The way this album inspired future artists was palpable which was fascinating, but by the end it started to feel a bit same-y. Highs were strong (Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Life on Mars?, Quicksand), but the kooky silly voices in some of the low-lights (Song for Bob Dylan, Fill Your Heart, Andy Warhol) reached a point of "ok I've had enough" pretty quick.
A pattern of gentle opening for 45 seconds into full orchestral chorus(?), calm for 45 seconds into full orchestral chorus a second time is sonically pleasant but got a bit boring.
These dudes are rockin!
Thick sounds, distortion pedals, jamming for 10 minutes because why do they have to play by YOUR rules, power riffs, hair metal style yells!!
You can clearly tell how this influenced 70s heavy rock and heavy metal to follow, you should listen while working with power tools.
the blues-inspired rock opera vibe just really not in line with what i tend to enjoy
also the discordant interludes of (seemingly) random notes / chords are not enjoyable
Lady Grinning Soul was probably the strongest track on the album for me, but there wasn't a single track i'd go back to listen to
Shockingly contemporary in sound, with some tracks fitting in just as well if you told me they were 2025 releases (guess that's why he's considered timeless). The back half of the album felt more like a score to a film I wasn't watching, but I can appreciate the experimentation and artistry. With that, there was a bit less to sink my teeth into -- BUT there was no formulaic nature to the songs a la Hunky Dory.
This is a bit more of a 3.5 (and the first Bowie album was really a 2.5), but a notable step up from the other Bowie albums reviewed so far so I'll round up.
Folksy, flute-y, hard rock meets The Shire..? Interesting album for sure, just not my standard fare.
Gave the feeling of Irish pub songs at times, always with an epic tale being sung.
I went into this album with the intent of giving it a fair shake and it let me down in ways I couldn’t have even imagined. I understand he’s singing about important topics like war and racism in America but his lyricism is that of a child trying to write their first song.
While riding on a train goin' west
I fell asleep for to take my rest
I dreamed a dream that made me sad
Concerning myself and the first few friends I had
are you joking — are we even being serious? does he just get a pass for free because of how *important* he is as an artist? or how there’s subtle beauty you just need to realize in it?
pretentious, terrible, god awful singing voice, and fairly off beat.
Another time I wish I could give 2.5 stars. Nothing wrong with the album, just not really my taste. Felt like a more country Carole King, perfect for my mother-in-law — not so much for me. The more uptempo songs were the bigger hits for me (Album name, Fly By Night), while slower love songs always just feel a bit boring.
Deeply personal with plenty of both angst and pain to be seen here. Some songs have ear worm melodies, and others increased sales on distortion pedals by 50%. Punk albums can often feel more bark than bite — I believe the case is clear here that In Utero is not.
Least favorite — Very Ape, Tourette’s, Radio Friendly Unit Shelter
Top tracks — the rest
It’s hard to separate “importance” from actual sound. This album set the standard for MPC sampling in hip hop, and can be seen as the grandfather to both sample heavy rap beats a la Kanye or the chiller lofi style like J Dilla.
That being said, this album is not without its flaws. Some tracks run considerably long, others fall a bit hollow, but there’s still enough meat in the winners to enjoy consistently. Genre hopping tracks kept me engaged through the whole thing.
Importance: 5 / 5
Songs: 3 / 5
A painful display of brit pop, that only got worse whenever he’d try to slow things down on tracks like Angels. Then it’d just be this shittier Oasis/U2 style of sound with a guy whose lyrics could only rival Bob Dylan’s.
Seriously one of the worst albums I’ve listened to in my life.
Better than The Freewheeling Bob Dylan by a good bit with the inclusion of actual instruments in the back. The biggest weaknesses here are still Bob Dylan’s vocals and lyrics. There would be times where all the pieces of the song were working well, then he’d remember “oh wait I’m Bob Dylan, I have to sing unbelievably nasally and irritating” — then crank it up and immediately ruin things.
Again it just feels like there are better blues artists in every facet to enjoy rather than this.
Angelic and ethereal irish / celtic folk vibes from this one. Felt like I was at a renaissance faire or transported into Braveheart. This style of folk music isn’t usually my thing but I respect the artistry through and through — also the lyrics are such a nice departure from Bob Dylan.
Also Chelsea enjoyed listening which is a nice bonus.
Wish I could do 3.5 stars, will have to give 3.
This album rocked. One of those 1960’s releases where I can see the DNA path lines to like 20 different bands in the contemporary.
The genre shifting within tracks was rad as hell. I think the entire experience was probably enhanced by the fact that I was running around town to grab light beers.
Jazzier tracks were a bigger hit for me (Little Umbrellas / Peaches) but there’s something to enjoy in each of the 7+ min tracks lol.
Listened through about two and a half times, really is a masterpiece of an album. Every single track (except Smackwater Jack for me) hits exactly how it should. It’s easy to see the DNA once again in contemporary artists, which I always appreciate. Jazzy interludes (and a saxophone solo!) were fun to hear but the piano and Carole King’s vocals together are enough to make an incredible song.
Lyrics are heartbreaking at times but that’s life I suppose.
Most tracks felt like something I'd listen to while playing Tony Hawk as a kid, in a good way. Raw sound, fantastic drums and guitar distortion, kick-ass fem punk vocals. Funny stumbling into an incredibly popular TikTok song in "Maps" organically. "Tick" had some really infectious "Cherry Bomb" style energy to it. Nostalgic for an indie rock time I didn't really live through, cool stuff!
