A very quirky yet vibey album. A lot of the songs and lyrics aren’t taken very seriously until you analyse them and see its commentary on the real world, but the rhythm really brings the whole album together. I totally see how it’s influenced progressive afro beats with its mix of jazz and rap in the 90s. My favorite songs were Ham ‘n’ Eggs and Can I Kick It?
Heard the first song, 21st Century Schizoid Man, I didn’t like it. The lyrics are too macabre and the harsh mechanical sounds are too chaotic for my liking. It’s unsettling, even if it’s intentional. This may be the narrator freaking out about the cruelty of humanity?
I really liked I Talk To The Wind, it reminds me of T.S. Eliot poems with a man personifying his surroundings, speaking to the wind (which may be God). A man who is non-religious, though he seems lonely and just wants to be one with the world. He is trying to find some sort of comfort in God, though the act is futile - he gets no response. It feels like the narrator is in conflict with the chaotic reality of the world, and why things happen the way they do.
Epitaph was really interesting as well as the narrator falls into complete despair, believing the world is doomed. Set in the Vietnam/Cold War, it highlights the futile nature of religious practices. The traditional definitions of right, wrong, good, and evil as seen by our predecessors are too simple and naive, though we continue to place as the centre of our lives. And when the one thing you seek security and comfort does not live up to its role, man crumbles as they possess no hope for the future. This conflict continues in the lyrics: "Confusion will be my epitaph", highlighting the self-destructive nature of man. I also liked this lyric: "Knowledge is a deadly friend, If no one sets the rules", as knowledge ≠ wisdom.
Moonchild feels more like a retreat into a fantasy escapism because the world is too horrible to face - he is forever lonely and confused, and is waiting on some hero or "sun child" to rescue him, but they never comes.
The Court of the Crimson King is also quite interesting, obviously being an alias for the Devil himself. It feels like the narrator has come to a new realisation that the reason why the world is so horrible is because we are just dancing to the tune of the devil, like puppets on a string.
No wonder it felt a lot like T.S Eliot - he similarly believes humans are horrible creatures that will keep fighting. Also his religious conflict of God as He does not exist nor does He care. Though, he plays more into the macabre nature of human cruelty, mostly because of the Vietnam/Cold War context. The narrator will be lonely and depressed and everything is playing out exactly according to Crimson King's plans.
https://www.reddit.com/r/KingCrimson/comments/ili08w/what_is_the_court_of_the_crimson_king_exactly/
https://medium.com/@aliinwonderland/song-review-king-crimson-epitaph-4c86928535e8
I liked the first song, it tells a story of how black singers are exploited, and is quite sophisticated in the rhythm and flow. I still haven’t fully understood the entire song, but I enjoyed it.
Kendrick also expresses his emotions in For Free? where he highlights how America devalues the black people, unless they are successful. I really like how he says “This dick ain’t free”
I absolutely loved King Kunta. Such a vibe. So it seems to be a slight reference to Kunta Kinte who was a fictional black slave who foot was cut off to prevent escaping slavery. It comes across as an inspiring story of overcoming struggles to become successful. And it’s only when he becomes successful that people want to get to know him.
Institutionalized is also one of those songs with a very varied and sophisticated flow of beats and rhythm, but I came to appreciate more with every listen. I love the “zoom zoom zoom” and the “Shi don’t change until you get up and wash your ass”.
I love Anna’s part in These Walls. This song uncovers more of the misuse of fame, especially of Kendrick himself. But it’s truly such a gentle song which I surprisingly enjoyed. Though I wasn’t a fan of the sensual beats that get contrasted with the way the lyrics “I can feel your reign when it cries” is sung.
u is a more melancholic song but still quite vibey with the piano melody lowkey incorporated in the back. Not my favourite song but it does give quite an insight into the depth of his mind. Alright is a more hopeful and positive contrast to u, which is the followed by his struggle between faith and temptation in For Sale? Momma then follows his return home to comfort after his self-realisation.
I really liked Hood Politics, with the first verse reflecting how he doesn’t care how he is perceived as he comes to his newfound realisation. He reflects on his childhood and realises there are so many other issues to worry about it.
