How is this album nearly 60 years old? First listened 25 years ago, still hits. You can almost smell the marijuana in the air as you stare at beautiful Jim Morrison singing through the haze.
chaotic vocals, felt the urge to skip a few tracks, but after a couple of listens it started to grow on me. high energy!
Everyone was right, 1970s rock is fuckin cool.
is there anyone cooler than snoop? i think not.
easy to listen to. mighta gone a little too hard on the back-to-back Beck listening on this day and overstayed my welcome, but I very much enjoyed this one! What an artistic weirdo.
fun back-and-forth at the beginning of track 2. not a major fan of the vocals in general (off key?). the haunted simplicity of Elegia caught my attention every time.
easy to listen to. liked it, but left me wanting their top hit track. atmosphere is vibey, 90s rave.
short and stanky! Born on the Bayou, Penthouse Pauper, and Proud Mary are stand-out tracks for me. The muggy, gravely vocals really and the swagger if the guitar riffs feel incredibly genuine and immersive. Reminds me a lot of Chris Stapleton - white guy sings the blues, and I really enjoyed it!
Generally, just NOT my style. I appreciate the role this band and album have in music history, but it's not something I'll ever reach for. There were a few tracks I really wanted to skip during the first listen, but I feel as though I did give a fair shake and listened twice through. The vocals and vocalizations really bothered me, very out of tune at times and jarring. Although I did enjoy some of the instrumentation, the vocal delivery really killed it for me. Sorry Iggy, it's a no for me dawg.
this one felt just so incredibly blah to me. definitely not something i would reach for. even the singles (So Far Away) are boring and - dare i say - cheesy in a way that's not nostalgic to me. The only track I kinda like is The Man's Too Strong, fun lil country lane with bold guitar and the vocals sound more Bob Dylan-y on this one.
From the jazz flute to an iconic bluesy bass riff to take-me-to-church vocal delivery and disco-era big band exuberance - this album is all over the place in the best way. Needs more cowbell, which I would happily provide. Some of the riffing get a tad long in the tooth and wears out its welcome.
Let's skank! Let's jump! Let's bop around! I'm really digging this! Quirky and groovy, classic ska. This reminds me of so many other artists that came after... B52s, No Doubt, Reel Big Fish, and another one that is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't quite put my finger on... Ashamed I hadn't explored this album before. Like many other Millennials, I had a ska loving period in the mid-90s and this album feels nostalgic even though I hadn't listened before. A couple of the tracks are annoyingly repetitive, but overall I enjoyed the album.
Thoughts on Thom Yorke pre-listen: Thom Yorke is a pretentious, conceited music snob for assholes. After listening to In Rainbows by Radiohead: Wait, Thom Yorke is the singer for Radiohead? hahaha... lil blind spot, I guess. Anywho, the vocals kind of creep me out at times, but I really like the mood and atmosphere created on this album. Each listen brings me closer to floating in the amorphous goo.
first listen: his voice gets on my nerves. i like the piano riffs here and there, fun and joyful. nothing super compelling imo.
I didn't think I'd make it through a second listen, but I stuck it out and gave 'er a go. (pats self on the back) While there are some parts of it I genuinely enjoy, the overwhelming majority just drones on far too long for me to really enjoy it. I appreciate the talent and musicality, but it's a no for me, Mingus.
Finally an album I'm well-versed in! Top to bottom well done. Powerful vocal delivery and lyrics and production - soulful and dramatic and painful and compelling. Feels pretty timeless. If you're not singing along and doing diva hand movements, you're not enjoying this masterpiece properly.
Even though the big band, orchestra and dreamy backing vocals is more swing band and less "country and western music", Ray Charles' voice is so strong, sincere and emotive, so I'll forgive the possible misleading album title. My favorite tracks are ones with minimal backing vocals like 'Lonesome Me', I find myself wanting one-on-one swing time with Ray and the 1950s Disney-style dream girls kind of ruin the vibe.
I was nervous to listen, but happy to report I was pleasantly surprised. I saw a several reviews complaining specifically about the vocals and the "noise" of it all, but I found the album to be pretty compelling!
Do I know what the songs are about lyrically? No.
Did some of the tracks get a little too "noisy"? Yes.
Would I seek it out to listen again? I'm not sure, but for the most part I really enjoyed the ride.
Feelin' alright, just alright. Diggin' the funky groove. Weird lyrics - the mention of "barely thirteen" and "medicated goo"... idk man, idk.