Intensely forgettable. “The Complete Recordings” version of this album has an unreal amount of bloat that sound more like test or incomplete tracks.
There are some obviously catchy tracks on here, but having heard them 10,000 times in life, the novelty was a bit busted.
Genuinely awful. Sunday’s Best takes the crown as the new worst song I’ve ever listened to.
It’s like a bizarro-world Beach Boys with Bob Dylan’s singing voice, horrifyingly bad.
At least I can say with certainty that I’m no fan of (punk) rock operas. Really no hate towards this album it’s just not for me whatsoever. I’ve heard each song 20x more often than I’d care to growing up and I’ve always felt the same sense of loathing towards it.
Re-listening in full as an adult, it did make it plainly clear how flat some of the social commentary really is. It falls far more pop than punk to me as well.
Hip hop history that still makes for a fun listen, if you're willing to contextualize some lyrics that aged as well as you'd expect them to (bonus points for modern-day-MAGA Ice Cube!). Also two things are clear after a full listen:
1. Eazy E is the weakest part of NWA
2. NWA is not NWA without Eazy E
His rhymes are terrible but his sound is iconic, and I think played a big part in setting the group apart.
Beyond the instant classics, "Fuck the Police", "Express Yourself", and "Straight Outta Compton" there are some fun listens here. "Dopeman" has a hilariously anti-drug message, "I Ain't Tha 1" has a hilariously anti-materialistic message, "Parental Discretion Iz Advised" literally says "we're not role models, this is my record, watch your kids, do not blame us". They're proactively mocking all criticisms in a way that's genuinely funny to listen to.
This is a 3.5 rounded down to a 3 star, but make no mistake, it was fun to listen to twice while mowing my very suburban lawn -- which I'm sure is exactly how N.W.A. intended the record to be listened to.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WwMN5rVQdYo
"My name's Colin and I'm here to say, stay off weed and pray every day!!"
Felt more like a Hip-hop PSA I'd watch on Nickelodeon as a kid. Terrible beats, whack rhymes, preachy holier-than-thou attitude all over the place. "I'm not Ice Cube but I WILL shoot your ass if you step too close, but don't because we should unite together!!"
There were fleeting moments of enjoyable tracks here and there, so this is more of a 1.5 out of 5 that I've rounded down.
Smooth, funky, summer-time soul. This would be a great record to own, as it fits the "throw it on and go about your day" vibe really well. Felt like every single track could be sampled 20 different ways for some of the best contemporary beats you could hear. Only wish I could've listened while sitting on a block in Baltimore.
One of those “nothing wrong with it, just not for me” type of albums. Highly reminiscent of Wawa’s Hoagiefest jingle. Makes me think of drive in theaters and malt shakes. Fun for the summer but I’ve never heard a track I felt compelled to throw onto a playlist.
Felt like an experimental jaunt from their usual sound, before then retreating back to their classic tracks. A Forest, M, and Play for Today were all great. Some other tracks fell a bit hollow and ethereal for my tastes. Still delivers on the expected style of The Cure.
Unofficial rating: 3.5 / 5
Dope album and a fun listen. Already knew the hits off of this one but worth going through to find a few tracks that were new to me. The balance between R&B with Killing Me Softly, wutang style rap on Fu-Gee-Lah, and reggae hip hop on No Woman, No Cry or Zealots is really enjoyable.
Not flawless as I was not a fan of How Many Mics or Mista Mista. Only makes me wish Wyclef Jean was a better person and Lauren Hill was a better performer.
Really surprised by this album. Had the radio hits I knew well but there’s a lot of raw emotion and fantastic vocals to be found in between. Clear to tell she was going through a lot.
Wild this came out BEFORE The Diary of Alicia Keys given the similarities in some of the tracks.
Not a huge fan of Fighter, Make Over, or Dirrty. I much prefer the sound on the rest of the album than these little breaks.
Also surprised by how raw “I’m OK” was, never would have expected a ballad on this album about her father’s physical abuse to her during childhood.
Dark Side of the Moon if Pink Floyd was really into Lord of the Rings instead of LSD.
Always enjoy a cohesive album and you can clearly tell this was constructed to play out cinematically. Lead singer's voice would be a bit distracting at times but there are some incredibly cool riffs and moments within here.
Nostalgic PS2 game soundtrack vibes thanks to the heavy drum and bass / jungle kick snares. So easy to listen to that I ended up getting halfway through a second time. I was also listening to it while playing Path of Exile on a day off, so it’s likely this was the perfect album to meet the occasion.
Real “it was okay” for me, first half felt a bit vacuous before Murder Mystery came in and really shook things up sonically. Interesting religious break with Jesus and Beginning to See The Light… felt out of place but maybe I was missing the album’s motif.
The back half was all right as well, just wasn’t enough for me to really consider the album a winner. Not a painful listen just not one that’s particularly memorable or that I will end up putting on any playlists.
Another prog rock winner for me. 21st Century Schizoid Man was incredible and hearing the kanye sample out of no where was a fun experience.
Title track is everything I enjoy about prog rock. The way it builds, the sinister sound, just a 10/10.
