8 Strong first few songs. Atmospheric. But the middle of the album gets muddled and samey. Ends on a high, with "Glory Box", but my favourite was "Sour Times". More of a background album than a headphones album.
8 Thoroughly enjoyable folk-rock with wonderful harmonies. Best track: "Helplessly Hoping" Mellow. Melodic. Reflective.
4 This really doesn't do anything for me. "Passenger" is probably the best of the bunch, but all of it's very pedestrian. Lyrics and instrumentation are pretty uninspired. Also has the goofiest album cover that it no way fits the vibe of the music.
6
5
5
6
6
6
7 Moody, broody synthpop fun. Best track: "Policy of Truth"
5 None of the covers trumped the originals for me.
7 Simple, yet effective.
8 For those familiar with Poe/Anne Danielewski, you'll find Mann has a similar power pop sound with a focus on sentimental (but not sappy) lyrics. Although the album runs a few songs too long and the occasional dud crops up ("put me on top“), there are some really great tracks, notably "4th July" which is simple yet poetic, poignant, and effective. "Say Anything" shines as a more upbeat track, with a great electric guitar part. If you like other 90s female soloists like Alanis Morisette and Tori Amos, you'll likely enjoy Aimee Mann's "Whatever". Best track: “4th July", "Say Anything"
5
7/10 "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love is King" are very strong, and rightly hits. Such a smooth album.
6/10 Best track: "Rooster“
6/10 I was really enjoying the first half of this album - it's buoyant and rhythmic (though all the tracks are a tad too long). But I hate Peking O and Aumgyn so much, I had turn it off.
8/10
6/10
8/10 I'm pretty sympathetic to riot grrl music, so this works for me. No, it isn't the most nuanced album, but it is bold and has a raw and undeniably enjoyable energy. Will be listening again. For others, mileage may vary, depending on personal limits for (reasonably toneless) shout-singing and punk generally. Best track: "Heart Factory", "Dance Song' 97“
6/10
5/10 I enjoyed this more than I expected, though 15 tracks is probably more than strictly necessary. Best track: "Til We Die"
6/10 Best track: "So Long, Marianne“
5/10 Inoffensive but offensively mediocre. Best track: "Street Joy"
3/10 I was happy to give this boppy, candy-floss album a mindless 6/10. As the cover suggests, it's exactly the sort of thing you'd listen to whilst getting ready for a night on the town with your mates. ... That was until I heard "You can't walk in your sleep." with the earth-shattering lyrics: "... That sleep is one thing you can't buy/You can't walk in your sleep/ if you can sleep/ you can't talk on your sleep/ if you can sleep." Seriously, that is assault against songwriting, and words in general.
6/10
7/10 Best track: (I don't want to go to) Chelsea
7/10