Some prime late 80s alternative / jangle rock right here. Everyone knows “It’s the End Of the World As We Know It”, but the rest of the album fits in quite nicely. I personally love the dulcimer on “King of Birds” and horns on “Fireplace”. To some this might sound like dad rock, but if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, you can’t do much better than this.
I enjoy both ambient and art rock and am obviously familiar with Brian Eno, so I thought this was a fitting first choice considering I hadn’t yet heard this album of his yet. There’s a lot of sounds here and it goes in many different directions. I was thrown off by the first track, but the album settled in nicely and offered an entertaining journey of rock and ambient sounds intertwined.
Some prime late 80s alternative / jangle rock right here. Everyone knows “It’s the End Of the World As We Know It”, but the rest of the album fits in quite nicely. I personally love the dulcimer on “King of Birds” and horns on “Fireplace”. To some this might sound like dad rock, but if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, you can’t do much better than this.
Hard to believe this is their debut, it sounds so polished and groovy. It’s Steely Dan, so you’re going to get clever yet philosophical lyrics, guitar and piano solos, interesting chord progressions, catchy hooks and melodies that will definitely put you in a good mood. While I prefer their later albums, this is surely a classic debut from a fun and interesting band with a very solid discography.
Classic 70s R&B soul music. Marvin Gaye is a top three singer of all time for me and this not a bad album at all. The baby making vibe can make it a difficult one to randomly throw on in certain situations, and the songs can blend together. It’s a solid album but nothing blew me away. 3/5
Never could get into Guns N’ Roses. With that said, you won’t find many more explosive debut albums with hits that even non rock fans are familiar with. From the moment the guitar comes in on “Welcome to the Jungle”, you know you’re in for a ride. I recognize the impact this album had for many listeners, but it just doesn’t do it for me.
I love this album, I was singing every word and I’ll listen again at work. Such good vibes throughout (mostly) and each song could be a single on their own. This had to be a pop giant at the time and started the album era. And I’ve always loved the “Rubber Soul” title, comedically acknowledging the elephant in the room and moving forward with their own sound. While the album is huge and sort of started their legendary run, I can’t give it a 5 because then what are Sgt Peppers, The White Album, Abbey Road? 7s? I feel their music continued to evolve on later albums.
I initially was going to give this a 3 as soon as it popped up just based off nostalgia. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I remembered. The songs are a little bland but they can be catchy enough. The singles are really the only high points for me.
This was my first experience really listening to The White Stripes. Not bad garage/alt rock music, definitely heard worse. 16 songs at 40 minutes is very listenable and packs a punch, but can get redundant. It’s an ok album and adequate rock music, but nothing blew me away and I most likely won’t listen again aside from some songs. I think a 2.5 rounded up to a 3 is appropriate.
This was an interesting album I had trouble rating. Probably one of the more enjoyable thus far. The guitars were mesmerizing, vocals intriguing (especially Kim Gordon), and there were plenty of odd instrumental moments to get lost in. The whole album flows together well but also sounds different. This is that anxious, dark, moody indie/alt rock that’s addicting to some and feels like lightning in a bottle. I was not aware of Sonic Youth before and I can’t tell you any other music by them, but discovering an album like this is the reason I did this project. To be fair, I can see how other listeners may feel the vocals can get annoying, or the art/prog sounds too unappealing. Will it be a permanent staple in my rotation? Ehh - hard to say. Will be it my album of the month? Possibly. An easy 3.5 boosted to a 4.
I can understand the appeal: catchy pop/punk songs, glossy production, tight instruments, harmonizing vocals. Definitely some feel good tunes with an 80s summer vibe. That said, I felt it was underwhelming and generic pop music. I didn’t hate it, but likely won’t listen again. 2.5 up to a 3 for the production.
I’m familiar with this album, heard it many times and am usually underwhelmed. This is a laid back, whitewashed blues cover album. As uninspiring as this album is, it has its moments: Motherless Child, Get Ready, Let It Grow are all tolerable. Not a fan of the I Shot the Sheriff cover, seemed random and out of place. If you want blues, there’s better out there. If you want Clapton, there’s better out there. If you want cover music, there’s better out there. This is ehh, a 2.