This is my favorite Queen album. It is so rich with complex compositions that not only rock but tug at emotional heartstrings. It balances playful piano and sing songy narratives ('Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon' and 'Seaside Rendezvous') with epic and powerful guitar that explodes with stellar flare ('I'm In Love With My Car' and 'God Save The Queen')
This album features '39 which is my favorite song not sung by Freddie Mercury that brings a meloncholic and hopeful longing from deep within my heart and shines with the crescendo of their high harmonies.
'You're my best friend' is as timeless a hit as any from that era and expresses love and admiration for a friend or lover in such a celebratory way.
The lyrical qualities range from scathing (Death On Two Legs) to tender (Love Of My Life)
This album also features great story telling in songs like 'The Prophet Song' and the eternal and iconic 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which echoes on to this day and is arguably one of the greatest pieces of music to come out the 20th century. (Prove my wrong!)
If I may express the trite and over stated phrase "They just don't make albums like this any more"
This album is a snapshot in time. I find myself putting myself in the shoes of a young adult in the early 90s UK/Europe and this vibe expresses the dark and hypnotic grittiness of the urban environment in a progressive and inventive way.
The narrative is riddled by realistic violence and heartache and yet an honorable sense of love and dignified hope shines through. I can't help but feel as though all is wrapped in the greater scheme of socioeconomic disparity.
Musically it has a nice groove. It combines hip hop beats with soulful vocals and dark dreamy scenic textures that are very characteristic of both the 80s/90s. I can see how it pioneered a new sound that spearheaded a genre and contemporaries that followed were able to excel above and beyond due to its influence. Acts like Thievery Corporation come to mind.
Some noteworthy tracks to me are:
Blue Lines, Unfinished Sympathy, Day Dreaming, and Hymn Of The Big Wheel.
I give it only a 3 out of 5 because even though this work was a pioneer in some regards, subjectively I found it to be a bit bland and forgettable. The beats seem novel for a moment and are great background music but lyrically it's not that strong and musically it just doesn't hold up to the plethora of other inspiring material out there.
A solid classic rock addition. It may not have the same level of iconic tracks from some of Led Zeppelin's other albums but I enjoyed 'Houses of the Holy', 'Kashmir', 'In the Light', and 'Night Flight'.
I honestly get tired of the same hard rock style even though these guys pioneered it in their own right. Also, Robert Plant's vocals personally get exhausting after a while.
I would give it 4.5 if I could.
His voice is really what elevates this album to me. The tenderness and the pain. He balances rock star with folk singer and a little bit of the grunge that was prevalent of that early 90s time that it was released.
Still my favorite version of "Hallelujah"
A solid alternative album.
A great album by R.E.M.
Listening to this expanded my understanding of the band to a greater capacity. I have always known them for their hits and to see this more raw and underground feel brings a depth to their work. My honest rating is 3.5 (3 because we can't do fractions with this UI) because I enjoyed a few tracks very much and it invoked a deep sense of nostagia but the rest of the songs weren't as lyrically strong nor as memorable.
Some standout tracks are:
"Radio Free Europe"
"Talking About The Passion"
"Perfect Circle"
"9-9"
Absolute fucking gold!!
This album is the quintessence of all that is sexy and romantic.
Beginning with the slightly cheesy and overplayed yet perfect timeless titular track, it weaves through 8 songs of pure soulful splendor.
Marvin Gaye's voice reaches heights accompanied by melodies and progressions that define classic soul and mo-town and yet also transcends them as well. A true leader in the scene.
Honestly every one of these songs is dripping in sensuality and would accompany any romantic setting with ease.
Even 50 years later, these songs hit just as hard as they did when they were released and his memory will live on eternal through his art.
Rest in power Marvin!
I liked "I'm on Fire" and "dancing in the dark" but the rest of the album is really not my kind of music.
I recognize that a lot of people really love Bruce Springsteen so his work holds influence but this didn't seem terribly ground breaking and falls into the small town America dive bar karaoke night material.
