First listen. Vocally this reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins. They rock pretty hard but it’s not exactly my style. It’s still very enjoyable and a good length.
Highlights: “In It for the Money”, “Sun Hits the Sky” & “Going Out”.
3.5 stars.
I can feel the duration of this double album and some songs are a bit chore to go through but it's not without some awesome Zeppelin classics.
Highlights: "The Rover", "Kashmir", "In the Light" & "The Wanton Song".
4 stars.
Solid singer-songwriter work by Carole. Very pleasant to listen to with great melodies but there are songs that just pass me by even if there's nothing bad. The excitement level isn't strong the whole way through. Maybe needs a bit more uptempo material that was more in the first side.
Highlights: "So Far Away", "It's Too Late" & "Tapestry".
4 stars.
Amazing mix of genres, moods and styles! It’s odd but not overwhelmingly strange and a lot of fun! All in a tight 40-minute package!
Highlights: “Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)”, “Once in a Lifetime”, “Listening Wind” & “The Overload”.
5 stars.
I appreciate their commitment to the craft and their grandiose sound but some of these songs go over my head. Either too weird or I don’t find much to grab. Those are the more ambient songs or them just trying stuff but I really like my highlighted songs. “The National Anthem” being now one of my favorite Radiohead songs.
Highlights: “The National Anthem”, “How to Disappear Completely” & “Optimistic”.
3.5 stars.
The disappointing aspect is the double album length. It’s solid Hüsker but it also feels like listening to very similar songs in a row. This sounds cool but this is also not peak Hüsker Dü.
3 stars.
Not a big fan of this sadly despite it being quite a unique listen. I don't find the songs to be that memorable and it starts to feel quite samey after a while. I wish it would have a stronger presence or like more electrified blues to grab my attention. I don't see myself going back to this one.
2.5 stars.
I like the heavy beats and Cube’s delivery. I don’t care about the interludes and skits but I like quite a few of the actual songs despite it not being my musical scene. Some moments made me cringe but I’m surprised how danceable it was. DJ Pooh is a based name!
Highlights: “When Will They Shoot” & “Dirty Mack”.
3.5 stars.
This is testing me. Songs are short, nothing grabs on me, the vocals annoy me and it feels all over the place. Maybe it’s just too raw for me to get it. AND this is my second listen of Meat Puppets II, I liked it even less now. Somebody is pulling a cruel prank right now.
2 stars.
Really strong first half but sadly doesn’t go all the way in the latter half. It has some really strong songs, as you can see from my highlights, they are three in a row. Sometimes it rocks, sometimes it’s really melodic, sometimes it’s creepy etc. It surprises you and I had a good time with it.
Highlights: “Common People”, “I Spy” & “Disco 2000”.
4 stars.
Pretty solid ‘90s alt rock with noisier elements thrown in sometimes. It doesn’t blow me away and it goes a bit from one ear to another but nothing bad. The stops in the first song were a bit distracting.
3 stars.
I can hear the catchy parts but this isn't totally grabbing me fully. The vocals annoy me sometimes but it's still well-made. Honestly don't have much to say.
3.5 stars.
One of the most beloved albums but sadly it’s never hit me that deeply. My highlights are classics for a reason but there’s plenty of material that exists to be well-executed with their usual killer harmonies but doesn’t excite me to the same (high) level. Maybe someday! There are Beach Boys albums I love, don’t worry.
Highlights: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Sloop John B” & “God Only Knows”.
4 stars.
I really enjoy this. Fun listen with enough pop and rock sensibilities and Brandon has a great voice. Not a fan of the loud production which makes this a slightly tiring full listen even if packs a lot of quality rock songs. Good to hear synths too!
Highlights: “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine”, “Mr. Brightside”, “Smile Like You Mean It” & “Everything Will Be Alright”.
4 stars.
This album felt so long. It’s not bad but there’s nothing truly exciting either. The closing 14-minute song felt like an eternity. It was just like all the rest of the songs but endlessly long.
