I've never really been a fan of album skits—they often feel like filler and this album was no exception past the the first few listens they always got skipped. Back in the 2000s, it was on heavy rotation on the stereo at Woo Towers. Despite my general dislike for skits, the rest of the album had something compelling that kept me coming back to it.
As for standout tracks, rather predictably"Stan" is my favorite. It’s one of those songs that stays with you long after it's over.
That said, I can't ignore the album's more problematic aspects. Lyrically, it’s undeniably filled with homophobic and misogynistic content, which makes it a bit difficult to listen to through a modern lens. But there’s no denying the rapper's skill—his flow and rhyme are impressive, and he knows how to command attention. It's a complicated mix of admiration and discomfort with this album, but it holds a place in my musical history regardless.
When I first listened to this album, I’ll admit I only had a limited knowledge of Beck’s earlier work, mainly up to and including Odelay. This album struck me as decent, with a sound and production style that felt reminiscent of Odelay. I think The Dust Brothers, who co-produced Odelay, were also involved in this one, which might explain the similar vibe.
As I haven’t explored much of Beck's discography beyond those earlier albums, it’s hard for me to compare this to his other work. However, I can say that while it didn’t immediately blow me away, I will certainly give it another listen. It might not be as groundbreaking as Odelay, but it still has Beck’s signature experimental twist. If you're a fan of his sound from that era, this album is likely worth a try.
Up until now, although I was aware of Willie Nelson’s music, I mostly associated him with his activism, especially around marijuana legalization and LGBTQ+ rights.I was genuinely surprised by the stripped-back production—it feels so raw and honest. I later found out that this style was actually a deliberate pushback against the more polished, mainstream Nashville Sound, which just added a new layer of appreciation for me. This discovery led me down a bit of a Google rabbit hole, learning more about the “outlaw country” movement, which is all about authenticity and breaking industry norms. There’s something timeless and soulful about Nelson’s voice and his storytelling; he captures emotions in such a simple yet powerful way. I’ll definitely be coming back to this album—it’s clear now why he’s so revered not just as a musician, but as a true artist with a unique voice.
“It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” by Public Enemy is not just an album; it’s a cultural milestone that (re)shaped hip-hop . Released in 1988, this album became the blueprint for political socially aware hip-hop
This album has since become an undeniable classic, influencing generations of hip-hop artists who use their music to speak on societal issues. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back transformed hip-hop into a platform for social justice, proving that music could be powerful, thought-provoking, and a force for change. Its legacy in hip-hop is unshakeable, marking it as one of the genre’s most essential and impactful works.
Ps let’s not ruin it by talking about Professor Griff 🤔😱
Used to like Clapton and it’s hard to deny that this is a ‘Classic” Despite this, it’s important to acknowledge Clapton’s controversial history, including openly racist remarks in the mid-1970s, and anti vax bat shit craziness of recent years so despite absolutely classic tracks like Layla it’s not for me anymore
Listening to this album, it’s clear why Elvis became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. His charm and magnetism are undeniable, but even more impressive is the originality of his voice and sound, although heavily influenced by blues legends like B.B. King and country icons like Hank Williams. Elvis Presley remains a landmark album, marking the beginning of a new musical era and laying the foundation for the future of rock and roll. It’s essential listening for any music lover, not only for its historical importance but also for the joy and energy it continues to bring, even after all these years.
I’ve never been a big Radiohead fan, but this album definitely feels like a departure from their earlier, guitar-driven sound, moving towards a much more electronic vibe. While there are a few tracks I enjoyed, I found it challenging to get into as a whole. Maybe with more time and listens, I’d come to appreciate it more, but that moment isn’t here just yet.
“Pornography” by The Cure became a landmark album in shaping the goth scene that emerged in the 1980s.
The album’s layered, echoing production style also left a mark on shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine, who embraced similarly dense, immersive soundscapes.
Furthermore, Pornography influenced artists across genres who sought to capture emotional rawness and existential themes. Many alternative and indie rock bands in the 1990s and 2000s, from Placebo to Interpol, drew on its themes of alienation and desolation. In many ways, Pornography helped define the darker aesthetic that would characterise much of post-punk and goth rock, establishing The Cure as pioneers of emotionally driven, atmospheric music.