It is clear that Paul Simon retains a lot of the talent we heard in the era of Simon & Garfunkel. Hear we are missing a lot of the sweet and tight harmonies but it partially makes up for it with the impressive integration of African melodies, vocal styles and rhythms and the collaborations, like with Los Lobos.
Paul doesn't have strongest voice melodically but he is a poet in his own right. Even though this album was released 20 years later than the 60s it still has a little bit of that counter cultural sound to it, maybe perhaps because his voice is immortalized in that scene.
Where this album falls short is that although he is a strong poet, a lot of the themes and descriptive scenes are all things we have heard before, so even though the music is adventurous, the words are not and certainly aren't when compared to what some other artists are doing in that time lyrically (the mid 1980s).
My stand out tracks are 'Graceland' and 'Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes'
There are a few albums I have in mind that completely encapsulate the zeitgeist of the 90s. This album by Alanis is one of those albums. Amongst other releases by Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis, and No Doubt to name a few, this album earns a shining place in the collections of the greats from the decade.
From the very first chord struck to the last call to "wake up," this release is a whirlwind of powerful alternative that gets you moving, gets your hands up and fingers pointing. It also ebbs and flows from biting and righteous anthemic declarations, "You Oughta Know" and "Right Through You" to more reflective tenderness, "Perfect" and "You Learn" and in a balanced way. It is clear that the narrative in the album is one of scorn and fire. But even within the righteous anger, there is room for one of my favorite love songs from the era "Head Over Feet." Also included in this album are the timeless "Hand in My Pocket" and "Ironic" which transport us all back to the time when these tracks were blasting in our walkmen or discmen.
The album isn't a perfect one, some tracks are less memorable and it kind of tapers off after "Ironic" in my opinion. But that imperfection suits the album very well as a complete whole. As we all feel rather imperfect when finding ourselves after heartbreak and through the fractures of life. The influence and heartfelt inspiration that this album evokes is palpable and undeniable. It teaches us all to gather strength and call things out for what they are and to celebrate the good and seemingly mundane aspects of life with humor and grace.
Really worth a listen to those who have never heard it and a great nostalgic re-listen to those who have.
Solid album with some memorable and passionate moments. He definitely has an amazing voice and carries the vibe masterfully. The album does have a lot of forgettable tracks though in between the more popular hits from the album.
I sat in awe listening to the guitar work in this album. Anything that can make me stop what I am doing and make my face scrunch up in a good way is worth relistening in my book.
I rated it only a 3 because even though there were some awesome moments in the beginning, including an awesome Kinks cover, the album as a whole tapered off and got less interesting.
I am reticent to give this album a 2 out of 5 because I know that Elliott Smith has a very devout and inspired following and has inspired many musicians after him. But I personally feel as though some of his work, especially in this album, is simple and bland and all sounds the same. Not very impressive and not terribly as deep or tragic as others have made him out to be. That's not to say that I don't like some of his work, His other popular album "Either, Or" has some really great music and fits very well as music to feature in films, cafes, and to comfort a lonely or heartbroken soul. But this album bored me to tears and I couldn't help but feel as though his cult following continually overrates his music.
A curious underground and avant-garde release. I can see how it may have influenced some punk and experimental styles that came after it but as an album it was quite shoddy.
Amazing album and beautiful voice. Strong song writing, especially the hits. I don't have time for a proper review. Sorry, not sorry.
I frankly loved this album. It was short and sweet and yet the songs seemed to go on a lengthy journey. I never looked too much into Frank Zappa before and I found this to be a good introduction.
It seemed to me to be toward the jazz side of a psychedelic rock jam band style. The guitar was elegantly woven and the addition of brass brought it to fine art status in my mind.
His voice, however sparse, was a sardonic rasp somewhere between Tom Waits and Jim Morrison and was a novel addition although I admit I was happy that the music spoke for itself rather than featuring long and drawn out vocals.