The sloppy loose vocals make me uncomfortable in a way I find difficult to describe. "my phone's on viiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiibraaaaaaate" gtfo. Perhaps if I gave more of his catalog a listen, I'd uncover some gems, but as an entire album idk if I'm totally in on this guy...
Not my cup of tea. I'm just not into jam band type music and this was no exception. As a dear friend of mine once said, "It's like they got ripped to the gills and just stepped into the studio: 'LETS JUST FUCK AROUND, BOYS'"
hmm... what to say, what to say... the album cover is A+, and the music? Well, I mean, I understand the influence Ramones play on the punk scene, but it doesn't grab me or move me or make me want more or want to bop around. Many of the songs sound nearly identical to my ear, and since the vocals are difficult to discern, I'm not even sure if the songs are telling a story or merely a series of grumbles and grunts. The opening is fantastic, but beyond that, sorry to say it's a no for me.
Slow start, but definitely fuckssss overall! Fun grooves, some meaty rhymes. She flows just like a pro, all hail the queeeeen! Lil dated, but as a Salt n Pepa and TLC fan, it was fun to hear the origin story.
Strong opening track, but it goes downhill from there. As far as 80s rock bands go, this one isn't offensive - it's fine for background music. I like this better than some other "let's jam" bands on the list...
Witch Hunt is a fun one! I like the moody atmosphere created with the synth and guitar.
Express Yourself - this is probably my fav track, fun sampling, less "I hate everyone (especially cops and women), I'm gonna fuck you up" and more "Music is fun! Let's have a good time, boys.", Dre let's it flow.
Fun beats and sampling throughout - If It Ain't Ruff, Express Yourself, Dopeman (remix), Quiet On Tha Set, Something 2 Dance 2
Musically speaking, this isn't really my cup of tea. Big props for speaking their minds and resonating with so many people. Ice Cube's overly angry/harsh delivery is off-putting to me. Some of the lyrics might not have aged well, but others are still right on the money.
ok, ok... so i'm usually not into jazz or jam bands, but like... this one is SO FUNKIN FUNKY it just pulls me in and takes me on a groovy magic carpet ride. i probably wouldn't reach for it again, but it was a fun surprise.
uhh... dafuq is dis? i wanted to like it, but i just... i just can't. the droning, forced and stiff vocals were incredibly off-putting.
"Is this album over yet?" I ask myself on track 3.
WOAH HO HO! What do we have here?!
Black feminist rage, you say? WITH aggressive guitars?? (<-- says Brad.) FROM 1999?!! Add a nod to Cruel Intentions (the movie) and I'm officially on board.
I really enjoyed this whole album! Not really any skips imo.
the album art really screams "SURF'S UP!" and beyond that the music is fine, and other than the weird nonsense lyrics about ecology and garage wine, there's nothing here that really perks my ears up.
I'm longing for the falsetto harmonies of the 60s.
the buzzy vocals, the strong beats, fun lil hooks - this album is a fun, funky groove that takes me right back to 2010. I love how raw and real the instruments sound - no sound bites here - just two dudes jammin' on real instruments in the studio, creating a unique and catchy sound vibe.
Music that makes ya wanna mooooove. Infectious rhythm, celebratory vocals and variety of instruments had this gal feeling mighty fine!
If you need me, I'll be reciting 'everything means nothing to me' on repeat like a sad boi who got put in time out for the rest of the day.
Elliott Smith reminds me of many, many other early/mid-2000s hipster indie bands, however:
1. Did he do it first? Maybe.
2. Did he do it justice? YES.
3. Is it derivative? Of course, but I ain't mad about it.
"Everything Reminds Me of Herrrrrrrrr" - the pleading vocals, it pulls at my heart strings in the best way.
Vocal harmonies and plinky piano on "The Lost and Found" and a couple other tracks reminds me of The Beatles.
After listening to this one through several times, and knowing that Paul McCartney is an undeniable music legend, I'm kind of embarrassed to admit the only tracks that really caught my attention were "Maybe I'm Amazed" - the passion is intoxicating - and "The Lovely Linda", which was just kinda fun, kinda weird. Beyond that this was fine background music. *shrug*
The voice. The strings. The pleading. Raspy and dreamy, I love Dusty.
Give me a black eyeliner, a fringed caftan, crimped cockatiel haircut, and cue the fog machine – because we’re about to make a moody entrance into a smokey bar.
Menacing, synthy, danceable.
