- I think this is one of those things where if you didn't listen to it when it came out, you can't really understand the album because future bands incorporated so much of what made it fresh when it was released.
- It's not innovative, weird or foundational enough to stand out 32 years after release so it's just kind of ok to a first time listener
- halfway through the album I lowered the volume
- Cigs & Alcohol is pretty good
In high school, my friend worked at a local record shop and would direct me to music that he'd listened to and enjoyed. I had to filter his recommendation with the knowledge of where our tastes diverged, but he was usually pretty good. Among his best recommendations was the Duran Duran Tribute Album, which was a bunch of covers by pop punk bands of the mid/late 90s. I LOVED it and the album remained on high rotation until I eventually lost it in one of my many cross-country moves. This is a pretty good album with great production, but I really wish I was listening to that tribute album instead.
These guys really seem to hate the life they're living. Their music drips with contempt for their surroundings, their peers, and of course, the women who fuck them. That contempt initially gives the album a propulsive force that tricks you into thinking the music might be good, but it's so empty that half way through you just want it to end. Having enjoyed GNR at parties or on the radio, I was surprised how difficult it was to get through the whole album. This music is made for radio (where the emptiness can't catch up with the rawness) or an arena show (where the hormonal stew of all the headpushers and the girlfriends they hate get you temporarily drunk). Oh look, I can be contemptuous too!
Mr. Brownstone was kind of interesting, the second half of Rocket Queen is legit good, and the guitar work on all the big hits is fun, but the rest is such a slog that I can't recommend it at all.
Not a lot to say about this album. Good music and lyrics.
This is a Neil Young album. If you like Neil Young, you'll like this album. If you don't, you won't.
What a rich album. Amazing vocals that seem to get stronger and stronger as you journey through the track list, interesting lyrics that ask you to engage, and full bodied instrumentation that capture your attention.
A fast-rising tide of sound that lifts you up with it. As someone who knows PG only from the hits, it's immediately recognizable as him, but maintains your interest throughout. Don't Give Up with Kate Bush is a highlight (in addition to Sledgehammer which is an all timer)
If you think about it, the fact that Elton John repurposed Candle in the Wind for Princess Di demonstrates his final ascension into the upper eschelon of the entertainment industry. He too was able to exploit Marilyn Monroe for his own enrichment then cast her aside when she'd served her purpose. This album has some great tunes, but I get really exhausted by all the Jerry Lee Lewis bullshit on the back half.
Pretty fantastic album that reflects the essence of Bruce Springsteen.
I'm not an RHCP guy--I loved Under the Bridge when I was in elementary, but never really paid them much attention after that. Of course I encountered their music, but it never stuck. So, in my mind they were basically the parody that everyone thinks of when they think RHCPs. However, this is a pretty fun album! I don't think I'd ever just throw it on, but I have a greater appreciation of them as musicians.
I don't think I'll ever get REM. It just doesn't resonate with me in any way. No bops. No bangers. ugh.
