1001 Albums Summary

Though it's pretty shallow lyrically and, in retrospect, doesn't bring any surprises musically, it is a decent album and overall a fun listen. In 1983, it played a role in bringing hair metal to the mainstream by merging metal and pop sensibilities. So, while some aspects feel dated and out of style, it does capture the sound of an era that's fun to visit on occasion.

How much you enjoy Prog Rock will depend on whether you consider it ambitious or self-indulgent. But ultimately, 2112 is one of the best Prog Rock albums ever made, and captures the sound of a band at the peak of their powers. From the sprawling 2112 sequence to sharper, more concise cuts near the end of the album, Rush's elite musicianship is on full display, and the album production is fantastic.

Joni Mitchell captivates with strong storytelling ability and raw and honest lyrics. The music, combining singer-songwriter folk with jazz, is wonderfully warm and inviting, if a little bit ballad-heavy and slow for my taste. But the soul of the album lies in her ability to wrap you in her world and paint a picture, and I think the music serves her well in that regard.