Soaring, genuinely moving moments powered by supreme and intricate guitar arrangements and Van Zant's soulful vocals. Some moments of fun and play (incredible Free Bird jam session culminating solo). One or two tracks more pedestrian, almost Status Quo like. Favourite tracks: Tuesday's Gone, Simple Man, Free Bird (the singles I'd heard before). Overall: enjoyable, bluesey, epic rock n roll.
Some interesting notes and sounds, and I can hear now why it was considered so influential. However, it passed me by a bit, felt like background music for when I was seeking out something more immersive.
I struggle with this genre. I can appreciate the technical wizardry, and some of the melodies and compositions, but ultimately I'm unmoved by it all. The vocals, the guitars, everything - it didn't affect me. (Listened in the evening, at home)
Love this album. Always have, always will. Just a lot of fun and full of juxtaposition. Fast and slow, quiet and loud, poppy and punky, straight and jagged. Great joy, 40 minutes that flies by. No desire to skip at any point, though I was amazed at how much more popular Where Is My Mind? is than any of track on Spotify. Must be the Fight Club effect. Superb record.
Beck might be my desert island artist. If I could only take one discography to an island to keep me sane and human, it could be his. I've always enjoyed this album, though I think he's strictly at his best when he's trying to be a bit looser, more fun, experimental. A few parts of this drift past me, but overall he is just a genius songwriter. The songs and compositions are beautiful, even when they're forgettable. Volcano is one of my all time favourites by him. So not my favourite Beck album, but far from a chore.
Enjoyable riffs and licks with a few songs I'd definitely heard before. I appreciated this record more than I thought I would, not knowing his back catalogue or ever having listened to his evolution. This made me intrigued to listen through.
Sulty and moody rock, with a haunting, echoey quality to it. I'd heard this album before, and never really 'got it', but I enjoyed it this time, even if I didn't fall head over heels. The tinny atmosphere and urgency of the instruments and Curtis' vocals are undoubtedly compelling, and it's not boring.
Generally pleasant and enjoyable with lush strings and Crosby's signature vocal tones. Really enjoyed some of the more epic, meandering tracks (Kids and Dogs, Cowboy Movie). Still, feel it's missing something energetic and intangible compared to his best work with bandmates.
Joyous, cranky alternative rock. I listened at night (as ever) and melted into it. Particular highlight was the guitar work at the end of Catholic Block.
Pleasant country album. Didn't knock my socks off.
Exhilarating, spiky, punk/post-punk. Short, punchy tunes. Listened on a drive and enjoyed it a lot.
I really enjoyed it, and I feel like he has an intangible, intimate quality that makes it sound like he's performing only for you. Not quite a 5, but a 4.5 at least and I'm rounding down unless I hit a true 5.
I listened in the car, on a long drive down the motorway. It was perfectly pleasant, but didn't captivate. The album peaks at the top with the wonderful 'This Is The Day', but I found it never really manages to scale such heights after that.
Took me back to my childhood. Always a special record to me, with so many songs I love.
Really enjoyed this, her voice and guitar work. Listened on the train to work, and found myself lost a few times. Great album.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Big vocals, anthems, some catchy and memorable songs and well put together as a coherent record.
Enjoyed it a lot, more than I thought I would. Liked the length and repetition of the songs.
I think it's a 3.5 really but I'll go 3. The highs are very high, and there are at least three all time hip hop hits on there. They both sound better but mainly the lyrical content is just more interesting. But some of the album tracks and interludes are hard work, and the content is a bit dreary (you like fucking Biggie, we get it).
Didn't really get the hype at the time, and don't now. I could listen all the way through, but quite forgettable.
It had a few high points but felt drawn out, not really my thing.
Great, great album. Still not my favourite work of his though.
Always been a big fan of this album. Still enjoy listening to it, never tire. Particularly love the album title track.
Not my favourite work by them, but perfectly listenable
Sensational from start to finish. Every song is interesting, groovy, memorable. Every instrument is necessary. Incredibly charismatic music. Loved it.
Enjoyed it a lot, probably more than any Smiths album.
Enjoyable, experimental album that melted into the background. A few memorable tracks and moments (most notably Frontier Psychiatrist)
Great fun, easy to listen to and a number of really catchy and memorable songs. I don't really understand the backlash against this band, or how it's seen as corny in some quarters. This album is a lot of fun!
Nice, recognisable swinging 60s tunes.
Enjoyed it.
It's not really my cup of tea but there are undoubtedly strong songs on there and her voice is brilliant. Peaks with the first two songs.
Pleasant but I found some tracks quite forgettable and not very inspiring.
Immense
Echoey 70s hair rock
Enjoyed it.
I don't know why they don't really grab me, but they don't. It fades into the background, aside from the odd flourish or flash of lyrical or musical inspiration.
No notes needed. It's perfect.
Third favourite of his so far but still plenty there
Loved it, from start to finish
Delightful record.
Enjoyed it
Wonderful, perfect, life-affirming.
Grew into it and ended up really enjoying it. Favourite track: Till the Cops Come Knockin' - something warm and nostalgic about this kind of soulful 90s RnB.
My favourite by them. The perfect blend of sounds and influences. Dear Prudence might be my favourite song of theirs full stop, it isn't discussed enough.