Been a while I listened to this and out the output that I have heard I prefer Hysteria
About as 80s glam metal as you can get.
II truly enjoyed Mothership Connection, and one of the things that makes it such a rewarding listen is the experience of uncovering its original grooves and riffs that have been sampled countless times over the years. It’s like hearing the roots of so much modern music come alive. Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, in particular, have leaned heavily on the Parliament-Funkadelic catalog, and Mothership Connection is a goldmine of foundational beats, hooks, and vibes that shaped the sound of hip-hop and beyond.
A Cosmic and Cultural Milestone
Released in 1975, Mothership Connection was more than just an album; it was an event. George Clinton and Parliament crafted a unique universe where funk wasn’t just a genre but a cosmic force. The concept of the “Mothership” created a space-age mythology that drew on Afrocentrism and Afrofuturism, presenting funk as a vehicle for liberation and transcendence. The lyrics, drenched in humor and double entendre, invite listeners into a world where grooves reign supreme, and the music is both escapist and deeply rooted in cultural commentary.
A Treasure Trove for Sampling
The album’s tracks, like "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)" and "P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)," have been sampled by countless artists, especially in hip-hop. Dr. Dre’s The Chronic (1992) is practically a love letter to Parliament-Funkadelic, with Mothership Connection serving as a primary source for its laid-back West Coast sound. Snoop Dogg’s iconic "Who Am I (What’s My Name)?" borrows liberally from the Parliament track "Atomic Dog" (another Clinton masterpiece). Listening to Mothership Connection feels like discovering the blueprint for much of modern music—it’s thrilling to recognize the iconic riffs and grooves that have been reimagined across decades.
Musical and Cultural Legacy
Beyond the sampling, Mothership Connection established a new standard for funk music. Its synthesis of gospel harmonies, rock-infused solos, and jazz-inspired improvisation created a sonic palette that was as innovative as it was infectious. George Clinton and his collaborators, including Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell, weren’t just making dance music; they were creating art that spoke to a larger cultural movement.
The album’s impact extends far beyond funk. Its Afrocentric, science-fiction-infused narrative inspired future artists like Janelle Monáe, who embraced Afrofuturism in her albums like The ArchAndroid. Even OutKast’s ATLiens owes a debt to Mothership Connection for paving the way for Black artists to explore alternate identities and storytelling methods through music.
Why Mothership Connection Endures
There’s something timeless about Mothership Connection. It’s not just the grooves or the funk—it’s the audacity of the album’s vision. Clinton and his crew didn’t just make music; they made an experience. Whether you're a fan of funk, a hip-hop enthusiast tracing the origins of your favorite beats, or someone just looking for a good time, Mothership Connection delivers on all fronts.
For me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the album is how it rewards attentive listening. Hearing the origins of a beat you recognize from Snoop or Dre is like uncovering a hidden piece of musical history. It’s a reminder of how innovative Clinton and Parliament were, crafting music so ahead of its time that it continues to fuel creativity nearly five decades later.
If you haven’t given Mothership Connection a spin, do yourself a favor—climb aboard the Mothership and let George Clinton take you on a journey you won’t forget.
Step in the Arena by Gang Starr, released in 1991, is a cornerstone of golden-age hip-hop. A seamless blend of DJ Premier's innovative, jazz-infused production and Guru's laid-back yet socially conscious lyricism, the album set a benchmark for the genre. It was one of the earliest records to exemplify the marriage of jazz samples with intricate beats, a hallmark of East Coast hip-hop's evolution.
Influences: The album draws heavily from jazz and funk records, with Premier sampling artists like Donald Byrd and Art Blakey. The lyrical focus reflects the social consciousness inspired by earlier hip-hop pioneers like Rakim and Public Enemy.
Artists influenced: "Step in the Arena" left a lasting mark on the hip-hop world, inspiring East Coast legends like Nas and The Notorious B.I.G., as well as groups like Wu-Tang Clan. Its production style became a template for boom bap, influencing producers such as Pete Rock, J Dilla, and 9th Wonder. Its impact extends beyond hip-hop, resonating with contemporary jazz-hop and alternative hip-hop movements.
Overall, Step in the Arena is widely celebrated for its role in shaping the sound and ethos of 1990s hip-hop.
