This album was an amazing critique of technology and consumerism. Without lyrics I think so much was conveyed through the song titles and sampled voices. “Philosophy and Numbers” is a great example of this. The two samples are introduced with one talking about philosophy and the other technology. At the end of the song, they go back and forth trading the ideas to each other and that's where the meaning of this album really clicked for me. The album art is a perfect representation of this, and it's now one of my favorites. There's so much symbolism packed in there I could talk about it forever (see what i did there). This album is political and makes statements. I'm automatically interested in a piece of art when the artist isn't afraid to share these thoughts. Besides the messaging I resonate with, the music is ear candy and was composed very creatively. There are so many fun sounds and satisfying moments. “We Are Here” is a highlight for me. its a whole album within the album. Very political and environmental with developing instrumentals. I loved the album and I was shocked to see how low the average rating was. Each song was so intentional and had a story to it. Even if I interpreted the song different than intended i got so much out of every song
I think this album would make a great soundtrack to a space movie btw
- Tess
lets go back to 1971 during the black power movement and the Vietnam war. Music is becoming increasing political. Motown puts a ban on all political music. Marvin Gaye releases "Whats Going On." every track masterfully reflects the current political environment . It’s a healer for the violence and support for the victims. Joining him there’s sly stone, Curtis Mayfield, Gil-Scott Heron and many more. The next big player in this movement is stevie wonder. This is the album that made him who he is.
ok wait im giving up im too tired to write anything decent
Go watch “1971 the year that changed music” cause it’s about everything im trying to say. It’s very good i highly recommend let me put yall on. It’s history and music anyways lets continue
sunshine of my life 8/10- i love the way this chord progression develops. A song i could see playing at a bernardi dinner party. makes me feel nostolgic and warm. the drums picking up their pace in the end is mwah
maybe your baby 10/10 - janet jackson and thundercat took notes. that dark adictive growel sound oooooooooooooooooooooo. the drums are a character in this song. that solo in the end is such a perfect touch. this music got groveee its fierce
you and i 8/10 - a slow song on this album that doesn't drag. i think its beautiful and is an exception to my complaint of the lyrics being to repetitive and commercial (loveyyy love ya know) this is how you do a ballad. the lyrics have their moments (also, stevie wonder can really really sing)
tuesday heartbreak 10/10 - i said this was my least favourite to victor but i 100% take that back. this song is lots of fun, had me up dancing in my room.
youve got it bad girl 11/10 - maybe my favoruite on the album along with big brother. this song is perfect and if you disagree listen to it until you hear what im hearing cuase omgodness its amaze. sounds like a rnb song that could be released today (still sounds fresh) i can hear this being a robert glasper song.
superstitious 11/10 - classic... dont feel like writing everything me and victor discussed about this song cause im sleepy so ill let him take this one. let me still add a bit of my own. not to trauma dump but this song is exactly what it feels like to have anxiety and ocd. perfect example of the narrative happening in my brain "Keep me in a daydream, keep me going strong You don't wanna save me, sad is my song" this one hits for me
big brother 11/10 - same thing as before hopefully victors got this one. 1984 is one of my faovuirte books so i reallyyyyyyy like this one. its very powerful and more relevant then ever,
blame in on the sun 8/10 - that chorus is insane. reminds me of a micheal jackson song.
Looking for another pure love 8/10 - reminds me a lot of Joni Mitchell I like it
(Sorry for all the spelling mistakes I’m sick and tired)
- tessa 4.7 stars
The only thing I could think while listening to this was how much I would love to see it live… Big door, more like big band
- 4.5 stars from connie
such a good album cover. There’s so much to look at. The harmonies are beautiful, this album is produced and mixed to perfection. Everything sounds so atmospheric.
There’s some really great moments in this album, but also some that fall flat. There were certain songs I HATED, but other songs that I added to lots of playlists.
I don’t know if I’m the biggest fan of the modern folk sound so I think this is 3.5 stars
Rehab 10/10 - as good as this song is, it’s a sad listen in retrospect. This is such honest songwriting that makes a very bold statement considering the amount of conversation there was surrounding her drinking. I really feel for her in this song.
You know I’m no good 9/10 - this melody itches my brain. The horns add so much texture in this song.
Me & Mr jones 11/10 - ugh I love this song it’s perfection. The background vocals, the vintage sound, Amy’s delivery, and these lyrics. The opening line has you immediately, it’s so captivating. When the song was done I played it again. (Not long enough!!!)
Just friends 8/10 - powerfullllll I can’t get over her songwriting.
Back to black 9/10 - you immediately know which songs mark Ronson produced. This song is so visual. It’s a punch to the gut.
Love is a losing game 10/10 - god damn
Tears dry on their own 10/10 - I love this sample it fits so well with the rest of the album. It just shows how much she nailed that 60s/70s soul sound.
Wake up alone 8/10 - give my girl a break
Some unholy war 7/10 - noooooooooo Amy
He can only hold her 9/10 - im just so sad listening to this album.
Addicted 7/10 -
This review I read sums up what I was thinking the whole time this album was playing - Years before the next generation learned to temper their misery with sarcasm, memes, and deadpan fatalism, we had Amy Winehouse, fluttering around words so crass you could barely believe she was singing them at all, let alone with a horn section.
Ctrl sza
“That was my greatest fear that if I lost control or did not have control, things would just, you know I would be fatal.” As someone whose philosophies often reflect my need to have control, this album speaks to me in certain ways. It experiments with the different ways to have, and to lose control. As much as we as humans like control, that's not often how things work. Sometimes we obtain control, and sometimes the opposing side gets it. Over the textured detailed instrumentals, her stream of consciousness lyrics explore themes of self confidence, insecurity, sexuality, adulting, and so much more.
how does she make those sounds
