Late 60s pop with a psychedelic, timeless track to finish the album.
Fantastic fuzz with a heart wrenching ballad
Best listened to loudly on a turntable
I respect the voice and production
Makes me want to drink light beer and party hard
Production, vocals, instrumentals, songwriting…all great. Will buy on wax.
Listened twice. It was alright. Would buy if it was in the dollar bin
Don’t remember enjoying this so much
Enjoyed this quick one. Would buy
One of my favs, start to finish
Interesting back story but that’s about it
Love it, just about every second
Brought me a new appreciation for this artist
Pretty good folk rock. Probably would buy.
Good sound and harmony, some of my favorites. Just too long.
Far too long. Great production at parts, specifically the first 1/4
Pretty good, not bad. Can’t complain
Pretty average blues, well produced with an all star cast.
Great turning point in their career
I’ve never listened to this album from start to finish. Definitely some hip hop classics that were on repeat in my teen years. As an album, this has fantastic production and genre defining lyrics. Love it.
The airplane will always have a place to go between my ears
I never sleep cuz sleep is the cousin of death
Like the synth 80s sound. A few all time greats…one too many ballads for me.
Early 60s JB is the best JB
I’m really not sure why a 59 song set would find its way on this list. It’s not an album, it’s a collection. I give it 3 stars because of the respect I have for the woman behind the microphone and the ever increasing respect for those behind the songs. It’s truly amazing to think of what song writing and composing once was. I listened to this entire thing in an afternoon as I went about my business. It was like a fever dream…
I never truly enjoyed Elton John. He’s a rocker and a great singer/songwriter. There’s much respect to be had. Still, this album will not find a place in my collection
I really was disappointed when I saw this album. I’m looking to use this project to discover new and unusual works that I otherwise would never experience.
So, in sum, this is a great hip hop album with excellent production and flow. I enjoyed it and will listen again
I liked this a lot more than I anticipated. Really good guitar work here.
In a previous time I would’ve given this album a 4, maybe even a 5. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s not worth that. Three hits amongst several other unnoticeable tracks makes this an album that defines a generation for some but has little to offer for many others.
I believe this is a much stronger Stone album than the one I reviewed previously. Musically arranged in a way that kept me engaged from start to finish, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t listened to it sooner…creative, slightly innovative, and carries a message connected to a pivotal point in modern America.
I enjoyed some of the guitar work and some of the drum fills.
I listened to this album twice, both times I enjoyed it. More of a soundtrack feel. Probably won’t listen to again.
I had never listened to this album before. I have now listened to it twice, back to back. It filled me with a desire to dance and to be my true self. Exactly what an album should do!
Brought me back to summers as a kid…it could be a 3 star album, but when you look more into Lupe’s life both past and present one realizes just how good this actually is
“Some urged Dr. Dre not to take a chance on Eminem because he was white. Dr. Dre responded: ‘I don't give a fuck if you're purple. If you can kick it, I'm working with you.’”
Aside from the skill and creativity of Mr. Mathers, this album features one of the greatest hip hop producers (my personal favorite) of all time. What came before this album for Marshall was rejection and failure. What followed was a national phenomenon and subsequently, national shock and disgust.
I think if I was rating this in 1993 it would’ve been 4 or 5 stars. Definitely an album that’s a sign of the times.
I will start by saying I own this album, listen to it on a semi-regular basis and have always thought of it as a gem.
I will finish by saying I was surprised to see it on this list, and when listening to it with the same critical ear and mind I’ve used with all other albums I find it to be a “middle of the road” record. Wildflowers is a 10/10 track with all others being between a 7 and an 8. An easy 4 or 5 star country album, but 3 stars in this concept.
The guitar work on have a cigar is sexier than Barry White’s voice and the guitar work on shine on you crazy diamond is as pure as a Christian 7th grader. The name of the game? Riding the gravy train…
Nothing makes me feel as high as a Pink Floyd album. Best enjoyed in a dark room with good sound system or deep in the woods, lost and alone with good headphones. By the way, which one’s Pink?
