Another mistake of judging a book by its cover. Loved this way more than I expected. I had never heard of this album or Big Brother & the Holding Company, yet I actually knew some of the songs (and had wrongly thought they were solo Janis Joplin songs). I think the obvious runaway star of this album is Joplin’s voice but a close second is the absolutely stunning guitar solos. I confess to not having listened to much 1960s rock at all but can hear how this album has influenced Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crowe and Lady Gage to name a few. Probably not one to listen to on earphones for future repeat listens as the sound quality didn’t hold up great there - my fault though!

Really impressed by the saxophonists (John Coltrane and Canonball Adderley). Can see clearly how this influenced a lot of modern jazz, especially within the improvisation genre. It was a short album but really packed a punch. Will likely return to this when I’m looking for something instrumental.

I have heard some songs from this before so am excited to listen to it in its entirety. I can see why it is influential, has a bit of everything. It has a few stand out songs but mostly, you can hear how it influenced the genre and tried to do something different. Definitely an enjoyable listen, will return to some songs. Songs I liked: So Fresh, So Clean; Ms Jackson, Spaghetti Junction, B.O.B, Xplosion, Red Velvet Songs I liked less: Snappin & Trappin

Defos judged it by the cover and thought I wouldn’t like it before being pleasantly surprised. The flute solos were an unexpected treat and the songs themselves were solid. It’s not my go to genre but could see myself listening again if in a particular mood. Can also see how it influenced other music at the time which was cool!

Remember this album from years ago and it was nice to listen to it in full. The standouts are “Crystalised” and “Islands” for me, and probably the main songs I’d return to. I can hear influences from the White Stripes but can also hear how they influenced 2010s indie/ pop with simpler guitar riffs, vocals and beats.

Another mistake of judging a book by its cover. Loved this way more than I expected. I had never heard of this album or Big Brother & the Holding Company, yet I actually knew some of the songs (and had wrongly thought they were solo Janis Joplin songs). I think the obvious runaway star of this album is Joplin’s voice but a close second is the absolutely stunning guitar solos. I confess to not having listened to much 1960s rock at all but can hear how this album has influenced Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crowe and Lady Gage to name a few. Probably not one to listen to on earphones for future repeat listens as the sound quality didn’t hold up great there - my fault though!

Enjoyable album that I had never heard of before

Recognised the song “My Best Friend’s Girl” but didn’t know anything else prior to listening. I really liked the guitars and the synth elements throughout the album. A lot of it sounded familiar in a way I couldn’t place my finger on. I assume that means they’re featured on soundtracks I’ve heard or else have heavily influenced other artists i have listened to (David Byrne and Scissor Sisters comes to mind)

An absolute classic for a reason!

Knowing that this album was released only a few months before his death puts a different spin on it. I think the highlight for me is the title track “You Want it Darker”. I loved the vocals on this album, both LC’s voice and also the use of a gospel choir too. The themes were really prevalent and I can see this being an album I come back to when I get a bit older. It also makes me want to listen to his 2019 posthumous release. I did really enjoy this one and found it cohesive but I think it’s an album that will grow on me so for now it’s a 4 star for me.

I’ve got to admit that I had heard of Peter Gabriel but hadn’t heard any of his songs or albums. My first thought on listening to this album was that it sounded like Phil Collins… imagine my surprise when I did a little research and found that they were in Genesis together! Hoping my ignorance is forgiven by my age and the fact that I pieced them together from sound alone. In terms of the music itself, I found the drums especially strong in “Red Rain” which was a standout for me. I liked the funky elements of “Sledgehammer”, definitely feels classic 80’s. I thought “Don’t Give Up” was a nice change of pace, definitely showed range and solidified the album as solid rather than a few individual songs.

Obviously had listened to this album before. I had read ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’ at school which focused a lot on ‘A Day in the Life’. Beyond that, I was mostly familiar with the big singles eg Lucy in the Sky, Sgt Pepper & With a Little Help. In terms of new thoughts, I liked ‘Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite’, felt like something a bit different from what I’d heard before. I liked the inclusion of the sitar (and other traditional indian instruments that I am less familiar with) in ‘Within You Without You’. The composition of this song is so different but I really loved it. The highlight has still got to be ‘A Day in the Life’. Honestly feels like a Tour de Force where you move through the song in stages. The use of strings, brass, vocalisations and the upbeat piano and drums in the background taking you through the song. A masterclass in storytelling, songwriting and musicality. The strings do so much to make you feel the discord at the tenser moments of the song and the use of building momentum and creating space is pretty groundbreaking. Overall, the album has some real highs and a few mids. Although it is solid as an album with some real standout songs, it is not super cohesive as an album so I think 4 stars feels warranted on that basis alone.

I had never listened to Run DMC or this album before but it turned out that I knew a few of the singles. My personal highlight was their cover of “Walk this Way” as it was a really interesting take on the original. Having never heard this album in its entirety before, I can clearly hear how influential it has been. I would return to listen to some of the songs but not all, therefore its a 4 star album for me.