Rated 6/10
One of those albums that comes along every now and again and manages to be different.
It’s actually more "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" looking back, but the way it melded genres and predicted the world to come is pretty amazing overall.
Despite its quirky ideas and range finding, it’s has also also got some bangers on here as well.
Solid 3
Rated 6/10
Never come across this before….
It’s a rather charming album. Won me over with its gentle charm.
3.5
Rated 8/10
This is a good album. A bit forgotten these days?
Love it and indeed bought it when it came out. One of those albums where the rest of the album lived up to the promise of the hit singles.
They didn’t better this one - it’s their best work.
4
Rated 2/10
Not
For
Me
1
Just Noise
Rated 4/10
I’m sorry but this is awful. It wasn’t great back then and it’s aged badly as well.
1.5
Rated 4/10
Not a fan.
21 is a better album. 18 has more sparks of originality and genius on it even if it is a mixed bag overall.
This is just polished to the point where I can’t latch onto anything. She’s clearly a generational talent with her voice. This album just seems a waste of it.
1.5
Rated 6/10
First listen (somehow).
Bit of a retro Britpop sound, but it’s apeing music I like so that’s ok by me.
If you don’t take it too seriously its a decent album.
3
Rated 2/10
Literally sighed when this came up…..
I just don’t get it. This isn’t music to my ears.
1
Rated 4/10
One of those albums that seemed to be everywhere in the mid 80s.
The music is cool. I just don’t think Paul’s weak voice fits the music. It’s jarring.
2
Rated 8/10
Enjoyed that a lot more than I expected….
Great album.
4
It’s a very cool album. Just lovely to sit and listen to. Not really Country at all tbh.
The backing singing style is very 50s easy listening and is jarring with Rays vocals. Other than that I can’t fault it.
4
Rated 8/10
So smooth. Love a bit of Steely Dan, so this is obviously a CD I own!
It's now stuck with the Yacht Rock label, but I don't care....this is a great set of songs with a super smooth production. Just because it's not an aural assault doesn't mean it's not good!
4
Rated 6/10
It may be amazing. Although the reviews suggest otherwise…
Sadly it’s not on Spotify, so it will remain something that I won’t have listened to before I die.
Rated 6/10
Pretty damn cool! Funky vibe to this.
3 for me. Glad I’ve listened to this one.
Rated 10/10
Ahh man….love this album. Have done since I was a kid.
Just takes you on a journey through the songs. And as I’ve grown older so the songs have spoken to me in new ways - different songs become favourites at different times, depending on where I’m at in life.
My only complaint is it’s such a crappy recording…but it’s a minor point.
As a rule I absolutely loathe musicals, but this is effectively the exception to prove the rule. It’s the songs to a rock opera / musical that never existed except in the listener’s head. Probably why I like it…none of the sudden, jarring breaking into song from the linking dialogue.
edit - I'm depressed to see a musical has now actually been created - I'll skip that!
Easy 5 for the album.
Rated 10/10
One of best albums of all time. Not much more I can add…love this album from start to finish.
5
Rated 6/10
The opening notes are basically a coda for making happy. It’s that good!
The whole albums is a cool listen….its fun to hear the echoes of 60s Motown still here in the music.
In the end it’s not an album that goes further than the opening track. It’s cool…but 3 for me.
Rated 6/10
It’s a very, very free form jam at times. Makes for an interesting experience.
When it kicks into gear it’s jaw dropping, but that’s more sporadic than you’d perhaps expect from an album that’s as revered as this. Musicianship is off the charts, but it just goes on too long tbh.
Glad to have heard the hits in the context of the album, but don’t think I’ll be back again anytime soon.
3
Rated 4/10
I don’t mind early Rod Stewart. Every Picture Tells a Story is a better album….this is just about ok. Don’t really think it warrants being on this list tbh.
2.
Rated 8/10
Dark, brooding and atmospheric.
Got to be in the right mood to enjoy this, but if you are (and I was by chance), then this is very very good.
4