2.5 stars.
Excellent highlights but it leaves me desiring more psychedelia than pure folk. It doesn’t have the best track order (the US version) in my opinion.
Highlights: “Sunshine Superman” & “Season of the Witch”.
3 stars.
Hard to get into at first but it kept growing on me. It’s very British and very quirky with a lot of things happening which can be tough for me. It could grow on me more but I can’t give it a higher score despite it being a classic album for many. Highlights helped the cause.
Highlights: “Victoria” & “Shangri-La”.
3.5 stars.
Quite annoying to listen to and it’s super long but it’s better when you don’t think about it. It’s background party music for many I’m sure but definitely not for me.
Beyond Skin is all over the place stylistically. There are some beautiful moments that I like, good production and I like some of those foreign influences but it also drops like basically novelty songs in between with annoying parts. Maybe a solid EP in there but nothing more.
2.5 stars.
It’s so out there that I kinda like it. Umm… but I also don’t. Weird.
2.5 stars.
I prefer the more electrifying, rockin’ blues tunes over the slower ones. I’m not a blues guy so I might get less out of it but it’s a pleasant one overall. I don’t need the harmonica though.
3.5 stars.
Sometimes it doesn’t leave you much impression but there were some nice lush moments and some bigger moments that has potential with a different singer. Not a bad singer but not very interesting either.
Tough album. It tries to irritate you, not welcoming and just them doing things because they can (“Conduit for Sale!” with its repeating chorus). It’s not all negative though. “Here” is a nice ballad-like tune and the second half is probably better. They have cool guitars and drums but not hearing the love for this one.
2.5 stars.
I enjoy the first side quite a bit more but this is very solid blues rock. Janis has an interesting, “distorted” voice but maybe sometimes she uses it a bit much. Some very electrifying guitar work in this one by three different guitarists (not necessarily all playing in the same song).
Highlight: “Piece of My Heart”.
3.5 stars.
This has nice energy, it’s melodic and happy enough but I find that these songs kinda pass me by. “Our Lips Are Sealed” is awesome and there are good songs to be found but it doesn’t completely win me over. I prefer some of Belinda’s solo work.
Highlight: “Our Lips Are Sealed”
3.5 stars.
72 minutes of Lupe is too much but the songs weren’t too bad. Kinda felt like mainstream rap but with a bit cooler beats. The 12-minute outro song where he thanked everybody is ridiculous in its length but kinda sweet as an idea. The Jay-Z feat was pretty cool!
This is a pretty cool listen despite the high number of songs and it’s a lot to take in. I like some Pixies more but not a bad solo effort at all!
Highlight: “I Could Stay Here Forever”.
3.5 stars.
The vinyl sides seem to be complete opposites. The first side is more upbeat, has a sense of funk and elements of social conscious lyrics. The second side is pretty much ballads and not necessarily the most amazing ballads they could’ve done. I like “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” but the 11-minute album version isn’t my preferred version. Some moments drag a bit. I was a bit let down by this album, I thought it would have hit me harder.
Highlight: “Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On”.
3.5 stars
It always disappoints me to get these albums with way too many songs. Just release 10 songs and leave the weaker ones to B-sides etc. Beyoncé keeps singing too much of her vocal runs which starts to irritate me. It starts quite well with some of the singles. The Gospel Medley was pretty cool. It’s odd to hear that after listening to songs like “Sexy Daddy” but hey, I’ll take it. My highlight was a pleasant surprise. Not really into this but it had its positive moments.
Highlight: “Brown Eyes”.
2.5 stars.
This is what I want! Worthy number of songs (no clear filler), good duration and amazing playing. The production is top-notch. The session players are just awesome! Some of these grooves by Ed and Jeff are just amazing. I prefer some Steely Dan albums but this is great!
Highlights: “I.G.Y.”, “New Frontier & “The Nightfly”.