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is that there were moments I wished the vibe would change or the music would go somewhere different but as is the spirit of adventure. I also couldn't pinpoint the differences between tracks enough to be memorable. The music is also not as timeless or recommendable as some of the other albums I have given 5s to.
Was very pleasantly surprised by this one.
A solid Dylan work. What more can you want or expect?
Not quite as memorable as some of his timeless classic hits of the 60s.
I absolutely love David Bowie but this not my favorite work of his even though it is iconic in it's own right.
It starts out like any rock n roll great of its time but as the album goes on he reveals his more and more of his experimental and emotional piano side to balance it out. I love his voivlce sing just about anything. Not as many memorable hits on this one. I would have given it a 3.5
There are many lenses through which to look at a Beatles album. Having been a huge Beatles fan since toddlerhood, I have an inherent bias which automatically places their entire discography in a tier unto its own. A 6-star so to speak. Having said that I want to see it from different angles and offer the impression it gave me this time around.
Musically speaking, The Beatles have always commanded a balance of pop sensibility, lyrical prowess, and catchy rock rhythms. They also were notorious for flourishing as the apex of studio experimentation and pioneering how pop music could not only reflect the larger world but influence it as well.
This album feels very stripped down compared to some of their other works. There is a lack of anthemic songs that soar from their other albums. Even though we do hear some classical instrumentation, there isn’t as much orchestral influence. The last few albums were decidedly psychedelic, and this album feels more post-psychedelic. It also presents itself as perhaps the least pop of any of their former releases as even “Sgt. Peppers”, as surreal as it can be, has excellent production value indicative a strong pop record.
The songs on “The Beatles” have a very scattered and less cohesive feel to them. I always wonder if it isn’t due several factors. The recent death of their manager and friend, Brian Epstein could have exacerbated the sudden fractured energy between the group. Their recent travels to India brought about new and personal, individual inspirations that we hear begin to take shape in the songs of this album. We hear more than ever before, songs with simple vocals over simple instrumentations that seem almost more like solo material rather than the tight collaborative music of the past.
Musically and lyrically, this album contains some of the most inventive and whimsical music in their entire career as well as some of the most forgettable and downright unpleasant material as well. Many of the narratives largely revolve around various stories and characters that are both timeless offer insight into the spirit of the 60s. I find myself loving even the offbeat songs on this record and it almost feels like this album is more of a close friend who is on your level and who is brilliant but clearly has flaws, rather than a larger-than-life album. This album also features collaborations with others that were not previously part of the Beatles style like Eric Clapton and Yoko Ono.
Even though it may not be their best album by far, more of a personal favorite, I do thoroughly enjoy this record and would recommend it to anyone. So many moments bring me such joy. It is slapped with the ironic name “The Beatles,” having so many disjointed and individual efforts rather than cohesive wholes. And despite that, these tracks feel as quintessentially The Beatles as anything.
Part of the review by my family and I was us stripping down the album into our own all killer no filler mix trying to aim to be no longer than approx 40-50 mins, with at least 1 ringo and 2 georges:
1. Back In The U.S.S.R. (The most epic intro song)
2. Dear Prudence (Soft and reflective, hopeful, perfect composition)
3. Glass Onion (Meta, self-referential, full of symbolism)
4. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (Masterful storytelling, gripping harmonies, chorus and bridge)
5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (incredible composition and guitar work)
6. Happiness Is A Warm Gun (personal Top 5 Beatles song, unique song structure, harmonies)
7. I’m So Tired (one of the most satisfying late stage Beatles song)
8. Blackbird (masterpiece, social commentary, new finger-picking style)
9. Rocky Raccoon (timeless drinking song of sorts)
10. Julia (hauntingly beautiful and gentle poetry)
11. Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey (raucous and amazing bass)
12. Sexy Sadie (Arguably the best song on the album, referring to historical events sung in metaphor)
13. Savoy Truffle (Honestly it was just because I needed a second George and I know Piggies is really great too, but this one just hits me, great lyrics, rich textures)
14. Revolution 9 (Incredible Avant-Garde composition, bizarre and worth noting, has infamous recognition)
15. Good Night (The Ringo track and natural end to the album especially after Revolution 9, sorry Sean but “Don’t Pass Me By” is one of my least favorite tracks of theirs historically)
This was hard because I omitted songs that I truly love as well, as I am sure all of you had done.