There is a lot going on in this album. A lot. George is able to let out all the songs, melodies and feelings that seem to have been building over a few years. With multiple listens in my lifetime, the thing I gathered most from this one was the tasteful use of the horns. Plenty of rockers, some folky tunes, some poppy tunes, some devotional tunes and one ballad makes for a fantastic collection of post-Beatle music. Probably the greatest Post-Beatle album to be released in 1970. No disrespect to Ringo.
A hip hop album you can bring home to mother….
Big rhymes, boogie beats, and moving butts!
So many classics. I didn’t know if this would be a 4 or 5, been about a decade since it’s gotten a full listen. I won’t let so much time pass between listens ever again.
My favorite band album is “the best of the band”. that being said, I am only super familiar with the hits. It’s amazing how such a potent civil war song can be written a century after the war itself…..
I found it interesting that I was enjoying this album. I think a lot of it was a feeling of nostalgia though, as it really feels like a top 40 pop album from the 90s.
Apple Music categorizes this as “pop” but the drums on all these tracks say otherwise. Great rocking and rolling radio friendly punk you now hear at the grocery store
There were certainly some head bopping musical high points in this album for me. However, when the name of the band is also included on the name of the albums AND the name of the first song, I begin to question the bands creative capabilities…
I’m not sure why I feel like this is a few years ahead of its time. I was 10 when it released, so can’t really speak on the cultural shift it may or may not have created. However, this type of music will always awaken a coming-of-age wanderlust feeling within me.
God dammit the beach boys just rub me the wrong way sometimes. There are moments when it’s their music makes me feel complete and there are then moments when I feel like I’m losing my mind. This album left me with half a brain, feeling like I’m being belittled and sung to like I’m 5 years old. 2 stars because of Brian Wilson
I could see why someone would give this album a 1. The ethos of ramblin jack speaks for itself, but this album in particular is a mere stepping stone of a life that continues to be lived to this day, nearly 100 years later…3 stars for content and novelty.
I had never heard of Barry Adamson before. I thought this album was going to be akin to Spinal Tap or Tenacious D just based on a few of the track names. Within a few minutes I was pleasantly surprised. The tracks spanned several genres and had influences from some of my favorite artists. The production mixed with the weirdness evokes a surreal feeling that I often strangely associate with good music.
Instant classic. Although I wasn’t alive when it was released I’d like to think that’s what people assumed when they heard this. MJ’s voice is so full of expressive emotion that I think any listener can really grasp onto and feel. A voice that, when combined with this production, gets everyone dancing, from toddlers to grandma. Some sleeper tracks for sure, typical 80s love ballads that I don’t particularly care for. 4 stars today. Could be 5 stars tomorrow. This is a close one.
Fantastic production and great rhymes. Went back and forth between 4 and 5, but since every track didn’t grip me 100% I have to say 4
Second time this one came up but the review remains the same.
Love it, just about every second
I listened to this with my wife on the way to our honeymoon and now we are getting a divorce.
2 stars for Stipe’s voice
Beautiful music. I felt like this album flowed perfectly. When taken track by track, the music doesn’t evoke the same response. As a whole, it’s a great example of what an album should be.
This was a difficult one for me to listen to without bias. This album really defined my tween years and to this day anytime I think about dirt or doing something easily I hear Anthony Keidis singing from my subconscious.
That being said, from the first track the album presents itself as some hardcore shit is about to break out at you. Then Keidis starts rapping. I know it's their schtick, but it takes away from the music for me. I love this album and always will. If it were presented more as an EP, perhaps just with the first 7 tracks, it would be an easy 5 stars. But it's not. I leave it with a 4.
Why the hell must I hear this before I die
This is a great Stones album. When I saw it come up I restrained myself from thinking it was an automatic 5 stars. 4 stars max, I can’t give it 5 stars just because it’s the Stones.
Yes I can. Gripped from start to finish. When comparing it to other albums on this project it’s apparent on how good it is, from the social commentary to the slide guitar to the honkin harmonica. Not once did I feel the need to skip a track or see how much longer I had to suffer through a song. Aside from the usual hits, I really enjoy Monkey Man and You Got the Silver.
I understand why this album is on this list. I had never heard of the artist before and enjoyed my one listen. The accaplla track was surprisingly enjoyable and the last track really stood out to me. Overall, not my go-to genre or time period. Bias aside, 3 stars.
