1001 Albums Summary

It’s dudes singing about love and sex. It can feel a bit generic at times, almost like a parody of hard rock. It doesn’t sound very 80s to me, and I appreciate all the instruments I’m hearing (how many albums can you think of that feature didgeridoo?). I love the little dialogue intro before “Love in an Elevator” which is also one of the top tracks. I adore songs that sound upbeat and accessible, yet tell a dark, unsettling story when you actually listen to the lyrics, so “Janie’s Got a Gun” is another winner here. I think the closer, “What it Takes” is the absolute highlight for me, with its soaring chorus and bluesy ache. Don’t know if the album will ever make it into my rotation, but there’s some great singles. Could grow on me in time. I only know Aerosmith’s hits so it’s a fantastic first foray into the deeper cuts of the boys from Boston. Also my wife hates Aerosmith, so it’s going to be a middle of the road 3/5.

Woah! A tight 7 song album, I really like the mystical quality to the tracks. An epic, synthy sci-fi journey. My favorite track was the instrumental “YYZ” into “Limelight,” though was also impressed by the album’s kickoff, “Tom Sawyer.” Would need to be in the right mood to put this on — a late night road trip or maybe house cleaning session — but it’s got sticking power. Also I love the triple pun of the album artwork

Super uneven, first and third tracks are great, funky listens (I even like the kid crying halfway through “Runaway Child, Running Wild”), but the “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” cover is atrocious. Last few songs are back to a more traditional early Temptations sound, but nothing really HITS. Probably makes for a good dinner party album. There’s no denying the vocals and production really are top notch.

Elvis’ voice sounds great — the king stays the king. And “In the Ghetto” and “Suspicious Minds” are certified BANGERS. But the rest of it is forgettable.