I absolutely loved this album and now inspired to explore more of Stevie Wonder’s discography. Before, being much of the “greatest hits” rather than exploring albums.
I adored the stark contrast between the opening and second tracks - sunshines to jealousy and fear. I appreciated the emotional journey he took me on with each song evoking strong feelings. This was one that I will return to.
Admittedly went into this with a reluctant heart. And well… sad to report that I’m still not anywhere near a fan. This album was a drudge for me. At points reminiscing 50s rockabilly, pulling at threads of gospel, some blues - but never definitely any or all of those. Felt surface level to all approaches.
From the opening song, to the mid tracks - I found it aimless and lacking cohesion… ultimately nothing for me to latch onto. I was constantly asking: what’s going on here? Might be purposeful and rather RTS MO and that’s awesome! maybe a matter of their eclectic range —- Just not for me. :( boring me, but this bored me lol.
At some points, particular moments in songs did resonate with me:
Folksy, rhythmic opening to sweet black angel - yet it lost me with a seemingly meandering approach as it continued and never really giving that oomph I kept wishing for.
Harmonic, bluegrassy Turd on the Run against a backdrop of cruising down an open road getting into some foolishness was a fun listen
Really dug the final track - did feel culminating whereas other song placements left me wondering if there was a purpose
Overall, not enjoyable for me, but intrigued based on their general acclaim
Oh my what an experience. It was the keys for me. Amidst highs, mids and lows - it was the keys for me throughout.
Strong opening that left me wondering what the tone is ? Then, as the tracks followed, I felt a strong presence of dramatics that I was not upset with. Despite some lows - notably: let’s spend the night together (understanding I just said I loved the keys lol) and the Jean genie … overall just still happy with what he delivered.
Drive-In Saturday was doo-wop, spacey, theatrical goodness and an instant fav for me
Time was utterly magical - like REALLY - magical
These two might skew the whole rating for me. Still though, given the wanting ending and inconsistent energy - I must provide a 3 versus a higher score. Sad to say for such a queerly beloved album <3
Wowwwweeee. This album was a trip for me. I am a sucker for a harmonica so I was happy for a lot of it.
Ultimately, the entire experience conjured up very specific familial memories. I was transported to sitting on my Papa's apartment patio - listening to him strum on his old out-of-tune guitar with meandering lines that sounded directly from his soul. Something that reflected a life so long ago lived but then also life yet to come. Or sitting with him inside, listening to his Bluegrass collection and learning the some core principles (related to the music, but really about being human).
Honey, Just Allow Me One More Chance and I Shall Be Free.... oooof... I felt like I was sitting on the old wooden deck outside my uncle's trailer watching my uncles, cousins, and grandparents take their instruments of favor - guitars, harmonicas, things Idk the names of - and just jam together, getting to see it all piece together. Sigh, so specific, but so - not too. Bob Dylan gets to something about life that reminds me we are all just here... living. Of course, it must be mentioned: he reminds us not be aimless travelers while we are here living - we need to be good community members.
some notable favorites:
- Girl from the North Country
- Down the Highway
- A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
- Corrina, Corrina
- I Shall Be Free
Despite this long, personal reflection, I don't know if I will revisit this album in totality again. But still quite an enjoyable listen :) I might be biased though lol
What can I say - funky, ambient, soothing - enjoyable
Okay he told me he wants me to have fun from the outset, and fun I had!
Sexy, experimental, raunchy, dreamy, dramatic, breathy - allllll I want and more. I just appreciate weaving together (but also remaining disparate at points): funk, synth pop, rock, jazz - just so cool!
Some favorites:
- let’s pretend we’re married
- there’s something in the water
- free
- lady cab driver
Because there are still some skips for me, I gave a 3
Thoroughly enjoyed this album. Brought me happiness, concern, and serenity. Just loved it and I will return. I feel odd saying I appreciated the simplicity because it feels like it dismisses the complexity I know is there. But, really, I enjoyed how it’s deliver in a seemingly simple manner. So soulful.
Ooooof this speaks to me. I love the rawness of the instruments and I love the garage band sound, always. So for me - it was a strong one.
First song got to me with the contrasting vocalist and obvious narrative approach with a clearly unreliable narrator. I could feel the lows, the chaos, and the tension.
Second track solidified that this album was made for me lol. So non seriously serious. Ugh just gets me. Angsty, hairy, and jam worthy.
As the album continued, I concluded this as a clear predecessor the early aughts emo punk era. It’s gritty, immature, and dramatic. Strong rock with a youthful emotionality that I adored. Will return again and again.
Well they are certainly consistent and have their style and flair! It just may not be for me. However, there is no denying that Sultans of Swing just makes me wanna groove.
Alright, Depeche Mode is an ultimate weakness for me. I melt at his vocals and tremble with the synths. Although, I don’t think this is their peak. I anxiously await another album from them in this adventure.
This album is hit after hit for me. Each song brings another fresh breath of nourishment.
I love the world building in each song. I sink deep into the sweet embrace of the array of emotions each one offers. Like a sweet, sweet invitation. Somehow the invitation is open enough to let me in but feels connected enough that it taps into an interiority that I am so thankful they create. Broad and specific - JUST HOW!?
“And I know it’s over - still I cling”
“And I’m outside your house | I hate to intrude”
“All those people, all those lives, where are they now?”
Thanks for the eternal yearning, y’all!
Baaaaaad
This album is amazing. It’s gritty, scary, guttural, and provocative.
There’s a few skips for me, but the highs are high.
Some faves:
- Legs
- 50ft Queenie
- Snake
I really enjoyed some tracks but the overall feeling of this being made for a wide audience didn’t escape me through the songs. Didn’t feel genuine
I really dug this album. Very satisfying. Mellow and soulful. Loved it
What a journey! I loved this - soundtrack was fun, lovely, lively, emotional - loved it
Sweet sweet goodness! Thankful to have this in my ears! This was beautiful - from the raucous beginning to the satisfying end. I loved the harmonica, the chorale, the Americana - what an experience.
Honorable mentions:
- Walt Whitman’s Niece
- Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
- Hesitating Beauty
- The Unwelcome Guest
Overall, this fell flat for me. It’s clear that CeeLo Green is very talented - but it seemed like some of his talent was drowned out by attempts to make club hits pop off in each track. Really enjoyed my kind of people
This was my first time to listen to early The Cure and it was a treat.
This really was not for me
It felt aimless, maybe purposefully so, but I didn’t dig it. Some tracks were fun to sway too. But none brought me in
