I think what makes me love this album so much is how electric and hungry every MC sounds on it, even U-God who is the most underutilized member on this album has one of the most memorable moments on the record with his moment on "Protect ya neck". Another aspect is Rza's production it sounds like nothing coming out in 93 (that I am aware of) and the way he uses sampling is so fascinating to the ears "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" is the first thing that comes to mind and how he introduces the different elements of the production in that song.
Fav Tracks: Protect ya neck, Da mystery of chessboxin, C.R.E.A.M, Method man, Cant it all be so simple, and Shame on a N*****
Bob Marley has this way of enriching every word he says with this otherworldly quality to the point where it all feels important. You have to stay engaged you have to let the music move your soul to let Marley fully envelope you in his music. All these songs are coated with the love of its author with every re listen being more beautiful than the last.
Fav tracks: Natural Mystic, Exodus, waiting in vain, and One love/ people get ready
I feel like out of all the records I have listened to this is the one with the most mystification that surrounds it. Not only is it known as one of the best albums of all time its making is seen as one of the most fantastical tales in rock history. I and can acknowledge that all these things are for good reason but I also have to say that all of this may have made the album seem a little underwhelming in my eyes. It is still a good record but I find songs like Songbird and I Don't want to know just some of the uninteresting spots on this record, but there is so much genius in this LP that is hard to say its anything less than good 70's rock music but for me thats all it is
Fav tracks: Dreams, The Chain, You make loving fun, and Gold dust woman
This album feels like the peak of a man at his very best. One thing I really enjoy about Stevie Wonder not only on this project but through his whole discography (at least the records he had most control over) is how he uses different influences in his production. This is shown across this whole album with it feeling bigger than life itself. I feel like there is more I can say and maybe one day I will but the fact that anyone can make an album like this so good is fascinating in itself.
Not to familiar with grunge as a grunge (or I guess post grunge) but this album was a really good intro to what I assume is a very vast genre. It feels very slimy but not as dark or messy as the cover would suggest. The front half of the record is some honestly great stuff but I feel like the album gets a little weaker as it goes on but it is still very solid especially exhausted. Even with that I would def listen to it again.
My fav tracks: This is the call, I'll stick around, Big Me, Floaty, exhausted
When you think about the basics of rock and roll from its very roots to its evolution in the year 1971 this album accumulates everything wonderful about the genre in only 35 minutes. This record feels very sincere with songs drenched in sadness, joy, and a calmness that only a late night can muster.
Fav tracks: Without you, Coconut, The moonbeam song, and early in the morning
Its like seeing a rough draft for a whole generation of sound. Although most of the songs in this LP are just ok to me, the artistry of the tracks feel very nice to listen to. I can hear the rockabilly and the R&B influences ingrained in every note of this record. Buddy Holly had it.
Fav tracks: Oh Boy!, That'll be the day, It's too Late, and An empty cup
This album is very grandiose in the world that it presents and for a lot of the songs on the LP it adds a lot and makes the quieter moments stand out in a positive way. The slower part in Sunday bloody Sunday is a very good example of this. I do not really know how often I will go back to this record but I exceeded the expectations I had for it.
Fav tracks: Sunday bloody sunday, Like a song..., and "40"
I do not have too many words for this record other that it's good. It is some of the best ballads and blues of its time and the way rays voice lays the final layer of smoothness to the ballads had me mesmerized the first listen. I think if I had to choose the ballad side have the songs I go back to the most, but the more bluesy numbers still stick in my mind. The brass on this LP is great too.
Fav tracks: It Had to be you, Dont let the sun catch you cryin', and Come rain or come shine
What I really love about this record is the feeling it gives, this swampy bayou sound is something that really itches my brain in way that most rock from this period does not really do. The shorter cuts on this record (Proud Mary and good golly miss molly for example) are the best parts about this record in tandem with the wonderful lead vocal that John Fogerty lays on every track keeps me coming back to this album. The longer tracks are just so weak to me to the point where I just wish we got more shorter 3 min tracks to replace them.
