Groovy, record full of energy that makes you want to move. For some reason though, on a close listen I noticed something that never really registered before. Bowie’s vocals hop from breathy exasperation to warbling vibrato, and it started to bug the hell out of me. “Is David Bowie a bad singer?”, I wondered.
Charisma- 9.5/10
Vocals - 5.5/10
Instrumental arrangement/ production - 10/10
The man and whatever musician team and producers he worked with created an undeniably brilliant rock and roll album
Like an epsom salt bath, feeling detoxified. Many bangers I already knew from hearing elsewhere... (hospital show opening credits song?) Good for a chill Saturday morning, or relaxed midnight smokey living room
It’s a good time, groovy, spacey, this band has a deep reverence for life and they know how to have a good time. This album is a celebration of creativity, rhythm and all things funky baby… what is funk you may ask, it’s connecting to that dark, warm, earthy center deep down in the middle of your belly where poetry lives and dancing naturally springs into existence - flowing into your extremities and out through the crown chakra. Feeling rooted with this album, feeling funky.
Good, mind blowing when I first listened as a teenager, brings back some cringe memories. Good album tho
Soulful mostly lower register voiced singer that doesn’t try to stretch too far outside of her range. Lyrics ache and yearn. Songs seem to take their time, unhurried to get where they’re going. Overall, album holds up after 30 years. Nice one to visit but not one i’d think to play
Many classic songs you’ve already heard and some blues inspired tracks that are suitable for bathtub with a joint and a beer,
Can’t give it higher than a 4 because it’s low key played out for me personally and perhaps my tastes have changed over the years, a shrewder producer would have cut a few tracks to tighten things up a bit, but does it really matter… nah
Surprised myself… not into it. lol
I think the lead singers rap-talk delivery is monotonous and unintelligible. After about halfway through I found I’d rather be listening to Sublime’s 40oz to Freedom or a Cake album, or perhaps something from a band that more fully embraces the funk… elements that this album tentatively touches on here and there. A few standout blues inspired tracks earns an extra gold star from me, otherwise, the style and delivery are just too unresolved. Though, I suspect this band is probably a fun watch in person
This one is groovy, some songs are very groovy, get the blood going probably good in a gym playlist. Feels like it’s a bit of a snapshot of a bygone generation, nice harmonies on most tracks, groovy ensemble of musicians with a mix of 70’s Funk flavor, Motown and psych-rock
Not for all moods or temperaments, not really even that great for dancing. Electronic breakbeat house-ish, not quite jungle. A little spooky at times, is this a concept album? Maybe. Feels like watching a movie. Not quite sure what to make of it, but I like it for some background bank heist grooves while I play chess online or something.
I’ll start by saying Springsteen is not for me but I can appreciate the album for what it is and acknowledge that his music resonates with a lot of working class folks. This album is monotonous and essentially an hour of the same song over and over again… I do appreciate the use of 80’s style synth, but overall it sounds over produced or something. It would be nice to hear a stripped down Springsteen album that let the voice and lyrics shine more and have those elements create an atmosphere- a’la “I’m on Fire” Then again this album is more about being bright and anthemic, it is what it is.
The man is an icon in the same vein as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Elvis etc. and I found myself wondering if he and artists like him aren’t all just industry plants using the Americana mythos to promote some kind of nationalist government propaganda.
The style is a mix of folksy singer-song writer, country music, conventional rock and 80’s pop. I also feel like I can hear a prelude to white boy indie-folk artists like Elliot Smith, Conner Oberst, Ben Ginbard etc. in there too.
At the end of the day, this album is more vibe than tangible substance, my mind wanders while listening… it just doesn’t hold me or my attention long enough to start caring. Also, let’s be honest y’all, man’s voice is obnoxious, is he singing or yelling at me from across a crowded bar? I can hardly understand what he’s saying half the time
I never heard this one and was pleasantly surprised. Ice Cube really holds his own as a solo artist and I never realized how socially conscious and political his work was. Don’t get it twisted tho, it’s also violent and misogynistic at times too but also moments of levity and humor. Powerful vocal delivery, strong aura and personality. Also, many great early 90’s rap star features/ collaborators pop up throughout and Cube has an entire track at the end giving respect and gratitude to other artists / homies etc. which I thought was a nice touch. If you listen closely you’ll hear a random Trump reference in there too, lol.
For me this is an all time classic album, epic, poetic, broad in thematic scope and ambition. Playful, devastating beauty mixed with existential dread. One of those albums you can sit and listen to as if you were reading a book or watching a film. Many other great albums in their discography but this one is special for sure.