I don’t understand the ambition behind Moonchild’s final 8 minutes — but as the wife said, “it’s calming background music”.
Goofy album I couldn't help smiling at. This is the kind of album that your uncle would toss on to explain how "rap nowadays is all mumbling, this is REAL hip hop". It's hilarious man, just look at the album cover! Hip hop history!
I also like the demonstration that they're just as capable as making soft and sweet melodies like you'd expect of that era with 'Dreamin' and 'You Are'.
'The Message' is one of the catchiest songs of all time and I'll die on that hill.
Has a bit of a garage-band-punk-rock sound. Electric when it hits, a bit grating when it doesn’t. There was plenty to enjoy here though, and the lyrics rock.
Not sure why but it was giving me some vibes like British version of Cake mashed with Rage Against the Machine.
Hitting on women by asking them to just surrender is a choice. Not a terrible listening experience (apart from Rag Mama Rag or Jemima Surrender). Just not my choice of music really.
The perfect album to enjoy in the summertime. Meaningful lyrics speaking to Jamaican independence and the fight for freedom. Cohesive sound and vision executed perfectly. No notes really, just enjoyed the jams.
Listened through the Deluxe edition. I would say I enjoyed the Jamaican version and original recordings equally for different reasons, but added the Jamaican versions to my playlists.
Excellent album — compelled to buy the vinyl of it. My only complaint is the mixing on the first half (yeesh do those trumpets get blown out), but the piano ballads in the back half more than make up for it. The kind of music I’d like to hear while on a fancy date out on the town in the 60’s. Beautiful.
Was leaning towards a 3 but had to bump to a 4 after the Bob Dylan diss track. Feels like a soundtrack for a cartoon mouse prince who lives amongst woodland creatures.
Can see the influence in Woodlands by Paper Kites, Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens, all over the place really.
Feels like he tried taking five different artist's sound and did it worse than every single one on every single track…
2000's indie/romcom movie core (derogatory)
Way too bloated, filled end to end with ad music.
Cool sound, nostalgic 80’s vibe with some unique artistic choices for a britpop album. Nothing that really blew my mind, but I had no trouble listening through the whole thing.
Appetite, When the Angels, Desire As, all solid tracks!
The Queen of Soul proves her worthiness. If you can overlook recording errors of the time period I think this is a clean five, but the backing instruments and vocals fall flat occasionally.
Was Motley Crue doing an Aretha Franklin cover with Dr Feel Good???
“It was edgy, avant garde, it pushed the envelope while promoting violence and drug use!!”
https://youtu.be/xXNy5YvF6l0?si=H0RgT5Gv6HMDRo5T
Dumb, repetitive simple lyrics with the same chords in each two minute song; self described as a “return to pop” during a period of highly produced albums. It’s incredible to me how much this gets a pass from reviewers.
How many reviewers feel the same way about a song like Gucci Gang? Surely Lil Pump’s punk enough with that endeavor, no?
When I was growing up, we'd be listening to the radio in the car, and 9 times out of 10 my dad would say "THIS is QUINTESSENTIAL 80's!!" with a fist pump.
I think this album is the truest definition of "quintessential 80's", for all the good and bad reasons. The difference between the lead-off hit and the low-lights on this album are a real canyon, but hey it was the era of one-hit wonders and they're not THAT bad!
Beyond the genre (and era) defining "Take On Me", there's not much else offered within the synth-pop on the rest of the album to really sink your teeth into. The title track is a highlight, and there are some very catchy melodies / choruses within here, but it doesn't do much to stand out to me. Some orchestral pieces, some border-line gospel elements?
If I compare this against a contemporary like Songs from the Big Chair, I know which I'm throwing on 100 times out of 100.
Did not know this existed, so a real fun experience since I’m a fan of Metallica and symphony orchestras. Plain and simple, this shit rocks — some pairings here provide a completely new sound to some absolute classics.
There’s a James Bond / cinematic score nature to a few of the tracks. Moments of dissonance do detract a bit (really just times where I felt the original identity of the track is lost with an orchestra), but that’s rare across the album.
I’m glad I’m selective with my 5 stars when albums like this come along.
Very easy listen, especially in the car with the windows down. The start was so strong I thought this was a quick 4, maybe even 5 potential — so I was bummed that the songs veered away from the initial vibe. Still good, still enjoyed.
Iconic album that defined a genre for a generation, tight 38 minutes with no skips and catchy songs all throughout. The re-listening experience is laden with nostalgia but there's some real artistry to be found in this album. Songwriting is great, bass lines and riffs are immediate ear-worms, and the up-tempo drums are infectious. This album has energy man.
Impressive how immediately recognizable the hits are on this album. Easy to listen through at a brisk 34 minute run-time, and a sound that never overstays its welcome between tracks. Not exactly my cup of tea stylistically, but worth a 3 for a genuine “I liked it”.
So absurd in its lyricism that it reached the point where I thought, “oh surely they’re in on the joke.”
No. They are not in on the joke.
It’s like they saw the satanic panic of the 80’s as a premier marketing opportunity and leaned in as hard as possible with the corniest satanist lyrics you’ve ever heard.
Compare this with an album I genuinely love, Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden, which was also released in 1982, and the difference couldn’t be harsher.
It gets two stars for the guitarist and drummer rockin their hearts out, even if the lead singer is ruining all their aura.
