Not terrible, but also not good. Heavily Coldplay influenced and generically new wave/alternative. Only interesting song for me was NY. Everything else is background at best and annoyingly reminiscent of Chris Martin at worst
Absolutely brilliant album, created the Blueprint for 80s and 90s alternative, not a wasted minute anywhere. Ian Curtis was a great vocalist and the band is incredible. One of the best ever
A slow jams classic, incredible vocals and a top notch band execute an all time sexy R&B record. Drops off a bit at the end, but very strong, rewards multiple listens. This one really sticks with you
One of my favorite albums of all time and the greatest protest/socially conscious record ever. Still completely relevant, every song, every lyric, not a thing has changed since Marvin first sang these songs. And of course, the music is incredible and Marvin’s vocals are impeccable. A desert island disc for me.
My second ever concert was Paul Simon on this tour, so it’s a sentimental favorite. It’s also a terrific record that introduced me (and many others) to several new musical styles. Great set of songs and incredible musicianship.
I’m a big fan of Prince but I’ve never thought this was his best work and never understood why it’s generally accepted that it is. Disc 2 is absolutely a 5, banger after banger. But disc 1? A bunch of songs that either should have been left as B sides or work much better live (Housequake is the primary example of this, crushed live, flat here imo). The Sign O The Times lyrics sound like MAGA propaganda in 2025 and even in 87 they were cringe. This would have been an absolutely all timer as a single album. As a double, it’s very good but flawed.
If Sign O The Times is the White Album, the sprawling eclectic experimental brilliant but flawed sketchbook of a genius, 1999 is Abbey Road, 70 minutes of absolute perfection. Landmark of pop, rock, funk, and R&B, this is the album where it all came together for Prince after several excellent records. The first side is stacked with absolute classics, but everything that follows is on the same level of genius.
This is a fun listen, not my usual genre but really enjoyed most of it, great catchy pop mixed with electronica and rock and more. Some of the tracks on the back half of the album get a bit tedious and repetitive for me, but overall really good and will definitely return to hear this again.
I didn’t enjoy this at all. I can’t stand ska. I never need to hear a single note of this ever again.
I fully expected to struggle through this album. Before today, I’d heard Running (liked it) and Wuthering Heights (did not like it). Three listens in and I am absolutely in awe of this record. The first side is pretty close to perfect. Just outstanding pop music that sounds like nothing that came before. And obviously influenced a LOT of what came after. Side 2 is an interesting cycle, and I enjoy it overall, but it doesn’t hold my interest quite as much, esp the jig, but whatever, step up to the plate and take a big swing. Kate connects way more than she whiffs here. This should have been massive here in the States but apparently we preferred Bananarama.