Fav tracks: Proud mary, good golly miss molly, and penthouse pauper
This album has two of the greatest rock songs to ever grace my ears and that is why it is a tad disappointing that everything else about the LP is just ok to me. This southern style of rock is one that I feel like has invaded my life for so long as an American so finally sitting down and listening to an album fully drenched in that feeling helps me appreciate the highs like free bird more but makes me a tad more harsh on something like gimme three steps which I just think is ok. Not a bad album just one I can not get into as much as I wish I could.
Fav tracks: Tuesday's Gone and Free bird
I really love the sound of this album with each song having a similar textrue and yet you can hear different influnces from around the world in some. The blues sounding stuff on Amandrai, the more country sounding Ai Du and the usage of (I think) the sitar on Keito. Its nice, its peaceful, and it makes me smile.
Fav tracks: Gomni, Sega, Keito, and Ai Du
Off my first listen this feels like an album that I will listen to for the rest of my life. Every song on her does something interesting musically and also has something to say that feels so honest and really catches your attention. Not to do with the record but the cover is also really cool.
Fav tracks: Sullen girl, Shadow boxer, slow like honey, The first taste, and Carrion
Although I rather enjoyed the vocals on this record, I personally just could not get in to it. My listen made it feel as if every song was meddling together. It feels like an album I will eventually give a second chance to but as of right now I can not muster much praise for it.
I love the blues. I love Muddy waters. I love this LP.
Fav tracks: Mannish boy, Jealous Hearted Man, The blues had a baby and they named it rock and roll, Deep down in Florida, and Walkin thru the park
Probably the most cool country album I have ever listened to. Every word spoken has this slickness and a roughness that can not be replicated making these songs feel like Johnny cash originals rather than covers. I feel like this is an album that only has room to grow in my heart it is performed so well and produced to a perfection.
Fav tracks: Hurt, Give my love to rose, I hung my head, Personal Jesus, In my life, Desparado, and We'll meet again
This album is such a beautiful representation of what the genre of soul and funk can be. It is so raw, and yet one of the smoothest albums of Gaye's career. The only issue I have with it is that the back half just does not feel as strong as the front half, but when your front half has Thats enough, When did you stop loving me when did I stop loving you, and Everybody needs love. Its is very hard to keep that consistency on a Hour plus LP. It is not my favorite by Gaye but I feel like it is one I will keep coming back to forever.
Fav tracks: When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You, Is that enough, Everybody needs love, Sparrow, Annas song, and You Can Leave, But It's Going To Cost You
The main thing I enjoy about this album is how it feels like a storybook every song creates this sprawling landscape which kept my attention as I listened to the very long tracks. At it's best the orchestra, vocals, and lyrics all blend into this melting pot of pure sound that I could not help but smile at. At its worse it can feel a little drawn out and I find my self blinking in and out of the world it creates. I do really enjoy it and I am happy I got to experience Ms. Newsom's wonderful artistic expression.
I like how chill this album is but I must admit sometimes it can be too spacy, with it creating an atmosphere that isn't that interesting and drags on. I would say the positive out weighs the negative; Songs like Over the Hill and Dreams by the sea really grasping my attention and positively reflect what I think Martyn was trying to accomplish with this album. I have never heard folk music like this before so this new landscape has been fun to wrap my head around.
Fav tracks: Over the hill, I'd rather be the devil, dreams by the sea, and The man in the station
I don't have much to say other than I really liked it.
Fav tracks: Jacqueline, tell her tonight, Take me out, This fire, and 40'
Peak live album
fav track: Every song
I like how cinematic they made this record feel with each track interconnecting and being referenced to throughout the album. It creates a unique experience that I really dig.
Fav Tracks: Ready or not, killing me softly, Fu-gee-la, cowboys, and no woman, no cry
Not only is this album a wonderful representation of youth before the coming summer of love, it is also an album that has some of the best American pop that was coming out at the time. I am a huge fan of the production on this album and although the lyrics can be simple at times that aids to more of the songs rather than detracts for me. It’s a genius record.
Fav tracks: all of them
It’s hard not to get up and dance to this record making a listening experience that completely absorbs you in its sound. The one thing that I think would elevate this LP for me is just knowing what’s being said but that’s definitely not a fault of the record. It’s beautiful, lovely, and I appreciate the groove it presents.
