Reviews by dave_the_rave

This is a funny one because they laid the foundations for my favourite dance duo Daft Punk but also influenced some of my least fave in the likes of the Pet Shop Boys.

After a minute of the first track I was worried. Clear sailing from there though. I can hear parts of this that could easily be on Random Access Memories. The album is still fresh nearly 50 years later, must have been wild to hear this back in the 78. Didn't think I'd rate this so high so this is a nice surprise from the list. 4/5.

Easy listening, solid song writing and has Father and Son which could be one of the greatest ever written. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.

Saw the album and I assumed it would be along the lines of Sister Sledge. It's actually a bit slower. Standouts are Le Freak, Savoir Faire and I Want Your Love. Had high expectation going in but theres are few songs on this album that are too repetitive to justify their length. 3.5/5. Raising to a 4.

Hints of a Chilli peppers bass line in the opener. Halfway through and I'm just not feeling this album. Don't like the vocal. Been Caught Stealing is the one I recognise the most. Album takes a stylistic turn halfway but I'm still not feeling it. 2.5/5. Raising to a 3.

Green light is an absolute banger. That song will definitely last the test of time.
Production is truly great on this album. The style and vocal gets repetitive at times. Enjoyed the album more than I thought I would. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.

Initial thoughts - this is early 80s thrash.

Uncertain Smile grew on me. My biggest issues are with the odd spoken word vocal and combining these type of lyrics with synth pop. There was definitely signs of potential with how the music was layered but the next The The album would need to move away from the Synth Pop genre to score higher.

This album can be lumped in with the New Wave thrash. 2/5.

Another great album from Led Zep. Whole Lotta Love and Ramble On being the standouts. 4/5.

As with most big name prog rock band I'm sure the musicians are highly skilled technically but this doesn't lead to an engaging or interesting album. Could be for someone else, just not for me. Didn't find any standout song. 2/5.

I think of the 80s when I hear Pet Shop Boys but a very specific scene. I find the vocal irritating. It's a Sin is the highlight and I don't look forward to anymore Pet Shop Boys on the list. 2/5

Such a strong start with Movin' on Up. Hit and miss from there. Loaded was another highlight. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

A song was missing on Spotify. Don't think I needed to listen, I got the vibe. Vocal is impressive. Spotify link leads to a double-release Love Songs and Devotional Songs. I realised half way through the last song on the former. 3/5.

Stevie doesn't disappoint. Standouts were Living For The City and Higher Ground. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.

You can really tell this was produced by Rick Rubin. Striking stylistic similarities between She's Crafty and 99 Problems released 18 years layer by a much better rapper.

I'm gonna assume the rap style and the corny lyrics are intentional. Girls genuinely made me chuckle. Similar to how Eminem would so I can see how this would influence him.

They also can't get all the credit for this style of rock/rap when acts like Run DMC clearly influenced them.

3/5.

First thoughts were worry this would be instrumental. Thankfully not.
Reviewing the tracks it's mostly covers/reinterpretations.

Its fine, average rock with middling jazz. 2.5/5. Raising to 3.

PS Abbey Road lost a Grammy to this. Wild.

Great album, deeply personal lyrics with haunting and unique vocal. 4/5.

The vocal is flat and this hasn't aged well. Why is this on the list? It would easily be replaced with Weezer - Pinkerton also released in 1996 and miles ahead of this. 2.5/5. Raising to a 3.

Rough, raw, genuine music. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.

Born in the U.S.A. is a great song to start a Friday with, gets you pumped and is a great reminder how lucky I am to have not been Born in the U.S.A. Other standouts are I'm On Fire, Glory Days, and Dancing in the Dark.

Wouldn't be a big fan of Bruce in general but with the amount of stand outs on one album and how many bands have made careers off imitating him, looking at you Sam Fender, this deserves a 4/5.

Album was released in two sides and the first side is distinctly weaker. First four tracks are ok but forgettable. Album really picks up with Exodus. The songs on side two are some of Bobs greatest hits.

3.5/5. Raising to a 4.

So Easy is catchy and familiar because of TV adverts that have been etched into my brain.

Mixed feelings on this album. There is a time and place for slow tempo electronic music. Elevators. Trippy movie scenes. Advertisements. Something to have on in the background.

Poor leno picked up the pace but it seemed like fairly generic dance I've heard a million times before. For reference, Daft Punk released Discovery in 2001. Different dance genre but that is an example of an iconic album back then.

I won't be revisiting and I don't see this being anyones favourite album but I can kinda see why it's on the list.

2.5/5. Raising to a 3.