Every album is a time capsule and this project is a time machine. Once again I'm presented with an artist I had never heard of and once again I'm left knowing why.
There are moments on this album that I found myself enjoying, some good bass lines. I really only enjoyed one track "If You Loved Me At All". Otherwise it was forgettable...for me anyway.
When listening to this album, I googled "Kanye West Magnum Opus" and the first result was reassuring.
Beautiful and twisted...what a great way to describe this album and this artist. More adjectives can be added to describe this man after it's release in 2010...but to keep the focus on the album...
The production, the features, the hype behind it and the hype that came from it...it's legendary and no more needs to be said.
If this was mainly an instrumental album it would have been a 4 star album for me. However John Martyn’s voice does not mix well with my ears. I really enjoyed many of the tracks musically. During my second listen found myself skipping over them once Martin began singing. Production wise, the digital album sounded great on my stereo. I’d be interested in getting an analog copy…but not interested in paying more than $5 for it.
What a cool find. I really enjoyed this album from start to finish. The band is tight and the songs work really well together. “Getting Bright At Night” was the highlight for me.
I'm in Boston town, in some restaurant
I got no idea what I want
Well, maybe I do but I′m just really not sure
Waitress comes over
Nobody in the place but me and her
Well, it must be a holiday, there's nobody around
She studies me closely as I sit down
She got a pretty face and long white shiny legs
I say, ("Tell me what I want")
She say, ("You probably want hard boiled eggs")
I said, ("that′s right, bring me some")
~Bob Dylan, The Highlands, 1997
Bob Dylan…the voice of a generation….
Kidding aside, this is a nice mature Dylan album. It has everything I would expect from him over the last 30 years. Chill, relaxed and gritty with tales to be told and revelations to be had. My favorite lyric comes from “Trying To Get To Heaven”
I’ve been walking through the middle of nowhere
Trying to get to heaven before they close the door
1997 Dylan was so much older then….he’s younger than that now… (sorry)
4 stars for the stories that are told.
In terms of jazz, this is a fairly accessible album featuring odd time signatures. I think the DBQ are a solid group and play quite well together. They create a structured fluidity throughout this entire album. Personally I know all the tracks well enough and this was far from a first listen for me. “Everybody’s Jumpin” has always been a favorite of mine. As an album I think it’s a perfect example of jazz in the late 1950s and still holds up to this day.
"But there's always something rewardin', about every CeeLo Green recording" ~ I Am Selling Soul
What a sweet find. I really enjoyed just about every track on here. Childz Play was probably the biggest hit for me. I really had no expectations going into this one. I judged a book by the cover and thought it would be sappy soul from the "Crazy" and "Fuck You" guy...some of his early stuff before he became a big star. Man, was I pleasantly surprised. What a talented individual. There were 2 out of 18 songs that I didn't care for. It's a thin line...but ultimately it's a 4 for me. 4.8 if I could.
This album makes me want to wear leather chaps and a poncho, sport hairy sideburns and cruise down the road on a 1967 Honda Dream. Bluebird is such a rocker, I’d argue more of a rocker than Mr. Soul.
The mix on broken arrow is a bit choppy. It almost feels as if the Springfield attempts “A Day In The Life”. Perhaps this was the Springfield’s Sgt Pepper response…it would be on par for 67. Nitpicking aside, 5 stars.
Started enjoying it at “The Promised Land”. Sounds like a Zevon song. And then I listen to “Factory” and realize it’s not. It’s a Springsteen song. Good songwriting here. He’s got a unique style. Personally I don’t care for his slurred singing. It takes a lot of the magic away for me. This is my first listen of any Springsteen album and I look forward to hearing what all the hype is about.
3.4 stars, rounded down to 3.
One cannot deny the power this woman’s voice. For this listener, many of the songs come off as cheesy...corny...and all other adjectives related to perishable foods. I really really enjoyed the song "Understand". That's a 5 star song, no doubt about it. However just about every other track left me underwhelmed. In terms of talent, this woman is somewhere between a 4 and a 5. In terms of albums (and albums one must hear before they die) this record is somewhere between a 2 and a 3.