Fav tracks: plástico, Maria Lionza, ojos, and Dime
I wish I could get into this but I just can't, but in the same breath I do not think it is terrible. Songs like In the Ghetto and wearin that loved on look are interesting and a postive example of what makes Elvis a powerful artist but it's just music that I can't get into.
Fav tracks: wearin that loved on look, black limousine, and in the ghetto
What I love most about this record is how much it sounds like the evening, the Jazzy influence is such a beauty when mixed with Drakes acoustic playing. It reminds me a bit of Solid air but this record does the atmospheric sound better in my opinion. I also really enjoyed the lyrical content of this album after my first listen I was thinking back on some of the things that were said.
Fav tracks: Hazey Jane II and I, One of these things First, Fly, Poor boy, Northern sky, Sunday
Absolutely phenomenal album from start to finish. Everything from the lyrics to the masterful arrangements gives you one of the most timeless soul experiences ever Experienced.
Fav tracks: all of them
This was my first time listening to Lana del ray and honestly I enjoyed the landscape she created with her lyrics. Each song had a familiar structure to them with similar subject matter but songs like white dress and dance till we die still hold a place in my mind after listening. I think the main takeaway I got from this album is the production which I really enjoy, the acoustic stylings really keep me engaged and I think every song on here has interesting backing to go with Lana's lyrics.
Fav tracks: white dress, chemtrails over the country, wild at heart, dark but just a game, and dance till we die
This album starts off with such a bang with Western stars. The way lang's voice hits those high notes in this song instantly grabbed me and made me very excited for the rest of the LP and I think for the most part it lived up to what my expectations became. Although the album can be consistent with lyrical themes and production each song gives this very rich image of country heartbreak that I can not help but melt away and enjoy.
Fav tracks: Western stars, lock, stock and teardrops, I wish I didnt love you so, and Shadowland
There are just enough tracks I like on this LP that make me see it in a positive light but some of it just feels ok. I like the energy that the band presents but some of the lyrics and compositional choices just are not my cup of tea. Sweet emotion comes to mind as a song I felt started off very well but I ended up not liking to much by the end. In contrast walk this way was something that I really adore just for how much energy it brings.
fav tracks: walk this way, uncle salty, round and round, and you see me crying
It is some of the best hiphop you will ever listen to. The idea of getting some of the very best producers of the time on one LP with a lyricist who is able to hit you with bar after bar of memorable lines, something like this seems too good to be true. The only issue I would have with it personally is that some of the lines are outdated.
fav tracks: all of them
The more I sit with this album the more I realize it is not for me. I am a really big fan of this era of pop and this era of psychedelic music but the music on this album feels so far away from what I like about this period. There are things I do enjoy though, I felt the vocals were very raw and stood out on each song and I also felt that the electric jug through out the album added some interesting depth to the record. All though I say these postivie things I think the main thing that gets me is the instrumentation and the subject matter of the songs the album as a whole felt like a bore to get through but there are enough songs individually on here that do save it in my eyes.
Fav tracks: Splash 1, You don't know, and Don't fall down
This was my first experience with the band Big star and I personally enjoyed the atmosphere that was created with this project, but even with that I feel like it can go on for too long. Most of the lyrics don't stand out to me but the performance and the recording are the real star of the LP in my opinion I really liked the feeling of songs like Big Black Car and femme fatale. All though it has some shortcomings that hold it back I still see it as a soild record with some interesting songs.
Fav tracks: Thank you friends, Big black car, Femme Fatale, O'Dana and Take care
This was my first time really sitting down and listening to the smiths and I am honestly quite surprised. I loved the instrumentation on this so much with all most every song having a backing that I adore. I also enjoyed the vocals the lead singer has this twag to his speech that makes him stand out and adds to the sorrow in most of his lyrics. A real pleasant surprise with only one or two songs I felt not really being too engaging.
