A masterpiece of an album. George blossoming as a songwriter, John and Paul at their absolute pomp, even Ringo’s Octopus’ Garden is a highlight. The invention of heavy metal. The genius that is the medley.
THE album you just hear before you die.
I’ll be honest, I was a bit disappointed when this was my album for today. Prior to listening my knowledge of Sade began and ended at Smooth Operator, and seeing that it’s the opening track I was preparing for a bit of a let down with the following tracks.
But honestly, I enjoyed this album. It’s not one I’ll probably come back too, but it’s smooth, soulful and just the right amount of jazzy. I can imagine this being played at dinner parties through the late 80’s and early 90’s. Smooth Operator is great, also really enjoyed Cherry Pie which I think is the best song on the album.
A few of the songs do outstay their welcome a bit, but their wasn’t a track I felt overly compelled to skip.
Can really hear that alot of modern artists like Arlo Parks and Celeste being influenced by this album.
Glorious album, a real snapshot of British bands in the 60’s.
Packed full of memorable lines and riffs, and made my drive to work a joy this morning. None of the real big hits on this album, which to me makes it even better.
The Kinks often get overlooked, but they are up there with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones as one of the most important bands in history.
A couple of songs which maybe haven’t aged as well as others, but nothing that feels too out of place.
Not just one of the best albums of the 90’s, but one of the best albums full stop.
Amidst the countless “lad culture” albums of the Britpop era, singing about drinking and fighting, Pulp came up with a dark and brooding album, filled with innuendo laden lyrics and sordid tales of debauchery.
The musicianship is levels above a lot that was released in this era, too. Not afraid to take risks and to release an album with actual dynamics which can jolt you out of your seat at times. Song structures leaving you not knowing what will come next.
Yes, then lyrics can sound questionable at times when listening back through 2026 ears. But you need to remember how tongue in cheek they are and Jarvis Cocker is. These are characters, not an autobiographical account.
The album is a slice of pop genius.
The birth of indie rock as we know it.
Jangly guitars, bass lines that largely reside beyond the 5th fret, four to the floor drums and the lyrics of a generation breaking out of the 70’s standards and fighting against emerging hair rock/metal.
Rough around the edges, but unmistakably REM where you can clearly see the direction they’re heading in.
A must listen for anyone into Indie rock and pop music.
Pleasant album to listen to. Nothing unexpected, very much in the Sam Cooke vein of bluesy soul. But not quite at Sam Cooke levels.
Fantastic voice, great range. Backing music and vocals aren’t breaking any new ground, even for 1964 they’re a little dated. But every now and then the odd track will surprise you and you wonder how good the album as a whole could have been. Won’t You Give Him (One More Chance) being a good example.
Solid album all in all.
Not a bad album. Typical acoustic 70’s folk/rock, with lyrics akin to Bob Dylan.
1975 is my favourite track.
Definitely worth a listen.
Not just an album that you just hear before you die, but a band you just hear before you die.
CCR are one of the bedrocks of rock and roll, and this is a superb album to start off with.
Commotion the standout track for me. Bad Moon Rising the crowd pleaser that everyone will know, whether you realise it or not.
Having only ever listened to Goo, I was really excited to get into more of Sonic Youth, and this album really didn’t disappoint.
Alternative with sprinkles of punk and avant garde. I get it’s not for everyone, but I really did enjoy this album a lot.
I’m a big fan of bands experimenting and veering away from the norm. Loads of alternative tunings, some made up by the band themselves, feedback loops, industrial noises that all intertwine with some truly great songs.
Glad I heard this album before I died.
