Fast Car and Baby Can I Hold You are obviously great. Also great:
Behind the Wall
She’s Got Her Ticket
For my Lover
For You
Album never really loses momentum. Couple songs I would skip if it was on CD:
Mountain o Tings
Why?
Overall, would listen to this again and would buy the vinyl and wouldn’t be compelled to lift the needle
ing the period when the punk movement is really starting to get going, fleetwood mac released Rumors,
Welcome to the Working Week: Fun little opener
Miracle Man: I dont know if Costello's delivery is going to hold up for an entire album but lets see
No Dancing: fine
Blame it on Cain: You know, this is during the start of the punk movement, Zepplin was doing their last US tour, Rumors was released, Disco becomes a thing, and Heay Metal is starting to evolve into something that is different than just hard rock. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this is a very transitional period for music. Which is probably why I don't understand this guy's success. The music is pretty standard, but I guess his witty lyrics and delivery were influenced by the punk aesthetic.
Alison: fine
Sneaky Feelings:
Red Shoes: Van Morrison! He's doing a kind of poor Van Morrison impression with his singing style. Not so much with the music, which sounds like a standard.
Less Than Zero: I enjoyed this one.
The rest of the alum is also fine. Again, not really why this guy is as revered as he is. I guess he's like a British pop punk version of Warren Zevon? Either way, its too slow for punk, too witty for pop, too quiet for hard rock. Probably wouldnt listen to it again, but wouldnt turn it off if its on.
One of the most influential and important albums in hip hop. An undisputed masterpiece. Few albums can really transport you to a time and place like Illmatic does with NY in the early 90s. Nas's flow and lyrical content was groundbreaking at the time. Although there are some songs that are less than perfect (Life's a Bitch, One Love) there isnt a 'bad' song on it. Non-skip, captivating, entertaining for both the brain and the soul. Its a perfect album.
3.5 stars
Incredible production. Very atmospheric. Most songs are very long but they’re easy to lose track of time to. Seems influential to Reznor and Ross film score output. Not knowing the lyrics might lower the emotional impact. Need to listen to this with an upgraded system.
Tracks 1-3 all very enjoyable listen.
Track 4 is the first underwhelming one
5 is ok
6-7: bangers, if possible for an atmospheric post rock album
8-9: underwhelming
10: nice little outro. Leaves you with a sense of foreboding
2.5 Stars
Roundabout: banger, obv. Heard this one before.
Cans and Brahms: quite a whimsical jaunt (derogatory)
We Have Heaven: ...back-to-back tracks that are more of a transition than song?
South Side of the Sky: good production for the time. Song is fine. Pretty perfect example of why prog just aint my thing
Five Per Cent for Nothing: funky transitional song.
Long Distance Runaround: fine
The Fish: prob 2nd best non-transitional track on here behind Roundabout
Mood for a day: quite a whimsical jaunt (complimentary)
Heart of the Sunrise: Correction, this is the 2nd best song on the album.
Overall: bookended by bangers, rest is pretty meh. If I was a bigger prog rock fan, I would probably have enjoyed it more.
2.5 stars
I guess this is one of the 1000 best albums of all time, but I would imagine its borderline. Maybe it's a "you had to be there" time and place kind of thing. The lyrics are relatable, Petty's delivery is unique and charming, musically the songs arent doing anything new in terms of sonics or chord progressions. Theres a southern country twang to this pop rock, but at arm's length and overall, it's about as edgy as a butterknife. American Girl is an all-timer for me. The rest of the album is meh, if i hear it again, cool. If not, thats cool too.
Rockin' Around (with you): fun little song. Wouldn't be for about another 15 years until "rockin/rock" would be considered hacky for a songs focal point.
Breakdown: Great song, kind of mellow but neo-noirish. Hes kind of doing a hispanic accent(?). Kind of odd but it works with the song
Hometown Blues: kind of honky tonky song. Petty's specialty are song lyrics that are simple and straightforward but universal. This is a good example of it
The Wild One, Forever- Straightforward lyrics again but the delivery is great. This song isn't for me, but I know there were kids in the 70s that would absolutely belt this one out.
