Lynyrd Skynyrd boldly asks, what if some dudes from the south really liked the blues and wanted to be like The Rolling Stones?
It is technically an excellent album and one hell of a debut. Fantastic guitar work, not to mention the piano which I never noticed as much in previous listens. Very well-developed sound and arrangements. And frankly, it is impossible to deny the cultural impact.
However, I walked away feeling a bit uninspired. I feel like releasing a searing blues album in 1973 after a lot of more groundbreaking rock and roll came and went is already a little derivative.
I suppose you could argue they contributed a lot of refinement, which they did. The mixing and engineering on this album really sparkles with clarity. It sounds great.
For what it is, it is great. But I’m not sure I’m convinced by what it is.
I feel like a lot of the songs would feel appropriate in a movie soundtrack. Their story is fascinating and it is really cool that this album exists. The guitar tones remind me sometimes of Khruangbin which I would also describe as desert blues. Props to these fellas.
A lot of fun. Lots of times where I wanted the beat made me feel more like dancing rather than the cleaning and prepping I had to do. The way they chopped samples was really cool. I appreciate the artistry. Not really something I’ll throw on often but I get it.
I love David Bowie. I do not understand in what world I “must” listen to this David Bowie album. Doesn’t break any new ground for me. An old rockstar’s comeback, no matter how revered, is not really nice that impressive. McCartney could put out a single that is just farts and have people analyze it while it goes to #1, but it doesn’t mean that it’ll be good. Not that this is bad, per se, it just sounds very much like other late Bowie stuff. Which, if nothing else, is pleasant enough.
This album is like if the White Stripes were cool, actually. Very much cut from the same cloth. Lots of dirty blues rock that makes your colon rumble, but that isn’t everything it has to offer. No No No’s outro is a really cool sonic treat. Modern Romance sounds a bit like the Velvet Underground. And contrasting with all of that, their (probably?) most famous song Maps is that much cooler. The tremolo guitar throughout is nuts. The vocals being clean and soft makes your ears perk up because it is so different.
The album has ups and it has downs. It is a work of art. Karen O is an amazing vocalist. I am extremely glad I got to listen to it finally.
Really difficult to contextualize an album like this. But after reading the Wikipedia blurb about it, it is exactly what he tried to do. It sounds uncannily like a soundtrack, which is amazing given that it is not a soundtrack and that it was produced in the 80s. Of course, they were capable of doing cool stuff then - but you gotta have one hell of an imagination to make this come together without a plot or the world of YouTube OSTs and movie streaming available. This isn't even mentioning all the production techniques that I'm sure are harder to achieve as one man without a big-budget movie behind you. Incredible feat. Would I listen to this regularly? Absolutely not. But great work Barry.
Unrepentant, honest, unpretentious, and funny. I can’t really say that I *love* it, but there is a certain charm about it that grew on me. Sometimes it sounds like nursery rhymes which is grating. But impossible to deny it takes a certain something to simply say things like he simply says them. Technically, that is punk as fuck. I can respect that if nothing else.
Pretty good, pretty danceable pop. Didn’t particularly touch me and I am not sure what makes it something I “must” listen to. Not unimpressed - it sounds good and recording an album in two languages is a feat worth noting. Just not that blown away. I think including it is a bit unfair to it - not every album is hugely impactful and that’s fine. And if it is in a way that I don’t see, it might still be too early to tell.
One of those “I get it” albums but not really something I’d toss on. I do feel like it deserves its place on the list - first song has had the airwaves in a chokehold for 20 years and there’s no denying the influence even though I never listened to her knowingly before. It all sounds wonderful.
I don’t really have intelligent thoughts about this one. Really neat album. I enjoyed listening to it, it felt weird and fresh in 2024 so I can’t imagine what it was like in its time. Reminds me of MGMT. It rocked. Would recommend
Very much a soundtrack to 1980s Soviet cartoon about space, or perhaps a Stephen King movie. Fun. Not really for me though!
Really awesome and fun album. Shocking that it was his first. Really ran a range of vibes, and a lot of it felt incredibly fresh. Thought this was going to be a dub/reggae album (and was happy about it) but it is much more. It’s a whole experience.
Supreme I Preme was a standout. Some very cool sounds in there.
Led Zeppelin is the blueprint. What a sampling of songs. Every single member has a chance to shine. Plant and Page always have insanely iconic vocals and guitar. But the fact that this album has Moby Dick, arguably one of the most epic drum solos of all time, and The Lemon Song, which for me personally as a bassist, has colored how I approach a groove so so much, sets it apart from other LZ albums.