Not my thing at all however I appreciate him as an artist.
At just 32 minutes, A Short Album About Love doesn’t waste a second, delivering a tightly packed exploration of romance in all its glory and folly. It's witty, theatrical, and deeply heartfelt—a testament to The Divine Comedy's talent for making the grandest emotions feel intimate.
Ash – 1977 Album Review
Ash’s 1977 isn’t just an album—it’s a time capsule of teenage rebellion, romance, and raw exuberance. Released in 1996, it catapulted the Northern Irish trio into the spotlight, blending Britpop melodies with punk urgency. The album feels like a love letter to youthful chaos, capturing the kind of unfiltered energy that only comes from a band barely out of their teens.
Opening with “Lose Control,” complete with a cheeky Star Wars TIE fighter scream, the album establishes its playful yet forceful tone. This is not a record that tiptoes around its influences; it embraces them. Tracks like “Goldfinger” and the iconic “Girl From Mars” shine with hook-laden melodies and crunchy guitars, showcasing Ash’s ability to craft earworms that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
“Kung Fu” is a frenetic punk anthem that barrels through its runtime with reckless abandon, while “Oh Yeah” slows things down for a wistful, sun-soaked ode to summer love. The diversity in sound is one of 1977’s greatest strengths—it oscillates between raw punk energy and polished pop sensibilities without ever losing its charm.
But what makes 1977 truly special is its sincerity. Ash wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here; instead, they made a record that feels intensely personal yet universally relatable. The lyrics are simple but heartfelt, the production is unpretentious, and the energy is infectious. Even in its quieter moments, like “Darkside Lightside,” the album radiates an authenticity that resonates.
Nearly three decades later, 1977 still holds up. It’s a snapshot of a band finding their voice and having a blast doing it. For anyone who’s ever felt the electric spark of youth—the reckless joy, the heartbreak, the endless nights—this album is a perfect soundtrack. Ash might have grown up since, but 1977 ensures their teenage spirit will live on forever.
The Colour of Spring by Talk Talk is a masterpiece of atmospheric art pop, blending lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics. Released in 1986, the album marked a shift from the band’s synth-driven beginnings to a richer, more organic sound, laying the groundwork for the post-rock genre. Tracks like “Life’s What You Make It” and “Living in Another World” showcase Mark Hollis’s emotive vocals and the band’s impeccable craftsmanship. It’s a timeless work that bridges accessibility with profound artistry, cementing its status as a pivotal record in modern music history.
Review of Grey Area by Little Simz
Little Simz’s third studio album, Grey Area, released in 2019, is a masterclass in sharp lyricism, raw emotion, and musical innovation. Clocking in at just over 35 minutes, the album packs an incredible punch, showcasing Simz’s versatility and growth as an artist.
From the opening track, “Offence,” Simz sets the tone with unapologetic confidence and defiant energy, proclaiming, “I said it with my chest and I don’t care who I offend.” This boldness threads through the album, making it as much a personal manifesto as a musical journey.
The production, helmed by Inflo, is impeccable—seamlessly blending gritty beats with soulful undertones and live instrumentation. Tracks like “Selfish,” featuring Cleo Sol, offer a softer, melodic reprieve while still exploring themes of self-empowerment. Meanwhile, “Venom” dives into darker territory, with Simz’s rapid-fire delivery cutting through the eerie, string-heavy production as she confronts systemic oppression and gender inequality.
What makes Grey Area so compelling is its balance of vulnerability and strength. On “Sherbet Sunset,” Simz opens up about heartbreak, painting a vivid picture of emotional turbulence, while “101 FM” takes a nostalgic look back at her journey from bedroom studios to international acclaim.
Simz’s storytelling is both deeply personal and universally relatable, capturing the complexities of adulthood, identity, and ambition. Her ability to oscillate between introspection and bravado keeps the listener hooked throughout.
In Grey Area, Little Simz solidifies her place as one of the most important voices in contemporary hip-hop. It’s an album that demands attention, rewards multiple listens, and cements her reputation as an artist unafraid to push boundaries.
Rating: 9/10
A concise yet impactful body of work that is as bold as it is introspective, Grey Area is a modern classic.