Shockingly well mixed and mastered for an album from the 1950's! The symphony was well paired, but I think a simpler jazz trio backing her vocals would have hit the whiskey-bar-vibe a bit nicer, to me at least.
At times it sounded like her voice was weak (or maybe she was drunk), so it was interesting to read on the album's Wikipedia page that her voice had changed from years of alcohol and drug abuse.
Enjoyable listen that I'm sure would sound nice on vinyl, perhaps I just need an Italian villa to play it in to reach the pinnacle of the listening experience for this album.
A solid album that feels like it gets 60-70% there on each track. Unfortunately, that hollowness does get a bit distracting.
It’s very hard for an electronic album like this to blow my mind when I’ve heard the best works of the best artists that came thereafter. They’re clearly the originator in the genre DNA, but still… gotta rate an album on the album.
Would rate 3.5 if I could. Enjoyable listen through the end, though I did start thinking that Liam Gallagher might be the Brit-rock Bob Dylan with how nasally he’d lean into the vocals in some tracks. Ultimately the album presents itself as inoffensive and digestible tunes. Nothing that really blows me away, but I could see myself returning to a few tracks.
Favorites: Slide Away, Married With Children, Up In The Sky, Live Forever
If I purchased a record in 1970 as a child that opened with Immigrant Song I think I’d shit my pants immediately.
Wild how much depth and variety they bring to this album. The cover is a perfect representation of what you’re about to experience. I prefer the rock-heavier Zeppelin sound but it’s still a great album that I listened through three times.
Unfortunately, due to the final track, my left ear gives this album a 5, yet the right a 3.
Imagine having the balls in the year 1970 to say “yeah our lead off self-titled track is going to be you being dragged down to Hell while crying out for God”.
Even with the triple recordings, this album flows incredibly well. End to end it just fuckin rocks, every piece of the band sounds unified, and it’s no mystery how this set the standard for heavy metal.
Noticeably her first album. So slow, so tame, it felt like Missy Elliott was scared of rapping nearly the whole time. I know there wasn’t a market for women rappers at the time, but all you’re left with is a hollow kinda-R&B album with some
weak bars and snooze worthy tempo. For an album with 17 tracks, you’d really expect a bit more variety…
It’s no shock to me that her big hits came later, after embracing higher bpm beats and actually rapping.
I feel like you either love Rush’s sound or hate it — fortunately I’m a big fan. First track was lengthy but sonically unique, I’ve experienced worse prog-rock slogs across 13+ minute tracks.
The solo in the middle of Something for Nothing pulls this album up a star alone. Also Neil Peart really knows what he’s doing on those drums, who knew! You’ll never hear a denser live recorded kit than his, I swear.
Listened through three times. Upbeat, fun, funky soul that can turn your mood around. It’s a big band sound mixed with disco, and it’s done so well.
A bit slower and love-ier than their big hits but damn does it hit, Reasons, That’s The Way of the World, See The Light.. Time to go buy the vinyl.
Significantly better than The Ramones, I guess I’m just not an early punk fan. Really didn’t click with the vocals at nearly any point. Genre hopping was a winner in some spots, loser in others as I hated Jimmy Jazz. The tracks that leaned heavier into brit alternative and ska were cool, easy to hear the influence and how those directions developed afterward.
Tells a compelling story while supplying some of the greatest songs of all time, easy 5.
Beast of an album with how many tracks there are on this guy! Genuine "liked it" rating, would probably fit within the 3.5 star rating scale comfortably as well. The vocals do a considerable amount of the legwork on this album in my opinion. On the folksier side, they're comforting rather than grating as other contemporaries can be. On the alternative side, it meshes just as well as any other band of its time.
This isn't my bread and butter for music I'd usually listen to, but I could see myself coming back, pulling a couple tracks into a few playlists, and rating this a 4 on another listen.
Might be a new peak for Mr Bowie. The hits here are carrying very hard — namely Starman, Moonage Daydream, and Suffragette City. In between I just struggled to really click with everything he had to offer. This album carries an undeniably unique sound, it’s just not one for me.
Blue Orchid and The Denial Twist are okay, rest is forgettable. Drums sound like they were recorded in the other room and that mixing got more distracting as the album went on. It also felt like the drummer just got 10 new instruments that they were dying to incorporate, with random tambourines or maracas. First album we've been served up that I really felt like just skimming through the tracks after the first five.
Goofy and fun album with classic golden age hip hop rhymes and great beats. Is their flow repetitive? Yeah! They’re inventing this shit! The hits on this album are impossible to not smile to, it makes me feel nostalgic for a period I did not live.
Also to close out the album with, stay in school, stay off drugs, and be proud of who you are is so classically golden era. Run DMC is for the kids!!
Surprisingly enjoyable album, short and snappy with no songs I was pining to skip. Expectations, She’s Losing It, and Electronic Renaissance I could all see getting added to a playlist.
Carries a Wes Anderson vibe I could see turning people away — but the layered sounds are too pleasant to hate on the value of being “hipster” to me.
Am I a bigger Black Sabbath fan than I realized? This album fucking rocked. The sounds on this are haunting, guitar riffs that will melt your face off. Setting a clear standard for anything to come after. No notes.
clear 5/5
Never listened to this one fully through before, as I usually gravitate towards Radiohead's later works, but it's still a clear winner. It was compelling to hear them at their most stripped down. Layered guitars, steady drums in the back, small inclusions of strings or other instruments here and there. Gives an ethereal sound. Almost like the alternative rock version of Dark Side of the Moon.
