Very on-the-downbeat, Caucasian, milquetoast music.
They executed the idea well and I'm sure it had its place in the history of pop, but it doesn't do much for me
Well-written songs, not to my taste.
I bet they sound great in a car
🤖WE ARE THE ROBOTS🤖
Charming, silly, but lacking in funk. More rhythmic diversity would be nice.
I'm guessing they get more credit (than they deserve) for being the first to do it (with synths).
I do appreciate that they left a lot of space in the lyrics and arrangements for a listener's mind to run in.
It's full of the stuff that makes the Beatles so lovable. Too full, actually. There might be a 5 star album in here if it shed some sillier songs.
Excessively self-indulgent at times, and brilliant at many others.
I'm very glad it exists, but I won't hold it close
zoom zoom zoom
I think this is a rare combination of catchiness and spacious jamming. I really like the vocals on 4 & 5, but the instrumentals are also excellent throughout.
I think they managed to make a cohesive album while including plenty of variety (something I value highly). I also tend to prefer music that prioritizes the sound over the lyrics, and I think that is done here
prime example of lyrics>sound. The instrumentals are pretty boring to me. I'm sure they were much fresher in '79
blah
prime example of how music declined going into the 80's
my high school French teacher was a fan of MC Solaar. Probably because his pronunciation is good. It's too bad I can't appreciate the wordplay. There isn't much else of interest. Hasn't aged too well
James Jamerson on bass! (He only used 1 finger)
This record has soul, heart, spirit, it's groovy, and it has stood the test of time.
There is a unity and distinctive sound to it, despite how relaxed the studio sessions were.
What's Going On elevates my mind, but I also feel it immediately in my body (a rare combination in music)
You can't say there's not a lot goin on here.
I wasn't really feeling it over the first half; I thought it was too messy, abrasive. But the second half won me over. I love the incorporation of drum machines, the yodeling on Spaced Cowboy (genius) and killer bass lines.
Oh to have been alive during the explosion of creativity in the early '70s. I know there was a lot of pain, and we are all lucky that cats like Sly could transfigure it as funk.
lyrics>sound
doesn't appeal much to me on first listen
I didn't think I was going to like it because the style is very casual and silly at times, but I found myself enjoying side 2 for the same reasons that I love "Perfect Day": it's genuine and human, which makes it disarming even to the most cold, critical gaze.
Not my typical go-to, but worth a listen, I thought.
Also it works much better as group listening than myopically metered through headphones.
Refreshingly different from everything on this list so far. Different instrumentation, different vocal delivery (just listen to the first few seconds of the last track), and different subjects.
When it's not giving schadenfreude, its everywhere from the fun of a circus to the glum of watching a drunken vagabond dance.
Terrific storytelling and worldbuilding.
I would give it a 4 if I was rating objectively, but instead I subjectively give it a 3 because I don't think its an album I would go back to often.
They're really showing the bias of this list with this album - a bias towards this era of rock and roll
There's nothing special about it. I could think of many superior English rock bands from this time that were similarly inspired by the Blues.
The hit "Bang On" is alright, and none of the other tracks seem to have the same quality of production. Certainly none of the others are able to grab my attention.
While it's not a genre that I typically enjoy, I did appreciate the playfully layered vocals and despondent harmonies.
Musically it just doesn't do much for me. I imagine you need to have a strong emotional connection with it.
Some of the lyrics were evocative and it's nice to have a female vocalist for a change in timbre and artistic perspective
not my cupa tea init
I love the Ladysmith Black Mambazo contributions. All of the African bits are great throughout. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "Homeless" were already beloved songs for me for that reason, but I was happy to discover more.
It's interesting to have zydeco in there too.
I'm not sure about the right word for it, but a few tracks (notably "You Can Call Me Al") rub me the wrong way. Maybe its corny?
Anyway I really enjoyed these tunes on a beautiful bike ride yesterday. I imagine they're even better in the summer. I might give it 4.5 if I could
Schmaltzy, but as good as schmaltz gets
I find it really difficult to rate this... 7/10 feels right, so I can't decide between 3 and 4. I can't deny the greatness, and I find myself enjoying most of the songs, but I can't say its a favorite.
It also feels unfair to rate Elvis without the aspect of live performance because that was such a large part of his brand
I'm sure this album has something to say, but I can't pick it up on the first listen. I also weigh my judgement of music much more heavily on the immediate sound than on lyrical content and this sounds... ok
it's challenging to listen to singing like this for an hour
Led Zeppelin was some of the first music I remember listening to by choice (along with Weezer, Gorillaz, Kanye West, Smash Mouth, The Who). It must have been Dad's CDs which were Led Zeppelin IV and Mothership. Plundering Dad's collection was a pretty special way to explore music...
