1001 Albums Summary

(I just wanted to preface that this rating is being written as I'm actively listening to the album, so there may be typos and this won't be a detailed review, it may even be incomplete if I happen to lose myself in the music.) This was such a great start to the challenge. I was blown away by Introduction, incredible strings. It's very rich and indulgent.. Hazey Jane 2 is a great head bopper, it has the sort of rhythm that just sticks in your head. The brass is apologetically present throughout and the blending of all the different instruments is immaculate. At the Chime of a City Clock has this sense of melancholy which almost immediately brings you down from the high of Hazey Jane. One of These Things First, I appreciate the rolling constant piano motif, the want to be greater than oneself is a feeling that can be all consuming, just like the motif is the dominating layer of this song. Hazey Jane 1 is freeing, the strings soaring over an energetic yet grounded bass. It's like a bird finally leaving the nest. No comment on Bryter Layter, this is simply splendid. Fly just fills you with this sense of nostalgia. Poor Boy is jazzy and melancholic, gorgeous backing vocals, the narrator is steeped in misery, feeling overlooked by the world, without a purpose except to feel pity for himself. Beautiful saxophone part, there's so much soul. Wonderful piano solo. Dissonance in this song is used expertly, elevating the song (especially when nearing the end). Northern Sky is bright, it's hopeful and expansive. There's this mysticism and magical feel added by what I believe is synth, it reflects the feeling of being in love so beautifully. Sunday, solemn and calm, day of rest. The name is fitting for a final song. Everything has come full circle here. The way the things swell and then pull back like the tide. Do not mistake calm for boring however, this song is a wonderful summary of an album that experiments musically and explores such a vast range of emotions.

Not for me

eh

Definitely a vibe but it's the sort of thing you don't really just add to a playlist.