Definitely heard the opening track before "More Than a Feeling" from somewhere.
Straight from the get go, I have to mention the energetic use of the guitars here with a ton of catchy riffs and solos used to create an uplifting atmosphere. The organ play in some of the songs added a nice touch.
I liked the riff in "Something About You", that's about it.
Haven't got much to say. Not really my type of subgenre in rock but somewhat enjoyable with the overall mood it sets.
Decent album.
This really was a test to my Gen Z attention span. I was like oh cool, a five track album, until I realised it had a long runtime.
Jokes aside, it's an interesting change to the usual jazz I've heard before. The soul elements creates a very funky and rhythmic pace to the tracks. Not too fast that it's hard to distinguish what's being played, neither too slow to the point it gets boring.
Being a pure instrumental album, I can only regard this as something I'd play in the background on a chill evening, half-listening to it. Definitely gives off New York jazz club vibes.
Solid album but I do like lyrics to keep me engaged.
Okay so mixed emotions about this one. Having already known and enjoyed their songs from other albums (predominantly Paul's Boutique and Licensed To Ill), I often ignored touching this album.
A combination of rowdy tracks and instrumentals made me feel lost to what direction they were headed. I guess maybe it's their experimental aspect?
The rapping in this album lacked flair and felt like spoken words that rhymed for the sake of it. With "Get It Together" featuring Q-Tip being the only exception and him mostly carrying the majority of the track.
The album gradually dragged on and became obscure. Personally, I wouldn't revisit this entirely but only listen to a few standout tracks.
After listening to this, I can see why this is a highly regarded album.
The band's instruments and vocals honestly harmonise so well together, evident in the first track "Second Hand News".
Each song has its unique charm.
From the mellow "Dreams", which is such a vibe. To the powerful track "The Chain", amazing buildup and emotion poured into it. No wonder why they're so popular.
There are a few misses on here that I didn't really like, such as "Never Going Back Again" and "Oh Daddy".
However, I wouldn't mind listening to this again. Great album.
Basically, if adrenaline junkie was an album.
The opening track "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due" will definitely get your blood pumping.
The intense, hard-rocking riffs and solos is really what hooked me here. An overall amazing, consistent sound that kept me engaged throughout.
I would've given this 4 stars if it wasn't for its standout flaw which makes it a 3 in my opinion:
The lyrics.
It does get cringey to a point that it interferes with the music itself, sticking out like a sore thumb.
However, absolute shredding nonetheless. Good album.
Lyricism. Poetry. Storytelling.
Nas is an absolute genius for this album.
When I first listened to this years ago, I only picked up on the heavy boom bap beats and I do see why people think all the songs sound the same. However, I revisited it back again shortly after my first listen and really soaked in the lyrics. Thank goodness I did!
If you're looking for an example of nonstop wordplay, listen to "N.Y. State of Mind". You'll find that nearly every single line has a meaning. Honestly, same goes for all the other songs.
The sampling in this as well is top tier from all producers.
The album clearly illustrates the environment that Nas was living in at the time in Queensbridge, New York City. Also, the fact that this was his debut and he was only a teenager when he wrote this makes him extremely talented.
This has no skips and every song is a hit in its own way. The definition of pure, quality rapping.
The review maybe a little bias but I'm telling you, this album grew on me.
Has to be one of the best, if not, the greatest Hip-Hop album to ever exist.
This album sounds like an upgraded version of Run-D.M.C., with very similar production style of early sampling. Just more politcal urgency mixed into the lyrics and Chuck D's authoritave vocal delivery.
Beats wise, it's what I expected for an 80's Hip-Hop album with that very distinct whirring sound in some songs.
I liked the track "Prophets Of Rage". Great beat composition and vocals lead by Chuck D with Flavour Flav adding nice backing/interjections.
I can see why this album is influentinal for its revolutionary production and politcal commentary. However, it isn't something I'd listen to again entirely.
Solid album otherwise.
I honestly don't see the appeal of this album.
Yes it has a very nervy and funky sound in a sense, but combining punk and pub-rock does not go well together.
His voice and lyrics isn't really engaging in my opinion. Maybe if I was a grandpa, I'd have a different perspective on this.
I wouldn't say this is hot trash to give it a 1 but it's close to borderline unbearable and I don't think I'll be listening to this album again.
Very forgettable.
A very latin-inspired album with multiple languages used and seamless transitions between each song.
I thoroughly enjoyed the overall vibe despite being a foreign album. Feels like music I'd hear on the radio in Mexico.
Did some research on the opening track "Clandestino". A nice composed song that talks about the issue of immigration.
With "Bongo Bong" being a very quirky tune that surprised me.
Rest of the tracks were good. Wish I could understand the lyrics more.
However, an enjoyable album in general.
First things first, I really had no choice than to play this as background music while gaming, due to its lengthy runtime. I don't have the patience to sit and thoroughly listen to its entirety. If it was possibly condensed to fewer tracks, I'd have more thoughts to share.
Nothing really piqued my interest except the band's guitars and drums.
I've heard "1979" before. An okay track that gives off a nostalgic feel.
One thing I can conclude is that I'm not much of a fan of Billy Corgan's vocals. Very whiny and weird.
Anyways, I don't have a deep opinion on this album, don't hate it or like it.
I'm actually surprised I listened to a Folk rock album without getting bored.
His songwriting is decent and I like the acoustic feel.
The song "Idiot Wind" is quite powerful and "Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts" is a nice track with storytelling.
Kind of hard to gather my thoughts to music like this.
I can appreciate it for what it is. Good album.
First impressions can heavily influence my view on an album. Let me tell you, the first track "Hope There's Someone" really threw me off guard with the vocals. Yes it does sound haunting but in the context of the song, it works. From then on, the vocals are fine and fit the emotional depth of the album.
The piano play is immaculate and the string instruments add a nice layer too. With the lyrics written in raw vulnverability expressed in a sorrowful manner.
I only give 4's to albums that I would revist again. It's a masterpiece in its own way but not something I'd place in my daily rotation. And for that reason, it's a 3, but a high 3. I would have to be in a very specific mood to listen to this again.
Other than that, great album.
A solid first three tracks. Amazing buildup, very anthemic, their most popular off this album. After that, very forgettable songs.
That's my entire review.
One of those albums where the vocals aren't appealing. A very quirky voice indeed. With the lyrics not making any sense either.
To be honest, if you remove the vocals and turn all the songs into instrumentals, I'd probably enjoy it a lot more.
I'm not familiar with the New Wave, Art Punk, Post-Punk, whatever genre it's classed as. Though it is certainly an interesting sound.
Was very close to giving this a 1 but the funky guitar rhythms is its saving grace.
Okay album, but definitely not revisiting.
I was hyped to listen to some female-lead rock, having recently took a liking to the song "Seether" by Veruca Salt. However, I don't think this lives up to that standard.
I don't particularly find this melodious in any sense for it to be catchy. A combination of obnoxious vocal delivery and pretty pointless lyrics. But yet again, I think that's the point of the Punk rock attitude.
On the bright side, decent guitar rhythms and a very energetic sound.
Safe to say that the Riot grrrl movement is not my cup of tea in Rock. Slightly unbearable album.