Anyway, I think I liked it a fair bit back then. It may have had a significant impact on my drum-set playing. I still think that Bonham was one of the greatest drummers ever.
Today, I enjoy a lot of these tracks despite being familiar with some of them longer than I've been with almost any others. The distorted guitar and bashed drums still hit. But there is a staleness for me too, and it doesn't help that their sound has been tainted by its use in American car commercials... so its a light four for me
there are some absolute titans on this album. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is verging on saccharine, but I think it's only suffering success because it's played so much. If you heard it for the first time it would blow you away.
El Condor Pasa is one of my favorite songs ever. I think The Boxer has an even better claim to be a greatest song ever written.
There are weaker tracks, but it doesn't really matter because of the duo's vocals and such a high standard of song writing.
It's hard for me to take an objective look because these titans have been with me for as long as I can remember, but I don't mind
Track #9 "Don't" was my favorite for leaning into the mess, and the transition to Track #10 is a funny contrast.
While I appreciate some of the guitar work, and I imagine it was pretty cool in '88, once you've heard a few high school bands it's hard to be impressed by this sound.
There isn't enough contrast. My ears get lost in the wash of guitar distortion
The recording can barely contain those horns. Wow. I think the second half is stronger though. First half is kinda forgettable and not my preferred style of Charles.
It is the great Ray though, and his brilliance shines through
good example of why I think 90s music is inferior.
Also makes me question the criteria for getting on this list. Being British?
the vocal delivery rubs me the wrong way
It's either this or Songs In The Key Of Life that's Stevie's best album.
Working in this one's favor: there are no weak links, it feels like a consistent story, almost a musical. Innervisions inspires just that; it makes you imagine scenes, characters, visions.
Like with What's Goin On, I'm amazed that there can be elevated music that is also so immediately accessible and enjoyable.
I have no critiques, only gratitude
they created some cool atmospheres at times, but it didn't win me over
it's tasteful, it's classy
this might be the pinnacle of big band jazz.
these great arrangements provide plenty of contrast that make the whole album enjoyable - from frantic swingin to relaxed groovin
Really difficult album for me to rate without bias. I don't think anyone really rates objectively though.
I absolutely love singing these songs. Some of them are pretty simplistic, mostly pentatonic, which makes them great for learning and singing along, but it also becomes a detriment at times (especially on "Oliver James" my least favorite)
So if I were trying to objectively critique the album, which is not really what I've been doing, it might be a light four. But I happen to love it
(Not my #1 FF album, maybe 3rd)
Fleet Foxes made a sound that makes me imagine a band of bards travelling through a forest. They kinda sound medieval and fantastical without trying too hard. I have never heard anything else that makes the same impression
I liked how playful it is and I wanted to get into it, but I found myself unable to enjoy it moment to moment. Probably mostly because of the main singer's voice. Maybe it deserves another listen but it didn't make me want to return
uuuuuh
I like the darker, weirder parts of the album, but the more straightforward stuff is everything I don't like about 80's music. Too white, no syncopation.
But because of some interesting ambiences and storytelling I may want to revisit this. For me, 3 stars means something I might listen to again
I'm usually not that impressed by dissonance, but they make some impressive dissonances.
I don't know if I like it much but I'm intrigued.
hmmmmm. I really like the variety of instrumentation and style. Its a great collection of stuff.
Kinda like the Beatles White Album, I think there would be a great album here if not for the extra songs that disappoint me. I tend to like the instrumentals, the parts without vocals, more. There are some really neat bits that give me a sense of wonder and then I'm let down by an average sounding late 90's Alt Rock track.
Least favorite track: Disillusion
Favorite track: Once Around the Block
I tend to want variety in what I'm listening to day-to-day: changing up the genres and such. I'm getting tired of listening to white dudes. That being said, the second half of this album was refreshing thanks to the cumbia, dub, robots, etc.
When the Mexican horns and accordion hit on "Across The Wire" . . . what a relief!
I didn't care for the singing, but I enjoyed the percussion, strings, and that ever-welcome slide guitar.
I like the noise painting on "Water"
I like the spoken word poetry on "Something In the Way of Things"
About half of the tracks are just mediocre, some with pretty boring beats.