This was alright. This band reminds me of one a friend would invite me to go see live. I’d say yes, but only because I needed something to do. The venue is some small little local joint full of college kids and middle aged people wishing they were still in college. When the band comes on I’m already pretty tired. They sound Ok. The jams are good…the guitarist can take the music far out(but not very far out), the singer stays in key and sticks to his own style. Each song has a definite beginning and ending, no real improvisation. Fairly cut and dry. I’m falling asleep hoping the end is near. The last song of the night starts and it’s pretty interesting. “Is this the same track from Bob Dylan’s first solo album? Yeah..I think it is” I think to myself as I enjoy where things are going. Then they go back into their trite over driven guitar solo and heavy drum fills. Bummer.
How was the show you ask? Alright, I’d say. Alright show, but I’ll never listen to this band again.
(Based on my review, one can deduce that I’ve never heard of this band before. Further post-listen research shows how they were “grunge rock pioneers” and while I do respect that, it does not change my rating of this particular album)
It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks....
This album is comparable to hearing your grandfather pick out his 70 years of experience on Earth. Singing of his youth, songs that he himself wrote, and songs that were passed to him over the many decades of trials and tribulations.
I understand American IV: The Man Comes Around to be a meditation on 20th century American music. The American spirit is palatable here...one of suffering, grit and entitlement.
Personally I didn't care for "Personal Jesus". But when listening to it, one is reminded of the story told of Mother Maybelle Carter after first hearing "One Toke Over The Line". She thought it was a great song, mainly because of the "Sweet Jesus" bit and knowing nothing of the fact that it was a song about smoking too much weed. Cash covering Depech Mode is weird. But I'd like to think he wouldn't care what I thought (Damn your eyes!!!). I'd like to think he covered these tracks because he liked them regardless of what popular opinion was at the time, just like Mother Maybelle before him.
I believe this album is best listened to alone on an overcast day. A day where the sun and the rain fight over control of the skies with the wind presiding over it all.
Nick Drake is dreamy folk singer. The frequent use of strings behind his soft voice and pronounced guitar style makes an album which promotes a feeling of peace and serenity for this listener. I don’t believe much else needs to be said for this album. It truly speaks for itself. Although, one could argue that “Bryter Layter” sounds like elevator music and “Sunday” sounds like hold music. Perhaps if the flute wasn’t included I would have a different opinion (Sorry Floutist).
Already recieved this album, my review remains unchanged
A fantastic mix of fuzz and songwriting. There’s a great blend of chaos and synchronicity throughout. The fact that Cobain wrote 11 out of these 12 songs impressed me and verified what I had read about his legacy in the music world. I think the most interesting thing about this album for me is that I had never thought I’d listened to it in full before, yet I know every song included here.
“Dumb” and “All Apologies” are A+ in my book
After a full listen while reading a bit about the songs included on the album, this listener is left with 4 stars of nihilistic angst.
This is the second time this album came up for me and I feel my review changing.
Original review 8/17/25: Interesting back story but that’s about it
Revised 11/4/25:I really enjoy Malibu Bay, it stuck with me since the first listen a few months ago. This time around perhaps I’m more open minded or in a different headspace, but someway somehow the album got another star out of me. Good energy, would buy on wax…but not for more than $5. Disclaimer: I only got two hours of sleep last night. That may be the reason I enjoyed this more.
Repetitive sampling but it’s done in a pretty creative way. I was mildly enjoying this throughout, so it gets a mild 3 from me.
A nice album for thrashing and bashing. I enjoyed a few tracks and thought that musically this album represented its genre very well.
In middle school there was a kid with mohawk, skin tight black jeans, combat boots and an Iron Maiden shirt. He saw my Bob Marley shirt and gave me the “name 5 songs” bullshit. I named them and said the same thing to him. We became friends for the rest of our school days. He turned me onto Iron Maiden. Later on he also tried to turn me on to heroin but I declined. He went onto have a successful military career and is doing well. I work at a grocery store. Anyway..
I’m not the biggest fan of the singer. Every other member of this band is stellar. They are tight throughout. “Number Of The Beast” and “Run To The Hills” are two songs that I’ve listened to for two out of my three decades on this earth. I’ve always liked them. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is pretty cool too. I’d say it’s a 3.6 but I’ll round it up to 4 because of Brian.