“Pimpf”, “Agent Orange” are delightfully ominous, but ultimately disappointing. Like… huh?
might revisit this rating, but sticking with a 3 for now. it was fine. i might dig it out again when i'm in the mood for happy music, but no promises.
No, just no. Feels cheap and cheesy. Lacks depth in lyrics, storytelling, musicality, production value, and funkification.
I bet these guys call themselves THEE Band, and that tells me all I need to know. This album feels like a prank.
Give me CCR over this gaggle of goons any day.
Chill, cool, but not ice cold. I like the blend of the singers voices a lot, easy and not overdone. Production feels minimal, but not sparse. Every tracks sounds vaguely familiar, like something I’ve heard in a show or movie.
Kinda boring, but overall a fun lil vibe.
Blood: a little long at 17 tracks
Sugar: high energy throughout the record has me hyped like a 90s kid binging Surge soda
Sex: 6 explicit tracks - lyrics are capital h Horny, honey.
Magik: authentic, funky grooves track to track, these guys genuinely sound like they're having a blast jamming together
Fav track, “Disarm”
The grunge sound really gets me going, but the vocals kind of take me out of it. Sorry, Billy.
Imagine it’s 1995, you and your artsy college crew are hanging out at the local record store. They’re hunting down Pumpkins albums while I’m over in the T’s looking for Tori Amos bootlegs. We are similar, but not quite the same.
Stream of consciousness:
This is... LOUD
The drums are making me anxious
"I could take it, or leave it, or DIE!!" lol
I don't understand most of the lyrics, but the overall emotion is LOUD and CLEAR... anger, frustration, aggression, sadness
My shoulders are clenched, tight
Second listen and this is kind of growing on me – SURPRISING! Idk if I’d reach for it, but I’m enjoying it more than other records on the list.
The variety of vocals is reeling me in; digging the mix between guttural yelling, lighter moments of singing, and deeper angsty singing.
Fav track: Snuff
Starting out strong with some fun grooves that make me want to move, boo boo. Really interesting arrangements, definitely different than other rap albums I’ve listened to on this list.
Fav track: ‘i’
Lyrics are delivered emphatically and feel important, but sadly most are lost on me upon first and second listen. Doesn’t always detract from enjoying the ride and feeling the vibe. “shit don’t change until you get up and wash your ass” … uhhh, sure?
Vocals get on my nerves a little, I think it’s the tone of his voice and the delivery – and maybe that’s ThE wHoLe PoInT. Especially on ‘u’, ‘For Sale?’, ‘Momma’, and ‘Hood Politics’.
Chaotic jazz instrumentals and whiney slam poetry vocals on ‘For Free?’ is interesting, but no… I’m out.
Skip.
I listened to it, but really didn't enjoy it much at all. Some moments of interesting guitar stuff, but didn't hook me in general.
In a word, yes. Smooth voice, meaningful lyrics with a clean delivery, beats that just make you want to groove.
Ho-lee-shit, boys. Strong start, I’ll give ‘em that much. I rated “All Hope is Gone” a 3, and I’m going with a 2 for this one because it’s a little TOO hard for me. Unlike “All Hope is Gone”, there’s no softer side explored and 15 tracks of pure aggression is TOO MUCH for me.
If this is on the background, I might headbang for like 3 minutes and then ask politely to change the station.
LIBERATE! BANANASSS! Amen.
I went into this thinking I knew nothing about any of it, come to find out I recognized a handful of tracks from 90s movies (Go, 10 Things I Hate About You). I left thinking that maybe I did have this album, or at least a few of the songs, in rotation at some point.
This album came up at the perfect time today! I was in the mood to listen to something chill and interesting, but not distracting. Bingo bango, boys.
Bonus points because it unearthed a long lost song, "You Make It Easy", that I loved in high school and had completely forgotten about!
The Beatles, but with Bee Gees tell-tale quaver.
Something about the blatant rip-off makes me mad. And I kind of hate the quaver. Give me disco era Bee Gees, or give me… not this.
The music of “Sound of Love” is really beautiful.
“Marley Purt Drive” sounds exactly like “The Weight” by The Band.
Right out the gate I kind of hate this. Chaotic and grating noises. Pass the shrooms and buckle up, I ‘spose. I might puff, puff, but I’m definitely passing on this album. Har har har.
I’m not mad about it, but it’s boring.
Dripping with energy and above all, P A S S I O N.