Anything That's Rock N Roll- Another rock reference! Starting to get the overall vibe of the album: being young, emotions are high, future prospects are low, lets crank up some tunes. Like a rock n roll twist on the malaise in 'The Graduate'
Strangered in The Night- love a story song. The '-ed' suffix for the title is interesting. As if Petty witnessing this scene made him feel like an outsider from the harsh reality in the world? good song.
Fooled Again- Seems like the prototypical Petty song, in lyrics, sonics and structure. Its fine.
Mystery Man- Country and rock infused pop. But kind of boring.
Luna- Another good mellow song.
American Girl- All time favorite Petty song. He doesn't get better than this and its the obvious high point of the album. Odd choice to make it the close though tbh
3 Stars
Miles first "electric" album. First jazz album for me on the list. Im not the biggest Miles fan. As far as trumpeters, Lee Henderson or Donald Bryd make more enjoyable music to me. Maybe I have to play an instrument to "get it". Idk. Either way this album, which consist of two songs, gets three stars because the title track is great, would listen to it again. However, the first song is just ok. It's not terrible but I wouldn't seek it out. Wouldnt buy this album, but would accept it as a gift. Would most likely just listen to side B though.
Shhh/Peaceful: Has a fun vibe to it. However, the song kind of rambles, even by jazz standards. Easy to put on and focus on something else.
In a Silent Way: this song is journey. Staring slow, almost dreamlike with the electric piano. The electric guitar comes in, and the song gets into its main groove. Miles Davis riffing of the repetitive rhythm keeps the song interesting. Once the drums bring the cymbals into it, the song reaches its apex.
Few artists have the ability to make me laugh in one song and cry in the very next. Prine can sometimes do it in the same song. One of the all-time great songwriters. He has a knack for knocking you back with a single line ("While the kids ran around wearin' other peoples' clothes" from Sam Stone or "Well, ya know, she still laughs with me But she waits just a second to long" from Far From Me), writing a chorus you want to sing along to and a verse that makes you want to be a better person.
This is a no-skip album. I need to a physical copy of this.
3.5 stars
I’ll admit this entire genre is bit of blind spot to me. SZA lyrics come off as authentic, warts and all. Obviously talented but also unique. Like an Amy Winehouse if she was making music for modern black American women. If this was my type of genre it would prob be a 5. Middle of the album kind of drags for me and quite frankly I’ll probably never play the whole album again. But it was good! I enjoyed it!
Supermodel: there is a bit of a lo-fi aesthetic here, with a minimalist approach to the overall production. I say this as a compliment. Lyrically she seems very authentic.
Love Galore: Good song. Until the Travis Scott part, I don’t see the appeal of him
Doves in the Wind: in a word, pussy. Kendrick is fine on this. Song is fine. It’s not really for my demo
Drew Barrymore: I believe this was the hit single? I can see that. Oddly catchy, great production, good performance and lyrics from SZA. Dig this song
Prom: more good production. I can see why this was very critically acclaimed.
The Weekend: Apt song title as the chorus sounds like it could be a song from The Weeknd’s early catalogue.
Go Gina: it’s fine
Garden (say it like dat): the production, while good, is starting to become a little repetitive at this point. Again, the lyrics are great.
Broken Clocks: Again, album is getting a little stale. Song is fine. But it’s getting less engaging
Anything: ok, this is different from the previous songs! Good song. But more importantly it gets you to reengage with the album.
Wavy: short and sweet. The past two songs are good examples of “album songs”. You need them to keep an album interesting but would never release as a single. The only “great” album that doesn’t have one of these is Thriller. No one else is making a Thriller though.
Normal Girl: song is fine. Another song I wouldn’t look out for but if it’s on, cool.
Pretty Little Bird: one of better songs on the album. Really dig this one
20 something: good way to end an album. She’s 27/28 singing about her 20s. She’s ready to close the book on this part of her life and move on to the next, hoping it’s better. Perfect way to end a debut album in my opinion.
