This album just feels like Springsteen lost some of his autenticity that made his previous work appealing. Its very 80's arena rock-esque, which isn't really my vibe anyway, but it doesn't have any punch to it.
Undoubtedly, Elephant is a pivotal album in the garage rock revival of the early 2000s. The stripped-back, gritty, and authentic feel it evokes should resonate with classic rock fans, while also injecting some fresher, edgier elements. It's one of those albums that’s hard not to at least 'like'. And for me, I’d even go as far as saying I enjoy it. It doesn't hit as hard as some of the other projects on this list, but it remains a quintessential ‘guitar music is not dead’ album of the 21st century.
This is an elegantly crafted album with thoughtfully aranged songs. Its runtime is short and sweet making it quite easily digestable. That is to say, it doesn't require much from its listener. And in this case it is definitely one of its strenghts. Overall, the intimacy, the gentle sense of melancholia, is balanced with peace and quiet, making it both a soothing and emotionally resonant experience.
I am generally not really an MJ fan, or disco for that matter. Yet, this album is actually pretty solid. Really thanks to the production by Quincy Jones bringing these songs to life.
Dylan always does it for me.
Take it away Bob!!
Not necessarily 'bad', first three songs are actually very enjoyable. Unfortunately, at times this feels a bit too derivative, which really turns the enjoyment into annoyance.
At the start I didn't really feel it, even though this should be right up my alley. Yet, towards the end of the album I was fully in. Listened to it again and have to say, this is an underrated classic. Even if you don't like this album in particular, a lot of the indie scene of the 90's early 2000's and even current acts (with bands like Geese), feel very much in line with the experimentation this album provides.
In a way, this is the most New Wave–sounding New Wave album I have come across. Don’t get me wrong, I like it, but I also feel like there is just one weaker track too many for it to truly stand out.
I partly disagree with the general impression people have of this album on this site. I do actually think this is musically pretty tight and very enjoyable for the shoegaze and noise pop listener (which is admittedly and aquired taste). Where i do agree is that this album does not bring much new things to the table. We know My Bloody Valentine and their sound at this point. And even though this was a solid third effort from the band, it does feel a bit out of place on a list such as this one. Especially when there are so much more interesting contemporary acts that could have taken a spot instead.
This album is one the foundations of post-punk. And as an avid post-punk enjoyer, I was kind of surprised that (1) I never heard of this record and (2) (obviously) never heard this record.
Yeah... this album is great. I don't think it is up there with some acts that owe a lot of their sound to this album. But nonetheless this is a seminal album.
I never really understood why this one is included but Kiwanuka's previous masterpiece Love & Hate is not here. I mean this album is fine. But I can't help to compare this to L&H. I feel like that is the album where his creativity was at his peak. This always felt like a watered-down version going for accesibility over sustenance. Not that that is necessarily bad, and in this case he still put out some pretty tunes. But if you really want to hear some unique blend of soul, blues, jazz, and prog rock, L&H is still your best bet.
As far as the Stones go I never really got into them. That is to say, I have always liked some songs, but never felt the need to really dig into their album (I have heard some I think). So, not going into this with any particular exictement, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Of course Sympathy For The Devil is a great song. But besides that, Jigsaw Puzzle, Street Fighting Man and Salt Of The Earth are all pretty good as well. Nevertheless, I do still feel like as an album it is lacking a bit in consistency. Solid effort though.
There something about Isaac Heyes that I just cannot get into it. I mean I appreciate the musicality, but somehow his work just never clicks with me. Quite a pity actually, as this should be right up my alley.
Pet Shop Boys always sound a bit dated. And I am not sure how to explain this, because a lot of contemporary artists are using these 80's influences in their own songs, and somehow the retro/throwback sound works much more for me than this. That is not to say I don't like 80's music. On the contrary, I love 80's music. But something about the production on this things makes it more so a product of its time rather than a universally enjoyable listen, at least for me.
It is their first one so it has some of those shaky debut album features. Nonetheless, this is one fine piece of first material, already showcasing what is to come.
King of Leon before they got some mainstream succes. Very middle of the road, and what the hell is that vocal style?