I have always enjoyed — not *loved* — Nirvana, but I've pretty much only listened to their biggest songs and one or two lesser known songs thanks to an old roommate of mine who obsessively listened to them.
I think this has given me a new appreciation of Kurts raw vocals (which I'm enjoying much more live than the studio versions) and the simple yet engaging melodies. I can see why they were as popular as they were, even if I believe their music blew up much more after his tragic death.
I decided to watch most of these songs as the videos instead of just listening which made them have a bigger impact, imo. I liked the little bits of him talking. He really didn't understand how good he truly was.
My favorite songs -
About a girl
Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
Dumb
Polly
Something in the way
All apologies
Where did you sleep last night
Rating 1-5
4
The fact that this man wrote this during a war AND got it played on the radio? Very powerful.
Not my type of music, but I still enjoyed listening to this the whole way though (even tho it was over multiple sessions)
The man sure had some balls, making fun of the dictatorship at the time. Hell yeah man, art is such a powerful way to protest.
Favorite songs -
Observation is no crime
Rating 1-5 ~
3
I was pleasantly surprised! This album genuinely took me by surprise, I was grooving the entire way through and never once thought to skip a song, hell, I wasn't even looking at the music player! I thoroughly enjoyed myself ☺️
Favorite songs -
Allison
Sneaky feelings
I'm not angry
Rating 1-5 ~
3.8
Going into this album, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it. While the band’s album name might suggest one thing, the music itself is impressively melodic and packed with catchy hooks that stay with you long after the tracks end; more of a rich mans banquet if you will.
The balance between the energy of the performances and the accessible songwriting makes it a very easy and enjoyable listen. It’s a solid project that delivers more than I initially anticipated. I listened to a few songs multiple times!
Favorite songs -
Stray cat blues
Salt of the earth
Rating 1-5 ~
3
A Night at the Opera felt like a high-wire act of musical ambition.
What makes this record truly special for me is that I loved watching the performances as much as I enjoyed listening to them. The studio production is of course legendary for its "wall of sound" layers, seeing these songs come to life on stage adds an entirely different dimension.
A huge part of that pull is, of course, Freddie Mercury. He has an electric vibe unlike most others in rock history; hell, any musical history.
Favorite songs -
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Prophet’s Song
You’re My Best Friend
Love of My Life
Rating 1-5 ~
4
My thoughts -
For a long time, I considered myself a passive listener of The Beatles. I knew the hits & enjoyed them when they came on the radio or a playlist, but I never really listened to an entire album (minus the Across the Universe soundtrack, but i don't think that counts) However, taking the time to become an active listener for Abbey Road gave me a whole new appreciation for their genius.
In my opinion, this is their best album. There is a polished, cohesive quality here that feels like the band reaching their absolute summit. I found that the best way to experience it was listening to the entirety of the album in one go, I didn't even mean to do that; I was just enjoying myself so much I let each song play into the next one; for me that's damn near impossible as I almost exclusively skip a song after I listen to just a bit of it, lol.
It’s def a bittersweet masterpiece ~ knowing it was one of the last times they worked together in the studio.
Favorite song(s) -
The End
Here Comes the Sun
Come Together
Something
Rating 1-5 ~
4
Ugh, what an absolutely incredible album sang by an incredibly powerful, important, significant LEGEND!! Brown sugar will forever be one of the most important albums in all of history. Rest in peace D'Angelo & Angie Stone 🥺💔
My first 5* album on this list, every song is great & a no skip in my opinion!!
Favorite songs -
Brown sugar
Alright
Shit, damn, motherfucker
Smooth
When we get by
Lady
Higher
(So, damn near every song😅)
Rating 1-5 ~
*****5*****
Ehhhh not really my style but it was a good listen. I enjoyed dancing around my kitchen while baking & listening to this (while singing made up songs to the beats, to my cats lol)
Objectively it's a good album, subjectively...? I really just didn't like it.
Favorite song(s) -
Art decade
Rating 1-5 ~
2 (OBJECTIVELY!)
I mean, come on, this is a quintessential album. I like & know every song. (even if i prefer the Shinedown Simple man cover) I even seen them live back 13~ years ago & they - shocker - played free bird at the end lol
I love how some of my reviews end up being thoughtful, well written & flowery while others are 'ounga bunga song good band better' lmaooo i think it depends on the time of day i write 🤔
Favorite song(s) -
Tuesday's gone
Gimme three steps
Simple man
Poison whiskey
Free bird (shoutout guitar hero 🫶🏼)
Rating 1-5 ~
4.2