Yeesh, not my style at all. The country blues sound, especially on tracks like Factory Girl, was just not fun to listen to.
This gets two stars rather than one simply because Sympathy for the Devil is track #1.
This is an odd album to rate for me. Nothing about this album was offensive, but I don’t know why this was included on the list. As a 2017 release, it just felt like a less creative Stereolab album. It was easy to listen through, but definitely not something I’d consider everyone needs to listen to before they die.
Easy listening psych rock. Don’t imagine I’ll rush to add any tracks to a playlist, but it was enjoyable. Ironically I think the closing track was the weakest by a strong margin.
Genuine 3 star "I liked it" rating here.
The most creative early punk project I've listened to via this list so far, by a wide margin. Incredibly intrigued by the stylistic interludes on tracks like Anti-Pope and Smash It Up, or even the alternative sound on something like Plan 9 Channel 7. Even the intro to I Just Can't Be Happy Today sounds like a song from The Who with the synth.
Any tracks that lean heavier into the punk sound bring a speed and energy that's immediately addicting. It's got this Judas Priest / Motorhead kind of energy mixed with vocals that sound like Depeche Mode sometimes, other times the Beach Boys, funky mix.
I do not imagine I'll return to any tracks here, but I could easily see how someone who meshes with the sound / vocals more would give it a 4 or 5.
Rio should've been the bigger hit off of this album, bring back surprise sexual jazz solos in the middle of pop songs!!
Great listen from start to finish -- New Religion, Hold Back the Rain, and Save a Prayer were surprising winners that I hadn't heard before. It feels like uncovering a stylistic time capsule from the 80's.
Even Hungry Like The Wolf has this awesome balance of ripping guitar riffs layered over an addicting repetitive video game soundtrack style of synth. It's like you're playing Pacman in an arcade while the speakers blast Def Leppard.
Paint It Black followed by blues-y 60’s rock garbage, accompanied by Mick Jagger’s drunkest performance yet.
Under My Thumb will give you momentary reprieve, offering style and creativity, before you’re thrown back to the wolves with Doncha Bother Me. That is assuming of course that you’re willing to ignore all the lyrics.
Quite short and easy listening, any track you don’t enjoy will be over in 45 seconds anyway. Not my favorite album of Mr. Young’s but there’s a clear appeal. Southern Man, Tell Me Why, Till the Morning Comes, Dont Let it Bring You Down notably enjoyable. Maybe I just don’t like harmonicas…
Cannot relate to even a single part of this album, but damn is it good! Played on the commute to work with the windows up to avoid getting laughed at. Prime west coast beats with one of the greatest rap poets to ever do it.
I have faith no more in this 1001 albums list, this album is just vocal garbage.
The drummer and guitarist were trying their hearts out, but the best track is just a shitty Black Sabbath cover. As a metal fan I’m stunned by the reviews this album is getting — I will not return to anything presented here.
Falls victim to something I call The Nujabes Curse, where the instrumentals are far and away superior to any of the mediocre rapping thrown onto these beats. I can respect what this album encouraged and inspired, but it’s a canyon of a difference to me between Unfinished Symphony and Blue Lines.
He says “I’m gonna moan now”, then moans. By The Time I Get to Phoenix is better categorized as a podcast episode. But god damn you cannot deny the artistry and soul that went into this album.
Starting to think this guy doesn’t like his mom!!
Cool album, unique sound, diverse track list. If you skip Mother this is probably a 5. Miss Gradenko, Wrapped Around Your Finger, Tea In The Sahara, all surprising winners.
Fantastic vocal performance without a track that sounds out of place. The theme of the album is cohesive, and the lyrics speak (a bit too) true to Amy Winehouse’s life. Even the sound of this album gives it a 60’s quality to me.
A bit too long and a bit too tame. If I listened to this at a different time it might hit differently, but getting through the 1hr18min runtime was a slog. I wish there was just.. more? More risk, more expression, more creativity.
Bonus point for Only You Know — which is fantastic.
Imagine yourself locked in a room with Bruce Springsteen singing through the wall, insistent on wailing about poor murderers. That’s this album’s experience.
If the first place my mind goes to while listening is Bob Dylan, you know the album is headed down a dark road — and a poor review.
The tracks are so formulaic, in both sound and lyricism, that I applaud anyone who’s able to tell them apart — or even stay awake during a listen.
I don’t listen to live albums for groups I actually like, so this was definitely trying. It’s a jam band, they jam, sometimes they meander into styles I’m not the biggest fan of. Would be a true 2.5/5 if I could.
Can someone find Ray Charles a woman who actually loves him as much as he loves her???
At it's best without the old-time-y choir in the background -- gives it the same sound I'd expect from 50's/60's Christmas music. Even the supporting singers on You Are My Sunshine are better.
It has highlights but the record in its entirety feels repetitive. The sound stays the same. The lyrics stay the same (I love you, you don't love me, please love me a bit, I worry about you, you don't worry about me, I love you more than you know). He's a great artist but this is better as background music than a focused listen.
I did not enjoy a single moment of this album. I’m not saying this for comedic effect — it is easily the worst album on the list so far.
