Strong start for this project with this album. In the 90s, I enjoyed the Just album but didn't follow them into the shift in style they did in OK Computer and then this. I've listened to Radiohead more and more in the last few years, and was pleasantly surprised at how much of the album I already know and how strong it is a cohesive whole.
I knew very little of Stevie Wonder beyond the biggest hits. On this album I had only heard Higher Group via the cover by RHCP. The album builds slower than I expected but the music lulled me in, and then turned into the boppers I expected. Very much enjoyed the album.
AC/DC is one of those bands that feels like I know them well given how much they have played on the radio for the last 5 decades, but other than the title track, this was a new listen for me. I was surprised both at the level of consistency is creating great rock songs, and how many of the songs revolve around 'loving your girl'. Great listen, and excited to see more AC/DC appear on the list.
I had only ever heard the name PJ Harvey, and had no sense going in on what to expect except the cover. I expected femail vocalist over soft rock, but the music was harder and more uptempo than I expected. The rock was energetic and satisfying, and the vocals felt like a wall a sound that mostly worked for me. Curious to know what the rest of PJ Harvey sounds like,
This is one of those cases where I would have appreciated the album more if I had first heard it 20 years ago (or more). I knew the record's two biggest singles, and enjoyed the beats on a number of the other tracks, but the lyrics kept pulling me out of the experience. I've heard other gangsta rap talk about more interesting things than what felt like the thoughts of a very young artist still unsure of what he should focus on.
I was late to the party on Metallica, only falling on my radar after the black album. I didn’t understand why they were so huge until I heard this album first. I love the 80s Metallica, and One is such a special track and video. I immediately smiled when I saw the pick for today was this album I know well. It's certainly not perfect (justice for Jason!), but I love it.
Having this album pop up today was right time right place. It's been a challenging few days, weeks, months, so listening to this emotional album full of joy and sadness, but importantly hope and optimism, was uplifting in the best way possible. I had heard half the album through various singles and loved the rest. Great record.
I know very little of this album beyond The Killing Moon so I was excited to dig in deeper, but in the end this record didn't grab me at all. I was hoping for somber, haunting tracks, but the mood was unpredictable, the guitar was light and felt detached from the rest of the songs, and the vocals seemed worse. Not for me I guess.
I came into this record completely blind, having never heard of the artist. I found a soft, pared back album. Mainly one poet and his guitar, with the occasional music backing, or burst of laughing by the musician(s). It was an interesting record, the kind that would fit best softly playing at night while you are sitting on a dock in summer. I enjoyed!
I had heard of George Clinton before, but my experience with Funk is very limited. The most I know about this subgenre is the skit by Key & Peele where they poke fun at non-sensical lyrics. There is definitely some of that in this album (special callout to track #4 Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis Enema Squad (The Doo Doo Chasers)). All in all the music had great grooves, but I don't see myself going back to this record often.
This was another cool discovery from an artist I had never heard of before. Music was smooth and complex, and the voice grabbed me throughout. Strong listen and curious to check out more of the works from what appears to be a 40 years career!
First time listening to Elliott Smith, but unlike the other new singer/songwriters I found in this project, he didn't do much for me. The lyrics felt adolescent, the songs faily simplistic. I could not get into the album as I felt 'meh' throughout. Not for me.
I only knew Karma Chameleon from this album as it was everywhere on the radio in the 80s, but beyond that opening track, I was surprised by the excellent music that followed. Boy George has a great singing voice, and the tunes were jazzy and boppy in that 80s synth way. I was pleasantly surprised, but the genre has little appeal for my common tastes today.
One the biggest albums of all time, and one that I knew partially. I was surprised by the quieter parts, which isn't a criticism, but generally it delivered on the legacy of this album. Great record!
Another band that I knew by name only. The first songs pulled me in, they lost me for a few, then it grabbed me again. I enjoyed the bass heavier sound, and the singer was engaging. I think this is an album that needs to be listened to a few times to absorb.
This album appealed to my punk and Celtic tastes, with raw chaotic energy and searing ballads. The type of album you year in a pub late at night and lifts the room with its ballads.
The title track for this record is famous, but I knew very little of the rest of the album, which was a shame as I was missing out. This prog-infused hard rock album is a great listen. I know very little about their catalog beyond this album now and will need to investigate more.
This was a big album for me in my team years. Still raw after the death of Kurt Cobain, this new Dave Grohl band (although he ran solo on this one) hooked me early. I have vivid memories of listening to Exhausted in a dark car with the rain making rivers of light on the windshield, tripping out to the music. I love this band, and even if The Colour is the stronger album, I love their debut album.
It's hard to judge this album considering how little I've listened to R&B, but the singer had a great voice and the songs were relaxing, albeit a little repetitive at times. I suspect I'll have a more critical ear as this project advances and I listen to more examples. I did have some sexy dreams so I think that's one thing I took away from it. :)