I loved How Much A Dollar Really Cost because of the soulful touch it has, and I found it quite unique with that combination of soul and hip hop. I surprisingly didn’t vibe with complexion as much, even tho the lyrics have a lot of depth and meaning. I think the rest of the album is quite similar for me as there are many references with layers of meaning that need to be unpacked, thought the rhythm is quite average.
I really enjoyed this album. The album was quite consistent with the upbeat rhythm and makes you feel like you’re the main character, especially Where You Lead (as it reminds me of Gilmore Girls). I loved I Feel The Earth Move and Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
Really lovely beats and lyrics. I don’t think I’d listen to this one very often, but I can appreciate the album for the charm and synergy evoked throughout. I love the way it portrays love and every aspect of
No notes - almost every song is a banger. Loved this album
Gives lofi vibes and I love it when I need some peace or focus time.
I usually really enjoy listening to John Lennon songs, but this album fell quite flat and didn’t quite resonate with me. Despite the soulful touch to the lyrics, the music itself is boring and nothing too different.
I was really disappointed with this album as I had high hopes for Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg, but it’s mostly just noise with meaningless lyrics, with an attempt at telling a story in the occasional song.
The rhythm and guitar riffs were definitely the center of attention in this album. I kind of see why it was a major influence on rock and heavy metal, but there is a major incorporation of blues which I actually enjoyed (as someone who doesn’t really listen to rock). I will say tho, it wasn’t anything different or outstanding - the beats were like any other album, and the lyrics were very flat and generic. Probably wouldn’t listen again.
This album was quite fun and eccentric, with the occasional sexual allusion thrown in. It’s a youthful garage/grunge approach to alt rock. I love the mix of vibes - it was truly a chaotic mess in the best way possible. Bone Machine, Where is My Mind and Cactus were probably my favorite songs out of the album.
Great sound work but not really my vibe
Not a huge listener of rock, but this album felt quite generic. A lot of songs feel like an extension of each other.
Before listening to this album, I did have high expectations as to the quality and energy of the music production. And honestly Enter Sandman was an amazing start to the album. That thrashy yet deeply emotive vibe of the song was so different and unique, and I was hoping to feel something different with their music. Later songs, like Holier than Thou, had impactful lyrics which also brought a new sentiment to the album, as well as the constant discussion of religion.
But the music in a lot of the songs had similar vibe - I think if I heard it individually, I would’ve appreciated it more.
A very fun and upbeat pop album, which was quite refreshing from the last few heavy rock albums. I actually knew a few songs from earlier which I was shocked about, like We Got The Beat and Our Lips Are Sealed. Perhaps it’s because it’s a pop album, but I would definitely be listening to this one again often.
I had high hopes for this album, but every song sounded so similar, and the lyrics were very cliche and tired.
I really enjoyed this album more that I thought I would. Like every other blues-rock album, the lyrics were not that deep and felt quite cliche, but her raspy voice and the funky yet upbeat vibe really make this album enjoyable - it’s got so much variation, and not just with Joplins vocal tonation. I loved Move Over, Cry Baby and Half Moon. Me and Bobby McGee was a suprisingly amazing song as well. Though I wouldn’t listen to the entire album again, there are some memorable and catchy lyrics to come back to.
Another album that I wouldn’t have listened to otherwise, and it was definitely a beautiful yet somber album that I couldn’t listen to in one go. Cash has such a low, calming yet powerful voice, and every lyric feels so full of grief and reflection. The album really highlights his feelings of existentialism and religious convictions towards the end of his life. Bridge Over Troubled Water was definitely one of my surprising favourites.
This was one of those albums I had to hear twice to appreciate it. I was expecting some “Once In a Lifetime” level of music. But what a creative and funky album with layers within each song, though the lyrics themselves are quite unoriginal. I see how it had a big influence on disco - there is this contagious energy that just wants you to get up and dance. Though I probably wouldn’t come back and listen to it again, and the songs aren’t that memorable compared to their other albums, I really enjoyed Life During Wartime.
I expected this album to have more character with such a unique name for an album and band - something more bold and refreshing. But the lyrics for every song lacked depth. It’s a country and rock fusion, with lyrics like a pop song. No song stood out to me.
