Azra

For some odd reason, the simplest, shortest album of the canonical Azra opus is also the most underrepresent in my listening habits.

The first thing that pops up when listening to this magnificent album is the cheap sounding production style that's as shallow as the puddle on the road after rain, but honestly, it works. It didn't work the first time I listened to it, but now it has a unique charm to it that's hard to reproduce.

The general sound of the band is as unique as it gets. Nobody came close on the scene to achieve this blend of fun, memorable and lovable lyrics with a tight, melodic rhythm section that can produce a beat of any kind to accompany them. And I know I say that about every album of theirs, but that's just the way it is. Listen to it, and you'll hear for yourself.

It's a generational album, really, and an anomaly for sure. Johnny would never sound as straightforward as he does here, which is to be expected since he's playing by the house rules, and the simple punky energy would be replaced by an opened Pandora's box of influences from pop, folk, reggae and such.