Was ok. Enjoyed the funk

I love Stipe’s obscure lyrics. It’s often like listening to a lovers painting by Picasso.

In my opinion, it falls short of being an iconic album. The song ‘Wish You Were Here’ is undeniably powerful and touching but the style of the song felt like it doesn’t really fit somehow. ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ has their signature experimental sound, but the overall album felt overly drawn out at times. The lengthy instrumental sections became tediously long. The album has some moments of brilliance, however it lacks any cohesion for my liking.

From the very first track, I felt like I was stuck in a jazzy funk K-hole I couldn’t escape and the disjointed rhythms and chaotic melodies left me feeling lost. I kept waiting for the songs to click, but instead, it was like I was wandering through a maze with no sense of direction. While I can appreciate the experimental approach, it was just too much for me. I couldn’t find any connection to the album.

Raising Hell is hip hop at its best. From start to finish, it’s a perfect mix of beats and rhymes overflowing with positive energy. ‘Walk This Way’ (with Aerosmith) and ‘It’s Tricky’ still hold up today. No one makes hip hop like this anymore and you can hear the influence in so much music that has followed, but nothing else really captures the same vibe. Raising Hell is a classic, and for me it’s easily five stars.

I really wanted to enjoy Hot Rats, but honestly, I found it a bit underwhelming. I usually appreciate musical eccentricity, but here I felt disconnected from the actual music. The long, drawn-out instrumentals left me wishing for the songs to finish. I’m not sure why this album is on the list.

Funk me that was cool

This album felt like being trapped in a brutalist nightmare, with Arnold Schwarzenegger as my only companion. The album is mechanical, and oppressive. Each song dragged me through a dystopian landscape where the walls felt like they were closing in, and the militaristic thumping beats and monotonous vocals ground me down and stole from me any sense of enjoyment. It was like being stuck in a loop of grey concrete and steel. Not even Arnie could save me.

Tidal is an emotional whirlwind, made even more impressive by the fact that she was just 18 when she wrote it. Apple’s voice is soulful, rich, and perfectly captures the intensity of her lyrics. The production is beautiful as well. There’s a moody atmosphere that runs through the whole album with pianos and guitars weaving together to create a dark and jazzy vibe. It’s not always an easy listen but the honesty, passion, and musicality are undeniable. It is a deeply personal album that demands to be felt as much as heard.

I found myself getting bored halfway through. Meat Loaf has a powerful voice, but the whole album feels stuck in one gear. I can see how it would appeal to some, especially if you’re into rock operas, but for me, it felt more like a musical I didn’t sign up for. I can appreciate the effort, but it’s definitely not for me.

The musicianship is impressive and ‘Birdland’ was a stand out track for me. The mix of jazz and funk well though some moments felt a bit too experimental for my liking. A solid 3/5

Karen’s (RIP) voice is beautiful but after a while, the album feels too sweet. The tracks are undeniably catchy, but they lean so far into easy-listening territory that I found myself wanting a bit more edge. One track that really stood out for me was ‘Mr. Guder.’ It caught my attention with its anti-establishment undertones, and I appreciated how it subtly critiqued conformity in a way that felt unexpected from the clean cut duo. Overall, the album is pleasant, and there are some interesting tracks, but after a while, I found myself craving something with a little more heaviness. Side note: Following this album I listened to If I Were A Carpenter for some brilliant Carpenters covers by various artists.

The album can feel a bit repetitive, and some tracks blend together in a way that makes it hard for them to stand out. I found myself zoning out at times, which makes it harder to stay engaged. It’s a good album for when you’re in the mood for something mellow but it might not be one I’d put on repeat.

It’s an undeniable classic, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the most influential albums in hip-hop

Soft vanilla blues

There’s a laid-back yet melancholic vibe to the whole album that I can’t help but enjoy. Young’s voice, though not technically perfect, has this raw emotional honesty that hits just right. The blend of country, folk, and rock is seamless, creating an atmosphere that’s comforting. It’s not a flashy album, but that’s part of its charm. Instead, it’s intimate, like Young’s inviting you into his world for a little while. The album is a beautiful, heartfelt and timeless. It’s one I can always return to when I need to slow down.

I’d give Synchronicity a 3 out of 5. There’s no denying that The Police pushed boundaries here, but some songs just don’t land for me. ‘Mother’ for example, feels chaotic and throws off the vibe. It’s like the album can’t quite decide what it wants to be, and there are three different versions of the band playing. However, I appreciate the experimentation, and there are definitely moments worth revisiting.

A timeless classic

I enjoyed it a lot

My inner indie boy was stirred from his slumber. FTT is a solid album that has its highs and lows, but I wouldn’t say it a proper goat album. The standout track is ‘Maps’ which ties the balance between raw emotion and catchy melody but I felt like some of the other tracks lean a bit too much into chaotic sounds without the same depth or melody.

Not for me

One of the most influential albums of all time. I will never tire of listening to it. RIP Joe.

Every track sounds like a fight between a drum machine and a blender with lyrics that try to be deep but are somewhere between brooding teenager and a conspiracy theorist

Dull.

The album is raw, sneering, and just a bit unhinged. On ‘Sometimes’, Hugh Cornwell sounds like he’s mad at the whole world, and Jean-Jacques Burnel’s bass-line could probably pick a fight on its own. ‘Peaches’ is a bizarre catchy ode to beachside leering, because nothing says punk quite like judging people in swimwear. By ‘Ugly’ it’s clear they don’t just embrace the punk stereotype; they’re laughing at it while setting it on fire. Overall it’s a messy, sarcastic, and a seriously good album.

The title track alone is iconic, a relentless anthem that captures the spirit of the band. But as much as I enjoyed the majority of the album, I can’t ignore the glaring issue that is ‘Jailbait’. The subject matter is disturbing and hasn’t aged well at all. It drags the whole album down for me, especially when I consider how timeless and impactful some of the other songs are.

His silky vocals and heartfelt delivery make every song feel passionately special. It is pure soul perfection it flows with warmth and emotion.

Should this even be on the list?

Although I’ve heard this album before I tried to listen to it with a new perspective. Back To Black is dark, funny, raw, and heartbreakingly real all at once. The help of Mark Ronson’s Motown style production feels perfect, but Amy’s beautiful, brutal, witty and personal lyrics paired with her unique voice make it feel one of a kind. 4.5/5

Nice 👌🏼