High energy prog rock. Awesome musicianship. Didn't listen to any of the lyrics because it'll be the usual prog rock nonsense. Drifts into jazz-rock for YYZ. Entertaining. 3/5.
The big band arrangements on side A are off-putting, but the orchestral arrangements of side B suit his vocal style better. This sounds like an attempt to mold him into a standard crooner, but there are much better singers for that. I don't think we get the real Ray Charles on this record.
Love everything about this album. Strange to think this was recorded in 66/67, just 3 years after they were a rock and roll covers band.
Hugely popular album from my teenage years. Still had plenty of interest.
The least favourite of his winnings for me.
If you're looking for excitement look elsewhere. It is very quiet. Whispered lyrics. Brushes rather than sticks on the drums. Unfussy arrangements. Languid. Good songs, but the delivery becomes tedious by the end. Ultimately that meant she just had the one hit album. 5/10.
Side one is perfect with great song after great song. The Prophet's song gets side 2 off to a shaky start. Nice recovery with Love of my life. All in all a good album. 8/10.
On first listen not hitting the spot for me. Many of the elements are there - easy going music with lyrics that demand you listen to them. It's probably the vocal delivery that's not working for me. So a 2 out of 5.
Based on the first half, this would be a 9 or even 10. After that, interesting but not to the same standard. 7 over all, which converts to 3 stars.
All the energy and sparkle you expect from 80s REM.
Still sounds fresh and relevant. Genre defining.
I fully respect the fact that so many people love this record. Not their best in opinion.
Generic. Self-indulgent. Good musicianship.
I love Dare. All lyrics are quite inventive and worth listening to. Hooks a plenty. Energy dips here and there but near flawless for me. 8/10
An impressive debut with better still to come
Track 1 is a classic. The rest doesn't come close. Listening on phone speakers as we're away so probably not giving it the best platform.
Wasn't sure what to expect. A bit limited / formulaic. Easy listening, classic hip hop. 5/10 for me.
Enjoying Rock Bottom much more on a second listen. Love the nonsense rhymes, except they get a bit too repetitive. Some avantgarde jazz edginess here and there. Trance-like. Quite a lot of Mike Oldfield influence along with guitar parts. 7/10.
Lots of good individual songs but no overall integrity to the album. Arrangements are bare / interesting. Big drum sound. Deconstructed rock (?)
All hail the Queen - enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Not likely to go back to it.
Not their best album, but some flashes of brilliance
Crazy first half. Weak side B.
Should have checked this album out years ago. It's probably just overlooked because of hit-laden later albums. Ahead of their time.
Intelligent lyrics for a pop record. Superb voice. Songs are great in French and in English, so actually worth having both.
Bad start with America..., unnecessarily abusive. Irish Blood... is a good song, again love/hate, but that's fine when you talking about your own country. Then there's the unfair world, self-loathing tracks. First in the gang... is a stand out track. Overall sounds great if not quite the Smiths.
Overplayed at the time, no surprises here
A unique mix of traditional, protest and lighter material. A work of genius.
Not good
Some sublime moments, but does not work as an album for me.
Even better than I remember. Kind of makes you want to get your guitar out and play along.
Good album. Strong voice. Strong songs.
It's worth checking out the video for Teenage Kicks. Puts the record into context when you see how young they were. Northern Ireland's answer to the Ramones. Would love to rate higher but quality veres from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Loved it at 16, outgrew it by 18. Good to hear again, but just the once.