Punk and avant garde. Not something I’d reach to toss on the record player but a good fit for this list. Unique, artistic, and a good one-off listen.
The opening track jump-scare got me good. Every piece of this album felt deliberate, even if it was challenging at times.
Sit down any parent that complains about hip hop only being about drugs and violence and throw on this record.
Incredibly fun listen, funny interludes, immaculate vibes. You can immediately tell they’re having a great time and that energy is infectious. Very similar to Tribe Called Quest in that regard.
Me Myself and I is a top-5 mood booster of all time imo
Time and place issue for this album. If I had listened in 1997 with a severe nihilism about the changing world and a considerable amount of depression, this album would be an easy 5.
There are still great tracks, Exit Music / Lucky / Karma Police are all at the top of said list. That being said, it is incredibly dreary and depressing. The motif of the album is prescient as ever, but layering on the same woes we feel each day makes me feel more overwhelmed than heard.
Stronger start than finish, with tracks like Sunshine Superman, Three King Fishers, and Season of the Witch. Cool sound, psychedelic, very 60's with a huge Beatles sound. Not shocked at all that Donovan joined the Beatles on their trip to India. He made frequent use of that sitar during nearly every track!
Strange album to rate... The switch to brit-hip-hop was so jarring it felt more like a dare from a friend to include on the album. The tracks that lean deeper into jazz (The Paris Match, song with a title I probably should not write online) are very pleasant to listen to. But when this album falters, it really trips and breaks its entire leg.
Listened while climbing. At best it faded into background music, at worst it aggravatingly pulled my attention to the whiny vocals or discordant sounds.
I’m not an early punk fan, and I have this list to thank for figuring that out. I’ve heard worse however, so it gets a 2.
Phenomenal debut album with no skips. Easy to understand why this catapulted Coldplay into stardom.
The other reviews for this album display an embarrassing degree of baggage that people bring to the table for Coldplay..? Unless Chris Martin banged your wife, just review the damn album!
GOOOO BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRDS 🦅
Okay with that out of the way.
Bold as hell to open the album with the clear hit, but it also perfectly sets the theme for the rest of the tracks to follow. Sorrowful tones all over the place (ignoring Life In the Fast Lane). The orchestral interlude smack dab in the center of the album was a complete shock but beautiful.
Found less purchase with Victim of Love / Pretty Maids All In a Row but oh MAN do they pull it back with Try and Love Again / Last Resort. Great listen, and a great end to the Eagles.
Bitter Sweet Symphony followed by 12 forgettable 90's English rock band tracks. The tracks that broke the mold a touch more (This Time, Velvet Morning) were enjoyable, but the rest felt like an Oasis coverband. Not bad, not great.
Cool and contemporary, very easy to get lost in. Tracks above 100bpm connected with me far more than those under, but there were still catchy moments to be found there (like the “doo doo doo doooo doo doo dooooooo doo doo” in Now There Is Nothing). Would’ve loved an album that’s Flutes 12 times over, but I suppose variety is the spice of life.
There’s nothing I enjoy about this rockabilly style, and I grow more callous to it with each album offered on the list.
My apologies to the Sweetheart, your rodeo fuckin blows.
Funky and classic Curtis Mayfield but no real standout hit to be found here. The album’s message is still relevant — which is depressing more than impressive. It’s short and to the point — and a nice listen — but I just don’t see myself returning quickly.
a star for every hit on the album, lots of filler to be found otherwise. the other tracks aren't bad, they're just a touch forgettable. little did they know that this record would infect weddings for centuries to come...
Femi Kuti by Femi Kuti gets a Femi Kuti / 5.
I'd like to buy this record. Incredibly groovy, just wall to wall jazzy jams, this is the soundtrack I'd like to just persistently follow me during the summer. Perfect to work to, perfect to climb to, really enjoyed this one -- complete shock with the amount of listens it has on Spotify.
My love of jazz versus my hatred for live albums. Unfortunately… the latter wins today.
This record is genuinely unpleasant to listen to in full. The mixing is so bad that I had to actively change the volume whenever the screeching trumpet would come in. The 3 minute interludes and introductions scattered about the album are not enjoyable. And why the hell did it start with the national anthem??
she honks on my tonk till i masquerade
I looked up her Wikipedia page and felt my jaw hit the floor when I read that she recorded this album at age 26. All the songs are enjoyable but I don't see myself running back to listen anytime soon. Feels like the album deserves a 3.5 or something similar, but the twangier and raspier tracks did pull it away from 4 stars.
All in all, damn shame she died so young, I cannot imagine how incredible her music could have become.
Aggressively 60's, feels like I'm standing at the punch bowl at a prom worried about my troubadour staying up all night...
Got real repetitive by the end, but each track is only like 2 minutes, so that was an odd experience. You can pick up on the greatness to come, but this one wasn't a huge winner to me.
What an experience to listen to this directly after I finished "A Hard Day's Night"... The best tracks here were the fleeting moments they WEREN'T pretending to be the Beatles. Also I realize now that there was a show and far more lore to this whole ordeal than I initially was aware of, still doesn't make me enjoy it any more.
Doesn't have any of the band's notable ear-worms but you're still going to pretend you're hitting a double bass pedal under your desk while listening at work.
