From the first 4 songs, I am getting a mix of smooth jazz i.e. Weird Fishes, but also getting that classic grunge sound i.e. Bodysnatchers.
Getting very much space odyssey vibes from this album. Something that I would hear drifting through the abyss.
It's a weird sound, especially with the incorporation of classical instruments i.e. strings.
In a way, it makes me think wistfully of not being able to explore the universe, if that makes sense? As if there is an opportunity to go further than my body or mind can take, but I can't attain it.
Fairly impressed, I didn't know how I was going to feel.
Album Rank: 7.2
Favorite Song: Weird Fishes
Felt very much like it could be used for instrumentals for Steve Soderbergh films I.e the Ocean’s Trilogy.
Could be ahead of its time. Coming out in 1998, but more 2010s vibe. Possible Daft Punk inspiration.
Album Rank: 6.2
Favorite Song: Remember
Had a pretty strong start, but started falling off to the very end.
It felt like a mix of alternative rock and psychedelic. While there were some seriously strong guitar licks that kept it going, the lyrics and stories that were being told didn't align.
Towards the very end, it turned more jam band like, compared to the beginning which felt more like singles. The mesh didn't fit.
Album Rank: 5.6
Favorite Song: She Bangs the Drums
Dolly Parton- Coat of Many Colors (1971)
Very much what you would expect with Dolly Parton. Heavy on the country twang sound i.e. picking banjos, harpsichord, etc. I do weirdly get small hints of soul tied in as well.
Different messages in the album, ranging from why we must leave this earth to women cheating on men. Very different stories.
I went in with an open mind, and while I respect Dolly Parton for what she has done, her music isn't something I align with unfortunately.
Album Rank: 5.1
Favorite Song: Traveling Man
Stevie Wonder- Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
If Sgt. Peppers was the Beatles on acid, then I have no idea what Stevie was on. This felt like a mixing pot of every instrument and genre known to man i.e. violins, brass band, Hispanic, etc.
The overall theme made sense, with the title of the album. There were highs i.e. Isn't she lovely, Sir Duke, but also lows i.e. Village Ghetto Land, Pastime Paradise (which I learned was sampled for Coolio's hit!)
I'm glad I listened to the album, and found some new songs, but overall I wouldn't listen in full again due to very long songs that should have been cut earlier.
Album Rank: 6.7
Favorite Song: Pastime Paradise
Now this is a solid rock album. It has a variety of different rock styles i.e. hard rock, softer ballads, as well as incorporating her own music, covers i.e. My Generation, and spins of classics i.e. Gloria.
I'm not sure if it's accurate, but I can see a few inspirations from later punk and grunge groups taking from her.
Overall, I could listen to the album in full again, but I would have to REALLY want to hear it.
Album Rank: 7.0
Favorite Song: Gloria
I listened to it for a bit, and honestly, it was just ok. It seemed to be more instrumental, groove music, rather than lyric heavy.
I assume this was meant for the 70s discos back in the day, when people were bumping lines and grinding hips. If I was in that area, I bet I would have a different appreciation for the album.
It's not that I didn't like the album or the music, but it just didn't hit my vibe.
Album Rank: 5.4
Favorite Song: I Want Your Love
Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto - Getz/Gilberto (1964)
It was similar to C'est Chic in the sense that was it more for listening in the background. Having said that, the hispanic vibe it gave and hushed voices from the singers made it enjoyable.
If I had to pick an album to listen to work to, it would be this one.
Album Rank: 5.9
Favorite Song: The Girl from Ipanema
Public Enemy - Apocalypse 91…The Enemy Strikes Back (1991)
REALLY loud start in the beginning that I didn't care for.
The album does give what you would expect from 90s hip hop and rap: Lots of repetitive sound bits, and more shout rapping than singing. There are messages that align with what the black community experienced in the day, which seems to be a form of anger due to oppression.
Honestly, I'm disappointed in the album. It's just not for me. I respect Public Enemy, and all they did, but I won't plan on listening to this album again.
I kind of enjoyed Bring the Noize, but that's about it.
Album Rank: 1.8
Favorite Song: Bring the Noize
The Human League - Dare! (1981)
This was 100% an 80s albums with a bunch of synth sounds and things like that. I wasn't a fan if I'm going to be honest.
I think the reason because it wasn't a lot of singing, it felt more like talking. I wouldn't listen to again. Maybe I'm not a Human League fan.
Album Rank: 2.2
Favorite Song: Don't you want me
Out the gate…this is a GROOVE! I am a big fan of the album so far. I'm getting a folk + soul + psychedelic vibe from it.
What I enjoy is that Michael doesn't appear to use any sort of voice synthesizer; All of the vocals seem legitimate and not altered.
The back half isn't as strong as the front half, but not to say that I didn't enjoy them either! Overall, I think it's the best album I heard recently! Glad I learned about it here!
Album Rank: 7.4
Favorite Song: Rolling
The Chemical Brothers - Exist Planet Dust (1995)
I'm going to be honest…looking at the album cover, I thought it was going to be rock. I was NOT expecting to to be EDM/house music.
If I'm going to be honest, it just wasn't for me. Not the worst of all time, but I don't plan on listening to them anymore.
Album Rank: 2.4
Favorite Song: One Too Many Mornings