I’ve never seen shaft, but before I hit play I knew what the theme sounded like. That alone should say something about the cultural significance of this album.
The first half didn't really move me. Many of the instrumentals seemed too funked up. The second half though...that got another star out of me. I enjoyed tracks 10-14 very much. Do your thing was far too long.
I very much dislike falsetto singers on metal music. I will never “get it”. Perhaps it’s because I’ll never be able to sing like them. For example, I really enjoyed “Growing On Me” Justin Hawkins went there. If it weren’t for this project, I would’ve stopped listening right then and there. This album seems like a nostalgia grab for people in 2003 that wished it was still 1983.
I love Quincy Jones. Combine him with the talent of Micheal Jackson and you get high potential for 5 star music. By track 6 I was starting to feel it may just be a 4 star album, but it finished strong and pulled me back in.
When I saw the cover I thought I would have mixed feelings. I can usually take or leave this type of stuff. But then I hit play. The attitude from all the members is palatable. This listener was filled with emotion throughout and was reminded (once again) that sometimes the best thing you can do in this life is not take it so seriously. Play a simple riff, sample some old audio, and sing about your metro card. Life is too short, man!!!
It's very hard for me to separate this album from a time in my life where everything took on new meaning. Karen O has such a great voice and this album is full of catchy riffs and lyrics..Zero, Heads Will Roll, Soft Shock...well I was naming songs based on the track list and realized I was about to name every track. I think each song here left my head bobbing and my toes tapping. It's missing that certain something that makes a 5 star album just that...maybe I'm just being careful not to let my nostalgia get the better of me...
This is good background music. It's chilled me out and gave me relaxing vibes while reading UB40's wikipedia page. I learned that UB40 derives from Unemployment Benefits Form 40 and this album was their official "Singing Off" of their employee benefits. It seems like they went onto to have a fine career spanning many decades. Good for them. The only songs I found memorable were the instrumental dubs Adella and 25%.
Paul Simon is a fantastic song writer. I almost always enjoy the stories he tells. Sometimes they are too drawn out for my taste though.
After experiencing his 1983 release, I was reluctant to listen to this "Legendary" album. I was going to write it off as a sign of the times. Maybe give it 3 stars. I had no idea what it had to offer.
I'm left with 4 stars of plesant surprise. I knew Paul Simon worked with South African musicians but wasn't aware of how well he synthesized his rooted-in-folk pop music with the genre. I really did enjoy just about every track, especially the ones that featured African guitar styles. Some that I would be interested in returning to (I Know What I Know, Gumboots, You Can Call Me Al, Under African Skies, and Crazy Love Vol. II) and others that I just enjoyed in passing.
A+ hooks. B+ production. C+ Rhymes.
A pleasant surprise. A fun album. Reminds me of the Mario Kart soundtrack...or really any soundtrack of a racing game released in the 90s/00s. And this listener friggin' loves that sound. It also reminds me of my mother and the music she would play to me as a child.
When rating I try to separate personal ties to a specific genre. I had a very hard if not impossible time to do it here. 4 stars for the feelings evoked within....
Tracks 1-5 are 5 star quality. Band On The Run is legendary. Jet is able to produce the sound of an actual jet engine. Bluebird is a whimsical McCartney folk tune. Mrs. Vanderbilt is a nice slap clap song before any slap clap artists were even born. Let Me Roll It has the organ.
And then after that, the album just kind of simmers down. I do like Mamunia, it’s catchy but not everlasting. And then tracks 7-9 just kind of fade away from memory…
In sum, a very nice album that I’ve listened to my whole life and will continue to listen to.
This was a difficult rate for me. It was quite a long album and I don’t understand the language. Sometimes the message of a double LP can be lost on this listener if he isn’t familiar with what is being sung…
However the musicianship broke the language barrier. Music, the universal language understood by all, allowed me to feel and understand a bit of what these two artists were trying to convey. I think their musical style was varied and mixed quite well. Between spanish ballads, poppy songs to clap along with and songs filled with deep bass and heavy guitar, this album has something for just about everyone with an open ear. I look forward to one day adding this album to my collection.
