Not a love, but a very strong like. The title is apt; this is big music. Cinematic and widescreen, big-hearted and grandiose. Wish everything was as strong and compelling as Supercut, alas not everything is on par with that high point. But, it all comes from a truly unique voice.
Heartbreak on every level: personal, interpersonal, political, national. Sad and lovely. And perfect.
Didn't hate it, but not sure I loved it, either. Seems frozen in its late-80s context, so it's hard to get past the production and arrangement choices to connect with the songs. So it's all about the sounds. Some are captivating, some annoying and opaque because of the overwhelming coldness of the synths. Learned to truly respect David Gahan as a singer and the way his voice weaves with the synthetic production. A solid, middle of the road 3 for me.
Not a love, but a very strong like. The title is apt; this is big music. Cinematic and widescreen, big-hearted and grandiose. Wish everything was as strong and compelling as Supercut, alas not everything is on par with that high point. But, it all comes from a truly unique voice.
Pros: Attitude, snarl, sound, band vibe; guitar playing and vocal gymnastics. History: put Hair Metal in the rearview mirror. Cons: songwriting, misogyny, stupidity, Steven Adler (terrible drumming), and a couple of obvious filler tracks. It’s a shame because this should be a record I go back to. But I won’t.
Pros: beautiful performances, incredible set list, all the pure, raw talent of Nirvana—from Kurt’s voice, to Dave’s unbelievable musicianship, from the against-the-grain choices to the dynamics and sensitivity of the individual performances—on vivid, aching display. Just a perfect live album capturing the band in an entirely unexpected, naked way. A breathtaking masterpiece. Cons: not a single thing.
Pros: groundbreaking fusion of jazz, R&B, rock, and nihilism. And killer playing throughout. Denny Diaz omg. In addition: the hooks! And it all feels so casual and as if it were just there, all along. Con’s: some weaker songs in the back half. An amazing debut and a point toward the future.
Frank, Frank, Frank. Listen, buddy, I know you’re going through a rough patch, but there’s lots of fish in the sea, okay? You just gotta pick yourself up and get yourself back out there. I know it’s been bad, and I know you miss her, but maybe it’s for the best, right? But I’ll tell you this: nothing’s gonna change if you just sit around singing these sad-sack songs all day. Listen, it’s okay to lick your wounds, but you gotta make some changes, buddy. How’s about we go out tonight? No pressure… we’ll just go out get a drink or two and have a couple laughs. You’ll see. You’ll feel better. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, am I right? Let’s get things moving in a positive direction, Frankie. I love you, man. You know that, right?
It all comes down to that voice. Just one of the most glorious things to ever happen to popular music—the grit, the bell-like tone, the vibrato, the precision runs. Set the template for every single belter and shouter to ever follow. Also has aged incredibly well. Not a note on this album sounds antiquated. Everything in it is still alive in the music today. Incredible. “Ready Teddy” is a ripper from start to finish.
The Apex Mountain of dumb rock. You gotta give the ZZers credit for moving their boogie thang into a more contemporary, early-80s wrapping. But the lyrical sentiments have aged like milk, making this a tough listen in 2025. The idea of “fun” in rock has changed a lot in 42 years. A solid 2.
Wanted to be surprised and absorbed by this, but wasn’t.
Just incredible. Loved all of it!