Even though there are clunkers in the album, I still give it a 5 star because it is just excellent in so many ways and I recommend it stronger than I would the other fours I have given.
Great Irish punk album. This makes me wanna grab some Jameson and beer and get hammered, moshing and singing with arms around my also hammered, moshing friends.
Solid early jungle/drum and bass record but honestly very generic by today's standards.
I liked this album more as I continued to listen to it. It definitely had some good vibes and would accompany a drive or a workout very well.
This album rocked. Definitely riding those waves of first wave British punk although their command of melody seemed almost reminiscent of late 60s british psych rock as well.
Perhaps not as notable or iconic as some other punk acts of the time, it brought me back to hear this style again.
I love all Beatles albums from the bottom of my heart, so they most likely will all get 5/5. Maybe a couple will get 4/5 but not this one.
This album isn't what I call a perfect album necessarily as there are a few tracks that aren't as strong or noteworthy as others.. (What Goes On, Drive My Car, The Word).
Where this album really shines is in the songs that showcase the maturing songwriting and musical capacities of the Beatles at this time in their career.
In particular, I am always the most impressed by the songs led by John. "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" features killer song writing, subtle suggestive undertones (not usually featured in Beatles music up until this point) and of course George's first foray into playing the Sitar.
"Nowhere Man" has amazing harmonies and wonderful sweet chord progressions typical of the Beatles but with lyrics that are relateable and obscure at the same time.
"Girl" captures the deep sorrow of anyone who has loved a girl in such a profound, yet clear way. Mostly illustrating the challenges and pitfalls of such a love rather than something sickeningly sweet. And who can forget that characteristic chorus.
"In My Life" is arguably the strongest track on the album and illustrates not only that the Beatles have matured past their pop phase, but that John as a songwriter can be silly and fun but also deep and introspective. This brings us a timeless song that will last through the ages.
That's not to say that the other Beatles don't have good contributions. Paul led "You Won't See Me" and "I'm Looking Through You" are always a blast to listen to. "Michelle" is probably the one of the other strong tracks. Pure smooth sweetness.
The George songs are alright. Not his best but not his worst either. Amazing harmonies throughout.
All in all, this record is amazing and begs mutiple listens through, not simply a one, done, and on to the next.
It balances accessibility with adventure, exhibits incredible songwriting, and almost anyone could find something to like about it.
Great funk and soul vibes that are smooth and enjoyable but I honestly found some tracks to be a little boring and not as noteworthy. Nothing on this album that really "hits."
I really wanted to like this more than I did.
"There is a light that never goes out" is one of my favorite songs to come out of the 80s. Perfectly captures the air of desperation and despair that can be a backdrop for love and friendship.
To me it carries the album and what a heavy load because unless you are a Smiths fan, the rest of it can sound pretentious, flat, and unremarkable.
What a legend. The album starts strong and ends strong. Funky and soulful with amazing vocals throughout. "Superstition" hits just as hard as ever. The only criticism I might have is some of the less memorable tracks get lost in the sauce but it doesn't mean they are bad by any means. Overall a classic masterpiece.
Simply groundbreaking. Excellent guitar riffs. Dark and nightmarish vocals that the world had not seen before. Good bass work. Those drums in Rat Salad! So many contemporary artists derive inspiration and direction from these pioneers. I can't say that I didn't enjoy any moment of it and I would easily place this in any masterpiece category.
Excellent guitar work per the usual from these guys.
A groundbreaking masterpiece!
Some tracks were enjoyable but I kinda expected more from such a notoriously prestigous band.
I really enjoyed it but will probably not return for a re-listen.
