1001 Albums Summary

This is a very energizing record. While there are a few songs that don't reach the same highs as the peaks, there is nothing but full-on explosive energy for the entire runtime. Going into it without much prior experience hearing Public Enemy, it took my by surprise in the most exciting and fun way. The cherry on top is the great ambiance and rhythm with record stabs and everything else coming from the turntables over the instrumentals. All around a great mix of bombastic bars, social commentary, and pure energetic expression.

Overall an understandably classic project. It's a collection that serves as a platform to show off each of the clans members, highlighting their different styles of flow and proficiency. While the lyricism flows well, the lyrics themselves don't tend to be very interesting aside from an entertaining usage of language. While there are a few standout tracks that I come back to, overall the track list doesn't lend itself to repeat listens on individual songs. Some tracks like CREAM and Wu Tang ain't Nothin Ta F With offer more variety in the instrumental but most involve very repetitive beats with the variations in vocal performance offering the most momentum. A solid and important album in the genres history that blends comedy and showboating with a display of prowess but lacking progression in instrumentals that would keep me replaying songs more often.

Overall it's a fun an energetic album. I've never been too into this type of 80s sound but there's enough variety to keep it enjoyable. The first track is definitely the standout hit and shines above everything else in terms of catchiness. While there are a couple songs that had grating hooks they're balanced out by the fun, driving instrumentals. Aside from the main hit single, The Next Generation stood out to me as an awesome moment for social commentary paired with a very listenable song. The bonus tracks are neat and the Buffalo Stance remix offers a fun moment with new introductory vocals and a cool beat switch up. All in all this is a solid, fun album. It isn't anything I'm eager to listen to in entirety anytime soon but offers 2 or 3 songs that I could put in rotation. The rap lyricism isn't particularly groundbreaking but is carried by a consistently bold vocal performance.

Absolute banger of an album. I'd never really sat down to listen to a Beastie Boys album straight through before. I was familiar with some hits and knew I liked their sound but wow. My expectations were blown away with this. From front to back you're met with high energy, bombastic, confident vocal performances over an amazing variety of instrumentals. From moments of pure hip hop appreciation with excellent sample work and tone setting to cuts where the electric guitars come in and you're met with a punk aesthetic. Even the purely instrumental tracks keep you hook with wild cuts and energetic melodies. The least impressive songs still leave you bobbing your head. I can say there isn't a single song that I would be inclined to skip by default. This gave me a greater appreciation for the Beastie Boys as a whole, and where they stand as cornerstones for that era of hip hop. The genre mashups, the interesting instrumentals, the exploration of world music with samples. I can't really think of a distinctly negative thing to say about this album.

Consistently high quality from track to track. Strong performances, fun backing vocals. Engaging storytelling moments with songs like 'The Pros'. The oldschool flows are matched beautifully with progressive beats that ring as a flagship of the era rather than a worn out trend. The lyrics are a great blend of braggadocios claims and some social commentary. Overall an enjoyable ride without any songs that demand to be skipped. Great production with a variety of samples and interesting layering. The album does not overstay its welcome and touches on all aspects of what make Queen Latifah lauded as an icon in hip hop and as one of the most iconic and influential female rappers.