Maybe it's a historically, culturally significant album? Otherwise it seems average
What in the fuck was that, Kanye? I told you to do some shit for the kids...
Similarly to Innervisions, this album feels like a musical/story and at the same time has nary a bad track. There are very few albums which achieve both.
I don't feel like I need to say much, because many people agree it's one of the greatest albums of all time, but ... what an amazing debut record. I kinda feel like I grew up with it because it's one of the CDs I remember having from the first. And it sounds even better to me now.
There are fantastic performances (notably from J. Ivy on "Never Let Me Down"), super-fresh production, and tons of fun wordplay.
Was Kanye the greatest musician of the 2000s?
I never saw much appeal to the Ramones and I still don't. I imagine they get a lot of credit for starting punk and probably had some fun live shows. I can tell they had a good sense of humor. But musically I don't find it very interesting and it's certainly not something I'd choose to listen to. Sorry dad
I wonder if there's an album from the early 70's that I don't like. I mean I'm amazed at how much great music was being made at once. There must have been a perfect storm enabling artists to create without having to be corny like the 80's or grungy like the 90's. Anyways...
This album is super listenable, executed very well, and only really lacking in breadth or ambition
P. S. I can really hear the influence Green had on Darondo, a more recent singer
"Coles Corner" is a decent song. Often a simple song is better at making you feel something.
"Hotel Room" reminds me of Santo & Johnny. And like their vocal-less music, this one could have done without vocals and more pedal steel
I do wonder if I needed to hear this before I die. Makes me wish there were more records here from countries other than the US and UK.
That being said, I enjoyed it somewhat. There's emotional potency at least. The last track was nice, a bit of ambient which we haven't had yet.
I like "A Day In The Life Of A Tree"
of course
I also really like the production on "Student Demonstration Time" it's really pumpin
It's nowhere near Pet Sounds though. There's a bit too much of the corniness that the Beach Boys had in their early years present here.
I really like one Johnny Cash song, but after listening to a few in a row I get bored. They're all the same song dammit!
He's charming, human, and the circumstances of the album make it more engaging and poignant. The lyrics are nice and I'm sure they make great singalongs
he's got a very unique vocal delivery that is almost fun, but becomes grating quickly.
because I'm not a teenage girl in the 50's, I'm not impressed
the scourge of mediocre English bands returns!
this is a putrid way for humanity to justify deforestation and unprecedented biodiversity loss on this planet
its like if the Beatles were bad and not good
I appreciate an album that rewards you for listening through, since that's what we're doing for this list. This one takes its time, but it doesn't get boring or repetitive. There's a wide variety of sounds and engaging lyrical material. So not only is it a pleasurable listen through, you also feel like you've gone on a journey: there's a progression between tracks. It's nice that they flow seamlessly too.
As with many of the other albums I gave 5 stars, I'm impressed that this one contains really strong standalone songs that also fit into the greater conceptual whole.
not mad I listened to it once. wouldn't listen again
I judge based on sound above all else so I don't care that much about their context or how unique they were "for their time"
They sound like horny GIs, but otherwise not that different from any garage band
I did enjoy the simplicity and focus on rhythm though
Seems like being edgy is more important to them than the music. If I was an edgy teenager in the 90's then I might like it, but this kind of sound is a big part of why I think it was an inferior decade for music
There's a cool guitar part on Sugar Kane
Chapel Hill rocks - fun drumming
very fun listen. the funniest record I've heard on this list so far, topping College Dropout.
It reminds me of the Beatles White Album for the humor and because I could have done without some parts.
Difficult one for me to rate because it isn't quite what I like to listen to, although it did spark some interest in Hip-Hop for me. I found the flows enjoyable even though I usually don't like them from this period.
I'm going with a strong 3 - 7/10 territory. Its casualness is both good and bad
i love how clean the production is
the rhythmic ideas are kinda boring
is this the most 80's sounding album ever?
I was optimistic with the first track, but the rest of the album had me glazing over. . . .
generic generic 80's pop
is the most interesting thing about this album the presence of fiddle?
this sounds like stereotypical sex music. did this album define that stereotype?
I think it achieves what it wanted to. The grooves are groovy
To me, music for sexy time has always been and will always be corny
such a relief to hear female vocals
I like the use of minor chords, especially on the chorus of "Tonite"
"We Got The Beat" is ingrained in my memory for some reason. I probably heard it in a movie or TV show
decent overall
sounds effortless like the wind rustling leaves or a gurgling creek. Soulful, playful, peaceful
I have a lot of respect for griots and the West African cultures in general. Thanks to my dad for introducing me to their music and my mom for taking me to Senegal
I thought the production effects on the vocals were tasteful, and it's well produced in general. Will definitely want to listen again
I find the singer's delivery to be the most interesting thing.