This album was something I’d probably rate higher 15 years ago during a different time of life. I really enjoyed it for what it was. Some points seemed to far-reaching and left this album without any real cohesive feeling. I liked the creativity and the intimate relationship the artist creates with the listner. Several standout tracks, but the lack of fluidity takes away from the experience. 3.6 stars rounded up to 4
It’s been nice to listen to albums I’m familiar with in a different lens. Outside of this project, this album wasn't a stand out for me. However after listening and contemplating my last 100 albums or so, I was able to listen to this one with a different state of mind.
Meditations aside and simply put, I understand the critical acclaim that this album has achieved.
These albums can sometimes feel repetitive and drawn out. While C’est Chic certainly featured the baselines and scratchy guitar that I can grow tired off after a few minutes, the vocals kept me engaged. Strangely, “I Want Your Love” sounds like a song that Neil Young would cover pretty well. I feel as if I enjoyed just about every track on here but the groove was too extensive. Perhaps if I was out dancing while listening to this my review would be a bit higher. Giving 4 stars to an album meant to be danced to while listening in an office chair definitely says something about the musicianship (or at least I’d like to think so).
I am familiar with this album. Coat of Many Colors is a beautiful song both in song and in verse. Traveling Man is a real rocker even if its premise is a bit strange. My Blue Tears is…well enough out of me. Just listen to this woman’s voice and know you are alive in a time where you can be blessed by the voice of an angel. One helluva song writer too, with 7 out of 10 of these tracks being Parton originals. I do enjoy Wagoner’s writing style, but I wish he kept his hand out of this one. No way will I take a star away because of Wagoner’s influence though, if anything I’d add another for Dolly persevering and eventually escaping it.
Taken piecemeal this sucks. There is no cohesion and the singer is annoying. But when you listen to it as an album (as it was intended to be listened to) it’s a great experience. I won’t listen to this album again. It sounds like Pink Floyd with a mid 2000s borderline emo-rock singer. However, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see this band live. But that’s just my opinion, man.
I must start this review by saying I absolutely love Fusion music. Specifically Jazz Fusion. I’m unfamiliar with Weather Report and didn’t like the few tracks I heard. However, this project being about the entire album allows me to digest the band in a more complete way. I feel fortunate to have this album be the first WP album that I’ve listened to. My limited knowledge about the band did lead me to think this had to be a Jaco album, which it is. I’m more familiar with Wayne Shorters solo jazz, but he shines here just the same. I look forward to hearing more of the keyboardist Joe Zawinul. Cool album, great discovery. Would buy on wax and will continue to research this band and dive deeper.
When I was 11 I discovered Weird Al Yankovich. When I was 14 I discovered Tenacious D. I never got into Spinal Tap or NRBQ. I enjoy and respect the musical talents of Frank Zappa. That being said, I've always had a space in my mind that "gets" silly music like this. That doesn't mean I enjoy it much these days. The curmudgeon that I've become respects the sound that 10cc creates. They're a good band, great even at some points. My favorite track was probably the closer, "Oh Effendi" Middle of the road, enjoyable listen that I would not return to unless I found this album in the dollar bin. 3.5
I wasn't totally into listening to this album. I saw the tracklist and thought "Far too long. This will surely drag on." I thought about putting it off for another day. The Beastie Boys are meant for a certain time or event. So I chose to put it on while browsing Black Friday Deals and I realized the Beastie Boys are meant to be listened to almost anytime.
Suddenly there's only 5 tracks left. I haven't been paying attention to track names and that's a good thing. This album has been one continuous experience featuring the flute (my least favorite instrument but thoroughly enjoyed here), Q-Tip, Biz Markie, a Jimmy Smith sample, throat singing...I mean seriously, what was I thinking???? What a fantastic collection of songs that just....flow.....
The second Beastie Boys album I've reviewed and now that I've made it to the end, the second Beastie Boys album to get a 5 star rating out of me. (4.7 but what the hell)
Quite the story behind the making of this one….but anyway. The album itself presents well musically but some of the songs felt repetitive, namely the title track. I enjoyed Brain Drain and Guilt. Others as well, but those two were the take home tracks for me. The Lennon cover was done well too. All in all, not everlasting but still an enjoyable listen.
