The band managed to take hold of and create a style rooted in Southern culture and its native blues, blending it with mythical, playful and humorous themes. Compared to their First Album, Tres Hombres shows an evolution and definition of identity and personality not seen before. I especially highlight the creativity in both the storytelling and Gibbons’ riffs, there isn’t a single disappointing track. La Grange is by no means overrated, it’s a true hit that I still enjoy after all the times it has accompanied me. Favorite song: Jesus Just Left Chicago.
The first times I listened to the album I couldn’t really connect with it, however, over time it has become one of the albums I remember the most and have gradually made part of my life. The heartfelt, introspective work is evident, as is the emotional depth it contains. Perhaps it was its simplicity that initially made me think it wasn’t a great work, but its emotional honesty and its ability to capture a sense of unease have kept it present for me. I particularly praise the criticism expressed in songs like Southern Man and I hold on to tracks I still dance to and sing along with weekly: When You Dance I Can Really Love.
In retrospect, the energy and execution of Eddie Van Halen redeem the entire album and the band from certain impressions I had regarding the shallow lyrics and themes (focused on partying and excess), which left much to be desired. From the very beginning the songs stand out because of his distinctive guitar style and after several listens, I feel that’s the one thing that would make me return to the album. I don’t consider there to be a truly significant hit. I especially highlight Eruption as one of the most important solos in history thanks to its technical originality and complexity. Without a doubt, Eddie is a prodigy I will always respect. My favorite track was a cover (Ice Cream Man).
I think this is not an album you should start with when listening to Elton John, as it is clear that it leans toward emotional, creative and artistic exploration. There are many aspects that, musically speaking, can be difficult to connect with. There is a lot to focus on in terms of the lyrics, which are often very long and dark, yet therefore open to deeper interpretation. Many songs seem to be built to be absorbed slowly, almost like small musical narratives. It is evident that this is an album that does not try to please, but to say something and for that reason its value is more introspective than immediate. I connected most with its longest song because of its profound lyrics and incredible harmonies: Indian Sunset.
Quite melancholic lyrics that help me understand why so many young people felt accompanied in their solitude, failed love and daily alienation, also through the depiction of unsettling scenarios and a sense of hopelessness toward the world. I admire his ability to perfectly accompany this with the music, with his acoustic guitar tuned lower than standard, effectively transmitting that dive into the depth of the simplest thoughts. It's such a (relatively) simple and natural work that felt very clear to me, without any contrived tricks. Favorite song: No Name No. 5.
There is no doubt that it is one of the most important and influential albums of all time. Its departure from the conventional British rock of the era toward a far more experimental and conceptual language is striking. I find it especially important how the album sonically addresses themes such as technological anxiety, consumerism and isolation, very modern traits of an era we still belong to and which the band seemed to envision almost premonitorily. I also highlight the enormous work put into every aspect: every song, every texture, guitar, sound and original structure. They managed to be experimental without losing cohesion or emotional impact, achieving a perfect balance between the organic and the electronic. I also consider it a record that demands attention and multiple listens due to its conceptual and sonic density, almost like returning to observe and examine a painting several times. Its definitive hit is Karma Police, but my favorite song was Exit Music (For a Film).
From song to song you notice that the album’s structure is very similar, with alike piano riffs and a constant rock ’n’ roll frenzy that feels flat, though I can recognize that for the time it must have been a very revolutionary resource and since the style was just emerging its composition was still quite plain. Little Richard’s voice is the most remarkable aspect: his raspy tone playing with falsettos, his different vocal nuances gave each song something distinctive amid choruses that were also often very repetitive. Favorite song: Oh Why?
I have always considered Jimi Hendrix one of the best guitarists in history, beyond what North American pop culture sells from everything that comes out of there. I consider him prodigious in his technique and overall melodic and musical creativity (also for his experimentalism), he is unmistakable. The album shows a clear and exhaustive work in relation to the also very good previous works in The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix’s discipline and demanding nature leave nothing to be desired; even when it leans into the experimental, I feel nothing is left to chance, every melody and every drum hit is exactly where it should be. Despite the album’s length, I feel it had a purpose, both introspective for the listener and for Hendrix himself. My favorite song, which I praise as a vast improvement over Bob Dylan’s: All Along the Watchtower.
I like several hip hop artists, but because of the difficulty I find in understanding their approach, I consider it merely noisy and excessive in its resources. The album begins with a song without many changes that I didn’t enjoy at any point. I do like energetic songs, where shouting and criticizing the system is common, but several of their voices shout uncomfortably. I feel they criticize everything without proposing much beyond rebellion, partying, drinking and nothing more meaningful than what they’re criticizing themselves. I admit there are some beats that ended up being catchy, but I wouldn’t listen to them again. On the positive side, I’d say it was necessary for the exploration of blends and the opening of possibilities within hip hop and rock music. I understand it was pioneering but it falls short for me because of how little relevance it holds today in sonic terms.
Attractive and danceable melodies achieved through its synthesizers and percussion. A good use of various electronic effects, which I consider innovative for the early 80s. The bass lines captivated me in some songs and really transported me. However, I didn’t fall in love with any song. I believe each one has very appealing elements but there is always a part that disconnects me. I respect the album for its creative work and the identity it consolidated in pop and electronic music.
I feel it is still an album that understands the experimental as a disorder of elements placed fortuitously and with little intention of forging harmonies, in order to mirror what could be a cycle of discomforts and inner disturbances that were meant to be expressed not only in the music but clearly in the lyrics as well. I value it because I sense a lot of clarity and awareness in the lyrics, in the way youth and its uncontainable, unrestricted thought are portrayed. In some way, the concept becomes implied. I highlight its best song: Starpower.
Many of its songs managed to resonate with me. It is a fairly long album, with tracks that, when listened to without sufficient attention, don’t immediately connect with the listener. However its lyrics and melodies work together and generate emotions that can gradually mature and connect pleasantly, once the album’s intent is understood. When listened to straight through, the album is not easily felt, it doesn’t maintain the same level of connectivity and concentration throughout. Its distance from Rumours (1977) clearly signaled a broad risk in its experimental approach, and some songs failed to captivate me because of that, such as the album’s title track. Still I highlight the sensitivity of its lyrics, which is what I will remember most about the album. Favorite song: Sisters of the Moon.
It’s a very particular and innovative album. However, I wouldn’t listen to it again. Its lyrics give a lot to think about regarding the society and culture of the time.