Song after song of iconic 80s pop. Hard to go wrong with it. I only don't give it a 5 because I couldn't see myself putting this on ever again. Although I am impressed and it was a joy to listen through.
Wonderful folk rock album full of great songs with deep poetic lyrics. I sincerely enjoy every song for a different reason. Not by favorite album of there's to be honest but still a classic masterpiece.
A love like ours could never die..
Classic and solid work. A real snapshot in time.
Not everyone's cup of tea, but a smash hit in the DJing and dance world that I am so fond of. This album exhibits how electronic music can both be subversive and mainstream at the same time. Almost all of the tracks on this album are bangers and hearing them again made me recall fondly when I was a child dancing like a maniac to "The Rockafeller Skank."
I only didn't give it a 5 because it honestly doesn't age as well. Definitely a snapshot in the late 90s but unless you put it on as a soundtrack for a period piece or as background music for a trendy urban thrift store, I can see it not pleasing the people around it as readily as the other 5/5 albums I have rated on this list.
I love talking heads but it honestly wasn't my favorite.
While certainly not their first release, it is definitely evident that this album marks Green Day's big break. From it's iconic album cover to it's tight 40ish minutes of peppy skate punk. This album spoke to an entire generation of disenchanted and rebellious youth. Many would indicate this as one of their first exposures to punk rock.
What they do well here is blare out nice, even and uncomplicated harmonies without waver. Billie Joe Armstrong's voice is engaging and simultaneously exudes lazy apathy and a sneering attitude indicative of punk music. Perhaps this is why they are so accessible to listeners that may not dive too deep into the genre. They are certainly not hardcore by any means, but still they are sowing the seeds in this album for the band they will grow to be.
This came out right in the wave of early 90s when skating was a growing scene and subculture. The days of grunge were on the decline and alongside NOFX, Rancid, The Offspring, Bad Religion, and many others, Green Day took the helm to drive alternative music forward.
This isn't a perfect album by any means, as there are some tracks that are more forgettable than others. But the nostalgic popular tracks "Welcome to Paradise," "When I Come Around," and "Basket Case" definitely elevate the listening. Even 30 years later this still slaps.
I was on the fence about giving it a 4 or a 5 but I settled on 5 because I feel that this list is full of influential albums as much as it is full of masterpieces and I would lean more on calling this the former. Not to mention it is nostalgic as fuck and it transports me to a much younger and rebellious Cora Zone.
Do we have the time to listen to him whine? The answer is definitely yes!
Props to a good performance that probably took a lot of energy to perform. I just honestly am not as much a fan of love albums of even my favorite bands, let alone one I am not as familiar with.
So many great songs. An amazing counterculture icon.
One of my favorite albums of all time. I sincerely enjoy ever minute of this album and it is a masterpiece of 60s folk rock. Even the weaker songs on the album are beautiful.
Would have been a 3/5 but the sheer power of "Take On Me" carried this generic synth pop album to the stars.
Very unique and full of bops
Perfect music for bringing your restored classic car to a car show.
I really struggled to find any moment of this album that I didn't enjoy.
I gave it a chance but overall I wasn't sitting back and nodding my head, it was more tilting my head and attempting to wrap it around the meandering tinny sounding guitar. There are definitely some enjoyable moments which is why I didn't give it a 1, but overall it isn't my favorite.
Some really awesome funky moments, some other moments, not so awesome.
Her voice is so beautiful but as an album it is kind of boring overall in my opinion. I would probably only listen to a few of the songs ever again.
Some of his greatest solo stuff, especially after just leaving that huge Beatles wave.
So much to love on this album by Grizzly Bear. It reminds me so much of college years.
Such amazing work by a legendary artist. Arguably my favorite album by Bowie.
Even though musically this album is so-so. The influence and waves that it sent throughout the alternative world is undeniable. I would be remiss to not give it a 5 for that alone.
Perfect. Just perfect. Even down to the last note cutoff.
