1001 Albums Summary

This is one of those albums I had heard a lot about, and I had even listened to the big singles from it, but I'd never listened to the whole thing. After listening to it, I can see why it’s still talked about to this day. The songs' themes are reflective without feeling preachy, and much of it still applies to the present, so it doesn’t feel dated. Lauryn Hill was the clear standout, whether she’s rapping or singing, she elevates every track. The skits were a hit or miss for me, sometimes I felt they added to the song, but sometimes they felt like they dragged on and interrupted the flow of the album. I think the production brought soul, r&b, and hip-hop so well together. Not perfect, but very close.

The instrumentals were the highlight for me. The arrangements feel thoughtful and atmospheric. That said, the vocals are where I lose interest. Curtis Mayfield’s voice and delivery just aren’t my thing here; they were a bit grating. I wasn’t a fan.

A great live performance from a blues legend, a solid compilation that is worth listening to but I do not see myself coming back to.

The songs felt slow, boring, and kind of repetitive. After a while, they all started blending together and made the listen feel longer than it actually was. I got through the whole album, so not terrible by any means, but nothing that caught my attention.

Adele’s vocals were definitely the standout in this album; so powerful, emotional, and technically impressive on every track. I appreciate how raw and honest this album feels. That being said, it’s not necessarily my type of music, while it is very well made it is not something I’d regularly listen to.