It’s easy to forget just how good of a singer Ozzy actually was, but he sells the fuck out of every moment here. I’d previously heard Paranoid a couple times (not enough) but found this just as flawless. I heard this in mono but thought the mix was extraordinary, so beefy and earthy. God I need to listen to more metal.
It’s been a while for me on Innervisions, for a couple of very important reasons. Firstly, and I’ll just get this out of the way, it had quite actually stopping me from kiling myself, which is crazier the more I think about it. Listening to it now is a bit of a trip. Secondly - and this is linked to point one - I’ve played it to death. But this listen confirms it to me as Stevie’s tightest and most impressive work, and just one of my favourite god dam albums of all time. Songs in the Key of Life is probably his best contribution to music, but I think I’m taking this one in a fire. Doubles as a brilliant time capsule into the mind of a unique and brilliant young mind in its early 20s and a set of straight BANGERS. I mean I do truly feel every song here is exceptional, and the sequencing is immaculate. Starting with Too High is quite a bold choice as probably his most psychedelic song from the 70s run, and then it launches into one of Stevie’s quietest and most beautiful with Visions. Then the propulsive tension and scope of Living For The City sweeps you off your feet before the explosion of Golden Lady, one of his greatest compositions, a harmonic marvel. Side A is the best side Stevie has ever put out. Then the rollicking and impossible-to-play Higher Ground, one of his funkiest singles that almost recreates the spine-tingling highs of Superstition, into Jesus Children of America. A much needed change in pace. Next is All In Love is Fair, a brilliant vocal performance in a melodramatic piece of songwriting that has no right to work, which somehow bounces into the absurd joy of Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing. And Ive always thought Misstra Know It All is Stevie’s best political song outside of Living For The City. Most of my favourite albums are dire and depressing dirge, so it’s good to have some joy once in a while. And nothing encapsulates that remotely like a Stevie Wonder song. He can get away with anything because there’s a warmth to the sound and to his soul that just picks you up and takes you with him wherever he wants to go.
I really haven’t thought all that much about this since spinning it. A treat of singing and guitar playing, but rather repetitive. Love BBs control of the crowd though it’s so natural
Tried to listen to this as if I’ve never heard it before because, like many people, I’ve streamed this one to death. Bottom line is it really is THAT good, just 10 perfect songs. Radiohead are at their best when they are subtle and deliberate, and leaving space and that’s exactly what they do here. There’s so much room and absence that, when they try hit a climax, it bloody hits.
Just already heard this. Beautiful Goodrich production, and Ive never rated Beck as a singer fairly before this. Stark, restrained and brilliant songwriting.