Jul 04 2025
Ctrl
SZA
The music and vocals are pretty good, enjoyable, she clearly has a unique talent. That said, it's difficult for me to get past the dirty lyrics on some of the tracks and truly enjoy the album. Songs like "Prom", "Garden", and "Broken Clocks" are good with 'clean' lyrics, but a few of the other tracks ("Doves in the Wind", "Love Galore", specifically), are just too profane, or gross, for me to appreciate. I will also never be comfortable hearing the n-word in any context.
I don't listen to a lot of R&B like this in general, and I definitely don't listen to artists that use this type of language, so if this is normal and 'expected' for the genre, then I see why it's considered a pretty solid album. But whether these lyrics are written because that's really how people in this sort of culture talk about their lives, for their shock value, or because it's not considered 'profane' by the artist, it comes across as mostly unnecessary and distracting to me.
And to be sure, I 'get it' and understand the social commentary behind "Doves in the Wind." It's a pretty clever take on men and how they pursue women in our society. And I understand this type of unique commentary might not be possible without the use of the language SZA chose to use. But it's still not comfortable for me to listen to.
Final thought: I'm glad I listened to this for a peek into a genre and culture of music I'm only exposed to during the Super Bowl halftime, but it won't be something I'll ever actively revisit.
2
Jul 07 2025
Dookie
Green Day
I had no idea Basket Case was 7th on the album. I like this type of skater punk and know this was a pretty influential album in its time, but I'm surprised at how many of the songs sound so similar, especially toward the beginning of the album.
Great album, even if it isn't the most musically or technically advanced.
4
Jul 08 2025
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
I can't believe how much piano there is throughout this album, I never realized his music was so piano-heavy.
I really liked this album, and see why it was so influential and important when it came out.
5
Jul 09 2025
xx
The xx
I've never listened to this album in its entirety straight through, but through the years, turns out I know well over half, maybe 2/3, of the songs. Shows how pervasive this album was and remains.
Love the dual lead-singer and how they play off each other the entire album. Great music feel, very simple at times, with great layering to build different feels. I love the use and non-use of the bass register throughout the album.
5
Jul 10 2025
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Not a criticism, but it's funny how many times you hear the pentatonic scale during some melody lines or guitar solos.
Overall a pretty good album, a little unpolished, but not one I'll revisit. Not my favorite sound.
4
Jul 11 2025
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
When I saw the year of this album and the name, I figured I would recognize a few of the songs, but I was surprised that I didn't know any. I don't know this generation of music very well, and although it was pleasant, it didn't seem too amazing or outstanding compared to a lot of other songs from this era that I know. It didn't make it bad, but it didn't seem super special to me, but it's entirely possible it was groundbreaking at the time.
3
Jul 14 2025
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I like her voice sometimes, and the feel of the music can be good at some times too. A lot of The melodies don't seem to fit in the key or over the cords of some of the songs, and I find it a little distracting at times.
Overall pretty good album though.
3
Jul 15 2025
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
4
Jul 17 2025
Spiderland
Slint
I don't like this style of music. Can't hear a word the guy is speaking, not sure if that's intentional or bad early 90s mixing.
The mixing is just bad. The volume differences between songs is crazy. Almost went dead when it got to Look a Ghost.
1
Jul 18 2025
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Great album with some great iconic songs!
5
Jul 21 2025
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
This is a great album, I thought I knew a lot, great blues and rock. Really enjoyed it more than I was expecting to.
5
Jul 22 2025
Melodrama
Lorde
The bass in this album is very powerful. I've only heard a few of her songs in the past, I'm liking this album more than I expected I would.
5
Jul 23 2025
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
One of my favorite albums of all time. So great!
5
Jul 24 2025
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Very important and impactful album, many of the songs are very popular even today.
4
Jul 31 2025
Stardust
Willie Nelson
What a pleasant and relaxing album. I thought I was getting ripped off with a bunch of covers at first, but it's very enjoyable.
4
Aug 01 2025
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
3