Look. I’d never listen to an album like this in 2024. It is self-indulgent. It is corny. But in 1969, and probably only in 1969, this was needed and it set up so many extremely high bars for what rock and roll could be. If anyone said this was their favorite album of all time, I would cringe, because grow up. No one needs a minute long guitar solo. But goddammit. I would get it. It is an easy five stars.
Strong and constant vibes but not really for me. Sounds like a late fall day
It was fine. Honestly I didn’t finish it. Weirdly shouty and not my favorite sound. Cool and artistically out on a limb which I can appreciate. But cannot say I liked it.
Whatever else you can say about this album, the first and last songs are absolute bangers.
This album reeks of someone who’s played the game for a while and is letting their hair down. Between the length, the “look for mistakes” interlude, and all the tracks that have Easter eggs and conversational tidbits in them, it feels extremely relaxed. A lot of the songs have similar vibes and feelings so I don’t think it needed to be quite this long, but part of the point feels like it isn’t about what I want. He’s comfortable - he’s having fun! If you like Todd and what he’s capable of, it is a treat.
I liked that in certain songs you could really hear influences. Like I think I hear a lot of late Beach Boys Carl Wilson vocals (Wolfman Jack) in there. A few of them sound like they could be Carole King songs (Cold Morning Light).
The man just clearly loves what he’s doing and I can appreciate that a lot. Worth a listen. Even if it’s just a smattering of songs - at least listen to I Saw The Light and Slut.
What is there to say? A whole album of rippers. Sounds incredibly lush and full. There just aren’t many records that are this fun to sing along with.
Fascinating album. It is such a specific vibe. I don’t know if it is for me but I can acknowledge its purpose. This is some real pump-up shit. If I was doing the soundtrack for the Matrix, it would be this album.
It is pretty nice. Long. Lovely. A pastiche but adds plenty of modern elements. Worth a listen for sure.
Gave me Cars soundtrack vibes. Fun, danceable, great bass tones. Slightly generic sounding but I’ll give it grace since for all I know it is the blueprint of that sound.
Ah, Willie. The man has such a consistent sound. I only knew Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain before listening. What I didn’t know is how many of his songs I also knew because of that. But that’s folk for you. A young Willie has such a strong voice and is so quietly adept at guitar. His electric Trigger has such a unique sound. It’s groundbreaking honestly. Really cool album all said.
Sounds like Huey Lewis and the News if the guitarist really loved to play minor pentatonic licks. Overall unimpressed. Some good songs and definitely some interesting sounds but listening to it made my eyes roll for most of it.
Sharp Dressed Man, I Need You Tonight, Legs are standouts.
It is so hard to review something like this out of context. I never got into Radiohead, so I never had the chance to understand where they are coming from.
It is clear that this album has deep artistry. It is clear that they are reaching for something new with it. It is like nothing I have ever heard before. Usually, with something like this, I'd just say I don't get it and move on. But I feel like I have to give this another chance because I do not believe it is possible to digest something like this in just one day. Maybe the brilliance of it is that it works with itself.
In a word: inoffensive. I can sense how impactful the sounds on this album are because of how familiar the drenched guitar tones are. Kind of ironic that the guitarist who calls himself the Edge has made some of the most corporate sounding tones imaginable. It seems to have influenced the creators of uplifting stock music, and I am not a CEO, so I don’t love the association. I know this is not U2’s fault, strictly speaking.
Ultimately don’t hate the album, but I can’t really see myself spinning it much. It is fine.
It is what it is. Love the album, maybe not the artist. Something about that delay soaked sound makes me feel real warm inside. If you throw this one more than like, 1-2x a year you’re a dork
The original classic rock dickriding album. Buddy Holly cover in 1971 is crazy. They do it really well though. Great sound, tight band, really nice harmonies. Actually enjoyed it most of the way through.
It’s hard to believe how many culturally important songs are on this one single record. Maybe I am biased because I grew up listening to it, but it really seems to have helped to define a generation.
Stan is 6 minutes, but you wouldn’t know by listening to it. The Way I Am is so angry but so honest. Amiteyville goes insanely hard. The whole album is just such a sweaty violent trip.
It is offensive. It is disgusting, shitty in a lot of ways. It certainly enabled a lot of homophobia in the early 2000s. But what it does, it does perfectly - is arguably the best. I can’t exactly recommend it. But if you want to listen to some violent horror rap, there is no substitute.
Definitely the most un-Smithsy Smiths album I've heard. But I'm not sure that makes it that good. Not sure why it was included on this list -- they curated an incredibly distinctive sound that is missing on this record. There definitely were a few good songs, and I mostly enjoyed it. Not blown away though.
I think I need to get drunk and take a long walk to really understand this album
Made me wanna shake ass. Really cool sounds. Extremely fun. Honestly blown away. Making plans to go to the club as we speak
Not a huge fan. See its significance but can’t get past the vocal delivery - I simply do not fw the over exaggerated growly tone :/
One of my favorite classic rock albums I have heard in a minute. Entirely unpretentious. Just good fun tongue in cheek type songs.