A lovely album with some great song writing, though I found the music itself to be nothing too different from other soft pop songs of the time. Imagine and Oh My Love were my favourites.
I think music should evoke emotion from the soul, and if this album set out to be weird and eccentric, it definitely achieves that.
I understand it’s meant to blend psychedelic rock and punk, but the mix of styles makes it feel a bit disjointed, and it doesn’t really flow as a cohesive story. I would’ve enjoyed smoother transitions between songs.
That said, I can appreciate how influential this album may have been. Some tracks felt a bit anticlimactic though—“We Will Fall” had a lot of potential and originality, but didn’t quite deliver in the end.
I might never have discovered this album, and honestly, that would’ve been such a loss. I’m so glad I gave it a chance. The vocals, the lyrics, the seamless blend of percussion and strings – each track felt like its own journey, and by the end, I felt completely transformed. This is what music should do: it should move something deep within you. The album beautifully weaves together themes of love, longing, and the full spectrum of human emotion.
Walk On By was the perfect opening – easily my favourite. I could really feel the heartbreak, and the vivid imagery brought those emotions to life in such a powerful way.
Then the second track caught me off guard – in the best way. The way love is described almost like a drug, and its physical and emotional intensity… oof.
When I first heard One Woman, it was a beautiful composition. But reading more into the lyrics I didn’t realise it was about cheating – oh my god how did he make that sound so soulful and beautiful.
And By the Time I Get to Phoenix has a long, almost sermon-like intro, but it ends up adding a lot of weight and intention. It might feel a bit drawn out at first, but it ultimately works in setting the tone.
I struggled to get through some tracks coz the lyrics were so trashy - like Poor Lil Rich. The album revolved around money, power and fame.
Sure the storytelling and cohesion was quite impressive. And honestly the production was incredibly catchy - like PIMP and In Da Club are hits for a reason. But it would definitely not be an album I listen to again in its entirety - one listen was enough.
I really enjoyed this album overall
The Good Thing was a standout; I loved the layered vocals and the almost chaotic mix of rhythms in the verses - it kept things so engaging, and the build-up into the chorus was genuinely thrilling. At times, the instrumentation felt so dominant that it slightly overpowered the lyrics, with certain verses coming across a bit overwhelming.
That said, the simplicity of the lyrics worked in its favour - the choruses felt light, fun, and playful. The whole album has this eccentric, distinctive edge that makes it stand out.
And I loved Take Me to the River - I’d actually heard Lorde’s cover before (very Gen Z of me), but this version completely won me over.
It was a pretty average album overall. There were definitely some standout tracks - Tiny Dancer being the obvious one - and the lyrics were strong, but as a whole it didn’t really leave a lasting impression on me.
Knowing that Taupin wrote the lyrics, you can really appreciate how vivid they are, and John’s melodies are undeniably classic. Still, the intention versus the execution felt a bit disconnected. And I will say, there is a flow of a story with the melody that strings the songs together - something that I feel this album does incredibly well against other albums on the list.
From what I understand, the album is meant to explore darker, more psychologically intense themes, but I didn’t fully feel that come through in either the lyrics or the music. It leaned more toward a soulful, R&B vibe for me. That sense of anger only really surfaced in moments (like in Madman Across the Water) and I think it could’ve been explored more consistently.
There were also quite a few heavier, longer tracks. Tiny Dancer was still my favourite - familiar, but a classic for a reason.
It’s a live blues album that was quite enjoyable at times, yet felt average overall. The songs tend to blur together and can come across as a bit repetitive, and the messaging occasionally feels a little preachy and surface-level. That said, his deep, raspy voice is consistently captivating and easily the highlight throughout.
The opening four tracks were a strong start and really pulled me in. After that, though, the album started to feel a bit slow and drawn out for my taste. Some of the songs lingered longer than they needed to, which made the listening experience feel stretched.
That said, the final few tracks brought back a really funky, sensual vibe that stood out. The lyrics and rhythms were catchy, but at times they became a bit too repetitive. Overall, it’s a solid album with great moments, but it could have benefited from being tighter and more concise.