4.5 stars.
This isn’t a first listen album, it wasn’t mine anyway, but I always feel like it depends on my mood of how much I enjoy it. It’s so packed, very art rock-y that it’s not something I just put on. When it hits, it hits still pretty hard. Bryan Ferry has a cool crooning style of singing despite of preferring his ‘80s style of vocals and overall music. Some really cool songs in this one and some that leaves me slightly cold.
Highlights: “Do the Strand”, “Strictly Confidential”, “Editions of You” & “The Bogus Man”.
4 stars.
Prefer The Love Below to Speakerboxxx but both are solid. Pretty good mix of different influences and this works well for someone who’s not as big on rap. I can hear the Prince influence. The number of songs is wildly too many and the interludes are always unnecessary. Still some very good songs here. I don’t totally get why are they separating Big Boi’s and Andre 3000’s albums but it’s still in the same package.
Highlights: “The Way You Move”, “Bust”, “Prototype”, “Hey Ya!”, “Roses” & “She’s Alive”.
3.5 stars.
Very enjoyable folk music with haunting vocals and everything played by Elliott himself. Already one of the better folk-related albums I’ve heard.
Highlights: “Speed Trials”, “Alameda”, “Ballad of Big Nothing”, “No Name No. 5”, “Rose Parade” & “Cupid’s Trick”.
4 stars.
A bit too odd and “ugly” for me. It has some positive poppier moments and good playing which gives some boost to the score.
3 stars.
The most normal VU album up to this date. I like the crazier Lou Reed songs in the previous albums so I’m slightly disappointed despite having good songwriting here. I find this slightly boring in spots and I don’t care for the last two songs but good stuff especially in the first half helps.
Highlight: “What Goes On”.
3.5 stars.
I don’t find Wetton to be among my favorite Crimson singers but the instrumental work is super strong here. Some really heavy moments shine, especially in the title tracks.
Highlights: “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One”, “Exiles”, “The Talking Drum” & “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two”.
4.5 stars.
This is fine. The songs are mostly short and to the point. "Timeless Melody" kinda rocks. His voice is kinda rough sounding, not necessarily bad, just trying to think of a description. I've heard better jangle pop but not bad.
Highlights: "Timeless Melody" & "There She Goes".
3.5 stars.
15. Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)
I appreciate the commentary but I found this quite irritating to listen to. Maybe the background samples were groundbreaking (I'm guessing because it sounds futuristic) but they are tough on the ears and mind. Sounds coming all the time and some very annoying choices for those sounds. I find the rapping better than most old-school rap albums I've heard though. I liked the heavier guitar in "She Watch Channel Zero" but that chours was rough. I thought the "Flash, saviour of the universe!" sample was funny.
2.5 stars.
I was excited to get this because this has been on my to-do list for so long. I was a little let down I must say because I thought this is an instant 5 and it's gonna change my life etc etc but I felt a bit tired after a while. The title song is pretty much perfect and the closer felt a bit different to the rest. I feel like this is perhaps a bit frontloaded or maybe I was already starting to feel it then despite not being a long album. Still pretty cool stuff! I just think a bit change of pace would have been nice at times despite having some sonic variety.
Highlights: "Cherry-Coloured Funk", "Heaven or Las Vegas" & "Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires".
Strong highlights in this one. There's a high chance I'm gonna rate it higher later but this was a very nice listen. Alan White is a great drummer and John's vocals are pretty superb. There are some moments (aka songs) I'm meh on but look at those highlights!
Highlights: "Imagine", "Jealous Guy", "I Don't Want to Be a Soldier", "How Do You Sleep?", "How" & "Oh Yoko".
Sounds super good! Stewart sounds super focused, especially on the lovely "Wrapped Around Your Finger". Yeah, the first half is pretty odd but I kinda respect it. The big songs are really great. "Every Breath You Take" is a perfect song.