Marty Robbins is like the Homer of country or frontier folk, whatever you’d call this. I could listen to the man spin a yarn for hours. That’s not even mentioning his phenomenal backing on this record - the backing harmonies and guitar fills are absolutely perfect.
Pretty cool proto punk. Reminds me of Television a lot. Slightly less captivating overall but definitely worth a listen.
Lots of cool sounds. Very seamless and excellent vibe creation. Variety with cohesion.
Just such a delightful vibe. Feels a lot of the times like a precursor to Gorillaz oddly enough. Can is such a fascinating band. Cool to hear about their process and then hear a record.
Lovely vibe, very palatable jazz. Beginner friendly. Listening in the wake of trying to listen to Bitches Brew and losing my mind lol.
It’s fine. Got its moments. I can’t say I’d listen to it. I don’t even think it’s Coldplay’s best songs on this.
Lots of fun songs. Iggy shows what he is capable of without the Stooges. The back half gets a little weirder and actually I loved that about it. The bops bop. It all sounds great.
Feels like a rough collection of half baked songs. There are definitely some shining moments but by and large it sounds very slapdash. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a Syd era Pink Floyd album - perhaps that context would help. But I did not find this very enjoyable and I don’t think it does a good job convincing me.
Unfortunately, it bangs. Absolutely undeniable. Every time I hear a familiar voice and I’m like, “is that - ?”, it is. Rihanna, Chris Rock, Fergie, John Legend. The features are insane. The songs are catchy. The whole album sounds so goddamn good. Idk what’s going on in this man’s head but there was beauty there once.
Iconic. Dripping with personality. Kurt delivers a ripping vocal performance that sounds like it hurts sometimes. There’s something so magical about hearing such intimate and personal versions of these very loud electric songs. Not even mentioning The Man Who Sold the World and Where Did You Sleep Last Night which are so ubiquitous from this set that they spawned countless covers of his covers. We probably owe NPR Tiny Desk to this album. 100% must listen.
Really cool honestly. Great moments, not at all generic boomer rock. I see myself listening to this again. Really nice harmonies with three strong vocalists, fun guitar parts, great songs. Very pleasantly surprised.
Wish I coulda been in society when this one dropped. Such a fun album. Not something I’d throw on much because it was a bit mortifying pulling into a parking garage with this on, but there are a bunch of hits and I enjoyed it a lot. Such a great aesthetic that it curates.
Really special album. Lovely capsule of a bygone era. Not an every day listen, but there is so much talent in each song. I’m so glad they were able to capture it while these folks were around.
Best I’ve heard from them
Couldn’t understand wtf he saying but it’s a vibe. Would toss this on at a party
Weirdly good but still kind of corporate sounding. I forgive them though
Really fun soul vibe on this one. Super accessible.
Goes many places. Can’t say I like it much but feels very earnest and dorky (positive)
One absolute hell of a first song on a first album.
I truly think Take On Me will stand the test of time. There is plenty to be said about the artistry necessary to produce such an amazing song, and you hear that poking through from the other songs. Unfortunately, while Morten Harket is an absolute force of a voice, which sounds like if Morrissey could actually sing, and while the album is fun, none of the songs stick with you in quite the same way.
I will acknowledge the bias in me only knowing Take On Me. But there is something of a bummer in your best known song being the first one on the first album. I really feel they blew their load too soon.
Pretty rockin but I’m not sure it holds up. Sounds pretty dated in a way that Led Zeppelin, for instance, doesn’t.
It was fine. Great for certain situations, namely the Vietnam War or cookouts. I liked Night Time Is The Right Time in addition to the hits everyone knows. I can't say it's that strong an album as an art piece. It doesn't feel like a strong narrative or direction. It's a collection of pretty good blues rock songs.
Can’t believe he sounded like this in 1963. This man is one of a kind. The tracks run so smoothly into each other too. Just a great performance all around.
Sloppy silly and fun. Really unique and enjoyable sound.
One of those debuts where the band comes out fully formed and swinging. To this day after a forty year long career, these are some of their most iconic songs. Love or hate the bad boy image they build, you can’t deny that they do it better than anyone else (in this album anyway).
Great music to work on a ship to. Something about folk punk transcends cultures and it reminds me of a lot of stuff. It rocks.
Excellent album to vibe out to. Soft, silky, beautiful. Will put it on again.
Sociopolitical commentary, pop songs, and what I can only describe as Irish blues all in one accessible yet not compromising album. Lyrics are raw, unpretentious and honest. What a voice, gone too soon.
