Hadestown

Best Song: Why We Build the Wall. A nice juxtaposition of a deep, sonorous male vocalist and bright choir vocals. Reminded me - both in lyrical content and musical tone - of the (fantastic) song "Build That Wall" from the videogame "Bastion". Worst Song: Papers (Hades Finds Out). The drum solo feels odd here, like it's really just meant to give rhythm to something that is happening on stage, and isn't really that interesting in its own right. Overall: It is very musical theatre, which is appropriate because that's what it is. It seems like it is probably good musical theatre, but I think you need to enjoy the trappings of the genre to probably appreciate what they're doing. As a standalone album, it's alright. The tracks are really short, presumably to fit the stage production, but it gives the album a frantic, hurried feeling.

Fairly listenable

Somewhat hit and miss for me, certainly with good moments

The concept is cool. There's moments that are interesting but as a whole...I won't ever listen to it again.

Folk musical. I think I liked one song, Way Down Hadestown, but then it just became a slog and I was relieved when it was over.

The quality of recording on this is shocking. The instruments pop out of the speakers, perfectly separated and clear as day. 10/10 for recording, mixing, and mastering. Sadly that is where my compliments end. The songwriting is fine I suppose for this genre. But these songs are just not good. Almost like they are trying to be weird, but afraid to commit. It's just boring and bad from the songwriting perspective. (For me)