1001 Albums Summary

how fitting it is that my first album on the list is by someone who I’ve had no prior knowledge of! okay I know the velvet underground though, but just by name. lyrically this album is very interesting. certainly very eccentric and vivid songwriting that kind of reminds me of björk’s lyrics for some reason. some of the lyrics on the album make sense, while some don’t, and that’s completely fine because it just adds on to the album’s charm. what’s also charming is nico’s voice. it’s honestly impressive how multi-textured and layered it is. her voice is just so rich and expressive and went places that I didn’t expect her to go to. at parts it has an almost hypnotic feel to it. sound wise, this album has its highs, but its lows too. the whole album transports me to some sort of bavarian meadow in the summer. the flutes and violins just added loads of depth to the record. most of the time, this sound works for nico, but on certain tracks, it works against her. it was a pleasure then is is the main culprit of this, there was just too much going on with the production here, and artistic choice or not, it just should’ve been a more subdued song. sonically the album improved in the second half, which is why most of the songs that I enjoyed were from the part of the album. favourite songs: chelsea girls, winter song, i’ll keep it with mine, wrap your troubles in dreams

I must confess I haven’t listened to a george michael album. obviously I know who the man is, last christmas is after all my favourite christmas song of all time, and careless whisper has one of the most recognisable intros in music, but I’ve only really been familiar with the hits. lyrically this album is a very intentional one. without a doubt there is a very conscious effort to highlight the lyrical content, a blend of strong consciousness on social issues, as well as michael’s experiences with love and heartbreak. his writing is from the heart and it’s no surprise he wrote every single track off the album, with all but one being solely written by him. personally, I preferred the socially conscious side, praying for time I feel is more relevant than ever today, 35 years after its release. the album was also solely produced by michael, which is why the production and his vocal performance are so intrinsically tied to each other. this album certainly is more mellowed compared to his prior hits before the album, again a very intentional choice, yet each sound he explores has its character and place on the album. my favourite tracks off the album have a more jazz club, intimate feel to them, and his powerful vocals just shine on them. when you look at it, this album just relies on its power, and michael’s every artistic decision for the album is influenced by that, which just makes the album aptly named. I think my only slight grievances with this album is that the production isn’t as clear on certain songs (though that could also be just a me problem) and the songs about michael’s personal experiences with love could’ve been even more raw and vulnerable, but considering his personal circumstances at the time of the album’s release, I don’t dwell on this too much. favourite songs: they won’t go when I go, cowboys and angels, praying for time, waiting for that day 4 ⭐️

honestly not so keen on this album as a whole. the instrumental work on this album is great but that’s pretty much the only compliment I can give it. the vocals and lyrics are objectively good but they just don’t connect and engage me. favourite tracks: river man, three hours