She plays with speed, pronunciation, etc. to make a lot of variety
The band are really tight and some of the rhythmic ideas are clever. I can see how this would have been a nice development in rock and roll.
I'm not a fan of the genre though
STRONG four stars for me.
There are songs I really like (2, 3, 5, 8 are my favorites) but I can't really enjoy listening all the way through. I don't know if its too long or I don't like listening to blues/rock enough.
Needless to say, there's fantastic musicianship, creative songwriting, expressive vocals. I think if it were closer to 30 minutes I would be all for the album
I think his song writing is lost on me. It seems like good poetry but I can't follow it on the first listen so it doesn't do much.
I don't like how he goes back and forth between two chords a lot. . . . lazy
I like the one man band sound on "Sisters of Mercy"
Maybe I'm just not in generous mood, but I think he would have been better as a poet: I don't care for these songs
I think he liked the sound of his own voice. I'm not as enamored
I like the mallet percussion: vibraphone! marimba!
especially "Gypsy Woman" which is my favorite track for the instrumental jamming
Relaxing, sleepy even. Not sure why it has to be on this list
and the club goes mild
the thing about styles, trends, fashions is that they go out of style. Most of the vocal styling on this is very grating, now
favorite track - African Dance
I don't really like Plant's singing, but the rest of the band played quite well. It's full of great guitar and drum playing as well as less conventional sounds and neat production tricks
The arrangements are tasteful. I especially like when they stray away from rock and towards genres that you wouldn't expect from LZ. Side two is my favorite for that reason. I think this was their creative peak as a band
The track run 7-8-9 is a highlight for me
there's not a ton of variety, but I enjoyed listening to that funky Cypress Hill shit
I appreciate how simple and effective the beats are. There's a distinctive style. The lyrical content is fun too
I think if you played this for a child they would likely enjoy it
I also think a casual music listener would be put off
This might be the first time that an album on this list actually strikes me as way ahead of its time. I wouldn't have been surprised to find out that this album was contemporary.
Their use of sound is creative. I think the vocals should be perceived as just another sound. If you try to analyze them as singing compared to Frank Sinatra for example, well. . .
But the vocals are very innovative and reminiscent of Death Grips, Geordie Greep, artists that would come decades later
I had fun listening and I think it warrants more listening, but it's certainly not something I would put on anytime
I wish I could hear this for the first time again!
As it is, I'm a little bored with the tracks I know because they've suffered from success. Tracks 1-4 are still really good, but I have the sense that I'm lacking the excitement they would give when they came out. The second half is less stellar
The rhythmic loops and textures are very cool. But there isn't much arrangement beyond that, just groove
There are some solid thematic and stylistic ideas, but I'm not a huge fan of the Eno influence
pretty annoying
another English rock band...
Eighties music bad
I would rather listen to authentic dub like King Tubby's
This seems like colonizer music. Using various music styles from around the world without adding much. I'm fine with taking inspiration but this doesn't do much with it.
Of course it's another English guy. . .
The album started strong. I like the first beat, the energy that he brought, and the theatrical bits throughout, but I got tired as it went along. I think there's a consciousness about it, but there's too much negativity, particularly towards women that gets tiresome.
My favorite aspect of the album is probably the humor. Second to that is the production of the beats and third is the rapping cadence which has aged better than most others from the time.
I respect it, but it's not for me.
There's a lot of creative energy on display. It gets crazy and surreal at times, which I like.
Lots of funky, tasteful arrangements, tasteful uses of the new electronic instruments in the 80s
This was definitely worth listening to, especially since I hadn't listened to any Prince before. I can see why he was iconic
Outstanding rhythm section, outstanding vocalist. . . . come on
I pity the fool who can't enjoy this
Contributions from Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Louis Johnson, and Quincy Jones. . . . come on
I was stingy with my other rating of Kraftwerk so I'll be more generous now.
I was going to say this album was important for the 80s and then I saw it came out in 74 so yeah. They were pioneers
It's nice to have some long form and proper ambient music on this list.
The synths are very playful and warm
Maybe I'm cynical, but I don't think the context of an album alone can make it great.
I like the line: "As he died to make men holy, let us die to make things cheap" IF it's a criticism of capitalism
The main vocalist is a weakness which I think explains their lack of popularity. The songwriting is good and the band too.