2 stars
Ive heard this album once before and never went back to it. Metal as a genre straddles the line between awesome and corny by design. Singing about death and the devil can be cool but easily flips to lame if it's done wrong. Metal is over the top, but you there is still a limit where a band shouldn't go, lest they sound like corny hacks. Slayer doesn't know the meaning of the word. Could be possible that because I didn't grow up during the Satanic Panic that I don't get shocked by someone singing about Satan, thus negating the album coming off as transgressive but more fake-edgy. Sure, the music is good if you like fast crunchy riffs and whatnot. But good lord feels free to change it up once in a while, fellas. Every song sounds like it could be part of the next one with a few exceptions. Maybe I'm just not as much of a metal guy but man this album gets old fast. Making their best song the last song was a wise decision.
Angel of Death: God damn that's fast. Tom's voice is particularly terrible on this one. But that double bass at the end. Whew.
Piece By Piece: This one suits Tom's voice better. This one bangs.
Necrophobic: Oh another fast one-wait, there's a breakdown, tight. Oh, it's over, back to fast strumming. Im sorry the high pitch "Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh" is just so hacky, even by metal standards.
Altar of Sacrifice: Real question, if there's no Satanic panic, are the title and subject matter the same? Like it comes off as "hey! I'm shocking you! You're so shocked! I'm so shocking!" The music is good though. This one also bangs
Jesus Saves: Yea it's pretty great metal. But feel free to be a little dynamic in your sonic range guys
Criminally Insane-Structure is a little different here. Its fine. Tom's voice again is the downfall of this song
Reborn-Did this one have to be done in one take or something?
Epidemic-oh did this song pass? sorry i thought it was still the previous song. Wikipedia said Rick Ruben produced this album to help their "sound evolve". Woof. What was it before?
Postmortem-yeah, its fine
Raining Blood-So this is their biggest song i believe and it makes sense. It's a banger for sure. Also, it's a welcomed change from the rest of the album. Has a fun intro, a sick riff, a bit of a grove, AND still has the signature thrash metal speed and sound.
3stars
The 90s were a very nostalgic period. This is a time that that had a swing revival, neo-psychedelic music was popular, movies like Dazed and Confused and Austin Powers were popular. And even the drug choices were going back to a previous time, like Eric Stoltz drug dealer character in Pulp Fiction said "Coke is dead as fucking dead. Heroin is coming back in a big fucking way"
This album seemed to have captured this zeitgeist. It has an influence of songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s but with a modern tinge. Just about every song has a different feel to it while having the same vibe. On knock on the album is its somewhat dull in the energy, while not trying to be a 'chill' type of album. Also, could be Apple Music but the sonics on this album are kind of all over the place.
It was the bands biggest selling album mainly due to the massive hit 'Lovefool'. Even though the album sold well, they were considered a "one-hit wonder' in the States. I enjoyed it thoroughly and would listen to it again, with only a couple songs I would skip.
Your New Cuckoo: This snare sound is harsh and kind of ruining the whole song, which I think I would like otherwise.
Been It: Great 90s pop song. Surprised this wasn't a radio hit similar to 'Lovefool'
Heartbreaker: Digging the transitions from song to song so far. Honestly this is not the type of song I was expecting from the band based on the only song i know by them. I mean that in the best way possible
Happy Mal III: Good song. Feel like I should be paying attention more to the lyrics.
Never Recover: Their sound is kind of like an updated version of 50/60s bubblegum pop music. If that makes sense?
Step on Me: Enjoying the album so far. Seems very 90s but not repetitive
Lovefool: This is the big hit song. This song is somehow different from the rest of the album but also the same. Each song has been unique but in a singular vibe.
Losers: Dream pop/Shoegaze kind of vibe?? This album has the whole decade condensed
Iron Man: Cover song. Interesting, but ultimately not a big fan. Prob the first song im not a fan of so far.
Great Divide: its fine
Choke: kind of a light psyc influence.
3.75 stars. This album is great. Might need to get more into Trip-Hop. Wouldnt lift the needle if it was on vinyl. Would recommend it to others.
