Exquisite and haunting. Her voice is incredible and she uses its full power in the delivery. The album functions very well as a whole, with songs transitioning seamlessly from one to the other. I love that she decides to touch on so many important issues and uses her music as a force for good. Listened to it several times to get the full experience. My only issue is it's sometimes impossible to focus on anything else apart from the music as her voice is quite distressing and the music is disturbing - but I guess that's the whole point.
Very underwhelming. Did not have the patience to listen to the whole thing first time round. Then I gathered the patience and braved it, and I genuinely do not understand what the fuss is about. Quite generic, didn't make me feel or think anything. 'Starman' is a pretty good song, but I knew that prior to listening to the album. Perhaps it's just not for me, but I feel it's massively overrated
I see why this is considered to be a good album, but it doesn't do it for me. Sounds like they're trying to be a Hillbilly Elegy version of Pink Floyd, with a side of Tractor Blues. Again, I can appreciate that it is meant to be an exceptionally well made album but there were times when listening to the music was excruciating, especially that godawful 'getting in tune' song, it sounds like a dying dog squealing. Now and then a beautifully made song emerges (Baba O'Reilly and Bargain are the only reason this album didn't get a 1 star) but it is soon replaced by whining and inconvincing attempts at sounding edgy or profound. I will of course give The Who another attempt with their other works but Who's Next is unfortunately a flop for me.
I am surprised by how much I am enjoying this. For now I am giving it a solid 4 stars, but will reconsider whether to award 5 after listening to the whole album start to finish with no interruptions or distractions. Thought it would be another Pink Floyd wannabe but I actually think they are less precocious and more listenable than PF - the album is a succinct and crisp delight. No skips whatsoever.
Absolutely sensational and an exquisite listening experience. Not sure what the music is about and sometimes can't even recognise what language it's in, but that doesn't matter, everything is communicated through the voice and instruments. Saved it so I can listen to it several times and have definitely been prompted to look further into the meaning, which I guess what good albums are all about. But even without that, just hearing the album is an absolute joy, I can easily see it become one of my favourites, feels like a soundtrack to a beautiful day.
I really enjoy this album, have listened to it several times. The reason why it doesn't get a 5 was because I already love Depeche Mode and unfortunately most of my favourite songs from them are not on this particular album. All the same, it's less about the music and more about the ~experience~ of listening to this - they take you on a journey with each song and transition, and the feeling doesn't go away the more you listen to it, it just amplifies.