Fav tracks: The headmaster ritual, I want the one I cant have, That joke isn't funny anymore, and Well I wonder
One of the most fun hip hop records I have listened to. Missy is able to craft such interesting flow that every song grabs you at least once, also the production on this is some of the best of the 00's truly a masterclass of hiphop. I do think the main theme of the record is a little underbaked even if I do enjoy the spoken portions of the record and the song that feels like an amalgamation of the emotions felt post 9/11 and post the death of so many great hiphop artist in can you hear me. Dope music by a dope MC.
Fav tracks: Bring the pain, gossip folks, work it, funky fresh dressed, and can you hear me
To me this is the pinnacle of Reggae music (that I have listened to) the instrumentation on this is so good every song hypnotizing me with its sound making dance and eventually harmonize with the group. I have only known Bob Marley & The Wailers from the album exodus which is also great, but this album just has more of the things I love in music. PRIME EXAMPLE THE VOCAL HARMONIES in the music. You can hear so much of the impressions and other older R&B acts in this album as well. Beautiful album filled with beautiful music.
Fav tracks: All of them
I am kind of in love with this record even though there are some tracks on here that do not really do it for me. The tracks that do do it for me though are some of the best that rock had to offer in 68. I shall be released is one of my favorite closers I have heard from an album ever and the production through out this record is what really keeps me engaged through it. It almost has a lo-fi feel to it like this is just guys jamming and making great music. A beauty of a record.
Fav tracks: To kingdom come, In a station, The weight, we can talk, chest fever, Lonesome suzie, and I shall be released
I really love this record, what surprised me so much about this was how psyche it was which I mean look at the cover and you would say duh, but my experience with Jimi before this was more in a hard rock context than psyche so it was a pleasant surprise. The album as a whole is very solid but the standout tracks for me little wing and castles made of sand really elevate this to being one of my favorites from the period. Jimi has this great voice to him that is perfect for the style he is playing and the band together just meshes so well which I feel is really evident on she's so fine. Great LP!!!
Fav tracks: Spanish castle music, Little wing, Castles made of sand, She's so fine, and bold as love
What sticks in my mind most about this Lp is how atmospheric it is and how the first track sucks you in while the last spits you back out. It’s honestly so great and each re listen I find new things to gush over. I completely understand why this is one of the best albums ever made.
Fav tracks: all of them
It’s some of the best pop music the 80’s had to offer. I think my favorite thing about this album is the uniqueness of most of the tracks especially the baroque pop songs near the back half of the record. I do think some songs go on a little too long for with not a lot going on to warrant them to go so long but other than that it’s a very beautiful LP.
Fav tracks: Like a prayer, Love song, till death do us part, cherish, and dear Jessie
I really love the lyrics and instrumentation on this LP with most of the songs having pieces I really enjoy. The voice of PJ Harvey is also what I think will bring me back to this album the most. The starting track oh my lover is a great example of this and is one of my favorite openers I have heard due to this project. Some of the songs do fall flat for me personally but as a whole a very solid album.
Fav tracks: oh my lover, dress, happy and bleeding, shee-la-gig, and plants and rags
This album is an almost perfect combination of funk and country in the 70's and it is truly one of the most interesting and groovy albums I have listened to during this 1001 album journey and most of the tracks on here had me moving but the main star for me were some of the slower songs on the LP. Somebody who loves you is the main highlight for me and hits every button for my personal taste. It's a solid LP with some of the best vocals and instrumentation I have heard.
This was my first ever Bowie album and I really enjoyed it. This record reminded me a bit of John Lennon's work specifically from the White album, I think the voice of Bowie and some of the lyrics that he sings make me feel this but this is very much a David Bowie album so please do not be confused from my personal observation. What I loved about this record is how adventures the sound was and how most songs especially in the back half had differing but complementary flavors that kept me really engaged with the music. Although I do not think the album is perfect I really think this is one I will go back to a lot.
