A fantastic soul/funk album of the 70s. The covers are just brilliant. Innovative keyboard, satisfying guitar work. 4.5/5
2112– Rush– I had always heard that early Rush is the poor person’s Led Zepplin. While I can hear some licks and some vocals that are reminiscent of LZ, this album is more like what Rush would become. This album has a more dramatic presentation than later Rush, but that quality of musicals suits them. This will probably be my favorite album by Rush. 4.5/5
Willie’s greatest inspiration was Frank Sinatra. Here, he shows that he can wield the power of American pop standards just as powerfully as Frankie ever did. 4.5/5
Pleasant, but not compelling
I heard the first three songs too often in the 80s, so I'm bored of them. However, the rest of the album reminds me of the smooth, jazzy vibe of Dire Straits and how I love them. I'll need to make a playlist, but this album isn't exceptional. 3.5/5
Like Depeche Mode dance music. I always preferred the Depeche Mode depression-inducing music. It's good stuff, but not something I would listen to. New Wave/Disco. 3.5/5
An excellent post-Smiths solo album. More musically interesting than any other album I've heard Morissey do. Powerful guitars, provocative effects, rockabilly, hard rock. Right up my alley. 4.5/5
I never did like this version of Van Halen. I love the drums and DLR's vocals are always good. Shameful secret: I never cared for Eddy Van Halen's guitar work. He's in such a hurry to get moving on. He rarely repeats a riff, and he doesn't lengthen them out. And, while I love synth rock, it didn't improve VH's style-- for me. Obviously, I am outvoted here. I love Hot for Teacher and Top Jimmy-- the more bluesy tracks. But this will never be a favorite of mine. Given how many people love it, I feel like I'm missing out. 3/5
What a wonderful mix of music! They put so much in such a tight 40 minute package, but I felt that I was exploring my pop-rock loves from the 70s to the 00s. For a proper rating, I will have to listen to it again. And I will. 4.5/5
Thoughtful, adorable, mellow songs about love. As usual for Simon, the shining jewel are the lyrics that make unexpected turns. What a shame he kicked Garfunkel off the album, that might have made it great. Still, it is pleasant enough. 3.5/5
I love the mellow but powerful statement "catch a fire" for slavers, firmly telling them to "go to hell". A statement of Marley's utopia-- a new land without oppression, and liberation to have awesome sex. The music is familiar, the Marley reggae groove, perfect for a nightcap. And, of course, such great influence throughout the world. 4/5
Does an album all about sex count as a concept album? Only appropriate for a nice JW boy. Great dance music, and the long rhythms are just perfect, remind me of the stuff I listened to in my disco days. Some of these are excellent songs, ("Free", "Delirious") but I doubt I'll listen to this album as a whole again. 4/5
Wait, this was created in THIS millenium? Not in the 1950s? Gorgeous and overpowered, expansive over many genres. Richard's voice doesn't quite match the power of the music. We need Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash or Elvis. Still, it works and it is lovely. 4/5
One of the rare live albums that I can 100 percent imagine being in that place, listening. And the concert is perfect entertainment. Moving from one familiar song to the next, throwing in some completely unknown ones. And June Carter coming in for a few songs to add richness to the text. Best of all, it is a concept album. The songs were collected to be identifiable to the prisoners, so Johnny chose songs about people askance of the law, whether guilty or innocent. Both upbeat and dark, collectively powerful. 4.5/5
Energy Rock! Like an Aerosmith album dropping almost all the dull bits. Each song is unique, a sound to itself. I love almost every song... except "We're Not Supposed To" which is simply irritating. BTW, I love the cover. 4/5