1001 Albums Summary

Obviously hits like Rehab are bangers. Most of the arrangements (horns, etc.) seem to callback to Phil Spector productions, which I’m really digging. You Know I’m No Good is excellent. The whole album is great, top to bottom.

This one brought back memories. This was the first rap album I bought as a preteen, and I haven’t heard it in 20+ years, but it got plenty of play back then. It harkens back to days of socially conscious bars and Kanye West the producer, not the rapper, at his peak. This album is excellent on every level, beginning to end. Go!, The Corner, They Say, Real People, and It’s Your World top my list of favorites (so half the album, I guess). It’s a great listen, it’s aged like fine wine, and I’m so glad it popped up today.

I didn’t give Blur a fair shake. That’s ridiculous, as I really enjoy Damon Albarn’s other work, but I always lumped them in with Oasis, and I fucking hate Oasis. This album is brilliant. It’s as close to a 90s version of The Kinks as I could imagine. Punk attitude and subversive, tongue-in-cheek funny lyrics set to a variety of pop melodies. I love everything about this album, and it will get tons of repeat plays from me. I’m excited to explore the rest of Blur’s catalogue. 10/10