distracted doing other things. Highlight would have to be a fun and different song to end the album with that didn't blend in with the rest, even if it wasn't my favorite track on the album, it was a unique song that stood out on its own and marked the end.
Favorite song: There's No Home For You Here
I anticipate the following review to be a hot take but here it goes. This is the first album so far that I already knew well and I love this one. Well rounded, pretty, kind of jazzy, with some of my favorite instrumentals and interesting, well-researched lyrics. I know some people think a concept album all about a state is silly and excessive but I think this album is great. Would give it a 4.5 if I could as it's definitely not a perfect album, but 5 stars to distinguish it from anything else I've rated 4 so far.
Best song: Chicago, The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out To Get Us!
Not my thing. Way too much synth.
Best song: Anonymous Collective
Worst song: the rest
This almost could not be less my thing. I couldn't wait for it to end. Sounds like a 1980s horror movie soundtrack.
I've had a greater appreciation for this album ever since I took a class in college called The Great American Novel and we talked about this album as a non-literary example of the Great American Novel. Liked it before, have loved it since.
