Classic Dr. Dre production from the G funk era - simple but catchy bass-lines, synth hooks (often high octave), creative use of other instrumentals (flute etc.) It’s definitely a patterned approach that repeats across many songs and albums. Snoop’s flow is smooth and distinctive, although at times I think the lyrics were driven by the flow, repetitive, and juvenile. Often times it seems that a cliche is thrown in just to fit the flow. That said, there are verses here that sustained across other songs for years after. This feels like an artist with incredible potential who is just raw lyrically.

It’s interesting to catch an album from 60 years ago you’ve never heard. I put this through an amp and speakers from the 1940s which I think was the right call, although streamed with a digital device so I imagine that distorts things a little. This is very simple lyrics, melodies, very contained vocals. The backing harmonies on chorii I think are sometimes a single track - no layering. It’s so stark compared to modern music. It’s very pleasant listening. You Don’t Own Me is probably the track that I liked best, melodically gave me some Nina Simone vibes. I’m not sure it’s terribly memorable overall.

Solid album that falls off after the first three songs. Oddly mastered however the 2014 one seems to have the best depth.

What a diverse album that finds its way into 90s grunge, pop acts like U2, lots of female-led rock (Gigantic in particular feels like a formula for a song with a female vocalist that has resonated for decades after) and even hardcore/scream-o. Almost feels like two different bands recording with different personalities at times. Tony's Theme is a weird gimmick track but man it hits. Incredible for a first album.

Enjoyable listen - great drumming, rhythm guitar, bass. Did not find the vocals or lyrics quite as engaging but at times they were. Mystery Achievement is the real bop for me.

This album surprised me - a little more melodic than I am accustomed to. Vocals were strong and the drum fills and lead guitar were obviously incredibly strong. Feel like I might revisit this one again.

Outstanding album, distinctive and so many bands to follow that I like pull from it in various ways (Arcade Fire, The Faint, Franz Ferdinand, DFA 1979.) Halo is just a momentously great song, as is Enjoy the Silence obviously. As much as I enjoy the punchier parts (synth and beat alike), the use of ambient noise throughout is I think my favourite part - creates a very full sounding record.

Meh

Pleasant but not something I’d listen to again.

If we had half stars this would be 3.5. This one really surprised me. He’s got a distinct style of writing that people might call simple, but man there are themes there. Last Night I Had a Dream I could squint and see Tom Waits. A few misses but lots of hits. Also - 22 academy award nominations for score writing and boy you can tell. Every song seems written like it’s a scene in a movie. Enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.

Great album - you can hear the Bowie influence on production from the get-go. Reed particularly at this time tells tales not otherwise heard and does so with a frankness that is unique. The mix of musical styles including what feels like Broadway musical on New York Telephone Conversation is neat, although includes a couple of misses. The inconsistency is the only thing that keeps this from a 5 star in my opinion.

Classic CCR grooviness. I don’t find there’s a lot of variance in their style, subject matter, and so to some degree I feel like CCR has a general memorableness that doesn’t yield a lot of memorable tunes.

Moody af. Great soundtrack for letting the inner misanthrope out to play, but catchy enough to not just wallow in a pit of despair. This sort of punk-adjacent sound that I think works across multiple decades.

First real whiff. It’s dance-y but I’m not really sure what sets it apart from anything else I’d find on MuchDance 90.

Love this one - sad songs really were done best in this era. Smooth, easy listening, love the use of horns throughout.

Obviously Aretha's vocals are the star, but this album is funky, swing-y, and generally a really fun listen.

Really solid album - can function as both an active listen (lyrics are clever, beats are strong) and a background listen too as it has a strong ambient profile past the beat. This comes out after Wu-Tang's 36 Chambers and you can start to hear some of the Eastern sound influence that becomes part of their sound going forward.

Incredibly pleasant listen - feels like the kind of surprise at a music festival that would be very welcome.

Great background listen, sampled often in hip-hop. Wouldn't call it a diverse album or sound but what it does it does well.

This album doesn’t really pull me in. It’s at a time where rock and roll was waning, and so it stood out as counter that trend, but I don’t find it that appealing of a listen.

I can hear some influence on other stuff to come, but it's a very messy album itself.

So much good. I wish Leo would take more chances musically and vocally but it’s beautiful.