Well, this is the first album on my project. I’m not very well acquainted with this genre, but I enjoyed my time listening. I thought it was very interesting that the lyrics carried so much sadness, regret, etc. but you really didn’t “hear” it in the instrumentals. The music was, in my opinion, too relaxed and often even a little energetic to convey the idea on its own. Despite that, I came away from the album thinking, “wow, that was pretty sad.” My only gripe was that sometimes the songs really felt like they were dragging it out when I already got the message. Maybe that’s the brainrot talking, but I’m going to trust my gut on this one; not long enough to be seriously egregious, but just enough to make me think, “okay, this is taking a while.” That’s probably a part of it, though: maybe sadness takes a little longer than you’d like. Maybe you put on a happy face when the emotions beneath are anything but. Maybe your voice is choking up, but you still need to get something out.
Favorite Song: Last Dance
Least Favorite Song: Lullaby
I liked this album. Even though they were experimenting with longer compositions for the album, it felt like it went by fast. When it was over I was like, “aw man, I could’ve gone for another song or two..” but all good things must come to an end, I guess. Just some plain old good music here.
Favorite Song: Deacon Blues
Least Favorite Song: Black Cow
I typically do some pre-reading when diving into an established book, album, game, etc. to get necessary context and set my expectations. Somehow, all of my reading failed to bring up that Prince would climb out of my speakers and fuck me, but I don’t think it would’ve helped me even IF I had known that. I had to stop and stand with my jaw agape multiple times because this album is just absolutely nuts man… just so blatantly horny that when it was over I couldn’t help but laugh…
Favorite Song: Something in the Water (Does Not Compute)
Least Favorite Song: Free
I understand why people like this. I enjoyed a lot of the songs… specifically, in isolation. I think the songs work well as singles, but as an album experience it felt monotonous. By the time I got halfway through, I started craving a greater range of vocal expression that never arrived. The music and mixing is good, and the lyrics aren’t bad, but there’s only so much I can endure from the monotone vocals before I start wanting something else.
Favorite Song: Halo
Least Favorite Song: Waiting for the Night
Just some incredibly fun and well-done music here. I think the live aspect actually helps elevate the album in a certain way; the moments Kuti has with the audience help make the album feel more like a musical experience and reinforce the mood of the album. Let’s Start put a big grin on my face and that atmosphere just kept up throughout the entire album.
Favorite Song: Egbe Mi O (Carry Me)
Least Favorite Song: Ginger Baker & Tony Allen Drum Solo - Live at the Berlin Jazz Festival - 1978
This is NUTS for an 18th album. The first two tracks were a little weak for me so I was worried I was about to sit through 2 hours of some weak sauce but no… Village Ghetto Land hit and then things just kept getting better for the album’s entire runtime. This is such a cool album man…
Favorite Song: Another Star
Least Favorite Song: Have a Talk with God
Beautiful album that displays a large range of expression and nails everything it goes for. It’s like a culmination and celebration of the human experience. It’s just so well done.
Favorite Song: Nightswimming
Least Favorite Song: New Orleans Instrumental No.1