I would probably give it a 7/10 but I'll bump up to 4 stars because I'd like to listen again.
There was a sick cowbell solo on "Kanga Roo"
I listened a second time. Less impressed. It has its moments, but I think it's the type of thing to be overrated by music nerds. Solid but I wouldn't go higher than 7/10
Can't really compare this to much else. I don't listen to enough Central African music. I'm happy to be exposed to it, thanks to this list.
It's not an English rock band. yay
It's cheesy at times (mainly the singer doing the low voice embellishments)
The rhythms and grooves are fun fun fun
ça c'est bon ça
The vocals and lyrical content took me out of it a little bit. Really solid instrumentalists though.
I have an interesting relationship with "A Passage to Bangkok." I believe it was the first song I got on iTunes, by the recommendation of my friend Alec. So I've known it since before I could really make an opinion about it. But I hadn't heard the rest of the album until now. I guess I knew that Rush wasn't really my thing, but it was definitely worth a listen.
I was a little worried in the first half by the more straightforward drum patterns and pop ideas. The unbridled creativity in the second half, however, won me over. This album has a lot to offer
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I appreciate an album that takes you on a journey. I might not have loved every moment of it, but I'm glad I went
I don't really like it, but I have to give credit for it's cultural staying power.
It's ironic that Eminem is so aware on this album of his influence on his fanbase, and yet the worst thing about him is his influence. It's unfortunate that he inspired a generation of white rappers. It's unfortunate that his whole shtick is being a bad person.
He's a very talented lyricist, vocalist, and there are a lot of well-produced songs here that people still love more than twenty years later.
Not for me though
boring
this might be thee most boring, white people music I can think of
I would expect to hear this in an orthodontist's office or some commercial
The success of this album speaks for itself. You don't get billions of plays without being outstandingly talented and having the best production, and also appealing to the lowest common denominator of listeners.
I think the album is excellent at what it set out to do. I also don't think I would ever choose to put it on.
It's really impressive that she could produce this depth of performance and songwriting at 21, but I guess people say the best pop music is made by youngsters.
Some of her pronunciations are annoying. She pronounces risk like "reesk". . . .it sounds very affected. I don't know if she inspired a generation of white girls to sing that way or if she was just following the trend, but I'm not a fan.
There are some great musicians credited on this album, mostly notably J Dilla. I think he gets most of the credit for the quality of production.
Common didn't come across as woke as I think he would like to. I mean he really seems to think highly of himself. But I guess that's a job requirement for being an MC
I enjoyed the story telling, featured vocalists, and instrumental performances moreso than Common's rapping. light four
I can't imagine something more of-its-time. Opposite of timeless
nice bass playing
I didn't need to hear this. . . .the most interesting thing is probably the Herbie keyboard solo
unlucky for U2 that two of their albums came up in quick succession, but I don't think either one deserved to be on this list and I'm sick of it
gonna side with the haters. Their style is like a pharmaceutical commercial
white guys doin the blues. . . . it's ok
I was going to do 3 stars but then it went on really long
the hook on Layla is so good and then just about everything else is wankery
fun, smorgasbord of a record. I enjoyed the variety and freedom of the songwriting
the mixing is pretty tinny unfortunately. I was debating giving it four if not for the production quality
fav tracks are "No Return," "Lazy Old Sun" and "Waterloo Sunset"
there are also a few tracks I didn't care for
A welcome change from the pop norm of this list. I enjoy hearing one or two songs, but listening to the whole album would be difficult
Very good angry noise. The vocals, drums, and guitars all hit. I appreciated the occasional break from typical heavy metal as well.
It loses rating from me because it's hard to listen through and because there are some weak tracks
I prefer Pink Moon where it's just him and his guitar. A lot of these songs come across as more forgettable, easy-listening. Still good though
the beats are wack yo. and she doesn't have much to say, yo
watered-down Stereolab
At this point I'm not surprised that they would pick mediocre albums for this list, but there's really not much to grab my attention besides the two decent synth rock tracks (1&6)
Can't see why I would need to hear this
Of course she's English
the distorted vocals give it a warm, cozy feeling
I always thought the Strokes were overrated, but it's a good album. It justs starts to lose interest as the songs become samey. The same guitar strumming patterns and casual, washed out sound.
I have to acknowledge that this album had quite an influence on the pop rock of the 2000s and beyond. I think the Strokes loom large over my and my generation's memory of growing up