"Bat Out of Hell" is a helluva opener for a debut album! You really get a big bite of Meat Loaf and what the meal's gonna be.
The music is lush, cheesy, over the top, and I’m floating on the clouds. Cocaine is a helluva drug.
Seems a little ahead of it’s time for 1989. A fun romp through the budding 90s sound.
This is right in my lane! Happy to discover this singer-songwriter queen. Restrained, but expressive vocals. The production is quite clear for 1976 too. Her vocals are strong, discernable and not lost in the mix.
The 70s funkification throughout is SO FUN, a gentle nod to the era without getting too carried away in the cheese factor. This sound feels firmly rooted in the 1970s, but also feels at home with the 60s and 90s singer-songwriter ladies that I love so much too!
Stand out tracks: “Water With the Wine”, “Join the Boys”, “People”, “Tall in the Saddle”
Give me a slinky wrap dress with shoulder pads sharp enough to cut glass, the floofiest updo Aquanetted to perfection, a Fuzzy Navel that’s 80% peach schnapps, and cue the wind machine - because we’re about to make a theatrical entrance!
“Show Me! Show Me!” an album bursting with everything I despise about 80s music wrapped up into one glossy, cheesy package.
And since “Tears Are Not Enough”, neither is this. Let’s just leave it in 1982.
Ok! Ok! I’m liking the variety of instruments and the vocals. Strong opening track!
I’m not sure if the album as a whole really cuts the mustard, but a couple of tracks perked my ears up. Then I got lost in the polka party, and now all of a sudden we’re at a bluegrassy Irish county fair?
By the end of disc one I kinda hated it, and by the end of disc 2 I knew I did.
The bouncy ska beats are making me smile.
I expected Punk to be more… angry and “f you” energy? Color me surprised at this borderline pop mishmash of genres. And maybe the lyrics are angry and revolutionary, but the fun silly energy disguises the message like a Trojan Horse.
No doubt that Cyndi + Pee Wee Herman would’ve thrown a weirdo bonanza rager back in the day – and I’d be 110% on board, crimped hair and tutus fully floofed!
And while I admire Cyndi as an “alternative” pop star and as a quirky girl fashion icon with a unique vocal style (I see you, Chappell Roan!), this album falls disappointingly flat.
Of course I appreciate “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” as an undeniable empowerment anthem and “Time After Time” is a great single too, but I wanted the rest of the tracks to tell me more of a story. The silly and fun unmistakably 80s pop/punk sound is pervasive but is it enough?
“All Through The Night” How could I forget this lil gem? So sweet, silly lyrics… “until it ends, there is no end!” Real groundbreaking stuff hahahaha I still like it
I... I like this?
Something about the industrial, mechanical, communist sound really held my attention and kept me engaged. Good for background, not distracting, couple of interesting lyrics that perked my ears up here and there. Yeah, I think I like it!
The vibe? Check
Less sad, more upbeat than expected. Liking the reverby vocals.
As a major fan of Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" album which is influenced heavily by The 1975, who are clearly influenced by 80s sounds like The Blue Nile and The Smiths, I can hear the influences in a clearer way on Taylor's work and appreciate the original. And even if I'm not spinning "The Queen is Dead" as often as "The Tortured Poets Department", I very much enjoyed the poetic lyrics, delivery, and history lesson.
Side note about this album journey so far: I have never listened to so many 1980s albums in my life, btw. Idk if the repletion is wearing down my general distaste for the era, or if the 80s albums I've liked on this list so far are just… built different, ya know?
"Big Mouth Strikes Again" frantic guitar and bouncy lyrics got me boppin. Does it sound like he says "bigmouth florida", or is that just me?
"There is a Light That Never Goes Out" angsty emo teen mode activated
& hearts ; <3 <3 <3 xo
The best rock band of all time? Your honor, I'd argue yes. (and please note that I have ZERO merit badges to back up my expertise in this genre.)
Obscenely confident, supremely sexy, and pleadingly emotive - there's something undeniably physical about Robert Plant's vocal performance.
The lyrics don't catch me on first listen, but honestly, they don't need to. The heavy wall of sound these dudes create is an extremely powerful experience that lets you really sink in an just groove. I don't need to know what's actually being said in order to be fully emersed in the strange mix of these guys are throwing at me.
On a more critical note: After two full listens, I DID get the Led out and didn't want to go back for more for a while. But what a fun trip it was before my craving for a different flavor.
Goddamned Legends.