When I was 11 my sister started taking guitar lessons. There was no way I was going to let her be cooler than me. I got my ax and asked "Who's the best guitar player ever?" "Hendrix" was my mother's response. So when the crusty old guitar teacher named "Fiddlin' Ed" asked me what I wanted to learn I said "Hendrix." He began writing out a tab for Purple Haze. A friend from Boy Scouts tried to teach me Manic Depression. "Dad, what's your favorite Jimi Hendrix song?" I asked. "Third Stone from the Sun" he answered. These moments all led me to this album and Hey Joe was the first song that I heard and understood the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
The man behind the music must always be questioned, and his actions should also be studied as to whether or not he's a good role model for a 12 year old boy. But the sounds created are open to interpretation. The sounds of cosmic chaos, panoramic psychedelia, the familiar unfamiliar...they are all present here. Every song is written by Hendrix which is something I would never have known had it not be for this project. The combination of defining tracks (Purple Haze, Hey Joe), solid deep grooves (May This Be Love) a beautiful ballad (Wind Cries Mary) and a rocker of a title track creates a true experience. After all, isn't that what we are all here to undergo 1001 albums at a time?
My knowledge of Rush was limited before listening to this. I was just aware of Tom Sawyer and Neal Peart. I think I had heard Limelight before. When this album came up I was a bit underwhelmed at having to listen to it, especially the fact that there was a 10 minute track that had the potential to drag on (something I’m beginning to dislike about this project)
Aside from Tom Sawyer, the 10 minute The Camera Eye was the highlight for me. Great album. Will return to and buy if found in the wild.
This is a great album (coming from a Kraftwerk fan)
I'd only previously heard Cars which I've always enjoyed. It sounds like the music I loved as a teen in the 2010s. Come to find out, those artists I thought were being so revolutionary were just ripping off Gary Numan (I'm talking about you, LCD Soundsystem)
Jokes aside, I really enjoyed this one and will be returning to it. I didn't find much fault in any track. That can also be translated as "I didn't find myself very bored while listening to this album". Strangely, just about every track sounded the same. Likewise, I'd argue each track was different in its own similar way. A very interesting album for sure.
After my first listen of this acclaimed and slightly over played album I’m left with the realization that almost half of the tracks here play several times a day at my workplace. A few I really don’t like (Hand In My Pocket) and a few I get down to (You Oughta Know).
There won’t be a moment where I willingly listen to this album again, however I would’ve absolutely loved to have see this woman preform live at the time of its release. A real rocker.
This was a bland listen for me. Don’t get me
wrong, there’s a lot going on and the sounds are far from bland. Every track sounded like a movie soundtrack and felt a bit over the top. For this listener the album felt almost as if it was “too much”. Two For The Price Of One was the only track I found myself enjoying.
The first two tracks made me feel like I had just smoked a joint. Utter perfection. It’s so hard to follow that, and a bold move to make it the beginning of the album and not the end. The rest of the tracks all have there moments, and the closer is a bit of a cluster but still enjoyable. A close 5 star album, but not quite there for me.
This album had some moments but they didn’t last. The ratio of tracks enjoyed (3) to tracks included on here (17) explains my rating enough.
Based on my prior listening of XTC this isn’t what I would’ve expected. I think the acoustic-heavy nature takes away from my enjoyment. The longer it goes on (and that's never a good thing to say about an album) the more brooding it sounds. The last track almost drove me to give this a single star. It was hard to get through this one, but I did.
I’d never heard of Joan Armatrading before this. What a great discovery. I feel fortunate to have this be my it production to this great singer. The mix on this album is crisp yet warm at the same time. The funkier tracks are nice, but “Love and Affection” and “Somebody Who Loves You” are perfect tracks to my ears.
In terms of early 90s hip-hop, this is the cream of the crop. Gritty and silly rhymes rapped behind a paper-mache of samples. The listener is left with timeless, quotable tracks that leave us all bobbing our heads and really feeling what RZA was attempting to create which, this listener believes, to be an atmosphere of close friends getting by through doing what they love.
Another video game soundtrack album for me. Need for speed and other racing games from the PS2 instilled within me an attraction to that strange and sometimes corny mid 90s to early 2000s sound. The fact that it came out in 1990 impressed me too. Seems a bit before the times. Paving the way for edm/dance.