Some really good songs. Some okay songs. Enjoyable listen overall.
Gorgeous stuff. The mix is a case study in occupying space - can’t believe how quiet the guitar is in the first half relative to the saxophone but how it still cuts in the mix. They were doing some pretty cool stuff even then!!
Always love putting this one on at a party and having listeners go from “huh? What is this?” to “this piano rips!” to “ SO GOODBYE, yellow brick road…”
Great moments but slightly overjerked. Can You Get To That bangs
Really fascinating album. Fun, danceable. Would go to the club if this is what they were playing.
Really did something here
Every time I listen to this album I’m a little disappointed because it is very hyped up, so I expect something polished and beautiful. But maybe the beauty in it is how well it gets away with sounding kind of like shit. Just as something beautiful isn’t always enjoyable, something messy is often very lovable.
Old Francis is undeniable but I’m not sure I’m the type of swingin lover that Frank meant this for
Good golly this is a cool album. Just such insane sounds.
Neil Young is a case study in sounding great by sounding a kinda bad. He may not have a beautiful voice but that doesn’t stop him from being a great singer.
It’s fine. Chris Martin really made a career of writing pathetic guy music. 3 stars because Shiver is an amazing song and so is Yellow.
Honestly pretty good. Doesn’t sound original but I don’t really see it as worse than for instance, Please Please Me. I think in terms of timeline I am not super impressed - 1965 is hardly quick on the uptake for this kind of stuff. But it’s well done, has a unique grunginess to it that I like, and it’s just fun.
Honestly fucking epic. One of those albums that sounds a bit corny but that’s only because there’s been so many imitations of it that it diluted the initial impact. Crazy that despite that it still hits
Classic, good vibe setter, feels very important in the indie rock culture
The lore behind this album is too fucking cool man. Mr. John Cash is a man of the people through and through. And they loved him for it.
Lots of fun. Classic sneering hardcore
Really cool sound to this album. I feel like I can sink into the universe of it. It is a very specific vibe and I’m glad I got to experience it when I was in the right place for it.
Felt like sinking into a dream I’ve had many times before. Lo-fi beats to study/work/chill to
Full of hits, gotta respect the best blue eyed soul man to ever do it
Good easy listening but doesn’t blow my mind in any way
Kind of a slog at parts. “Only You Know” is great. The “I am off drugs now” song is a bit annoying and self important.
Quite good I see why people love her. Not something I’d usually spin but very much enjoyable and I am glad I had an excuse
Unfortunately… triangle rainbow album good. Amazingly atmospheric and every song melts beautifully into the next. You find something new in every listen. It really deserves the hype.
Album is really cool and so is the recording process behind it. Some parts were far more epic than others. But it is a feat and should be celebrated as such any way you cut it.
I would give this album a 3 but for the few undeniable songs on it. It is redeemed by the closers All Along the Watchtower and Voodoo Child (Slight Return). For my taste, the rest of it is far too meandering and could be much shorter. But at the time it must have been an absolute wonder to those not “experienced”. RIP to the greatest to ever do it.
Really lovely and varied. Surprisingly short, which in a way is cool. Super enjoyable
a lovely voice and sense of humor!! And a great mix tbh
Might honestly be one of the best garage rock type albums out there. Every instrument sounds so raw but intentional. Can definitely hear that Arctic Monkeys took some inspo.
One of the craziest debuts of all time probably
Good stuff. I can see why No Woman No Cry (Live) is the more definitive edition, but cool to see what it once was.
I am so grateful that this music exists. I truly believe this will be remembered as one of the most beautiful albums of all time. Rest easy, Brian.
Pretty cool but not super my thing. Could imagine it would be fun in a club, and reminds me of ABBA in some ways
Just a wild ride. Surprisingly palatable for how weird it is.
Indisputable bangers on this one, but not really my thing overall
Just not as sick to me as it is to them
Actually really epic. RIP Oz and all but god damn Tommy Iommi is a beast!!
Pretty cool vibes album, nothing earth shattering but better than the cover and name would have u believe
Awesome. Amazing how well the band interplays with Waits’ lyrics. So cohesive. Such a cool environment.
Enjoyable, very vulnerable, and great vibes. Probably not something I’ll spin often but won’t mind if it comes on.
Yeah, they really did something with this one. Crazy how many iconic songs are on this album.
Really fascinating album. Hard to speak to the historical significance, but I really enjoyed the texture of it and the feeling of it. I really like Caetano's gentle voice and the arrangements feel very cinematic. I feel transported listening to it. A strong argument for the "psychedelic-means-soaked-in-reverb" school of thought.
Really tough to put into context. To me it sounds a little corny and dated, but in the 70s, I bet this blew minds. It’s still good in some respects but I probably won’t listen to it again.
