Jul 04 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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