Obviously a very passionate album - cannot connect with it fully but can clearly identify the musical choices. It has its moments but there are not many stand outs melodically for me but I do not think that is a take away. It's definitely something you would put on if you were in the mood - would make great background sound iykwim. Fav songs apart from Let's Get It On - Please Don't Stay, Come Get To This - really enjoyed the melodies of these so subtle but effective ultimately felt sensual in a way I understood it. Didn't mind Distant Lover as well loved the echoed background vocals in response. Overall a good calm experience just not usually my vibe. 6-6.5/10 :)
I like this opening - the tinny hollow drums are a standout. Vocal delivery is cool...different, doubled up vocals are very effective. This sounds like something I would hear in those 2000s TV shows/movies. Not bad at all. Ballad Of Big Nothing was decent, unexpectedly enjoyed it. Between the Bars is such a good song, LOVE IT, seems to be a very popular song now I know why lol. Picture of Me feels like British ska, unexpectedly really enjoyed it - there are so many movements in it they work so well. loving the production choices on No Name No. 5 - sounds very intentional and just works. I underestimated the lyrical potential halfway through - overall it's quite strong actually. Punch and Judy as a title?! I'm SOLD :). Say Yes is a great ending - hearing that it is one of the songs included in Good Will Hunting alongside Between the Bars (NO WONDER) makes sense. After some quick research on who Elliot Smith was it is clear in his music and writing how introspective he was such a loss but also such a talent. Fav song/s - Between the Bars (100%). This album was a good experience 7/10
Before listening some research cs idk who he is. Jorge Ben Jor is from Brazil, the father of samba rock ok cool. Dudes 86 and still performing wow. Great opening sounds like it will be a fun album. I get a vibe from this album that it would be perfect to experience live. There are a lot of live elements so it does put you in that space perhaps that's why he still performs because that's when his music really shines.
I'm in the middle of listening/researching and this is almost like a historical artefact - the storytelling element is so prevalent. The Afro-Brazil experience with his own personal inspirations and stories of love, football and joy. The soundscape suggests it wouldn't be about such deep topics but I think that's what makes it so enjoyable. There is something so empowering as well in the reinterpretation of preexisting material (though I haven't heard it yet).
Fav songs - Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro (so fun), África Brasil (Zumbi) (the ultimate embrace of the shared culture it is so refreshing to hear in this perspective).
7.5/10
A bit closer to home British rock, didn't recognise them at first until I heard Get It On (AMAZING TRACK, really got to appreciate it this time). I really really enjoyed the vocal choices in the chorus. The harmonies, especially the processing on the higher vocal is ethereal saves the whole project for me. It is SO 70s Rock. Other than that this is not the usual style of music I listen to - so it was hard for me to get into it.
Fav songs - Cosmic Dancer and Get It On
Overall - 6.5/10
It's not about a salary it's all about reality. - Gangsta, Gangsta
Pure storytelling. So consistent too. The beats are consistent and not as flashy I guess to allow the rap to stand out. Gives a real MC vibe. Really liked that. Feels almost theatrical in some of the songs especially - Fuck Tha Police and I Aint Tha 1. The undercurrent of the black experience in Compton is not unnoticed to me...it's such a poignant way so communicate such struggles with police brutality, identity and personhood. From a personal standpoint it isn't something I would jump to listen to but appreciating it in this context makes me have no choice but to enjoy it.
Fav songs - Straight Outta Compton, Express Yourself
Overall - 7/10
What a way to start the album. Save the Children - love the effect of having the calls to action vocalised as an echo such an effective choice.
As cohesive as albums get this is IT. There is an eerie sound that runs through all of the tracks it's calming but stands out making you pay attention to what he is actually saying. In a way I interpret it as a sound of hope - it is calms us but is so uncertain.
The flow between tracks is so seamless when you recognise it changing I genuinely was like "what's going on".
Fav song - What's Going On
Overall 7.5/10
I have actually listened to this album before :) and was 5 stars then and obviously is now.
This is just it. When I first properly listened to it felt like I was hearing history. All of the influences other artists cite them as all demonstrated in one album. Just incredible.
9.1/10
Did not mess with the first couple songs tbh
After a while really started to enjoy the soundscape created. Not really the music I would think about listening too.
Fav songs: Most of Us Are Sad - what a tune
Overall it's cool 6/10
Listened to it whilst on a journey - very effective no fav song in particular
Overall it was decent 7/10
didn’t finish it… not my vibe at all. Apart from a loud beginning which doesn’t seem to really fit with the rest of the songs so far that i’ve heard. it kind of just noise, sounds like a score for a detective show. Overall 3.5-4/10
Felt like a musical in some ways. I really liked it. Her voice sounds so energised…like someone who has never ending creativity. Seeing the time it came out you can’t help but applaud. 1 Jan what a gag.
Overall 7.5/10
Fav song - A Natural Woman (ofc!)
Tad underwhelming…
not many standouts to me
i liked Train to vain and revolution rock (last two tracks were a vibe)
not my vibe but i respect it
5/10
Really good actually. It's hard not to listen and draw parallels to how he ended up being in the years following.
Probably the most cohesive and honest album I've heard so far.
Fav song: all of them were strong but I was drawn to Spaceship - can't help but think yes you were able to fly but once you reached the top you didn't like what you saw i guess :/
Overall: 8.5/10
I liked it...
It sounded a bit repetitive at the beginning but I really liked the second half.
Fav song - Black
Overall 6/10
Didn't care for it too much...
Grungy video game music vibe, not enough variation for me.
Overall 3/10
This is not something I previously would have jumped to listen to…BUT this was really good. Not too long. Soundscape and melody choices were so interesting i was engaged the entire time. I’ve listened to another Eagles track on here this is by far my favourite so far.
Fav songs: Hotel California - what an opening, New Kid in town and try and love again
overall: 8.5/10
did not care for this one