This album rocks and I will listen again, most likely the next time I'm trying to lift heavy things.
Half of the tracks on this album are self-aware bars about how bad of an influence Eminem is on the "kids". Feels kinda like Fight Club. Is it a chicken or the egg situation? Did Eminem get popular because of the state of society, or did the state of society reach where it did because of Eminem? I'm leaning far more towards the former.
With that being said, I still hate Eminem's sound. The fast sporadic rap style and rhyme-schemes he uses have always been grating and annoying to me. Even when I was the prime audience for his work as a white middle-class middle-schooler I still felt the same way.
THAT also being said, as an adult it's just that much more tiresome to listen to lyrics that are clearly aiming for an edgy shock-factor. It feels like a peek back into the early internet, or 2000's comedy movies...
Terribly un-enjoyable album, but Shady didn't cause Columbine.
At times it felt like James Brown was being played outside my headphones while the band was playing in them. My distaste towards live albums only continues…
There’s a lot of soul jazz and funk to enjoy here, or at least there would be with a better recording…
Just an incredible work of art. Lyricism, musical expression, versatility, creativity, authenticity. Kendrick was rapping over beats and making songs within this record that were the first of their kind, pulling more inspiration from James Brown than Snoop Dogg. You could spend a semester dissecting every part of what's in here.
“yeah man can you shriek moan and cough into the mic on this one? yeah really shriek and cough like you mean it — it’s gonna be really punk man yeah just do it yeah.. what are we gonna be doing? what do you mean we're just gonna be playing random notes? yeah like whatever compels us really yeah"
Man this album really just keeeeeeps goooooooing doesn't it...
Production is bizarrely stripped down on a ton of the songs on this project. It's like Prince wanted to strictly abide by the "sounds of the future" and left tracks with just an 808 and electronic clap with a wonky synthesizer? But you hear the same sounds over and over and over..
If I'm being honest, I was disappointed by the mediocrity I encountered on this record.
Only wish it wasn't 50 degrees outside while listening to this one, if it were humid and 90 degrees I have a feeling this would've been an easy 5. For an album full of versatility in its jazzy sound it really blends together. Now where's my CERVEZA CRISTAAAAL
Enjoyable tracks in the front half but felt like they were running out of creativity by the back of the album. Unfortunate too because I think their distinct sound is actually really pleasant, and shines in a number of places on this record.
Could be the greatest pop album of all time. Doesn't overstay it's welcome in the slightest, and delivers something crisp and new with each track.
what if we made Pink Floyd but like a lot worse???
was LSD a pre-req for this to be an “album to listen to before I die”? not sure I get it
The most fun I’ve had listening to an album on this list so far. Played it while climbing and immediately went back to listen again. Type of music that makes you feel happier no matter what.
Space is deep, this album is not
I mean no offense to Mr Loaf but this is the perfect cross-section of two styles of music I deeply dislike. You’ve got this rock opera sound on tracks that never know how to end, and a rockabilly swing undertone…
I understand how people can like this, but boy howdy is it not for me.
Very pleasant to listen to, but the bar has been set high in the past couple of days when it comes to Latin albums.. Tracks with heavier Jazz influence like Incident at Neshabur were very cool. The classic Santana sound of a guitar mimicking vocals on the staple tracks like Oye Como Va and Samba Pa Ti was still a delight to listen to as well.
Not going to make any friends with this take but every time I listen to Grateful Dead, I feel like I'm hearing a jam band whose lead singer was sick so they threw a microphone in front of the bassist...
Touch country for my tastes but there's still a nice sound to be found here and there on this record. A 2.5 feels more accurate than a 2 but here we are..
Listening felt like someone handed me a beat tape in the middle of New York, and I sat on a porch listening to it while the rabble of the city continued. Pretty cool effect, seemed like the artist accomplished exactly what he was after. Genuine "I liked it" 3 star rating here.
I really enjoy the variety and creativity on this project, especially the inclusion of the African artists. Honestly I wish I liked it more, for whatever reason the overall sound just does not click for me. It's almost as though it's a touch too.. whimsical? Like something I'd expect to hear in a movie soundtrack (I also recognize that this bias could stem from how many Paul Simon songs ARE in movies..).
Either way, genuine "I liked it".
Enjoyed as much if not more than the previous Simon & Garfunkel album. Perhaps a dumb perspective but it always feels like secular gospel music to me, not worshipping any God but just appreciating life itself. Gleeful music, I guess -- even if the lyrics don't reflect that.
“mom can we have American radiohead?”
“no sweetie we have American radiohead at home”
the American radiohead at home:
I actively thought “I’m not European enough for this “, and then I googled it and figured out that they were Swedish
that was fun
I really don't understand the Jack Off Hour, on the station that slaps you across your fat ass with a fat dick. Who is the intended audience? Is it those who are trying to jack off during the Jack Off Hour? Is it those with a fat ass looking to get slapped with a fat dick?? Are the men supposed to tune in during the Jack Off Hour or is it a block reserved specifically for the "hoes" and "bitches" Nate Dogg and Kurupt are about to rap to? I find the mixed messaging from DJ EZ Dick challenging to parse to say the least.