Highlights: "Synchonicity I" & "Every Breath You Take", "King of Pain", "Wrapped Around Your Finger".
4 stars.
Side one carries a few big songs and then there's the rest. "Queen Bitch" is pretty cool with Mick's guitar riff. I don't really care for Bowie's delivery here. These are non-Taavicore melodies, not easy to follow and Bowie just goes here and there. Oh, there he is. Side two is only for the stronger fellas.
Highlight: "Life on Mars?".
This is a funky effort with fantastic singing and musicianship. Summer Breeze has a killer guitar solo. Some songs are better than others.
Highlights: "That Lady", "If You Were There", "You Walk Your Way", "What It Comes Down To" & "Summer Breeze".
Blues is something that tires me. I don't find this bad at all but I'm just bored. It's all nice, the guitar playing especially is very fine but I'm always kinda thinking that "I thought I heard this song already". This sounds surprisingly good for a 60-year-old live album.
This was a bit surprising to find here but I'm glad to report that it wasn't too bad. It's a bit bland and some moments could've had more emotion or fun than what he gives. In "Let Me Entertain You", he goes all for it though which I appreciate. That's a fun tune! "Angels" is probably the best written song here.
Highlights: "Angels" & "Let Me Entertain You".
The beats sound good, relaxed and uses plenty of '70s samples. Probably my favourite part of this because I don't care for the lyrics, rap choruses and the uncomfortable interlude things. Biggie has as good flow though, Method Man sounded good too. Of course, they filled the CD with 17 songs.
The band with the great drummer Mr. Smith and a cool guitarist. Flea is a talented bassist (who can be a bit show-offish) and Anthony Kiedis exists. The album sounds baaad but there are some cool moments. Also, for all the cool moments, there are Anthony singing "ding ding, dong dong..." etc. Can I just suffer in peace? I like "Otherside", that's a good song.
Highlights: "Otherside".
2.5 stars.
Not my vibe. Most of the time Lou just want to be a slacker or something. He does give some passion to "Perfect Day" which I appreciate. I feel like mostly I want someone else to sing these songs and have more energy to the rockers. I'm not saying he's a bad songwriter. "Vicious" is my fav rocking song here. This is really beloved but I'm just confused (as always).
Highlights: "Perfect Day" & "Satellite of Love".
This is like THE American album of the '80s, even sporting an iconic album cover. I've always liked that this seems like an upbeat, happy album but there's a sense of sadness in the lyrics and vocal delivery ("Dancing in the Dark", for example). The song selection is mostly strong, I'd cut "Working on the Highway" and maybe "Glory Days". The latter was a hit so it doesn't make sense but it has never been my fav with the "Alright, boys, keep it rockin' now" shouts and the sports arena organs. Maybe that's just my European brain.
Highlights: "Born in the U.S.A.", "Downbound Train", "I'm on Fire", "No Surrender", "Bobby Jean" & "Dancing in the Dark".
4.5 stars.
Techno-type of music isn't my fav to listen to. This is like video game music at times but I'm missing the visual aspect to enchance it. I could always get my controller, I guess. Probably influential to fit the list.
The title track has a nice flugelhorn section. "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" is better with a bigger personnel behind it. "Southern Man" rocks. This is what Neil is all about! Okay, this is all pretty pleasant but I like the songs better with a rhythm section backing him up.
Highlights: "Southern Man".
3.5 stars.
This isn't bad at all but it's not I really enjoy to listen to for 58 minutes in a row. I'd like to hear something like "C.R.E.A.M." in San Andreas radio when I'm driving around with my bike. I don't really vibe with the lyricism.
I liked the first half better honestly. The first song feels like it would fit to a B-scifi movie. "Seeland" is pretty hypnotic. I don't consider these playlist songs (aka highlights) but they're very good when they happen to be on. I don't care for the punkier Krautrock songs in the second half that much and "E-Musik" is a bit too long. Still good enough.
Highlights:
3.5 stars.