Fav tracks: Changes, Oh! you pretty things, life on mars, kooks, Quicksand, Andy Warhol, and The Bewlay brothers
The one thing that popped out to me first about this album is the energy to it all, it is infections to the point where my listen started sitting down but a restlessness came over me and I was all over the place. I understand that this album is considered the birth place (or one of them) of the punk movement and I can hear that in the music but I also fine that some of the production can feel very clean in some places compared to more dirtier punk I have listened to and experienced live. This observation is not necessarily negative because I feel this production style adds to some songs like God save the Queen and Submission but I think I would prefer something more dirty sounding. It is still a solid album but I feel like the performances can be hit or miss track by track.
Fav tracks: Holidays in the sun, problems, God save the queen, Anarchy in the UK and Pretty Vacant
This album is is real good and dreamy, at its best it creates this soundscape that sucks you into its world bringing warmth inside every part of your body. The guitar on this LP was my favorite part of the whole thing and whenever it was played with the effect the band put on it I basically swooned, songs like silver soul and better times are good examples of this for me. Although I do love a lot about this record I will say certain aspects of it do not really do it for me. Some songs that feel a bit more poppy kind of fall flat for me like Lover of mine for example. I feel like this album is at its best when it makes a dreamy atmosphere with the harmonies of the voices and choices of instrumentation that's why the last track Take care works so well in my eyes. I good album that makes me excited to see what more Beach house has to offer.
Fav tracks: Zebra, Sliver Soul, Norway, Better times, and Take care
Before listening to this album I would not really consider myself a fan of the Rolling Stones and I must admit that bias does bleed in how I viewed this album. I feel like the Stones have a very dull interpretation of the blues and I also feel like some of the early stuff especially isn't that good to my ears. All this to say is that Beggars Banquet as a whole surprised me and exceeded my expectations I had for the band. Tracks like Sympathy for the devil and Stray cat blues are examples of the Stones at their most interesting and amusing with the mix of instrumentation and the energy that Mick Jagger brings to his performance. I also think that a majority of the album is just ok( like Prodigal son and no expectations are not my cup of tea) but listenable enough as a whole to where I still see it as good. I hope the rest of this journey is able to make me warm about the stones.
Fav tracks: Sympathy for the devil, Jigsaw puzzle, street fighting man, Stray cat blues, and Salt of earth
One thing that I really enjoyed about this album is the production. Every sound has meaning and adds so much to the emotion of the record, even if I don’t fully like some of the compositions in this album the production on most songs will be what keeps me coming back. I feel like the vocals and lyrics are kind of hit or miss for me personally but it’s still a soild LP.
Fav tracks: perfect, hand in pocket, you learn, ironic, and wake up
My first experience with the dead was a good one and I really enjoyed what I experienced some of the songs are a little forgettable but a good chunk like truckin and candy man were really great recordings. The production and style of instrumentation is really good and easy to listen to. A good LP.
Fav tracks: box of rain, friend of the devil, candy man, ripple, and truckin
An amazing live album showing a band at their absolute peak. I don’t really have much critique to give and since this is my first Who album I realize some of my enjoyment was taken away just off the fact I didn’t know much of the songs before hand, but when you have rockers like the generation melody and young man blues it’s hard not to get sucked in.
Fav tracks: heaven and hell, fortune teller, young man blues, substitute, I’m a boy, A quick one, while he’s away, and my generation
This album is so beautiful and sonically intriguing. Every track and every pause of sound made me so curious to keep listening to this album. The record also feels very ahead of its time in especially with the kind of music coming out in 75. I’m very happy I listened to it and I want to listen to it over and over again. My first Eno and what a first it is.
Fav track: all of them
This is some of the best the psychedelic side of the 60's had to offer. Most of the instrumentation is great and the lead vocalist on this especially Grace slick do such a phenomenal job it is absolutely praise worthy. I am not the biggest fan of the more blues style tracks on here as I find the more rock and pop tracks to be where Jefferson Airplane shine the most (at least on this record). What more can be said its great music.
Fav tracks: She has funny cars, Somebody to love, My best friend, comin back to me, and White rabbit
To me this is the quintessential album of 67 and it is absolutely phenomenal from start to the end (pun intended). The instrumentation what is the key factor for my love on this. I feel it’s so strong that even when some songs have a weaker lyric the instrumentation is consistently perfect throughout. Light my fire is also a perfect song.