Anyways, some cool tracks and classic to be found here. Never been a huge fan of the OG west coast rap sound but some beats are unforgettable (Gz and Hustlas, Who Am I, Murder Was The Case). I honestly think it's an abundance issue given how many people copied and emulated the sound for the rest of my childhood. I always prefer the vocals from Warren G, Nate Dogg, and a couple others on this album over Snoop -- but he brought 'em together!
It's definitely early indie rock! My least favorite part was when they got one of the band-mate's dad to record some weird ass vocal to mix into the track like five times.
"Fetchin' beats retchin' like scratchin' cures itchin'" ?????
That being said, the album did make me feel like I was in Ohio! Unfortunately, Ohio fuckin sucks.
40 minute extended audio-only cut of the Elf scene where he's exploring New York City
If I made a song with the same lyrics as Banana Split for My Baby my wife would divorce me
Very fun listen, infectious energy, a big "time and place" kind of album for me but I will listen in the future again
Generational hits intermixed with dramatic sitcom filler music. I just want to know how Liam Gallagher is able to make his voice sound like that!
Anyway, here's Wonderwall...
Man if this vocalist split off from this goofy ass sound and terrible backing male singer I bet she could really succeed as an artist!!
Breath of fresh air in terms of creativity and execution after hearing a number of copy-cats on this list, but it’s also been a favorite album of mine for years at this point.
Really took me by surprise. I’ve heard of Supertramp but never listened to an album, and this was a great one to start with.
In some ways, it’s about as quintessential 70’s psych / prog rock as it gets — almost to the point of satire at times. Alongside that, the vocals left me wanting a touch more when it’s just the male lead…
HOWEVER, it was a fun listen and enjoyable through the end. I loved how it started off and ended with the harmonica as well to give a sense of cohesion.
Distinctive sound with a number of iconic songs on here. It’s easy to understand how someone would love it, but unfortunately it just didn’t click. Feels like a case of “lead-singer-itis”, where you either love his sound or hate it — same case as Oasis!
Also, driving to pickup pizza at 8pm to Everybody Hurts was a horribly depressing experience.
My mom would insist on playing Guitar Hero with us but she’d only ever really play Message In a Bottle on Medium and refused to hit the blue notes with her pinky because it was too hard. So yeah pretty good album I guess!
Feel like they perfected the formula of “simple catchy 80’s” sound.
I will not let the most bitterly cold day of the year so far ruin what is a truly incredible album. I've listened to this album before, I listened now, and I will listen again.
It's the perfect soundtrack for the life you want to live.
Always tough reviewing rock albums from the 60’s because… yeah.. that’s just what “rock” sounds like. It’s not their fault it’s boring and generic when you’re in the first wave of genre creation, but there IS psych rock done better than this.
Honestly “Sweet Ride” long version was where I felt the semblance of a distinct identity come out — but then the album ended.
Genuine “liked it” rating here. A solid surprise from a contemporary album, offering a sort of “alternate universe” Coldplay where they don’t try to create the biggest pop songs of the century after their debut. The tracks are considerably unique, which — by nature — works when it does and doesn’t when it doesn’t.. but I still respect the totality of the creativity here.
Unique and ethereal. Listened while talking the dog on a walk when it was 35 degrees, which felt fitting. Vocals are just another instrument to me, so I don’t care that half the lyrics are unintelligible.
Imagine a sleazy and disturbingly British marxist undergrad invited you to watch his shitty garage post-punk band, but tried to sing half the lyrics way too close to your ear.
That’s the Different Class by Pulp experience.
Social critique can be great, this album was not. When your “resistance anthem” is followed up by an uncomfortable rape-ballad I think you’ve lost your way.
One of the more frustrating things an album on this list can be is boring, and boy howdy does this hit the mark there. The vocalist comes off as terribly whiny and mediocre but the backing melodies are pleasant at times. With no semblance of nostalgia I’d be stunned to hear someone absolutely loves this album on a fresh listen.
I’ve heard worse, but I’ve also heard much better.
Man.. what an album for a bitterly cold night walk with my dog. Feels incredibly intentional in all aspects. The in utero motif is clear (I have eyes, and can indeed see the album cover), but the progression through the album was beautiful.
I’d imagine this would be an easy 5 if I spoke Icelandic. I could also see this becoming a 5 on a re-listen.
Saving this album to throw on the first time it snows this season.
as 90's of a sound as it gets, also a Smashing Pumpkins with woman lead vibe at times.. The nostalgia I have for the underlying sound here is working against the album rather than for it. It's not a bad album though, just not for me.
On the first listen, there'd be like three seconds where I'd think "wow this sounds just like [ other song ]", and then feel disappointed when it was inevitably different.
This would be a 2.5 with a half star system.
Incredibly fun listen but less refined than I expected, makes sense for an earlier album from them. Loaded with goofy skits, a cohesive yet raunchy theme, and some generational hits.
I thought the back half deserves way more attention — Humble Mumble and Red Velvet are catchy and carry the same energy as the rest!
Album that makes you feel good. Felt like a sassy and spectacular journey through space — at times a little Bowie, a little Pink Floyd, and a touch Bob Dylan..?
Some of the somber tracks in the center lost me, but then you hit Mr Blue Sky and Sweet Is The Night and forget any problems you had!
Also The Whale is an incredibly cool song. Overall this is a vibes rating for a good vibes album.
Very kind for this to only be 27 minutes, for that — it gets a bonus star!
But man do I hate honky tonk music.