Mysterons: Song feels both of its time and way ahead of its time. Already digging this.
Sour Times: Ive heard this before! Great song. Are these guys from England? (Yes). Like a blend of Hip Hop and James Bond soundtracks. This shit rules.
Strangers: So this album is the genre that is called "Trip-Hop"? cool. This song isn't capturing me like the other two, but I have a sneaky feeling it will upon a couple more listens.
It Could Be Sweet- banger
Wandering Star- You know, the singers voice isn't "great" but god damn it fits with the music perfectly. Like, I would take her over just about any singer for these specific songs. Except Kelly Clarkson. She can sing literally anything and upstage the original.
It's a Fire: I'm digging the bass in this one. Need to listen to this album with a better system. Also, I need to get this on wax.
Numb: Exception to the Rule! Dont like the vocals on this one. The overall song is also kind of repetitive and dull. First not good song on the album
Roads: The bass is knocking again. But another song that didnt really do much. Hoping they turn it around soon
Pedestal: Mission accomplished. Song bangs
Biscuit- Slow droning song but in a good way
Glory Box-Whew this song. Way to finish on a high note.
Everyone loves Bob Marley. I love Bob Marley. Listening to this album makes me realize how superficial my appreciation is for his music. I haven't heard most of the songs on here but yet they feel familiar. It was an absolute pleasure listening to this album. No bad songs, no real "skips". It doesn't even get repetitive.
2.5 stars
I remember this time period of music. Electro pop with an indie vibe to it. It was one of the two types of hipster music at the time, the other being Stomp-Clap "Hey!" music. Never listened to this band before, but I think LCD Soundsytem does it better than them tbh.Theres some good songs on here but theres also some crap
Motion Sickness: Dig the vibe. Its very "of the era". There were a ton of indie dance pop bands around 2010.
How Do you Do?: fun
Dont Deny Your Heart: its fine. least favorite so far. ("wrong"-Morgan from the future)
Look at Where We Are: Might be fun to listen to this one with a good system and/or good headphones. Enjoyed it.
These Chains: 10 seconds in and I hate it. Brunch-spot-that-plays-the-music-way-too-fucking-loud ass music.
Night and Day: They seem to be leaning more into the electro/dance side as the album goes on. This is another that's not my cup of tea.
Flutes: Hey! Back to good songs!
Now There Is Nothing: Interesting little groove. Dont love it but dont hate it. Its fine.
Ends of the Earth: fine
Let Me Be Him: idk man. Seems like the singer with the deeper voice is reserved for songs that are bad. like this is fine i guess, but its not something i will ever put on myself
Always Been Your Love:
4.5
The East Cost/West Cost is largely remembered as a Biggie v 2pac thing, but 2pac was actually from Baltimore and born in New York. I only bring this up because part of the battle was that the two costs had a noticeably different sound to it. The 'West Cost sound' was largely built by the production of Dr. Dre. One of Nas's Illmatic biggest success is its ability to feel like it places you to a mid 90s New York City winter. A few months before that album was released, Snoop transported you to a south-central LA summer with his debut. With Dr Dre's production and Snoops subject matter and unique flow, the album seemless transitions from party songs (Ginn and Juice) to hardcore ganster rap (Lodi Dodi, Murder was the Case) and back again (Who Am I (whats my name)?). And i mean that literally, too. Via skits or the music, the songs all blend into the next. There are some weak spots (The shiznat, Serial Killa) but overall, this is an album that you can play without needing to lift the needle. One of the all time great rap albums.
A fairly standard, but enjoyable big band jazz performance. That is until "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue". The sax player goes all out in this one and the crowd responds accordingly. Even passively listening to it, this song stuck out because the crowd is going nuts during this song. The band feeds off of them and vice versa. Easily the highlight of the album. This apparently reignited Duke's career and became a massive hit out of nowhere. This album is most likely on this list as a thing of a historical record. I would most likely not listen to it much more in my life. But I enjoyed it and glad I learned about it.