The first track was slightly off putting but the album proceeded to get better. There was that one point where anyone unfamiliar with this band probably went “Oh, it’s THIS song!” I know I did. Anyway, alright album. Not enough for a 4, but not low enough for a 3.
Alas, 3 stars it is.
There really is something special about this album. Joni Mitchell feels like a “one-in-a-million” type artist between her vocals and songwriting. The infusion of jazz throughout is done subtly but quite well. “Help Me” is one of the catchiest tunes she’s ever written and almost feels like the perfect song.
It had its moments…but they were few and far between.
This was a nice rocking punk album, but it felt as if the band was having a hard time finding their niche. I enjoyed the fast paced punk fueled tracks and the long bluesy rockers but feel it would be better if they picked one theme and kept at it.
I enjoy poppy REM much more than soft acoustic REM. This album makes me feel great from start to finish and always have. The vibes are good and the songs are strong.
1967 goes down as one of my favorite years in music. It’s hard to separate bias here. The Cream goes psychedelic…Clapton’s guitar is the meat and potatoes of this album I think. It just keeps the energy going and the colors flowing. I love Jack Bruce. He’s right up there with John Entwisle as being some of the great rock bassists of the 60s. I’d say he’s the whole grains of the album. And of course Ginger Baker…the enigma. He’s the butter rolls that you should only have one of but you end up eating five because you just can’t get enough…
Hearing the trio play together here is a treat. I can only imagine what the live shows were like. 4 stars for the excellent psychedelic jams. There’s a couple of tracks that were slogs (blue condition for example) that take away from the overall vibe of the album.
The first track was excellent. Exquisite even. Everything I look for in a warm jazz track. I had never heard of Astor Piazzolla before but I feel like I should have. As a "genre definer" he is an artist I should probably look more into. I'm familiar with Gary Burton and was given just what I expected there. I felt as if this album delivered to me what it was intending to deliver, but I've never enjoyed Tango music. Another fine example of an album that would be much better if taken in live or on the dance floor....
So, once again, first from my car then from my office chair I'm leaving this album with a 3.5 rounded down.
I had limited knowledge of King Crimson. One of my favorite albums is Days Of Future Passed by the Moody Blues. I'm listening to this album and hearing all the similarities and sure enough, the albums share a producer.
Anyway, there's a bias warning right there. Prog. Rock is a genre that you either love or hate. It tells a story through both word and sound, envelops the listener to a fantasy land. Albums like "In The Court Of The Crimson King" take the listener somewhere else and then gently guide them back to the couch, or the car, or the office, or wherever they decided to take in this work. I've always enjoyed art that delivers these results. Perhaps it's my own deep desire for escape? That's a conversation for a therapist...not the reviews section on a niche website...
In sum, this was my first time listening to this album in full and I went somewhere. I can't tell you where. It was misty and unclear yet I felt strong and determined to discover the land. Just as it all began to make sense the flutes began to play and I felt something outside of myself saying "No, not yet" as I was slowly, softly brought back to reality. I know I can always go back, but like the addict that always chases the first high will I always chase the journey that was had on my first listen....
Bitches Brew is a slow burn for me. I have to remain simultaneously focused and aloof while listening so I don't take it so seriously yet still remain aware of what's happening. It's a good driving album, or at least it was this time around. I wasn't sucked in until around the 10 minute mark during the title track. Miles goes hard on the horn and everyone around him is respectfully grooving away, giving just enough to shine yet not overshadow the great one. Spanish Key and Miles Runs the Voodoo Down are two other tracks that had me for their entirety. The only thing about this album is....it's too long. There's so much going on within each 10+ minute track that by the end of it you feel like you got consensually fucked by a gorilla.
The listener is teleported to a jazz club of days gone by. Songs with no reservation are sung and many in the audience can relate to the surprising realism of relationship and substance abuse troubles.
At least that's what happened to me when I listened to this album. Winehouse's voice is thick and powerful. The musicians backing her up stay subtly behind her, but I was pleased at how the trumpets made themselves known. I specifically enjoyed "He Can Only Hold Her". I believe this track really allowed everyone who worked on this album to have some fun.
4 stars