Fav tracks: all of them
The idea of British folk is very new to me but I’m pleased to hear what this album has given me. The instrumentation is solid and most of the songs on the LP are good. A good chunk do go on way too long in my opinion with myself kind of wanting more pieces like Farewell, farewell it’s still a solid record.
Fav tracks: Come all ye, reynardine, farewell, farewell, and crazy man Michael
Good album
One of those albums that really live up to the hype. The production on this thing is very praise worthy and the vocal performances that follow suit match the atmosphere of the album very well. The album is at its best when it combines some of the pop writing known for the time with the experimental sounds that grace most tracks. Very good album.
Fav tracks: Sunday morning, femme fatale, Venus in furs, heroin, I’ll be your mirror, and the black angels death song
This album feels so close to perfection and yet I feel as if something is missing the production is great the impressive vocal range of Michael is on full display but there are some decisions in the composition of songs that make me take a star off. Truly masterful but MJ has better.
Fav tracks: Bad, the way you make me feel, Liberian girl, just good friends, another part of me, and leave me alone
Interesting concept with decent songs
Probably one of the best sequenced albums I’ve ever listened to it feels like each song has its own world. A lot of these songs have a surprising intimate quality as well with a lot being about the daily lives of subjects or the view of their world. It’s quite a master work, but I feel some songs do draw on for too long or feel not as heavy hitting as some of the other tracks on here. Still an amazing record.
Fav tracks: sgt peppers lonely hearts club band, with a little help from my friends, getting better, she’s leaving home, good morning good morning, and A day in the life
Whenever I listen to jazz especially the standouts of the mid to late 20th century it always feels so fresh and ahead of its time and this is especially felt on Time out. From beginning to end this album absorbs you into its world until eventually spitting you back out on the final track. So many great moments on this record and definitely one I’ll keep playing for years to come.
Fav tracks: blue rondo à la Turk, take five, Kathy’s waltz, and everybody’s jumping
It’s just not for me it has some redeeming qualities the talent is there but I just can’t get into the overly glossy rock that def leopard is giving me.
Fav tracks: none
Such a beautifully sung record with very lush guitar work I feel like this is one I’ll get into more overtime but right now I just see it as good. Some of the songs can go on for so long it can be seen as uninteresting but the songs that work really do.
Fav tracks: stolen car, sweetest decline, pass in time, stars all seem to weep, and central reservations (both og and remix)
A true masterclass of instrumentation and vocal performance. Nina Simone is at what seems to be at her strongest giving such powerful and varied performances. Some songs to me feel a little bit stuck in the past and are small blemishes to a very beautiful album.
Fav tracks: four woman, what more can I say, lilac wine, wild is the wind, and black is the color of my true loves hair
It’s interesting. It’s brilliant. It’s the kinks. Although the album has some tracks that could do just a bit more in my opinion it’s one of the standouts of the 60’s era of rock and essential listening of fans of the period. Waterloo sunset is legitimately one of the best songs ever made.
Fav tracks: David watts, death of a clown, two sisters, situation vacant, afternoon tea, end of the season, and Waterloo sunset
I really dig it and the flavor it brings sometimes it can be a little too much with what it’s trying to do but in some songs they are perfect. KD Lang is a great vocalist. Enjoyed this one quite a bit.
Fav tracks: save me, the mind of love, miss chatelaine, season of hollow soul, and outside myself
As a fan of the 5th dimension I recognized stoned soul picnic and really enjoyed the original version by Laura Nyro. At its best this is great blue eyed soul music that takes you all over the place with change of tempo in songs. Some compositions just don’t do it for me but I feel like this is an album that can grow on me with time.
Fav tracks: Luckie, Lu, Sweet blindness, Elis coming, timer, stoned soul picnic, and Emmie
This album mix of psychedelia and the blues I think is done very well with the strongest songs on here being the combination of these elements that have painted the era of rock. I find myself enjoying the tracks that were released as singles more than any of the other songs on here but it’s still a very solid LP. I also really enjoyed the lead guitar work of Clapton.
Fav songs: strange brew, sunshine of your love, dance the night away, tales of brave Ulysses and SWLABR
